bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation and photocatalytic activity of multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Mg-doped ZnO nanohybrids
Authors: Chen C. S. , Xie X. D. , Cao S. Y. , Liu T. G. , Lin L. W. , Chen X. H. , Liu Q. C. , Kuang J. C. , Xiao Y.
Published: September 2015

Multi-walled carbon nanotubes/Mg-doped ZnO (MWNTs/Zn1-xMgxO) nanohybrids were prepared by co-precipitation method, and their photocatalytic activity for methyl orange (MO) was studied. Experimental results showed that Mg-doped ZnO nanoparticles were successfully deposited on the surface of MWNTs under annealing at 450 °C and 550 °C. The resultant MWNTs/Zn0.9Mg0.1O nanohybrids had better photocatalytic activity for degradation of methyl orange than pure ZnO: the rates of MO photodegradation were 100 % and 30 % for 1 h, respectively. The enhancement in the photocatalytic activity was attributed to the excellent electronic properties of MWNTs and Mg-doping.
Fabrication and properties of zinc oxide thin film prepared by sol-gel dip coating method
Authors: Kayani Zohra Nazir , Iqbal Maryam , Riaz Saira , Zia Rehana , Naseem Shahzad
Published: September 2015

ZnO thin films were deposited on a glass substrate by dip coating technique using a solution of zinc acetate, ethanol and distilled water. Optical constants, such as refractive index n and extinction coefficient k. were determined from transmittance spectrum in the ultraviolet-visible-near infrared (UV-Vis-NIR) regions using envelope methods. The films were found to exhibit high transmittance, low absorbance and low reflectance in the visible regions. Absorption coefficient α and the thickness of the film t were calculated from interference of transmittance spectra. The direct optical band gap of the films was in the range of 3.98 to 3.54 eV and the thickness of the films was evaluated in the range of 173 to 323 nm, while the refractive index slightly varied in the range of 1.515 to 1.622 with an increase in withdrawal speed from 100 to 250 mm/s. The crystallographic structure of the films was analyzed with X-ray diffractometer. The films were amorphous in nature.
Structural and optical properties of pure and Ag doped ZnO thin films obtained by sol gel spin coating technique
Authors: Mansoor Ali Syed , Farooq W. A. , Baig M. R. , Shar M.A. , Atif M. , Alghamdi S. S. , Algarawi M. S. , Ur-Rehman Naeem , Hammad Aziz Muhammad
Published: September 2015

We have investigated the influence of Ag doping on zinc oxide thin films. Pure and Ag doped, preferentially oriented transparent zinc oxide thin films were prepared by sol gel technique on a glass substrate using diethyl amine as a stabilizer. The X-ray diffraction analysis revealed that the films with hexagonal wurtzite type structure were polycrystalline in nature with a preferred grain orientation in the 101 direction. The crystallite sizes decreased from 34 nm to 27 nm after silver doping. Both photoluminescence and optical transmission measurements showed that the band gap increased after the Ag doping. The structure and optical characterization studies clearly indicated the incorporation of Ag in ZnO. Hence, the observed increase in the optical band gap and decrease in crystallite size can be directly attributed to the effect of Ag ion incorporation into the ZnO lattice.
Creation of interfaces in composite/hybrid nanostructured materials using supercritical fluids
Authors: Pascu Oana , Marre Samuel , Aymonier Cyril
Published: September 2015

By structuring matter at the nano level using highly versatile nanotechnology approaches and apparatus, multifunctionalities with manifestation of enhanced and/or novel useful properties could be attained. The challenges in nanoengineering are the ability to tune the nano-object characteristics (size, distribution, composition, and surface chemistry) and to have a good control on the possible synergy created at the interfaces, especially in the case of complex multifunctional materials. Surface nanoengineering goes hand in hand with the creation of interfaces between nano-objects – either inorganic or hybrid ones – and a closer look in this direction is essential. The present review aims at presenting the possibilities of surface nanoengineering by versatile approaches, namely supercritical fluids processes. Two main routes of nanostructuration, each containing three concepts, will be discussed: supercritical fluid chemical deposition performed in batch mode and continuous supercritical fluid synthesis. Both approaches can be used to access interesting materials with desired properties, with the choice of process depending on what the readers are pursuing.
Nucleation and growth of carbo-nitride nanoparticles in α-Fe-based alloys and associated interfacial process
Authors: Gouné Mohamed , Maugis Philippe , Danoix Fredéric
Published: September 2015

Precipitation of nanoparticles from a supersaturated solid solution is important in understanding and controlling the formation of nanostructure, and as a result, many physical properties of materials, such as conductivity, mechanical, thermoelectric, and magnetic behavior of materials. In each case, the precipitation state, including size, density, chemical composition, spatial distribution, particle morphology, and volume fraction, of nanoparticles can all influence the properties of interest. In an effort to design nano/microstructures in steels, mainly for automotive applications, it is important to be able to describe the time evolution of the precipitation state, including both the nucleation and the growth processes. The present review is thus concerned with the homogenous precipitation of carbo-nitride nanoparticles in α-ferrite. The interfacial process, the time evolution of both carbon and nitrogen into precipitates, and the effects of supersaturation and spatial distribution are discussed and clarified. The involved mechanisms are discussed from a theoretical point of view; some major results are illustrated from newly developed experimental methods, and their relevance to topics of current interest is examined. At last, some major outstanding issues have been identified and avenues for further research suggested.
Intake of heavy metals in selected varieties of onion (Allium cepa l.) Grown in the different locations / Akumulacja metali ciężkich w wybranych odmianach cebuli (Allium cepa L.) uprawianych w różnych warunkach
Authors: Bystrická Judita , Musilová Janette , Tomáš Ján , Tóth Tomáš , Kavalcová Petra , Šiatkovský Oliver
Published: September 2015

The environmental study, carried out in Slovak Republic, was aimed at the assessment of quality of onion based on the contents of selected heavy metals (Zn, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd) as well as the possible correlations among heavy metals in soil and onions (Allium cepa L.).

Gained results showed that in some monitored localities the measured values were exceeded in comparison with limit values given by the Law No. 220/2004 (valid in the Slovak Republic) as well as threshold values proposed by European Commission (2006). In our paper, the values of total cadmium content were in the range from 1.15 to 1.34 mg∙kg-1 and the content of mobile form of lead was in the range from 0.19 to 1.09 mg∙kg-1. The lead content in all samples (except cv. Red matte grown in locality Klasov) of the onions was also exceeded and the values ranged from 0.05 to 0.21 mg∙kg-1. Among the varieties statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the intake of heavy metals were found (Multifactorial analysis of variance, LSD-test contrast P < 0.05) was used to process gained data
Amino acid sequence controls the self-assembled superstructure morphology of N-acetylated tri-β3-peptides
Authors: Seoudi Rania S. , Dowd Annette , Del Borgo Mark , Kulkarni Ketav , Perlmutter Patrick , Aguilar Marie-Isabel , Mechler Adam
Published: September 2015

Peptides based on unnatural β3-amino acids offer a versatile platform for the design of self-assembling nanostructures due to the folding stability of the 14-helix and the high symmetry of the side chains inherent in this geometry. We have previously described that N-terminal acetylation (Ac-) forms a supramolecular self-assembly motif that allows β3-peptides to assemble head-to-tail into a helical nanorod which then further bundles into hierarchical superstructures. Here we investigate the effect of the topography of the 14-helical nanorod on lateral self-assembly. Specifically, we report on the variations in the superstructure of three isomeric peptides comprising the same three β3-amino acid residues: β3-leucine (L), β3-isoleucine (I) β3-alanine (A) to give peptides Ac-β3[LIA], Ac-β3[IAL] and Ac-β3[ALI]. AFM imaging shows markedly different superstructures for the three peptides. Well defined synchrotron far-infrared spectra reveal uniform geometries with a high degree of similarity between the isomeric peptides in the amide modes of the 400–650 wavenumber range. Far-IR also confirms that the C-terminal carboxyl group is free in the assemblies, thus it is solvated in the dispersant. Hence, the differences in the superstructures formed by the fibers are defined primarily by van der Waals energy minimization between the varied cross sectional morphologies of the core nanorods.
Dusky Cotton Bug Oxycarenus spp. (Hemiptera: Lygaeidae): Hibernating Sites and Management by using Plant Extracts under Laboratory Conditions
Authors: Abbas Muneer , Hafeez Faisal , Farooq Muhammad , Ali Amjad
Published: September 2015

The dusky cotton bug, Oxycarenus spp., has now attained the status of a major pest of cotton crops that affects lint as well as the seed quality of cotton. Surveys were conducted to explore the hibernating sites in the districts Faisalabad, Multan and Bahawalpur. The efficacies of six different plant extracts, i.e. Neem (Azadirachta indica), Milkweed (Calotropis procera), Moringa (Moringa oleifera), Citrus (Citrus sinensis), Tobacco (Nicotiana tobacum) and Castor (Ricinus communis) were tested by using three different concentrations of each plant extract, i.e. 5, 2.5 and 1.5% under laboratory conditions at 25±2°C and 70±5% RH. The data were recorded 24, 48, 72 and 96 hours after treatment application. However, Psidium guajava, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis and Mangifera indica were graded as host plants heavily infested by Oxycarenus spp. Results (α≤0.05) indicated that increasing the concentration of extracts also increased the mortality. Nicotiana tobacum and Calotropis procera respectively displayed maximum 72 and 71, 84 and 80, 97 and 89% mortality at all concentrations, i.e. 1.25, 2.50 and 5.00%, after 96 hours of application. Two concentrations (2.5 and 5%) are the most suitable for obtaining significant control of the dusky cotton bug.
Mesochariodes Razowski & Wojtusiak, 2006, a Neotropical Eucosmini genus, with a description of a new species (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Razowski Józef , Becker Vitor O.
Published: September 2015

A revision of Mesochariodes is provided with a list of known species and characteristics of Proteoteras and Acroclita. Three species are described as new: Mesochariodes armifera sp. n., M. obrimospina sp. n., M. ochyrosetaria sp. n. Male genitalia of M. tablonica are redescribed.
Notes on Neotropical Microcorsini and Enarmoniini (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae)
Authors: Razowski Józef , Becker Vitor O.
Published: September 2015

One genus – Auchenancylis gen. n. – and the following species are described as new: Cryptaspasma sanvito sp. n., Pseudancylis sphensaccula sp. n., Aglaopollex niveofascia sp. n., Aglaopollex gana sp. n., Auchenancylis macrauchenia sp. n. Hemimene sevocata is transferred to Auchancylis.
Screen traps as an efficient method in faunal research on fungus-feeding thrips (Tubulifera: Phlaeothripidae)
Authors: Kucharczyk Halina , Kucharczyk Marek , Wyrozumski Łukasz
Published: September 2015

Studies on fungus-feeding thrips were carried out in two national parks ranked as biosphere reserves: the Białowieża National Park (north-east Poland) and the Bieszczady National Park (south-east Poland). IBL-2 screen traps were used as the main method in the forest communities. Traps were deployed in managed forests and the strict reserve in the Bialowieża NP, and along two trails in the lower forest belt up to its upper border with mountain meadows in the Bieszczady NP. Using IBL-2 traps revealed the presence of ten mycophagous species in the Białowieża NP and six in the Bieszczady NP. In the formerHoplothrips carpathicus,H. fungi,H. unicolorandH. polysticti, and in the latterH. carpathicusandMaderothrips longisetiswere recorded for the first time in Poland.
Assessment Of Plasma B-Catenin Concentration As Biomarker Of Thyroid Cancer*
Authors: Bełdowski Michał
Published: September 2015

New diagnostic methods for thyroid diseases are still being searched for. Immunohistochemical diagnosis is expanded by the introduction of new biomarkers including ß-catenin (B-Cat). Associations are indicated between the cellular expression of this biomarker and tumor stage, nodal metastases and the degree of tumor cell differentiation. Reports are scarce regarding the plasma level of this biomarker in malignant neoplastic diseases.

was to analyze the plasma B-Cat concentration and the possibility of it use in the diagnostics of patients with nodular goiter and papillary thyroid carcinoma.

Plasma B-Cat concentration was determined in 64 patients with goiter and 15 healthy volunteers. The final histopathological examination revealed 41 cases of papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) and 13 cases of nodular goiter (NG).

A significant increase in B-Cat (p <0.05) in both groups compared to the control group. No differences in the concentrations of biomarker was demonstrated between the PTC and NG groups. After determining the AUC for the tested biomarker, the B-Cat ratio of the area value 0.721 was the strong diagnostic test.

Changes in the plasma B-Cat concentration can be the biomarker of thyroid cancer but it cannot be used for the detection of papillary thyroid carcinoma becouse of concomitant tumor-like lesions in the thyroid gland.
Surgical Treatment Results In Gastroschisis Based On Preterm Delivery Within The 34th Week Of Gestation By Caesarean Section
Authors: Krause Hardy , Hass Hans-Jürgen , Böttger Ralf , Gerloff Claudia , Rissmann Anke , Meyer Frank
Published: September 2015

was to assess the value of the today’s appropriate approach, preterm delivery in the 34th week of gestation by Caesarean section and subsequent surgical intervention at the perinatal center, in daily practice of pediatric surgery with regard to early postoperative and mid-term outcome.

Over the time period of 9 years, all consecutive cases diagnosed with gastroschisis at the perinatal center, University Hospital of Magdeburg, were born by Caesarean section within the 34th week of gestation followed by surgical intervention. The registered data were compared with those published by other groups.

Overall, there were 19 cases through the investigation period from 01/01/2006 to 12/31/2014. The mean duration of gestation was 237.9 days. The mean birth weight was 2,276 g. In all individuals, a primary closure with no artificial material was achieved. The duration of postoperative artificial respiration was 2.3 days. Oral uptake could be initiated on the 10

The data indicate that in case of gastroschisis, primary closure can be more frequently achieved by section within the 34
Evaluation Of Antioxidant Defense In Patients With Colorectal Carcinoma
Authors: Malinowska Katarzyna , Mik Michał , Dziki Łukasz , Dziki Adam , Majsterek Ireneusz
Published: September 2015

Cancers are among the most feared diseases of modern civilization. In Poland, colorectal cancer is one of the tumors with the worst prognosis. The ability to cure is primarily dependent on the stage of the disease at the time of diagnosis.

was evaluate antioxidant response in patients with colorectal carcinoma.

Twenty patients (14 men and 6 women) aged 61.9± 11.1 years with colorectal cancer were included in the study. Twenty healthy subjects (4 men and 16 women) aged 64 ± 15.3 years formed the control group. The erythrocyte activities of antioxidant enzymes, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx),

A significant increase of GPx, and SOD (p < 0.05) were seen in patients compared to healthy controls.

The results indicate that the tested antioxidant enzyme activity of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase is increased in patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer compared to the control group.
Fingerprinting Mobile Devices Using Personalized Configurations
Authors: Kurtz Andreas , Gascon Hugo , Becker Tobias , Rieck Konrad , Freiling Felix
Published: September 2015

Recently, Apple removed access to various device hardware identifiers that were frequently misused by iOS third-party apps to track users. We are, therefore, now studying the extent to which users of smartphones can still be uniquely identified simply through their personalized device configurations. Using Apple’s iOS as an example, we show how a device fingerprint can be computed using 29 different configuration features. These features can be queried from arbitrary thirdparty apps via the official SDK. Experimental evaluations based on almost 13,000 fingerprints from approximately 8,000 different real-world devices show that (1) all fingerprints are unique and distinguishable; and (2) utilizing a supervised learning approach allows returning users or their devices to be recognized with a total accuracy of 97% over time
Joshua 6: A phrase-based and hierarchical statistical machine translation system
Authors: Post Matt , Cao Yuan , Kumar Gaurav
Published: September 2015

We describe the version six release of Joshua, an open-source statistical machine translation toolkit. The main difference from release five is the introduction of a simple, unlexicalized, phrase-based stack decoder. This phrase-based decoder shares a hypergraph format with the syntax-based systems, permitting a tight coupling with the existing codebase of feature functions and hypergraph tools. Joshua 6 also includes a number of large-scale discriminative tuners and a simplified sparse feature function interface with reflection-based loading, which allows new features to be used by writing a single function. Finally, Joshua includes a number of simplifications and improvements focused on usability for both researchers and end-users, including the release of language packs — precompiled models that can be run as black boxes.
Sampling Phrase Tables for the Moses Statistical Machine Translation System
Authors: Germann Ulrich
Published: September 2015

The idea of virtual phrase tables for statistical machine translation (SMT) that construct phrase table entries on demand by sampling a fully indexed bitext was first proposed ten years ago by Callison-Burch et al. (2005). However, until recently (Germann, 2014) no working and practical implementation of this approach was available in the Moses SMT system.

We describe and evaluate this implementation in more detail. Sampling phrase tables are much faster to build and are competitive with conventional phrase tables in terms of translation quality and speed.
MT-ComparEval: Graphical evaluation interface for Machine Translation development
Authors: Klejch Ondřej , Avramidis Eleftherios , Burchardt Aljoscha , Popel Martin
Published: September 2015

The tool described in this article has been designed to help MT developers by implementing a web-based graphical user interface that allows to systematically compare and evaluate various MT engines/experiments using comparative analysis via automatic measures and statistics. The evaluation panel provides graphs, tests for statistical significance and n-gram statistics. We also present a demo server http://wmt.ufal.cz with WMT14 and WMT15 translations.
TmTriangulate: A Tool for Phrase Table Triangulation
Authors: Hoang Duc Tam , Bojar Ondřej
Published: September 2015

Over the past years, pivoting methods, i.e. machine translation via a third language, gained respectable attention. Various experiments with different approaches and datasets have been carried out but the lack of open-source tools makes it difficult to replicate the results of these experiments. This paper presents a new tool for pivoting for phrase-based statistical machine translation by so called phrase-table triangulation. Besides the tool description, this paper discusses the strong and weak points of various triangulation techniques implemented in the tool.
Removal Of Copper From Aqueous Solutions By Using Natural And Fe-Modified Clinoptilolite
Authors: Lipovský Marek , Sirotiak Maroš , Soldán Maroš
Published: September 2015

Removal of copper from aqueous solution on the natural and modified clinoptilolite was studied under static conditions. Batch adsorptions of copper were performed to investigate the effects of contact time and initial metal ion concentration. The Freundlich and Langmuir adsorption isotherms were used to analyse the experimental data. The kinetic analyses of the adsorption processes were performed using the pseudo-first-order and pseudo-second-order kinetic models.
Cultivation Of Microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) For Biodiesel Production
Authors: Blinová Lenka , Bartošová Alica , Gerulová Kristína
Published: September 2015

Production of biofuel from renewable sources is considered to be one of the most sustainable alternatives to petroleum sourced fuels. Biofuels are also viable means of environmental and economic sustainability. Biofuels are divided into four generations, depending on the type of biomass used for biofuels production. At present, microalgae are presented as an ideal third generation biofuel feedstock because of their rapid growth rate. They also do not compete with food or feed crops, and can be produced on non-arable land. Cultivation conditions (temperature, pH, light, nutrient quantity and quality, salinity, aerating) are the major factors that influence photosynthesis activity and behaviour of the microalgae growth rate. In this paper, we present an overview about the effect of cultivation conditions on microalgae growth.
Comprehensive Study Of Duckweed Cultivation And Growth Conditions Under Controlled Eutrophication
Authors: Bartošová Alica , Sirotiak Maroš , Fiala Jozef
Published: September 2015

The paper discussed the issue of eutrophication. The most conspicuous effect of eutrophication is the creation of dense blooms of noxious, foul-smelling phytoplankton that reduce water clarity and harm water quality. Nutrient concentration, temperature and pH of the water largely influence the growth rate and composition of duckweed in general, but it can be said that the temperature and solar irradiation are the most important factors. In order to compare the rate of biomass increase of duckweed biomass in natural conditions and in a laboratory grown sample was analysed by spectrophotometric methods in UV/VIS region (Spectrophotometer GENESYSTM) for the selected nutrients such as ammonium, ammonium nitrogen, nitrite, nitrate, and phosphate.
The Activation Energy Of Ignition Calculation For Materials Based On Plastics
Authors: Rantuch Peter , Wachter Igor , Martinka Jozef , Kuracina Marcel
Published: September 2015

This article deals with the activation energy of ignition calculation of plastics. Two types of polyamide 6 and one type of polypropylene and polyurethane were selected as samples. The samples were tested under isothermal conditions at several temperatures while times to ignition were observed. From the obtained data, activation energy relating to the moment of ignition was calculated for each plastics. The values for individual plastics were different. The highest activation energies (129.5 kJ.mol−1 and 106.2 kJ.mol−1) were achieved by polyamides 6, while the lowest was determined for a sample of polyurethane.
Environmental And Quality Management System In The Context Of Sustainable Development
Authors: Rusko Miroslav
Published: September 2015

Growing load and deterioration of the environment can be interpreted as a result of some external effects interventions. While the positive externalities influence the positive productional and utilizational functions of other subjects, the negative externalities influence the negative ones. Both types of external effects can act as parcial or global externalities. Linking of environmental issues to economy and finance is an important sphere.
Integrated Management System – Scope, Possibilities And Methodology
Authors: Čekanová Katarína
Published: September 2015

Organizations are becoming more aware of the importance of integrated management systems (IMS). Interest in this subject indicates that IMS are seen as “management systems of the future”. Based on this, the aim of this articles characterizes the possibility of building IMS through the identification of common elements and specific requirements in accordance with the ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and OHSAS 18001 professional references. Part of the article is the methodology of building IMS in the organization.
CSI Index Of Customer’s Satisfaction Applied In The Area Of Public Transport
Authors: Poliaková Adela
Published: September 2015

In Western countries, the new visions are applied in quality control for an integrated public transport system. Public transport puts the customer at the centre of our decision making in achieving customer satisfaction with provided service. Sustainable surveys are kept among customers. A lot of companies are collecting huge databases containing over 30,000 voices of customers, which demonstrates the current satisfaction levels across the public transport service. Customer satisfaction with a provided service is a difficult task. In this service, the quality criteria are not clearly defined, and it is therefore difficult to define customer satisfaction. The paper introduces a possibility of CSI index application in conditions of the Slovak Republic transport area.
Comparative and Correlative Study of Psychological Hardiness and Competitiveness among Female Student Athletes in Individual and Team Sports
Authors: Devin Hassan Fahim , Farbod Davood , Ghasabian Hanieh , Bidel Toktam , Ghahremanlou Fanarak
Published: September 2015

The aims of this study were to identify psychological hardiness and competitiveness profiles and to investigate the relationship between these variables among female student athletes in individual and team sports and also to compare them in these variables. In this descriptive (correlative and comparative) type of study two standard questionnaires assessing psychological hardiness (Zarere, 2011) and competitiveness (Ganji, 2012) with reliability scores of f 0.78 and 0.81 respectively were used. Statistical Population of the Study consisted of all female student-athletes who competed in high school student national sport tournament in the 2012-2013 school years. Statistical sample of the study was 269 athletes (79 individual sports, 190 team sports) who were selected according to Morgan table using a stratified sampling method proportional to size. Both descriptive statistics (frequency tables and index (mean) and dispersion) and inferential statistics (Kolomogorov–Smirnov test to determine normal or abnormal distribution of variables and Pearson’s correlation, independent t test were used to analyze the data. Results of the study showed significant differences between female student athletes in individual and team sports regarding psychological hardiness and competitiveness. Individual sports athletes were more competitive and hard headed than team sports athletes. Significant correlation was observed between these variables in female student athletes in individual and team sports.
The Effect of Seasonal Changes on Freshwater Fish Assemblages and Environmental Factors in Bukit Merah Reservoir (Malaysia)
Authors: Mohd Shafiq Zakeyuddin , Amir Shah Ruddin Md Sah , Zarul Hazrin Hashim , Khaled Puteh , Syaiful Mohammad , Wan Maznah Wan Omar
Published: September 2015

Seasonal changes of freshwater fish assemblages and environmental factors in Bukit Merah Reservoir were carried out from January-February 2013 (dry season) to March-April 2013 (wet season) by measuring several physico-chemical parameters such as dissolved oxygen (DO), water temperature, pH, water conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS) and water clarity. 19 fish species comprising of 10 families were collected by using experimental gill nets with different mesh sizes at four different sampling stations. Mean CPUE for total catch and biomass were significantly different between dry and wet season (p < 0.05). Based on a T-test analysis, water temperature, pH and conductivity were significantly different (p < 0.05) between seasons whereas a one-way ANOVA displayed a significant difference in TDS and water clarity between sampling stations (p < 0.05), implicating that those factors did not give major influence towards other parameters in a man-made reservoir. From all fish species studied, only mean CPUE for individuals (CPUEn) of Osteochilus vittatus and Oxygaster anomalura had a significant difference between seasons (p < 0.05); probably an indicator of their migration season
Diversity of Aquatic Ecosystems in Urban Areas - Public Expectations
Authors: Sender Joanna , Maślanko Weronika
Published: September 2015

In urban ecosystems, typically created by humans, it is very difficult to balance the needs of all its inhabitants. Significance of nature in the cities has been perceived since the ancient times. In the city there are many problems associated with the lack or sometimes excess of water, as well as poor quality. In times of water resources decline and their progressive degradation, each aquatic ecosystem should be investigated because of its values. Among the aquatic ecosystems occurring in the cities, there are: river valleys, natural lakes, water reservoirs, as well as small bodies of water. The aim of this study is to raise public awareness about the role of aquatic ecosystems in cities with different sizes and with a varying number of inhabitants. All respondents in each type of city felt the need of water presence in their surroundings and treated it as a necessary part of the proper functioning, as well as a place for rest and recreation. However, lack of management and a poor ecological status of them were noticed
Implementation of a Sustainable Logistic System Model for the Communal Waste Collection in the Municipality of Bitola (Macedonia)
Authors: Dukoski Ivo , Talevski Nikolche
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this paper aims for collection, transport and depositing of the communal waste in the Municipality of Bitola. The justification of another systematic approach toward the communal waste in the Municipality of Bitola is also represented.

There are many benefits of the implementation of this kind of sustainable logistic model system for collection of the communal waste in the Municipality of Bitola. It was summarized that the benefits that would be obtained lead to improvement of the living conditions, and with that the implementation of this model would be justified completely
Description of an Ecotechnical Method, Proposed for the Hârtibaciu River Along the Sector in Agnita, Sibiu County
Authors: Voicu Răzvan , Voicu Liliana
Published: September 2015

The Hârtibaciu River is channelled (covered by concrete) near the city of Agnita and represents the confluence of numerous sources of local pollution having a negative impact both qualitatively and quantitatively. Lack of riparian vegetation gives the Hârtibaciu River an unpleasant aspect and cannot provide an efficient filter.

This ecotechnical method helps to protect the special protected areas (SPAs) into Hârtibaciu River basin and to clean the river in the city of Agnita. By the means of this method the quality of the Cibin River can also be improved, as the Hârtibaciu River is a tributary of it
The C-, Si-, Ge-Doped (6,3) Chiral BNNTs: A Computational Study
Authors: Zardoost Mohammad Reza , Dehbandi Behnam , Dehbandi Marjan
Published: September 2015

Electronic structure properties including bond lengths, bond angles, dipole moments (μ), energies, band gaps, nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) parameters of the isotropic and anisotropic chemical shielding parameters for the sites of various atoms were calculated using density functional theory for C-, Si-, and Ge-doped (6,3) chiral BNNTs. The calculations indicated that average bond lengths were as follows: Ge–N>Si–N>C–N and Ge–B>Si–B>C–B. The dipole moments for C-, Si-, and Ge-doped (6,3) chiral BNNTs structures show fairly large changes with respect to the pristine model.
pUBLically unzipping Parkin: how phosphorylation exposes a ligase bit by bit
Authors: Dove Katja K , Klevit Rachel E , Rittinger Katrin
Published: September 2015

Disposal of damaged mitochondria is tightly controlled by auto‐inhibition mechanisms that keep the ubiquitin ligase Parkin in check. Several new structural studies provide insight into how PINK1‐dependent phosphorylation of ubiquitin and Parkin may progressively relieve Parkin auto‐inhibition.
A Novel Use of Methylene Blue in the Pediatric ICU
Authors: Rutledge Chrystal , Brown Brian , Benner Kimberley , Prabhakaran Priya , Hayes Leslie
Published: September 2015

Methylene blue (MB) is a medication commonly used to treat methemoglobinemia, reducing methemoglobin to hemoglobin. A novel use of MB, as detailed here, is in the treatment of refractory hypotension. A number of reports have detailed use of MB for this purpose in adults, but few data in pediatrics. A 22-month-old girl with Noonan syndrome, biventricular hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, and chronic positive pressure ventilation developed shock with tachycardia, hypotension, and fever after 3 days of diarrhea. She was critically ill, with warm extremities, bounding pulses, and brisk capillary refill. Laboratory tests revealed metabolic acidosis, low mixed venous oxygen saturation, and leukocytosis with bandemia. Treatment of severe septic shock was initiated with fluid resuscitation, inotropic support, sedation, and paralysis. She remained hypotensive despite norepinephrine at 0.7 μg/kg per minute, dopamine at 20 μg/kg per minute, and vasopressin at 0.04 U/kg per hour. Her vasoplegic shock worsened, despite aggressive conventional therapy. Intravenous MB was initiated, with a loading dose of 1 mg/kg followed by a continuous infusion at 0.25 mg/kg per hour. Upon initiation of MB, her systolic blood pressure increased by 33 points (40% increase), and diastolic blood pressure increased by 20 points (46% increase). She was able to wean off all inotropes quickly after initiation of MB. MB should be considered in the setting of refractory vasoplegic shock in the PICU.
Small Baby Unit Improves Quality and Outcomes in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants
Authors: Morris Mindy , Cleary John Patrick , Soliman Antoine
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE:

The survival rates for extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants have improved, but many are discharged from the hospital with significant challenges. Our goal was to improve outcomes for this population by using a multidisciplinary team–based quality improvement approach.

METHODS:

A unique program called the Small Baby Unit (SBU) was established in a children’s hospital to care for the ELBW infant born at 28 weeks or less and weighing less than 1000 g at birth. These patients were cared for in a separate location from the main neonatal unit. A core multidisciplinary team that participates in ongoing educational and process-improvement collaboration provides care. Evidence-based guidelines and checklists standardized the approach.

RESULTS:

Data from the 2 years before and 4 years after opening the SBU are included. There was a reduction in chronic lung disease from 47.5% to 35.4% (P = .097). The rate of hospital-acquired infection decreased from 39.3% to 19.4% (P < .001). Infants being discharged with growth restriction (combined weight and head circumference <10th percentile) decreased from 62.3% to 37.3% (P = .001). Reduced resource utilization was demonstrated as the mean number per patient of laboratory tests decreased from 224 to 82 (P < .001) and radiographs decreased from 45 to 22 (P < .001).

CONCLUSIONS:

Care in a distinct unit by a consistent multidisciplinary SBU team using quality improvement methods improved outcomes in ELBW infants. Ongoing team engagement and development are required to sustain improved outcomes.
Two-Year Outcomes of a Population-Based Intervention for Preschool Language Delay: An RCT
Authors: Wake Melissa , Levickis Penny , Tobin Sherryn , Gold Lisa , Ukoumunne Obioha C. , Goldfeld Sharon , Zens Naomi , Le Ha N.D. , Law James , Reilly Sheena
Published: September 2015

OBJECTIVE:

We have previously shown short-term benefits to phonology, letter knowledge, and possibly expressive language from systematically ascertaining language delay at age 4 years followed by the Language for Learning intervention. Here, we report the trial’s definitive 6-year outcomes.

METHODS:

Randomized trial nested in a population-based ascertainment. Children with language scores >1.25 SD below the mean at age 4 were randomized, with intervention children receiving 18 1-hour home-based therapy sessions. Primary outcome was receptive/expressive language. Secondary outcomes were phonological, receptive vocabulary, literacy, and narrative skills; parent-reported pragmatic language, behavior, and health-related quality of life; costs of intervention; and health service use. For intention-to-treat analyses, trial arms were compared using linear regression models.

RESULTS:

Of 1464 children assessed at age 4, 266 were eligible and 200 randomized; 90% and 82% of intervention and control children were retained respectively. By age 6, mean language scores had normalized, but there was little evidence of a treatment effect for receptive (adjusted mean difference 2.3; 95% confidence interval [CI] –1.2 to 5.7; P = .20) or expressive (0.8; 95% CI –1.6 to 3.2; P = .49) language. Of the secondary outcomes, only phonological awareness skills (effect size 0.36; 95% CI 0.08–0.65; P = .01) showed benefit. Costs were higher for intervention families (mean difference AU$4276; 95% CI: $3424 to $5128).

CONCLUSIONS:

Population-based intervention targeting 4-year-old language delay was feasible but did not have lasting impacts on language, possibly reflecting resolution in both groups. Long-term literacy benefits remain possible but must be weighed against its cost.
Recommendations for Prevention and Control of Influenza in Children, 2015–2016
Authors:   Committee on Infectious Diseases
Published: September 2015

The purpose of this statement is to update recommendations for routine use of seasonal influenza vaccine and antiviral medications for the prevention and treatment of influenza in children. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends annual seasonal influenza immunization for all people 6 months and older, including all children and adolescents. Highlights for the upcoming 2015–2016 season include the following:

1. Annual universal influenza immunization is indicated with either a trivalent or quadrivalent vaccine (no preference).

2. The 2015–2016 influenza A (H3N2) and B (Yamagata lineage) vaccine strains differ from those contained in the 2014–2015 seasonal vaccines.

a. Trivalent vaccine contains an A/California/7/2009 (H1N1) pdm09-like virus; an A/Switzerland/9715293/2013 (H3N2)-like virus; and a B/Phuket/3073/2013-like virus (B/Yamagata lineage).

b. Quadrivalent vaccine contains an additional B virus (B/Brisbane/60/2008-like virus [B/Victoria lineage]).

3. The dosing algorithm for administration of influenza vaccine to children 6 months through 8 years of age has been updated to reflect that virus strains in the vaccine have changed from last season.

With an increasing number of organizations mandating influenza vaccine, all health care personnel should receive influenza vaccine each season and fully promote influenza vaccine use and infection-control measures. In addition, pediatricians should promptly identify children clinically presumed to have influenza disease for rapid antiviral treatment, when indicated, to reduce morbidity and mortality.
Influenza Immunization for All Health Care Personnel: Keep It Mandatory
Authors:   COMMITTEE ON INFECTIOUS DISEASES, Byington Carrie L. , Maldonado Yvonne A. , Barnett Elizabeth D. , Davies H. Dele , Edwards Kathryn M. , Lynfield Ruth , Munoz Flor M. , Nolt Dawn L. , Nyquist Ann-Christine , Rathore Mobeen H. , Sawyer Mark H. , Steinbach William J. , Tan Tina Q. , Zaoutis Theoklis E.
Published: September 2015

This Policy statement was reaffirmed March 2020.

The purpose of this statement is to reaffirm the American Academy of Pediatrics’ support for a mandatory influenza immunization policy for all health care personnel. With an increasing number of organizations requiring influenza vaccination, coverage among health care personnel has risen to 75% in the 2013 to 2014 influenza season but still remains below the Healthy People 2020 objective of 90%. Mandatory influenza immunization for all health care personnel is ethical, just, and necessary to improve patient safety. It is a crucial step in efforts to reduce health care–associated influenza infections.
First record of Arapaima gigas (Schinz, 1822) (Teleostei: Osteoglossomorpha), the “pirarucu”, in the upper Paraná River basin, Southeast Brazil
Authors: Carvalho Fernando R. , Casatti Lilian , Manzotti Angelo R. , Ravazzi Délcero C. W.
Published: September 2015

Arapaima gigas (Schinz), the “pirarucu”, is one of largest freshwater fish of the Neotropical region, naturally occurring in the Amazon, Essequibo, and Orinoco river basins. Herein, it is first recorded from the Grande River, in the upper Paraná River basin. This record is based on the finding of one dead specimen on the left margin of the Grande River, and in situ observation of juveniles and adults in the river.
First record of Amapasaurus tetradactylus Cunha, 1970 (Squamata: Gymnopthalmidae) in Suriname
Authors: Jairam Rawien , Jairam-Doerga Sabitrie
Published: September 2015

A new country record for the Guiana Shield endemic Amapasaurus tetradactylus is noted for Suriname. The only specimen was captured during a Rapid Assessment Program (RAP) of Conservation International in the upper Palumeu river, south Suriname. This range extension shows the presence of A. tetradactylus in yet another country of the Guiana shield. A range extension of 290 km southwards is noted for this new record.
Azure Gallinule, Porphyrio flavirostris (Aves: Rallidae): first record for the state of Santa Catarina, Southern Brazil
Authors: Meyer Douglas
Published: September 2015

This note reports on the first record of Azure Gallinule Porphyrio flavirostris for the state of Santa Catarina in Southern Brazil.
Disruptive Narratives of Jesus
Authors: Caufield Catherine
Published: September 2015

An exploration of ideas of Jesus expressed in five works of narrative fiction: Nikos Kazantazkis’s The Last Temptation of Christ, Vicente Leñero’s Gospel According to Lucas Gavilán, The Gospel According to Jesus Christ, by José Saramago, “The grand Inquisitor” in Fyodor Dostoyevski’s The Brothers Karamazov, and D.H. Lawrence’s short story “The man who died.” This exploration is conducted in dialogue with Feuerbachian perspectives, to which the voices of the hermeneuts Ricoeur and Valdés are brought into conversation regarding diverse ways that meaning is incarnated.
Review of Articles in the Field of Hebrew Bible in Religion Past and Present
Authors: Adam Klaus
Published: September 2015

Review of Articles in the Field of Hebrew Bible in Religion Past and Present
Field Notes
Authors: Tite Philip
Published: September 2015

This set of Field Notes includes the program for the 2015 annual meeting of the North American Association for the Study of Religion (NAASR) to be held in Altanta, GA,November 2015.
An interview with Tiki Taane
Authors: Wilson Oli
Published: September 2015

In this Riff article, Oli Wilson engages in a discussion with Tiki Taane, who is one of New Zealand's most successful and celebrated musicians. The interview explores and outlines the fluidity of contemporary musical representations of M?ori culture and identity in Taane's music, and provides new perspectives on popular music’s capacity to express indigeneity in a New Zealand context.
No Fixed Address, but currently in East Berlin
Authors: Hurley Andrew
Published: September 2015

In his work on multidirectional memory, Michael Rothberg makes the point that “[a]lthough it is difficult to grasp today […] communism provided one of the discursive spheres […] in which the articulation of genocide and colonialism could first be attempted.” In this article, I explore the Indigenous reggae-rock band No Fixed Address’s performance, just after Australia Day 1988, at the East German Festival of Political Song, one of the surprisingly many venues where the East German State granted space for the articulation of genocide and colonialism and their legacies in the Australian context. On its face, this site offered a signal transnational location for Indigenous protest during the Bicentennial year. But I will demonstrate how the articulation of protest was undermined and skewed by partly competing, partly symbiotic intentions on the part of the East German and the Australian States. In this ambiguous context, musical protest unfolded in complex and sometimes unintended ways.
Goldhafer-Intoxikation bei Pferden: Wie sicher ist die Heuqualität von extensiven Standorten?
Authors: Bockisch F. , Aboling S. , Coenen M. , Vervuert I.
Published: September 2015

Die Vitamin-D-Intoxikation durch die Aufnahme von Goldhafer (Trisetum flavescens) ist ein als Enzootische Kalzinose bekanntes Problem im Alpenvorland. Dabei kommt es vor allem bei Wiederkäuern, aber auch bei Pferden zu Kalzifizierungen von Weichteilgeweben wie von großen Gefäßen, Sehnen, Bändern, Lunge, Herz und Niere mit Funktionsverlust der betroffenen Gewebe sowie Bewegungsstörungen, Inappetenz und Abmagerung. Für das Pferd gibt es jedoch nur wenige Fallbeschreibungen. Im vorgestellten Fall kam es in einem Reitstall in Thüringen zu einer Vitamin-D3-Intoxikation, nachdem über mehrere Wochen ein Heu gefüttert wurde, das bis zu 50% Goldhafer enthielt. Die Pferde zeigten zunehmenden Appetitverlust, teils mit Abmagerung, Polydipsie und Polyurie, sowie Koliksymptome. Das Heu stammte von einer Wiese, die entsprechend der sogenannten Fauna-Flora-Habitat(FFH)-Richtlinie ausschließlich extensiv genutzt wurde. Der Fallbericht gibt am Beispiel des Goldhafers Hinweise zum Gefährdungspotenzial extensiv genutzter Habitate, die der Heugewinnung dienen, und stellt die Besonderheiten des Vitamin-D-Stoffwechsels anhand der Goldhaferintoxikation bei Pferden dar.