bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Economic Growth and Regional Convergence: The Case of Pakistan.
Authors: Muddasar Nazir Sandilah  , Hafiz M. Yasin
Published: September 2018

The questions concerning the prevalence of poverty and the deepening gulf between rich and poor have always been the burning issues all over the world. These issues, irrespective of their causation factors, bear far reaching economic and political consequences. The federation of Pakistan displays complex regional diversities; the component units differ not only in linguistic, cultural, and social characteristics but also in the level of economic development. Although the constitution of Pakistan guaranties equitable shares for all provinces in national resources, the level of growth across regions has not been uniform. During the past half a century, investment in physical and social sectors concentrated in selected parts of the country, particularly in big cities. This practice has led to creation of economic disparities and a number of socio-political problems like terrorism, regional tensions, weakening of the federation and difficulty in arriving at consensus on issues of national interest. Growth theory provides a powerful analytical framework to analyse the issue of regional convergence. Given the assumption of perfect markets, the countries within a geographical region are supposed to converge overtime to a common steady state level of income, provided they are similar in other socio-economic conditions. Put differently, if countries differ significantly in these conditions, then each unit is likely to follow an independent growth path. This is also true for different regions within the same country/ political entity. The objective of this study is to investigate empirically if there is any evidence of convergence across different regions of Pakistan. The study utilises the conventional analytical tools and time series data over the period 1979-2005 for the four provinces, disaggregated into rural and urban sectors. As expected, no evidence of absolute convergence could be observed obviously due to presence of vast differences across the provinces in terms of the growth determinants. In contrast, the income disparities across the regions exhibited a widening tendency during the period under reference. However, the data did support conditional convergence, which implies that different regions followed independent growth paths. The findings further indicate that certain socio-economic conditions are crucial to explain the persistence of income disparities. The question as to why these conditions differ so widely across the different parts of Pakistan is often discussed at different economic and political forums. The study concludes with some policy recommendations that may improve the situation. JEL classification: 047, R11, O53, C33 Keywords: Economic Growth, Convergence, Regional Disparities, Human Capital
Rooftop Rain Water Harvesting Technology and Women Time Allocation in District Bagh and Battagram Pakistan.
Authors: Ajaz Mustafa  , Usman Mustafa
Published: September 2018

Water is essential requirement of life and its accessibility is the basic right of all human beings. Safe drinking water is an essential component of primary health. It plays a vital role in livelihood, food security and sustainable development. Rooftop Rainwater Harvesting Technology (RRWH) is a best alternative approach to conserve and supply water. Especially, it is crucial in seismically sensitive, geographically uneven, and countryside areas. A large majority of population in Pakistan is living in areas, where access to safe drinking water is very serious issue. In these areas most vulnerable segment of population is women because they are the ones who have to fetch water from far flung areas for their daily consumption. In order to resolve the issue of water in Pakistan, a number of public and private agencies are working in this field. Different approaches, techniques, and practices are being adopted to address this issue. Present study evaluates the impact of RRWH technology with special reference to women time allocation in Bagh and Battagram districts of Pakistan. Analyses were carried out using Ordinary Least Square (OLS) technique to quantify the results. The results reveal that RRWH technology is viable, time saving, women friendly, and sustainable source of safe drinking water supply, especially in seismically sensitive, geographically uneven, and countryside areas of Pakistan. JEL classification: O13, Q25, Q56, Q58, R28 Keywords: Rooftop Rain Water Harvesting: Safe Drinking Water, Seismically Sensitive, Geographically Uneven, and Countryside: Women, AJK and KP, Pakistan.
Green Growth: An Environmental Technology Approach.
Authors: Ghulam Samad  , Rabia Manzoor
Published: September 2018

This research is focused on achieving green growth through an environmental technology approach. Developing environmental technology we examined four elements considering the enforcement of intellectual property rights (IPRs), research and development (R&D) expenditures, the size of the market capture by GDP and most importantly the environmental taxations. This study includes the 11 developed countries which are Austria, Australia, Canada, France, Japan, Finland, Germany, Sweden, U.K and U.S. Technology change can be better handled by panel data than by pure cross-section or pure time series. It can minimise the bias if we used the aggregate individuals or firms. Estimation techniques depend on short panel or long panel. This study used the Pooled Least Square estimation techniques like Fixed Effect Model (FEM) and random effect model (REM) for both balance period of 2000-2005 and unbalanced period from 1995-2005. The study concluded the policy formulation in making developed‘s climate resilient economies. JEL classification: O34, F19, L24 Keywords: Intellectual Property Rights, Foreign Direct Investment, Technology Licensing
Is Consumption Pattern Homogeneous in Pakistan? Evidence from PSLM 2007-08.
Authors: Ashfaque H. Khan
Published: September 2018

This study has analysed consumption behaviour of households across the four provinces of Pakistan using recent household survey data of 2007-08. It is found that the consumption patterns are not entirely homogeneous across all 4 provinces and also diverge across the urban-rural sectors within each province. The study has also examined the role of remittances in determining the level and distribution of household consumption expenditures, across all four provinces, by comparing the consumption behaviour of those households who received remittances versus those who did not. We found that households receiving remittances spent proportionately more on education in all provinces except Balochistan; while they spent proportionately less on food and drinks and transport and communication. In terms of the other expenditure categories, differential impact of remittances is observed across provinces.
Consequences of Political Instability, Governance and Bureaucratic Corruption on Inflation and Growth: The Case of Pakistan.
Authors: Adnan Haider  , Musleh ud Din Musleh ud Din
Published: September 2018

This paper presents a theoretical model with micro-foundations that captures some important features of Pakistan‘s economy which have emerged in sixty-four years of its history. A comparison of Pakistan‘s economic performance during different regimes shows that macroeconomic fundamentals tend to show an improvement during the autocratic regimes as compared with those prevailing during democratic regimes. In particular, periods of autocratic regimes are typically characterised by low inflation, robust growth and low level of bureaucratic corruption due to better governance. In contrast, the economic performance during the democratic regimes has been observed to worsen with weak governance and high levels of corruption, high inflation due partly to reliance on seigniorage to finance public spending, and lacklustre growth. Using annual data from 1950 to 2011, computational modelling is carried out by applying Markov-Regime switching technique with maximum-likelihood procedures. The estimation results based on empirical modelling setup are supportive of the above stylised-facts and also confirm the implications of the theoretical model. JEL classifications: D73, E31, H60, O42 Keywords: Political Instability, Governance, Corruption, Inflation, Growth
Predation, Institutional Quality and Economic Growth.
Authors: Sajawal Khan  , Idrees Khawaja
Published: September 2018

This study develops a theoretical a model to examine the impact of predation on aggregate output and aggregate consumption. Using game theoretic framework we show that predation, reduces aggregate output and per capita consumption. Predation occurs when some agents enjoy comparative advantage in predation. Given predation under comparative advantage of some agents, a larger part of the aggregate output accrues to the predators. We also demonstrate that given inequality of endowments, the poorly endowed enjoys an incentive to predate. The payoff of the well endowed from production and predation is the same. Therefore the well endowed has no incentive to predate. If the well endowed still predates this would be owed to his comparative advantage in predation rather than the inequality per se. Large endowments are only one of the numerous sources that afford such comparative advantage. Good institutions like rule of law and effective government tame this comparative advantage. It is due to this kind of taming, that despite significant inequality in some economies, the level of predation observed is relatively low. Institutional quality thus determines the level of predation. We also show that redistribution from well endowed to poorly endowed will not only increase per capita consumption but will also be a ‗Pareto improvement‘. JEL classification: D03, O43, P14 Keywords: Predation, Institutions, Growth
Economic Growth and Development: New Directions (The Presidential Address)
Authors: Rashid Amjad
Published: September 2018

Finance Minister, Dr Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, Dr Nadeem VI Haque, Patron of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists and Deputy Chairman Planning Commission, Past Presidents and Distinguished Members of the Society, Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is my pleasure to welcome you all to the 27th Annual General Meeting and Conference of the Pakistan Society of Development Economists. On behalf of the members of the PSDE, I would like to thank you, Finance Minister for having spared your precious time to open this important meeting. I would like also to especially thank our members and guests who have come from different parts of the country and from different continents to participate in the Conference. We are extremely pleased to see here today many young students of Economics and Development-Pakistan's future economists and development specialists-who I am sure are enthusiastic to learn from the many leading economists attending this Conference of the critical issues and economic challenges that we face at the national, regional and global levels.
Drivers of Entrepreneurship: Linking With Economic Growth and Employment Generation (A Panel Data Analysis)
Authors: Farhat Rasool  , Ahmed Gulzar  , Shaheen Naseer
Published: September 2018

The need for entrepreneurs for economic development has always been crucial in history because they are the leaders who invent innovative ideas that give spark to economic activities. They are responsible for the combination of factors of production by capital formation, creating employment opportunities, wealth distribution that facilitates development and growth. A well explained definition of entrepreneurship in the words of Wennekers and Thurik (1999) that successfully makes the functional roles of entrepreneurs is: “…the manifest ability and willingness of individuals, on their own, in teams within and outside existing organisations, to perceive and create new economic opportunities (new products, new production methods, new organisational schemes and new product-market combinations) and to introduce their ideas in the market, in the face of uncertainty and other obstacles, by making decisions on location, form and the use of resources and institutions.” (46–47) High and sustained economic growth is the fundamental objective of every developed or developing country’s governmental policy. Economic growth is a long term expansion of the productive potential of the economy. It generates employment in the economy and raises the living standards of the nation. Economic growth promotes business activities in private sector, increases company profits and enhances investor confidence.
Study on Application of BIM Technology in Structural Design of Constructional Engineering
Authors: Li Xia , Shen Xinggang , Du Jun
Published: September 2018

Constructional engineering is the fundamental industry of China and along with the constantly improving of science and technology level in recent years, BIM technology has been gradually applied in constructional engineering feld of China, and it has exerted relatively sound application effects, thus actively proving the construction effciency and quality. In this study, mainly based on BIM technology, I analyze the application of BIM technology in structural design of constructional engineering respectively from feld data analysis, structure parameter design, interior design and professional coordination design, and analyze the application effects of BIM technology in structural design of constructional engineering by combining practical cases, which is expected to serve as the effective theoretical basis for the improvement of structural design of constructional engineering in China.
Application Status of BIM Collaborative Design in Architecture Major
Authors: Lei Chao
Published: September 2018

After the concept of BIM (Building Information Modeling) was proposed around 2000, it developed slowly. With the rapid development of hardware, the IFC standard provides reference standards for BIM collaborative design, enabling BIM collaborative design to effectively solve the shortcomings of traditional 2D drawing design and become a new market trend.
Application of Nursing Risk Management in Assisted Reproductive Nursing
Authors: Tian Tian , Wang Lingshan
Published: September 2018

Objective: discuss and analyze the application effects of nursing risk management in assisted reproductive nursing.Methodology: this research was carried out by selecting 384 IVF-ET (In-vitro fertilization and embryo transfer) patients admitted bycertain hospital during February 2016 to February 2018 as research objects, who are classifed into general group and research group at random by numbering all randomly, with 192 objects per group for comparing adverse event rate and nursing quality of patients inthese two groups. Result: the adverse event rate of patients in research group is 4.17%, while that in general group is 10.94%, with the adverse event rate in research group lower than that in general group (P ＜ 0.05); the overall scores of nursing quality in research group is (96.37±9.37), while that in general group is (79.34±8.25), with the overall score in research group signifcantly higher than that in general group (P ＜ 0.05); the nursing satisfaction of research group and general group are 95.31% and 84.38% respectively, with the satisfaction in research group signifcantly higher than that in general group (P ＜ 0.05). Conclusion: in assisted reproductive nursing, the application of nursing risk management plays a critical role, which can not only reduce the adverse event rate, but also effectively improve the nursing quality of patients, as well as improve the nursing satisfaction of patients, thus being proven that nursing risk management shall be widely applied in clinical nursing.
Gincana da cinética química: promovendo e avaliando a aprendizagem através do lúdico
Authors: Adams Fernanda Welter , Borges Alves Scarlet Dandara , Tavares Nunes Simara Maria
Published: September 2018

O ensino de química ainda se baseia em métodos tradicionais de transmissão/recepção/memorização dos conhecimentos. É imprescindível superar este modelo através da utilização de metodologias e recursos didáticos diversificados nas aulas, como os jogos didáticos e as atividades lúdicas. Estes garantem aos alunos a oportunidade de aprender e se divertir ao mesmo tempo e ainda que o professor avalie esse aprendizado. Neste contexto, o presente trabalho tem como objetivo avaliar a elaboração/desenvolvimento de uma atividade lúdica aplicada após o desenvolvimento de aulas expositivo/dialogadas/contextualizadas que abordaram a temática Químico-social: “Catalisadores e o ar que respiramos”. Com o intuito de analisar o que havia sido modificado cognitivamente e socialmente após o desenvolvimento das aulas e atividade lúdica. Para tanto, fez uso de uma pesquisa de caráter qualitativo/quantitativo, onde utilizou-se questionários como instrumento de construção de dados. Este trabalho busca mostra a atividade lúdica como um recurso didático facilitador do processo de ensino e aprendizagem e ainda como instrumento que permite avaliar este processo.
Jogo do césio: utilizando jogos didáticos para o ensino de cálculos estequiométricos
Authors: Da Hora Maeli Rodrigues de Oliveira Paiva , Loja Luiz Fernando Batista , Pires Diego Arantes Teixeira
Published: September 2018

Os jogos são meios acessíveis para poder tornar uma aula tradicional em uma aula diferenciada, divertida e prazerosa. Esses podem proporcionar uma autoanálise da mediação do conteúdo, por parte do professor, e uma autoanálise da aprendizagem, por parte dos alunos. Buscando uma metodologia diferenciada para mediar os conceitos de cálculos estequiométricos, desenvolveu-se um jogo lúdico educacional nas versões física e digital, denominado Jogo do Césio. Para comprovar sua eficácia e observar a preferência por jogos tradicionais ou digitais, o jogo foi testado e avaliado por alunos de Ensino Médio e também por futuros professores, alunos do curso de Licenciatura em Química. O jogo foi bem avaliado pelos alunos e também pelos futuros professores, mostrando-se uma boa alternativa para ser trabalhado em sala de aula.
Agrotóxicos no ensino de química: proposta contextualizada através de um jogo didático
Authors: Mello Laura Freire , Fonseca Eril Medeiros da , Duso Leandro
Published: September 2018

O presente trabalho apresenta resultados de uma pesquisa realizada com alunos da terceira série do Ensino Médio a partir da aplicação de uma sequência didática contextualizada sobre Agrotóxicos, no qual foram discutidos conceitos como: revolução verde, semente crioula, controle biológico, produção orgânica, toxidade e conceitos da Química por meio da temática agrotóxicos. Focalizou-se as discussões no último encontro, em que foi realizado um jogo didático denominado "Trilha dos Agrotóxicos" para discutir a temática e retomar alguns pontos trabalhados anteriormente. Aplicou-se um questionário de perguntas abertas para verificar se o jogo didático contribuiu para a aprendizagem dos estudantes. Os dados foram analisados pela Análise de conteúdo, em que a maioria relatou que as atividades diversificadas promoveram melhor compreensão do conteúdo, tornando a aula mais atraente e propiciando um entendimento menos abstrato da Química, visto que os conceitos foram relacionados com o contexto.
Esa presencia interpelante del otro: contribuciones a un debate actual
Authors: Puyol Juan Jesús
Published: September 2018

El presente escrito pretende esbozar ciertos límites epistémicos de la noción ´alteridad´ empleada por el filósofo argentino Enrique Dussel al momento de indagar y problematizar la legitimidad del poder político y de su orden institucional. La propuesta consistirá en un diálogo crítico entre la apuesta teórica dusseliana y la consideración de ciertas advertencias conceptuales elaboradas por intelectuales pertenecientes y afines al Grupo de Estudios Poscoloniales para lograr, al menos, enunciar algunas dificultades metodológicas que se emplazan en determinadas notas constitutivas del concepto ´otro´ empleado para el cuestionamiento del horizonte político vigente. La referencia a una alteridad excluida, marginada y victimizada ha sido una de las estrategias discursivas más significativas empleadas por aquellas posturas críticas de cualquier sistema teórico autorreferencial y autolegitimante, como es el caso del eurocentrismo. Sin embargo, resulta interesante observar también que este punto ha sido blanco de numerosas dificultades al momento de emplazarse como eje neurálgico para la producción de argumentaciones sólidas. Es en el intersticio de esta doble realidad conceptual donde pretende ubicarse la hipótesis de este trabajo que, lejos de anhelar el arribo a conclusiones cerradas, intentará al menos señalar un posible derrotero para futuras profundizaciones investigativas.
Unmet needs of ageing transgender and non-binary population. An Overview
Authors: Broadway-Horner Matt
Published: September 2018

An view of literature on transgender and non-binary experiences. Relating this to ageing and mental health
Modifikasi Media Lembing Berbentuk Rudal untuk Siswa Kelas VIII
Authors: Agung Pujistyo
Published: September 2018

Yang melatarbelakangi penelitian ini adalah sarana dan prasarana yang ada disekolah yang kurang standart khususnya untuk cabang olahraga lempar lembing, sehingga membuat siswa tidak bisa mempraktekan materi lempar lembing. Maka dibutuhkan pengembangan media untuk pengganti lembing yang asli untuk pembelajaran lempar lembing yang bisa digunakan ditempat yang tidak terlalu luas, aman, nyaman dan tingkat bahaya yang rendah. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengembangkan media lembing untuk pembelajaran Penjas yang aman dan nyaman. Penelitian ini termasuk penelitian R and D (research and development) dengan menggunakan model ADDIE dengan langkah-langkah sebagai berikut analysis, design, development, implementation, evaluation . Berdasarkan penelitian diperoleh bahwa hasil modifikasi media lembing berbentuk rudal bisa digunakan untuk pengganti lembing yang asli untuk pembelajaran Penjas. Dibuktikan dengan hasil validasi yang dilakukan kepada ahli media pembelajaran dan ahli pembelajaran atletik yang sudah disetujui. Dan juga hasil dua kali uji coba yang dilakukan dengan hasil penilaian dengan persentase 80,6% untuk uji coba kelompok kecil dan 82,9% untuk uji coba kelompok besar. Kedua uji coba mendapat nilai kategori baik dan bisa digunakan.
Supplier Selection on Rendement Rate of Patchouli Leaf
Authors: Hanum Bethriza , Izzati Titia , cakravastia andi
Published: September 2018

The aim of research is to design the model of rendement rate by considering the criteria of patchouli leaf and designing a good supplier selection model to maximize the company profit by considering the acceptance of the patchouli oil rendement rate. The selection of suppliersdiscussed is to consider the quantity of goods offered by suppliers, demand, budget and acceptance limitation of rendement rate. To overcome these limitations, it is necessary to develop a supplier selection model that takes into consideration the quantity limitation of goods offered by the supplier and the acceptance of the rendement rate by using Linear Programming (LP) method. The result of the research shows that the determination model of the rendement rate developed to determine the percentage of Rendement Rate (RR) of each raw material supplied by the supplier so that the company can know the quality of patchouli leaf based on the type of patchouli leaf. The analysis result of numerical sample calculation shows that the selected supplier is not a supplier with good patchouli leaf criteria, the analysis result of parameter changes in oil demand and budget indicate that when oil demand is increased over the benchmark data, the model output isinsensitive, but when demand is lowered below the benchmark data, the model output looks sensitive.
Phosphate Nutrition and Defoliation Effects on Growth and Root Physiology of Alfalfa
Authors: AbuQamar Synan , Cunningham Suzanne M. , Volenec Jeffrey J.
Published: September 2018

Phosphorus (P) deficiency reduces forage yield and stand persistence of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). The objective of this study was to determine the influence of P nutritionand defoliation on alfalfa shoot growth, root carbohydrate and protein metabolism, and steady-state mRNA levels for high-affinity P transporters. In a greenhouse study, P-deprived plants were provided with 0, 0.25, 2, and 6 mM P beginning 7 d before shoot removal. Plants were sampled immediately (day -7) on days -5, -2, 0 (day of shootremoval), and on days 1, 2, 6, and 9 post-shoot removal. Addition of P to P-deficient plants stimulated growth of shoots but not roots. Taproot bark sugar concentrations were reduced significantly in cut plants at any rate of P, whereas only the 6 mM P treatment reduced taproot wood sugar concentrations in uncut plants. There was a significant defoliation-induced decline in both wood and bark sugar and amino-acid concentration that was enhanced at high P rates. Low P reduced utilization of starch and protein reserves in taproots. Transcripts for a high-affinity P transporter were not detected in any root or shoot tissue assayed, irrespective of defoliation or P treatment. The uncertain relationship between P availability and P-transporter transcript abundance in our greenhouse-grown plants requires additional investigation.
formr: A study framework allowing for automated feedback generation and complex longitudinal experience sampling studies using R
Authors: Arslan Ruben C. , Walther Matthias , Tata Cyril
Published: September 2018

Open source software improves the reproducibility of scientific research. Because existing open source tools often do not offer dedicated support for longitudinal data collection on phones and computers, we built formr, a study framework that enables researchers to conduct both simple surveys and more intricate studies. With automated email and text message reminders according to any schedule, longitudinal and experience sampling studies become easy to implement. By integrating a web-based API for the statistical programming language R via OpenCPU, formr allows researchers to use a familiar programming language to enable complex features. These can range from adaptive testing to graphical and interactive feedback, to integration with non-survey data sources such as self-trackers or online social network data. Here, we showcase three studies created in formr: a study of couples with dyadic feedback; a longitudinal study over months including social networks, peer, and partner ratings; and a diary study with daily invitations by text message and email and extensive feedback on intraindividual patterns.
Expanding Moral Panic Theory to Include the Agency of Charismatic Entrepreneurs: The Case of Donald Trump (Joosse, 2018)
Authors: Joosse Paul
Published: September 2018

Working beyond latently Durkheimian figurations of moral panic which depict a dialectic between ‘right-thinkers’ and folk devils, this article integrates charismatic entrepreneurs into a tripartite model that sheds light on two new pathways of interaction that are relevant for the sociology of morality. First, charismatic leaders can outflank traditional leaders’ aspersions of folk devils, taking the principle of ‘one-upmanship’ to an extraordinary (and therewith charismatic) extreme. Second, charismatic leaders can creatively subvert traditional mores, overturning value tables to ‘bedevil’ traditional leaders. Because moral panic and charismatic enthusiasm implicate distinct, complementary, and unitary social processes, I argue that, taken together, the work of Max Weber and Stanley Cohen offer a more theoretically profitable vision of moral denaturation and reformulation than either would alone. Donald Trump’s charismatic ascension during his 2015–16 US Presidential campaign is used to illustrate the theoretical contribution.
Commoning the smart city: A case for a public Internet provision
Authors: Cardullo Paolo
Published: September 2018

As cities become more involved in data-driven processes of growth and governance, critical scholarship has highlighted the formidable issues around ownership, uses and the ethics of collecting, storing, and circulating such data. However, there has been less focus on the physical infrastructure as the ‘last mile’ problem for Internet access, between a revanchist perspective on the ‘broken Internet’ delivered by digital capitalism and the liberal rhetoric of the Internet as a human right. Through two case studies, the paper plots a pragmatic trajectory in the adoption of the Internet for people and ‘things’, in which city and users take different roles and responsibilities. It highlights benefits and challenges around the long-term sustainability and maintenance of the Internet as an infrastructure of the commons. An attention to ‘commoning’, instead, reveals the exclusionary or enabling practices the smart city might foster. Thus, the paper advocates for the direct involvement of the city and its citizens in maintaining and reproducing connectivity networks in the smart city.
SHORT-TERM CHANGES IN AN OMBROPHILOUS ATLANTIC FOREST
Authors: Terra Marcela de Castro Nunes Santos , Mello José Marcio de , Mello Carlos Rogério de , Santos Rubens Manoel dos , Coelho Polyanne Aparecida , Pereira Diego Gualberto Sales , Silva Tainá Mamede Cirne
Published: September 2018

MUDANÇAS TEMPORAIS EM UMA FLORESTA OMBRÓFILA ATLÂNTICA EM CURTOS INTERVALOS DE TEMPO A caracterização e o monitoramento do Domínio Atlântico brasileiro fornecem importante subsídio para a conservação de seus remanescentes. Variações de curto prazo na composição e estrutura de florestas são geralmente perdidas em intervalos maiores entre inventários e podem melhor elucidar a dinâmica florestal. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar as mudanças temporais na estrutura, composição e diversidade da comunidade de árvores em uma floresta Ombrófila em Bocaina de Minas, Minas Gerais, Brasil em dois intervalos curtos. O estudo foi realizado com base em dados de circunferência à altura do peito (1,3 m) (CAP) de árvores medidas em três inventários florestais (2009, 2011 e 2012) em 12 parcelas permanentes de 400 m² distribuídos aleatoriamente na floresta. Os resultados indicam um aumento da densidade de plantas e área basal, principalmente devido a contínuas perturbações antrópicas pontuais observadas na floresta, como a presença de gado e trilhas. Estes distúrbios desencadeiam processos iniciais de sucessão em diversos setores da floresta. O gradiente de altitude resulta em elevada heterogeneidade ambiental, com alta substituição de espécies, e em alta diversidade, a qual permaneceu inalterada nos intervalos considerados.Palavras-chave: biodiversidade, dinâmica florestal, conservação florestal. ABSTRACT: Characterizing and monitoring the Brazilian Atlantic Domain provide important direction for the conservation of its remnants. Short-term variations in forest composition and structure are usually lost in larger intervals between inventories and could better elucidate forest dynamics. This study aimed to analyze temporal changes in the structure, floristic composition and diversity of a tree community of an Ombrophilous Dense Forest remnant in Bocaina de Minas, Minas Gerais state, Brazil, in two short intervals. The study was conducted based on circumference at breast height (1.3 m) (CBH) data from three forest inventories (2009, 2011, and 2012) in twelve 400 m² permanent plots randomly distributed in the area. The results point out to a forest characterized by the increase in plant density and basal area, mainly due to the continuous local anthropogenic disturbances observed in the area, such as the presence of cattle and trails. These disturbances start early successional processes in various sectors of the forest. The altitudinal gradient leads to great environmental heterogeneity, resulting in a high species turnover, as well as high values of diversity which remained unchanged in the intervals considered.Keywords: biodiversity, forest dynamics, forest conservation.
PROPRIEDADES BIOLÓGICAS DE PAINÉIS DE CASCA DE ARROZ E ADESIVO TANINO-FORMALDEÍDO
Authors: Souza Joel Telles de , Haselein Clóvis Roberto , Menezes Walmir Marques de , Garlet Alencar , Talgatti Maiara
Published: September 2018

O presente estudo tem como objetivo avaliar as propriedades biológicas, por meio de ensaio de apodrecimento acelerado com fungos xilófagos, em chapas aglomeradas de casca de arroz (Oryza sativa L) coladas com adesivo à base de tanino-formaldeído. Para tanto, foram utilizadas casca de arroz na forma natural e processada em moinho de martelo, compactadas a diferentes massas específicas (0,65; 0,95 e 1,15 g.cm-³) e aplicando-se teores de adesivos de 7, 10 e 13%, totalizando 54 chapas. Os resultados de perda de massa foram submetidos ao teste de correlação simples de Pearson e analisados por regressão. De acordo com os requisitos da norma ASTM D-2017 (2005), os testes biológicos, para todos os tratamentos, foram classificados como resistentes ao fungo Trametes versicolor, podridão branca. Já para o fungo Gloeophyllum trabeum a maioria dos tratamentos foram classificados como moderadamente resistente. Portanto, a casca de arroz mostra-se como uma alternativa de elevado potencial para a manufatura de chapas de maior resistência aos fungos apodrecedores de madeiras.Palavras-chave: massa específica, correlação simples de Pearson, fungos apodrecedores. BIOLOGICAL PROPERTIES OF RICE HUSK PARTICLEBOARD MANUFACTURED WITH TANNIN-FORMALDEHYDE  ABSTRACT:Resistance to decay fungi Trametes versicolor and Gloephyllum trabeum of panels produced with rice husk and tannin - formaldehyde adhesive was evaluated. In the production of the panels, rice hulls were used in its natural form or hammer milled, compacted at different densities (0.65, 0.95 and 1.15 g/cm³) and with adhesives levels of 7, 10 and 13 % (based on the ovendry weight of the particles. The results were submitted to the Pearson correlation test and analyzed by regression. According to the requirements of ASTM D- 2017 (2005), the biological tests for all treatments were classified as resistant to white rot ungus Trametes versicolor. For the brown rot fungus Gloeophyllum trabeum, most treatments were classified as moderately resistant. Therefore, rice husk can be a high potential alternative to for the manufacture of particleboards for greater resistance to decay wood fungi.Keywords: specific gravity, simple Pearson correlation, decay fungi.
INTERFERENCE OF SPACING ON THE GROWTH AND BIOMASS OF SWEET SORGHUM
Authors: Silva Tatiana Maria da , Nogueira André Luis da Silva Parente , Oliveira Alexandre Bosco de , Viana Italo Emerson Trindade , Moura Joana Gomes de , Oliveira Lamartine Soares Cardoso
Published: September 2018

INTERFERÊNCIA DO ESPAÇAMENTO NO CRESCIMENTO E BIOMASSA DE SORGO SACARINO O experimento foi conduzido na Fazenda Experimental Vale do Curu – Pentecoste/CE da Universidade Federal do Ceará, com o objetivo de avaliar a interferência do espaçamento no crescimento e na produção de biomassa do sorgo sacarino. O cultivar BRS 511 foi analisado em dois experimentos com delineamento em blocos casualizados, o primeiro, crescimento em função do espaçamento entrelinhas em esquema de parcela subdividida. O segundo, biomassa em função da densidade de plantio, em esquema fatorial. Avaliou-se as variáveis altura de plantas (AP), diâmetro do colmo (DC), angulação da folha +3 (AF 3+), clorofila A e B, relação clorofila A/B e clorofila total, para o experimento I. Já para o II, foram avaliadas a massa fresca e seca das folhas (MFF/MSF), do colmo (MFC/MSC) e total (MFT/MST). A redução do espaçamento entrelinhas acarretou um menor crescimento das plantas e a biomassa apresentou maiores valores nos menores espaçamentos entrelinhas e entre plantas. Em Pentecoste – CE, para o crescimento do cultivar BRS 511, recomenda-se o espaçamento entrelinhas de 70 cm. Para a biomassa do sorgo sacarino, recomenda-se reduzir a densidade de plantas para 50 cm entrelinhas e 0,8 cm entre plantas, obtendo-se 250.000 plantas por hectare.Palavras-chave: Sorghum bicolor, etanol, densidade de plantas, semiárido. ABSTRACT: The experiment was conducted at the Vale do Curu Experimental Farm of the Federal University of Ceará in Pentecoste in the State of Ceará, Brazil. The aim was to evaluate the interference of spacing in the growth and biomass production of sweet sorghum. The BRS 511 cultivar was analysed in two experiments in a randomised block design; the first, for growth as a function of the inter-row spacing, in a scheme of subdivided plots, and the second, in a factorial scheme, for biomass as a function of planting density. The following variables were evaluated in Experiment I: Plant height (HP), stem diameter (SD), +3 leaf angulation (LA+3), chlorophyll a and b, the chlorophyll a to b ratio and total chlorophyll. The fresh and dry weight of the leaves (LFW/LDW) and the stems (SFW/SDW), and the total fresh and dry weight (TFW/TDW) were evaluated in Experiment II. A reduction in the inter-row spacing resulted in less plant growth; biomass showed higher values at the smallest spacings between rows and between plants. In Pentecoste, an inter-row spacing of 70 cm is recommended for growing the BRS 511 cultivar. For sweet-sorghum biomass, a reduction in plant density to 50 cm between rows and 0.8 cm between plants is recommended to obtain a yield of 250,000 plants per hectare.Keywords: Coffea canephora, estrobilurinas, Hemileia vastatrix, respostas fisiológicas, triazóis.
Feminine Forms of the Divine in Bahá’í Scripture
Authors: Drewek Paula
Published: September 2018

The article responds to current feminist research in religious studies from a Bahá’í perspective. It answers the resurgence of a feminine divine in several religions by offering examples of the interaction between male and female principles in Bahá’í sacred writings. The complementarity of masculine and feminine images of divinity is understood as enriching our understanding of the divine–human encounter, but not as supplanting the unity and unknowability of God. The dynamic nature of masculine and feminine images of divinity sharply contrasts static concepts of divinity hardened by dogma and is offered as a pattern for the discussion of theological concepts in Bahá’í communities.
ГАЛЕКТИН-3 ЯК МАРКЕР ФУНКЦІЇ МІОКАРДУ У ЧОЛОВІКІВ 40-60 РОКІВ БЕЗ СЕРЦЕВО-СУДИННОЇ ПАТОЛОГІЇ, НОСІЇВ ПОЛІМОРФНИХ ГЕНІВ АТ1Р*
Authors: Ruzhanska V.O. , Sivak V.G. , Lozinska M.S. , Zhebel V.М.
Published: September 2018

В работе изучались концентрации галектина-3 и МНП, показатели центральной и системной гемодинамики у носителей полиморфных генов АТ1Р и структурно-функциональные показатели сердца у мужчин без сердечно-сосудистой патологии (n=79) которые проживают территории Подольского региона. Генотипирование гена АТ1Р проводилось при помощи полимеразно-цепной реакции. Уровень галектина-3 и МНП определяли с помощью метода иммуноферментного анализа. Выяснилось, что у практически здоровых мужчин жителей Подольского региона доминирует генотип А1166А. Всё же уровень галектина-3 и МНП в исследуемой популяции существенно не зависел от носительства конкретного варианта гена АТ1Р.
In the Name of Science and Technology: The Post-Political Environmental Debate and the Taranto Steel Plant (Italy)
Authors: Greco Lidia , Bagnardi Francesco
Published: September 2018

This article contributes to the environmental justice debate by analysing the case of the ILVA steel plant in Taranto, Italy. It accounts for the radical polarisation of the public debate between industrialists and environmentalists. These dominant perspectives are polarised but not politicised. In the reading of the crisis, both fronts adopt similar techno-scientific arguments while failing to problematise the multiple dimensions of environmental injustice and to connect the crisis to broader social relations of production. This article contends, therefore, that the environmental debate in Taranto unfolds in a post-political situation, where technical narratives prevail at the expense of more political positions. In this context, any attempts to politicise the public debate is either absorbed by the dominant views or marginalised.
The Assessment of Cerebrovascular Response to a Language Task from the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination in Cognitive Impairment: A Feasibility Functional Transcranial Doppler Ultrasonography Study
Authors: Beishon Lucy C. , Panerai Ronney B. , Robinson Thompson G. , Subramaniam Hari , Haunton Victoria J.
Published: September 2018

Background:

The incidence of dementia is predicted to rise rapidly, but sensitive diagnostic tests remain elusive. Changes in cerebral blood flow velocity (CBFv) can occur at an early stage of cognitive decline, and can be measured by transcranial Doppler ultrasonography (TCD).

Objective:

The aim of this study was to characterize the CBFv changes that occur in healthy older adults (HC), mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), in response to a language task from the Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination (ACE-III).

Methods:

Participants underwent bilateral TCD, continuous heart rate (ECG), end-tidal CO2 (capnography, ETCO2), and beat-to-beat blood pressure (Finometer, MAP), monitoring, during a 5-minute baseline, followed by cognitive tasks from the ACE-III. Data are presented for a language task (repeating words and phrases aloud), as peak percentage change in CBFv, HR, MAP, and ETCO2 from a normalized baseline.

Results:

30 participants (mean age 73.2 years, 20% female) were recruited; HC ( n = 10), MCI ( n = 10), AD ( n = 10). Language scores did not differ between groups ( p = 0.16). Peak percentage change in CBFv differed between groups with the language task (HC: 15.9 (7.5)%, MCI: 6.7 (4.5)%, AD: 0.1 (7.1)%; p < 0.005). However, changes in MAP (HC: 7.9 (4.6)%, MCI: –0.1 (0.9)%, AD: 0.9 (4.4)%; p < 0.005), HR (HC: 8.8 (8.2)%, MCI: 0.7 (4.3)%, AD: –0.5 (5.6)%; p = 0.005), and ETCO2 (HC: –0.9 (3.2)%, MCI: 0.9 (3.2)%, AD: –5.2 (5.7)%; p = 0.006), also occurred.

Conclusions:

TCD measured CBFv changes to a language task from the ACE-III was feasible in a cognitively impaired population, further work is required in a larger population.
A Precision Medicine Model for Targeted NSAID Therapy in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: O’Bryant Sid E. , Zhang Fan , Johnson Leigh A. , Hall James , Edwards Melissa , Grammas Paula , Oh Esther , Lyketsos Constantine G. , Rissman Robert A.
Published: September 2018

Background:

To date, the therapeutic paradigm for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) has focused on a single intervention for all patients. However, a large literature in oncology supports the therapeutic benefits of a precision medicine approach to therapy. Here we test a precision-medicine approach to AD therapy.

Objective:

To determine if a baseline, blood-based proteomic companion diagnostic predicts response to NSAID therapy.

Methods:

Proteomic assays of plasma from a multicenter, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel group trial, with 1-year exposure to rofecoxib (25 mg once daily), naproxen (220 mg twice-daily) or placebo.

Results:

474 participants with mild-to-moderate AD were screened with 351 enrolled into the trial. Using support vector machine (SVM) analyses, 89% of the subjects randomized to either NSAID treatment arms were correctly classified using a general NSAID companion diagnostic. Drug-specific companion diagnostics yielded 98% theragnostic accuracy in the rofecoxib arm and 97% accuracy in the naproxen arm.

Conclusion:

Inflammatory-based companion diagnostics have significant potential to identify select patients with AD who have a high likelihood of responding to NSAID therapy. This work provides empirical support for a precision medicine model approach to treating AD.
Aβ42/Aβ40 and Aβ42/Aβ38 Ratios Are Associated with Measures of Gait Variability and Activities of Daily Living in Mild Alzheimer’s Disease: A Pilot Study
Authors: Koychev Ivan , Galna Brook , Zetterberg Henrik , Lawson Jennifer , Zamboni Giovanna , Ridha Basil H. , Rowe James B. , Thomas Alan , Howard Robert , Malhotra Paresh , Ritchie Craig , Lovestone Simon , Rochester Lynn
Published: September 2018

Gait disturbances are some of the earliest changes in dementia and their monitoring presents an opportunity for early diagnosis. The exact relationship between gait and well-established biomarkers of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) remains to be clarified. In this study we compared gait-related measures with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) markers of AD pathology. We recruited seventeen participants with mild AD in a multi-site study and performed gait assessment as well as lumbar punctures to obtain CSF. CSF Aβ42/Aβ40 and Aβ42/Aβ38 correlated positively with measures of variability (step time and step length) in the clinic-based assessments. This was driven by a negative relationship between gait variability and Aβ40 and Aβ38 but not Aβ42.The amyloid ratios and gait variability measures were also associated with more severe functional impairment. We interpret these data as an indication that increasing amyloid production (i.e., increasing Aβ40 and Aβ38) is associated with diminishing cognitive-motor control of gait. These preliminary results suggest that the two amyloid ratios may be a marker of the earliest disturbances in the interplay between cognitive and motor control which characterize dementia.
Presentation of a recurrent FMR1 missense mutation (R138Q) in an affected female
Authors: Diaz Jullianne , Scheiner Cathy , Leon Eyby
Published: September 2018

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is the most common single gene cause of intellectual disability (ID). Due to X-linked inheritance and variable X inactivation, males are affected at over twice the rate of females. Common features include developmental delay, ID, characteristic physical features, and behavioral challenges. The diagnosis is most commonly made secondary to a full mutation (>200 CGG repeats) in FMR1 leading to abnormal gene methylation. While deletions and point mutations have infrequently been reported, missense variants are exceptionally rare. To date, only three missense mutations have been both associated with a FXS phenotype and supported by functional studies. One mutation, R138Q, has been reported previously in two unrelated males. Here we report this recurrent R138Q mutation in a female with mild ID and possible seizures. This report suggests missense mutations may be underdiagnosed as the gene is seldom sequenced in the setting of normal repeat analysis.
Formation of Nascent Product N2O from the Irradiation of O2 in Icy N2
Authors: Lo Jen-Iu , Chou Sheng-Lung , Peng Yu-Chain , Lu Hsiao-Chi , Ogilvie J. F. , Cheng Bing-Ming
Published: September 2018

Products O3, N, NO, NO2, N2O, c-(NO)2, and excited states of O2 were detected after the photolysis of solid O2 in icy N2 near 4 K with radiation at 200 nm. The temporal profiles of these products enable the derivation of a mechanism for the photochemical reactions in this system: dissociation of O2 first-generated O 3P that reacted with nearby N2 to yield N2O. Other products resulted from the secondary photolysis of N2O and the reactions of O with N2O. The reaction of O with O2 to form O3 was impeded by the small concentration of the latter, which requires substantial migration through the N2 lattice. However, sufficient O3 was eventually formed to enable detection either directly from O coming from O2 or indirectly through N2O. These results enhance our understanding of the evolution of the transformation of oxygen and nitrogen in irradiated ices and have possible astrophysical applications.
Observation de bébés et recherche médicale
Authors: Pourrinet Jeanne
Published: September 2018

L’article porte sur l’observation de bébés de moins de 6 mois, dans le cadre d’une recherche, à Toulouse, au Centre national de référence du syndrome Prader-Willi. La recherche porte sur l’action de l’ocytocine dans l’hypotonie majeure et la difficulté de succion et déglutition de ce syndrome. L’observation se concentre sur les interrelations des parents avec leur bébé au cours de ces dix jours d’hospitalisation, la reprise et la transmission de ce travail avec l’équipe hospitalière concernée.