bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Monitoramento de empreendimentos hidrelétricos na bacia do rio Tocantins, Brasil: o que aprendemos com os estudos das macrófitas aquáticas
Authors: Pinheiro Eliania Pereira , Marques Elineide Eugenio , Lolis Solange Fatima
Published: August 2019

O presente trabalho teve como objetivo analisar os estudos ambientais e monitoramentos de plantas aquáticas em reservatórios de usinas hidrelétricas para discutir a respeito de uma política de manejo dessas comunidades para reservatórios existentes e futuros. Foram realizadas a revisão bibliográfica e a pesquisa documental, buscando as informações nos Estudo de Impacto Ambiental (EIA), monitoramentos de cada empreendimento hidrelétrico, livros, revistas, publicações avulsas, sites especializados e imprensa escrita, disponibilizadas na Internet ou em bibliotecas. Os documentos obtidos foram sistematizados e as informações organizadas cronologicamente por empreendimento considerando a área de abrangência dos estudos; metodologias de coleta, tempo e número de amostragem. Constatou-se que ainda existem dificuldades para o acesso a documentos em guarda de órgãos ambientais. Observou-se que os monitoramentos, principalmente no âmbito da Licença Ambiental de Operação, não estão sendo executados sistematicamente, deixando lacunas importantes em relação à composição e abundância de espécies, o que dificulta a comparação do comportamento destas ao longo do tempo. Os monitoramentos analisados empregaram diferentes métodos, o que influenciou nos resultados quando se busca a análise integrada desses estudos. É necessário criar procedimentos e definir metodologias no processo de licenciamento ambiental para sistematização dos estudos e monitoramentos, visando melhorar a acessibilidade e permitir a análise integrada dos dados.
No effect of fenugreek, bergamot and olive leaf extract on glucose homeostasis in patients with prediabetes:
a randomized double-blind placebo-controlled study
Authors: Florentin Matilda , Liberopoulos Evangelos , Elisaf Moses S. , Tsimihodimos Vasilis
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The main pathophysiologic mechanism of type 2 diabetes (T2D) is insulin resistance, which exists several years before T2D diagnosis. The term ‘prediabetes’ applies to patients with insulin resistance but without overt T2D. The improvement of glucose homeostasis in these patients may prevent or delay the development of T2D and its complications. Data suggest that fenugreek, olive leaf polyphenols and bergamot extract may improve carbohydrate metabolism. We examined the effect of an agent containing fenugreek, olive leaf polyphenols and bergamot extract (active agent) on glucose homeostasis in patients with prediabetes.

Material and methods

This was a single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial; patients with prediabetes (N = 100) were randomized to treatment with the active agent or placebo. The primary efficacy endpoint was the change in glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) at 6 months after treatment initiation. Secondary endpoints included changes in other parameters of glucose metabolism and lipid profile.

Results

Overall 87 patients completed the study. No significant change in HbA1c was observed in either treatment group. Similarly, fasting plasma glucose, insulin, homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index and lipid profile remained unaltered in both groups.

Conclusions

The administration of an agent containing fenugreek, olive leaf polyphenols and bergamot extract for 6 months did not improve glycemia or lipid parameters in patients with prediabetes.
The effects of levosimendan use on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein in patients with decompensated heart failure
Authors: Korkmaz Hasan , Yilmaz Mücahid
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The present study was intended to investigate the effect of levosimendan on high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP) levels in hospitalized patients with decompensated heart failure.

Material and methods

The present study was designed as a prospective controlled clinical trial. A total of 50 patients with decompensated heart failure who were admitted to our hospital were included in the present study. Patients with stage III–IV heart failure based on the New York Heart Association, with systolic blood pressure > 100 mm Hg and with left ventricular ejection fraction of < 35%, were selected for the study population. The selected patients were divided into groups, levosimendan and furosemide.

Results

There was no significant difference between the groups based on demographics, basal echocardiographic and basal laboratory data. No difference was determined in basal hsCRP (mg/l) levels between the group admitted levosimendan infusion and the furosemide group (9.99 ±6.2, 9.23 ±6.4, p = 0.66). However, the hsCRP levels measured at the 24th h (38.34 ±32.1 vs. 12.97 ±12.3, p < 0.001), the 48th h (31.13 ±29.9 vs. 12.44 ±10.1, p = 0.003) and the 72nd h (27.41 ±26.9 vs. 9.89 ±8.4, p = 0.002) were significantly higher in the levosimendan infusion group than the furosemide group.

Conclusions

It was found that hsCRP levels were significantly higher in the levosimendan infusion group than the furosemide group. Such an outcome could be related to myocyte injury and/or the amplification of the inflammatory response due to levosimendan.
Association between cardiovascular risk factors and triglyceride to high-density lipoprotein ratio: a single-center experience
Authors: Ozturk Mehmet Akif
Published: August 2019

Introduction

We aimed to investigate associations between triglycerides (Tg)/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and age, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), systolic and diastolic blood pressure (SBP, DBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), and smoking in patients without diabetes mellitus.

Material and methods

The study included 91 patients between 18 and 65 years old age, with no diagnosis of diabetes mellitus. Laboratory parameters of Tg, low-density lipoprotein (LDL), HDL cholesterol, FBG, BMI (kg/m2), WC (cm), SBP and DBP (mm Hg), smoking status, and demographic data were collected from patients’ electronic records. Patients whose Tg/HDL was under 3 were grouped as group A; those whose ratio was over 3 were grouped as group B.

Results

The mean age, BMI, WC, SBP, and DBP were higher in the group in which Tg/HDL was higher. Although total cigarette exposure and FBG were higher in group B, the difference between the 2 groups was not statistically significant. Tg/HDL was positively correlated with BMI and positively correlated with WC in correlation analyses. It was observed that every 1-point increase in BMI caused a 0.1-point increase in Tg/HDL and smoking caused a 1.09-point increase in Tg/HDL in multivariate regression analysis.

Conclusions

The WC, BMI, SBP, and DBP are higher in the group in which Tg/HDL is higher. Further, high BMI and smoking are also related to high Tg/HDL in our study.
Does stress hyperglycemia affect mortality? Acute myocardial infarction – case control study
Authors: Cinar Hayri , Avci Akkan , Gulen Muge , Avci Begum Seyda , Comertpay Ertan , Satar Salim
Published: August 2019

Introduction

We aimed to investigate the effect of stress (acute) hyperglycemia in patients with acute coronary syndrome who had not been previously diagnosed with diabetes mellitus (DM) on the prognosis of the disease in terms of mortality.

Material and methods

Patients who were admitted to the Adana Numune Training and Research Hospital Emergency Service Clinic between August 2010 and August 2013 and whose plasma blood glucose level was over 140 mg/dl at the time of admission but were not previously diagnosed with DM, who were over the age of 18 and considered to have acute myocardial infarction were included.

Results

A total of 259 patients whose data were fully attainable were included in the study. 80.3% (n = 208) of the patients were male and 19.7% (n = 41) were female. Non-ST elevation myocardial infarction was found in 71.6%, ST elevation myocardial infarction was found in 28.4% of the patients with stress hyperglycemia. It was determined that 10.1% of patients with stress-related hyperglycemia and 1.3% of patients without stress-related hyperglycemia had died.

Conclusions

The plasma blood glucose level at presentation of patients diagnosed with acute myocardial infarction at the emergency room is associated with early in-hospital mortality.
Itopride increases the effectiveness of the management of opioid-induced constipation in palliative care patients: an observational non-interventional study
Authors: Dzierżanowski Tomasz , Kozlowski Michael
Published: August 2019

Introduction

It is strongly recommended that laxatives be routinely prescribed for the prevention of opioid-induced constipation (OIC). The evidence supporting the effectiveness of prokinetics for this indication is sparse. This study aims to verify if itopride, added to preventive OIC therapy, increases the effectiveness of the prevention of opioid-induced constipation in adult palliative care patients.

Material and methods

In a questionnaire-based observational study, all patients received regular laxatives plus one of the following: oxycodone/naloxone (OXN); itopride (ITP); or oxycodone/naloxone + itopride (OXN+ITP). The primary measure was the decrease in the necessity of laxative use in a 0–4 scale assessed after seven days of treatment.

Results

Ninety-two patients met the inclusion criteria in the four groups: OXN (n = 12), ITP (11), OXN+ITP (9), and the control group (laxatives only if needed) (60). The necessity of laxatives decreased in groups where itopride was used, with a statistically significant difference versus control, oxycodone/naloxone (p = 0.009), or in combination. The OXN did not decrease laxative use (p = 0.22).

Conclusions

All interventions appeared similarly effective in the prevention of OIC. However, adding itopride, but not oxycodone/naloxone, resulted in a decrease in the necessity of laxative use in OIC patients, and it seems to be valuable in this often refractory condition. Randomised, controlled trials would be valuable to obtain good quality evidence without systematic bias.
Bergamottin exerts anticancer effects on human colon cancer cells via induction of apoptosis, G2/M cell cycle arrest and deactivation of the Ras/Raf/ERK signalling pathway
Authors: Zhang Hao , Yang ShuTao , Lin Tao
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Accumulating evidence has shown the potential of bergamottin as an anticancer agent. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the anticancer affects of bergamottin (µM) against colon cancer cells.

Material and methods

Antiproliferative effects were evaluated by WST-1 cell viability assay. Apoptotic effects were studied by DAPI and Annexin V/PI staining. Cell cycle analysis was carried out by flow cytometry. Transwell assay was used to study the effects on cell invasion. Protein expression was estimated by the western blot method.

Results

The results showed that bergamottin suppresses the proliferation of all the human colon cancer cell lines. Nonetheless, the growth inhibitory effects of bergamottin on the HT-29 and RKO cells were more significant (IC50, 12.5 µM). The anticancer effects of bergamottin on the HT-29 and RKO cells were mainly due to apoptosis. Bergamottin could considerably increase the expression of Bax and reduce the expression Bcl-2. The cleavage of caspase-3, 8 and 9 was also enhanced upon bergamottin treatment of the colon cancer cells. Flow cytometric analysis showed that bergamottin also induced G2/M cell cycle arrest of the HT-29 and RKO cells. Additionally, bergamottin could also suppress the invasion of HT-29 and RKO cells. The Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is regarded as one of the essential pathways involved in the development and progression of cancers. Herein, it was observed that bergamottin could concentration dependently block this pathway in colon cancer cells. In vivo study revealed that bergamottin could also suppress the growth of tumours in xenografted mice models.

Conclusions

Taken together, bergamottin suppresses the proliferation of colon cancer cells and may be utilised in the development of chemotherapy for colon cancer.
The effect of the two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stevens operation on testicular growth and risk of atrophy in boys with intra-abdominal testes
Authors: Niedzielski Jerzy , Balinska Kinga , Wilk Damian , Slowikowska-Hilczer Jolanta
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The aim of our study was to evaluate testicular growth and risk of atrophy at different lengths of time from the 2SLF-SO in boys with intra-abdominal cryptorchidism.

Material and methods

Twenty-seven boys aged one to 24 months were treated for 35 non-palpable testes. Twenty-one boys with 29 IAT underwent a two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stephens operation. The patients underwent ultrasound examination of the TV at six time points: before treatment (TP1), 3 months (TP2) and 9-12 months after laparoscopic F-S operation (TP3), 3 months after inguinal orchidopexy (TP4), 3–6 years of age (TP5) and 7–9 years of age (TP6). The testicular atrophy index (TAI) of the affected testicle was calculated.

Results

The overall success rate of treatment was 93.1% (27/29). The median volume of the affected testicles before treatment was less than the median TV of the healthy gonad, but increased systematically at the successive time points, showing significant growth between the second and sixth time points (p < 0.02, R = 2.75). The median TAI value decreased at the subsequent time points from the level of 26% at TP1 to 5.4% at TP6, with no significant difference.

Conclusions

Two-stage laparoscopic Fowler-Stevens operation proved to be an effective procedure for the treatment of intra-abdominal testicles. The undescended testis had a chance to grow and to equalize with the healthy testis after this procedure. The incidence of testicular atrophy was low.
Knockdown of microRNA-130b improves doxorubicin sensitivity in bladder urothelial carcinoma by negatively regulating cylindromatosis expression
Authors: Li Bo , Zhang Hui
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Chemotherapeutic resistance reduces the sensitivity of bladder urothelial carcinoma (BUC) to chemotherapeutic drugs and contributes a barrier leading to treatment failure. The purpose of this research project is to investigate the regulatory effects of miR-130b on chemotherapeutic drug resistance of BUC and its mechanism.

Material and methods

The relative expression of miRNA-130b and cylindromatosis (CYLD) was examined using real-time quantitative PCR. The cell proliferation and doxorubicin sensitivity were detected with the enhanced CCK-8 assay. The specific combination of miR-130b and CYLD was verified with the luciferase reporter gene assay. Protein expression was detected by Western blot.

Results

Our study found that miR-130b was up-regulated in doxorubicin-insensitive BUC tissues and cell lines, and its high expression was negatively related to doxorubicin sensitivity in BUC. The miR-130b knockdown reduced the IC50 of doxorubicin and improved doxorubicin sensitivity of J82/Dox and T24/Dox cells. For the regulation mechanism analysis of miR-130b, bioinformatics analysis software was used to predict the potential targets of miR-130b, including the CYLD gene. The following luciferase activities assay, quantitative real time-PCR and western blot identified the CYLD gene as a target of miR-130b. Knockdown of CYLD reversed miR-130b’s regulatory roles in doxorubicin sensitivity in J82/Dox and T24/Dox cells.

Conclusions

High expression of miR-130b is negatively related to doxorubicin sensitivity in BUC, and knockdown of miR-130b improves doxorubicin sensitivity in BUC by negatively regulating CYLD expression. Our findings will provide guidance for the clinical chemotherapy of BUC.
Induction chemotherapy plus nimotuzumab followed
by concurrent chemoradiotherapy for advanced
nasopharyngeal carcinoma
Authors: Song Xinmao , Wang Shengzi , Li Ji , Yan Li , Chen Fu , Wang Jie
Published: August 2019

Introduction

This study investigated the best mode for the application of nimotuzumab (Nimo) in combination with chemoradiotherapy to treat nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC).

Material and methods

Data were prospectively collected from 168 patients with NPC from September 2009 to February 2014. One hundred twelve patients received 2–3 cycles of induction chemotherapy (IC) followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT), and 56 patients with well-matched propensity scores received IC + CCRT + Nimo. Patients were divided into 3 subgroups according to the application schedule of Nimo: group A, IC + CCRT; group B: IC (combined with Nimo) + CCRT; and group C: IC + CCRT (combined with Nimo). The 5-year overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) and adverse events were investigated.

Results

With a median follow-up of 61.4 months (range: 1.7–96.5 months), the 5-year OS and PFS for group A vs. groups B + C were 74.8 ±4.1% versus 87.0 ±4.6% (p = 0.043) and 72.7 ±4.3% vs. 83.1 ± 5.1% (p = 0.243), respectively. The 5-year OS of group B was significantly improved over that of group A (93.0 ±4.8% vs. 74.8 ±4.1%, p = 0.038); however, there was no benefit to the 5-year PFS (89.3 ±5.9% vs. 72.7 ±4.3%, p = 0.144). The 5-year OS and PFS for group C were 80.4 ±7.9% and 76.4 ±8.5%, respectively, and there was no statistically significant difference from group A (p = 0.257 and p = 0.611, respectively). No significant increase in toxicities was observed with the addition of Nimo.

Conclusions

Nimo administered with chemoradiotherapy is effective for NPC. Nimo concurrent with IC followed by CCRT could be the optimal mode of sequential treatment.
Serum microRNA profiles in patients with autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease show systematic dysregulation partially reversible by hemodialysis
Authors: Małachowska Beata , Tkaczyk Marcin , Chrul Sławomir , Zwiech Rafał , Młynarski Wojciech , Fendler Wojciech
Published: August 2019

Introduction

The impact of autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) on serum microRNAs (miRNA) is unknown.

Material and methods

For profiling experiment we recruited 30 patients from three equinumerous groups: controls, ADPKD and ADPKD on hemodialysis. From the last group extra samples were collected for in pre /post dialysis analysis. Additionally, 23 healthy volunteers were used for selected biomarker verification. Real-time PCR arrays were used for quantification of 752 miRNAs. Validation of selected miRNAs was performed in total RNA extracted from the serum and the exosomal fraction in pre /post dialysis samples.

Results

In total, 37 significant circulating miRNAs were found to differ between ADPKD patients and controls. In validation, 3 miRNAs with the highest fold change in comparison of dialyzed vs non-dialyzed patients (miR-532-3p, miR-320b, miR-144-5p) were not significantly altered by hemodialysis and from the top down-regulated ones, miR-27a-3p was significantly lower after dialysis in both total and exosomal fractions, miR-20a-5p was down-regulated in the exosomal fraction and miR-16-5p was unaltered by hemodialysis. MiR-16-5p was selected as the best circulating biomarker of ADPKD. Circulating representatives of the miR-17 family sharing the same seed region (miR-20a-5p, miR-93-5p and miR-106a-5p) showed significantly lower expression among dialyzed vs. non-dialyzed patients and their exosomal fraction dropped after hemodialysis.

Conclusions

The serum miRNAs among ADPKD patients differ substantially depending on the stage of CKD. The exosomal fraction of miRNA was more affected by dialysis than the total one. There was a common pattern of down-regulation for circulating miR-17 family members sharing the same seed region.
Long non-coding RNA LINC01296 promotes progression of oral squamous cell carcinoma through activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway via the miR-485-5p/PAK4 axis
Authors: Zhang Shuangyue , Wang Xiaowei , Wang Dazhao
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Long intergenic non-protein-coding RNA 1296 (LINC01296), a newly identified lncRNA, can function as an oncogenic driver to promote the development of multiple carcinomas. However, the effect of LINC01296 on oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is still unclear.

Material and methods

We determined the expression and role of LINC01296 in OSCC tissues and cell lines. The cell viability, migration and invasion were determined by MTT, wound healing assay and transwell assay, respectively. Flow cytometry was used for detecting cell cycle and apoptosis. The interaction and association between LINC01296, microRNA-485-5p (miR-485-5p) and p21 (RAC1) activated kinase 4 (PAK4) were analyzed by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and luciferase reporter assays. The xenograft mouse model was established to detect the effect of LINC01296 on OSCC tumor growth.

Results

Our study showed that LINC01296 was over-expressed in OSCC tissues and cell lines. The level of LINC01296 was positively correlated with the patient’s tumor node metastasis (TNM) stage and nodal invasion. Knockdown of LINC01296 effectively inhibits cell viability, migration and invasion but promotes cell apoptosis in vitro. The in vivo experiment showed that LINC01296 knockdown inhibited OSCC tumor growth. The following analysis indicated that LINC01296 acted as a ceRNA for miR-485-5p, and PAK4 was identified as a direct target of miR-485-5p. Furthermore, we found that the effects of LINC01296 on OSCC progression were through regulating the expression of PAK4/p-MEK/p-ERK via sponging miR-485-5p.

Conclusions

LINC01296 promote the cell cycle, proliferation, migration and invasion, and inhibit apoptosis of OSCC cells through activating the MAPK/ERK signaling pathway via sponging miR-485-5p to regulate PAK4 expression. These results suggested that the LINC01296/miR-485-5p/PAK4 axis was closely associated with OSCC progression. Our study provides a new insight into the molecular pathogenesis of OSCC, and may supply novel biomarkers for diagnosis and therapy of OSCC.
Hsa_circ_0017728 as an oncogene in gastric cancer by sponging miR-149 and modulating the IL-6/STAT3 pathway
Authors: Yang Chun , Deng Shaoping
Published: August 2019

Introduction

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) have been identified as competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNAs) to mediate gene expression participating in the progression of multiple cancers, including gastric carcinoma (GC). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms by which circRNAs-modulated cell proliferation and apoptosis in GC had not been completely clarified. In our study, hsa_circ_0017728 as a potential oncogene competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) was investigated in the progression and development of gastric carcinogenesis.

Material and methods

High-throughput sequencing was used to determine differentially expressed circRNAs in GC tissues and corresponding non-cancerous tissues. The CCK-8 assay and Annexin V-fluorescein isothiocyanate/polyimide (Annexin V-FITC/PI) staining were performed to detect the cell viability and apoptosis in GC cells. In addition, gene expression and protein levels in GC tissues and cell lines were measured using RT-qPCR and western blotting, respectively.

Results

Our results demonstrated that the hsa_circ_0017728 expression level was up-regulated in GC tissues and cell lines and closely associated with poor overall survival and pathological differentiation, higher TNM stage and lymph node metastasis. Knockdown of hsa_circ_0017728 had the ability to cause inhibition of cell proliferation and migration and elevate the cell apoptosis rate in GC cells. We also discovered that hsa_circ_0017728 might serve as a ceRNA to sponge miR-149 and indirectly regulated the IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathway in GC cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Conclusions

The regulatory network of hsa_circ_0017728/miR-149/IL-6/STAT3 cascade signaling might provide a better understanding of gastric carcinogenesis and progression.
Motivation of cancer patients to help others and the relation between posttraumatic growth and helping
Authors: Trzmielewska Weronika , Zięba Mariusz , Boczkowska Marta , Rak Tomasz , Wrześniowski Szymon
Published: August 2019

Background

Posttraumatic growth (PTG) is related to positive psychological changes following people’s struggle with trauma. The PTG model suggests that one of its possible consequences may be higher motivation towards helping behaviours. The aim of the research was to explore the influence of cancer illness on the motivation to help others, as perceived by participants, and the mechanisms behind such behaviour.

Participants and procedure

Quantitative and qualitative methods were used to explore the main motives to help others among cancer patients. The study also investigated the relation of perceived growth (PTG) and the frequency of providing help. Female cancer patients (n = 100) com-pleted a Polish version of the Posttraumatic Growth Inventory and a questionnaire measuring frequency of providing help to-wards ill and healthy individuals. Some of the subjects (n = 29) were also interviewed to assess the main perceived motives to help others.

Results

Positive rho Spearman correlations between PTG and the frequency of help given towards ill individuals and healthy ones were found. Based on thematic analysis four motives of helping were identified: empathy, self-enhancement, internalized standards of behaviour, searching for the sense of life.

Conclusions

This findings highlight the positive association between cancer patients’ involvement in helping other cancer patients and posi-tive life changes after experience of cancer.
Footedness in fitness and technical skills in young soccer players
Authors: Lipecki Krzysztof
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The aim of the study was to identify differences in fitness abilities and technical skills between young right-footed
and left-footed soccer players.

Methods

The measurements included data collected from 111 male footballers aged 12–17 years (divided into 3 age
categories: U13, U15, U17). Fitness abilities (5-m, 10-m, 30-m sprint, envelope run, standing long jump) and technical skill
(dribbling, juggling, short passes, long passes) were measured.

Results

The results failed to show significant differences (p > 0.05) in speed, agility, or explosive strength of lower limbs
between right- and left-footed soccer players in the U13, U15, and U17 categories. No significant differences between soccer
players (right-footed, left-footed) were found in the dominant leg performance (p > 0.005), whereas for the non-dominant leg,
left-footed U15 players had higher performance in juggling (p < 0.05) and long passes (p < 0.01). Regardless of age category,
left-footed players were characterized by a lower range of asymmetry in all technical skills. Significant differences were
observed only for dribbling skills in U13 (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

The type of lateral dominance (right-footedness, left-footedness) does not differentiate between young soccer
players in terms of fitness abilities. Left-footed footballers are more symmetrical in technical preparation compared with
the right-footed ones. With age and experience in training, a reduction in functional asymmetry in technical skills is
observed between lower limbs in both right- and left-footed soccer players. Regardless of the type of lateral dominance,
young players have their reserves in terms of symmetrical technical preparation.
Are there any differences in the agility performance tests among goalkeepers depending on the type of surface? A crossover study
Authors: Oliveira Leonardo Dos Santos , Holanda Vinícius Serrano Braz de , Brito-Gomes Jorge Luiz de , Pontes Nayara Elis Cabral , Souza Geovani Garcia de , Aniceto Rodrigo Ramalho , Pérez-Gómez Jorge
Published: August 2019

Purpose

The aims of the study were: (a) to compare agility in the T-test (TT) and square test (ST) on different surfaces (natural grass vs. wood); (b) to compare agility performance in soccer and futsal young male goalkeepers.

Methods

In a crossover study, 8 soccer (age: 16 ± 2 years, body mass: 68.5 ± 10.5 kg, height: 1.69 ± 0.4 m, relative body fat mass: 22.4 ± 6.5%) and 8 futsal (age: 16 ± 1 years, body mass: 67.7 ± 8.4 kg, height: 1.70 ± 0.4 m, relative body fat mass: 21.0 ± 6.1%) goalkeepers randomly performed TT and ST on both surfaces. All comparisons were adjusted for body mass and relative body fat mass.

Results

Surface had a slight effect (0.066 d 0.163) on agility in both tests irrespective of the sport (TTgrass: 10.90 ± 1.04 s, TTwood: 10.80 ± 0.96 s, STgrass: 5.82 ± 0.32 s, STwood: 5.87 ± 0.36 s, p > 0.05). No differences were found in agility performance between soccer (TTgrass: 11.10 ± 0.23 s, TTwood: 11.10 ± 0.28 s, STgrass: 5.75 ± 0.08 s, STwood: 5.85 ± 0.14 s) and futsal (TTgrass: 10.60 ± 1.07 s, TTwood: 10.50 ± 0.90 s, STgrass: 5.81 ± 0.31 s, STwood: 5.84 ± 0.31 s) goalkeepers, regardless of the test or surface (p > 0.05). There were strong relationships among the conditions (0.69 ≤ r ≤ 0.96). Moreover, the tests applied on different surfaces systematically produced similar results, and interchange of test surfaces was supported by parallel reliability.

Conclusions

Surface effect for both tests does not seem enough to induce statistical differences in the agility of soccer and futsal young male goalkeepers. Goalkeepers’ agility performances were similar in both sports.
Stratospheric observations of noctilucent clouds: a new approach in studying large-scale mesospheric dynamics
Authors: Dalin Peter , Pertsev Nikolay , Perminov Vladimir , Efremov Denis , Romejko Vitaly
Published: August 2019

Abstract. The experimental campaign Stratospheric Observations of Noctilucent Clouds (SONC) was conducted on the night of 5–6 July 2018 with the aim of photographing noctilucent clouds (NLC) and studying their large-scale spatial dynamics at scales of 100–1450 km. An automated high-resolution camera (equipped with a wide-angle lens) was lifted by a stratospheric sounding balloon to 20.4 km altitude above the Moscow region in Russia (~ 56° N; 41° E), taking several hundreds of NLC images during the flight that lasted 1.7 hours. The combination of a high-resolution camera and large geographic coverage (~ 1500 km) have provided a unique technique of NLC observations from the stratosphere, which is impossible to currently achieve either from the ground or space. We have estimated that a horizontal extension of the NLC field as seen from the balloon was about 1450 × 750 km whereas it was about 800 × 550 km as seen from the ground. The NLC field was located in a cold area of the mesopause (136–146 K), which is confirmed by satellite measurements. The southmost edge of the NLC field was modulated by partial ice voids of 150–250 km in diameter. A medium-scale gravity wave had a wavelength of 49.4 ± 2.2 km with vertical amplitude of 1.9 ± 0.1 km. The final state of the NLC evolution was represented by thin parallel gravity wave stripes. Balloon-borne observations provide new horizons in studies of NLC at various distances from metres to thousands of km.
The relaxation of residual inclusion pressure and implications to Raman-thermobarometry
Authors: Zhong Xin , Moulas Evangelos , Tajčmanová Lucie
Published: August 2019

Abstract. Residual pressure can be preserved in mineral inclusions, e.g. quartz-in-garnet, after exhumation due to differential expansion between inclusion and host crystals. Raman spectroscopy has been applied to infer the residual pressure and provides information on the entrapment temperature and pressure conditions. However, the amount of residual pressure relaxation cannot be directly measured. An underestimation of pressure relaxation may lead to significant errors between calculated and actual entrapment pressure. This study focuses on three mechanisms responsible for the residual-pressure relaxation: 1) viscous creep; 2) plastic yield; 3) proximity of inclusion to thin-section surface. Criteria are provided to quantify how much of the expected residual pressure is relaxed due to these three mechanisms. An analytical solution is introduced to demonstrate the effect of inclusion depth on the residual pressure field when the inclusion is close to thin-section surface. It is shown that for quartz-in-garnet system, the distance between thin-section surface and inclusion centre needs to be at least two times the inclusion radius to avoid pressure relaxation. In terms of viscous creep, representative case studies on quartz-in-garnet system show that viscous relaxation may occur from temperatures as low as 600∼700 °C depending on the particular P-T path and various garnet compositions. For quartz entrapped along the prograde P-T path and subject to viscous resetting at peak T above 600∼700 °C, its residual pressure after exhumation may be higher than predicted from its true entrapment conditions. Moreover, such a viscous resetting effect may introduce apparent overstepping of garnet nucleation that is not related to reaction affinity.
Issues in Measuring Opportunity to Learn Academic Language: Social Desirability and Teacher Education Effects
Authors: Aguirre-Munoz Zenaida , Boscardin Christy Kim , Chang Rong
Published: August 2019

Many assert the importance of academic language (AL) instruction in raising achievement for English learners (EL). The increased academic communication demands of the Common Core State Standards has resulted in greater attention to learning opportunities provided to students in meeting disciplinary learning. Yet, few studies have tested operationalizations of AL to investigate opportunity to learn (OTL) for English language learners. This paper discusses the issues in the measurement of AL instruction using survey instruments in bilingual contexts. Although results suggest our initial attempt to develop a survey scale show items are reliable and exhibits some degree of content validity, latent class analysis revealed that teachers interpreted the items differently depending on their level of education. Responses also appear to be confounded by social desirability evident in the lowest performing classrooms. Implications for the measurement of OTL academic language are discussed.
Farmers’ Preferred Traits and Perceptions of Drought Stress on Rainfed Upland Rice Production across Two Rice Growing States of Nigeria
Authors: Anyaoha Christian Okechukwu , Uba Uyokei , Onotugoma Ejiro , Mande Semon , Gracen Vernon , Ikenna Nnabue
Published: August 2019

The intermittent and widespread occurrence of drought in rainfed upland rice fields across sub-Sahara Africa has led to tremendous decrease in food security in the region. Although high yielding, drought tolerant varieties have been developed over years to mitigate this trend, limited adoption had been recorded for most of these materials. This study investigated farmers’ perceptions on drought stress and their preferred traits in new upland rice varieties across two major upland rice growing states in Nigeria. Participatory Rural Appraisal was conducted among 119 rice farmers using comparative approach, probing and semi structured interviews. Result based on farmers knowledge of changes in rainfall pattern and preferred traits such as plant architecture and grain shapes in a new upland rice variety differed significantly across the two state. The results identified drought stress as one of the main constraints to upland rice production across communities. The ideal upland rice variety desired by most respondents in both states should be of medium plant height (115-130cm) characterized by white, long and bold grains. This study has demonstrated the importance of understanding farmer’s desired traits in a new upland rice variety and the need to incorporate identified traits in creation of resilient new upland rice varieties adaptable to rain-fed upland rice growing regions of Nigeria.
The Impact of Using the First and Third Parts of the Cort Program on the Development of Critical Thinking for Talented Students in Tafila Governorate
Authors: Rabbo Dr. Jehad .Abed
Published: August 2019

This study aims to examine the impact of using some of the skills of the (CoRT) program on the development of critical thinking skills among a sample of talented students in King Abdullah II School of Excellence in Tafila Governorate. The sample consisted of 60 male and female students randomly selected. They were divided into two groups: an experimental group that consisted of 30 students exposed to the acquisition of the skills of the CoRT program and the control group that consisted of 30 students who did not study the program. The Watson Glaser critical thinking test was also applied. The results shows a statistically significant effect, at (α≤ 0.05), in improving the critical thinking skills of the students of the experimental group and shows a statistically significant effect on the test of critical thinking skills due to the variable of educational level and for the favor of the ninth grade. The study also reveals that there were no statistically significant differences in the test of critical thinking skills in relation to the the gender variable. The researcher recommends developing the teacher competencies to teach the skills of thinking in general and critical thinking skills, in particular, through the conducting of courses, seminars, and workshops in the CoRT program.
Floor diaphragms and a truss method for their analysis
Authors: Scarry J.M.
Published: August 2019

Floor diaphragms form a critical component of seismic resistant buildings, but unfortunately, in the main their analysis and design in New Zealand leaves much to be desired. No worse example exists than the CTV Building in Christchurch. Despite the critical importance of diaphragms, there is a paucity of code provisions and design guidance relating to them.

Using generic examples, the author describes a number of common diaphragm design deficiencies. These include diaphragms where valid load paths do not exist; diaphragms where the floors are not properly connected to the lateral load resisting elements, diaphragms that lack adequate flexural capacity and where re-entrant corners are not properly accounted for, and transfer diaphragms into which the reactions from the walls above cannot be properly introduced or transmitted.

Three main types of seismic diaphragm action are discussed – ‘inertial,’ ‘transfer’ and ‘compatibility.’ These are, respectively, the direct inertial load on a floor that must be carried back to the lateral load resisting elements, the transfer forces that occur when major changes in floor area and lateral load resisting structure occur between storeys, and the compatibility forces that must exist to force compatible displacements between incompatible elements, such as shear walls or braced frames and moment frames, or as a result of redistribution.

The author presents a simple Truss Method that allows complex diaphragms to be analysed for multiple load cases, providing accurate force distributions without the multiple models that conventional strut and tie methods would require. Being a type of strut and tie method, the Truss Method is compliant with requirements in NZS3101:2006 [1] to use strut and tie models for the analysis and design of certain aspects of diaphragm behaviour.
Suitability of CFT columns for New Zealand moment frames
Authors: Chunhaviriyakul Ponpong , MacRae Gregory A. , Anderson Dave , Clifton G. Charles , Leon Roberto T.
Published: August 2019

Composite steel-concrete construction uses steel and concrete together to provide the possibility of a system with better performance, and/or lower cost, than using either material alone. This paper firstly subjectively evaluates the advantages and disadvantages of a number of composite concrete filled tubular (CFT) column-connection systems proposed/used around the world in terms of their likely acceptance in moment frames in New Zealand. Then, the cost of a conventional one-way moment-resisting steel frame system is compared with a similarly behaving frame using rectangular concrete filled steel tubular (CFT) columns. It is shown for these studies conducted on one-way frames that composite CFT column construction with beam end-plate connections is generally more expensive than conventional steel column construction.
Supplemental dampers in base-isolated buildings to mitigate large isolator displacement under earthquake excitations
Authors: Zelleke Daniel H. , Elias Said , Matsagar Vasant A. , Jain Arvind K.
Published: August 2019

The effect of viscous, viscoelastic, and friction supplemental dampers on the seismic response of base-isolated building supported by various isolation systems is investigated. Although base-isolated buildings have an advantage in reducing damage to the superstructure, the displacement at the isolation level is large, especially under near-fault ground motions. The influence of supplemental dampers in controlling the isolator displacement and other responses of base-isolated building is investigated using a multi-storey building frame. The coupled equations of motion are derived, solved and time history analysis is carried out on a building modeled with fifteen combinations of five isolation systems and three passive dampers. The seismic responses are compared with that of the fixed-base and base-isolated buildings. Based on the results, it is concluded that supplemental dampers are beneficial to control the large deformation at the isolator level. Parametric study is conducted and optimum ranges of damper parameters to achieve reduced isolator displacement without adverse effect on the other responses are determined. Further, it is concluded that the combination of the resilient-friction base isolator (R-FBI) and viscous damper is the most effective in reducing the bearing displacement without significant increase in superstructure forces.
Ethics and Semantic Change in Saudi Colloquial Speech
Authors: Alalwi Fahd Shehail , Ismail Sayed
Published: August 2019

The paper aims to provide insights onto the relationship between ethics and semantic change and how ethics could change the semantic values through tracing the historical development in meaning of selected lexical items in Saudi colloquial speech. The study starts from the hypothesis that there is a reciprocal connection between ethics and semantic change. It seeks to examine whether the common ethical values could result into changing the peripheral meaning of lexical items. In order to obtain more accurate and precise results about the effect of the ethics on the semantic shift in Saudi Arabic, the study applies a qualitative methodology through which it conducts an interview with more than thirty Saudi male and female belonging to different ages and different cultural backgrounds in order to get their feedback and response about their understanding of a set of chosen lexical items. The study has reached the finding that the common ethical values dominating a society can reshape the meaning of the lexical items into the minds of speakers.
The Customer Value: A Bibliographical Review
Authors: Iannitto Emanuele
Published: August 2019

The perceived customer value is a multi-faceted concept and there is a relationship between the elements that compose an offering and the subjective interpretation of individuals. Within the same product category, different components are more meaningful to customers and have a different influence on shaping their value perception. Identifying the elements of value and the components that are meaningful to customers in a given distribution context helps marketers to focus on the specific characteristics that a value offering should have, in order to be more effective and resonate with the largest number of customers in a target market.
Do Similar Brands ‘Like’ Each Other? An Investigation of Homophily Among Brands’ Social Networks on Facebook
Authors: Abuljadail Mohammad Hatim , Yun Gi Woong , Badghish Saeed Ali
Published: August 2019

The advent of internet and communication technologies enabled marketers of brands to have more ways to communicate with their audience; one of which is connecting with other brands. One of the most popular outlets that allows brands to connect with other brands online is Facebook. Brands on Facebook can establish an official fan page where they can interact with their fans as well as network with other brands’ official Facebook pages through “liking” them. This paper seeks to investigate the “liking” behavior among local and global brands (brand to brand) on Facebook in Saudi Arabia and whether these brands’ “liking” network is based on homophilous relationships. The results showed that both status (e.g., geography and gender), and value (e.g., family ties and religion) homophilous relationships are in play. However, value homophily was a strong factor in brands’ network in Saudi Arabia for some brands in the absence of status homophily network. Although status homophily in general played a role, geographical proximity was not a strong factor compared to previous reports on social network analysis. The data for this study were obtained from 40 brands marketed in Saudi Arabia. Using Netvizz and Gephi, network structures were mapped to explore the relationships among the brand’s’ Facebook pages.
The Ritual of the Hours of the Day on the inner vault of the qrsw-coffin of Nes(pa)qashuty from Deir el-Bahari
Authors: Graefe Erhart
Published: August 2019

In 1932–1933, a shaft tomb with several funerary ensembles of a family of Late Period priests of Montu was found on the Upper Terrace of the Temple of Hatshepsut at Deir el-Bahari. Among them was the Qrsw-coffin of Nes(pa)qashuty, which is the first coffin to date containing a version of the Rituals of the Hours of the Day and the Night with excerpts from the daily hymns to the sun-god on the inner vault of the lid. The texts for the Ritual of the Hours of the Day, written in cursive hieroglyphs, are here represented as standard hieroglyphs, with destroyed or illegible parts supplemented, followed by comments and translations. The coffin contains three hymns unknown from other sources. Finally, there are some remarks on the transmission of this important text in general and on the series of private funerary texts divided into 24 hours and representing their corresponding deities.
THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL TREATMENT IN REFER TO RIGHT TO THE EDUCATION HANDICAPPED STUDENT – INTRODUCTION TO THE ISSUES
Authors: Sobas Magdalena
Published: August 2019

This text is about right to the education about handicapped person. Is an analylis polish legal rule perf of equality in front of the law about right to the education and international legal rule to counteract discrimination in education. This text is about changes and a new legal rule in polish education law in the last years. This changes and a new legal rule are still introduced in schools and kindergartens. Author try to indicate practical problems connected with access handicapped student to education based on case Commissioner’s for Humans Right and controls The Supreme’s Audit Office
CRITERIA FOR DISTINGUISHING POLICE MODELS
Authors: Hrynkiewicz Radosław
Published: August 2019

The article presents the issues aimed at introducing and describing the criteria for distinguishing police models and indicating the types of policing structures that have been adopted in European countries, including Poland. The diversity of police forces and their distinct organization allows to pinpoint various criteria enabling the description of contemporary police structures. They are characterized differently, which additionally hampers the establishment of the full catalog of basic features that would strictly define particular police models. The article refers to numerous discussions held in the literature addressing the issue of the organization of uniformed services.