bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Allelopathic tolerance of alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) varieties to dodder (Cuscuta epithymum L.)
Authors: Marinov-Serafimov Plamen , Golubinova Irena , Marinova Diana
Published: June 2017

Allelopathic effects of cold water extracts of Cuscuta epithymum L. on seed
germination and initial development of Medicago sativa L. varieties were
investigated under laboratory conditions at the Institute of Forage Crops,
Pleven, during 2016-2017. It was found that the water extracts from dry
biomass of C. epithymum had a considerably stronger inhibitory effect on the
studied M. sativa varieties (IR 32.7-100.0 %), as compared to the extracts
of fresh biomass (IR 0.2-40.5%). Depending on the kind of C. epithymum
extract (fresh or dry parasitic weed biomass), IRs for seed germination of
the tested M. sativa varieties could be conventionally classified into five
groups: 1) seed germination stimulation, -1.4% - extracts from fresh biomass
affecting the variety ?Multifoliolate?; 2) seed germination inhibition of
0.1-10% - extracts prepared from fresh biomass affecting the varieties
?Prista 3?, ?Pleven 6?, ?Prista 5? and ?Obnova?; 3) seed germination
inhibition of 11-20% - extracts from fresh biomass affecting the varieties
?Roly? and ?Victoria?; 4) seed germination inhibition of 30-45% - extracts
from dry biomass affecting the variety ?Multifoliolate?; 5) seed germination
inhibition of 46-60% - extracts from dry biomass affecting the varieties
?Prista 5?, ?Prista 3?, ?Victoria?, ?Roly?, ?Dara?, ?Pleven 6? and ?Obnova?.
The varieties ?Victoria?, ?Prista 5? and ?Multifoliolate? of M. sativa
possess some allelopathic tolerance because their germination indexes (GI)
range from 80.5 to 88.7 % for the extracts prepared from fresh weed biomass
of C. epithymum, and from 47.1 to 48.6% for the extracts from dry weed
biomass, compared to control treatment. These varieties can be used as
components in future breeding programmes.
Long photometric cycles in hot algols
Authors: Mennickent R.E.
Published: June 2017

We summarize the development of the field of Double Periodic Variables (DPVs,
Mennickent et al. 2003) during the last fourteen years, placing these
objects in the context of intermediate-mass close interacting binaries
similar to ? Persei (Algol) and ? Lyrae (Sheliak) which are generally called
Algols. DPVs show enigmatic long photometric cycles lasting on average about
33 times the orbital period, and have physical properties resembling, in
some aspects, ? Lyrae. About 200 of these objects have been found in the
Galaxy and the Magellanic Clouds. Light curve models and orbitally resolved
spectroscopy indicate that DPVs are semi-detached interacting binaries
consisting of a near main-sequence B-type star accreting matter from a
cooler giant and surrounded by an optically thick disc. This disc
contributes a significant fraction of the system luminosity and its
luminosity is larger than expected from the phenomenon of mass accretion
alone. In some systems, an optically thin disc component is observed in well
developed Balmer emission lines. The optically thick disc shows bright zones
up to tens percent hotter than the disc, probably indicating shocks
resulting from the gas and disc stream dynamics. We conjecture that a
hotspot wind might be one of the channels for a mild systemic mass loss,
since evidence for jets, winds or general mass loss has been found in ?
Lyrae, AUMon, HD170582, OGLE05155332-6925581 and V393 Sco. Also, theoretical
work by Van Rensbergen et al. (2008) and Deschamps et al. (2013) suggests
that hotspot could drive mass loss from Algols. We give special
consideration to the recently published hypothesis for the long-cycle,
consisting of variable mass transfer driven by a magnetic dynamo (Schleicher
and Mennickent 2017). The Applegate (1992) mechanism should modify
cyclically the equatorial radius of the chromospherically active donor
producing cycles of enhanced mass loss through the inner Lagrangian point.
Chromospheric emission in V393 Sco, an optically thicker hotspot in the
high-state of HD170582 and evidence for magnetic fields in many Algols are
observational facts supporting this picture. One of the open questions for
this scenario is why, among the Algols showing evidence for magnetic fields,
the DPV long-cycle is present only under some combinations of stellar
parameters, particularly those including the B-type gainers. Other open
questions are what are the descendants of these interesting binaries, how
much mass contain the discs around the likely rapidly rotating gainers, and
the role played by the outflows through the Lagrangian L2 and L3 points
reported in a couple of systems.
Billiards on constant curvature spaces and generating functions for systems with constraints
Authors: Jovanovic Bozidar
Published: June 2017

In this note we consider a method of generating functions for systems with
constraints and, as an example, we prove that the billiard mappings for
billiards on the Euclidean space, sphere, and the Lobachevsky space are
sympletic. Further, by taking a quadratic generating function we get the
skew-hodograph mapping introduced by Moser and Veselov, which relates the
ellipsoidal billiards in the Euclidean space with the Heisenberg magnetic
spin chain model on a sphere. We define analogous mapping for the ellipsoidal
billiard on the Lobachevsky space. It relates the billiard with the
Heisenberg spin model on the light-like cone in the
Lorentz-Poincare-Minkowski space.
Density and Size Distribution of the Sea Cucumber, Holothuria scabra (Jaeger, 1935), at Six Exploited Sites in Mahout Bay, Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Al-Rashdi Khalfan M. , Claereboudt Michel R. , Al-Busaidi Saud S.
Published: June 2017

A rapid survey of the density and size distribution of recently exploited populations of Holothuria scabra in Mahout Bay (Ghubbat Hashish Bay) was carried out at six fishing sites. The results showed that population densities varied between 1170 and 4000 individuals ha-1 and biomass ranged between 393 and 2903 kg ha-1. The mean size of sea cucumbers and population densities were much lower in populations closer to human settlements, suggestive of overfishing. The sex ratio was estimated to be 1:1 and the size distributions of males and females did not differ significantly. The length-weight relationship for both sexes was calculated as W (g) = 0.033 Length (mm) 2.178.
Adoption of E-Commerce in the Agricultural and Fisheries Business Sector in Oman
Authors: Al-Busaidi Zahra , Kotagama1 Hemesiri , Boughanmi Houcine , Dharmapala Sunil , Waelti John
Published: June 2017

Small and Medium Businesses (SMB) have substantial potential to contribute to the growth of an economy through adoption of business related Information Technology. The Agricultural and Food Business (AFB) sector in Oman is dominated by SMBs. Factors influencing the adoption of e-commerce in the AFB sector in Oman were analyzed. The main hypothesis was that scale of the business influenced the adoption of e-commerce. Data were obtained from a random sample (n = 31) of AFBs in Oman and was analyzed using a Probit regression model. The dependent variable was whether the firm had a website, a proxy measure of adoption of e-commerce. The main independent variables were the scale of the business (measured by number of employees) and the scope of the business (international or national) and of variables related to manager’s perception of benefits of adopting e-commerce. It was found that 94% of AFBs in Oman used computers and about 52% of those had websites. The R-squared, of the estimated Probit  regression model was 0.65. The hypothesis that scale of the business influenced the adoption of e-commerce was not rejected, as the coefficient of the business scale variable was statistically  significant (t = 2.5, n = 31). The likelihood of adoption increases with increased scale of the  business. On the converse this suggests that the likelihood of adoption of e-commerce by small and  medium businesses is lower. Given the importance of small and medium businesses in the development  of particularly the AFB sector of Oman, policy maker would have to promote and provide incentives  to adopt e-commerce by SMBs.
Pesticide Resistance in Stored-Product Insects and Alternative Biorational Management: A Brief Review
Authors: Talukder Farid
Published: June 2017

Conventional pesticides are being used as the major tools for stored grain and food protection. Many conventional pesticides have created problems including pesticide resistance, toxic residues in the treated products, handling hazards, health hazards to operatives and pest resurgence. Among these, the incidence of pesticide resistance is a growing problem in stored product protection. Problems associated with synthetic pesticides, especially pesticide resistance, have created a worldwide interest in the development of alternative biorational strategies. Plant-derived materials, biological control agents, insect growth regulators, solar disinfestation systems, use of inert dusts and diatomaceous earth, etc., are potential viable alternatives. Most of these alternatives have low toxicity or are not toxic to humans, making them environmentally acceptable and enabling them to be incorporated in stored product protection.
The Omani Coastal Traditional Sardine Fishery 1994-2007: A Review
Authors: Al-Jufaili Saud , Al-Jahwari Omar S.
Published: June 2017

The Omani coastal fishery is categorized into small pelagics, large pelagics, demersals, shellfishes, and sharks and rays. During the period 1994-2007 the small pelagics contributed 39 and 21% to the total Omani fisheries landings and values respectively. During 1994-2007 sardines alone contributed 76 and 51% to the total small pelagics landings and values, respectively. Al-Batina and Muscat regions contributed the highest to the total landings; among other Omani regions, Musandam, Muscat, and Sharqiya and Al-Wusta regions. Total sardines prices ranges from 114 to 225 Omani Rials per ton depending on where the sardines are coming from. On the other hand, Al-Batina and Muscat regions contributed the most in the total sardine values. Few gonadosomatic index studies indicated two major spawning peaks: a major one occurred during March-April and a minor one in September-October.
Significance of Mangroves in the Arid Environment of the Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Fouda M.M. , AI-Muharrami M.A.
Published: June 2017

Little is known of the ecological role of the only species of mangrove, Avicemnia marina, in Oman. This study provides information on the physical habitat of three mangrove areas( Qurm, Mahout and Shinas) in relation to the main features of each area ( i.e. community structure, soil and water analysis and biota). The climate of three mangrove areas and surrounding regions is hot and arid; all have very low rainfall (less than 100mm yr), high air temperature (mean 27”C), relative humidity (57.8% at Qurm and 72% at Mahout and Shinas) , solar radiation ( more than 500 MVH cm2) and evaporation rates (more than 3000 mm yr2). Mangrove trees folowered during January-March, fruits matured during April- May, seedlings fell in June , seeds germinated in July-August and leaves were produced in September. Difference among sites included areal  extent ( 162 ha in Mabout, 74 ha in Quran and 53 ha in Shinas) and high variability in mangrove structure within and between sites . The most obvious differences between sites related to tree height diameter , density and basal area. The increase in tree diameter was associated with increase in tree height and basal area, but an impressive relationship existed between tree diameter and density. Significant differences in soil texture and chemical analysis were found  within and between the three mangrove sites. Soil texture wasdominated by sand; however, site( highest at Qurm,, 32%) and clay ( highest at Mahout , 10.1%) were present in considerable amounts. Soils of Mhout had the highest organic matter (10.2%) – totall nitrogeon ( 0.2% ), available phosphorus ( 56.2ppm) and sulphate ( 17.1 meq 100g) contents compared to those from Qurm and Shinas. Water temperature ranged 22-38C and salinity showed small variations at Mahout ( 37-40 ) and Shinas ( 37-40) but at Qurm, salinity showed remarkable variation from fresh and brackish water (10) to hypersaline  water ( more than 100). Dissolved oxygen averaged 8.1( 4.8-12.7) mg and PH was  7.8 ( 6.9-8.9). Mangrove communicate included a faunal assemblage of many species of birds ( more than 200 species ), fish ( 54 species) , crustaceans ( 31 species) and mollusks ( 51 species ) . Some group exhibited clear pattern ( e.g, crabs and oysters), others were just visitors ( fish and birds ), but the majority were resident in the mangroves.
Natural glues and fouling management by interfering with glue curing
Authors: Rittschof Daniel , Essock-Burns Tara , Dickinson Gary , Zmina S. , Alberman N.
Published: June 2017

Multidisciplinary approaches and modern technology provide insights to glue curing that are stimulatingand controversial. Our team applies classic and modern theory and techniques to the study of barnacle glue. Techniques include physical measures, bacteriology, behavior, physiology, biochemistry, microscopy, spectroscopy, tomography, tandem mass spectrometry, molecular biology and proteomics. Theory is grounded in evolution and previous literature. Here, we use data from these techniques to support the hypothesis that barnacle glue curing is similar toblood clotting and propose a model for how glue cures. Similar to blood clotting, barnacle glue curing involves enzymatic activation of precursors and rearrangement of structural molecules to form a crosslinked material. Barnacle larval settlement, bacteriology and biochemical data show glue contains large amounts of small peptides. Their role in glue curing has been overlooked. The peptides comprise 15 to 30% of partially cured glue. Because they have little secondary structure, the peptides can associate with binding domains on the substrate and interface with the larger, well-described structural proteins known in barnacle glue. Enzymes participate in curing of barnacle glue. Siloxanes impact glue-curing enzymes. They potentiate trypsin activity and inhibit transglutaminase activity. Changing enzymeactivity impacts how glue cures. Disrupting the curing process of biological glues is central to effective cleaning strategies for fouling management. Thus silicones that interfere with enzyme activity have potential as additives in easy cleansurfaces. The environmental impacts of organosilicones that are generated by biological processes need to be addressed
Gill histology of Nile tilapia Oreochromis niloticus following chronic and acute exposure to ammonia
Authors: Yoon Gilha , Al-Saadi Najiya , Ambuali Aisha
Published: June 2017

Ammonia is a common aquatic pollutant and is toxic to fish. The main nitrogenous compound excreted by fish is also ammonia, which may reach toxic concentrations in high-density fish culture, reducing growth and productivity. In this study, changes in gill structure and mucus cell distribution were examined when juvenile Nile tilapia, Oreochromis niloticus, were exposed to chronic and acute concentrations of ammonia. For chronic exposure, the tilapia were exposed to daily increments in ammonia concentration rising from 0 mg L-1 ammonia on Day 0 to 5 mg L-1 by Day 8; the experiment was terminated on Day 9. There were obvious histopathological changes to the gills over this period including hypertrophy and fusion and of the secondary lamellae. The mucus cell number in gill histology sections were observed to increase until Day 6 then decrease thereafter until the termination of the trial. For the acute exposure, juvenile tilapia were exposed to 5 mg L-1 ammonia for 5 hours. Hourly changes to the gills were monitored, with notable changes to gill filaments and an observed increase in the mucus cell number over the duration of the experiment.
Impact of Sewage Sludge on Water Movement in Calcareous Sandy Soils
Authors: AI-Omran A.M. , AI-Wabel M.I. , Shalaby A.A.
Published: June 2017

The present study was undertaken to investigate the changes in soil physical properties and their effect on water movement under ponded irrigation. Sewage sludge was applied to 10 cm soil depth at rates of 0.25. 75  and 100 Mg-ha-1 to two disturbed soils differing in CaCO3 content. The results showed that cumulative infiltration (1) decreased with an increase in sewage sludge rates. Basic infiltration for slightly calcareous sandy soil was higher than that of moderately calcareous sandy soil, laboratory measurements showed an exponential decrease in saturated hydraulic conductivity and an increase in available water capacity with an increase in sewage sludge rates. For both soils, water diffusivity (D(Q)) decreased with an increase in sewage sludge rates. The (oral) values of slightly calcareous sandy soils were higher than those of moderately calcareous sandy soils.
Relationships Between Live Body and Carcass Measurements and Carcass Components in Omani Sheep
Authors: Mahgoub O.
Published: June 2017

Thirty two Omani sheep including eight intact males. 16 castrated males and eight intact females were fed ad libitum a concentrate diet (l6% CP) plus chopped Rhodesgrass hay (8% CP) from weaning until slaughter at an average weight of 26 kg. Correlation and regression analyses were carried out to evaluate relationships between live body and carcass measurements with major body components. Generally there were positive correlations between slaughter weight, empty body weight (EBW) and hot carcass weight with total carcass muscle (r2 =0.57, 0.59, 0.59). fat (r2= 0.47, 0.48, 0.68) and bone (r2 = 0.51, 0.44, 0.31) contents respectively. There were also positive correlations (r2 = 0.44- 0.59) between linear live body and carcass measurements with carcass muscle content. The depth of tissue over the 11th rib (GR) had a high positive correlation (r2= 0.67) with total carcass fat content. The weight of most individual bones and muscles had positive correlations (r2=0.39 - 0.85) with carcass muscle and bone content. There was a positive correlation between weight chuck (r2 = 0.62), brisket and shank (r2< 0.38), leg (r2 = 0.79) and loin (r2 = 0.45) carcass cuts with total carcass muscle content. Muscle content in all carcass cuts had a positive correlation (r2 = 0.46-0.86) with total carcass muscle content. Bone content in all carcass cuts had a high positive correlation (r2 = 0.46-0.90) with the total carcass bone content. A 3-variahle (body length,  chest depth and leg length) and a 4-variable (hot carcass weight , hook width,  rib width and GR) models were generated which accounted for 84% and 70% of the variation in the total muscle content, respectively. This study showed that live body and carcass measurements have significant relationships with carcass components in Omani sheep. These relationships may be utilized for prediction of carcass composition in live animals as well as for carcass quality assessment.
Monthly Monitoring of the Nutrient Status in Citrus Leaves as a Guide for Proper Fertilization
Authors: EI-Sayed A.A. , Shaaban M.M.
Published: June 2017

A field study was conducted with five citrus cultivars grown in clay soil in Kewesna, Monufia, Egypt for two successive growing seasons. The study aimed at using nutrient concentrations in the leaves as a guide for proper fertilization. The study revealed that most of the nutrients in the soil were at adequate levels. However, there were unfavorable soil conditions that affected negatively nutrient availability, Nutrient concentrations in the leaves of the five cultivars were nearly the same, except for a few cases. Leaf nitrogen concentrations were at adequate levels. To minimize the usage of fertilizers, the quantity of N-fertilizer should not exceed 100 kg N per feddan, added as three doses in September, March and June. Phosphorus fertilizers should be added in September and when another dose is needed, it should be in May. For such a clay soil, nearly double the potassium requirement of the crop should be added as split application. More attention should be given to magnesium fertilization. Micronutrients concentrations were at adequate levels. However, under such soil conditions, fertilizers of acidic reactions are recommended and micronutrients should be supplied as foliar sprays in September, March and May. Adequate levels of the nutrients in the 5-7 months spring flush together with the high obtained yields suggest that the obtained levels of the nutrients (except copper) can be used as a basis to correct the fertilizer programmes at any growth stage.
Preventive Control of Powdery Mildew Disease of Mango
Authors: Akhtar K.P. , Khan I.A. , Kazmi M.R. , Hassan R.I. , Fatima B.
Published: June 2017

Oidium mangiferae Berthet was found to be associated With the powdery mildew disease of mango. The air- borne conidia are released from the old tissue harboring the dormant fungal hyphae under favorable weather conditions, which produce the disease. Proper forecasting of release of airborne innoculum significantly reduced the required number of sprays needed for chemical control. Spore traps were used to monitor the concentration of airborne conidia during the months of February, March and April 1996 and l997. Daily temperature and relative humidity were noted and the spore counts from the spore traps were correlated to the meteorological data. There was a positive trend between rising temperature, lowering relative humidity and number of spores in the air alter a low temperature, high humidity and cloudy spell of weather. The maximum spore occurrences were noted around 25°C and relative humidity of 40-60%. It took 5-8 days for the emergence of disease symptoms after the first detection of airborne conidia. Ten fungicides were tested on three mango varieties (Langra, Dashehari, and Anwar Retol). The preventive sprays at the stage of first detection of air born conidia were effective in controlling the disease. Optimal timing of two sprays of fungicide were sufficient to provide preventive control (>90%). The susceptibility of inflorescence varied with its developmental stage. Proper forecasting reduced the number of sprays from 7 to 2 or 3. There was no varietal difference in incidence of the disease or response to fungicide applications. During the course of this study, we identified seedling plants which consistently showed resistance to powdery mildew.
Free-Living Marine Interstitial Hypotrichid Ciliates from Jubail Marine Wildlife Sanctuary in the Arabian Gulf
Authors: AL-Rasheid K.A.S.
Published: June 2017

Sediment samples were collected at low tide from various localities of the Jubail Marine Wildlife Sanctuary in the Arabian Gulf on several occasions during l996-l997 for the study of the marine interstitial ciliate fauna of the Sanctuary. Twenty three species belonging to the order Hypotrichida were identified after protargol impregnation, 20 of which represent new records of the fauna of Saudi Arabia, and of the Arabian Gulf at large. The distribution of each species is compared to those in similar habitats worldwide. The present study increases the total known number of hypotrichid ciliates species in Saudi Arabia to 40 species.
Identification of a Plant Phytosterol with Toxicity against Arthropod Pests
Authors: Thacker J.R.M.
Published: June 2017

A crude plant extract that was toxic to spider mites in a leaf dip bioassay was subjected to detailed chemical analysis using chromatographic and spectroscopic techniques, The analyses revealed that the major active chemical was probably fl-sitosterol-3-glucostdc, a known phytosterol. The literature indicates that this chemical has been identified in a number of plant species and that it has been tested for utility in a number of medical therapies. It has not so far been assayed for the control of arthropod posts, the data indicate that this compound may be of use in the control of pest species, especially spider mites.
Autoallelopathic Potential of Leaflets and Seeds on Seedling Growth of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.)
Authors: Warrag M.O.A. , AI-Wasel A.S.
Published: June 2017

The autoalle1opathic effects of date palm leaflets and seed aqueous extracts, with -0.05, -0.1 and -0.2 mPa osmotic potentials, on seed germination and early seedling growth were investigated. Final seed germination percentage, seed germination rate, the time of radicle appearance, and plumule length were not affected. In contrast, the cotyledonary sheath and radicle lengths were significantly retarded, whereas the time of plumule appearance was significantly increased by most of the extracts in comparison with the distilled water control. Mannitol solutions, with the same osmotic potential and pH as the extracts, resulted in significantly longer cotyledonary sheaths and radicles and an earlier plumule appearance than their corresponding extracts. Thus, it could be deduced that date palm leaflets and seeds contain water-soluble allelochemicals that could substantially retard early seedling growth of the same species.
Quality Response and Competitiveness of Fish Exports in Oman
Authors: Zaibet L. , AI-Marshudi A.
Published: June 2017

Received trade theory presumes an important role for increasing returns to scale, product-differentiation, and quality as determinants of trade flows. In a global world, exports can only be expanded if a nation is competitive in terms of cost and quality of traded products. Food safety and quality systems, such as HACCP or ISO 9000, are indirectly included in international agreements (GATT) as facilitators of trade. These systems may lead to cost leadership and product improvement, which are key factors to higher competitiveness and sustained benefits in international markets. This paper estimates a modified Armington model that links product differentiation and safety programs to market shares, i.e. competitiveness.
Assessing Risk from DNAPLs in Fractured Aquifers
Authors: Lerner D.N. , Wealthall G.P. , Steele A.
Published: June 2017

Chlorinated solvents are among the most widespread pollutants of groundwater. As DNAPLs (dense nonaqueous phase liquids), they can move rapidly and in complex patterns through fractures to reach and contaminate large volumes of aquifer, and then dissolve to cause significant pollution of groundwater. However, clean-up of DNAPLs in fractured rocks is virtually impossible and certainly expensive. Risk assessment should be used to decide whether the pollution is serious enough to justify major expenditure on clean-up or containment. A key aspect of risk assessment for DNAPLs in fractured aquifers is to understand how deep they are likely to have penetrated through the fracture network. This paper addresses two aspects of such predictions: measuring fracture apertures in situ and the connectivity of fracture networks with respect to DNAPLs. Fracture aperture is an in-situ field technique that has been developed and implemented to measure aperture variability and NAPL entry pressure in an undisturbed, water-saturated rock fracture. The field experiment also provided the opportunity to measure the wetting phase relative permeability at residual non-wetting phase saturation. The RADIO (Radial Aperture Determination by the Injection of Oil) method employs a constant rate injection of a non-toxic NAPL into a fracture isolated by a double packer array. The method was applied at the field site in Scotland, and measured apertures out to ~5m from the borehole. It showed that hydraulic aperture (from packer tests) was a poor estimator of the controlling aperture for DNAPL movement. This is the first time such large-scale aperture measurements have been made, and the technique is the first which can provide useful aperture estimates for risk analysis of DNAPL movement.Network connectivity is a fundamental property of the fracture system. DNAPL connectivity extends the concept to take account of the fluid properties.
Effect of Irrigation on Within-Grove Distribution of Red Palm Weevil Rhynchophorous ferrugineus
Authors: Aldryhim Y. , Al-Bukiri S.
Published: June 2017

The red palm weevil (RPW) Rhynchophorous ferrugineus (Oliv.) is the most important pest attacking date palm trees. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of drip and flood irrigation on the within-grove distribution of RPW. The current study was started with the first appearance of the infestation to almost disappearance of the infestation. Results showed that more infested trees were detected in plots with flood irrigation. The number of infested trees in these plots represented 89% of the total infested trees. This study suggested that irrigation management and soil moisture are key factors in the dispersion of the RPW infestation and could be used as one of the integrated pest management tools.
Uso de metformina em mulheres obesas com Síndrome do Ovário Policístico
Authors: FREITAS Lincoln Rodrigues Augusto de , SANTOS Jerffesson Gean , GUIMARÃES Markus Thulio Alves , SOUZA José Helvécio Kalil de
Published: June 2017

A Síndrome do Ovário Policístico caracteriza-se como uma alteração anatômica e morfológica dos ovários que acarreta hiperandrogenismo, ciclos menstruais irregulares, redução da fertilidade e múltiplos cistos ovarianos, principalmente em mulheres obesas durante a menacme. Como o aumento da resistência à insulina e a hiperinsulinemia estão frequentemente presentes, a metformina começou a ser preconizada na clínica como uma forma de tratamento da Síndrome do Ovário Policístico. Dessa forma, o presente estudo tem como objetivo realizar uma revisão de literatura sobre o uso de metformina em mulheres obesas com a síndrome citada. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa nas bases de dados PubMed/MedLine, Portal CAPES, SciELO, Cochrane e Google Acadêmico no período de fevereiro a maio de 2016. Os artigos foram identificados pelos seguintes descritores: "polycystic ovary syndrome", "metformin", "hyperandrogenism and obesity". Não houve restrição quanto à data de publicação dos artigos e idioma. Uma ampla utilização da metformina é identificável no tratamento da Síndrome do Ovário Policístico, porém ainda existe discordância sobre sua efetividade de forma isolada. Estudos utilizando monoterapia de metformina identificaram auxílio na redução de peso e melhora nas taxas de gravidez. Nos estudos utilizando terapia combinada, ocorreu melhora significativa nas taxas de ovulação e gravidez. Por fim, nos trabalhos que compararam o uso da metformina com modificação do estilo de vida, foi observado que a redução do peso teve impacto mais significativo nas taxas de ovulação e gravidez. Assim, apesar deste fármaco melhorar sintomas da síndrome do ovário policístico, o fator que mais colabora para ciclos menstruais regulares e melhoraria nas taxas de ovulação/gravidez é a redução do peso.
A rare presentation of exudative macroaneurysms in unilateral Eales’ disease
Authors: Nada M , Qanoongo S , Singh SV , Khurana AK
Published: June 2017

Background: A case of exudative macroaneurysms in unilateral Eales’ disease is reported. ‘Eales disease’ is an idiopathic bilateral occlusive periphlebitis with neovascularisation and mostly presents with vitreous hemorrhage. Case: A 30 year old male presented with diminution of vision in left eye (6/36) for 1 month. Slit Lamp examination of both eyes revealed normal anterior segment. Fundus examination of left eye with + 90 D lens revealed reddish lesions at the macula with surrounding circinate exudation. On peripheral examination hemorrhages were seen along with vasculitis in the superotemporal quadrant.The right eye fundus was normal.All laboratory investigations were found within normal limits. Conclusion: Eales’ disease is mostly a bilateral condition but this case is rare as there is uniocular involvement with exudative macroaneurysms.Laser therapy was instituted which was effective in management of this condition with restoration of normal visual acuity.There was no relapse on follow up for 2 years.
Therapeutic Sequencing in Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Maia Manuel Caitano , Dizman Nazli , Salgia Meghan , Pal Sumanta Kumar
Published: June 2017

The influx of multiple novel therapeutic options in the mRCC field has brought a challenge for treatment sequencing in this disease. In the past few years, cabozantinib, nivolumab and the combination of lenvatinib and everolimus have been approved in the second-line setting. As there is no direct comparison between these agents and the studies have failed to show improved benefit among a biomarker-selected patient population, appropriate patient selection based on clinical factors for individualized therapy is critical. Herein we provide a comprehensive overview of current data from each agent through the discussion of disease biology, clinical trials, potential biomarkers and distilling future perspectives in the field.
Jorge Semprún and the Languages of Democracy
Authors: Lonsdale Laura
Published: June 2017

In Semprún's writing, the translated text is the image par excellence of layered contexts, displaced origins, transferable but not wholly assimilable truths, that the author takes from the experience of exile and makes the stuff of his political and aesthetic vision. The formulation of the reader as ‘mon semblable, mon frère’ makes the act of translation one of ‘courtoisie’ and inclusion, especially resonant in relation to fraternity as a core ethical and human value. This article will consider his articulation of that translational vision in the essay Mal et Modernité (1990), before going on to explore how his earlier, bilingually titled novel L'Algarabie (1981) both questions and affirms that vision in the context of ideological breakdown. In particular, it will consider how Semprún extends the layering and displacement of the bilingual or translated text to the possession and haunting of time, place and consciousness.
L’Écriture en langue étrangère comme pratique et comme poétique: le cas de deux écrivains « francographes », Nancy Huston et Andreï Makine
Authors: Duhan Alice
Published: June 2017

This article examines the claims made by translingual writers Nancy Huston and Andreï Makine about the literary function of the foreign language, and also analyses how the poetic potential of foreign words is thematized in their fiction. It focuses on two novels which portray artistic trajectories in search of a language distinct from the imperfect words of everyday expression, be it through a nostalgically opaque language of childhood as in Le Testament français, or through an exploration of the meeting point of music and language as in Lignes de faille. While both writers emphasize the defamiliarizing function of the foreign language which, for Huston in particular, draws attention to its material form, their novels shift the site of linguistic defamiliarization from formal linguistic innovation to bilingual perception, which is likened to a ‘magic’ of words, an ‘optical illusion’ which serves to preserve childhood wonder and sensitivity.
Functionalization of a Hydrophilic Commercial Membrane Using Inorganic-Organic Polymers Coatings for Membrane Distillation
Authors: Eykens Lies , Rose Klaus , Dubreuil Marjorie , De Sitter Kristien , Dotremont Chris , Pinoy Luc , Van der Bruggen Bart
Published: June 2017

Membrane distillation is a thermal separation technique using a microporous hydrophobic membrane. One of the concerns with respect to the industrialization of the technique is the development of novel membranes. In this paper, a commercially available hydrophilic polyethersulfone membrane with a suitable structure for membrane distillation was modified using available hydrophobic coatings using ORMOCER® technology to obtain a hydrophobic membrane that can be applied in membrane distillation. The surface modification was performed using a selection of different components, concentrations, and application methods. The resulting membranes can have two hydrophobic surfaces or a hydrophobic and hydrophilic surface depending on the application method. An extensive characterization procedure confirmed the suitability of the coating technique and the obtained membranes for membrane distillation. The surface contact angle of water could be increased from 27° up to 110°, and fluxes comparable to membranes commonly used for membrane distillation were achieved under similar process conditions. A 100 h test demonstrated the stability of the coating and the importance of using sufficiently stable base membranes.
Natural Gas Hydrate as a Storage Mechanism for Safe, Sustainable and Economical Production from Offshore Petroleum Reserves
Authors: Kezirian Michael , Phoenix S.
Published: June 2017

Century Fathom presents an innovative process to utilize clathrate hydrates for the production, storage and transportation of natural gas from off-shore energy reserves in deep ocean environments. The production scheme was developed by considering the preferred state of natural gas in the deep ocean and addressing the hazards associated with conventional techniques to transport natural gas. It also is designed to mitigate the significant shipping cost inherent with all methods. The resulting proposed scheme restrains transport in the hydrate form to the ocean and does not attempt to supply energy to the residential consumer. Instead; the target recipients are industrial operations. The resulting operational concept is intrinsically safer by design; environmentally sustainable and significantly cost-effective compared with currently proposed schemes for the use of natural gas hydrates and has the potential to be the optimal solution for new production of reserves; depending on the distance to shore and capacity of the petroleum reserve. A potential additional benefit is the byproduct of desalinated water.
Adaptive Surface Modeling of Soil Properties in Complex Landforms
Authors: Liu Wei , Zhang Hai-Rong , Yan Da-Peng , Wang Sheng-Li
Published: June 2017

Abstract: Spatial discontinuity often causes poor accuracy when a single model is used for the surface modeling of soil properties in complex geomorphic areas. Here we present a method for adaptive surface modeling of combined secondary variables to improve prediction accuracy during the interpolation of soil properties (ASM-SP). Using various secondary variables and multiple base interpolation models, ASM-SP was used to interpolate soil K+ in a typical complex geomorphic area (Qinghai Lake Basin, China). Five methods, including inverse distance weighting (IDW), ordinary kriging (OK), and OK combined with different secondary variables (e.g., OK-Landuse, OK-Geology, and OK-Soil), were used to validate the proposed method. The mean error (ME), mean absolute error (MAE), root mean square error (RMSE), mean relative error (MRE), and accuracy (AC) were used as evaluation indicators. Results showed that: (1) The OK interpolation result is spatially smooth and has a weak bull's-eye effect, and the IDW has a stronger ‘bull’s-eye’ effect, relatively. They both have obvious deficiencies in depicting spatial variability of soil K+. (2) The methods incorporating combinations of different secondary variables (e.g., ASM-SP, OK-Landuse, OK-Geology, and OK-Soil) were associated with lower estimation bias. Compared with IDW, OK, OK-Landuse, OK-Geology, and OK-Soil, the accuracy of ASM-SP increased by 13.63%, 10.85%, 9.98%, 8.32%, and 7.66%, respectively. Furthermore, ASM-SP was more stable, with lower MEs, MAEs, RMSEs, and MREs. (3) ASM-SP presents more details than others in the abrupt boundary, which can render the result consistent with the true secondary variables. In conclusion, ASM-SP can not only consider the nonlinear relationship between secondary variables and soil properties, but can also adaptively combine the advantages of multiple models, which contributes to making the spatial interpolation of soil K+ more reasonable.
Sexually Transmitted Infections: A Novel Screening Strategy for Improving Women’s Health in Vulnerable Populations
Authors: Frati Elena , Fasoli Ester , Martinelli Marianna , Colzani Daniela , Bianchi Silvia , Carnelli Luciana , Amendola Antonella , Olivani Pierfranco , Tanzi Elisabetta
Published: June 2017

Background: Migrant women are one of the most vulnerable population to health problems and well-being. This study aimed at implementing a counseling and preventive strategy for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in undocumented migrant women in Milan, Italy. Methods: Women (ages 18–65) were enrolled at the NAGA Centre (2012–2013) and asked for a urine sample in order to carry out molecular detection of Human papillomavirus (HPV), Chlamydia trachomatis (Ct), Trichomonas vaginalis (Tv), Neisseria gonorrhoeae (Ng)-DNA. Socio-demographic and sexual behavior information were collected. All HPV/Ct+ women were offered Pap tests and/or were prescribed antibiotic treatment. Results: 537/757 women participated in the study (acceptability rate: 70.9%). Most of the women were from Latin America (45.6%) and Eastern Europe (30.7%); >60% of them had stable partners, did not use contraception and had had at least one pregnancy. The prevalence rates of HPV, Ct, Tv and Ng infections were 24.2%, 7.8%, 4.8% and 0%, respectively. In all, 43.2% of the positive women agreed to undergo a gynecological examination and accepted suitable treatment. Conclusions: This study shows an overall high prevalence of STIs in undocumented migrant women in Milan. The screening strategy based on counseling and urine testing contributed to the successfully high acceptability rate. More appropriate health services that adequately address all aspects of women’s health are required.
Soluble (Pro)renin Receptor and Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome: Oxidative Stress in Brain?
Authors: Takahashi Kazuhiro , Ohba Koji , Tajima Kazuki , Nishijima Tsuguo , Sakurai Shigeru
Published: June 2017

(Pro)renin receptor ((P)RR) is a multi-functional molecule that is related to both the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and vacuolar H+-ATPase (v-ATPase), an ATP-dependent multi-subunit proton pump. Soluble (P)RR (s(P)RR), which consists of the extracellular domain of (P)RR, is present in blood and urine. Elevated plasma s(P)RR concentrations are reported in patients with chronic kidney disease and pregnant women with hypertension or diabetes mellitus. In addition, we have shown that plasma s(P)RR concentrations are elevated in patients with obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). Interestingly, the levels are elevated in parallel with the severity of OSAS, but are not related to the presence of hypertension or the status of the circulating RAS in OSAS. It is known that v-ATPase activity protects cells from endogenous oxidative stress, and loss of v-ATPase activity results in chronic oxidative stress. We hypothesize that hypoxia and subsequent oxidative stress, perhaps in the brain, may be one of the factors that elevate plasma s(P)RR levels in OSAS.
Expression and Analysis of Joint Roughness Coefficient Using Neutrosophic Number Functions
Authors: Ye Jun , Chen Jiqian , Yong Rui , Du Shigui
Published: June 2017

In nature, the mechanical properties of geological bodies are very complex, and its various mechanical parameters are vague, incomplete, imprecise, and indeterminate. In these cases, we cannot always compute or provide exact/crisp values for the joint roughness coefficient (JRC), which is a quite crucial parameter for determining the shear strength in rock mechanics, but we need to approximate them. Hence, we need to investigate the anisotropy and scale effect of indeterminate JRC values by neutrosophic number (NN) functions, because the NN is composed of its determinate part and the indeterminate part and is very suitable for the expression of JRC data with determinate and/or indeterminate information. In this study, the lower limit of JRC data is chosen as the determinate information, and the difference between the lower and upper limits is chosen as the indeterminate information. In this case, the NN functions of the anisotropic ellipse and logarithmic equation of JRC are developed to reflect the anisotropy and scale effect of JRC values. Additionally, the NN parameter ψ is defined to quantify the anisotropy of JRC values. Then, a two-variable NN function is introduced based on the factors of both the sample size and measurement orientation. Further, the changing rates in various sample sizes and/or measurement orientations are investigated by their derivative and partial derivative NN functions. However, an actual case study shows that the proposed NN functions are effective and reasonable in the expression and analysis of the indeterminate values of JRC. Obviously, NN functions provide a new, effective way for passing from the classical crisp expression and analyses to the neutrosophic ones.
Isolation and Characterization of Microsatellite Loci for Cotesia plutellae (Hymenoptera: Braconidae)
Authors: Liu Tiansheng , Ke Fushi , You Shijun , Chen Wenbin , He Weiyi , You Minsheng
Published: June 2017

Fourteen polymorphic microsatellite loci were isolated in this transcriptome-based data analysis for Cotesia plutellae, which is an important larval parasitoid of the worldwide pest Plutella xylostella. A subsequent test was performed for a wild C. plutellae population (N = 32) from Fuzhou, Fujian, southeastern China, to verify the effectiveness of the 14 microsatellite loci in future studies on C. plutellae genetic diversity. The observed number of alleles ranged from two to six. The expected and observed heterozygosity ranged from 0.123 to 0.316 and from 0.141 to 0.281, respectively. The polymorphism information content (PIC) value ranged from 0.272 to 0.622. Potentially due to the substructure of the sampled population, three of the 14 microsatellite loci deviated from Hardy—Weinberg equilibrium (HWE). Further, loci C6, C22, and C31 could be amplified in Cocobius fulvus and Encarsia japonica, suggesting the transferability of these three polymorphic loci to other species of Hymenoptera.
Binary Phase Diagrams and Thermodynamic Properties of Silicon and Essential Doping Elements (Al, As, B, Bi, Ga, In, N, P, Sb and Tl)
Authors: Mostafa Ahmad , Medraj Mamoun
Published: June 2017

Fabrication of solar and electronic silicon wafers involves direct contact between solid, liquid and gas phases at near equilibrium conditions. Understanding of the phase diagrams and thermochemical properties of the Si-dopant binary systems is essential for providing processing conditions and for understanding the phase formation and transformation. In this work, ten Si-based binary phase diagrams, including Si with group IIIA elements (Al, B, Ga, In and Tl) and with group VA elements (As, Bi, N, P and Sb), have been reviewed. Each of these systems has been critically discussed on both aspects of phase diagram and thermodynamic properties. The available experimental data and thermodynamic parameters in the literature have been summarized and assessed thoroughly to provide consistent understanding of each system. Some systems were re-calculated to obtain a combination of the best evaluated phase diagram and a set of optimized thermodynamic parameters. As doping levels of solar and electronic silicon are of high technological importance, diffusion data has been presented to serve as a useful reference on the properties, behavior and quantities of metal impurities in silicon. This paper is meant to bridge the theoretical understanding of phase diagrams with the research and development of solar-grade silicon production, relying on the available information in the literature and our own analysis.