bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Survey Of Best Practices And Key Learning Objectives For Successful Secondary School STEM Academy Settings
Authors: Kasza Paul , Slater Timothy F.
Published: December 2016

Specialized secondary schools in the United States focusing on Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) are becoming commonplace in the United States.  Such schools are generally referred to by U.S. teachers as Academies. In a purposeful effort to provide a resource to educators building new STEM Academies, this study provides both a review of scholarly literature and the interview results from five successful STEM Academy educators from across the United States.  This research addresses two overarching questions, a) what are the best practices of STEM Academies, and b) what are the key learning objectives of STEM Academies? Subject integration, in-house engineering curriculum design, student cohorts, community involvement, and internships were all revealed as being consistently reflective of best practices used in successful STEM Academies.  Key learning objectives consistent across the literature and in interview results were: problem solving/the engineering design process and soft skills, such as student collaboration, communication, presentation skills and time management.
Factors Associated to Health Needs from Homeless Perspective in Spain
Authors: Martin-Baena David , Montero-Pinar Isabel , Fuertes-Lanzuela Maria Isabel
Published: December 2016

Purpose: This pilot study aims to identify factors associated to roofless own health self-perception.
Design: Cross-sectional study with a sample of homeless people (n=68) who come for help to one of the homeless service centers founded by a non-profit organization. Socio-demographic characteristics, years living on streets, unhealthy habits, chronic morbidity, basic needs and self-reported physical and mental health were described. To identify factors related to mental and physical health from roofless own perspective, a binary logistic analysis was held.
Findings: The majority of participants were under 40 years, male and Spanish, alcohol or drug consumers, 80% have lived in the street for one to five years with high levels of pain and poor mental health conditions. Living on the street over a year, exposure to violence, lack of hygiene and female gender, affect negatively the own perception of physical and mental health conditions.
Conclusions: Our results show the different and complex homeless health needs. Given the duration of homelessness affected their health condition, recent roofless homeless should be identified as soon as possible.
Clinical relevance and further research: Those providing care for homeless people must promote a more coordinated care, maximizing flexibility and fostering relationships to better response to the multiple and different needs of this one vulnerable population. Further study is needed to allow identify the different experiences of homeless women and men.
Natural Pathogen Inhibiting Chemistry to Replace Toxic Treatment of Microbes and Biofilm in Cooling Towers †
Authors: Brouse Lon , Brouse Richard , Brouse Daniel
Published: December 2016

Application of toxic antibacterial agents is considered necessary to control prevalent fresh water microorganisms in evaporative cooling water systems, but these agents can adversely affect the environment and human health. Alternatively, natural antibacterial water chemistry has been applied in industrial cooling water systems for over 10 years with excellent results. The tower water chemistry method concentrates natural salts in highly-softened water to produce elevated pH and dissolved solids, with low calcium and magnesium. This practice conserves water while generating only a small volume of non-toxic natural salt concentrate for cost efficient separation and disposal if required. This review presents a novel perspective of natural antimicrobial chemistry for inhibiting parasitic microbiome functional relationships within the bio-triad of Legionella outbreaks, "Trojan Protozoans" and biofilms. The review further examines practical application and function of polyvalent metal ions in the inhibition of biofilms. Reducing global dependence on toxic antibacterial agents discharged to the environment is an emerging concern due to their impact on the natural microbiome, plants, animals and humans. Discharge of antibacterial agents also contributes to development of pathogen resistance. Use of natural antibacterial chemistry can play a key role in managing the cooling water environment in a more ecologically sustainable manner.
Effect of Tool Geometry and Process Parameters on Microstructure and Mechanical Properties of Friction Stir Spot Welded 2024-T3 Aluminum Alloy Sheets
Authors: Murtulmuş Memduh
Published: December 2016

Aluminum alloy Al 2024-T3 were successfully joined using friction stir spot jwelding joining (FSSW). Satisfactory joint strengths were obtained at different welding parameters (tool rotational speed, tool plunge depth, dwell time) and tool pin profile (straight cylindrical, triangular and tapered cylindrical). Resulting joints were welded with welded zone. The different tools significantly influenced the evolution on the stir zone in the welds. Lap-shear tests were carried out to find the weld strength. Weld cross section appearance observations were also done. The macrostructure shows that the welding parameters have a determinant effect on the weld strength (x: the nugget thickness, y: the thickness of the upper sheet and SZ: stir zone). The main fracture mode was pull out fracture modes in the tensile shear test of joints. The results of tensile shear tests showed that the tensile-shear load increased with increasing rotational speed in the shoulder penetration depth of 0.2 mm. Failure joints were obrerved in the weld high shoulder penetration depth and insufficient tool rotation.
Optimal Design of Safety Instrumented Systems for Pressure Control of Methanol Separation Columns in the Bisphenol A Manufacturing Process
Authors: Lee In-Bok , Woo Insung
Published: December 2016

Bisphenol A production plant possesses considerable potential risks in the top of the methanol separation column, as pressurized acetone, methanol and water are processed at an elevated temperature, especially in the event of an abnormal pressure increase due to sudden power outage. This study assesses the potential risks in the methanol separation column through hazard and operability assessment and evaluates the damages in the case of fire and explosion accident scenarios. The study chooses three leakage scenarios: a 5-mm puncture on the methanol separation column, a 50-mm diameter fracture of a discharge pipe and a catastrophic rupture, and simulates using Phast (Ver. 6.531) the concentration distribution of scattered methanol, thermal radiation distribution of fires and overpressure distribution of vapor cloud explosions. Implementation of safety instrumented system equipped with two-out-of-three voting as a safety measure can detect overpressure at the top of the column and shut down the main control valve and the emergency shutoff valve simultaneously, all at the same time. By applying safety integrity level of three, the maximal release volume of the safety relief valve can be reduced and therefore, the design capacity of the flare stack can also be reduced. Such integration will lead to improved safety at a reduced cost.
β-Glucans and Post Prandial Satiety: The Role of Intestinal Hormones in Healthy Volunteers
Authors: Baldassano Sara , Buscemi Silvio , Aiello Anna , Accardi Giulia , Caruso Calogero , Vasto Sonya
Published: December 2016

Recent interest in intestinal hormones has risen with the idea that they modulate glucose tolerance and food intake through a variety of mechanisms, and such hormones like peptide YY (PYY), ghrelin, glucagon-like peptide (GLP)-1 and 2, and cholecystokinin (CKK) are therefore excellent therapeutic candidates for the treatment of diabetes and obesity. Furthermore, in the recent years, multiple studies suggest that the microbiota is critically important for normal host functions, while impaired host microbiota interactions contribute to the pathogenesis of numerous common metabolic disorders. In this study, we considered the nutraceutical effects of β-glucans added to pasta at the concentration of 6g\100g. Ten participants have been recruited and hematochemical analyses and intestinal hormones tests have been performed before and after 30 days of pasta intake. Stool specimens have been studied for Lactobacillus Fermentum, Lactobacillus acidophilus, Lactobacillus salivarius, Bifidobacterium longum, and Enterococcus faecium presence before and after 30 days of nutritional intervention. After 30 days of regular intake of pasta enriched by β-glucans results have been evaluated. In conclusion, pasta prepared from barley flour enriched with β-glucans at 6% exhibit promising responses on glucose metabolism, on intestinal hormones responses and on microbiota modification.
Antibacterial Activity of Ethanolic Extract of Cinnamon Bark and Honey and Their Combination Effects Against Acne Causing Bacteria
Authors: Julianti Elin , Rajah Kasturi K. , Fidrianny Irda
Published: December 2016

Propionibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis are the major skin bacteria that cause the formation of acne. The present study was conducted to investigate antibacterial activity of ethanolic extract of cinnamon bark, honey and their combination against acne bacteria. The antibacterial activity of extract of cinnamon bark and honey were investigated against P. acnes and S. epidermidis using disc diffusion method. Minimum Inhibitory Concentration (MIC) and minimal bactericidal concentration (MBC) were performed using Clinical and Laboratory Standard Institute (CLSI) methods. The interaction combination between extract of cinnamon bark and honey was determined by using a checkerboards method. The results showed that he MIC of extract of cinnamon bark and honey against P. acne were 256 µg/mL and 50% v/v, respectively, while against S. epidermidis were 1024 µg/mL and 50% v/v, respectively. The MBC of extract of cinnamon against P. acnes and S. epidermidis were more than 2048 µg/mL, whereas the MBC for honey against P. acnes and S. epidermidis were 100%. The combination of cinnamon bark extract and honey against against P. acnes and S. epidermidis, showed additive activity with the FICI value 0.625. Therefore, the combination of extract of cinnamon bark and honey has potential activity against acne causing bacteria.
Land Tenure of the Malay People in North Sumatera: From Normative Trap to the Historical Denial
Authors: Ikhsan Edy
Published: December 2016

The following brief analysis is trying to look at the shifting mechanism of land rights of the Malay people from a historical perspective. The point of analysis stems from the description contained in the literature of customary laws produced by some academics and of the Dutch colonial officials. It subsequently runs using of some secondary materials and other colonial-based archives. The analysis finally concludes that in the span of nearly a half of a century, since the period of the Dutch, Japanese capitulation, the period of independence, the land rights of the Malay people has become a “toy play” of the ruling regimes, with all formulas being implemented in each period. The laws imposed upon this well-known fertile land have been successfully enriching the rulers and a wide range of business people with strong access to it.
New Paradigm for Local Financial Management: A Review of Local Budgeting System
Authors: Karianga Hendra
Published: December 2016

Fiscal decentralization gives authority to the head of region and regional parliament to manage the local budget. The outcomes of the research indicate that the Good Financial Governance principle has been subject to frequent study in its understanding as a new paradigm for local financial management. As it turns out in practice, however, it has certain weaknesses, particularly in view of the accountability and legitimacy aspects of its establishment. In fact, the local budget has become a vehicle for corruption by the state administration is in the center of power, local autonomy shift some corruptor from the center to the local. The issue is how to manage the local budget in order to minimize corruption. If the commitment of the management of local budget is based on new principles in the local financial management, it believed that the local budget is governed annually by the local government will lead to the people’s welfare in the region. Based on such view, the Good Financial Governance principles appears to be the ideal approach to be applied in managing the local budgeting system.
Study the Oxidative Stress, Some Biochemical and Hematological Parameters in patients with agout at AL-Ramadi city
Authors: QassimHosein Yasser , Rawi Khalid F. AL- , AL-Bayate SahebJuma
Published: December 2016

This study aims to study the effect of gout disease on complete blood picture and biochemical parameters and some non-enzymatic antioxidants, some tracing elements and lipid peroxidation ,in outpatients with gout disease at Al-Ramadi Teaching-Hospital ,Al-Razi Hospital and the study duration from Octo.2013-to May 2014.(50) blood samples were collected from patients with age groups (30-80 years) from both sexes (28 males,22 females),a (30) blood samples (15 males,15 females) were collected from normal individuals as a control group with age groups (27-75 years). Hematological measurement showed no significant differences in size compressed blood cells, the percentages in ( 45.15 +4.99 and 46.87+6.30) % in patient and control groups respectively, hemoglobin concentrations were ( 14.04+1.66 and 14.30+1.93) g/l in patient and control groups respectively, total number of red blood cells ( 5.21+0.43 and 5.12 +0.58) 106/mm3 in patient and control groups respectively with(P?0.05) in ESR (21.06+13.47 and 13.37 +7.45) mm/hr in patient and control groups respectively with (P?0.05), the total number of WBCs were recorded (8.96+2.04 and 7.50+1.69)in patient and control groups respectively. Results showed also significant differences (P?0.05) in uric acid levels (7.42+0.76 and 5.62+0.88) mg/dl,malondialdehyde levels were recorded (4.45+0.64 and 3.21+0.86) in patient and control groups
π-Armendariz Rings and Related Concepts
Authors: Abduldai Areej M. , Abidali Roaa M.
Published: December 2016

In this paper we investigated some new properties of π-Armendariz rings and studied the relationships between π-Armendariz rings and central Armendariz rings, nil-Armendariz rings, semicommutative rings, skew Armendariz rings, α-compatible rings and others. We proved that if R is a central Armendariz, then R is π-Armendariz ring. Also we explained how skew Armendariz rings can be ?-Armendariz, for that we proved that if R is a skew Armendariz π-compatible ring, then R is π-Armendariz. Examples are given to illustrate the relations between concepts.
A Quantitative Examination of Factors that Influence Technology Integration in Higher Education System
Authors: Laabidi Hicham , Laabidi Youssouf
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this paper is to explore and describe the status of technology integration in Moroccan higher education system. Forty-six university English language teachers were selected from two universities: Moulay Ismail University Faculty of Arts and Humanities – Meknes and Sidi Mohamed Ben AbdellahDahr – El Mahraz – Fes . The quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics of frequencies and percentages. The findings revealed that teachers consider Information and Communication Technology very essential in their teaching. The results also showed that computer technology is integrated in Moroccan universities at low levels. This lack of use of the new technologies in instruction and learning was attributed to several barriers including insufficient professional development, inadequate access to computer technologies, and lack of computer training to name only few.
Microfinance banks and small and medium sized enterprises access to finance: the Nigerian experience
Authors: Ogechukwu Obokoh Lawrence , Unam Monday James , Ojiako Udechukwu
Published: December 2016

The paper explored the extent to which current microfinance lending impacts on indigenous SME access to finance and how the intermediation services of the microfinance banks (MFBs) contributed to or otherwise to the development of SMEs. A total of 800 such indigenous SMEs were identified, however, data were obtained from 300 of the identified indigenous SMEs from a questionnaire survey in four states (provinces) within the country that make up the Niger Delta region. The result shows positive contribution of microfinance lending to the development of such enterprises. However, it appears that a number of factors including cumbersome process, poorly packaged business plans and perceived high cost of credit still limit the access of indigenous SMEs to credit.
Keywords: microfinance banks, SMEs, entrepreneurship, financial services. JEL Classification: G21, L26, M13
European and global financial integration: some panel evidence of the convergence of interest rates
Authors: Ferreira Cândida
Published: December 2016

This paper seeks to contribute to the literature on financial integration using panel estimates to test beta- and sigma-convergence across the European Union countries’ interest rates and towards two specific benchmarks — the German and US rates — covering the time interval between 1999 and 2014 and taking into account the recent international financial crisis. The findings point to the existence of a process of convergence of interest rates and this process may be considered as part of the global process of integration. Furthermore, there is evidence of convergence to the chosen benchmarks, in particular of short-term real interest rates; the speed of this convergence towards the German rates clearly increased in the EU as a response to the financial crisis.
Keywords: financial integration, banking market, European interest rates, beta-convergence, sigma-convergence, panel data estimates. JEL Classification: C2, E4, F3, G1, G2
A qualitative analysis of the internal audit function in the banking sector
Authors: Rijamampianina Rasoava
Published: December 2016

In South Africa, the financial sector contributes approximately 10.5% to the country’s gross domestic product (GDP). Although the 2007-2009 global financial crisis did not directly impact the domestic market, it threatened the profitability of the financial sector and triggered changes that affected the role of the internal audit function. In particular, stakeholders’ expectations from the function have significantly increased. Against this background, the study seeks to identify the key success factors of performing internal audit reviews of capital markets business areas within the big four South African banks. For this purpose, in-depth interviews with experienced internal auditors, risk managers and traders were carried out. The study suggests several implications and recommendations for the risk management, internal audit and audit committee functions that can also be adopted by interested parties from non-financial institutions.
Keywords: internal audit, value creation, skills, stakeholders, capital markets. JEL Classification: G31, M42
Dynamics patterns of banks evaluations on the basis of Kohonen self-organizing maps
Authors: Kozmenko Serhiy , Shkolnyk Inna , Bukhtiarova Alina
Published: December 2016

In the research, bank patterns analysis is held on the basis of Kohonen self-organizing maps with the aim to determine further directions of bank strategies development under the influence of crisis events in Ukraine’s economy. For model practical approval, the sample of 32 banks was formed, which presents four groups of banks according to the classification determined by the National Bank of Ukraine. While constructing model, 15 indexes were used that characterize bank’s functioning efficiency. As a result of research, cluster ranking was constructed, the groups (powerful banks, stable, problem banks and banks that are in the crisis state and bankrupt state) were formed and the trajectory of bank evolution as a patterns unity, each of which characterizes the activity of bank on a definite moment of time. It gives possibility for the government regulation authority – central bank to take decisions according to the appropriateness use of regulation instruments of separate bank with the aim of saving stable banking system state in a whole, and for the clients – to evaluate bank’s reliability.
Keywords: banks, banking system, economic modeling, Harrington desirability function, cluster analysis, self-organizing map, pattern of bank. JEL Classifications: G17, G21, G33
Nursing Staff Members Mental’s Health and Factors Associated with the Work Process: An Integrative Review
Authors: Vasconcelos Selene Cordeiro , Lopes de Souza Sandra , Botelho Sougey Everton , de Oliveira Ribeiro Elayne Cristina , Costa do Nascimento José Jailson , Formiga Mariana Bandeira , Batista de Souza Ventura Luciana , Duarte da Costa Lima Murilo , Silva Antonia Oliveira
Published: December 2016

Background:

The mental health of nursing staff members influences the work process outcomes.

Objective:

Identify the work related factors that harms the nursing team’s mental health.

Methods:

Databases PubMed, Scopus, CINAHL and MEDLINE, by mating between the indexed descriptors in MeSH terms “mental health” and “occupational health nursing”. 783 articles were rescued to give a final sample of 18 articles. Integrative review in order to identify factors associated with the work process of the nursing staff that negatively affects mental health.

Results:

The main associated factors were work demands, psychological demands, violence, aggression, poor relationships with administrators, accidents involving the risk of exposure to HIV, stress and errors in the execution of labor activities. The main findings regarding the nursing staff’s mental health were post-traumatic stress disorder, depression, stress, major depressive episode and generalized anxiety disorder.

Conclusion:

Occupational nurses need to understand the complexities of mental health problems and substance use among nursing staff members to recognize, identify and care for workers at risk and offer adequate mental health care. Although the researches interests in this theme have increased, proving that all these factors contribute to the risk to mental health of nursing professionals, the protective measures and care are being neglected by managers in both private and public network . The health of nursing workers in question here is one more challenge for a profession that takes care of others in need, therefore, requires some caring with their own health.
Variation in mineral contents of Ceriops decandra (Griff.) Ding Hou under NaCl stress-A true mangrove species
Authors: A. Arun Prasath , M.* Gomathinayagam
Published: December 2016

30 days old healthy seedlings of Ceriops decandra were selected for NaC1 treatment. The experimental plants were treated with NaCl solution (Control, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000 mM) by soil drenching method to analyze the ions such as Sodium, Calcium, Chloride, Nitrogen, Phosphorous and Manganese. The results showed that above 800 mM the seedlings did not survived. Sampling for analysis of ions was taken on the 60th, 90th and 120th days after planting (DAP). Nitrogen and Calcium content were increased in 400 mM NaCl leaf tissues and were slightly increased in stem and roots of 400 mM. Chloride and Sodium was more accumulated by 800 mM NaCl treated leaves and then stem and root. Magnesium and Phosphorous content were decreased above the optimum concentration of NaCl.
Familia,
Authors: González Ford María Adriana
Published: December 2016

Throughout history the concept of family has varied in terms of its functions, roles, internal and external relationships and its articulation with other institutions. It is difficult to define the family due to these changes and it is simpler to characterize it generically as the basic unit of social organization and as an agent of formation of new members. Considering the family as a system, three clearly different subsystems can be identified: conjugal, sibling and parent-child The influence of the family on people’s quality of life is significant and two well defined processes can be distinguished: development of personal identity and family identity. Within this environment of primary socialization, affection, values, upbringing guidelines and the tools to adequately integrate into society are developed. Some of the changes that have affected the family include the entry of women into the work place, an increase in divorce rates, different working hours and the eruption of the mass media and information networks providing new ways of contact with the world which affect the family. In relation to education, parents value it enormously and create expectations of integration and participation in school activities.
Developing “best practices” for bankers’ pay in line with Basel III.
Authors: Yu Peiyi , Yang Jessica Hong , Kakabadse Nada
Published: December 2016

This paper proposes hybrid capital securities as a significant part of senior bank executive incentive compensation in light of Basel III, a new global regulatory standard on bank capital adequacy and liquidity agreed by the members of the Basel Committee on Banking Supervision. The committee developed Basel III in a response to the deficiencies in financial regulation brought about by the global financial crisis. Basel III strengthens bank capital requirements and introduces new regulatory requirements on bank liquidity and bank leverage. The hybrid bank capital securities we propose for bank executives’ compensation are preferred shares and subordinated debt that the June 2004 Basel II regulatory framework recognised as other admissible forms of capital. The past two decades have witnessed dramatic increase in performance-related pay in the banking industry. Stakeholders such as shareholders, debtholders and regulators criticise traditional cash and equity-based compensation for encouraging bank executives’ excessive risk taking and short-termism, which has resulted in the failure of risk management in high profile banks during the global financial crisis. Paying compensation in the form of hybrid bank capital securities may align the interests of executives with those of stakeholders and help banks regain their reputation for prudence after years of aggressive risk-taking. Additionally,
banks are desperately seeking to raise capital in order to bolster balance sheets damaged by the ongoing credit crisis. Tapping their own senior employees with large incentive compensation packages may be a viable additional source of capital that is politically acceptable in times of large-scale bailouts of the financial sector and economically wise as it aligns the interests of the executives with the need for a stable financial system.
Regulatory regimes and bank behavior
Authors: Lee Seok Weon
Published: December 2016

The purpose of this paper is to examine how the risk-taking behavior differed between Korean regional banks and national banks for the two different regulatory regimes; a very loose regulation period (1994-1997) and a very tightened regulation period (1998-2005). From the panel analysis over the
period 1994-2005, we found that regional banks took riskier strategies than national banks when banking regulations are loose. Moreover, their higher risk-taking contributed to higher profit under the period of loose regulation. However, after the banking regulations were tightened after financial
crisis around the late 1990s, this phenomenon disappeared and the tendency of regional banks to take greater risk than national banks was not observed any more. Also, the positive relationship between risk-taking and profitability was not observed either after regulations were tightened. These empirical
findings would have the following policy implications. When the economic conditions are good, and therefore, banking regulations are relatively loose, the greater risk-taking of regional banks could be profitable, because regional banks are in a better situation in terms of maintaining their market share based on the close ties with their regional clients, and can be protected from excessive competition with national banks. But, if the economic conditions get worse and financial crisis occurs, and therefore, banking regulations get tightened, regional banks are more adversely and sensitively affected by these shocks than national banks because their size is small and their assets are less diversified than national banks, especially being concentrated on loans to small and medium size business sector and real estate loans, which are very sensitive to the fluctuation of the economy. Furthermore, if these adverse economic and financial shocks continue long, the probability of regional banks to fail would be substantially higher and it can cause a serious damage to the regional economy. To avoid these adverse consequences in economic and financial crisis, regional banks need to diversify their asset portfolios and earnings structure, and improve the skill of more forward-looking risk management.
Determinants of performance of privatized firms: The role of the economy, competition, restructurings financial markets, corporate ownership and governance
Authors: Vaz Ferreira José Manuel Bernardo
Published: December 2016

The aim of this work is to investigate the determinants and why and how the post-privatization firm’s performance improvements occur in an application to the Portuguese case. We test the effects of some causes that may have effects on that performance behavior, based on the agency, property rights and public choice theories. We conclude that the privatization itself, the simple act of privatizing a firm, leads to performance improvements, independently of the effect of other determinants. We observe the same effect when there are favourable economic conditions, when they are in a competitive market, when companies are listed in a stock exchange after privatization, when they are privatized by an initial public offering and when companies develop restructurings before privatization.
Arqueologia dos Cerritos na Laguna dos Patos, Sul do Brasil: uma síntese da ocupação regional
Authors: Milheira Rafael Guedes , Garcia Anderson Marques , Ribeiro Bruno Leonardo Ricardo , Ulguim Priscilla Ferreira , Da Silveira Cleiton Silva , Sanhudo Marcelo Da Silva
Published: December 2016

Desde o século XIX são pesquisados sítios arqueológicos compostos por montículos predominantemente de terra denominados cerritos ou aterros, associados a estruturas como microrrelevos, negativos topográficos, caminhos e praças que configuram complexos arqueológicos comumente encontrados em ambientes alagadiços no bioma Pampa, entre o sul do Brasil, Uruguai e Argentina. No Brasil, na porção meridional da Laguna dos Patos, a arqueologia dos ceritos vem sendo retomada depois de 40 anos de esquecimento.  Já foram realizados mapeamento de três complexos de sítios com cerritos e desenvolvidas intervenções sistemáticas para compreensão dos contextos arqueológicos; estudos de tecnologias, dieta alimentar e processos de formação, bem como o estabelecimento de cronologias. Esses dados foram sintetizados neste artigo para discutir a relação sistêmica entre as diferentes áreas de ocupação no ambiente lagunar do estuário da laguna dos Patos.
Transport of silver nanoparticles from nanocomposite Ag/alginate hydrogels under conditions mimicking tissue implantation
Authors: Kostic Danijela , Malagurski Ivana , Obradovic Bojana
Published: December 2016

The aim of this work was to assess phenomena occurring during AgNP transport from nanocomposite Ag/alginate hydrogels under conditions relevant for potential biomedical applications as antimicrobial soft tissue implants. First, we have studied AgNP migration from the nanocomposite to the adjacent alginate hydrogel mimicking soft tissue next to the implant. AgNP deposition was carried out by the initial burst release lasting for ?24 h yielding large aggregates on hydrogel surfaces and smaller clusters (?400 nm in size) inside. However, the overall released content was low (0.67%) indicating high nanocomposite stability. In the next experimental series, release of AgNPs, 10?30 nm in size, from Ag/alginate microbeads in water was investigated under static conditions as well as under continuous perfusion mimicking vascularized tissues. Mathematical modeling has revealed AgNP release by diffusion under static conditions with the diffusion coefficient within the Ag/alginate hydrogel of 6.9x10?19 m2 s?1. Conversely, continuous perfusion induced increased AgNP release by convection with the interstitial fluid velocity estimated as 4.6 nm s?1. Overall, the obtained results indicated the influence of hydrodynamic conditions at the implantation site on silver release and potential implant functionality, which should be investigated at the experimentation beginning using appropriate in vitro systems.
Synthesis of vinyldihydropyran by cooperative catalysis
Authors: Vulovic Bojan , Maric Ivana , Matovic Radomir , Saicic Radomir
Published: December 2016

?5-Unsaturated aldehydes with a suitably positioned allylic halide, or
phosphate, leaving group undergo doubly-catalyzed cyclization to give
dihydropyran derivatives. The cyclization proceeds under the synergetic
action of diazabicycloundecene and Pd(PPh3)4. This type of transformation
was also accomplished with an aryl ketone.
The post-Yugoslav space on a demographic crossway: 25 years after the collapse of Yugoslavia
Authors: Josipovic Damir
Published: December 2016

The aim of the article is to integrally assess the demographic changes after
1990. It is presumed that considerable variations exist in terms of intensity
of demographic processes. The following analyses encompassed the relevant
national or regional statistics, employing methodological adjustment in order
to enable data comparison. Herewith, the changing definitions of population
presented a special analytical problem. The so-called principle of
?permanent? residence was largely replaced with the principle of ?usual?
residence. By way of the usual residence it was possible to single out the
present population and thus to approach the analysis. The main goal was to
assess the direct and indirect demographic loss within the post-Yugoslav
space. The combined analysis showed that the whole post Yugoslav area
suffered a loss of about 5 million inhabitants (including the permanent
emigration of the former guest-workers). Except from Slovenia, and stagnating
Montenegro and Macedonia, all other countries from the Yugoslav space have
lost more or less of their population. Losing a quarter of its pre-war
population, Bosnia-Herzegovina suffered the most (1.093 million), but the
high loss was determined also for the neighboring Serbia and Croatia. Serbia
within its pre-war territory lost almost a million or one tenth of its
population, while Croatia lost more than half a million or one ninth of its
population. The three core Yugoslav areas lost more than 2.5 million. The
analyses confirmed the striking regional differences as well. The highest
relative depopulation was recorded in Republika Srpska of Bosnia-Herzegovina.
Complete histopathological regression in rectal cancer after neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy and sphincter preserving surgical treatment
Authors: Petrovic Tomislav , Knezevic-Usaj Slavica , Radovanovic Dragana , Lukic Dejan , Petrovic Nemanja , Petroivic Tanja
Published: December 2016

Background/Aim. Multimodal approach to locally advanced rectal cancer treatment results in better disease outcome. Preoperative chemoradiotherapy improves disease local control, reduces risk of local recurrence and in the majority of patients with complete or substantial regression of the tumors significantly improves survival rates. According to the literature data, approximately 20% of patients had achieved complete histopathological response (pCR) after neoadjuvant chemoradiation therapy. The aim of this study was to evaluate overall survival in rectal cancer patients treated with preoperative chemoradiotherapy and sphincter preserving surgery. Methods. This retrospective study included 191 patients. Patients received preoperative radiation therapy and chemotherapy-chemoradiation therapy (CRT) followed by operation that favorized sphincter preservation with total mesorectal excision (TME) from June 2000 until December 2010. Diagnosis was established according to the following algorithm: patient history, digital rectal examiantion, colonoscopy with biopsy and histopathology verification, and preoperative clinical staging. Patients with tumors located below promontorium were included in the study and patients with metastatic disease and local recurrence were excluded from the study. For tumors located below the promontorium preoperative radiotherapy was used with total dose of 50.4 Gy, divided into daily doses of 1.8 Gy, during 28 days. Chemotherapy followed radiotherapy with 5- fluorouracil and folic acid (Leucovorin?) on days 1, 2, 10, 11, 20 and 21. Six to ten weeks after neoadjuvant therapy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to restage tumors and operation were performed. Results. Of all patients that received preopertive chemoradiation, 163 had radical sphincter preservig surgery and 28 patients had paliative operations. Histopathological examination of the specimens showed that the complete histopathological regression was achieved in 21.4% of the patients, downstaged was found in 63.2% of them and unchanged stage was found in 15.3% of the patients. The five-year survival rate was 63.3% and 50.5 % in the patients with pCR and patients with incomplete histopathological regression, respectively. Survival rates between two groups were not statistically significant (p > 0.05). Conclusion. The preoperative chemoradiotherapy is very important in achieving optimal clinical care for patients with locally advanced rectal cancer.
Evaluation of molecular typing of foodborne pathogens in European reference laboratories from 2012 to 2013
Authors: Schjørring Susanne , Niskanen Taina , Torpdahl Mia , Björkman Jonas T , Nielsen Eva Møller
Published: December 2016

In 2012, the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) initiated external quality assessment (EQA) schemes for molecular typing including the National Public Health Reference Laboratories in Europe. The overall aim for these EQA schemes was to enhance the European surveillance of food-borne pathogens by evaluating and improving the quality and comparability of molecular typing. The EQAs were organised by Statens Serum Institut (SSI) and included Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica, verocytotoxin-producing Escherichia coli (VTEC) and Listeria monocytogenes. Inter-laboratory comparable pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) images were obtained from 10 of 17 of the participating laboratories for Listeria, 15 of 25 for Salmonella, but only nine of 20 for VTEC. Most problems were related to PFGE running conditions and/or incorrect use of image acquisition. Analysis of the gels was done in good accordance with the provided guidelines. Furthermore, we assessed the multilocus variable-number tandem repeat analysis (MLVA) scheme for S. Typhimurium. Of 15 laboratories, nine submitted correct results for all analysed strains, and four had difficulties with one strain only. In conclusion, both PFGE and MLVA are prone to variation in quality, and there is therefore a continuous need for standardisation and validation of laboratory performance for molecular typing methods of food-borne pathogens in the human public health sector.
Maize production in mid hills of Nepal: from food to feed security
Authors: Timsina Krishna Prasad , Ghimire Yuga Nath , Lamichhane Jeevan
Published: December 2016

This study was undertaken in 2016 to analyze the production and utilization of maize in Nepal. Sixty maize growers from Kavre and Lamjung districts were selected using purposive, cluster and simple random sampling techniques. Similarly, six feed industries and five maize experts from Chitwan district were also interviewed. Study shows 56% of the total areas were used for maize production and 50% of the maize areas were covered by hybrid maize. There was no practice of contract maize production. The results revealed that 60%, 25% and 3% of the grain were used for animal feed, food and seed respectively in hill districts. Whereas the remaining amount of the maize (12%) was sold to the different buyers. The proportion of maize feed supply to different animals in the study area was varying. Result shows that at least 1.5 million tons of maize is required only to the feed industries affiliated with national feed industry association in Nepal. Similarly, out of total maize used in feed production, 87% of the maize was imported from India each year by feed industries. Analysis shows negative correlation between scale of feed production and use of domestic maize due to unavailability of required quantity of maize in time. The major pre-condition of feed industries for maize buying was moisture content which must be equal or less than 14%. Very little or no inert materials and physical injury, free from fungal attack and bigger size were also the criteria for maize buying. However, some of the feed industries were also thinking about protein and amino acid contents. Result shows 13% and 8.5% increasing demand of poultry feed and animal feed, respectively over the last five year in Nepal.  Most likely, maize is known as a means of food security in Nepal, however, in the context of changing utilization patterns at the farm level and also tremendous increasing demand of maize at the industry level suggest to give more focus on development and dissemination of maize varieties that can contribute to the feed security issues as well.
Assessment of soil fertility status of Agriculture Research Station, Belachapi, Dhanusha, Nepal
Authors: Khadka Dinesh , Lamichhane Sushil , Khan Shahabuddin , Joshi Sushila , Pant Buddhi Bahadur
Published: December 2016

Soil test-based fertility management is important for sustainable soil management. This study was carried out to determine the soil fertility status of the Agriculture Research Station, Belachapi, Dhanusha, Nepal. Using soil sampling auger 25 soil samples were collected randomly from a depth of 0-20 cm. Soil sampling points were identified using GPS device. Following standard methods adopted by Soil Science Division laboratory, Khumaltar, the collected soil samples were analyzed to find out their texture, pH, N, P2O5, K2O, Ca, Mg, S, B, Fe, Zn, Cu, Mn and organic matter status. The soil fertility status maps were made using Arc-GIS 10.1 software. The observed data revealed that soil was grayish brown in colour and sub-angular blocky in structure. The sand, silt and clay content were 36.03±3.66%, 50.32±2.52% and 25.42±2.25%, respectively and categorized as eight different classes of texture. The soil was acidic in pH (5.61±0.14). The available sulphur (0.73±0.09 ppm) status was very low, whereas organic matter (1.34±0.07%), available boron (0.56±0.10 ppm), available zinc (0.54±0.22 ppm) and available copper (0.30±0.01 ppm) were low in status. The extractable potassium (95.52±13.37 ppm) and extractable calcium (1264.8±92.80ppm) exhibited medium in status. In addition, available phosphorus (33.25±6.97 ppm), available magnesium (223.20±23.65 ppm) and available manganese (20.50±2.43 ppm) were high in status. Furthermore, available iron (55.80±8.89 ppm) status was very high. To improve the potentiality of crops (maize, rice, wheat etc.) for studied area, future research strategy should be made based on its soil fertility status.
Studies on food preferences of maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Mots. to different crops in Chitwan, Nepal
Authors: Sharma Sheela Devi , Thapa Resham Bahadur , KC Gopal Bahadur , Bhandari Ghanashyam , Tiwari Sundar
Published: December 2016

Food preference by the maize weevil, Sitophilus zeamais Motschulsky was studied on seven different crops and varieties including maize, wheat and rice. They were maize cultivars namely Arun-2, Manakamana-4, Deuti, buckwheat local cultivar, wheat cultivar namely Annapurna-1, polished rice-Radha 4 and unshelled rice cultivar Mansuli under storage condition at  Institute of Agriculture and Animal Science, Rampur, Chitwan, Nepal from June 2013 to February 2014 . The hosts were tested using completely randomized design with three replications and were laid in free-choice and no-choice conditions. The maximum number of grain loss was recorded in wheat followed by polished rice respectively. Similarly, the highest weight loss was recorded in polished rice followed by Wheat in both conditions. F1 progeny emergence of weevil was highest in wheat followed by polished rice in free-choice and in no choice conditions, the highest progeny were emerged from polished rice followed by wheat. The lowest numbers of weevils emerged from rice in both conditions. Maximum germination losses were recorded in wheat (24.33%) and lowest in Arun-2 (9.67). The rice showed a relatively higher preference to maize weevil under storage condition.
Tillage methods and mulch on water saving and yield of spring maize in Chitwan
Authors: Upadhyay Ishwari Prasad , Jha Shiva Kumar , Karki Tika Bahadur , Yadav Jitendra , Bhandari Balram
Published: December 2016

Tillage methods and mulch influences the productivity and water requirement of spring maize hence a field experiment was conducted at the National Maize Research Program, Rampur in spring seasons of 2011 and 2012 with the objectives to evaluate different tillage methods with and without mulch on water requirement and grain yield of spring maize. The experiment was laid out in two factors factorial randomized complete design with three replications. The treatments consisted of tillage methods (Permanent bed, Zero tillage and Conventional tillage) and mulch (with and without). Irrigation timing was fixed as knee high stage, tasseling stage and milking/dough stage. Data on number of plants, number of ears, thousand grain weight and grain yield were recorded and analysed using GenStat. Two years combined result showed that the effect of tillage methods and mulch significant influenced grain yield and water requirement of spring maize. The maize grain yield was the highest in permanent beds with mulch (4626 kg ha-1) followed by zero tillage with mulch (3838 kg ha-1). Whereas total water applied calculated during the crop period were the highest in conventional tillage without mulch followed by conventional tillage with mulch. The permanent bed with mulch increased the yield and reduced the water requirement of spring maize in Chitwan.