bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blockchain ve Kripto Paraların Kullanımı Üzerine Bir Değerlendirme
Authors: GÜMÜŞ Arif , ERKUŞ Hakan
Published: March 2019

Blockchain teknolojisi, resmi kurumların katkısı olmadan bir ağa bağlı
bilgisayarlar aracılığı ile çeşitli onaylama ve doğrulama işlemlerinin
gerçekleştirildiği bir sistemdir. 21. yy’da ortaya çıkan blockchain teknolojisi
ve kripto paraların hızla yatırım aracına dönüştüğü görülmektedir. Bu çalışmada
blockchain teknolojisinin kullanımı sonucu ortaya çıkan kripto paralar, paranın
tarihinden yola çıkılarak incelenmeye çalışılmıştır. Kripto paralar sahip
olduğu gücü insanların güveninden alırken, geleneksel para gücünü kendisini
piyasaya süren devletten almaktadır. Bu çalışmada kripto paraların güçlü ve
zayıf yönleri anlatılarak gelecekte geleneksel para birimi gibi kullanılıp
kullanılamayacağı incelenmiştir. Kripto paraların bir para birimi olmaktan çok
bir yatırım aracı olarak kullanıldığı görülmektedir. İnsanların bu paralara
güveni devam ettiği sürece kripto paraların varlığını koruyacağı, değerinde
artış ve azalışlar olacağı gözlemlenmiş, güvenin yok olması durumunda ise
etkinliklerini devam ettiremeyeceği tespit edilmiştir.
BIST Sektör Endekslerinin Gelişmiş Ülke Sektör Endeksleri İle İlişkisinin İncelenmesi
Authors: EYÜBOĞLU Sinem , EYÜBOĞLU Kemal
Published: March 2019

Bilgi teknolojileri alanındaki ilerlemeler ve sermaye hareketlerinin önündeki engellerin kalkması, finansal entegrasyon sürecini hızlandırmıştır. finansal entegrasyonun artması uluslararası portföy çeşitlendirmesi açısından piyasalar arasındaki ilişkileri araştıran çalışmalara önem kazandırmıştır. Bu amaçla çalışmada 20.05.2010-03.04.2018 dönemi için günlük dolar bazlı fiyatlar kullanılarak BIST ile Dow Jones, DAX ve CAC sanayi, mali ve teknoloji sektör endeksleri arasındaki uzun dönemli ilişkinin varlığı Engle-Granger (1987) eşbütünleşme yöntemiyle analiz edilmiştir. Sonuçlar uzun dönemde 3 ülkenin sanayi endeksi ile BIST sanayi endeksinin, 3 ülkenin mali sektör endeksi ile BIST mali endeksinin ve 3 ülkenin teknoloji endeksi ile BIST teknoloji endeksinin birlikte hareket etmediklerini ortaya koymuştur. Kısa dönem dinamikleri ise Granger nedensellik testi ile incelenmiş ve BIST ile CAC sektör endekslerinin uluslararası çeşitlendirme için uygun oldukları tespit edilmiştir.
Cumhuriyetten Günümüze Sosyal Bilgiler Öğretim Programlarında Değişen “İyi Vatandaşlık” Algısı
Authors: AKHAN Nadire Emel , ÇİÇEK Samet , MERT Hilal
Published: March 2019

Bu
çalışmanın amacı, ülkemizde Cumhuriyetten günümüze (1924-2017) Sosyal Bilgiler
Öğretim Programlarında değişen iyi vatandaşlık algısını ortaya koymaktır. Bu
doğrultuda çalışmada, Cumhuriyetten günümüze Sosyal Bilgiler Öğretim
Programları incelendiği için tarama modeli içerisinde yer alan tarihsel yöntem
kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada elde edilen dokümanlar (Cumhuriyetten günümüze
yayınlanmış Sosyal Bilgiler Programları), betimsel analiz yöntemine dayalı
olarak analiz edilmiştir. Araştırmanın sonuçlarına genel olarak bakıldığında,
Sosyal Bilgiler programlarının geçmişten günümüze vatandaşlık aktarımını ön
plana aldığı görülmüştür. Bu doğrultuda programlardaki iyi vatandaşlık algısı:
“cumhuriyet ideolojisini benimsemiş, milletine ve devletine karşı görev ve
sorumluluklarını bilen, eski tarihi kişiliklerin hayatlarını tanıyan, ülkesi
için canla başla mücadele eden ve bunu yaşamında bir ülkü ve inanç haline
getiren, üretken, hak ve sorumluluklarını bilen, demokrasinin gelişmesine katkı
sağlayan insanlar yetiştirmek” olarak yer almıştır.
IMPLEMENTATION OF PEER TEACHING METHOD TO REDUCE COMPETENCE GAP OF VOCATIONAL STUDENTS
Authors: Wibowo Aris Eko , Triwiyono Endri
Published: March 2019

This study aims to describe the implementation, obstacles and benefits of peer teaching methods in machining practice frais course. The method was a descriptive qualitative. The population comprised of semester 1 students of Study Program of Mechanical Engineering Education Faculty of Engineering UNY. Data were collected by observation and interview. Data analysis used interactive model. The results show that this implementation works well with several benefits and obstacles. Benefits: 1) Improving discussion habits and exchanging knowledge to improve learning activities. 2) Provide an active learning experience. 3) Accelerate machining frais competence for high school graduate students. 4) Strengthening machining frais competence for vocational graduate students. 5) Improving students' enthusiasm, teamwork and confidence to do frais work. Obstacles: 1) introductory theory explanation was less conducive because students are listening while standing. 2) WPS discussion during the learning process reduces the practice time allocation. 3) Some students did not use glasses as a safety tool.
Fracture of an Os Hamulus Proprium
Authors: Graham Jack G. , Matzon Jonas L. , Czachor Boleslaw , Lucenti Ludovico , Beredjiklian Pedro K.
Published: March 2019

Case:

We report the case of a 39-year-old man who sustained an acute fracture of an os hamulus proprium, which was treated with open surgical excision after nonoperative treatment was unsuccessful. At the most recent follow-up, at 6 years after surgery, the patient was asymptomatic and maintained full function of the hand and the wrist.

Conclusion:

An os hamulus proprium is often confused with a fracture of the hook of the hamate, and little information exists in the literature regarding these accessory ossicles. To our knowledge, an os hamulus proprium fracture has not previously been described in the literature.
Canales y márgenes de comercialización del queso añejo en zacazonapan, México
Authors: Rebollar Rebollar S. , Hernández Martínez J. , González Razo F. J. , García Martínez A. , Albarrán Portillo B. , Rojo Rubio R.
Published: March 2019

Para analizar los canales y márgenes de comercialización del queso añejo, en 2007 se realizó una investigación en el municipio de Zacazonapan, México, en la cual se identificó el canal de comercialización más utilizado en este tipo de queso por los productores, y se estimaron los márgenes absoluto y relativo, a través de los valores equivalentes, costos y ganancias de cada agente participante. El 83,3% de los queseros ocupó el primer eslabón de la cadena producción-consumo y los intermediarios el 16,7%. Los primeros participaron en 100% del precio que pagó el consumidor final y los segundos con 33,4%. El margen bruto de comercialización del queso añejo en su modalidad madurado (8 días de maduración) fue 5,59 US$/kg; que en términos relativos significa que el quesero se apropió 58,29% del precio final que pagó el consumidor y los intermediarios 45,16%. Respecto al valor del queso madurado, el quesero se apropió de 41,71% y el resto los intermediarios. El canal de comercialización más común fue productor (quesero)-consumidor final.
Desempenho de carassius auratus com diferentes estratégias alimentares em sistema de recirculação de água
Authors: Moreira R. L. , Da Costa J. M. , Teixeira E. G. , Moreira A. G. L. , De Moura P. S. , Rocha R. S. , Vieira R. H. S. F.
Published: March 2019

A eficiência de um sistema de recirculação para o cultivo de C. auratus, alimentados com dieta natural e artificial foi avaliada. O experimento consistiu de quatro tratamentos com quatro repetições. Os dois primeiros tratamentos utilizaram sistemas de recirculação e os dois últimos sistemas estáticos. No primeiro e quarto tratamento, os animais foram alimentados com biomassa de artêmia (PB 50%), enquanto nos tratamentos dois e três, com ração comercial em flocos (42% PB). Ao final do cultivo (60 dias), amostras de água foram coletadas em todas as unidades experimentais e submetidos a contagem padrão em placas para determinação da densidade de bactérias mesófilas. O peso final (g), com-primento final (cm), taxa de crescimento específico (% dia-1) e ganho de peso (%) foram signifi-cativamente diferentes (p
Flavonoid Components of Different Color Magnolia Flowers and Their Relationship to Cultivar Selections
Authors: Wang Ninghang , Zhang Chao , Bian Sainan , Chang Pengjie , Xuan Lingjuan , Fan Lijie , Yu Qin , Liu Zhigao , Gu Cuihua , Zhang Shouzhou , Wang Yaling , Shen Yamei
Published: March 2019

Magnolia (Magnoliaceae) is widely cultivated for its beauty; however, despite this, the components of the different flower colors in Magnolia have not been elucidated. In this study, the color parameters of 10 Magnolia petals with different colors were measured by the Royal Horticultural Society Color Chart (RHSCC) and a color reader CR-10. The composition and content of the flavonoids in the petals were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with diode array detection (HPLC-DAD) as well as HPLC with electrospray ionization and mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS2). All results showed that the 10 petals were divided into four color groups. Regarding the flavonoid composition, four types of anthocyanins, including Cyanidin-glucosyl-rhamnoside (Cy-GR), Cyanidin-glucosyl-rhamnosyl-glucoside (Cy-GRG), Peonidin-glucosyl-rhamnoside (Pn-GR), and Peonidin-glucosyl-rhamnosyl-glucoside (Pn-GRG), were identified, as well as 10 types of flavonols. The flavonols included isorhamnetin, quercetin, kaempferol, and their glycosides, which included rutinoside, rhamnose, and glucoside. Cyanidin and peonidin make Magnolia petals appear red-purple and purple, respectively, and the flavonols perform as evident auxiliary pigments, particularly quercetin. The Magnolia cultivar flower phenotypes sampled in this study differed by changes in their existing flavonoid content rather than by the appearance of new flavonoids. Consequently, this study provides a reference for further revealing the basis of Magnolia flower color and provides clues for color breeding.
Variation of Anthocyanins, Proanthocyanidins, Flavonols, and Organic Acids in Cultivated and Wild Diploid Blueberry Species
Authors: Wang Yifei , Fong Stephanie K. , Singh Ajay P. , Vorsa Nicholi , Johnson-Cicalese Jennifer
Published: March 2019

The flavonoid and organic acid profiles of one cultivated tetraploid and six wild diploid blueberry species (Vaccinium spp.) were systematically investigated using high-performance liquid chromatography–electrospray ionization–tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS-MS). Eighteen individual anthocyanins from five aglycone classes were characterized among species, with malvidin and delphinidin glycosides accounting for 31.4% and 29.1% of total anthocyanins. Twenty-three flavonol glycosides from six aglycone classes were identified, among which quercetin and myricetin glycosides accounted for more than 80% of total flavonols in most species. Both inter- and intraspecies differences in anthocyanin and flavonol composition were observed, as described by principal component analysis. Only B-type proanthocyanidins were found in blueberry species, and highly polymerized molecules with degree of polymerization greater than 10 appeared to be the most abundant fraction. Although overall proanthocyanidin levels varied from 27.7 to 146.3 mg/100 g fruit, all species exhibited similar proanthocyanidin composition. Citric, quinic, and shikimic acid were the major identified blueberry organic acids. However, their relative abundance varied across species. In certain species either citric acid (e.g., Vaccinium darrowii) or quinic acid (e.g., Vaccinium corymbosum) was lacking.
Leaf Color and Growth Change of Sedum rubrotinctum Caused by Two Commercial Chemical Products
Authors: Ma Ying , Li Xinduo , Gu Zhanying , Li Jian’an
Published: March 2019

Sedum rubrotinctum is widely grown as an ornamental because of its attractive leaf shape and color. Increasing the morphological diversity and color will greatly add to its ornamental value. Environmental conditions such as light and temperature can change the leaf color of succulent plants, but the mechanism is uncertain. To examine this mechanism, we tested the effects of two commercial chemical products Sowing Goodliness (Sg) and Aromatic Garden (Ag) on the morphology, pigment content, and growth performance of Sedum rubrotinctum seedlings. The Sg treatment did not change foliage color, but can accelerate plant growth and increase lateral bud number. The Ag treatment had marked changes on the relative proportions of pigments and leaf color, and plant growth was severely reduced with mortality observed in some plants. After Ag stress was discontinued, the surviving plants began to regrow and had good ornamental value but had the fewest number of lateral buds and leaves, and the smallest leaf length and thickness, canopy diameter, and plant height. Foliage color changes are caused directly by shifts in the relative proportions of pigments, particularly chlorophyll b and anthocyanin. In Ag-treated plants, chlorophyll b declined much faster than chlorophyll a, indicating that the transformation of chlorophyll b into chlorophyll a is an important step in the chlorophyll degradation pathway. Ag provides a way to learn more about the mechanism of chlorophyll degradation and should be investigated further. Ag enhanced anthocyanin production rapidly and improved the ornamental value of Sedum rubrotinctum. Different concentrations of Ag and Sg were not studied in this trial and might be tested to determine the ideal balance between leaf color and plant growth.
Photosynthetic Characteristics of Individual Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) Leaves under Short-distance Lightning with Blue, Green, and Red LED Lights
Authors: Mochizuki Yuya , Sekiguchi Saori , Horiuchi Naomi , Aung Thanda , Ogiwara Isao
Published: March 2019

To clarify the response of net photosynthetic rate (Pn), stomatal conductance (gS), transpiration rate (Tr), and leaf intercellular CO2 concentration (Ci) to irradiance on the adaxial and abaxial sides of mature and young strawberry leaves using blue, green, and red light-emitting diodes (LEDs), irradiation from a short distance was investigated using ‘Tochiotome’. Light–photosynthetic response curves of the adaxial side of mature leaves were not different among LED treatments. However, those of the adaxial side of young leaves irradiated with red LEDs were less than those of other LED treatments. Pn of the abaxial side of mature leaves was 42% to 71% of the abaxial side. In young leaves, Pn of the abaxial side was 17% to 68% of the adaxial side. Moreover, light–transpiration response curves were different with LED treatments. Ci and Tr under blue and green LEDs were greater than those under red LEDs. This indicates that blue and green lights affected the stomatal opening. In contrast, red LEDs decreased Ci more than other LED treatments. In addition, reactions of the adaxial side of young leaves under blue and red LEDs were seen not only in ‘Tochiotome’, but also in ‘Sachinoka’ and ‘Eran’, which indicates that the photosynthetic reactions of blue light and red light are common characteristics of the strawberry. Therefore, red LEDs promoted the photochemical reaction and activated the CO2 fixation system. Based on the results of this study of short-distance lighting with LEDs in strawberry production, irradiance of the abaxial side of leaves by blue or green LEDs might improve more assimilates in young leaves compared with red LEDs to increase strawberry yield.
Effects of Salicylic Acid and Calcium Chloride on Heat Tolerance of Poinsettia
Authors: Lin Kuan-Hung , Huang Shao-Bo , Wu Chun-Wei , Chang Yu-Sen
Published: March 2019

Exogenous application of either salicylic acid (SA) or calcium chloride (CaCl2) to alleviate heat stress has been extensively studied. However, the effects of combined SA and CaCl2 treatment on the heat tolerance of poinsettia have been poorly studied. This study investigated the role of a foliar spray comprising SA and CaCl2 in managing heat tolerance of three poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd.) cultivars, Noel, Winter Rose (WR), and Ice Punch’ (IP). Plants were pretreated with SA, CaCl2, or combined SA and CaCl2 and then exposed to a temperature of 42 °C for 1 hour. Changes in the relative injury (RI) percentage, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and antioxidant enzyme activities were determined. All plants were then placed in an environment-controlled greenhouse for 14 days and evaluated. Lateral bud sprouting (%), new leaf numbers, and phenotypic appearance were recorded. Results revealed that the three poinsettia cultivars varied in their appearance, morphological growth patterns, and ability to tolerate high-temperature stress. Plant growth of ‘Noel’ was more robust than that of ‘WR’ and ‘IP’, which were considerably affected by heat stress, resulting in brown, withered leaves and defoliation. In general, the effects of the combined application of SA and CaCl2 on heat-tolerant ‘Noel’ were superior to those of individual applications and no treatment (for control groups) in terms of the RI percentage, lateral bud sprouting (%), and appearance under heat stress. Application of combined SA and CaCl2 for ‘Noel’ plants was more beneficial for enhancing catalase activity and resulted in the effective alleviation of decreased malondialdehyde content under heat stress. Treatment including 200 μΜ SA and 10 mm CaCl2 may alleviate heat stress and may prove useful in breeding programs focused on improving poinsettia cultivars.
Low Tunnels Reduce Irrigation Water Needs and Increase Growth, Yield, and Water-use Efficiency in Brussels Sprouts Production
Authors: Acharya Tej P. , Welbaum Gregory E. , Arancibia Ramón A.
Published: March 2019

Farmers use low tunnels (LTs) covered with spunbonded fabric to protect warm-season vegetable crops against cold temperatures and extend the growing season. Cool season vegetable crops may also benefit from LTs by enhancing vegetative growth and development. This study investigated the effect of the microenvironmental conditions under LTs on brussels sprouts growth and production as well as water requirements and use efficiency in comparison with those in open fields. Low tunnels increased minimum soil temperature in all trials. By contrast, LTs reduced evapotranspiration (ET) 54% to 68% by reducing solar radiation (SR) and blocking wind in spite of increased maximum air temperatures. Because of reduced ET, water needs and irrigation decreased by 24% to 40%. Furthermore, LTs enhanced vegetative growth (plant leaf area, plant height, and plant dry weight). Sprouts per plant and yield under LTs increased by 29% and 46% in Spring 2017, by 22% and 46% in Fall 2017, and by 29% and 22% in Spring 2018. Considering the increased growth and productivity and reduced irrigation, LTs increased water-use efficiency (WUE) in relation to yield by 62% to 107% in comparison with open fields. Increased total yield and improved WUE illustrate that LTs may be a useful management tool in sustainable production systems in addition to their traditional role for season extension.
Pollinator Refuge Establishment and Conservation Value: Impacts of Seedbed Preparations, Seed Mixtures, and Herbicides
Authors: Angelella Gina M. , Stange Laura , Scoggins Holly L. , O’Rourke Megan E.
Published: March 2019

On-farm pollinator refuge habitats can supplement floral and nesting resources to support wild and managed pollinator communities. Although the popularity of installing these habitats has grown, and federal programs provide technical and financial advice to participating landowners, recommendations regarding habitat establishment and species composition vary. We examined the effects of seedbed preparation, seed mix composition, and herbicide applications on pollinator refuge establishment and pollinator visitation in a controlled experiment across 2 years. Seedbeds were prepared either by a no-till method with glyphosate herbicide or by repeated conventional inversion tillage. Seed mixes contained either nine annual, biennial, and perennial forbs (mix AP); seven annual, biennial, and perennial forbs that are tolerant to imazapic herbicide (mix IT); or nine perennial forbs (mix P). Mixes AP and P were grown with and without application of the graminicide herbicide sethoxydim and mix IT was grown with application of the herbicide imazapic. Seedbed preparation methodology had a strong impact on pollinator refuge establishment. A no-till approach generated greater wildflower and lower weed cover relative to tillage, leading to a greater number of blooms. In particular, there were more Indian blanket, purple coneflower, slender mountain mint, and wild bergamot blooms following a no-till seedbed preparation, indicating that certain species are more vulnerable to the effects of tillage than others. The AP and IT treatments displayed more wildflower and less weed percent cover than the P treatments during the first year, but in the second year wildflower and weed cover were similar across all mixes grown with and without herbicide. Overall pollinator abundance, which was dominated by native bees, correlated positively with wildflower bloom counts, suggesting that habitat establishment methods that increase wildflower blooms can positively affect the pollinator conservation value of the habitats. This research indicates that establishing on-farm wildflower habitats can be most successful with no-till seedbed preparation, a mixture of annual, biennial, and perennial forb species, and that herbicides applied after planting wildflowers may not be worth the costs of application.
Cool-season Grasses for Overseeding Sport Turfs: Germination and Performance under Limiting Environmental Conditions
Authors: Rossini Francesco , Ruggeri Roberto , Celli Tiziano , Rogai Francesco Maria , Kuzmanović Ljiljana , Richardson Michael D.
Published: March 2019

In the transition zone, warm-season grasses are often overseeded with diploid perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L., 2n = 2x = 14) to provide a temporary green surface for winter sporting activities. Because improved cultivars of perennial ryegrass will often persist into summer in overseeded turf, alternative cool-season grasses have been developed to facilitate more rapid transition back to the warm-season species. Limited information is available on these alternative species, especially with regard to their germination characteristics under shade and performance under limiting factors, such as low temperature and restricted photoperiod. Greenhouse and growth chamber studies were designed to test four alternative overseeding grasses in comparison with diploid perennial ryegrass, to verify their potential use in the artificial environment of modern stadiums. Meadow fescue (Festuca pratensis Huds.), tetraploid perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L., 2n = 4x = 28), annual ryegrass (Lolium multiflorum Lam.), and spreading diploid perennial ryegrass [Lolium perenne L. subsp. stoloniferum (C. Lawson) Wipff.] were tested. Six different shade treatments were used in the greenhouse study, including 30%, 50%, 70%, 90%, and 100% shade and a nonshaded control (0% shade). Germination was monitored daily over a 21-day period by counting and removing emerged seedlings. The experimental design for this study was a randomized complete block design, with four replications of each species and shade level for a total of 120 experimental units. In the growth chamber study, the same plant material was tested simulating optimal, suboptimal, and critical environmental conditions that can be potentially found within a modern sport facility. In the greenhouse study, the highest final germination was observed with annual ryegrass at 90% shade (98.7%), whereas the lowest for tetraploid perennial ryegrass at 30% shade (58.8%). Annual ryegrass was the fastest emerging species, whereas meadow fescue the slowest. In the growth chamber study, in comparison with perennial ryegrass, the following results may be summarized: 1) meadow fescue and tetraploid ryegrass showed coarser leaf texture, similar growth rates and Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) value; 2) annual ryegrass had similar leaf texture, accelerated growth characteristics, and lower NDVI value; and 3) spreading perennial ryegrass displayed finer leaf texture, lower vertical growth, and similar NDVI value.
Model Simulation of Cucumber Yield and Microclimate Analysis in a Semi-closed Greenhouse in China
Authors: Ding Xiaotao , Jiang Yuping , Hui Dafeng , He Lizhong , Huang Danfeng , Yu Jizhu , Zhou Qiang
Published: March 2019

Adequate greenhouse environmental management is very important for improving resource use efficiency and increasing vegetable yield. The objective of this study was to explore suitable climate and cultivation management for cucumber to achieve high yield and build optimal yield models in semi-closed greenhouses. A fruit cucumber cultivar Deltastar was grown over 4 years in greenhouse and weekly data of yields (mean, highest and lowest) and environmental variables, including total radiation, air temperature, relative humidity, and carbon dioxide (CO2) concentration were collected. Regression analyses were applied to develop the relationships and build best regression models of yields with environmental variables using the first 2 years of data. Data collected in years 3 and 4 were used for model validation. Results showed that total radiation, nutrient, temperature, CO2 concentration, and average nighttime relative humidity had significant correlations with cucumber yields. The best regression models fit the mean, lowest, and highest yields very well with R2 values of 0.67, 0.66, and 0.64, respectively. Total radiation and air temperature had the most significant contributions to the variations of the yields. Our results of this study provide useful information for improving greenhouse climate management and yield forecast in semi-closed greenhouses.
Analysis of Genetic Parameters of Habanero Pepper (Capsicum chinense Jacq.) in the Yucatan, Mexico
Authors: Peña-Yam Laura P. , Muñoz-Ramírez Liliana S. , Avilés-Viñas Susana A. , Canto-Flick Adriana , Pérez-Pastrana Jacobo , Guzmán-Antonio Adolfo , Santana-Buzzy Nancy , Aguilera-Cauich Erick A. , Mijangos-Cortés Javier O.
Published: March 2019

The variability and genetic parameters of seven agronomic characteristics were estimated for 11 genotypes, and high values of the phenotypic coefficient of variation (PCV) of capsaicin content (CC) were obtained. Heritability (h2) was high for yield per plant (YP; 0.98) and CC (0.93). The principal components analysis (PCA) revealed that the first three components explained 94.02% of the total variation; therefore, genotypes with higher YP values and fruit weight (FW) (AKN-08, ASBC-09) were placed in quadrant I. Those with greater CC and lowest YP and FW (MBI-11, RES-05) were placed in quadrant II. The greatest fruit length (RNJ-04) was placed in quadrant III. Those with the greatest number of fruits per plant (NBA-06, RKI-01, RHC-02, RHN-03, NKA-07, and MSB-12) were placed in quadrant IV. The results showed that the genotypes studied comprise an excellent source of genetic material for Habanero pepper improvement programs.
Propagation of Comptonia peregrina L. from stem cuttings
Authors: Griffith Gardner Jacob A. , Lubell Jessica D. , Brand Mark H.
Published: March 2019

Comptonia peregrina is a desirable native ornamental plant for challenging landscapes, but it cannot be produced using conventional softwood stem cuttings. We demonstrate that C. peregrina can be successfully propagated using young shoots (6 to 8 cm in length) recently emerged from rhizomes taken as cuttings. Although significantly more cuttings rooted using intermittent mist (99%) than propagation dome (70%), cuttings under propagation domes had greater shoot counts. Due to the drier and warmer conditions under propagation domes, cutting shoot tips were killed, which relieved apical dominance and stimulated lateral budbreak. Cuttings rooted under propagation domes produced plants having greater height, width, and size after 90 d than cuttings rooted under intermittent mist. Treatment of cuttings with talc-based rooting hormone at 3000 and 8000 ppm indole-3-butyric acid (IBA) significantly improved rooting percentage and shoot count over untreated cuttings. Cuttings treated with 8000 ppm IBA produced the most roots. Container plants grown from cuttings and pruned to 7 cm in height produced twice as many shoots as unpruned plants. Using cuttings taken from young shoots (6 to 8 cm) produced from rhizomes, 3000 or 8000 ppm IBA, and intermittent mist nursery growers can achieve rooting percentages for C. peregrina above the 80% benchmark preferred for commercial plant production.
Advancing Primocane-fruiting Raspberry Production in the Intermountain West Using Spring Protection
Authors: Black Brent L. , Maughan Tiffany , Nolasco Christina , Christensen Blake
Published: March 2019

Winter injury to raspberry floricanes commonly limits productivity in cold climates. Primocane-fruiting raspberries avoid winter injury by fruiting on first year canes, but fruit production in the high-elevation valleys of the Intermountain West is later than needed for local markets, and may be limited by early fall freezes. High tunnels were used for early spring heat to advance primocane growth and the fruiting season of two primocane-fruiting red raspberry cultivars. Tunnels were covered with plastic in March and April. Then, they were covered with shade cloth during fruit ripening. Tunnel-covered plots were compared with field plantings for primocane growth rate, fruiting season, yield, and fruit quality over two seasons. High tunnels increased cane growth rate, with the harvest season advanced by 18 to 26 days depending on season and cultivar, but they did not consistently affect the total season yield or fruit size. Low-cost two-season tunnels used in conjunction with early-season primocane-fruiting raspberries may provide a viable method for small acreage producers in harsh climates to reliably supply high-value seasonal raspberry markets.
Antibiotic Susceptibility of Cronobacter spp. Isolated from Clinical Samples
Authors: HOLÝ ONDŘEJ , ALSONOSI ABDLRHMAN , HOCHEL IGOR , RÖDEROVÁ MAGDALÉNA , ZATLOUKALOVÁ SIMONA , MLYNÁRČIK PATRIK , KOLÁŘ MILAN , PETRŽELOVÁ JANA , ALAZRAQ AIYDA , CHMELAŘ DITTMAR , FORSYTHE STEPHEN
Published: March 2019

Cronobacter spp. have been recognized as causative agents of various severe infections in pre-term or full-term infants as well as elderly adults suffering from serious underlying disease or malignancy. A surveillance study was designed to identify antibiotic resistance among clinical Cronobacter spp. strains, which were isolated from patients of two hospitals between May 2007 and August 2013. Altogether, 52 Cronobacter spp. isolates were analyzed. Although MALDI-TOF mass spectrometry recognized all Cronobacter sakazakii and Cronobacter malonaticus strains, it could not identify Cronobacter muytjensii strain. Nevertheless, all strains were identified as Cronobacter spp. using multilocus sequence typing (MLST). Strains were tested against 17 types of antibiotics, using the standard microdilution method according to the 2018 European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing criteria. Three Cronobacter species were identified as C. sakazakii (n = 33), C. malonaticus (n = 18), and C. muytjensii (n = 1); all isolates were susceptible to all tested antibiotics. All strains were PCR-negative for bla
TEM, bla
SHV, and bla
CTX-M β-lactamase genes, as well. Even though the results of this study showed that Cronobacter spp. isolates were pan-susceptible, continued antibiotic resistance surveillance is warranted.
Calibration of Dupire local volatility model using genetic algorithm of optimization
Authors: Bondarenko Maksym , Bondarenko Victor
Published: March 2019

The problem of calibration of local volatility model of Dupire has been formalized. It uses genetic algorithm as alternative to regularization approach with further application of gradient descent algorithm. Components that solve Dupire’s partial differential equation that represents dynamics of underlying asset’s price within Dupire model have been built. This price depends in particular on values of volatility parameters. Local volatility is parametrized in two dimensions (by Dupire model): time to maturity of the option and strike price (execution price). On maturity axis linear interpolation is used while on strike axis we use B-Splines. Genetic operators of mutation and selection are then applied to parameters of B-Splines. Resulting parameters allow us to obtain the values of local volatility both in knot points and intermediate points using interpolation techniques. Then we solve Dupire equation and calculate model values of option prices. To calculate cost function we simulate market values of option prices using classic Black-Scholes model. An experimental research to compare simulated market volatility and volatility obtained by means of calibration of Dupire model has been conducted. The goal is to estimate the precision of the approach and its usability in practice. To estimate the precision of obtained results we use a measure based on average deviation of modeled local volatility from values used to simulate market prices of the options. The research has shown that the approach to calibration using genetic algorithm of optimization requires some additional manipulations to achieve convergence. In particular it requires non-uniform discretization of the space of model parameters as well as usage of de Boor interpolation. Value 0.07 turns out to be the most efficient mutation parameter. Using this parameter leads to quicker convergence. It has been proved that the algorithm allows precise calibration of local volatility surface from option prices.
Cross-country start-up rates and formal incentives: a moderated mediation model of economic development and societal legitimacy
Authors: D. Reddy Colin
Published: March 2019

Though current research identifies which institutions are important as boundary conditions for entrepreneurship, questions remain about how they actually influence national entrepreneurial activity, particularly through start-ups. Specifically, the authors attempt to answer the following question: How do formal incentives influence the start-up rates across countries? Through a conceptual framework where formal incentives and societal legitimacy represent formal and informal institutions, respectively, the authors contribute to existing knowledge about national start-up activity by showing both the mechanism and conditions under which formal incentives increase the start-up rate. First, it is argued that formal incentives influence the start-up rate indirectly through the market opportunities available through economic development. Second, it is argued that these formal and informal institutions substitute for one another. The arguments are confirmed with a panel dataset on 57 countries from the World Bank Group Entrepreneurship Surveys and Global Entrepreneurship Monitor. A key implication of the findings is that early efforts at stimulating economic development, for example, by incentivizing foreign investments in new technology, can also kickstart the entrepreneurial activity as much as entrepreneurial activity also contributes to economic development in return.
Project sustainability management: risks, problems and perspective
Authors: Gachie Wanjiru
Published: March 2019

This research aims to propose and validate research of a New Framework for integration of the concept of sustainability in projects by investigating the relationship between project and sustainability for project success. Integrating sustainability in projects is crucial metric for project success. However, the dearth in literature and the slow pace in emerging literature has left many issues unanswered regarding integration of sustainability in projects and the commitment of project teams to sustainability pillars. Therefore, this article explores the current state of sustainability, its potential weaknesses and therein proposes corrective action for the legitimatization of a New Framework on ‘project sustainability’ in an authentic environment. The methodological approach adopted in this research is a pragmatic examination of secondary data collected by the project team during a one-year period that demonstrates the effects of neglecting proactive management of the three pillars of sustainability resulting in poor project performance in terms of resources and stakeholder resistance, as well as the lessons learned therein. The findings reveals a low degree of commitment by project teams towards sustainability particularly with regard to social and environment pillars, even though the economic pillar has been given much attention, there is still much to be done. Hence, the importance of the proposed New Framework for project success. This research concludes and recommends the need to integrate sustainability adequately throughout a project life-cycle for the attainment of organizational strategy and satisfying stakeholders’ expectations. However, this can take place with a knowledgeable project management team on sustainability.
Obesity and Cardioprotection
Authors: Femminò Saveria , Pagliaro Pasquale , Penna Claudia
Published: March 2019

The incidence of obesity and diabetes is increasing rapidly worldwide. Obesity and
metabolic syndrome are strictly linked and represent the basis of different cardiovascular risk
factors, including hypertension and inflammatory processes predisposing to ischemic heart
disease, which represent the most common causes of heart failure. Recent advances in the understanding
of ischemia/reperfusion mechanisms of injury and mechanisms of cardioprotection
are briefly considered. Resistance to cardioprotection may be correlated with the severity
of obesity. The observation that heart failure obese patients have a better clinical condition
than lean heart failure patients is known as “obesity paradox”. It seems that obese patients
with heart failure are younger, making age the most important confounder in some studies.
Critical issues are represented by the "obesity paradox” and heart failure exacerbation by inflammation.
For heart failure exacerbation by inflammation, an important role is played by
NLRP3 inflammasome, which is emerging as a possible target for heart failure condition.
These critical issues in the field of obesity and cardiovascular diseases need more studies to
ascertain which metabolic alterations are crucial for alleged beneficial and deleterious effects
of obesity.
Immunosuppression and Immunotargeted Therapy in Acute Myeloid Leukemia - The Potential Use of Checkpoint Inhibitors in Combination with Other Treatments
Authors: Leufven Eva , Bruserud Øystein
Published: March 2019

Introduction:

Immunotherapy by using checkpoint inhibitors is now tried in the
treatment of several malignancies, including Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). The treatment
is tried both as monotherapy and as a part of combined therapy.

Methods:

Relevant publications were identified through literature searches in the PubMed
database. We searched for (i) original articles describing the results from clinical studies of
checkpoint inhibition; (ii) published articles describing the immunocompromised status of
AML patients; and (iii) published studies of antileukemic immune reactivity and immunotherapy
in AML.

Results:

Studies of monotherapy suggest that checkpoint inhibition has a modest antileukemic
effect and complete hematological remissions are uncommon, whereas combination with conventional
chemotherapy increases the antileukemic efficiency with acceptable toxicity. The
experience with a combination of different checkpoint inhibitors is limited. Thalidomide derivatives
are referred to as immunomodulatory drugs and seem to reverse leukemia-induced
immunosuppression, but in addition, they have direct inhibitory effects on the AML cells. The
combination of checkpoint targeting and thalidomide derivatives thus represents a strategy for
dual immunotargeting together with a direct antileukemic effect.

Conclusion:

Checkpoint inhibitors are now tried in AML. Experimental studies suggest that
these inhibitors should be combined with immunomodulatory agents (i.e. thalidomide derivatives)
and/or new targeted or conventional antileukemic treatment. Such combinations would
allow dual immunotargeting (checkpoint inhibitor, immunomodulatory agents) together with
a double/triple direct targeting of the leukemic cells.
Women’s Beliefs About Medicines and Adherence to Pharmacotherapy in Pregnancy: Opportunities for Community Pharmacists
Authors: Ceulemans Michael , Lupattelli Angela , Nordeng Hedvig , Odalovic Marina , Twigg Michael , Foulon Veerle
Published: March 2019

Background:

During pregnancy, women might weigh the benefits of treatment against potential risks to the unborn child. However, non-adherence to necessary treatment can adversely affect both mother and child. To optimize pregnant women’s beliefs and medication adherence, community pharmacists are ideally positioned to play an important role in primary care.

Objective:

This narrative review aimed to summarize the evidence on 1) pregnant women’s beliefs, 2) medication adherence in pregnancy and 3) community pharmacists’ counselling during pregnancy.

Methods:

Three search strategies were used in Medline and Embase to find original studies evaluating women’s beliefs, medication adherence and community pharmacists’ counselling during pregnancy. All original descriptive and analytic epidemiological studies performed in Europe, North America and Australia, written in English and published from 2000 onwards were included.

Results:

We included 14 studies reporting on women’s beliefs, 11 studies on medication adherence and 9 on community pharmacists’ counselling during pregnancy. Women are more reluctant to use medicines during pregnancy and tend to overestimate the teratogenic risk of medicines. The risk perception varies with the type of medicine, level of health literacy, education level and occupation. Furthermore, low medication adherence during pregnancy is common. Finally, limited evidence showed that the current community pharmacists’ counselling is insufficient. Barriers hindering pharmacists are insufficient knowledge and limited access to reliable information.

Conclusion:

Concerns about medication use and non-adherence are widespread among pregnant women. Community pharmacists’ counselling during pregnancy is insufficient. Further education, training and research are required to support community pharmacists in fulfilling all the opportunities they have when counselling pregnant women.
Tubular and Glomerular Biomarkers of Acute Kidney Injury in Newborns
Authors: Kamianowska Monika , Szczepański Marek , Wasilewska Anna
Published: March 2019

Background:

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI) is a sudden decrease in kidney function. In the early period, the highest percentage of AKI occurs among newborns hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care units, especially premature neonates. The prognosis of AKI depends on the type and severity of the cause of an injury, the accuracy and the time of diagnosis and treatment. The concentration of serum creatinine is still the main diagnostic test, although it changes in the course of AKI later than glomerular filtration rate GFR. In addition, the reliability of the determination of creatinine level is limited because it depends on many factors. New studies have presented other, more useful laboratory markers of renal function that can be measured in serum and/or in urine.

Objective:

The aim of the work was to present the latest data about tubular and glomerular biomarkers of acute kidney injury in newborns.

Methods:

We undertook a structured search of bibliographic databases for peer-reviewed research literature by using focused review topics. According to the conceptual framework, the main idea of research literature has been summarized and presented in this study.

Results:

The concentrations of some novel biomarkers are higher in serum and/or urine of term and preterm newborns with AKI, especially in the course of perinatal asphyxia.

Conclusion:

In this systematic review of the literature, we have highlighted the usefulness of biomarkers in predicting tubular and/or glomerular injury in newborns. However, novel biomarkers need to prove their clinical applicability, accuracy, and cost-effectiveness prior to their implementation in clinical practice.
Sox2: A Regulatory Factor in Tumorigenesis and Metastasis
Authors: Chaudhary Sameer , Islam Zeyaul , Mishra Vijaya , Rawat Sakshi , Ashraf Ghulam Md. , Kolatkar Prasanna R.
Published: March 2019

The transcription factor Sox2 plays an important role in various phases of embryonic development, including cell fate and differentiation. These key regulatory functions are facilitated by binding to specific DNA sequences in combination with partner proteins to exert their effects. Recently, overexpression and gene amplification of Sox2 has been associated with tumor aggression and metastasis in various cancer types, including breast, prostate, lung, ovarian and colon cancer. All the different roles for Sox2 involve complicated regulatory networks consisting of protein-protein and protein-nucleic acid interactions. Their involvement in the EMT modulation is possibly enabled by Wnt/ β-catenin and other signaling pathways. There are number of in vivo models which show Sox2 association with increased cancer aggressiveness, resistance to chemo-radiation therapy and decreased survival rate suggesting Sox2 as a therapeutic target. This review will focus on the different roles for Sox2 in metastasis and tumorigenesis. We will also review the mechanism of action underlying the cooperative Sox2- DNA/partner factors binding where Sox2 can be potentially explored for a therapeutic opportunity to treat cancers.
NSE, S100B and MMP9 Expression Following Reperfusion after Carotid Artery Stenting
Authors: Yuan Xiaofan , Wang Jianhong , Wang Duozi , Yang Shu , Yu Nengwei , Guo Fuqiang
Published: March 2019

Objective:

Previous studies have shown that the neuron-specific- enolase (NSE), S100B protein (S100B) and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP9) are specific markers for studying cerebral injury. This study was aimed to demonstrate these biomarkers for their correlation with reperfusion after carotid artery stenting (CAS).

Methods:

In this study, a total of 44 patients who were diagnosed unilateral carotid artery stenosis by digital subtraction angiography (DSA) and underwent CAS, were selected as the operation groups. The patients' blood samples were collected at three different time points: T1, prior to operation; T2, next morning after operation (24 hours); T3, three days after operation (72 hours); All of the patients with the operation received computed tomography perfusion (CTP) at T1 and T3. The second group of 12 patients, who were excluded for carotid artery stenosis by DSA, were assigned to be the control group; Blood samples of these patients were collected at T1. The concentrations of NSE, S100B and MMP9 in serum from patients of both groups were detected by ELISA.

Results:

All of the operations were implanted in stents successfully without complications. (1) After CAS, rCBF increased while rMTT and rTTP decreased. (2) The concentrations of NSE, S100B and MMP9 in the serum decreased gradually (T1>T2>T3). There was no significant difference between the control group and the operation group at T1 (P>0.05) on their concentrations of NSE, S100B and MMP9 in the serum. When compared among the operation groups, the concentrations of NSE, S100B and MMP9 in the serum at T1 and T3 showed significant difference (P < 0.05). (3) Correlation analysis among the operation groups indicated that NSE, S100B, MMP9 and rCBF were positively correlated before operation (r = 0.69, 0.58 and 0.72, respectively, P < 0.05), as well as after operation (r = 0.75, 0.65 and 0.60, respectively, P < 0.05).

Conclusion:

We concluded that the concentrations of NSE, S100B and MMP9 in serum decreased with the improvement of cerebral reperfusion after CAS. NSE, S100B and MMP9 can be used as laboratory biochemical markers to evaluate the improvement of reperfusion after CAS. The results very well complement the imaging methods, such as CTP.