bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activating antioxidant enzymes, hyoscyamine and scopolamine biosynthesis of Hyoscyamus niger L. plants with nano-sized titanium dioxide and bulk application
Authors: GHORBANPOUR Mansour , HATAMI Mehrnaz , HATAMI Mahmoud
Published: April 2015

Application of nanotechnology is now widely distributed overall the life, especially in agricultural systems. This study intended to indicate the impacts of nano-sized titanium dioxide particles (NT) and bulk (BT) on antioxidant enzymes activities including superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POX) and catalase (CAT), and variations of two major tropane alkaloids such as hyoscyamine (HYO) and scopolamine (SCO) in Hyoscyamus niger L. Plants were treated with different concentrations of NT and BT (0, 20, 40 and 80 mg l-1). Alkaloids extracted were identified by gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. Results showed that SOD activity increased with increasing titanium dioxide concentration in both nano-particles and bulk treated plants. However, the highest and the lowest POX activity were observed in plants exposed to NT at 40 mg l-1 and control, respectively. Generally, all tested enzymes activities were higher in NT treated plants that those of BT except CAT activity at 80 mg l-1. The highest alkaloids content values, HYO: 0.286 g kg-1 and SCO: 0.126 g kg-1, were achieved in plants treated with NT at 80 and 20 mg l-1, respectively. The maximum and minimum plant biomass and subsequently total alkaloids yield were obtained in plants exposed to NT at 40 mg l-1 and controls, respectively. Our results suggest that NT in appropriate level (40 mg l-1) may act as an elicitor for biochemical responses and tropane alkaloids biosynthesis in H. niger plants.
Artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) as cash-cover crop in an organic vegetable system
Authors: LENZI Anna , BALDI Ada , TESI Romano
Published: April 2015

In organic vegetable systems green manure crops play an important role as a nitrogen source, but they cover the soil for several months without producing a direct income. Globe artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) provides both heads to be harvested and particularly abundant plant residues to be possibly incorporated into the soil, so it may play a double role of cash and cover crop. This paper describes an on-farm study in which seed-propagated artichoke, cultivated as an annual crop, preceded zucchini squash and lettuce cultivated in sequence within a vegetable organic system. Artichoke produced about 7 t ha-1 of saleable heads and left, after harvest, 50.3 t ha-1 of fresh biomass usable as green manure. Zucchini squash and lettuce following artichoke showed a significant increase in yield when artichoke residues were incorporated into the soil. Furthermore, a residual positive effect of green manure on soil fertility was detected after lettuce harvest.
Soil of the lower valley of the Dragonja river (Slovenia)
Authors: PRUS Tomaž , ZUPANČIČ Nina , GRČMAN Helena
Published: April 2015

Soil of the lower valley of the river Dragonja developed under specific soil-forming factors. Soil development in the area was influenced by alluvial sediments originating from surrounding hills, mostly of flysch sequence rocks, as a parent material, Sub-Mediterranean climate and the vicinity of the sea. Different soil classification units (Gleysol and Fluvisol) were proposed for that soil in previous researches. The aim of our study was the evaluation of morphological, chemical and mineralogical characteristics of soil, based on detailed soil description and analyses, and to define the appropriate soil classification units. Field examinations revealed that the soil had a stable blocky or subangular structure and did not express substantial hydromorphic forms. Soil pH value was ranging from 6.9 to 7.5. In most locations electroconductivity (ECe) did not exceed 2 ds/m. Base saturation was high (up to 99 %), with a majority of Ca2+ ions. Exchangeable sodium percentage (ESP) was ranging from 0.2 to 3.8 %, which is higher compared to other Slovenian soils but does not pose a risk to soil structure. Soil has silty clay loam texture with up to 66 % of silt. Prevailing minerals were quartz, calcite and muscovite/illite. No presence of swelling clay mineral montmorillonite was detected. According to Slovenian soil classification, we classified the examined soil as alluvial soil. According to WRB soil classification, the soil was classified as Cambisol.
Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activity of milk
thistle (Silybum marianum L. Gaertn.) seed oil
Authors: Hermenean Anca , Stan Miruna , Ardelean Aurel , Pilat Luminița , Mihali Ciprian Valentin , Popescu Cristina , Nagy Lajos , Deák György , Zsuga Miklós , Kéki Sándor , Bácskay Ildikó , Fenyvesi Ferenc , Costache Marieta , Dinischiotu Anca , Vecsernyés Miklós
Published: April 2015

This study has assessed the protective efficacy
of Silybum marianum seed oil (SMSO) in the context of
CCl4-induced injury and oxidative stress in murine liver.
Based on the GC-MS analysis, linoleic and stearic acids,
tocopherol, ascorbic acid 2,6 dihexadecanoate and other
constituents were identified in SMSO. Swiss mice received
oral doses of SMSO daily for 21 days (10 g/kg b.w.) and
subsequently injected i.p. with CCl4 (50% v/v in olive oil;
1 ml/kg) on the 22nd day. CCl4 administration induced an
elevation of serum amino- and glutamyl transferases
activities and an increased peroxidation, as well as a
decrease of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR and GST activities in
liver. SMSO successfully prevented oxidative stress and
restored the biochemical parameters, hepatic architecture
and expression of TNF-alpha. These findings suggest that
SMSO was effective in counteracting the damaging effects
of CCl4-induced injury in hepatocytes, probably due to its
inherent antioxidant properties.
Synthesis Optimization and Characterization of
Microencapsulated N-P-K Slow-Release Fertilizers
Authors: Neamţu Constantin , Popescu Mariana , Oancea Florin , Dima Ştefan-Ovidiu
Published: April 2015

Slow-release microencapsulated N, P, and
K fertilizer synthesis was optimized and the products
exhaustively characterized. Four NPK formulations
with nutrient mass ratios of 1:0:0, 1:1:0, 1:1:1, and
2:1:1 were characterized following European Council
Regulation 2003/2003 for fertilizers as well as ICP-AES,
1H-NMR, FT-IR, HPLC, elemental analysis, XPS, SEM,
dynamic light scattering, thermogravimetry, differential
thermogravimetry, activity index, and leaching rate. These
fertilizers have good slow-release properties and decrease
waste and crop contaminants, improving environmental
protection. Compared to classic granulated fertilizers,
plant nutrient availability was improved allowing reduced
application. Nutrient leaching parameters describing four
different kinetic models were evaluated.
Electrochemical Methods for Total Antioxidant
Capacity and its Main Contributors Determination:
A review
Authors: Pisoschi Aurelia Magdalena , Cimpeanu Carmen , Predoi Gabriel
Published: April 2015

Backround: The present review focuses on
electrochemical methods for antioxidant capacity and
its main contributors assessment. The main reactive
oxygen species, responsible for low density lipoprotein
oxidation, and their reactivity are reminded.
The role of antioxidants in counteracting the factors
leading to oxidative stress-related degenerative diseases
occurence, is then discussed. Antioxidants can scavenge
free radicals, can chelate pro-oxidative metal ions, or
quench singlet oxygen. When endogenous factors (uric
acid, bilirubin, albumin, metallothioneins, superoxide
dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione
reductase, glutathione-S-transferase) cannot accomplish
their protective role against reactive oxygen species,
the intervention of exogenous antioxidants (vitamin C,
tocopherols, flavonoids, carotenoids etc) is required,
as intake from food, as nutritional supplements or as
pharmaceutical products.

Literature study: The main advantages of
electrochemical methods with respect to traditional,
more laborious instrumental techniques are described:
sensitivity, rapidity, simplicity of the applied analytical
procedure which does not require complicated sample
pre-treatment etc.

The paper reviews minutiously the voltammetric,
amperometric, biamperometric, potentiometric and
coulometric methods for total antioxidant capacity
estimation. For each method presented, the electroactivity
and the mechanism of electro-oxidation of antioxidant
molecules at various electrodes, as well as the influences
on the electroactive properties are discussed. The
characteristics of the developed methods are viewed from
the perspective of the antioxidant molecule structure
influence, as well as from the importance of electrode
material and/or surface groups standpoint.

The antioxidant molecule-electrode surface
interaction, the detection system chosen, the use of
modifiers, as well as the nature of the analysed matrix are
the factors discussed, which influence the performances
of the studied electrochemical techniques.

Conclusions: The electrochemical methods reviewed
in this paper allow the successful determination of the
total antioxidant capacity and of its main contributors in
various media: foodstuffs and beverages, biological fluids,
pharmaceuticals. The advantages and disadvantages
of the electrochemical methods applied to antioxidant
content and antioxidant activity assay are treated and
interpreted, in the case of various analysed matrixes.
Combining advanced materials with classical electrode
construction, provides viable results and can constitute
an alternative for the future.
Simulating spatial aspects of a flash flood using the Monte Carlomethod and GRASS GIS: a case study of the Malá Svinka Basin(Slovakia)
Authors: Hofierka Jaroslav , Knutová Monika
Published: April 2015

This paper focuses on the flash flood assessmentusing a spatially-distributed hydrological model based onthe Monte Carlo simulation method. The model is implementedas r.sim.water module in GRASS GIS and was appliedto the Malá Svinka Basin in Eastern Slovakia where aheavy rainfall (100 mm/hr.) caused a flash flood event withdeadly consequences in July 1998. The event was simulatedusing standard datasets representing elevation, soilsand land cover. The results were captured in time seriesof water depth maps showing gradual changes in waterdepths across the basin. The hydrological effects of roadsin the study area were simulated using the preferentialflow feature of the model. This simulation helped to identifysource areas contributing to flooding in built-up areas.The implementation in a GIS environment simplifiesthe data preparation and eventual modification for variousscenarios and flood protection measures. The simulationconfirmed excellent robustness and flexibility of themethod.
IMAGING IN ENDOCRINOLOGY: The use of functional MRI to study the endocrinology of appetite
Authors: Salem Victoria , Dhillo Waljit S
Published: April 2015

In the present review article, we summarise current thinking about the neuroendocrinology of appetite and feeding behaviour. We discuss how the homeostatic control of energy balance, wherein the hypothalamus orchestrates food intake and energy expenditure in response to peripheral signals about nutritional status, can be easily overridden by the powerful reward value of food. We focus on how functional magnetic resonance imaging has shed light on our understanding of the way hormones can interact with the brain to modulate appetite.
Economic impact of corporate wellness programs in Europe: A literature review
Authors: Martínez‐Lemos R. Iván
Published: April 2015

Economic impact of corporate wellness programs in Europe: A literature review: R. Iván Martínez‐Lemos. Special Learning Department, University of Vigo, Spain

Objective

The purpose of this review is to summarize the current evidence on the economic impact of corporate wellness programs (CWPs) in Europe from the results of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) published up to 2013.

Methods

A review was undertaken by searching for RCTs with key words in the following databases: PubMed, SPORT‐Discus, and Business Source Premier. Only RCTs that evaluated the economic impact of CWPs, and included analyses performed in Europe with results converted into monetary values, were eligible for inclusion. An approach to economic analyses from both an employer's perspective and a societal perspective was also undertaken.

Results

Eleven RCTs were identified, and review of these studies determined that the economic impact of the majority of CWPs analyzed was mostly negative. We discuss a possible explanation for these discrepancies with regard to prior reviews in this area. Despite the fact that the RCT is the “gold standard” for investigating without bias, several limitations to the methodology may have influenced the results of the studies in this review and suggested the use of caution in the interpretation of the results.

Conclusions

The findings of this review could be a “wake up call” for companies regarding the high probability of bias from non‐RCT studies, the majority of which report a positive economic impact of these programs, and the risk of taking inappropriate decisions based on the results of such studies.
Sağlık alanında sosyoekonomik düzey belirleme: Tıbbi araştırmalarda doğru uyguluyor muyuz?
Authors: Kut Altuğ , Salgür Funda
Published: April 2015

Tıp alanında toplum anlayışımız geliştikçe, sağlık değişkenlerinin sosyal ve ekonomik belirteçlerle olan ilişkisi de dikkatimizi çekmektedir. Bu nedenle, medikal araştırmalarda sağlığın bu belirteçlerden nasıl etkilendiğini inceleme isteğimiz de hızla artmaktadır. Ancak akademik kaygılarımız arasına görece yeni katılan bu bilimsel alandaki deneyimlerimiz halen oldukça sınırlıdır. Kompozit ölçekler her ne kadar gelişmiş ülkelerde yaygın olarak kullanılsalar da ülkemizin bölgelere göre heterojen yapısı nedeniyle bu ölçeklerin ülkemize uyarlanarak kullanılması zor görünmektedir. Proxy sorular ise çalışmalarda sıkça kullanılmalarına karşın araştırmacılar bu soruları sosyoekonomik seviye ile ilişkilendirirken zorlanmaktadırlar. Diğer taraftan değişen toplumsal yapının gereği olarak sosyoekonomik seviye belirlerken kullandığımız değer yargılarımız da hızla değişmektedir. Örneğin 10 yıl önce sadece gelir düzeyi ve eğitim seviyesi sorgulamak sosyoekonomik seviye hakkında yeterli bilgi verirken, bugün gelinen noktada ikamet bölgeleri ve hatta arkadaş çevresi dahi değer kazanmış görünmektedir. Bununla birlikte doğru sorulmuş örnek bazı soruların elde olması bu konudaki kaygıları belirgin olarak azaltacaktır. Bu yazının amacı, başta aile hekimliği uzmanlık alanında olmak üzere, tıp disiplinlerinde sağlık sorunlarını sosyoekonomik değişkenlerle ilişkilendirirken anlayışımıza bir boyut katmak, doğru yönelimler ve çıkarımların yapılmasına yardımcı olmaktır.
Evaluating the importance of financial and non-financial indicators for the evaluation of company’s performance
Authors: Kotane Inta
Published: April 2015

The topicality of the research is determined by the studies on financial and non-financial indicators by many authors, although there are difficulties in their practical use since there is no united approach in the measurement and evaluation of both financial and non-financial indicators. The current research is based on the earlier theoretical studies by the author on the use of the financial and non-financial indicators in the evaluation of the company’s performance; as a result of the previous research the groups of the financial and non-financial indicators were established and later on used in the practical research by the author. The aim of the research is to assess the importance of the financial and non-financial indicators in accordance with the opinions of the Latvian business persons and top-level officials of the Latvian companies. The research methods used in the research: information analysis and synthesis, logically constructive method, methods of data classification, comparative method, factor analysis and clustering methods. The results of the research demonstrate that the majority of the respondents find the financial indicators to be moderately important or very important, but the non-financial indicators- highly important. It could be concluded that the non-financial indicators are evaluated higher than the financial indicators, which confirms the necessity to use the non-financial indicators in the evaluation of the company’s performance.
The assessment of agricultural sector in Turkey and selected EU countries
Authors: Kriščiukaitienė Irena , Namiotko Virginia , Ali Koç Ahmet
Published: April 2015

Turkish agricultural sector plays an important role in the global market. After the accession to EU Turkey will become important competitor to those countries where export of agricultural and food products are comparatively large. This suits to Lithuania and for this reason it is necessary to compare agriculture sector of those countries, which significantly influence global market. There have been several studies aiming to compare agricultural sector in Turkey and other European countries. However, all those studies did not use multiple criteria methods. The aim of the paper is to propose the methodic to assess agricultural sector of Turkey and selected EU countries. The ranks of the countries yielded by the four methods differ insignificantly. The comparison of economic indicators in 2013 as compared to 2007 had growing tendency, but ranks become almost the same with the exception of Romania and Latvia.
Early detection of struvite formation in wastewater treatment plants
Authors: Fattah Kazi Parvez , Chowdhury Farah Laj
Published: April 2015

Wastewater treatment plants operating anaerobic digestion of their sludge often have to encounter phosphate-based formations that clog piping, valves and pumps that reduce the efficiency of the treatment plant. In addition to treatment process problems, these formations require significant costs for their removal or to have the clogged piping replaced. Among the many possible phosphate-based precipitates, struvite is the most common. In most instances, the formation and build-up of struvite within the treatment stream goes unnoticed until a critical stage is reached where the only option is replacement of the clogged pipes and valves. However, the early detection of struvite formation through regular monitoring of the parameters that influence struvite build-up can reduce the problems. This paper presents procedures and results obtained to detect struvite formation potential in a secondary wastewater treatment plant in Canada. Based on supersaturation values, it was found that there was a high probability of struvite formation around the sampling points. High nutrient looping for both nitrogen (20%) and phosphorus (48%) were calculated at the treatment plant.
PERFIL DOS PACIENTES COM NÓDULOS TIREOIDIANOS SUBMETIDOS À PUNÇÃO ASPIRATIVA POR AGULHA FINA
Authors: Cruz Josilda Ferreira , Cruz Mário Augusto Ferreira , Macena Larissa Baracho , Coutinho Priscilla Mota , Oliveira Francielle Temer  de
Published: April 2015

O nódulo tireoidiano é a forma de apresentação de várias doenças desta glândula. É uma condição clínica muito frequente, sobretudo quando se empregam métodos sensíveis de imagem. Nesse contexto, a punção aspirativa por agulha fina (PAAF) é o principal exame utilizado para diagnóstico diferencial e o de melhor relação custo-benefício na avaliação da doença nodular da tireoide. O presente estudo se propõe a avaliar o perfil dos pacientes com nódulos tireoidianos que são submetidos à PAAF. A amostra consistiu em 77 pacientes que apresentavam nódulo tireoidiano a ser puncionado. Os dados foram coletados por um período de 5 meses, no Centro de Medicina Integrada de Sergipe (CEMISE), localizado em Aracaju/SE. A amostra totalizou 77 pacientes. Dentro da amostra havia 73 pacientes do sexo feminino (94,8%) e 4 do sexo masculino (5,2%), com faixa etária predominante entre 50 e 59 anos. Quanto ao número de nódulos, 57,1% dos pacientes (44 pacientes) tinham apenas um nódulo para ser puncionado, enquanto que 42,9% (33 pacientes) tinham mais de um. A maioria (58,3%) dos nódulos estudados apresentou tamanho ≥ 1,0 cm. O relato de história familiar de doença tireoidiana foi encontrado em 42 pacientes (54,5%) e a história pessoal de hipotireoidismo correspondeu a 16,9% da amostra. A avaliação ultrassonográfica evidenciou 42 casos de tireoidite. Os resultados apresentados confirmam a prevalência maior de nódulos de tireoide na população feminina com idade avançada. Entretanto, o achado de uma maior quantidade de nódulos de pequeno diâmetro com indicação de punção difere da literatura vigente.
MULHERES NA JURISPRUDENCIA SERGIPANA: A DESEMBARGADORA CLARA LEITE EM SERGIPE E SUA TRAJETÓRIA
Authors: Mello Janaina Cardoso de
Published: April 2015

Ao longo do século XX, as heranças de uma sociedade fundada no patriarcalismo do período colonial impregnou a sociedade brasileira, e particularmente a sergipana, de atitudes misóginas e restritivas ao exercício da profissão no espaço público por mulheres. Rompendo paradigmas, a desembargadora Clara Leite de Rezende tornou-se um exponencial de competência e luta no campo da Justiça. Primeira magistrada do Tribunal de Justiça do Estado de Sergipe, assumiu todos os cargos jurídicos no Estado, mesmo quando a realidade estatística demonstrava que o quantitativo feminino no judiciário brasileiro ainda mantinha-se extremamente diminuto entre 1999 e 2003. Assim, o artigo apresenta a mulher, a esposa, a mãe e sobretudo a magistrada, homenageada e inspiradora de novas gerações. Utiliza-se como metodologia de análise a biografia e o estudo de trajetórias.
Pedagogia, Pedagogia Social e Educação Social no Brasil: entrecruzamentos, tensões e possibilidades
Authors: Rolim de Lima Severo José Leonardo , Machado Érico Ribas , Rodrigues Marli de Fátima
Published: April 2015

Este texto introduz questões que começam a emergir na esteira do progressivo aparecimento da Pedagogia Social no discurso educacional brasileiro. Assinala possibilidades de entrecruzamento conceitual entre a Pedagogia e a Pedagogia Social, bem como tensões que dinamizam o debate sobre a formação de pedagogos e a regulamentação da profissão de educador social no cenário do Brasil. O debate que o configura se desdobra de modo a indicar algumas possibilidades de compreensão do potencial da Pedagogia Social no contexto geral da teoria e da prática pedagógica, registrando uma abordagem crítica sobre aspectos formativos e político-institucionais associados ao trabalho educativo em diferentes espaços sociais.
A teoria de Paulo Freire como fundamento da Pedagogia Social
Authors: Angeli Teixeira de Paula Ercília Maria , Santos Karine
Published: April 2015

Este artigo tem como objetivo principal destacar em obras de Paulo Freire fundamentos relacionais com a Pedagogia Social, de modo a contribuir para reflexões em torno da temática formação do educador social no Brasil. A metodologia utilizada foi à revisão bibliográfica sobre obras de Paulo Freire e de estudiosos da Pedagogia Social. O artigo apresenta três categorias de análise: a inovação epistemológica, o engajamento político e a visão de mundo esperançosa que são componentes, tanto da Educação Popular, como da Pedagogia Social. Os resultados revelam que essas categorias contribuem para a superação de condições opressoras e emancipação das pessoas através dos processos educacionais envolvidos nessas duas áreas. Para concluir, o artigo apresenta essas categorias como fundamentos para práticas educativas dos educadores sociais no Brasil.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DE GRANDES PENSADORES DA HISTÓRIA DA EDUCAÇÃO PARA O DESENVOLVIMENTO DO HOMEM EM SOCIEDADE
Authors: Castro Tanajura Laudelino Luiz , Ferronato Cristiano de Jesus , Amorim Simone Silveira
Published: April 2015

Pensar em educar é exigir uma reflexão das mudanças ocorridas na sociedade, tendo em mente o conhecimento como base do processo crescente de desenvolvimento da vida em comunidade. Para tanto é preciso observar as mudanças ocorridas ao longo dos séculos, as contribuições das ciências, da religião, da política, etc. Nesse contexto apresentam-se teorias da educação e do conhecimento, que variam de acordo com o momento histórico em que os povos e nações se encontram, bem como das necessidades particularizadas de cada geração. Nessa conjectura a educação apresenta-se como ferramenta fundamental para disseminar o conhecimento e promover o desenvolvimento do homem.
Educação Popular do Campo e Educação Integral
Authors: Porto Araújo Monalisa , Da Silva Severino Bezerra , De Souza Israel Soares
Published: April 2015

O texto discorre sobre a escola pública localizada no espaço rural e defende que práticas de Educação Popular possibilitam a ampliação e democratização dos saberes escolares, visando à melhoria da qualidade da educação para os povos do campo. Essa discussão se complexifica com a inserção das atividades culturais da Educação em Tempo Integral, que ampliam os tempos, espaços e conteúdos educativos. Temos como ponto de partida os desníveis existentes entre a escola situada na cidade e no campo, que agrava o descaso com a escolarização dessa população, justificado não apenas pela desigualdade na escolarização, mas como sintoma de um sistema social baseado na disparidade e em representações inferiorizadas em relação às pessoas do campo. Palavras-chave: Educação Popular do Campo; Educação em Tempo Integral; Saberes;
The Role Innovative Housing Models Play in the Struggle against Social Exclusion in Cities: The Brisbane Common Ground Model
Authors: Perolini Petra
Published: April 2015

The history of housing in Australia is a textbook example of socio-spatial exclusion as described, defined and analysed by commentators from Mumford to Lefebvre. It has been exacerbated by a culture of home ownership that has led to an affordability crisis. An examination of the history reveals that the problems are structural and must be approached not as a practical solution to the public provision of housing, but as a reshaping of lives, a reconnection to community, and as an ethical and equitable “right to the city”. This “Right to the City” has underpinned the Common Ground approach, emerging in a range of cities and adopted in South Brisbane, Queensland Australia. This paper examines the Common Ground approach and the impacts on its residents and in the community with a view to exploring further developments in this direction. A clear understanding of these lessons underpins, and should inform, a new approach to reconnecting the displaced and to developing solutions that not only enhance their lives but also the community at large.
THE USAGE OF CATALYSERS IN THE OXIDATION pROCESS OF NATURAL ANDWASTE WATER PURIFICATION
Authors: FATTAKhOVA A. M , KIRSANOVA A. G , KhANGIL'DIN R. I , MARTYaShEVA V. A
Published: April 2015

The authors give a short review on the usage of different catalysers in the process of natural and waste water purification with the help of oxidants.
EVOLUTION OF GRAFICAL METODS OF ENCODING TERRITORY INFORMATION
Authors: BAROVA K. D
Published: April 2015

Аuthor dwells on evolution of the formation of information encoding graphical methods , which is necessary for the implementation of project activities of architecture and design of environment.
ESTIMATION CRITERIA OF RELIABILITY AND TECHNICAL CONDITION OF HYDRAULIC ENGINEERING CONSTRUCTIONS
Authors: EVDOKIMOV S. V , DORMIDONTOVA T. V
Published: April 2015

Here are considered the basic estimation criteria of the reliability and technical condition of hydraulic engineering constructions. The basic methods of the estimation and calculation of the reliability of complex technical systems are analyzed. Conclusions are drawn and recommendations how to use these methods are offered with reference to hydraulic engineering objects and constructions.
PRECONDITIONS FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MASS SPEED TRAVEL MEANS
Authors: LAPAEV A. A
Published: April 2015

This article reviews the main aspects of the automobile era development. Such factors as reconstruction of European cities as a prerequisite for the forthcoming of high-speed means of mass travel, invention and application of production lines and new economic practices in the motor car construction as well as the foundation of the first workers suburbs as a new settlement system are primarily connected with the progress in the motor industry and transport infrastructure in general.Key words: automobile, line, city reconstruction, technical progress.
Adiposity Measurements and Non‐Surgical Periodontal Therapy Outcomes
Authors: Bouaziz Wiem , Davideau Jean‐Luc , Tenenbaum Henri , Huck Olivier
Published: April 2015

Background: Obesity is considered a risk factor for periodontitis. However, its influence on periodontal therapy has not been clearly determined. The aim of this case‐control study is to evaluate the association between adiposity measurements, non‐surgical periodontal treatment outcomes, and influencing factors in patients with chronic periodontitis.

Methods: Eighteen obese and 18 normal‐weight (NW) patients are included in this study. The waist/hip ratio (WHR), plaque index, bleeding on probing, probing depth (PD), and clinical attachment level (CAL) were measured at baseline and 3 and 6 months after treatment. Univariable and multivariable analyses were used to evaluate the influence of sex, age, baseline percentage of PD >3 mm, WHR, and obesity on periodontal treatment outcomes.

Results: Demographic and periodontal characteristics at baseline were similar in both groups. All periodontal parameters were improved during treatment in both groups. PD reduction and CAL gain were 0.88 and 0.84 mm in NW individuals and 0.79 and 0.68 mm in obese individuals. The difference in moderate‐to‐deep pocket (PD >5 mm) percentages between the baseline and 6‐month examinations was 9.1% in NW individuals and 6.08% for obese individuals. Multivariable analysis showed that obesity negatively influenced changes of PD >5 mm percentages. This influence was also observed at 3 months for improving sites (PD decrease >2 mm between examinations) if WHR was also considered in the analysis.

Conclusions: A negative association between adiposity measurements and periodontal treatment outcomes was observed mainly for moderate‐to‐deep pockets. Consideration of WHR and other influencing factors amplified the negative effect of obesity on periodontal treatment outcomes.
The Application of Nano‐Sized Zero‐Valent Iron for In Situ Remediation of Chlorinated Ethylenes in Groundwater: A Field Case Study
Authors: Lacina Petr , Dvorak Vojtech , Vodickova Eva , Barson Prokop , Kalivoda Josef , Goold Scott
Published: April 2015

In this paper, the authors present the pilot in situ application of nano zero‐valent iron (nZVI) for effective remediation of groundwater in an industrial area contaminated by chlorinated ethylenes (CEs), which create a significant group of global environmental contaminants. This work covers the entire 1‐year remediation process, including systematic laboratory tests and field application techniques for nZVI.

The application was carried out in the area of a metal fabrication industrial facility in the Czech Republic. Contamination of CEs in this area is a consequence of old ecological loads. The entire remediation process contained the following steps: monitoring of the area, selection of the most relevant hot spot, selection of the most appropriate application borehole, systematic laboratory tests, application of nZVI, and postapplication monitoring.

Ten kilograms of nZVI were applied as a water suspension into the selected borehole. Significant decreases in concentrations of selected contaminants were observed in the first month after application. The reaction in the borehole was completed within approximately 5 to 6 months after the application and during this period almost 50% elimination of contamination was achieved.
Typical Application of Sound Field in Wastewater Treatment with Fluidized Bed Photocatalytic Reactor
Authors: Si Chong‐dian , Zhou Jing , Gao Hong‐tao , Liu Guang‐jun , Wu Jian‐jun
Published: April 2015

The effect of a sound field on wastewater treatment with a fluidized bed photocatalytic reactor (FBPR) was investigated. With Alizarin Green (AG) being the sole infectant, the Fe‐doped TiO2 catalyst prepared was used as the fluidized media. According to the Langmuir–Hinshelwood model, the photocatalytic degradation follows the pseudo‐first‐order reaction kinetics with respect to the concentration of AG. Sound field application allowed the fluidization of the fine powder at high liquid flow rates; thus, the mass transfer rate between organic pollutant and particle photocatalyst was enhanced and the efficiency of degradation was increased. As expected, the degradation rate constant increased with increasing sound pressure level, as well as increased with increasing sound frequency ranging from 50 to 100 Hz, then further decreased with increasing sound frequency from 100 to 200 Hz. In addition, Fe doping is also responsible for the enhanced photocurrent response of the Fe‐doped TiO2 nanoparticle in FBPR relative to pure TiO2.
Identification of seed coat phenolic compounds from differently colored pea varieties and characterization of their antioxidant activity
Authors: Stanisavljevic Nemanja , Ilic Marija , Jovanovic Zivko , Cupic Tihomir , Dabic Dragana , Natic Maja , Tesic Zivoslav , Radovic Svetlana
Published: April 2015

The phenolic composition of seed coats in four differently colored pea
varieties (Pisum sativum L.) was investigated using UHPLC-LTQ OrbiTrap MS.
The obtained findings revealed that the seed coats of the examined pea
genotypes possess a unique phenolic composition compared to previously
studied European cultivars. In total, 41 phenolic compounds have been
identified. The seed coats of the studied cultivars contained certain amounts
of rosmarinic acid, rutin, galangin, morin, naringin, hesperetin and
pinocembrin as well as ten flavonol glycosides that had not been reported
previously. Additionally, the total phenolic content, antioxidant activity
and metal chelating capacity of extracts was determined using
Folin-Ciocalteu?s method, 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical scavenging
assay, ferric ion-reducing capacity and ferrous ion-chelating capacity assay,
respectively. Dark colored genotypes MBK 168 and MBK 173 possessed the
highest total phenolic contents as well the strongest antioxidant activities.
On the other hand, bright colored genotypes MBK 88 and MBK 90 exhibited the
strongest metal-chelating capacities. The examined pea seed coats may be
considered as important potential contributors to human health due to the
presence of bioactive phenolic constituents. In addition, our results could
be used as a guideline for breeding new pea cultivars with high antioxidant
activities applicable in the formulation of functional food products.
Fixed point theorems for g-monotone maps on partially ordered S-metric spaces
Authors: Van Dung , Trung Hieu , Radojevic Slobodan
Published: April 2015

In this paper, we prove some fixed point theorems for 1-monotone maps on
partially ordered S-metric spaces. Our results generalize fixed point
theorems in [1] and [7] for maps on metric spaces to the structure of
S-metric spaces. Also, we give examples to demonstrate the validity of the
results.
The influence of ECAP on microstructure evolution of aluminium alloys during in-situ heating in TEM
Authors: Poková Michaela , Zimina Mariia , Cieslar Miroslav
Published: April 2015

Twin-roll casting of aluminium alloys produces sheets with high solid-solution supersaturation. During high tempe-rature processing the solid solution decomposes and cubic α-Al(Mn, Fe)Si precipitates form. Processing by equal channel angular pressing introduces new grain boundaries into the material and shifts the precipitation to lower temperatures. In-situ annealing in a transmission electron microscope enables dynamic observation of recovery, precipitation, particle dissolution and grain growth. However, most of the processes observed by in-situ transmission electron microscopy occur at temperatures that are lower than temperatures estimated from specimens annealed conventionally in a furnace.
Pattern of presentation of Guillain-Barre syndrome in three tertiary level Hospital in Bangladesh
Authors: Kabir ATM Humayun , Rahman Mozibor , Ali Bahadur , Kabiruzzaman - , Ahmad Mushtaq
Published: April 2015

Introduction: Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is an acute frequently severe and fulminating peripheral neuropathy that is autoimmune in nature. It occurs at a rate of between 1 and 4 per 1,00,000 cases annually. In the United States, 5000-6000 cases occur per year. Males are at slightly higher risk of developing GBS than females and in western countries, adults are more frequently affected than children. Objective: This study was carried out to observe the pattern of presentation of GBS among Bangladeshi population. Methods: This is an observational longitudinal study done in Combined Military Hospital (CMH), Bangobandhu Sheikh Mujib Medical University (BSSMU) and National Institute of Neuroscience Hospital (NINS) during the period of January 2010 to June 2012. A total number of 50 GBS patients were included in this study. Results: A total of 50 patients were studied, the mean age of the patients was 30.40± 1.56 and male was found predominant. About 80% of the patients presented with the typical pattern of Landrys are ascending paralysis, 12% had bulbar involvement first and the rest 8% had mixed presentation, 56% patients had facial nerve involvement and 16% patients had bulbar cranial nerve involvement. About 62% patients presented with pain and paresthesia though none had any abnormality in pain, touch and temperature sensation but 10% patients had position sense and 50% had some degree of vibration sense 50 JAFMC Bangladesh. Vol 10, No 1 (June) 2014 abnormality. Ten patients had respiratory muscle weakness requiring Intensive Care Unit (ICU) support. All patients had acute flaccid type of paraplegia or quadriplegia having hyporeflexia or areflexia (mostly). About 56% patients had autonomic involvement but none had sphincter disturbance. On electrophysiology, 56% patients had demyelination type of nerve injury, 36% had mixed and 8% had axonal type of nerve injury. Conclusion: The pattern of presentation of GBS cases was not much variable and was found to be the studies done before. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22923 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014
Response of CHOP therapy in the treatment of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma - one year study in CMH, Dhaka
Authors: Karim Md Mostafil , Akhter Shahina , Ahmad Mushtaq
Published: April 2015

Introduction: The lymphomas are a group of malignant disease that originate from uninhibited growth of cellular elements normally found in lymphatic tissue. All forms of lymphoma have the potential to spread from their origin in a single node or chain of nodes to other nodes and eventually to disseminate to spleen, liver and bone marrow. Objective: To assess the response rate and to evaluate the toxicity and safety of CHOP regimen. Methods: In this study 50 cases were selected of all age irrespectively and both sexes diagnosed at Combined Military Hospital, Dhaka. A prescribed proforma was used for each patient. It included particulars of the patient, history, physical findings, laboratory investigations (biopsy, cytology, and bone marrow study), ultrasonography and CT-scan in appropriate cases. Results: In this study, starting from July 2009 to June 2010, 50 patients were included. Out of them, 30 patients (60.00%) achieved complete remission, 12 patients (24.00%) had partial remission. Overall responses were 84 percent and 8 patients (16.00%) were non-responder. Two patients (4%) of non-responder died during chemotherapy. Conclusion: In this study a significant number of patients achieved complete and partial remission. The response was rapid and most of the patients achieved complete or partial remission after receiving only 2-3 cycles of therapy. Considering the toxicities, the patients were well-tolerated to CHOP regimen. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/jafmc.v10i1.22932 Journal of Armed Forces Medical College Bangladesh Vol.10(1) 2014
Screening of antimicrobial potential and brine shrimp lethality bioassay of the whole plant extract of Spilanthes paniculata Wall. ex DC
Authors: Siddiqui Rokeya , Alam Md Masud , Amin Mohammad Ruhul , Daula AFM Shahid Ud , Hossain MM
Published: April 2015

Bangladesh possesses a rich flora of medicinal plant. Out of the estimated 5000 species of phanerogams and pteridophytes growing in this country, more than a thousand are regarded as having medicinal properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the in vitro antimicrobial activity and brine shrimp lethality of the whole plant extracts of Spilanthes paniculata, a plant belonging to the family Asteraceae. The crude extract, n-Hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate soluble fraction of crude extract showed significant to moderate antimicrobial activity against three Gram positive and three Gram negative microorganisms. The zones of inhibition produced by the crude extract (methanolic extract), n-hexane, choloform and ethyl acetate soluble fractions were found to be 14.89 mm-19.40 mm, 14 mm-19.40 mm, 10.66 mm-13.50 mm and 9.50 mm-13.26 mm, consecutively at a concentration of 30 µg/disc. N-Hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of methanolic extract of Spilanthes paniculata were screened for antitumor properties using brine shrimp lethality bioassay. From the results of the brine shrimp lethality bioassay, it can be well predicted that n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate soluble fractions of methanolic extract possess mild cytotoxicity on shrimp naupalii. The median lethal concentration (LC50, the concentration at which 50% mortality of brine shrimp nauplii occurred) of n-hexane, chloroform and ethyl acetate were 48.978 mg/ml, 92.61 mg/ml and 216.770 mg/ml, respectively, comparison with positive control vincristine sulphate with 0.839 mg/ml. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v3i1.22743 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.3(1) 2013: 1-5
Evaluation of resistance pattern of the multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria isolated from burn wounds
Authors: Rahman Noshin Azra , Akhter Asma , Urmi Nusrat Jahan
Published: April 2015

Out of 10 random burn wound swab samples, 15 isolates were found which included Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Bacillus cereus, Shigella spp. Pseudmonas aeruginosa, Citrobacter spp. and Escherichia coli. Antibiogram assay revealed that four of them were multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains, i.e, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and E. coli which were further selected for a comparative analysis of resistance through determining minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) by using chloramphenicol and tetracycline. In case of tetracycline, the highest MIC value was estimated to be 30 ?g/ml and the highest MBC value was found to be 60 ?g/ml for the 4 MDR strains tested. Whereas, against chloramphenicol, the highest MIC value was 62.5 ?g/ml and the highest MBC value was 125 ?g/ml for all the MDR strains except for E. coli, which exhibited absolute resistance. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v3i1.22744 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.3(1) 2013: 6-8
Microbiological quality analysis of raw, pasteurized, UHT milk samples collected from different locations in Bangladesh
Authors: Banik Sourav Kumar , Das Kamal Kanta , Uddin Md Aftab
Published: April 2015

Present study attempted to determine the microbiological quality of raw, pasteurized and UHT (Ultra High Temperature-processed) milk samples collected from different locations in Bangladesh. A total of 46 samples were studied including 22 raw milk samples from the local dairy markets and 24 different brands of pasteurized and ultrahigh temperature (UHT) treated milk manufactured in different beverage industries. The samples were examined for determining the total viable bacterial count (TVBC) and total coliform count (TCC). Results revealed that the raw milk samples were substandard in terms of TVBC and TCC. The range of TVBC and TCC in raw milk samples was 5.2×108 to 1.3×107 cfu/ml and 4.2×104 to 1.0×104 cfu/ml, respectively. On the contrary, the quality of pasteurized and UHT-treated milks was excellent. The TVBC range in pasteurized milk samples was from 1.8×103 to 1.1×102 cfu/ml, slightly lower than that recommended by the Bangladesh Standards and Testing Institution (BSTI). Interestingly sample numbers P-6, P-10 and P-12 of pasteurized milk samples had no growth at all both in terms of TVBC and TCC and none of the UHT processed milk contained any bacteria. So from the consumer point of view, both types of processed milk can be considered safe for consumption within the mentioned expiry date. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3329/sjm.v4i1.22753 Stamford Journal of Microbiology, Vol.4(1) 2014: 5-8
Multi-Objective Thermo-Economic Optimization Strategy for ORCs Applied to Subcritical and Transcritical Cycles for Waste Heat Recovery
Authors: Lecompte Steven , Lemmens Sanne , Huisseune Henk , Van den Broek Martijn , De Paepe Michel
Published: April 2015

Organic Rankine cycles (ORCs) are an established technology to convert waste heat to electricity. Although several commercial implementations exist, there is still considerable potential for thermo-economic optimization. As such, a novel framework for designing optimized ORC systems is proposed based on a multi-objective optimization scheme in combination with financial appraisal in a post-processing step. The suggested methodology provides the flexibility to quickly assess several economic scenarios and this without the need of knowing the complex design procedure. This novel way of optimizing and interpreting results is applied to a waste heat recovery case. Both the transcritical ORC and subcritical ORC are investigated and compared using the suggested optimization strategy.
Antiproliferative, Antibacterial and Antifungal Activity of the Lichen Xanthoria parietina and Its Secondary Metabolite Parietin
Authors: Basile Adriana , Rigano Daniela , Loppi Stefano , Di Santi Annalisa , Nebbioso Angela , Sorbo Sergio , Conte Barbara , Paoli Luca , De Ruberto Francesca , Molinari Anna , Altucci Lucia , Bontempo Paola
Published: April 2015

Lichens are valuable natural resources used for centuries throughout the world as medicine, food, fodder, perfume, spices and dyes, as well as for other miscellaneous purposes. This study investigates the antiproliferative, antibacterial and antifungal activity of the acetone extract of the lichen Xanthoria parietina (Linnaeus) Theodor Fries and its major secondary metabolite, parietin. The extract and parietin were tested for antimicrobial activity against nine American Type Culture Collection standard and clinically isolated bacterial strains, and three fungal strains. Both showed strong antibacterial activity against all bacterial strains and matched clinical isolates, particularly against Staphylococcus aureus from standard and clinical sources. Among the fungi tested, Rhizoctonia solani was the most sensitive. The antiproliferative effects of the extract and parietin were also investigated in human breast cancer cells. The extract inhibited proliferation and induced apoptosis, both effects being accompanied by modulation of expression of cell cycle regulating genes such as p16, p27, cyclin D1 and cyclin A. It also mediated apoptosis by activating extrinsic and intrinsic cell death pathways, modulating Tumor Necrosis Factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL) and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and inducing Bcl-2-associated agonist of cell death (BAD) phosphorylation. Our results indicate that Xanthoria parietina is a major potential source of antimicrobial and anticancer substances.