bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determination of Hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) in Honey Based on p-Toluidine as a Reagent Using Spectrophotometric Method
Authors: Ahmad Yahia Mashri , Ahmad Musa , Che Wan Ngah Che Wan Zanariah , Yook Heng Lee
Published: December 2015

Spectrophotometric determination of hydroxymethylfurfural (HMF) based on p-toluidine as a reagent has been studied. The absorption intensities were measured at a wavelength range of 250 to 500 nm to record the absorption spectra before and after reaction with the HMF. The solution response was obtained at pH 3. The concentration of HMF was 5 × 10-3M, whereas for p-toluidine was 8 × 10-3M .The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of reproducibility was 3.33% when concentration of p-toluidine 3 × 10-3M was used .The photostability was found to be good with 1.9 %. M was used . The photostability was found to be good with 1.9 %.
ATR-FTIR Analysis on Polymorphism of PVDF/MgO Nanocomposite Thin Films
Authors: Mohd Dahan Rozana , Arshad Adillah Nurashikin , Mohamed Nor Athirah , Engku Zawawi Engku Zaharah , Kamarun Dzaraini , Wahid Mohd Hafiz , Sarip Muhamad Naiman , Rusop Mahmood Mohamad
Published: December 2015

This study employed 7 weight percent (wt.%) of untreated and treated MgO nanofillers incorporated into PVDF polymer. The effects of coupling agents (chlorotrimethylsilane and triacetoxyvinylsilane) on the polymorphism of PVDF/MgO nanocomposite were investigated. The PVDF/MgO nanocomposite thin films of untreated and treated MgO nanofillers, with and without the addition of coupling agents were produced via spin coating technique. The average thickness recorded for these films was 300 nm thick. ATR-FTIR was conducted to investigate the changes in polymorphism of PVDF/MgO nanocomposite thin films. The results shows that PVDF/MgO (Chlorotriemethylvinylsilane) indicates better compatibility than PVDF/MgO, with sharp and distinguished absorption band at 840 cm-1, indicating high content of PVDF, β-crystals.
Preparation, Characterization and Performance Studies of Active PVDF Ultrafiltration-Surfactants Membranes Containing PVP as Additive
Authors: Md Fadilah Nur Izzah , Hassan Abdul Rahman
Published: December 2015

The role of surfactants in the formation of active Poly (vinylidene fluoride) (PVDF) ultrafiltration (AUF) membranes was studied. The effect combination of surfactants that are Sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)/Tween 80 and Tween 80/Triton X-100 formulations on performance and morphological structures were investigated for the first time. The influence of surfactants blends on the membrane pores was also examined. Experimental data showed that combination of Tween 80/Triton X-100 give the highest BSA permeation flux which value 285.51 Lm-2h-1. With combination of SDS/Tween 80, the AUF membrane showed the highest protein rejection up to 93% and 79% for Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA) and Egg Albumin (EA), respectively. Moreover, membranes characterization demonstrated that the addition of SDS/Tween 80 and Tween 80/Triton X-100 were found to affect the performance, surface morphologies and membrane pores of AUF PVDF membranes.
Effect of Filler Dispersion on Tensile Strength and Tearing Energy of Natural Rubber (NR) Latex Films
Authors: Jarkasi Siti Aisyah , Kamarun Dzaraini , Samsuri Azemi , Md Yatim Amir Hashim
Published: December 2015

Fillers play important roles in enhancing mechanical properties of NR latex films. The effect of filler dispersion and amount of dispersing agent to the tensile strength and tearing energy of NR latex films were investigated in this study. The studies were carried out by (i) varying the amount of dispersing agent (Anchoid) added which is an anionic surfactant; and (ii) varying the speed of stirring during mixing of latex with compounding ingredients. It was observed that tensile strength and tearing energy were affected by both factors listed. In the case of NR latex film filled with 10 pphr of carbon black (Super Abrasion Furnace, SAF), the optimum stirring speed was 400 rpm and the optimum amount of surfactant was in the range of 5 to 10 % by weight. High tensile strength ranging from 29 - 31 MPa and high tearing energies ranging from 90.6 - 111.0 kJ/m2were achieved from optimization of these two factors; rendering their importance.
Ultrasonic Dyeing of Silk Fabric with Dirinaria picta Lichen Species
Authors: Idris Atiqah , Ahmad Mohd Rozi , Ab Kadir Muhammad Ismail , Wan Ahmad Wan Yunus
Published: December 2015

The aim of this work is to enhance dyeing efficiency and fastness properties of natural dyes from Dirinaria picta lichen species using ultrasound method. The dyes were extracted using boiling water, ammonia fermentation and solvent extraction methods. The time and temperature of ultrasound dyeing on silk fabrics were varied and compared with conventional dyeing. The results revealed that the efficiency of ultrasound dyeing is better than conventional dyeing in terms of giving darker shades on the fabrics. Ultrasound dyeing has the advantage of using lower dyeing temperature. The results of fastness properties to washing, perspiration, crocking and light were fair to good.
Microstructure of Activated Carbon Particles Coated on High Density Polyethylene (HDPE) for Wastewater Treatment Application
Authors: Shahot Khaled , Idris Azni , Rosli Zulkifli , Omar Rozita , Yusoff Hamdan , Abdul Rashid Suraya , Ekhmaj Ahmed , Azis Rabaah , Abd Ghani Ismail
Published: December 2015

This research aims to study the effect of activated carbon particles in adsorption of the methylene blue as a replacement of wastewater treatment when coated on a high density polyethylene (HDPE) substrate (e.g. flat sheet and cosmo ball substrates). Prior to coating, the activated carbon has been cleaned using tab water to remove ashes which blocks the activated carbon pores. Coating was done by applying epoxy material using brushing technique, and then sprayed the activated carbon on epoxy either manually or using spray machine. The thickness and morphological of the coatings were characterized using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). Analyses conducted have confirmed that granuler activated carbon coating layers ranged between 100 to 500 μm have been successfully deposited on different shapes of HDPE substrates. The coatings deposited on HDPE substrate produced high surface roughness of around 7 μm. The ability of the coated samples in removing the colour of methylene blue is believed due to the high porosity of the activated carbon(AC). The surface area has been increased dramatically if compared with uncoated substrate since the BET of activated carbon is 426 m2/g .
The Notch Ligand DLL4 Defines a Capability of Human Dendritic Cells in Regulating Th1 and Th17 Differentiation
Authors: Meng Lijun , Bai Zhenjiang , He Shan , Mochizuki Kazuhiro , Liu Yongnian , Purushe Janaki , Sun Hongxing , Wang Jian , Yagita Hideo , Mineishi Shin , Fung Henry , Yanik Gregory A. , Caricchio Roberto , Fan Xiaoxuan , Crisalli Lisa M. , Hexner Elizabeth O. , Reshef Ran , Zhang Yanyun , Zhang Yi
Published: December 2015

Notch signaling regulates multiple helper CD4+ T cell programs. We have recently demonstrated that dendritic cells (DCs) expressing the Notch ligand DLL4 are critical for eliciting alloreactive T cell responses and induction of graft-versus-host disease in mice. However, the human counterpart of murine DLL4+ DCs has yet to be examined. We report the identification of human DLL4+ DCs and their critical role in regulating Th1 and Th17 differentiation. CD1c+ DCs and plasmacytoid DCs (pDCs) from the peripheral blood (PB) of healthy donors did not express DLL4. In contrast, patients undergoing allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation had a 16-fold more DLL4+CD1c+ DCs than healthy donors. Upon activation of TLR signaling, healthy donor-derived CD1c+ DCs dramatically upregulated DLL4, as did pDCs to a lesser extent. Activated DLL4+ DCs were better able to promote Th1 and Th17 differentiation than unstimulated PB DCs. Blocking DLL4 using a neutralizing Ab decreased Notch signaling in T cells stimulated with DLL4+ DCs, and it reduced the generation of Th1 and Th17 cells. Both NF-κB and STAT3 were crucial for inducing DLL4 in human DCs. Interestingly, STAT3 directly activated DLL4 transcription and inhibiting STAT3 alone was sufficient to reduce DLL4 in activated PB DCs. Thus, DLL4 is a unique functional molecule of human circulating DCs critical for directing Th1 and Th17 differentiation. These findings identify a pathway for therapeutic intervention for inflammatory disorders in humans, such as graft-versus-host disease after allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, autoimmunity, and tumor immunity.
Moraxella catarrhalis Evades Host Innate Immunity via Targeting Cartilage Oligomeric Matrix Protein
Authors: Liu Guanghui , Gradstedt Henrik , Ermert David , Englund Emelie , Singh Birendra , Su Yu-Ching , Johansson Martin E. , Aspberg Anders , Agarwal Vaibhav , Riesbeck Kristian , Blom Anna M.
Published: December 2015

Moraxella catarrhalis is a respiratory tract pathogen commonly causing otitis media in children and acute exacerbations in patients suffering from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Cartilage oligomeric matrix protein (COMP) functions as a structural component in cartilage, as well as a regulator of complement activity. Importantly, COMP is detected in resident macrophages and monocytes, alveolar fluid, and the endothelium of blood vessels in lung tissue. We show that the majority of clinical isolates of M. catarrhalis (n = 49), but not other tested bacterial pathogens, bind large amounts of COMP. COMP interacts directly with the ubiquitous surface protein A2 of M. catarrhalis. Binding of COMP correlates with survival of M. catarrhalis in human serum by inhibiting bactericidal activity of the complement membrane attack complex. Moreover, COMP inhibits phagocytic killing of M. catarrhalis by human neutrophils. We further observed that COMP reduces bacterial adhesion and uptake by human lung epithelial cells, thus protecting M. catarrhalis from intracellular killing by epithelial cells. Taken together, our findings uncover a novel mechanism that M. catarrhalis uses to evade host innate immunity.
A Rare Case of Intratonsillar Abscess in an Adult
Authors: Singh Gautam Bir , Kumar Deepak , Arora Rubeena , Garg Sunil , Ranjan Shruti
Published: December 2015

A rare case of intratonsillar abscess is presented in a 25-year old healthy adult male, where the clinical presentation was found to be unique hitherto unreported in the medical literature. The clinical record also highlights the importance of incision and drainage in the management of such cases. With this case, we illustrate a rare entity that present in an extremely rare manner.
Bedside echocardiography in internal medicine: which key questions and answers for our decision-making?
Authors: Cogliati Chiara , Torzillo Daniela , Casella Francesco , Del Medico Marta , Montano Nicola
Published: December 2015

The advent of portable equipment in the last years has brought ultrasound technology available at patient bedside, giving the opportunity to non-cardiologists to extend cardiac assessment based on physical examination. Bedside echocardiography is a ‘question-driven’ examination, where simple and often dichotomic answers are searched. It is performed using phased-array probes and bidimensional images are visually evaluated to obtain information regarding cardiac size and function, presence of pericardial effusion, gross valvular diseases. Although this approach can not in any case substitute a standard 2D color-doppler echocardiography, bedside echocardiography has been demonstrated to maintain a good diagnostic accuracy when limited to basic questions, even in the hands of short-trained non cardiologist physicians. At present the bedside ultrasound approach is widely used in different settings and focused echocardiography takes part together with US explorations of lung, abdomen and deep veins in an integrated perspective that perfectly fit with the holistic approach of the internist. In this context we address two typical scenarios encountered in the internal medicine divisions -the patient presenting with dyspnea or non-post-traumatic hypotension- showing the main questions we can ask to bedside echocardiography for a rapid identification of the determinants of symptoms and consequently for a therapeutic choice based on more objective evidences.
A case of complicated otomastoiditis
Authors: Atzeni Mario , Iozzi Chiara , Pinna Monica , Benetti Gian Luca , Scazzeri Fabio
Published: December 2015

We describe the case of a child who, at her first episode of clinically evident acute otitis media, has developed a bilateral mastoiditis, though with unilateral simptomatology. The mastoiditis was complicated by the spontaneous drainage of the postauricular abscess in the subcutaneous tissue. According to the literature, we believe that the temporal bone computed tomography scan is the fundamental examination to properly define an anusual case of mastoiditis, plan adequate therapy (medical o surgical), and rule out other possible complications.
Oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum with craniosynostosis and osteo-cartilagineous multiple defects: a diffuse chondro-membranous-osteo-dysplasia
Authors: Berio Agostino , Garlaschi Giacomo , Mangiante Giuseppe , Piazzi Attilia
Published: December 2015

We report on a female with oculo-auriculo-vertebral spectrum, low height, and on X-ray lambdoid suture synostosis, cerebral cyst/mild holoprosencephalia and cholesteatoma, and multiple abnormalities of bones of chondral origin. On the right side, maxillary, mandibular bones, external auditory canal, middle ear were hypoplastic as well as semicircular canal, cranial base, bones vestibule. On the left side, coclea, timpanic cavity, mastoid antrum were hypoplastic, while stapes was misshapen. Limbs bones were slender with thin metaphyses and some carpal bones were absent. Hand second phalanx was hypoplastic and fifth finger presented clynodactily. Lambdoid synostosis expressed membranous ossification abnormality. We hypothesize that during the blastogenesis a mutation of a factor responsible for abnormal generalized endochondral and connectival ossification (possibly fibroblast growth factor receptor) occurs.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF SURFACE URBAN HEAT ISLAND EFFECT OF ROOFTOPS AND STREETSCAPES IN CENTRAL SYDNEY
Authors: Sharifi Ehsan , Lehmann Steffen
Published: December 2015

Cities are frequently experiencing artificial heat stress, known as the Urban Heat Island (UHI) effect. The UHI effect is commonly present in cities due to increased urbanization, where anthropogenic heat and human modifications have altered the characteristics of surfaces and atmosphere. Urban structure, land cover and metabolism are underlined as UHI key contributors and can result in higher urban densities being up to 10°C hotter compared to their peri-urban surroundings. The UHI effect increases the health-risk of spending time outdoors and boosts the need for energy consumption, particularly for air-conditioning during summer. Under investigation is what urban features are more resilient to the surface layer Urban Heat Island (sUHI) effect in precinct scale. In the context of Sydney, this ongoing research aims to explore the most heat resilient urban features at precinct scale. This UHI investigation covers five high-density precincts in central Sydney and is based on a nocturnal remote-sensing thermal image of central Sydney taken on 6 February 2009. Comparing the surface temperature of streetscapes and buildings’ rooftops (dominant urban horizontal surfaces), indicates that open spaces and particularly streetscapes are the most sensitive urban elements to the sUHI effect. The correlations between street network intensity, open space ratio, urban greenery ratio and the sUHI effect is being analysed in Sydney’s high-density precincts. Results indicate that higher open space ratio and street network intensity correlate significantly to higher sUHI effect at precinct scale. Meanwhile, 10% increase in the urban greenery can effectively decrease the precinct temperature by 0.6°C.
RESEARCHES ON URBAN FREIGHT TRANSPORT IN THE MEXICAN CITY OF QUERETARO: From central to peri-urban areas
Authors: Betanzo-Quezada Eduardo , Obregón-Biosca José A. Romero-Navarrete; Saúl A.
Published: December 2015

While in developed countries the effects of urban freight transport on congestion levels, environment and quality of life of the population have been recognized and studied, in Latin American countries a limited amount of reports have been produced on this issue, focusing only on major urban agglomerations and capital cities. The aim of this paper is to describe and discuss the results and the key analytical concepts supporting a research work carried out in the Queretaro Metropolitan Area, within the 2003−2014 period. The methodological approach considered includes a multi-year research effort for creating analytical tools and evaluation methods. As a result of this effort, urban freight related issues have been characterized in a context of urban and peri-urban interacting environments for a medium-sized city. The resulting methods and tools can now be used for studying metropolitan areas on a nation-wide basis.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN POLLUTION AND ECONOMIC GROWTH IN CHINA: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM 111 CITIES
Authors: Zheng Haitao , Huai Wenxin , Huang Lele
Published: December 2015

Steady economic growth and environmental protection are two contradictory goals of top priorities in China 2016–2020 Planning Project. Cities play important role in economic and environmental development. The research on cities’ economic-pollution relationship is vital to the choices in city developing patterns. This paper investigates the relationship between economic growth and environmental pollution of 111 Chinese prefectural-level cities in the period 2004–2012 and how it might influence the choice of a city's developing pattern. These 111 cities are classified to five different clusters, one of which has particular pollution-economic relationship and some of which coordinate the EKC theory. The paper suggests that city features, scale effect and composition effect are important in the distribution of cities’ developing patterns.
DYNAMIC MATHEMATICAL MODEL OF URBAN SPATIAL PATTERN (RESIDENTIAL CHOICE OF LOCATION): MOBILITY VS EXTERNALITY
Authors: Fitriani Rahma , Darmanto Darmanto
Published: December 2015

Household’s residential choice of location determines urban spatial pattern (e.g sprawl). The static model which assumes that the choice has been affected by distance to the CBD and location specific externality, fails to capture the evoution of the pattern over time. Therefore this study proposes a dynamic version of the model. It analyses the effects of externalities on the optimal solution of development decision as function of time. It also derives the effect of mobility and externality on the rate of change of development pattern through time. When the increasing rate of utility is not as significant as the increasing rate of income, the externalities will delay the change of urban spatial pattern over time. If the mobility costs increase by large amount relative to the increase of income and inflation rate, then the mobility effect dominates the effects of externalities in delaying the urban expansion.
EFFECT OF THERMAL PRETREATMENT ON THE SOLUBILIZATION OF ORGANIC MATTERS IN A MIXTURE OF PRIMARY AND WASTE ACTIVATED SLUDGE
Authors: Aboulfotoh Ahmed M. , El Monayeri E.H. El Gohary and O.D.
Published: December 2015

The increased demand for advanced techniques in anaerobic digestion over the last few years has led to the employment of various pre-treatment methods prior to anaerobic digestion to increase gas production. These pre-treatment methods alter the physical and chemical properties of sludge in order to make it more readily degradable by anaerobic digestion. Although the thermal pre-treatment presents high energy consumption, the main part of this energy to heat can be recovered from the biogas produced in the anaerobic process. In this research a mixture of primary and waste activated sludge was thermally pretreated at 100, 125, 150, 175 and 200o C in order to determine the effect of thermal pretreatment on improving the solubilization of sludge by increasing the soluble organic fraction (expressed as soluble COD and VFA). Experimental results proved that the solubilization ratio of sludge is depends on the treatment time and the applied temperature and the optimal temperature ranged between 175 and 200o C. The COD solubilization ratio (at 175o C) increased from 11.2% to 15.1% and 25.1% when the time of treatment increased from 60 min to 120 and 240 min respectively. The experimental data could be fitted to obtain an empirical model (Known as the enzyme-kinetic equation) relating the COD solubilization ratio of sludge and VFA concentration to the applied temperature and the heating time.
Mucoepidermoid carcinoma involving the palate with lamellated calcifications: A notable finding
Authors: Ananthaneni Anuradha , Ponnapalli Haripriya , Kiresur Mohammad Asif , Chaitanya S. V. Krishna
Published: December 2015

Mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) is a malignant glandular epithelial neoplasm of the salivary glands with an unpredictable behavior and a tendency to recur. The tumor is composed of mucous secreting cells, epidermoid cells, intermediate cells, columnar cells, and clear cells in varying proportions. Calcification in the salivary gland tumors is less common and minuscule in size; these can be seen in the benign tumor-like pleomorphic adenoma to malignant tumor-like MEC. Calcifications in MEC are considerably sparse and commonly associated with high-grade tumors. We present a case of MEC with lamellated calcifications present in the palate of a 43-year-old male patient.
Fibro-osseous lesions of jaws: Analysis of three cases
Authors: Pancharethinam Durgadevi , Chaudhary Monika , Venkatapathy Ramesh , Daniel Mariappan Jonathan
Published: December 2015

Fibro-osseous lesions (FOL) represent a varied group of entities in which the normal bone is replaced by cellular fibrous tissue containing mineralized foci that may vary in amount and appearance.These group of lesions predominantly affects the jaws and craniofacial bones. According to Waldron 1993, FOL includes three major groups namely fibrous dysplasia, cemento-osseous dysplasia, and ossifying fibroma. FOL show considerable overlapping in the clinical, radiographic and histological features, and so a thorough knowledge of these lesions is mandatory for interpretation and appropriate diagnosis. This article documents the clinical, radiographic and histological features of three cases of FOL and discusses the considerations related to diagnosis.
La experiencia de elaborar infografías didácticas sobre diversidad sexual
Authors: Guzmán-Cedillo Yunuen Ixchel , Lima-Villeda Natalia , Ferreira da Silva Rosa Sirléia
Published: December 2015

El objetivo de esta investigación es identificar los temas que se manifiestan en el discurso de 21 estudiantes de Medicina al escribir de forma individual acerca de su experiencia de elaboración de infografías didácticas sobre diversidad sexual. Se utilizó la técnica de tematización realizada por 2 jueces. Los resultados son tres temas relevantes: aprendizaje (51%), características de la infografía (38%) y propuestas (11%). El primero se manifiesta en tres vertientes: actitudinal, declarativo y procedimental; en el segundo los estudiantes caracterizan a la infografía como: atractiva, didáctica, de elaboración compleja e informativa; en el tercero la proponen como herramienta de aprendizaje. La elaboración de infografías didácticas se considera una estrategia para realizar investigación que responda dudas de quienes la elaboran, a la vez que buscan informar a otros sobre estos temas para promover el respeto a la diversidad sexual, contribuyendo así en la formación de ciudadanos y profesionales de la salud
Экстраполяция операторов, действующих в квазибанаховы пространства
Authors: Lykov Konstantin Vladimirovich
Published: December 2015

Рассматриваются линейные и сублинейные операторы, действующие из шкалы пространств $L_p$ в некоторое фиксированное квазинормированное пространство. Показано, как с помощью экстраполяционных конструкций, предложенных Б. Яверсом и М. Мильманом в конце 1980-х годов, можно распространять ограниченное действие оператора со шкалы $L_p$ на более широкие пространства. Доказаны теоремы, обобщающие экстраполяционную теорему Яно на случай квазинормированного образа. При дополнительных условиях на квазинорму получены более точные результаты.
Библиография: 35 названий.
Существование и качественные свойства решения первой смешанной задачи для параболического уравнения с двойной нестепенной нелинейностью
Authors: Andriyanova Elina , Mukminov Farit Khamzaevich
Published: December 2015

Рассматривается первая смешанная задача для некоторого класса параболических уравнений с двойными нестепенными нелинейностями в цилиндрической области $D=(t>0)\times\Omega$. Область $\Omega\subset \mathbb{R}^n$ может быть неограниченной. Методом галeркинских приближений доказывается существование сильных решений в пространстве Соболева-Орлича. Установлены принцип максимума, а также оценки сверху и снизу, характеризующие степенное убывание решения при $t\to \infty$. При дополнительных условиях доказывается единственность решения.
Библиография: 29 названий.
Топологическая классификация интегрируемого случая Горячева в динамике твердого тела
Authors: Nikolaenko Stanislav Sergeevich
Published: December 2015

На основании теории Фоменко-Цишанга проводится топологический анализ интегрируемого случая Горячева в динамике твердого тела. Получены инварианты (меченые молекулы), дающие полное описание систем типа Горячева на различных уровнях энергии с точки зрения лиувиллевой классификации. Как оказалось, на соответствующих уровнях энергии случай Горячева лиувиллево эквивалентен многим классическим интегрируемым системам, в частности, случаям Жуковского, Клебша, Соколова, Ковалевской-Яхьи в динамике твердого тела, а также некоторым интегрируемым биллиардам в плоских областях, ограниченных софокусными квадриками. Иными словами, слоения, определяемые замыканиями решений общего положения перечисленных систем, устроены одинаково.
Библиография: 15 названий.
Immunological Characteristics of Recurrent Echinococcosis-Induced Anaphylactic Shock
Authors: Ye Jianrong , Zhang Qin , Ma Long , Zheng Hong
Published: December 2015

Anaphylactic shock represents a serious complication of echinococcosis as up to 4.6% of patients die as a result of its severity and improper handling. Once a definite diagnosis is made, effective treatments need to be immediately initiated. Here, we report the immunological characteristics and management of two patients with recurrent anaphylactic shock concurrent with the surgical removal of hydatid cysts. Both patients had systemic echinococcosis classified as cystic echinococcosis type 2 (CE2) with multiple, immature cysts (absence of calcification and necrosis). In addition, both patients had increased eosinophils and basophils before surgery, as well as elevated crude hydatid cyst fluid antigen (anti-EgCF) and hydatid cyst fluid native antigen B (anti-EgB) antibodies and high IgG levels. Although we cannot definitively predict which patients are at risk for cyst fluid leakage or anaphylactic shock at present, clinicians may consider taking precautions before surgery on encountering patients with a similar profile to prevent the occurrence of anaphylactic shock and the likelihood of a second incident. However, these observations need to be confirmed in further studies with a larger number of patients.
Caracterización climática en cuencas de escaso régimen pluvial
Authors: Martínez-Burciaga Oscar Ulises , Ávila Flores Diana Yemilet , Velásquez-Valle Miguel Agustín , Sánchez-Cohen Ignacio , Gutiérrez-Luna Ramón , Bueno-Hurtado Palmira , Esquivel-Arriaga Gerardo
Published: December 2015

En los últimos años se ha incrementado tanto la frecuencia como la gravedad de los episodios de sequía, y se prevé que las zonas afectadas por ella aumenten en extensión. Entre los efectos de la sequía, se destaca la amenaza constante para la producción de alimentos, aumento de plagas y enfermedades, incendios forestales, degradación de tierras y la erosión del suelo, entre otros. De ahí que se deriva la importancia de su análisis y cuantificación para proceder con acciones de mitigación de dichos efectos. En tal contexto, el objetivo del presente trabajo es mostrar una descripción del monitoreo básico de variables climatológicas y su aplicación para caracterizar las sequías y la determinación de áreas vulnerables a la ocurrencia de dicho fenómeno, mediante la presentación de un estudio de caso para la región sureste del estado de Coahuila. Para ello, se emplearon datos climáticos provenientes de la red de estaciones agroclimáticas automáticas del Instituto Nacional de Investigaciones Forestales, Agrícolas y Pecuarias (INIFAP), los cuales fueron analizados mediante índices climatológicos.
Influence of the CAP Reform on Livestock
Authors: Giannoccaro Giacomo , Viscecchia Rosaria , De Gennaro Bernardo C.
Published: December 2015

Livestock producers have been widely affected by past reforms of the European Common Agricultural Policy (CAP). This paper analyses the post-2013 CAP influences on farmer decision making in terms of how many livestock units to keep on-farm under the ‘with’ and ‘without’ CAP scenarios. The analysis is based on a survey of 1,301 specialized livestock farms across nine European member states carried out in 2009. The changes in trend in the number of animals reared take into account the different livestock typologies. The results show that the member states that have most recently gained accession are most sensitive to CAP reform, along with organic farming and livestock systems located in hilly and mountainous areas. All are expected to show a decline in their numbers of livestock, while specialist dairy units are expected to increase.
Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation in Agriculture, Forestry and Water Management at the Regional Scale
Authors: Barkmann Tim , Siebert Rosemarie , Lange Andrej
Published: December 2015

Adaptation and mitigation measures are important in dealing with climate change impacts on agriculture, forestry and water management. Stakeholders have an important role to play in coping with climate change at the regional scale, so it is important to identify which measures they are aware of and which they have implemented. This paper describes the regional adaptation and mitigation measures taken by stakeholders in northern Germany and the connections between the sectoral measures and the spatial scales involved. The study finds that adaptation measures have either been implemented or chosen at the regional scale; that adaptation plays an important role at the regional scale whilst mitigation measures are almost non-existent; that water-related issues link the land use sectors examined; and that experts clearly view the national level as the appropriate level for policy makers to exert political influence on measures relating to climate change.
A Meta-Regression Analysis of Price Transmission Estimates in Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Amikuzuno Joseph , Ogundari Kolawole
Published: December 2015

This study used data from 43 price transmission (PT) studies in Sub-Saharan Africa to conduct a meta-regression analysis to assess how study-specific attributes caused heterogeneity in reported PT coefficients, and to determine the probability of reporting asymmetric price transmission (APT) in selected primary studies. The study found that the reported coefficients varied significantly when published in conference papers, when monthly data were used, when the focus was on a food crop commodity, when the parity bound model was used and when the research was conducted across sub-regions in Sub-Saharan Africa. In addition, the probability of reporting of APT increased with the publication year and among studies conducted in western and eastern Africa relative to studies for southern Africa; conversely, the probability decreased among studies published as conference papers and those that used co-integration techniques. These findings highlight the critical role of selected attributes in determining the magnitude of and the inferences drawn from PT coefficients, and the probability of identifying APT in such coefficients. Overall, the findings suggest that future researchers should pay attention to study-specific characteristics when modelling PT in order to advance our understanding and the policy relevance of inter-market and vertical price transmission, especially in Sub-Saharan Africa.
Effect of Within-Season Daily Rainfall Distribution on Maize Crop Yields
Authors: Duffy Kevin Jan , Masere Tirivashe Phillip
Published: December 2015

It is well known that major changes in global food systems are needed when agriculture must meet the challenge of feeding a growing population and at the same time minimize global environmental impacts. Both these aims require optimal crop yields. This need applies crucially to staple foods, such as maize, and in developing parts of the world, such as much of Africa. Within-season rainfall will affect crop yields, and this paper, using simulations, investigates the effects of varying within-season daily rainfall distributions on potential maize yields. The results show that within-season distributions can affect maize yields in low-rainfall seasons, but yields are also dependent on the use of fertilizer. In average and above-average rainfall seasons, within-season variance has little effect on maize yields. If within-season distributions affect crop yields in low-rainfall seasons, as shown here, then this finding could be important for understanding the impacts of possible changes in climate.
A New Approach to Support Site-Specific Farming and Economic Decision Making for Precision Agriculture in East Germany: The Heterogeneity Indicator
Authors: Karpinski Isabella , Schuler Johannes , Müller Klaus
Published: December 2015

Small spatial differences in field conditions can strongly influence plant growth and create difficulties in terms of defining optimal crop management practices. Precision agriculture (PA) is considered to offer an optimal solution since it can adapt cultivation measures to small-scale in-field heterogeneity. Furthermore, it can potentially create environmental benefits through more efficient use of inputs. Since research on decision support is lacking with regard to the economic consequences of PA implementation, the authors use this heterogeneity as an indicator for an assessment of the benefits of PA. A new approach for using a site-specific heterogeneity indicator (HEI) that is linked to economics is presented. The HEI is defined as the coefficient of variation in annual field yield. Based on a study in East Germany between 2005 and 2007, an HEI threshold value of 17% for profitable PA was identified based on individual and external benefits. Grounded in more detailed data, the HEI could serve as a useful decision-support tool for farmers in deciding whether or not to implement PA.
Education Course Syllabus Development, Thai Language Major according to Buddhism Way of Thailand
Authors: Waree Chaiwat
Published: December 2015

This research aims to develop Education Course Syllabus, Thai language major, according to Buddhism way of Thailand by using Taba’s Approach and to evaluate the efficiency of Education Course Syllabus, Thai language major, according to Buddhism way of Thailand. This research was conducted according to research and development format and its operation was divided into 2 phases including: Phase 1: Education Course Syllabus Development, Thai language major, according to Buddhism way of Thailand; Phase 2: Evaluation on efficiency of Course Syllabus, Thai language major, according to Buddhism way of Thailand conducted by the expert. The results showed that the elements of Education Course Syllabus, Thai language major, according to Buddhism way of Thailand were as follows: syllabus principles and objectives, syllabus structure, educational management plan, course description, criteria, assessment, and Curriculum Quality Assurance. The result of the evaluation on efficiency of Course Syllabus, Thai language major, according to Buddhism way of Thailand conducted by the expert showed that the quality of this syllabus was, in overall, in the highest level at mean = 4.62 and S.D. = 0.42.
The Influence of Leadership Styles, Work Environment and Job Satisfaction of Employee Performance—Studies in the School of SMPN 10 Surabaya
Authors: Chandra Teddy , Priyono Priyono
Published: December 2015

This research aims to know and test the influence of leadership styles, work environment and job satisfaction of employees on performance.

Research methods with the use of a quantitative approach, the population in this study as many as 45 people while the sample in this research is 45 people. In this study the researchers data analysis using SPSS Statistical computer program version 20.0.

The results of this research is the leadership style has an impact on performance, the work environment also have an impact on performance, job satisfaction has an impact on performance, and leadership style, work environment and job satisfaction of influential performance signifiicant.
Principle Elements of Curriculum in the Preschool Pattern of Montessori
Authors: Bahmaee Azizollah Baboli , Saadatmand Zohreh , Yarmohammadian Mohammad Hossein
Published: December 2015

Montessori the physician and educational philosopher was probably one of the most prominent and famous education theorizer in the field of preschool education. Current research attempts to extract and clarify the major elements of curriculum by reliance on Montessori viewpoints. In this paper first the philosophical basics of preschool education from viewpoint of Montessori is discussed and then the key concepts of education in this theory is analyzed and the descriptive-analytical method is used for this analysis. Finally the fundamental elements of preschool curriculum are examined from its viewpoint. Montessori has considered the main objective of preschool education as development and growth of independence and acquiring individual and social skills and she proposed self-teaching, self-assessment and self-improvement for achieving this goal.
Students’ Individual and Social Behaviors with Physical Education Teachers’ Personality
Authors: Arbabisarjou Azizollah , Sourki Mehdi Sadeghian , Bonjar Seyedeh Elaham Hashemi
Published: December 2015

The main objective for this survey is to assess the relationship between physical education teachers’ personality and students’ individual with social behaviors. The statistical population of the study was all the teachers of physical education working at high schools in the academic year 2012-2013. The sample consisted of sixty teachers that were selected by stratified sampling method proportionate to the sample volume. The research method was descriptive-correlative type. The collection data instruments were the five-factor questionnaire of McCrae and Costa (2013) and a questionnaire about beliefs, individual and social behaviors tailored by the researcher. The reliability of two questionnaires in a pilot study was 0.89 and 0.83 respectively. Both questionnaires had conceptual and construct validity. The findings of the study indicated that there was a relationship between personality aspects of physical education teachers and students’ beliefs, individual and social behaviors. Since paying attention to the personality of physical education teachers could help improve the students’ beliefs and individual behaviors.
The Effect of School Design on Student Performance
Authors: Ariani Mohsen Ghasemi , Mirdad Fatemeh
Published: December 2015

The present study aims at exploring the influence of school design on student performance. The participants consisted of 150 students who studied at two Iranian public school and private school in Mashhad City. School Design and Planning Laboratory (SDPL) model of Georgia University (and Tanner (2009)) was used as an appraisal indicator of school design and some of its design characteristics such as unrestricted and functional views, indoor and outdoor spaces, and natural life were explained to students. In addition, student performance, defined by the average of their final achievement scores, was compared to measures of school environmental characteristics. To this end, design characteristics of these schools and students’ performances have been studied. Quantitative data, subjected to a set of descriptive statistics, showed that school design was a strong factor for students of private school. In fact, the finding indicated that characteristics of physical learning space and deign of private school had fundamental effects on student performance. That is, learning space as a strong component can motivate students to study and progress.
A Study of the Effect of Education and Academic Environment on Emotional Intelligence on Accounting Students in Iran
Authors: Salehi Mahdi , Zadeh Mohammadreza Abbas , Ghaderi Alireza , Tabasi Alaleh Zhian
Published: December 2015

The current study aims to investigate the relation between education and academic environment on emotional intelligence of accounting students in state and non-state universities in Iran.

In order to collecting data Bar-on emotional intelligence test and SCL 90 questionnaire administrated among 476 students in different subjects including accounting in both Bachelor and Master degrees in 2014. Pearson correlation coefficient, variance analysis test and covariance analysis employed for analyzing data.

The results of the study indicate that there is not a significant difference between changes of emotional intelligence scores in accounting students with non-accounting ones and also there is no meaningful difference between students of state and non-state universities in Iran.

The current study focuses on education and academic environment on emotional intelligence of accounting students which is the first study is conducted in Iran.
Tribological Investigations of PVD Coated Multi-Layer Constructions
Authors: Schulze Marcus , Seidlitz Holger , Konig Franziska , WeiB Sabine
Published: December 2015

Multi-layer constructions become more and more relevant in lightweight applications due to their high strength to weight ratio. They offer excellent crash, damping and recycling properties. Also, the morphology of thermoplastic carbon fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) render them interesting for large scale manufacturing processes. Nevertheless, a major disadvantage results in a poor resistance against wear and tear, e.g. erosion, which is attributed to weak hardness properties. Hence, this work deals with tribological investigations on orthotropic carbon fibre reinforced polymers (PA 6) either with protective ceramic coating or without. The chosen coating system is a well-known protective covering of metal components, e.g. metal cutting tools, produced by physical vapor deposition (PVD). To characterize the coating system on thermoplastic CFRP, standard analyzing methods are utilized, like optical and scanning electron microscopy (SEM). The tribological investigations are conducted by the tribological ball on disk method to generate wear tracks on the sample surfaces and hence to calculate the wear rates. These results are compared to literature findings with respect to a certain protective coating system (TiN) and a second nano-structured gel coating system, where both systems are deposited on a thermosetting material, i.e. carbon fibre reinforced epoxy resin, respectively. For this purpose the feasibility of depositing a protective ceramic layer on thermoplastic CFRP is demonstrated. First results on suitable surface pre-treatments have shown a significant influence on the coating quality. The improved performance regarding the wear behavior with respect to tribology compared to the poor substrate and existing technologies is shown additionally.
Negative interactions between giant otters (Pteronura brasiliensis) and local fisheries in the Amazon and Orinoco basins in Colombia
Authors: Trujillo Fernando , Caro Andrea , Martínez Sindy , Rodríguez-Maldonado María Victoria
Published: December 2015

The apparent population recovery of giant otters during the last ten years in the Amazon and Orinoco basins in Colombia is creating serious conflicts between local fisheries and this species. This paper presents evidence of conflicts in the Orinoco, Meta and Bita rivers in the Orinoco basin, in the Inírida and Guaviare rivers, and in the Caquetá, Putumayo and Amazon rivers in the Amazon region. In most cases, fishermen are killing giant otters or are asking the government authorities to take action to reduce their numbers. Preliminary evaluations of giant otter diets indicated little competition with local fisheries. However, areas with more intense conflicts corresponded to regions with strong fishing pressure and bad management practices. We conclude that interference with fisheries by giant otters is relatively low but it is necessary to undertake management of the fisheries in the region to avoid perceived conflicts.
Protection and monitoring of the giant otter (Pteronura brasiliensis) in Cantão State Park, Tocantins, Brazil
Authors: Georgiadis George , Campello Silvana , Leles Benaya N.
Published: December 2015

In 2010, the Instituto Araguaia, a local NGO, started a program to protect and monitor giant otters, and to use them as an umbrella and flagship species for the conservation of the Cantão ecosystem. As part of the program, a census was carried out to determine the giant otter population of a group of 16 lakes in the park, and this population was monitored over a 28-month period spanning three breeding seasons, between September 2010 and December 2012.
What do we know about Pteronura brasiliensis in Uruguay?
Authors: Buschiazzo Martin , González Enrique M. , Soutullo Alvaro
Published: December 2015

The present contribution constitutes an exhaustive review of the existing information about P. brasiliensisin Uruguay.
Abnormalities in Lung Volumes and Airflow in Children with Newly Diagnosed Connective Tissue Disease
Authors: Peradzyńska Joanna , Krenke Katarzyna , Szylling Anna , Kołodziejczyk Beata , Gazda Agnieszka , Rutkowska-Sak Lidia , Kulus Marek
Published: December 2015

Introduction: Connective tissue diseases (CTDs) of childhood are rare inflammatory disorders, involving various organs and tissues including respiratory system. Pulmonary involvement in patients with CTDs is uncommon but may cause functional impairment. Data on prevalence and type of lung function abnormalities in children with CTDs are scarce. Thus, the aim of this study was to asses pulmonary functional status in children with newly diagnosed CTD and follow the results after two years of the disease course. Material and methods: There were 98 children (mean age: 13 ± 3; 76 girls), treated in Department of Pediatric Rheumatology, Institute of Rheumatology, Warsaw and 80 aged-matched, healthy controls (mean age 12.7 ± 2.4; 50 girls) included into the study. Study procedures included medical history, physical examination, chest radiograph and PFT (spirometry and whole body-plethysmography). Then, the assessment of PFT was performed after 24 months. Results: FEV1, FEV1/FVC and MEF50 were significantly lower in CTD as compared to control group, there was no difference in FVC and TLC. The proportion of patients with abnormal lung function was significantly higher in the study group, 41 (42%) vs. 9 (11%). 24-months observation didn’t reveal progression in lung function impairment. Conclusions: Lung function impairment is relatively common in children with CTDs. Although restrictive ventilatory pattern is considered typical feature of lung involvement in CTDs, airflow limitation could also be an initial abnormality.