bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dual Regulation of Gluconeogenesis by Insulin and Glucose in the Proximal Tubules of the Kidney
Authors: Sasaki Motohiro , Sasako Takayoshi , Kubota Naoto , Sakurai Yoshitaka , Takamoto Iseki , Kubota Tetsuya , Inagi Reiko , Seki George , Goto Moritaka , Ueki Kohjiro , Nangaku Masaomi , Jomori Takahito , Kadowaki Takashi
Published: June 2017

Growing attention has been focused on the roles of the proximal tubules (PTs) of the kidney in glucose metabolism, including the mechanism of regulation of gluconeogenesis. In this study, we found that PT-specific insulin receptor substrate 1/2 double-knockout mice, established by using the newly generated sodium–glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT2)-Cre transgenic mice, exhibited impaired insulin signaling and upregulated gluconeogenic gene expression and renal gluconeogenesis, resulting in systemic insulin resistance. In contrast, in streptozotocin-treated mice, although insulin action was impaired in the PTs, the gluconeogenic gene expression was unexpectedly downregulated in the renal cortex, which was restored by administration of an SGLT1/2 inhibitor. In the HK-2 cells, the gluconeogenic gene expression was suppressed by insulin, accompanied by phosphorylation and inactivation of forkhead box transcription factor 1 (FoxO1). In contrast, glucose deacetylated peroxisome proliferator–activated receptor γ coactivator 1-α (PGC1α), a coactivator of FoxO1, via sirtuin 1, suppressing the gluconeogenic gene expression, which was reversed by inhibition of glucose reabsorption. These data suggest that both insulin signaling and glucose reabsorption suppress the gluconeogenic gene expression by inactivation of FoxO1 and PGC1α, respectively, providing insight into novel mechanisms underlying the regulation of gluconeogenesis in the PTs.
Handling Practices During Distribution of Kinnow-Mandarins (Citrus nobilis x Citrus deliciosa) Used for Preparation of Fresh-Squeezed Juices and their Effects on Microbiological Safety
Authors: Ghosh M. , Ganguli A. , Kumar M.
Published: June 2017

The objective of this study was to assess the microbiological safety of Kinnow-mandarins (Citrus nobilis X Citrus deliciosa) used for preparation of fresh squeezed juices by street vendors. One hundred and fifty Kinnow mandarin samples were collected from different points in the distribution chain from the same lot, washed and aliquots of the wash samples were analyzed for total aerobes, Staphylococcus, total and fecal coliforms, Salmonella and Shigella. Although, there was no notable increase in the total aerobic, total or fecal coliform counts, total staphylococcal counts increased significantly (P<0.05) during distribution to street vendors; seventy-two samples from the street vendors showed the presence of coagulase positive Staphylococcus aureus, twenty-three of these produced enterotoxins B and C. Salmonella and Shigella were not detected in any of the samples. Sources of high numbers of enterotoxigenic S. aureus were traced to unhygienic manual handling by middle level buyers and by street vendors. The results of our study demonstrate the poor microbiological quality of Kinnow-mandarins, the possible entry points of contaminants in the distribution chain of these fruits and unhygienic vending practices. Appropriate intervention measures are needed to ensure safe fresh squeezed juices for consumers.
Effect of the Nitrate Reductase Genes (Nia) on the Quality of Different Lettuce Genotypes for Low Nitrate Content
Authors: Al-Redhaiman K.N.
Published: June 2017

Genotypic variation in nitrate concentrations of different lettuce genotypes belonging to four types (Butterhead, Cos/Romaine, Crisphead, and Stem lettuce) and its relationship to nitrate reductase genes (Nia) for low nitrate concentrations of leaves was investigated. The results showed that the Romaine genotype ' Lobjoit's Green' exhibited the lowest leaf nitrate concentration (4877.7 mg/kg dry weight). The highest nitrate levels were recorded in the Butterhead genotypes 'Augusta and Kennedy'. Nitrate concentrations in the roots were significantly higher in the Romaine genotype ' Little Gem' and the Butterhead genotypes 'Augusta and Merveille Des Quatre Saisons' than the other lettuce genotypes. Total N concentrations were higher in the Butterhead and Crisphead genotypes than in the Romaine and Stem lettuce genotypes. A significant positive association (r = 0.80, p > 0.01) was observed between leaf NO
Water Markets - Economic Instruments to Manage Scarcity
Authors: Bjornlund Henning
Published: June 2017

Australia has aggressively pursued water markets as an integral part of water policy reforms. Compared to most other countries, relatively active water markets have therefore emerged. Consequently, Australia provides an unique opportunity to study how markets have been introduced and adopted and their role in managing demand and scarcity. This paper discusses: a) how water markets have evolved in Australia, b) prices paid and volumes traded in water markets, and c) the increase in market participation. During periods of drought, scarcity is the main driver of price and market participation. Irrigators do not buy water in order to maximize their profits due to good commodity prices. Farmers with significant investments in long-term assets purchase water to protect their assets against long-term losses due to inadequate watering. This behavior drives prices to levels where no other agricultural users can compete. The price of water entitlements fluctuates with the price of water allocations, but irrigators do not capitalize scarcity-driven short-term increases in allocation prices into the price of entitlements. Once the region is out of this period of drought further research should be conducted to establish the water price/commodity price relationship during periods of more normal supply.
Simulating Groundwater Charges for the Moroccan Drâa River Basin
Authors: Heidecke Claudia , Kuhn Arnim
Published: June 2017

Agricultural production in the six oases in the Drâa Region in Southern Morocco is highly dependent on irrigation using mainly traditional irrigation channels or pumps. The basin has been suffering enormously from a continuing drought during recent years. Declining rainfall and high evapotranspiration rates in the semi-arid region lead to lower flow in the Drâa River. Aggravating this situation, farmers increasingly pump groundwater with motor pumps, leading to a rapidly drop in the aquifer. However, agricultural production is economically inefficient and based on subsistence farming. The income a farmer gets by selling a share of his production on the local markets hardly covers the variable costs for fertilizers and irrigation water. Farmers do pay only the pumping cost estimated at 0.58 Dh/m3. To prevent a further drop in the groundwater table, and hence to conserve water resources, the introduction of a water charge is evaluated with the MIVAD River Basin Model (RBM). This shows that imposing a water change of 0.42 Dh/m3 leads to stable groundwater table, but with a drop in cropped area by 50%.
Response of Buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus) Trees to Drought Conditions
Authors: Moftah Ansary Edris , AL-Humaid Abdul-Rahman Ibrahim
Published: June 2017

Six-month-old buttonwood (Conocarpus erectus L.) seedlings were grown in containers under different soil water potentials (Ψsoil). The objective of the work was: 1) to determine the minimum soil water potential at which Conocarpus trees can survive and grow fairly well, 2) to study the soil-plant water relationship at different irrigation regimes, and 3) to examine the capacity of Conocarpus seedlings for osmotic adjustment via solute accumulation. Seedling growth was not affected significantly at soil water potential above –0.1 MPa (between 40 and 30% Field Capacity (FC). At lowerΨsoil, plant height, leaf area and shoot and root dry weights became disrupted by water deficit. Water stress decreased the osmotic potential (Ψπ) of leaves and roots. Leaves tended to osmoregulate their cell sap through osmotic adjustment processes as their content of soluble sugars increased. The positive survival under low Ψsoil could be related to increased osmotic adjustment. Ψsoil values were found to be more useful than FC values to estimate water requirements and use over an extended period of time, for plants grown under different soil types and different environmental conditions. Conocarpus seedlings can withstand reasonable water stress and can survive at moderately low water potential but, in contrast to other studies, this can not be classified as a high drought tolerant or resistant species.
Seasonal Fluctuation of the Date Palm Fruit Stalk Borer, Oryctes elegans Prell (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), in Date Palm Plantations in Al-Qassim Region, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Deghairi Mohammad
Published: June 2017

The date palm fruit stalk borer, Oryctes elegans, is widely distributed in Saudi Arabia. Undetected and untreated infestations by this pest result in severe losses. Light trap studies to investigate seasonal population fluctuations of O. elegans were conducted in Al-Rajhi Endowment date palm plantation in Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia, by installing three modified Robinson mercury-vapor light traps in 3 different equidistant sites. The investigation revealed that light trapping is an effective tool for the monitoring and forecasting of O. elegans infestations. The highest activity of O. elegans was witnessed from April to July, during which period 65% of adults captures were made. Peak monthly activity was observed during June, when 19.4 % and 22.2% of the catches were made during 2003 and 2004, respectively. No beetle activity was observed during January and February. The highest number of beetles (56.6% of the population) was recovered in the site with relatively old and tall palms (more than 18 years old and averaging 7.5m in height). The site with shorter and younger palms received 29.6% of the beetles, whereas the uncultivated site had the lowest number of beetles (13.8% of total).
Hydrographical Observations during a Red Tide with Fish Mortalities at Masirah Island, Oman
Authors: Al Busaidi Saud S. , Al Rashdi Khalfan M. , Al Gheilani Hamed M. , Amer Shehla
Published: June 2017

Harmful Algal Blooms (HABs) can have a significant impact on the distribution and  survival of coastal fishes and invertebrates, and consequently they can affect local economies where fishing is an important activity. In October 2005, extensive algal blooms with brownish/orange discoloured water and fish mortalities were observed east of Masirah Island. Satellite images revealed cooler upwelled surface water along a broad front just prior to the event, followed by a gradual warming period coinciding with the mortalities. Depth profiles of dissolved oxygen (DO), temperature, salinity and pH taken on 19th October (during the fish mortality event) showed a pronounced thermocline at ~15 m depth and minimum DO of 0.82 ml/L at 25 m depth, and a slight improvement in DO to 1.3 ml/L was measured on 22nd October (after the event). Demersal fishes of several families were prominent among mortalities. No bacterial infestation was found in fish samples and no human poisoning was reported. Planktological data showed that marine dinoflagellates Noctiluca scintillans and  Prorocentrum micans and toxic blooms of cyanobacterium Trichodesmium erythraeum were present.
Effect of Spacing on Seed Yield of Indigenous Rangeland and Forage Grass Species Grown under Drip Irrigation
Authors: Nadaf Saleem K. , Al-Farsi Safaa M. , Al-Hinai Saleh A. , Al-Harthi Abdul Aziz S. , Al-Bakri Ahmed N.
Published: June 2017

Two indigenous rangeland forage species, Cenchrus ciliaris and Coelachyrum piercei, were investigated for their response to varying inter-row (50 and 100-cm) and inter plant spacing (25, 50 and 100-cm) under drip irrigation along with the perennial popular forage, Rhodes grass (Chloris gayana). Expression of traits, such as plant stand, plant height, number of tillers, number of panicles and seed yield, differed under varying inter-row and inter-plant spacing in different harvests. The grass species produced higher seed yield due to less interplant competition under wider (100-cm) than under narrow row (50-cm) spacing. Chloris gayana produced highest mean seed yield in wider inter-plant spacing (100-cm) under both inter-row spacings, viz. 100-cm (488 kg/ha) and 50-cm (449 kg/ha), followed by Cenchrus ciliaris (449 kg/ha under 100-cm and 377 kg/ha under 50-cm row spacing) and Coelachyrum piercei (274 kg/ha under 100-cm and 210 kg/ha under 50-cm row spacing). In respect of seed quality for samples harvested selectively or in bulk, the three grasses showed very low germination when tested immediately (1-2 weeks) after harvest, not only for bulk seed (0 to 1.5%) but also for selected seed (0.8% to 2.8%). Mean germination of grass species recorded after 12 months of harvests was significantly greater (53 %) than that recorded after 5 months (34 %) of harvests. Of the three grass species, Cenchrus ciliaris recorded significantly (p<0.01) highest germination % (50 %) followed by Chloris gayana (41 %) and Coelachyrum piercei (39 %). Selected seeds had significantly (p<0.01) higher germination (53 %) than bulk seeds (33 %).Keywords:
Density Variation of Different Shaped Food Particulates in Fluid Bed Drying: Empirical Models
Authors: Senadeera Wiji
Published: June 2017

Three particular geometrical shapes, parallelepiped, cylindrical and spherical, were selected from potatoes (aspect ratio = 1:1, 2:1, 3:1), cut beans (length:diameter = 1:1, 2:1, 3:1) and peas respectively. The density variation of food particulates was studied in a batch fluidised bed dryer connected to a heat pump dehumidifier system. Apparent density and bulk density were evaluated with non-dimensional moisture at three different drying temperatures of 30, 40 and 50 oC. Relative humidity of hot air was kept at 15% in all drying temperatures. Several empirical relationships were developed for the determination of changes in densities with the moisture content. Simple mathematical models were obtained to relate apparent density and bulk density with moisture content.
Species Identification of Rock Oysters Collected from the Dhofar Region, Sultanate of Oman
Authors: Chesalin Mikhail V. , Al-Ghassani Salem A. , Balkhair Mohammed A.
Published: June 2017

Oysters are commonly found on rocky shores along the Dhofar coast of Oman, but the species composition has not yet been studied. In an attempt to determine the species of these oysters, samples from four sites (Mirbat, Sadah, Hadbin, and Hasik) were collected and analyzed using DNA sequences that were compared with the database of GenBank/National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) and Barcoding of Life Data Systems (BOLD). BLAST results of DNA sequences showed that there were no existing sequences available on NCBI/GenBank and BOLD. The DNA barcode sequences generated in this study can be employed as standards for this species and may be of use in taxonomic studies. Phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that the oysters from Oman exhibit homology with Saccostrea species cucullata or mordax.
Sheep and Goat Production in Hot Climates
Authors: Reynolds L.
Published: June 2017

This paper discusses the reasons for keeping small ruminants and investigates the areas in which technological improvements are likely to have most impact in increasing the output from sheep and goat enterprises in hot climates. The most important areas in which biological manipulation can raise productivity lie in the areas of improved nutrition and increased survival of young animals. Nutritional studies of animals receiving diets of natural tropical grazing and browse may not reflect the rations actually consumed due to the ability of animals to select high quality forage from what is on offer. One suggestion is made as to how this selection can be exploited to increase the productivity of the herd as a whole. Improved health care offers the largest potential for increases in productivity by reducing the large mortality of young animals seen in many tropical production schemes. Much of this mortality has its roots in parasite infection. Anthelmatics have proved valuable for short term therapy but the speed at which parasites become resistant to drugs indicates that selective breeding of animals with resistance to parasites is a more valuable long term solution.
Antifungal Activity from Leaves of Acacia Nilotica against Pythium Aphanidermatum
Authors: Khan A. J. , Zouba A. A. , Seapy D. G.
Published: June 2017

Gallic acid and methyl ester of gallic acid has been identified as antifungal compounds against the mycelial growth of Pythium aphanidermatum from acetone-water extracts of Acacia nilotica leaves. The growth of fungus was completely ceased by gallic acid and its methyl ester at 1000 ppm and 750 ppm, respectively. Antifungal properties of both compounds were found to be higher in combination than alone. The minimum inhibitory concentration for both compounds was 1000 ppm. No phytotoxic effect of the compounds was observed on watermelon seed germination. The growth of roots and shoots of watermelon seedlings was promoted by gallic acid but decreased with methyl ester of gallic acid. Nitrate reductase activity of the fungus was significantly inhibited by both compounds.
Improving the quality of tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon through dietary incorporation of algae as a source of natural pigment
Authors: Mondal Kunal , Bhattacharyya Subhra Bikash , Mitra Abhijit
Published: June 2017

Tiger shrimp is one of the major candidate species for export oriented aquaculture which dominates the seafood market in regions of European Union, Japan and USA. Carotenoid content in seafood has now become one of the important criteria in determining the quality of edible product. Recent trends in supplementing fish diets with natural pigment source are an alternative to the utilization of expensive synthetic pigments. In this context, green algae Enteromorpha intestinalis was selected as a source of natural pigment for inclusion in the diet of tiger shrimp Penaeus monodon. Astaxanthin being an important category of carotenoid pigment was monitored in shrimp muscle tissue during the feeding trial. Significant variation (p<0.05) was observed between the experimental groups as confirmed through ANOVA thus exhibiting higher astaxanthin content of shrimps (18.70 Å} 4.48 ppm) fed with E. intestinalis incorporated diet as compared to control (15.80 Å} 2.33 ppm). The present programme therefore emphasizes on the quality improvement of aquaculture product by dietary inclusion of algae as a natural pigment source.
Fish landings and Oman shelf area
Authors: Piontkovski Sergey A. , Al-Oufi H.E. Hamed S. , Al-Abri Nadir M.
Published: June 2017

Data from five field surveys carried out along the shelf in the 20-250m depth range and historical data on artisanal fishery were analyzed. A positive linear relationship between the demersal fish biomass and the shelf area was pronounced for a certain (intermediate) stratum only: 50-100m. No statistical link was found for the strata above it (25-50m) and beneath it (100-150m and 150-250m). The pronounced one was associated with the low boundary of the oxygen minimum zone impinging on the shelf. Annual landings of demersal fishes in the region with the largest shelf area exceeded landings in the region with the smallest area by as much as 1.6 times. The ratio of small pelagic to demersal fish landings decreased as a factor of 10, from small to large shelf areas.
Effect of rootstock on muskmelon cultivar reaction to vine decline disease and yield under arid conditions
Authors: Mawaali Q.S. Al , Al-Sadi A.M. , Al-Said F.A. , Deadman M.L.
Published: June 2017

Monosporascus cannonballus, Rhizoctonia solani and Pythium aphanidermatum are the main causal agents of muskmelon vine decline disease in Oman. This study was conducted to examine the response of six cucurbit rootstocks grafted on four muskmelon scions to the causal agents and fruit quality and quantity. The response of 10 day old Palmira seedlings to artificial inoculation with R. solani pathogen alone revealed more damage to muskmelon seedling whereas P. aphanidermatum and M. cannonballus caused less damage when inoculated singly but more disease severity index when combined with R. solani. Artificial inoculation of different rootstocks produced significantly no damping-off and very low vine decline disease severity index on Mubyeongjangsoo, Titan, Tetsukabuto, Rsscih7458, Ezra and Strong Tosa rootstocks. All rootstocks produced high grafting success and low graft failure with the four selected muskmelon cultivars. Rootstocks enhanced early harvesting of grafted Tamara but had no effect on other scions. Fruit shape was almost not significantly affected by grafting except Samit grafted on Strong Tosa and Caramel grafted on Mubyeongjangsoo produced significantly different fruit shapes compared to ungrafted controls in the spring 2013 trial. Fruits from both grafted Shahd and Tamara showed no significant differences in rind brightness, redness and yellowness from the control. An various effect of rootstock was found on harvesting, fruit number and weight, chlorophyll content, and stem diameter of the scion. Rootstocks enhanced early harvesting and increased fruit number and fruit weight in grafted Tamara scions. There was no significant effect of grafting on fruit TSS. The study shows positive effects of grafting on tolerance to vine decline and on fruit quality and yield.
Distribution Pattern of Sweet Potato Whitefly Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) on Tomato Plants
Authors: Azam K.M. , Razvi S.A. , AI-Muhthuri M.H. , AI-Raeesi A.A.
Published: June 2017

A field experiment was conducted to study the intra plant distribution and temporal dispersion patterns of whitetly (Bemisia tabaci Gennadius) eggs and nymphs on tomato plants to establish a sampling method which would give accurate estimates of the population size. From the third week to the ninth week after transplanting, terminal leaflets were collected from the outer and inner canopies of each of the upper, middle, and lower plant strata. A strong ovipositional preference was found in whitefly adults at an early crop age. A maximum of 50.6% of the eggs were deposited in the middle stratum followed by upper (36. 15%) and lower strata (13.3%). However, most of the nymphs (65.5%) were present in the lower stratum followed by middle (32.4%) and upper strata (2. l %). These findings indicated that when taking observations in egg counts the most preferred site is the upper and middle strata while for nymphal counts it is the lower and middle strata. There was a sharp decrease in egg and nymphal counts from the seventh week after transplantation which clearly indicated that, after this age , the corp is not preferred by whitefly . Egg and nymphal population of whitefly on tomato plants in the field were distributed in aggregates as evident by high variance to mean ratio. Values ranged from 2.72 to 14.36 and 4.52 to 21.82 for egg counts and nymphal population, respectively.  Aggregation of whitefly eggs and nymphs in all cases might be due to the behavior of adults to congregate and to the heterogeneity of the environment . The appropriate number of leaflets required for the estimation of egg density at 10% and 20% error was found to be 149 and 37, respectively. In the case of nymphal population the numbers were 163 and 41 at 10% and 20% error, respectively.
Effect of Olive Branch Aging and Extracts on the Attraction of Olive Neiroun Beetles Phloeotribus Scarabeioides (Bern)
Authors: Mustafa T. M. , AI-Mazra'awi M.S.
Published: June 2017

The response of the olive neiroun beetle Phloeorribus scarabeiuides (Bern) to the aging of detached olive branches at different periods of time was investigated in the laboratory using an olfactometer and in the field. Results showed that ten-day aged branches were the most attractive to the olive neiroun, indicating that semi-dried branches were more preferred than dry or fresh ones. Furthermore,  the efficiency of certain chemical solvents including n-hexane. Chloroform, acetone, methanol and distilled water in extracting the attractive substances in olive branches was studied using an olfactometer. Acetone extract was found to be the most efficient in attracting adults P. Scarabeioides. The study indicates that the olive neiroun may locate the stressed host trees or detached branches by olfactory perception of volatile compounds resulting from the stressed host tissues.
Efficacy of Crop Cover in Controlling Viral Disease of Squash
Authors: Zouba A. , Lopez M.V.
Published: June 2017

The efficacy of using crop cover in controlling viral diseases of squash was studied under field conditions. Results of the study revealed that crop cover of 15 to 30 d delayed the onset of disease incidence, spread and severity of viral diseases, leading to improvement in vegetative growth and consequently, to increase and subsequent improvement in fruit yield and quality. It was observed that 21 d was the optional coverage period for higher fruit yield. Vegetative growth and fruit yield and quality did not differ significantly for plants under cover for IS d and 30 d.
Monitoring of Sweet Potato Whitefly, Bemisia tabaci (Gennadius) with Yellow Sticky Traps
Authors: Razvi S.A. , Azam K.M. , AI-Raeesi A. A.
Published: June 2017

Population fluctuations of adult sweet potato whitefly (Batista tabaci Gennadius) were monitored at the Agricultural Experiment Station, College of Agriculture,  Sultan Qaboos University, Sultanate of Oman, for a period of four years on a weekly basis from 1st week of January 1993 through December 1996 by using yellow sticky traps. The peer was ubiquitous all round the year as it was found in all the weekly recordings in the four-year study. However; its activity was at peak with large populations from July to October. During 1993, 1994 and 1995 the highest catch of whitefly adults were recorded in the month of September. However, during 1996. the highest catch was recorded in August. Thereafter, whitefly populations started to decrease, fluctuating at lower levels during the other months. The effect of certain weather parameters revealed that the highest adult catches occurred when the maximum temperatures ranged from 32.6 to 40.8°C am the minimum temperatures were 23.7 to 32.0°C. while the maximum relative humidities ranged from 57 to 92% and minimum relative humidities ranged from 13 to 67%. The correlation analyses of four years pooled data revealed that both temperature and relative humidity have positive and significant effect on the activity of the adult whitefly. The ‘r' value for maximum temperature was 0.15. However, the effect of maximum relative humidity was more profound (r = 0.33).
Establishment and In Vitro Propagation of a Putative Variant of Periwinkle
Authors: AI-Wasel A. S.
Published: June 2017

Shoot multiplication of a putative variant of Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don, was achieved in vitro using shoot tips and nodal segments as explants. The addition of growth regulators to establishment medium stimulated bud breaking and shoot elongation. The maximum shoot multiplication (15.1 shoots/microshoot) and the longest shoots (7.0 cm) occurred on Murashige and Skoog medium (MS) containing 1.0 mg L-1 of N6-Benzyladenine (BA) and a- Naphthalene acetic acid (NAA). All microshoots formed roots and normal root morphology occurred on half strength MS salt supplied with 0.5 mg L-1 NAA or Indole-B-Butyric acid (IBA). Rooted microshoots (95 %) were successfully transferred to soil.
Neural Network Assisted Experimental Designs for Food Research
Authors: Ramaswamy H.S. , Chen C. , Sreekanth S. , Sablani S.S. , Prasher S.O.
Published: June 2017

The ability of artificial neural networks (ANN) in predicting full factorial data from the fractional data corresponding to some of the commonly used experimental designs is explored in this paper. Factorial and fractional factorial designs such as L8, L9, L18, and Box and Behnken schemes were considered both in their original form and with some variations (L8+6, L15 and L9+1). Full factorial (3 factors x 5 levels) and fractional data were generated employing sixteen different mathematical equations (four in each category: linear, with and without interactions, and non-linear, with and without interactions). Different ANN models were trained and the best model was chosen for each equation based on their ability to predict the fractional data. The best experimental design was then chosen based on their ability to simulate the full- factorial data for each equation. In several cases, the mean relative errors with the L18 design (which had more input data than other models) were even higher than with other smaller fractional design. In general, the ANN assisted Lm, Box and Behnken, L15 and L18 designs were found to predict the full factorial data reasonably well with errors less than 5 %. The L8+6 model performed well with several experimental datasets reported in the literature.
Maintaining Fresh-Water Aquifers Over Saline Water in Coastal Aquifers
Authors: Youngs E.G.
Published: June 2017

Seepage analysis is used to investigate the location dependence of fresh-water inputs and outputs in maintaining the depth of the fresh water over the saline water intruding from the sea in coastal aquifers in steady state conditions. Examples are given that show that maximum depths occur when the inputs are in the vicinity of the watershed and the outputs are near the coast.
Physical Processes Affecting Microbial Habitats and Activity in Unsaturated Porous Media
Authors: Or D.
Published: June 2017

Recent advances in soil pore space visualization and geometrical characterization coupled with improved models for liquid and gaseous behaviour provide the impetus for examination of physical influences on microbial habitats and activity. Desaturation of a porous medium is accompanied by marked changes in liquid-vapour interfacial configurations, which result in confinement and fragmentation of aquatic habitats, alteration of liquid and gaseous diffusion pathways, and introduction of mechanical stresses exerted by films and receding menisci. At the pore scale, we examine relationships between liquid element size (at a given potential) and typical organism or colony size, in an attempt to explain physical triggers for enhanced biological production of extracellular polysaccharides (EPS) coating. The role of EPS in habitat alteration is deduced from its structural, mechanical and transport characteristics. The interplay between increasing liquid-vapour interfacial area and decreasing liquid diffusion pathways with decreasing water content can be formulated as a function of pore space geometry. Such relationships are potentially important for optimal biological control of various bioremediation activities taking place at the soil profile scale. Interactions between microorganisms and solid surfaces are investigated in the context of adhesion and formation of biofilms. In such prevailing microbial communities, EPS forms complex three-dimensional structures that facilitate efficient transport processes and support a rich spatial arrangement of microorganisms with different affinities to oxygen and various nutrients. Effects of microbial activity on properties of solid surfaces including weathering and wettability, and structural stabilization of the solid matrix by biological products are examined.
Water Use Efficiency and Yield of Cucumber (Cucumis sativus L.) Under Greenhouse and Field Conditions
Authors: Abdel Rahman H.A. , Al-Wahaibi H.S.
Published: June 2017

The combination of aridity, extensive urbanization and expansion of irrigated fanning have brought about substantial wale demand increase and intensified the gap between rising water demands and limited existing water supply in the Sultanate of Oman. Creenhouse farming has hem adopted as pan of the government effects to conserve and augment water supplies. Greenhouse cropping in Oman is mostly practiced at times, when crops could tolerate outside conditions. Experiments were conducted for two seasons to determine the effect of four irrigation rates. (I, 2, 3 and 4 mm/day in greenhouse and 3, 4, 6 and 8 mm/day in field) and evaporative cooling on yields of cucumbers, total water we efficiency and cost. Results showed an asymptotic increase of greenhouse cucumber yield with increase in water applications from 1 to 4 mm/day. The 2mm/day applications optimized yields (kg/m3), whereas 3mm/day application maximized yields, with no significant difference from the 2mm/day applications being observed. Yields wee increased by 135% from 27 to 63 t/ha when irrigation was increased from lmm/day to 3 mm/day respectively, and declined thereafter. Field cucumber yields increased linearly as the irrigation water was increased from 3 mm/day to 8 mm/day. Yields were optimized at 6 mm/day applications (35 t/ha). The 8 mm/day maximized yields (40 t/ha) but fell short of the optimum 2mm/day yields (53 t/ha) obtained in the greenhouse. Optimum yields, were obtained at an average mop factor (Kc) of 0.58 ETo and 1.55 ETo in the greenhouse and the field respectively, indicating that water requirements for the greenhouse cucumber is about one third of that in the open field. The irrigation water use efficiency was higher in the greenhouse than that of the open field because of the Iowa water requirement and higher yields of cucumbers. But the total water use efficiency approached that of the field as the rats wee maximized, bemuse of the high quantity of water used in evaporative cooling The average cooling pad water use was found to be 79.11m-2 day-1 of pad area. ln the greenhouse, irrigation water use efficiency was highest with 2 mm/day applications (31.3 kg/m3), whereas in the open field the highest irrigation water use efficiency obtained was only 7.6 kg/m-3 for the 6 mm/day applications. Treatments close to the cooling pads of the greenhouse wee more moist than the amount of water applied would have indicated, but supposed yields obtained were attributed to the high soil salinity levels washed from the pads and possibly due to the chilling temperature incurred at night.
Bacteriological Study of Frozen Meat in Taif Governorate m Saudi Arabia
Authors: Altalhi A. , Albashan M.
Published: June 2017

This study was carried out on I25 random samples of frozen meat collected aseptically from different shops and supermarkets distributed in Taif governorate. All samples were subjected to bacteriological examination for aerobic plate counts of Enterobactcriaceae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Lactobacillaceae, and for isolation and identification the strains isolated bacteriologically. The aerobic plate counts ranged from 3 x 10 4 to 107 cfu.g-1. The couan for Entcrobacteriaceae, Staphylococcus- aurcus, and Lactobacillaceae were (5 x IO 2to 2 x 1O 6cfu.g-1), (6 xl0 3 to 10 6 cfu.g-1), (6 x1O 3 to 3x lO 6cfu.g-1 ), respectively. The bacterial counts of frozen chicken meat ranged from (3xl0 3) to 20 x10 5/ cm-2. The number of strains isolated from frozen meat samples were 167, 67, 79, 76, and 87 for mutton, camel meats, imported beef, local chicken meats and imported chicken meat respectively. The percentages of bacterial isolates from frozen mutton were higher than those from frozen camel meat and beef. The frequency of isolation of different bacterial strains from imported frozen chicken meat was higher than that from local frozen chicken meat.
Efeitos da fisioterapia respiratória na bronquiectasia não fibrocística: uma revisão sistemática
Authors: SILVA Polline Feres , CAMARA Beatriz Audi , REIS Carolina Santos , GIOLLO JÚNIOR Luiz Tadeu , FERREIRA Lucas Lima
Published: June 2017

A bronquiectasia é a dilatação e distorção irreversível dos brônquios em decorrência da destruição dos componentes elástico e muscular de sua parede. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a eficácia da fisioterapia respiratória em pacientes com bronquiectasia não fibrocística. Foi realizado uma revisão sistemática de literatura, sendo selecionados ensaios clínicos publicados nas bases de dados PubMed, SciELO e LILACS por meio dos descritores "terapia respiratória" ("respiratory therapy"), "bronquiectasia" ("bronchiectasis"), "fisioterapia" ("physiotherapy"), no período entre 2004 e 2015, em português e inglês. Foram identificados 717 ensaios, sendo que apenas 6 estudos preencheram os critérios para inclusão e, destes, 5 apresentaram resultados significativos utilizando técnicas e/ou recursos de fisioterapia respiratória. De acordo com a literatura investigada, o tratamento com fisioterapia respiratória, por meio de suas diversas técnicas e recursos, mostrou-se eficaz como opção terapêutica em pacientes com bronquiectasia não fibrocística.
Influência do tratamento do câncer de mama na funcionalidade do membro superior e no retorno à atividade laboral
Authors: ROBERTI Bruna Fraga de Assis , SCUDELLER Tânia Terezinha , Pace do Amaral Maria Teresa
Published: June 2017

ObjetivoInvestigar a influência do tratamento para câncer mamário na funcionalidade do membro superior homolateral à cirurgia e no retorno ao trabalho em mulheres da Baixada Santista.MétodosEstudo observacional transversal com 21 mulheres submetidas a tratamento oncológico e fisioterápico. Avaliou-se amplitude de movimento de ombro através da goniometria e foram aplicados questionários de funcionalidade e de retorno ao trabalho. As variáveis momento de início da fisioterapia, fatores dificultadores do retorno ao trabalho, amplitude de movimento e funcionalidade foram verificadas após a divisão da amostra em dois grupos: as que retornaram ao trabalho e as que não retornaram.ResultadosAmostra homogênea em relação à idade e ao índice de massa corporal. Após tratamento, 10 mulheres retornaram ao trabalho e, destas, 9 relataram dificuldades no retorno devido ao linfedema e à restrição de movimento. A rotação lateral de ombro foi menor (p=0,05) e a funcionalidade significativamente pior (p=0,02) nas mulheres que não retornaram ao trabalho. O tempo médio de início da fisioterapia para aquelas que não retornaram ao trabalho foi 14,3 meses após cirurgia. Conclusão O tratamento oncológico teve influência negativa na funcionalidade do membro superior homolateral à cirurgia com consequente prejuízo no retorno ao trabalho. Ainda são necessários mais estudos que verifiquem o processo de recuperação funcional associado ao retorno ao trabalho.Palavras-chave: Fisioterapia. Neoplasias da mama. Retorno ao trabalho.
Considerações acerca da relação entre a Universidade Católica e o Concílio Vaticano II
Authors: Barsalini Glauco
Published: June 2017

A Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, por meio de seu Núcleo de Fé e Cultura promoveu, nos dias 21, 22 e 23 de setembro de 2015, o Colóquio “A Universidade Católica à Luz do Concílio Vaticano II”, contando com a participação do Cardeal-arcebispo de Brasília (DF) e Presidente da Conferência Nacional dos Bispos do Brasil (CNBB), sua Excelência Reverendíssima Dom Sérgio da Rocha, e com o Bispo Emérito da Diocese de Lorena (SP), Dom Benedito Beni dos Santos, além de docentes desta Universidade que trataram de temas diversos, todos eles ligados aos documentos conciliares.
Editorial
Authors: Panutto Peter
Published: June 2017

Louvado sejas, meu Senhor, pela nossa irmã, a mãe terra, que nos sustenta e governa e produz variados frutos com flores coloridas e verduras(1). O Núcleo de Fé e Cultura da PUC-Campinas realizou nos dias 4 e 5 de maio de 2016 o Colóquio “Laudato Si’: Por uma Ecologia Integral”(2) para estudo da Encíclica do Papa Francisco denominada “Laudato Si’: sobre o cuidado da Casa Comum”. O resultado deste Colóquio, documentado por artigos de alguns conferencistas, compõe este volume 2 dos Cadernos de Fé e Cultura, para o qual convidamos todas e todos para leitura.
Os desafios ético-ecológicos e espirituais da vida no planeta
Authors: Kirchner Renato , Sarraipa Paulo Cesar Martins Ferreira
Published: June 2017

A presente reflexão tem como finalidade proporcionar um diálogo entre os filósofos Hans Jonas e Martin Heidegger no que diz respeito ao desenvolvimento tecnológico dos novos tempos. De um lado, objetiva-se compreender os fatores que levaram Jonas a conceber as ideias orientadoras de sua obra “O princípio responsabilidade”; de outro lado, tendo em vista que nos últimos séculos certas transformações das capacidades humanas ocasionaram uma profunda mudança na natureza do agir humano, Heidegger introduz em seus escritos a problemática da técnica, fazendo uma análise da situação atual do homem em relação ao contínuo progresso da técnica. Do ponto de vista ontológico e em vista da sobrevivência física e espiritual não só da humanidade, mas de tudo quando é e existe, torna-se imprescindível uma ética para a civilização tecnológica e planetária. Resta-nos saber se o ser humano está preparado para lidar com tal desenvolvimento tecnológico e se saberá usá-lo de forma que não afete tudo quanto há no planeta e, sobretudo, se sua ação não afetará a sobrevivência das gerações futuras.Palavras-chave: Civilização tecnológica. Ética. Responsabilidade humana. Questão da técnica.
Fundamentos para uma reflexão social sobre a crise ecológica
Authors: Mastrodi Josué
Published: June 2017

Artigo desenvolvido a partir de participação no Colóquio Laudato Si’, por uma ecologia integral, ciclo de palestras realizadas na Pontifícia Universidade Católica de Campinas, por força da publicação da Encíclica papal homônima do Papa Francisco. Neste texto, o autor faz relações entre as reflexões do Sumo Pontífice e a dimensão social do conceito científico de desenvolvimento sustentável, considerando o Estado como meio de promoção do desenvolvimento social.Palavras-chave: Ecologia integral. Desenvolvimento sustentável. Dimensão social do desenvolvimento. Laudato Si’.
Que farei com esta “Nota”? O testamento de Carlos de Oliveira
Authors: Namora Ricardo
Published: June 2017

Este texto aspira a descrever a natureza e implicações da “Nota final” de Carlos de Oliveira, acrescentada ao seu romance de 1978 Finisterra: paisagem e povoamento. O argumento principal será o de que a “Nota” cria uma série de ficções (autor–editor, autor–redator, autor–testador) que permitem, à luz de uma sobrevivência documental significativa, insinuar a possibilidade de uma arqueologia lacunar da criação. E, a partir deste caso particular, a de redesenhar noções aparentemente estáveis como “autor”, “editor”, “intenção” e “obra acabada”.
Representações da velhice e do envelhecimento na obra de Dias de Melo
Authors: Dodman Maria João
Published: June 2017

O presente trabalho explora a temática do envelhecimento e da velhice na obra do escritor açoriano José Dias de Melo. Partindo da atual perceção negativa e da exclusão do idoso, especialmente nas produções literárias e artísticas, o artigo apresenta vários aspetos positivos em que o escritor açoriano não só revaloriza o idoso como também reivindica a sua humanidade, valor social, económico e cultural. Configuram-se assim novas e positivas formas de ser e viver a velhice. Por outro lado, e sem esquecer o desprezo social que atualmente se observa quanto ao idoso, Dias de Melo induz-nos a uma reflexão comovente sobre o tema em um processo de autoidentificação, bondade e respeito.
Chronic headache among general practice out patients in a tertiary care hospital, Eastern Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Rabin , Bhandari R , Shakya DR , Maskey R , Paudel M , Giri R , Gupta PP
Published: June 2017

Background: The term chronic headache is commonly taken as headache lasting for more than three months. It is common in general practice with minimal research on the topic in Nepal. Objective: To sort out the common diagnoses of chronic headache and to study the clinical features and demographic profile of patients presenting with chronic headache.Method: A descriptive cross sectional study was conducted (2012 August to 2013 August) at General Practice outpatients in BP Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, a medical university in eastern Nepal. Approval and ethical clearance was taken from Research Committee and Institutional Ethical Review Board. Descriptive statistical analysis was done.Result: 168 patients constituting 1% of outpatient visits presented due to chronic headache. Mean age was 29.57 years (SD 10.53) and female to male ratio was 3.67. Mean number of days of headache was 19.46 days (SD 4.62). Numerical pain score was reported at 7.1/10 (SD 1.85). The mean duration of presentation was 22 months (SD 11). 40% reported impaired activity of more than one week. Headache was classified as chronic migraine in 20.2%, chronic tension type headache in 16.7%, and chronic daily persistent headache in 11.9%. The diagnosis did not fit into any diagnostic criteria in 51.2% cases. Conclusion: Chronic headache is common in females and young age group. Patients present late despite significant pain scores. Significant proportion is still unclassified.Health Renaissance 2015;13(2): 22-29
Methods used and reasons for deliberate self harm: A cross-sectional study in acute care setting of Eastern Nepal
Authors: Yadav Ajay Kumar , Rai B K , Bhandari R , Shakya DR , Gupta PP , Moore M , Budhathoki SS
Published: June 2017

Background: Deliberate self-harm (DSH) is a widespread yet often hidden problem in adolescents and young adults though most DSH can be classified as “non-suicidal self-cutting”, some do go on to commit suicide. DSH present in acute settings of hospitals while limited information are found on reasons and methods for DSH in eastern Nepal. This study aimed at exploring the reasons and methods for deliberate self harm among patients presenting in acute setting of BPKIHS.Objective: To study the methods used and reasons for deliberate self harm in the patients presenting in emergency department and psychiatry outpatient clinics of BPKIHS.Method: Mix method (quantitative and qualitative) was used to conduct cross-sectional study using a pretested semi-structured questionnaire among 400 patients presenting in emergency department and out-patient clinic of Psychiatry department. In-depth interview was conducted among 12 respondents. Result: Four fifth of the patients, used poison as the method for DSH followed by hanging among less than a tenth of the patients. Majority (88%) of the patients did not have any planning before committing act of DSH. Interpersonal conflict (48%), financial reasons (20%) and broken love affairs (16%) are common events triggering DSH. Two-third of patients who presented with DSH were impulsive and almost two-fifth of them had depression.Conclusion: DSH was more common among the younger population. Advocacy to regulate the availability of pesticides for agricultural use may be needed to prevent the at risk population for accessing and using it for self harm. More community based studies to further explore the social aspects for the act of DSH and further researches is needed to design interventions to prevent the act of DSH at community level.Health Renaissance 2015;13(2): 92-104