bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Resposta da alface a adubação nitrogenada
Authors: Araújo Wellington Farias , De Sousa Kelly Tagianne Santos , Viana Thales Vinícius de Araújo , Azevedo Benito Moreira de , Barros Márcio Mesquita , Marcolino Estênia
Published: November 2015

O trabalho objetivou avaliar o rendimento da alface (Lactuca sativa L.) cv. “Verônica’ cultivada sob ambiente protegido, em função de doses de nitrogênio aplicadas via fertirrigação. O delineamento estatístico foi de blocos casualizados, com cinco tratamentos (0; 60; 120; 180 e 240 kg ha-1 de N) e quatro repetições. A fonte de N foi a uréia, dividida em sete partes iguais aplicadas aos 7, 9, 11, 14, 16, 19 e 21 dias após o transplante (DAT), por meio da irrigação por gotejamento. As doses de N aplicadas influenciaram negativamente as variáveis estudadas, demonstrando um efeito linear decrescente sobre a massa seca da raiz, a massa seca da parte aérea, massa fresca da parte aérea, número de folhas por planta e a produtividade.
Uso de geoprocessamento na estimativa da perda de solo em microbacia hidrográfica do semiárido brasileiro
Authors: Lopes Fernando Bezerra , Andrade Eunice Maia de , Teixeira Adunias Dos Santos , Caitano Rafaela Ferreira , Chaves Luiz Carlos Guerreiro
Published: November 2015

A perda de solo por erosão é um dos problemas ambientais mais sérios da atualidade e tem causado a degradação de vários recursos, principalmente do solo e da água. Objetivou-se com este trabalho, estimar a perda de solos por erosão em uma microbacia localizada no semiárido do Estado do Ceará, efetuada com a combinação de ferramentas de Sistemas Informações Geográficas (SIG) com modelo quantitativo de perda de solo, através da Equação Universal de Perdas de Solos, USLE. A microbacia foi delimitada através do modelo numérico do terreno. Usando a ferramenta ArcHydro do software ArcMap 9.1, estimou-se a rede de drenagem. A perda de solo em 74% da microbacia estudada, apresenta valor menor que 11 t ha-1 ano-1 em áreas mais planas e vegetadas. Observou-se que mais de 90% da área apresentou perda de solo abaixo de 37 t ha-1 ano-1, sendo esta característica bastante influenciada pelo relevo, visto que a microbacia apresenta relevo suave - ondulado em mais de 83% da área total. 66% da área apresenta baixa susceptibilidade à erosão (<10 t ha-1 ano-1), estando associada a esta região cobertura vegetal e baixos valores do fator topográfico. A utilização de integrada de SIG e USLE permitiu a realização de uma análise rápida e dinâmica da área em estudo, além de apontar as áreas de maior vulnerabilidade ao processo de perda de solo dentro da Bacia.
Acúmulo de forragem e eficiência de utilização da radiação em pastagens de Axonopus aureus, durante o período seco, nos cerrados de Roraima
Authors: Costa Newton De Lucena , Moraes Anibal De , Gianluppi Vicente , Bendahan Amaury Burlamaqui , Magalhães João Avelar
Published: November 2015

O efeito da idade de rebrota (21, 28, 35, 42, 49, 56, 63 e 70 dias) sobre a produtividade de matéria seca (MS) e a eficiência de utilização da radiação (EUR) de Axonopus aureus, durante o período seco, foi avaliado em condições de campo. O aumento da idade de rebrota resultou em maiores rendimentos de forragem, taxa absoluta de crescimento, taxa de crescimento da cultura, taxa de crescimento relativo e área foliar. As relações entre idade de rebrota, rendimento de MS, taxa absoluta de crescimento e EUR foram ajustadas ao modelo quadrático de regressão, sendo os máximos valores registrados aos 62,6; 47,8 e 51,7 dias de rebrota, respectivamente. A resposta da produtividade de forragem à RFA incidente foi quadrática e o máximo valor estimado em 487,7 MJ/m2, o qual correspondeu a 796,7 kg de MS/ha. Visando conciliar produtividade de forragem da gramínea com a maximização da EUR, o período de utilização mais adequado de suas pastagens situa-se entre 49 e 56 dias de rebrota.
Primeiro registro da ocorrência de mosca-negra-dos-citros, Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashby, 1915 (Hemiptera: Sternorrhyncha: Aleyrodidae) em Roraima.
Authors: Correia Ruy Guilherme , Lima Antonio Cesar Silva , Farias Paulo Roberto Silva , Maciel Francisco Clemilton da Silva , Silva Marcos Wanderley da , Da Silva Anderson Gonçalves
Published: November 2015

A mosca-negra-dos-citros, Aleurocanthus woglumi Ashb, (Hemiptera: Aleyrodidae) é uma importante praga dos citros. De origem asiática, esta praga foi detectada no Brasil pela primeira vez no estado do Pará no ano de 2001. Na cultura dos citros a mosca-negra acarreta danos diretos e indiretos, prejudicando o desenvolvimento e produção das plantas. Além de restringir o comércio de locais de sua ocorrência para áreas livres da presença da praga, visto que o A. woglumi é considerado praga quarentenária presente (A2) de alerta máximo de acordo com a instrução normativa no 23, de 29 de abril de 2008; estabelecida pelo Ministério da Agricultura, Pecuária e Abastecimento. Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho registrar a primeira ocorrência de mosca-negra-dos-citros no estado de Roraima.
Fitossociologia de plantas daninhas sob diferentes sistemas de manejo de solo em áreas de reforma de cana crua.
Authors: Soares Maria Beatriz Bernardes , Finoto Everton Luis , Bolonhezi Denizart , Carrega Willians , Albuquerque José de Anchieta Alves de , Pirotta Melina Zacarelli
Published: November 2015

Objetivou-se neste trabalho realizar o levantamento fitossociológico de plantas daninhas em áreas de reforma de cana crua, mantidas em pousio após a utilização de três sistemas de manejo do solo em duas regiões do Estado de São Paulo. O trabalho foi conduzido no ano agrícola 2007/2008, em áreas de produção comercial nos municípios de Novais-SP e Guairá-SP. A última colheita da cana foi realizada na primeira quinzena do mês de julho de 2007. Utilizou-se delineamento experimental blocos casualizados, cujos tratamentos consistiram dos três sistemas de manejo de solo: convencional, cultivo mínimo e plantio direto. Após os tratamentos de preparo de solo as parcelas foram mantidas em pousio por período de 150 dias. Realizou-se a amostragem em cada parcela procedendo-se a identificação, contagem e coleta toda a parte aérea das plantas daninhas presentes. Os dados foram interpretados estatisticamente por meio de análise de variância e teste de Tukey, em seguida calculados os índices fitossociológicos. O sistema plantio direto proporcionou menor massa seca e menor número de plantas daninhas que os demais sistemas de manejo de solo nas duas regiões de cultivo. A região de Guaíra apresentou maior infestação de plantas daninhas que a região de Novais, onde a espécie que mais se destacou, apresentando elevado IVR, em todos os tipos de manejo foi a Cyperus rotundus L. A importância desta espécie decresceu com a utilização de manejos mais conservacionistas. A similaridade entre plantio direto e convencional foi menor nas duas regiões.
Diagnóstico sobre o uso do MIP nas principais áreas produtoras de melão dos Estados do Rio Grande do Norte e Ceará.
Authors: Lima Anna Carolina Carvalho , Costa Ewerton Marinho , Araujo Elton Lucio , Rugama Adrian José Molina , Godoy Mauricio Sekiguchi
Published: November 2015

As regiões produtoras de melão (Cucumis melo L.) dos Estados do Rio Grande do Norte (RN) e Ceará (CE) destacam-se por uma produção destinada tanto para o mercado interno quanto para o externo. Devido à necessidade de se produzir frutos de boa qualidade e de se reduzir os problemas causados por insetos pragas, os produtores devem utilizar estratégias de manejo econômica e ambientalmente sustentáveis. Objetivou-se com o presente trabalho caracterizar o perfil e o conhecimento dos pequenos e médios produtores, que exportam melão, sobre o MIP na cultura do meloeiro nas principais áreas produtoras dos municípios de Mossoró e Baraúna no Rio Grande do norte e Aracati no Ceará. Foram realizadas entrevistas, por meio de questionário semi - estruturado com 29 questões, a 25 produtores de melão nos municípios de Mossoró e Baraúna (RN) e Aracati (CE). Verificou-se que o manejo de pragas praticado por esses produtores está baseado na utilização das seguintes estratégias de controle: controle físico (uso de manta tipo TNT e quebra vento), cultural (rotação e destruição de restos de cultura) e químico (inseticidas sintéticos), método praticado por 100% dos produtores em algum momento do desenvolvimento das plantas. Contudo, o controle biológico ou qualquer prática conservacionista de inimigos naturais, ainda, é pouco utilizado por esses grupos de produtores, principalmente, devido à falta de conhecimento e treinamento técnico sobre o manejo de inimigos naturais em programas de controle de pragas.
Fitomassa de adubos verdes e cobertura do solo na região do Alto Vale do Jequitinhonha, Minas Gerais.
Authors: Pereira Gustavo Antônio Mendes , Silva Daniel Valadão , Braga Renan Rodrigues , Carvalho Felipe Paolinelli de , Ferreira Evander Alves , Santos José Barbosa
Published: November 2015

A adubação verde constitui prática cultural de relevante impacto positivo em sistemas de produção agrícola que visam o uso sustentável da terra. Objetivou-se com esse trabalho avaliar o desempenho de seis leguminosas utilizadas para adubação verde, quanto à produtividade de fitomassa, cobertura do solo e uso da radiação fotossinteticamente ativa na região conhecida como Alto Vale do Jeuitinhonha em Minas Gerais. O experimento foi conduzido entre os meses de março a outubro de 2010, em delineamento em blocos casualizados com quatro repetições. Os adubos verdes utilizados foram: crotalária (Crotalaria spectabilis), feijão-de-porco (Canavalia ensiformis), feijão-guandu-anão (Cajanus cajan), lab-lab (Lablab purpureus), mucuna-anã (Mucuna deenringiana) e tremoço-branco (Lupinus albus L.). Os adubos verdes apresentaram elevadas produções defitomassa, mas com diferentes picos de cobertura do solo e interceptação da radiação. Os maiores acúmulos de matéria seca e fresca foram observados pela crotalária seguido pelo feijão-guandu-anão. Entre as espécies estudadas, o feijão-de-porco é a que apresentou maior período vegetativo, representando elevado potencial para recobrimento do solo, destacando-se também na interceptação de radição fotossinteticamente ativa.
Ocorrência de moscas-das-frutas (Diptera: Tephritidae) em mangueiras (Mangifera indica L.) em Boa Vista, Roraima.
Authors: Lima Adriana Bezerra , Lima Antonio Cesar Silva , Oliveira Adriano Henrique Cruz , Santos Nádia Souza dos
Published: November 2015

Um estudo foi conduzido no período de junho de 2007 a janeiro de 2008, em pomares comerciais de manga das variedades: Tommy Atkins, Haden e Palmer sendo 3 ha de cada cultivar, localizado na região do Bom Intento no Município de Boa Vista. Os espécimes de moscas-das-frutas foram coletados, por meio de armadilhas, confeccionadas com garrafas pet, que foram penduradas na copa das árvores a 1,60 m de altura. Como atrativo alimentar foi utilizado 200 mL de suco de maracujá a 30%. Foram utilizadas nove armadilhas, sendo uma armadilha por hectare. Semanalmente as armadilhas eram examinadas, ocasião em que se substituía o atrativo e os insetos capturados retirados e colocados em frascos de vidro devidamente etiquetados e transportados ao Laboratório de Entomologia do Centro de Ciências Agrárias da Universidade Federal de Roraima. As identificações dos espécimes foram feitas no Instituto Nacional de Pesquisa da Amazônia - INPA. No período de oito meses foram coletados 24 espécimes adultos do gênero Anastrepha (nove fêmeas e 15 machos). Quatro espécies foram identificadas: A. serpentina, A. striata, A. obliqua e A. turpinae. A maior frequência foi A. serpentina (44,44%), seguida de A. striata e A. obliqua ambas com 22,22% e A. turpinae com 11,11%. Os meses de maior ocorrência de Anastrepha spp. foram junho, julho e agosto. Este é o primeiro registro da espécie Anastrepha turpinae Stone, 1942, em Roraima.
INDICATORS OF TECHNOLOGY IN THE PERCEPTION OF IT AND BUSINESS MANAGERS – A COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Authors: Salati Marcondes de Moraes Gustavo Hermínio
Published: November 2015

In this study we sought to identify how the indicators of information technology use can assist in the information technology governance and alignment of organizations through benchmarking. Multiple case studies were conducted in four large organizations that act in the service sector of vocational education, in which information technology plays a key role, interviewing executives from technology and business. The main indicators used in the study where the index G (expenditure and investment in IT / annual net sales) and the CAPT (annual cost per keyboard). As a result, it became clear that the indicators are perceived as important for information technology governance and alignment, and their own quality management, integrating corporate governance. Therefore, the indicators presented serve as management tools and a basis of comparison with other companies, the sector of activity, as a comparison of the historical evolution's own internal organization (monitoring) and as part of negotiation for future technology investments, providing support to the information technology managers and business managers, facilitating their decisions.

Keywords: Information technology. Indicators. IT governance.
ANÁLISE DA INFLUÊNCIA DO PRIVATE EQUITY E DO VENTURE CAPITAL NO RISCO DAS AÇÕES DAS EMPRESAS QUE REALIZARAM IPO COMO FORMA DE DESINVESTIMENTO
Authors: Pereira de Araújo Júlio , Gois de Oliveira Marcos Roberto
Published: November 2015

Neste artigo teve-se por objetivo comparar o risco das empresas que foram investidas por gestores de private equity e venture capital (PE/VC) em relação às que não receberam esse tipo de investimento. A base de dados utilizada foi os preços e os retornos diários das ações das empresas que realizaram IPO no período de fevereiro/2006 a novembro/2010. Na análise verificaram-se aspectos de volatilidade dos preços das ações (normalidade, presença de raízes unitárias, autocorrelação serial dos erros e suporte aos efeitos heterocedásticos), e a metodologia utilizada foi o Value at Risk (VaR) com Simulação de Monte Carlo. Analisaram-se os VaRs individuais das empresas por ano de realização do IPO (2006 a 2010) e no período total. Cada VaR individual foi calculado considerando-se o melhor entre três modelos de volatilidade: desvio padrão, volatilidade com modelo GARCH mais parcimonioso e o melhor modelo GARCH encontrado pela metodologia Akaike. Os resultados da análise da volatilidade mostraram principalmente que a maioria das empresas apresenta suporte aos efeitos heterocedásticos. Em relação aos resultados do VaR, tanto no período total quanto na análise por ano do IPO, o grupo de empresas que recebeu investimentos de PE/VC apresentou maiores valores de VaR em relação ao grupo sem PE/VC. Assim, pode-se concluir que o grupo de empresas com investimento de PE/VC possui maior nível de risco em relação ao conjunto das empresas sem ele.

Palavras-chave: Private Equity. Venture Capital. Value at Risk.
DIRETRIZES PARA AUTORES
Authors: Diersmann Admin Débora
Published: November 2015

Diretrizes para Autores
A Single-phase Inverter Based on Full-bridge Modules With Input in Series-connection and Outputs Coupled by a Multiple-winding Transformer
Authors: Ruseler Adriano , Lazzarin Telles Brunelli , Barbi Ivo
Published: November 2015

This paper proposes an isolated modular single–phase inverter for high–input voltage applications. The topology is composed of conventional and modular full–bridge inverters with series–connected inputs and magnetically–connected outputs. All input bus capacitors are connected in series and thus the dc voltage is divided among the inverter modules. The full–bridge outputs are connected by a multiple–winding low– frequency transformer, the inverters employ a typical three–level modulation with phase–shift carriers and when an appropriate modulation is used a multilevel output voltage is supplied for the load. The auto–balance of the input capacitor voltages is verified and a harmonic analysis is performed in order to investigate the exchange of active and reactive power between the inverter modules at low and high frequency. An 8 kW prototype with three modules, a multiple–winding transformer with a transform ratio of 1:1:1:1, 1200 V dc input source and 220 V/ 60 Hz ac output voltage was built and tested in order to verify the proposed topology.
Herramientas de simulación libres y abiertas para el diseño de unidades de procesamiento de potencia para sistemas fotovoltaicos
Authors: Morales-Hernández Sergio , Meza-Benavides Carlos
Published: November 2015

Las fuentes de energía renovable, entre ellas la solar fotovoltaica, requieren de circuitos electrónicos que sirvan de interface entre el dispositivo transductor y el dispositivo o sistema que utilizará la energía. Más aún, la eficiencia energética y el costo del sistema se pueden ver comprometidos si este circuito electrónico no ha sido diseñado de forma apropiada. Dado que, por un lado, las características eléctricas de los dispositivos fotovoltaicos son no lineales y, por otro, los circuitos electrónicos más eficientes son naturalmente discontinuos, se requiere un análisis dinámico detallado que permita optimizar el diseño. Dicho análisis debe ser apoyado por herramientas informáticas de simulación. En este artículo se hace una comparación entre dos herramientas informáticas de simulación de sistemas dinámicos para determinar su utilidad en el proceso de diseño de sistemas fotovoltaicos, principalmente en lo que corresponde a las unidades de procesamiento de potencia. Utilizando como caso de estudio un sistema fotovoltaico para la carga de una batería, se determinó que la herramienta Scicoslab facilita la simulación de sistemas dinámicos complejos, presentes en las unidades de procesamiento de potencia de los sistemas fotovoltaicos. 
Diagnóstico agroecológico de la microcuenca periurbana Río Platanitos, Guatemala
Authors: Morales-Cayax Miguel Ángel , Vanegas-Chacón Eddi Alejandro , Bautista-Zúñiga Francisco
Published: November 2015

El objetivo del presente estudio fue identificar las áreas geográficas de la microcuenca periurbana Río Platanitos, Guatemala, que por su condición, relevancia o importancia cultural requieren ser protegidas, conservadas o restauradas, utilizando para ello mapas interpretativos. La regionalización ecológica o ecoregionalización consiste en delimitar espacios geográficos relativamente homogéneos en función del medio físico y biológico, de tal manera que se pueda establecer una adecuada vinculación con el uso y apropiación del territorio por parte de la sociedad. La caracterización física se realizó sobre tres aspectos importantes: relieve, clima y suelos. 

El mapa de las unidades morfométricas del relieve es la base y se obtuvo de forma semiautomatizada a partir de un modelo de elevación digital y un shape de curvas. El Mapa de Zonas Agroecológicas es producto del cruce del mapa de unidades geomorfopedologicas (relieve + suelos) con el mapa de climas. El Mapa Cobertura Vegetal y Uso del Suelo se elaboró a partir de imágenes de satélite, realizando una clasificación supervisada, por medio de firmas espectrales. El Mapa de Paisajes es el resultado del cruce del mapa de Zonas Agroecológicas con el Cobertura Vegetal y Uso del suelo. 

Se observa que, por su extensión, los paisajes más importantes en la microcuenca del Río Platanitos son los siguientes: 

a. Planicie/Alfisoles/CB´ con Urbanización 20,49% 

b. Montaña/Andisoles/BB´2 con Bosque mixto17,23% 

c. Planicie/Alfisoles/CB´ con Agricultura anual 8,66% 

d. Montaña/Andisoles/BB´2 con Agricultura permanente 8,13% 

En la parte alta de la cuenca hay prevalencia de bosque mixto y agricultura permanente, mientras que en la parte media y baja se presenta mayor área de urbanización y agricultura anual. 
Educación ambiental para la conservación del recurso hídrico a partir del análisis estadístico de sus variables
Authors: Moreira-Segura Cristian , Araya-Rodríguez Freddy , Charpentier-Esquivel Claudia
Published: November 2015

Este artículo muestra los elementos principales que justifican y reafirman la necesidad de implementar una propuesta de educación ambiental tomando como punto de inicio y de finalización la comunidad. Para tal efecto se aplica un cuestionario a 262 pobladores de tres comunidades del la región Huetar Norte de Costa Rica. Estos habitantes son fuente de información y a la vez receptores de los productos generados en un proceso educativo y de investigación. En este documento se argumenta que un plan de educación ambiental para la conservación del agua debe de considerar variables como la disposición, el comportamiento y las competencias con el objeto de entender sus interrelaciones y cómo afectan la acción ambiental. El resultado obtenido indica que, aunque se tenga una disposición adecuada, las acciones ambientales a favor del recurso hídrico no se realizan; es decir, se carece de las competencias necesarias para llevarlas acabo. 
Investigation of the Association Between Cement Retention and Prevalent Peri‐Implant Diseases: A Cross‐Sectional Study
Authors: Kotsakis Georgios A. , Zhang Lei , Gaillard Philippe , Raedel Michael , Walter Michael Horst , Konstantinidis Ioannis K.
Published: November 2015

Background: The aim of this study is to examine the association between retention type (cement‐retained versus screw‐retained restorations) and prevalence of peri‐implant diseases in a German university‐treated population.

Methods: Data were analyzed from individuals that underwent clinical and radiographic peri‐implant examinations as part of a university‐based cross‐sectional study from September 2011 to October 2012.

Results: Data from 139 individuals (mean age: 57.59 years) having 394 implants were analyzed: 192 implants supporting single crowns and 202 fixed partial dentures. Overall, 11.9% of the participants had peri‐implantitis, whereas 68.9% had peri‐implant mucositis. Crude odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for peri‐implantitis and peri‐implant mucositis for cement‐ versus screw‐retained restorations were 1.43 (0.45, 4.60) and 0.89 (0.53, 1.48), respectively. Results remained non‐significant in multivariable models adjusting for type of restoration and smoking (all P values >0.50). There was also no effect of splinting restorations on disease prevalence in adjusted analyses (P values >0.32).

Conclusions: In this university‐treated sample, there is no association between the type of prosthesis retention and peri‐implant diseases. Current findings show that, when appropriate selection and removal of cement is performed, cement retention is not a risk indicator for peri‐implant diseases.
Applications of Multi-Scale Imaging Techniques to Unconventional Reservoirs
Authors: Fogden Andrew , Goergen Eric , Olson Terri , Cheng Qianhao , Middleton Jill , Kingston Andrew , Curtis Mark , Jernigen Jeremy
Published: November 2015

Understanding and prediction of hydrocarbon transport within the matrix of unconventional tight reservoirs demands an integrated imaging strategy spanning from the smallest nanoscale pores to plug scale and beyond. Recent developments in multi-scale imaging are presented for Barnett shale samples to illustrate this approach to upscaling. The utility of micro-CT imaging for shales can be extended by X-ray contrast enhancement techniques coupled with tomogram registration. In particular, saturation of a shale plug with a highly attenuating liquid and subtraction of this tomogram from the registered dry-state tomogram yields a 3D voxel map of connected porosity over the plug. The same procedure can be applied to sub-plugs sampled from the parent plug to capture micron-scale variations in porosity. This approach does not directly provide the size, shape and connectivity of individual pores, since the vast majority of shale pores remain below tomogram resolution even for small sub-plugs. Two approaches to access this higher-order information are addressed. The first uses the state of the shale sub-plug saturated with X-ray dense liquid as the starting point for dynamic micro-CT imaging of the diffusion of a second, miscible, X-ray transparent liquid into the sub-plug. This can reveal the presence of faster pathways of transport through pores of larger size or lower tortuosity. The second approach involves broad beam ion-milling of the sub-plug for acquisition of 2D BSEM image mosaics and mineral maps, and their registration into the corresponding section of the 3D tomograms. This provides a registered basis for upscaling of transport properties, e.g. simulated from small FIB-SEM cubes, to sub-plug and in turn to plug via their micro-CT porosity maps. Very high resolution SEM imaging of broken surfaces can provide useful complementary information as to the finest scale of organic-hosted nanopores. The Barnett shale samples exhibited fairly homogeneous distributions of porosity on the plug and sub-plug scales, and also displayed relatively uniform diffusion across the sub-plug, suggesting that they are amenable to characterization and upscaling using only a limited set of parameters. This homogeneity is thought to be due in significant part to the predominance of organic-hosted porosity and to the structural uniformity of these nano-scale organic pore networks.
Oxidative Damage in the Aging Heart: an Experimental Rat Model
Authors: Marques Gustavo Lenci , Neto Francisco Filipak , Ribeiro Ciro Alberto de Oliveira , Liebel Samuel , Fraga Rogério de , Bueno Ronaldo da Rocha Loures
Published: November 2015

Introduction: Several theories have been proposed to explain the cause of ‘aging’; however, the factors that affect this complex process are still poorly understood. Of these theories, the accumulation of oxidative damage over time is among the most accepted. Particularly, the heart is one of the most affected organs by oxidative stress. The current study, therefore, aimed to investigate oxidative stress markers in myocardial tissue of rats at different ages.Methods: Seventy-two rats were distributed into 6 groups of 12 animals each and maintained for 3, 6, 9, 12, 18 and 24 months. After euthanasia, the heart was removed and the levels of non-protein thiols, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonylation, as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were determined.Results:Superoxide dismutase, catalase activity and lipid peroxidation were reduced in the older groups of animals, when compared with the younger group. However, protein carbonylation showed an increase in the 12-month group followed by a decrease in the older groups. In addition, the levels of non-protein thiols were increased in the 12-month group and not detected in the older groups.Conclusion:Our data showed that oxidative stress is not associated with aging in the heart. However, an increase in non-protein thiols may be an important factor that compensates for the decrease of superoxide dismutase and catalase activity in the oldest rats, to maintain appropriate antioxidant defenses against oxidative insults.
Bubble rupture in bubble electrospinning
Authors: Chen Rouxi , Wan Yuqin , Si Na , He Ji-Huan , Ko Frank , Wang Shu-Qiang
Published: November 2015

As the distinctive properties and different applications of nanofibers, the
demand of nanofibers increased sharply in recently years. Bubble
electrospinning is one of the most effective and industrialized methods for
nanofiber production. To optimize the set-up of bubble electrospinning and
improve its mass production, the dynamic properties of un-charged and charged
bubbles are studied experimentally, the growth and rupture process of a
bubble are also discussed in this paper.
Exact solutions of non-linear fractional partial differential equations by fractional sub-equation method
Authors: Ma Hong-Cai , Yao Dan-Dan , Peng Xiao-Fang
Published: November 2015

This paper studies the space-time fractional Whitham-Broer-Kaup equations by
the existed fractional sub-equation method, and exact solutions are obtained.
Effect of pressure of supercritical carbon dioxide on morphology of wool fibers during dyeing process
Authors: Zheng Lai-Jiu , Yin Peng-Peng , Ye Fang , Ju Wei , Yan Jun
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the effect of pressure release rate on dyeing of wool fibers
was studied in the supercritical carbon dioxide dyeing. Surface morphology,
chemical composition and color difference at different pressure release rates
were investigated by employing scanning electron microscope, color matching,
and measuring instrument. Experiment data reveal that wool fibers are easy to
be damaged with increasing pressure release rate. Fiber?s surface brightness
varies also with the pressure release rate. The phenomena are theoretically
explained using Bernoulli's principle.
Dye solubility in supercritical carbon dioxide fluid
Authors: Yan Jun , Zheng Lai-Jiu , Du Bing , Qian Yong-Fang , Ye Fang
Published: November 2015

Supercritical carbon dioxide fluid is an alternative solvent for the water of
the traditional dyeing. The solubility of dyestuff affects greatly the dyeing
process. A theoretical model for predicting the dye solubility is proposed
and verified experimentally. The paper concludes that the pressure has a
greater impact on the dyestuff solubility than temperature, and an optimal
dyeing condition is suggested for the highest distribution coefficient of
dyestuff.
Comparison of serological assays in human Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-coronavirus infection
Authors: Park Sang Won , Perera Ranawaka A P M , Choe Pyoeng Gyun , Lau Eric H Y , Choi Seong Jin , Chun June Young , Oh Hong Sang , Song Kyoung-Ho , Bang Ji Hwan , Kim Eu Suk , Kim Hong Bin , Park Wan Beom , Kim Nam Joong , Poon Leo Lit Man , Peiris Malik , Oh Myoung Don
Published: November 2015

Plaque reduction neutralisation tests (PRNT), microneutralisation (MN), Middle East respiratory syndrome (MERS)-spike pseudoparticle neutralisation (ppNT) and MERS S1-enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) antibody titres were compared using 95 sera from 17 patients with MERS, collected two to 46 days after symptom onset. Neutralisation tests correlated well with each other and moderately well with S1 ELISA. Moreover to compare antigenic similarity of genetically diverse MERS-CoV clades, the response of four sera from two patients sampled at two time periods during the course of illness were tested by 90% PRNT. Genetically diverse MERS-CoV clades were antigenically homogenous.
Speech auditory brainstem response audiometry in children with specific language impairment
Authors: Gabr Takwa Adly , Darwish Mohamad Elsayed
Published: November 2015

Objective:

Children with specific language impairment (SLI) exhibit significantly delayed language development in the absence of any other abnormality. The aim of this study was to evaluate speech-evoked auditory brainstem responses (c-ABRs) in normal children and those with SLI assuming timing differences between these two populations.

Study design:

Forty children aged 3–7 years with bilateral normal peripheral hearing, normal developmental milestones and IQ were divided into two groups: a control group (20 children with normal language development) and a study group (20 children with SLI). The study used full history, otological examination, pure tone audiometry, speech audiometry and immittance measures. Click-evoked auditory brainstem response (ABR) was recorded first followed by recording of speech-evoked ABR (c-ABR) using CV speech syllable /da/.

Results:

There were significantly delayed latencies and reduced amplitudes of waves A, C, D, E, F and O components of c-ABR in the study group compared with the controls.

Conclusion:

Children with specific language impairment had abnormal encoding for speech.
Renal perfusion phase curve analysis in DTPA renal scintigraphy – significance & utility
Authors: Sivasubramaniyan V , Sai Osho , Venkataramaniah K
Published: November 2015

Aims and Objectives: The retrospective study of renal scans aims at analysing the renal perfusion phase curve in the DTPA scan. Four different types of perfusion phase curves for non-transplant kidney are defined and validated by comparing them with the Hilson perfusion index and Kirchner’s K/A ratio.Materials and Methods: This study consists of 36 patients comprising of 26 males with mean age of 26.17 ± 18.65 and 10 females with the mean age of 33.20 ± 11.69. Renal scans were done using Siemens dual head gamma camera. 3-5mCi 99m Tc DTPA was used and injected intravenously, images were processed to obtain the renal curve using the icon software utilizing the Gate’s formula. The perfusion curves, which form the part of renographic curves are taken for scrutiny, are classified into different types and perfusion index was calculated.Results: The perfusion phase curves were scrutinised and categorised in 4 types. These curves have been validated by using Hilson index and Kirchner’s K/A ratio. Hilson perfusion index and Kirchner’s K/A ratio shows a good correlation with the uptake phase of conventional renal curve. We observed 47.22% of Type I, 22.22% of Type II, 16.67% of Type III and 13.89% of Type IV.Conclusion: This study highlights the utility of renal perfusion phase curve analysis in the non-transplant kidney. This can also serve as a better prognostic tool in the chronic kidney disease patient.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 44-48
Retrospective study of outcome in patients with scorpion sting using prazosin with/without dobutamine
Authors: Venugopal L , Anilkumar H , Ram Pure Dilip M , Kumar L Suresh , Rajashekharappa G
Published: November 2015

Introduction: Scorpion sting is a major public health problem in India with severe life threatening complications. Toxin can cause autonomic overstimulation leading to hypertension, arrhythmias and pulmonary edema with left ventricular dysfunction. Prazosin has been the ideal antidote for patients with mild to moderate envenomation. In patients with severe envenomation, dobutamine is found to be very useful to prevent morbidity and mortality.Materials and Methods: Retrospective study was done on patients admitted from March 2011 to November 2013 with a history of scorpion bite and adults aged between 20-60 yrs were included. All the patients were subjected to grading of envenomation as mild, moderate and severe degree. Prazosin was given to all 80 patients and dobutamine was given to those who did not show response to prazosin.Results: Majority of patients were in the age group of 31-40 years followed by 21-30 years. Mean age was 31.23±7.23 years. Fifty four patients (67.5%) were male and twenty six (32.5%) were female. 28 patients had mild envenomation, 36 had moderate envenomation and 16 had severe envenomation. 83.33% of patients responded to dobutamine infusion in prazosin resistant cases in our study.Conclusion: Early use of dobutamine should be considered in patients with severe envenomation with left ventricular dysfunction to prevent morbidity and mortality. 2D echo has to be considered to assess left ventricular dysfunction and need for early use of dobutamine.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 61-63
Vagal schwannoma in parapharyngeal space -anatomical perspective
Authors: Mishra Suniti Raj , Singh Shailendra , Gautam Harendra Kumar , Singh Ashutosh , Pantola Chayanika , Kumar Sushobhana , Singh Rahul , Passey Jigyasa
Published: November 2015

A rare case of Schwannoma of Vagus nerve in Parapharyngeal Space was admitted in Otolaryngology department of GSVM Medical College, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh, India. Schwannoma is a rare tumor in the Parapharyngeal Space.  The   patient was a 32 yr old male with  chief complaints of difficulty in swallowing and swelling in the neck since last 4 years. On examination there was a firm swelling on right side of neck and uvula was deviated towards Left Side. On CT & MRI examination a heterogenous mass was seen in Parapharyngeal space. The case was diagnosed as a case of vagal schwannoma in parapharyngeal space. The tumor was surgically excised. Histopathological Examination revealed the Tumor as Schwannoma. Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 100-103
Assessing psychological consequences following maxillofacial trauma using DASS scale – our experience
Authors: Pokharel Prenit Kumar , Baliga Mohan , Amirthraj Anand , Mehar Harpreet
Published: November 2015

Aims and Objectives: The aim of the present study was to investigate the psychological consequences among hospitalized patients facing Maxillofacial trauma.Materials and Methods: Ninety-two patients (78 male and 14 female) following maxillofacial trauma were assessed initially and later again after 4-6 months of the injury. For assessment the Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS) was used. Prevalence of Depression, Anxiety and Stress was assessed initially and later at follow-up in terms of percentage. Paired t-test was then used to assess if there is any significant difference in the pre and post assessment of Depression, Anxiety and Stress after maxillofacial trauma.Results: Of 92 patients, 41.3% had normal depression and 13%, 26%, 16.3% and 3.2% had mild, moderate, severe and extremely severe depression respectively in the initial assessment. Whereas in the follow up assessment, 37.8% were normal, 19.5 %, 31.7%, 10.9 % had mild, moderate, severe depression respectively and none had extremely severe depression. Similarly, of 92 patients 39.1 % of the subjects had normal anxiety, 6.5 %, 25 %, 15.2 % and 14.1 % had mild, moderate, severe anxiety and extremely severe anxiety respectively at the initial assessment. Whereas in the follow up assessment 45.1 % were normal, 12.1%, 28 %, 12.1% and 2.4 % had mild, moderate anxiety, severe and extremely severe anxiety respectively. Furthermore, of 92 patients, 79.3% of the subjects had normal stress, 8.7%, 10.8% and 1% had mild, moderate and severe stress respectively and no subjects had extremely severe stress at the initial assessment. During follow up assessment all patients were normal without any kind of stress. Paired t-test revealed that there was significant levels of anxiety in patients following maxillofacial trauma but no significant levels of Depression or Stress was found.Conclusion: Psychological morbidity commonly follows maxillofacial injury and it needs to be addressed in routine clinical practice.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 85-89
Ischemic stroke following Dengue fever: A case report
Authors: Manappallil Robin George
Published: November 2015

Dengue fever is an acute febrile illness associated with severe headache, myalgias, arthralgias, rashes, leucopenia and thrombocytopenia. Occasionally unusual haemorrhage such as gastrointestinal bleeding, intracranial haemorrhage, hypermenorrhoea, hematuria and massive epistaxis occur. This is a case of an elderly male with dengue fever who presented with ischemic stroke.  Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 107-108
Assessment of age at menarche and its relation with body mass index in school girls of Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Authors: Shaik Shaffi A , Hashim Rotana T , Alsukait Sarah F , Abdulkader Gallia M , AlSudairy Haifa F , AlShaman Leena M , Farhoud Sarah S , Fouda Neel Mona A
Published: November 2015

Aims and Objectives: Increase of childhood obesity prevalence and rapid changes in socio-economic status resulted in a decline in age at menarche, which contributes, to a number of diseases affecting women’s future health. The objective of this study is to assess the mean age at menarche in girls of ages 9-16 and observe its relationship with their body mass index and other covariates in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 304 female students of both private and governmental schools in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, during March –May 2013. Data on demographics, socioeconomic status, physical activity, diet, and age at menarche were collected from students and their mothers, using self-administered questionnaires. Physical examinations were conducted to collect the anthropometric measurements. Results: Out of 304 students with a mean age (SD) of 12.52(2.08), 165 (54.3%) attained menarche. Mean menarcheal age (SD) for the girls was 12.08 (1.28). The mother’s mean age at menarche was positively correlated with their daughters (r=0.411, P<0.001). There was no significant correlation between BMI and age at menarche (P>0.05).  Governmental school students attained menarche at a higher age (12.34) than private school students (11.59), and the difference between them was statistically significant (P<0.001).Conclusion: Schoolgirls in our study attained menarche at an early age with a mean menarcheal age of 12.08 years. Our data follows the globally and regionally observed declining trends of age at menarche. When assessing BMI as an influencing factor of onset of menarche, our results showed no correlation. Further longitudinal studies are encouraged to monitor factors influencing the onset of menstruation, in order to prevent the potentially adverse consequences of early menarche.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 5-12
The Role of Gender in Mental Health Court Admission and Completion
Authors: Ennis Andrea R. , McLeod Peter , Watt Margo C. , Campbell Mary Ann , Adams-Quackenbush Nicole
Published: November 2015

Mental Health Courts (MHCs) have emerged across North America in an effort to address the criminalization of persons with mental illness. Despite a growing body of literature examining MHCs, research on the role of gender in MHCs remains scarce. For this study, secondary data were analysed to examine whether gender differences in mental illness and crime affected the likelihood of MHC admission and completion in referrals to the Nova Scotia MHC (507 men, 243 women). Consistent with predictions, MHC admission and completion rates were similar between men and women. Higher rates of psychotic and substance use disorders were observed among men, whereas women had higher rates of mood and personality disorders. Although cases with psychotic and mood disorders were more likely to be admitted to the MHC, and those with substance use and personality disorders were less likely to be admitted, these differences did not vary by gender. Contrary to prediction, men had higher rates of violent index offences than women; however, this difference was only present for those who were not admitted to the MHC. Findings are discussed in terms of contributions to the literature surrounding the role of gender in MHCs, as well as notable implications for MHC practices and research.
Efficiency of Intercropping Vegetables and Spices Relayed with Pointed Gourd
Authors: Islam MR , Mian MAK , Mahfuza SN , Hossain J , Hannan A
Published: November 2015

An intercropping experiment was conducted at the Regional Agricultural Research Station, BARI, Ishurdi, Pabna during 2007-2008 and 2008-2009 to find out the suitable intercrop combination for increasing total productivity and returns. Seven treatments, viz. sole pointed gourd, two times lalshak + two rows turmeric in between pointed gourd lines, two times spinach + two rows turmeric in between pointed gourd lines, one time bushbean + two rows turmeric in between pointed gourd lines, two times lalshak + two rows ginger in between pointed gourd lines, two times spinach + two rows ginger in between pointed gourd lines and one time bushbean + two rows ginger in between pointed gourd lines were compared. All the intercropping combinations were higher in terms of pointed gourd equivalent yield, gross return, gross margin and benefit cost ratio (BCR) over sole crops. The highest pointed gourd equivalent yield (105.92 t ha-1) and gross return (Tk. 2118480 ha-1) was found from two times spinach + two rows ginger in between pointed gourd lines combination. The land equivalent ratio was observed highest (2.29) in same combination which was similar to one time bushbean + two rows ginger in between pointed gourd lines combination. One time bushbean + two rows ginger in between pointed gourd lines combination gave the highest monetary returns in respect of gross margin (Tk.1623333 ha-1) and BCR (4.19). The increases in total productivity in terms of pointed gourd equivalent yields were 53.72-128.62 t ha-1 in intercrop combination compared to base crop.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(1): 7-12
Effect of Irrigation and Mulching on Growth and Yield of Ginger
Authors: Islam MA , Rahim MA , Iqbal TMT
Published: November 2015

A field experiment was conducted at the Spices Research Center, BARI, Bogra, Bangladesh during 2009-10 to determine the impact of irrigation and suitability of mulch materials on the growth and yield of ginger. The experiment was laid out in the randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The treatments comprising of two factors viz., two irrigation (I1: irrigation in dry period and I2: control i.e. no irrigation and three mulching material (M0: control (no mulch) M1: water hyacinth and M2: rice straw). Treatment revealed that I1: (irrigation in dry period) showed that early emergence, highest plant height, number of leaves/plant, number of tillers/plant with maximum weight of primary and secondary rhizome, highest dry matter % and weight of old mother rhizome t ha-1. The highest yield of rhizome (21.19 t ha-1) was obtained from I1: (irrigation in dry period). Among the mulch treatments, the highest rhizome yield (22.51 t ha-1) was obtained from M2 (ricer straw mulch). The combined effect of I1M2 (irrigation in dry period with rice straw mulch) produced the highest rhizome yield (25.07 t ha-1).Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(1): 27-36
Salt Induced Changes in Dry Matter Accumulation and Yield of Mustard (Brassica juncea)
Authors: Zaman MM , Mannan MA , Samanta SC
Published: November 2015

The experiment was laid down to identify mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern & Coss] genotype tolerant to soil salinity in relation to shoot and total dry matter (root+shoot) plant-1, number of siliqua plant-1, number of seed siliqua-1, 1000-seed weight and seed yield plant-1. Four genotypes (BD 9080, BARI Sarisha16, BD 9109 and BD 9107) were evaluated at three levels of NaCl salinity, viz. 0 (normal), 50 and 100 mM. All of the mustard genotypes showed decreasing trend with respect to all of the above mentioned crop parameters with salinity over normal water and thee decreasing rate of the parameters was higher with the increasing salinity levels. Among the genotypes, BD 9080 showed the best performance with respect to above mentioned characters at all levels of salinity, while BD 9107 performed the poorest. Thus, genotype BD 9080 proved to be more tolerant to salinity than other genotypes.Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(1): 65-70
Salicylic Acid and Gibberelic Acid Ameliorates the Adverse Effects of Salinity on Chickpea
Authors: Hossain MI , Mannan MA , Karim MA
Published: November 2015

A pot experiment was carried out under semi-controlled environmental condition in the Department of Agronomy, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Agricultural University, Gazipur, Bangladesh during December 2012 through March 2013 aiming to alleviate the salinity stress effects on chickpea using salicylic acid (SA) and gibberelic acid (GA3). Chickpea variety BARI Chola-5 was used in the experiment. Salt solution was prepared by adding tap water in sea water to make 5, 7.5 and 10 dS m-1 salinity level. Plants were irrigated with 5, 7.5 and 10 dSm-1 concentrations of saline water from 14th days after sowing (DAS) to maturity (100 DAS) and control plants were irrigated with tap water. Different concentration of SA (200 ppm and 400 ppm) and GA3 (10 ppm and 20 ppm) were applied as foliar spray once in a week from 20 DAS to flowering stage. The data for chlorophyll content in leaf and water relation traits such as relative water content (RWC) and water retention capacity (WRC) were measured 7 days after foliar spray of plant growth regulators at flowering stage. Total dry weight (root+shoot), yield and yield contributing characters were measured at maturity. Results indicated that salinity decreased total dry weight, chlorophyll content, relative water content, water retention capacity and yield of chickpea. Foliar application of SA and GA3 at different doses under different salinity conditions had the positive effects related to mitigation of salinity stress effect but low concentration i.e., SA and GA3 @ 200 ppm and 10 ppm, respectively were found to alleviate the adverse effects significantly on the above parameters at low salinity condition (5 dSm-1).Bangladesh Agron. J. 2015, 18(1): 81-88