bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a paediatric-adult care transition programme on the health status of patients with sickle cell disease: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial (the DREPADO trial)
Authors: Hoegy Delphine , Bleyzac Nathalie , Gauthier-Vasserot Alexandra , Cannas Giovanna , Denis Angélique , Hot Arnaud , Bertrand Yves , Occelli Pauline , Touzet Sandrine , Dussart Claude , Janoly-Dumenil Audrey
Published: November 2019

Background: Thanks to the advancements in medical care, a majority of sickle cell disease patients worldwide live beyond 18 years of age, and therefore patients initially followed in paediatric departments are then transferred to adult departments. This paediatric-adult care transition is a period with an increased risk of discontinuity of care and so morbidity and mortality. During this period, the patient will have to manage new interlocutors and places of care, and personal issues related to the period of adolescence. To take into consideration all these aspects, an interesting approach is to refer to the patient as a whole system as presented in biopsychosocial approach. The aim of this trial is to evaluate the impact of the proposed biopsychosocial paediatric-adult transition programme. Methods: The DREPADO study is a multicentre randomised control trial comparing a control group ( Arm A ) versus an interventional group with paediatric-adult transition programme based on a biopsychosocial approach ( Arm B ). To be included, patients should suffer of SS, SC or Sβ-form of sickle cell disease and aged between 16 and 17 years. The randomisation in a 1:1 ratio assigns the Arm A or B . The primary outcome is the number of hospital admissions and emergency in the index hospital for complications, in the 2-years after the first consultation in the adult department of care. Secondary outcomes consider the quality of life, but also included coping skills such as self-efficacy feeling and disease knowledge. To provide patient and parent knowledge and coping skills, the transition program is composed of 3 axis : educational, psychological and social, conducted in individual and group.Discussion: By providing self-care knowledge and coping skills related to SCD and therapeutics, helping patient's empowerment related to pain management and emotions and facilitating the relationship to oneself, others and care in the Arm B of DREPADO study, we believe that the morbidity and mortality of patients with SCD may be reduced after the proposed paediatric-adult transition programme. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, ID: NCT03786549; registered on 17 th December 2018; https://clinicaltrials.gov/.
Mri And Emg Findings In Patients With Cervicobrachialgia
Authors: González-Uriel Pablo , Casado Nabil Sabbagh , Pérez Víctor Armesto , Suárez-Quintanilla Juan Antonio
Published: November 2019

Background The aim of this study is to describe the alterations in complementary tests (MRI and EMG) in patients with cervicobrachialgia according to sex and age.Methods Retrospective study of 184 patients with cervicobrachialgia who underwent an MRI and/or EMG. The variables analyzed were gender, age, elements of spondylosis (osteophytes, arthropathy, spondylolisthesis and canal stenosis), the type of disc disease (protrusion and herniated disc) and curvature in the sagittal plane. The EMG was used to evaluate the neurogenic findings in the muscles dependent on the spinal roots of C4 to C8-T1.Results Average age 53.65±11.96 years. The patients were evaluated for the presence of osteophytes (n = 111), arthropathy (n = 76), spondylolisthesis (n = 15) and stenosis of the spinal canal (n = 35). The highest incidences were osteophytes in C5-C6 (n=108), protrusions in C5-C6 (n=58), herniated disc in C5-C6 (n=18) and neurogenic findings in C7 (n=130). The rectification of cervical lordosis appeared in 130 patients.Conclusions Spondylosis increases with age. Disc herniations, disc protrusions and motor radiculopathy were more frequent in the 5th to 6th years of life. In patients with cervicobrachialgia, the sagittal rectification is more common than the normal lordosis.
Ultrasonographic features of medullary thyroid carcinoma nodules less than 1 cm compare with papillary thyroid microcarcinomas: a retrospective analysis
Authors: Li Xiaoyu , Zhou Wei , Zhan Weiwei
Published: November 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to retrospectively analyze the ultrasonographic characteristics of medullary thyroid carcinomas (MTCs) with size less than 1 cm (MTMCs) compared with those of papillary thyroid microcarcinomas (PTMCs).Materials and Methods: This study included 41 patients with 46 MTMCs between January 2008 to April 2017 and 104 consecutive patients with 136 PTMCs between January to June 2015. All thyroid carcinoma nodules were surgically and histologically proved. Age and nodules size were analyzed by independent sample t test. Sex, multiplicity and cervical lymph node metastases were evaluated by χ2 or Fisher’s exact tests. Univariate analysis and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed on the sonographic features of thyroid carcinoma nodules, including location, composition, echogenicity, shape, margin, boundary, calcifications and vascularization degree.Results: More MTMCs presented cervical lymph node metastases than PTMCs (36.59% vs 20.19%, p = 0.040). Compared with PTMCs, MTMCs tended to have an ovoid to round shape (P = 0.000, odds ratio [OR], 4.018; 95% CI, 1.295-12.473), more commonly showed solid composition (P = 0.004, OR, 0.13; 95% CI, 0.020-0.842), and macrocalcifications (P = 0.001, OR, 0.085; 95% CI, 0.016-0.454) and hypervascularity (P=0.000, OR, 10.778; 95% CI, 3.939-29.488). There were no significant differences in the location, margin, boundary, echogenicity, peripheral halo ring, the present of calcifications, microcalcifications and between MTMCs and PTMCs. Conclusion: MTMCs have the ultrasonographic features of general malignant nodules, such as hypoechoic or markedly hypoechoic solid lesions with unique characteristics including ovoid to round shape, macrocalcifications and hypervascularity.
Hard-threshold-Neural-Network based Prediction of Organic Synthetic Outcomes
Authors: Hu Haoyang , Yuan Zhihong
Published: November 2019

Retrosynthetic analysis is the canonical technique to plan the synthesis route of organic molecules in medicine development. In this technique, the screening of synthetic tree branches requires accurate forward reaction prediction, but existing software is still far from completing this step independently. Previous studies have attempted to apply neural network in the forward reaction prediction, but the accuracy is not satisfying. Through using the Edit-based Description and Extended-Connectivity Fingerprints to transform reaction into vector, the presented work focuses on the update of neural network to improve the template-based forward reaction prediction. Hard-threshold activation and target propagation algorithm are implemented by introducing the mixed-convex combinatorial optimization. Comparative tests are conducted to explore the optimal hyperparameter set. Using 15 000 experimental reaction records from granted United States patents, the proposed hard-threshold neural network is systematically trained and tested. The results demonstrate that a higher prediction accuracy is obtained when compared to the traditional neural network with backpropagation algorithm. Indeed, the prediction accuracy of the proposed hard-threshold neural network can reach 73.9% which is higher than Coley’s result with 71.8% ( Coley et al. ACS Cent. Sci, 2017 ). Some successfully predicted reaction examples are also briefly discussed.
Survival analysis of pregnancy-associated breast cancer: multiparous women might have better outcomes
Authors: Han Bo-yue , Li Xiao-guang , Zhao Hai-yun , Hu Xin , Ling Hong
Published: November 2019

Purpose: Pregnancy-associated breast cancer (PABC) is an aggressive disease and since China began to encourage childbearing in 2015, the incidence of PABC has increased. The study was to investigate the characteristics and survival rates of PABC patients. Methods: Patients with PABC who underwent surgery at Fudan University, Shanghai Cancer Center, from 2005 to 2018 were enrolled. First, the study divided the population into two groups: first-pregnancy group and non-first pregnancy group. Second, patients were categorized as those having breast cancer during pregnancy with/without an abortion or during the lactation period. Results: Overall, 203 patients were recruited. Since 2016, 63.9% patients were diagnosed with PABC during their second or third pregnancy, while at that time in Shanghai, only 25% of newborns were non-first births. Luminal B accounted for the highest proportion (38.4%), followed by triple-negative breast cancer (30.0%). Compared with the non-first pregnancy group, the first-pregnancy group preferred to delay treatment until the fetus was born (time from initial symptoms to treatment: 6.20 vs. 4.67 m, P=0.106). The patients in the first pregnancy group were presented with 57.0% of HR negative tumors and 26.6% of HER-2 positive tumors, while the HR negative tumors accounted for 47.6% (P=0.281) and the proportion of HER-2 positive tumors was 36.3% (P=0.108) in the non-first pregnancy group. The 3-year disease-free survival rate of the first-pregnancy group was 78.4%, and that of the non-first pregnancy group was 83.7% (P=0.325). Conclusions: Our study proves that the proportion of PABC developed during the second or third pregnancy of women was extremely large relative to the newborn populations. Patients in the first-pregnancy group tended to be presented with less aggressive tumor pathological characteristics but a worse survival outcome than those in the non-first pregnancy group.
Erythropoietin Gene Polymorphism rs551238 is Associated with a Reduced Susceptibility to Brain Injury in Preterm Infants
Authors: Xu Ji , Li Huitao , Huang Jinjie , Wang Zhangxing , Li Yun , Yang Chuanzhong , Wu Benqing , Liu Lihui , Kong Qi , Huang Jianlin , Liu Wenlan , Ye Xiufeng , Chen Guangfu
Published: November 2019

Background:

Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Erythropoietin (EPO) promoter region have been shown to influence EPO protein expression, and high blood levels of EPO are associated with an increased risk of brain injury in very preterm infants. Here, we investigated the genotype distributions and association of three EPO gene polymorphisms (rs1617640, rs551238, and rs507392) with the risk of brain injury in preterm infants.

Methods:

304 preterm infants with a gestational age of 28 to 34 weeks were enrolled in this study. Brain injury was evaluated by brain ultrasound and MRI examination. EPO gene Single- Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) were genotyped by the Agena MassARRAY system, and their association with brain injury susceptibility in preterm infants was analyzed.

Results:

EPO polymorphism rs551238 showed a significant difference in the genotypic distributions between the brain injury group and the control group, and was significantly correlated with reduced susceptibility to brain injury in preterm infants according to the results obtained from both the additive model (OR = 0.520, 95% CI: 0.339-0.799, P = 0.003) and the dominant model (OR = 0.523, 95% CI: 0.332-0.853, P = 0.009). EPO polymorphisms rs1617640 and rs507392 did not meet the Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium in the study population (P < 0.05) and were, thus, not subjected to further analysis for their impacts on brain injuries.

Conclusion:

The “C” allele of rs551238 was correlated with a reduced risk of brain injury in preterm infants which may serve as a potential marker for brain injury prediction in preterm infants.
Dual Catalytic Activity of Amberlyst-15 in the Large-scale and Sustainable Synthesis of Dioctyl Sodium Sulfosuccinate (DOSS)
Authors: Tarin Mojtaba , Moghadam Seyed M.M. , Salehi Samie , Fateh Davod S.
Published: November 2019

Dioctyl sodium sulfosuccinate (DOSS) as a unique material both as a drug and surfactant was synthesized by a facile and economical synthetic method. In this project, Amberlyst-15 was selected as a heterogeneous recyclable bronsted solid acid for this synthesis both in the esterification of maleic anhydride and sulfonation of dioctyl maleate (DOM) ester. This catalyst was easily recovered and reused at least for 13 consecutive cycles without a significant loss in the catalytic activity. In this paper, we wish to uncover a catalytic approach for the synthesis of DOSS through a recyclable, easily recoverable, and commercially available catalyst, namely Amberlyst 15, under mild conditions.
Screening of Salmonella enterica Serovars, Typhi, Typhimurium, and Enteritidis in Raw Milk and Dairy Products in South-Khorasan, Iran: Conventional versus Molecular Method
Authors: Zeinali Tayebeh , Naseri Kobra , Zandi Nasrin , Khosravi Matin
Published: November 2019

Background and Objective:

Food-borne Salmonellosis has been reported as the second
most common bacterial infection. Salmonella enterica subsp. enterica serotype enteritidis (S. Enteritidis)
and S. enterica subsp. enterica serotype typhimurium (S. Typhimurium) are the most common
serotypes worldwide as salmonellosis agents. Salmonella yyphi is the causative agent of typhoid fever
worldwide. The purpose of the present study was to determine the contamination rate of raw milk
and dairy products to Salmonella typhi, S. typhimurium and S. Enteritidis in South-Khorasan, Iran. It
is very important in food safety risk assessment and human health.

Methods:

A total of 260 raw milk and 181 dairy products were obtained from South-Khorasan, Iran.
Dairy samples were pre-enriched in buffered peptone water and enriched in Rappaport Vassiliadis
(RV). Raw milk was enriched in RV. Plating of the enriched samples was carried out on Xylose
Lysine Desoxycholate (XLD) agar and Brilliant Green agar (BGA). All of the enriched samples were
also tested by M-PCR for detection of S. typhi, S. typhimurium and S. Enteritidis.

Results:

Among the 441 tested samples only 4 samples were contaminated with Salmonella spp. in
culture method. PCR assay, didn’t find any positive sample regarding Salmonella spp. In chi-square
test, the difference of two methods of isolation was significant (P< 0.05).

Conclusions:

In conclusion, the results of the present study showed a good hygienic state of raw milk
and dairy products. Enrichment based PCR assay is more economical than time-consuming culture
method for Salmonella detection.
Graptopetalum sinaloensis (Crassulaceae), una nueva especie de Sinaloa, México
Authors: Vega Aviña Rito , Delgado Vargas Francisco , Pío León Juan Fernando
Published: November 2019

Antecedentes y Objetivos: El género Graptopetalum (Crassulaceae) incluye cerca de 20 especies de herbáceas rosetoides, con tallos ramificados o acaules, que se desarrollan en ambientes semiáridos y poco accesibles (montañas o barrancas) de México y Arizona. Como parte del trabajo continuo de los autores para documentar la flora de Sinaloa, en el presente artículo, se reporta una novedad taxonómica del género Graptopetalum.
Métodos: En junio de 2013, en el municipio Culiacán, Sinaloa, México, se encontró una pequeña población de plantas del género Graptopetalum con inflorescencias secas, de la cual se colectaron algunos individuos para cultivar; florecieron en marzo. Especímenes con flor se colectaron en campo en la misma localidad en febrero de 2014. Al comparar el material de campo y el cultivado con material de herbario, literatura y cultivo de otras especies del género, se determinó que se trataba de una especie nueva para la ciencia.
Resultados clave: Se describe el nuevo taxón Graptopetalum sinaloensis de la sección Graptopetalum, se discuten diferencias y similitudes con las especies más cercanas y se proporciona una clave dicotómica nueva y actualizada para las ocho especies de esta sección.
Conclusiones: Graptopetalum sinaloensis es endémica del centro-sur de Sinaloa, México. Crece sobre paredes rocosas de arroyos y pie de cerros muy localizados, en poblaciones pequeñas y áreas reducidas de entre 5 y 10 m2. Se diferencia fácilmente de las otras especies de la sección Graptopetalum de Sinaloa por su flor pentámera, ya que G. rusbyi presenta 6-7, y por su inflorescencia en panícula porque G. occidentale presenta una cima. Además, la distribución geográfica no se traslapa con ninguna de ellas.
Assessment of Microstressors in Adults: Questionnaire Development and Ecological Validation of the Mainz Inventory of Microstressors
Authors: Chmitorz Andrea , Kurth Karolina , Mey Lara K , Wenzel Mario , Lieb Klaus , Tüscher Oliver , Kubiak Thomas , Kalisch Raffael
Published: November 2019

Background

Many existing scales for microstressor assessment do not differentiate between objective (ie, observable) stressor events and stressful cognitions or concerns. They often mix items assessing objective stressor events with items measuring other aspects of stress, such as perceived stressor severity, the evoked stress reaction, or further consequences on health, which may result in spurious associations in studies that include other questionnaires that measure such constructs. Most scales were developed several decades ago; therefore, modern life stressors may not be represented. Ecological momentary assessment (EMA) allows for sampling of current behaviors and experiences in real time and in the natural habitat, thereby maximizing the generalization of the findings to real-life situations (ie, ecological validity) and minimizing recall bias. However, it has not been used for the validation of microstressor questionnaires so far.

Objective

The aim is to develop a questionnaire that (1) allows for retrospective assessment of microstressors over one week, (2) focuses on objective (ie, observable) microstressors, (3) includes stressors of modern life, and (4) separates stressor occurrence from perceived stressor severity.

Methods

Cross-sectional (N=108) and longitudinal studies (N=10 and N=70) were conducted to evaluate the Mainz Inventory of Microstressors (MIMIS). In the longitudinal studies, EMA was used to compare stressor data, which was collected five times per day for 7 or 30 days with retrospective reports (end-of-day, end-of-week). Pearson correlations and multilevel modeling were used in the analyses.

Results

High correlations were found between end-of-week, end-of-day, and EMA data for microstressor occurrence (counts) (r≥.69 for comparisons per week, r≥.83 for cumulated data) and for mean perceived microstressor severity (r≥.74 for comparisons per week, r≥.85 for cumulated data). The end-of-week questionnaire predicted the EMA assessments sufficiently (counts: beta=.03, 95% CI .02-.03, P<.001; severity: beta=.73, 95% CI .59-.88, P<.001) and the association did not change significantly over four subsequent weeks.

Conclusions

Our results provide evidence for the ecological validity of the MIMIS questionnaire.
Functionality of Top-Rated Mobile Apps for Depression: Systematic Search and Evaluation
Authors: Qu Chengcheng , Sas Corina , Daudén Roquet Claudia , Doherty Gavin
Published: November 2019

Background

In the last decade, there has been a proliferation of mobile apps claiming to support the needs of people living with depression. However, it is unclear what functionality is actually provided by apps for depression, or for whom they are intended.

Objective

This paper aimed to explore the key features of top-rated apps for depression, including descriptive characteristics, functionality, and ethical concerns, to better inform the design of apps for depression.

Methods

We reviewed top-rated iPhone OS (iOS) and Android mobile apps for depression retrieved from app marketplaces in spring 2019. We applied a systematic analysis to review the selected apps, for which data were gathered from the 2 marketplaces and through direct use of the apps. We report an in-depth analysis of app functionality, namely, screening, tracking, and provision of interventions. Of the initially identified 482 apps, 29 apps met the criteria for inclusion in this review. Apps were included if they remained accessible at the moment of evaluation, were offered in mental health–relevant categories, received a review score greater than 4.0 out of 5.0 by more than 100 reviewers, and had depression as a primary target.

Results

The analysis revealed that a majority of apps specify the evidence base for their intervention (18/29, 62%), whereas a smaller proportion describes receiving clinical input into their design (12/29, 41%). All the selected apps are rated as suitable for children and adolescents on the marketplace, but 83% (24/29) do not provide a privacy policy consistent with their rating. The findings also show that most apps provide multiple functions. The most commonly implemented functions include provision of interventions (24/29, 83%) either as a digitalized therapeutic intervention or as support for mood expression; tracking (19/29, 66%) of moods, thoughts, or behaviors for supporting the intervention; and screening (9/29, 31%) to inform the decision to use the app and its intervention. Some apps include overtly negative content.

Conclusions

Currently available top-ranked apps for depression on the major marketplaces provide diverse functionality to benefit users across a range of age groups; however, guidelines and frameworks are still needed to ensure users’ privacy and safety while using them. Suggestions include clearly defining the age of the target population and explicit disclosure of the sharing of users’ sensitive data with third parties. In addition, we found an opportunity for apps to better leverage digital affordances for mitigating harm, for personalizing interventions, and for tracking multimodal content. The study further demonstrated the need to consider potential risks while using depression apps, including the use of nonvalidated screening tools, tracking negative moods or thinking patterns, and exposing users to negative emotional expression content.
Understanding Complex Factors That Influence the Adoption and Use of Electronic Nursing Documentation: A Scoping Review (Preprint)
Authors: Williams Amy , Borycki Elizabeth , Kushniruk Andre
Published: November 2019

BACKGROUND

While the basic intent of all nursing documentation is to be representative of what the nurse does with and for the patient, each nursing professional association has identified and legislated documentation standards. Despite these standards, several challenges exist leading to documentation burden and ultimately the introduction of electronic nursing documentation to support evidence-based care.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this scoping review was to evaluate the complex factors including enablers, mediating/moderating factors and barriers that influence adoption and use, and its outputs related to electronic clinical documentation by nurses. The analysis of the data will advance an understanding of the factors influence adoption of electronic nursing documentation and the resulting output.

METHODS

A scoping review of literature was conducted on electronic nursing documentation. The reviewers utilized the Arksey and O’Malley methodological framework for all five stages of the scoping review.

RESULTS

Following the data-charting phase, 13 key themes were identified in articles that discussed factors that influence the adoption of electronic nursing documentation. The dominant and recurring themes were grouped according to the category they aligned with (i.e. structure, process, or outcomes) within the Donabedian Framework.

CONCLUSIONS

Factors that influence the adoption of electronic nursing documentation are multifactorial, interrelated and require careful consideration for implementation and support. A thorough evaluation of structures, processes, and individual user characteristics are required to understand the root causes of adoption levels and potential mitigating factors. Further research is required to understand the impacts that adoption has on clinical outcomes.
MANIFESTO DA ABEPSS – 15 DE MAIO – DIA DA/O ASSISTENTE SOCIAL 2013
Authors: ABEPSS ABEPSS
Published: November 2019

A sociabilidade do capital é incapaz de eliminar as desigualdades sociais, garantir a democracia, a liberdadee avançar na direção da emancipação humana, uma vez que é a reprodução de uma lógica cada vez mais exterminadora da humanidade e destituídora do sentido humano. Mas, não sem resistência, não sem luta social.
DEPOIMENTO: DECOMPOSIÇÃO DA UNIVERSIDADE BRASILEIRA: A SITUAÇÃO DA PUCSP
Authors: Abramides Maria Beatriz Costa
Published: November 2019

A Pontifícia Universidade Católica de São Paulo – PUCSP desenvolveu, nos dois últimos meses de 2012, uma importante e destacada luta de estudantes, professores e funcionários que culminou com uma greve geral massiva, desencadeada pelo movimento independente “Fora Anna Cintra”, em alusão à reitora imposta. O documento contextualiza os acontecimentos recentes da PUC/SP, sobretudo a tentativa de criminalização domovimento de estudantes e professores.
Branched PLGA derivatives with tailored drug delivery properties
Authors: Snejdrova Eva , Podzimek Stepan , Martiska Juraj , Holas Ondrej , Dittrich Milan
Published: November 2019

Despite several shortcomings such as extreme hydrophobicity, low drug capacity, characteristic triphasic drug release pattern with a high burst effect, poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid derivatives are widely used in drug delivery. Most frequent attempts to improve their properties are blending with other polymers or synthesis of block copolymers. We introduce a new class of branched poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) derivatives as promising biodegradable carriers for prolonged or targeted drug release systems, employed as thin adhesive films, solid dispersions, in situ forming implants or nanoparticles. A series of poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) derivatives with lower molar mass and star or comb architecture were synthesized by a simple, catalyst free, direct melt polycondensation method not requiring purification of the obtained sterile product by precipitation. Branching monomers used were mannitol, pentaerythritol, dipentaerythritol, tripentaerythritol and polyacrylic acid. The products were characterized by molar mass averages, average branching ratio, rheological and thermal properties.
Self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems of Moringa oleifera extract for enhanced dissolution of kaempferol and quercetin
Authors: Sermkaew Namfa , Plyduang Thipapun
Published: November 2019

The aim of the present study was to develop self-microemulsifying drug delivery systems (SMEDDS) of the extract of Moringa oleifera, a herbal medicinal plant. Kaempferol and quercetin, the flavonoids present in the leaf extract of M. oleifera, were chosen as markers for quantification. The optimized formulation of SMEDDS consisted of propylene glycol dicaprylocaprate, polysorbate 80, and polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG 400) in a percentage ratio of 20:60:20 (m/m). SMEDDS emulsified immediately (within 20 s) after dilution in water, resulting in transparent microemulsions with a droplet size of 49 nm. SMEDDS could increase the solubility of kaempferol and quercetin to nearly 100 % within 15 min, whereas only a 30 % improvement in solubility was achieved in the case of crude extract. These results demonstrated SMEDDS to be a promising strategy to improve the solubility of M. oleifera extract-derived drugs, which, in turn, could prove beneficial to the herbal medicine field.
Measurement of Volumetric Water Content by Gravimetric and Time Domain Reflectometry Methods at Field Experiment with Biochar and N Fertilizer
Authors: Toková Lucia , Igaz Dušan , Aydin Elena
Published: November 2019

There are many methods used for soil water content measurement which we can divide into direct gravimetric methods from using soil samples or indirect methods that are based on the measurement of another soil property which is dependent on soil moisture. The paper presents the findings of volumetric water content measurements with gravimetric and time domain reflectometry (TDR) methods. We focused on four variants in the field experiment in Dolná Malanta (Slovakia): control variant (B0+N0), variant with biochar at dose 20 t.ha−1 without N fertilizer (B20+N0), variant with biochar 20 t.ha−1 and N fertilizer 160 kg.ha−1 (B20+N160) and variant with biochar 20 t.ha−1 and N fertilizer 240 kg.ha−1 (B20+N240). TDR is nowadays a well-established dielectric technique to measure volumetric water content; however, its accuracy is influenced by high concentration of salts in soil. In this paper, we evaluated the effect of added N fertilizer on the measuring accuracy of HydroSense II device that is operating under the TDR principle.
Effects of Biochar and its Reapplication on Soil pH and Sorption Properties of Silt Loam Haplic Luvisol
Authors: Juriga Martin , Šimanský Vladimír
Published: November 2019

In this paper we investigate the effects of biochar alone and its reapplication and combination with N-fertilizer (1) on the soil pH, and (2) sorption parameters. The soil samples were taken during growing period in 2018 from plots with different biochar (first application in 2014 – A, reapplication in 2018 – B) at application rates: 0 t.ha−1 (B0 control), 10 t.ha−1 (B10) and 20 t.ha−1 (B20) and different nitrogen fertilization: N0 (no nitrogen) and N40 (40 kg.ha−1). Our results showed that the first application of biochar at the rate of 20 t.ha−1 (B20A) without N-fertilizer significantly increased the values of soil pH in H2O, soil pH in KCl, the sum of base cations (SBC) and cation exchange capacity (CEC) compared to control (B0). Similar effects were observed also after reapplication of biochar (B10B). All investigated parameters in fertilized control treatment (B0N40) were worst and the first application, as well as the reapplication of biochar with N, caused significant increase of soil pH in H2O, soil pH in KCl, SBC, CEC, BS and decrease of hydrolytic acidity.
Solution of the Forest Road Network Optimization in the Transformation to a Selective Silviculture Method
Authors: Skoupil Jaromír , Pelikán Petr , Kadlec Jiří
Published: November 2019

The paper is focused on the forest road access in the area of supposed specific method of forest management. The studied forest area of 81 hectares (ha) is intended for transformation by selective silviculture method demanding dense forest road network. The parameters of the current road network were analysed by Beneš method based on quantifying the general geometric and configuration criteria of the road network. The new road distribution was designed with respect to the results of the terrain slope and runoff concentration analyses to reduce the negative impacts of the roads on the surrounding environment. The new road layout resulted to the decrement of all types of skidding distances. The real skidding distance Ds decreased by 51% to the value of 72 m. In addition, the road network efficiency was increased by 14%.
Iron and Manganese in Well Water: Potential Risk for Irrigation Systems
Authors: Grabić Jasna , Vranešević Milica , Zemunac Radoš , Bubulj Senka , Bezdan Atila , Ilić Milica
Published: November 2019

In the light of climate changes and in order to achieve stable crop production, irrigation represents an inevitable measure. Apart from water quantity, water quality represents a matter of concern. The paper elaborates on the presence of iron and manganese, as the main factors of causing the clogging of irrigation systems. The examined well water samples were taken mainly from Serbia. Photometric methods were applied for determining iron and manganese, and sensors for pH and conductivity. The obtained values were later subjected to a classification for irrigation water and the well water samples were classified according to the given thresholds. Precise location and presentation of the obtained results were done using the Geographic information system. The research has shown that from the analysed well water, only in 6 samples iron concentrations were increased up to a level classified as “extreme restrictions,” 4 samples as “warning,” while 31 samples of water were “adequate for irrigation.” Concerning manganese, in only one sample water was classified as “extreme restrictions,” in 14 as “warning” and in 26 as “adequate for irrigation.” pH and conductivity did not coincide with elevated concentrations of iron and manganese, but in the cases of exceeding thresholds, special attention should also be paid to these parameters.
Efficient Use of Water and Fertilizers in Irrigated Agriculture: Drip Irrigation and Fertigation
Authors: Çetin Öner , Akalp Erhan
Published: November 2019

Increasing food demand and decreasing water resources have composed a kind of pressure to find new technologies for efficient use of water and fertilizers in agriculture. Drip irrigation can be able to save irrigation water from 30% up to 50% in case it is properly designed, installed and operated compared to surface irrigation, and it can also enable increasing crop yields and crop quality. In order to get the highest benefits using drip irrigation, some soil data (infiltration rate, soil texture and soil structure), crop characteristics (row space, plant density, canopy cover, root system, crop species, crop variety) and water resources properties (water quality, surface or well water) must be considered in drip system design, management and operation. Fertigation is basically an agricultural technique and application together with water and fertilizer to soil and/or plants. It increases both yield and fertilizer use efficiency; therefore, leaching of nutrients is prevented. In order to utilize fertigation successfully, the four main factors must be considered: (i) the consumption rate of water and nutrients throughout the growth season that result in optimal yields, (ii) response in uptake of different crops to nutrient concentration in the soil and soil solutions, (iii) monitoring for total soil water potential, nutrients concentration in soil solution and % elements in plants as a function of time and (iv) root mass and distribution in the soil for given irrigation regimes and soil types.
Some notes on split ergativity in Hittite
Authors: Petolicchio Marco
Published: November 2019

The Hittite grammar is characterized by a morphosyntactic split that affects the behaviour of the inflectional classes of Noun phrases (DPs). While a singular neuter transitive subject is marked by /-anza/suffix, commons DPs end with an /-š/mark. In addition, intransitive neuter subjects and neuter objects pattern in the same way, marked by /-ø/, while in commons the object role is marked by an /-n/ ending, which distinguishes it from the subjects. The aim of this paper is to investigate over a possible definition of split ergativity in the Hittite grammar.
Validation of Bread Wheat KASP Markers in Durum Wheat Lines in Kazakhstan
Authors: Anuarbek Shynar , Abugalieva Saule , Turuspekov Yerlan
Published: November 2019

Development of efficient DNA markers plays an important role in modern breeding projects of many crops, including cultivated hexaploid bread wheat (BW) and tetraploid durum wheat (DW). Findings of genome-wide association studies on major polyploid crops, such as BW, may also help in molecular breeding studies in relative cultivated species with a similar genetic background, including DW. Therefore, the validation of identified quantitative trait loci or marker-trait associations is an important preliminary step in marker-assisted selection (MAS) oriented projects. In this study, thirty-two SNP (single nucleotide polymorphism) markers of six agronomic traits identified in BW, harvested in Kazakhstan, were converted to KASP (Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR) as-says. Generated 32 KASP assays were used in the analysis of 29 DW accessions from Kazakhstan. Firstly, the group of DW accessions was tested using replicated and randomised one-metre blocks in field conditions of southeast Kazakhstan and evaluated for main agronomic traits. The analysis showed that 14 KASP assays were polymorphic in the scoring of 29 DW accessions. The t-test suggested that the segregation in eight KASP assays was significantly associated with five agronomic traits. The study confirms robustness of KASP assays in MAS of DW breeding projects for the improvement of yield potential.
Use of codeine and NSAID combination in rhinogenic headache
Authors: Cingi Cemal , Cetinkaya Erdem Atalay , Cam Osman Halid , Oghan Fatih , Muluk Nuray Bayar
Published: November 2019

Headache is a common complaint which otolaryngologists frequently have to evaluate and treat in practice. Migraine, tension, cluster and sinus-rooted headaches are the most confronted ones in primary visits. Therefore, considerations of multidiscipline may be required to diagnose the rhinogenic and non-rhinogenic headaches. Rhinogenic headache is a distinct type of headache that has attracted an increased amount of attention in the recent years. The mechanism of headache is not yet known. In fact, the treatments of the above-mentioned headaches are different, but they may intersect in some cases. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and opioids are often used in headache treatment. Codeine, a well-known opioid derivative, has been prescribed for analgesia for a long time. This review aims to discuss the possible use and efficiency of NSAID and codeine combinations in the treatment of rhinogenic headaches.
The Stranger and Others: The Life and Legacy of the Japanese Ethnologist Oka Masao
Authors: Steger Brigitte
Published: November 2019

Oka Masao (1898–1982) was a leading figure in the establishment of Japanese ethnology (cultural anthropology) since the 1930s and taught many of the next generation of ethnologists from Japan. He travelled to Vienna in 1929 to learn the methodology for studying the ethnogenesis of his own country, putting forward theories that questioned tennō-ideology of the time and became highly influential. During the war, he pushed for the establishment of an Ethnic Research Institute (Minken) to support the government in their ethnic policy in the occupied territories. Oka was also the founder of Japanese Studies at the University of Vienna in 1938. Despite these important—and at time controversial—roles, he is relatively unknown today. This article introduces recent scholarship on Oka’s life and legacy. It raises important questions about the role of ethnologists in politically sensitive times and counter-balances the Anglo-American narrative of the history of ethnology or social and cultural anthropology of Japan.
East Asian Technical Cooperation Initiatives in Central America: A Comparative Analysis of Japan and South Korea in Guatemala
Authors: Stelzer Diana Astrid
Published: November 2019

This article describes the similarities and differences of Japanese and South Korean technical cooperation approaches in Guatemala. The literature review illustrates the transition from an initially donor-centric results chain approach towards one that is increasingly recipient-balanced due to new cooperation principles such as horizontality and demand-drivenness. Such approaches are mainly fostered by the rise of new emerging donors on the international development cooperation horizon, such as the advocates of South-South Development Cooperation (SSDC).

An analysis based on a framework by the Network of Southern Think Tanks (NeST) concludes that Japanese and Korean technical cooperation approaches are markedly similar, most notably in regard to officially proclaimed technical cooperation standards and commitments. Differences result from the degree of related implementation: Japan achieves higher results based on relative deficiencies in reporting by Korea as well as comparatively shorter bilateral Korean-Guatemalan relations. Similarities are fostered by analogous institutional and project related structures, stemming from an argued learning and simulation approach by Korea from the long-standing experiences of Japan. Lastly, it is argued that the growing assimilation of the traditional and the SSDC concept, as well as the increasing engagement of both countries in triangular cooperation contribute to the identified similarities.
Human Capital Development and Macroeconomic Performance in Nigeria: An Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL) Approach
Authors: Maku Olukayode E. , Ajike Emmanuel O. , Chinedu Solomon
Published: November 2019

While developed and most developing nations have seen the need and continue to invest heavily in the development and training of her manpower as shown by huge budgetary allocations to education and health, Nigeria continues to play politics with her human capital development policy which has been poor and only been effective on paper despite the huge outlay of human capital available at our disposal. This study therefore examined the impact of human capital development on the macroeconomic performance of Nigeria. Using autoregressive distributed lagged model, the study proxied human capital development using government expenditure on education, government expenditure on health, secondary school enrolment rate, and school enrolment rate at tertiary level, while per capita GDP was used as proxy variable for measuring macroeconomic performance.

The results of the estimated short and long run ARDL models indicated, an insignificant and negative relationship between human capital development and gross domestic product per capita (GDPPC) in the short run. Another result of this study is that, only tertiary enrolment rate (TER) has a significant and positive impact on gross domestic product per capita (GDPPC). This finding was an indication of relatively good but insufficient efforts by government to boost human capital. The study concluded that while human capital development is crucial for accelerated macroeconomic performance, government efforts aimed at boosting human capital has had a depressing effect on macroeconomic performance. On the strength of this, the study recommended that government and economic policy makers in Nigeria should place greater emphasis on human capital development.
Study Regarding the Respect of Professional Ethics and Deontology in the Promotion of Accounting Services in Romania
Authors: State Violeta , Tănase Loredana Cristina , Petre Raluca-Georgiana
Published: November 2019

The change of the current economic environment due to the globalization of the economy and the unhindered circulation of products and services, the removal of national customs barriers, the evolution of information technology and the diversification of marketing techniques have led to a change in the financial and accounting services market. In the context in which the promotion of accounting services is a very complex activity, which involves a large number of decisions that have to be taken in accordance with the ethical and deontological norms imposed by the code of ethics in order not to affect the reputation of the accounting profession, study on how professional accountants promote their services and the extent to which the rules of professional ethics and deontology imposed by the National Code of Ethics for Professional Accountants in Romania are respected. In this respect, we conducted a survey based on a questionnaire, applied to the professional accountants CECCAR members Dâmboviţa branch. The questions were formulated in such a way that the reality regarding the promotion of accounting services in relation to the rules of ethics and deontology of the profession is meaningful through the significance of the answers received.
Qualitative Research in WoS of the Link between Corporate Social Responsibility and Corporate Financial Performance
Authors: Tăbîrcă Alina Iuliana , Ivan Oana Raluca , Radu Florin , Djaouahdou Réda
Published: November 2019

This study aims to analyze the relationships between corporate social responsibility and corporate financial performance using only content analysis from 1971 to 2018 available in all databases of Web of Knowledge. Our findings attempts to fill this void that past researchers are deepening because the uncertainty can be find in lots of papers. If there is a link between CSP and CFP is no longer the question. Our question is what kind of link is it and what is its impact? Some authors are proposing some kind of theories linking this concepts but we must understand better the implications for the companies.
Unveiling the Theoretical Mistakes in the World Bank Formation and its Implication on Survival of Africa Monetary Union
Authors: Shobande Olatunji Abdul , Mark Kingsley Chinonso
Published: November 2019

The quest for urgent solution to resolve the world liquidity problem has continued to generate enthusiastic debates among political economists, policy makers and the academia. The argument has focused on whether the World Bank Group was established to enhance the stability of international financial system or meant to enrich the developed nations.

This study argues that the existing political interest of the World Bank Group in Africa may serve as lesson learned to other ambitious African Monetary Union.
Pengaruh Nilai Hydrophile-Liphophile Balance (HLB) dan Jenis Ekstrak terhadap Karakteristik Krim Kunyit-Lidah Buaya (Curcuma domestica val.-Aloe Vera)
Authors: Devi I Gusti Ayu Sri Krsna , Mulyani Sri , Suhendra Lutfi
Published: November 2019

ABSTRACT

This study aimed to determine the effect of  value Hydrophile-Liphophile Balance (HLB) and type of extract on the characteristics of turmeric-aloe vera cream (Curcuma domestica Val. – Aloe Vera) also determine the HLB and the right type of extract to produce the best characteristics of turmeric-aloe vera cream (Curcuma domestica Val. – Aloe Vera). This study used a factorial randomized block design with two factor. The first factor was the HLB which consist of three levels, namely HLB 9, 10 and 11. The second factor was an extract consisting of two levels, namely the addition of turmeric and aloe vera extract. The result of the study showed that HLB has an effect on the spread power. The extract has an effect on the degree of acidity and total phenol. The treatment of HLB and the addition of the extract did not affect homogeneity, separation ratio, viscocity and adhesion time. All creams fulfill the characteristics of SNI. Aloe vera and turmeric extract cream with HLB 10 were the best formulated cream at the 6th week storage of the following characteristics: homogeneus, separation ratio =1, spread power 4.8-5.2 cm, viscocity 15733–16667 cp, adhesion time 14.43–17.31 second, pH 4.87-5.00 and total phenol 1.08–1.36 mg GAE/g.

ABSTRAK

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh nilai Hydrophile-Liphophile Balance (HLB) dan jenis ekstrak terhadap karakteristik krim kunyit – lidah buaya (Curcuma domestica Val. – Aloe Vera) yang dihasilkan serta menentukan perbandingan HLB dan jenis ekstrak yang tepat untuk menghasilkan karakteristik terbaik krim kunyit – lidah buaya (Curcuma domestica Val – Aloe Vera). Penelitian ini menggunakan Rancangan Acak Kelompok Faktorial dengan dua faktor. Faktor pertama yaitu HLB yang terdiri dari 3 taraf yaitu HLB 9, 10 dan 11. Faktor kedua yaitu penambahan ekstrak terdiri dari 2 taraf yaitu penambahan ekstrak kunyit dan lidah buaya. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan perlakuan HLB berpengaruh terhadap daya sebar. Perlakuan penambahan ekstrak berpengaruh terhadap derajat keasaman dan total senyawa fenolik. Perlakuan HLB dan penambahan ekstrak tidak berpengaruh terhadap homogenitas, rasio pemisah, viskositas dan waktu lekat. Semua krim memenuhi karakteristik SNI. Krim ekstrak lidah buaya dan kunyit dengan HLB 10 merupakan krim dengan formulasi terbaik pada minggu ke-6 dengan karakteristik sebagai berikut : homogen, rasio pemisahan =1, daya sebar 4.8-5.2 cm, viskositas 15733–16667 cp, waktu lekat 14.43–17.31 detik, pH 4.87-5.00 dan total fenol 1.08–1.36 mg GAE/g.