bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the Effect of Mouth Gag Application on Ultrasonographic Optic Nerve Sheath Diameter of Pediatric Patients Undergoing Tonsillectomy or Adenotonsillectomy: Observational study
Authors: ALTIPARMAK Basak , Toker Melike Korkmaz , UYSAL Ali Ihsan , KOSEOGLU Sabri , Demirbilek Semra Gumus
Published: October 2019

Background: Mouth gag is usually used during Adeno/tonsillectomy surgeries, cleft palate repair, obstructive sleep apnea surgery and intraoral tumor excision. The placement of gag causes hemodynamic changes similar to laryngoscopy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of mouth gag placement on optic nerve sheath diameter (ONSD) of pediatric patients. The secondary aim is to assess the relationship between neck extension for positioning of head and increase in ONSD measurement. Methods: The trial is registered to Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry with Trial ID: ACTRN12618000551291. This prospective, observational study was performed in a tertiary university hospital operating theatre between 01.05.2018-01.07.2018. Thirty-five children aged < 18 years, with ASA I status, and scheduled for adeno/tonsillectomy surgeries were prospectively included in the study. Measurements of ONSD were performed (T0) after induction of anesthesia, (T1) after endotracheal intubation, (T2) after the placement of mouth gag and (T3) 20 minutes after the placement of mouth gag. The degree of neck extension was assessed by the angle between the Frankfort plane and horizontal plane of the operation table in natural position Results: All participants completed the study. There were significant differences in ONSD values according to time (p < 0.001). The maximum increase in ONSD values was detected after intubation (0.69±0.06 mm) and immediately after mouth gag placement (0.67±0.07 mm). ONSD values continued to increase 20 minutes after the gag placement. There was no relation between degree of neck extension and ONSD values (b = 0.63, p=0.715) Conclusions: Mouth gag application causes significant increases in ONSD measurements of children. Therefore, the duration of mouth gag application during surgeries might be limited. Trial registration: The trial is registered to Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry with Trial ID: ACTRN12618000551291.
Treatment Outcome of Severe Acute Malnutrition and associated factors among under-five children in outpatient therapeutics unit in Gubalafto Wereda, North Wollo Zone, Amara Regional State, North Ethiopia, 2019 G.C
Authors: Abate Biruk Beletew , Dress Befkad , Kassie Ayelign Mengesha , Kassaw Mesifn Wudu
Published: October 2019

Background: In Ethiopia uncomplicated severe acute malnutrition is managed through the outpatient therapeutic program at health posts level. This brings the services for the management of Severe Acute Malnutrition closer to the community by making services available at decentralized treatment points within the primary health care settings. So far, evidence on the treatment outcome of the program is limited. Thus, the main aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of treatment outcomes of severe acute malnutrition and associated factors among under-five children at outpatient therapeutic feeding units. Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study conducted on 600 children who had been managed for SAM under OTP in Gubalafto Wereda from April to May/2019. The children were selected using systematic random sampling from 9 health posts. The structured, pre-tested and adapted questionnaire was used to collect the data. The data was entered by using EPI-data Version 4.2 and exported to SPSS version 24.0 for analysis. Bivariate and Multivariate regression was also carried out to determine the association between dependent and independent variables. Results: A total of 600 records of children with a diagnosis of severe acute malnutrition were reviewed. Of these cases of malnutrition, the recovery rate was revealed as 65 %. The death rate, default rate, and medical transfer were 2.0, 16.0, and 17.0 respectively. Children who took immunization were had 6.85 times higher odds of recovery than children who were not immunized (AOR=6.85 at 95% CI (3.68-12.76)). The likelihood of recovery was 3.78 times higher among children with new admission than those with re-admission (AOR=3.78at 95% CI ((1.77-8.07))). Likewise, children provided with amoxicillin were 3.38 times more likely to recover compared to their counterparts who were not provided (AOR=3.38 at 95% CI ((1.61-7.08))). Conclusions: The recovery rate and medical transfer were lower than sphere standard. Presence of cough, presence of diarrhea admission category, provision of amoxicillin, and immunization status were factors identified as significantly associated with treatment outcome of Sever Acute Malnutrition. Building capacity of OTP service providers and regular monitoring of service provision based on the management protocol were recommended.
Gender Disparities in the Relationship between Education and Self-Reported Health Across Cohorts in China
Authors: Zhu Bowen , Ye Yiwan
Published: October 2019

Background: Variation in the relationship between education and health has been studied intensely over the past few decades. Although there is abundant research on gender disparity and cohort variations in the relationship between education and health, based on samples from the U.S. and Europe, research about China is limited. Giventhe specificsocial changes in China, the study is designed to analyze the gender difference and cohort variations in the education-health relationship.Method: Longitudinal, nationwide data from the Chinese Family Panel Studies from the years 2010 to 2016 are statistically analyzed. Self-reported health is measured by respondents’ subjective assessment of their health. The highest level of education earned operationalizes the education measure. Each cohort is defined by a distinct period of social change in China. The age-vector model is used to analyze gender and cohort variations in the association between education and self-rated health. Results: Men report better health than women, but the relationship between education and health for women is stronger than for men. Educational gaps in self-rated health do not change significantly for cohorts before 1955 and cohorts after 1977, but the gaps become stronger for cohorts between 1956 and 1976. There is gender disparity within the cohort variations in the education-health relationship. For women, the education-health relationship in the 1956-1960, 1967-1976 and 1977-1983 cohorts is significantly stronger than for the 1908-1938 cohort. While not as strong, the education-health relationship remains consistent across all cohorts for men. Conclusions: The study findings support the resource substitution hypothesis and not the rising importance hypothesis in China. Considering the findings on gender disparity and difference in cohort effects, we discuss the potential influences of the unique social transformation and educational expansion in China.
Differences and diversity of autoimmune-mediated encephalitis in 77 cases from a single tertiary care center
Authors: Saraya Abhinbhen Wasontiwong , Worachotsueptrakun Kanthita , Vutipongsatorn Kritchai , Sonpee Chanikarn , Hemachudha Thiravat
Published: October 2019

Background
The incidence of autoimmune encephalitis has risen globally. There are two general categories of disease-associated antibodies that can be tested for: neuronal surface and intracellular. However, testing both groups of autoantibodies are costly. This study aims to identify differences between groups by comparing clinical presentations, radiological findings and CSF profile of patients, and determine if any parameters are indicative of one group of autoantibodies over another. Additionally, we aim to report the local incidence of less common groups of disease-associated antibodies as well.
Methods
77 records of autoimmune encephalitis/encephalomyelitis patients admitted to King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand, between October 2010 and February 2017 were reviewed. Patients with infections or those with classic central nervous system demyelinating features were excluded.
Results
Of 77 patients, 40% presented with neuronal surface antibodies and 33% had intracellular antibodies. The most common autoantibody detected in each group was anti-NMDAr antibody (25/31, 81%) and anti-Ri antibody (7/25, 28%) respectively. In the neuronal surface antibody group, behavioral change was the most common complaint (45%), followed by seizures (39%) and abnormal movements (29%). In the latter group, seizure was the most common presenting symptom (32%), followed by motor weakness (20%), behavioural change (16%) and abnormal movements (16%). Patients with neuronal surface antibodies were younger (35 vs 48 years old, p=0.04) and more likely to present with behavioral change (45% vs 16%, p=0.02). Mortality rate was higher in the intracellular group (16% vs 3.2%, p=0.09). No differences were detected in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and CSF profile.
Conclusions
In the early stages of the disease, both groups have comparable clinical outcomes. Although there were significant differences in age and percentage of patients with behavioral change, both groups of autoimmune encephalitis still shared many clinical features and could not be distinguished based on MRI and CSF profiles. Therefore, we recommend that patients with features of autoimmune encephalitis should be screened for both the neuronal surface and intracellular antibodies regardless of clinical presentation.
The effects of anesthesia induction and positive pressure ventilation on right-ventricular function: An echocardiography-based prospective observational study
Authors: Magunia Harry , Jordanow Anne , Keller Marius , Rosenberger Peter , Nowak-Machen Martina
Published: October 2019

Background:
General anesthesia induction with the initiation of positive pressure ventilation creates a vulnerable phase for patients. The impact of positive intrathoracic pressure on cardiac performance has been studied but remains controversial. 3D echocardiography is a valid and MRI-validated bed-side tool to evaluate the right ventricle (RV). The aim of this study was to assess the impact of anesthesia induction (using midazolam, sufentanil and rocuronium, followed by sevoflurane) with positive pressure ventilation (PEEP 5, tidal volume 6 – 8 ml/kg) on 2D and 3D echocardiography derived parameters of RV function.
Methods:
A prospective observational study on fifty-three patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery in a tertiary care university hospital was designed. Transthoracic echocardiography exams were performed before and immediately after anesthesia induction and were recorded together with hemodynamic parameters and ventilator settings.
Results:
After anesthesia induction TAPSE (mean difference -1.6mm (95% CI -2.6mm to -0.7mm; p=0.0013) as well as the Tissue Doppler derived tricuspid annulus peak velocity (TDITVs’) were significantly reduced (mean difference -1.9% (95% CI: -2.6 to -1.2; p<0.0001), but global right ventricular ejection fraction (RVEF; p=0.1607) and right ventricular stroke volume (RVSV; p=0.1838) did not change.
Conclusions:
This data shows a preserved right ventricular ejection fraction and right ventricular stroke volume after anesthesia induction and initiation of positive pressure ventilation. However, the baso-apical right ventricular function is significantly reduced. Larger studies are needed in order to determine the clinical impact of these findings especially in patients presenting with impaired right ventricular function before anesthesia induction.
Trial registration:
Retrospecitvely registered, 6 th June 2016, ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier NCT02820727.
Analyzing the Maximum Likelihood Score Estimation Method with Fences in ca-MST
Authors: ŞAHİN Melek Gülşah , BOZTUNÇ ÖZTÜRK Nagihan
Published: October 2019

New statistical methods are being added to the
literature as a result of scientific developments each and every day. This
study aims at investigating one of these, Maximum Likelihood Score Estimation
with Fences (MLEF) method, in ca-MST. The results obtained from this study will
contribute to both national and international literature since there is no such
study on the applicability of MLEF method in ca-MST. In line with the aim of
this study, 48 conditions (4 module lengths (5-10-15-20) x 2 panel designs
(1-3; 1-3-3) x 2 ability distribution (normal-uniform) x 3 ability estimation
methods (MLEF-MLE-EAP) were simulated and the data obtained from the simulation
were interpreted with correlation, RMSE and AAD as an implication of
measurement precision; and with conditional bias calculation in order to show
the changes in each ability level. This study is a post-hoc simulation study
using the data from TIMSS 2015 at the 8th grade in mathematics. “xxIRT” R
package program and MSTGen simulation software tool were used in the study. As
a result, it can be said that MLEF, as a new ability estimation method, is
superior to MLE method in all conditions. 
EAP estimation method gives the best results in terms of the measurement
precision based on correlation, RMSE and AAD values, whereas the results gained
via MLEF estimation method are pretty close to those in EAP estimation method.
MLE proves to be less biased in ability estimation, especially in extreme
ability levels, when compared to EAP ability estimation method.
Nonlinear modeling proposal for the germination performance of Paspalum regnellii seeds: a species with forage potential in Brazil
Authors: Bortolin Gabriel Streck , Sari Bruno Giacomini , Oliveira João Carlos Pinto , Kopp Maurício Marini , Vey Rosana Tascheto , Pedroso Carlos Eduardo da Silva , Lúcio Alessandro  Dal’Col , Silva Antonio Carlos Ferreira da
Published: October 2019

Finding qualified standard plants is an essential requirement in the search for high-quality pasture, fact that involves knowledge about the performance of the assessed seeds. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to evaluate the influence of seed weight on the germination behavior of Paspalum regnellii seeds through the logistic growth model. The adopted values were taken from an experiment conducted in 2016 under laboratory conditions. A pneumatic separator was used to select four seed classes, depending on the weight of one thousand seeds namely: Extra light, light, middle and weighted. The logistic model was adjusted to data about the germination rate of each class, and the parameters were compared through the F test. Germination rates between classes were compared based on recorded parameters and on model critical points. The logistic model adjusted well to the values and made it possible to use the parameters and critical points of the curve to describe the germination process. In addition to have low germination rate, seeds in the light-weight batch demanded longer to complete this process. Based on estimates about the parameters and the critical points of the model, the weighted-weight seeds were superior in terms of quality than seeds in the other batches, since they recorded higher germination rate in a shorter period-of-time.
Comparison of extraction methods for isolating kafirin protein from food grade sorghum flour
Authors: PONTIERI Paola , TROISI Jacopo , BEAN Scott R. , TILLEY Michael , SALVO Marco DI , BOFFA Antonio , PIGNONE Domenico , GIUDICE Fabio  DEL , ALETTA Mariarosaria , ALIFANO Pietro , GIUDICE Luigi DEL
Published: October 2019

Isolated sorghum (Sorghum bicolor) storage proteins (kafirins) have been successfully used in the production of several bio-materials including adhesives, films, micro-particles, fibers, and biological scaffold material. Comparatively little research has been conducted on the use of isolated kafirins in food products or to produce bioactive peptides via hydrolysis for nutritional uses. To support such research, the aim of this study was to compare existing methods for bulk isolation of sorghum kafirins with the goal of identifying a solvent with the least toxicity that maintained a high extraction rate from food grade sorghum flour. A secondary goal was to characterize the kafirin isolates produced from various extraction methods to provide some information on their potential use in food products to guide future research in this area. Five different extraction methods were compared including 1) aqueous ethanol containing NaOH and sodium metabisulfite, 2) glacial acetic acid, 3) aqueous ethanol with sodium metabisulfite, 4) aqueous ethanol at acidic pH, and 5) alkaline pH alone. The protein contents of the kafirin isolates obtained by the five methods ranged from 49.76% to 56.83%. Kafirin isolates were characterized using reversed phase (RP)-high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which revealed substantial variability in the various kafirin patterns among the extraction methods tested. However, characterization of the kafirin isolates by size exclusion chromatography (SEC) did not show a high degree of variability among the methods tested. Likewise, analysis of the samples using sodium dodecyl sulphate - polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) showed essentially the same band profiles but with different band intensities among kafirin extraction methods. Surface hydrophobicity of the kafirin isolates varied considerably with isolates extracted with glacial acetic acid and aqueous ethanol plus sodium metabisulfite the most hydrophobic as indicated by hydrophobic dye binding.
Cryopreservation of Coffea canephora Pierre ex A. Froehner seeds: importance of drying rate and moisture content
Authors: Coelho Stefânia Vilas Boas , Rosa Sttela Dellyzete Veiga Franco da , Fantazzini Tatiana Botelho , Silva Luciano Coutinho
Published: October 2019

Seeds of the Coffea canephora species are considered more recalcitrant than those of the Coffea arabica species. They tolerate partial dehydration and they cannot be stored in conventional seed banks at -18ºC because they are sensitive to freezing temperatures. Cryopreservation is a reliable method for storing seeds with these characteristics for long periods. However, preliminary studies are necessary to determine ideal storage conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the ideal physical and physiological conditions for cryopreservation of Coffea canephora seeds to reduce seed mortality caused by the formation of intracellular ice crystals and to avoid cell damage caused by excessive desiccation. Seeds were subjected to rapid drying in silica gel and slow drying in saturated NaCl solution to moisture contents of 0.20, 0.25, and 0.28 g.g-¹ (dry basis), followed by direct immersion in liquid nitrogen for rapid freezing. Physiological and biochemical analyses were performed to evaluate seed quality before and after cryopreservation. Rapid drying of Coffea canephora seeds to values near 0.20 g.g-1 (db) does not cause reduction in physiological quality. Moisture content of 0.25 g.g-¹ brings about greater survival of Coffea canephora seeds after cryopreservation. Drying rate affects the physiological quality of cryopreserved Coffea canephora seeds, and rapid drying in silica gel is more favorable than slow drying in a saturated NaCl solution. The activity of the enzymes catalase, esterase, glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase, and polyphenol oxidase are indicators of seed quality for Coffea canephora seeds subjected to cryopreservation.
Effect of soil straw cover on evaporation, transpiration, and evapotranspiration in sugarcane cultivation
Authors: Carvalho Kassio S. , Vianna Murilo S. , Nassif Daniel S. P. , Costa Leandro G. , Folegatti Marcos V. , Marin Fábio R.
Published: October 2019

Residual straw affects the physical, chemical, and biological attributes of soil and can influence plant transpiration and the evaporation of water from the soil. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the effect of straw on evaporation and transpiration of sugarcane. The experiment was conducted in a 2.5 ha area irrigated via a central pivot. The experiment consisted of two treatments, namely, with and without straw removal of soil. Evaporation was determined by means of equations and transpiration with sap flow sensors using the heat balance method. Evapotranspiration of the crop was measured using the Bowen ratio method and compared with the sum of the collected soil evaporation and transpiration data. On the basis of relationship analysis between the evapotranspiration of the crop measured using the Bowen ratio method and the sum of the sap flow combined with estimates of the evaporation of soil water, we obtained coefficient of determination values of 0.65 and 0.69, and angular coefficients of 1.01 and 0.96 for treatments with and without straw, respectively. We accordingly found that the use of straw on the soil reduces the evaporation of soil water and increases the transpiration and evapotranspiration of the crop.
Correction of soil compaction using wood ash in safflower crop
Authors: Santos Tulio Martinez , Silva Edna Maria Bonfim , Silva Tonny José Araújo da , Damasceno Ana Paula Alves Barreto
Published: October 2019

Soil compaction is a big limitation to food production in agriculture. Wood ash is an agro-industrial residue generated by the burning of biomass in boilers for energy production. It can be used as a corrective agent and fertilizer of the soil. In this context, the objective of this study was to evaluate the root system of safflower cultivated under bulk density levels and wood ash doses in dystrophic Oxisol. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with a randomized block design under a 5x5 factorial scheme composed of 5 wood ash doses (0, 8, 16, 24, 32 g dm-3) and 5 bulk density levels (1.0, 1.2, 1.4, 1.6, 1.8 Mg m-3) with 4 replicates. The soil was collected from 0-0.20 m depth layer. Later it was incubated with the respective wood ash doses. Each experimental unit consisted of a pot made of three PVC (polyvinyl chloride) rings, in which the layers of 0.1-0.2 m were compacted. At 75 days after emergence, the plants were cut, their roots washed and the volume and dry mass checked. The results were submitted to analysis of variance and subsequent regression test, both at 5% probability. Soil densities negatively influenced the root system development and culture of safflower. Application of wood ash doses of 20 to 24 g dm-3 significantly improved root development of plant.
AMERİKA BİRLEŞİK DEVLETLERİ YÜKSEK MAHKEMESİ İÇTİHATLARINDA NEFRET SÖYLEMİ
Authors: YÜKSEL İsmail
Published: October 2019

İfadelerin artık dünyanın her
köşesine bir anda ulaşabildiği günümüzde; nefret söyleminin ülkeden ülkeye
değişen hukuk rejimlerine tabi olması, alınacak tedbirlerin etkisini
azaltmaktadır. Avrupa İnsan Hakları Mahkemesi ise nefret söylemi söz konusu
olduğunda, oldukça sert bir denetim uygulamakta ve 17. maddeye dayanarak,
ölçülülük değerlendirmesine dahi girmemektedir. ABD Federal Yüksek Mahkemesinin
nefret söylemine sağlamakta olduğu koruma, batı demokrasilerinin kalanı ile
sert bir tezat içindedir. ABD dışında yaptırıma bağlanması muhtemel olan birçok
ifade, bu ülkede ifade hürriyetinin kalkanından yararlanmaktadır. ABD’nin
kendine özgü bu durumu Yüksek Mahkeme içtihatlarının irdelenmesini
gerektirmektedir. Yüksek Mahkemenin kararlarında 20. yüzyılın başından beri
sürekli olarak tekrarlanan en belirgin motif, herhangi bir düşünce veya bakış
açısının fikirler pazarından kamu gücü tarafından çıkartılamayacağıdır. Sıkıca
tanımlanmış birkaç grup ifadenin ifade hürriyetinin korumasından kısmen
yararlanacağını kabul eden Yüksek Mahkeme, nefret söylemini bu gruplara sokmamaktadır.
İfade hürriyetinin sınırlanabilmesi için açık ve yakın bir tehlikenin
oluşmasını arayan Yüksek Mahkeme bu durumda dahi, sınırlamaların kesin hatlarla
belirlenmesini aramaktadır. Çalışmada Yüksek Mahkemenin nefret söylemi alanında
belirleyici olmuş kararları incelenmiştir. İncelememiz istisnai bir karar
dışında nefret söyleminin yaptırıma bağlanmadığını göstermiştir.
PERAN MEDIA DAKWAH DALAM PEMBANGUNAN MANUSIA
Authors: Manaf Abdul
Published: October 2019

In human development process, media is needed which will be a channel in the da'wa carried out. Da'wa as an effort to build the existence of human beings is an entry point that supports the success of it. The more suitable the da'wah media used, the more positive and successful the da'wah will be. Conversely, if the preacher is wrong in choosing a channel causing his missionary activity to fail. This brief article highlights the importance of the media as a missionary channel. The results of the analysis in this paper state that mass media as a da'wah channel has positive implications as a da'wa channel. In addition, mass media also has a negative contribution if it is not maximized by its use and errors in the selection of themes in da'wa.

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Dalam pembangunan manusia dibutuhkan media yang akan menjadi saluran dalam dakwah yang dilakukan. Dakwah sebagai upaya membangun keberadaan diri manusia menjadi sebuah entry point yang mendukung keberhasilan terhadapnya. Semakin sesuai media dakwah yang digunakan, maka akan memberikan makna positif dan keberhasilan atas dakwah yang dilakukan. Sebaliknya, apabila pendakwah salah dalam memilih saluran menyebabkan aktivitas dakwahnya menjadi gagal. Tulisan singkat ini menyoroti tentang pentingnya media sebagai saluran dakwah. Hasil analisa dalam tulisan ini menyatakan bahwa media massa sebagai saluran dakwah mempunyai implikasi positif sebagai saluran dakwah. Selain itu media massa juga mempunyai kontribusi negatif apabila tidak dimaksimalkan penggunaannya dan kesalahan dalam pemilihan tema dalam dakwah.
Los sistemas biofloc: una estrategia eficiente en la producción acuícola
Authors: Hernández Mancipe Liliana Elizabeth , Londoño Velez Jorge Iván , Hernández García Karen Alejandra , Torres Hernández Laura Camila
Published: October 2019

La piscicultura en Colombia es la actividad pecuaria que ha reportado mayor crecimiento en la última década mejorando los indicadores de desarrollo del sector agropecuario nacional. Para hacer más eficiente su producción, se propone la implementación de los Sistemas Biofloc (SB), agregados de comunidades microbianas en forma de flóculos integrados por bacterias, fitoplancton, materia orgánica e inorgánica, generados fácilmente en los estanques; bajo condiciones de recirculación constante de agua, alta oxigenación y suplementación con fuentes ricas en carbono; brindándole condiciones para ejercer control de la calidad del agua, mediante procesos naturales (metabolismo de oxígeno y nitrógeno), realizados por bacterias, fitoplancton y algunas microalgas; que captan e inmovilizan el amoniaco producido en el estaque, (procesos de nitrificación), para producir proteína bacteriana de excelente calidad, fácilmente aprovechable por los peces, que reincorporada a la cadena alimenticia del estanque maximiza la producción de carne de pescado por unidad de área; con utilización mínima del recurso agua (Sistemas de mínimo recambio de agua) por lo que disminuye la posibilidad de la entrada de patógenos y enfermedades al estanque, mejorando la bioseguridad por su actividad como controlador de poblaciones de bacterias patógenas. Asimismo, se ha encontrado un efecto positivo en el desarrollo y la estimulación de algunos mecanismos de defensa del sistema inmunológico innato de peces y camarones, confirmando su papel como compuestos inmunoestimulantes. También presentan otras ventajas nutricionales como mejora en la tasa de ingestión, digestión, absorción, conversión alimenticia, crecimiento, efectos positivos sobre la actividad enzimática digestiva entre otras; incluso optimando el rendimiento reproductivo, los indicadores de fecundidad, desove y composición bioquímica de los huevos en algunas especies acuícolas.
Spatial and temporal pattern of extreme temperature during 1961–2018 in China
Authors: Liu Xiaowan , Xu Zongxue
Published: October 2019

As extreme climate events in China occur frequently, the characteristics of temperature extremes have changed substantially. Spatial and temporal pattern in the selected temperature extreme indices was analyzed by using the Mann–Kendall method (MK), sliding t-test and standard t-test, and Pearson correlation analysis method. In addition, the relationship between them and AO/NAO (Arctic Oscillation/North Atlantic Oscillation) was investigated during 1961–2018 in mainland China. The results show regional and seasonal pattern in temperature extremes. Both ELTs (extreme low temperatures) and EHTs (extreme high temperatures) show increasing trend in autumn and winter, but decreasing trend in spring and summer. In particular, ELTs in all northern basins have more significant increasing trend, while EHTs in the southern areas show insignificant or even decreasing trend. The AO plays an important role in the change of ELTs in summertime (summer and autumn), while the NAO accounts for it during wintertime (winter and spring). Moreover, the NAO is partly responsible for the change of EHTs.
Melamchi water supply project: potential to replenish Kathmandu's groundwater status for dry season access
Authors: Chinnasamy Pennan , Shrestha Surendra Raj
Published: October 2019

Kathmandu Upatyaka Khanepani Limited (KUKL) currently uses 35 surface and 57 groundwater sources to supply water for Nepal's capital, Kathmandu. It is necessary to understand if the Melamchi Water Supply Project (MWSP) can assist lean period water supply by indirectly increasing groundwater storage, through diverting excess water supply to groundwater recharge zones. The current study analyzed long-term groundwater depletion to assess available groundwater storage, followed by assessment of groundwater balance for the Kathmandu Valley. Results show that total groundwater extraction for Kathmandu was 69.44 million cubic meters (MCM) and drawdown of the groundwater surface was 15–20 m since the construction of wells in 1984/85, indicating substantial overexploitation. Results indicate that the ongoing unmet demand of 170 MCM/year can be easily satisfied if groundwater storage is recharged effectively, as underground water storage potential is 246 MCM/year due to a groundwater depletion rate of 2–10 m. From results, it is evident that that the timely implementation of the MWSP can help ease ongoing water stress and aid in reversing the damage caused to groundwater storage. In the long run, MWSP can supply water and recharge groundwater during monsoon periods, thus improving the quality of life and socio-economic status in Kathmandu.
Evolving artificial intelligence techniques to model the hydrate-based desalination process of produced water
Authors: Sadi Maryam , Fakharian Hajar , Ganji Hamid , Kakavand Majid
Published: October 2019

In this study, two artificial intelligence models based on an adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) and a support vector machine (SVM) technique have been successfully developed to predict the desalination efficiency of produced water through a hydrate-based desalination treatment process. A genetic algorithm as an evolutionary optimization method has been used to determine the optimal values of SVM model coefficients. To this end, compressed natural gas and CO2 hydrate formation experiments were carried out, and the desalination efficiency of produced water was measured and utilized for model training and validation. After model development, graphical and statistical analysis approaches have been applied to evaluate the performance of suggested models by a comparison of model predictions with measured experimental data. For the ANFIS model, the coefficient of determination (R2) and average absolute relative error (AARE) are 0.9927 and 0.58%, respectively. The values of AARE and R2 for the SVM model are obtained 0.35% and 0.9985, respectively. These statistical criteria confirm excellent accuracy and robustness of intelligent models in predicting the desalination efficiency of produced water through the hydrate-based desalination treatment process. Furthermore, the Leverage statistical technique has been carried out to define the outliers. The obtained results demonstrate that all experimental data are reliable and both ANFIS and SVM models are statistically valid.
OWA operators with different Orness levels for sediment management alternative selection problem
Authors: Khakzad Hamid
Published: October 2019

The importance of reservoir sedimentation management as a multi criteria problem in practice with multiple decision makers is evident when one considers that the cost of replacing storage lost annually due to sediment deposition throughout the world is in the order of US$13 billion. If sedimentation can be managed successfully, as it has been in some reservoirs, the loss in reservoir storage space due to this phenomenon can be lowered significantly. The purpose of this research is to develop the ordered weighted averaging (OWA) algorithm and apply it and to select the most preferred alternative with different Orness levels for sediment management in dam reservoirs to satisfy the technical and executive requirements, economic factors, social welfare, and environmental impacts. In this way, we present analytic forms of OWA operator weighting functions, each of which has properties of rank-based weights and a constant level of Orness, irrespective of the number of objectives considered. The model are successfully applied to the Dez hydropower reservoir, which has faced serious sedimentation problems. Results of this study provide a general class of parameterized aggregation operators that include the min, max, and average and have shown themselves to be useful for modeling many different kinds of aggregation problems.
A evasão nos cursos de graduação em uma instituição de ensino superior privada
Authors: Fritsch Rosangela , Rocha Cleonice Silveira da , Vitelli Ricardo Ferreira
Published: October 2019

Este artigo trata da evasão na educação superior tendo como objetivo identificar e avaliar variáveis que estariam interferindo na evasão para agir de forma proativa e preventiva junto a esse público. A pesquisa desenvolvida é de abordagem quantitativa, com uma análise multivariada e regressão logística. Como resultado, pôde-se identificar variáveis que impactam na evasão, delinear um perfil de aluno com propensão à evasão e construir um modelo estatístico que pudesse predizer, com a máxima exatidão possível, a probabilidade de um aluno se evadir. As variáveis mais significativas estão relacionadas a fatores sociais, econômicos, de desempenho acadêmico e de escolha profissional.
A educação (esférica) do homem
Authors: Fernandes Hercília Maria
Published: October 2019

FROEBEL, Friedrich Wilhelm August. A educação do homem. Apresentação e Tradução Maria Helena Camera Bastos. Passo Fundo (RS): Universidade de Passo Fundo-UPF, 2001.
Vencimento dos professores no contexto das finanças públicas do Paraná e de Santa Catarina, Brasil
Authors: Gouveia Andrea Barbosa , Bassi Marcos Edgar
Published: October 2019

O artigo examina a relação entre as trajetórias das finanças públicas e do vencimento inicial dos profissionais do magistério das escolas públicas estaduais de educação básica do Paraná e de Santa Catarina entre 1995 e 2013.A base empírica foi extraída das Tabelas de vencimentos e dos Demonstrativos Contábeis. Os vencimentos foram confrontados com as receitas e as despesas em manutenção e desenvolvimento do ensino. As análises evidenciaram a configuração de uma relação positiva dos vencimentos com o percurso das receitas e despesas em educação a partir de meados dos anos 2000.
Docência e modos de subjetivação:
Authors: Schuler Betina
Published: October 2019

Este artigo problematiza a docência e seus modos de existência no presente. Para tanto, opera-se com as três dissoluções genealógicas apontadas por Foucault (a verdade, a realidade e a identidade) na esteira dos estudos de Nietzsche. Tal procedimento busca pensar outras possibilidades de exercício consigo mesmo em se tratando da docência. Esta investigação conceitual procura desmanchar minimamente os universais que circulam como explicadores da docência para dissolvê-la na problematização dos modos de subjetivação,no que se refere à relação com os saberes e com a discência além de uma lógica de autorrevelação.
γ-Hydroxybutenolide Containing Marine Natural Products and Their Synthesis: A Review
Authors: Tilvi Supriya , Khan Safia , Majik Mahesh S.
Published: October 2019

:

γ-Hydroxybutenolides (γ-HB) is an important structural core found in many bioactive marine natural products (MNPS). The γ-HB core containing NPS served as an inspiration to medicinal chemists to undertake designing of the new synthetic strategies to construct γ-HB core. Subsequently, it further results in the development of novel physiological and therapeutic agents. The most notable example includes manoalides, cacospongionolides, petrosaspongioide M and dysidiolide from marine sponges possessing anti-inflammatory properties. γ-HB containing MNPS were known to possess various pharmacological properties such as antimicrobial (acantholide B), cytotoxic (acantholide A-E, spongianolide A), inhibitors of secretory phospholipase A2 (cladocorans A and B), BACE inhibitors (ianthellidone G), etc. Moreover, the γ-HB moiety was explored as antifouling agents as well. Owing to their numerous biological activities and attractive molecular structures, there are lots of advances in the synthetic methodology of these compounds. This review gives the account on isolation and biological studies of MNPS with γ-HB skeleton as a core unit. Furthermore, the synthesis of selective γ-HB containing bioactive MNPS like manoalide, secomanoalide, cacospongionolides, luffarielloide and dysidiolide were highlighted in the article.
Glyoxal Induced Transition of Transferrin to Aggregates: Spectroscopic, Microscopic and Molecular Docking Insight
Authors: Shamsi Anas , Abdullah Khan M. , Usmani Hina , Shahab Areeba , Hasan Hamza , Naseem Imrana
Published: October 2019

Background & Objective:

The present study was aimed at characterizing the conformational alterations induced in human transferrin, the iron regulatory protein by glyoxal. Since protein aggregation is at the core of many disorders, thus interest in this domain has increased significantly during the past years.

Methods:

In our present study, the effect of glyoxal was monitored on human transferrin using multispectroscopic and multi-microscopic studies.

Results:

Intrinsic fluorescence spectroscopy suggested changes in native conformation of human transferrin evident by decreased fluorescence and blue shift in the presence of glyoxal. Further, extrinsic fluorescence was retorted and the results showed the formation of aggregates; apparent by increased Congo red (CR) absorbance, Thioflavin T (ThT) and ANS fluorescence and TEM of human transferrin in the presence of glyoxal. Molecular docking was also employed to see which residues are at core of human transferrin and glyoxal interaction. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation assays revealed enhanced ROS levels by human transferrin after treatment with glyoxal.

Conclusion:

Thus, our study proposes that glyoxal induces the formation of aggregates in human transferrin. These aggregates further generate ROS which are key players in the complications associated with diabetes mellitus, giving our study clinical perspective.
Navigating Alzheimer’s Disease via Chronic Stress: The Role of Glucocorticoids
Authors: Sharma Vivek Kumar , Singh Thakur Gurjeet
Published: October 2019

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic intensifying incurable progressive disease leading to
neurological deterioration manifested as impairment of memory and executive brain functioning affecting
the physical ability like intellectual brilliance, common sense in patients. The recent therapeutic
approach in Alzheimer's disease is only the symptomatic relief further emerging the need for therapeutic
strategies to be targeted in managing the underlying silent killing progression of dreaded pathology.
Therefore, the current research direction is focused on identifying the molecular mechanisms
leading to the evolution of the understanding of the neuropathology of Alzheimer's disease. The resultant
saturation in the area of current targets (amyloid β, τ Protein, oxidative stress etc.) has led the scientific
community to rethink of the mechanistic neurodegenerative pathways and reprogram the current
research directions. Although, the role of stress has been recognized for many years and contributing
to the development of cognitive impairment, the area of stress has got the much-needed impetus
recently and is being recognized as a modifiable menace for AD. Stress is an unavoidable human experience
that can be resolved and normalized but chronic activation of stress pathways unsettle the
physiological status. Chronic stress mediated activation of neuroendocrine stimulation is generally
linked to a high risk of developing AD. Chronic stress-driven physiological dysregulation and hypercortisolemia
intermingle at the neuronal level and leads to functional (hypometabolism, excitotoxicity,
inflammation) and anatomical remodeling of the brain architecture (senile plaques, τ tangles, hippocampal
atrophy, retraction of spines) ending with severe cognitive deterioration. The present review is
an effort to collect the most pertinent evidence that support chronic stress as a realistic and modifiable
therapeutic earmark for AD and to advocate glucocorticoid receptors as therapeutic interventions.
Radial Glia-endothelial Cells’ Bidirectional Interactions Control Vascular Maturation and Astrocyte Differentiation: Impact for Blood-brain Barrier Formation
Authors: da Silva Siqueira M. , Campos Gisbert D. , Gomes Flávia C.A. , Stipursky Joice
Published: October 2019

Background: :

In the developing cerebral cortex, Radial Glia (RG) multipotent neural stem cell, among other functions, differentiate into astrocytes and serve as a scaffold for blood vessel development. After some time, blood vessel Endothelial Cells (ECs) become associated with astrocytes to form the neurovascular Blood-Brain Barrier (BBB) unit.

Objective: :

Since little is known about the mechanisms underlying bidirectional RG-ECs interactions in both vascular development and astrocyte differentiation, this study investigated the impact of interactions between RG and ECs mediated by secreted factors on EC maturation and gliogenesis control.

Method::

First, we demonstrated that immature vasculature in the murine embryonic cerebral cortex physically interacts with Nestin positive RG neural stem cells in vivo. Isolated Microcapillary Brain Endothelial Cells (MBEC) treated with the conditioned medium from RG cultures (RG-CM) displayed decreased proliferation, reduction in the protein levels of the endothelial tip cell marker Delta-like 4 (Dll4), and decreased expression levels of the vascular permeability associated gene, plasmalemma vesicle-associated protein-1 (PLVAP1). These events were also accompanied by increased levels of the tight junction protein expression, zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1).

Result::

Finally, we demonstrated that isolated RG cells cultures treated with MBEC conditioned medium promoted the differentiation of astrocytes in a Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor-A (VEGF-A) dependent manner.

Conclusion::

These results suggest that the bidirectional interaction between RG and ECs is essential to induce vascular maturation and astrocyte generation, which may be an essential cell-cell communication mechanism to promote BBB establishment.
Perceptions of Stages of Family Violence and their Perceived Solutions in Persons with Schizophrenia
Authors: Kageyama Masako , Yokoyama Keiko , Horiai Yuichiro
Published: October 2019

Background:

Family violence committed by persons with schizophrenia is a serious problem in the context of the accelerated deinstitutionalization in Japan. Community nurses could play an important role in resolving family violence by persons with schizophrenia.

Objective:

This study aimed to clarify the reasons for family violence as perceived by adult children with schizophrenia and ways to resolve this problem.

Methods:

A qualitative descriptive design was employed. Group interviews with 10 participants—five individuals with schizophrenia and five parents of adult children with schizophrenia-were conducted. Transcriptions were segmented according to the following three research questions: “How do parents recognize and cope with violence committed by persons with schizophrenia?,” “How do persons with schizophrenia perceive committing violence toward their parents and how do they change themselves after doing so?” and “How do persons with schizophrenia perceive ways to resolve the issue of violence toward parents?” The data were categorized and subcategorized based on the similarity of codes and organized in chronological order. Categories concerning reasons for violence and the subsequent changes in persons with schizophrenia made up the stages of their experiences.

Results:

Parents could not understand the reasons for violence committed by persons with schizophrenia. Experiences of committing violence and changes after violence as perceived by persons with schizophrenia involved the following five stages: complicated causes of occurrence, environment conducive to violence, onset of violence, gaining power, and regret and growth. Persons with schizophrenia wanted to be observed from a distance and were desirous of establishing relationships beyond the home.

Conclusion:

It is necessary for nurses to bridge the gap between patients and their parents by serving as a communication channel between them. In this way, there is hope to promote recovery even if the patient with schizophrenia commits violent acts toward the parent.
Ileal Melanoma, A Rare Cause of Small Bowel Obstruction: Report of a Case, and Short Literature Review
Authors: Sinagra Emanuele , Sciumè Carmelo
Published: October 2019

Background:

Malignant melanoma frequently spreads to the gastrointestinal tract, with 60%
of patients with advanced metastatic disease showing digestive involvement; however, primary MM of
the small intestine is a controversial diagnosis. In fact, whether these lesions arise as true small bowel
primary neoplasms or represent metastases from unidentified cutaneous melanomas remains debatable.
The most common complications are intestinal obstruction, massive gastrointestinal bleeding, and perforation.

Objective & Methods:

We report a case of a 64-year-old patient, with an unremarkable medical history,
in which a late diagnosis of primary ileal malignant melanoma in the setting of an emergency
laparotomy due to small bowel obstruction, and where PET-scan showed costal metastasis. Therefore,
we provide a narrative review of the scientific literature about this topic.

Results:

36 cases of primary small bowel melanoma, included that in the present study, were found
through our search in the scientific literature.

Conclusion:

Primary small bowel MM appears to be an extremely rare entity which clinicians should
be more aware of, in order to plan better a correct strategy of early diagnosis and appropriate treatment.