bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Planning and Analysis of Sedimentation Countermeasures in Hydropower Dams Considering Properties of Reservoir Sedimentation
Authors: Onda Chihaya , Sumi Tetsuya , Asahi Tsuyoshi ,   West Regional Headquarters, Electric Power Development Co., Ltd. 6-2-27 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 530-0005, Japan,   Water Resources Center, Socio and Eco Environment Risk Management, Disaster Prevention Research Institute, Kyoto University, Kyoto, Japan,   Hydropower Department, Electric Power Development Co., Ltd., Tokyo, Japan
Published: July 2018

Sedimentation in hydropower reservoirs is one of the most important problems facing power generation. Many of the reservoirs our company’s dams, built in the postwar reconstruction period, have been storing up sedimentation for decades. The percentage of sedimentation is now considerable, about 9%, because of a combination of a high degree of sediment production and the river flow regime. We have been trying to excavate the sedimentation from the reservoirs to avoid aggradations of upstream riverbeds and to eliminate obstacles to intake and outlet functions. Considering sediment properties, we have carried out representative five different ways of managing reservoir sediment. At the Sakuma dam, which is comparatively large, provisional transporting inside the reservoir is the main countermeasure, but radical management will be required in the near future. At the Futatsuno dam and Taki dam, which are medium-sized, the current volume of sedimentation excavation is not sufficient to maintain the size of the reservoir, due to flow sedimentation. Sediment routing methods, such as bypassing, will therefore be urgently planned. At the Setoishi and Yambara dams, the testing of sediment sluicing or hydro-suction sediment removal systems has already started. Regarding sedimentation sluicing, we have studied the feasibility of sediment bypass tunnels and gated outlets in the dam reservoir that is unsuitable for sluicing with the existing spillway. We found that gated outlet will be effective. Although there are no quick remedies that can reduce reservoir sedimentation dramatically, there are some methods that may be suitable, considering the size, life and basin of each reservoir. Not only the technical feasibility, but also the economic advantages and ecological acceptability should be considered. To sustain reservoirs and hydropower, sedimentation should be managed effectively and adaptively, based on the specific conditions of each reservoir.
Community Proactivity in Disaster Preparation: Research Based on Two Communities in Japan
Authors: Hashimoto Takaaki , Karasawa Kaori , Hirayama Kazuyuki , Wada Masanori , Hosaka Hiroshi ,   Graduate School of Humanities and Sociology, The University of Tokyo 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo 113-0033, Japan,   JFE Steel Corporation, Hiroshima, Japan,   Graduate School of Frontier Sciences, The University of Tokyo, Chiba, Japan
Published: July 2018

This study examined the determinants of people’s participation in community-based disaster preparedness efforts. We administered surveys to residents of two communities in Japan: a neighborhood renowned for high proactivity in disaster preparedness efforts (N=443) and a relatively new, developing community of apartment complex residents (N=772). Results revealed that regardless of community type, people’s involvement therein predicts their engagement in disaster preparation actions. The effects were mediated by social factors (e.g., sense of responsibility, social influence) and disaster-specific factors (e.g., perceived costs/benefits of disaster preparedness, disaster attentiveness). We also identified several features that distinguished the two communities. Specifically, sense of community responsibility was a stronger predictor of people’s actions in the highly proactive community. Based on the results, we discuss the significance of promoting psychological attachment to the community to encourage disaster preparation actions among residents.
Uji Aktivitas Antidiabetes Ekstrak Bonggol Nanas (Ananas comusus L.) pada Tikus yang Di induksi Aloksan
Authors: Rochmawati Ayu , Ardiansyah Syahrul
Published: July 2018

This research aims to knowing about decrease glucose levels in rat induced alloxan with the provision of pineapple stem extract (Ananas comusus L.). Previous studies have shown that bromelin can significantly reduce CD4+ lymphocytes, which are included in inflammatory diseases. One of the inflammatory diseases is diabetes mellitus. Blood glucose levels can be lowered by pineapple extract as it contains bromelin, and bromelin most widely found on the stem. The test animals used white rat strain wistar (Rattus norvegicus L.) with weight is 250-300 gram acclimated for seven days. The research was divided  six treatment groups: positive control, negative control, P1 (25% concentration), P2 (50% concentration), P3 (75% concentration), P4 (100% concentration). After treatment for rat in category or sampel was administered pineapple stem extract for 14 days after that experiment status blood glucose level. The results showed that rat had  increased (hyperglicemic) after alloxan induced,and also in blood glucose levels in all treatment. the biggest decrease was in P4 is 44 mgdl. The statistic of Kruskal-Wallis test showed that the decrease of rat blood glucose concentration at various concentration of pineapple extract influence  signifificantly. According to the result  that conclusion is  the difference of pineapple extract concentration (25%, 50%, 75%, 100%) influence for decrease blood glucose levels and decreasing blood glucose level after 14 days, but in this  time blood glucose  not returned as normal conditions.
Evaluation of Motor Transport Infrastructure Influence on Socio-Economic Indicators of Minsk Region
Authors: Ivut R. B. , Popov P. V. , Lapkovskaya P. I. , Emelyanovich I. V.
Published: July 2018

The paper substantiates the necessity to study a transport infrastructure in the context of its impact on socioeconomic indicators pertaining to the development of a certain region. The importance of this study is confirmed by the goals and objectives of the transport system development of the Republic of Belarus, which are outlined in the National Strategy of the Republic of Belarus for Sustainable Socio-Economic Development for the period until 2030, and they are considered as well as priority areas for the development of Minsk region, presented in the Sustainable Development Strategy of Minsk Region for 2016–2025. The influence of eight indicators for transport infrastructure development of Minsk region on four key socio-economic indicators of the region development such as gross regional product, investment in fixed assets, revenues of consolidated budgets, average wage level has been investigated in the paper. A multiple regression analysis has been applied for assessing a relationship between dependent and independent variables. A step selection method has been used as a method of multiple regression analysis. All calculations have been carried out in the IBM SPSS Statistics 20 program. As a result of the study correlation indicators have been established between dependent and independent variables, relationships between variables and dependencies have been determined in the paper. The reliability of the obtained results have been verified with the help of the Fisher and Student's criteria. The obtained results have made it possible to identify key indicators for a transport infrastructure of Minsk region which have the greatest impact on socio-economic development of this region and can be used to analyze an investment attractiveness of Minsk region.
Economic Fundamentals for Selecting Directions for Modernization of Highway Network
Authors: Tsarenkova I. M.
Published: July 2018

The paper proposes a methodological approach to selection of rational directions for modernization of highway network while taking into account an increasing requirements of the national economy in a modern transport infrastructure being formed under conditions of the development of national transport and logistics system. The initial data required for variant development of design solutions contain information on existing transport and operational characteristics of the road network, intraand inter regional transport and economic relations, formed logistics supply chains, volume and structure of transportation and possible development stages for certain sections of highways. In this case initial data have a certain degree of uncertainty that requires to take design decisions with due consideration of the possibility to change information in a certain interval. The proposed options to use economic criteria make it possible to assess efficiency of logistics systems and their participants carry out operations pertaining to supply and handling of products and cargoes on specific sections of a road network and these measures are proceeding from common goals based not only on national or regional level, but also on the global level in the context of strategic planning. Study objectives play a significant role in selection of a calculation method, as well as its structure, a degree of its aggregation. Construction of an optimal scheme for modernization of a highway network presupposes to determine such totality of design solutions for construction, reconstruction and repair of motor roads with year-wise distribution for calculation period and certain network sections and such distribution of their freight flows when an amount of the reduced costs for transportation of the entire volume of products and modernization of motor roads would be minimal in accordance with transportation rates.
Methodological Approaches to Study “Competitiveness” Notion
Authors: Bliznyuck O. S.
Published: July 2018

The paper is devoted to a detailed and comprehensive analysis of such economic category as competitiveness. Its beginning is focused on plurality of interpretations for a “competitiveness” term depending on goals and objectives, and it also provides a description of such economic category as “competitive advantage”. In addition the paper describes the most widespread approaches to competitiveness based on the opinion of reputable scientists and researchers (J. Faberberg, M. Francis, M. Best, A. Figuera) and it gives a definition of competitiveness at the micro-, meso- and macro levels. Detailed description of competitive relation levels, relationship and interaction between subjects (participants) of competitive relations depending on the competition level (national, international) has been given in the paper. Taking into account the approaches developed by prestigious foreign and national scientists, the author has prepared his own classification of methodological approaches to a definition of competitiveness on the basis of factors that ensure its growth and goals which it is striving for (its qualitative characteristics). The given classification includes seven groups of theories: production theories (theories of production efficiency), institutional theories, theories of technological (innovative) development (improvement), market (marketing) theories, theories of national (social) welfare, management theories and mixed theories. In addition, some indicators have been pinpointed and these indicators make it possible to analyze competitiveness (consumer price index, growth rate of inflation, nominal exchange rate of the Belarusian ruble, GDP growth rate, GDP structure (share of national economy sectors), monetization (ratio M2/GDP), availability of financial (credit) resources: dynamics of refinancing rate, credit rates (collateral, intraday, overnight credit, rates on REPO operations), producer price index (growth rate of prices for raw materials, real wages), level of tax burden for enterprises of industry and business, availability of tax incentives for innovative business (presence of an innovative component in business)) and they are proposed to be added for the forms of statistical reports, in particular a report on production of industrial products (works, services), a report on prices, a report on current costs for environmental protection, a report on implementation of research and development, a report on labor.
Metodología para medir la estructura urbana de la ciudad actual, utilizando la base de datos del catastro. Aplicación al sector suroeste de la Comunidad de Madrid
Authors: Santos Preciado José Miguel
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
Caracterización de la oferta comercializada bajo la etiqueta de turismo responsable en España
Authors: González Reverté Francesc
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
Comparación de métodos de clasificación de imágenes de satélite en la cuenca del río Argos (Región de Murcia)
Authors: Toro Espín N. del , Gomariz-Castillo F. , Cánovas-García F. , Alonso-Sarría F.
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
La geografía en la LOMCE ¿una ocasión perdida?
Authors: Rodríguez Domenech María Ángeles
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
Incidencia de la dinámica pluviométrica en la degradación del suelo. Sur de España
Authors: Ruiz Sinoga José Damián , Romero Díaz Asunción , Martínez Murillo J. F. , Gabarrón Galeote M. A.
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
Medio siglo en la evolución de los paisajes naturales y agrarios de Sierra Nevada (España)
Authors: Jiménez Olivencia Y. , Porcel Rodríguez L. , Caballero Calvo A.
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
Criterios para la identificación y selección de paisajes españoles susceptibles de ser incluidos en la lista del Patrimonio Mundial de UNESCO
Authors: Fernández Salinas Víctor , Silva Pérez Rocío
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
Investigación e innovación en la enseñanza de la Geografía a partir del Boletín de la Asociación de Geógrafos Españoles: análisis bibliométrico
Authors: Sebastiá Alcaraz R. , Tonda Monllor E. M.
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
El método Leader como polí­tica de desarrollo rural en Extremadura en los últimos 20 años (1991-2013)
Authors: Nieto Masot Ana , Cárdenas Alonso G.
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
Resultados de la estrategia territorial en red para la inclusión sociodigital en Andalucí­a
Authors: Contreras Cabrera G.a.
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
El campo en la Rumaní­a del siglo XXI: campesinos relegados entre producciones de mercado
Authors: Dí­az-Diego J.
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
Patrones de movilidad en áreas distantes de regiones metropolitanas multicéntricas: radialidad vs. tangencialidad. El caso de Castilla-La Mancha respecto a la región metropolitana madrileña
Authors: Mohíno Sanz María Inmaculada , Ureña Francés José María de , Solís Trapero Eloy
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
Análisis de las noches tropicales en la fachada atlántica de la Pení­nsula Ibérica. Una propuesta metodológica
Authors: Royé D. , Martí­ Ezpeleta A.
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
El giro neoliberal de las polí­ticas para la ciudad en España. Balance a partir de los ejemplos de Madrid y Valencia
Authors: Romero González Juan , Brandis D. , Melo C.
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
Recursos locales y competitividad global: la exportación de aceite de oliva virgen en Andalucí­a
Authors: Moral Pajares E. , Sánchez Martínez José Domingo , Mozas Moral A. , Bernal Jurado E. , Medina Viruel M.j.
Published: July 2018

Texto resumen.
Organization and Delivery of Palliative Care for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Case-based Discussion
Authors: Landzberg Michael J. , Schaefer Kristen G.
Published: July 2018

Our patient, as seen through the eyes of a palliative medicine team

This 43-year-old woman presents a history that serves as a valuable foundation for discussion of need for a structured platform for delivery of palliative care for persons with pulmonary arterial hypertension and associated right heart failure; as such, her case vignette is succinctly reviewed, with emphasis placed on features relevant to this topic.
Palliative Care and Advance Care Planning in Pulmonary Hypertension
Authors: Rhee Charles L. , Cuttica Michael
Published: July 2018

Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive disease with high associated morbidity and mortality despite the development of novel therapies. Palliative care is a multidisciplinary field focused on optimization of quality of life and overall supportive care for patients and their families in the setting of life-limiting illness. Although the benefits of palliative care in oncology are well described, there are few studies regarding the timing and involvement of palliative care in PH patients. In this paper, we describe the importance of longitudinal advance care planning, including suggestions for addressing difficult topics such as end-of-life care, and the role of palliative care providers in helping guide these discussions throughout the course of the illness.
Possible Considerations for the Management of Turcot’s Syndrome?
Authors: Nikova Alexandrina , Ganchev Dimitar , Birbilis Theodossios
Published: July 2018

Background:

Turcot’s syndrome (TS) is a rare disease with known incidence of about 1-2 cases per year. It is, however, linked to high mortality due to the brain cancer. And because of this, we propose recommendations, aimed at preventing the mortality of the patients and to minimize the risk of undiagnosed Turcot’s syndrome.

Methods:

The authors collected the worldwide published data on TS, from the year of its definition till 2018, all of which was published on the search engines, such as Medline, Medknow, Cohraine and Wiley.

Results:

We included 97 patients, 57 from which are females and 40 males with median age of 22 years. The most common type of cancer is medulloblastoma, followed by glioblastoma and astrocytoma. We further divided the patients into two categories based on the first symptom of the disease and we made an algorithm of approaching these patients.

Conclusion:

TS is a disease that affects mostly members of families with multiple genetic mutations and types of cancers. And because of the unknown mechanisms of inheritance, it is useful to establish guidelines for the approach of those patients, in order to minimize the high mortality rate.
Effect of Meat Sources on Nutritional Composition and Heavy Metal Profile of Suya (A West African Grilled Meat)
Authors: Adeyeye Samuel A.O.
Published: July 2018

Objective:

This study investigated the effect of meat sources on amino acids, vitamin, minerals and heavy metal profile in suya.

Methods:

Meat of cow (beef), goat (veal), sheep (mutton) and chicken samples were obtained from Ibadan, Nigeria. Forty (40) samples of each suya meat of cow (beef), goat (veal), sheep (mutton) and chicken were prepared. The amino acid analysis, vitamin, mineral and heavy metal profile of the suya samples were determined using standard methods.

Results:

The results showed that there were significant differences (p ≤ 0.05) in the amino acid, vitamin and mineral of suya samples. The amino acid concentration in g/100g crude protein of suya meats of cow, goat (veal), sheep (mutton) and chicken samples for lysine, arginine and leucine were 7.72±0.03, 7.63±0.04, 7.47±0.04 and 7.83±0.03 respectively for lysine; 6.39±0.02, 6.27±0.02, 6.54±0.01 and 6.48±0.02 respectively for arginine and 7.32±0.01, 7.41±0.01, 7.68±0.01 and 7.54±0.01 respectively for leucine. The non-essential amino acids, glutamic acid, aspartic acid and glycine were the most abundant amino acids in all the suya from beef, goat, sheep and chickens meats. The amino acid composition of suya samples from different meat sources was compared with that of a standard protein recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO). The study showed that the suya samples contained high amounts of vitamin B-complex and minerals, and low amounts of heavy metals.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, the suya samples from beef, goat, sheep and chickens meats are good sources of lysine, which is severely restricted in cereals, the most important staple food.
Evaluation of Cytotoxic Effect, Anti-Cholinesterase, Hemolytic and Antibacterial activities of the Species Scabiosa stellata L.
Authors: Mouffouk Chaima , Hambaba Leila , Haba Hamada , Mouffouk Soumia , Bensouici Chawki
Published: July 2018

Objective:

In this study, cytotoxic effect, anticholinesterase, hemolytic and antibacterial
activities of crude extracts (petroleum ether, ethyl acetate and n-butanol) obtained from the plant
Scabiosa stellata L. were evaluated.

Methods:

The cytotoxicity of extracts was tested by Brine shrimp lethality method; the acetylcholinesterase
inhibitory activity was performed using Ellman's colorimetric method and the hemolytic
activity was assessed by spectrophotometric method towards human erythrocytes. Furthermore, the
antibacterial activity was estimated by agar disk diffusion assay against ten bacterial strains.

Results:

The phytochemical screening of the extracts revealed the presence of several types of secondary
metabolites. A significant cytotoxic effect was observed for the n-butanolic extract with 57.2 ± 0.2
% of mortality at 80 μg/mL, the ethyl acetate extract had a moderate anticholinesterase activity at 200
μg/mL. The hemolytic assay exhibited that n-butanolic and ethyl acetate extracts induce hemolysis in
dose-dependent manner with values of EC50 at 37.3 ± 0.5 and 106.6 ± 0.3 μg/mL, respectively. All the
crude extracts showed antibacterial activity against most tested strains, with zones of inhibition ranging
from 9 to 20 mm.

Conclusion:

The results indicate that the extracts obtained from S. stellata can be an important source
of therapeutic agents against pathological damage due to free radicals inducing neurodegenerative and
infectious diseases, while n-butanolic extract could be used as a good source of alternative natural antiproliferative
compounds.
A Comparative Phytochemical and Biological Study between Different Solvent Extracts of Leaves and Stems Extracts of Erica arborea L. and Viburnum tinus L. Plants Growing in Tunisia
Authors: Elaloui Meriem , Ennajah Amel , Ghazghazi Hanene , Issami Wiem , Mekni Abir , Ahmed Hela B. , Laamouri Abdelwahed
Published: July 2018

Background:

Many Tunisian medicinal plants are widespread and are used in modern ethnomedecin due to their interesting biological activities. Considering natural products of plant origin, this study was conceived to evaluate the allelopathic effect of leaf and stem extracts of Erica arborea and Viburnum tinus on the seed germination and seedling development of Avena sativa. We identified the secondary metabolites that were responsible.

Methods:

Total phenols, flavonoids, tannins contents and antioxidant activity were evaluated using the Folin ciocalteux, Aluminum trichloride, vanillin and scavenging activity on 2, 2-diphenyl- 1picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals methods, respectively. Leaf powders (5, 20, 40, 60 and 100 g) were macerated each with 1000 ml of distilled water for 24 h. The extracts were filtered through Whatman N°1 filter paper, pooled and concentrated under vacuum. Allelopathic bioassays were conducted using the obtained supernatant.

Results:

The obtained results indicated that acetonic extracts of the Viburnum leaves had the highest levels of total phenols (36.82 mg / g), flavonoïds (11.99 mg / g) and tannins (7.93 mg / g) and recorded a high antioxidant activity (0.054 mg / ml). Both test species showed that all organs had significant inhibitory effect on the development of Avena sativa. The leaves of Viburnum are best from the point of view inhibition of root length (-85.45%) and height of the aerial part (-78.95%).

Conclusion:

The inhibitory effects of these extracts were manifested much more on the development of seedlings. Extracts from Viburnum tinus leaves were the best inhibitors and could be regarded as promising candidates for natural plant source of antioxidant and herbicide agents.
Simultaneous Monitoring of Febuxostat and Uric Acid in Human Serum Samples Using the Direct Square-Wave Voltammetric Method
Authors: Nigović Biljana , Vlak Jakov
Published: July 2018

Background:

High uric acid serum level, hyperuricemia, is now associated with many diseases
such as gout, chronic kidney disease, hypertension, coronary artery disease and diabetes. Febuxostat
is a novel selective xanthine oxidase inhibitor approved for the treatment of hyperuricemia.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to develop a first analytical method for the simultaneous determination
of febuxostat and uric acid.

Methods:

An unmodified boron-doped diamond electrode provided concurrent quantitation of drug at
low levels and uric acid, which has clinical significance in the diagnosis and therapy of hyperuricemia,
at relatively high concentrations. The direct square-wave voltammetric method was applied to the
analysis of both analytes in human serum samples.

Results:

Under the optimized conditions, the linear response of peak current on febuxostat concentration
was achieved in the range from 7.5 × 10-7 to 3 × 10-5 M, while uric acid showed two linear ranges
of 5 × 10-6 - 5 × 10-5 M and 5 × 10-5 - 2 × 10-4 M. The method was successfully utilised for quantification
of both analytes in human serum samples. Good recoveries were obtained without interference
from common inorganic cations and anions as well as glucose, dopamine, ascorbic and folic acids at
concentrations expected in physiological conditions.

Conclusion:

The great benefits of developed method are fast analysis (only 7.5 s for run), low cost
and simplicity of performance.
Energy Efficient Techniques in Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Chugh Amit , Panda Supriya
Published: July 2018

Background:

Wireless Sensor Network (WSN) is a collection of tiny electromechanical nodes termed as sensors. Sensors are equipped with sensing unit, which is designed for application specific. When deployed either by planned or unplanned after deployment, sensor’s energy starts depleting due to various roles like sensing, communication and aggregation.

Method:

WSN is challenged with limited battery power. The aim is to enhance energy efficiency that leads to a prolonged lifetime of networks.

Results:

We have reviewed the patents related to energy efficiency in wireless sensor networks. This Paper presents the study of various energy efficient techniques, which can enhance the lifetime of sensor networks; it covers basics of WSN, their design, Classification, Communication in WSN and a survey of different techniques for effective utilization of sensor’s energy.

Conclusion:

Paper has emphasized on energy efficient clustering technique along with feature wise summary of existing clustering protocols.
Evaluating Point‐of‐Care HIV Screening in Dental Hygiene Education Settings: Patient, Faculty, and Student Perspectives
Authors: Feng Iris , Brondani Mario , Chong Kerri-Lyn , Donnelly Leeann
Published: July 2018

Although HIV screening is needed at a wider range of sites, dentists have shown reluctance to incorporate screening in their practices, but dental hygiene settings may be better suited for such screenings. The aim of this mixed‐methods study was to determine the feasibility and acceptability of point‐of‐care (POC) HIV screening in dental hygiene education community settings from the patient, faculty, and student perspectives. After training, dental hygiene students and faculty at a Canadian dental school offered POC HIV screening to patients as part of routine dental hygiene care over 36 weeks at four sites in 2015–16. Of the 199 patients offered screening, 78 agreed; no positive results were found. Of the 199 patients, 97 completed an 11‐item survey (49% response rate), with 80 (82%) agreeing HIV screening was within the scope of practice of a dental professional. Of the 57 patients who were screened, 48 (84%) agreed POC HIV screening should be part of regular dental check‐ups, and 52 (91%) perceived dental settings were appropriate sites for screening. The main reasons for patients’ agreeing to screening were that it was free and convenient and the results were delivered quickly. Those who refused screening had been tested recently or did not perceive themselves at risk for HIV. In two focus groups with 12 dental hygiene students, one focus group with five faculty members, and individual interviews with five other faculty members, participants agreed on the importance of offering POC HIV screening in the dental setting as a public health service. Faculty members thought students were well prepared and increased in confidence with testing. Students expressed a desire to offer screening throughout their careers and to educate patients about the importance of HIV testing.
Dental Students’ Readiness to Address Adolescent Risk Behaviors: A Pilot Study
Authors: Perez Edna , Mugayar Leda Regina Fernandes , Su Yu , Guram Jasdeep , Guram Sukhi , Behar-Horenstein Linda S.
Published: July 2018

Adolescents’ engagement in risk‐taking behaviors is well documented. However, the role of the dental practitioner in helping teenage patients understand and avert those behaviors is relatively unknown. The aim of this pilot study was to assess dental students’ familiarity with adolescent risk behaviors, comfort level in discussing adolescent risk behaviors with teenage patients, and ratings of the relevance of these topics in dental education. Of the 373 University of Florida dental students across all four years who were invited to participate in 2017, 151 (40.5%) completed the survey. Among these respondents, 66% were female, 53% were from an underrepresented minority (URM) group, 40% were above the age of 25, 53% were in their preclinical years of education, and 47% were in their clinical years. In the results, the males had higher levels of comfort discussing adolescent risk behavior topics than the females, and the non‐URM students had higher levels of comfort than the URM students. The clinical students showed statistically significant higher levels of comfort and ratings of the relevance of adolescent risk behaviors than the preclinical students. This pilot study assessed these students’ comfort in discussing adolescent risk behaviors with patients and their level of agreement about the relevance of those topics in dental education across groups (age, gender, minority status, and educational level). Future studies are needed to examine pre‐ and posttest changes following interventions aimed at enhancing students’ knowledge and comfort in discussing adolescent risk behaviors.
Effect of Training Method on Dental Students’ Light‐Curing Performance
Authors: De Souza Grace M. , El-Badrawy Wafa , Tam Laura E.
Published: July 2018

The aims of this study were to evaluate 1) the effect of different light‐curing training methods on first‐year dental students’ light‐curing performance immediately after and one year after training and 2) the effect of dental student year (first vs. third year) and different light‐curing training methods on students’ light‐curing efficacy. The study was organized into two parts, conducted in 2013 and 2014. In the first part, all students (N=66) in the first‐year restorative course at a Canadian dental school were invited to participate in a light‐curing activity immediately after training; after 12 months, those students (now in their second year) were asked to again perform the light‐curing activity. In the second part, all the subsequent first‐year students (N=75) and third‐year students (N=95) were invited to perform the same light‐curing activity after training. Each class was divided into three groups: the Control group received a lecture; the Tips group received the same lecture plus tips on “7 Steps to Ensure Better Light Curing”; and the Simulator group received the lecture, tips, and hands‐on training using the patient simulator. In the first part of the study, all 66 students participated in the first year; 39 of those participated a year later. In the second part, all students in both years participated. For the first part, time had a significant effect on light‐curing performance, with significantly higher results in the second year. When the first‐year students’ results were isolated, training method had a significant effect on mean and maximum irradiance values. The second part found a significant effect of training on mean (p=0.003) and maximum (p=0.021) irradiance. The interaction DDS*training was significant (p=0.037) when the after‐training values were analyzed. These results point to the need for further research to determine the most effective light‐curing training methods.
Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes-Glycemic Index (HEALD-GI): Protocol for a Pragmatic Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Avedzi Hayford M , Storey Kate , Johnson Jeffrey A , Johnson Steven T
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Rigorous evidence is needed regarding the best approach for increasing the uptake of Diabetes Canada’s evidence-based recommendations to include low-glycemic index (GI) foods in daily meal planning as an effective dietary self-care strategy for glycemic control among people with type 2 diabetes (T2D).

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to present the study design and baseline data from the Healthy Eating and Active Living for Diabetes-Glycemic Index (HEALD-GI) trial, which was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of an enhanced GI-targeted nutrition education on GI-related knowledge and mean daily GI among adults with T2D in Edmonton, Alberta.

METHODS

We used a pragmatic randomized controlled trial design and allocated 67 adults (aged ≥18 years) with T2D living in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, to a control group that received standard printed copies of Canada’s Food Guide and Diabetes Canada’s GI resources or to an intervention group that received the same materials, plus a customized Web-based platform with 6 self-directed learning modules and print material. Each module included videos, links to reliable websites, chat rooms, and quizzes. Evidence-based GI concept information included GI values of foods and low-GI shopping, recipes, and cooking tips by a registered dietitian. In addition, support through email, text messaging (short message service), phone calls, or postal mail was provided to reinforce participants’ learning. The primary outcome, average dietary GI, was assessed using 3-day food records. Additional measures including GI knowledge and self-efficacy, glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c), lipids, systolic blood pressure, body mass index (BMI; weight, height), waist circumference, and computer proficiency were assessed at baseline and at 3-month postintervention.

RESULTS

Between November 2017 and February 2018, we contacted adults (aged ≥18 years) with T2D living in Edmonton, Alberta, screened and recruited eligible participants into the study. All data collection ended in June 2018. Overall, 64% (43/67) participants were males; mean age was 69.5 (SD 9.3) years, with a mean diabetes duration of 19.0 (SD 13.7) years. Mean BMI was 30.1 (SD 5.7) kg/m2, and mean HbA1c value was 7.1% (SD 1.2%). Data analysis was completed in December 2018.

CONCLUSIONS

The GI concept is often difficult to teach. The HEALD-GI study aims to provide evidence in support of an alternative approach to translating the GI concept to adults with T2D. Findings from this study may help registered dietitians to better disseminate low-GI dietary recommendations using efficient and cost-effective, patient-centered approaches. Furthermore, evidence generated will contribute to addressing some of the controversies regarding the clinical usefulness of the GI concept.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/11707
Mental Health Mobile Phone App Usage, Concerns, and Benefits Among Psychiatric Outpatients: Comparative Survey Study (Preprint)
Authors: Torous John , Wisniewski Hannah , Liu Gang , Keshavan Matcheri
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Despite the popularity of mental health apps, it is unknown if they are actually used by those with mental illness. This study assessed whether differences in clinic setting may influence the use of mental health apps and which factors influence patient perception of apps.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to gain an understanding of how individuals with mental illness use their mobile phones by exploring their access to mobile phones and their use of mental health apps.

METHODS

A single time point survey study was conducted over a 2-week period in February 2018 at two nearby outpatient psychiatry clinics: one serving largely mood and anxiety disorder patients with private insurance staffed by both faculty and residents and the other serving largely psychotic disorder patients in a state Department of Mental Health (DMH) setting. A total of 25 patients at the state DMH clinic also consented for a single time point observation of apps currently installed on their personal mobile phone.

RESULTS

A total of 113 patients at the private insurance clinic and 73 at the state DMH clinic completed the survey. Those in the private insurance clinic were more likely to download a mental health app compared to the state DMH clinic, but actual rates of reported current app usage were comparable at each clinic, approximately 10%. Verifying current apps on patients’ mobile phones at the state DMH clinic confirmed that approximately 10% had mental health apps installed. Patients at both clinics were most concerned about privacy of mental health apps, although those at the state DMH clinic viewed cost savings as the greatest benefit while those at the private clinic reported time as the greatest benefit.

CONCLUSIONS

High interest in mental health apps does not automatically translate into high use. Our results of low but similar rates of mental health app use at diverse clinics suggests DMH patients with largely psychotic disorders are as interested and engaged with apps as those in a private insurance clinic treating largely mood and anxiety disorders. Results from our study also highlight the importance of understanding how actual patients are using apps instead of relying on internet-based samples, which often yield higher results due to their likelihood of being selected.
A Motion-Activated Video Game for Prevention of Substance Use Disorder Relapse in Youth: Pilot Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Abroms Lorien C , Fishman Marc , Vo Hoa , Chiang Shawn C , Somerville Victoria , Rakhmanov Lawrence , Ruggiero Michael , Greenberg Daniel
Published: July 2018

BACKGROUND

Body motion-activated video games are a promising strategy for promoting engagement in and adherence to addiction treatment among youth.

OBJECTIVE

This pilot randomized trial (N=80) investigated the feasibility of a body motion–activated video game prototype, Recovery Warrior 2.0, targeting relapse prevention in the context of a community inpatient care program for youth.

METHODS

Participants aged 15-25 years were recruited from an inpatient drug treatment program and randomized to receive treatment as usual (control) or game play with treatment as usual (intervention). Assessments were conducted at baseline, prior to discharge, and at 4 and 8 weeks postdischarge.

RESULTS

The provision of the game play intervention was found to be feasible in the inpatient setting. On an average, participants in the intervention group played for 36.6 minutes and on 3.6 different days. Participants in the intervention group mostly agreed that they would use the refusal skills taught by the game. Participants in the intervention group reported attending more outpatient counseling sessions than those in the control group (10.8 versus 4.8), but the difference was not significant (P=.32). The game had no effect on drug use at 4 or 8 weeks postdischarge, with the exception of a benefit reported at the 4-week follow-up among participants receiving treatment for marijuana addiction (P=.04).

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary evidence indicates that a motion-activated video game for addiction recovery appears to be feasible and acceptable for youth within the context of inpatient treatment, but not outpatient treatment. With further development, such games hold promise as a tool for the treatment of youth substance use disorder.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03957798; https://clinicaltrials.gov/show/NCT03957798 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/78XU6ENB4)
ANALISIS PENGARUH LEVERAGE, UKURAN PERUSAHAAN DAN PROFITABILITAS TERHADAP KETEPATAN WAKTU PELAPORAN KEUANGAN PADA PERUSAHAAN PERBANKAN
Authors: E Janrosl Viola Syukrina
Published: July 2018

This study aims to provide information on what factors make the company not timely in reporting financial statements that will be relevant information for investors in business and economic decision-making. The population in this study is the financial statements of banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange. The sample in this study is the financial statements of banking companies listed on the Indonesia Stock Exchange from 2014-2016. This study uses descriptive statistics, t test and F test. The results of this study firm size partially significant effect on the timeliness of financial reporting while profitability and leverage have no significant effect on the timeliness of financial reporting. F test results obtained significant value 0.025 <0.05 which shows simultaneously leverage, firm size, and profitability significantly influence the timeliness of financial reporting.

 

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk memberikan informasi mengenai faktor-faktor apa yang membuat  perusahaan tidak tepat waktu dalam melaporkan laporan  keuangan yang akan menjadi informasi yang relevan bagi investor dalam pengambilan keputusan bisnis dan ekonomi. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah laporan keuangan perusahaan perbankan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia. Sampel dalam penelitian ini adalah laporan keuangan perusahaan perbankan yang terdaftar di Bursa Efek Indonesia dari tahun 2014-2016. Penelitian ini mengunakan statistik deskriptif, uji t dan uji F. Hasil penelitian ini ukuran perusahaan secara parsial berpengaruh signifikan terhadap ketepatan waktu pelaporan keuangan sedangkan profitabilitas dan leverage tidak berpengaruh signifikan terhadap ketepatan waktu pelaporan keuangan. Hasil uji F didapatkan nilai signifikan 0,025 <0,05 yang menunjukkan secara simultan leverage, ukuran perusahaan, dan profitabilitas berpengaruh secara signifikan terhadap ketepatan waktu pelaporan keuangan.
Urban environment monitoring dendroflora method of assessing biochemical marker indexes
Authors: Ryabukhina M V , Filippova A V , Belopukhov S L , Fedorova T A
Published: July 2018

The first link on a biochemical level to which exposure to toxic agents, are the chloroplasts. Changes in the content of pigments, specifically, chlorophyll, used as an indicator reaction damage occurring under the influence of air pollutants. A determination of ascorbic acid content, taking part in the most important energetic processes of the plant cell - photosynthesis and respiration. It is shown that the levels of ascorbic acid can serve as a test characterizing the stability and adaptive capacity of plants. The content of ascorbic acid in spruce varies from 4.7 to 15.3% in pine from 3.6 to 14.7%, larch from 3.5 to 7.8%.
Morphological structure of the gastrointestinal tract of the rabbit
Authors: Nikitchenko V E , Naumova E I , Shubber Saleha Saheb Mosa -
Published: July 2018

The average length of the small intestine in rabbit is 270 cm, duodenum is 48 cm, jejunum is 190.6 cm and ileum is 31.5 cm. The length of the large intestine is 194.9 cm, caecum with appendix is 62.6 cm, large colon is 26.3 cm, small colon is 80.1 cm and rectum is 25.9 cm. The length of the gastrointestinal tract is 465 cm. The total thickness of the wall of the gastrointestinal tract ranges from 1329 micrometers (rectum) to 3054 micrometers (gastric fundus), thickest than the mucosal layer, which is in the range is 374-2146 micrometers, followed by muscle is 47-1324 micrometers and submucosal layer is 28-357 micrometers. Thus, it is possible to conclude that at a histologic structure of a gastrointestinal tract of hare hare has differ structures, especially in the blind gut, where the mucosa has a large folds structure with various distances among them, from 50 to 3000 microns.
Characteristics digestive and metabolic processes in growing bulls adding to the diet of “protected” form of L-carnitine
Authors: Romanov V N , Bogolubova N V , Devyatkin B A , Grishin V N , Ilyina L A
Published: July 2018

To study the efficiency of application of “protected” form of L - carnitine in ruminant rations held physiological studies on growing bulls with rumen canules. A positive physiological and productive action on the identified trends improve metabolic processes in rumen, increasing the digestibility of nutrients, increased retention of nitrogen, which leads to faster growth of young cattle.
Organizational and functional lending model of sugar beet production in small farms
Authors: Shaporova Yu G
Published: July 2018

According to studies the main recipients of funds from the consolidated budget for the sugar industry are medium and large agricultural organizations and processing enterprises. Small forms of agricultural organizations, peasant (farmer) farms, private farms remain outside the scope of attention from the federal and regional authorities. This article discusses the direction to stimulate domestic producers of sugar beet production by creating cooperative associations, as well as proposed and substantiated organizational and functional model of lending to small farms.
Contribution of consensus 5'-untranslated region to the translational efficiency of heterologous genes in plant cells
Authors: Quimisse M G , Kabardaeva K V , Gra O A , Tyurin A A
Published: July 2018

The results of bioinformatics analysis allowed to reveal the following consistent pattern: the average length of the 5'-untranslated region (5'-UTRs) for most A. thaliana's genes with high expression levels range from 80 to 120 bp, with an average GC content of 36,5%. Based on alignment results was defined motive in 5'-UTRs, as a new regulatory element, which could potentially provide highly efficient expression and synthesis of the target product in plants. This sequence has a length of 87 bp and GC content of 35.6%. It was demonstrated that consensus sequence of 5'-UTRs increased accumulation of the bi-reporter protein more than 25%, by that acting as a potential positive regulatory element on translational efficiency.
Semantic view on the composite and decorative features of the landscape object
Authors: Zajkova E Ju
Published: July 2018

In article problems of an art and sign assessment of quality of the surrounding landscape environment and objects of landscape architecture are considered. Volume and spatial characteristics of an image of landscape object promote visual determination of volumes and characteristic features of the elementary forms filling them structures in color, brightness, the movement, a sign, contrast, nuance, etc. Using of semantic signs in the creation of identical model of space means of landscape design assumes integrity of an image of landscape object with decorative and art characteristics. The choice of spatial signs stretches from early experiments of the end of the 30th years of the last century with plasticity of a relief and natural materials up to now and ecological design with soft integration of the project into a landscape of this climatic zone at the principles of nuance and identity. In article it will be a question of development of new typological bases of design of landscape objects on the basis of the subject “Silhouette and Plasticity”.
Age peculiarities of simmenthal breed and its cross-breeds with hereford and charolais
Authors: Lukyanov V N
Published: July 2018

Biochemical blood test analysis results of cross-breed bull-calves, obtained from crossing Simmenthal cows with both Hereford and Charolais bulls, are provided in the article. Data on both protein and lipid content metabolism indices in various age periods in bull-calves blood are also provided. It has been discovered that urea content in blood of new-born bull-calves exceeded its content in one-year-old bull-calves by 65.4-80.1%, and glucose content - by 66,6-112,7% (P ≤ 0,001). As compared to new-born bull-calves content nonesterified fatty acids in blood of a day-old bull-calves increased by 17,7-39,0%, and in a month-old bull-calves - by 32,3-48,8% (P ≤ 0,01-0,05).