bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Preparation of Nanosized Zero-Valent zinc (Zn0) Immobilized on ZnO as Redox Nanocomposite for Degradation of Methyl Orange from Aqueous Solution
Authors: Taherkhani Samira , Khani Ali
Published: March 2019

Introduction: In this study, nanosized zero-valent zinc (Zn0) as a reducing agent, simultaneously synthesized and immobilized on an oxidizing agent, ZnO photocatalyst for degradation of methyl orange (MO) from the aqueous solution.
Materials and Methods: The prepared redox nanocomposite (nZn0-ZnO) was characterized by the XRD and SEM techniques. The prepared sample was separated by centrifuging. The preparation process of nZn0-ZnO including synthesis-immobilization, washing, and drying carried out under Argon gas flow. Moreover, the effect of temperature and kinetics reaction was studied.
Results: The results showed that degradation efficiency of prepared redox nanocomposite was increased compared to each ZnO nanopowder and Zn0 under the same operational condition. The calculated activation energy for the degradation process was 4.05 KJ.mol-1. Finally, the results showed that the degradation processes followed pseudo first order kinetic model in the basic condition by the relative deviation modulus.
Conclusion: As compared to ZnO nanopowder and Zn0, the prepared redox nanocomposite showed high degradation efficiency for the removal of methyl orange from the aqueous solution.
Spatial Distribution of Malaria in the Semi-Arid Zone of Ghana: A Case of Upper West Region Using GIS Approach
Authors: Kaboja Magna Emmanuel , Dabi Michael , Tadri Peter
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Malaria is the leading cause of mortality and morbidity in Ghana. However, we are faced with lack of reliable data on the spatial distribution for effective control measures in the semi-arid zones of Ghana. This study aimed at mapping and describing the transmission patterns of malaria to identify the high risk zones in the Upper west region of Ghana.
Materials and Methods: We mapped the 7-years malaria data regarding all districts using a GPS. The mapping technique employed the graduated colour maps, with natural break classification method. Thematic map generated in ArcView was overlaid on a vegetation map of the region.
Results: The maps showed spatial distribution of malaria in the region: Wa municipality had the highest incidence of the disease (21.72%), whereas, Daffiama-Bussie had the lowest rate (4.24%) during the study. The study also showed a very high malaria incidence (1.481001-1.910000) per 10000 in the Wa municipality, Nandowli-kaleo, and the Nandom districts. Over the period, the highest incidence was recorded within the grassland with scattered trees and widely cultivated areas of Savanna woodlands.
Conclusion: Community health education, improvement of public health, interventions using the mass distribution of mosquitoes treated nets, and integrated vector control are recommended.
Why Is the Control of Bed Bugs' (Cimex spp.) Infestations as an Urban Environmental Health Pest Difficult? Reasons & Control Strategies
Authors: Alizadeh Ismaeil , Gorouhi Mohammad Amin , Aghaei Afshar Abbas , Hayati Roghayeh
Published: March 2019

No Available.
Evaluation of Point-of-Use Drinking Water Treatment Systems Efficiency in Reducing or Removing Physicochemical Parameters and Heavy Metals
Authors: Pourjamali Raziyeh , Khalili Sadrabad Elham , Hashemi Sayed Aliasghar , Shekofteh Hosein , Mokhtari Mehdi , Heydari Ali , Akrami Mohajeri Fateme
Published: March 2019

Introduction: Nowadays, many people have bought and installed home water treatment devices (point-of-use drinking water treatment systems), as an essential measure, to improve their health.
Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted to evaluate the parameters of drinking water of Rafsanjan city and home water treatment device in summer 2017. Water samples at the inlet and outlet of the device with 15 day intervals for three months (approximately 48 samples, summer) were collected. Then, the concentration of heavy metals, total hardness, EC, sodium and nitrate were measured in inlet and outlet of treatment devices. All data were statistically analyzed by SPSS software version 18.  
Results: The results showed that in the inlet water, the EC and pH values were in the standard ranges. The concentrations ​​of arsenic was higher than the permissible limits and other parameters including total hardness, calcium, sodium, magnesium, nitrate, copper, zinc and lead were lower than the standard limits. The highest reduction efficiency was obtained for copper, zinc and arsenic respectively, and the lowest reduction efficiency was reported for nitrate and calcium.
Conclusion: Therefore, it can be concluded the devices could reduce the concentrations of the parameters under the standard limits. Due to the relationship between heart disease and light water, it is suggested that, in view of the high arsenic content in Rafsanjan water, filters at the inlet municipal water can be used to absorb heavy metals, especially arsenic.
A Rehabilitation Gaming System for Cognitive Deficiencies: Design and Usability Evaluation
Authors: Mohammed Elaklouk Ahmed , Mat Zin Nor Azan
Published: March 2019

Patients with Acquired Brain Injuries or ABI experience various cognitive deficiencies that adversely impact their daily lives, as their ability to perform everyday activities, becomes severely limited. These patients would benefit more from engaging in unconventional cognitive rehabilitation, specifically rehabilitation using Serious Games. However, it is difficult to categorize cognitive disabilities due to their heterogeneity; therefore individualized rehabilitation interventions are required. It is also challenging to design games for cognitive rehabilitation, as the complexity and production cost for these games are usually very high. There is an abundance of recent studies on cognitive rehabilitation, particularly game-based interventions. However, some studies explain how to design games that are enjoyable and usable for patients with cognitive disabilities. Hence, this study addresses this issue with a proposed framework for therapeutic game developers targeting patients with cognitive deficiencies. To this end, a prototype Rehabilitation Gaming System (RGS) was developed and evaluated by therapists. A 7-point Likert scale usability questionnaire was used and the mean scores for layout/design (5.94), ease of use (5.40), easy to learn (5.76), usefulness (5.96) and satisfaction (6.1) indicate that RGS has good usability. Therapists are willing to use RGS for rehabilitation purposes. Practitioners, game developers, and patients in the healthcare field will be able to use the proposed framework as a guide and tool for designing and implementing games targeted for cognitive rehabilitation.
The Dilemma of Daily Physical Examination in the NICU
Authors: Manzar Shabih
Published: March 2019

Babies in the NICU should be managed in a neurodevelopment-friendly environment. Frequent handling by multiple examiners potentially increases the risk of cross infection. Interruption in kangaroo care is not advisable unless urgent. A minimum of three-point exam should be done (chest, heart, and abdomen) using a stethoscope and gentle palpation. However, the infant should not be wakened from sleep and all handling should be synchronized with the touch time.
Chromosome Deletion 1q43q44: A Case Review
Authors: Barnes-Powell Laura , Armand Ashleigh , Barnhart Lynette , Bullmore Alexa , Contreras Sophie , Lightner Rebecca , Olsen-Zwick Suzi , Murphy Joanna Poage , Rowson Regan , Schildgen Beth Thomas
Published: March 2019

Numerous chromosome abnormalities are seen in NICUs around the world. With increased access to health care, in some cases, parents and practitioners are aware of an abnormality prior to birth, and a plan of care can be made. However, in many situations there is no prenatal diagnosis and these discoveries and diagnoses are made during the neonate's NICU stay. Providers in the NICU setting need to have a vast understanding of chromosome abnormalities, as they may be the first to guide parents through the maze of decisions that will follow. This case study analyzes a very rare deletion on chromosome 1q43q44. The 1q43q44 deletion is located at the subtelomeric region, the region farthest from the centromere, on the long arm of chromosome 1. This case study describes Baby D, who presented with multiple anomalies and was subsequently diagnosed with 1q43q44 deletion.
Mothers' Voices Related to Caregiving: The Transition of a Technology-Dependent Infant from the NICU to Home
Authors: Toly Valerie Boebel , Blanchette Julia E. , Alhamed Arwa , Musil Carol M.
Published: March 2019

Purpose

The transition from the NICU to home is a complicated, challenging process for mothers of infants dependent on lifesaving medical technology, such as feeding tubes, supplemental oxygen, tracheostomies, and mechanical ventilation. The study purpose was to explore how these mothers perceive their transition experiences just prior to and during the first three months after initial NICU discharge.

Design

A qualitative, descriptive, longitudinal design was employed.

Sample

Nineteen mothers of infants dependent on lifesaving technology were recruited from a large Midwest NICU.

Main Outcome Variable

Description of mothers' transition experience.

Results

Three themes were identified pretransition: negative emotions, positive cognitive-behavioral efforts, and preparation for life at home. Two posttransition themes were negative and positive transition experiences. Throughout the transition, the mothers expressed heightened anxiety, fear, and stress about life-threatening situations that did not abate over time despite the discharge education received.
How We Do What We Do: The Therapist, EMDR, and Treatment of Complex Trauma
Authors: Rosoff Ann L.
Published: March 2019

This article discusses strategies for working with patients who present with the specific psychological deficits associated with complex trauma. In order to maintain the patient's stability, safety, and capacity for adaptive information processing (AIP) during sessions, these treatments require an extremely active therapist who is able to help regulate the pace of therapy and the patient's participation in it. Attunement to both patient's and therapist's experience is a core therapeutic process that enables the treatment. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapists must set the frame of the therapy, help to build and then utilize the capacity for AIP, and establish a relationship capable of coregulating the patient's state during both resource development and trauma processing. All of these functions can be enhanced using bilateral stimulation (BLS). They are accomplished via specific therapist actions during sessions: assessing and supporting the capacity for AIP, looking for opportunities to strengthen resources and competencies, and staying attuned to empathic resonances and countertransference. Decisions that shape the treatment process and affect its pacing evolve from an integration of multiple factors: the therapist's attunement to self, patient, and the therapy relationship; and an understanding of complex trauma, dissociation, therapeutic process, and EMDR. Examples of patient–therapist interaction during two EMDR sessions are provided to illustrate therapy process and the use of the treatment relationship in clinical decision-making and coregulation.
Modifiability in Emotional Understanding Among Children With Learning Disabilities
Authors: Tzuriel David , Schorr-Edelsztein Hani , Bauminger-Zvieli Nirit
Published: March 2019

Children with specific learning disabilities (SLD) exhibit specific difficulties in high-order components of emotional understanding that involve language (e.g., recognition of complex emotions from situations), or defining emotions and providing examples. The objectives of the current study were to study (a) modifiability of emotional understanding using a short-term mediation program aimed at enhancing emotional understanding among children with SLD as compared with typically developing (TD) children, (b) the correlation of language ability with emotional understanding. A sample of 64 boys with SLD and 33 TD boys (9–11 years old) were administered emotional understanding measures, and tests of language processing. The children were given theLanguage of Emotions Mediation Programand retested on the emotional understanding measures. Children with SLD revealed initial lower level of emotional understanding than TD children but higher pre- to postmediation improvement. The correlation between emotional understanding measures and verbal ability decreased from pre- to postmediation only in children with SLD. These findings indicate less cohesiveness between the two domains because of the mediation program.
A Critical Look at the Cognition Component of Reflection
Authors: Wlodarsky Rachel
Published: March 2019

The research study was developed to consider the influence of reflection as an element in bridging life experiences and decision making in professional contexts. The researcher wanted to find out what the reflective process looks like and how this practice might relate to the professional development and personal growth for professionals. Respondents defined reflection and discussed processes, which they used to facilitate reflection on their own professional development. A constant comparative procedure, which is a qualitative coding strategy, was used to examine the process(es) described and then initial themes and categories were established among the narrative responses. An analytic concept mapping procedure described by Novak (1998) and Novak and Gowen (1984) was employed to organize the narrative. This article was developed as a refinement of the initial model with a more nuanced and careful description of the cognitive component in the EVENT PATH model. The findings indicated that reflection for the participants is an internal, cognitive process. The participants engaged in a cognitive process whereby awareness surfaced; a sense of knowing emerged. Understanding cognition as an integral part of the reflective process cannot be overstated and therefore requires continued attention within the research on professional reflection.
E-Books for Promoting Vocabulary Among Students With Intellectual Disability as Opposed to Children With Learning Disability: Can Repeated Reading Make a Difference?
Authors: Shamir Adina , Maor Rotem
Published: March 2019

Despite young children's increasing access to electronic books (e-books) and the evidence indicating their effectiveness for promoting language and literacy, no study has yet explored the e-book's effect in this area among students with intellectual disability (ID). Motivated by this challenge, the current study sought to investigate the effect of an educational e-book on vocabulary acquisition among students with ID. The effect on vocabulary of five repeated readings of an e-book among students with ID was measured and compared with that of children with learning disability (LD). The findings indicate that whereas two independent rereadings with the e-book were enough to promote vocabulary acquisition among the students with LD, at least five rereadings were required to make a difference in the group with ID. Explanations and implications of the findings are discussed.
Can Preventing Calculations Help Students Learn Math?
Authors: Lawson Alyssa P. , Mirinjian Arineh , Son Ji Y.
Published: March 2019

Understanding how struggling students approach math is vital to designing effective math lessons. Many low achieving students rely on a weak knowledge of procedures and attempt calculations without adequate consideration of the problem. We investigated how enabling or preventing premature calculations affected learning math. Students were presented with explanations of math problems that either contained numbers, thus allowing for calculations, or contained variables, thus preventing the possibility of calculations. In Experiment 1, we asked students to learn from a conceptual explanation and found that preventing calculations was beneficial, especially for students with less prior experience in math. In Experiment 2, when the lesson was procedures-focused, we found that preventing calculations did not have the same beneficial effect. Students with less prior experience performed poorly compared to those with more experience. Given students' prior math experience and their usual approach to problem-solving, we can facilitate learning by blocking maladaptive approaches.
Inclusión escolar o aprender a vivir juntos
Authors: Tébar Belmonte, FSC Hno. Lorenzo
Published: March 2019

Desde una perspectiva de la problemática educativa de la Comunidad Europea, el autor examina el rol del profesor mediador con alumnos con necesidades educativas especiales. Propone como alternativa la formación terapéutica y clínica de los mediadores, de la formación de formadores para que puedan liderar el cambio educativo. Apoyándose en el modelo mediador de Reuven Feuerstein, se discurre sobre una educación inclusiva a través del desarrollo cognitivo, de tal manera que tenga éxito el paradigma de la eliminación de la pedagogía de la exclusión, lo que permite que convivan en una misma aula alumnos de excelente nivel con los que no lo tienen, o con los que tienen retrasos significativos y necesidades educativas especiales.
Delme Hızının Akışkan Ortam Basıncı ve Dönme Hızına Bağlı Değişiminin Araştırılması
Authors: Tuncer İksan , Altındağ Raşit
Published: March 2019

Bir maden işletmesinde maliyet teşkil eden
parameterelerin başında hammadde temini gelmektedir. Hammadde üretim
maliyetlerinin en önemli parametrelerinden biri de patlatma deliklerinin
delinmesi işidir. Delme işlemlerinde istenen verimde çalışılmaması durumunda
hem işletmede iş organizasyonu hem de üretim maliyeti önemli ölçüde olumsuz
yönde etkilenecektir. Bu çalışmasında DSİ 18. Bölge Müdürlüğü’ne ait kireçtaşı
ocağında kullanılan Atlas Copco Flexi ROC T35 model delici makineye ait akışkan
ortam basıncı ve dönme hızı parametrelerinin değiştirilmesi sonucunda delik
delme verimlerine etkisi incelenmiştir. Delik delme hızının belirlenmesi amacıyla Burdur ili,
Çavdır ilçesinde bulunan kireçtaşı ocağında çalışılan ortamdaki delik delme
süreleri ölçülmüş ve net ve brüt delik delme hızları hesaplanmıştır.
Laboratuvar ortamında da kayaçların fiziko-mekanik özellikleri ile kimyasal
özellikleri belirlenmiştir. Elde
edilen bütün veriler birlikte değerlendirilerek akışkan ortam basıncı ve dönme
hızının delme hızı üzerindeki etkileri incelenmiştir. Sonuç olarak tüm akışkan
ortam basınç değerlerinde ve her iki dönme hızında en iyi delik delme hızı 103
rpm dönme hızı değerinde elde edilmiştir.
The Border of Responsibilities in Global Distribution of Aid: Ethical Issues and Challenges in Practices
Authors: Pertiwi Mutiara
Published: March 2019

This essay intends to analyse the debate about responsibility in the discourse of global justice. The topic is inspired by the statement of Thomas Pogge who argues that the minor outcome in promoting global justice is generated by a deep ethical problem on the question of responsibility rather than a technical problem such as taxation and liberalisation policy (2001a). He argues that many global problems would be solved if only the affluent countries perceived their roles in sending foreign aid as a responsibility and not as charity, which is how many communitarians perceive it. This ethical debate will be the concern of my essay. The main agenda is to find the most convincing argument for ethical guidance in the current world. Analysing through the lense of Bertrand Russell’s (1961) parameter of ‘commendable ethics,’ this essay validates Pogge’s position that foreign aid from affluent states is part of negative responsibility and therefore commendable as an ethical guide in promoting global justice.
Cooperation & Security Dilemma In The South China Sea
Authors: Widian Rizky , Arimadona Arimadona
Published: March 2019

This article will talk about security dilemma and offense-defense balance in the South China Sea. The rising of China’s power in the South China Sea that facilitate the process security dilemma makes cooperation between claimant countries become more difficult. Regarding this matter, it’s important to explain why cooperation in the area is difficult in the midst of many literatures that advocated cooperation as the tools for conflict management in the South China Sea. In order to form an ideal explanation, this article will refer to the concepts of security dilemma and offense-defense balance by Robert Jervis. The data in this article will be explored using qualitative research method of literature review to illustrate the distribution of power in the region. Through the data exploration, this article found that China’s offensive power in the South China Sea is large enough to cause the sense insecurity and security dilemma. Thus, this article argue that the security dilemma caused by China’s offensive power capability in the South China Sea is the main the reason that inhibiting cooperation between claimant states.
PID Control as a Process of Active Inference with Linear Generative Model
Authors: Baltieri Manuel , Buckley Christopher L.
Published: March 2019

In the past few decades, probabilistic interpretations of brain functions have become widespread in cognitive science and neuroscience. In particular, the free energy principle and active inference are increasingly popular theories of cognitive functions that claim to offer a unified understanding of life and cognition within a general mathematical framework derived from information and control theory, and statistical mechanics. However, we argue that if the active inference proposal is to be taken as a general process theory for biological systems, it is necessary to understand how it relates to existing control theoretical approaches routinely used to study and explain biological systems. For example, recently, PID control has been shown to be implemented in simple molecular systems and is becoming a popular mechanistic explanation of behaviours such as chemotaxis in bacteria and amoebae, and robust adaptation in biochemical networks. In this work, we will show how PID controllers can fit a more general theory of life and cognition under the principle of (variational) free energy minimisation when using approximate linear generative models of the world. This more general interpretation provides also a new perspective on traditional problems of PID controllers such as parameter tuning as well as the need to balance performances and robustness conditions of a controller. Specifically, we then show how these problems can be understood in terms of the optimisation of the precisions (inverse variances) modulating different prediction errors in the free energy functional.
Peculiarities of Development and Dynamics of Economism and the Commercialization of Ukrainian Higher Education
Authors: Strigul Marina , Khomeriki Olena , Yahodzinskyi Serhii , Romanenko Yuriy , Semenets-Orlova Inna , Lyasota Lyudmyla
Published: March 2019

On the termination of nearly twenty years since the beginning of commercialization of the Ukrainian higher education the intensity of discussion of its purposes, results and possible amendments don't decrease neither among experts, nor among the interested public. Supporters and opponents of commercialization note that education is that social branch which participates in the formation of prerequisites of economic growth. The main point of the article is to disclose the essence of the phenomena of economism and commercialization. Economism is seen as part of globalization of education, a global corporatization of education provides training for the global labour market, using human capital economic theories. As noted by George Spring, the human capital, economists argue that investments in education lead to economic growth, reducing income inequality and increasing employment. The article confirms that the state educational policy as a component of social policy is one of instruments of influence of the state on formation of social structure and is directed ​​ to the solution of problems of societal level. It does relevant sociological examination of transformational processes in education and, in particular, results of commercialization. Thus, it is possible to claim that the educational system tests the uncommon influence of globalization, forming and building a peculiar system of the relations and interaction.
Analisis Keinternasionalan Jurnal-Jurnal Keislaman PTKI
Authors: Syarifudin Faisal
Published: March 2019

The internationality of Al Jami'ah, Studia Islamika and Journal of Indonesian Islam were analyzed based on country distribution of editors, country distribution of authors, international authors collaboration and international citation. A total of 240 articles were analyzed: 86 from al-Jami'ah, 74 from Studia Islamika, and 80 from JII during the period of 2012-2016. For country distribution editors and authors, the three journals use editors from different countries which internationally represent Asia, Europe, America and Australia, where most of the editors come from Indonesia. Therefore, the contribution of global scholarship still has not reached 50% of each edition. Based on international collaboration, Al Jami'ah published a little number of articles from collaboration by Indonesian and overseas authors, while Studia Islamika and Journal of Indonesian Islam had no contribution from international collaboration. International citation for all three journals are in balance during five years. They have not been much cited by authors who publish their writing globally. However, the citation may increase if international journals that cited them publish their latest edition in the future.
Delayed-Onset Interface Fluid Syndrome After LASIK Following Phacotrabeculectomy
Authors: Kim Chung Young , Jung Young Ho , Lee Eun Ji , Hyon Joon Young , Park Kyu Hyung , Kim Tae Woo
Published: March 2019

Background
Interface fluid syndrome (IFS) is an unusual complication after laser-assisted in-situ keratomileusis (LASIK). We report the first case of IFS after uncomplicated phacotrabeculectomy in a patient who had undergone LASIK 10 years previously. This case emphasizes the importance of intraocular pressure (IOP) interpretation in eyes that have undergone LASIK.

Case presentation
A 30-year-old woman with a history of LASIK surgery presented to glaucoma clinic due to uncontrolled IOP despite of maximally tolerable medical treatment. After receiving phacotrabeculectomy, IOP decreased to 3mmHg on the first postoperative day, but again increased up to 21mmHg and a diffuse corneal edema with cloudy flap interface was demonstrated by slit-lamp microscopy. Corneal edema was sustained even after the IOP was lowered to 14 mmHg. Spectral-domain optical coherence tomography scanning of the cornea revealed a diffuse, thin fluid pocket in the corneal interface. After laser lysis of the scleral flap sutures, IOP was further decreased to 9mmHg and interface fluid was resolved.

Conclusion
IFS should be considered as a possible cause of postoperative corneal edema despite of low IOP in the eyes that underwent LASIK surgery. Additional IOP lowering may be helpful for resolving the corneal edema.
Protective effects of hydrogen gas in a rat model of branch retinal vein occlusion via decreasing VEGF-α expression
Authors: Long Pan , Yan Weiming , He Mengshan , Zhang Qianli , Wang Zhe , Li Manhong , Xue Junhui , Chen Tao , An Jing , Zhang Zuoming
Published: March 2019

Background: Oxidative stress (OS) is an essential factor in the pathogenesis of branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Studies have demonstrated the role of hydrogen gas in the regulation of OS. This study was designed to evaluate the effecacy of hydrogen gas on the BRVO rat model.
Methods: Twenty-four BRVO rats were randomly divided into two groups: the hydrogen gas (H) group (42% H2, 21% O2, 37% N2) and the model (M) group (21% O2, 79% N2). Rats in the H group inhaled hydrogen gas for 8 h every day up to 30 d post-occlusion. Twelve age-matched healthy rats served as the control (C) group. Retinal function and morphology were detected at 1, 7, 14 and 30 d post-occlusion. Furthermore, the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF-α) was detected by immunofluorescent staining.
Results: Full-field electroretinography (ffERG) revealed that the amplitude of the b-wave (dark-adaptation 3.0 response), the amplitude of the OPs2 wave and the light-adapted flicker response in the H group were all higher than those in the M group at 7 d post-occlusion (all p<0.05). The reopen time of occlusive retinal vessels in the H group was 2.235 ± 1.128 d, which was shorter than that in the M group (4.234±2.236 d, p<0.05). The rats in the H group had a thinner IPL+GCL+NFL and an increased total retina compared with those in the M group at 3 d post-occlusion (p<0.05), while the rats in the H group had a thicker INL, IPL+GCL+NFL and total retina compared with those at 7, 14 and 30 d post-occlusion (p<0.05). Moreover, the flow velocity of ear vein blood was increased in the H group compared with that in the M group (p<0.05). The expression of VEGF-α in the H group was dramatically decreased compared with that in the M group at 1, 7 and 14 d post-occlusion (p<0.05), while the expression kept in similar level at 30 d post-occlusion (p>0.05).
Conclusions: Our findings demonstrate that inhalation of hydrogen gas could alleviate retinal oedema, shorten reopen time and improve retinal function, and the potential mechanism might be related to a decrease in VEGF-α expression.
Changes in macular pigment optical density with age in healthy and in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration: a cross sectional study
Authors: Jung Woo Hyun , Lee Jae Hyup , Ban Ji Hoon , Park No Hae , Lee Jung Hoo , Kwak Hyun Duck , Kim Ki Soo , CHANG IN BOEM
Published: March 2019

Background

To study the changes in macular pigment optical density (MPOD) with age in healthy eyes and in patients with dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using the Macular Pigment Screener II (MPSII®).

Methods

One hundred and twenty-six eyes of 126 individuals (51 male, 75 female) were retrospectively evaluated. The MPOD was measured using the MPSII®, which uses a heterochromatic flicker photometry (HFP) method, and the estimated values were reviewed. Spearman’s correlation test was used to evaluate the correlations between the MPOD and age. Simple linear regression analysis was performed to obtain determine the association between the MPOD and age and MPOD. The Kruskal-Wallis test was used to compare the MPOD between among the four groups, and the Mann-Whitney U test was utilized to compare the MPOD between the dry AMD group and the elderly controls

Results

Estimated MPOD values decreased significantly with increasing age (Spearman’s correlation coefficient, -0.239; p=0.008) in the general population. In the simple regression analysis, a statistically significant linear regression model was observed, and the estimated values of the MPOD decreased by -0.005 as the age increased by one 1 year (p=0.001, Eestimated value of MPOD value = 0.884 – 0.005 ×x Aage). In the healthy population, the estimated MPOD values exhibited a decreasing trend with age, but there were no significant differences according to age, with the exception of patients with dry AMD (p=0.201). The MPOD was significantly lower in patients with dry AMD than in age-matched healthy controls (p=0.001).

Conclusions

Measurement of the MPOD using the MPSII® is feasible in both healthy individuals and in patients with dry AMD. Early detection of AMD and the contributing risk factors may be possible with regular MPOD screening in elderly patients or in patients with a reduced MPOD.
Unilateral Inferior Oblique Anterior Transposition for Asymmetric Dissociated Vertical Deviation with Unilateral Inferior Oblique Over-action
Authors: Wu Shuang-Qing , Xu Qi-Bin , Sheng Wen-Yan , Zhu Li-Wei
Published: March 2019

Background: To evaluate the results of unilateral inferior oblique anterior transposition (IOAT) for dissociated vertical deviation (DVD) combined with inferior oblique over-action (IOOA).
Methods：Retrospective chart review of the records of all patients with asymmetric DVD combined with unilateral IOOA in the non-dominant eye, who received unilateral IOAT on the non-dominant eye. No other muscles were operated simultaneously. The amount of DVD and IOOA before and after the operation was measured and statistically analyzed.
Results: Seventeen patients were included. Mean age at surgery was 23.5 ± 8.4 years (range 12 - 38). The mean postoperative follow-up period was 15.7 ± 7.2 months (range 6 - 32). Primary position DVD was 19.6 ± 5.4 PD (range 14 - 36) preoperatively, which decreased significantly to 2.9 ± 2.0 PD (range 0 - 8) postoperatively (P < 0.01). There were 2, 7, and 8 patients with +1, +2, and +3 IOOA preoperatively, respectively, which was reduced significantly to 0.3 ± 0.4 postoperatively.
Conclusions: Unilateral IOAT was recommended in patients with asymmetric DVD coexists with unilateral IOOA.
Agreement between anterior segment Optical Coherence Tomography, Lenstar and Ultrasound Biomicroscopy measurements of anterior segment parameters
Authors: Yu Ziyan , Huang Ting , Yu Qiao , Kong Jun , Qu Bo
Published: March 2019

Purpose

To compare anterior chamber depth (ACD) and central corneal thickness (CCT) measurements by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT), Lenstar and ultrasound biomicroscopy (UBM).

Methods

A retrospective cross section study. A total of 83 eyes from 54 patients were included. Central corneal thickness (CCT) and anterior chamber depth (ACD) values obtained from three devices (AS-OCT, Lenstar and UBM) were recorded. All patients were collected from Oct. 2015 to Aug. 2016 in the Fourth Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University. Differences of these three devices (ACD and CCT) were statistically analyzed by randomized blocks analysis. Pearson correlative analysis and Bland-Altman analysis were used to compare the correlation and agreement.

Results

There’s no significant difference in measuring ACD by Lenstar and UBM (P>0.05), but there were significant differences in other two groups (AS-OCT and UBM, AS-OCT and Lenstar) (P<0.05). There were significant differences in the mean CCT measured by the three devices (P<0.05). There were high correlation in measuring ACD (all P<0.001, r1=0.928,r2=0.982,r3=0.932, respectively), and CCT(all P<0.001,r1=0.957,r2=0.949,r3=0.928, respectively).

Conclusion

AS-OCT, Lenstar and UBM yielded comparable results and are all can be used interchangeably for anterior segment measurements.
The Relationship among the Structural, Cellular, and Physical Properties of Walnut Shells
Authors: Zhao Shugang , Niu Jiamin , Yun Linying , Liu Kai , Wang Shuang , Wen Jing , Wang Hongxia , Zhang ZhiHua
Published: March 2019

The role of the walnut (Juglans regia L.) shell in nut development, transportation, cleaning, and storage is often ignored. The shell suture seal and thickness are directly associated with kernel characteristics. In the present study, shell differentiation and microstructure were observed with an optical microscope using paraffin-sectioning and cryosectioning. The results showed that the parenchymal cells of the endocarp began to differentiate into sclerenchymal cells from 49 d after flowering (DAF), and the entire process continued until fruit maturation. The mature shell consists of three parts, including the sclereid layer (L1), sclerenchymal cell layer (L2), and shrunken cell layer (L3), from the outside to the inside. The shell thickness, suture seal grade, and mechanical strength were evaluated, as well as the lignin, cellulose, and phenolic compounds of the shell. Suture seal grade was positively correlated with lignin content, shell thickness, and L1 thickness and negatively correlated with shell cell diameter. Similarly, the mechanical strength of the shell was positively correlated with lignin content and L1 thickness. ‘Qingxing’ fruits were subjected to two treatments, namely, 30% shading and 70% shading, from 10 d after anthesis to maturity, with no shading used as control. After harvesting in September, nutshell sections showed thinner shells, with decreased contents of lignin and polyphenols, obtained under shaded conditions, and two of the three parts of the shell changed dramatically. The thinning of L1 and thickening of L3 eventually led to a thinner shell. The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship among the shell structure, cellular components, and physical properties and provide a theoretical basis for cultivar breeding, rational planting density, and regulation of shell development.
Fruit Cluster Pruning of Tomato in an Organic High-Tunnel System
Authors: Mitchell Brian A. , Uchanski Mark E. , Elliott Adriane
Published: March 2019

This research assessed fruit load management and production techniques for cultivating indeterminate tomatoes in a high tunnel under intensive organic management. The successful production of high-quality, high-yielding crops is important for fruit and vegetable producers, especially growers using high tunnels. High tunnels are well-suited to organic farming and can be used to grow many valuable specialty crops. Fruit load management is practiced in fruit production (e.g., apples, peaches, and grapes), but there is lack of consensus concerning the effectiveness of fruit cluster pruning on tomato (Solanum lycopersicum) and its impact on fruit yield, quality, and marketability. In addition, there is no published research on tomato cluster pruning in certified organic systems or intensively managed high tunnels (e.g., densely planted, trellised, vegetatively pruned plants) for the Front Range of Colorado. In 2016 and 2017, a randomized complete block design was used to test the effects of cluster pruning within a high tunnel on certified organic land at Colorado State University’s (CSU’s) Agricultural Research, Development, and Education Center, South. Two treatments and three tomato cultivars were selected for the study; the treatment–cultivar combinations were replicated six times within a high tunnel. The treatments involved reducing fruit loads to three fruit and six fruit per cluster, whereas plants with unpruned clusters, which naturally developed as many as 10 fruit, served as the control. Tomato cultivars evaluated were ‘Cherokee Purple’, a widely studied heirloom, and two hybrids: ‘Jet Star’ and ‘Lola’. Parameters measured included total yield, individual fresh fruit weight, soluble solids content (SSC), marketable yield, and nonmarketable yield. Individual fresh fruit weight increased for both hybrids in the three-fruit treatment, averaged over two growing seasons. ‘Cherokee Purple’ did not respond to the cluster pruning treatments. There was no decrease in total yield, across all cultivars, between treatments and the unpruned control. However, ‘Jet Star’ yielded more than the other two cultivars. In addition, SSC and marketability measurements were more influenced by cultivar than cluster pruning treatments. ‘Lola’ had a significantly greater SSC than the other two cultivars. ‘Jet Star’ had the greatest marketable yields of all cultivars tested whereas ‘Cherokee Purple’ produced greater nonmarketable (cull) yields. Cluster pruning produced larger organic tomatoes without reducing yield or quality for two of the three cultivars used in the study. Cultivar selection remains one of the greatest factors in determining yield, quality, and marketability of a crop.
Heritability of Plant Architecture in Diploid Roses (Rosa spp.)
Authors: Wu Xuan , Liang Shuyin , Byrne David H.
Published: March 2019

Plant architecture is a crucial trait in plant breeding because it is linked to crop yield. For ornamental crops such as roses, plant architecture is key for their aesthetic and economic value. In 2015, six rose plant architectural traits were evaluated on 2- to 3-year-old plants of F1 rose populations in May and December in College Station, TX, to estimate variability and heritability. The traits included plant height, the number of primary shoots, the length of primary shoots, the number of nodes on the primary shoot, the number of secondary shoots per primary shoot, and the number of tertiary shoots per primary shoot. Among these traits, plant height, the number of primary shoots, and the length of primary shoots showed a substantial amount of variability, whereas the number of secondary and tertiary shoots per primary shoot were skewed toward zero. Using a random effects model restricted maximum likelihood (REML) analysis, the architectural traits demonstrated low to moderate narrow-sense heritability (0.12–0.50) and low to high broad-sense heritability (0.34–0.92). Plant height and the number of primary shoots changed little after the first growth phase, whereas the other four traits were affected greatly by the genotype-by-environment (growth phase) interaction.
Immediate Irrigation Improves Turfgrass Safety to Postemergence Herbicides
Authors: Kerr Robert Andrew , McCarty Lambert B. , Brown Philip J. , Harris James , McElroy J. Scott
Published: March 2019

Summer annual grassy weeds such as goosegrass (Eleusine indica L. Gaertn.) continue to be problematic to control selectively with postemergence (POST) herbicides within turfgrass stands. In recent years, reduced performance by certain herbicides (e.g., foramsulfuron), cancellation of goosegrass-specific herbicides (e.g., diclofop-methyl), and cancellation and/or severe use reductions of other herbicides [e.g., monosodium methanearsonate (MSMA)] have limited the options for satisfactory control and maintenance of an acceptable (≤30% visual turfgrass injury) turfgrass quality. Currently available herbicides (e.g., topramezone and metribuzin) with goosegrass activity typically injure warm-season turfgrass species. The objectives of this research were to evaluate both ‘Tifway 419’ bermudagrass [Cynodon dactylon (L.) Pers. ×Cynodon transvaalensis Burtt-Davy] injury after treatment with POST herbicides, and to determine whether irrigating immediately after application reduces turfgrass injury. Treatments were control (± irrigation); topramezone (Pylex 2.8C; ± irrigation); carfentrazone + 2,4-D + dicamba + 2-(2-methyl-4-chlorophenoxy) propionic acid (MCPP) (Speedzone 2.2L; ± irrigation); carfentrazone + 2,4-D + dicamba + MCPP in combination with topramezone (± irrigation); metribuzin (Sencor 75DF; ± irrigation); mesotrione (Tenacity 4L; ± irrigation); simazine 4L (±irrigation); and mesotrione + simazine (± irrigation). Irrigated treatments were applied immediately with a hand hose precalibrated to apply 0.6 cm or 0.25 inch (≈6.3 L). Visual turfgrass injury for combined herbicide treatments for the irrigated plots was 6% 4 days after treatment (DAT), 12% 1 week after treatment (WAT), 17% 2 WAT, and 6% 4 WAT, whereas nonirrigated plots had turfgrass injury of 14% at 4 DAT, 31% 1 WAT, 35% 2 WAT, and 12% 4 WAT. Irrigated pots had normalized differences vegetative indices (NDVI) ratings of 0.769 at 4 DAT, 0.644 at 1 WAT, 0.612 at 2 WAT, and 0.621 at 4 WAT, whereas nonirrigated plots had the lowest (least green) turfgrass NDVI ratings of 0.734 at 4 DAT, 0.599 at 1 WAT, 0.528 at 2 WAT, and 0.596 at 4 WAT. These experiments suggest turfgrass injury could be alleviated by immediately incorporating herbicides through irrigation.
Modeling Container-grown Euphorbia pulcherrima Production System Components: Impacts on Carbon Footprint and Variable Costs Using a Life Cycle Assessment
Authors: Ingram Dewayne L. , Hall Charles R. , Knight Joshua
Published: March 2019

A model production system for a 15.2-cm poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima) in the north Atlantic region of the United States was developed through grower interviews and best management practices and analyzed using a life cycle assessment (LCA). The model system involved direct sticking of unrooted cuttings. The propagation phase was 4 weeks, followed by 9 weeks of irrigation using a boom system and 4 weeks of flood-floor irrigation. The carbon footprint, or global warming potential (GWP), for the plant was calculated as 0.474 kg carbon dioxide equivalent (kg CO2e), with a variable cost of $1.030. Major contributors to the GWP were the substrate and filling pots, fertilization, the container, irrigation, and overhead electricity. The major contributors to variable costs were the unrooted cuttings and labor to prepare and stick ($0.471). Furthermore, the substrate and filling containers and irrigation were notable contributors. Material inputs accounted for 0.304 kg CO2e, whereas equipment use was estimated to be 0.163 kg CO2e, which comprised 64.2% and 35.8% of total GWP, respectively. Material inputs accounted for $0.665 (64.6%) of variable costs, whereas labor accounted for 19.6% of variable costs for this model. Water use per plant was 77.2 L with boom irrigation for the 9 weeks during production spacing (32.8 plant/m2) and represented 64% of the total water use. LCA was an effective tool for analyzing the components of a model system of greenhouse-grown, flowering, potted plants. Information gained from this study can be used by growers considering system alterations to improve efficiency.
Supplemental But Not Photoperiodic Lighting Increased Seedling Quality and Reduced Production Time of Annual Bedding Plants
Authors: Hurt Allison , Lopez Roberto G. , Craver Joshua K.
Published: March 2019

In northern latitudes, the photosynthetic daily light integral can be less than 5 mol·m–2·d–1, necessitating the use of supplemental lighting (SL) to reduce bedding plant seedling production time and increase quality. Our objectives were 1) to quantify seedling quality and production time under continuous 16-h or instantaneous threshold SL, continuous low-intensity photoperiodic lighting (PL) for 16 or 24 hours with and without far-red light, or no electric lighting; and 2) to determine whether the described lighting treatments during propagation impact finished plant quality or flowering. Seeds of begonia (Begonia ×semperflorens) ‘Bada Bing Scarlet’, gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii) ‘Jaguar Deep Orange’, impatiens (Impatiens walleriana) ‘Accent Premium Salmon’, petunia (Petunia ×hybrida) ‘Ramblin Peach Glo’, and tuberous begonia (Begonia ×tuberosa) ‘Nonstop Rose Petticoat’ were sown in 128-cell trays and grown under either SL, PL, or no electric lighting (control). SL treatments consisted of high-intensity light-emitting diode (LED) or high-pressure sodium (HPS) lamps providing a photosynthetic photon flux density (PPFD) of either 70 µmol·m–2·s–1 on continuously for 16 h·d–1 or 90 µmol·m–2·s–1 based on an instantaneous threshold. PL treatments consisted of low-intensity red:white (R:W) or red:white:far-red (R:W:FR) lamps for 16 h·d–1 or R:W:FR lamps for 24 h·d–1. Seedlings of gerbera, impatiens, and petunia from each treatment were subsequently transplanted and finished in a common greenhouse environment. The highest quality seedlings were grown under SL compared with PL or control conditions. When comparing SL treatments, seedlings produced under HPS or LED SL using an instantaneous threshold were of equal or greater quality compared with those under continuous SL with a 16-h photoperiod. Although the greater leaf area and internode elongation under PL may give growers the perception that seedling production time is reduced, PL did not increase biomass accumulation and seedling quality. Petunia seedlings propagated under HPS lamps using an instantaneous threshold flowered 4 to 11 days earlier compared with the other SL treatments. In addition, petunia propagated under R:W:FR PL for 16 h·d–1 flowered 5 to 7 days earlier compared with LED SL and the other PL treatments.