bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A DIMENSÃO ECONÔMICA DOS DIREITOS HUMANOS E A TUTELA DE DIREITOS MÍNIMOS NO BRASIL EM TEMPOS DE CRISE: ESTADO DE COISAS INCONSTITUCIONAL?
Authors: Cardoso Machado Jaborandy CLARA , Paixão Silva Oliveira Liziane
Published: July 2018

Este artigo tem por objeto a dimensão econômica dos direitos humanos e a verificação da tutela dos direitos mínimos no Brasil em tempos de crise. A pesquisa buscou examinar se há no Brasil uma violação generalizada a direitos humanos mínimos, compreendendo um estado de coisas inconstitucional em relação a alguns direitos. Por meio do método dedutivo, o artigo problematizou a questão dos custos dos direitos e sua relação com a tutela de direitos mínimos que dependem de escolhas orçamentarias para concretização. Diante disso, foi apresentada, em primeiro lugar, a dimensão econômica dos direitos. No segundo momento demonstrou-se o problema da escassez e como essa questão deve ser enfrentada em face do mínimo existencial. Por fim, sustentou que a inefetividade de políticas públicas aptas a garantir direitos mínimos em tempos de crise acarreta no que a doutrina denomina de estado de coisas inconstitucional.
LIBERDADE DE EXPRESSÃO EM TEMPOS DE INTOLERÂNCIA
Authors: Cruz Álvaro Ricardo De Souza , Magalhães Clarissa Aguilar , Rezende Sophia Galbas
Published: July 2018

RESUMO: A liberdade de expressão é um direito fundamental presente na Constituição de 1988 e funciona como um princípio fundamental para a democracia. Corolária do direito fundamental à liberdade, possui uma grande extensão quanto ao seu significado, sendo elemento base para outros diversos direitos e garantias, como o direito à informação, a liberdade de imprensa. No entanto, a liberdade de expressão pode sofrer algumas limitações, torna-se importante discriminar de modo mais sistemático tal limitação. Não se busca no presente trabalho o esgotamento do tema, mas sim a demonstração de sua grandeza e amplitude por meio de uma seleta bibliografia sobre o tema, como pesquisas, obras acadêmicas de variados tipos desde livros à outros artigos científicos, notícias e reportagens e paralelos do direito brasileiro por meio do direito comparado com precedentes americanos, alemães e espanhóis. Assim percebe-se que a liberdade de expressão está amalgada a qualquer democracia e sem seus fundamentos, não é possível ter um Estado Democrático de Direito no mundo contemporâneo. Palavras chave: Liberdade de expressão, conceito, espécies, limites.
O ESTADO DE EXCEÇÃO E OS INVISÍVEIS SOCIAIS: UM ENCONTRO DE AGAMBEN E LÉVINAS
Authors: Cruz Álvaro Ricardo De Souza , Bernacci Mariana Camilo , Guimarães Ana Luiza Tibúrcio
Published: July 2018

RESUMO: O presente artigo faz relação entre o episódio Engenharia Reversa (Men against fire), da série televisiva Black Mirror, o conceito de estado de Exceção de Agamben e a ética em Lévinas. Black Mirror apresenta uma mistura entre realidade e futurismo e demonstra em seus episódios o pior lado do ser humano, o seu “espelho negro”. No episódio 5, da 3ª temporada, não é diferente. Por meio dele, somos levados a um ambiente de guerra, no qual os soldados, que possuem um aparato de guerra tecnologicamente avançados, tem um inimigo a ser exterminado em meio aos civis: as baratas. Com o desvelamento da narrativa, fazendo um paralelo com a ética de Emmanuel Lévinas, podemos observar que a perspectiva de totalização leva ao ideal de destruição do Outro, que não é o Mesmo de mim. As baratas precisam ser extirpadas da sociedade porque são diferentes dos demais. Diversas vezes em nossa história fomos inseridos na mesma lógica. Nesse ambiente, invoca-se o conceito de rosto, de Lévinas, para demonstrar como o encontro com o rosto do Outro e seu reconhecimento como alteridade é a única forma de invocar a responsabilidade do eu sobre as atrocidades que são cometidas tanto na obra fictícia, quanto no passado e presente da humanidade, em nome da uniformidade e totalização. PALAVRAS CHAVE: Black Mirror, ética, totalização, Outro, rosto, responsabilidade.
O POSICIONAMENTO ESTRATÉGICO DO TERCEIRO SETOR NA ATUALIDADE
Authors: Santos Júlio Edstron Secundino , Paes José Eduardo Sabo , Valle Maurício Dalri Timm do
Published: July 2018

Este artigo pretende demonstrar a relevância do Terceiro setor na atualidade brasileira, com a utilização da revisão bibliográfica, estudo de casos e análise de pesquisas quantitativas e qualitativas, sobre entidades sociais, tanto no cenário interno, quanto internacional. Assim, constatou-se que o Terceiro Setor é um fenômeno presente na atualidade, que surgiu dos constantes atritos entre o Estado e o mercado. Na atualidade brasileira as entidades sociais desenvolvem importantes serviços públicos essenciais nas áreas de saúde, educação e assistência social, contando com participação e reconhecimento da Administração Pública e dos particulares, tanto pessoas naturais, quanto jurídicas, que incentivam o Terceiro Setor com doações, tanto com uma legislação favorável a sua utilização, quanto com a aplicação de recursos financeiros, tal como demonstram pesquisas quantitativas nacionais e internacionais. Palavras chave: Terceiro Setor, Administração Pública, democracia
O CASO DO JULGAMENTO DOS MEMBROS DA F.O.M (AMIGOS DA HUMANIDADE)
Authors: GODOY Arnalldo Sampaio de Moraes
Published: July 2018

Trata-se de caso fantasioso, imaginário, com o objetivo de discutir em sala de aula de Direito as várias fórmulas de interpretação judicial que há.
Student engagement in the management of accelerated change
Authors: Gallinat Anselma
Published: July 2018

The prospect of the increase in tuition fees in England from 2012 pulled learning and teaching into the limelight as universities sought to safeguard student recruitment and league table positions in an envisioned new era of increased market competition. As each institution sought to market itself to potential students with a specific learning and teaching ‘offer’, local subject areas faced increasing demands for quality monitoring as well as a host of initiatives and changes to their existing provision. The acceleration of change brought to the fore structures and dynamics that are usually difficult to detect in the routines of everyday life. This article focuses on one U.K. university and explores how the government for accelerated change aimed to reshape learning and teaching practices in preparation for the new times, but in fact served to undermine the visions that had fuelled this change.
Unreasonable rage, disobedient dissent
Authors: Gagnon Jessica
Published: July 2018

This article explores the limits of student engagement in higher education in the United Kingdom through the social construction of student activists within media discourses. It scrutinises the impact of dominant neoliberal discourses on the notion of student engagement, constructing certain students as legitimately engaged whilst infantilising and criminalising those who participate in protest. Exploring media coverage of and commentary on students engaged in activism, from the 2010 protests against university fee increases and from more recent activism in 2016, the article draws upon Sara Ahmed’s (2014) Willful Subjects and Imogen Tyler’s (2013) Revolting Subjects to examine critically the ways in which some powerful discourses control and limit which activities, practices and voices can be recognised as legitimate forms of student engagement.
Tactics and strategies to survive ‘student engagement’, or joining the Soil Society and other stories
Authors: Close Jacqui
Published: July 2018

In the U.K., ‘student engagement’, and the related ‘student experience’, are increasingly measured, interpreted and then marketed to students as a basis on which to choose the ‘best’ place for their higher education. This article summarises and reflects on presentations from five panel members at a conference on their experience of university life after that choice had been made. The panel included non-traditional students who embodied some of the characteristics (such as age, social class and ethnicity) that have become performance indicators in relation to widening participation and engagement in higher education. This article captures how students themselves understand a concept that occupies such a prominent, if contested, position in contemporary higher education. This analysis invites one to take a closer look at the identity work necessary for students to thrive (and for some just to survive) at university against a backdrop that tends to homogenise both ‘experience’ and ‘student’.
Türkiye İçin Sığırlarda Embriyo Transferi Gerekli mi?
Authors: KARAŞAHİN Tahir
Published: July 2018

Embriyo transferi in vivo olarak donör hayvanın uterusundan elde edilen veya
laboratuvar şartlarında ovum pick up (OPU) yöntemiyle ya da mezbahadan toplanan
ovaryumlardan in vitro yöntemle elde edilen embriyoların taşıyıcı hayvanlara
nakledilmesi işlemidir. Sığırcılıkta ise; genetik kapasitesi ve verim düzeyleri
yüksek verici anne ve babadan elde edilen embriyoların taşıyıcı ineklere
nakledilmesi işlemidir. Embriyo transferi; yüksek kalitede damızlık sığır
ihtiyacını kısa sürede karşılayacak bir yöntem olmasının yanında infertilite
sorununun çözümünde alternatif bir seçenektir.
Dairy Products Consumption Attributes of Consumers: A Survey Study in Adana and Mersin Provinces
Authors: Güney Osman İnanç , Sangün Levent , Dikel Suat
Published: July 2018

This research aims to determine consumption attitudes
and preferences of dairy products and effect of main demographic factors of the
consumers living in Adana and Mersin provinces which were located in the
south-east part of Turkey. In this context, a face-to-face survey was conducted
with 518 people in Adana and Mersin provinces and 505 of these individuals were
determined as milk and dairy products consumers. Since the obtained data did
not show normal distribution (p <0.01), nonparametric tests were used to
analyse the data. The results of the research show that there is a consumption
concentration on some dairy products and 35-44 age group is the most dairy
products consumed group among all. Income levels also effects the consumption
and the supermarkets are the most preferred place for purchasing dairy
products.
In Trout Facilities Located In Keban Dam Lake (Elazig) the Used Medicaments, Vaccines and Their Activities That Investigation
Authors: YANEN Ruhan , CENGİZLER İbrahim , ALDIK Ruhay
Published: July 2018

In the study, investigation of
medicaments’ and vaccines’ that use for applied treatment method against common
diseases at 39 fish farm where made in production facilities about rainbow
trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) at Keban
dam lake, located on the border of Elazıg one of important fisheries area made
by taking necessary records retro perspective questioning made, the efficacy of
the vaccine’s and medicament’s was studied to reveal.

By using the answer that given TUKEY
and ANOVA test were made, link between the measures taken by disease factors
was evaluated statistically. According to these results, in the ANOVA test
between pathogens and pharmaceutical efficiency, significant differences were
found (p<0,01). When compared to year production capacity, a significant
difference was found between the years (p<0,01). According to results of
variance analysis made between pathogens and preventions, it is understood that
no significant difference (p>0,05). According to results of variance
analysis made between engineer number, pathogens and preventions, it is
understood that no significant difference (p>0,05). It is understood that no
significant difference between production capacity and workers (p>0,01). In
interviews with companies where vaccination, it is learned that vaccination is
more preferred, and the vaccines that applied cause pre-protection and detected
that this pre-protection reduce application of antibacterial medicines.
Aydın İlinde Yetiştirilen Siyah Alaca İneklerde Karşılaştırmalı Vücut Kondisyon Skoru İle NEFA Düzeyleri Arasındaki İlişkinin Araştırılması
Authors: ALIÇ URAL Deniz , ERDOĞAN Songül
Published: July 2018

Bu çalışma, Siyah Alaca ineklerde vücut kondisyon skoru ile NEFA düzeyleri arasındaki ilişkinin belirlenmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın hayvan materyalini, Aydın ili Bozdoğan ilçesinde mevcut süt sığırcılığı işletmelerinde yetiştirilen, Adnan Menderes Üniversitesi Veteriner Fakültesi Büyük Hayvan Kliniklerine gelen ve Aydın ili özel işletmelerine kayıtlı 4-6 yaş aralığında ve geçiş döneminde (doğum öncesi -3. haftadan, buzağılama sonrası +3. haftaya kadar olan süreçte) olan 21 baş Siyah Alaca gebe inek oluşturmuştur. Araştırmada Siyah Alacainekler VKS bakımından da 3 farklı gruba ayrılmıştır: 2kapsamında hayvanların vücut kondisyon skorlaması kuru dönemde (buzağılama öncesi -2 hafta; 15±2. günlerde) ve puerperal dönemde (postpartum +2. haftada; 15±3. Günlerde) gerçekleştirilmiştir. İneklerin vücut kondisyon skorunun (VKS) tespit edilmesinde 5’lik sistem kullanılmıştır. Yine aynı dönemlerde hayvanlarda negatif enerji dengesinin etkisini belirlemek amacıyla serum biyokimyasal analizler gerçekleştirilmiştir. Pre-partum dönemde yapılan ölçümlerde NEFA konsantrasyonu 0.48  0.089 mmol/L olarak, buzağılama sonrası 0 ile 15 günlük süreçte ise 1.01  0.189 mmol/L olarak tespit edilmiştir (P<0.01). VKS sınıflarına göre NEFA ortalamaları, buzağılama öncesi ve sonrası dönemlerde sırasıyla 0.52  0.104 mmol/L ile 0.35  0.149 mmol/L olarak tespit edilmiştir. Buzağılama sonrası dönemde ise vücut kondisyonu artan ineklerde NEFA değerlerinde bir artış olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Esterleşmemiş serbest yağ asidi konsantrasyonları üzerine VKS etkisi değerlendirildiğinde ise istatistik bakımdan önemli bir ilişkiye rastlanmamıştır (P>0.05). VKS ile NEFA arasındaki korelasyonlar Pearson Korelasyon Testi yardımıyla hesaplanmıştır. Yapılan hesaplamalar sonucunda VKS ile NEFA arasında düşük ve negatif yönlü bir korelasyon (-0.24) saptanmıştır (P>0.05). Sonuç olarak, farklı fizyolojik yapı sergileyen ineklerin mevcut metabolik profili değerlendirilerek enerji dengelerinin tespit edilmesi ve bu şekilde bazı metabolik ve üretim problemlerinin önüne geçilmesi mümkün olabilir.<3,>
STUDY ON POSTNATAL GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF CROP AND PROVENTRICULUS OF DIGESTIVE TRACT OF BROILER
Authors: Akter K. , Mussa M. T. , Sayeed M. A. , Hai M. A. , Uddin M. M.
Published: July 2018

The experiment was carried out to investigate postnatal growth and development of crop and proventriculus of digestive tract of broiler. Total 45 (“Cobb-500”) chickens of three age groups like day 1(D1), day14 (D14), day 28 (D28) were used each group containing fifteen chickens. All birds were slaughtered after respective days then crop and proventriculus were collected. Total length, diameter and weight were determined by “slide calipers” and electronic balance. Then the samples were processed and stained with H and E stain for histological study. The length (cm), diameter (cm) and weight (gm) of crop and proventriculus were increased gradually with the age where highest at 28 and lowest at day 1. Number of mucosal folds of crop was highest at 1 and lowest at day 28. The keratinized stratified squamous epithelium of crop was thickest at day 28. Submucosa contains thin loose connective tissue. Tunica muscularis contains thick inner circular and thinner outer longitudinal smooth muscle and externally covered by adventitia. The mucosa of the proventriculus has macroscopic papillae with numerous folds and lined by simple columnar epithelium. Submucosal glands are lined by simple cuboidal to low columnar epithelium. Lamina propria contains loose connective tissue and muscularis contains scattered bundles of smooth muscle. Tunica muscularis consists of smooth muscle and externally covered by serosa.
EFFICACY OF MEDIUM CHAIN FATTY ACIDS AND SACCHAROMYCES CEREVISIAE ON GROWTH PERFORMANCE OF BROILER
Authors: Islam M. S. , Rahman M. S. , Islam M. A. , Belal S. M. S. H.
Published: July 2018

The study was conducted to determine the effect of medium chain fatty acids and Saccharomyces cerevisiae on performance in broiler birds. A field trial was carried out on 200 broiler chicks ((Lohman) dividing them into four treatment groups each having 50 birds such as treatment group 1 (T1), treatment group 2 (T2), treatment group 3 (T3), and a control group (C). The treatment group 1 (T1) was supplied with a standard feed containing medium chain fatty acids (MCFA) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae type boulardii 2.0x1010 CFU/gm).Treatment group 2 (T2) was supplied with a standard feed rich in medium chain fatty acids (MCFA). Treatment group 3 (T3) was supplied with a standard feed having Saccharomyces cerevisiae (S. cerevisiae type boulardii 2.0x1010 CFU/gm. MCFA and S. cerevisiae lacked standard feed was given to the control group(C).  The inclusion rate of MCFA per kilogram of feed was 2 gm for 10 days, 1.5 gm for successive 10 days and 1gm for next 8 days, and of Saccharomyces cerevisiae was 0.2gm for 10 days, 0.15 gm for successive 10 days and 0.10 gm for next 8 days during the study period of 4 weeks. Weekly weight gain and, at the end of the study, body weight, feed consumption, FCR and mortality rate were recorded. Analysis of data revealed that the final average body weight and average weight gain of the birds belonging to the groups T1, T2 and T3 were higher (p< 0.01) than the control group. FCR was 1.36, 1.37, and 1.38 for the treatment group T1, T3 and T2 respectively which were better than (p<0.05) control group. There was no significant difference between the treatment group T2 and T3 but there was significant difference between the treatment group and control group (p<0.10) in terms of feed consumption. In case of livability, there was significant difference among bird groups T1, T2, T3 and control group (p<0.01). Data analyses regarding organ weight showed that the addition of MCFA and SC in the diet of treatment group one (T1) significantly increased (p<0.01) the weight of intestine with chymus, intestine without chymus, gizzard, head and neck by 41%, 17%, 5%, 8%  and 11% respectively compared with  control group. No significant differences were observed among the experimental groups for the weight of liver, spleen, and pancreas.
The Sole DNA Ligase in Entamoeba histolytica Is a High-Fidelity DNA Ligase Involved in DNA Damage Repair
Authors: Azuara-Liceaga Elisa , Betanzos Abigail , Cardona-Felix Cesar S. , Castañeda-Ortiz Elizabeth J. , Cárdenas Helios , Cárdenas-Guerra Rosa E. , Pastor-Palacios Guillermo , García-Rivera Guillermina , Hernández-Álvarez David , Trasviña-Arenas Carlos H. , Diaz-Quezada Corina , Orozco Esther , Brieba Luis G.
Published: July 2018

The protozoan parasite Entamoeba histolytica is exposed to reactive oxygen and nitric oxide species that have the potential to damage its genome. E. histolytica harbors enzymes involved in DNA repair pathways like Base and Nucleotide Excision Repair. The majority of DNA repairs pathways converge in their final step in which a DNA ligase seals the DNA nicks. In contrast to other eukaryotes, the genome of E. histolytica encodes only one DNA ligase (EhDNAligI), suggesting that this ligase is involved in both DNA replication and DNA repair. Therefore, the aim of this work was to characterize EhDNAligI, its ligation fidelity and its ability to ligate opposite DNA mismatches and oxidative DNA lesions, and to study its expression changes and localization during and after recovery from UV and H2O2 treatment. We found that EhDNAligI is a high-fidelity DNA ligase on canonical substrates and is able to discriminate erroneous base-pairing opposite DNA lesions. EhDNAligI expression decreases after DNA damage induced by UV and H2O2 treatments, but it was upregulated during recovery time. Upon oxidative DNA damage, EhDNAligI relocates into the nucleus where it co-localizes with EhPCNA and the 8-oxoG adduct. The appearance and disappearance of 8-oxoG during and after both treatments suggest that DNA damaged was efficiently repaired because the mainly NER and BER components are expressed in this parasite and some of them were modulated after DNA insults. All these data disclose the relevance of EhDNAligI as a specialized and unique ligase in E. histolytica that may be involved in DNA repair of the 8-oxoG lesions.
Subpixel-Based Precipitation Nowcasting with the Pyramid Lucas–Kanade Optical Flow Technique
Authors: Li Ling , He Zhengwei , Chen Sheng , Mai Xiongfa , Zhang Asi , Hu Baoqing , Li Zhi , Tong Xinhua
Published: July 2018

Short-term high-resolution quantitative precipitation forecasting (QPF) is very important for flash-flood warning, navigation safety, and other hydrological applications. This paper proposes a subpixel-based QPF algorithm using a pyramid Lucas–Kanade optical flow technique (SPLK) for short-time rainfall forecast. The SPLK tracks the storm on the subpixel level by using the optical flow technique and then extrapolates the precipitation using a linear method through redistribution and interpolation. The SPLK compares with object-based and pixel-based nowcasting algorithms using eight thunderstorm events to assess its performance. The results suggest that the SPLK can perform better nowcasting of precipitation than the object-based and pixel-based algorithms with higher adequacy in tracking and predicting severe storms in 0–2 h lead-time forecasting.
A New Reality: Human Evolution for a Sustainable Future. By Jonas Salk, MD, and Jonathan Salk, MD. City Point Press: Stratford, CT, USA, 2018; 256pp.; ISBN: 978-1-947951-04-4
Authors: Prescott Susan L. , Logan Alan C.
Published: July 2018

n/a
Novel Neural Control of Single-Phase Grid-Tied Multilevel Inverters for Better Harmonics Reduction
Authors: Fu Xingang , Li Shuhui , Hadi Abdullah , Challoo Rajab
Published: July 2018

A single-phase Cascaded H-Bridge (CHB) grid-tied multilevel inverter is introduced with a detailed discussion of the proposed novel neural controller for better efficiency and power quality in the integration of renewable sources. An LCL (inductor-capacitor-inductor) filter is used in the multilevel inverter system to achieve better harmonic attenuation. The proposed Neural Network (NN) controller performs the inner current control and tracks the references generated from the outer loop to satisfy the requirements of voltage or power control. Two multicarrier-based Pulse Width Modulation (PWM) techniques (phase-shifted modulation and level-shifted modulation) are adopted in the development of the simulation model to drive the multilevel inverter system for the evaluation of the neural control technique. Simulations are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and efficient outcomes of the proposed neural network controller for grid-tied multilevel inverters. The advantages of the proposed neural control include a faster response speed and fewer oscillations compared with the conventional Proportional Integral (PI) controller based vector control strategy. In particular, the neural network control technique provides better harmonics reduction ability.
High Throughput Screening of Elite Loblolly Pine Families for Chemical and Bioenergy Traits with Near Infrared Spectroscopy
Authors: Acquah Gifty E. , Via Brian K. , Gallagher Tom , Billor Nedret , Fasina Oladiran O. , Eckhardt Lori G.
Published: July 2018

Pinus taeda L. (loblolly pine) dominates 13.4 million ha of US southeastern forests and contributes over $30 billion to the economy of the region. The species will also form an important component of the renewable energy portfolio as the United States seeks national and energy security as well as environmental sustainability. This study employed NIR-based chemometric models as a high throughput screening tool to estimate the chemical traits and bioenergy potential of 351 standing loblolly pine trees representing 14 elite genetic families planted on two forest sites. The genotype of loblolly pine families affected the chemical, proximate and energy traits studied. With a range of 36.7% to 42.0%, the largest genetic variation (p-value < 0.0001) was detected in the cellulose content. Furthermore, although family by site interactions were significant for all traits, cellulose was the most stable across the two sites. Considering that cellulose content has strong correlations with other properties, selecting and breeding for cellulose could generate some gains.
Simulating Climate Change Impacts on Hybrid-Poplar and Black Locust Short Rotation Coppices
Authors: Seserman Diana-Maria , Pohle Ina , Veste Maik , Freese Dirk
Published: July 2018

In Brandenburg, north-eastern Germany, climate change is associated with increasing annual temperatures and decreasing summer precipitation. Appraising short rotation coppices (SRCs), given their long-time planning horizon demands for systematic assessments of woody biomass production under a considerable spectrum of climate change prospects. This paper investigates the prospective growth sensitivity of poplar and black locust SRCs, established in Brandenburg to a variety of weather conditions and long-term climate change, from 2015 to 2054, by a combined experimental and simulation study. The analysis employed (i) a biophysical, process-based model to simulate the daily tree growth and (ii) 100 realisations of the statistical regional climate model STAR 2K. In the last growing period, the simulations showed that the assumed climate change could lead to a decrease in the woody biomass of about 5 Mg ha−1 (18%) for poplar and a decrease of about 1.7 Mg ha−1 (11%) for black locust trees with respect to the median observed in the reference period. The findings corroborate the potential tree growth vulnerability to prospective climatic changes, particularly to changes in water availability and underline the importance of coping management strategies in SRCs for forthcoming risk assessments and adaptation scenarios.
Application of Trichoderma spp. Complex and Biofumigation to Control Damping-Off of Pinus radiata D. Don Caused by Fusarium circinatum Nirenberg and O’Donnell
Authors: Morales-Rodríguez Carmen , Bastianelli Giorgia , Aleandri MariaPia , Chilosi Gabriele , Vannini Andrea
Published: July 2018

The damping-off of Pinus radiata D.Don by Fusarium circinatum Nirenberg and O’Donnell represents a limiting factor in nursery production, while seed contamination with the pathogen is one of the main pathways of the pathogen movement between areas. Chemical and physical treatments have been applied with encouraging results and some limitations. In the present study, biocontrol of damping-off by F. circinatum is proposed with Trichoderma spp. complex showing complementary antagonism and biofumigation with commercial Brassica carinata A. Braun pellets with biocidal effect. Experiments were conducted in vitro and in vivo using batches of P. radiata seeds and two F. circinatum isolates. Results were highly positive, showing an excellent efficacy of a combination of Trichoderma spp. in a single preparation to reduce significantly the mortality of P. radiata seedlings in seeds bed experiment. Biofumigation with B. carinata pellets also showed efficacy in controlling the F. circinatum inoculum and reducing seed mortality in inoculated seed batches although showing some phytotoxic effect.
The Occurrence of 275 Rare Diseases and 47 Rare Disease Groups in Italy. Results from the National Registry of Rare Diseases
Authors: Taruscio Domenica , Vittozzi Luciano , Rocchetti Adele , Torreri Paola , Ferrari Luca
Published: July 2018

Knowledge of rare diseases (RD) is often scattered among many data collections and registries of patient cohorts. Therefore, assessing the burden of RD in the general population, developing appropriate policies and planning services for the care of RD patients is difficult. This study aimed at providing a systematic picture of RD occurrence in a population as big as 60 million. Data of diagnoses were certified and collected by a network of 247 specialized centres covering the whole Italian territory. Data received (about 200,000 records) were validated according to formal criteria and, where necessary, corrected by the data sources. Data of age at onset and sex distribution are given for about 400 diseases. Incidence and/or birth prevalence are given for 275 diseases and 47 disease groups, which, altogether, comprise a substantial part of the known rare diseases. Data quality, internal consistency, and external validity of the database have also been assessed and ways to limit the impact of some discrepancies were devised. The information provided by RNMR, cutting across such a wide range of RD, represents a unique coherent basis allowing the prioritization of relevant public health measures and research activities.
Gender Differences in Psychological Well-Being and Health Problems among European Health Professionals: Analysis of Psychological Basic Needs and Job Satisfaction
Authors: Gómez-Baya Diego , Lucia-Casademunt Ana M. , Salinas-Pérez José A.
Published: July 2018

Background: The aim was to examine the mediating role of basic psychological needs and job satisfaction in the relationship between the gender effect on health problems and psychological well-being for health professionals in Europe in 2015. Methods: Two multiple partial mediation analyses were conducted in order to test the partial mediation of both basic needs and job satisfaction, with gender as the independent variable and health problems or well-being, respectively, as the dependent variables, with a sample of health professionals. Results: Women reported lower psychological well-being and more health problems than men. The total effect of gender on both well-being and health problems was found to be significant. Regarding multiple mediation analyses: (a) the effect of gender on well-being was fully mediated by global basic need satisfaction and job satisfaction, such that gender did not present a significant direct effect and (b) the effect of gender on health problems was partially mediated by global basic need satisfaction and job satisfaction, such that the direct effect remained significant. Conclusions: The fulfillment of basic needs for autonomy, competence, and relatedness, as postulated within self-determination theory, was hypothesized to play a mediating role in the relationship between gender and well-being. Since significant gender differences in basic need satisfaction were observed, such a mediator should be controlled in order to achieve a significant relationship between gender and well-being when basic needs comes into play. The current study adds to the research emphasizing the need for satisfaction as a promising mechanism underlying for female health professionals’ well-being.
Risk Assessment and Mapping of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease at the County Level in Mainland China Using Spatiotemporal Zero-Inflated Bayesian Hierarchical Models
Authors: Song Chao , He Yaqian , Bo Yanchen , Wang Jinfeng , Ren Zhoupeng , Yang Huibin
Published: July 2018

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is a worldwide infectious disease, prominent in China. China’s HFMD data are sparse with a large number of observed zeros across locations and over time. However, no previous studies have considered such a zero-inflated problem on HFMD’s spatiotemporal risk analysis and mapping, not to mention for the entire Mainland China at county level. Monthly county-level HFMD cases data combined with related climate and socioeconomic variables were collected. We developed four models, including spatiotemporal Poisson, negative binomial, zero-inflated Poisson (ZIP), and zero-inflated negative binomial (ZINB) models under the Bayesian hierarchical modeling framework to explore disease spatiotemporal patterns. The results showed that the spatiotemporal ZINB model performed best. Both climate and socioeconomic variables were identified as significant risk factors for increasing HFMD incidence. The relative risk (RR) of HFMD at the local scale showed nonlinear temporal trends and was considerably spatially clustered in Mainland China. The first complete county-level spatiotemporal relative risk maps of HFMD were generated by this study. The new findings provide great potential for national county-level HFMD prevention and control, and the improved spatiotemporal zero-inflated model offers new insights for epidemic data with the zero-inflated problem in environmental epidemiology and public health.
Associations between Participation in a Ranger Program and Health and Wellbeing Outcomes among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People in Central Australia: A Proof of Concept Study
Authors: Jones Roxanne , Thurber Katherine A. , Wright Alyson , Chapman Jan , Donohoe Peter , Davis Vanessa , Lovett Raymond
Published: July 2018

Culture can be viewed as an integral part of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander health and wellbeing. This study explores the association between caring for country, through participation in a Ranger program, and wellbeing. We analyzed cross-sectional data collected in Central Australia in 2017, comparing health and wellbeing (life satisfaction, general health, psychological wellbeing and family wellbeing) among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples employed as Rangers (n = 43) versus not employed as Rangers (n = 160). We tested if any differences in outcomes were explained by differences in key demographic or health factors. Ranger participation was significantly associated with very high life satisfaction (PR = 1.69, 95% CI: 1.29, 2.20) and high family wellbeing (PR = 1.47, 95% CI: 1.13, 1.90); associations remained significant after individual adjustment for education, income, employment, health risk factors and health conditions. The magnitude and direction of associations were similar for very good general health, but results were not significant. We did not identify an association between Ranger participation and psychological wellbeing. While based on a small sample, these findings support the assertion that participation in the Ranger program is associated with positive health and wellbeing outcomes. This supports the continuation of cultural participation and practice through the Ranger program and has implications for funding, program and policy development.
Ag-Coated Cellulose Fibers as Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering Substrates for Adsorptive Detection of Malachite Green
Authors: Lu Yudong , Wu Changji , Wu Yang , You Ruiyun , Lin Gang , Chen Youqiang , Feng Shangyuan
Published: July 2018

Surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is a sensitive technique for the detection of low concentration analytes. In this study, we used cellulose fibers (CF) as the templates for the loading of silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs), and the obtained CF-Ag was applied in the detection of R6G and Malachite Green (MG) by surface-enhanced Raman scattering. The adsorption technique was employed in the sample preparation, and the optimal detecting status was identified in the dynamic range (sample status ranging from wet to dry) for different concentration of analytes. In comparison to Ag NPs, CF-Ag showed enhanced performance for adsorptive detection of Malachite Green, and the limit of detection was 5 × 10−12 M.
Strong Dependence of Surface Enhanced Raman Scattering on Structure of Graphene Oxide Film
Authors: Wang Ling , Zhang Yan , Yang Yongqiang , Zhang Jing
Published: July 2018

Graphene and its derivatives have been demonstrated to be good surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) substrates. However, the literature offers some contrasting views on the SERS effect of graphene-based materials. Thus, understanding the mechanism of the SERS enhancement of graphene is essential for exploring its application as a SERS substrate. In this study, graphene oxide (GO) and chemically reduced graphene oxide (CRGO) films with different morphologies and structures were prepared and applied as SERS substrates to detect Raman dye molecules. The observed enhancement factors can be as large as 10~103. The mechanism of SERS enhancement is discussed. It is shown that the SERS effect was independent of the adsorption of dye molecules and the surface morphologies of graphene-based films. Raman shifts are observed and are almost the same on different graphene-based films, indicating the existence of charge transfer between dye molecules and substrates. The Raman enhancement factors and sensitivities of dye molecules on different films are consistently within the IG/ID ratios of graphene-based substrates, indicating that the dramatically enhanced Raman spectra on graphene-based films are strongly dependent on the average size of sp2 carbon domain.
Carbonate Apatite Containing Statin Enhances Bone Formation in Healing Incisal Extraction Sockets in Rats
Authors: Rakhmatia Yunia Dwi , Ayukawa Yasunori , Furuhashi Akihiro , Koyano Kiyoshi
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the feasibility of using apatite blocks fabricated by a dissolution–precipitation reaction of preset gypsum, with or without statin, to enhance bone formation during socket healing after tooth extraction. Preset gypsum blocks were immersed in a Na3PO4 aqueous solution to make hydroxyapatite (HA) low crystalline and HA containing statin (HAFS), or in a mixed solution of Na2HPO4 and NaHCO3 to make carbonate apatite (CO) and CO containing statin (COFS). The right mandibular incisors of four-week-old male Wistar rats were extracted and the sockets were filled with one of the bone substitutes or left untreated as a control (C). The animals were sacrificed at two and four weeks. Areas in the healing socket were evaluated by micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and histological analyses. The bone volume, trabecular thickness, and trabecular separation were greatest in the COFS group, followed by the CO, HAFS, HA, and C groups. The bone mineral density of the COFS group was greater than that of the other groups when evaluated in the vertical plane. The results of this study suggest that COFS not only allowed, but also promoted, bone healing in the socket. This finding could be applicable for alveolar bone preservation after tooth extraction.
Effects of Process Parameters on Material Removal in Vibration-Assisted Polishing of Micro-Optic Mold
Authors: Guo Jiang , Suzuki Hirofumi
Published: July 2018

Process parameter conditions such as vibrating motion, abrasives, pressure and tool wear play an important role in vibration-assisted polishing of micro-optic molds as they strongly affect material removal efficiency and stability. This paper presents an analytical and experimental investigation on the effects of process parameters, aimed at clarifying interrelations between material removal and process parameters which affect polishing quantitatively. The material removal rate (MRR) and surface roughness which represent the polishing characteristics were examined under different vibrating motions, grain sizes of abrasives and polishing pressure. The effects of pressure and tool wear conditions on tool influence function were analyzed. The results showed that 2D vibrating motion generated better surface roughness with higher material removal efficiency while a smaller grain size of abrasives created better surface roughness but lower material removal efficiency. MRR gradually decreases with the increase of polishing pressure when it exceeds 345 kPa, and it was greatly affected by the wear of polisher when wear diameter on the polisher’s head exceeds 300 μm.
SunGold Kiwifruit Supplementation of Individuals with Prediabetes Alters Gut Microbiota and Improves Vitamin C Status, Anthropometric and Clinical Markers
Authors: Wilson Renée , Willis Jinny , Gearry Richard B. , Hughes Alan , Lawley Blair , Skidmore Paula , Frampton Chris , Fleming Elizabeth , Anderson Angie , Jones Lizzie , Tannock Gerald W. , Carr Anitra C.
Published: July 2018

Kiwifruit are a nutrient dense food and an excellent source of vitamin C. Supplementation of the diet with kiwifruit enhances plasma vitamin C status and epidemiological studies have shown an association between vitamin C status and reduced insulin resistance and improved blood glucose control. In vitro experiments suggest that eating kiwifruit might induce changes to microbiota composition and function; however, human studies to confirm these findings are lacking. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of consuming two SunGold kiwifruit per day over 12 weeks on vitamin C status, clinical and anthropometric measures and faecal microbiota composition in people with prediabetes. This pilot intervention trial compared baseline measurements with those following the intervention. Participants completed a physical activity questionnaire and a three-day estimated food diary at baseline and on completion of the trial. Venous blood samples were collected at each study visit (baseline, 6, 12 weeks) for determination of glycaemic indices, plasma vitamin C concentrations, hormones, lipid profiles and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein. Participants provided a faecal sample at each study visit. DNA was extracted from the faecal samples and a region of the 16S ribosomal RNA gene was amplified and sequenced to determine faecal microbiota composition. When week 12 measures were compared to baseline, results showed a significant increase in plasma vitamin C (14 µmol/L, p < 0.001). There was a significant reduction in both diastolic (4 mmHg, p = 0.029) and systolic (6 mmHg, p = 0.003) blood pressure and a significant reduction in waist circumference (3.1 cm, p = 0.001) and waist-to-hip ratio (0.01, p = 0.032). Results also showed a decrease in HbA1c (1 mmol/mol, p = 0.005) and an increase in fasting glucose (0.1 mmol/L, p = 0.046), however, these changes were small and were not clinically significant. Analysis of faecal microbiota composition showed an increase in the relative abundance of as yet uncultivated and therefore uncharacterised members of the bacterial family Coriobacteriaceae. Novel bacteriological investigations of Coriobacteriaceae are required to explain their functional relationship to kiwifruit polysaccharides and polyphenols.
Gold Nanoparticles for Targeting Varlitinib to Human Pancreatic Cancer Cells
Authors: Coelho Sílvia Castro , Reis Daniel Pires , Pereira Maria Carmo , Coelho Manuel A. N.
Published: July 2018

Colloidal gold nanoparticles are targeting probes to improve varlitinib delivery into cancer cells. The nanoconjugates were designed by the bioconjugation of pegylated gold nanoparticles with varlitinib via carbodiimide-mediated cross-linking and characterized by infrared and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. The drug release response shows an initial delay and a complete drug release after 72 h is detected. In vitro experiments with MIA PaCa-2 cells corroborate that PEGAuNPsVarl conjugates increase the varlitinib toxic effect at very low concentrations (IC50 = 80 nM) if compared with varlitinib alone (IC50 = 259 nM). Our results acknowledge a decrease of drug side effects in normal cells and an enhancement of drug efficacy against to the pancreatic cancer cells reported.
Globalization and Orthodox Christianity: A Glocal Perspective
Authors: Guglielmi Marco
Published: July 2018

This article analyses the topic of Globalization and Orthodox Christianity. Starting with Victor Roudometof’s work (2014b) dedicated to this subject, the author’s views are compared with some of the main research of social scientists on the subject of sociological theory and Eastern Orthodoxy. The article essentially has a twofold aim. Our intention will be to explore this new area of research and to examine its value in the study of this religion and, secondly, to further investigate the theory of religious glocalization and to advocate the fertility of Roudometof’s model of four glocalizations in current social scientific debate on Orthodox Christianity.
Satellite and Ground Remote Sensing Techniques to Trace the Hidden Growth of a Lava Flow Field: The 2014–2015 Effusive Eruption at Fogo Volcano (Cape Verde)
Authors: Calvari Sonia , Ganci Gaetana , Victória Sónia , Hernandez Pedro , Perez Nemesio , Barrancos José , Alfama Vera , Dionis Samara , Cabral Jeremias , Cardoso Nadir , Fernandes Paulo , Melian Gladys , Pereira José , Semedo Hélio , Padilla Germán , Rodriguez Fátima
Published: July 2018

Fogo volcano erupted in 2014–2015 producing an extensive lava flow field in the summit caldera that destroyed two villages, Portela and Bangaeira. The eruption started with powerful explosive activity, lava fountains, and a substantial ash column accompanying the opening of an eruptive fissure. Lava flows spreading from the base of the eruptive fissure produced three arterial lava flows. By a week after the start of the eruption, a master lava tube had already developed within the eruptive fissure and along the arterial flow. In this paper, we analyze the emplacement processes based on observations carried out directly on the lava flow field, remote sensing measurements carried out with a thermal camera, SO2 fluxes, and satellite images, to unravel the key factors leading to the development of lava tubes. These were responsible for the rapid expansion of lava for the ~7.9 km length of the flow field, as well as the destruction of the Portela and Bangaeira villages. The key factors leading to the development of tubes were the low topography and the steady magma supply rate along the arterial lava flow. Comparing time-averaged discharge rates (TADR) obtained from satellite and Supply Rate (SR) derived from SO2 flux data, we estimate the amount and timing of the lava flow field endogenous growth, with the aim of developing a tool that could be used for hazard assessment and risk mitigation at this and other volcanoes.
Comprehensive Study of Reclaimed Soil, Plant, and Water Chemistry Relationships in Highly S-Contaminated Post Sulfur Mine Site Jeziórko (Southern Poland)
Authors: Pietrzykowski Marcin , Likus-Cieślik Justyna
Published: July 2018

The aim of the work was a comprehensive study of the soils (pH, EC, SOC, NT, ST), surface waters (pH, EC, Ca2+ Mg2+, Na+, NO3−, SO42−, Cl−, HCO3−), and reactions of trees and herbaceous plants in the restored forest ecosystem of a former sulfur mine. Common birch and Scots pine growth reaction, vitality (according to IUFRO standards- International Union of Forest Research Organizations), nutrient supply (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg, K), and Calamagrostis epigejos (L.) Roth chemical composition (Na, K, P, Ca, Mg, K) were assayed. The chemistry dynamics (pH, EC, DOC, NT, Ca, Mg, and S at the beginning and end of the experiment) of soil leaching and the sulfur load leached from the sulfur-contaminated soil substrates were evaluated. The remediation effects of birch and pine litter were assayed in an experiment under controlled conditions. It was found that reclamation was effective in the majority of the post-mining site; however, hotspots with sulfur contamination reaching even 45,000 mg kg−1, pH < 2.0 and electrical conductivity (EC) of 6500 µS cm−1 were reported. Surface waters typically displayed elevated concentrations of sulfate ions (average 935.13 mg L−1), calcium ions (up to 434 mg L−1), and high EC (average 1797 µS cm−1), which was related both to sulfur contamination and the sludge lime that was used in neutralization. Calamagrostis epigejos was found to be a species that adapted well to the conditions of elevated soil salinity and sulfur concentration. It was observed that the application of organic matter had a significant beneficial impact on the chemistry of soil solutions, but did not show a remediation effect by increased sulfur leaching in a short-term study.