bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Buckling And Postbuckling Of An Imperfect Plate Subjected To The Shear Load
Authors: Psotný Martin
Published: January 2016

The stability analysis of an imperfect plate subjected to the shear load is presented. To solve this problem, a specialized computer program based on FEM has been created. The nonlinear finite element method equations are derived from the variational principle of minimum of total potential energy. To obtain the nonlinear equilibrium paths, the Newton-Raphson iteration algorithm is used. Corresponding levels of the total potential energy are defined. Special attention is paid to the influence of imperfections on the post-critical buckling mode. Obtained results are compared with those gained using ANSYS system.
Deutsche Wissenschaftler als Erfinder von „Agent Orange“?
Authors: Lindemann Mechthild
Published: January 2016

Vorspann

Im Vietnamkrieg entlaubten die Amerikaner riesige Dschungelgebiete, sie wollten damit dem Vietcong Tarnungs- und Rückzugsräume nehmen. Das verwendete Herbizid „Agent Orange“ erwies sich indes als hoch toxisch. Nicht nur unzählige Vietnamesen, auch US-Soldaten erlitten dadurch schwere gesundheitliche Schäden, die sie zu juristischen Klagen auf Entschädigung veranlassten. In diesem Zusammenhang wirft eine Anfrage des Pentagon an das Auswärtige Amt aus dem Jahr 1983 Fragen auf: Haben deutsche Wissenschaftler, gar solche mit NS-Vergangenheit, das Gift entwickelt? Und wusste die US-Regierung vorab um die Wirkung von „Agent Orange“? Mechthild Lindemann hat sich auf eine akribische Spurensuche gemacht.
Alexander, “Whose Courage Was Great”: Cult, Power, and Commemoration in Classical and Hellenistic Thessaly
Authors: Boehm R. A.
Published: January 2016

An epitaph dating to ca. 217 BCE for Antigenes, a fallen soldier from Demetrias, refers to the tomb of Alexander, “whose courage was great.” This article first provides a reading of the epigram as a document that reflects a compressed civic and cultic map of a recent Hellenistic city foundation and grounds Antigenes’ heroic death in the wider ritual landscape of his patris. It then argues for the identification of one point of reference, the tomb of Alexander, with the infamous tyrant of Thessaly, Alexander of Pherai, and for the continued presence of a heroic cult of Alexander in the “new” polis of Demetrias. The commemorative dynamic at work in the epitaph provides insight into contemporary views of fourth-century tyranny, calling the traditional portrait of Alexander into question, and helps to reconstruct the Hellenistic reception of the recent past among civic bodies and individuals operating under dramatically changed political circumstances.
Factors predicting pasireotide responsiveness in somatotroph pituitary adenomas resistant to first-generation somatostatin analogues: an immunohistochemical study
Authors: Iacovazzo Donato , Carlsen Eivind , Lugli Francesca , Chiloiro Sabrina , Piacentini Serena , Bianchi Antonio , Giampietro Antonella , Mormando Marilda , Clear Andrew J , Doglietto Francesco , Anile Carmelo , Maira Giulio , Lauriola Libero , Rindi Guido , Roncaroli Federico , Pontecorvi Alfredo , Korbonits Márta , De Marinis Laura
Published: January 2016

Aim

To gather data regarding factors predicting responsiveness to pasireotide in acromegaly.

Patients and methods

SSTR2a, SSTR3, SSTR5, AIP, Ki-67 and the adenoma subtype were evaluated in somatotroph adenomas from 39 patients treated post-operatively with somatostatin analogues (SSAs). A standardized SSTR scoring system was applied (scores 0–3). All patients received first-generation SSAs, and 11 resistant patients were subsequently treated with pasireotide LAR.

Results

None of the patients with negative or cytoplasmic-only SSTR2a expression (scores 0–1) were responsive to first-generation SSAs, as opposed to 20% (score 2) and 50% of patients with a score of 3 (P=0.04). None of the patients with an SSTR5 score of 0–1 were responsive to pasireotide, as opposed to 5/7 cases with a score of 2 or 3 (P=0.02). SSTR3 expression did not influence first-generation SSAs or pasireotide responsiveness. Tumours with low AIP were resistant to first-generation SSAs (100 vs 60%; P=0.02), while they had similar responsiveness to pasireotide compared to tumours with conserved AIP expression (50 vs 40%; P=0.74). Tumours with low AIP displayed reduced SSTR2 (SSTR2a scores 0–1 44.4 vs 6.7%; P=0.006) while no difference was seen in SSTR5 (SSTR5 scores 0–1 33.3 vs 23.3%; P=0.55). Sparsely granulated adenomas responded better to pasireotide compared to densely granulated ones (80 vs 16.7%; P=0.04).

Conclusion

The expression of SSTR5 might predict responsiveness to pasireotide in acromegaly. AIP deficient and sparsely granulated adenomas may benefit from pasireotide treatment. These results need to be confirmed in larger series of pasireotide-treated patients.
Maternal hypothyroxinaemia in pregnancy is associated with obesity and adverse maternal metabolic parameters
Authors: Knight Bridget A , Shields Beverley M , Hattersley Andrew T , Vaidya Bijay
Published: January 2016

Objective

Subclinical hypothyroidism and isolated hypothyroxinaemia in pregnancy have been associated with an increased risk of gestational diabetes. We aimed to ascertain if these women have a worse metabolic phenotype than euthyroid pregnant women.

Design, subjects and methods

We recruited 956 healthy Caucasian women with singleton, non-diabetic pregnancies from routine antenatal clinics. Detailed anthropometric measurements (including BMI and skinfold thickness) and fasting blood samples (for TSH, free thyroxine (FT4), free triiodothyronine (FT3), HbA1c, lipid profile, plasma glucose and insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) analysis) were obtained at 28 weeks gestation.

Results

In comparison to euthyroid women (n=741), women with isolated hypothyroxinaemia (n=82) had significantly increased BMI (29.5 vs 27.5 kg/m2, P<0.001), sum of skinfolds (57.5 vs 51.3 mm, P=0.002), fasting plasma glucose (4.5 vs 4.3 mmol/l, P=0.01), triglycerides (2.3 vs 2.0 mmol/l, P<0.001) and HOMA-IR (2.0 vs 1.3, P=0.001). Metabolic parameters in women with subclinical hypothyroidism (n=133) were similar to those in euthyroid women. Maternal FT4 was negatively associated with BMI (r=−0.22), HbA1c (r=−0.14), triglycerides (r=−0.17), HOMA-IR (r=−0.15) but not total/HDL cholesterol ratio (r=−0.03). Maternal FT3:FT4 ratio was positively associated with BMI (r=0.4), HbA1c (r=0.21), triglycerides (r=0.2), HOMA–IR (r=0.33) and total/HDL cholesterol ratio (r=0.07). TSH was not associated with the metabolic parameters assessed.

Conclusions

Isolated hypothyroxinaemia, but not subclinical hypothyroidism, is associated with adverse metabolic phenotype in pregnancy, as is decreasing maternal FT4 and increasing FT3:FT4 ratio. These associations may be a reflection of changes in the thyroid hormone levels secondary to increase in BMI rather than changes in thyroid hormone levels affecting body weight and related metabolic parameters.
Morphometric changes correlate with poor psychological outcomes in patients with acromegaly
Authors: Imran Syed Ali , Tiemensma Jitske , Kaiser Stephanie M , Vallis Michael , Doucette Steve , Abidi Ebad , Yip Churn-Ern , De Tugwell Barna , Siddiqi Ferhan , Clarke David B
Published: January 2016

Objective:Acromegaly is frequently associated with altered facial appearance at the time of diagnosis. Furthermore, acromegaly is also associated with adverse psychological outcomes. We conducted a single-centre, cross-sectional study comparing patients with growth hormone vs non-functioning pituitary adenomas (NFA) to assess the association between morphometric changes and psychological outcomes and illness perception of patients with acromegaly.Methods:A seven-step scale was developed to grade morphometric changes based on facial photographs. In addition, all patients were asked to draw an image of their own body and an image of what they considered to be an average healthy body and complete seven psychological questionnaires. We recruited 55 consecutive patients in each of the two groups who had undergone surgery with or without radiation therapy (RT).Results:Our data showed that the clinician-rated morphometric scale was highly reliable in assessing facial changes, with 93/99 (Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC)=0.95 (0.93–0.97)) graded as similar by independent raters. The mean (s.d.) grading for Acro and NFA patients on the clinician-rated morphometric scale were 3.5 (1.3) and 0.41 (0.35) respectively (P<0.0001). A higher clinician-rated morphometric score was also predictive of a poorer score on the drawing test.Conclusions:Our study demonstrates a correlation between physical changes associated with acromegaly and poor psychological outcomes, whereas no such correlation existed with modes of therapy, disease control status, RT, malignancy, initial or recent GH/IGF1 or secondary hormonal deficiency. Our data support the utility of the morphometric scale as a clinical tool for grading facial changes.
Exercise improves quality of life in androgen deprivation therapy-treated prostate cancer: systematic review of randomised controlled trials
Authors: Teleni Laisa , Chan Raymond J , Chan Alexandre , Isenring Elisabeth A , Vela Ian , Inder Warrick J , McCarthy Alexandra L
Published: January 2016

Men receiving androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) for prostate cancer (PCa) are likely to develop metabolic conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, abdominal obesity and osteoporosis. Other treatment-related side effects adversely influence quality of life (QoL) including vasomotor distress, depression, anxiety, mood swings, poor sleep quality and compromised sexual function. The objective of this study was to systematically review the nature and effects of dietary and exercise interventions on QoL, androgen deprivation symptoms and metabolic risk factors in men with PCa undergoing ADT. An electronic search of CINAHL, CENTRAL, Medline, PsychINFO and reference lists was performed to identify peer-reviewed articles published between January 2004 and December 2014 in English. Eligible study designs included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with pre- and post-intervention data. Data extraction and assessment of methodological quality with the Cochrane approach was conducted by two independent reviewers. Seven exercise studies were identified. Exercise significantly improved QoL, but showed no effect on metabolic risk factors (weight, waist circumference, lean or fat mass, blood pressure and lipid profile). Two dietary studies were identified, both of which tested soy supplements. Soy supplementation did not improve any outcomes. No dietary counselling studies were identified. No studies evaluated androgen-deficiency symptoms (libido, erectile function, sleep quality, mood swings, depression, anxiety and bone mineral density). Evidence from RCTs indicates that exercise enhances health- and disease-specific QoL in men with PCa undergoing ADT. Further studies are required to evaluate the effect of exercise and dietary interventions on QoL, androgen deprivation symptoms and metabolic risk factors in this cohort.
Sigara içmeyle ilişkili nadir bir olgu: Siyah dil gelişimi
Authors: Kargın Nisa Çetin , Marakoğlu Kamile
Published: January 2016

Siyah kıllı dil, dilin dorsal yüzünde filiform papilla hipertrofisi ve aşırı keratin birikimiyle karakterize benign bir durum olup, dilin üzerinde saça benzer bir görünüm oluşturabilmektedir. Etiyopatogenezi net olmamakla birlikte sigara, kötü oral hijyen, alkol kullanımı, virüsler, radyasyon ve bazı ilaçlar etiyolojide suçlanmıştır. Bu makalede, aşırı sigara içimine bağlı antiasit kullanımının tetiklediği düşünülen siyah kıllı dil olgusu sunulmuştur. Hastaya tedavide sigarayı bırakması, oral klorheksidin içeren gargara kullanması, dilini fırçalayarak temizlemesi önerilmiştir.
Sigarayı bırakmanın solunum işlevleri üzerine etkisi
Authors: Kargın Nisa Çetin , Marakoğlu Kamile
Published: January 2016

Amaç: Bu çalışmada, sigarayı bırakmanın solunum işlevleri üzerine etkisinin değerlendirilmesi amaçlandı.Yöntem: Selçuk Üniversitesi Aile Hekimliği Anabilim Dalı Sigara Bıraktırma Polikliniği’ne 11 Mart 2010- 1 Mayıs 2015 tarihleri arasında başvuran kişilerden, bırakma sonrası 3 ay boyunca hiç sigara içmeyen 104 kişi çalışmaya alındı. Hastaların yaş, cinsiyet, medeni durum, meslek, CO değerleri, Fagerström Bağımlılık Puanları, Beck Depresyon Ölçeği Puanları, 1. ve 3. ay solunum fonksiyon testine ilişkin bilgileri kaydedildi. SPSS 16.0 programı ile yapılan istatistiksel değerlendirmelerde kikare testi, McNemar testi, bağımlı gruplarda t testi ve Pearson korelasyon analizi kullanıldı.Bulgular: Yaş ortalaması 43,5±10,9 (en küçük 20, en büyük 64 yaş) olan hastaların %85,6’sı (s=89) erkek idi. Hastaların üçüncü ay FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF ve FEF25-75 değeri ortalamaları (sırasıyla 92,7±17,6; 81,5±7,6; 87,6±22,4 ve 81,7±26,7), başvuru anındaki FEV1, FEV1/FVC, PEF ve FEF25-75 değeri ortalamalarından (sırasıyla 89,8±18,4; 79,7±8,6; 74,7±23,2 ve 77,5±27,1) istatistiksel olarak anlamlı ölçüde daha yüksek bulundu (sırasıyla p=0,002; p=0,018; p0,05). Hastaların CO ölçüm değerleri ile BDÖ puanları arasında pozitif yönde orta düzeyde güçlü ilişki vardı (r=0,376 ve p=0,005).Sonuç: Bu çalışmada sigara bıraktırma polikliniğimizde, sigara bırakma sonrasında 3. ay solunum fonksiyon testlerinde olumlu düzelme tespit ettik. Bu düzelme sigarayı bırakan hastalarımızın sigarasızlık durumunu sürdürmelerini desteklemekte ve motive etmektedir.
Nazogastrik sonda malpozisyonu: Olgu sunumu
Authors: Özdemir Serdar , Öztürk Tuba Cimilli , Öcal Oktay , Metiner Yasin , Onur Özge Ecmel
Published: January 2016

Enteral beslenme ağız yoluyla beslenemeyenlerde alternatif bir yoldur. Bu yol ile beslenen hastalarda enteral beslenme tüplerinin komplikasyonları unutulmamalıdır. Potansiyel komplikasyonlar arasında yerleştirme hataları mortal sonuçlara yol açması açısından önemli bir yere sahiptir. Tüp yerinin uygunluğu beslenmeye başlanmadan önce doğrulanmalıdır. Bu amaçla oskültasyon dışında kapnografi veya mide aspiratının pH değerlendirilmesi gibi çeşitli yöntemler kullanılabilir. Ancak enteral tüp yerinin kontrolünde altın standart radyolojik görüntülemedir. Evde bakım hizmetleri sırasında nazogastrik sonda değiştirilmesi etkin bir kontrol yapılarak gerçekleştirilmelidir. Olgumuzda olduğu gibi, beslenme tüplerinin yanlış yerleştirilmesi ölümcül sonuçlar doğurabilmektedir. 84 yaşında erkek hastada nazogastrik sonda ile beslenme sonrası nefes darlığı yakınması gelişmiş; öyküde, başvurudan bir gün önce nazogastrik sondanın değiştirildiği öğrenilmiştir. Fizik muayene ve laboratuvar sonuçları nedeni ile klinik olarak pnömoni düşünülen hastaya çekilen akciğer grafisinde sağ akciğerde yaygın pnömonik infiltrasyon ile birlikte nazogastrik sondanın sağ akciğerde olduğu izlenmiştir. Hasta yapılan tedavilere yanıt vermeyerek aspirasyon pnömonisine bağlı septik şok nedeni ile kaybedilmiştir.
LEI DE ACESSO À INFORMAÇÃO: UMA ANÁLISE DOS PORTAIS E SÍTIOS ELETRÔNICOS OFICIAIS DAS PREFEITURAS DO RN
Authors: Morais Marize Garcia de Medeiros , Guerra Lenin Cavalcanti Brito
Published: January 2016

A Lei nº. 12.527/2011, conhecida por Lei de Acesso à Informação, tem por objetivo implementar a cultura de acesso na administração pública, segundo o entendimento de que as informações produzidas pelo Estado possuem finalidade pública e, sendo um bem público, deverá estar acessível a todos. O presente estudo tem por objetivo analisar os sítios eletrônicos oficiais e portais da transparência mantidos pelas prefeituras do território do Mato Grande, estado do Rio Grande do Norte, para verificar a adequação das informações disponibilizadas na internet com os critérios estabelecidos na Lei de Acesso à Informação. Quanto à metodologia, este estudo enquadra-se em uma pesquisa aplicada, de objetivo descritivo/exploratório e abordagem quantitativa, cujo instrumento é um questionário com 24 perguntas baseadas nos artigos 6º ao 10º da Lei de Acesso à Informação. Fizeram parte da amostra apenas os municípios do território do Mato Grande/RN com população igual ou superior a 10.000 habitantes. Os resultados obtidos apontam a dificuldade dos municípios em se cumprir os requisitos mínimos da LAI e, consequentemente, não estão prontas para atender a demanda da sociedade por informações públicas, seja em virtude de problemas administrativos, operacionais e pela ausência da cultura de acesso nessas entidades.
Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cell–Derived Podocytes Mature into Vascularized Glomeruli upon Experimental Transplantation
Authors: Sharmin Sazia , Taguchi Atsuhiro , Kaku Yusuke , Yoshimura Yasuhiro , Ohmori Tomoko , Sakuma Tetsushi , Mukoyama Masashi , Yamamoto Takashi , Kurihara Hidetake , Nishinakamura Ryuichi
Published: January 2016

Glomerular podocytes express proteins, such as nephrin, that constitute the slit diaphragm, thereby contributing to the filtration process in the kidney. Glomerular development has been analyzed mainly in mice, whereas analysis of human kidney development has been minimal because of limited access to embryonic kidneys. We previously reported the induction of three-dimensional primordial glomeruli from human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. Here, using transcription activator–like effector nuclease-mediated homologous recombination, we generated human iPS cell lines that express green fluorescent protein (GFP) in the NPHS1 locus, which encodes nephrin, and we show that GFP expression facilitated accurate visualization of nephrin-positive podocyte formation in vitro. These induced human podocytes exhibited apicobasal polarity, with nephrin proteins accumulated close to the basal domain, and possessed primary processes that were connected with slit diaphragm–like structures. Microarray analysis of sorted iPS cell–derived podocytes identified well conserved marker gene expression previously shown in mouse and human podocytes in vivo. Furthermore, we developed a novel transplantation method using spacers that release the tension of host kidney capsules, thereby allowing the effective formation of glomeruli from human iPS cell–derived nephron progenitors. The human glomeruli were vascularized with the host mouse endothelial cells, and iPS cell–derived podocytes with numerous cell processes accumulated around the fenestrated endothelial cells. Therefore, the podocytes generated from iPS cells retain the podocyte-specific molecular and structural features, which will be useful for dissecting human glomerular development and diseases.
Splendor. Artes Suntuarias en la Edad Media hispana
Authors: Fernández González Etelvina
Published: January 2016

Splendor. Artes Suntuarias en la Edad Media hispana. Anales de Historia del Arte. VII Jornadas Complutenses de Arte medieval, Vol.24, Nº especial, 2014.
Africa's Structural Transformation Challenge and the Role of Agriculture: Is China a Player? A Review of Chinese Initiatives in Rural Africa
Authors: Anseeuw Ward , Gabas Jean‐Jacques , Losch Bruno
Published: January 2016

Te objective of this paper is to discuss Africa's structural transformation, its food and employment challenges, in light of renewed dynamics, more particularly China's involvement in the continent's agricultural sector. Data is scarce and often very contradictory, but what becomes evident is that China's role in agriculture in Africa, and particularly related to the land grab phenomenon, is not as significant as initially put to the fore. China promotes an uncertain “aid, business, and trade” model where the “business and trade” components seem to increasingly take the lead and which are often disconnected from the characteristics of the African context. As such, the paper, besides highlighting the lasting importance of the rural sector for food security and poverty alleviation in a context of Africa's limited economic diversification, it suggests possible stronger Chinese contribution to the policy debate through experience sharing and dialogue within Africa and at the global level.
‘The Goddess of Liberty was Impure’.
Authors: Dovell Karen
Published: January 2016

According to Foucault, classical authors ‘occupy a “transdiscursive” position’; in this sense, classical tradition emerges as a reference culture at different historical moments, while deriving from a shared historical a-priori, that of ancient Greece and Rome. The earliest inscriptions of ‘the classic’ defined the ‘genteel language’ of a social class (the classicii) as the ideal language for a first-class writer. This connection between privileged language and class reflects an early link between aesthetics and politics, the more so as ideas about ‘the classical’ re-emerge over time. However, as Foucault makes clear, discourse can also function as a means of resistance. In Woman in the Nineteenth Century (1845), Margaret Fuller draws on her classical knowledge to assert the need for women’s representation in the antebellum era.
Clinical Analysis of Surgical Treatment of Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Wang Guojun
Published: January 2016

Objective: To study the surgical treatment of acute appendicitis and its effects. Methods: 52 cases of patients with acute appendicitis were observed. Results: The 52 patients were discharged after timely surgery and treatment. Conclusion: Acute appendicitis can be effectively treated by using surgical methods. Appropriate timing could reduce the incidence of post-operative complications. 
Analysis on Development and Application of Power Electric Device and Variable Frequency Technology
Authors: Bao Hongyin
Published: January 2016

Today, with rapid development of  science and technology in the 21st century, China has also obtained great achievements drawing world’s attention regarding application and research in power electronics technology and variable frequency technology field. This paper has intensively studied and discussed development and application of power electronic device and variable frequency technology. This paper has first analyzed current application situation and trends of power electronic device in new energy and power system, rail transit and electric car, energy saving of industrial motor, consumption electronics, and national defense and war industry, then discussed development history of variable frequency technology, hazards brought by power electronic device and countermeasures, and finally demonstrated future development of power electronics technology and expected a broad development prospect of variable-frequency regulating speed technology in the future.
Contrast Participation Model and the Traditional Model Rooming-in Care of Neonatal Care
Authors: Kurban Hadley Almond , Wang Qingyan
Published: January 2016

Contrast of the participation model and the traditional model of care in rooming effect of neonatal care. Methods: 114 cases of early maternal care group to tradition who admitted in our hospital from January 2014 to June 2014 were treated using the traditional way of nursing care. 120 cases of early maternal located to participating group who admitted in our hospital from July 2014 to  December 2014 were treated using the participatory model of care. Traditional nursing care group were treated with the traditional way of newborn care, completed by nurses alone. The participating group and their families were adopted early maternal and neonatal nurses who have completed nursing. Results: Maternal traditional care group was included reasonable scientific feeding newborns, changing diapers for the newborn, the newborn’s umbilical cord care and scientific numerical example of bathing newborns were less than the participating group. Number of maternal adaptation in the traditional care group is an example of the role of mother to the participating group. The number of cases of the traditional care group was more suitable to group together to participate and satisfaction score was less than that of the participating group. Conclusion: The both rooming model participation of neonatal care, its human and scientific characteristics can effectively improve maternal care for newborns and their families to improve maternal postpartum depression and mood, which will become the future postpartum. The main mode of care is worth in clinical GF to take forward.
The Observation of the Curative Effects of Nursing Intervention on the Premature Infant with Jaundice
Authors: Yang Hui
Published: January 2016

Objective: To analyze the clinical effect of comprehensive nursing intervention on preterm infant with jaundice. Methods: During the treatment in our hospital as the research purpose from January 2004 to January 2014, 94 cases of premature infants were randomly divided into two groups which is control group and observation group. For control group patients, they were given routine nursing while the observation group patients were given comprehensive nursing intervention. These two groups of patients were analyzed with serum bilirubin concentration respectively, the comparison between patient weight and the time of fetal turn yellow and the occurrence of the disease. Results: Compared to control group, the serum bilirubin concentration in the observation group was significantly decreased, weight and meconium turned yellow time increased significantly, the incidence of complications such as apnea, abdominal distension and feeding intolerance was significantly lower and the differences were statistically significant (p < 0.05). Conclusion: Comprehensive nursing intervention can effectively improve the growth and development of premature infants and recovery, reduce the incidence of adverse reactions, has a significant clinical effect and it is worth promoting.
Application Effect and Nursing of Non-Invasive Ventilation in Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstruction Pulmonary Disease Patients
Authors: Li Zongying
Published: January 2016

Objective: To study the application methods, summarize the nursing experience and discuss the clinical effect of non-invasive ventilation in acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Methods: 152 cases of AECOPD patients, who received treatment in our hospital from January 2011 to December 2013, were selected and divided into the experimental group and control group randomly. Patients in control group received conventional treatment, whereas besides conventional treatment, experimental group received non-invasive positive pressure ventilation and relevant nursing management. The changes in arterial blood gas and clinical indicators before and after treatment for both groups were observed. Results: After 7 days treatment, all the results of blood gas analysis were significantly improved (p < 0.05). For the respiratory status (based on Borg scale), two groups were significantly improved after treatment, however, experimental group shown better than control group (p < 0.05). The two groups had statistically significant difference (p < 0.05) in the aspects of prognosis, endotracheal intubation and hospitalization time. As for the death index, there was no significant difference between two groups. No special treatment was needed for adverse reactions, they would be relieved slowly. Conclusion: Non-invasive positive pressure ventilation able to improve the recovery rate and quality of life of patients with acute exacerbation of COPD.
Discussion on Key Points of Project Quality Control of High-rise Building
Authors: Fang Yi
Published: January 2016

Construction engineering quality is the life of the construction enterprise, also the premise and inexhaustible motive force for the development of the enterprise. Through the effective control of the quality of high-rise building, scientific and reasonable management measures were developed to promote the improvement of quality of high-rise building, so as to effectively ensure the quality of the project, to ensure the economic benefits of enterprises, and promote the development of the construction industry.
GJFLT Referre Index
Authors: Referre GJFLT
Published: January 2016

The academicians listed below have acted as referees since November 2015 for manuscripts in which the review process of which have been completed, as well as for those paper submissions which have been cancelled by the authors for some reason and for those that have been rejected. The editorial board members are grateful to all referees who have contributed to GJFLT.

Gul Celkan

Middle Georgia State College, USA

Jesús García Laborda

University of Alcalá, Spain

Mustafa Kurt

Near East University, Cyprus

 John M. Rian

University of Northern Colorado, USA

Loreta Ulvydiene

Vilnius University, Lithuania

Rosa Alonso

University of Vigo, Spain

Turgut Turunc

Bahcesehir University, Turkey

Sibel Kaymakamoglu

European University of Lefke, Cyprus

Mukaddes Sakalli Demirok

Near East University, Cyprus

Sahragard Rahman

Shiraz University, Iran

Jan Scholtes

Warwick University, England

Mathias Philip

Bangkok University, Thailand
Volume 5 Index
Authors: Index WJER
Published: January 2016

Volume 05, Issue 1, (2015)

 

The environment in education: Pesticides in Lebanon

Akl M. Kairouz, Issam Y. Atala

99-117

 

Comparison of corncob and corn using as fungal culture medium

Jaruwan Chutrtong

118-121

 

The inhibition effect of ozonation in textile wastewater

Serden Basak, Dilek Ozgun, Sebnem Ozdemir, Ozer Cinar

122-129

 

Fabrication and characterization of bamboo fiber- reinforced polyethylene-polystyrene composites using glycerol as plasticizer Kristin B. Labasan, Aldrine Jay G. Espinosa, Rebecca C. Nueva Espana 

130-150

 

Treatment of canned fish factory wastewater by upflow anaerobic sludge blanket (uasb) reactors

Farshad Golbabaei Kootenaei, Gholamreza Darvishi, Mohammad Javad Bayani

151-157

 

Volume 05, Issue 2, (2015)

 

From the Editors

Prof. Dr. Haluk Soran

 

Assessment of persistent organic pollutants in water samples from River Challawa in Kano, Nigeria

Sarauta, A., Sabo, A., Abdulhamed, I. A., Yusuf, Y. O.

159-177

 

The politics of greening practice in contemporary rural China: a case study of Yang Village

Songnan Fan, Yao Sha

178-188

 

Hydrogeological modeling in Danube Valley using GIS techniques. Study case

Ioana Vizireanu, Camelia Slave

189-196

 

To the question of water quality monitoring

Alexey Nickolaevich Nazarenko

197-202
Is a Cholestrol‐Enriched Diet a Risk Factor for Alveolar Bone Loss?
Authors: Kırzıoğlu Fatma Yeşim , Fentoğlu Özlem , Bulut Memduha Tözüm , Doğan Burak , Özdem Muhsin , Özmen Özlem , Çarsancaklı Süleyman Akif , Ergün Ayşe Gül , Orhan Hikmet
Published: January 2016

Background: This study aims to investigate the effects of a 2% cholesterol‐enriched diet on alveolar bone loss (ABL) and serum levels of pro‐oxidants and antioxidant enzymes in rats with experimental periodontitis.

Methods: Rats were randomized into the four groups: 1) group C (standard diet/periodontally healthy); 2) group Hc (high‐cholesterol diet); 3) group HcP (high‐cholesterol diet/periodontitis); and 4) group P (standard diet/periodontitis). All rats were fed for 8 weeks. At 6 weeks, experimental periodontitis was induced. At the end of week 8, the rats were sacrificed. Histomorphometric and histopathologic analyses were performed. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) levels in serum were measured with enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay.

Results: Experimental groups exhibited increases in: 1) total cholesterol, 2) low‐density lipoprotein, and 3) high‐density lipoprotein compared to group C. The cholesterol‐enriched diet induced ABL in group Hc; groups HcP and P had more extensive ABL. The most polymorphonuclear leukocyte infiltration in periodontal tissues was found in group HcP. MDA levels were higher in all experimental groups than in group C, but significant in the HcP group. A high‐cholesterol diet, with or without periodontitis, resulted in more decreases in GPX and more increases in NO compared to group P.

Conclusion: Although any additive effect of cholesterol‐enriched diet to ABL was not found in rats with ligature‐induced experimental periodontitis, these findings revealed that a cholesterol‐enriched diet could lead to ABL and an increase in periodontal inflammation and serum pro‐oxidants.
Democracia e a ecologia complexa das redes sociais online: um estudo sobre discussões acerca do racismo e da homofobia
Authors: Maia Rousiley Celi Moreira , Rezende Thaiane Alexsandra Silva
Published: January 2016

Este artigo tem por objetivo examinar a ecologia complexa da comunicação em diferentes ambientes online. Enquanto a maioria dos estudos sobre a comunicação digital investiga plataformas ou fóruns particulares, este estudo examina a repercussão de um evento controverso – expressões racistas e homofóbicas do Deputado Jair Bolsonaro no Programa CQC – em três ambientes: YouTube, blogs e Facebook. A análise explora como os cidadãos, mediante a conversação online diária, trocam suas opiniões e perspectivas, negociam o valor e o tratamento que dispensam uns aos outros. Os resultados revelam as características do conflito social concernente às regras de convivência cívica nessas diferentes plataformas, com recursos e dispositivos próprios, com expectativas de interação distintas entre os usuários e com públicos específicos.
Trace Element Chemistry in Residual‐Treated Soil: Key Concepts and Metal Bioavailability
Authors: Basta N. T. , Ryan J. A. , Chaney R. L.
Published: January 2016

Trace element solubility and availability in land‐applied residuals is governed by fundamental chemical reactions between metal constituents, soil, and residual components. Iron, aluminum, and manganese oxides; organic matter; and phosphates, carbonates, and sulfides are important sinks for trace elements in soil–residual systems. The pH of the soil–residual system is often the most important chemical property governing trace element sorption, precipitation, solubility, and availability. Trace element phytoavailability in residual‐treated soils is often estimated using soil extraction methods. However, spectroscopic studies show that sequential extraction methods may not be accurate in perturbed soil–residual systems. Plant bioassay is the best method to measure the effect of residuals on phytoavailability. Key concepts used to describe phytoavailability are (i) the salt effect, (ii) the plateau effect, and (iii) the soil–plant barrier. Metal availability in soil from metal‐salt addition is greater than availability in soil from addition of metal‐containing residuals. Plant metal content displays plateaus at high residual loadings corresponding to the residual's metal concentration and sorption capacity. The soil–plant barrier limits transmission of many trace elements through the food chain, although Cd (an important human health concern) can bypass the soil–plant barrier. Results from many studies that support these key concepts provide a basis of our understanding of the relationship between trace element chemistry and phytoavailability in residual‐treated soils. Research is needed to (i) determine mechanisms for trace element retention of soil–residual systems, (ii) determine the effect of residuals on ecological receptors and the ability of residuals to reduce ecotoxicity in metal‐contaminated soil, and (iii) predict the long‐term bioavailability of trace elements in soil–residual systems.
Industrial and agroindustrial wastes: an echotechnological approach to the production of supported photocatalysts
Authors: da Silva William Leonardo , Lansarin Marla Azário , dos Santos João H. Z.
Published: January 2016

Agroindustrial wastes (rice husk, exhausted bark acacia, and tobacco dust) and foundry sands from the iron foundry industry were employed as a support source for photocatalysts. TiCl4 was used as the titanium precursor in the preparation of the supported photocatalysts. The solids were characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDX), diffuse reflectance spectroscopy over the ultraviolet range (DRS-UV), X-ray diffraction (XRD), small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS), nitrogen adsorption–desorption at −196 °C and zeta potential (ZP) measurements. The systems were evaluated for the photodegradation of rhodamine B (RhB). Among the tested systems, the highest percentage of dye degradation was reached by the catalyst prepared with foundry sand supports, with values of 65% under ultraviolet and 39% under visible radiation, whereas under the same conditions, the catalyst prepared with rice husk showed the best photocatalytic performance among the samples prepared with agroindustrial wastes with values of 43% under ultraviolet and 38% under visible radiation. Strong Spearman's correlations among the photocatalytic activity, the zeta potential (ζp > 0.900) and the band gap energy (ζp > 0.895) were observed. Exploratory tests with tap water samples revealed that the system may be sensitive to other analytes present in these environmental samples.
Enhanced Fenton-like removal of nitrobenzene via internal microelectrolysis in nano zerovalent iron/activated carbon composite
Authors: Hu Sihai , Wu Yaoguo , Yao Hairui , Lu Cong , Zhang Chengjun
Published: January 2016

The efficiency of Fenton-like catalysis using nano zerovalent iron (nZVI) is limited by nZVI aggregation and activity loss due to inactive ferric oxide forming on the nZVI surface, which hinders electron transfer. A novel iron–carbon composite catalyst consisting of nZVI and granular activated carbon (GAC), which can undergo internal iron–carbon microelectrolysis spontaneously, was successfully fabricated by the adsorption–reduction method. The catalyst efficiency was evaluated in nitrobenzene (NB) removal via the Fenton-like process (H2O2-nZVI/GAC). The results showed that nZVI/GAC composite was good for dispersing nZVI on the surface of GAC, which permitted much better removal efficiency (93.0%) than nZVI (31.0%) or GAC (20.0%) alone. Moreover, iron leaching decreased from 1.28 to 0.58 mg/L after reaction of 240 min and the oxidation kinetic of the Fenton-like reaction can be described well by the second-order reaction kinetic model (R2 = 0.988). The composite catalyst showed sustainable catalytic ability and GAC performed as a medium for electron transfer in internal iron–carbon microelectrolysis to promote Fe2+ regeneration and Fe3+/Fe2+ cycles. Therefore, this study represents an important method to design a low cost and high efficiency Fenton-like catalyst in practical application.
Adaptation to urbanization impacts on drainage in the city of Hohhot, China
Authors: Zhou Qianqian , Ren Yi , Xu Miaomiao , Han Nini , Wang Heping
Published: January 2016

This study presents a quantitative assessment of urbanization effects on hydrological runoff and drainage network in the city of Hohhot, China. The evolution of urban spatial morphology for the historical years (1987–2010) and projected year (2020) is described by changes in geographic information system (GIS)-based land use maps and further represented in hydrological parameters in the Storm Water Management Model (SWMM) simulation. The results show the levels of service of historical drainage were too low to have dominant impacts on flood risks, and hence a significant upward trend in catchment runoff response was observed over time. Comparisons with changes in system overloading indicate that the relative increase in flood risk is greatest at the early stage of urbanization with relatively low levels of development. The proposed adaptation measures based on a cost-effective optimal approach was found feasible to significantly improve the drainage performance and mitigate the increasing flooding impacts.
Usability Evaluation of a Mobile Monitoring System to Assess Symptoms After a Traumatic Injury: A Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Price Matthew , Sawyer Tyler , Harris Madison , Skalka Christian
Published: January 2016

Background

Victims of trauma are at high risk for mental health conditions such as posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. Regular assessment of mental health symptoms in the post-trauma period is necessary to identify those at greatest risk and provide treatment. The multiple demands of the acute post-trauma period present numerous barriers to such assessments. Mobile apps are a method by which to overcome these barriers in order to regularly assess symptoms, identify those at risk, and connect patients to needed services.

Objective

The current study conducted a usability evaluation of a system to monitor mental health symptoms after a trauma. The system was developed to promote ease of use and facilitate quick transmission of data.

Methods

A sample of 21 adults with a history of trauma completed a standardized usability test in a laboratory setting followed by a qualitative interview.

Results

Usability testing indicated that the app was easy to use and that patients were able to answer several questions in less than 1 minute (mean [SD] 29.37 [7.53]; range 15-57). Qualitative analyses suggested that feedback should be included in such an app and recommendations for the type of feedback were offered.

Conclusions

The results of the current study indicate that a mobile app to monitor post-trauma mental health symptoms would be well received by victims. Personalized feedback to the user was identified as critical to promote the usability of the software.
Pulling Out All the Stops: Referee Design and Phonetic Correlates of Gay Men’s English
Authors: Dickson Victoria , Turner Yorath
Published: January 2016

Studies of intraspeaker variation and the linguistic indexing of sexual identity have formed an important part of recent research in variationist sociolinguistics. This study investigates patterns of word-final stop release in the speech of a flamboyantly gay television host, Graham Norton. The results indicate a significant correlation between the rate of released word-final stops and the sexual orientation of an absent referee, as defined by Bell (1984, 2001), with a higher proportion of released stops for gay-identified referees. We argue that this pattern demonstrates the linguistic indexing of an ingroup identity, which Norton shares with referees who identify as gay. In this way, the variable of word-final stop release can be considered a ‘building block’ (Barrett 2002:33) in the construction of Norton's sexual identity.
Mycotoxins in grains and feed - contamination and toxic effect in animals
Authors: Pleadin J.
Published: January 2016

Mycotoxins are secondary metabolites of moulds that represent a significant
food safety issue and pose a risk to health and wellbeing of humans and
animals, having a negative impact on economies all over the world. They can
cause intoxication in animals and affect the less productive performance and
nutritional value of animal feed. Also, mycotoxins may contaminate different
types of food through directly and indirectly way and cause negative health
effects in humans. To estimate the potential of their harmful effect it is
necessary to know the terms of mycotoxins occurrence and frequency, toxicity
and biotransformation in different animal species and humans, possibility of
contamination prevention, and their inactivation or reduction in the case
when the incidence is inevitable. The relatively small number of comparable
data on the incidence of mycotoxins in feed from European countries show the
necessity of systematic control and the application of validated analytical
methods in their determination. This paper gives the overview of incidence
of grains and feed contamination with most important and common mycotoxins
and the evidenced toxic effects in animals.
Tick fauna of the autochthonous Zackel sheep in south Serbia region
Authors: Becskei Zs. , Pavlovic I. , Savic M. , Ivanovic S. , Dimitrijevic Bl. , Cojkic A. , Radisavljevic K. , Kiskároly F. , Dimitric A. , Özvegy J.
Published: January 2016

Sheep production is an example of a sustainable production fully integrated
within the local rural development. One of the main threats on the outdoor
breeding of sheep is parasitism. Ticks are nuisances and vectors of several
diseases agents. The distribution of ticks appears to be changing, with
spread to previously unaffected areas. Tick and tick-borne disease control
is one of the major components of animal health program protecting livestock
in the developing countries, which reflects impact on the livelihood of
resource-poor farming communities. Taking into consideration the negative
impact on the health status of the livestock, also the direct and indirect
economic losses, it is necessary to examine the tolerance and resistance of
certain species against diseases. It is one of the most important elements
of the strategy of selection and screening for resistant animals. The aim of
this study was to determine the tick species persisting in 45 tested
autochthonous Zackel sheep flocks, and examine their seasonal occurrence
from March 2010 to January 2011, in the region of South Serbia. The result
showed that Ixodes, Dermacentor, Ripicephalus and Haemaphysalis were the
most abundant ticks found, affecting 50.40% tested sheep. The result of this
study is a survey of tick species from autochthonous Zackel sheep in Serbia
and implication of possible preventions measures for diseases caused and
transmitted by ticks.
The effect of crop density on yield of forage maize
Authors: Mandic V. , Krnjaja V. , Bijelic Z. , Tomic Z. , Simic A. , Stanojkovic A. , Petricevic M. , Caro-Petrovic V.
Published: January 2016

The aim of this investigation was to estimate the effects of crop density on
the plant height (PH), stem diameter (SD), number of leaves per plant (NL),
forage yield hectare-1 (FY), dry matter yield hectare-1 (DMY), stem
percentage (SP), leaf percentage (LP) and ear percentage (EP) in two maize
hybrids of FAO maturity group 600 (ZP 684 and NS 6010). Field trials were
carried out in rainfed farming in the Srem region (location Putinci:
44?59?19" North and 19?58?11" East) during years 2007 and 2008. Three crop
densities were compared: G1 - 51,020 plants ha-1, G2 - 59,524 plants ha-1 and
G3 - 71,429 plants ha-1 (corresponding to spacing of 70 ? 28, 70 ? 24, and 70
? 20 cm). Plots were organized as completely randomized block system design
in four replications. PH (265.45 cm), SD (2.40 cm), FY (68.63 t ha-1) and DMY
(24.63 t ha-1) were significantly higher in 2007 than in 2008 (261.78 cm,
2.32 cm, 61.17 t ha-1 and 21.04 t ha-1, respectively). Hybrid NS 6010 had
significantly higher PH (266.23 cm), SD (2.39 cm) and NL (14.75) than hybrid
ZP 684 (261.0 cm, 2.33 cm and 13.99, respectively). Increasing crop density
significantly increased the PH, FY, DMY and SP, and significantly decreases
the SD and EP. Therefore, crop density of 71,429 plants ha-1 (70 x 20 cm) can
be recommended for growing hybrids of FAO 600 maturity group in climatic
conditions of Srem in order to achieve high yields of forage and dry matter.
Influence of the socialist ideology on the conception of multi-family housing: New urban landscape and the typological models of housing units
Authors: Ristic-Trajkovic Jelena , Stojiljkovic Danica , Medjo Verica
Published: January 2016

The paper explores the ideological influences in the period of the socialist
system on the new urban landscape, and also on design of the typological
models of residential units built in Belgrade. After the Second World War,
one of the main policy goals of socialism was to solve the housing problems
of Belgrade, by building the modern, serially manufactured and economical
housing architecture. The period of intensive construction of housing
architecture of Belgrade in the period of socialist self-management is
primarily related to the achieved quality of housing in this period in terms
of environment humanization and functional organization of housing units.
This paper explores new concepts and principles of housing architecture with
the emphasis on the impact of spatial-functional apartment transformation on
the family lifestyle and the formation of a new socialist culture of
dwelling. Since the problem of housing is interdisciplinary, the
transformation is studied out through detecting the relations of cause and
effect among ideological social changes, culture of habitation, technical and
technological criteria and functional-spatial house structure. The modern
housing urbanism and architecture has become a representation of social,
political, economic, demographic and cultural changes of the period.