bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Role of Non-Ionic Surfactants in Solubilization and Delivery of Sparingly Soluble Drug Naproxen Sodium (NS): A Case Study
Authors: Khattak Noor Saeed , Shah Luqman Ali , Sohail Muhammad , Ahmad Safeer , Farooq Muhammad , Ara Latafat , Kader Safaa I.
Published: October 2018

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory hydrophobic drugs (NSAIDs) are amongst the most commonly given categories of drugs worldwide in the treatment of pain, irritation and some of them even fever in many conditions. Critical micelle concentration of NSAIDs with Naproxen sodium (NS) and its mixture with non-ionic surfactants i.e. Tween 20, Tween 40 and Tween 60 was investigated at 293 K, 303 K, 313 K and 323 K at different concentrations using surface tension and dynamic laser light scattering (DLS) techniques. Due to amphiphilic behaviour in aqueous solution NS form aggregates at sufficiently high concentration. Thermodynamic/adsorption properties like free energy of micellization (ΔGmic), enthalpy of micellization (ΔHmic), entropy of micellization (ΔSmic), Γmic and area per molecule (A2) of NS in the presence of surfactants were also measured at different temperatures. The results showed that the presence of surfactants favoured the ΔGmic and become more enhanced with increase in temperature. Further the solubility of drug is more favourable with increase in polyethylene chain in basic surfactant molecules i.e. 20–60, which indicates that Tween-60 enhanced the solubility of NS more comparatively to Tween-40 and Tween-20 and may be applied as best additive for solubilisation of NS.
Construct Validity of Two Different Methods of Scoring and Performing Push-ups
Authors: Clemons Jim
Published: October 2018

Clemons, J. Construct validity of two different methods of scoring and performing push-ups. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 2971–2980, 2019—The purpose of this investigation was to determine the construct validity of the standard push-ups (STPUs) and hand-release push-ups (HRPUs) by comparing them to the criterion measures of absolute strength (i.e., 1 repetition maximum [RM] bench press [BP]) and relative strength (1RM·body mass−1). Thirty-one, college-age males were recruited for the study. The HRPU was performed by lifting the palms from the floor between each push-up (PU), whereas the STPU only required chest contact at the bottom before returning to the support position. Push-up rate was controlled by metronome. A counter-balanced, cross-over design was used with 1 week between each test. Correlations were conducted on push-up scores and criterion measures. In addition, STPU and HRPU scores were compared to determine whether there was a difference in the maximum number of push-ups executed. Multiple regression analysis was used to determine whether 1RM BP (i.e., absolute strength) might be predicted from push-up performance: 1RM Bench Press kg = 48.675 + (0.8832·body mass) + (1.318·# of standard push-ups executed) + (−157.82·PU distance m). Results indicated significantly more HRPUs than STPUs were executed. Push-up raw scores were found to be unrelated to absolute strength. Standard push-up raw scores were found to be significantly correlated with relative strength (r = 0.71, prob. = 0.0001). Multiple regression analysis also indicated that absolute strength may be reasonably estimated if the predictor variables of body mass and vertical push-up distance are considered along with push-up score (R = 0.791, R
2 = 0.62.5%).
Influenza Myocarditis Treated With Antithymocyte Globulin
Authors: Piccininni Jenna A. , Richmond Marc E. , Cheung Eva W. , Lee Teresa M. , Law Sabrina P. , Addonizio Linda J. , Zuckerman Warren A.
Published: October 2018

Influenza is a cause of significant morbidity and mortality worldwide. Myocarditis is a rare complication of the virus and can vary widely in severity. The published cases of influenza B myocarditis in children tend to be severe with a high mortality rate. Current standard treatment of viral myocarditis is supportive care, although immunomodulatory therapies, such as steroids and intravenous immunoglobulin, are often used. T cells have been implicated in causing significant myocyte damage in myocarditis by leading to the downstream production of antibodies against viral and myocyte antigens; this has created a theoretical basis for the use of antithymocyte globulin to target T cells in these patients. We present a case of acute fulminant influenza B myocarditis in a pediatric patient that required mechanical circulatory support and improved only after treatment with antithymocyte globulin.
Dinámica del plancton en la primera milla náutica frente a la provincia de El Oro, Ecuador
Authors: Salcedo Jessica , Coello Dialhy
Published: October 2018

Plankton dynamics in the first nautical mile of El Oro province, Ecuador. El Oro includes different coastal and estuarine systems and the important Gulf of Guayaquil. These areas provide different ecosystem services, but with the increase of population and of the varied economic activities, the barely known local natural resources may be negatively impacted. Thus this research aimed to study plankton dynamics, productivity and ecological balance for the area during the dry season of 2012. For this, we established 17 stations and studied the monthly variation and spatial distribution of inorganic nutrients, temperature, dissolved oxygen, salinity, photic zone, plankton and fish larvae abundance and composition with standard methods, while spatial and temporal patterns where identified using cluster and multidimentional scaling analyses. Obtained results of biotic and abiotic parameters defined a pattern characteristic of productive estuarine zones as well as the existence of three specific areas associated with the natural and anthropic conditions of the area, such as: a) inner part of the Jambelí Archipelago and in front of Puná island influenced by productive activities and the hydrography of the area; B) an area, formed by the stations located in the outer estuary where the oceanic influence is evident and c) the Jambelí channel, characterized by mixing processes resulting from tides flow. This was supported by the presence of oceanic, neritic and estuarine phytoplankton; copepods with uniform distribution in the study area, and dominance of Engraulidae fish larvae, representative of this type of aquatic ecosystem. Temporally, rainfall records in May exceeded normal values, which would have influenced the high concentrations of nutrients, decrease of salinity and of the photic zone registered during this month. However, the availability of nutrients throughout the study period, allowed to maintain the composition and abundance of phytoplankton, with changes in representative species, recorded periods of greater (June to August) and lower (October to December) zooplankton abundance, could be the result of specific population patterns of present species, and the influence of the tide and the flows of the contributing river basin. A similar behavior was recorded for ichthioplankton, as a result of Anchoa macrolepidota concentrations, species, characteristics of this type of ecosystem. These patterns of spatio-temporal distribution, allowed the development of multiple abiotic and biotic interactions that determine different strategies to maintain the productivity of the area. We recommend new studies during the rainy season in Ecuador. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 836-847. Epub 2018 June 01.
Estructura de la vegetación leñosa en tres áreas con Selva Baja Caducifolia en el Istmo-Costa de Oaxaca, México
Authors: Silva-Aparicio Marisa , Castro-Ramírez Adriana E. , Castillo-Campos Gonzalo , Perales Rivera Hugo
Published: October 2018

Woody vegetation structure in three areas with Tropical Dry Forest in the Isthmus-Coastal of Oaxaca, Mexico. Tropical dry forest (TDF) is important due to its biodiversity. In the Isthmus-Coastal region of the state of Oaxaca, in Southeast Mexico, there are many areas of TDF with varying categories of legal protection (1) Protected Natural Areas (PNA), (2) Voluntarily Designated Conservation Areas (VDCA) and (3) Areas of Common Use (ACU). In each of these, tree vegetation structure was analysed, recording plants with a DBH ≥ 2.5 cm and sampling 15 plots of 100 m2. Observed richness was 90 species, belonging to 36 families and corresponding to 80 % (Jackknife) and 85 % (ICE) of expected richness. A cluster analysis identified two groups with 90 % dissimilitude: the first (G1) included all the sampled plots in the PNA; and the second (G2), grouped together those from the VDCA and the ACU. The Shannon, Simpson dominance and Jost true diversity indices for G1 were H’= 2.43, D= 0.21 and qD= 11 and for G2, H’= 2.76, D= 0.28 and qD= 15 respectively, with no differences between groups (P < 0.05). The species that presented the highest relative importance value (RIV) in both groups, corresponded to secondary vegetation. Species density of G1 was 1 829 ind/ha and 2 370 ind/ha for G2. Mean height (6.8 m) and basal area (19.7 m2/ha) of G1 did not vary significantly (P < 0.05) when compared to G2 (7.9 m y 22.1 m2/ha). The VDCA and ACU presented similar composition and structure, differing from the PNA. Continual monitoring of the TDF is suggested. Rev. Biol. Trop. 66(2): 863-879. Epub 2018 June 01.
Concentración foliar de macro- y micro-nutrimentos en cuatro leguminosas maderables del trópico estacionalmente seco de Costa Rica
Authors: Alvarado Alfredo , Mora Argenis , Chacón Eduardo , Villalobos José , Sandí Carlos
Published: October 2018

The information about nutritional aspects of trees in the tropical dry forest is scarce. This investigation aims to establish a normal range of foliar nutrient concentration to four forestry species as related to their growth rates and biological nitrogen fixation capacity in the seasonally dry ecosystem at Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Foliar samples for four species, Dalbergia retusa (cocobolo), Enterolobium cyclocarpum (guanacaste), Hymenaea courbaril (guapinol or jatobá) and Schizolobium parahyba (gallinazo or pachaco), all belonging to the Fabaceae family, were analyzed for N, P, Ca, Mg, K, S, Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn, B and Na. Nutrient concentration varied with species according to their ability to fix nitrogen and their rate of growth. The overall concentration of macronutrients was higher in nitrogen-fixing species compared with non-fixing species, and within each one of those groups, the species with higher growth rate presented more macronutrients than species with low growth rate. According to the concentration of foliar nutrients accumulated in the foliage, we recommend that H. courbaril and D. retusa could be grown in the region soils with medium fertility and E. cyclocarpum and S. parahyba in the more fertile soils. Values ranges of foliar concentrations considered as satisfactory presented in this work are new for D. retusa and H. courbaril and improve the scarce information available for E. cyclocarpum and S. parahyba.
Influencia de la vigilancia en una zona rocosa dentro de un área marina protegida, Pacífico Central de Costa Rica
Authors: Azofeifa-Solano Juan Carlos , Salas-Moya Carolina , Cubero-Campos Yamileth , Sibaja-Cordero Jeffrey A.
Published: October 2018

We present the results of conservation assessment of a rocky shore in the Central Pacific of Costa Rica (Playa Hermosa-Punta Mala National Wildlife Refuge) using the biological indicators proposed by the national environmental ministry. This study aims to analyze the influence of surveillance, between two sites, over the rocky shore habitat. The sampling was carried out during both the dry and rainy seasons in 2015. Our data shows that Nerita scabricosta -harvested in small-scale fisheries- presents a high number of colonies formed by few individuals. Moreover, the abundance varied between seasons, probably due to a storm surge. Macroalgae differed slightly among sites, where turf had higher percentage coverage in low surveillance areas, while brown algae had higher coverage in high surveillance areas. Mechanical damage (abrasion due to rocks overturning) associated with tourism and harvesting could be influencing the low surveillance area, explaining these differences. Macroalgae presented a seasonal change, probably related to the storm surge. The density of the Tetraclita stalactifera did not exhibit variations. The surveillance level and enforcement influenced some bioindicators of the rocky shore, and therefore could be used to assess the extractive pressure.
Effects of land use and limnological variables on the dissimilarity of common and rare aquatic insects in Atlantic Forest streams
Authors: Ongaratto Rocheli , Loureiro Rafael , Restello Rozane , Hepp Luiz Ubiratan
Published: October 2018

Lotic ecosystems are altered at various spatial scales leading to the simplification of water bodies and the dominance or exclusion of certain organisms. In streams, species may have limitations generated by the environment that result in a more abundant or rare occurrence. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of water physical-chemical variables and land use in the drainage basin on the composition of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera and Trichoptera (EPT) assemblages in the streams of Atlantic Forest. We collected water samples and aquatic insects from 18 streams in Atlantic Forest in southern Brazil. We evaluated the relationship between physical-chemical variables of water and land use and the dissimilarity of EPT assemblages in three different situations: (i) matrix with all organisms collected, (ii) matrix containing only common genera and (iii) matrix containing only the rare genera. We collected 6 023 EPT larvae from 41 genera; 62 % of the individuals belonged to the order Trichoptera, 32 % to the order Ephemeroptera and 6 % to the order Plecoptera. The most common organisms (10 genera) accounted for 86 % of the total abundance of identified individuals. On the other hand, rare genera corresponded to 76 % of the total richness, but only 6 % of the total abundance. For the three matrices studied, the pH, electrical conductivity and riparian vegetation were correlated with the dissimilarity matrix of the three biological datasets used. In our study, we observed that the pH, electric conductivity, exposed soil and riparian vegetation variables were the most important for the dissimilarity of the EPT assemblages. In addition, our results demonstrated that variables at different scales (stream and riparian zone) structure stream insect assemblages.
The effect of seasonal and human pressure on macrobenthic fauna in the Caroni Swamp Ramsar Site, Trinidad and Tobago
Authors: Kanhai Attish , Juman Rahanna
Published: October 2018

Human pressures have placed many tropical estuaries in developing countries under increased levels of stress. The Caroni Swamp Ramsar Site, the largest mangrove swamp along the west coast of Trinidad, has been subjected to high levels of anthropogenic impacts including hydrological alteration and pollution from land-based sources since the 1920’s. While most of these impacts have been well documented, limited information exists on the macrobenthic communities in the swamp. This study addresses the paucity of information. The macrobenthic fauna in the main waterways of Caroni Swamp was sampled at 12 locations using a Van Veen 0.025m2 grab, once in the dry (April) and wet (August) season of 2015 with a total of 144 samples. The samples were sorted, counted and species were identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level. A total of 55 taxa were identified with polychaetes being the most abundant taxa. The ecological status of the macrobenthos was assessed using AZTI’s Marine Biotic Index (AMBI) and the multivariate-AMBI (M-AMBI). Physicochemical parameters were measured with a YSI multiparameter metre. Chemical analyses were also conducted on nitrates, nitrites, ammonia and reactive phosphates using standard methods. Overall, AMBI characterised the Caroni Swamp as “slightly disturbed” with a macrobenthic community of “poor” ecological status according to M-AMBI. Generally, the quality of the environment improves from the dry season to the wet season. However, seasonal variations in AMBI and M-AMBI were found to be site specific as some showed improvement in ecological status and macrozoobenthos quality while others showed degradation from the dry season to the wet season. The stations to the north of the swamp showed improvement from the dry season to the wet season while the opposite was observed in the more southern stations. One notable characteristic of the swamp was the high levels of pollutants, particularly ammonia, recorded in one of its major waterways, the Caroni River. This is in contrast to the other waterways within the swamp which experience much lower levels of pollutant input from land-based sources. The assessment of the Caroni Swamp using AMBI and M-AMBI may be useful for informing management strategies to conserve the wetland and improve environmental quality.
Biología y comportamiento de Palpita flegia (Lepidoptera: Crambidae), mariposa blanca de las tevetias (Apocynaceae)
Authors: Diodato Liliana , Fuster Andrea
Published: October 2018

Palpita flegia (Cramer 1777) (Lepidoptera, Crambidae), is a pest insect that feeds on the foliage of Cascabela thevetia (L.) Lippold. The integrated management of the species a full knowledge about its biology and behavior. The objective of this study was to determine the number of larval stages and duration of biological phases in P. flegia under laboratory conditions, to determine the caloric requirements expressed in degrees days and to describe the ethological aspects of the species. Palpita flegia has six larval development stages. The larval phase lasted 25 days, the pupal phase 16 days, and adult survival was five days. This species requires 403.52 degree days for the development of the biological cycle. Population increases during fall with average temperatures of 15 °C and relative humidity of 60 to 75 %. Presence of the pupal parasitoid Brachymeria flegiae Burks, 1960 (Hymenoptera, Chalcididae) was verified. Sanitary pruning and conservation of natural enemies are indicated as measures for pest control.
Diatom assemblages associated with turtle carapaces in the Neotropical region
Authors: Donato-Rondon Jhon Ch. , González-Trujillo Juan David , Romero Buendy , Castro-Rebolledo Maria I.
Published: October 2018

Few studies have explored the ecology and interrelationship with other organisms of the many endangered freshwater turtle species inhabiting the Neotropical Region. The focus of the current study was to shed light on the relationship between Neotropical turtle carapaces and primary producers, insofar as the surface of former constitutes a suitable substrate for the colonization and establishment of the latter. The under-explored relationship between turtle carapaces and the diatom assemblages inhabiting them was investigated and characterized in terms of taxonomic and biological traits (bio-volume, life-form, and attachment). The carapaces of seven native turtle species were surveyed. Among these carapaces, a total of 45 diatom taxa were found, and diatom taxa varied among turtle species. Podocnemis vogli and Podocnemis expansa supported more diverse diatom assemblages than Podocnemis lewyana, Rhinoclemmys diademata, and Rhinoclemmys melanosterna, which were dominated by Navicula spp. Analysis further showed that carapace size did not explain differences in diatom diversity. However, a trait-based analysis suggests that both carapace roughness and an assemblage’s successional stage might explain the differences in assemblage composition. Because turtles can serve as dispersal vectors, characterizing their epibiont diatom assemblages may contribute to our understanding of diatom distribution on larger scales, as well as, give us some clues as to the auto-ecology of turtles that help us to effectively determine conservation areas for these endangered species.
Patrones de herbivoría en Vassobia breviflora (Solanaceae): variación en el daño foliar y selección natural mediada por herbívoros
Authors: Valoy Mariana Eugenia , Ordano Mariano Andrés , Bernacki Facundo Gastón , Palacio Facundo Xavier , López Acosta Juan Carlos , Varela Omar
Published: October 2018

Herbivore mediated-selection shapes the evolution of defensive plant traits. Knowledge about the role of herbivores as mediators of selection is scarce and even more if herbivore functional groups are considered. The objectives of this work were (1) to describe the variation in foliar traits between populations and both between and intra-plants within a population, (2) to explore the relationship between the variation in the herbivory level and foliar traits, (3) to determine the relationship between leaf traits and damage patterns and (4) estimate the selection regimes by different herbivore functional groups. We conducted this study in four populations of Vassobia breviflora in northwestern Argentina (Yungas). The foliar traits considered were size, leaf area (af), shape (leaf length / width ratio; laf) and proportion of leaf area removed (pafr) (N = 1582 leaves, 57 plants). The herbivores consumed 15.6 % of the leaf area and 76.8 % of the variation in the pafr occurred at the sub-individual level. The damage pattern was dominated by cutter herbivores (70 %), followed by a dotted herbivory pattern (22 %), mixed 5 % and 1 % miner. Nonlinear selection was detected for laf (γii = -0.180; EE = 0.76; P < 0.05), and correlational selection between the cutter damage and af (γij = -1.297; SE = 0.62; P < 0.05) and between the dotted damage and af (γij = -1.130; SE = 0.76; P < 0.05). Natural selection favored plants with small leaves and high foliar removal and large leaves with less damage and selection against larger leaves with greater damage was detected. In addition, deduced from the relationship between the damage type and the relative fitness, the selection would favor the dotted damage over the cutter one. The plants would resolve the conflict with the herbivores according to the damage type and natural selection would regulate the foliar display as a strategy to deal with the herbivore diversity.
Seasonal variability of copepod community structure and abundance modified by the El Niño-La Niña transition (2010) in the tropical Pacific off central Mexico
Authors: Kozak Eva R. , Olivos-Ortiz Aramis , Franco-Gordo Carmen , Pelayo-Martínez Gloria
Published: October 2018

Seasonal variability of the community structure of copepods in the Eastern tropical Pacific off central Mexico was studied during three distinct hydrodynamic periods in 2010 using statistical and multivariate analyses. The survey period included the second half of the 2009-2010 El Niño (January), the neutral transition period (May-June), and the first half of the 2010-2011 La Niña (October). Seventy-eight copepod species were identified; richness ranged from 11 to 47 species per station, with seasonal averages from 25 species in May to 35 species in January. Cluster analysis indicated that there were four principal groups present across the surveyed periods, defined by January (El Niño), October (La Niña), May offshore stations, and May upwelling stations (cyclonic eddy and coastal stations). There were no significant differences in abundance, but the January (El Niño) cluster was most diverse with 32 species, May offshore and October (La Niña) clusters each had 25 species, and the May upwelling was the least diverse cluster with 18 species. Mesoscale processes were strongest during May, which was the only period with a significant inshore-offshore gradient of species richness and diversity. Canonical correspondence analysis (CCA) revealed that variability was primarily driven by subsurface (75-200 m) ammonium, and surface (0-50 m) temperature, nitrates+nitrites, salinity and phosphorus. Copepodites and adults of the primarily herbivorous Eucalanidae dominated the stations of the upwelling cluster, while copepodites and adults of the carnivorous Euchaetidae dominated the January (El Niño) station cluster. The higher Chl a levels during the less productive (reduced upwelling) El Niño period were probably due to reduced grazing activities and increased ammonium availability through increased zooplankton metabolism. The horizontal distribution of copepods in the Eastern Tropical Pacific off Mexico appears to be principally defined by mesoscale eddy processes (offshore) and upwelling (coastal). These mesoscale processes were affected by El Niño - La Niña transitions, which subsequently disrupted the inshore-offshore gradient and in the case of El Niño likely caused reductions in copepod abundance across the entire region which persisted for the entire study period, and possibly longer.
Efecto de la riqueza de especies y la estructura de la vegetación en el almacenamiento de carbono en sistemas agroforestales en la Amazonía sur de Bolivia
Authors: Gómez Cardozo Ernesto , Xavier Rousseau Guillaume , Celentano Danielle , Fariñas Salazar Heriberto , Gehring Christoph
Published: October 2018

Diverse agroforestry systems conciliate food production, biodiversity conservation, and the provision of ecosystem services as atmospheric carbon sequestration. However, the role of floristic richness in the production of biomass in these systems is not clear. This study evaluated the effect of species richness and vegetation structure on aboveground biomass carbon in different agroforestry systems in the Southern Amazon of Bolivia. For that, 25 agroforestry systems and 4 secondary forests were studied in the departments of Santa Cruz and Beni. In each system, a 1 963 m2 circular plot was installed, where the vegetation (trees, shrubs and herbaceous) and necromass (leaf litter, branches and dead trees) were sampled. Linear and logarithmic functions were used to evaluate the effect of vegetation richness and structure on carbon, and the variance partition was used to examine the pure and shared effect of the richness and vegetation structure variables on carbon. Regressions showed a positive strong relationship between species richness and carbon (r2 = 0.74; P < 0.001). The partition of carbon variance showed that richness, structure and variation of the structure explained 85.7 %. Alone the richness explained 12.7 %, the structure 8.8 % and the variation of the structure 4.8 %. These results confirm that carbon in the aboveground biomass increases with species richness and structural variation of the vegetation. Therefore, more biodiverse and stratified agroforestry systems are more efficient in the use of resources and can contribute with climate change mitigation.
Threatened amphibians sheltered under the big cat’s umbrella: a conservation evaluation of jaguars Panthera onca (Carnivora: Felidae) and endemic herpetofauna in Nuclear Central America
Authors: Figel Joe James , Castañeda Franklin , Calderón Ana Patricia , De la Torre Antonio , García-Padilla Elí , Noss Reed F.
Published: October 2018

The umbrella species concept posits that protection of a single, wide-ranging species may confer protection to a large number of sympatric species. Due to their large home ranges, widespread distribution in the Mesoamerican Biodiversity Hotspot (MBH), and status as the focal species of numerous conservation initiatives, the jaguar Panthera onca is an ideal species to evaluate the umbrella strategy. After ground-truthing jaguar corridors from 2009 - 2016, we tested the umbrella value of jaguars for endemic herpetofauna (Amphibia, Reptilia) in Nuclear Central America (NCA), a ~ 370 000 km² sub-region of the MBH. NCA contains the greatest density of threatened reptiles in the Western Hemisphere and harbors extraordinary high diversity of amphibians, the most threatened class of vertebrate worldwide. Of the 304 regional endemics in NCA, the distributions of 187 (61.5 %) species of amphibians and reptiles overlapped ground-truthed jaguar range. The distributions of 14 reptiles, including a critically endangered Bothriechis spp. and two endangered Norops spp., occur exclusively within jaguar distribution. Similarly, the distributions of 19 amphibians, including four critically endangered Craugastor spp. and two critically endangered Plectrohyla spp. occur entirely within jaguar distribution. Our results indicate greater effectiveness of ground-truthed jaguar distribution than modeled and randomly selected networks in overlapping the distributions of endemic herpetofauna, especially threatened amphibians, in NCA. Substantiation of multi-taxa dependence on habitat in jaguar distribution would strengthen justification for wider application of the umbrella strategy beyond NCA and aid conservation planning in the MBH.
Bite force, cranial morphometrics and size in the fishing bat Myotis vivesi (Chiroptera: Vespertilionidae).
Authors: Ospina Sandra Milena
Published: October 2018

Fish-eating in bats evolved independently in Myotis vivesi (Vespertillionidae ) and Noctilio leporinus (Noctilionidae). We compared cranial morphological characters and bite force   between these species to test the existence of evolutionary parallelism in piscivory. We collected cranial distances of M. vivesi, two related insectivorous bats (M. velifer and M. keaysi), two facultatively piscivorous bats (M. daubentonii and M. capaccinii), and N. leporinus to test for differences among the six species, morphometric data was analyzed applying multivariate methods. We also measured bite force in M. vivesi and evaluated if this value was well predicted by its cranial size. Both piscivorous species were morphologically different from the facultatively piscivorous and insectivorous species, and skull size had a significant contribution to this difference. However, we did not find morphological and functional similarities that could be interpreted as parallelisms between M. vivesi and N. leporinus. These two piscivorous species differed significantly in cranial measurements and in bite force. Bite force measured for M. vivesi was well predicted by skull size. Piscivory in M. vivesi might be associated to the existence of a vertically displaced temporal muscle and an increase in gape angle that allows a moderate bite force to process food.
Urbanization and biodiversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi- The case study of Delhi, India
Authors: Gupta Manju , Gupta Akshat , Kumar Prabhat
Published: October 2018

Increasing urbanisation is widely associated with decline in biodiversity of all forms. The aim of the present study was to answer two questions: (i) Does rapid urbanization in Delhi (India) affect biodiversity of arbuscular mycorrhizal (AM) fungi? (ii) If so, how? We measured the AM fungal diversity at nine sites located in Delhi forests, which had different types of urban usage in terms of heavy vehicular traffic pollution, littering, defecation and recreational activities. The study revealed a significant decrease in AM fungal diversity (alpha diversity) and abundance measured as spore density, biovolume, mean infection percentage (MIP) in roots, soil hyphal length and easily extractable glomalin related soluble proteins (EE-GRSP) at polluted sites. Non-metric multidimensional scaling (NMDS) and nested PERMANOVA, revealed significant differences in AM fungal community structure which could be correlated with variations in soil moisture, temperature, pH, carbon, and nitrogen and phosphorus levels. BEST (biota and environmental matching) analysis of biological and environmental samples revealed that soil temperature and moisture accounted for 47.6 % of the total variations in the samples. The study demonstrated how different forms of human activities in urban ecosystems of Delhi are detrimental to the diversity and abundance of AM fungi.
Making space for contending moral talk in criminal matters Criminal court mediation in Brooklyn, New York
Authors: Miller Peter , Arms Almengor Rochelle , Goldberg Jessica
Published: October 2018

This article describes in detail the rationale behind the evolution of the mediation process used in the Criminal Court Mediation Program in Brooklyn, New York. The process developed as a response to high emotion contentious conflicts in misdemeanour cases that came through the programme, in which defendants unexpectedly insisted on countering complainants’ moral assertions about fault and harm. Through the story of one case, characteristic of many that come through the programme, we describe stages of the process from intake through mediation, and highlight key components: separate, pre-mediation sessions; regular opportunities of choice for all parties; and no promises about what will be discussed in mediation, in order to support agency and bilateral moral discourse. The programme’s success is evinced by highly positive feedback from both defendants and complainants, including increased feelings of safety. We hope our experience will serve as a reference for programmes receiving similar types of cases.
Mediation in construction
Authors: Jayalath Chandana
Published: October 2018

In mediation, disputants often tend to walk off at will. This inspired the author to evaluate the degree of fitness as a form of dispute resolution in construction. Fifty cases mediated in the recent past in the State of Qatar were analysed in terms of their approach and the net resultant effect. The tendency will be to fail mediation in construction unless the mediator actively intervenes in changing the dynamic of the conflict by contractual, financial and technical evaluation. The mediator in doing so acts beyond what is truly expected in mediation so that the outcome is arbitral to some extent rather than consensual. The author recommends this is not necessarily the case in the exception of construction and contends that the key elements of mediation such as neutrality and impartiality can still be secured as long as the mediator does not step over the line into judgement.
Why dialogue in politics?
Authors: Cloke Kenneth
Published: October 2018

In thinking about how to discuss political differences, the essayist Isaiah Berlin offered a useful way forward, proposing that we regard political ideas, rhetoric and communications as ‘inherently un-philosophical’, in the sense that they are based on values over which people naturally disagree because they flow from dissimilar interests, orientations and experiences, and therefore on entirely different sets of facts.
Is irritable bowel syndrome also present in dogs?
Authors: Rossi Giacomo , Spaterna Andrea , Tesei Beniamino , Jergens Albert , Suchodolski Jan , Bassotti Gabrio , Cerquetella Matteo
Published: October 2018

Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) in humans is described as the recurrent presence of gastrointestinal signs, without gross histopathologic evidence of inflammation and of other morphologic lesions; however, it is a syndrome not unanimously defined in veterinary medicine. There is some evidence that dysmotility could be related to stressors in some dogs that present with clinical signs (e.g. chronic idiopathic large-bowel diarrhea) that share overlapping aspects with human IBS. The authors hypothesize that an IBS-like condition, similar to that described in humans, might also be present in dogs. Nevertheless, the diagnostic path for canine IBS needs to be further elucidated and its pathogenesis better defined for a more rational therapeutic approach.
Tracking decarbonisation in the mining sector
Authors: Immink H. , Louw R.T. , Brent A.C.
Published: October 2018

Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions increase as mining companies transport ore over increased distances in opencast operations or extract ore from deeper levels in underground operations. The rising costs of energy sources and enhanced awareness of the impacts of GHG emissions support energy- and emission-reduction initiatives. This paper evaluates the metrics used in GHG emissions projections and target-setting over a ten-year period from 2005, linked to the South African Energy Efficiency Accord. The GHG inventories of a gold- and iron ore-mining company, together with the implemented energy saving projects, were analysed to evaluate progress against targets. A broad target value, defined as a percentage reduction of GHG emissions over time, was found to be problematic in monitoring performance over time. A direct link between emissions and output metrics was not found, due to external factors, such as the impact of changes in the grid emission factor, acquisitions and divestments, and internal factors, including changes in ore grade or mining depth. Using a metric linked to the activity within the operations, such as total tonnes mined, is, therefore, more appropriate for mining companies than production output. A methodological tool, using both the inventory and the savings from implemented mitigation initiatives, is proposed to improve GHG emissions projections, establishing a counterfactual baseline, and to support target setting. Decarbonisation of the mining industry would require careful review of the metrics to project and set GHG reduction targets.
Elena de White y la dieta vegetariana
Authors: N. Levterov Theodore
Published: October 2018

Este artículo ofrece una breve visión general de la aceptación personal, la promoción y la práctica de una dieta vegetariana por parte de Elena de White. De ser una gran amante de la “carne” durante las décadas de 1840 y 1850, ella se convirtió en una defensora del vegetarianismo. El cambio se produjo durante la década de 1860 después de que ella reciba sus grandes visiones sobre la salud en 1863 y 1865. Aunque la Hna. White comenzó a practicar una dieta sin carne, ella no se convirtió en una “vegetariana estricta” hasta el año 1894 debido a varias circunstancias. Además, ella siempre promovió un enfo- que del“sentido común”en la dieta. Su llamado para optar una dieta vege- tariana está basado en dos argumentos: los benefi para la salud y las preocupaciones éticas, especialmente sobre la crueldad hacia los anima- les. Es por su liderazgo que hoy en día los adventistas del séptimo día son conocidos en todo el mundo por su mejor salud y su longevidad.
Breve estudio cronológico del término “disidente” en los escritos de Elena de White
Authors: S. Gonzales Cristian
Published: October 2018

Este estudio presenta un desarrollo cronológico de cómo la Sra. White empleó el término “dissenters” (disidente) en sus escritos, resaltando dos aspectos: (1) la actuación de la Iglesia Católica y (2)  el de los Estados Unidos contra de los disidentes.
Daniel y el liderazgo cristiano en la función pública: Una introducción
Authors: E. Celano Lionel
Published: October 2018

La participación cristiana en la política ha sido un tema muy debatido en el centro del discurso cristiano durante siglos. A muchos creyentes se les enseña que los cristianos no deben buscar el compromiso en el ámbito político porque “la fe y la política no se mezclan”. Sin embargo, la pregunta que emana de este debate es la siguiente: ¿Cómo deberían los cristianos ver la política? ¿Un cristiano puede involucrarse en la política? El presente artículo expondrá brevemente las circunstancias que convergieron para que Daniel llegara a desempeñarse en la función pública. Luego, realizará una aproximación a los eventos de la vida de Daniel relacionados a sus labores administrativas. Finalmente, se establecerán parámetros de conducta aplicables a la experiencia actual de un cristiano que se desempeña en la función pública.
Daniel 12: Una visión de las tres perspectivas del “tiempo de angustia”
Authors: Zavaleta Siccha Hamilton
Published: October 2018

Al realizar la revisión bibliográfica con respecto al significadode la frase tiempo de angustia en el libro de Daniel 12:1-3,salen a la luz diferentes puntos de vista, interpretaciones o enfoques.Al organizar las diversas opiniones según la concordanciade los intérpretes entre sí, podemos hallar tres grandes grupos que,si bien es cierto, poseen una misma concepción en cuestiones designificado de este período angustioso, varían en tres aspectos importantes:causantes, contexto y receptores.El primer grupo, que es reconocido por su enfoque preterista,sitúa el cumplimiento de las profecías en el segundo sigloantes de la era cristiana, con lo que el tiempo de angustia tendríacomo causante a Antíoco IV Epífanes, quien tuvo cierto protagonismoen el 168/7 a.C. De este modo, los receptores principalesdel “tiempo de angustia” habrían sido los habitantes de la naciónisraelita (los judíos).El segundo grupo, denominado futurista por su particularenfoque del cumplimiento de las profecías apocalípticas en un  futuro distante, tiene como base de su propuesta la concepción de la septuagésima semana de Daniel 9 ubicada en el futuro, rompiendo la secuencia histórica de las otras 69 semanas que le anteceden. En ese contexto, interpretan los días de esa última semana como 7 años, aplicando el principio día por año y denominando a la mitad de esta semana el tiempo de angustia. Entretanto, otros adoptan el período de los 1260 días de Daniel 12 en forma literal y, haciendo el cálculo con meses de treinta días exactos, explican que el tiempo de angustia sería un período de tres años y medio previo al retorno del Mesías. Además, colocan como principal causante a un emperador romano con quien inicialmente se formaría una alianza, pero que luego de tres años y medio, perseguiría únicamente a la nación judía, que vendría a ser la receptora del tiempo de angustia. Finalmente, para los historicistas, la concepción del tiempo de angustia, aunque tiene que ver con eventos escatológicos, solo se resume a un período corto de tiempo previo a la segunda venida de Jesús, cuyo principal causante sería el cuerno pequeño identificado como el poder Católico Romano (papado). Los receptores del tiempo de angustia en esta corriente de interpretación vendrían a ser el verdadero pueblo de Dios y no solo los israelitas/ judíos como nación. Al considerar todas estas interpretaciones, la pregunta que esta investigación no pretende resolver, pero que sería recomendableque se hiciera en futuras investigaciones, es: ¿cuáles son las bases filosóficas que subyacen a cada enfoque interpretativo?
¿Elena G. de White utilizó terminología masónica?
Authors: Richter Eric E.
Published: October 2018

Elena G. de White fue una prolífica escritora, con alrededorde 100.000 páginas escritas y más de 60 libros. Como es de esperaren un cuerpo literario tan extenso, en sus escritos se encuentranalgunas expresiones y frases que son difíciles de explicar y que loscríticos han utilizado para hacer toda clase de acusaciones. Una deestas expresiones es “el ojo que todo lo ve” (all-seeing eye), quefue usada al menos en 72 ocasiones diferentes por Elena G. deWhite.122 Dado que en la actualidad esta frase tiene connotacionesmasónicas, sus críticos han afirmado que Elena G. de White pertenecióa alguna sociedad secreta masónica. En este artículo analizaremos esta acusación y veremos realmente qué relación hay entre la frase “el ojo que todo lo ve” y la masonería. También buscaremos una explicación del porqué Elena G. de White utilizó esta expresión en sus escritos.
ÜRETİM EKONOMİSİ VE TOPLUMSAL ALTYAPI: NEOLİTİK VE KALKOLİTİK ÇAĞLAR
Authors: AKSOY Belgin
Published: October 2018

Arkeolojinin inceleme alanını oluşturan maddi kültür önemli ölçüde ekonomik etkinlikler ile ilişkili nesnelerdir. Bu nesneler üzerinden geçmiştoplumların rekonstrüksiyonunu yaparken, ekonomik yaşamın da inceleme konusu haline gelmesi kaçınılmazdır. Kıt olan mal ve kaynakların idaresi çerçevesinde gelişen ekonominin Neolitik ile birlikte hayatın vazgeçilmez bir parçası olduğu açıktır. Bu dönemde kendi kendine yeten, üretim ve tüketim birimlerinin özdeşolduğu bir ekonomik sistem söz konusudur. Bu durum Neolitik sonlarında yavaşyavaşdeğişmeye başlar. Suriye ve Mezopotamya bölgelerindeki kültürler birbirleri ile karşılaştırıldığında, maddi kültürde dikkat çeken unsurlarda üretim biçiminin yansımalarını görmek mümkündür. Mezopotamya’nın kuzey bölgeleri, doğal koşullardan dolayı daha fazla risk altında olan bölgeler olmaları itibarı ile, farklı üretim araçları ve ürünlerin ortaya çıktığı bölgelerdir. Bunların en önemlileri hayvanların süt ve yünü ile birlikte gücünden yararlanılması, sulamalı tarımın gelişmesi ve metal işlenmesindeki yenilikler olarak özetlenebilirler ve Kalkolitik ile birlikte yayılmışlardır. Bu değişim ile birlikte, üretim birimi ile tüketim biriminin birbirine özdeşolduğu haneye dayalı ekonomiler, haraca dayalı üretim sistemlerine doğru evrilmeye başlamışlardır. Bu aynı zamanda karmaşık ve hiyerarşik toplumların ortaya çıkışı anlamına gelmektedir. Anadolu’daki gelişim buna benzer olmakla birlikte, sulamaya daha uygun koşulların mevcut olduğu Suriye ve Mezopotamya’ya göre farklı bir çizgide seyretmiştir. Tarıma dayalı bir büyüme Anadolu yerleşimleri için söz konusu değildir. Ancak bu ortam içerisinde tanımlanan diğer servet biçimlerine sahip feodal merkezlerden söz edilebilir. Eski Tunç Çağında şekillenmeye başlayan siyasal ve ekonomik yapının Kalkolitikte temellerinin atıldığı söylenebilir.
Medicina, màgia i religió
Authors: Rivers William Halse
Published: October 2018

Medicina, màgia i religió és un text fundacional de lantropologia mèdica que indaga sobre el vincle gairebé indissoluble en moltes cultures entre aquestes tres institucions socials. A partir de les seves dades etnogràfiques sobre les cultures de Melanèsia i d'altres obtingudes d'informes antropològics, lautor ens endinsa en la diversitat de concepcions etiològiques i diagnòstiques de les malalties i en la naturalesa social i simbòlica de lart de guarir.
Evidencias y narrativas en la atención sanitaria
Authors: autores Varios
Published: October 2018

Este libro es el resultado de una reflexión colectiva en el marco del X Coloquio REDAM (Red de Antropología Médica) que, bajo el título "De la evidencia a la narrativa en la atención sanitaria: biopoder y relatos de aflicción", se realizó en junio de 2013 en Tarragona. El objetivo de este encuentro fue analizar tanto las narrativas de la evidencia, entendidas como estrategias de construcción de la prueba en biomedicina, como la evidencia de las narrativas, entendida como constatación de que aquello que está o debería estar en juego en la atención sanitaria es principalmente la enfermedad como forma de sufrimiento. El libro recoge aportaciones de más de veinte autores nacionales e internacionales que inciden de forma polifónica en la construcción de una perspectiva antropológica de los sistemas médicos y de las aflicciones humanas.
Study of prescription pattern of antiglaucoma drugs used in treatment of primary open angle glaucoma in ophthalmology outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Advani Manjari , Jadhao Trupti
Published: October 2018

Background: In view of the high prevalence rates and the fact that medication is the primary line of treatment in POAG, an understanding of prescribing patterns can provide an insight into rational use of antiglaucoma drugs.Methods: This prospective, cross-sectional study was conducted in the glaucoma clinic of a tertiary care teaching hospital over a period of 12 months. Data from prescriptions of patients with POAG was recorded to study the prescribing pattern of antiglaucoma medications, completeness of the prescription and analysis of the prescriber’s influence.Results: Total of 103 prescriptions were included in which all the 141 anti-glaucoma drugs were prescribed as eye drops. Average number of drugs prescribed in present study was 1.36.   β blockers, particularly Timolol (58%) was the most frequently prescribed drug. Timolol with dorzolamide (15%) was the only prescribed fixed dose combination. Prostaglandin analogues (5%) were least commonly prescribed. 53% drugs were prescribed by generic names and 43% were prescribed from hospital formulary. Instructions regarding the route and frequency of drug administration with duration of treatment were present in all prescriptions; however, instructions regarding method of instillation of eye drops were missing. Authors observed prescriber’s influence in present study.Conclusions: Overall prescribing pattern in our set up is satisfactory. There is a need to sensitize the prescribers regarding the importance of writing method of instillation in prescription as this could improve efficacy reduce side effects, prevent drug wastage and reduce cost. To encourage the physicians for rational prescribing such type of studies should be done more often for periodic auditing of prescriptions.