bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Função Sexual e Qualidade de Vida de Mulheres Submetidas à Histerectomia
Authors: Santos Jéssika Lange Castro dos , Cirqueira Rosana Porto , Albuquerque Luciana Santos de , Rodrigues Thaís Dutra , Ferreira Juliana Barros
Published: January 2018

Este estudo tem como objetivo analisar a qualidade de vida e a função sexual de mulheres histerectomizadas. Foi realizado um estudo do tipo observacional, transversal e analítico. Utilizou-se como instrumento de coleta de dados um questionário sociodemográfico, além do FSFI que avaliou a função sexual, e o questionário que avalia a qualidade de vida o WHOQOL- bref. A amostra foi composta por 28 mulheres histerectomizadas, casadas, com baixa renda, e idade média entre 40-50 anos. Verificou-se que a qualidade de vida geral foi regular e a maioria das participantes não apresentou disfunção sexual. Na correlação da qualidade de vida e função sexual, obtida através teste U Mann-Whitney, os domínios avaliados não apresentaram significância (p<0,005). Estudos com um acompanhamento de tempo maior são necessários para avaliar a QV e a função sexual destas mulheres submetidas à histerectomia
Políticas Públicas para micro e minigeração de energia solar no estado do Ceará: um estudo levando-se em consideração o contexto nacional e municípios no semiárido cearense
Authors: Alencar Maria Patrícia De , Almeida Neto José Leandro De , Maranhão Thércia Lucena Grangeiro , Tavares Cristiano Viana Cavalcanti Castellão
Published: January 2018

No Ceará e em alguns municípios, seja em residências ou empresas, surgem iniciativas para produção de energia limpa, fundamentalmente na produção de energia solar. O objetivo geral do trabalho é investigar as políticas públicas existentes no Estado do Ceará e apresentar sugestões nas esferas municipal, estadual e federal para o incentivo à utilização da energia solar. A pesquisa caracteriza-se como básica, exploratória, descritiva, qualitativa e estudo de campo. O estudo foi realizado em alguns municípios do Semiárido Cearense, sendo eles Juazeiro do Norte, Acopiara, Altaneira, Farias Brito, Jardim, Missão Velha e Várzea Alegre, no período de 01 a 30 de agosto de 2017. Os sujeitos da pesquisa foram 12 atores públicos e privados ligados ao assunto energia solar. O local e sujeitos da pesquisa foram selecionados por conveniência e acessibilidade. O instrumento de coleta de dados utilizado foi a entrevista semiestruturada. A análise dos dados foi feita adotando-se a técnica de análise de conteúdo. Como principais resultados destacam-se: os gestores têm uma boa visão das políticas públicas existentes, concordam que a Região do Cariri e o Estado do Ceará apresentam potencial energético solar, que os impostos ainda atuam como empecilhos para os investimentos. As sugestões foram a criação de um fundo de investimentos específico para incrementar a matriz, o financiamento com taxas competitivas para equipamentos importados, utilização do FGTS (Fundo de Garantia do Tempo de Serviço) ou abatimento do imposto de renda para investimentos para pessoas físicas e a criação de um IPTU (Imposto Predial e Territorial Urbano) verde com valores menores para empreendimentos com esta matriz.
Práticas Sociais que Direcionam o Desenvolvimento Sustentável na Agricultura Familiar
Authors: Silva Tiago Da , Ribeiro Mariana Emídio Oliveira , Antonioli Bianca Inez , Venturin Edileuza Valeriana De Farias
Published: January 2018

A agricultura familiar enfrenta grandes desafios no século XXI, oriunda das crises políticas, econômicas e sociais. Osaspectos sociais influenciam diretamente a população, refletindo assim, na produtividade, no modo de vida e na saúde das pessoas. Diante do exposto, este artigo procurou verificar quais as práticas sociais que os agricultores familiares rurais têm realizado, direcionadas ao desenvolvimento sustentável. Os métodos de estudos foram compostos pela pesquisa qualitativa e exploratória, foram estudos de casos múltiplos, com entrevistas semiestruturadas. Assim,práticas sociais que direcionamo desenvolvimento sustentável da agricultura familiar é fundamentalpara contribuir com meio social e ambiental, nesse âmbito, as famílias organizam-se para prosperarem em comunidade, enriquecendo o estimulo de todos para desenvolveremas atividades, e as melhorias desse núcleo são observadas na construção dos interesses coletivos. Dessa forma, a mobilização sustenta as características dos agricultores e fortalecem o enlace da sociedade,necessários para a agricultura familiar, sendo que a mesma é o alicerce da comunidade, já que é benéfica e tem papel fundamental na vivência de todos.
A gestão da escola na atualidade: percursos e percalços educacionais
Authors: Silva Maria das Dores Lobo
Published: January 2018

A composição histórica do processo educacional tem passado por inúmeras ao longo dos anos. Nesse sentido, vale destacar que a escola pública enfrenta muitas desigualdades sociais, econômicas e culturais, Pensando nisso, esta pesquisa propõe um debate sobre as questões da gestão escolar como tema de grande relevância na construção de uma educação melhor, onde todos se sintam-se atores do processo de ensino-aprendizagem. Pretende-se nesse artigo, não apenas falar dos avanços e das características dos gestores no fazer pedagógico, mas da efetivação da qualidade em todo o processo educacional. Nessa moldura, a função da boa administração educacional no contexto social, político e econômico da educação é atualmente, além de uma exigência uma necessidade para transformação social, onde a igualdade, transparência, participação coletiva e outros fatores que tornam uma gestão escolar transparente sejam uma realidade para formar a base da educação se quer. Uma gestão com planejamento pode melhorar significativamente. Tendo em vista que há a necessidade da participação de todos, respeitando sempre as limitações, de cada aluno e o mais importante desenvolver a proposta pedagógica da melhor forma possível, tendo como principio uma educação para a formação cidadã.
O Papel do/a Enfermeiro/a: Visão Humanística dos Cuidados Paliativos em Pacientes Oncológicos
Authors: Santos Elenito Bitencorth
Published: January 2018

O estudo em questão aborda à práxis do profissional de enfermagem considerando a ética profissional da referida profissão ao se deparar com o sofrimento dos pacientes oncológicos em estágio terminal. Tal abordagem requer humanização dos cuidados, passando de uma prática paliativa para uma perspectiva holística e multidisciplinar voltada para uma abordagem biopsicosocioespiritual no intuito de proporcionar ao paciente um tratamento adequado e com melhoria da qualidade de vida. O cuidado torna-se uma categoria que possibilita a inter e a multidisciplinaridade e é em torno dele que o vínculo que extrapola o profissionalismo pode ser estabelecido através da efetivação de medidas que criem possibilidades de interação entre enfermeiro-paciente (afeto) e a promoção do autocuidado.
(When) Does Third-Party Recognition for Design Excellence Affect Financial Performance in Business-to-Business Markets?
Authors: Boyd D. Eric , Kannan P.K.
Published: January 2018

Third-party recognition for design excellence is often viewed as an event triggering the success of a product with a good design. However, evidence from extant research raises doubt as to whether this form of recognition matters in business-to-business (B2B) markets. Using a demand shock conceptualization to capture the signaling role and demand uncertainty of such recognition, this research argues that third-party recognition for design excellence does create firm value in B2B markets. The effect varies, however, depending on certain types of chief executive officer functional experience (market and finance) and the criteria used by third parties in judging design superiority. Model-free evidence and matched-sample analysis provides empirical evidence in support of the demand shock perspective and the hypothesized effects. The research adds a new theoretical conceptualization describing the impact of third-party recognition for design excellence and unveils several new research areas. Managerially, the results identify several new facilitating conditions that enable B2B firms to create greater value from an innovation strategy based on superior design.
Remedying Food Policy Invisibility with Spatial Intersectionality: A Case Study in the Detroit Metropolitan Area
Authors: Jang Seongsoo , Kim Jinwon
Published: January 2018

This study examines the intersectionality of race/ethnicity and poverty in terms of geographic access to 2,635 food stores of three types (supermarkets, grocery stores, and convenience stores) in the tricounty Detroit metropolitan area (DMA). Prior research not only lacks an intersectional view of sociodemographic categories in explicating food store access, but it also fails to provide place-based policies to remedy food policy invisibility. The authors explore whether spatial dependencies among food stores exist and whether these are linked to sociodemographic heterogeneity in the DMA. Food stores are clustered across suburban and rural areas surrounding urban boundaries but are less clustered in the inner city. Poor neighborhoods have varying access to different types of food stores depending on the predominant racial/ethnic composition of the neighborhood. This research can assist policy makers in implementing place-based food interventions and policies, especially attracting new supermarkets and grocery stores to the urban DMA.
The functional role of microRNAs in laryngeal carcinoma
Authors: Cheng Jinzhang , Chen Junjun , Wang Zonggui , Yu Dan , Zu Yuanzhang
Published: January 2018

MicroRNAs are a class of non-coding, small RNAs, which modulate gene expression at the post-transcriptional level. Numerous studies have showed microRNAs are involved in the pathogenesis of laryngeal cancer through regulating tumor-related genes such as oncogenes or tumor suppressor genes. In this review, we summarize recent progress on the function of microRNAs in laryngeal cancer. We focus on potential use of microRNAs in laryngeal cancer diagnosis and prognosis.
Where metaphorsreallycome from: Social factors as contextual influence in Hungarian teenagers’ metaphorical conceptualizations of life
Authors: Benczes Réka , Ságvári Bence
Published: January 2018

When it comes to metaphorical conceptualizations of life, previous cognitive linguistic research has identified cultural history as the single most important factor in the selection of the source domain. Accordingly, Hungary had to constantly battle for survival, prompting Hungarians to think of life primarily in terms of struggle and compromise, resulting in a more negative mindset towards life. We investigated the validity of this claim by drawing on a nationwide survey of Hungarian teenagers. Three main findings of the research are presented in the paper. First, the identified metaphors were of a general character and no particularly prevalent, negative conceptualizations emerged; Hungarian teenagers conceptualize life primarily asgame, food, journey, challenge, plantandrollercoaster. Second, social factors – type and location of school, socio-economic status and media consumption – can have an effect on the selection of source domains, thus lessening the importance of cultural history in shaping metaphorical conceptualizations of life. Third, social factors influence speakers’ overall inclination toward metaphorical usage. Our results suggest that inclination to verbalize metaphorical conceptualizations is not all-pervasive throughout the whole linguistic community, but is constrained by type of school (at the secondary level), mother’s level of education, academic performance and reading habits.
Bias wanted! Examining people’s information exposure, quality expectations and bias perceptions in the context of the refugees debate among different segments of the German population
Authors: Arlt Dorothee , Wolling Jens
Published: January 2018

The growing number of refugees entering Europe since 2015 has quickly ignited a heated public debate on refugees in Germany. Against the backdrop of the media’s information and opinion-forming function, this paper examines the importance of mainstream and social media among different segments of the German population. Applying cluster analysis to survey data (n= 1,579), six clusters with specific attitude-behavior combinations concerning the refugee issue were identified: Pro-Refugee Activists, Passive-Affirmative Mainstream, Directly-Involved Ambivalents, Passive-Worried Mainstream, Worried Agitators, and Anti-Refugee Activists. The results show that these clusters differ both in terms of socio-demographic and political characteristics as well as in terms of people’s issue-specific media usage, expectations, and evaluations of media coverage. Moreover, the findings indicate that social media play a problematic role in the debate as they seem to reinforce people’s pre-existing attitudes toward refugees. The implications of these findings for public debate on refugees are also discussed.
The effects of visual isolation on the perception of scandalized politicians
Authors: Sikorski Christian von , Ludwig Mark
Published: January 2018

In their depictions of scandalized politicians, journalists frequently use news images that highlight the (alleged) isolation of
politicians. To test how this way of portraying political actors affects a recipient’s attitudes and his/her guilt perception toward
such a scandalized politician an experiment was conducted. All participants were exposed to the identical textual information.
However, the visual information (degree of isolation) was systematically altered. A multivariate analysis of covariance (MANCOVA)
showed that participants – exposed to a visual highlighting the isolation of the politician – evaluated the politician in a significantly
more negative way and rated other recipients’ perceptions of the politician’s level of guilt to be higher.
“Beef Jerky in a Ball Gown”: The Camp Excesses of Titus Andromedon in Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt
Authors: Dexl Carmen , Horn Katrin
Published: January 2018

In this essay, we look at Titus Andromedon from the Netflix-sitcom Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2014-) as a singular phenomenon in contemporary TV: a black queen whose use of camp distances him from stereotypes, but connects him with audiences. Titus thus not only adds to a more diverse representation of black experience on TV but also interrogates prevailing TV tropes. Titus thus presents a crucial (and critical) addition to the contemporary TV landscape, to which several TV critics in leading media outlets have recently attested a turning point in the representation-both in quantity and quality-of black characters on big and small screens. Titus breaks with historical traditions of African American representation in the sitcom, both in so-called “black sitcoms” with a majority of African American characters and in white sitcoms which have featured people of color as sidekicks. In addition, Titus picks up on gay sidekicks and their relation to female lead characters, whose dynamics are interrogated through Titus’s growing agency as a character in his own right. Titus expands on these novelties in meaningful ways, as he wholeheartedly embraces his queer identity and furthermore offers a running commentary on other characters’ “white nonsense,” thereby clearly refusing the assimilationist tendencies typical for much of “Post-Cosby”-sitcom black representation. This article therefore claims that Titus’ character relies on camp in his balancing act between comic relief, affective centering, and critical distance, and illustrates this by analyzing the specific techniques of Titus’ critical engagement with stereotypical representation of gay and black TV characters.
Enhancement of Catalytic Performance of H-Clinoptilolite in Toluene Abatement from Polluted Air via Controlled Dealumination Method
Authors: Ghasemian Naser , Yousefi Ali Reza
Published: January 2018

In this study, the effect of clinoptilolite dealumination on the total oxidation of toluene was reported for the first time. To avoid excess decrease of catalyst crystallinity, chemical modification of zeolite was carried out using a mild acid like oxalic acid. The catalysts were characterized by XRD, XRF, SEM, BET and TPD analyses. It was found that dealumination resulted in a significant enhancement of toluene conversion when 0.050 M acid oxalic was used for a treatment period of 2 h. Dealumination substantially changed the distribution of the concentration of acid sites of different strength and increased the surface area and porosity, so that the temperature corresponding to the maximum conversion shifts around 50 °C towards lower temperatures (in case of CLP 050). The effect of dealumination on the activity of the zeolite samples and the total oxidation of toluene was discussed in terms of Si/Al ratio, crystallinity, distribution of acid site strength and textural characteristics of the samples.
Estimated Time of Restoration (ETR) Guidance for Electric Distribution Networks
Authors: Wanik David , Anagnostou Emmanouil , Hartman Brian , Layton Thomas
Published: January 2018

Electric distribution utilities have an obligation to inform the public and government regulators about when they expect to complete service restoration after a major storm. In this study, we explore methods for calculating the estimated time of restoration (ETR) from weather impacts, defined as the time it will take for 99.5% of customers to be restored. Actual data from Storm Irene (2011), the October Nor’easter (2011) and Hurricane Sandy (2012) within the Eversource Energy-Connecticut service territory were used to calibrate and test the methods; data used included predicted outages, the peak number of customers affected, a ratio of how many outages a restoration crew can repair per day, and the count of crews working per day. Data known before a storm strikes (such as predicted outages and available crews) can be used to calculate ETR and support pre-storm allocation of crews and resources, while data available immediately after the storm passes (such as customers affected) can be used as motivation for securing or releasing crews to complete the restoration in a timely manner. Used together, the methods presented in this paper will help utilities provide a reasonable, data-driven ETR without relying solely on qualitative past experiences or instinct.
Mathematical and computational studies of fractional reaction-diffusion system modelling predator-prey interactions
Authors: Owolabi Kolade M. , Pindza Edson
Published: January 2018

This paper provides the essential mathematical basis for computational studies of space fractional reaction-diffusion systems, from biological and numerical analysis perspectives. We adopt linear stability analysis to derive conditions on the choice of parameters that lead to biologically meaningful equilibria. The stability analysis has a lot of implications for understanding the various spatiotemporal and chaotic behaviors of the species in the spatial domain. For the solution of the full reaction-diffusion system modelled by the fractional partial differential equations, we introduced the Fourier transform method to discretize in space and advance the resulting system of ordinary differential equation in time with the fourth-order exponential time differencing scheme. Numerical results.
Absent Pulmonary Valve Syndrome – Special Prenatal Care and Early Surgery in Obstetric/Cardiac Center - A New Hope for Postnatal Survivors?
Authors: Zych-Krekora Katarzyna , Krekora Michał , Kopala Marek , Respondek-Libserska Maria
Published: January 2018

Introduction: APVS (Absent Pulmonary Valve Syndrome) is a rare congenital heart disease. Its incidence according to The Polish National Registry of Fetal Cardiac Pathology in years 2004 - 2016 was 0.6%.This disease is caused by the absence or the residual pulmonary artery valve resulting in significant dilation of the pulmonary trunk and its branches. In utero deaths are reported. After birth the major problem is respiratory failure and high preoperative and postoperative mortality. Material and methods: In 1995 to 2016, 11 fetuses with APVS were diagnosed in our unit, at the average 27,5 weeks of gestation (min. 18.5- max 37.1 weeks of gestation). Two groups were analysed in this series of cases: “Old one” by 2011 (n = 6) and “New one” since 2011 (n = 5) and perinatal care as well as survival were compared. We analysed the fetal echo results, perinatal care including transplacental digoxin and steroids treatment in NEW group, the longevity of the pregnancy and neonatal/infants outcome. Results: In Old group the average day of cardiac surgery was day 91st after birth (max. 161) and the survival was 50% . In the New group the average surgery day was 41st day and the postoperative survival was 60%, however there was no statistical significance ( p > 0,05). Conclusions: There is no single parameter from prenatal life in foetuses with APVS which may allow to predict the positive outcome meaning neonatal survival. However optimal perinatal care (early detection of defect, transplacental digoxin at least 3-4 weeks, steroids, no preterm delivery, on-time delivery, postnatal care in tertiary center) and relatively early cardiac surgery may have combined impact on the improvement of survival after prenatal diagnosis of APVS, however more data are necessary to prove this hypothesis.
Recommendations for Prenatal Echocardiography: A Report from International Prenatal Cardiology Collaboration Group.
Authors: Murlewska Julia , Słodki Maciej , Axt-Fliender Roland , Rizzo Giusseppe , Sklansky Mark , Weiner Stuart , Blickstein Isaac , Respondek-Liberska Maria
Published: January 2018

International Prenatal Cardiology Collaboration Group (IPCCG) links specialists from prenatal cardiology all over the world. In this recommendation we would like to focus on the fetal/prenatal echocardiography official report. So far many recommendations focused mainly on technical aspects of the fetal heart examination.
Effects of nano-silicon dioxide surface modification on the morphology and mechanical properties of ABS/PMMA blends
Authors: Ding Jin , Yue Zhenming , Sun Jiao , Gao Jun
Published: January 2018

This work analyzed the effects of nano-silicon dioxide (nano-SiO2) fillers on the morphology and mechanical properties of acrylonitrile-butadiene-styrene (ABS)/poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) blends. Nano-SiO2 particles were selectively dispersed in the PMMA phase, and the toughness of the ternary blends was significantly improved when the contents of the nano-SiO2 fillers were below 2 wt%. The stearic acid treatment of nano-SiO2 particles prevented the adhesion between constituents and markedly diminished the toughness of the blends. Nano-SiO2 particles were alternatively treated with a silane coupling agent to promote adhesion. The toughness was better in blends for filler contents below 2 wt% than in pure nano-SiO2 particles. However, the presence of nano-SiO2 fillers decreased the surface glossiness of the blends. This work provides new insights into the processes by which nanomaterials toughen ABS/PMMA blends.
Entschließung der HRK zu primärqualifizierenden Studiengängen in Gesundheitsfachberufen
Authors: Blättner Beate
Published: January 2018

Die Hochschulrektorenkonferenz (HRK) fordert Änderungen der berufsrechtlichen Regelungen der Gesundheitsfachberufe, um eine primärqualifizierende Ausbildung an Hochschulen in Deutschland für einen Teil der jeweiligen Berufsgruppe zu erleichtern. Die praktische Ausbildung soll an Universitätskliniken oder akademischen Lehrkrankenhäusern erfolgen. Die Forderungen der HRK werden nur bedingt zu einer Verbesserung der Qualität der Gesundheitsversorgung führen, zumindest nicht im ambulanten Bereich.
Butson-type complex Hadamard matrices and association schemes on Galois rings of characteristic 4
Authors: Ikuta Takuya , Munemasa Akihiro
Published: January 2018

We consider nonsymmetric hermitian complex Hadamard matrices belonging to the Bose-Mesner algebra of commutative nonsymmetric association schemes. First, we give a characterization of the eigenmatrix of a commutative nonsymmetric association scheme of class 3 whose Bose-Mesner algebra contains a nonsymmetric hermitian complex Hadamard matrix, and show that such a complex Hadamard matrix is necessarily a Butson-type complex Hadamard matrix whose entries are 4-th roots of unity.We also give nonsymmetric association schemes X of class 6 on Galois rings of characteristic 4, and classify hermitian complex Hadamard matrices belonging to the Bose-Mesner algebra of X. It is shown that such a matrix is again necessarily a Butson-type complex Hadamard matrix whose entries are 4-th roots of unity.
Construction of symmetric Hadamard matrices of order 4v for v = 47, 73, 113
Authors: Balonin N. A. , Ðokovic D. Ž. , Karbovskiy D. A.
Published: January 2018

We continue our systematic search for symmetric Hadamard matrices based on the so called propus construction. In a previous paper this search covered the orders 4v with odd v ≤ 41. In this paper we cover the cases v = 43, 45, 47, 49, 51. The odd integers v < 120 for which no symmetric Hadamard matrices of order 4v are known are the following: 47, 59, 65, 67, 73, 81, 89, 93, 101, 103, 107, 109, 113, 119. By using the propus construction, we found several symmetric Hadamard matrices of order 4v for v = 47, 73, 113.
On the spectral and Frobenius norm of a generalized Fibonacci r-circulant matrix
Authors: Merikoski Jorma K. , Haukkanen Pentti , Mattila Mika , Tossavainen Timo
Published: January 2018

Consider the recursion g0 = a, g1 = b, gn = gn−1 + gn−2, n = 2, 3, . . . . We compute the Frobenius norm of the r-circulant matrix corresponding to g0, . . . , gn−1. We also give three lower bounds (with equality conditions) for the spectral norm of this matrix. For this purpose, we present three ways to estimate the spectral norm from below in general.
Coproduct of Crossed A-Modules of R-Algebroids
Authors: Avcıoglu Osman , Akça Ibrahim Ilker
Published: January 2018

In this study we construct, in the category XAlg(R) / A of crossed A-modules of R-algebroids, the coproduct of given two crossed A-modules M = (μ : M → A) and N = (ɳ : N → A) of R-algebroids in two different ways: Firstly we construct the coproduct M ᴼ* N by using the free product M * N of pre-R-algebroids M and N, and then we construct the coproduct M ᴼ⋉ N by using the semidirect product M ⋉ N of M and N via μ. Finally we construct an isomorphism betweenM ᴼ* N and M ᴼ⋉ N.
Investigation on Mechanical Properties and Wear Behaviour of Squeeze Cast LM13 Aluminium Alloy Reinforced with Copper Coated Steel Wires
Authors: Chelladurai Samson Jerold Samuel , Arthanari Ramesh , Selvarajan Rohith , Athanarsamy Sujeevan , Arumugam Satheshkumar , Veerakumar Gajendhiran
Published: January 2018

Copper coated steel wires (1–5 numbers) reinforced in LM13 aluminium alloy composites have been prepared using squeeze casting process. Microstructure of composites has been investigated and mechanical properties viz., hardness, tensile strength and ductility have been examined and reported. Dry sliding wear behaviour of composites has been investigated by varying sliding distance and load. Fracture surface of broken tensile specimens and worn surface of wear samples have been investigated using field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM). The results reveal that copper coated steel wires reinforcement in LM13 aluminium alloy improves the mechanical properties and wear resistance. Average hardness values of 136 BHN and 96 BHN have been observed in steel wire and at the interface of steel wire and aluminium alloy, respectively. Tensile strength of composites increased up to 28% by reinforcing three copper coated steel wires in LM13 aluminium alloy. Dry sliding wear test results reveal that weight loss, wear rate and coefficient of friction decreased with increasing number of copper coated steel wires reinforcement in LM13 matrix. However, weight loss of samples increased with increasing sliding distance and load. LM13 aluminium alloy reinforced with five numbers of copper coated steel wires decreased the weight loss up to 69% as compared to LM13 aluminium alloy tested at 40 N load and a sliding distance of 2500 m. Fracture surface of composites shows broken steel wires and dimples are observed in LM13 matrix. Worn surface of composites shows fine and shallow grooves; whereas delamination is observed in LM13 aluminium alloy. In general, copper coated steel wire reinforcement in LM13 aluminium alloy exhibited better mechanical properties and wear resistance compared to matrix.
A Tree of Trees: Using Campus Tree Diversity to Integrate Molecular, Organismal, and Evolutionary Biology
Authors: Huang Sophia , Whittall Justen B.
Published: January 2018

The tree of life provides a fundamental roadmap to understanding biodiversity, yet requires integration across scales of the biological hierarchy and a unique set of tree thinking skills. This combination can be challenging for undergraduates at the introductory level because of their preconceptions regarding distinct fields of biology compounded by the unique structure of phylogenetic trees. To address these two challenges while providing an undergraduate research opportunity, we developed an activity for introductory biology students that integrates molecular, organismal, and evolutionary biology. This activity relies on woody plant identification, comparative morphology, and DNA sequence analysis to teach students how to reconstruct and interpret phylogenetic trees. After building separate phylogenetic hypotheses using morphological characters and molecular data, they compare their results with a master Tree of Trees to identify instances of homology and homoplasy. After delivering this activity, the majority of students scored the activity as “helpful to very helpful” in increasing their understanding of these concepts. Overall, we deliver a framework for developing comparable Tree of Trees–type activities that leverage students' interests in familiar organisms and requires them to span scales of the biological hierarchy while improving their tree thinking skills.
The Monasteries Founded by the Thirteen Syrian Fathers in Iberia
Authors: Matitashvili Shota
Published: January 2018

A new step in the history of Christian monasticism in eastern Georgia is associated with thirteen Syrian monks, led by John, who came to Iberia (K‘art‘li) in the mid-sixth century C.E. They were the bearers of a Syrian tradition that implied the combination of an heroic ascetic endeavor and an apostolic mission. They came as spiritual heirs of St. Nino, a Cappadocian virgin who converted Georgia to Christianity in the beginning of the fourth century. Their vitae were first composed by a certain hagiographer named John-Martyrius, but this work does not survive. In the tenth century, the head of the Georgian Church and the distinguished ecclesiastical writer Arsenius II (955–980) depicted their lives and deeds based on different oral and written sources. Later, other unknown authors also wrote additional hagiographical works about these Syrian ascetics. At the beginning of their ascetic and ecclesiastical careers, the thirteen Syrian monks settled on Zedazeni mountain with their spiritual supervisor, John. John later sent them to different corners of the Iberian kingdom in opposition to paganism and Zoroastrianism. They founded monasteries and became influential religious leaders during the second half of the sixth century. Through their vitae, composed by Arsenius and other unknown authors, it is possible to trace the process of transforming the small ascetic communities established by Syrian monks into great feudal organizations. These monasteries had an important impact on the Georgian social and cultural landscape during the Middle Ages.
Late Antique Christian Law in the Eastern Roman Empire
Authors: Monnickendam Yifat
Published: January 2018

To date, early Christian sources have drawn the scholarly attention of theologians, scholars of biblical commentary, and historians, but not of legal historians, presumably because such sources do not offer sufficiently substantial material for legal historical research. Nevertheless, a few studies have blended legal history and late antique Christianity, and an analysis of these studies shows they are based on a “centralist,” or “formalist–positivist,” conceptualization of law.

In this paper I review the scholarship of legal traditions in the eastern Roman Empire— namely, Roman law and Greek legal traditions, the halakha in rabbinic literature, and the halakhic traditions in Qumranic literature and in the New Testament—and contextualize it within developments in legal theory and legal sociology and anthropology (that is, the rise of legal pluralism). This review shows that developments in legal theory, in legal sociology and anthropology, and in legal history of the late antique world are producing new paradigms and models in the study of late antique legal history. These new models, together with new methods in reading early Christian non-legal texts of the eastern Roman Empire, can be utilized in the study of early Christianity, thereby opening gateways to the study of its legal traditions and revealing independent legal traditions that have remained hidden to date.
Late Antique Ionic Column Capitals in the Countryside of Central Palestine between Provincial Trends and Classical Traditions
Authors: Taxel Itamar
Published: January 2018

This article provides the first comprehensive synthesis of one of the least studied styles of column capitals—the Ionic order—in the countryside of the central Palestinian hill country in Late Antiquity. In this study a suggested typology and chronology of the documented finds of Ionic capitals—all are made of local limestone—is presented, while taking into account the geographical distribution of the capital types, and their archaeological/architectural and cultural contexts. Ionic capitals in late antique central Palestine were almost exclusively used in rural settlements of various forms, mostly villages (usually Christian but also Jewish and possibly Samaritan) and monasteries, and were virtually absent from the region's urban centers. While only one capital type represents the (quasi-)canonical or classical style of this order, the other five types clearly demonstrate provincial trends, especially an increasing heterogeneity in the development of the Ionic capital in the region, and the genuine contribution of rural artisans in this respect. The typological diversity and widespread distribution of Ionic-style capitals in the countryside of the late antique central Palestinian hill country is interpreted within local and pan-Levantine historical and socio-cultural contexts. This research inter alia suggests that the specific socio-political history of the central Palestinian hill country during the Early Roman period can partly explain the marked distinction between this area and the regions to its north regarding the evolution of the Ionic style in late antique times. By also using the code-switching model, this study further hypothesizes that the unique Ionic capitals used in the central Palestinian hill country contributed to the development of the cultural identity of the local rural population.
Chronic stress alters adrenal clock function in a sexually dimorphic manner
Authors: Stagl Matthew , Bozsik Mary , Karow Christopher , Wertz David , Kloehn Ian , Pillai Savin , Gasser Paul J , Gilmartin Marieke R , Evans Jennifer A
Published: January 2018

Glucocorticoid production is gated at the molecular level by the circadian clock in the adrenal gland. Stress influences daily rhythms in behavior and physiology, but it remains unclear how stress affects the function of the adrenal clock itself. Here, we examine the influence of stress on adrenal clock function by tracking PERIOD2::LUCIFERASE (PER2::LUC) rhythmsin vitro. Relative to non-stressed controls, adrenals from stressed mice displayed marked changes in PER2::LUC rhythms. Interestingly, the effect of stress on adrenal rhythms varied by sex and the type of stress experiencedin vivo. To investigate the basis of sex differences in the adrenal response to stress, we next stimulated male and female adrenalsin vitrowith adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH). ACTH shifted phase and increased amplitude of adrenal PER2::LUC rhythms. Both phase and amplitude responses were larger in female adrenals than in male adrenals, an observation consistent with previously described sex differences in the physiological response to stress. Lastly, we reversed the sex difference in adrenal clock function using stress and sex hormone manipulations to test its role in driving adrenal responses to ACTH. We find that adrenal responsiveness to ACTH is inversely proportional to the amplitude of adrenal PER2::LUC rhythms. This suggests that larger ACTH responses from female adrenals may be driven by their lower amplitude molecular rhythms. Collectively, these results indicate a reciprocal relationship between stress and the adrenal clock, with stress influencing adrenal clock function and the state of the adrenal clock gating the response to stress in a sexually dimorphic manner.
Whole-Genome Sequence Accuracy Is Improved by Replication in a Population of Mutagenized Sorghum
Authors: Addo-Quaye Charles , Tuinstra Mitch , Carraro Nicola , Weil Clifford , Dilkes Brian P
Published: January 2018

The accurate detection of induced mutations is critical for both forward and reverse genetics studies. Experimental chemical mutagenesis induces relatively few single base changes per individual. In a complex eukaryotic genome, false positive detection of mutations can occur at or above this mutagenesis rate. We demonstrate here, using a population of ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS)-treated Sorghum bicolor BTx623 individuals, that using replication to detect false positive-induced variants in next-generation sequencing (NGS) data permits higher throughput variant detection with greater accuracy. We used a lower sequence coverage depth (average of 7×) from 586 independently mutagenized individuals and detected 5,399,493 homozygous single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs). Of these, 76% originated from only 57,872 genomic positions prone to false positive variant calling. These positions are characterized by high copy number paralogs where the error-prone SNP positions are at copies containing a variant at the SNP position. The ability of short stretches of homology to generate these error-prone positions suggests that incompletely assembled or poorly mapped repeated sequences are one driver of these error-prone positions. Removal of these false positives left 1,275,872 homozygous and 477,531 heterozygous EMS-induced SNPs, which, congruent with the mutagenic mechanism of EMS, were >98% G:C to A:T transitions. Through this analysis, we generated a collection of sequence indexed mutants of sorghum. This collection contains 4035 high-impact homozygous mutations in 3637 genes and 56,514 homozygous missense mutations in 23,227 genes. Each line contains, on average, 2177 annotated homozygous SNPs per genome, including seven likely gene knockouts and 96 missense mutations. The number of mutations in a transcript was linearly correlated with the transcript length and also the G+C count, but not with the GC/AT ratio. Analysis of the detected mutagenized positions identified CG-rich patches, and flanking sequences strongly influenced EMS-induced mutation rates. This method for detecting false positive-induced mutations is generally applicable to any organism, is independent of the choice of in silico variant-calling algorithm, and is most valuable when the true mutation rate is likely to be low, such as in laboratory-induced mutations or somatic mutation detection in medicine.
Control of Maize Vegetative and Reproductive Development, Fertility, and rRNAs Silencing by HISTONE DEACETYLASE 108
Authors: Forestan Cristian , Farinati Silvia , Rouster Jacques , Lassagne Hervé , Lauria Massimiliano , Dal Ferro Nicola , Varotto Serena
Published: January 2018

Histone deacetylases (HDACs) catalyze the removal of acetyl groups from acetylated histone tails that consequently interact more closely with DNA, leading to chromatin state refractory to transcription. Zea mays HDA108 belongs to the Rpd3/HDA1 HDAC family and is ubiquitously expressed during development. The newly isolated hda108/hda108 insertional mutant exhibited many developmental defects: significant reduction in plant height, alterations of shoot and leaf development, and alterations of inflorescence patterning and fertility. Western blot analyses and immunolocalization experiments revealed an evident increase in histone acetylation, accompanied by a marked reduction in H3K9 dimethylation, in mutant nuclei. The DNA methylation status, in the CHG sequence context, and the transcript level of ribosomal sequences were also affected in hda108 mutants, while enrichment in H3 and H4 acetylation characterizes both repetitive and nonrepetitive transcriptional up-regulated loci. RNA-Seq of both young leaf and anthers indicated that transcription factor expression is highly affected and that the pollen developmental program is disrupted in hda108 mutants. Crosses between hda108/hda108 and epiregulator mutants did not produce any double mutant progeny indicating possible genetic interactions of HDA108 with distinct epigenetic pathways. Our findings indicate that HDA108 is directly involved in regulation of maize development, fertility, and epigenetic regulation of genome activity.
Meistriškumo dirbti strategijų vaidmuo išsekimo ir darbo išteklių sąsajoms: pedagogų imties tyrimas
Authors: Lazauskaitė-Zabielskė Jurgita , Urbanavičiūtė Ieva , Rekašiūtė Balsienė Rita
Published: January 2018

Straipsnyje pristatomas tyrimas, kurio tikslas – nustatyti darbo išteklių ir meistriškumo dirbti strategijų sąveiką prognozuojant išsekimą darbe. Tyrime dalyvavo 341 pedagogas iš įvairių Lietuvos mokyklų. Tyrimas parodė, kad meistriškumo dirbti strategijų taikymas moderuoja darbo išteklių ir išsekimo darbe sąsajas. Autonomijos, galimybės tobulėti ir kolegų paramos ištekliai yra susiję su mažesniu išsekimu tik tada, kai pedagogai siekia didinti struktūrinius išteklius, t. y. ugdyti ir panaudoti darbe savo gebėjimus. Be to, nustatyta, kad autonomija ir kolegų parama taip pat susijusi su mažesniu išsekimu, kai darbuotojai siekia iššūkių savo darbe, t. y. apie atsiradusias naujoves sužino ir jas išbando, imasi papildomų užduočių ir naujų projektų, patys pasisiūlo prisidėti prie naujų veiklų.
Kai neteisinga informacija lemia politinius sprendimus dėl autizmo gydymo
Authors: Gillen Eamonn , Keenan Mickey
Published: January 2018

Elgesio analizė yra svarbi, kalbant apie autizmo spektro sutrikimo intervencijas. Elgesio analize pagrįstos intervencijos turi didelį empirinį pagrindimą, tačiau apie daugelį kitų intervencijų rūšių to pasakyti negalima. Tai lėmė didelius politinių sprendimų ir rekomendacijų skirtumus skirtingose pasaulio dalyse, ypač tarp Europos ir Šiaurės Amerikos. Straipsnyje analizuojamos kai kurios šių skirtumų priežastys.
Clinical Profile of Ascites Based on Presentation and Laboratory Findings: An institutional experience from Kathmandu, Nepal
Authors: Joshi Rinku , Shrestha Dhan Bahadur , Pande Rajib , Maharjan Sukriti
Published: January 2018

Introduction: Ascites is the fluid collection in the potential space of the peritoneal cavity. Alcoholic liver disease and intra-abdominal malignancy are two major etiologies behind it. Also, diagnosis of tuberculous ascites should be thought of due to endemicity. Cirrhotic patients at any time during the course of disease, invariably present with ascites which is one of the marker of decompensation. In our context, etiology behind ascites and its correlation with symptoms and clinical findings not yet studied, so present study is conceptualized.

Methods:This is a cross-sectional retrospective descriptive hospital based record review of patients presented with ascites in a tertiary center of Kathmandu. One hundred fourteen patients with ascites under regular follow up of Shree Birendra Hospital (SBH) were reviewed. Data regarding presenting complaints, examination findings, relevant investigations during first visit and final diagnosis were retrieved from our own record keeping and recorded information were then evaluated.

Results: Patients having ascites have myriad of symptoms and signs, commonest clinical feature being icterus (74, 64.9%). Most of them were anemic at presentation. Forty-two (36.8%) had high blood urea and 36 (31.5%) with high creatinine suggesting approximately 30-40% cases presented with deranged renal function test. Ninety-three (81.5%) had raised total serum bilirubin. Similarly, PT/INR derangements were in 74 (64.9%) and 57 (50%) suggesting deranged liver function. Serum albumin was less than 3.5 gram/deciliter in 83(72.8%) cases. Among the patients studied, 80 (70.1%) had high Serum-Ascites Abumin Gradient (SAAG) suggesting transudative type of ascites and rest 34 had low SAAG suggesting exudative type of ascites. Overall assessment revealed, majority of patients (71.05%) had Chronic liver disease (CLD) as the cause of ascites.

Conclusions: Ascites due to chronic liver disease was the main finding with etiology supported by laboratory findings. Significant numbers of the patients had deranged renal function on top of liver function derangement, so these parameters need to be properly taken care of.

Key Words: Ascites, liver cirrhosis, serum ascetic albumin gradient.
¿Se comparte la misma idea al utilizar el termino neoclasicismo?
Authors: Lozano Gerena Francisco Javier , Moreno Medina Jonathan
Published: January 2018

La gran diversidad de acepciones que tiene el término economía neoclásica ha generado gran confusión entre los economistas y entre los estudiantes de economía. Dadas las implicaciones que tiene la utilización del lenguaje en la construcción y la enseñanza del conocimiento, es fundamental precisar de qué se habla cuando se hace referencia al término neoclásico. El objetivo de este artículo es mostrar que el término neoclásico no debería utilizarse con el fin de definir el cuerpo de ideas de la corriente principal sino, como lo emplean los historiadores de las ideas económicas, para describir el periodo comprendido entre 1870 y 1930.
Early Childbearing and the Option to Postpone
Authors: Zuluaga Blanca
Published: January 2018

This paper uses the option value theory to analyse whether there is any value in postponing childbearing for young women. The main insights are based on the idea that the costs of bearing tend to decrease in time and are subject to uncertainty. The analysis involves women with different socioeconomic characteristics. Our findings suggest that, as long as the possibilities of poorer women to reach high schooling increase, they will optimally postpone childbearing. In other words, early childbearing by impoverished women might be a rational reaction to their disadvantaged situation, where opportunities to reach high achievements are low, with or without a child.
Distribución funcional del ingreso y régimen de crecimiento en México y España
Authors: Luyano Cuevas Jose Raul , Herrera Revuelta Julio
Published: January 2018

El propósito de las reformas neoliberales era estimular la inversión privada y las exportaciones para, de este modo, generar un mayor crecimiento y empleo. Sin embargo, estas modificaciones han generado una caída significativa de la participación de los salarios en el ingreso, tanto en países desarrollados, como en desarrollo, desde finales de la década de los setenta. La investigación de este fenómeno se hace desde la teoría poskeynesiana, pero realizando modificaciones a las funciones de inversión y exportaciones, de modo que la distribución funcional tenga un peso mayor en las estimaciones. Se encontró que las políticas de restricción salarial influyen negativamente en los componentes internos de la demanda, de manera que España resulta ser wage-led, y México profit-led.