bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of a Basal-Bolus Insulin Regimen on Metabolic Control and Risk of Hypoglycemia in Patients With Diabetes Undergoing Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Gómez Ana María , Vallejo Santiago , Ardila Freddy , Muñoz Oscar M. , Ruiz Álvaro J. , Sanabria Mauricio , Bunch Alfonso , Morros Elly , Kattah Laura , García-Jaramillo Maira , León-Vargas Fabián
Published: September 2017

Introduction:

Clinical interventional studies in diabetes mellitus usually exclude patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). This study evaluates the impact of an educational program and a basal-bolus insulin regimen on the blood glucose level control and risk of hypoglycemia in this population.

Methods:

A before-and-after study was conducted in type 1 and type 2 DM patients undergoing PD at the Renal Therapy Services (RTS) clinic network, Bogota, Colombia. An intervention was instituted consisting of a three-month educational program and a basal-bolus detemir (Levemir, NovoNordisk) and aspart (Novorapid, NovoNordisk) insulin regimen. Prior to the intervention and at the end of treatment were conducted measures of HbA1c levels and continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

Results:

Forty-seven patients were recruited. Mean HbA1c level decreased from 8.41% ± 0.83 to 7.68% ± 1.32 (mean difference −0.739, 95% CI −0.419, −1.059; P < .0001). Of subjects, 52% achieved HbA1c levels <7.5% at the end of study. Mean blood glucose level reduced from 194.0 ± 42.5 to 172.9 ± 31.8 mg/dl ( P = .0015) measured by CGM. Significant differences were not observed in incidence of overall ( P = .7739), diurnal ( P = .3701), or nocturnal ( P = .5724) hypoglycemia episodes nor in area under the curve (AUC) <54 mg/dl ( P = .9528), but a reduction in AUC >180 ( P < .01) and AUC >250 ( P = .01) was evidenced for total, diurnal, and nocturnal episodes.

Conclusions:

An intervention consisting of an educational program and a basal-bolus insulin regimen in type 1 and type 2 diabetes mellitus patients undergoing PD caused a decrease in HbA1c levels, and mean blood glucose levels as measured from CGM with no significant increases in hypoglycemia episodes.
White’s Perceptions of Biracial Individuals’ Race Shift When Biracials Speak Out Against Bias
Authors: Wilton Leigh S. , Rattan Aneeta , Sanchez Diana T.
Published: September 2017

Previous research suggests that a person’s racial identity shapes the way others respond when that person speaks out against racial prejudice. In the present research, we consider instead how speaking out against racial prejudice shapes people’s impressions of a confronter’s racial identity, such as experiences with discrimination, stereotype enactment, and even phenotype. Two experiments found that White perceivers evaluated a Black/White biracial person who spoke out against (vs. remained silent to) racial prejudice as more stigmatized and Black identified and as having more stereotypically Black (vs. White) preferences and Black (vs. White) ancestry when they confronted. The faces of biracial confronters (vs. nonconfronters) were also recalled as more phenotypically Black (vs. White; S2). This evidence suggests that speaking out against bias colors Whites’ impressions of a biracial target across both subjective and objective measures of racial identity. Implications for interracial interactions and interpersonal perception are discussed.
The Disappearing Trial
Authors: Russell Jago , Hollander Nancy
Published: September 2017

A common view exists, reflected both in law and in the public consciousness, that the trial is the key safeguard guaranteeing the fairness of criminal convictions. In reality, many convictions are imposed without a trial because suspects often waive their right to trial by pleading guilty. Legal systems incentivise defendants to do this (by, for example, offering lower sentences or charges in different ways). This practice (most often associated with US plea bargaining) has spread across the globe over the past 25 years. It is easy to see the benefits of trial waivers, which include helping to tackle impunity and to reduce long case processing times and related over-reliance on pretrial detention. However, this shift away from the full guarantees of a trial can also pose serious challenges to the protection of rights, due process and the rule of law. The domestic and international normative frameworks on fairness in criminal justice have failed to keep pace with the growth in the use of trial waivers.
The European public prosecutor’s office and the judicial review of criminal prosecution
Authors: Novokmet Ante
Published: September 2017

In relation to the pending negotiations over the establishment of a European public prosecutor’s office (hereinafter, EPPO) as well as its role and structure, one often faces the question of the accountability and judicial review of the prosecutor’s prosecutorial and investigative functions. More precisely, it seems that it is not clear who should exercise the review, what needs to be reviewed and when such a review should be engaged. Moreover, the draft provisions on the judicial review have been amended several times. This article is aimed at depicting the current state of the subject matter and the main issues under discussion with an emphasis on the issue of judicial review of criminal prosecution in pretrial proceedings. The starting point is the hypothesis that the EPPO’s decision to initiate an investigation really represents a decision on the initiation of criminal prosecution, and as such, it needs to be subject to judicial review. This hypothesis is substantiated by the right to effective judicial review enshrined in Article 47 of the Charter of fundametnal rights of the EU, the right to judicial review in the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union and an analysis of the principle of mandatory prosecution considering the impact of investigations initiated by the EPPO on the fundamental human rights of suspected persons.
Expressive Faces Confuse Identity
Authors: Redfern Annabelle S. , Benton Christopher P.
Published: September 2017

We used highly variable, so-called ‘ambient’ images to test whether expressions affect the identity recognition of real-world facial images. Using movie segments of two actors unknown to our participants, we created image pairs – each image within a pair being captured from the same film segment. This ensured that, within pairs, variables such as lighting were constant whilst expressiveness differed. We created two packs of cards, one containing neutral face images, the other, their expressive counterparts. Participants sorted the card packs into piles, one for each perceived identity. As with previous studies, the perceived number of identities was higher than the veridical number of two. Interestingly, when looking within piles, we found a strong difference between the expressive and neutral sorting tasks. With expressive faces, identity piles were significantly more likely to contain cards of both identities. This finding demonstrates that, over and above other image variables, expressiveness variability can cause identity confusion; evidently, expression is not disregarded or factored out when we classify facial identity in real-world images. Our results provide clear support for a face processing architecture in which both invariant and changeable facial information may be drawn upon to drive our decisions of identity.
Claparède (1904) on Monocular Stereopsis: History, Theory, and Translation
Authors: O’Shea Robert P.
Published: September 2017

Astoundingly, looking at a photograph with one eye can yield an experience of depth of the depicted objects similar to that from viewing the real objects with both eyes. Édouard Claparède (1873–1940) was one of the first to report this phenomenon in a French paper published in 1904. I give some historical and theoretical context to the phenomenon, provide some biographical information about Claparède, and provide a translation into English of Claparède’s paper.
Adolescent Perspectives on Patient-Provider Sexual Health Communication: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hoopes Andrea J. , Benson Samantha K. , Howard Heather B. , Morrison Diane M. , Ko Linda K. , Shafii Taraneh
Published: September 2017

Background: Adolescents in the United States are disproportionately affected by sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancy. Adolescent-centered health services may reduce barriers to health care; yet, limited research has focused on adolescents’ own perspectives on patient-provider communication during a sexual health visit. Methods: Twenty-four adolescents (14-19 years old) seeking care in a public health clinic in Washington State participated in one-on-one qualitative interviews. Interviews explored participants’ past experiences with medical providers and their preferences regarding provider characteristics and communication strategies. Results: Interviews revealed that (1) individual patient dynamics and (2) patient-provider interaction dynamics shape the experience during a sexual health visit. Individual patient dynamics included evolving level of maturity, autonomy, and sexual experience. Patient-provider interaction dynamics were shaped by adolescents’ perceptions of providers as sources of health information who distribute valued sexual health supplies like contraception and condoms. Participant concerns about provider judgment, power differential, and lack of confidentiality also emerged as important themes. Conclusions: Adolescents demonstrate diverse and evolving needs for sexual health care and interactions with clinicians as they navigate sexual and emotional development.
Communicating Risks and Benefits in Informed Consent for Research: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Nusbaum Lika , Douglas Brenda , Damus Karla , Paasche-Orlow Michael , Estrella-Luna Neenah
Published: September 2017

Multiple studies have documented major limitations in the informed consent process for the recruitment of clinical research participants. One challenging aspect of this process is successful communication of risks and benefits to potential research participants. This study explored the opinions and attitudes of informed consent experts about conveying risks and benefits to inform the development of a survey about the perspectives of research nurses who are responsible for obtaining informed consent for clinical trials. The major themes identified were strategies for risks and benefits communication, ensuring comprehension, and preparation for the role of the consent administrator. From the experts’ perspective, inadequate education and training of the research staff responsible for informed consent process contribute to deficiencies in the informed consent process and risks and benefits communication. Inconsistencies in experts’ opinions and critique of certain widely used communication practices require further consideration and additional research.
The future of neurology in Europe
Authors: Deuschl Günther
Published: September 2017

This is a viewpoint on future developments opportunities and risks for the healthcare of neurological patients. The discipline started with the method of clinical pathologic correlations which has discovered most of the major neurological diseases in the first half of the last century. In the second half research in our field was merged with the one of basic neurosciences currently labeled as translational neurosciences. This period began with the development of neurophysiology and imaging techniques which allow characterizing the status of the nervous system in health and disease. Later molecular, genetic and many other techniques gained importance for our field. These tools improving the understanding of pathogenesis and diagnosis have been instrumental, but the importance of our field came to the attention of the general population only when new therapies were developed based on these advances. This lead to the establishment of neurological departments both at University level and in general hospitals. This ongoing process has made neurology nowadays the third largest discipline for patient care alongside with internal medicine and surgery in many places. No need to say that further specialization within neurology is needed but the discipline as a whole must operate as an entity to make sure that patient care and subspecialist development run in harmony and neurologists can still also practice as general neurologists. The European Academy of Neurology is supporting these efforts. In the future the best strategy to help neurological patients will be to even increase the research to understand neurological diseases and to develop new therapies.
Ectopic ILT3 controls BCR-dependent activation of Akt in B-cell chronic lymphocytic leukemia
Authors: Zurli Vanessa , Wimmer Giuliana , Cattaneo Francesca , Candi Veronica , Cencini Emanuele , Gozzetti Alessandro , Raspadori Donatella , Campoccia Giuseppe , Sanseviero Francesca , Bocchia Monica , Baldari Cosima Tatiana , Kabanova Anna
Published: September 2017

Key Points

ILT3 is ectopically expressed on mature CLL cells and CLL progenitors in the bone marrow. ILT3 controls the activation of Akt kinase in CLL and contributes to a regulatory network defined by a SHIP-1/Deltex1 axis.
Carbamylation/citrullination of IgG Fc in bronchiectasis, established RA with bronchiectasis and RA smokers: a potential risk factor for disease
Authors: Hutchinson David , Clarke Alexander , Heesom Kate , Murphy Daniel , Eggleton Paul
Published: September 2017

Bronchiectasis (BR) and smoking are risk factors for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) development. The mechanisms by which smoking and BR trigger RA are unknown, but are associated with concurrent rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide antibody (anti-CCP) positivity. Anti-carbamylated protein antibodies (anti-CarP) have also been observed in BR patients and can be induced by smoking. Given that RF only has one antigen, immunoglobulin G (IgG) we have suggested that post-translational modifications to the Fc region of the heavy chain of IgG (IgGH) are a potential explanation for the clustering of the RA-associated autoantibodies in RA.

Protein analysis was undertaken on 22 individuals. Four of the individuals had a diagnosis of BR at the time of protein analysis and subsequently developed RA up to 18 months following blood sampling. Four smoking RA patients and 4 patients with both BR and RA and 10 healthy controls were also studied.

We identified modified arginines (Arg) frequently in the variable region and CH3 domains of IgG in patients and control subjects alike, but only observed carbamylated Lys and/or citrullinated Arg modifications in the RF binding site of the IgG CH2 domain of 5/12 (41.7%) patients investigated (1 BR, 2 RA and 2 BRRA), but in no control subjects (0/10, 0%) p=0.02.

This is the first report of citrullination and carbamylation at the RF binding site of IgG in RA. These results point towards the concept of a universal antigen in RA, an antigen that is post-translationally modified at the Fc region of IgGH.
Cell type-specific effects of p27KIP1 loss on retinal development
Authors: Ogawa Mariko , Saitoh Fuminori , Sudou Norihiro , Sato Fumi , Fujieda Hiroki
Published: September 2017

Background

Cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitors play an important role in regulating cell cycle progression, cell cycle exit and cell differentiation. p27KIP1 (p27), one of the major CDK inhibitors in the retina, has been shown to control the timing of cell cycle exit of retinal progenitors. However, the precise role of this protein in retinal development remains largely unexplored. We thus analyzed p27-deficient mice to characterize the effects of p27 loss on proliferation, differentiation, and survival of retinal cells.

Methods

Expression of p27 in the developing and mature mouse retina was analyzed by immunohistochemistry using antibodies against p27 and cell type-specific markers. Cell proliferation and differentiation were examined in the wild-type and p27-deficient retinas by immunohistochemistry using various cell cycle and differentiation markers.

Results

All postmitotic retinal cell types expressed p27 in the mouse retinas. p27 loss caused extension of the period of proliferation in the developing retinas. This extra proliferation was mainly due to ectopic cell cycle reentry of differentiating cells including bipolar cells, Müller glial cells and cones, rather than persistent division of progenitors as previously suggested. Aberrant cell cycle activity of cones was followed by cone death resulting in a significant reduction in cone number in the mature p27-deficient retinas.

Conclusions

Although expressed in all retinal cell types, p27 is required to maintain the quiescence of specific cell types including bipolar cells, Müller glia, and cones while it is dispensable for preventing cell cycle reentry in other cell types.
Mechanical properties of sediment determine burrowing success and influence distribution of two lugworm species
Authors: Crane R. L. , Merz R. A.
Published: September 2017

We apply new perspectives on how organisms burrow by examining the association of in situ variation in sediment mechanical properties with burrowing ability and species distribution of two sympatric lugworms, Abarenicola pacifica and Abarenicola claparedi. We quantified the sediment's resistance to penetration and its grain size distribution at sites inhabited by each species. Abarenicola pacifica individuals were found in significantly harder to penetrate, more heterogeneous sediments. We compared worm burrowing ability using reciprocal transplant experiments. Worms from firmer sediments, A. pacifica, were able to make successful steep burrows in sediments characteristic of either species. In contrast, A. claparedi individuals often failed to complete successful burrows in the firmer A. pacifica sediment. To examine how morphological differences could explain these patterns, we compared body wall musculature and measured how well individuals support their own bodies when draped over a cantilever. Lugworms from the firmer sediment had thicker body wall musculature and held their bodies more rigidly than did worms from softer sediments. Additionally, we observed subtle differences in the papillae on the proboscises' surfaces, which could affect worm–sediment interactions, but we found no differences in the chaetae of the two species. Abarenicola claparedi produced more mucus, which could be important in shoring up burrow walls in their shifting, sandy habitat. This study presents the first example of using field-based experiments to determine how sediment mechanical properties and worm burrowing ability could act to determine organismal distribution. Our findings have broader ecological implications because of the role of lugworms as ecosystem engineers.
The first 3D printed multiple sclerosis brain: Towards a 3D era in medicine
Authors: Avasarala Jagannadha , Pietila Todd
Published: September 2017

Conventional magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies depict disease of the human brain in 2D but the reconstruction of a patient’s brain stricken with multiple sclerosis (MS) in 3D using 2D images has not been attempted.

Using 3D reconstruction algorithms, we built a 3D printed patient-specific brain model to scale. It is a first of its kind model that depicts the total white matter lesion (WML) load using T2 FLAIR images in an MS patient. The patient images in Digital Imaging and Communications in Medicine (DICOM) format were imported into Mimics inPrint 2.0 (Materialise NV, Leuven, Belgium) a dedicated medical image processing software for the purposes of image segmentation and 3D modeling.  The imported axial images were automatically formatted to display coronal and sagittal slices within the software. The imaging study was then segmented into regions and surface rendered to achieve 3D virtual printable files of the desired structures of interest.

Rendering brain tumor(s) in 3D has been attempted with the specific intent of extending the options available to a surgeon but no study to our knowledge has attempted to quantify brain disease in MS that has, for all practical purposes, no surgical options.
Analysis of Advanced Algorithms Master Production Schedule for Custom Manufacture of Furniture
Authors: Нырков Д. , Nyrkov D. , Стариков Александр , Starikov Aleksandr
Published: September 2017

The article discusses the algorithms employed in automated systems for master production scheduling in the applicability of their produce-to-order furniture. Small batch and custom production of furniture occupies a significant market share, as we do, and in the countries of Western Europe. Also, it is a prospective direction of development for other industries, focused on the end user. Most of the existing national planning systems designed for large-scale and mass production, in which the main role takes enterprise performance. Therefore, the main indicator, which is used by the optimization of scheduling, is the moment of completion of the last job. However, custom production is much more complex factors affecting the success of the enterprise as a whole: a key indicator in this case is the completion of all work no later than the specified time, not their early completion (within the terms established by treaties with customers). Also in the custom and small-scale production, it takes an important role time index spent on readjustment of the equipment associated with the transition to a different type of output. If these and other indicators do not have a significant role in large-scale production, the small-scale productions of these indicators have a significant impact on the performance of the enterprise, and they can no longer be neglected. In this paper, the three most promising mathematical algorithms (algorithm simulated annealing, genetic algorithm and artificial neural network), which allow us to optimize schedules based on several criteria applied to the problem of master production scheduling, customized production of furniture.
General-Purpose Forest Plough
Authors: Бартенев Иван , Bartenev Ivan , Лысыч Михаил , Lysych Mikhail , Шабанов Михаил , Shabanov Mikhail , Донцов Игорь , Dontsov Igor
Published: September 2017

The basic soil preparation is an important factor in ensuring high survival rate and preservation of cultural plants. Its objective is to loosen the soil to a predetermined depth, it is also important to ensure the containment of weeds growth in areas, adjacent to the row of crop strips. Depending on soil conditions it may be cutting of one or double earthboard furrows (drained soil) and in the formation of microhill (temporarily waterlogged soils). For these purposes, currently, ploughs PKL-70, PRL-70, PL-1, PLM-1.5A, PDV-1.5, PL-2-50, PLD-1.2, etc. are used. Their common drawback is the ability to perform only one operation. A large variety of used tillage equipment and its low efficiency confirms the urgency of developing multi-tools modular construction. This will effectively produce basic preparation of the soil in a variety of conditions with a single instrument. The article provides a description of design and basic layout options of multifunctional plough. By simple changeovers, carried out on site, the plough can be adapted for the main preparation of soil on clearings with drained and temporarily waterlogged soils. It is also possible to change the distance between the bodies of the plow in accordance with the specified rows and rearrange them to work "in" or "out". Process works is modeled in conditions of non-uprooted cutting. The simulation experiment showed high efficiency of the plough, which is ensured by the presence of safety recoverable devices. Replacement in the forestry enterprise of a set of ploughs with one multipurpose plough will reduce total specific amount of metal almost in 4 times.
Features of the Use of Low-Toxic Resins in the Technology of Wood Particle Boards
Authors: Разиньков Егор , Razinkov Egor
Published: September 2017

Source of release of harmful gas of wood particle board (WPB) – formaldehyde is not only free formaldehyde presenting in the formaldehyde resin, but formaldehyde, which is formed from hydroxymethylene groups in a weakly acidic environment during curing the resin during hot pressing of boards. In this, dimethylaniline connections are formed. They are unstable and go into methylene linkages (bridges) with the release of formaldehyde. Currently, with the goal of reducing the discharge formaldehyde from the boards of, low-molal urea-formaldehyde resin is used, mole ratio in which (carbamide (C) : formaldehyde (F) in resins preparing is at the level of (1:1.2 – 1:1.35). Thus we obtain resin with low content of free formaldehyde (0.10-0.15 % by weight of liquid resin). However, it is known that to obtain resins with good adhesive ability, and thus obtaining boards with good physical and mechanical and performance properties, excess of formaldehyde is necessary in its reaction with carbamide. With a relatively small excess of formaldehyde in the starting mixture of urea-formaldehyde we get resins with low reactivity. With increasing quantities of formaldehyde, it is growing vigorously. The highest reactivity corresponds to the mole ratio of carbamide and formaldehyde (C:F) 1:2. When the mole ratio of C:F=1:1 in the synthesis process substances are formed which have no adhesion to the wood. Therefore, the use of low molal resin in wood particleboard technology has not only its positive side (reduced evolution of formaldehyde from plates) but also negative ones (deteriorating physical and mechanical properties of the plates). In this regard for obtaining low-toxic wood particleboard, except for use of low-toxic resins in the technology, it is necessary to apply effective acceptor of formaldehyde. Moreover, it is advisable to use acceptor complex action, which not only linked formaldehyde in the boards, but also improves physical and mechanical and special properties of boards (bio-, water-, atmospheric constancy, etc.).
Instrumental Assessment of Urban Plantings of Balsam Poplar
Authors: Рунова Е. , Runova E. , Аношкина Людмила , Anoshkina Lyudmila
Published: September 2017

Trees and shrubs grown in ordinary plantings along city streets play a role of barrier between residential developments and highway, protecting residential area from adverse impact of motor vehicles. Different varieties of poplar have received large spread in the greening of cities. This unpretentious, resistant to dust and gases, fast growing species is able to successfully protect living space from harmful emissions. In Bratsk, with harsh, sharply continental climate and adverse environmental conditions, balsam poplar (Populus balsamifera L.) is dominant variety of species. The age of trees currently close to critical one (40-50 years), therefore there is a need of gradual replacement of plantations of Populus balsamifera L. in urban plantings. In one of the residential areas of the city a study on plantations of poplars was conducted. Samples of 653 tree were studied in a visual way: damage of different nature are fixed: thinning of branches, thinning of crown, frost cracks, side-dry tree, mechanical damage, curvature of trunk, presence of rot, hollows, exfoliation, contaminants. We compared the trees subjected to pruning of the crown and trees without pruning. It was discovered that beheading trees are damaged more. 102 trees were examined using Resistograph 4450 device. This method, which is less traumatic for the tree, allows to accurately determine the presence of rot in the trunk. Central rot was detected in different degrees of spread in all trees. There are trees, which state is normal in visual inspection, but the results of instrumental evaluation show internal damage to the trunk by more than 80 %. The greatest danger is the trees with inclination of the trunk, asymmetry of crown. In the presence of the central rot, such trees are considered hazardous ones. 17 of 102 trees were considered hazardous and they are recommended for cutting. A significant part of plantations are planted with violation of the rules: distance from the edge of the roadway to the axis of tree does not comply with the regulatory, which affects traffic safety and condition of plantations. On the basis of conducted research, conclusions are formulated and recommendations on the improvement of urban spaces are proposed, restoration of their environmental and aesthetic functions: to gradually replace old plantings of poplars to other dust - and gas resistant species, expanding the range of vegetation; to comply with the rules in cutting of poplars; to carry out agricultural activities, to remove damaged trees on time.
The Influence of Meteorological Factors on the Radial Growth of English Cultures in the Right Bank Forestry of EEF of VSUFT named after G.F. Morozov
Authors: Миленин А. , Milenin A.
Published: September 2017

Exploring linkages between trees increment and meteorological elements is of great importance for understanding biological processes, assess of environmental determinants, defining growth and productivity of forest communities, forecasting growth in connection with changing climatic conditions. Dendroclimatic analysis can be used in planning and implementation of many forestry activities. The paper presents data on the effect of meteorological factors on the radial increment of English oak in isotopologues cultures originating from glague oak forest of serotinous variety. Dendrochronological analysis of radial growth was carried out in accordance with existing methodological developments. In the dynamics of radial growth of trees of English oak, periodicity is observed. 2-3-, 5-7-, 11-, 22-year cycles are seen more clearly. Growth depression is mainly due to the summer droughts with temperatures above average standards and rainfall less than average annual norms. Periods with high radial growth occur in years with high air temperatures and rainfall more than average standards. In terms of impact on the radial increment of English oak meteorological elements are arranged in the following order: hydrometric ratio; precipitation – autumn-winter, summer, annual; air temperature in the vegetation period of active growing season (April, May), summer, annual. Data on the influence of meteorological elements are confirmed by the results of analysis of variance. The highest power of the influence of the hydrothermal coefficient (HTC) is 0.39, with precipitation of the warm period of is, the sum of precipitation for the year of is, the lowest effect with temperature is 0.20. Between the air temperature and increment in the warm period there is an inverse relationship: the increase in air temperature reduces growth. Both excess of precipitation and the shortage contribute to the reduction of radial growth.
Structure of Undergrowth of Spruce in Different Phenological Forms on Height Depending on the Composition and Structure of Forest Stand
Authors: Матвеева Антонина , Matveeva Antonina , Беляева Наталия , Beliaeva Nataliia , Данилов Дмитрий , Danilov Dmitriy
Published: September 2017

The article deals with the interrelation of forest canopy of trees and high-rise structures of spruce undergrowth of different phenological forms in pleurocarpous moss group of forest type in conditions of Leningrad region. The analysis of high-rise structures of different phenological forms depending on the composition and structure of forest in the most represented types of forests in Leningrad region is made. For further insights on the role of composition and structure of forest stand as factors determining high-rise structure of different phenological forms of undergrowth of spruce, analysis of variance was conducted. Decrease in the share of large height spruce undergrowth of all phenological forms in the increase of participation of spruce in the growing stock, with increasing elative completeness of forest stand, its age and stock, allowed to conclude that the structure of natural regeneration of spruce on height is affected by the degree of illumination under the canopy of forest stand. Analysis of altitudinal structure of spruce undergrowth in different phenological forms in height, depending on forest type showed that proportion of the undergrowth of all phenological forms is higher in dry forest types than in wet forest. From this we can conclude that high-rise structure of spruce undergrowth in different phenological forms is influenced not only by illuminance under the canopy of the forest, but also fertility of soil, its physical and chemical properties. Conducted analysis of variance confirmed statistically significant dependence of this factor. As a result of conducted research it can be concluded, that in conditions of middle taiga of all biocenotic factors factors, forest type and composition of stands have greater influence on high-rise structure of phenological forms of spruce undergrowth.
Fenomenologia e religião: uma leitura do livro "Fenomenologia da vida religiosa" de Heidegger
Authors: Alves Marcos Alexandre , Teles Alice Krebs
Published: September 2017

DOI:10.12957/ek.2017.25451O texto apresenta a preleção intitulada Introdução à fenomenologia da religião, proferida por Martin Heidegger, no semestre de inverno de 1920-21, em Freiburg. A proposta consistiu em elaborar uma fenomenologia da religião que serviria de base para uma ontologia formal. O livro está dividido em duas partes: 1ª parte trata da delimitação do método fenomenológico, explicita o objeto e forma de acesso adequado da religião enquanto experiência religiosa originária; 2ª parte aborda fenômenos religiosos concretos que estão em conexão com as epístolas paulinas e oferece uma exegese bíblica da experiência religiosa do cristianismo primitivo. A preleção concentrou-se em aplicar o método fenomenológico à experiência religiosa originária do cristianismo e não a religião enquanto tal, ou seja, realizar uma fenomenologia da vida fáctica a partir de documentos da história da religião.
Exaíphnēs (Platão) e Augenblick (Nietzsche) Em questão o acontecimento de uma mesma súbita transformação
Authors: Bocayuva Izabela
Published: September 2017

DOI:10.12957/ek.2017.29643Platão tematiza o acontecimento do acesso à filosofia como um salto súbito (exaíphnēs). Isso se dá muito explicitamente no mito da caverna e na Carta Sétima. Nietzsche, no discurso de Zaratustra Da visão e do enigma, ao apresentar o pensamento fundamental do Eterno Retorno que vale também como acontecimento do acesso à filosofia, tematiza o mesmo salto, denominando-o Instante (Augenblick). A intenção desse artigo é mostrar uma imbricação desses dois pensadores a partir desse aspecto do acesso ao pensamento radical.
Lugar e espacialidade: contribuições para uma hermenêutica topológica
Authors: Melo Rebeca Furtado de
Published: September 2017

DOI:10.12957/ek.2017.30219O presente trabalho busca fornecer argumentos a favor da tese de que o pensamento hermenêutico quando se mantém atento à espacialidade própria do lugar no qual os acontecimento compreensivo e fenômenos hermenêuticos se dão, se torna mais esclarecedor para tratar de situações hermenêuticas limites. O texto investiga como o conceito de lugar pode lançar luz sobre os principais problemas da tradição hermenêutica e sobre os fenômenos que ela tem em vista, propondo uma hermenêutica topológica que busca compreender o lugar a que pertencemos e a partir do qual somos. Para tanto, a discussão recorre a alguns dos trabalhos sobre lugar e situação publicados por Jeff Malpas nos últimos anos, a fim de trazer novas perspectivas para essa questão.
Limites da crítica de Merleau-Ponty a Sartre em O Visível e o Invisível
Authors: Alt Fernanda
Published: September 2017

DOI:10.12957/ek.2017.30426Neste artigo apresentamos pontos fundamentais da crítica de Merleau-Ponty à ontologia sartriana no capítulo “Interrogação e dialética” de O Visível e o Invisível. Neste texto, o autor realiza um trabalho minucioso de contraposição às noções de ser e nada na filosofia de Sartre, as quais ele equipara aos modos de ser para-si e em-si, propostos em O Ser e o Nada. A fim de realizar um trabalho sobre esta crítica, apresentando seus argumentos para em seguida contestar alguns de seus pontos, iremos, num primeiro momento, discorrer sobre a concepção de negatividade em Sartre segundo Merleau-Ponty e o consequente dualismo que ela permite instaurar. Num segundo e breve momento, mencionaremos de que modo este dualismo de base se estende ao problema da relação com o outro (autrui). Por fim, concluiremos evidenciando pontos que contestam tal crítica, de modo a apontar seus limites mas também sua importância.
Research roundup: September 2017
Authors: Lally Sheila , Thurtle Val , Lewis Lisa
Published: September 2017

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles that may be of interest to health visitors is presented. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Newly qualified health visitor: Self-care is not selfish
Authors: Dobson Amy
Published: September 2017

Looking back on her first year as a health visitor, Amy Dobson reflects on the importance of ‘compassionate resilience’.
Assessment and decision-making of Swedish primary care nurses in relation to the use of interpreters
Authors: Karlsson Margareta , Hedemalm Azar , Berggren Ingela
Published: September 2017

Communicating with immigrants in primary care can be a challenge for nurses who must assess language proficiency and decide whether to use an interpreter. The aim of this study was to examine primary care nurses' experiences of assessment and decision-making in relation to the use of interpreters. A qualitative inductive research design was chosen and nurses with experience of professional interpreters were recruited for focus group interviews. The study results showed that primary care nurses respected immigrants as human beings and recognised their right to decline an interpreter in sensitive situations. The purpose of primary care nurses' experiences of assessment and decision-making in relation to the use of interpreters was ensuring patient safety, the importance of reciprocal information and respect for patient autonomy.
A whole-team approach
Authors: Oldman Crystal
Published: September 2017

One of the joys of working at The Queen's Nursing Institute is the opportunity to witness great health visiting practice being delivered by passionate practitioners supporting children and families, says Crystal Oldman.
Some progress, but inequality remains ‘deeply entrenched’
Authors: Henshaw Pete
Published: September 2017

Despite marginal progress, poorer students are 1.2 GCSE grades behind richer peers and four times more likely to be expelled
Toward an Ethnoarchaeomalacology of Achatina in East Africa
Authors: Walz Jonathan
Published: September 2017

Land snail shell is a material commonly identified in the Late Holocene archaeological record of eastern Africa. Typically, archaeologists designate land snail shell as a natural occurrence or as debris produced from human subsistence. Ethnographic observations in lowland northeastern Tanzania show that contemporary communities employ the soft parts and shells of land snails, particularly Achatina fulica, for a range of everyday and special purposes. The array of land snail uses by mixed subsistence farmers and agropastoralists in the area documents the significance of A. fulica and other robust land snail species. Present uses of land snails observed in Tanzania offer a set of analogies that, when critically applied, can enrich archaeologists’ interpretations of land snail debris in antiquity.
Energy and exergy analysis of vapour compression refrigeration system using selected eco-friendly hydrocarbon refrigerants enhanced with tio2-nanoparticle
Authors: Ajuka Luke , Odunfa Moradeyo , Ohunakin Olayinka , Oyewola Miracle
Published: September 2017

The experimental study investigated the energy and exergy performance of a domestic refrigerator using eco-friendly hydrocarbon refrigerants R600a and LPG (R290/R600a: 50%/50%) at 0, 0.05, 0.15 and 0.3wt % concentrations of 15nm particle size of TiO2 nano-lubricant, and R134a. The effects of evaporator temperature on power consumption, coefficients of performance, exergetic efficiency and efficiency defects in the compressor, condenser, capillary tube and evaporator of the system were examined. The results showed that LPG + TiO2 (0.15wt %) and R600a + TiO2 (0. 15wt %) had the best of performances with an average of 27.6% and 14.3% higher coefficient of Performance, 34.6% and 35.15% lower power consumption, 13.8% and 17.53% higher exergetic efficiency, a total exergetic defect of 45.8% and 64.7% lower compared to R134a. The exergetic defects in the evaporator, compressor, condenser, and capillary tube were 38.27% and 35.5%, 49.19% and 55.56%, 29.7% and 33.7%, 39.1% and 73.8% lower in the system when compared to R134a respectively. Generally, the refrigerants with nano-lubricant mixture gave better results with an appreciable reduction in the exergy defect in the compressor than the pure refrigerants, and LPG + TiO2 (0. 15wt %) gave the best result in the refrigeration system based on energy and exergy analysis.
The type specimen of Nilssoniopteris solitaria (Phillips 1829) (Bennettitales)
Authors: Pott Christian , Van Konijnenburg-Van Cittert Johanna H.A.
Published: September 2017

We identified and located the type specimen ofScolopendrium solitarium, which is the basionym to what for decades was commonly referred to as “Nilssoniopteris vittata” and is now known asNilssoniopteris solitaria(Phillips) Cleal et P.M.Rees. As Cleal and Rees (2003) never located and studied the type specimen ofScolopendrium solitariumand simply trusted Harris (1969), who includedScolopendrium solitariumin the synonymy ofNilssoniopteris vittata, it remained to be shown that this specimen indeed has bennettitalean affinities. Here we provide results of a cuticular analysis of the material and confirm the bennettitalean nature ofScolopendrium solitarium, and consequently that its placement inNilssoniopteris solitariais valid.Nilssoniopteris solitariais, as a senior synonym ofNilssoniopteris tenuinervis, the type species ofNilssoniopteris. The name “Nilssoniopteris vittata” should no longer be used because it was based onTaeniopteris vittata, which is the conserved type ofTaeniopteris, a genus in which taeniopterid fossils are placed if epidermal anatomy is unknown. Specimens identified as this species but yielding a bennettitalean cuticle should be referred to asNilssoniopteris solitaria.
Effects of Different Dietary Levels of Whey Lactose as a Prebiotic Disaccharide on the Productive Performances and Selected Indices of the Caecal Micro-Environment in Broiler Chickens
Authors: Alloui Mohamed Nabil , Szczurek Witold
Published: September 2017

The primary aim of this study was to investigate the impact of three dietary levels of lactose (LAC) originating from conventional dried whey (DW) and the duration of these treatments (from 8 to 21 or to 42 days of age) on growth performance, basic post-slaughter traits and excreta quality of broiler chickens kept in cages. A secondary purpose was to investigate the effect of LAC level on some parameters of the caecal micro-environment and gross morphology in these birds. A total of 560 Ross 308 chickens (sex ratio 1:1) were assigned to 7 dietary combinations with 10 replicate cages of 8 birds per cage. The control group was fed basal diets consisting of maize, wheat and soybean meal. The other 6 groups received the same basal diets with DW added in amounts equivalent to a LAC dietary levels of 1, 2 or 3%. Only continuous feeding (day 8 to 42) with 1% and 2% levels of LAC was found to yield the overall body weight gain (BWG) during the whole 42-day rearing period, which was significantly higher than that on the control diet, with a larger share of breast meat in carcass at a 2% LAC. However, these effects were associated with greater faecal score values indicating more watery excreta compared with the control. Increasing levels of LAC augmented the relative caecal weight and length. A reduction in the caecal pH was confirmed at day 21 for birds fed 1% and 2% of dietary LAC. The lower pH values were correlated to an increased sum of total volatile fatty acids (VFA), causing large increases in the concentration of undissociated forms of individual VFA. The decline in plate counts of coliform bacteria was observed with 2% and 3% LAC, whereas the counts of lactic acid-producing bacteria (LAB) were higher at these two LAC levels. The present findings lead to the conclusion that the dietary level of 2% LAC originated from DW is the most effective in enhancing the productivity of broilers, with moderate occurrence of undesirable side effects.
Irrelevance of the Strategic Variable in the Case of Relative Performance Maximization
Authors: Philipowski Robert
Published: September 2017

We study games with two possibilities for the strategic variable and find that contrary to the Nash equilibrium the evolutionarily stable equilibrium – provided it uniquely exists – does not depend on which possibility is chosen. Our result generalizes recent findings of Satoh, Tanaka and Wagener who studied this issue in various special cases.
Species delimitation and relationship in Crocus L. (Iridaceae)
Authors: Sheidai Masoud , Tabasi Melica , Mehrabian Mohammad-Reza , Koohdar Fahimeh , Ghasemzadeh-Baraki Somayeh , Noormohammadi Zahra
Published: September 2017

The genusCrocusL. (Iridaceae) is monophyletic and contains about 100 species throughout the world.Crocusspecies have horticultural, medicinal and pharmacological importance. Saffron is the dried styles ofC. sativusand is one of the world’s most expensive spices by weight. Controversy exits about the taxonomy of the genus and the species relationship. Exploring genetic diversity and inter-specific cross-ability are important tasks for conservation of wild taxa and for breeding of cultivatedC. sativus. The present study was performed to study genetic variability and population structure in fiveCrocusL. species includingCrocus almehensisBrickell & Mathew,C. caspiusFischer & Meyer,C. speciosusMarschall von Biberstein,C. haussknechtiiBoissier, andC. sativusL. by inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) molecular markers. We also used published internal transcribed spacer (ITS) sequences to study species relationship and compare the results with ISSR data. The results revealed a high degree of genetic variability both within and among the studied species. Neighbor joining (NJ) tree and network analysis revealed that ISSR markers are useful inCrocusspecies delimitation. Population fragmentation occurred inC. caspiusandC. sativus. Both ISSR and sequenced based analyses separatedC. sativusfrom the other studied species. Close genetic affinity ofC. sativusandC. pallisiiand inter-specific gene flow was supported by both data sets.
Erigeron acris L. subsp. angulosus (Gaudin) Vacc. (Asteraceae), a new taxon in the flora of Poland
Authors: Pliszko Artur
Published: September 2017

The paper reports for the first time the occurrence ofErigeron acrissubsp.angulosusin Poland. This rare European temperate plant was found in August 2014 in a former sand and gravel quarry, close to the Sobolewo reservoir in the town of Suwałki, north-eastern Poland. Species composition of the habitat is characterized by a phytosociological relevé based on the Braun-Blanquet method, diagnostic characters in comparison to the morphologically similarE.acrissubsp.droebachiensisare presented using scanning electron microscopy imaging, and an identification key forE.acriss. l. in Poland is given.