bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Advanced AQ System – Z1® for Sustainable Food Supply in Qatar
Authors: Jevremovic Sasa
Published: July 2019

This paper presents a new generation of sustainable, secured, multifunctional and self-supported Aquaponics Greenhouse System, vegetable and fish production with limited use of land, environmentally friendly and water & energy & natural resources high efficiency system. AQ System – Z1® is based on high advanced Green technologies and methodologies, and tightly related to the Qatar comprehensive National Progress AQ System – Z1® is specially designed for Qatar demographic and climate conditions, regarding National Strategic Grand Challenge Pillars: 1Water Security and Water Sustainability & 2Energy Security and Energy Sustainability & 3Food Security and Food Supply, throughout the year. It is an environmentally friendly and water & energy & natural resources high efficiency system with new agricultural approaches. AQ System – Z1® uses ∼92–95% less water than traditional and modern agricultural and fishery methods. Farming is based on new approaches of the water independent & recycling system, on the high sensitivity & efficient technology, which creates “Stabilized water”. The new-formed state of water, the sub-atomic oriented structure, have higher levels of energy, which scientifically transfers to the growth cells of vegetables and fish, boosts their Genome and Growth Hormones, promotes rapid growth of the plants and the fishes for the time period, bringing yield several times higher compared the conventional and modern agriculture and fishery, and without any genetic harnesses. The energy efficiency of the AQ System – Z1® is achieved by using renewable energy operating systems such as solar panels, windmills, geothermal system and underground heating & cooling systems, thus following Qatar's national security strategy in implementing economical alternates and renewable low carbon energy technologies. AQ System – Z1® is based on Green, sustainable technologies for smart, intelligent buildings, with the highest processing and operational standards, natural, recycled building materials, combination of sustainable vertical & horizontal farming, multiple space efficient cultivation and Greenhouse Gas emission reduction. AQ System – Z1® does not require the use of pesticides, steroids or fertilizers, antibiotics, GMO seeds and feed and avoids generation of environmental pollutants. AQ System® is software driven technology of the advanced Greenhouse farming. The AQ System – Z1® exhibits no points of failure, and as such can operate continuous hours throughout the year and continue producing forever. AQ System – Z1® offers high economically and profitable production of vegetables and fish, with both great taste and high nutritional values.
Protein Engineering of Glucarpidase to Improve Cancer Therapy Strategies
Authors: Goda Sayed K , Alqahtani Alanod , Groves Mathew , Domling Alex
Published: July 2019

Antibody Directed Enzyme Prodrug Therapy (ADEPT) is a technique used in cancer treatment, which convert a prodrug to a powerful cytotoxic drug only in the vicinity of the tumor. The technique relies on a bacterial enzyme, glucarpidase (former name: carboxypeptidase G2, CPG2). Also the glucarpidase is a very effective enzyme for detoxification of methotrexate, (MTX) which serves as an important component of various chemotherapeutic regimens for the treatment of cancer patients.

Repeated cycles of ADEPT and the use of wild type glucarpidase in detoxification are essential but are hampered by the human antibody response to the enzyme. Additionally, glucarpidase has a relatively slow action in detoxification.

The aim of the work is to provide solutions to overcome the pitfalls of the techniques through the application of different strategies.

In our work we successfully isolated new glucarpidase produces from soils. We cloned and overexpressed the novel gene in E.coli. The new recombinant glucarpidase has been characterized. We also produce different variants of our new gene using different strategies. These variants will be investigated to isolate glucarpidase with higher activity and glucarpidase which avoid the immune system.
Time Course of Platelet Activation Markers as a Potential Prognostic Indicator after Primary Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty in Qatar
Authors: Saleh Haissam Abou , Elmi Asha , Salameh Yasmeen , Kabeer Basirudeen , Al-Qahtani Awad , Al Suwaidi Jassim , Gehani Abdurrazzak , Yacoub Magdi
Published: July 2019

Rationale

Myocardial infarction (MI) is one of the leading causes of death and disability worldwide. In Qatar specifically, cardiovascular diseases account for 20% of the main causes of death in the country, and the cases of MI is rising rapidly. Recent developments in the management of MI, particularly the emergent opening of the Culprit artery by primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI), have resulted in significant improvement of outcome in patients. In spite of that, the early and long outcome following MI varies considerably in different patients, and a significant number develop major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in the first year after successful PPCI. The clinical complications of MI, such as ventricular remodelling and heart failure, are thrombo-inflammatory processes that involve platelet activation and interactions with blood cells, the endothelium, and the myocardium. Increased platelet activation has been reported in numerous cardiovascular diseases including hypertension, atherosclerosis, stroke, acute coronary syndromes, and myocardial infarction. However, the course of platelet activation after MI and its role in adverse remodelling has not yet been assessed.

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the time course of platelet activation markers in patients diagnosed with acute ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) in Qatar. Findings will be correlated with patients’ clinical outcomes to evaluate the role of platelet activation markers as prognostic markers of disease progression in adverse remodelling after PPCI.

Methods

Platelet activation was assessed by expression of inflammatory markers platelet P-selectin (CD62P), and lysosome-associated membrane protein (CD63), and formation of platelet-neutrophil aggregates (PNA) using flow cytometry. Measurements were done in peripheral blood samples obtained from healthy subjects (n = 25) and from patients at admission to the cath lab at day 0 (n = 55) before PPCI, and 48 hours (n = 51) and, 1 month (n = 48) after PPCI. P-selectin and CD63 expression is defined as the percentage of antibody-positive platelets (P-sel+ and CD63+). PNA are gated by their characteristic forward and side scatter properties and identified as dual-labelled cells in the gate of neutrophils exhibiting leukocyte CD45 and platelet CD42b fluorescence (CD45+/CD42b+).

Results

Platelet P-selectin and CD63 expression were high in patients at day 0 than in healthy control subjects (% of expression: 24.4 ± 3.0 vs 9.0 ± 2.7; p
Assessment of HER2 Status of Metastatic Breast Carcinoma on Cell Block Preparations of Fine Needle Aspirates is Unreliable
Authors: Shanmugam Vignesh , Hoda Syed , Dilcher Thomas , Pacecca Adam , Hoda Rana
Published: July 2019

Objectives: HER2 status of breast carcinoma is a powerful prognostic and predictive biomarker-particularly in the metastatic setting. Limited data is available regarding assessment of HER2 on cell block preparations (CBP). The primary objective of this study was to assess correlation between HER2 results obtained via immunohistochemistry (IHC) and fluorescence in-situ hybridization (FISH) in cases of metastatic breast carcinoma (MBC) on CBP. Secondary objectives included study of inter-observer variability in interpretation of HER2 on IHC, and concordance between HER2 results on CBP and formalin-fixed paraffin embedded material (FFPEM). Materials and Methods: Cases of MBC diagnosed on fine needle aspirates (FNA) with HER2 testing performed via IHC and FISH on CBP over 5 years (2010-2015) were reviewed. CBP material was fixed in an ethanol-based fixative (CytoRich Red Fixative system, BD). HER2 IHC was performed using polyclonal antibodies against Cerb-2 (Dako 0485). HER2 FISH testing was performed using the LSI HER2/neu/CEP17 probes (Vysis/Abbott Molecular Inc., Des Plaines, IL). Results: Seventeen cases (all female, median age: 59) were analyzed. 41% of CBP were products of bone FNA (7/17). Other sites included lymph node (3), lung (2), pleural fluid (2), liver (1), skeletal muscle (1) and mesentery (1). Median interval between diagnosis of primary carcinoma and FNA of metastasis was 5 years (range: 10 months-32 years). FISH was inconclusive due to suboptimal specimen quality in 2 cases. Correlation between IHC and FISH results was as follows: IHC 0/1+ (0/2; 0% amplification), IHC 2+ (2/12; 16.7% amplification) and IHC 3+ (0/1; 0% amplification). Inter-observer agreement of IHC scoring between 2 pathologists who independently reviewed IHC slides was fair (66.7% agreement, κ =  0.31). Comparison of HER2 results on CBP with FFPEM (primary carcinoma or metastasis) showed a high discordance and slight agreement (discordance rate = 37.5%; κ =  0.02). Conclusions: In this study, (a) 16.7% of MBC cases that scored 2+ on IHC showed amplification on FISH, (b) there was poor inter-observer agreement in HER2 scoring of IHC on CBP, and (c) there was high discordance between HER2 results obtained on CBP and FFPEM. Our results indicate that HER2 testing of MBC on CBP may be unreliable.
Assessment of Student Learning Outcomes for Assurance of Learning at Qatar University
Authors: Daoud Khaled A , Al-Thani Shaikha Jabor
Published: July 2019

From 2006 to 2012 Qatar University transitioned from doing no program level outcomes-based assessment of student learning to implementation of a robust, effective, and institutionally pervasive Student Learning Outcomes Assessment System (SLOAS) that is characterized by a high level of compliance and meaningful improvements to both learning and assessment processes. Keys to the success of the implementation have been support from campus leadership, creation of a structure and processes that support assessment at all levels, and an intensive program of faculty development and faculty incentives. A unique feature of the system is the auditing of annual program assessment reports by external experts. Comparison of results from the fourth and fifth years of the implementation suggest the following trends: a relatively high and increasing tendency to identify learning improvements involving revisions of curriculum and courses, a low and decreasing tendency to identify learning improvements that cost money, and a high and increasing tendency to make changes to assessment processes that make them more meaningful and more manageable.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Effectiveness of UN Policy “Highlight on the Legal Side”
Authors: Alkhatib Mohamad Arfan
Published: July 2019

In light of the massive economic transitions the world has witnessed over the past century, along with the irresponsible social, economic, and environmental practices of several multinational enterprises, the UN has acknowledged that its international conversation with respect to rights and freedoms, primarily limited to governments, and has been unable to achieve same tendency in enterprise. Especially that “Social” responsibility is primarily related to corporates' duty. To this end, and due to its vital contribution to the development process, the UN rules with regard to social responsibility legal rules are likely to be reviewed. Since the 1960s, the UN has started adopting international legal and social initiatives for enhancing corporates' role in the process of sustainable development, such as “OECD Guidelines for Multinational Enterprises 1976”; “Tripartite Declaration of Principles Concerning Multinational Enterprises and Social Policy 1977”; (UN Initiative for Business Sector; “United Nations Global Compact's 2000”), and most: Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights: Implementing the UN: “Protect, Respect and Remedy 2011”. All these provisions intended to perfect UN policy aiming at standardizing and moralizing economic activities of corporates by urging them to respect a set of rights. This UN policy, in spite of progressing in the right path, still suffers from several deficiencies in the legal aspect, specifically with regard to the level of efficiency and capacity to sustain activating corporates respect to the above-mentioned rights. Investigating the legal aspect of UN policy may seem as a violation of doctrinal and literature research, towards either the nature of the social responsibility which essentially lies on a non-obligatory concept, or towards the very concept of obligation in the international law itself, that often adapts the “soft power” and not the “forcing stick” which implies a dialectical character to this paper, and challenges the readers' insight through establishing a legal doctrine that contradicts the common one of the significance of the mentioned responsibility while “legalizing” it. The legal aspect of this responsibility has been widely discussed in western legal doctrine, particularly in terms of reinterpreting the understanding of the rights implicit in this responsibility, and the roles assigned to the partners, specifically to UN and to corporates as well. Based on the above, this paper represents a legal and critical study on the effectiveness of the UN policy regarding corporate social responsibility. It investigates its policies legal framework towards both, the issue of protection and consistency of this policy. It then discusses the international legal control that guarantees corporates' both, respect and commitments to these rights, either through the legal nature of the international conversation, or through the legal nature of the international control over the issue of corporate social responsibility.
تطور الأنماط التركيبية في اللغة العربية (دراسة إحصائية تحليلية حاسوبية)
Authors: Naife Mona
Published: July 2019

تتناول هذه الورقة البحثية موضوع “ تطور الأنماط التركيبية في اللغة العربية (دراسة إحصائية تحليلية حاسوبية)، إذ يهدف البحث إلى إنشاء مدونة لغوية تحصر (نسبيًا) الأنماط التركيبية في اللغة العربية، حصرًا تامًا على جهة الاستقرار والشمول، ذلك باعتماد عينات لغوية منتقاة من فترات تاريخية مختلفة (قديمًا وحديثًا)، وسيتم اعتماد الفترة ابتداءً من ق 200 قبل الهجرة إلى القرن الرابع عشر مقياسًا زمنيًا لأجناس النصوص الممتدة في هذه الحقبة الزمنية؛ وذلك بهدف تغطية الفترات الزمنية التي مرت بها اللغة العربية، ثم تأتي خطوة المقارنة والتحليل بدراسة مقارِنة للتحولات التي طرأت على طيف هذه الأنماط التركيبية خلال تلك الحقب الزمنية المختلفة. ويأتي الانتقال إلى إعداد المعالجة الإحصائية لهذه الأنماط، وذلك بإعدادها على نحو يكون صالحًا للمعالجة الآلية.الحاسوبية؛ بترميز كل نمط ترميزًا صوريًا مستقلًا

وانطلاقًا مما سبق؛ فإننا سنعتمد لتحقيق أهداف البحث منهجًا رئيسًا وهو المنهج التاريخي بالاستعانة بآليات المناهج الأخرى متعددة كآليات المنهج الإحصائي، والمنهج التحليلي. وهي مناهج تتناسب وطبيعة الأهداف التي يهدف إليها هذا المشروع. أما المنهج الوصفي فلتتبع الخصائص المميزة لكل فترة من الفترات الزمنية المختلفة المستهدفة في هذا البحث. ثم المنهج الإحصائي الذي هو استقراء الأنماط النحوية لكل فترة زمنية، وإحصائها.. أما المنهج التحليلي؛ فهو قراءة تحليلية في خصائص هذه الأنماط، ومستوى درجة ترددها، وإيقاع استعمالها في كل فترة من الفترات الزمنية المختلفة.. والغاية المرجوة من المزاوجة بين هذه المناهج، هي الوصول إلى خلاصات دقيقة؛ لتعطي صورةً مفصلة عن تطور الأنماط التركيية في اللغة العربية، وعن الإيقاع العام الذي تحكمه التحولات الأساسية التي شهدها هذا التطور خلال الفترات الزمنية المختلفة.
Atmospheric and oceanographic impacts on whale shark (Rhincodon typus) seasonality in the Bay of La Paz, Mexico
Authors: Hilbourne Simon T. , Macías Dení Ramírez , Collins Ken
Published: July 2019

Background Whale sharks (Rhincodon typus), a highly migratory filter feeding species, aggregate in the coastal regions of the southern Bay of La Paz, Mexico every year. A growing eco-tourism industry is capitalising on the aggregations, yet very little is known about the drivers of seasonality. This investigation sought to determine the patterns of whale shark seasonality and identify the influence of oceanographic and atmospheric variables on the aggregations. Approach A 12-year (2003–2015) whale shark abundance data series, collected by the Whale Shark Mexico NGO, was analysed using generalised linear mixed effects models and generalised additive mixed models to investigate the influence of oceanographic and atmospheric variables on aggregation abundance. Sea surface temperature, wind, chlorophyll, and Oceanic Nino Index were used to investigate changes in monthly seasonality. In addition to these variables, moon illumination and tidal state were used to investigate fluctuation within seasons from 2012–2014. Results Aggregations of juvenile whale sharks are restricted to the southern-most region of the Bay of La Paz and occur in highest abundance between November and January. Sea surface temperature anomaly in the Bay of La Paz showed a positive effect on whale shark abundance. Oceanic Niño Index, conversely, showed a negative effect, potentially due to the disruption of the wind-driven upwelling corridor along the east coast of the Gulf of California. A thermal preference of ~24°C was seen to significantly increase daily whale shark sightings. Aggregations are thought to be associated with foraging on zooplankton blooms in the bay which may be detected by olfactory cues. Conclusions Effects of El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) events have been associated with a number of changes in species distribution and abundance in the Gulf of California, and whale sharks appear to be no exception. Analysis of Gulf of California-wide oceanographic trends, matched with whale shark satellite tracking programmes, would help further improve the understanding of the drivers and timings of aggregations in the Bay of La Paz.
Close genetic relatedness of whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) in the Indo-Pacific region
Authors: Toha Abdul H. , Widodo Nashi , Subhan Beginer , Himawan Mahardika R. , Tania Casandra , Noor Benny A. , Stewart Brent S. , Madduppa Hawis H.
Published: July 2019

Background The whale shark (Rhincodon typus) is a prominent species in Cenderawasih Bay. Its recent association with moored lift-net fisheries there has led to an increase in tourism that facilitates encounters for human snorkelers and SCUBA divers with the sharks. This association has also supported opportunities for research to discover various elements of their biology, ecology, movements and genetics. An understanding of the genetic composition of the sharks in Cenderawasih Bay and their relationships with whale sharks elsewhere in the Indian Ocean and Western Pacific Ocean is important for their conservation and to help design marine protected areas. Approach Skin samples from whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay were collected with modified hog ear notch pliers and small biopsy tips. The samples were preserved in 96% ethanol and stored at 4°C in the laboratory until DNA extraction. The DNA template was amplified for the cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene. The nucleotide composition and genetic diversity (polymorphisms, haplotypes, and nucleotides) were analyzed. The results from whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay were compared with those available in Genbank for nearby areas of the Indian and Western Pacific oceans with the neighbor-joining method. Evolutionary distances and haplotype networks were calculated. Results Seven haplotypes were detected among the 31 whale sharks sampled in Cenderawasih Bay, for a haplotype diversity (Hd) of 0.1871 (variance = 0.00859, s.d. = 0.093). The nucleotide diversity (Φ) was 0.00244 (±0.0013) and the values for theta were 0.75094 per shark and 0.00722 per site. The neighbour-joining tree for individual whale sharks from Cenderawasih Bay and other regions appeared to be closely related to each other. They also appeared to be closely related to whale sharks sampled elsewhere in the Indian and Western Pacific oceans (Chi-square, Chi2: 3.620, df: 5, p: 0.605). Haplotype one has highest frequency (37 individuals), one haplotype has two individuals, and six other haplotypes each have one individual. The three last haplotypes have just one individual, respectively. The whale sharks that we sampled in Cenderawasih Bay had low genetic diversity (haplotype, nucleotide and polymorphic). Conclusion 31 whale sharks in Cenderawasih Bay were very closely related, and these sharks were closely related to whale sharks elsewhere in the Indian and Western Pacific oceans. The extent of movements among reproductive sharks in this large region is unknown as is the frequency and magnitude of mating among sharks from these different areas. Further research is needed to monitor the long-term movements of sharks within and among regions, particularly reproductively mature males and females, to help design conservation plans for whale sharks and the habitats that they might depend on for feeding andreproducing.
Body measurements and size estimation of whale sharks in Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Authors: Matsumoto Rui , Sato Keiichi
Published: July 2019

Background Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (formerly Okinawa Expo Aquarium) has been conducting research on the whale shark, both in captivity and in the wild since 1975. Proportional measurements, including total length, girth, and weight, are essential to examine the growth, maturity, and physical condition of the animal, as well as to estimate the required quantity of food and drug dose for medical treatment. However, measurement of the precise length of large aquatic animals is very difficult and often results in errors. We formulated an allometric equation used to estimate the total length (TL) and body weight (BW) by measuring appropriate smaller body parts. Approach We used morphometric data from 33 individuals stranded or accidentally caught by commercial fishery off Okinawa Island between 1979 and 2010. We examined 66 measured characters of each whale shark. Furthermore, we applied the conventional allometric function, and modified the function to be logarithmic to use a liner approximation. The reduced major axis (RMA) test was applied to all logarithmic morphometric data, and we chose to measure characters that were highly correlated with TL. Some of the characters showing high correlation with TL according to the RMA test were further analyzed for sex-based differences using the t-test. The most suitable morphometric characters that were measurable in free-swimming sharks were chosen from the set of characters that passed those tests. In addition, we analyzed weight data from 8 specimens (7 male and 1 female) that were considered to be in an almost normal condition. We applied the conventional allometric function to an estimation equation. Girth measurement at the posterior margin of the pectoral fins was directly performed on the free-swimming individuals. Results A high coefficient of determination (R2) was obtained for 8 morphometric characters: pre-first dorsal length (PD1), pre-second dorsal length (PD2), pre-caudal length (PRC), pre-pelvic length (PP2), pre-anal length (PAL), length of dorsal caudal margin (CDM), mouth width (MOW), and interorbital space (INO). We considered that the equation formulated using PD1 was the most suitable based on sex-based differences and the animal's swimming properties. The following equation estimates the TL in centimeters:

log TL = 0.964 log PD1 + 0.443 (R2 = 0.930, n = 33)

For BW estimation, the sex-based differences could not be tested because of the small sample size. The following equation estimates BW in kilograms:

BW = 4.510 TL3.280 (R2 = 0.958, n = 8)

The data of girth measurements was collected from captive (n = 3) and wild (n = 6) sharks. Conclusions Data on proportional measurements is useful as an index of growth condition. Our focus is to monitor the size of our females and track the physiological indicators of maturation to achieve the first captive reproduction of whale sharks.
Mapping the path of the biggest fish: The whale shark from the Mexican Pacific side
Authors: Ramírez-Macías Dení , Vázquez-Haikini Abraham , Luja Victor , Murillo Ricardo , Mata Roberto
Published: July 2019

Background Monitoring of animal populations is critical for proper management. To have a better understanding of the population dynamics and migratory pattern of the whale shark, data is required from locations close to key aggregation sites where hypothesized connections can be validated. Photo-ID is an effective marker for capture-mark-recapture studies. Underwater photographs of sharks, combined with photo-comparison software, are used to identify re-sighted sharks, which, in turn, contribute to estimations of population size, age structure, sex ratio, site fidelity, trends in abundance, and movement patterns Approach Since 2003 we have established and maintained a photographic identification research program in the Gulf of California, at Los Angeles Bay (LAB), La Paz Bay (LPB), Espiritu Santo Island (ESI) and Los Cabos (LC), and since 2010 at the Archipelago of Revillagigedo (AR, at the Mexican Pacific). Recently, we included Nayarit (Na, in the Mexican Pacific) to the study area, San Luis Gonzaga (SLG) and Coyote Bay (CB, Gulf of California) in order to address if connectivity exists in this region. Results The whale sharks appear to segregate by size. In coastal waters of LAB (n=501), LPB (n=380), SLG (n=51), Na (n=36), and CB (n=16) aggregations are exclusively juvenile sharks (<8 m). In the oceanic waters of ESI (n=20) and LC (32), pregnant adult females (>9 m) aggregate. At AR (n=11) both pregnant females and juveniles exist but are separated by time. From 2003 to 2014 we have identified 898 sharks over the course of the study; of these 841 were juveniles and 57 were adults, mainly pregnant females. Photo-identification showed the movements of 133 juvenile sharks between LAB, LPB, SLG, Na and CB and movement of 2 pregnant females between LC and AR. We found high levels of fidelity in the juveniles. For example in LPB up to 61% of the juveniles have been re-sighted between years. In contrast only one pregnant female has been re-sighted at the same locality after 7 years. Conclusions This study demonstrated the importance of a collaborative effort to have a better understanding of the population on a regional level. The connectivity data showed the necessity to generate a regional conservation strategy; of the eight localities where we study these gentle giants, currently three are protected, the other four require protection.
Improving laser-photogrammetry precision for estimates of whale shark total length and applying them to a previously unstudied aggregation of whale sharks at St. Helena Island
Authors: Webb D. Harry , Clingham Elizabeth , Collier Alex , Stoll Taylor , Dove Dr. Alistair DM
Published: July 2019

Background Laser-photogrammetry is a non-invasive technique used for size estimation in applications where traditional methods to determine length are either impractical or unreliable. Laser photogrammetry provides greater precision for measuring free-swimming whale sharks when compared to previous methods that compare whale sharks to objects of known size such as boat length, diver height, and rope length. These estimates are subject to the effects of water movement and visual distortion from refraction. Laser-photogrammetry uses a known reference distance projected onto a surface using pre-calibrated lasers to standardize measurements and utilizes ratios of pixel-counts to calculate a length estimate. Approach Laser-photogrammetry has been demonstrated as a useful technique for determining body length estimates in free-swimming whale sharks, Rhincodon typus (Rohner et al. 2011), but measures of variance have been lacking because repeat measurements on the same individual animals are rarely obtained. Georgia Aquarium houses 4 juvenile whale sharks that can be unequivocally identified and photographed repeatedly, and therefore provided an opportunity to refine the techniques described by Rohner. We then applied them to an aggregation of whale sharks at St. Helena Island. Results Using a similar laser-photogrammetry apparatus and body proportion equations for determining total length prescribed by Rohner, we observed relatively high variance on repeated measurements made on the same animal, such that confidence intervals for any given individual measurement estimate were unacceptably high. Using measures of central tendency from multiple measurements, rather than relying on single images, provided measurement estimates with acceptable confidence intervals for determining total length. We applied the central tendency technique to characterize lengths in a previously unstudied whale shark aggregation in the southern Atlantic Ocean off of St. Helena Island in 2015 and 2016. We used the mean of 4–27 repeated measurements to determine total length estimates of the individuals photographed in St. Helena during these time periods, instead of relying on single-point photos to determine length estimates for the study. Conclusions At 8.4–10.6 m total length, St. Helena animals are larger than those found in juvenile-dominated coastal aggregation sites like Yucatan, Mexico, but smaller than the large solitary females found in Galapagos. The central tendency approach represents a significant improvement to the photogrammetry method, but it increases workload significantly, so there is still a need to develop non-invasive measurement methods that are accurate, precise, and quick.
Film mulching combined with cow manure increases soil C and N
Authors: Zhu Lixia , Chen Jutian , Shen Yufang , Li Shiqing
Published: July 2019

Aim of study: A field study was conducted to assess responses of soil organic C (SOC) and total N (TN) to film mulching and manure, which were important in identifying the changes of SOC and TN.Area of study: A semiarid area in northwestern China.Material and methods: The field (soil classified as CumuliUstic Isohumosol) has been planted with spring maize (Zea mays L.) for years. Three treatments were: 1) NPK fertilization and no film mulching (CK), 2) NPK fertilization and film mulching (PF) and 3) film mulching and NPK fertilization combined with cow manure (OMF).Main results: Compared with CK, OMF significantly increased SOC and TN, while no significant effect was observed under PF. The average increases of SOC storage in OMF were 39.2% in 0-10 cm layer and 34.3% in 10-20 cm layer. The average increases of TN storage were 37.6% in 0-10 cm layer and 31.3% in 10-20 cm layer, relative to CK. Compared with the initial SOC (8.86 g/kg) and TN (0.99 g/kg), CK and PF decreased 1.4% and 6.9% of SOC, and 9.1% and 17.2% of TN, whereas OMF increased SOC and TN. The SOC/TN was not affected by treatments but slight increase was observed since the beginning of experiment. Both PF and OMF significantly increased maize grain yields (on average 45.8% and 75.7%, respectively) compared with CK.Research highlights: Manure combined with film mulching significantly increased soil C and N, ameliorating harmful effects of plastic film mulching, improving soil fertility in the long term and increasing crop yields.
Examination of Exercise Dependency Levels and State of Loneliness in Students of Sports Sciences Faculty
Authors: Güvendi Burcu , Abanoz Engin Işık
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study is to investigate the dependence levels and loneliness status of students studying in sports sciences. The study group of the study consisted of 204 sports science students, 68 women and 136 men with an average age of 20.75 ± 2.47. For the purpose of collecting data, “Exercise Dependancy Scale” developed by Tekkurşun-Demir, Hazar and Cicioğlu (2018) and the“Loneliness Scale” Turkish adaptation of the scale was made by Demir (1989) were used. Descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage and Mann Whitney U, Kruskall Wallis and Spearman Correlation analysis were used for data analysis. According to the findings of the study, it was observed that students were in the dependent group rarely experienced loneliness. A significant difference was found in the loneliness score of the students according to gender. Significant differences were found in the postponement of exercise dependence scale, individual and social needs and conflict sub-dimension according to students’ were being licensed. According to the frequency of participation in the exercise, there was a significant difference between the postponement of individual and social needs of the exercise dependence scale and the development of the conflict, tolerance and passion. In the correlation analysis of the scales, no significant relationship was found between loneliness and exercise dependence. As a result, in our study, although it was seen that the loneliness levels of the students studying in sports sciences were low, it was concluded that male students were lonelier than female students. In addition, it can be said that students are included in the exercise dependent group, because of the fact that these students are kneaded with sports and due to their sports background, they can adjust the dose and duration of the exercise correctly, and thus they do not postpone their social and individual needs as a part of their lives.
On the Solution of Korteweg de Vries Equation by Laplace Homotopy Pertubation Method
Authors: Satsanit Wanchak , Arnuphap Kankullanat
Published: July 2019

In this paper, we applied Laplace Homotopy Pertubation method (LHPM) for solving Korteveg de Vries equation. It was found that this method yields a very rapid convergence of the solution series which leads the solution in a closed form.
A Novel Technique to Reduce Reliance on Opioids for Analgesia from Acute Appendicitis: The Ultrasound-guided Erector Spinae Plane Block
Authors: Mantuani Daniel , Luftig Josh , Herring Andrew , Dreyfuss Andrea , Nagdev Arun
Published: July 2019

Single injection, ultrasound-guided nerve blocks have drastically changed the multimodal approach to pain management of the acutely injured patient in the emergency department (ED). Ultrasound-guided femoral nerve blocks in the ED have become standard aspects of multiple, hospital system pain management protocols, with early evidence demonstrating improved patient outcomes. Developing a multimodal pain management strategy can improve analgesia while reducing reliance on opioids in this era of opioid addiction.1 The single injection, ultrasound-guided erector spinae plane (ESP) block is a technique safely used for pain control for rib fractures that can be easily performed at the bedside and integrated into optimal emergency care. A more inferiorly located ultrasound-guided ESP block has been recently described in the anesthesia literature for perioperative pain control for various abdominal surgeries but has not yet been described for patients with acute appendicitis. Here we describe a single injection, lower ESP block performed by emergency physicians that successfully alleviated pain from acute appendicitis in an ED patient awaiting definitive surgical treatment. Along with allowing clinicians to actively manage pain without reliance on opioids, this novel ED technique may improve patient care outcomes.
Polymethylmethacrylate Pulmonary Embolism Following Kyphoplasty
Authors: Morris Oliver , Mathai Josephin , Weller Karl
Published: July 2019

We report a case of polymethylmethacrylate cement pulmonary embolism (PE) that occurred two days following a minimally invasive kyphoplasty procedure. Our patient developed non-specific rib pain postoperatively followed by dyspnea, prompting presentation to the emergency department. The polymethylmetacrylate cement was visualized on initial chest radiograph and further characterized using computed tomography. The patient was admitted and anticoagulation started, later having an uncomplicated hospital course. The polymethylmethacrylate cement has a well-documented history of leakage and other postoperative complications. Cement PE, while rare, can present similarly to a thrombotic PE and requires adequate long-term anticoagulation with close follow-up.
Steal Phenomenon with Tonsillar Arteriovenous Malformation
Authors: Amin Manish , Chaddha Krishan , Aguìñiga-Navarrete Phillip , Challa Sudha , Garrett Madison
Published: July 2019

Cranial vascular malformations can cause symptoms of headache, stroke, transient ischemic attack, or other cerebrovascular disorders due to steal phenomenon. Subclavian steal phenomenon is a localized change in cerebral perfusion from a cranial arteriovenous malformation (AVM). We present the only recorded case of a tonsillar AVM causing a transient ischemic attack due to steal phenomenon.
Sonographic Detection of a Torsed Meckel’s Diverticulum Misinterpreted as Acute Appendicitis
Authors: Choi Justin , Dorinzi Nicole , Pagenhardt Justine , Steratore Anthony , Sharon Melinda , Minardi Joseph
Published: July 2019

A 38-year-old female presented to the emergency department (ED) with acute-onset right lower quadrant abdominal pain following two days of nausea and vomiting. Physical examination revealed right lower quadrant tenderness to palpation, rebound tenderness, and guarding. Point-of-care ultrasound (POCUS) of the right lower abdomen was performed and interpreted as probable appendicitis. However, upon laparoscopic examination of the abdomen, a benign-appearing appendix was visualized. Further investigation revealed the source of the patient’s pain to be a torsed Meckel’s diverticulum. Although rare, a torsed and inflamed Meckel’s diverticulum can be visualized by POCUS in the ED without the need for further imaging or delay.
Region-making and Cross-border Cooperation: New Evidence from Four Continents
Authors: Juzová Jana
Published: July 2019

Nadalutti, Elisabetta, Kallscheuer, Otto: Region-making and Cross-border Cooperation: New Evidence from Four Continents. New York: Routledge. 2017. 182 pages.
Solidarity As a Necessary Precondition for the Resilience of Schengen? Discourse of the EU Institutions
Authors: Votoupalová Markéta
Published: July 2019

Schengen has faced many difficulties since the very beginning but has proven its resilience. Although scholars tend to associate problems in the Schengen Area with a lack of solidarity, they fail to examine the concept of solidarity thoroughly. This article explores how solidarity in Schengen is perceived by the EU institutions and which of its aspects are emphasised. The methodological framework is based on the Discourse-Historical Approach which enables scholars to study solidarity in Schengen within a broad socio-political context. The theoretical background draws on the concept of solidarity. It follows from the analysis that solidarity in Schengen is inherently linked to external borders. Solidarity connected with internal controls is mentioned rarely, which contradicts the existing research on Schengen. Hence, a more detailed approach to solidarity is needed to interpret the resilience of Schengen. Moreover, the question to be raised is not how much solidarity is expressed or delivered within Schengen but rather which solidarity is concerned?
Electoral Defeat As ‘Mother of Party Change’: Towards Objective-Subjective Approach
Authors: Pacześniak Anna , Bachryj-Krzywaźnia Maciej
Published: July 2019

The purpose of the paper is to provide a theoretical framework for the study of electoral defeat and its influence on party transformation. The opening paragraphs present the state of the art on the topic, which leads to conclusions about significant shortcomings in the existing studies. In order to address them, in the following sections of the article, the authors propose an approach to the issue that is based on a two-dimensional perspective. The first one – the objective dimension – takes into account the environmental aspect and institutional nature of political parties. The second – the subjective – emphasizes the human factor and considers the role of the personal experience of collective failure, and its perception and impact on collective actions as a response to it. On this basis several lines of study are suggested together with appropriate methodological approaches.
Anthropological Dimensions of the Political Culture in Transition Societies. Political Culture versus Political Memory
Authors: Gutorov Vladimir , Koryushkin Alexander , Zavershinskyi Konstantin
Published: July 2019

The authors discuss the significance of anthropological concepts in the analysis of political culture as carried out in both applied and theoretical studies of current political communications in transitional political processes. Drawing on a history of methodological and theoretical debates in political science and anthropology, the authors examine methodological issues of studying discourses of political memory as a symbolic representation of socio-cultural specifics of temporal dimensions of a given political culture. They emphasize the importance of describing and theoretically analyzing the role of political myths and symbols present in political memory in transition societies and point out that analysis of political myths as a symbiotic mechanism (or as a source of reproducing and delineating ‘political passions’) closely connected with symbolic practices of coercion highlights the role of culture in variability of political transition processes. They argue that a focus on political culture as a historically specific form of social memory allows one to examine differences in models of political culture within structures and practices of everyday life. Using an anthropologically oriented political analysis as a theoretical basis, the authors suggest a new theoretical approach to the study of contemporary political communications and argue for a need to develop new strategies of research of political culture in sociology and political science.
A Cidade como experiência de aprendizagem: reflexões ilustradas sobre o currículo educativo da Cidade
Authors: Lúcio Joana
Published: July 2019

[PT] Para discutir o currículo educativo da cidade, é importante atender-se à definição de «Cidade Educadora» (Bernet, 1990), que determina ser possível aprender na cidade (ou seja, a cidade enquanto contexto/meio educativo), aprender da cidade (ou seja, a cidade enquanto agente educativo) e aprender a cidade (ou seja, a cidade enquanto conteúdo educativo). Estes dois últimos aspetos são particularmente relevantes, nomeadamente no que diz respeito à questão da intencionalidade que, no fundo, é aquilo que distingue uma «cidade educativa» (que são todas, na medida em que todas são passíveis de apreensão) de uma «Cidade Educadora». Neste artigo, discutiremos o currículo educativo da cidade na sua pluridimensionalidade, invocando os métodos visuais (fotografia e desenho) não apenas como ilustração de um argumento, mas também enquanto ferramentas de apreensão, apropriação e manipulação do contexto urbano e, nessa medida, da experiência educativa da cidade. Empiricamente, este artigo fundamenta-se num projeto de desenvolvimento local (2006-2011) baseado em Massarelos, no Porto (Portugal), e mais concretamente nos dados recolhidos junto de crianças e jovens com idades entre os 5-17 anos. Ao discutirmos as perceções, apropriações e projetos de crianças e jovens sobre a cidade, contribuímos para um currículo educativo da cidade mais integrador, mais participado e mais crítico. [ES] Para discutir el currículo educativo de la ciudad, es importante tener en cuenta la definición de "Ciudad Educadora" (Bernet, 1990), que determina que es posible aprender en la ciudad (es decir, la ciudad es contexto/medio educativo), aprender de la ciudad (es decir, la ciudad es agente educativo) y aprender la ciudad (es decir, la ciudad es contenido educativo). Estos dos últimos aspectos son particularmente relevantes, en particular en lo que se refiere a la cuestión de la intencionalidad, que en el fondo es lo que distingue a una "ciudad educativa" (que son todas, en la medida en que todas son susceptibles de aprehensión) de una "Ciudad Educadora". En este artículo discutiremos el currículo educativo de la ciudad en su pluridimensionalidad, invocando los métodos visuales (fotografía y diseño) no sólo como ilustración de un argumento, sino también como herramientas de aprehensión, apropiación y manipulación del contexto urbano y, en esa medida, de la experiencia educativa de la ciudad. Empíricamente, este artículo se basa en un proyecto de desarrollo local (2006-2011) basado en Massarelos, Porto (Portugal), y más específicamente en los datos recogidos de los niños y jóvenes de 5-17 años. Al discutir las percepciones, apropiaciones y proyectos de niños y jóvenes sobre la ciudad, contribuimos a un currículo educativo de la ciudad más integrador, más participativo y más crítico.
La co-creación del espacio público como estrategia para ciudades educadoras
Authors: Saldaña Dafne , Cardona Helena , Goula Julia , Muxí Zaida
Published: July 2019

Fem dissabte a la plaça d’en Baró es una experiencia de co-creación de espacio público con niñas y niños de Santa Coloma de Gramenet que nos permite sumar estrategias y metodologías para la consolidación de un modelo de Ciudad Educadora que reconozca a la infancia como agente activo en las decisiones urbanas. El enfoque feminista ha sido clave en el diseño y el desarrollo del proceso participativo, integrando los valores de la corresponsabilidad, el respeto a las diversidades y la igualdad de género. Asimismo, ha potenciado el trabajo colectivo, reconociendo y valorando el bien común por encima de los intereses individuales. En este tipo de experiencias las niñas y niños dejan de ser vistas como futuras usuarias para tener un papel más activo como co-creadoras, dotando de un sentido inclusivo al Derecho a la Ciudad.
Évaluation de l’activité antibactérienne contre Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians et Pseudomonas cichorii de différents extraits végétaux à base d’espèces horticoles et d’essences forestières
Authors: Delisle-Houde Maxime , Toussaint Vicky , Tweddell Russell J.
Published: July 2019

Différents extraits hydro-éthanoliques à base de résidus d’espèces horticoles et d’essences forestières ont été testés in vitro pour leur activité antibactérienne envers Xanthomonas campestris pv. vitians et Pseudomonas cichorii, respectivement responsables de la tache bactérienne et de la maladie des taches et des nervures noires de la laitue. Des 17 extraits d’espèces horticoles, 13 extraits affichent une concentration minimale létale (CML) ≥ 50 mg ml-1 envers X. campestris pv. vitians et P. cichorii. En contrepartie, trois des 20 extraits à base d’espèces forestières affichent une CML ≥ 50 mg ml-1 envers les deux bactéries. De faibles CMLs (≤ 6,25 mg ml-1) envers les deux bactéries ont été obtenues avec l’extrait #3 à base de fruits de canneberge et les extraits de fruits d’aulne rugueux, d’écorce de chêne rouge, d’écorce d’érable rouge et de rameaux de sapin baumier. Les résultats obtenus montrent que l’activité antibactérienne varie selon l’espèce et la structure utilisées dans la préparation de l’extrait; les extraits d’essences forestières présentant une plus forte activité antibactérienne. L’activité antibactérienne peut également varier selon le lot considéré d’un même extrait. Les extraits présentant une forte activité antibactérienne (CML ≤ 6,25 mg ml-1) seront testés au cours de travaux futurs afin d’évaluer leur efficacité à limiter le développement des populations de X. campestris pv. vitians et P. cichorii sur les plants de laitue et à réprimer le développement de la tache bactérienne et de la maladie des taches et des nervures noires.
Una aproximación a la investigación en responsabilidad social corporativa en el sector turístico
Authors: Garay Lluís
Published: July 2019

La literatura sobre responsabilidad social corporativa (RSC) en el sector turístico surge en gran medida del paradigma del turismo sostenible, de donde ha extraído el interés por equilibrar los impactos de la empresa turística en los ejes ambiental, social y corporativo. Los dos temas que más referencias han generado son el business case o la posible relación entre su introducción y la mejora de los resultados de la empresa, y la relacionada con el compromiso con los stakeholders. Aparte, la literatura se ha preocupado por otros temas como la tipología de prácticas implementadas o la consecución de otro tipo de resultados a partir de estas. En todos estos campos existe todavía un gran potencial de desarrollo, a la vez que también emergen nuevos temas.