bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Semantic Analysis of the Minangkabau Classical Proverb Based on the Model of the Proverb Tree
Authors: Noverita Diah
Published: March 2018

This article aims to describe the meaning of the Minangkabau classic proverb from a semantic perspective. The interpretation of the classical Minangkabau proverb is illustrated in the design of the proverbial tree model. Minangkabau classic proverb data is presented in literature review from various relevant sources.Result of research indicate that found relation of adat and syarak in semantic study. This indicates a close relationship between adat and syarak in the daily life of the Minangkabau people. This indicates that the Minangkabau are strong with their customs and religion. Strength of religion and religion as it goes along. The power of religion (Islam) signifies that the Minangkabau are religious and devout Muslims.
Stylistic Vehicle Patterns of Illness as an Ideological Tool in Understanding the Speeches of Martin Luther King Junior and the Plays of Bate Besong
Authors: Fomukong SEINO Evangeline Agwa
Published: March 2018

The meaning of words is to be derived from the relations between words, concepts and things in the real world. Words have a representational or symbolic meaning, that is, they are about something that goes beyond the physical shape that have meanings. Any communication is only successful to the extent that the idea the hearer or the reader gets is the same idea that the speaker or writer intended the hearer or reader to get. What matters is how the world is represented, construed by means of linguistic expressions and how our reports about reality are influenced by conceptual structures inherent in our language. These structures can be metaphoric, carrying connotations as in this study. The study looks at the use of illness related diction to show the ideological outlook of Martin Luther King Junior and Bate Besong. The groupings of the metaphor vehicles portray that both Martin Luther King Junior and Bate Besong follow the discourse dynamics, showing interconnectedness of the dimensions of metaphor used in their works, unravelling vehicle patterns of systematic metaphor of illness.
“On Presence: The Consultant as a Learning Model” and “Presentness and Presence”
Authors: Halpern Sharona
Published: March 2018

Presence is typically described as the way people carry themselves, thereby informing their ability to have an impact as practitioners. The purpose of this commentary is to look at presence from a contemporary, relational Gestalt perspective: that of the Gestalt Cape Cod Model developed at the Gestalt International Study Center in South Wellfleet, Massachusetts. This expanded understanding posits that presence has a relational aspect, that is, the practitioner's ability to maintain self-awareness as well as maintain awareness of other(s) enables her or him to have the greatest chance to build connection, and thereby to have an influence. The commentator offers a definition of presence from this relational perspective, as well as ideas for how one can enhance and develop presence. Finally, she suggests that developing and embodying an optimistic stance, a key element of the Cape Cod Model, greatly enhances one's presence as a practitioner.
Presence for Everyone: A Dialogue
Authors: Chidiac Marie-Anne , Denham-Vaughan Sally
Published: March 2018

In this article–dialogue, Marie-Anne Chidiac and Sally Denham-Vaughan review the concept of presence with reference to a chapter on the topic by Edwin C. Nevis (1987) and another article by Alan Cohen (2017). Similarities and differences between the formulations employed by these two writers are discussed and the implications for Gestalt praxis and wider existential issues addressed. In particular, the framing of presence as a concept with epistemological, ontological, and ethical dimensions is emphasised. These perspectives are compared with the authors' own view of presence as the foundational awareness process that underpins and informs relational and dialogic Self–Other organisation.
Developing the Concept of Structured Ground in Gestalt Theory and Practice
Authors: Kenofer Bruce
Published: March 2018

Kjønstad (2016) has recently revisited the concept of “structured ground” which was originally introduced by Wheeler (1991) and suggests that it may be a useful conceptual tool. Though I am in agreement with Kjønstad, I believe that further articulation of the concept is needed in order for it to be of clinical use in a Gestalt setting. This article provides theoretical suggestions regarding how to conceptualize a framework for structured ground based upon Kegan's developmental theory, as well as a case illustration of how it might be applied.
Posthumanism Thinks the Political: A Genealogy for Foucault’s The Birth of Biopolitics
Authors: Wolfe Cary
Published: March 2018

This article rethinks the concept of the political from a posthumanist rather than a humanist vantage point. More specifically, it engages in an extended discussion of Wendy Brown’s Undoing the Demos and its claims regarding the relationship between neoliberalism and the economic and political spheres, as exemplified in Michel Foucault’s lectures, The Birth of Biopolitics. While sympathetic with Brown’s views on the deleterious effects of neoliberalism, it takes issue with her critique of Foucault’s “notorious late-1970s antagonism to Marxism” and its effects on his understanding of the relationship between the political and the economic, as reflected in the phenomenon of neoliberalism. This article argues instead that Foucault’s work in The Birth of Biopolitics does indeed have an important genealogical relationship to Marxism, but it is not the humanist Marxism that frames Brown’s analysis. What motivates Foucault’s interest in neoliberalism is not his insufficiently Marxist understanding of the relationship between the economic and the political, but rather his larger project of exploring a theory of social complexity in which the economic does not and cannot unilaterally steer the other social systems, including the political. This understanding is utterly consonant with Foucault’s larger discussion of the qualitative shift from disciplinarity to governmentality, and evinces a genealogical through-line from Althusser’s analysis of structural causality to Foucault’s The Birth of Biopolitics, to Luhmann’s social systems theory—one that fundamentally changes how we must think the concept of the political within a new understanding of social complexity.
Human Reproduction in the Twenty-First Century
Authors: Greely Henry T.
Published: March 2018

New technologies will offer new possibilities for human reproduction over the rest of the twenty-first century. Genetic selection, particularly through preimplantation genetic diagnosis; genetic modification, especially through CRISPR and other methods of DNA editing; and direct changes in methods of reproduction, including stem-cell-derived eggs and sperm and possibly ectogenesis through “artificial wombs,” will be available to future would-be parents. This article first describes those technologies and their likely stages of development and speculates about how widely they will be used. These technological changes will present challenges to individuals and societies. Both will have to decide what use, if any, to make of them—individually and collectively. The challenges include those raised by most new technologies: safety, fairness, coercion, and naturalness. Two other issues, though, will be particularly prominent with these new reproductive technologies: human enhancement and family structures. These issues are especially relevant to both posthumanism and transhumanism.
Fashion, Sustainability, and the Anthropocene
Authors: Brooks Andrew , Fletcher Kate , Francis Robert A. , Rigby Emma Dulcie , Roberts Thomas
Published: March 2018

The unbridled consumption of clothing threatens the environment. A discussion is developing around the adoption of new materials and economic models to reduce the impacts of clothing production and use. We discuss these emergent technologies in the wider historical setting of the Anthropocene. The history of human-environmental interactions is interwoven with the development of international garment economies. This article provides an account of how changes in clothing manufacturing and consumption patterns have affected environmental systems, focusing on laundry practices in Britain. We draw on closed-loop recycling to discuss how ideas from clothing businesses privilege the status quo and technological change. Optimistic solutions to fashion and sustainability challenges are an example of mechanisms that are responding to a utopian eco-modernist argument that human systems can adapt and prosper in a changing world. Such flawed solutions hide from view more radical visions to transform the relationships among fashion, technology, and the environment.
Fashion suX: A Story of Anger as (Un)Sustainable Energy
Authors: von Busch Otto
Published: March 2018

Fashion suX is an artistic research project of imaginative utopia creation in the tradition of Thomas More. But instead of an imaginary society on an island, the project explores how a radically different fashion culture could emerge in the footsteps of hardcore and Straight Edge metal. The project specifically examines the underground fashion and craft movement that called themselves suXers (sometimes referred to as “sustainable fashion Straight Edge”). Radically opposing the “do-good” ethics of consumerist sustainability, the suXers embody an ethic that imbues not only clothes and lifestyle but also an infuriated rejection of the fashion system's sartorial betrayal. Opposition needs other motivations than pure virtue, and anger can be one such motivation, as exemplified by the suXers.
Mending and Anatomy: Making Your Hands Knowledgeable
Authors: Pym Celia
Published: March 2018

Celia Pym writes about her work with mending and repair and partnered Parallel Practices project with Richard Wingate, Head of Anatomy at King's College London. The project placed darning and mending into the heart of the college's dissecting room. Ideas about care, tenderness, darning and value of working with your hands are explored.
Petit Pli: Clothes that Grow
Authors: Yasin Ryan Mario
Published: March 2018

The fast fashion model has pushed the industry into a wasteful cycle, driven by the constant demand for new. This article discusses an attempt at engineering a garment that would help reduce our consumption and simultaneously offer a more desirable garment for its specific tailored design & features, while still being commercially viable to manufacture. The concept of Petit Pli is built upon using materials resourcefully; because the garments grow up to seven sizes, parents are buying one garment, not seven. This all amounts to a reduction in material and energy waste at production, labour, transportation, and waste at end of life. Petit Pli also hopes to work on a psychological level, by instilling slow-fashion values in growing children and new parents, who are both at a new stage of life where they are exposed and open to learning new habits.
El principio de la mayoría en la Junta General de Accionistas y su aplicabilidad conforme al Código de Comercio Nicaragüense.
Authors: Robleto Arana Cristian Alberto
Published: March 2018

El estudio del principio de la mayoría de la Junta General de Accionista nos permite realizar un análisis de fondo de las disposiciones contenidas en el Código de Comercio de Nicaragua y compararla con la doctrina contemporánea y la legislación extranjera con especial referencia en el Derecho español. Este principio predomina en el órgano colegiado de la sociedad anónima y se materializa en el acuerdo que deriva de una uniformidad de intereses comunes de los accionistas que declaran su voluntad frente al orden del día, aunque no siempre las declaraciones se emiten en mismo sentido. El cómputo de las acciones no parte de todo el capital de la sociedad, sino sobre las acciones presentes o representadas en la junta con derecho a voto, siendo generalmente la mitad más uno. Esta mayoría puede ser reforzada y los estatutos podrán regularlo. Se podrán tomar en cuenta los votos en blanco, disidentes, más no las acciones propias, obligando la mayoría a la minoría, excepto que se oponga y se ejercite la acción de impugnación de los acuerdos sociales. En Nicaragua se sigue el sistema de mayoría absoluta por vinculación al quórum de asistencia.
El Derecho fundamental de protección de datos personales de los aspirantes a Magistrados de La Corte Suprema de Justicia de Honduras, proceso de selección 2015 – 2016
Authors: Cambar Yolany Isabel
Published: March 2018

El presente artículo está inspirado en nuevos criterios y preceptos jurídicos, la doctrina y la jurisprudencia nacional e internacional en materia de protección de datos personales como un derecho fundamental inherente a toda persona. Asimismo, busca estudiar la regulación de un fenómeno jurídico reciente, suscitado a raíz de los inevitables avances en las tecnologías de la información y del creciente uso de las redes sociales, las que han permitido la existencia de graves violaciones al derecho a la intimidad y privacidad de las personas. En ese contexto, y tomando como referente el recién pasado proceso de selección de candidatos a magistrados de la Corte Suprema de Justicia en Honduras, se procura determinar si la Junta Nominadora en su condición de ente responsable y garante, protegió adecuadamente los datos personales de los aspirantes a magistrados durante dicho proceso, identificando asimismo, las acciones adoptadas en su tratamiento, y en definitiva determinar los vacíos jurídicos en materia de protección de datos en Honduras.
Risk Analysis of World Major Stock Index Before and After the 2008 Financial Crisis – Based on GARCH-VaR Approach
Authors: Wu Maoguo , Wang Yanyuan
Published: March 2018

In 2008, the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis overwhelmed the global financial system, which sparked drastic fluctuation of world stock index. Subsequently, the risk of investment in global stock markets has augmented considerably. Applying the VaR approach based on GARCH model, this paper attempts to thoroughly investigate the volatility of S&P 500, NASDAQ, DJIA, GDAXI and CSI 300. For the purpose of comparison, data are divided into 2 parts: before the 2008 financial crisis and after the 2008 financial crisis. Thus, the paper elaborates impacts of the 2008 financial crisis on global stock index. In addition, this paper puts forward policy implications of risk control in Chinese financial market. According to empirical results, before the 2008 financial crisis, S&P 500, NASDAQ and DJIA were relatively stable; GDAXI was slightly fluctuant while CSI 300 fluctuated dramatically. When confronting with the 2008 financial crisis, the volatility of three American stock indexes surged at once, even exceeding that of CSI 300. GDAXI, however, experienced a time lag in the increase of volatility. So far, S&P 500, NASDAQ, DJIA and GDAXI have gradually recovered. On the contrary, CSI 300 still undulates frequently and erratically.
Effect of ad libitum intake of an electrolyte repository in horses that underwent a polo game
Authors: Monteiro Lorena Chaves , Ribeiro Filho José Dantas , Dantas Waleska De Melo Ferreira , Ribeiro Bruna Maria , Silva Micheline Ozana da , Costa Caio Monteiro , Ermita Pedro Ancelmo Nunes , Silva Gláucia Matos Marques da , Campos Carlos Henrique Coelho de
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of an electrolyte and energy repository on the hematologic and biochemical variables of horses after a polo game and compare them to the effects of a commercial electrolyte repository and water. Twelve healthy horses, aged 5 to 10 years, mean body weight 356.25 ± 25.6 kg and in training for polo games, were randomly divided into three groups of four animals each and received one of three treatments. Animals participated in a 7-minute polo game. At the end of the match, they were taken to individual stalls where they received treatments for spontaneous hydration for 6 hours. Treatments were Hydroelectrolytic and Energy Repository (RHE) containing sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, magnesium, dextrose, maltodextrin and, sucrose; and Commercial Paste (PCO) containing calcium, fructooligosaccharides, glycine, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and ad libitum water. The control group (Water) received water. Blood samples were collected as follows: just before the beginning of exercise (T0), immediately after exercise (T1), 3 hours after the end of exercise (T3), and 6 hours after the end of exercise (T6). The volume of voluntary intake was measured at T3 and T6. Packed cell volume and serum concentrations of sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, creatinine, total protein, plasma glucose, and lactate were measured. Data were submitted to descriptive statistics (mean ± standard deviation), Lilliefors and Cochran & Bartlett tests, analysis of variance (ANOVA), and Tukey or Duncan tests at a 5% significance level. The net volume ingested by the RHE group was higher than the PCO and control groups. In all groups, a reduction in chloride concentration and increases in packed cell volume, protein, creatinine, glucose, and lactate concentrations were observed in T1. These variables returned to the values found at T0 throughout the rehydration phase (T3 and T6). It is concluded that the ingestion of the hydroelectrolytic energy repository does not cause alteration in the biochemical profile of the animals.
Epidemiological aspects of cysticercose in relation to hydrographic net at triangulo mineiro, MG, Brazil
Authors: Duarte Camilla Taveira Ducas , Pinto Paulo Sérgio Arruda , Silva Letícia Ferreira , Santos Tatiane Oliveira , Bevilacqua Paula Dias , Acevedo Nieto Emílio Campos
Published: March 2018

Cysticercosis affects cattle, which develop the larva of Taenia saginata after ingesting their eggs, which are released by humans. It is a parasite that is distributed worldwide. The use of geoprocessing allows a better definition of endemic areas and populations that face different levels of risk and thus creates a basis for specific control programs for each farming system. The objective of this study was to evaluate the epidemiological situation of bovine cysticercosis in four municipalities in the Triângulo Mineiro region (Romaria, Iraí de Minas, Grupiara and Douradoquara), with special attention given to the influence of the hydrographic network on the spatial distribution of the disease. The properties sampled (68) for laboratory and epidemiological analysis (questionnaire) were also georeferenced. The risk factors were analyzed using the ArcGIS 10.1 program. The animals were submitted to immunodiagnostic tests (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoblot) for the diagnosis of bovine cysticercosis. After confirming the disease focus properties, the spatial distribution of the cases was analyzed in relation to the watershed of the region. The positive results for bovine cysticercosis on the properties of the municipalities of Romaria and Iraí de Minas were grouped together, which was a significant result (p < 0.01). Although the positive results for bovine cysticercosis in the municipalities of Grupiara and Douradoquara were randomly distributed (p = 0.27), the risk factor that proved to be statistically significant in the regression analysis for cysticercosis transmission was the water source from the river/stream. From the analysis of the map based on the hydrography of the region, it can be observed that for the distribution of positive cases for bovine cysticercosis in the properties, the main risk factor was the interference of the rivers and their tributaries that fed the municipalities sampled. This study allowed the identification of the prevalence of the taeniasis-cysticercosis complex in the properties of the sampled municipalities (53.84% in Romaria, 45.45% in Grupiara, 37.03% in Iraí de Minas and 35.29% in Douradoquara). The results from this study will help in the prevention and control of this zoonosis in the researched areas.
Nutritional composition and aerobic stability of wheat and corn silages stored under different environmental conditions
Authors: Oliveira Marcos Rogério , Bueno Antônio Vinícius Iank , Leão Guilherme Fernando Mattos , Neumann Mikael , Jobim Clóves Cabreira
Published: March 2018

We aimed to evaluate nutritional quality, fermentation profile, aerobic stability, and dry matter losses in corn (Zea mays) and wheat (Triticum aestivum 'BRS Umbu') silages. Treatments included uninoculated and inoculated (Lactobacillus plantarum and Pediococcus acidilactici, 1.0 × 105 UFC g-1) wheat silage, corn silage from a conventional hybrid and a transgenic hybrid. Nutritional quality and fermentation profile variables were tested in a completely randomized design. Means were compared using Tukey’s test at 5% significance. An aerobic stability trial was conducted in a factorial design with two silages (wheat × inoculated wheat; conventional hybrid corn × transgenic hybrid corn) and two temperatures (ambient temperature × controlled temperature at 24°C). Data were submitted to ANOVA and means were analyzed by the F test at 5% probability. Inoculation of wheat silage increased dry matter, organic matter, and total carbohydrates, but reduced crude protein by a dilution effect. Regarding the fermentation profile, inoculation reduced acetic acid and butyric acid content, whereas it increased propionic acid in wheat silage. Bt corn hybrid silage showed higher dry matter and lower neutral detergent fiber, whereas transgenic corn silage showed lower content of acetic acid, propionic acid, alcohol, and ammonia. Conversely, Bt hybrid silage showed higher butyric acid. Transgenic corn silage showed higher temperature than the conventional hybrid silage during aerobic exposure. Inoculated wheat silage experienced larger deterioration and dry matter losses during the aerobic stability trial. Temperature control worsened aerobic stability in all treatments, increasing dry matter losses and heating.
Digestibility and feeding behavior of cattle fed soybean hulls to replace corn in high concentrate diets
Authors: Rezende Pedro Leonardo de Paula , Restle João , Bilego Ubirajara Oliveira , Fernandes Juliano José de Resende , Missio Regis Luis , Menezes Rayane Galdino , Guimarães Tiago Pereira
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the replacement of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of ground corn (GC) with pelleted soybean hulls (SH) in the concentrate portion of cattle diets. The evaluation was conducted using five 13-month-old Nellore steers cannulated in the rumen, with a mean body weight of 265.00 + 11.60 kg. The steers received a diet composed of 90% concentrate and 10% sugarcane bagasse as the only source of roughage. The statistical design used was a 5x5 Latin square. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of replacement levels or interaction (p > 0.05) between replacement levels and sampling time on ruminal pH, which ranged from 5.8 to 6.0. The apparent digestibility of DM, CP, EE, CHOT and CHONF were not influenced (p > 0.05) by the replacement levels, showing mean values of 67.88 + 2.02; 67.43 + 2.89; 68.29 + 4.11; 70.54 + 1.68 and 80.21 + 1.85%, respectively. The NDF digestibility increased linearly (p < 0.05) with the replacement of corn with soybean hulls. There was no effect (p > 0.05) of replacement levels on time spent feeding (F) and total idle time (TI), with mean values of 10.51 and 4.61% of the day, respectively. However there was a quadratic effect (p < 0.05) of soybean hull inclusion on the time spent ruminating. It was concluded that although the replacement of corn with soybean hull does not improve the ruminal pH of steers fed diets with a high proportion of concentrate, pelleted soybean hulls improve the digestibility of the fibrous fraction of the diet and increase the time spent ruminating, indicating that this ingredient can be included in high-concentrate diets to improve economic efficiency.
Diets for sheeps whit levels of residual frying oil consequences on ingestive behavior
Authors: Peixoto Eduardo Lucas Terra , Mizubuti Ivone Yurika , Sales Elzânia Pereira , Pimentel Patrícia Guimarães , Prado-Calixto Odimári Pricila , Silva Leandro Das Dores Ferreira da , Neumann Mikael , Ribeiro Edson Luiz De Azambuja , Moura Elizabeth Dos Santos , Massaro Júnior Fernando Luiz
Published: March 2018

The objective of this study was to evaluate the ingestive behavior of lambs fed diets containing different levels of residual frying oil. Different residual frying oil concentrations (0, 20, 40, 60 and 80 g kg-1 dry matter base) in the diets of lambs were evaluated. The experimental diets were formulated to contain 12.8% crude protein (CP) with a 60:40 roughage:concentrate ratio. In each observation period, the following variables were measured: time spent eating, time spent ruminating, time spent idle, and number and time of ruminating chews per ruminated bolus. Animals were randomly allocated to treatment groups according to a Latin square design, with five treatments and five experimental periods. The average values were analyzed using regression analysis to 5%. There was no difference for the time spent feeding, ruminating and being idle. No differences in daily feeding number, total chewing time, number of rumination boluses, number of rumination chews per bolus, rumination chew time per bolus and feeding efficiency were observed. The efficiency of rumination for dry matter and neutral detergent fiber showed a decreased linear effect. It can be concluded that the inclusion of residual frying oil does not affect activities of feeding, rumination and being idle as well as the parameters of rumination chewing, but it does decrease the efficiency of rumination.
Effect of row spacing and plant density on grain yield and yield components of Crambe abyssinica Hochst
Authors: Zoz Tiago , Steiner Fábio , Zoz André , Castagnara Deise Dalazen , Witt Travis Wilson , Zanotto Mauricio Dutra , Auld Dick Lindsey
Published: March 2018

Understanding the influence of row spacing and plant density on grain yield and yield components of crambe is critical in order to obtain higher grain yields. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of row spacing and plant density on grain yield and its components in crambe in two distinct regions of Brazil (Marechal Candido Rondon-PR, MCR-PR, and Botucatu-SP, BTU-SP). Narrow and wide row spacing (0.20 and 0.40 m) combined with four plant densities (15, 25, 35, and 45 plants m-1) were evaluated in a randomized block layout with four replications in a 2 × 4 factorial design. The experiment at BTU-SP was run under rainfed conditions with supplementary irrigation, whereas the experiment at MCR-PR was run under rainfed conditions without supplementary irrigation. Both experiments were run in soils classified as Oxisols. There was no interaction between row spacing and plant density. Highest grain yield with supplementary irrigation was observed at 0.20 m row spacing. Without irrigation, row spacing did not affect grain yield owing to the plasticity of crop. The highest grain yield was observed with approximately 30 plants m-1 at both experimental locations. A strong negative correlation was observed between final plant population and number of grains per plant. There was high plant mortality, particularly at high plant densities cultivated under irrigation. Higher mortality occurred because of high intraspecific competition and a larger disease incidence due to the higher humidity in the irrigated experiment. A mechanism of self-adjustment by plant density was observed in crambe, with its intensity dependent on plant density and environmental conditions, such as water and nutrient availability and light incidence.
Trends and gaps in the global scientific literature about Jatropha curcas L. (Euphorbiaceae), a tropical plant of economic importance
Authors: Pereira Illana Reis , D'Abadia Patrícia Lima , Prado Angélica Daiane Lemos do , Matos Fabio Santos , Nabout João Carlos , Gonçalves Pablo José , Almeida Luciane Madureira
Published: March 2018

Jatropha curcas L., popularly known as the physic nut, is a monoecious, perennial lactiferous species belonging to the family Euphorbiaceae. Recently, interest in this species has been growing, due to its ability to flourish on degraded land and in soils with low natural fertility, the high oil content of its seeds, its rapid growth and easy propagation, and the identification of several secondary metabolites with medicinal importance. This study aims to report the main trends and gaps in the global scientific literature about J. curcas L, using a scientometric analysis. We have carried out this scientometric analysis on the global literature to identify: 1) temporal publication trends; 2) the quality of scientific production, estimated using citation numbers and journal impact factors; 3) the main journals and countries interested in this topic and the language of scientific divulgation; 4) the main research fields; 5) the use of wild or commercial cultivars; and 6) average authorship levels and international collaboration networks. Our findings have revealed a continuous increase in both quantitative and qualitative parameters in studies about J. curcas. The main trends in physic nut studies involve biofuel production and the plant’s agronomic characteristics. The main knowledge gaps relating to J. curcas are in the fields of forestry, sustainability, animal nutrition, and genetic improvement. Another problem identified in this study is a lack of commercial seeds; none of the studies analyzed have used commercial seeds. India, Brazil, and China together are responsible for 55% of the knowledge about this species, obtained through scientific production. Only moderate international collaboration has been observed between countries, perhaps as consequence of conflicts of interest. Despite an increasing number of articles, some countries have stopped producing J. curcas L, and the worldwide crop production has decreased.
Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada (KCRNC) consensus statement on the role of adjuvant therapy after nephrectomy for high-risk, non-metastatic renal cell carcinoma: A comprehensive analysis of the literature and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Karakiewicz Pierre I. , Zaffuto Emanuele , Kapoor Anil , Basappa Naveen S. , Bjarnason Georg A. , Blais Normand , Breau Rodney H. , Canil Christina , Drachenberg Darrel , Hotte Sebastien J. , Jeldres Claudio , Jewett Michael A.S. , Kassouf Wassim , Kollmannsberger Christian , Lavallée Luke T. , Maloni Ranjena , Patenaude Francois , Pouliot Frédéric , Reaume M. Neil , Sabbagh Robert , Shayegan Bobby , So Alan , Soulières Denis , Tanguay Simon , Wood Lori , Bandini Marco
Published: March 2018

Introduction: The Kidney Cancer Research Network of Canada (KCRNC) collaborated to prepare this consensus statement about the use of target agents as adjuvant therapy in patients with nonmetastatic renal cell carcinoma (nmRCC) after nephrectomy. We reviewed the published data and performed a meta-analysis of studies that focused on vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs).Methods: A systematic literature search identified seven trials on adjuvant target therapy in nmRCC. Three trials, the ASSURE, S-TRAC, and PROTECT, focused on VEGFR TKIs and represented the focus of the study, including a meta-analysis combining their data on disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS).Results: The ASSURE trial showed no DFS or OS benefit of TKIs over placebo after one year of adjuvant sorafenib or sunitinib. In contrast, the S-TRAC trial showed improved DFS after one year of adjuvant sunitinib using central review process, but not using investigator review process. No OS benefit was recorded in either study. Recently, the PROTECT trial also showed no DFS or OS benefit when one year of adjuvant pazopanib was compared to placebo. Meta-analyses of the pooled DFS and OS estimates from all three trials resulted in DFS and OS hazard ratios of 0.87 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.73‒1.04) and 1.04 (95% CI 0.89‒1.22), respectively.Conclusions: Data from three available clinical trials of adjuvant VEGFR TKIs vs. placebo do not currently support the use of adjuvant TKI therapy as standard of care after nephrectomy for nmRCC. At this time, adjuvant TKI-based adjuvant therapy is not recommended for routine use after nephrectomy for high-risk nmRCC, but highly motivated patients may benefit from a discussion with their oncologist regarding the risks and benefits of adjuvant TKI.
Some applications of certain integral operators involving functions
Authors: Noor Khhalida Inayat , Malik Bushra , Hussain Bukhari Syed Zakar
Published: March 2018

Integral transforms map equations from their original domains into others where manipulations and solutions may be much easier than in original domains. To get back in the original environment, we use the idea of inverse of the integral transform. A function analytic and locally univalent in a given simply connected domain is said to be of bounded boundary rotation if its range has bounded boundary rotation which is defined as the total variation of the direction angle of the tangent to the boundary curve under a complete circuit. \qquad The main objective of the present article is to study some applications of certain integral operators to functions of bounded radius rotation involving Janowski functions. We discuss some inclusion results under certain assumption on parameters involve in operators as well as in related subclasses of analytic functions. Most of these results are best possible. We also relate our findings with the existing literature of the subjects.
A 2-edge partial inverse problem for the Sturm-Liouville operators with singular potentials on a star-shaped graph
Authors: Bondarenko Natalia Pavlovna
Published: March 2018

Boundary value problems for Sturm-Liouville operators with potentials from the class $W_2^{-1}$ on a star-shaped graph are considered. We assume that the potentials are known on all the edges of the graph except two, and show that the potentials on the remaining edges can be constructed by fractional parts of two spectra. A uniqueness theorem is proved, and an algorithm for the constructive solution of the partial inverse problem is provided. The main ingredient of the proofs is the Riesz-basis property of specially constructed systems of functions.
Dual translation surfaces in the three dimensional simply isotropic space $\mathbb{I}_{3}^{1}$
Authors: Lone Mohamd Saleem , Karacan Murat Kemal
Published: March 2018

In this paper, we study the dual translation surfaces in three dimensional simply isotropic space. We give classification of dual translation surface with constant dual isotropic mean curvature or constant dual isotropic Guassian curvature.
The teacher’s mathematical discourse: How is it produced in the classroom and how can it be researched?
Authors: Planas Núria , Arnal-Bailera Alberto , García-Honrado Itziar
Published: March 2018

How can we examine if a teacher’s discourse in the mathematics classroom is effective according to the goals of communicating a culture of school mathematics and producing opportunities for students to learn contents of this culture? In this paper, we present the construction of a notion of local coherence applied to the oral mathematical discourse in the classroom. We create indicators of coherence and relate them to the generation of mathematics learning opportunities. We illustrate the process with data from two teachers and the characterization of their discourse –its coherence– when teaching with examples. The discussion of grades of coherence and learning opportunities serves to distinguish the teachers’ discourses. Drawing on this finding, we evaluate the notion of local coherence.
Los microorganismos en la educación primaria. Ideas de los alumnos de 8 a 11 años e influencia de los libros de texto
Authors: Ballesteros María Isabel , Paños Esther , Ruiz-Gallardo José-Reyes
Published: March 2018

La relevancia de los microorganismos en la biosfera y sus crecientes aplicaciones en diferentes ámbitos los convierten en un contenido imprescindible para los escolares. Este estudio analiza, mediante el empleo del dibujo y preguntas abiertas, las ideas que los alumnos de entre 8 y 11 años tienen sobre los microorganismos. Se revisan, asimismo, doce libros de texto de Ciencias Naturales en el mismo tramo, evaluando cómo se trata a estos seres. Los resultados muestran, en general, una concepción negativa y limitada de los microorganismos, en buena medida coincidente con la forma en que este tema es abordado por las diferentes editoriales. Todo ello puede tener implicaciones en el proceso de planificación y secuenciación de los contenidos de microbiología, de modo que esta se reoriente para proporcionar una visión más amplia y equilibrada de los perjuicios-beneficios de los microorganismos.
Influencia de la formación y la investigación didáctica del profesorado de ciencias sobre su práctica docente
Authors: Solbes Jordi , Fernández-Sánchez José , Domínguez-Sales María Consuelo , Cantó José Rafael , Guisasola Jenaro
Published: March 2018

Este trabajo analiza las relaciones entre la formación, la investigación en didáctica y la práctica docente del profesorado de ciencias de secundaria. La muestra no probabilística está formada por 55 profesores de secundaria. La metodología elegida es de tipo mixto (cuantitativo-cualitativo) y utiliza tres instrumentos complementarios: un cuestionario, un protocolo de observación en el aula y una entrevista. Los resultados de los cuestionarios muestran dos tipos de formación en didáctica de las ciencias: activa y estándar. Las observaciones y las entrevistas ponen de manifiesto la existencia de dos tipologías docentes con grandes diferencias entre ellas en lo referente a estrategias de enseñanza, uso de materiales de aprendizaje innovadores, gestión de aula y utilización de las TIC, y permiten afirmar que los cursos puntuales cambian poco la práctica docente.
Characteristics and results of treatment of patients treated surgically with colorectal cancer in old and senile age
Authors: Banaszkiewicz Zbigniew , Zwoliński Tomasz , Tojek Krzysztof , Jarmocik Paweł , Jawień Arkadiusz
Published: March 2018

Colorectal cancer (CC) in Poland is the type of cancer with the highest dynamics of disease growth and is epidemiologically
related to age. The analysis involved 353 patients operated on due to CC in senile and old age and compared with younger patients.
It was found that people at this age are more often diagnosed with CC They were more often women, the patients did
not differ in the stage of cancer, while they were significantly more often qualified for surgery due to urgent indications. In
patients with colonic cancer, the resectability and radicality of the procedures in comparison with patients with rectal cancer
was significantly higher, while there were more complications and deaths in the 30-day follow-up in this group. The overall
survival in senile and old age was significantly worse. In the first year of follow-up after surgical treatment of patients in this
group, complications and deaths were more frequently observed. However, in patients who survived 12 months after the operation,
the overall survival rate did not significantly differ.
Can the surgeon live his whole life? Analysis of the risk of death
related to the profession
Authors: Mitura Kryspin , Kozieł Sławomir , Komor Klaudiusz
Published: March 2018

More than half of physicians in Poland are over 50 years old. This raises concerns about the risk of lack of continuity of health care services
due to the generational gap, particularly marked among interventional specialties. The physical and mental burden of general
surgery affects those doctors in particular. The aim of the study is to assess whether the type of the profession pursued influences
the average lifetime of a physician in Poland and the impact of the surgeon’s occupation on life expectancy compared to the rest of
the population according to gender. Demographic data was obtained from official publications of the Central Statistical Office. Data
on 189,459 physicians in Poland were obtained from the Central Register of Doctors. A total of 6,496 physicians and dentists deaths
in the period from January 1st, 2010 to June 30th, 2014, including 722 surgeons, were analyzed. In general, both male physicians and
dentists died at an older age than the mean population (74.9 years and 74.7 years vs. 68.9 years; p <0.05). Among women, only dentists
lived longer (78.5 years) p <0.05), while women physicians died at a younger age than the average in the general population (76.4
vs. 77.2 years; p <0.05). The average lifetime of both male and female surgeons was 74.2 and 77.5 years, respectively. The average life
expectancy of people aged 25 years with college/university education is 80.3 years for men and 86.6 years for women. Male surgeons
live significantly longer than the average life expectancy in the general population of men. The average length of life of women surgeons
is significantly lower than the average lifespan of women in the general population. The actual lifetime of surgeons in Poland
is significantly lower than the expected average life expectancy for other people aged 25 with tertiary education. The average lifespan
of surgeons in Poland does not differ significantly from the average life expectancy of other Polish physicians.
Comparison of objective and subjective evaluation of breast symmetrization results in patients with Poland syndrome
Authors: Kasielska-Trojan Anna , Zieliński Tomasz , Pisera Paweł , Antoszewski Bogusław
Published: March 2018

Introduction: There are many methods of analyzing the appearance of the breasts, but most of them are based on the patient’s
subjective assessment or on the opinion of a specialist panel. Anthropometric measurements enable objective breast evaluation.
The aim of the study was to compare the objective and subjective evaluation of aesthetic results of breast symmetrization
in patients with Poland syndrome.
Material and methods: The analysis of the results of the treatment was performed in 7 patients treated surgically due to unilateral
breast underdevelopment in Poland syndrome. In the postoperative assessment, the following features were considered:
1 - breast volume, symmetry of: 2 – nipple areola-complexes (NAC), 3 - inframammary folds (IMF), 4 – upper poles (UP).
The subjective assessment performed by the patient included each of the listed features and the overall satisfaction with the
results of symmetrization on the 10-point Likert scale. Then, objective metric breast analysis was performed.
Results: Overall assessment of postoperative breast asymmetry (mean 8.1) indicates a high level of patients’ satisfaction with
breasts symmetrization. An objective analysis showed that the average breasts’ difference in volume was about 36 cc and the
difference in NAC location was about 1.2 cm.
Conclusion: 3D imaging is helpful in planning breast symmetrization procedures, especially in breast prostheses’ selection.
Combination of this method with clinical experience results in good postoperative effects.
Role of crossmatch testing when Luminex-SAB is negative
in renal transplantation
Authors: Jayant Kumar , Reccia Isabella , Julie Bridson M , Sharma Ajay , Halawa Ahmed
Published: March 2018

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) system plays an important role in the acceptance of renal graft. Long and better graft survival has been reported in patients with HLA-identical siblings and a nonreactive cytotoxicity assay (CDC). New methods of HLA-typing and anti-HLA antibody detection techniques such as flow cytometry, solid-phase immunoassays, or antigen bead assays have further improved the outcomes of renal transplant recipients. In the present review, the explicit details of these methodologies are discussed in detail.
Monitoring of the 5-FU therapy: Safety and efficacy of treatment?
Authors: Szczęśniak Angelika , Goryniak Aleksandra , Śleboda Daria , Dołęgowska Barbara
Published: March 2018

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most common chemotherapeutics used in the therapy of cancers of the gastrointestinal tract, breast, skin or head and neck. The key enzyme of drug metabolism is encoded by DPYD dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPD), which is responsible for the catabolism of 80% of the administered 5-FU. Patients with DPD deficiency are exposed to a high risk of severe and sometimes lethal toxicity during treatment. Nonlinear pharmacokinetics and narrow therapeutic index significantly hinder the prediction of response of the body after administration of a standard dose. Therefore, the individual adjustment of the optimal
dose enabling the best possible therapeutic effect with minimal side effects is very important.
The commonly accepted method of adjusting 5-FU dose is based on the body surface area
(BSA). Unfortunately, this does not allow us to determine the drug concentration ensuring
the highest effectiveness of the treatment while maintaining its safety.
Many publications point out the need of determining the activity of dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase
before the administration of 5-FU, which could result in obtaining the desired
and optimal drug concentration in the blood, without exposing the patient to its excessive
toxicity. Despite the great needs, such tests are not carried out routinely.
Specification of procedures of DPD activity indication, determination of optimal 5-FU doses
and monitoring of concentration of this chemotherapeutic during the treatment can become
the basis for establishing some new therapeutic standards in the oncology, and in consequence,
may significantly influence the quality and length of life of the patients.
Non-pharmacological modification of endothelial function: An important lesson for clinical practice
Authors: Szulińska Monika , Skrypnik Damian , Michałowska Joanna , Bogdański Paweł
Published: March 2018

During the last few generations a rapid increase in the prevalence of cardiovascular diseases has been observed. This epidemiologic fact is in a wide range due to endothelial dysfunction. Endothelium, the inner layer of vessel wall, is a crucial structure in the proper functioning of the cardiovascular system. Next to classic cardiovascular risk factors such as diabetes, obesity, atherosclerosis and hypertension, endothelial dysfunction has become understood as one of the most important elements of cardiovascular pathologies, ranging from ischemic heart disease, stroke to carcinogenesis. This has given rise to a crucial need to develop new therapeutic directions aimed at ameliorating the endothelial function. A healthy lifestyle and proper well-balanced diet seem to be even more important than pharmacotherapy. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions have become bullet points in a list of endothelial-targeted treatment strategies. Currently, several compounds have been studied as candidates for endothelial function improvement.
L-arginine supplementation is proved to reduce fat content. It also preferably modifies carbohydrates metabolism and the expression of genes responsible for increased cardiovascular risk. Spirulina increases the expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, which ameliorates nitrogen oxide production and leads to a decrease in blood pressure. The beneficial effect of green tea catechins is based mainly on the inactivation of reactive oxygen. Allicin present in garlic shows both antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. Probiotics prevent endothelial dysfunction in effect of improved vascular oxidative stress. Physical activity also demonstrates a number of mechanisms that ameliorate endothelial function.
The impact of endothelial function in the complex pathology of cardiovascular diseases reflects a number of scientific proofs showing favorable effects of non-pharmacological interventions in endothelial dysfunction treatment.