bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Momentary Parental Stress and Food-Related Parenting Practices
Authors: Berge Jerica M. , Tate Allan , Trofholz Amanda , Fertig Angela R. , Miner Michael , Crow Scott , Neumark-Sztainer Dianne
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND:

Research suggests that stress and depressed mood are associated with food-related parenting practices (ie, parent feeding practices, types of food served at meals). However, current measures of parental stress, depressed mood, and food-related parenting practices are typically survey-based and assessed as static/unchanging characteristics, failing to account for fluctuations across time and context. Identifying momentary factors that influence parent food-related parenting practices will facilitate the development of effective interventions aimed at promoting healthy food-related parenting practices. In this study, we used ecological momentary assessment to examine the association between momentary factors (eg, stress, depressed mood) occurring early in the day and food-related parenting practices at the evening meal.

METHODS:

Children aged 5 to 7 years and their families (N = 150) from 6 racial and/or ethnic groups (n = 25 each African American, Hispanic/Latino, Hmong, American Indian, Somali, and white families) were recruited for this mixed-methods study through primary care clinics.

RESULTS:

Higher stress and depressed mood earlier in the day predicted pressure-to-eat feeding practices and fewer homemade foods served at meals the same night. Effect modification was found for certain racial and/or ethnic groups with regard to engaging in pressure-to-eat feeding practices (ie, America Indian, Somali) or serving fewer homemade meals (ie, African American, Hispanic/Latino) in the face of high stress or depressed mood.

CONCLUSIONS:

Clinicians may want to consider discussing with parents the influence stress and depressed mood can have on everyday food-related parenting practices. Additionally, future researchers should consider using real-time interventions to reduce parental stress and depressed mood to promote healthy parent food-related parenting practices.
A constante Kalfayan
Authors: Passos José Luiz
Published: November 2017

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Effect of MgO and Na2SiO3 on the carbonation resistance of alkali activated slag concrete
Authors: Khan M. S. H. , Castel Arnaud
Published: November 2017

This paper investigates the effect of magnesium oxide (MgO) on the carbonation resistance of alkali-activated slag–fly ash blend containing 75% ground granulated blast furnace slag (GGBS) and 25% low-calcium fly ash. Two types of GGBS were used with different magnesium oxide content. Phenolphthalein indicator and pH profiles showed that the GGBS with higher levels of magnesium oxide offered no significant improvement in resistance against natural and 1% accelerated carbonation. X-ray diffraction confirmed no hydrotalcite formation, although the magnesium oxide content was 9·1%. A very small amount of free magnesium ions (Mg2+) was available in the pore solution, which was deemed insufficient to form hydrotalcite. Lack of its formation was the major reason for the lower carbonation resistance. Excessive silicate in the system reduces the calcium oxide/silicon dioxide ratio, which leads to the incorporation of magnesium ions in the calcium silicate hydrate structure. Hydrotalcite was observed when the activator concentration was reduced. The results suggest that in addition to magnesium and aluminium ion (Al3+) availability, silicate concentration also plays a strong role in deciding the hydrotalcite formation in alkali-activated GGBS concrete.
Integración de fuentes no convencionales de energía renovable al mercado eléctrico y su impacto sobre el precio
Authors: Hoyos Santiago , Franco Carlos Jaime , Dyner Isaac
Published: November 2017

Las fuentes no convencionales de energía renovable (FNCER) son fuentes de energía consideradas como una alternativa limpia para el suministro de electricidad frente a generación eléctrica a base de combustible fósiles. Además, son un medio por el cual se reduce el nivel de concentración en el mercado y la participación de la demanda se pueden dar. En este artículo se presenta diferentes mecanismos de integración de estas fuentes en el mercado, y se analiza su efecto sobre el precio de la electricidad en Colombia. Bajo las condiciones de simulación definidas, los resultados indican que una participación del 20% de las FNCER en el cubrimiento de la demanda de forma distribuida genera una reducción del 22% en el precio de la electricidad en el largo plazo.
Metodología para la zonificación de la susceptibilidad por movimientos en masa en proyectos lineales. Estudio de caso en elacueducto del municipio de Fredonia,Antioquia
Authors: Mendoza Ramirez Juliana , Aristizábal Giraldo Edier Vicente
Published: November 2017

Los movimientos en masa se caracterizan por su capacidad de generar pérdidas. En Colombia, un considerable porcentaje de pérdidas está asociado a proyectos lineales; tan solo entre los años 2010-2011, 575 municipios fueron afectados por daños en la infraestructura de agua potable y saneamiento. Considerando la grave problemática de los proyectos lineales, el presente trabajo propone la combinación de métodos heurísticos, estadísticos y con base física para evaluar la susceptibilidad y amenaza por movimientos en masa, bajo diferentes escalas de análisis. Además de la construcción del mapa de unidades de criticidad, utilizando como unidad de análisis la Unidad Morfodinámica Independiente. El modelo obtenido es validado utilizando las curvas de éxito y el área bajo la curva (AUC, por su sigla en inglés). La metodología propuesta se implementó en el trayecto de la tubería del acueducto municipal del municipio de Fredonia en el departamento de Antioquia. Se identificó un 6% de zonas tanto inestables como de muy alta y alta susceptibilidad; y un 13% de zonas correspondientes tanto a cataclinales de menor buzamiento a la ladera y de igual buzamiento a la pendiente, como zonas de muy alta y alta susceptibilidad. El AUC para el análisis condicional y el mapa de criticidad arrojó un valor de 0.81 y 0.73 señalando un muy buen ajuste y desempeño de los modelos.
Intrathoracic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor with poor outcome: a case report
Authors: Kolarov Violeta , Stanić Jelena , Eri Živka , Zvezdin Biljana , Kojičić Marija , Hromis Sanja
Published: November 2017

We report a case of intrathoracic malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor in a 65-year old woman revealed after a few-month history of progressive dyspnea, appetite and body mass loss. The chest magnetic resonance (MR) examination revealed the presence of a large tumor occupying the mediastinum and a major portion of the right hemithorax. The diagnostic tumor sample was obtained by parasternal biopsy in local anesthesia. The surgical resection of the tumor could not be performed due to its excessive size, intrathoracic involvement and bad respiratory reserves of a patient. The chemotherapy and irradiation were performed as palliative measures. The lethal outcome appeared 10 months after the diagnosis was established.
Ter amigos com amigos gays/lésbicas? O papel do contacto alargado, empatia e ameaça nas intenções comportamentais assertivas dos bystanders
Authors: António Raquel , Guerra Rita , Moleiro Carla
Published: November 2017

Os pares estão presentes em mais de 80% dos episódios de bullying e a investigação tem revelado que os bystanders têm um papel muito importante na interrupção dos episódios de bullying. No entanto, pouco se sabe acerca dos preditores das intervenções assertivas dos bystanders. Este estudo explorou se o contacto alargado (i.e., ter amigos que têm amigos gays/lésbicas) está relacionado com intenções comportamentais assertivas de ajuda às vítimas de bullying homofóbico, através do aumento da empatia e da diminuição da ameaça à masculinidade/feminilidade. Um questionário online foi preenchido por 87 adolescentes heterossexuais (entre os 12 e os 18 anos). Como esperado, os resultados revelaram que o contacto alargado esteve associado a mais intervenções assertivas, através do aumento da empatia afectiva e da diminuição da ameaça à masculinidade/feminilidade. Estes efeitos permitem replicar e alargar a investigação anterior, ilustrando os mecanismos através dos quais o contacto alargado influencia positivamente as intervenções dos bystanders.
Número Temático: Estudos sobre Bullying em Portugal
Authors: Almeida Ana Tomás de , Correia Isabel
Published: November 2017

Ficha técnica e Editorial
Comparison of lipid levels in the diabetic and non diabetic patients: a study in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Veeramalla Vydehi , Madas Swetha
Published: November 2017

Background: The incidence of coronary artery diseases is 3 to 5 times higher in both male and female diabetic patients compared to general population. Individuals with diabetes may have several forms of dyslipidemia leading to additive cardiovascular risk of hyperglycemia. This study was therefore conducted to identify the levels of lipidemia in the diabetic patients in our area.Methods: This study was conducted on 100 diabetic and 100 healthy patients, with 50 patients were males and 50 were females in both groups. Blood was collected in sodium fluoride tubes for all the patients for the estimation of glucose (both fasting and post prandial) and in serum tubes for lipids such as Triglycerides, Total cholesterol, High density cholesterol, Low density cholesterol and Very low density cholesterol.Results: The total cholesterol among the males who were diabetic was in the normal range in 46% and high in 20% of the patients. Among the control, i.e. non diabetic patients, 76% of them had total cholesterol in the normal range and high cholesterol levels were observed in only 8% of them. The levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol and LDL were significantly higher in the patients with diabetes, compared to the non diabetic patients. HDL in these patients was significantly low.Conclusions: The incidence of raised lipid levels in the diabetic patients is very high and since the elevated levels of lipids especially in these patients can lead to CHD and its complications, it is important for the monitoring of these levels throughout the course of the disease.
Asymptomatic bacteriuria and its associated factors in type II diabetes mellitus
Authors: Gurjar Dinesh , Mathur Akash , Sai Ramkrishna , Lakesar Arvind , Saxena Puneet
Published: November 2017

Background: With the dawn of modern era the diabetes epidemic has spread over continents affecting the developed and the developing nations alike. Asymptomatic bacteriuria which is quite prevalent in the diabetic population is associated with increased diabetic complications and thereby increased morbidity. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the proportion of cases with asymptomatic bacteriuria (ASB) among type II diabetes mellitus patients as compared to non-diabetic healthy controls and studying the factors associated with ASB.Methods: 93 eligible type II diabetes mellitus cases without genitourinary symptoms or abnormalities along with 93 non-diabetic healthy controls were recruited. Mid-stream urine was collected after taking informed consent and each sample tested using the dipstick, microscopy and culture techniques. Isolates were identified using standard biochemical tests.Results: Prevalence of ASB in our study was found to be 34.4% among cases of type II diabetes mellitus while it was 6.45% among non-diabetic healthy controls. Amongst the diabetics with ASB 71.9 % were females and 28.13 % were males. E. Coli was isolated in 21 subjects among diabetic cases (22.58%) and in 5 subjects among non-diabetic healthy controls (5.38%). Fasting blood sugar (FBS) in diabetic cases group was 151.08 ± 48.16 and in control group was found to be 98.57 ± 25.95 (p<0.001). Mean duration of patients with DM who had ASB (32) was 8.46 ± 4.14 years and those who were culture negative was 4.59 ± 4.2 years (p < 0.05). 24 subjects (75%) out of 32 diabetic ASB cases had glycosuria compared to 27 subjects (44.26%) out of 61 culture negative cases (p < 0.05). 9 out of 32 (28.13%) diabetic ASB subjects had proteinuria compared to 4 out of 61 (6.56%) culture negative cases (p < 0.05).Conclusions: Overall prevalence of ASB was significantly more in diabetic population as compared to non-diabetic healthy controls (34.4% vs 6.45%). Females have an increased likelihood of developing ASB as compared to males. E. Coli was the most common pathogen isolated in ASB cases. Longer duration of diabetes and poor glycemic control are independent predictors for the development of ASB. The risk of ASB is also significantly increased in those with glycosuria and proteinuria.
Clinical and manometric profile of patients with GERD in a tertiary care hospital
Authors: Deepalakshmi Kaliyaperumal , Vasanthi Ramesh , Venkatakrishnan Leelakrishnan , Karthikeyan Shanmugam
Published: November 2017

Background: Abnormal esophageal motility and low Lower Esophageal Pressure (LES) play an integral role among various etiologies implicated in pathogenesis and severity of Gastro Esophageal Reflux Disease (GERD). Delayed clearance of refluxate leads to prolonged mucosal exposure to gastro duodenal contents which promotes esophagitis and its complications. To find out the association of ineffective esophageal motility (IEM) and low Lower Esophageal Sphincter (LES) pressure with endoscopic esophagitis in patients presenting with symptoms of GERD. Settings and designs: Prospective cross sectional study done in a tertiary medical care center in south India from October 2016 to March 2017.Methods: This cross sectional study was carried out among patients presenting with symptoms of GERD (heart burn and regurgitation,) at least twice per week for past three months. Based on their endoscopy findings patients with GERD are grouped into two having erosive and nonerosive reflux disease. After general and systemic clinical examination, High resolution Manometry was performed, and data was analyzed using Trace 1.2.3a V software. Statistical methods: Data was analysed using SPSS version 19. Chi square test was used to analyze categorical variables and independent ’t’ test was used for continuous variables.Results: A total of 66 patients with GERD symptoms were subjected to esophageal manometry. Out of these 66 patients 42 were males and 22 were females with their mean age 40.82±12.86 years. Among 66 patients presented with GERD symptoms 26.7% were found to have ineffective esophageal motility and only 11.7% had low LES pressure. Ineffective esophageal motility was also found to be more common among older age group individuals with their mean age being 44.64 ±14.154. Among the patients with erosive reflux disease (70.21%), 66.7% had low LES pressure and 75 % had IEM; the association was not statistically significant.Conclusions: The incidence of Ineffective esophageal motility in patients with GERD is found to be higher than that of low LES pressure. There was no significant association observed between IEM and low LES pressure with endoscopic esophagitis in patients with GERD.
Dyslipidaemia pattern amongst diabetic patients visiting a tertiary care hospital in Eastern Odisha
Authors: Behera Surendra Nath , Patro Shubhransu
Published: November 2017

Background: With controlled blood sugar levels, the occurrence of dyslipidaemia can be reduced. Due to poor awareness and literacy being a major concern, there is an association in the incidence of dyslipidaemia and cardiovascular risk. Routine and timely observations can help health care professionals to reduce the future risk.Methods: The current study was initiated at the Department of Medicine, KIMS, Bhubaneswar (Odisha). It included in total 669 patients, who were assigned into two groups: Group 1(Diabetic) included 364 patients and Group 2 (Non-diabetic) included 305 patients. The study patients were screened using a pretested structured questionnaire. The plan and checklist were linked by unique identification code (ID). Data was gathered in a friendly atmosphere after obtaining informed consent.Results: In the current study, all characteristics of diabetes were correlated with each parameter and it was found that disproportionate body mass index, high waist girth was correlated with incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD). Literacy is one of the factor found intermediate responsible for CVD. The more educated, the more advances in current lifestyle is observed whereas due to illiteracy, awareness about health issues is less and both together result in increased incidence of CVD.Conclusions: Dyslipidaemia should be promptly diagnosed and treated aggressively to reduce the rate of morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients.
Study of treatment outcome of tuberculosis among HIV co-infected patients: a cross sectional study in Aurangabad city, Maharashtra
Authors: Warkari Prashant D. , Nakel Mahavir P. , Mahajan Swati M. , Adchitre Sangita A.
Published: November 2017

Background: Tuberculosis is the most common presenting illness among people living with HIV, including those who are taking anti-retroviral treatment. There were an estimated 1.2 million HIV positive new TB cases globally in 2014. Around 74% of these infected people live in sub-Saharan Africa. Aim and objectives were to study the treatment outcome of tuberculosis among HIV co-infected patients; to assess the outcome of TB treatment in TB patients with respect to their HIV status and to study the underlying factors influencing the outcome rates. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was designed and conducted in Municipal Corporation area, Aurangabad. For this study, HIV co-infected patients registered at city Tuberculosis Centre, Aurangabad were noted and thus information only on TB-HIV status of patients was collected. Results: In this study majority of the study participants were in the age group between 35 and 49 years (45.98%); which is in the reproductive age group. HIV-TB co-infected in this region was mostly males (60.92%). Conclusions: Important conclusion of the study is that very few patients got cured off TB among TB-HIV co-infected patients. One of the reasons could be immunosuppression of HIV patients make them vulnerable for getting active TB and its rapid progression. All the rates i.e. death, default & transfer rate are all above the standard rate i.e. 5% as per RNTCP guidelines.
Características sociodemográficas y suicidios consumados en las ciudades de Santa Marta y Bucaramanga (Colombia): un estudio retrospectivo de género 2010-2014
Authors: Suescún Arregoces Jesús David , Caballero-Domínguez Carmen , Fuentes López Carlos , Ceballos Ospino Guillermo
Published: November 2017

El presente estudio busca describir la mortalidad por suicidio en relación a variables como edad, género, estado civil, método, hora, día, etapa evolutiva y ocupación de los individuos en las ciudades de Santa Marta y Bucaramanga durante los años 2010 a 2014. Se analizó un total de 208 suicidios, 89 de los cuales se reportaron en Santa Marta, Magdalena, y 119, en Bucaramanga, Santander. De la misma forma, se destaca que del número total de casos, el 84% corresponde a hombres, y el 16%, a mujeres. Se hizo un análisis descriptivo retrospectivo de los datos suministrados por el Instituto Nacional de Medicina Legal y Ciencias Forenses. Así mismo, se utilizó la prueba X2 de Pearson para determinar la asociación entre las variables relacionadas. Dentro de los principales resultados, y en relación a los suicidios consumados, se observa una proporción mayor en hombres (84%) que en mujeres (16%). Además, el comportamiento de las frecuencias de suicidio por año muestra un patrón de estabilidad de 22.1% para los años 2010 y 2011, periodo a partir del cual comienza a descender levemente, hasta alcanzar un 16.3% de muertes por conducta suicida en el año 2014. Se concluye que no existe una asociación estadísticamente signiicativa entre el género y el método utilizado para suicidarse. Respecto al día y la hora, se halló que los ines de semana y los jueves son los días en los que aumenta la frecuencia de suicidios, generalmente en las primeras doce horas del día. Finalmente, se resalta que del número total de suicidios consumados, el 41% correspondía a individuos solteros y el 45% no realizaba tareas profesionales.
Evaluación del potencial del aprendizaje en niños preescolares con síndrome de Down
Authors: Robles Bello Maria Auxiliadora , Sánchez-Teruel David
Published: November 2017

Este artículo describe una investigación en la que se utiliza una escala de evaluación del potencial de aprendizaje; esta se aplica a 32 niños con síndrome de Down (SD), 15 de ellos provienen de ciudades y los otros 17, de zonas rurales que no tienen acceso a la atención infantil temprana. El objetivo principal de este trabajo fue determinar cuál es el peril de partida de ambos grupos en la situación pretest, y por otra parte, se buscó examinar si el grupo más desfavorecido de la zona rural es el que más se beneicia de una metodología de evaluación, como es el potencial de aprendizaje, para lo que se intenta demostrar la efectividad de la fase de mediación. Los resultados mostraron que existían diferencias signiicativas en la situación pretest entre ambos grupos sólo en la subescala de clasiicación. Con respecto al segundo objetivo, se observó que aunque ambos grupos se beneician de este tipo de metodología, el de la zona rural mejora en mayor medida.
Fundamentos transdisciplinares para reconhecimento jurídico da pornografia de vingança enquanto violência de gênero
Authors: E Silva Artenira Da Silva , Pinheiro Rossana Barros
Published: November 2017

O processo de globalização repercute em diversas modalidades de segmentos dos sistemas sociais, impactando substancialmente as relações econômicas, políticas e interpessoais. Quanto a essa última esfera, pontua-se a aproximação de pessoas através do ciberespaço, fazendo-se uso de uma nova forma de comunicação humana mediada pelas inovações tecnológicas, cujo agente principal de funcionamento dos sistemas é a informação. Embora tal ambiente relacional possa apresentar vantagens, que em primeira instância podem definir facilitadores para a interação humana, como por exemplo, a ampliação dos processos comunicativos e redução das distâncias entre as pessoas, também traz preocupações que transcendem o poder de controle dos Estados Nacionais como a ocorrência potencial de crimes virtuais e a prática de violência na rede. Considerando-se esta discussão, a pornografia de vingança, divulgação não autorizada de conteúdo íntimo, em geral a partir do fim de um relacionamento, não acontece discursivamente separada do mundo presencial, ao contrário, reafirma as questões de gênero e discriminações a ele inerentes. Dessa forma, o presente estudo apresenta uma abordagem transdisciplinar para melhor significar, desnudar e fundamentar essa relação como compreensão indispensável para o seu reconhecimento jurídico.
Los perjuicios en el contexto del artículo 18 de la Ley 256 de 1996
Authors: Archila Peñalosa Emilio José
Published: November 2017

El presente escrito tiene el propósito de analizar los perjuicios que surgen de la conducta desleal que estipula el artículo 18 de la Ley 256 de 1996. Así, la tipificación que realiza esta norma contiene elementos que permiten identificar los casos en los cuales se indemnizará a los competidores afectados, lo cual se constituye como una sanción para quien ha tomado ventaja efectiva y significativa dentro del mercado por la violación de una norma. En consecuencia, resultará pertinente analizar los casos en los cuales se cumplen los requisitos de dicho enunciado normativo, ya que de él se desarrollan diferentes cuestionamientos respecto de la procedencia de las pretensiones indemnizatorias.
La gobernanza de internet como plataforma para impulsar políticas en la educación con TIC. El caso de Colombia
Authors: Palacio Puerta Marcela , Cabrera Peña Karen Isabel
Published: November 2017

Internet ha influido en todos los aspectos de la vida humana y la educación no es ajena a esta influencia. Sin embargo, cualquier aspecto relacionado con internet está en evolución. Este es el caso de la incorporación de tecnologías en la educación, cuyo desarrollo y medición están todavía en proceso de perfeccionamiento. La gobernanza de internet puede jugar un papel importante en dicho proceso ya que a través de ella se podrían implementar más y mejores políticas de educación con tic, pues permite tener en cuenta todos los actores que se ven directa o indirectamente involucrados en ella.
An Examination of Diameter Density Prediction with k-NN and Lidar
Authors: Strunk Jacob , Gould Peter , Packalen Petteri , Poudel Krishna , Andersen Hans-Erik , Temesgen Hailemariam
Published: November 2017

While lidar-based forest inventory methods have been widely demonstrated, prediction of tree diameters with lidar is not well understood. The performance metrics typically used in studies for prediction of diameters can be difficult to interpret and may not support comparative inferences between sampling designs or study areas. We evaluate a variety of lidar and k nearest neighbor (k-NN) strategies for prediction of tree diameter distributions using two indices which are easier to interpret and compare. The indices are based on the coefficient of determination (R2), and root mean square deviation (RMSD). These indices facilitate comparisons with alternative (non-lidar) inventory strategies, and with other project areas. We evaluate k nearest neighbors (k-NN) dbh density (relative frequency by dbh class) prediction strategies with lidar for 190 training plots distribute across the 800 km2 Savannah River Site in South Carolina, USA. We evaluate the performance of k-NN with respect to distance metrics, number of neighbors, predictor sets, and response sets. Amongst the examined strategies we found Mahalanobis distance with k = 3 neighbors performed best according to a number of criteria.
Photosynthesis of Sago Palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) Seedling at Different Air Temperatures
Authors: Azhar Aidil , Makihara Daigo , Naito Hitoshi , Ehara Hiroshi
Published: November 2017

Photosynthetic activities of the sago palm (Metroxylon sagu Rottb.) were studied to find out its sensitivity to changes in ambient air temperature. The minimum ambient air temperature designed for the experiment was 25–29⁰C, while the higher end was 29–33⁰C. Several photosynthetic parameters were studied to support our analysis in sago photosynthetic activity, including diurnal leaf gas exchange, assimilation rate vs. CO2 concentration, leaf greenness, leaf chlorophyll content, and photosynthetic rate vs. irradiance. We found that sago palm photosynthetic activity tends to be more sensitive to minimum than to maximum ambient air temperature. The plants exposed to higher air temperatures had dark green leaf color associated with higher rates of diurnal photosynthesis, chlorophyll content, and rubisco limited photosynthetic activity. They also exhibited higher trend in optimum irradiance absorption level. Consequently, maximum light energy dissipation occurred at higher temperatures.
NN-Harmonic Mean Aggregation Operators Based MCGDM Strategy in Neutrosophic Number Environment
Authors: Mondal Kalyan , Pramanik Surapati , Giri Bibhas C. , Smarandache Florentin
Published: November 2017

The concept of neutrosophic number is a significant mathematical tool to deal with real scientific problems because it can tackle indeterminate and incomplete information which exists generally in real problems. In this article, we use neutrosophic numbers (a + bI), where a and bI denote determinate component and indeterminate component respectively. We explore the situations in which the input information is needed to express in terms of neutrosophic numbers. We define score functions and accuracy functions for ranking neutrosophic numbers. We then define a cosine function to determine unknown criteria weights. We define neutrosophic number harmonic mean operators and proved their basic properties. Then, we develop two novel MCGDM strategies using the proposed aggregation operators. We solve a numerical example to demonstrate the feasibility and effectiveness of the proposed two strategies. Sensitivity analysis with variation of “I” on neutrosophic numbers is performed to demonstrate how the preference ranking order of alternatives is sensitive to the change of “I”. The efficiency of the developed strategies is ascertained by comparing the obtained results from the proposed strategies with the existing strategies in the literature.
Rethinking Fracturing: The Problems With Bigger Fracs in Tighter Spaces
Authors: Rassenfoss Stephen
Published: November 2017

The Problems With Bigger Fracs in Tighter Spaces

When a new well is being fractured, anyone with a producing well nearby needs to look out for hits.

The hydraulic pressure used to fracture a new well is likely to be felt in older wells nearby because fractures tend to grow toward zones where the pressure has been depleted by production.

“It is unrealistic to expect total avoidance in formations such as the Eagle Ford, Woodford, and Bone Springs,” said Mike Rainbolt, completions engineer, senior advisor for Apache Corp., adding “let me rephrase that—it is impossible.”

The risk of a hit is high in those plays in Texas and Oklahoma because hydraulic fracturing there is likely to create long planar fractures, whose growth can be magnified by aggressive fracturing designs used to maximize liquids production.

Damage caused by “frac hits” is the high-profile problem that has fanned interest in the larger, but less obvious issue of how fracturing affects the reservoir between tightly spaced wells. Rainbolt presented a 43-page paper by Apache (SPE 187192) at the 2017 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition in October, which offered a broad look at the problem with examples and ideas on how to manage it.

The impact of a hit can be big and immediate. The Apache paper included a look at a well whose production dropped 65% after a hit and remained down until it was treated.

But these fracturing-driven interactions may only be apparent with production analysis. Apache’s study found one pair of wells where the area fractured by the second well overlapped with the original well. As a result, it said “the existing well could have produced the reserves without the infill well.”

 

Stressed About Production? Consider a Chemical Cocktail

Field testing is beginning to confirm laboratory work that indicates it is possible to achieve significant spurts in unconventional oil production using cocktails of chemicals.

BHP Billiton has pumped a blend of chemicals along with low-salinity brine to pressure-up shut-in wells. The result of these jobs, intended to reduce the risk of damage due to fracturing nearby, has been higher production lasting for months, including an estimated 20,000 barrels of oil from one well (SPE 187420).

Apache used its chemical blend to speed recovery of wells that had production bashed by frac hits. Positive results led to tests on underperforming wells that delivered strong, but short-lived, production gains (SPE 187192).

“You have a chance of getting your well back,’ said Michael Rainbolt, completions engineer, senior advisor for Apache Corp. who presented the findings at the 2017 SPE Annual Technical Conference and Exhibition.

Early tests using familiar chemicals and delivery methods have been reported in which the cost and the technical challenges associated with running a test are relatively low.
Long‐Term Tillage on Yield and Water Use of Grain Sorghum and Winter Wheat
Authors: Schlegel Alan J. , Assefa Yared , Haag Lucas A. , Thompson Curtis R. , Stone Loyd R.
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Average sorghum yield advantage was 120% for no tillage over conventional tillage and 55% for reduced tillage over conventional tillage.

Average wheat yield advantage was 31% for no tillage over conventional tillage and 12% for reduced tillage over conventional tillage.

Available soil water at planting in soil profile was less for conventional tillage than both no tillage and reduced tillage for both crops.

There was a decline in wheat yield over time due to increased seasonal temperature.

Tillage is among crop management factors that affect yield, profitability, and environmental quality. The objective of our study was to evaluate the effect of three long‐term tillage intensities; conventional tillage (CT), reduced tillage (RT), and no‐till (NT), on winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) and grain sorghum (Sorghum bicolor L.) yield, available soil water (ASW), and water productivity. The study was conducted near Tribune, KS, from 1991 through 2015 in a wheat–sorghum–fallow (WSF) rotation. The CT plots were tilled (primarily with a sweep plow), on average, four to five times per fallow season; NT plots used herbicides for weed control during fallow. The RT plots used a combination of herbicides and tillage for weed control during fallow prior to both crops for years 1991 to 2000; and, for the years 2001 to 2015, the RT system was NT before sorghum planting (short‐term NT) and CT before wheat planting. On average, there was a 31% wheat yield advantage for NT over CT, 16% NT over RT, and 12% RT over CT. On average, there was a 120% sorghum yield advantage for NT over CT, 41% NT over RT, and 55% RT over CT. Sorghum yields were 80% greater for continuous NT compared with short‐term NT (2001–2015 RT). The average of profile ASW at planting was less for CT compared with NT and RT. There was a significant yield and water productivity benefit in the order NT > RT > CT for both crops, but greater for sorghum than wheat.
Soil Applied Maleic Hydrazide Does Not Suppress Tobacco Axillary Bud Growth
Authors: Vann Matthew C.
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Maleic hydrazide residues are a threat to the US tobacco industry.

Alternative application methods could prove beneficial.

Root absorption of maleic hydrazide appears to be limited.

With an increasing focus on maleic hydrazide (MH) residues and the need to sufficiently control axillary bud (sucker) growth, flue‐cured tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) producers would benefit from an alternative to the conventional foliar application method of the plant growth regulator. Research was conducted in four North Carolina environments from 2014 to 2015 to quantify the efficacy of soil applications of MH. Two rates of MH were selected (2.25 and 4.50 lb a.i./acre) and were applied in combination with one of three sucker control programs: foliar MH preceded by foliar flumetralin (F treatment), soil MH preceded by foliar flumetralin (SF treatment), or soil MH preceded by foliar fatty alcohol (SFA treatment). Ranging from 95 to 100%, sucker suppression was greatest in F treatments. In two Coastal Plain environments, the control in SF treatments was similar to that of F treatments; however, in the two Piedmont environments, the control was reduced by 30 to 50%. Sucker suppression was lowest in SFA treatments, particularly in the Piedmont environments, thus indicating that flumetralin was the likely source of suppression in SF treatments. No differences were observed between the two MH application rates evaluated. Given the observations of this study, it is unlikely that a soil application of MH will serve as an effective sucker control alternative to the standard foliar application used at present by commercial growers.
Documenting Trends in Energy Use and Environmental Practices on US Golf Courses
Authors: Gelernter Wendy D. , Stowell Larry J. , Johnson Mark E. , Brown Clark D.
Published: November 2017

Core Ideas

Energy use on US golf courses has declined since 2008.

The greatest decreases were in electricity consumption.

Increased use of alternative energy sources, hybrid vehicles, and acreage reductions will result in further energy decreases in the future.

Since an initial 2008 survey that documented energy use and environmental practices on US golf courses, there has been an 8.3% decrease in annual energy use on 18‐hole facilities, from 2623 million Btu (MMBtu) per facility in 2008 to 2405 MMBtu in 2015. This decrease was primarily the result of reduced consumption of electricity since 2008, including adoption of behavioral and physical or design features for the purpose of energy conservation, increased use of onsite solar panels, adoption of written energy plans, and use of energy audits. From 2008 to 2015, there was a small increase (2.2%) in diesel fuel use, but little change in the use of all other energy sources including gasoline, natural gas, propane, and heating oil on 18‐hole facilities. There was a 7.8% decrease in overall energy use in the golf course industry as a whole, which came about as a result of behavioral changes in energy consumption (accounting for 39% of the decrease) and the reduced number of golf facilities in the United States since 2008 (accounting for 61% of the decrease). Future energy conservation efforts should be focused on electricity and fuel use, especially in golf maintenance activities, increased use of alternative energy sources, hybrid vehicles, reduced maintained acreage, and regular energy audits on which energy conservation plans can be based.
Pervaporative desalination of seawater using a polyvinylidene fluoride based membrane
Authors: Nigiz F. U. , Hilmioglu N. D.
Published: November 2017

Producing a fresh water supply by converting non-potable water is an attractive solution when water is scarce. According to the energy strategies of different countries, various seawater purification techniques such as distillation and reverse osmosis (RO) are used to produce fresh water. Due to the selective separation capability and cost-effective properties, membrane based methods such as RO, electrodialysis, and ultra/micro/nano/filtration are prevalent, especially in Europe. Recently, innovative desalination technologies have been investigated by researchers. Among them, pervaporative separation, in which non-porous membranes are used, appears to be an emerging and promising method. The key part of the system is the membrane. Hence, scientific investigations are focused on the production of high-performance membranes. In this study, non-porous polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and polyvinyl pyrrolidone (PVP) blend membranes were prepared in different PVDF/PVP ratios and Marmara seawater was desalinated using the pervaporation method at different temperatures. Desalination performance was evaluated as a function of flux and salt retention. The highest salt retention of 99.90% and flux of 1.60 kg/m2.h were obtained at 60 °C when the PVDF/PVP ratio was 1.5.
Echocardiographic evaluation of left ventricle mechanical parameters in infants of the first year of life
Authors: Sinelnikov Yu. , Orekhova E. , Matanovskaya T. , Polevshikova M.
Published: November 2017

Aim. The study focused on the analysis of the measurement range of left ventricle mechanics (strain, strain rate, rotation, rotation rate, twisting, untwisting, torsion) in healthy infants of the first year of life to obtain their baseline values.Methods. The study included 125 healthy infants aged 5 days to 12 months (average 5.9±3.9 months. The Аcuson S 2000 machine (Siemens Medical Systems, Mountain View, CA, USA) was used to perform echocardiography. The indicators of left ventricle longitudinal strain (%) and strain rate (s–1), radial strain and strain rate (% and s–1), circumferential strain and strain rate (% and s–1), basal and apical rotation in systole and diastole (°) and rotation rate (°/s), twisting (°), untwisting (°), twisting and unwinding rate (°/s) and torsion (°/cm) were measured and analyzed. Results. It was found out that the values of the longitudinal strain and strain rate inversely correlate with the pumping function (stroke volume index) and diastolic function (filling pressures and the untwisting rate). The parameters of the circular and radial strain tended to depend on the left ventricle mass index, interventricular septum/left ventricle posterior wall thicknesses. Left ventricle twisting and untwisting would increase in healthy infants from the newborn period to the first year of life. Left ventricle torsion range was determined by the twist values and not by left ventricular geometry.Conclusion. The obtained data on the values of longitudinal, circumferential and radial left ventricle strain and strain rate can be used as reference ranges to evaluate the mechanical left ventricular function in infants of the first year of life.
Received 27 January 2017. Accepted 15 June 2017.
Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.
Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Author contributionsConception and study design: Yu.S. Sinelnikov, E.N. OrekhovaData collection and analysis: M.A. Polevshikova, T.V. Matanovskaya Drafting the article: E.N. Orekhova, M.A. PolevshikovaCritical revision of the article: Yu.S. Sinelnikov, E.N. OrekhovaFinal approval of the version to be published: Yu.S. Sinelnikov, E.N. Orekhova, T.V. Matanovskaya, M.A. Polevshikova
Quality of life after aortic valve replacement with biological prostheses in elderly patients
Authors: Demidov D. , Astaspov D. , Bogachev-Prokophiev A. , Zheleznev S.
Published: November 2017

Aim. The paper aims to assess the quality of life of patients subjected to aortic valve replacement with a stented/stentless biological prosthesis. Methods. The research was done at the Acquired Heart Disease Department of Meshalkin National Medical Research Center. The inclusion criteria were patient age older than 65 years and severe stenosis of the aortic valve. 114 patients were randomized 1:1 in two groups: group I patients received stentless biological prostheses, while group II patients — stented xenopericardial ones. All patients underwent aortic valve replacement under normothermic cardiopulmonary bypass. Mean follow-up was 3.9 [2.77; 4.55] years, mean age 71.5±4 (65–84) years, mean left ventricle ejection fraction 65.5 (40–86) % and mean preoperative Log.Euroscore 5.4±1.3 (1.4–12.4). The quality of life was assessed by using a standard questionnaire SF-36.Results. Peak transprosthetic gradients at 1-year follow-up amounted to 16.22±4.34 and 24.66±4.74 mm Hg for group I and group II respectively. The 5-year survival rate was 90 [81; 99] % and 96 [90; 100] % for the two groups respectively and did not differ statistically (log rank test, p = 0.226). A statistically significant improvement of quality of life among patients in both groups was observed at 1-year follow-up, as compared to the preoperative values, however, marked intergroup differences in any of the parameters were not recorded.Conclusion. The quality of life after aortic valve replacement with stented and stentless biological prostheses in elderly patients confirms clinical and functional efficiency of both methods, does not show sound advantages of any of them and improves both the physical component of health and subjective emotional level.Received 25 July 2017. Revised 18 August 2017. Accepted 28 August 2017.Funding: The study was carried out with the support of a grant of the President of the Russian Federation (МД–6967.2016.7) created to provide government assistance to the leading research centers in Russian Federation.Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
A case of successful systemic thrombolysis in massive thromboembolia of pulmonary artery against the background of pregnancy
Authors: Tyukachev V. , Oks D. , Butylkin A.
Published: November 2017

We present a clinical case of successful systemic thrombolysis in a pregnant patient with massive pulmonary embolism. A 29-year old patient at 28 weeks of pregnancy was hospitalized 2 hours after sudden suffocation in a presyncopal state and hypotension of 90/50 mm Hg. ECG showed the signs of overload of right heart chambers in the form of a typical S1-Q3-T3 (McGinn–White) syndrome, as well as the Kosuge sign. Echocardiography verified pulmonary 3 Grade hypertension (81 mm Hg), enlargement of the right atrium and ventricle, 3 Grade tricuspid regurgitation and paradoxical movement of the interventricular septum. Multislice computed tomography of the chest with contrast of the pulmonary artery revealed a defect of contrast in the right main pulmonary artery, occlusive clearance, and thrombotic mass, extending to the bifurcation of the left main pulmonary artery ("clot - rider"). Thrombolytic therapy was started with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (alteplase 10 mg bolus, then 90 mg for 2 hours). The patient was daily examined by a gynecologist. The viability of the fetus, monitoring of possible hemorrhagic complications of the placenta were evaluated. After thrombolysis, the patient began to note clinical improvement in the form of a regression of dyspnea. According to echocardioscopy control, the signs of overload of right heart chambers completely regressed. There were no complications both in the mother and in the fetus during the subsequent days until discharge. On 25.05.16 there was uncomplicated delivery vaginally of live full-term girl. Thus, when there is life-threatening massive pulmonary embolism, the application of General principles of diagnosis and treatment of this disease in patients with pregnancy is warranted. The carrying out of thrombolytic therapy in massive pulmonary embolism enables to reduce the manifestations of pulmonary hypertension, right ventricular failure, and to conduct births on time. Used intravenous thrombolytics have no teratogenic effect in the later stages of pregnancy.Received 18 April 2017. Accepted 5 June 2017.Funding: The study did not have sponsorship.Conflict of interest: The authors declare no conflict of interest.
Recent Progress of Crosslinking Strategies for Polymeric Micelles with Enhanced Drug Delivery in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Fan Wei , Zhang Luye , Li Yiwen , Wu Haoxing
Published: November 2017

Background:

The drug delivery by versatile types of self-assembled micelles for tumor
treatment, which improved the diagnostic and therapeutic effectiveness, is advocated. However, despite
the numerous advantages, applications of most micelle system have been retarded by low in vivo
bio-stability which led to premature drug release and nonspecific tissue accumulation. To date, a range
of chemistries has been introduced in intermolecular non-covalent/covalent crosslinking strategies for
these dynamic nanostructures to produce robust functional nanoparticles with enhanced circulation
stability and lower non-targeted organ toxicity.

Objective:

We focused on recent developments in crosslinking polymeric nanoparticles in cancer therapy.

Methods:

Types of chemistries used in the crosslinking strategies of the micelles are outlined and their
enhanced drug delivery abilities are discussed.

Results:

We reviewed one hundred and nineteen papers and discussed in six aspect. More than 30 examples
have been carefully discussed.

Conclusion:

Over the last decade, numerous of strategies for micelles crosslinking, such as disulfide
coupling, free radical polymerization, physical interactions, chelation, and formation of microenvironment-
responsive bonds, have been developed for enhancing micelles circulation stability, minimizing
organ toxicity and achieving higher tumor targeting specificity. The application of these chemistries
for micelle stabilizing might bring a new generation of versatile crosslinked micelles with enhanced
therapeutic index and facilitate their further clinical translations.