bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the Univariate Representation of BEKK Models with Common Factors
Authors: Hecq Alain , Laurent Sébastien , Palm Franz C.
Published: November 2015

Simple low order multivariate GARCH models imply marginal processes with a lot of persistence in the form of high order lags. This is not what we find in many situations however, where parsimonious univariate GARCH(1,1) models for instance describe quite well the conditional volatility of some asset returns. In order to explain this paradox, we show that in the presence of common GARCH factors, parsimonious univariate representations can result from large multivariate models generating the conditional variances and conditional covariances/correlations. The diagonal model without any contagion effects in conditional volatilities gives rise to similar conclusions though. Consequently, after having extracted a block of assets representing some form of parsimony, remains the task of determining if we have a set of independent assets or instead a highly dependent system generated with a few factors. To investigate this issue, we first evaluate a reduced rank regressions approach for squared returns that we extend to cross-returns. Second we investigate a likelihood ratio approach, where under the null the matrix parameters have a reduced rank structure. It emerged that the latter approach has quite good properties enabling us to discriminate between a system with seemingly unrelated assets (e.g. a diagonal model) and a model with few common sources of volatility.
Community based adaptation options for climate change impacts on water resources: The case of Jordan
Authors: Hammouri Nezar , Al-Qinna Mohammad , Salahat Mohammad , Adamowski Jan , Prasher Shiv O.
Published: November 2015

A strategic vision to ensure an adequate, safe and secure drinking water supply presents a challenge, particularly for such a small country as Jordan, faced with a critical supply-demand imbalance and a high risk of water quality deterioration. In order to provide sustainable and equitable long-term water management plans for the future, current and future demands, along with available adaptation options should be assessed through community engagement. An analysis of available water resources, existing demands and use per sector served to assess the nation’s historic water status. Taking into account the effect of both population growth and rainfall reduction, future per sector demands were predicted by linear temporal trend analysis. Water sector vulnerability and adaptation options were assessed by engaging thirty five stakeholders. A set of weighed-criterions were selected, adopted, modified, and then framed into comprehensive guidelines. A quantitative ratio-level approach was used to quantify the magnitude and likelihood of risks and opportunities associated with each proposed adaptation measure using the level of effectiveness and severity status. Prioritization indicated that public awareness and training programs were the most feasible and effective adaptation measures, while building new infrastructure was of low priority. Associated barriers were related to a lack of financial resources, institutional arrangements, and data collection, sharing, availability, consistency and transparency, as well as willingness to adapt. Independent community-based watershed-vulnerability analyses to address water integrity at watershed scale are recommended.
Implications of spatial scale on climate change assessments
Authors: Pingale Santosh , Adamowski Jan , Jat Mahesh , Khare Deepak
Published: November 2015

While assessing the effects of climate change at global or regional scales, local factors responsible for climate change are generalized, which results in the averaging of effects. However, climate change assessment is required at a micro-scale to determine the severity of climate change. To ascertain the impact of spatial scales on climate change assessments, trends and shifts in annual and seasonal (monsoon and non-monsoon), rainfall and temperature (minimum, average and maximum) were determined at three different spatial resolutions in India (Ajmer city, Ajmer District and Rajasthan State). The Mann–Kendall (MK), MK test with pre-whitening of series (MK–PW), and Modified Mann–Kendall (MMK) test, along with other statistical techniques were used for the trend analysis. The Pettitt–Mann–Whitney (PMW) test was applied to detect the temporal shift in climatic parameters. The Sen’s slope and % change in rainfall and temperature were also estimated over the study period (35 years). The annual and seasonal average temperature indicates significant warming trends, when assessed at a fine spatial resolution (Ajmer city) compared to a coarser spatial resolution (Ajmer District and Rajasthan State resolutions). Increasing trend was observed in minimum, mean and maximum temperature at all spatial scales; however, trends were more pronounced at a finer spatial resolution (Ajmer city). The PMW test indicates only the significant shift in non-monsoon season rainfall, which shows an increase in rainfall after 1995 in Ajmer city. The Kurtosis and coefficient of variation also revealed significant climate change, when assessed at a finer spatial resolution (Ajmer city) compared to a coarser resolution. This shows the contribution of land use/land cover change and several other local anthropogenic activities on climate change. The results of this study can be useful for the identification of optimum climate change adaptation and mitigation strategies based on the severity of climate change at different spatial scales.
CropSyst model for wheat under deficit irrigation using sprinkler and drip irrigation in sandy soil
Authors: Noreldin Tahany , Ouda Samiha , Mounzer Oussama , Abdelhamid Magdi T.
Published: November 2015

CropSyst (Cropping Systems Simulation) is used as an analytic tool for studying irrigation water management to increase wheat productivity. Therefore, two field experiments were conducted to 1) calibrate CropSyst model for wheat grown under sprinkler and drip irrigation systems, 2) to use the simulation results to analyse the relationship between applied irrigation amount and the resulted yield and 3) to simulate the effect of saving irrigation water on wheat yield. Drip irrigation system in three treatments (100%, 75% and 50% of crop evapotranspiration – ETc) and under sprinkler irrigation system in five treatments (100%, 80%, 60%, 40%, and 20% of ETc) were imposed on these experiments. Results using CropSyst calibration revealed-that results of using CropSyst calibration revealed that the model was able to predict wheat grain and biological yield, with high degree of accuracy. Using 100% ETc under drip system resulted in very low water stress index (WSI = 0.008), whereas using 100% ETc sprinkler system resulted in WSI = 0.1, which proved that application of 100% ETc enough to ensure high yield. The rest of deficit irrigation treatments resulted in high yield losses. Simulation of application of 90% ETc not only reduced yield losses to either irrigation system, but also increased land and water productivity. Thus, it can be recommended to apply irrigation water to wheat equal to 90% ETc to save on the applied water and increase water productivity.
Near-synonymy analysis of the descriptive adjective "debeo, -la, -lo" in Sebian and its English couterpart "fat"
Authors: Čarapić Dragana
Published: November 2015

This paper highlights certain semantic similarities and differences between the descriptive adjective "debeo, -la, -lo" in Serbian and its English equivalent "fat". A multi-faceted approach is used to perform a collocational and componential analysis of the collocates extracted from various corpora. A contrastive analysis is also undertaken. Furthermore, a specific emphasis is placed on the presence of grammatical gender in Serbian, and the lack of such gender in English. Thus, the results of the analysis illustrate how the semantic (and grammatical) aspects of these adjectives in the two languages are reflected in the use of the words and how they collocate. In addition, the collocational framework of the adjective "debeo, -la, -lo" in Serbian was found to change, based both on the grammatical gender (masculine, feminine, neuter), and also on the sequence of its near synonyms. The same changes were not found in English which lacks grammatical gender. The paper uses electronic databases and corpora to analyse the frequency of the collocations found for the selected adjectives in both languages. The results suggest that there are distinct idiomatic meanings to the analysed adjectives in both Serbian and English.
An experimental study of Turkish Vowel Harmony
Authors: Arik Engin
Published: November 2015

Prosodic words in Turkish are generated according to the palatal and labial Vowel Harmony (VH) rules: being left-to-right iterative, (1) any suffix vowel agrees with the preceding vowel with the [back] feature and (2) a high vowel agrees with the preceding vowel with the [round] feature. However, bare forms, compounds, affixes of foreign origin, some derivational morphemes, semi-copulas, imperfective, and complementizers violate the rules forming exceptional cases. Considering these exceptions, do Turkish speakers apply VH rules to affixes including 28 disharmonic affixes attached to newly formed or borrowed words? Aiming to answer this question, this paper reports on two experimental linguistic studies which are the first experimental studies on this topic: acceptability judgments with a Likert scale, consisting of a repeated measures within-subjects design, and a forced choice questionnaire. Participants judged words with suffixes, i.e., eight suffixes (harmonic: -DI, -mAlI,-lAr, -lIk and disharmonic: -lejin, -Ijor, -gil, -Ebil) attached to nonsense words (also nonwords) with a common Turkish CVC syllable structure. Results showed that when it comes to nonsense words, regardless of exceptions, Turkish speakers preferred suffixes that undergo VH harmony more than those which do not, and prefer harmonization more than disharmony.
A first glimpse at mobile instant messaging: Some sociolinguistic determining factors
Authors: Pérez-Sabater Carmen , Montero-Fleta Begoña
Published: November 2015

Despite the vast body of research on the linguistic peculiarities of Instant Messaging and Short Messaging Service, little is known about the language used in Mobile Instant Messaging in a cross-generational and cross-cultural context. To fill this gap, the crosslinguistic study addressed here is an attempt to approach age-specific variation from a blended ethnography approach. The current research is grounded on an analysis of a naturally-occurring dataset of WhatsApp messages from the point of view of oralisation and deviations from standard forms. Two distinct generations of English and Spanish texters provide empirical data on the parameters of the oralised written discourse suggested by Yus (2011): emoticons, orthographic mistakes, phonetic orthography, abbreviations, acronyms and clippings, and the use of words in other languages. Subsequently, an analysis of the interviews held with the writers approaches the factors that may determine language variation in the messages. The conclusions drawn highlight the persistent use of deviations from standard language of English and Spanish teenagers. The study confirms a higher frequency of a conversational style in Spanish than in English. Not only brevity and speed reasons but also familiarity, playfulness and intimacy with the addressee are behind the intentional variations used.
Evaluation of the physical structure of Basic Health Units
Authors: Gomes Raimundo Nonato Silva , Portela Nytale Lindsay Cardoso , Pedrosa Aliny de Oliveira , Monte Luma Ravena Soares , Cunha Juliane Danielly Santos , Soares Thiego Ramon
Published: November 2015

Objective: to evaluate the infrastructure of basic health units, as the adaptation to the standards recommended by theMinistry of Health. Methods: descriptive study with a quantitative approach, carried in 18 basic health units. For datacollection, we used a checklist built based on Ministerial Decree 2,226/09. Data analysis was performed using the StatisticalPackage for Social Sciences and a scoring scale (0-10) was used for the classification of health facilities. Results: 16.6% of theanalyzed units received the average score of 3.5; 16.6% received 3.0; 5.5%, 2.5; 16.6% received grade 2.0; 11.1%, 1.5; 11.1%,1.0; and 22.2% received 0.5 and, therefore, all units had inadequate physical structure. Conclusion: the city does not offerthe public a service that addresses the ideals standards in its structure in most of the inspected units.
Communication between professionals from physical rehabilitation unit and deaf clients
Authors: Machado Wiliam César Alves , Pereira Juarez De Sousa , Prado Athaynne Ramos De Aguiar , Silva Rafael André da , Silva Vera Maria da , Figueiredo Nébia Maria Almeida de
Published: November 2015

Objective: to identify how professionals from the local public physical rehabilitation unit communicate with deaf peopleseeking specialized care. Methods: exploratory descriptive study with qualitative approach conducted with 32 professionalsworking in physical rehabilitation through self-reporting instrument. Results: two thematic categories emerged from dataanalysis: Using the Brazilian Sign Language, and Improvising communication strategies to interact with deaf patients. Whenprofessionals improvise strategies to communicate with the deaf, it might create barriers that negatively affect the qualityof services provided to this population. Conclusion: communication is inefficient, and effective initiatives focused on thequalification of professionals working in rehabilitation can contribute for them to master the Brazilian Sign Language,ensuring adequate care to deaf clients/patients, in the same way as those provided to people without hearing impairment.
Care management actions in the Family Health Strategy
Authors: Fernandes Marcelo Costa , Silva Lucilane Maria Sales da , Silva Maria Rocineide Ferreira da , Moreira Thereza Maria Magalhães
Published: November 2015

Objective: to identify, from nurses’ speeches, the actions that enable care management in the Family Health Strategy.Methods: descriptive study with a qualitative approach conducted with 32 nurses of primary care. It was used a semistructuredinterview as the data collection technique. The methodological process of the collective subject discourse wasused to organize the data Results: from the nurses’ speeches one identified the categories: complementary relationshipbetween care and management; meeting with community health agents, a care management strategy in nurses’ work;health education activities such as a care management action and a health information system as an essential tool forcare Conclusion: it was possible to observe that nurses understood the importance of coordination and complementaritybetween the activities of the working process of care and management.
Blood pressure, heart diseases and lifestyles of elderly
Authors: Morais Paula Cristina Araújo , Moreira Rafaella Pessoa , Lima Paula Alves de , Silva Maria das Graças Fernandes , Ferreira Jerry Deyvid Freires , Rouberte Emilia Soares Chaves
Published: November 2015

Objectives: to investigate the blood pressure values; to identify the history of cardiovascular diseases and lifestyles of elderly at a social assistance reference center. Methods: cross-sectional study, conducted with fifty elderly. A form with questions regarding social data, history of diseases and lifestyles was applied. In sequence, the blood pressure was checked. Results: it was observed that 73.3% of the elderly had pressure alterations. Systolic alterations were identified in 73.3%, and diastolic, in 10% of the elderly. The most frequently referred cardiovascular diseases were hypertension (70%), diabetes mellitus(38%) and dyslipidemia (32%). The most common risk factors were current or past use of tobacco whether active (68%) or passive (26%), and physical inactivity (48%). Conclusion: people with altered blood pressure and associated risk factors were identified. This situation may contribute to directing nursing care and addressing the real needs of elderly population.
Nursing consultation tool for people with human immunodeficiency virus/tuberculosis co-infection
Authors: Feijão Alexsandra Rodrigues , Cunha Gilmara Holanda , Caetano Joselany Áfio , Gir Elucir , Galvão Marli Teresinha Gimeniz
Published: November 2015

Objective: to verify the opinion of judges about a nursing consultation tool for people with co-infection by the human immunodeficiency virus and tuberculosis. Methods: methodological study, involving the construction of a tool based on Orem’s self-care theory and its submission for evaluation by judges experts in the area, which gave opinions about organization, clarity and relevance. Results: the instrument gained a positive evaluation for all assessment criteria, with agreement greater than 75% and Content Validity Index greater than 0.80 in most items. Following judges opinion, three items were excluded and two modified. Conclusion: the adequacy of the nursing consultation tool for people with HIV/tuberculosis co-infection was confirmed regarding organization into subdivisions and items. Minimal disagreement among judges in the analysis of the issues was noted. Although most items were evaluated positively, further validation studies will be needed.
Use of plasma metanephrine to aid adrenal venous sampling in combined aldosterone and cortisol over-secretion
Authors: Goupil Rémi , Wolley Martin , Ungerer Jacobus , McWhinney Brett , Mukai Kuniaki , Naruse Mitsuhide , Gordon Richard D , Stowasser Michael
Published: November 2015

In patients with primary aldosteronism (PA) undergoing adrenal venous sampling (AVS), cortisol levels are measured to assess lateralization of aldosterone overproduction. Concomitant adrenal autonomous cortisol and aldosterone secretion therefore have the potential to confound AVS results. We describe a case where metanephrine was measured during AVS to successfully circumvent this problem. A 55-year-old hypertensive male had raised plasma aldosterone/renin ratios and PA confirmed by fludrocortisone suppression testing. Failure of plasma cortisol to suppress overnight following dexamethasone and persistently suppressed corticotrophin were consistent with adrenal hypercortisolism. On AVS, comparison of adrenal and peripheral A/F ratios (left 5.7 vs peripheral 1.0; right 1.7 vs peripheral 1.1) suggested bilateral aldosterone production, with the left gland dominant but without contralateral suppression. However, using aldosterone/metanephrine ratios (left 9.7 vs peripheral 2.4; right 1.3 vs peripheral 2.5), aldosterone production lateralized to the left with good contralateral suppression. The patient underwent left laparoscopic adrenalectomy with peri-operative glucocorticoid supplementation to prevent adrenal insufficiency. Pathological examination revealed adrenal cortical adenomas producing both cortisol and aldosterone within a background of aldosterone-producing cell clusters. Hypertension improved and cured of PA and hypercortisolism were confirmed by negative post-operative fludrocortisone suppression and overnight 1 mg dexamethasone suppression testing. Routine dexamethasone suppression testing in patients with PA permits detection of concurrent hypercortisolism which can confound AVS results and cause unilateral PA to be misdiagnosed as bilateral with patients thereby denied potentially curative surgical treatment. In such patients, measurement of plasma metanephrine during AVS may overcome this issue.

Learning points

Simultaneous autonomous overproduction of cortisol and aldosterone is increasingly recognised although still apparently uncommon.

Because cortisol levels are used during AVS to correct for differences in dilution of adrenal with non-adrenal venous blood when assessing for lateralisation, unilateral cortisol overproduction with contralateral suppression could confound the interpretation of AVS results

Measuring plasma metanephrine during AVS to calculate lateralisation ratios may circumvent this problem.
Oops, I thought that those books had been deacidified
Authors: Hubbe Martin
Published: November 2015

Major libraries have been placing increasing reliance upon non-aqueous mass deacidification in an effort to avoid hydrolytic decomposition of the cellulose during storage of bound volumes. Such decomposition is especially a problem when the printing papers used in manufacture of the books have been prepared under acidic conditions, using aluminum sulfate. But there is reason to doubt that the widely used non-aqueous treatments, in which “alkaline reserve” particles are deposited in the void spaces of the paper, can achieve neutralization of acidity throughout the paper structure under the conditions most commonly used for treatment and storage. Anecdotal evidence suggests that alkaline particles such as CaCO3, MgO, Mg(OH)2, or ZnO can be present for long periods of time adjacent to acidic parts of cellulosic fibers without neutralization of the acidity, especially the acidity within the fibers. If these phenomena can be better understood, then there may be an opportunity to use a high-humidity treatment of certain “deacidified” books in order to achieve more pervasive protection against acid-induced degradation.
Composite Films Based on Nanocellulose and Nanoclay Minerals as High Strength Materials with Gas Barrier Capabilities: Key Points and Challenges
Authors: Gamelas José António Ferreira , Ferraz Eduardo
Published: November 2015

Composites of nanocellulose with layered silicates have recently emerged as a new type of composite materials offering superior strength, as well as thermal and gas barrier properties. These organic-inorganic hybrid composites with a nacre-like structure can be obtained from renewable resources and are environmentally friendly. They can potentially be presented as a serious alternative in the near future to several polymers or other polymer-inorganic composites, for applications in food packaging or electronic devices. The discussion here will be directed to: what are the new opportunities and challenges that arise for these materials aiming at their competition with well-established materials in the market.
Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity of Extracts from the Inner Bark of Berberis vulgaris Stem
Authors: Hosseinihashemi Seyyed Khalil , Anooshei Hamidreza , Aghajani Hamed , Salem Mohamed Z. M.
Published: November 2015

Extracts from the inner stem bark of Berberis vulgaris were analyzed for their antioxidant activity using the 1,1-dipheny-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method and compared with ascorbic acid (AA) and butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT). The most active extracts were analyzed for their chemical composition using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. Acetone extract was found to be the most active as an antioxidant agent at 98.61%, which was higher than the value of vitamin C (93.03%) at the concentration of 0.16 mg/mL. The major components identified in the acetone extract were tetracosanoic acid, methyl ester (26.36%), followed by phthalic acid, diisooctyl ester (20.93%), 1,2-bis(trimethylsiloxy) ethane (10.26%), and 1,2-benzendicarboxylic acid, diisononyl ester (8.70%). The dissolved water:methanol (1:1 v/v) partitioned from acetone extract afforded 12 fractions; among them, fraction F11 was found to have good antioxidant activity (95.41%) at the concentration of 0.16 mg/mL. The major compounds identified in F11 were N-methyl-4-(hydroxybenzyl)-1,2,3,4-tetrahydroisoquinoloine (28.82%), 9-α-hydroxy-17β-(trimethylsilyl-oxy)-4-anderostene-3-methyloxime (13.97%), ribitol, pentaacetate (9.76%), 1-methyl-4-[4,5-dihydroxyphenyl]-hexahydropyridine (6.83%), and 2-ethylacridine (4.77%).
Az ifjúsági drogkarrier veszélyei
Authors: Fodor Miklós , Sófi Gyula
Published: November 2015

It is determinative, when a teenager meets drugs first. Research have shown that 70% of later dependents try the drugs during the five-year periods of adolescence. Youngsters are tend to try out new experinces; they are high risk-takings, seek for novelties and are sensitive for the pressure of community. However, the juvenile central nervous system reacts differently if meets drugs, than it is happens in an older age. Damage could occur on critical regions of the brain. Addictive drugs may give rise changes in the multiplex system of memory, that could maintain the addiction long term. Drug use overrides and modifies the natural rewarding system, induces further drug-seeking independently of the sensations of drug using. Orv. Hetil., 2015, 156(46), 1843–1846.
Implant Placement in Failed Endodontic Sites: A Review
Authors: Flanagan Dennis
Published: November 2015

Dental implants may fail to osseointegrate in sites of endodontic failure. This may occur as a result colonization by various anaerobic and facultative bacterial species. If an implant is placed in a site where vegetative bacteria are residing, the implant may fail to integrate if a bacterial colonization proceeds coronally. If the implant apical cortical bone is thin or if there is an apical fenestration, the colonization may proceed through the thin or nonexistent bone through the covering mucosa, relieving inflammatory pressure to create an apical (retrograde) peri-implantitis. Enterococcus faecalis may be the prime culprit in these types of implant failures. After thorough debridement, the implant may be immediately placed after extraction of an endodontically failed tooth, and the patient treated with an appropriate antibiotic. Alternatively waiting for postextraction healing and subsequent implant placement can be done. Nevertheless, either way may allow for the formation of bacterial vegetative forms or biofilms. The implant surface may be colonized when the surface is exposed to the bacteria. Thorough debridement is crucial. Nonetheless, organisms may persist. Randomized controlled trials are needed to elucidate this issue.
Performing Baadinyaa: Music, Emotion, and Health in The Gambia
Authors: McConnell Bonnie B.
Published: November 2015

This medical ethnomusicological study examines musical performance in The Gambia as a socio-emotional intervention to promote health and wellbeing. Based on interviews and observations conducted during seventeen months of ethnographic research (2009; 2012-2013), this research is also informed by my long-term involvement with a Gambian HIV/AIDS support group (2006-present). I use the local concept of baadinyaa (Mandinka, “positive relationship”) in order to interrogate connections between musical performance, emotion, and health as they are articulated by performers and health workers in The Gambia. The concept of baadinyaa provides insight into musical performance as a “flexibility primer” (Hinton 2008) that facilitates emotional transformation and healing. Not uniform across social categories, emotional responses to music are shaped by social identity and power relations as well as individual experience and preference. This study finds that in the face of conflict and stigma, Gambian artists use musical performance, and its association with baadinyaa, as a resource to address negative emotions such as anger and anxiety and thereby promote health and healing.
Clients' perceptions of an occupational therapy intervention at a substance use rehabilitation centre in the Western Cape
Authors: Bell Teneil , Wegner Lisa , Blake Lauren , Jupp Lauren , Nyabenda Fides , Turner Tamryn
Published: November 2015

Substance use among adolescents is a significant health and social problem and affects occupational performance. While occupational therapy interventions are available at substance use rehabilitation centres in the Western Cape, little is known about clients' perceptions of the usefulness of these interventions. A qualitative study was conducted to address this gap, specifically exploring clients' perceptions of the usefulness of the intervention on their occupations post discharge. The occupational therapist at a particular centre was interviewed as a key informant. Eight participants who attended the aftercare programme at the centre took part in three focus groups. Four themes emerged from the analysis of data: "We taking the drugs away, but we need to give them something back in that place"; "I don't want to be that person I was in the past"; "Keeping me clean"; "Take us out into the life". Participants perceived skills development, work training, life skills and leisure exploration to be useful. However, team members' roles and treatment objectives should be clarified to the clients to ensure that clients understand why they are participating in therapy. Finally, there should be more community-based, out-patient support programmes for adolescents so that the appropriate services are more easily accessible. Key words: At-risk youth, client perspectives, occupational therapy intervention, substance use intervention, Western Cape
Rehabilitation outcomes following autologous human stem cell transplantation in a chronic complete C4 tetraplegic - the first 12 months: A case report
Authors: Hiemstra Linda Elizabeth , Terblanche Liandi , Adriaanse Basil
Published: November 2015

Autologous Human Stem Cell Transplantation (AHESC) is emerging as one of several promising new cell-based treatments for chronic spinal cord injury (SCI). Since chronic SCI is generally deemed irreversible, treatment paradigms for post-intervention rehabilitation after many years of disability are limited, and a description of the impact of such intervention on the patients is hard to find. Here we describe, for the first time, the multi-disciplinary post-operative rehabilitation and outcome of a patient with chronic cervical SCI after autologous human embryonic stem cell transplant. We include the anatomical, physiological, functional and quality of life outcomes. METHODS: A 33 year old male, American Spinal cord Injury Association (ASIA) Grade A, C4 chronic SCI patient received glial scar resection and Autologous Human Embryonic Stem Cell (AHESC) transplant, 6 years after injury, and thereafter had intensive interdisciplinary rehabilitation comprising occupational, biokinetic and physiotherapy, for an average of 17 hours per week over the course of 12 months. Outcomes were measured with standardised outcome measures of physiological improvement, increased independence, and a questionnaire was designed to gain understanding of the changes in quality of life and well-being of the patient, from his perspective RESULTS: The patient progressed from ASIA Grade A to ASIA Grade C, over the first 12 post-operative months. Sensory recovery comprised awareness of deep pressure and light touch in all dermatomes, with accurate localisation to L1. Motor activation was restored to all major muscle groups of the right upper limb, and to a lesser extent in the left upper limb, with some recovery in thoracic, abdominal and spinal muscles. Gains have been made in areas of motor, sensory and vascular function, self-care, wheelchair use and safety, and leisure participation. The patient has found these changes meaningful in terms of quality of life CONCLUSION: Regenerative medicine approaches may create rehabilitation potential where none formerly existed, presenting unprecedented challenges to rehabilitation therapists. Our experience demonstrates the value of intensive multi-disciplinary rehabilitation programmes in this setting, and provides a template for functional restoration and retraining after many years of chronic disability. It also emphasises the need to debate the ethical questions surrounding the application of such interventions and highlights the impact that participation in rehabilitation can have on a patient's perception of quality of life and health status. Key words: Human therapeutic cloning, autologous human embryonic stem cells, spinal cord, spinal cord injury, quadriplegia, motor rehabilitation, motor retraining, mirror therapy, quality of life
Comparison of Parental Satisfaction with Three Tooth-Colored Full-Coronal Restorations in Primary Maxillary Incisors
Authors: Salami A , Walia T , Bashiri R
Published: November 2015

Objectives: To evaluate and compare the parental satisfaction among resin composite strip crown, preveneered stainless steel crown (PVSSC) and the newly introduced pre-fabricated primary zirconia crown for restoring maxillary primary incisors. Study design: A prospective clinical study on 39 children with carious or traumatized primary maxillary incisors. They were randomly and equally distributed in three groups and received one of the full-coronal restorations. Children were recalled to evaluate and compare parental satisfaction about performance of crowns after one year through a questionnaire. Results: Parents were satisfied with all three tooth colored full-coronal restoration techniques. A significant relationship was found between colour of PVSSC (p=0.003) and durability of resin strip crowns (p=0.009) with the overall parental satisfaction levels. Parents who gave poor ratings in these two variables however rated their overall acceptance levels as being satisfied. Conclusion: Parental overall satisfaction was highest for zirconia primary crowns followed by resin composite strip crowns and lowest satisfaction was reported for pre-veneered SSCs. Parents were least satisfied with durability of resin composite strip crowns and colour of pre-veneered stainless steel crowns. However, this did not affect their overall satisfaction with these crowns.
Effect of Honey and Green Tea Solutions on Streptococcus mutans
Authors: Abdelmegid F , Al-Agamy M , Alwohaibi A , Ka'abi H , Salama F
Published: November 2015

Objectives: The aim of this cross-sectional in vivo study was to assess the effect of green tea and honey solutions on the level of salivary Streptococcus mutans. Study design: A convenient sample of 30 Saudi boys aged 7–10 years were randomly assigned into 2 groups of 15 each. Saliva sample was collected for analysis of level of S. mutans before rinsing. Commercial honey and green tea were prepared for use and each child was asked to rinse for two minutes using 10 mL of the prepared honey or green tea solutions according to their group. Saliva samples were collected again after rinsing. The collected saliva samples were prepared and colony forming unit (CFU) of S. mutans per mL of saliva was calculated. Results: The mean number of S. mutans before and after rinsing with honey and green tea solutions were 2.28* 108(2.622*108), 5.64 *107(1.03*108), 1.17*109(2.012*109) and 2.59*108 (3.668*108) respectively. A statistically significant reduction in the average number of S. mutans at baseline and post intervention in the children who were assigned to the honey (P=0.001) and green tea (P=0.001) groups was found. Conclusions: A single time mouth rinsing with honey and green tea solutions for two minutes effectively reduced the number of salivary S. mutans of 7–10 years old boys.
Changing the “Normal Range” for Blood Pressure from 140/90 to 130/Any Improves Risk Assessment
Authors: Fulks Michael , Stout Robert L. , Dolan Vera F.
Published: November 2015

Objective

Redefine the “normal” reference range for blood pressure from <140/90 to one that more effectively identifies individuals with increased mortality risk.

Method

Data from the recently published 2014 CRL blood pressure study was used. It includes 2,472,706 life insurance applicants tested by Clinical Reference Laboratory from 1993 to 2007 with follow-up for vital status using the September 2011 Social Security Death Master File. Various upper limits of blood pressure (BP in mm Hg) were evaluated to determine if any was superior to the current, commonly used limit of 140/90 in identifying individuals with increased mortality risk.

Results

An alternative reference range using a systolic BP (SBP) <130 with any diastolic BP (DBP) included 84% of life insurance applicants. It had a lower mortality rate and narrower range of relative risk than <140/90, including 89% as many applicants but only 68% as many deaths. This pattern of lives and deaths was consistent across age and sex.

Conclusion

Switching to a “normal” reference range of SBP <130 offers superior risk assessment relative to using BP <140/90 while still including a sufficient percentage of the population.
Suitability of HIV-Infected Subjects for Insurance
Authors: Singh Gurmukh , Salkind Alan R. , Kneepkens Robert F.
Published: November 2015

Objectives

To ascertain the suitability of HIV-positive individuals for insurance coverage based on international data and practices.

Background

During the first decade of HIV epidemic, diagnosis of HIV-infection carried a poor prognosis. Since the introduction of Highly Active Anti-Retroviral Therapy (HAART or ART), HIV infection is more like other chronic diseases with infected individuals often living 20 or more years after the diagnosis of HIV infection

Methods

Review of peer-reviewed publications was undertaken to assess the risk of death in the HIV-infected population as a whole as well as subsets with favorable outcomes and those with additional comorbidities, such as co-infection with hepatitis viruses and drug use.

Results

Review of literature revealed that in well-educated, non-drug using individuals, negative for hepatitis B and C infection, who had CD 4 counts above 500/cmm, viral loads below 500 particles/mL, and were compliant with treatment, the mortality rate was similar to that of general population.

Conclusions

The risk of death, in at least a subset of HIV-positive subjects, is low enough that insurance providers should consider stratifying HIV-infected individuals according to mortality risk and offering insurance rates comparable to people with other diseases with similar mortality risks.
Mortality and Disease Prevalence among the Oldest Old
Authors: Wesley David
Published: November 2015

Despite mortality improvements, mortality rates among the oldest old (ie, ages 90+) are still extremely high – high enough to invalidate commonly used rules of thumb that apply at younger ages. Due to the “bathtub” relationship between incidence, recovery, death, and prevalence, the prevalence of such chronic conditions may actually drop at the oldest ages, even without medical improvements in prevention or treatment.
Markov degree of configurations defined by fibers of a configuration
Authors: Koyama Takayuki , Ogawa Mitsunori , Takemura Akimichi
Published: November 2015

We consider a series of configurations defined by fibers of a given base configuration. We prove that Markov degree of the configurations is bounded from above by the Markov complexity of the base configuration. As important examples of base configurations we consider incidence matrices of graphs and study the maximum Markov degree of configurations defined by fibers of the incidence matrices. In particular we give a proof that the Markov degree for two-way transportation polytopes is three.
The maximum likelihood degree of Fermat hypersurfaces
Authors: Agostini Daniele , Alberelli Davide , Grande Francesco , Lella Paolo
Published: November 2015

We study the critical points of the likelihood function over the Fermat hypersurface. This problem is related to one of the main problems in statistical optimization: maximum likelihood estimation. The number of critical points over a projective variety is a topological invariant of the variety and is called maximum likelihood degree. We provide closed formulas for the maximum likelihood degree of any Fermat curve in the projective plane and of Fermat hypersurfaces of degree 2 in any projective space. Algorithmic methods to compute the ML degree of a generic Fermat hypersurface are developed throughout the paper. Such algorithms heavily exploit the symmetries of the varieties we are considering. A computational comparison of the different methods and a list of the maximum likelihood degrees of several Fermat hypersurfaces are available in the last section.
A linear-algebraic tool for conditional independence inference
Authors: Tanaka Kentaro , Studeny Milan , Takemura Akimichi , Sei Tomonari
Published: November 2015

In this note, we propose a new linear-algebraic method for the implication problem among conditional independence statements, which is inspired by the factorization characterization of conditional independence. First, we give a criterion in the case of a discrete strictly positive density and relate it to an earlier linear-algebraic approach. Then, we extend the method to the case of a discrete density that need not be strictly positive. Finally, we provide a computational result in the case of six variables.
Evaluación del crecimiento y productividad del tomate (Lycopersicon esculentum Mill) bajo cultivo protegido en tres localidades de Costa Rica
Authors: Ramírez Vargas Carlos , Nienhuis James
Published: November 2015

Mediante un experimento, se evaluó el crecimien- to y la productividad de tres genotipos de tomate en tres localidades de Costa Rica con un sistema de cultivo protegido (San Blas de Carrillo en la pro- vincia de Guanacaste; Santa Clara de San Carlos en la Provincia de alajuela y también en Zapote de Zarcero en la provincia de alajuela). Se evaluaron 19 variables fisiológicas de crecimiento y produc- tividad para nueve tratamientos o interacciones.

A los datos obtenidos se les hizo un análisis de com- ponentes principales y como resultado de este aná- lisis se seleccionaron los dos primeros componentes que explican más del 70% de la variabilidad total, también se determinó que el componente princi- pal 1 explica el crecimiento del cultivo, y su variable representativa fue el peso seco de tallos; mientras que el componente 2 representa el rendimiento, y su variable representativa fue el peso seco de frutos.

Se encontró también interacción de los genotipos con los ambientes pese a ser cultivados en inverna- dero, lo que demuestra una adaptación específica de los genotipos a las localidades que mostraron datos climáticos diferentes. La productividad de los geno- tipos también fue influenciada por los ambientes, sin embargo, no superaron los diez kilogramos de fruta fresca por planta.
Efecto de abonos orgánicos en las propiedades químicas del suelo y el rendimiento de la mora (Rubus adenotrichus) en dos zonas agroecológicas de Costa Rica
Authors: Orozco Rodríguez Rafael , Muñoz Hernández Róger
Published: November 2015

El objetivo de esta investigación es evaluar el efecto de dos abonos orgánicos en las propiedades quími- cas del suelo y el rendimiento de plantas de mora (Rubus adenotrichus cv.’Vino’) en dos zonas de Costa Rica.

Para ello se establecieron dos experimentos, uno en Buena Vista de Pérez Zeledón (BVPZ) y otro en San Mar tín de León Cor tés (SMLC), ambos en la provin- cia de San José, Costa Rica. La investigación se realizó entre agosto del 2005 y julio del 2008.

Se evaluaron tres tratamientos en cada experimen- to: Compost (C) y Lombricompost (L), a razón de 4 kg/planta y 3 kg/planta respectivamente, y un testi- go sin abono (T). La frecuencia de aplicación de los abonos a la siembra se dio a los 6, 12, 18 y 24 meses para un total de 6,6 t/ha para el C y 4,9 t/ha para el L. Se tomaron muestras de suelo a los 0, 6, 12, 18, 24 y 35 meses, después de la siembra para su análisis.

Los resultados muestran que, en ambos agro-ecosis- temas, la aplicación del C y L incrementó el pH del suelo, redujo la acidez, incrementó la disponibilidad de Ca, Mg, K, N, y P, y favoreció la capacidad de in- tercambio catiónico efectiva (CICE) y el porcentaje de materia orgánica. No se observó acumulación de Mn, Cu y Zn.

En cuanto al rendimiento, en BVPZ solo se encon- traron diferencias significativas (P=0,00188) entre C (1,8 t/ha) y el T (0,9 t/ha); mientras que en SMLC, no se encontraron diferencias estadísticas significativas (P<0,05) entre los tratamientos.
Enraizamiento de mora (Rubus adenotrichus) en medio líquido en el sistema de inmersión temporal y su aclimatación en invernadero
Authors: Flores Mora Dora , Chacón Cerdas Randall , Jiménez Bonilla Vilma , Ortiz Sancho Fabián
Published: November 2015

Se presentan los resultados de una investigación cuyo objetivo fue evaluar el efecto de tres concentraciones de Ácido Indolbutírico (AIB) sobre el enraizamiento in vitro de la mora “vino sin espinas”. Se utilizó un sistema de inmersión temporal automatizado para determinar la sobrevivencia de las plántulas durante la aclimatación. Se empleó un medio de cultivo líquido MS con sales al 50%, sacarosa al 3% y pH 5.7, suplementado con 0.125 (T1), 0.250 (T2) y 0.500 (T3=control) mg/L de AIB. En cada recipiente para inmersión temporal se colocaron 200ml de medio y 15 explantes, se programó la inmersión por 5 minutos cada 12 horas, se incubaron a 20°C y 16h luz por ocho semanas. Se aplicó el análisis de ANDEVA y las pruebas de Tukey para evaluar la longitud del tallo, la longitud de las raíces y el número de entrenudos. Las vitroplantas se aclimataron en un sustrato compuesto de suelo, carbón vegetal y granza de arroz (3:1:1) y se determinó el porcentaje de sobrevivencia durante cuatro semanas. T1 registró la mayor longitud del tallo (6.49 cm) y fue estadísticamente diferente a T2 y T3. T3 presentó la mayor longitud radical (4.73 cm) y fue estadísticamente igual a T1 y T2. Ningún tratamiento mostró diferencia estadística en el número de entrenudos (8 promedio). T2 mostró la mayor sobrevivencia de plántulas a la cuarta semana de aclimatación con un 78.6% seguido del T3 (57.9%) y T1 (43.3%). Se concluyó que las plantas provenientes de T2 (0.250 mg/L AIB), las cuales presentaron una longitud promedio de tallo de aproximadamente 6 cm y una longitud promedio de raíz de aproximadamente 4cm, mostraron la mayor sobrevivencia durante la etapa de aclimatación. La investigación se realizó en el Tecnológico de Costa Rica durante el 2008.
Cultivo protegido de hortalizas en Costa Rica
Authors: Ramírez Vargas Carlos , Nienhuis James
Published: November 2015

La horticultura en Costa Rica se ha desarrollado principalmente a campo abierto y se ha concentrado en el Valle Central donde predominan las actividades de expansión urbanística y comercial. Muchos de los problemas asociados a la producción hortícola se centran en la alta presencia de plagas y enfermedades que obligan al productor a utilizar plaguicidas químicos con consecuencias nocivas para el ambiente: la horticultura a campo abierto se vuelve muy contaminante e insostenible. Una alternativa productiva pueden ser los sistemas de cultivos protegidos, en los que se usan estructuras, materiales y equipo; posibilitan la producción de hortalizas en climas adversos y facilitan el control de plagas y enfermedades. Estos sistemas se han usado ampliamente a nivel mundial con gran éxito, pero a nivel del trópico es necesaria la investigación en este campo con el objetivo de implementar o modificar el sistema para que favorezca la producción sostenible de hortalizas.
Obtención de un híbrido de frijol arbustivo para una cosecha mecanizada
Authors: Muñoz Ruiz Carlos
Published: November 2015

En el estudio se evaluaron tres variedades de frijol negro (Brunca, Guaymí y Talamanca), obtenidas en la estación experimental Fabio Baudrit de la Universidad de Costa Rica, y una variedad (Negro Chapingo), obtenida en la Universidad Autónoma de Chapingo, México. Estas variedades no presentaron las características genéticas deseadas para ser utilizadas como donadores y aceptores de polen para obtener un híbrido arbustivo y de floración determinada para su cosecha en forma mecánica en la zona norte del país. Sin embargo, se lograron obtener cinco híbridos F1 entre los cruces realizados, ellos son: BCh, ChT, TCh, BT y TB. Todos ellos presentaron en la F2 características genéticas de porte semiarbustivo (TII y TIII) y de floración indeterminada, no compatibles para la obtención de un híbrido adecuado para la cosecha de frijol mecanizada. En este proyecto de investigación se utilizó el método de polinización dirigida o artificial y el cruce simple recíproco entre las variedades participantes y se hicieron 341 polinizaciones entre sí, respectivamente.