bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Protective Role of Endogenous PACAP in Inflammation-induced Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Vaczy Alexandra , Kovari Petra , Kovacs Krisztina , Farkas Kinga , Szabo Edina , Kvarik Timea , Kocsis Bela , Fulop Balazs , Atlasz Tamas , Reglodi Dora
Published: September 2018

Purpose: Pituitary adenylate Cyclase-Activating Polypeptide (PACAP) is a neuroprotective peptide
that has been shown to exert protective effects in different models of neurodegenerative diseases, including retinal
degenerations. Data obtained from PACAP-deficient (PACAP KO) mice provide evidence that endogenous
PACAP has a neuroprotective role in different pathologies. PACAP KO mice show enhanced sensitivity to different
insults, such as oxidative stress, hypoxia and inflammation. The aim of the present study was to investigate
the protective effects of endogenous PACAP in retinal inflammation.

Methods:

Endotoxin-induced eye inflammation was induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide
(LPS) in PACAP KO and wild-type (Wt) mice. After LPS treatment, retinas were processed for histological examination.
To detect the alterations of different proteins and cytokines, immunohistochemical, western blot and
cytokine array were used. We also performed dark-adapted electroretinography (ERG) to detect the functional
differences.

Results:

The thickness of nearly all layers was significantly less in LPS-injected PACAP KO mice compared to
Wt animals. Increased expression of Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein (GFAP) was induced in Müller glial cells
after LPS treatment, which was more intense in PACAP KO mice. The levels of pAkt and pGSK were decreased
in PACAP KO group during inflammation. LPS treatment significantly increased cytokines (sICAM-1, JE,
TIMP-1) in both treated groups, but it was more expressed in PACAP KO animals. Furthermore, ERG responses
were disturbed after LPS injection in PACAP KO mice.

Conclusion:

Our results showed that endogenous PACAP has a protective role in LPS-caused retinal inflammation.
Beauvericin, A Fusarium Mycotoxin: Anticancer Activity, Mechanisms, and Human Exposure Risk Assessment
Authors: Wu Qinghua , Patocka Jiri , Kuca Kamil
Published: September 2018

Beauvericin (BEA) is a cyclic hexadepsipeptide, which derives from Cordyceps cicadae. It is also produced by Fusarium species, which are parasitic to maize, wheat, rice and other important commodities. BEA increases ion permeability in biological membranes by forming a complex with essential cations, which may affect ionic homeostasis. Its ion-complexing capability allows BEA to transport alkaline earth metal and alkali metal ions across cell membranes. Importantly, increasing lines of evidence show that BEA has an anticancer effect and can be potentially used in cancer therapeutics. Normally, BEA performs the anticancer effect due to the induced cancer cell apoptosis via a reactive oxygen species-dependent pathway. Moreover, BEA increases the intracellular Ca2+ levels and subsequently regulates the activity of a series of signalling pathways including MAPK, JAK/STAT, and NF-κB, and finally causes cancer cell apoptosis. In vivo studies further show that BEA reduces tumour volumes and weights. BEA especially targets differentiated and invasive cancer types. Currently, the anticancer activity of BEA is a hot topic; however, there is no review article to discuss the anticancer activity of BEA. Therefore, in this review, we have mainly summarized the anticancer activity of BEA and thoroughly discussed its underlying mechanisms. In addition, the human exposure risk assessment of BEA is also discussed. We hope that this review will provide further information for understanding the anticancer mechanisms of BEA.
Association of High Levels of Spot Urine Protein with High Blood Pressure, Mean Arterial Pressure and Pulse Pressure with the Development of Diabetic Chronic Kidney Dysfunction or Failure among Diabetic Patients. Statistical Regression Modeling to Predict Diabetic Proteinuria
Authors: Ahmed Aziz Kamran M.
Published: September 2018

Introduction:

In research elevated Blood Pressure (BP) has been demonstrated to be a risk for the development of nephropathy and chronic renal disease (CKD) Or Diabetic Kidney Disease (DKD) among diabetics. However, no study has find correlation for the spot urine protein (UPr) excretion with elevated BP, Pulse Pressure (PP) and mean arterial pressure MAP). This technique was invented in the current study.

Methods:

10,270 were recruited for more than 12 years. Demographically, 43%, 38%, and 16% showed hypertension, nephropathy and chronic renal disease, respectively. UPr demonstrated significant correlations with systolic BP (SBP) and diastolic BP (DPB), MAP and PP (p < 0.0001 for all). SBP, DBP, PP and MAP, UPr were observed to be higher among the groups with nephroaphty and CKD/DKD with highly significant p-values (all p < 0.05). With logistic regression, odds ratio of hypertension (HTN) with nephropathy was observed to be 2.99 (95% CI 2.44 to 3.7; p < 0.0001); and odds ratio of HTN with CKD/DK was 7.1 (95% CI 4.3 to 11.84; p<0.0001), indicating that HTN significantly contributes to the development of nephropathy and CKD/DKD in diabetics.

Results:

Invented regression models for the excretion of UPr from the kidney with elevated SBP, DBP, MAP and PP were highly significant (p < 0.0001 for all); UPr = -138.6 + [1.347 × SBP] ; UPr = -93.4 + [1.62 × DBP] ; UPr = -149.5 + [1.922 × MAP] ; UPr = -41.23 +[1.541 × PP].

Conclusion:

Current study is the first one to introduce this technique. These invented new equations can be used by physicians to estimate protein excretion in urine at bedside and outpatients departments for monitoring proteinuria and CKD/DKD.
Antiproliferative Effects of Cynaropicrin on Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Cells
Authors: Lepore Saverio M. , Maggisano Valentina , Lombardo Giovanni E. , Maiuolo Jessica , Mollace Vincenzo , Bulotta Stefania , Russo Diego , Celano Marilena
Published: September 2018

Background:

The sesquiterpene lactone cynaropicrin, a major constituent of the artichoke
leaves extracts, has shown several biologic activities in many preclinical experimental models, including
anti-proliferative effects.

Objective:

Herein we evaluated the effects of cynaropicrin on the growth of three human anaplastic
thyroid carcinoma cell lines, investigating the molecular mechanism underlying its action.

Method:

MTT assay was used to evaluate the viability of CAL-62, 8505C and SW1736 cells, and flow
cytometry to analyse cell cycle distribution. Western blot was performed to detect the levels of STAT3
phosphorylation and NFkB activation. Antioxidant effects were analyzed by measuring the reactive
oxygen species and malonyldialdehyde dosage was used to check the presence of lipid peroxidation.

Results:

Viability of CAL-62, 8505C and SW1736 cells was significantly reduced by cynaropicrin in a
dose- and time-dependent way, with an EC50 of about 5 µM observed after 48 h of treatment with the
compound. Cellular growth inhibition was accompanied both by an arrest of the cell cycle, mainly in
the G2/M phase, and the presence of a significant percentage of necrotic cells. After 48 h of treatment
with 10 µM of cynaropicrin, a reduced nuclear expression of NFkB and STAT3 phosphorylation were
also revealed. Moreover, we observed an increase in lipid peroxidation, without any significant effect
on the reactive oxygen species production.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate that cynaropicrin reduces the viability and promotes cytotoxic
effects in anaplastic thyroid cancer cells associated with reduced NFkB expression, STAT3 phosphorylation
and increased lipid peroxidation. Further characterization of the properties of this natural compound
may open the way for using cynaropicrin as an adjuvant in the treatment of thyroid cancer.
A Study on the Influence of the Information Characteristics of Airline Social Media on e-WOM, Brand Equity and Trust
Authors: Seo Eun-Ju , Park Jin-Woo
Published: September 2018

Background:

This study investigates the effect of three of the information characteristics of airline social media – information quantity, information credibility and information quality – on brand equity and trust through electronic Word-Of-Mouth (e-WOM).

Methods:

For the analysis, we surveyed 430 passengers who had used airline social media and analyzed the collected data using a structural equation.

Results:

The results of the analysis showed that while the information quantity and information quality of airline social media had a significant effect on e-WOM, information credibility did not have a significant effect. e-WOM had a significant effect on brand awareness and brand image. Brand image and e-WOM also had a significant effect on trust, but brand awareness did not have a statistically significant effect on trust.

Conclusion:

This study establishes a model for the information characteristics of social media and can be utilized as basic data to explain how airlines should manage and utilize social media information.
Evaluation of Risk Factor for Children During Drop-off and Pick-up Time around the Primary School in Thailand
Authors: Sattanon Kirati , Upala Prapatpong
Published: September 2018

Background:

Traffic accidents, hazardous behaviors, and caretakers’ opinions have a strong effect on students’ safety during the drop-off and pick-up period. The present research about student drop-off and pick-up behaviors and spatial analysis will be helpful for better understanding school traffic incidents and related risk factors.

Objective:

To examine the risk factors associated with school drop-off and pick-up in three dimensions: 1) risk zones, 2) risk behaviors, and 3) risk periods.

Method:

A mixed method approach was employed using 4 sets of data, consisting of 1) the statistics of accidents occurring around primary schools, 2) the student drop-off and pick-up behaviors, 3) the opinions toward risk zones and risk periods, and 4) the data obtained from the survey and interview. The spatial analysis was conducted using kernel density estimation technique. The statistical data analysis was carried out to analyze and compare the questionnaire responses given by the teachers and parents from the primary schools with the highest accident rate in 5 regions of Thailand.

Results:

Pedestrian crossing points in front of the school gates and blind spots behind the school buildings were considered the risk zones. In the morning, the parents usually dropped the students off at the pavements in front of the school gate. Some of them walked the students to the classrooms. After school, the parents parked their cars and then walked to wait for the students at the meeting points scattered inside or outside the school. The opinions of the teachers and parents regarding the risk periods were found to be significantly different (p< 0.01), which affected the way the teachers and parents looked out for the students’ safety in the morning and after school period.

Conclusion:

The areas around pedestrian crossing points and school gates require effective transport planning in order to specifically prevent and monitor hazardous incidents. A scattering of drop-off and pick-up points are risk behaviors. Therefore, each school should clearly set up safe drop-off and pick-up points and pay close attention to the safety of students both in the morning and after school. Creating safety for students should start with improving the school environment in order to reduce anxiety and facilitate behavior change.
Evaluation of the Superabsorbent Effect on the Yield and Some Growth Factors of Pisum sativum L. under Drought Stress Conditions
Authors: Norodinvand Farahnaz A. , Dehkordi Davoud K. , Egdernezhad Aslan
Published: September 2018

Background:

Deficit irrigation is an optimum technique for producing products under
drought stress conditions. The superabsorbent hydrogel is a hydrophilic polymer with cross-linked
3-D hydrophilic nets that are able to take up and keep noteworthy values of water and aquatic liquids.
Recently published patents have provided significant information about the superabsorbent
application in agriculture.

Objective:

The aim of this study was to investigate the superabsorbent effect on the yield and some
of the growth factors of Pisum sativum L. under drought stress conditions.

Methods:

The experimental factors included: irrigation treatments at two levels of 100% and 75%
water requirement by the plant. The second factor included the levels of superabsorbent application
which included three levels of control treatment, potting soil with a weight percentage of 0.5 and 1.
The third factor was the location of the superabsorbent application.

Results:

According to the results, the largest root length value corresponded to I2S1U treatment
plan, the largest root dry weight value corresponded to I1S2U treatment plan, the largest plant dry
weight corresponded to I2S1U treatment plan, the largest grain dry weight corresponded to I2S1U
treatment plan, the largest number of grains per pod corresponded to I2S2U treatment plan and the
largest number of pods per plant corresponded to I2S1U treatment plan which were significant at
5% level.

Conclusion:

It was concluded that the presence of the superabsorbent at the lower end of the pot
was effective in providing water and nutrients for the plant root.
Declining Morale, Diminishing Autonomy, and Decreasing Value: Principal Reflections on a High-Stakes Teacher Evaluation System
Authors: Paufler Noelle A
Published: September 2018

Since the adoption of teacher evaluation systems that rely, at least in part, on controversial student achievement measures, little research has been conducted that focuses on stakeholders’ perceptions of systems in practice, specifically the perceptions of school principals. This study was conducted in a large urban school district to better understand principals’ perceptions of evaluating teachers based on professional and instructional practices as well as student achievement (i.e., value-added scores). Principals in this study strongly expressed concerns regarding: (a) the negative impact of the teacher evaluation system on district culture and morale; (b) their lack of autonomy in evaluating teachers and making staffing decisions; and (c) their perceived lack of value as professionals in the district. Examining the implications of teacher evaluation systems, per the experiences of principals as practitioners, is increasingly important if state and local policymakers as well as the general public are to better understand the intended and unintended consequences of these systems in practice.
Benefit of hyperbaric oxygen therapy treatment in direct traumatic optic neuropathy: case report
Authors:   Dept of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center,  Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China, Hsieh Yun-Hsiu , Liang Chang-Min ,   Dept of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center,  Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China, Tai Ming-Cheng ,   Dept of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center,  Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China, Chen Ying-Jen ,   Dept of Ophthalmology, Tri-Service General Hospital, National Defense Medical Center,  Taipei, Taiwan, Republic of China,   Graduate Institute of Medical Sciences, National Defense Medical Center, Taipei, Taiwan,  Republic of China
Published: September 2018

Direct traumatic optic neuropathy (TON) is a devastating condition and clinical challenge. Its adequate treatment remains controversial. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy has been proposed as an adjunctive treatment for eye disease but has rarely been used in optic neuropathy. The patient was a 57-year-old woman who had direct TON and brain injury after contusion injury. After receiving delayed HBO2 therapy her visual acuity got better – from hand motion to 6/60 – along with improvement of visual field and color vision. She was treated at 2.5 atmospheres absolute for 100 minutes, five times a week, for a total of 61 sessions. Our case highlights that HBO2 may be beneficial as an alternative treatment for direct TON, particularly when combined with brain injury. Although this entity is promising, further randomized controlled trials will be needed to clarify the efficacy of HBO2 in the treatment of direct TON.
Short-term effects on ocular variables immediately after hyperbaric oxygen exposures
Authors:   Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway, Evanger Knut , Vaagbø Guro ,   Hyperbaric Medical Unit, Department of Occupational Medicine, Haukeland University  Hospital, Bergen, Norway, Haugen Olav H. ,   Department of Clinical Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Bergen, Bergen, Norway,   Department of Ophthalmology, Haukeland University Hospital, Bergen, Norway
Published: September 2018

Purpose: To determine ocular refraction, corneal thickness, corneal radius, corneal power, corneal astigmatism and intraocular pressure in patients before and immediately after repeated hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) exposures twice a week during six weeks of HBO2 therapy. Methods: 23 patients received HBO2 therapy at 2.4 ATA for 90 minutes daily in monoplace chambers for six weeks, five days a week. The Topcon TRK-1P instrument was installed next to the hyperbaric chambers to record the ocular measurements. Results: A gross myopic shift developed at -0.95 ± 0.54 D (P < 0.001) in the right eye and -0.95 ± 0.53 D (P < 0.001) in the left eye during the six weeks of treatment. Myopic shift reversion, corneal thinning and reduced intraocular pressure appeared as immediate effects after a single HBO2 exposure, but resolved before the patients attended for the next measurement visit. Conclusions: Ocular variables were influenced by both cumulative and transient short-term effects during the HBO2 therapy. The short-term effects showed that the point of time for performing the ocular measurements after HBO2 exposure might influence the result and must be considered before making relevant comparisons among studies.
Evaluation of hyperbaric oxygen effects on slow coronary flow patients using gated myocardial perfusion imaging tomography
Authors:   Department of Cardiology, The fourth hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shi Jia Zhuang, Hebei Province, China, Li Yuan , Zhang HuiPing ,   Department of Otolaryngology Heibei People's Hospital, Shi Jia Zhuang, Hebei Province, China, Hao Ya-Feng ,   Department of Cardiology, The First hospital of Handan, Han Dan, Hebei Province, China, Liang Yi ,   Department of Hyperbaric Oxygen;the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shi Jia Zhuang, Hebei Province, China, Wei Ling-ge ,   Department of Nuclear Medicine; the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shi Jia Zhuang, Hebei Province, China, Xu Tong-Shun ,   Department of Cardiology, The fourth hospital of Shijiazhuang, Shi Jia Zhuang, Hebei Province, China, Wang Tao ,   Department of  Cardiology; the Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shi Jia Zhuang, Hebei Province, China
Published: September 2018

Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) is widely used in clinical settings for many disease treatments. To investigate the potential effects of hyperbaric oxygen on patients with slow coronary flow (SCF) we retrospectively analyzed 98 patients who were diagnosed with SCF by coronary artery angiography. Of these, 50 patients received conventional treatment only (control group; the other 48 patients received hyperbaric oxygen treatment for four weeks in addition to the routine therapy (HBO2 group). By using gated myocardial perfusion tomography examination before and after treatment, we observed that 71 out of 148 (47.9%) subsegments of injured myocardium improved in the control group, while 108 out of 151 (71.5%) subsegments of injured myocardium improved in the HBO2 group (P<0.05). Furthermore, the peak filling rate (PFR), time of peak fil ing rate (TPFR) and mean filling rate during the first one-third of the filling time (MFR/3) were all significantly improved in HBO2-treated patients compared to those who received conventional treatment only. However, we did not detect any significant effects of only treatment on left ventricular end diastolic volume (LVEDV), left ventricular end systolic volume (LVESV), nor on left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF). Our results indicate that hyperbaric oxygen therapy can be a beneficial and effective medication to improve myocardial perfusion and left ventricular diastolic function in SCF patients.
Effect of adjuvant hyperbaric oxygen on healing of cartilage lesions treated with microfracture: an experimental study in rats
Authors:   Dokuz Eylul University, School of Medicine, Orthopedics and Traumatolgy, Izmır, Turkey, Başcı Onur , Çimşit Maide ,   Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey, Zeren Selva ,   Istanbul University, Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Undersea and Hyperbaric Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey, Sağlıcan Yeşim ,   Acibadem Health Group, Pathology, Istanbul, Turkey, Akgün Umut ,   Acibadem University, School of Medicine, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Istanbul, Turkey, Kocaoğlu Barış ,   Acibadem University, School of Medicine, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Istanbul, Turkey, Başdemir Gülçin ,   Acibadem Health Group, Pathology, Istanbul, Turkey, Karahan Mustafa ,   Acibadem Health Group, Orthopedics and Traumatology, Atasehir Hospital, Istanbul, Turkey
Published: September 2018

Purpose: The purpose of this experimental study was to investigate the effect of hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) therapy combined with microfracture technique in the treatment of cartilage lesions. Methods: Adult Wistar rats (n=44) were divided into six groups. In Groups A, B, C and D, ICRS* grade 4 cartilage lesions were made on the femoral sulcus of both knees. Lesions were microfractured on the left knees; the right knees had no further procedure. Groups E and F had no surgery. Groups A, C and E received HBO2 therapy once a day, six days a week postopera- tively. Groups B, D and F had no HBO2 therapy. The animals in Groups A, B, E and F were sacrificed after two weeks; Groups C and D were sacrificed after four weeks. Semiquantitative scale – including filling of defect (microfracture hole), reparative tissue thickness, cell morphology and subchondral bone maturation – was used for evaluation. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare individual and total scores. Results: Total scores of the two-week group with adjuvant HBO2 therapy were significantly higher (P=0.0007) than the two-week standard treatment group. Except for subchondral bone maturation, individual scores were significantly higher in the two-week group with adjuvant HBO2 therapy. Total scores of the four-week groups were similar. Among individual scores of the four-week groups, filling of the defect (microfracture hole), and subchondral bone maturation were significantly higher (P=0.01, P=0.03) in groups with adjuvant HBO2 therapy. Conclusion: Adjuvant HBO2 therapy accelerates the healing process of cartilage lesions treated with microfracture in rats.
Effect of hyperbaric oxygen treatment in central retinal artery occlusion
Authors:   Department of Underwater and Hyperbaric Medicine, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research  Hospital, Bursa, Turkey, Bağlı Bekir Selim , Çevik Sadık Görkem ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey, Çevik Mediha Tok ,   Department of Ophthalmology, Şişli Hamidiye Training and Research Hospital, İstanbul, Turkey
Published: September 2018

Background: Central retinal artery occlusion (CRAO) is a rare and serious ophthalmologic emergency with a bad prognosis. Hyperbaric oxygen (HBO2) treatment has been reported to improve visual acuity of CRAO patients. However, there are unknown variables for HBO2 treatment such as initiation period, number of sessions and efficacy. In this study, we aimed to investigate efficacy of HBO2 treatment in CRAO patients. Methods: Patients who had been diagnosed with CRAO and referred to our Hyperbaric Oxygen Treatment Unit with the indication of HBO2 treatment were included in the study. Patient demographics, their systemic diseases, best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and the time of visual loss were recorded. Oral acetazolamide and topical beta blocker treatments as well as HBO2 treatments were administered to patients as soon as possible. Patients received 20 treatments as standard. Visual acuity was examined and recorded following each HBO2 treatment administration. Results: 10 eyes (five right, five left) of 10 patients) were included in the study. While average visual acuity was LogMAR 3 before the treatment, it was measured as LogMAR 1.8 on average after treatment (P<0.05). None of the patients were observed to have neovascular glaucoma. Conclusions: HBO2 treatment is an efficacious method with few side effects and can be used in the treatment of CRAO patients. During acute and subacute periods a certain number of HBO2 treatment sessions may be beneficial. Stopping treatments before eight completed HBO2 sessions for a patient who did not show improvement until that time may miss a patient who would have benefited from HBO2 treatment.
Uma análise das objeções ao conceito de professor reflexivo em ensino de ciências na educação básica paulista
Authors: Christófalo Airton Acácio Castilho , Giardinetto José Roberto Boettger
Published: September 2018

Este artigo parte da questão formulada durante a realização da pesquisa de mestrado no ensino de ciências, sobre a consistência da contextualização das estratégias de ensino menos conteudistas, mais focada em debates e ações diversificadas, cuja análise se atenta aos ideários presentes em autores de fundamento construtivista humano, contempla nomes reconhecidos em concursos de admissão de professores da educação básica, e nos documentos oficiais da educação, como PCN(s), o currículo oficial do estado de São Paulo, cursos de licenciatura e pós graduação, que se apresentam em seus pressupostos, matrizes de trabalho conhecidos como “professor reflexivo” . Propõem este excerto, pontuar algumas das suas objeções, principalmente a partir de um contraposto em revisão de pesquisas, expondo uma síntese de resultados contraditórios de tais pressupostos.
A produção audiovisual na Educação Básica
Authors: Machado Eliany Salvatierra
Published: September 2018

O presente texto visa apresentar reflexões sobre o processo de produção do audiovisual na Educação Básica, a partir do subprojeto “Arte – Cinema Licenciatura” do programa PIBID. A questão que norteia o trabalho é o quê e como ensinar audiovisual na Educação Básica no componente curricular Artes, ou seja, como uma área autônoma, separada das Artes Visuais, venha a responder pela existência de um novo profissional na escola. Já na formulação da proposta do subprojeto, tomamos como hipótese o conjunto de saberes e processos de significação e produção, que são mediados no ensino do audiovisual pelo educador audiovisual. Diante disso, há um conjunto de saberes que o educador audiovisual deve articular.  O presente texto está organizado em quatro subitens: o primeiro diz respeito a educação básica e a produção audiovisual; o segundo, aos princípios da produção audiovisual educativa; o terceiro aos processos de produção educativa e, o quarto, aos atravessamentos.
Evaluation of Mesh of Liberation of Zard Koh and Kulli Koh Iron Ores of Pakistan
Authors: Khoso Sultan Ahmed , Abro Muhammad Ishaque , Agheem Muhammad Hassan
Published: September 2018

Liberation size plays a significant role to select a correct and successful concentration method for natural iron ores. This paper aims to evaluate the liberation size of two newly discovered iron ores, namely Zard Koh and Kulli Koh, existing in Chagai region of Pakistan. Zard Koh iron ore is mainly composed of maghemite along with the pyrite, chlorite, grossular and admontite as gangue minerals, whereas, Kulli Koh iron ore is comprised of hematite mostly with quartz, dravite and kaolinite as the gangue minerals. The representative samples of ores were pulverized and sieved to different size fractions. The liberation size of iron bearing minerals and gangues was investigated by analyzing the different size fractions of each ore using XRF (X-Ray Fluorescence), SEM (Scanning Electron Microscope) attached with EDS (Energy Dispersive Spectroscope). The XRF results revealed that the most probable liberation size of Zard Koh and Kulli Koh ores is most likely existing at -75+45 and -150+106 m, respectively. In order to confirm this liberation size, further evidences were collected using SEM and EDS examinations. It is interesting to note that the results obtained from SEM and EDS were quite in agreement with XRF results.
Spontaneous urinoma diagnosed before radical cystectomy: A case report
Authors: Pejcic Tomislav , Vasic Vladimir , Dimitrijevic Vladan , Tufegdzic Milomir , Vejnovic Tihomir , Hadzidjokic Jovan
Published: September 2018

Introduction. Rupture of the urinary collecting system, associated with
perirenal or retroperitoneal extravasation of the urine, is a rare condition
usually associated with the obstruction of the urinary system. A urinoma is
a localized collection of urine in the retroperitoneum, outside the urinary
tract, and occurs after injury to the wall of the urinary system. Ureteral
obstruction caused by a bladder tumor is a rare cause of urinoma. Case
Report. We report a case of a 62-year-old patient who was admitted to the
Clinic of Urology of the Clinical Center of Serbia, due to an invasive
bladder cancer. A computerized tomography scan of the abdomen and pelvis
revealed a massive bladder tumor dominant on the left side, invading the
vagina, uterus and significantly obstructing both kidneys.
Intraoperatively, a mass of 18 cm in diameter was identified in the right
retroperitoneal space and it was dissected from the peritoneum. Two liters
of clear fluid were aspirated from the mass, and the walls of urinoma were
resected. The site of perforation was not identified. The patient underwent
anterior pelvic exenteration. The pathohistological analysis revealed a
high grade transitional cell carcinoma of the bladder. The treatment is
individual and involves surgical and interventional radiology treatment.
Conclusion. A spontaneous retroperitoneal urinoma is a very rare condition.
In this case report it appeared most likely due to right ureteral
obstruction and perforation. The growth of urinoma was slow, due to the
absence of acute symptoms and the thickness of the urinoma wall.
Effects of 1-MCP and dynamic controlled atmosphere on apple fruit rot caused by Fusarium avenaceum
Authors: Tarlanovic Jelena , Petres Mladen , Grahovac Mila , Milic Biserka , Magazin Nenad , Hrustic Jovana , Mihajlovic Milica
Published: September 2018

Fusarium species are increasingly detected as the causal agents of decay of
stored apple fruits. Fusarium avenaceum is particularly significant due to
its predominant occurrence among Fusarium species in stored apple fruits and
its ability to produce mycotoxins. Treatments with 1-methylcyclopropene
(1-MCP) and different storage conditions affect the aggressiveness of F.
avenaceum and development of fungal-caused decay in stored apple fruits. In
this study, apple fruits (cv. ?Granny Smith?) were treated with 1-MCP, and
artificially inoculated with F. avenaceum. The isolate used for inoculation,
originating from apple fruit, was identified based on morphological
characteristics and by polymerase chain reaction (PCR) using a
species-specific primer pair (FA-ITSF and FA-ITSR) for F. avenaceum. After
inoculation, treated and untreated fruits were stored at room temperature and
cold-stored under dynamic controlled atmosphere (DCA). Diameters of necrotic
lesions were measured after 7, 14 and 21 days of incubation on fruits stored
at room temperature, while necrosis diameters on DCA-stored fruits were
measured immediately at the end of storage period (143 days), and after 7, 14
and 21 days of additional incubation at room temperature. The results show
that treatment with 1-MCP inhibits the development of F. avenaceum on apple
fruits during storage under DCA. However, after storage, i.e. during
incubation at room temperature, no significant difference between
1-MCP-treated and untreated fruits was observed. On fruits stored at room
temperature only, no difference between 1-MCP-treated and untreated fruits
was observed. However, 1-MCP-treated fruits stored at room temperature only
developed significantly smaller necrosis lesions compared to 1-MCP-treated
and DCA stored fruits. It infers that both 1-MCP treatment and DCA storage
inhibit fungal decay caused by F. avenaceum on apple fruits. However, the
effects do not persist after storage.
Beyond formality: A contribution towards revising the participatory planning practice in Serbia
Authors: Colic Natasa , Dzelebdzic Omiljena
Published: September 2018

Participation has been present in the Serbian legal framework in the domain
of urban planning since the 1950s. Its scope and legal definition have
evolved with the transition to democracy, markets and decentralised
governance. In line with EU standards, Serbia introduced an additional level
of participation in the form of early public inquiry in 2014. Still,
participatory planning practice is often seen as a formality which lacks
sufficient effect on the planning solution, and requires qualitative
improvements in citizen and stakeholder involvement. The main aim of this
paper is to suggest that the use of alternative methods of participation in
the domains of informing, consultation and active participation may increase
the effectiveness of participatory planning practice. Thus, this paper points
out some examples of good practice, and argues for the importance of
recognising the existing base of knowledge and expertise in order to respond
to contemporary requirements in the field of urban planning.
The Alternative Net Model with the Fuzzy Decision Node for the Construction Projects Planning
Authors: Ibadov N.
Published: September 2018

The new approach to the construction project planning is presented in the article. The classical net model is enriched by the fuzzy decision node. The decision node allows for alternate choices dependent on appearing circumstances. The alternative net model with fuzzy decision node is an acyclic multi-graph, where some, chosen nodes (events) have multiple connections. These connections represent alternative methods of the certain work execution. Every work (activity) (i, j) in the net model with alternative methods of work execution, despite the basic information comprising the execution time, the cost, the number of necessary workers, should comprise additional information e.g. about a complexity of works, a real feasibility. The alternative ways of a given work execution are evaluated in the decision node based on the fuzzy decision model. Each method is evaluated by assigning it the preference level in a form of the value of the membership function - „equal or higher” μ≥ . The most preferable way of the work execution in a given circumstances, will have the highest value of preference level. When the choice is done the net model is solved in the traditional way. Therefore, the paper concentrates on the process of choosing the method of work execution in the fuzzy decision node. The example calculations accompanying the process of decision taking are presented too. The model requires the use of linguistic variables, a fuzzy numbers, as well as fuzzy preference relations together with some calculations applied the probability theory.
Minimum Representative Size in Comparing Research Performance of Universities: the Case of Medicine Faculties in Romania
Authors: Liu Xiaoling , Păunescu Mihai , Proteasa Viorel , Wu Jinshan
Published: September 2018

Purpose

The main goal of this study is to provide reliable comparison of performance in higher education. In this respect, we use scientometric measures associated with faculties of medicine in the six health studies universities in Romania.

Design/methodology/approach

The method to estimate the minimum necessary size, proposed in in Shen et al. (2017), is applied in this article. We collected data from the Scopus data-base for the academics of the departments of medicine within the six health studies universities in Romania during the 2009 to 2014. And two kind of statistic treatments based on that method are implemented, pair-wise comparison and one-to-the-rest comparison. All the results of these comparisons are shown.

Findings

According to the results: We deem that Cluj and Tg. Mureş have the superior and inferior performance respectively, since their reasonably small value of the minimum representative size, in either of the kinds of comparison, whichever indexes of citations, h-index, or g-index is used. we can not reliably distinguish differences among the rest of the faculties, since the quite large value of their minimum representative size.

Research limitations

There is only six faculties of medicine in health studies universities in Romania are analyzed.

Practical implications

Our methods of comparison play an important role in ranking data sets associated with different collective units, such as faculties, universities, institutions, based on some aggregate scores like mean and totality.

Originality/value

We applied the minimum representative size to a new emprical context—that of the departments of medicine in the health studies universities in Romania.
Thyroid cancer detection rate and associated risk factors in patients with thyroid nodules classified as Bethesda category III
Authors: Mileva Magdalena , Stoilovska Bojana , Jovanovska Anamarija , Ugrinska Ana , Petrushevska Gordana , Kostadinova-Kunovska Slavica , Miladinova Daniela , Majstorov Venjamin
Published: September 2018

Background

Ultrasound guided fine-needle aspiration (FNA) is a standard procedure for thyroid nodules management and selecting patients for surgical treatment. Atypia of undetermined significance (AUS) or follicular lesion of undetermined significance (FLUS), as stated by The Bethesda System for Reporting Thyroid Cytopathology, is a diagnostic category with an implied malignancy risk of 5–15%. The aim of our study was to review cytology and histopathology reports, as well as clinical and ultrasound data, for thyroid nodules reported as AUS/FLUS, in order to evaluate the malignancy rate and to assess factors associated with malignant outcome.

Patients and methods

A total of 112 AUS/FLUS thyroid nodules in 105 patients were evaluated, of which 85 (75.9%) were referred to surgery, 21 (18.8%) were followed-up by repeat FNA and 6 nodules (5.3%) were clinically observed. Each was categorized in two final diagnostic groups - benign or malignant, which were further compared to clinical data of patients and ultrasonographic features of the nodules.

Results

Final diagnosis of malignancy was reached in 35 cases (31.2%) and 77 (68.8%) had benign lesions. The most frequent type of cancer was papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) - 58.1% PTC and 25.8% had follicular variant of PTC. Patients’ younger age, smaller nodule size, hypoechoic nodule and presence of calcifications were shown to be statistically significant risk factors for malignancy.

Conclusions

The rate of malignancy for the AUS/FLUS diagnostic category in our study was higher than estimated by the Bethesda System. Clinical and ultrasound factors should be considered when decision for patient treatment is being made.
Aposentadoria entre os assentados rurais: conquistas, benefícios e bloqueios
Authors: Oliveira Eliziario Rubens , Botta Ferrante Vera Lucia Silveira , Herrmann Hildebrando
Published: September 2018

O objetivo deste artigo foi discutir a previdência social rural no Brasil e as particularidades do segurado especial no Assentamento Reage Brasil, Bebedouro-SP. Foram aplicados questionários estruturados e entrevistas semiestruturadas às 57 pessoas de 42 lotes que recebem benefícios previdenciários e em 10 lotes que não dispõem do benefício previdenciário, além de serem consultados dados de caderneta de campo de 2014 e bancos de dados da Fundação ITESP. Os resultados revelam contradições e erros de interpretação na aplicação dos direitos previdenciários ao segurado especial. Constatou-se também que após a obtenção do benefício, ocorrem mudanças benéficas na vida do assentado. Os recursos são utilizados para a compra de alimentos, insumos agropecuários, roupas e remédios, reforma da casa, viagem para casas de filhos e realização de empréstimo consignado. A maioria dos benefícios, que tem melhorado a qualidade de vida das famílias, só foi conseguida via ação judicial. O tema ganha importância, não só porque a reforma da previdência tem sido matéria de discussão continuada e controversa da conjuntura brasileira, mas porque é pouco estudada na significativa produção acadêmica voltada a assentamentos rurais.
A visão dos gestores públicos sobre o papel da CONAB na gestão dos estoques de alimentos no período de 2003 a 2014
Authors: Piccin Marcelo Botton , Gomes Junior Newton Narciso
Published: September 2018

O artigo analisa o papel desempenhado pela Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento (CONAB) na gestão dos estoques públicos de alimentos, executados através da Política de Garantia de Preços Mínimos (PGPM) e do Programa de Aquisição de Alimentos (PAA), no período de 2003 a 2014, sob a perspectiva da promoção do direito humano à alimentação adequada (DHAA) e da soberania alimentar. As evidências analisadas indicam que a Conab cumpriu um duplo papel: a) fortaleceu o histórico sistema agroalimentar exportador de alimentos; e b) possibilitou, pela primeira vez, o acesso da agricultura familiar a importantes políticas públicas, mesmo sendo essas de dimensão ainda insuficientes e comparativamente subalternas às acessadas pelo agronegócio. A PGPM, manteve sua lógica histórica: atrelada aos mecanismos do mercado privado, baixa formação de estoques públicos, com atuação pontual e fragmentada, pouca incidência no controle da inflação e na estabilização dos preços. Já o PAA mostra-se como um programa estruturador, alinhado aos princípios do DHAA e à soberania alimentar. As evidências também apontam para a inexistência de uma política nacional de abastecimento que supere a transferência de renda como mecanismo principal de acesso.
Apresentação
Authors: Ferrante Vera Lúcia Silveira Botta , Whitaker Dulce Consuelo Andreatta , Duval Henrique Carmona
Published: September 2018

Lançamos mais este número de Retratos de Assentamentos em meio a um clima rodeado de apreensões, mas pleno de esperanças. Por um lado, há um processo eleitoral que abre perspectivas de volta do país à normalidade da democracia representativa e do reequilíbrio entre os três poderes, que pora fim ao estado de exceção estabelecido pelo golpe de 2016 e tristemente referendado pelo judiciário. Por outro lado, nuvens ameaçadoras perturbam esse mesmo processo, a partir de uma polarização política que envolve perversas influências internacionais – a extrema direita em descarada emergência por toda parte.Nossa democracia, conquistada em duros embates contra a ditadura militar, ao ser reconstruída com empenho e persistência pelos partidos de esquerda e pelos movimentos sociais, teve grande contribuição do campo, através das lutas pela Reforma Agrária...
Leaving the Devil You Know: Crime Victimization, US Deterrence Policy, and the Emigration Decision in Central America
Authors: Hiskey Jonathan T. , Córdova Abby , Malone Mary Fran , Orcés Diana M.
Published: September 2018

Following a sharp increase in the number of border arrivals from the violence-torn countries of Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras in the spring and summer of 2014, the United States quickly implemented a strategy designed to prevent such surges by enhancing its detention and deportation efforts. In this article, we examine the emigration decision for citizens living in the high-crime contexts of northern Central America. First, through analysis of survey data across Guatemala, El Salvador, and Honduras, we explore the role crime victimization plays in leading residents of these countries to consider emigration. Next, using survey data collected across twelve municipalities in Honduras, we evaluate the extent to which knowledge of heightened US immigration deterrence efforts influenced respondents’ emigration decision. Though a vast majority of these respondents were aware of the stricter US immigration policy regime, this awareness had no effect on their consideration of emigration as a viable strategy.
Imagining Latin American Social Science from the Global South: Orlando Fals Borda and Participatory Action Research
Authors: Robles Lomeli Jafte Dilean , Rappaport Joanne
Published: September 2018

1970s Latin America was a hotbed of theoretical and methodological innovation in the social sciences and the arts, developing novel approaches to studying social reality to support social movements. This article uses Colombian sociologist Orlando Fals Borda’s field notes and his four-volume workHistoria doble de la Costato analyze how he and his colleagues, working in collaboration with the Asociación Nacional de Usuarios Campesinos on the Caribbean coast, developed the methodology of participatory action research, which attempted to erase the distinction between researchers and researched, and to rewrite the history of the peasantry from below using novel formats.
From Indigenous Literatures to Native American and Indigenous Theorists: The Makings of a Grassroots Decoloniality
Authors: Arias Arturo
Published: September 2018

From the coloniality of power to the decolonial swerve, US-centered decolonial academics concur with the foundational points introduced by Peruvian sociologist Aníbal Quijano. Nevertheless, they seldom cite Latin American Indigenous or Native American intellectuals’ decolonial perspectives, or examine specific bodies of critical thinking emerging in hemispheric Indigenous communities. In turn, a diversity of Indigenous paradigms and methods are appearing in the Americas, either as literary texts or critical works. Indigenous or Native American writers and theorists are often political actors, working within their respective grassroots movements, or writing to advance specific goals of their own communities. This article will emphasize Native American and Indigenous decolonial issues framed from a critique of contemporary Indigenous narratives. Their views both enrich and complicate Western decolonial theorists’ assumptions. Examining their production provides continuity to the political and epistemological searches of both, while also contributing to breaking down those invisible walls separating them.
Reading the Affects in the Colonial Americas: The Exteriority of Feeling in Cabeza de Vaca’sNaufragios
Authors: Arellano Jerónimo
Published: September 2018

This article proposes an affective turn in scholarship on colonial Latin American literature, focusing on Álvar Núñez Cabeza de Vaca’sNaufragiosas a case study. Through an engagement with embodied, intersubjective, and circulatory affects in Cabeza de Vaca’s text, it sketches out a critical framework that investigates what I call the exteriority of feeling in the colonial Americas. My reading focuses on three main areas: the theory of the humoral body as the cultural referent that shapes the externalization of embodied affect in Cabeza de Vaca’s text, the description of forms of affective transmission precariously established between European and indigenous communities, and the emergence of affective minefields and emotional untranslatables in colonial contexts. In this way, this article works toward a broad investigation of the meanings, functions, and circulation of affect and emotion in the colonial Americas.