bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Grammometric Labs on a Chip and Synchronization of the On-Chip Isolated Muscle Fiber Grammometry with the in Situ Tissue X-Ray Analysis and MEMS-Assisted Excitation Time Spectroscopy
Authors: Градов  , Gradov Oleg
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the main concept of our studies performed in 2011 on the structural and functional changes monitoring in single muscle fibers on a chip, allowing multivariate measurements. We propose here the synchronization of the following analytical techniques: micromechanical measurements performed using a grammometer-type dynamometric / tensometric system with digital recording; real-time on-chip morphometric microscopy; X-ray tissue analysis with the discrete identification ("barcoding") of the structural data from the matrix registration array detector; stimulation electromyography at various excitation parameters using the chip providing the response spectra of the sample at each excitation signal type. The graphical representation of the above measurements correlation provides useful information on the relationship between the structure and function of the sample at both cytophysiological and su-pramolecular levels and can be compared with the database. Correlation analysis of the biochemical response of the isolated muscle fiber to either electrophysical or electrochemical stimulation allows to detect teinochemical effects resulting from the conformational changes both at macromolecular and supramolecular scale, since the deformation value and, hence, the fiber contraction, depends on the variable medium characteristics or the external effect parameters and can be corresponded to them in a special database. Furthermore, the technique proposed allows a direct on-chip study of the effects of pharmacological and physiotherapeutic agents causing similar conformational changes in situ. The using of X-ray methods of colloid and tissue analysis provides identification of the results of the following processes: dehydration, thermal effects, electrophysiological excitation and chloroform-caused anesthesia. The design of organ-specific or tissue-specific descriptors depending on the fiber orientation would allow to distinguish between the various muscle fiber types and sources within the basis of comparative histological interpretation.
Immunomodulatory and Antioxidant Action of Selective Inhibitor of Arginase IInor-NOHA and Antihypoxants in Some Extreme Conditions
Authors: Лосенок  , Losenok P. , Наседкин  , Nasedkin D. , Квачахия  , Kvachakhiya L. , Лосенок  , Losenok S. , Худойназаров  , Khudoynazarov E.
Published: April 2016

The study of the effects of a selective inhibitor of arginase II nor-NOHA and its combinations with Hy-poxenum, Kudesan, Cytoflavin on the functional activity of neutrophils, lipid peroxidation and content of stable metabolites of nitrogen in the blood serum of rats under the influence of some extreme conditions was carried out. It was found that under conditions of hypoxia that occurs in some extreme situations, there is a reduction of spontaneous and induced phagocytic and metabolic activity of neutrophils. Combined application of nor-NOHA, hypoxen and cytoflavin increases spontaneous PMA of neutrophils to values of the control group, but does not influence the values of NST Ind.

The authors found that at hypoxia, there is an increase in the content of primary and secondary products of lipid peroxidation. Administration nor-NOHA and antihypoxants reduces the concentration of malondialdehyde at all combinations of drugs, and reduction of diene conjugates only in animals treated with nor-NOHA, hypoxen and cytoflavin. Total antioxidant activity increased as well, for all combinations of pharmacological agents, and catalase activity was increased combinations nor-NOHA + cytoflavin and nor-NOHA + hypoxen + cytoflavin. At hypoxia, there is a significant increase of stable NO metabolites in blood serum. Introduction nor-NOHA further increases their concentration, and at different combinations antigipoksantov administered in combination with an inhibitor of arginase II nor-NOHA marked reduction of NO metabolite to an animal in a state of hypoxia.
New Aspects of Cell Therapy for Iscemic Heart Disease (Review)
Authors: Рейдман  , Reydman V. , Кравченко  , Kravchenko T. , Козель  , Kozel A. , Головнева  , Golovneva E.
Published: April 2016

The authors reviewed the modern methods of cell therapy for ischemic heart disease. The experimental and clinical researches demonstrated that transplantation of hematopoietic progenitor cells and mesenchymal stem cells contributes to reduction of the postinfarction scar size, to increase of left ventricular ejection fraction, to decrease of cardiac remodeling, resulting in the reduction of end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes. This treatment promoted an increase of exercise tolerance, decrease of angina functional class and improved the quality of life. The best long-term results were observed for the early beginning of cell therapy and the implantation of cells directly into the myocardium. The cultures of resident cardiomyocyte progenitor cells significantly improved the results of treatment. Hypoxic preconditioning or low intensity laser irradiation enhanced the therapeutic potential of the cells cultured for transplantation, activated proliferation and reduced apoptosis. Good results were achieved with laser revascularization of myocardium before the cell transplantation. New non-invasive methods of treatment for ischemic heart disease, based on the increase in the concentration of stem cells in peripheral blood with G-CSF application or laser irradiation of the bone marrow localization areas were suggested.
International research roundup
Authors: Maclean Emily , Winter George , Seal Joanne
Published: April 2016

In this section, a range of brief synopses of recently published articles from around the world that may be of interest to midwives is presented. The aim of this roundup is to provide an overview, rather than a detailed summary, of the research papers selected. Should you wish to look at any of the papers in more detail, a full reference is provided.
Improving infection prevention practice in traditional birth attendants in Chongwe District, Zambia
Authors: Chanda Dorothy O , Siziya Seter , Baboo Kumar Sridutt
Published: April 2016

Background:

Traditional birth attendants' (TBAs') practice is a source of public health concern due to high rates of infection among women and babies. This study was undertaken in Chongwe district, prompted by an earlier study that revealed poor infection prevention practices among community-based TBAs in Lusaka province.

Aims:

The study aimed to assess the impact of a modified Ministry of Health TBA training curriculum on the infection-prevention knowledge, practice and attitude of TBAs in Chongwe district.

Methods:

A six-phased quasi-experimental study design using a structured interview schedule was administered to 238 participants aged between 22–81 years during the needs assessment, and 207 during the intervention stage.

Findings:

Infection-prevention knowledge levels were generally low during the needs assessment compared to the post-course phase, which showed a statistically significant impact resulting in lower infant and maternal morbidity rates (P = 0.001).

Conclusions:

The study had three outputs: the training of 207 TBAs, the production of a modified TBA training curriculum, and the creation of a monitoring and evaluation tool with performance indicators to be used in documenting the impact of the varied role of TBAs. Further research is recommended in the form of a randomised controlled trial.
Service users' perspectives on free maternal health services in Malindi District, Kenya
Authors: Lang'at Evaline , Mwanri Lillian
Published: April 2016

Background:

Malindi District sub-county Kilifi County has some of the poorest social economic indicators in the country. It has a poverty rate of 72%, relatively low levels of literacy, high fertility rates, and a significant proportion of the population is exposed to health risk factors.

Aims:

To explore women's perspectives of elimination of the user fee for accessing maternal health services; and to investigate the facilitators and barriers experienced to using these services following the introduction of this policy.

Methods:

A qualitative inquiry was used to obtain the views of the maternal health service users of health service facilities in Malindi District, conducted in sub-county Kilifi County. Twenty-eight women, including those seeking prenatal and postnatal care services at the time of the study, participated in the study.

Findings:

The service users perceived the fee-free maternity services programme to present both opportunities and challenges. The programme was perceived to have lessened the financial burden of seeking skilled care and facilitated the access of skilled care to disadvantaged members of society. However, despite perceived positive outcomes, several participants believed there are challenges affecting the implementation of the programme, including delays in receiving antenatal care and perinatal services, improper cost associated with services in some facilities and lack of essential commodities in the facilities, which forced the users to purchase medicine and supplies to facilitate service provision.

Conclusions:

The fee-free maternal health service was perceived to improve access to skilled care during pregnancy and birth by the women, irrespective of their socioeconomic status. However, several challenges posed as potential barriers to the sustained perceived increase in service utilisation.
The population of spotted cuscus (Spilocuscus maculatus) and its habitat carrying capacity in Numfor Island, Papua, Indonesia
Authors: SINERY ANTON SILAS , FARIDA WARTIKA ROSA , WAI JACOB MANUSA
Published: April 2016

Sinery AS, Farida WR, Manusawai J. 2016. The population of spotted cuscusÂ (Spilocuscus maculatus) and its habitat carrying capacity in Numfor Island, Papua, Indonesia. Biodiversitas 17: 315-321. The purpose of this research was to study the population of spotted cuscusÂ (Spilocuscus maculatus) and the carrying capacity of its habitat. The result showed that the cuscus population size in 105 ha research area was 17 individuals, with population density of 0.41 individuals/ha or each individual occupied 2.44 ha. Cuscus is the first consumer in a food chain system that consumes a variety of plants and plays an important role in the spread of plant seeds. Its birth rate is higher than its death rate despite its low reproduction rate. Fruit-bearing trees with diameter > 10 cm as source of food for cuscus consisted of 13 species of 10 families with a diversity index of 2.43 (categorized as moderate). TheÂ productivity of cuscus food was 0.75 kg/season/ ha which indicated the limitations of the carrying capacity of cuscusâ€™ habitat so that theÂ need of food was fulfilled from secondary forests and community gardens.
The relationship between sleep disturbance in late pregnancy and labor outcomes
Authors: Aalrazek Aida , Ayoub Gamila , Batiha Abdul-Monim , Al-Zaru Ibtisam , Alhalaiqa Fadwa , Farahat Hoda , AlBashtawy Mohammed
Published: April 2016

Background: Inadequate sleep is a common problem among women, in part as a result of a deficiency of information about its influence on health; particularly, the effect of sleep deprivation during pregnancy on labor outcomes (maternal and fetal).Objective: To study the correlations between sleep duration and labor outcomes among women in late pregnancy.Method/ Material: A prospective descriptive study was conducted at four settings in the Menoufiya Governorate of Egypt. A convenience sample technique was used. The study sample involves 200 pregnant women. Data collection extended from April 2013 to January 2014.Result: The results revealed that: a) most of the women in the studied sample (50%) suffered from sleep disturbance in late pregnancy at gestational age above 37 weeks and b) that only 24% suffered sleep disturbance between 28-32 weeks. It takes 30-60 min for majority of the women in the research sample (42.5%) to fall asleep at night; only (10%) take <5 min to fall asleep at night. No significant difference between the total hours of sleep and birth duration was found in this study.Conclusion: The study concluded that healthcare providers should advise women during pregnancy to get adequate sleep duration of at least eight hours and provide prenatal assessments include the sleep quantity and quality because they both affect the duration of labor and type of delivery.Â
Human Trichinella infection outbreaks in Slovakia, 1980-2008
Authors: Dubinský Pavol , Antolová Daniela , Reiterová Katarína
Published: April 2016

Trichinellosis, a parasitic zoonosis with world-wide distribution, causes serious health problems in humans and is also of economic importance. In Slovakia the most frequent species is
Prevalence of Giardia spp. in young dogs using a combination of two diagnostic methods
Authors: Alves João , Santos Ana
Published: April 2016

In this study, prevalence of the protozoan parasites from the genus
Molecular characterization and phylogeny of some mazocraeidean monogeneans from carangid fish
Authors: Tambireddy Neeraja , Gayatri Tripathi , Gireesh-Babu Pathakota , Pavan-Kumar Annam
Published: April 2016

Polyopisthocotylean monogenean parasites of fishes are highly host specific and have been used as an appropriate model to study the host-parasite co-evolution. In the present study, eight monogeneans of the order Mazocraeidea were characterized by nuclear 28S rDNA sequences and their phylogenetic relationship with other polyopisthocotylean species was investigated. Neighbour-joining, maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian Inference methods were used for phylogenetic reconstruction. The topology sustained by high bootstrap was: (((Hexabothriidae (Mazocraeidae (Discocotylidae (Diplozoidae (Diclidophoridae (Plectanocotylidae (Heteromicrocotylidae (Microcotylidae (Heteraxinidae), (Thoracocotylidae, Gotocotylidae (Gastrocoylidae (Allodiscocotylidae: Protomicrocotylidae))). In addition, we have also developed DNA barcodes (COI sequences) for six species and the barcodes clearly discriminated all the species. The polytomy within Protomicrocotylidae family is resolved in this study for the first time and it appears that within this family, Bilaterocotyloides species are basal compared to Neomicrocotyle and Lethacotyle species while the latter is the more derived.
Validation of the TrichinEasy® digestion system for the detection of Anisakidae larvae in fish products
Authors: Cammilleri Gaetano , Chetta Michele , Costa Antonella , Graci Stefania , Collura Rosaria , Buscemi Maria Drussilla , Cusimano Maria , Alongi Angelina , Principato Deborah , Giangrosso Giuseppe , Vella Antonio , Ferrantelli Vincenzo
Published: April 2016

and other parasites belonging to the Anisakidae family are organisms of interest for human health, because of their high zoonotic potential. Parasites belonging to this family can cause Anisakiasis, a parasitological disease caused by the ingestion of raw, infested fish products. Furthermore, evidence from the EFSA (European Food Safety Authority;
Evaluation of the in vitro activity of ceragenins against Trichomonas vaginalis
Authors: Polat Zubeyde Akin , Cetin Ali , Savage Poul B.
Published: April 2016

Trichomonosis, caused by the protozoan parasite
Prevalence and genotypes of Enterocytozoon bieneusi in sika deer in Jilin province, Northeastern China
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Xuan , Cong Wei , Liu Guo-Hua , Ni Xiao-Ting , Ma Jian-Gang , Zheng Wen-Bin , Zhao Quan , Zhu Xing-Quan
Published: April 2016

is one of the most important zoonotic pathogen that can infect almost all animals, including humans. However, little information is available regarding prevalence and genotypes of
First report of molecular identification of Cystoisospora suis in piglets with lethal diarrhea in Japan
Authors: Matsubayashi Makoto , Takayama Hideko , Kusumoto Masahiro , Murata Misato , Uchiyama Yuka , Kaji Masaya , Sasai Kazumi , Yamaguchi Ryosaku , Shibahara Tomoyuki
Published: April 2016

is a pathogen that causes diarrhea in pigs and can lead to serious disease. Species identification, especially by histopathological examination, is often difficult because of morphologically similar parasites such as
An allegory of the political influence of the top 1%
Authors: De Donder Philippe , Roemer John E.
Published: April 2016

We study how rich shareholders use their political influence to deregulate firms that they own, thus skewing the income distribution towards themselves. Individuals differ in productivity and choose how much labor to supply. High productivity individuals also own shares in the productive sector and thus earn capital income. All individuals vote over a linear tax rate on (labor and capital) income whose proceeds are redistributed lump sum. Shareholders also lobby in order to ease the price cap imposed on the private firm. We first solve analytically for the Kantian equilibrium of this lobbying game together with the majority voting equilibrium over the tax rate. We then proceed to a comparative statics analysis of the model with the help of numerical simulations. We obtain that, as the capital income distribution becomes more concentrated among the top productivity individuals, increased lobbying effort generates efficiency as well as equity costs, with lower labor supply and lower average utility levels in society.
Foot and ankle deformity in young acrobatic and artistic gymnasts
Authors: Sobera Anna , Sobera Małgorzata , Kleszyk Katarzyna
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The aim of the paper was to determine the occurrence of feet and ankle deformities in trampoline and artistic gymnasts.

Methods

Ten acrobatic gymnasts (trampolinists) and 10 artistic gymnasts aged 6-14 years were recruited. The calcaneal-tibial (rearfoot) angle was determined as the angle of the upper calcaneal tendon and the longitudinal heel axis while Clarke angles were determined by podoscopy.

Results

The trampolinists showed significantly greater medial angulation (calcaneal valgus) than the group of gymnasts. Right and left foot Clark’s angles in both the trampoline and artistic gymnasts were above 55°.

Conclusions

Trampolinists exhibit significantly more pronounced calcaneal valgus than artistic gymnasts. The prevalence of foot and ankle deformities in both populations should be addressed by coaches in the gymnastics training of young children.
Plantar pressure and foot temperature responses to acute barefoot and shod running
Authors: Quesada Jose Ignacio Priego , Kunzler Marcos R. , Rocha Emmanuel S. da , Machado Álvaro S. , Carpes Felipe P.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Increased contact pressure and skin friction may lead to higher skin temperature. Here, we hypothesized a relationship between plantar pressure and foot temperature. To elicit different conditions of stress to the foot, participants performed running trials of barefoot and shod running.

Methods

Eighteen male recreational runners ran shod and barefoot at a self-selected speed for 15 min over different days. Before and immediately after running, plantar pressure during standing (via a pressure mapping system) and skin temperature (using thermography) were recorded.

Results

No significant changes were found in plantar pressure after barefoot or shod conditions (p > 0.9). Shod running elicited higher temperatures in the forefoot (by 0.5-2.2°C or 0.1-1.2% compared with the whole foot, p < 0.01) and midfoot (by 0.9-2.4°C, p < 0.01). Barefoot running resulted in higher temperature variation in the rearfoot (0.1-10.4%, p = 0.04). Correlations between skin temperature and plantar pressure were not significant (r < 0.5 and r > -0.5, p > 0.05).

Conclusions

The increase in temperature after the shod condition was most likely the result of footwear insulation. However, variation of the temperature in the rearfoot was higher after barefoot running, possible due to a higher contact load. Changes in temperature could not predict changes in plantar pressure and vice-versa.
Effect of progressive muscle relaxation on pain threshold and effectiveness of footballers’ training
Authors: Jaworska Lilianna , Hawrylak Arletta , Burzyński Bartosz , Szczepańska-Gieracha Joanna
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Relaxing in the athlete’s training process is underutilized. Relaxation techniques, however, should be taught from the very beginning of the footballer’s training career. The main aim of this study was to present the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on pressure pain threshold levels and the effectiveness of the footballer’s training.

Methods

A sample of 32 football players participated in the therapeutic program consisting of 8 PMR sessions. Before and after applying a pressure therapy, the pain threshold in the lumbar region was measured by a dolorimeter and the Cooper test was carried out to determine the footballers’ level of endurance.

Results

PMR training did not increase significantly the pain threshold level in the experimental group (p > 0.05), but it increased significantly the distance covered in the Cooper test (p = 0.04). Analysis of the Spearman rank correlation was also carried out (p = 0.81).

Conclusions

PMR does not lower pain perception threshold. PMR therapy increases the distance measured by the Cooper test. In order to determine the role of PMR in injury prevention, further research is necessary.
Sports activity as a factor differentiating the level of somatic constitution and physical fitness of officer cadets at the Military Academy of Land Forces
Authors: Lenart Dariusz
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Sport activities comprise the main forms of physical activity, which include sport disciplines and sport events. The main aim of the work is to evaluate the differentiation of the somatic constitution, physical fitness and the respiratory abilities in officer cadets of the Military Academy of Land Forces, depending on the level of their sports activity.

Methods

The research material was gathered as a result of testing officer cadets of the Military Academy of Land Forces in 2014. The testing covered a research sample of 90 men. The mean age of the examined cadets was 22.9 years. Examinations of the students included anthropometric measurements, physical fitness tests, spirometry and a survey.

Results

The results indicate the lack of significant differences in the body build characteristics of officer cadets. Only the body mass index was different. Separated groups of students, in term of sports activity, were characterised by similar physical fitness and the different level of the efficiency of the respiratory system. The higher level of these respiratory abilities distinguished sports active officer cadets, in comparison with passive officer cadets.

Conclusions

Sports activities in leisure time did not turn out to be a factor, which significantly differentiated the somatic characteristics of officer cadets. Sports activity was not also part of lifestyle, which significantly differentiated the level of the majority of the analysed functional and respiratory abilities. Only in the case of the cardio-respiratory efficiency, forced expiratory volume in 1 second, forced vital capacity, active cadets were characterised by a significantly higher level of these physiological abilities, in comparison with less active cadets.
The role of proprioception in the sagittal setting of anticipatory postural adjustments during gait initiation
Authors: Pereira Marcelo P. , Pelicioni Paulo H. Silva , Gobbi Lilian T.B.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Previous studies have studied the role of proprioception on the setting of anticipatory postural adjustments (APA) during gait initiation. However, these studies did not investigate the role of proprioception in the sagittal APA setting. We aimed to investigate the role of proprioception manipulation to induce APA sagittal adaptations on gait initiation.

Methods

Fourteen healthy adults performed gait initiation without, and with, vibration applied before movement onset, and during movement. In addition, the effects of two different vibration frequencies (80 and 120Hz) were tested. Vibration was applied bilaterally on the tibialis anterior, rectus femoris and trapezius superior. The first step characteristics, ground reaction forces and CoP behaviour were assessed.

Results

Vibration improved gait initiation performance regardless of the moment it was applied. CoP velocity during the initial phase of APA was increased by vibration only when it was applied before movement. When vibration was applied to disturb the movement, no effects on the CoP behaviour were observed. Manipulation of vibration frequency had no effects.

Conclusions

Rather than proprioception manipulation, the results suggest that post-vibratory effects and attentional mechanisms were responsible for our results. Taken together, the results show that sagittal APA setting is robust to proprioception manipulation.
Sutureless Technique to Fix the Great Saphenous Vein along the Atrioventricular Groove Using Fibrin Glue in Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting
Authors: Ohira Suguru , Doi Kiyoshi , Yaku Hitoshi
Published: April 2016

We describe a simple method to fix the great saphenous vein graft (SVG) to the right coronary artery along the atrioventricular groove using fibrin glue in off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). After completion of the proximal anastomosis, the SVG was placed along the atrioventricular groove to the acute margin. Fibrin glue was sprayed using pressurized carbon dioxide gas. A distal anastomosis was subsequently performed after rotating the heart to expose the posterior descending artery. It is a straightforward and reproducible technique to determine the optimal length of the SVG and prevent kinking or stretching of the graft, especially in OPCAB.
Renal Artery Occlusion Due to Aortic Dissection Caused by Blunt Trauma
Authors: Parlar Hakan , Findik Orhan , Duzyol Cagri , Baris Ozgur , Kunt Atike Tekeli
Published: April 2016

In this report, our aim is to present a case of renal artery occlusion due to type-3 acute aortic dissection following blunt trauma. A twenty-four-year-old male patient was admitted to the emergency department of our hospital with pain in his abdomen and on his back 3 hours after a blunt abdominal trauma due to an industrial injury. After consultation with the urology department, the patient was taken to operation to be evaluated for an intervention for aortic dissection and nephrectomy.
Thoracic Grafts May Be an Alternative in Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm with Hostile Neck Anatomy
Authors: Gursoy Mete , Duygu Egemen , Cakir Idil , Hokenek Abdulkadir Faruk
Published: April 2016

In cases with a proximal aneurysm neck diameter of higher than 28 mm, standard endovascular aneurysm repair is considered inappropriate. In the present study, we report a successful endovascular treatment using overlapped thoracic and abdominal grafts technique in a patient whose infrarenal aneurysm neck diameter is 38.1 mm.
Association Between Age and Obesity Over Time
Authors: Kranjac Ashley Wendell , Wagmiller Robert L.
Published: April 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:

A decline in the prevalence of obesity among 2- to 5-year-olds in the United States was recently reported. This decline may be due to changes in the population composition of children over time or may be a consequence of changes in how strongly individual- or family-level factors are linked to childhood obesity. We applied regression decomposition techniques to identify the sources of the decline.

METHODS:

We used data from the 2003–2004 and 2011–2012 NHANES restricted to 2- to 5-year-old children and Blinder-Oaxaca regression decomposition techniques to partition the decline in early childhood obesity into 2 components: changes resulting from (1) how demographic, economic, and health characteristics of children have changed over this period (ie, changes in population composition) and (2) changes in how these demographic, economic, and health factors are associated with obesity (ie, changes in associations).

RESULTS:

The obesity rate was lower in 2011–2012 than it was in 2003–2004 mainly because obesity was strongly and positively associated with age in 2003–2004 (ie, older children were more likely to be obese than younger children) but not in 2011–2012 (ie, older children were not more likely to be obese than younger children).

CONCLUSIONS:

If the weaker association between age and obesity we observed for this cohort of 2- to 5-year-old children in 2011–2012 persists for subsequent cohorts of young children, the obesity rate for young children will remain at or near the lower rate seen in 2011–2012.
Effect of regulated deficit irrigation on tree growth of pear cv. Triunfo de Viena
Authors: Molina-Ochoa María Jaqueline , Vélez-Sánchez Javier E. , Rodríguez Pedro
Published: April 2016

The deficit irrigation controlled (RDI) as reducing water in phases of the crops where it is less sensitive to water stress, three different drip irrigation treatments were applied in pear tree crop of Triunfo de Viena variety. Control, irrigated throughout the year at 100% of estimated crop evapotranspiration (ETc); 67%ETc and 55%ETc treatments were irrigated at 67 and 55% of the (ETc), respectively during the period of rapid fruit growth (from December 28, 2011 until February 29, 2012) and at 100% (ETc) during the rest of the season. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was determined by the Penman-Monteith, with hourly weather data collected in a nearby meteorological station. During the test total precipitation was 53.8 mm and the water application in the control treatments was 683.0 mm. The results indicate that none of the treatments differed significantly (P≤0.05) from control in terms of yield and quality, resulting in water savings of 33 to 45% in 67%ETc and 55%ETc respectively compared to the control. The vegetative growth of shoots had a behavior defined by a sigmoid curve fitted to a four parameter logistic equation, and it was significantly reduced in the 67%ETc and 55%ETc, respect to control, at the end of the restriction.
Evaluation of the potential dietary impact of the implementation of nutritionally improved crops in rural areas of the department of Cesar (Colombia)
Authors: Tofiño Adriana , Melo Aslenis , Ruidiaz Yumar , Lissbrant Sofía
Published: April 2016

In Cesar, 30.7% of children under 5 years of age suffer from deficiencies of vitamin A, along with 13.4% for iron and 57.0% for zinc. Therefore, it is important to guarantee food security in the population through improvements in the nutritional quality of the offered food products. One alternative is the implementation of nutritionally improved crops. The production and consumption of four basic crops in the rural areas of five municipalities were characterized and compared to the implementation of the studied biofortified crops. Surveys regarding the purchase, consumption and production of cassava, bean, maize and rice were given to those responsible for food preparation and/or agricultural production in 90 families and was determined for these food ration consumed per person. In the week prior to the survey, 95.6% of the families consumed bean, 93.3% maize and 88.9% cassava and rice. The products mainly originated from purchases in the local store (bean and rice) or grown by the families (cassava). Cassava and maize were most commonly cultivated (71.1%), followed by bean (56.7%), maize (32.1%), and rice (2.2%). A 61.6% of the cultivated cassava, 23.5% of the maize, and 26.4% of the bean were destined for self-consumption, while the rest was sold or traded. Looking at the difference between the nutritional content of the biofortified products and the traditional and eating habits indicated that the substitution of the traditional varieties with the biofortified crops represented a possible intake increase of 44.59 mg/ person-day of iron, 24.05 mg/person-day of zinc, and 1.62 mg/ person-day of vitamin A. The substitution with and exclusive consumption of biofortified crops would contribute 199, 169, and 77% iron, zinc, and vitamin A based on the estimated average requirement. Due to their potential nutritional impact, the study of the adaptability and acceptability of biofortified crops is recommended.
E-moderating and E-tivities: The Implementation of a Workshop to Develop Online Teaching Skills in In-service Teachers
Authors: Pineda Hoyos Jorge Eduardo , Tamayo Cano Luis Hernando
Published: April 2016

This paper reports the experience of implementing a teacher’s professional development strategy that sought to foster e-moderator competencies among language faculty at a Colombian public university. The study aimed at finding the extent to which participants understood the concepts of e-moderation and e-tivities. We analyzed the participants’ performance in three different tasks to give account of the incorporation of the concepts. The results from the analysis of the tasks showed that participants understand online processes, they have some technical skills and they have many personal characteristics that will help them become e-moderators.
Novice Non-Native English Teachers’ Reflections on Their Teacher Education Programmes and Their First Years of Teaching
Authors: Akcan Sumru
Published: April 2016

This study investigates novice non-native English teachers’ opinions about the effectiveness of their teacher education programme and the challenges during their initial years of teaching. The results of a survey administered to fifty-five novice teachers and follow-up interviews identify strengths and weaknesses in their teacher education programme and catalogue the difficulties they faced when they star-ted to teach. The study found significant differences between the content of novice teachers’ academic courses in their teacher education programme and the conditions they experienced in classrooms. The major challenges of their first years of teaching were related to lesson delivery, managing behaviour, unmotivated students, and students with learning disabilities. The article includes suggestions to prepare teachers for the actualities of working in schools.
The Role of Collaborative Action Research in Teachers’ Professional Development
Authors: Castro Garces Angela Yicely , Martinez Granada Liliana
Published: April 2016

Teachers’ professional development is a key factor to have more reflective educators capable of working on teams to find solutions to problems that arise in their classrooms. The objective of this study is to analyze the impact that the collaborative planning, implementation, and evaluation of classroom projects, developed through collaborative action research, have in the professional development of in-service and pre-service teachers in a BA in English program. This is a qualitative research study focused on collaborative action research. Data were collected through journals, surveys, and meeting proceedings of collaborative sessions. As a result, it was possible to describe the processes and dynamics generated, as well as the changes perceived, which contributed to the professional development of the participants.
Strategies Instruction to Improve the Preparation for English Oral Exams
Authors: Abad José Vicente , Alzate Paula Andrea
Published: April 2016

This article presents the results of an inter-institutional research study that assessed the impact of strategies instruction on students’ preparation for and performance in oral exams. Two teacher-researchers at different universities trained 26 students in their respective B1-English-level courses in using language learning strategies. The study included pre- and post-intervention tests and on-line questionnaires after each oral exam. After comparing the test scores and analyzing the questionnaire responses, we arrived at two main conclusions: First, that strategies instruction, especially in combination with evaluation rubrics, promotes students’ autonomy and enhances their oral test performance. Second, that students’ use of language learning strategies is influenced by instructional variations tied to the relative importance that teachers ascribe to specific aspects of oral communication.
The Co-Construction of Participation Through Oral Mediation in the EFL Classroom
Authors: Herazo Rivera Jose David , Sagre Barboza Anamaría
Published: April 2016

Sociocultural theory argues that an individual’s mental, social, and material activity is mediated by cultural tools. One such tool is the language or discourse teachers use during whole class interaction in the second language classroom. The purpose of this study was to examine how a Colombian se-cond language teacher mediated her ninth-grade students’ participation during classroom interaction. We videotaped and transcribed five lessons and interviewed the teacher after each lesson. Findings revealed that the teacher mainly used questions, elaborations, recasts, and continuatives in patterned combinations to help learners co-construct relevant content and sustained participation. Such mediation provided learners with frequent affordances to engage in meaning-making, a necessary condition for developing a new language.
Influence of Water Absorption on The Selected Properties of Hemp Hurds Composites
Authors: Kidalova Lucia , Stevulova Nadezda , Terpakova Eva
Published: April 2016

All composites based on natural fibers absorb moisture in humid atmosphere and when immersed in water or capillary action. Therefore, one of the major drawbacks of polymer fibers is their high availability to moisture sorption and their heterogeneity, which leads to a weak interface between the fibers and matrix and a poor transfer of the applied stress between the materials, resulting to reduction of physico-mechanical properties. An experimental investigation was conducted to testing the water absorption of hemp composites with MgO-cement binder and its influence on the physico-mechanical and thermal characteristics of composites. The achieved results of composites indicate that water absorption test has deteriorative influence on observed properties due to the degradation of the fibre-matrix interface.
Mobile Flood Protection Walls
Authors: Kádár István
Published: April 2016

Flooding is a burning issue in Hungary because of its geographical conditions. The topic of this article is to describe the mobile flood protection methods, which are able to accomplish the criteria of environment and sustainability. Mobile flood wall is a new solution in flood protection which is used in populated area. The design of mobile flood walls must focus on surveying water levels, determination of loads and limitation of leaking water. The main types of loads on the structure are hydrostatic, hydrodynamic and impact loads. The DIN 1055 German standard is used to determine the loads.
Typological Investigation of Climate Systems and Design of Multifunctional Shading Structures for The Facade of The Szentágothai Research Center
Authors: Mozsonics edit , Kistelegdi István
Published: April 2016

The research is done at the simulation laboratory of the energy design research group of the University of Pécs. Aim of the research is to design a multifunctional shading structure, which is warmed up by solar radiation and then starts an evaporative cooling process. Via this evaporative process the shading structure itself and also the climate facade is cooled down. The experimental climate façade of the Szentágothai Research Center will be used for the purpose of this research. Integrating the shading structure to the climate façade further investigations and simulations will be available.
Silica coated, aminosilane functionalization, upconversion emission and cytotoxicity in cancer cell lines of the nanoparticles Y2O3 and Gd2O3 co-doped with Yb3+ and Er3+
Authors: Chávez D. , Juárez-Moreno K. , Hirata G.A.
Published: April 2016

Y2O3 and Gd2O3 upconversion nanoparticles (UCN) co-doped with Yb3+ and Er3+ can absorb and upconvert near infrared (NIR) radiation into visible light. These UCN find application in bioimaging, as an important tool to diagnose and visualize cancer cells. The UCN can be used as biolabels to identify the cells; the nanoparticles can be coated and functionalized with ligands that bind to receptors on the surface of the cell. In this project, the UCN were synthesized by sol-gel method and subsequently coated with a thin silica shell by using the Stöber method. The core-shell UCN were functionalized with amine group to enable folic acid conjugation. The functionalized core-shell nanoparticles were analyzed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and luminescence measurements. Concentrations of bare and coated/functionalized UCN between 0.001 µg/mL and 1 µg/mL were tested on two different cell lines from human cervix carcinoma (HeLa) and human colorectal adenocarcinoma (DLD-)1 with colorimetric assay based on the MTT reagent (methy-134 thiazolyltetrazolium). The results show good luminescence spectra on all core-shell UCN. The MTT assays show that some concentrations of bare UCN of Y2O3: Er, Yb (1%, 1% mol) and Gd2O3 were cytotoxic for cervical adenocarcinoma cells (HeLa). For human colorectal adenocarcinoma all UCN are non-cytotoxic. The UCN with silica-aminosilane functionalization (APTS/TEOS) were non-cytotoxic on both cell lines.
Morphological and Spectroscopic Studies of Chitin Nanowhiskers
Authors: Campos-Cornelio Violeta , Flores-Ramírez Nelly , Vasquez-García Salomón R. , Domratcheva-Lvova Lada , García-González Leandro
Published: April 2016

Chitin nanowhiskers were obtained with the purpose to be used as astaxanthin protectors against the photo and thermal degradation. These nanostructures were generated by a freezing/thawing procedure using two stirring methods: mechanical and sonication, which were named as FTM and FTS respectively. Morphological and spectroscopic studies were carried out on chitin nanowhiskers by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). Through a SEM analysis, chitin fibers were found uniformly spaced and oriented with the width ranged from of 20-40 nm. Furthermore, the nanowhiskers obtained by FTM showed long and flattened structures and bundles of homogeneous sizes, which have the capacity of being sites of stress concentration. In contrast, by FTS, the nanowhiskers showed coarse fibers exhibiting numerous peaks. By comparing the two methods is appreciated that FTS method provides more surface area, giving more sites for functionalization. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) allowed the determination of free movement of functional groups on the surface of samples obtained by FTM and FTS methods. Significant differences of signals in the spectra indicate that there were more unassociated amides in the nanowhiskers obtained by FTS than by FTM.
Carbon Nanotubes Synthesis from Four Different Organic Precursors by CVD
Authors: Granados-Martínez F. G. , Contreras-Navarrete J. J. , García-Ruiz D. L. , Gutiérrez-García C. J. , Durán-Navarro A. , Gama-Ortega E. E. , Flores-Ramírez N. , Huipe-Nava E. , García-González L. , de L. Mondragón-Sánchez M. , Domratcheva-Lvova L.
Published: April 2016

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) were synthesized by Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) from diethyl ether, butanol, hexane and ethyl acetate. A quartz tube with a stainless steel tube catalyst core with 0.019 m diameter and 0.6 m large formed the reactor. To avoid combustion, argon was used as the carrier gas. Time process ranged 30 to 60 min. The range of CNTs synthesis temperature was 680-850 °C for different precursors. Scanning Electron Microscopy micrographs have demonstrated tangled CNTs growth in all samples, thus presenting difficult length measurement. The CNTs diameters from diethyl ether are 45-200 nm, butanol diameter range from 55-230 nm, hexane diameter range is 50-130 nm and ethyl acetate range from 100 to 300 nm. Carbon content for all samples was higher than 93 %, CNTs from butanol showed carbon concentration up to 99%. FTIR, Raman and X-Ray Spectroscopies spectra for all samples demonstrated the characteristics signals present in carbon nanotubes. This research proposes a simple, effective and innovative method to synthesize CNTs by CVD on iron stainless steel catalyst in combination with diethyl ether, ethyl acetate, butanol and hexane as precursors by applying the principles of green chemistry, sustainability and its ease to be scaled.
The mediatisation of Chinese corporate communication
Authors: Han Zhengrui
Published: April 2016

The mediatisation of corporate communication transforms corporate negotiations of public companies from representative democracy to deliberative democracy, whereas the public seems to own individual access to a bountiful supply of information regarding corporate changes. However, it is unavoidable that managers become the privileged gatekeepers of media re-articulations; they orchestrate the deliberative process by selecting and construing information for public reception. Such situational complexity creates a tension in managers’ engagement with the public between the need of communicative interaction informing the public and the pursuit of strategic interaction mobilising public opinion for self-interests. Drawing on previous discursive studies of the mediatisation of corporate communication (Vaara & Tienari, 2002) and the theoretical underpinnings of critical discourse analysis (Fairclough, 1992; Wodak & Meyer, 2001), this article examines how the mixing of the two types of interactions are linguistically realised in media texts produced by Chinese managers. Particular attention is paid to the strategic use of narrative structures (Labov & Waletzky, 1997), textual simplification (Bhatia, 1983, 2008), and cultural keywords (Williams, 1976/1983).
Situation-bound utterances in Chinese
Authors: Kecskes Istvan
Published: April 2016

This article argues that, when analysing formulaic language use in Chinese, besides the three main groups, proverbs (yànyu), idioms (chéngyu), and guànyòngyu compounds, we need to distinguish and pay special attention to a fourth category: situation-bound utterances (qíngjìng zhuanyòngyu). Situation-bound utterances (SBUs) constitute a unique group within idiomatic expressions because their use is tied to particular situations. SBUs fulfil social needs in conversation. People know that if they use these prefabricated expressions they are safe: nobody will misunderstand them because these phrases usually mean the same to most speakers in a speech community. The article aims to introduce SBUs as a separate category among Chinese formulaic expressions, discuss its relationship to yànyu, chéngyu, and guànyòngyu compounds, explain why it is important to handle it as a separate lexical category, and highlight the unique nature and use of SBUs. However, it is not the goal of the article to give a full and detailed description of the new category, which will need further research.
Isolation of microorganisms of cheese whey with lipolytic activity for removal of COD
Authors: Hermes Eliane , Rocha Dayane C. da , Orssatto Fábio , Lucas Juliana F.R. , Gomes Simone D. , Sene Luciane
Published: April 2016

The aim of this study was to isolate microorganisms that produce lipase and to assess the efficiency of COD removal intreatment of cheese whey under different operating conditions. The microorganisms were isolated from cheese whey and a commercial product; it was selectedthreemicroorganisms that obtained the best response to the lipolytic activity test through the enzyme index. Then, the microorganisms were inoculated in sterilized cheese whey samples, for two pH values (6.2 and 7.0), incubated at 35 °C and 150 rpm in shaker and the lipolityc activity and the efficiency of COD removal were measured in two time periods (24 and 48h). After incubation, it was observed that the treatments showed a good removal efficiency of COD for the pre-treatment and the isolated microorganism (S1) from the cheese whey showed the highest lipase production. Regarding the pH and time variables, there was not significant effect between the two evaluated factors. Among all treatments, T2 (S1, pH 7.0 and 24h) obtained more enzyme production (4.87 U mL-1).