bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Total Antioxidant Capacity of Thai Herbal Teas by the Ferric Reducing Antioxidant Power
Authors: Surachai Techaoei , Khemjira Jarmkom , Warachate Khobjai
Published: January 2019

The main objective aimed to compare in vitro antioxidant power of different recipes of Thai herbal teas including of Tatirot, Krajeab, Kamfoi, and Kesorn Bua. The ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) assay was used to measure the total antioxidant power of freshly brewed tea. Results showed that different Thai tea recipes had slightly different in vitro antioxidant power. The herbal teas recipe was expressed as µM of antioxidant power/g of dried Thai tea recipes. Values ranges as 555.62±0.77-908.43±0.69 µM/1g of Thai herbal tea, especially Krajeab tea showed strongly antioxidant of 908.43±0.69 µM/1g of tea when compared with other samples. Therefore, it has confirmed that the antioxidant power of Thai herbal tea recipes is considerably intermediate activity than vitamin C
Total Phenolic Content and Free Radical Scavenging Activity of Nelumbo nucifera Gaertn.
Authors: Jarmkom Khemjira , Wisidsri Nakuntwalai , Eakwaropas Pattaranut , Khobjai Warachate
Published: January 2019

All parts of N. nucifera are used as oriental medicine for various medicinal purposes. The aimed of this study was to determine phenolic compound and antioxidant activity of different parts of three lotus (N. nucifera including of Roseum Plenum (RP), Album Plenum (AP), and Hindu Lotus (HL)). Total phenolic content using Folin-Ciocalteu reagent method and free radical scavenging activities using DPPH assay were determined. Three deferent parts of lotus (leaves, stem, and flower) were determined. The result indicated that Roseum Plenum leaf showed the highest total phenolic contents and Roseum Plenum flower showed the highest antioxidant activities. Total phenolic content of different part of different of N. nucifera showed a significant difference (p < 0.05). It also was not uniform when compare between different of N. Nucifera. The results found that the total phenolic content was the opposite of antioxidant activity. This result may be attributed to antioxidant activity may not be from phenolic content. Therefore, it is important to research and develop the potential of lotus extraction in the future.
Porosity and Micro-Hardness of Shrouded Plasma Sprayed Titanium Coatings
Authors: Zhou Hong
Published: January 2019

Titanium and its alloys are often used as key materials for corrosion protection. A promising approach to optimize both mechanical properties and corrosion resistance is the use of coating technologies. In this paper, shrouded plasma spray was used as a useful technology to produce low oxide containing titanium coatings. A solid shroud was used to plasma spray titanium coatings to reduce the oxide content. The titanium coatings were assessed by optical microscope, scanning electron microscopy and Vickers microhardness testing. The results showed that the shrouded titanium coatings exhibited an enhanced microstructure. The presence of the shroud and shroud gas flow led to a significant reduction in coating porosity because the reduction in air entrainment with the shroud resulted in better heating of the particles. The shrouded titanium coatings had a lower value of Vickers microhardness and a relative lower standard deviation than the air plasma sprayed titanium coatings.
Fluorescent Penetrant Testing by Means of Excilamps
Authors: Kalinichenko Aleksey , Sosnin Eduard , Avdeev Sergey , Kalinichenko Nikolay , Lobanova Irina
Published: January 2019

The paper provides a brief review of modern sources of ultraviolet (UV) radiation used in fluorescent penetrant testing (FT). The differences in implementation of the method with different radiation sources (excilamps, mercury UV lamp and LED UV lamp) are revealed experimentally. It is shown that the XeCl excilamp is not inferior to other sources of UV radiation used in FT.
Technology of Gold-Containing Technogenic Raw Materials Processing Using the Electric Explosion Method
Authors: Galtseva Olga , Bordunov Sergey , Zhiganov Alexandr , Plotnikova Inna , Li Jian Min
Published: January 2019

The paper shows fundamental possibility of processing of gold-bearing technogenic raw materials using the method of electric explosion. A series of experiments using a laboratory and pilot-production high-voltage pulsed discharge (HVPD) installation for the processes of enrichment of gold-bearing mineral raw materials of Komsomolsk mine tailings in Kemerovo region is conducted with a relatively low energy electrical discharge in the pulse of up to 112.5 Joules and the cost of electric power of about 1.5 kW/ton of raw material, that allows complete destruction of clay components agglomerations to less than 0.045 mm (micron and submicron sizes). Solid minerals such as quartz are simultaneously destroyed by defects in the grains and withdrawn from the installation with water, thus increasing gold degree of the concentrate. The results of particle-size and X-ray structural analyses of gold-bearing mineral raw materials of Komsomolsk mine tailings in Kemerovo region obtained by the method of electric explosion are discussed.
Analysis of the Use of Reflectors and Reflective Surfaces for Increasing the Light Efficiency of LEDs Based on AlGaInP Heterostructures
Authors: Gradoboev Alexander , Orlova Ksenia , Simonova Anastasiya V.
Published: January 2019

The most common technological solution for increasing the light efficiency of the LEDs based upon AlGaInP heterostructures are discussed in the paper. The creation of LEDs with the inclusion of quantum wells and quantum dots in the active region, removing the original base and placing the LED on a new substrate, the replacement of the absorbent substrate by the reflective, using light-reflective surfaces such as Bragg reflectors or a mirror base (substrate), the list of new based materials for the LEDs based upon AlGaInP heterostructures as same as sapphire, glass, gallium phosphide, silicon and silicon carbide are presented. Therefore, new advanced methods of emission power are emerging.
Borrowing Costs and The Role of Multilateral Development Banks
Authors: Gurara Daniel , Presbitero Andrea , Sarmiento Miguel
Published: January 2019

Cross-border bank lending is a growing source of external finance in developing countries and could play a key role for infrastructure financing. This paper looks at the role of multilateral development banks (MDBs) on the terms of syndicated loan deals, focusing on loan pricing. The results show that MDBs' participation is associated with higher borrowing costs and longer maturities---signaling a greater willingness to finance high risk projects which may not be financed by the private sector---but it is also associated with lower spreads for riskier borrowers. Overall, our findings suggest that MDBs could crowd in private investment in developing countries through risk mitigation.
Assessment of fatigue in patients with a permanent cardiac pacemaker: prevalence and associated factors
Authors: Polikandrioti Maria , Tzirogiannis Konstantinos , Zyga Sofia , Gerogianni Georgia , Stefanidou Spyridoula , Tsami Athanasia , Panoutsopoulos Georgios
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Fatigue is a debilitating symptom of subjective nature which lacks effective therapy. The aim of the study was to assess levels of fatigue and the associated factors among patients with permanent cardiac pacemaker (PCM).

Material and methods

This was a cross-sectional study carried out in Athens. The study sample consisted of 250 patients with a PCM.

Results

Data indicated moderate to low levels of fatigue. Furthermore, women (median: 24, p = 0.001), those with primary school education (median: 21, p = 0.001), those who were “a little-not at all” informed about PCM (median: 31, p = 0.001), those who had someone to help them in daily activities (median: 23, p = 0.001), those who did not believe that PCM solved their cardiac problem (median: 36, p = 0.001), and those who did not believe that their quality of life was improved (median: 35, p = 0.001) had high levels of fatigue. Moreover, high levels of fatigue were felt by those who characterized themselves as anxious and those who reported to be very anxious about their heart rate and the proper function of PCM (medians: 21.5, 25 and 25 respectively). Additionally, more fatigue was felt by participants who did not smoke after implantation and did not exercise at all (medians: 20 and 24 respectively). Finally, older patients felt more fatigue (rho = 0.248) while the later the implantation device was inserted the more fatigue the patients felt (rho = 0.274).

Conclusions

The present results will help clinicians to acquire an in-depth knowledge of factors associated with fatigue after implantation.
WHOQOL-BREF survey of quality of life among dialyzed end-stage renal disease patients
Authors: Sułkowski Leszek , Matyja Maciej , Pasternak Artur , Matyja Andrzej
Published: January 2019

Introduction

Hemodialysis (HD) improves health and prolongs the life of end-stage renal disease patients, but simultaneously leads to emotional disturbances and impairs the quality of life (QOL). The study was conducted to evaluate the QOL of HD patients. The study was approved by the Regional Bioethical Committee (K.B.Cz.-0014/2017).

Material and methods

The World Health Organization Questionnaire of QOL (WHOQOL-BREF) was used in this study with the formal agreement of the WHO. The associations between each patient-related and dialysis-related factor and WHOQOL-BREF domains and questions were computed. The variables were compared by the Student t-test.

Results

Data were collected in August 2017 in a single access center. Sixty-nine patients, including 23 (33.3%) women, were evaluated. The factors lowering the scores for particular questions and domains of WHOQOL-BREF were senility, marriage, wrist and arm AVF, not-tunneled CVCs (vs. tunneled), and unwillingness to have a kidney graft. The factors that increased scores for particular questions and domains of WHOQOL-BREF were short dialysis, tunneled CVCs (vs. not-tunneled), and higher URR. The relations between domains and questions of WHOQOL-BREF and sex, education, months on dialysis, kidney graft in the past, fulfillment of medical recommendations, Kt/V and UF were not significant.

Conclusions

Although a kidney graft is the best kidney replacement therapy, there is a large group of patients who do not want to receive this treatment. This group should be given special attention. The medical professionals in HD units should remember that patients may not feel comfortable with their disease and satisfied with their body image affected by therapy.
Beyond descriptions: selected aspects of science and practice in clinical psychology and personality psychopathology
Authors: Soroko Emilia , Górska Dominika
Published: January 2019

EDITORIAL
Beyond Descriptions: Selected Aspects of Science and Practice in Clinical Psychology EDITORIAL
Beyond Descriptions: Selected Aspects of Science and Practice in Clinical Psychology EDITORIAL
Beyond Descriptions: Selected Aspects of Science and Practice in Clinical Psychology EDITORIAL
Beyond Descriptions: Selected Aspects of Science and Practice in Clinical Psychology EDITORIAL
Beyond Descriptions: Selected Aspects of Science and Practice in Clinical Psychology EDITORIAL
Beyond Descriptions: Selected Aspects of Science and Practice in Clinical Psychology EDITORIAL
Beyond Descriptions: Selected Aspects of Science and Practice in Clinical Psychology EDITORIAL
Beyond Descriptions: Selected Aspects of Science and Practice in Clinical Psychology EDITORIAL
Beyond Descriptions: Selected Aspects of Science and Practice in Clinical Psychology EDITORIAL
Beyond Descriptions: Selected Aspects of Science and Practice in Clinical Psychology
A unifying theoretical framework for clinical psychology
Authors: Leedom Liane
Published: January 2019

Clinical psychology lacks a theoretical framework through which to interpret and apply research findings. This comment explains the theoretical framework of ethology, a discipline that is extinct in the United States. Ethologists, Lorenze and Tinbergen developed behavioral systems theory as a means to place the proximal causes of behaviors within the context of adaptive goals. This comment asserts there are four adaptive goals that motivate human social behavior: attachment/affiliation, caregiving, dominance and sex. Tinbergen developed the 4 questions of ethology as a complete explanation for behavior. The articles in this volume are discussed in terms of behavioral systems theory and the 4 questions of ethology.
Compliance within a Regulatory Framework in Implementing Public Road Construction Projects
Authors: Mwelu Noah , Davis Peter R , Ke Yongjian , Watundu Susan
Published: January 2019

The construction industry faces a lack of compliance with policy that in Uganda public road construction projects affects the attainment of Government goals and disrupts infrastructure project delivery. For decades, public entities have been known for a lack of compliance that manifest in: poor performance, poor personnel management, poor resource utilization and unprofessionalism. In Uganda, this has resulted in several restructures aimed at improving service delivery. Despite this, compliance remains an issue. The purpose of this study is to establish factors affecting compliance within a public procurement regulatory framework in public road construction projects and foster economic development. A cross-sectional research design including a structured self-administered questionnaire survey and PLS-SEM data analysis by SmartPLS3 was conducted. The research reveals that three factors positively affect compliance with a regulatory framework that govern public road construction projects; sanctions on staff, inefficiency of the public procurement regulatory framework and contractors’ resistance to non-compliance. While a further three factors have little positive effect on compliance; familiarity, monitoring activities and professionalism. Hence, the research contributes to construction management by showing that sanctions, perceived inefficiency and contractors’ resistance significantly enhance compliance within a public procurement regulatory framework.
Diel variation in mercury stable isotope ratios records photoreduction of PM2.5-bound mercury
Authors: Huang Qiang , Chen Jiubin , Huang Weilin , Reinfelder John R. , Fu Pingqing , Yuan Shengliu , Wang Zhongwei , Yuan Wei , Cai Hongming , Ren Hong , Sun Yele , He Li
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Mercury (Hg) bound to fine aerosols (PM2.5-Hg) may undergo photochemical
reaction that causes isotopic fractionation and obscures the initial isotopic
signatures. In this study, we quantified Hg isotopic compositions for 56
PM2.5 samples collected between 15 September and 16 October 2015 from
Beijing, China, among which 26 were collected during daytime (between 08:00
and 18:30 LT) and 30 during night (between 19:00
and 07:30 LT). The results show that diel variation was statistically
significant (p < 0.05) for Hg content, Δ199Hg and
Δ200Hg, with Hg content during daytime (0.32±0.14 µg g−1) lower than at night (0.48±0.24 µg g−1) and Δ199Hg and Δ200Hg
values during daytime (mean of 0.26 ‰±0.40 ‰ and
0.09 ‰±0.06 ‰, respectively) higher than during
nighttime (0.04 ‰±0.22 ‰ and 0.06 ‰±0.05 ‰, respectively), whereas PM2.5 concentrations and
δ202Hg values showed insignificant (p > 0.05)
diel variation. Geochemical characteristics of the samples and the air mass
backward trajectories (PM2.5 source related) suggest that diel variation
in Δ199Hg values resulted primarily from the photochemical
reduction of divalent PM2.5-Hg, rather than variations in emission
sources. The importance of photoreduction is supported by the strong
correlations between Δ199Hg and (i) Δ201Hg
(positive, slope = 1.1), (ii) δ202Hg (positive,
slope = 1.15), (iii) content of Hg in PM2.5 (negative),
(iv) sunshine durations (positive) and (v) ozone concentration (positive)
observed for consecutive day–night paired samples. Our results provide
isotopic evidence that local, daily photochemical reduction of divalent Hg is
of critical importance to the fate of PM2.5-Hg in urban atmospheres and
that, in addition to variation in sources, photochemical reduction appears to
be an important process that affects both the particle mass-specific
abundance and isotopic composition of PM2.5-Hg.
A global scale evaluation of extreme events in the eartH2Observe project
Authors: Marthews Toby R. , Blyth Eleanor M. , Martínez-de la Torre Alberto , Veldkamp Ted I. E.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Knowledge of how uncertainty propagates through a hydrological land surface modelling sequence is of crucial importance in the identification and characterisation of system weaknesses in the prediction of droughts and floods at global scale. We evaluated the performance of five state-of-the-art global hydrological and land surface models in the context of modelling extreme conditions (drought and flood). Uncertainty was apportioned between model used (model skill) and also the satellite-based precipitation products used to drive the simulations (forcing data variability) for extreme values of precipitation, surface runoff and evaporation. We found in general that model simulations acted to augment uncertainty rather than reduce it. In percentage terms, the increase in uncertainty was most often less than the magnitude of the input data uncertainty, but of comparable magnitude in many environments. Uncertainty in predictions of evapotranspiration lows (drought) in dry environments was especially high, indicating that these circumstances are a weak point in current modelling system approaches. We also found that high data and model uncertainty points for both ET lows and runoff lows were disproportionately concentrated in the equatorial and southern tropics. Our results are important for highlighting the relative robustness of satellite products in the context of land surface simulations and identifying areas where improvements may be made in the consistency of simulation models.
Unexplained hydrogen isotope offsets complicate the identification
and quantification of tree water sources in a riparian forest
Authors: Barbeta Adrià , Jones Sam P. , Clavé Laura , Wingate Lisa , Gimeno Teresa E. , Fréjaville Bastien , Wohl Steve , Ogée Jérôme
Published: January 2019

Abstract. We investigated plant water sources of an emblematic refugial population of Fagus sylvatica (L.) in the Ciron river gorges in South-Western France using stable water isotopes. It is generally assumed that no isotopic fractionation occurs during root water uptake, so that the isotopic composition of xylem water effectively reflects that of source water. However, this assumption has been called into question by recent studies that found that, at least at some dates during the growing season, plant water did not reflect any mixture of the potential water sources. In this context, highly resolved datasets covering a range of environmental conditions could shed light on possible plant-soil fractionation processes responsible for this phenomenon. In this study, the hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O) isotope compositions of all potential tree water sources and xylem water were measured fortnightly over an entire growing season. Using a Bayesian isotope mixing model (MixSIAR), we then quantified the relative contribution of water sources for F. sylvatica and Quercus robur (L.) trees. Based on δ18O data alone, both species used a mix of top and deep soil water over the season, with Q. robur using soil water relatively deeper than F. sylvatica. The contribution of stream water appeared to be marginal despite the proximity of the trees to the stream, as already reported for other riparian forests. Xylem water δ18O could always be interpreted as a mixture of deep and shallow soil waters, but the δ2H of xylem water was often more depleted than the considered water sources. We argue that an isotopic fractionation in the unsaturated zone and/or within the plant tissues could underlie this unexpected relatively depleted δ2H of xylem water, as already observed in halophytic and xerophytic species. By means of a sensitivity analysis, we found that the estimation of plant water sources using mixing models was largely affected by this δ2H depletion. A better understanding of what causes this isotopic separation between xylem and source water is urgently needed.
Study on the combined threshold for gully-type debris flow early warning
Authors: Huang Jian , van Asch Theodoor Wouterus Johannes , Wang Changming , Li Qiao
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Gully-type debris flow induced by high-intensity and short-duration rainfall
frequently causes great loss of properties and causalities in mountainous
regions of southwest China. In order to reduce the risk by geohazards, early
warning systems have been provided. A triggering index can be detected in an
early stage by the monitoring of rainfall and the changes in physical
properties of the deposited materials along debris flow channels. Based on the
method of critical pore pressure for slope stability analysis, this study
presents critical pore pressure threshold in combination with rainfall
factors for gully-type debris flow early warning. The Wenjia gully, which
contains an enormous amount of loose material, was selected as a case study
to reveal the relationship between the rainfall and pore pressure by field
monitoring data. A three-level early warning system (zero, attention, and
warning) is adopted and the corresponding judgement conditions are defined in
real time. Based on this threshold, there are several rainfall events in
recent years have been validated in Wenjia gully, which prove that such a
combined threshold may be a reliable approach for the early warning of
gully-type debris flow to safeguard the population in the mountainous areas.
What's streamflow got to do with it? A probabilistic simulation of
the competing oceanographic and fluvial processes driving extreme
along-river water levels
Authors: Serafin Katherine A. , Ruggiero Peter , Parker Kai A. , Hill David F.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. Extreme water levels driving flooding in estuarine and coastal environments are often compound events, generated by many individual processes like waves, storm surge, streamflow, and tides. Despite this, extreme water levels are typically modeled in isolated open coast or estuarine environments, potentially mischaracterizing the true risk to flooding facing coastal communities. We explore the variability of extreme water levels near the tribal community of La Push, within the Quileute Indian Reservation on the Washington state coast where a river signal is apparent in tide gauge measurements during high discharge events. To estimate the influence of multivariate forcing on high water levels, we first develop a methodology for statistically simulating discharge and river-influenced water levels in the tide gauge. Next, we merge probabilistic simulations of joint still water level and discharge occurrences with a hydraulic model that simulates along-river water levels. This methodology produces water levels from thousands of combinations of events not necessarily captured in the observational record. We show that the 100-yr ocean or 100-yr streamflow event does not always produce the 100-yr along-river water level. Along specific sections of river, both still water level and streamflow are necessary for producing the 100-yr water level. Understanding the relative forcing of extreme water levels along an ocean-to-river gradient will better prepare communities within inlets and estuaries for the compounding impacts of various environmental forcing, especially when a combination of extreme or non-extreme forcing can result in an extreme event with significant impacts.
Version 2 of the EUMETSAT OSI SAF and ESA CCI sea-ice concentration climate data records
Authors: Lavergne Thomas , Sørensen Atle Macdonald , Kern Stefan , Tonboe Rasmus , Notz Dirk , Aaboe Signe , Bell Louisa , Dybkjær Gorm , Eastwood Steinar , Gabarro Carolina , Heygster Georg , Killie Mari Anne , Brandt Kreiner Matilde , Lavelle John , Saldo Roberto , Sandven Stein , Pedersen Leif Toudal
Published: January 2019

Abstract. We introduce the OSI-450, the SICCI-25km and the SICCI-50km climate data
records of gridded global sea-ice concentration. These three records are
derived from passive microwave satellite data and offer three distinct
advantages compared to existing records: first, all three records provide
quantitative information on uncertainty and possibly applied filtering at
every grid point and every time step. Second, they are based on dynamic tie
points, which capture the time evolution of surface characteristics of the
ice cover and accommodate potential calibration differences between satellite
missions. Third, they are produced in the context of sustained services
offering committed extension, documentation, traceability, and user support.
The three records differ in the underlying satellite data (SMMR & SSM/I
& SSMIS or AMSR-E & AMSR2), in the imaging frequency channels (37 GHz
and either 6 or 19 GHz), in their horizontal resolution (25 or 50 km), and
in the time period they cover. We introduce the underlying algorithms and
provide an evaluation. We find that all three records compare well with
independent estimates of sea-ice concentration both in regions with very high
sea-ice concentration and in regions with very low sea-ice concentration. We
hence trust that these records will prove helpful for a better understanding
of the evolution of the Earth's sea-ice cover.
Importancia de la educación cooperativa. Una experiencia cubana
Authors: García Pedraza Lienny , García Ruiz Jaime Gabriel , Figueras Matos Dagoberto
Published: January 2019

Este trabajo trata sobre la importancia de la educación cooperativa en asociados y actores vinculados al sector cooperativo. Se pretende resaltar que es necesaria la educación sobre los valores y principios del cooperativismo, al igual que el desarrollo económico de la cooperativa. Se exponen los resultados de un proceso de educación a cooperativistas y actores relacionados al sector cooperativo en un municipio cubano. Los resultados se relacionan a la propuesta educativa desarrollada. Las acciones se desplegaron en dos niveles: a nivel de actores locales y al interior de las cooperativas. En el último caso a cooperativistas del sector no agropecuario, de reciente formación en Cuba. En el proceso se sensibilizan a los actores locales y a los cooperativitas sobre la importancia de ver al cooperativismo como movimiento cuya ideología tiene como base sus valores y principios. Tales resultados fueron parte de las acciones del proyecto “Promoción del desarrollo económico local y territorial desde los Gobiernos Municipales e instituciones locales en la actualización del modelo económico cubano”, desplegado de 2012 a 2015 y financiado por Ayuda Popular Noruega.
Causes and Costs of Financial Inclusion in India
Authors: Goel Sweta , Goel Amit
Published: January 2019

Causes and Costs of Financial Inclusion in India
Self Assessments of the Prospective Teachers about the Teaching Materials They Have Designed
Authors: Duman Burcu
Published: January 2019

The purpose of the study is to reveal the self-evaluations of the prospective teachers on two-and three-dimensionalvisual teaching materials they have designed in the field of the pedagogical formation education. A qualitativeresearch method was used in the study. The study group was chosen from the prospective teachers who were enrolledin the pedagogical formation education at a state university in Turkey. A questionnaire consisting of three open-endedquestions was used. In this questionnaire, the prospective teachers were asked questions about the strengths andweaknesses of the instructional materials they designed and what kind of arrangements they would make if theydesigned the material again. The data were analyzed descriptively. The views of the prospective teachers on thestrengths of the instructional materials they design are collected under seven themes: the characteristics of us, theeffect on learning the relation with the subject, the preparation and construction process, the gains to the learners, thepresentation of the information and conformity. The opinions of the prospective teachers about the weaknesses of theteaching materials have been collected under five themes. In general, it is seen that the arrangements to be made inthe case of redesign are expressed in terms of the weaknesses.
Isolation and Characterization of Plant Growth Promoting Bacteria Isolated from Andean Soil as Potential Inoculants of Soybean Seeds
Authors: Belfiore Carolina , Santos Ana P. , Contreras Manuel , Farias Maria E.
Published: January 2019

Argentina is the leading exporter of soybean oil and flour, and the third largest producer of grain. Since, the crop is a matter of great importance to the national economy. Their production depends on the soil as their main resource to ensure a good productive capacity, so it is necessary to preserve the physical, chemical and biological properties of the soil. Although, the indiscriminate use of chemical fertilizers, disturb them. In recent years, there has been a trend towards cleaner production to reduce the use of chemical. One of the alternatives involves biological means through the use of plant growth promoting bacteria. These group of bacteria colonize the rhizosphere of plants and stimulate the plant growth by several mechanisms.

The objective of this work was to characterize, identify and evaluate the growth promoting effect of 13 strains isolated from the Andean vegetation rhizosphere. The bacterial isolates were Enterobacteria, Stenotrophomonas, Pseudomonas, Nocardiodes, Bacillus, Exiguobacterium, Acinetobacter and Lactococcus genera. The results of the biochemical characterization determined that from the 13 bacterial strains, which produce siderophores, 11 possess the catalase enzyme, 10 fixate nitrogen, 12 produce the protease enzyme, 12 solubilize phosphorus, and 11 produce indoleacetic acid.

The application of different inoculums to the seeds, allowed to obtain plants with longer stem length, more developed roots, larger and more intense coloration leaves than the control plants. The results encourage deeper studies to achieve the formulation of inoculums to use as a biofertilizer, which would replace chemical fertilizers or reduce their doses.
Fruit Yield and Antioxidant Activity of Pepper Genotypes Subjected to Nitrogen Doses
Authors: Morais Michele de , Martins Paloma E. B. , Serafim Milson E. , Zeviani Walmes M. , Araujo Kelly L. , Gillio Thiago A. S. , Campos Renê A. S. , Neves Leonarda G.
Published: January 2019

The present study evaluates the fruit yield and antioxidant activity of pepper genotypes as a function of nitrogen doses. The experiment was conducted in a greenhouse with seven pepper genotypes: two C. annuum (116 and 163), two C. chinense (39 and 118), two C. frutescens (17 and 113), and one C. praetermissum (141), and 11 nitrogen doses (0, 1, 2, 4, 8, 16, 32, 64, 128, 256 and 512 N mg dm-3). Productive parameters were evaluated, and antioxidant compounds were determined by spectrophotometric methods. Genotypes 116 and 163 showed a higher fruit fresh mass, and genotype 141 produced the highest number of fruits per plant. Genotypes 141 and 163 were the earliest. The highest antioxidant activity was obtained in the extracts of fruits of genotype 113. Nitrogen fertilization did not affect the antioxidant content of fruits. The pepper genotypes of the present study have comparable bioactive compound contents and antioxidant activity. Therefore, they are promising genotypes for the vegetable production sector, with potential for industrial and pharmacological use.
Ultra-diluted Solutions of Nux vomica in the Remediation of Metals in Soils and Bioavailability for Soybeans
Authors: Gonçalves Jr. Affonso C. , Schwantes Daniel , Schiller Andreia P. , Manfrin Jéssica , Zimmermann Juliano , Junior Elio Conradi , Santos Marcelo G. , Campagnolo Marcelo A. , Stangarlin José R. , Vasconcelos Edmar S.
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study was to evaluate the homeopathic medicine Nux vomica in the remediation of soils contaminated with cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) and the bioavailability of these metals in soybean plants. To this end the soil was contaminated prior to sowing, using CdCl2H2O and PbCl2 salts in three rates, based on the resolution of the research values of resolution No. 420 of CONAMA, resulting in 0.0, 3.0 and 9.0 mg kg-1 for Cd and 89.0, 180.0 and 540.0 mg kg-1 for Pb. The homeopathic remedy Nux vomica was used in dynamizations 12, 24, 48, 96, 200 and 400 CH (Centesimal Hanhemannian), being the witness with distilled water. Medicines were applied to the soil seven days before sowing and after sowing, every 14 days applied in the plant until complete the cycle. During cultivation were evaluated development, gas exchange, nutrient composition, component production and bioavailability of metals in the plant. The results demonstrate that Nux vomica medicine interfered in height and stem diameter and CO2 assimilation, stomatal conductance and transpiration of soybean plants, but did not affect the bioavailability of metals to plants.
Profile of Essential Oils From the Leaves of Annona Grafted
Authors: Campos Felipe G. , Vieira Maria A. R. , Baron Daniel , Marques Marcia O. M. , Ferreira Gisela , Boaro Carmen S. F.
Published: January 2019

Mechanical damage, during grafting, results in the formation of reactive oxygen species, which are neutralized by the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant systems which may influence the essential oil composition of grafts and rootstocks because of the formation of oxygenated terpenes, substances with higher reactivity against pathogens. Various studies have demonstrated the biological activity of Annonaceae and the important pharmacological potential of the substances produced by the genus Annona. Thus, we studied the essential oils of leaves collected from the graft (Annona × atemoya) and lateral budding from the rootstock (Annona emarginata), in the same individual, in order to characterize chemical profile. The extraction was carried out by hydrodistillation and separation, quantification and identification of the substances were performed by gas chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer. Chemical profiles of essential oils were evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA). Annona × atemoya and Annona emarginata presented chemical profiles of essential oil with specific substances. Some substances are common in oils of both species. Germacrene D is predominant in Annona × atemoya and α and β-selinene, β-elemene and spathulenol occurred in Annona emarginata. Our results suggest that the profile of such essential oil may be another indicator for the success of the combination of these two species.
Pipette Method: Errors Resulting From Aliquot Collection Depth in Soil Clay Quantification
Authors: Mota Jaedson Cláudio Anunciato , Feitosa Carlos Eduardo Linhares , Oliveira Lucas de Sousa , Pinheiro José Israel , Sousa Alfredo Mendonça de , Alencar Thiago Leite de , Lobato Márcio Godofrêdo Rocha , Queiroz Alexandre dos Santos , Nascimento Ícaro Vasconcelos do
Published: January 2019

Granulometry represents the relative proportions of the fractions that compose the soil, being an important agronomic tool to infer mean values of density, water availability and cation exchange capacity, besides being useful in soil classification. Among the methods employed to determine the fractions composing the soil, those which consider the separation by sedimentation for the clay fraction still have problems in the analytical protocol, which are directly responsible of errors in the results obtained. Given the above, this study aimed to evaluate the best pipette immersion depth to collect the aliquot containing only clay, to calculate and discuss the errors associated with collection of the aliquot containing clay fraction in soil granulometric analysis. Samples for granulometric analysis were collected in the superficial layer and top of the B horizon of an Argissolo Amarelo, corresponding to the textural classes sandy loam and sandy clay. Regardless of soil textural class, the depth h = 5 cm established in the calculation using the Stokes’s equation leads to overestimation and underestimation of clay and silt fractions in the soil. The collection should be performed with the pipette tip positioned at h/2 = 2.5 cm.
Assessment of Vulnerability of Natural Grasslands That Are Used as Pastures: Russia’s Example
Authors: Aidarov I. P. , Zavalin A. A. , Nikolskii Yu. N. , Landeros-Sanchez C. , Pchyolkin V. V. , Montero-Aguirre S.
Published: January 2019

Natural grasslands that are used as pastures have great importance for animal husbandry. Unfortunately, because of various reasons, the productivity of natural pastures can decline with time. The methodology to predict possible long-term change of the basic properties of natural pastures depending on the pasture load is considered in the present paper. The simulation models and the results of their application for the conditions of use of natural pastures in the steppe zone of Russia are presented. The models take into account the following aspects: biodiversity of plant species in the grassland, capacity of ecological niche, vegetation productivity of grassland, climatic conditions, soil fertility, pasture load, surface slope, intensity of water and wind soil erosion, projective surface coverage, and ecological sustainability of the grassland. The analysis resulted from the proposed models in the examples of practical application showed that the described methodology could be used to develop the necessary measures for sustainable and intensive use of natural grasslands.
Gene Expressions Analysis of Seed Physiological Quality in Soybean Cultivars
Authors: Baldoni Alexana , Pinho Edila Vilella de Resende Von , Santos Heloisa Oliveira dos , Marques Thais Lima , Pereira Rucyan Walace
Published: January 2019

Soybean seed production with high physiological quality is important for ensuring populations of recommended plants for each cultivar. It is also known that there is genetic variability for this characteristic among the soybean cultivars. The objective was to study the genes expressionof protein and gene transcript involved in the physiological quality of soybean seeds. The seeds of CD 206 and CD 201 cultivars were classified as high quality while Savana and Emgopa 316 cultivars were classified as low quality by germination and vigor tests. Physiological, enzymatic and transcripts analysis were held in seeds of each cultivar during two harvest seasons, R8 and R8 + 15 days; at protein level the alcohol dehydrogenase isoenzyme systems (ADH), phosphoglucoisomerase (PGI), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and isocitrate lyase (ICL). The PCR technique in real time (qRT-PCR) was used for transcritome studies for quantitative gene expression analysis. The method used was the comparative Ct considering the relative expression levels in relation to cultivar of high quality CD 201. It is concluded that there is higher enzymes expression involved in respiration, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), malate dehydrogenase (MDH) and phosphoglucoisomerase (PGI), in seeds with high physiological quality, especially when harvesting is delayed. The proteomic and transcriptomic profiles related to the genes involved in free radicals removing systems in soybeans varies among cultivars and the season of seed harvest.
Leaf Area Estimation in Chamomile
Authors: Silva Jocélia Rosa da , Heldwein Arno Bernardo , Puhl Andressa Janaína , Amarante Adriana Almeida do , Salvadé Daniella Moreira , Santos Cadmo João Onofre Gregory dos , Leonardi Mateus
Published: January 2019

The knowledge of the variables specific leaf area and leaf area index is important for direct or indirect quantification of plant growth, development and yield. However, there is a lack of these information due to the difficulty in measuring the leaf area of chamomile. Measuring leaf area by direct methods, such as the use of leaf area integrator is a very laborious and time consuming activity because the plant has many leaves and with small size. The use of leaf dry matter is a promising variable for the leaf area estimation. As an important measure to evaluate plant growth, the present study aimed to obtain a model for chamomile leaf area estimation through leaf dry matter. The experiment was conducted in two sowing dates (March 18 and June 30, 2017) at different plant densities (66, 33, 22, 16, 13, 11 and 8 plants m-2). The leaves of chamomile plants were collected in the plant vegetative and reproductive phases. The leaf area determination was performed using the electronic integration method of leaf area. The specific leaf area was 133 cm2 g-1, with no differences between sowing dates, plant densities and phenological phases of plant collection. The leaf area measured with the electronic leaf area integrator exhibited high correlation with chamomile leaf dry matter and the resulting model of leaf area data by the integrator presented optimum performance. This model is indicated for leaf area determination of chamomile when there is availability of leaf dry matter data.
Seed Storage Indicates the High Stability of Babaçu Oil (Attalea vitrivir Zona)
Authors: Salvador Higor Fernando , Rocha Sirleane Martins , Arrudas Sônia Ribeiro , Ribeiro Leonardo Monteiro , Ferraz Vany Perpetua , Valério Henrique Maia , Melo Geraldo Aclécio , Fidêncio Paulo Henrique , Pimenta Marcio Antonio Silva
Published: January 2019

Because the babaçu palm (Attalea vitrivir) has been considered for incorporation into programs of biofuel production, in this work we evaluated the influence of the geographic origins and storage conditions of babaçu palm seeds on the quantity and quality of their extracted oils. Seeds harvested from three different areas were stored for 12 months under natural environmental conditions (mean temperature 25 ºC), under refrigeration (4 ºC), or in a freezer (-20 °C). We determined their water and oil contents, acidity and peroxide levels, refractive indices, and their fatty acid profiles. The original water content of the seeds was 4.9%, becoming reduced by half during storage. Oil represented 53% of the seed weight, with lauric acid predominating throughout storage. The seed oil demonstrated high oxidative stability, with low levels of acidity and peroxide formation, independent of seed origin or storage conditions. The high quality of Attalea vitrivir oil and its stability confirm its potential for agroindustrial use.
Grain Yield in Indirect Selection for Multiple Characters in Upland Rice
Authors: Tomé Laís M. , Botelho Flávia B. S. , Castro Douglas G. , Silva Tácio P. da , Silva Camila Soares Cardoso da , Moura Amanda Mendes de
Published: January 2019

The aim of the present study was to compare the selection performed by the sum of standardized variables index (Z Index) with the selection based only on the grain yield character, to verify if the grain yield alone is a good alternative for the selection involving multiple characters. The experiments were conducted in Lavras-MG and in Lambari-MG, during the 2015/2016 agricultural year. The used design was the randomized complete block design with 3 replications. Thirty-six genotypes of the preliminary trial of upland rice breeding program of the Federal University of Lavras were evaluated. In order to compose the Z index, the following characteristics were evaluated: grain yield, height, number of days for flowering, 1000-grain weight, income, yield, leaf blast incidence, and grain length/width ratio. Z index was efficient in the selection for multiple characters whereas not all lines with the highest grain yield obtained good results in the other desirable characteristics, indicating that the selection based only on grain yield is not efficient when working with several characters of interest in upland rice cultivation.
The utility of low-dose hydro-CT using SAFIRE for the diagnosis of gastric cancer
Authors: Międzybrodzki Krzysztof , Celmer Milena , Patyk Mateusz , Silicki Jurand , Mazur Rafał , Zaleska-Dorobisz Urszula
Published: January 2019

Objective: The aim of this retrospective study was to evaluate the application of hydro-CT using sinogram-affirmed iterative reconstruction (SAFIRE) in the diagnosis of gastric cancer.
Material/Methods: Low-dose hydro-CT was performed on 30 patients with suspicion of gastric cancer in gastroscopy. The raw data were reconstructed with SAFIRE. Images were retrospectively analyzed by two experienced radiologists in tandem who were blinded to the gastroscopy results. The results of the gastric biopsy were treated as a standard of reference. We compared the diagnostic accuracy of hydro-CT and endoscopy for the diagnosis of gastric cancer using the chi-square test with Yates’ correction. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.
Results: The diagnosis of gastric cancer was confirmed in a histopathological examination in 25 (83.3%) patients, while in the remaining 5 cases (16.7%) benign gastric ulceration or gastritis was diagnosed. In 23 cases (92%) a correct diagnosis of gastric cancer was made in hydro-CT. The accuracy of endoscopy was at the level of 83.3%. There was no significant difference in the correctness of the diagnosis of gastric cancer in endoscopy and hydro-CT (p>0.05). For the diagnosis of gastric cancer with hydro-CT, sensitivity of 100%, specificity of 80%, a positive predictive value of 95.8%, and a negative predictive value of 100% were calculated.
Conclusions: Low-dose hydro-CT using SAFIRE may be considered as a valuable diagnostic method for the diagnosis of gastric cancer, especially for patients who have contraindications to endoscopy or gastric biopsy.
Comparison of Radiographic Outcomes of Surgical Treatment in Patients with Distal Radial Fractures
Authors: Florek Jakub , Kotela Ireneusz , Georgiew Filip , Zieńczuk Witold , Rzeszutek Tomasz
Published: January 2019

Background. Unstable and comminuted distal radial fractures require surgical treatment by percutaneous insertion of Kirschner wires, open reduction, and fixation with a non-locking or locking plate or with an external device. Choosing a surgical method that produces “better” outcomes may help select the most efficient treatment method.
Material and methods. The study group included 100 patients after surgical treatment by closed reduction and simple fixation with Kirschner wires and by open reduction and LCP locking plate fixation. Radiographic assessment was based on images obtained before the surgery, immediately after fracture reduction, and at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months after the procedure.
Results. A comparison of the volar tilt angle in patients after fixation with Kirschner wires and LCP plates did not show any statistically significant differences before the surgery or at 6 weeks. A difference in the outcomes was found at 6 and 12 months and it turned out to be highly statistically significant. A comparison of the inclination angle and radial height in patients after Kirschner wire and LCP plate fixation showed statistically significant differences at 6 weeks, 6 months, and 12 months. A comparison of the radiographic outcomes using the Sarmiento classification in patients after Kirschner wire and LCP plate fixation revealed statistically significant differences at all follow-up time points.
Conclusions. The radiographic parameters were superior in patients treated by open reduction and LCP plate fixation. The difference was seen with regard to all the parameters studied.