bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A case of hypothalamic hypopituitarism accompanied by recurrent severe hypoglycemia
Authors: Takai Maiko , Kaneto Hideaki , Kamei Shinji , Mune Tomoatsu , Kaku Kohei
Published: April 2015

Introduction

Hypothalamic hypopituitarism is relatively rare cause of secondary adrenal deficiency which is often accompanied by severe hypoglycemia. Hydrocortisone replacement therapy is essential for this condition, but gastrointestinal symptom such as nausea and vomiting is not well-recognized adverse effect of hydrocortisone.

Case description

A 64-year-old-woman was referred to our hospital because of frequent severe hypoglycemia. She was diagnosed as type 2 diabetes when she was 58 years old but had not been treated since she was 60. We ruled out the possibility of exogenous administration of insulin or other anti-diabetic drugs, insulinoma and insulin autoimmune syndrome. After glucose injection, she once became conscious, but severe hypoglycemia was often observed even after that. In addition, counter-regulatory hormone levels were not increased even at the time of hypoglycemia. We conducted several hormone load tests. In corticotropin-releasing hormone (CRH) load test, excess and delayed reaction of ACTH was observed. In thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH) load test, TSH and prolactin were normally secreted in response to TRH. In luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LHRH) load test, delayed reaction of LH and FSH was observed. Based on such hormone loading tests, we diagnosed this patient as idiopathic hypothalamic hypopituitarism and consequent adrenal deficiency. We immediately intravenously injected hydrocortisone and started oral hydrocortisone therapy. However, just after taking hydrocortisone, vomiting was often observed which disturbed sufficient steroid hormone replacement, leading to recurrent hypoglycemia. Therefore, we stopped hydrocortisone and instead started an alternative treatment with prednisolone. After that, vomiting and hypoglycemia were not observed at all.

Discussion and Evaluation

We diagnosed this subject as hypothalamic hypopituitarism mainly by the following two findings: (1) excess and delayed reaction of ACTH in CRH load test, (2) delayed reaction of LH and FSH in LHRH load test.

Conclusions

We should be aware of the possibility of hypothalamic hypopituitarism as a cause of recurrent severe hypoglycemia. Also, we should be aware that hydrocortisone could induce gastrointestinal symptom and that in such a case we should stop hydrocortisone and start prednisolone to sufficiently replace steroid hormone and avoid recurrent hypoglycemia.
Longitudinal determinants of mental health treatment-seeking by
US soldiers
Authors: Adler Amy B. , Britt Thomas W. , Riviere Lyndon A. , Kim Paul Y. , Thomas Jeffrey L.
Published: April 2015

Background

Studies with members of the armed forces have found a gap between reports
of mental health symptoms and treatment-seeking.

Aims

To assess the impact of attitudes on treatment-seeking behaviours in
soldiers returning from a combat deployment.

Method

A sample of 529 US soldiers were surveyed 4 months (time 1) and 12 months
(time 2) post-deployment. Mental health symptoms and treatment-seeking
attitudes were assessed at time 1; reported mental healthcare visits were
assessed at time 2.

Results

Factor analysis of the total time 1 sample revealed four attitude
factors: professional concerns, practical barriers, preference for
self-management and positive attitudes about treatment. For the subset of
160 soldiers reporting a mental health problem at time 1, and controlling
for mental health symptom severity, self-management inversely predicted
treatment-seeking; positive attitudes were positively related.

Conclusions

Results demonstrate the importance of broadening the conceptualisation of
barriers and facilitators of mental healthcare beyond stigma. Techniques
and delivery models emphasising self-care may help increase soldiers'
interest in using mental health services.
Lectotypification and identity of Xylosma fasciculiflora (Salicaceae)
Authors: Liao Shuai , He Li , Shang Ce , Zhang Zhi-Xiang
Published: April 2015

The valid publication, type and identity of Xylosma fasciculiflora (Salicaceae) are reviewed. “Xylosma fascicuflorum” (the specific epithet should have been spelled fasciculiflora) was effectively but not validly published by Lai in 1994, the author citing two gatherings, Bing–Yun Qiu 50405 and Ming–Gang Li 697 from ZNFC (now CSFI) and IBG (now IBK), as types contrary to Art. 40.2 of the Code. However, based on information from the publication and herbarium sheets, Lai intended to cite Bing–Yun Qiu 53405, “50405” being a typographical error. Specimens of Bing–Yun Qiu 50405 examined at KUN were identified as Liparis sp. (Orchidaceae). Xylosma fasciculiflora was validly published by Jin in 1999, with Qiu's single gathering cited as type but with the collection number again incorrectly cited as “50405”; the institution code was also miscited as ZJFC (not ZNFC as originally cited by Lai). The intended holotype, Bing–Yun Qiu 53405 at CSFI could not be found and has been determined to be lost. Therefore, the isotype at IBK is designated here as the lectotype. The lectotype and isolectotypes do not represent Xylosma, but rather Myrsine semiserrata (Myrsinaceae). Therefore, Xylosma fasciculiflora is treated as a synonym of Myrsine semiserrata.
CONSTITUVE MODELLING FOR CREEP OF DRAWN COPPER WIRE
Authors: Boumerzoug Zakaria , Gareh Salim
Published: April 2015

The high-temperature creep behaviour of drawn copper wire was studied by different constant stresses 98,108 and 118 MPa and under the temperatures of 250, 290 and 340°C. This study deals with the creep based prediction modelling of an industrial copper wire. The proposed unified creep damage constitutive equations were determined using experimental data achieved for materials at applied stress. The comparison of experimental and predicted effective creep strain curves is carried out for all applied stresses applied on the drawn copper wire. The evaluated stress exponent n = 9.21, 10 and 14 and the activation energy Q = 22.25, 31.75 and 50.75 indicated that the creep deformation of the drawn copper wire is controlled by the dislocation creep. The evaluated of the mean relative error from 5.18 % to 10.11 confirmed the creep strain predicted by the proposed model well agree with experimental data.
AN UPPER BOUND ANALYSIS OF T-SHAPED EQUAL CHANNEL ANGULAR PRESSING
Authors: Wei Kunxia , Liu Ping , Ma Zhijun , Wei Wei , Alexandrov Igor V. , Hu Jing
Published: April 2015

T-shaped equal channel angular pressing (T-shaped ECAP) is a novel process of severe plastic deformation (SPD). The maximum effective strain per pass in the T-shaped ECAP is larger than that in the ECAP. Deformation models of the T-shaped ECAP have been proposed by a designed grids deformation experiment considering the deformation dead zone (DDZ) formation or without it. Based on the deformation models, an upper bound approach has been used to analyse the T-shaped ECAP process. The effects of the plastic deformation zone (PDZ) angles and the friction factor on the relative pressing pressure and the DDZ are analysed. It is found that the relative pressing pressure increases with an increase of the angle and the friction factor m, however, the DDZ decreases. The upper bound solution for the T-shaped ECAP with the DDZ is more close to the experimental load than that without the DDZ. The results show that there is a good agreement between the theoretical value and the measured maximum load required for the T-shaped ECAP conducting.
EFFECT OF HEAT TREATMENT ON MICROSTRUCTURE AND MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF EXTRUDED SiC/6061 COMPOSITE
Authors: Glogovsky Miroslav , Fujda Martin , Vojtko Marek , Zubko Pavol , Skrobian Milan
Published: April 2015

The effect of heat treatment on microstructure and mechanical properties of extruded SiC/6061 aluminium alloy matrix composite was investigated. The heat treatment (annealing at 540 °C for 1.5 hours, water quenching and artificial aging at 170 °C for 7 hours) caused dissolution of Mg2Si particles and decomposition of small SiC particles. The 0.2 % yield strength and the ultimate tensile strength of extruded composite were increased by application of heat treatment due to precipitation of β´´ phase particles. On the other hand, the ductility of composite was decreased. The fracture surface of as-extruded composite was consisted of numerous dimples. It was a result of micro voids nucleation at interface between matrix and SiC particles and second-phase particles. The fracture of heat treated composite was similar, micro voids were nucleated mainly on SiC particles, which were cracked during tensile test.
INFLUENCE OF HEAT TREATMENT ON PROPERTIES OF EN AW 6082 ALUMINIUM ALLOY
Authors: Lackova Petra , Bursak Marián , Milkovic Ondrej , Vojtko Marek , Dragosek Lukas
Published: April 2015

The main aim of this work is to point out on possibility of properties improving of the aluminium alloy EN AW 6082 (AlSi1MgMn) with an appropriate combination of pre-ECAP solution annealing, the application of the severe plastic deformation by ECAP technology (equal channel angular pressing) and post-ECAP artificial aging. The effect of the severe plastic deformation and artificial aging on the alloy structure was evaluated by metallographic analysis, and alloy mechanical properties by uniaxial tensile test at room temperature, the Vickers hardness and by tribology test of resistance to abrasive wear. As a result of strain hardening by severe plastic deformation it reaches the improvement in hardness (by 56%), strength characteristics (yield strength by 92%, tensile strength by 29%) and abrasion wear resistance is 28 %.
Consumer Search Activities and the Value of Ad Positions in Sponsored Search Advertising
Authors: Chan Tat Y. , Park Young-Hoon
Published: April 2015

Consumer search activities can be endogenously determined by the ad positions in sponsored search advertising. We model how advertisers compete for ad positions in sponsored listings and, conditional on the list of sponsored ads, how online consumers search for information and make purchase decisions. On the consumer side, assuming that users browse information from top to bottom and adopt a sequential search strategy, we develop a two-stage model of consumer search (whether to click and whether to stop the search) that extends the standard sequential search framework in economics literature. On the advertiser side, it is very difficult to fully specify the optimal strategies of advertisers because the equilibrium outcome depends on variables that researchers do not observe. As we have an incomplete model of advertiser competition, we propose using the necessary condition that, at equilibrium, no advertiser will find another available ad position more valuable than the one it has chosen. Using a data set obtained from a search engine, we find that consumers can be classified into two segments that exhibit distinct search behaviors. For advertisers, the value of search advertising comes primarily from terminal clicks, which represent the last link (including organic results) clicked by an online user. We also demonstrate that the value of ad positions depends not only on the identities and positions of the advertisers in sponsored listings but also the composition of online consumers who exhibit distinct search behaviors.
Bed bathing: how good cleaning turns into great care
Authors: Peate Ian , Lane Janet
Published: April 2015

There are a number of matters that can have an impact on a person's ability to maintain their own personal hygiene. Some people—for example, those who are confined to bed—can become dependent on the healthcare assistant and assistant practitioner (HCA and AP) to carry out their hygiene needs. This aspect of care—the provision of personal hygiene—is seen as an essential aspect of care.

This article will focus on the role of the HCA and AP when performing a bed bath for a hospitalised patient; the principles of care are outlined, with a key emphasis on maintaining patient dignity and respect.
Assistant practitioners: an essential support in a climate of austerity
Authors: Matthews David
Published: April 2015

In the UK, the past decade has witnessed the growth of the assistant practitioner (AP), a higher-level support worker role situated at band 4 of the NHS career framework, just below registered nurse. Various factors are given for the role's development, but little analysis is provided as to the economic reasons for its implementation.

With reference to the period since the economic crisis of 2007-08, this article proposes that the AP's implementation and function are influenced by the needs of the economy. With the UK Coalition Government refusing to increase public expenditure as it is thought detrimental to economic growth, emphasising instead the need to reduce public debt, an expansion of registered nurses is unlikely, despite growing service user demand. As a result, the AP has become an important economic development in an attempt to maintain standards of nursing care in the present economic climate.
Improving offender health care
Authors: Norman Ann
Published: April 2015

Offender health care has seen significant change in the past decade. From transfer of commissioning responsibility moving to the NHS, a steadily increasing prison population and a more general awareness of the health needs of people in prison from mental health, substance misuse, learning disabilities and primary care provision; these changes have increased interest and debate among politicians, the public, the media and healthcare providers.
Counting the cost of heart failure to the patient, the nurse and the NHS
Authors: Tansey Phil
Published: April 2015

Heart failure (HF) is a complex, incurable condition with a number of causes. Symptoms may vary depending on the stage of HF, as well as the origin. HF is a costly condition to the NHS with readmission rates among the highest for any condition in the UK. However, many of these readmissions are preventable. Educating the patient and his/her family has been shown to reduce readmission rates, which could ease the financial burden on the NHS. This article reviews the literature surrounding current HF issues, and aims to explore the current guidelines of managing HF and examine the role of the nurse. Readers will be given an overview of the causes and symptoms, along with medication management and the clinical skills required. Psychological conditioning plays an important role in the patients’ physical wellbeing. A clear understanding of knowing how HF should be managed can improve a patient's outlook and enable him/her to take control of his/her condition.
Myeloma: making sense of a complex blood cancer
Authors: Kelly Mary , Meenaghan Teresa , Dowling Maura
Published: April 2015

Myeloma is a challenging blood cancer characterized by bone destruction, hypercalcaemia, renal insufficiency and anaemia. Although myeloma remains incurable, recent advancements in treatments have resulted in significant improvements in morbidity. The use of immunomodulatory drugs—thalidomide, lenalidomide, pomalidomide (in clinical trials)—and the proteasome inhibitor, bortezomib, in conjunction with conventional chemotherapy and supportive therapies, have resulted in a significant shift in approaches to treatment and an improvement in patients’ quality of life. Nurses must remain up-to-date with current treatments for myeloma and their related side-effects. In addition, nurses play a key role in the coordination of a multidisciplinary approach to care for myeloma patients.
What constitutes a ‘good death’?
Authors: Castledine George
Published: April 2015

There have recently been some high profile end-of-life cases that have caused dilemmas for many consumers and providers of health care. More patients are now expressing concerns and anxieties about how they can cope with the problems of living with a condition or disease that has left them with no prospects of a cure, and with nothing but an intolerable outcome of suffering and death. More recently, health professionals have shown their sensitivity to this patient dilemma by forming a pressure group which supports people who feel that there should be more consideration given to ‘death with dignity’. Consideration of how best to help people who find themselves in this situation is growing throughout the world and with the pressures on to reduce costs of health care, there is a danger that such costs may be the catalyst for unnecessarily increasing acts of euthanasia.
Wound healing: recognising what's normal
Authors: Aldridge Paul
Published: April 2015

Traumatic wounds are among the most common of presentations in small animal practice. Wounds all heal by passing through phases which have been extensively described in the literature. Recognition and understanding of the underlying mechanisms of these phases are essential to an appreciation of the input necessary from the clinician to optimise outcome. Wound management should aim to facilitate and modulate the processes that occur naturally; the clinician should be aiming to provide the ideal environment for these processes to occur, and be prepared to intervene and manage the wound where obvious impediments exist.
The power of pollen: seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis
Authors: Holmes Steve , Scullion Jane
Published: April 2015

Seasonal rhinoconjunctivitis affects around 20% of the population, explain Steve Holmes and Jane Scullion
Keeping well on cruises
Authors: Brewer Catherine
Published: April 2015

Travellers need to know that ships are prone to outbreaks of infectious disease, explains Catherine Brewer
Research roundup: April 2015
Authors: Greener Mark
Published: April 2015

In brief

▪ The risks of using paracetamol may be greater than ‘currently perceived in the clinical community’ ▪ Varenicline increased cessation rates among smokers who reduced cigarette consumption before attempting to quit ▪ Insulin degludec, recently approved for children and adolescents, provides equivalent glycaemic control to insulin detemir, with a greater reduction in plasma glucose and a lower risk of hyperglycaemia with ketosis ▪ A new study offers the ‘first general population-based evidence’ that gout may protect against Alzheimer's disease, offering new insights into pathogenesis and, possibly, treatment
Assessment and prescribing decisions in allergic rhinitis
Authors: Scullion Jane , Holmes Steve
Published: April 2015

Allergic rhinitis is a common problem that affects around 20% of the UK population and is caused by the sensitization of the mucous membranes to allergens. This causes sneezing, itching, discharge and blockage of the nasal passages. It often co-exists with asthma and if it is not treated, it can cause poor asthma control. After a diagnosis is made, management may entail lifestyle changes and medication, which should be personalized to the patient. The choice of medication will vary according to the severity of the symptoms, the need for rapid relief and contraindications in pregnancy or breastfeeding. This article looks at diagnosis and management, and how health professionals can make a positive difference to the lives of people with allergic rhinitis.
Chronic Toxoplasma gondii in Nurr1-Null Heterozygous Mice Exacerbates Elevated Open Field Activity
Authors: Eells Jeffrey B. , Varela-Stokes Andrea , Guo-Ross Shirley X. , Kummari Evangel , Smith Holly M. , Cox Arin D. , Lindsay David S.
Published: April 2015

Latent infection withToxoplasma gondiiis common in humans (approximately 30% of the global population) and is a significant risk factor for schizophrenia. Since prevalence ofT.gondiiinfection is far greater than prevalence of schizophrenia (0.5-1%), genetic risk factors are likely also necessary to contribute to schizophrenia. To test this concept in an animal model, Nurr1-null heterozygous (+/-) mice and wild-type (+/+) mice were evaluate using an emergence test, activity in an open field and with a novel object, response to bobcat urine and prepulse inhibition of the acoustic startle response (PPI) prior to and 6 weeks after infection withT.gondii. In the emergence test,T.gondiiinfection significantly decreased the amount of time spent in the cylinder.Toxoplasma gondiiinfection significantly elevated open field activity in both +/+ and +/- mice but this increase was significantly exacerbated in +/- mice.T.gondiiinfection reduced PPI in male +/- mice but this was not statistically significant. Aversion to bobcat urine was abolished byT.gondiiinfection in +/+ mice. In female +/- mice, aversion to bobcat urine remained afterT.gondiiinfection while the male +/- mice showed no aversion to bobcat urine. Antibody titers of infected mice were a critical variable associated with changes in open field activity, such that an inverted U shaped relationship existed between antibody titers and the percent change in open field activity with a significant increase in activity at low and medium antibody titers but no effect at high antibody titers. These data demonstrate that the Nurr1 +/- genotype predisposes mice toT.gondii-induced alterations in behaviors that involve dopamine neurotransmission and are associated with symptoms of schizophrenia. We propose that these alterations in murine behavior were due to further exacerbation of the altered dopamine neurotransmission in Nurr1 +/- mice.
Lack of association between KCNJ11 (rs5219) and ABCC8 (rs757110) polymorphisms and sulphonylurea treatment response in type 2 diabetes patients in Novosibirsk region
Authors: Bondar Irina Arkad'evna , Filipenko Maksim Leonidovich , Shabel'nikova Olesya Yur'evna , Sokolova Ekaterina Alexeevna
Published: April 2015

Aim. Sulfonylureas (SU) are widely used in everyday clinical practice in treatment of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). There is a considerable variability in SU effects, which may be caused by psychological, social, biological and genetic factors. The aim of the study was to investigate the association between rs5219 KCNJ11 gene and rs757110 ABCC8 gene polymorphism and long-term response to SU-drugs of second and third generation in the Novosibirsk region. Materials and Methods. 326 patients with type 2 diabetes in the Novosibirsk region were examined. Patients were divided into 2 groups, depending on HbA1c level. The first group included patients with target HbA1c levels on SU monotherapy. The second group included patients who did not reach target HbA1c levels on the highest dose of SU. Genotyping of KCNJ11 (rs5219) and ABCC8 (rs757110) was performed by TaqMan real-time PCR (ICBFM SB RAS, Novosibirsk, Russia). Results. Patients with type 2 diabetes with a good response to SU-therapy compared to the group of patients with a poor response to SU-therapy were older (65.8?9.1 years vs. 61.6?7.9 years, p
Insulin/weight ratio may serve as a predictor of success during insulin pump therapy in type 2 diabetes patients: a proof-of-concept study
Authors: Levit Shmuel , Filippov Yury Ivanovich , Cohen Ohad , Weichman Maria , Azuri Joseph , Manisteski Yossi , Levit Vyacheslav Moiseevich
Published: April 2015

Aims. To evaluate long-term efficacy of CSII for treating type 2 diabetes patients. To make an attempt to predict which patient would be more likely to reduce HbA1c levels (success) on CSII. Methods. 18 Type 2 diabetes patients who began insulin pump therapy in our institute were included. All patients were previously treated by insulin with a mean duration of 54.9?51.4 months. Results. Mean duration of follow-up with CSII was 42.2?27.0 months. No significant changes were seen in HbA1c in total cohort (p=0.064), but fasting plasma glucose was reduced from 10,5?2,9 to 7,6?1,9 mmol/l, p=0.007. No weight gain and no severe hypoglycemia were noted. All patients were divided to three groups according to their HbA1c levels: those whose treatment was successful (A), failed (B) or neutral (C), (5, 8, 5 patients respectively). A difference was found in insulin/weight (IWR) ratio within the group A: 0.81?0.29 U/kg before vs. 0.41 ?0.12 U/kg on CSII, p=0.043. There was a difference in IWR on CSII in group A compared to group B (0.41 ?0.12 U/kg vs. 0.93?0.6 U/kg respectively, p=0.011). We also noted a trend of weight reduction in the group A vs. weight gain in the group B. Conclusions. CSII is a viable tool in insulin ? requiring type 2 diabetes persons, since the insulin dosing and release it provides are much more physiological. CSII is safe and effective for improving glycemic control, but not in all diabetes patients. We suggest IWR reduction may serve as an early predictor of success on CSII. This work may serve as a "proof-of-concept" study, demonstrating once again the fundamental role of strict weight control in type 2 diabetes. More studies are needed to explore and confirm our experience.
Cystatin C and collagen type IV in diagnostics of chronic kidney disease in type 2 diabetic patients
Authors: Klimontov Vadim Valer'evich , Eremenko Nadezhda Valentinovna , Myakina Natalya Evgen'evna , Fazullina Olga Nikolaevna
Published: April 2015

Aim. To compare kidney disease markers: glomerular filtration rate (GFR), calculated upon creatinine and cystatin C, urinary cystatin C, collagen type IV and albumin in type 2 diabetic patients with normal and moderately reduced renal function. Materials and methods. 56 patients, aged 43?70 years, and 16 healthy controls, aged 40-72 years, were included in the study. GFR was calculated by equations based on creatinine (CKD-EPIcreat), cystatin C (CKD-EPIcys) or both markers (CKD-EPIcreat-cys). Serum and urinary cystatin C was measured by immunoturbidimetric method, urinary albumin, albumin excretion rate (AER) and collagen type IV excretion was determined by ELISA. The body composition was investigated in 24 patients by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results. In diabetic patients serum cystatin C level correlated positively with age (r=0.37), GFR calculated by CKD-EPIcreat (r=-0.43) and fat mass percentage (r=0.55). There was a positive correlation between GFR calculated by the CKD-EPIcys and GFR by CKD-EPIcreat (r=0.48). In multiple regression analysis the percentage of body fat influenced the GFR calculated by CKD-EPIcys or CKD-EPIcreat-cys. No correlation between urinary cystatin C and serum cystatin C level, GFR and AER was found. Collagen type IV excretion was increased in patients with decreased GFR, compared to those with normal GFR (p=0.002). Urinary collagen type IV correlated with both GFR and AER (r=-0.28 and r=0.47). Conclusion. The measurement of serum cystatin C with calculation of GFR by CKD-EPIcys and CKD-EPIcreat-cys, in addition to the CKD-EPIcreat, increases the accuracy of CKD diagnostics in type 2 diabetic patients. However, obesity and particularly body fat mass affect the results of estimation of GFR based on cystatin C. The increase in urinary collagen type IV, but not in cystatin C excretion, is related to GFR decline and AER elevation in these patients.
Genetic variation for seed yield and some of agro-morphological traits in faba bean (Vicia faba L.) genotypes
Authors: SHARIFI Peyman
Published: April 2015

An investigation was carried out to select the most successful faba bean genotype(s) and to estimate the heritability for seed yield and some of agro-morphological traits. The results of analysis of variance indicated that the studied genotypes differed significantly for all of the traits. For 100-seed weight, two north's of Iran landraces (G1 and G2) and two improved breeding cultivars containing France (G4) and Barrakat (G10) possessed the heaviest seed weight, 161.33, 139, 119.67 and 166 g, respectively. G1 and G10 presented the highest values for dry seed weight (473.98 and 495.44 g m-2, respectively). G1 and G10 showed significantly higher magnitude values of the other traits. Broad sense heritability (h2) estimates were generally high to moderate for all of the studied traits. The highest estimates of broad sense heritability was inscribed as 98 % for pod length, dry seed length and dry seed width and 0.95 for hundred seed weight. The estimated broad-sense heritability was 0.80 for dry seed yield per m2. These results suggested that the environmental factors had a small effect on the inheritance of traits with high heritability. High estimates of heritability indicated that selection based on mean would be successful in improving of these traits. High heritability indicate an additive gene action for the traits, and hence, possible trait improvement through selection. Path coefficient analysis indicated that the traits containing day to harvesting, pod length, hundred seed weight and number of stems per plant play major role in seed yield determination of faba bean. Attention should be paid to these characters for augmentation of seed yield and these traits could be used as selection criteria in faba bean breeding programs. These findings indicate that selection for each or full of the above traits would be accompanied by high yielding ability under such conditions.
Identification of the most stable genotypes in multi-environment trials by using nonparametric methods
Authors: SABAGHNIA Naser
Published: April 2015

Genotype performances in multi-environment trials are usually analyzed by different univariate and multivariate parametric models for assessing yield stability and genotype × environment (GE) interaction investigation. One of the alternative strategies can be nonparametric statistics approach which is particularly useful in situations where parametric statistics fail. For an estimation of yield stability of genotypes in various environments two new nonparametric stability statistics (NSi(1)and NSi(2)) have been used which are based upon the ranks of the genotypes in each environment. These statistics use median as a nonparametric central tendency, and two nonparametric index of statistical dispersion as interquartile range and inter-decile range. The NSi(1) and NSi(2) nonparametric stability statistics which presented here is similar to the nature and concept of environmental coefficient of variation. Results indicated that the most stable genotype based on the lowest values of these two nonparametric statistics, had the highest mean yield among studied genotypes. Plotting of mean yield versus NSi(1) and NSi(2) verified the above results and indicated that the highest mean yielding genotype is identified as the most stable genotype. These nonparametric statistics would be useful for simultaneous selection for mean yield and stability. They can be very helpful in selection for yield stability and determination of favorable genotypes in plant breeding programs.
Measures to inhibit the growth of apple tree top with the `gala´ variety
Authors: BEBER Matjaž
Published: April 2015

In Fruit Research Center Maribor different methods of less vigorous growth of apple tree top with the variety `Gala´ were conducted during the period from 2010 to 2013: applying a coating of the central leader at a height of 2.2 m with 2 % solution of growth regulator NAA (Luxan Late – Val) and plant resin, the use of the growth retardant Regalis (2 times), of replacing the the top of the tree with the highest appropriate bent branch, removal of new shoots 28 days after flowering (tearing) and the June cut after the completion of the primary growth. Increment of annual shoots and harvest in the top (over 2.2 m) was followed. Most commonly used practices, the June cut and tearing of young shoots resulted in the strongest growth in the top. The vigour of the top of the tree was the best reduced by the use of plant growth regulators (Regalis and NAA top coating) and replacing the top of the tree. The highest yield of the top of the tree was achieved by using Regalis, meanwhile tearing of the young shoots gave the lowest yield. The replacing the top of the tree is suitable measure for organic production, because it successfully reduces the vigour of the tree top without the use of growth regulators.
Study of N-doped TiO2 thin films for
photoelectrochemical hydrogen
generation from water
Authors: Kollbek Kamila , Sikora Marcin , Kapusta Czeslaw , Trenczek-Zajac Anita , Radecka Marta , Zakrzewska Katarzyna
Published: April 2015

The present work deals with nitrogen-doped
stoichiometric TiO2:N and non-stoichiometric TiO2−x:N thin
films deposited by means of dc-pulsed reactive sputtering
for application as photoanodes for hydrogen generation
from water, using solar energy. Stoichiometric thin films
of TiO2 crystallize as a mixture of anatase and rutile while
rutile phase predominates in TiO2:N at higher nitrogen flow
rates as shown by X-ray diffraction at grazing incidence,
XRD GID. Lack of bulk nitridation of stoichiometric
TiO2:N is indicated by valence-to-core X-ray emission
spectroscopy, XES, analysis. The energy band gap as
well as flat band potential remain almost unaffected by
increasing nitrogen flow rate in this case. In contrast to
that, non-stoichiometric thin films of TiO2‑x:N demonstrate
systematic evolution of the structural, morphological,
optical and photolectrochemical properties upon
increasing level of nitrogen doping. Pronounced changes
in the growth pattern of non-stoichiometric TiO2-x:N upon
varied nitrogen flow rate, demonstrated by scanning
electron microscopy, SEM, can be easily correlated with
the crystallographic properties studied by XRD GID.
Relative positions of Kβ’’ XES lines of the TiO2-x:N thin
films, which depend strongly on the nature of the ligands
and their local coordination, change with the increasing
nitrogen flow. Doping of nonstoichiometric titanium
dioxide with nitrogen shifts the absorption spectrum
towards the visible range and increases considerably the
flat band potential which is beneficial for water photolysis.
OPTIMAL PID CONTROLLER DESIGN USING ADAPTIVE VURPSO ALGORITHM
Authors: Zirkohi Majid Moradi
Published: April 2015

The purpose of this paper is to improve theVelocity Update Relaxation Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm (VURPSO). The improved algorithm is called Adaptive VURPSO (AVURPSO) algorithm. Then, an optimal design of a Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controller is obtained using the AVURPSO algorithm. An adaptive momentum factor is used to regulate a trade-off between the global and the local exploration abilities in the proposed algorithm. This operation helps the system to reach the optimal solution quickly and saves the computation time. Comparisons on the optimal PID controller design confirm the superiority of AVURPSO algorithm to the optimization algorithms mentioned in this paper namely the VURPSO algorithm, the Ant Colony algorithm, and the conventional approach. Comparisons on the speed of convergence confirm that the proposed algorithm has a faster convergence in a less computation time to yield a global optimum value. The proposed AVURPSO can be used in the diverse areas of optimization problems such as industrial planning, resource allocation, scheduling, decision making, pattern recognition and machine learning. The proposed AVURPSO algorithm is efficiently used to design an optimal PID controller.
Multiplex Conditional Mutagenesis Using Transgenic Expression of Cas9 and sgRNAs
Authors: Yin Linlin , Maddison Lisette A , Li Mingyu , Kara Nergis , LaFave Matthew C , Varshney Gaurav K , Burgess Shawn M , Patton James G , Chen Wenbiao
Published: April 2015

Determining the mechanism of gene function is greatly enhanced using conditional mutagenesis. However, generating engineered conditional alleles is inefficient and has only been widely used in mice. Importantly, multiplex conditional mutagenesis requires extensive breeding. Here we demonstrate a system for one-generation multiplex conditional mutagenesis in zebrafish (Danio rerio) using transgenic expression of both cas9 and multiple single guide RNAs (sgRNAs). We describe five distinct zebrafish U6 promoters for sgRNA expression and demonstrate efficient multiplex biallelic inactivation of tyrosinase and insulin receptor a and b, resulting in defects in pigmentation and glucose homeostasis. Furthermore, we demonstrate temporal and tissue-specific mutagenesis using transgenic expression of Cas9. Heat-shock-inducible expression of cas9 allows temporal control of tyr mutagenesis. Liver-specific expression of cas9 disrupts insulin receptor a and b, causing fasting hypoglycemia and postprandial hyperglycemia. We also show that delivery of sgRNAs targeting ascl1a into the eye leads to impaired damage-induced photoreceptor regeneration. Our findings suggest that CRISPR/Cas9-based conditional mutagenesis in zebrafish is not only feasible but rapid and straightforward.
Model of market penetration into the service sector
Authors: Drejeris Rolandas , Kavolynas Antanas
Published: April 2015

The article discusses the theoretical and practical aspects of the penetration into established market of the service sector. Lack of information about actual practical issues of market penetration for service company is to be considered as a problem of the paper. The goal of the paper is to present the procedural model of the market penetration actions for services sector. In order to create execution model scientific information on issues of market penetration is structured, synthesized, after its assessment according logic, feasibility and applicability of the results and the integrity of the business in terms of services. The flexible model is formed and suggested, which consists of 9 components: identification of some market leader(s), determination, which is the most attractive segment for serve, analysis of market leader’ service quality according 2 aspects, the search of the opportunities to improve the quality of service, analysis of the possibilities for potential price reductions, determination of new services purposefulness, identification of support desirability, and formulating of penetration strategy, which has to be clear according research results. There are reasoned content and consistency of the components of the proposed model in the article. The model has been tested on real business conditions; it helps for the service company to penetrate into the market.
Control as an effective implementation of the national target program
Authors: Khudoliy Lubov , Voitsekhivska Victoria
Published: April 2015

The article addresses the problem of efficient control over national programs. The main objective of the study is to evaluate and improve a mechanism for funding and implementation of national target programs and to take into account the results of analysis during their future planning, approval and execution. To achieve this goal it is advisable to examine the nature and position of control in public administration, to determine specifics of monitoring for the implementation of national target programs and to create an effective public body which main function is an immediate control over target programs. Theoretical and methodological bases of the study were the achievements of domestic and foreign scientists regarding the nature and characteristics of the control and its implementation in government programs. The proposed mechanism of control over the approval, funding and implementation of national target programs is based on the experience of European countries and on characteristics of public administration in Ukraine. Based on the findings, it is proposed to address the issue of effective control of state target programs by creating the competent authority which acts as a coordinator for all national programs in Ukraine.
Forming the paradigm of competitive development of the Ukrainian agricultural sector under conditions of globalization
Authors: Kyrylov Yuri
Published: April 2015

Strengthening the interaction and mutual impact of national farms, the processes of international globalization and integration are transforming today into the most powerful factor of influence on the development of entire regions, countries and certain sectors of their economies as well. Under these conditions ensuring a competitive development of agricultural sector of the national economy demands to form a new paradigm adequate to time requirements. Defining the determinants, principles of forming and implementing the paradigm, the strategic goal of competitive development of the Ukrainian agricultural sector is the objective of the article. It analyses the components of the countries’ competitiveness. The article substantiates the need of changing the approaches in agricultural sector management under globalization conditions to counter potentially possible negative consequences of this process for the society and developing the mechanisms of competitive industrial development in the world economy.
Evaluation of the student adaptation programme in respect to study quality
Authors: Mičiulienė Rita , Pugevičius Albinas , Pugevičienė Daiva
Published: April 2015

Successful adaptation of the newly admitted students in a higher school is treated as one of the prerequisites for further high–quality studies. Within this context, the question arises, which further study quality problems reveals the first-year student adaptation programme, and what are its improvement possibilities. The paper aims to present recommendations or improvement of adaptation programme by presenting and comparing student assessment results of the adaptation programme events; revealing advantages and disadvantages of the institutional and the academic adjustment. In autumn, 2014, a survey of 404 first-year students was conducted at Aleksandras Stulginskis University. The institutional adaptation was evaluated more positively than the academic: more students took part in meetings with the University and faculties representatives than in educational sessions; their positive approach towards the introductory week events was related to the subcategories of the institutional adaptation. The advantages of the introductory week were associated with the institutional adaptation, while the disadvantages with the academic adaptation. However, the academic adjustment is critical: it may lead to further student satisfaction or dissatisfaction with academic life. The recommendations are related to the organizational aspects of the adaptation programme as well as to lecturers professional development (communication, evaluation, provision of feedback skills, better knowledge of student issues).
High-performance concrete reinforced with fibres from waste
Authors: Guemidi Ismahene , Abdelaziz Yazid , Nebbou Abdelkader
Published: April 2015

An experimental test programme was conducted to study the effectiveness of high-performance concrete (HPC) made with Algerian natural pozzolan (NP) and reinforced with steel fibres derived from electrical waste. For this purpose, Algerian NP was used as a filler and as a partial cement replacement in HPC. Fibres from electrical waste were employed to improve engineering properties such as flexural strength, thermal shock strength, fracture toughness and resistance under fatigue and impact. The laboratory programme was carried out to determine the isolated effect of NP (10, 15 and 20% by weight of cement) and the combined effect of NP/silica fume (SF  =  8% and NP  = 10, 15 and 20% by weight of cement) on the compressive and flexural strengths of HPC reinforced with 3% fibres derived from electrical waste.
Changes in composition of EEE and subsequent impacts on electronic waste
Authors: Borthakur Anwesha
Published: April 2015

This paper focuses on changes in the material composition of electrical and electronic equipment (EEE) with reference to the six controlled chemical substances (lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated diphenyl ethers and polybrominated biphenyls) listed under the European Union (EU) Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. The impact of such changes on the global electronic waste (e-waste) problem has been evaluated. Case studies of two electronics giants are considered in order to assess implementation of the RoHS directive in the global electronics manufacturing industry. A number of other instances of change by some leading EEE giants are also incorporated. It has been found that a social phenomenon – increasing awareness of the global e-waste problem – resulted in the formulation and implementation of the RoHS directive by the EU, and eventually influenced technological innovations related to EEE by limiting the use of six considerably hazardous substances. Thus, it is apparent from this study that there is a significant and larger role of society in shaping technological processes and innovations, which has the potential to impact on a global scale. In the case considered here, it is the global phenomenon of producing end-of-life EEE (i.e. e-waste) with less detrimental human health and environmental implications.
Wage dispersion with heterogeneous wage contracts
Authors: Doniger Cynthia L.
Published: April 2015

I study a labor market in which identical workers search on- and off-the-job and heterogeneous firms employ using either posted wages or wage contracts contingent on outside options. Firm level costs for contingent contracts generate a separating equilibrium in which less productive firms post wages. The model with heterogeneous contracts can achieve wage dispersion, labor share, employment transitions, and flow value of unemployment that are simultaneously consistent with empirical observations even when most firms post wages. Using German employee-level administrative data, I estimate roughly 70 percent of firms post wages and employ nearly 50 percent of workers under such contracts.
A ATUAÇÃO DO ENFERMEIRO NAS COMPLICAÇÕES PÓS-OPERATÓRIAS CARDÍACAS IMEDIATAS EM INSTITUIÇÕES HOSPITALARES DE ARACAJU-SE
Authors: Teles Aline Maria Cruz , Melo Débora Kelly Dias Santos , Nogueira Emília Cervino
Published: April 2015

As doenças cardíacas vêm crescendo na sociedade como fator de morbidade e mortalidade comprometendo a vida diária das pessoas e aumentando quantitativamente os procedimentos cirúrgicos. Objetivo: Identificar a atuação dos enfermeiros frente às complicações pós-operatórias cardíacas imediatas. Metodologia: Estudo investigativo com abordagem quantitativa transversal e análise descritiva realizado no segundo semestre de 2013 em dois hospitais em Aracaju-SE com os enfermeiros que atuam em Unidade de Terapia Intensiva Cardíaca, ou que atendem pacientes em pós-operatório imediato de cirurgia cardíaca. Foi utilizado um questionário estruturado com questões relativas ao conhecimento sobre as complicações pós-operatórias e a atuação mediante intercorrência. Os dados foram analisados quantitativamente com auxílio do software SPSS statistic versão 20 e apresentados em forma de análise descritiva. Resultados: As principais complicações pós-operatórias cardíacas imediatas são o baixo débito cardíaco, o sangramento e a hipotensão, identificadas principalmente por meio de observação do monitor multiparamétrico (94,4%) e acompanhamento volêmico (94,4%). As principais intervenções realizadas pelos enfermeiros para controle das intervenções são reposição volêmica (94,4%), ordenha do dreno (83,3%). Além da intervenção imediata, os enfermeiros realizam alguns cuidados principais como: a prevenção e tratamento da dor (94,4%) e a prevenção e/ou controle de infecção (94,4%). Conclusão: A equipe de enfermagem é base fundamental do cuidado, é ela quem lida diariamente com o paciente. A atuação dos enfermeiros frente às complicações pós-operatórias cardíacas imediatas é eficaz, desde que o mesmo possua recursos materiais e humanos adequados, além de competência e habilidade, através de constantes treinamentos e capacitações.