bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ali znam toliko, kot mislim, da znam? Dunning-Krugerjev učinek, poznavanje neobstoječih konceptov in iluzija znanja
Authors: Plohl Nejc , Musil Bojan
Published: April 2018

Realistično zaznavanje lastnega znanja je pomembno na različnih področjih vsakdanjega življenja, a pretekle raziskave razkrivajo, da je naša samozaznava v resnici polna pomanjkljivosti. Pričujoča študija se je osredotočila na splošno precenjevanje znanja in razlike med eksperti ter slabšimi reševalci (Dunning-Krugerjev učinek), na poznavanje neobstoječih konceptov in na iluzijo znanja. Omenjene pojave smo preverjali z instrumentom, ki je vseboval elemente objektivnega ocenjevanja znanja in samoocene znanja na različnih področjih – slovnica, književnost in nanotehnologija. Rezultati so pokazali, da so udeleženci v povprečju precenjevali svoj absolutni dosežek, ne pa tudi svojega položaja v vzorcu. Nadalje so tisti iz spodnjega kvartila najbolj precenjevali svoj absolutni in relativni dosežek, medtem ko so tisti iz zgornjega kvartila svoj absolutni dosežek ocenjevali najtočneje, ob tem pa znatno podcenjevali svoj relativni dosežek. Rezultati, vezani na poznavanje neobstoječih konceptov, so pokazali, da je 56 % udeležencev zatrdilo poznavanje vsaj enega neobstoječega literarnega dela, pri tem pa se je z ravnjo poznavanja neobstoječih konceptov zmerno povezovala samozaznana kompetentnost. Nazadnje so rezultati pokazali tudi to, da je povečana kvantiteta informacij o nanotehnologiji vodila do občutka lažne gotovosti pri odgovarjanju na vprašanja iz tega področja.
PEMBUATAN GRAFT TULANG DENGAN PROSES EKSTRAKSI SENYAWA HIDROKSIAPATIT DARI TULANG KORTEKS SAPI
Authors: Anisah Anisah , Delina Mutia , Aisah Nuning , Gustiono Dwi
Published: April 2018

Abstrak

Pembuatan senyawa hidrosiapatit dari tulang kortek paha sapi dengan proses ekstraksi telah dilakukan. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menghilangkan senyawa organik pada tulang sehingga dapat digunakan sebagai bahan baku graft tulang. Metode yang digunakan adalah metode kimia dengan merendam tulang di dalam larutan Natrium Hidroksida (NaOH). Pengaruh variasi konsentrasi dan waktu perendaman NaOH terhadap proses ekstraksi tulang dikaji. Variasi konsentrasi larutan yang digunakan adalah 1M, 2M dan 3M dengan waktu perendaman 30 menit, 60 menit, dan 90 menit di dalam autoklaf bertekanan 1,5 atm dan temperatur 121°C. Hasil rendaman dianalisa dengan FTIR dan menunjukan adanya puncak gugus fungsi zat anorganik P-O, CO3 2- , dan O-H menyerupai kandungan tulang manusia. Sampel yang direndam pada larutan NaOH pada konsentrasi 1M dan 2M dengan waktu perendaman 30 menit masih ditemukan gugus fungsi C-H, yang mengindikasikan bahwa serbuk hidroksiapatit masih mengandung material organik sehingga beresiko pada reaksi penolakan oleh tubuh manusia saat diimplan. Namun demikian, serbuk hidroksiapatit yang dihasilkan dengan perendaman pada konsentrasi 3M dengan waktu 30 menit sudah tidak mengandung unsur organik, sehingga dapat digunakan sebagai bahan baku graft tulang.

Kata-kata kunci: hidroksiapatit, kortek tulang sapi, Natrium Hidroksida, ekstraksi, graft tulang.

Abstract

The extraction of hydroxyapatite compounds from thigh bones cortex has been done. This research was aimed to remove the organic substances in the bones, so that it can be maintained as the raw material of a bone graft. The research employed a chemical method, the bone was soaked in the Natrium Hydroxide (NaOH) solution. The effect of various concentration and duration of bone's immersion in NaOH were also studied. The solution's various concentrations were 1M, 2M and 3M, therefore the various of immersion duration were 30 minutes, 60 minutes and 90 minutes in a 1.5 atm autoclave at a temperature of 121o C. The immersion results were studied throughout FTIR. The results showed that there were some peaks of the inorganic P-O, CO3 2-  and O-H substance function, correspond to a human bone characteristic.  Samples which were immersed in the 1M and 2M of NaOH solution with duration of 30 minutes have yet a C-H functional group. It indicated that the hydroxyapatite powders have yet organic substances, so there is still a risk of rejection by the human body when it is implanted. However, the sample which was immersed in 3M of NaOH solution with duration of 30 minutes has no any organic substances, it can be used as the raw material of a bone graft.

Keywords: Hydroxyapatite, cow bone cortex, Natrium Hydroxide, extraction, bone graft
Lateral Root Traits of Taxodium Hybrid ‘Zhongshanshan 406’ in Response to Drought Stress
Authors: Shi Qin , Yin Yunlong , Wang Zhiquan , Fan Wencai , Guo Jinbo , Hua Jianfeng
Published: April 2018

Roots are vital organs for resource uptake. However, the knowledge regarding the extent by which responses in roots influence plant resistance is still poorly known. In this study, we examined the morphological and physiological responses of lateral roots of Taxodium hybrid ‘Zhongshanshan 406’ (Taxodium mucronatum♀ and Taxodium distichum♂, T. 406) to 8 (DS-8) and 12 days (DS-12) drought. Control plants (CK-8 and CK-12) were well-watered throughout the experiment. Results indicated that drought resulted in significantly decreased root length, surface area, volume, and biomass and a relatively high death rate of roots (>2 mm). Specific root length (SRL) and specific root surface area (SRA) of drought-stressed T. 406 plants were reduced to enhance resource uptake. Meanwhile, root relative water content (RWC) of T. 406 plants in CK-12 treatment was 5.81 times of those in DS-12 treatment. Under drought stress and root superoxide dismutase and ascorbic acid (ASA) activities, proline and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) contents consistently increased to benefit the elimination of O2−. At the ultrastructural level, the organelle structure of T. 406 plant root tip was visibly damaged because of dehydration. The nucleus swelled and then exhibited uncommon features of disorganization and disruption. In short, our results provided substantial information about lateral root traits of T. 406 plants in response to drought stress, which is crucial to improve the drought resistance of Taxodium hybrid in the future breeding.
Mustard Cover Crop Growth and Weed Suppression in Organic, Strawberry Furrows in California
Authors: Brennan Eric B. , Smith Richard F.
Published: April 2018

Strawberry (Fragaria ×ananassa Duch.) production in California uses plastic mulch–covered beds that provide many benefits such as moisture conservation and weed control. Unfortunately, the mulch can also cause environmental problems by increasing runoff and soil erosion and reducing groundwater recharge. Planting cover crops in bare furrows between the plastic cover beds can help minimize these problems. Furrow cover cropping was evaluated during two growing seasons in organic strawberries in Salinas, CA, using a mustard (Sinapis alba L.) cover crop planted at two seeding rates (1× and 3×). Mustard was planted in November or December after strawberry transplanting and it resulted in average densities per meter of furrow of 54 and 162 mustard plants for the 1× and 3× rates, respectively. The mustard was mowed in February before it shaded the strawberry plants. Increasing the seeding rate increased mustard shoot biomass and height, and reduced the concentration of P in the mustard shoots. Compared with furrows with no cover crop, cover-cropped furrows reduced weed biomass by 29% and 40% in the 1× and 3× seeding rates, respectively, although weeds still accounted for at least 28% of the furrow biomass in the cover-cropped furrows. These results show that growing mustard cover crops in furrows without irrigating the furrows worked well even during years with relatively minimal precipitation. We conclude that 1) mustard densities of ≈150 plants/m furrow will likely provide the most benefits due to greater biomass production, N scavenging, and weed suppression; 2) mowing was an effective way to kill the mustard; and 3) high seeding rates of mustard alone are insufficient to provide adequate weed suppression in strawberry furrows.
Effects of MAP Treatment on Aroma Compounds and Enzyme Activities in Flat Peach during Storage and Shelf Life
Authors: Zhou Hui-Juan , Ye Zheng-Wen , Su Ming-Shen
Published: April 2018

Cold storage is used to delay the senescence of peaches, but it can also lead to internal browning and aroma loss. Modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) has been reported to inhibit the internal browning and prolong the storage time. Four MAP treatments in the present study were set as follows: I: O2 1% to 3%, CO2 3% to 5%, and N2 92% to 96%; II: O2 3% to 5%, CO2 3% to 5%, and N2 90% to 94%; III: O2 6% to 8%, CO2 3% to 5%, and N2 87% to 91%; and control (CK): O2 21%, CO2 0.03%, and N2 79%. The concentration of sugars, acids, aroma compounds, superoxide radical (O2−), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as the activities of enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), lipoxygenase (LOX), hydroperoxide lyase (HPL), alcohol dehydrogenase, and alcohol O-acyltransferase (AAT) activities, were investigated. The results revealed that MAP, especially for treatment II, could inhibit the loss of flavors such as sugars, acids, and aroma compounds; maintain higher SOD and POD activities; and inhibit the accumulation of O2−, H2O2, and MDA during shelf life after storage at low temperature for 30 days. It could also inhibit the LOX and HPL activities at low temperature, but maintain higher LOX and HPL activities during shelf life. These findings indicated that treatment II could prolong the storage time to 30 days and shelf life for 3 days; maintain the higher content of sugars, acids, and aroma compounds; protect the cell membrane from oxidative injury; and inhibit internal browning during cold storage and shelf life.
Antifungal Effects of Savory Essential Oil, Gum Arabic, and Hot Water in Mexican Lime Fruits
Authors: Atrash Sara , Ramezanian Asghar , Rahemi Majid , Ghalamfarsa Reza Mostofizadeh , Yahia Elhadi
Published: April 2018

Penicillium digitatum is one of the most important causes of postharvest decay of Mexican lime fruit. The first stage of this study dealt with examining the effect of savory (Satureja hortensis) essential oil on P. digitatum mycelial growth in vitro. Savory essential oil (SEO) applied at concentrations of 0, 200, 400, 600, 800, 1000, and 1200 μL·L−1 to potato dextrose agar (PDA) medium. The results revealed that the application of SEO at concentrations of 1000 and 1200 μL·L−1 completely prevented the growth of P. digitatum. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry results indicated that the dominant components of SEO were carvacrol (55.67%) and γ-terpinene (31.98%). In the second phase of the experiment, in vivo assays were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of SEO (800 and 1000 μL·L−1), hot water (40 and 50 °C), and gum arabic coating (2.5% and 5%) in restricting the fungi activity on Mexican lime fruit. The Mexican lime fruit were immersed in the aqueous solutions of SEO and gum arabic or in the hot water for 5 minutes, and then stored at 8 °C for 30 days. Savory essential oil at the concentration of 800 μL·L−1 proved to be the most effective treatment in conserving bioactive compounds of the fruits such as total phenols. This treatment also optimally maintained antioxidant activity and suppressed the activity of polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in the fruit peel. Moreover, hot water at 40 °C caused the least physicochemical changes and the highest appearance quality during storage.
Partitioning of Dry Matter into Fruit Explains Cultivar Differences in Vigor in Young Olive (Olea europaea L.) Trees
Authors: Rosati Adolfo , Paoletti Andrea , Al Hariri Raeed , Morelli Alessio , Famiani Franco
Published: April 2018

Low vigor and early and abundant production are desirable traits for modern tree crops. In olive, most cultivars are too vigorous and cannot be successfully constrained in the small volume allowed by the straddle harvester used in the so-called superhigh-density (SHD) orchards. Only few cultivars appear to have sufficiently low vigor to be suitable for this system. These cultivars combine low vigor with earlier and higher yield. This study investigated the hypothesis that differences in vigor between Arbequina, a low vigor and the most commonly used cultivar in SHD orchards, and Frantoio, a highly vigorous cultivar not suitable for such orchards, are related to their differences in early bearing and consequent differences in dry matter partitioning into fruit. Young trees of both cultivars were deflowered either in 2014, 2015, both years, or neither one, resulting in a range of cumulative yields over the 2 years. Tree trunk cross-sectional area (TCSA) was measured at the beginning of each year. This was closely related to total tree mass, as assessed at the beginning and at the end of the experiment. Cumulative yield, in terms of fruit dry matter, was also assessed. TCSA increased less in fruiting trees in both years. As expected, when not deflowered, ‘Frantoio’ was less productive and more vigorous than ‘Arbequina’. However, there was no difference in TCSA increment when both cultivars were completely deflowered. TCSA increments were closely inversely related to yield across all treatments and cultivars (R2 = 0.90). The regressions improved further when data from 2015 only were used (R2 = 0.99). The results represent the first quantitative report showing that differences in vigor among cultivars can be completely explained in terms of different dry matter partitioning into fruit, supporting the hypothesis that early bearing is a major cause, rather than merely a consequence, of lower vigor in young ‘Arbequina’ trees. These results provide new understanding on vigor differences across cultivars, which will be useful for breeding and selection of new genotypes.
Heritability and Combining Ability for Cold Hardiness from Partial Dialleles in Iranian Pomegranate Cultivars
Authors: Soloklui Ali Akbar Ghasemi , Gharaghani Ali , Oraguzie Nnadozie , Saed-Moucheshi Armin
Published: April 2018

The development of cultivars with broader climatic adaptation has recently become the objective of most fruit breeding programmers. Regarding the importance of genetic control of cold hardiness as an influential characteristic for pomegranate and lacking studies in this area, the genetic control of cold hardiness in pomegranate using a partial mating scheme was studied. Five parents, including ‘Rabab Post Ghermez Neyriz’, ‘Malas Yazdi’, ‘Poost Sefid Dezful’, ‘Malas Pishva Varamin’, and ‘Poost Nazok Torosh Abarkuh’ with different cold hardiness capability were screened following a cold hardiness test in the laboratory and an evaluation of cold injury after natural freezing events in the field. The five screened cultivars were crossed in half-diallel crossing scheme with a total of 10 crosses in the Spring of 2014. Cold hardiness of the parent cultivars and the F1 progenies were investigated using the electrolyte leakage (EL) method. Results showed that both general combining ability (GCA) and specific combining ability (SCA) were statistically significant. The hardiest parent (‘Poost Nazok Torosh Abarkuh’) showed the largest positive GCA effect (1560.59) for winter survival, suggesting that this parent is capable to produce tolerant offspring with high breeding values in crossing programs. The significant SCA in this study suggests that specific crosses should be targeted to produce highly capable offspring. Cross between ‘Poost Nazok Torosh Abarkuh’ and ‘Malas Pishva Varamin’ showed high value for SCA (1661.74), indicating capability for production of tolerant offspring to the cold condition. Furthermore, high broad-sense heritability (0.70) and moderate narrow-sense heritability (0.45) for cold hardiness indicate that a reasonable progress could be made in improvement of this trait through conventional breeding.
Nitrogen Rate, Irrigation Frequency, and Container Type Affect Plant Growth and Nutrient Uptake of Encore Azalea ‘Chiffon’
Authors: Li Tongyin , Bi Guihong , Harkess Richard L. , Denny Geoffrey C. , Blythe Eugene K. , Zhao Xiaojie
Published: April 2018

One-year-old liners of Encore® azalea ‘Chiffon’ (Rhododendron sp.) were transplanted in Apr. 2013 into two types of one-gallon containers: black plastic container and paper biodegradable container. Azalea plants were fertilized with 250 mL of nitrogen (N) free fertilizer solution twice weekly plus N rate of 0, 5, 10, 15, or 20 mm from ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3). All plants were irrigated with the same total volume of water through one or two irrigations daily. Plant growth and N uptake in response to N fertilization, irrigation frequency, and container type were investigated. The feasibility of biodegradable paper containers was evaluated in 1-year production of Encore® azalea ‘Chiffon’. Paper biocontainers resulted in increased plant growth index (PGI), dry weights (leaf, stem, root, and total plant dry weight), leaf area, and root growth (root length and surface area) compared with plastic containers using N rates from 10 to 20 mm. Biocontainer-grown plant had more than twice of root length and surface area as plastic container–grown plant. Leaf SPAD reading increased with increasing N rate from 0 to 20 mm. One irrigation per day resulted in greater PGI, root dry weight, root length, root surface area, and root N content than two irrigations per day. Higher tissue N concentration was found in plants grown in plastic containers compared with those grown in biocontainers when fertilized with 15 or 20 mm N. However, N content was greater for plants grown in biocontainers, resulting from greater plant dry weight. The combinations of plastic container and one irrigation per day and that of 20 mm N and one irrigation per day resulted in best flower production, 21.9 and 32.2 flowers per plant, respectively. Biocontainers resulted in superior vegetative growth of azalea plant compared with plastic containers with sufficient N supply of 10, 15, and 20 mm.
Effects of Yellow, Green, and Different Blue Spectra on Growth of Potato Plantlets In Vitro
Authors: Li Ruining , Huang Wenwen , Wang Xiaoxiao , Liu Xiaoying , Xu Zhigang
Published: April 2018

The objectives of this study were to determine the effects of yellow light (Y), green light (G), and two blue lights (B) at different wavelengths in conjunction with red light (R) on the growth and morphogenesis of potato plantlets in vitro. Randomized nodal explants were cut into 1.0–1.5 cm pieces and were grown under five different light conditions: fluorescent white light (FL); the combined spectra of R, Y, and B at 445 nm (R630B445Y); the combined spectra of R, G, and B at 445 nm (R630B445G); the combined spectra of R, Y, and B at 465 nm (R630B465Y); and the combined spectra of R, G, and B at 465 nm (R630B465G). Morphogenesis and physiological parameters were investigated. The results showed that R630B445Y and R630B465Y increased the fresh weight (FW), dry weight (DW), stem diameter, blade number, leaf area, specific leaf weight (SLW), and the health index of potato plantlets in vitro; root activity increased significantly; and soluble sugar, soluble protein, and starch also increased. The addition of Y to the combined spectra of R and B contributed to the growth, development, and morphogenesis more than the combined spectra of R and B with G, and B at 445 nm was more effective at promoting plant growth than was B at 465 nm.
CIBERDEMOCRACIA: A INTERNET COMO ÁGORA DIGITAL
Authors: Campos Dutra Deo , Oliveira Eduardo
Published: April 2018

O advento da era digital modificou a estrutura das relações sociais e políticas da sociedade humana, possibilitando a imediata difusão de ideias e caminhos a se percorrer, no que concerne à vida em sociedade. A comunicação instantânea que fragilizou governos e que tem o condão de reunir indivíduos com interesses semelhantes, também se revela como potencial ferramenta para expansão do próprio sistema democrático moderno, onde o cidadão goza de meios ativos de participação, num sistema integral de democracia, influenciando nas temáticas relevantes de ordem legislativa ou executiva, não como espectador político, cuja participação se dá em ciclos predefinidos, mas com atuação constante, vez que dispõe de ferramentas para tanto.  A forma de governo onde encontramos uma potencialização da colaboração direta da população com os rumos de seu país e as novas faces da democracia são o escopo deste estudo.
ADVANCED DEVELOPMENT ZONES IN SINGLE-INDUSTRY URBAN SETTLEMENTS: PROBLEMS AND PROSPECTS (THE CASE OF THE REPUBLIC OF KARELIA)
Authors: Ларченко О. , Larchenko O.
Published: April 2018

The Russian Federation is currently moving to a new model of spatial development of its economy, also by creating areas of advanced social and economic development. The Far Eastern Federal District was the first in establishing of such special regime territories. In 2014, the process spread to single-industry urban settlements. In this case, the main purpose is to develop business enterprises not connected with the townforming enterprise. For the Republic of Karelia, issues related to monotowns cities are relevant. On the territory of the republic there are eleven mononowns, and two of them contain territories of advanced development, i.e. «Nadvoitsy» and «Kondopoga». The purpose of this article is to assess the functioning of the zones of advanced development and their impact on the development of the region, as well as to identify problems
and develop proposals for their elimination. The research employed such general scientific methods and techniques as induction and deduction, synthesis, comparative and comparable analysis. The article reveals the features and the role of the territories of advanced social and economic development in the economic development of the country and the region in particular, as exemplified by the Republic of Karelia. The study has identified the problems of the zones and their development. The author proposes a number of specific measures to improve the efficiency of advanced development zones
STRATEGIC ASPECTS OF DIVERSIFICATION AND MODERNIZATION IN THE ECONOMY OF SINGLE-INDUSTRY SETTLEMENTS
Authors: Севастьянова А. , Sevastyanova A.
Published: April 2018

The current research features approaches to solving the problems associated with a decline in the development of old industrial sectors in single-industry towns (monocities, or monocommunities). The target of the study is to show the necessity of strategic approach and interaction of all management levels. Particular attention is paid to resource-dependent communities. Enterprises of mineral resources sector have limits of effective development, associated with gradual depletion of their resource base. Diversification and modernization of the economy of resource-dependent communities are logically linked to a timely achieving of strategic objectives to ensure their long-term sustainable development. Strategic aspects are also important for development planning in the sphere of new raw material deposits. A comprehensive analysis should help avoid the risks of creating new monocommunities with a poor prospect of long-term development. The article includes an analysis of international experience of Germany, Canada, and China. It is shown that a progress in solving the problems of company towns heavily depends on a strategic partnership between the federal, the regional, and the municipal governments, as well as on their collaboration with business. A conclusion is made that a uniform strategy for the development of various single-industry towns does not exist. The choice of the way of the development for each particular monotown is determined
by its socio-economic characteristics. Among those, remoteness or proximity to large urban agglomerations, industry affiliation and prospects for the development of the cityforming
enterprise, opportunities for economic diversification, investment potential and opportunities for attracting investors are of paramount importance. The process of positive changes, as a rule, is slow and complicated. Thence, it is important to justify the purpose and ways to achieve it. As a rule, extrapolation methods do not work in this case
Wavelet-genetic programming conjunction model for flood forecasting in rivers
Authors: Kumar Mani , Sahay Rajeev Ranjan
Published: April 2018

In this study we have developed a conjunction model, WGP, of discrete wavelet transform (DWT) and genetic programming (GP) for forecasting river floods when the only data available are the historical daily flows. DWT is used for denoising and smoothening the observed flow time series on which GP is implemented to get the next-day flood. The new model is compared with autoregressive (AR) and stand-alone GP models. All models are calibrated and tested on the Kosi River which is one of the most devastating rivers of the world with high and spiky monsoon flows, modeling of which poses a great challenge. With different inputs, 12 models, four in each class of WGP, GP and AR, are devised. The best performing WGP model, WGP4, with four previous daily flow rates as input, forecasts the Kosi floods with an accuracy of 87.9%, root mean square error of 123.9 m3/s and Nash–Sutcliffe coefficient of 0.993, the best performance indices among all the developed models. The extreme floods are also better simulated by the WGP models than by AR and GP models.
Risk Factors for the Development of Nerve Palsy Following Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Kawano Shunsuke , Sonohata Motoki , Kitajima Masaru , Mawatari Masaaki
Published: April 2018

Background:

Nerve palsy following total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a complication that worsens the functional prognosis. The present study analyzed the risk factors of nerve palsy following THA.

Methods:

The subjects of this study included 6,123 cases in which primary THA was performed under spinal anesthesia with cementless implants used in the posterolateral approach.

Results:

Fourteen cases (0.22%) developed nerve palsy following THA, all of which involved palsy of the entire peroneal nerve region. The diagnoses included osteoarthritis due to subluxation (n=6), complete hip dislocation (n=3), osteonecrosis of the femoral head (n=2), primary osteoarthritis (n=1), osteoarthritis due to trauma (n=1), and multiple osteochondromatosis (n=1). Recovery from nerve palsy was confirmed in 10 cases; the longest recovery period was three years. A univariate analysis revealed significant differences in the osteoarthritis due to subluxation, osteonecrosis of the femoral head, complete hip dislocation, body weight and body mass index. However, none of the factors remained significant in multivariate analysis. Peroneal (ischiadic) nerve palsy following THA occurred in patients with osteonecrosis of the femoral head, complete hip dislocation, low body weight and a low body mass index. However, there were no cases of nerve palsy after the introduction of THA combined with shortening osteotomy of the femur for complete hip dislocation. patients.

Conclusion:

It is necessary to pay attention to direct pressure in cases of lower body weight and lower BMI because compression of the sciatic nerve during surgery and compression of the fibular head are considered to be risk factors.
Characterizing Tweet Volume and Content About Common Health Conditions Across Pennsylvania: Retrospective Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Tufts Christopher , Polsky Daniel , Volpp Kevin G , Groeneveld Peter W , Ungar Lyle , Merchant Raina M , Pelullo Arthur P
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Tweets can provide broad, real-time perspectives about health and medical diagnoses that can inform disease surveillance in geographic regions. Less is known, however, about how much individuals post about common health conditions or what they post about.

OBJECTIVE

We sought to collect and analyze tweets from 1 state about high prevalence health conditions and characterize the tweet volume and content.

METHODS

We collected 408,296,620 tweets originating in Pennsylvania from 2012-2015 and compared the prevalence of 14 common diseases to the frequency of disease mentions on Twitter. We identified and corrected bias induced due to variance in disease term specificity and used the machine learning approach of differential language analysis to determine the content (words and themes) most highly correlated with each disease.

RESULTS

Common disease terms were included in 226,802 tweets (174,381 tweets after disease term correction). Posts about breast cancer (39,156/174,381 messages, 22.45%; 306,127/12,702,379 prevalence, 2.41%) and diabetes (40,217/174,381 messages, 23.06%; 2,189,890/12,702,379 prevalence, 17.24%) were overrepresented on Twitter relative to disease prevalence, whereas hypertension (17,245/174,381 messages, 9.89%; 4,614,776/12,702,379 prevalence, 36.33%), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (1648/174,381 messages, 0.95%; 1,083,627/12,702,379 prevalence, 8.53%), and heart disease (13,669/174,381 messages, 7.84%; 2,461,721/12,702,379 prevalence, 19.38%) were underrepresented. The content of messages also varied by disease. Personal experience messages accounted for 12.88% (578/4487) of prostate cancer tweets and 24.17% (4046/16,742) of asthma tweets. Awareness-themed tweets were more often about breast cancer (9139/39,156 messages, 23.34%) than asthma (1040/16,742 messages, 6.21%). Tweets about risk factors were more often about heart disease (1375/13,669 messages, 10.06%) than lymphoma (105/4927 messages, 2.13%).

CONCLUSIONS

Twitter provides a window into the Web-based visibility of diseases and how the volume of Web-based content about diseases varies by condition. Further, the potential value in tweets is in the rich content they provide about individuals’ perspectives about diseases (eg, personal experiences, awareness, and risk factors) that are not otherwise easily captured through traditional surveys or administrative data.
A web-based mental health platform in individuals seeking specialized mental health care services: multi-centre pragmatic randomized controlled trial (Preprint)
Authors: Hensel Jennifer , Shaw James , Ivers Noah , Desveaux Laura , Vigod Simone , Cohen Ashley , Onabajo Nike , Agarwal Payal , Mukerji Geetha , Yang Rebecca , Nguyen Megan , Bouck Zachary , Wong Ivy , Jeffs Lianne , Jamieson Trevor , Bhatia R. Sacha
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Web-based self-directed mental health applications are rapidly emerging as a solution to health service gaps and unmet needs for information and support.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to determine if a multi-component web-based moderated mental health application could benefit individuals with mental health symptoms severe enough to warrant specialized mental health care.

METHODS

A multi-centre, pragmatic randomized controlled trial was conducted across several outpatient mental health programs affiliated with 3 hospital programs in Ontario, Canada. Individuals referred to or receiving treatment, 16 years of age or older, with access to the internet and an email address, and having the ability to navigate a web-based mental health application were eligible. 812 participants were randomized 2:1 to receive immediate (ITG) or delayed (DTG) access for 3 months to the Big White WallTM, a web-based multi-component mental health intervention based in the United Kingdom and New Zealand. The primary outcome was total score on the Recovery Assessment Scale, revised (RAS-r) measuring mental health recovery. Secondary outcomes were total scores on the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 item (PHQ-9), the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire-7 item (GAD-7), the EQ-5D-5L, and the Community Integration Questionnaire (CIQ). An exploratory analysis examined the association between actual BWW use (categorized into quartiles) and outcomes among study completers.

RESULTS

Intervention participants achieved small, statistically significant increases in adjusted RAS-r score (4.97 points, 95% CI 2.90 to 7.05), and decreases in PHQ-9 score (-1.83 points, 95% CI -2.85 to -0.82) and GAD-7 score (-1.55 points, 95% CI -2.42 to -0.70). Follow-up was achieved for 446 (55%) at 3 months; 48% of ITG participants, and 69% of DTG participants. Only 58% of ITG participants logged on more than once. Some higher BWW user groups had significantly greater improvements in PHQ-9 and GAD-7 relative to the lowest use group.

CONCLUSIONS

The web-based application may be beneficial, however, many participants did not engage in an ongoing way. This has implications for patient selection and engagement as well as delivery and funding structures for similar web-based interventions.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT02896894. Registered on 31 August 2016 (retrospectively registered). https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02896894
Determining the Cause of Death Among Children Hospitalized With Respiratory Illness in Kenya: Protocol for Pediatric Respiratory Etiology Surveillance Study (PRESS) (Preprint)
Authors: Njuguna Henry N , Zaki Sherif R , Roberts Drucilla J , Fligner Corinne L , Keating M. Kelly , Rogena Emily , Walong Edwin , Gachii Andrew K , Maleche-Obimbo Elizabeth , Irimu Grace , Mathaiya John , Orata Noelle , Lopokoiyit Rosemarie , Maina Jackson , Emukule Gideon O , Onyango Clayton O , Gikunju Stella , Owuor Collins , Kinuthia Peter , Bunei Milka , Fields Barry , Widdowson Marc-Alain , Mott Joshua A , Chaves Sandra S
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

In sub-Saharan Africa, where the burden of respiratory disease–related deaths is the highest, information on the cause of death remains inadequate because of poor access to health care and limited availability of diagnostic tools. Postmortem examination can aid in the ascertainment of causes of death. This manuscript describes the study protocol for the Pediatric Respiratory Etiology Surveillance Study (PRESS).

OBJECTIVE

This study protocol aims to identify causes and etiologies associated with respiratory disease–related deaths among children (age 1-59 months) with respiratory illness admitted to the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH), the largest public hospital in Kenya, through postmortem examination coupled with innovative approaches to laboratory investigation.

METHODS

We prospectively followed children hospitalized with respiratory illness until the end of clinical care or death. In case of death, parents or guardians were offered grief counseling, and postmortem examination was offered. Lung tissue specimens were collected using minimally invasive tissue sampling and conventional autopsy where other tissues were collected. Tissues were tested using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and multipathogen molecular-based assays to identify pathogens. For each case, clinical and laboratory data were reviewed by a team of pathologists, clinicians, laboratorians, and epidemiologists to assign a cause of and etiology associated with death.

RESULTS

We have enrolled pediatric cases of respiratory illness hospitalized at the KNH at the time of this submission; of those, 14.8% (140/945) died while in the hospital. Both analysis and interpretation of laboratory results and writing up of findings are expected in 2019-2020.

CONCLUSIONS

Postmortem studies can help identify major pathogens contributing to respiratory-associated deaths in children. This information is needed to develop evidence-based prevention and treatment policies that target important causes of pediatric respiratory mortality and assist with the prioritization of local resources. Furthermore, PRESS can provide insights into the interpretation of results using multipathogen testing platforms in resource-limited settings.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPOR

DERR1-10.2196/10854
Using Plain Language and Adding Communication Technology to an Existing Health-Related Questionnaire to Help Generate Accurate Information: Qualitative Study (Preprint)
Authors: Welbie Marlies , Wittink Harriet , Westerman Marjan J , Topper Ilse , Snoei Josca , Devillé Walter LJM
Published: April 2018

BACKGROUND

Low-educated patients are disadvantaged in using questionnaires within the health care setting because most health-related questionnaires do not take the educational background of patients into account. The Dutch Talking Touch Screen Questionnaire (DTTSQ) was developed in an attempt to meet the needs of low-educated patients by using plain language and adding communication technology to an existing paper-based questionnaire. For physical therapists to use the DTTSQ as part of their intake procedure, it needs to generate accurate information from all of their patients, independent of educational level.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to get a first impression of the information that is generated by the DTTSQ. To achieve this goal, response processes of physical therapy patients with diverse levels of education were analyzed.

METHODS

The qualitative Three-Step Test-Interview method was used to collect observational data on actual response behavior of 24 physical therapy patients with diverse levels of education. The interviews included both think-aloud and retrospective probing techniques.

RESULTS

Of the 24 respondents, 20 encountered one or more problems during their response process. The use of plain language and information and communication technology (ICT) appeared to have a positive effect on the comprehensibility of the DTTSQ. However, it also had some negative effects on the interpretation, retrieval, judgment, and response selection within the response processes of the participants in this study. No educational group in this research population stood out from the rest in the kind or number of problems that arose. All respondents recognized themselves in the outcomes of the questionnaire.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of plain language and ICT within the DTTSQ had both positive and negative effects on the response processes of its target population. The results of this study emphasize the importance of earlier recommendations to accompany any adaption of any questionnaire to a new mode of delivery by demonstrating the difference and equivalence between the two different modes and to scientifically evaluate the applicability of the newly developed mode of the questionnaire in its intended setting. This is especially important in a digital era in which the use of plain language within health care is increasingly being advocated.
An Optimal or Comprehensive Income Tax?
Authors: Cooper Graeme S
Published: April 2018

The purpose of this paper is to pose one question — should the Australian income tax system of the twenty-first century belong to the descendants of Henry Simons or to those of Frank Ramsey? Put another way, my topic is whether future tax policy should continue to be framed according to notions of comprehensive income tax or, instead,should be directed towards the goal of an optimal income tax.
Re-Writing the Tax Act
Authors: Nolan Brian , Reid Tom
Published: April 2018

There is agreement that the tax law is very complex and needs improvement. At that level of generality it is not easy to attract an argument. However once one cuts below that layer of broad agreement there has not been the same level of understanding or concord on what can be done to put things right.It is good to see positive signs that these issues deserve serious public debate so that we can reach common ground on what is achievable by the Tax Law Improvement Project.
Directions for Tax Administration: Two Recent Reports
Authors: Richardson Ivor
Published: April 2018

The effectiveness of the tax system is crucial to the funding of government. The tax administration is given exceptional powers to enable it to enforce tax laws and thus achieve revenue outcomes acceptable to government. The performance of the tax administration affects the efficiency of the national economy. But though it is crucial to the functioning of government and the economy and though it raises major questions as to the application of public law values, tax administration has not been a major field of study for lawyers. However, that may be changing and, co-incidentally, substantial governmental reviews of tax administration in Australia and New Zealand have recently been published. For ease of reference they will be referred to as the Australian Report and the New Zealand Report respectively.
David Jones Finance and the Income Tax Review and Appeal Process
Authors: Greenbaum Abe I
Published: April 2018

The exclusion of judicial review of assessment decisions by the Federal Commissioner of Taxation (the Commissioner) through the privative clause ins 177 of the Income Tax Assessment Act 1936 (Cth) (the Assessment Act) was challenged and found wanting in David Jones Finance Investments Pty Ltd and Adsteam Finance & Investments Pty Ltd v Federal Commissioner of Taxation (David Jones Finance). The decision has affected the interpretation of the effectiveness of the privative clause and has potentially opened up a new mechanism for appeaiing against decisions of the Commissioner.
Molecular Identifcation of Lactic Acid Bacteria Producing Antimicrobial Agents from Bakasang, An Indonesian Traditional Fermented Fish Product
Authors: Lawalata Helen Joan , Sembiring Langkah , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati
Published: April 2018

Twenty seven strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from bakasang, Indonesian traditionalfermented fsh product. In general, LAB have inhibitory activity againts pathogenic bacteria and spoilagebacteria. Screening for antimicrobia activity of isolates were performed with well-diffusion method. Oneisolate that was designed as Pediococcus BksC24 was the strongest against bacteria pathogenic and spoilagebacteria. This strain was further identifed by 16S rRNA gen sequence comparison. Isolates LAB producingantimicrobial agents from bakasang were identifed as Pediococcus acidilactici.
Ability of Curcuminoid from Curcuma domestica Val. in Reducing the Secretion of Reactive Oxygen Intermediates by Synovial Fluid Monocytes in Patients with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kertia Nyoman , Asdie Ahmad Husain , Rochmah Wasilah , Marsetyawan M.
Published: April 2018

Increasing the secretion of reactive oxygen intermediates (ROI) by monocytes in the synovial fluid is anindicator to determine the severity of joint inflammation. Previous studies have shown that curcumin inhibitthe osteoarthritis progression with its ability to inhibite the activity of the nitric oxide synthase (NOS) enzymefrom macrophages. In this prospective randomized open end blinded evaluations = PROBE study, 80 patientswith knee osteoarthritis were eligable. The subject were devided in to two group: group who received 3 x 30mg of curcuminoid from Curcuma domestica Val. extract (curcuminoid group) and group who received 3 x 25mg of diclofenac sodium (diclofenac group) as comparison. The treatment was for 4 weeks time. The secretionof ROI by sinovial fluid monocytes was calculated by scoring the amount of formazan formation after neutralred staining in nitrobleu tetrazolium reduction assay. The result of this study showed that the secretion of ROIby synovial fluid monocytes was significantly decreased in both groups (p <0.001) respectively. There wasno significant difference in decreasing of ROI secretion of synovial fluid monocytes between both treatmentgroups (p = 0.92).
Developmental Competence of Early Stage Porcine Embryos Cultured in Medium with Different Energy Substrate in vitro
Authors: Karja Ni Wayan Kurniani , Kikuchi Kazuhiro , Fahrudin Mokhamad
Published: April 2018

To elucidate the effect of energy requirement during the early embryonic development on their developmentalability to develop to blastocyst stage, in vitro fertilized (IVF) porcine one-cell embryos were cultured in modifiedNorth Carolina State University (NCSU)-37 supplemented with different energy substrate. Result indicated that thecleavage rate of embryos in Pyr-Lac and Gluc-Pyr-Lact groups was significantly higher than in those in Gluc groupand Gluc-Rib group (P < 0.05). At Day 6 of culture, the highest proportion of embryos develop to the blastocyst stagewas obtained in the presence of pyruvate-lactate only. In the medium with glucose, the addition of pyruvate-lactateor ribose slightly increased the proportion of embryos develop to the blastocyst stage, however the value were notsignificantly different form those obtained in the presence of glucose only. The mean cell number in blastocystsderived from Pyr-Lac and Gluc-Pyr-Lact groups were significantly higher than those in the Gluc group (P < 0.05).These results indicated that the presence of glucose only, as energy substrate, during the first 2 days of in vitro culture(IVC) caused a decrease in development of in vitro produced (IVP) porcine embryos to the blastocyst stage and meancell number in blastocysts .Keywords: porcine embryos-energy substrate-in vitro culture
The Efficacy of Fucoidan on Gastric Ulcer
Authors: Juffrie Mohammad , Rosalina Ina , Damayanti Wahyu , Djumhana Ali , Ariani A. , Ahmad Harjono
Published: April 2018

Hyperacidity causes gastric injury, and in severe situations, ulcer could develop. The growth factors known asthe basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and the epidermal growth factor (EGF) have been recognized to promoteulcer healing. Fucoidan is extracted from a brown seaweed of Okinawa called Mozuku or Cladosiphon okamuranus.Fucoidan is effective for the healing of gastric ulcers by inducing epithelial cells to produce growth factors. The aimof this study is to explore the efficacy of fucoidan in patient who suffered by gastric ulcer. A randomized control trialdouble blind was conducted to 33 eligible samples. By using four-blocks random samples were divided into fucoidanand placebo groups. 100 mg of fucoidan was given to the fucoidan group and 100 mg of glucose was given to theplacebo group. Due to ethical reasons, for both groups were given a proton pump inhibitor. There was no differencein the age category between the fucoidan group (mean: 46.23 ± 14.8 years) and the placebo group (mean: 46.18 ± 18.4years) (p: 0.28). There was also no difference in sex between the fucoidan group (female: 10/33; male 7/33) and theplacebo group (female: 7/33; male: 9/33); p: 0.38. According to the SAKITA and MIWA criterias 32 patients fulfilledA1 which indicate active severe ulcer, and 1 patient fulfilled A2 which indicate active moderate ulcer. Most of theulcers were gastric ulcer. There was a significant improvement of the grade of ulcer in fucoidan group (94%) (16/17)compared to placebo group (37.5%) (6/16,p: 0.005). There was a significant reduction of abdominal pain after 5 daysin the fucoidan group, compared to the placebo group (p: 0.04). Vomiting tends to decrease in day 6 of the fucoidangroup however its proportion is similar with that of the placebo group (p: 0.9). Fucoidan is effective for ulcer healingand reducing ulcer symptoms.Key words : fucoidan, gastric ulcer, anti-peptic activity
Turkish adaptation of the Physical Activity Readiness Questionare for Everyone (PAR-Q+)
Authors: Ertekin Yusuf Haydar
Published: April 2018

Introduction:
The Physical Activity Readiness Questionnaire for Everyone (PAR-Q+) is one of
the tools suggested by the American College of Sports Medicine for health
screening before initiating exercise. This study aimed to adapt the PAR-Q+ into
Turkish.Methods:
After the Turkish translation, the instrument was applied to a sufficient
number of samples from the family medicine outpatient clinics. Simultaneously,
socio-demographic features were collected from the participants. The data were
evaluated using SPSS package program.  Results:
According to the test/retest analysis, the reliability of the instrument was
significantly high (r = 0.87, p<0.001). Mean age ± standard deviation and
body mass index of the participants were 48.0±16.1 and 27.9±5.9, respectively,
with 58.6% (n=178) being males. Hypertension, diabetes, and smoking frequency
were 32.2% (n=98), 26.0% (n=79), and 37.8% (n=115), respectively.

Conclusion:
The high proportion of medical conditions present among the participants
suggests its need to be utilized by the community. This study has demonstrated
safe usage of the Turkish adaptation of the PAR-Q+ instrument. We believe that
this tool should become widely used by family physicians.