bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Comparative study of the environmental impact of models of conventional agricultural and agro-ecological agriculture in the agricultural phase of tomato cultivation
Authors: Taipe Velasco Carina Maribel , Lizano Acevedo Ronnie Xavier , Mátyás Bence 
Published: May 2018

Background: In this study, the water footprint and the carbon footprint were calculated during the activities of the agricultural phase of tomato cultivation, comparing agro-ecological production systems with conventional production systems. Methods: We examined with six plots in total: 3 agro-ecological plots and 3 conventional plots in la Esperanza and Tabacundo, Pedro Moncayo canton, Ecuador. The water footprint was calculated according to Hoekstra’s method. For the greenhouse gas emissions calculation, due to the production of fertilisers, the activity data was multiplied by the emission factor. Phytosanitary emissions were calculated using the factor given by BioGrace. Results: For the conventional system the most representative footprint is that of blue water with 44.19 litres of water/kg of tomatoes, followed by the green water footprint with 14.42 litres of water/kg of tomato whilst the lowest value is 0.96 litres of water/kg of tomatoes for the grey water footprint. Conclusions: The results obtained show that an agro-ecological system is the most efficient in terms of consumption of resources. Its produce also have an added value for promoting sustainability, responsible consumption and a healthier diet. The generation of eco-labels can encourage the consumption of these by expanding markets for this production system.
Rehydration properties of hybrid method dried fruit enriched by natural components
Authors: Kowalska Hanna , Marzec Agata , Kowalska Jolanta , Ciurzyńska Agnieszka , Samborska Kinga , Bialik Michał , Lenart Andrzej 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
The aim of the study was to determine the impact of osmotic pre-dehydration and drying of fruit on the rehydration properties of dried fruit. Herein, the effect of fruit juice, applied as a natural enriching substance was very important. In addition, the properties of dried fruits obtained through combined air-drying and subsequent microwave-vacuum drying with ‘puffing’ effect were similar to the freeze-dried fruits, but showed other rehydration properties. As raw material, frozen strawberry (Honeoye variety) and fresh apples (Idared variety) were used in the study. The apples and partially defrosted strawberries were prior dehydrated in solutions of sucrose and a mixture of sucrose with chokeberry juice concentrate at 50°C for 2 h. Next, the fruit samples were dried by one of two ways: air-drying (50°C, 5 h) and microwavevacuum drying for about 360 s; and freeze-drying (30°C, 63 Pa, 24 h). The rehydration was carried out in distilled water (20°C, 5 h). The osmotic pre-dehydration hindered fruit drying process. The impact of drying method became particularly evident while examining the kinetics of rehydration. During the rehydration of the pre-dehydrated dried fruit a slower hydration could be observed. Freeze-dried strawberries absorbed 2-3 times more water than those dried by the ‘puffing’ effect.
Surface tension and wetting properties of rapeseed oil to biofuel conversion by-products
Authors: Muszyński Siemowit , Sujak Agnieszka , Stępniewski Andrzej , Kornarzyński Krzysztof , Ejtel Marta , Kowal Natalia , Tomczyk-Warunek Agnieszka , Szcześniak Emil , Tomczyńska-Mleko Marta , Mleko Stanisław 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis work presents a study on the surface tension, density and wetting behaviour of distilled glycerol, technical grade glycerol and the matter organic non-glycerin fraction. The research was conducted to expand the knowledge about the physical properties of wastes from the rapeseed oil biofuel production. The results show that the densities of technical grade glycerol (1.300 g cm-3) and distilled glycerol (1.267 g cm-3) did not differ and were significantly lower than the density of the matter organic non-glycerin fraction (1.579 g cm-3). Furthermore, the surface tension of distilled glycerol (49.6 mN m-1) was significantly higher than the matter organic non-glycerin fraction (32.7 mN m-1) and technical grade glycerol (29.5 mN m-1). As a result, both technical grade glycerol and the matter organic non-glycerin fraction had lower contact angles than distilled glycerol. The examined physical properties of distilled glycerol were found to be very close to that of the commercially available pure glycerol. The results suggest that technical grade glycerol may have potential application in the production of glycerol/fuel blends or biosurfactants. The presented results indicate that surface tension measurements are more useful when examining the quality of biofuel wastes than is density determination, as they allow for a more accurate analysis of the effects of impurities on the physical properties of the biofuel by-products.
Estimating biophysical properties of coffee (Coffea canephora) plants with above-canopy field measurements, using CropSpec®
Authors: Putra Bayu T. Widjaja , Soni Peeyush , Morimoto Eiji , Pujiyanto Pujiyanto 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Remote sensing technologies have been applied to many crops, but tree crops like Robusta coffee (Coffea canephora) under shade conditions require additional attention while making above-canopy measurements. The objective of this study was to determine how well chlorophyll and nitrogen status of Robusta coffee plants can be estimated with the laser-based (CropSpec®) active sensor. This study also identified appropriate vegetation indices for estimating Nitrogen content by above-canopy measurement, using near-infra red and red-edge bands. Varying light intensity and different background of the plants were considered in developing the indices. Field experiments were conducted involving different non-destructive tools (CropSpec® and SPAD-502 chlorophyll meter). Subsequently, Kjeldahl laboratory analyses were performed to determine the actual Nitrogen content of the plants with different ages and field conditions used in the non-destructive previous stage. Measurements were undertaken for assessing the biophysical properties of tree plant. The usefulness of near-infrared and red-edge bands from these sensors in measuring critical nitrogen levels of coffee plants by above-canopy measurement are investigated in this study.
Biological parameters in technogenic soils of a former sulphur mine
Authors: Siwik-Ziomek Anetta , Brzezińska Małgorzata , Lemanowicz Joanna , Koper Jan , Szarlip Paweł 
Published: May 2018

AbstractThis study was conducted on the soils originating from a reclamation area of the former sulphur mine in Tarnobrzeg, Poland. Soil was sampled 16 years after the completion of mining works with the open-pit method at Machów, as well as 7 years after sulphur mining via the ‘smelting’ method in the Jeziórko mine was abandoned. Several biological parameters were examined: soil respiration, soil microbial biomass and the activity of rhodanese and arylsulphatase enzymes taking part in sulphur transformation within the site’s soils. The soils showed a high total sulphur and sulphates content. The SO42-constituted a large fraction of total sulphur, in some cases, exceeding 80% or even 95% of total sulphur. The soil pH decreased due to the degrading effects of sulphur mining. In the soils studied from the locations with the lowest soil pH value, no activity of arylsulphatase was reported and the activity of rhodanese was lowest. The highest soil respiration values were recorded from the 0-5 cm layer in the areas covered with forest vegetation. A high soil respiration value at the waste heap at Machów wherein a very high concentration of Stot and SO42-was observed can be due to the ability of fungi to produce hyphal strands and to survive unfavourable conditions.
Soil ploughing for forest regeneration leads to changes in carbon decomposition – a case study with stable isotopes
Authors: Stróżecki Marcin , Silvennoinen Hanna , Strzeliński Paweł , Chojnicki Bogdan Heronim 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
It is important to quantify carbon decomposition to assess the reforestation impact on the forest floor C stocks. Estimating the loss of C stock in a short-term perspective requires measuring changes in soil respiration. This is not trivial due to the contribution of both soil microbes and vegetation to the measured CO2 flux. However, C stable isotopes can be used to partition the respiration and potentially to assess how much of the recalcitrant C stock in the forest floor is lost. Here, we measured the soil respiration at two forest sites where different regeneration methods were applied, along with an intact forest soil for reference. In so doing, we used a closed dynamic chamber for measuring respiration and the 13C composition of the emitted CO2. The chamber measurements were then supplemented with the soil organic carbon analysis and its δ13C content. The mean δ13C-CO2 estimates for the source of the CO2 were -26.4, -27.9 and -29.5‰, for the forest, unploughed and ploughed, respectively. The 13C of the soil organic carbon did, not differ significantly between sites. The higher soil respiration rate at the forest, as compared to the unploughed site, could be attributed to the autotrophic respiration by the forest floor vegetation.
External and Internal Focus of Attention Increases Muscular Activation During Bench Press in Resistance-Trained Participants
Authors: Kristiansen Mathias , Samani Afshin , Vuillerme Nicolas , Madeleine Pascal , Hansen Ernst Albin 
Published: May 2018

Abstract
Kristiansen, M, Samani, A, Vuillerme, N, Madeleine, P, and Hansen, EA. External and internal focus of attention increases muscular activation during bench press in resistance-trained participants. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2442–2451, 2018—Research on the effects of instructed attentional focus during execution of strength training exercises is limited and has thus far only been performed on single-joint exercises. The aim of this study was to compare the effects of instructed internal (INT) and external (EXT) focus of attention with a baseline measurement of no instructed focus of attention (BASE) on the surface electromyographic (EMG) amplitude during a free-weight bench press exercise in resistance-trained participants. Twenty-one resistance-trained male participants performed bench press at 60% of their 3-repetition maximum, with BASE, EXT, and INT. The order of EXT and INT was randomized and counterbalanced. Electromyographic data were recorded from 13 muscles of the upper and lower body. Subsequently, mean and peak EMG amplitudes were computed. EXT and INT resulted in significantly increased mean EMG amplitude of 6 upper-body muscles as compared with BASE (p ≤ 0.05). In addition, EXT and INT also resulted in increased peak EMG amplitude of 3 upper-body muscles as compared with BASE (p ≤ 0.05). These results show that muscular activation is increased during bench press, when applying an instructed focus of attention compared with a baseline measurement with no focus instructions (BASE).
GIDA KAYNAKLI PATOJENLERİN İNHİBİSYONUNDA PROBİYOTİK MİKROORGANİZMALARIN KULLANIMI
Authors: Tiryaki Gündüz Gülten , Öztürk Zeynep 
Published: May 2018

Gıda kaynaklı hastalıklar, son 30 yılda bu hastalıkların
önemli oranda artması ve ciddi sosyo-ekonomik sorunlara yol açması nedeniyle,
dünya çapında önemli bir halk sağlığı sorunu haline gelmiştir. Günümüzde nüfusun yaklaşık dörtte biri gıda
kaynaklı hastalıklar açısından daha yüksek risk altındadır. Bu nedenle son
yıllarda probiyotik mikroorganizmalar tarafından gıda kaynaklı patojen
mikroorganizmaların üremelerinin inhibe edilmesi ile ilgili çalışmalar hız
kazanmıştır. Probiyotik suşlar laktik asit, hidrojen peroksit, diasetil ve
bakteriyosin gibi antimikrobiyal madde üretimi veya rekabet etme yoluyla
patojen bakterilere karşı antagonistik aktivite göstermektedir. Ayrıca,
probiyotikler immunoglobulin-A (IgA) salınımını ve makrofajların fagositik
aktivitelerini arttırarak konak canlıda bağışıklık yanıtını uyarırlar. Bu
derleme çalışmasında, probiyotik mikroorganizmaların yararlı etkilerini
gösterebilmesi için sahip olması gereken özellikler, probiyotik
mikroorganizmaların gıda kaynaklı patojen bakteriler üzerindeki inhibitif
etkileri ve etki mekanizmaları ile ilgili yapılan çalışmalar incelenmiştir.
Conversion of Atrial Fibrillation after Cardiosurgical Procedures by Vernakalant® as an Atrial Repolarization Delaying Agent (ARDA)
Authors: Dalyanoglu Hannan , Mehdiani Arash , Minol Jan Philipp , Sipahi Nihat Firat , Aubin Hug , Boeken Udo , Müller Alfred , Makimoto Hisaki , Lichtenberg Artur , Korbmacher Bernhard 
Published: May 2018

Background: Postoperative, new-onset atrial fibrillation (POAF) is one of the most common complications after cardiosurgical procedures. Vernakalant has been reported to be effective in the conversion of POAF. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy and safety of vernakalant for atrial fibrillation after cardiac operations, and to investigate predictors for the success of vernakalant treatment. Patients and Methods: Post-cardiac surgery patients with new-onset of atrial fibrillation (AF) were consecutively enrolled in this study. Demographic data as well as intraoperative and postoperative parameters were analyzed. Vernakalant administration was primarily started 5.5 hours after new-onset POAF: 3 mg/kg intravenously over 10 min, and in case of non-conversion, a second dose of 2 mg/kg intravenously over 10 min. Results: 129 consecutive patients (70.2 ± 9.1 years) were included: 61 patients with coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery, 49 patients with isolated valve procedures, and 19 patients with combined procedures (CABG and valve). Conversion in sinus rhythm was achieved after the first vernakalant dose in 57 patients (44%), and after the second dose in 41 patients (32%). The mean time to conversion was 13.7 ± 14.1 min. The patients receiving valve procedures depicted a significantly lower conversion rate. The following variables lowered conversion rate: no preoperative beta blocker, postoperative troponin levels >500 ng/L, and systolic blood pressure >140 mmHg. At the first follow-up, 92% of the converted patients showed sinus rhythm, while 80% of the non-responders showed sinus rhythm (P < .01). Conclusions: The POAF was effectively converted by vernakalant. The conversion rate of POAF after valve surgery was lower when compared to isolated CABG.
Promoting Oral Health in Childhood: A Quality Improvement Project
Authors: Okah Abiye , Williams Kristi , Talib Nasreen , Mann Keith 
Published: May 2018

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES:
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends periodic oral health risk assessments (OHRAs) for young children to prevent early childhood caries and promote oral health. The objective of this quality improvement project was to incorporate OHRAs, including documentation of the oral screening examination, into well-child visits for patients aged 12 to 47 months to drive (1) improved rates of preventive fluoride varnish (FV) application and (2) improved dental referrals for children at high risk for caries.

METHODS:
We identified a quality gap in our OHRAs, oral examination completion, FV application rates, and dental referral rates via retrospective data collection. Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles targeted modification of electronic medical record templates, oral health education, and standardization of work processes. Process and outcome measures were analyzed with statistical process control charts.

RESULTS:
At baseline, OHRAs and oral screening examinations were documented in &lt;2% of patients. Of eligible children, 42% had FV applied. Routine dental referrals before age 3 years were uncommon. After multiple Plan-Do-Study-Act cycles, documentation of OHRAs and oral screening examinations (process measures) improved to 45% and 73%, respectively. The primary outcome measure, FV rates, improved to 86%. Referral of high-risk patients to a dentist improved to 54%.

CONCLUSIONS:
A systematic, evidence-based approach to improving oral health, including electronic medical record–based interventions, resulted in improved documentation of oral health risks and oral screening, improved rates of FV application in young children, and increased identification and referral of high-risk patients.
Pilot Study on the Responsiveness of Nurses to the Patient’s Request for complementary medicine
Authors: Zupančič Vesna , Krope Katja 
Published: May 2018

Introduction: When it comes to integrative medicine, the nurses are "caught in a trap" of their own views and developed competencies, as well as the views of the institution and the country where they work. The pilot study’s objective was to explore what is the expected reaction of nurses to the patient’s request for complementary treatment with tea in hospitals where integrative nursing has not yet been normatively recognised.
Methods: The quantitative research approach with a survey was used. Nonprobability sampling covered 506 persons from Southeast Slovenia, paticipating voluntarily: nurses, nursing students, patients and other persons. Respondents were to choose among the 11 previously prepared scenarios of possible responses of the nurse.
Results: Significant differences regarding the expected reaction of nurses both within the groups, as well as between the groups of respondents were found. The most possible critical response of nurses was to offer the tea which is daily available on the ward. A fifth of respondents believe that the patient’s tea would be provided by the visiting relatives.
Conclusion: Due to the prepared scenarios, findings and given orientations for further research, the study can be further implemented in the international environment for empirical verification.
Patterns of lipids and estrogen in women visiting the fertility clinic of Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi, Ghana
Authors: Antwi Joseph Sarfo , Addo Kweku Bedu , Krokoe Frank Ankobea 
Published: May 2018

Background: Infertility, which affects one in six couples, is a major clinical and social problem. Pelvic inflammatory diseases (PID) and sexually transmitted infections are but two of the several causes of infertility. The influence of lipid patterns and estrogen on infertility in the setting is however not fully explained. Therefore, the study sought to establish the Patterns of lipids and estrogen among infertile women visiting Komfo Anokye Teaching Hospital, Kumasi.Methods: The design was both retrospective and introspective study. Sampling technique was convenience and random probability sampling using a list of women with fertility challenges who attended KATH for infertility treatment. Univariable associations were tested using chi-square and a logistic regression was performed to assess the influence of lipids and estrogen on infertility. Associations were considered significant at p values of <0.05.Results: BMI was significantly associated with fertility in this study. The percentage of respondents who were overweight and obese was significantly higher among the women who were non-fertile as compared to those who were in the control group ((81.4% vrs 18.6% and 84% vrs 16% respectively). An increase in LDL cholesterol and total cholesterol were associated with increased likelihood of infertility among the subjects (OR, 95% CI=4.34, 2.18-8.65) and (OR, 95% CI=1.86, 1.03-3.35) respectively. A unit increase in BMI of the women is associated with 13% increase in the odds of being infertile, (OR, 95% CI=1.13, 1.01-1.65). A unit increase in estrogen level was also associated with 11% decrease in the odds of becoming infertile among the women studied (OR, 95% CI=0.89, 0.85-0.92).Conclusions: This study shows the influence of body mass index and high cholesterol levels on infertility. This finding will be useful in directing educational interventions aimed at promoting healthy lifestyles to reduce lipid levels and improve fertility among women.
Using platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio as a diagnostic marker in malignant ovarian tumors
Authors: Agameya Abdelfattah M. , Labib Kareem , Moiety Fady 
Published: May 2018

Background: Ovarian malignancy, is the fifth global fatal disease for women, and the most common cause of death in Gynecological cancer. Objective was to evaluate any diagnostic role of Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio in epithelial ovarian tumors.Methods: A prospective analysis, over 1 year; (October 2016 to October 2017). Setting: University hospital’s Gynaecological oncology centre. Subjects & Methodology: A total of 36 patients with epithelial ovarian tumors, not under any adjuvant therapy and negative for any other malignancy, or any blood diseases causing blood count changes. All subjects underwent preoperative assessment of CA125 and Platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), followed by a staging laparotomy and the appropriate management according to the standard protocols. Postoperative histopathological confirmation of the disease type, stage and grade was done for all cases.Results: (77.8%) of the patients had early stage disease while (22.2%) had advanced stage. Neither mean platelet, lymphocytic counts, nor PLR express any significant difference between early and late stage disease. CA 125 levels, however changed significantly in advanced stages. PLR showed a statistically significant difference between the three stages of the disease (P=0.007). There was a positive correlation between PLR and CA125 (r=0.184 and P=0.283).Conclusions: PLR rise significantly with tumor stages and correlates significantly with CA125. No significant change in PLR values with tumor type or grade. PLR might be a potential diagnostic / prognostic marker of ovarian epithelial cancer.
A retrospective analysis of the risk factors leading to perinatal mortality at a tertiary care hospital of Sikkim, India
Authors: Rai Chanda , Kharka Latha V. , Dutta Sudip , Kumar Nishant 
Published: May 2018

Background: This study helps to assess the burden of perinatal mortality at a tertiary referral hospital in Sikkim known for its hilly terrain which makes health services difficult to access. The aims and objectives were to determine the various causes and risk factors leading to perinatal mortality in order to formulate preventive strategiesMethods: All perinatal deaths over a year between August 2016-2017 were included and analysed in our study.Results: A stillbirth rate of 14 per 1000 total births and early neonatal death rate of 8 per 1000 live births was found in 1855 total births. Complications related to pregnancy like pre-eclampsia (16%), eclampsia (8%), ante-partum haemorrhage (15%) and medical disorders (13%) were major contributors to stillbirths while pre-maturity (53.3%), sepsis (20%), birth asphyxia due to meconium aspiration (13.3%) were notable factors leading to early neonatal deaths. In majority of the cases, factors like poor literacy, low socio-economic status, increased basal metabolic index and inadequate ante-natal care caused increased perinatal losses.Conclusions: Perinatal grief continues to surround women who have suffered perinatal deaths and serious efforts should be made to bring down the mortality rates by improving health , nutrition of all expecting mothers and increase their awareness to seek ante-natal health services in order to avoid any catastrophe in terms of maternal and fetal loss.