bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Strengthening mutual accountability and performance in agriculture in Southern Africa
Authors: Nhemachena Charles , Matchaya Greenwell , Nhlengethwa Sibusiso 
Published: May 2017

We critically assessed experiences in the implementation of agricultural joint sector reviews in supporting mutual accountability in Southern Africa, focusing on the lessons learned, the challenges and recommendations for improvement. Empirical data were gathered from four countries that have implemented joint sector reviews: Malawi, Mozambique, Swaziland and Zambia. The results show that recent efforts to conduct joint sector review assessments in these countries have raised the quest for increased accountability for action and results. Despite progress to strengthen mutual accountability in the countries, monitoring and evaluation capacity remains a concern, especially at sub-national levels. The mutual accountability process and implementation of the agricultural joint sector review processes in the respective countries have come a long way in facilitating sector-wide engagement of stakeholders in planning, implementation and monitoring and evaluation of agricultural policies and programmes. These processes are critical to ensure effective implementation and realisation of development impacts of agricultural priorities in the national agricultural investment plans.

Significance:

The implementation of the CAADP mutual accountability framework is critical to ensure effective implementation and realisation of development impacts of agricultural priorities in the national agricultural investment plans.
Agriculture joint sector reviews facilitate sector-wide engagement of stakeholders in planning, implementation, and monitoring and evaluation of agricultural policies and programmes.
Investigation of 11D428А-22 thruster operation dynamics with bellows flow stabilizer
Authors: Beshenev Yu. A. , Volkov A. V. , Kazankin F. A. 
Published: May 2017

This paper presents the results of comparative fire test investigations of the bipropellant thruster 11Д428А-22 with both plate and bellows flow stabilizers. The direct-acting bellows flow stabilizer 11Д428А.410.00/-01 presented in this paper meets all current requirements and progress trends of such type of hardware. In the developed stabilizer the bellows is used as a sensitive element, which excludes any uncontrollable leakages of a working medium and improves the reliability by eliminating cramping and varying frictional forces typical for pistons and plungers. The use of bellows-expanding spring at an initial state of the stabilizer extends the regulation range of the latter and increases the maintenance accuracy of specified flow over the entire control range. The flow stabilizer provides the starting propellant flow at the expense of added mass; hence the negative regulator effect becomes the favorable one in respect of a feed pipeline of liquid propellant thruster to improve thruster operation dynamics. Novelty of the flow stabilizer configuration is combining functions of a regulator and a starting device and broadening a regulation range and accuracy due to the spring expands the bellows at the initial state. The development construction is easy to fabricate and it provides the agreement of calculated regulator parameters and those resulted at the tests.
Fashion and Business Cycles with Snobs and Bandwagoners in a Multi-Sector Growth Model
Authors: Zhang Wei-Bin 
Published: May 2017

<p>This paper generalizes the dynamic growth model with interactions between fashion, economic growth and income and wealth distribution recently built by Zhang (2016). The modelling of fashion and preference change is inspirited by the economic model of fashion recently published by Giovinazzo and Naimzada (2015). This study introduces fashion into neoclassical growth theory. The original model is based on some ideas in the literature of economics of fashion. This study generalizes Zhang’s model by making all the time-independent parameters as time-dependent parameters. We simulate the motion of the economic system. We carry out comparative dynamic analysis with regard to periodic perturbations in some parameters. We show how exogenous period changes in these parameters lead to business cycles. </p>
Simultaneous removal of arsenic, iron and manganese from groundwater by oxidation-coagulation-adsorption at optimized pH
Authors: Bora Anup J. , Mohan Rajkamal , Dutta Robin K. 
Published: May 2017

Abstract
The method based on oxidation-coagulation-adsorption at optimized pH (OCOP) using NaHCO3, KMnO4 and FeCl3 as pH conditioner, oxidant and coagulant, respectively, is an efficient and low-cost method for removal of arsenic from groundwater that has been gaining popularity in India. In a recent modification of OCOP, coexisting ferrous iron of water was utilized in order to lower the dose of FeCl3 and hence to lower the cost of the treatment of water containing both arsenic and iron. Here we present how the OCOP method can be effectively and economically used for simultaneous removal of arsenic, iron and manganese ions from water containing all three contaminants. For this we have optimized the required doses of NaHCO3, KMnO4 and FeCl3 by response surface methodology and used the optimized doses in a field trial with 11 domestic units of 20 L capacity in batch mode. Arsenic, iron and manganese were removed simultaneously by the present modification of the OCOP method to below 1 μg/L, 0.03 mg/L and 0.009 mg/L from initial concentrations of 100 μg/L, 1–8 mg/L and 0.5–5.0 mg/L, respectively, with a reduced cost.
Improving Metabolic Control Through Functional Foods
Authors: Silva João C.P. , Jones John G. 
Published: May 2017

Background:
Functional foods are designed to have physiological benefits and reduce the
risk of chronic disease beyond basic nutritional functions. Conditions related to overnutrition such as
Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 diabetes are increasingly serious concerns in Western societies. Several
nutrient classes are considered to protect against these conditions and this review focuses on the latest
clinical and preclinical evidence supporting their efficacy and the molecular mechanisms by which they
act.

Methods:
The review searched the literature for information and data on the following functional food
components and their protective effects against Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes: Dietary fiber;
Medium-chain triglycerides and Ketone esters; ω3 Polyunsaturated fatty acids and Antioxidants.

Results:
Data from a hundred and four studies were reviewed and summarized. They indicate that dietary
fiber results in the production of beneficial short chain fatty acids via intestinal microbiota, as well
as increasing intestinal secretion of incretins and satiety peptides. Medium chain triglycerides and ketone
esters promote thermogenesis, inhibit lipolysis and reduce inflammation. They also decrease endogenous
synthesis of triglycerides and fatty acids. ω3-PUFA’s act to soften inflammation through an
increase in adiponectin secretion. Antioxidants are involved in the protection of insulin sensitivity by
PTP1B suppression and SIRT1 activation.

Conclusion:
Functional foods have actions that complement and/or potentiate other lifestyle interventions
for reversing Metabolic Syndrome and Type 2 Diabetes. Functional foods contribute to reduced
food intake by promoting satiety, less weight gain via metabolic uncoupling and improved insulin sensitivity
via several distinct mechanisms.
El “Imperio informal” británico en América Latina: ¿realidad o ficción?
Authors: Garner Paul 
Published: May 2017

Este artículo presenta un breve repaso de la historiografía sobre el Imperio Británico en la segunda mitad del siglo XX. Se concentra en tres perspectivas: dos que dominaron la historiografía sobre la expansión imperial británica durante la segunda mitad de siglo XX –los conceptos de “imperialismo informal” y de “capitalismo de caballeros”. La tercera es más reciente: la descripción del historiador británico John Darwin del Imperio Británico como un “proyecto imperial”. El texto se centra en la segunda mitad del siglo XIX, hasta el fin de la Primera Guerra Mundial en 1918. Busca poner en tela de juicio la validez del concepto de “imperio informal” como la clave para comprender las relaciones anglolatinoamericanas, y específicamente las anglo-mexicanas en esta época.
Release Activity of Encapsulated <i>Lactobacillus plantarum </i>NBRC 3070 in Optimum Alginate - <i>Aloe vera</i> Matrices during Simulated Gastric Fluid (SGF) and Simulated Intestinal Fluid (SIF) Exposure
Authors: Sallehudin Nur Syahirah , Khalil Khalilah Abdul , Musa Maslinda , Yazid Hifa Nazirah Mohd , Yusof Anida 
Published: May 2017

Probiotic encapsulation approach has the potential to protect microorganisms and to deliver them into the gut. Because of the promising preclinical and clinical results, probiotics have been incorporated into a range of products. However, there are still many challenges to overcome with respect to the encapsulation process and the conditions prevailing in the gut. Thus in this study, the release activity of encapsulated L. plantarum NBRC 3070 and Aloe vera gel within alginate coated chitosan matrices during simulated gastric fluid (SGF) and simulated intestinal fluid (SIF) exposure were investigated. There were four groups of beads prepared in this study: 1) Encapsulated probiotic and Aloe vera within alginate beads (chitosan coated), 2) Encapsulated probiotic within alginate beads (chitosan coated), 3) Encapsulated probiotic and Aloe vera within alginate beads (uncoated) and 4) Encapsulated probiotic alone within alginate beads (uncoated). Encapsulation process was carried out using extrusion method. The optimized composition of alginate matrix (1.34% w/v) and Aloe vera gel (1.99% w/v) were used.Â In order to investigate their release activity, all beads were exposed in Simulated Gastric (SGF) at pH 2.5 and Simulated Intestinal Fluids (SIF) at pH 6.5 for 120 min and 270 min, respectively. Based on the findings, alginate-Aloe vera beads with chitosan coated was able to protect L. plantarum NBRC 3070 during SGF exposure with only 1 log10 cfu/mL reduction. The presence of Aloe vera gel in the beads improved the survivability of the cells. Encapsulated cells were observed successfully slow released of cells from the beads after exposure in SIF. Scan Electron Microscope (SEM) result had shown that cross link activity of the optimum alginate-Aloe vera with chitosan coating resulted in better survival of cells after simulated gastro and able to deliver sufficient probiotic dose to intestinal region. The combinations were able to improve encapsulated cells survivability during low acidic environment passage and release activity into the intestinal target region.Â Â
Effects of Teachers’ Non-cognitive Skills on Students Achievements in the Educational System: Implications for Teacher Training Programmes in Botswana
Authors: Adedoyin Omobola O , Chisiyanwa L. A. , Mensah J. 
Published: May 2017

The training of teachers in institutions of higher learning emphasises on the knowledge of the subject matter and pedagogical skills or teaching methodologies. These are cognitive skills a teacher should possess for effective teaching in the educational system. But recently non- cognitive skills have been identified or suggested as also having an impact on learning outcomes. This research study examined the effect of teachers’ non-cognitive skills on students’ achievements in the educational system as perceived by students. A questionnaire was developed and administered to a sample of three hundred (300) 2016 fresh undergraduate students at BA ISAGO University, who had just finished from different Senior Secondary Schools in Botswana. The undergraduate students’ responses were subjected to Factor analysis. From the factor analysis, six (6) factors emerged with eigen values greater than one as the most important non-cognitive skills that Botswana teachers should possess which were as follows; Perseverance, Accommodating, Efficiency, Caring, Consideration and motivational skills that were perceived as teachers should possess for effective academic achievements by students. The undergraduate students’ responses were also tested for significance with respect to gender and school location of students. Recommendations were made for the Botswana educational system and also implications for teacher training programmes in Botswana.
Analysis and Comparison of Mean Sea Level Discrepancy in Manila and Legazpi Bays using Geodetic Leveling, Gravity Field and Oceanographic Approaches
Authors: Reyes Rosalie Bandojo , Carpena Gerard , Zaragosa Xavier 
Published: May 2017

The determination of the mean sea level (MSL) is very important in geodetic measurements. However, the accelerating rise in sea level brought about by climate change introduces uncertainties in present observations. While the effects of accelerated sea level rise vary according to geographical location, local climatological and geophysical conditions (e.g. geodynamics or tectonic activities) may contribute significantly to its overall effect. This effect may result to elevations that are not homogeneously distributed throughout the country, meaning that benchmark height determined from two different reference MSLs will give different values.Â Geodetic leveling is the classical approach in propagating heights landward but this is not applicable on lands separated by large bodies of water. This is a problem for an archipelagic country such as the Philippines. As an alternative to geodetic leveling approach, gravity field and oceanographic approaches were tested to determine the discrepancy between local MSLs. The results from these alternative approaches were compared with the result of the geodetic leveling approach that was used for validation. The MSLs used for Manila and Legazpi Bays were the averaging of 19 years tidal observations from 1990-2008 and 1989-2007 respectively.Based on the results of this study, the MSL in Manila Bay is higher by 23.6 cm than the MSL in Legazpi Bay determined from geodetic leveling approach. The oceanographic approach showed a 19.5 cm difference between the two bays, which is 4.1 cm off with the with geodetic leveling approach value. Among the three gravity field models evaluated, EIGEN-6C4 gave the closest value to the geodetic leveling approach computed MSL difference. The gravity field approach computed difference between the two locations is 24.2 cm, which differs by only 0.6 cm than the geodetic leveling approach value. Therefore, it can be concluded that the gravity field approach can be used as an alternative method to for inter-island height unification. However, further investigation should be conducted since only two locations were considered.
Cyst formation after stereotactic radiosurgery for brain arteriovenous malformations: a systematic review
Authors: Ilyas Adeel , Chen Ching-Jen , Ding Dale , Mastorakos Panagiotis , Taylor Davis G. , Pomeraniec I. Jonathan , Lee Cheng-Chia , Sheehan Jason 
Published: May 2017

OBJECTIVECyst formation can occasionally occur after stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) for brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs). Given the limited data regarding post-SRS cyst formation in patients with AVM, the time course, natural history, and management of this delayed complication are poorly defined. The aim of this systematic review was to determine the incidence, time course, and optimal management of cyst formation after SRS for AVMs.METHODSA literature review was performed using PubMed to identify studies reporting cyst formation in AVM patients treated with SRS. Baseline and outcomes data, including the incidence and management of post-SRS cysts, were extracted from each study that reported follow-up duration. The mean time to cyst formation was calculated from the subset of studies that reported individual patient data.RESULTSBased on pooled data from 22 studies comprising the incidence analysis, the overall rate of post-SRS cyst formation was 3.0% (78/2619 patients). Among the 26 post-SRS cyst patients with available AVM obliteration data, nidal obliteration was achieved in 20 (76.9%). Of the 64 cyst patients with available symptomatology and management data, 21 (32.8%) were symptomatic; 21 cysts (32.8%) were treated with surgical intervention, whereas the remaining 43 (67.2%) were managed conservatively. Based on a subset of 19 studies reporting individual time-to-cyst-formation data from 63 patients, the mean latency period to post-SRS cyst formation was 78 months (6.5 years).CONCLUSIONSCyst formation is an uncommon complication after SRS for AVMs, with a relatively long latency period. The majority of post-SRS cysts are asymptomatic and can be managed conservatively, although enlarging or symptomatic cysts may require surgical intervention. Long-term follow-up of AVM patients is crucial to the appropriate diagnosis and management of post-SRS cysts.
Symptoms, cancer‐related distress, and overall distress may contribute to racial disparities in the outcomes of patients with early‐stage breast cancer
Authors: Barton Mary Kay 
Published: May 2017

Key Points

Only 60% of AA women with early‐stage BC received at least 85% of the prescribed adjuvant chemotherapy within the prescribed timeframe.
The number of symptoms and symptom distress were related to the ability to receive timely, full‐dose adjuvant chemotherapy.
These findings provide an actionable area in which to potentially decrease cancer treatment disparities.
Cancer of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction—Major changes in the American Joint Committee on Cancer eighth edition cancer staging manual
Authors: Rice Thomas W. , Gress Donna M. , Patil Deepa T. , Hofstetter Wayne L. , Kelsen David P. , Blackstone Eugene H. 
Published: May 2017

AbstractAnswer questions and earn CME/CNENew to the eighth edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) Cancer Staging Manual for epithelial cancers of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction are separate, temporally related cancer classifications: 1) before treatment decision (clinical); 2) after esophagectomy alone (pathologic); and 3) after preresection therapy followed by esophagectomy (postneoadjuvant pathologic). The addition of clinical and postneoadjuvant pathologic stage groupings was driven by a lack of correspondence of survival, and thus prognosis, between both clinical and postneoadjuvant pathologic cancer categories (facts about the cancer) and pathologic categories. This was revealed by a machine‐learning analysis of 6‐continent data from the Worldwide Esophageal Cancer Collaboration, with consensus of the AJCC Upper GI Expert Panel. Survival is markedly affected by histopathologic cell type (squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma) in clinically and pathologically staged patients, requiring separate stage grouping for each cell type. However, postneoadjuvant pathologic stage groups are identical. For the future, more refined and granular data are needed. This requires: 1) more accurate clinical staging; 2) innovative solutions to pathologic staging challenges in endoscopically resected cancers; 3) integration of genomics into staging; and 4) precision cancer care with targeted therapy. It is the responsibility of the oncology team to accurately determine and record registry data, which requires eliminating both common errors and those related to incompleteness and inconsistency. Despite the new complexity of eighth edition staging of cancers of the esophagus and esophagogastric junction, these key concepts and new directions will facilitate precision cancer care. CA Cancer J Clin 2017;67:304–317. © 2017 American Cancer Society.
Intensive versus Minimal Standard Dosage for Peritoneal Dialysis in Acute Kidney Injury: A Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Parapiboon Watanyu , Jamratpan Treechada 
Published: May 2017

Background Dosage for peritoneal dialysis (PD) in acute kidney injury (AKI) is controversial. This study aims to find benefits and risks of intensive versus minimal standard dosage of PD in AKI. Methods In a tertiary-hospital, 93 AKI patients who required PD between May 2015 and January 2016 were enrolled in a randomized, open-label controlled study. Patients were randomized to intensive group (> 30 L) and minimal standard group (< 20 L) of PD volume per day for the first 2 consecutive days. The primary outcome was in-hospital mortality. The secondary outcomes were peritonitis rate, dialysis dependence, and PD leakage. Results Seventy-five patients were analyzed (intensive PD n = 39; minimal standard PD n = 36). Mean age was 60 years. Most patients were in critical care (72% unstable hemodynamic, mean APACHE II score 26.2). Kt/V delivery per session was 0.61 and 0.38 in intensive and minimal standard PD dosage for the first 2 consecutive sessions. According to intention-to-treat analysis, the in-hospital mortality rate of intensive PD dosage was not significantly different from the minimal standard PD dosage (79% vs 63%, relative risk [RR] 1.11, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.80 to 1.51, p = 0.13). The dialysis dependence rate and PD leakage were not significantly different between the 2 groups. The rate of PD peritonitis was slightly higher in the intensive PD dosage group (15.3% vs 8.3%, p = 0.34). Conclusion Among AKI patients who required PD, there was no significant difference in in-hospital mortality between intensive and minimal standard PD dosage.
Effects of A Comprehensive Predialysis Education Program on the Home Dialysis Therapies: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Shukla Ashutosh M. , Easom Andrea , Singh Manisha , Pandey Richa , Rotaru Dumitru , Wen Xuerong , Shah Sudhir V. 
Published: May 2017

Background Improvement in the rates of home dialysis has been a desirable but difficult-to-achieve target for United States nephrology. Provision of comprehensive predialysis education (CPE) in institutes with established home dialysis programs has been shown to facilitate a higher home dialysis choice amongst chronic kidney disease (CKD) patients. Unfortunately, limited data have shown the efficacy of such programs in the United States or in institutes with small home dialysis (HoD) programs. Methods We report the retrospective findings examining the efficacy of a CPE program in the early period after its establishment, with reference to its impact on the choice and growth of a small HoD program. Results Over the initial 22 months since its inception, 108 patients were enrolled in the CPE clinic. Seventy percent of patients receiving CPE chose HoD, of which 55% chose peritoneal dialysis (PD) and 15% chose home hemodialysis (HHD). Rates of HoD choice were similar across the spectrum of socio-economic variables. Of just over half (54.6%) of those choosing to return for more than 1 session, 25.3%, changed their modality preference after the first education session, and nearly all reached a final modality selection by the end of the third visit. Initiation of the CPE program resulted in a 216% growth in HoD census over the same period and resulted in near doubling of HoD prevalence to 38% of all dialysis patients. Conclusions Comprehensive patient education improves the choice and prevalence of HoD therapies. We further find that 3 sessions of CPE may provide needed resources for the large majority of subjects for adequate decision-making.