Density and Diversity of Seaweed in Weda Bay Waters, North Mollucas Province

The study on seaweed density and diversity in many substrates was conducted in Weda Bay waters, North Mollucas in 2013. The objectives of this research was to determine the density and diversity of seaweed in many different substrates and to determine the relationship of substrate types and seaweed density and diversity in Weda Bay waters. Data were collected using quadrate transect method and collections. The result showed that the coastal area of Batlol, Weda Bay contained higher density and diversity of macroalgae than other locations with 35 species of 24 families consisting of 14 species of red macroalgae, 12 species of green algae, and 9 species of brown algae. The dominan families of macroalgae were Gracilaria, Acanthophora, Caulerpa, Halimeda, Sargassum, and Turbinaria. The dominant difference of macroalgae in each location was caused by differences in habitat type, e.q., habitat in Batlol consisted of fragments of dead coral, sand, little living coral with vegetation seaweed that dominated by Thalasia hemprizii and Symodacea rotundata. While habitat conditions at other locations experienced severe damage that dominated by chunks of dead coral, dead coral rubble, and sand. Environmental conditions in study regions were considered to be in a good condition to support macro-algae growth

Macroalgae Biomass Productivity in Ambalau Island Waters, South Buru District

Studies on the diversity and density of macroalga have been carried out in Ambalau island waters, south Buru district since 2010. The purposes of this study were to determine the diversity, density, frequency, and the dominance of macroalga in the coastal waters of the Ambalau island. Data collection with squares transect line method were conducted in October-November 2009. The results showed that the coastal areas of Masawoy showed the highest values in diversity, density, frequency, and the dominance of macroalga in the study area with 33 species from 20 genera consisting of 14 species of green alga, 10 species of red alga, and 9 species of brown alga. Caulerpa, Halimeda, Gracilaria, Acanthophora, Sargassum, and Padina were the most dominance in the region. The highest diversity, density, frequency, and dominance of macroalga on the Masawoy coastal waters were due to its habitat conditions in relatively good condition consisting of dead coral rubble, sand, coral live with seagrass vegetation dominated by Thalasia hemprizii and Enhalus acuroides. Meanwhile, habitat conditions at other locations have suffered a severe damage and dominated by dead coral. Environmental conditions in the study region were within the limits of decent support for the growth of macro alga

Study and modelling of the passenger safety devices of an electric vehicle by finite elements

Abstract Electric mobility gets mainly involved quadricycles and cars. Between these two vehicle types there are differences in terms of stability, performance, cost, autonomy and safety. The authors studied the implementation of passenger safety devices on a prototype for an electric vehicle derived from a heavy quadricycle. A finite element analysis starting from experimental results was carried out in order to determine the effectiveness in case of frontal and side crashes

A novel microwave and induction heating applicator for metal making: Design and testing

The use of microwave heating in primary metallurgy is gaining an increasing interest due to the possibility to selectively process ores and to volumetrically heat large amounts of low-thermal conductivity minerals. In this paper the study, development and testing of a new applicator combining the use of microwave and induction heating for rapid reduction of metal containing oxides is described. Numerical simulation was used in order to achieve the proper control over heat generation, considering the use of microwave solid state generators. A prototype, with a capacity up to 5 liters of standard input feed but with the predisposition for continuous processing has been designed, built and tested on reference loads like iron oxide powders and pellets. Results on the microwave heating part of the applicator indicate that it allows to efficiently and rapidly process these kinds of loads, which change from dielectric to conductors as reduction proceeds. The use of variable frequency solid state microwave generators allows to maximize energy efficiency and to controllably change the heating pattern inside the load

The feasibility and effectiveness of high-intensity boxing training versus moderate-intensity brisk walking in adults with abdominal obesity: a pilot study

BACKGROUND: High-intensity interval training (HIIT) performed on exercise cycle or treadmill is considered safe and often more beneficial for fat loss and cardiometabolic health than moderate-intensity continuous training (MICT). The aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of a 12-week boxing training (HIIT) intervention compared with an equivalent dose of brisk walking (MICT) in obese adults. METHODS: Men and women with abdominal obesity and body mass index >25 kg/m(2) were randomized to either a boxing group or a brisk walking (control) group for 12 weeks. Each group engaged in 4 training sessions per week, equated for total physical activity. Feasibility outcomes included recruitment rates, assessment of training intensities, adherence and adverse events. Effectiveness was assessed pre and post intervention via pertinent obesity-, cardiovascular-, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes. RESULTS: Nineteen individuals expressed an interest and 63% (n = 12) consented. Recruitment was slower than anticipated (1.3 participants/week). The boxing group trained at a significantly higher intensity each week versus the brisk walking group (p < 0.05). Two participants in the boxing group experienced an adverse event; both continued to exercise with modifications to the exercise program. No other adverse events were noted. The boxing group attended more sessions (79% vs. 55%) and had a lower attrition rate (n = 0 vs. n = 2) than the walking group. Analysis of covariance revealed that the boxing group significantly improved body fat percentage (p = 0.047), systolic blood pressure (p = 0.026), augmentation index (AIx; p < 0.001), absolute VO2max (p = 0.015), and Physical Functioning (p = 0.042) and Vitality (p = 0.024) domains of HRQoL over time. The walking group did not improve any clinical outcomes, and experienced a worsening of Vitality (p = 0.043). CONCLUSIONS: Boxing training (HIIT) in adults with abdominal obesity is feasible and may elicit a better therapeutic effect on obesity, cardiovascular, and HRQoL outcomes than an equivalent dose of brisk walking (MICT). Robustly designed randomized controlled trials are required to confirm these findings and inform clinical guidelines and practice for obesity treatment. TRIAL REGISTRATION: TRIAL REGISTRATION: ACTRN12615000007538.Birinder S Cheema, Timothy B Davies, Matthew Stewart, Shona Papalia, and Evan Atlanti

The Wow Factor? A Comparative Study of the Development of Student Music Teachers' Talents in Scotland and Australia

For some time there has been debate about differing perspectives on musical gift and musical intelligence. One view is that musical gift is innate: that it is present in certain individuals from birth and that the task of the teacher is to develop the potential which is there. A second view is that musical gift is a complex concept which includes responses from individuals to different environments and communities (Howe and Sloboda, 1997). This then raises the possibility that musical excellence can be taught. We have already explored this idea with practising musicians (Stollery and McPhee, 2002). Our research has now expanded to include music teachers in formation, and, in this paper, we look at the influences in their musical development which have either 'crystallised' or 'paralysed' the musical talent which they possess. Our research has a comparative dimension, being carried out in Scotland and in Australia. We conclude that there are several key influences in the musical development of the individual, including home and community support, school opportunities and teaching styles and that there may be education and culture-specific elements to these influences

Accuracy of elastic fusion biopsy in daily practice: results of a multicenter study of 2115 patients

OBJECTIVES: To assess the accuracy of Koelis fusion biopsy for the detection of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer in the everyday practice. METHODS: We retrospectively enrolled 2115 patients from 15 institutions in four European countries undergoing transrectal Koelis fusion biopsy from 2010 to 2017. A variable number of target (usually 2-4) and random cores (usually 10-14) were carried out, depending on the clinical case and institution habits. The overall and clinically significant prostate cancer detection rates were assessed, evaluating the diagnostic role of additional random biopsies. The cancer detection rate was correlated to multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging features and clinical variables. RESULTS: The mean number of targeted and random cores taken were 3.9 (standard deviation 2.1) and 10.5 (standard deviation 5.0), respectively. The cancer detection rate of Koelis biopsies was 58% for all cancers and 43% for clinically significant prostate cancer. The performance of additional, random cores improved the cancer detection rate of 13% for all cancers (P < 0.001) and 9% for clinically significant prostate cancer (P < 0.001). Prostate cancer was detected in 31%, 66% and 89% of patients with lesions scored as Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System 3, 4 and 5, respectively. Clinical stage and Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score were predictors of prostate cancer detection in multivariate analyses. Prostate-specific antigen was associated with prostate cancer detection only for clinically significant prostate cancer. CONCLUSIONS: Koelis fusion biopsy offers a good cancer detection rate, which is increased in patients with a high Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score and clinical stage. The performance of additional, random cores seems unavoidable for correct sampling. In our experience, the Prostate Imaging Reporting and Data System score and clinical stage are predictors of prostate cancer and clinically significant prostate cancer detection; prostate-specific antigen is associated only with clinically significant prostate cancer detection, and a higher number of biopsy cores are not associated with a higher cancer detection rate

Whole Genome Sequence Analysis of Burkholderia contaminans FFH2055 Strain Reveals the Presence of Putative β-Lactamases

Burkholderia contaminans is a member of the Burkholderia cepacia complex (Bcc), a pathogen with increasing prevalence among cystic fibrosis (CF) patients and the cause of numerous outbreaks due to the use of contaminated commercial products. The antibiotic resistance determinants, particularly β-lactamases, have been poorly studied in this species. In this work, we explored the whole genome sequence (WGS) of a B. contaminans isolate (FFH 2055) and detected four putative β-lactamase-encoding genes. In general, these genes have more than 93% identity with β-lactamase genes found in other Bcc species. Two β-lactamases, a class A (Pen-like, suggested name PenO) and a class D (OXA-like), were further analyzed and characterized. Amino acid sequence comparison showed that Pen-like has 82% and 67% identity with B. multivorans PenA and B. pseudomallei PenI, respectively, while OXA-like displayed strong homology with class D enzymes within the Bcc, but only 22–44% identity with available structures from the OXA family. PCR reactions designed to study the presence of these two genes revealed a heterogeneous distribution among clinical and industrial B. contaminans isolates. Lastly, bla PenO gene was cloned and expressed into E. coli to investigate the antibiotic resistance profile and confers an extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) phenotype. These results provide insight into the presence of β-lactamases in B. contaminans, suggesting they play a role in antibiotic resistance of these bacteria.Fil: Degrossi, José J.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; ArgentinaFil: Merino, Cindy. University Fullerton; Estados UnidosFil: Isasmendi, Adela M.. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital de Pediatría "Juan P. Garrahan"; ArgentinaFil: Ibarra, Lorena M.. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez"; ArgentinaFil: Collins, Chelsea. University Fullerton; Estados UnidosFil: Bo, Nicolás E.. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica; ArgentinaFil: Papalia, Mariana Andrea. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología. Cátedra de Microbiología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay; ArgentinaFil: Fernandez, Jennifer S.. University Fullerton; Estados UnidosFil: Hernandez, Claudia M.. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital de Pediatría "Juan P. Garrahan"; ArgentinaFil: Papp Wallace, Krisztina M.. Case Western Reserve University; Estados UnidosFil: Bonomo, Robert A.. Case Western Reserve University; Estados UnidosFil: Vazquez, Miryam S.. Gobierno de la Ciudad de Buenos Aires. Hospital General de Niños "Ricardo Gutiérrez"; ArgentinaFil: Power, Pablo. Universidad de Buenos Aires. Facultad de Farmacia y Bioquímica. Departamento de Microbiología, Inmunología y Biotecnología. Cátedra de Microbiología; Argentina. Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas. Oficina de Coordinación Administrativa Houssay; ArgentinaFil: Ramirez, María S.. University Fullerton; Estados Unido

Short-term efficacy and safety of betamethasone valerate 2.25 mg medicated plaster in patients with chronic lateral epicondylitis: Results of a randomised, double blind, placebo-controlled study

Background. This placebo-controlled, double-blind study evaluated the short-term effects of betamethasone valerate (BMV) 2.25mg medicated plaster in patients with chronic lateral elbow tendinopathy (LET). Methods. Adult outpatients with LET and on-movement pain intensity ≥50 mm at a 0-100mm visual analogue scale (VAS) were randomised to receive BMV (N=101) or placebo (N=98), 12 hours/day for 4 weeks. Pain decrease from baseline to Day 28 was the primary endpoint. Other endpoints were: patient-rated tennis elbow evaluation (PRTEE), use of rescue paracetamol, tolerability at the application site. Results. Decrease in mean pain VAS from baseline to Day 28 was significantly higher with BMV vs. placebo: the difference between groups (intent-to-treat) was-8.57 mm (95% CI:-16.19 to-0.95 mm; p=0.028). Higher pain decreases in the BMV group over placebo were reported weekly during each control visit and daily in patients’ measurements on diaries. Treatment with BMV also led to higher decreases vs. placebo in PRTEE total, pain and functional disability score. Use of paracetamol was minimal. BMV plaster was well tolerated for general and local adverse events. Conclusions. BMV 2.25mg plaster was superior to placebo and well tolerated in patients with painful chronic LET