bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Extração e caracterização de gelatina de subprodutos suínos
Authors: Rojas Valquiria Maeda , Gozzo Angela Maria
Published: January 2018

A carne suína representa aproximadamente 40% do total de carne consumida pelo homem, colocando-a como principal fonte de proteína animal na dieta da população. As questões relacionadas ao meio ambiente, como o aproveitamento dos resíduos industriais, consolidam-se como uma preocupação crescente, sendo a recuperação de subprodutos de abatedouros uma opção importante, além de economicamente rentável, contribuindo para diminuir os impactos no meio ambiente. Em busca de alternativas viáveis para aproveitar os subprodutos de origem animal, tem-se a produção de hidrolisados proteicos, extração de colágeno e gelatina. A gelatina é uma proteína derivada da hidrólise parcial do colágeno animal, contido em ossos e peles, principalmente de suínos e bovinos. Neste estudo foram testados quatro métodos para extração de gelatina a partir do pé e couro provenientes de suínos, sendo dois deles selecionados para as caracterizações de umidade, proteínas, lipídeos, rendimento, força do gel, pH e viscosidade. As gelatinas obtidas apresentaram baixo teor de umidade e lipídeos, estando em conformidade com a legislação. As análises reológicas demonstraram que todas as gelatinas, tanto as extraídas do couro quanto as do pé, possuem comportamento pseudoplástico. Em relação ao teor proteico, estas apresentaram teores de 81 a 99% e Bloom de médio a alto (187 a 289g). Pode-se concluir que a gelatina extraída do couro obteve maiores teores proteicos e Bloom mais elevado, tanto em comparação com a gelatina obtida do pé suíno como as comparadas com a literatura, obtidas a partir de outras matérias primas animais, mostrando-se um ótimo meio de aproveitamento deste resíduo.
An Analysis of Whether Health Literacy and Numeracy Are Associated with Diabetes Medication Adherence
Authors: Nandyala Arathi S. , Nelson Lyndsay A. , Lagotte Andrea E. , Osborn Chandra Y.
Published: January 2018

Many people with type 2 diabetes (T2D) do not take medications as prescribed, resulting in suboptimal glycemic control and a greater risk of diabetes complications. Taking medications regularly requires adequate health literacy and numeracy skills, but associations between health literacy and numeracy skills and medication adherence have been mixed. We used validated, reliable, and widely accepted measures to examine the relationship between health literacy, numeracy, and medication adherence among a sample of adults with T2D. We analyzed cross-sectional data using nonparametric Mann-Whitney U tests and unadjusted and adjusted logistic regression models. For every 1 point increase on the Brief Health Literacy Screen and Subjective Numeracy Scale, participants were 1.8 and 2.7 times more likely to optimally take medications (
p
< .05). Health literacy and numeracy skills should be considered in the design of education materials for diabetes medication management and adherence.

[
HLRP: Health Literacy Research and Practice
. 2018;2(1):e15–e20.]
Modelling Online Course Services and Comparison of its Major Providers
Authors: Alkaff Abdullah , Qomarudin Mochamad Nur , Alkaff Sylmina Dalily , Bilfaqih Yusuf
Published: January 2018

Online course has created many success stories since its inceptions. It has opened opportunities for learners, instructors, universities, companies, and other organizations to fulfill their needs in education and even creates new needs which previously are unthinkable possible. Online course providers have central roles in bridging and fulfilling the needs of these many parties. This paper modelled online course services based on identification of the needs for online course in a form of activity flow diagrams. The model also includes the context diagram of stakeholders involved and the entity relationship diagram. Primary service components of major online course providers and activities involved in each service are identified. Based on these service components, a comparison of services offered by major online course providers is given. The needs of services that are least or not yet satisfied from online course providers are also identified to show that there are still opportunities to enhance the current services.
Effects of the Gamification Supported Flipped Classroom Model on the Attitudes and Opinions Regarding Game-Coding Education
Authors: Ã–zer Hasan Huseyin , Kanbul Sezer , Ozdamli Fezile
Published: January 2018

The aim of this study is to determine the opinions of teacher candidate students about applications and effects of attitudes for coding by making Project Development course with gamification supported flipped classroom during coding period. Quantitative and qualitative methods were used together in this study which aims to determine the attitudes and opinions of students about coding in gamification supported flipped classrooms for 14 weeks. In the qualitative dimension of the study, pre-test and post-test were applied as attitude measure for students about the coding. Whereas in quantitative dimension, semi-structured interview forms and interviews were held in order to obtain information in more details. This study was held with 35 classroom students who take Project Development course in Computer and Instruction Technology Teaching Departments at the Near East University of whom 3 were female and 32 were males. Results show that; the vast majority of teacher candidates have been satisfied with the activities through the approach of gamification supported flipped classroom as well as the increase in their motivation and in-class competition.

Keywords—gamification, flipped classroom, game, coding, attitudes
Collaborative Learning at Engineering Universities: Benefits and Challenges
Authors: Sumtsova Olga V. , Aikina Tatiana Yu. , Bolsunovskaya Liudmila M. , Phillips Chris , Zubkova Olga M. , Mitchell Peter J.
Published: January 2018

This paper concerns the cutting edge educational approaches incorporated into syllabuses of the most progressive Russian higher technical schools. The authors discuss one of the active methods in teaching foreign languages – collaborative learning implemented in e-courses. Theoretical and historical aspects of this approach are addressed, as are its suitability for engineering education and possible ways of introducing collaborative learning into e-courses. Collaborative learning technology offers wide prospects for teachers of foreign languages as it enables the use of various patterns of interaction, promotes discussion, opinion exchange, peer assessment and building an e-learning community, fosters the development of e-culture and netiquette, and prepares future specialists for work in their professional sphere under the new conditions imposed by society’s technological and cultural development. This paper describes real pedagogical experience of teaching English to students using the platform Moodle, focusing on the capacity of different Moodle instruments for designing group work tasks. Recommendations are given for their usage and the results of implementing a collaborative learning approach into certain e-courses offered at Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU) are presented.
Quel engouement pour « .brussels » ? Analyse de l’utilisation de « .brussels » comme extension de nom de domaine de premier niveau
Authors: Waty Margot , van Hooland Seth , Hengchen Simon , Coeckelbergs Mathias , De Wilde Max , Decroly Jean-Michel
Published: January 2018

En 2012, la libéralisation du marché des noms de domaine de premier niveau a ouvert de nouvelles perspectives aux entreprises, aux administrations et aux particuliers, en leur permettant d’inclure un élément géographique dans le nom de domaine de leurs sites web. Depuis lors, très peu d’études, pour autant qu’il en existe, ont été menées sur l’utilisation des nouveaux noms de domaine de premier niveau (top-level domain names, TLDN). À partir du cas spécifique du TLDN « .brussels », le présent article propose une analyse empirique de l’impact réel de l’ouverture de ce marché sur les pratiques en matière d’enregistrement de noms de domaine. Au moyen de logiciels en accès gratuit, tels qu’OpenRefine, et de méthodes de traitement du langage naturel (TLN), l’ensemble des 6 300 noms de domaine finissant par « .brussels » a pu être examiné du point de vue quantitatif. L’interprétation qualitative d’un échantillon statistiquement représentatif (592 noms de domaine) a permis d’affiner l’analyse pour voir comment ce nouveau TLDN est utilisé dans la pratique. Ainsi, l’article apporte des informations détaillées sur l’incidence des récentes modifications réglementaires relatives à l’enregistrement des noms de domaine. Voilà qui devrait éclairer chercheurs, décideurs, investisseurs et quiconque se souciant de l’identité de Bruxelles dans le monde numérique quant à la situation du TLDN « .brussels ».
Study and Characterization of Mechanical and Electrochemical Corrosion Properties of Plasma Sprayed Hydroxyapatite Coatings on AISI 304L Stainless Steel
Authors: Rattan Vikas , Sidhu T.S. , Mittal Manoj
Published: January 2018

The use of hydroxyapatite coatings is limited by their inferior mechanical properties such as brittle nature, low wear resistance, abrasion, fatigue, and hardness. This ultimately leads to the wear and early rupture of the hydroxyapatite coating on the implant. The main objective of this study is to improve the mechanical properties of hydroxyapatite by using additional reinforcement material such as alumina (Al2O3). The HAp powder has been reinforced with 15wt% Al2O3 and its effect on the properties of HAp coatings has been studied. The HAp and HAp +15 wt% Al2O3 coatings were deposited on AISI 304 L SS substrates using the plasma spraying technique. The morphology of the coatings developed was characterized using SEM/EDX, XRD, and FTIR techniques. The corrosion resistance studies have been performed on uncoated and coated samples and found that HAp coated samples show superior resistance against corrosion (ICorr = 0.538 μA) than uncoated (ICorr = 3.550 μA) and HAp+15 wt% Al2O3 coated (ICorr = 1.440 μA) samples when electrochemical corrosion studies were performed in Ringer’s solution. Surface roughness and microhardness were found to increase with the addition of Al2O3. Crystallinity (%) of the HAp coatings and HAp+15 wt% Al2O3 coatings increases after the corrosion testing.
Temperature Effect on the Mechanical Properties of Very High Performance Concrete
Authors: Belaoura Mebarek , Chiheb Dalila , Oudjit Mohamed Nadjib , Bali Abderrahim
Published: January 2018

This study aims at a better understanding of the behaviour of very high performance concretes (VHPC) subjected to high temperatures. The temperature increase within the concrete originating from the hydratation exothermic reaction of cement is emphasized by the mass effect of the structures and can lead to thermal variations of around 50°C between the heart and the structures walls. These thermal considerations are not without consequence on durability and the physical and mechanical properties of very high performance concrete, such as the compressive strength. This work is an experimental research that shows the effects of temperature on the mechanical properties of very high performance concrete (VHPC) and compares them with those of conventional concrete and HPC. Test specimens in usual concrete, HPC and VHPC are made, preserved till maturity of the concrete, and then subjected to a heating-cooling cycle from room temperature to 500°C at heating rate 0.1°C/min. Mechanical tests on the hot concrete and cooling (air and water) were realized. The results show that the mechanical characteristics of VHPC (density, compressive strength, tensile strength and elastic modulus) decrease with increasing temperature, but their strength remains higher than that of conventional concrete.
New Test Method for Assessing the Carbonation Front in Alkali-Activated Fly Ash/Slag Pastes
Authors: Nedeljković Marija , Zuo Yi Bing , Arbi Kamel , Ye Guang
Published: January 2018

Carbonation of the pore solution in alkali-activated materials (AAMs) produces alkali and/or alkali-earth carbonates. When the carbonate solubility in the water is very high (case of the most alkali carbonates), it is very hard to determine the carbonation depth in AAMs with the phenolphthalein indicator frequently used in Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)-based materials. Carbonation gradually decreases the alkalinity of the pore solution, while the color after spraying phenolphthalein changes from colorless to pink when pH< 13 and changes back to colorless when pH< 8.2. The color change with phenolphthalein indicator may still exist in the less alkaline areas where carbonation may have already occurred. Therefore, using the indicator test is likely to underestimate the depth to which carbonation reaction has occurred in AAMs and more complete assessment is required. This study investigates the carbonation front in alkali-activated fly ash (FA) and blast furnace slag (BFS) pastes in natural laboratory conditions. Monitoring carbonation front in the samples after one year of exposure has been carried out under polarized light microscope (PLM), and environmental scanning electron microscope (ESEM). The carbonation products were sharply distinguished from the other constituents of the paste, by their crystallographic and optical characteristics under PLM, and characterized by X-Ray diffraction (XRD).
Screening of Different Encapsulated Polymer-Based Healing Agents for Chloride Exposed Self-Healing Concrete Using Chloride Migration Tests
Authors: van den Heede Philip , van Belleghem Bjorn , Araújo Maria Adelaide , Feiteira João , de Belie Nele
Published: January 2018

The service life of steel reinforced concrete in aggressive marine environments could be increased substantially by embedding a self-healing mechanism that ensures autonomous healing of cracks upon their occurrence. Previous proof-of-concept experiments have shown that the incorporation of encapsulated polymer-based healing agents (HAs) counts as a very appropriate way to achieve this goal. Over the years, several polymer-precursor-capsule systems have been developed in that perspective at our laboratory. Cementitious materials containing either commercial or in-house developed encapsulated HAs have been subjected to preliminary feasibility tests (water absorption, permeability tests, etc.). However, these experiments did not yet allow for a fast and straightforward assessment of the self-healing efficiency (SHE) in relation to the expected durability and service life performance of the material. This approach would have many advantages when having to select the most suitable polymer-precursor-capsule system for a particular concrete application. In this paper, a modified chloride migration test based on the one prescribed in NT Build 492 has been proposed to support the development of self-healing concrete for marine environments. Four polymer-based HAs have been screened that way, i.e. an in-house developed high-viscosity polyurethane (PU) precursor, a commercial low-viscosity PU precursor, the same commercial PU precursor with addition of accelerator and benzoyl peroxide (BPO), and an in-house developed 2-component acrylate-endcapped precursor + cross-linker. For now, a highly repeatable SHE value of 100% could only be obtained for the second option.
Influence of Various Amount of Steel Fibers on Load Capacity and Strain in Model Foundation Slab
Authors: Mateckova Pavlina , Smirakova Martina , Litvan David
Published: January 2018

In the paper the brief introduction of soil-structure interaction research at VSB TU Ostrava is presented. Currently resistance of model foundation slabs made of steel fibre reinforced concrete exposed to vertical load is tested. Strain gauge measurement is described and particular results are presented. Strain gauge measurement efficiency is discussed.
NTCC 2017: Long-Term Observation of the Resistance of Novel Hybrid Cement Exposed to Sulphate Solution
Authors: Bačuvčík Michal , Martauz Pavel , Janotka Ivan
Published: January 2018

This work is aimed to investigate four-years impact of 5 % sodium sulphate solution on the mortar made of novel hybrid cement H-CEMENT, being prepared with maximal content of wastes and by-products and only 20 % wt. of Portland cement clinker, compared to that prepared with the reference CEM I 42.5 N (PC). H-CEMENT for its specific material composition does not meet the criteria for inclusion in the cement kinds reported in EN 197-1 but complies with all of the hygienic regulations and standards imposed on similar building materials.
Phytotoxicity Analysis of Different Compositions of Nanostructured Binder
Authors: Strokova Valeria , Nelyubova Viktoriya V. , Sivalneva M.N. , Kobzev Vadim
Published: January 2018

Nanostructured binder (NB) based on silicate and alumosilicate raw materials is prospective type of binders that can be applied for production of construction composites with different purpose. Production technology of nanostructured binder is characterized by using of natural raw materials only (independently of its genesis) as well as zero of chemically aggressive additives, that indicates on environmental friendliness and health safety of NB. Indicator of ecological safety of NB can be toxic effect on life activity of crop plants (phyto-effect) determined with phytoanalysis. In this paper it is determined NB to be characterized by low toxicity, so we can say about its environmental friendliness and health safety.
The Influence of Mechanical Activation of Fly Ash on the Toxic Metals Immobilization by Fly Ash-Based Geopolymers
Authors: Nikolić Violeta , Komljenović Miroslav , Džunuzović Nataša , Ivanovic Tijana
Published: January 2018

This paper investigates the influence of mechanical activation of fly ash on the toxic metals immobilization by fly ash-based geopolymers. Fly ash was firstly mechanically and then alkali-activated. Mechanical activation of fly ash was conducted in a planetary ball mill. Alkali activation of fly ash was carried out at room temperature by use of sodium silicate solution as an activator. Toxic metals (Pb and Cr) were added in the form of water soluble salts during the synthesis of geopolymers. The immobilization process was assessed via investigation of the mechanical and leaching properties of geopolymers. Structural changes of geopolymers during the toxic metals immobilization were assessed by means of gas adsorption and SEM analyses. Mechanical activation of fly ash led to a significant increase in geopolymer strength and to a reduced leaching of toxic metals from geopolymers.
Effect of Metakaolinite on Properties of Alkali Activated Slag Materials
Authors: Kotwica Łukasz , Chorembała Marcin , Kapeluszna Ewa , Stępień Piotr , Deja Jan , Illikainen Mirja , Gołek Łukasz
Published: January 2018

Metakaolinite was introduced to alkali activated slag mortars and pastes. Properties of fresh and hardened mortars as well as phase composition and microstructure of hardened pastes were investigated. Introduction of metakaolinite both as addition as well as substitution of slag results in severe decrease in strength of the mortars. SEM observations revealed, that metakaolinite presence results in much less compacted microstructure comparing to reference slag paste. The reason for that are differences in phase composition as determined with XRD. C-S-H phase formation is retained in the presence of metakaolinite and thus degree of hydration of slag is decreased comparing to reference, slag paste.
Contaminants Removal in Wastewater Using Membrane Adsorbents Zeolite Y/Alpha-Alumina
Authors: Barbosa A.S. , Barbosa A.S. , Rodrigues Meiry Gláucia Freire
Published: January 2018

This study was prepared by the secondary growth method the zeolite membrane Y and evaluate its use in the emulsion removal of oil / water. The prepared materials: zeolite Y, zeolite membrane alpha-alumina ceramic membrane and Y were characterized by the techniques of X-ray Diffraction (XRD) and Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM). powder pressing method for compression of alpha-alumina ceramic membrane and the secondary growth method for the preparation of zeolitic membranes Y/alpha-alumina was used. Through XRD analysis, it was observed that the method was effective in the synthesis of zeolite membrane. By spectrophotometric analysis it was possible to observe a significant reduction in oil concentration in the permeate for the Y zeolite membrane / alpha-alumina, thus showing that they have the potential for this application.
Cadmium Adsorption Kinetic Study Using Natural Brasgel Clay the Adsorbent
Authors: Mota Joseane Damasceno , Cunha Rochélia Silva Souza , de Vasconcelos Patrícia Noemia Mota , Rodrigues Meiry Gláucia Freire
Published: January 2018

Heavy industrial activities result in contamination of waste water with many heavy metals, including cadmium, nickel, lead, mercury. Within this context becomes a growing concern of the population and environmental agencies regarding water contamination by heavy metals from industrial effluents. Because of this problem, this paper aims to study and evaluate the main properties of natural Brasgel clay in order to remove cadmium from synthetic effluents, analyzing its kinetic adsorption and its isothermal balance. Once clays exhibit good cation exchange capacity, selectivity and regenerability and for this reason has aroused interest in the use as an adsorbent. As finite bath testing we found that the Brasgel clay, removed approximately 90% of cadmium. The Langmuir model presented best fit to the experimental data, adequately describing the dynamics of adsorption. Kinetic tests indicated that the cadmium removal process by natural Brasgel clay apply the mechanism of the pseudo-second-order rate model, a time of 20 minutes and required to reach equilibrium. Thus, the results indicated that Brasgel clay can be used as an adsorbent for the removal of cadmium from contaminated effluent.
Characterization of the Non-Polymeric Fraction of Post-Consumer LCD Monitor Housings
Authors: Massaro Natalia , Fredericci Cátia , Toffoli Samuel Marcio , Valera Ticiane Sanches
Published: January 2018

This work aims to characterize the non-polymeric components, usually present as additives to perform different functions, present in the polymer housing of post-consumer computer monitors, in order to help finding the most adequate recycling destination for such material. The non-polymeric fraction was characterized by thermogravimetry (TG), loss on ignition (LOI), chemical analysis by X-ray fluorescence (XRF), and atomic absorption spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive spectroscopy (SEM/EDS), and X-ray diffraction (XRD). TG analysis indicated that the polymer has about 4 wt% of inorganic materials (performed in N2 atmosphere), whereas LOI (performed in ambient atmosphere) indicated just 0.07 wt%. The XRF, SEM/EDS analyses, and atomic absorption spectroscopy of the post-fired material confirmed the presence of many elements. Nonetheless, toxicological relevant elements showed acceptable concentration levels, below 0.01 ppm. The XRD analysis indicated the presence of crystalline phases based on CaCO3, SiO2 and TiO2.
Development of Sodium Hydroxide-Activated Metakaolin with Nanocarbon Materials as Synthetic Ceramic Proppants
Authors: de Campos Vitor Polezi Pesce , Amaral Labat Gisele Aparecida , Sansone Eduardo , Gouvea Douglas , Lenz e Silva Guilherme Frederico Bernardo
Published: January 2018

The use of proppants in hydraulic fracturing has significantly grown worldwide in recent years. Discoveries of large unconventional reservoirs in the north of Brazil have collaborated to give it the 10th position among countries with the world's largest shale reserves. Nowadays, studies on nanomaterials that are used as additives in proppants are the focus of North America's companies and universities in order to develop either proppants that can suffer mechanical and chemical changes inside the reservoir or that enable their traceability and direction. This paper presents a study on synthesis and characterization of metakaolin’s based ceramic proppants incorporating different types of nanocarbon materials. The method adopted was based on use of high intensive mixing of raw material (metakaolin) granulated with alkaline water solution of dispersed carbon nanomaterials. The SEM analysis testify the carbon nanomaterials dispersion on proppant bulk structure. Mechanical tests (crush resistance or K-value) indicated that metakaolin based proppants reached similar characteristics of white sand natural proppants.
Structural, Morphological and Textural Features of EDTA-Citrate-Synthesized BaPrO3 Perovskite-Type Oxide
Authors: dos Santos A.G. , Lobato M.F. , Vital A.B. , dos Santos Francisco Klebson Gomes , de Souza Carlson P.
Published: January 2018

BaCeO3 has attracted great interest in research worldwide, whether doped with other elements on the site A and / or B of perovskite ABO3 or not, thus enabling its use in different applications. However, the properties exhibited by perovskite depend on partial or total replacement at the site, as well as the applied synthesis method. In this work we studied crystal structure, crystallographic parameters, morphology and textural properties of BaPrO3 perovskite synthesized by EDTA-Citrate complexation process. The adopted methodology makes it possible to obtain powders with orthorhombic crystal structure ( a=6.07 Å; b=6.3 Å e c=8.7 Å) and crystallite size of approximately 100 nm. That perovskite has dense and irregular agglomerates with surface area and pore volume of about 2.37 m2 g-1 and 0.7x10-8m3g-1, respectively. Finally, the methodology has demonstrated effectiveness in achieving crystalline phase with similar characteristics and properties obtained by different methods.
Copper Regulates the Canonical NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Deigendesch Nikolaus , Zychlinsky Arturo , Meissner Felix
Published: January 2018

Inflammasomes are multimeric protein complexes that are activated through a NOD-like receptor and regulate the proteolytic activation of caspase-1 and cytokines, like IL-1β. The NLRP3 inflammasome is implicated in many human pathologies including infections, autoinflammatory syndromes, chronic inflammation, and metabolic diseases; however, the molecular mechanisms of activation are not fully understood. In this study we show that NLRP3 inflammasome activation requires intracellular copper. A clinically approved copper chelator, tetrathiomolybdate, inhibited the canonical NLRP3 but not the AIM2, NLRC4, and NLRP1 inflammasomes or NF-κB–dependent priming. We demonstrate that NLRP3 inflammasome activation is blocked by removing copper from the active site of superoxide dismutase 1, recapitulating impaired inflammasome function in superoxide dismutase 1–deficient mice. This regulation is specific to macrophages, but not monocytes, both in mice and humans. In vivo, depletion of bioavailable copper resulted in attenuated caspase-1–dependent inflammation and reduced susceptibility to LPS-induced endotoxic shock. Our results indicate that targeting the intracellular copper homeostasis has potential for the treatment of NLRP3-dependent diseases.
CD8α+CD11c+ Extracellular Vesicles in the Lungs Control Immune Homeostasis of the Respiratory Tract via TGF-β1 and IL-10
Authors: Wan Shuangshuang , Wang Shoujie , Weng Lixia , Zhang Gensheng , Lin Zhendong , Fei Xuefeng , Zhang Fanghui , Yang Fei , Wang Jianli , Cai Zhijian
Published: January 2018

The immune balance of the respiratory tract is strictly regulated. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) have been reported to participate in maintaining the immune balance in the intestinal tract, but whether they are involved in regulation of the immune balance in the respiratory tract has yet to be revealed. In this study, we found that physiological EVs from lungs of WT mice (L-EVs) could be isolated, which contained the immunosuppressive cytokines TGF-β1 and IL-10. Among L-EV subsets, only the CD8α+CD11c+ EV subset was positive for TGF-β1 and IL-10 and could inhibit CD4+ T cell proliferation via TGF-β1 in vitro and relieve murine asthmatic symptoms. Mechanistically, L-EVs were effective at inhibiting OVA peptide–specific CD4+ T cell proliferation in a TGF-β1– and IL-10–dependent manner. In addition, they could prevent CD4+ T cells from hilar lymph nodes from secreting IL-4, IL-9, and IL-17A via IL-10 ex vivo, suggesting inhibition of Th2, Th9, and Th17 cell responses. Altogether, our results indicate that EVs from the lungs are involved in control of the immune balance in the respiratory tract, which reveals a novel mechanism in the maintenance of respiratory tract immune homeostasis.
Prevalence of abnormal glucose regulation in libyan patients presenting for elective coronary angiography
Authors: El-Shareif Hawa , Alwaleed Khaled
Published: January 2018

Background: Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) frequently have multiple risk factors. Diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) have been associated with cardiovascular events and cardiovascular disease mortality. Aim of the study: This study aims to determine the prevalence of abnormal glucose regulation (AGR) among Libyan patients, presenting for elective coronary angiography. Methods: All patients referred for a diagnostic coronary angiogram at the Catheterization Laboratory of National Heart Centre, Tajora, Tripoli, over a period of 1 year from April 2007 to March 2008, were included after consent. Patients with a history of diabetes were excluded from the study. Diagnostic coronary angiogram was performed for all included patients as well as a standard oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) with 75 GM glucose. Results: Ninety-nine patients were included in our study, with a mean age of 54.6 ± 11.2 years. 49 (49.5%) of the enrolled patients showed either impaired or diabetic fasting or 2-h OGTT results. 22 (22.2%) patients were diabetic based on fasting blood glucose or 2-h OGGT result, and 21 (21.2%) have IGT. Of the 15 (15.2%) patients with impaired fasting glucose, 7 (46.7%) patient showed diabetic glucose tolerance, and 2 (13.3%) patients have IGT. Among patients with AGR, coronary angiogram showed significant CAD in 36 (73.5%), compared to 28 (56%) of patients with normal fasting and 2-h OGTT results. Conclusion: Abnormal glucose regulation was high among Libyan patients presented for elective angiography. OGTT should be part of the evaluation in this high-risk population.
Frequent announced pharmacology quizzes have no impact on academic performance: An exploratory study
Authors: Atia Ahmed , Ashour Abulsalam , Abired Ahmed
Published: January 2018

Context: The impact of frequent announced quizzes on the students' level of understanding and learning has had inconsistent results. Objectives: This study aimed to investigate the possible benefits of frequent announced quizzes in pharmacology on the performance of a representative sample of Libyan pharmacy students. Subjects and Methods: Eleven pharmacy students were studied during the “pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics” course. The initial six sessions were delivered using the conventional lectures with interactive questions and answers. In the following six sessions, at the beginning of each session, students were informed that they will have a quiz at the end of each session. At the end of the semester, the corresponding total scores of quizzes in the two periods were compared. Results: The mean final scores of the pharmacokinetics lesson were not significantly different from that of the pharmacodynamics (75.8 ± 11.1 vs. 68.6 ± 17.5 on the scale of 100, respectively, P = 0.13). There was no significant difference in the mean score of the six quizzes compared with the mean final term score of pharmacokinetics. Conclusions: Frequent announced quizzes were not beneficial on enhancing the students' performance and learning.
Оценки скорости сходимости в глобальной ЦПТ для обобщенных смешанных пуассоновских распределений
Authors: Shevtsova Irina Gennad'evna
Published: January 2018

С помощью оценок точности нормальной аппроксимации для распределений пуассон-биномиальных случайных сумм из [60] получены моментные оценки скорости сходимости в центральной предельной теореме для пуассоновских и смешанных пуассоновских случайных сумм в равномерной и средних метриках. В качестве следствий приведены оценки точности аппроксимации распределений отрицательных биномиальных сумм нормальным законом (при неограниченном росте параметра формы) и гамма-дисперсионной смесью нормальных законов (при стремлении «вероятности успеха» к нулю), а также оценки точности аппроксимации распределений геометрических случайных сумм распределением Лапласа.
Improvements of Plachky-Steinebach theorem
Authors: Comman Henri
Published: January 2018

Показано, что справедливо утверждение теоремы Плакки-Штайнебаха для интервалов вида $]\overline{L}_r'(\lambda),y[$, где $\overline{L}_r'(\lambda)$ - правосторонняя производная (но необязательно сама производная) обобщенной $\mathrm{log}$-моментной производящей функции $\overline{L}$ с некоторыми $\lambda> 0$ и $y\in ]\overline{L}_r'(\lambda),+\infty]$ при выполнении только следующих двух условий: (a) $\overline{L}'_r(\lambda)$ является предельной точкой множества $\{\overline{L}'_r(t)\colon t>\lambda\}$, (b) $\overline{L}(t_i)$ имеет предел при $t_i$, принадлежащей некоторой убывающей последовательности, сходящейся к $\sup\{t>\lambda\colon\overline{L}_{|]\lambda,t]} аффинно\}$. Заменяя $\overline{L}_r'(\lambda)$ на $\overline{L}_r'(\lambda^+)$, приведенный выше результат можно дословно перенести на случай $\lambda=0$ (заменяя (a) на непрерывность справа $\overline{L}$ в нуле, когда $\overline{L}_r'(0^+)=-\infty$). Никаких ограничений не налагается на $\overline{L}_{]-\infty,\lambda[}$ (например, $\overline{L}_{]-\infty,\lambda[}$ может быть константой $+\infty$, когда $\lambda=0$); $\lambda\ge 0$ может быть точкой, в которой не дифференцируема функция $\overline{L}$, и даже предельной точкой точек недифференцируемости $\overline{L}$; $\lambda=0$ может быть точкой разрыва слева и справа у функции $\overline{L}$. Отображение $\overline{L}_{|]\lambda,\lambda+\varepsilon[}$ может не быть строго выпуклым для всех $\varepsilon>0$. Если мы откажемся от предположения (b), то же самое утверждение выполняется с верхними пределами вместо пределов. Кроме того, сказанное выше справедливо и для общих сетей $(\mu_\alpha,c_\alpha)$ борелевских вероятностных мер и степеней (вместо последовательности $(\mu_n,n^{-1})$) и с заменой интервалов $]\overline{L}_r'(\lambda^+),y[$ на $]x_\alpha,y_\alpha[$ или $[x_\alpha,y_\alpha]$, где $(x_\alpha,y_\alpha)$ - любая сеть такая, что $(x_\alpha)$ сходится к $\overline{L}_r'(\lambda^+)$ и $\liminf_\alpha y_\alpha>\overline{L}_r'(\lambda^+)$.
Preliminary verification for application of a support vector machine based cloud detection method to GOSAT-2 CAI-2
Authors: Oishi Yu , Ishida Haruma , Nakajima Takashi Y. , Nakamura Ryosuke , Matsunaga Tsuneo
Published: January 2018

Abstract. The Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) was launched in 2009 to measure global atmospheric CO2 and CH4 concentrations. GOSAT is equipped with two sensors: the thermal and near-infrared sensor for carbon observation (TANSO)-Fourier transform spectrometer (FTS) and TANSO-cloud and aerosol imager (CAI). The presence of clouds in the instantaneous field of view of the FTS leads to incorrect estimates of the concentrations. Thus, the FTS data suspected to have cloud contamination must be identified by a CAI cloud discrimination algorithm and rejected. Conversely, overestimating clouds reduces the amount of FTS data that can be used to estimate greenhouse gases concentrations. This is a serious problem in tropical rainforest regions, such as the Amazon, where the amount of useable FTS data is small because of cloud cover. Preparations are continuing for the launch of the GOSAT-2 in fiscal year 2018. To improve the accuracy of the estimates of greenhouse gases concentrations, we need to refine the existing CAI cloud discrimination algorithm: Cloud and Aerosol Unbiased Decision Intellectual Algorithm (CLAUDIA1). A new cloud discrimination algorithm using a support vector machine (CLAUDIA3) was developed and presented in another paper. Visual inspection can use the locally optimized standards for judging, although CLAUDIA1 and CLAUDIA3 use common thresholds all over the world. Thus, the accuracy of visual inspection is better than that of these algorithms in most regions, with the exception of snow and ice covered surfaces, where there is not enough spectral contrast to distinguish cloud. For the reason visual inspection can be used for the truth metric for the verification exercise. In this study, we compared between CLAUDIA1-CAI and CLAUDIA3-CAI for various land cover types, and evaluated the accuracy of CLAUDIA3-CAI by comparing the both of CLAUDIA1-CAI and CLAUDIA3-CAI against visual inspection of the same CAI images in tropical rainforests. Comparative results between CLAUDIA1-CAI and CLAUDIA3-CAI for various land cover types indicated that CLAUDIA3-CAI had tendency to identify bright surface and optically thin clouds, however, misjudge the edges of clouds as compared with CLAUDIA1-CAI. The accuracy of CLAUDIA3-CAI was approximately 89.5 % in tropical rainforests, which is greater than that of CLAUDIA1-CAI (85.9 %) for the test cases presented here.
Role of Calanus sinicus (Copepoda, Calanoida) on dimethylsulfide production in Jiaozhou Bay
Authors: Yu Juan , Tian Jiyuan , Zhang Zhengyu , Yang Guipeng , Chen Hongju
Published: January 2018

Abstract. The role of copepod Calanus sinicus on the production of dimethylsulfide (DMS)/dimethylsulfoniopropionate (DMSP) in Jiaozhou Bay was evaluated in field and laboratory experiments. Samples at 10 sites in the bay were collected monthly from June 2010 to May 2011 (except for March 2011), and zooplankton species composition was analyzed. The relationship between copepod abundance and DMS or DMSP concentration was investigated. Effects of C. sinicus grazing on DMS/DMSP production at different conditions (i.e., algal diets, food concentrations, and salinities) were assessed in the laboratory. Data from the field experiment showed that C. sinicus was the predominant copepod in Jiaozhou Bay (up to 123 individuals m−3 in May 2011) and has no apparent effect on DMS/DMSP production. In the laboratory experiment, compared with Gymnodinium sp. or Emiliania huxleyi, C. sinicus feeding on Isochrysis galbana and Chaetoceros curvisetus exhibited increased DMS concentration, whereas high salinity inhibited DMS production. This study indicated that DMSP was transferred from phytoplankton to copepod body, fecal pellet, and seawater through copepod grazing. Our results provided important information to understand the biogeochemical cycle of DMSP in Jiaozhou Bay.
Proximal sensing for soil carbon accounting
Authors: England Jacqueline R. , Viscarra Rossel Raphael Armando
Published: January 2018

Abstract. Maintaining or increasing soil organic carbon (C) is important for securing food production, and for mitigating greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, climate change and land degradation. Some land management practices in cropping, grazing, horticultural and mixed farming systems can be used to increase organic C in soil, but to assess their effectiveness, we need accurate and cost-efficient methods for measuring and monitoring the change. To determine the stock of organic C in soil, one needs measurements of soil organic C concentration, bulk density and gravel content, but using conventional laboratory-based analytical methods is expensive. Our aim here is to review the current state of proximal sensing for the development of new soil C accounting methods for emissions reporting and in emissions reduction schemes. We evaluated sensing techniques in terms of their rapidity, cost, accuracy, safety, readiness and their state of development. The most suitable technique for measuring soil organic C concentrations appears to be vis–NIR spectroscopy and for bulk density active gamma-ray attenuation. Sensors for measuring gravel have not been developed, but an interim solution with rapid wet-sieving and automated measurement appears useful. Field-deployable, multi-sensor systems are needed for cost-efficient soil C accounting. Proximal sensing can be used for soil organic C accounting, but the methods need to be standardised and procedural guidelines need to be developed to ensure proficient measurement and accurate reporting and verification. This is particularly important if the schemes use financial incentives for landholders to adopt management practices to sequester soil organic C. We list and discuss the requirements for the development of new soil C accounting methods that are based on proximal sensing, including requirements for recording, verification and auditing.
PACIENTŲ GRIUVIMŲ LIETUVOS LIGONINĖSE PATIRTIS
Authors: Janušonis Vinsas , Vaitiekienė Jurgita , Šilys Arvydas
Published: January 2018

Darbo tikslas: ištirti ir įvertinti pacientų griuvimų
šalies ligoninėse patirtį, nuomonę dėl griuvimų priežasčių
ir rizikos veiksnių, prevencijos galimybių bei
jų patirties ir nuomonės pokyčius.
Tęstinis tyrimas vykdytas 2011-2012 m. ir 2016-2017
m. Klaipėdos universitetinėje ligoninėje. Apklausti
289 griuvimų patirtį įvairiose šalies ligoninėse turintys
pacientai.
Naudotas šiam tikslui sudarytas klausimynas. Išskirtos
dvi pacientų grupės su didesne ir mažesne griuvimų
patirtimis.
Tirta griuvimų priežastys, rizikos veiksniai, prevencijos
krypčių ir priemonių taikymo galimybės ir jų
veiksmingumas.
Išvados. Pacientų išsilavinimas, lytis bei gyvenamoji
vieta esminės įtakos pacientų griuvimų dažniui neturėjo,
išskyrus amžių, kuris turėjo įtakos pacientų
griuvimams dėl eisenos ir pusiausvyros sutrikimų,
galvos svaigimo (vyresnio amžiaus pacientai dėl šių
priežasčių griuvimus patyrė dažniau).
Per penkerius metus dažniausios pacientų griuvimų
Lietuvos ligoninėse priežastys nepasikeitė ir, jų nuomone,
tai galvos svaigimas, pusiausvyros bei eisenos
sutrikimai.
Dažniausi pacientų griuvimų ligoninėse rizikos veiksniai,
apklaustųjų nuomone, yra sutrikusi judėjimo
ir atramos sistema, nervų sistemos sutrikimai, buvę
griuvimai praeityje, psichologinės priežastys.
Pacientai, turintys didesnę griuvimų ligoninėse patirtį,
dažniau patiria griuvimus, labiau akcentuoja visų
rizikos veiksnių įtaką griuvimams.
Pacientai, nepriklausomai nuo jų griuvimų ligoninėse
patirties, teigiamai vertino visas griuvimų prevencijos
priemones, nurodydami, kad visos jos Lietuvos
ligoninėse buvo taikomos. Veiksmingesnėmis griuvimų
prevencijos priemonėmis pacientai įvardijo jų
ir jų artimųjų mokymą bei instruktavimą, aplinkos
sutvarkymą, bendravimą ir patarimus.
JUODOSIOS ARBATOS KOKYBINIS VERTINIMAS PAGAL
FENOLINIŲ JUNGINIŲ KIEKĮ, ANTIRADIKALINĮ IR
ANTIMIKROBINĮ AKTYVUMĄ
Authors: Barragan Ferrer Diana , Maželienė Žaneta , Barragan Ferrer Jesus Manuel , Morkutė Viktorija , Bladaitytė Ernesta , Viliušienė Ingrida , Čepulkauskienė Vida
Published: January 2018

Antioksidantai žmogaus organizme atlieka svarbų
vaidmenį kovojant su reaktyviomis deguonies formomis,
kurios gali sukelti įvairius organų ar organų
sistemų patologinius pakitimus. Juodojoje arbatoje
yra daug antioksidantų, kurie svarbūs žmogaus organizmui,
tačiau jų aktyvumas priklauso nuo: arbatos
kilmės šalies, jos išlaikymo, fermentavimo metodo ir
kt. Norint nustatyti juodosios arbatos kokybę, svarbu
įvertinti šiuos parametrus. Natūralūs antioksidantai
yra reali alternatyva sintetiniams produktams, kadangi
gali efektyviai blokuoti oksidacijos procesus bei stabdyti
mikroorganizmų dauginimąsi. Dėl šių tendencijų
vykdomi intensyvūs augalinės kilmės natūralių antioksidantų
paieškos darbai. Šio tyrimo tikslas nustatyti
juodosios arbatos kokybę pagal bendrą fenolinių junginių
kiekį, antiradikalinį ir antimikrobinį aktyvumą.
Iš gautų rezultatų nustatyta, kad fenolinių junginių
kiekis juodojoje arbatoje priklauso nuo ekstrakcijos
laiko. Fenolinių junginių kiekis didėja ilgėjant ekstrakcijos
laikui. Didžiausias fenolinių junginių kiekis,
atsakingas už antimikrobinį veikimą, išsiskiria
per penkiolika ir dvidešimt minučių. Tačiau juodoji
arbata veikė tik vienintelę etaloninę bakterijų kultūrą
- S. epidermidis
GROŽIO TERAPEUTO NUGAROS RAUMENŲ NUOVARGIO
VERTINIMAS ATLIEKANT KŪNO PROCEDŪRĄ
Authors: Grūnovienė Danguolė , Bartašiūtė Miglė , Grūnovas Albinas , Poderienė Kristina
Published: January 2018

Grožio terapeutų praktikoje gana anksti pasireiškia
nusiskundimai dėl kaulų ir raumenų sistemos. Tokių
nusiskundimų atsiradimą didžiąja dalimi lemia ergonominės
priežastys: stovimas darbas, nepatogi kūno
padėtis ir kt., o grožio terapeuto darbo vietos pritaikymas
individualiai pagal specialisto antropometrinius
duomenis ir darbo specifiką išlieka aktuali problema.
Šio darbo tikslas buvo nustatyti darbo vietos
įtaką grožio terapeuto nugaros raumenų subjektyviam
nuovargiui, tonuso ir kraujotakos pokyčiams atliekant
kūno procedūrą ant standartinio ir individualizuoto
aukščio kušečių. Šešios tiriamosios atliko 20 min.
trukmės nugaros masažą ant standartinės aukščio ir
individualizuoto aukščio masažo kušečių. Subjektyvus
nugaros raumenų nuovargis ir tonusas buvo vertinami
prieš ir po procedūros atlikimo, bei visos procedūros
metu registruojamas deguonies įsotinimas.
Grožio terapeutai jautė mažesnį subjektyvų tiesiamųjų
nugaros raumenų nuovargį procedūrą atlikdami
ant individualizuoto aukščio kušetės, tokį patį kairės
pusės trapecinio raumens nuovargį ir didesnį dešinio
trapecinio raumens subjektyvų nuovargį. Tiesiamųjų
nugaros raumenų tonusas padidėjo mažiau atliekant
kūno procedūrą ant individualizuoto aukščio kušetės.
Statinius nugaros raumenų darbo įpročius turinčios
grožio terapeutės pasižymėjo nugaros tiesiamojo raumens
deguonies įsotinimo mažėjimais kūno procedūrą
atliekant ant standartinio aukščio kušetės. Dinaminio
nugaros raumenų darbo įpročius turinčioms
grožio terapeutėms buvo būdingas didesnis nugaros
tiesiamojo raumens deguonies įsotinimas atliekant
procedūrą ant individualizuoto aukščio kušetės.
VAISTINIŲ AUGALŲ PASIRINKIMAS ACNE VULGARIS GYDYMUI IR
PREVENCIJAI
Authors: Rutalė Mindaugas , Daukšienė Jurgita , Ragažinskienė Ona
Published: January 2018

Vaistingieji augalai yra biologiškai aktyvių junginių
šaltinis. Jie plačiai taikomi lėtinių ir ūmių ligų terapijai.
Viena iš galimų terapijos sričių yra dermatologija.
Dermatologijos srityje augalų sintetinami biologiškai
aktyvūs junginiai naudojami kaip sisteminio
ir vietinio poveikio priemonės. Tokia jų pritaikymo
galimybė puikiai tinka kovojant su paprastųjų spuogų
(aknės) atsiradimu.
Tyrimo tikslas – įvertinti vaistinių augalų naudojimą
tarp paprastaisiais spuogais sergančių pacientų. Tyrimas
atliktas Vilniaus ir kitų Lietuvos miestų visuomenės
vaistinėse. Tyrimas apėmė 500 respondentų, atsakomumas
80,6 proc. Tiriamieji buvo suskirstyti į dvi
grupes: naudojančius vaistinguosius augalus (N=246)
ir nenaudojančius vaistingųjų augalų (N=157). Gauti
duomenys palyginti tarpusavyje nustatant statistiškai
reikšmingą skirtumą tarp respondentų bei z kriterijų.
Tyrimo rezultatai - visuomenės vaistinės pacientai aktyviai
naudoja vaistinguosius augalus kaip papildomą
tradicinę medicinos priemonę aknės gydymui ir prevencijai
(65 %). Statistiškai reikšmingo skirtumo tarp
vaistinguosius augalus naudojančių ir nenaudojančių
respondentų tyrime nerasta. Vaistinguosius augalus
dažniau renkasi respondentai, susiduriantys su paprastaisiais
spuogais ilgiau negu 10 metų (p<0,05).
Išvados: vaistingieji augalai yra potencialiai tinkamas
terapijos būdas pacientams, kuriuos kamuoja
lėtinė paprastųjų spuogų būklė. Vaistingieji augalai
gali būti naudojami kaip papildomas terapijos įrankis
esant ūmiai paprastųjų spuogų būklei.