bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Estado do conhecimento sobre as pesquisas de professores sobre a própria prática (2001-2012): aspectos físicos, temáticos e motivacionais
Authors: Leandro Everaldo Gomes , Passos Cármen Lúcia Brancaglion
Published: February 2019

Este artigo tem por objetivo mapear e sistematizar o conhecimento sobre as pesquisas realizadas entre 2001 e 2012, no âmbito de programas stricto sensu brasileiros das áreas de Educação e Ensino, por professores que ensinam Matemática e que pesquisam suas próprias práticas. Para alcançar o objetivo traçado, centrou-se a análise na compreensão dos aspectos físicos, temáticos e motivacionais presentes nas 16 produções encontradas no período. A partir da análise interpretativa, constatou-se que: a pesquisa sobre a própria prática é uma maneira de divulgação dos conhecimentos produzidos pelos professores em suas salas de aula; que grande parte das pesquisas são realizadas na região Sudeste do Brasil; que as temáticas selecionadas são diversas e que as motivações dos professores pesquisadores das próprias práticas estão associadas às suas preocupações, às suas necessidades e aos seus desejos.
CUSTOMER-BASED BRAND EQUITY OF A TOURISM DESTINATION: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF THE LIBEREC REGION
Authors: ČERVOVÁ LENKA , PAVLŮ KAROLINA
Published: February 2019

The aim of this contribution is to explore the demand-side of the tourism destination and to investigate whether the destination brand could be evaluated by the model of customer-based brand equity for a tourism destination (CBBETD). The presented study is focused on the Liberec Region as a destination. The data was gathered by the means of the structured questionnaire and exploratory factor analyses were run to test and reduce the items within the sub-dimensions of CBBETD. It was found that CBBETD for the Liberec Region consists of four sub-dimensions - awareness, image that includes four factors (outdoor, technical attractions, entertainment and non-traditional recreation), perceived quality including two factors (cleanliness and services) and loyalty.
Drug Repurposing for the Treatment of Bacterial and Fungal Infections
Authors: Miró-Canturri Andrea , Ayerbe-Algaba Rafael , Smani Younes
Published: January 2019

Multidrug-resistant (MDR) pathogens pose a well-recognized global health threat that demands effective solutions; the situation is deemed a global priority by the World Health Organization and the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. Therefore, the development of new antimicrobial therapeutic strategies requires immediate attention to avoid the ten million deaths predicted to occur by 2050 as a result of MDR bacteria. The repurposing of drugs as therapeutic alternatives for infections has recently gained renewed interest. As drugs approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration, information about their pharmacological characteristics in preclinical and clinical trials is available. Therefore, the time and economic costs required to evaluate these drugs for other therapeutic applications, such as the treatment of bacterial and fungal infections, are mitigated. The goal of this review is to provide an overview of the scientific evidence on potential non-antimicrobial drugs targeting bacteria and fungi. In particular, we aim to: (i) list the approved drugs identified in drug screens as potential alternative treatments for infections caused by MDR pathogens; (ii) review their mechanisms of action against bacteria and fungi; and (iii) summarize the outcome of preclinical and clinical trials investigating approved drugs that target these pathogens.
A New Approach for Economical Pretreatment of Corncobs
Authors: Wang Yan , Hu Yanci , Qi Pengfei , Guo Lei
Published: February 2019

Huge amounts of waste acid and wastewater are generated during the corncob pretreatment process, which limits chemical utilization of biomass resources to produce value-added chemicals and biofuels. In this work, a new approach, i.e., reuse of the corncob pretreatment liquid, is proposed toward diminishing acid and water consumption. Metal ions and soluble proteins in the pretreatment liquid were analyzed by the inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) and the Coomassie rilliant blue G250 method, respectively. The results showed that the increament of soluble proteins and total metal ions in solution by three reuse rounds of the pretreatment liquid is nearly identical to that in solution by new added pretreatment liquid. Besides, the surface morphology of the corncob obtained by three reuse rounds of the liquid pretreatment did not exhibit significant difference comparing to that of the corncob acquired by new liquid pretreatment. Further, selection basis of an optimal reuse round of the pretreatment liquid is suggested depending on the effective removal of soluble proteins and metal ions from corncobs. By repeated use of the pretreatment liquid, the consumption of both acid and water during the corncob pretreatment process is expected to be significantly reduced.
Current Trends in Fully Automated On-Line Analytical Techniques for Beverage Analysis
Authors: Mejía-Carmona Karen , Jordan-Sinisterra Marcela , Lanças Fernando M.
Published: February 2019

The determination of target analytes in complex matrices such as beverages requires a series of analytical steps to obtain a reliable analysis. This critical review presents the current trends in sample preparation techniques based on solid phase extraction miniaturization, automation and on-line coupling. Techniques discussed include solid-phase extraction (SPE), solid-phase microextraction (SPME), in-tube solid-phase microextraction (in-tube SPME) and turbulent-flow chromatography (TFC). Advantages and limitations, as well as several of their main applications in beverage samples are discussed. Finally, fully automated on-line systems that involve extraction, chromatographic separation, and tandem mass spectrometry in one-step are introduced and critically reviewed.
Stability and Change in Longitudinal Associations between Child Behavior Problems and Maternal Stress in Families with Preterm Born Children, Follow-Up after a RCT-Study
Authors: Landsem Inger P. , Handegård Bjørn H. , Kaaresen Per I. , Tunby Jorunn , Ulvund Stein E. , Rønning John A.
Published: February 2019

The Tromsø Intervention Study on Preterms (TISP) randomized 146 preterm-born children either to the Mother-Infant Transaction Program (MITP) or to a preterm control group. Previously, significant reductions of child behavior problems and maternal stress have been reported in the intervention group. This follow-up study examines whether the MITP may have affected the longitudinal adaptation between mothers and their children from two until nine years, expressed as associations between different behavioral problems and parenting stress reported by mothers. Associations between internalizing, attentional, and social problems and different dimensions of parenting stress were analyzed in separate models that included effects of time and group status. The MITP did not influence the development of longitudinal associations as no significant three-way interaction (stress*group*time) was found. Significant stress by group interactions was only found in reports on children’s attentional problems when analyzed with parent- or interaction-related stress. Mothers who had participated in the MITP reported weaker stress–behavior associations than control mothers. This effect was moderated by two independent variables, namely children’s birthweight and years of maternal education for the parent–child difficult interaction stress.
Influence of Biodestructors on the Wear Resistance of Polyester Geotextile Materials
Authors: Pelyk Lesya V. , Vasylechko Volodymyr O. , Kyrychenko Olena V.
Published: February 2019

Changes in the structure and properties of geotextile nonwoven materials after microbiological load under natural conditions have been studied. Microbiological research of samples was conducted after testing for 12 and 24 months. The results of the research of physical and mechanical materials properties prove their sufficient resistance to the influence of biodestructors.
Data Preprocessing for Evaluation of Recommendation Models in E-Commerce
Authors: Chaudhary Namrata , Roy Chowdhury Drimik
Published: February 2019

E-commerce businesses employ recommender models to assist in identifying a personalized set of products for each visitor. To accurately assess the recommendations’ influence on customer clicks and buys, three target areas—customer behavior, data collection, user-interface—will be explored for possible sources of erroneous data. Varied customer behavior misrepresents the recommendations’ true influence on a customer due to the presence of B2B interactions and outlier customers. Non-parametric statistical procedures for outlier removal are delineated and other strategies are investigated to account for the effect of a large percentage of new customers or high bounce rates. Subsequently, in data collection we identify probable misleading interactions in the raw data, propose a robust method of tracking unique visitors, and accurately attributing the buy influence for combo products. Lastly, user-interface issues discuss the possible problems caused due to the recommendation widget’s positioning on the e-commerce website and the stringent conditions that should be imposed when utilizing data from the product listing page. This collective methodology results in an exact and valid estimation of the customer’s interactions influenced by the recommendation model in the context of standard industry metrics, such as Click-through rates, Buy-through rates, and Conversion revenue.
Kinetics and Reactor Design Aspects of Selective Methanation of CO over a Ru/γ-Al2O3 Catalyst in CO2/H2 Rich Gases
Authors: Garbis Panagiota , Kern Christoph , Jess Andreas
Published: February 2019

Polymer electrolyte membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs) for household applications utilize H2 produced from natural gas via steam reforming followed by a water gas shift (WGS) unit. The H2-rich gas contains CO2 and small amounts of CO, which is a poison for PEMFCs. Today, CO is mostly converted by addition of O2 and preferential oxidation, but H2 is then also partly oxidized. An alternative is selective CO methanation, studied in this work. CO2 methanation is then a highly unwanted reaction, consuming additional H2. The kinetics of CO methanation in CO2/H2 rich gases were studied with a home-made Ru catalyst in a fixed bed reactor at 1 bar and 160–240 °C. Both CO and CO2 methanation can be well described by a Langmuir Hinshelwood approach. The rate of CO2 methanation is slow compared to CO. CO2 is directly converted to methane, i.e., the indirect route via reverse water gas shift (WGS) and subsequent CO methanation could be excluded by the experimental data and in combination with kinetic considerations. Pore diffusion may affect the CO conversion (>200 °C). The kinetic equations were applied to model an adiabatic fixed bed methanation reactor of a fuel cell appliance.
Formation of Secondary Organic Aerosols by Germicidal Ultraviolet Light
Authors: Choi Eureka , Tan Zhongchao , Anderson William A.
Published: February 2019

Ultraviolet (UV) light with a wavelength of 254 nm is known to be germicidal, and thus has been increasingly employed as a method of disinfection for indoor environments. Solar UV wavelengths (300 to 400 nm) are known to initiate the formation of secondary organic aerosol (SOA) particles from the photo-oxidation of volatile organic compounds (VOC) in the atmosphere, but germicidal wavelengths have not been extensively studied for indoor environments. In this work, toluene was exposed to 254 nm UV light in a laboratory photoreactor while varying the conditions of the air, the duration of UV exposure, and the duration of post-UV time. The number of particles formed in the fine particulate matter (PM2.5) size range was measured, and significant levels of particle formation were observed for UV exposure periods of as short as 5 min. The particle formation ranged from 2.4 × 106 particles/m3 for 5 min of UV exposure, to 163.2 × 106 particles/m3 for 15 min of UV exposure, for toluene concentrations in the range of 55 to 85 mg/m3. Particle formation was found to increase at a relative humidity of approximately 20% and higher. Variations in the initial number of particles present did not appear to have a significant effect on the particle formation, suggesting that nucleation was not a controlling factor under these conditions. However, tests in a commercial environment at much lower VOC concentrations and lower UV fluence rates showed no detectable PM2.5 formation, indicating that SOA formation during the intermittent use of germicidal UV may not significantly affect indoor air quality under normal conditions.
Origin and Circulation of Calcarenite Artifacts in the Area of Montescaglioso between 6th and 3rd Century BC: An Interdisciplinary Approach
Authors: Roubis Dimitris , Sciuto Claudia
Published: February 2019

The study of stone artifacts and their provenance is an important proxy for understanding the entangled relationship between humans and geological resources. In this paper, we explore the potentialities of an interdisciplinary approach combining in situ documentation of tool marks and characterization of stone types using a near infrared (NIR) portable probe. We argue that this protocol is useful for collecting screening data on objects that cannot be moved or sampled. NIR spectra describe textural and molecular features of the materials and can be used to achieve a preliminary characterization of raw materials. We present a case study from the territory of Montescaglioso (Basilicata, near Matera, Italy), where we combined the analysis of a calcarenite (limestone) quarry, in Masseria D’Alessio, which was exploited since the 6th century BC, as well as artifacts of the same chronology from surveys and excavations in the surroundings. The aim was to collect preliminary data about the distribution of the particular calcarenite extracted from the quarry and identify exploitation and trade patterns. The data were processed using multivariate statistics to highlight the relevant spectral information and perform supervised classification of spectral features. Documentation of tool marks and the process of stone working were combined with the spectral signature of the artifacts to link the stone types to the description of their extraction/carving methods.
A Conceptual Modeling Framework for Hydrologic Ecosystem Services
Authors: Pan Feng , Choi Woonsup
Published: February 2019

Ecosystem services (ES) help people understand and deal with current environmental situations and problems, and ES-related research has been increasing recently. However, the quantitative evaluations of ES that can be easily understood by decision makers are still in development. Specifically, new methods are needed for hydrologic ES with the requirements of spatially and temporally explicit specification of parameters related to climate, geology, land cover, soil, and topography. This paper presents a conceptual modeling framework that aims to convert hydrologic information to hydrologic ES in fine temporal resolutions by developing a conceptual connection of three modules: data development, hydrologic and ES modeling, and results analysis. Then, the framework was applied to a study basin to demonstrate the importance of hydrologic ES in fine temporal resolutions. Results of water provision ES, flood control ES, and sediment regulation ES were produced at fine temporal resolutions in the framework, which indicates that more timely and relevant policy suggestions can be provided to decision makers. The framework and the methodology are applicable for watersheds of varied sizes and can serve as a template for future coupling of different environmental models.
Sheet Metal Profiles with Variable Height: Numerical Analyses on Flexible Roller Beading
Authors: Wang Tianbo , Groche Peter
Published: February 2019

In the spirit of flexible manufacturing, the novel forming process “flexible roller beading” was developed, which allows the incremental production of height-variable sheet metal profiles. After designing the process and realizing a test facility for flexible roller beading, the feasibility was experimentally shown. The following step addresses the expansion of the process limits. With this aim, the mechanical behavior of the sheet metal during the process was investigated by means of FEA. Due to the variable cross-section development of the sheet metal profile, a multidimensional stress distribution was identified. Based on the present state of stress and strain, conclusions about the origin of appearing defect formations were drawn. Observed defects were sheet wrinkles as a result of compressive stresses in the profile flange and material thinning in the profile legs and bottom due to unintendedly exceeding tensile stresses. The influences of the forming strategy as well as tool- and workpiece-side variations on the quality of the manufacturing result were investigated. From the results of the analyses, measures to avoid component failure were derived. Given all the findings, guidelines were concluded that are to be considered in designing the forming sequence. With the insights into the occurring processes and the mastery of this novel forming process, important contributions are made to its industrial suitability. The approach of lightweight and load-oriented component design can be extended by realizing new families of sheet metal profiles. With respect to Industry 4.0, on-demand manufacturing is increasingly required, which is why flexible roller beading is of substantial relevance for the industrial sheet metal production.
CHA2DS2-VASc Score as an Independent Predictor of Suboptimal Reperfusion and Short-Term Mortality after Primary PCI in Patients with Acute ST Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Ashoori Ammar , Pourhosseini Hamidreza , Ghodsi Saeed , Salarifar Mojtaba , Nematipour Ebrahim , Alidoosti Mohammad , Haji-Zeinali Ali-Mohammad , Nozari Yones , Amirzadegan Alireza , Aghajani Hassan , Jalali Arash , Hosseini Zahra , Jenab Yaser , Geraiely Babak , Omidi Negar
Published: February 2019

Background and objectives: We aimed to demonstrate the clinical utility of CHA2DS2-VASc score in risk assessment of patients with STEMI regarding adverse clinical outcomes particularly no-reflow phenomenon. Materials and Methods: We designed a retrospective cohort study using the data of Tehran Heart Center registry for acute coronary syndrome. The study included 1331 consecutive patients with STEMI who underwent primary angioplasty. Patients were divided into two groups according to low and high CHA2DS2-VASc score. Angiographic results of reperfusion were inspected to evaluate the association of high CHA2DS2-VASc score and the likelihood of suboptimal TIMI flow. The secondary endpoint of the study was short-term in-hospital mortality of all cause. Results: The present study confirmed that CHA2DS2-VASc model enables us to determine the risk of no-reflow and all-cause in-hospital mortality independently. Odds ratios were 1.59 (1.30–2.25) and 1.60 (1.17–2.19), respectively. Moreover, BMI, high thrombus grade, and cardiogenic shock were predictors of failed reperfusion (odds were 1.07 (1.01–1.35), 1.59 (1.28–1.76), and 8.65 (3.76–24.46), respectively). We showed that using a cut off value of ≥ two in CHA2DS2-VASc model provides a sensitivity of 69.7% and specificity of 64.4% for discrimination of increased mortality hazards. Area under the curve: 0.72 with 95% CI (0.62–0.81). Conclusions: Calculation of CHA2DS2-VASc score applied as a simple risk stratification tool before primary PCI affords great predictive power. Furthermore, incremental values are obtained by using both CHA2DS2-VASc and no-reflow regarding mortality risk assessment.
Assessment of Artemisinin Contents in Selected Artemisia Species from Tajikistan (Central Asia)
Authors: Numonov Sodik , Sharopov Farukh , Salimov Aminjon , Sukhrobov Parviz , Atolikshoeva Sunbula , Safarzoda Ramazon , Habasi Maidina , Aisa Haji Akber
Published: February 2019

Background: Central Asia is the center of origin and diversification of the Artemisia genus. The genus Artemisia is known to possess a rich phytochemical diversity. Artemisinin is the shining example of a phytochemical isolated from Artemisia annua, which is widely used in the treatment of malaria. There is great interest in the discovery of alternative sources of artemisinin in other Artemisia species. Methods: The hexane extracts of Artemisia plants were prepared with ultrasound-assisted extraction procedures. Silica gel was used as an adsorbent for the purification of Artemisia annua extract. High-performance liquid chromatography with ultraviolet detection was performed for the quantification of underivatized artemisinin from hexane extracts of plants. Results: Artemisinin was found in seven Artemisia species collected from Tajikistan. Content of artemisinin ranged between 0.07% and 0.45% based on dry mass of Artemisia species samples. Conclusions: The artemisinin contents were observed in seven Artemisia species. A. vachanica was found to be a novel plant source of artemisinin. Purification of A. annua hexane extract using silica gel as adsorbent resulted in enrichment of artemisinin.
A Brief History of Single-Particle Tracking of the Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor
Authors: Clarke David T. , Martin-Fernandez Marisa L.
Published: February 2019

Single-particle tracking (SPT) has been used and developed over the last 25 years as a method to investigate molecular dynamics, structure, interactions, and function in the cellular context. SPT is able to show how fast and how far individual molecules move, identify different dynamic populations, measure the duration and strength of intermolecular interactions, and map out structures on the nanoscale in cells. In combination with other techniques such as macromolecular crystallography and molecular dynamics simulation, it allows us to build models of complex structures, and develop and test hypotheses of how these complexes perform their biological roles in health as well as in disease states. Here, we use the example of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), which has been studied extensively by SPT, demonstrating how the method has been used to increase our understanding of the receptor’s organization and function, including its interaction with the plasma membrane, its activation, clustering, and oligomerization, and the role of other receptors and endocytosis. The examples shown demonstrate how SPT might be employed in the investigation of other biomolecules and systems.
Evolutionary Patterns of Non-Coding RNA in Cardiovascular Biology
Authors: Gandhi Shrey , Ruehle Frank , Stoll Monika
Published: February 2019

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) affect the heart and the vascular system with a high prevalence and place a huge burden on society as well as the healthcare system. These complex diseases are often the result of multiple genetic and environmental risk factors and pose a great challenge to understanding their etiology and consequences. With the advent of next generation sequencing, many non-coding RNA transcripts, especially long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), have been linked to the pathogenesis of CVD. Despite increasing evidence, the proper functional characterization of most of these molecules is still lacking. The exploration of conservation of sequences across related species has been used to functionally annotate protein coding genes. In contrast, the rapid evolutionary turnover and weak sequence conservation of lncRNAs make it difficult to characterize functional homologs for these sequences. Recent studies have tried to explore other dimensions of interspecies conservation to elucidate the functional role of these novel transcripts. In this review, we summarize various methodologies adopted to explore the evolutionary conservation of cardiovascular non-coding RNAs at sequence, secondary structure, syntenic, and expression level.
The Influence of Alcohol and Drugs on Drowning among Victims of Senior Years
Authors: Pearn John H. , Peden Amy E. , Franklin Richard C.
Published: February 2019

Unintentional fatal drowning among older people is an issue as lifespans lengthen and older people embrace active retirement. While pre-existing medical conditions are a known risk factor for drowning among this age group, less is known about the role of alcohol and drugs. This 15-year (1 July 2002 to 30 June 2017) Australian study used coronial data to investigate the impact on older people (aged 65 years and older) of the obtundent effects of prescribed drugs which had been ingested by those with a positive blood alcohol concentration (BAC). Of the closed coronial cases with toxicological information (N = 471), one quarter (24.6%; N = 116) had consumed alcohol prior to drowning (one in seven BAC ≥ 0.05%), of which a third also had obtundent drugs present (33.6%; N = 39). Rivers/creeks/streams and swimming pools were the locations with the highest number of drowning deaths. Bathtubs (36.8%) and rivers/creeks/streams (17.9%) recorded the highest proportion of cases with victims having a BAC ≥ 0.05%. Bathtubs (13.2%), lakes (7.0%), and rivers/creeks/streams (6.8%) recorded the highest proportion of drowning cases with obtundent drug involvement. Obtundent drug involvement was significantly more likely for activities where the person who drowned was alone (i.e., unknown activity) (X2 = 6.8; p = 0.009). Common obtundent drugs included Diazepam, Tempazepam, and Codeine. Advocacy to prevent drowning in older people is a complex challenge, due to the myriad of locations where drowning occurs, the consumption of alcohol, and polypharmacy required for treating illness and maintaining good health.
Development and Application of Immunoaffinity Column Purification and Ultrahigh Performance Liquid Chromatography-Tandem Mass Spectrometry for Determination of Domoic Acid in Shellfish
Authors: Chen Si , Zhang Xiaojun , Yan Zhongyong , Hu Yangyang , Lu Yibo
Published: February 2019

Domoic acid (DA) is a neurotoxin associated with amnesic shellfish poisoning (ASP). Though LC coupled to tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) has become the preferred method for DA determination, traditional sample pretreatment is still labor-intensive. In this study, a simple, efficient and selective method for LC-MS/MS analysis of DA in shellfish was established by optimizing clean-up procedures on a self-assembly immunoaffinity column (IAC). Shellfish was extracted with 75% methanol twice and diluted with phosphate buffered saline (PBS, 1:2). The mixture was purified on IAC as follows: preconditioned with PBS, loaded with sample, washed by 50% MeOH, and eluted with MeOH containing 2% ammonium hydroxide. Concentrated analyte was monitored by multiple reaction monitoring (MRM) using electrospray (ESI) positive ion mode throughout the LC gradient elution. Based on the post-extraction addition method, matrix effects for various shellfish matrices were found to be less than 8%. The developed method was fully validated by choosing mussel as the representative matrix. The method had a limit of detection (LOD) of 0.02 µg·g−1, showed excellent linear correlation in the range of 0.05–40 µg·g−1, and obtained ideal recoveries (91–94%), intra-day RSDs (6–8%) and inter-day RSDs (3–6%). The method was successfully applied to DA determination in 59 shellfish samples, with a detection rate of 10% and contaminated content of 0.1–14.9 µg·g−1.
Resistance to Artemisinin Combination Therapies (ACTs): Do Not Forget the Partner Drug!
Authors: Nsanzabana Christian
Published: February 2019

Artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) have become the mainstay for malaria treatment in almost all malaria endemic settings. Artemisinin derivatives are highly potent and fast acting antimalarials; but they have a short half-life and need to be combined with partner drugs with a longer half-life to clear the remaining parasites after a standard 3-day ACT regimen. When introduced, ACTs were highly efficacious and contributed to the steep decrease of malaria over the last decades. However, parasites with decreased susceptibility to artemisinins have emerged in the Greater Mekong Subregion (GMS), followed by ACTs’ failure, due to both decreased susceptibility to artemisinin and partner drug resistance. Therefore, there is an urgent need to strengthen and expand current resistance surveillance systems beyond the GMS to track the emergence or spread of artemisinin resistance. Great attention has been paid to the spread of artemisinin resistance over the last five years, since molecular markers of decreased susceptibility to artemisinin in the GMS have been discovered. However, resistance to partner drugs is critical, as ACTs can still be effective against parasites with decreased susceptibility to artemisinins, when the latter are combined with a highly efficacious partner drug. This review outlines the different mechanisms of resistance and molecular markers associated with resistance to partner drugs for the currently used ACTs. Strategies to improve surveillance and potential solutions to extend the useful therapeutic lifespan of the currently available malaria medicines are proposed.
Laparoscopic Mesh Repair of Bilateral Obturator Hernias Post-Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Ramkumar Jonathan , Lu Daphne , Scott Tracy
Published: January 2019

Abdominal wall hernias are prevalent in patients undergoing peritoneal dialysis (PD). Obturator hernias, first described by Arnaud de Ronsil in 1724, are an uncommon type of hernia where intra-abdominal contents protrude through the obturator foramen. The following case highlights a rare presentation of bilateral obturator hernias with right femoral and inguinal hernia in an 82-year-old woman post-PD. This patient presented with 5 months of bilateral thigh pain and swelling and was found to only have a right-sided obturator hernia on computer tomography (CT) scan. Intraoperatively, bilateral obturator hernias were found along with right inguinal and femoral hernias, which were all repaired laparoscopically with polypropylene mesh. Postoperatively, the patient developed a self-limiting port site hematoma and resumed PD 1 month post-surgery. Due to the high morbidity and mortality from obturator hernias, prompt diagnosis and treatment are imperative. Compared with open hernia repair, laparoscopic hernia repairs are associated with quicker return to usual activities and less persisting pain and numbness. This case portrays that laparoscopic approach to bilateral obturator hernias can be considered in patients post-PD.
Peritoneal Dialysis–Related Peritonitis from Carbapenemase-Producing Klebsiella pneumoniae with OXA-48 Type Gene
Authors: Ryanputra Davin , Wang Dingding , Lee Martin B. , Teo Boon Wee , Tok Pei Loo
Published: January 2019

We report a rare case of carbapenemase-producing enterobacte-riaceae peritonitis in a patient undergoing automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). The PD catheter had to be removed as the patient remained unwell despite antibiotics. Antimicrobial resistance in PD peritonitis is a concern in this era of multi-drug resistant bacteria.
USE OF GENETIC ALGORITHMS FOR SCHEDULING JOBS IN LARGE SCALE GRID APPLICATIONS
Authors: Carretero Javier , Xhafa Fatos
Published: January 2019

In this paper we present the implementation of Genetic Algorithms (GA) for job scheduling on computational grids that optimizes the makespan and the total flowtime. Job scheduling on computational grids is a key problem in large scale grid‐based applications for solving complex problems. The aim is to obtain an efficient scheduler able to allocate a large number of jobs originated from large scale applications to grid resources. Several variations for GA operators are examined in order to identify which works best for the problem. To this end we have developed a grid simulator package to generate large and very large size instances of the problem and have used them to study the performance of GA implementation. Through extensive experimenting and fine tuning of parameters we have identified the configuration of operators and parameters that outperforms the existing implementations in the literature for static instances of the problem. The experimental results show the robustness of the implementation, improved performance of static instances compared to reported results in the literature and, finally, a fast reduction of the makespan making thus the scheduler of practical interest for grid environments.
ON THE DISTRIBUTION OF PARETO OPTIMAL SOLUTIONS IN ALTERNATIVE SPACE – THE INVESTIGATION OF MULTI OBJECTIVE PERMUTATION FLOW SHOP SCHEDULING PROBLEMS
Authors: Geiger Martin Josef
Published: January 2019

The paper presents a study of the search space topology in the context of global optimization under multiple objectives. While in mono criterion problems a single global optimum has to be identified, multi objective problems require the identification of a whole set of equal. Pareto optimal alternatives. It is unclear up to now, however, whether Pareto optimal solutions appear relatively concentrated in search space, or whether their relative positions are rather distant.

This open issue is addressed to the multi objective permutation flow shop scheduling problems. Distance metrics is introduced to asses numerical evaluation of the concentration of Pareto sets. It can be seen that independent from the chosen optimality criteria, Pareto optimal alternatives appear relatively concentrated in alternative space. The result holds for an extensive range of generated problem instances for which the exact global optima are known as well as for benchmark instances taken from literature. The importance of the results can be seen in the context of metaheuristic local search approaches for which meaningful implications derive.
ON MULTIDIMENSIONAL SCALING WITH EUCLIDEAN AND CITY BLOCK METRICS
Authors: Žilinskas Antanas , Žilinskas Julius
Published: January 2019

Experimental sciences collect large amounts of data. Different techniques are available for information elicitation from data. Frequently statistical analysis should be combined with the experience and intuition of researchers. Human heuristic abilities are developed and oriented to patterns in space of dimensionality up to 3. Multidimensional scaling (MDS) addresses the problem how objects represented by proximity data can be represented by points in low dimensional space. MDS methods are implemented as the optimization of a stress function measuring fit of the proximity data by the distances between the respective points. Since the optimization problem is multimodal, a global optimization method should be used. In the present paper a combination of an evolutionary metaheuristic algorithm with a local search algorithm is used. The experimental results show the influence of metrics defining distances in the considered spaces on the results of multidimensional scaling. Data sets with known and unknown structure and different dimensionality (up to 512 variables) have been visualized.
THE ANALYSIS OF CALCULATION OF PUNCHING STRENGTH OF RC SLABS ACCORDING TO THE DESIGN CODES
Authors: Vainiūnas Povilas
Published: January 2019

The article analyses the calculation of punching strength of RC slabs according to the design codes of various countries. The comparison of experimental and theoretical results is presented. Both experimental and theoretical research confirmed the dependence of punching strength on the longitudinal reinforcement ratio in the tensile zone. While the reinforcement ratio of the tensile zone is higher, the angle of punching pyramid sidewall is less, the critical section is far away from the edge of the column, the critical perimeter is longer and thus the punching strength of the slab is greater.
NEW EUROPEAN UNION METHOD FOR THE DESIGN OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES EXPOSED TO FIRE TEMPERATURES
Authors: Jonaitis Bronius , Papinigis Vytautas
Published: January 2019

The analysis of a method for the design of reinforced concrete structures exposed to fire temperatures is presented in the article. The main essential factors which must be evaluated in the design of structures and their parts to provide their adequate carrying capacity and ability to prevent fire spread are analyzed. In fire design it is necessary to take into account the behaviour of structural system exposed to fire temperatures, the possible effect of heat and positive effects of active and passive protection systems against fire and the consequences of collapse of the structure. The method is intended for buildings, fire load is associated with the building and its use. At the same time thermal and mechanical actions for structures exposed to fire are considered.
MODELING OF GLASS‐STEEL OVERLAY AND SNOW LOAD
Authors: Skaržauskas Valentinas , Jankovski Valentin , Atkočiūnas Juozas
Published: January 2019

This paper presents the analysis of the spatial prismatic sloped overlay of irregular shape with a spherical surface upon. This bearing steel structure is under a dead‐load of a framed glass packet and under snow. Mathematical model of prism and spheroid geometry is developed. Construction geometry of a rectangularly profiled pipe and snow pressure is modelled in finite elements, using special software is developed by authors. This software is designed for the evaluation of glass structures and is easily adopted for a data exchange with commercial software. Computer aided design of the overlay and structure stress‐deformation analysis is realized by ANSYS.
CHANGES IN OCCUPATIONAL SAFETY AND HEALTH AFTER BECOMING LITHUANIA MEMBER OF EU
Authors: Stankiuviene Aušra , Šukys Ritoldas , Čyras Petras
Published: January 2019

Lithuania's integration into EU, accepted and implemented requirements of EU law acts, stimulated quicker liberalization and privatization of Lithuania's economy and basic structural reforms. Lithuania's expenses of preparation to join EU and membership in EU are expenses of modern state that would be purposeful to name them as investments. Such investments are necessary to estimate a stable and safe state development which is a basic welfare condition. Occupational safety and health at work is one of the underlying aspects improving life quality. In this work the main requirements of EU directives in occupational safety and health corresponding to the national law acts are estimated, the number of accidents at work in the most dangerous sorts of economical activities and economic consequences are analysed. Lithuania's changes in occupational safety and health are analysed according to results of a comparison analysis. The state of occupational safety and health at work in years 2003 and 2005 is analysed more thoroughly. Methods of selection, poll, statistical – analytical and their analysis were used to achieve the objective.
HOSPITAL CONSTRUCTION IN GERMANY ‐ DEMAND AND FINANCING POSSIBILITIES
Authors: Fellmann Dieter
Published: January 2019

Hospitals are a considerable economic factor in Germany. Remarkable investment needs arise from the preservation of this economic factor. A reduction of the operational costs and an improvement of the operating procedures in treatment and care within the hospital are discussed as an option for financing the necessary investments.
CERTAIN ASPECTS OF WORKING CAPITAL IN A CONSTRUCTION COMPANY
Authors: Meszek Wiesław , Polewski Marcin
Published: January 2019

The article analyses the profiles of selected construction companies from the viewpoint of working capital formation and their management strategies applied to working capital. The analysis was performed on the basis of financial ratios. The conclusion is that complex working capital management requires controlling methodology to be developed. A specific character of the construction industry, including operational factors and market requirements, make working capital management a task exceeding the financial sphere, as it embraces the issues of organisation of investment processes, the organisation of production processes and logistics.
E-LEARNING AND GROUPS‐ORIENTED E‐TRAINING, A REPORT OF EXPERIENCE
Authors: Schwarzat Fritz-Jürgen
Published: January 2019

This contribution reports on experience of media‐supported tutoring in the subject “CAD in steel construction”. A better understanding of the procedures within the design process is reached by using methodologically prepared and media‐supported design solutions. Special attention is paid to the actions involved in e‐training. The calculation and design of a simple steel structure is given as an example. An interactive design‐making support facility offers a structural knowledge base for the respective case. When deciding on a particular design solution, a video sequence of the necessary course of action will be offered in the computer‐aided design process.
ANALYSIS OF CRITERIA FOR CONTRACTORS’ QUALIFICATION EVALUATION
Authors: Banaitienė Nerija , Banaitis Audrius
Published: January 2019

Selecting a construction contractor is a major decision which may influence the progress and success of any construction project. The paper analyses criteria used to evaluate qualification of contractors in Lithuania and abroad. Both in Lithuania and abroad, the bid price of construction works is the main criterion for evaluation of con‐tractors. The lowest price often cannot guarantee commitments on quality and duration of a construction project. Therefore, when selecting a contractor, a client must not only compare bid prices but also set other criteria for evalua‐tion of qualification and determine their weight. A contractor must be selected according to both quantitative and qualitative criteria, and bids should be compared. Only on the basis of quantitative and qualitative evaluation criteria and by comparing bids of contractors it is possible to select a qualified, competent and reliable contractor, to evaluate its qualification, economic and financial condition and technical capability and skills and to achieve relevant results in a construction project. The paper provides an investigation of Lithuanian companies, which analyses issues related to evaluation of contractors’ qualification. The paper is completed with a discussion of the investigation results and delivery of proposals based on expert estimations of the weight of criteria for evaluation of contractors.
TESTING THE RELATIONAL PERSPECTIVE MAP FOR VISUALIZATION OF MULTIDIMENSIONAL DATA
Authors: Karbauskaitė Rasa , Marcinkevičius Virginijus , Dzemyda Gintautas
Published: January 2019

This paper deals with a method, called the relational perspective map that visualizes multidimensional data onto two‐dimensional closed plane. It tries to preserve the distances between the multidimensional data in the lower‐dimensional space. But the most important feature of the relational perspective map is the ability to visualize data in a non‐overlapping manner so that it reveals small distances better than other known visualization methods. In this paper, the features of this method are explored experimentally and some disadvantages are noticed. We have proposed a modification of this method, which enables us to avoid them.
MODELLING OF NON‐MARKOVIAN QUEUING SYSTEMS
Authors: Mickevičius Giedrius , Valakevičius Eimutis
Published: January 2019

The purpose of this paper is to suggest a method and software for evaluating queuing approximations. A numerical queuing model with priorities is used to explore the behaviour of exponential phase‐type approximation of service‐time distribution. The performance of queuing systems described in the event language is used for generating the set of states and transition matrix between them. Two examples of numerical models are presented - a queuing system model with priorities and a queuing system model with quality control.
INVESTIGATION OF BATCH DATA FLOW TRANSMISSION PARAMETERS
Authors: Tervydis Paulius , Rindzevičius Ramutis
Published: January 2019

Rapid growth and increasing requirements for service quality, reliability, and efficiency have made traffic evaluation an essential consideration in design and operation of data transmission networks. In this paper we analyse performance measures of data transmission network servicing batch data flows. The article provides analysis of the one channel queuing system transmitting data packet flow general distributed. In this article we introduce queuing system with finite and infinite buffer capacity. In this article we analyse such data packets transmission performance parameters: average time spent by data packet in system, data packet delay variation, data packet loss. The data packet arrival rate and channel data packet transmission rate are independent of system state. A key mechanism of the proposed traffic model is that packet time spent in the system depends on channel utilization level, packet flow type and size of transmitted data. The proposed simulation model can be used when packet interarrival time follows such distributions: Pareto, Poisson, uniform, normal distribution. Simulation results of performance measures are defined by mathematical models. Considering simulation results recommendations were proposed to improve performance measures for batch data flow transmission over data networks.
A 1000 au Scale Molecular Outflow Driven by a Protostar with an Age of ≲4000 yr
Authors: Furuya Ray S. , Kitamura Yoshimi , Shinnaga Hiroko
Published: January 2019

To shed light on the early phase of a low-mass protostar formation process, we conducted interferometric observations toward protostar GF 9-2 using the CARMA and SMA. The observations were carried out in the 12CO

line and the continuum emission at wavelengths of 3.3 mm, 1.1 mm, and 850 μm with a spatial resolution of ≈400 au. All of the continuum images detected a single point-like source with a beam-deconvolved effective radius of 250 ± 80 au at the center of the previously known 1.1–4.5

molecular cloud core. Compact emission is detected toward the object at the Spitzer MIPS and IRAC bands, as well as the four bands at the Wide-field Infrared Survey Explorer. Our spectroscopic imaging of the CO line revealed that the continuum source is driving a 1000 au scale molecular outflow, including a pair of lobes where a collimated “higher”-velocity (∼10

with respect to the velocity of the cloud) red lobe exists inside a poorly collimated “lower”-velocity (∼5

) red lobe. These lobes are rather young (dynamical timescales of ∼500–2000 yr) and the least powerful (momentum rates of

yr−1 ) ones so far detected. A protostellar mass of

was estimated using an upper limit of the protostellar age of τ
* ≲ (4 ± 1) × 103 yr and an inferred nonspherical steady mass accretion rate of ∼1 × 10−5

yr−1. Together with the results from an SED analysis, we discuss that the outflow system is driven by a protostar with a surface temperature of ∼3000 K, and that the natal cloud core is being dispersed by the outflow.