bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dinámica de los pequeños productores de leche en la Sierra centro de Ecuador
Authors: Franco Crespo Christian , Morales Carrasco Lilian , Lascano Aimacaña Nelson , Cuesta Chávez Alejandra
Published: September 2019

La estructura agraria en el Ecuador tiene una marcada diferenciación debido a la tenencia y acceso a la tierra. El crecimiento de la producción pecuaria dentro de las pequeñas y medianas explotaciones ha sido constante en los últimos años, así como la feminización del campo. En la serranía del Ecuador, estos procesos pueden observarse con mayor detalle, especialmente en aquellas provincias que se encuentran en el centro del país. Esto ha motivado a analizar la dinámica de los pequeños productores de las provincias de Chimborazo, Cotopaxi y Tungurahua, por medio de la aplicación de una encuesta a 793 agricultores, donde se revisan las características socio-productivas relacionadas con la producción de leche de ganado bovino. Algunos resultados demuestran que, comparativamente, la producción de leche se concentra entre las extensiones de 0,5 y 1 hectárea, siendo la provincia de Tungurahua en donde existe una mayor distribución de acuerdo al tamaño. Finalmente, se concluye que, la concentración de la tierra ha influenciado a una reducción del número de unidades bovinas, incidiendo directamente sobre los ingresos familiares, provenientes de la producción lechera, que en este caso no superan el 40% la remuneración básica mensual. del Ecuador.
Optimization of early diagnosis of ovarian cancer using an original software ScOv
Authors: Khabarov S. V. , Nikogosyan S. O. , Volkov V. G. , Chibisova G. M.
Published: September 2019

The most common causes of treatment failure in ovarian cancer (ОС) include late diagnosis due to the absence of screening programs for its early detection and lack of vigilance by general practitioners and gynecologists. World experience suggests that screening of 100% of women has a minimal impact on mortality. Examination of women at high risk for OC is a sensible alternative to mass screening. This examination can be performed using universal computerized screening, which is a very promising and cost-effective method.

To identify the symptoms significantly associated with early-stage OC, we questionnaired 100 patients with morphologically verified stage IA–IC OC, admitted to the Department of Gynecology, Tula Regional Oncology Dispensary between 2010 and 2017 (experimental group). The control group included 200 women without malignant diseases, who underwent preventive medical examination in outpatient units of Tula. We analyzed the significance of 22 clinical symptoms and developed original computer software ScOv, which was subsequently used for identifying patients at high risk of OC among women aged 40 years and older by evaluating their complaints. The sensitivity and specificity of ScOv were 73.7 % and 88.8 % respectively. A retrospective check of the developed program demonstrated its high efficiency and prognostic value.
Vadere: An Open-Source Simulation Framework to Promote Interdisciplinary Understanding
Authors: Kleinmeier Benedikt , Zönnchen Benedikt , Gödel Marion , Köster Gerta
Published: September 2019

Pedestrian dynamics is an interdisciplinary field of research. Psychologists, sociologists, traffic engineers, physicists, mathematicians and computer scientists all strive to understand the dynamics of a moving crowd. In principle, computer simulations offer means to further this understanding. Yet, unlike for many classic dynamical systems in physics, there is no universally accepted locomotion model for crowd dynamics. On the contrary, a multitude of approaches, with very different characteristics, compete. Often only the experts in one special model type are able to assess the consequences these characteristics have on a simulation study. Therefore, scientists from all disciplines who wish to use simulations to analyze pedestrian dynamics need a tool to compare competing approaches. Developers, too, would profit from an easy way to get insight into an alternative modeling ansatz. Vadere meets this interdisciplinary demand by offering an open-source simulation framework that is lightweight in its approach and in its user interface while offering pre-implemented versions of the most widely spread models.
Competencias de desempeño mediadas por las TIC para el fortalecimiento de la calidad educativa. Una revisión sistemática
Authors: Mercado-Porras Carolina , Morales-Ortega Yuneidis
Published: September 2019

El mundo de las Tecnologías de la Información y la Comunicación (TIC) ha revolucionado el escenario educativo, planteando nuevas alternativas para el desarrollo de las capacidades de los profesionales en los diversos contextos. El presente artículo tiene el propósito de analizar las competencias de desempeño implementadas bajo el uso de las TIC, como un factor de impacto para el fortalecimiento de la calidad educativa en las Instituciones de Educación Superior (IES). El abordaje metodológico ha comprendido el desarrollo de una investigación documental con enfoque cualitativo, que tiene como técnica instrumental la revisión sistemática de (50) artículos especializados publicados en revistas de alto impacto (Scopus – WoS). Los resultados permiten aproximarse al estado del arte desde un sistema teórico, identificando las principales implementaciones de las TIC en el ámbito educativo, logrando evidenciar los lineamientos estratégicos que fortalezcan el proceso de desarrollo de competencias de desempeño de acuerdo con las etapas de formación definidas en las IES.
Clinical application of minimal invasive arthroscope on patella fracture surgery
Authors: Jiang Bo , Liao Lele
Published: September 2019

The aim of the research is to perform the application of minimal invasive arthroscope on patella fracture surgery. A total of 100 patients with the cases of patella fracture were selected from our hospital and the Second Xiangya Hospital’s Orthopaedic Ward. These patients were divided into ‘Observation Group’ and ‘Comparison Group’. The former was treated with traditional open surgery whereas the latter used the arthroscopic surgery. The postsurgical score indicated statistically significant differences (P < 0.05) in the Lysholm Knee and Oswestry Low Back pain scale. By performing arthroscopic surgery on patella fractures, the patients’ recovery was accelerated while the pain was greatly reduced, which in turn, improved the quality of patients’ life and provided valuable clinical value. 
Intelligent Backlash Control System Based on Laser Scanning
Authors: Zhang Shengmin , Li Qiulian , He Changying
Published: September 2019

In the traditional round-trip sports training and competition, the coach or the referee observes the pinch table to measure the athlete’s performance. Not only there is a large error, it will even lead to miscarriage of justice, staﬀ labor intensity and eﬃciency. In order to solve these problems, the system uses the simple and easy way by using fingerprint identification module to collect athlete information, with low cost, wide application, easy to program the STM32F103C8T6 and ATMEL89S51 as the core control measure a wide range of detection time is short, high precision of the laser scanning athletes through the information to low power consumption, convenient and practical nRF905 RF transceiver starting point and the return point of the communication to the LED display circuit count and display, to automatically and accurately complete the athlete’s performance test. This will reduce the workload of the coach or the referee, but also improve the eﬃciency and quality of work.
On Boeing 737 – 300 Wing Aerodynamics Calculations Based on VLM Theory
Authors: Nagler Jacob
Published: September 2019

In this paper, aerodynamics coefficients of Boeing 737-300 were calculated using VLM (vortex lattice method) theory. The wing was assumed to be planar and was divided into 6×6 panels, which were in the trapezoid shape. Aerodynamics lifting and moment coefficients were calculated. Also, center of pressure location was found using data from VLM and wing geometry. Comparisons between literature, finite wing theory and VLM theory were done. It was found that maximum lifting coefficient error between literature and VLM was about 4.0%. Moreover, that between finite wing theory and VLM was about 2.2%. Center of pressure location error between finite wing theory and VLM was about 0.5%.
How to use administrative data for surgical outcomes in acute diverticulitis
Authors: Hong Michael K-Y , Skandarajah Anita R , Faiz Omar D , Hayes Ian P
Published: September 2019

The measurement of quality outcomes is crucial in surgical care. Administrative data are increasingly used but their ability to provide clinically useful information is reliant on how closely the coding can define a particular cohort.        In acute admissions for diverticular disease, it is important to differentiate between complicated and uncomplicated diverticulitis, and between diverticulitis and diverticular bleeding. We aim to develop a method to define clinically relevant cohorts of patients from an administrative database in acute diverticulitis. Codes for acute diverticulitis were found from the ICD-10-AM (Australia and New Zealand) coding system, and the accuracy was established with retrospective chart review and cross-referenced with a clinical database at a single institution. Coding of non-diverticular and missed diverticular  cases was examined to determine non-diverticular codes that could differentiate these cases. These were combined into  logic algorithms designed to differentiate between uncomplicated and complicated diverticulitis admissions derived from   an administrative database. Specific K57 diverticular codes possessed sensitivity and positive predictive values of 0.92    and 0.69 for uncomplicated diverticulitis, respectively, with 0.61 and 0.92 for complicated diverticulitis, respectively, based on 153 cases. Most of the missing cases were usually complicated diverticulitis whilst some cases coded incorrectly  as uncomplicated diverticulitis were often found as undifferentiated abdominal pain. Diagnostic codes combined into algorithms that accounted for predictable variations improved cohort definition. In conclusion, algorithms with combined codes improved definitions of clinically relevant cohorts for acute diverticulitis from an Australian or New Zealand administrative database. This method may be used to develop logic algorithms for other surgical conditions and enable widespread measurement of relevant surgical outcomes.
In vitro addition of DHA and IGF-I increases the progressive motility of cryopreserved stallion semen
Authors: Silva Daiane Moreira , Holden Shauna Ann , De Souza José Camisão , Fair Sean
Published: September 2019

High seminal quality is important to achieve acceptable pregnancy rate following artificialinsemination with cryopreserved semen in the equine industry. Docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) is anomega-3-polyunsaturated acid, which improves the integrity of the spermatozoa membrane duringtemperature changes. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a protein hormone that helps mainlyglucose to enter spermatozoa and it is an antioxidant. The aim of this study was to assess the effectof the in vitro addition of DHA in combination with IGF-I to frozen-thawed stallion semen. Threeejaculates from each of three Irish Sport Horse stallions were collected, the gel fraction was removedand semen was diluted in a 1:1 ratio using extender, centrifuged (1.000 g) for 10 minutes at 32 °Cand ressuspended to 100 x 106 spermatozoa/mL in freezing extender. Semen was cooled to 4 °C,packed into 0.5 mL straws, frozen and stored under liquid nitrogen at -196 °C. Straws were thawedat 37 °C for 30 seconds, semen was diluted to 25 x 106 spermatozoa/mL and split in four treatmentsadding 0 or 1 ng of DHA /mL and 0 or 100 ng of IGF-I /mL: DHA0, DHA0 + IGF-I, DHA1 and DHA1+ IGF-I. Semen was incubated at 32 °C and after 30 minutes, total motility (TM), rapid progressivemotility (PM), viability and acrosome integrity were assessed. After 60 and 120 minutes, TM and PMwere assessed again. Post-thawed PM was higher (P < 0.05) when DHA1 + IGF-I was added, butthere was no effect of the addition of DHA and IGF-I to TM, viability or acrosome integrity (P > 0.05).Keywords: Equine. Spermatozoa. Omega-3. Antioxidant. Hormone.
Activity patterns of mammals at Quedas do Rio Bonito Ecological Park, Lavras City, Minas Gerais State, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Ellen Cristina Mões , Machado Felipe Santana , Zanzini Antônio Carlos da Silva
Published: September 2019

The activity patterns present a temporal partition of species cohabiting the same area in orderto avoid competition. Moreover, it optimizes capture efforts and provides information on the naturalhistory of species. Nevertheless, anthropic impacts compromise this activity by changing the patterns.Since there is a lack of studies in the last decades, this work demonstrates and discusses the pattern ofactivity of medium and large mammals in an ecological park in the south of the state of Minas Gerais,Brazil. Photographic trapping registered two species classified as cathemeral, four as nocturnal andtwo as diurnal. The predominant habit was nocturnal, which is the result of adaptive behaviors relatedto predation and human actions. The results of this study show the biological importance of the regionand the need for new systematized studies focusing on the medium and large local mammal fauna,aiming to contribute to a more comprehensive knowledge of the local biodiversity.Keywords: Activity pattern. Behavior. Functional activity.
Production aspects of soybean cultivars in Machado region, south of Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Antonio Pires Lins da Silva Pedro , De Farias Filho Roberto
Published: September 2019

Due to its productive potential and importance in human and animal nutrition, soybeans occupya prominent position in Brazilian economy. Its cultivation in the south of Minas Gerais has beenincreasing compared to other crops; however, availability of adapted cultivars still low. Therefore,the present research was developed with the aim of evaluating different soybean cultivars productiveaspects in Machado region, Minas Gerais, in order to identify cultivars that can be recommended forcultivation in this region. The experimental design consisted of randomized complete block designwith four replications and six soybean cultivar treatments (5D6215 IPRO, 5D634 RR, NS 7709IPRO, NS 7300 IPRO, NS 7667 IPRO and NS 7200 RR). Seeding was conducted in the second weekof November/2015. It was verified that Machado region was suitable for soybean cultivation, since allcultivars presented plant height and the first legume height of insertion was favorable to mechanizedharvest. Cultivars 5D634 RR, NS 7200 RR and NS 7709 IPRO obtained the best grain yield resultswith 3.676,62, 3.612,45 and 3.377,90 kg ha⁻¹, respectively. Cultivars 5D6215 IPRO, 5D634RR, NS 7709 IPRO and NS 7200 RR are within the acceptable levels of lodging for mechanizedharvesting. On the other hand, cultivars 5D6215 IPRO and NS 7200 RR demonstrate an emergencyspeed higher than the other studied cultivars.Keywords: Glycine max (L.) Merrill. Grains Yield. Adaptability.
Organic compost and irrigation on weight and protein content of Pereskia aculeata leaves
Authors: Andrade Reginaldo Rodrigues de , Galbiatti João Antônio , Queiroz Carla Regina Amorim dos Anjos , Pavani Luiz Carlos
Published: September 2019

The Pereskia aculeata Mill. plant, known in Brazil as Ora-pro-nobis, is a non-conventionalvegetable with high leaf protein content, however studies on the crop system of this leaf vegetableare scarce. Therefore, the objective of the present work was to evaluate the effect of organic compost(OC) rates and irrigation depths (ID) on leaf dry weight (LDW) and leaf protein content (LPC) for P.aculeata plants. The experiment consisted of five OC rates (0, 15%, 30%, 45%, and 60% of thesubstrate volume) and three ID (50%, 75%, and 100% of the reference evapotranspiration - Et0),with four replications. The analysis of variance by the F test (α = 5% and 1%) and the interpretationof the interaction between the factors by response surface demonstrated the increase of ID from 50%to 100% Et0 is more significant for the increasing in LDW than the increases in OC rates. The highestLDW accumulation was found by combining 33% OC in the substrate with ID of 100% Et0. Thelowest LDW resulted from the combination of 60% OC and ID of 50%. The highest LPC was foundwith the use of 52% OC and ID of 69%, and the lowest with the ID of 100% and absence of OC inthe substrate.Keywords: Nutritional supplementation. Waste management. Non-conventional vegetable. Barbadosgooseberry. Ora-pro-nobis.
As Teorias Econômicas implícitas no Protocolo de Kyoto
Authors: Simão Nathalia , Martins Gilberto , Favareto Arilson
Published: September 2019

O principal objetivo deste artigo é analisar as influências implícitas nas bases de construção do Protocolo de Kyoto a partir de três vertentes da economia: economia ambiental neoclássica, a economia ecológica e economia institucionalista. A partir desta análise foi possível compreender e fomentar a discussão sobre a lógica pela qual surgiu o Protocolo e como foram desenvolvidos seus instrumentos de atuação. Verificou-se que a proposta apresenta-se como uma instituição que tem como ponto de partida princípios que mais se assemelham à abordagem da economia ecológica, haja vista o próprio intento de prevenção/contenção do aquecimento global ao qual se propõe. No entanto, apesar de almejar objetivos mais amplos, a racionalidade econômica e os princípios nos quais se baseiam a economia neoclássica ainda prevaleceram, sob a forma de instrumentos e mecanismos de mercado.
THE ‘SOCIAL’ IN POLITICAL COMMUNICATION: SOCIAL MEDIA ENABLED POLITICAL DISCOURSE, ENGAGEMENT AND MOBILIZATION IN INDIA
Authors: B.M Darshan , Suresh Kalyani
Published: September 2019

Purpose of the study: The advent of digital media along with the recent boom of smartphones has changed the atlas of communication. The ubiquity of Social media has led to its increased use in all aspects of communication as against conventional media. Politics is not an exception. The role of social media in political discourses, engagement, and mobilization is widely realized and practiced and has become an important mode of political communication in India. In this paper, we explore the current academic corpus on political communication in the context of social media. Methodology: The narrative literature review method proposed by Green, Johnson, and Adams (2006) was employed as the method for this article. Relevant peer-reviewed papers published during the period 2011-18 were considered for the narrative review. Appropriate papers were selected by a Google Scholar search using the keywords ‘Social media’, ‘India’ and ‘political communication. Main Findings: The broad aim of the present paper was to explore the current academic literature in the field of social media and political communication. The narrative literature review undertaken indicates scant work with limited focus on the broader issues. Social media influence on voting behavior and political engagement was the well-explored domain, but the determinants and uniqueness of such communication have not been explored. Applications of this study: The indications from the review showcase that the magnitude and essence of political communication have changed through the years. The spectrum of political communication through social media has a great role in political and civic engagement. This study will be useful to the researchers in the field of mass communication, journalism, and political science. Novelty/Originality of this study: The conventional mainstream media and social media are increasingly showing a pattern of convergence and mutual exclusiveness. One of the critical findings from the review is that the gender domains of social media and political communication in India have not been given much attention and empirical evidence is scanty. Future research in the field of social media in India should focus on the gendered spheres of political communication.
Two Infinite Sequences of Pre-Maximal Extensions of the Relevant Logic E
Authors: Typańska-Czajka Lidia
Published: September 2019

The only maximal extension of the logic of relevant entailment E is the classical logic CL. A logic L ⊆ [E,CL] called pre-maximal if and only if L is a coatom in the interval [E,CL]. We present two denumerable infinite sequences of premaximal extensions of the logic E. Note that for the relevant logic R there exist exactly three pre-maximal logics, i.e. coatoms in the interval [R,CL].
Undergraduate Rehabilitation Students' Perspectives and Advice on Strategies for Successful Field Experiences
Authors: Huck Garrett , Oswald Gina , Blake John
Published: September 2019

Background

Little research has evaluated what types of factors contribute to successful field experiences among undergraduate rehabilitation students.

Objective

This study evaluated undergraduate rehabilitation student perspectives on (a) factors that contributed to student success during field experience placements, (b) the relevancy of rehabilitation coursework to the field experience, (c) how field experiences influence student career preferences and goals.

Methods

Field experience essays from 98 students were analyzed using a qualitative content analysis approach.

Findings

Students identified a variety of factors that had a positive impact on their field experiences and offered several recommendations for how future students might have successful field experiences. Students provided a description of the frequency at which their field experiences influenced their long-term career goals as well.

Conclusions

The findings of the current study provide rehabilitation education stakeholders with an understanding of the nature and value of the undergraduate rehabilitation field experience. It is clear that student volition is a key predictor of internship satisfaction and success. Furthermore, it was apparent that a variety of different factors may influence one's experience. Future research should explore how such experiences may be enhanced in order to identify best practices for training.
Mandibular single-implant overdenture as an alternative for full arch rehabilitations
Authors: Câmara-Souza Mariana Barbosa , Figueredo Olívia Maria Costa de , Amaral Camilla Fraga do , Carletti Talita Malini , Garcia Renata Cunha Matheus Rodrigues
Published: September 2019

Oral rehabilitation with mandibular single-implant overdentures (SIO) has been characterized as a solution to improve retention and stability of conventional complete dentures (CD). Among the benefits of this therapy, it can be mentioned minimally invasive surgery, simple prosthetic technique, better retention, and significantly reduced costs. However, the application of this protocol in daily clinic is still not widespread. Aim: Thus, this study aimed to perform a literature review to address the clinical characteristics of this rehabilitation, when compared to two-implant mandibular overdentures and CD. Methods: For this, a search was conducted in the PubMed database, considering articles published in English language, without date limitation. Results: It was found 243 manuscripts, of which 20 were compatible with the aim of this study after title/abstract reading. The selected papers focused on masticatory muscles function, satisfaction levels and self-reported quality of life, as well as surgical and prosthetic outcomes, such as maintenance, repair and implant failure rates. All evaluated manuscripts showed similar masticatory function and patient's satisfaction with SIO and two-implant overdenture, while results for a SIO were greater when compared to rehabilitations with CD. In addition, SIO have proven to do not damage the implant, being implant loss close to zero. However, the prosthesis fracture adjacent to the implant was a recurrent clinical outcome, which requires further studies to solve this impairment. Conclusion: Thus, it can be concluded that SIO represents an alternative treatment for frail elders or low-income patients, leading to higher masticatory function, as well as improved quality of life.
Investigation of some engineering properties of waste polytetraﬂuoroethylene (PTFE) fiber reinforced concrete
Authors: Kan Abdulkadir
Published: September 2019

In this study, a comparison was made between concrete with waste PTFE fiber and standard concrete. Both elastomeric and thermoplastic fluoropolymer find a wide use especially in automotive applications such as seals, pulley etc. A large amount of PTFE occurs during this applications production. PTFE fiber is not a conventional concrete additive. It is a waste material and it can be used as a concrete filler material. In order to investigate the behaviour of this waste material in the concrete, mixtures containing waste PTFE fiber in amounts of 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%  (by weight) in order to replace to the same amount of fine sand (0-1 mm) were prepared. The compressive strength, tensile strength, workability and unit weight of the waste PTFE fiber concrete investigated. It was observed that waste PTFE fiber concretes have sufficient strength to be used as semi structural concrete. The mechanical behaviours of waste PTFE fiber concrete and control concrete were very similar. Moreover, it was observed that the unit weight and workability of the waste PTFE fiber concretes were decreased. This study provides that reusing waste PTFE fiber as an artificial filler material in concrete gives a new approach to solve some of the solid waste problems by plastics.
Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Increases The Risk of Late-Onset Alzheimer’s Disease: Ultrastructural Remodeling of the Neurovascular Unit and Diabetic Gliopathy
Authors: Hayden Melvin
Published: September 2019

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) and late-onset Alzheimer’s disease-dementia (LOAD) are increasing in global prevalence and current predictions indicate they will only increase over the coming decades. These increases may be a result of the concurrent increases of obesity and aging. T2DM is associated with cognitive impairments associated with metabolic factors and increases the cellular vulnerability to develop the age-related increased risk of LOAD. This review addresses possible mechanisms due to obesity, aging, multiple intersections between T2DM and LOAD and mechanisms for the continuum of progression. Multiple ultrastructural images in female diabetic db/db models are utilized to demonstrate marked cellular remodeling changes of mural and glia cells and provide for the discussion of functional changes in T2DM. Throughout this review multiple endeavors to demonstrate how T2DM increases the vulnerability of the brain’s neurovascular unit (NVU), neuroglia and neurons are presented. Five major intersecting links are considered: i. aging (chronic age-related diseases); ii. metabolic (hyperglycemia - advanced glycation end-products and its receptor (AGE/RAGE) interactions and hyperinsulinemia – insulin resistance (a linking linchpin); iii. oxidative stress (reactive oxygen-nitrogen species); iv. inflammation (peripheral macrophage and central brain microglia); v. vascular (macrovascular accelerated atherosclerosis - vascular stiffening and microvascular NVU/neuroglial remodeling) with resulting impaired cerebral blood flow.
On a Class of Humbert-Hermite Polynomials
Authors: Pathan M.  A , Khan Waseem
Published: September 2019

A unified presentation of a class of Humbert’s polynomials in two variables which generalizes the well known class of Gegenbauer, Humbert, Legendre, Chebycheff, Pincherle, Horadam, Kinnsy, Horadam-Pethe, Djordjević , Gould, Milovanović and Djordjević, Pathan and Khan polynomials and many not so called ’named’ polynomials has inspired the present paper and the authors define here generalized Humbert-Hermite polynomials of two variables. Several expansions of Humbert- Hermite polynomials, Hermite-Gegenbaurer (or ultraspherical) polynomials and Hermite- Chebyshev polynomials are proved.
Research of Surface Wear Resistance of Aluminum Alloy Modified with Minerals using Sclerometry Method
Authors: Skazochkin A. V. , Bondarenko G. G. , Żukowski P.
Published: September 2019

Improving the wear resistance of the surface of metal parts used in various industries is one of the relevant areas of materials science. The aim of this work was a comparative study of the wear resistance of a sample of an aluminum alloy (EN AW-2024, an aluminum alloy of the Al-Cu-Mg system) modified with ultrafine particles of minerals using the sclerometry method, which makes it possible to measure the physicomechanical properties of the material at the microscale, as well as determining some tribological parameters (hardness and elastic modulus) of a duralumin sample with a mineral coating.

Wear resistance was measured using a NanoScan-4D scanning hardness tester using the multi-cycle friction method using a sapphire sphere with control of the pressing force and the deepening of the tip into the sample. The use of such a measurement system is especially important when testing thin modified layers, when the layer thickness is comparable with the surface roughness parameters and the influence of the substrate is excluded.

The measurement results showed that the wear resistance of the surface of an aluminum alloy sample modified with ultrafine mineral particles increased by more than 12 times compared to the wear resistance of an aluminum alloy surface without modification. Also, measurements of the hardness and elastic modulus of the surface of the modified sample were performed taking into account the features of measuring the mechanical parameters of thin layers.

The obtained parameters of the modified surface of the aluminum alloy can be further used to build models of the processes of friction and wear of the surface modified by ultrafine particles of minerals. The lack of an acceptable explanation of the nature of the special properties of the surface modified by particles of minerals of natural origin does not exclude the use of the observed effects to significantly increase the resource of various parts and mechanisms.
El modelo de caza social: evolución y caracterización en Extremadura
Authors: Martín Delgado Luz María , Rengifo Gallego Juan Ignacio , Sánchez Martín José Manuel
Published: September 2019

La actividad cinegética en España se caracteriza por la coexistencia de dos modelos de diferente aprovechamiento, de acuerdo con su finalidad: social y privado/comercial. El modelo privado/comercial tiene un mayor peso que el social, aunque cada comunidad autónoma presenta su situación particular. En este sentido, Extremadura es un caso singular en el que ambos modelos muestran un equilibrio en extensión superficial. A pesar de ello, mientras que la llamada caza comercial cuenta con un corpus bibliográfico de cierta relevancia, ha sucedido lo contrario con la caza social.  Por esta razón, el principal objetivo de este trabajo es generar conocimiento sobre un modelo de caza que es muy representativo en Extremadura, el modelo social. Especial interés tiene en este trabajo la realización de una encuesta en la que han participado más de 130 sociedades locales de cazadores federadas en la región. El análisis de las respuestas obtenidas se ha llevado a cabo mediante el uso de técnicas estadísticas que han permitido la obtención de interesantes resultados. Entre ellos cabe mencionar la notable masculinización de estas sociedades, la baja calidad cinegética de los terrenos que gestionan y las dificultades que encuentran para acometer determinadas medidas, ante la carencia de recursos económicos.
Fractured Reservoir Simulation
Authors: Thomas L. Kent , Dixon Thomas N. , Pierson Ray G.
Published: September 2019

This paper describes the development of a three-dimensional, three-phase model for simulating the flow of water, oil and gas in a naturally fractured reservoir. A dual porosity system is used to describe the fluids present in the fractures and matrix blocks. Primary flow in the reservoir occurs within the fractures with local exchange of fluids between the fracture system and matrix blocks. The matrix-fracture transfer function is based on an extension of the equation developed by Warren and Root and accounts for capillary pressure, gravity, and viscous forces.

Both the fracture flow equations and matrix-fracture flow are solved implicitly for pressure, water saturation, gas saturation and saturation pressure.

Example problems are presented to demonstrate the utility of the model. These include a comparison of the results from this paper with previous results; comparisons of individual block matrix-fracture transfer, obtained using a detailed three-dimensional grid, with results using the fracture model’s matrix-fracture transfer function; and three-dimensional field scale simulations of two-and three-phase flow. The three-phase example illustrates the effect of free gas saturation on oil recovery by water flooding.
Prevalence and Etiological Agents for Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media in a Tertiary Hospital in Tanzania.
Authors: Abraham Zephania Saitabau , Ntunaguzi Daudi , Kahinga Aveline Aloyce , Mapondella Kassim Babu , Massawe Enica Richard , Nkuwi Emmanuel James , Nkya Aslam
Published: September 2019

Objective: Chronic suppurative otitis media is among the most common otological condition reported in otorhinolaryngology practice commonly attributing to preventable hearing loss. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and etiological agents for chronic suppurative otitis media in our department.
Results: A total of 5591 patients were recruited in this study and only 79 (1.4%) had chronic suppurative otitis media. A male preponderance 43 (54.4%) was noted in this study and the left ear (58.2%) was more commonly affected compared to the right ear. Central perforation was the commonest pattern of presentation and was reported in 53% of cases though none had attic perforation. Of the 81 processed ear swabs, microbial growth was seen in majority 80 (98.8%) whilst one sample showed no microbial growth whereas 52.5% had polymicrobial growth.
Among the isolates, most were gram negative species accounting for 59.7% while gram positive bacteria accounted for 25.6% and fungi accounted for 14.7%. Most of these isolates were facultative anaerobes. Klebsiella pneumoniae (20.2%) was the commonest isolates while Escherchia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa were equally least isolated (10.9%). Tested isolates were most sensitive to Ciprofloxacin, Gentamycin, Ceftriaxone and Amikacin and least sensitive to Amoxicillin/clavulanic acid and Ampicillin.
CHALLENGES WITH STUDY PROCEDURE FIDELITY WHEN CONDUCTING HOUSEHOLD SURVEY: REPORTS FROM THE FIELD
Authors: Folayan Morenike , Alade Michael A , Ozeigbe Elizabeth O
Published: September 2019

Objectives: The aim of the study was to identify reasons for protocol deviations during conduct of large epidemiological surveys despite training of field workers, validating clinicians, and providing field supervisory support. Enquiries focused on breaches of recruitment procedures, privacy, confidentiality, and informed consent. The case study was a household survey conducted in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Results: The study reveals that despite training of field workers, providing supervisory support, and conducting validation exercises, protocol deviation still occurred. Measures to improve internal research validity during the conduct of surveys can minimise but not eliminate protocol deviations. Individual and environmental factors increase the risk for protocol deviation. Individual factors include personal bias against adherence to elements of the protocols, and pressure to meet personal recruitment targets to maximise remuneration. These pressures increase the risk of breaching study participants’ recruitment process. Environmental pressures resulted from low research literacy that made it possible for field workers not to consent participants and for participants not to prioritise privacy. The use of electronic data collection enhanced data security. A key recommendation from the study was that improved field supervision will reduce the risk for protocol violation.
Trend analysis and seasonality of tuberculosis among patients attending Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital, Eastern Ethiopia: A retrospective study
Authors: Bodena Dagne , Ataro Zerihun , Tesfa Tewodros
Published: September 2019

Background : Tuberculosis (TB) is a worldwide public health threats caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis in which about 10.0 million people globally infected in 2017. It is one of the top 10 leading killer diseases in the developing countries, particularly in Sub-Saharan Africa including Ethiopia. However, limited studies are available on seasonal variation and level of tuberculosis notifications in Ethiopia. Thus, the aim this study was to determine the prevalence, trend and seasonality of tuberculosis.
Methods: A hospital-based retrospective study was conducted by reviewing all available patients’ data from January 2015 to April 2019 at Hiwot Fana Specialized University Hospital. Socio-demographic characteristics and results of the GeneXpert assay were taken from the registration book. The data were entered into EpiData 3.1 and analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20. Bivariate and multivariate analysis with a 95% confidence interval was undertaken to check the association between prevalence of tuberculosis and dependent variables.
Result: From a total of 8001 samples tested for Genexpert, the overall prevalence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and rifampicin resistance was found to be 1,254 (15.7%) and 53(4.1%), respectively. Trend of tuberculosis proportion was downwardly decreased from 19.3% in 2015, 18.6% in 2016, 18.4% in 2017, 13.5% in 2018 to 13.0% in 2019 ( P- value < 0.001) in all consecutive years throughout the study period. The maximum tuberculosis cases were reported during autumn 454(17.1%) and summer 310 (17.2%) season of calendar year. Age group of 15-29 (adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 1.7, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.41, 1.98), male sex (AOR 0.84, 95% CI 0.75, 0.96), relapse of tuberculosis (AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.35-0.78), and being HIV positive (AOR 0.51, 95% CI 0.3, 0.86) were found to be factors associated with tuberculosis.
Conclusions: Trend of tuberculosis was decreased year to year. However, still high prevalence is observed with different seasonal variation. Thus, understanding and managing of tuberculosis in seasonal variation, improving case detection rate and controlling the most powerful factors are recommended steps to tackle the problem in Ethiopia.
Psychometric Evaluation of Two Short Versions of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale
Authors: Klaufus Leonie , Verlinden Eva , Wal Marcel van der , Kösters Mia , Cuijpers Pim , Chinapaw Mai
Published: September 2019

Background Anxiety and depression are common in children and adolescents. These disorders can be detected via self-report screening questionnaires in a non-clinical setting like the school environment. Two short versions of the Revised Child Anxiety and Depression Scale (i.e., RCADS-25 and RCADS-20) seem to be feasible for administering in schools. However, it should be examined whether its promising psychometric properties can be replicated and whether knowledge on remaining psychometric properties can be added. This study evaluates the psychometric properties of the RCADS-25 and RCADS-20 used as screening instruments for anxiety and depression in schoolchildren and adolescents. Methods The RCADS-25 was completed by 69,487 schoolchildren and adolescents age 8 to 18 years. The RCADS-25/RCADS-20 broad anxiety scale (15 items), the RCADS-25 major depressive disorder (MDD) scale (10 items), and the RCADS-20 MDD scale (5 items) were assessed on construct validity (structural validity and hypotheses testing), reliability (internal consistency and test-retest reliability), and criterion validity in conformance with internationally consensus-based COSMIN definitions, taxonomy and quality criteria. Results The RCADS-25/RCADS-20 broad anxiety scale demonstrated a sufficient structural validity (CFI = 0.98, TLI = 0.99, RMSEA = 0.03, SRMR = 0.03), internal consistency (alpha = 0.82), test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.73), criterion validity (AUC = 0.79), and all four hypotheses concerning construct validity were confirmed. The RCADS-25 MDD scale demonstrated a sufficient test-retest reliability (ICC=0.70), and three out of four hypotheses testing construct validity were confirmed, but its structural validity was suspect (CFI = 0.89, TLI = 0.94, RMSEA = 0.09, SRMR = 0.06). The RCADS-20 MDD scale demonstrated a sufficient structural validity (CFI = 0.97, TLI = 0.97, RMSEA = 0.08, SRMR = 0.04) and internal consistency (alpha = 0.72), but two out of four hypotheses concerning construct validity were confirmed, while the test-retest reliability (ICC = 0.60) seemed insufficient. Conclusions The RCADS-25/RCADS-20 broad anxiety scale seems valid and reliable for screening schoolchildren and adolescents, but the RCADS-25 and RCADS-20 MDD scales show shortcomings. An MDD scale of seven items that showed acceptable psychometric properties is recommended.
Evaluation of the Effect of Cumulative Cisplatin Dose in Locoregionally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Receiving Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Lin Sheng-Chiao , Lin Yu-Hsuan , Lin Yaoh-Shiang , Kang Bor-Hwang , Chang Kuo-Ping , Chang Ting-Shou
Published: September 2019

Background: In nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC), the cut-off value of cumulative cisplatin dose (CCD) associated with survival benefits remains controversial. This study aimed to determine a CCD cut-off value for favorable survival outcomes and to identify specific patient groups benefitting from higher CCDs. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the records of 161 patients (male-to-female ratio of 2.6:1.0) with NPC receiving concurrent chemoradiotherapy ± adjuvant chemotherapy (AC) from February 2006 through September 2015 at our referral center. The CCD was calculated for each patient, and 3-year locoregional-free survival (LRFS), distant-metastasis free survival (DMFS), disease-specific survival (DSS), and overall survival (OS) were analyzed using a multivariable Cox regression model. Results: Stage N3 patients and stage IV patients had lower DMFS, DSS, and OS. A CCD ≥ 200 mg/m 2 or AC was not associated with survival benefits. After adjusting for other factors, N3 status remained robustly correlated with DMFS ( p < 0.001) and DSS ( p = 0.001). In subgroup analyses, stage N3 patients treated with CCD ≥ 200 mg/m 2 exhibited evident trends toward higher OS (one-sided p = 0.062), DSS (one-sided p = 0.100), DMFS (one-sided p = 0.059), and LRFS (one-sided p = 0.059) than patients treated with CCD < 200 mg/m 2 . Conclusions: A CCD ≥ 200 mg/m 2 might result in better survival outcomes in stage N3 patients. Larger CCDs may be exclusively used in cases of regionally advanced disease to avoid rigorous toxicity.
The analysis of characteristics of 1624 soft tissue sarcoma cases in 2006~2016 in Henan Province Cancer Hospital, China
Authors: Zhang Peng , Liu Jinyan , Feng Feifei , Zhang Qiao , Duan Guangcai , Yao Weitao
Published: September 2019

Background To analyze the incidence characteristics of 1624 inpatients with soft tissue sarcoma (STS) during 2006 to 2016 in Henan Province Cancer Hospital.Methods The information of electronic medical record from the first hospitalized patients with STS in Henan Province Cancer Hospital during January 1, 2006 to December 31, 2016 was collected, and descriptive statistics was analyzed on age, gender and pathological type by using SPSS21.0 software.Results There were 1624 inpatients with STS in Henan Province Cancer Hospital in 2006~2016.The top nine pathological subtypes of STS with high constituent ratio were undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS,23.83%),synovial sarcoma(16.69%), liposarcoma(13.67%), fibrosarcoma(10.22%), sarcoma without definite type (8.99%), leiomyosarcoma(7.02%), dermatofibrosarcoma protuberant (5.79%),rhabdomyosarcoma (4.68%) and malignant peripheral nerve sheath tumor(4.25%). The average age of inpatients was 44.71±17.91, and the inpatients aged 35-59 accounted for 47.6%.The number of UPS inpatients reached the peak at the age of 55 to 64; The proportion of rhabdomyosarcoma between 0~4 and 5~9 years old can reach above 46%.In total 1624 inpatients of STS, the number of male and female inpatients were 923 and 701, respectively. The gender ratio was 1.32:1. The proportion of UPS in either male or female inpatients was the highest, accounting for 23.10% and 24.80%, respectively. The number of male inpatients was more than that of female in the top nine pathological subtypes of STS except leiomyosarcoma (the gender ratio was 0.84:1).Conclusion The top three pathological subtypes of STS with high constituent ratio were UPS, synovial sarcoma and liposarcoma.UPS should be paid more attention on the prevention, treatment and research in Henan in future for its highest proportion of STS.
Intense Exercise in the Quality of Life of Breast Cancer Survivors: A Meta-analysis
Authors: Neto Paulo Francisco De Almeida , Barbosa Erenice Conceição de Almeida , Júnior Nelson Carvas , Cesário Tatianny de Macêdo , Silva Brunna Rafaella do Carmo , Lima Thiago Gil Vieira de Figueiredo , Araújo Karoline Queiroz Martins Almeida de , Canário Ana Carla Gomes
Published: September 2019

The treatment of breast cancer (BC) leaves emotional and functional sequels affecting the quality of life (QOL) of the survivors. We aim to investigate, intense exercises in the rehabilitation of BC survivors. Using the systematic search model in the PubMed databases; Lilacs Bireme and Scielo. Meta-Analysis used the Meta package implemented in software R (version 3.3.2) p < 0.05. We selected 29 articles, and after reading in the integra we excluded 27 texts being included in the meta-analysis only 2. In the QOL, the heterogeneity in the emotional function showed a difference of 75%, in the social function 36% and in the physics 32%. Using intense exercises in BC survivors during rehabilitation improves overall QOL, muscle structure, and preserves functional capacity.