bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
3D Printing in Personalized Drug Delivery
Authors: Afsana  , Jain Vineet , Haider Nafis , Jain Keerti
Published: February 2019

Background:

Personalized medicines are becoming more popular as they enable the use of patient’s
genomics and hence help in better drug design with fewer side effects. In fact, several doses can be combined into
one dosage form which suits the patient’s demography. 3 Dimensional (3D) printing technology for personalized
medicine is a modern day treatment method based on genomics of patient.

Methods:

3D printing technology uses digitally controlled devices for formulating API and excipients in a layer
by layer pattern for developing a suitable personalized drug delivery system as per the need of patient. It includes
various techniques like inkjet printing, fused deposition modelling which can further be classified into continuous
inkjet system and drop on demand. In order to formulate such dosage forms, scientists have used various polymers
to enhance their acceptance as well as therapeutic efficacy. Polymers like polyvinyl alcohol, poly (lactic
acid) (PLA), poly (caprolactone) (PCL) etc can be used during manufacturing.

Results:

Varying number of dosage forms can be produced using 3D printing technology including immediate
release tablets, pulsatile release tablets, and transdermal dosage forms etc. The 3D printing technology can be
explored successfully to develop personalized medicines which could play a vital role in the treatment of lifethreatening
diseases. Particularly, for patients taking multiple medicines, 3D printing method could be explored to
design a single dosage in which various drugs can be incorporated. Further 3D printing based personalized drug
delivery system could also be investigated in chemotherapy of cancer patients with the added advantage of the
reduction in adverse effects.

Conclusion:

In this article, we have reviewed 3D printing technology and its uses in personalized medicine.
Further, we also discussed the different techniques and materials used in drug delivery based on 3D printing along
with various applications of the technology.
Recent Advances in Rational Diagnosis and Treatment of Normal Pressure Hydrocephalus: A Critical Appraisal on Novel Diagnostic, Therapy Monitoring and Treatment Modalities
Authors: Zhang Lei , Hussain Zahid , Ren Zhuanqin
Published: February 2019

Background:

Normal pressure hydrocephalus (NPH) is a critical brain disorder in which excess Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) is accumulated in the brain’s ventricles causing damage or disruption of the brain tissues. Amongst various signs and symptoms, difficulty in walking, slurred speech, impaired decision making and critical thinking, and loss of bladder and bowl control are considered the hallmark features of NPH.

Objective:

The current review was aimed to present a comprehensive overview and critical appraisal of majorly employed neuroimaging techniques for rational diagnosis and effective monitoring of the effectiveness of the employed therapeutic intervention for NPH. Moreover, a critical overview of recent developments and utilization of pharmacological agents for the treatment of hydrocephalus has also been appraised.

Results:

Considering the complications associated with the shunt-based surgical operations, consistent monitoring of shunting via neuroimaging techniques hold greater clinical significance. Despite having extensive applicability of MRI and CT scan, these conventional neuroimaging techniques are associated with misdiagnosis or several health risks to patients. Recent advances in MRI (i.e., Sagittal-MRI, coronal-MRI, Time-SLIP (time-spatial-labeling-inversion-pulse), PC-MRI and diffusion-tensor-imaging (DTI)) have shown promising applicability in the diagnosis of NPH. Having associated with several adverse effects with surgical interventions, non-invasive approaches (pharmacological agents) have earned greater interest of scientists, medical professional, and healthcare providers. Amongst pharmacological agents, diuretics, isosorbide, osmotic agents, carbonic anhydrase inhibitors, glucocorticoids, NSAIDs, digoxin, and gold-198 have been employed for the management of NPH and prevention of secondary sensory/intellectual complications.

Conclusion:

Employment of rational diagnostic tool and therapeutic modalities avoids misleading diagnosis and sophisticated management of hydrocephalus by efficient reduction of Cerebrospinal Fluid (CSF) production, reduction of fibrotic and inflammatory cascades secondary to meningitis and hemorrhage, and protection of brain from further deterioration.
Novel Herbal Topical Patch Containing Curcumin and Arnica montana for the Treatment of Osteoarthritis
Authors: Kriplani Priyanka , Guarve Kumar , Baghel Uttam Singh
Published: February 2019

Background:

Osteoarthritis (OA) ranks fifth among all forms of disability affecting 10%
of the world population. Current treatments available are associated with multiple side effects and
do not slow down the progression of the disease. Moreover, no such effective treatment is available
to date in various systems of medicine to treat osteoarthritis. Curcumin and Arnica have shown evident
clinical advances in the treatment of osteoarthritis.

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to design, optimize and characterize novel herbal
transdermal patches of curcumin and Arnica montana using factorial design.

Methods:

A multiple factorial design was employed to investigate the effect of hydroxypropyl
methyl cellulose, ethyl cellulose and jojoba oil on elongation and drug release. Transdermal patches
were evaluated by FTIR, DSC, FESEM, ex vivo drug permeation, anti osteoarthritic activity and
analgesic activity.

Results:

Independent variables exhibited a significant effect on the physicochemical properties of
the prepared formulations. The higher values of drug release and elongation were observed with the
higher concentration of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and jojoba oil. Anti osteoarthritic activity
was assessed by complete Freund's adjuvant arthritis model; using rats and analgesic activity by
Eddy's hot plate method, using mice. Combination patch exhibited good anti osteoarthritic and analgesic
activity as compare to individual drug patches.

Conclusion:

The design results revealed that the combination patch exhibited good physicochemical,
anti osteoarthritic and analgesic activity for the treatment of osteoarthritis in animals. More
plants and their combinations should be explored to get reliable, safe and effective formulations
that can compete with synthetic drugs.
Personenmobiliteit binnen een verbreed Deltametropoolconcept: Openbaar vervoer moet steden dichter bij elkaar brengen
Authors: De Niet Eric
Published: February 2019

Het netwerk van verbindingen vormt de belangrijkste conditie om het functioneren van de Deltametropool als één geheel mogelijk te maken. Aanvankelijk was de aandacht met name gericht op de vier grote steden en Schiphol (de vijf zogenaamde 'stadshavens') en de onderlinge verbindingen. Mede hierdoor is de betekenis van bijvoorbeeld de middelgrote gemeenten en de implicaties voor de personenmobiliteit op (inter)regionaal schaalniveau betrekkelijk onderbelicht gebleven.
Redesigning a Sentinel Surveillance System for Collecting and Disseminating Near Real-Time Agricultural Injury Reports: System Usability Study (Preprint)
Authors: Weichelt Bryan , Heimonen Tomi , Gorucu Serap , Redmond Emily , Vechinski Josef , Pflughoeft Kurt , Bendixsen Casper , Salzwedel Marsha , Scott Erika , Namkoong Kang , Purschwitz Mark , Rautiainen Risto , Murphy Dennis J
Published: February 2019

BACKGROUND

Injury data and reports provide valuable information for both public and private organizations to guide programming, policy, and prevention, but in the increasingly complex and dangerous industry of US agriculture, the injury surveillance needed to produce this data is lacking. To address the gap, AgInjuryNews was established in 2015. The system includes fatal and nonfatal injury cases derived from publicly available reports, including occupational and nonoccupational injuries, occurring in the agricultural, forestry, and fishing (AFF) industry.

OBJECTIVE

The study aimed to develop a stakeholder-engaged redesign of the interactive, up-to-date, and publicly available dataset of US AFF injury and fatality reports.

METHODS

Instructor-led heuristic evaluations within a 15-student undergraduate course, data from 8 student participants of laboratory-based usability testing and 2016 and 2017 AgInjuryNews-registered user surveys, coupled with input from the National Steering Committee informed the development priorities for 2018. An interdisciplinary team employed an agile methodology of 2-week sprints developing in ASP.NET and Structured Query Language to deliver an intuitive frontend and a flexible, yet structured, backend, including a case report input form for capturing more than 50 data points on each injury report.

RESULTS

AgInjuryNews produced 17,714 page views from 43 countries in 2018 captured via Google Analytics, whereas 623 injury reports were coded and loaded, totaling more than 31,000 data points. Newly designed features include customizable email alerts, an interactive map, and expanded search and filter options. User groups such as the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Agricultural Safety and Health Council of America have endorsed the system within their networks. News media have cited or referenced the system in national outlets such as the New York Times, Politico, and the Washington Post.

CONCLUSIONS

The new system’s features, functions, and improved data granularity have sparked innovative lines of research and increased collaborative interest domestically and abroad. It is anticipated that this nontraditional sentinel surveillance system and its dataset will continue to serve many purposes for public and private agricultural safety and health stakeholders in the years to come.
Employment Barriers into US Healthcare Management Industry for New Facilities Management College Graduates
Authors: Call Steven , Sullivan Kenneth , Smithwick Jake
Published: February 2019

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to better understand employment barriers into the healthcare facilities management (FM) industry for new FM college graduates.

Design/methodology/approach

A national survey was distributed to healthcare FM managers and directors to collect information on individual demographics, hiring practices, and opinions of FM college graduates. Designated survey respondents were also contacted for phone interviews.

Findings

Results indicate that strong homogeneousness demographics, backgrounds, and paths of entry among existing healthcare FM professionals has created an industry bias against candidates attempting to enter healthcare FM from non-traditional sources. The healthcare FM industry's principal source for new talent comes from building trade succession within healthcare organizations. However, continuing to rely on building tradespersons as the main path of entry into the healthcare FM industry may prove problematic. Most existing healthcare facility managers and directors will be retiring within 10 years, yet it is taking more than 17 years of full-time work experience to prepare building tradespersons to assume these roles. Younger professionals are more commonly entering the healthcare FM through the path of higher education. Although few new college graduates enter the healthcare FM industry, they are experiencing similar promotion timeframes compared to other candidate with many years of full-time work experience. Unfamiliarity with FM academic programs, work experience requirements, limited entry-level jobs within small organizations, and low pay also present challenges for new FM college graduates attempting to enter the healthcare FM industry.

Originality/value

This paper is valuable in establishing major barriers of entering the healthcare FM industry for new FM college graduates. Findings may facilitate development of interventions by healthcare organizations and universities to further open FM academic programs as a sustainable source of new talent to help address healthcare FM attrition.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016: A Paradigm Shift within Insolvency Laws in India
Authors: GUPTA ANKEETA
Published: February 2019

delivery and availability in India in light of the changes brought about by the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. The introduction of the Code is purported to resolve the issues within the credit ecosystem by identifying correctly all the stakeholders, most importantly the creditors and the debtors, resolving and settling non-performing assets, creating a robust mechanism for settling credit-related disputes, reducing creditor distrust and ensuring continuance of functioning of companies rather than being wound up for non-payment of debts.While the Code promises to be a game changer, there exist various challenges that need to be addressed as the success of the Code is dependent on the manner in which its provisions are implemented, especially those pertaining to the strict timelines with parties seeking excessive discretionary indulgence from the adjudicatory authorities. Further, the challenges include impact of differential treatment meted out to the creditors, the committee of creditors being ordained with considerable powers over the fate of the corporate debtor, and the insolvency professionals being allowed to run the entities without much accountability and capability has resulted in an increased number of disputes. The legal, logical and procedural hurdles thus mentioned will need to be addressed in the most amicable manner within the foreseeable future.
they didn't bring enough water
Authors: William Smart  , Lindsey french
Published: February 2019

In early 2016, Lindsey french and Willy Smart gleaned water samples during a series of anomalous rainstorms in the Southern Californian desert. Later, these samples were ‘released’ publicly via personal humidifiers.

Combining photographic documentation of humidity, the affected certainty of diagrams, and an associative written text that slips between theoretical and personal registers, the research exposition, “they didn’t bring enough water,” catalogs this process of reception and release.

The project floats on our attempt to follow a logic of water in our research — from the start then there is no pretense toward rigid methodology. We collected samples erratically, in line as much with our moods as with the sites we’d marked out in advance of the trip as potential intrigues. In other words, the bonds we seek out here aren’t those of solidarity, but liquidarity. Water is not then the tested object of our actions, but rather an active agent in our research. Crucially, the release was staged publically: the humidifiers fogged up the windows, our breaths mixed. Release here is meant in the sense of a record release — of circulation — rather than in the sense of a caged animal set free.

The materials collected in this research exposition include photographs of each water sample at the moment of its release, diagrams of forms taken by the released water vapor, and a written text. The text folds (but does not tie — liquidarity reigns here too) historic information on sample sites with personal associations and theoretical conversations initiated during the days of collection: during long drives, before sleep, and at the sites themselves. The text thus is loose — it slips between pronouns and landscapes and concepts — there’s not quite enough present perhaps for total coherence, like the sign we encountered at a trailhead at the beginning of the research trip — “THEY DIDN’T BRING ENOUGH WATER.” This apparent warning, with its seductive vagueness, would crystallize in the following days into an aphoristic methodology that is carried over into the presentation of materials here. What we didn’t bring perhaps we (perhaps you) will find here.
Auditing Standards, Professional Judgment, and Audit Quality
Authors: Gao Pingyang , Zhang Gaoqing
Published: February 2019

We propose a model to study how auditing standards affect audit quality. We posit that both auditors' incentives and expertise are relevant for audit effectiveness. Auditing standards are useful in mitigating the auditors' possible misalignment of interest with investors. However, auditing standards also restrict auditors' exercise of professional judgment, which, in turn, leads to compliance mentality and reduces auditors' incentives to become competent in the first place. We identify the conditions under which stricter auditing standards increase or decrease audit quality. Moreover, stricter auditing standards always increase audit fees, but can benefit auditors at firms' expense. The model also generates many testable empirical predictions.
How Do Auditors Respond to FCPA Risk?
Authors: Lawson Bradley P. , Martin Gerald S. , Muriel Leah , Wilkins Michael S.
Published: February 2019

Using a sample of public firm FCPA violations, we investigate how auditors respond to FCPA risk. We find that audit fees are higher for FCPA violators beginning in the violation period with an additional increase during the period in which regulatory investigations occur. Fees exhibit a greater sensitivity to payables and SG&A expenses for FCPA violators than for non-violators, suggesting that auditors adapt their procedures for accounts that have the highest likely FCPA risk. We also find evidence of a contagion effect with respect to FCPA risk and audit fees among non-violating peers of FCPA violators. Finally, we show that many of the relationships we document for FCPA violators exist among non-violating firms with elevated foreign bribery risk as well, but in magnitudes that are smaller than those of confirmed FCPA violators.
Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events Following Simultaneous Pancreas and Kidney Transplantation in the United Kingdom
Authors: Yiannoullou Petros , Summers Angela , Goh Shu C. , Fullwood Catherine , Khambalia Hussein , Moinuddin Zia , Shapey Iestyn M. , Naish Josephine , Miller Christopher , Augustine Titus , Rutter Martin K. , van Dellen David
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

People with type 1 diabetes and kidney failure have an increased risk for major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE). Simultaneous pancreas and kidney transplantation (SPKT) improves survival, but the long-term risk for MACE is uncertain.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We assessed the frequency and risk factors for MACE (defined as fatal cardiovascular disease and nonfatal myocardial infarction or stroke) and related nonfatal MACE to allograft failure in SPKT recipients with type 1 diabetes who underwent transplantation between 2001 and 2015 in the U.K. In a subgroup, we related a pretransplant cardiovascular risk score to MACE.

RESULTS

During 5 years of follow-up, 133 of 1,699 SPKT recipients (7.8%) experienced a MACE. In covariate-adjusted models, age (hazard ratio 1.04 per year [95% CI 1.01–1.07]), prior myocardial infarction (2.6 [1.3–5.0]), stroke (2.3 [1.2–4.7]), amputation (2.0 [1.02–3.7]), donor history of hypertension (1.8 [1.05–3.2]), and waiting time (1.02 per month [1.0–1.04]) were significant predictors. Nonfatal MACE predicted subsequent allograft failure (renal 1.6 [1.06–2.6]; pancreas 1.7 [1.09–2.6]). In the subgroup, the pretransplant cardiovascular risk score predicted MACE (1.04 per 1% increment [1.02–1.06]).

CONCLUSIONS

We report a high rate of MACE in SPKT recipients. There are a number of variables that predict MACE, while nonfatal MACE increase the risk of subsequent allograft failure. It may be beneficial that organs from hypertensive donors are matched to recipients with lower cardiovascular risk. Pretransplant cardiovascular risk scoring may help to identify patients who would benefit from risk factor optimization or alternative transplant therapies and warrants validation nationally.
Suboptimal Nocturnal Glucose Control Is Associated With Large for Gestational Age in Treated Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Law Graham R. , Alnaji Alia , Alrefaii Lina , Endersby Del , Cartland Sarah J. , Gilbey Stephen G. , Jennings Paul E. , Murphy Helen R. , Scott Eleanor M.
Published: February 2019

OBJECTIVE

Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) provides far greater detail about fetal exposure to maternal glucose across the 24-h day. Our aim was to examine the role of temporal glucose variation on the development of large for gestational age (LGA) infants in women with treated gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We performed a prospective observational study of 162 pregnant women with GDM in specialist multidisciplinary antenatal diabetes clinics. Participants undertook 7-day masked CGM at 30–32 weeks’ gestation. Standard summary indices and glycemic variability measures of CGM were calculated. Functional data analysis was applied to determine differences in temporal glucose profiles. LGA was defined as birth weight ≥90th percentile adjusted for infant sex, gestational age, maternal BMI, ethnicity, and parity.

RESULTS

Mean glucose was significantly higher in women who delivered an LGA infant (6.2 vs. 5.8 mmol/L, P = 0.025, or 111.6 mg/dL vs. 104.4 mg/dL). There were no significant differences in percentage time in, above, or below the target glucose range or in glucose variability measures (all P > 0.05). Functional data analysis revealed that the higher mean glucose was driven by a significantly higher glucose for 6 h overnight (0030–0630 h) in mothers of LGA infants (6.0 ± 1.0 mmol/L vs. 5.5 ± 0.8 mmol/L, P = 0.005, and 108.0 ± 18.0 mg/dL vs. 99.0 ± 14.4 mg/dL).

CONCLUSIONS

Mothers of LGA infants run significantly higher glucose overnight compared with mothers without LGA infants. Detecting and addressing nocturnal glucose control may help to further reduce rates of LGA in women with GDM.
Identification of Differentially Expressed Genes Using cDNA-AFLP During Six Days In Vitro Tuberization of Potato
Authors: Carsono Nono , Bachem Christian
Published: February 2019

Tuberization in potato is a complex developmental process resulting in the differentiation of stolon into the storage organ, tuber. During tuberization, change in gene expression has been known to occur. To study gene expression during tuberization over the time, in vitro tuberization system provides a suitable tool, due to its synchronous in tuber formation. An early six days axillary bud growing on tuber induction medium is a crucial development since a large number of genes change in their expression patterns during this period. In order to identify, isolate and sequencing the genes which displaying differential pattern between tuberizing and non-tuberizing potato explants during six days in vitro tuberization, cDNA-AFLP fingerprint, method for the visualization of gene expression using cDNA as template which is amplified to generate an RNA-fingerprinting, was used in this experiment. Seventeen primer combinations were chosen based on their expression profile from cDNA-AFLP fingerprint. Forty five TDFs (transcript derived fragment), which displayed differential expressions, were obtained. Tuberizing explants had much more TDFs, which developmentally regulated, than those from non tuberizing explants. Seven TDFs were isolated, cloned and then sequenced. One TDF did not find similarity in the current databases. The nucleotide sequence of TDF F showed best similarity to invertase ezymes from the databases. The homology of six TDFs with known sequences is discussed in this paper.
PENGGUNAAN KURVA CT BIPLOT UNTUK ANALISIS DIALEL SIFAT BERGANDA PADA KACANG HIJAU (Vigna radiata L. Wilczek)
Authors: Jambormias Edizon , Tutupary Johan Marthin , Patty Jacob Richard
Published: February 2019

Diallel analysis of multiple traits is a comprehensive approach to evaluate general combining ability (gca), specific combining ability (sca) and reciprocal effects of parents and it crosses by involving many traits simul­taneously. Describing of cross-by-traits biplot (CT Biplot) can be used to describe the multiple traits diallel analysis. In order to improve the yield potential, four parents of the local varieties and two parents of the high yielding varieties of mungbean were evaluated their multiple traits combining ability by using Griffing Methods I. Results of the research show, there are 3 meaning sectors (MS) and 2 non-meaning sectors (NMS) of crosses and multiple traits. The parents Lasafu Lere Butsiw (LLBs) and Gelatik contained high gca in one MS which associated with traits of the grain weight, number of seeds per pod, number of seeds, number of filled seeds, number of pods, and number of filled pods (MS-1). The parents Lasafu Lere Butsiw fer Namamas (LLBfN), Lasafu Lere Butnem (LLBn), and variety No. 129 in the next MS (MS-3) related to the 100 seed weight trait, meanwhile the parent Mamasa Lere Butnem (MLB) located in another NMS, contained high gca for an ideal type of short plant. Crosses combination of Gelatik × LLBs, Gelatik × LLBfN, and MLB  × LLBn were vertex crosses on MS-1 and therefore, having high sca for the traits that mutually-correlated in the sector. In the other two MS sectors, the parents LLBn and LLBs were vertex genotype, so that crosses that have best sca were not found. Reciprocal effects can be viewed in some crosses, which LLBs × Gelatik was the cross combination with the highest reciprocal effects.
Reproduction of corn lesion nematode on maize and white clover callus tissue cultures
Authors: Poerba Yuyu S
Published: February 2019

Maize (Zea mays L.) and 'white clover' (Trifolium repens L.) are the important crops throughout the world. Both sustain damage from many species of nematodes; however additional information is needed to develop reliable techniques for studying the interactions between these plants and the nematodes that parasitize them.An experiment was conducted to study the reproduction of the corn lesion nematode, Pratylenchus zeae Graham on callus of five maize inbred lines and three white clover cultivars for incubation periods of 30, 45, and 60 days.In maize test, highly significant differences were observed in nematode production overtime, while reproduction of P. zeae did not diffar significantly among five inbred lines.The analysis showed non significant differences in nematode number per gram of callus either among three white clover cultivars or among periodes of incubation. The maize inbreds and white clover cultivars did not exhibit a wide range in levels of resistance of the corn lesion nematode.
Semantic Interpreter Pythia : GIS-based Expert Knowledge Algorithm for Automated Geotechnical Soil Profiling of Applicable Data
Authors: Papadopoulou Maria Apostolos
Published: February 2019

Although the fields of geospatial data are growing rapidly, the result is still not satisfactory for the needs of engineers. No systematic information is available about geotechnical subsurface soil conditions and underground artificial infrastructures. This old-age problem is two-fold: (a) inadequate available digital geotechnical data, and (b) no concepts to improving the applicability and to updating data for engineering applications. On the second, the paper proposes the innovative GIS-based model-driven data processing methodology implemented into an expert knowledge algorithm named Semantic Interpreter Pythia (thereafter SI). From the point of view of geotechnical engineering, the subject of SI is the automated multi-thematic geotechnical soil profiling (GSP) by which it determines the geometry, the properties and the stratigraphy of the site-specific subsoil. From the point of view of geographic information science, the subject of this expert is to relate multi-thematic sets of data from databases, to interpret these data with a specialized data fusion model and, ultimately, to lead to unified information in a core relational database. The paper presents the innovative idea of this algorithm to propose the development of automated SI tools by the modern GIS and internet technology. These tools could help disseminate useful and up-to-date data for a wide range of uses. Based on the experiences distilled from an extensive geotechnical case study, the paper specifies what content is appropriate for engineering studies. The notions of data applicability and geotechnical semantic interpretation arise.Â
Pengembangan Media Big Book Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Literasi Anak Usia 5-6 Tahun
Authors: Setiyaningsih Gunanti , Syamsudin Amir
Published: February 2019

This study aimed to develop a big book media based on fieldwork, needs analysis, and the study of literature in kindergarten. This research and development is adopting the model of Borg & Gall with the stages consisting of: (1) research and information collecting, (2) planning, (3) developing the preliminary form, (4) preliminary filed testing, (5) main product revision, (6) main filed testing, (7) operational product  revision, (8) operational field testing, and (9) final product  revision. The subjects of the preliminary field test was one class, and those for field test were five classes. The subjects of the operational testing were eleven classes. The data was collected through interviews, validation product, observation, and questionnaires. The data analysis technique used was inter-rater reliability and Cohen’s Kappa with SPSS program version 22. The result of the research was the big book media and its guide book that consisted of introduction, basic competencies and  indicators, steps of using the media, and  daily activity plan. The result of material expert showed that the material was in a sufficient category. The result of media expert showed that the media was excellent. The result of preliminary field test, field test, and operational test were  valid according to Aiken validity. The agreement of teachers in field test with Kappa coefficient value showed 50% or moderate. The agreement of teachers in operational test with Kappa coefficient value showed 51,78% or moderate. The literacy ability of children at operational test improved well.
Eleocharis Carniolica W. D. J. Koch, New Species in Flora of Montenegro
Authors: Vuksanović Snežana , Bubanja Nada , Berg Christian
Published: February 2019

During floristic research of acidic bogs, calcareous fens and seasonally flooded (periodically inundated) grassy places in beech forests in Semolj region, Eleocharis carniolica W. D. J. Koch was found, which was the first record of that species in vascular plant flora of Montenegro. In surrounding countries, this species was recorded in Bosnia and Herzegovina, Croatia, Slovenia and Albania. This paper provides description of sites, habitat and ecology of Eleocharis carniolica W. D. J. Koch in Montenegro.
Damage Detection of Concrete Gravity Dams using Hilbert-Huang Method
Authors: Esmaielzadeh Sajad , Ahmadi Hassan , Hosseini Seyed Abbas
Published: February 2019

Damage detection in concrete gravity dams using Hilbert-Huang Method, as one of the most common signal processing techniques, is studied in this research. After considering a typical geometry for dams, damage is modelled by a reduction in the modulus of elasticity in the dam’s body (in three levels of damage) and in different areas of the structure. The dam is excited by a horizontal earthquake and the primary natural frequencies of the dam are calculated by applying Hilbert-Huang Method to the measured response, which is the acceleration of five points in the system. Based on the changes in the frequencies of the damaged and undamaged structure, a parameter, called relative frequency error, has been introduced. The results show that the proposed criterion used in this study can not only properly identify the location of damage but also predict the severity of the structural damage in concrete gravity dams accurately.
Evaluation of Pile’s Buckling Under Axial Load by B-Spline Method and Comparison With Finite Element Method and Exact Solution
Authors: Moghaddam A. , Nayeri A. , Mirhosseini S.M.
Published: February 2019

Although various analytical and numerical methods have been proposed by researchers to solve equations, but use of numerical tools with low volume calculations and high accuracy instead of other numerical methods with high volume calculations is inevitable in the analysis of engineering equations. In this paper, B-Spline spectral method was used to study buckling equations of the piles. Results were compared with the calculated amounts of the exact solution and finite element method. Uniform horizontal reaction coefficient has been used in most of proposed methods for analyzing buckling of the pile on elastic base. In reality, soil horizontal reaction coefficient is nonlinear along the pile. So, in this research by using B-Spline method, buckling equation of the pile with nonlinear horizontal reaction coefficient of the soil was investigated. It is worth mentioning that B-Spline method had not been used for buckling of the pile.
A Review of Fiber Synergy in Hybrid Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Singh Niraj Kumar , Rai Baboo
Published: February 2019

Fibre reinforced concrete (FRC) presently utilized as a part of special structures subjected to dynamic loads for example airport pavements, expressways overlays, bridge decks and machine foundations. In most cases, FRC contains just a single kind of fibre. The utilization of at least two kinds of fibres in an appropriate mix can possibly improve the mechanical properties of concrete and result in performance synergy. The audit demonstrates that the blend of fibre allows a more powerful control of the dynamic crack development. This review analyses the components for synergistic impacts that gives direction on the fiber and matrix choice.
The Use of Laser Scanning and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in Construction Surveying in the Light of Legal Regulations in Poland
Authors: Puniach Edyta , Kwartnik-Pruc Anita
Published: February 2019

Construction surveying consist in overall surveying works performed at every stage of the construction and use of a building structure. The surveyor participates in the processes of designing, direct implementation, maintenance and use, as well as demolition of a building structure. Advanced surveying techniques, such as laser scanning and UAV photogrammetry, are being increasingly used to perform the surveyor’s tasks. The aim of this research paper was to analyze the Polish legal regulations for the possibilities of applying the above-mentioned techniques to carry out the surveying works which are subject to the obligatory submission to public administration authorities. The primary focus was placed on the type of the works associated with construction surveying. The conducted research studies confirmed the lack of appropriate guidelines that would clearly define the scope and method of using laser scanning and UAV photogrammetry in construction surveying. At the same time, it was demonstrated that both these techniques of spatial data acquisition were sufficiently accurate to perform plane and vertical land surveys pursuant to the legal acts currently in force in Poland, and they can be used at selected stages of construction surveying. Finally, the authors proposed some solutions that would make it easier for the surveyors to use laser scanning and UAV photogrammetry in standard surveying works.
Forest Fragmentation and Connectivity in Virginia Between 2001 and 2011
Authors: Fynn Iris E. M. , Campbell James
Published: February 2019

With an annual population growth rate currently estimated at about 5 %, Virginia presents an ideal case study for anthropogenic environmental disturbances. Urbanization as a result of increasing human activities has led to fragmentation of many crucial habitats, especially forests. Analysis of the extent to which forest fragmentation and connectivity have occurred in Virginia and corresponding changes associated with these processes, is relevant for conserving forest habitats and the biodiversity that they support. This study applies FRAGSTATS, a software system developed to assess forest fragmentation and connectivity, in combination with ArcGIS, to identify changes in forest patch metrics for Virginia over a ten-year interval (2001, 2006 and 2011) using National Land Cover Datasets (NLCD) maps as data source. Results show that, over ten years, forest patches have significantly declined in size, while the number of forest patches and total length of edge areas have increased over time. Results of this study show that road density in Virginia has no significant effect on forest fragmentation between 2001 and 2011. Analysis using ArcGIS revealed that sizes of core forest areas in Virginia are declining, and that these reductions match local topographic slope. This is because the steepness of the slope of an area dictates the degree of human activities in that area. These results suggest that urban sprawl associated with areas with gentler slopes, may have significant, long-term consequences for natural forest ecosystems and ultimately, biodiversity conservation.
The Ecology of British Upland Landscapes. I. Composition of Landscapes, Habitats, Vegetation and Species
Authors: Bunce Robert G.H. , Wood Claire M. , Smart Simon M.
Published: February 2019

A primary requirement for policy objectives is reliable figures on the composition of any region. Currently there is no comprehensive, definitive set of statistics for the British Uplands, hence the present paper. An overview of the background to the region is first provided, together with some examples of the available figures and a discussion of their limitations. The paper uses a formal structure, with landscapes at the highest level followed by habitats, then vegetation, and finally species, with exact definitions of the categories applied at all levels. The figures are produced from a survey of stratified, random one kilometre squares. The tables give comprehensive figures for Great Britain (GB) as a whole, and also England, Wales and Scotland.

The Uplands are shown to cover 38 % of the country. In terms of UK Broad Habitats, Bog is the most common overall (2062 k ha). It is estimated that 41 % of upland vegetation in Britain is grazed by sheep, and Cervus elephus (red deer) are particularly evident in Scotland. Walls (mainly drystone) are the most important linear feature (84 k km) but hedgerows (30 k km) are also widespread. The major vegetation classes are those linked to moorlands and bogs (about 25 %) but those associated with fertile soils are also common (10 %). In terms of species, Potentilla erecta (tormentil) is the most frequent species with four other acid grassland species in the top ten. Calluna vulgaris (ling heather) has the highest cover in Great Britain (14.8 %).
Detection of Late-Onset Hypogonadism in Men with Chronic Internal Diseases
Authors: Požarskis Anatolijs , Lejnieks Aivars
Published: February 2019

Late-onset hypogonadism (LOH) is a clinical and biochemical syndrome associated with age and featured by typical symptoms and reduced blood testosterone level. Among males aged over 30 years, the incidence of androgen deficiency is 7 to 30%. The aim of this study was to investigate the incidence of hypogonadism in patients aged over 40 years with an underlying condition and/or a comorbidity, such as arterial hypertension, Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), metabolic syndrome, Type 2 of diabetes mellitus, dyslipidaemia, adiposity in various General practice (GP) and physician-sexologists’ offices in Latvia, and to determine the influence of chronic diseases on the development of hypogonadism. Males aged 39 years who turned to family doctors at nine GP were offered to fill in Aging Male Study (AMS) questionnaires used for the diagnostics of late-onset hypogonadism. Males aged 40 years who visited the office of the physician sexologist Anatolijs Požarskis were offered to fill in the same questionnaires. After compiling the data from AMS questionnaires, a group of males exhibiting signs of LOH were isolated (in total 1222 persons). In these patients, we determined blood testosterone and sex-hormone binding globulin (SHBG) levels. Chronic diseases were found in these men in data evaluation of patient medical records, and after performing physical and laboratory examinations. Late-onset hypogonadism was laboratory-diagnosed in 79% of patients with signs of late-onset hypogonadism in accordance with the AMS questionnaires and with concomitant diseases and in 4.7% of patients with signs of late-onset hypogonadism in accordance with the AMS questionnaires and without the aforementioned concomitant diseases. Persons with arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, adiposity, metabolic syndrome, COPD and Type 2 of diabetes mellitus had higher chance of developing hypogonadism (p < 0.001). Arterial hypertension, dyslipidaemia, adiposity, metabolic syndrome, COPD statistically significantly (p < 0.001) decreased the level of total testosterone by 0.47, 1.18, 0.36, 0.67, and 0.18 ng/ml, respectively, and decreased the level of free testosterone by 2.52, 2.71, 1,69, 6.77, and 4.58 pg/ml, respectively. Type 2 diabetes mellitus had no statistically significant effect on the level of total and free testosterone (p = 0.95, p = 0.10). The most significant decrease in the level of testosterone was observed in cases of dyslipidemia, COPD and metabolic syndrome. General physicians should pay special attention to patients with this disease, as these patients belong to a group with a high risk of development of expressed LOH syndrome.
Pole and Ukrainian in the Service of Saving the Lemko Heritage by the Example of the Reinfuss and Tarnovych Journalistic Writings
Authors: Ertanowska Delfina
Published: February 2019

The paper introduces a biography of prominent scientific activists, journalists, ethnographersand writers Roman Reinfuss i Yulian Tarnovych. Intercessors Polish - Ukrainian affairs who expressedit through scientific activity. Similarities and differences in the biography and method of transferringthe content are shown, and an amazing love for Lemko’s region this Polish and Ukrainian authors. Thearticle presents the similarities into the method of transferring popular science content by two ethnic-different journalists – scientist inhabitant in the same Lemko region. The analysis of the content theypublished in magazines, newspapers and scientific papers was also carried out.The purpose of the article is to compare the presented media content by two scientists - jour-nalists from different social environments living in the same region, in the service of saving the Lem-ko’s hertiage by the example of ethnic journalism.
The Evolving Pattern Of Primary Skin Cancers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria
Authors: Oripelaye Mufutau Muphy , Oladele Ayodeji Olanrewaju , Olanrewaju Fatai Olatunde , Olaofe Olaejirinde Olaniyi
Published: February 2019

Background. The increasing solar intensity and HIV epidemic have progressively eroded the protective effects of melanin among black race. This study was aimed at evaluating the pattern of primary skin cancers in Ile-Ife, Nigeria.

Methods. This retrospective study, which was conducted at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, included the patients diagnosed with primary skin cancers between January 2008 and December 2017. The data were analyzed using SPSS version20.

Results. The frequency of primary skin cancers was 1.0%. Females (58.3%) outnumbered the males (41.7%), the ratio being 1.4:1. The spectrum of primary skin cancers documented by this study are squamous cell carcinoma (33.3%), malignant melanoma (25%), Kaposi sarcoma (15.3%), basal cell carcinoma (9.7%), and cutaneous lymphoma (6.9%).

Conclusion. Melanin remains a major protective factor for skin cancers among negroids. Albinism and high burden of HIV were identified risk groups for skin cancers. The eradication of HIV and enhanced sun protection will reduce the prevalence of skin cancers.
How much is enough? Influence of number of presence observations on the performance of species distribution models
Authors: Støa Bente , Halvorsen Rune , Stokland Jogeir N. , Gusarov Vladimir I.
Published: February 2019

Species distribution modeling (SDM) can be useful for many applied purposes, e.g., mapping and monitoring of rare and endangered species. Sparse presence data are a recurrent, major obstacle to precise modeling of species distributions. Thus, knowing the minimum number of presences required to obtain reliable distribution models is of fundamental importance for applied use of SDM. This study uses a novel approach to assess the critical sample size (CSS) sufficient for an accurate prediction of species distributions with Maximum Entropy Modeling (MaxEnt). Large presence datasets for thirty insect species, ranging from generalists to specialists regarding their responses to main bioclimatic gradients, were used to produce reference distribution models. Models based on replicated subsamples of different size drawn randomly from the full dataset were compared to the reference model using the index of vector similarity distribution models. Models based on replicated subsamples of different size drawn randomly from the full dataset were compared to the reference model using the index of vector similarity (IVS). Two thresholds for IVS were determined based on comparison of nine reference models to random null models. The threshold values correspond to 0.95 and 0.99 probability that a model outperforms a random null model in terms of similarity to the reference dataset. For 90% of the species, clearly nonrandom models were obtained with less than 10 presence observations, and for 97% of the species with less than 15 presence observations. We conclude that the number of presence observations required to produce nonrandom models is generally low and, accordingly, that even sparse datasets may be useful for distribution modelling.
Socialist Romania and the Futility of Cold War Analysis
Authors: Randall Steven G.
Published: February 2019

This discussion looks back at socialist Romania and the collapse of the Ceauşescu regime. It suggests that Romania, like all states, socialist, social-democratic and neoliberal are confronted by the same world systemic capitalism and that all states use a mixture of policies involving both capitalist and socialist, democratic and authoritarian features in the attempt to avoid the hazards and to gain the advantages of a global system dominated by capitalist accumulation. Using a diversity of assets and hampered by limitations inherited historically, some will fail and some will succeed as state projects. Cold War era analysis will not be useful as a way to evaluate or predict winners or losers. Likewise, the failure of Communist Romania as a state system could not have been predicted either by its authoritarian or by its socialist policy features.
Translating John V. Murra’s ‘The Economic Organization of the Inca State’ into Romanian as ‘Obra DE Amor’
Authors: Anăstăsoaie Marian Viorel
Published: February 2019

This paper addresses one of the first translations of a US anthropological monograph into Romanian. Its author, John V. Murra (1916–2006), born into a Russian-Jewish family in Odessa, grew up in Romania, where he studied and became involved in the Communist movement before his departure for Chicago in 1934. His 1956 PhD thesis in anthropology at University of Chicago on the Inka state was a first step towards turning Murra into an influential figure in the field of Andean anthropology. His sister Ata Iosifescu lived in Romania and translated his PhD thesis into Romanian, published in 1987 as Civilizaţie inca: organizarea economică a statului incaş(Inka Civilization: the Economic Organization of the Inka State). Based on their correspondence kept at the National Anthropological Archives at the Smithsonian Institution (Washington, DC), I propose to reconstruct this translation’s story: the context, the constraints and the process of translation itself. I am also addressing the question of the book’s reception in Romania.