bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physician decision-making pattern and family presence: A randomized cross-sectional online vignette study in Japan (Preprint)
Authors: Tsuda Kenji , Higuchi Asaka , Yokoyama Emi , Kosugi Kazuhiro , Komatsu Tsunehiko , Kami Masahiro , Tanimoto Tetsuya
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Japan faces increase of elderly people without children living in single households with the progress of low birthrate and aging population. The elderly without spouse and/or children result in lack of caregivers because most care for the elderly are not provided by private agencies but by family members in Japan. However, family caregivers are not only helpers of daily living but are key participants in the treatment decision-making. Effect of family absence on treatment decision-making has not been elucidated although more and more elderly people will not have family members who make surrogate decisions on behalf of incapacitated themselves.

OBJECTIVE

To understand the influence of family absence on treatment decision-making, we conducted a randomized, cross-sectional online survey with three hypothetical vignettes of patients.

METHODS

We conducted a randomised cross-sectional online survey among Japanese physicians using three hypothetical vignettes. The first vignette was about a 65-year-old man with alcoholic liver cirrhosis and the second about a 78-year-old woman with dementia, both of whom developed pneumonia with consciousness disturbance. The third vignette was about a 70-year-old woman with necrosis of her lower limb. Participants were randomly assigned either of the two versions of questionnaires—with family or without family—but otherwise identical. Participants chose yes or no responses to questions about whether they would perform the presented medical procedures.

RESULTS

Among 1112 physicians, 454 (40.8%) completed the survey and there were no significant differences in the baseline characteristics between groups. Significantly fewer physicians had a willingness to perform dialysis (odds ratio [OR], 0.55; P=0.002) and artificial ventilation (OR, 0.51; P<0.001) for a patient from vignette one, without family. Similarly, artificial ventilation was less intended in vignette two (OR, 0.59; P=0.02). In vignette three, significantly fewer physicians showed willingness to perform wound treatment (OR, 0.51; P=0.007), surgery (OR, 0.35; P<0.001), blood transfusion (OR, 0.45; P<0.001), vasopressor (OR, 0.49; P<0.001), dialysis (OR, 0.38; P<0.001), artificial ventilation (OR, 0.25; P<0.001) and chest compression (OR, 0.29; P<0.001) for a patient without family.

CONCLUSIONS

Elderly patients may sometimes be submitted to treatments withheld due to the absence of family, highlighting the potential importance of the advance care planning in the era of aging society with declining birthrate.

CLINICALTRIAL

None
Modelling HIV incidence using case surveillance data with the ECDC HIV Modelling Tool.” (Preprint)
Authors: Quinten Chantal , van Sighem Ard , Lewandowski Daniel , Asikainen Tommi , Diniz Antonio , Nikolopoulus Georgios , Loff Jose , Cortes Martins Helena , O'Donnell Kate , Igoe Derval , Sasse Andre , Struck Daniel , Amato Andrew , Pharris Anastasia
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Accurately estimating HIV incidence and the number of people living with HIV informs programme evaluation and planning.

OBJECTIVE

This study documents the manner in which a selection of EU/EEA Member States (MS) used the ECDC HIV Modelling Tool to model HIV incidence estimates, including the number of undiagnosed, using surveillance data.

METHODS

Belgium, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg and Portugal were selected based on their HIV epidemics, surveillance system characteristics and data availability. Each country calculated its national HIV estimates with the tool and provided feedback on data validation (e.g. CD4 count completeness), selection of diagnosis probabilities, assessment of goodness of fit and interpretation of outputs through a questionnaire developed by ECDC.

RESULTS

MS relied on tool assumptions regarding the CD4 count completeness, which varied among participants between 46 and 80%. Each country modelled several HIV diagnosis probabilities based on their surveillance system characteristics and HIV epidemic such as outbreaks or an increasing HIV migrant population. The final model was chosen based on goodness of fit statistics and the perceived reliability of the estimates when compared to other estimates or data sources. Over the period 2014-16, the undiagnosed proportion of people living with HIV ranged from 9.7% to 20.4% and the estimated mean time from HIV infection to diagnosis was four years.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study shows that the modelling outcomes provide a more realistic picture of the true HIV burden which are based on transparent assumptions and quantitative surveillance data and the outputs may be considered suitable for national policy making.
Development of Ovarian Tissue Autograft to Restore Ovarian Function: Protocol for a French Multicenter Cohort Study (Preprint)
Authors: Pretalli Jean-Baptiste , Frontczak Franck Sophie , Pazart Lionel , Roux Christophe , Amiot Clotilde ,   DATOR Group
Published: December 2018

BACKGROUND

Sterility is a major late effect of radiotherapy and chemotherapy treatments. Iatrogenic sterility is often permanent and greatly impacts long-term quality of life. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) performed before gonadotoxic treatments with subsequent autograft is a method of fertility preservation available for girls and women. Its application in prepubertal girls is of particular value as it is the only possible approach in this patient group. In addition, it does not require a delay in cancer therapy and no ovarian stimulation is needed.

OBJECTIVE

The primary aim of this protocol is to help increase the implementation of ovarian tissue autografting in France. Knowledge is still lacking regarding the efficacy of ovarian transplantation in restoring ovarian function and regarding the safety of this procedure, especially the risk of cancer cell reseeding in certain types of cancer. A secondary aim of this study is to generate data to improve our understanding of these two essential aspects.

METHODS

The DATOR (Development of Ovarian Tissue Autograft in Order to Restore Ovarian Function) study is ongoing in 17 university hospitals. The DATOR protocol includes the autograft of ovarian cortex fragments. Candidates are identified from an observational prospective cohort (called the Prospective Cohort of Patients Candidates for Ovarian Tissue Autograft [PERIDATOR]) of patients who have undergone OTC. Enrollment in the study is initiated at the patient’s request and must be validated by the center’s multidisciplinary team and by the study steering committee. The DATOR study begins with a total medical checkup. Ovarian tissue qualification and residual disease detection, if required, are performed.

RESULTS

The study is ongoing. Currently, 38 patients have provided informed consent and have been entered into the DATOR study. Graft has been performed for 34 of these patients. An interim analysis was conducted on the first 25 patients for whom the period of at least 1 year posttransplantation was achieved. Out of these 25 patients, 11 women succeeded in becoming pregnant (pregnancy rate=44% [11/25]; delivery rate=40% [10/25]). Among these, 6 women conceived twice, and 1 pregnancy led to a miscarriage.

CONCLUSIONS

Our preliminary analysis appears to be coherent with the accumulating body of evidence indicating the potential utility of ovarian tissue autograft for patients with premature ovarian failure. All these elements justify the pursuit of our study.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT02846064; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02846064

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/12944
The Anatolian Dissimilation Rule Revisited
Authors: Cohen Paul S. , Hyllested Adam
Published: December 2018

The Anatolian Dissimilation Rule (ADR) was first introduced in an oral presentation by us in 2006 and first published by us in 2012, though it had, in several fundamental aspects, been prefigured in articles by, e.g., Gillian Hart and Birgit Olsen. The ADR expresses the following sound change(s): Proto-Indo-European *h3 > {Hittite š; Luvian t/d; Lycian, Milyan t; Lydian s} / ## __ X Labiovelar Y, where X and Y are arbitrary (possibly null) phone strings and X does not contain #. There are five PIE roots/words with attested reflexes in Anatolian that are subject to the ADR, and all of them exhibit the appropriate outcomes: *h3okw- ‘eye’, *h3ēh2u̯r̥ ‘urine’, *h3n̥gwh- ‘fingernail, toenail’, *h3óngwn̥ ‘fat, butter, oil, salve’, *h3(o)rh2u̯ent- ‘innards, intestine(s)’. The ADR covers all relevant items exceptionlessly; nevertheless, it has not been widely accepted. Potential reasons—both Anatolian-specific and more generally phonological—will be discussed and rebutted below, in the light of our previous arguments/suggestions and some newly added and upgraded ones.
Experimental investigation of high-dimensional quantum key distribution protocols with twisted photons
Authors: Bouchard Frédéric , Heshami Khabat , England Duncan , Fickler Robert , Boyd Robert W. , Englert Berthold-Georg , Sánchez-Soto Luis L. , Karimi Ebrahim
Published: December 2018

Quantum key distribution is on the verge of real world applications, where perfectly secure information can be distributed among multiple parties. Several quantum cryptographic protocols have been theoretically proposed and independently realized in different experimental conditions. Here, we develop an experimental platform based on high-dimensional orbital angular momentum states of single photons that enables implementation of multiple quantum key distribution protocols with a single experimental apparatus. Our versatile approach allows us to experimentally survey different classes of quantum key distribution techniques, such as the 1984 Bennett & Brassard (BB84), tomographic protocols including the six-state and the Singapore protocol, and to investigate, for the first time, a recently introduced differential phase shift (Chau15) protocol using twisted photons. This enables us to experimentally compare the performance of these techniques and discuss their benefits and deficiencies in terms of noise tolerance in different dimensions.
Avoiding War: How Should Northern Europe Respond to the US-Russian Rivalry?
Authors: Heier Tormod
Published: December 2018

Since Russia’s annexation of Crimea in 2014, Northern Europe has increasingly aligned its national defence arrangements with the United States and NATO. This contrasts with the Cold War period, when Sweden and Finland were neutral, and Norway and Denmark put self-imposed restraints on their NATO memberships. Providing Northern Europe with a stable “buffer” between East and West, this so-called Nordic balance kept the United States and Soviet Union at an arm’s length. Since 2014 however, Northern Europe has de facto slid from “buffer” to “springboard” for US forces. This slide may counter Russian assertiveness, but there is also reason to argue that it may increase regional tension and unpredictability. If so, this may leave the entire region with less rather than more security. Using the case of Norway, it is argued that too close an alignment with NATO may have accelerated Norway’s role as a “springboard” for US forces. This is because cost-intensive reforms needed to accommodate US expectations abroad have also exacerbated critical vulnerabilities at home. Increased dependency on US forces thereby makes difficult the balance between deterrence and restraint vis-à-vis Russia.
Skabelsen af en vidensorganisation
Authors: Frimann Søren , Hersted Lone , Søbye Anne , Bach Sissel Kondrup
Published: December 2018

Denne artikel handler om, hvordan aktionsforskning kan bidrage til professionsudvikling ved at udvikle og forankre faglig viden i praksis i en højt specialiseret offentlig organisation, som iværksætter indsatser og tilbud til borgere med særlige behov. Artiklen er baseret på et etårigt aktionsforskningsprojekt, hvor organisationen ønskede at udvikle reflekteret faglig viden og begreber i relation til organisationens praksisser i et dialogisk baseret udviklingssamarbejde på tværs af professioner i organisationen. Baggrunden var skærpede krav om, at medarbejderne skal forholde sig reflekterende til viden og udvikle ny viden. Organisationen arbejdede på at blive en ’vidensorganisation’, hvor 22 medarbejdere fra forskellige afdelinger og professioner sammen med forskere og interne konsulenter deltog i fire cykliske aktionsforskningsprocesser. Forskningsdesignet byggede på kvalitative metoder, og der er indsamlet, transskriberet og analyseret empiri gennem hele projektet. Projektet viste, at etableringen af et åbent dialogisk og udfordrende refleksivt lærings- og handlerum kan bidrage til organisatorisk læring, hvor deltagerne i fællesskab bliver aktivt involverede i at udvikle viden i relation til egen profession og på tværs af professioner. I forløbet fik deltagerne realiseret en række vidensprojekter i organisationen, ligesom de fik integreret faglige begreber, teorier og nyere forskningsbaseret viden i praksis. Kritisk refleksion førte til professionsudvikling og en diskursiv reorganisering af vidensbegrebet.
English abstract
This article is a contribution to the discussion of the use of action research as an approach to creating organizational learning in a time of change, where the criticism of New Public Management as a paradigm is being replaced by new approaches based on higher levels of cocreation through dialogue processes. The article presents and discusses a concrete example of how a larger public, educational institution through action research attempts to create organizational learning and knowledge development through participatory processes. The preliminary results of the project show a high degree of participant engagement, strengthened agency, a sharper language awareness and a nuancing of practice-oriented (often tacit) knowledge as well as enhanced incorporation of academic concepts, theories and contemporary research-based knowledge into the practice. The overall conclusion of the study is that action research as an approach can contribute positively to bridge building between theory and practice and between the organization’s many different actors towards a higher degree of knowledge sharing and the creation of new knowledge.
Kunnskapsreflektert praksis
Authors: Halås Catrine Torbjørnsen
Published: December 2018

Kunnskapsbasert praksis har blitt kritisert for å fremme et smalt syn på kunnskap og virke instrumentell i sin tilnærming. I prosjektet Ungdom i svevet samarbeidet forskere med sårbare ungdommer og deres profesjonelle hjelpere om profesjonell tjenesteutvikling og forskning. Gjennom et tverrfaglig aksjonsforskningsprosjekt oppstod en arbeidsform som ligner å kunnskapsbasert praksis. Basert på en beskrivelse av arbeidsformen, her kalt for kunnskapsreflektert praksis, undersøker artikkelen om erfaringen fra prosjektet kan bidra med utfyllende kunnskap om hvordan man kan lykkes med integrering av ulike kunnskapskilder og kunnskapsformer i kunnskapsbasert praksis.
English abstract
Evidence-based practice has been criticized for emphasizing a view of knowledge that is narrow in scope and instrumental in approach. In the project Youth at flight, researchers collaborated with vulnerable youths and their professional helpers on professional service-development and research. Through a multidisciplinary action research project, we experienced a way of working together that, in many ways, was similar to evidence-based practice. Based on a description of this way of working, here named as evidence-reflected practice, this article examines whether the experience from the project can contribute significant perspectives on how to integrate different sources of knowledge in knowledge-based practice.
Grupo educativo: análise na mudança do estilo de vida de portadores de hipertensão arterial sistêmica e diabetes tipo 2
Authors: Oliveira Priscilla Tatiani de Goes , Almeida Janie Maria de
Published: December 2018

Objetivos: O presente estudo teve como objetivo promover ações educativas e traçar o perfil do estilo de vida individual de um grupo de pacientes hipertensos ou diabéticos. Métodos: Caracteriza-se como descritivo-exploratório, por meio de pesquisa-ação, utilizando o instrumento Pentáculo do Bem-Estar de Nahas, com uma amostra de conveniência de nove indivíduos — pacientes de uma Unidade de Estratégia de Saúde da Família em Sorocaba, São Paulo — que participaram de um grupo para atividades educativas envolvendo dinâmicas direcionadas aos temas alimentação saudável e prática de atividade física. A coleta de dados aconteceu em encontros semanais durante os meses de agosto e setembro de 2016. Resultados: O grupo caracterizou-se, predominantemente, por indivíduos do sexo feminino, com idades de 43 a 65 anos, com Ensino Fundamental, aposentados e portadores de hipertensão arterial sistêmica. Os indivíduos foram categorizados em três grupos (satisfatório, moderadamente satisfatório e insatisfatório), que estão relacionados aos cinco componentes do pentáculo. Entre os fatores que dificultam a adesão ao tratamento e o controle da hipertensão e da diabetes evidenciam-se a falta de interesse na participação de grupos educativos, a baixa instrução e a desvalorização das informações e das atividades desenvolvidas no grupo. Conclusão: Constatamos que as informações obtidas no grupo, o apoio e a motivação dada pelos profissionais não foram suficientes para mudar o comportamento dos indivíduos para a adoção de hábitos saudáveis.
Achados cirúrgicos diversos em pacientes submetidos à cirurgia para otosclerose
Authors: Jorge Júnior José Jarjura , Borges Godofredo Campos , Boaventura Larissa Borges Richter , Albrechete Marielle , Veiga Andre Di Francesco
Published: December 2018

Introdução:A otosclerose é uma afecção muito frequente da cadeia ossicular, contudo, outras afecções dessa cadeia e do próprio estribo podem ser responsáveis por deficiências auditivas condutivas. Objetivo: Avaliar quais e quantas alterações ocorreram na cadeia ossicular em cirurgia da orelha média em pacientes com deficiência auditiva condutiva. Método: Análise retrospectiva de todas as cirurgias realizadas com indicação de estapedotomia, estapedectomia ou timpanotomia exploradora no período entre 2007 e 2015. Resultado: Dos 81 procedimentos realizados, 12 (14,81%) apresentaram, no intraoperatório, alterações diferentes da otosclerose: fusão, rigidez ou ausência da cadeia ossicular, agenesia do estribo e janela oval, deiscência do canal semicircular superior, agenesia ou erosão da bigorna e desarticulação incudo-estapediana. Conclusão: O cirurgião otológico deve ficar atento às diversas etiologias das perdas auditivas condutivas, a fim de que incorra o menos possível em erro diagnóstico, evitando assim intervenções desnecessárias. Porém, é importante ressaltar que em alguns casos é difícil estabelecer o diagnóstico com os meios que hoje temos, previamente à exploração cirúrgica.
The Growth of Trees of the Carpathian Forests (in the Basin of the Dniester River)
Authors:   Precarpathian Forestry College, Tretyak Platon , Chernevyy Yurij ,   Precarpathian Forestry College
Published: December 2018

The original results of researches on the growth of older trees of different species that grew up in the forests of the region are presented. The presented analytical materials testify, in particular, about the inconsistency of the growth rate with the height of the investigated the established before tendencies. The maximum productivity of trees of most autochthonous species is observed at the age of 80 years. For the trees of Quercus robur, Fagus sylvatica, Abies alba, Picea abies, Pinus cembra and other species the largest values of the current increase of in the trunks volume observed at the age of trees 200–300 and even 350 years. The presented analytical and theoretical generalizations actualize the problem of modernization of outdated normative materials concerning the productivity of Carpathian forests in Ukraine and their potential ecological functions.
Turizm İşletmelerinde Kırılganlıklar: Karşılaştırmalı Bir Analiz
Authors: Doğantan Ece , Akoğlan Kozak Meryem
Published: December 2018

Araştırmada, turizm işletmelerinin kırılganlıklarının neler olduğu,
kırılganlık düzeyleri ve kırılganlıkların işletme gruplarına göre farklılık
gösterip göstermediği belirlenmiştir. Veriler anket tekniğiyle ile toplanmış ve
konaklama, seyahat ve havayolu işletmelerinde çalışan toplam 401 yönetici
örnekleme dâhil edilmiştir. Turizm işletmelerinin kırılganlıkları “mevsimsel
dalgalanmalar”, “turist tercihindeki ani değişimler”, “yasa ve mevzuat
sorunları”, “ekonomik sorunlar”, “güvenlik sorunları”, “politik sorunlar” ve
“rekabetçi baskılar” olarak belirlenmiştir. Politik ve güvenlik sorunlarına
karşı konaklama ve havayolu işletmelerinin seyahat acentalarına göre daha
kırılgan olduğu belirlenirken, turist tercihindeki ani değişimlere karşı en çok
kırılgan olan sektörün seyahat acentaları olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Rekabetçi
baskılara karşı ise konaklama işletmelerinin havayolu işletmeleri ve seyahat
acentalarına göre daha kırılgan olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
Sosyal Medyanın Turizm ve Turist Tercihlerine Etkisi: Kars-Doğu Ekspresi Örneği
Authors: Doğan Mustafa , Pekiner Azize Burcu , Karaca Emre
Published: December 2018

İnternet
tabanlı sosyal medya platformları, gündelik yaşamın önemli bir unsuru haline
gelmiştir. Sosyal medyadaki ticari reklamlar, gruplar ve/veya kişisel sayfalar,
insanların hayatında kararlarını da etkileyen önemli bir güce sahiptir.
Çalışmada, bu etkinin turizm boyutu dikkate alınmış; turistlerin karar alma
süreçlerinde sosyal medyayı ne ölçüde kullandıkları ve ondan nasıl
etkilendikleri incelenmiştir. Bu kapsamda sosyal medya etkisi spesifik olarak,
son dönemde hakkında özellikle sosyal medyada yoğun paylaşımlarla tercih edilen
ve Ankara-Kars arasında çalışan Doğu Ekspresi treniyle seyahat eden turistler
üzerinden araştırılmıştır. Nitel tanımlayıcı bir çalışma olarak tasarlanan
araştırmada, 257 yerli turist ile trende seyahat sırasında yüz yüze anket
yapılmış, elde edilen veriler SPSS 21 programı yardımıyla analiz edilmiştir.
Bulgular, sosyal medyanın insanların turizme ilişkin tercih ve kararları
üzerinde etkili olduğu; insanların, sosyal medyayı destinasyonlar ve turizm
tesisleri hakkında bir bilgi edinme aracı-alanı olarak değerlendirdiklerini
göstermektedir. Spesifik olarak, Kars Doğu Ekspresi hakkında sosyal medyadaki yoğun
bilgi ve deneyim paylaşımlarının, araştırmaya konu katılımcıların seyahat
kararlarında etkili olduğu sonucu da ortaya çıkmıştır.
Bulanık Kümeleme Analizi ile Türkiye’deki İllerin Konaklama İstatistiklerine Göre Sınıflandırılması
Authors: Şimşek Kandemir Aysen
Published: December 2018

Turizm bir ülke için önemli bir gelir ve istihdam kaynağıdır. Bu nedenle turizm açısından tercih önceliği olan yerlerin saptanması, tercih önceliği olmayan yerler için yapılacak planlamayı kolaylaştırarak gelir ve istihdam kaynağının etkin kullanımını sağlayacaktır. Bu amaçla yapılan çalışmada 2016 yılı konaklama istatistiklerine göre tercih açısından aynı/benzer özellik gösteren iller, bulanık kümeleme analizinde, ortalama gölge istatistiği ve dunn katsayısı ile belirlenen küme sayısına göre sınıflanmıştır. Böylece farklı kümelerde yer alan illerin kıyaslanmasına olanak sağlanmıştır. Yapılan analiz sonrasında özellikle Ankara, İstanbul ve Antalya’nın diğer illerle homojen olacak net bir küme üyeliği göstermediği ve iller arası mesafenin küme üyeliği konusunda etkili olmadığı sonucuna ulaşılmıştır.
ANTALYA BÖLGESİNDE OTEL ODA FİYATLARININ TAHMİNİ
Authors: Üstündağ Hatice , Işık Sayım
Published: December 2018

Bu çalışmanın
amacı 5 yıldızlı otel ve tatil köylerinin otel oda fiyatlarını etkileyen
değişkenlerin etkisini belirlemektir.   Çalışmada
kullanılan veriler Antalya bölgesinde bulunan 230 adet 5 yıldızlı otel ve tatil
köyleri için derlenmiştir. Bu veriler hedonik fiyat modeli ile analiz
edilmiştir. Analiz sonucu anlamlı çıkan değişkenler adımsal regresyon ile
tahmin edilmiştir. Adımsal regresyon sonuçlarına göre zincir otel, müşteri
puanları, sertifika sayısı, denize sıfır olması, oda sayısı ulaşım araçlarına
uzaklık, merkeze uzaklık ve otelin yaşı otel oda fiyatlarını istatistiksel
olarak anlamlı etkilemektedir. Ayrıca standartlaştırılmış katsayılar analizine
göre müşteri puanları ve oda sayısı otel oda fiyatlarını diğer değişkenlerden
daha fazla etkilemektedir.
Preparation and Characterization of Activated Carbon from Poplar Sawdust by Chemical Activation: Comparison of Different Activating Agents and Carbonization Temperature
Authors: Ateş Funda , Özcan Öznur
Published: December 2018

Activated carbons were prepared from poplar sawdust by chemical activation using ZnCl2, H3PO4 or KOH. The influence of activating agents, carbonization temperatures ranging from 500 ºC to 800 ºC, and mass ratio of chemical agent to precursor (1:1 and 2:1) on the porosity of activated carbons were studied. The properties of the carbons were characterized by adsorption/desorption of nitrogen to determine the BET areas, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). It was determined that the surface morphology and textural characteristics of activated carbons vary depending on the carbonization temperature or chemical agent. Maximum surface areas were obtained at carbonization temperatures of 500, 700 and 800 ºC for H3PO4, KOH and ZnCl2 activation, respectively. The activated carbons prepared using ZnCl2 and H3PO4 activation had a higher BET surface area (nearly 1100 m2/g) than that of the KOH activation (761 m2/g). This study also presents a comparison of mechanisms of activating agents and carbonization temperature. As a result of the experimental studies, positive results were obtained, and the production of activated carbon with a high surface area was conducted.
An Awareness Survey of Inhabitants Exposure to Radiological Impacts on Mines in Yauri LGA, Kebbi State, Nigeria
Authors: Ahijjo Yusuf Musa , Baba-Kutigi A. N. , Momoh M. , Bayawa A. M. , Hussain M.
Published: December 2018

A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Yauri LGA, Kebbi State in between April, 2015 and January, 2016 in order to ascertain the level of awareness of inhabitant’s exposure to radioactivity from the mines. Yauri LGA was sampled based on its metropolitan and suburban parts that receives heavy mining activities by stratified random sampling by proportions. An interactive medium was created to sample the opinions of inhabitants around these mines through questionnaire. A total of 150 questionnaire were designed, 30 were accepted by the respondents and 22 were returned with response from the correspondents during the survey and interview to document and assessment awareness of the inhabitants. The study unveiled facts about the inhabitant’s awareness towards the environmental and health effect of indiscriminate mining activities around living places. The results shows that over 70% of the inhabitants within the suburb and metropolis concurred to the potential health consequences in their dwellings as a result of exposure to radioactivity from the mines respectively. These results indicates that the environmental and health discomfort due to indiscriminate mining activities around living places will be more significant in the near future if no immediate efforts are put in place to mimic future malady. The second aspect of this study whose results will be published in the subsequent issue involved collection of soil, water and vegetation samples in order to further assess the level of radioactive elements viz: 226Ra, 232Th and 40K occurrence in the study locality.
Building the Method for Calculation of Heating System Applied to High-Kinematic Viscosity Fuels
Authors: Nguyen Phuoc Quy Phong , Dong Thi Minh Hao
Published: December 2018

Environmental pollution in transportation is very serious. Finding alternative fuels is becoming increasingly urgent in order to minimize environmental pollution and diversify fuel sources for marine engines. In alternative fuels, bio-oils are considered as a potential fuel. The paper presents theoritical findings on application of exhaust energy for heating up biodiesel/bio-oil used in ship engines in order to raise the fuel’s viscosity and to improve the volatizing and mixing abilities with ambient air. This fuel heating system is designed basing on the energy balance between the required energy to raise the fuel temperature to the target one and the energy either directly obtained from the exhaust gas or gained from intermediate medium. Results of this study are potentials to direct the design and fabrication of this bio-fuels heating system for ship engines which can meet the operating conditions and safety issues of this kind of engines.
Indoor and Outdoor Air Quality Detection using Programmable Microprocessor and Sensor Technologies
Authors: Rustemli Sabir , Dautov Cigdem P. , Gazigil Leyla
Published: December 2018

Most living forms of life need clean water, air and nutrient resources to maintain a healthy life. The increased population and industrial and technological development have caused more energy needs. This affects air quality (AQ) and hence human health negatively. Because AQ is critical for human health, various measurement and analysis methods are developed and the amount and variety of airborne pollutants are examined by today's methods such as passive and active samplers, automatic analyzers and remote sensors. In this study, AQ measurement is aimed to create an alternative to ready remote sensing systems by designing low cost and programmable microprocessor system which allows in place and instant data collection. Arduino, an electronic prototype platform, is used to collect, transfer and process sensor data. An interface was coded using the Visual Studio to make the data instantaneously analyzed by any program on the computer. The BEUHavaKalite device is a handheld AQ measurement device providing a wide range of measurements, gas diversity, calibrated according to the internal and external environment, high sensitivity and low cost. The other unit of this system is HavaKaliteSoft, the user interface for transferring and processing the sensor measurement results to the computer. This system tests have been carried out in Tatvan and Merkez districts of Bitlis province and the measurements confirm the accuracy of the device. The device is especially important because it allows scientists working in this field to collect data related to the field of AQ and carry out detailed studies.
THE EFFICIENCY OF USING A MULTIMEDIA PROGRAMME ON THE ACHIEVEMENT OF THE INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL THIRD CLASS FEMALE STUDENTS IN HISTORY CURRICULA AND THEIR TRENDS TOWARDS MULTIMEDIA
Authors: Ibrahim Almakdi Salha
Published: December 2018

This study is of considerable importance because Information Technology and electronic media (Multimedia) are being extensively used for conveying information, transacting business, remitting money and for creating awareness about socio-political environment, and so on. Therefore, in view of the reach and ease of multimedia, the purpose of this study was to find out the impact of using multimedia on student-learners’ academic achievement at the primary level. Two groups of 20 female school students from the third standard each were constituted the experiment group and control group. No external intervention was allowed in the course of imparting instruction – traditional method was used for the control group and multimedia devices (products) were used in the experiment group. Marked (significant) difference was found between the two groups’ achievements. The experimental group female students raised their achievement level. Lower achievement was shown by the female group-students in the control group.
Evaluación in vitro de las actividades antimicrobiana, antioxidante y protectora del ADN, de un extracto etanólico de romero (Rosmarinus officinalis L.)
Authors: Cecchini Maria Eugenia , Roma Dardo Andrés , Pussetto Lucía , Iglesias Delvis , Basualdo María Claudia , Aiassa Delia Elba , Mañas Torres Fernando Javier
Published: December 2018

El objetivo del trabajo fue evaluar in vitro algunos potenciales efectos terapéuticos del extracto etanólico de romero (Rosmarinus officinalis L.), incluyendo sus actividades inhibitoria sobre la formación de biopelícula, antimicrobiana, antioxidante y protectora del ADN. La evaluación de la actividad antimicrobiana se llevó a cabo mediante la técnica de difusión en pocillo y  determinaciones de concentración inhibitoria mínima (CIM) y concentración bactericida mínima (CBM), empleando dos bacterias gram (+) y tres gram (-). La determinación de la actividad inhibitoria sobre la formación de biopelícula se realizó con el microorganismo que presentó mayor sensibilidad a la actividad antimicrobiana del romero, empleando una técnica en placa de 96 pocillos. La cuantificación de las actividades antioxidante y antigenotóxica se llevó a cabo sobre leucocitos caprinos, expuestos al extracto y a H2O2, mediante cuantificación de lipoperoxidación y daño en el ADN (ensayo cometa), respectivamente. Los resultados obtenidos indican mayor sensibilidad de los microorganismos gram (+) al extracto de romero (CIM/CBM 312,5/1250 y 312,5/2500 μg/ml para S. aureus y S. epidermidis, respectivamente), en tanto no se halló sensibilidad en los gram (-). Se encontró actividad inhibitoria sobre la formación de biopelícula aun a concentraciones subinhibitorias para S. aureus en placa de 96 pocillos. Finalmente, se demostró que el extracto de romero presenta actividad protectora del ADN en células caprinas que podría estar vinculada con un efecto antioxidante. Resulta necesario continuar investigando la capacidad antimicrobiana del extracto de romero para evaluar la posibilidad de emplearlo in vivo para el tratamiento de infecciones crónicas relacionadas con la presencia de biopelícula.
Paracoccidioidomicosis en caninos y felinos: hallazgos clínicos, diagnóstico y tratamiento
Authors: Martínez Cepeda Galo Ernesto , Revelo-Ruales Paola
Published: December 2018

La paracoccidioidomicosis es una micosis profunda endémica de América Latina. Se ha identificado

Paracoccidioides spp. en diferentes especies animales. En caninos y felinos, se presenta con una

signología inespecífica con alteraciones de los sistemas respiratorio y nervioso y, menos frecuentemente, con alteraciones cutáneas. La presentación leve y de resolución espontánea de la enfermedad depende del estado inmunológico del animal; una respuesta inmune deficiente permite que se disemine y pueda llegar hasta la muerte. Existen varias técnicas disponibles para su diagnóstico. El diagnóstico definitivo se realiza identificando a Paracoccidioides spp. mediante cultivo, aislamiento y posterior identificación molecular. La realización de esta revisión bibliográfica tuvo la finalidad de recopilar información sobre esta enfermedad de interés en caninos y felinos.
Evaluation of Cost Estimation Techniques in Drc Valuation: A Comparative Assessment of Valuers and Quantity Surveyors in Lagos State
Authors: Aihie Vincent Uwaifiokun , Ikuabe Matthew
Published: December 2018

The aim of the research is to comparatively assess the knowledge and competency levels among valuers and quantity surveyors of cost estimation techniques used in DRC valuation. The study investigates the need for estate surveyors and valuers in Nigeria to improve their current knowledge of cost estimation techniques when valuing non-rent yielding and specialized properties using the DRC method of valuation. More importantly, it evaluates the need for valuers to engage in the services of quantity surveyors in order to ensure that accurate cost estimates are provided for use in the valuation process. The research methodology adopted in actualizing the aim of the present study made use of primary and secondary sources of data, which included texts, published research work and semi-structured questionnaire. Identical questionnaire was distributed to both valuers and quantity surveyors in Lagos and their responses were measured using statistical tables and simple percentages. A proficiency scale of the National Institute of Health was adopted to test the level of competence of cost estimation techniques amongst valuers and quantity surveyors and their responses were ranked. Furthermore, a two-sample t-test was used to compare the means of random samples drawn from the responses of these two populations. The findings showed that there was a lack of awareness more on the part of valuers than quantity surveyors when it came to the knowledge and use of current cost estimating methods when valuing properties using the DRC method of valuation. These findings also gave credence to the fact that the services of quantity surveyors most times were not commissioned when these cost estimates were to be determined for valuation, hence leading to properties being undervalued or overvalued. In a nutshell, the recommendations postulated dwelt on improving the cost estimating knowledge of estate surveyors and valuers through seminars, symposiums and workshops organised by NIESV and NIQS, awareness of the need for valuers to work with quantity surveyors to perfect valuation briefs involving the use of the DRC method and slight changes made to the curriculum of the study course “Estate Management” in tertiary institutions so as to accommodate taking courses in quantity surveying.
State of the art in magnetic resonance imaging of hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Horvat Natally , Monti Serena , Oliveira Brunna Clemente , Rocha Camila Carlos Tavares , Giancipoli Romina Grazia , Mannelli Lorenzo
Published: December 2018

Background

Liver cancer is the sixth most common cancer worldwide and the second leading cause of cancer mortality. Chronic liver disease caused by viral infection, alcohol abuse, or other factors can lead to cirrhosis. Cirrhosis is the most important clinical risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) whereby the normal hepatic architecture is replaced by fibrous septa and a spectrum of nodules ranging from benign regenerative nodules to HCC, each one of them with different imaging features.

Conclusions

Furthermore, advanced techniques including the quantification of hepatic and intralesional fat and iron, magnetic resonance elastography, radiomics, radiogenomics, and positron emission tomography (PET)-MRI are highly promising for the extraction of new imaging biomarkers that reflect the tumor microenvironment and, in the future, may add decision-making value in the management of patients with HCC.
Dendritic cell profiles in the inflamed colonic mucosa predict the responses to tumor necrosis factor alpha inhibitors in inflammatory bowel disease
Authors: Smrekar Natasa , Drobne David , Smid Lojze M. , Ferkolj Ivan , Stabuc Borut , Ihan Alojz , Kopitar Andreja Natasa
Published: December 2018

Background

Dendritic cells play crucial roles in the control of inflammation and immune tolerance in the gut. We aimed to investigate the effects of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFa) inhibitors on intestinal dendritic cells in patients with inflammatory bowel disease and the potential role of intestinal dendritic cells in predicting the response to treatment.

Patients and methods

Intestinal biopsies were obtained from 30 patients with inflammatory bowel disease before and after treatment with TNFa inhibitors. The proportions of lamina propria dendritic cell phenotypes were analysed using flow cytometry. Disease activity was endoscopically assessed at baseline and after the induction treatment.

Results

At baseline, the proportion of conventional dendritic cells was higher in the inflamed mucosa (7.8%) compared to the uninflamed mucosa (4.5%) (p = 0.003), and the proportion of CD103+ dendritic cells was lower in the inflamed mucosa (47.1%) versus the uninflamed mucosa (57.3%) (p = 0.03). After 12 weeks of treatment, the proportion of conventional dendritic cells in the inflamed mucosa decreased from 7.8% to 4.5% (p = 0.014), whereas the proportion of CD103+ dendritic cells remained unchanged. Eighteen out of 30 (60%) patients responded to their treatment by week 12. Responders had a significantly higher proportion of conventional dendritic cells (9.16% vs 4.4%, p < 0.01) with higher expression of HLA-DR (median fluorescent intensity [MFI] 12152 vs 8837, p = 0.038) in the inflamed mucosa before treatment compared to nonresponders.

Conclusions

A proportion of conventional dendritic cells above 7% in the inflamed inflammatory bowel disease mucosa before treatment predicts an endoscopic response to TNFa inhibitors.
Clayton Copula as an Alternative Perspective of Multi-Reaction Model
Authors: Dhaundiyal Alok , Singh Suraj B. , Hanon Muammel M. , Schrempf Norbert
Published: December 2018

This study proposes to assess the effect of some relevant parameters of biomass pyrolysis on the numerical solutions of nthorder distributed activation energy model (DAEM) or multi reaction model (MRM). The two-step process mechanisms of pyrolysis is described by replacing the initial distribution function of f (E) with the Clayton copula. The upper limit (E∞) of ‘dE’ integral, activation energy (A), heating rate (m), and the shape and scale parameters of bivariate distribution function. Temperature ramp rate is assumed to vary linearly with time. Thermo-analytical data is obtained with the help of thermogravimetric (TG) analysis. Asymptotic technique is adopted to approximate double exponential and bivariate distribution function f (E1, E2), where E1and E2are the activation energies for bivariate scheme.
Integrate CAATS Technologies into Data Selection and Data Analysis
Authors: Coman Dan Marius , Coman Mihaela Denisa , Munteanu Ciprian Costel
Published: December 2018

This research paper is a study of the application of selection techniques in financial audit, with particular attention to the sampling selection technique, as well as an attempt to find out how to improve them, especially in the current informational context.

Computer assisted auditing techniques (CAATS) are able to analyze enlarge data volumes to distinguish errors by taking all activities of the economic entity in the audit period.
Would you Make the Right Decision? – Decision Making Biases in Economy - Related Dilemmas
Authors: Gödör Zsuzsanna , Szabó Georgina
Published: December 2018

As they say, money can’t buy happiness. However, the lack of it can make people’s lives much harder. From the moment we open our first bank account, we have to make lots of financial decisions in our life. Should I save some money or should I spend it? Is it a good idea to ask for a loan? How to invest my money? When we make such decisions, unfortunately we sometimes make mistakes, too. In this study, we selected seven common decision making biases - anchoring and adjustment, overconfidence, high optimism, the law of small numbers, framing effect, disposition effect and gambler’s fallacy – and tested them on the Hungarian population via an online survey. In the focus of our study was the question whether the presence of economic knowledge helps people make better decisions? The decision making biases found in literature mostly appeared in the sample as well. It proves that people do apply them when making decisions and in certain cases this could result in serious and costly errors. That’s why it would be absolutely important for people to learn about them, thus increasing their awareness and attention when making decisions. Furthermore, in our research we did find some connection between decisions and the knowledge of economics, people with some knowledge of economics opted for the better solution in bigger proportion
The Phenomenon of Climate Change in Organization and HR-Related Literature: A Conceptual Brief Analysis
Authors: Mousa Mohamed
Published: December 2018

Climate change has become one of the main challenges facing humanity. Over the past decade, this phenomenon, which may have been caused by natural variability and/or human activity, has attracted many scholars from different scientific disciplines to warn of its potential consequences.

The author of this paper has decided to address the existence of this important phenomenon in organizational literature. However, upon exploring different academic databases, the rarity of research focusing on climate change and its relationship and/or effect on HR or organizational aspects became obvious. Accordingly, the author recommends other HR and organizational scholars devote considerable space to this phenomenon in their field.
IMPLEMENTASI METODE CONVOLUTIONAL NEURAL NETWORK UNTUK KLASIFIKASI TANAMAN PADA CITRA RESOLUSI TINGGI
Authors: Arrofiqoh Erlyna Nour , Harintaka Harintaka
Published: December 2018

Citra resolusi tinggi dari teknologi UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) dapat memberikan hasil yang baik dalam ekstraksi informasi sehingga dapat digunakan untuk monitoring dan updating data suatu wilayah. Pengambilan informasi dari citra dengan interpretasi visual sangat bergantung pada interpreter. Kendala utama interpretasi secara manual adalah saat melakukan pengenalan objek secara visual, khususnya pada objek tanaman pertanian. Kesalahan hasil asumsi interpreter dapat terjadi ketika citra yang diekstraksi memiliki objek yang kompleks dan memiliki karakter fisik yang hampir mirip apabila dilihat dari foto udara yang hanya memiliki band RGB (Red, Green, dan Blue). Penelitian ini mencoba mengimplementasikan pendekatan klasifikasi semantik secara otomatis yang dapat membedakan jenis tanaman sebagai alternatif pengenalan objek berdasarkan metode deep learning menggunakan Convolutional Neural Network (CNN). Metode CNN merupakan salah satu metode deep learning yang mampu melakukan proses pembelajaran mandiri untuk pengenalan objek, ekstraksi objek dan klasifikasi serta dapat diterapkan pada citra resolusi tinggi yang memiliki model distribusi nonparametrik. Pada penelitian ini, diterapkan algoritma CNN untuk membedakan jenis tanaman dengan memberikan label semantik dari objek jenis tanaman. Penelitian menggunakan 5 kelas jenis tanaman, yaitu kelas tanaman padi, bawang merah, kelapa, pisang, dan cabai. Proses learning jaringan menghasilkan akurasi 100% terhadap data training. Pengujian terhadap data validasi menghasilkan akurasi 93% dan akurasi terhadap data tes 82%. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa penggunaan metode CNN berpotensi untuk pendekatan pengenalan objek secara otomatis dalam membedakan jenis tanaman sebagai bahan pertimbangan interpreter dalam menentukan objek pada citra.