bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The influence of european integration on the formation of turkish foreign policy (2003-2014)
Authors: Mashevskyy Oleg , Boyko Andriy
Published: April 2019

The process of European integration of Turkish Republic is one of the most difficult topics in the history of international relations. This political process reacts on the international course and domestic policy of Turkish state.

The article is focused on the influence of European integration of Turkish Republic on the formation of Turkish foreign policy in the period of Recep Erdogan governments (2003-2014). The impact of European integration on changing domestic policy was analyzed in the context of formation of state international policy. Main ideas and foreign strategy concepts about European policy by Ahmet Davutoglu were considered too. The author emphasizes that the Turkish government could change the state international course after Justice and Development Party came to power in 2003. Since this time Turkish Republic started the process of changing traditional “west-oriented” policy.
WAYS TO IMPROVE INTERNATIONAL COMPETITIVENESS OF RUSSIAN SMALL AND MEDIUM BUSINESS COMPANIES
Authors: Ignatov M. M.
Published: April 2019

This article describes the key aspects of improving the international competitiveness of small and medium-sized businesses. The main solutions are grouped into six key groups: structural, resource, technical, managerial, market and functional. It is also separately considered to increase competitiveness through subcontracting - the interaction of small and medium-sized enterprises with large organizations.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF APPROACHES TO THE DEFINITIONS OF CONCEPTS OF «SUSTAINABILITY» AND «SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ORGANIZATION»
Authors: Krivchanskaya A. V.
Published: April 2019

Sustainable development of companies becomes especially important in a crisis economic environment, as companies seeking not only to survive, but also to overcome the crisis with the least losses, should always be ready to resist negative changes in the economy. At first glance, the concept of «sustainable development» seems contradictory, therefore, in this article, the concepts of «development» and «sustainability of the organization» are considered separately. With the help of the expert-grade method, a comparative analysis of the definitions of sustainability, economic and financial sustainability of economic entities was carried out, and the main components inherent in these definitions were highlighted. Several definitions of sustainable development of the organization were also considered and thereupon two approaches to the understanding of the term were highlighted. One approach involves taking into account only the production and economic components of the organizational performance, and the second is based on the connection with the economic, social and environmental component.
A hermenêutica constitucional do STF quanto à amplitude do princípio da vedação ao confisco tributário
Authors: Pozzetti Valmir César , Lima Helton Carlos Praia de
Published: April 2019

O objetivo desta pesquisa foi o de analisar a interpretação hermenêutica do Supremo Tribunal Federal (STF) quanto à amplitude do princípio constitucional da vedação ao confisco, utilizando como referência as decisões contidas no site da Suprema Corte, no período de outubro de 1988 a janeiro de 2018. Para tanto, localizaram-se os julgados relacionados ao tema, identificaram-se os principais argumentos e a quantidade de decisões favoráveis e desfavoráveis. A metodologia utilizada foi a do método indutivo; quantos aos meios a pesquisa foi a bibliográfica e documental e quanto aos fins foi a quantitativa. Registrou-se como resultado que são poucas as demandas questionando a vedação ao confisco em relação às demais questões tributárias e que as normas referentes à aplicação da multa tributária não violam o princípio pesquisado, representando 64% das decisões favoráveis ao ente público. A conclusão a que se chegou foi a de que o positivismo jurídico ainda influencia as decisões, embora haja espaço para novas reflexões em outras demandas.
Central Aortic Pressure: Reference and Diagnostic Values
Authors: Kuznetsov A. A. , Tsvetkova E. E. , Denisova D. V. , Ragino Yu. I. , Voevoda M. I.
Published: April 2019

Objective. Practical application of central aortic pressure (CAP) parameters is limited by the absence of generally recognized reference and threshold diagnostic indices. The purpose of this work is to establish their values in the general population of Novosibirsk. Materials and Methods. A total of 327 people were examined: 155 men and 172 women aged 25–44 years from a representative sample from the general population of Novosibirsk. Applanation tonometry of the radial artery was performed by the SphygmoCor system. The reference values of CAP parameters were obtained by a nonparametric method according to the Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI) recommendations (95 % percentile interval with 2.5 % and 97.5 % cut-off points and their 90 % confidence intervals). Diagnostic thresholds and categories of CAP were determined as mean values depending on the categories of brachial arterial pressure (BP) and on the basis of risk estimates, as well as sensitivity and specificity values for left ventricular hypertrophy similar to risk and sensitivity and specificity values of threshold levels (categories) of brachial BP. Results. The reference values of the parameters of the CAP were: 18–43 mm Hg for pulse pressure; 5–24 mm Hg for the amplification of pulse pressure; – 8.8–40 % for the augmentation index. Diagnostic categories of CAP were determined to be: optimal – less than 110 / 80, normal – 110 / 80–114 / 84, high normal – 115 / 85–124 / 89, hypertension – more than 125 / 90 mm Hg. Conclusion. The reference values, diagnostic thresholds and categories of parameters of CAP in the general population of Novosibirsk aged 25–44 years have been determined. It is expedient to further study them.
Evaluation of endothelial dysfunction and the possibility of its correction at the present stage in patients with cardiovascular diseases
Authors: Samolyuk M. O. , Grigorieva N. Yu.
Published: April 2019

The review describes the current understanding of endothelial dysfunction, methods of its evaluation, and highlights the advantages and disadvantages of various techniques. The role of nitric oxide and endothelin as important markers of endothelial dysfunction is shown, and the methods of their determination in clinical practice are described. The authors conclude that in order to improve the life expectancy and quality of life of patients with cardiovascular diseases, reduce the risk and frequency of complications and mortality rates, it is necessary to study the function of endothelium in more detail and to look for ways of drug correction, taking into account the pathogenetic mechanisms of its formation.
Possibilities of estimation of breast cancer targeted therapy cardiotoxicity in routine clinical practice
Authors: Korneeva S. I. , Povetkin S. V. , Kiseleva O. I. , Alekseev I. E. , Bykanova A. M.
Published: April 2019

Aims. To estimate cardiotoxicity of targeted therapy of breast cancer by the results of methods of investigation, which are used in routine clinical practice. Methods and results. We have made a retrospective analysis of medical documentation of patients with breast cancer, which are given trastuzumab in mono regimen and as a part of antitumor chemotherapy. An average number of chemotherapy’s courses is 10,3±1,9. Such methods as echocardiography and electrocardiography, physical examination are ordinary used to estimate the cardiotoxicity in routine clinical practice. Revealed dynamic of indices shows that pathological changes of cardiovascular system developed during using trastuzumab do not reach the level of generally accepted sings of cardiotoxicity. Conclusion. Methods of diagnostics, which are used in routine clinical practice nowadays do not allow to reveal the early sings of myocardial damage. The question about commissioning of modern technologies in aim of early examination of myocardial dysfunction is still relevant.
Ricardo Vinós Santos: un científico vitoriano al servicio de la II República (1888-1959)
Authors: Mota Zurdo David
Published: April 2019

La figura del matemático vasco Ricardo Vinós Santos es prácticamente desconocida en Espana, tanto para el gran público como para el más especializado. No ocurre lo mismo en México D.F., donde este científico, que se exilió allí tras la Guerra Civil espanola, goza de un especial prestigio por haber sido fundador de una de las instituciones educativas más emblemáticas del país azteca: la Academia Hispano-Mexicana. A lo largo de este artículo, se reconstruye aquellas etapas de su vida (infancia y juventud) que aún eran inéditas, incluso para su familia, y se aportan nuevos datos sobre su decidida implicación al servicio del Gobierno de la Segunda República durante la guerra y su labor educativa en el exilio.
Wallenstein, Dinastía Vasa y armada hispano-polaca en el Mar Báltico, 1628-1632
Authors: Stanek Karel , Wanner Michal
Published: April 2019

El texto se refiere al análisis de los objetivos políticos de España, Polonia y el emperador romano en el Mar Báltico entre los años 1628 y 1629 y de los métodos usados por ellos. La descripción de la construcción de la armada española en el Mar Báltico, los problemas a los que los españoles se enfrentaban y, finalmente, la formación de la armada conjunta español-polaca en Wismar en febrero de 1629 forman también una parte integral del estudio.
Uma revista ilustrada: A Semana e o olhar sobre a Amazônia (1917-1923)
Authors: Castro Raimundo Nonato de
Published: April 2019

O presente artigo tem por objetivo demonstrar a importância de uma das principais revistas de circulação na e da cidade de Belém, da primeira metade do século XX. Destacando entre outros a relevância que teve para a formação de opiniões, bem como a circulação de ideias e informações. O objetivo do presente é discutir o quanto os temas trabalhados nas páginas dos periódicos, como esse, serviam para construir no imaginário local aspectos curiosos vinculados aos diversos campos do saber. Vale destacar, o papel desses tipo de produção mostrava-se relevante por ser capaz de constituir em torno da redação desses magazines um corpo intelectual que agiu de várias maneiras apresentando ao público leitor temas que iam além da informação, proporcionando aos mesmo a possibilidade de, pelas imagens, construir uma representação de uma sociedade em ebulição, por isso extremamente ativa, ao debater temas locais e internacionais.
Problemáticas y niveles de fortuna de los mayordomos de Propios en el Burgos del XVIII
Authors: Sanz de la Higuera Francisco J.
Published: April 2019

A través de estas páginas nos acercamos a algunas de las vicisitudes e idiosincrasias de los quehaceres y niveles de fortuna de los hogares, e individuos, que asumieron la gestión de la mayordomía de Propios y rentas de la ciudad de Burgos en el Setecientos. Las peculiaridades de cómo alcanzaron dichas responsabilidades y qué características tenían sus niveles de fortuna posibilitan una reconstrucción histórica que se entronca en la “batalla” urbana incruenta, preñada de sabor a redes de influencia, por conseguir prestigio y mejoras económicas en las ciudades preindustriales españolas.
Altered Frequencies of CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ and CD8+ CD25+ Foxp3+ Regulatory T Cells in Pre-eclampsia
Authors: Zare Maryam , Doroudchi Mehrnoosh , Gharesi-Fard Behrouz
Published: April 2019

Regulatory T cells are of utmost importance for tolerating the fetus. In some pregnancy complications such as pre-eclampsia, the frequency of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells is altered, but there is no consistency regarding the results. Besides, little is known about the frequency of CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ Treg cells in pregnancy complications. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the frequency of both CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood of women afflicted by preeclampsia.
Ten non-pregnant, ten healthy pregnant, and ten preeclamptic women participated in this study. Four colors flow cytometry method was used to identify the frequency of the CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells in the peripheral blood.
Results indicated that the frequencies of CD4+CD25+Foxp3+ and CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ cells were significantly lower in preeclamptic women compared to healthy pregnant and non-pregnant ones (p<0.05). A positive correlation was also observed between CD4+ and CD8+ regulatory T cells (R=0.532, p=0.002). Moreover, CD4+ regulatory T cells negatively correlated with systolic and diastolic blood pressures (R=-0.760 and -0.753, respectively; p<0.001). CD8+ regulatory T cells also had a negative correlation with systolic (R=-0.503, p=0.001) and diastolic (R=-0.590, p=0.005) blood pressures.
In conclusion, a reduction in the frequencies of both CD4+ CD25+ Foxp3+ and CD8+CD25+Foxp3+ regulatory T cells might be important in the pathogenesis of pre-eclampsia.
Expression Analysis of BDNF Gene and BDNF-AS Long Noncoding RNA in Whole Blood Samples of Multiple Sclerosis Patients: Not Always a Negative Correlation between Them
Authors: Gharzi Vajiheh , Ganji Maziar , Sayad Arezou , Mazdeh Mehrdokht , Arsang-Jang Shahram , Taheri Mohammad
Published: April 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the central nervous system (CNS), in which axonal damage is a deteriorative factor. Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) is described as a neuronal-survival gene, also capable of exerting pleiotropic effects on the immune cells. Here, we aimed to investigate expression levels of BDNF and its antisense RNA, BDNF-AS, in Iranian MS patients.
Our case-control study was based on collecting 50 whole blood samples of relapsing-remitting MS patients and 50 healthy controls. Then, expression analysis of BDNF and BDNF-AS was performed by Real-time quantitative PCR.
We found a strong and positive correlation between BDNF and BDNF-AS in MS patients. This is while no significant difference in BDNF and BDNF-AS expression levels was seen between MS patients and controls (p>0.05). A significant and strong positive correlation was found between the expression levels of BDNF-AS and BDNF (r=0.785, p<0.0001). Further, significant positive moderate correlations of BDNF and BDNF-AS with other lncRNAs (GSTT1-AS1 and IFNG-AS1) and genes (TNF and IFNG) were revealed (p<0.0001). Additionally, there was no correlation between the BDNF and BDNF-AS expressions and disease duration, age at onset, and Expanded Disability Status Scale of Kurtzke (EDSS) (p>0.05).
BDNF and BDNF-AS expression levels revealed insignificant discrepancies in patients and controls. We found a strong and positive correlation between BDNF and BDNF-AS in MS patients, which is, based on previous studies, a quit novel finding and can be further discussed by future works to unravel its possible application in MS. We suggest evaluation of different leukocytes 
subsets separately along with large cohort studies comprising a higher number of individuals from different ages to unravel the effects of other possible aspects.
Increased Circulating T Follicular Helper Cells in Iranian Children with Type I Diabetes
Authors: Arab Mansour , Razzaghy-azar Maryam , Salehi Zahra , Keshavarz Maryam , Nasli-Esfahani Ensieh , Shekarab Mahdi , Izad Maryam
Published: April 2019

Type 1 diabetes (T1D) is an autoimmune disease resulting from the damage of pancreatic
The Levels of Serum Biomarkers in Stable Asthma Patients with Comorbidities
Authors: Ceylan Emel , Bulut Sertan , Yılmaz Mustafa , Örün Hüseyin , Karadağ Fisun , Kurt Ömürlü İmran , Kırdar Sevin , Karul Aslıhan
Published: April 2019

The effects of comorbidities on systemic inflammation markers in stable asthmatics and the consequences of such effects have not been well evaluated. We aimed to evaluate the effect of comorbidities on clinical manifestations and systemic inflammation in asthmatic patients under control.
The study group consisted of asthmatic patients who applied to our pulmonology outpatient clinic and volunteered to participate. 120 clinically stable asthma patients (71 females and 49 males) and 35 healthy controls (19 females and 16 males) with similar age, gender, and body mass index distributions were admitted to the study. The levels of osteopontin, interleukin 6 (IL-6), interleukin 8 (IL-8), interleukin 13 (IL-13), eosinophilic cationic protein, adiponectin, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein of the individuals were evaluated using commercial ELISA kits by taking venous blood samples.
Of 120 asthmatic subjects, 47 (39,2%) had comorbidities and allergic rhinitis (15%) coexisted most frequently. Other comorbidities associated with asthma were gastroesophageal reflux, sinusitis, hypertension, diabetes, gastritis, and peptic ulcus respectively. There was no physician-diagnosed comorbidity in the control group. The levels of IL-6 and IL-8 were found higher in asthma group with comorbidities when compared to those with no comorbidities (p values were 0.032 and 0.046, respectively).
Comorbidities interfere with the diagnosis and treatment of asthma, besides affecting the disease control. Our findings suggest the possibility of the impact of comorbidities on systemic inflammation markers, especially IL-6 and IL-8. To evaluate the impact of comorbidities on asthma control and systemic markers, further studies are needed.
Effect of High-fat Diet on Tracheal Responsiveness to Methacholine and Insulin Resistance Index in Ovalbumin-sensitized Male and Female Rats
Authors: Ghobadi Hassan , Reza Alipour Mohammad , Keyhanmanesh Rana , Boskabady Mohammad Hossein , Aslani Mohammad Reza
Published: April 2019

Epidemiological and clinical studies have demonstrated a close association between obesity and asthma. The current study investigated the effect of high-fat diet on tracheal responsiveness to methacholine and insulin resistance in ovalbumin (OVA) sensitized male and female rats.
The rats were divided into eight groups (n=6 per group): female with the normal diet (F+ND), male with the normal diet (M+ND), female OVA-sensitized with the normal diet (F+SND), male OVA-sensitized with the normal diet (M+SND), female with high-fat diet (F+HFD), male with high-fat diet (M+HFD), female OVA-sensitized with high-fat diet (F+SHFD), and male OVA-sensitized with high-fat diet (M+SHFD). All rats were fed for 8 weeks with high-fat diet or standard pelts, and for another 4 weeks, they were sensitized with OVA or saline. At the end of the study, the tracheal responsiveness to methacholine, serum insulin, and blood glucose levels was measured. Also, insulin resistance indexes were determined.
OVA-sensitization and diet-induced obesity caused the curve of methacholine concentration response to shifting to the left. In addition, results indicated that the EC50 (the effective concentration of methacholine generating 50% of peak response) in F+SHFD rats was statistically lower than M+SHFD group (p<0.05). Moreover, insulin resistance was higher in the F+SHFD than the M+SHFD group (p<0.001).
These results suggest that insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome may be involved in the pathogenesis of obesity associated with OVA-sensitized rats condition, especially in female animals.
Expression Levels of Predominant Adipokines and Activations of STAT3, STAT6 in an Experimental Mice Model of Obese Asthma
Authors: Chong Lei , Liu Liu , Zhu Lili , Li Haiyan , Shao Youyou , Zhang Hailin , Yu Gang
Published: April 2019

Obese asthma is a new asthma phenotype. The underlying mechanisms are not clearly understood. Leptin and adiponectin are two predominant adipokines produced by adipose tissue. Studies have demonstrated a role of leptin on regulating the Janus kinase/signal transducer and ativator of transcription protein (JAK/STAT) signaling pathway and STAT3, STAT6 were known to have essential role on inflammatory cytokines production. However, whether STAT3 and STAT6 are activated and related to leptin merit further investigation. The aim of this study was to investigate the expression levels of leptin/adiponectin ratio and the activations of STAT3 and STAT6 in the lungs of obese asthma mice.
Experiments were carried out on male C57/B6J mice. The proteins in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured using ELISA. The expression levels of the transcriptional and translational factors in the lungs were examined using Quantitative Reverse Transcriptase Polymerase Chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and western blot.
The expression levels of leptin in the BALF of normal weight group, asthma group, obese group and obese asthma group were 2.032±0.133, 5.375±0.123, 5.418±0.165 and 7.486±0.168, respectively. The expression of leptin in obese asthma group was the highest (p<0.05) ，while the expression of adiponectin the lowest (p<0.05). The expression level of P-STAT3 in the obese asthma group was 0.9244±0.014, and was significantly higher than three other groups (p<0.05). The expressions of P-STAT6 in three other groups were all significantly higher than normal weight group (p<0.05).
Our data suggest that the function of leptin on the pulmonary inflammation of obese asthma may be partly through activating the STAT3 signaling pathway.
The Role of Progesterone in Cellular Apoptosis of Skin and Lung in a Bleomycin-injured Mouse Model
Authors: Vafashoar Fatemeh , Poormoghim Hadi , Mousavizadeh Kazem , Mousavi Shabestari Tahereh , Tavasoli Abbas , Javadmoosavi SeyedAli , Mojtabavi Nazanin
Published: April 2019

Systemic sclerosis is a female predominant, a fibrotic autoimmune disease in which disturbance in tissue homeostasis and cell turnover including cell apoptosis are central events in pathogenesis. Sex hormones are known as the important players in sexual dimorphism of autoimmune diseases and in tissue homeostasis. Progesterone influences autoimmune disease via its immunomodulatory effect or by its direct action on parenchymal cell function. On the other hand, this hormone impacts tissue homeostasis by acting on cell apoptosis in a different situation. The objective of this study was to examine the effect of progesterone on cellular apoptosis of skin and lung tissues in a mouse model of scleroderma.
Four group of mice were involved in this study with 10 mice in each. The fibrotic model was induced by daily subcutaneous injection of bleomycin for 28 days. One week after initiation of fibrosis induction, mice received subcutaneous progesterone alone or with bleomycin for 21 days. Control group received only Phosphate buffered saline PBS. After 28 days, under lethal anesthesia skin and lung tissues were harvested for histological assessment and hydroxyproline measurement. Apoptosis in tissue sections was detected by TUNEL assay technique.
Bleomycin administration induced fibrosis in skin and lung tissues. Severe apoptosis was seen in skin and lung tissues of the bleomycin-treated group (p<0.001 in the skin and p<0.05 in the lung). Progesterone injection either in the skin (p>0.05) or in the lung (p>0.05) did not alter apoptosis in bleomycin-treated animals.
Our data confirm the role of apoptosis in the pathogenesis of fibrosis in this model; however, progesterone does not affect cellular apoptosis in skin and lung tissues of bleomycin-injured animals.
Altered Expression of miR-326 in T Cell-derived Exosomes of Patients with Relapsing-remitting Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Azimi Maryam , Ghabaee Mojdeh , Moghadasi Abdorreza Naser , Izad Maryam
Published: April 2019

Invasion of auto-reactive CD4+ T cells especially Th17 into central nervous system (CNS) is an underlying pathogenic mechanism in multiple sclerosis (MS). CD4+ T cells release exosomes which are enriched in microRNAs, reflective of cell’s physiological or pathological condition. Thus exosomes could be potent agents to provide quantitative and qualitative information about involved cells in MS. We investigated the expression of pathogenic microRNAs in T cells-derived exosomes of MS patients or healthy controls.
Conventional T cells (Tconv) derived from relapsing-remitting (RR) MS patients (n=10) and healthy controls (n=10) were purified and cultured for 3 days by soluble anti-CD3/CD28. Exosomes were purified from cultured-T cells supernatants. The expression levels of exosomal miR-146a, miR-29a, miR-155, and miR-326 were quantified by real-time PCR.
A statistically significant increased expression of miR-326 in Tconv-derived exosomes was observed in RRMS patients as compared with controls (7.5±1.88vs 2.51±0.9 p=0.03), On the contrary, no differences were found in the expression levels of miR-155, miR-146a, and miR-29a, in Tconv-derived exosomes of  patients as compared with controls (p>0.05). 
Our results point to altered expression in exosome-derived microRNAs. MiR-326 was previously shown to play a role in the immunopathogenesis of MS by inducing TH17 differentiation and maturation. Therefore, miR-326 containing exosomes might also be a potential clinical target in course of MS. Moreover, the deregulation of this miRNA in exosomes may serve as a diagnostic and prognostic biomarker.
Sistema de Controle Multi-Malhas para Inversor Multiníveis Quasi-Z-Source com uma Única Fonte de Entrada
Authors: Guisso Ronaldo A. , Vargas Tadeu , Martins Mário L. S. , Hey Hélio L.
Published: April 2019

Uma estratégia de controle baseada na estrutura de malhas em cascata e controladores Proporcional-Integral (PI) e Proporcional-Ressonante (PR) é proposta e apresentada para o inversor Quasi-Z-Source em Cascata com uma Única Entrada (SS qZS-CMI). Este inversor serve como interface para um arranjo fotovoltaico (FV) com um pequeno número de painéis conectados em série. A estratégia de controle proposta permite a injeção de correntena rede monofásica com alta qualidade, proporcionando o equilíbrio das tensões dos barramentos de cada módulo inversor e o rastreamento do ponto de máxima potência do arranjo. Resultados experimentais de um protótipo de um inversor SS qZS-CMI com cinco níveis comprovam o desempenho do sistema e os benefícios do emprego desta topologia em relação a outros inversores multiníveis.
The Development of a Digital Twin of a Cutting Tool for Mechanical Production
Authors: Kabaldin Y.G. , Shatagin D.A. , Kuzmishina A.M.
Published: April 2019

A digital model (twin) of a cutting tool based on neural network modeling is proposed in this work. It is shown that the developed virtual model makes it possible to optimize the composition and structure of wear-resistant coating and to determine the processing modes that ensure the maximum wear resistance of the cutting tool. The optimization can be performed before the actual manufacturing of the cutting tool by varying the input data of the neural network has taken place. A digital passport of the cutting tool allows the consumer to avoid buying a counterfeit product. Information security issues are considered.
An Analysis of Non-Destructive Methods for Thin Film Thickness Measurement
Authors: Shupenev A.E. , Pankova N.S. , Korshunov I.S. , Grigoriyants A.G.
Published: April 2019

The thickness of thin films determines the films’ unique properties, due to which they are widely used in optics and electronics. To measure the thickness of films in the range of 1 nm — 1 mcm during film deposition or on a finished product, it is important that non-destructive measurement methods should be used. An analysis of the most commonly used non-destructive methods for measuring and controlling the thickness of thin films is performed, with a possibility of in situ control of the technological process as well as for testing of finished products. This work describes theoretical and practical considerations of using reflection high-energy electron diffraction, piezoelectricity, interferometry and gravimetric methods for thin film thickness measurements. The results of the study can be used for selecting an optimal method of obtaining thin films when conducting theoretical and applied research.
Statistics Born in Brewery
Authors: Viskotová Lenka , Hampel David
Published: April 2019

One of the most important statistical tools is the t-test and its associated Student distribution. These techniques resulted from the work of W. S. Gosset, who published under the pseudonym Student. This paper presents the biographical facts and context of Gosset’s statistical research with his work at the Guinness Brewery. Gosset’s collaboration with important personalities of that time and his work are described. His core article, which laid the foundations of the small sample theory, is discussed in more detail.
New Entropy Measures Based on Neutrosophic Set and Their Applications to Multi-Criteria Decision Making
Authors: Aydoğdu Ali , Şahin Rıdvan
Published: April 2019

Our aim
in this work is to obtain two new entropy measures for single valued
neutrosophic sets (SVNSs) and interval neutrosophic sets (INSs). Moreover, we give
the essential properties of the proposed entropies. Finally, we introduce a
numerical example to show that the entropy measures are more reliable and reasonable
for representing the degree of uncertainty.
A leitura de poesias medievais adaptadas ao processo de alfabetização. Contribuições da História da Educação
Authors: Oliveira Terezinha , Sarache Mariana Vieira
Published: April 2019

Neste artigo, exploramos o estudo de poesias ou cantigas medievais e, a partir disso, apresentamos uma possibilidade de adaptação desse gênero literário para que elas sejam conhecidas pela criança em fase escolar. Consideramos que o conhecimento da poesia na formação do professor é crucial para a sua atuação. Apresentamos três poesias medievais portuguesas, adaptadas de forma lúdica e com temas do cotidiano infantil. Acreditamos que a adaptação possibilita uma iniciação da criança à literatura medieval. Como se trata de um gênero literário que envolve rimas, falas curtas que remetem a historietas e situações diversas, a nosso ver, constituirá um estímulo às crianças em relação à leitura. Assim, por meio de nossa formação e do conceito de educação, propomos um diálogo sobre a necessidade e a importância da literatura na formação da criança e do docente.
Características radiográficas de los quistes dentígeros diagnosticados en la Facultad de Estomatología de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia
Authors: Olaechea-Ramos Maria Alejandra , Evangelista-Alva Alexis , Quezada-Márquez Milushka Miroslava
Published: April 2019

Objetivo: Evaluar las características radiográficas de los quistes dentígeros (QD) diagnosticados en la Facultad de Estomatología de la Universidad Peruana Cayetano Heredia (UPCH). Periodo 2010-2017. Material y mé- todos: Estudio retrospectivo, descriptivo, observacional y transversal, donde se seleccionaron las radiografías panorámicas de 37 casos de QD. Resultados: El total de casos diagnosticados de quistes dentígeros fue de 233, que luego de los criterios de inclusión y exclusión, se obtuvieron 37 casos, de los cuales, el 45,9% de casos se encontraron en la segunda década de vida, siendo más frecuente en mujeres (51,4%) con una predilección mandi- bular (59,5%). Radiolúcidos (97,3%), de limites definidos (67,6%), bordes corticalizados (54,1%) y uniloculares (94,6%). Todos los quistes dentígeros se asociaban a una pieza dental, de las cuales se observaron ápice cerrado (48,6%) y desplazamiento dental (59,5%). El 56,8% de casos no se vio afectada la pieza dental adyaCente, pero si su lámina dura (59,5%). El 68,2% de casos no afectaron la cortical de la basal mandibular, pero si desplazaron el conducto dentario inferior (54,5%) y el 46,7% de casos desplazaron el piso del seno maxilar. Conclusiones: La mayoría de resultados obtenidos sobre las características en población peruana, apoyan estu- dios previos reportados en América, Europa y Asia. Radiográficamente el quiste dentígero mostró características que avalan su comportamiento netamente benigno.
Apicogénesis en canino permanente joven con resorción intracoronal pre eruptiva: reporte de caso
Authors: Bravo Zhunio Adriana Patricia , Díaz Sánchez David Alexis , Yupanqui Barrios Kasandra Verónica , Mendiola Aquino Carlos Enrique
Published: April 2019

Los dientes permanentes presentan desarrollo y formación radicular incompleta  al momento de su erupción, el tejido pulpar es el encargado de culminar el proceso de formación radicular por intermedio de los odontoblastos que producen dentina, si la misma se ve afectada por traumatismo, lesión cariosa, resorción intracoronal pre eruptiva (PEIR por sus siglas en inglés) y/o fractura, se altera la vitalidad e incluso puede llegar a producirse necrosis pulpar, lo que ocasionará una interrupción de la formación radicular normal. Para el tratamiento de dientes permanentes jóvenes e inmaduros que han sufrido algún tipo de lesión, pero que aún mantienen la vitalidad pulpar, el procedimiento de apicogénesis con agregado de trióxido mineral (MTA) puede ser considerado como una opción viable, debido a la biocompatibilidad y capacidad de inducir la formación de tejidos duros. En el presente reporte de caso se presenta una pieza dental con antecedente de PEIR, tratada mediante apicogénesis con MTA, lográndose resultados favorables en cuanto al engrosamiento de paredes dentinales, desarrollo radicular y mantenimiento de la vitalidad pulpar.
Bir aile sağlığı merkezi bünyesinde kurulan sigara bırakma kliniği ve çalışma pratiği
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Onur
Published: April 2019

Bu yazıda bir
sigara bırakma kliniğinin çalışma pratiği ve başvuran özellikleri ele
alınmıştır.
Analysis and Comparative Genomics of the SXT/R391 Family ICE, pMERPH
Authors: Ryan Michael P. , Slattery Shannon , Pembroke J. Tony
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to analyse pMERPH, the first integrative and conjugative element (ICE) of the SXT/R391 family isolated in the United Kingdom and to determine its relationship to other members of the SXT/R391 family of ICEs. Whole Genome Sequencing of Escherichia coli isolate KH802 (which contains the ICE pMERPH) was performed using Illumina sequencing technology. pMERPH was evaluated by de novo assembly of the sequenced genome, via gene prediction and annotation tools, and phenotypic analysis via comparative genomics to other members of the SXT/R391 ICEs. pMERPH has a size of 110 Kb and has 112 predicted ORFs making it one of the bigger SXT/R391 ICE’s thus far characterised. The “Hotspot regions” of the element were found to contain putative restriction digestion systems, insertion sequences and heavy metal resistance genes that give resistance to mercury and arsenate. pMERPH is closely related to the SXT-like elements from widely dispersed geographic areas. The sequencing of pMERPH increases the knowledge of the earliest isolated SXT/R391family members and may provide insight on the emergence of such elements.
Investigation of ISFETs' Polyurethane Matrix Membrane to Suppress Drift in Saliva
Authors: Osaki Shuto , Kintoki Takuya , Moriuchi Takayo , Kitamura Kenichi , Wakida Shin-ichi
Published: April 2019

We have studied on the stress measurement by making use of salivary nitrate, which can be a candidate of stress markers, with ion-selective field-effect transistors (ISFETs). ISFETs are suitable for on-site single-drop analysis of salivary nitrate within 10 seconds. However, when ISFETs are used for salivary nitrate, ISFETs have a problem which is called the initial drift. The initial drift makes it difficult for determination of an accurate nitrate monitoring. Thus, the purpose of this study is to suppress an initial drift and to search for new easy polymer to possess more performance of sensor responses than conventional matrix membrane such as PVC. In this research, we investigated ISFETs using specific matrix membrane for example, KP-13, Pellethane® and P7281-PU. The initial drift was evaluated from the fluctuation of the response values generated by ISFETs which are immersed in saliva or aqueous solution. As a result, P7281-PU showed its suppression effect for the initial drift in the whole saliva and various solutions. Furthermore, the cause of drift may be H+ diffusion, and drift suppression effect of P7281-PU may be affected by urethane bond capturing H+ in ion-selective membrane. This result suggests a continuous nitrate monitoring and development of wearable sensors.
Disposal of High-Level Nuclear Waste in Deep Horizontal Drillholes
Authors: Muller Richard A. , Finsterle Stefan , Grimsich John , Baltzer Rod , Muller Elizabeth A. , Rector James W. , Payer Joe , Apps John
Published: April 2019

Spent nuclear fuel and high-level radioactive waste can be disposed in deep horizontal drillholes in sedimentary, metamorphic, or igneous rocks. Horizontal drillhole disposal has safety, operational, and economic benefits: The repository is deep in the brine-saturated zone far below aquifers in a reducing environment of formations that can be shown to have been isolated from the surface for millions of years; its depth provides safety against inadvertent intrusion, earth¬quakes, and near-surface perturbations; it can be placed close to the reactors and interim storage facilities, minimizing transportation; disposal costs per ton of waste can be kept substantially lower than for mined repositories by its smaller size, reduced infrastructure needs, and staged imple¬mentation; and, if desired, the waste could be retrieved using “fishing” technology. In the proposed disposal concept, corrosion-resistant canisters containing unmodified fuel assemblies from commercial reactors would be placed end-to-end in up to 50 cm diameter horizontal drill¬holes, a configuration that reduces mechanical stresses and keeps the temperatures below the boiling point of the brine. Other high-level wastes, such as capsules containing 137Cs and 90Sr, can be disposed in small-diameter drillholes. We provide an overview of this novel disposal concept and its technology, discuss some of its safety aspects, and compare it to mined repositories and the deep vertical borehole disposal concept.
Advanced Nanotechnologies for Enhancing the Bioavailability of Silymarin: A State of the Art
Authors: Di Costanzo Alfonso , Angelico Ruggero
Published: April 2019

Silymarin, a mixture of flavonolignan and flavonoid polyphenolic compounds extractable from the milk thistle seed, Silybum marianum, has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and anti-viral activities potentially useful in the treatment of several liver disorders, such as chronic liver diseases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Equally promising are the effects of silymarin in protecting the brain from the inflammatory and oxidative stress effects by which metabolic syndrome contributes to neurodegenerative diseases. However, despite clinical trials have proved that silymarin is safe at high doses (>1500 mg/day) in humans, it suffers limiting factors such as low solubility in water (<50 μg/mL), low bioavailability and poor intestinal absorption. To improve its bioavailability and provide a prolonged silymarin release at the site of absorption, the use of nanotechnological strategies appears to be a promising method to potentiate the therapeutic action and promote sustained release of the active herbal extract. The purpose of this study is to review the different nanostructured systems available in literature as delivery strategies to improve the absorption and bioavailability of silymarin.
Pore Properties as Indicators of Deterioration Mechanisms in Slightly Weathered Tuffs
Authors: Tan Yufang , Li Lihui , Deng Xiaolong , Huang Beixiu
Published: April 2019

The mineralogy and chemistry of tuff rocks are variable and heterogeneous due to volcanic activity and hydrothermal alteration, in addition to weathering, which makes it difficult to explain the deterioration mechanisms of the weathered rocks based merely on mineralogical and chemical parameters. Studies of tuff weathering indicate that subtle weathering can modify pore structure and subsequently affect the rock mechanical behavior, suggesting that quantitative pore structure parameters are important indicators of the tuff deterioration mechanism. We identified the pore size distribution of pore bodies and pore throats of both slightly weathered tuffs and fresh tuffs using nuclear magnetic resonance technique and mercury intrusion porosimetry. Meso-level uniaxial compression tests were conducted on the tuff samples under a stereomicroscope using MTI-LMs (miniature tensile instrument-light microscopes) to obtain information regarding crack propagation and the deformation process. A comparison of pore properties of slightly weathered tuffs and fresh tuffs indicates that the introduction of additional mesopores (10–50 nm) and pore throat expansion occurs during weathering. The result of mechanical experiments reveal that alteration of the pore structure influences the tuff failure mode. Slightly weathered tuffs show shear failure as cracks initiate in the altered minerals or matrix, while the fresh tuffs exhibit tensile failure as cracks initiate in the intact and fresh minerals and matrix. Based on the results presented here, it is considerable to regard tuff pore properties as potential indicators of the micro-mechanism of substantial macro-deterioration due to weathering.
Multi-Stage Hough Space Calculation for Lane Mark Detection via IMU and Vision Data Fusion
Authors: Sun Yi , Li Jian , Sun Zhenping
Published: April 2019

It's challenging to achieve robust lane detection depending on single frame when considering complicated scenarios. In order to detect more credible lane markings by using sequential frames, a novel approach to fusing vision and Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU) is proposed in this paper. The hough space is employed as the space where lane markings are stored and it's calculated by three steps. Firstly, a basic hough space is extracted by Hough Transform and primary line segments are extracted from it. In order to measure the possibility about line segments belong to lane markings, a CNNs based classifier is introduced to transform the basic hough space into a probabilistic space by using the networks outputs. However, this probabilistic hough space based on single frame is easily disturbed. In the third step, a filtering process is employed to smooth the probabilistic hough space by using sequential information. Pose information provided by IMU is applied to align hough spaces extracted at different times to each other. The final hough space is used to eliminate line segments with low possibility and output those with high confidence as the result. Experiments demonstrate that the proposed approach has achieved a good performance.
Practical Application of Pareto-Based Multi-Objective Optimization and Proxy Modeling for Steam Alternating Solvent Process Design
Authors: Coimbra Luis , Ma Zhiwei , Leung Juliana Y.
Published: April 2019

Steam alternating solvent (SAS) process is a thermal heavy oil recovery technique, where steam and solvent (e.g., propane) are injected alternatively through the same well configuration as in the steam-assisted gravity drainage (SAGD) process. The SAS process is deemed to be more energy-efficient and environment-friendly with less greenhouse gas emission and water usage. However, proper design of the SAS process is challenging as multiple conflicting objectives need to be optimized simultaneously. Conventional optimization methods that aggregate multiples objectives into a single weighted objective are not appropriate. In this work, a novel workflow is developed to identify a set of Pareto-optimal operational parameters for the SAS process.

First, a synthetic base model is constructed based on data gathered from the cold lake reservoir. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to determine the main decision variables [e.g. solvent (propane) concentration and duration of solvent injection in each cycle] and to formulate the objective function (e.g., recovery factor and cumulative propane injection). Next, a set of initial SAS models encompassing a wide range of decision variables are generated and subjected to flow simulation, and the corresponding objective functions are computed. Third, a response surface (proxy) model is calibrated to approximate the non-linear relationship between the multiple objective functions and the decision variables. Finally, a non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II (NSGA-II) is applied as a multi-objective optimizer to obtain a set of optimal decision parameters.

The predictions from the base model are corroborated by several previous SAS simulation studies in the literature, where comparable production trends and patterns are observed. It is observed that both the solvent compositions and duration of solvent injection in each cycle would have significant impacts on the objective functions. The proposed hybrid optimization workflow can facilitate the identification of a set of Pareto-optimum solutions with considerable savings in computational costs.
The Growing Role of Unmanned Vehicles in the Oil Industry
Authors: Saadawi Hisham
Published: April 2019

Unmanned Vehicles (UV) can be classified by the environment in which they operate. The vehicle may or may not be autonomous. Sea: Unmanned underwater vehicles (UUV),Land: Unmanned surface vehicles (USV)Air: Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAV), popularly known as drones

The life cycle of oil and gas fields can be broadly divided into four phases: Exploration & Appraisal, Development, Production, and Decommissioning. Unmanned vehicles are increasingly finding applications in all these four phases. The use of unmanned vehicles in air, sea and land, can minimize exposure of personnel to dangerous environments, monitor the environment, improve efficiency of operations, improve asset integrity, and assist site reconnaissance and data gathering.

Key enablers to the recent wide-spread applications of unmanned vehicles in the industry are advances in remote sensing technology, artificial intelligence, data analytics as well as the decreasing costs. Unmanned vehicles and robotics offer opportunities to the oil industry to make a step change to the way we do things.

This paper presents an overview of the current and potential applications of the emerging technology of unmanned vehicles in the oil and gas industry.