bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of various phenotypic methods with genotypic screening for detection of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Loganathan Archana , Manohar Prasanth , Eniyan Kandasamy , Jayaraj Rama , Nachimuthu Ramesh
Published: July 2020

Background

Staphylococcus aureus is one of the common opportunistic gram-positive pathogens which are often associated with nosocomial infections. Detection of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) has become complicated due to the complex phenotypic and genomic pattern.

Objective

To evaluate the sensitivity and specificity pattern of various phenotypic methods used in screening mec genes harboring MRSA.

Methods

Clinical isolates of S. aureus were collected from diagnostic centers in Tamil Nadu. Phenotypic identification methods such as Minimal Inhibitory Concentration for oxacillin, oxacillin screen agar (OSA), oxacillin disk diffusion, and cefoxitin disk diffusion (CFD) tests were compared. The clinical isolates were classified into MRSA and methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA) based on the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the mecA gene.

Result

Out of 50 S. aureus, 21 were found to be MRSA based on the presence of the mecA gene. All 21 mecA-positive isolates were found to be resistant through minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and CFD test, having a sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 52% and 62%, respectively. OSA and oxacillin disk tests were found to have a sensitivity of 86% and specificity of 48% and 52%, respectively.

Conclusion

The combination of two phenotypic methods, CFD and oxacillin MIC, can be used for the detection of MRSA in clinical laboratories.
Elements of Precision Agriculture in Malting Barley Cultivation and the Use of Barley Straw for Energy Purposes
Authors: Denisiuk Wiesław
Published: July 2020

The paper presents the results of research on the mass and the energy potential of malting barley straw of the “Klas” variety. The research was designated on a 100 ha plantation located in Pojezierze Iławsko-Sztumskie region. Using the Yara N-Sensor processor, precise application of mineral fertilizers according to determined fertilization demand allowed increasing the grain yield by 26% and the straw biomass yield by 74% compared to the control sample. The resulting increase in bio-mass obtained in the form of straw impacts its possible partial use for energy purposes without negative effects on the environment. The tested energy value of malting barley straw as a function of moisture content allowed a conclusion that between 10 and 25% of water content the energy value drops from 13.1 to 7.4 GJ∙t−1. For an average water content of 15%, this yields an energy potential unit of 23.76 GJ∙ha−1. Following observations of the combustion process, it was concluded that barley straw cannot be used as a source of biomass for the large-scale power production since its ash melts at below 800ºC.
Middlemen: A Directed Search Equilibrium Approach
Authors: Watanabe Makoto
Published: July 2020

This paper studies an intermediated market operated by middlemen with high inventory holdings. I present a directed search model in which middlemen are less likely to experience a stockout because they have the advantage of inventory capacity, relative to other sellers. The model explains why the empirical relationship between middlemen’s premium and their inventory capacity can be positive in some markets (e. g., rental video shops, used-car dealers) and negative in other markets (e. g., supermarkets, theater ticket offices). I also examine the implication of the configuration of middlemen’s market in terms of the size and the number of middlemen for the equilibrium premium with and without free entry.
EEG Source Imaging (ESI) utility in clinical practice
Authors: Khosropanah Pegah , Ho Eric Tatt-Wei , Lim Kheng-Seang , Fong Si-Lei , Thuy Le Minh-An , Narayanan Vairavan
Published: July 2020

Epilepsy surgery is an important treatment modality for medically refractory focal epilepsy. The outcome of surgery usually depends on the localization accuracy of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) during pre-surgical evaluation. Good localization can be achieved with various electrophysiological and neuroimaging approaches. However, each approach has its own merits and limitations. Electroencephalography (EEG) Source Imaging (ESI) is an emerging model-based computational technique to localize cortical sources of electrical activity within the brain volume, three-dimensionally. ESI based pre-surgical evaluation gives an overall clinical yield of 73–91%, depending on choice of head model, inverse solution and EEG electrode density. It is a cost effective, non-invasive method which provides valuable additional information in presurgical evaluation due to its high localizing value specifically in MRI-negative cases, extra or basal temporal lobe epilepsy, multifocal lesions such as tuberous sclerosis or cases with multiple hypotheses. Unfortunately, less than 1% of surgical centers in developing countries use this method as a part of pre-surgical evaluation. This review promotes ESI as a useful clinical tool especially for patients with lesion-negative MRI to determine EZ cost-effectively with high accuracy under the optimized conditions.
Seaweed utilisation in New Zealand
Authors: White Loretta N. , White William Lindsey
Published: July 2020

The commercial landscape of seaweed use in New Zealand (NZ) has shifted and evolved since it was last reviewed in 2006. One of the largest changes saw the introduction of Macrocystis pyrifera and green-lipped mussel spat (which is landed attached to beach-cast seaweed) into the Quota Management System—the primary tool for commercial fisheries management in NZ. There have also been policy changes around commercial harvesting and farming of Undaria pinnatifida, an introduced brown alga native to Asia. Traditionally, commercial algal utilization has been limited to agar production and beach-cast collection for aquaculture feeds, though demand for seaweed products has increased with a growing Asian population in NZ. The NZ seaweed industry is at an early developmental stage, but it has the potential to offer high quality seaweed stock and value-added products to the world market. The exploration of seaweed farming, the growing demand for seaweed fertilizers and the development of high-value bioactive products such as fucoidan has attracted interest from marine farmers and entrepreneurs. The key to success for the NZ seaweed industry rests in developing high-value products for an export market, from integrated farming, harvesting and processing that can deliver the most value, consume the least energy and generate minimal waste.
Rapid identification of SARS-CoV-2-infected patients at the emergency department using routine testing
Authors: Kurstjens Steef , van der Horst Armando , Herpers Robert , Geerits Mick W. L. , Kluiters-de Hingh Yvette C. M. , Göttgens Eva-Leonne , Blaauw Martinus J. T. , Thelen Marc H. M. , Elisen Marc G. L. M. , Kusters Ron
Published: July 2020

Objectives

The novel coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), caused by SARS-CoV-2, spreads rapidly across the world. The exponential increase in the number of cases has resulted in overcrowding of emergency departments (ED). Detection of SARS-CoV-2 is based on an RT-PCR of nasopharyngeal swab material. However, RT-PCR testing is time-consuming and many hospitals deal with a shortage of testing materials. Therefore, we aimed to develop an algorithm to rapidly evaluate an individual’s risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection at the ED.

Methods

In this multicenter retrospective study, routine laboratory parameters (C-reactive protein, lactate dehydrogenase, ferritin, absolute neutrophil and lymphocyte counts), demographic data and the chest X-ray/CT result from 967 patients entering the ED with respiratory symptoms were collected. Using these parameters, an easy-to-use point-based algorithm, called the corona-score, was developed to discriminate between patients that tested positive for SARS-CoV-2 by RT-PCR and those testing negative. Computational sampling was used to optimize the corona-score. Validation of the model was performed using data from 592 patients.

Results

The corona-score model yielded an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.91 in the validation population. Patients testing negative for SARS-CoV-2 showed a median corona-score of 3 vs. 11 (scale 0–14) in patients testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 (p<0.001). Using cut-off values of 4 and 11 the model has a sensitivity and specificity of 96 and 95%, respectively.

Conclusions

The corona-score effectively predicts SARS-CoV-2 RT-PCR outcome based on routine parameters. This algorithm provides the means for medical professionals to rapidly evaluate SARS-CoV-2 infection status of patients presenting at the ED with respiratory symptoms.
Constructions and creativity
Authors: Turner Mark
Published: July 2020

The first principle of cognitive linguistics is to look for the origins of linguistic powers in robust mental operations not specific to language. For millennia, language science has assumed that human beings possess mental operations for unifying, combining, and merging patterns to create expressions, and that, conversely, they can analyze expressions they encounter to recognize patterns that were combined to produce them. The third section of this article reviews some of the literature concerned with these powers to combine patterns into expressions and to analyze expressions into patterns that were blended to create them. Any assumption about such a linguistic power takes out a loan on theory that must be cashed out with a non-language-specific explanation if the theory is to count as cognitive. One can stipulate to the existence of some unexplained power that is needed for linguistic performance, but that stipulation is insubstantial until it is grounded in a demonstrated non-language-specific operation. An assumption or stipulation about a linguistic power is cashed out when we locate and model the non-language-specific cognitive operations that make that linguistic power possible. The first section of this article presents the proposition that the non-language-specific mental operation that accounts for these linguistic powers is blending, otherwise known as conceptual integration. The second section provides a topical review of blending in specific communicative form-meaning pairs and their combination. Blending is the foundation of creativity in communication, or, more specifically, in the creation and combining of form-meaning pairs, also called “constructions.”
Creativity within and outside the linguistic system
Authors: Bergs Alexander , Kompa Nikola Anna
Published: July 2020

In this paper, we distinguish two types of creativity (F-creativity and E-creativity; Sampson 2016) and briefly address the question of language change and linguistic innovation in language acquisition. Cognitively speaking, the two types of creativity may impose different cognitive demands on a speaker. But the most pressing question, from our point of view, is the question whether E-creativity itself is constrained or forces us to ‘transcend’ the (rules of the) system. We will, eventually, argue that what looks like creative language use (metaphor, coercion, etc.) is still governed by rules (or hypermaxims). True E-creativity would then mean to step outside the system.
The accuracy of nipple discharge cytology in detecting breast cancer
Authors: Al Nemer Areej , Kussaibi Haitham
Published: July 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to disclose the importance of nipple discharge (ND) and the accuracy of its economic and fast cytological interpretation.

Methods

All ND cytology cases for Saudi patients done between 2004 and 2013 were retrieved from the Pathology e-system. Only cases that have subsequent tissue diagnoses were included in this study (n = 228). Age and bloody nature of the ND were both tested for association with a higher chance of carcinoma. Diagnostic accuracy of ND cytology was calculated twice, including and excluding the “atypical” cases.

Results

Specificity and positive predictive value were 100% for ND cytology in both cases. Sensitivity (34.6%; 52.9%), negative predictive value (93.15 %; 96.1%), false-negative rate (65.4%; 47.1%), accuracy rate (93.4%; 96.2%), when atypical cases were included and excluded; respectively. Only 10.5% of the patients complaining from nipple discharge had breast cancer. For those who had cancer, nipple discharge cytology was positive and showed the cancer cells in only 37.5%, while the rest were false negative. Bloody ND disclosed a significant association with malignancy (p < 0.001), but the association was statistically not significant for old age (p = 0.062).

Conclusions

The prospect of having breast cancer with the presentation of ND is low, and it can be missed by studying the ND cytology alone in a high proportion of cases. Excluding the atypical category did not make a significant improvement in the test’s accuracy.
Technology-Integrated Project-Based Learning for Pre-Service Teacher Education: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Rahmawati Anis , Suryani Nunuk , Akhyar Muhammad , Sukarmin
Published: July 2020

An alignment between technology and teachers is required to attain a successful integration of technology in the learning process. This alignment should be started at the teacher training program. This article outlines how the literature points toward Project-Based Learning (PBL) with technology integration in pre-service teacher education. The literature review focuses on describing how technology integrated with project-based learning along with the investigation of what influencing the successfulness on PBL’s implementation by integration of technology. The five steps on Systematic literature reviews (SLR) are chosen as a systematic approach for reviewing the literature. Based on the defined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 16 technology integration in PBL studies published between January 2015 and July 2019 was remained and selected to be investigated further. Analysis of the selected studies revealed that the most popular technology integrated with PBL was social media, following by a learning management system. The teacher’s ability to give guidance during the learning process is the most influential factor for the success of technology integration in PBL.
Fabrication of LDPE/PS interpolymer resin particles through a swelling suspension polymerization approach
Authors: Zhu Nianqing , Chen Hailong , Gao Xinxing , Hou Rongjie , Ni Zhongbing , Chen Mingqing
Published: July 2020

A facile method to prepare low-density polyethylene (LDPE)/polystyrene (PS) interpolymer resin particles by swelling suspension polymerization without addition of extra swelling agent was developed. The polymerization temperature, polymerization time, and initiator concentration were investigated. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis confirmed that the LDPE/PS interpolymer resin particles were successfully prepared and a small amount of PS-g-LDPE existed in the resin. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that PS was uniformly distributed in the LDPE matrix, indicating excellent compatibility between PS and LDPE. The mechanical properties of LDPE/PS interpolymer resin were intermediate between PS and LDPE polymers.
Impact of Business Incubators on Sustainable Entrepreneurship Growth with Mediation Effect
Authors: Ahmed Naveed , Li Cai , Qalati Sikandar Ali , Rehman Habib ur , Khan Asadullah , Rana Faisal
Published: July 2020

This study aims to measure and investigates the mediating effect of business incubators (BIs) and the influence of training programs, capital support, and networking services on sustainable entrepreneurship growth (SEG). A mediated conceptual model is constructed to simplify the effect and influences of variables taken in this study. A quantitative research method is employed on a sample size of 567. A survey questionnaire was used as an instrument to collect data from incubator centers and entrepreneurs. The method of bootstrapping, partial least squares (software 3.2.8) Algorithms, and structural equation models were used. In findings, the positive and significant influence of networking services, capital support, and training programs were identified on SEG. Also, the relationship between networking services, capital support, training programs, and SEG was mediated by BIs.
Abschied vom NIMBY
Authors: Reusswig Fritz , Lass Wiebke , Bock Seraja
Published: July 2020

Die Energiewende erzielt weiterhin hohe allgemeine Zustimmungswerte in der Bevölkerung, wird aber mehr und mehr durch lokale Bürgerinitiativen ausgebremst – diese wenden sich vor allem gegen Windkraft- und Netzausbau. In jüngster Zeit hat sich der Populismus des Themas angenommen und inszeniert sich als politischer Arm des Bürgerprotests. In diesem Beitrag wird nach einer kurzen Definition von Populismus die Frage diskutiert, warum Energiewende und Klimaschutz ins Visier der populistischen Kritik geraten konnten, welches populistische Narrativ dazu entfaltet wird und wie sich die Übernahme dieses Narrativs auf die lokalen Energiekonflikte auswirkt. Zwei Haupteffekte stehen dabei im Vordergrund: die inhaltliche Fundamentalisierung der Kritik (entsprechend der ersten populistischen Hauptachse: Elitenkritik) und die formale Radikalisierung der Kritik (entlang der zweiten populistischen Hauptachse: Antipluralismus). Der Beitrag schließt mit einer Diskussion der Risiken, aber auch der Chancen, die sich durch den wachsenden Einfluss des Populismus in diesem Handlungsfeld bieten.
A compact parallel coupled meander lines shaped composite right/left-handed transmission line (CRLH-TL) based symmetric quasi-0 dB coupler
Authors: Kumar Abhishek , Upadhyay Dileep Kumar , Pal Srikanta
Published: July 2020

In this paper, parallel coupled meander lines (PCML) composite right/left-handed transmission line (CRLH-TL) based symmetrical quasi-0 dB coupled-line coupler is presented. Proposed coupler shows measured backward wave coupling level of 0.81 dB at frequency of 6.17 GHz with 3 dB fractional bandwidth (FBW) of 12.64%. Throughout the 3 dB frequency range (5.78–6.56 GHz), isolation and insertion loss of the coupler is better than 24 dB. Overall size of the proposed coupler is 19.6 × 12.1 mm. An equivalent lumped LC circuit model of the coupler is demonstrated. Measured results of the coupler show good agreement with the electromagnetic (EM) simulated and lumped LC circuit model simulated results, which validates proposed coupler design and its performance.
Water sorption hysteresis in wood near 100 °C
Authors: Shi Jingbo , Kawai Yasuo , Avramidis Stavros , Cai Jiabin , Dong Huijun
Published: July 2020

Whether water sorption hysteresis exists above 75 °C and the representation of its relationship with wood softening remains unclear. In this study, sorption hysteresis at three temperature levels, namely, 75, 90 and 99.5 °C, was investigated using accurately controlled conditioning chambers using powder samples from seven wood species. The dry mass loss percentage of the samples and proper equilibrium time was evaluated by pretests to ensure reliable sorption isotherms afterwards. The dry mass loss percentage after the entire sorption isotherm running needs to be kept within 0.5% to avoid complications in determining the equilibrium time. The abrupt increase of equilibrium moisture content at high relative humidity regions and the crossover of adsorption isotherms were not observed. Hysteresis was conspicuous at 75 and 90 °C and was statistically confirmed at 99.5 °C. High sample extractives content or unnecessarily long equilibrium time would cause significant sample dry mass loss, which may suppress the desorption isotherm to an extent that leads to unjustified hysteresis disappearance. The hysteresis behavior observed in this study suggests that wood softening does not necessarily result in hysteresis disappearance, and the explanation of hysteresis progression as a function of wood softening temperature must be evaluated with care in the future.
Improving mechanical properties of ZK60 magnesium alloy by cryogenic treatment before hot extrusion
Authors: Lin Tao , Zhou Ji-Xue , Jing Cai-Nian , Liu Yun-Teng , Zhang Lin-Lin , Meng Xiang-Bin
Published: July 2020

Few studies of cryogenic treatment were focused on nonferrous alloys, such as magnesium alloy. In this work, the effect of cryogenic treatment (77 K) before extrusion on microstructure and mechanical properties of ZK60 alloy was investigated. The results showed that many fine G.P. zones were formed during the cryogenic treatment and then grew to short fine {\beta }_{1}^{^{\prime} } precipitates when heating before extrusion. These precipitates pinned dynamic recrystallized grain boundaries in the subsequent extrusion, resulting in fine gains and dispersed spherical precipitates. By the cryogenic treatment before extrusion, the extruded ZK60 alloy showed good tensile strength and elongation balance. Especially, elongation was improved by 29%.
Computational fluid dynamics simulation of an Inert Particles Spouted Bed Reactor (IPSBR) system
Authors: Mohammad Ameera F. , Mourad Aya A-H. I. , Mustafa Jawad , Al-Marzouqi Ali H. , El-Naas Muftah H. , Al-Marzouqi Mohamed H. , Alnaimat Fadi , Suleiman Mabruk I. , Al Musharfy Mohamed , Firmansyah Tommy
Published: July 2020

A novel system for contacting gases and liquids, suitable for many applications involving gas–liquid contact such as CO2 capture and brine desalination, has been simulated and experimentally validated. The system comprises a vertical vessel with gas and liquid ports and inert particles that enhance mixing and provide a high gas–liquid interfacial area. A low gas flow rate was statistically demonstrated and experimentally verified to be the optimum condition for CO2 capture and brine desalination; however, the gas velocity can have a considerable effect on the motion of inert particles inside the reactor. Uniform particles motion ensures good mixing within the reactor and hence efficient absorption and stripping process. A computational fluid dynamics (CFD) model, namely Eulerian model, presented in this paper, will help demonstrate the effect of mixing particles at specific conditions on the gas and liquid velocities inside the reactor, gas and liquid volume distribution through reactor, and eddy viscosities stresses of the mixing particles. A mesh-independent study was conducted to demonstrate the independency of mesh structure and size on the output responses. A quasi-steady state was attained to ensure the stability and feasibility of the selected model. The assembled model exhibits remarkable applicability in determining the optimum mixing particles densities, volume ratios, and sizes to ensure best velocity distribution and gas spreading inside the reactor and accordingly enhance the associated chemical reactions.
Multi-objective optimization of optimal capacitor allocation in radial distribution systems
Authors: Danish Sayed Mir Shah , Ahmadi Mikaeel , Yona Atsushi , Senjyu Tomonobu , Krishna Narayanan , Takahashi Hiroshi
Published: July 2020

The optimal size and location of the compensator in the distribution system play a significant role in minimizing the energy loss and the cost of reactive power compensation. This article introduces an efficient heuristic-based approach to assign static shunt capacitors along radial distribution networks using multi-objective optimization method. A new objective function different from literature is adapted to enhance the overall system voltage stability index, minimize power loss, and to achieve maximum net yearly savings. However, the capacitor sizes are assumed as discrete known variables, which are to be placed on the buses such that it reduces the losses of the distribution system to a minimum. Load sensitive factor (LSF) has been used to predict the most effective buses as the best place for installing compensator devices. IEEE 34-bus and 118-bus test distribution systems are utilized to validate and demonstrate the applicability of the proposed method. The simulation results obtained are compared with previous methods reported in the literature and found to be encouraging.
A mixed-method randomized feasibility trial evaluating progressive muscle relaxation or autogenic training on depressive symptoms and quality of life in people living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) who have depressive symptoms
Authors: Ramirez-Garcia Maria Pilar , Leclerc-Loiselle Jérôme , Gagnon Marie-Pierre , Côté José , Brouillette Marie-Josée , Thomas Réjean
Published: July 2020

Background

Progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) and autogenic training (AT) are effective relaxation techniques to reduce depressive symptoms. However, no studies on their effectiveness have been conducted among people living with HIV and depressive symptoms. The primary aim of this pilot study was to assess the feasibility and acceptability of PMR and AT interventions among people living with HIV who have depressive symptoms. A secondary aim was to assess the potential effectiveness of these interventions on depressive symptoms and quality of life.

Methods

This study was a three-arm pilot randomized control trial with mixed methods. Participants were randomized to PMR, AT, or a control group (CG), with four assessments (baseline, and at one, three, and six months). The PMR and AT interventions consisted of six 1 h sessions of individual training over 12 weeks, plus home practice. Recruitment, attrition, and completion rates were calculated. Depressive symptoms and quality of life were assessed at all times. Participants' perceptions of the interventions were collected in semi-structured interviews.

Results

Following the screening, 54/63 people met the inclusion criteria, and 42/54 were randomly allocated to the PMR group (n=14), AT group (n=14), and CG (n=14). Six participants (43%; 95% CI 18–71%) in the PMR group and 10 (71%; 95% CI 42–92%) in the AT group completed the intervention. Participants reported better emotion management and improvements in depressive symptoms and quality of life.

Conclusions

The pilot study suggests that a randomized trial to test the effectiveness of these interventions is feasible.

Trial registration

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01901016
Implementing Frequent Substance Use Testing with Swift-Certain-Fair Sanctions: Stakeholder Insights from a Pilot Program with Volunteer Probationers
Authors: Hunter Sarah B. , Tebeka Mahlet , Kilmer Beau
Published: July 2020

Reducing substance use among individuals subject to community supervision is an important goal for many judges and community corrections officers. Some jurisdictions have had success by ordering justice-involved individuals to frequent substance use testing with swift, certain, and fair (SCF) sanctions for non-compliance. South Dakota’s 24/7 Sobriety program is one example of a SCF program that has also been adopted statewide in Montana, North Dakota, and other jurisdictions. As other entities outside the Great Plains attempt to adopt the 24/7 approach, there is a need to examine how the program is implemented. This paper examines a 24/7-inspired pilot program that was implemented in a southwestern county in the US in 2018. Data on participation rates and testing results for the 6-month pilot program were examined. Using a semi-structured interview protocol with questions that were adapted from the Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) interview guide, we interviewed nine individuals from six stakeholder groups: 1) Court, 2) District Attorney, 3) Public Defender, 4) Probation, 5) Sheriff, and 6) the non-profit organization that administered the testing. There were important differences in how the program was implemented in the county versus South Dakota’s 24/7 program—namely, there was a different target population, participation was voluntary, and testing was conducted in a different setting which increased costs. While county stakeholders decided to discontinue the program after the pilot period, it was able to implement a SCF program and overcome many of the challenges it confronted. There is some interest in exploring implementation of the SCF with those arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol in the county. For jurisdictions considering the implementation of an SCF program, it makes sense to start with a pilot program with pre-determined objectives and timeline for consistency. It is also crucial to hold regular meetings with all relevant stakeholders before and during the pilot to address context-specific challenges. Conducting an implementation analysis of this process based on the CFIR guide can be useful for understanding why the pilot was a success or failure, and how it may be improved.
Inverse spectral problems for differential operators with non-separated boundary conditions
Authors: Yurko Vjacheslav A.
Published: July 2020

We give a short review of results on inverse spectral problems for second-order differential operators on an interval with non-separated boundary conditions.
We pay the main attention to the most important nonlinear inverse problems of recovering coefficients of differential operators from given spectral characteristics.
In the first part of the review, we provide the main results and methods related to inverse problems for Sturm–Liouville operators with non-separated boundary conditions: periodic, quasi-periodic and Robin-type boundary conditions.
At the end, we present the main results on inverse problems for differential pencils with non-separated boundary conditions.
An approach to ensure joint illumination & communication performance of a forward error corrected indoor visible light communication (VLC) system in presence of ambient light interference
Authors: Chatterjee Sourish , Roy Biswanath
Published: July 2020

In recent time of looming radio frequency (RF) spectrum crisis, visible light communication using lighting infrastructure emerged as a potential alternative at an indoor environment. This paper addresses the setback associated with ambient light interference in an indoor Visible Light Communication (VLC) system to ensure joint communication and illumination performance inside an office room. A novel VLC architecture with suitable white light emitting diode (WLED) luminaire arrangement is presented to minimize the dispersion of signal to interference plus noise ratio (SINR) across the room. Luminaires are categorized in two groups viz. data transmitting illuminants and illuminants for lighting purpose. The first group is dedicated to transmit data as well as serves the purpose of illumination. The other set creates only ambient illumination to achieve quality lighting attributes. The proposed forward error corrected receiver configuration discards the ambient light noise originated by the illuminants that serve the ambient illumination. Tail biting convolutional encoder and viterbi decoder are used at the encoding section of the transmitter and decoding section of the receiver respectively to improve bit error rate. Results obtained through MATLAB simulation shows better average bit error rate (BER) in the order of 10−8 measured at uniformly distributed 25 grid points over the working plane. At the same time achieved average horizontal illuminance with good uniformity comply with ISO recommendation.
Trends of changes in the specific contribution of selected risk factors for shoulder dystocia over a period of more than two decades
Authors: Grossman Leah , Pariente Gali , Baumfeld Yael , Yohay David , Rotem Reut , Weintraub Adi Y.
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Shoulder dystocia (SD) is an obstetrical emergency with well-recognized risk factors. We aimed to identify trends of changes in the specific contribution of risk factors for SD over time.

Methods

A nested case control study comparing all singleton deliveries with and without SD was undertaken. A multivariable logistic regression model was used in order to identify independent risk factors for SD and a comparison of the prevalence and the specific contribution (odds ratio (OR)) of the chosen risk factors in three consecutive eight-year intervals from 1988 to 2014 was performed.

Results

During the study period, there were 295,946 deliveries. Of them 514 (0.174%) were complicated with SD. Between 1988 and 2014 the incidence of SD has decreased from 0.3% in 1988 to 0.1% in 2014. Using a logistic regression model grandmultiparity, diabetes mellitus (DM), fetal weight, and large for gestational age (LGA) were found to be independent risk factors for SD (OR 1.25 95% CI 1.04–1.51, p=0.02; OR 1.53 95% CI 1.19–1.97, p=0.001; OR 1.002 95% CI 1.001–1.002, p < 0.001; OR 3.88 95% CI 3.09–4.87, p < 0.001; respectively). While the OR for grandmultiparity, fetal weight, and LGA has significantly changed during the study period with a mixed trend, the OR of DM has demonstrated a significant linear increase over time.

Conclusions

The individual contribution of selected risk factors for the occurrence of SD has significantly changed throughout the years. The contribution of DM has demonstrated a linear increase over time, emphasizing the great impact of DM on SD.
Transition Task Force: Early efforts towards comprehensive pediatric to adult transition services in an academic medical center
Authors: Hasan Reem , Maloney Lauren , Solondz Kim , Frank Andrea , Eppelsheimer Rhonda
Published: July 2020

Background

The process of transitioning from a pediatric to adult health models of care is a significant challenge associated with heightened morbidity and mortality, particularly for patients with medical complexity.

Methods

Our institution has no formal standardized transition services for patients transitioning from pediatric to adult models of care. The Transition Task Force was created as a community of practice to support interprofessional teams in creating a standard, yet individualized, approach to pediatric to adult transition across multiple departments of an academic center.

Results

The Transition Task Force has been meeting for approximately 4 years, and almost three-quarters of participants report that participation resulted in changes to their clinical process, in spite of recognition of common barriers to effective transition.

Conclusions

The development of a transition-focused community of practice can effectively support implementation of quality improvement projects collaboratively in both a standardized and individualized fashion.
Fremde gegen Bürger. Zivilgerichtspraxis am Beispiel des Duisburger Notgerichts im 16. Jahrhundert
Authors: Bendlage Andrea
Published: July 2020

Since the Middle Ages, hospitable courts played a central role in the complex judicial landscape of the pre-modern age for the conflict resolution of parties of different regional origins, because civil disputes could be dealt with more quickly if at least one plaintiff or defendant was a (legal) stranger. With the obvious relationship between (social) belonging and law established by these courts, questions of asymmetries in law come to the fore, which under the common keywords of inequality, integration and exclusion are a leading interest of research in the history of law, culture and crime, but which have so far hardly been dealt with in research within the framework of civil court practice. The Duisburg Hospitable Court shows that the historical civil proceedings concerning non-repaid loans, undelivered goods or disputed estates were no less important for social stability and order in the pre-modern period than criminal proceedings, even though social integration and exclusion were not the core issues of a civil lawsuit. Since the Middle Ages, hospitable courts concerned themselves with communication and trade practices and at the same time constituted an institution that offered legal security for both foreigners and locals. This was still true in the early modern period, which generally stands for a time that became increasingly hardened towards strangers and people on the move.
Gaming Expertise
Authors: Toft-Nielsen Claus
Published: July 2020

This article argues for an attempt to rethink what counts as gaming expertise. Often, expertise is configured as a fixed and measurable rather than relational capacity – having the necessary level of knowledge with a skill to become expert, or to rise above a particular and objectively defined level of competency. Drawing on interviews with women playing the massively multiplayer online game

Massively multiplayer online games are games capable of supporting large numbers of players interacting, competing and cooperating, as they simultaneously inhabit the persistent open world of the game space.

World of Warcraft, the article argues for an understanding of gaming expertise as a relational, highly contextual capacity, operating and embedded in everyday situations. Through the lens of gaming expertise, the article teases out the complex ways in which gender, technology and identity intersect and are constructed and negotiated in different social contexts.
Evaluation of sulfide catalysts performance in hydrotreating of oil fractions using comprehensive gas chromatography time-of-flight mass spectrometry
Authors: Karakhanov Eduard , Maximov Anton , Kulikov Leonid , Makeeva Daria , Kalinina Maria , Kardasheva Yulia , Glotov Alexander
Published: July 2020

In this study, two oil fractions – straight-run diesel and light cycle oil (LCO) – and the products of their hydrotreatment with sulfide catalysts, synthesized in the pores of porous aromatic frameworks, were analyzed by comprehensive two-dimensional gas chromatography (GC) with time of flight mass spectrometry (GC × GC–TOFMS). Effective separation of numerous compounds in the analyzed multicomponent mixtures and high resolution of mass spectra of reaction products made it possible to study the features of the activity of sulfide catalysts.
Thermodynamic approach for prediction of oxide materials properties at high temperatures
Authors: Stolyarova Valentina L. , Vorozhtcov Viktor A. , Shilov Andrey L. , Sokolova Tamara V.
Published: July 2020

Modern high-temperature technologies and methods of production of advanced materials impose new requirements on the quality of information on physicochemical properties of oxide systems at high temperatures. Normally, thermodynamic approach for these purposes is the most fundamental and essential. Great attention was paid by M.M. Shultz to extensive development of this approach in the studies of oxide melts, crystals, glasses, ceramics, and coatings using calorimetric, EMF, and high temperature mass spectrometric methods. Advantages of the thermodynamic approach were illustrated by examples of application of the Knudsen effusion mass spectrometric method to studies of oxide systems and materials, which were crucial for the further development of space and aviation industry, energetics, instrument making, communication engineering, metallurgy, energy-saving, and environmental safety. In the discussion of the regularities of vaporization processes and changes of thermodynamic properties in oxide systems, a number of particular systems based on silica and hafnia was considered in detail. Modeling was carried out for these systems using the Generalized Lattice Theory of Associated Solutions. The obtained results assert a necessity for creation of the national thermodynamic data- and model bases essential for further prediction of phase equilibria in oxide systems and materials at high temperatures.
Catalytic hydrogenation with parahydrogen: a bridge from homogeneous to heterogeneous catalysis
Authors: Kovtunov Kirill V. , Salnikov Oleg G. , Skovpin Ivan V. , Chukanov Nikita V. , Burueva Dudari B. , Koptyug Igor V.
Published: July 2020

One of the essential themes in modern catalysis is that of bridging the gap between its homogeneous and heterogeneous counterparts to combine their individual advantages and overcome shortcomings. One more incentive can now be added to the list, namely the ability of transition metal complexes to provide strong nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) signal enhancement upon their use in homogeneous hydrogenations of unsaturated compounds with parahydrogen in solution. The addition of both H atoms of a parahydrogen molecule to the same substrate, a prerequisite for such effects, is implemented naturally with metal complexes that operate via the formation of a dihydride intermediate, but not with most heterogeneous catalysts. Despite that, it has been demonstrated in recent years that various types of heterogeneous catalysts are able to perform the required pairwise H2 addition at least to some extent. This has opened a major gateway for developing highly sensitive and informative tools for mechanistic studies of heterogeneous hydrogenations and other processes involving H2. Besides, production of catalyst-free fluids with NMR signals enhanced by 3-4 orders of magnitude is essential for modern applications of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), including biomedical research and practice. The ongoing efforts to design heterogeneous catalysts which can implement the homogeneous (pairwise) hydrogenation mechanism are reported.
3D printing in analytical chemistry: current state and future
Authors: Nesterenko Pavel N.
Published: July 2020

The rapid development of additive technologies in recent years is accompanied by their intensive introduction into various fields of science and related technologies, including analytical chemistry. The use of 3D printing in analytical instrumentation, in particular, for making prototypes of new equipment and manufacturing parts having complex internal spatial configuration, has been proved as exceptionally effective. Additional opportunities for the widespread introduction of 3D printing technologies are associated with the development of new optically transparent, current- and thermo-conductive materials, various composite materials with desired properties, as well as possibilities for printing with the simultaneous combination of several materials in one product. This review will focus on the application of 3D printing for production of new advanced analytical devices, such as compact chromatographic columns for high performance liquid chromatography, flow reactors and flow cells for detectors, devices for passive concentration of toxic compounds and various integrated devices that allow significant improvements in chemical analysis. A special attention is paid to the complexity and functionality of 3D-printed devices.
Impact of pesticide exposure in childhood
Authors: Pascale Antonio , Laborde Amalia
Published: July 2020

Pesticides represent a wide variety of chemicals presented as different formulations and concentrations and used in different settings: agriculture, animal sanitary bath, domestic use, and vector control. Lack of awareness, poor agricultural practices, and inappropriate disposal of containers will increase the exposure and risk of health effects during childhood. The concern about children’s exposure to pesticides is based on their toxic properties and the special vulnerability to the exposure, which may occur in different stages, from the prenatal period to infancy. Pesticide related diseases may manifest during the infancy, adolescence, or adulthood. Children may be exposed by multiple routes of exposure, in different scenarios. In domestic settings, insecticides and rodenticides are usually stored within the reach of children, or may be transferred to non-original containers, leading to acute non intentional ingestion. Exploratory behavior increases the risk for exposure to pesticides present on the ground. Gardens and playgrounds may have pesticides residues. Children may be in contact with domestic animals that have been treated with pesticides. In rural settings, children can be exposed to pesticide residues in areas where they have been applied, or by contamination of work equipment and parents clothing. Families dedicated to rural activity have higher levels of exposure, through ingesting contaminated fruits, vegetables, milk, eggs, and water. Several studies confirmed pesticide exposure in children by biomonitoring. Higher levels of organophosphate metabolites have been reported in children compared to adult populations. Toxic effects of pesticides depend on their intrinsic toxic properties as well as on the dose, duration, and life period of exposure. Acute poisonings are related to high doses exposure, while chronic, subtle and delayed effects are often related to low levels/doses exposure. Epidemiologic, animal, and clinical studies suggest an association between chronic, low-level exposures and alterations in growth and development (particularly impaired neurobehavioral development), cancer and increased susceptibility to infections. New research presents evidence that some pesticides are a risk factor of a wide range of acute and chronic diseases. Better practices and public health policies are needed to prevent and protect children from pesticides exposure.
Effect of particulate matter 2.5 exposure to urinary malondialdehyde levels of public transport drivers in Jakarta
Authors: Pratiwi Damai Arum , Haryanto Budi
Published: July 2020

Background

People who work long hours on the road are intensively exposed to high levels of fine particulate matters (PM2.5) which may lead to oxidative stress mechanisms in the human body that cause deleterious health problems. Malondialdehyde (MDA) is the major metabolite produced during lipid peroxidation metabolism that serves as a reliable biomarker for oxidative stress in cells.

Objectives

To identify the association between PM2.5exposure and other characteristics with urinary MDA levels among public transport drivers in Jakarta.

Methods

A cross-sectional design was implemented by involving 130 public transport drivers of nine trajectories from Kampung Melayu Terminal, Jakarta. The continuous PM2.5data were collected in personal measurement during one round trip of driving. Weight and height measurements were obtained to calculate body mass index (BMI) and structured questionnaires were completed to identify other characteristics. MDA levels were examined from the driver’s urine right after driving and evaluated using TBARS analysis.

Results

The average of PM2.5exposure was 91.56 ± 20.05 μg/m3and MDA levels were 2.23 ± 1.57 nmoL/mL. Drivers with overweight and obese BMI had significantly higher MDA levels (2.66 ± 1.65 nmoL/mL) compared to those with normal and underweight BMI status (1.97 ± 1.47 nmoL/mL). Multiple linear regression analysis demonstrated low PM2.5exposure, normal and underweight BMI status, and a long period of working as drivers were associated with MDA levels (p<0.05). Contrary to the prior study, PM2.5exposure was negatively associated with MDA levels due to most drivers’ BMI status being normal and underweight.

Conclusion

Our study suggests that the drivers who were obese and overweight should lose weight to lower the risk of increased MDA levels. We also suggest the drivers to consider maintaining their vehicle’s ventilation system or using personal protection equipment (PPE) to avoid high PM2.5exposure while driving.
Recent advances in synthesis of organometallic complexes of indium
Authors: Anwar Hira , Haque Rosenani A. , Saleem Rahman Shah Zaib , Iqbal Muhammad Adnan
Published: July 2020

The indium complexes are being used in many applications like catalysis, optoelectronics, sensors, solar cells, biochemistry, medicine, infrared (IR) mirrors and thin-film transistors (TFTs). In organometallic complexes of indium, it forms different types of complexes with single, double, triple and tetra linkages by coordinating with numerous elements like C, N, O and S and also with some other elements like Se and Ru. So, the present study comprises all the possible ways to synthesize the indium complexes by reacting with different organic ligands; most of them are N-heterocyclic carbenes, amines, amides and phenols. The commonly used solvents for these syntheses are tetrahydrofuran, dichloromethane, toluene, benzene, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) and water. According to the nature of the ligands, indium complexes were reported at different temperatures and stirring time. Because of their unique characteristics, the organometallic chemistry of group 13 metal indium complexes remains a subject of continuing interest in synthetic chemistry as well as material science.