bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selection of a Single Chain Variable Fragment Antibody (scFv) against Subtilisin BRC and its Interaction with Subtilisin BRC
Authors: Kim Chol-Jin , Choe Sunll , Ri Kum-Chol , Kim Chol-Ho , Li Hyon-Gwang , Yun Un-Hui
Published: April 2019

Background:

The focus of this study was the selection of a single chain variable fragment
antibody (scFv) against subtilisin BRC, a fibrinolytic enzyme using phage display, and to characterize
the interaction between the antibody and subtilisin BRC.

Methods:

The subtilisin BRC-specific phage clones were selected using Griffin.1 scFv phage library
and sequenced. The gene of subtilisin BRC-specific scFv (scFv-BRC) from selected phage clone was
expressed in E. coli and scFv-BRC was characterized. Molecular modeling of the three-dimensional
(3D) structures of scFv-BRC was performed using MODELLER 9.19 modeling software and assessed
by PROCHEK. Molecular docking of subtilisin BRC with scFv-BRC was carried out using PATCHDOCK.

Results:

The size of scFv-BRC gene is 635bp and it consists of 54bp of heavy chain region (VH),
336bp of light chain region (VL), 45bp of a linker. scFv-BRC was actively expressed by E. coli expression
vector pET28a-scFv in E. coli BL21 (DE3), and the amount of expressed scFv-BRC was
about 50 mg/L. Its molecular weight is ~26kDa. The CDR domain of scFv-BRC consists of 6 amino
acids in CDR L1, 3 amino acids in CDR L2 and 9 amino acids in CDR L3. Docking results of subtilisin
BRC and scFv-BRC showed global energy of - 56.29 kJ/mol. Furthermore, the results showed that
amino acid residues in subtilisin BRC for binding with scFv-BRC are Tyr6, Ser182, Ser204, and
Gln206.

Conclusion:

scFv against subtilisin BRC selected using phage display showed relatively strong binding
energy with subtilisin BRC. The amino acid residues in subtilisin BRC for binding with scFv-BRC
are not relevant to that in subtilisin BRC for binding with its substrates. These results suggested that
scFv-BRC can be used as a ligand for detection and affinity purification of subtilisin BRC.
Sustitución esofágica por tubo gástrico invertido a raíz de estenosis esofágica por ingesta de cáusticos (presentación de caso). Hospital Infantil Robert Reid Cabral (HIRRC), República Dominicana
Authors: Cabrera Valerio Carlos , Alcántara Elvyn , Moreno Reyes Andreína , García Risk Ariadna L. , Quiroz Fernández Melissa L.
Published: April 2019

Introducción: la lesión esofágica por cáusticos debida a la ingestión de álcalis o, con menos frecuencia, ácidos, puede ser accidental en niños o por intento de suicidio en adolescentes y adultos. La secuela esofágica de la ingestión de un cáustico es una cicatriz en la pared del esófago que se relaciona con frecuencia con la formación de estenosis intensa y en muchas ocasiones, se requiere de un conducto que restablezca la función del esófago.

Material y método: en el siguiente trabajo se expone el caso clínico de un paciente masculino de 7 años de edad, presentando sialorrea y dificultad para la deglución debido a ingesta de sustancia cáustica de manera accidental. Se realizó endoscopia que reporta estenosis esofágica de 2 mm, para garantizar su alimentación se le practicó una gastrostomía. No fue posible el esquema de dilatación, con la necesidad de proceder a una sustitución esofágica por tubo gástrico invertido vía retroesternal. Presentó una complicación postquirúrgica de neumotórax. Una estancia de 12 días con inicio de la vía oral a los 11 días de postquirúrgico, previa realización de esofagograma.

Conclusión el propósito consiste en describir la presentación y el progreso clínico del paciente luego de esta técnica de sustitución esofágica por tubo gástrico invertido vía retroesternal.
USO DE LAS TIC EN LAS EMPRESAS COOPERATIVAS: PROPIEDAD Y GOBIERNO
Authors: Castel Ana F. Gargallo , Sanz Javier Pérez , Salvador Luisa Esteban
Published: April 2019

Las empresas cooperativas presentan una idiosincrasia derivada de unos principios y valores propios de este tipo de organizaciones, que impregna todos los ámbitos de actuación de estas entidades. En este trabajo se realiza un análisis de las características organizativas relacionadas con la propiedad, gobierno y control de las empresas cooperativas que pueden contribuir a explicar diferencias en su comportamiento innovador ante la adopción de las tecnologías de la información y la comunicación (TIC). El estudio propuesto ofrece un enfoque novedoso por los aspectos organizativos tratados, ya que se revisan elementos de carácter cualitativo estrechamente ligados a las políticas de participación en las cooperativas así como cuestiones de igualdad y género dentro de las mismas. Para el desarrollo de los análisis empíricos se utiliza una muestra de 99 empresas cooperativas españolas, pertenecientes a distintos sectores y tamaños. Son las organizaciones de mayor dimensión, con la gestión profesionalizada en manos de un gerente externo varón y en las que existen trabajadores familiares, las que se caracterizan por adoptar las TIC.
Franciszkańska kuracja Serca Pana Jezusa w Gliwicach w latach 1925–1945
Authors: Górecki Piotr
Published: April 2019

Artykuł jest kontynuacją międzywojennej historii gliwickich franciszkanów i genezy powstania samodzielnej jednostki kościelnej w tzw. dzielnicy hutniczej, zamieszczonym w tomie 35 „Studiów Teologiczno-Historycznych Śląska Opolskiego”z 2015 r. Autor tym razem przybliża historię kuracji Serca Pana Jezusa w Gliwicach w latach 1925–1945. Od czasu jej ustanowienia gliwiccy franciszkanie prowadzili w tamtejszej dzielnicy hutniczej ożywioną pracę duszpasterską. Jej główne działania ukierunkowane były nie tylko na sprawowanie sakramentów, ale także na działalność społeczną wśród rodzin robotniczych. Po przybliżeniu statusu kuracji jako jednostki kościelnej, omówiono sylwetki duszpasterzy oraz wskazano na główne akcenty pracy duszpasterskiej i charytatywnej. Powołanie do życia tzw. związku parafialnego dla gliwickich parafii oraz prowadzone budowy kościołów w sąsiednich dzielnicach zahamowały dzieło budowy nowego kościoła, którywybudowano dopiero na przełomie XX i XXI w. Wiele ofiar ponieśli gliwiccy franciszkanie w okresie narodowego socjalizmu i II wojny światowej. Zakonników eksmitowano z większości ich pomieszczeń, ograniczając do minimum działania duszpasterskie. Mimo tego zakonnicy pozostali wśród wiernych. Towarzyszyli im także w trudnych miesiącach 1945 r. oraz w okresie powojennej transformacji i ponownego tworzenia wspólnoty parafialnej. Historia kuracji jest dobrym przykładem, w jaki sposób organizowano pracę duszpasterską w przemysłowych miejscowościach Górnego Śląska w okresie republiki weimarskiej i narodowego socjalizmu.
Merian Coldwell Cooper (1894–1973) na polsko-amerykańskim „pograniczu”
Authors: Byczkowski Dariusz
Published: April 2019

Artykuł ten poświęcony jest polskiemu wątkowi życia Meriana Coopera – w Ameryce i na świecie znanego głównie jako producent i reżyser filmowy, w Polsce natomiast pamiętanego również za udział w wojnie polsko-bolszewickiej w szeregach pilotów „eskadry kościuszkowskiej”. Na przykładzie Meriana Coopera i jego kolegów, amerykańskich pilotów w polskich mundurach, usiłujemy dowieść istnienia swego rodzaju polsko-amerykańskiego pogranicza, mimo braku polsko-amerykańskiej granicy w ścisłym, geograficznym tego słowa znaczeniu.
APPROACHES TO STAFF BEHAVIOUR FROM THE PERSPECTIVE OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT
Authors: CRETOIU Raluca
Published: April 2019

Operational management or operations management, as established in many speciality papers, is an area of activity that is particularly important for the successful implementation of business activities and not only. From the point of view of the connections that can be established between this concept and the one regarding the staff management, we note the direct influence that the degree of motivation in the work, the commitment and the connection to the specific values of a certain organizational culture have on the performance of the subsidiary activities of the operations management. Effective operations management implies not only the optimal use of the organization’s resources, but also the engagement of staff through a behaviour whose specific features emphasize responsibility, teamwork, transparency, and commitment to assigned tasks. This article highlights the need for the staff to be connected as well as possible to the organization’s values and objectives; the efficient management of operations within it is closely connected to the level of harmonization between the values and objectives, on the one hand, and the interests and motivation of the employees, on the other hand.
Evolving child and adolescent mental health and development programs in Chile
Authors: de la Barra Flora , Irarrazaval Matias , Valdes Ana , Soto-Brandt Gonzalo
Published: April 2019

This analysis reviews the situation of child and adolescent mental health in Chile, organizational determinants, and the initiatives and interventions implemented to enhance child development despite the country’s inequities. Progressive development of national mental health plans is covered, from the country’s first plan in 2000, to growing the number of mental health professionals and the training they receive, such as MhGAP, to the implementation of “Chile Crece Contigo,” whose preliminary evaluations are starting to show some effectiveness. However, the World Health Organization reports that progress in complying with the United Nations Convention of Children’s Rights is insufficient. A set off legislative initiatives on behalf of children and adolescents have been passed, while others are being discussed in Parliament. There is much to be done in the nation as a whole and within its health system to ensure improved child and adolescent mental health and wellbeing. More research into child and adolescent mental health should be undertaken. Adequate funding and policymaking are also crucial to giving priority to child and adolescent mental health in Chile.
Strengthening Sustainability Rating Credit for Off-Site Construction
Authors: Toole T. Michael
Published: April 2019

Off-site construction has inherent advantages over conventional construction in terms of sustainability that extend well beyond lower construction site waste, yet the common building sustainability rating systems in the U.S. and Canada provide little or no credits to reflect prefabricationäó»s sustainability-promoting characteristics. As project owners in the U.S. and Canada increasingly demand that their projects receive certification by one of the common building sustainability rating systems, off-site constructionäó»s inherent advantages over conventional construction in terms of cost and time may be reduced by off-site constructionäó»s lack of advantages in terms of sustainability rating credits. After identifying sustainability rating credits that favor off-site production and other credits that disfavor off-site production, the paper concludes by identifying actions off-site construction producers should consider to increase
sustainability rating credits for their products.
Design and static behavior of beam-to-beam-tied connection for modular steel buildings
Authors: Liu Jiadi , Liu Yang , Chen Zhihua , Yu Yujie
Published: April 2019

Modular steel building(MSB) is the high-end prefabricated building product with outstanding advantages of high assembly rate and environmental friendliness. Specially, the connections between modules are critical parts that can strongly influence the overall structural stability and robustness. This study presented an innovate MSB connection design that has the intermediate plug-in device and beamto-beam bolting system as horizontal and vertical connecting respectively. Detailed connecttion and features for MSBs were introduced. Then static behaviors of the different position connection were investigated through static monotonic loading tests, including one direction corner connection and two direction inner connection. Effect of diagonal stiffener was discussed trough experimental tests. Results showed that gaps formed between upper and bottom columns can influence the deforming patterns and bending demand distributions at each unit joints
Current advances on school refusal and other attendance problems: An international perspective. Introduction to the Special Issue.
Authors: Golzálvez Carolina , Inglés Cándido J.
Published: April 2019

The school attendance problems affect a larger number of students worldwide than desired. Important negative effects on academic, social and personal development are associated with this phenomenon. The aim of this special issue is to present the most recent advances in this field of research from an international perspective. For this, this special series has six investigations framed in the context of Spain, France, the United States, Japan, Malaysia and the Netherlands. Among the main contributions, the works compiled here have managed to reflect on the school refusal behavior reaching three levels of analysis: (1) legal and political level, (2) personal level of the child or young person affected and (3) family level. Based on the findings obtained, it is concluded that promoting prevention and reducing the school attendance problems are activities that have no limits geographically. It is a purpose shared by all the studies that make up this special issue to encourage reflection and promoting new lines of research.
Two Euphorbia (Euphorbiaceae) species new for the flora of China (Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia)
Authors: Geltman D. V.
Published: April 2019

Euphorbia caesia Kar. et Kir. and E. cyrtophylla (Prokh.) Prokh. are reported for the first time in China; E. caesia occurs in several localities in the northern Xinjiang and eastern Nei Mongol, and E. cyrtophylla in a single locality near Sailimu (Sayram) Lake (northern Xinjiang). A revised synonymy with typification, description and detailed distribution data are provided for each species.
A new species of Alchemilla (Rosaceae) from the Komi Republic
Authors: Chkalov A. V.
Published: April 2019

Description of a new species, likely endemic for the Komi Republic, Alchemilla zolotuchinii Czkalov (A. sect. Alchemilla ser. Alchemilla subser. Alchemilla, A. aggr. nemoralis Alechin) is published, including illustrations of its main morphological features. The differences from related species A. rigescens Juz., A. nemoralis Alechin, A. lindbergiana Juz., A. schmakovii Czkalov, A. submamillata Juz., A. leiophylla Juz. and A. denticulata Juz. are specified. The new species is treated as a result of hybridization of the close relatives from A. subser. Alchemilla: A. aggr. nemoralis, A. aggr. subcrenata Buser, A. aggr. acutiloba Opiz. A loss of indumentum (particularly, on the leaf surfaces) is considered as a consequence of the manifestation of recessive traits due to similar inbreeding in different groups of the genus. Based on this an artificiality of delimitation of A. subser. Heptagonae is briefly discussed.
PELAPISAN SOSIAL-BUDAYA PESISIR KELURAHAN MANGKANGKULON, SEMARANG
Authors: MAMBANG SERAFIM
Published: April 2019

SERAFIM KUDU MAMBANG LIN GABRIELA
Origin of arsenic and other heavy metals in the rivers of Nepal
Authors: Emerman Steven H. , Bhattarai Tara N. , Adhikari Danda P. , Joshi Sunendra R. , Lakhe Siddhi L. , Luhrs Aimee J. , Prasai Kangada R. , Robson Kristine L.
Published: April 2019

The objective of this study was to determine which geological zones are contributing As and other heavy metals to the rivers of Nepal. The objective was carried out by measuring concentrations of As, Fe, Co, Cu, and Zn in rivers dissecting highgrade metamorphic Higher Himalayan rocks of the Khumbu region and comparing them with previously collected data from other geological zones. Concentrations were measured using portable colorimeters and the Hach As test kit in 153 samples collected from 108 locations over two years. For the Khumbu region, <1% of samples had As concentrations meeting or exceeding the WHO standard of 10 mcg/l, while 53% of samples from other geological zones had As ³10 mg/l. This result is consistent with the typical low As concentration of schists and gneisses. The elevated levels of fluvial As are not predicted by any of the proposed mechanisms for release of As into groundwater in the Terai region. This suggests that the kinetics of the proposed mechanisms is too slow and, at least in terms of As, the groundwater chemistry is a rough reflection of the surface water chemistry. The suggestion could be tested by measuring groundwater Co, Ni, and Cu in the Terai since almost all rivers in Nepal have elevated levels of those heavy metals. Rivers in the Khumbu region that are fed by glacial meltwater have significantly more Fe and Co than rivers fed by springs or snowmelt, suggesting that unmapped deposits of Fe and Co exist in the Tibetan-Tethyan Zone.
TRANSPORT SUSTAINABILITY INDEX OF MAIN ARTERIALS AT HILLA CASE STUDY (SAFETY AND ENVIRONMENTAL ASPECTS)
Authors: Ali Al-Anbari Mohammad , Hadi Abedali Abdulhaq , Abdul Ameer Alwash Ali
Published: April 2019

In recent works on the Internet of Vehicles, “intelligent” and “sustainable” have been the significant in the case of transportation. Maintaining sustainability is always a challenge. Sustainability can be achieved not only by the use of pollution-free vehicular systems, but also by maintenance of road trafﬁc safety or prevention of accidents or collisions. Quantifying the sustainability of urban transport is important as evidenced by a growing number of studies to measure sustainability in transportation. This paper dealt with the challenge of measuring transport sustainability based on the long environmental and safety indicators. To overcome the issue of using too many indicators for evaluation, this paper develops a method for obtaining a composite transport sustainability index for limited sources and time for collecting data. Seven sustainability indicators relevant to urban transport which deal with environmental and social (safety) aspects were selected depending on available data. The indicators were integrated to environmental, social (safety) sub-indices and then to a composite index, in a way that overcomes the limitations on normalization, weighting and aggregation. It is an attempt to quantify transport sustainability for arterials streets within the Hilla network which provides information about current situation of urban transport in different parts of the city. The value of ICST (composite index of transport sustainability) for main arterials at Hilla city (as case study) equal to 0.648, 0.542 and 0.462 for 40th, 60th and 80th streets respectively. The value ICST¬ is the highest at 40th street (inner Hilla city – the best case) and the lowest at 80th street (outer Hilla the worst case).
K. BALMONT – TRANSLATOR IN THE ANTHOLOGY «THE POETRY OF ARMENIA»
Authors: POGHOSYAN IRINA
Published: April 2019

The article analyses the history of K.Balmont’s participation in the creation of the anthology «The Poetry of Armenia» and his translation of the poem «Incense» by Sibil (Zabel Asadour) and the issues related to the problems of translation. The problems of linguistic connections, peculiarities, parallels and differences between the original and translated texts are also discussed.
ON «THE CHRONICLE OF THE HISTORICAL FATE OF THE ARMENIAN PEOPLЕ» BY V. BRUSOV (TO THE PUBLICATION’S CENTENNIAL)
Authors: ZAKARYAN ANUSHAVAN
Published: April 2019

V. Brusov penned several researches on the Armenian history. «The Chronicle of the Historical Fate of the Armenian Peoplе» (from the VI century BC up to Our Times) » is the crystallization and climax of his research. V. Brusov authored his study in November 1916, yet it was published in 1918, by the Armenian Committee of Moscow. «The Chronicle» comprises 124 pages, has also segments «From the Author» – «Introduction», nine chapters, «Notes», «Bibliography». Publicizing his research V. Brusov pursued a set of goals, in particular, to introduce the rich heroic history of the Armenian people to the foreign, primarily to the Russian readers with his unbiased academic approach, to show its place and role in the human history. He presented Armenian history as interrelated to the cultural process, and succeeded in offering a broad perspective on studying the Armenian history.
THE MOTIVE OF ELEMENTS IN V. BRUSOV’S POEMS DEVOTED TO MYTHICAL SORCERESSES AND PROPHETESSES
Authors: GOZDEK AGNIESZKA
Published: April 2019

Тwo poems by Valery Brusov «Amalthea» and «Circe» analized in the paper. The aim of interpretation is to prove that addressing mythical prophetesses and motives of the elements in both texts, the poet meant to express his viewpoint cocnerning the essence and function of poetry.
THE TANGIBLE WORLD IN WAR CORRESPONDENCE BY V. BRUSOV
Authors: DANIELYAN ELMIRA
Published: April 2019

The paper deals with V. Brusov’s experience as a war correspondent during World War I. The author considers V.Brusov’s depiction of the combatants’ portraits, clothing, their conversations, as well as the surrounding world and the local residents’ livelihood.
ABOUT THE V. BRUSOV’S TRANSLATIONS OF GEORGE GORDON BYRON’S POEM «DON JUAN»
Authors: BEJANYAN KRISTINE
Published: April 2019

The paper deals with V. Brusov’s translation of a fragment of «Don Juan», a poem by George Gordon Byron, into Russian. The analysis of the strophic and rhythmical constructions, as well as their expression in the Russian translation are presented in the paper. The author of the paper estimates the different variations of the translation discovered in the poet’s manuscripts and their expression in the translation.
TRADITIONS OF POETRY AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY – AT THE TURN OF THE CENTURY: NIKOLAY GUMILYEV – VERA POLOZKOVA
Authors: KISLOVA LARISA , VETOSHKINA MARIA
Published: April 2019

The paper explores the influence of Acmeism aesthetics on modern poetry. It is based on the comparative analyses of ethnically colored poems by Nikolai Gumilyev and the fragments of «The Indian Cycle» by Vera Polozkova, a Russian poetess, in the context of Acmeist artistic strategies.
Evaluation of spent fuel transport cask from the radiological point of view
Authors: Abdelhady A.
Published: April 2019

As a perspective plan to transport the spent fuel of material testing of research reactor (MTR) from the temporary storage to permanent storage, choosing an adequate cask is very important to ensure the safety precautions during the transport process. Latin America cask is one of the transportation cask types may be chosen to transport the spent fuel elements where it was designed to transport the irradiated fuel for MTR and the TRIGA research reactors. Therefore, it must be evaluated from the neutronic, radiological, and thermal points of view. The cask has internal diameter of 60 cm which make it possible to content 21 of spent fuel elements of MTR. This study aims to evaluate dose rate distribution around the cask after loading with 21 of MTR spent fuel elements which have been stored for 5-years as a minimal decay time in the temporary storage. For this, MCNP5 code was used to determine the dose rate in the radial and axial directions around the cask. The results show that the dose rates at the cask surface and at 200 cm from the surface are lower than the permissible transportation limits.
Focus sur l’utilisation des huiles essentielles (HE) en diffusion aérienne. Quoi de nouveau sur la tolérance des HE dans l’air ambiant ?
Authors: Gigon F.
Published: April 2019

Les huiles essentielles (HE) à visée de soins, d’hygiène et de bien-être peuvent faire l’objet d’une diffusion aérienne par l’intermédiaire de différents supports. La question de la tolérance et de la dangerosité des principes aromatiques en suspension dans l’air ambiant demeure un débat récurrent justifié. Les composés organiques volatils (COV) issus des plantes aromatiques, certes actifs sur la biologie, ne peuvent pas être assimilés au COV polluants industriels toxiques d’origine anthropique. L’expérience clinique et surtout une revue de bibliographie actualisée plaident pour la très bonne tolérance et la faible toxicité des HE dans l’espace aérien, à condition de toujours respecter leurs recommandations d’usage bien codifiées.
Naloxone Ameliorates Spatial Memory Deficits and Hyperthermia Induced by a Neurotoxic Methamphetamine Regimen in Male Rats
Authors: Khalifeh Solmaz , Khodamoradi Mehdi , Hajali Vahid , Ghazvini Hamed , Eliasy Lelia , Kheradmand Afshin , Farnia Vahid , Akhtari Javad , Shahveisi Kaveh , Ghalehnoei Hossein
Published: April 2019

Background: Methamphetamine (METH) as a synthetic psychostimulant is being increasingly recognized as a worldwide problem, which may induce memory impairment. On the other hand, it is well established that naloxone, an opiate antagonist, has some beneficial effects on learning and memory. The present research aimed at evaluating naloxone effects on spatial learning and memory impairment triggered by a neurotoxic regimen of METH in male rats. Materials and Methods: The animals received the subcutaneous (sc) regimen of METH (4×6 mg/kg at 2-h intervals), intraperitoneal (ip) naloxone (4×1 mg/kg at 2-h intervals), or normal saline at four events. The Nal-METH group of rats received four naloxone injections (1 mg/kg, ip) 30 min before each METH injection (6 mg/kg, sc) at 2-h intervals. Seven days later, they were evaluated for spatial learning and memory in the Morris Water Maze (MWM) task. Result: METH regimen induced hyperthermia, as well as a poor performance, in the acquisition and retention phases of the task, indicating spatial learning and memory impairment compared to the controls. Naloxone administration (1 mg/kg, ip) before each METH injection led to significant attenuations of both hyperthermia and METH adverse effects on the rat performance in the MWM task. Conclusion: The results revealed that pretreatment with the opiate antagonist naloxone could prevent METH adverse effects on body temperature and memory performance. It seems that the opioidergic system and hyperthermia may, at least partially, be involved in METH effects on spatial memory. [GMJ. 2019;8:e1182]
A Framework for Optimal Attribute Evaluation and Selection in Hesitant Fuzzy Environment Based on Enhanced Ordered Weighted Entropy Approach for Medical Dataset
Authors: Dikshit-Ratnaparkhi A , Bormane D , Ghongade R
Published: April 2019

Background: In this paper, a generic hesitant fuzzy set (HFS) model for clustering various ECG beats according to weights of attributes is proposed. A comprehensive review of the electrocardiogram signal classification and segmentation methodologies indicates that algorithms which are able to effectively handle the nonstationary and uncertainty of the signals should be used for ECG analysis. Extensive research that focuses on incorporating vagueness in the form of fuzzy sets, fuzzy rough sets and hesitant fuzzy sets (HFS) has been in past decades.Objective: The paper aims to develop an enhanced entropy based on the clustering technique for calculating the weights of the attributes to finally generate appropriately clustered attributes.Material and Methods: Finding optimal attributes to make a decision has always been a matter of concern for the researchers. Metrics used for optimal attribute generation can be broadly classified into mutual dependency, similarity, correlation and entropy based metrics in fuzzy domain .The experimentation has been carried out on ECG dataset in a hesitant fuzzy framework with four attributes.Results: We propose a novel correlation based on an algorithm that takes entropy based weighted attributes as input which effectively generates a relevant and non-redundant set of attributes. We have also derived correlation coefficient formulas for HFSs and applied them to clustering analysis under framework of hesitant fuzzy sets. The results show the comparison of the proposed mathematical model with the existing similarity based on algorithms.Conclusion: The selection of optimal relevant attributes certainly highlights the robustness and efficacy of the proposed approach. The entire experimentation and comparative results help us conclude that selection of optimal attributes in hesitant fuzzy domain certainly prove to be a powerful tool in order to express uncertainty in the process of data acquisition and classification.
Vocal Acoustic Measures of Asymptomatic Filipino Young Adults at a Private Tertiary Hospital in Quezon City – A Pilot Study
Authors: Delovino Kirt Areis E. , Casile Ray U. , Hawson Frederick Y.
Published: April 2019

Objective:    To describe the vocal acoustic measures of nonsmoking Filipino young adults without voice complaints at a private tertiary hospital in Quezon City; to determine if our baseline values are distributed normally and comparable to data in similar studies done abroad; and to recommend normative voice parameters which may be used as baseline data in our institution and for comparison in future studies.

Methods:

Design:  Cross-sectional study

Setting: Private tertiary hospital

Participants: A total of 70 subjects were recruited at random.

Results: Values extracted for f0, Jitter %, Jitter dB, Shimmer %, Shimmer dB and NHR showed normal distribution of results. The average vocal acoustic values found in the present study for male voices producing the vowel /a/ were fo = 130.6 ± 13.65Hz, jitter = 0.0.46 % ± 0.184, jitter dB: 37.62dB ± 16.664, shimmer %= 0.23%, shimmer dB=0.23 ± 0.67 and NHR = 0.13 ± 0.010. The average values found for female voices, producing the vowel /a/ were fo = 218.38 ± 26.192Hz, jitter = 0.87% ± 0.61, jitter dB: 34.82 ± 22.5, shimmer %= 2.72 ± 1.07 shimmer dB=0.23db ± 0.67 and NHR = 0.12dB ± 0.016. Values retrieved from this study show similar trends with other papers abroad.

Conclusions: Voice acoustic systems are composed of different recording criteria, recording instrumentations and algorithms which primarily cause the differences in the results obtained in various studies, thus precluding a single normalization. Following international recommendations for individual normalization per institution, we have obtained our own values. Our data was comparable to the results of other international studies. However further investigation is recommended in areas where possibilities of interdialectic variation may produce an effect on the outcome of the study.

Keywords: vocal acoustic measures, computerized speech lab, normative voice parameters
Pyriform Sinus Fistula
Authors: Bickle Ian C.
Published: April 2019

This 17-year-old young man attended the oromaxillofacial (OMF) department of a tertiary surgical center.  He had  attended both local and overseas ENT departments since the age of 5 years.  Previous, but unspecified surgery had been performed as a child, with ongoing problems, since with a discharging sinus on the anterior aspect of the lower left side of the neck.

On clinical examination, several scars were present on the anterior aspect of the neck, and a skin opening was evident in the left para-midline of the lower neck.

Following clinico-radiological discussion a barium swallow was undertaken (Figures 1 and 2).

 

Discussion

A pyriform sinus fistula is an uncommon, but well documented condition.  It is most commonly observed in the pediatric community, usually presenting with an acute neck infection.

The vast majority occur on the left side of the neck, with reports documenting fistula on this side accounting for between 83 and 100%.1, 2  It is highly associated with an underlying congenital 3rd or 4th branchial cyst.

Various imaging modalities have been employed in the identification and characterization of a pyriform sinus fistula.  Barium swallow has been traditionally used and may elegantly illustrate the fistula in a dynamic fashion. However, the tract is not always well demonstrated.  Use of a cross sectional modality (ideally MRI) is essential in identifying; the fistula and its course, any underlying branchial cyst, an associated acute neck infection and whether the thyroid gland is involved.3  Thyroid gland involvement is frequently encountered given the typical course of the fistula.4

Fiberoptic endoscopy is also employed to identify the origin of the fistula in the pyriform sinus and is an important part of the diagnostic process.

Definitive treatment is complete excision of the fistula and any underlying cystic focus.   Alternative methods have been employed with success, including chemo-cauterization and the use of fibrin to close the fistulous tract.5
Rosai-Dorfman Disease Presenting as Recurrent Nasal Polyposis
Authors: Apale Neil Louis L. , Romualdez Joel A. , Rivera Rodolfo E.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To present a case of Rosai-Dorfman disease in an individual with a 14-year history of recurrent nasal polyposis, and discuss its clinical presentation, physical examination, radiologic findings, histopathologic characteristics, and available treatment.

Methods:

            Design: Case Report

            Setting: Tertiary Private Hospital

            Patient: One

Result:  A 26-year-old Filipino diagnosed and repeatedly treated medically and surgically for recurrent nasal polyposis underwent repeat endoscopic sinus surgery. A histopathologic impression of Rosai-Dorfman disease was confirmed by positive S-100 and CD1a negative immunochemistry in conjunction with the morphologic findings.

Conclusion: Rosai-Dorfman disease is a rare entity which should be considered when dealing with recurrent nasal polyposis that is intractable to initial medical and surgical therapies. Histopathologic findings of emperipolesis and immunohistochemical S-100 stains play a key role in the diagnosis, but there is yet no definite treatment for this disease.

Keywords: recurrent nasal polyposis, Rosai-Dorfman disease, emperipolesis, S-100 stain
Diagnostic Value of Computerized Dynamic Posturography in the Assessment of Peripheral Vestibular Disorders
Authors: Soriano Ronaldo G. , David Reylan B. , Martinez Norberto V.
Published: April 2019

Objective: This study aims to determine the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of Computerized Dynamic Posturography (CDP) in properly labeling patients with peripheral vestibular disorders by Videonystagmography (VNG) as having vestibular dysfunction.

Methods:

Study Design: Case - Control Study

Setting: Tertiary Private Hospital

Subjects: Twenty-three (23) patients aged 18 and above, with no history of hypertension or cardiovascular disease and no intake of anti-vertigo medications for at least 48 hours prior to testing, and with complete VNG and CDP results obtained on the same day or at least two days apart were included in the study. Cases were defined as those diagnosed with a peripheral vestibular disorder by VNG while controls were defined as those with normal VNG results. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value of CDP in labeling those with peripheral vestibular disorders as vestibular were determined using VNG as gold standard.

Results: There were 11 cases (4 males, 7 females) and 12 controls (8 males, 4 females). Using VNG as the gold standard for diagnosing peripheral vestibular disorders, CDP had a sensitivity of 45.45% and specificity of 66.67% with Positive Predictive Value(PPV) of 55.56% and Negative Predictive Value(NPV) of 57.14% in assessing peripheral vestibular disorders among the adults tested. Interestingly, 33.33% of patients with normal VNG may actually have had a vestibular dysfunction that could be detected by CDP.

Conclusion:

Prospective studies with larger sample sizes utilizing VNG and CDP are recommended in order to verify our findings.

Keywords: dizziness, posturography, vertigo
Parathyroid Carcinoma Manifesting as Recurrent Nephrolithiasis
Authors: Villalon Ma. Melizza S. , Ureta Celso V.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To present a rare case of primary parathyroid carcinoma and discuss its clinical findings and management.

Methods:

Study Design:             Case Report

Setting:                        Tertiary Government Hospital

Patient:                        One

Results: A 54-year-old woman presented with a 3-year history of recurrent nephrolithiasis despite several courses of shock wave lithotripsy. She had persistent hypercalcemia and parathyroid hormone levels were noted to be elevated. Neck ultrasound showed a hypoechoic solid nodule measuring approximately 1.7 x 1.6 cm in the lateral inferoposterior aspect of the left thyroid lobe. Parathyroid scintigraphy revealed a focal uptake on the left lower thyroidal bed. The patient underwent left inferior parathyroidectomy with subtotal thyroidectomy and isthmusectomy Frozen section reported a parathyroid tumor and the final histopathologic results revealed a parathyroid carcinoma.

Conclusion: A rare case of parathyroid carcinoma was presented, manifesting with recurrent nephrolithiasis. Elevated serum calcium and intact parathyroid hormone (iPTH) can confirm a primary hyperparathyroid problem. Neck ultrasound and parathyroid scintigraphy help in the localization of a parathyroid tumor. Only final histopathologic results can confirm the diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma. Complete surgical excision is the treatment of choice and offers a good prognosis.

Keywords: Parathyroid carcinoma, primary hyperparathyroidism
An Impacted Live Fish in the Oropharynx of an 8-year old Child
Authors: Joson Soraya N. , Almazan Natividad A. , Cruz Melanie Grace Y.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To present an atypical case of a live fish lodged in the throat of a pediatric patient and discuss its management.

Methods:

Study Design:            Case Report   

Setting:                       Tertiary Government Hospital

Subject:                      One

 

Results: An 8-year-old girl swallowed a live fish when she accidentally fell in a body of water. Failed attempts to remove the live fish prompted consult in the emergency room of our hospital, where removal of the foreign body was successfully done using Mixter right angle forceps assisted with a gloved finger. Transient cyanosis and unresponsiveness during extraction was overcome with oxygen by mask, and she regained consciousness. She was allowed to go home as no other untoward events or complications were observed.  

Conclusion:  All ingested foreign bodies, particularly in children, require immediate attention. The survival of patients with upper aerodigestive and airway foreign bodies depends on early recognition and prompt multidisciplinary management.

Keywords: Foreign body, endoscopy, foreign body ingestion, impaction, oropharynx
Inverted Papilloma of the Middle Ear presenting as an Aural Polyp
Authors: Caro Dann Joel C.
Published: April 2019

Objective: To present a rare case of inverted papilloma of the middle ear in a 77-year old man presenting with an external auditory canal polyp of the right ear.

Methods

                          Study Design:          Case Report

                          Setting:                     Tertiary Private Hospital

                          Patient:                    One (1)

Results:             A 77-year old man presenting with external auditory canal mass underwent tympanoplasty with canal wall down mastoidectomy. Histopathologic examination revealed inverted papilloma.

Conclusion: With only 30 cases reported in the literature, inverted papilloma of the middle ear is a rare disease entity that may mimic other benign conditions such as cholesteatoma. It requires further investigation to devise a rational approach to diagnosis and management. Regular post-operative monitoring is essential due to high recurrence and malignant transformation rate, while post-operative radiotherapy remains controversial and requires further investigation.

 

Keywords: Inverted papilloma, cholesteatoma, middle ear
Máquina procesadora de alimentos concentrados: una alternativa rentable para la producción del Cuy
Authors: Artega Noguera Luis Enrique
Published: April 2019

El siguiente artículo presenta un modelo conceptual - analítico, referente al proyecto de diseño y construc- ción de una maquina procesadora de alimentos concentrados para especies menores, para este caso los cuyes; la cual remplaza el proceso manual aplicado por las personas del resguardo de Panán. Esta máqui- na brinda una alternativa para mejorar la crianza de este tipo de animales, al disminuir los tiempos de elaboración y mejorar la conservación del producto. Este equipo cuenta con tres máquinas las cuales son: un molino de martillos, el cual permite obtener harinas de los diferentes granos secos, tales como: maíz, trigo, arroz etc. También implementa una mezcladora, con la que se incorporan otros elementos como la melaza y las harinas secundarias, para tener así una mezcla homogénea. Finalmente, se tiene una peletiza- dora, que le da forma al producto final para el consumo del animal.
20 años de evolución de la desigualdad de ingresos en Ecuador
Authors: Morán Chiquito Diana
Published: April 2019

El objetivo del presente trabajo es realizar un análisis de la evolución de los factores que deter- minan la desigualdad de la distribución del ingreso en la economía ecuatoriana. Con este fin,   se hace un examen de las variables que tienen un impacto importante sobre la dinámica de la desigualdad en la distribución del ingreso, a saber, el nivel de escolaridad, el gasto social y la heterogeneidad estructural.
The Power of Partnerships in Becoming Accountable for the Impact of Teacher Candidates on P-12 Learning
Authors: Pankratz Roger
Published: April 2019

The “Renaissance Partnership”, a consortium of eleven universities and their partner schools, was one of the first twenty-five Teacher Quality Enhancement Projects funded in 1999. The Project’s two primary goals, “to become accountable for the impact of teachergraduates on the students they teach” and “to institutionalize reforms in preparation programs,” to a great extent have been achieved. Successes are attributed to “the power of partnerships.” This paper provides a brief account of the development of the Renaissance Partnership and the struggles to achieve project objectives, a description of project achievements, a third party evaluator’s summary and, finally, a project director’s reflections and conclusions.
Tracing a Journey of Curriculum Redesign in Education
Authors: Britt Judy , Ferguson Christine , Vare Jonatha
Published: April 2019

The phrase “Are we there yet?” is used by travelers, often children who pose the question to gauge the distance and time remaining in a trip. How far have we traveled?  How much longer will it be until we arrive at our destination? This article describes curriculum redesign for our early childhood and elementary education programs at Winthrop University in South Carolina. The details of this journey offer a roadmap of the program revision process that we encountered in our efforts to work toward continuous improvement in teacher education. By working with program faculty from within our college as well as faculty from the College of Arts and Sciences we accomplished our goals for curriculum redesign. As we enter the final phase of this 2-year endeavor, our writing documents the process that we encountered to achieve this goal.
A Co-Requisite Model for Developmental Mathematics
Authors: Atkins Charlene , McCoy Ann
Published: April 2019

The traditional mathematics pre-requisite model creates obstacles for pre-service educators by increasing the number of semesters to graduation.  Extended time results in additional financial burdens for students in developmental courses along with increased risk of student drop out.  Education majors, with little or no room for electives in their programs of study, have been particularly impacted. The pilot of a co-requisite model, involving the collaboration of two academic departments, has proven successful in enhancing students’ academic achievement while addressing social and emotional needs of students.
ATHLETES’ INVOLVEMENT IN DECISION MAKING FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE IN SPORT
Authors: Grigaliūnaitė Ingrida , Eimontas Edvinas
Published: April 2019

Background. Governance is a key component of the effective organization management (Yeh & Taylor,
2008). Therefore, more and more researchers focus on good governance issues. The Initiative – Action for Good
Governance in International Sports Organizations (AGGIS) set down guidelines for good governance, incorporating
democratization processes. One of the growing good governance and its democratization concerns is involvement
of stakeholders, in this case – athletes. Although governance decisions usually affect athletes directly, they have
relatively low decision making power (Thibault, Kihl, & Babiak, 2010). The aim of this research was to highlight
and discuss the importance of athletes’ involvement in decision-making.
Methods. Literature analysis was used to study athletes’ role in organizational decision making and its
evolvement in recent years. Theoretical framework allowed creating a survey with a purpose to assess the current
situation in national sports federations.
Results and conclusions. Literature analysis revealed increasing democratization within sport organizations,
which affects greater involvement of athletes in decision making. Theoretical framework allowed making
recommendations for sports organizations so that they could become more athlete-centred. Although increasing
democratization resulted in greater athletes’ involvement in decisions making, some issues still remain unresolved.
Band Gap Energy in Silicon
Authors: Low Jeremy , Kreider Michael , Pulsifer Drew , Jones Andrew , Gilani Tariq
Published: April 2019

The band gap energy, Eg in silicon was found by exploiting the linear relationship between the temperature and voltage for the constant current in the temperature range of 275 K to 333 K. Within the precision of our experiment, the results obtained are in good agreement with the known value energy gap in silicon. The temperature dependence of Eg for silicon has also been studied.
Traits for predator selection on Pentaclethra macroloba seeds
Authors: Anhalzer Gabriela , Fournier Michelle , O’Connor Tim , Stevenson Louise , Yglesias Mariel
Published: April 2019

Pentaclethra macroloba (Fabaceae: Mimosoidea) is a dominant species of canopy tree in Costa Rica’s Caribbean lowlands, constituting up to 40% of the local tree population in some areas. It has been suggested that P. macroloba’s dominance is due in part to low post-dispersal seed depredation, as few terrestrial seed predators can tolerate the high concentration of toxic alkaloids and free amino acids. Seeds are not immune from depredation, however. Several species of parrots and squirrels have been observed depredating pre-dehiscent legumes and may present selective pressure on P. macroloba recruitment. In this study, we assessed depredation patterns in P. macroloba to (1) determine if predators use legume and seed traits to select food items, (2) determine if such patterns represent an optimal foraging strategy for vertebrate predators, and (3) explore potential consequences of depredation on P. macroloba. Seed depredation was not correlated with legume valve side, legume size, seed number, or seed compartment size, though seeds at the distal end of legumes were more often extracted. Depredation patterns do not indicate that seed predators are foraging optimally and may be quickly satiated due to their low toxicity tolerance the abundance of seeds. Despite a lack of predator selection of various legume and seed characteristics, legume damage caused by depredation may interfere with the explosive dehiscence of P. macroloba and constitute a significant recruitment barrier.
On the Number of Rational Iterated Pre-Images of -1 under Quadratic Dynamical Systems
Authors: Hyde Trevor
Published: April 2019

For the class of functions fc(x)=x^2+c, we prove a conditional bound on the number of rational solutions to fc^N(x) =−1 and make computational conjectures for a bound on the number of rational solutions to fc^N(x)=a fora in a specific subset of the rationals.