bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
In Situ ESWL and ESWL after Push Back for Upper Ureteric Calculi: A Comparative Study
Authors: Islam S , Khan SM , Regmi S , Shameem IA , Chowdhury GM , Alam AKMK
Published: February 2020

This prospective study has been done to compare the results of treatment of uncomplicated upper ureteral calculi by in situ ESWL and ESWL after push back. Ninety consecutive patients with single upper- ureteric stones of < 1 cm in size with no distal obstruction were selected and divided into two groups. Fifty patients in group 1 were treated by in situ ESWL while 40 patients in group 2 were treated by push back followed by ESWL. In the in situ ESWL group, 56% cases were cleared of stone otter l week of first session, 24% cases required second and 10% cases required third sessions for complete clearance of stone. Overall 90% clearance was achieved after 90 days in this group. In the ESWL after push back group, 52.5% cases were cleared of stone after- 1 week of first session, 30% cases required second and 10% cases required third sessions for complete clearance of stone. Overall 92.5% clearance was achieved after 90 days in this group. Although more clearance rate was achieved in ESWL after push back, it was not statistically significant (p>0.05). The number of average ESWL sessions required was 1.54 for stone cm and 1.77 /or stone of l crn in the in situ ESWL group, where as it was 1.46 and 1.48 respectively for stones - / cm and of 1 cm respectively in the ESWL after push back group, however this difference was not statistically significant. More shock wave and energy was needed in the in situ ESWL group than in ESWL after push back group. The mean shock wave was 1994 + 449 for in situ ESWL group and 1757.5 ± 255 for 17S117, after push back group, which was statistically very significant (p<0.01). The mean energy used was 5.07 L 0.81 in the in situ ESWL group and 4.6 0.48 in ESWL after push back group and this difference was also statistically significant (p<0.01). Post procedure complications like loin pain, noninvasive nature of ESWL has a strong appeal to the patients and physicians, and has become the first line treatment option for proximal ureteral stones. Although some urologists claim a higher success rate of ESWL after push back procedure, the invasiveness of the additional ureteral manipulation must be considered 6. On the other hand, in situ ESWL for uncomplicated upper ureteric calculi is appealing because it is noninvasive, requires no anesthesia, low morbidity, low cost and can be performed as an outpatient therapy and offers acceptable results. So, this study has been done to compare the results of treatment of uncomplicated upper ureteral calculi by in situ ESWL and ESWL after push back.
Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 14, No. 2, July 2011 p.51-54
Holmium Laser in Urology-A Review Article
Authors: Islam MS , Rashid H , Waheed S , Rakib MA , Ashif CM
Published: February 2020

Abstract not available
Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 14, No. 2, July 2011 p.58-61
Measures Undertaken for the Management of Obstructive Uropathy in Advanced Carcinoma Cervix
Authors: Ahmed Masud , Awal MA , Rashid MA , Hossain Md Shahadat , Rahman S , Hooda Md Nurul , Ullah ATM Aman , Islam Md sayedul
Published: February 2020

Objectives: To find out the procedures adopted for the management of obstructive Uropathy in advanced Carcinoma cervix and To identify the most excellent option for their management.
Methods: It was a retrospective cross sectional study. Data were collected from patient’s record of Urology outpatient department (OPD) and indoor of Dhaka Medical College Hospital (DMCH) for the year 2010. Patients attended with other causes of obstructive uropathy were excluded.
Results: Total 32 patients were included in this study. Mean age of the patients was 46±6.90 years. All of them were squamous cell carcinoma of stage III & IV disease. About 60% patients received pre-operative radiotherapy for cervical cancer. Twenty three patients underwent retrograde ureteral stenting, 6 patients underwent percutaneous nephrostomy (PCN) and rest 3 underwent cutaneous ureterostomy. Mean pre-operative serum creatinin was 2.68±.24 mg/dl. and post-operatively it dropped to 1.30±.05 mg/dl. which is statistically very much significant. Post-operative hydronephrosis also improved significantly following operations. Difference observed in the improvement of renal function or hydronephrosis among the surgical procedures but it was not statistically significant.
Conclusion: Any of the surgical procedures undertaken for the management of obstructive uropathy due to advanced carcinoma of cervix, provided significant improvement of renal function and hydronephrosis.
Bangladesh Journal of Urology, Vol. 15, No. 1, Jan 2012 p.15-17
Uji Efektivitas Ekstrak Jintan Hitam (Nigella Sativa) Terhadap Pertumbuhan Bakteri Staphylococcus Aureus Pada Medium MHA (Mueller Hinton Agar)
Authors: Makmun Armanto , Surdam Zulfiyah , Gunawan Andi Mufida
Published: February 2020

Indonesia merupakan salah satu negara berkembang yang menghadapi penyakit infeksi. Staphylococcus aureus merupakan patogen utama pada manusia dan hampir setiap orang pernah mengalami infeksi Staphylococcus aureus yang bervariasi dalam beratnya, mulai dari keracunan makanan hingga infeksi kulit ringan sampai berat yang mengancam jiwa. Namun mengingat tingginya angka resistensi antibiotik maka penggunaan tanaman obat sebagai alternatif terapi merupakan pilihan yang lebih aman. Penelitian Ini Bertujuan Mengetahui khasiat ekstrak jintan hitam dalam menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri Staphylococcus aureus. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian experimental post test dengan menggunakan metode disc diffusion untuk melihat bagaimana efektivitas Ekstrak Jintan Hitam (Nigella sativa) sebagai antimikroba terhadap Staphylococcus aureus secara in vitro. Pada ekstrak jintan hitam didapatkan zona hambat yang paling tinggi pada konsentrasi 100% dengan rerata zona hambat sebesar 24 mm, sedangkan zona hambat yang paling rendah yaitu pada konsentrasi 25% dengan rerata zona hambat sebesar 10 mm.Pada kontrol positif menggunakan antibiotik Kloramfenikol didapatkan rerata zona hambat sebesar 30 mm yakni sensitif menghambat pertumbuhan bakteri, sedangkan pada kontrol negatif menggunakan akuades tidak terbentuk zona hambat. Terbentuk daya hambat terhadap bakteri Staphylococcus aureus dengan pemberian ekstrak jintan hitam pada semua konsentrasi.
High-Molecular-Weight HPMA-Based Polymer Drug Carriers for Delivery to Tumor
Authors: KOSTKA L. , ETRYCH T.
Published: February 2020

In this work, design and synthesis of high-molecular-weight N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide-based polymer drug delivery systems tailored for cancer therapy is summarized. Moreover, the influence of their architecture on tumor accumulation and in vivo anti-cancer efficacy is discussed. Mainly, the high-molecular-weight delivery systems, such as branched, grafted, multi-block, star-like or micellar systems, with molecular weights greater than the renal threshold are discussed and reviewed in detail.
Reflexiones sobre minería, pos acuerdo y territorialidad. Relación con los nuevos escenarios del post-acuerdo en Colombia
Authors: Ortiz Posada Jorge Iván
Published: February 2020

La implementación del Acuerdo de Paz, firmado entre el Gobierno de Colombia y las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia, requiere de nuevos escenarios productivos que tengan en cuenta la potencialidad económica de los territorios impactados por la guerra y la vocación económica de estos. La minería en Colombia es una actividad socio-económica que se ejerce en varias subregiones del departamento de Antioquia, Colombia impactadas por el conflicto armado y que puede contribuir a cerrar la brecha de inequidad. La minería mal hecha ha destruido ecosistemas y financiado grupos armados ilegales. Para la etapa de post-acuerdo se proponen proyectos mineros comunitarios autosostenibles en algunos territorios del departamento de Antioquia, Colombia donde tenían presencia las Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia.
El efecto mediador de la norma subjetiva en la relación RSC-warm glow. Una aproximación al análisis de universitarios millennials mejicanos
Authors: Rangel Lyne Lucirene , Ochoa Magda Lizet , Azuela José Ignacio
Published: February 2020

El warm glow se refiere al beneficio percibido, disfrute y satisfacción a partir del consumo socialmente responsable. Existen variables del comportamiento que pueden incrementar el warm glow en culturas colectivistas como Méjico. Una de estas variables es la norma subjetiva. El objetivo del estudio fue confirmar los efectos catalizadores de la norma subjetiva en la relación Responsabilidad Social Corporativa - warm glow. Para ello se encuestó a 337 universitarios millennials mejicanos de una escuela de negocios. Se reprodujo una regresión con mediación que confirma la construcción de un warm glow motivado por la percepción de la Responsabilidad Social Corporativa y la norma subjetiva; siendo esta última la variable mediadora. Los resultados muestran que el poder explicativo de la Responsabilidad Social Corporativa se incrementa mediante la norma subjetiva para explicar el warm glow.
Shevchenko’s theme in legacy of historian and teacher Mykola Storozhenko
Authors: Kharchuk Roxana
Published: February 2020

The paper deals with Shevchenko’s theme in Mykola Storozhenko’s memoirs “From My Life” and in his letters to Panteleimon Kulish. The author of the paper believes that this issue was marginal for the historian, as Storozhenko’s attitude towards the poet was ambivalent. After all, in articles on historical issues, Mykola Storozhenko quoted Shevchenko only once without giving his name.Special attention is paid to the authorship of the paper “An Episode from the Life of T. Shevchenko”, which researchers now attribute to Mykola Storozhenko based on the signature ‘С-кo’. It is noteworthy that he did not mention this episode in his memoirs, writing about dance evenings in Moisivka, as well as in the publication about his grandmother Maria Korsun. While Mykola’s authorship is the most probable, there are some arguments in favor of his brother’s authorship. Andrii Storozhenko signed his publications with the signature ‘C-кo, A.’. He was interested in Shevchenko’s artistic heritage, ancient portraits and understood the importance of Shevchenko for the Ukrainian idea, despite the fact of creating the caricature character of the poet in his work “The Ukrainian Movement”, which is still used by Russian propaganda in its fight against the ‘Ukrainian separatism’. The article also deals with the problem of perceiving Shevchenko as a natural talent without proper education. It is evidenced by the letter of Mykola Storozhenko tо Panteleimon Kulish. The author is inclined to explain the vitality of the thesis about the poet’s ignorance and poor literacy by the dual Russian-Ukrainian identity which was widespread among the contemporary intellectuals of Dnieper Ukraine and rooted in their sense of inferiority.
Childhood in context of history
Authors: Якубовська-Кравчик Катажина
Published: February 2020

The paper focuses on the problem of a childhood immersed in history based on Serhiy Zhadan’s “Boarding School” (“Internat”) and V. Rafeienko’s “Long Days” (“Dovhi dni”), with references to the memories of those who took part in the revolution of dignity collected by Natalia Huk. In traditional literary texts, the image of childhood was typically utopian. In the analyzed works, the presented world of a child is often not perfect. We rather deal with the category of exile from paradise, and often from the area of   child naivety. The young protagonist is forced to confront an alien, brutal world. According to Foucault, “his-tory is a discourse of power”. In these works, the political games and temptation to dominate the world are the phenomena that cause consequences having an impact on the youngest ones. So what is childhood like in the texts covering war and revolution? The authors use child memories as a kind of background against which they can show the present day of their protagonists. It may be an important point of reference, something that accompanies the person until the old age. Childhood narratives are the element that writers use for constructing images of the future, they are a component of internal metanarration guiding the protagonists in the world. In retrospect, the characters begin to perceive childhood as accumulated experiences of various interaction types, the knowledge that even years later shapes their perception of the world. Besides, it brings them closer to the people with whom some kind of memories may be shared. It creates a community. The experience of childhood is shaped by a narrative common to the group regarding it as a norm. In opposition to the oficial history, the authors put the protagonists’ memory first, which is a kind of compass helping them to orient themselves in the ever-changing and not always understandable reality.
Entangled gonzo, violence of representation, and mosaic of national fantasies, or about “ukrainian trilogy” by Ziemowit Szczerek
Authors: Купідура Ришард
Published: February 2020

The aim of this paper is an analysis of the three books by the Polish journalist, writer, and traveler Ziemowit Szczerek: “Mordor will come and eat us” (2013), “Tattoo with Trident” (2015), and “Intermarium” (2017). Due to the presence of themes related to Poland’s eastern neighbor the author of the paper conventionally groups them as “Ukrainian trilogy”. In particular, the paper focuses on the genealogical status of Szczerek’s work, highlights the consequences of writing books about the country with a long and complex history of colonial relations with Poland, and considers an attempt to look at the Ukrainian situation from a supra-regional perspective.

In the case of “Mordor…” the author of the present paper is interested in the still dubious genealogical status of the novel, which, apart from its purely formal role, is also important for determining the writer’s position in relation to the described country. In the collection of reportages “Tattoo with Trident”, the writer gives up the easy strategy of exoticizing Ukraine and proposes his own strategy of domestication, which consists of three principles: a) rationalizing the attitudes of the people described; b) looking for analogies between the Polish and Ukrainian situation; c) introducing autobiographical threads. “Intermarium” is a literary guide to the countries that make up the pseudo-community, because they have a national idea that separates them. The comparison of dreams concerning power in the style of “Let’s make Poland (Hungary, Slovakia, Macedonia, etc.) great again” reveals the illusiveness of such thinking and the hidden imitative character of these fantasies, just like the slogan itself. Szczerek claims that escape from the West taking place in Central Europe resembles a “run of lemmings”, which will end with either a renewed victory of Western ideas in these lands or their gradual falling into the Russian sphere of infuence.
SYNTHESIS AND SPECTRAL CHARACTERISTICS OF PERSPECTIVE NANOSIZED CARBON QUANTUM DOTS FOR ADSORPTION AND CATALYTIC PROCESSES
Authors: Ogenko Volodymyr , Orysyk Svitlana , Kharkova Ljudmila , Yanko Oleg
Published: February 2020

Processes of interaction between carbon quantum dots (CQDs) and solutions of rhodium, ruthenium and palladium chlorides in the surface layer have been investigated by electron and IR spectroscopy. When rhodium chloride is added to a solution of CQDS, a bathochromic shift of the β- and p-absorption bands (ABs) at 48725 and 41711 cm-1 as well as hypsochromic shift of the α-AB at 28935 cm-1 indicate that rhodium adsorption occurs on the surface of CQDs. The bathochromic shift of the absorption bands at 22400 сm1 together with the hypsochromic shift of ABs corresponding to d-d electron transitions in the metal ions indicates the formation of rhodium with CQDs. When ruthenium and palladium chlorides are added to an aqueous solution of CQDs, the intensive of ABs characterizing the complex anions [RuCl6]3-, [RuCl6]2- or [PdCl4]2- are absent in the UV-Vis spectra. This indicates the passage of adsorption processes of metals on the surface of CQDs.  The present of ABs (at 27055 and 25125 сm-1) indicate the trivalent state of ruthenium ion; the p-ABs bathochromic shift as well as α-ABs hypsochromic shift indicates the probable complex formation of CQDs with Ru3+ ions. The change in the position of the absorption bands of d-d electron transitions (at 25448 сm1) together with the bathochromic shift of p-ABs and hypsochromic shift of α-ABs indicates a change in coordination environment in the palladium ion with the possible formation of Pd → N bond. The IR-spectra data of CQDs showed the presence of a number of characteristic ABs for functionalized CQDs: ν(N–H) at 3260 сm1, (C=O) at 1830, 1840 and 1850 сm1, –С=O(NH) at 1770 сm1, ν(C=N) at 1680 and δ(N–H) at 1640 сm1, which confirms the coordination of metals on the surface of CQDs.
Letters from Spain in a Space-time Box: Historical GIS with Timestamped Itineraries for Understanding the Chronotopes of Nineteenth-century Travel Writing
Authors: Afinoguénova Eugenia , Appel Stephen , Ballard Andrea , McGowan Mackenzi
Published: February 2020

This article documents the use of historical GIS with timestamped itineraries to better understand a large multilingual corpus of nineteenth-century travelogues about Spain and their diverse ‘chronotopes’ (meaningful intersections of space and time in a narrative, as defined by Mikhail Bakhtin), which remain unnoticeable when one reads travelogues as traditional literary texts. The authors offer a rationale for using historical maps and GIS with timestamps, discuss the challenges posed by a multilingual historical dataset with partially imprecise or inferred information, and share their approach to overcoming these challenges in data collection, the creation of gazetteer, and timecoding. Despite focusing on travelogues, these tools and approaches are transferable to the visualisation and analysis of other texts in which chronotopes matter.
Spatial Archaeology: Mapping the Ancient Past with the Humanities and the Sciences
Authors: Earley-Spadoni Tiffany , Harrower Michael J.
Published: February 2020

To some, archaeology is best framed as a science, and to others it is envisioned as part of the humanities; but in our view archaeology as a discipline is strongest when it acknowledges the value of and incorporates both scientific and humanistic perspectives. Despite the many successes of scientifically-oriented archaeology, we contend that our discipline cannot achieve its broader aims without the humanities. We illustrate our argument by delineating three research domains – Deep Time Perspectives, Spatial Histories, and Public Engagement – and reviewing recent studies in each that have successfully integrated scientific and humanistic approaches to spatial archaeology.
Organização Popular e Lutas Sociais na Venezuela: Um estudo de caso da Parroquia 23 de Enero
Authors: Bruce Mariana
Published: February 2020

Recebido: 15/10/2019

Aprovado: 27/11/2019

Durante 40 anos, a Venezuela viveu sob um pacto oligárquico. A negligência do Estado em prover os serviços básicos para as classes populares aprofundou os laços de vizinhança nas comunidades que se desdobraram em organizações de base. Em Caracas, a Parroquia 23 de Enero, de caráter marcadamente popular, possui uma tradição de altos índices de organização anteriores ao chavismo que, por sua vez, foram alimentados e redefinidos com a proposta de construção de uma democracia participativa e protagônica a partir da eleição de Chávez e que, hoje, (re)atualiza suas lutas em um contexto pós-chavista de severa crise. Nesse interim, resgato a trajetória de alguns de seus moradores e ativistas com atuação na Parroquia para analisar as nuances desse processo e refletir sobre as dinâmicas materiais, objetivas e subjetivas que subjazem ao processo de transformações e disputas que acompanha o chavismo.

Palavras-chave: democracia, Venezuela, chavismo
O Chavismo implantou o socialismo na Venezuela? um estudo de caso sobre como conceituar economias contemporâneas
Authors: Lemos Walmrath Lucas Lemos Walmrath , De Moraes Wallace
Published: February 2020

Recebido: 15/10/2019

Aprovado: 27/11/2019

Tem sido muito comum jornalistas e cientistas políticos afirmarem que a Venezuela, sob os governos Chávez, era socialista, assumindo acriticamente o conceito de Socialismo do Século XXI. Para problematizar a questão, realizamos a seguinte pesquisa: 1) buscamos por sínteses dos conceitos de socialismo e capitalismo em dicionários especializados de Economia e Ciência Política; 2) resgatamos as concepções de socialismo definidas por Marx e Engels e pela literatura libertária; 3) trouxemos dados econômicos sobre empresas públicas e privadas e a respectiva concentração de sua mão de obra na Venezuela sob a Era Chávez. De acordo com os quais, concluímos que a Venezuela não pode ser enquadrada como uma economia socialista, pois os principais postulados do capitalismo ainda predominam no país caribenho. Por fim, apresentamos o conceito de plutocracia social-democrata de las calles como melhor forma de representar a economia venezuelana sob a governança política de Hugo Chávez.

Palavras-chave: Venezuela; Chavismo; Socialismo; capitalismo; plutocracia social-democrata de las calles.
Ruínas e Memórias de Cuba: Leituras de Reinaldo Arenas e Pedro Juan Gutiérrez a Partir dos Ecos da Revolução
Authors: Veranildo Lopes da Costa Junior José Veranildo Lopes da Costa Junior , Keylla de Albuquerque Thays
Published: February 2020

Recebido: 15/10/2019

Aprovado: 27/11/2019

A literatura latino-americana contemporânea está marcada pela ocorrência de projetos memorialísticos que, dentre outros desdobramentos, revisitam o passado, a partir das escritas de si. Este artigo analisa, brevemente, dois autores cubanos: Reinaldo Arenas, com a obra Antes que anoiteça (1992), e Pedro Juan Gutierréz com Trilogia Suja de Havana (1998). O objetivo é refletir sobre como a literatura narra as ruínas e as memórias do regime de Fidel Castro, no contexto da década de 1990, e como cada um desses autores reconstrói esse período histórico a partir de memórias individuais e coletivas.

Palavras-chave: Literatura cubana. Reinaldo Arenas. Pedro Juan Gutiérrez.
Assessing the Potential of Extra-Early Maturing Landraces for Improving Tolerance to Drought, Heat, and Both Combined Stresses in Maize
Authors: Nelimor Charles , Badu-Apraku Baffour , Tetteh Antonia Yarney , Garcia-Oliveira Ana Luísa , N’guetta Assanvo Simon-Pierre
Published: February 2020

Maize landrace accessions constitute an invaluable gene pool of unexplored alleles that can be harnessed to mitigate the challenges of the narrowing genetic base, declined genetic gains, and reduced resilience to abiotic stress in modern varieties developed from repeated recycling of few superior breeding lines. The objective of this study was to identify extra-early maize landraces that express tolerance to drought and/or heat stress and maintain high grain yield (GY) with other desirable agronomic/morpho-physiological traits. Field experiments were carried out over two years on 66 extra-early maturing maize landraces and six drought and/or heat-tolerant populations under drought stress (DS), heat stress (HS), combined both stresses (DSHS), and non-stress (NS) conditions as a control. Wide variations were observed across the accessions for measured traits under each stress, demonstrating the existence of substantial natural variation for tolerance to the abiotic stresses in the maize accessions. Performance under DS was predictive of yield potential under DSHS, but tolerance to HS was independent of tolerance to DS and DSHS. The accessions displayed greater tolerance to HS (23% yield loss) relative to DS (49% yield loss) and DSHS (yield loss = 58%). Accessions TZm-1162, TZm-1167, TZm-1472, and TZm-1508 showed particularly good adaptation to the three stresses. These landrace accessions should be further explored to identify the genes underlying their high tolerance and they could be exploited in maize breeding as a resource for broadening the genetic base and increasing the abiotic stress resilience of elite maize varieties.
Potential Applications of NRF2 Modulators in Cancer Therapy
Authors: Panieri Emiliano , Buha Aleksandra , Telkoparan-Akillilar Pelin , Cevik Dilek , Kouretas Demetrios , Veskoukis Aristidis , Skaperda Zoi , Tsatsakis Aristidis , Wallace David , Suzen Sibel , Saso Luciano
Published: February 2020

The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2)–Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1) regulatory pathway plays an essential role in protecting cells and tissues from oxidative, electrophilic, and xenobiotic stress. By controlling the transactivation of over 500 cytoprotective genes, the NRF2 transcription factor has been implicated in the physiopathology of several human diseases, including cancer. In this respect, accumulating evidence indicates that NRF2 can act as a double-edged sword, being able to mediate tumor suppressive or pro-oncogenic functions, depending on the specific biological context of its activation. Thus, a better understanding of the mechanisms that control NRF2 functions and the most appropriate context of its activation is a prerequisite for the development of effective therapeutic strategies based on NRF2 modulation. In line of principle, the controlled activation of NRF2 might reduce the risk of cancer initiation and development in normal cells by scavenging reactive-oxygen species (ROS) and by preventing genomic instability through decreased DNA damage. In contrast however, already transformed cells with constitutive or prolonged activation of NRF2 signaling might represent a major clinical hurdle and exhibit an aggressive phenotype characterized by therapy resistance and unfavorable prognosis, requiring the use of NRF2 inhibitors. In this review, we will focus on the dual roles of the NRF2-KEAP1 pathway in cancer promotion and inhibition, describing the mechanisms of its activation and potential therapeutic strategies based on the use of context-specific modulation of NRF2.
Study on Pricing Mechanism of Cooling, Heating, and Electricity Considering Demand Response in the Stage of Park Integrated Energy System Planning
Authors: Yu Hang , Liu Zhiyuan , Li Chaoen , Liu Rui
Published: February 2020

With the opening of the Chinese electricity market, as a retailer that provides energy services to consumers, the park-integrated energy system (PIES) not only serves as an effective way to earn benefits and reduce carbon emissions but also impacts the energy consumption characteristics of consumers. The PIES implements this function by adjusting the energy selling price in free energy markets. The pricing mechanism model (P-M model) is established to obtain the energy selling price in the planning and design stages. In this model, the impact of the demand response on the energy configuration and the impact of the changes in energy configuration on the energy cost price are both considered. Additionally, the optimal result ensures that both the consumers and the PIES benefit simultaneously. The reactive demand response zone, which represents a consumer trap, is found in numerical studies. The results indicate the following: (1) from the perspective of P-M model optimization, the benefit exclusive point of the PIES is the optimal solution in the short term; (2) from the perspective of the long-term benefit, the ultimate result in the relationship between the PIES and consumers is that the PIES will share its profits with consumers; in other words, benefit sharing point is the optimal solution for the long term.
Detecting Mixed-Type Intrusion in High Adaptability Using Artificial Immune System and Parallelized Automata
Authors: Chou Fu-I , Ho Wen-Hsien , Chen Yenming J. , Tsai Jinn-Tsong , Chang Chia-Wen
Published: February 2020

This study applies artificial immune system and parallelized finite-state machines to construct an intrusion detection algorithm for spotting hidden threats in massive number of packets. Existing intrusion detections are mostly not focused on adaptability for mixed and changing attacks, which results in low detection rate in new and mixed-type attacks. Using the characteristics of artificial immune and state transition can address the attacks in evolutionary patterns and track the anomalies in nonconsecutive packets. The proposed immune algorithm in this study is highly efficient based on a selection step in multi-island migration. Result shows that the algorithm can effectively detect mixed-type attacks and obtains an overall accuracy of 95.9% in testing data.
Damping and Natural Period Evaluation of Tall RC Buildings Using Full-Scale Data in Korea
Authors: Ha Taehyu , Shin Seung-Hoon , Kim Hongjin
Published: February 2020

In recent years, the main usage of reinforced concrete (RC) structures in Korea has shifted from low-rise residential and commercial buildings to high-rise buildings. Because an increasing number of high-rise RC buildings are being built, especially in coastal cities, which are periodically hit by typhoons, wind-induced motion and the corresponding serviceability issues have attracted considerable attention. Natural period and damping ratio are the most important factors for estimating the design wind load and wind-induced response in the design of tall buildings. However, the Korean Building Code (KBC 2009) does not specify empirical formulae for estimating the natural period and damping ratio for wind design, unlike seismic design. In this study, the damping ratio and natural period of existing concrete buildings in Korea are measured and compared to those obtained using the formulae provided in various codes and research works. Furthermore, design formulae for estimating natural frequency and damping ratio for wind design are proposed based on the measured data. For this purpose, ambient vibration measurement is performed for 58 RC buildings with heights of 24.2–305 m.
Angular Dependence of Photonic Crystal Coupled to Photovoltaic Solar Cell
Authors: Delgado-Sanchez J. M. , Lillo-Bravo I.
Published: February 2020

Photonic crystals have the advantage of minimizing thermal losses from solar cells, reflecting the solar radiation that is not absorbed by the photovoltaic device. To optimize this optical response, photonic crystals are designed considering the relative position of the Bragg peak and the bandgap of the solar cell, under normal incident irradiation conditions. The aim of this research article was to determine experimentally the optical limits of a solar cell coupled to a photonic crystal acting as beam splitter. For that purpose, the photovoltaic system was characterized under indoor and outdoor conditions; angular dependence of the irradiation source was determined in each case, and both results were compared with good agreement. Moreover, other parameters such as irradiation spectrum and polarization of the light were investigated. The main conclusion is that photovoltaic performance is highly affected by the Bragg peak shifting and the profile is distorted, due to the angular dependence with the sun. These experimental limits must be considered at the early design stage to avoid performance losses.
Ground Reaction Forces Generated by Runners—Harmonic Analyses and Modelling
Authors: Pańtak Marek
Published: February 2020

Building structures carrying pedestrian traffic, e.g., footbridges, long-span floors and long cantilevered platforms projecting outwards from the walls (long balconies), can be susceptible to the dynamic influence of its users. One type of dynamic action that can occur on these structures is the dynamic action of people running. The main aim of this paper is to present the results of the harmonic analyses and mathematical models of two types of ground reaction forces (GRFs) generated by people applying different running techniques, i.e., forefoot- and heel-strike (rearfoot) running technique. The analyses of the GRFs were performed on the basis of the results of laboratory tests of running people and concern the vertical component of the ground reaction forces (VGRFs) generated by runners. The harmonic analyses were performed using Fourier transform. The results of the study show the main features and differences between forces generated by forefoot- and heel-strike runners. Data obtained for various running styles allowed the development of a load model proposal for the VGRFs generated by heel-strike runners. The results of the VGRF parameterization and the proposed new VGRF model allow the VGRFs generated by forefoot and heel-strike runners to be accurately estimated in the case of normal running pace (recreational running). The application of the presented results allows improvements to the accuracy of determining the dynamic response of structures induced by runners.
Methods for the Assessment of Critical Properties in Existing Masonry Structures under Seismic Loads—The ARES Project
Authors: Stepinac Mislav , Kisicek Tomislav , Renić Tvrtko , Hafner Ivan , Bedon Chiara
Published: February 2020

Masonry structures are notoriously vulnerable to horizontal actions caused by earthquakes. Given the high seismicity of the European region, and that the European building stock comprises a lot of masonry buildings, knowledge about their structural response to seismic excitation is particularly important, but at the same time difficult to determine, due to the heterogenous nature of materials and/or constructional techniques in use. An additional issue is represented by the current methods for mechanical properties assessment, that do not provide a reliable framework for accurate structural estimations of existing buildings characterized by different typological properties. Every structure, in other words, should be separately inspected in regard to its mechanical behaviour, based on dedicated approaches able to capture potential critical issues. In this review paper, an insight on the Croatian ARES project is presented (Assessment and Rehabilitation of Existing Structures), including a state-of-the-art of the actual building stock and giving evidence of major difficulties concerning the assessment of existing structures. The most commonly used techniques and tools are compared, with a focus on their basic features and field of application. A brief overview of prevailing structural behaviours and Finite Element numerical modelling issues are also mentioned. As shown, the general tendency is to ensure “sustainable” and energy-efficient building systems. The latter, however, seem in disagreement with basic principles of structural maintenance and renovation. The aim of the ongoing ARES project, in this context, is to improve the current knowledge regarding the assessment and strengthening of structures, with a focus on a more reliable design and maintenance process for existing masonry buildings.
Comparative Ergot Alkaloid Elaboration by Selected Plectenchymatic Mycelia of Claviceps purpurea through Sequential Cycles of Axenic Culture and Plant Parasitism
Authors: Mantle Peter
Published: February 2020

Ergot alkaloids have an established place in plant pathology and toxicology. As pharmaceuticals, their sourcing is via natural or managed agricultural occurrence of sclerotia of Claviceps purpurea (Fr.) Tul. or through industrial fermentation processes with other Claviceps. The key factor for biosynthesis is differentiation of a particular mycelial anatomy. Previous study of these fungi from two disparate English grass genera, Spartina and Phragmites, has shown that only mycelia expressing a plectenchymatic sclerotium-like anatomy in specific axenic culture conditions elaborated ergot alkaloids, and then only as far as lysergic acid. The present report describes sequential cycles of axenic and parasitic cultivation for wild isolates from Dactylis and Alopecurus with intervention of a single ascospore step. This confirms the homozygous character of C. purpurea and defines several potential experimental axenic and parasitic conditions within the species for comparing genomic aspects of partial or full biosynthesis of cyclic tri-peptide alkaloids. Whereas Alopecurus ergot isolates readily parasitized rye, use of Dactylis isolates as inoculum for rye ovaries failed to cause the usual sphacelial fructification but supported growth of exceptionally thin sclerotia, sometimes two in a floret, with low alkaloid content attributed to reduced medullary component. However, after two cycles of axenic and rye-parasitic cultivation, and consistent re-selection of the plectenchymatic character in axenic mycelia, typical growth of ergot sclerotia occurred on rye. Caution thus seems necessary in tests for putative host specificity in any taxonomic realignments within the classical concept of C. purpurea. A Dactylis ergot isolate was also uniquely shown to parasitise the plumule of germinating rye seeds confirming the susceptibility of apical tissues. A key biosynthetic feature of a mycelial glyceride oil, rich in ricinoleic acid, as a prelude to axenic and parasitic formation of ergot alkaloids by C. purpurea is emphasised.
A Review of PHIL Testing for Smart Grids—Selection Guide, Classification and Online Database Analysis
Authors: García-Martínez Eduardo , Sanz José Francisco , Muñoz-Cruzado Jesús , Perié Juan Manuel
Published: February 2020

The Smart Grid is one of the most important solutions to boost electricity sharing from renewable energy sources. Its implementation adds new functionalities to power systems, which increases the electric grid complexity. To ensure grid stability and security, systems need flexible methods in order to be tested in a safe and economical way. A promising test technique is Power Hardware-In-the-Loop (PHIL), which combines the flexibility of Hardware-In-the-Loop (HIL) technique with power exchange. However, the acquisition of PHIL components usually represents a great expense for laboratories and, therefore, the setting up of the experiment involves making hard decisions. This paper provides a complete guideline and useful new tools for laboratories in order to set PHIL facilities up efficiently. First, a PHIL system selection guide is presented, which describes the selection process steps and the main system characteristics needed to perform a PHIL test. Furthermore, a classification proposal containing the desirable information to be obtained from a PHIL test paper for reproducibility purposes is given. Finally, this classification was used to develop a PHIL test online database, which was analysed, and the main gathered information with some use cases and conclusions are shown.
SEEK: A Framework of Superpixel Learning with CNN Features for Unsupervised Segmentation
Authors: Ilyas Talha , Khan Abbas , Umraiz Muhammad , Kim Hyongsuk
Published: February 2020

Supervised semantic segmentation algorithms have been a hot area of exploration recently, but now the attention is being drawn towards completely unsupervised semantic segmentation. In an unsupervised framework, neither the targets nor the ground truth labels are provided to the network. That being said, the network is unaware about any class instance or object present in the given data sample. So, we propose a convolutional neural network (CNN) based architecture for unsupervised segmentation. We used the squeeze and excitation network, due to its peculiar ability to capture the features’ interdependencies, which increases the network’s sensitivity to more salient features. We iteratively enable our CNN architecture to learn the target generated by a graph-based segmentation method, while simultaneously preventing our network from falling into the pit of over-segmentation. Along with this CNN architecture, image enhancement and refinement techniques are exploited to improve the segmentation results. Our proposed algorithm produces improved segmented regions that meet the human level segmentation results. In addition, we evaluate our approach using different metrics to show the quantitative outperformance.
Frequency of Planets in Binaries
Authors: Bonavita Mariangela , Desidera Silvano
Published: February 2020

The frequency of planets in binaries is an important issue in the field of extrasolar planet studies because of its relevance in the estimation of the global planet population of our galaxy and the clues it can give to our understanding of planet formation and evolution. Multiple stars have often been excluded from exoplanet searches, especially those performed using the radial velocity technique, due to the technical challenges posed by such targets. As a consequence and despite recent efforts, our knowledge of the frequency of planets in multiple stellar systems is still rather incomplete. On the other hand, the lack of knowledge about the binarity at the time of the compilation of the target samples means that our estimate of the planet frequency around single stars could be tainted by the presence of unknown binaries, especially if these objects have a different behavior in terms of planet occurrence. In a previous work we investigated the binarity of the objects included in the Uniform Detectability sample defined by Fisher and Valenti (2005), showing how more than 20% of their targets were, in fact, not single stars. Here, we present an update of this census, made possible mainly by the information now available thanks to the second Gaia Data Release. The new binary sample includes a total of 313 systems, of which 114 were added through this work. We were also able to significantly improve the estimates of masses and orbital parameters for most of the pairs in the original list, especially those at close separations. A few new systems with white dwarf companions were also identified. The results of the new analysis are in good agreement with the findings of our previous work, confirming the lack of difference in the overall planet frequency between binaries and single stars but suggesting a decrease in the planet frequency for very close pairs.
From SN 2010da to NGC 300 ULX-1: Ten Years of Observations of an Unusual High Mass X-Ray Binary in NGC 300
Authors: Binder Breanna A. , Carpano Stefania , Heida Marianne , Lau Ryan
Published: February 2020

In May 2010, an intermediate luminosity optical transient was discovered in the nearby galaxy NGC 300 by a South African amateur astronomer. In the decade since its discovery, multi-wavelength observations of the misnamed “SN 2010da” have continually reshaped our understanding of this high mass X-ray binary system. In this review, we present an overview of the multi-wavelength observations and attempt to understand the 2010 transient event, and later, the reclassification of this system as NGC 300 ULX-1: a red supergiant + neutron star ultraluminous X-ray source.
Radio Galaxies at TeV Energies: Preface
Authors: Glawion Dorit
Published: February 2020

The majority of the known extragalactic sky from TeV gamma-ray energies consists of blazars having plasma jets pointing in the direction of the line-of-sight, which results in a large Doppler boosting of their emission. Up to now, only six galaxies with a larger viewing angle have been detected in the TeV range. These objects also show fascinating properties, such as fast variability or spectral features and are called “radio galaxies”. The TeV radio galaxies provide a unique laboratory for studying key aspects of active galactic nuclei. This Special Issue of Galaxies targets these exciting objects.
Cognitive Intervention with Musical Stimuli Using Digital Devices on Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Pilot Study
Authors: Han Eunyoung , Park Jinse , Kim Haeyu , Jo Geunyeol , Do Hwan-Kwon , Lee Byung In
Published: February 2020

The effect of music therapy on cognitive function has been widely reported; however, its clinical implications remain controversial. Performing therapeutic musical activities in groups using individualized instruments can help overcome the issues of engagement and compliance. We aimed to evaluate the effect of a cognitive intervention with musical stimuli using digital devices on mild cognitive impairment (MCI). In this prospective study, 24 patients with MCI (intervention group, 12; and control group, 12) were enrolled. We developed an electronic device with musical instruments and the Song-based Cognitive Stimulation Therapy protocol (SongCST). Patients in the intervention group underwent a 10-week cognitive intervention involving musical stimuli generated by our device. Effect of the intervention on cognitive function was evaluated by the Mini-Mental State Examination-Dementia Screening (MMSE-DS), Montreal Cognitive Assessment-Korean (MOCA-K), and Clinical Dementia Rating Scale Sum of Boxes (CDR-SOB). In the intervention group, MMSE-DS and MOCA-K scores improved significantly after the 10-week intervention. The changes in MOCA-K and CDR-SB scores were significantly different between the intervention and control groups. Our study showed that music therapy with digital devices has a positive effect on the executive function and overall disease severity in patients with MCI. Our study can facilitate individualization of music therapy using digital devices in groups.
Boron Chemistry for Medical Applications
Authors: Ali Fayaz , S Hosmane Narayan , Zhu Yinghuai
Published: February 2020

Boron compounds now have many applications in a number of fields, including Medicinal Chemistry. Although the uses of boron compounds in pharmacological science have been recognized several decades ago, surprisingly few are found in pharmaceutical drugs. The boron-containing compounds epitomize a new class for medicinal chemists to use in their drug designs. Carboranes are a class of organometallic compounds containing carbon (C), boron (B), and hydrogen (H) and are the most widely studied boron compounds in medicinal chemistry. Additionally, other boron-based compounds are of great interest, such as dodecaborate anions, metallacarboranes and metallaboranes. The boron neutron capture therapy (BNCT) has been utilized for cancer treatment from last decade, where chemotherapy and radiation have their own shortcomings. However, the improvement in the already existing (BPA and/or BSH) localized delivery agents or new tumor-targeted compounds are required before realizing the full clinical potential of BNCT. The work outlined in this short review addresses the advancements in boron containing compounds. Here, we have focused on the possible clinical implications of the new and improved boron-based biologically active compounds for BNCT that are reported to have in vivo and/or in vitro efficacy.
Two New Sturgeon Species are Susceptible to Acipenser Iridovirus European (AcIV-E) Infection
Authors: Mugetti Davide , Pastorino Paolo , Menconi Vasco , Messina Margherita , Masoero Loretta , Ceresa Luisa , Pedron Claudio , Prearo Marino
Published: February 2020

We report the first case of Acipenser iridovirus European (AcIV-E) infection in starry sturgeon (Acipenser stellatus) and in sterlet (A. ruthenus) reared in Northern Italy. During 2018, mortality began in A. stellatus and A. ruthenus specimens reared in co-habitation with Russian sturgeon positive for AcIV-E. Molecular analyses were done on the gills to amplify a fragment of the major capsid protein (MCP) gene using real-time PCR against AcIV-E. DNA of the positive samples was further sequenced and phylogenetic analyses were performed. The MCP gene sequences were highly similar to a virus previously identified in Italy (nucleotide identities between 99.38% and 99.69%). Phylogenetic analysis confirmed our hypothesis of passage of the virus from the infected Russian sturgeon. The detection of AcIV-E in new species of the Acipenseridae family may impact on sturgeon production, with relevant economic losses.