bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Biotin Interference in Clinical Immunoassays
Authors: Colon Paula Jenkins , Greene Dina N
Published: July 2018

Background

Shifts in consumer behavior and clinical practice have increased reports of biotin interference in immunoassays that incorporate biotin–streptavidin linkages in their design. This rise has significant implications because immunoassays are used to measure a wide range of analytes across medical specialties. The objective of this article was to review the mechanisms of biotin interference, define the scope of affected immunoassays, and summarize strategies for identifying and minimizing biotin interference in clinical samples.

Content

The literature was reviewed for reports of biotin interference and sorted by manufacturer. Abstracts from recent scientific meetings and manufacturer-provided data were also reviewed.

Immunoassays across a range of different manufacturer platforms are subject to interference by exogenous biotin supplementation. Providers and laboratorians must be aware of this potential interference to avoid patient harm.
Long-Term Stability of 18 Nutritional Biomarkers Stored at −20 °C and 5 °C for up to 12 Months
Authors: Chen Huiping , Sternberg Maya R , Schleicher Rosemary L , Pfeiffer Christine M
Published: July 2018

Background

Consistent information on long-term storage stability for a broad range of nutritional biomarkers is lacking. We investigated the stability of 18 biomarkers stored at suboptimal temperatures (−20 °C and 5 °C) for up to 12 months.

Methods

Multiple vials of serum or whole blood pools (3 concentrations) were stored at −20 °C or 5 °C, removed from the −20 °C freezer after 3, 6, 9, and 12 months and from the 5 °C refrigerator after 6 and 12 months, and placed into a −70 °C freezer until analysis at study completion. Vials stored continuously at −70 °C were used as the reference condition for optimal storage. We measured 18 biomarkers: 4 iron status, 1 inflammation, 8 water-soluble vitamin, and 5 fat-soluble vitamin. For each temperature, we calculated geometric mean concentrations and average percent changes of geometric means across pools relative to the reference condition estimated from a linear mixed model.

Results

Most biomarkers (13 of 18) showed no difference in concentration after 12 months of storage at −20 °C. Serum ferritin (1.5%), soluble transferrin receptor (−1.7%), and folate (−10.5%) showed small to moderate significant changes at 6 months, but changes were acceptable based on biologic variability. Serum pyridoxal-5′-phosphate (−18.6% at 9 months) and vitamin C (−23% at 6 months) showed large and unacceptable changes at −20 °C. All serum fat-soluble vitamins and iron status indicators, vitamin B12, total homocysteine, and methylmalonic acid showed acceptable changes when stored at 5 °C for up to 12 months.

Conclusions

Overall, we found good long-term stability for multiple nutritional biomarkers stored at suboptimal temperatures.
Creatividad en publicidad. Del impacto al comparto
Authors: Llorente-Barroso Carmen
Published: July 2018

El texto que se reseña se focaliza en la creatividad publicitaria, orientándose a un público muy diverso con especial interés por este particular objeto de estudio. Con una estructura limpia y clara hace un recorrido por las líneas de investigación que tradicionalmente se han aplicado al estudio de la creatividad, pero focalizadas específicamente en materia publicitaria. Sujeto, proceso, producto y entorno creativos se convierten en los encabezados de los cuatro apartados temáticos de esta obra, que condensa, en 17 capítulos, perfectivas muy interesantes sobre aspectos concretos de la creatividad publicitaria.
A Longitudinal Study of the Pastures Grazed and Body Condition Scores of Pony Club Horses In one Region of Australia
Authors: Buckley Petra , Morton John , Buckley David , Coleman Glen
Published: July 2018

A cohort of Pony Club horses was observed for 13 months with data collected from owner-kept diaries and monthly property visits. All horses studied had access to pasture for all or part of the day. Whilst paddock size was seldom limiting, pasture degradation was evident and observed pasture mass and composition varied greatly. Horses’ body weight indices and body condition scores also varied greatly, closely matching seasonal variations in pasture mass. Increments in bodyweight varied in a non-linear fashion with body condition score. Most horses experienced additional year-round hand-fed supplementation and half of the study horses recorded body condition scores greater than 3.5 out of 5. This suggests that the owners of Pony Club horses did not rely on pasture as the sole source of nutrition, even though, based on estimated energy demands, well-managed pasture can meet the energy requirements of Pony Club horses. Furthermore, the fact that owners appeared not to make horse feeding decisions based on body condition score resulting in obesity, raises health and welfare concerns due to obesity related health disorders in Pony Club horses. The inappropriate feeding of supplements observed during times of high pasture growth was a concern.

Whilst the ideal pasture for Pony Club horses has not been described, it is likely to differ to those considered ideal for broodmares and other livestock because of these unique health risks associated with high levels of non-structural carbohydrate content in improved pasture species. This study highlights the need to educate owners about recognising unhealthy body conditions of horses and better managing pastures and pasture access to reduce the risk of obesity related disorders, whilst at the same time reducing pasture degradation and supplemental feed costs
Experimental Study on Arcing Effects to Contact Materials in 270V dc
Authors: Zhu Q. C. , Li Z. B. , Wei J. , Liu Z. X. , Huang J. , Zhang D. D. , Hasegawa M.
Published: July 2018

As supply DC voltage levels in automobiles, aviation and aerospace are becoming higher, high voltage and large capacity compact DC electromagnetic relays or contactors are becoming more important. In this paper, experiments were conducted at DC 270V/100 A in air and nitrogen, respectively, with CuCr40, CuCr45, CuCr50, CuW60, CuW70 and CuW90 as contact materials. Welding resistance (corresponding to electrical contact life), contact erosion and breaking arc durations were measured, and the obtained results were discussed.
Device for Protection Against Transient and Temporary Overvoltage Including Limitation of the Specific Energy
Authors: Ehrhardt A. , Bühler K.
Published: July 2018

An arrangement is presented which ensures protection against transient and line frequency overvoltage and limits the load on the consumer to a minimum even in case of transient currents. The arrangement consists of a special arrester in the shunt circuit, a fast switch in the series circuit as well as a control and measuring device. The design, mode of operation and parameters of the components of the arrangement are described based on different loads. The protective effect is discussed.
The role of neuroinflammation in the pathogenesis of epilepsy
Authors: Lipatova L. V. , Serebryanaya N. B. , Sivakova N. A.
Published: July 2018

Over the past decade, there has been a large amount of evidence indicating neuroendocrine, biochemical, and immune disorders in many acute and chronic central nervous system (CNS) diseases,  including epilepsy, which made the authors consider the  inflammatory theory of epileptogenesis. The chronic inflammatory  process in epilepsy is believed to be facilitated by the activation of  microglia and astrogliosis, which are accompanied by neuronal  damage. The main postulate of this type of investigation is the  assumption that the basis for CNS inflammation is blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage. Cytokines are presumed to play the  greatest role in this process, mainly because they are natural pro-  and anticonvulsants.

Patients and methods. Examinations were made in 160 patients with epilepsy (drug-resistant epilepsy (n = 80) and controlled epilepsy (n = 80)) and 30 apparently healthy donors. The blood and  cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) levels of the cytokines interleukin (IL)-1β,  IL-2, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), IL-1 receptor  antagonist (IL-1RA), soluble IL-2 receptor (sIL-2R), brain- derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), S100b protein, С-reactive  protein (CRP), and albumins were analyzed using a solid-phase  enzyme-linked immunoabsorbent assay. Statistical analysis was performed using Student’s t-test and Mann-Whitney U-test.  Differences at p <0.05 were regarded as statistically significant.

Results and discussion.The investigation showed that the patients with epilepsy had a substantially impaired plasma cytokine profile: higher levels of proinflammatory cytokines, such as Il-1β, IL-8, and  TNF, and a lower concentration of IL-1 RA. The elevated CSF levels of the cytokines Il-1β and IL8 in patients with epilepsy suggest that  BBB is impaired and a systemic inflammatory process exists while  the absence of IL-1RA indicates that protective inflammation factors  in blood and CSF are reduced.
Difficulties in the differential diagnosis of epileptic and hypocalcemic seizures in children and adolescents
Authors: Shchederkina I. O. , Orlova K. A. , Koltunov I. E. , Orlova E. M. , Korneev D. Yu. , Vykhristyuk O. F.
Published: July 2018

Epileptic seizures require differential diagnosis with other paroxysmal conditions, including metabolic seizures. A variety of electrolyte changes can result in central nervous system dysfunction, including that as convulsive seizures. The paper describes electrolyte disorders leading to seizures, as well as their clinical features. It separately presents the  syndromes accompanied by hypocalcemia, in which there may be  convulsive paroxysms. The paper describes three clinical cases of  hypocalcemic seizures. It gives recommendations for the diagnosis and  management of patients with suspected metabolic seizures.
Interior Subgrup Fuzzy
Authors: Abdurrahman Saman
Published: July 2018

Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah memperkenalkan konsep interior fuzzy subgrup (interior subgroup) dalam grup dan menyelidiki beberapa sifat yang terkait.

[The aim of this paper is to introduce the notion of fuzzy interior subgroup (interior subgroup) in a group and investigate some related properties.]
Model Matriks Leslie dengan Strategi Pemanenan pada Kelompok Umur Termuda pada Angka Kesuburan dan Harapan Hidup Populasi Domba Betina
Authors: Anggreini Dewi
Published: July 2018

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk Menentukan nilai eigen positif dan vektor eigen pada matriks Leslie dengan pemanenan pada kelompok umur termuda (Harvesting the youngest class) dan Mengetahui kebijaksanaan pemanenan dari masing-masing kelompok umur populasi domba betina saat pemanenan tiap tahun. Metode riset yang digunakan  pada Tahap pertama adalah menentukan subjek penelitian dan Tahap Kedua adalah (1) mengumpulkan data penelitian (2) analisis data menggunakan apliaksi MAPLE dan terakhir menarik kesimpulan. Data penelitian ini diperoleh dari sekunder yaitu pertumbuhan populasi domba betina dalam periode 1 tahun yang populasinya dibagi menjadi 12 interval umur berdasarkan angka kesuburan dan harapan hidup. Parameter yang digunakan adalah nilai eigen dan vektor eigen matriks Leslie dengan pemanenan pada kelompok umur termuda. Hasil peneltian menunjukkan bahwa Nilai eigen positif pada matriks Leslie dengan pemanenan berdasarkan perhitungan aplikasi MAPLE adalah sebesar = 1,177., Diperoleh Vektor eigen matriks Leslie dengan pemanenan pada kelompok umur termuda pada masing-masing interval umur. Kebijaksanaan pemanenan dari masing-masing kelompok umur populasi domba betina saat pemanenan tiap tahun adalah sebesar 17,9%. Jadi, kebijaksanaan pemanenan kelompok umur yang termuda adalah sebesar 17,9% yaitu 179 ekor setiap tahun dari 1000 populasi domba betina.

[This study aims to determine the positive eigenvalues ​​and eigenvectors of Leslie matrix by harvesting in the youngest age group (Harvesting the youngest class) and know the harvesting policy of each age group of sheep population at harvest each year. The research method used in the first phase is to determine the subject of research and Phase Two is (1) to collect research data (2) data analysis using MAPLE application and last draw conclusion. The data of this study were obtained from the secondary growth of female sheep population in a period of 1 year whose population was divided into 12 age intervals based on fertility rate and life expectancy. The parameters used were eigenvalues ​​and eigenvectors of Leslie matrix with harvesting in the youngest age group. The result of the research shows that the positive eigenvalue of Leslie matrix by harvesting based on MAPLE application calculation is equal to  = 1,177, obtained by Leslie matrix eigenvector by harvesting in the youngest age group at each age interval. The harvesting policy of each age group of female sheep population at harvesting each year is 17.9%. Thus, the policy of harvesting the youngest age group is 17.9% of 179 tails per year from 1000 female sheep populations.]
Pengendalian Tata Ruang Kawasan Pertambangan Terhadap Kegiatan Pertambangan Emas Ilegal di Kabupaten Pidie
Authors: Hardi Muhammad , Mussadun Mussadun
Published: July 2018

Pidie District is one of the areas in Aceh Province which is rich in minerals such as gold, copper, iron sand, and other metal minerals. The potential for the mine has created a lot of illegal gold mining activities that cause negative effect for the spatial planning and the environment. The local government has been trying to control and supervision, but still not able to cope with illegal gold mining activities in the study area.Seeing these conditions, the authors conducted research entitled Spatial Control of Mining Areas Against Illegal Gold Mining Activity In Pidie District. This study uses qualitative and quantitative research methods (mixed methods) and supported by ArcGIS 10.2 software to perform analysis.The study found a violation of spatial due to illegal gold mining activities that enter the protected forest areas, forest production and residential area that is not worth mine. Control efforts such as zoning, permits, incentives, disincentives, sanctions and regular monitoring has been carried out. The constraints such as government officials and companies involved, weak law enforcement and a lack of coordination among agencies makes illegal gold mining region of the study is still ongoing. Arrangement of WPR on location technically feasible, completion of the poverty problem perpetrators, and to improve inter-agency coordination are measures to control illegal gold mines in the region of study.
Evaluasi Proses Konsolidasi Tanah Kawasan Permukiman Kumuh Bantaran Sungai Kurau Klaster 1 Desa Kurau Berdasarkan Persepsi Masyarakat
Authors: Yurmansah Yurmansah , Mussadun Mussadun
Published: July 2018

Settlement condition of the River Plate Kurau Cluster 1 Kurau slum village made arrangements with land readjustment, but in the implementation of the case back by the public rejection of the result of an agreement or a consensus that settlements be halted. Therefore, it is necessary to evaluate the land consolidation process in order to assess the success of land readjustment process and the factors that hamper implementation. This study uses a mix method with a two-stage procedure. Results of the analysis showed that the land land readjustment process successfully, supported by the success of the equity (score 638), effectiveness (score 631), responsiveness (score 617) and efficiency (579). The success of land land readjustment is caused by, among others, people's desire to stay or do not want to be relocated / displaced, not the status of land ownership society, high support and commitment of local governments and legislators. whereas the factors that hinder the implementation of the agreement of land land readjustment triggered by the inequity in the distribution of location / position of the lots after the land land readjustment of the small percentage of people, causing rejection back public the results of land land readjustment, among others, less efficient and less fair to the size distribution and financing schemes recovery.
The Role of Local Champion In Community - Based Adaptation In Semarang Coastal Area
Authors: Septiarani Bintang , Handayani Wiwandari
Published: July 2018

Community-based adaptation (CBA) is a new approach that is attractive because it is a process of planning led by the community, based on community priorities, needs, knowledge and capacity - a process that should empower people to plan for climate change impacts (Hordijk and baud, 2010). Governance at the community level regarded to be a way to help them in adapting and maintain their livelihood on the coastal so that they can remain in the region. Governance in community engaged individual communities to group and jointly manages their livelihoods and conservation in their coastal areas. The intervention of the government and non-government organizations also play a role in the process of adaptation that occurs. This paper aim to elaborate the role of local champion in CBA process. Interesting findings from Tapak Village, Semarang who have done their community-based adaptation process is that the involvement of the community in the adaptation to climate change is greatly influenced by the presence of local champion in the region. The existence of networks between community and the relevant stakeholders in both the government and non-government organizations also became one of the supporting factors for the sustainability of community-based adaptation processes in coastal areas of Semarang City.
DEVELOPMENT OF VISUAL QUALITY EVALUATIVE ASSESSMENT METHOD IN CAMPUS LANDSCAPE
Authors: Firmansyah Firmansyah , Sudradjat Iwan , Martokusumo Widjaja , Faisal Budi
Published: July 2018

The design of campus landscape is expected to reflect the institution values, provide the character and the spirit of place to campus environment. It is highly influenced by visual experience and impression of campus environment. There are two methods in landscape visual quality assessment: descriptive assessment method and evaluative assessment method. Both assessment methods cannot be done simultaneously, but as a sequence phase. Descriptive assessment method should be done first to obtain a reference for evaluative assessment method. Landscape visual quality evaluative assessment method is used to measure the level of public assessment about visual quality and visual response. Information Processing Theory is used to develop the visual quality evaluative assessment method and to obtain unified integration between descriptive assessment and evaluative assessment. The development of evaluative assessment method includes the process of comparing, averaging, or determine the ranking of each environmental hue or landscape areas in campus, based on the public or college user community preferences.
Online communities of teachers to support situational knowledge: A design-based study
Authors: Kelly Nick , Russell Nick , Kickbusch Steven , Barros Alistair , Dawes Les , Rasmussen Rune
Published: July 2018

This paper describes a design-based research study in which an online platform for teachers was designed and implemented over 3 years. The study uses a networked learning approach to support teachers in the transition from university into service. It addresses the question of how online communities of teachers can support the development of situational knowledge. The paper describes the potential and the challenges of designing and implementing learning networks for teachers. A major challenge identified is the need for design that supports trust and stability within large networks. Significant potential is identified through the reuse of knowledge and greater collegiality within the profession. The platform, TeachConnect, was developed as a collaboration between academics at eight Australian universities, to create a platform to support teachers across the boundary from preservice into the profession. The study presents results from design and implementation, and includes site usage statistics and coding of types of support present within the platform. The paper contributes design principles for online communities of teachers and raises theoretical questions about future online communities.
The correlation between glucose fluctuation from self-monitored blood glucose and the major adverse cardiac events in diabetic patients with acute coronary syndrome during a 6-month follow-up by WeChat application
Authors: Xia Jinggang , Hu Shaodong , Xu Ji , Hao Hengjian , Yin Chunlin , Xu Dong
Published: July 2018

Background

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between glucose fluctuation from self-monitored blood glucose (SMBG) and the major adverse cardiac events (MACE) in diabetic patients with acute coronary syndrome (ACS) during a 6-month follow-up period using the WeChat application.

Methods

From November 2016 to June 2017, 262 patients with ACS were discharged in a stable condition and completed a 6-month follow-up period. SMBG was recorded using the WeChat application. The patients were divided to a high glucose fluctuation group (H group; n=92) and a low glucose fluctuation group (L group; n=170). The 6-month incidence of MACE, lost-to-follow-up rate and satisfaction rate were measured through the WeChat follow-up.

Results

MACE occurred in 17.4% of patients in the H group and in 8.2% of patients in the L group (p=0.04). Multivariable analysis suggested that high glucose fluctuation conferred an 87% risk increment of MACE in the 6-month follow-up period (odds ratio: 2.1, 95% confidence interval 1.95–4.85; p=0.03). The lost-to-follow-up rate was lower and the satisfaction rate was higher in the patients using the WeChat application during follow-up than those of the regular outpatient follow-up during the same period (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The trial demonstrates that higher glucose fluctuation from SMBG after discharge was correlated with a higher incidence of MACE in diabetic patients with ACS. WeChat follow-up might have the potential to promote a good physician-patient relationship.
A multicenter study for the evaluation of the reference interval for TSH in Italy (ELAS TSH Italian Study)
Authors: Clerico Aldo , Trenti Tommaso , Aloe Rosalia , Dittadi Ruggero , Rizzardi Sara , Migliardi Marco , Musa Roberta , Dipalo Mariella , Prontera Concetta , Masotti Silvia , Musetti Veronica , Tozzoli Renato , Padoan Andrea , Bagnasco Marcello
Published: July 2018

Background

The aims of this study were: (1) to calculate reliable thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) reference intervals using laboratory databases; (2) to evaluate the relationship between TSH, sex and age values in different large Italian populations.

Methods

The TSH values stored in the laboratory information system of clinical laboratories of four Italian city hospitals, including 146,801 TSH measurements (with the respective age and sex data of individuals) were taken in consideration. Assuming a log-normal distribution, to log-transformed TSH values were applied the Dixon’s iterative principle in order to exclude the outliers. At the end of this iterative process 142,821 log-transformed TSH results remained. The four clinical laboratories measured serum TSH concentrations using the same TSH immunoassay method (Access TSH 3rd IS, using UniCel DxI platform).

Results

The TSH reference interval calculated in the present study (0.362–5.280 mIU/L) is similar to that suggested by the manufacturer for the Access TSH 3rd IS assay (0.45–5.33 mIU/L). TSH values in females were significantly higher than in males (females: mean=2.06 mIU/L; standard deviation [SD]=1.26 mIU/L; n=101,243; males: mean=1.92 mIU/L; SD=1.19 mIU/L; n=41,578; p<0.0001). Moreover, a negative linear relationship was observed between TSH throughout all interval age values (from 0 to 105 years).

Conclusions

The results of the present multicenter study confirm that data mining techniques can be used to calculate clinically useful reference intervals for TSH. From a pathophysiological point of view, our results suggest that some Northern populations of Italy might still suffer some harmful effects on the thyroid gland due to mild to moderate iodine intake deficiency. Specific clinical trials are needed to confirm these results.
Apical Resorption of Upper Incisors and Canines During Orthodontic Treatment in Class III Orthognathic Surgery Patients – a Longitudinal Cone Beam Computer Tomography Study
Authors: Gavare Ieva , Urtane Ilga , Jakobsone Gundega , Neimane Laura
Published: July 2018

Introduction. Although severe root resorption is rare, it is a side effect of orthodontic treatment which affects tooth prognosis. Patients with severe dentofacial deformity, for whom orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery was done at the age of 18 and later, had long duration orthodontic treatment and orthognathic surgery, and are at a high risk of root resorption. The impact of orthognathic surgery on root resorption has not been sufficiently studied, and therefore is an interesting topic to research.

Aim of the Study. To identify the risk factors for apical root resorption of maxillary incisors and canines as a result of orthodontic and surgical treatment of Class III malocclusion involving LeFort I osteotomy.

Material and methods. The root lengths of upper incisors and canines were measured on cone beam computer tomography (CBCT) scans obtained from a database of orthognathic surgery patients. As a criteria for root resorption was chosen the difference in root lengths between different time points. The measurements were performed using the scans taken before orthodontic treatment (T1), before surgery (T2), and after post surgery orthodontic treatment (T3), of 28 subjects, aged 20.5 ± 3.81 years, with the mean presurgery treatment time of 19.9 ± 8.8 months, and post-surgery time of 7.1 ± 3.1 months. Changes in root lengths during different time spans were correlated with treatment duration, the initial crown/root ratio, and the severity of dentofacial deformity (Wits appraisal, ANB angle, and overjet).

Results. During T1 - T2 the roots of the lateral incisors shortened by a maximum of 0.78 ± 0.83 mm (p < 0.001), at a rate of 0.04 mm per month. During T2 - T3 the lengths of the central incisor roots decreased most by 0.49 ± 0.52 (p < 0.001) at a rate of 0.07 mm per month. The resorption speed for canines increased from 0.03 mm to 0.1 mm per month before and after surgery. There were statistically significant correlations between the crown-root ratio and the incisor root length (r = 0.319 for lateral and r = 303 for central, both p<0,05) and for canines (r = 482, p<0.01). The associations between the shortened root length, in different time spans for different teeth, and the severity of malocclusion were inconsistent.

Conclusions. Overall, the shortened root length during combined orthodontic and surgical treatment might not be clinically significant. After surgery, the rate of root resorption (mm per month) increased, especially for canines. The teeth with initially shorter roots showed more resorption during treatment.
Analysis of Variations in Air Pollution Fields in Selected Cities in Poland and Germany
Authors: Cichowicz Robert , Wielgosiński Grzegorz
Published: July 2018

Variations in immission fields resulting from emissions and pollutant dispersion in the atmosphere were investigated. The analysis was based on data from the four-year period covering the years 2012-2015, collected in two automatic atmospheric air monitoring stations, one located in Germany in Magdeburg which is the capital of Saxony-Anhalt and the other in Poland in Lodz, i.e. the seat of Lodz Region authorities. Selected immission monitoring stations in both cities are located in the areas with similar urban development and are characterized by high levels of pedestrian and car traffic. In both measuring stations the following atmospheric air pollutants were measured: PM10, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide and nitrogen dioxide, and ozone (carbon monoxide was analyzed only for the station located in Lodz). On the basis of the measured data the periodic exceedance of air pollution limit values measured at both monitoring stations were observed, as well as the levels of particular pollutants and changes in immission fields were analyzed. It seems that this information may be useful not only to the competent authorities of the country but also to the users of these areas.
Use of Humic Sorbent from Sapropel for Extraction of Palladium Ions from Chloride Solutions
Authors: Platonova D.S. , Adeeva L.N.
Published: July 2018

A sorbent was synthesized by thermal processing of sapropel residue after the extraction of humic acids, and subsequently modified with polyhexamethyleneguanidine and humic acids pre-isolated from sapropel. The humic sorbent transformations have been studied under air at the temperature range of 20-1000°C by thermal analysis. The presence of various functional groups on the surface of a humic sorbent from sapropel has been confirmed by IR-spectroscopy. Sorption of palladium and nickel ions from water solutions was studied. The value of static capacity of the synthesized humic sorbent for palladium was 38.8±2.7, and for nickel ions was 32.0±1.8 mg/g, respectively. It has been established that the equilibrium of sorption was described by the Freundlich isotherm equation.
The effect of perturbations of frames and fusion frames on their redundancies
Authors: Rahimi Asghar , Zandi Golaleh , Daraby Bayaz
Published: July 2018

An interesting question about the perturbed sequences is: when do they inherit the properties of the original one? An elegant relation between frames (fusion frames) and their perturbations is the relation of their redundancies.
In this paper, we investigate these relationships. Also, we express the redundancy of frames (fusion frames) in terms of the cosine angle between some subspaces.
Liraglutide for psychiatric disorders: clinical evidence and challenges
Authors: Camkurt Mehmet Akif , Lavagnino Luca , Zhang Xiang Y. , Teixeira Antonio L
Published: July 2018

Obesity and diabetes are both risk factors and consequences of psychiatric disorders. Glucagon like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists such as liraglutide are widely used in the treatment of diabetes and obesity. There are considerable amounts of preclinical studies showing the effects of liraglutide on promotion of neurogenesis, while preventing apoptosis and oxidation. Preliminary clinical evidence has suggested that liraglutide could decrease weight gain, improve cognition and prevent cognitive decline. Accordingly, liraglutide has been regarded as a potential candidate for the management of psychiatric disorders. Herein, we will discuss the association between obesity/diabetes and psychiatric disorders, and the emerging use of liraglutide in psychiatry.
IT for Peace? Fighting Against Terrorism in Social Media – An Explorative Twitter Study
Authors: Reuter Christian , Pätsch Katja , Runft Elena
Published: July 2018

The Internet and especially social media are not only used for supposedly good purposes. For example, the recruitment of new members and the dissemination of ideologies of terrorism also takes place in the media. However, the fight against terrorism also makes use of the same tools. The type of these countermeasures, as well as the methods, are covered in this work. In the first part, the state of the art is summarized. The second part presents an explorative empirical study of the fight against terrorism in social media, especially on Twitter. Different, preferably characteristic forms are structured within the scope with the example of Twitter. The aim of this work is to approach this highly relevant subject with the goal of peace, safety and safety from the perspective of information systems. Moreover, it should serve following researches in this field as basis and starting point.
Challenges and Opportunities in Designing Experiences for Advanced Amateur Sportsmen
Authors: Woźniak Paweł W.
Published: July 2018

While new technologies supporting the experience of sports appear every day, we still do not have a full understanding of how to design technology that augments the experience of physical exercise. As more and more users practice sports in western societies, interaction design must learn to readdress the practical, social, physical and psychological aspects of sports. In this paper, I reflect on my past studies in the nascent field of designing interactive technologies for advanced amateur sportsmen. I share the practical challenges involved in augmenting experiences of training and race day performance. I discuss issues of qualitative experience, community, motivation and temporality to highlight where current sports technologies are insufficient. In particular, I focus on the experiences of those already involved in training routines and place less emphasis on beginners or those who need to be convinced to practice sports. I then discuss reasons for the difficulties involved in developing sports technologies and propose potential solutions to those difficulties to identify ways to move interaction design for sports forward.
Experiment and Dynamic Simulation of PIG Motion during Pigging Operation in a Slope Pipeline
Authors: Zhou Jun , Deng Tao , Liang Guangchuan , Peng Jinghong , Meng Tian , Gong Jing
Published: July 2018

Pigging techniques are widely used in the oil and gas industry. The unsteady motion of the PIG in an undulating pipe section during the pigging process after a water pressure test affects the stable operation of the pipeline and also causes a pipe rupture accident in serious cases. First, an experimental study was conducted to investigate the pigging process of air–water two phase pipe flows, and the PIG reverse movement and hydraulic pulse phenomenon were observed. Subsequently, a hydraulic transient model of the pigging process after a water pressure test was established in a dual-grid system. The model combined mass and motion equations of gas and liquid and PIG dynamic equations, considered three types of PIG motion states, namely positive movement, reverse movement and still, and used the method of characteristics to solve the equations. The model exhibits the ability for PIG tracing and hydraulic pulse prediction. It can be used to obtain the position and speed of the PIG. Finally, the field data and simulation results were compared, and the results indicated that they are essentially identical. This verified the accuracy of the model that is established in this study and the reliability of computed results and provided a reliable and effective theoretical basis for the development of field pigging plans.
Multi-Stage Optimal Placement of Branch PMU in Active Distribution Network
Authors: Shu Wang , Xiangrui Kong , Zheng Yan , Xiaoyuan Xu , Han Wang
Published: July 2018

The penetration of distributed generation and electric vehicles requires advanced monitoring and control strategies to maintain the reliable operation of active distribution network (ADN). Phasor measurement unit (PMU), as an advanced measuring device, has been applied in the operation of transmission systems for decades. Recently, it is anticipated that PMUs can be adopted in the distribution network. In this paper, the optimal branch PMU (BPMU) placement is studied. First, an optimization model for the multi-stage BPMU placement is established considering the observability of ADN. Moreover, the weights of buses are designed to consider the influence of uncertain renewable energy generation and loads. Then, probabilistic load flow (PLF) is used to solve power flow with uncertainties, and weights of buses are obtained based on probability distributions of voltage magnitude. Finally, binary integer programming (BIP) is adopted to obtain the locations of BPMUs. The proposed method is tested on customized IEEE 33-bus and PG&E 69-bus distribution network, and the results are compared with those considering other methods.
Existence of Mild Solutions for Sobolev-Type Hilfer Fractional Nonautonomous Evolution Equations with Delay
Authors: Gou Haide , Li Baolin
Published: July 2018

This paper treats the existence of mild solutions for Sobolev-type Hilfer fractional nonautonomous evolution equations with delay in Banach spaces. We first characterize the definition of mild solutions for the studied problem which was given based on an operator family generated by the operator pair (A,B) and probability density function. And then via Hilfer fractional derivative and combining the techniques of fractional calculus, measure of noncompactness and Sadovskii fixed-point theorem, we obtain new existence result of mild solutions for Sobolev-type Hilfer fractional nonautonomous evolution equations. Particularly, the existence or compactness of an operator

B

−
1

$B^{-1} $

is not necessarily needed in our results. Furthermore, our results obtained improve and extend some related conclusions on this topic. At last, an example is given to illustrate our main results.
Ist das Neutrum ein irreguläres Restgenus? Zur Möglichkeit der Vermittlung erwerbsförderlicher Neutrum-Regeln
Authors: Koeppel Rolf
Published: July 2018

In allen Genussprachen gibt es semantische oder formale Regeln und Regularitäten, nach denen die überwiegende Zahl der Substantive ihr Genus erhält. Für das Deutsche hat Wegener (1995) gezeigt, dass nur fünf Regeln zwei Drittel der Substantive erfassen. Allerdings bleibt bei ihr das Neutrum außen vor. Dass dies aber kein Bereich des Irregulären ist, arbeitet der vorliegende Beitrag heraus. Allein mit formalen Regeln lassen sich 60 % der Neutra eines neueren Frequenzwörterbuchs korrekt voraussagen. Aufgrund der Befunde und unter Berücksichtigung der Semantik des Neutrums werden acht Schritte vorgeschlagen, in denen der DaF-Unterricht für die Regularitäten des Neutrums sensibilisieren kann, um den Genuserwerb der Lerner zu unterstützen.
Classification of finite groups according to their conjugacy class lengths
Authors: Foruzanfar Zeinab , Güloğlu İsmai̇l Ş. , Rezaei Mehdi
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we classify all finite groups satisfying the following
property: their conjugacy class lengths are set-wise relatively prime for any
six distinct classes.
Modeling and Optimization of a Liquid Flow Process using an Artificial Neural Network-Based Flower Pollination Algorithm
Authors: Dutta Pijush , Kumar Asok
Published: July 2018

Controlling liquid flow is one of the most important parameters in the process control industry. It is challenging to optimize the liquid flow rate for its highly nonlinear nature. This paper proposes a model of liquid flow processes using an artificial neural network (NN) and optimizes it using a flower pollination algorithm (FPA) to avoid local minima and improve the accuracy and convergence speed. In the first phase, the NN model was trained by the dataset obtained from the experiments, which were carried out. In these conditions, the liquid flow rate was measured at different sensor output voltages, pipe diameter and liquid conductivity. The model response was cross-verified with the experimental results and found to be satisfactory. In the second phase of work, the optimized conditions of sensor output voltages, pipe diameter and liquid conductivity were found to give the minimum flow rate of the process using FPA. After cross-validation and testing subdatasets, the accuracy was nearly 94.17% and 99.25%, respectively.
On the distribution of the Brazilian porcupine Coendou prehensilis (Erethizontidae) in Colombia
Authors: Torres-Martínez María M. , Ramírez-Chaves Héctor E. , Noguera-Urbano Elkin A. , Colmenares-Pinzón Javier E. , Passos Fernando C. , García Javier
Published: July 2018

The Brazilian porcupine Coendou prehensilis is distributed from northwestern South America to northeastern Paraguay and northwestern Argentina. In Colombia, it is present mainly in the Caribbean, the eastern Llanos and the Andean regions, which correspond to six of the biogeographical provinces of the country. Its presence in the Colombian Amazon region has been suggested based on records from neighboring countries such as Ecuador, Venezuela and Brazil. However, no voucher specimens or additional evidence that corroborates the presence of the species in that region of Colombia is known. Based on the review of specimens deposited in Colombian collections, analyses of photographic records, and the literature, the presence of the species in the Colombian Amazon is confirmed, and its distribution in the country updated. Overall, we found 36 records of C. prehensilis in Colombia, of which seven correspond to the Colombian Amazon (four photographic records and three specimens). A genetic analysis based on cytochrome-b suggests that this species is genetically uniform throughout its distributional range. These new records make C. prehensilis the most widespread species of the genus among natural regions and biogeographic provinces of Colombia. Other species are restricted to one or two provinces.
Knowledge, Practices and Views of Ghanaian Students with Visual Impairment about Hiv/Aids
Authors: Hayford Samuel K. , Avoke Selete , Ocansey Frederick
Published: July 2018

The study was designed to explore the general knowledge, practices and views of students with visual impairment about HIV/AIDS in order to identify the gaps in students’ knowledge and inform decisions on instructional strategies and materials to improve students’ knowledge. Specifically, the study examined the nature of knowledge students with visual impairment have about HIV/AIDS; described the practices and views of such students about individuals living with HIV/AIDS. The study adopted the descriptive cross-sectional survey design, and used multi-staged stratified, and purposive sampling techniques to select 83 students with visual impairment in two Junior High Schools in Ghana. The participants completed a questionnaire and the researchers adopted descriptive and inferential statistics including frequency distribution, percentages, and chi-square (X2) test, to analyze the data. The findings were that majority of students with visual impairments held correct notion about HIV/AIDS; although, majority of the students understood the mode of transmission of the disease, a significant number of them held misconceptions about the modes of transmission. For example, some of them felt HIV/AIDS can be transmitted through body contact, coughing and sneezing, sharing lavatories and casual kissing as well as blood donation. In terms of views about persons living with HIV/AIDS, there were no variations in the students’ opinions. Furthermore, knowledge about HIV/AIDS has positively influenced the sexual behaviour of majority of students in the study. Chi-square (X2) computation at 0.05 significant level revealed no variations in students’ responses according to sex. Recommendations were suggested to the Ministry of Education, the Ghana Education Service and other organizations for consideration.
A Portrait of Chinese Culture: Investigating Perceptions Presented in Children's Books
Authors: Giles Rebecca M. , Martin Susan F. , Paige Vitulli
Published: July 2018

Administrators, librarians, parents, teachers, and teacher educators need to be familiar with quality multicultural children's literature as a means of helping children develop an understanding of others as well as affirming their own diverse backgrounds. In this study, 31 fictional picture books identified as containing representations of ethnic Chinese or their culture were examined for literary quality and cultural authenticity. Six reviewers (three Chinese and 3 American) independently evaluated each book using a revised 10-item version of the Multicultural Children's Literature Evaluation Tool (Higgins, J. J. (2002). Multicultural children's literature: creating and applying an evaluation tool in response to the needs of urban educators. New Horizons in Education. Retrieved from http://education.jhu.edu/PD/newhorizons/strategies/topics/multicultural-education/multicultural-childrens-literature/index.html) with the highest possible score being 30. Results indicated good interrater reliability with the mean score of the Chinese and American reviewers differing by less than 5 points for 24 books (80 %). Three books received a mean score of 30 by at least one group of reviewers, and three books received a mean score of below 19 by at least one group of reviewers. With results of studies such as this one at their disposal, adults are better prepared to select quality, culturally authentic literature to share with children.
The impact of peoples’ personal dispositions and personalities on their trust of robots in an emergency scenario
Authors: Rossi Alessandra , Dautenhahn Kerstin , Koay Kheng Lee , Walters Michael L.
Published: July 2018

Humans should be able to trust that they can safely interact with their home companion robot. However, robots can exhibit occasional mechanical, programming or functional errors. We hypothesise that the severity of the consequences and the timing of a robot’s different types of erroneous behaviours during an interaction may have different impacts on users’ attitudes towards a domestic robot. First, we investigated human users’ perceptions of the severity of various categories of potential errors that are likely to be exhibited by a domestic robot. Second, we used an interactive storyboard to evaluate participants’ degree of trust in the robot after it performed tasks either correctly, or with ‘small’ or ‘big’ errors. Finally, we analysed the correlation between participants’ responses regarding their personality, predisposition to trust other humans, their perceptions of robots, and their interaction with the robot. We conclude that there is correlation between the magnitude of an error performed by a robot and the corresponding loss of trust by the human towards the robot. Moreover we observed that some traits of participants’ personalities (conscientiousness and agreeableness) and their disposition of trusting other humans (benevolence) significantly increased their tendency to trust a robot more during an emergency scenario.
Gelation-Assisted Layer-by-Layer Deposition of High Performance Nanocomposites
Authors: Zhu Jian , Watts Douglas , Kotov Nicholas A.
Published: July 2018

Layer-by-layer (LBL) assembly produces nanocomposites with distinctively high volume fractions of nanomaterials and nanometer scale controlled uniformity. Although deposition of one nanometer scale layer at a time leads to high performance composites, this deposition mode is also associated with the slow multilayer build-up. Exponential LBL, spin coating, turbo-LBL and other methods tremendously accelerate the multilayer build-up but often yield lower, strength, toughness, conductivity, etc. Here, we introduce gelation assisted layer-by-layer (gaLBL) deposition taking advantage of a repeating cycle of hydrogel formation and subsequent polymer infiltration demonstrated using aramid nanofiber (ANF) and epoxy resin (EPX) as deposition partners. Utilization of ANF gels increases the thickness of each deposited layer from 1–10 nm to 30–300 nm while retaining fine control of thickness in each layer, high volume fraction, and uniformity. While increasing the speed of the deposition, the high density of interfaces associated with nanofiber gels helps retain high mechanical properties. The ANF/EPX multilayer composites revealed a rare combination of properties that was unavailable in traditional aramid-based and other composites, namely, high ultimate strength of 505±47 MPa, high toughness of 50.1±9.8 MJ/m3, and high transparency. Interestingly, the composite also displayed close-to-zero thermal expansion. The constellation of these materials properties is unique both for quasi-anisotropic composites and unidirectional materials with nanofiber alignment. gaLBL demonstrates the capability to resolve the fundamental challenge between high-performance and scalability. The gelation-assisted layered deposition can be extended to other functional components including nanoparticle gels.