bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variability of harvest loss in relation to physiological characteristics of cotton
Authors: Kazama Elizabeth Haruna , Silva Rouverson Pereira da , Carneiro Franciele Morlin , Teixeira Daniel de Bortoli , Vale Welington Gonzaga do , Pereira Gener Tadeu
Published: April 2020

Pearson's correlation and spatial variability are tools that can be used to help one understand the process of losses in the mechanical harvesting of cotton. Therefore, the objective of this study was to model the spatial distribution and map the losses of mechanical cotton harvest using geostatistics and to correlate the losses with agronomic variables using Pearson’s correlation. The experiment was conducted in Itiquira and Lucas do Rio Verde, Mato Grosso State, Brazil. At each sampling point, the evaluated variables were agronomic plant variables and cotton losses in the soil and the plant (divided into lower, medium and upper thirds) and the sum total of losses. The highest losses in cotton harvest occurred in the lower third and on the soil, both of which exhibit a spatial dependence model, according to geostatistics, demonstrating that they do not occur in a randomized process and are related to the specific plant. There was a relationship between the plant populations with losses in the cotton crop. The plant population can influence the spatial dependence of losses.
Auto-lysed yeast and yeast extract effects on dry matter intake, blood cells counts, IgG titer and gene expression of IL-2 in lactating dairy cows under heat stress
Authors: Adili Sogol , Sadeghi Ali Asghar , Chamani Mohamad , Shawrang Parvin , Forodi Farhad
Published: April 2020

The objective of this study was to assess the effects of auto-lysed yeast and yeast extract on performance and immune responses of cows in hot climate in the early lactation period. Twenty five lactating dairy cows randomly assigned to 5 groups and 5 replicates. Cows received basal diet with or without auto-lysed yeast (20 or 40 g/d/head) or yeast extract (20 or 40 g/d/head) as on top-dressed. There were no differences for daily dry matter intake, milk production milk fat and the counts of red blood cells and white blood cells among treatments (p > 0.05). There were significant differences among treatments for immunoglobulin G (IgG) level, lymphocyte and neutrophil percentages. Yeast extract had no effect on IgG level, but auto-lysed yeast increased IgG level and neutrophil percentage and decreased lymphocyte percentage (p < 0.05). The highest relative interleukin-2 gene expression was for cows received auto-lysed yeast at the level of 40 g/d/head. Yeast extract had no significant effect on interleukin-2 gene expression as compared to the control group. It was concluded that auto-lysed yeast at the level of 40 g/d/head had no effect on performance, but it could positively influence on immune response of lactating dairy cows in hot climate during early period of lactation.
Structural and compositional shifts in Cerrado fragments in up to 11 years monitoring
Authors: Cordeiro Natielle Gomes , Pereira Kelly Marianne Guimarães , Terra Marcela de Castro Nunes Santos , Mello José Márcio de
Published: April 2020

The Cerrado has a wide diversity of fauna and flora, and the knowledge of its horizontal structure, in different time intervals allows the prediction of its structural and floristic characteristics. The aim of this study was to evaluate the changes in structure and composition of tree community in three fragments of Cerrado with low anthropization, in an interval of 11 years at Minas Gerais state. Rectangular plots of fixed size were sampled, measuring stem diameter and height of all living arboreal individuals with diameter at 1.30 meters above ground (DBH) ≥ 5 cm. The tree vegetation dynamics study of the areas was performed, as well as the floristic analysis and the diametric structure. Considering all fragments and years of measurement, the recruitment of trees surpassed its mortality. The basal area varied between 3.67 and 13.07 m².ha-1. The studied areas, considering all fragments and years of measurement, showed a Shannon diversity index (H') from 3.43 to 3.87 nat.ind-1 and Pielou equitability index (J') ranged an interval between 0.77 and 0.82. The similarity calculated by the Jaccard index (J), when performed per plot considering the three fragments, showed a value of 0.2653. Also, related to the development and growth of the study areas, it can be inferred that all fragments and their respective years of measurement had a J-inverse pattern. In conclusion, it can be inferred that the three fragments maintained a representative growth in number of individuals and basal area.
Pollen resources partitioning of stingless bees (Hymenoptera: Apidae) from the southern Atlantic forest
Authors: Rodrigues Carina da Silva , Ferasso Debora Cristina , Mossi Altemir José , Coelho Geraldo Ceni
Published: April 2020

Meliponinae eusocial bees are among the most important pollinators in the Neotropics and their beekeeping has been growing as both recreational and economic activity. Information on the pollen preferences and niche overlap among species coexisting in the same location is still scarce. This study focused on the use of pollen resources by three native species of Meliponinae in the Atlantic Forest, Melipona quadrifasciata quadrifasciata (Lepeletier 1836), Scaptotrigona depilis (Moure 1942), and Tetragonisca angustula (Latreille 1811), at two different sites. The use of pollen resources was evaluated from reserves inside hives collected monthly between February 2015 and January 2016. It was also estimated the Mean Minimal Distance (Dm) traveled by the bees to obtain pollen. The bees differed regarding the diversity of pollen types, Dm, and proportion of pollen from different plant life-form. Local factor promoted differences only for Dm. M. q. quadrifasciata foraged a low diversity of pollen species and traveled greater distances with a higher proportion of trees plus palm species. Tetragonisca angustula foraged a higher diversity of pollen and flew shorter distances with a lower proportion of trees and palms. The species factor predominates over the local factor in the clustering pattern, based on pollen profile similarity.
Interculturalidade e a temática indígena na educação infantil
Authors: Melo Alessandro de , Ribeiro Débora , Dominico Eliane
Published: April 2020

Neste estudo temos por objetivo problematizar o trabalho pedagógico com as datas comemorativas dentro das instituições de educação infantil. Dentre as datas comemorativas tomamos o ‘Dia do índio’, dada a relevância e a frequência com que essa data é trabalhada nas escolas e em vista da Lei n. 11.645, de 10 de março de 2008, que trata da obrigatoriedade do ensino de História e Cultura dos povos indígenas. Trata-se de estudo teórico, com base em autores do grupo modernidade/colonialidade, dentre outros, que nos ajudam a pensar acerca da temática. Primeiramente trazemos uma reflexão sobre as datas comemorativas no trabalho pedagógico. Na sequência tratamos do ‘Dia do índio’, um sujeito que ainda é apresentado às crianças com estereótipos e preconceitos. Posteriormente, salientamos, como resultado dessas problematizações, a relevância de novos direcionamentos no trabalho escolar realizado com as crianças por meio da interculturalidade crítica e criação de novas alternativas de pensamento e sociedade. Como conclusão, o trabalho com a temática indígena na educação deve estar pautado na consideração em igualdade das diferentes formas de conhecimento, de ser e pensar o mundo. Considerando ainda que todos os sujeitos são construtores de conhecimento, inclusive as crianças, atividades mecanizadas e sem significado não têm sentido.
Monitoramento e avaliação do plano estadual de educação de Mato Grosso do Sul (2014-2024)
Authors: Bigarella Nadia , Lewandowski Alessandro Gomes
Published: April 2020

Este artigo é parte de uma dissertação de mestrado em Educação, tem como objetivo analisar o cumprimento da Meta 2 - Plano Estadual de Educação de Mato Grosso do Sul (2014-2024), com a finalidade de universalizar o ensino fundamental de nove anos para toda a população de 6 a 14 anos e garantir que pelo menos 95% dos estudantes concluam essa etapa na idade recomendada, bem como a estratégia 2.4, que objetiva criar, a partir de 2015, mecanismos que favoreçam o fluxo escolar. A pesquisa compreendeu coleta, sistematização e análise de documentos produzidos em âmbitos federal e estadual, como legislação, mensagens à Assembleia Legislativa, programas educacionais, leis, decretos e diários oficiais. Demonstrou que, embora, o estado tenha desenvolvido algumas ações que objetivam assegurar o acesso a essa etapa, ainda não conseguiu assegurar a permanência dos alunos no ensino fundamental.
Repeated Drop-Weight Impact Tests on RPC Containing Hybrid Fibers
Authors: Jabir Hussain A. , Abid Sallal R. , Hussein Munther L. Abdul , Ali Sajjad H.
Published: April 2020

The impact resistance of micro-steel fiber-reinforced and hybrid fiber-reinforced reactive powder concrete is investigated in this study. Six groups of specimens were prepared with 2.5% volumetric contents of different combinations of fibers. For this purpose, micro-steel fibers with 6 and 15 mm length in addition to polypropylene fibers were used. Each group includes 12 identical specimens. The impact tests were conducted using the repeated drop-weight impact test of ACI 544-2R. However, higher drop-height (700 mm) and drop-weight (10 kg) were adopted to accelerate the failure and reduce the effort required to crack the specimens. The test results showed that the use of only 15 mm micro-steel fiber led to much higher impact resistance than other micro-steel fiber combinations. The recorded number of blows for the group with SF15 was 247, while those of SF6 and combined SF6 and SF15 were 127 and 112, respectively. The replacement of 0.5% of micro-steel fiber by 0.5% of PP fiber was found to reduce the impact resistance regardless of the type or combination of the used micro-steel fiber.
Effect of Tacca Starch Loading on Production of Amylolytic Enzymes from Ragi Tapai
Authors: Izyan Nurul Syafiqa , Azman Dg Nurdayana , Mohd Saad Nur Amalina , Sauid Suhaila Mohd , Hamzah Fazlena
Published: April 2020

The study was done to determine the effect of Tacca starch loading on production of amylolytic enzyme from Ragi Tapai. In this study, Ragi Tapai was used as a starter to produce amylolytic enzyme. The fermentation was done in a solid state fermentation with the presence ofTacca leontopetaloidesstarch as the carbon source. The analysis of total sugar was conducted using DNS method and amylolytic enzyme was determined using Lowry method. The mixture was fermented and incubated for 24, 48, 72 and 96h. The result revealed that the optimum production of amylase was found at 48 h of incubation with amylase activity of 1.91 U/ml/min and 1.42 mg/ml for total protein. The study shows that increment amount of the Tacca starch in cultivation medium, increase the production of the amylase and total protein content. The highest enzyme activity was obtained at 4% of Tacca starch loading with amylase activity and total protein content of 2.14 U/ml/min and 1.42 mg/ml respectively. The study indicated that growth promoters in Tacca starch capable to enhance the activity of microbial consortium in Ragi Tapai for production of the amylolytic enzyme.
Effect of Titanium on Microstructure and Solidification Behavior of Gray Irons
Authors: Boonmee Sarum , Worakhut Kittirat , Maneelum Preecha
Published: April 2020

This study investigates the microstructure and the solidification behavior of titanium-alloyed gray irons. Thermal analysis technique was used to identify the Temperature of Liquidus Arrest (TLA), the Temperature of Eutectic Undercooling (TEU) and the Temperature of the Eutectic Recalescence (TER). It was found that the titanium addition promoted the formation of the primary austenite causing the larger difference in TLA and TEU. In addition, titanium encouraged the refining of eutectic mixture. The SEM showed the graphite particles were refined with increasing titanium. Fine particles of titanium-containing compound were readily observed throughout the microstructure. The hardness as high as 176 HB was achieved at 0.495%Ti addition.
The Development of Accelerated Test Method for Internal Sulfate Attack by Delayed Ettringite Formation
Authors: Nguyen Van Huong , Leklou Nordine , Mounanga Pierre
Published: April 2020

Delayed Ettringite Formation (DEF) is an internal sulfate attack caused by heat-induced decomposition and/or prevention of normal ettringite formed during the initial hydration of cement at elevated temperature (above about 70°C) and its re-crystallization in the hardened matrix. This reaction is a physico-chemical phenomenon inducing an expansion of the cement paste that could lead to cracking of cementitious matrix. These cracks result in a decrease in the mechanical performances and durability parameters of the material. However, the internal sulfate attack is characterized by a very slow reaction kinetics and therefore it is difficult to study it in laboratories. This research developed an accelerated method focused on mortar specimens; it is based on electrochemical techniques in order to speed the leaching of alkalis that could be accelerated the DEF.
Preparation and Structural Stability of LiFePO4|Ga-LLZO Composite Cathode Material Heat-Treated at Intermediate Temperatures
Authors: Diamansil Pearl Jamela , Hablado Jessa , Palomares John Carlo , Garcia Renz Marion , Cervera Rinlee Butch M.
Published: April 2020

In this study, cathode and lithium-ion conducting solid electrolyte composite pellet with 1:1 wt. % composition of LiFePO4 and Li7-3XGaxLa3Zr2O12 (x = 0.1) (LiFePO4|Ga-LLZO) was prepared via solid-state reaction. The aim of the study is to investigate the phase stability between LiFePO4 cathode and Ga-LLZO solid electrolyte material when heat treated at 400 to 600 °C. The as-mixed LiFePO4|Ga-LLZO composite was characterized by TG/DTA and the heat treated sample was then analyzed for its structure using XRD and compared to the just as-mixed composite. XRD patterns of the heat treated composite pellet showed that it retains its as-mixed phases of LiFePO4 and Ga-LLZO when sintered below 500 °C under Ar gas flow environment. However, upon heat treatment at 600 °C, the sample already reacted and decomposed with the formation of other phases.
Malat1 Suppresses Immunity to Infection through Promoting Expression of Maf and IL-10 in Th Cells
Authors: Hewitson James P. , West Katie A. , James Kylie R. , Rani Gulab Fatima , Dey Nidhi , Romano Audrey , Brown Najmeeyah , Teichmann Sarah A. , Kaye Paul M. , Lagos Dimitris
Published: April 2020

Despite extensive mapping of long noncoding RNAs in immune cells, their function in vivo remains poorly understood. In this study, we identify over 100 long noncoding RNAs that are differentially expressed within 24 h of Th1 cell activation. Among those, we show that suppression of Malat1 is a hallmark of CD4+ T cell activation, but its complete deletion results in more potent immune responses to infection. This is because Malat1−/− Th1 and Th2 cells express lower levels of the immunosuppressive cytokine IL-10. In vivo, the reduced CD4+ T cell IL-10 expression in Malat1−/−mice underpins enhanced immunity and pathogen clearance in experimental visceral leishmaniasis (Leishmania donovani) but more severe disease in a model of malaria (Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi AS). Mechanistically, Malat1 regulates IL-10 through enhancing expression of Maf, a key transcriptional regulator of IL-10. Maf expression correlates with Malat1 in single Ag-specific Th cells from P. chabaudi chabaudi AS–infected mice and is downregulated in Malat1−/− Th1 and Th2 cells. The Malat1 RNA is responsible for these effects, as antisense oligonucleotide-mediated inhibition of Malat1 also suppresses Maf and IL-10 levels. Our results reveal that through promoting expression of the Maf/IL-10 axis in effector Th cells, Malat1 is a nonredundant regulator of mammalian immunity.
Postexercise Slowing on the King-Devick Test and Longer Recovery From Sport-Related Concussion in Adolescents: A Validation Study
Authors: Haider Mohammad N. , Worts Phillip R. , Viera Kaitlin B. , Villarrubia Brendan , Wilber Charles G. , Willer Barry S. , Leddy John J.
Published: April 2020

Context

The King-Devick (KD) test is a rapid number-reading test that has emerging use in the assessment of sport-related concussion (SRC). Previous research suggested that healthy individuals and patients with acute concussions who had shorter recovery times (<3 weeks) demonstrated a learning effect on the KD test after mild to moderate exertion, whereas patients with longer recovery times did not.

Objective

To assess if the absence of postexertional improvement on the KD test within 10 days of concussive head injury was associated with a longer duration of recovery.

Design

Prospective cohort study.

Setting

University concussion-management clinics.

Patients or Other Participants

Male and female adolescent athletes (n = 99, aged 13–18 years) presenting within 10 days of SRC.

Main Outcome Measure(s)

The KD test was administered before and after the Buffalo Concussion Treadmill Test (BCTT). Days from injury to recovery, with recovery defined as being asymptomatic, confirmed by the assessment of a physician who was blinded to the treatment group, and the return of normal exercise tolerance on the BCTT were recorded.

Results

Participants with postexertional slowing (PES group, n = 33) had a longer duration of recovery (17 days versus 13.5 days, P = .033) than participants without PES (no-PES group, n = 66). At any clinic visit, PES was also associated with a relative risk of 2.36 (95% confidence interval = 1.55, 3.61; P < .001) of not recovering within the following week.

Conclusions

The current study validates our prior work showing that acutely concussed adolescents who did not display the typical learning effect on the KD test after the BCTT took longer to recover from SRC than those who exhibited the typical learning effect.
ARSENIC ADSORPTION AND REDUCTION IN IRON-RICH SOILS NEARBY LANDFILLS IN NORTHWEST FLORIDA
Authors: Xue Hongqin , Xie Weijie , Ahmad Hafiz , Tawfiq Kamal , Chen Gang
Published: April 2020

In Florida, soils are mainly composed of Myakka, an acid soil characterized by a subsurface accumulation of humus and Al(III) and Fe(III) oxides. Downgradient of the landfills in Northwest Florida, elevated levels of iron and arsenic observations had been made in the groundwater from monitoring wells, which was attributed to the geomicrobial iron and arsenic reduction. There is thus an immediate research need for a better understanding of the reduction reactions that are responsible for the mobilization of iron and arsenic in the subsurface soil nearby landfills. Owing to the high Fe(III) oxide content, As(V) adsorption reactions with Fe(III) oxide surfaces are particularly important, which may control As(V) reduction. This research focused on the investigation of the biogeochemical processes of the subsurface soil nearby landfills of Northwest Florida. Arsenic and iron reduction was studied in batch reactors and quantified based on Monod-type microbial kinetic growth simulations. As(V) adsorption in iron-rich Northwest Floridian soils was further investigated to explain the reduction observations. It was demonstrated in this research that solubilization of arsenic in the subsurface soil nearby landfills in Northwest Florida would likely occur under conditions favoring Fe(III) dissimilatory reduction.
Method of Determining the Orifice Area of Valve Head Locking Pairs of Water Fittings
Authors: Kharun Makhmud , Svintsov Alexandre Petrovich , Mukarzel Serge Asaad
Published: April 2020

One of the important tasks when designing the water fittings is to calculate the orifice area of locking pair for passing the calculated water flow at a calculated pressure. The method of determining the orifice area with smoothly changing shape based on the piecewise-element method is proposed. This method is characterized by a comparative simplicity and sufficient accuracy for engineering calculations to determine the orifice area of the disk type locking pairs for the valve head. The proposed method allows to determine the required size of the orifice area for passing the calculated water flow and also to determine the water flow rate depending on the opening level of orifice. The authors carried out the necessary calculations and manufactured ceramic disk type locking pairs by using the proposed method. Bench tests of water fittings with valve heads those are having orifices with smoothly changing shapes (in the form of bent blob) showed that water flow is changing almost in proportional to the tap opening. This method can be used not only for the designing of the water fittings and also for the shut-off valves of various purposes.
EVALUATION OF SCENARIOS OF AIR POLLUTANTS EMISSIONS BY THE AIRPORT EXPANSION AND ASSOCIATED INFRASTRUCTURE - CASE STUDY OF THE EXTENSION OF VIRACOPOS AIRPORT AT CAMPINAS, SÃO PAULO, BRAZIL
Authors: Coelho Lucia Helena Gomes , Akamine Meire Maki , Ribeiro Raquel Gentil Batista , De Paiva Junior Humberto
Published: April 2020

The development of the airport segment faces environmental externalities especially related to the increase in emissions of Greenhouse Gases (GHGs) from combustion of fossil fuels by the aircraft engine, by the machinery for the maintenance of the planes and also by the vehicles used for passengers connections (private cars, taxicabs or public transportation system). In this scope, the current work presents the case study of the expansion of the Viracopos International Airport at Campinas – São Paulo, Brazil. To evaluate that, the methodology of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) was implemented to estimate the emissions of GHGs by aircraft for the years 2008 (before expansion), 2012 (current picture) and 2016 (future scenario) observing the changes in demand for passengers and cargo transportation. To evaluate the emissions from the vehicles it was used the AIMSUN microsimulation software to estimate emissions in the years 2012 and to simulate sensitivity scenarios for the year 2016. It was found that the inventory of CO2 emissions for both types of transports considered for Viracopos airport showed similar orders of magnitude, what can be inferred about the equivalent contribution of these two modes on emissions of GHGs for the study area. These results may serve as a basis for establishing emission management plans of air pollutants by the competent organizations and to propose more targeted and effective measures to reduce the GHG emissions by these sources.
DEVELOPMENT OF RIVER FLOOD ROUTING MODEL USING NON-LINEAR MUSKINGUM EQUATION AND EXCEL TOOL 'GANetXL'
Authors: Sil Briti Sundar , Borah Angana , Deb Shubrajyoti , Das Biplab
Published: April 2020

Flood routing is of utmost importance to water resources engineers and hydrologist. Muskingum model is one of the popular methods for river flood routing which often require a huge computational work. To solve the routing parameters, most of the established methods require knowledge about different computer programmes and sophisticated models. So, it is beneficial to have a tool which is comfortable to users having more knowledge about everyday decision making problems rather than the development of computational models as the programmes. The use of micro-soft excel and its relevant tool like solver by the practicing engineers for normal modeling tasks has become common over the last few decades. In excel environment, tools are based on graphical user interface which are very comfortable for the users for handling database, modeling, data analysis and programming. GANetXL is an add-in for Microsoft Excel, a leading commercial spreadsheet application for Windows and MAC operating systems. GANetXL is a program that uses a Genetic Algorithm to solve a wide range of single and multi-objective problems. In this study, non-linear Muskingum routing parameters are solved using GANetXL. Statistical Model performances are compared with the earlier results and found satisfactory.
THE CITY OF ADDIS ABABA FROM ‘FOREST CITY’ TO ‘URBAN HEAT ISLAND’: AN ANALYSIS OF URBAN GREEN SPACE DYNAMICS USING REMOTE SENSING AND GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEM
Authors: Abebe Mathias Tesfaye , Megento Tebarek Lika
Published: April 2020

The unprecedented rate of urban growth in developing countries causes various problems such as deficiency in public infrastructure services, lack of green spaces and inadequate service provisions. This study applies GIS tools and remote sensing techniques to assess the effects of urban development on urban green space in Ethiopia’s capital. Spatial and non-spatial datasets were collected from different organizations and processed using GIS tools and remote sensing techniques for land use/ land cover classification and analysis. The analysis demonstrated shrinking of urban green spaces- plantations, forestland, grassland and cultivated land (at annual rates of 5.9%, 3.3%, 5.4% and 3.7 % respectively) by 82.1%, 62.1%, 78.8 and 65.8 % respectively during the past three decades (1986-2015) whereas built-up and transport areas increased at annual rate of 5.7% and 1.3% and consumed 419% and 47% of the city’s total area respectively.
Veterinary Laboratory Medicine (Clinical Biochemistry and Haematology), Morag G. Kerr
Authors: Duncan N. M.
Published: April 2020

No abstract available.
The ammonia tolerance test in horses
Authors: Van den Berg J. S.
Published: April 2020

Clinically normal horses (n = 8) with ages ranging from 5 to 8 years, were starved for 12 h and their plasma ammonia concentrations were measured. The mean fasting plasma ammonia concentration was 17,8±3,8 µmol l-1. After dosing ammonium chloride at a dose rate of 0,02 g kg-1, there was a significant increase in plasma ammonia concentration, with a maximum rise after 20 min (P 0,05). To investigate the influence of temperature on plasma ammonia concentrations of stored samples, 8 plasma samples were stored at -20°C and 4°C respectively. The plasma ammonia concentrations were measured after 6, 12 and 24 h in each of the stored samples. Plasma ammonia concentrations increased significantly after 12 and 24 h when stored at 4°C (P 0,05). When plasma was stored at 20°C there was no significant increase from baseline concentrations during 24h (P 0,05).
The Lived Experience of Being a Speech-Language Therapist in the Western Cape Public Health Service
Authors: Warden Jocelyn A. , Mayers Patricia , Kathard Harsha
Published: April 2020

This study explores the lived experience of being a Speech-Language Therapist (S-L Therapist) in the South African Western Cape public health service. The lived experience of seven S-L Therapists with varied clinical experience was illuminated using a qualitative phenomenological research design. S-L Therapists, working in the three Western Cape tertiary hospitals, provided an in-depth account of their experiences as S-L Therapists. The audio recorded interviews were transcribed verbatim and analysed using an adaptation of Colaizzi's (1978) method of analysis. The rigour and trustworthiness of the research process was informed by consideration of issues of credibility, applicability, confirm ability and dependability as they relate to phenomenological design. Five main themes emerged from data analysis: expectations of practice and practice realities; being part of the "underdog" profession: role definition and status; being connected; the holistic nature of the S-L Therapist's practice; and erosion or promotion. The implications for training and support of S-L therapists by managers and policymakers and peers are highlighted.
Preemptive and Upfront Plerixafor: Safe and Effective Strategy for Patients Undergoing Autologous Stem Cell transplant and at High Risk for Mobilization Failure
Authors: Sheth Vipul , Jain Reetu , Gore Adwaita , Ghanekar Amit , Saikia Tapan
Published: April 2020

Introduction: Approximately 10%–30% of patients are unable to collect the minimum number of stem cells to support high-dose chemotherapy and autologous stem cell transplant (hematopoietic stem cell transplantation). Plerixafor alone or in combination with granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been shown to significantly increase the CD34 cell collection, especially in patients who failed their initial harvest strategy. This is a retrospective study of 17 preselected patients (relapsed lymphoma and myeloma), who were considered to have high risk of mobilization failure and who had undergone upfront and preemptive plerixafor mobilization. Patients and Methods: The mobilization protocol consisted of G-CSF (10–15 μg/kg) subcutaneously daily for 4 days before the initiation of plerixafor on evening of day 4. The patients then underwent apheresis on day 5. Results: Among 17 patients who underwent apheresis, 16 (93%) yielded the minimum required cell collection of ≥2 × 106 CD34+ cells/kg in a single apheresis session (2 days). Out of these 16 patients, 8 (53%) patients achieved the minimum target dose in a single day. Eight (50%) of all patients achieved the optimum target cell collection in a single apheresis session. Out of these eight patients, five (62%) patients collected optimum yield in a single day. Conclusion: Plerixafor is safe and effective if used upfront and preemptively for patients in whom mobilization of stem cells is considered to be a problem.
RON and MET Co-overexpression Are Significant Pathological Characteristics of Poor Survival and Therapeutic Targets of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Weng Tian-Hao , Yao Min-Ya , Xu Xiang-Ming , Hu Chen-Yu , Yao Shu-Hao , Liu Yi-Zhi , Wu Zhi-Gang , Tang Tao-Ming , Fu Pei-Fen , Wang Ming-Hai , Yao Hang-Ping
Published: April 2020

Purpose Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is highly malignant and has poor prognosis and a high mortality rate. The lack of effective therapy has spurred our investigation of new targets for treating this malignant cancer. Here, we identified RON (macrophage-stimulating 1 receptor) and MET (MET proto-oncogene, receptor tyrosine kinase) as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic targets for potential TNBC treatment.Materials and MethodsWe analyzed RON and MET expression in 187 primary TNBC clinical samples with immunohistochemistry. We validated the targeted therapeutic effects of RON and MET in TNBC using three tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs): BMS-777607, INCB28060, and tivantinib. The preclinical therapeutic efficacy of the TKIs was mainly estimated using a TNBC xenograft model.ResultsPatients with TNBC had widespread, abnormal expression of RON and MET. There was RON overexpression, MET overexpression, and RON and MET co-overexpression in 63 (33.7%), 63 (33.7%), and 43 cases (23.0%), respectively, which had poor prognosis and short survival. In vivo, the TKI targeting RON ant MET inhibited the activation of the downstream signaling molecules, inhibited TNBC cell migration and proliferation, and increased TNBC cell apoptosis; in the xenograft model, they significantly inhibited tumor growth and shrank tumor volumes. The TKI targeting RON and Met, such as BMS-777607 and tivantinib, yielded stronger anti-tumor effects than INCB28060.ConclusionRON and MET co-overexpression can be significant pathological characteristics in TNBC for poor prognosis. TKIs targeting RON and MET have stronger drug development potential for treating TNBC.
О формировании связи Галуа ассоциированными с конусами нижними функциями распределения и множественнозначными квантилями
Authors: Ararat Cagin , Hamel Andreas
Published: April 2020

Показано, что введенная в недавних работах ассоциированная с конусом нижняя функция распределения вместе с множественнозначным квантилем создают связь Галуа между полной решеткой замкнутых выпуклых множеств и отрезком $[0,1]$. Это обобщает соответствующий результат для размерности 1. В работе также показано, что продолжение ассоциированной с конусом нижней функции распределения вместе с множественнозначным квантилем характеризуют объемный функционал продолжения на случайные множества исходной многомерной величины, а также ее распределение.
Дополнение к теореме Григорьева для модели Кабанова
Authors: Zhao Jun , Lepinette Emmanuel
Published: April 2020

В работе получена эквивалентная характеризация отсутствия арбитражных возможностей в финансовой модели с ценами покупки-продажи, являющаяся аналогом теоремы Даланга-Мортона-Виллинджера, сформулированной в дискретном времени для модели финансового рынка без трения. Для конических моделей в двумерном случае данный результат дополняет и улучшает утверждение теоремы Григорьева, демонстрируя замкнутость множества всех терминальных ликвидационных стоимостей.
О проблеме разорения с инвестициями в предположении, что цены акций являются семимартингалами
Authors: Spielmann J. , Vostrikova Lyudmila
Published: April 2020

В этой статье изучается проблема разорения с инвестициями в общей постановке, когда бизнес-часть процесса риска страховой компании $X$ представляет собой процесс Леви, а стохастический логарифм инвестиций $R$ - семимартингал. При некоторых условиях мы получаем верхнюю и нижнюю оценки вероятностей разорения на конечных и бесконечных интервалах времени, а также их логарифмическую асимптотику. В случае, когда $R$ является процессом Леви, из наших оценок вытекают некоторые хорошо известные результаты. Даются также условия для разорения с вероятностью $1$, связанные с поведением экспоненциальных функционалов от $R$, и в случае процессов Леви, эти условия выражены через семимартингальные характеристики этого процесса.
Поведение инвесторов в конических моделях рынков
Authors: Chau Huy Ngoc , Rasonyi M
Published: April 2020

В работе исследуется достаточно широкий класс финансовых моделей, который включает рынки с пропорциональными трансакционными издержками. Рассматривается инвестор, имеющий предпочтения в рамках теории совокупных перспектив и ограниченный требованием неотрицательности портфельного капитала. Доказано существование оптимальной стратегии в классе обобщенных стратегий.
Лемма Фату в классической форме и теоремы Лебега о сходимости для последовательности мер с приложениями к управляемым марковским процессам
Authors: Feinberg Eugene Aleksandrovich , Kas'yanov Pavel Olegovich , Liang Y
Published: April 2020

В классической лемме Фату утверждается, что нижний предел последовательности интегралов функций больше или равен интегралу от нижнего предела. Известно, что лемма Фату для последовательности слабо сходящихся мер устанавливает более слабое неравенство, поскольку интеграл от нижнего предела заменяется на интеграл от нижнего предела по двум параметрам, где второй параметр является аргументом функции. В данной статье приводятся достаточные условия справедливости леммы Фату в ее классической форме для последовательности слабо сходящихся мер. Функции могут принимать как положительные, так и отрицательные значения. В статье также приводятся аналогичные результаты для сильно сходящихся мер. Статья также содержит аналоги теорем Лебега и монотонной сходимости для последовательностей слабо и сильно сходящихся мер. Полученные результаты используются в доказательстве общих достаточных условий справедливости уравнений оптимальности для управляемых марковских процессов принятия решений с критерием средних издержек за единицу времени.
Reliability, Maintainability, and Sustainability Terms and Definitions
Authors:   Ground Vehicle Reliability Committee
Published: April 2020

A glossary of basic terms and definitions useful for working in reliability, maintainability, and sustainability (RMS).

The terms used in most engineering technologies tend to be physical characteristics such as speed, rate of turn, and fuel consumption. While they may require very careful definition and control of the way in which they are measured, the terms themselves are not subject to different interpretations. Reliability, maintainability, and sustainability (RMS), however, use terms that are defined in a variety of ways with multiple interpretations.

The variety of definitions given to a single term creates problems when trying to compare the performance of one system to another. To eliminate the confusion, a literature search that listed current and past RMS terms and definitions was conducted. The literature search included input from the U.S. military, UK military, NATO, SAE, IEEE, NASA, ISO, university research, and other publications. The object was to determine the common definition of reliability terms from a variety of sources. It is accepted that some of the definitions may be unique because of the nature of the mission, but it is the strong conviction of the government and industry practitioners who make up the SAE Reliability Committee under the G-11 Division that there should be some fundamental definitions used for all hardware systems.

Accordingly, in October of 2003, there were discussions to revise the current AIR4896 that was published in 1995. It is understood by individuals who participated in this project that future editions will update terminology as developments are made within the RMS community. Due to the complexity and nature of software reliability, we have specifically excluded “software reliability” terms from this edition. Future updates of this document will continue to reflect the converging of defense and commercial technology and standards.
Effectiveness of Nighttime Orthoses in Controlling Pain for Women With Hand Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Silva Paula Gabriel , de Carvalho Silva Fabiana , da Rocha Corrêa Fernandes Artur , Natour Jamil
Published: April 2020

Importance: Hand osteoarthritis is a musculoskeletal problem that is associated with hand pain, stiffness, functional limitation, decreased grip strength, and reduced quality of life.

Objective: To evaluate the effectiveness of nighttime orthoses on the second or third finger of the dominant hand in controlling pain in women with symptomatic osteoarthritis (OA) in the interphalangeal joint.

Design: Randomized controlled trial.

Setting: Outpatient clinic.

Participants: Fifty-two women with symptomatic OA and presence of Heberden’s and Bouchard’s nodes, allocated randomly to the intervention group or the control group.

Intervention: The intervention group used a nighttime orthosis on the second or third finger of the dominant hand. Both groups participated in an educational session.

Outcomes and Measures: The following parameters were measured: pain (numerical rating scale, Australian/Canadian Osteoarthritis Hand Index), grip and pinch strength, function (Cochin Hand Functional Scale), and manual performance (Moberg Pick Up Test).

Results: The intervention group showed a statistically significant improvement in pain (p < .001) and hand function. The improvement in pain correlated with Cochin Hand Functional Scale scores and the absence of Bouchard’s nodes in the third finger, which are predictors of the best prognosis for treatment with a nighttime orthosis.

Conclusions and Relevance: This study demonstrates that nighttime orthoses are effective in reducing pain and lead to improvement in hand function in women with hand OA. They are therefore specifically recommended for nonpharmacological treatment of hand OA.

What This Article Adds: Orthoses can be considered, together with manual exercises and joint protection, as an intervention to reduce symptoms and improve hand function in people with hand OA. This study is an important step in empowering occupational therapists to determine appropriate and effective intervention for clients with OA.
Non-auditors in the internal audit function: better practices for successful implementation
Authors: Hendrix Gijs , Wai Jack , Tjin A Sioe Judith , Hener-Schaminée Martina , Ottema Wim
Published: April 2020

To bring a high level of expertise on-board Internal Audit Functions (IAFs) increasingly include persons that are not trained as auditor in internal audits. These non-auditors (rotational auditors, guest auditors or subject matter experts) function as part of the IAF for a specific period. This practice ensures the IAF has the expertise and skills required to meet today’s challenges of organizations and their IAFs. However, it provides (professional practice) challenges as these auditors usually have limited experience and knowledge around internal audits and might be conflicted in their objectivity and independence. This article provides better practices to optimize the use of non-auditors and mitigate its risks.
Digitalisering en de impact op de internal auditfunctie
Authors: Roos Lindgreen Edo , Vlak Michel , Verkerke Arthur
Published: April 2020

Digitalisering en de daarmee samenhangende opkomst van de data-gedreven economie hebben een grote invloed op de internal auditfunctie (IAF). Digitalisering leidt tot een veranderend risicobeeld voor organisaties en leidt tot een verbreding van het werkterrein en de scope van de werkzaamheden van de IAF. Tegelijkertijd stelt digitalisering de internal auditor in staat het werk beter, sneller en met meer diepgang te doen, zodat de IAF meer toegevoegde waarde kan leveren aan zijn stakeholders. Hoewel IAF’s vooruitgang boeken bij het incorporeren van digitalisering in de “audit universe” en auditaanpak, is het tempo niet hoog genoeg om de ontwikkelingen bij te houden. IAF’s worstelen met het toepassen van technologie binnen de auditaanpak en het ontsluiten van data; IT vereist specifieke kennis en expertise die schaars en moeilijk te verkrijgen en te behouden lijkt. Om relevant te blijven in een digitale wereld dienen IAF’s durf te tonen, te experimenteren en te investeren in kennis en vaardigheden in en voorzieningen voor het gebruik van technologie en data binnen het auditproces, zoals ook blijkt uit de in dit paper gepresenteerde casus Auditdienst Rijk. Naast het commitment en de support van de Raad van Bestuur (RvB) en de Audit Committee (AC), de belangrijkste stakeholders van de IAF, vereist dit ook een daadwerkelijke investering in termen van geld en menselijke capaciteit.
De bril van de internal auditor; oogklep of varifocus?
Authors: Hartog Peter , Paape Leen
Published: April 2020

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De internal auditfunctie
Authors: Roos Lindgreen Edo
Published: April 2020

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The trend of the oxidants in boreal forest over 2007–2018: comprehensive modelling study with long-term measurements at SMEAR II, Finland
Authors: Chen Dean , Zhou Putian , Nieminen Tuomo , Roldin Pontus , Qi Ximeng , Clusius Petri , Xavier Carlton , Pichelstorfer Lukas , Kulmala Markku , Rantala Pekka , Aalto Juho , Sarnela Nina , Kolari Pasi , Keronen Petri , Rissanen Matti P. , Baykara Metin , Boy Michael
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Major atmospheric oxidants (OH, O3 and NO3) dominate the atmospheric oxidation capacity, while H2SO4 is considered as a main driver for new particle formation events. Although numerous studies have investigated the long-term trend of ozone in Europe, the trend of OH, NO3 and H2SO4 at specific sites are to a large extent unknown. In this study, we investigated how the trends in major atmospheric oxidants (OH, O3 and NO3) and H2SO4 changed in southern Finland during the past 12 years and discuss how these trends relate to decreasing emissions of regulated air pollutants in Europe. The one-dimensional model SOSAA has been applied in several studies at the SMEAR II station, and has been validated by measurements in several projects. Here, we ran the SOSAA model for the years 2007–2018 to simulate the atmospheric chemical components, especially the atmospheric oxidants and H2SO4 at SMEAR II. The simulations were evaluated with observations at SMEAR II for several shorter and longer campaigns. Our results show that OH increased by +1.56 (−0.8; +3.17) % yr−1 during daytime and NO3 decreased by −3.92 (−6.49; −1.79) % yr−1 during nighttime, indicating different trends of the oxidants during day and night. Sulphuric acid decreased during daytime by −5.12 (−11.39; −0.52) % yr−1, which correlated with the observed decreasing concentration of newly formed particles in the size range 3–25 nm by 1.4 % yr−1 at SMEAR II during the years 1997–2012 (Nieminen et al., 2014). Additionally we compared our simulated OH, NO3 and H2SO4 concentrations with proxies, which are commonly applied in case limited amount of parameters are measured and no detailed model simulations are available.
Induced telluric currents play a major role in the interpretation of geomagnetic variations
Authors: Juusola Liisa , Vanhamäki Heikki , Viljanen Ari , Smirnov Maxim
Published: April 2020

Abstract. Geomagnetically induced currents (GIC) are directly described by ground electric fields, but estimating them is time-consuming and requires knowledge of the ionospheric currents as well as the three-dimensional distribution of the electrical conductivity of the Earth. The time derivative of the horizontal component of the ground magnetic field (dH/dt) is closely related to the electric field via Faraday's law, and provides a convenient proxy for the GIC risk. However, forecasting dH/dt still remains a challenge. We use 25 years of 10 s data from the North European International Monitor for Auroral Geomagnetic Effects (IMAGE) magnetometer network to show that part of this problem stems from the fact that instead of the primary ionospheric currents, the measured dH/dt is dominated by the signature from the secondary induced telluric currents nearly at all IMAGE stations. The largest effects due to telluric currents occur at coastal sites close to highly-conducting ocean water and close to near-surface conductivity anomalies. The secondary magnetic field contribution to the total field is a few tens of percent, in accordance with earlier studies. Our results have been derived using IMAGE data and are thus only valid for the involved stations. However, it is likely that the main principle also applies to other areas. Consequently, it is recommended that the field separation into internal (telluric) and external (ionospheric and magnetospheric) parts is performed whenever feasible, i.e., a dense observation network is available.