bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between emotional regulation difficulties and subjective well-being in children aged 6-7 years
Authors: Indarwati Anik , Jamaris Martini , Yetti Elindra
Published: October 2019

A number of studies have shown the relationship between emotional regulation difficulties and subjective well-being. Reappraisal is considered a form of emotional regulation better than suppression. However, suppressing emotional expression increases the activity of physiological responses which actually harms the human health in the long run. Early age children still have difficulty in regulating their emotions, and this is likely to affect their psychological well-being if not properly managed . This study aims to examine the relationship between emotional regulation difficulties and subjective wellbeing in children aged 6-7 years. Study participants (N = 55) were children in their early childhood who were transitioned from kindergartens to Gorontalo elementary school. Data were obtained through questionnaires using an Emotional Regulation Checklist / ERC (shiedls & ciccheti, 2003) and subjective welfare questionnaire. Based on data analysis using Pearson product moment correlation test, the researcher found that the correlation coefficient (rxy) is 0.408 with p = 0.000 (p < 0.01). This indicates that there is a significant negative relationship between the variable of the value of emotional regulation difficulties with subjective wellbeing.
Assessing the predictors of satisfaction with life of employees in Windhoek, Namibia
Authors: Rodriques Imelda , Pieters Wesley R.
Published: October 2019

Orientation: Service delivering organisations are required to deliver quality services. It is of utmost importance to improve employees’ satisfaction with life which is consistent with an organisation’s effectiveness and efficiency.Research purpose: This study investigated the impact of psychological capital (PsyCap) and general health on the satisfaction with life of employees of a parastatal and police officers in Windhoek, Namibia.Motivation for the study: Poor service delivery and little regard for customer service are a result of unhealthy and dissatisfied employees spiralling into poor service delivery and customer dissatisfaction.Research approach, design and method: A quantitative research approach (questionnaire) was used to collect data on the biographical details, PsyCap, general health and employees’ satisfaction with life. The sample consisted of (n = 129) employees from a parastatal and (n = 152) employees of the Namibian Police Force.Main findings: Psychological capital reported a positive relationship with satisfaction with life. General health reported a negative relationship with satisfaction with life. Hope and social dysfunction were found to be significant predictors of satisfaction with life.Practical and managerial implications: Offering praise and recognition to hardworking employees enhances their self-efficacy, making them want to take on more challenging tasks while getting the needed guidance. Implementing stress management or wellness programmes helps employees cope better with job demands and improves employees’ general health.Contribution or value-add: Based on the literature, this is the first study carried out in Namibia on this topic, and it adds to existing knowledge within the customer service industry and paves the way for future researchers. This study will assist organisations in developing interventions aimed at keeping employees satisfied with life.
Optimal time management on linear accelerator
Authors: Udayashankar Avinash H. , Noorjahan Shibina , Srikantia Nirmala , Kamunuri Ravindra Babu , Immanuel Niranjan , Muzumder Sandeep , Chandramouli S. H. , Shariff Mazhar H.
Published: October 2019

Introdction:

Optimal time management is of utmost importance in the radiotherapy department. Inappropriate allocation of time slots leads to prolonged waiting times and decreased patient satisfaction during external beam radiotherapy. The present study tests a logical model to improve the waiting time for the patients.

Materials and Methods:

The treatment time, waiting time, and causes of delay were studied from November 4, 2014, to July 24, 2015. New rules were framed for treatment slot allocation from December 26, 2014. The treatment slots were classified based on the treatment technology (three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy and intensity-modulated radiotherapy) with inclusion of “buffer slots” and patient education. The results were compared before and after rules.

Results:

A total of 1032 time slots were analyzed, of which 225 “before rules” and 807 “after rules,” respectively. There was a significant reduction in the average waiting time for treatment in on-time patients (median [interquartile range (IQR)] of 25.2 min [31.75] vs. 3 min [3.5]; P< 0.00001) as well as in late-coming patients (median [IQR] of 38.2 min [13.795] vs. 21.11 min [12.75]; P= 0.00006). 59.7% (71 patients) of the treatment was delayed “before rules” as opposed to 32.2% (137 patients) “after rules” in on-time patients. Due to better patient education, there was a significant improvement in the patient punctuality toward the allotted time.

Conclusion:

The treatment slots classified based on the teletherapy technique with buffer slots, and patient education helps in better time management on linear accelerator. This methodology significantly reduces waiting time and thereby the number of patients having delay in the treatment.
Implementation of a visual feedback system for motion management during radiation therapy
Authors: Swamidas Jamema , Rose John , Chopra Supriya , Paul Siji N. , Joshi Kishore , Panda Subhajit , Ph Reena , Agarwal Jai Prakash
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

To describe the details of an in-house video goggles feedback system assembled from several commercially available components. The objective of this paper is to share our experience with this system, provide details on the equipment needed, system assembly, patient set up and user settings on some components.

Materials and Methods:

The system consisted of goggles (FPView3DHD, ITV, USA), RJ45(Registered Jack) to Digital Visual Interface (DVI) converter (Tripplite), DVI to HDMI converters, Local Area Network(LAN) cable, HDMI and power extender cables. The video coaching system was implemented both in CT simulator (GE Discovery)) and in treatment delivery machine True Beam v2.1 Varian Medical Systems (VMS, Palo Alto), which was integrated with respiratory motion management (RPM V 1.7.5) system.

Results:

The video feedback system is in clinical use since Aug 2017, so far, we have treated 13 patients, with approximately 150 fractions. The performance of the device was found to be satisfactory. All the patients were coached for DIBH and the usage of the goggles, which includes wearing the goggles, display details of the monitor, and the threshold levels of the breathing wave cycle. The patients understand the instructions very well and hence regulate the breathing cycle, which improves the treatment accuracy and efficiency.

Conclusion:

Video feedback system for motion management, for patients undergoing radiotherapy was implemented successfully both in CT simulator and in linear accelerator.
Implementación de un modelo de predicción de fallos orientado a la gestión y estrategias de mantenimiento en redes de distribución de agua potable
Authors: Ramírez R. , Cobacho R. , Torres D. , López-Jiménez P.A.
Published: October 2019

En el presente trabajo se plantea el doble objetivo de, por una parte, alcanzar unas estimaciones fiables para la vida útil de las tuberías que conforman la red de distribución de un abastecimiento y, por otra, hacerlo mediante un modelo de, relativamente, baja complejidad y con poca necesidad de datos históricos. Dicho modelo se ha basado en la utilización de la distribución Weibull sobre registros de dos años de reparaciones. Los resultados alcanzados se han contrastado con los proporcionados por el modelo Weibull de riesgos proporcionales, de amplia difusión en la actualidad, aplicado sobre los mismos conjuntos de datos. La comparativa entre los resultados de ambos modelos ha resultado positiva tanto en la ubicación sobre la curva de bañera obtenida para cada grupo de tuberías, como en el error relativo existente entre ambas estimaciones de fallos futuros.
Jorge Oteiza y Mariano Garrigues en el INIA (1951-57): un cruce de dos modernidades
Authors: Labarta Aizpún Carlos , Delgado Orusco Eduardo
Published: October 2019

The fruitful decade of the nineteen-fifties, although a widely studied period, harbours unexpected eventualities, such as the confluence of a resolutely experimental sculptor and an architect of a more possibilistic nature. The circumstances surrounding the encounter and revelation of this joint work, very rarely mentioned in the corresponding literature, can be seen as an event that contributes to verifying, once again, the multi-faceted soul of the modern movement in Spain, whose fruitfulness was a result of its inherent hybridity, strengthened by the challenge of creating any classification. In this case, it is concluded that Oteiza’s piece, the result of his investigation into the spatial implications of the wall, is juxtaposed against the building by Garrigues without achieving a real dialogue with the incipient modernism in the architecture of the institute.
"Blister packs" rather than "ashes to ashes, dust to dust" for medications
Authors: Gupta, MD Deepak , Chakrabortty, MD, PhD Shushovan
Published: October 2019

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A double blind randomized clinical trial of buprenorphine augmentation for treatment of psychotic symptoms in opioid addicted bipolar patients
Authors: Khalili, MD Navid , Sabahi, MD Abdolreza , Vahedian, PhD Mostafa , Alimardanzadeh, MD Mehdi
Published: October 2019

Objective: To assess the efficacy of buprenorphine augmentation in treatment of psychotic symptoms in bipolar disorder type I.Design: Bipolar type I patients with manic or depressive episodes and psychotic feature and with opioid dependency comorbidity were randomly included and allocated. Both groups of buprenorphine (4 or 6 mg/d) and placebo were also treated with enough dosages of sodium valproate and risperidone. Psychosis as primary outcome and depressive and manic symptoms as secondary outcome were assessed at baseline and after 1 and 2 weeks. Data were analyzed through t test and repeated measure ANOVA.Results: Twenty-four patients remained in each group. Both groups displayed significant reduction in psychotic, depressive, and manic symptoms during the 2 weeks of study, although there was not any significant difference between them. Conclusions: Buprenorphine did not add any efficacy to usual treatment of psychotic episodes of bipolar, although did not aggravate psychiatric symptoms.
Intraoperative opioid and non-opioid administration patterns and early postoperative pain: A single-center retrospective longitudinal study
Authors: Smith, MD Gregory , Durieux, MD, PhD Marcel E. , Tsang, PhD Siny , Naik, MBBCh Bhiken I.
Published: October 2019

Objective: Characterize changes in intraoperative opioid and non-opioid administration over time and to evaluate self-reported pain scores in the immediate postoperative period.Design: Single-center retrospective longitudinal study.Setting: Academic medical center.Patients, participants: All patients presenting for surgery between 2011 and 2017 in both an inpatient and outpatient setting.Main outcome measure(s): Determine total intraoperative opioid administration using intravenous oral morphine equivalents standardized to weight and intraoperative non-opioid use. Furthermore, postoperative self-reported pain scores within 2 hours of completion of surgery are reported.Results: A total of 112,167 individual cases were identified from March 2011 to June 2017. There was a sustained and significant reduction in intraoperative mean and median opioid administration [2011: 0.16 ± 0.15 mg/kg and 0.13 (0-4.92) mg/kg vs 2017: 0.09 ± 0.09 mg/kg and 0.07 (0-4.17) mg/kg]. These effects are seen in emergent vs elective surgery, ambulatory vs inpatient, preoperative opioid use vs no preoperative opioid use, and those with and without intraoperative loco-regional procedures. Although median number of intraoperative non-opioid analgesic agents was unchanged over time, average difference in the number of intraoperative non-opioids increased over time. Finally, pain scores decreased over time [2011: mean (standard deviation) and median (range): 5.1 ± 2.62 and 5.4 (0-10) vs 2017: 3.29 ± 3.27 and 3 (0-10)].Conclusion: This study confirms that intraoperative opioid use has decreased over time with increased utilization of non-opioid analgesic adjuncts and a commensurate decrease in immediate postoperative pain.
2019 International Conference on Opioids Posters
Authors: Opioids International Conference on
Published: October 2019

Conference Poster Presented at the 2019 International Conference On Opioids in Boston, MA, June 9-11, 2019
EVALUATION OF TRMM-3B42V7 AND PERSIANN-CDR DAILY-PRECIPITATION PRODUCTS FOR THE SOUTHERN SLOPES OF ALBORZ MOUNTAINS, IRAN
Authors: Khalighi-Sigaroodi S. , Ghaljaee E. , Moghaddam Nia A. , Malekian A. , Zhang F.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. The density of rain gauges in many regions is lower than standard. Therefore, there are no precise estimates of precipitation in such regions. Today the use of satellite data to overcome this deficiency is increasing day to day. Unfortunately, the results from different satellite products also show a significant difference. Hence, their evaluation and validation are very important. The main objective of this study is to investigate the accuracy of the daily precipitation data of TRMM-3B42 V7 and PERSIANN-CDR satellites under a case study in the southern slopes of Alborz mountains, Iran. For this purpose, satellite precipitation data were compared with ground measured precipitation data of 12 synoptic stations over a 15- year period. The statistical criteria of MAE, RMSE, and Bias were used to assess error and the statistical indices of POD, FAR, and CSI was used to evaluate the recognition rate of occurrence or non-occurrence of precipitation. The results showed that there is a low correlation between satellite precipitation data and ground measured precipitation data, and the lowest and the highest values of correlation coefficient are from 0.228 to 0.402 for TRMM and from 0.047 to 0.427 for PERSIANN, respectively. However, there is a theoretical consensus on other assessment parameters, so that TRMM data is preferable in terms of the amount of data bias and the False Alarm Ratio (FAR) and PERSIANN data is superior in terms of RMSE, POD, and CSI. Also, it seems that in the study region, both of TRMM and PERSIANN have overestimated the number of daily precipitation events, so that the number of daily precipitation events was estimated about 125% and 200% of ground stations by TRMM and PERSIANN, respectively.
Feminist standpoint on social media sites and internet practices
Authors: González Ramos Ana María
Published: October 2019

Social media sites and the internet have opened up new spaces for self-identity and the construction of social relationships. Technology communications affect human relationships by introducing innovations for individual and collective representations, but the direction and intensity of these changes may be diverse and even reinforce old patterns from the past, particularly from a gender perspective. While feminist utopians heralded the internet as a space free from gender stereotypes, evidence suggests sexist patterns still remain in place today. This work investigates several phenomena on social media sites (egobloggers, YouTubers, influencers) from a gender perspective. This analysis confirms that although some practices on social media sites display new relationships and new constructions of self-identities, others reveal the persistence of sexism and gender discrimination, even though it may be invisible to the actors and the audience. This paper argues that a code of ethics is necessary to regulate users’ activity on social media sites, creating conscious values about the (un)explored consequences of common internet activities. Some guidelines for creating this code of ethics from a gender perspective are presented in the last section.
Brown tumour in the cervical spine : Case report and review of literature
Authors: Carta S , Chungh A , Gowda Sush Ramakrishna , Synodinou E , Sauve PS , Harvey JR
Published: October 2019

Background: Brown tumour of the cervical spine is very rare and is formed due to focal altered bone remodelling secondary to persistent and uncontrolled primary or secondary hyperparathyroidism. It is considered an extreme form of osteitis fibrosa cystica that occurs in the settings of persistently elevated parathyroid hormone.Case Report: This a unique lesion presented in a 48 year old male with recurrent bone pain and known End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) on maintenance haemodialysis. The main clinical complaints were weak and painful legs and the initial presentation was after the patient collapsed at home and fractured spinal level C2. The initial assessment included blood tests and radiological imaging. CT scanning of the spine revealed a destructive lytic lesion with loss of height and architectural changes of the C2 vertebral body and cord compression.  The differentials included an acute fracture, a metastatic lesion and Brown’s tumour.  Further imaging with an MRI of the spine and PET-CT were performed which confirmed the above lesion and excluded metastatic disease and bone marrow infiltration. A CT guided bone biopsy followed. The patient continued to receive medical treatment for secondary hyperparathyroidism and the C2 fracture was managed with orthosis through a protective hard collar.Discussion: An up to date literature review revealed very few cases of Brown tumour of the cervical spine and there was only one previous case with C2 involvement due to primary hyperparathyroidism and one due to secondary hyperparathyroidism.  Clinicians must be aware of the varied presentations of Brown’s tumour to identify and provide the appropriate management.
A Conceptual Framework: Creating Socially Just Schools for Students with Emotional and Behavioral Disabilities
Authors: Melloy Kirstine J. , Murry Francie R.
Published: October 2019

Students with emotional and behavioral disabilities (EBD) are among the most marginalized group of students in ourschools. In essence, students with EBD are often denied their civil right to a free and appropriate public education(FAPE) which is a social justice issue. Teachers who become social justice allies are more likely to create a sociallyjust school when they promote the implementation of multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) throughevidence-based practices (EBP) for positive behavior interventions and supports through a social justice lens.Implementing these interventions while being social justice allies in socially just schools offer the best opportunityfor students with EBD to receive an equitable and socially just education in schools thereby achieving social justiceregarding their civil right to a FAPE.
Capacity Development and Policies to Reduce Poverty in Latin America
Authors: Gomes Cristina
Published: October 2019

This article aims to analyze some of the government experiences to promote the management capacities of public officials in poverty reduction policies – in particular, the Conditional Cash Transfer Programs (CCTP) of four countries: Brazil, Colombia, Mexico and the Dominican Republic. The methodology includes a bibliographic review and the analysis of government documents such as plans and reports on capacity development for the CCTPs’ officials, and interviews with groups with the managers responsible for the training in each country, performed via Skype or telephone. Based in the bibliography review, the main issues of the capacity development strategy were included in a question guide on the management, objectives, design, contents, implementation, infrastructure, budget and evaluation and of the training programs in each country. Results were analyzed using the content analysis technique, according to the sets of concepts and questions asked in the interviews, and comparing the results between countries. Results show that capacity development in CCTPs varies among countries, according to the level of centralization, available infrastructure and external collaborators. Governments have professionalized the hiring process and the strategy of capacity building of their officials, who have diversified the skills, contents, and the participation of external institutions, partners and collaborators in this process, even focusing in a more culturally sensitive formation, for example, in indigenous languages and participation, as in the Mexican and Colombian cases. However, improvements are necessary in evaluating the results of the training implemented, in order to plan and implement programs based on evidence.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for Public Administration Research, Vol. 8, No. 2
Authors: Tai Gabriel
Published: October 2019

Reviewer acknowledgements for Public Administration Research, Vol. 8, No. 2, 2019.
L'experiència del projecte MicroMón a Catalunya, un cas de ciència ciutadana.
Authors: Llagostera Casas Montserrat , Campoy Sánchez Susana , Lope Pastor Silvia
Published: October 2019

Es presenta l’experiència de la implementació del projecte MicroMón a Catalunya. Es tracta d’una proposta de proveïment participatiu (crowdsourcing) que adopta una estratègia d’aprenentatge servei (ApS) que apropa la cultura científica i fomenta la vocació investigadora d’alumnes de 4t d’ESO i 1r de Batxillerat, alhora que contribueix a millorar la informació i la consciència ciutadana envers a la greu amenaça que representa, per a la salut pública mundial, la manca creixent d’antibiòtics efectius pel tractament de malalties infeccioses. En el projecte, estudiants de diferents graus del àmbit de les Biociències i de la Salut, acompanyats per professorat universitari especialista en Microbiologia, porten a les aules d’instituts i escoles un projecte de recerca real en el que es recullen i es sembren mostres de sòl en condicions estèrils per cercar, dins la diversitat bacteriana de la mostra, bacteris productors d'antibiòtics. En el present article s’analitzen també les respostes a qüestionaris dels diferents actors involucrats en el projecte així com les observacions realitzades durant les sessions de treball per avaluar el funcionament d‘aquesta prova pilot.
Assessment of reproductive parameters of privately bred ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri)
Authors: Ostrowski Dominik , Banaszewska Dorota , Biesiada-Drzazga Barbara
Published: October 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the reproductive parameters of privately bred ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri). The study was carried out in an amateur breeding facility in the Masovian voivodeship in 2013–2017. Observations were carried out on four pairs of ring-necked parakeets kept year round in outdoor aviaries. The analysis was based on the following indicators: number of eggs laid, number of chicks hatched, and number of chicks reared from two broods each year. The reproductive parameters of the pairs of ring-necked parakeets were varied. There were marked differences between individual pairs of birds concerning both the number of eggs in the clutch and the number of chicks reared. Most pairs reared two broods each year. In the first year of observation, the birds reared eight chicks from 13 laid eggs, while in the last year of data collection they reared 11 chicks from 16 eggs.
Interregional coordination for a fast and deep uptake of personalised health (Regions4Permed) –multidisciplinary consortium under the H2020 project
Authors: D'Erico Gianni
Published: October 2019

Abstract
Information about article authors
Authors: Aušra Simanavičienė
Published: October 2019

Information about Article Authors
Requirements for the Article to be Published
Authors: Aušra Simanavičienė
Published: October 2019

Requirements for the Article to be Published
DIGITAL PLATFORMS FOR POSTAL SERVICES IN EU AND JAPAN
Authors: Lewandowski Maciej , Mlodkowski Pawel , Wróbel Marek
Published: October 2019

This paper offers a biased review of digital platforms introduced recently and operated by national posts in several European Union countries. Authors chose the most interesting cases, including those deemed as most successful, those that failed, and the most modern ones. The paper compares diverse European experience with modern solutions introduced by the Japan Post. Methods used for delivering the study included direct interviews with Japan Post officials and systematic review of official documents and announcements by national post operators in European countries covered bin the paper. European Union Member States, and their national postal operators seem to be well ahead of Japan in the way modern technology is utilized in the process of providing traditional (and new) postal services. Paper makes an attempt to show how representative national postal operators benefit from advanced Information and Telecommunication technology and by replacing the manner in which postal services are rendered. There are numerous successful cases of digital platform implementation, like those from Denmark, France, Czech Republic, and Poland, among others. One will find interesting insight into reasons for failed case from Italy among conclusions, at the end of the paper. Environmental issues are also addressed, along with e-government issues. It happens that European Union postal operators optimize their operations with modern technology in the form of digital platforms in a much wider scope than the Japan Post. Japanese organizations deal with extremely challenging geographic conditions. This, in turn, should motivate much more advanced optimization by the means of solutions enabled by digital platforms.
ECONOMIC GROWTH PROJECTION FOR EUROPEAN UNION BY 2030
Authors: Mlodkowski Pawel
Published: October 2019

The paper contributes to a discussion on developments in output for the EU-27 group over the next 11 years, up to year 2030. It departs from a discussion on arguments of the production function, with focus on sudden changes to population in Europe, its growth rate and composition. A brief study of population-decreasing events in the European historical perspective may represent an inspiring part. Reasons for inconsistency in estimated parameters of production function for European countries seems to be well-explained this way.

The projection for the next 11 years, up to 2030 has employed the production function framework. Parameters have been estimated on the period 2004 – 2016 that matches most closely conditions that one may expect over the projection horizon.

Feeding the estimated production function for the 2018-2030 forecast has employed projected population by Eurostat, while private capital investment has been generated by an ARIMA model. Projection is offered in two forms: (1) aggregated real output for the whole EU, and (2) the same category for each of the EU-27 countries.
Two new species of the Macrobiotus hufelandi complex (Tardigrada: Eutardigrada: Macrobiotidae) from Australia and India, with notes on their phylogenetic position
Authors: Coughlan Kyle , Stec Daniel
Published: October 2019

In this paper we describe two new tardigrade species belonging to the Macrobiotus hufelandi complex: Macrobiotus noongaris sp. nov. from Perth, Australia, and Macrobiotus kamilae sp. nov. from Mussoorie, India. Live specimens extracted from moss samples were used to establish laboratory cultures in order to obtain additional animals and eggs needed for their integrative descriptions. These descriptions are based on traditional morphological and morphometric data collected using both light and scanning electron microscopy, which, at the same time, were associated with DNA sequences of four genetic markers, three nuclear (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA and ITS-2) and one mitochondrial (COI). The use of DNA sequences allowed for a more accurate verification of the taxonomic status of M. noongaris sp. nov. and M. kamilae sp. nov as independent species of the hufelandi group. Although they both exhibit typical inverted goblet-shaped processes, they represent a recently discovered clade, which was thought to group species with modified morphology of egg processes. Thus, this contribution expands the definition of the mentioned clade and constitutes another link that will be helpful for future studies on the evolution of the M. hufelandi complex.
How do you say Istanbul Protocol in Hebrew? The curious case of Mr Firas Tbeish
Authors: Shir Efrat
Published: October 2019

On 26 of November 2018, Israel’s High Court of Justice decided that Mr Firas Tbeish, a Palestinian from the Hebron area in the West Bank, had not been tortured. This concluded of six-year legal battle undertaken by Mr Tbeish and the Public Committee Against Torture in Israel. The case summary outlines the context in which the decision was given, while paying particular attention to the (mis)conception of Istanbul Protocol reports in Israel’s legal system.
The Impact of Traffic Sign Quality on the Frequency of Traffic Accidents
Authors: Ferko Marija , Stažnik Ana , Modrić Maja , Dijanić Helena
Published: October 2019

As part of an overall traffic signalling system, traffic signs warn the traffic participants, give information about the restrictions, prohibitions and obligations and provide additional information needed for a safe and undisturbed traffic flow. The traffic sign quality is expressed by its retroreflection and it is particularly pronounced in conditions of reduced visibility. The aim of this paper is to analyse how traffic signs quality affects the frequency of traffic accidents in low visibility conditions. For this purpose, traffic accidents and the quality of traffic signs were analysed on 130 state roads in the Republic of Croatia between 2013 and 2015. In the analysis several variables were used: the number of traffic accidents occurred under reduced visibility conditions, length of the road, AADT (Annual Average Daily Traffic) and the number of traffic signs that do not meet the minimum prescribed values of retroreflection. Statistical analysis showed a positive correlation between the accidents and unsatisfactory traffic signs, i.e. that with the increase in the number of traffic sings that do not have a satisfactory level of retroreflection, an increase in the number of accidents in reduced visibility conditions is expected.
Road Transport of Dangerous Goods in Poland – Risk Analysis
Authors: Madej Monika , Pająk Michał
Published: October 2019

The paper presents the methodology for the risk analysis of the road transport of dangerous goods. The risk analysis includes the societal risk for communities living or staying within a radius of six kilometres from all national roads in Poland. The GIS software was employed to make this analysis. The prepared matrix has included the product of the likelihood of a road accident involving explosive dangerous goods and the consequences for communities living in the abovementioned area. The likelihood analysis was developed for explosive and toxic dangerous goods. The consequence analysis was based on the population density, according to which a respective number of people was assigned to each building, depending on the time of day (daytime, nighttime). Each stage of the analysis was presented in the form of a map. In total, two variants of the likelihood analysis, four variants of the consequence analysis and four variants of risk analysis have been developed. All analyses have been developed for the entire country.
MCDM Bunkering Optimisation in a Hub and Spoke System: The Case of the North Adriatic Ports
Authors: Tuljak-Suban Danijela
Published: October 2019

Choosing an optimal bunkering port that minimises the increase in the operating costs in a hub and spoke system is a multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. Furthermore, the criteria are related to the port particularities, the environment, fuel price, and some criteria are quantitative while others are qualitative. It is therefore necessary to create a model that takes such features into consideration. Firstly, in this paper a set of the most used criteria will be defined. Then, a method to choose suitable criteria for a hub and spoke system will be proposed. Secondly, using a Fuzzy AHP, weights will be defined and used in a multi-criteria goal function. The outcome is a bunkering policy MCDM model based on the aggregation of fuel consumption and price to criteria related to port characteristics, local aspects and service particularities. All these factors must be considered by a chief engineer (superintendent) in the process of defining a sustainable bunker policy. A case study based on the North Adriatic port system demonstrates the applicability of the proposed model. In addition, the case study highlights that in hub and spoke systems with short loops, feeder ships can regulate cargo capacity and stay at a port with bunkering policy planning.
Comparing System Optimum-based and User Decision-based Traffic Models in an Autonomous Transport System
Authors: Pauer Gábor , Török Árpád
Published: October 2019

The paper introduces a framework to perform the demand management and route planning tasks of a highly developed transport system managing scheme, assuming an autonomous transport system. Two types of autonomous transport system managing models have been introduced. In case of the first model, the assigned number of trips is assumed to be the modified variable related to the optimization problem. In case of the second model, the decision process is directly influenced by the travel prices defined by the optimization method. These approaches represent different demand management strategies. The first model aims to directly assign the incoming user demands to the system, while the second procedure lets the users make the decision. However, in the second case the system can strongly influence the users’ choices through the values of the travel prices. Accordingly, it seems to be a reasonable assumption that the firstly presented model has significantly higher efficiency in distributing the load on the network. On the other hand, the method of the second model would be much more tolerable and acceptable from a social point of view. Therefore, the aim of the paper is to introduce the developed models and to compare their efficiencies.
The mechanosensitive ion channel TRAAK is localized to the mammalian node of Ranvier
Authors: Brohawn Stephen G , Wang Weiwei , Handler Annie , Campbell Ernest B , Schwarz Jürgen R , MacKinnon Roderick
Published: October 2019

TRAAK is a membrane tension-activated K+ channel that has been associated through behavioral studies to mechanical nociception. We used specific monoclonal antibodies in mice to show that TRAAK is localized exclusively to nodes of Ranvier, the action potential propagating elements of myelinated nerve fibers. Approximately 80 percent of myelinated nerve fibers throughout the central and peripheral nervous system contain TRAAK in what is likely an all-nodes or no-nodes per axon fashion. TRAAK is not observed at the axon initial segment where action potentials are first generated. We used polyclonal antibodies, the TRAAK inhibitor RU2 and node clamp amplifiers to demonstrate the presence and functional properties of TRAAK in rat nerve fibers. TRAAK contributes to the ‘leak’ K+ current in mammalian nerve fiber conduction by hyperpolarizing the resting membrane potential, thereby increasing Na+ channel availability for action potential propagation. We speculate on why nodes of Ranvier contain a mechanosensitive K+ channel.
A genomic-clinical nomogram predicting recurrence-free survival for patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Kong Junjie , Wang Tao , Shen Shu , Zhang Zifei , Yang Xianwei , Wang Wentao
Published: October 2019

Liver resection surgery is the most commonly used treatment strategy for patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is still a chance for recurrence in these patients despite the survival benefits of this procedure. This study aimed to explore recurrence-related genes (RRGs) and establish a genomic-clinical nomogram for predicting postoperative recurrence in HCC patients. A total of 123 differently expressed genes and three RRGs (PZP, SPP2, and PRC1) were identified from online databases via Cox regression and LASSO logistic regression analyses and a gene-based risk model containing RRGs was then established. The Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves and calibration curves showed that the model performed well. Finally, a genomic-clinical nomogram incorporating the gene-based risk model, AJCC staging system, and Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status was constructed to predict the 1-, 2-, and 3-year recurrence-free survival rates (RFS) for HCC patients. The C-index, ROC analysis, and decision curve analysis were good indicators of the nomogram’s performance. In conclusion, we identified three reliable RRGs associated with the recurrence of cancer and constructed a nomogram that performed well in predicting RFS for HCC patients. These findings could enrich our understanding of the mechanisms for HCC recurrence, help surgeons predict patients’ prognosis, and promote HCC treatment.
Effect of autogenous growth factors released from platelet concentrates on the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament fibroblasts: a comparative study
Authors: Zhang Zheng , Li Xinyue , Zhao Jing , Jia Wenjun , Wang Zuomin
Published: October 2019

Background

Platelet concentrates have been used in tissue regeneration. The purpose of this study was to examine effects of growth factors released from leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin (L-PRF) and concentrated growth factor (CGF) on the osteogenic differentiation of periodontal ligament fibroblasts (PDLFs).

Methods

Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrins, CGFs and PDLFs were obtained from New Zealand rabbits. The release of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), bone morphogenetic protein 2 (BMP-2) and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) from L-PRFs and CGFs was measured at 5 h and 1, 3, 5, 7 days, using the enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. The PDLFs were treated with exudates of L-PRF or CGF. After the treatment, cell counting kit-8 assay was performed at day 1, 3, 5 and 7. Alkaline phosphatase (ALP) assay and Western blotting were applied at day 7. Three blocking antibodies were used to neutralize the proteins of bFGF, BMP-2 and TGF-β1.

Results

Leukocyte- and platelet-rich fibrin and CGF showed different growth factor release pattern, but similar accumulated concentration of these growth factors. PDLFs proliferation was significantly promoted by both L-PRF and CGF at day 1, 3 and 7, and CGF group was superior to L-PRF group at day 1 and 3. Both L-PRF and CGF significantly enhanced PDLFs ALP activity and protein expression of osteogenic markers. The osteopontin level was higher in CGF group than in L-PRF group, but no significant differences were found between two groups for ALP activity. Three blocking antibodies significantly downregulated both L-PRF and CGF induced osteogenic markers expression.

Conclusion

Both CGF and L-PRF can promote the proliferation and osteogenic differentiation of PDLFs. The bFGF, BMP-2 and TGF-β1 are involved in both L-PRF and CGF induced osteogenic differentiation of PDLFs.
The nutrient distribution in the continuum of the pericarp, seed coat, and kernel during Styrax tonkinensis fruit development
Authors: Wu Qikui , Zhang Zihan , Peng Huan , Wu Yali , Yu Fangyuan
Published: October 2019

Background

Styrax tonkinensis is a great potential biofuel as the species contains seeds with a particularly high oil content. Understanding the nutrient distribution in different parts of the fruit is imperative for the development and enhancement of S. tonkinensis as a biodiesel feedstock.

Methods

From 30 to 140 days after flowering (DAF), the development of S. tonkinensis fruit was tracked. The morphology change, nutrient content, and activity of associated enzymes in the continuum of the pericarp, seed coat, and kernel were analyzed.

Results

Between 30 and 70 DAF, the main locus of dry matter deposition shifted from the seed coat to the kernel. The water content within the pericarp remained high throughout development, but at the end (130 DAF later) decreased rapidly. The water content within both the seed coat and the kernel consistently declined over the course of the fruit development (30–110 DAF). Between 70 and 80 DAF, the deposition centers for sugar, starch, protein, potassium, and magnesium was transferred to the kernel from either the pericarp or the seed coat. The calcium deposition center was transferred first from pericarp to the seed coat and then to the kernel before it was returned to the pericarp. The sucrose to hexose ratio in the seed coat increased between 30 and 80 DAF, correlating with the accumulation of total soluble sugar, starch, and protein. In the pericarp, the sucrose to hexose ratio peaked at 40 and 100 DAF, correlating with the reserve deposition in the following 20–30 days. After 30 DAF, the chlorophyll concentration of both the pericarp and the seed coat dropped. The maternal unit (the pericarp and the seed coat) in fruit showed a significant positive linear relationship between chlorophyll b/a and the concentration of total soluble sugar. The potassium content had significant positive correlation with starch (ρ = 0.673, p = 0.0164), oil (ρ = 0.915, p = 0.000203), and protein content (ρ = 0.814, p = 0.00128), respectively. The concentration of magnesium had significant positive correlation with starch (ρ = 0.705, p = 0.0104), oil (ρ = 0.913, p = 0.000228), and protein content (ρ = 0.896, p = 0.0000786), respectively. Calcium content had a significant correlation with soluble sugar content (ρ = 0.585, p = 0.0457).

Conclusions

During the fruit development of S. tonkinensis, the maternal unit, that is, the pericarp and seed coat, may act a nutrient buffer storage area between the mother tree and the kernel. The stage of 70–80 DAF is an important time in the nutrient distribution in the continuum of the pericarp, seed coat, and kernel. Our results described the metabolic dynamics of the continuum of the pericarp, seed coat, and kernel and the contribution that a seed with high oil content offers to biofuel.
Cobertura da terra e qualidade ambiental: o caso de Peabiru–PR
Authors: Bilmayer Ana Flávia , Moresco Mezzomo Maristela Denise
Published: October 2019

O processo de urbanização vivenciado no Brasil a partir do século XX assumiu velocidade intensa, desencadeando diversos problemas ambientais na paisagem urbana. A aplicação de indicadores ambientais permite a elaboração de estudos que podem subsidiar políticas públicas específicas. Este artigo busca demonstrar como a aplicação de um indicador – cobertura da terra – pode ser considerada uma interessante ferramenta para analisar a qualidade ambiental urbana. O estudo foi realizado na cidade de Peabiru, no estado do Paraná. Os resultados evidenciaram que a distribuição das classes de cobertura da terra apresenta espaços edificados em 47,6% da área de estudo, espaços não edificados em 17,2% e espaços verdes públicos em apenas 1%. As áreas destinadas ao tráfego somam 18,5%, enquanto outras áreas correspondem a 16,6%. Esta distribuição de classes de cobertura da terra pouco contribui com a qualidade ambiental da cidade em estudo. Isso indica que há necessidade de planejamento voltado para espaços e áreas verdes, que potencializam a qualidade de vida da população.
Cinco primaveras de discussões e reflexões da Revista Brasileira de Desenvolvimento Regional-RBDR
Authors: Staloch Rubens , Rocha Isa De Oliveira
Published: October 2019

A Revista Brasileira de Desenvolvimento Regional [RBDR], editada pelo Programa de Pós-Graduação em Desenvolvimento Regional, da Universidade Regional de Blumenau, tem suas publicações iniciadas em 2013, ainda na fase de expansão dos programas de pós-graduação na área de avaliação em Planejamento Urbano e Regional/Demografia, da CAPES. O presente texto tem por objetivo verificar as temáticas abordadas nas cinco primaveras da RBDR. A metodologia de análise deste estudo é entendida como qualitativa descritiva, por meio de análise de conteúdo, bem como quantitativa, em virtude do processamento dos dados. Considerando o período de 2013 [sua primeira edição] a 2017 [v. 5, n. 2], constatou-se que a RBDR apresentou, em seus 97 artigos publicados, diversas temáticas. Instigando um processo intelectual crítico-reflexivo, estes artigos tiveram origem, além do Brasil, de mais seis países. Ainda se observou que predominaram as temáticas: geografia regional e/ou urbana, políticas públicas de desenvolvimento urbano e/ou regional; e economia urbana e regional; e também se verificou a correlação de temáticas nos trabalhos publicados.
Vai, malandra: o despertar ontológico do planeta fome
Authors: Lisboa Armando De Melo
Published: October 2019

Empreendimentos populares de todos os tipos perfazem uma progressiva ruptura com a subalternização da maioria do povo brasileiro, levando a uma inserção criativa na vida global, à revelia de projetos cupulistas de nação, conduzidos por pseudos demiurgos salvadores. Este ensaio pressupõe que uma reversão do processo colonial subalternizador esteja em curso, agora, autêntica e completamente,  como se fora uma segunda descolonização que, em pleno século XXI, decola com vigor. Aos poucos o povo brasileiro desperta do secular coma étnico e livra-se do domínio dos paradigmas eurocêntricos e patriarcais. Suas iniciativas de buscar uma vida melhor perfazem lutas e processos ontológicos, pois permitem superar o histórico não-ser das maiorias, restabelecendo a plena humanidade de todos.
The
Gatha
s, a Forgotten Masterpiece
Authors: Skjærvø Prods Oktor
Published: October 2019

Here we follow the history of the Old Avestan
Gatha
s (
Gāthā
s), traditionally ascribed to Zarathustra (Zoroaster), from their origin in second‐millennium
bce
Central Asia to their afterlife in the
Young Avesta
(early first millennium
bce
), the inscriptions of the Achaemenids and the Sasanians, and the post‐Sasanian (Pahlavi) literature, as well as their reception in the West from the classical period to their first Western translations in the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, and from then until today, when they progressed from “sermons” of the religious reformer Zarathustra to anonymous products of oral literature.
Bridge Essay: The Emergence of Modernity
Authors: Hayot Eric
Published: October 2019

Does modernity emerge? And if so, when? How often? Where? This chapter addresses these fundamental questions about a term, modernity, that has variously been understood as a historical period, a type of historical event, a mindset or an attitude, a relative description, and an absolute one. It reviews both the history of modernity (the thing that the word “modernity” might refer to), the history of “modernity” (the term that names the thing), and the history of the various places, times, and people who have been considered modern or non‐modern. It also looks at a series of other terms that circulate around modernity – perhaps most notably “classical,” “primitive,” and “postmodernity,” but also “modernism” and “modernization” – and the ways in which those terms both delimit and extend the meaning of the modern as a historical period.