bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Consumo de alimentos funcionais e seus benefícios no diabetes mellitus tipo II: revisão de literatura
Authors: Barboza Antonia Alzira Alves , Correia Naira Roselena Rogério , Lira Sandra Machado , Silva Igor Gondin da , Lima Carla Laíne Silva , Holanda Marcelo Oliveira , Silva José Ytalo Gomes da , Arruda Neto Celso Lourenço de , Brito Fernando Cesar Rodrigues
Published: August 2020

A Diabetes Mellitus (DM) faz parte de um grupo de doenças metabólicas, descrito por um quadro de hiperglicemia decorrente da diminuição da secreção de insulina. São alimentos funcionais aqueles alimentos que são consumidos na dieta, além de funções nutricionais, efeitos metabólicos e fisiológicos no organismo. O presente estudo é uma revisão da literatura cujo objetivo é identificar estudos que apontam para a relação com o consumo de alimentos funcionais e sua redução na redução do desenvolvimento e terapêutica do Diabetes Mellitus. Uma pesquisa utilizada como base de dados eletrônicos - Biblioteca Nacional de Medicina dos EUA / Institutos Nacionais de Saúde (PUBMED / NCBI) e Google Acadêmico, com artigos dos anos de 2014 a 2019. Foi incorporado à presente revisão 34 estudos, sendo 21 em português e 13 em inglês. Foi evidenciado que o consumo de alimentos funcionais apresenta efeitos no tratamento e controle do tipo DM 2. Através desse estudo, concluiu-se que além de uma alimentação saudável, inclui alimentos funcionais na dieta que podem reduzir os riscos para o DM tipo 2 e usar no tratamento da doença. Assim, torna-se necessário o acompanhamento profissional de um nutricionista, quanto à orientação e inclusão de alimentos funcionais.
A sociodemographic profile of rural residents of the South Pantanal floodplain (Paiaguás sub-region) in Brazil
Authors: Gaudioso Carlos Eduardo Vilela , Magna Luis Alberto , Souza José Carlos
Published: August 2020

Most of the Pantanal basin, the largest floodplain on the planet, lies in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Midwest Brazil. Located in the center of South America, designated biosphere reserve, the area has long been inhabited, albeit sparsely. Investigating the ways of life of the region’s rural population can shed light on factors associated with quality of life, health status, education, and access to services which, in combination, can provide a balance between rural environment and the goods and services required for inhabiting this landscape. For the first time, a sociodemographic profile of residents of the Paiaguás sub-region of the Pantanal is being reported. These data are feeding a wider investigation of sleep patterns and quality of life of 789 Pantanal residents, to whom a sociodemographic questionnaire was applied collecting information on the following variables: sex; age; educational level; religion; time residing in the region; personal income; household income; daily working hours; marital status, parenthood status, number of children, living arrangement, dwelling ownership, skin color, labor inactivity (retirement), intake of alcohol, coffee, and maté grass infusions, smoking, and engagement in physical activities. Descriptive statistical methods (IBM-SPSS software) were applied to calculate proportions, means, and standard errors of the means for quantitative variables. Significance was defined as p < 0.05 (5%). Most respondents were young, brown, and had little formal education. Most had children, lived with relatives, and were homeowners. Marital status, labor inactivity (retirement), and intake of alcohol, coffee, or maté grass infusions failed to reach significance.
Acidente Vascular Cerebral: caracterização clínica e desfechos Pós-alta
Authors: Melo Maria Elaine Silva de , Gomes Emiliana Bezerra , Oliveira Célida Juliana de , Monteiro Maria de Fátima Vasques , Maia Evanira Rodrigues
Published: August 2020

Objetivo: Associar o perfil clínico/epidemiológico das pessoas com acidente vascular cerebral aos desfechos pós-alta. Método: estudo documental realizado em uma unidade de referência para acidente vascular cerebral do interior do nordeste brasileiro. A amostra constou de 279 prontuários dos quais foram levantados dados referentes às variáveis clínicas para associação com o desfecho pós-alta. Os dados foram analisados pela estatística bivariada, com aplicação de testes estatísticos, considerando a significância de p<0,05. O estudo tem aprovação do Comitê de Ética em Pesquisa da Universidade Regional do Cariri. Resultados: a amostra teve pequena maioria masculina com média de idade de 69,75 anos e tempo de admissão superior a quatro horas e meia (60,6%), interferindo na realização da trombólise endovenosa (10,4%). A duração média da internação foi de 10,59 dias e o encaminhamento a serviço de reabilitação ocorreu em apenas 31,5% dos casos. O desfecho pós-alta se associou significativamente às variáveis idade superior a 60 anos e tempo prolongado de internação. Conclusão: A associação significativa entre o desfecho pós-alta e as variáveis idade e tempo de internação sugerem a relação dos fatores de risco cardiovascular e a gravidade clínica do evento. Tais informações são reforçadas pela baixa indicação de trombólise venosa pelo tempo de admissão e o encaminhamento aos serviços de reabilitação.
Effects of Zanthoxylum caribaeum essential oil against cotton bug Dysdercus peruvianus
Authors: Pacheco João Pedro Furtado , Nogueira Jeane , Miranda Rodrigo Prado Rodrigues de , Duprat Rodrigo Coutinho , Machado Francisco Paiva , Tietbohl Luis Armando Candido , Mourão Samanta Cardozo , Santos Marcelo Guerra , Ratcliffe Norman Arthur , Penna Patricia Azambuja , Mello Neto Cicero Brasileiro de , Rocha Leandro , Gonzalez Marcelo Salabert , Feder Maria Denise
Published: August 2020

Agricultural crops need protection from a variety of different insects popularly known as pests. Some of these pests are becoming increasingly resistant to conventional pesticides, so new control alternatives are needed. In this work, the effects of the essential oil of the plant Zanthoxylum caribaeum on the development of cotton stink bug Dysdercus peruvianus were analyzed. After analysis by chromatography and mass spectrometry, the essential oil of Z.  caribaeum presented 54 substances, the main constituents being Sylvestrene, Muurola-4 (14), 5-trans-diene, Isodaucene and α-Pinene. These compounds significantly increased insect mortality and interrupted metamorphosis and molting, often in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, nymphs with deformed legs, wings and antennae were observed. According to the data, the components present in the essential oil of Z. caribeum appear to be promising candidates for the development of green insecticides for use in future integrated pest management (MIP) programs.
Growth rates for immature Kemp’s ridley sea turtles from a foraging area in the northern Gulf of Mexico
Authors: Lamont MM , Johnson D
Published: August 2020

Examining vital rates helps clarify how environmental characteristics, biological resources and human activities affect population growth. Carapace lengths were gathered for 241 Kemp’s ridley Lepidochelys kempii sea turtles that were marked and recaptured (n = 23) between 2011 and 2019 at a foraging location in northwest Florida, USA. There was a strong correlation between length, width and weight of captured turtles. Mean ± SD size of all captured turtles was 36.6 ± 7.6 cm. Mean recapture interval was 499 ± 475.4 d. Straight-line carapace lengths at initial capture ranged from 20.6 to 53.3 cm. Growth rates from 0.21 to 12.44 cm yr-1 (mean 3.15 ± 2.64 cm) were documented and were greatest for turtles in the 20.0-29.9 cm size class. Growth rates from northwest Florida were slower than those reported from other sites in the Gulf of Mexico. These results indicate that Kemp’s ridleys recruit from oceanic habitat into coastal bays in northwest Florida, where they remain until they reach adulthood. However, some adult-sized turtles may continue to use the nearshore habitat. A gradient in growth rates in the Gulf of Mexico may occur from faster growth in the south to slower growth in the north. Fine-scale variations in resources and environmental conditions may drive regional differences in growth rates, and research on what drives these differences is needed.
Diyabetik Makula Ödeminde İntravitreal Bevacizumab Tedavisinin Santral Makula Kalınlığı Ve Santral Retina Duyarlılığı Üzerine Etkisi
Authors: DALDAL Hatice , BARDAKÇI Yavuz
Published: August 2020

Amaç: Diyabetik makula ödeminde (DMÖ) intravitreal bevacizumab (İVB) tedavisinin görme keskinliği (GK), santral makula kalınlığı (SMK) ve santral retina duyarlılığı (SRD) üzerine etkisini değerlendirmek. Gereç ve Yöntem: DMÖ olan 12 hastanın 16 gözüne IVB tedavisi uygulandı. Hastaların GK, SMK, SRD ölçümleri tedaviden önce, birinci hafta, birinci ay ve üçüncü ayda yapıldı. Bulgular: Yaş ortalaması 60,8±5,7 idi. Görme keskinliği ortalaması başlangıçta ve enjeksiyondan 1 hafta, 1 ay, 3 ay sonra sırasıyla 0,12±0,07, 0,15±0,09, 0,22±0,14 ve 0,21±0,13 olarak bulundu. Başlangıca göre enjeksiyondan 1 hafta, 1 ay ve 3 ay sonra görme keskinliğindeki artış istatistiksel olarak anlamlı idi (p
Lésbicas e Ensino Superior: entre o silêncio e a fala
Authors: Auad Daniela , Martins Luisa Bitencourt
Published: August 2020

O presente texto aborda acesso e permanência de lésbicas nas universidades. Os questionamentos analíticos no cerne da pesquisa baseiam-se no conceito de heterossexualidade compulsória de Adrienne Rich, de modo a refletir como este elemento pode interferir nas trajetórias universitárias de lésbicas. Também ancorada pelos pensamentos de Audre Lorde sobre a transformação do silêncio em ação, apresentam-se dados acerca da visibilidade lésbica através da linguagem, esta como uma das apostas para o enfrentamento das desigualdades acadêmicas. Assim, ao buscar compreender a construção das representações lésbicas nas universidades, são analisados relatos gerados a partir de questionário online, com participação de 110 lésbicas de universidades em Porto Alegre (RS) e região metropolitana. Foram selecionados relatos passíveis de serem percebidos como intolerância e preconceito, na universidade. As informações indicam ainda raça/etnia e área de conhecimento do curso como fatores de influência em tais fenômenos. Foram destacadas respostas que apresentam quatro tipos de situações, a saber: a lesbianidade foi negada por docentes ou colegas; ocorreu isolamento social no ambiente acadêmico resultante e em resposta à visibilidade lésbica; a sexualidade das lésbicas foi reivindicada como fetiche por colegas homens; e as lésbicas confrontaram comentários homofóbicos e lesbofóbicos na universidade. Ao romper o silêncio, as falas das participantes da pesquisa puderam potencializar o enfrentamento às discriminações sofridas pelas estudantes lésbicas. Assim, as considerações deste artigo objetivam divulgar os resultados encontrados e fortalecer tanto o campo de estudos quanto ampliar as possibilidades de acesso e permanência para lésbicas nas universidades.
Direitos humanos e educação: a literatura de autoria afro-brasileira em sala de aula
Authors: Tardivo André Eduardo , Coqueiro Wilma dos Santos
Published: August 2020

O ensino e a prática da leitura literária na educação básica encontram grande resistência por parte de alunos/as e professores/as: os primeiros, por não terem o hábito de ler, e os segundos, muitas vezes, por falta de aparato teórico-metodológico que propiciem uma prática eficaz, ao mesmo tempo em que ambas as partes são sedimentadas por um Estado que nega, cada vez mais, o acesso à arte. O presente trabalho tem por objetivo apresentar uma proposta de trabalho com o conto “Maria”, de Conceição Evaristo, em sala de aula, a partir das experiências do estágio supervisionado obrigatório do curso de Letras, no ano de 2018, realizado na cidade de Campo Mourão, Paraná. A despeito da leitura mecânica e descontextualizada encontrada nas salas de aulas brasileiras, acreditamos que a figura do/a docente é de fundamental importância para a mudança desse cenário na medida em que, como pudemos observar, uma abordagem diversificada e que leve em consideração as expectativas dos/as estudantes propicia um melhor aproveitamentos dos estudos literários, ao mesmo tempo em que desperta nos/as discentes o interesse pela leitura.
“Isso já vem de sempre”: a socialização de gênero no cotidiano da educação infantil e as vivências religiosas das professoras como parte de seu habitus
Authors: Knoblauch Adriane , Camargo Leniara Pellegrinello
Published: August 2020

Este artigo trata da socialização de gênero de crianças pequenas em um Centro Municipal de Educação Infantil, da cidade de Curitiba, a partir das relações entre docência e religião. Os dados da pesquisa foram coletados a partir de questionários, observação e entrevista com professoras entre os meses de agosto e dezembro de 2018. Objetivou-se verificar se a vivência religiosa das professoras influencia nas decisões cotidianas. A análise ocorreu a partir de Pierre Bourdieu e Gimeno Sacristán, para as noções de socialização, habitus e docência, além de estudos do campo de gênero na educação (Louro, Vianna e Finco). Os resultados indicam que algumas ações são realizadas por hábito e outras decorrem das falas das professoras sobre corpos e aparência das crianças, de modo que há o reforço de estereótipos masculinos e femininos. Por outro lado, as crianças trazem do seu cotidiano informações sobre gênero frente às quais foi detectado o silenciamento das professoras, o que também contribui para reforçar os estereótipos. Por fim, há ainda, as ações vindas diretamente das professoras, definindo o “lugar” de meninos e meninas. A realização de formação das professoras se faz necessária diante do quadro atual para que reflitam e rompam com essas práticas, contribuindo no processo de socialização profissional.
Uma revisão sistemática sobre semiótica, multimodalidade e ensino de ciências da natureza na educação do aluno surdo
Authors: Fernandes Jomara Mendes , Freitas-Reis Ivoni , De Araújo Neto Waldmir Nascimento
Published: August 2020

A recorrente necessidade de manipulação de fenômenos, símbolos e modelos no processo de ensino e aprendizagem de conhecimentos químicos faz com que a habilidade de compreensão de signos seja crucial. Tratando-se especialmente da educação de surdos, é por meio principalmente da visão que se estabelece o canal de comunicação dessas pessoas e esse fato torna o signo visual um elemento ainda mais importante e de grande interesse na área. Diante disso, o objetivo do presente trabalho foi o de reunir e analisar recentes publicações nacionais e internacionais que versam sobre semiótica e/ou multimodalidade no Ensino de Química para surdos. Para tanto, foi realizado um levantamento sistemático de um período de dez anos de publicação das principais revistas e periódicos da área de Ensino de Química, Educação de Surdos, Ensino de Ciências e Inclusão, empregando-se nesta busca uma combinação de descritores em português, inglês e espanhol. O resultado do levantamento bibliográfico revelou que, além de ser ínfimo o número de pesquisas que tratam do tema em pauta, esses demonstram a peremptória importância das práticas multimodais pautadas em recursos visuais para o desenvolvimento educacional do aprendiz surdo. Verificamos que as pesquisas apontam para a urgência do desenvolvimento de estratégias com esse viés, a fim de facilitar o acesso do surdo ao conhecimento científico.
Metodologias ativas e formação ética no contexto do novo paradigma tecnológico: experiências de docentes da Universidade Estadual do Paraná – Unespar
Authors: Pataro Ricardo Fernandes , De Araújo Ulisses Ferreira
Published: August 2020

Este artigo apresenta dados de pesquisa de pós-doutorado que estudou o uso de metodologias ativas por docentes da Universidade Estadual do Paraná. Foram utilizados questionários online individuais com perguntas a docentes de cada campus da instituição. Consideramos que as metodologias ativas podem ser conjugadas com as tecnologias e entendidas como oportunidade de inserir, no contexto do Ensino Superior, a preocupação com a formação ética de estudantes. Os resultados mostraram uma maior ocorrência da formação ética nas aulas em que havia uso de metodologias ativas. Além disso, mais da metade dos(as) docentes participantes da pesquisa afirmaram conhecer e utilizar metodologias ativas e quase a totalidade declarou utilizar também tecnologias em classe. Entretanto, ao descreverem uma de suas aulas, 58,3% dos docentes não apresentaram características das metodologias ativas e nem uso de tecnologias. Os dados sugerem que os(as) docentes compreendem a importância e desejam fazer uso de tecnologias e de metodologias ativas, considerando sobretudo a necessidade de formação ética dos futuros profissionais. Por outro lado, as aulas descritas nem sempre concretizam esse desejo. Considerando que o corpo docente da Unespar é jovem e está em formação, os dados nos ajudam a entender que propor o uso de metodologias ativas contemplando uma formação voltada para vivências morais – especialmente no contexto tecnológico que marca a sociedade contemporânea – exige um investimento não somente formação continuada como também em formação inicial, além da necessidade de pensar em um enfrentamento de crenças e concepções pessoais que incidem sobre as práticas pedagógicas desenvolvidas nas salas de aula do Ensino Superior.
Evaluation of the Impact of Behavioral Opportunities on Four Zoo-Housed Aardvarks (Orycteropus afer)
Authors: Hamilton Jennifer , Fuller Grace , Allard Stephanie
Published: August 2020

Evaluations of enrichment are critical to determine if an enrichment program is meeting stated goals. However, nocturnal species can present a challenge if their active periods do not align with caretakers’ schedules. To evaluate enrichment for four aardvarks housed with a natural light cycle, we provided seven different enrichment items aimed at fulfilling two behavioral goals: exploring and foraging. We wanted to understand how the aardvarks used enrichment, if enrichment promoted the defined goals, and how enrichment that achieves its goals affects welfare indicators, including rates of pacing and social behaviors, behavioral diversity, and fecal glucocorticoid metabolites. Twenty-minute observations from video were performed three times a night for a total of 224 observed hours. We found significant differences in how the aardvarks used items from the two enrichment goals throughout the night, with foraging enrichment used more than exploring at first and exploring enrichment used more later. We found that items promoted their defined goals, and aardvarks showed no evidence of habituation throughout the eight-week study. The impact on selected welfare indicators provided evidence of potentially positive changes, including increased affiliative and decreased agonistic interactions accompanying increases in goal behaviors. These results contribute to the current knowledge available on the impact of goal-directed behavioral opportunities on zoo animal welfare.
Oxidative Stress and Pro-Inflammatory Status in Patients with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Monserrat-Mesquida Margalida , Quetglas-Llabrés Magdalena , Abbate Manuela , Montemayor Sofía , Mascaró Catalina M. , Casares Miguel , Tejada Silvia , Abete Itziar , Zulet Maria Angeles , Tur Josep A. , Martínez J. Alfredo , Sureda Antoni
Published: August 2020

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by excessive fat accumulation, especially triglycerides, in hepatocytes. If the pathology is not properly treated, it can progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and continue to fibrosis, cirrhosis or hepatocarcinoma. Objective: The aim of the current research was to identify the plasma biomarkers of liver damage, oxidative stress and inflammation that facilitate the early diagnosis of the disease and control its progression. Methods: Antioxidant and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in the plasma of patients diagnosed with NAFLD (n = 100 adults; 40–60 years old) living in the Balearic Islands, Spain. Patients were classified according to the intrahepatic fat content (IFC) measured by magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Results: Circulating glucose, glycosylated haemoglobin, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase were higher in patients with an IFC ≥ 2 of NAFLD in comparison to patients with an IFC of 0 and 1. The plasma levels of catalase, irisin, interleukin-6, malondialdehyde, and cytokeratin 18 were higher in stage ≥2 subjects, whereas the resolvin D1 levels were lower. No differences were observed in xanthine oxidase, myeloperoxidase, protein carbonyl and fibroblast growth factor 21 depending on liver status. Conclusion: The current available data show that the severity of NAFLD is associated with an increase in oxidative stress and proinflammatory status. It may be also useful as diagnostic purpose in clinical practice.
Sound Event Detection in Underground Parking Garage Using Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Ciaburro Giuseppe
Published: August 2020

Parking is a crucial element in urban mobility management. The availability of parking areas makes it easier to use a service, determining its success. Proper parking management allows economic operators located nearby to increase their business revenue. Underground parking areas during off-peak hours are uncrowded places, where user safety is guaranteed by company overseers. Due to the large size, ensuring adequate surveillance would require many operators to increase the costs of parking fees. To reduce costs, video surveillance systems are used, in which an operator monitors many areas. However, some activities are beyond the control of this technology. In this work, a procedure to identify sound events in an underground garage is developed. The aim of the work is to detect sounds identifying dangerous situations and to activate an automatic alert that draws the attention of surveillance in that area. To do this, the sounds of a parking sector were detected with the use of sound sensors. These sounds were analyzed by a sound detector based on convolutional neural networks. The procedure returned high accuracy in identifying a car crash in an underground parking area.
Phase I/Ib Study of Tenalisib (RP6530), a Dual PI3K δ/γ Inhibitor in Patients with Relapsed/Refractory T-Cell Lymphoma
Authors: Huen Auris , Haverkos Bradley M. , Zain Jasmine , Radhakrishnan Ramchandren , Lechowicz Mary Jo , Devata Sumana , Korman Neil J. , Pinter-Brown Lauren , Oki Yasuhiro , Barde Prajak J. , Nair Ajit , Routhu Kasi Viswanath , Viswanadha Srikant , Vakkalanka Swaroop , Iyer Swaminathan P.
Published: August 2020

Tenalisib (RP6530), a dual phosphoinositide 3-kinase δ/γ inhibitor was evaluated in a phase I/Ib study for maximum tolerated dose (MTD), pharmacokinetics, and efficacy in patients with relapsed/refractory peripheral and cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma (TCL). Histologically confirmed (TCL) patients, with ≥1 prior therapy received Tenalisib orally in a 28-day cycle in doses of 200 to 800 mg twice daily (800 mg in fasting and fed state) in escalation phase (n = 19) and 800 mg twice daily (fasting) in expansion phase (n = 39). The most frequently reported treatment emergent adverse events (TEAE) and related TEAE were fatigue (45%) and transaminase elevations (33%), respectively. Most frequently reported related Grade ≥3 TEAE was transaminase elevation (21%). Two dose-limiting toxicities occurred in the 800 mg fed cohort; hence, 800 mg fasting dose was deemed MTD. Tenalisib was absorbed rapidly with a median half-life of 2.28 h. Overall response rate in 35 evaluable patients was 45.7% (3 complete response (CR); 13 partial response (PR)) and median duration of response was 4.9 months. Responding tumors showed a marked downregulation of CD30, IL-31 and IL-32α. With an acceptable safety and promising clinical activity, Tenalisib can be a potential therapeutic option for relapsed/refractory TCL. Currently, a phase I/II combination study with romidepsin is ongoing.
Impact of Vasectomy on the Development and Progression of Prostate Cancer: Preclinical Evidence
Authors: Kawahara Takashi , Teramoto Yuki , Li Yi , Ishiguro Hitoshi , Gordetsky Jennifer , Yang Zhiming , Miyamoto Hiroshi
Published: August 2020

Some observational studies have implied a link between vasectomy and an elevated risk of prostate cancer. We investigated the impact of vasectomy on prostate cancer outgrowth, mainly using preclinical models. Neoplastic changes in the prostate were compared in transgenic TRAMP mice that underwent vasectomy vs. sham surgery performed at 4 weeks of age. One of the molecules identified by DNA microarray (i.e., ZKSCAN3) was then assessed in radical prostatectomy specimens and human prostate cancer lines. At 24 weeks, gross tumor (p = 0.089) and poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma (p = 0.036) occurred more often in vasectomized mice. Vasectomy significantly induced ZKSCAN3 expression in prostate tissues from C57BL/6 mice and prostate cancers from TRAMP mice. Immunohistochemistry showed increased ZKSCAN3 expression in adenocarcinoma vs. prostatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PIN), PIN vs. non-neoplastic prostate, Grade Group ≥3 vs. ≤2 tumors, pT3 vs. pT2 tumors, pN1 vs. pN0 tumors, and prostate cancer from patients with a history of vasectomy. Additionally, strong (2+/3+) ZKSCAN3 expression (p = 0.002), as an independent prognosticator, or vasectomy (p = 0.072) was associated with the risk of tumor recurrence. In prostate cancer lines, ZKSCAN3 silencing resulted in significant decreases in cell proliferation/migration/invasion. These findings suggest that there might be an association between vasectomy and the development and progression of prostate cancer, with up-regulation of ZKSCAN3 expression as a potential underlying mechanism.
Unequal Access to Newly Registered Cancer Drugs Leads to Potential Loss of Life-Years in Europe
Authors: Uyl-de Groot Carin A. , Heine Renaud , Krol Marieke , Verweij Jaap
Published: August 2020

Background. Many new cancer medicines have been developed that can improve patients’ outcomes. However, access to these agents comes later in Europe than in the United States (US). The aim of this study is to assess the access in Europe to newly registered cancer drugs and to get more insight in the implications of these variations for patients. Methods. A retrospective database study was conducted. Analyses involved 12 cancer drugs and 28 European countries in the period 2011–2018. Time to patient access, speed of drug uptake, and the potential loss of life years due to a delay in access have been studied. Results. Marketing approval for the cancer drugs came on average 242 days later in Europe than in the US, and actual patient access varied extensively across Europe. The average time to market in Europe was 403 days (range 17–1187 days). The delay in patient access of ipilimumab and abiraterone may have led to a potential loss of more than 30,000 life years. Conclusion. It takes a long time for patients to get access to newly registered cancer drugs and there is great variation in access. The health outcomes can be substantially improved by faster processes.
The Addition of Intravenous Propofol and Ketorolac to a Sevoflurane Anesthetic Lessens Emergence Agitation in Children Having Bilateral Myringotomy with Tympanostomy Tube Insertion: A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: d’Eon Brandon , Hackmann Thomas , Wright A. Stuart
Published: August 2020

The aim of this prospective observational study was to determine if children undergoing bilateral myringotomy and tympanostomy tube insertion with a sevoflurane anesthetic plus intravenous propofol and ketorolac experienced a lower incidence of emergence agitation than those receiving a sevoflurane anesthetic alone. Duration of procedure, length of stay in post-anaesthesia care and level of nursing effort required to care for patients were also assessed. In this study, 49 children younger than 13 years of age received a sevoflurane anesthetic. Fifty-one percent of these patients also received a single injection of propofol 1 mg/kg and ketorolac 0.5 mg/kg at the end of the procedure. Patients were assessed for emergence agitation using the Pediatric Anesthesia Emergence Delirium scale in the post-anaesthesia care unit. Four children receiving a sevoflurane anesthetic alone experienced emergence agitation, while no children receiving propofol and ketorolac experienced emergence agitation (p = 0.05). The length of stay until discharge from the hospital was 6.98 min longer for patients receiving propofol and ketorolac but did not reach statistical significance (p = 0.23). Nurses reported greater ease in caring for patients receiving the propofol and ketorolac injection (recovery questionnaire score 4.50 vs. 3.75, p = 0.002). In this study, adding a single injection of intravenous propofol and ketorolac to the end of a brief sevoflurane anesthetic for bilateral myringotomy with tube insertion was associated with a lower incidence of emergence agitation without significantly increasing the time to discharge from the hospital.
Motor Performance in Children Diagnosed with Cancer: A Longitudinal Observational Study
Authors: Hamari Lotta , Lähteenmäki Päivi M. , Pukkila Heidi , Arola Mikko , Axelin Anna , Salanterä Sanna , Järvelä Liisa S.
Published: August 2020

Children with cancer are dealing with different side and long-term effects caused by cancer and its treatments, like vinca-alkaloids, which may have negative effects on motor performance. However, the affected areas of motor performance (aiming and catching, balance, manual dexterity) and the differences in these areas between boys and girls and diagnoses are not frequently reported in a longitudinal design. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate how motor performance changes over the course of cancer treatment. The study was conducted with 3-to 16-year-old children with cancer (N = 36) in 2013–2017. The five assessment points were 0, 2, 6, 12 and 30 months from diagnosis. Movement-ABC2 was used to assess motor performance. We found that aiming and catching skills decreased significantly during the follow-up (p < 0.05). Balance was affected at the 2-month measurement point (p < 0.05) and more in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia than in children with other cancer diagnoses (p < 0.05). Girls performed better than boys in manual dexterity at 6, 12 and 30 months (p < 0.05, p < 0.05, p < 0.05, respectively). Individual monitoring of motor performance with standardized tests and physical activity/exercise programs during and after treatment are needed.
Laminarin Effects, a β-(1,3)-Glucan, on Skin Cell Inflammation and Oxidation
Authors: Ozanne Hélène , Toumi Hechmi , Roubinet Benoît , Landemarre Ludovic , Lespessailles Eric , Daniellou Richard , Cesaro Annabelle
Published: August 2020

Laminarin, a β-(1,3)-glucan from the seaweed Laminaria digitata, is a polysaccharide which provides anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. Its influence on both human dermal fibroblasts adult (HDFa) and normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) has not been established yet. Herein, laminarin effects were examined on skin cells’ mitochondrial and antioxidant activities. Cytokines, hyaluronic acid, and procollagen type I secretions and interaction mechanisms were explored after a maximum of 72 h treatment with laminarin. Our results demonstrated a decrease in mitochondrial activities with 72 h treatment with laminarin from 500 µg.mL−1 for NHEK cells and from 100 µg.mL−1 for HDFa cells without cytotoxicity. No variation of hyaluronic acid or type I procollagen was observed for all laminarin concentrations, while an antioxidant effect was found against reactive oxygen species (ROS) from 1 µg.mL−1 for HDFa cells in both H2O2 and UVA radiation conditions, and from 10 µg.mL−1 and 1 µg.mL−1 for NHEK cells in both H2O2 and UVA radiation conditions, respectively. Laminarin treatment modulated both cells surface glycosylation and cytokine secretions of skin cells. Overall, our data suggest a positive effect of β-(1,3)-glucan on skin cells on oxidative stress and inflammation induced by environmental factors. Of note, these effects are through the modulation of glycan and receptors interactions at the skin cells surface.
Modeling and Investigations on Surface Colors of Wings on the Performance of Albatross-Inspired Mars Drones and Thermoelectric Generation Capabilities
Authors: Rice Devyn , Ben Ayed Samah , Johnstone Stephen , Abdelkefi Abdessattar
Published: August 2020

Thermal effects of wing color for Albatross-inspired drones performing in the Martian atmosphere are investigated during the summer and winter seasons. This study focuses on two useful consequences of the thermal effects of wing color: the drag reduction and the thermoelectric generation of power. According to its color, each wing side has a certain temperature affecting the drag. Investigations of various configurations have shown that the thermal effect on the wing boundary layer skin drag is insignificant because of the low atmospheric pressure. However, the total drag varies as much as 12.8% between the highest performing wing color configuration and the lowest performing configuration. Additionally, the large temperature differences between the top and the bottom wing surfaces show great potential for thermoelectric power generation. The maximum temperature differences between the top and bottom surfaces for the summer and winter seasons are, respectively, 65 K and 30 K. The drag reduction and the power generation via thermoelectric generators both contribute to enhancing the endurance of drones. Future drone designs will benefit from increased endurance through optimizing the wing color configuration.
Dynamic Defense against Stealth Malware Propagation in Cyber-Physical Systems: A Game-Theoretical Framework
Authors: Xiao Kaiming , Zhu Cheng , Xie Junjie , Zhou Yun , Zhu Xianqiang , Zhang Weiming
Published: August 2020

Stealth malware is a representative tool of advanced persistent threat (APT) attacks, which poses an increased threat to cyber-physical systems (CPS) today. Due to the use of stealthy and evasive techniques, stealth malwares usually render conventional heavy-weight countermeasures inapplicable. Light-weight countermeasures, on the other hand, can help retard the spread of stealth malwares, but the ensuing side effects might violate the primary safety requirement of CPS. Hence, defenders need to find a balance between the gain and loss of deploying light-weight countermeasures, which normally is a challenging task. To address this challenge, we model the persistent anti-malware process as a shortest-path tree interdiction (SPTI) Stackelberg game with both static version (SSPTI) and multi-stage dynamic version (DSPTI), and safety requirements of CPS are introduced as constraints in the defender’s decision model. The attacker aims to stealthily penetrate the CPS at the lowest cost (e.g., time, effort) by selecting optimal network links to spread, while the defender aims to retard the malware epidemic as much as possible. Both games are modeled as bi-level integer programs and proved to be NP-hard. We then develop a Benders decomposition algorithm to achieve the Stackelberg equilibrium of SSPTI, and design a Model Predictive Control strategy to solve DSPTI approximately by sequentially solving an 1+δ approximation of SSPTI. Extensive experiments have been conducted by comparing proposed algorithms and strategies with existing ones on both static and dynamic performance metrics. The evaluation results demonstrate the efficiency of proposed algorithms and strategies on both simulated and real-case-based CPS networks. Furthermore, the proposed dynamic defense framework shows its advantage of achieving a balance between fail-secure ability and fail-safe ability while retarding the stealth malware propagation in CPS.
Inferring an Observer’s Prediction Strategy in Sequence Learning Experiments
Authors: Uppal Abhinuv , Ferdinand Vanessa , Marzen Sarah
Published: August 2020

Cognitive systems exhibit astounding prediction capabilities that allow them to reap rewards from regularities in their environment. How do organisms predict environmental input and how well do they do it? As a prerequisite to answering that question, we first address the limits on prediction strategy inference, given a series of inputs and predictions from an observer. We study the special case of Bayesian observers, allowing for a probability that the observer randomly ignores data when building her model. We demonstrate that an observer’s prediction model can be correctly inferred for binary stimuli generated from a finite-order Markov model. However, we can not necessarily infer the model’s parameter values unless we have access to several “clones” of the observer. As stimuli become increasingly complicated, correct inference requires exponentially more data points, computational power, and computational time. These factors place a practical limit on how well we are able to infer an observer’s prediction strategy in an experimental or observational setting.
Entropy in Image Analysis II
Authors: Sparavigna Amelia Carolina
Published: August 2020

Image analysis is a fundamental task for any application where extracting information from images is required [...]
One-Dimensional Convolutional Neural Networks with Feature Selection for Highly Concise Rule Extraction from Credit Scoring Datasets with Heterogeneous Attributes
Authors: Hayashi Yoichi , Takano Naoki
Published: August 2020

Convolution neural networks (CNNs) have proven effectiveness, but they are not applicable to all datasets, such as those with heterogeneous attributes, which are often used in the finance and banking industries. Such datasets are difficult to classify, and to date, existing high-accuracy classifiers and rule-extraction methods have not been able to achieve sufficiently high classification accuracies or concise classification rules. This study aims to provide a new approach for achieving transparency and conciseness in credit scoring datasets with heterogeneous attributes by using a one-dimensional (1D) fully-connected layer first CNN combined with the Recursive-Rule Extraction (Re-RX) algorithm with a J48graft decision tree (hereafter 1D FCLF-CNN). Based on a comparison between the proposed 1D FCLF-CNN and existing rule extraction methods, our architecture enabled the extraction of the most concise rules (6.2) and achieved the best accuracy (73.10%), i.e., the highest interpretability–priority rule extraction. These results suggest that the 1D FCLF-CNN with Re-RX with J48graft is very effective for extracting highly concise rules for heterogeneous credit scoring datasets. Although it does not completely overcome the accuracy–interpretability dilemma for deep learning, it does appear to resolve this issue for credit scoring datasets with heterogeneous attributes, and thus, could lead to a new era in the financial industry.
Functional Analysis of the Microgrid Concept Applied to Case Studies of the Sundom Smart Grid
Authors: Sirviö Katja , Kauhaniemi Kimmo , Ali Memon Aushiq , Laaksonen Hannu , Kumpulainen Lauri
Published: August 2020

The operation of microgrids is a complex task because it involves several stakeholders and controlling a large number of different active and intelligent resources or devices. Management functions, such as frequency control or islanding, are defined in the microgrid concept, but depending on the application, some functions may not be needed. In order to analyze the required functions for network operation and visualize the interactions between the actors operating a particular microgrid, a comprehensive use case analysis is needed. This paper presents the use case modelling method applied for microgrid management from an abstract or concept level to a more practical level. By utilizing case studies, the potential entities can be detected where the development or improvement of practical solutions is necessary. The use case analysis has been conducted from top-down until test use cases by real-time simulation models. Test use cases are applied to a real distribution network model, Sundom Smart Grid, with measurement data and newly developed controllers.. The functional analysis provides valuable results when studying several microgrid functions operating in parallel and affecting each other. For example, as shown in this paper, ancillary services provided by an active customer may mean that both the active power and reactive power from customer premises are controlled at the same time by different stakeholders.
Solar Photovoltaic Tracking Systems for Electricity Generation: A Review
Authors: Seme Sebastijan , Štumberger Bojan , Hadžiselimović Miralem , Sredenšek Klemen
Published: August 2020

This paper presents a thorough review of state-of-the-art research and literature in the field of photovoltaic tracking systems for the production of electrical energy. A review of the literature is performed mainly for the field of solar photovoltaic tracking systems, which gives this paper the necessary foundation. Solar systems can be roughly divided into three fields: the generation of thermal energy (solar collectors), the generation of electrical energy (photovoltaic systems), and the generation of electrical energy/thermal energy (hybrid systems). The development of photovoltaic systems began in the mid-19th century, followed shortly by research in the field of tracking systems. With the development of tracking systems, different types of tracking systems, drives, designs, and tracking strategies were also defined. This paper presents a comprehensive overview of photovoltaic tracking systems, as well as the latest studies that have been done in recent years. The review will be supplemented with a factual presentation of the tracking systems used at the Institute of Energy Technology of the University of Maribor.
A Theoretical Model of Residual Magnetic Field around a Pre-Magnetized Casing String
Authors: Shi Yucai , Jia Dongyue , Guan Zhichuan , Xu Yuqiang , Yang Weixing , Zhang Duanrui
Published: August 2020

In the field of petroleum drilling engineering, passive magnetic ranging technology is generally used for specialized drilling operations such as connecting relief wells, preventing wellbore collisions, guiding parallel horizontal wells, etc. Although pre-magnetized casing strings have been used to improve the detection distance and accuracy, the theoretical mechanism is not well understood. Based on the equivalent current model of a permanent magnet, a theoretical magnetic field model around the pre-magnetized casing string was established by using the vector potential method and vector superposition principle and validated by the COMSOL Multiphysics software. Our results show that connecting pre-magnetized individual casings with homogeneous magnetic poles can enlarge the magnetic induction intensity around the total casing string. Furthermore, the magnitude close to the casing coupling is significantly larger than that close to the middle of the individual casing. Connecting pre-magnetized individual casings with heterogeneous magnetic poles results in a low magnetic induction intensity around the total casing string. In order to improve the detection distance and accuracy of the magnetic ranging, the pre-magnetized individual casings should be connected with homogeneous magnetic poles. The results of this study can provide guidelines for the development of passive magnetic ranging technology.
Detection Limit of CO Concentration Measurement in LPG/Air Flame Flue Gas Using Tunable Diode Laser Absorption Spectroscopy
Authors: So Sunghyun , Park Jiyeon , Song Aran , Hwang Jungho , Yoo Miyeon , Lee Changyeop
Published: August 2020

In a combustion reaction of hydrocarbon fuel, carbon monoxide (CO) is a gas species that is closely related to air pollution generation and combustion efficiency. It has a trade-off with nitrogen oxide and increases rapidly in case of incomplete combustion or in fuel-rich (Φ > 1) environments. Therefore, it is essential to measure CO concentration in order to optimize the combustion condition. In the case of a steel annealing system, the combustion environment is maintained in a deoxidation atmosphere to prevent the formation of an oxide layer on the steel sheet surface. However, it is difficult to measure the CO concentration in a combustion furnace in real-time because of the harsh environment in the furnace. Tunable diode laser absorption spectroscopy, which has the advantages of non-invasiveness, fast response, and in situ measurement-based optical measurement, is highly attractive for measuring the concentration of a certain gas species in a combustion environment. In this study, a combustion system of a partially premixed flamed burner was designed to control the equivalence ratio for fuel-rich conditions. CO concentration was measured using a distributed feedback laser with a wavenumber of 4300.7 cm−1 in the mid-infrared region. The results showed that the CO concentration measured at an equivalence ratio of 1.15 to 1.50 was 0.495% to 6.139%. The detection limit in the combustion environment was analyzed at a path length of 190 cm and an internal temperature of 733 K. The ranges of the peak absorbance were derived as 0.064 and 0.787, which were within the theoretical bounds of 10−3 and 0.80 when the equivalence ratio was varied from 1.15 to 1.50.
Water Intrusion Characterization in Naturally Fractured Gas Reservoir Based on Spatial DFN Connectivity Analysis
Authors: Chen Pengyu , Fiallos-Torres Mauricio , Xing Yuzhong , Yu Wei , Guo Chunqiu , Leines-Artieda Joseph , Cheng Muwei , Xie Hongbing , Shi Haidong , Mao Zhenyu , Miao Jijun , Sepehrnoori Kamy
Published: August 2020

In this study, the non-intrusive embedded discrete fracture model (EDFM) in combination with the Oda method are employed to characterize natural fracture networks fast and accurately, by identifying the dominant water flow paths through spatial connectivity analysis. The purpose of this study is to present a successful field case application in which a novel workflow integrates field data, discrete fracture network (DFN), and production analysis with spatial fracture connectivity analysis to characterize dominant flow paths for water intrusion in a field-scale numerical simulation. Initially, the water intrusion of single-well sector models was history matched. Then, resulting parameters of the single-well models were incorporated into the full field model, and the pressure and water breakthrough of all the producing wells were matched. Finally, forecast results were evaluated. Consequently, one of the findings is that wellbore connectivity to the fracture network has a considerable effect on characterizing the water intrusion in fractured gas reservoirs. Additionally, dominant water flow paths within the fracture network, easily modeled by EDFM as effective fracture zones, aid in understanding and predicting the water intrusion phenomena. Therefore, fracture clustering as shortest paths from the water contacts to the wellbore endorses the results of the numerical simulation. Finally, matching the breakthrough time depends on merging responses from multiple dominant water flow paths within the distributions of the fracture network. The conclusions of this investigation are crucial to field modeling and the decision-making process of well operation by anticipating water intrusion behavior through probable flow paths within the fracture networks.