bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the Impact of International Fieldwork: The Case of J. F. Oberlin University, Japan
Authors: Igano Chisato , Ito Hiroshi
Published: September 2018

This study examines the impact of international fieldwork in developing students’ generic, transferable, life, and soft skills and attributes by comparing reported scores of these skills and attributes through self-evaluation surveys before and after the fieldwork and interviewing students to explore why they think that certain skills and attributes improved while other skills and attributes did not. Findings suggest that the international fieldwork may enhance skills and attributes related to initiative, execution, detecting issues, planning, delivering messages, and flexibility. However, the fieldwork did not seem to enhance skills and attributes to influence others, to listen, to grasp situations, to apply rules, to control stress, and creativity. Possible explanations for certain skills and attributes improvement and stagnation are provided in addition to suggestions for future research.
“Resilient Young Smokers” - A Proposed Study in Determining Young Adult Smokers’ Responses Towards Anti-Smoking Initiatives in Australia
Authors: How Liau Chee , White Leanne , Thomas Keith , Teck Tan Seng
Published: September 2018

Although cigarette smoking rate has declined consistently in the past four decades in Australia, the smoking habit remains popular among some groups. From a marketer’s vantage point, this slowed reduction portrays the less effective implementation of anti-smoking campaigns in Australia. Ideally, each anti-smoking intervention ought to break the chain of marginal utility and lead to a sharp or stepped decline of smoking prevalence. This paper explores the inadequacies of fear factored anti-smoking campaigns and some prevailing reasons why young adult smokers continue to smoke. This paper begins with a review and categorisation of the different reasons of why young adults continue to smoke. These reasons draw on addiction, stress, habit, social-economic factors, self-identity and peer pressure. The rationale for studying these anti-smoking initiatives is to evaluate if these initiatives address the issues of smoking amongst young adults. This paper is significant for formulating effective anti-smoking messages and policy developments in Australia.
Purification and Partial Characterization of Melanoidins Fractions from Toasted Oak Heartwood, Comparison with Melanoidins from Roasted Coffee
Authors: Nonier M. F. , Vivas N. , Gaulejac N. Vivas de , Mouche C. , Huguet C. Rossy , Daugey N.
Published: September 2018

During the cooking, processing, and storage of food products, a whole range of browning reactions occurs, initiated by the reaction of a carbohydrate with a compound possessing a free amino group. Melanoidins formed, influence food quality, mainly their colour, their flavour, and their antioxidant activities. Melanoidins are complex Maillard reaction products. We developed a method to isolate coffee melanoidins and melanoidins from toasted oak wood. We noted that coffee is richer in melanoidin compounds than oak wood. We presented a partial characterization of melanoidins fractions from toasted oak heartwood, and a comparison with melanoidins from roasted coffee. Mass spectra of the fractions isolated from toasted oak wood indicate the presence of pentose and hexose-based oligosaccharides with different degrees of polymerisation. The presence of the oligosaccharide moieties, as well as their degradation products found in the oak wood melanoidins, supports the postulated carbohydrate-based origin of melanoidins.
O ENSINO DE HISTÓRIA EM ESCOLAS NO MEIO RURAL BRASILEIRO
Authors: Silva Júnior Astrogildo Fernandes
Published: September 2018

Este texto apresenta resultados da Dissertação de Mestrado “Saberes e práticas de ensino de História em escolas rurais (um estudo no município de Araguari, MG, Brasil), desenvolvida no Mestrado em Educação do Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia – PPGE/UFU; articulada ao projeto de pesquisa “Formação docente, saberes e práticas de ensino de História,” financiado pelo Conselho Nacional de Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico – CNPq. Neste artigo, temos como objetivos: caracterizar o ensino de História na educação no meio rural brasileiro nas últimas décadas e analisar os saberes e as práticas curriculares de ensino de História em escolas no meio rural. Concluímos que o ensino de História e a educação no meio rural brasileiro passaram por diversas transformações nas últimas décadas e que os saberes e as práticas são construídas na experiência educativa das escolas, que se configuram como espaços multiculturais, onde atuam sujeitos sociais diversos.
Effect of user’s individual features on energy consumption of the orthotic robot
Authors: Bagiński Karol , Jasińska - Choromańska Danuta
Published: September 2018

While working on a system for verticalization and aiding the motion of the disabled, the problem emerged related to evaluation of the effect of individual traits of the users of the system on the obtained characteristics of the actuators. Studies that have been carried out so far, were limited strictly to a case of an ordinary male. The traits of the user will significantly influence operation of the robot, therefore it was decided to carry out studies within a wide range of variability of the basic anthropometric traits. The paper presents a way of determining parameters, which were being changed during the studies, as well as a general structure of the simulation model. Then, a method of computing the energy consumed by the actuators is described, and results of the realized simulation experiments are presented
Mechatronic simulator of lever driven wheelchairs
Authors: Choromański Włodzimierz , Fiok Krzysztof , Potyński Andrzej , Dobrzyński Grzegorz
Published: September 2018

Development of the lever-driven wheelchairs by different authors resulted in creating various lever-human work conditions in which disabled people propel their wheelchairs. This fact implies varying efficiency of human’s work during lever wheelchair propulsion. In order to assess which of the world-wide proposed lever propulsion systems is the most efficient from the humans’ work point of view a proper simulator was designed. Here described test stand offers the possibility to perform various ergonomic tests, it can also become a training station for the lever wheelchair users. Since the main differences in world known lever propelling system designs concern the lever length and levers axis of rotation position on the wheelchair, the wide regulation of these two parameters, was a decisive factor in designing the mechatronic simulator.
Personal rapid transit vehicle with polyurethane wheels – modelling and simulation issues
Authors: Choromański Włodzimierz , Kowara Jerzy
Published: September 2018

The article focuses special attention to the dynamic response of wheels – track interaction in Personal Rapid Transit (PRT) vehicle’s application. The main issue is the wheels/ track contact model for polyurethane treaded wheels. The contact model has been defined using the available UA-Tire analytical model (University of Arizona Tire Model) initially worked out in the paper [1], The model is available in ADAMS simulation environment. To obtain the necessary parameters a simulation model in FEM environment as well as the polyurethane treaded wheels have been constructed. The model has undergone quasistatic load tests in order to find indispensable characteristics. The paper includes the description of simulation model of the PRT vehicle and presents selected outcomes of kinematic and dynamic analyses.
Conceptual approach to select parameters of hydrostatic and mechanical transmissions for wheel tractors designed for agricultural operations
Authors: Taran Igor , Bondarenko Anatoliy
Published: September 2018

As a result of theoretical and experimental efforts, innovative scientifically grounded conceptual approach to select hydrostatic and mechanical transmissions (HMT) for wheel tractors designed for agricultural operations has been proposed. The approach is characterized by focusing on kinematic parameters, power parameters, and energy parameters of the transmission while performing technological operation “plowing”; it also takes into consideration braking features of a tractor in the context of various braking types. Application of the approach offers an opportunity to improve technical level of transmissions while updating current wheel tractors and designing new ones; moreover, that will better controllability as well as braking efficiency. The conceptual approach developed on the basis of proposed techniques and applied mathematical models makes possible to determine rational structure and basic design parameters of two-flow HMTs while designing; it also helps formulate recommendations concerning a technique for service braking and emergency braking under specific operational conditions.
Ground Penetrating Radar’s (GPR) imaging and applications to pavement structural assessment: a case of Malaysia
Authors: Muslim Nurul Hidayah , Mohamed Mohamad Ibrahim , Amin Zulkarnaini Mat , Shafaghat Arezou , Ismail Mohammad , Keyvanfar Ali
Published: September 2018

Traditionally, pavement distress evaluations were carried out by visual observation. Traditional practice requires a person to walk along the stretch of the pavement to conduct distress survey, take photo and measure defects occurred at deteriorated surfaces. However, this approach is too subjective, generates inconsistencies of information, less reliable and time-consuming. Due to these shortcomings, the transportation practitioners in pavement maintenance seek for other alternative tools and techniques to arrest incapability of traditional practices. One of the tools available in the market is Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR). GPR is a geophysical tool known by ability to accommodate extensive data in pavement assessment, geotechnical investigation and structural assessment. The application of GPR is such new to most of road maintenance industry in Malaysia. Therefore, this study has been undertaken to evaluate the benefits of using GPR imaging and its application in assessing pavement structures in Malaysia. The GPR survey was conducted in Meranti street located at UTM (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia) campus, and then analyzed using REFLEX 2D simulation software. The finding shows there are three (3) types of information obtained from GPR survey included; identification of raw image and processed image, identification of pavement segments thickness, and identification of GPR response towards surface and subsurface conditions, which illustrated in radargram images. Furthermore, the GPR can perform at high speed and can save time. It is also beneficial for long-term investment due to ability to provide extensive information at a greater depth. The research indicates that interpretation of GPR’s radargram images consumes time due to the low resolution. Therefore, selection of GPR system is subject to level of accuracy and clarity of radar images needed in a project.
Rational distribution of excess regenerative energy in electric transport systems on the basis of fuzzy logic application
Authors: Sablin Oleg , Kuznetsov Valeriy , Shinkarenko Victor , Ivanov Alexander
Published: September 2018

Purpose. To develop the fuzzy model of distribution of excess regenerative energy in traction and external power supply systems allowing to exercise effective operation of the power equipment. Relevance. For effective distribution of excess regenerative energy in systems of electric transport, as well as for systems equipped with stationary stores of energy and inverting traction substations with regulators of output voltage it is necessary to solve a number of the problems with high degree of uncertainty demanding taking into account a set of random factors such as the modes of power lines and traction loadings. These factors have to be considered in operation for choosing the rational modes of energy stores, inverters and regulators of voltage on buses of substations to provide the rational conditions for energy regeneration on electric transport. Scientific novelty. The control system of energy storage devices, inverters and traction substation output voltage regulators, designed on the basis of fuzzy logic, can provide the necessary conditions for the regeneration on electric transport on sections with a shortage of traction power consumption and allows to optimize the distribution of excess braking energy of transport vehicles. It is achieved by determining the rational relationship between the components of the excess current of regeneration in real time, which can ensure a minimum of power losses of regenerative energy in traction and external power supply systems. Practical importance. The use of the developed approach is effective under the conditions of incomplete information received by measurement systems and on the basis of additional studies it can allow to minimize rated capacity of stores, inverters and traction substation output voltage regulators that could reduce the costs of modernization of existing sections and electrification of new electric transport systems.
Effectiveness of conditional release in the context of reasons for its appeal
Authors: Stasiak Krzysztof
Published: September 2018

The article presents selected changes in the functioning of the conditional release institution as well as conditional release appeal. This paper aims to discuss the effectiveness of applying conditional release in the context of reasons, which cause its negative ending, that is its appeal. Application of the so-called electronic surveillance has been seen to influence the number of conditional releases and decrease the number of positively considered applications for conditional release. It was concluded that the scope of reasons resulting in conditional release appeal has changed, because as far as in 2013 a court decision of this sort would most often result from violation of legal order by the convicted, this has changed since 2014 and the main reason for appeal was the convict’s evasion of surveillance, duties, penal measures or other reasons of similar nature. The article ends with conclusions.
Launching and evaluating a mobile phone app to provide contemporary, evidence-based advice about self-treatable conditions
Authors: Hanna Lezley-Anne , Hall Maurice
Published: September 2018

Rationale, aims and objectives: As government-funded healthcare provisions are stretched to their limits, it is important that healthcare professionals provide evidence-based advice about minor ailments to facilitate people’s abilities to self-treat these conditions effectively and appropriately, given that self-care is one of the many components of person-centered healthcare. Unfortunately, despite the expanding over-the-counter (OTC) medicines market, there have been doubts cast about advice given by UK community pharmacists. Indeed, research conducted with pharmacists revealed that evidence of effectiveness was a secondary consideration when making decisions about OTC recommendations. We aimed to address these concerns and support decision-making by providing high quality, evidence-based, information about self-treatable conditions and over-the-counter consultations through a mobile phone app.Method: There were 4 main stages, namely: (1) app development (content and design); (2) piloting (use-testing); (3) publication on Apple and Android stores and marketing of the app and, finally, (4) an evaluation (using analytical data obtained through the app content management system, feedback obtained via email, the star-rating and reviews posted on Google Play and Apple stores and comments obtained at events. Additionally, following ethical approval and piloting, we invited 100 people, representing different groups within the pharmacy profession in Northern Ireland, to complete an evaluation questionnaire.Results: Since launching the project in February 2017, there have been over 5000 downloads, 68,453 sessions of use and the app has received a 5-star rating on both Apple and Google Play stores. Positive feedback has centred on the material being relevant and up-to-date, that it facilitates quick access to information in the workplace and is easy to navigate and that it is a good training tool. Future suggestions for improvement include expanding the number of conditions and providing self-assessment questions to help students prepare for professional examinations.Conclusions: The app appears to have had a positive impact on OTC consultations, but it is still evolving to ensure its usefulness in practice is maximised.
Multidimensional quantitative analysis of pharmaceutical care by community pharmacists: A Japanese nation-wide survey
Authors: Tominaga Yoshiko , Aomori Tohru , Hayakawa Tomohisa , Isawa Minae , Mochizuki Mayumi
Published: September 2018

Rationale, Aims and Objectives: Patient-centred pharmaceutical care (PC) has become increasingly important at community pharmacies, although few studies have comprehensively evaluated the necessary elements in PC. Our main objective was to determine the extent of PC practice in the Japanese community pharmacy setting and to discuss the results from domestic and international perspectives using the internationally validated Behavioral Pharmaceutical Care Scale (BPCS). Methods: The study design was a cross-sectional, nationwide Internet-based survey of community pharmacists. A 32-item questionnaire was prepared based on one used in Europe and scored in the ranges of either of 0-5 or 1-5 on each item as well as of 15-160 in total. Survey invitations were delivered to 2,600 pharmacies via postal mail or institutional e-mail.Results: A total of 1,332 pharmacists responded. The mean total BPCS score was 98.7/160 (61.7%). While scores related to documentation, patient assessment and patient record screening were generally high, others related to desired therapeutic objectives and sharing patients’ progress with general practitioners were generally low. In multivariate linear regression analysis, health counselling, in-pharmacy computerization, cooperation with other healthcare professionals and claiming reimbursement were positively correlated and age negatively associated with the BPCS score.Conclusion: The general level of PC practice by Japanese community pharmacists was relatively high, since their BPCS scores exceeded the ranges reported in European surveys. The basic reason is likely that remuneration linked to medication review is well established. Areas for improvement, such as paying more attention to therapeutic goals from an individualized quality-of-life standpoint and cooperating with other medical professionals, were identified.
Sources of practice variations in cardiology - The influence of clinical context, cost, physicians’ perceptions and practice considerations
Authors: Manja Veena , Guyatt Gordon , Monteiro Sandra , Jack Susan , Lakshminrusimha Satyanarayana , You John
Published: September 2018

Background: Practice variation is common and may represent variation in values and preferences in the setting of limited evidence regarding optimal care or indicate deficiencies in care. Methods: We administered a case-based survey to cardiologists in the United States and Canada. Participants selected their preferred management option and then rated the influence of 7 factors (safety, effectiveness, patient-centered care, efficiency, local hospital practice, medicolegal concerns and prior experience) on their decision using a scale of 1 (unimportant) to 7 (critically important). Follow-up questions explored knowledge and attitudes on healthcare costs. The relationship between management choice and perceived influence of each factor was examined using repeated measures ANOVA. Free text comments were analyzed using basic content analysis.Results: One hundred and six cardiologists completed the survey. Respondents rated safety (5.8), effectiveness (5.7) and patient-centered care (5.7) as important determinants irrespective of their management choice. Cardiologists frequently (range 19%-87%) chose options not recommended by clinical practice guidelines (CPG), with individual cardiologists sometimes choosing guideline-suggested options and sometimes not. Differences in ratings of factors between those who chose guideline-suggested options and those who did not varied based on the case. Respondents considered cost to be important in decision-making; however, they did not feel well informed and, consequently, seldom discussed this with patients.Conclusion: Cardiologists rate evidence-based practice as an important factor influencing their decision-making whether or not they make CPG-concordant choices. Sources of practice variation include case-context, local hospital practice and medicolegal concerns. Implementation strategies to improve high value patient-centered care should consider physicians’ perceptions of effectiveness of the management options. Successful strategies to improve patient-centered care will require engagement from physicians, particularly to understand how best to support their ability to counsel and involve patients when choosing treatment options and considering cost in these decisions. A deeper understanding of practice variation and its implications will require use of qualitative methods.
Leguminosas Caesalpinioideae e Mimosoideae nativas do RS, com valor forrageiro - Uma Revisão
Authors: Rosito Jumaida M. , Batista Luís R. M.
Published: September 2018

This work aimed at gathering information about native Caesalpinioideae and Mimosoideae species with foraging value. Nirle species were classified as, Caesalpinia epunctata (Vog.) Benth., Cassia patellaria DC., Cassia pilifera Vogh., Cassis repens Vog., Cassis rotundifolia Pers., Desmanthus depressus Humb. & Bonpl. ex Willd.,Mimosa dutrae Malme., Mimosa flagellaris Benth., Prosopis Algarobila Griseb. Except C. rotundifolia, herbaceous, and P. algarobilla, weady, the other species are perennials altough C. patellaria may behave as annual in some cases. According to the data obtained, the species present summer growth and are generally found in dry fields. Regarding the potential forage value; Caesalpinia epunctata, Cassia repens, Desmanthus depressus and Mimosa flagellaris are considered as regular forages while Cassia pilifera and Cassia patellaria are poor forages. Cassia rotundifolia presents a soft forage well accepted by catlle in several regions of the country but not in the South where even cultivation trials failed. Prosopis algarobilla, altough restricted to a small area of the State, seems to be a species with good potential as a forage.
Análisis del efecto de variables ambientales en la estimación de la erosionabilidad (Factor K) = Analysis of the Effect of Environmental Variables on the Soil Erodibility Estimation (K Factor)
Authors: Perez Cutillas Pedro , Barberá Gonzalo G. , Conesa García Carmelo
Published: September 2018

El objetivo principal de este trabajo se centra en la determinación y análisis de las variables ambientales que influyen en las divergencias de las estimaciones de erosionabilidad a partir de dos métodos, aplicando tres algoritmos de estimación del Factor K. La exploración de esta información permite conocer el peso que ejerce el origen de los datos de entrada a los modelos en el cómputo de erosionabilidad y qué importancia tiene en función del algoritmo elegido para la estimación del Factor K. Los resultados muestran que las pendientes, así como los índices de vegetación (NDVI) y de composición mineralógico (IOI) obtenidos mediantes técnicas de teledetección han   mostrado los valores de asociación más elevados entre ambos métodos.The main goal of this work is to determine and analyze the influence of environmental variables on the changes of two erodibility methods, through the application of three estimation algorithms of K Factor. The analysis of this information allows knowing the significance of the input data to the models in the erodibility estimation, and likewise the consequence of the algorithm selected for the estimation of K Factor. The results show that the slopes, as well as the vegetation index (NDVI) and the mineralogical composition index (IOI), generated both by remote sensing techniques, have shown the highest values of association between methods.
Una aproximación a los Parques Nacionales y sus paisajes a través de itinerarios didácticos = An Approach to the National Parks Landscapes and Educational Itineraries
Authors: Crespo Castellanos José Manuel , Gómez Ruiz María Luisa , Cruz Naïmi Luis Alfonso
Published: September 2018

Se plantea una propuesta que hunde sus raíces en la larga trayectoria de la Didáctica de la Geografía, en la que se aúnan la tradición del excursionismo geográfico con una metodología de trabajo acorde a la evolución de las actuales tecnologías y a la aplicación de la geoinformación. Desarrollada en el marco de los Proyectos de Innovación y Mejora de la Calidad Docente de la Universidad Complutense de Madrid, tiene por objeto el diseño de itinerarios geográficos didácticos en el ámbito territorial de los espacios naturales que conforman la Red de Parques Nacionales de España. Como resultado se ha desarrollado una SIGweb con los itinerarios creados en base a puntos de interés didáctico geográfico en los cuales se identifican elementos, procesos o factores que configuran el paisaje. We present a proposal that has its roots in the long history of the Didactics of Geography, which combines the tradition of geographical excursionism with a work methodology according to the evolution of current technologies and the application of geoinformation. Developed within the framework of the Projects of Innovation and Improvement of the Teaching Quality of the Complutense University of Madrid, its objective is the design of educational geographical itineraries in the territorial scope of the natural spaces that make up the National Parks of Spain. As a result, a SIGweb has been developed with the itineraries created based on points of geographical didactic interest in which elements, processes or factors that make up the landscape are identified.
The Open Access Citation Advantage: Does It Exist and What Does It Mean for Libraries?
Authors: Lewis Colby Lil
Published: September 2018

The last literature review of research on the existence of an Open Access Citation Advantage (OACA) was published in 2011 by Philip M. Davis and William H. Walters. This paper reexamines the conclusions reached by Davis and Walters by providing a critical review of OACA literature that has been published 2011, and explores how increases in OA publication trends could serve as a leveraging tool for libraries against the high costs of journal subscriptions.
Miroir, mon beau miroir, facilite mes choix ! L’influence de l’essayage virtuel dans un contexte omnicanal
Authors: Merle Aurélie , Sénécal Sylvain , St-Onge Anik
Published: September 2018

Cet article étudie l’influence de l’essayage virtuel en réalité augmentée (RA) sur l’efficience perçue du processus de choix dans un contexte omnicanal. Une expérimentation en ligne est réalisée en utilisant l’application de RA My Sephora Artist , permettant d’essayer virtuellement des rouges à lèvres sur soi. En ligne, l’essayage virtuel rend le processus de choix plus efficient pour les consommatrices ayant une faible fréquence d’achat de maquillage sur Internet, menant à une intention d’achat plus élevée. L’efficience perçue est également étudiée dans le cadre d’une expérience de webrooming et d’une expérience phygitale. Finalement, les implications managériales de ces résultats sont discutées.
Parcours phéno-génératif et sémiotique de l’espace dans Le Mont Damion d’André Dhôtel : vers une spaciose du sens
Authors: Navarette Pierre-Antoine
Published: September 2018

La thèse que nous soutenons dans cet article défend l’idée selon laquelle il existe, dans une perspective phéno-générative, un schème spatial directionnel au sein du roman Le Mont Damion par André Dhôtel (1964). Il s’agit d’une structure d’ensemble élémentaire qui oriente, dans un procès de signification spatial complexe, une axiologisation des dispositifs spatiaux et qui se décline en configurations spatiales directionnelles plus élaborées, configurations axées sur la catégorie [route]. Nous avons réalisé cette étude en sémiotique de l’espace post-greimassienne en partant d’une sémantique textuelle – inspirée des travaux de François Rastier – appliquée à l’oeuvre dhôtelienne. Le phénomène sémiotique majeur mis ainsi en exergue a été nommé spaciose du sens, ou sémiose spatiale, pour reprendre des termes proposés par Jacques Fontanille.
Sémiotique du “passage” et du “séjour” en architecture
Authors: Gagnon Carolle , Marier Nicolas
Published: September 2018

Les architectes parlent le langage spécialisé enseigné dans les écoles d’architecture, allant des catégories descriptives aux plans et devis. Ils se servent de typologies permettant de classer les divers éléments et leur mise en forme dans de nouvelles catégories descriptives qui sont, celles-là, porteuses de sens, par exemple les ouvertures. Nous suggérons que les thèmes de l’ouvert et du fermé que nous posons en termes architecturaux de “passage” et de “séjour” constituent des unités de signification de nature complexe, ou “sémèmes”. Les signes /passage/ et /séjour/ peuvent être des équivalents de la phrase étudiée en linguistique, et ainsi constituer des thèmes narratifs.

Par analogie aux unités minimales de signes que sont les phonèmes, nous appelons nos unités de même valeur “archèmes”. Par analogie aux morphèmes, nous appelons du nom de “chorèmes” les sèmes qui ont une signification spécifique de nature architecturale. Plus avant, /passage/ et /séjour/ constituent des sémèmes qui contrastent ou s’opposent, faisant ainsi partie du répertoire sémique de l’architecture. Le thème du passage devient dominant dans l’architecture contemporaine avec Hadid, Hara et Gehry. Les édifices permettent à l’utilisateur de vivre plus librement son histoire dans une occupation personnelle de l’espace. Celui-ci devient un allié lui permettant de se raconter. Ainsi, le passage, dans une nouvelle articulation avec le séjour, montre une nouvelle manière d’habiter.
Analysis and Assessment of Lithuanian Road Accidents by AHP Method
Authors: Jakimavičius Marius
Published: September 2018

Lithuanian road accidents were evaluated based on the geographic information systems and multi-criteria method of Analytical Hierarchy Process This paper presents the methodology for selecting and ranking high accident concentration sections on the roads of national significance. Methodology involves the following process phases: 1) preparation of spatial data of the road accidents; 2) estimation of road sections with a high accident rate; 3) calculation of spatial statistics for estimation of accident points and hot spots; 4) selecting indicators for multi-criteria assessment; 5) calculation by Analytical Hierarchy Process method and ranking the selected high accident concentration sections. Assessment of spatial clustering of accidents and hot spots was carried out following geo-information technologies and using Getis-Ord Gi  statistics and point density functions. This geospatial criterion was integrated into multicriteria assessment for ranking the high accident concentration sections by using the Analytical Hierarchy Process method. Presented method is useful for various agencies in order to improve their planning and management strategies for better traffic conditions as well as to reduce the number of accidents. The result of the research presents selection methodology of dangerous accident section and ranking of the tenth the most dangerous sections involving geographic information systems and Analytical Hierarchy Process method.
Recent Development and Remaining Challenges In Determining Unique Bridge Scour Performance Indicators
Authors: Gavin Kenneth , Prendergast Luke J. , Stipanovič Irina , Škarič−Palič Sandra
Published: September 2018

There have been significant developments in the area of vibrationbased bridge scour monitoring in recent years. Traditional scour monitoring using either visual assessment or diving inspections are now recognised to be very unreliable and highly subjective. There has been a concerted effort to move towards reliable systems capable of either direct measurement of scour or indirect measurement, based on monitoring the response of the structure to damage. The developments have unearthed new challenges and problems. This paper describes some recent developments in the field. In addition, remaining challenges that act as a barrier to the successful wide-scale deployment of the methodologies are discussed. In particular, it addresses issues related to how to measure key performance indicators (such as the vibration response of the structure) and the potential of these approaches in real-world applications.
First record of Holothuria (Metriatyla) scabra Jaeger, 1833 (Echinodermata: Holothuroidea) from the coastal waters of the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Yaghmour Fadi , Whittington-Jones Brendan
Published: September 2018

The presence of an endangered and economically valuable species of sea cucumber, Holothuria (Metriatyla) scabra Jaeger, 1833, was investigated in the Alqurm Wa Lehhfaiiah Protected Area near the city of Kalba in the Emirate of Sharjah. Sea cucumber specimens were collected, and identification was first conducted using morphological keys. H. scabra identification was confirmed through microscopic observation of ossicles. Though this species is known to occur in other regions along the Gulf of Oman, this paper represents the first published record of H. scabra, in the coastal waters of the United Arab Emirates.
E-cigarettes versus nicotine patches for perioperative smoking cessation: a pilot randomized trial
Authors: Lee Susan M. , Tenney Rachel , Wallace Arthur W. , Arjomandi Mehrdad
Published: September 2018

Introduction

Cigarette smoking by surgical patients is associated with increased complications. E-cigarettes have emerged as a potential smoking cessation tool. We sought to determine the feasibility and acceptability of e-cigarettes, compared to nicotine patch, for perioperative smoking cessation in veterans.

Methods

Preoperative patients were randomized to either the nicotine patch group (n = 10) or the e-cigarette group (n = 20). Both groups were given a free 6-week supply in a tapering dose. All patients received brief counseling, a brochure on perioperative smoking cessation, and referral to the California Smokers’ Helpline. The primary outcome was rate of smoking cessation on day of surgery confirmed by exhaled carbon monoxide. Secondary outcomes included smoking habits, pulmonary function, adverse events, and satisfaction with the products on day of surgery and at 8-weeks follow-up.

Results

Biochemically verified smoking cessation on day of surgery was similar in both groups. Change in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) was 592 ml greater in the e-cigarette group (95% CI [153–1,031] ml, p = 0.01) and change in forced expiratory volume in one second to forced vital capacity ratio (FEV1/FVC ratio) was 40.1% greater in the e-cigarette group (95% CI [18.2%–78.4%], p = 0.04). Satisfaction with the product was similar in both groups.

Discussion

E-cigarettes are a feasible tool for perioperative smoking cessation in veterans with quit rates comparable to nicotine replacement patch. Spirometry appears to be improved 8-weeks after initiating e-cigarettes compared to nicotine patch, possibly due to worse baseline spirometry and more smoking reduction in the e-cigarette group. An adequately powered study is recommended to determine if these results can be duplicated.
Xeno-miRNet: a comprehensive database and analytics platform to explore xeno-miRNAs and their potential targets
Authors: Fan Yannan , Habib Maria , Xia Jianguo
Published: September 2018

Xeno-miRNAs are microRNAs originating from exogenous species detected in host biofluids. A growing number of studies have suggested that many of these xeno-miRNAs may be involved in cross-species interactions and manipulations. To date, hundreds of xeno-miRNAs have been reported in different hosts at various abundance levels. Based on computational predictions, many more miRNAs could be potentially transferred to human circulation system. There is a clear need for bioinformatics resources and tools dedicated to xeno-miRNA annotations and their potential functions. To address this need, we have systematically curated xeno-miRNAs from multiple sources, performed target predictions using well-established algorithms, and developed a user-friendly web-based tool—Xeno-miRNet—to allow researchers to search and explore xeno-miRNAs and their potential targets within different host species. Xeno-miRNet currently contains 1,702 (including both detected and predicted) xeno-miRNAs from 54 species and 98,053 potential gene targets in six hosts. The web application is freely available at http://xeno.mirnet.ca.
Influence of sports expertise level on attention in multiple object tracking
Authors: Qiu Fanghui , Pi Yanling , Liu Ke , Li Xuepei , Zhang Jian , Wu Yin
Published: September 2018

Background

This study aimed to investigate whether performance in a multiple object tracking (MOT) task could be improved incrementally with sports expertise, and whether differences between experienced and less experienced athletes, or non-athletes, were modulated by load.

Methods

We asked 22 elite and 20 intermediate basketball players, and 23 non-athletes, to perform an MOT task under three attentional load conditions (two, three, and four targets). Accuracies were analyzed to examine whether different levels of sports expertise influence MOT task performance.

Results

The elite athletes displayed better tracking performance compared with the intermediate or non-athletes when tracking three or four targets. However, no significant difference was found between the intermediate athletes and the non-athletes. Further, no differences were observed among the three groups when tracking two targets.

Discussion

The results suggest that the effects of expertise in team ball sports could transfer to a non-sports-specific attention task. These transfer effects to general cognitive functions occur only in elite athletes with extensive training under higher attentional load.
ФЕНОТИПИЧЕСКАЯ ЧУВСТВИТЕЛЬНОСТЬ К ПРОТИВОТУБЕРКУЛЕЗНЫМ ПРЕПАРАТАМ ШТАММОВ С МУТАЦИЯМИ, АССОЦИИРОВАННЫМИ С УСТОЙЧИВОСТЬЮ К РИФАМПИЦИНУ И ИЗОНИАЗИДУ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Черноусова Л.Н. , Ларионова Е.Е. , Смирнова Т.Г. , Андреевская С.Н. , Андриевская И.Ю. , Эргешов А.
Published: September 2018

С целью характеристики фенотипической лекарственной чувствительности штаммов МБТ с мутациями, ассоциированными с устойчивостью к изониазиду и рифампицину, представлены результаты внедрения разработанного в отделе микробиологии ЦНИИТ алгоритма ускоренного определения ЛЧ МБТ к расширенному спектру ПТП за период 2011-2015 гг. на примере 859 культур мБт, у которых на первом этапе исследования были выявлены мутации в генах rpoB, katG и inhA. Генотипическое определение ЛУ к рифампицину и изониазиду проводили с использованием набора «Амплитуб-МЛУ-РВ» (Синтол, Россия). Определение лекарственной чувствительности МБТ к расширенному спектру ПТП (8 основных ПТП 1 и 2 ряда- H, R, E, Z, Eto, Am, Cm, Lfx, и 3 препарата резерва - Mfx, PАS, Lzd) проводили в системе BACTEC MGIT 960. Среди штаммов с генотипической МЛУ часто встречались штаммы с пре-ШЛУ (300/859, 34,9%) и ШЛУ (268/859, 31,2%), включая штаммы с тотальной устойчивостью к 8-ми основным ПТП155/859 (18,04%). Для штаммов, устойчивых к левофлоксацину, в более чем 90% случаев показана перекрестная резистентность к моксифлоксацину в концентрации 0,5 мкг/мл и в 65% случаев чувствительность к моксифлоксацину в концентрации к 2 мкг/мл, что демонстрирует целесообразность проведения для левофлоксацин-устойчивых штаммов ТЛЧ к моксифлоксацину с использованием двух критических концентраций. Полученные результаты подтверждают необходимость применения комплекса генотипических и фенотипических методов определения лекарственной чувствительности МБТ для быстрой изоляции наиболее опасных групп бактериовыделителей и получения максимально полной информации о чувствительности возбудителя.
ГЕНЕТИЧЕСКИЕ ОСОБЕННОСТИ ВАКЦИННОГО СУБШТАММА BCG RUSSIA В КОНТРОЛЕ ПРОИЗВОДСТВА И ПОСТВАКЦИНАЛЬНЫХ ОСЛОЖНЕНИЙ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Воронина О.Л. , Кунда М.С. , Аксенова Е.И. , Рыжова Н.Н. , Семенов А.Н. , Шарапова Н.Е. , Гинцбург А.Л.
Published: September 2018

Введение БЦЖ (Бацилла-Кальмета-Герена) вакцина - единственная разрешенная к применению, позволяющая противостоять Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Разработка международных требований к производству и контролю БЦЖ вакцины находится под контролем экспертного комитета ВОЗ по биологической стандартизации (Expert Committee on Biological Standardization, ECBS). В 2009 г. ECBS учредил референсы ВОЗ для БЦЖ вакцины на основе трех субштаммов: Danish1331, Tokyo 172-1 и Russian BCG-I, а также требования к контролю, включающие генетическую характеристику произведенных и посевных серий вакцинного субштамма. Согласно требованиям ВОЗ и надлежащей производственной практики (GMP) было выполнено секвенирование трех посевных серий BCG Russia на платформе 454 Roche в нашей лаборатории. БЦЖиты (лимфадениты, остеомиелиты - осложнения при вакцинации БЦЖ) составляют 1% у здоровых реципиентов, однако занимают третье место среди поствакцинальных осложнений в Российской Федерации. Цель наших исследований заключалась в выявлении генетических особенностей субштамма BCG Russia для разработки экспресс-типирования при осложнениях. Методы Полногеномное секвенирование на платформе 454 Roche. MIRU-VNTRplus database для анализа отличий в профилях BCG субштаммов. Набор биоинформационных ресурсов для аннотирования и исследования геномов. Результаты Геном BCG Russia 368 был секвенирован и депонирован в GenBank (Accession Number NZ_CP009243.1). Сравнение геномов последней генерации субштамма и двух предшествующих продемонстрировало стабильность субштамма BCG Russia. Отличие от ближайшего раннего субштамма BCG Tokyo 172 включало 2 RD (region of difference): инсерцию 22 bp и делецию 1602 bp, десять ins/del (1-9 bp) и 52 SNP. Профиль выявленных профагов в геномах M. bovis и M. bovis BCG отражал эволюцию вакцинных субштаммов. Геномы M. bovis содержали профаги 7.5 и 20.3 kb, ранние BCG субштаммы имели профаги 7.5 and 11.2 kb. Большинство поздних субштаммов утратило профаг 11.2 kb. Исключение составили BCG Montreal and BCG Tice, в геномах которых выявлено 6 и 15 профагов, соответственно. Анализ 27 MIRU-VNTR локусов в геноме BCG Russia 368, их сравнение с профилями локусов штаммов M. bovis и BCG субштаммов в MIRU-VNTRplus database позволили обосновать специфичность семи локусов для субштамма BCG Russia. Мы выбрали Mtub21 и Mtub04 - локусы без повторов в геноме BCG Russia, Mtub-30, QUB-26, QUB-323222 -наиболее вариабельные среди M. bovis и M. bovis BCG, и VNTR-3820 и VNTR-4120 как гипервариабельные локусы. Фрагмент анализ этих локусов позволит провести экспресс тестирование при БЦЖитах. Заключение Полногеномное секвенирование - успешный подход в сравнении близкородственных субштаммов и в выявлении специфических локусов для диагностической панели.
РАЗРАБОТКА МЕТОДА ОПРЕДЕЛЕНИЯ ПОЛИМОРФИЗМА ГЕНА САПОЗИНА ЧЕЛОВЕКА, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Рог К.В. , Евстифеев В.В. , Шепелькова Г.С. , Телепнев М.В. , Матракшин А.Г. , Чудаан-оол Р.М. , Русакова Л.И. , Гергерт В.Я. , Еремеев В.В.
Published: September 2018

Сапозины (SAP) - подгруппа гликопротеинов, большого семейства сапозин-подобных белков, в которую входят сапозины A-D, а также активатор GM2. Сапозины образуются в кислых эндосомах путем расщепления белка-предшественника - просапозина (pSAP). Ранее было показано, что сапозины участвуют в процессе презентации антигенов микобактерий на молекулах CD1. В ходе проведенных в нашей лаборатории экспериментов на культуре мышиных макрофагов in vitro выявлено, что макрофаги, полученные от мышей-нокаутов по гену SAPD, подавляли рост M. tuberculosis слабее, чем макрофаги мышей дикого типа. То есть SAPD является важным компонентом в формировании иммунного ответа к туберкулезу (ТБ). Для более детального понимания механизмов взаимодействия M. tuberculosis и SAPD необходимо исследование возможной взаимосвязи между наличием или отсутствием резистентности к ТБ, а также способностью организма экспрессировать SAPD. Для этого планируется изучить распределение полиморфизмов гена SAPD в группе больных туберкулезом и здоровых людей среди населения Тувы для сравнения и выявления возможных взаимосвязей между различными вариантами белка и наличием/отсутствием резистентности к туберкулезу. В нуклеотидной последовательности SAPD известно 8 полиморфных локусов единичных нуклеотидных замен (SNp) в кодирующей области. Замена в каждом из локусов ведет к замене аминокислоты (АК) в SAPd, и, следовательно, изменению конформации белка, что может впоследствии повлиять на его функциональную активность. Для идентификации полиморфных локусов нами разработана новая технология определения единичных нуклеотидных замен в гене, кодирующем SAPD, на основе метода полиморфизма длин рестрикционных фрагментов. В дальнейшем планируется его применение в исследовании популяции тувинцев с целью обнаружения взаимосвязей между наличием полиморфизмов в гене и наличием или отсутствием резистентности к туберкулезу.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ ДИФФЕРЕНЦИАЛЬНОЙ ДИАГНОСТИКИ ЗАБОЛЕВАНИЙ ЛЕГКИХ С СИНДРОМОМ ИНФИЛЬТРАЦИИ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Карпина Наталья Леонидовна
Published: September 2018

Проблема диагностики заболеваний при выявлении инфильтративных изменений легочной ткани является актуальной, так как, во-первых, при рентгенологическом обследовании указанные изменения обнаруживаются в большом проценте наблюдений - от 43% до - 66,3% и во-вторых, частота диагностических ошибок при инфильтративных изменениях в легких сохраняется на высоком уровне - 35-45%. Цель исследования: установление причин ошибок в дифференциальной диагностике при инфильтративных изменениях в легочной ткани. Материалы и методы. Иисследование выполнено на базе клинико-диагностического отдела Федерального государственного бюджетного научного учреждения «Центральный научно-исследовательский институт туберкулеза». Проведен анализ результатов обследования 181 пациента с инфильтративными изменениями в легких, направленных на консультацию из учреждений первичной медико-санитарной помощи и противотуберкулезной службы в период с 2011 по 2013 гг. Среди обследуемых было: мужчин - 92 (50,8%), женщин - 89 (49,2%). Возраст пациентов варьировал от 17 до 100 лет, средний возраст составил 45,6 + 0,5 года. Дизайн исследования. 1. Выявление специфичности легочного процесса на основании клинико-лабораторного обследования. 2. Анализ результатов мультиспиральной компьютерной томографии органов грудной клетки по качественным и количественным характеристикам инфильтратов и других патологических изменений в органах грудной клетки. 3.Морфологическая верификация диагноза по результатам фибробронхоскопии с комплексом биопсий и видеоторакоскопической биопсии легкого. 4. Проведение анализа частоты и характера ошибок в диагностике инфильтративного туберкулеза легких. Результаты. При инфильтративных изменениях легких наиболее часто дифференциально-диагностический ряд с инфильтративным туберкулезом легких составляют внебольничная пневмония, онкологические заболевания легких, экзогенно-аллергический альвеолит и саркоидоз органов дыхания. Частота расхождения первичного и установленного диагнозов при инфильтративном туберкулезе легких составила 41,7%, при внебольничной пневмонии - 63,4%; при онкологическом заболевании легких, экзогенном аллергическом альвеолите и саркоидозе органов дыхания частота расхождения диагнозов была наибольшей - 97,1%, 96,0% и 71,4% соответственно (р