bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Thermally expanded vermiculite as a risk-free and general-purpose sorbent for hazardous chemical spillages
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Duc , Hue Vu Thi , Kim Yong Shin
Published: July 2019

Expanded vermiculite with excellent thermal and chemical stability was investigated as a reliable sorbent for hazardous liquid spillages, including those leading to fire and explosion risks. Many expanded samples were prepared by rapid heating using both different temperatures and dissimilar vermiculite dimensions. Their capabilities for hazard clean-up were correlated with the structural characteristics of expanded vermiculite with slit-shaped porosity. When using optimized vermiculite, the moderate sorption capacities of 1.5–3.0 g g−1 were obtained for various hazardous chemicals, including hydrophilic/hydrophobic organic chemicals and strongly acidic/basic solutions. The sorption capacities depended more strongly on physical properties, such as the pore volume of the sorbent and the density of the absorbed liquid, rather than the vermiculite's chemical composition. The void space interconnected by interparticle/intraparticle pores worked as imbibing pathways due to their capillarity, resulting in the rapid, spontaneous sorption of hazardous chemicals. The hazardous chemicals may be removed from a testing vessel via sorption with an efficiency of >94 wt.% for 10 min. These results demonstrate that the expanded vermiculite may be a potential candidate as a reliable general-purpose sorbent for hazardous materials clean-up under harsh conditions.
Diabetic macular edema treated with intravitreal aflibercept injection after treatment with other anti-VEGF agents (SWAP-TWO study): 6-month interim analysis
Authors: Babiuch Amy S. , Conti Thais F. , Conti Felipe F. , Silva Fabiana Q. , Rachitskaya Aleksandra , Yuan Alex , Singh Rishi P.
Published: July 2019

Background

Diabetic macular edema (DME) is an important cause of vision loss and despite the anatomical and functional improvement achieved with treatment, there are reports of persistent DME regardless of continuous anti-VEGF therapy. The purpose of this study is to examine the effect of patients with DME previously treated with other anti-VEGF agents who are transitioned to intravitreal aflibercept (IAI) on a fixed dosing regimen.

Methods

This prospective study included 20 patients presenting with DME with a history of previous anti-VEGF treatment with ranibizumab or bevacizumab. Patients received a 2 mg (0.05 mL) IAI every 4 weeks until no evidence of fluid by optical coherence tomography (OCT) followed by a fixed dosing schedule of 2 mg IAI once every 8 weeks through 24 months. There was a pre-planned interim analysis of the mean absolute change from baseline central foveal thickness at month 6 as measured by OCT. Secondary outcomes included mean change from baseline in ETDRS visual acuity and anatomic parameters. Optical Coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) capillary perfusion density (CPD) after transitioning to IAI therapy were also reported.

Results

Average central subfield thickness on OCT at baseline was 419.7 ± 92.0 and improved to 303.8 ± 73.1 at 6-months (p < 0.001). At 6 months after IAI treatment, BCVA increased + 1.5 letters from baseline (p = 0.38). OCTA CPD analysis revealed significant increase from baseline in the foveal avascular zone in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy group (p = 0.02).

Conclusions

Patients with prior anti-VEGF therapy who were transitioned to IAI therapy revealed significant anatomic improvements through 6 months.

Trial registration Treatment of Diabetic Macular Edema With Aflibercept in Subjects Previously Treated With Ranibizumab or Bevacizumab (SwapTwo), Trial registration number: NCT02559180. Date of registration: September 24, 2015.https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02559180
The Col4a2
em1(IMPC)Wtsi mouse line – lessons from the deciphering the mechanisms of developmental disorders (DMDD) program
Authors: Reissig Lukas F. , Herdina Anna Nele , Rose Julia , Maurer-Gesek Barbara , Lane Jenna L. , Prin Fabrice , Wilson Robert , Hardman Emily , Galli Antonella , Tudor Catherine , Tuck Elizabeth , Icoresi-Mazzeo Cecilia , White Jacqueline K. , Ryder Ed , Gleeson Diane , Adams David J. , Geyer Stefan H. , Mohun Timothy J. , Weninger Wolfgang J.
Published: July 2019

The Deciphering the Mechanisms of Developmental Disorders (DMDD) program used a systematic and standardised approach to characterise the phenotype of embryos stemming from mouse lines, which produce embryonically lethal offspring. Our study aims at providing detailed phenotype descriptions of homozygous Col4a2em1(IMPC)Wtsi mutants produced in DMDD and harvested at embryonic day 14.5. This shall provide new information on the role Col4a2 plays in organogenesis and demonstrate the capacity of the DMDD database for identifying models for researching inherited disorders. The DMDD Col4a2em1(IMPC)Wtsi mutants survived organogenesis and thus revealed the full spectrum of organs and tissues, the development of which depends on Col4a2 encoded proteins. They showed defects in the brain, cranial nerves, visual system, lungs, endocrine glands, skeleton, subepithelial tissues and mild to severe cardiovascular malformations. Together, this makes the DMDD Col4a2em1(IMPC)Wtsi line a useful model for identifying the spectrum of defects and for researching the mechanisms underlying autosomal dominant porencephaly 2 (OMIM # 614483), a rare human disease. Thus we demonstrate the general capacity of the DMDD approach and webpage as a valuable source for identifying mouse models for rare diseases.
Rorβ regulates selective axon-target innervation in the mammalian midbrain
Authors: Byun Haewon , Lee Hae-Lim , Liu Hong , Forrest Douglas , Rudenko Andrii , Kim In-Jung
Published: July 2019

Developmental control of long-range neuronal connections in the mammalian midbrain remains unclear. We explored the mechanisms regulating target selection of the developing superior colliculus (SC). The SC is a midbrain center that directs orienting behaviors and defense responses. We discovered that a transcription factor, Rorβ, controls establishment of axonal projections from the SC to two thalamic nuclei: the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) and the lateral posterior nucleus (LP). A genetic strategy used to visualize SC circuits revealed that in control animals Rorβ+ neurons abundantly innervate the dLGN but barely innervate the LP. The opposite phenotype was observed in global and conditional Rorb mutants: projections to the dLGN were strongly decreased, and projections to the LP were increased. Furthermore, overexpression of Rorb in the wild type showed increased projections to the dLGN and decreased projections to the LP. In summary, we identified Rorβ as a key developmental mediator of colliculo-thalamic innervation. Such regulation could represent a general mechanism orchestrating long-range neuronal connections in the mammalian brain.
The lymphoid-associated interleukin 7 receptor (IL7R) regulates tissue-resident macrophage development
Authors: Leung Gabriel A. , Cool Taylor , Valencia Clint H. , Worthington Atesh , Beaudin Anna E. , Forsberg E. Camilla
Published: July 2019

The discovery of a fetal origin for tissue-resident macrophages (trMacs) has inspired an intense search for the mechanisms underlying their development. Here, we performed in vivo lineage tracing of cells with an expression history of IL7Rα, a marker exclusively associated with the lymphoid lineage in adult hematopoiesis. Surprisingly, we found that Il7r-Cre labeled fetal-derived, adult trMacs. Labeling was almost complete in some tissues and partial in others. The putative progenitors of trMacs, yolk sac (YS) erythromyeloid progenitors, did not express IL7R, and YS hematopoiesis was unperturbed in IL7R-deficient mice. In contrast, tracking of IL7Rα message levels, surface expression, and Il7r-Cre-mediated labeling across fetal development revealed dynamic regulation of Il7r mRNA expression and rapid upregulation of IL7Rα surface protein upon transition from monocyte to macrophage within fetal tissues. Fetal monocyte differentiation in vitro produced IL7R+ macrophages, supporting a direct progenitor-progeny relationship. Additionally, blockade of IL7R function during late gestation specifically impaired the establishment of fetal-derived trMacs in vivo. These data provide evidence for a distinct function of IL7Rα in fetal myelopoiesis and identify IL7R as a novel regulator of trMac development.
Secondary crest myofibroblast PDGFRα controls the elastogenesis pathway via a secondary tier of signaling networks during alveologenesis
Authors: Li Changgong , Lee Matt K. , Gao Feng , Webster Sha , Di Helen , Duan Jiang , Yang Chang-Yo , Bhopal Navin , Peinado Neil , Pryhuber Gloria , Smith Susan M. , Borok Zea , Bellusci Saverio , Minoo Parviz
Published: July 2019

Postnatal alveolar formation is the most important and the least understood phase of lung development. Alveolar pathologies are prominent in neonatal and adult lung diseases. The mechanisms of alveologenesis remain largely unknown. We inactivated Pdgfra postnatally in secondary crest myofibroblasts (SCMF), a subpopulation of lung mesenchymal cells. Lack of Pdgfra arrested alveologenesis akin to bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a neonatal chronic lung disease. The transcriptome of mutant SCMF revealed 1808 altered genes encoding transcription factors, signaling and extracellular matrix molecules. Elastin mRNA was reduced, and its distribution was abnormal. Absence of Pdgfra disrupted expression of elastogenic genes, including members of the Lox, Fbn and Fbln families. Expression of EGF family members increased when Tgfb1 was repressed in mouse. Similar, but not identical, results were found in human BPD lung samples. In vitro, blocking PDGF signaling decreased elastogenic gene expression associated with increased Egf and decreased Tgfb family mRNAs. The effect was reversible by inhibiting EGF or activating TGFβ signaling. These observations demonstrate the previously unappreciated postnatal role of PDGFA/PDGFRα in controlling elastogenic gene expression via a secondary tier of signaling networks composed of EGF and TGFβ.
The RNA-binding protein QKI controls alternative splicing in vascular cells, producing an effective model for therapy
Authors: Caines Rachel , Cochrane Amy , Kelaini Sophia , Vila-Gonzalez Marta , Yang Chunbo , Eleftheriadou Magdalini , Moez Arya , Stitt Alan W. , Zeng Lingfang , Grieve David J. , Margariti Andriana
Published: July 2019

Dysfunction of endothelial cells (ECs) and vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) leads to ischaemia, the central pathology of cardiovascular disease. Stem cell technology will revolutionise regenerative medicine, but a need remains to understand key mechanisms of vascular differentiation. RNA-binding proteins have emerged as novel post-transcriptional regulators of alternative splicing and we have previously shown that the RNA-binding protein Quaking (QKI) plays roles in EC differentiation. In this study, we decipher the role of the alternative splicing isoform Quaking 6 (QKI-6) to induce VSMC differentiation from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs). PDGF-BB stimulation induced QKI-6, which bound to HDAC7 intron 1 via the QKI-binding motif, promoting HDAC7 splicing and iPS-VSMC differentiation. Overexpression of QKI-6 transcriptionally activated SM22 (also known as TAGLN), while QKI-6 knockdown diminished differentiation capability. VSMCs overexpressing QKI-6 demonstrated greater contractile ability, and upon combination with iPS-ECs-overexpressing the alternative splicing isoform Quaking 5 (QKI-5), exhibited higher angiogenic potential in vivo than control cells alone. This study demonstrates that QKI-6 is critical for modulation of HDAC7 splicing, regulating phenotypically and functionally robust iPS-VSMCs. These findings also highlight that the QKI isoforms hold key roles in alternative splicing, giving rise to cells which can be used in vascular therapy or for disease modelling.

This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.
Considerations related to vaping as a possible gateway into cigarette smoking: an analytical review
Authors: Lee Peter N. , Coombs Katharine J. , Afolalu Esther F.
Published: July 2019

Background: Compared to cigarette smoking, e-cigarette use is likely to present a reduced risk of smoking-related disease (SRD). However, several studies have shown that vaping predicts smoking initiation and might provide a gateway into smoking for those who otherwise would never have smoked. This paper considers various aspects of the gateway issue in youths.

Methods: Here, we reviewed studies (N=15) of the gateway effect examining how extensively they accounted for confounders associated with smoking initiation in youths. We estimated how omitting a confounder, or misclassifying it, might bias the association between vaping and smoking initiation. We assessed how smoking prevalence might be affected by any true gateway effect, and examined trends in youth smoking and e-cigarette use from national surveys.

Results: The list of smoking predictors adjusted for in studies reporting a significant gateway effect is not comprehensive, rarely considering internalising/externalising disorders, outcome expectancies, school performance, anxiety, parental smoking and peer attitudes. Furthermore, no study adjusted for residual confounding from inaccurately measured predictors. Better adjustment may substantially reduce the estimated gateway effect. Calculations showed that as any true gateway effects increase, there are much smaller increases in smoking prevalence, and that gateway effects increase only if initiating vaping is more frequent than initiating smoking. These effects on prevalence also depend on the relative odds of quitting vs. initiation. Data from five surveys in US/UK youths all show that, regardless of sex and age, smoking prevalence in 2014–2016 declined faster than predicted by the preceding trend, suggesting the absence of a substantial gateway effect. We also present arguments suggesting that even with some true gateway effect, introducing e-cigarettes likely reduces SRD risk.

Conclusions: A true gateway effect in youths has not yet been demonstrated. Even if it were, e-cigarette introduction may well have had a beneficial population health impact.
Protocol for a factorial randomised controlled trial, embedded within WHiTE 8 COPAL, of an Enhanced Trainee Principal Investigator Package and Additional Digital Nudge to increase recruitment rates
Authors: Agni Nickil , Fairhurst Caroline , McDaid Catriona , Reed Mike , Torgerson David J.
Published: July 2019

Recruitment remains an issue when conducting randomised controlled trials (RCTs) with a significant proportion of studies failing to reach their target sample size. Studies evaluating interventions to improve recruitment aimed specifically at recruiters to the trial are limited in number. This factorial RCT will evaluate the effectiveness of an educational intervention to trainee principal investigators and a positive reinforcement intervention via an email nudge on increasing recruitment. The targeted recruiters will be in 20 centres nationally recruiting to one large orthopaedic randomised controlled trial, WHiTE 8 COPAL. Centres will be randomised via minimisation to one of four groups. The primary outcome is recruitment rate in the first six months that a centre is actively recruiting, with data being analysed via a Poisson regression model. Results will be presented as adjusted incidence rate ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Secondary outcomes relate to the feasibility and logistics of running the interventions.  We will also collect feedback regarding the educational programme set out for the trainee principal investigators. The study started in August 2018 with the anticipation of the primary objective endpoint by October 2019. The results of this study will be used to inform the design of future RCTs, particularly in orthopaedics in the UK, where the role of Trainee Principal Investigators is now a consistent one across different trials.

Trial registration: 11600053, ISRCTN, 20/08/2018; SWAT 67, Northern Ireland Hub for Trials Methodology Research SWAT repository, 01/10/2017.
Are evidence-based vasectomy surgical techniques performed in low-resource countries?
Authors: Labrecque Michel
Published: July 2019

Background:  Research evidence published 10 to 15 years ago has shown that the type of vasectomy surgical technique performed can influence the effectiveness and the safety of the procedure.  The objective of this study was to determine if evidence-based vasectomy surgical techniques are integrated in the vasectomy programs of selected low-resource countries.

Methods: The surgical techniques recommended to perform the two steps of the vasectomy procedure (isolation/exposition and occlusion of the vas deferens) were extracted from current evidence-based clinical practice guidelines. Documents describing male sterilisation standards and practice from Kenya, Rwanda, India, Nepal, Mexico, Honduras, Colombia and Haiti were reviewed to assess adequacy with international guideline recommendations.

Results: Best recommended techniques are 1) a minimally invasive technique including the no-scalpel technique (known as the no-scalpel vasectomy (NSV)) to isolate and expose the vas deferens, and 2) cautery of the mucosa of the vas preferably combined with interposition of the fascia (FI) to occlude the vas deferens. The NSV is largely adopted and performed to isolate the vas in selected low-resources countries. Ligation and excision (LE) of a small segment of the vas deferens combined with FI is the most common vas occlusion technique mentioned in the country standards. Cautery as recommended in the guidelines is seldom used in selected countries.

Conclusions:   Effective and adapted vasectomy vas occlusion techniques are available, but are still underused in many low-resource countries. Providing the most effective vasectomy surgical techniques increases users’ confidence and satisfaction regarding male sterilization and may lead to higher acceptability and uptake.
Gestational age at delivery of twins and perinatal outcomes: a cohort study in Aberdeen, Scotland.
Authors: Murray Sarah R. , Bhattacharya Sohinee , Stock Sarah J. , Pell Jill P. , Norman Jane E.
Published: July 2019

Background: Twin pregnancy is associated with a threefold increase in perinatal death compared to singletons.  The objective of this study was to determine the risk of perinatal death in twins by week of gestation and to quantify the effect of known risk factors.

Methods: A cohort analysis was performed using data from the Aberdeen Maternity and Neonatal Databank (AMND).  The exposure was gestational age at delivery and the primary outcome was perinatal death.  Adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) for perinatal death according to gestational age at delivery were determined by multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression modelling with robust standard errors to account for clustering in the twin infants.  Confounders and risk factors quantified and adjusted for in the model included maternal age, smoking, parity, marital status and year of birth.  Kaplan-Meier time to event analysis was used to determine the differences in survival according to chorionicity and assisted reproduction technologies (ART) conception status.

Results: The population comprised of 7,420 twin babies born between 1950 and 2013 in the Grampian area of Northern Scotland.  There were 272 stillbirths in the cohort (3.67%) and 273 neonatal deaths (3.68%). Compared to delivery at 37-38 weeks, delivery before 37 weeks was associated with a 2-fold increase in perinatal death. Monochorionic twins had a 2-fold increase in perinatal death compared to dichorionic twins (aHR 2.15, 95% CI 1.60-2.90). Twins conceived by ART did not have a greater risk of perinatal death compared to those naturally conceived (aHR 1.21, 95% CI 0.87-1.68)

Conclusion:  This study suggests that delivery of twins at 37-38 weeks is associated with the lowest risk of perinatal death.
Cine para los oídos. Un estudio de caso: análisis de la propuesta sonora de la película Babel
Authors: Pardo Siabato Camilo
Published: July 2019

Este artículo busca mostrar la expresividad del sonido dentro del discurso narrativo de la propuesta sonora de la película Babel (2006) con un análisis basado en la metodología de Michel Chion y un diálogo con los diversos componentes cinematográficos.
Radio escolar: estudio evaluativo de una experiencia intergeneracional
Authors: Amado Lucia Abarrategui
Published: July 2019

El envejecimiento poblacional es uno de los mayores retos de este siglo con implicaciones a todos los niveles, incluido el ámbito educativo. Por ello, la escuela debe acercarse a esta realidad desde sus propias estrategias, contribuyendo a generar una sociedad para todas las edades. Una de esas posibles estrategias pasa por los programas intergeneracionales. Por ello, abordamos el diseño, desarrollo y evaluación de un programa intergeneracional orientado a la creación de un podcast sobre el patrimonio cultural inmaterial, desarrollado en el cpi Plurilingüe Virxe da Cela de Monfero (Galicia, España) en coproducción con el cpi Castro Baxoi durante el curso 2016-2017. La metodología empleada en esta investigación ha sido la evaluación de programas a través de la observación participante. Esta técnica ha sido complementada con la realización de entrevistas a las personas implicadas en la experiencia. El propósito de esta evaluación ha sido analizar cómo el trabajo intergeneracional, empleando la radio como herramienta, favorece el aumento de la participación activa y el diálogo intergeneracional, pero también de la promoción de la inclusión y el aprendizaje a lo largo de la vida. Así, los resultados apuntan a que la radio puede fomentar el aprendizaje intergeneracional, la salvaguarda del patrimonio cultural inmaterial y el envejecimiento activo a través de su utilización en la escuela.
Moisture and Rupture Models for Corn (Zea mays) Seeds of Different Endosperm Types
Authors: Mancera-Rico Arturo , García-de-los-Santos Gabino , Zavaleta-Mancera Hilda A. , Carrillo-Salazar José A. , González-Estrada Elizabeth , Villaseñor-Perea Carlos A.
Published: July 2019

Abstract.

Mechanization of postharvest handling and conditioning inflicts damage on the physical, physiological, and sanitary qualities of corn (Zea mays) seeds, resulting in significant economic loss. The mechanical damage is related to the compression strength and strain, and therefore to the moisture content (MC) and endosperm type. This study was conducted from 2012 to 2014 at the Montecillo and Chapingo agricultural institutes in Mexico, where physical properties such as volumetric weight; apparent density; rupture compression strength, strain, and energy; and endosperm type were evaluated for five corn seed cultivars (floury, semi-floury, floury-flint, semi-flint, and flint) at seven MC levels (8%, 12%, 16%, 20%, 24%, 28%, and 32% w.b.). The aim of this study was to develop moisture-strength, moisture-strain, and moisture-energy regression models for postharvest handling of corn to prevent quality loss due to mechanization. For three model groups, the relationship (1) between MC and rupture strain was linear and directly proportional for the five studied cultivars; (2) between MC and rupture strength was linear and directly proportional for the floury cultivar, inverse for the semi-flint and flint cultivars, and quadratic for the semi-floury and floury-flint cultivars; and (3) between MC and rupture energy was linear and directly proportional for the floury cultivar and quadratic for the semi-floury, floury-flint, semi-flint, and flint cultivars. The models obtained in this study might be used as a reference for better handling of corn seeds, as none of the five studied varieties had a uniformly superior rupture strength, strain, or energy at the studied MC levels. Floury endosperm types might be handled at high MC and flint endosperm types might be handled at low MC to avoid mechanical damage produced by static loads; both types of endosperm support greater energy loads, e.g., impact, at higher MC. Keywords: Compression, Corn quality, Flint endosperm, Floury endosperm, Moisture, Zea mays.
Parameter Estimation and Uncertainty Analysis of ORYZA_V3 Model Using the GLUE Method
Authors: Tan Junwei , Duan Qingyun
Published: July 2019

Abstract. The Generalized Likelihood Uncertainty Estimation (GLUE) method is one of the popular methods for parameter estimation and uncertainty analysis, although it has been criticized for some drawbacks in numerous studies. In this study, we performed an uncertainty analysis for the ORYZA_V3 model using the GLUE method integrated with Latin hypercube sampling (LHS). Different likelihood measures were examined to understand the differences in derived posterior parameter distributions and uncertainty estimates of the model predictions based on a variety of observations from field experiments. The results indicated that the parameter posterior distributions and 95% confidence intervals (95CI) of model outputs were very sensitive to the choice of likelihood measure, as well as the weights assigned to observations at different dates and to different observation types within a likelihood measure. Performance of the likelihood measure with a proper likelihood function based on normal distribution of model errors and the combining method based on mathematical multiplication was the best, with respect to the effectiveness of reducing the uncertainties of parameter values and model predictions. Moreover, only the means and standard deviations of observation replicates were enough to construct an effective likelihood function in the GLUE method. This study highlighted the importance of using appropriate likelihood measures integrated with multiple observation types in the GLUE method. Keywords: GLUE, Likelihood measures, Model uncertainty, Crop model.
Strategi Kepemimpinan Pendidikan dalam Pengembangan MAN Propinsi DIY Perspektif Total Quality Management (TQM)
Authors: Subiyantoro Subiyantoro
Published: July 2019

To date, the management of educational empowerment particularly in madrasah (Islamic schools) is still struggling in finding its precise form. The madrasahs are commonly managed base on merely the managers’ personal experience, without proper scientific conception. This happens due to unhealthy condition in which the managers are repressed and burdened by complicated bureaucratic matters. On the other hand, they are also required to compete in ever growing critical society.  The main purpose of this research is to obtain the description of the Islamic educational empowerment strategies based on the Total Quality Management perspective, particularly in light of the educational leadership toward the development of the Madrasah Aliyah Negeri (State Islamic Senior High Schools) in the Province of Yogyakarta. Three methods of data gathering are employed in this research, namely in depth interview, participant observation, and documentation. The results show that, in empowering the Madrasah Aliyah, the leaders 1) rely on personal experience obtained from previous workplace, either being teacher or school principal; 2) perceive comparative study involving educational stakeholders, such as school committee, supervisors, and educational staff at Province level, as an effective tool in developing the madrasahs; 3) attend trainings or workshops held by the ministry of education; and 4) read books related to managerial tasks. Overall, the Total Quality Management can be observed through continuous improvement, culture change, reversed organization, costumers-organization good relationship, focus on costumers and the quality of teaching-learning process.
Pola Pengelolaan Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini di PAUD Ceria Gondangsari Jawa Tengah
Authors: Rohmah Nur , Fatimah Dyah Fifin
Published: July 2019

This research began from the writer’s interest on the distinctive characteristic of early childhood education at PAUD Ceria. It is interesting because regardless the academic qualifications of its’ teachers, students demonstrate good academic performance, as well as parents and community’s support for the existence of this PAUD. This research aims at analyzing the patterns in early childhood education management especially that of planning,organizing, actuating, and controlling, and to examine community’s shifting paradigm about childhood education. This is a qualitative research that was undertaken in PAUD Ceria, Gondangsari, Sumawono, Central Java. The data gathered through observation, interview and documentation. This research shows that: 1). PAUD Ceria uses POAC management pattern in every activities, such as planning at the beginning, building communication and cooperation with stakeholders in organizing phase, while integrating religious education materials within actuating process. Whereas, controlling process is conducted everyday. 2). Supporting factors in the management of early childhood education are: students motivation, cooperation between teachers, community support, open comunication between teachers and parents, and cooperation with government. Finally 3). The result of management pattern at PAUD Ceria such as studet achievements in many championships, the increment of students enrollment each year, and change communnity’s paradigm on the importance of early childhood education.
Manajemen Ekstrakurikuler Pendidikan Anak Usia Dini (PAUD)
Authors: Munastiwi Erni
Published: July 2019

This research examines the management of extracurricular education early childhood. It is backed by that implementation of extracurricular activities on early childhood education face varieties of constraints in management. Therefore, extracurricular activities, early childhood education is supposed to be managed thoughtfully. The management of extracurricular activities are good and true will effect positively to the quality of early childhood education. The qualitative research methodology is library research. Method of data collection by collecting reference books the subject matter and book supporters. Data analysis techniques are content analysis. Results of the study show that the extracurricular management, early childhood education is implemented through the following four stages: (1) plan a needs analysis, types, background, goals, budget, materials, assessment tools, schedule, facilities and infrastructure, output criteria instructors, (2) organize the Division of duties, authority and responsibilities of the personnel of extracurricular activities, (3) carry out extracurricular activities appropriate planning and organizing, and (4) evaluate extracurricular activities.
Fourth Symposium on Fatigue and Fracture of Metallic Medical Materials and Devices
Authors: Mitchell M. R. , Berg Brian T. , Woods Terry O. , Jerina Kenneth L.
Published: July 2019

Description

Get the latest research from distinguished researchers and engineers in the field of shape memory alloys and other medical metallic alloys and devices.

Perfect for researchers and medical professionals, this collection provides 10 peer-reviewed papers covering fundamental mechanical response and fatigue methodologies applied for medical alloys and devices. Topics include

The papers in this publication were part of a symposium sponsored by ASTM International Committees E08 on Fatigue and Fracture and F04 Medical and Surgical Materials and Devices. A full understanding of the research presented here, along with standards development, are essential for determination of the in-situ lifetime assessment and durability of related alloys and devices.
Effect of Hot Isostatic Pressing on Fatigue Properties and Particle Shedding in Additively Manufactured Ti-6Al-4V-ELI
Authors: Bonini Julius , Leung Ho Mei , Biggs Krista , Knight Kevin , Rios Ernesto
Published: July 2019

Hot isostatic pressing (HIP) is known to improve the fatigue properties of Ti-6Al-4V castings and can result in a significant reduction in porosity. It is often used as a postprocessing step in additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V-ELI. Microstructure, relative levels of porosity, and particle shedding are assessed and compared for as-built and HIPed acetabular cup specimens. HIPing causes the as-built martensitic microstructure to transition to lamellar alpha and beta. The effects of HIP on additively manufactured Ti-6Al-4V-ELI as related to the fatigue performance of the material are discussed. Axial fatigue testing and the resulting stress versus the number of cycles to failure data (S-N curves) are presented from specimens of electron beam melted Ti-6Al-4V ELI in the as-built and HIPed conditions. Although the effect of HIPing on fatigue performance generally was good, significant data scatter was still found. Further analysis of fracture surfaces and cross sections are presented to explain the data scatter.
Effect of Variable Amplitude Loading in Nitinol Fatigue
Authors: Choules Brian D. , Lewis Alexandra L. , Gulker Brandon G. , Metcalf Justin M. , Kelley Jace D.
Published: July 2019

In this investigation, diamond-shaped samples laser-cut from nitinol tubing were used to investigate the effect of variable amplitude fatigue loading. Alternating strain amplitudes of 0.30 %, 0.35 %, and 0.40 % were applied with periodic high strain amplitude of 0.70 %. The high strain was applied one time for every 40 low strain cycles. Using the obtained data, the appropriateness of the Palmgren-Miner’s linear and the Marco-Starkey nonlinear cumulative damage models was investigated. The variable amplitude testing results indicated a trend of decreasing fatigue life with the addition of periodic high strain. Data obtained were not sufficient to demonstrate that the Palmgren-Miners model was an accurate predictor. However, the Markco-Starkey model was found to provide additional flexibility in obtaining more precise predictions. With fatigue-to-fracture data and an appropriate variable amplitude model, the life associated with the variable amplitude loading can be estimated, and burdensome and lengthy physical variable amplitude testing can be avoided.
The Quest for Fatigue-Resistant Nitinol for Medical Implants
Authors: Pelton Alan R. , Pelton Sean M. , Jörn Tim , Ulmer Jochen , Niedermaier Dave , Plaskonka Katrazyna , LePage William S. , Saffari Payman , Mitchell M. R.
Published: July 2019

This article reviews the use of nitinol endovascular devices and the effects of biomechanics, design, and nitinol processing and microstructural purity on fatigue and fracture. Nitinol self-expanding stents have shown an improvement in the effectiveness of treatment of femoral arterial disease with a restenosis rate as low as 17.9 % and patency rates of more than 85 % at 18 months. Nevertheless, follow-up procedures show stent fracture rates of up to 52 % with some stent designs and nitinol source material. This article will review the improvements in nitinol stent technology due to: (1) better understanding of the in vivo biomechanical deformation dynamics and (2) ingenuity in stent design improvements in the understanding of nitinol fatigue, including effects of thermomechanical processing, prestrain, and “micropurity.”
Application of Classical Fatigue and Fatigue-to-Fracture Techniques for Very-High-Cycle Life Qualification of Cardiac Devices
Authors: Schmidt Paul A. , Krams William E. , Cao Hengchu , Jenkins Timothy M.
Published: July 2019

Very-high-cycle life qualification of prosthetic cardiac devices is an essential aspect of the overall device design, given long-term implant expectations, the inability to perform periodic inspection, and the serious consequences of device fracture. The International Standards Organization’s ISO 5840 and historical draft U.S. Food and Drug Administration guidance indicate that prosthetic heart valve structural components are expected to have a fatigue life in excess of 400 to 600 million cycles under worst-case physiological conditions. In the case of the design reliability qualification for a novel prosthetic cardiac device, a rigorous stress-life fatigue analysis based on the classical fatigue approach is recommended. Proven techniques that address a rigorous stress-life fatigue analysis include material fatigue-life determination based on extensive material specimen testing, the construction of constant-life curves incorporating mean stress versus stress amplitude using a generalized Weibull distribution, and model optimization using maximum likelihood methods. While this approach requires an extensive amount of effort, the results are widely applicable beyond the initial device qualification, and they may be used to evaluate design and boundary condition modifications. In the case of the limited risk qualification for minor changes to the materials or processing of a cardiac device, a fatigue-to-fracture or test-to-success approach may be appropriate. Proven techniques include whole device or whole component testing, with success or failure based on statistical evaluation using appropriate models. While this approach reduces the initial level of effort for a given assay, the results are typically limited to the specific design and material processing tested such that the initial testing will need to be repeated to evaluate any design or boundary condition modifications. The present paper provides a general framework and examples of the application of classical fatigue and fatigue-to-fracture techniques for very-high-cycle life qualification of prosthetic heart valve frames and other cardiac devices.
Elecciones 2018 en Paraguay: ¿hasta qué punto son democráticas las campañas y las elecciones?
Authors: Gómez Ava Mariana , Villalba Sara Mabel
Published: July 2019

El presente texto realiza un balance de las elecciones generales en Paraguay de abril de 2018, en las que fue electo presidente de la República Mario Abdo Benítez, de la Asociación Nacional Republicana (ANR), partido que lleva más de 66 años en el poder. El objetivo principal de este estudio es el análisis del proceso electoral, específicamente de la campaña electoral y la jornada de emisión del sufragio, considerando criterios democráticos.Se examinan los errores respecto a los resultados que vaticinaban las encuestas y las diferencias mínimas finales. Al respecto se plantea la pregunta: ¿qué tan democrática ha sido la campaña electoral? Para ello, se describe la oferta programática de los contendientes y las estrategias principales de la campaña electoral.  Palabras claves: elecciones; campaña electoral; comunicación política; Paraguay**2018 Elections in Paraguay: how democratic are campaigns and elections?This article analyzes the general elections in Paraguay in April 2018, in which Mario Abdo Benítez, of the Republican National Association (ANR), was elected president of the Republic, a party that has been in power for over 66 years. The main objective of this study is the analysis of the electoral process, specifically the electoral campaign and the voting day, considering democratic criteria. The prediction errors in the surveys and the final minimum differences are examined. In this regard, the question arises: how democratic has the electoral campaign been? For this, the programmatic offer of the contenders and the main strategies of the electoral campaign are described.Keywords: elections; electoral campaign; political communication; Paraguay
Modelos productivos y de financiación de los agentes productores de contenidos audiovisuales en Castilla y León: Un estudio exploratorio del tejido empresarial en la región.
Authors: Hernández Prieto Marina , Pérez Alaejos María de la Peña , López Gil Francisco Javier
Published: July 2019

El sector de la comunicación audiovisual se ha visto sometido a cambios fundamentales como consecuencia de las transformaciones tecnológicas. La llegada del paradigma digital y la convergencia mediática ha dado lugar a fenómenos que van desde la disolución de las barreras geográficas a la multiplicación de los modos de producción. El artículo que se presenta busca indagar sobre los efectos de todos estos cambios en el sector de la producción audiovisual en Castilla y León. Su principal objetivo es llevar a cabo un análisis del desarrollo de los modelos de negocio en el sector y para ello, la investigación utiliza la propuesta de Clasificación Nacional de Actividades Económicas (CNAE-2009); actualizar el censo de empresas de producción audiovisual en Castilla y León a 2018; identificar el modelo productivo y de financiación de la industria; y, por último, establecer una aproximación al nivel de internacionalización del sector. La metodología empleada comprende, en primer lugar, un cuestionario autoadministrado a las empresas del sector realizada a través de la plataforma Qualtrics y en segundo lugar, un focus group con algunos representantes de los agentes productores y distribuidores de la comunidad autónoma. Las conclusiones del estudio muestran, en términos de facturación, tanto la retracción general del consumo privado como del gasto público en los últimos años, y el pequeño tamaño de la práctica totalidad de los actores de la región. La falta de asociacionismo entre los diferentes agentes del sector es también un hecho contrastable, así como las limitaciones en términos de internacionalización. Por otra parte, se identifican dos problemas importantes que inciden en la falta de desarrollo del sector productivo en la región: la primera hace referencia a un déficit histórico que la Comunidad Autónoma ha ido acumulando con el sector en términos del compromiso con la producción audiovisual de la región y la segunda a una falta clara de apuesta por la I+D+I en este sector productivo.
Comunicación de Masa en Siglo XXI Argentina: una colección orientada por Héctor Schmucler
Authors: Zarowsky Mariano
Published: July 2019

Nos proponemos reconstruir y analizar la colección Comunicación de Masa, una serie orientada por Héctor Schmucler en la editorial Siglo XXI Argentina entre 1972 y 1973. Desde el prisma de la historia intelectual nos interrogamos por las prácticas editorialistas de los principales promotores de los estudios en comunicación y cultura en América Latina. La perspectiva contribuye a dar cuenta de las condiciones sociales de emergencia de este campo de saberes tanto como la participación de este conjunto de discursos especializados en un universo político-cultural más amplio. La colección Comunicación de Masa pone de relieve una serie de fenómenos y procesos: la existencia de una red transnacional que conectaba en el período formaciones culturales emergentes (en la que Schmucler oficiaba como promotor y articulador); la significación que la “cuestión” comunicación/cultura asumía en la coyuntura argentina y latinoamericana en los años 1972-1973; la existencia de una zona del mercado editorial que funcionaba como espacio de profesionalización y de especialización disciplinar a la vez que como plataforma de experimentación e intervención política en la cultura.
Approximate finite-dimensional ODE temperature model for microwave heating
Authors: Zhong Jiaqi , Lianga Shan , Zeng Cheng , Yuan Yupeng , Xiong Qingyu
Published: July 2019

In this paper, a finite-dimensional ordinary differential equation (ODE) model is proposed for predicting the temperature profile with microwave heating to accomplish lower computing complexity. The traditional parabolic partial different equation (PDE) model with integrating Maxwell's equation and heat transport equation is not suitable for designing the on-line controller. Based on the obstruction, using an auxiliary function derives an intermediate model, which is analyzed and discussed for model reduction by employing the parameter separation method and Galerkin's method. The simulation experiments on one-dimensional waveguide and cavity demonstrate that the proposed approximate model is effective.
Типи лісу та запаси деревини рівнинних букових лісостанів України
Authors: Myklush Stepan , Myklush Yurii , Havryliuk Serhii , Savchyn Volodymyr
Published: July 2019

Ведення лісового господарства на типологічних засадах передбачає, що достовірно встановлені під час лісовпорядкування типи лісу та коректні значення лісівничо-таксаційних показників насаджень, зокрема запасів деревостанів, дають змогу планувати раціональні лісогосподарські заходи для підвищення продуктивності насаджень та ефективного використання лісових ресурсів. Відповідно до вимог лісовпорядної інструкції, лісівничо-таксаційні показники насаджень встановлюють окомірно-вимірювальним методом з визначеною нормативами точністю.

За даними лісовпорядкування, рівнинні букові деревостани та насадження за участю бука у складі представлені таксаційними виділами різної величини в 74 типах лісу, зокрема, в суборових умовах – у шести, сугрудових – у 36-ти та грудових – у 32-х, які охоплюють гігротопи від сухих до мокрих. Дослідники букових лісів виділяють значно меншу кількість типів лісу (від 25 до 35), в яких бук представлений як типотвірна, друга головна порода чи росте у складі деревостанів інших, переважно дубових, типів лісу. Наведена значна кількість типів лісу, які встановлені візуально під час лісовпорядкувальних робіт за наявними у насадженнях деревними видами, є штучно завищено, і не відповідає методологічним підходам до виділення типів лісу.

За результатами перевірки коректного встановлення основних таксаційних показників букових деревостанів, зокрема запасів стовбурової деревини на підставі видових чисел, встановлено, що для 36,7% від загальної кількості таксаційних виділів видові числа є некоректними (менші за 0,4 (до 0,158) чи більші за 1,0 (до 4,080), тоді як за таблицями ходу росту у букових деревостанах видові числа змінюються в межах 0,424-0,840.

Для вдосконалення системи безперервного лісовпорядкування доцільне вирішення проблеми розроблення обґрунтованого переліку типів лісу та їх діагностичних ознак, оцінки встановлених під час лісовпорядкування запасів і механізму актуалізації лісівничо-таксаційних показників електронної бази даних.
A comparative characteristic of fungal communities associated with Ips acuminatus in different regions of Ukraine
Authors: Davydenko Kateryna
Published: July 2019

Pine bark beetles are typically associated with complexes of fungi that could reveal different functional interaction. Thus, previously nonaggressive bark beetle Ips acuminatus is considering now to be among the most serious pests of pine forest in Ukraine and other European countries and vectored fungal community is very important to assess total harm of this bark beetle. The aim of this study was to reveal the vectored fungal community associated with the pine engraver beetle, I. acuminatus with special emphasis on pathogenic fungi for further evaluation of harm bark-beetle - fungi association for Ukrainian forest.
In total, 288 adult beetles were collected from Scots pine trees at six different sites through Ukraine. DNA sequencing as fungal culturing from all beetles resulted in 1681 isolates and amplicons representing 42 fungal taxa. NCBI BLAST search revealed that the overall fungal community was composed of 94 species, of which 80.85% were Ascomycota, followed by Basidiomycota and unidentified fungal group, which accounted for 10.6% and 8.5 % of the total sequences, respectively. Among these, the most commonly detected fungi for pooling dataset were Sphaeropsis sapinea (23.6%), Cladosporium pini-ponderosae (19.44%), Ophiostoma ips (19.1%), Ophiostoma canum (19.1%) and Cladobotryum mycophilum (18.06%). In the pooled dataset of isolates and amplicons for each site, Shannon diversity indices ranged between 1.9 and 2.9 while Simpson diversity index varied between 0.69 and 0.89 indicating rich species diversity.
In total twelve ophiostomatoid species were detected. All ophiostomatoid fungi were showing varying degrees of virulence and O. minus was the most aggressive fungus in previous studies. It is concluded that I. acuminatus vectors a species-rich fungal community including pathogens such as ophiostomatoid fungi, Sphaeropsis sapinea, different needle pathogens and wood decay fungi that seems to be very important for the assessment of threat of I. acuminatus to the pine forest in Ukraine.