bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Control of Dynamic Objects in the Conditions of Uncertainty in the Point Sliding Mode
Authors: Rustamov G. A. , Namazov M. B. , Gasimov A. Y. , Rustamov R. G.
Published: December 2019

There is development of the well-known sliding mode, which in the classical formulation didn’t find the development to be applied to control systems discussed. Alternatively, there is method of organizing one of the uniformity of the sliding mode called the "point sliding mode" proposed. The distinctive feature of this mode is that here the control gaps occur at time-equal points of the switching line (hyperplane) which allows the origin of coordinates for a finite number of switches. The possibility of changing the time interval between these points makes it possible to obtain various modes: a finite mode, in which a given point is reached from any initial state in one switch, and in this mode the switch line is "isochronous"; point sliding mode in which a given point is reached in a finite number of switchings; limit mode, when the length of time intervals tend to zero, and the switching frequency to infinity. Considering this feature the concept of "degree of slip" is introduced. It is shown that in the case of forced movement in the SPS, a sliding motion is observed, which does not allow for ensuring invariance with respect to external disturbances. There are two ways to eliminate the forced component of the movement offered. One of the advantages of using a point sliding mode is that, in order to improve performance, it is not necessary to use a boundary layer, which is realized by entering various logical conditions into the control algorithm. The practical significance of a point sliding mode lies in the fact that, with a small switching frequency, it is possible to maintain the quality indices of an undefined object within an acceptable interval. The studies were conducted for onedimensional second-order linear systems (SISO). Results can be generalized for higher order multidimensional systems. Solution of model problems on MATLAB / Simulink allows us to make a number of positive conclusions that are of great practical importance in terms of expanding the area of use of skipping modes, especially in relation to the management of undefined objects.
Approach to Positioning Links of the Manipulator Using Neural Networks
Authors: Smirnov P. A. , Yakovlev R. N.
Published: December 2019

This paper considers development of positioning systems for manipulator links to solve the forward kinematics problem (FKP) and inverse kinematics problem (IKP). Here we study a robotic manipulator with four degrees of freedom. It should be noted, that one of the relevant research problems of modern modular robotic devices consists in the lack of the universal algorithms, that would ensure kinematics problem recalculations in the cases of reconfigurations of the whole system. Challenges, the researchers are facing with when solving this problem, have to do with geometrical and non-linear equations (trigonometric equations), finding of inverse matrix of the Denavit—Hartenberg presentation, as well with other problems, such as multiple solutions when using the analytical approach. Common mathematical solutions of the inverse kinematics problem, such as geometric, iterative and algebraic ones, may not always lead to physically appropriate solutions. It’s also noteworthy, that, trying to introduce physical solutions for the manipulator, we need to take into account, that the number of calculation formulas increases, what, in turn, causes further computing power consumption increase. If the manipulator acquires additional degrees of freedom, analytical modeling becomes virtually impossible. One of relevant inverse kinematics solution methods consists in implementation of neural networks to that end. To solve this problem various sources were analyzed, considering alternative ways of target point discovery. Considering the analyzed papers, we propose to use a perceptron. Before training the network, we compose an algorithm, calculating the Denavit—Hartman presentation matrix and check for correctness of target point reach by the terminal manipulator link. We did calculations for a thousand positions of manipulator and object in the environment, fed to the neural network. When solving FKP we obtain object coordinates as network output, whereas in the case of IKP — manipulator link angles. We present kinematic scheme testing results, as well a control scheme for a manipulator with four degrees of freedom.
Research on Improved Gaussian Smoothing Filters for SLAM Application
Authors: Guoyan Wang , Fomichev A. V. , Yiran Dy
Published: December 2019

To address the navigation issues of the planetary rover and construct a map for the unknown environment as well as the surface of the planets in our solar system, the simultaneous localization and mapping can be seen as an alternative method. In terms of the navigation with the laser sensor, the Kalman filter and its improving algorithms, such as EKF and UKF are widely used in the the process of processing information. Nevertheless, these filter algorithms suffer from low accuracy and significant computation expensive. The EKF algorithm has a linearization process, the UKF algorithm is better matched in a nonlinear system than the EKF algorithm, but it has more computational complexity. The GP-RTSS filtering algorithm, based on a Gaussian filter, is significantly superior to the EKF and UKF algorithms regarding the sensor fusion accuracy. The Gaussian Process can be used in different non-linear system, does not need prediction model and linearization. However, the main barrier in the process of implementing the GP-RTSS algorithm is that the Gaussian core function requires a lot of computation. In this paper, an algorithm, so-called DIS RTSS filter under a distributed computation scheme, derived from the GP-RTSS Gaussia n smoothing and filter, is proposed. The distributed system can effectively reduce the cost of computation (computation expense and memory). Moreover, four fusion methods for the DIS RTSS filter, i.e., DIS RTP, DIS RTGP, DIS RTB, DIS RTrB are discussed in this paper. The experiments show that among the four algorithms described above, the DIS RTGP algorithm is the most effective solution for practical implementation. The DIS RTSS filtering algorithm can realize a high processing rate and can theoretically process an infinite number of data samples.
MECHANICAL ACTIVATION OF FLY ASH: PHYSICAL, MINERALOGICAL AND MORPHOLOGICAL CHARACTERIZATION OF GROUND FLY ASHES
Authors: DİKMEN Sedef , DİKMEN Zafer , YILMAZ Gülgün , FIRAT Seyhan
Published: December 2019

In this study, physical, mineralogical and morphological
characteristics of mechanically treated fly ashes are investigated. The
compositional analysis of the raw fly ash was determined using X-ray fluorescence
(XRF) technique. The XRD patterns reveal that the main phase quartz along with
mullite and anhydrite. The raw fly ash was also wet ground using a laboratory
mill, for several different times (from 2 to 16 hours) in order to examine how
the grinding increases the activity of the fly ash. The ground fly ash was
characterized for (i) particle size distribution: laser diffraction method,
(ii) specific surface area: BET-method, (iii) crystalline structure: X-ray
diffractometer, and (iv) morphology of particles: scanning electron microscope.
According to physical characterization, fineness increasing of samples with
grinding time was observed, but loss of effectiveness occurred for grinding
time longer than 12 hours. In addition, the unmilled fly ash showed lower
specific surface area, due to the presence of cenospheres in the original fly
ash. Only a little change in crystalline structure of fly ashes was observed
when grinding and
there were changes in the area and height of each diffraction peak.
Some aspects of production and sales management in poultry farming
Authors: Гасанов Асиф Абузар оглы , Велиев Вугар Нусрат оглы
Published: December 2019

Рынок продуктов питания и товары, предлагаемые на рынке, выбираются по их конкретным особенностям. Это, прежде всего связано с тем, что материальная база продовольственного рынка состоит из сельскохозяйственной и перерабатывающей промышленной продукции. Продукты, произведенные в сельскохозяйственном секторе, выбираются по их конкретным особенностям. Эти продукты, как правило, имеют возможность быстро потерять качество. При анализе возможностей получения продукта в той или иной стране такие продукты могут быть повреждены, а потеря качества может привести к потере продавца или любого другого экономического субъекта в целом. В итоге, эта область считается рискованной областью.
Снос ГЭС на равнинных реках – новый качественный шаг продовольственной безопасности
Authors: Захарьев Ярослав Олегович , Дробот Елена
Published: December 2019

В статье рассматривается актуальная проблема эксплуатации гидроэлектростанций (ГЭС) на равнинных реках. По мнению авторов статьи, ГЭС уже не в состоянии обеспечивать нужным объемом электроэнергии растущие потребности населения в странах мира. При этом возникает риск дефицита продовольствия в результате нанесения вреда речной флоре и фауне. В статье дается оценка возможным результатам повышения продовольственной безопасности России после сноса ГЭС, а также предлагаются альтернативы их замены. Статья будет интересна специалистам в области проблем продовольственной безопасности.
Problems with graphomotorics at the beginning and the end of primary education
Authors: Havigerova Jana Marie , Loudova Irena , Kosek Bartosova Iva , Kocourkova Karolina , Podubecka Dominika
Published: December 2019

The study monitors two phenomena of graphomotor problems among children at the beginning and the end of primary education. The study has a character of piloting. A series of seven graphomotor tasks were submited to preschoolers (n = 51) and in the ninth grade (n = 22). For each task, tremor and number of hand move interruptions were considered as indicators of graphomotor difficulties. The results showed that the tremor was detected at 33.3% to 78.4% of preschoolers and at 18.2% to 59.1% of ninth grade pupils. In both groups, the tremor was the least prevalent in the â€˜teethâ€™ task and the most frequent in the â€˜double upper-lower loopâ€™ task. The prevalence of tremor in the solution of graphomotor problems decreases with age, the difference is statistically insignificant. Contrary to the expectations, more interruptions were found at nineth grade pupils. Based on the study results, we recommend to note in the instruction that the templates are â€˜straight linesâ€™.

Keywords: Graphomotor skills, graphomotor difficulties, tremor, number of interrupsions, preschool children, adolescents, pilot study.
Ecological and cultural aspects of the evolutionary development models of ecological tourism
Authors: Astanin Dmitry M.
Published: December 2019

Theses for search of new types of ecological tourism on the basis of allocation of the prevailing signs of the territory are formed. Currently, ecotourism is spread all over the world: Latin America, Asia and Africa. As a result of natural and cultural features, the existing models of ecotourism have been transformed and new types of ecotourism have appeared. The Middle East is the centre of the origin of the planet's religions. A distinctive feature of Iran, Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Israel is the orientation of tourism on pilgrimage tours to sacred places. In Africa and Australia, there is a type of ecotourism, such as ethnic or aboriginal tourism, the cultural landscape of which includes the territory of traditional nature management of local tribes. A special feature of ecotourism in Central and Latin America is the organisation of national parks for the preservation of ancient landscape complexes of extinct civilisations. In Russia, a new type of ecotourism has emergedâ€”expeditionary tourism, which is less dependent on the transport accessibility of the territory and its routes cover large areas. Ecological and cultural synthesis, going beyond the protected areas to the cultural landscape, the greening of the local economyâ€”these can and should be the new principles of the Russian strategy of ecotourism. Each macro region is characterised by its model of environmental and cultural values, which should form national eco-tourism concepts.

Keywords: Ecological tourism, American (North American, Australian) ecotourism model, Western European (German) ecotourism model, recreational tourism, educational tourism, scientific tourism, rural tourism, ethnic tourism.
Fifth level of organisation of environmental protection systems: International law. Evolution of institutions of environmental global policy
Authors: Astanin Dmitry M.
Published: December 2019

The analysis of the historical process of the formation of the global environmental policy of the modern states of the world in the context of the development of a multi-level environmental system is carried out. The main influence of the first International Environmental Conference in Bern 1914 on the organisation of interstate environmental authorities, the creation of the United Nations for approval of the Stockholm Declaration of 1972 and the Rio de Janeiro Declaration of 1992, which formed the modern classification of objects of environmental law, forms international eco-cooperation, ranking system of environmental policy. The thesis of the need for mutual coordination of all the participants in a multi-level environmental process, the inability of modern environmental authorities to effectively solve tasks in view of the lack of a joint action program of the world environmental system was put forward.

Keywords: Environmental policy, environmental protection system, environmental law, international law, landscape and biological diversity.
Practical study on the effect of educational games on ADHD students
Authors: Salama Ramiz , Elsayed Mohammed
Published: December 2019

Rising kidsâ€™ concentrations is a hard task for both parents and teachers. We can achieve our goal of the game (Increasing kid's concentration level) by making the game surroundings a lot harder in the intercourse of the game, so we have here four kinds of surroundings for the kid to interact with: Green box: this is the main box for the kid to hit. Yellow box: this is a box with negative attitude that the kid should stay aware of. White box: this is a box for increasing time if he ran out of time. Red box: this is a rare box it's appears and disappears in a 1 second and requires a high concentration level to hit it. They abducted the hero's girlfriend and he got angry and try to restore her and free the planet from this disastrous occupation.

Keywords: Educational Games, ADHD treatment, FPS Games.
Development of application for software piracy protection from hackers attacks
Authors: Salama Ramiz , Okal Ayman , Chiprausha Krell
Published: December 2019

Recently, programming theft has been a serious issue for programming ventures and extremely huge costs were required to secure their applications. As per Business Software Alliance, the worldwide programming theft rate in 2013 was 43% and the business estimation of unlicensed programming establishments was $62.7 billion, which brought about a large loss in income and a number positions in programming organisations. This paper will exhibit that â€˜programming robbery insurance frameworkâ€™ is mostly used to secure the theft of the framework. Presently, a progressive number of clients download the product without having the consent of the productâ€™s proprietor since the product has the item key which can be located/used by an obscure individual to utilise that product. Our methodology will utilise â€˜Macintosh-based confirmationâ€™ and create an item key, which checks or compares the item key against a unique MAC address on each machine.

Keywords: Copyright protection, software piracy prevention, identiï¬cation, authentication, intellectual property protection, diversity, tailored updates.
Didactic Operation
Authors: Videla Carmen Burgos , Toro Juana Pizarro , Fajardo Maria Teresa , Diaz Javiera Martinez
Published: December 2019

The case study of the Elementary Education Pedagogy program, practical axis of the University of Atacama, CopiapÃ³, Chile (UDA), sought to generate the theoretical-methodological category Didactic Operation, as a possibility of improvement in the processes given in the practical-procedural dimension of the curriculum. The subjects of the research were seven academics related to professional training processes. The assumption that was handled is that only the curricular problem of the practical-procedural dimension of the curriculum can be approached in its complexity with analytical devices that provide the curricular adaptations of conceptual-theoretical support possible to be mediated by the subject and implemented in the classroom. With this, the presentation is organized in three moments. In the first moment, the context of the program is described, then the category Creative Action in triangulation is alluded to with the information collected from group discussion interviews. It concludes with the field of Didactic Operation.

Keywords: creative action, didactic operation, professional practice, didactics.
Barreiro López, Paula. Atlántico Frío. Historias transacionales del arte y la política en los tiempos del telón de acero. Madrid: Brumaria, 2019, 560 p.
Authors: Moriente Díaz David
Published: December 2019

Reseña
La Historia Oral y la narrativa como metodologías para el abordaje del terrorismo de Estado, siglo XX en Argentina.
Authors: Jean Jean Melina
Published: December 2019

Este trabajo tiene como objetivo reflexionar en torno a las posibilidades y especificidades del trabajo con las fuentes orales mediante el uso de la Historia Oral y la narrativa como metodología en el estudio de las memorias a partir de la investigación de un estudio de caso. Se trata de las representaciones de desaparecidos y asesinados del proyecto «Mosaicos por la Memoria» del Espacio de Cultura y Memoria el Rancho Urutaú de la ciudad de Ensenada, provincia de Buenos Aires (2010-2017). El mismo se materializa a través de murales con técnica de mosaico emplazados en los barrios a los que pertenecían los homenajeados. El abordaje metodológico llevó a la realización de veintinueve entrevistas a integrantes del grupo, familiares y allegados que, tratadas como fuentes orales e historias representativas, permitieron conocer e interpretar los sentidos devenidos de los hechos en su escala local: las memorias de Ensenada.
La prensa como fuente documental para el análisis y la investigación social.
Authors: Acevedo Tarazona Alvaro , Villabona Ardila Juliana
Published: December 2019

El propósito de este artículo es analizar la importancia de la prensa como fuente documental para el estudio de la historia política y cultural a partir de experiencias de investigación historiográfica sobre el siglo XX en Colombia en las cuales se ha recurrido a esta como fuente de interpretación. En primer lugar, se propone desvelar el sentido y alcance de la prensa liberal y conservadora en los años treinta y cuarenta; en segundo lugar, mostrar el tratamiento que la prensa hizo sobre las movilizaciones estudiantiles en los años sesenta y setenta del siglo XX. Los dos contrastes permitirán reconocer la evolución y usos de la prensa como mediadora de opinión pública y como acervo documental para el análisis y la investigación social, especialmente para el estudio de la historia local y nacional del país. Para ello, se hace referencia al estudio de la prensa a través del «análisis de marcos», el cual permite entender y dar cuenta de los esfuerzos estratégicos conscientes realizados por ciertos grupos de personas para construir interpretaciones compartidas del mundo que motivan la acción colectiva.
Los sacrificios del cuerpo: Configuración, formas y evolución de la(s) memoria(s) de Blas de Lezo en la España de los siglos XVIII y XIX
Authors: Soriano Muñoz Nuria , Chillida Javier Andrés
Published: December 2019

Desde las aportaciones metodológicas y teóricas de los memory studies, este artículo analiza la configuración de la memoria de Blas de Lezo desde sus inicios hasta finales del siglo XIX. A partir del estudio de biografías, compendios históricos y artículos periodísticos principalmente, tratan de delimitarse los factores que confluyen en su construcción, la versatilidad de su funcionalidad política y las constantes modificaciones producidas en sus usos públicos. La revalorización de la figura de Lezo es interpretada como símbolo del imperio y la nación española, esencia de la españolidad –unida a la exaltación de los fueros y la especificidad vasca– y ejemplo de sacrificio para una marina liberal en horas bajas. De la dispersión de su recuerdo en el siglo XVIII se pasa a una narrativa más cohesionada, cuyo punto álgido deviene en 1870, de la mano de los foralistas vascos y los militares españoles. Se argumenta que a finales de siglo, tras las pugnas por establecer un relato verídico de lo acontecido en Cartagena de Indias, la versión militar del personaje triunfa, imponiéndose con la guerra hispano-estadounidense de 1898 como símbolo de la resistencia frente al enemigo.
Ferrero Blanco, María Dolores. De un lado y del otro. Mujeres contras y sandinistas en la Revolución Nicaragüense (1979-1990). Granada: Editorial Comares, S.L., 2018.
Authors: Jurado Jurado Juan Carlos
Published: December 2019

Reseña
Effect of Fluorination Modification on Transfection Efficiency of Non-Viral Gene Carrier Systems Based on Chitosan
Authors: Gök Mehmet Koray
Published: December 2019

The aim
of this study was to examine the transfection efficiency of the fluorination
modification without the addition of any cationic charge on the chitosan (Chi)
molecule. The fluorination reaction on Chi (ChiF) was carried out with using
1H,1H,2H,2H-Perfluorooctyltriethoxysilane
(SiF). The characterization of ChiF was realized by Fourier transform infrared
(FTIR) analysis and its molecular weight (Mw) and polydispersity index (PDIMw)
were determined using GPC-SEC system. The physical properties of nanoparticles
(nChiF) obtained by ionic gelation method were determined. The gel
electrophoresis analysis was applied to the nanoparticles for determine the
gene complexing capacity. The cytotoxicity of ChiF onto Human Embryonic Kidney (HEK293)
cells was determined via MTT colorimetric assay. The cell confluency (after
transfection) and transfection efficiency of nChiF on HEK293 cells were
evaluated. The results showed that the nChiF2:pEGFN1 complex (ratio of 35:1)
with a particle size of 98.1±2.2 nm and zeta potential of 34.7 ± 6.5 mV, is
more superior agent for transfection efficiency in HEK293 cells due to its high
transfection effect and higher cell confluency. As a result, it has been showed
that the fluorination reaction onto Chi without any cationic charge
modification enhance the transfection efficiency for HEK293 cell lines.
PEMBUATAN MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA DAN IPA YANG TERINTEGRASI DENGAN NILAI BUDAYA LOKAL PADA SMP YPK TOMER
Authors: Supriyadi Supriyadi , Nur Andi Saparuddin
Published: December 2019

SMP YPK Tomer is located in Naukenjerai District, where the majority of the population is indigenous Papuans, the Kanum Tribe. Most SMP YPK Tomer students have a way of thinking, and a lifestyle that is still very thick with the cultural principles that develop in their community. The purpose of this training is to provide education and equip math and science teachers at SMP YPK Tomer with the skills to choose and design mathematics and science learning media that are integrated with local cultural values (in this case the Kanum tribe associated with Kampung Tomer). Training and mentoring are designed using ethnomatematics and etnosains which are learning mathematics and science by involving local cultural values. The results of this service are obtained: ruler and protractor media, spatial structure, simple conductivity test material, and air purifier. The response strongly agrees that students are given the learning media for the readability criteria of 87%, the free criteria are used at 73%, and the accessibility criteria is 81%.
LITERASI MEDIA UNTUK MENGANTISIPASI BERITA PALSU (HOAX) DI MEDIA SOSIAL BAGI MASYARAKAT PULAU TIDUNG KEPULAUAN SERIBU
Authors: Rahmawati Aulia , Krisanjaya Krisanjaya
Published: December 2019

Community Service is carried out by donating Training to Anticipate Fake News (Hoax) on Social Media, which is a pro-active form and participation of Universities in the Thousand Islands Police Resort program through the local government in overcoming the problem of media literacy (dissemination of hoax news), so that people can distinguish which information is correct and which information is fake or hoax so that the acceleration and effectiveness of development programs can be achieved which is marked by the better quality of public understanding related to false information (hoax) on social media. Media Literacy Training Anticipating Fake News (Hoax) in Social Media uses the Empowering 8 (E8) model approach. Post test results from 26 participants who took part in the training, there was a significant increase in value, namely as many as 26.56 points from the average value of the pre test value of 55 points with a value range of 20 to 70 points, to 74.56 points with a value range of 60 to 80 points

Pengabdian kepada masyarakai ini dilaksanakan dengan mengadakan Pelatihan Literasi Media Mengantisipasi Berita Palsu (Hoax) Di Media Sosial, yang merupakan wujud pro aktif  dan partisipasi Perguruan Tinggi terhadap program Polres Kepulauan Seribu melalui pemerintah setempat dalam mengatasi persoalan literasi media (penyebaran berita hoax), agar masyarakat bisa membedakan mana informasi yang benar dan mana informasi yang palsu atau hoax sehingga dapat tercapai akselerasi dan efektivitas program pembangunan yang ditandai oleh semakin baiknya kualitas pemahaman masyarakat terkait informasi yang palsu (hoax) pada media sosial. Pelatihan Literasi Media Mengantisipasi Berita Palsu (Hoax) Di Media Sosial menggunkan pendekatan model Empowering 8 (E8). Hasil post test dari 26 peserta yang mengikuti pelatihan, terdapat peningkatan nilai yang cukup signifikan, yakni sebanyak 26.56 poin dari nilai rata-rata nilai pretest adalah 55 poin dengan rentang nilai 20 s.d 70 poin, menjadi 74.56 poin dengan rentang nilai  60 s.d 80 poin
A Pilot Study on the Evaluation of Clinical Chemistry Laboratory Test Performance using Six Sigma Metrics
Authors: Medina Pier Angeli , Matibag Jenny , Datay-Lim Sarah Jane , Arcellana-Nuqui Elizabeth
Published: December 2019

Introduction Six sigma has been used over the years, initially in manufacturing industries to improve quality by reducing the number of wastes and defects. In the laboratory, it can also provide measurement of quality using the sigma scale.Objectives The main objective of the study is to evaluate the performance of tests in two chemistry analyzers using the six sigma scale.Methodology A total of twenty (28) tests were evaluated on two Abbott Architect c8000 chemistry analyzers from September 2014 to July 2019 using results of quality control mean, coefficient of variation, bias and total allowable error to compute for the six sigma value. Both level one and level two third party quality controls were included in the evaluation.ResultsOResults of the study showed the tests that were >6 sigma for both levels 1 and 2 throughout the 5 years. Di-Bil, CK, HLD, TG and UA were consistently >6 sigma for one machine while CK, Di-Bil, HDL, Mg, TG and UA were consistently >6 sigma for the other. Level 1 and Level 2 sigma scores were noted to be incongruent in some analytes as follows: ALB, ALT, K, TP for one instrument and ALB, ALP and AST for the other instrument. Electrolytes Ca, Cl, and Na were generally low (Conclusion Using six sigma metrics allowed the laboratory to evaluate the performance of the chemistry tests objectively. Tests that are >6.0 sigma signifies world class performance and entail application of fewer Westgard rules with fewer number of runs while those that are
Targeted Sequencing of Mixed Neuroendocrine- Non-neuroendocrine Neoplasm of the Gallbladder Suggests a Monoclonal Origin
Authors: Sta. Ines Flora Mae , Anceno Anna Louise , Salamat Rachelle Arah , Navarro Jr. Narciso , Pua Glenda Lyn , Andal Jose Jasper , Ang Daphne
Published: December 2019

Mixed neuroendocrine-non-neuroendocrine neoplasm (MiNEN) of the gallbladder is a rare tumor that is defined in the World Health Organization (WHO) 2019 digestive system tumor classification as the presence of a neuroendocrine neoplasm admixed with a non-neuroendocrine carcinoma, each component constituting at least 30% of the neoplasm. The exact pathogenesis of MiNENs remains unclear. We present a case of a 74-year-old Filipino woman who presented with nonspecific clinical and radiologic findings and subsequently underwent cholecystectomy. Histopathologic and immunohistochemical evaluation of the gallbladder confirmed the diagnosis of a mixed well-differentiated adenocarcinoma (30%) and large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (70%). The adenocarcinoma and neuroendocrine carcinoma components were separately microdissected and submitted for targeted 15-gene sequencing using the Illumina Trusight Tumor 15 (TST15) panel. NGS identified a TP53 missense mutation leading to a stop codon in both components. The finding of similar molecular signatures in the two morphologically distinct components supports the hypothesis that MiNEN arises from a common precursor stem cell capable of divergent phenotypic differentiation.
External Quality Assessment Scheme for Transfusion Transmissible Infections Among Blood Service Facilities in the Philippines, 2018
Authors: Punzalan Kenneth Aristotle , Yu Rhoda , Chamen Iza Mae
Published: December 2019

External Quality Assessment Scheme (EQAS) is an important and vital component of a quality system to which a retrospective and periodic assessment of quality can be undertaken by an independent external agency.The Transfusion Transmissible Infections–National Reference Laboratory (TTI-NRL) annually provides an EQAS program for transfusion transmissible infections to all blood service facilities in the Philippines as a requirement for the renewal of their license to operate and raise the quality standards of testing for infectious diseases.A total of 188 participants registered in the 2018 test event and were given an EQAS panel comprised of a serology program (HVHT4120) and malaria program (MLRA415). Results from the participants were submitted through an online informatics system managed by OneWorld Accuracy Canada using the ISO 13528:2008 Robust Statistics method (Huber’s Method). Results were analyzed and evaluated with the reference result from the TTI-NRL.The HVHT4120 program generated 15,330 results and the MLRA415 generated 940 results. 97 results (0.63%) and 80 results (8.51%) were reported as aberrant from each program respectively and were either due to random or systematic errors.The data generated from this test event are used for the improvement of the quality processes of each participant and the subsequent renewal of their license to operate as required by local health regulations.
Emotional Intelligence and Quality of Life in Elderly Diabetic Patients
Authors: Moradi Farideh , Tourani Sogan , Ziapour Arash , Abbas Jaffar , hematti Maryam , Moghadam Elham Jamshidi , Aghili Amin , Soroush Ali
Published: December 2019

Background: Coordination of various physical and mental aspects of individuals, including the ability to control difficult conditions and situations has an effect in the prevention and development of various diseases, such as diabetes, and the improvement of the quality of life. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to determine the effect of emotional intelligence on the quality of life of elderly diabetic patients. Methods: The statistical population in this cross-sectional study consisted of elderly people referred to the health centers of Kermanshah province in western Iran, who were divided via available sampling into two groups with diabetes and without diabetes. Data gathering tools were a couple of LIPAD Quality of Life and Shrink Emotional Intelligence standard questionnaires. The Data was analysed using software SPSS, 23 th version. Results: The studied persons were divided into two groups of diabetic with 63 people (8.48%) and non-diabetic with 66 people (2.51%). Most of them were male and the mean age of the patients was 65/01 ± 6.08 years old and married. The quality of life score in diabetics and non-diabetics was respectively 51.9 and 50.37 with a standard deviation of 17.73 and 20.54. The mean total score of emotional intelligence in the elderly with diabetes was 99.42 with a standard deviation of 10.37 and non-diabetic subjects were 97.18 with a standard deviation of 18.49. Conclusion: There was no significant difference between the mean scores of quality of life (.652) and emotional intelligence (.421) in diabetic and non-diabetic individuals. But, the emotional intelligence has an effect on the quality of life of the elderly people.
Bioinformatics and Expression Pattern Analysis of Soybean Fatty Acid Desaturase Family Gene
Authors: Wu Nan , Jiang Long , Yu Xiaoming , Yang Xiangbo , Chen Dianyuan , Yuan Minghao
Published: December 2019

To clarify the homology and structural differences of seven genes in the soybean fatty acid desaturase 2 (FAD2) family and the relationship between the expression level of each gene and oleic acid content at different stages of grain development, the seven genes in this family were studied through informatics analysis and evaluation of expression patterns. Amino acid sequence analysis of the seven FAD2 genes in soybean showed that the genes were located on 6 chromosomes, and the number of amino acids encoded by all the genes ranged between 216 and 387. Isoelectric point analysis showed that the proteins were alkaline. Phylogenetic tree comparison results indicated that the soybean FAD2 genes have higher homology with the Arabidopsis thaliana gene and belong to the same dicotyledon, while GmFAD2-2 and GmFAD2-2a have the highest homology, and GmFAD2-1 and GmFAD2-1b have the same homology, the highest source and less homology with other soybean FAD2 genes, and their function is expected to be slightly different. Transmembrane prediction of each gene in the family showed that GmFAD2-2b contains two transmembrane regions. The remaining genes contain 3-6 different transmembrane structures, all of which are hydrophilic. The amino acid sequences were aligned, and the results showed that the genes in this family contain histidine clusters at the same position, but in GmFAD2-2b, the histidine cluster composition is different from that in other genes. According to the gene 5’ UTR intron cis-regulatory element analysis, the gene contains hormone response elements, light response elements, meristem response elements, and participates in low temperature as a cis-acting element. By analysing the expression patterns of genes in the FAD2 family under low temperature stress, it was found that GmFAD2-2 and GmFAD2-1b exhibited seed-specific expression, while the other genes were constitutively expressed. The genes were up-regulated under low temperature stress. To adapt to low temperature, plants produced more unsaturated fatty acids, and the expression of genes was different at different treatment times. In four soybean genotypes, "Jike Soybean 20", "Ji Midou 3", "Jike Midou No. 1", and "Jike Fresh Bean 1", the soybean FAD content at different stages of grain development was determined, and content was found to increase, then decrease, and finally stabilize. Correlation analysis showed that there was a negative correlation between gene expression and oleic acid content, and the correlation coefficients for GmFAD2-1 and GmFAD2-2b were the largest, showing a significant negative correlation.
Comparative effectiveness of surgery and radiotherapy for survival of clinically localized prostate cancer patients: A population-based coarsened exact matching retrospective cohort study
Authors: Yasui Masato , Sakaguchi Masahiko , Jikuya Ryousuke , Tsutsumi Sohgo , Tatenuma Tomoyuki , Noguchi Go , Umemoto Susumu , Katayama Kayako , Narimatsu Hiroto , Ueumura Hiroji , Kishida Takeshi
Published: December 2019

Background. Radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy are currently the main treatment options for localized prostate cancer. However, not yet a large cohort study of comparison between surgery and radiation has been investigated in Japan nor Asia. Objective of this study was to compare the survival outcome between surgery and radiotherapy among patients with clinically localized prostate cancer and in the elderly and young patients. Methods. We retrospectively evaluated survival outcomes of localized prostate cancer patients (age at diagnosis ≤79 years, cT1-3) initially treated with surgery or radiotherapy. Data were collected from the population-based cancer registry of Kanagawa Prefecture, Japan. A 1:1 coarsened exact matching of age at diagnosis, clinical T stage, and cancer differentiation was made between the two treatment groups. Patients were also categorized into two groups by age at a cut-off of 70 years for analysis. Results. The cohort comprised 4,810 patients aged 50-79 years. No significant difference in CSS was observed between the two groups (p=0.612), but the surgery group had significantly better prognosis in OS (p=0.004). When stratified for age, similar tendencies were seen in the elderly group (aged 70-79 years) (p=0.961 and p=0.007, respectively). By contrast, no significant difference in either CSS or OS was found in the younger group (p=0.550 and p=0.408, respectively). Intrinsic deaths were more likely to occur in elderly patients treated with radiotherapy than in those undergoing surgery (69.3% vs 78.2%, p=0.128).Conclusions. Our data suggests that surgery provided significantly better OS than radiotherapy, particularly among the elderly. However, radiotherapy may be more appropriate in elderly patients due to less invasiveness of the procedure. Prospective trials evaluating these therapies are warranted.
Not Residual Kidney Removal but Peritoneal Clearance Dominates in Uric Acid Control in Peritoneal Dialysis
Authors: Xiao Xi , Ye Hongjian , Yi Chunyan , Lin Jianxiong , Peng Yuan , Huang Xuan , Wu Meiju , Wu Haishan , Mao Haiping , Yu Xueqing , Yang Xiao
Published: December 2019

Background: There’s a paucity of systematic study focusing on clearance of uric acid (UA) in peritoneal dialysis (PD). The aim of this study was to investigate peritoneal UA removal and its influencing factors in PD patients. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study. Patients who performed peritoneal equilibration test (PET) and Kt/V from April 1, 2018 to August 31, 2019 were enrolled. The demographic data, clinical and laboratory parameters including the UA levels in the dialysate, blood and urine samples were collected. Results: Finally, there were 180 prevalent PD patients (52.8% male). Compared with normal serum UA (SUA) group, the hyperuricemia group showed significantly lower peritoneal UA clearance (39.1±6.2 vs. 42.0±8.0 L/week/1.73m2, P=0.008). Peritoneal UA clearance but not residual kidney removal was revealed to be independently associated with continuous [standardized coefficients (β) -0.21, 95% confidence interval (CI) -0.07, -0.006] and categorical SUA level [odds ratio (OR) 0.91, 95% CI 0.84,0.98]. Furthermore, the higher (high or high-average) transporters showed greater peritoneal UA clearance than the lower (low or low-average) transporters (42.0±7.0 vs. 36.4±5.6 L/week/1.73 m2, P<0.001). Among the widely used solute removal indicators, peritoneal creatinine clearance (CCL) performed best to predict higher peritoneal UA clearance in ROC analysis [area under curve (AUC) 0.96, 95% CI 0.93-0.99]. In multiple linear regression, lower albumin level (β -0.06, 95%CI -2.09, -0.19), higher transporters (β 0.06, 95%CI 0.05, 1.69) and greater peritoneal CCL (β 0.95, 95%CI 0.81, 0.93) were independently associated with higher peritoneal UA clearance. Conclusions: It was peritoneal removal but not residual kidney function that dominated in SUA balance of PD patients. Albumin level, peritoneal transport type and peritoneal CCL were identified as independent determinants of peritoneal UA clearance.
Assessing the measurement invariance of the CESD-10 and Beck anxiety inventory (BAI) questionnaires across people living with HIV/AIDS and healthy people
Authors: Bagheri Zahra , Noorshargh Pegah , Shahsavar Zahra , Jafari Peyman
Published: December 2019

Background Recently, extensive research has been reported the higher rate of depression and anxiety among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHAs) as compared to general population. However, no single study has been carried out to investigate whether this disparity is a real difference or it happens due to lack of measurement invariance. This study aims to assess the measurement invariance of the Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI) and 10-item Centre for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CESD-10) questionnaires across PLWHAs and healthy individuals.Methods One hundred and fifty PLWHAs and 500 healthy individuals filled out the Persian version of the BAI and CES-D10 questionnaires. Multi-group multiple-indicators multiple-causes model (MG-MIMIC) was used to assess measurement invariance across PLWHAs and healthy people.Results Our findings revealed that PLWHAs and healthy individuals perceived the meaning of all the items in the BAI and CESD-10 questionnaires similarly. In addition, although depression scores were significantly higher in PLWHAs as opposed to healthy individuals, no significant difference was observed in anxiety scores of these two groups.Conclusions The current study suggests that the BAI and CESD-10 are invariant measures across PLWHAs and CESD-10 which can be used for meaningful cross-group comparison. Therefore, in comparison to healthy individuals, higher depression scores of PLWHAs is a real difference. It is highly recommended that health professionals develop therapeutic interventions and psychological supports to promote the mental health of PLWHAs which alleviate their depressive symptoms.
A mental health assessment method based on emotion level derived from voice
Authors: Shinohara Shuji , Nakamura Mitsuteru , Omiya Yasuhiro , Hagiwara Naoki , Mitsuyoshi Shunji , Toda Hiroyuki , Saito Taku , Tanichi Masaaki , Yoshino Aihide , Tokuno Shinich
Published: December 2019

Background: In many developed countries, mental health disorders have become a problem, and the economic loss due to treatment costs and interference with work is immeasurable. Therefore, a simple technique must be developed to determine individuals’ depressive state and stress levels. Voice analysis using smartphones is not only noninvasive, it does not require a dedicated device; thus, it can be performed conveniently and remotely. Consequently, we developed a method to assess individuals’ mental health levels using emotional components contained in the human voice. Methods: We proposed two indices of mental health: a short-term index (vitality) and mental activity calculated from long-term trends in vitality. We used the voices of healthy individuals (men: n = 10, Mage = 42.7 ± 6.0 years; women: n = 4, Mage = 35.0 ± 14.4 years) and patients with major depression (men: n = 19, Mage = 43.7 ± 11.0 years; women: n = 11, Mage = 53.9 ± 8.2 years). For patients, simultaneously with voice collection, specialists assessed current depression severity using the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAM-D). Results: A significant negative correlation existed between the vitality extracted from voice and HAM-D score (r = -0.33, p < .05). We could discriminate the voice data of healthy individuals and patients with depression (judged as moderate or severe by the specialists) with high accuracy using vitality (p = .0085, the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve = 0.87). However, there was no significant difference between the vitality of the healthy individuals and the patients judged to be the “no depression group with almost no depressive symptoms,” even if they were outpatients with depression (p > .1, AUC = 0.64). Conclusions: We developed a method to estimate stress through emotion instead of analyzing stress directly from voice data. By daily monitoring of vitality using smartphones, we can encourage hospital visits for people before they become depressed or during the early stages of depression. This may lead to reduced economic loss due to treatment costs and interference with work.
‘’They took us to the community to die from there’’: Patients’ and HIV service managers’ experiences of Differentiated ART delivery following national scale-up in Uganda
Authors: Zakumumpa Henry , Rujumba Joseph , Kwiringira Japheth , Katureebe Cordelia , Spicer Neil
Published: December 2019

Background Although Differentiated Service Delivery (DSD) for anti-retroviral therapy (ART) has been rolled-out nationally in several countries since World Health Organization (WHO)’s landmark 2016 guidelines, there is little research evaluating post-implementation outcomes. The objective of this study was to explore patients’ and HIV service managers’ perceptions of the early implementation experiences of national DSD roll-out across Uganda. Methods We utilized a qualitative research design involving 124 participants. Between April and June 2019 we conducted 76 semi-structured interviews with national-level HIV program managers (n=18), District Health Team leaders (n=24), representatives of PEPFAR implementing organizations (11), ART clinic in-charges (23) in six purposively selected Uganda districts with a high HIV burden (Kampala, Luwero, Wakiso, Mbale, Budadiri, Bulambuli). Six focus group discussions (48 participants) were held with patients enrolled in DSD models in case-study districts. Data were analyzed by thematic approach as guided by the multi-level analytical framework by Levesque et al. (2013): Individual-level factors; Health-system factors; Community factors; and Context. Results Our data shows that multiple barriers have been encountered in DSD implementation. Individual-level factors: Individualized stigma and a fear of detachment from health facilities by stable patients enrolled in community-based models were reported as bottlenecks. Socio-economic status was reported to have an influence on patient selection of DSD models. Health-system factors: Insufficient training of health workers in DSD delivery and supply chain barriers to multi-month ART dispensing were identified as constraints. Patients perceived current selection of DSD models to be provider-intensive and not sufficiently patient-centred. Community factors: Community-level stigma and insufficient funding to providers to fully operationalize community drug pick-up points were identified as limitations. Contextual factors: Frequent changes in physical addresses among urban clients were reported to impede the running of patient groups of rotating drug pick-ups. Conclusion This is one of the first multi-stakeholder evaluations of national DSD implementation in Uganda since initial roll-out in 2017. Multi-level interventions are needed to accelerate further DSD implementation in Uganda from demand-side (addressing self-stigma barriers, community engagement) and supply-side dimensions (strengthening ART supply chain capacities, increasing funding for community models and further DSD program design to improve patient-centeredness).