bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the Cost of a Building’s Life Cycle in a Probabilistic Approach
Authors: Rogalska M. , Szewczak D.
Published: June 2019

In the article the costs of alternative roofing techniques in the life cycle of the building were calculated. The calculations were made in accordance with ISO 15686-5 standard “Buildings and constructed assets – Service life planning – Part 5: Life-cycle costing”, using normative durability periods and minimum period of annual consumption of individual building elements to determine the durability of building components. The normative periods are valid in Poland in relation to the valuation of buildings. Probabilistic costs in the life cycle of ceramic, metal and bituminous coatings were analysed. The probability density distributions were assumed: beta for pricing factors and normal for the interest rate. Calculations were carried out for the periods of 100 years of operation of coverings, taking into account the costs of replacement and utilization. As a result of the calculations, the life cycle costs of alternative coatings with probabilities from 5 to 95% were obtained.
A rank rigidity result for CAT(0) spaces with one-dimensional Tits boundaries
Authors: Ricks Russell
Published: June 2019

We prove the following rank rigidity result for proper

CAT
⁡

(
0
)

{\operatorname{CAT}(0)}

spaces with one-dimensional Tits boundaries:
Let Γ be a group acting properly discontinuously, cocompactly, and by isometries on such a space X.
If the Tits diameter of

∂
⁡
X

{\partial X}

equals π and Γ does not act minimally on

∂
⁡
X

{\partial X}

, then

∂
⁡
X

{\partial X}

is a spherical building or a spherical join.
If X is also geodesically complete, then X is a Euclidean building, higher rank symmetric space, or a nontrivial product.
Much of the proof, which involves finding a Tits-closed convex building-like subset of

∂
⁡
X

{\partial X}

, does not require the Tits diameter to be π, and we give an alternate condition that guarantees rigidity when this hypothesis is removed, which is that a certain invariant of the group action be even.
Design and Development of Low-Profile Multi-Band Antenna Fed by SIW Cavity Resonator Using Twin Apertures
Authors: Sharma Meenakshi , Zadoo Manish , Kumar Ashwani , Kumar Pramod , Singh Shailendra
Published: June 2019

A novel design of compact, linearly polarized and low-profile planar antenna which is electrified by Substrate Integrated Waveguide (SIW) resonator has been developed for multi-band applications of X-band spectrum. Radiating patch has been excited through two closely spaced longitudinal apertures of identical length but non-identical width, incorporated in SIW resonator. These apertures are responsible for multiple operating bands. The achieved fractional bandwidths are 1.29 %, 0.49 % and 1.60 % having resonant frequencies at 10.07 GHz, 10.85 GHz and 11.82 GHz respectively for |S11| ≤ -10 dB. The measured peak gain for first, second and third operating band is 6.54 dB, 6.86 dB and 7.68 dB respectively. The proposed antenna is a highly selective antenna for various applications of X-band microwave spectrum. This band has been particularly selected for military communication because it provides a trade-off between the characteristics (i. e. interference and rain resilience, data rates and remote coverage) of different frequency bands which are particularly suited to the needs of military users. It is very much suitable for secure communication i. e. to deny unauthorized access to sensitive unclassified information and prevent disruption of telecommunication. A comparative analysis of antenna’s parameters has been examined by Ansys HFSS and results are verified through experimental outcomes.
Transnational Civil Society Influence on Anti-Corruption Courts: Ukraine’s Experience
Authors: Zabokrytskyy Ihor
Published: June 2019

The article analyzes Ukraine’s experience of transnational civil society influence on anti-corruption courts. Transnational civil society emergence, anti-corruption courts in the modern world as an element of anti-corruption campaigns and anti-corruption bodies institutional organization in Ukraine and transnational civil society involvement in the selection of judges of High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine are examined. The article concludes that Ukraine has involved civil society institutions, both national and international, in the processes of selection of judges. While national civil society involvement and Public Integrity Council of Ukraine has shown a decent level of success in preventing of candidates who are non-conformant with integrity requirements from being appointed as judges in the system of courts of general jurisdiction, in case of High Anti-Corruption Court of Ukraine the role of Public Council of International Experts is even more strengthened, with a decisive power on each of the candidate.
Knowledge and attitude of Egyptian parents toward childhood mental disorders
Authors: Arafa Ahmed , Magdi Marwa , Magdy Mayar , Elsharkawy Hasnaa , Saleh Lamiaa
Published: June 2019

Background

Parents’ awareness of childhood mental disorders can help in early detection and management. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of parents about childhood mental disorders and their attitudes toward children with mental disorders.

Subjects and methods

Parents of children attending two public primary schools in Beni-Suef city in southern Egypt were invited to participate in this cross-sectional study during the first semester of the academic year 2017/2018. Knowledge and attitude of parents toward childhood mental disorders in addition to their socio-demographic characteristics were evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire.

Results

A total of 468 parents (41.5% fathers and 58.5% mothers) participated in this study. Only 21.6% of parents had optimal knowledge of risk factors, 33.3% of manifestations/screening, 58.8% of types and 47.6% of treatment, while 42.7% of parents held a positive attitude toward impressions, 43.4% toward social distance, 63.7% toward spiritual treatment, and 59.4% toward chemotherapy and psychotherapy of childhood mental disorders. The multivariable-adjusted regression analyses showed that optimal knowledge associated with urban residence [odds ratio (OR) 1.56, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05–2.30)] and knowing someone with a mental disorder (OR 1.62, 95% CI 1.08–2.41). The positive attitude was associated with urban residence (OR 1.80, 95% CI 1.18–2.74) and higher education (OR 2.14, 95% CI 1.32–3.48). Knowledge of parents correlated positively with their attitude toward childhood mental disorders (r = 0.258, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

A significant portion of parents in southern Egypt have suboptimal knowledge of childhood mental disorders and hold a negative attitude toward children with mental disorders. Future studies should focus on the possibility of including parents in screening for childhood mental disorders.
Rethinking early childbearing in Indonesia: is it preceded by a premarital first birth?
Authors: Widyastari Dyah Anantalia , Isarabhakdi Pimonpan , Vapattanawong Patama , Völker Marc
Published: June 2019

Purpose

This study aimed to present the level and patterns of premarital first births in Indonesia, and its association with early childbearing.

Methods

This study used three rounds of the Indonesia Demographic and Health Survey, including a total of 29,483 women in 2002; 32,895 in 2007 and 45,607 in 2012. Those women who had their first child before reaching 19 years of age were defined as early child bearers, otherwise, the women were known as later child bearers. All conceptions that occurred 9 months after the first marriage were defined as timely births within marriage, thus, premarital first birth is a first birth that occurred less than 7 months after the first marriage.

Findings

About 7–11% of Indonesian women conceived their first child before marriage. Both early and later child bearers experienced their first birth less than 7 months after their first marriage, however, women who experienced conception before marriage were twice as likely to become early child bearers compared to women who had their first birth occurred timely.

Conclusion

The results of the present analysis show that some Indonesian women had their first child before marriage. Although the unavailability of marriage and birth registrations is the most plausible explanation for the decline in premarital first births among the youngest cohort, regional differences suggest there is also an influence of socio-cultural diversity in the premarital sexual practices of Indonesian women.
Association between menstrual disorders and school absenteeism among schoolgirls in South Egypt
Authors: Arafa Ahmed , Saleh Lamiaa , Shawky Sherwet
Published: June 2019

Background

Menstrual disorders are highly prevalent among girls and may interrupt school attendance. This study aimed to investigate the association between menstrual disorders and school absenteeism among schoolgirls in South Egypt.

Subjects and methods

A multi-stage random sampling method was adopted to select 930 schoolgirls. A self-administered questionnaire composed of 3 sections (socio-demographic characteristics, menstrual disorders, and school absenteeism) was used to assess the relationship between different menstrual disorders and school absenteeism during the previous 6 months.

Results

The mean age of the participating schoolgirls was 15.5 ± 0.8 years, age of menarche 13.2 ± 1.2 years, menstrual cycle duration 28.8 ± 7.3 days with average flow days 5 ± 1.3. During the previous 6 months, 43.9% of schoolgirls reported school absenteeism. Dysmenorrhea (89.1%) and premenstrual symptoms, especially abdominal spasm (62.2%), fatigue (32%), and headache (22.7%) were heavily reported during the same period. Menstrual flow >4 days [odds ratio (OR) 1.37, 1.04–1.80], premenstrual abdominal spasm (OR 1.60, 1.22–2.11), fatigue (OR 1.69, 1.27–2.24), breast tenderness (OR 1.67, 1.17–2.38), insomnia (OR 1.92, 1.31–2.80), abdominal bloating (OR 2.29, 1.34–3.91), dysmenorrhea (OR 4.44, 2.58–7.62), dysmenorrhea for more than 1 day (OR 1.38, 1.03–1.84), menstrual acne flare (OR 2.23, 1.68–2.97), dysuria (OR 1.96, 1.31–2.93), and facial hair (OR 2.59, 1.26–5.31) were significantly associated with school absenteeism.

Conclusion

Premenstrual and menstrual disorders are associated with school absenteeism among schoolgirls in South Egypt. Future research should focus on the effect of school counseling on reducing the absenteeism rate attributed to menstrual disorders.
Non-nativelike outcome of naturalistic child L2 acquisition of Japanese: The case of noun–verb collocations
Authors: Nishikawa Tomomi
Published: June 2019

Many second language (L2) studies have shown that naturalistic L2 acquisition beginning from childhood leads to nativelike proficiency. The current study investigated whether the acquisition of such proficiency would be guaranteed, by examining a potential gap in the seemingly nativelike L2 proficiency of child L2 starters. At issue was the productive knowledge of noun–verb collocations by child L2 starters of Japanese (n=74, age 13–18) whose age of arrival (AOA) was between 0 and 11 and whose length of residence (LOR) was between 5 and 18 years. The collocation test included only items that were easy for native speakers (NSs) (n=162, age 13) age-matched for the youngest L2 participants. About one-third of the L2 participants, including the earliest arrivals, scored below the NS range on the collocation test. The current study concludes that early L2 onset does not guarantee nativelike productive knowledge of collocations, even when the collocations in question are very easy for NSs. The study also discusses pedagogical implications for child L2 starters, who are generally believed to become nativelike with ease.
Unemployment Compensation and Wages: A Difference-in-Differences Approach to Assessing the Wage Effects of the German Hartz Reforms
Authors: Weskott Johannes B. D.
Published: June 2019

This paper examines the influence of the level of unemployment assistance (Arbeitslosengeld II) on the wage level by exploiting a quasi-natural experiment formed by the German Hartz reforms in 2005. Estimations are based on data from the Socioeconomic Panel ranging from 2000 to 2007. As dependent variables both real monthly gross salary and real hourly gross wage are used. Firstly, following the approach taken by Arent and Nagl (2013, Unemployment Compensation and Wages: Evidence from the German Hartz Reforms. Jahrbücher für Nationalökonomie und Statistik 233 (4): 450–466), a before-after estimator is applied. Secondly, in contrast to the replication study by Ludsteck and Seth (2014, Comment on „Unemployment Compensation and Wages: Evidence from the German Hartz Reforms“ by Stefan Arent and Wolfgang Nagl. Jahrbücher für Nationalökonomie und Statistik 234 (5): 635–644) a control group is constructed and a difference-in-differences estimator (DiD) is used for further assessment. The results of the before-after estimation indicate a negative influence of the unemployment assistance reform on wages. However, the corresponding placebo regressions cast doubt on whether the estimated effect is a policy effect. The DiD approach shows that substantial time effects exist. This indicates that the before-after estimator is not suitable for assessing the policy effect. Applying the DiD estimator, a negative significant policy effect is only identified for men in West Germany.
The CAPM with Measurement Error: ‘There’s life in the old dog yet!’
Authors: Simmet Anastasia , Pohlmeier Winfried
Published: June 2019

This paper takes a closer look at the consequences of using a market index as a proxy for the latent market return in the capital asset pricing model. In particular, the consequences of two major sources of misspecification are analyzed: (i) the use of inaccurate weights and (ii) the use of only a subset of the asset universe to construct the index. The consequences resulting from the use of a badly chosen market proxy reach from inconsistent parameter estimates to misinterpretation of test outcomes indicating the existence of abnormal returns.

A minimum distance approach of estimating the CAPM under measurement error is presented, which identifies the CAPM parameters by exploiting the cross-equation cross-sectional restrictions resulting from a common measurement error. The new approach allows for quantifying the impact of measurement error and for testing the presence of spurious abnormal returns. Practical guidelines are presented to mitigate potential biases in the estimated CAPM parameters.
An Empirical Undergraduate Introduction to Estimating Consumer Preferences Using Ride Choices at Disneyland
Authors: James Jonathan
Published: June 2019

This paper describes a simple and interesting method to introduce and teach undergraduate students about preference estimation using random utility models. The example centers around estimating preferences over rides at Disneyland theme parks and uses actual stated-preference survey data. The lesson is designed to be self-contained in a single 90 minute lecture. Given the strong background that many undergraduate economic students have with consumer choice theory, introducing preference estimation as a real-world application into econometrics curriculum can be an enriching experience.
On regularization of the Cauchy problem for elliptic systems in weighted Sobolev spaces
Authors: Shefer Yulia , Shlapunov Alexander
Published: June 2019

We consider the ill-posed Cauchy problem in a bounded domain

𝒟

{\mathcal{D}}

of

ℝ
n

{\mathbb{R}^{n}}

for an elliptic differential operator

𝒜
⁢

(
x
,
∂
)

{\mathcal{A}(x,\partial)}

with data on a relatively open subset S of the boundary

∂
⁡
𝒟

{\partial\mathcal{D}}

.
We do it in weighted Sobolev spaces

H

s
,
γ

⁢

(
𝒟
)

{H^{s,\gamma}(\mathcal{D})}

containing the elements with prescribed smoothness

s
∈
ℕ

{s\in\mathbb{N}}

and growth near

∂
⁡
S

{\partial S}

in

𝒟

{\mathcal{D}}

, controlled by a real number γ. More precisely, using proper (left) fundamental solutions of

𝒜
⁢

(
x
,
∂
)

{\mathcal{A}(x,\partial)}

,
we obtain a Green-type integral formula for functions from

H

s
,
γ

⁢

(
𝒟
)

{H^{s,\gamma}(\mathcal{D})}

. Then a Neumann-type series, constructed with the use of iterations of the (bounded) integral operators applied to the data,
gives a solution to the Cauchy problem in

H

s
,
γ

⁢

(
𝒟
)

{H^{s,\gamma}(\mathcal{D})}

whenever this solution exists.
The Thermocouple Revisited: The Benedicks and Seebeck Effects
Authors: Jacovelli Paul B. , Zinke Otto H.
Published: June 2019

Through altering the ambient environment of the iron conductor with respect to the copper conductor of an iron-copper thermocouple, the output emf of the thermocouple was reduced by a factor of almost two. This reduction was apparently a result of a Benedicks emf. Such a Benedicks emf was produced here in a continuous iron conductor. The Benedicks emf produced was about half the expected Seebeck emf from the copper-iron couple. The source of the Benedicks emf can be explained as a Seebeck charge separation produced by the effect of ambient radiation in one conductor of the thermocouple, while the effect of ambient radiation was deliberately removed in the other part of the conductor. The effect of ambient radiation was removed by matching the surface temperature gradient of the second part of the conductor point for point with an external (or ambient) temperature gradient.

The conclusions of this research contradict the assumption made by William Thomson [1] that the ambient surroundings have no effect on thermocouple behavior. This assumption, which was made almost two hundred years ago, has never been experimentally refuted.

The idea of using such a temperature match arose from a lesson learned from observations of directly measured Thomson coefficients by Jacovelli et al. [2]
Influence of Temperature on the Chromatic Dispersion of Photonic Crystal Fiber by Infiltrating the Air Holes with Water
Authors: Debbal Mohammed , Bouregaa Mouweffeq , Chikh-Bled Hicham , Chikh-Bled Mohammed El Kebir , Ouadah Mohammed Chamse Eddine
Published: June 2019

This paper describes study of photonic crystal fiber (PCF) in order to study the influence of temperature on the chromatic dispersion; these types of fibers are based on commercial structures, but air holes will be infiltrated with water. Using finite domain-beam propagation method, it is shown that the zero dispersion wavelength can be shifted from 1.058753 to 1.271767 µm, a shift of 213 nm. At 50 °C, a shift of 169 nm.

As a result, we reveal that the proposed PCF can successfully compensate for the chromatic dispersion by the influence of temperature. Furthermore, the design model and methodology can be applied to design other dispersion-based devices, such as dispersion-flattened fibers and dispersion-shifted fibers, or can be used also as a sensor of temperature.
A point-based Bayesian hierarchical model to predict the outcome of tennis matches
Authors: Ingram Martin
Published: June 2019

A well-established assumption in tennis is that point outcomes on each player’s serve in a match are independent and identically distributed (iid). With this assumption, it is enough to specify the serve probabilities for both players to derive a wide variety of event distributions, such as the expected winner and number of sets, and number of games. However, models using this assumption, which we will refer to as “point-based”, have typically performed worse than other models in the literature at predicting the match winner. This paper presents a point-based Bayesian hierarchical model for predicting the outcome of tennis matches. The model predicts the probability of winning a point on serve given surface, tournament and match date. Each player is given a serve and return skill which is assumed to follow a Gaussian random walk over time. In addition, each player’s skill varies by surface, and tournaments are given tournament-specific intercepts. When evaluated on the ATP’s 2014 season, the model outperforms other point-based models, predicting match outcomes with greater accuracy (68.8% vs. 66.3%) and lower log loss (0.592 vs. 0.641). The results are competitive with approaches modelling the match outcome directly, demonstrating the forecasting potential of the point-based modelling approach.
Evaluation of bait use for mammal richness
Authors: Ribeiro Renan L.A. , Bianchi Rita C.
Published: June 2019

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of baits as a tool for estimating species richness for medium and large mammals. To this end, we installed 15 cameras in the Ecological Station of Jataí, São Paulo, Brazil (21°30′S – 47°40′W and 21°40′S/47°50′W). The cameras were placed in a grid with a distance of 1 km between each station. We randomly placed cameras with baits and those without baits and made observations for 4 weeks. Then, after a week’s break, the treatments were inverted and continued for another 4 weeks. We estimated species richness based on the presence or absence of species using the Jackknife1 estimator in the EstimateS program and compared the treatments using the paired Wilcoxon test. Species composition and estimated richness did not differ between treatments with baits (SJack1 = 20.97 ± 1.96) and those without baits (SJack1 = 20.95 ± 1.95; W = 30 p = 0.15). The rarefaction curves between the treatments were similar, suggesting that the use of baits did not increase or reduce the number of species recorded. In addition, the use of baits did not significantly increase capture rates. Analysis of the costs of the different treatments showed that the use of baits increased the project costs by more than 4 times. The findings of this study suggest that, for species surveys, camera traps do not need to be baited.
Solar urticaria, a disease with many dark sides: is omalizumab the right therapeutic response? Reflections from a clinical case report
Authors: De Martinis Massimo , Sirufo Maria Maddalena , Ginaldi Lia
Published: June 2019

Solar urticaria is a rare type of photodermatosis that significantly reduces the quality of life of the subjects affected, with a risk of anaphylaxis should the entire body be exposed to the sun. Patients are forced to modify and limit their normal activities, and since the symptoms are triggered by exposure to sun, which is difficult if not impossible to avoid in everyday life, a safe and effective therapy appears to be essential.

Unfortunately, traditional therapies in a discrete number of patients are unable to provide adequate and safe answers.

We describe the case of an 18-year-old woman who began to manifest the first symptoms walking under the spring sunshine. A few minutes after sun exposure, itching and burning sensation began, followed immediately by erythema appearance in the photoexposed skin areas.

She was treated with non-sedating H1-blocking antihistamines and leukotriene antagonist with no success, so we decided to treat with omalizumab.

The satisfactory response after the failure of previous standard therapeutic strategies, confirms the effectiveness of this molecule in the treatment of solar urticaria, which despite what reported in several studies, has not yet been recognized and authorized by the competent Health Authorities in the treatment of this condition.
Binge eating disorder and related features in bariatric surgery candidates
Authors: Cella Stefania , Fei Landino , D’Amico Rosa , Giardiello Cristiano , Allaria Alfredo , Cotrufo Paolo
Published: June 2019

Objective

The present study sought to: 1) assess the prevalence of Binge Eating Disorder (BED) and abnormal eating behaviors in bariatric surgery candidates; 2) compare patients with and without BED as regards to eating disturbances, psychological characteristics, and health status; 3) individuate which factors were significantly related to binge eating severity.

Methods

Sixty-three preoperative patients (17 males and 46 females) were screened by means of an ad hoc socio-demographic schedule, the Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, the Eating Disorders Inventory-3, the Binge Eating Scale, and the General Health Questionnaire-28. BED diagnosis was performed through a clinical interview.

Results

BED and disordered eating, such as episodes of binge eating, sense of lack of control over eating and inappropriate compensatory behaviors, appear common in patients undergoing weight loss surgery. Significant differences between BED and non-BED subjects in relation to eating disturbances and psychological characteristics emerged. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only emotional dys-regulation significantly predicted binge eating vulnerability.

Conclusion

The recognition of factors involved in the development and maintenance of disordered eating in bariatric patients may support the choice of particular therapeutic strategies and improve bariatric surgery outcome. Further studies on this issue would be useful.
Correlation between iPTH levels on the first postoperative day after total thyroidectomy and permanent hypoparathyroidism: our experience
Authors: Canu Gian Luigi , Medas Fabio , Longheu Alessandro , Boi Francesco , Docimo Giovanni , Erdas Enrico , Calò Pietro Giorgio
Published: June 2019

Permanent hypoparathyroidism is the most common long-term complication after thyroidectomy. We evaluated whether iPTH concentrations on the first postoperative day may be a good predictor of this complication.

Patients undergoing thyroidectomy in our Unit between January 2017 and February 2018 who developed postsurgical hypoparathyroidism were analysed. According to iPTH values on the first postoperative day and on the basis of the detection threshold of the iPTH test used, patients were divided into 2 groups: Group A (iPTH < 6.3 pg/mL, undetectable), Group B (iPTH ≥ 6.3 pg/mL).

Seventy-five patients were included in this study: 64 in Group A and 11 in Group B. Permanent hypoparathyroidism occurred in 14 (21.88%) patients in Group A, while none developed this complication in Group B. When iPTH was < 6.3 pg/mL, the sensitivity for the prediction of permanent hypoparathyroidism was 100%, the specificity was 18.03%, the positive predictive value was 21.88% and the negative predictive value was 100%.

No patient with iPTH ≥ 6.3 pg/mL on the first postoperative day developed permanent hypoparathyroidism. On the other hand, iPTH concentrations < 6.3 pg/mL have not proved to be a strong predictor of this condition. However, this cut-off value can be useful to identify patients at risk of developing this complication.
Suffering from cerebral small vessel disease with and without metabolic syndrome
Authors: Matić Tatjana Bošković , Toncev Gordana , Gavrilović Aleksandar , Aleksić Dejan
Published: June 2019

Background

Cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) and metabolic syndrome were separately associated with cognitive impairment and depression. However, whether metabolic syndrome adds to cognitive impairment and depression in patients who already have CSVD remained unanswered.

Objective

The aim of our study was to investigate the association of metabolic syndrome with cognitive impairment and depression in patients with CSVD who have lacunar lesions or white matter hyperintensities.

Methods

This prospective cohort study was conducted at Neurology Clinic, Clinical Center, Kragujevac, Serbia. Main outcomes of the study were cognitive assessment, and assessment of depression among hospitalized patients with or without CSVD.

Results

The study included 74 inpatients, 25 of them having lacunary infarctions, 24 with the white matter hyperintensities, and 25 control patients without CSVD. The CSVD was accompanied by impairment of cognition and depression, the patients with lacunary lesions being more cognitively impaired and more depressive than the patients with the white matter hyperintensities. The patients with CSVD who also had metabolic syndrome were more cognitively impaired and depressed than the patients with CSVD alone.

Conclusions

In conclusion, our study showed that metabolic syndrome is associated with further worsening of already impaired cognition and existing depression in patients with CSVD.
A meta-analysis of robot assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy versus laparoscopic radical prostatectomy
Authors: Wang Tao , Wang Qunsuo , Wang Songtao
Published: June 2019

Objective

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of robot-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (RALP) and laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (LRP) for the treatment of localized prostate cancer.

Methods

Meta-analysis was applied using Review Manager V5.3 software and the retrieved clinical trials comparing RALP with LRP for the treatment of localized prostate cancer published from 2000 to 2018 in PubMed, Ovid, ScienceDirect, and EMBASE datasets were analyzed.

Results

This meta-analysis included 16 articles, totaling 7952 patients, with 5170 RALP patients and 2782 LRP patients. Meta-analysis showed that RALP postoperative complications were fewer (P=0.0007), and the postoperative urinary continence rate was better at 1 year after surgery (P<0.00001). There was no statistical significance between RALP and LRP with regards to the positive incidence of surgical margin (P = 0.18).

Conclusion

As an emerging technology, RALP is superior to LRP for localized prostate cancer treatment in terms of postoperative complications, and postoperative urinary continence rate.
Recent Advances in Squaraine Dyes for Bulk-Heterojunction Organic Solar Cells
Authors: Chen Yao , Zhu Weigang , Wu Jianglin , Huang Yan , Facchetti Antonio , Marks Tobin J.
Published: June 2019

Squaraine (SQ) dyes are an important class of electron-donating (donors or p-type) semiconductors for organic solar cells (OSC) due to their facile synthetic access, broad optical absorption with high oscillator strengths, and chemical robustness. Blending them with compatible electron-acceptors (acceptors or n-type) yields OSC devices known as bulk-heterojunction (BHJ) small molecule donor organic solar cells (SMD-OSCs). Through extensive research on materials design, synthesis, characterization, and device optimization over the past ˝ve years, SMD-OSCs employing SQ-based structures have achieved remarkable increases in device power conversion e˚ciency (PCE), now approaching 8%. Although these PCEs have not yet equaled the performance of state- of-the art donor polymers and some other SMD semiconductors, SQ-based OSC progress highlights successful and generalizable strategies for small molecule solar cells that should lead to future advances. In this review, recent developments in SQ-based OSCs are discussed and analyzed.
The Problem of Causality in Object-Oriented Ontology
Authors: Davies C.J.
Published: June 2019

Object-oriented ontologists understand relations of cause and effect to be sensory or aesthetic in nature, not involving direct interaction between objects. Four major arguments are used to defend an indirect view of causation: 1) that there are analogies between perception and causation, 2) that the indirect view can account for cases of causation which a direct view cannot, 3) an Occasionalist argument that direct interaction would make causation impossible, and 4) that the view simply fits better with object-oriented ontology’s own premises. However, each argument is fallacious or otherwise unconvincing. The first affirms the consequent. The second fails because the relevant cases can easily be accounted for with a direct view. The third makes false assumptions about the relation between parts and wholes. And the fourth can also be used to argue against object-oriented ontology. Many of these problems can be traced to the methodological aspects of object-oriented ontology and might be avoided by emphasizing the role of non-argumentative justification in metaphysics.
Effects mediated by M2 muscarinic orthosteric agonist on cell growth in human neuroblastoma cell lines
Authors: Lucianò Anna Maria , Mattei Francesca , Damo Elisa , Panzarini Elisa , Dini Luciana , Tata Ada Maria
Published: June 2019

The role of muscarinic receptors has been largely documented over the past few decades. Recently we demonstrated that the activation of M2 muscarinic receptors arrested cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in glioblastoma and in other tumour types. This paper aims to evaluate the expression of the M2 muscarinic receptor subtypes in different neuroblastoma cell lines and its role in the control of cell proliferation and survival. Neuroblastoma is the most common solid extracranial tumour, appearing during childhood and displaying a differentiated clinical behaviour. Considering the high homology between muscarinic receptor subtypes, we have identified Arecaidine Propargyl Ester (APE) as a selective orthosteric agonist for M2 muscarinic receptors. Using this agonist, we demonstrate how a selective activation of the M2 receptor subtype negatively modulates cell growth without affecting cell survival in different human neuroblastoma cell lines. As similarly demonstrated in other cell types, following the M2 receptor silencing by short-interference RNA, the effects of APE are completely abolished. We conclude by confirming the ability of APE to bind selectively M2 muscarinic receptor subtypes. Moreover, for the first time we demonstrate that M2 receptor activation inhibits cell growth also in human neuroblastoma cells, indicating that M2 receptors may be an interesting therapeutic target in several solid tumours.
Wave propagation time optimization for geodesic distances calculation using the Heat Method
Authors: Wróblewski Artur , Andrzejczak Jarosław
Published: June 2019

Finding the geodesic path defined as the shortest paths between two points on three-dimensional surface P is a well known problem in differential and computational geometry. Surfaces are not differentiable in a discrete way, hence known geometry algorithms can’t be used directly - they have to be discretized first. Classic algorithms for geodesic distance calculation such as Mitchell-Mount-Papadimitriou method (MMP) are precise but slow. Therefore modern solutions are developed for fast calculations. One of them is Heat Method which approximates such paths with some accuracy. In this paper we propose the extension of Heat Method to reduce the approximation error. A new formula for calculating value of the parameter t (wave propagation time step) which outperforms the original one in terms of mean and median error is presented. Also, correlation between mesh properties and best wave propagation time step as well as influence of variable node spacing on heat map based method were thoroughly analysed.
Formulation of heat conduction and thermal conductivity of metals
Authors: Chebbi Rachid
Published: June 2019

The well-known low-pressure monatomic gas thermal conductivity expression is based on the Maxwell-Boltzmann velocity distribution and involves the mean particle velocity, the gas heat capacity at constant volume and the particle mean free path. The extension of the formula to a free electron Fermi gas, using the Fermi velocity along with the Sommerfeld electronic heat capacity, was demonstrated in the literature using the Boltzmann transport equation. A different formulation of heat conduction in sufficiently pure metals, yielding the same formula for the thermal conductivity, is provided in the present investigation using the free electron Fermi gas energy distribution with the thermal conductivity determined from the net heat transfer occurring due to random motions of the free electrons in the presence of temperature gradient. Potential applications of this approach include extension of the present kinetic model incorporating quantum effects to cases in which electron scattering occurs such as in nanowires and hollow nanowires.
Preparation of novel nano composite materials from biomass waste and their sorptive characteristics for certain radionuclides
Authors: Attallah Mohamed F. , Youssef Maha A. , Imam Diaa M.
Published: June 2019

The aim of this work is directed to prepare nanoparticles of egg shell hydroxyapatite-humic acid (ESHAP-HA) as a novel composite material. FTIR, EDX, TEM, XRD, and SEM identified it. Sorption characteristic studies on ESHAP-HA at different pH of solutions, shaking time, initial ion concentration and complexing agent were performed at 152,154Eu, 99Mo and 63Ni. The results were demonstrated that selectivity removal of 152,154Eu (~96 %) rather than 99Mo (8.5 %) and 63Ni (26.7 %). The sorption capacity of 152,154Eu(III), 63Ni(II) and 99Mo(VI) are 80.1, 12.5 and 2.3 mg/g, respectively, onto the ESHAP-HA nanoparticles. Application on the eclectic removal of 152,154Eu from mixed radionuclides (152,154Eu, 60Co, and 137Cs) solution has been evaluated. It concluded that the prepared ESHAP-HA composite material is a promising and recommended for separation of radio lanthanides and/or actinides (such as Am) from nuclear liquid waste and/or contaminated aquatic environmental.
Development of methods for the preparation of radiopure 82Se sources for the SuperNEMO neutrinoless double-beta decay experiment
Authors: Rakhimov Alimardon V. , Barabash A. S. , Basharina-Freshville A. , Blot S. , Bongrand M. , Bourgeois Ch. , Breton D. , Breier R. , Birdsall E. , Brudanin V. B. , Burešova H. , Busto J. , Calvez S. , Cascella M. , Cerna C. , Cesar J. P. , Chauveau E. , Chopra A. , Claverie G. , De Capua S. , Delalee F. , Duchesneau D. , Egorov V. G. , Eurin G. , Evans J. J. , Fajt L. , Filosofov D. V. , Flack R. , Garrido X. , Gomez H. , Guillon B. , Guzowski P. , Hodák R. , Holý K. , Huber A. , Hugon C. , Jeremie A. , Jullian S. , Karaivanov D. V. , Kauer M. , Klimenko A. A. , Kochetov O. I. , Konovalov S. I. , Kovalenko V. , Lang K. , Lemière Y. , Le Noblet T. , Liptak Z. , Liu X. R. , Loaiza P. , Lutter G. , Maalmi J. , Macko M. , Mamedov F. , Marquet C. , Mauger F. , Minotti A. , Mirsagatova A. A. , Mirzayev N. A. , Moreau I. , Morgan B. , Mott J. , Nemchenok I. B. , Nomachi M. , Nova F. , Ohsumi H. , Oliviero G. , Pahlka R. B. , Pater J. R. , Palušová V. , Perrot F. , Piquemal F. , Povinec P. , Pridal P. , Ramachers Y. A. , Rebii A. , Remoto A. , Richards B. , Ricol J. S. , Rukhadze E. , Rukhadze N. I. , Saakyan R. , Sadikov I. I. , Salazar R. , Sarazin X. , Sedgbeer J. , Shitov Yu. A. , Šimkovic F. , Simard L. , Smetana A. , Smolek K. , Smolnikov A. A. , Snow S. , Söldner-Rembold S. , Soulé B. , Špavorova M. , Štekl I. , Tashimova F. A. , Thomas J. , Timkin V. , Torre S. , Tretyak Vl. I. , Tretyak V. I. , Umatov V. I. , Vilela C. , Vorobel V. , Warot G. , Waters D. , Zampaolo M. , Žukauskas A.
Published: June 2019

A radiochemical method for producing 82Se sources with an ultra-low level of contamination of natural radionuclides (40K, decay products of 232Th and 238U) has been developed based on cation-exchange chromatographic purification with reverse removal of impurities. It includes chromatographic separation (purification), reduction, conditioning (which includes decantation, centrifugation, washing, grinding, and drying), and 82Se foil production. The conditioning stage, during which highly dispersed elemental selenium is obtained by the reduction of purified selenious acid (H2SeO3) with sulfur dioxide (SO2) represents the crucial step in the preparation of radiopure 82Se samples. The natural selenium (600 g) was first produced in this procedure in order to refine the method. The technique developed was then used to produce 2.5 kg of radiopure enriched selenium (82Se). The produced 82Se samples were wrapped in polyethylene (12 μm thick) and radionuclides present in the sample were analyzed with the BiPo-3 detector. The radiopurity of the plastic materials (chromatographic column material and polypropylene chemical vessels), which were used at all stages, was determined by instrumental neutron activation analysis. The radiopurity of the 82Se foils was checked by measurements with the BiPo-3 spectrometer, which confirmed the high purity of the final product. The measured contamination level for 208Tl was 8–54 μBq/kg, and for 214Bi the detection limit of 600 μBq/kg has been reached.
Quantitative Analysis of Historic Mortars by Digital Image Analysis of Thin Sections
Authors: Middendorf Bernhard , Schade Tim , Kraus Karin
Published: June 2019

In restoration work, the compatibility between old and new building material is the key point for sustainable repair of buildings or monuments. Consequently, conservation scientists are looking for an alternative method to the traditional procedures to determine the aggregate grading curve and the binder/aggregate-ratio of the historic material. The problem of using the traditional methods is the frequent major intervention in an existing building. These destructive methods are not allowed. Whereas, to get information about the historic mortar, a new technique, the digital image analysis (DIA), is applied in this paper. Moreover, small amounts of the historic material have already been prepared as thin sections and analysed with a microscope. Modern microscopy techniques allow investigations of quantitative and qualitative composition of historic material. Incentive of this work was to get all the required information to recreate the historic mortar by using the DIA with an open source program only at one thin section. In addition, to examine the accuracy and the significance of the DIA, all results were compared with a known mixture, and in a second test series, the results of the DIA were compared with the traditional methods. The results show that the DIA of thin sections of a historic mortar is highly effective for analysing decisive factors like the binder/aggregate-ratio and the grading curve of the aggregates. Furthermore, it is possible to analyse the mortar only by having one thin section using an open source program ImageJ. Especially in the case of carbonate rock as aggregate, DIA is the only method to analyse these characteristics of a mortar.
Suitability of Flash Media for the Long-Term Storage of Information
Authors: Iraci Joe
Published: June 2019

Flash storage media such as memory cards and USB flash drives are now commonly used to transfer and store information. However, little is known about the long-term stability of this type of media and this is a concern for archives and other institutions as they begin to receive content stored on these devices. In this study, the stabilities of a variety of different flash media were examined. The evaluation was performed by using accelerated ageing at 85 °C and 85 % relative humidity (RH) and 125 °C for ageing intervals up to 2000 hours. Measurements were also performed on samples previously subjected to accelerated ageing and then naturally aged for five years to verify the results from the accelerated ageing experiments. Overall, the stability of flash media was very good. For many of the samples, no read errors were encountered after accelerated or natural ageing. However, for several of the high capacity flash card samples and USB flash drives, significant decreases in read speed were noted. This can be problematic because it will eventually lead to read errors. It was established that for the USB samples this instability was likely attributed to the use of the less stable TLC (triple-level cell) memory chip.
An overview on role of some trace elements in human reproductive health, sperm function and fertilization process
Authors: Mirnamniha Mahdiyeh , Faroughi Fereshteh , Tahmasbpour Eisa , Ebrahimi Pirooz , Beigi Harchegani Asghar
Published: June 2019

Human semen contains several trace elements such as calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), manganese (Mn), magnesium (Mg), zinc (Zn) and selenium (Se) which are necessary for reproductive health, normal spermatogenesis, sperm maturation, motility and capacitation, as well as normal sperm function. In this review, the potential role of these trace elements in male reproductive health, normal function of spermatozoa and fertility potency were considered. We selected and reviewed articles that considered crucial roles of trace elements in human sperm function and fertility. Ca is essential for sperm motility and its hyperactivation, sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction, as well as sperm chemotaxis. Sodium (Na) and potassium (K) are involved in sperm motility and capacitation. Mg is necessary for normal ejaculation, spermatogenesis and sperm motility. Zn is one of the most significant nutrients in human semen. Seminal deficiency of Zn can be associated with delayed testicular development, impaired spermatogenesis, deficiency of sex hormones, oxidative stress and inflammation, and apoptosis. Se is another significant element which has antioxidative properties and is essential for spermatogenesis and the maintenance of male fertility. Mn is a potent stimulator for sperm motility; however, increased level of seminal plasma Se can be toxic for sperm. Like Se, Cu has antioxidative properties and has a positive effect on sperm parameters. Decreased level of these trace elements can negatively affect human reproductive health, semen quality, sperm normal function and as the result, fertility potency in men. Measurement of these trace elements in men with idiopathic infertility is necessary.
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for the treatment of traumatic brain injury: progress and prospects
Authors: Das Mahasweta , Mayilsamy Karthick , Mohapatra Shyam S. , Mohapatra Subhra
Published: June 2019

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a major cause of injury-related mortality and morbidity in the USA and around the world. The survivors may suffer from cognitive and memory deficits, vision and hearing loss, movement disorders, and different psychological problems. The primary insult causes neuronal damage and activates astrocytes and microglia which evokes immune responses causing further damage to the brain. Clinical trials of drugs to recover the neuronal loss are not very successful. Regenerative approaches for TBI using mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) seem promising. Results of preclinical research have shown that transplantation of MSCs reduced secondary neurodegeneration and neuroinflammation, promoted neurogenesis and angiogenesis, and improved functional outcome in the experimental animals. The functional improvement is not necessarily related to cell engraftment; rather, immunomodulation by molecular factors secreted by MSCs is responsible for the beneficial effects of this therapy. However, MSC therapy has a few drawbacks including tumor formation, which can be avoided by the use of MSC-derived exosomes. This review has focused on the research works published in the field of regenerative therapy using MSCs after TBI and its future direction.
Intertextuality as a strategy of glocalization: A comparative study of Nike’s and Adidas’s 2008 advertising campaigns in China
Authors: Li Songqing
Published: June 2019

This paper examines within the theoretical framework of intertextuality the mobilization of glocalization as an international marketing strategy in Nike’s and Adidas’s 2008 advertising campaigns in China. Intertextuality is seen as a form of mediation through which the glocalization strategy conducted within the domain of global marking is taken up in the domain of advertising communication. The paper also assumes the interrelations of intertextual performance to value orientations and group affiliations. By analyzing intertextuality in relation to affinity groups, it aims to resolve to some extent the conundrum of Nike’s more successful than Adidas in the sportswear market of China in a social-semiotic perspective. Two print ads constituting a representative example of the corpus were selected for a qualitative analysis. The comparative analysis of intertextuality reveals the contrasting methods of glocalization applied by Nike and Adidas in their 2008 advertising campaigns, thus offering an explanation for Nike’s triumph in competition with Adidas in China.