bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Italian Cohort of Nivolumab Expanded Access Program in Squamous Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Results from a Real-World Population
Authors: Crinò Lucio , Bidoli Paolo , Delmonte Angelo , Grossi Francesco , De Marinis Filippo , Ardizzoni Andrea , Vitiello Fabiana , Lo Russo Giuseppe , Parra Hector Soto , Cortesi Enrico , Cappuzzo Federico , Calabrò Luana , Tiseo Marcello , Turci Daniele , Gamucci Teresa , Antonelli Paola , Morabito Alessandro , Chella Antonio , Giannarelli Diana , Galetta Domenico
Published: April 2019

Background

Nivolumab has shown a survival benefit compared with docetaxel as second-line treatment for patients with previously treated advanced squamous non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in a randomized phase III trial. The experiences of patients and physicians in routine clinical practice are often different from those in a controlled clinical trial setting. We present data from the entire Italian cohort of patients with squamous NSCLC enrolled in a worldwide nivolumab NSCLC expanded access program.

Patients and Methods

Patients with pretreated advanced squamous NSCLC received nivolumab 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks for up to 24 months. Safety was monitored throughout; efficacy data collected included objective tumor response, date of progression, and survival information.

Results

The Italian cohort comprised 371 patients who received at least one dose of nivolumab. In the overall population, the objective response rate (ORR) was 18%, the disease control rate (DCR) was 47%, and median overall survival (OS) was 7.9 months (95% confidence interval 6.2–9.6). In subgroup analyses, ORR, DCR, and median OS were, respectively, 17%, 48%, and 9.1 months in patients previously treated with two or more lines of therapy (n = 209) and 8%, 40%, and 10.0 months in patients treated beyond disease progression (n = 65). In the overall population, the rate of any-grade and grade 3–4 adverse events was 29% and 6%, respectively. Treatment-related adverse events led to treatment discontinuation in 14 patients (5%). There were no treatment-related deaths.

Conclusion

To date, this report represents the most extensive clinical experience with nivolumab in advanced squamous NSCLC in current practice outside the controlled clinical trial setting. These data suggest that the efficacy and safety profiles of nivolumab in a broad, real-world setting are consistent with those obtained in clinical trials.

Implications for Practice

Nivolumab is approved in the U.S. and Europe for the treatment of advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after failure of prior platinum-based chemotherapy. In this cohort of Italian patients with previously treated, advanced squamous NSCLC treated in a real-world setting as part of the nivolumab expanded access program, the efficacy and safety of nivolumab was consistent with that previously reported in nivolumab clinical trials.
Toward an Expert Level of Lung Cancer Detection and Classification Using a Deep Convolutional Neural Network
Authors: Zhang Chao , Sun Xing , Dang Kang , Li Ke , Guo Xiao-wei , Chang Jia , Yu Zong-qiao , Huang Fei-yue , Wu Yun-sheng , Liang Zhu , Liu Zai-yi , Zhang Xue-gong , Gao Xing-lin , Huang Shao-hong , Qin Jie , Feng Wei-neng , Zhou Tao , Zhang Yan-bin , Fang Wei-jun , Zhao Ming-fang , Yang Xue-ning , Zhou Qing , Wu Yi-long , Zhong Wen-zhao
Published: April 2019

Background

Computed tomography (CT) is essential for pulmonary nodule detection in diagnosing lung cancer. As deep learning algorithms have recently been regarded as a promising technique in medical fields, we attempt to integrate a well-trained deep learning algorithm to detect and classify pulmonary nodules derived from clinical CT images.

Materials and Methods

Open-source data sets and multicenter data sets have been used in this study. A three-dimensional convolutional neural network (CNN) was designed to detect pulmonary nodules and classify them into malignant or benign diseases based on pathologically and laboratory proven results.

Results

The sensitivity and specificity of this well-trained model were found to be 84.4% (95% confidence interval [CI], 80.5%–88.3%) and 83.0% (95% CI, 79.5%–86.5%), respectively. Subgroup analysis of smaller nodules (<10 mm) have demonstrated remarkable sensitivity and specificity, similar to that of larger nodules (10–30 mm). Additional model validation was implemented by comparing manual assessments done by different ranks of doctors with those performed by three-dimensional CNN. The results show that the performance of the CNN model was superior to manual assessment.

Conclusion

Under the companion diagnostics, the three-dimensional CNN with a deep learning algorithm may assist radiologists in the future by providing accurate and timely information for diagnosing pulmonary nodules in regular clinical practices.

Implications for Practice

The three-dimensional convolutional neural network described in this article demonstrated both high sensitivity and high specificity in classifying pulmonary nodules regardless of diameters as well as superiority compared with manual assessment. Although it still warrants further improvement and validation in larger screening cohorts, its clinical application could definitely facilitate and assist doctors in clinical practice.
Depth of influence of rolling dynamic compaction
Authors: Scott Brendan , Jaksa Mark , Mitchell Peter
Published: April 2019

The depth of influence of rolling dynamic compaction (RDC) was investigated in a field trial using a four-sided impact roller. Earth pressure cells (EPCs) were placed at varying depths at a site consisting of homogeneous soil conditions. EPCs measured pressures imparted by RDC at 3·85 m depth; however, the largest magnitudes of pressure were confined to the top 2 m beneath the ground surface. These results were complemented by field density data, penetrometer and geophysical testing. A number of published case studies using the 8 t four-sided impact roller, for either improving ground in situ or compacting soil in thick layers, are summarised in this paper. Finally, equations are presented that predict first, the effective depth of improvement, appropriate for determining the depth to which the ground can be significantly improved in situ, and, second, the depth of major improvement for RDC, appropriate for thick-layer compaction.
Condicionantes e limitantes na aquisição de produtos da agricultura familiar pelo Programa de Alimentação Escolar no estado do Paraná
Authors: Triches Rozane Marcia , Simonetti Mariana Grisa , Perez-Cassarino Julian , Baccarin José Giacomo , Teo Carla Rosane Paz Arruda
Published: April 2019

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as dificuldades e os fatores que condicionam a aquisição de produtos da agricultura familiar para a alimentação escolar pela ótica dos atores sociais em municípios do Paraná. Para tanto, foi utilizada pesquisa qualitativa com entrevistas semiestruturadas com agricultores familiares, gestores, profissionais de extensão rural, membros do Conselho de Alimentação Escolar em oito municípios, com diferentes tamanhos populacionais e de diferentes macrorregiões. Os dados foram avaliados por categorização temática, para posterior análise de conteúdo. Barreiras como planejamento da produção, burocracia, logística, falta de comunicação, entre outras, foram referenciadas diferentemente pelos grupos de municípios e atores como dificuldades no cumprimento da legislação. Nos municípios onde existe maior participação, diálogo e parcerias entre gestores, agricultores, conselheiros e extensão rural há melhor aproveitamento dos recursos do Programa e esse entrosamento é mais evidente em municípios de médio e pequeno porte. Nesse sentido, evidencia-se a importância da existência de políticas públicas para a viabilização de mercados para a agricultura familiar, mas esta só se efetiva com a participação dos atores sociais.
Birinci Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Birinci Sınıf Matematik Dersi Öğretim Programına İlişkin Görüşlerinin İncelenmesi
Authors: KILINÇ Mehmet Barbaros , ANILAN Hüseyin
Published: April 2019

Bu çalışmada, birinci sınıf öğretmenlerinin ilkokul birinci sınıf

matematik dersi öğretim programına ilişkin görüşlerinin belirlenmesi ve bazı

değişkenlere göre karşılaştırılması amaçlanmıştır. Araştırmanın verileri

2016–2017 eğitim öğretim yılında Eskişehir ili merkezindeki devlet

ilkokullarında görev yapan birinci sınıf öğretmenlerinden toplanmıştır.

Öğretmenlerin görüşlerinin belirlenmesinde Sarıer (2007) tarafından hazırlanan

veri toplama aracı kullanılmıştır. Veri toplama aracının uygulanması için öğretmen

seçiminde tesadüfi küme örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Veriler bir

istatistik paket programında çözümlenmiştir. Verilerin çözümlenmesinde t testi

ve tek yönlü varyans analizi kullanılmıştır. Elde edilen sonuçlarına göre,

araştırmaya katılan öğretmenlerin birinci sınıf matematik dersi öğretim

programını genel anlamda olumlu buldukları görülmüştür. Ancak öğretmenlerin

özellikle ölçme ve değerlendirmede bazı sorunlarla karşılaştıkları

anlaşılmaktadır
Public and cultural diplomacy of the United States
Authors: Gavrylevko Illya
Published: April 2019

The paper deals with public and cultural diplomacy of the United States, which are regarded as a specific foreign policy tool. The author traces back the introduction of such practice by the United States and its evolution, and also distinguishes their features. Special attention is being paid to the issue of effectiveness of the U.S. public and cultural diplomacy.
Resistência da união de restaurações confeccionadas com sistemas adesivos universais em dentes acometidos por erosão ácida
Authors: Giacomini Cristiane , Maurina Rosangela , Tomazoni Fernanda , Bellan Mariá Cortina , Alessandretti Rodrigo , Galafassi Daniel
Published: April 2019

Objetivos: Avaliar a resistência adesiva de diferentes sistemas adesivos universais em esmalte e dentina erodidos. Métodos: As unidades experimentais foram compostas por 30 fragmentos de esmalte bovino e 30 fragmentos de dentina bovina divididos aleatoriamente em três grupos experimentais de acordo com os sistemas adesivos universais utilizados (n = 10): Single Bond Universal (3M ESPE), Peak Universal (Ultradent) e Ambar Universal (FGM). Previamente as restaurações, os fragmentos de esmalte e dentina foram submetidos à desafio erosivo em ácido cítrico a 0,3% (pH = 2,6) durante cinco minutos, quatro vezes por dia por cinco dias. Um cilindro de resina composta (Forma, Ultradent) com 2mm de diâmetro foi construído em cima de cada fragmento. A resistência ao cisalhamento foi avaliada em máquina de ensaio universal (1mm/min). Os valores obtidos de resistência da união (MPa) foram analisados por ANOVA dois fatores e teste de Bonferroni (α=0,05). Resultados: Não houve diferença significativa entre os sistemas adesivos testados no mesmo substrato. O esmalte apresentou maiores valores de resistência da união que a dentina. Houve predomínio da falha coesiva em resina no esmalte e falha adesiva na dentina. Conclusão: Os sistemas adesivos universais testados apresentaram resistência adesiva semelhantes entre si dentro do mesmo substrato erodido.
Diálogo entre arquitetura e ensino: contribuições da arquitetura aliada ao método montessoriano para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem
Authors: Minato Rochele Thais , Kunen Adriana , Pezente Maria Fernanda Miranda , Pagno Daniele Kunz
Published: April 2019

A educação infantil, além de possibilitar descobertas e conhecimentos, torna-se também formadora da personalidade da criança. Este trabalho consiste em um estudo acerca da importância da arquitetura escolar para o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, mediante o uso da teoria pedagógica montessoriana e utilizando-se de aparatos como o ludicismo, as cores e a acessibilidade. O objetivo foi expor como a arquitetura, aliada ao método de ensino montessoriano, pode prover uma educação de qualidade. Diante disso, justifica-se a importância desta pesquisa, visto que a arquitetura e o ensino montessoriano podem motivar a aprendizagem da criança, transformando a educação em um instrumento que a estimule a aprender de modo prazeroso. Para isso, aplica-se um método de pesquisa que utiliza revisões da bibliografia acerca do tema e análise de projetos referenciais sobre o assunto, relacionando a teoria com a prática. Com base nisso, pode-se destacar as principais características presentes em um estabelecimento de ensino baseada na pedagogia montessoriana e como elas podem atuar em benefício da educação, além de apresentar recursos que a arquitetura dispõe que favorecem o processo de ensino-aprendizagem, mostrando o quanto um ambiente planejado e agradável torna-se fundamental para o pleno desenvolvimento infantil.
Planes y juegos
Authors: Spinelli Hugo
Published: April 2019

Este artículo se estructura sobre dos conceptos: la planificación (como intento de predicción del futuro a través de la razón) y el juego (en tanto libertad en el presente), desde los cuales se discuten los procesos de trabajo, las formas organizativas, la institucionalidad y la gestión de las instituciones públicas del campo social, con énfasis en las del campo de la salud y la educación. A partir del planteo de Nietzsche sobre las figuras mitológicas griegas Dionisio y Apolo, se realiza una síntesis del desarrollo de la planificación en América Latina a través de Carlos Matus y Mario Testa para, desde allí, analizar el juego a lo largo de la historia, la propuesta del Homo ludens y la presencia no reconocida del juego en el cotidiano de las instituciones sociales. Entender el juego no garantiza que se cambien las formas en que se lo juega. Allí reside la complejidad y el desafío que debe ser pensado en la relación de estructuras que son estructurantes pero que, a su vez, son estructuradas por la acción de sus agentes, en el marco de procesos de reproducción y dominación social que naturalizan las formas institucionales vigentes.
The Role of Virtual Surgical Planning in Increasing the Predictability in Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Quereshy Faisal A , Levintov Nikolay , Nguyen Justin L , DeLeonibus Maria A , Demko Catherine , Bazina Mohamed , Valiathan Manish , Baur Dale A
Published: April 2019

Purpose: To evaluate our surgical outcomes by comparing our surgical plan to the outcome of the surgery and evaluate our efficacy using Virtual Surgical Planning and Medical Modeling software. Our aim is to determine the quality and validity of Virtual Surgical Planning when comparing pre-surgical plans with post-surgical outcomes. Patients and Methods: A cohort study was conducted for patients who underwent orthognathic surgery at a single institution.  Utilizing virtual plans and models, select points for the virtual plans were compared and superimposed with that of the actual surgical movements.  The primary predictor variable were the pre-surgical virtual plans of movements; the outcome variable consisted of the actual post-surgical movements.  Statistical analysis was computed via IBM SPSS Version 25 software utilizing a paired t-test assuming equal variance with alpha (p<0.05). The sample of patients included those who had pre-operative and post-operative cone beam computed tomography scans, a virtual surgical plan, CAD/CAM splints, and LeFort I osteotomy and bilateral sagittal split osteotomy.Results: The study consisted of ten patients between the ages of 18-51 years old. Pre and post surgical plans were superimposed and four points of measurement were compared along 3 dimensional planes. There were no statistical significant associations between the virtually planned and post surgical planned values.Conclusion: Our results suggest that the use of virtual surgical planning in orthognathic surgery yields favorable and accurate surgical outcomes regarding rotational movements with minor degrees of discrepancies.
The Roles of Micro and Small Enterprises in Empowering Women: The Case of Jimma Town, Ethiopia
Authors: Feyisa Bizuayehu Daba , Tamene Kaleb Amanu
Published: April 2019

The main aim of this study was to assess the roles of Micro and Small Enterprises in Empowering Women in Jimma Town. In this study, the researchers employed purely qualitative research approach. Purposive sampling technique was employed as appropriate sampling technique to select research participants. In addition to this, the researchers also used data gathering tools such as in-depth interview and non-participant observations. The study found out that Micro and Small enterprises in Jimma Town have played significant roles in empowering some women entrepreneurs economically and socially by improving their livelihoods, enhancing their self-confidence, decision making capacity, financial autonomy, freedom of mobility and also boosting their social-interactions. The study also found out that women entrepreneurs have been facing serious challenges against their business such as lack of appropriate working and selling places, market linkages, loan, and shortages of raw materials and frequent interruptions of electric power supply. So, the researchers recommended that all concerned government institutions shall try their level best to address such problems to advance women’s empowerment through micro and small enterprises to the best level.
Corrected QT Interval Prolongations in Patients with non–ST-Elevation Acute Coronary Syndrome
Authors: Nabati Maryam , Dehghan Zahra , Kalantari Bahareh , Yazdani Jamshid
Published: April 2019

Background: The presence of different risk groups among patients with the non–ST-elevation acute coronary syndrome indicates the need for new tools to establish early diagnoses and prognostic stratifications. The role of prolonged corrected QT (QTc) intervals in myocardial ischemia has yet to be thoroughly assessed. The purpose of our study was to assess the significance of QTc prolongations during acute non–ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI) or unstable angina.
Methods: The QTc interval was measured in 205 patients admitted with NSTEMI or unstable angina to the Coronary Care Unit of Fatemeh Zahra Hospital between 2014 and 2015. On that basis, the patients were divided into those with normal (<440 ms) and the ones with prolonged (≥440 ms) QTc intervals. Echocardiography and coronary angiography were performed within 48 to 72 hours after hospitalization. A logistic regression model was applied to assess the predictors of left ventricular systolic dysfunction.
Results: The mean age of the patients was 58.21±10.72 years, and men comprised 51% of the participants. Overall, a QTc interval prolongation of ≥440 ms was present in 45 subjects (21.95% of the patients), which was significantly associated with a previous myocardial infarction (MI) (P=0.024), a minimum ST depression of 1 mm in the inferior leads (P=0.006), and a maximum left ventricular ejection fraction of 35% (P=0.018). Furthermore, among the different electrocardiographic variables, only a prolonged QTc interval (OR=0.275, 95% CI=0.078–0.976; and P=0.046) was inversely associated with the left ventricular systolic function.
Conclusion: Our study showed that prolonged QTc intervals can be used as a useful risk marker for identifying high-risk patients with the acute coronary syndrome.
Two- and Three-Dimensional Echocardiography in the Evaluation of the Paravalvular Regurgitation of the Mitral Valve Annuloplasty Ring
Authors: Guner Ahmet , Kahveci Gokhan
Published: April 2019

The abstract not available.
REVALUATION HARMONIZATION: DIGGING THE SOLUTION OF TRADITIONAL AND MODERN MARKET CONFLICTS IN SURAKARTA
Authors: . Harun , Yuspin Wardah , . Handoyo
Published: April 2019

Purpose of Study: The research aims to determine: 1) the policy implementation of legal protection of traditional markets in Surakarta, and 2) The causes of conflict between traditional markets and modern markets in Surakarta.Methodology: The research used the sociological juridical approach with traditional markets in Surakarta as the study population. The sampling technique was purposive sampling by classifying the market class with sub-populations based on the homogeneous typology.Results: The results of this research were: (1) the implementation of legal protection of traditional markets in Surakarta included the preventive, repressive, and functional legal protection, (2) the causes of conflict between the modern and traditional markets in Surakarta examined from juridical normative and sociology. The conflict can be solved by preventive and repressive legal protection.Implications/Applications: The efforts to prevent conflict in the traditional markets are in the form of regulatory and implementation. Therefore, the enforcement and legal protection model of traditional markets in Surakarta can be implemented properly.
How to use mixed-methods and triangulation designs: An introduction to history education research
Authors: Kelle Udo , Kühberger Christoph , Bernhard Roland
Published: April 2019

As in many other social science disciplines, mixed methods and triangulation are gaining importance in history education research. Nevertheless, in this discipline there is also a prevailing lack of theoretical and methodological reflection about method integration. With this article,
we wish to stimulate the methodological debate regarding this issue within the community of history education researchers and to strengthen the research profile of the discipline. We start by presenting lines of discussion regarding adequate research methods for the investigation of different
types of social phenomena. Thereafter, we show how the 'paradigm wars' in social research were mitigated by the development of integrative concepts such as triangulation and mixed methods. Then we focus on current developments in history education research in German-speaking countries. Finally,
we give a brief overview on international research into history teachers' beliefs, thereby addressing specific challenges for the application of triangulation or mixed methods in our discipline.
Student essays expressing historical thinking: A quantitative and dually qualitative analysis of 1,100 papers for the History Contest of the German President
Authors: Wosnitza Christopher , Meyer-Hamme Johannes
Published: April 2019

History educationalists internationally agree on describing historical thinking and learning on the basis of narrative theoretical models. However, it is striking that there is often a significant difference between rigorous, demanding theoretical and normative expectations, and disappointing
empirical results. In the context of the student dissertation project presented here, a substantially wide range of essays has been chosen. More than 1,100 essays from history students between the ages of 7 and 21, with an average length of 33 pages, provide the foundation of this research
project. Considering the amount of relevant data (the essays, and submissions using other genres) involved, we developed as a methodological evaluation tool a mixed-methods approach with an explanatory three-phase design (QUANT – QUANT/QUAL – QUAL). This paper presents theoretical
and methodological approaches drawing upon examples plus exemplary results of the quantitative and qualitative evaluation of student essays. Thus, we present for discussion the potential of the research field for mixed-methods research.
The experience of and reflection on triangulation and/or mixed methods, discussing a study on the ideal and reality, use and understanding of history textbooks
Authors: von Borries Bodo
Published: April 2019

This paper reflects on the achievements of triangulation but also on its inconsistencies and contradictions. It suggests that mixed methods can be confusing. Good triangulation should involve intensive reflection on a variety of materials and analyses, as well as a necessary complexity
of questions and results.This implies a tolerant overlap between single-method and mixed-methods approaches. The paper illustrates these points by discussing an early example of mixed-methods research, a large project – Understanding of Textbooks, Use of Syllabuses and Processes of Reflection
in History Lessons – carried out by the author in 2002. The aim of this study was to evaluate history textbooks and the ways in which historical sources and narratives were presented and used. It involved both a closed format, which produced quantitative data – a questionnaire,
used to collect data on participants' knowledge, attitudes, emotions, and competences – and qualitative data collected from a subgroup of participants, who wrote short essays related to sections of the questionnaire. Some were interviewed after completing the questionnaire ('stimulated
recall'). In this way, a type of two-step triangulation study emerged involving micro- and macro-analysis. The paper reflects on positive aspects of the study and also on its weakness. Participants' responses showed almost no correlation between their definition of the ideal textbook, which
would deal with controversial issues, and the ways in which they used textbooks, with no recognition of the ambiguity.
Children's understanding of time: A study in a primary history classroom
Authors: Solé Glória
Published: April 2019

This paper reports findings from a study of Portuguese primary children's understanding of time and historical time. The research involved two classes (first grade, with 24 students aged 6 to 7, and third grade, with 25 students aged 8 to 9) of primary school students during two school
academic years in an urban primary school in northern Portugal. The main aim of the study was to analyse how students from the first to fourth grade of education develop chronological (time) concepts and historical understanding. Different data collection techniques and methodologies were
used that allowed for three types of triangulation. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews, open interviews, participant researcher observation, audio data, field notes and class diaries. The research was undertaken by the researcher and the class teacher. The research was
carried out though a longitudinal study over two years. At three times during the study, the students were asked to arrange historical pictures in chronological order and to explain their sequences. The research data were analysed using a deductive approach. This allowed the construction of
a conceptualization system with parameters, categories and subcategories. The findings suggest that temporal understanding and historical thinking are developed gradually but, significantly, they can be facilitated and accelerated by means of specific social studies/history teaching strategies
and pedagogy – that is, an intervention strategy.
DECRESCIMENTO E O BEM-VIVER: ENSAIOS SOBRE A PERSPECTIVA DE UM HORIZONTE SUSTENTÁVEL
Authors: Borges Gustavo Silveira , Leandro Rafael
Published: April 2019

O presente artigo analisa a teoria do decrescimento e a filosofia andina do bem-viver como instrumentos de garantia de um horizonte sustentável. Por haver divergências nos relatórios ambientais e doutrina acerca do desenvolvimento sustentável e a sua eficácia, o decrescimento ganha notoriedade por apresentar um modelo de alteração radical de sociedade no que concerne as suas prioridades, controvertendo índices de crescimento, como o PIB, e sugerindo outros para medição de sua satisfação. No mesmo caminho, quebrando paradigmas coloniais, Equador e Bolívia passaram a proteger o meio ambiente como sujeito de direito a fim de garantir o bem-viver (ou sumak kawsay) da atual e futura geração. A pesquisa demonstra como tais conceitos comunicam-se a fim de fornecer perspectiva a um meio-ambiente realmente sustentável.
Utility Approaches to Evaluating the Effectiveness of Consumer Confidence Reports
Authors: Evans Jessica , Carpenter Adam T.
Published: April 2019

The Safe Drinking Water Act Amendments of 1996 require community water systems in the United States to send consumers Consumer Confidence Reports (CCRs). CCRs contain information on detected contaminants and required educational information about drinking water. The authors of this study developed a survey to evaluate how utilities track consumer feedback, understanding, and the role of the CCR in shaping consumer perceptions about water quality. Responses from this survey indicate it is common for utilities to indirectly track the effectiveness of their CCRs, but few utilities indicated directly evaluating consumer understanding or the effect of CCRs on consumer perceptions.
Streamline's Shape Theory
Authors: George Yuvaraj
Published: April 2019

This article attempts to formulate a mathematical model for a potential explanation regarding the unavoidable impact of a rigid body's peculiar shape on the seamless flow over it. The solid body completely immersed in a Newtonian fluid and respectively has a relative open circuit flow on it will typically experience various observable phenomena like flow separation, flow transition, down-wash, stalling at the higher angle of attack, stalling velocity and how cambered airfoil can typically generate lift at a zero incidence angle. This article respectively represents an understanding of the laminar flow over a rigid body's external surface with due respect to its distinctive shape and size. This working paper formulates a more realistic and simplified mathematical model for open circuit laminar flow over a body, based on the historical data of aerodynamics and theoretical mechanics. This is intended to properly estimate forces on the continuous surface of the body in a laminar flow, to properly explain, understand and predict mentioned phenomena. Most of all the mechanism of streamline formation and its deformation with due regards to flow, shape and size of the body in an open-circuit laminar are formulated mathematically to enhance better design theory which can reduce experimentation while designing a streamlined body.
Viability of 4 Wild Strains L. paraplantarum, L. plantarum, W. paramesenteroides, and E. faecalis in Fermented Probiotic Grape Marmalade during Storage at both 5°C and 25°C
Authors: Samedi Lesly , Charles Albert Linton
Published: April 2019

Grape foods fermented with probiotics are sources of beneficial bacteria for the GI tract and also have a high antioxidant capacity. The addition of probiotics to ferment food has always been a traditional process; therefore, probiotic dairy and non-dairy products might contribute to a daily antioxidant diet to improve consumers’ life quality and health. This research was undertaken to determine the viability of 4 wild isolates of Lactobacillus for storage at 5 and 25ºC within 90 days in simulated synthetic grape media and a standard grape marmalade formulation. Changes in active culture numbers, pH level, glucose concentration, and antioxidant properties were evaluated. Most of the isolates demonstrated higher growth in the grape marmalade than the synthetic grape marmalade, which was greater than 7 Log cfu/g within 90 days of storage at 5ºC. In addition, most of the wild isolates grew beyond the critical count of 106 cfu/g in sampling between 60 and 90 days of storage. Moreover, fermented grape marmalade with probiotics showed a strong antioxidant capacity that failed to differ significantly with the synthetic medium. The study confirmed L. paraplantarum, L. plantarum, W. paramesenteroides, and E. feacalis were ideal probiotics for fermentation process of grape marmalade.
A New Representation of Extended Mittage-Leffler Function and Its Properties
Authors: Ghaffar Abdul , Saif Ayesha , Khan Faheem
Published: April 2019

In this article, our main purpose is to establish a new extension of Mittag-Leffler function by using the known extended beta function $\mathbf{B}_{\omega}(a,b;p)$ introduced in [1]. It led to a novel extension of the applicability of Mittag-Leffler function that introduced them as distributions defined for a specific set of functions. We also, investigate some of its important properties, namely recursion relation, Mellin transform and differential formulas.
Using Multiple Index Comprehensive Method to Assess Urban Rainstorm Disasters Risk in Jiangsu Province, China
Authors: Chen Junfei , Chen Mengchen , Zhou Pei
Published: April 2019

A new model for risk assessment of urban rainstorm disasters, based on information diffusion method and variable fuzzy sets (IDM-VFS) was proposed. In addition, an integrated index system of urban rainstorm risk was established. In the proposed model, IDM was employed to calculate the classification standards of urban rainstorm risk levels, then the VFS was adopted to assess the dangerousness, sensitivity, vulnerability and comprehensive risk of urban rainstorm disasters. In the present study, the urban rainstorm risk of Jiangsu province was evaluated with the proposed model. The results show that Wuxi, Changzhou, Nanjing and Suzhou have higher dangerousness, due to sustained rainfall and strong rainfall intensity in short duration; Wuxi, Changzhou and Nanjing have higher sensitivity because of lower disaster resistance ability; and Wuxi and Suzhou have higher vulnerability because these cities have higher potential losses in face of urban rainstorm disasters. The comprehensive risk zoning map of urban rainstorm shows apparent regional characteristics: the northwestern cities have lower risk than the southern cities. Moreover, most cities of the Jiangsu province are of the moderate urban rainstorm risk level. The results are consistent with the actual situation of Jiangsu province, and the study can provide some decision-making references for the urban rainstorm management.
Lactobacillus Strains as Opportunistic Pathogens. A Review
Authors: Rossi Franca , Amadoro Carmela , Colavita Giampaolo
Published: April 2019

Microorganisms belonging to the Lactobacillus genus are naturally associated or deliberately added to fermented food products and are widely used in probiotic food additives and supplements. Moreover these bacteria normally colonize mouth, gastrointestinal (GI) tract and female genitourinary tract of humans. They exert multiple beneficial effects and are regarded as safe microorganisms. However, infections caused by lactobacilli, mainly endocarditis, bacteremia and pleuropneumonia occasionally occur. The relevance of Lactobacillus spp. as opportunistic pathogens in humans and related risk factors and predisposing conditions are illustrated in this review article with more emphasis on the species L. rhamnosus, that has been more often involved in infection cases. The methods used to identify this species in clinical samples, to distinguish strains and to evaluate traits that can be associated to pathogenicity, as well as future perspectives for improving the identification of potentially pathogenic strains are outlined.
A Ducted Photovoltaic Façade Unit with Buoyancy Cooling: Part I Experiment
Authors: Elbakheit Abdel Rahman
Published: April 2019

A ducted photovoltaic façade (DPV) unit Studied using experimental Prototype and simulated in a full scale Computational Fluid Dynamics CFD Model. The Study comes in two parts; This is Part I with the title detailed above and Part II titled ‘A Ducted Photovoltaic Façade Unit with Buoyancy Cooling: Part II CFD Simulation’.. The process adopted in the experimental study is replicated in the simulation Part.  The aim was to optimize the duct width behind the solar cells to allow for maximum buoyancy-driven cooling for the cells during operation. Duct widths from 5 to 50 cm were tested in a Proto-type. A duct width of 45 cm had the maximum calculated heat removed from the duct; however, the lowest cell-operating temperature was reported for duct width of 50 cm. It was found that the DT between ducts' inlets and outlets range from 5.47 °C to 12.32 °C for duct widths of 5–50 cm, respectively. The ducted system enhanced module efficiency by 12.69% by reducing PV temperature by 27 °C from 100°C to 73 °C. The maximum calculated heat recovered from the ducted PV system is 422 W. This is 47.98% from the incident radiation in the test. Total summation of heat recovered and power enhanced by the ducted system is 61.67%.
Linking Education and Research: A Roadmap for Higher Education Institutions at the Dawn of the Knowledge Society
Authors: Berglund Per , Dannetun Per , Chan Wai Lee , Gold Julie , Han Sam , Hansson Heidi , Harvey Simon , Huang Jun Song , Larsson Ann-Charlotte , Linton Steven , McInerney Gerald , Magnell Marie , Popov Oleg , Quttineh Nils-Hassan , Richards Tobias , Song Juha , Switzer Adam D. , Tegler Jerselius Kristina , Vikström Susanne , Wikström Martin , Yu Kang Yang Trevor , Yeo Jesvin Puay-Hwa , Zary Nabil , Pohl Hans , Ellervik Ulf
Published: April 2019

In an era characterized by a move towards a “knowledge society”, universities are central in fostering “knowledgeability”, that is the reflexive understanding of knowledge in knowledge societies. The objective of “knowledgeability” can be met through creating a stronger link between education and research. Furthermore, overall student performance, for example in critical thinking and problem solving, can be improved if research-related activities are incorporated into the curriculum. The aim of this paper is to use inter-national examples to discuss the research- education nexus from four different perspectives, namely context, policy, im- plementation and quality, with case studies from higher education institutions in Singapore and Sweden. We suggest that different integrative technologies can be used to enhance the links, but it will be essential to consider the inputs of training, service and support in using new technology. Interestingly, the act of evaluating the link between edu- cation and research will increase awareness of this linkage by stakeholders involved in both education and research. In turn the link can be strengthened, contributing to increased quality in both education and research.
RADIATE – Radial Dysplasia Assessment, Treatment and Aetiology: Protocol for the development of a core outcome set using a Delphi survey
Authors: Murphy George , Logan Malcolm , Smith Gill , Sivakumar Bran
Published: April 2019

Background: Radial dysplasia (RD) is a disfiguring, potentially disabling congenital upper limb anomaly. Multiple surgical techniques are in current use, with little agreement on the optimal treatment approach. At present, no core outcome set exists specifically for radial dysplasia, and the literature is dominated by retrospective case series. A recent systematic review by this group demonstrated significant heterogeneity in both which outcomes are measured, and how they are measured. Methods: The RADIATE study will conduct a three-round online Delphi process, involving adult radial dysplasia patients, the parents of children with radial dysplasia, hand surgeons and hand therapists. The initial list of outcomes is drawn from our recent systematic review and will be supplemented by suggestions from the stakeholder groups. Following the Delphi process, outcomes which meet the ‘consensus in’ definition will be ratified at a final consensus meeting. We will then follow the COSMIN guidelines to select outcome measurement instruments; where appropriate, these will overlap with the outcome measures specified in the forthcoming ICHOM congenital upper limb anomalies standard set. Discussion: The Radial Dysplasia Assessment, Treatment and Aetiology (RADIATE) study aims to address the uncertainty in the treatment of radial dysplasia, and to begin to answer the question “what is the most appropriate treatment for children with radial dysplasia?” by establishing a core outcome set. Trial registration: COMET initiative study 902, registered May 2016 http://www.comet-initiative.org/studies/details/902
On the matter of topological insulators as magnetoelectrics
Authors: Armitage N. Peter , Wu Liang
Published: April 2019

It has been proposed that topological insulators can be best
characterized not as surface conductors, but as
bulk magnetoelectrics that – under the right
conditions– have a universal quantized magnetoelectric response
coefficient \boldsymbol{e^2/2 h}𝐞2/2𝐡.
However, it is not clear to what extent these conditions are achievable
in real materials that can have disorder, finite chemical potential,
residual dissipation, and even inversion symmetry. This has led to some
confusion and misconceptions. The primary goal of this work is to
illustrate exactly under what real life scenarios and in what context
topological insulators can be described as magnetoelectrics. We explore
analogies of the 3D magnetoelectric response to electric polarization in
1D in detail, the formal vs. effective polarization and magnetoelectric
susceptibility, the \boldsymbol{\frac{1}{2}}12
quantized surface quantum Hall effect, the multivalued nature of the
magnetoelectric susceptibility, the role of inversion symmetry, the
effects of dissipation, and the necessity for finite frequency
measurements. We present these issues from the perspective of
experimentalists who have struggled to take the beautiful theoretical
ideas and to try to measure their (sometimes subtle) physical
consequences in messy real material systems.
Comparison of five point-of-use drinking water technologies using a specialized comparison framework
Authors: Siwila Stephen , Brink Isobel C.
Published: April 2019

Three novel and two commercially available low-cost point-of-use (PoU) water treatment technologies were comparatively evaluated using a specialized comparison framework targeted at them. The comparison results and specialized framework have been discussed. The PoU systems were evaluated principally in terms of performance, flow rate and cost per volume of water treated (quantitatively), ease of use, potential acceptability and material availability (qualitatively) with main focus on rural and suburban settings. The three novel systems assessed were developed in an ongoing research project aimed at developing a multibarrier low-cost PoU water treatment system. The comparative evaluation and analysis revealed that the commercially available systems may often produce water free of pathogens (with an apparent 100% removal for Escherichia coli and fecal coliforms) but may not be affordable for application to the poorest groups in much of the developing world. The novel systems, which were principally constructed from local materials, were more affordable, can supply relatively safe water and can be constructed by users with minimal training. Overall, bacterial removal effectiveness, ease of use, flow rate, material availability, cost and acceptability aspects of water were identified as key to potential adoption and sustainability of the evaluated low-cost PoU systems.
Removal of metals from water using a novel high-rate algal pond and submerged macrophyte pond treatment reactor
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Song Xinshan , Li Hongwei , Ding Yi
Published: April 2019

A combined high-rate algal pond and submerged macrophyte pond (APMP) reactor was introduced as a novel biotechnique for efficient heavy metals (HMs) removal from wastewater. The role of water temperature, light regime, and N:P mass ratio on algae growth and HMs removal as well as effects of macrophyte species and densities on algae extermination were investigated through batch experiments. Results showed that water temperature significantly affected algae proliferation and HMs removal. Effects of light regime and N:P only showed obvious influences on HMs removal performance at high temperature. HMs removal efficiency reached 75.8% (Cr), 63.6% (Pb), and 61.1% (Zn) at 5-day hydraulic retention time (HRT) in APMP. Positive correlation existed closely between HMs removal and algal growth with long HRT. Algae were strongly inhibited by Ceratophyllum demersum and Vallisneria natans at plant density of 20–30 rhizomes m−2 with effluent algae concentration about 1,000 cells mL−1 at 7-day HRT. Results suggested that the APMP reactor was efficient for HMs removal from wastewater, indicating a possible effective metals removal technique by using APMP.
Metal Complexes as Promising Agents for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Loginova Natalia V. , Harbatsevich Hleb I. , Osipovich Nikolai P. , Ksendzova Galina A. , Koval’chuk Tatsiana V. , Polozov Genrikh I.
Published: April 2019

Background::

In this review article, a brief overview of novel metallotherapeutic agents
(with an emphasis on the complexes of essential biometals) promising for medical application is
presented. We have also focused on the recent work carried out by our research team, specifically
the development of redox-active antimicrobial complexes of sterically hindered diphenols with some
essential biometals (copper, zinc, nickel).

Results::

The complexes of essential metals (manganese, iron, cobalt, nickel, copper, zinc) described
in the review show diverse in vitro biological activities, ranging from antimicrobial and antiinflammatory
to antiproliferative and enzyme inhibitory. It is necessary to emphasize that the type of
organic ligands in these metal complexes seems to be responsible for their pharmacological
activities. In the last decades, there has been a significant interest in synthesis and biological
evaluation of metal complexes with redox-active ligands. A substantial step in the development of
these redox-active agents is the study of their physicochemical and biological properties, including
investigations in vitro of model enzyme systems, which can provide evidence on a plausible
mechanism underlying the pharmacological activity. When considering the peculiarities of the
pharmacological activity of the sterically hindered diphenol derivatives and their nickel(II),
copper(II) and zinc(II) complexes synthesized, we took into account the following: (i) all these
compounds are potential antioxidants and (ii) their antimicrobial activity possibly results from their
ability to affect the electron-transport chain.

Conclusion::

We obtained novel data demonstrating that the level of antibacterial and antifungal
activity in the series of the above-mentioned metal-based antimicrobials depends not only on the
nature of the phenolic ligands and complexing metal ions, but also on the lipophilicity and reducing
ability of the ligands and metal complexes, specifically regarding the potential biotargets of their
antimicrobial action – ferricytochrome c and the superoxide anion radical. The combination of
antibacterial, antifungal and antioxidant activity allows one to consider these compounds as
promising substances for developing therapeutic agents with a broad spectrum of activities.
Recent Advances in High-throughput Platforms with Engineered Biomaterial Microarrays for Screening of Cell and Tissue Behavior
Authors: Park Kijun , Lee Yeontaek , Seo Jungmok
Published: April 2019

In the last decades, bioengineers have developed myriad biomaterials for regenerative medicine. Development of screening techniques is essential for understanding complex behavior of cells in the biological microenvironments. Conventional approaches to the screening of cellular behavior in vitro have limitations in terms of accuracy, reusability, labor-intensive screening, and versatility. Thus, drug screening and toxicology test through in vitro screening platforms have been underwhelming. Recent advances in the high-throughput screening platforms somewhat overcome the limitations of in vitro screening platforms via repopulating human tissues’ biophysical and biomchemical microenvironments with the ability to continuous monitoring of miniaturized human tissue behavior. Herein, we review current trends in the screening platform in which a high-throughput system composed of engineered microarray devices is developed to investigate cell-biomaterial interaction. Furthermore, diverse methods to achieve continuous monitoring of cell behavior via developments of biosensor integrated high-throughput platforms, and future perspectives on high-throughput screening will be provided.