bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Voxel-based morphometry in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
Authors: Bakulin I. S. , Konovalov R. N. , Krotenkova M. V. , Suponeva N. A. , Zakharova M. N.
Published: January 2019

Objective:to investigate changes in grey matter volume in patients with classical amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and lower motor neuron syndrome (LMNS) with voxel-based morphometry (VBM).

Material and methods. 30 patients with classical ALS, 22 patients with LMNS and 23 age and gender matched healthy controls were enrolled in this study. All participants underwent a T1MPR (multiplanar reconstruction) magnetic resonance imaging with post-processing included spatial normalization, segmentation and smoothing. VBM was used to investigate changes in grey matter volume across the groups.

Results. There was a significant decrease in grey matter volume of middle part of left pre- and postcentral gyri, middle part of right precentral gyrus, right and left occipital lobes in patients with classical ALS compared to healthy subjects. There was no difference in grey matter volume between patients with LMNS and healthy controls. Patients with classical ALS showed a significant decrease in grey matter volume of middle part of left preand postcentral gyri, upper part of left precentral gyrus, middle and upper parts of right precentral gyrus, right and left occipital lobes compared to patients with LMNS. There was no significant correlation between grey matter volume and clinical findings in patients with ALS and LMNS.

Conclusion.VBM reveals a decrease in grey matter volume of motor and nonmotor brain regions in patients with classical ALS, but not in patients with LMNS.
Modulation of Renal Insulin Signaling Pathway and Antioxidant Enzymes with Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes: Effects of Resveratrol
Authors: Sadi Gökhan , Şahin Gamze , Bostancı Aykut
Published: January 2019

Background and objectives: Diabetes mellitus is a disease of insulin deficiency or its inability of usage by the target tissues leading to impairment of carbohydrate, lipid, and protein metabolisms. Resveratrol, having robust anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties, has a high potential to treat or prevent the pathogenesis of diseases. This study was conducted to reveal the relationship between diabetes-induced oxidative stress and tissue inflammation with changes in main enzymatic antioxidants (cat, sod, gpx, and gst) and the components of the insulin signaling pathway (insulin Rβ, irs-1, pi3k, akt, mtor) in kidney tissues. Additionally, the effects of resveratrol on these parameters were evaluated. Materials and Methods: Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups; (1) control/vehicle; (2) control/20 mg/kg resveratrol; (3) diabetic/vehicle; (4) diabetic/20 mg/kg resveratrol. Gene and protein expressions of antioxidant enzymes and insulin signaling elements were evaluated in renal tissues. Results: Downregulation of antioxidant enzymes’ gene expression in the kidney tissues of diabetic rats was demonstrated and this situation was devoted partially to the reduced gene expression of nfκb. Moreover, the components of renal insulin signaling elements were upregulated at both gene and protein expression levels in diabetic rats, and resveratrol treatment decreased this sensitization towards the control state. Conclusion: Resveratrol partially improved diabetes-induced renal oxidative stress and inflammation due to healing action on renal antioxidant enzymes and insulin signaling pathway components.
Microscopic Equations of State, Thermodynamical Properties, and System Collapse: Application of the Dynamical Equation of Period Vectors in Crystal Structure Prediction under External Temperature and Stress/Pressure
Authors: Liu Gang
Published: January 2019

In crystal structure prediction, Newton's second law can always be applied to particles (atoms or ions) in a cell to determine their positions. However the values of the period vectors (crystal cell edge vectors) should be determined as well. Here we applied the dynamical equation of period vectors derived recently based on Newton's laws (doi:/10.1139/cjp-2014-0518) for that purpose, where the period vectors are driven by the imbalance between the internal and external pressures/stresses. Since the internal stress has both a full kinetic energy term and a full interaction term, the in uences of both external temperature and stress/pressure on crystal structures can be calculated in the form of microscopic equations of state. Then thermodynamical properties and processes were presented, with thermal expansion shown even if only harmonic vibrations for phonons are considered. Finally, crystal system collapse due to temperature and/or stress/pressure change is discussed.
Doppler Shift Time Expansion Resolution and Spectral Performance in Wideband Real-Time RF Channel Emulators
Authors: Rossi Massimiliano
Published: January 2019

The possibility to test a radio frequency transceiver through the use of appropriate channel emulators allows to evaluate their performance under various operating conditions. Many systems are able to operate with a relatively limited instantaneous bandwidth by applying known statistical models. Sometimes it is necessary to evaluate the performance of a RF transceiver installed on high or very high speed platforms over predictable trajectories using optionally DEMs (Digital Elevation Models)data of the terrain to estimate the number of stimulated paths and their contributions during the flight. When the instantaneous bandwidth of the signal becomes high (over several hundred of MHz), one of the most important phenomenon to consider is the Doppler spread induced by the channel and traditional narrowband models become unuseful. In this paper there are presented some results when a time expansion is adopted in order to emulate the transceiver dynamic and the consequent Doppler spread with the aim to control the spectral purity of the emulated propagation channel.
La Crítica genética: un marco teórico sobre la disciplina, objetivos y método
Authors: LOIS Élida
Published: January 2019

El primer objetivo de la crítica genética es reconstruir la marcha de la escritura, pero a la vez intenta desentrañar la red de significaciones que se va configurando; desarrolla para ello dos tipos principales de actividades: la edición genética de textos modernos y el emprendimiento de diversas orien­taciones interpretativas. El examen de los procesos escriturales demuestra que en ese espacio late un perpetuo enfrentamiento entre unidad y diversidad, equilibrio e inestabilidad, y esa oposición dialéctica entre la permanencia y el cambio –inherente de la naturaleza de los procesos culturales– acompaña a los estudios filológicos desde sus orígenes: la crítica genética puede ser considerada, entonces, un avatar moderno de la Filología.
Génesis de la picaresca, absolutismo e individuo en las Vidas de Lázaro de Tormes y Guzmán de Alfarache
Authors: DARNIS Pierre
Published: January 2019

El contexto de crecimiento burocrático explica parte de la forma curricular del primer Lazarillo y de Guzmán de Alfarache. Pero fue también y paradójicamente la obligación burocrática de la narración personal la que alentaba a los ciudadanos de la Corona a distorsionar los hechos para fabricarse una vida ficcionalizada. La forma tramposa de los relatos de Lázaro y de Guzmán podrían ser en efecto el reflejo de la tensión que los españoles experimentaban entre presión curricular verídica e invención biográfica.
La presencia de Góngora en el pensamiento poético de José Ángel Valente
Authors: GARCÍA CANDEIRA Margarita
Published: January 2019

Este artículo analiza la interpretación que José Ángel Valente realiza de la personalidad poética y vital de Luis de Góngora. Partiendo especialmente de la obra ensayística del poeta gallego y de su biblioteca personal, trata de encuadrar la lectura valenteana en una serie de coordenadas críticas, personales y estéticas específicas, muy relacionadas por un lado con la poética de la retracción de Valente, de presupuestos antagónicos a la gongorina, así como con su experiencia biográfica y aproximación intelectual al exilio hispánico.
Juan Rufo, judeoconverso. El origen judío del autor de La Austríada
Authors: Soria Mesa Enrique
Published: January 2019

La consulta de nueva documentación nos permite descubrir el evidente origen judío de Juan Rufo. El autor de La Austríada se revela como descendiente de hebreos por todos los costados de su ascendencia. Además, muchos de sus parientes cercanos tuvieron graves problemas con la Inquisición o sufrieron rechazo por su condición de conversos. Este es el nuevo escenario desde el que hay que estudiar su obra a partir de ahora.
Auri sacra fames: un tópico épico en La Austríada
Authors: Montaner Frutos Alberto
Published: January 2019

La crítica de la codicia es un elemento común a La Araucana de Ercilla y a La Austríada de Rufo. Aunque el segundo se inspira puntualmente en el primero, el tema no depende de dicho influjo, sino que responde al acreditado tópico virgiliano del auri sacra fames, que es recurrente en la épica áurea, como se aprecia también en el Arauco domado de Oña y en La Dragontea de Lope. No obstante, el tópico recubre diversas situaciones, porque en el caso de las obras sobre las guerras mapuches supone una crítica de la codicia colectiva de los conquistadores, que atenta contra el orden social, mientras que en los otros dos poemas es una censura de la codicia particular de los soldados, que pone en jaque el buen orden y el decoro de la milicia
La presencia de Juan de Mena en el Cancionero Musical de la Colombina ms. 7-1-28 (A propósito de Vuestros ojos que miraron)
Authors: Cicchetti Ester L.
Published: January 2019

El Cancionero musical (ms. 7-1-28) de la Biblioteca Colombina de Sevilla recoge una de las colecciones más antiguas y célebres de polifonía profana de finales del siglo XV, obra de músicos como Triana y Cornago y de poetas de las prendas de Mena y Santillana. En este trabajo me he atenido a reflexionar sobre unas coplas anónimas e incompletas añadidas por otra mano en el f. 6r, justo detrás del villancico Gentil dama, musicado por Cornago. El cotejo con el resto de la tradición ha permitido aclarar la configuración de dichos fragmentos, y en algunos casos incluso su autoría y la intención del copista. Entre ellos destaca la canción de Juan de Mena Vuestros ojos que miraron, de la que no conocemos su melodía. Sin embargo, no es arriesgado suponer que también esta pieza, como otras dos del cordobés que se copiaron en el cancionero, se haya difundido por medio del canto. A través del examen de las relaciones retóricas, métricas y tématicas entre el villancico de Cornago, la canción de Mena y el resto de textos añadidos en el f. 6r, sin música, podría confirmar la hipótesis de que estos fragmentos se cantaran como alternativa a la mudanza de Gentil dama.
Libreros y editores foráneos a finales del siglo XVI: huellas francesas en la introducción de los novellieri en Castilla
Authors: Coppola Leonardo
Published: January 2019

A finales del siglo XVI y principios del XVII, impresores y editores galos, que ya habían apostado en Francia por la traducción/comercialización de los novellieri, abren un nuevo camino literario en España, afirmándose como verdaderos “patrocinadores” del género importado de Italia. Este trabajo revela el importante papel que desempeñaron los libreros franceses no solo en la introducción de los novellieri, sino también en su provecho y éxito comercial en el panorama español, que también parece haber incorporado las estrategias comerciales del país vecino. Una atención particular se reserva a la traducción castellana de Le Piacevoli notti de Straparola.
La construcción póstuma de la figura de Feijoo: los poemas laudatorios de sus exequias fúnebres (edición del corpus)
Authors: Olay Valdés Rodrigo
Published: January 2019

La figura de Feijoo como vir illustris de la República de las Letras y del canon nacional español se transparenta la poesía laudatoria que sobre él empezó a difundirse a mediados del siglo XVIII, entre la que sobresalen sin duda los 23 poemas incluidos en tres de las honras fúnebres publicadas en su honor en 1765 (obra de Francos Arango, Cernadas y Castro y un autor anónimo). En estas páginas se analiza la construcción autorial que estos poemas ofrecen de Feijoo, toda vez que se dan a conocer textos inéditos que revelan cómo la orden demanda que su lápida y su epitafio respondan a esa imagen monumental que ya se ha consolidado. Se analiza también cómo las poesías escritas por Diego Cernadas y Castro para el túmulo funerario de Feijoo fueron manipuladas en Oviedo para controlar la imagen que se ofrece del monje. Por último, se ofrece una edición crítica del corpus.
Applying Machine-Learning Techniques To Interpret Flow-Rate, Pressure, and Temperature Data From Permanent Downhole Gauges
Authors: Tian Chuan , Horne Roland N.
Published: January 2019

Permanent downhole gauges (PDGs) provide a continuous record of pressure, temperature, and, sometimes, flow rate during well production. The continuous record provides rich information about the reservoir and makes PDG data a valuable source for reservoir analysis (e.g., pressure-rate deconvolution for reservoir-model identification). It has been shown in previous work that the convolution-kernel (CK) -based data-mining approach is a promising tool to interpret flow-rate and pressure data from PDGs. The CK method denoises and deconvolves the pressure signal successfully without an explicit-breakpoint detection. However, the bottlenecks of computational efficiency and the incomplete recovery of reservoir behaviors limit the application of the method to interpret real-PDG data.

In this paper, three different machine-learning techniques were applied to flow-rate/pressure interpretation. We formulated the machine-learning techniques into a linear regression (LR) on parameters that connect the nonlinear flow-rate features with pressure targets. Such a formulation leads to a closed-form solution, which speeds up the computation dramatically. The machine-learning algorithms that were formulated using LR were shown to have the same learning quality as the CK method, and they outperformed it with much less computational effort. Next, the kernel method was applied to address the issue of the incomplete recovery of reservoir behaviors, because it efficiently expanded the dimension of the feature space without an explicit representation of the features, but it led to overfitting. Finally, kernel ridge regression (KRR) used the expanded features given by the kernel function to capture the more detailed reservoir behaviors, while controlling the prediction error using ridge regression (RR). It was shown that KRR recovers the full reservoir behaviors successfully (e.g., wellbore-storage effect, skin effect, infinite-acting radial flow, and boundary effect).

Some potential uses of temperature data from PDGs are also discussed in this paper. Machine learning was shown to be able to model the temperature and pressure data recorded by PDGs, even if the actual physical model is complex. This originates from the fact that, by using features as an approximation of model characteristics, machine learning does not require a perfect knowledge of the physical model. The modeling of pressure using temperature data was extended to two promising applications: pressure-history reconstruction using temperature data, and the cointerpretation of temperature and pressure data when flow-rate data are not available.
Adverse effects of honey on low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and adiponectin concentrations in patients with type 2 diabetes: a randomized controlled cross-over trial
Authors: Sadeghi Fatemeh , Salehi Saedeh , Akhlaghi Masoumeh
Published: January 2019

Background: Due to antioxidant and fructose content, honey may be a suitable sweetener for patients with type 2 diabetes. The aim was to investigate the long-term effect of natural honey on oxidative and inflammatory status of patients with type 2 diabetes.
Methods: In a randomized controlled cross-over trial, 43 patients with type 2 diabetes were allocated to either natural honey (50 g/day) plus dietary recommendations or only dietary recommendations for 8 weeks with one month washout period in between. Dietary recommendations included weight maintenance diets for participants on honey treatment and a deficit of -150 kcal for those on control. Serum lipids, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), and adiponectin levels were measured at baseline and the end of each sequence.
Results: Malondialdehyde (10.9%, p=0.01), hs-CRP (10.6%, p=0.003), and adiponectin (7.1%, p<0.001) concentrations significantly decreased in honey condition. Also, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol (16.8%, p<0.001) significantly decreased in control and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol significantly increased in both conditions. Between-group differences were only statistically significant for adiponectin (p=0.005) and LDL cholesterol (p=0.005). Energy intake increased during honey condition (9.4%, p=0.045) but the difference was not statistically significant between the two conditions (p=0.1).
Conclusion: The results suggest that consumption of 50 g/day honey has adverse effects on LDL cholesterol and adiponectin levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. These adverse effects may occur because of high fructose content of honey.
Trial registration: Iranian Registry of Clinical Trials, IRCT2015062122364N2. Registered on 4 August 2015 - Retrospectively registered, available at: https://en.irct.ir/trial/19299.
Keywords: Honey, type 2 diabetes, LDL cholesterol, adiponectin, cross-over, trial, malondialdehyde, hs-CRP.
Non-performing financing of Islamic rural bank industry in Indonesia
Authors: Nadratuzzaman Hosen Muhamad , Muhari Syafaat
Published: January 2019

This study is aimed at analyzing the financial performance and indicator of macroeconomics to influence the quality of financing at Islamic Rural Bank Industry (IRBI) in Indonesia. The panel data regression is used to predict the change of quality of financing which is reflected by value of non-performing financing (NPF). The model of this study is grouped by four areas of working zones because IRBI has different competency depending on its region. The sample of the study used 72 IRBIs in the periods of Quarter II 2010 to Quarter I 2016. The results of the study show that simultanuously variables for the size of banks, financing to deposit ratio (FDR), operational efficiency ratio (OER), return on equity (ROE), expense to assets (EA), percentage of gross domestic product (GDP), and the rate of inflation are statistically significant to non-performing financing of the IRBI in Indonesia. GDP has strongly significant impact on the NPF of IRBI in Indonesia. According to Areas of working zones, inflation has quite significant impact on the IRBI in Zone One, and GDP has strongly significant impact on the IRBI in Zone Two, Zone Three, and Zone Four. Nevertheless, there are different effects of GDP towards NPF which has a negative impact on Zone One and Zone Four, meanwhile Zone Two and Zone Three have positive impact. In conclusion, government policy treatment should be different at every zone.
The Integration of Dynamic Assessment in L2 Classroom: How Students Perceive it?
Authors: Kusumaningrum Widya Ratna , Ferri Karma Prima
Published: January 2019

The present study focuses on the implementation of traditional diagnostic test for speaking skill in the form of an interview with no specific set of corrective procedure. However, it triggers more increasing worries on the significance of standardized test such as not being able to unlock students’ speaking potential. This study highlights on Dynamic Assessment (DA) based on the Vygotsky’s Sociocultural Theory (1978). Fundamentally, DA inserts mediation process such as prompts, hints, and leading questions in its interview process. This study compares the efficacy of Dynamic Assessment (DA) and the standardized diagnostic test/Non-Dynamic Assessment (NDA) in diagnosing and unlocking their potential. Using a quasi-experimental research with non-equivalent group design (NEGD), this study focused on four micro speaking skills including pronunciation, vocabulary, grammar, and fluency. The results suggested that the use of DA was able to identify their current speaking performance and uncover their speaking potential even if some were claimed to have the similar speaking level. While, the standardized test (NDA) emphasized only on the current performance and was not able to elicit their potential.
Investigation of Adolescent Pregnancy Outcomes and Postpartum Depression Frequency and Risk Factors: Prospective Case Control Study
Authors: Budak Mehmet Sukru , Akgol Sedat
Published: January 2019

Objective: The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of postpartum depression (PPD), accompanying risk factors, and obstetrics and neonatal outcomes in adolescent pregnancies.Study Design: This prospective study was conducted on adolescent and adult pregnant patients giving birth in Diyarbakır Gazi Yaşargil Training and Research Hospital of Health Sciences University between January 01 and 31, 2018. Groups were compared in terms of PPD rates and PPD-related factors were also determined in both groups.Results: The frequency of PPD was higher in adolescent patients than in adult patients but the difference was not considered statistically significant (p> 0.05). In adolescent and adult patients, the following factors were found to increase PPD risk: illiteracy, living in an urban area, divorced parents, having fewer than 4 siblings, anemia and caesarean delivery.Conclusion: The study results showed no significant difference in PPD rates between adolescent and adult pregnant patients. In both groups, the factors of illiteracy, living in an urban area, divorced parents, anemia, fewer than 4 siblings, and caesarean delivery were found to increase the risk of development of PPD.
Oxidative Stress and the Epigenetics of Cell Senescence: Insights from Progeroid Syndromes
Authors: Romá-Mateo Carlos , Seco-Cervera Marta , Ibáñez-Cabellos José S. , Pérez Giselle , Berenguer-Pascual Ester , Rodríguez Laura R. , García-Giménez José L.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Cell senescence constitutes a critical process to respond to a variety of insults and adverse
circumstances. Senescence involves the detention of DNA replication and cell proliferation, and hence,
genetic programs associated with DNA damage response, chromosome stability, chromatin rearrangement, epigenetic
reprogramming, and cell cycle are tightly linked to the senescent phenotype. Although senescence increases
with age, the real implication of senescence regulation in the progress of aging in humans is largely discussed. In
this context, reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation has also been postulated to play a critical role in cell
homeostasis, aging processes, and control of proliferation.

Methods:

The previous years have produced a high increase in data that refine our understanding of the role of
ROS, and their relationship with epigenetic events, in determining cellular fate.

Results:

The accumulating evidence regarding the epigenetic regulation of ROS-mediated processes provides
promising tools to deepen in our comprehension of the process of senescence, and to develop novel therapeutic
strategies. In this review, we aim to provide an overview of the relationships between oxidative stress and cell
senescence.

Conclusion:

We provide information about the role of epigenetic regulation in senescence and aging, collecting
recent data from some examples of progeroid syndromes in which cell senescence, oxidative stress and epigenetic
mechanisms are severely impaired. Finally, a collection of data is presented regarding current pharmacological
approaches that either target or use oxidative stress-related factors or epigenetic regulators as strategies for disease
treatment.
Oxidative Stress and Accelerated Aging in Neurodegenerative and Neuropsychiatric Disorder
Authors: Wadhwa Ridhima , Gupta Riya , Maurya Pawan K.
Published: January 2019

Background:

Neurodegenerative diseases are becoming more and more common in today’s world. As
people are continuously being exposed to exogenous factors like UV radiations, gamma rays, X-Rays,
environmental pollutants and heavy metals, the cases of increased oxidative damage are increasing. Even though
some amount of oxidative damage occurs in all metabolic reactions but their increase from the normal level in
organisms causes neurodegenerative diseases. These neurodegenerative disorders like Alzeimers, Parkinsons
disease and neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar, depression are caused due to the decline in
physiological and psychological functions caused by ROS and RNS. These ROS and RNS are formed as the
result of excess oxidative damage in the system.

Methods:

The following article goes into detail explaining all the effects caused by excess oxidative damage like
ROS/RNS formation and telomere shortening. Further, it explains the pathways of neurodegenerative diseases
and neuropsychiatric diseases. This article also sheds light on the effective treatments of such disorders by changing
lifestyle and activating antioxidant pathways.

Conclusion:

It is clear that neurodegenerative diseases are caused due to excess oxidative stress and alter the
functioning of the central nervous system. The central nervous system undergoes neurodegenerative or
neuropsychiatric changes.
Clinical Significance of Ductus Venosus Waveform as Generated by Pressure- volume Changes in the Fetal Heart
Authors: Braga Madalena , Moleiro Maria Lúcia , Guedes-Martins Luís
Published: January 2019

The ductus venosus is a vascular shunt situated within the fetal liver parenchyma, connecting the umbilical vein to the inferior vena cava. This vessel acts as a bypass of the liver microcirculation and plays a critical role in the fetal circulation. The ductus venosus allows oxygenated and nutrient-rich venous blood to flow from the placenta to the myocardium and brain. Increased impedance to flow in the fetal ductus venosus is associated with fetal aneuploidies, cardiac defects and other adverse pregnancy outcomes. This review serves to improve our understanding of the mechanisms that regulate the blood flow redistribution between the fetal liver circulation and fetal heart and the clinical significance of the ductus venosus waveform as generated by pressure-volume changes in the fetal heart.
Quality Control of Display Devices for Medical Radiodiagnosis Employing the Standard TG18, GSDF and JND
Authors: de Mesquita Bruno Ribeiro , Ferreira C. , Souza Divanizia do Nascimento
Published: January 2019

Introduction:

This work presents a study on the procedures for evaluating the quality of imaging display devices in radiology, considering the characteristic luminance curve obtained experimentally versus the Just Noticeable Difference (JND) and the lifetime of digital display devices.

Materials & Methods:

The evaluations were done using image patterns published by the American Association of Physicists in Medicine on Digital Imaging and Communication in Medicine (DICOM) and the Grayscale Standard Display Function (GSDF), viewed in DICOM software, with various shades of gray. A digital luximeter was used as the luminance meter. A correlation with the time of use of the devices was performed to classify the digital devices as primary (suitable for medical diagnosis) or secondary (suitable only for visualization of medical images).

Results & Discussion:

Among the monitors evaluated, those with a resolution between 2 and 5 megapixels were classified as primary for up to 50, 000 hours of use, and some above that time limit present behavior equivalent to secondary monitors. Monitoring the temporal evolution of the use of devices is important to avoid errors in medical diagnosis.

Conclusion:

The use of a calibrated digital luximeter with an illuminance unit conversion factor in luminance defined by this equipment was shown to be an alternative to replace a photometer when this latter is not available.
Ensuring electrical safety of power supply systems of electrified AC railways for highspeed lines
Authors: Kosarev A. B. , Barch A. V. , Rozenberg E. N.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. High-speed railways are fast-growing and promising type of traffic. In Russia development of high-speed railway service is associated with the solution of a number of problems, including infrastructure. Authors propose to use earth connection of the railway catenary with the help of an artificial earthing switch on currently designed high-speed line Moscow—Kazan for 2×25 kV power supply system. Taking into account requirements for electrical safety conditions for maintenance of the track and earthed catenary supports, paper justifies method for calculating allowable voltages of rail—earth points and supports of catenary. Methods takes into account structural features of ballastless track superstructure used for high-speed lines. It is estimated that the voltages admissible under the electrical safety conditions are random in nature and distributed logarithmically normal. When calculating probability of safe operation, one should take into account random nature of both permissible stresses and those actually occurring on the track. It is estimated that the probability of safe operation in traction networks of sections with ballastless track superstructure does not exceed a similar value in electrified sections with the conventional structure of a ballast prism. Feasibility of using a 2×25 kV earth system using an artificial earth connection is confirmed, recommendations on its use are given. Authors substantiate allowable values of the rail—earth voltage and catenary supports, which practically exclude the occurrence of hazardous situations for personnel maintaining the track in sections with ballastless track superstructure.
Formation stages of the target model of integrated freight transport services
Authors: Zubkov V. V. , Sirina N. F.
Published: January 2019

Abstract. The need to create a strategy for a more advanced development of the competitiveness of industrial and manufacturing enterprises has been actualized considering actual conditions of reducing freight framework. Solution to this problem requires a comprehensive approach, involving a reduction in costs and an increase in revenues based on an assessment of economic performance. One way to solve this issue is to reduce the added value of the finished product. In order to reduce the cost of transport services, it is necessary to increase the efficiency of all participants in the transportation process integratively and with rational redistribution and interaction of transport business processes; exclude inefficient subjects and anti-competitors from the market of transport freight services. Article presents the target model of integrated transport services, ensuring the unity of transport service framework. Stages of the model formation were analyzed, taking into account the categories of traffic. New main quality criteria for consumers of integrated transport services has been established. Proposed system of forming the target model of an integrated transport service ensures a reduction in the cost of transportation, the added value of finished products, stimulates the growth of efficiency and competitiveness of industrial, production enterprises and subjects of transport services.
Muerte repentina de Theobroma cacao L. causado por Verticillium dahliae Kleb. en el Perú y su biocontrol in vitro
Authors: Leon-Ttacca Betsabe , Arévalo-Gardini Enrique , -Bouchon Anne Sophie
Published: January 2019

En el sector Atusparia, Tocache, de la Región de San Martín, Perú, plantas de Theobroma cacao L. (Malvaceae) clon CCN-51 de dos años de edad presentaron, por primera vez en enero de 2010, síntomas de amarillamiento en hojas, marchitez y muerte, e internamente obstrucción del sistema vascular. Para el aislamiento del agente causal, tejidos enfermos fueron sembrados en placas Petri que contenían medio papa dextrosa agar oxitetraciclina, cuya identificación fue con base en un análisis morfológico, microscópico y secuenciación de Sanger. Las pruebas de patogenicidad se hicieron en T. cacao clon ICS-1 con edad de tres meses, inoculadas con una suspensión de conidias de 1x107 ufc/mL por dos métodos de inoculación (Drench al suelo y punción en el tallo). La capacidad antagónica (micoparasitismo y antibiosis) se determinó in vitro con aislamientos de Trichoderma endófito sobre el patógeno. En ambos métodos de inoculación, se observaron síntomas de marchitez de diferentes grados de severidad y se confirmó que el agente causal de la muerte súbita del T. cacao fue el hongo Verticillium dahliae Kleb. El análisis de la secuencia blast reveló que el aislamiento mostró un 100 % de homología con las secuencias de V. dahliae en GenBank. El Trichoderma TE-91 fue identificado como el micoparásito más agresivo, debido a que sus metabolitos inhibieron completamente el crecimiento micelial del patógeno.
Composición química de pétalos de flores de rosa, girasol y caléndula para su uso en la alimentación humana
Authors: De Lima Franzen Felipe , Rodrigues de Oliveira Mari Silvia , Lidório Henrique Fernando , Farias Menegaes Janine , Martins Fries Leadir Lucy
Published: January 2019

Existe una preocupación por la caracterización química de los alimentos con potencial económico y nutricional, en especial los de bajo valor calórico, en su constitución de proteínas, lípidos, carbohidratos, minerales y vitaminas, para una alimentación sana. Entre esos alimentos, las flores comestibles se destacan por su belleza y condimentación en los platos; además, poseen propiedades nutricionales y medicinales. En este contexto, el objetivo del trabajo fue caracterizar químicamente los pétalos de las especies de rosa (Rosa x grandiflora Hort.), girasol (Helianthus annuus L.) y caléndula (Calendula officinalis L.), para el uso en la alimentación humana. Las plantas fueron cultivadas en ambiente protegido y cielo abierto, y después de la cosecha se realizaron los análisis físico-químicos (carbohidratos, cenizas, extracto etéreo, humedad, fibra y proteína). En el presente estudio se observó un alto contenido de agua (> 80 %); el girasol tuvo mayor contenido de cenizas (1,2 %); la caléndula tuvo mayor contenido de extracto etéreo (1,2 %), y la rosa tuvo mayor contenido de fibra (3,2 %). Los pétalos de las flores de caléndula, girasol y rosa presentaron una composición química con nutrientes esenciales, pudiendo ser incluidos en los menús diarios por contener nutrientes esenciales para una dieta sana.
Risco da rentabilidade em pisciculturas de tambaqui nos estados do Amazonas, Rondônia e Roraima
Authors: Feitoza Dreyfus Lincoln Silveira , Sonoda Daniel Yokoyama , Souza Lucirene Aguiar de
Published: January 2019

A produção da piscicultura brasileira vem crescendo continuamente e a produção de tambaqui na Região Norte contribui com esse crescimento, principalmente nos estados do Amazonas, Rondônia e Roraima. Essas regiões dependem cada vez mais informações técnicas e econômicas sobre a produção do tambaqui para não só aumentar a sua produtividade e rentabilidade, como também mitigar os impactos dos riscos técnicos e econômicos da atividade. O objetivo deste estudo foi calcular e simular os cenários da rentabilidade da produção do tambaqui no sistema de viveiros escavados em propriedades típicas dos estados do Amazonas, Rondônia e Roraima, visando o mercado consumidor da cidade de Manaus, AM. Os sistemas avaliados nos estados em tela possuem viabilidade técnica e econômica, apresentando para a propriedade típica do Amazonas o valor de investimentos de R$ 66.594,17 ha-1 e o lucro líquido de R$ 0,54 kg-1; para Rondônia o valor de investimento de R$ 49.080,19 ha-1 e lucro líquido de R$ 0,25 kg-1 e para Roraima o valor de investimento de R$ 43.777,18 ha-1 e o lucro líquido de R$ 0,94 kg-1. O estado Amazonas apresentou lucro líquido de 76% e 64% na análise de cenário de preços e técnico, respectivamente. Rondônia apresentou 92% e 64% de chance de lucro líquido nas simulações de preço e técnicas, respectivamente, e Roraima apresentou 100% das combinações propostas com lucro líquido.
Custos de confinamento de bovinos de corte no município de Colômbia, SP
Authors: Silva Guilherme Portes , Contin Teodoro Leonardo Michelucci , Santos Antônio Carlos Ramos dos
Published: January 2019

O sistema de terminação de bovinos em confinamento possibilita intensificar a produção animal, pois se aglomera um elevado número de animais em pequenas áreas. Os principais problemas enfrentados nesse sistema de produção são o elevado custo da atividade, a remuneração do peso e as incertezas do mercado. Nesse sentido, esse estudo teve como objetivos analisar os índices econômicos de um sistema de terminação de bovinos em confinamento e identificar os principais itens que oneram a atividade. Foram confinados 2.579 animais da raça Nelore e anelorados em uma fazenda localizada no município de Colômbia, estado de SP, por um período de 110 dias. Forneceram-se três tipos de alimentação, classificadas em dieta de adaptação, crescimento e terminação, com duração de 14, 40 e 56 dias, respectivamente. Foram determinados indicadores econômicos, tais como margem bruta, índice de margem de contribuição e ponto de equilíbrio. A atividade resultou numa receita total de R$ 7,9 milhões. Os componentes do custo operacional efetivo que exerceram maior influência sobre os custos da atividade do confinamento foram a aquisição dos animais (72,08%), alimentação (24,08%), despesas diversas (1,45%), mão-de-obra (2,57%), frete (1,80%), sanidade (0,10%) e impostos (0,04%). A análise resultou em lucro de R$450.000 e margem de lucro de 5,7%. Os componentes do custo operacional efetivo que exercem maior influência sobre os custos da atividade de confinamento é a aquisição dos animais e a alimentação. Os índices econômicos apontaram que a atividade foi lucrativa e está se remunerando em curto prazo. Palavras-chave: pecuária de corte, terminação de bovinos, índices econômicos.
A cost–utility analysis of dulaglutide versus insulin glargine as third-line therapy for Type 2 diabetes in Canada
Authors: Pollock Richard F , Norrbacka Kirsi , Cameron Chris , Mancillas-Adame Leonardo , Jeddi Mark
Published: January 2019

Aim:
The prevalence of Type 2 diabetes in Canada is estimated to be 7.6% and rising. Given the substantial economic burden associated with Type 2 diabetes treatment, optimizing healthcare expenditure is extremely important. In the present analysis, we evaluated the cost–effectiveness of dulaglutide 1.5 mg, a once-weekly glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist as third-line therapy relative to insulin glargine from the perspective of a Canadian healthcare payer.
Methods:
A patient-level cost-utility model of Type 2 diabetes was developed to capture seven microvascular and macrovascular complications and severe and nonsevere hypoglycemia. Cohort characteristics and the relative efficacy of dulaglutide 1.5 mg and insulin glargine were derived from the AWARD-2 head-to-head trial, which was identified by systematic literature review. Cost data were derived from Canadian sources and expressed in 2016 Canadian dollars (CAD), and future cost and quality-adjusted life expectancy (QALE) estimates were discounted at 1.5% per annum. One-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses were conducted.
Results:
Based on the AWARD-2 trial, relative to insulin glargine, dulaglutide 1.5 mg was projected to increase QALE by 0.38 quality-adjusted life years and increase costs by CAD 19,773, resulting in an incremental cost–effectiveness ratio of CAD 52,580 per quality-adjusted life year gained.
Conclusion:
A computer simulation analysis showed that dulaglutide 1.5 mg would likely be cost-effective relative to insulin glargine in patients with Type 2 diabetes inadequately controlled on metformin and sulfonylurea in Canada.
The throughput of filtering outlet works (filter spillways) on rockfill dams with screen
Authors: Malakhanov Vyacheslav V.
Published: January 2019

Introduction. The most economical type of spillway for rockfill dams with reinforced concrete screens are filtering outlet works (filter spillways). Deals with the main issue of designing filtering outlet works - assessment of their throughput on the basis of analytical solutions of turbulent filtration through the water intake of the filtering outlet works in rockfill dams with reinforced concrete screen. The objectives of the work are: • analysis of water flow in the filtering outlet work on the rockfill dam with reinforced concrete screen; • derivation of formulas for determining the throughput of the filtering outlet works on rockfill dams with reinforced concrete screen; • comparison of the results of determining the throughput of the filtering outlet works in the application of the proposed formulas; recommendations on the use of the proposed formulas. Materials and methods. The analysis of the water flow in the filtering outlet works and the derivation of the formulas is based on the adoption of three assumptions on the trajectory of the elementary streams of water in the filtering outlet works: on a circular trajectory, with a vertical fall, along the free fall trajectory with a gradient equal to one. Calculations of the throughput of the filtering outlet works were performed for the design of the filtering outlet works, patented by the author. Results. The results of calculations according to the proposed formulas showed a significant difference depending on the accepted hypothesis about the nature of the movement of the filtration flow in the body of the rockfill dam. It is revealed that the most acceptable calculations are based on the formula derived under the assumption of the flow motion along the free fall trajectory with a gradient equal to one. Conclusions. The results of the study made it possible to formulate the following recommendations: 1. The capacity of the filtering outlet works is recommended to be determined by the formula derived in the assumption of the flow motion along the free fall trajectory with a gradient equal to one, as more appropriate to the hydraulics of the filter spillways on the rockfill dams with the screen. 2. Further study of the hydraulics of the filter outlets works of various designs and analysis of their impact on the design of rockfill dams would allow for a more substantiated to determine their ability to pass the flood and recommend them for implementation.
The Mediating Role of Employee Performance on the Relationship between Delegation of Authority and Decision Making
Authors: Alhosani Adnan , Yusoff Rosman Md , Ismail Fadillah , Rehman Fazal Ur
Published: January 2019

The aim of this study is to enhance understanding in the animated extent of delegation authority and its role in decision making. Precisely, the prime objective of this study is to visualize the concept and propose the effects of delegation authority on decision making along with the mediating role of employeesâ€™ performance in the Police department at Dubai. Based on an inclusive and systematic literature review of delegation authority, decision making, and employeeâ€™s performance, this study will collect data through self-administered questionnaires based survey in a quantitative manner. The collected data will be analyzed through smart partial least square structure equation modelling for validating the model, testing hypothesis, and finding results. This study will highlight some new insights into the relevant knowledge area. Specifically, the results will contribute to enhance the motivational synergy of upper management to include the employees in decision-making process to improve their performance. This study is only limited to the police department of Dubai and future studies can examine the relationship between defined constructs in other service sector and the moderating role of employeesâ€™ performance. By integrating delegation authority, decision making, and employeeâ€™s performance literature, the prime contributions of this study are the analysis of defined variables in the police department of Dubai with emphasize on new challenges and to boost up the gap of relevant literature.
Risk of thermal pollution of the Danube passing through Serbia due to thermal power plants
Authors: Lakovic Mirjana , Banjac Milos , Bogdanovic-Jovanovic Jasmina , Jovic Milica , Milovanovic Zdravko
Published: January 2019

A thermal power plant (TPP) uses large amounts of fresh water, mostly for
cooling purposes. Among different types of cooling systems, once-through
cooling is the most water-intensive and has the greatest environmental
impacts. From the view-point of the steam cycle efficiency, this type of
cooling still provides the most efficient electricity production, and
therefore is widely used. Water is withdrawn from nearby water bodies,
absorbs heat from the steam in a condenser, and then discharged back to its
original source at higher temperatures causing severe environmental impacts,
including fish killing, disturbing ecosystems, and heating-up natural water
bodies. The total installed capacity of almost 1100 MW on the right bank of
the Danube in Serbia threatens the ecosystem of this large international
river due to thermal pollution. This problem will be even more pronounced in
the near future, due to an inevitable increase in production capacity for new
350 MW, currently under construction. Herein, analysis of the legal framework
for the protection of water from thermal pollution as well as analysis of the
actual situation on the site of the TPP ?Kostolac? in Serbia are presented.
Based on meteorological and hydrological parameters, configuration and
operation parameters of the plant, the numerical simulation of the condenser
was carried on. The temperature of the water leaving condenser and amount of
heat discharged back to the river are obtained. According to those results,
the analysis of the existing thermal pollution of the Danube River in the
flow through Serbia is given by numerical simulation using software ANSYS
CFX. Analysis of thermal discharge into the Danube for the five-year period
has been carried out. The cooling water effluent causes a temperature
increase in the area of the right bank of the Danube, and this thermal
disturbance extends along the right river bank for kilometers. Note that the
flow rate of the Danube is currently large enough to compensate this thermal
disturbance, but for a smaller river and/or larger electricity production
capacities, this influence would have even more significant consequences on
the ecosystem, making those results even more useful for further analysis.
Entropy generation of zirconia-water nanofluid flow through rectangular micro-channel
Authors: Uysal Cuneyt , Arslan Kamil , Kurt Huseyin
Published: January 2019

The fluid flow and heat transfer characteristics and entropy generation of
zirconia, ZrO2-water, nanofluid flow through a rectangular micro-channel are
numerically investigated. The flow is considered under single-phase 3-D
steady-state incompressible laminar flow conditions. The constant heat flux
is applied to the bottom surface of micro-channel. The finite volume method
is used to discretize the governing equations. As a result, the average
Nusselt number decreases with increasing nanoparticle volume fraction, while
the average Darcy friction factor is not affected. Moreover, the total
entropy generation decreases with increase in nanoparticle volume fraction,
while the Bejan number is almost not affected.