bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peer tutoring in clinical communication teaching: the experience of 1st year students and their peer tutors
Authors: Belsi Athina , Murtagh Ged M.
Published: June 2018

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. This study explored the impact of peer tutoring in Clinical Communication teaching as it was expressed in the views of Year 1 students and their Peer Tutors at Imperial College London. Methods: a mixed methods approach was used combining questionnaires and focus groups. Quantitative findings were analysed using SPSS v23 and qualitative findings were analysed using Framework Methodology. Results: the findings suggest a very positive experience for both Year 1 students and their Peer Tutors with the former reporting feeling supported to practice and improve on their Clinical Communication Skills in a collaborative environment, being taught and learning from peers who would share their past educational experiences. No significant differences were found between students taught by Peer Tutors and those taught by Course Tutors. Peer Tutors on the other hand, reported an equally positive experience, which gave them an insight into teaching, improved their leadership and feedback skills, enhanced their confidence and helped them reflect on their own Clinical Communication skills. Conclusion: peer tutoring has many advantages as an educational method in medical education and Clinical Communication teaching and should be promoted in medical curricula.
Explaining Welfare Benefits in the South: A Regional Analysis
Authors: Prysby Charles , Riesser Benjamin
Published: June 2018

This study examines whether the contemporary South can still be considered a meaningful political region by analyzing the political distinctiveness and political cohesion of the region. Political refers to the extent to which the states in the region are different from the rest of the country in relevant political characteristics. Political cohesion refers to the extent to which the states in the region are similar to each other in relevant political characteristics. We find that for presidential and congressional voting, the South is at least as political distinctive now as it was in the 1980s, but the cohesion of the region has declined, at least for presidential voting. The ideological distinctiveness of the South, for both political elites and the mass electorate, also has not diminished since the 1980s, but again the ideological cohesion of the states has declined. Finally, the South remains considerably more conservative that the North when it comes to public policy outcomes, although on this dimension both the distinctiveness and the cohesion of the South are lower now than in the 1980s.
Political Geography of the South: A Spatial Analysis of the 2008 Presidential Election
Authors: Kinsella Chad J.
Published: June 2018

The region identified as the "South" arguably has been and continues to be the most politically interesting and analyzed region in the United States. Using election results and county maps of the eleven southern states, this study provides a spatial analysis of the counties in this region. Through the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), this study analyzes the 2008 presidential election using counties as the unit of analysis within these states. This exploratory study will provide data as to which candidate won each county as well as a "landslide" county map that denotes counties that supported a candidate by a margin of twenty percent or more. This study will also investigate the difference in county-level voting between the 2004 and 2008 election to see how the preferences of the electorates changed. Finally, a contextual analysis, using data gathered from the United States Census Bureau will identify county population demographics that help explain voting behavior as well as the change in vote between 2004 and 2008.
The Rise of Shadow Banking: Evidence from Capital Regulation
Authors: Peydró José-Luis , Irani Rustom M. , Iyer Rajkamal , Meisenzahl Ralf R.
Published: June 2018

We investigate the connections between bank capital regulation and the prevalence of lightly regulated nonbanks (shadow banks) in the U.S. corporate loan market. For identification, we exploit a supervisory credit register of syndicated loans, loan-time fixed-effects, and shocks to capital requirements arising from surprise features of the U.S. implementation of Basel III. We find that less-capitalized banks reduce loan retention and nonbanks step in, particularly among loans with higher capital requirements and at times when capital is scarce. This reallocation has important spillovers: loans funded by nonbanks with fragile liabilities experience greater sales and price volatility during the 2008 crisis.
Measuring spectral reflectance and transmittance (350-2500 nm) of small and/or narrow leaves using the Spectra Vista Corporation (SVC) DC-R/T Integrating Sphere v3
Authors: Laliberté Etienne , Soffer Raymond
Published: June 2018

Here wedescribe the standardised protocol used by the Canadian Airborne Biodiversity Observatory(CABO)to measure leaf spectral reflectance and transmittance, using an integrating sphere fitted to a portable full-range field spectroradiometer, forthe special case where an individual leaf is too small and/or too narrowto entirely cover the reflectance or transmission port of the integrating sphere. Briefly, sixarrays ofmature, healthy and sunlit leaves from a canopy plant are arranged on a custom sample mount, and are then usedfor measurements of adaxial reflectance and transmittance. Reflectance measurementsare referenced to a calibrated Spectralon® diskand corrected for stray light.Our leaf spectroscopy protocol is an adaptation ofthat of Noda et al. (2013)to the SVC DC-R/T sphere, and also builds from protocols by theCarnegie Airborne Observatoryand the SVC integrating sphere user manual.
Adult mouse lung cell dissociation (on ice) v1
Authors: Potter Andrew
Published: June 2018

This protocol was used to dissociate adult (8-10 wk) mouse lung tissue. The entire procedure is carried out on ice (to reduce artifact gene expression changes) and takes about half an hour. The yield was 16,240 non-RBC/mg tissue with 87% viability.
Carbon isotope discrimination - part II - gas analysis - v.01 v1
Authors: Driever Stephen , J Burgess Steven
Published: June 2018

Protocol formeasurement of carbon isotope descrimination during photosynthesis. See the following references for more background: H. Griffiths (1993)Photosynthesis and Production in a Changing Environmentpp 181-1927 Farquhar et al. (1989)Annu. Rev. Plant Physiol. Plant Mol. Bioi. 1989. 40:503-37
Nutrition on University Campuses
Authors: Lokuta Ann , Locke Amy B.
Published: June 2018

No abstract available.
Teaching Life Lessons: When Millennials Fail
Authors: Ramirez Jeffery , Isaacson Janalee , Smith Deborah , Senger Brenda
Published: June 2018

Background: Students who fail may face feelings of diminished self-perception, decreased sense of achievement, and experience negative emotions or moods such as: guilt, embarrassment, thoughts of reoccurring failure, feeling of letting others down or disappointing teachers and parents. Aim: This paper is to discusses the topic of failure and providing thoughts and reflections on the topic. The authors believe that faculty can help students learn to fail and also maintain their self-worth and dignity.  Helping students learn from these failures and promoting resilience and humility when faced with life adversities may be one of the best lifelong lessons faculty can teach. Results: Failure is never an easy experience. When a student is faced with failure, it is critical for faculty to help the student find the positives of the experience. This as an opportunity to promote personal growth and character development. Educators are in a precarious position because learning outcomes are based on successful performance and failure can be looked upon negatively for faculty. Conclusions: Faculty are perfectly positioned to help reframe failure for students struggling in college and help them find their true passion in life. College is a transformative experience, a time for self-discovery and finding one’s true identity. It is a time to learn life lessons and how to manage adversity facilitating strong, emotionally healthy, driven men and women of future generations.
Board of Directors
Authors: BHAC Journal Building Healthy Academic Communities
Published: June 2018

No abstract available.
President's Message
Authors: Amaya Megan
Published: June 2018

No abstract available.
Bioprinting of artificial blood vessels
Authors: Ng Hooi Yee , Lee Kai-Xing Alvin , Kuo Che-Nan , Shen Yu-Fang
Published: June 2018

Vascular networks have an important role to play in transporting nutrients, oxygen, metabolic wastes and maintenance of homeostasis. Bioprinting is a promising technology as it is able to fabricate complex, specific multi-cellular constructs with precision. In addition, current technology allows precise depositions of individual cells, growth factors and biochemical signals to enhance vascular growth. Fabrication of vascularized constructs has remained as a main challenge till date but it is deemed as an important stepping stone to bring organ engineering to a higher level. However, with the ever advancing bioprinting technology and knowledge of biomaterials, it is expected that bioprinting can be a viable solution for this problem. This article presents an overview of the biofabrication of vascular and vascularized constructs, the different techniques used in vascular engineering such as extrusion-based, droplet-based and laser-based bioprinting techniques, and the future prospects of bioprinting of artificial blood vessels. 
Study of lumbar canal stenosis and its outcome after surgical management in central India
Authors: Kariya Ankur D. , Jain Pramod A. , Patond Kisan R.
Published: June 2018

Background: Lumbar canal stenosis is a painful and potentially disabling condition often encountered in adults. Treatment of lumbar canal stenosis may consist of conservative approach to lumbar canal stenosis consists of rest, lumbar bracing, activity modification and analgesics. Surgical management consists of decompressive laminectomy, laminotomy or facetectomy. In the present study, authors evaluate the outcome in patients of lumbar canal stenosis managed surgically with decompressive laminectomy.Methods: A 50 patients with degenerative lumbar canal stenosis visiting Kasturbha hospital, Sewagram, Wardha from November 2016 to April 2017 were taken up for the study. Patients were taken up for laminectomy and decompression of the affected nerve roots using medial facetectomy. Post operatively patients were regularly followed up at monthly intervals. The ODI score was calculated at the end of 6 months and compared with the baseline score.Results: Fifty patients (mean age-42.9 years) underwent laminectomy and decompression. Baselines ODI score was 71.2±6.4. After 6 month follow up, the score improved significantly to 21±15.6 which was statistically significant.Conclusions: Operative treatment in patients of degenerative lumbar canal stenosis yields excellent functional results as observed based on the ODI score provided case selection is done properly.
Perception and preferences of teaching and learning methods in community medicine: a cross sectional study
Authors: Joshi Krishna Prakash , Robins M. , Yanadi Reddy M.
Published: June 2018

Background: Knowledge of community medicine plays a very important role in proper and effective delivery of health care services to the society. Every teacher has her or his own style of teaching and now teachers are adjusting their approach depending on their students’ learning needs. The aims and objectives of the study were to assess the perception of 3rd year medical students towards teaching and learning methods in community medicine & to know their preferences among various commonly used teaching learning media & methods.Methods: A cross-sectional descriptive questionnaire-based study was conducted among 3rd year medical students (6th semester) of SVS Medical College, Mahabubnagar, Telangana, India. A pre-designed, pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Most of the responses were collected as MCQs type & Likert five point scale. The data was analyzed by calculating percentage.Results: Out of total 140 participants 42 (30%) were boys and 98 (70%) were girls. All were within the age group of 21-24years. Regarding the preference of teaching aid, PPT was preferred by maximum 37% participants followed by combination of CB & PPT (30%), Chalk & board (29%). Student’s preference about current T-L methods shows that maximum participants preferred. SGD (34%), followed by interactive lectures (26%). Around 65% students were satisfied & 20% were strongly satisfied with current learning approaches.Conclusions: Small group discussion and blended or interactive teaching are the most preferred learning method when compared with traditional teaching methods indicating that students are more interested in active teaching and learning methods.
What's Old Is New Again: The Sacroiliac Joint as a Cause of Lateralizing Low Back Pain
Authors: Saunders Jennifer , Cusi Mel , Van der Wall Hans
Published: June 2018

It has not been easy to identify mechanical failure of the sacroiliac joint (SIJ) with traditional imaging. The integrated model of function (Lee and Vleeming, 1998) suggests that under normal circumstances, form and force closure combined contribute to sacral nutation and “locking” the SIJ for optimal load transfer. This model is supported by clinical evidence and scintigraphic findings that contribute to successful therapy in 80% of cases. Single-photon emission computed tomography and x-ray computed tomography (SPECT-CT), a hybrid device, was used in a study of 1200 patients (64% female and 36% male patients with an average age of 42 years; range, 15–78 years) with a clinical diagnosis of SIJ incompetence (pelvic girdle pain syndrome). Standard clinical testing and an alternate series of tests were used as a reference standard for imaging. Symptoms were present for a mean of 43 months. Imaging finding were of increased uptake in the upper SIJ (S1–S2), with extension into the dorsal interosseous ligament and measurable by count profile. Associated findings of tendon enthesopathy reflected altered biomechanics around the pelvis. Ipsilateral adductor enthesopathy was found in 70% and contralateral hamstring enthesopathy in 60% of patients. SPECT-CT criteria for the diagnosis of SIJ incompetence were developed and validated. SPECT-CT is a valid and reproducible technique for the diagnosis of SIJ incompetence with high concordance and specificity compared to the reference standards. Findings are supportive of the integrated model of SIJ function proposed by Lee and Vleeming.
The role of social media in gastronomy industry
Authors: Hegyesné Görgényi Éva , Máté Balázs , Vafaei Seyyed Amir , Farkasné Fekete Mária
Published: June 2018

Considering the rapidly changing business environment, staying competitive is a key issue and challenge for companies in the 21st century. The criteria of a company’s success and competitiveness is the changing behavior of the different economic actors and its influence. Through the information society came to the fore, the use of diverse information technology tools and methods has become a significant influence factor in terms of the entrepreneurs or company management and also the customers or other partners. Due to the rapid expansion of new technology developments, the role and importance of social media is continuously increasing. Also statistics show that one of the most regularly used IT tool is the social media and the different web 2.0 applications. The current study is intended to provide a better understanding how social media can emphasize the competitiveness of companies and format the consumer behavior in a special sector – the rapidly developing gastronomy industry. This paper presents an empirical research about the role of social media in the above mentioned industry based on the primary data which are gathered through a survey performed in Hungary. Beyond the empirical results presented, the paper also aims to provide some recommendations for research methodology – based on the international literature review and the Authors’ own experiences – both in gastronomy industry’s and customers’ point of view. Through the analysis the research hypotheses were examined and the most important correlations were identified between the survey results and the Authors’ initial supposition.

JEL Code: D83, L83, M31, Z33
Energy alternatives in large-scale wastewater treatment
Authors: Gabnai Zoltán
Published: June 2018

In my article, after describing the characteristics of recent wastewater treatment activity, I introduce different traditional and innovative energetic opportunities of the compulsory waste management activities at large-scale operational level, covering national and international examples. Furthermore, the wastewater-based biomethane production and the certain plant’s energy self-sufficiency are highlighted topics as well. In the former case, it is possible to utilize the wastewater-based biomethane as fuel (and even to operate own vehicle fleet), while the second one gives the opportunity for the internal usage of produced electricity and waste heat, which can also result in significant cost-savings. As an additional option, algae-based wastewater post treatment is presented, based on the conditions of a Hungarian wastewater treatment plant, which biogas production efficiency and thus energy self-sufficiency has developed favourably due to the technological improvements. These plants may have a twofold role in the future: they are responsible for the compulsory waste management activity and on the other hand they can serve as excellent raw material mines.

JEL Code: Q25
Recruiting recent graduates to work at agricultural enterprises: Siberian region case study
Authors: Babenko Andrey , Mukhin Leonid
Published: June 2018

The authors present the results of the analysis of the employment of graduates of agricultural specialties in the Siberian Federal District of the Russian Federation. In the Siberian Federal District, more than 20 universities are engaged in the training of specialists in agriculture. The universities pay special attention to the employment of their graduates and often have their own programs of graduates’ employment.The article is devoted to discussing the reasons why the graduates consider the work in the rural area to be unattractive (low standards of living conditions compared with town, lack of quality education for children and possibilities for professional development, etc.) The necessity of realization of the state strategy intended to support graduates of agricultural specialties is grounded, including assigning the status of civil servants to social workers in rural areas and attracting successful entrepreneurs to the village and creating conditions for the development of the entrepreneurialenvironment.

JEL Code: J21
Comparison of Fixation Techniques for Acetabular Fractures Involving the Anterior Column with Disruption of the Quadrilateral Plate
Authors: May Christian , Egloff Mike , Butscher Andre , Keel Marius Johann Baptist , Aebi This , Siebenrock Klaus Arno , Bastian Johannes Dominik
Published: June 2018

Background:

In elderly patients who have sustained an acetabular fracture involving disruption of the quadrilateral plate (QLP), postoperative loading of the joint beyond the level of partial weight-bearing can result in medial redisplacement of the QLP. The purpose of this biomechanical study was to compare the performances of 4 different fixation constructs intended to prevent medial redisplacement of the QLP.

Methods:

Anterior column posterior hemitransverse (ACPHT) fractures with disruption of the QLP were created on synthetic hemipelves (fourth-generation Sawbones models) and subsequently stabilized with (1) a 12-hole plate bridging the QLP (Group 1), (2) the plate with added periarticular screws along the QLP (Group 2), (3) the plate combined with an infrapectineal buttress plate (Group 3), or (4) the plate with the added periarticular screws as well as the buttress plate (Group 4). The point of load application on the acetabulum was defined to be the same as the point of application of maximum vertical hip contact force during normal walking. Loads were applied to simulate either partial weight-bearing (20 cycles, from 35 to 350 N) or inadvertent supraphysiologic loads (linearly increasing loads until the onset of failure, defined as fragment displacement of >3 mm). A universal testing machine was synchronized with a digital image correlation system to optically track redisplacement at the QLP. The level of significance was set at p < 0.05.

Results:

During experimental simulation of partial weight-bearing, maximum fracture step openings never exceeded 2 mm. During simulation of inadvertent supraphysiologic load, the median load to failure was higher (p < 0.05) in Group 2 (962 N; range, 798 to 1,000 N) and Group 4 (985 N; range, 887 to 1,000 N) compared with Group 1 (445 N; range, 377 to 583 N) and Group 3 (671 N; range, 447 to 720 N).

Conclusions:

All 4 fixation constructs performed in an acceptable manner on testing with simulated partial weight-bearing. Only additional periarticular screws along the QLP increased the fixation strength.

Clinical Relevance:

Redisplacement of the QLP resulting in an incongruency of the hip joint has been associated with poor long-term outcomes. Within the constraints of this study, periarticular long screws were superior to infrapectineal buttress plates in preventing medial redisplacement of the QLP.
What do we know about empirical joint audit research? A literature review
Authors: Velte Patrick
Published: June 2018

This literature review evaluates empirical studies which concentrate on economic effects on joint audits from an international perspective. We briefly introduce the theoretical and empirical joint audit framework that comprises an adequate structure of the state-of-the-art of empirical research in this field. This is followed by a discussion of the following output factors of joint audits: (1) audit quality; (2) audit costs and (3) audit market concentration. We will summarize the key findings in each area, and provide a description of the analyzed proxies. Finally, we will discuss the current limitations of the studies and give useful recommendations for future empirical research activities in this topic.
Formalization of the impact of imbalances in the movement of financial resources on economic growth of countries in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Kozmenko Serhiy , Korneyev Maxim
Published: June 2018

The article deals with the impact of financialization on economic growth in countries of Central and Eastern Europe. It determinesthe impact of imbalances in the movement of financial resources caused by financialization on economic growth of these countries. It proves that the implementation of measures aimed at increasing the openness of the economy and maintaining solvent demand have a positive impact on economic growth of the surveyed countries in the long run. It also proves the importance of developing a set of measures of strategic nature regulating imbalances in the movement of financial resources caused by financialization.
Institutional aspects of the social enterprises’ sector development (case for Poland and Ukraine)
Authors: Lyakh Oleksandr
Published: June 2018

The potential contribution of social enterprises to work integration, job creation, and service delivery remains largely unrealized both in Poland and Ukraine. This paper focuses on the analysis of the role of social economy and social enterprises sector in providing employment opportunities and wide range of services for group of interest. One of the major obstacles to the discussion and study of the topic is the lack of a clear and concise definition. It is requiring investigating evolution of social enterprise as a concept and as a sector of the Polish and Ukrainian economies. Institutional aspects and legal frameworks are considered in order to define the appropriate eco-system for social enterprises sector support and fostering. Attention was also paid to frame of the policy for social enterprises support and ongoing decentralization of public authority that is allowing to clarify what level of authority should be responsible for concrete policy measures elaborating.
Problem aspects of transformation in financial reporting of business entities in Ukraine
Authors: Zhuravka Fedir
Published: June 2018

In many countries International Financial Reporting Standards (IFRS) have become part of the domestic law or common practice. Ukraine has also taken the first steps to the use of IFRS taking into account its national peculiarities. However, problems occur in the adaptation of international standards, which need to be solved. The proposed article is devoted to the research of specific problems arising during the implementation of IFRS in Ukraine. The author substantiates the expediency of implementing International Financial Reporting Standards in Ukraine, studies the prospects of using international standards in the national accounting practices and defines the principle of transformation as a priority. It determines the stages of IFRS implementation in Ukraine and the problems that arise on each of these stages. As a result, the study highlights the shortcomings of the national accounting system’s reform and ways of optimizing the process of IFRS implementation in Ukraine.
Knowledge management technology: human-computer interaction & cultural perspective on pattern of retrieval, organization, use, and sharing of information and knowledge
Authors: Raquel Merlo Tereza
Published: June 2018

Knowledge Management (KM) implementation is as much a challenge as it is a great opportunity for businesses worldwide in several sectors. The controversy over its worthwhile application persists among practitioners and scholars, with claims having arisen that business opportunities and performance are enhanced through KM adoption. Conversely, challenges regarding effective implementation of KM concerning individuals’ behaviors, beliefs, and practices prompt significant questioning regarding its complex basis: individual-technology-process-production. The purpose of this work is to shed light on some perspectives for the effective adoption of knowledge management technology, the consolidation of a favorable and aligned organizational culture, and patterns of use and retrieval of information in organizations. This study brings into focus the concept of knowledge management and technology, and culture in the organization through a systematic literature review and based on the researcher’s hypothesis and observations that successful KM implementation results from a clear understanding of its multidisciplinary, complex, and multifaceted process, which requires a methodical and strategic business practice concerning the application of technological tools, the establishment of a learning culture through shared vision of business’ and individuals’ needs, and consequential enhancement of processes and solutions. It concludes that investment in KM practice and the consolidation of a learning culture are correlated, reflecting a type of leadership that is favorable to the flow of information, generation, and sharing of knowledge (the intellectual capital) and optimization of decision making and business performance.
Hybrid MARMA-NARX model for flow forecasting based on the large-scale climate signals, sea-surface temperatures, and rainfall
Authors: Banihabib Mohammad Ebrahim , Ahmadian Arezoo , Valipour Mohammad
Published: June 2018

In this study, to reflect the effect of large-scale climate signals on runoff, these indices are accompanied with rainfall (the most effective local factor in runoff) as the inputs of the hybrid model. Where one-year in advance forecasting of reservoir inflows can provide data to have an optimal reservoir operation, reports show we still need more accurate models which include all effective parameters to have more forecasting accuracy than traditional linear models (ARMA and ARIMA). Thus, hybridization of models was employed for improving the accuracy of flow forecasting. Moreover, various forecasters including large-scale climate signals were tested to promote forecasting. This paper focuses on testing MARMA-NARX hybrid model to enhance the accuracy of monthly inflow forecasts. Since the inflow in different periods of the year has in linear and non-linear trends, the hybrid model is proposed as a means of combining linear model, monthly autoregressive moving average (MARMA), and non-linear model, nonlinear autoregressive model with exogenous (NARX) inputs to upgrade the accuracy of flow forecasting. The results of the study showed enhanced forecasting accuracy through using the hybrid model.
Determination of optimal dose of allylthiourea (ATU) for the batch respirometric test of activated sludge
Authors: Liu Bing , Terashima Mitsuharu , Quan Nguyen Truong , Ha Nguyen Thi , Van Chieu Le , Goel Rajeev , Yasui Hidenari
Published: June 2018

Allylthiourea is a known specific inhibitor for ammonium oxidiser to suppress its oxygen uptake, and is commonly used for various kinds of batch respirometric tests to detect heterotrophic respiration in activated sludge. However, when high heterotrophs were present in the sample, it appeared the inhibitor was noticeably degraded and reached below the inhibition threshold after a couple of days, which resulted in overestimation of the heterotrophic respiration. The biological decomposition of the inhibitor was expressed with a Monod-type rate expression having a half-saturation coefficient of 980 mg-COD/L and maximum specific growth rate of 1.0 d−1. The developed kinetic model, including the growth and decay of the heterotrophs and nitrifiers, indicated that the ATU with about 90 mg-ATU/L which was initially dosed to the system would reach below the inhibition threshold of 1.0 mg-ATU/L after 10 days when 750 mg-COD/L of heterotrophs were present. From the kinetic model, an empirical formula to calculate a safe minimum ATU dose for the batch respirometric test was elaborated. The model also provided a modified experimental procedure to accurately estimate the initial heterotrophic biomass concentration in the sample and its specific decay rate based on IWA Activated Sludge Models.
Lay-up Optimization of Laminated Composites Using a Modified Branch and Bound Method
Authors: Canale Giacomo , Weaver Paul M. , Rubino Felice , Maligno Angelo , Citarella Roberto
Published: June 2018

Background:

Composite materials are widely used in the aerospace, marine and automotive industries. One of their main advantages is that their stacking sequence can be tailored to maximise/minimise a specific structural performance. Efficient and non-computational-expensive algorithms are always needed to find the optimum stacking sequence of a composite laminate whose thickness is either to be minimised or may be kept constant (i.e.the thickness and the plies orientation percentages are pre-determined; the problem of the optimisation is therefore permutational).

Objective:

A modified branch and bound algorithm is proposed here and used to determine the stacking sequence for single and multi-objective optimisation problems. Laminate thickness and orientation percentages are either variables or determined a priori (the optimisation problem is therefore permutational). Computational time is drastically reduced when compared with other meta-heuristic techniques.

Methods:

The proposed method is a branch and bound algorithm, modified from the original work proposed by Kim and Hwang [10]. The main novelty is the starting point of the optimisation sequence: a laminate formed by “Ideal” layers, described in this paper.

Results:

The modified branch and bound has been first tested with a laminate having fixed thickness and a fixed percentage of layer orientation. Three different problems have been investigated: maximisation of natural frequencies, minimisation of tip deflection and maximisation of buckling critical load. The algorithm has been also tested, secondly, for a problem of weight minimisation subjected to buckling and strength constraints.

Conclusion:

The MBB has been shown to give good fidelity and significant computational advantages compared with a GA. Despite the simplicity of the structures in the numerical examples, it is anticipated that the MBB can be used to determine lay-ups in multi-part structures. The method was used to determine stacking sequences for several problems. The modified branch and bound method was shown to determine good laminate designs and offer significant efficiency savings.

A “Good Design” is here defined as a solution producing “Near Global Optima” fitness values by minimising the computational effort. It was shown that for a single objective without ply competition, global optima were obtained.
Perspectives of Immune Suppression in the Tumor Microenvironment Promoting Oral Malignancy
Authors: Kondoh Nobuo , Mizuno-Kamiya Masako , Takayama Eiji , Kawati Harumi , Umemura Naoki , Yamazaki Yutaka , Mitsudo Kenji , Tohnai Iwai
Published: June 2018

Introduction:

In order to survive, cancers control immune systems and evade immune detection using mediators consisting of immune checkpoint molecules and cellular systems associated with immune suppression.

Methodology:

During the development of cancer and chronic infections, the immune checkpoints and cellular components including regulatory T cells, myeloid derived suppressor cells and cancer associated fibroblasts are often enhanced as a mechanism of immune subversion and have therefore become very important therapeutic targets.

Conclusion:

In this review, we will discuss the complexity of immune-suppressive mechanisms in the tumor milieu of cancers, including oral malignancy.
Propiedades ignífugas de tableros de madera plástica producidos con diferentes especies forestales y termoplásticos reciclados
Authors: Martínez López Yonny , Paes Juarez Benigno , Martínez Rodríguez Emilio
Published: June 2018

Los residuos de madera y termoplásticos pueden ser usados para producir nuevos productos forestales con mejores propiedades y mayor valor agregado. El objetivo de la investigación fue evaluar las propiedades ignífugas de tableros de madera plástica elaborados a partir de residuos madereros (aserrín) de diferentes especies forestales (Pinus caribaea, Pinus cubensis, Cedrela odorata, Talipariti elatus y Eucalyptus sp.), termoplásticos reciclados (polietileno de baja  y alta densidad, tereftalato de polietileno y polipropileno), aditivos químicos (carbonato de calcio, ácido esteárico, estearato de calcio, estearato de zinc y agente de liga) y tetrabrik como retardante de llama. Los tableros fueron producidos a escala de laboratorio y procesados mediante extrusión. Las propiedades ignífugas fueron evaluadas mediante los ensayos de reacción y resistencia al fuego según indicaciones de la Norma Europea (UNE EN) 13823. Los tratamientos desarrollados mostraron buena respuesta en cuanto a reacción y resistencia al fuego; el tratamiento 6 mostró los mejores resultados. La extracción de la resina a la madera de las especies de pino permitió que los tableros mejoraran sus propiedades ignífugas. Los niveles más altos en cuanto a los efectos del fuego se pueden alcanzar mediante la mezcla de todas las materias primas en proporciones equitativas, las cuales aportan a los tableros mejores propiedades. La metodología propuesta para la producción de tableros de madera plástica puede ser desarrollada a gran escala por la industria de tableros, dado su bajo costo-calidad-beneficio. De esa forma se puede dar un uso sustentable a residuos industriales, propiciando su reconversión en materiales útiles para la sociedad.
Фотопорог слоистого кристалла alpha-GeS: расчет из первых принципов
Authors: Джахангирли З.А. , Гашимзаде Ф.М. , Гусейнова Д.А. , Мехтиев Б.Г. , Мустафаев Н.Б.
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe photothreshold of an α-GeS layered crystal is calculated from first principles based on the functional density method depending on its thickness. Two neighboring crystal plates consisting of several layers are separated by vacuum 4 layers thick, which corresponds to the doublet unit cell size of a bulk crystal. It is shown that the magnitude of the photothreshold is almost invariable with a crystal thickness larger than 10 layers.
Влияние глубоких центров на конфайнмент носителей в квантовых ямах InGaN/GaN и эффективность светодиодов
Authors: Бочкарева Н.И. , Шретер Ю.Г.
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe deep-center-assisted tunneling of carriers in p–n structures of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) with InGaN/GaN quantum wells (QWs) makes smaller the effective height of the injection barrier, but leads to a dependence of the radiation efficiency on the density and energy spectrum of defects in GaN. In the case of hopping conduction across the space charge region, the forward voltage mainly drops near the QW boundary, where the density of deep states at the quasi Fermi-level is the lowest. As a result, band bending at the boundary decreases, and, with increasing current, the direction of the electric field also changes, which leads to a weaker confinement of holes, to their non-radiative recombination in the n barrier, and to an efficiency droop. The low efficiency of green GaN LEDs is associated with the dominance of deep centers and insufficient density of shallow centers in the energy spectrum of defects in barrier layers near the boundaries with the QW. The proposed model is confirmed by the stepwise experimental dependences of the current, capacitance and efficiency of green and blue LEDs in the case of forward bias, which reflect the contribution of color centers responsible for the defect photoluminescence bands in GaN.
Структура деформируемого гетерогенного материала по данным акустической эмиссии и рентгеновской микротомографии
Authors: Дамаскинская Е.Е. , Пантелеев И.А. , Гафурова Д.Р. , Фролов Д.И.
Published: June 2018

AbstractAccumulation of defects at various stages of the deformation of a structurally inhomogeneous material (granite) has been studied using two nondestructive methods: acoustic emission (AE) and X-ray computer microtomorgaphy (CT). The quasi-static testing of cylindrical samples of a Westerly granite was carried out under uniaxial compression. The control of the defect formation was realized using the real-time monitoring of acoustic emission. For each sample under study, several steps of the loading and tomographic imaging have been performed. We have found that an exponential or power-law function of the energy distribution of the AE signals makes it possible to select a sample region, in which the system of defects has transited into a self-organized criticality state and large cracks have been formed. This result coincides with the data of the X-ray tomography Computer Microtomography.
Антистоксова люминесценция нанокристаллов Gd-=SUB=-2-=/SUB=-O-=SUB=-3-=/SUB=-, легированных ионами Er-=SUP=-3+-=/SUP=- и Yb-=SUP=-3+-=/SUP=-
Authors: Пустоваров В.А. , Трофимова Е.С. , Кузнецова Ю.А. , Зацепин А.Ф.
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe upconversion luminescence (UCL) of nanocrystalline gadolinium oxide (Gd_2O_3) doped with Er^3+ and Yb^3+ ions has been studied in the temperature range of 90–400 K. The nanocrystals were synthesized by chemical vapor deposition and possessed a cubic crystalline structure with an average particle size within 48–57 nm. It is established that the USL intensity in the red (^4 F _9/2 → ^4 I _15/2 transition in Er3+ ion) and green (^4 S _3/2 → ^4 I _15/2 transition) spectral regions depends on the sample temperature and concentration of dopant ions, as well as on the additional structural defects (anion vacancies) created in the crystal lattice by the introduction of Zn^2+ ions or irradiation with high-energy (10 MeV) electrons. The luminescence efficiency and spectrum of the upconversion phosphor are determined by energy transfer processes.
Особенности наноструктурирования поверхности кремния в результате ее сверхбыстрого нагрева фемтосекундным лазерным импульсом в воде
Authors: Ромашевский С.А.
Published: June 2018

AbstractSilicon surface morphology induced by a femtosecond laser pulse at near-threshold fluences in water environment is investigated by means of atomic-force microscopy (AFM). With increasing fluence, the silicon surface transforms into nanoscale ring-shaped and blister structures, as well as smooth and nanostructured microcraters with a minimum depth of 1 nm. The formation of starlike patterns imprinted at the surface of microcraters at fluences above the ablation threshold is observed.
Синтез наночастиц титана в жидком ксеноне с помощью высоковольтного электрического разряда
Authors: Акимов Д.Ю. , Белов В.А. , Болоздыня А.И. , Бобков С.В. , Васин А.А. , Волков Н.В. , Галаванов А.В. , Гусаков Ю.В. , Джумаев П.С. , Kdib D.E. , Коваленко А.Г. , Козлова Е.С. , Колпаков М.Ю. , Коновалов A.M. , Кумпан А.В. , Лукьяшин А.В. , Меликян Ю.А. , Непочатая О.Е. , Рудик Д.Г. , Савинов М.Ю. , Симаков Г.Е. , Сосновцев В.В. , Хромов А.В. , Шакиров А.В.
Published: June 2018

AbstractThe formation of titanium nanoparticles (NPs) in a high-voltage electric discharge between titanium electrodes in liquid xenon at a temperature of –105°C has been observed. It has been shown that these titanium nanoparticles have a spherical shape with an average diameter of <50 nm and they possess high chemical activity. This makes it possible when a relative mass concentration of NP reaches ~10^–6 to efficiently purify xenon from electronegative impurities for its use as a working medium for a new generation of high-efficiency nuclear radiation detectors.
Призменный масс-спектрометр для изотопного анализа водородно-гелиевых смесей
Authors: Галль Л.Н. , Якушев Е.М. , Назаренко Л.М. , Антонов А.С. , Семенов А.А. , Галль Н.Р.
Published: June 2018

AbstractAn original scheme of a special magnetic mass-spectrometer for isotope measurements in a mass range of hydrogen–helium mixtures and their main impurities is proposed. The ion optics system contains a two-dimensional magnetic prism supplemented with two identical cylindrical electrostatic capacitors matched so that the system operates in the regime of complete triple focusing of the ion beam in two orthogonal directions and with respect to ion energies. The system ensures high dispersion and allows the mass resolution (no less than 3500) required for analysis at high brightness and a central ion trajectory length on the order of 1 m.
Use and Effects of Patient Access to Medical Records in General Practice Through a Personal Health Record in the Netherlands: Protocol for a Mixed-Methods Study
Authors: Vreugdenhil Maria MT , Kool Rudolf B , van Boven Kees , Assendelft Willem JJ , Kremer Jan AM
Published: June 2018

Background

In the Dutch health care system, general practitioners hold a central position. They store information from all health care providers who are involved with their patients in their electronic health records. Web-based access to the summary record in general practice through a personal health record (PHR) may increase patients’ insight into their medical conditions and help them to be involved in their care.

Objective

We describe the protocol that we will use to investigate the utilization of patients’ digital access to the summary of their medical records in general practice through a PHR and its effects on the involvement of patients in their care.

Methods

We will conduct a multilevel mixed-methods study in which the PHR and Web-based access to the summary record will be offered for 6 months to a random sample of 500 polypharmacy patients, 500 parents of children aged <4 years, and 500 adults who do not belong to the former two groups. At the patient level, a controlled before-after study will be conducted using surveys, and concurrently, qualitative data will be collected from focus group discussions, think-aloud observations, and semistructured interviews. At the general practice staff (GP staff) level, focus group discussions will be conducted at baseline and Q-methodology inquiries at the end of the study period. The primary outcomes at the patient level are barriers and facilitators for using the PHR and summary records and changes in taking an active role in decision making and care management and medication adherence. Outcomes at the GP staff level are attitudes before and opinions after the implementation of the intervention. Patient characteristics and changes in outcomes related to patient involvement during the study period will be compared between the users and nonusers of the intervention using chi-square tests and t tests. A thematic content analysis of the qualitative data will be performed, and the results will be used to interpret quantitative findings.

Results

Enrollment was completed in May 2017 and the possibility to view GP records through the PHR was implemented in December 2017. Data analysis is currently underway and the first results are expected to be submitted for publication in autumn 2019.

Conclusions

We expect that the findings of this study will be useful to health care providers and health care organizations that consider introducing the use of PHR and Web-based access to records and to those who have recently started using these.

Trial Registration

Netherlands Trial Registry NTR6395; http://www.trialregister.nl/trialreg/admin/rctview.asp?TC=6395 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/71nc8jzwM)

Registered Report Identifier

RR1-10.2196/10193
Online Positive Affect Journaling in the Improvement of Mental Distress and Well-Being in General Medical Patients With Elevated Anxiety Symptoms: A Preliminary Randomized Controlled Trial (Preprint)
Authors: Smyth Joshua M , Johnson Jillian A , Auer Brandon J , Lehman Erik , Talamo Giampaolo , Sciamanna Christopher N
Published: June 2018

BACKGROUND

Positive affect journaling (PAJ), an emotion-focused self-regulation intervention, has been associated with positive outcomes among medical populations. It may be adapted for Web-based dissemination to address a need for scalable, evidence-based psychosocial interventions among distressed patients with medical conditions.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to examine the impact of a 12-week Web-based PAJ intervention on psychological distress and quality of life in general medical patients.

METHODS

A total of 70 adults with various medical conditions and elevated anxiety symptoms were recruited from local clinics and randomly assigned to a Web-based PAJ intervention (n=35) or usual care (n=35). The intervention group completed 15-min Web-based PAJ sessions on 3 days each week for 12 weeks. At baseline and the end of months 1 through 3, surveys of psychological, interpersonal, and physical well-being were completed.

RESULTS

Patients evidenced moderate sustained adherence to Web-based intervention. PAJ was associated with decreased mental distress and increased well-being relative to baseline. PAJ was also associated with less depressive symptoms and anxiety after 1 month and greater resilience after the first and second month, relative to usual care.

CONCLUSIONS

Web-based PAJ may serve as an effective intervention for mitigating mental distress, increasing well-being, and enhancing physical functioning among medical populations. PAJ may be integrated into routine medical care to improve quality of life.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT01873599; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01873599 (Archived by WebCite at http://www.webcitation.org/73ZGFzD2Z)