bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Putting Tasks to the Test: The Case of Germany
Authors: Rohrbach-Schmidt Daniela
Published: September 2019

The demand for skills has changed throughout recent decades, favouring high-skilled workers that perform abstract, problem-solving tasks. At the same time, research shows that occupation-specific skills are beneficial for labour market success. This article explores (1) how education, workplace characteristics and occupations shape job task requirements, (2) how within-occupation job task content relates to wages, and (3) whether these relationships vary across types of tasks due to their presumably varying degrees of occupational specificity. Using worker-level data from Germany from 2011–2012 the article shows that a large part of task content is determined by occupations, but that task requirements also differ systematically within occupations with workers’ educational levels and workplace characteristics. Moreover, differences in task usage within occupations are robust predictors of wage differences between workers. Finally, the results suggest that non-routine manual tasks have a higher occupational specificity than abstract and routine tasks, and that manually skilled workers can generate positive returns on their skills in their specific fields of activity.
Does Vocational Education Give a Labour Market Advantage over the Whole Career? A Comparison of the United Kingdom and Switzerland
Authors: Korber Maïlys
Published: September 2019

Research suggests that vocational education and training (VET) tends to reduce youth unemployment by providing them with specific skills, thus smoothing the transition from education to work. However, we still know relatively little aboutwhether vocational education provides higher employment rate and wages over the entire working trajectory than holders of lower education; after several years of experience, both groups may indeed have similar skills and thus similar situations in the labour market. We compare the situation in the United Kingdom and Switzerland, two countries that share a tradition of vocational education but differ in the specificity and standardisation of their VET system. Creating a pseudo-cohort with repeated rounds of the United Kingdom and Swiss labour force surveys, we use regression models and compare the employment rate and hourly wage of our two groups of interest: individuals with vocational education at the upper secondary level and individuals with no more than compulsory education. We find that VET graduates fare better in terms of both employment and wages over the whole career. This advantage is larger for women than men and, contrary to our hypothesis, larger in the United Kingdom than in Switzerland with respect to employment prospects.
Vocational Education and Employment: Explaining Cohort Variations in Life Course Patterns
Authors: Kratz Fabian , Patzina Alexander , Kleinert Corinna , Dietrich Hans
Published: September 2019

A stylized finding on returns to vocational education is that vocational compared to general education generates a differential life course pattern of employability: while vocational education guarantees smooth transitions into the labour market and thus generates initial advantages, these erode with increasing age, leading to late-life reversals in employment chances. We contribute to this research by assessing cohort variations in life-cycle patterns and distinguishing two explanations for late-life reversals in employment chances. The adaptability argument states that this phenomenon is due to the lower adaptability and occupational flexibility of those with vocational education. In contrast, the health argument states that vocational education leads to physically more demanding occupations, faster health deterioration, and, thus, lower employability in later life. Using data from the German Socio-Economic Panel, we employ non-parametric state probability analysis to assess cohort variations in employment patterns, and mediation analysis to assess how much of the late-life reversal of employment patterns is due to a faster health deterioration among the vocationally educated. Results show that the early life advantage of vocational education increases across cohorts. Furthermore, those with vocational education exhibit faster health deterioration, and a small part of the late-life employment disadvantage of this group works through lower levels of health after midlife.
PROJEKTS ERASMUS + KA2 NR.2017-1LT01-KA201-035234 "MEDIĀCIJAS SISTĒMAS ATTĪSTĪBA IZGLĪTĪBAS SEKTORĀ"
Authors: Orska Rita , Vonoga Aija
Published: September 2019

Mediation is one of the important topics in today's pedagogical science. The topicality of the project is based on educational development requirements. The main aim of the project is development of nonviolent communication skills in schools by implementing mediation system. The objectives of the project are the following: enhancing school educators' professional development through development of mediation training programme and organization of trainings; fostering pupils' conflict resolution skills through development of training programme and organization of training activities; raising awareness of mediation as effective method for nonviolent communication within school communities. Results of the project - teacher mediator preparation program; teaching material for the preparation of teacher mediators; pupil mediator preparation program; recommendations for introducing mediation in school.
EVALUATION OF EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUND SUPPORT FOR THE EDUCATION OF THE UNEMPLOYED IN LATVIA
Authors: Salmane Antra
Published: September 2019

The unemployment rate in Latvia was continuing to decline in recent years, but it is still high, especially in the regions. In order to improve the existing skills and to master new skills of the unemployed, the European Social Fund's investments are used. The author of the paper is studying the support provided by the European Social Fund to the unemployed for raising their qualifications, which could help them to return to the labour market. The research aim is to investigate the active employment opportunities for unemployed people to take part and how it affects the return of the unemployed to the labour market. The result of the research study shows that the number of training programmes is large and varied. However, it has been concluded that improvements are needed in the implementation of the European Social Fund's co-funding in order to reduce the risk of its misuse.
PRINCIPLE OF OBJECTIVE INVESTIGATION IN ADMINISTRATIVE PROCESS
Authors: Filatova Nataļja
Published: September 2019

In the legal system of Latvia, it is now established that the principle of objective investigation is to be regarded as an effective guarantee of the protection of the individual's rights. This institute of law is based on the belief that in the process the court must play an active role in the process of achieving objective truth and result in an equitable outcome. However, the obvious, both in the regulatory framework of the administrative process and in the case-law, is the manifestation of the principle of the adversarial principle. Although in the regulatory environment and in the legal literature, is often recognized that there is no adversarial principle in the administrative process, such an assumption seems questionable.
Студенты поколения Z: реальность и будущее
Authors: Захарова Валерия Александровна
Published: September 2019

В статье раскрывается сущность теории поколения, а также необходимость применения теории с целью построения успешного взаимодействия со студентами XXI века.
Polyethylene plastic production process
Authors: Zhong Xiuhua , Zhao Xudong , Qian Yongkang , Zou Yan
Published: September 2019

Polyethylene has become the most important polyoleﬁn plastic with excellent mechanical properties, processing properties and chemical stability. It is used in the production of film, packaging and pipe. However, the non-polar property and low rigidity limit its application in certain ﬁelds. The new progress of chemical and physical modiﬁcation upon polyethylene are reviewed. The former includes graft modification, chlorination, copolymerization modification, crosslinking modification, chlorosulfonation modification and plasma modification. There are different methods of polyethylene production which include high-, medium- and low-pressure polyethylene. All three methods had their own beneﬁts and shortcomings which coexist in the industry. 
Теневая экономика: угрозы и последствия
Authors: Дмитриева Екатерина Олеговна , Дробот Елена Валерьевна
Published: September 2019

В статье рассматривается понятие «теневая экономика», дается ее классификация, выделяются основные проблемы теневой экономики.
Теневая экономическая деятельность субъектов предпринимательства как фактор развития экономической преступности
Authors: Буров Виталий Юрьевич
Published: September 2019

В статье показаны подходы к исследованию экономической преступности отечественными и зарубежными учеными. Автором проведен сравнительный анализ понятий (определений) экономической преступности, незаконного предпринимательства, теневой и криминальной экономики. Определено влияние и взаимосвязь между ними Проанализированы основные направления противодействия экономической преступности, что позволило сделать вывод об интенсификации борьбы с незаконным предпринимательством, как формы проявления экономической преступности, в современных условиях.
Отмечено, что экономическая преступность в современных реалиях – самая значимая часть преступности, непосредственно связанная с экономическими отношениями и полностью определяемая системной коррупцией.
Avaliação da Atividade Bacteriostática de Carvão Ativado Impregnado com Prata Frente à Bactéria Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Souza Lorena F. de , Sebastiany Letícia K. , Naves Plínio L. F. , Campos José D. R.
Published: September 2019

A Pseudomonas aeruginosa é um microrganismo comumente presente em efluentes de origem hospitalar, pois é um patógeno nosocomial, causador de infecções de difícil tratamento. A prata possui propriedades antimicrobianas conhecidas, sendo empregada juntamente com carvão ativado em filtros domésticos. Foram portanto, desenvolvidos filtros com amostras de carvão ativado de casca de coco de dendê (Elaeis guineensis) impregnadas com prata, que posteriormente filtraram soluções contendo o microrganismo de estudo. Após incubação, as colônias foram contadas e determinadas (UFC/mL), revelando que a amostra com maior concentração do metal melhor inibiu o crescimento da bactéria, apresentando atividade bacteriostática, e confirmando seu papel fundamental.
Legislação e Normatização para o Glifosato no Brasil
Authors: Teixeira Denise E. , Paula Renata Layse G. , Napolitano Hamilton B.
Published: September 2019

Os agrotóxicos, no regime da propriedade intelectual, podem ser classificados como novas moléculas ou princípios ativos passíveis de serem patenteados. Os Tratados, Convenções e Acordos Internacionais estabelecidos entre diversos países visam à convergência de interesses de cooperação econômica para proteção às invenções. O glifosato é o herbicida mais vendido do mundo. A diferentes estruturas cristalinas da molécula glifosato (polimorfismo) permitiram o depósito de distintos registros de patentes. A evolução histórica do sistema internacional de patentes e da legislação interna para agrotóxicos permitem a análise dos registros do herbicida glifosato.
The Sloth
Authors: Lederman Michael M. , Kuritzkes Daniel R.
Published: September 2019

I nearly saw a three-toed slothI really hoped to see oneBut as I crept up on the beastHe sped off like a demon How did this lazy fellow do it?My legs were gelled, encased in suetInsensate speed was needed nowThat wily sloth could sprint, and how!I called upon my last reservesTo stay with him through streams and curvesHe would not give this race a restJust like those hounds of BudapestHis limbs a blur, his eyes agleamHis ears pressed back, his goggles seemTo mask his real intent, his dreamTo master speed and be the Dean Of hustle.
Combination Antifungal Therapy for Invasive Mold Infections Among Pediatric Patients with Hematological Malignancies: Data from A Real-Life Case-Series
Authors: Peri Anna Maria , Verna Marta , Biffi Stefano , Alagna Laura , Longhi Benedetta , Migliorino Guglielmo Marco , Foresti Sergio , Bandera Alessandra , Rovelli Attilio , Rizzari Carmelo , Gori Andrea , Colombini Antonella
Published: September 2019

Background: Invasive mold infections in children with hematological malignancies are associated with high mortality rates. The use of combination antifungal therapy in cases with a severe clinical course is increasing, although information on the efficacy and safety of this approach is limited.Methods: We present a case series of 13 children affected by hemato-oncological disorders who received combination antifungal therapy for invasive mold infections at our center (Pediatric Hematology, San Gerardo Hospital, Monza, Italy) from 2011 to 2016, with the aim of describing their clinical characteristics, types of infections, treatment regimens, clinical outcomes, and treatment safety. Medical records were retrospectively reviewed in order to describe patients’ characteristics.Results: Combination antifungal therapy included liposomal amphotericin associated with caspofungin (5/13, 38.4%), voriconazole (5/13, 38.4%), or posaconazole (3/13, 23.1%). The 12-week treatment response rate was 69.2% (6/13 patients showed complete response, 3/13 partial response). The crude mortality was 30.7% (4/13): half was related to invasive mold infections (2/13, 15.38%) and half to disease progression (2/13, 15.38%). Overall, treatment was well tolerated, and we did not observe any permanent discontinuation of antifungals due to related side effects.Conclusions: In our experience, combination antifungal therapy seems to be a safe option in immunocompromised children with invasive mold infections. Well-designed studies are needed to confirm the safety of this approach and to better understand its efficacy in the pediatric setting.Keywords: antifungal therapy; mold; hematological malignancies
Autogenous maxillofacial Bone Grafting
Authors: hange venkatesh , devki shishir mohan
Published: September 2019

Bone grafting is one of the commonest practice in orthopaedics, surgical oncology & implant dentistry.bone grafts are used for non-union, mal-union, trauma/ fracture, filling defect due to bony cystor tumor ,reconstructive surgery , implant augumentation. extra oral bone grafts are gold standard . but intraoral bone grafts are now emerging alternatives as its close proximity to recipient site & comparatively less mortality & morbidity rates.this book will explore maxillofacial bone grafts science. this book is helpful to dental students, maxillofacial surgeons, implantologist, prsthodontist in learning science of bone grafting.
Systematic Link of Modal Identification with Model Updating
Authors: Cho Keunhee , Park Young-Hwan , Cho Jeong-Rae
Published: September 2019

A systematic approach for model updating using the modal identification results is proposed. Modal identification provides mode shapes for physical quantities (acceleration strain, etc.) measured in specific directions at the location of the sensors. Besides, model updating involves the use of the mode shapes related to the nodal degrees-of-freedom of the finite element analytic model. Consequently, the mode shapes obtained by modal identification and the mode shapes of the model updating process do not coincide even for the same mode. Therefore, a method constructing transform matrices that distinguish the cases where measurement is done by acceleration, velocity and displacement sensors and the case where measurement is done by strain sensors is proposed to remedy such disagreement between the mode shapes. The so-constructed transform matrices are then applied when the mode shape residual is used as objective function or for mode pairing in the model updating process. The feasibility of the proposed approach is verified by means of a numerical example in which the strain or acceleration of a simple beam is measured and a numerical example in which the strain of a bridge is measured. Using the proposed approach, it is possible to model the structure regardless of the position of the sensors and to select the location of the sensors independently from the model.
Evaluation of Magnetic Parameters and Kinetics of the Magnetic Nanoparticles in High Magnetic Fields
Authors: Arokiaraj Mark Christopher , Liubimtcev Aleksandr
Published: September 2019

Background: Multifunctional nanoparticles are known for their wide range of biomedical applications. Controlling the magnetic properties of these nanoparticles is imperative for various applications, including therapeutic angiogenesis. The study was performed to evaluate the magnetic properties and their control mechanisms by the external magnetic field. Methods: A 100nm magnetic nanoparticle was placed in the magnetic field, and parametrically the magnet field strength and distance was evaluated. Various models of magnetic strength and disposition were evaluated. Magnetic flux density, force/weight, and magnetic gradient strength were the parameters evaluated in electromagnetic computational software. Results: The seven-coil method with three centrally placed coils as Halbach array, and each coil with a flux density of 7 Tesla, and with a coil dimension of 20cmx20cm (square model) of each coil showed a good magnetic strength and force/weight parameters in a distance of 15cm from the centrally placed coil. The particles were then evaluated for their motion characteristics in saline. It showed good displacement and acceleration properties. After that, the particles were theoretically assessed in a similar mathematical model after parametrically correcting the drag force. After application of high drag forces, the particles showed adequate motion characteristics. When the particle size was reduced further, the motion characteristics were preserved even with high drag forces. Conclusion: There is potential for a novel method of controlling multifunctional magnetic nanoparticles using high magnetic fields. Further studies are required to evaluate the motion characteristics of these particles in-vivo and invitro.
Ligand-Independent EGFR Activation by Anchorage Stimulated Src Promotes Cancer Cell Proliferation and Cetuximab Resistance via ErbB3 Phosphorylation
Authors: Nozaki Masami , Yasui Hiroki , Ohnishi Yuichi
Published: September 2019

Activation of the EGFR pathway plays an important role in the progression of cancer and is associated with a poor prognosis in patients. The monoclonal antibody cetuximab, which displays EGFR extracellular domain-specific binding, has proven effective in the treatment of locally advanced disease and relapsed/metastatic disease. However, the effects of cetuximab are weaker than those of EGFR tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). This study investigates differences in the effects on cell growth of cetuximab and EGFR TKI AG1478 at the molecular level using oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) cell lines. First, we found that there were EGFR-inhibitor sensitive (EIS) and EGFR-inhibitor resistant cell lines. The EIS cell lines expressed not only EGFR but also ErbB3, and both were clearly phosphorylated. The levels of phosphorylated ErbB3 were unaffected by cetuximab but were reduced by AG1478. EGFR ligand treatment increased the levels of phosphorylated EGFR but not phosphorylated ErbB3. Moreover, when EIS cell lines that were only capable of anchorage-dependent growth were grown in suspension, cell growth was suppressed and the levels of phosphorylated FAK, Src, and ErbB3 were significantly reduced. The levels of phosphorylated ErbB3 were unaffected by the FAK inhibitor PF573228, but were reduced by Src inhibition. Finally, combining cetuximab and a Src inhibitor produced an additive effect on the inhibition of EIS cell line growth.
Inverse Regulation of Lipocalin-2/24p3 Receptor/Slc22a17 and Lipocalin-2 Expression by Tonicity, Nfat5/TonEBP and Arginine Vasopressin in Mouse Cortical Collecting Duct Cells mCCD(cl.1): Implications for Osmotolerance
Authors: Probst Stephanie , Scharner Bettina , Lee Wing-Kee , Thévenod Frank
Published: September 2019

The rodent collecting duct (CD) expresses a 24p3/NGAL/lipocalin-2 (Lcn2) receptor (Slc22a17) apically to possibly mediate high-affinity reabsorption of filtered proteins by endocytosis, yet its functions remain uncertain. Recently, we showed that hyperosmolarity/-tonicity upregulates Slc22a17 in cultured mouse inner medullary CD cells, whereas activation of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) via bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) downregulates Slc22a17. This is similar to the upregulation of Aqp2 by hyperosmolarity/-tonicity and arginine vasopressin (AVP) and downregulation by TLR4 signaling that occur via the transcription factors Nfat5 (TonEBP or OREBP), cAMP-responsive element binding protein (CREB), and nuclear factor-kappa B, respectively. The aim of the study was to determine the effects of osmolarity/tonicity via Nfat5, AVP via CREB and TLR4 signaling on the expression of Slc22a17 and its ligand Lcn2 in the mouse (m) cortical collecting duct cell line mCCD(cl.1). Normosmolarity/-tonicity was 300 mosmol/l whereas addition of 50-100 mmol/l NaCl for up to 72 h induced hyperosmolarity/-tonicity (400-500 mosmol/l). RT-PCR, qPCR, immunoblotting and immunofluorescence microscopy detected Slc22a17 and Lcn2 expression. RNAi silenced Nfat5, and the pharmacological agent 666-15 blocked CREB. Activation of TLR4 occurred with LPS. Similar to Aqp2, hyperosmotic/-tonic media and AVP upregulated Slc22a17 via activation of Nfat5 and CREB, respectively, and LPS/TLR4 signaling downregulated Slc22a17. Conversely, though Nfat5 mediated hyperosmolarity/-tonicity induced downregulation of Lcn2 expression, AVP reduced Lcn2 expression and predominantly apical Lcn2 secretion evoked by LPS, but through a posttranslational mode of action that was independent of cAMP signaling. In conclusion, the hyperosmotic/-tonic upregulation of Slc22a17 in mCCD(cl.1) cells via Nfat5 and by AVP via CREB suggests a contribution of Slc22a17 to adaptive osmotolerance, whereas Lcn2 downregulation could counteract increased proliferation and permanent damage of osmotically stressed cells.
Safety of GNSS-Like Underwater Positioning Systems
Authors: Abramowski Tomasz , Bilewski Mateusz , Dobryakova Larisa , Ochin Evgeny , Uriasz Janusz , Zalewski Paweł
Published: September 2019

The formal transfer of GNSS under water is not possible. It probably makes sense to talk only about the transformation of GPS into LPS, that is, in the Local Position System. However, the basic methods that are used to solve the problem of Spoofing Detection above water can be used under water. It should be understood that engineering problems are significantly different, since the nature of the propagation of acoustic waves in water and electromagnetic waves in the atmosphere are fundamentally different. In this article, we will limit the navigation with acoustically passive receiver. The receiver “listens” to the buoys and solves the problem of finding its own position based on the coordinates of the buoys (such systems are called GNSS-like Underwater Positioning Systems or GNSS-like UPS). Depending on the scale of system service areas, GNSS-like UPS are divided into global, regional, zonal and local system. In this article, we will limit ourselves to considering only local GNSS-like UPS. The acoustic signal generator transmits a signal simulation of several satellites. If the level of the simulated signal exceeds the signal strength of real satellites, the receiver of UPS will “capture” the fake signal and calculate the false position based on it.
Freshwater Supply to Metropolitan Shanghai: Issues of Quality from Source to Consumers
Authors: Li Maotian , Chen jing , Finlayson Brian , Chen Zhongyuan , Webber Michael , Barnett Jon , Wang Mark
Published: September 2019

Shanghai is experiencing water supply problems caused by heavy pollution of its raw water supply, deficiencies in its treatment processes and water quality deteoriation in the distribution system. However, little attention has been paid these problems of water quality in raw water, water treatment and household drinking water. Based on water quality data we show that the raw water sources of the Huangpu River and the Changjiang (Yangtze River) estuary are polluted by microbes (TBC), eutrophication (TP, TN and NH3-N), heavy metals (Fe, Mn and Hg) and organic contamination (chemical oxygen demand [COD], detergent and volatile phenols [VP]). The average concentrations of these contaminants in the Huangpu River are almost double that of the Changjiang estuary forcing a rapid shift to the Changjiang estuary for raw water. In spite of filtering and treatment, TN, NH3-N, Fe, COD and chlorine maxima of the treated water and drinking water still exceed the Chinese National Standard (GB5749). We determine that the relevant threats from water source to household water in Shanghai are: 1) eutrophication arising from highly concentrated TN, TP, COD and algal density in the raw water; 2) increasing salinity in the river estuary, especially at the Qingcaosha Reservoir (currently the major freshwater source for Shanghai); 3) more than 50% of organic constituents and by-products remain in treated water; 4) bacteria and turbidity increase in the course of water delivery to users. The analysis presents an holistic assessment of the water quality threats to metropolitan Shanghai in relation to the city’s rapid development.
The Menstrual Cycle May Affect Anterior Knee Laxity and the Rate of Anterior Cruciate Ligament Rupture
Authors: Somerson Jeremy S. , Isby Ian J. , Hagen Mia S. , Kweon Christopher Y. , Gee Albert O.
Published: September 2019

Background:

Women have a higher risk of anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) tears than men, the causes of which are multifactorial. The menstrual cycle and its hormonal effect on the knee may contribute to knee laxity and ACL injury. This work reviewed published studies examining the effects of the phases of the menstrual cycle on anterior knee laxity and the rate of ACL tears.

Methods:

A systematic review with meta-analysis and meta-regression was performed. Studies with data comparing the menstrual cycle phase with ACL injury or anterior knee laxity were included for analysis. Data with regard to patient demographic characteristics, anterior knee laxity, ACL injury, and menstrual cycle phases were extracted from the included studies.

Results:

In this study, 1,308 search results yielded 396 articles for review, of which 28 met inclusion criteria. Nineteen studies of knee laxity with 573 combined subjects demonstrated a mean increase in laxity (and standard deviation) of 0.40 ± 0.29 mm in the ovulatory phase compared with the follicular phase and a mean increase in laxity of 0.21 ± 0.21 mm in the luteal phase compared with the follicular phase. Nine studies examining ACL tears with 2,519 combined subjects demonstrated a decreased relative risk (RR) of an ACL tear in the luteal phase compared with the follicular and ovulatory phases combined (RR, 0.72 [95% confidence interval, 0.56 to 0.89]). There were no differences in ACL tear risk between any of the other phases.

Conclusions:

An increased risk of an ACL tear does not appear to be associated with periods of increased laxity in this meta-analysis. Although this suggests that hormonal effects on an ACL tear may not be directly related to increases in knee laxity, the methodologic heterogeneity between published studies limits the conclusions that can be drawn and warrants further investigation.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Professional development opportunities for tutors of mathematics learning support
Authors: Grove Michael , Mac an Bhaird Ciarán , O'Sullivan Ciarán
Published: September 2019

Deficiencies in the mathematical skills of students entering university study are having a negative impact on their education, and more broadly have serious consequences for society as a whole. Research demonstrates that extra initiatives established to give these students an opportunity to succeed are making a difference, and that the staff who provide these supports play a fundamental role. Here we review two different models of structured training that were developed for these tutors, via two cases studies drawn from within the UK and Ireland. We discuss the key and transferrable skills that these tutors require, skills that are often not typically needed in a more ‘traditional’ teaching role. The majority of tutors remain in this crucial support role for only a short period of their careers, and so a fundamental question remains as to how they can receive appropriate recognition for their academic endeavours. Such recognition is important for both the institution, in demonstrating its commitment to teaching quality, and for the career progression of the tutors themselves.
Enhanced Recovery Technologies for Unconventional Oil Reservoirs
Authors: Thakur Ganesh
Published: September 2019

Management

Unconventional resources have transformed the landscape of the oil and gas industry. The primary oil recovery factor ranges from 2–8% for the various shale plays throughout the US. Hence, it is imperative to develop the vast potential of unconventional reservoirs and increase the recovery factors beyond primary depletion by implementing IOR/EOR methods. This article describes the role of effective reservoir management and summarizes the detailed review of the advances in IOR/EOR technologies applied to unconventional oil reservoirs, as performed by the Energy Industry Partnership Team (EIP) at the University of Houston (Balasubramanian et al. 2018). That review•included:

A thorough review of the pertinent published literature on IOR/EOR

Results of EOR application to unconventionals shared by various operators in their investor presentations and from press reports

Classifying IOR/EOR studies as laboratory experiments, numerical modeling, and field laboratory trials•(pilots)

Analysis of field trials based on the representative shale plays.

Most studies performed for the application of EOR technologies to unconventional oil reservoirs have been limited to experimental investigations and numerical simulation studies. The research revealed that miscible gas injection (produced field gases, CO2, etc.) is the most promising method among the EOR techniques, including miscible gas, waterflooding, surfactant, chemical, and polymer. Experimental studies showed the following:

CO2 injection had the highest potential of improved recovery in unconventionals followed by produced gas injection. Surfactant injection showed the next best potential to increase oil recovery by altering the wettability of rock in laboratory experiments.

The produced field gas injection pilots showed that sufficient injectivity was achieved mainly due to the injection-induced fractures and did not exhibit any significant effect of diffusion.

Conformance control remains a big challenge due to the channeling of the gas through the fractures.

Produced field gas injection pilots in the Eagle Ford formation have demonstrated the greatest success in increasing oil recovery.

Many inconsistencies exist between laboratory investigations and field trials that need reconciliation and further research to bridge the gap.

This methodical study elicits the learnings and challenges from the application of different IOR/EOR technologies to unconventionals at various scales (micro to macro to field scale). In addition, ideas for future research are recommended to improve the understanding of the complex mechanisms of EOR in unconventional oil reservoirs.

Unconventional resources have changed the landscape of oil and gas industry in the US and the world. Oil production from unconventional tight oil reservoirs have accounted for more than 50% of total oil production in the US in the recent years. Todd et al. reported that unconventional oil reservoirs contributed to more than a 4 million•B/D increase in production between 2011 and•2014.
Maternal effects shape the alternative splicing of parental alleles in reciprocal cross hybrids of Megalobrama amblycephala x Culter alburnus
Authors: Ren Li , Yan Xiaojing , Gao Xin , Cui Jialin , Yan Pengcheng , Wu Chang , Li Wuhui , Liu Shaojun
Published: September 2019

Background
Maternal effects contribute to adaptive significance for shaping various phenotypes of many traits. Potential implications of maternal effects are the cause of expression diversity, but these effects on mRNA expression and alternative splicing (AS) have not been fully elucidated in hybrid animal.

Results
Two reciprocal cross hybrids following hybridization of Megalobrama amblycephala (blunt snout bream, BSB) and Culter alburnus (topmouth culter, TC) were used as a model to investigate maternal effects. In a comparison of BSB and TC homoeolog expression from the two reciprocal cross hybrids, we identified 49–347 differentially expressed BSB-homoeologous genes and 54–354 TC-homoeologous genes. 2402, 2959, and 3418 AS events between the two reciprocal cross hybrids were detected in Illumina data of muscle, liver, and gonads, respectively. Moreover, 21,577 (TC-homoeologs) and 30,007 (BSB-homoeologs) AS events were found in the 20,131 homoeologous gene pairs of TB F3 based on PacBio data, while 30,561 (TC-homoeologs) and 30,305 (BSB-homoeologs) AS events were found in BT F3 homoeologous gene pairs. These results further improve AS prediction at the homoeolog level. To analyze body shape traits, bmpr2a of the bone morphogenetic protein family was selected as an AS model to investigate expression diversity.

Conclusions
The distribution of differentially expressed genes and AS in BSB- and TC-subgenomes exhibited various changes between the two reciprocal cross hybrids, suggesting that maternal effects are the cause of expression diversity. These findings provide a novel insight into mRNA expression changes and AS under maternal effects in lower vertebrates.
Closing the (incarceration) gap
Authors: Shepherd Stephane M , Spivak Benjamin , Ashford Linda , Williams Isabel , Trounson Justin , Paradies Yin
Published: September 2019

Background
“Closing the Gap” is an Australian government strategy that was established to address the inequality in health and education outcomes between Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians. Although some gains have been realised, progress has been ostensibly slow. One potential obstacle is the large number of Indigenous Australians in prison. 1 in 5 to 1 in 6 Indigenous Australian males are currently imprisoned or have previously been imprisoned. Recent work has also pointed to a widening socio-economic gap within the Indigenous population. Given the myriad social, wellbeing and environmental risk factors associated with justice-involvement, it is conceivable that incarceration may contribute to the increasing disparities found within the Indigenous population. This study aimed to explore the presence and extent of an ‘incarceration gap’ within the Indigenous population and to uncover which social factors characterise the disparity.
Methods
The study utilised data from the 2014-5 National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Social Survey (NATSISS). A number of socio-economic, environmental and clinical factors were compared by life-time incarceration status. Chi-square tests were used to examine the association between incarceration status and each of the comparison variables.
Results
Disparities were observed within the Indigenous Australian population across a number of important health and socio-economic markers by incarceration status - the most pronounced being for educational obtainment, labour force participation and drug/alcohol problems. Never-incarcerated Indigenous males yielded aggregate proportions across numerous variables that approximated or matched general Australian population estimates.
Conclusions
There appears to be evidence for an ‘incarceration gap’ within the Indigenous Australian population. It is evident that the national ‘closing the gap’ strategy necessitates contending with Indigenous over-incarceration.
Absorbable suture can be effectively and safely used to close the mesenteric defect in a gastric bypass Sprague-Dawley Rat Model
Authors: Yao Libin , Dolo Ponnie Robertlee , Shao Yong , Li Chao , Widjaja Jason , Hong Jian , Zhu Xiaocheng
Published: September 2019

Background: To observe if absorbable suture can effectively and safely be used to close the mesenteric defect after Roux-en-Y reconstruction.
Methods: Rats were randomly assigned to 5 experimental groups according to different suture materials used in closing the mesenteric defects (Peterson’s space) after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass. Group A (control group), Group B (non-absorbable suture, Prolene suture), Group C (biological glue), Group D (non-absorbable suture, polyester suture) and Group E (absorbable suture). All rats were followed up for 8 weeks postoperatively and underwent laparotomy to observe the degree of adhesion and closure of the mesenteric defect.
Results: No significant difference was found in the decrease in food intake and body weight among all groups. No internal hernia (IH) occurred in any group. The mesenteric defects of Group A remained completely visible without any closure or adhesion. Multiple gaps were found between Prolene suture and the mesentery along the suture line in Group B. The mesenteric defects of Group C were complete closed with multiple adhesions of the small intestine and the greater omentum. The mesenteric defects had closed completely in both Group D and Group E. Average adhesion score of Group A and Group B was 0 and 0.33±0.52 respectively. Average adhesion score was higher in group C (3.83±0.41) than the other groups (p＜0.05). Group D and E had similar average adhesion score, 3.17±0.41 and 3.00±0.00 respectively.
Conclusion: Absorbable sutures can be effectively and safely used to close the mesenteric defect in a rat model.
What shapes physical activity attitudes within an ethnic minority? An intergenerational comparison of British Indian women
Authors: Bhatnagar Prachi , Foster Charlie , Shaw Alison
Published: September 2019

Background: Survey data indicate that second-generation UK South Asian women are more physically active than first-generation women, but less active than White British women. In the 2011 UK census, approximately 50% of UK South Asian ethnic groups were born in the UK, and this group is increasing as the second-generation also have children. Qualitative work is needed to determine why these changes in physical activity have occurred and how we might further reduce the gap in physical activity levels between White British women and British Indian women.
Methods : We used qualitative methods to understand attitudes, barriers and motivations for physical activity in two generations of British Indian women, using a socioecological model to take into account the wider social and physical contexts. We conducted semi-structured interviews with 28 Indian women living in Manchester, England. Respondents completed a 7-day exercise diary prior to the interview. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed, thematically coded and analysed using a grounded theory approach.
Results : Gender strongly influenced the physical activity of both the first and second-generation. Physical activity lessons in school and the media influenced second-generation Indian women's attitudes to physical activity. Consequently, their motivations and barriers to physical activity were very similar to those reported for White British women. Second-generation Muslim women reported their religion affecting the way they exercise, however this was not the case for the Hindu and Sikh women in this study. First-generation Indian women reported prioritising family and housework over leisure-time physical activity; this is similar to findings reported in previous research on physical activity in South Asian women.
Conclusions : Among second-generation Indian women, gender-related barriers to physical activity were very similar to those already reported for White British women. Therefore public health measures aimed at combating conflicts between femininity and being physically active may also positively affect second-generation Indian women. First-generation Indian women are likely to respond better to culturally tailored interventions. Future research should further explore the effects of religion on the physical activity on women and generational differences in the physical activity attitudes of other ethnic minorities.
High concentration of plasma cell free DNA alerting disease recurrence in high risk neuroblastoma children
Authors: Su Yan , Wang Lijun , Jiang Chiyi , Yue Zhixia , Fan Hongjun , Hong Huimin , Duan Chao , Jin Mei , Zhang Dawei , Qiu Lihua , Cheng Xianfeng , Xu Zhong , Ma Xiaoli
Published: September 2019

Background Neuroblastoma is the third-most common cancer in children. The high rate of tumor recurrence accounts for a low survival rate in high risk neuroblastoma. Therefore it is clinically of extreme importance to find an effective biomarker for alerting disease recurrence.Methods Total 116 high risk neuroblastoma patients were recruited in Beijing Children’s Hospital from February, 2015 to December, 2017. All patients had received multiple-disciplinary treatment, then went into maintenance treatment phase after evaluation. Blood samples were collected to quantify plasma cell-free DNA (cfDNA) at time points of the beginning of maintenance treatment, every three months afterwards, and diagnosis of recurrence.Results Results showed that 36 high risk neuroblastoma patients developed recurrence during maintenance treatment. The plasma cfDNA concentration was significantly higher in recurrence than in event-free patients (29.34 ng/ml VS 10.32 ng/ml). The time span of cfDNA level higher than 29 ng/ml was consistently detected ahead of recurrence at mean of 0.55 months. The ROC analysis showed that AUC was 0.825, optimal sensitivity and specificity of 80.6% and 71.3% respectively, at cfDNA level of 12.93 ng/ml.Conclusions We concluded that high level of plasma cfDNA could serve as a promising molecular marker to alert recurrence disease in high risk neuroblastoma children.
Premature Mortality of Gastrointestinal Cancer in Iran: Trends and Projections for 2001–2030
Authors: Shadmani Fatemeh Khosravi , Farzadfar Farshad , Yoosefi Moein , Mansori Kamyar , Shadman Reza Khosravi , Haghdoost Ali Akbar
Published: September 2019

Background: The aim of this study was to determine the trend and projection of premature mortality from gastrointestinal cancers (GI) at national and subnational levels in Iran.
Methods: According to the data gathered through Iranian Death Registry System (DRS) and population data from census, mortality rate was calculated among 30-70 age group. The trends of premature mortality of esophageal, colon and rectum, gallbladder, pancreases, stomach, and liver cancers were estimated and projected at the national and subnational levels from 2001 to 2030. Spatio-temporal model was used to project spatial and temporal correlations.
Results: The mortality rate of GI cancers in males was higher than females, indicating 6.1, 3.9 and 3.9 percent per 100000 in 2001, 2015 and 2030 respectively among males; whereas, the corresponding values for females were 3.8, 3.1 and 3.7 per 100000. The mortality rate of GI cancers had been decreasing by 2015 but it will remain stable by 2030 in males; however, the rate will be increasing in females. Also, there was a considerable variation in the mortality trends of different cancers. Pancreatic, gallbladder, and liver cancers were shown to have an increasing trend while a dropped was observed in the mortality of stomach, colon and rectum, and esophageal cancers.
Conclusion: The difference in the patterns of GI cancers and their trends around the country showed that a more comprehensive control plan is needed that includes the predicted variations.
Maternal Perceptions of the Experience of Attempted Labor Induction and Medically Elective Inductions: Analysis of Survey Results from Listening to Mothers in California
Authors: Declercq Eugene , Belanoff Candice , Iverson Ronald
Published: September 2019

Background

The rate of induction of labor in the U.S. has risen from 9.6% in 1990 to 25.7% in 2017, including 31.7% of first-time births. Recent studies that have examined inductions have been small qualitative studies or relied on either medical records or administrative data. This study examines induction from the perspective of those women who experienced it, with a particular focus on the prevalence and predictors of inductions for nonmedical indications, women’s experience of pressure to induce labor and the relationship between the attempt to medically initiate labor and cesarean section.

Methods

Study data are drawn from the 2,119 women in the Listening to Mothers in California survey who were planning to have a vaginal birth in 2016. Mothers were asked if there had been an attempt to medically initiate labor, if it actually started labor, if they felt pressured to have the induction, if they had a cesarean and the reason for the induction. Reasons for induction were classified as either medically indicated or elective.

Results

Almost half (47%) of our respondents indicated an attempt was made to medically induce their labor, and 71% of those attempts initiated labor. More than a third of the attempts (37%) were elective. Attempted induction was most strongly associated with giving birth at 41+ weeks (aOR 3.28; 95% C.I. 2.21-4.87). Elective inductions were more likely among multiparous mothers and in pregnancies at 39 or 40 weeks. The perception of being pressured to have labor induced was related to higher levels of education, maternal preference for less medical intervention in birth, having an obstetrician compared to a midwife and gestational ages of 41+ weeks. Cesarean births were no more likely in the case of elective inductions. Cesarean birth was more likely in the case of induction (aOR 1.51; 95% C.I. 1.11-2.07) and especially following a failed attempt at labor induction (aOR 4.50; 95% C.I. 2.93-6.90).

Conclusions

Clinicians counselling mothers concerning the need for labor induction should be aware of mothers’ perceptions about birth and engage in true shared decision making in order to avoid the maternal perception of being pressured into labor induction.
Smartphone usage in diabetic patients and their intention to use it for self-management: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Jeddi Fatemeh Rangraz , Nabovati Ehsan , Hamidi Rahele , Sharif Reihane
Published: September 2019

Background Mobile health has potential for promotion of self-management in patients with chronic diseases. This study was conducted to investigate smartphone usage in type II diabetic patients and their intention to use it for self-management.Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in 2018 with 176 type II diabetic patients visiting a specialized diabetes clinic and two endocrinology and metabolism specialists in north of Iran. Data were collected using a validated questionnaire containing items on demographic characteristics, disease information, use of mobile phones, smartphones and the internet, and intention to use smartphones for diabetes self-management.Results The majority of the participants had mobile phones (94.9%), smartphones (61.1%), and daily access to the internet (81.3%), and used phones two hours per day on average (80.1%). They mostly used mobile phones to contact friends (89.2%) and search for information (50.6%), and their greatest intention for using smartphones and the internet for self-management was related to dietary planning (96%), checking blood glucose (90.9%), and contacting specialists (87.5%). Younger participants were more interested in using smartphone applications (apps) (P<0.001). About half of the participants argued that using apps can be interesting (54%) and useful (50%) for diabetes management, and intended to use apps much more in future (48.3%).Conclusions Type II diabetic patients are interested in using smartphones for diabetes self-management. Their intention to use mobile phones and the internet rather related to dietary planning, checking blood glucose, and contacting specialists. Most patients believed using apps can be beneficial and interesting for the diabetes management.