bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Classification of Tourist Comment Using Word2vec and Random Forest Algorithm
Authors: HABIBI Isra Nurul , GIRSANG Abba Suganda
Published: April 2019

Text classification is one of the ways to classify sentences. The grouped data are comments from social media with training data from sites that provide points /scores for each review given such as tripadvisor.co.id. The word2vec method is used to extract words into numbers so that the machine learning algorithm can be applied to classify data. Word2vec is an unsupervised task that is capable of utilizing unlabeled data to convert a word into its vector representation that can also find the semantic relationship between words by counting their distance. The goal from this paper is that data from social media such as Twitter or Instagram can also quickly find out the total /weight of a tourist place from the comment given. The experiment shows that the result of F1 Score on data without removing stop words and eliminate the train data, give a better result 0,85.
The Impact of Megaprojects on Branding Ethiopia as an Appealing Tourist Destination
Authors: GIRMA Mulugeta , SINGH Manjit
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this paper is to analyze the impact of megaprojects on a destination branding and then proceeds to examine cognitive, affective and unique image and their significance as perceived by tourists. A multi stage sample of 400 external publics was surveyed. Factor analysis together with SEM is used and tested whether and how much the influencing factors predicted a significant amount of the variance in travel. The result shows Megaprojects have largest significant effect on cognitive, affective and unique image development. And there is a strong relationship between mega infrastructural facilities development and perceived destination image.
Methods of Implementing PR Campaigns for Children's Recreation and Tourism at the Federal and Regional Levels
Authors: FEDYUNIN Dmitry Valerievich , BEZPALOV Valery Vasilyevich , LOCHAN Sergey Alexandrovich , GOLOVINA Vera Viktorovna , KARPOVA Natalia Dmitrievna
Published: April 2019

PR technologies include marketing research and development of the resulting strategy and program for marketing activities, which are used to improve the business performance and the effectiveness of addressing the needs of the end user or customer. The purpose of this study is to examine the possibilities of using PR in the tourism business, of laying the foundation for competitive and economically sustainable activities, which will improve not only the economic, political, cultural and social state of the tourist region, but also the authority of the Russian tourism industry in the international scene. The study uses the methods of image formation, branding, and evaluating the effectiveness of PR activities. The major outcome of this study is that PR technologies help to develop a positive image of an enterprise since the brand and its credibility are essential in the field of children's recreation and tourism. PR campaigns are designed to create customer interest in the product and to establish partnerships with the colleagues. Conclusions. In the development of children's tourism, as in the development of any other product, special attention should be paid to its information management. To date, based on the target audiences, PR campaigns in the field of children's leisure and tourism are divided into campaigns maintaining relationships with the loyal customers and those attracting new customers. This circumstance requires the selection and rational application of methods and mechanisms to access the effectiveness of these activities.
Research on the Development Model of Cross Border Kazakh Ethnic Cultural Tourism
Authors: SEKEN Aday , MAZBAYEV Ordenbek , AGYBETOVA Rina , AKIMOV Zhaxylyk , TLEUBAYEVA Aitolkyn
Published: April 2019

Spatial distribution, cultural system and characteristics, constitution of ethno-cultural tourism resources of global Kazakh ethnics was examined in this study, as well as spatial distribution of transnational ethno-cultural tourism resources, and development state and existing problems of Kazakh ethno-cultural domestic and international tourism. Based on the analysis above, ten development patterns of Kazakh ethno-cultural tourism were raised up, including ethnic village, ethnic cultural museum, primitive ethnical village, conformity of relics, conformity and improvement, renew of old fashion and customs, new rural construction, special town construction, ethnic cultural recreational-business district (RBD) and ethnic cultural thematic parks. Further, reasonable regional functions and spatial development pattern of Kazakh ethnic cultural tourism in Xinjiang were discussed, providing foundations for new theories and studies of the industrial development of ethnic cultural tourism in Xinjiang.
From Nothing to Something: Study on How Local Government Transformed Oil and Gas Area into Ecotourism Village in Indonesia through Branding Strategy
Authors: PRAYUDI PRAYUDI , ARDHANARISWARI Kartika Ayu
Published: April 2019

This study aims to analyse how Bojonegoro District Government in Indonesia applied branding strategy for oil and gas area in Wonocolo Village. This village has a unique atmosphere of traditional petroleum mining. Government, villagers and state oil company discussed on how to change and add value to this village through branding strategy. Branding strategy involves creating, developing, implementing and managing brands continuously until the brand becomes strong. Using qualitative research methods, this study describes how the steps undertaken in the village that formerly was full of old oil wells, into a new tourist area that has economic value. The result of the research shows that there were three stages done in branding Wonocolo as an ecotourism village. They include identification of village uniqueness, creation of brand identity and brand message. The biggest challenge in this branding strategy was to change the mindset of Wonocolo villagers that turning the old oil wells village into an ecotourism destination can provide economic benefit.
Strategy for Sustainable Growth of SPA Clusters Based on the Elements of Network Interaction
Authors: OBORIN Matvey S. , OSIPOV Vladimir S. , SKRYL Tatiana V.
Published: April 2019

Based on theoretical developments of leading scientists it is proposed to consider the cluster as a form of network interaction. Since the cluster is an instrument of regional economic policy, the authors consider its contribution to regional economic development. Particular attention is paid to the consideration of spa clusters, the peculiarities of health resort activity and its role for the economic development of the region. Analysing the structure of the SPA cluster, the authors propose to allocate the basic enterprises of the spa cluster, infrastructure enterprises, auxiliary institutions (universities, research centres, etc.), as well as stable links between them in the form of functions, forms of cooperation and interaction models. The article presents statistical data on the development of cluster programs in the South of Russia, which concluded that the more popular the recreational site located on the territory of the cluster and the older it is, the more financial investments the whole cluster requires. The article notes that network forms of interaction in the SPA cluster displace the traditional forms of relations in the industry. In the development of the regions of the Russian Federation, in which the resort and recreational specialization the demand for cluster and network approaches is in great demand. The existence of state programs for the formation of cluster-type resorts is explained by a combination of commercial advantages with the ability to control the targeted use of resources and the definition of owners of construction projects at the initial stages of implementation. SPA clusters contribute to the achievement of a comprehensive effect not only for the industry, but also social and economic development of the territories, improving the living conditions of the population through improving the competitiveness and quality of medical and health services.
Determinants of Establishing a Tourist Environment Towards Distinctive Entrepreneurship on Pedicab Transportation
Authors: PANJAITAN Mangasa
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this research was Determinants of Establishing a Tourist Environment towards Distinctive Entrepreneurship on Pedicab Transportation. The Purpose of this research is knowing Determinants of Establishing a Tourist Environment towards Distinctive Entrepreneurship on Pedicab Transportation. It was motorcycles who produced from BSA of United Kingdom-made 350-500 cc.  The problem is the tendency of lost their potential customers because of the competition with the online transportation that it grown rapidly.  A sample of 97 respondents from the people was considered for this research. Limeshow sampling technique was used to select customers were purposively sampled.  The study concluded that psychological factors have a positive effect but not significant (motivated, perception) and attitude and behavior have significant, in other hand learning has a negative effect on consumer’s decision in Pedicab Transportation.
The Effect of Business Environment and Innovation Spirit on Competitive Advantages and Implications on Marketing Performance of Ulos Weaving in North Sumatra
Authors: SIHOMBING Nikous Soter , SIHOMBING Anton
Published: April 2019

The purpose of this study is to obtain empirical evidence and find clarity of phenomena and conclusions about the influence of business environment and innovation spirit to competitive advantage and its implications on marketing performance. This research uses descriptive and verification method, with data analysis technique of Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) LISREL program, that is collecting, presenting, analyzing, doing model measurement, and hypothesis testing, and making conclusion and suggestion. The population is owner / leader of SMI weaving ulos which is targeted group by Industry and Trade Office of North Sumatera Province, while sample selection is done proportional cluster stratified random sampling and sample determination by Slovin formula.  The results of this study showed that the business environment, innovation spirit, competitive advantage, and overall marketing performance are in good category. Similarly, the verify analysis proves empirically that (1) the business environment and innovation spirit significantly and positively affect the simultaneous competitive advantage, where the innovation spirit has a dominant influence, (2) the business environment has a significant and positive influence on the competitive advantage, (3) innovation spirit significantly and positively influence to competitive advantage, (4) competitive advantage significantly and positively influence to marketing performance.
Modern Organizational and Economic Aspects and Staffing Issues in Breeding and Seed Production
Authors: GULYAEVA Tatyana I. , SAVKIN Vladimir I. , KALINICHEVA Elena Y. , SIDORENKO Olga V. , BURAEVA Elena V.
Published: April 2019

The immediacy of the studied problem is in the actual status of domestic and foreign breeding and seed production. The purpose of the article is to form a modern economic system and to develop new ways of scientifically based process in the organization breeding and seed production. The research methodology was based on the systematization and comparative analysis of problems of high dependence of the Russian agricultural sector on import seeds. The leading approach in the research methodology of this problem is a system analysis based on consideration of the economy of breeding and seed production as an integral complex of interrelated elements. A mechanism for the formation of a modern economic system of breeding and seed production taking into account the directions for the development of domestic breeding and seed production, providing state support for competition, upgrading seed breeding centers, the formation of personnel potential and educational and scientific production complexes for the development of the intellectual potential of Russian breeding and seed production has been proposed. The materials of the article are of practical value for the formation of suitable state policy and ensuring the competitiveness of the scientific potential in breeding and seed production.
Consequences of Economic Sanctions for Food Security of Russia
Authors: VORONIN Boris , POTEKHIN Nikolay , CHUPINA Irina , SHARAPOVA Valentina , KOT Ekaterina , RAZORVIN Ivan Vasilievich , MOKRONOSOV Alexander , LYSENKO Julia
Published: April 2019

Ensuring food security of the Russian Federation is one of the most important tasks of state and local government. The modern agro-food policy of the Russian state is focused on the development of agriculture, which is able to provide the population with staple foodstuffs in accordance with rational norms and medical indicators and with minimal imports of agricultural products. The practical implementation of the Food Security Doctrine has contributed to the revival of lost positions in the field of agriculture and more sustainable economic development of the whole agro-industrial complex of the country. How-ever, the economic sanctions imposed on the Russian Federation had a negative impact on the economy of the agrarian sector. At the same time, the counter-sanctions introduced by the Russian state contributed to the transition from imports to accelerated domestic production of agricultural products, raw materials and food. The article discusses the development of Russian agriculture in the context of economic sanctions and their impact on ensuring the country's food security. The problem of ensuring the country's food security includes well-thought-out systemic solutions, researches and the implementation of an effective long-term strategy for the development of food security. Among such solutions is the development of a system of measures to improve reproduction, personnel, tax, credit, price, investment, innovation policies and other areas.
Implementation of Automated Lines for Sorting and Recycling Household Waste as an Important Goal of Environmental Protection
Authors: KRECHETOV Ivan V. , SKVORTSOV Arkadiy A. , POSELSKY Ivan A. , PALTSEV Sergey A. , LAVRIKOV Pavel S. , KOROTKOVS Vladislavs
Published: April 2019

The principles of selection and creation of rational methods of disposal and recycling of wastes are based on the fact that the problem of waste is an interconnected environmental-economic and technological problem, and the waste itself should be considered as technogenic raw materials of complex organo-mineral composition. Therefore, the main purpose of the work is to define methods for recycling waste and their environmental aspects. To achieve this goal, the methods of analysis, spectroscopy were used. It is determined that the final treatment of waste, to date, means either their disposal in a landfill or incineration, which adversely affects the environment. Methods for identifying the material of the object, as well as algorithms for the selection and recognition of objects by processing data from the computer vision system are considered. High accuracy is shown in 94.12% identification of plastic polymers.
Analysis of Grain Production in the Industrial Management System of EurAsEC Countries
Authors: TUYAKOVA Zauresh , SARSEMBAEVA Gulmira , DYUZELBAEVA Gulnara , KUKHAR Viktor
Published: April 2019

This article presents the results of analysis of the grain industry state of the Russian Federation and the Republic of Kazakhstan in comparison with the forecast and actual changes in the volumes of world production and sale of grain. A comparative analysis of the gross grain harvest and its structure, the dynamics of planting areas changes and the yield of wheat, as well as the structure of grain production prime cost, was carried out using the example of the most typical regions bordering each other - the Orenburg and Kostanay regions. The management accounting system, in particular its production accounting subsystem, is adapted to the conditions of a particular enterprise, which must be developed on the basis of management goals and capabilities. It should be noted that all the basic elements of management accounting were widely used in domestic practice. However, the lack of interest of workers in improving production efficiency did not allow to obtain the proper effect from the use of these elements. The generalization of European and domestic economic experience allows us to conclude that management accounting currently allows successfully implement the functions of accounting, planning, control and regulation of the cost of production - one of the most important indicators of the economic entity.
On the Strategy of Integrated Water Resources Management in Kazakhstan
Authors: MYRZAHMETOV Menlibay , UMBETOVA Sholpan M. , ASHIRYAYEV Klim Sh. , KOZHAKHAN Aigul K. , KANARBAY Asel U.
Published: April 2019

The article outlines the concept and presents some proposals for the implementation of the integrated water resources management strategy of the Republic of Kazakhstan. The purpose of the article is to analyze the strategy of integrated water resources management in Kazakhstan. In particular, the principles for achieving a qualitatively new state of the water sector, the main components of the state water policy at the current stage, the main mechanisms for its implementation and the stages of implementation are indicated. The novelty of this article lies in the fact that the integrated water resources management at the current stage has been analyzed, and it will be interesting for other countries.
Structural Transformations in Agriculture in Poland and Ukraine: Towards Economic Sustainability
Authors: HELDAK Maria , KUCHER Anatolii , STACHERZAK Agnieszka , KUCHER Lesіa
Published: April 2019

The paper discusses the topic of production volume of selected agricultural products in Poland and in Ukraine by taking an attempt to assess the market development in the context of the general characteristics of agricultural farms in these countries. The collected information was analyzed with use of the comparative method, by juxtaposing information about the structure of agricultural farms in Poland and in Ukraine in terms of the organization of farms, their number and surface area according to the adopted area groups and the analysis of plant production according to main cultivated crops and their yield. Further factors used to evaluate the extent of changes in structural transformations in agriculture were statistical measures, including the determination coefficient. In Poland, agricultural production is conducted mainly in individual farms (also called family or private farms). This refers both to animal and plant production. On the other hand, in Ukraine, production takes place in agriculture enterprises and households, whose distribution is similar to uniform distribution. In spite of significant differences in the area covered by agricultural land in Ukraine and in Poland, the latter is characterized by a relatively high share of the production of cereal crops and sugar beet, while Ukraine is the leader in the production of sunflower seeds (second largest manufacturer in the world), which is only a marginal crop in Poland.
Directores de escuelas públicas chilenas seleccionados por alta dirección removidos de su cargo antes de finalizar su período de gestión: Lecciones para América Latina
Authors: Donoso - Diaz Sebastian , Fernandez -Negrete Juan Pablo , Reyes Araya Daniel
Published: April 2019

El texto expone las opiniones de un grupo de ex directores de establecimientos escolares públicos de Chile que fueron seleccionados por el sistema de Alta Dirección Pública, que debieron abandonar su cargo antes de finalizar su período de nombramiento, evidenciando la fragilidad de la organización local de la educación pública, en términos de la injerencia de la autoridad política local en la salida anticipada de los directivos escolares. Se identifican las diversas presiones recibidas desde las autoridades superiores en el ejercicio de su cargo, los principales problemas que enfrentaron, la ausencia de apoyo en las fases de instalación, seguimiento y evaluación de su desempeño, y las sugerencias que formulan para su mejoramiento, que son extensivas los países de la región latinoamericana, dada las tendencias que se presentan en esta perspectiva. Para la mejor comprensión del tema se expone el proceso de selección por Alta Dirección Pública, los antecedentes sobre el tema. Las respuestas de los entrevistados y su análisis final. Se concluye con algunas propuestas de mejoramiento del sistema de selección.
Teacher leadership development: Tracking one district’s progress over three years
Authors: Eckert Jonathan , Daughtrey Alesha
Published: April 2019

This study tracks the progress of one Iowa school district over the course of three years through its implementation of a Teacher Leadership and Compensation (TLC) model, designed in response to a statewide TLC system initiative. A survey administered at baseline and at the conclusion of each of three pilot years measured teacher leadership development, identified specific areas for improvements, and guided the district’s teacher leadership support efforts. Scores from the items demonstrated evidence of reliability and district leaders reported that resulting data were beneficial to an implementation plan that yielded increased planned retention and improved practice, two goals for the TLC model. Implications for the use of the survey tool, policy, and practice around teacher leadership development are discussed in the context of the collective leadership of teachers and administrators together.
Human-robot interaction: How do personality traits affect attitudes towards robot?
Authors: Morsunbul Umit
Published: April 2019

The robot technology seems to be an important part of daily life and has shown great progress in recent years. Robots are used in a lot of parts of life. Thus, we need to think and know how robots will affect human life and how human will react to robots. This study focused on human’s attitude toward robots. The first purpose of this study is to determine participants’ attitude towards robots and second is to investigate how personality traits predict their attitudes towards robots. Participants consisted of 219 (142 female and 77 male) university students. Of the participants were university students and their age was between 18-26 years old (mean age=20.54, SD=1.22). Negative Attitude towards Robot Scale and Quick Big Five Personality Test were used to collect data. Results indicated that gender, extraversion and openness to experience are important factors for participants’ attitude towards robots. Considering speed technological development we need more researches to evaluate correctly human-robot interactions. ÖzetRobot teknolojisi günlük yaşamın önemli bir parçası olarak görünmektedir ve son yıllarda büyük ilerleme göstermiştir. Robotlar yaşamın pek çok alanında kullanılmaktadır. Bundan dolayı robotların insan yaşamına nasıl etkide bulunduğunu ve insanların robotlara karşı nasıl teki verdiğini düşünmeye ve bilmeye ihtiyacımız vardır. Bu çalışma insanların robotlara karşı tutumları üzerine odaklanmıştır. Bu çalışmanın ilk amacı katılımcıların robotlara karşı tutumlarını belirlemek ve ikinci amacı da katılımcıların kişilik özelliklerinin robotlara karşı tutumlarını nasıl yordadığını incelemektir. Veriler 219 (142 kadın ve 77 erkek) üniversite öğrencisi katılımcıdan toplanmıştır. Katılımcıların yaş aralığı 18-26’dır (ort. yaş=20.54, SS=1.22). Robota karşı Olumsuz Tutum Ölçeği ve Hızlı Büyük Beşli Kişilik Testi kullanılmıştır. Sonuçlar katılımcıların robotlara karşı tutumunda cinsiyetin, dışadönüklüğün ve deneyimlere açıklığın önemli faktörler olduğunu göstermiştir. Hızlı teknolojik gelişmeler göz önünde bulundurulduğunda insan-robot etkileşimini doğru bir şekilde değerlendirmek için daha fazla araştırmaya ihtiyacımız vardır.
By-elections in the 1908-1912 Ottoman Assembly of Deputies
Authors: Olgun Kenan
Published: April 2019

The 1908 Assembly of Deputies (Meclis-i Mebusan), which opened on December 17th 1908 after the proclamation of the second Constitutional Monarchy, witnessed a colorful parliamentary life. While the things happened in this assembly created the first examples in terms of the democracy adventure of Turkey, the applications to be performed or the ongoing ones later served as a model for the Turkish Republic. Particularly the things that happened in the assembly after 1910 have the characteristics of setting an example for the following periods. The Assembly of Deputies in the Ottoman State, which opened in 1908 after a long period of thirty years, had a solemn opening ceremony on December 17th. The opening ceremony was prepared days before by considering even the smallest details, and the ones who would attend the ceremony, the places where the invitees would stand and the marches to be sung were all determined. Many domestic and foreign viewers came to the opening ceremony to which Sultan Abdulhamid II also attended and due to the crowd, there were no vacancies left in the hotels and inns in Istanbul. Therefore, many mosques and schools were assigned to the visitors as places to stay. 230 deputies were present at the opening ceremony of the 1908 Assembly of Deputies, where 281 deputies were elected. 281 deputies were elected as members of the 1908-1912 Assembly of Deputies and about 324 different deputies took part in the Assembly during the four working periods. In this study, within the scope of the statistical information, we will lay emphasis on the 43 deputies that differed. Before proceeding to the by-elections, it would be beneficial to emphasize the election system in the Ottoman State and the working period of the Assembly of Deputies in this period in order to better understand the subject matter.
KEBIJAKAN FORMULASI SANKSI PIDANA MATI TERHADAP PELAKU TINDAK PIDANA KORUPSI BERBASIS NILAI KEADILAN
Authors: Hikmah Hikmah , Sopoyono Eko
Published: April 2019

Tindak pidana korupsi telah menimbulkan kerusakan dalam berbagai sendi kehidupan masyarakat, Bangsa. Sehingga upaya pencegahan dan pemberantasan tindak pidana korupsi perlu dilakukan secara terus-menerus Kebijakan atau upaya penanggulangan kejahatan pada hakikatnya merupakan bagian integral dari upaya perlindungan masyarakat (social difence) dan upaya mencapai kesejateraan masyarakat (social walfare). Metode penelitian ini menggunakan pendekatan Normatif Pidana Mati terhadap pelaku koruptor berlandas pada pasal 2 ayat (2) UU No 31 Tahun 1999 Jo UU Nomor 20 Tahun 2001 tentang Pemberantasan Korupsi, soal  Penjatuhan pidana mati terhadap pelaku koruptor berdasarkan bunyi pasal 2 ayat (2). Penjatuhan Pidana  terhadap koruptor dapat dilakukan dalam keadaan tertentu disaat negara dalam Keadaan bahaya (bencana alam nasional dan krisis moniter). Penjatuhan pidana sebenarnya Tidaklah melanggar Hak Asasi manusia Jika dikaji secara Extentif dan teologis.Kata kunci: Kebijakan Formulasi, tindak pidana korupsi dan Pidana Mati
Single-digit 6-nm multilevel patterns by electron beam grayscale lithography
Authors: Kirchner Robert , Guzenko Vitaliy A. , Schift Helmut
Published: April 2019

We report on the fabrication of very high-resolution discrete four-resist-level grayscale patterns in poly(methyl methacrylate) with just 6-nm step height and down to 32-nm step width using dose-modulated, grayscale electron beam lithography and a low-contrast resist-developer system. This direct pattern writing is important for replication in high-volume manufacturing of diffractive optics. An innovative concept of unexposed auxiliary spacers helped to enhance the discrete character of the multi-level patterns. For pattern step widths between 100 and 32 nm, a transformation toward blazed gratings with increasingly continuous-slope character was obtained. All high-resolution patterns were prepared in a single exposure and development process from an initially about 30-nm thin film. The pattern roughness due to a relatively large polymer molecular weight was reduced using selective thermal annealing with only minimally affecting the global pattern shape by reflow. The results will enable further approaches toward single-digit vertical and prospectively single-digit lateral resolution grayscale patterns.
A small survey of UV-bright stars around the northern ecliptic pole: seeking new p-mode sdB variables for the TESS mission
Authors: Prins Saskia , Telting John , Østensen Roy
Published: April 2019

Starting in 2019, the TESS mission will monitor the northern ecliptic pole for 1 year. Data will be collected at 30-minute and 2-minute cadences, and only a limited amount of slots will be reserved for targets requiring a 20- second cadence. Only the 20-second cadence is sufficient to sample p-mode oscillations in sdB stars. From the seismic measurements obtained with the Kepler spacecraft we have gained a wealth of new insights in structural and rotational aspects of mainly g-mode variable sdB stars. Unfortunately only one traditional p-mode sdB variable was found in the main Kepler field. The TESS mission offers the opportunity to obtain more long-time-base coverage of p-mode sdB variables, especially at the ecliptic poles where the time-base will be longest. Thus far, there were only two known (p-mode) sdBVs around the northern ecliptic pole (β > 78): LS Dra and V366 Dra. In this paper we describe our efforts to find more.We compiled a new sample of 76 sdB candidates around the northern ecliptic pole, based on GALEX and optical colours, and we used low-resolution Balmer-line spectroscopy for classification. We identified 39 new sdB stars, of which 29 have characteristics (Teff > 28000 K or a composite spectrum) that may put them in the p-mode instability strip.With our 39 new sdB stars, we augmented the number of known sdB stars in the the northern ecliptic pole area (β> 73) by 46%. Besides these sdB stars, among our spectral classifications are various sdO stars, He-sdB stars, blue horizontal-branch stars, white dwarfs, cataclysmic variables and main sequence B stars. We obtained time-resolved photometry of most of the p-mode sdB candidates, and found one new sdBV, J19384+5824, with a moderately high pulsation amplitude of ≥ 9 mmag.
Pre-operative laparoscopic staging of gastric cancer in patients who are candidates for neo-adjuvant chemotherapy: A Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Ghanadi Kourosh , Mahmoudvand Hormoz , Bakhtiari Ali , Gorji Mojtaba , Moradi-kor Nasroallah , Tarahi Mohamad Javad , Garmsiri Mahshid , Obeidavi Zia
Published: April 2019

Objective

The aim of this study is to evaluate the laparoscopic method in gastric cancer staging before surgery in patients undergoing Neo-adjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

This was a cross-sectional study on patients with T3-T4 and node positive non-metastatic gastric adenocarcinoma who was candidates for neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. The patients were excluded from the study when they were not in the condition to continue the study. All eligible patients underwent metastases work up by abdominal, pelvic and chest CT scans and then received neo-adjuvant chemotherapy. Pre-operative laparoscopy was performed before definitive surgery. The collected data was analyzed using SPSS software. The statistical significance, sensitivity, specificity and predictive values were calculated from this data.

Results

In this study, out of 50 patients, 26 (52%) were male. The mean age of the patients was 62.44 ± 12.136 years. Most tumors were located in one-third distal of stomach (21 patients, 42%). The accuracy of the laparoscopic method, to determine the degree of involvement of the lymph nodes, revealed that the method had a sensitivity of 84%, a specificity of 47.62%, a positive likelihood ratio (PLR) of 1.6, a negative likelihood ratio (NLR) of 0.33%, a positive predictive value of 65.62% and a negative predictive value of 71.43%. The accuracy of the laparoscopic method, regarding determining the presence or absence of metastasis, revealed that the method had a sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, and a negative predictive value of 100%.

Conclusion

Based on the evidence of this study, and other studies in this field, it seems that the use of a step-by-step combination methods in gastric cancer staging would be logical. Alone, no singular method would be sufficient in providing the physician with sufficient information to successfully stage the tumor and thus determine the appropriate treatment. Therefore, the combination of methods should be used which, in view of the economic constraints of health systems, would be recommended for high-risk patients for metastasis (N+/ T3-T4), diagnostic pre-operative laparoscopy.
Next-generation reference intervals for pediatric hematology
Authors: Zierk Jakob , Hirschmann Johannes , Toddenroth Dennis , Arzideh Farhad , Haeckel Rainer , Bertram Alexander , Cario Holger , Frühwald Michael C. , Groß Hans-Jürgen , Groening Arndt , Grützner Stefanie , Gscheidmeier Thomas , Hoff Torsten , Hoffmann Reinhard , Klauke Rainer , Krebs Alexander , Lichtinghagen Ralf , Mühlenbrock-Lenter Sabine , Neumann Michael , Nöllke Peter , Niemeyer Charlotte M. , Razum Oliver , Ruf Hans-Georg , Steigerwald Udo , Streichert Thomas , Torge Antje , Rascher Wolfgang , Prokosch Hans-Ulrich , Rauh Manfred , Metzler Markus
Published: April 2019

Background

Interpreting hematology analytes in children is challenging due to the extensive changes in hematopoiesis that accompany physiological development and lead to pronounced sex- and age-specific dynamics. Continuous percentile charts from birth to adulthood allow accurate consideration of these dynamics. However, the ethical and practical challenges unique to pediatric reference intervals have restricted the creation of such percentile charts, and limitations in current approaches to laboratory test result displays restrict their use when guiding clinical decisions.

Methods

We employed an improved data-driven approach to create percentile charts from laboratory data collected during patient care in 10 German centers (9,576,910 samples from 358,292 patients, 412,905–1,278,987 samples per analyte). We demonstrate visualization of hematology test results using percentile charts and z-scores (www.pedref.org/hematology) and assess the potential of percentiles and z-scores to support diagnosis of different hematological diseases.

Results

We created percentile charts for hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell indices, red cell count, red cell distribution width, white cell count and platelet count in girls and boys from birth to 18 years of age. Comparison of pediatricians evaluating complex clinical scenarios using percentile charts versus conventional/tabular representations shows that percentile charts can enhance physician assessment in selected example cases. Age-specific percentiles and z-scores, compared with absolute test results, improve the identification of children with blood count abnormalities and the discrimination between different hematological diseases.

Conclusions

The provided reference intervals enable precise assessment of pediatric hematology test results. Representation of test results using percentiles and z-scores facilitates their interpretation and demonstrates the potential of digital approaches to improve clinical decision-making.
Establishment of an international autoantibody reference standard for human anti-DFS70 antibodies: proof-of-concept study for a novel Megapool strategy by pooling individual specific sera
Authors: Dellavance Alessandra , Baldo Danielle C. , Zheng Bing , Mora Rodrigo A. , Fritzler Marvin J. , Hiepe Falk , Rönnelid Johan , Satoh Minoru , Garcia-De La Torre Ignacio , Wener Mark H. , Chan Edward K.L. , Andrade Luis E.C.
Published: April 2019

Background

International autoantibody standards, traditionally based on material obtained from plasmapheresis of single subjects, represent individual immune response and may not comprehend the heterogeneity of the general population. The anti-DFS70 autoantibody yields a characteristic dense fine speckled (DFS) nuclear pattern on indirect immunofluorescence assay on HEp-2 cells (HEp-2 IFA) and speaks against autoimmunity. We propose a novel strategy for developing autoantibody reference standards, based on stepwise pooling of serum samples from hundreds of individuals with anti-DFS70 antibodies.

Methods

Within a 2-year period, serum samples were selected from routine HEp-2 IFA according to the following criteria: DFS HEp-2 IFA pattern at titer ≥1:640; anti-DFS70 reactivity in three analyte-specific tests (Western blot [WB], enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] and chemiluminescent immunoassay [CLIA]). Aliquots of individual samples were combined into progressively larger pools with stepwise validation of intermediary pools as for individual samples. Validated intermediary pools were merged into a final pool for lyophilization.

Results

A total of 741 validated samples yielded a 750 mL final pool that was lyophilized into thousands of 200 μL-aliquots. Reconstituted aliquots yielded the expected anti-DFS70 reactivity in ELISA, CLIA and WB, as well as high-titer DFS HEp-2 IFA pattern. The appropriate anti-DFS70 reactivity of the lyophilized pool was confirmed by seven international expert centers, using HEp-2 IFA, ELISA, WB and immunoprecipitation.

Conclusions

This proof-of-concept study provides an innovative and efficient strategy to build serum reference standards for autoantibody testing. The anti-DFS70 standard will integrate the panel of standards of Autoantibody Standardization Committee (ASC, www.autoab.org), contributing to education for proper assay validation and interpretation of the DFS pattern and other HEp-2 IFA patterns.
On curvature tensors of Norden and metallic pseudo-Riemannian manifolds
Authors: Blaga Adara M. , Nannicini Antonella
Published: April 2019

We study some properties of curvature tensors of Norden and, more generally, metallic pseudo-Riemannian manifolds. We introduce the notion of J-sectional and J-bisectional curvature of a metallic pseudo-Riemannian manifold (M, J, g) and study their properties.We prove that under certain assumptions, if the manifold is locally metallic, then the Riemann curvature tensor vanishes. Using a Norden structure (J, g) on M, we consider a family of metallic pseudo-Riemannian structures {Ja,b}a,b∈ℝ and show that for a ≠ 0, the J-sectional and J-bisectional curvatures of M coincide with the Ja,b-sectional and Ja,b-bisectional curvatures, respectively. We also give examples of Norden and metallic structures on ℝ2n.
Bidirectional deep architecture for Arabic speech recognition
Authors: Zerari Naima , Abdelhamid Samir , Bouzgou Hassen , Raymond Christian
Published: April 2019

Nowadays, the real life constraints necessitates controlling modern machines using human intervention by means of sensorial organs. The voice is one of the human senses that can control/monitor modern interfaces. In this context, Automatic Speech Recognition is principally used to convert natural voice into computer text as well as to perform an action based on the instructions given by the human. In this paper, we propose a general framework for Arabic speech recognition that uses Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) and Neural Network (Multi-Layer Perceptron: MLP) classifier to cope with the nonuniform sequence length of the speech utterances issued fromboth feature extraction techniques, (1)Mel Frequency Cepstral Coefficients MFCC (static and dynamic features), (2) the Filter Banks (FB) coefficients. The neural architecture can recognize the isolated Arabic speech via classification technique. The proposed system involves, first, extracting pertinent features from the natural speech signal using MFCC (static and dynamic features) and FB. Next, the extracted features are padded in order to deal with the non-uniformity of the sequences length. Then, a deep architecture represented by a recurrent LSTM or GRU (Gated Recurrent Unit) architectures are used to encode the sequences of MFCC/FB features as a fixed size vector that will be introduced to a Multi-Layer Perceptron network (MLP) to perform the classification (recognition). The proposed system is assessed using two different databases, the first one concerns the spoken digit recognition where a comparison with other related works in the literature is performed, whereas the second one contains the spoken TV commands. The obtained results show the superiority of the proposed approach.
Quaternionic inner and outer functions
Authors: Monguzzi Alessandro , Sarfatti Giulia , Seco Daniel
Published: April 2019

We study properties of inner and outer functions in the Hardy space of the quaternionic unit ball. In particular, we give sufficient conditions as well as necessary ones for functions to be inner or outer.
A geometric proof of an equivariant Pieri rule for flag manifolds
Authors: Li Changzheng , Ravikumar Vijay , Sottile Frank , Yang Mingzhi
Published: April 2019

We use geometry to give a short proof of an equivariant Pieri rule in the classical flag manifold.
This rule is due to Robinson, who gave an algebraic proof.
Ageing and sources of transcriptional heterogeneity
Authors: Nikopoulou Chrysa , Parekh Swati , Tessarz Peter
Published: April 2019

Cellular heterogeneity is an important contributor to biological function and is employed by cells, tissues and organisms to adapt, compensate, respond, defend and/or regulate specific processes. Research over the last decades has revealed that transcriptional noise is a major driver for cell-to-cell variability. In this review we will discuss sources of transcriptional variability, in particular bursting of gene expression and how it could contribute to cellular states and fate decisions. We will highlight recent developments in single cell sequencing technologies that make it possible to address cellular heterogeneity in unprecedented detail. Finally, we will review recent literature, in which these new technologies are harnessed to address pressing questions in the field of ageing research, such as transcriptional noise and cellular heterogeneity in the course of ageing.
Development of an Activity Based Kinetic Model for an Esterification Process with Indion 180 Catalyst
Authors: Mallaiah Mekala , Venkateswarlu Chimmiri
Published: April 2019

The kinetics of esterification reaction between acetic acid and methanol was studied with the Indion 180 catalyst in the temperature range between 323.15 and 353.15K, and the catalyst loading between 0.01 g/cc to0.05 g/cc. The effects of temperature, catalyst loading, size of the catalyst and agitation speed on the reaction rate were investigated. The experimental results have shown the negligible effect of mass transfer resistances on the reaction rate. A second order kinetic rate expression was used to correlate the experimental data. An activity based kinetic model was also developed for the esterification process, which was validated against experimental results. The activity based model is found advantageous as it involves only two reaction rate parameters which were determined based on the kinetic rate parameters of the concentration based model. The comparison of the model predictions with the experimental results for different temperature and catalyst loading conditions has shown the better suitability of the activity based kinetic model for the esterification process with Indion 180 catalyst.
Evidence in surgical training – a review
Authors: Fritz Tobias , Stachel Niklas , Braun Benedikt J.
Published: April 2019

The first residency programs for surgical training were introduced in Germany in the late 1880s and adopted in 1889 by William Halsted in the United States [Cameron JL. William Stewart Halsted. Our surgical heritage. Ann Surg 1997;225:445–58.]. Since then, surgical education has evolved from a sheer volume of exposure to structured curricula, and at the moment, due to work time restrictions, surgical education is discussed on an international level. The reported effect of limited working hours on operative case volume has been variable [McKendy KM, Watanabe Y, Lee L, Bilgic E, Enani G, Feldman LS, et al. Perioperative feedback in surgical training: a systematic review. Am J Surg 2017;214:117–26.]. Experienced surgeons fear that residents do not have sufficient exposure to standard procedures. This may reduce the residents’ responsibility for the treatment of the patient and even lead to a reduced autonomy at the end of the residency. Surgical education does not only require learning the technical skills but also human factors as well as interdisciplinary and interprofessional handling. When analyzing international surgical curricula, major differences even between countries of the European Union with more or less strict curricula can be found. Thus far, there is no study that analyzes the educational program of different countries, so there is no evidence which educational system is superior. There is also little evidence to distinguish the good from the average surgeon or the junior surgeons’ progress during his residency training. Although some evaluation tools are already available, the lack of resources of most teaching hospitals often results in not using these tools as long it is not mandatory by a governmental program. Because of decreased working hours, increasing hospital costs, and increasing jurisdictional restrictions, teaching hospitals and teachers will have to change their sentiments and focus on their way of surgical education before governmental regulations will emerge leading to more regulation in surgical education. Some learning tools such as simulation, electronic learning, augmented reality, or virtual reality for a timely, sufficient and up to date surgical education. However, research and evidence for existing and novel learning tools will have to increase in the next years to allow surgical education for the future generation of surgeons around the world.
Surgical leadership within rapidly changing working conditions in Germany
Authors: Schmitz-Rixen Thomas , Grundmann Reinhart T.
Published: April 2019

Introduction

An overview of the requirements for the head of a surgical department in Germany should be given.

Materials and methods

A retrospective literature research on surgical professional policy publications of the last 10 years in Germany was conducted.

Results

Surveys show that commercial influences on medical decisions in German hospitals have today become an everyday, predominantly negative, actuality. Nevertheless, in one survey, 82.9% of surgical chief physicians reported being very satisfied with their profession, compared with 61.5% of senior physicians and only 43.4% of hospital specialists. Here, the chief physician is challenged. Only 70% of those surveyed stated that they could rely on their direct superiors when difficulties arose at work, and only 34.1% regarded feedback on the quality of their work as sufficient. The high distress rate in surgery (58.2% for all respondents) has led to a lack in desirability and is reflected in a shortage of qualified applicants for resident positions. In various position papers, surgical residents (only 35% describe their working conditions as good) demand improved working conditions. Chief physicians are being asked to facilitate a suitable work-life balance with regular working hours and a corporate culture with participative management and collegial cooperation. Appreciation of employee performance must also be expressed. An essential factor contributing to dissatisfaction is that residents fill a large part of their daily working hours with non-physician tasks. In surveys, 70% of respondents stated that they spend up to ≥3 h a day on documentation and secretarial work.

Discussion

The chief physician is expected to relieve his medical staff by employing non-physician assistants to take care of non-physician tasks. Transparent and clearly structured training to achieve specialist status is essential. It has been shown that a balanced work-life balance can be achieved for surgeons. Family and career can be reconciled in appropriately organized departments by making use of part-time and shift models that exclude 24-h shifts and making working hours more flexible.