bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A phase I/II study of epertinib plus trastuzumab with or without chemotherapy in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer
Authors: Macpherson Iain R. , Spiliopoulou Pavlina , Rafii Saeed , Saggese Matilde , Baird Richard D. , Garcia-Corbacho Javier , Italiano Antoine , Bonneterre Jacques , Campone Mario , Cresti Nicola , Posner John , Takeda Yousuke , Arimura Akinori , Spicer James
Published: December 2019

Background

Epertinib (S-222611) is a potent reversible inhibitor of HER2, EGFR and HER4. This trial evaluated the safety, tolerability, pharmacokinetics and antitumour activity of daily oral epertinib combined with trastuzumab (arm A), with trastuzumab plus vinorelbine (arm B) or with trastuzumab plus capecitabine (arm C), in patients with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC).

Methods

Eligible patients, with or without brain metastases, had received prior HER2-directed therapy. A dose-escalation phase determined the tolerability of each combination and established a dose for further study. Further, patients were recruited to expansion cohorts in each of the 3 arms to further explore efficacy and safety.

Results

The recommended doses of epertinib were 600 mg, 200 mg and 400 mg in arms A, B and C, respectively. The most frequent grade 3/4 adverse event (AE) was diarrhoea in all arms, which was manageable with medical intervention and dose modification. The objective response rate (complete response [CR] plus partial response [PR]) in heavily pre-treated HER2-positive MBC patients at the recommended doses of epertinib combined with trastuzumab was 67% (N = 9), with trastuzumab plus vinorelbine was 0% (N = 5) and with trastuzumab plus capecitabine was 56% (N = 9). Notably, 4 of 6 patients previously treated with T-DM1 responded in the arm A expansion cohort (epertinib plus trastuzumab). In the arm C expansion cohort (epertinib plus trastuzumab plus capecitabine), 4 of 7 patients responded despite previous exposure to capecitabine. Measurable regression of brain metastases was observed in patients with CNS target lesions treated in both arms A and C.

Conclusion

We observed safety, tolerability and encouraging antitumour activity of epertinib combined with trastuzumab, or with trastuzumab plus capecitabine. This supports further evaluation of these combinations in patients with pre-treated HER2-positive MBC, with or without brain metastases.

Trial registration

EudraCT Number: 2013-003894-87; registered 09-September-2013.
Motor vehicle fatalities during Memorial Day weekends, 1981–2016
Authors: Tang Yuni , Ratnapradipa Kendra L. , Xiang Henry , Zhu Motao
Published: January 2020

Objective

Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of injury death in the United States, and Memorial Day weekend is one of six holiday periods with an increased number of motor vehicle fatalities in the United States. However, few motor vehicle fatality comparisons were made between Memorial Day weekend and non-holiday periods. Our aims were to determine which day(s) during the holiday had highest motor vehicle fatality risk compared to non-holiday travel and to identify potential risk factors.

Results

Of 43,457 traffic fatalities studied, 15,292 (35%) occurred during the holiday, with Saturday being deadliest but Monday having highest odds of traffic fatality. Both sexes, all years, age < 65, drivers and passengers, rural and urban, and all regions in the United States were at increased risk during the holiday versus non-holiday periods.
Malfunctioning sufentanil intrathecal pain pump: a case report
Authors: Warner Lindsay , Branstad Anna , Hunter Guevara Lindsay , Matzke Bitterman Laura , Pingree Matthew , Nicholson Wayne , Eldrige Jason
Published: January 2020

Background

Sufentanil is a potent opioid uncommonly used to manage pain and is rarely administered via an intrathecal pain pump system.

Case presentation

This case illustrates the use of intrathecal sufentanil in a 50-year-old Caucasian man for the management of chronic pain; however, the intrathecal drug delivery system experienced a malfunction which led to 1/100th output of the correct dosage. Interesting aspects of this case report include the uncommon choice of sufentanil use for an intrathecal drug delivery system, as well as the unusual pharmacokinetics of this drug. Specifically, this patient did not experience the major withdrawal that would be expected given significant under dosing of opioid, and this may be explained by the lipophilicity and context-sensitive half-times of sufentanil.

Conclusions

Because of the absence of a clinically significant withdrawal in this case report, clinicians must be aware of relevant pharmacokinetic properties and unusual intrathecal drug delivery system technologies that influence a patient’s response when device malfunction occurs.
Early response monitoring of neoadjuvant chemotherapy using [18F]FDG PET can predict the clinical outcome of extremity osteosarcoma
Authors: Lee Inki , Byun Byung Hyun , Lim Ilhan , Kim Byung Il , Choi Chang Woon , Koh Jae-Soo , Song Won Seok , Cho Wan Hyeong , Kong Chang-Bae , Lim Sang Moo
Published: January 2020

Background

To propose a personalized therapeutic approach in osteosarcoma treatment, we assessed whether sequential [18F]FDG PET/CT (PET/CT) could predict the outcome of patients with osteosarcoma of the extremities after one cycle and two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.

Methods

A total of 73 patients with AJCC stage II extremity osteosarcoma treated with 2 cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy, surgery, and adjuvant chemotherapy were retrospectively analyzed in this study. All patients underwent PET/CT before (PET0), after 1 cycle (PET1), and after the completion of neoadjuvant chemotherapy (PET2), respectively. Maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax) (corrected for body weight) and the % changes of SUVmax were calculated, and histological responses were evaluated after surgery. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analyses and the Cox proportional hazards models were used to analyze whether imaging and clinicopathologic parameters could predict event-free survival (EFS).

Results

A total of 36 patients (49.3%) exhibited a poor histologic response and 17 patients (23.3%) showed events (metastasis in 15 and local recurrence in 2). SUVmax on PET2 (SUV2), the percentage change of SUVmax between PET0 and PET1 (Δ%SUV01), and between PET0 and PET2 (Δ%SUV02) most accurately predicted events using the ROC curve analysis. SUV2 (relative risk, 8.86; 95% CI, 2.25–34.93), Δ%SUV01 (relative risk, 5.97; 95% CI, 1.47–24.25), and Δ%SUV02 (relative risk, 6.00; 95% CI, 1.16–30.91) were independent predicting factors for EFS with multivariate analysis. Patients with SUV2 over 5.9 or Δ%SUV01 over − 39.8% or Δ%SUV02 over − 54.1% showed worse EFS rates than others (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

PET evaluation after 1 cycle of presurgical chemotherapy can predict the clinical outcome of extremity osteosarcoma. [18F]FDG PET, which shows a potential role in the early evaluation of the modification of timing of local control, can be a useful modality for early response monitoring of neoadjuvant chemotherapy.
A sliding-neural network control of induction-motor-pump supplied by photovoltaic generator
Authors: Hamdi Hichem , Regaya Chiheb Ben , Zaafouri Abderrahmen
Published: December 2019

Energy production from renewable sources offers an efficient alternative non-polluting and sustainable solution. Among renewable energies, solar energy represents the most important source, the most efficient and the least expensive compared to other renewable sources. Electric power generation systems from the sun’s energy typically characterized by their low efficiency. However, it is known that photovoltaic pumping systems are the most economical solution especially in rural areas. This work deals with the modeling and the vector control of a solar photovoltaic (PV) pumping system. The main objective of this study is to improve optimization techniques that maximize the overall efficiency of the pumping system. In order to optimize their energy efficiency whatever, the weather conditions, we inserted between the inverter and the photovoltaic generator (GPV) a maximum power point adapter known as Maximum Power Point Tracking (MPPT). Among the various MPPT techniques presented in the literature, we adopted the adaptive neuro-fuzzy controller (ANFIS). In addition, the performance of the sliding vector control associated with the neural network was developed and evaluated. Finally, simulation work under Matlab / Simulink was achieved to examine the performance of a photovoltaic conversion chain intended for pumping and to verify the effectiveness of the speed control under various instructions applied to the system. According to the study, we have done on the improvement of sliding mode control with neural network. Note that the sliding-neuron control provides better results compared to other techniques in terms of improved chattering phenomenon and less deviation from its reference.
Endoscope Assisted Microvascular Decompression: Are the Advantages Still Worthy Towards More?
Authors: Farid Ashraf Mohamed , ElKheshin Sherif Elsayed
Published: January 2020

Background

Microvascular decompression is the definitive treatment of various neuralgias affecting cranial nerves. The compression on a cranial nerve could be at the root entry zone, especially the trigeminal nerve. Endoscope-assisted microsurgery may help avoid missing a hidden vascular structure.

Study design

Retrospective clinical case series.

Patient and methods

Twenty-five patients with facial pain and five patients with hemifacial spasm constituted this study. FIESTA MRI was the pre-operative neuroimaging modality. Retrosegmoid craniectomy was done for all patients. Microscope was initially used for exploration and arachnoid dissection around the nerve. The endoscope was applied thereafter for exploration and confirmation of the proper insertion of the Teflon.

Results

Using the endoscope, cerebellar retraction was reduced by 0.5 to 0.8 cm in 90% of patients. Root entry zone and entry of the nerve through the corresponding skull base foramen was clearly visualized by the endoscope. Endoscope enabled a wider area of exploration and panoramic view, which could not be obtained by the microscope. Patients with trigeminal neuralgia had a median pre-operative VAS of 9, while it was only 1 in early post-operative and 0 in 6-month post-operatively. Patients with HFS were completely recovered.

Conclusion

The advantages of microvascular decompression are still worthy. Complications are minimal, and the view is much more panoramic. The different viewing angles and ability to directly reach corners is an absolute endoscopic advantage. Therefore, avoidance of missing vascular structures and incomplete recovery can be assured.
Effect of educational intervention on knowledge and attitude towards research, research ethics, and biobanks among paramedical and administrative teams in the National Liver Institute, Egypt
Authors: EL-Khadry Sally W. , Abdallah Ayat R. , Yousef Marwa F. , M. abdeldayem Hesham , Ezzat Sameera , Dorgham Laila Shehata
Published: January 2020

Background

Medical research has increased greatly in many developing countries during the recent decade, motivated by the need to improve health in these countries. Such research needs to be guided by fundamental ethical principles to ensure the protection of patient’s rights and welfare. Also, biobanks have become increasingly important for the study of health and disease. There is a significant public interest in the outcomes of genetic research, which include diagnostic, therapeutic, and preventive health methods. This study was conducted assess and raise the knowledge and attitude towards several aspects of research, related ethics, and biobank ethical issues for paramedical and administrative teams working at the National Liver Institute (NLI).

Results

The education intervention study was effective in increasing percentage of good knowledge in paramedical and administrative teams (p value < 0.001). Also, the education intervention study was effective in increasing percentage of positive attitude in paramedical and administrative teams (p value < 0.001).

Conclusion

There were good knowledge and attitude about research and related ethics, but poor knowledge and attitude about biobanking. The educational intervention study significantly increased knowledge and attitude about research, related ethics, and biobanks.
Reviews
Authors: Treitel Sven , Sandham William A. , Mohapatra Gopal
Published: January 2020

Numerical Methods of Exploration Seismology: With Algorithms in MATLAB, by Gary F. Margrave and Michael P. Lamoureux, ISBN 978-1-107-17014-8, 2019, Cambridge University Press, 450 p. Understanding Signals: Basic Waveform Analysis from a Geophysical Perspective, by Michael Burianyk, ISBN 978-1-560-80357-7, 2019, Society of Exploration Geophysicists, 94 p. Salt Tectonics: Principles and Practice, by Martin P. A. Jackson and Michael R. Hudec, ISBN 978-1-107-01331-5, 2017, Cambridge University Press, 510 p.
Pertinent Today: What Contemporary Lessons Should be Taught by Studying Physician Participation in the Holocaust?
Authors: Levine Mark A. , Wynia Matthew K. , Himber Meleah , Silvers William S.
Published: January 2020

The participation of physicians in the atrocities of the Holocaust exposed vulnerabilities in medicine’s moral commitment to patients’ best interests that every health professional should recognize. Teaching about this history is challenging, as it is extremely complex and there are no common standards for what basic historical facts students in health professions training programs should learn. Nor is there guidance on how these historical facts can or should be related to contemporary ethical issues facing health professionals. To address these problems, we propose a set of core historical facts about health professional involvement in the Holocaust that every student in a health professional training program should learn. We then identify three ethical lessons from the Holocaust that are pertinent today as physicians struggle to maintain their moral compass and earn the trust of patients and the public: 1) The lesson of commitment to science; maintaining balance between reason and skepticism in the search for truth, (2) The lesson of clinical detachment; maintaining balance between necessary professional distance with a commitment to humanism and intimacy with patients, and 3) The lesson of competing loyalties; maintaining balance in upholding medicine’s multiple responsibilities, including to individual patients and the larger community. Embedding these facts and lessons into the education of health professionals is challenging yet critically important. Today’s physicians struggle with some of the same ethical tensions as did German physicians in the Nazi era, albeit in a much-attenuated fashion. Awareness of these tensions and taking active measures to maintain them in balance are necessary components of humanistic health care, which should be an integral part of health professional training programs.
Bilişim Etiği Değerlerine Yönelik Tutum Ölçeğinin Geliştirilmesi
Authors: ÇELİK Berkay , GÜNDOĞDU Kerim
Published: December 2019

Son yıllarda bilişim alanında ortaya çıkan gelişmeler neredeyse her alanda insan yaşamını kolaylaştıran yenilikler sunmaktadır. Teknolojinin yaşamımıza yerleşmesinin olumlu yanları olduğu kadar olumsuz yanları da mevcuttur. Günümüzde teknolojinin sağladığı internet ve sosyal medya olarak adlandırılan sanal ortamlarda bireyler birçok problemle karşılaşmaktadır. Bu bağlamda, bireylerin sanal ortamdaki problemlere yönelik algılarının belirlenmesinin ve bu problemlerin çözümüne yönelik çalışmaların yapılmasının gerekliliği ortaya çıkmaktadır. Bu çalışmada lise düzeyindeki öğrencilerin, bilişim alanında yer alan değerlerle ilgili olarak tutumlarını belirlemeye yönelik bir ölçek geliştirilmesi amaçlanmıştır. Çalışmada ilk olarak meslek lisesi bilişim teknolojileri alanında okutulan derslerin öğretim programları, ders kitapları ve literatürde yer alan bilişim ve internet etiği konulu çalışmalar incelenmiştir. Daha sonra bilişim teknolojileri alanında on adet temel değer belirlenmiş ve her bir değeri temsilen toplam 110 taslak madde yazılmıştır. Taslak ölçek maddeleri yedi uzmanın görüşüne sunulmuş ve ölçek 80 maddeye düşürülerek deneme formu hazırlanmıştır. Elde edilen form, meslek liselerinin bilişim teknolojileri alanının 12. sınıfında okuyan 306 öğrenciye uygulanmıştır. Yapılan faktör analizleri sonucunda sekiz boyut ve 31 maddeden oluşan Bilişim Etiği Değerlerine Yönelik Tutum Ölçeği elde edilmiştir. Ölçeğin tamamı için Cronbach alfa güvenirlik katsayısı 0.798 olarak hesaplanmıştır. Bulgular, ölçeğin güvenilir ve geçerli bir ölçek olarak rahatlıkla kullanılabileceğini göstermektedir.
Studies on Simulation of Spectra of Some Organic Compounds
Authors: Gupta Pradeep Kumar , Arora Kishor
Published: December 2019

Quantum chemical viz. ab initio or semi-empirical based simulation studies are now prevailing among workers / scientists pursuing their studies in theoretical chemistry. These studies provide better insight for the compounds so far as the studies of their structural orother parameters are concern. Studies involving the packages developed on the basis of ab-initio or semi-empirical methods are proven to be more effective and as a better tool because of number of their advantages. The present communication includes the studies on synthesis or procurement along with the simulation of spectra viz. I.R. of some heterocyclic organic compounds.
Fast multiple-scattering holographic tomography based on the wave propagation method
Authors: Suski Damian , Winnik Julianna , Kozacki Tomasz
Published: January 2020

We develop a time-efficient computation scheme for a holographic tomography reconstruction technique that accounts for multiple scattering by applying the forward model based on the wave propagation method (WPM). The computational efficiency is achieved by employing adjoint equations for calculation of the gradient of the data fidelity term in the gradient descent optimization procedure. In the paper we provide a general computation scheme that is suitable for various forward models that can be represented in the form of an iterative equation. Next, we provide the complete solution for the time-efficient reconstruction utilizing WPM. In the considered reconstruction case, the proposed algorithm enables the 114-fold speed-up of computations with respect to the original tomographic method.
Frequency tuning ratio testing of a laser via a hollow photonic crystal fiber resonator
Authors: Lei Ming , Fang Yuan , Yu Huaiyong , Yang Yi , Xiang Qiang , Zhang Lizhe
Published: January 2020

In order to satisfy the requirements of laser frequency tuning ratio (FTR) measurement, experimental equipment based on a hollow photonic crystal fiber resonator (HPCFR) is proposed in this paper. First, the principle scheme of the equipment consisting of HPCFR is designed, and the resonance curves of the HPCFR are theoretically analyzed, calculated, and simulated; second, the transmissive HPCFR sample is fabricated and the resonance curve is obtained; eventually, the experimental results from the established laser FTR experimental setup demonstrate that the FTRs of a narrow-linewidth fiber laser and semiconductor laser are 17.6 MHz/V and 30.9 MHz/mA, respectively, which are basically in accordance with the factory parameters of the lasers. This work shows that the FTR experimental equipment via HPCFR has the advantages of high precision and good long-term stability.
Characterization of optofluidic devices for the sorting of sub-micrometer particles
Authors: White James , Laplane Cyril , Roberts Reece P. , Brown Louise J. , Volz Thomas , Inglis David W.
Published: January 2020

In this work, we investigate methods of fabricating a device for the optical actuation of nanoparticles. To create the microfluidic channel, we pursued three fabrication methods: SU-8 to molded polydimethylsiloxane soft lithography, laser etching of glass, and deep reactive ion etching of fused silica. We measured the surface roughness of the etched sidewalls, and the laser power transmission through each device. We then measured the radiation pressure on 0.5-µm particles in the best-performing fabricated device (etched fused silica) and in a square glass capillary.
Arrays of spatially structured non-diffracting optical beams
Authors: Alcídio Varela Mendonça Joel , Zamboni Rached Michel , Ambrosio Leonardo André , Santos Carlos Henrique da Silva
Published: January 2020

Non-diffracting optical beams and their structured versions have been extensively studied, theoretically and experimentally, over the last two decades, rendering important applications in fields such as imaging, microscopy, remote sensing, optical manipulation, free space optics, etc. In this paper, we theoretically construct arrays of non-coaxial structured non-diffracting beams by using the so-called frozen wave method. We also develop techniques based on polarization allocations and apodizations to mitigate undesirable interferences among neighboring beams. Our results can find interesting applications in all fields that benefit from the use of non-diffracting beams.
Optical coherence tomography modeling incorporating scattering, absorption, and multiple reflections
Authors: Guan Anna , Richardson Steven , Hinckley Steven
Published: January 2020

A direct scattering optical coherence tomography forward model was
developed to simulate A-scans for both idealized and real light
sources on an arbitrary given sample structure. Previous models
neglected absorption, scattering, and multiple reflections at
interfacial layers, and so two extended models were developed to
investigate the impact of these processes. The first model uses the
Beer–Lambert law to incorporate both absorption and scattering optical
processes, and the second model uses a recursive form to model
multiple reflections. These models were tested on a structure
representative of a multilayered skin sample. The results show that
the absorption and scattering processes have significant impact on the
height of the peaks in the simulated A-scans. Conversely, the
incorporation of multiple reflections has very little impact on the
height of these peaks. Neither of the above processes has any impact
on the locations of the A-scan peaks, which are associated with the
sample interfaces between layers.
Fast and broadband computation of the Green’s function in a cavity resonator of irregular shape using an imaginary wave number extraction technique
Authors: Sanamzadeh Mohammadreza , Tsang Leung
Published: January 2020

A semi-analytical approach for rapid calculation of the Green’s function inside a cavity of irregular shape over a broad range of frequency is presented. The method is based on the extraction of the Green’s function at an imaginary wave number from itself to obtain a rapidly convergent hybrid spatial–spectral expansion of the Green’s function. The method is applied to a V-grooved cavity, and the results are compared with the integral equation method.
Serological evaluation for the current epidemic situation of foot and mouth disease among cattle and buffaloes in Egypt
Authors: Abd El-Rhman Mariam M. , Abo El-Hassan Diea G. , Awad Walid S. , Salem Sayed A. H.
Published: January 2020

Aim: The present study was aimed to investigate the epidemic situation of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in Egypt from 2016 to 2018 based on the detection of FMD virus (FMDV) in carrier or previously infected animals, by determination of antibodies against non-structural protein (NSP), implementation a pilot study on circulating FMDV serotypes and assure the efficacy of locally produced inactivated trivalent vaccine.

Materials and Methods: A total of 1500 sera were collected from apparent healthy vaccinated cattle and buffaloes from three Egyptian geographical sectors, representing ten governorates. Determination of FMD antibodies against NSP was carried out using 3ABC enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) test. Serotyping of the circulating FMDV and assure the vaccine efficacy was performed using solid-phase competitive ELISA.

Results: The 3ABC ELISA test revealed 26.4% and 23.7% positive for FMDV-NSP antibodies in cattle and buffalo sera, respectively. The highest positivity was in Delta Sector among both cattle 42.3% and buffaloes 28.8%. Serotyping of FMDV-positive NSP sera in El-Qalyubia Governorate for the circulating FMDV serotypes O, A, and Southern African Territories (SAT) 2 was 52.2%, 17.4%, and 30.4% in cattle and 31.8%, 27.3%, and 40.9% in buffaloes, respectively. The overall protection level due to the vaccination program was 62.1 and 60.9% in cattle and buffaloes, respectively, while the protective level of the FMDV serotypes O, A, and SAT2 included in the inactivated trivalent vaccine was 73.9, 84.6, and 63.8% in cattle and 72.3, 82.3, and 63.5% in buffaloes, respectively.

Conclusion: The present study recommended full determination for the immunogenic relationship between the vaccine strains and the field strains to attain maximum protection against the circulating viruses.
IDENTIFICATION AND PATHOGENICITY TEST OF SOME BACTERIA ISOLATED FROM WILD AND FARMED SPINY LOBSTER Panulirus homarus
Authors: Sudewi Sudewi , Widiastuti Zeny , Mastuti Indah , Mahardika Ketut
Published: January 2020

The bacterial populations in the farming of spiny lobster could have either beneficial or harmful effects depending on the prevailing conditions. We designed this study to identify and to perform a pathogenicity test of some bacteria isolated from wild and farmed spiny lobsters Panulirus homarus. The adult farmed lobsters were obtained from Pangandaran and Lombok coastal areas, while the wild lobsters were collected from Lombok, with five lobsters for each location. The bacteria were isolated from the midgut, gill, hepatopancreas, and muscle tissues of the lobsters. The identification of the bacteria was carried out by molecular methods. Pathogenicity test was performed by intramuscular injection of 0.1 ml bacterial suspensions at the density of 7×106cfu/ml into each three adult apparently healthy lobsters for every eight bacterial isolates. Our study identified six bacterial isolates that exhibited high homology of a nucleotide sequence with Shewanella algae, Bacillus firmus, Vibrio alginolyticus, Tenacibaculum lutimaris, Pseudomonas sp. and Vibrio sp., while two isolates were reminded unidentified due to low nucleotide similarities (< 97%). The pathogenicity test showed that there was no mortality of lobsters injected with those bacterial isolates. This may because the dose of injection was too low to induce bacterial infection particularly for Vibrio, or the bacteria were not pathogenic for lobster or even have the potency as probiotic bacteria.
NEW RECORD OF EURYCOMA APICULATA A.W. BENN (SIMAROUBACEAE) FROM FOREST RESERVE OF KENEGERIAN RUMBIO, RIAU, INDONESIA
Authors: Zulfahmi Zulfahmi , Aryanti Ervina , Rosmaina Rosmaina
Published: January 2020

During extensive field surveys in the 2015 year, Eurycoma apiculata A.W. Benn has been found for the first time in the forest reserve of Kenegerian Rumbio, Kampar District of Riau province. This finding is a new record of the medicinal plant in Indonesia. The taxonomic description and photographs of the species are given in this article.
KEANEKARAGAMAN DAN KELIMPAHAN ANGGREK EPIFIT DI KAKI GUNUNG LIANGPRAN, KALIMANTAN TIMUR
Authors: Effendi Surianto , Ariyanti Nunik Sri , Chikmawati Tatik
Published: January 2020

Liangpran Mountain is located within the Heart of Borneo (HoB) Conservation Area which has high biodiversity. The exploration of orchids has been carried out in several locations in the HoB region and recorded a high diversity of wild orchid. This research was conducted to explore and inventory the orchids from the foothill of Mount Liangpran, and record  the diversity and abundance of epiphytic orchids in the study sites. This research was carried out by making track of exploration along the Nuyung river estuary to the Tebing Lapah. The richness and abundance data were collected in three plot of 1000 x 20 m. The host tree characteristics and distribution of epiphytic orchid on the host tree were recorded. Fourteen species orchids were collected, and the most dominant are Coelogyne asperata and Agrostophyllum stipulatum with an abundance of 23.53% each. The epiphytic orchids in host trees are spread from the zone II to V based on the Johansson’s sections, in which zone IV is the most diverse. Nine species of the host trees associated with the collected orchids were identified and grouped into five families. The characters of host trees are 7–57 m height,12–112 cm diameters, and 2 types of bark surfaces (rough and intermediate).
KEANEKARAGAMAN DAN SEBARAN EKOLOGIS AMFIBI DI AIR TERJUN BARAMBAISAMARINDA, KALIMANTAN TIMUR
Authors: Jusmaldi Jusmaldi , Setiawan Aditya , Hariani Nova
Published: January 2020

Diversity and ecological distributions of amphibians in Berambai Waterfall area, East Kalimantan have never been known. The purposes of this study were to determine the diversity of amphibian species in relation to environmental conditions and the vertical-horizontal distribution. A total of 109 amphibians were captured using methods of the transect and the visual encounter survey for 20 days on two type observation habitats. The results of this study found 18 species from six amphibian families. Based on the number of species, the diversity amphibian index and dominance index have a stable of communities, with the high value of  Shannon-wiener  diversity index (H'),  the evenness  index (E), and the low value of dominance index (D) were 2.26, 0.78, and 0.16, respectively. Horizontal distribution of amphibians in their habitat showed that aquatic amphibian groups were found to be less than 5 m from the river bank, while terrestrial and semi-aquatic amphibians have a distribution of 5–15 m from the river bank. Vertical distribution of Polypedates leucomystax, Polypedates otilophus and Odorrana hosii in vegetation were found from 1.5–2.5 m above ground level, while Ansonia spinulifer, Chalcorana chalconota, Chalcorana raniceps were at a height of 0.5–<1.5 m from ground level. Diversity of amphibian in Berambai Waterfall area related to habitat conditions, while horizontal and vertical distributions are influenced by species, habits and food resources.
STUDIES ON THE ARACEAE OF THE LESSER SUNDA ISLANDS II: NEW RECORD FOR SCINDAPSUS HEDERACEUS MIQ. IN BALI
Authors: Erlinawati Ina , Asih Ni Putu Sri , Kuniawan Agung , Yuzammi Yuzammi
Published: January 2020

ERLINAWATI, I., ASIH, N. P. S., KURNIAWAN, A. & YUZAMMI. 2019. Studies on the Araceae of the Lesser Sunda Islands II: New record for Scindapsus hederaceus Miq. in Bali. Reinwardtia 18(2): 51‒64. — The native Araceae of the Lesser Sunda Islands consists of 19 genera and 33 species, of which Scindapsus hederaceus Miq. is newly reported for Bali. This species distributed from Indo-China to West and Central Malesia. Formerly, in Indonesia the species has been found in Sumatra, Java and Borneo. Short descriptions of all species found in the Lesser Sunda Islands and a key to the genera are provided.
REDISCOVERY OF ALDROVANDA VESICULOSA L. (DROSERACEAE), AN ENDANGERED PLANT, AFTER SIX DECADES IN INDIA FROM MANIPUR WITH STUDIES ON MICROMORPHOLOGY AND PHYSICO-CHEMISTRY OF WATER
Authors: Ngangbam Romita Devi , Devi Naorem Premita , Devi Maibam Haripriya , Singh Potsangbam Kumar
Published: January 2020

NGANGBAM, R. D., DEVI, N. P., DEVI, M. H. & SINGH, P. K. 2019. Rediscovery of Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. (Droseraceae), an endangered plant, from Manipur in India after six decades, with studies on micromorphology and physico-chemistry of water. Reinwardtia 18(2): 71‒80. — A small population of the aquatic insectivorous plant Aldrovanda vesiculosa L. of Droseraceae family was found growing in Yena pat, a small lake having an area of about 0.939 km2 in Bishnupur district, Manipur state, India. This marks its rediscovery in India after a long gap of 64 years. The present status of the species in the updated IUCN Red List of Threatened Species version 2018.2 is endangered and considered extinct from India. A general description and micromorpho-taxonomic studies are included. As the species is a bioindicator, physico-chemical studies of the water were also investigated so as to provide aid in both in-situ and ex-situ conservation strategies. Immediate conservation initiatives are warranted to maintain the species after its rediscovery.
NEW SPECIES OF CLIMBING AND SCRAMBLING BAMBOO FROM SULAWESI, INDONESIA
Authors: Ervianti Dita , Widjaja Elizabeth Anita , Sedayu Agung
Published: January 2020

ERVIANTI, D., WIDJAJA, E. A. & SEDAYU, A. 2019. New species of climbing and scrambling bamboo from Sulawesi, Indonesia. Reinwardtia 18(2): 115−132 — Ten new species of Sulawesi bamboos are discovered, belonging to the climbing genus Dinochloa Büse and the scrambling Fimbribambusa Widjaja. These are Dinochloa bungintimbensis Widjaja & Ervianti, D. glabra Widjaja & Ervianti, D. karaboensis Widjaja & Ervianti, D. khoonmengii Widjaja & Ervianti, D. kolakaensis Widjaja & Ervianti, D. mekonggensis Widjaja & Ervianti, D. multibrachiata Widjaja & Ervianti, D. sessilifolia Widjaja & Ervianti, D. wartabonei Widjaja & Ervianti, and Fimbribambusa soejatmiae Widjaja & Ervianti. Identification keys, descriptions and illustrations of these species are presented.
Sociedade e ambiente
Authors: Moura Marta Aparecida de , Arana Alba Regina Azevedo
Published: January 2020

A ação antrópica pode causar a poluição, a depredação e o desmatamento, ocasionando interferência na biodiversidade, no equilíbrio ecológico promovendo o impacto e o dano ambiental. Portanto, para discutir esta questão, foi escolhido como objeto de estudo o município de Teodoro Sampaio-SP localizado no Pontal do Paranapanema e região oeste de São Paulo. Este artigo tem como objetivo fazer uma análise das ações humanas e os impactos causados desde a implantação do município até os dias atuais. A pesquisa teve abordagem qualitativa, para a construção da história linear dos impactos ambientais no município. O que se verificou com a pesquisa é que houve vários impactos ambientais considerados graves dentre os 65 anos que compõe este estudo e o principal dano ambiental foi a implantação e construção da Usina Hidrelétrica de Rosana em razão dos danos ambientais irreversíveis.
Translations of Embedded Theorems in Z Specifications
Authors: Siregar Maria Ulfah , Derrick John , Yazid Ahmad Subkhan
Published: January 2020

This paper discusses our proposal on how to embed theorems in Z specifications. One reason behind this proposal is to ease Z users in writing theorems directly in their Z specifications. Another reason is not to overwhelm Z users in learning other language, which in this case is SAL language. In doing so, we need to inform Z2SAL programmers how to translate these embedded theorems into equivalence theorems in SAL specifications. Based on our experiments, Z2SAL is able to translate these kind of theorems and SAL model checker is also able to model check SAL specifications with theorems that are written directly in the Z specifications.
THE GROWING REALITY OF LEGAL RIGHTS FOR COMPANION ANIMALS
Authors: FAVRE DAVID
Published: January 2020

Over the past decade, the fifty state legislatures of the United States have been adopting legislation for the benefit of the group of animals known as companion animals (pets). When considered together as a set, these laws create an initial set of legal rights for that group of animals. To explore that conclusion, the definition of a legal right and the particular statutes, such as new divorce laws, are considered.
A simulation-based approach to evaluate objective material parameters from concrete rheometer measurements
Authors: Gerland Florian , Wetzel Alexander , Schomberg Thomas , Wünsch Olaf , Middendorf Bernhard
Published: January 2020

Modern concretes such as ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) show excellent strength properties combined with favorable flow properties. However, the flow properties depend strongly on process parameters during production (temperature, humidity etc.), but also change sensitively even with slight variations in the mixture. In order to ensure desired processing of the fluidlike material and consistent process quality, the flow properties of the concrete must be evaluated quantitatively and objectively. The usual evaluation of measurements from concrete rheometers, for example of the ball probe system type, does not allow the direct determination of the objective material parameters yield stress and plastic viscosity of the sample. We developed a simulation-based method for the evaluation of rheometric measurements of fine grained high performance concretes like self-compacting concrete (SCC) and UHPC. The method is based on a dimensional analysis for ball measuring systems. Through numerical parameter studies we were able to describe the identified relationship between measuring quantities and material parameters quantitatively for two devices of this type. The evaluation method is based on the Bingham model. With this method it is possible to measure both the yield stress and the plastic viscosity of the fresh sample simultaneously. Device independence of the evaluation process is proven and an application to fiber-reinforced UHPC is presented.
Long non-coding RNA DUXAP8 regulates the cell proliferation and invasion of non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Yang Si-Jia , Weng Jia-Lu , Wei Bin , Du Xue-Kui
Published: January 2020

To investigate how long non-coding RNAs DUXAP8 (LncRNA DUXAP8) influence the cell proliferation and invasion of non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC), we detected the expression levels of LncRNA DUXAP8 in lung cancer (LC) tissues, 4 LC-related cell lines (A549, SPC-A1, SK-MES-1 and NCI-H1299) and normal lung tissues via quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Compared with normal lung tissue, LncRNA DUXAP8 was significantly up-regulated in NSCLC, especially in stage III / IV and diameter ≥ 3cm of lung cancer. Among 4 lung cancer cell lines, LncRNA DUXAP8 in A549 cells was the highest (P<0.001). Construction of LncRNA DUXAP8 overexpression and LncRNA DUXAP8 knockout in A549 cell lines was further performed and subsequently injected into nude mice to build an in vivo tumor xenograft model. The results indicated that LncRNA DUXAP8 overexpression significantly promoted the A549 cells’ proliferation, enhanced invasion and induced tumor growth. Conversely, LncRNA DUXAP8 knockout significantly suppressed A549 cells’ proliferation, weakened invasion and inhibited tumor growth. Taken together, our results imply that LncRNA DUXAP8 is a potential regulatory molecular marker in non-small-cell lung cancer.
Photophysical and antibacterial activity of light-activated quaternary eosin Y
Authors: Staneva Desislava , Yordanova Stanislava , Vasileva-Tonkova Evgenia , Stoyanov Stanimir , Grabchev Ivo
Published: January 2020

The functional characteristics of a new eosin dye with biocidal quaternary ammonium group (E) were studied in aqueous solution and in organic solvents of different polarity. The spectral properties depend on the nature and polarity of the respective solvents. The antimicrobial activity of compound E has been tested in vitro against Gram-negative bacteria (Escherichia coli, Acinetobacter johnsoni and Pseudomonas aeruginosa), Gram-positive bacteria (Sarcina lutea and Bacillus cereus) and the antifungal activity was tested against the yeasts Candida lipolytica in solution and after treated on cotton fabric. Broth dilution test has been used for quantitative evaluation of the antimicrobial activity of compound E against the model strains. The ability of compound E to inhibit the growth of model Gram-negative P. aeruginosa strain was assessed after 16 h of incubation in presence and absence of light. These experiments were conducted in planktonic format in solution and on cotton fabric. The results suggest that the new compound is effective in treating the relevant pathogens with better results being obtained by irradiation with light. In this case the quaternary ammonium group promotes the binding of eosin Y moiety to the bacterial cell wall thus accelerating bacterial photo inactivation.
The role of a chemical loop in removal of hazardous contaminants from coke oven wastewater during its treatment
Authors: Kwiecińska-Mydlak Anna , Sajdak Marcin , Rychlewska Katarzyna , Figa Jan
Published: January 2020

Coke oven liquor is one of the most contaminated liquid streams generated by the coal processing industry, thus its proper treatment and utilization is crucial for sustainable and environmentally neutral plant operation. The conventional wastewater treatment process comprises of chemical and biological processes. Within the current research the detailed role of chemical treatment is described. Commercially available iron-based coagulants (PIX100, PIX100COP, PIX113, PIX116) were tested to understand their removal efficiency and impact on the stream parameters. The influence of iron dose in the range of 300-500 mgFe/L on the process performance was also examined.

It was found that the main role of chemical treatment was to bind toxicants harmful to activated sludge microorganisms, i.e. free and complex cyanides and sulphides. Among the tested iron-based conventional coagulants ferrous salts were more efficient than ferric salts. It was also observed that efficiency of the process strongly depended on wastewater properties (especially in regard to pH, which should be in the range of 9-10) and the coagulant selection needed to be done individually for a given wastewater type. The removal rates of particular contaminants were diversified and for free cyanides, complex cyanides and sulphides they were in the range of 23-91%, -156-77% and -357-98%, respectively. The expected, simultaneous removal of chemical oxygen demand (COD) during the treatment was not observed and even the parameter value increased after the process due to probable formation of compounds less vulnerable to oxidation.
Characterization of non-compact locally compact groups by cocompact subgroups
Authors: Kadri Bilel
Published: January 2020

A subgroup H of a topological group G is called cocompact (or uniform) if the quotient space

G
/

H
¯

{G/\overline{H}}

is compact, where

H
¯

{\overline{H}}

denotes the closure of H in G.
The purpose of this paper is to give a characterization of non-compact locally compact groups with the property that every non-trivial closed (respectively, open) subgroup is cocompact (respectively, has finite index).
INS/gravity gradient aided navigation based on gravitation field particle filter
Authors: Liu Fanming , Li Fangming , Jing Xin
Published: December 2019

Swarm intelligence method is an effective way to improve the particle degradation and sample depletion of the traditional particle filter. This paper proposes a particle filer based on the gravitation field algorithm (GF-PF), and the gravitation field algorithm is introduced into the resampling process to improve particle degradation and sample depletion. The gravitation field algorithm simulates the solar nebular disk model, and introduces the virtual central attractive force and virtual rotation repulsion force between particles. The particles are moves rapidly to the high-likelihood region under action of the virtual central attractive force. The virtual rotation repulsion force makes the particles keep a certain distance from each other. These operations improve estimation performance, avoid overlapping of particles and maintain the diversity of particles. The proposed method is applied into INS/gravity gradient aided navigation, by combining the sea experimental data of an inertial navigation system. Compared with the particle swarm optimization particle filter(PSO-PF) and artificial physics optimized particle filter (APO-PF), the GF-PF has higher position estimate accuracy and faster convergence speed with the same experimental conditions.
Rechtsterroristische Gewalt in den 1970er Jahren
Authors: Manthe Barbara
Published: January 2020

Vorspann

1979 standen zum ersten Mal in der Geschichte der Bundesrepublik Neonazis vor Gericht, denen terroristische Aktivitäten vorgeworfen wurden. Sie hatten in Norddeutschland eine Untergrundgruppe, die Kühnen-Schulte-Wegener-Gruppe, gebildet. Über diesen Fall ist, wie über den bundesdeutschen Rechtsterrorismus vor 1990 generell, bislang nur wenig bekannt. Barbara Manthe beleuchtet den Entstehungskontext und die Taten der Gruppe, die Raub- und Banküberfälle beging und politische Attentate plante. Zudem analysiert sie den Gerichtsprozess gegen die Täter in Bückeburg (Niedersachsen). Welchen Einfluss hatte der Sicherheitsdiskurs der 1970er Jahre auf die Verhandlung, die von den Verantwortlichen ausdrücklich Terroristenprozess präsentiert wurde? Waren die Angeklagten darin erfolgreich, mit Propaganda und Provokation vor Gericht ihre eigene terrorist show zu inszenieren?
A New Type of Aerostatic Thrust Bearing Controlled by High-speed Pneumatic Valve and a Novel Pressure Transducer
Authors: Rehman Waheed Ur , Jiang Guiyun , Wang Yongqin , Iqbal Nadeem , Ur Rehman Shafiq , Bibi Shamsa , Elahi Hassan
Published: December 2019

The current research work presents a low cost, efficient and innovative active aerostatic thrust bearing which is controlled through a combination of the Arduino board, feedback transducers and high-speed valves. The purpose is to make low cost, compact active aerostatic thrust bearing with overall small dimensions and compact size. A prototype design is done in solid works with small dimensions and components are produced with the help of the high precision machining process. There are two high-speed electropneumatic valves which  are controlled through pulse width modulation techniques. These high-speed electro-pneumatic valves modify the supply pressure of aerostatic bearing to achieve desired air height gap. There are two novel pressure sensors which provide a feedback signal for control. The test bench to perform experiments has been explained. The performance of the proposed aerostatic bearing is checked both in open loop and closed loop configuration with respect to static and dynamic conditions.
СУЧАСНІ ПІДХОДИ ДО ФІНАНСОВОГО ЗАБЕЗПЕЧЕННЯ ІННОВАЦІЙНОГО РОЗВИТКУ АГРАРНОГО СЕКТОРУ
Authors: Sus T.Yo.
Published: January 2020

В умовах реформування аграрного сектору перед Україною постає проблема вибору стратегії інноваційного розвитку та джерел її фінансування. Метою дослідження є теоретичне обґрунтування науково-методичних підходів і практичних рекомендацій щодо концепції фінансового забезпечення інноваційного розвитку аграрного сектору.У процесі дослідження монографічний метод дозволив зазначити, що в країнах з сировинною економікою низький попит на інновації, тобто відсутність конкурентного промислового виробництва, не створює бази для формування інноваційного середовища та потенційних споживачів інновацій. Домінування видів діяльності зі спадною віддачею зумовлює реалізацію моделі за якої суспільні фінанси повинні направлятися на реалізацію в аграрному секторі завдань щодо його сталого розвитку в умовах зростаючого попиту на продукти харчування та необхідності збереження родючості ґрунту, розробку механізмів пріоритетного фінансування та реалізації цих завдань.Розглянуто сучасні підходи до фінансування інноваційного розвитку. Зазначено, що в сировинних економіках інновації направлені на збільшення видобутку сировини та вирощування сільськогосподарських культур, на які є попит на міжнародних ринках. Домінування видів діяльності зі спадною віддачею не дозволяє фінансувати інноваційний розвиток належним чином, як зі сторони держави, так і зі сторони потенційних споживачів інноваційних продуктів. Запропоновано для аграрного сектору України поєднання двох моделей, коли модель “держава інвестор” використовується в інноваціях, які мають в більшій мірі суспільний ефект (наприклад екологічні інновації) і, навпаки, модель “держава-регулятор” в інноваційній діяльності, що має яскраво виражений економічний ефект. Окреслено специфіку інноваційних процесів в аграрному секторі. Проаналізовано сучасні підходи до фінансового забезпечення інноваційного розвитку та фактори, які негативно впливають на розвиток агроінновацій в Україні.