bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lithosphere Protection with Hardening Phosphate-Containing Soil-Cement Technology
Authors: Svatovskaya Larisa , SychovÐ° Anastasia , Sychov Maxim
Published: April 2019

This research is relevant in the light of a need to protect lithosphere from pollution. A solution to this problem can be the exercise of a geoecoprotective function by using building and construction technologies. Phosphate-containing bonding agents usually have low solubility in water. They are made of aluminosilicates that occur in common clay. These minerals react with phosphoric acid to release phosphates and silica gel with absorption properties. The purpose of this research is to make fake rocks from phosphate clay material, intended for building and construction purposes, and to investigate their longevity. The material used was treated to neutralize and detoxify the mobile ionic contaminants and heavy metal compounds, as well as petroleum pollutants, so that at the end we could get construction material like fake rocks or improved aggregates that would be good for the environment. These cement systems are called the geoecoprotective systems. The leading methods that were applied were thermodynamic and experimental studies of service and geoecoprotective properties of phosphate-containing cement systems, more specifically fake landscape rocks. Selected studies lasted for more than 10 years, and were carried out in accordance with the guidelines, adopted in the Russian Federation. This research shows that phosphate-containing cement systems made from contaminated clay/sandy artificial soils have long-lasting properties like strength, frost resistance, water resistance and contaminant binding. From this perspective, they are good for building and construction. For example, they can be used to improve the contaminated soil on road construction sites by detoxifying it until water-resistant products, and to make long-lasting water-resistant solutions from local raw materials that would be good for waste storage.Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â Â
Concrete Surfacing Using Surface Energy of Nanoparticles
Authors: SychovÐ° Anastasia , Svatovskaya Larisa , Starchukov Dmitriy , Gera Vassily , Sychov Maxim
Published: April 2019

This article considers scientific and practical principles of concrete surfacing. As it was found, such production can be done by impregnating the surface of high-strength concrete with silica sol, measuring the surface energy of nanoparticles introduced. A technique was introduced for calculating surface energy of sols, so was the range of energy necessary to create concrete with a shock resistant surface, determined by measurement and calculation. The content contains possible reactions resulting in new phases in the concrete top during the impregnation with silica sol. Physical and mechanical characteristics of surfaced concrete were also outlined ad considered, so were the XRD data and electron microscopy data. Various types of energy used to surface concrete until high dynamic strength were compared. This article provides evidence that surface energy of sol nanoparticles can be considered as an independent alternative source.Â Â
Modern High Strength Concrete with Unique Properties
Authors: Soloviova Valentina , Soloviov Dmitriy , Stepanova Irina
Published: April 2019

Artificial stone has been one of the most common materials in construction for a long time by now. Despite the variety of types of concrete, the composite is in constant motion of development and improvement. The common use of high strength composite is for the construction of high-rise buildings or projects complex in geometry.This article suggests preparing high-strength cementitious composites by complex chemical activation using chemical admixtures in combination with reactive aggregates, as they give good hydration (hardening) of concrete. Research results confirm that this practice of complex chemical activation of cement gives high-strength concrete with better strength, deformation and durability properties.Â
Woodworking Facilities: Driving Efficiency through Automation Applied to Major Process Steps
Authors: Gasparyan Garik , Kunickaya Ol'ga , Grigorev Igor , Ivanov Viktor , Burmistrova Olga , Manukovskii Andrei , Zhuk Artem , Hertz Edward , Kremleva Lyudmila , Mueller Oscar
Published: April 2019

The investment scenario applied to forestry development analyzes the fundamental changes in the production structure, among other things. These changes refer to the priority development of the pulp and paper industry through the chain of large-scale woodworking facilities, where pulp, paper and cardboard manufacturing plants are the key links. Such facilities include sawmilling facilities, wood-processing factories, and timber factories. Those provide a significant economic benefit, so improving them is one of the top priorities. Considering this priority is the purpose of this article. The goal was achieved using common and scientific research methods, including mathematical modeling.Theoretical research resulted in three sets of formulas adapted for evaluating the pulpwood barking from theoretical findings on image recognition.Â Â Â
Barriers to the Adoption of Social Media Technology in the domain of Social Customer Relationship Management in Travel Agencies
Authors: Alizadeh Fereshteh , Ahmadi Fatemeh , Basiri Zeinab
Published: April 2019

In todayâ€™s world, social networks play a very important role in relationships among people throughout the world. The popularity of social networks has increased among Iranian users as they became a place to explore different individual desires and interests. Thus, these networks are now an integral part of the lives of many people in our society. Integrating these two categories may be considered as a key business strategy which has caught the attention of many service organizations in developed countries.Therefore, to identify the barriers to the adoption of social networks in travel agencies for improving the adoption of networks in order to ameliorate CRM policies in organizations after deriving the effective factors mentioned in previous studies and utilizing Exploratory Factor Analysis (EFA) to explore the most common barriers in this field, three hypotheses were formulated and the population of service organizations and some of their customers in Tabriz with a 245-member sample were selected for the study and a Likert scale questionnaire was designed and distributed among the members of the study sample. The study results had a high validity and reliability and the LISREL, a structural equation modeling application, was used to carry out the Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) and to discover a model from the effective factors. Results showed that legal and technological factors as barriers to the adoption of social networks for CRM had the largest impact in Iran.
Scientific Approach in Islamic Junior High School Science Textbooks to Facilitate High Order Thinking Skills
Authors: Ariyanti Pohan Lisa , Maulina Julia , Hasanah Uswatun , Hardianti Tuti
Published: April 2019

This study aims to analyse textbooks used by students based on the scientific approach as the realization of learning objectives using the 2013 curriculum. This study did several things: first, an investigation of the teaching materials used by students based on the scientific approach, second studied the suitability of the content of textbooks used by students with the syllabus in the 2013 curriculum, thirdly investigating the contribution of textbooks used to higher-order thinking skills. Research method used is mixed methods namely descriptive method and survey study at Islamic Junior High School in Medan. There are 3 textbooks that will be analysed, the textbooks from three different publishers which used by the school. The total number of students who participated in this study were 201 students. Where students who participated in the study were selected based on purposive random sampling through certain considerations, the students come from Islamic Junior High School An Nizam, Islamic Junior High School Ulun Nuha, and Islamic Junior High School Al Fityan, the condition and character of schools are almost same, so is expected the homogeneous sample. The results obtained are: (1) From the three books, the results of conformity assessment with the syllabus in book A are 65%, book B is 80%, and book C 40%; (2) The evaluation results of the textbooks by using the scientific steps find that book A obtained a score of 53 in the low category, book B got a score of 58 in the low category, and book C got a score of 55 also in the low category; 3) The results of the assessment of HOTS ability of students from each school that use books A, B, and C are on the average low category.
Changes in the Meaning of Primary Elements of the European Region in Medan City, Sumatra Island, Indonesia
Authors: Irma Maulina Hanafiah Ully , . Antariksa , Salura Purnama
Published: April 2019

The urban area consists of systems and sub-systems that have relationships with each other like a network. The development and changes in urban space are believed to influence the relationship between systems and also the meaning of all elements forming the urban spatial area. This also happens to the primary elements which are signs for the urban area. Given the changes in the city area, the existence of the primary elements as signs of a city area needs to be explored. The study is carried out on the primary elements in the city area which has a relatively complete city function. The case study is the European region in the center of Medan city, the capital of North Sumatra Province, Indonesia. This is a descriptive-analytical and interpretative-qualitative research. It aims to reveal all relationships that are intertwined in the function, form and meaning of the primary elements. The results of the study concluded that changes in primary elements as signs of the region shifted from symbolic meaning to pragmatic meaning.
KEBIJAKAN PENGGUNAAN MODA TRANSPORTASI UMUM UNTUK KESEJAHTERAAN EKONOMI MASYARAKAT KOTA SEMARANG
Authors: Sukarmi Sukarmi , Suwondo Deny
Published: April 2019

Arus urbanisasi tinggi Kota Semarang dengan rendahnya kesadaran masyarakat menggunakan transportasi umum menimbulkan kemacetan yang berdampak terjadi kemerosotan kesejahteraan ekonomi. (RKPD, 2016:16). Penelitian dilakukan untuk menindak lanjuti kebijakan sebelumnya dari hasil identifikasi dan analisis cenderung berdampak negative  karena tidak dikaji dan dikontrol secara komprehensif. Kemacetan terjadi karena  jumlah  kendaraan  yang digunakan tidak seimbang dengan kapasitas jalan yang tersedia, bahkan moda pelayanan angkutan umum yang ada berkapasitas kecil menimbulkan inefisiensi. Pengembangan untuk daerah dengan rute angkutan umum yang padat,  dengan reduksi trayek harus diikuti konversi moda berkapasitas lebih besar. Pendekatan penelitian yuridis sosiologis dengan spesifikasi deskriptif analitis. Terjadinya kemacetan disebabkan oleh faktor internal dan eksternal. Upaya internal dilakukan dengan mengubah mind set masyarakat, melakukan “edukasi publik”, dan “revolusi mental”, dengan peneladan stakeholder, sehingga terbangun kesadaran masyarakat semula kebiasaan pemakai kendaraan pribadi secara bertahap ke kendaraan massal (publik).
LEASING SEBAGAI ALTERNATIF PEMBIAYAAN KAPAL BAGI NELAYAN KECIL DI KOTA PEKALONGAN
Authors: Badriyah Siti Malikhatun , Mahmudah Siti , Soemarmi Amiek
Published: April 2019

Indonesia memiliki potensi besar dalam pengembangan perikanan tangkap. Meskipun demikian eksplorasi sumber daya laut belum dapat dilakukan secara optimal. Salah satu daerah yang memiliki potensi perikanan tangkap yang besar adalah Kota Pekalongan. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengungkap latar belakang dan implementasi leasing sebagai alternatif pembiayaan kapal bagi nelayan kecil. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah mixed methode yang memadukan antara penelitian kuantitatif dan kualitatif  dengan pendekatan legal pluralism. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa perikanan merupakan sektor primer yang menjadi andalan dalam perkembangan perekonomian Kota Pekalongan dan sekitarnya. Kapal merupakan modal  utama dalam kegiatan operasional nelayan. Namun demikian masih banyak nelayan terutama nelayan kecil di Kota Pekalongan yang tidak memiliki kapal sendiri karena ketiadaan modal. Leasing sebagai pembiayaan dalam pengadaan modal dapat menjadi alternatif  pengadaan kapal bagi nelayan kecil
A review on the pattern detection methods for epilepsy seizure detection from EEG signals
Authors: Sharmila Ashok , Geethanjali Purusothaman
Published: April 2019

Over several years, research had been conducted for the detection of epileptic seizures to support an automatic diagnosis system to comfort the clinicians’ encumbrance. In this regard, a number of research papers have been published for the identification of epileptic seizures. A thorough review of all these papers is required. So, an attempt has been made to review on the pattern detection methods for epilepsy seizure detection from EEG signals. More than 150 research papers have been discussed to determine the techniques for detecting epileptic seizures. Further, the literature review confirms that the pattern recognition techniques required to detect epileptic seizures varies across the electroencephalogram (EEG) datasets of different conditions. This is mostly owing to the fact that EEG detected under different conditions have different characteristics. This consecutively necessitates the identification of the pattern recognition technique to efficiently differentiate EEG epileptic data from the EEG data of various conditions.
Collaborative Approaches to Archaeology Programming and the Increase of Digital Literacy Among Archaeology Students
Authors: Cobb Peter J , Sigmier John H , Creamer Petra M , French Emily R
Published: April 2019

Digital methods provide archaeologists with ever-increasing opportunities to collect more data about the past in new formats. These larger evidentiary datasets, in turn, help us to address questions about the human past with increasing precision. To take full advantage of these opportunities, archaeologists must develop digital literacy skills and learn how to lead digital projects. Here, we describe seven digitally-based projects we have undertaken at the University of Pennsylvania in order to create new tools for archaeological data collection and sharing, as well as to test collaborative models for the digital humanities programming process. In these projects, archaeology students work directly with engineering students. Through this interface, the students from both areas gain valuable transdisciplinary experience while experimenting with new ways to accomplish programming goals and to collect archaeological data. The learning potential for these students was a key motivation for our initiative. Our projects have already led to several websites and digital applications that are available as open source downloads. We present our impressions of this collaborative process with the goal of encouraging other archaeologists to form similar digital humanities partnerships.
An application of Nwogu’s Boussinesq model to analyze the head-on collision process between hydroelastic solitary waves
Authors: Bhatti Muhammad Mubashir , Lu Dong-Qiang
Published: April 2019

This article deals with the nonlinear head-on collision between two hydroelastic solitary waves in plate–covered water with Nwogou’s Boussinesq model for the nonlinear fluid motion. This model contains a parameter α that is associated with horizontal velocities according to the chosen level of horizontal velocity variables. A thin elastic cover is considered as the Euler–Bernoulli beam model. To derive the series solution, we apply the Poincaré–Lighthill–Kuo (PLK) method to solve analytically the highly nonlinear coupled partial differential equations. The impact of all the physical parameters is discussed with the help of the asymptotic solutions and graphic representations. In particular, the authors address the behavior of plate deflection, maximum run-up during a collision, phase shift, distortion profile, and wave speed. It is found that the variation of the free parameter α and plate terms dramatically change the amplitude of a solitary wave. It is noticed that a very small tilting occurs due to the distortion in wave profile. The maximum run-up amplitude and the wave speed rise due to a greater influence of the free parameter. The phase shift tends to diminish due to an increment in the free parameter and plate terms. The novelty of the present methodology is compared with previously published results.
Freedom of Culture in and after Yugoslavia. An Interview with Branka Prpa
Authors: Nießer Jacqueline
Published: April 2019

The historian Branka Prpa was the director of the Historical Archives of Belgrade after Slobodan Milošević’s regime ended in 2000. Jacqueline Nießer spoke to Prpa about how she set about reforming Belgrade’s Historical Archives during Serbia’s democratic opening-up under Zoran Djindjić. Prpa has fostered preservation of the cultural history of socialist Yugoslavia, so the focus of the interview was cultural freedom in and after Yugoslavia. The historian elaborates on how culture both then and now has been in conflict with politics, her remarks leading on to a discussion about how a future may be imagined in the 21st century. The interview was conducted during the COURAGE project, which between 2016 and 2019 has researched the cultural heritage of dissent in the former state socialist countries of Eastern Europe.
Herakleitas: λογος kaip φυσις bylojimas
Authors: Jankauskas Skirmantas
Published: April 2019

[straipsnis ir santrauka lietuvių kalba; santrauka anglų kalba]

Straipsnyje pateikiama savita herakleitiškojo Logo kaip mąstančio kalbėjimo interpretacija. Iš pradžių aptariamos antikinio filosofavimo bendrosios ontologinės ir gnoseologinės prielaidos. Bene svarbiausia šio filosofavimo nuostata yra laikoma mąstymo subjekto ir objekto perskyros reliatyvumas. Todėl į efesiečio aforizmus straipsnyje žiūrima kaip fenomenologines įžvalgas. Laikantis tokio požiūrio, mėginama eksplikuoti efesiečio pagrindinio aforizmo (DK22 B1) turinį. Šio aforizmo prasmė pamažu atskleidžiama pasitelkiant kitus Herakleito aforizmus. Kadangi pavieniai aforizmai ir jų grupės atveria skirtingus herakleitiškojo filosofavimo aspektus, tai tie aspektai straipsnyje nuosekliai ir aptariami. Tariant, kad antikinis filosofavimas yra teorinio mąstymo pastanga asimiliuoti tuometinį dalykinį mąstymą, parodoma, kaip teorinio mąstymo logiškumo, t. y. to paties, matas lemia trinarę tikrovės sampratą bei inspiruoja mąstančiajam egzistencinio tikrumo problemą. Kadangi filosofuojantysis aptinka save lakioje būdravimo plotmėje, o tikrumo gali tikėtis vien tą matą tenkinančio Logo sande, tai jis susiduria su šio sando temizavimo problema. Sapną, būdravimą ir Logą Herakleitas traktuoja kaip nebendramatiškus tikrovės sandus, todėl iškyla klausimas, kaip juos temizuoti viena ir ta pačia kalba. Šią problemą papildomai komplikuoja ta aplinkybė, kad, teikdamas prioritetą mąstymo dalykui, Herakleitas yra priverstas pernelyg sureikšminti kalbos etimologiškumą. Straipsnyje parodoma, kad anksčiau minėtą problemą Herakleitas įveikia eksploatuodamas ontologizuotai traktuojamos kalbos, taigi tiesiog pačios tikrovės totalų metaforiškumą. Straipsnis užbaigiamas išvadomis apie filosofuojančiojo misiją ir egzistencinius įpareigojimus, kuriuos žmogui primeta hierarchizuotai traktuojama trinarė tikrovės samprata.
Dance of the Deodhas
Authors: Burley Mikel
Published: April 2019

'Possession' by a deity or spirit has been a prevalent phenomenon in many religious and cultural milieus, including those of South Asia. Yet it has frequently been neglected by Indologists and marginalized by elite religious authorities. Also underexplored have been forms of goddess worship in Northeast India, where Tantric Hinduism has been strongly influenced by non-Hindu indigenous traditions. Helping to fill these gaps, this article examines the Deodhani festival (also known as Manasa Puja) at the Kamakhya temple in Assam, the centrepiece of which is a prolonged dance by 'shamanistic' deodhas, whom devotees claim to be possessed by deities that include several ferocious goddesses. Utilizing the concept of the 'grotesque body' from theories of art and literature, and contextualizing the festival in relation to the broader background of the temple and to practices of possession elsewhere, the article illuminates the themes of divine possession, animal sacrifice and transgressive ritual.
THE PHENOMENON OF NEGATIVE EMOTIONS IN THE SOCIAL EXISTENCE OF HUMAN
Authors: T. S. Pavlova  , V. V. Bobyl
Published: April 2019

Purpose. The research is aimed at determining the influence of negative ethical emotions on social life and the activity of the individual, which involves solving the following problems: a) to find out approaches to the typology of ethical emotions, b) to highlight individual negative ethical emotions and to determine their ability to influence human behaviour. Theoretical basis. The theoretical and methodological basis of the research is the recognition of the significant influence of negative emotions on human activity in society. In this regard, it is proposed to consider them as a complex multidisciplinary phenomenon, which is predetermined by both social and personal factors of origin and has a certain specificity of objectification. Originality. The authors determined that in addition to destructive effects on a person of negative emotions, they can also have a constructive effect on person’s behaviour, due primarily to the fact that a person does not want to experience these emotions and therefore tries to avoid situations they cause. Conclusions. The ethical emotions of guilt, embarrassment, anger, disgust and contempt can affect, through the cognitive aspect of the emotional process, the decision-making process of people when they predict situations in which they risk to feel such emotions. So the emotion of guilt creates a constructive setup aimed at correcting inappropriate social norms of human behaviour. The emotion of embarrassment motivates a person to behave more benevolently in society in order to integrate in it and get its approval, thus encouraging the person to adhere to social and moral agreements and norms. The emotion of anger motivates a person to act to eliminate injustice, herewith not only in relation to himself, but also in relation to others. Rejecting those people who cause moral and social aversion, society creates a system of punishments and rewards that acts as a strong deterrent to the socio-cultural behaviour. The emotion of contempt performs the function of preventing punishment in relation to the despised individual.
Durability of silica aerogel cementitious composites – freeze–thaw resistance, water resistance and drying shrinkage
Authors: Zhu Pinghua , Yu Shuqi , Cheng Cheng , Zhao Shanyu , Xu Haixun
Published: April 2019

Owing to its exceptional physical properties, silica aerogel is regarded as an attractive candidate material for building insulation applications; however, the widespread adoption of silica aerogel is limited by its inherently brittle nature and related sub-micrometre dust release. In this paper, the poor mechanical properties of silica aerogel were improved by combining the silica phase and cementitious materials to reach engineering strong composites and maintain relatively low thermal conductivity. The mechanical properties, durability (freeze–thaw resistance, water resistance and drying shrinkage) and thermal conductivity of the silica aerogel–cement composites were comprehensively studied. The composites show improved mechanical properties as compared to pure silica aerogel, but this decreases with the increase of silica aerogel content. With respect to the durability, surprisingly, the silica aerogel can efficiently improve the frost and water resistance of the composite, which might be benefited by the strong hydrophobicity of the silica aerogel. The optimal performance of the composite is observed at 60 vol.% aerogel loading. The thermal conductivity, compressive strength, flexural strength and bonding force are 0·065 W/(m/K), 3·81 MPa, 2·23 MPa and 0·27 MPa, respectively, and the drying shrinkage of the composite is only 0·12% after 90 d.
Concrete strength development and sustainability: the limestone constituent cement effect
Authors: El-Moussaoui Mayssaa , Dhir Ravindra K. , Hewlett Peter C.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, a systematic analysis, evaluation and modelling of the sourced global strength data of concrete where Portland cement (PC) is partially replaced with ground limestone (GLS) is presented. The data – sourced from literature published in English language since 1976, by 250 researchers working at 160 institutions in 43 countries – yielded a matrix of 14 707 data points. The effect of the addition of GLS together with its fineness, concrete design strength, curing duration and water/cement (w/c) ratio are studied. It is shown that concrete strength decreases with the addition of GLS, and at an increasing rate with GLS content. However, this loss in strength of concrete may, to a limited extent, be modified by means of GLS fineness, design strength, curing and the w/c ratio. At a fixed w/c ratio, the GLS content would most likely limit strength development, with the mix unable to develop an equal strength to that of the control PC mix. It is also shown that perceived sustainability benefits would be negated where concrete mixes are designed for specific 28 d strength. This is the case particularly for high-strength PC–limestone cement (PLC) concrete. Notwithstanding this, the use of PLC at higher content than in the corresponding PC can be beneficial with low-strength, S4 slump class or self-compacting concrete, where the filler effect of GLS ensures production of stable concrete mixes free from bleeding and segregation risks and the specified strength is achieved by reducing the w/c ratio of such mixes.
Estudo de Caso CRT: contabilização de instrumentos financeiros
Authors: Silva Adolfo Henrique Coutinho e , Sancovschi Moacir
Published: April 2019

Este caso foi desenvolvido para a aprendizagem dos conceitos contábeis relativos ao reconhecimento e à classificação de instrumentos financeiros híbridos de capital, bem como para uma reflexão sobre o processo de preparação das demonstrações financeiras de uma empresa obrigada a utilizar as Normas Internacionais de Contabilidade. No ano de 2014, a Concessionária Rio-Teresópolis (CRT) divulgou um Fato Relevante, informando sobre a mudança voluntária da firma de auditoria independente, em decorrência de uma discordância de tratamento contábil de debêntures conversíveis. O caso requer que o estudante, atuando no papel de consultor, avalie as características das debêntures conversíveis emitidas, vis-à-vis a orientação contida nas normas contábeis vigentes, e apresente uma proposta de tratamento contábil a ser adotado pela empresa. Adicionalmente, o estudante deve: a) elaborar as demonstrações contábeis utilizando o tratamento contábil alternativo (distinto da minuta apresentada pela empresa); b) demonstrar os possíveis impactos sobre os indicadores financeiros de endividamento; e c) apresentar as possíveis consequências econômicas que uma mudança de prática contábil pode gerar. As tarefas solicitadas no caso têm como objetivo ampliar os conhecimentos de alunos de graduação ou pós-graduação de cursos de Contabilidade Financeira na aplicação prática de uma norma contábil relevante, bem como reconhecer a importância da aplicação do julgamento profissional no processo contábil.
The correlation between the transthoracic lung ultrasound score (LUS) and the severity of changes in HRCTon patients with interstitial lung diseases v1
Authors: Milena Adina Man , Elena Dantes , Domokos Hancu Bianca , Ioana Bondor Cosmina , Ruscovan Alina , Adriana Parau , Marc Monica
Published: April 2019

Interstitial lung disease is a heterogeneous group of disorders. Chest high-resolution computed tomography is considered the "gold" standard radiological method for diagnosis of ILD. The objective of our study was to evaluate the correlation between the transthoracic ultrasound score and the severity of changes in HRCT simplified scores, the presence of symptoms and the pulmonary function impairment in patients with interstitial lung (ILD). We have evaluated 58 consecutively patients diagnosed with ILD and compared with a non-healthy control group (n=30). Transtoracic lung ultrasound (LUS) total score was correlated with HRCT score (r=0.784, p<0.001) and chest positive areas (intercostal spaces with ≥5B-line) were correlated with HRCT score (r=0.805, p<0.005). Area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) for LUS total score using 5 as a HRCT score cut-off was 0.86 (p<0.001), respectively for positive chest areas with intercostal space with ≥5B-line was 0.88 (p<0.001). The sensitivity (Se) was 76.7%, the specificity (Sp) 92.9%. After dividing the ILD patients according to the HRCT pattern in usual interstitial pneumonia (UIP), non-specific interstitial pneumonia (NSIP) and other radiological interstitial abnormality, we found a good correlation statistically significant only for first group (r=0.51, p=0.02). LUS had a positive correlation with age (r=0.481, p<0.001), negative correlation with diffusing capacity of the lung for carbone monoxide (DLCO)(r=-0.39, p=0.007) and with alveolar volume (r=-0.39,p=0.007). The chest positive areas score was positive correlated with age (r=0.599, p<0.001), negative correlated with DLCO (r=-0.44, p=0.002) and with the alveolar volume (r=-0.49, p=0.001). The results of our study sustained that the use of LUS in ILD can be a useful, and cost/effective option in assessment of these patientsin addition to gold standard HRCT.
Bottom-up vs Top-down Model: The Perception of Reading Strategies among Thai University Students
Authors: Suraprajit Prathomwat
Published: April 2019

Reading strategies have been declared as a vital role in reading comprehension among the students whose English is their second or foreign language. The use of reading strategies would help the learners to deeper understand the text so that they could achieve their tasks. The present study then investigates the use of reading strategies by focusing on the bottom-up and top-down models for both academic and business texts among Thai students in tertiary level. Two hundred-seventy non-simple random undergraduate students participated in this study. The forty-five-item questionnaire was delivered to the participants. The findings were that top-down reading strategies were used the most for both academic and business reading, whereas bottom-up reading strategies were reported the least on both kinds of text. The results suggest that larger numbers of participants, correction between the proficiency and the use of strategies, in-depth interview, and strategies used between low and high proficient readers should be examined.
The Cultivation of College Students’ Critical Thinking Ability Based on Task-based Cooperative Writing
Authors: Liu Xiaoling , Yao Ting
Published: April 2019

This study attempts to explore the effectiveness of task-based cooperative writing instruction on critical thinking and English writing development. To address the issues, an experiment is carried out between two university classes, who received task-based cooperative writing and traditional non-source based writing respectively. Based on the analysis, the major findings are obtained as follows. Firstly, task-based cooperative writing could effectively cultivate college students’ critical thinking abilities in general and students’ critical thinking affective disposition and cognitive skill to a significant degree in particular; Secondly, as for the 7 critical thinking sub-dispositions, the analyticity is improved to a significant level while CT-confidence, inquisitiveness, truth-seeking, maturity, open-mindedness and systematicity are not significantly enhanced. And as for the 6 critical thinking sub-skills, interpretation, explanation, inference, and analysis are all developed to a significant extent while self-regulation failed to reach the significant level; Finally, students’ writing proficiency is also promoted. College students’ critical thinking ability is positively and significantly correlated with their writing proficiency. Among the critical thinking sub-dispositions, there exists a positive correlation between students’ writing quality and truth-seeking as well as maturity. And the correlations between the writing quality and all the critical thinking sub-skills are positive and significant.
L1 Language Experience and English Phonological Awareness of Chinese College Students
Authors: Hu Min
Published: April 2019

This study investigates the roles of two kinds of L1 language experience—early spoken language acquired before literacy and used as home language as well as Pinyin alphabetic knowledge—in Chinese college students’ phonological awareness (PA) in English. PA is critical to the improvement of language skills in either L1 or L2. Research on contributing factors for PA performance can provide language teachers with guidance on enhancing their students’ PA. A questionnaire was conducted to examine 408 adult participants’ home language. A Mandarin PA test, which included syllable differentiation, onset oddity, rhyme oddity and tone identification, was used to assess their Pinyin alphabetic knowledge. An English PA test was carried out to assess three levels of PA (syllable, onset-rhyme and phoneme) across four tasks (oddity, segmentation, blending and substitution). Results show that 1) these two kinds of L1 language experience exerted significant effects on adult learners’ PA in English; 2) the effects were modified by both level of PA and difficulty of task; and 3) the effects appeared weak due possibly to adult learners’ higher English proficiency. These results underscore the necessity to consider the impact of L1 language experience in both researching and training Chinese learners’ PA in English.
The Effectiveness of MALT on Vocational College English Teaching
Authors: Wu Rui
Published: April 2019

With the fast development of modern information technology, mobile terminals and their applications, an increasingly number of teachers come to realize it may be probable to improve teaching quality by using mobile terminals. However, there is no solid data so far in literature that support the effectiveness of MALT (Mobile Assisted Language Teaching). Therefore, this article is dedicated to prove its effectiveness on vocational college English teaching using Moso Teach as a platform. It is found that MALT has effectively improved teaching quality. The students who used Moso Teach more have achieved greater progress. But poor students are not active in using the mobile teaching platform. As a result, it is suggested that teachers should integrate MALT in their English teaching on condition that teaching is carefully designed, and teachers should try to help poor students change their attitudes toward using mobile teaching platforms.
Тhe Safety Assessment of the Ultraviolet Scleral Crosslinking with Riboflavin/UVA in Experiment
Authors: Astrelin M. N. , Surkova V. K.
Published: April 2019

The purpose is to evaluate the safety of the scleral crosslinking with riboflavin/ultraviolet A (UVA) in an experiment in vivo. Materials and methods. The study was carried out on 34 Chinchilla rabbits (68 eyes). The right eyes were crosslinked (34 eyes), the left eyes were served as controls (34 eyes). Scleral crosslinking (SCXL) was performed with sclera saturation with a photosensitizer (0.1 % aqueous solution of riboflavin) for 20 minutes and its subsequent irradiation with ultraviolet A (wavelength of 370 ± 5 nm, irradiance — 3 mW/cm2), total exposure time — 30 minutes (6 cycles of 5 minutes). The effect of the procedure on the anatomical and functional state of the eye layers was assessed with high-resolution optical coherent tomography (OCT) and electroretinography (ERG) before crosslinking, a day, 7 and 30 days after it. Results. OCT did not reveal any pathological changes after scleral crosslinking with riboflavin/UVA. The layers of the retina, choroid and sclera were clearly visualized. The performed morphometric analysis has showed the absence of statistically significant changes in the eye layers thickness after ultraviolet crosslinking. The amplitude-time characteristics and the shape of the electroretinogram of the experimental and control rabbits eyes were identical during all periods of observation, had a classic appearance. All waves of ERG were well expressed. It indicates a satisfactory functional state of the retinal neuroreceptor mechanisms. Conclusion. For ultraviolet crosslinking we used UVA with an irradiance of 3 mW/cm2 for 30 minutes and a 0.1 % aqueous solution of riboflavin without dextran and did not reveal any side effects of the procedure. Thus, scleral crosslinking with these parameters is safe for the eye layers in an experiment in vivo.
The Fluorescein Angiographic Signs of Aggressive Posterior Retinopathy of Prematurity
Authors: Saidasheva E. I. , Buynovskaya S. V. , Kovshov F. V. , Levadnev Yu. V. , Shishkanova O. Y.
Published: April 2019

The purposeis to study the fluorescence angiographic signs of posterior aggressive retinopathy of prematurity.Patients and methods. A prospective study of 83 infants with aggressive posterior retinopathy of prematurity (APROP), who were on treatment in the neonatal center in 2012–2018 years. Gestational age was between 22 and 30 weeks. Depending on the diagnostic methods, patients were divided into two groups: 1 (main) — 51 (61.4 %) children who, in addition to standard ophthalmic examination methods, received 132 series of FA using a pediatric retinal camera RetCam3; 2 (control) — 32 (38.6 %) children without FA. After the procedure, the somatic state of the child was monitored for 24 hours for the registration of drug dye side effects.Results. Angiographic predictors of the disease and objective signs of APROP manifestation were presented in group 1 children a week earlier than in the group 2. This made laser treatment possible on 2.0 ± 0.5 weeks earlier in the group 1 (32.8 ± 1.2 weeks) compared to group 2 (34.8 ± 1.7 weeks) (p < 0.05) and to increase its efficiency by 8.2 % (86.3 and 78.1 % respectively).Conclusion. Comparative analysis of angiograms and color fundus images obtained with RetCam3 in the studied groups of children demonstrates the advantages and safety FA for the detection angiographic predictors of APROP, early objective signs of disease manifestation, it provides timely and effective laser treatment of complicated categories of very premature infants.
MyoRing Implantation in Comparison with MyoRing Implantation Combined with Corneal Collagen Crosslinking for Keratoconus
Authors: Kazakbaeva G. M.
Published: April 2019

Purpose: tо estimate the effectiveness of complete corneal ring (MyoRing) implantation compared with MyoRing implantation combined with corneal collagen crosslinking (CXL) for keratoconus treatment for 36 months follow-up. Patients and Methods. There were 101 patients (124 eyes) with progressing keratoconus aged 18–59 years in the study. Intracorneal rings were implanted in all patients. The patients were divided into 2 groups. MyoRing implantation was performed in a series of 59 patients (76 eyes) with keratoconus II–III Amsler classification, 42 patients (48 eyes) had MyoRing implantation combined with CXL. Implantation of a MyoRing in the corneal pocket was performed using a PocketMaker microkeratome and corneal intrastromal implantation system. Results. Keratometry was reduced in both groups; after MyoRing implantation for 8,45 D and MyoRing combined with CXL for 7,44 D, the spherical equivalent decreased for 7,72 and 6,29 D respectively, after 36 months. The cylinder decreased to 3,33 D with MyoRing alone and to 3,11 D with MyoRing combined with CXL. The smallest corneal thickness remained stable during 36 months after the procedure. There was an improvement in uncorrected and corrected visual acuity, and the difference in the CRF within the period of up to 12 months after the operation. It can be explained by the pseudochase formation in the group with a combined procedure. Conclusion. The implantation of the MyoRing IRC and the combination of MyoRing with CXL showed efficacy and safety in stabilizing keratoconus stabilization, as well as correction of comorbided ametropia 3 years after surgery. Both MyoRing implantation and MyoRing combined with CXL were effective in the stabilization of progressive keratoconus, as well as the correction of ametropia 3 years after surgery. There was no significant difference in MyoRing implantation and its combination with corneal crosslinking in visual and refractive results. The refractive power of the cornea was only one exeption. Long follow-up and randomized prospective studies with a large number of patients are needed.
Política alimentaria, pobreza y emociones en la Argentina de los años 80
Authors: Cervio Ana Lucía
Published: April 2019

El objetivo de este artículo es indagar el entramado de sensibilidades involucrado en las políticas sociales. Particularmente, se analiza el Programa Alimentario Nacional (PAN), instrumentado en los años 80 en Argentina para atender los déficits alimentarios heredados de la dictadura. Desde una sociología de los cuerpos/emociones, se proponen ciertas conexiones entre asistencia alimentaria, pobreza y emociones, reconstruidas en base al análisis cualitativo de entrevistas con beneficiarios del PAN de la ciudad de Córdoba. Como conclusión, se desarrollan dos nodos analíticos que posibilitan comprender los cruces entre alimentación, pobreza y políticas sociales desde la perspectiva de los sujetos beneficiarios: a) la persistencia del hambre y b) el paladar del pobre.
Aspergillus spp. infection as a cause of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: a prospective observational study
Authors: S. Lashmipriya , Chetambath Ravindran , Sunny Amitha , Shivashankaran Sanjeev , Aslam Muhammed
Published: April 2019

Background: Majority of exacerbations of COPD (AECOPD) are due to infections. Usual agents causing AECOPD are gram negative bacteria, but rarely viruses and fungi are also implicated. However, the role of fungal infection, especially Aspergillus spp. in the clinical deterioration of COPD still remains unclear. This prospective observational study looks at the prevalence of aspergillus infection in AECOPD. The Objectives of this study were to analyse the prevalence and risk factors associated with Aspergillus infection in AECOPD, and to investigate the clinical outcomes.Methods: Patients admitted with AECOPD for a period of 3 months from 1st October 2017 to 31st December 2017 were prospectively included from ICU and general ward of Pulmonary Medicine department of a tertiary care hospital. Clinical, radiological and microbiological data were collected at admission and during the hospital stay. Clinical course and outcome are recorded.Results: There were 104 cases of AECOPD during the study period out of which 96 were males and 8 were females. 17 patients had evidence of aspergillus infection and diabetes was found to be an independent risk factor for aspergillus infection.Conclusions: Aspergillus infection is an important cause of COPD exacerbation and this is directly related to diabetes mellitus.
Prognostic impact of BCL2, BCL6 and MYC status in de novo diffuse large B-cell lymphoma: a regional study of 43 patients
Authors: Kahraman Dudu Solakoglu , Diniz Gulden , Ceylan Cengiz , Ozalp Faruk Recep , Koca Yetkin , Ekmekci Sumeyye , Ayaz Duygu , Sayhan Sevil
Published: April 2019

Background: Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is an aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma with marked biologic heterogeneity. We aimed to evaluate the status of MYC, BCL2, BCL6 in patients with DLBCL.Methods: Herein, we have investigated the prognostic relevance of MYC, BCL2 and BCL6 from 43 de novo DLBCL patients.Results: In this study, protein overexpression of BCL2 and BCL6 was encountered in 46.5% (n=20) and 27.9% (n=12) of the tumors, respectively.  Rearrangements in MYC, BCL6, and BCL2 were detected in 9.3% (n=4), 25.6% (n=11), and 4.7% (n=2) of the cases, respectively. Any statistically significant difference could not be found between Bcl-2, Bcl-6 expression, C-MYC rearrangement and the survival.Conclusions: We concluded that C-MYC and BCL2 may contribute to aggressive transformation, so more mechanism-based therapy should be explored. A larger study is warranted to better understand the immunophenotypic and molecular features of DLBCL and their respective impact on patient survival.
Risk factors and outcome of Klebsiella pneumonia sepsis among newborns in Northern India
Authors: Qazi Mahvish , Saqib Najmus , Raina Rohit
Published: April 2019

Background: The increasing clinical incidence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria is a major global health care issue. Among MDR pathogens, Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) is one of the world's most dangerous superbugs; and becoming resistant to virtually every antibiotic available today. The objective were to study the clinical characteristics of neonatal sepsis caused by KP and the antibiotic sensitivity pattern of Klebsiella pneumoniae in a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) in northern india.Methods: This observational study was conducted with neonates who were admitted in NICU of Government Medical College (GMC) Jammu (Jammu and Kashmir) India and whose blood culture showed growth of KP in a study period of 1 year between 1st January 2018 to 31st December 2018. The data was entered into a register and presented by descriptive statistics.Results: Twenty four neonates were included in the study. The clinical presentations include refusal of feed (83.3%), lethargy (79.2%), respiratory distress (70.8%), shock (70.8%), fever (37.5%) or hypothermia (58.3%), apnea (29.2%) and abdominal distension (33.3%). Most common perinatal risk factor was prolonged labor (>24 h) seen in 79.2% of cases. C-reactive protein (CRP) level was positive in 95% of the cases. The mortality was 25%. KP strains were sensitive to colistin, polymyxin B, cotrimoxazole and tetracyclines.Conclusions: The clinical manifestations of neonatal sepsis caused by KP are usually non-specific. CRP detection is valuable for early diagnosis of sepsis. Neonatal sepsis persists as a cause of mortality in this region. Regular antimicrobial surveillance for empirical treatment remains an important component of neonatal care.
Olfactory identification in HIV positive adults living in Benin city, Nigeria
Authors: Braimah Oghogho E. , Onyeagwara Ngozi C.
Published: April 2019

Background: Olfactory function has been shown to be impaired in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. The advent of anti-retroviral therapy has resulted in prolonged survival of these patients requiring increased focus on factors that affect their quality of life including olfaction.

Methods: The study was conducted at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Benin City. Consenting adult HIV positive patients were assisted to fill a proforma after which they had rigid nasendoscopy done to rule out peripheral causes of anosmia such as nasal infections, nasal polyps and tumours. The brief smell identification test (BSIT) scratch and sniff tests were then administered to those included in the study.  The same procedure was repeated with consenting HIV negative subjects serving as control.

Results: There was a statistically significant difference between olfactory identification ability of HIV positive and HIV negative adults (p=0.001). Cases were 2.92 times likely to have abnormal smell identification abilities than controls.

Conclusions: Olfactory identification ability is reduced in PLWHA relative to the HIV negative population.