bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activity of Cinnamaldehyde on Quorum Sensing and Biofilm Susceptibility to Antibiotics in Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Topa Sanjida Halim , Palombo Enzo A. , Kingshott Peter , Blackall Linda L.
Published: March 2020

Quorum sensing (QS) plays an important role during infection for the opportunistic human pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Quorum sensing inhibition (QSI) can disrupt this initial event of infection without killing bacterial cells, and thus QS inhibitors have been suggested as novel approaches for anti-infective therapy. Cinnamaldehyde (CAD) is a P. aeruginosa biofilm inhibitor and disperser of preformed biofilms. In this study, the combined use of CAD and colistin (COL) revealed a synergistic activity, but this was not the case for CAD combined with carbenicillin, tobramycin (TOB), or erythromycin in checkerboard assays for P. aeruginosa. CAD demonstrated QSI activity by repression of the expression of lasB, rhlA and pqsA in GFP reporter assays. Approximately 70% reduction in GFP production was observed with the highest CAD concentration tested in all the QS reporter strains. TOB also showed strong QSI when combined with CAD in reporter assays. Combination treatments revealed an additive activity of CAD with COL and TOB in biofilm inhibition (75.2% and 83.9%, respectively) and preformed biofilm dispersion (~90% for both) when compared to the individual treatments. Therefore, a proposed method to mitigate P. aeruginosa infection is a combination therapy of CAD with COL or CAD with TOB as alternatives to current individual drug therapies.
Multicenter Evaluation of the C6 Lyme ELISA Kit for the Diagnosis of Lyme Disease
Authors: Zannoli Silvia , Fantini Michela , Semprini Simona , Marchini Barbara , Ceccarelli Barbara , Sparacino Monica , Schiavone Pasqua , Belgrano Anna , Ruscio Maurizio , Gobbetti Martina , Nicoletti Maira , Robatscher Eva , Pagani Elisabetta , Sambri Vittorio
Published: March 2020

Lyme disease (LD), caused by infection with Borrelia burgdorferi, is the most common tick-borne infection in many regions of Eurasia. Antibody detection is the most frequently used laboratory test, favoring a two-step serodiagnostic algorithm; immunoenzymatic detection of antibodies to C6 has been shown to perform similarly to a standard two-step workflow. The aim of this study was the performance evaluation of the C6 Lyme ELISA kit compared to a standard two-step algorithm in three laboratories located in the northeastern region of Italy which cater to areas with different LD epidemiology. A total of 804 samples were tested, of which 695 gave concordant results between C6 testing and routine workflow (564 negative, 131 positive). Wherever available, clinical presentation and additional laboratory tests were analyzed to solve discrepancies. The C6 based method showed a good concordance with the standard two-step algorithm (Cohen’s κ = 0.619), however, the distribution of discrepancies seems to point towards a slightly lower specificity of C6 testing, which is supported by literature and could impact on patient management. The C6 ELISA, therefore, is not an ideal stand-alone test; however, if integrated into a two-step algorithm, it might play a part in achieving a sensitive, specific laboratory diagnosis of LD.
Transferless Inverted Graphene/Silicon Heterostructures Prepared by Plasma-Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition of Amorphous Silicon on CVD Graphene
Authors: Müller Martin , Bouša Milan , Hájková Zdeňka , Ledinský Martin , Fejfar Antonín , Drogowska-Horná Karolina , Kalbáč Martin , Frank Otakar
Published: March 2020

The heterostructures of two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) materials represent one of the focal points of current nanotechnology research and development. From an application perspective, the possibility of a direct integration of active 2D layers with exceptional optoelectronic and mechanical properties into the existing semiconductor manufacturing processes is extremely appealing. However, for this purpose, 2D materials should ideally be grown directly on 3D substrates to avoid the transferring step, which induces damage and contamination of the 2D layer. Alternatively, when such an approach is difficult—as is the case of graphene on noncatalytic substrates such as Si—inverted structures can be created, where the 3D material is deposited onto the 2D substrate. In the present work, we investigated the possibility of using plasma-enhanced chemical vapor deposition (PECVD) to deposit amorphous hydrogenated Si (a-Si:H) onto graphene resting on a catalytic copper foil. The resulting stacks created at different Si deposition temperatures were investigated by the combination of Raman spectroscopy (to quantify the damage and to estimate the change in resistivity of graphene), temperature-dependent dark conductivity, and constant photocurrent measurements (to monitor the changes in the electronic properties of a-Si:H). The results indicate that the optimum is 100 °C deposition temperature, where the graphene still retains most of its properties and the a-Si:H layer presents high-quality, device-ready characteristics.
Effect of the Applied Fertilization Method under Full Straw Return on the Growth of Mechanically Transplanted Rice
Authors: Tang Jichao , Zhang Ruoyu , Li Hechao , Zhang Jun , Chen Shaoqiang , Lu Bilin
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to improve nitrogen utilization and alleviate the inhibition of straw decomposition during early tillering and the growth of paddy after straw return. Specifically, three different nitrogen fertilizer (base fertilizer) application methods were tested under full straw return: applying the compound fertilizer once (J1), applying the compound fertilizer twice (J3) and applying the ammonium carbonate fertilizer plus compound fertilizer (J2). Full straw return without fertilizer (CK1) and no straw return without fertilizer (CK2) were used as the controls. The results showed that treatment with ammonium carbonate fertilizer combined with compound fertilizer (J2) significantly enhanced straw decomposition, light interception and dry matter accumulation at an early stage of tillering, but reduced tiller occurrence at a late tillering stage. Grain yield was affected due to reduced dry matter accumulation, nitrogen use efficiency and number of effective panicles. There were no significant differences in rice growth, nitrogen use efficiency and grain yield between the one-time or two-time compound fertilizer application methods. In contrast, treatment with ammonium carbonate fertilizer combined with compound fertilizer (J2) under full straw return effectively improved straw decomposition and accelerated the return of green and tillering. In addition, the proportion of ammonium carbonate fertilizer affected the nutrient utilization efficiency and yield at later stages.
Available Technologies and Materials for Waste Cooking Oil Recycling
Authors: Mannu Alberto , Garroni Sebastiano , Ibanez Porras Jesus , Mele Andrea
Published: March 2020

Recently, the interest in converting waste cooking oils (WCOs) to raw materials has grown exponentially. The driving force of such a trend is mainly represented by the increasing number of WCO applications, combined with the definition, in many countries, of new regulations on waste management. From an industrial perspective, the simple chemical composition of WCOs make them suitable as valuable chemical building blocks, in fuel, materials, and lubricant productions. The sustainability of such applications is sprightly related to proper recycling procedures. In this context, the development of new recycling processes, as well as the optimization of the existing ones, represents a priority for applied chemistry, chemical engineering, and material science. With the aim of providing useful updates to the scientific community involved in vegetable oil processing, the current available technologies for WCO recycling are herein reported, described, and discussed. In detail, two main types of WCO treatments will be considered: chemical transformations, to exploit the chemical functional groups present in the waste for the synthesis of added value products, and physical treatments as extraction, filtration, and distillation procedures. The first part, regarding chemical synthesis, will be connected mostly to the production of fuels. The second part, concerning physical treatments, will focus on bio-lubricant production. Moreover, during the description of filtering procedures, a special focus will be given to the development and applicability of new materials and technologies for WCO treatments.
Improved Q-Learning Method for Linear Discrete-Time Systems
Authors: Chen Jian , Wang Jinhua , Huang Jie
Published: March 2020

In this paper, the Q-learning method for quadratic optimal control problem of discrete-time linear systems is reconsidered. The theoretical results prove that the quadratic optimal controller cannot be solved directly due to the linear correlation of the data sets. The following corollaries have been made: (1) The correlation of data is the key factor in the success for the calculation of quadratic optimal control laws by Q-learning method; (2) The control laws for linear systems cannot be derived directly by the existing Q-learning method; (3) For nonlinear systems, there are some doubts about the data independence of current method. Therefore, it is necessary to discuss the probability of the controllers established by the existing Q-learning method. To solve this problem, based on the ridge regression, an improved model-free Q-learning quadratic optimal control method for discrete-time linear systems is proposed in this paper. Therefore, the computation process can be implemented correctly, and the effective controller can be solved. The simulation results show that the proposed method can not only overcome the problem caused by the data correlation, but also derive proper control laws for discrete-time linear systems.
Biomaterial Embedding Process for Ceramic–Polymer Microfluidic Sensors
Authors: Nawrot Witold , Malecha Karol
Published: March 2020

One of the major issues in microfluidic biosensors is biolayer deposition. Typical manufacturing processes, such as firing of ceramics and anodic bonding of silicon and glass, involve exposure to high temperatures, which any biomaterial is very vulnerable to. Therefore, current methods are based on deposition from liquid, for example, chemical bath deposition (CBD) and electrodeposition (ED). However, such approaches are not suitable for many biomaterials. This problem was partially resolved by introduction of ceramic–polymer bonding using plasma treatment. This method introduces an approximately 15-min-long window for biomodification between plasma activation and sealing the system with a polymer cap. Unfortunately, some biochemical processes are rather slow, and this time is not sufficient for the proper attachment of a biomaterial to the surface. Therefore, a novel method, based on plasma activation after biomodification, is introduced. Crucially, the discharge occurs selectively; otherwise, it would etch the biomaterial. Difficulties in manufacturing ceramic biosensors could be overcome by selective surface modification using plasma treatment and bonding to polymer. The area of plasma modification was investigated through contact-angle measurements and Fourier-transform infrared (FTIR) analyses. A sample structure was manufactured in order to prove the concept. The results show that the method is viable.
A Strain-Based Intelligent Tire to Detect Contact Patch Features for Complex Maneuvers
Authors: Mendoza-Petit Mª Fernanda , García-Pozuelo Daniel , Díaz Vicente , Olatunbosun Oluremi
Published: March 2020

Tires are essential components of vehicles and are able to transmit traction and braking forces to the contact patch, contribute to directional stability, and also help to absorb shocks. If these components can provide information related to the tire–road interaction, vehicle safety can be increased. This research is focused on developing the tire as an active sensor capable to provide its functional parameters. Therefore, in this work, we studied strain-based measurements on the contact patch to develop an algorithm to compute the wheel velocity at the contact point, the effective rolling radius and the contact length on dynamic situations. These parameters directly influence the dynamics of wheel behavior which nowadays is not clearly defined. Herein, hypotheses have been assumed based on previous studies to develop the algorithm. The results expose to view an experimental test regarding influence of the tire operational condition (slip angle, vertical load, and rolling velocity) onto the computed parameters. This information is used to feed a fuzzy logic system capable of estimating the effective radius and contact length. Furthermore, a verification process has been carried out using CarSim simulation software to get the inputs for the fuzzy logic system at complex maneuvers.
The Hierarchic Treatment of Marine Ecological Information from Spatial Networks of Benthic Platforms
Authors: Aguzzi Jacopo , Chatzievangelou Damianos , Francescangeli Marco , Marini Simone , Bonofiglio Federico , del Rio Joaquin , Danovaro Roberto
Published: March 2020

Measuring biodiversity simultaneously in different locations, at different temporal scales, and over wide spatial scales is of strategic importance for the improvement of our understanding of the functioning of marine ecosystems and for the conservation of their biodiversity. Monitoring networks of cabled observatories, along with other docked autonomous systems (e.g., Remotely Operated Vehicles [ROVs], Autonomous Underwater Vehicles [AUVs], and crawlers), are being conceived and established at a spatial scale capable of tracking energy fluxes across benthic and pelagic compartments, as well as across geographic ecotones. At the same time, optoacoustic imaging is sustaining an unprecedented expansion in marine ecological monitoring, enabling the acquisition of new biological and environmental data at an appropriate spatiotemporal scale. At this stage, one of the main problems for an effective application of these technologies is the processing, storage, and treatment of the acquired complex ecological information. Here, we provide a conceptual overview on the technological developments in the multiparametric generation, storage, and automated hierarchic treatment of biological and environmental information required to capture the spatiotemporal complexity of a marine ecosystem. In doing so, we present a pipeline of ecological data acquisition and processing in different steps and prone to automation. We also give an example of population biomass, community richness and biodiversity data computation (as indicators for ecosystem functionality) with an Internet Operated Vehicle (a mobile crawler). Finally, we discuss the software requirements for that automated data processing at the level of cyber-infrastructures with sensor calibration and control, data banking, and ingestion into large data portals.
Effects of Air Cavity in Dynamic Pressure Sensors: Experimental Validation
Authors: Dong Qian , Song Xiaolei , Liu Haijun
Published: March 2020

An air-backed diaphragm is the key structure of most dynamic pressure sensors and plays a critical role in determining the sensor performance. Our previous analytical model investigated the influence of air cavity length on the sensitivity and bandwidth. The model found that as the cavity length decreases, the static sensitivity monotonically decreases, and the fundamental natural frequency shows a three-stage trend: increasing in the long-cavity-length range, reaching a plateau value in the medium-cavity-length range, and decreasing in the short-cavity-length range, which cannot be captured by the widely used lumped model. In this study, we conducted the first experimental measurements to validate these findings. Pressure sensors with a circular polyimide diaphragm and a backing air cavity with an adjustable length were designed, fabricated, and characterized, from which the static sensitivities and fundamental natural frequencies were obtained as a function of the cavity length. A further parametric study was conducted by changing the in-plane tension in the diaphragm. A finite element model was developed in COMSOL to investigate the effects of thermoviscous damping and provide validation for the experimental study. Along with the analytical model, this study provides a new understanding and important design guidelines for dynamic pressure sensors with air-backed diaphragms.
On the Identification of Elastic Moduli of In-Service Rail by Ultrasonic Guided Waves
Authors: Zhu Liqiang , Duan Xiangyu , Yu Zujun
Published: March 2020

Non-destructive rail testing and evaluation based on guided waves need accurate information about the mode propagation characteristics, which can be obtained numerically with the exact material properties of the rails. However, for rails in service, it is difficult to accurately obtain their material properties due to temperature fluctuation, material degradation and rail profile changes caused by wear and grinding. In this study, an inverse method is proposed to identify the material elastic constants of in-service rails by minimizing the discrepancy between the phase velocities predicted by a semi-analytical finite element model and those measured using array transducers attached to the rail. By selecting guided wave modes that are sensitive to moduli but not to rail profile changes, the proposed method can make stable estimations for worn rails. Numerical experiments using a three-dimensional finite element model in ABAQUS/Explicit demonstrate that reconstruction accuracies of 0.36% for Young’s modulus and 0.87% for shear modulus can be achieved.
Enhancing Radiation Detection by Drones through Numerical Fluid Dynamics Simulations
Authors: Marturano Fabio , Ciparisse Jean-François , Chierici Andrea , d’Errico Francesco , Di Giovanni Daniele , Fumian Francesca , Rossi Riccardo , Martellucci Luca , Gaudio Pasquale , Malizia Andrea
Published: March 2020

This study addresses the optimization of the location of a radioactive-particle sensor on a drone. Based on the analysis of the physical process and of the boundary conditions introduced in the model, computational fluid dynamics simulations were performed to analyze how the turbulence caused by drone propellers may influence the response of the sensors. Our initial focus was the detection of a small amount of radioactivity, such as that associated with a release of medical waste. Drones equipped with selective low-cost sensors could be quickly sent to dangerous areas that first responders might not have access to and be able to assess the level of danger in a few seconds, providing details about the source terms to Radiological-Nuclear (RN) advisors and decision-makers. Our ultimate application is the simulation of complex scenarios where fluid-dynamic instabilities are combined with elevated levels of radioactivity, as was the case during the Chernobyl and Fukushima nuclear power plant accidents. In similar circumstances, accurate mapping of the radioactive plume would provide invaluable input-data for the mathematical models that can predict the dispersion of radioactivity in time and space. This information could be used as input for predictive models and decision support systems (DSS) to get a full situational awareness. In particular, these models may be used either to guide the safe intervention of first responders or the later need to evacuate affected regions.
ECG Monitoring Systems: Review, Architecture, Processes, and Key Challenges
Authors: Serhani Mohamed Adel , T. El Kassabi Hadeel , Ismail Heba , Nujum Navaz Alramzana
Published: March 2020

Health monitoring and its related technologies is an attractive research area. The electrocardiogram (ECG) has always been a popular measurement scheme to assess and diagnose cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). The number of ECG monitoring systems in the literature is expanding exponentially. Hence, it is very hard for researchers and healthcare experts to choose, compare, and evaluate systems that serve their needs and fulfill the monitoring requirements. This accentuates the need for a verified reference guiding the design, classification, and analysis of ECG monitoring systems, serving both researchers and professionals in the field. In this paper, we propose a comprehensive, expert-verified taxonomy of ECG monitoring systems and conduct an extensive, systematic review of the literature. This provides evidence-based support for critically understanding ECG monitoring systems’ components, contexts, features, and challenges. Hence, a generic architectural model for ECG monitoring systems is proposed, an extensive analysis of ECG monitoring systems’ value chain is conducted, and a thorough review of the relevant literature, classified against the experts’ taxonomy, is presented, highlighting challenges and current trends. Finally, we identify key challenges and emphasize the importance of smart monitoring systems that leverage new technologies, including deep learning, artificial intelligence (AI), Big Data and Internet of Things (IoT), to provide efficient, cost-aware, and fully connected monitoring systems.
Electrochemical Sensor Based on a Carbon Veil Modified by Phytosynthesized Gold Nanoparticles for Determination of Ascorbic Acid
Authors: Brainina Khiena Z. , Bukharinova Maria A. , Stozhko Natalia Yu. , Sokolkov Sergey V. , Tarasov Aleksey V. , Vidrevich Marina B.
Published: March 2020

An original voltammetric sensor (Au-gr/CVE) based on a carbon veil (CV) and phytosynthesized gold nanoparticles (Au-gr) was developed for ascorbic acid (AA) determination. Extract from strawberry leaves was used as source of antioxidants (reducers) for Au-gr phytosynthesis. The sensor was characterized by scanning electron microscopy, energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy and electrochemical methods. Optimal parameters of AA determination were chosen. The sensor exhibits a linear response to AA in a wide concentration range (1 μM–5.75 mM) and a limit of detection of 0.05 μM. The developed sensor demonstrated a high intra-day repeatability of 1 μM AA response (RSD = 1.4%) and its stability during six weeks, selectivity of AA determination toward glucose, sucrose, fructose, citric, tartaric and malic acids. The proposed sensor based on Au-gr provides a higher sensitivity and a lower limit of AA detection in comparison with the sensor based on gold nanoparticles synthesized by the Turkevich method. The sensor was successfully applied for the determination of AA content in fruit juices without samples preparation. The recovery of 99%–111% and RSD no more than 6.8% confirm the good reproducibility of the juice analysis results. A good agreement with the potentiometric titration data was obtained. A correlation (r = 0.9867) between the results of AA determination obtained on the developed sensor and integral antioxidant activity of fruit juices was observed.
Movement Estimation Using Soft Sensors Based on Bi-LSTM and Two-Layer LSTM for Human Motion Capture
Authors: Guo Haitao , Sung Yunsick
Published: March 2020

The importance of estimating human movement has increased in the field of human motion capture. HTC VIVE is a popular device that provides a convenient way of capturing human motions using several sensors. Recently, the motion of only users’ hands has been captured, thereby greatly reducing the range of motion captured. This paper proposes a framework to estimate single-arm orientations using soft sensors mainly by combining a Bi-long short-term memory (Bi-LSTM) and two-layer LSTM. Positions of the two hands are measured using an HTC VIVE set, and the orientations of a single arm, including its corresponding upper arm and forearm, are estimated using the proposed framework based on the estimated positions of the two hands. Given that the proposed framework is meant for a single arm, if orientations of two arms are required to be estimated, the estimations are performed twice. To obtain the ground truth of the orientations of single-arm movements, two Myo gesture-control sensory armbands are employed on the single arm: one for the upper arm and the other for the forearm. The proposed framework analyzed the contextual features of consecutive sensory arm movements, which provides an efficient way to improve the accuracy of arm movement estimation. In comparison with the ground truth, the proposed method estimated the arm movements using a dynamic time warping distance, which was the average of 73.90% less than that of a conventional Bayesian framework. The distinct feature of our proposed framework is that the number of sensors attached to end-users is reduced. Additionally, with the use of our framework, the arm orientations can be estimated with any soft sensor, and good accuracy of the estimations can be ensured. Another contribution is the suggestion of the combination of the Bi-LSTM and two-layer LSTM.
An Automobile Environment Detection System Based on Deep Neural Network and its Implementation Using IoT-Enabled In-Vehicle Air Quality Sensors
Authors: Chung Jae-joon , Kim Hyun-Jung
Published: March 2020

This paper elucidates the development of a deep learning–based driver assistant that can prevent driving accidents arising from drowsiness. As a precursor to this assistant, the relationship between the sensation of sleep depravity among drivers during long journeys and CO2 concentrations in vehicles is established. Multimodal signals are collected by the assistant using five sensors that measure the levels of CO, CO2, and particulate matter (PM), as well as the temperature and humidity. These signals are then transmitted to a server via the Internet of Things, and a deep neural network utilizes this information to analyze the air quality in the vehicle. The deep network employs long short-term memory (LSTM), skip-generative adversarial network (GAN), and variational auto-encoder (VAE) models to build an air quality anomaly detection model. The deep learning models gather data via LSTM, while the semi-supervised deep learning models collect data via GANs and VAEs. The purpose of this assistant is to provide vehicle air quality information, such as PM alerts and sleep-deprived driving alerts, to drivers in real time and thereby prevent accidents.
Doing More on the Corporate Sustainability Front: A Longitudinal Analysis of CSR Reporting of Global Fashion Companies
Authors: Feng Penglan , Ngai Cindy Sing-bik
Published: March 2020

The fashion industry has been under the spotlight in recent years due to its negative social and environmental impacts. However, there is limited literature on how companies in the fashion industry communicate their corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices. This study aims to present a full picture of the paradigm of CSR reporting in the fashion industry by revealing the changes in CSR reporting practices and identifying the possible reasons behind the change. Content analysis was employed to investigate 12 global fashion companies’ 43 CSR reports from 2013 to 2016. Findings showed that more comprehensive CSR reporting was practiced in the fashion industry to meet stakeholders’ expectations. The reporting of 16 CSR issues experienced a rise. Labor and environmental issues were predominant in the reports while more attention was given to human rights, human development and training, and sustainable resource use. A growing use of a proactive approach in reporting environmental issues was also witnessed. This study is the first to offer insights into how global fashion corporations communicate their CSR practices via CSR reports and provides useful information about CSR strategies, practices and reporting in the fashion industry.
Dynamic Modeling for Life Cycle Cost Analysis of BIM-Based Construction Waste Management
Authors: Zoghi Milad , Kim Sungjin
Published: March 2020

Recent studies in construction waste and management (CWM) have mainly investigated the waste management chain from a static perspective and failed to take into account the dynamic nature of parameters and their correlation. In addition, the current studies of building information modeling (BIM)-based CWM failed to analyze the cost–benefits due to the lack of numerical economic benchmarks. To address the gap, this study developed a system dynamic (SD) model to analyze the economic aspects of construction and demolition (C&D) waste from using BIM. Causal loop and stock-flow diagrams are modeled based on the determined variables and their interrelationships. Standard sensitivity tests were then performed to establish the validity of the model under real system conditions. Different scenarios were applied to simulate and compare the model results in response to various policies. A case study was conducted to quantify the costs and the profits. Based on the comparison with the conventional approach and BIM-based method, BIM can reduce CWM cost by up to 57%. The findings also indicated that higher landfill charges will not be able to motivate managers to use sustainable CWM; conversely, increasing the modularity of design and earlier realization of net benefits will incentivize project managers to employ BIM-based CWM.
Sucroferric Oxyhydroxide as Part of Combination Phosphate Binder Therapy among Hemodialysis Patients
Authors: Molony Donald A. , Parameswaran Vidhya , Ficociello Linda H. , Mullon Claudy , Kossmann Robert J.
Published: March 2020

Background

Combination therapy with multiple phosphate binders is prescribed to reduce elevated serum phosphorus (sP) concentrations among patients on maintenance hemodialysis. Sucroferric oxyhydroxide (SO), an iron-based phosphate binder, has demonstrated efficacy at reducing sP while also being associated with a low pill burden. Whereas the effects of SO monotherapy have been well characterized in clinical trials and observational cohorts, little is known about the effects of SO-containing combination therapy.

Methods

Patients on hemodialysis (N=234) at Fresenius Kidney Care (FKC) who received ≥120 days of uninterrupted phosphate binder combination therapy with SO were included in this retrospective study. Patient data were censored after SO discontinuation, end of care at FKC, or completion of 12 months of follow-up. Quarterly (Q) changes in phosphate binder pill burden, mean sP, and proportion of patients achieving National Kidney Foundation Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative (NKF-KDOQI)–recommended sP levels (≤5.5 mg/dl) were compared between baseline (−Q1) and follow-up (Q1–Q4).

Results

Phosphate binder combination therapy with SO was associated with significant increase in the proportion of patients with sP ≤5.5 mg/dl (from 19% at baseline to up to 40% at follow-up; P<0.001) and reduction in sP at all postbaseline time points (from 6.7 mg/dl to 6.2–6.3 mg/dl; P<0.001). Patients on calcium acetate (N=54) and sevelamer (N=94) who added SO therapy at follow-up resulted in a ≥250% increase in patients achieving sP ≤5.5 mg/dl (all P<0.001). Whereas mean phosphate binder pill burden increased with initiation of phosphate binder combination therapy with SO (15.8 pills/d at Q1 versus 12.3 pills/d at −Q1), continued use of SO was associated with down-titration of non-SO phosphate binders such that, by Q4, mean total PB pill burden reduced to 12.3 pills/d.

Conclusions

For patients on hemodialysis with uncontrolled hyperphosphatemia, combination therapy with SO may allow for sustained improvements in sP control without adversely affecting phosphate binder pill burden.
Impact of the oil production complex on land pollution in Russia
Authors: Germanova Svetlana E. , Dremova Tatiana V. , Sambros Nataliya B. , Petrovskaya Polina A.
Published: March 2020

The assessment of the impact of the economic activities of the Russian oil-producing complex on land pollution contributes to the adoption of evolutionary management decisions. It also helps to take into account the opinion of society, the Ministry of Emergency Situations. In the oil complex, industrial pollution negatively affects flora and fauna. It's important to identify the level of exposure, the degree of its danger, the location of the contamination. The work deals with the methodology, information-logical and mathematical model of solving the above problem. The main result of the work is a system and procedure (technique) for analyzing the results of monitoring and forecasting of land cover take into consideration the sanitary and hygienic consequences of residual content of petroleum products. As a result of the system analysis, an approach to the construction of alternative solutions has been proposed, taking into account not only permissible pollution standards, but also environmental, sanitary and epidemiological norms and assessment methods. The emergence of soil systems, their categories, is taken into account. In particular, (in importance) risks for soil cover-morphological, bio-physical-chemical, ecological-health, toxic influence and irreversible processes and bifurcations, including taking into account regional peculiarities and restoration potential of soil, are considered. Proposed algorithm of simulation and system analysis is based on situational modeling. Evolutionary modeling allows you to adapt the prediction and assessment procedure (methodology) to the risk factors of the environment. It increases accuracy (formalization and evidence) and completeness of conclusions, efficiency of situation analysis, which affects manageability of risk both for oil complex and for individual enterprise of the industry. The results of the work may be used for the development of software tools, in particular expert and predictive systems. Situational models are needed when oil companies are addressing multi-criteria and multi-factor decision-making challenges.
Restoration of criminal justice and introduction of transitional justice in the conditions of restoration of territorial integrity of Ukraine and reintegration of Donbas
Authors: Komarnytskyi Vitalii , Karchevskyi Mykola , Yakovenko Mykola , Kovalenko Artem , Kovalenko Volodymyr
Published: March 2020

Description. The purpose of the article is to determine the most optimal mechanisms for restoration of Ukrainian criminal justice in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions as part of the implementation of transitional justice in the mentioned territories. Methodology. The system-structural method and the method of formal and logical analysis have been applied to determine the main steps to the restoration of criminal justice in some areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions. The comparative and legal method was used to analyze the foreign legal practice of resolving armed conflicts and adapting best practices to Ukrainian realities. As a result of the research it has been found that the main steps to the restoration of criminal justice in the reintegrated territories are: adaptation of the criminal and criminal procedural legislation of Ukraine in accordance with international agreements on the reintegration of the Donbas; renewal of criminal proceedings for crimes which, for various reasons, have not been completed and left in the temporarily occupied territories; identifying and organizing information on the offences that fall under the jurisdiction of the International Criminal Court; organization of investigation of crimes committed during the occupation; investigations into the causes of death of persons, who died in temporarily occupied territories. Practical implications. The main aspects of implementation of transitional criminal justice as one of the measures aimed at returning temporarily occupied certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions to the Ukrainian legal field were examined and analyzed. Value / originality. Restoration of criminal justice in certain areas of Donetsk and Luhansk regions is the most difficult aspect of the issue of returning the reintegrated territories to the legal field of Ukraine, so the authors proposed the most effective ways to accomplish this task.
Technology "Debate" as a tool for communicative competence development
Authors: Vaganova Olga I. , Tsyganova Larisa V. , Chelnokova Elena A. , Lapshova Anna V. , Turchina Lyudmila A
Published: March 2020

The task of a modern university is to produce a highly qualified and competent specialist, ready for independent implementation of professional activities. Communicative competence is one of the fundamental in such preparation. The purpose of the article is to review the experience of implementing the Debate technology as an effective means of developing communicative competence of future vocational training teachers. The article focuses on the specifics of their future activities, its features and conditions, as well as their role in the field of professional education. The teacher of vocational training carries out pedagogical, educational-production and organizational-methodological activities in students training in secondary vocational schools. The basis for the implementation of his professional activity is the construction of effective interaction in the classroom between the teacher and students. For this, future teachers of vocational training must master communicative competence which is one of the main components of their future activities success. The article reveals features of the "Debate" and their capabilities in students’ training. The study allowed us to check the level of communicative competence development in dynamics, as well as to identify the level of students' motivation before using the Debate technology and after. Based on the data obtained, we can talk about the effectiveness of technology implementation. "Debate" provides ample opportunities for students to develop interaction skills, conduct constructive dialogue, select arguments, effective interaction strategies, the ability to balance emotional stress during the discussion, the ability to speak in public and other skills that contribute to the development of communicative competence and provide highly qualified specialist training.
Evaluation of competitiveness, classification and calculation of customs payments of chicken breeds realized on the market
Authors: Katlishin Oleg Ilyasovich
Published: March 2020

The development of industrial production of poultry products is a permanently relevant task for all regions of Russia, including Perm Region, since chicken meat is a daily commodity of the population because of its reasonable price and high consumer properties. However, today there is no comprehensive scientific understanding of issues related to determining the competitiveness of poultry meat products, this scientific topic requires a study of the competitiveness of chicken meat products presented on the regional market. All this determines the relevance of the study. The purpose of the scientific research in the framework of this article is to assess the competitiveness of selected samples (brands) of chicken breasts sold on Perm market. When choosing the hypothesis of scientific research, the author dwelled on the assumption of insufficient coverage of the problem of increasing and calculating the competitiveness of poultry meat products in modern science. Achieving this goal the following tasks are carried out: consideration of the theoretical foundations of the competitiveness of chicken breasts; an examination of the quality of chicken breasts sold in Perm market; conducting market research on consumer preferences and determining the competitiveness of chicken breasts by value for money and using a comprehensive integrated indicator of competitiveness. The object of the research in this article are samples of chicken breast of various brands sold on Perm market. When assessing competitiveness, the selected samples were considered according to group and economic criteria, according to the “brand awareness” indicator, point scales were used. Also, in the study of chicken breast samples, organoleptic, aesthetic indicators and other criteria for competitiveness were evaluated. For the examination of chicken breast in Perm market, the breasts of the following manufacturers were purchased: JSC “PRODO Perm Poultry Factory”, LLC “Udmurt Poultry Factory”, CJSC Uralbroiler, CJSC Petelinskaya Poultry Factory, LLC Belgrankorm-Veliky Novgorod. As a result of the research, the quality was determined and the tested samples of chicken breasts were ranked, their competitiveness was calculated from the professional objective point of view of product consulting by taking into account the quality per unit of money paid, and the real state of competitiveness in this market segment was determined taking into account consumer requests.
Higher Legal Education in Ukraine in the 21st Century: Current Situation and Development Issues
Authors: Kostova Nataliia , Annienkova SettingsIryna , Nahorna Nataliia , Hushcha Pavlo
Published: March 2020

Importance of the given topic is explained not only by international cooperation, globalization, informatization, changes of priorities in social, economic and educational policies, but also various transformations in higher legal education in the international context. The purpose of the given study is to examine the current condition of Ukrainian higher legal education and to analyze its statistical indicators, actual features and development issues. The following methods of scientific research were used in the present study: interpretative and comparative-historical analysis, methods of chronology, comparison, research and historical retrospection. As a result thereof, some peculiarities of Ukrainian higher legal education were determined. Firstly legal studies degree programs are offered by classic universities, legal higher education establishments and non-dedicated higher education establishments. Secondly there is an uneven regional distribution of higher education establishments and licensed number of future students in legal studies degree programs. Thirdly higher legal education has been commercialized. Moreover the legal studies degree programs are chosen most often by future students, although the majority of graduates is not employed in the obtained occupation. Furthermore the European and national approaches to the legal higher education are combined. Additionally learning standards in higher legal education are defined by state and self-governing professional establishments. Lastly, it can be concluded that not only a dynamic pattern analysis in higher legal education quality, but also anticipation and definition of development tendencies in higher legal education are affected by constant changes in the procedure of the unified proficiency admission test for the legal studies degree programs.
The main directions of state regulation of vegetable subcomplex in the Russian Federation in the period 2016−2018
Authors: Katlishin Oleg Ilyasovich , Yarushina SettingsAnastasiya Aleksandrovna
Published: March 2020

The vegetable growing sector plays a crucial role for the national economy, acting as a supplier of the most valuable food products for the country's population. Therefore, the purpose of this article was to analyze the current system of state regulation of the vegetable growing industry in the Russian Federation both at the federal and regional levels (for example, Perm Region) for the period 2016−2018. This goal requires the decision of following tasks: 1) analysis of the state budget policy of the vegetable growing industry at the federal and regional levels (for example, Perm Region); 2) analysis of vegetable subcomplex in the Russian Federation and Perm Region; 3) the study of the aggregate balance (consolidated market) of vegetable products at the federal and regional levels; 4) assessment of the effectiveness of the applied instruments of state regulation; 5) development of methods for improving the state of the vegetable growing industry and improving the system of its state regulation. The scientific research hypothesis is based on the assumption that the methods of state regulation of the vegetable growing industry influence the economic indicators of its development. The study analyzed the retrospective dynamics of vegetable production in the Russian Federation and Perm Region for the period 2016–2018. The structure of gross harvests of vegetables for all categories of producers is considered.
EVALUATE THE RESULTS OF ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION WITH THE USE OF AUTOGENOUS PATELLAR LIGAMENT AT HUE UNIVERSITY HOSPITAL
Authors: Le Nghi Thanh Nhan , Bui Huu Toan
Published: March 2020

Background: Anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) play the importance role in stability of knee. Our purpose was to report the stability and functional outcomes for a prospective series of patients with ACL injuries treated with reconstruction of use of autogenous patellar ligament. Methods: A prospective study of 30 patients with ACL ruptures treated with arthroscopically assisted reconstruction with autogenous patellar ligament was initiated from May 2008 to December 2010 at Hue University Hospital. Lachman test, anterior draw test, pivot shift test, functional Lysholm scores were obtained at each visit, including preoperatively and at the third and sixth month of follow-up visit. Results: Thirty patients (male : female = 2.3; with a mean age of thirty years) enrolled in the study. Twenty one knees had an isolated ACL tear, nine also had an associated PCL tear and/or meniscus injuries. Lachman test was positive in 100% of cases, draw test was positive in 86% and pivot-shift test was positive in 93%. Mean value of knee function according to Lysholm score was 56 points. Twenty-six patients were followed-up in six months. Lachman test was positive in 15% of all cases, draw test was positive in 7% and pivot-shift test was positive in 7%. Lysholm outcomes scores were improved to 89 points. Conclusions: Bone patellar tendon bone graft was a useful and safety technique for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.
STUDY OF CORRELATION BETWEEN HEALING AFTER IMPACTED THIRD MOLAR SURGERY AND THE DEGREE OF IMPACTION
Authors: Tran Tan Tai
Published: March 2020

Background: The mandibular third molar is the most common tooth to become impacted than other teeth, often causing more complications in the process of growing, influence to the lives of patients. Removal of wisdom teeth is one of the most common dental surgical procedures, is an invasive intervention caused significant injury to the bone and soft tissue, so hard to avoid possible complications after surgery. Understand the relationship between degree of impaction and healing after mandibular wisdom tooth surgery will bring many benefits to surgeons and patients. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the degree of impaction of mandibular third molar and explore the relationship between healing after mandibular wisdom tooth surgery with the degree of impaction. Materials and method: The study consisted of 40 patients, average age 29.38 ± 9.8 a impacted mandibular third molar and cause complications, tooth extraction is indicated. All are to be attended to, determine the degree of impaction, wisdom tooth surgery. Evaluate the healing through pain, swelling, limited mouth open after 2 days, 1 week and 2 weeks. Result: Correlation of wisdom teeth to ramus and adjacent teeth mainly type I (45%) and type II (35%), type III accounted for the lowest rates (20%). Relative depth of wisdom teeth in the bone mainly position A (45%), B position also accounts for a significant proportion (35%), positions C (20%). Correlation of wisdom teeth axis to adjacent teeth: mesioangular impactions (50%) and horizontal (30%), distoangular impaction (2.5% and 5%), vertical impaction (12, 5%). Pain, swelling, limited mouth open only happen the first two days in groups I and II, group III of symptoms until a week after surgery. Conclusion: There is correlation between the degree of impaction and healing after mandibular wisdom tooth surgery. Degree of as much impaction, the level of pain, swelling, limited mouth open higher. Key words: mandibular third molar; impaction