bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ЗМІНИ АКТИВНОСТІ ПРООКСИДАНТНО-АНТИОКСИДАНТНОЇ СИСТЕМИ В РАННІЙ ПЕРІОД РОЗВИТКУ ПОЛІТРАВМИ ТА КОРЕКЦІЯ ПЕНТОКСИФІЛІНОМ
Authors: Kulianda O. O.
Published: July 2019

Вступ.  Травма є однією з причин виникнення оксидативного стресу. Мембраностабілізувальні, протекторні, антикальцієві, антиангінальні та антиагрегантні властивості ксантинів, зокрема пентоксифіліну, поряд з іншими притаманними їм фармакодинамічними ефектами, здатні попереджувати формування незворотних патологічних змін у різних органах і тканинах. Мета дослідження – визначити особливості змін активності прооксидантно-анти­окси­дантної системи в ранній період розвитку політравми та ефектив­ність застосування при цьому пентоксифіліну. Методи дослідження. Досліди проведено на білих безпородних статевозрілих щурах-самцях. У плазмі крові й тканині печінки визначали вміст малонового діаль­дегіду та гідропероксидів ліпідів, у печінці та плазмі крові – ступінь активності ката­лази і вміст церулоплазміну. З метою корекції застосовували пентоксифілін. Препарат вво­ди­ли внутрішньочеревно один раз на добу у вигляді 2 % водного розчину в дозі 25 мг/кг упродовж 7-ми днів. Результати й обговорення. Застосування пентоксифіліну в експериментальних тварин з моделлю політравми призвело до зниження концентрації гідропероксидів ліпідів та малонового діальдегіду в плазмі крові вже з 1-ї доби дослідження. Введення препарату спричинило достовірне зменшення вмісту гідропероксидів ліпідів та малонового діальдегіду в печінці тварин протягом усього періоду спостереження. Статис­тично значуще зниження активності каталази у плазмі крові відзначали на 1-шу і 3-тю доби експерименту. Підвищення її у тканині печінки спостерігали з 3-ї доби дослідження. Статистично значущого впливу на рівень церулоплазміну в печінці та плазмі крові після введення пентоксифіліну не виявлено. Висновок. За умов експериментальної політравми і введення щурам пентоксифіліну у вигляді 2 % водного розчину в дозі 25 мг/кг протягом 7-ми днів спостерігали зниження активності прооксидантної системи та достовірне підвищення активності каталази в паренхімі печінки.
СВІТЛІЙ ПАМ’ЯТІ ВИДАТНОГО ВЧЕНОГО ЮРІЯ ІВАНОВИЧА ГУБСЬКОГО
Authors: Kolektyv Tvorchyy
Published: July 2019

З глибоким сумом сповіщаємо, що 18 травня 2019 р. після тяжкої хвороби на 74-му році пішов з життя Юрій Іванович Губський – доктор медичних наук, професор, член-кореспондент НАМН України, заслужений діяч науки і техніки України, завідувач кафедри паліативної та хоспісної медицини Національної медичної академії післядипломної освіти імені П. Л. Шупика, начальник науково-координаційного управління Президії НАМН України, завідувач відділу біохімічної фармакології Інституту фармакології та токсикології НАМН України. Перестало битися серце видатного вченого, прекрасного педагога, доброї та чуйної людини, вірного друга і хорошого товариша. Усі, хто працював і знав Юрія Івановича, залишать про нього найкращі та світлі спогади
Uma análise descritivo-comparativa de duas traduções para o português brasileiro da obra Death of a Salesman
Authors: Zacarin Maria Clara , Radighieri Virgínia , Biondo Valéria
Published: July 2019

Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar e comparar duas traduções para o português brasileiro da peça Death of a Salesman, do escritor americano Arthur Miller, a fim de discutir os processos tradutórios utilizados por cada tradutor e o modo como a interpretação pessoal de cada um interfere no resultado final do texto traduzido. Para tanto, será realizada uma pesquisa de cunho qualitativo comparando trechos das traduções de José Rubens Siqueira e Flávio Rangel, de acordo com os procedimentos técnicos definidos por Barbosa (1990). Espera-se comprovar que cada tradutor interfere no resultado final segundo seus conhecimentos e sua visão de mundo. Buscamos, com esse estudo, apontar a importância do tradutor, além de demonstrar a necessidade de estudos comparativos.
Entrevista com os editores do selo Companhia das Letrinhas
Authors: Santos Sheila Cristina , Torres Marie Hélène , Paulo Gabriela
Published: July 2019

A entrevista aqui apresentada foi concedida via e-mail pelos dois editores entre os dias 17 e 23 de maio de 2017. O foco da entrevista são as traduções publicadas pelo selo Companhia das Letrinhas: mercado de tradução, escolhas da equipe de tradutores, revisões, intervenções por parte dos editores, etc.
Formation and Resolution of Pial Microvascular Thrombosis in a Mouse Model of Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura
Authors: Adili Reheman , Holinstat Michael
Published: July 2019

Objective:

Microvascular thrombosis is the hallmark pathology of thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura (TTP), a rare life-threatening disease. Neurological dysfunction is present in over 90% of patients with TTP, and TTP can cause long-lasting neurological damage or death. However, the pathophysiology of microvascular thrombosis in the brain is not well studied to date. Here, we investigate the formation and resolution of thrombosis in pial microvessels.

Approach and Results:

Using a cranial intravital microscopy in well-established mouse models of congenital TTP induced by infusion of recombinant VWF (von Willebrand factor), we found that soluble VWF, at high concentration, adheres to the endothelium of the vessel wall, self-associates, and initiates platelet adhesion resulting in the formation of pial microvascular thrombosis in ADAMTS13
−/−
(a disintegrin and metalloproteinase with a thrombospondin type 1 motif, member 13) mice. Importantly, VWF-mediated pial microvascular thrombosis occurred without vascular injury to the brain, and thrombi consisted of resting platelets adhered onto ultra-large VWF without fibrin in the brain in rVWF (recombinant VWF) challenged ADAMTS13
−/−
mice. Prophylactic treatment with recombinant ADAMTS13 (BAX930) effectively prevented the onset of the VWF-mediated microvascular thrombosis and therapeutic treatment with BAX930 acutely resolved the preexisting or growing thrombi in the brain of ADAMTS13
−/−
mice after rVWF challenge. The absence of platelet activation and fibrin formation within VWF-mediated thrombi and efficacy of BAX930 was confirmed with an endothelial-driven VWF-mediated microvascular thrombosis model in mice.

Conclusions:

Our results provide important insight into the initiation and development of microvascular thrombi in mouse models that mimics TTP and indicate that rADAMTS13 could be an effective interventional therapy for microvascular thrombosis, the hallmark pathology in TTP.
Cost-Effectiveness of Computed Tomography Angiography in Management of Tiny Unruptured Intracranial Aneurysms in the United States
Authors: Wu Xiao , Matouk Charles C. , Mangla Rajiv , Forman Howard P. , Gandhi Dheeraj , Sanelli Pina , Malhotra Ajay
Published: July 2019

Background and Purpose—

Our study aims to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of computed tomography angiography (CTA) for surveillance of tiny unruptured intracranial aneurysms and the impact of CTA radiation-induced brain tumor on the overall effectiveness of CTA.

Methods—

A Markov decision model was constructed from a societal perspective starting with patients 30-, 40-, or 50-year-old, with incidental detection of unruptured intracranial aneurysm ≤3 mm and no prior history of subarachnoid hemorrhage. Five different management strategies were assessed (1) annual CTA surveillance, (2) biennial CTA, (3) CTA follow-up every 5 years, (4) coiling and subsequent magnetic resonance imaging follow-up, and (5) annual CTA surveillance for the first 2 years, followed by every 5-year CTA follow-up. Probabilistic, 1-way, and 2-way sensitivity analyses were performed.

Results—

The base case calculation shows every 5-year CTA follow-up to be the most cost-effective strategy, and the conclusion remains robust in probabilistic sensitivity analysis. It remains the dominant strategy when the annual rupture risk of nongrowing unruptured intracranial aneurysms is smaller than 2.66% or the rupture risk in growing aneurysms is <57.4%. The radiation-induced brain cancer risk is relatively low, and sensitivity analysis shows that the radiation-induced cancer risk does not influence the conclusions unless the risk exceeds 663-fold of the base case values.

Conclusions—

Given the current literature, every 5-year CTA imaging follow-up is the cost-effective strategy in patients with aneurysms ≤3 mm, resulting in better health outcomes and lower healthcare spending. Patients with aneurysms at high risk of rupture might need more aggressive management.
Observations on paratypes of Amplimerlinius Siddiqi, 1976 species confirm the transference of A. clavicaudatus (Choi & Geraert, 1975) Siddiqi, 1976 to Paramerlinius Sturhan, 2012
Authors: Ghaderi Reza
Published: July 2019

Morphological observations were made on paratypes and populations of 11 species of Amplimerlinius, including A. amplus, A. clavicaudatus, A. globigerus, A. icarus, A. intermedius, A. macrurus, A. magnistylus, A. nectolineatus, A. paraglobigerus, A. siddiqii, and A. uramanatiensis, deposited in various international nematode collections. Results showed that A. clavicaudatus differs from other Amplimerlinius species by having four lateral incisures at the deirid level, the tail terminus has a refractive inner cuticle layer, and there is a less thickened hyaline region at the tail terminus. As the latter species shares its main morphological characteristics with Paramerlinius, it is proposed herein to transfer this species to Paramerlinius as P. clavicaudatus n. comb. (= A. clavicaudatus).
Islands Awash Amidst Rising Seas: Sea Level Rise and Insular Status under the Law of the Sea
Authors: Schofield Clive , Freestone David
Published: July 2019

This article considers the potential impacts of sea level rise on maritime zones with particular reference to impacts on islands. It considers the sea level rise predictions of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change; it outlines the existing legal framework for coastal baselines and insular features established by the 1982 Law of the Sea Convention. It highlights the work of the International Law Association Committee on International Law and Sea Level Rise, which in its 2018 report had identified the development of a body of State practice among the States and Territories of the South Pacific regarding the maintenance of existing maritime zone claims in the face of sea level rise. That practice is considered, together with the implications of the 2016 Tribunal Award on the South China Sea case on maritime zone claims based on islands.
Redrawing the Map: Medina on Epistemic Vices and Skepticism
Authors: McGlynn Aidan
Published: July 2019

My aim in this paper is to closely examine José Medina’s account of socially-situated knowledge and ignorance in terms of epistemic virtues and vices in his 2013 book The Epistemology of Resistance. First, I’ll offer a detailed examination of the similarities and differences between Medina’s account and both standpoint epistemology and epistemologies of active ignorance. Medina presents his account as capturing and integrating the insights of both, but I will argue that, for better or worse, his account differs from familiar forms of standpoint epistemology in significant respects, and so should be treated as related but distinct. Second, I’ll expand on Medina’s brief suggestion that his vice-theoretic account of active ignorance reveals interesting analogues of traditional forms of skepticism about the external world, comparing and contrasting Medina’s proposal with both other analogues of skepticism found in the philosophical literature on oppression and with traditional forms of skepticism inspired by Descartes.
Wartime Nostalgia in Italy: Validating the Fatherland
Authors: Lanoue Guy
Published: July 2019

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, Italy experienced a series of crises when its precarious postwar political compromise was challenged by the effects of decades of structural corruption. The author was offered unsolicited narratives of the prewar and especially wartime Fascist period. Surprisingly, many of these stories cast Fascists and their Nazi political allies in a positive light. Here, the author argues that these favourable views of a bleak period are linked to the disenchantment and diffidence many felt (and continue to feel) toward the state and its institutions, and that these stories are not nostalgic expressions of fascist sympathies. Instead, they stress how people managed the micro-details of everyday life to gain small, individual victories against wartime degradations that would otherwise transform them into powerless victims. Even today, these expressions of individual agency reinforce shared notions that there is alternative to the institutional culture of an inefficient and oppressive state.
Soundproofing flexible polyurethane foams: Effect of chemical structure of chain extenders on micro-phase separation and acoustic damping
Authors: Abdollahi Baghban Sahar , Khorasani Manouchehr , Mir Mohamad Sadeghi Gity
Published: July 2019

In this study, a new high-performance acoustic damping flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) was successfully designed and fabricated using synthesized linear saturated aliphatic polyester resin as polyol, methylene diphenyl diisocyanate, and ethylene glycol, monoethanolamine, and ethylenediamine as chain extenders and other reagents by one-shot bulk polymerization (isocyanate index = 100 and water content = 2.5%). The effect of the chemical structure of different chain extenders on micro-phase separation and acoustic damping properties of FPUFs were investigated using comprehensive characterization techniques such as atomic force microscopy (AFM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), compressive strength, optical microscope, and‏ ‏impedance tube. It was indicated that the micro-phase separation degree of the FPUF matrix increased with increasing amine content in the chain extender structure due to the more bidentate hydrogen bondings formation between urea-urea groups. Also, by increasing micro-phase separation, average cell sizes decreased and compressive strength, open-cell contents%, cell walls roughness, and cell size distribution of FPUFs increased. According to the sound absorption spectra, it was found that sound absorption efficiency of FPUF containing DEA was higher than FPUF manufactured by EG by 13.23% in the range of 1500–4000 Hz due to the increase of the amine content of chain extenders. These results indicate that the acoustic properties of FPUFs can be explained with the synergistic actions of micro-phase separation including the viscoelastic behavior of hard-soft segments and increasing of airflow pathway leading to dissipating of the kinetic energy of sound waves. Finally, the results revealed that soundproofing FPUFs with an optimum condition for micro-phase separation and drainage flow can be a promising candidate for using as sound insulating materials in transportation industries such as airplanes, trains, etc.
Breast compression parameters among women screened with standard digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis in a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Waade Gunvor Gipling , Holen Åsne , Sebuødegård Sofie , Aase Hildegunn , Pedersen Kristin , Hanestad Berit , Hofvind Solveig
Published: July 2019

Background

No evidence-based guidelines regarding optimal breast compression in mammography exist, neither for standard digital mammography nor for digital breast tomosynthesis.

Purpose

To compare breast compression parameters and mean glandular dose in a randomized controlled trial with digital mammography versus digital breast tomosynthesis.

Material and Methods

We used information from 21,729 women aged 50–69 years, who participated in the To-Be trial, as part of BreastScreen Norway, 2016–2017. Information was obtained from the DICOM header and by assessing the images in an automated software for density estimation (VolparaDensity). Using linear regression, we investigated the effect of screening technique on breast compression parameters; compression force (N), compression pressure (kPa), and compressed breast thickness (mm), and mean glandular dose (mGy), by view (craniocaudal [CC] and mediolateral oblique [MLO]). We adjusted for age, breast volume and fibroglandular volume.

Results

A total of 11,056 (50.9%) women were screened with digital mammography and 10,673 (49.1%) with digital breast tomosynthesis. Adjusted regression analysis showed that women undergoing digital mammography received higher compression forces than women undergoing digital breast tomosynthesis (CC: –4.7 N; MLO: –1.1 N, P < 0.001 for both), higher compression pressure (CC: –1.0 k Pa; MLO: –0.1 kPa, P < 0.001 for both), and higher values of compressed breast thickness in the MLO view (–0.3 mm, P = 0.02). The women undergoing digital mammography received a lower mean glandular dose than women undergoing digital breast tomosynthesis ([+]0.06 mGy, P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Women undergoing digital breast tomosynthesis received lower compression force, compression pressure, and compressed breast thickness in MLO view, compared to women undergoing digital mammography. Further studies should investigate the impact of breast compression on image quality, screening outcome, and radiation dose for digital mammography and digital breast tomosynthesis in order to establish evidence-based guidelines for breast compression.
Il cibo per la vita
Authors: Mariani David , Capitanini Alessandro
Published: July 2019

We are what we eat

Our physical and mental well-being are directly linked to what we eat and drink. The nutritional content of what we eat determines the composition of our cell membranes, bone marrow, blood, hormones, tissues, organs, skin, and hair. Lifestyle and nutrition of the humankind has undergone substantial changes during the last century. Additives and processed food have become the basis of our nutrition.

Ingredients such as salt, sugar and fat are sometimes added to processed foods to make their flavour more appealing and to extend their shelf life. When the processed food industry discovered that these ingredients could be formulated to produce a state of satiety, pleasure, and sensory hedonia in those who consumed them, it extended their use to the “bliss point”, the point where the levels of saltiness, sweetness, and richness were perceived by the consumer as just right. Such modified foods can dysregulate the brain’s food reward system by increasing dopamine production, thus making the foods addictive. It is not easy to avoid these foods: the only way is to eat mainly fresh or only lightly processed foods (such as canned tomatoes and frozen vegetables). It is helpful to know which foods are healthy and what you can do to ensure you eat the healthiest diet you can. Combining a variety of foods, eating regular meals, including wholegrains, fibres, fruit, vegetables and “healthy fats”, and limiting the amount of sugar, salt and fat you eat are all recommended for good nutrition.
Association of Hyperchloremia With Unfavorable Clinical Outcomes in Adults With Diabetic Ketoacidosis
Authors: Goad Nathan T. , Bakhru Rita N. , Pirkle James L. , Kenes Michael T.
Published: July 2019

Objective:

Hyperchloremia is associated with worsened outcomes in various clinical situations; however, data are limited in patients with diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA). The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of hyperchloremia on time to DKA resolution.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective cohort study of adult patients admitted with incident DKA from January 2013 through October 2017 and stratified by the development of hyperchloremia versus maintaining normochloremia. The primary outcome was time to final DKA resolution. Secondary outcomes included time to initial DKA resolution, incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) on admission, in-hospital development of AKI, and hospital length of stay (LOS).

Results:

Of the 102 patients included, 52 developed hyperchloremia. Patients with hyperchloremia had longer times to final DKA resolution compared to those with normochloremia (median 22.3 [interquartile range, IQR, 15.2-36.9] vs 14.2 [IQR 8.8-21.1] hours; P = .001). Time to initial DKA resolution was also longer in patients who developed hyperchloremia compared to those who did not (median 16.3 vs 10.9 hours; P = .024). More patients with hyperchloremia developed in-hospital AKI (26.9% vs 8.0%; P = .01). Median hospital LOS was significantly longer in the hyperchloremia cohort ( P < .001). On Cox regression analysis, time to DKA resolution was significantly longer with each 1 mmol/L increase in serum chloride (HR 0.951; P < .001).

Conclusion:

The presence of hyperchloremia in patients with DKA was associated with increased time to DKA resolution, risk of in-hospital AKI, and hospital LOS. Further evaluation of the avoidance or treatment of hyperchloremia in DKA is needed.
Improvement of leading-edge accuracy by optimizing the cathode design plane in electrochemical machining of a twisted blade
Authors: Yu Lingguo , Zhu Dong , Yang Yujun , Zhao Jibin
Published: July 2019

Cathode design plays an important role in the electrochemical machining of aero engine blades and is a core issue influencing machining accuracy. Precision electrochemical machining of the leading edge of a twisted blade is particularly difficult. To improve the electrochemical machining accuracy of the leading edge, this article deals with cathode design by optimizing the design plane based on the three-dimensional potential distribution in the inter-electrode gap. A mathematical model is established according to the electrochemical machining shaping law, and the formation of the blade leading edge is simulated using ANSYS. The simulation results show that the blade leading-edge profile obtained with the optimized planar cathode is more consistent with the blade model profile. The optimized planar cathode and a non-optimized planar cathode are designed and a series of corresponding electrochemical machining experiments is carried out. The experiments show that the electrochemical machining process is stable and that the surface quality near the leading edge of the samples is slightly better than that of the body surface. Compared with the non-optimized planar cathode, the allowance difference at the leading-edge vertex is decreased by 0.062 mm. Using the optimized planar cathode allows fabrication of a workpiece whose shape is similar to that of the designed twisted blade.
Fault-tolerant strategy and workspace of the subreflector parallel adjusting mechanism
Authors: Yao Jiantao , Han Bo , Dou Yuchao , Xu Yundou , Zhao Yongsheng
Published: July 2019

Parallel mechanism has been widely used in large-scale and heavy-duty attitude adjustment equipment. In order to improve the work reliability of the subreflector parallel adjusting mechanism, a fault-tolerant strategy based on the redundant degree-of-freedom and a workspace boundary identification method are proposed in this paper, which can realize the proper function of the subreflector parallel adjusting mechanism when it has a driven fault. The configuration and parameters of the parallel adjusting mechanism are introduced firstly, then the degrees-of-freedom of the parallel adjusting mechanism is calculated when it has a driven fault, and the principle of the fault-tolerant strategy based on the redundant degree-of-freedom is deduced in detail. Next, the method to solve the workspace boundary identification problem for the parallel adjusting mechanism in fault tolerance conditions is proposed, the maximum and minimum workspaces of the parallel adjusting mechanism at fault tolerance conditions in different frequency bands are analyzed. The results showed that the workspace calculated by the fault-tolerant strategy in the fault condition can completely meet the needs of the subreflector, where this method can also be applied to other parallel mechanisms. Lastly, an experiment is conducted to verify the correctness and effectiveness of the fault-tolerant strategy, in which the results showed that the fault-tolerant strategy can effectively improve the work reliability of the parallel adjusting mechanism. The fault-tolerant strategy and workspace boundary identification method can make the subreflector parallel adjusting mechanism work normally when it has a driven fault, which can significantly improve the work reliability and work efficiency and the maintenance cost can also be reduced. The fault-tolerant strategy and workspace boundary identification method can also be well applied to the research and development for this kind of parallel mechanical equipment.
How independent is India’s labour law framework from the state’s changing economic policies?
Authors: Sarkar Santanu
Published: July 2019

Judicial interpretation of statute law in common-law countries means that the judiciary may mediate the social impact of legislation. In the case of the protection of labour rights in India, this article examines the extent to which the judiciary acts independently from the government of the day, and the extent to which court judgements are swayed by prevailing administrative policies. Specifically, to what extent have economic liberalisation and labour market flexibility policies influenced court decisions in cases challenging worker dismissals? Drawing on a review of 270 judgements delivered by the Supreme Court of India and the state High Courts between 1950 and 2010, a relationship is traced between a shifting pattern of Courts’ judgements and policy changes initiated by the Indian government in response to economic conditions. The objective of the study is to understand the effect of a structural shift in the economy on the cases of consented and contested decrees related to dismissal of workers under the relevant laws in India. It is found that the specific statute has not greatly changed through legal reforms, but the judiciary’s interpretations of it have changed over six decades based on dominant socio-political currents, in tune with government economic policies. This raises profound questions about judicial independence in defence of labour rights.

JEL Code: K31
Exact solution for frequency response of sandwich microbeams with functionally graded cores
Authors: Taati Ehsan , Fallah Famida
Published: July 2019

Based on the Euler–Bernoulli beam model and the modified strain gradient theory, the size-dependent forced vibration of sandwich microbeams with a functionally graded (FG) core is presented. The equation of motion and the corresponding classical and nonclassical boundary conditions are derived using the Hamilton’s principle. An exact solution of the governing equation is developed for sandwich beams with various boundary conditions and subjected to an arbitrarily distributed harmonic transverse load. Finally, parametric studies are presented to investigate the effects of geometric ratios, length scale parameters, power index, boundary conditions, layup, and thickness of the FG layer on the frequency response of clamped and simply supported microbeams. Numerical results show that in the case of clamped microbeams, the essential and natural size-dependent boundary conditions have a significant effect on the resonance frequency and transverse deflection of microbeams. Also, it is seen that an optimal layup (without change in total volume of each material) can significantly improve the frequency characteristics of sandwich microbeams.
Not Restricted to Selection Research: Accounting for Indirect Range Restriction in Organizational Research
Authors: Dahlke Jeffrey A. , Wiernik Brenton M.
Published: July 2019

Range restriction is a common problem in organizational research and is an important statistical artifact to correct for in meta-analysis. Historically, researchers have had to rely on range-restriction corrections that only make use of range-restriction information for one variable, but it is not uncommon for researchers to have such information for both variables in a correlation (e.g., when studying the correlation between two predictor variables). Existing meta-analytic methods incorporating bivariate range-restriction corrections overlook their unique implications for estimating the sampling variance of corrected correlations and for accurately assigning weights to studies in individual-correction meta-analyses. We introduce new methods for computing individual-correction and artifact-distribution meta-analyses using the bivariate indirect range restriction (BVIRR; “Case V”) correction and describe improved methods for applying BVIRR corrections that substantially reduce bias in parameter estimation. We illustrate the effectiveness of these methods in a large-scale simulation and in meta-analyses of expatriate data. We provide R code to implement the methods described in this article; more comprehensive and robust functions for applying these methods are available in the psychmeta package for R.
Does Ramadan Fasting Affect Spirometric Data of Healthy Adolescents?
Authors: Ben Fraj Selma , Miladi Amira , Guezguez Fatma , Ben Rejeb Mohamed , Bouguila Jihène , Gargouri Imen , Rouatbi Sonia , Latiri Imed , Ben Saad Helmi
Published: July 2019

Purpose:

Several studies raised the effects of Ramadan fasting on healthy adults spirometric data, but none was performed in children. The aim of this study was to compare the spirometric data of a group of faster adolescents (n = 26) with an age-matched non-faster one (n = 10).

Methods:

This comparative quasi-experimental study, including 36 healthy males aged 12 to 15 years, was conducted during the summer 2015 (Ramadan: June 18 to July 16). Three sessions (Before-Ramadan [Before-R], Mid-Ramadan [Mid-R], After-Ramadan [After-R]) were selected for spirometry measurements. Spirometry was performed around 5.5 to 3.5 h before sunset and the spirometric data were expressed as percentages of local spirometric norms.

Results:

The two groups of fasters and non-fasters had similar ages and weights (13.35 ± 0.79 vs 12.96 ± 0.45 years, 46.8 ± 9.2 vs 41.7 ± 12.6 kg, respectively). There was no effect of Ramadan fasting on forced vital capacity (FVC), forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), FEV1/FVC, peak expiratory flow, and maximal mid-expiratory flow. For example, during the Before-R, Mid-R, and After-R sessions, there was no significant difference between the fasters and non-fasters mean FVC (101 ± 11 vs 99 ± 14, 101 ± 12 vs 102 ± 14, 103 ± 11 vs 104 ± 13, respectively) or FEV1 (101 ± 13 vs 96 ± 16, 98 ± 11 vs 97 ± 16, 101 ± 10 vs 98 ± 16, respectively).

Conclusions:

Ramadan fasting had no interaction effect with the spirometric data of Tunisian healthy male adolescents.
Virtual vs traditional care settings for low-acuity urgent conditions: An economic analysis of cost and utilization using claims data
Authors: Lovell Tim , Albritton Jordan , Dalto Joe , Ledward Cheryl , Daines William
Published: July 2019

Background

On-demand, direct-to-consumer video (or virtual) visits represent one of the fastest growing telemedicine services. Due to the absence of an in-person physical examination, some question the effectiveness, efficiency and value of virtual care visits. To address these questions, we conducted a retrospective, cross-sectional review of Intermountain Healthcare’s virtual care programme.

Method

This study used SelectHealth claims for virtual, urgent, primary and emergency care delivered between 1 April 2016–31 March 2017. We included all claims with primary diagnosis from the nine most common categories for virtual care. A secondary data source included survey data indicating how virtual visits redirect care.

Results

We matched 1531 virtual visit claims with claims from urgent (4377), primary (4388) and emergency care (2285). There were no differences in follow-up rates between virtual and urgent care and no differences in antibiotic use between virtual and urgent or primary care. Virtual care was significantly lower than all other care settings in utilization of laboratory and imaging services, index visit cost and total costs over 21 days.

Conclusions

This study affirmed lower cost for virtual care without an associated increase in overall follow-up rates or antibiotic use when compared with urgent or primary care. This suggests that virtual visits are can be used to lower the total cost of care for applicable conditions. The implications are that virtual visits help lower operational costs of providing care, particularly in integrated systems with capitated reimbursement. Under the right circumstances, the increased adoption of virtual care should lead to greater savings.
Effects of metallic cobalt crystal phase on catalytic activity of cobalt catalysts supported on carbon nanotubes in Fischer–Tropsch synthesis
Authors: Pour Ali Nakhaei , Housaindokht Mohammadreza
Published: July 2019

The effects of metallic cobalt crystal phase on catalytic activity of cobalt catalysts in the Fischer–Tropsch synthesis were investigated in a continuous spinning basket reactor. The cobalt catalysts were prepared by impregnation of the cobalt active phase in a microemulsion system on multiwall carbon nanotube supports. A series of cobalt catalysts with different Co particle sizes was prepared by variation of the water-to-surfactant molar ratio from 2 to 12 in the microemulsion system. The X-ray diffraction results validate a complex composition of cobalt phases containing cobalt oxides and metallic cobalt with hexagonal close-packed and face-centered cubic phases. The results show that larger cobalt particles exhibit more face-centered cubic and less hexagonal close-packed metallic cobalt. The experimental results show that the catalysts with higher fractions of hexagonal close-packed phase exhibited higher conversion in the Fischer–Tropsch reaction.
A data dissemination mechanism based on evaluating behavior for vehicular delay-tolerant networks
Authors: Fan Na , Duan Zongtao , Zhu Guangyuan
Published: July 2019

Vehicular delay-tolerant networks are widely used in intelligent transport application. Vehicle nodes exchange and share various information in vehicular delay-tolerant networks. However, current delay-tolerant network routing algorithms do not take into account the dynamic characteristic of traffic flow, and they do not effectively resist cyber attacks, such as black hole attack. To address this issue, we propose a data dissemination mechanism for vehicular delay-tolerant networks. In this mechanism, we develop a combined model to estimate the real-time traffic density. Simultaneously, we propose the metrics which include node interaction dispersion, node interaction freshness, node interaction participation, and node interaction contribution to evaluate behavior of nodes. Based on these metrics, a routing method is constructed. In this routing method, a relay node is selected by evaluating communication interaction behaviors among vehicle nodes. Considering the factors of traffic flow density and communication behaviors of vehicle nodes, a message forwarding strategy scheme is built for different traffic density scenarios. Extensive simulations show that the proposed mechanism exhibits superior performance over existing methods in forwarding traffic information and alleviates negative effects from black hole attacks.
Association of postoperative glycemic control with outcomes after carotid procedures
Authors: Bath Jonathan , Kruse Robin L , Smith Jamie B , Balasundaram Naveen , Vogel Todd R
Published: July 2019

Objective

There are limited data evaluating the impact of postoperative hyperglycemia in patients undergoing vascular procedures. This study evaluated the relationship between suboptimal glucose control and adverse outcomes after carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy.

Methods

Patients admitted for elective carotid procedures were selected from the Cerner Health Facts® (2008–2015) database using ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure codes. We examined the relationship between patient characteristics, postoperative hyperglycemia (any value > 180 mg/dL), and complications with chi-square analysis. A multivariable model examined the association between patient characteristics, procedure type, and glucose control with infection, renal failure, stroke, respiratory and cardiac complications, and length of stay over 10 days.

Results

Of the 4287 patients admitted for an asymptomatic carotid procedure, 788 (18%) underwent carotid artery stenting and 3499 (82%) underwent carotid endarterectomy. Most patients (87%) had optimal postoperative glucose control (80–180 mg/dL); 13% had suboptimal glucose control. On average, patients with suboptimal glucose control experienced: higher stroke rates (6.2% vs. 2.7%; p <  0.001); more cardiac complications (5.1% vs. 2.0%; p <  0.001); longer hospital stays (3.1 vs. 1.8 days; p < .001); higher rates of post-procedure infection (4.0% vs. 1.8%; p = .001); and more complications than patients with optimal glucose control. Multivariable logistic regression demonstrated that patients with suboptimal glucose control had higher odds of having an infectious (pneumonia, cellulitis, surgical site, etc.) complication (OR 1.91, 95% CI 1.10–3.34), renal failure (OR 3.36, 95% CI 1.95–5.78), respiratory complications (OR 1.81, 95% CI 1.21–2.71), stroke (OR 1.82, 95% CI 1.15–2.88), or length of stay > 10 days (OR 4.07, 95% CI 2.02–8.20).

Conclusions

Suboptimal glucose control was associated with adverse events after carotid artery stenting and carotid endarterectomy, independent of a diabetes diagnosis. Several adverse outcomes were associated with hyperglycemia, including stroke. Given the singular role of carotid procedures in preventing stroke, we suggest that incorporating rigorous post-operative glucose control into best medical treatment of carotid disease should be considered as a standard practice.
Sensor fusion for creating a three-dimensional model for mobile robot navigation
Authors: Hruboš Marián , Nemec Dušan , Janota Aleš , Pirník Rastislav , Bubeníková Emília , Gregor Michal , Juhásová Bohuslava , Juhás Martin
Published: July 2019

This article deals with the design of an automated system for creating a three-dimensional model of the environment with its texture. The method for creating a three-dimensional model of the environment is based on the use of a two-dimensional scanner for which the supporting hardware has been designed and constructed. The whole system extends the use of a two-dimensional scanner that is embedded in a robotic system. Supporting hardware rotates the scanner around the scan axis. This will create a three-dimensional model of the environment using a two-dimensional scanner. Thus, the resulting three-dimensional scan is formed by subsequent two-dimensional scans, each shifted with respect to the previous one. It was necessary to design the appropriate software for hardware management to control the movement of the engine, the scanner, and to process the measured data. The proposed system can be placed on various exploration robotic systems that map the space using the proposed method. Wheeled, band robotic systems or drones can be used to explore hard-to-reach environment.
Sexual harassment and mobbing: Recent amendments in the Portuguese law
Authors: Moreira Teresa Coelho , Martins David Carvalho
Published: July 2019

The Law no. 73/2017, of 16 August, intended to help the fight against sexual harassment and mobbing, through some problematic provisions, notably (i) the protection of the victim and his/her witnesses against disciplinary measures and also during the process of the claim being brought against the employer and/or the agent, (ii) the obligation of the employer to implement a code of conduct, (iv) the duty of the employer to start a disciplinary procedure and (iv) the amendment of the regime applicable to the termination of the employment contract. The paper will analyse such measures and foresee possible problems arising at the time the law is applied.
Employer Postcrisis Image Restoration: Implications for Recruitment
Authors: Steiner Zachary , Byrne Zinta
Published: July 2019

A crisis can severely tarnish a company’s image and attempts to restore the damaged image may negatively affect postcrisis recruitment efforts. Because company image plays an important role in job seeker attraction, and company crises are on the rise, we examined the effects of postcrisis image restoration on job seeker attraction. We applied image restoration theory to a repeated-measures 2 (negative or neutral company information at Time 1) × 3 (two types of image restoration, and neutral for the same company at Time 2) factorial experimental design. We used the psychology of apologies to understand the underlying mechanisms by which a company’s image changes in the context of image restoration. Results showed that Time 2 ratings of image were more positive after restoration attempts; however, there was no significant difference between the two types of restoration or with the neutral condition. We also found that attraction to the organization assessed at Time 2 fully mediated the relationship between perceptions of image and intentions to pursue a job opportunity. The implications of our findings are that the valence of image restoration influences job seekers’ pursuant behavior more than what is said within image restoration.
An archaeometric study of early Copper Age pottery from a cave in Romania
Authors: Enea-Giurgiu Alexandra , Ionescu Corina , Hoeck Volker , Tămaş Tudor , Roman Cristian
Published: July 2019

Early Copper Age pottery sherds discovered in a cave within the crystalline dolomites of the Southern Carpathians (Romania) were investigated by polarized light optical microscopy (OM), X-ray powder diffraction (XRPD) and electron microprobe analysis (EMPA) to obtain information on the pottery production in the Copper Age in the territory of present-day Romania. Microscopically, the clayey matrix of the ceramic body is highly birefringent or consists of low-birefringent and isotropic parts mixed together, containing fragments of quartz, muscovite, alkali feldspar, plagioclase, biotite, chlorite, heavy minerals and metamorphic and magmatic rocks, as well as an opaque material. The EMPA data revealed an Fe-rich illite-like matrix and helped to identify the mineral nature of the inclusions. Local pottery production in bonfires or surface clamps is envisaged. Miocene illitic clays may have been used as raw materials, mixed with a small amount of sandy temper. The thermal changes revealed by OM, the modification of the XRPD peaks and the EMPA data suggest firing temperatures of between 800 and 850°C.
The evolution of the ore-forming system in the low sulfide horizon of the Noril'sk 1 intrusion, Russia
Authors: Tolstykh Nadezhda D. , Zhitova Liudmila M. , Shapovalova Maria O. , Chayka Ivan F.
Published: July 2019

We present here new data on the low-sulfide mineralisation in the upper endocontact of the Noril'sk 1 intrusion. Twenty four mineral species of platinum-group elements and their solid solutions, as well as numerous unnamed phases, including an Sb analogue of vincentite, As and Sn analogues of mertieite-I and a Sn analogue of mertieite-II have been found. It is shown that the features of the mineral association: (1) the atypical trend of TiO2and Fe2+in chromian spinel; (2) the composition of the Pt–Fe alloys with a Fe/Fe + Pt range of 0.26–0.37 (logfO2≈ – (9–10); and (3) crystallisation of high-temperature sperrylite from silicate melt (at >800°C and logfS2< –10.5), which is possible underfO2of FMQ to FMQ-2 in mafic magma, are due to the reducing conditions of their formation and evolution. Droplet-like inclusions of silicate-oxide minerals in сhromian spinels and sulfides in platinum-group minerals are interpreted to be trapped droplets of co-existing sulfide melt. The captured sulfide melt has evolved in the direction of increasing the fugacity of sulfur: troilite + pentlandite (Fe>Ni) – in sperrylite (paragenesis I) to monoclinic pyrrhotite + pentlandite (Ni≈Fe) + chalcopyrite – in Pt–Fe alloys (paragenesis II). Paragenesis from the sulfide aggregates in the silicate matrix are more fractionated: pyrrhotite + pyrrhotite (Ni>Fe) + chalcopyrite (III) and pyrite + pentlandite (Ni>>Fe) + millerite (IV). Pd arsenides and antimonides crystallised later than sperrylite and isoferroplatinum, as a result of the evolution of a sulfide melt with an increased activity of the element ligands (Te, Sn, Sb and As).
HNF4 factors control chromatin accessibility and are redundantly required for maturation of the fetal intestine
Authors: Chen Lei , Toke Natalie H. , Luo Shirley , Vasoya Roshan P. , Aita Rohit , Parthasarathy Aditya , Tsai Yu-Hwai , Spence Jason R. , Verzi Michael P.
Published: July 2019

As embryos mature, cells undergo remarkable transitions that are accompanied by shifts in transcription factor regulatory networks. Mechanisms driving developmental transitions are incompletely understood. The embryonic intestine transitions from a rapidly proliferating tube with pseudostratified epithelium prior to murine embryonic day (E) 14.5 to an exquisitely folded columnar epithelium in fetal stages. We sought to identify factors driving mouse fetal intestinal maturation by mining chromatin accessibility data for transcription factor motifs. ATAC-seq accessible regions shift during tissue maturation, with CDX2 transcription factor motifs abundant at chromatin-accessible regions of the embryo. Hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 (HNF4) transcription factor motifs are the most abundant in the fetal stages (>E16.5). Genetic inactivation of Hnf4a and its paralog Hnf4g revealed that HNF4 factors are redundantly required for fetal maturation. CDX2 binds to and activates Hnf4 gene loci to elevate HNF4 expression at fetal stages. HNF4 and CDX2 transcription factors then occupy shared genomic regulatory sites to promote chromatin accessibility and gene expression in the maturing intestine. Thus, HNF4 paralogs are key components of an intestinal transcription factor network shift during the embryonic to fetal transition.
Portia’s capacity to decide whether a detour is necessary
Authors: Cross Fiona R. , Jackson Robert R.
Published: July 2019

Proficiency at planning is known to be part of the exceptionally complex predatory repertoire of Portia, a genus of jumping spiders (Salticidae) that specialize at preying on other spiders. This includes proficiency at choosing between two detour routes, with only one leading to otherwise inaccessible prey. Less is known about Portia’s proficiency at making strategic decisions pertaining to whether a detour is required or not. By using Portia africana, we investigated this by having lures (prey or leaf pieces) visible at the beginning of a trial but not later, and by using water for restricting Portia’s freedom of movement. A detour path was always present, but sometimes a causeway was also present, allowing for direct access to lures. After seeing prey, Portia more often took the causeway when present and, when absent, more often took the detour path. After seeing leaf pieces, Portia never took the detour path.
Significance of Emotional Intelligence in the Era of Artificial Intelligence: A Study on the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Financial and Educational Services Sector
Authors: Yellapantula Kalyani , Ayachit Madhura
Published: July 2019

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is the cognitive ability of a computer or machine to think and learn. It is imperative to evaluate the extent to which the Artificial Intelligence (AI) can integrate Emotional Intelligence (EI) which is being posited as a facilitator of enhancing millennial engagement. This study is undertaken with two objectives: 1) exploring the extent of use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in financial services and 2) examining AI‟s role in enhancing a student‟s experience in learning activities. The methodology of the study is mainly exploratory. The study brings forth certain significant implications of the future of skill development and the ethical issues that require deliberation for purposes of legislation and drafting of public protection policies.