bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Student Education Utilizing the Development of Autonomous Mobile Robot for Robot Competition
Authors: Muramatsu Satoshi , Chugo Daisuke , Yokota Sho , Hashimoto Hiroshi ,   Tokai University 4-1-1 Kitakaname, Hiratsuka, Kanagawa 259-1292, Japan,   Kwansei Gakuin University 2-1 Gakuen, Sanda, Hyogo 669-1337, Japan,   Toyo University 2100 Kujirai, Kawagoe, Saitama 350-8585, Japan,   Advanced Institute of Industrial Technology 1-10-40 Higashiooi, Shinagwa-ku, Tokyo 140-0011, Japan
Published: December 2017

The purpose of our education approach is the giving the knowledge and the experience for the research activity to the freshman student who assigned the Lab. We think that “the interaction between the robot and the real world information which is observed by sensor” is important for the student education for student’s research in the Lab. Here, the interaction means how perform the robot based on the real world information which is observed by sensors. The development of the mobile robot which work in Robot competition (Tsukuba Challenge) requires “the interaction between the mobile robot and real world.” For this reason, we think that this activity (participating in the Tsukuba Challenge anf development of the mobile robot) is effective for the student education, and we educate the student by utilizing the development of the mobile robot for Tsukuba Challenge. Although our approach performed in short span, we achieve the good result. For example, the students achieves the research outcome by utilizing the learned skill, and submitted the paper to the academic conference. We verified that our education approach is effective for improvement the student education and motivation.
Operator-Based Robust Nonlinear Control Design and Analysis of a Semiconductor Refrigeration Device
Authors: Wang Aihui , Ma Zhengxiang , Wen Shengjun ,   School of Electric and Information Engineering, Zhongyuan University of Technology 41 Zhongyuan Road, Zhengzhou 450007, China,   School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Xinlian College of Henan Normal University No.50, New Zhengdong District, Zhengzhou 450045, China,   School of Electronics and Communication Engineering, Zhengzhou University of Aeronautics No.2, Daxue Road, Zhengzhou 450015, China
Published: December 2017

In this paper, an operator-based robust perfect control for nonlinear semiconductor refrigeration device with uncertainties and perturbation is considered. For the research about the properties of the semiconductor refrigeration, an aluminum plate with Peltier device is very representative. Therefore, the perfect tracking control performance of semiconductor refrigeration can be investigated by using this aluminum plate with Peltier device. Moreover, the operator based robust right coprime factorization (RRCF) approach is convenient in analysis and designing control system of nonlinear plant with uncertainties and perturbation. Based on the above reasons, an operator-based robust tracking control design for nonlinear semiconductor refrigeration device with uncertainties and perturbation is investigated by using an operator-based robust right coprime factorization approach, where the operator-based disturbance and state observers based on nominal plant properties are designed to compensate the effect of uncertainties and perturbation. A realizable operator controller is designed to improve the control performance and to realize the perfect tracking. The sufficient condition of robust stability for the designed system is derived. The robust stability condition ensured that the output tracking performance is realized. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed design scheme was illustrated by the simulation and experimental results.
Causes, Manifestations and Nature of Indigenous Wars in Upper Bakweri Land, 1880-1939
Authors: Anjoh Rose Frii-Manyi , Lyonga Adolf Ngundu
Published: December 2017

The pursuit to control the villages of Upper Bakweri Land (UBL) by the villages of Soppo Mokongo (Great Soppo) and Gbea (Buea Town) led to a series of wars which erupted in the area between 1880 and 1939. The desire for domination resulted to the formation of two main groups which aligned the other villages of UBL under the leadership of either Soppo Mokongo or Gbea. The creation of competing blocs culminated to the upsurge of indigenous wars among the villages of UBL that dragged the two lead villages to support one side or the other. This paper examines the reasons for, the manifestation and the nature of indigenous wars in UBL between 1880 and 1939.  To attain the goals of the paper, the chronological and thematic methods were employed in analyzing and synthesizing data obtained from primary and secondary sources. Information from primary sources came from the National Archives Buea (NAB) and oral interviews. Material gotten from secondary sources was from both published and unpublished works. The findings show that political, economic and socio-cultural factors were the driving force behind indigenous wars in the area. That ritualized combat, the cutting of the head of the leader illustrated the nature of warfare. That the weapons of war used were dane guns, cutlasses and clubs. Although, the wars were classified as either “just” or “unjust’; they never succeeded in establishing a lead village in UBL.
Management of Moderate to Severe Hip Displacement in Nonambulatory Children with Cerebral Palsy
Authors: Shore Benjamin J. , Graham H. Kerr
Published: December 2017

* Spastic hip displacement is the second most common musculoskeletal deformity in children with cerebral palsy, after equinus of the ankle.

* Population-based studies have shown that hip displacement affects approximately one-third of children with cerebral palsy and is directly related to limitations in gross motor function, as measured by the Gross Motor Function Classification System (GMFCS).

* Children with cerebral palsy have both increased femoral-neck anteversion and neck-shaft angle, with nonambulatory children having the greatest increases from normal.

* Isolated soft-tissue surgical procedures for the treatment of progressive hip displacement in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy are unlikely to be successful as a definitive treatment. However, appropriate lengthening of the hip adductors and flexors can delay the timing of osseous reconstruction to a more appropriate age and stage in the child’s development, which may be advantageous.

* An osseous reconstructive surgical procedure in nonambulatory children with cerebral palsy is often necessary; consider age, bilaterality, and combined femoral and pelvic procedures when planning operative intervention.

* A morphologically well-developed hip is usually pain-free; facilitates comfortable sitting and transfers and ease of care for those who require assistance with personal hygiene; and contributes to higher levels of health-related quality of life.
User Personas and Social Media Profiles
Authors: Humphrey Aaron
Published: December 2017

In the world of User Experience Design, a persona isn't something that belongs to a person. Instead, personas are created by designers to act as "fictitious, specific and concrete representations of target users" (Pruitt & Adlin 2010, p. 5).
Estimation of Pore-Network Characteristics and Irreducible Saturations in Wolfcamp and Eagle Ford Shales Using Low-Pressure-Nitrogen-Adsorption/Desorption-Isotherm Measurements
Authors: Ojha Shiv Prakash , Misra Siddharth , Tinni Ali , Sondergeld Carl , Rai Chandra
Published: December 2017

Pore-network characteristics, such as pore-size distribution (PSD), pore connectivity, and pore complexity, along with irreducible saturations in shales, are important petrophysical parameters for accurate estimation of absolute and relative permeability curves of various phases. We apply a method for estimation of these petrophysical parameters in shales by processing the low-pressure-nitrogen-adsorption/desorption (AD) measurements. The method uses effective-medium theory, percolation theory, and critical-path analysis (CPA) to quantify the transport properties of shales. The method has been applied to 35 samples of the Eagle Ford and Wolfcamp Shales with different compositions and from different maturity windows. Further, samples from the gas and oil windows of the Eagle Ford Shale Formation were low-temperature plasma ashed to study the effect of the removal of organic matter on pore-network characteristics and irreducible saturations.

The estimated PSDs of condensate-window samples from the Wolfcamp samples are significantly different from those of Eagle Ford samples. Our interpretation methodology indicates that the Eagle Ford samples exhibit better long-range pore connectivity and lower pore complexity compared with Wolfcamp samples. Consequently, Eagle Ford samples from oil and gas windows suggest better flow capacity compared with Wolfcamp samples from the condensate window. Moreover, the pore-network characteristics of kerogen from the gas-window samples are significantly different from those of oil-window samples. The estimated irreducible saturations for the samples collected from the 100-ft interval in the Eagle Ford gas window, the 30-ft interval in the Eagle Ford oil window, and the 60-ft interval in the Wolfcamp condensate window of shale formations exhibit minimal variation with depth. The samples exhibit large variations in organic content, pore connectivity, range of connected-pore network, and pore complexity that do not affect the irreducible-saturation estimates.
A Review of Wax-Formation/Mitigation Technologies in the Petroleum Industry
Authors: White Meagan , Pierce Kelly , Acharya Tathagata
Published: December 2017

Wax or paraffin formation in subsea pipelines is a major problem in the upstream petroleum industry, accounting for tremendous economic losses. Researchers have reported that approximately 85% of the world's oils encounter problems from wax formation (Thota and Onyeanuna 2016). In this manuscript, the authors briefly discuss the mechanism of wax formation in pipelines. Next, a review of various wax-mitigation technologies is provided. The review includes citations of various thermal, chemical, mechanical, biological, and other innovative methods reported by previous researchers and used in the industry.
Consequences of using rations with oxidised fats in poultry feeding
Authors: GRUDZIEŃ WOJCIECH , SZAREK JÓZEF , BABIŃSKA IZABELLA , NAUMOWICZ KAROLINA , FELSMANN MARIUSZ Z.
Published: December 2017

Fat is an important component of feed rations for poultry as it improves the growth and laying parameters, which translates into better economic outcomes of animal production. The quality of this nutrient is determined by its freshness. It was assumed that the addition of oxidised fat with a peroxide value below 6 mEq O2/kg in the ration does not trigger any clinical symptoms or morphologic changes in the internal organs in poultry. Fat with a higher degree of oxidation is harmful to animal health and thus reduces the performance. The products of hydrolysis and oxidation of higher fatty acids demonstrate cytotoxic effects and lead to metabolic disturbances. As a result, this results in morphological changes with both a destructive and adaptive nature. These changes are mainly observed in the gastrointestinal tract, liver, kidneys, skin, skeletal muscles and heart in different avian species. Furthermore, poultry becomes more susceptible to viral and bacterial infections. Disease cases resulting from feeding oxidised fats to poultry often become a hot spot and a source of conflict between a feed provided and a customer. They also require veterinary attendance and interventions. In such a circumstances, the first stage of treatment always consists in a change in the current feed for a novel, good quality feed mix. In addition, detoxifying, hepatoprotective and protective medications are warranted..
Efficacy of florfenicol and flunixin followed with vitamin E and/or C on selected oxidative and inflammatory mechanisms in young cattle under transport and adaptation stress
Authors: WERNICKI ANDRZEJ , STACHURA RAFAŁ , HOLA PIOTR , PUCHALSKI ANDRZEJ , DEC MARTA , STĘGIERSKA DIANA , ŻUREK ADAM , URBAN-CHMIEL RENATA
Published: December 2017

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) in cattle, due to the participation of numerous viral and bacterial etiological agents, predisposition factors, and environmental stresses, is a serious health and economic problem in herds of beef cattle. Given the broad scope of the problem of respiratory syndrome and the limited immunoprophylaxis, the aim of this study was to estimate the additive effects of flunixin with florfenicol followed with vitamin E or/and C in reducing the development of oxidative stress and inflammation in the first weeks in the feedlot. The study was conducted on young Simmental cattle (n=50) weighing approx. 160 kg. The animals were divided into 5 groups (n=10 in each group). Group I was the control. The cattle received florfenicol and flunixin in combination with vitamins E or C (Group II and III), florfenicol and flunixin followed with vitamin E and C (Group IV), or florfenicol and flunixin without vitamins (group V). Blood for sera was collected on the day the drugs were administered and on days 3, 7, 14, 21 and 28 of the experiment. The level of oxidative stress was analysed on the basis of the concentration of nitrogen ions (NO) in the sera and of lipid peroxidation end products reacting with thiobarbituric acid (TBARS). Concentrations of haptoglobin (Hp) and serum amyloid A (SAA) in the sera were determined using EIA enzyme immunoassays. The treatment used in the study, involving the application of florfenicol and flunixin with vitamin E or C, substantially reduced the level of oxidative stress, expressed as a reduced concentration of TBARS and NO ions, particularly in groups II and III. It was also confirmed that the treatment inhibited the concentration of acute phase proteins (Hp and SAA). .
Influence of lactic acid on the survival of Salmonella on poultry carcass surfaces
Authors: RADKOWSKI MIECZYSŁAW , ZDRODOWSKA BARBARA , GÓMÓŁKA-PAWLICKA MAŁGORZATA
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to determine the influence of Salmonella by different lactic acid concentrations in microbiological media and on the surfaces of the chicken carcasses. Contamination of samples were used strains: Salmonella Enteritidis, Salmonella Typhimurium , Salmonella Hadar, Salmonella Infantis and Salmonella Virchow. Each strain from each dilution was placed on nutrient agar without the addition of chemical substances (the control), and on nutrient agar with various amounts of substances added 0,02%, 0,05%, 0,1%, 0,25%, 0,5%, 1%, 2% solutions of lactic acid. A concentration of up to 0.02% of lactic acid did not have a significant effect on the quantitative growth of Salmonella spp. .Lactic acid, starting from the con-centration of 0.1 %, completely inhibits growth of all the studied strains of Salmonella. 150 samples from broiler chicken breasts, was immersed for 2 minutes in 80 ml of Salmonella suspension containing 107 CFU. The sam-ples were then transferred to sterile beakers with 250 ml of 2% and 5% solutions of lactic acid for a period of 5 minutes. At a lactic acid concentration of 2%, the number of Salmonella, compared to the control, reductions ranging from 0,18 to 1,21 log. At the lactic acid concentration of 5%, the number of Salmonella, compared to the control, reductions ranging for from 2,69 log to 3,67 log. .
Effect of xylazine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine on cardiac conduction in pigs
Authors: CEPIEL ALICJA , NOSZCZYK-NOWAK AGNIESZKA , JANISZEWSKI ADRIAN , PASŁAWSKI ROBERT , PASŁAWSKA URSZULA
Published: December 2017

The majority of anaesthetics used in studies regarding heart arrhythmias may affect the cardiac conduction system, thus influencing the results. In veterinary medicine, xylazine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine are commonly used for premedication in laboratory and companion animals. To date, there have been no studies assessing the effect of these substances on the cardiac conduction system. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of xylazine, medetomidine and dexmedetomidine on the parameters of the cardiac conduction system in pigs. The study was carried out on 18 Great White Polish male pigs weighing from 21 to 40 kg. The animals were divided into three equal groups. The animals from the first group received xylazine at a dose of 2 mg/kg i.v.; those from the second group received medetomidine at 40 mcg/kg i.v.; and those from the third group received dexmedetomidine at 10 mcg/kg i.v. The electrophysiological activity of the heart was analysed using an invasive electrophysiological study (EPS). During the EPS, a decrease in the heart rate after substance administration was observed in all animals, but there were no statistically significant differences in the cardiac conduction parameters. A pro-arrhythmic effect of xylazine was observed, but no statistically significant changes in the EPS parameters were noted. Our results indicate that medetomidine and dexmedetomidine may be used as standard premedication drugs in electrophysiological studies in pigs. Their use may facilitate animal preparation procedures without affecting study results..
Visual and behavioral assessment versus cortisol level and racing performance in Purebred Arabian horses
Authors: JANCZAREK IWONA , KĘDZIERSKI WITOLD , WILK IZABELA , BRZOZOWSKA KARINA , ZASTRZEŻYŃSKA MONIKA
Published: December 2017

This paper analyses the hypothesis that there is a link between the psychophysical traits of horses trained for racing and the level of cortisol in the saliva and performance results in competitions. Based on this hypothesis, the objective of the study was to analyse the correlation between the evaluations of the psychosomatic status and the concentration of cortisol and performance parameters in racing horses. The study was carried out with 30 Purebred Arabian horses (15 stallions and 15 mares), aged 34–38 months. On the initial day of the experiment, the horses were kept in the area of the Służewiec Racetrack where they had arrived 3–4 months earlier. The horses were examined once, 2–3 days before the planned start of the first race. The examination was carried out during a daily training session. The visual and behavioural scores for the psychosomatic status of the horse were scaled from 1 to 5 and assigned by a trainer three times. The first assessment took place directly after physical exercise, the second 15 minutes following physical exercise, while the third one was 45 minutes after physical exercise. The following features were included: the manner of perspiration and some organoleptic characteristics of sweat, abdominal movements, gaze, head position and body movements during handling. The saliva for cortisol concentration measurements was sampled three times at time points coinciding with the observation of the psychosomatic status of the horses. The concentration of cortisol was determined with the immune-enzymatic method. In addition, an analysis of the selected performance parameters was conducted. The multivariate analysis of variance for repeated measurements, t-Tukey’s test and Spearman's rank correlations were performed. It was demonstrated that the assessment of the psychosomatic status in Purebred Arabian horses may be applied based only on an analysis of some parameters determined directly after physical exercise or during the first minutes of resting (regeneration). These elements mainly include the manner of sweating and various organoleptic features of the sweat. It was also emphasized that non-observable body movements, calming down during handling, and regular abdominal movements are beneficial for stallions..
MODERN CONSTITUTIONAL AND LEGAL ASPECTS OF THE ISSUES OF THE INSTITUTION OF CITIZENSHIP IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Балаян Эллада , Balayan Ellada
Published: December 2017

As a result of the research of certain topical problems of Russian citizenship, the author makes the following basic conclusions. First of all, it is necessary to point out the existence of some problems and gaps in the legal regulation of the acquisition of citizenship of the Russian Federation and the deprivation of Russian citizenship. In particular, attention is focused on the absence in the Russian legislation of a legal norm that fixes the magnitude of the legitimate source of livelihood. In addition, the author proposes to include in the norm of the Federal Law «On Citizenship of the Russian Federation» a possibility for persons with special merits to the Russian Federation to be accepted into the citizenship of the Russian Federation without observing the conditions stipulated for the acquisition of citizenship in the «general order». In conclusion, the author proves that at the present stage of the development of the society, the state and the international law, it is unjustified to deprive those participating in terrorist acts of Russian citizenship.
THE UNIQUE OBJECTS OF UNIVERSITY STRUCTURE: THE BIOSTATION AND THE HEERBARIUM OF KEMEROVO STATE UNIVERSITY
Authors: Корнишин Владимир , Kornishin Vladimir , Невзоров Борис , Nevzorov Boris , Филиппова Александра , Filippova Alexandra
Published: December 2017

Unique objects of university structure are those performing important educational, awareness-raising or scientifi functions. These include buildings and structures, ultramodern technical devices and equipment built according to special projects with a specifi purpose and aimed at solving original problems. In addition, these facilities are very expensive structures, with modern technologies invested, which require high-quality specialists for their performance. However, this does not mean that only facilities and technologies of a similar level can be unique objects. The diversity of university life in general and the traditional diversity of activities aimed at updating specialist training and scientifi development require an option for creating traditional, continuity-requiring conditions that would ensure transfer of best practices and their development. At the same time, classical universities have always paid great attention to the study of natural phenomena in all their diversity. This article represents two subjects that allow biologists to penetrate deeply into the essence of all the specifi of the development and natural diversity of biological objects. Also, an important role is played by the fact that, when working with these facilities, future specialists acquire primary experience in organizing scientifi research and managing these objects.
MORPHOFUNCTIONAL AND PSYCHO-PHYSIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF TEENAGERS’ DEVELOPMENT IN CORRELATION WITH LIFESTYLE FACTORS
Authors: Блинова Нина , Blinova Nina , Кошко Наталья , Koshko Nataliya , Дорошина Ольга , Doroshina Olga , Федоров Александр , Fedorov Alexandr
Published: December 2017

The current paper features the impact the lifestyle of modern teenagers has on their psycho-physiological development. It shows an analysis of the nutrition and motor activity of adolescents aged 12-13 and the gender differences in their psycho-physiological and morphofunctional development. A complex analysis of lifestyle factors (day regimen, nutrition balance, level of motor activity) have allowed the authors to classify 66,7 % of adolescents as«low risk» of health disorders development and 33,3 % as an «increased risk» group. The«low risk» group has a greater number of representatives with harmonious physical development, a high level of neurodynamic indicators, memory and attention. A correlation analysis of lifestyle and indicators of morphofunctional and psycho-physiological development has been carried out. The interrelation between the features of nutrition and the motor activity of adolescents has been established by the indicators of psycho-physiological development.
When do institutions work? A comparison of two water disputes over the Ganges, Brahmaputra and Meghna river basins
Authors: Xie Lei , Rahaman Muhammad Mizanur , Shen Wei
Published: December 2017

This article investigates the motives and incentives that drive countries' diplomatic efforts in water disputes. It aims to identify links between the formation of water management institutions (WMIs) and the outcomes of such institutional cooperation. Three features have been identified as key to the effectiveness of WMIs: (1) the development of trust; (2) sanctions aimed at curbing cheating; and (3) the balancing of different countries’ interests over shared waters. This article conducts a comparative analysis of the formation of institutional arrangements among three riparian states by focusing on two cases: water interactions between China and India, and between India and Bangladesh. It argues that India, China and Bangladesh have exhibited different preferences in regard to their participation in WMIs. The two cases illustrate how different WMIs are formed and also how, in proportion to variations in the level of competition over water quantity, diplomatic cooperation through environmental agreements can lead to different outcomes with varying degrees of success. This article concludes that in the context of the global South, where foreign relations are unstable and countries’ reliance on river basins varied, building trust and balancing interests over water management are especially important to the formation of effective institutional arrangements.
Hydrochemical characteristics and water quality assessment of surface water in the northeast Tibetan Plateau of China
Authors: Zhang Qian , Wang Shengli , Yousaf Muhammad , Wang Shuixian , Nan Zhongren , Ma Jianmin , Wang Depeng , Zang Fei
Published: December 2017

The Tibetan Plateau is very important as it provides water resources for about 40% of the world's population and the runoff-yield area of the Yellow rivers. In this paper, the water quality in Xiahe County, located in the northeast Tibetan Plateau, was investigated. Six parameters (chloride, chemical oxygen demand, ammonia nitrogen, nitrate, fluoride, sulfate) were selected to assess the quality and health status of surface water in Xiahe County. The main types of hydrochemical in the surface water were considered to be Mg2+-Ca2+-HCO3−-Cl− and Mg2+-Ca2+-HCO3−. The cations and anions were mainly from weathering and dissolution of carbonate rock. Fuzzy comprehensive evaluation (FCE) results showed that the water quality in all 69 sampling sites was all class I. The integrated health status was higher than 0.95 and the health rate was 100%. Although ammonia nitrogen was recognized as the main contaminant, it had little effect on the entire body of water. Overall, the surface water qualities of most samples in Xiahe County were found to be in good condition.
Clinical Outcomes of Repeated Intraventricular Transplantation of Autologous Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells in Chronic Haemorrhagic Stroke. A One-Year Follow Up
Authors: Al Fauzi Asra , Sumorejo Purwati , Suroto Nur Setiawan , Parenrengi Muhammad Arifin , Wahyuhadi Joni , Turchan Agus , Mahyudin Ferdiansyah , Suroto Heri , Rantam Fedik Abdul , Machfoed Mochammad Hasan , Bajamal Abdul Hafid , Lumenta Christianto Benjamin
Published: December 2017

Object:

Stroke, one of the most devastating diseases, is a leading cause of death and disability throughout the world and is also associated with emotional and economic problems. The main goal of this study was to investigate the clinical outcome of the intraventricular transplantation of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) in post-haemorrhagic stroke patients.

Method:

This study was done consisting of eight patients with supratentorial haemorrhagic stroke, who had undergone 24 weeks of standard treatment of stroke with stable neurological deficits. All of the patients received stem cell transplantation intraventricularly using autologous BM-MSCs. Six months and Twelve months after stem cells treatment, the clinical outcomes were measured using the National Institute of Health Stroke Scale (NIHSS) and adverse effect also observed.

Result:

The results of this study showed improvement of NIHSS score values before and after the treatment in five patients. No adverse effects or complications were detected during the 1-year observation.

Conclusion:

Intraventricular transplantation of BM-MSCs has shown benefits in improving the functional status of post-haemorrhagic stroke patients with no adverse effect.
Efficacy of Different Second-line Therapy Regimens in Metastatic Urothelial Carcinoma
Authors: Barwitz Lukas , Berger Anne , Zschaebitz Stefanie , Jenzer Max , Nientiedt Cathleen , Duensing Stefan , Jäger Dirk , Teber Dogu , Hohenfellner Markus , Grüllich Carsten
Published: December 2017

Introduction:

Metastatic Urothelial Cancer (UC) has a reported survival from platinum based chemotherapy of 15 months. Second line chemotherapy is considered relatively ineffective. Recently, new immuno-oncology drugs have been introduced.

Objectives:

Aim of this study was to analyze the survival by regimen and metastatic sites of second line treatment for UC.

Methods:

We analysed 70 patient receiving second line therapy between January 2010 and December 2016 at Heidelberg University Hospital. Median age was 60.9 years, male to female distribution was 74,3% to 25,7%. Regimens used were vinflunine (n=40, 57,1%) taxane based (n=20, 28,6%) and immunotherapy (n=9, 12,9%).

Results:

Median overall survival (OS) from first line therapy over all lines was 28,0 months. Median OS from second line was 14,7 months (95% CI, 11,4-18,0). No significant differences between regimens could be detected. OS of patients with lymphonodal only involvement (n=16, 22,5%) was 35.5 months (95% CI 0.0-73.9), OS with visceral metastases excluding liver was 14.7 months (95% CI 9.8-19.6) .and OS with any liver involvement was 9.4 months (95% CI 0.0-20.9).

Conclusion:

Second line therapy for UC of selected patients leads to a prolonged survival compared to historical data. The choice of regimen appears not to influence OS. Lymphnodal only involvement is associated with the best prognosis.
A practical approach for reducing the risk of plastic shrinkage cracking of concrete
Authors: Ghourchian Sadegh , Wyrzykowski Mateusz , Lura Pietro
Published: December 2017

In this letter, a conventional method for mitigation of plastic shrinkage of fresh concrete based on comparing bleeding and evaporation rates (the former based on the commonly observed values of bleeding rate and the latter estimated by means of the commonly-used ACI nomograph) is critically assessed. It is shown that even if the initial bleeding rates are sufficiently high (i.e. higher than the evaporation rates), cracking may still occur if all the bleed water is lost by evaporation between the times of initial and final set, leading to the rise of capillary pressure. An alternative and more conservative method should be thus based on the total (accumulated) amount of bleed water compared to the total amount of evaporated water. The former should take into account the concrete’s properties and the geometry of the member, while the latter can be assumed based on the nomograph method.
Dieta y reproducción de Bryconamericus caucanus (Characiformes: Characidae) en la Quebrada La Venada, Río Quindío, Colombia
Authors: Román P. Cristian , Román Valencia César
Published: December 2017

Objetivo. Se analizó la ecología trófica y reproductiva de Bryconamericus caucanus en la quebrada la Venada, Rio Quindío, Alto Cauca, Colombia. Materiales y métodos. Los ejemplares se recolectaron entre enero y diciembre del 2013. Se realizaron análisis multivariados para comparar las características tróficas entre épocas climáticas (bajas y altas lluvias), sexos y estados de madurez (juveniles y adultos). Se analizó también el factor de condición (K), porcentajes numéricos (%N), volumétricos (%V) y frecuencia de ocurrencia (%Fo) para cada presa. La proporción de sexos se evaluó usando pruebas de Chi-Cuadrado y se estimaron los indices gonadosomático (IGS) y de fecundidad absoluta (Fa). Resultados. Se analizó un total de 162 ejemplares (LS: 40-75 mm). Se encontró que B. caucanus es un pez insectívoro (86.47% IRI), con un consumo preponderante de ephemeropteros (Baetidae; 27.71%), hymenopteros (Formicidae; 23.57%), dipteros (Simuliidae 17.36%; Chironomidae 9.79%) y trichopteros (Hydropsychidae; 8.04). Los analisis multivariados revelaron diferencias tróficas entre épocas climáticas, con menor riqueza durante la época de sequía. Entre sexos, las hembras registran una mayor amplitud del nicho trófico. Los adultos, presentan una amplitud de nicho mayor a juveniles. La especie tiene dos eventos reproductivos en los periodos de altas lluvias relacionados con el incremento en la riqueza trófica durante las mismas épocas (i.e. marzo-abril, septiembre-noviembre). Conclusiones. B. caucanus presenta una segregación trófica incipiente entre estadios ontogénicos y sexos. La distinción trófica es sin embargo notable entre periodos climáticos. Los periodos de desove para B. caucanus ocurren a inicio de los periodos de lluvias (i.e. mayo-junio y septiembre-octubre).
Solubilización de fosfatos por bacterias nativas aisladas en tres agroecosistemas del Valle del Cauca (Colombia).
Authors: Sanclemente Oscar , Yacumal Viviana , Patiño Carlos
Published: December 2017

El fósforo (P) interviene en procesos de transferencia de energía y en reacciones químicas esenciales del metabolismo de las plantas, que lo toman del suelo en forma de fosfatos. La disponibilidad de P en el suelo, está limitada por procesos de fijación que incluyen su adsorción a la fracción mineral y reacciones de precipitación, siendo importante su solubilización. Esta investigación tuvo como objetivo evaluar la solubilización de fosfatos por bacterias nativas de tres agroecosistemas contiguos: monocultivo de caña de azúcar (CAÑ), pastizal (PAST) y guadual (GUAD), localizados en la hacienda Cantaclaro de Palmira (Colombia), con el fin de identificar las más eficientes. Se tomaron cinco submuestras de 100 g de suelo (0- 20 cm), en cada uno de los agroecosistemas. Para el aislamiento de las bacterias, se hicieron diluciones seriadas e inoculaciones en medio Pikovskaya (PVK), con fosfato de calcio como única fuente de P. Posteriormente, se evaluó la capacidad solubilizadora de P (CSF) de los aislados, midiendo los halos generados durante 20 días, finalmente, se realizó identificación molecular de las más eficientes. Se encontraron cinco aislados con alta CSF, dos en PAST, dos en GUAD y una en CAÑ. La cepa GUAD7 (Escherichia vulneris), que presentó CSF significativamente alta (p<0,05) durante toda la evaluación, no ha sido descrita como solubilizadora de fósforo hasta ahora. Los aislados GUAD5 (Pseudomonas fluorescens), PAST7 (Acinetobacter oleivorans), PAST8 (Acinetobacter calcoaceticus) y CAÑ6 (Pseudomonas entomophila), presentaron CSF intermedia durante la evaluación.
Caracterización del componente arbóreo de cercas vivas en sistemas agroforestales en el departamento de Nariño
Authors: Navia Jorge , Muñoz Diego , Solarte Jesús
Published: December 2017

Este estudio se realizó en los municipios de Guachucal y Cumbal, departamento de Nariño, donde se caracterizó el componente arbóreo presente en cercas vivas. Se seleccionaron 20 fincas por municipio, las cuales fueron estratificadas de acuerdo a su área, obteniendo 3 estratos: I (0,5 - 3 ha), II (3,1 - 6 ha) y III (> 6 ha). Posteriormente, se hizo un inventario florístico donde se evaluó densidad de cercas vivas por km, alturas, área de copa y la diversidad y abundancia de las especies; además del uso que los agricultores le dan a las mismas. Por medio de una ANDEVA, se analizó la funcionalidad de cercas vivas con base en el porcentaje de materia orgánica del suelo y porcentaje de humedad en pastos. Se obtuvo que la densidad promedio por km de cercas vivas fue de 415 individuos en Guachucal, y 416 individuos en Cumbal. Se reportaron un total de 19 especies y 8 familias en Guachucal y 28 especies y 12 familias en Cumbal. En ambos municipios el uso que le dan a las cercas vivas es leña, madera y postes. El porcentaje promedio de materia orgánica del suelo fue de 14,9% y de humedad en pastos del 60%, donde no se encontró diferencias significativas (p> 0,05) en los municipios. Los productores prefieren especies como eucaliptus globulus y cupressus lucitanica; así como las fincas de menor área poseen mayor porcentaje de cobertura arbórea en cercas vivas y Cumbal presentó mayor diversidad florística en cercas vivas a comparación de Guachucal.
Patient Willingness to Consent to Mobile Phone Data Collection for Mental Health Apps: Structured Questionnaire (Preprint)
Authors: Di Matteo Daniel , Fine Alexa , Fotinos Kathryn , Rose Jonathan , Katzman Martin
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

It has become possible to use data from a patient’s mobile phone as an adjunct or alternative to the traditional self-report and interview methods of symptom assessment in psychiatry. Mobile data–based assessment is possible because of the large amounts of diverse information available from a modern mobile phone, including geolocation, screen activity, physical motion, and communication activity. This data may offer much more fine-grained insight into mental state than traditional methods, and so we are motivated to pursue research in this direction. However, passive data retrieval could be an unwelcome invasion of privacy, and some may not consent to such observation. It is therefore important to measure patients’ willingness to consent to such observation if this approach is to be considered for general use.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to measure the ownership rates of mobile phones within the patient population, measure the patient population’s willingness to have their mobile phone used as an experimental assessment tool for their mental health disorder, and, finally, to determine how likely patients would be to provide consent for each individual source of mobile phone–collectible data across the variety of potential data sources.

METHODS

New patients referred to a tertiary care mood and anxiety disorder clinic from August 2016 to October 2017 completed a survey designed to measure their mobile phone ownership, use, and willingness to install a mental health monitoring app and provide relevant data through the app.

RESULTS

Of the 82 respondents, 70 (85%) reported owning an internet-connected mobile phone. When asked about installing a hypothetical mobile phone app to assess their mental health disorder, 41% (33/80) responded with complete willingness to install with another 43% (34/80) indicating potential willingness to install such an app. Willingness to give permissions for specific types of data varied by data source, with respondents least willing to consent to audio recording and analysis (19% [15/80] willing respondents, 31% [25/80] potentially willing) and most willing to consent to observation of the mobile phone screen being on or off (46% [36/79] willing respondents and 23% [18/79] potentially willing).

CONCLUSIONS

The patients surveyed had a high incidence of ownership of internet-connected mobile phones, which suggests some plausibility for the general approach of mental health state inference through mobile phone data. Patients were also relatively willing to consent to data collection from sources that were less personal but expressed less willingness for the most personal communication and location data.
Effects of Contributor Experience on the Quality of Health-Related Wikipedia Articles (Preprint)
Authors: Holtz Peter , Fetahu Besnik , Kimmerle Joachim
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

Consulting the Internet for health-related information is a common and widespread phenomenon, and Wikipedia is arguably one of the most important resources for health-related information. Therefore, it is relevant to identify factors that have an impact on the quality of health-related Wikipedia articles.

OBJECTIVE

In our study we have hypothesized a positive effect of contributor experience on the quality of health-related Wikipedia articles.

METHODS

We mined the edit history of all (as of February 2017) 18,805 articles that were listed in the categories on the portal health & fitness in the English language version of Wikipedia. We identified tags within the articles’ edit histories, which indicated potential issues with regard to the respective article’s quality or neutrality. Of all of the sampled articles, 99 (99/18,805, 0.53%) articles had at some point received at least one such tag. In our analysis we only considered those articles with a minimum of 10 edits (10,265 articles in total; 96 tagged articles, 0.94%). Additionally, to test our hypothesis, we constructed contributor profiles, where a profile consisted of all the articles edited by a contributor and the corresponding number of edits contributed. We did not differentiate between rollbacks and edits with novel content.

RESULTS

Nonparametric Mann-Whitney U-tests indicated a higher number of previously edited articles for editors of the nontagged articles (mean rank tagged 2348.23, mean rank nontagged 5159.29; U=9.25, P<.001). However, we did not find a significant difference for the contributors’ total number of edits (mean rank tagged 4872.85, mean rank nontagged 5135.48; U=0.87, P=.39). Using logistic regression analysis with the respective article’s number of edits and number of editors as covariates, only the number of edited articles yielded a significant effect on the article’s status as tagged versus nontagged (dummy-coded; Nagelkerke R2 for the full model=.17; B [SE B]=-0.001 [0.00]; Wald c2 [1]=19.70; P<.001), whereas we again found no significant effect for the mere number of edits (Nagelkerke R2 for the full model=.15; B [SE B]=0.000 [0.01]; Wald c2 [1]=0.01; P=.94).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate an effect of contributor experience on the quality of health-related Wikipedia articles. However, only the number of previously edited articles was a predictor of the articles’ quality but not the mere volume of edits. More research is needed to disentangle the different aspects of contributor experience. We have discussed the implications of our findings with respect to ensuring the quality of health-related information in collaborative knowledge-building platforms.
eHealth Literacy in People Living with HIV: Systematic Review (Preprint)
Authors: Han Hae-Ra , Hong Hyejeong , Starbird Laura E , Ge Song , Ford Athena D , Renda Susan , Sanchez Michael , Stewart Jennifer
Published: December 2017

BACKGROUND

In the era of eHealth, eHealth literacy is emerging as a key concept to promote self-management of chronic conditions such as HIV. However, there is a paucity of research focused on eHealth literacy for people living with HIV (PLWH) as a means of improving their adherence to HIV care and health outcome.

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to critically appraise the types, scope, and nature of studies addressing eHealth literacy as a study variable in PLWH.

METHODS

This systematic review used comprehensive database searches, such as PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, Web of Science, and Cochrane, to identify quantitative studies targeting PLWH published in English before May 2017 with eHealth literacy as a study variable.

RESULTS

We identified 56 unique records, and 7 papers met the eligibility criteria. The types of study designs varied (descriptive, n=3; quasi-experimental, n=3; and experimental, n=1) and often involved community-based settings (n=5), with sample sizes ranging from 18 to 895. In regards to instruments used, 3 studies measured eHealth literacy with validated instruments such as the eHealth Literacy Scale (eHEALS); 2 studies used full or short versions of Test of Functional Health Literacy in Adults, whereas the remaining 2 studies used study-developed questions. The majority of studies included in the review reported high eHealth literacy among the samples. The associations between eHealth literacy and health outcomes in PLWH were not consistent. In the areas of HIV transmission risk, retention in care, treatment adherence, and virological suppression, the role of eHealth literacy is still not fully understood. Furthermore, the implications for future research are discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

Understanding the role of eHealth literacy is an essential step to encourage PLWH to be actively engaged in their health care. Avenues to pursue in the role of eHealth literacy and PLWH should consider the development and use of standardized eHealth literacy definitions and measures.
Effects of grit on academic achievement and career-related attitudes of college students in Korea
Authors: Lee Suran , Sohn Young Woo
Published: December 2017

Researchers have found that outstanding performance entails not only innate talent but also focused practice and effort over time. Because college students must simultaneously strive for academic achievement and prepare for a future career, we tested 253 students to examine the effects
of grit and deliberate practice on academic achievement and career attitudes in a Korean context. Results showed that grit was associated with higher grades, and that this relationship was mediated by deliberate practice. Grit was a significant predictor of career preparation behavior and
major–career relatedness when academic year and the Big Five personality characteristics were controlled for. With this study, we have contributed to the expertise literature by clarifying how grit influences college students' academic achievement and career-related attitudes.
New employee intention to leave and consequent work performance: Does leadership style matter?
Authors: Tao Jun , Jiang Wanxing , Liu Chang , Yang Xin , Zhang Weiguo , Zhang Haomin
Published: December 2017

We examined how leadership style affects the relationship between new employee intention to leave (NEIL) and the consequent work performance of that employee. We focused on NEIL with employees who had begun work at a large hospitality firm in China, and tested the consequences of leadership
style on their work performance. We compared the moderating effects of abusive and ethical leadership styles on the relationship between NEIL and the employees' consequent work performance. We collected survey data from responses from a sample of 355 leader–employee dyads, with 61 leaders
supervising the groups of employees. Results showed that NEIL had a negative effect on the employees' consequent work performance. In addition, an abusive leadership style increased this negative effect, whereas an ethical leadership style helped to neutralize the effect.
INVESTIMENTO ESTRANGEIRO DIRETO E O SETOR DE SERVIÇOS DE TELECOMUNICAÇÕES BRASILEIRO
Authors: Prado Jefferson Nery do , Fernandes Elaine Aparecida , Toyoshima Silvia Harumi , Silva Evaldo Henrique da
Published: December 2017

O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar a capacidade de inovação tecnológica das empresas nacionais e estrangeiras no setor de serviços de telecomunicações. Para a apuração dessa capacidade, esta pesquisa elabora o índice de capacidade de inovação por meio dos microdados da Pesquisa de Inovação Tecnológica. Constata-se que não há distinção entre intensidade de inovação de empresas nacionais e estrangeiras, que apresentam índices médios de 0,4265 e 0,4196, respectivamente. Desse modo, conclui-se que a atividade de geração de inovação no Brasil (considerando empresas nacionais e estrangeiras), medida pelas atividades de pesquisa e desenvolvimento (P&D) desenvolvidas internamente na empresa, não ocorreu nem para adaptação de inovações geradas externamente, o que é preocupante, pois atualmente são necessários gastos em P&D significativos para apenas imitar.