bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Polyethylenimine Assisted Bio-Inspired Surface Functionalization of Hexagonal Boron Nitride for Enhancing the Crystallization and the Properties of Poly(Arylene Ether Nitrile)
Authors: Wang Yajie , Tong Lifen , You Yong , Tu Ling , Zhou Meirong , Liu Xiaobo
Published: May 2019

Semi-crystalline poly(arylene ether nitrile) (PEN) has exhibited remarkable potential in various fields. However, the inherent drawbacks of PEN such as slow crystalline rate and low crystallinity limit its further development. To alleviate this problem, the choice of nanofiller as nucleation agent and the interfacial compatibility between nanofiller and PEN matrix are two momentous factors that need to be considered. Accordingly, in this work, functionalized hexagonal boron nitride (h-BN@(PDA+PEI)) was successfully synthesized via polyethylenimine (PEI) assisted bio-inspired surface functionalization, and then homogeneously dispersed in the PEN resin using solution casting method to obtain functional polymer nanocomposite films with strengthening the crystallization behavior, mechanical and dielectric properties. Various testing methods including differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and polarizing microscope (POM) were applied to intricately analyze the effect of h-BN@(PDA+PEI) on the crystallization behavior of PEN composites. The testing results certificated that the h-BN@(PDA+PEI) can effectively improve the crystallinity (from 6.56% to 14.90%), and the spherulite size of PEN was reduced while the nucleation density of nanocomposites was raised. Furthermore, the non-isothermal crystallization kinetics demonstrated that 2 wt% h-BN@(PDA+PEI) could significantly reduce the cold crystallization temperature (Tp) and the crystallization activation energy (Ea) (from 359.7 KJ/mol to 292.8 KJ/mol), while it improved the crystallization rate (Kc) of PEN. In addition, the mechanical and dielectric properties of nanocomposite films were also reinforced to further broaden the application of semi-crystalline PEN. Therefore, the h-BN@(PDA+PEI) can function as an effectual nucleating agent and enhance the performance of PEN.
Effect of the Order-Disorder Transition on the Seebeck Coefficient of Nanostructured Thermoelectric Cu2ZnSnS4
Authors: Isotta Eleonora , Fanciulli Carlo , Pugno Nicola M. , Scardi Paolo
Published: May 2019

Bulk samples of kesterite (Cu2ZnSnS4, CZTS) were produced by cold-pressing and sintering of CZTS powders obtained via reactive ball-milling. An increase in the Seebeck coefficient of more than 100 μV/K, almost doubling the expected value, is noticed around a temperature of 260 °C. As pointed out by thermal analyses, this is due to a second order transition of kesterite from an ordered I-4 to a disordered I-42m crystal structure. Conversely to what happens for solar cell materials, where the transition is considered to be detrimental for the performance, it appears to be beneficial for the thermoelectric Seebeck coefficient, suggesting that higher crystal symmetry and cation-disorder due to the transition lead to thermopower enhancement.
Blind Analysis of Food-Related IgG Identifies Five Possible Nutritional Clusters for the Italian Population: Future Implications for Pregnancy and Lactation
Authors: Piuri Gabriele , Ferrazzi Enrico , Speciani Attilio Francesco
Published: May 2019

Background: The influence of diet in pregnant women on the immune tolerance process is intricate. Food-specific immunoglobulin G (IgG) was associated with exposure to particular food antigens. The IgG antibodies can cross the placental barrier and enter into the colostrum, and maternal IgG is amply present in breast milk. This justifies studying the immunological connection between food-specific IgG antibodies and the mother–fetus relationship. This study was designed to analyze food-specific IgG concentrations and possible food-specific IgG concentration clusters in a large cohort of subjects with a common food culture. Methods: Food-specific IgG antibody concentrations were detected in 18,012 Caucasian or Southern European subjects over 18 years of age. We used an unsupervised hierarchical clustering algorithm to explore varying degrees of similarity among food-specific IgG antibodies. Results: We identified five food groups by the evaluation of food-specific IgG values: one includes foods with a high nickel content, the second cluster is associated with gluten, the third cluster includes dairy products, the fourth one is connected to fermented foods, and the last group is correlated with cooked oils. Discussion: The knowledge derived from studying a large sample allows us to determine food-specific IgG values from a single pregnant woman, compare it to an epidemic standard, and establish modifications required in her lifestyle to modulate her nutritional habits.
Food and Food Products on the Italian Market for Ketogenic Dietary Treatment of Neurological Diseases
Authors: Leone Alessandro , De Amicis Ramona , Lessa Chiara , Tagliabue Anna , Trentani Claudia , Ferraris Cinzia , Battezzati Alberto , Veggiotti Pierangelo , Foppiani Andrea , Ravella Simone , Bertoli Simona
Published: May 2019

The ketogenic diet (KD) is the first line intervention for glucose transporter 1 deficiency syndrome and pyruvate dehydrogenase deficiency, and is recommended for refractory epilepsy. It is a normo-caloric, high-fat, adequate-protein, and low-carbohydrate diet aimed at switching the brain metabolism from glucose dependence to the utilization of ketone bodies. Several variants of KD are currently available. Depending on the variant, KDs require the almost total exclusion, or a limited consumption of carbohydrates. Thus, there is total avoidance, or a limited consumption of cereal-based foods, and a reduction in fruit and vegetable intake. KDs, especially the more restrictive variants, are characterized by low variability, palatability, and tolerability, as well as by side-effects, like gastrointestinal disorders, nephrolithiasis, growth retardation, hyperlipidemia, and mineral and vitamin deficiency. In recent years, in an effort to improve the quality of life of patients on KDs, food companies have started to develop, and commercialize, several food products specific for such patients. This review summarizes the foods themselves, including sweeteners, and food products currently available for the ketogenic dietary treatment of neurological diseases. It describes the nutritional characteristics and gives indications for the use of the different products, taking into account their metabolic and health effects.
Iron Supplementation Therapy, A Friend and Foe of Mycobacterial Infections?
Authors: Agoro Rafiou , Mura Catherine
Published: May 2019

Iron is an essential element that is required for oxygen transfer, redox, and metabolic activities in mammals and bacteria. Mycobacteria, some of the most prevalent infectious agents in the world, require iron as growth factor. Mycobacterial-infected hosts set up a series of defense mechanisms, including systemic iron restriction and cellular iron distribution, whereas mycobacteria have developed sophisticated strategies to acquire iron from their hosts and to protect themselves from iron’s harmful effects. Therefore, it is assumed that host iron and iron-binding proteins, and natural or synthetic chelators would be keys targets to inhibit mycobacterial proliferation and may have a therapeutic potential. Beyond this hypothesis, recent evidence indicates a host protective effect of iron against mycobacterial infections likely through promoting remodeled immune response. In this review, we discuss experimental procedures and clinical observations that highlight the role of the immune response against mycobacteria under various iron availability conditions. In addition, we discuss the clinical relevance of our knowledge regarding host susceptibility to mycobacteria in the context of iron availability and suggest future directions for research on the relationship between host iron and the immune response and the use of iron as a therapeutic agent.
Vibrating Mesh Nebulisation of Pro-Antimicrobial Peptides for Use in Cystic Fibrosis
Authors: Forde Éanna , Kelly Graeme , Sweeney Louise , Fitzgerald-Hughes Deirdre , MacLoughlin Ronan , Devocelle Marc
Published: May 2019

Background: There has been considerable interest in the use of antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) as antimicrobial therapeutics in many conditions including cystic fibrosis (CF). The aim of this study is to determine if the prodrugs of AMPs (pro-AMPs) can be delivered to the lung by a vibrating mesh nebuliser (VMN) and whether the pro-AMP modification has any effect on delivery. Methods: Physical characteristics of the peptides (AMP and pro-AMP) and antimicrobial activity were compared before and after nebulisation. Droplet size distribution was determined by laser diffraction and cascade impaction. Delivery to a model lung was determined in models of spontaneously-breathing and mechanically-ventilated patients. Results: The physical characteristics and antimicrobial activities were unchanged after nebulisation. Mean droplet size diameters were below 5 μm in both determinations, with the fine particle fraction approximately 67% for both peptides. Approximately 25% of the nominal dose was delivered in the spontaneously-breathing model for both peptides, with higher deliveries observed in the mechanically-ventilated model. Delivery times were approximately 170 s per mL for both peptides and the residual volume in the nebuliser was below 10% in nearly all cases. Conclusions: These results demonstrate that the delivery of (pro-)AMPs to the lung using a VMN is feasible and that the prodrug modification is not detrimental. They support the further development of pro-AMPs as therapeutics in CF.
Nonconscious Cognitive Suffering: Considering Suffering Risks of Embodied Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Umbrello Steven , Sorgner Stefan Lorenz
Published: May 2019

Strong arguments have been formulated that the computational limits of disembodied artificial intelligence (AI) will, sooner or later, be a problem that needs to be addressed. Similarly, convincing cases for how embodied forms of AI can exceed these limits makes for worthwhile research avenues. This paper discusses how embodied cognition brings with it other forms of information integration and decision-making consequences that typically involve discussions of machine cognition and similarly, machine consciousness. N. Katherine Hayles’s novel conception of nonconscious cognition in her analysis of the human cognition-consciousness connection is discussed in relation to how nonconscious cognition can be envisioned and exacerbated in embodied AI. Similarly, this paper offers a way of understanding the concept of suffering in a way that is different than the conventional sense of attributing it to either a purely physical state or a conscious state, instead of grounding at least a type of suffering in this form of cognition.
Efficient Dual-Wavelengths Continuous Mode Lasers by End-Pumping of Series Nd:YVO4 and Nd:GdVO4 Crystals and Speckle Reduction Study
Authors: Mohamed Mahmoud , Zhang Bin , Ma Qianli , Kneller Josh , Xu Chang-Qing
Published: May 2019

In this paper, diode pumped solid state (DPSS) lasers based on end-pumping series N d : Y V O 4 and N d : G d V O 4 crystals were studied. Dual-, tri-, and quad-wavelength emissions were achieved. In the dual-wavelength emission operation, an optical-to-optical efficiency (O-O) of 48.9% and the power instability was 0.4% were obtained. These are the most efficient and compact lasers operating in continuous wave mode reported to date with series crystals. Besides this, the effect of changing power ratio between the output laser powers on speckle reduction was investigated for the first time. In addition, tri and quad wavelength emissions were achieved with a reasonable efficiency simply by optimizing the cavity parameters.
Verifying the Representativeness of Water-Quality Monitoring to Manage Water Levels in the Wicheon River, South Korea
Authors: Ahn Jung Min , Kim Yong-Seok
Published: May 2019

Changes in water level between the mainstems and tributaries of a river can create backflow effects that alter the representativeness of water-quality monitoring data. In South Korea, 16 multi-functional weirs intended to manage water levels were constructed on 4 major rivers as part of a restoration project. However, they are causing backwater effects in tributaries that coincide with poorer water-quality measurements at monitoring stations along these tributaries despite there being no change in upstream pollution sources. Therefore, this study developed a new methodology for verifying the representativeness of a water-quality monitoring network via spatiotemporal observations of electrical conductivity, self-organizing maps for monthly pattern analysis, locally weighted scatter plot smoothing for trend analysis, load duration curves, and numerical modeling. This approach was tested on the Wicheon River, a primary tributary of the Nakdong River, because the measured decline in water quality there has the potential to trigger major policy changes in the basin including limits on local development. The results clearly show that the monitoring station in the lower Wicheon is negatively affected by weir-derived backwater from the Nakdong, suggesting that this station needs to be moved upstream or a new station established upstream, beyond the backwater effects. Our approach was able to assess clearly the representativeness of an existing water-quality monitoring network using widely accessible data and methods, making this type of assessment applicable to many other situations around the world.
Performance Evaluation of Composite from Recycled Polypropylene Reinforced with Mengkuang Leaf Fiber
Authors: Abdullah Mohamad Zaki , Che Aslan Nasrul Haziq
Published: May 2019

Due to environmental concerns, plastic recycling and natural fiber composites have been given more attention lately. In Malaysia, mengkuang leaf fiber (MLF) has been identified as a potential candidate to be used as a reinforcing fiber. The combination of recycled polypropylene (r-PP) and MLF could result in an inexpensive and sustainable composite. However, the mechanical properties of this composite have not been fully studied. The aim of this work was to evaluate tensile, flexural and impact properties of r-PP/MLF composites with and without sodium hydroxide (NaOH) treatment and maleic anhydride-grafted polypropylene (MAPP). The composite consisted of 60 wt.% of r-PP and 40 wt.% of MLF. The composite was compounded by twin-screw extruder and test specimens were fabricated using an injection molding process. Generally, the tensile and flexural properties showed improvements, especially those with MAPP and alkaline treatment, compared to neat r-PP. Improvements in tensile strength and modulus of approximately 28% and 224% were achieved for r-PP/Treated MLF/MAPP composite respectively. However, an adverse effect was observed in the impact strength of the composite, which was expected due to the nature of short fiber employed in this work.
Nonlinear Constrained Moving Horizon Estimation Applied to Vehicle Position Estimation
Authors: Brembeck Jonathan
Published: May 2019

The design of high–performance state estimators for future autonomous vehicles constitutes a challenging task, because of the rising complexity and demand for operational safety. In this application, a vehicle state observer with a focus on the estimation of the quantities position, yaw angle, velocity, and yaw rate, which are necessary for a path following control for an autonomous vehicle, is discussed. The synthesis of the vehicle’s observer model is a trade-off between modelling complexity and performance. To cope with the vehicle still stand situations, the framework provides an automatic event handling functionality. Moreover, by means of an efficient root search algorithm, map-based information on the current road boundaries can be determined. An extended moving horizon state estimation algorithm enables the incorporation of delayed low bandwidth Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) measurements—including out of sequence measurements—as well as the possibility to limit the vehicle position change through the knowledge of the road boundaries. Finally, different moving horizon observer configurations are assessed in a comprehensive case study, which are compared to a conventional extended Kalman filter. These rely on real-world experiment data from vehicle testdrive experiments, which show very promising results for the proposed approach.
UV Sensitivity of MOS Structures with Silicon Nanoclusters
Authors: Curiel Mario , Nedev Nicola , Paz Judith , Perez Oscar , Valdez Benjamin , Mateos David , Arias Abraham , Nesheva Diana , Manolov Emil , Nedev Roumen , Dzhurkov Valeri
Published: May 2019

Selective UV sensitivity was observed in Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor structures with Si nanoclusters. Si nanocrystals and amorphous Si nanoparticles (a-Si NPs) were obtained by furnace annealing of SiOx films with x = 1.15 for 60 min in N2 at 1000 and 700 °C, respectively. XPS and TEM analysis prove phase separation and formation of Si nanocrystals in SiO2, while the a-Si NPs are formed in SiO1.7 matrix. Both types of structures show selective sensitivity to UV light; the effect is more pronounced in the structure with nanocrystals. The responsivity of the nanocrystal structure to 365 nm UV light is ~ 4 times higher than that to green light at 4 V applied to the top contact. The observed effect is explained by assuming that only short wavelength radiation generates photocarriers in the amorphous and crystalline nanoclusters.
Microcontroller Implementation of Support Vector Machine for Detecting Blood Glucose Levels Using Breath Volatile Organic Compounds
Authors: Boubin Matthew , Shrestha Sudhir
Published: May 2019

This paper presents an embedded system-based solution for sensor arrays to estimate blood glucose levels from volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in a patient’s breath. Support vector machine (SVM) was trained on a general-purpose computer using an existing SVM library. A training model, optimized to achieve the most accurate results, was implemented in a microcontroller with an ATMega microprocessor. Training and testing was conducted using artificial breath that mimics known VOC footprints of high and low blood glucose levels. The embedded solution was able to correctly categorize the corresponding glucose levels of the artificial breath samples with 97.1% accuracy. The presented results make a significant contribution toward the development of a portable device for detecting blood glucose levels from a patient’s breath.
Observing the Viscous Relaxation Process of Silica Optical Fiber at ~1000 °C Using Regenerated Fiber Bragg Grating
Authors: Cui Zhiru , Gong Jianhui , Wang Chen , Che Nana , Zhao Yanshuang , Chai Quan , Qi Haifeng , Lewis Elfed , Ren Jing , Zhang Jianzhong , Yang Jun , Yuan Libo , Peng Gang-Ding
Published: May 2019

A regenerated fiber Bragg grating (RFBG) in silica fiber was used to observe the viscous relaxation process of the host silica fiber at high temperatures of around 1000 °C. Two factors, preannealing time and loaded tension, which affect viscous relaxation, were observed. When an RFBG is stretched after a longer preannealing, the measured viscosity of the optical fiber was observed to reach equilibrium faster, which means that preannealing accelerates viscous relaxation. A similar acceleration phenomenon was also observed when a larger load was applied to stretch the optical fiber, although the acceleration effect of loaded tension was not as strong as in the preannealing case. The results play an active role in establishing effective optical-fiber devices for application in high-temperature environments.
Tapered Optical Fibre Sensors: Current Trends and Future Perspectives
Authors: Korposh Sergiy , James Stephen , Lee Seung-Woo , Tatam Ralph
Published: May 2019

The development of reliable, affordable and efficient sensors is a key step in providing tools for efficient monitoring of critical environmental parameters. This review focuses on the use of tapered optical fibres as an environmental sensing platform. Tapered fibres allow access to the evanescent wave of the propagating mode, which can be exploited to facilitate chemical sensing by spectroscopic evaluation of the medium surrounding the optical fibre, by measurement of the refractive index of the medium, or by coupling to other waveguides formed of chemically sensitive materials. In addition, the reduced diameter of the tapered section of the optical fibre can offer benefits when measuring physical parameters such as strain and temperature. A review of the basic sensing platforms implemented using tapered optical fibres and their application for development of fibre-optic physical, chemical and bio-sensors is presented.
Sex Trafficking at the Border: An Exploration of Anti-Trafficking Efforts in the Pacific Northwest
Authors: Norfolk Alexander , Hallgrimsdottir Helga
Published: May 2019

The prevalence of human trafficking for the purposes of sexual exploitation and forced labour in the Pacific Northwest has been well documented in recent years. This paper focuses specifically on trafficking for sex work across the British Columbia and Washington State border and seeks to determine whether the border is an effective instrument or tool for the identification and intervention of human trafficking for sex work. We provide an exploration of the legal frameworks and policies on either side of the border and offer an analysis of the cross-border anti-trafficking efforts carried out at the borderlands. The paper concludes that current mechanisms fail to appropriately address and combat the issue of cross-border sex trafficking for several reasons, including the following: a lack of uniform definitions of sex trafficking; the conflation of migrant sex work and sex trafficking, leading to misidentification at the border; and an emphasis on border security measures over victim support. Recommendations for enhanced responses are provided.
Sleep Patterns, Alertness, Dietary Intake, Muscle Soreness, Fatigue, and Mental Stress Recorded before, during and after Ramadan Observance
Authors: Boukhris Omar , Trabelsi Khaled , Shephard Roy Jesse , Hsouna Hsen , Abdessalem Raouf , Chtourou Lassaad , Ammar Achraf , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Chtourou Hamdi
Published: May 2019

Ramadan is one of the pillars of the Islamic creed. Its observance commonly causes chrono-biological changes. The present study examined sleep and alertness during Ramadan observance relative to data collected before and after Ramadan in a sample of young, physically active men. Information was also collected on dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress over the three periods. Fourteen physically active men (age: 21.6 ± 3.3 years, height: 1.77 ± 0.06 m, body-mass: 73.1 ± 9.0 kg) completed the Hooper questionnaire and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and responded to the digit cancellation test (DCT) fifteen days before Ramadan, during the last ten days of Ramadan and 20 days after Ramadan. The PSQI results indicated that sleep duration was significantly longer before Ramadan (p = 0.003) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04) compared to during Ramadan and was longer before Ramadan than after Ramadan (p = 0.04). In addition, the sleep efficiency was lower during Ramadan in comparison to before Ramadan (p = 0.02) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04). The daytime dysfunction score increased during Ramadan in comparison with before Ramadan (p = 0.01) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04), and the sleep quality score was higher during (p = 0.003) and after Ramadan (p = 0.04) as compared to before Ramadan. The sleep disturbance score increased during Ramadan relative to before Ramadan (p = 0.04). However, Ramadan observance had no significant effect on sleep latency. Mental alertness also decreased at the end of Ramadan compared to before (p = 0.003) or after Ramadan (p = 0.01). Dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress as estimated by the Hooper questionnaire remained unchanged over the three periods of the investigation (p > 0.05). In conclusion, Ramadan observance had an adverse effect on sleep quantity and on mental alertness, but not on sleep quality. However, dietary intake, muscle soreness, fatigue, and mental stress remained unaffected.
Morphology of Dried Drop Patterns of Saliva from a Healthy Individual Depending on the Dynamics of Its Surface Tension
Authors: Bel’skaya Lyudmila V. , Sarf Elena A. , Solonenko Anna P.
Published: May 2019

Background: The study of processes in the drying drops of biological fluids (dried drop patterns) and the method of dynamic surface tensiometry can be attributed to integral methods of assessing the state of the organism. Research objective: to establish the relationship between the type of crystallization patterns and the surface tension of human saliva in normal conditions. Methods: 100 volunteers (40 males, 60 females) that were aged 30–59 participated in the study. In all saliva samples, the parameters of dynamic tensiometry, types of crystallization patterns and 11 biochemical parameters were determined. Results: No statistically significant differences in the saliva crystallization patterns were observed, depending on the age and gender characteristics of the volunteers. A negative correlation of the area of the crystallization zone and the surface tension of saliva is shown. When considering the crystallization patterns, their considerable variability was noted; on this basis, the entire studied sample was divided into four clusters by surface tension. Conclusion: In general, the crystallization patterns that are inside the selected groups remain quite heterogeneous. This increases the likelihood of making an incorrect diagnosis when using visual methods to evaluate the crystallization patterns, which significantly limits the use of such diagnostic methods in clinical practice.
An Improved Prim Algorithm for Connection Scheme of Last Train in Urban Mass Transit Network
Authors: Zeng Xiaoxu , Liu Qinglei , Yao Song
Published: May 2019

In the network operation stage of urban mass transit, the connection relations between lines can effectively improve travel accessibility. As the last opportunity to travel on the same day, whether the last train can achieve transfer will directly affect passengers’ travel experiences. It is an important work to make the connection scheme of the last train, which needs to take the network structure, the trend, and the volume of passenger flow into overall consideration. This paper analyzes the characters of the last train connection, including the connection structure and the accessible form. Then, we establish a scheme model and define the objectives, the constraints, and the decision data source, and transform it into a graph theory problem. Taking an urban mass transit network as an example, we demonstrate the solution process by using an improved Prim algorithm. Finally, the main aspects and methods of initial scheme optimization are proposed.
A Scientific Decision Framework for Cloud Vendor Prioritization under Probabilistic Linguistic Term Set Context with Unknown/Partial Weight Information
Authors: Sivagami R. , Ravichandran K. S. , Krishankumar R. , Sangeetha V. , Kar Samarjit , Gao Xiao-Zhi , Pamucar Dragan
Published: May 2019

With the tremendous growth of Cloud Vendors, Cloud vendor (CV) prioritization is a complex decision-making problem. Previous studies on CV selection use functional and non-functional attributes, but do not have an apt structure for managing uncertainty in preferences. Motivated by this challenge, in this paper, a scientific framework for prioritization of CVs is proposed, which will help organizations to make decisions on service usage. Probabilistic linguistic term set (PLTS) is adopted as a structure for preference information, which manages uncertainty better by allowing partial information ignorance. Decision makers’ (DMs) relative importance is calculated using the programming model, by properly gaining the advantage of the partial knowledge and attributes, the weights are calculated using the extended statistical variance (SV) method. Further, DMs preferences are aggregated using a hybrid operator, and CVs are prioritized, using extended COPRAS method under the PLTS context. Finally, a case study on CV prioritization is provided for validating the scientific framework and the results are compared with other methods for understanding the strength and weakness of the proposal.
The Effect of Sevelamer on Serum Levels of Gut-Derived Uremic Toxins: Results from In Vitro Experiments and A Multicenter, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Bennis Youssef , Cluet Yan , Titeca-Beauport Dimitri , El Esper Najeh , Ureña Pablo , Bodeau Sandra , Combe Christian , Dussol Bertrand , Fouque Denis , Choukroun Gabriel , Liabeuf Sophie
Published: May 2019

High serum levels of gut-derived uremic toxins, especially p-cresyl sulfate (pCS), indoxyl sulfate (IS) and indole acetic acid (IAA), have been linked to adverse outcomes in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD). Sevelamer carbonate could represent an interesting option to limit the elevation of gut-derived uremic toxins. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the adsorptive effect of sevelamer carbonate on different gut-derived protein-bound uremic toxins or their precursors in vitro, and its impact on the serum levels of pCS, IS and IAA in patients with CKD stage 3b/4. For the in vitro experiments, IAA, p-cresol (precursor of pCS) and indole (precursor of IS), each at a final concentration of 1 or 10 µg/mL, were incubated in centrifugal 30 kDa filter devices with 3 or 15 mg/mL sevelamer carbonate in phosphate-buffered saline at a pH adjusted to 6 or 8. Then, samples were centrifuged and free uremic toxins in the filtrates were analyzed. As a control experiment, the adsorption of phosphate was also evaluated. Additionally, patients with stage 3b/4 CKD (defined as an eGFR between 15 and 45 mL/min per 1.73 m2) were included in a multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial. The participants received either placebo or sevelamer carbonate (4.8 g) three times a day for 12 weeks. The concentrations of the toxins and their precursors were measured using a validated high-performance liquid chromatography method with a diode array detector. In vitro, regardless of the pH and concentration tested, sevelamer carbonate did not show adsorption of indole and p-cresol. Conversely, with 10 µg/mL IAA, use of a high concentration of sevelamer carbonate (15 mg/mL) resulted in a significant toxin adsorption both at pH 8 (mean reduction: 26.3 ± 3.4%) and pH 6 (mean reduction: 38.7 ± 1.7%). In patients with CKD stage 3b/4, a 12-week course of treatment with sevelamer carbonate was not associated with significant decreases in serum pCS, IS and IAA levels (median difference to baseline levels: −0.12, 0.26 and −0.06 µg/mL in the sevelamer group vs. 1.97, 0.38 and 0.05 µg/mL in the placebo group, respectively). Finally, in vitro, sevelamer carbonate was capable of chelating a gut-derived uremic toxin IAA but not p-cresol and indole, the precursors of pCS and IS in the gut. In a well-designed clinical study of patients with stage 3b/4 CKD, a 12-week course of treatment with sevelamer carbonate was not associated with significant changes in the serum concentrations of pCS, IS and IAA.
The Current Host Range of Hepatitis E Viruses
Authors: Kenney Scott P
Published: May 2019

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen transmitting both human to human via the fecal oral route and from animals to humans through feces, direct contact, and consumption of contaminated meat products. Understanding the host range of the virus is critical for determining where potential threats to human health may be emerging from and where potential reservoirs for viral persistence in the environment may be hiding. Initially thought to be a human specific disease endemic to developing countries, the identification of swine as a primary host for genotypes 3 and 4 HEV in industrialized countries has begun a long journey of discovering novel strains of HEV and their animal hosts. As we continue identifying new strains of HEV in disparate animal species, it is becoming abundantly clear that HEV has a broad host range and many of these HEV strains can cross between differing animal species. These cross-species transmitting strains pose many unique challenges to human health as they are often unrecognized as sources of viral transmission.
COMPLEX FORENSIC BUILDING-TECHNICAL AND ECONOMIC EXAMINATION
Authors:   M. Zholobetska; V. Koloniuk
Published: May 2019

The construction industry is one of the priority sectors of the economy and has a great social significance. Despite the implementation of the state policy on counteracting criminal offenses in the budgetary sphere, their level remains significant, especially in such priority sectors as construction, reconstruction and repair of state facilities.

As expert practice shows, recently, the number of expert studies related to the determination of the cost of actually executed construction work has increased.

Crimes in the field of construction have recently been characterized by a complex mechanism of accomplishment. During their investigation, the investigators have tasks whose solution requires the application of specialist knowledge in various fields, including accounting, engineering and construction, etc.

As analysis of investigative practice shows, in the investigation of crimes in the field of construction, a comprehensive judicial-economic and construction-technical expertise is conducted.

Comprehensive examination should be appointed when the solution of the questions posed is impossible as a result of several consecutive examinations. There is an integrated examination, in the production of which the solution of the problem is impossible without the simultaneous participation of specialists in various fields of knowledge and formulation of their general conclusion. Complex examination is carried out by at least two experts from different fields of knowledge or different areas within one area of ​​knowledge.

The article analyzes the peculiarities of the process of carrying out complex construction-economic researches and examinations, reveals the main tasks of the complex judicial building-technical and economic expertise, as well as proposes a general algorithm for the implementation of a comprehensive judicial engineering-building and economic expertise.

The authors of the article agree that in most cases, the appointment of a comprehensive judicial construction, technical and economic expertise is the most efficient, methodologically correct way to the solution of expert tasks, when obtaining a reliable answer is guaranteed only by a general generalization of the results of the application of basic expert knowledge and methods.

Key words: special knowledge, multi-discipline expertise, multi-discipline construction, technical and economic expertise.
METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO AN ASSESSMENT OF REDUCED BENEFIT
Authors:   O. Markina; T. Paientko
Published: May 2019

The article is devoted to the generalization of methodical approaches to the estimation of the lost profit. In the process of assessing lost profits, two main issues can be identified. The first one is what can actually be qualified as a lost profit, what its features and how to prove that such a profit could indeed be obtained. The second is how to actually measure the profit that has never been received.

The purpose of the article is to determine the approaches to estimating lost profits taking into account the peculiarities of the Ukrainian economy. The theoretical approaches to the definition of the essence of lost profits are systematized. It is substantiated that the missed profit is the estimated value of losses in the increment of the income of the aggrieved party, which is based on the evidence, confirming the real possibility of obtaining economic benefits by the aggrieved party, if it was not harmed by acts or omissions of the guilty party.

The judicial practice concerning estimation of the lost profit is analyzed. The algorithm of establishing the fact of the lost profit and its estimation is developed. The algorithm consists of four stages: the detection of the violation of the law, the establishment of the consequences of the violation of the law, the establishment of the fact of the purpose of damages and their form, assessment of the magnitude of losses.

The approaches to estimating lost profits are systematized. It has been determined that direct approaches can be applied in the presence of relevant information and provided that there is a direct link between the committed violation and the loss of profit. It is substantiated that valuation approaches are based on the use of valuation procedures for the accumulation of income that was not received by the aggrieved party as a result of the commission of unlawful actions against it. Methods based on the valuation approach include the comparison of revenues (cost or level of capitalization) before and after an event related to unlawful actions. The complexity of applying valuation approaches is the need to eliminate the influence of concomitant factors, which could also cause harm, but they were not related to unlawful actions. It is determined that in assessing lost profits it is important to prove the fact of the lost profit and its connection with the committed violation of law. One of three approaches can be used to estimate the amount of lost profit: direct, estimated or mixed. The choice of a particular method depends on the specifics of the research object.

Key words: missed profit, valuation methodology, unearned profits, moral harm.
TRANSFORMATION PRISING INNOVATIONS IN OFFSHORE OPERATIONS
Authors: Rudaia M.
Published: May 2019

The article deals with modern approaches to the issue of transfer pricing in the conditions in offshore operations. Considerable attention is spared to the innovations in a tax law on counteraction to washing out of tax base and leadingout of acuestss from taxation. The modern characteristic features of intercommunication of offshore financial jurisdictions and renewed three-level format of accounting are certain on the transfer pricing. Therefore considerable actuality is acquired by possibilities to carry out control a supervisory organ after the transfer pricing, a duty is set for taxpayers to keep documents and information that is necessary for realization of tax control after the transfer pricing.

The directions of control over transfer pricing in Ukraine. Realization of these norms will allow substantially to improve control of the transfer pricing in operations with offshores in the conditions of globalization of economy.

Thus, one of key principles of forming of mechanism of the transfer pricing, in a context further fight against avoiding tax payment, realization is by the state of purposeful influence on the processes of administration and realization to the international standards.

Key words: transfer pricing, offshore, income tax, controlled operations.
GENERALIZATION OF EXPERT PRACTICE IN THE ASSESSMENT OF CERTAIN TYPES OF MILITARY PROPERTY – FLAK JACKETS
Authors:   А. Yukhymenko; V. Volokov
Published: May 2019

The article presents the results of the generalization of expert practice in determining the market value of personal protective equipment for servicemen, namely, flak jackets of different protection classes. The need to calculate the market value of military property is a key task in determining the material damage caused to the state, as a result of negligence towards the entrusted military property or its intentional damage or theft, as well as the destruction during a combat engagement with the enemy.

In the course of consideration of this topic, the authors made a compact description of the design of flak jackets on the main types, different classes of protection, with examples of typical samples for each type of personal protective equipment.

The basic classifiers used by manufacturers of flak jackets all over the world are given. The possible ways of selection of analogue for the assessed personal protective equipment, price information in the domestic market of Ukraine is absent, but a conditional comparison of protection classes relative to the national classifier is given. On the example of the described classification systems the substantiation of impossibility from the technical point of view, absolute comparison of flak jackets protection classes of different manufacturers is given.

In addition, there is a brief description of the most common synthetic materials that are used in the manufacture of standard flak jackets (outer covers, inner frame, fillers and additional ballistic packages) with the indication of their basic physical properties and description of the features in different environmental conditions (humidity temperature, intensity of ultraviolet exposure).

Taking into account the analysis of the information from open sources, as well as the information provided by national manufacturers, it is necessary bear in mind the degree of wear and tear of a particular product depending on the actual period of operation of the investigated object in specific operating conditions – in the area of combat or in the rear. There is also a variant of possible definition of the market value of personal protection equipment, the appointed resource of which has expired, is also given, however they are used not by armies, but by individuals for their intended purpose. Key words: military property, expert assessment, flak jackets.
CHOREOGRAPHIC WORKS AS OBJECTS OF FORENSIC EXPERTISE: KEY FEATURES AND APPROACHES TO SOLVING EXPERT TASKS
Authors: Kisil N.
Published: May 2019

A research aim was to investigate signs peculiar to choreographic works, as objects of copyright. Will consider, what elements of choreographic results can be attributed to maintenance, and also internal and external forms, and also to offer approach to the decision of set certain tasks. Identification of the main features of choreographic works has a special relevance for the methodological provision of forensic expert activity.

It was established that the main tasks of the forensic expertise of choreographic works are: the definition of the object of copyright law in the object of research; definition in the object of the research or its part of signs of originality and creative nature; establishing the fact of reproduction of a choreographic work; establishing a method for its use or processing.

The results of the conducted research indicate that the elements of the internal form of choreographic works may include the artistic image, composition, structure of the work. The elements of the external form – the choreographic work of the work (choreographic vocabulary of the work, style of speech), that is, the author’s own means and techniques of creating artistic images, with which plastic dance images are created.

During realization of expertise it is expedient to investigate the next elements of choreographic language works: composition of motions, gestures, poses, mimicry; harmoniousness of motions and poses, plastic expressiveness and mimicry, rate and rhythm of motion, spatial picture; light and colour decisions; stage sceneries, suits, make-up and hair-dos of actors; individual style of motion (handwriting of motions) etc.

At establishment of fact of the complete or partial use of choreographic work an expert on the stage of comparative research conducts the analysis of language elements of the investigated works, methods of their selection, use, mutual combination and correlation. The elements of maintenance and form of these works are thus analysed, in particular, features of expression of their internal and external form.

In the process of research the special attention applies on facts that can testify to more early use by other authors of analogical choreographic elements. It also establishes the originality of the used choreographic vocabulary of the work, means and methods of creating artistic images.

Key words: choreographic works, forms of work, expert practice, objects of copyright.
Методологічні рекомендації щодо розподілу складових частин керованих авіаційних засобів ураження на групи за рівнями безпеки застосування та контролепридатності .
Authors: Gurba О. , Shatrov A. , Shishanov Мykhailo
Published: May 2019

Наведено методичні рекомендації щодо розподілу агрегатів, блоків і систем керованих авіаційних засобів ураження (КАЗУ) на групи з урахуванням їх контролепридатності та впливу на безпеку застосування. У зв’язку з цим вважається доцільним представити КАЗУ у вигляді багаторівневої конструкції взаємодіючих елементів, що об’єднані в підсистеми різних рівнів. Використання процедури декомпозиції дозволить подати їх у вигляді деякої структури, що включає декілька рівнів, та провести розподіл систем, агрегатів, блоків тощо (далі – складових частин) на групи за деякими визначеними ознаками. Математичною основою формалізованого вирішення цієї задачі є агрегативно-декомпозиційний підхід (АДП), суть якого полягає в поданні структури складної системи сукупністю взаємозв’язаних елементів різного рівня.
Охорона об’єктів права інтелектуальної власності, що належать до сфери національної безпеки, у передових країнах світу
Authors: Komarov Volodymyr , Yaremenko М.
Published: May 2019

Розглянуто питання подальшої інтенсифікації процесу впровадження норм міжнародного права у відносини регулювання інтелектуальної власності, у тому числі, впровадження глобального патенту. Разом з тим, прогресуючий процес адаптації національних законодавств до міжнародних норм аж ніяк не впливає на питання, що стосуються інтересів національної безпеки і оборони окремих держав. Цей аспект знаходить своє відображення в міжнародних угодах, конвенціях та договорах, що спрямовані на глобалізацію процесів охорони інтелектуальної власності у світі. Проаналізовано особливості міжнародних угод та конвенцій у сфері функціонування інтелектуальної власності в глобальному контексті. На підставі наведених положень сформовано висновки, що сучасне законодавство зарубіжних країн спрямоване на застосування патентної системи для сприяння ефективному використанню винаходів, інноваційним процесам при одночасному забезпеченні інтересів держави в сфері національної оборони і безпеки.
Facets of Leadership
Authors: Kumar Sriyai , Matheen Waheeda
Published: May 2019

Leadership is one of the critical components of an organization. It decides the success of the organization. The achievement of business goals is of prime importance. A good leader dries the business towards attainment of these goals. From identifying and recruiting good talent, the leader’s role is of high criticality. He keeps the force motivated to attain the goals, and also shows keen interest in their personal development. The leader is of prime importance in designing the career path of his subordinates. It would not be an exaggeration to mention that leaders also play a pivotal role in developing future leaders. This research is an attempt to investigate the different facets of leadership, touching upon its history from mythology, theories and activities to develop leadership