bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Problems of Ensuring Radiation Safety of Personnel when Operating Proton Therapeutic Accelerators Using an Example of the Proton Therapy Center in Dimitrograd
Authors: Цовьянов А. , Tsoviyanov A. , Ганцовский П. , Gantsovskii P. , Шандала Н. , Shandala N. , Шинкарев С. , Shinkarev S. , Романов В. , Romanov V.
Published: April 2019

Currently, charged particle accelerators are used not only as a tool for basic research, but they are also becoming increasingly common in industry and medicine. In Russia in the coming years it is planned to create 3 centers of proton and ion therapy. At the same time, the instrumental, methodological, metrological and regulatory support of radiation monitoring does not currently correspond to the energy range of the generated radiation. The paper analyzes the compliance of existing regulatory and advisory documents with the goals of ensuring radiation safety during proton therapy.
APSS – Software Support for Decision Making in Statistical Process Control
Authors: Noskievicova Darja
Published: April 2019

Purpose: SPC can be defined as the problem solving process incorporating many separate decisions including selection of the control chart based on the verification of the data presumptions. There is no professional statistical software which enables to make such decisions in a complex way.Methodology/Approach: There are many excellent professional statistical programs but without complex methodology for selection of the best control chart. Proposed program in Excel APSS (Analysis of the Process Statistical Stability) solves this problem and also offers additional learning functions.Findings: The created SW enables to link altogether separate functions of selected professional statistical programs (data presumption verification, control charts construction and interpretation) and supports active learning in this field.Research Limitation/implication: The proposed SW can be applied to control charts covered by SW Statgraphics Centurion and Minitab. But there is no problem to modify it for other professional statistical SW.Originality/Value of paper: The paper prezents the original SW created in the frame of the research activities at the Department of Quality Management of FMT, VŠB-TUO, Czech Republic. SW enables to link altogether separate functions of the professional statistical SW needed for the complex realization of statitical process control and it is very strong tool for the active learning of statistical process control tasks.
Innovative Approach to Education Improvement via Enterprise-Education Collaboration
Authors: Paľová Dana , Czaja Anna , Vejačka Martin
Published: April 2019

Purpose: The enterprise-education collaboration is a win-win situation. This paper describes how should be used commonly used LMS for enrichment the education process by collaboration students with companies participating on company’s practical problems.Methodology/Approach: We began with a review of literature and official European documents concerned on Europe 2020 strategy, education innovation and analysis of shortcomings of higher education graduates’ skills that are required by companies acting on the labour market. Then was applied pilot test and case study approach to evaluate the usability of designed SP4CE platform.Findings: Within the paper, we identified most missing skills of newly employed graduated, tested the developed SP4CE platform and find out that using this tool is supportive on the development of skills mainly required by employers.Research Limitation/implication: The results of pilot tests and single case study as a research strategy cannot be generalised as universal recommendations for any educational needs. It is important to involve into the platform and its functionality, sustainability assessment for more enterprises and not only collaboration effects but also impact of organizational and personal factors need to be evaluated.Originality/Value of paper: The paper presents an innovative approach to enterprise-education collaboration and its benefits not only to directly concerned participants but also its impact to whole society.
Application of SPC in Short Run and Small Mixed Batch Production: Case of Bakery Equipment Producer
Authors: Juhászová Darina
Published: April 2019

Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present preliminary research in statistical process control (SPC) of short run and small mixed batches (SR-SMB) at the organization producing bakery equipment.Methodology/Approach: The starting point of the research is a literary survey of possibilities of using SPC for SR-SMB and analysis of the current state of production in a particular organization. Through Pareto analysis, verifying the normality of the data obtained during eleven months, calculation of process capability and performance it was possible to prepare control charts. Finally, the single-case study shows that the proposed control charts are applicable in a small batch and mixed production in the organization producing bakery equipment.Findings: Through SPC implementation in bakery equipment SR-SMB production it is possible to understand the behaviour of the process and to organize better and control the production of expensive precision components.Research Limitation/implication: Limitation of the research is that data have not been reviewed by individual machines and the impact of individual machines and their settings is not displayed separately.Originality/Value of paper: Using SPC in the bakery equipment industry is far from common practice. The article presents the first part of the research, which is the starting point for more detailed analysis needed to optimize the use of materials, energy and environmental consequences.
Aldevron Accelerates Growth Using Operations Research in Biomanufacturing
Authors: Martagan Tugce , Limon Yasemin , Krishnamurthy Ananth , Foti Tom , Leland Peter
Published: April 2019

Short abstract: To improve biomanufacturing efficiency, a multidisciplinary team of researchers collaborated to develop a portfolio of decision support tools. These tools provide a data-driven, operations research–based approach to reducing biomanufacturing costs and lead times.
Synovial fluid interleukin-16, interleukin-18, and CRELD2 as novel biomarkers of prosthetic joint infections
Authors: Chen M-F. , Chang C-H. , Yang L-Y. , Hsieh P-H. , Shih H-N. , Ueng S. W. N. , Chang Y.
Published: April 2019

Objectives

Prosthetic joint infection (PJI) diagnosis is a major challenge in orthopaedics, and no reliable parameters have been established for accurate, preoperative predictions in the differential diagnosis of aseptic loosening or PJI. This study surveyed factors in synovial fluid (SF) for improving PJI diagnosis.

Methods

We enrolled 48 patients (including 39 PJI and nine aseptic loosening cases) who required knee/hip revision surgery between January 2016 and December 2017. The PJI diagnosis was established according to the Musculoskeletal Infection Society (MSIS) criteria. SF was used to survey factors by protein array and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay to compare protein expression patterns in SF among three groups (aseptic loosening and first- and second-stage surgery). We compared routine clinical test data, such as C-reactive protein level and leucocyte number, with potential biomarker data to assess the diagnostic ability for PJI within the same patient groups.

Results

Cut-off values of 1473 pg/ml, 359 pg/ml, and 8.45 pg/ml were established for interleukin (IL)-16, IL-18, and cysteine-rich with EGF-like domains 2 (CRELD2), respectively. Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis showed that these factors exhibited an accuracy of 1 as predictors of PJI. These factors represent potential biomarkers for decisions associated with prosthesis reimplantation based on their ability to return to baseline values following the completion of debridement.

Conclusion

IL-16, IL-18, and CRELD2 were found to be potential biomarkers for PJI diagnosis, with SF tests outperforming blood tests in accuracy. These factors could be useful for assessing successful debridement based on their ability to return to baseline values following the completion of debridement. Cite this article: M-F. Chen, C-H. Chang, L-Y. Yang, P-H. Hsieh, H-N. Shih, S. W. N. Ueng, Y. Chang. Synovial fluid interleukin-16, interleukin-18, and CRELD2 as novel biomarkers of prosthetic joint infections. Bone Joint Res 2019;8:179–188. DOI: 10.1302/2046-3758.84.BJR-2018-0291.R1.
Therapy with canakinumab for adult-onset still's disease
Authors: Nasonov E. L.
Published: April 2019

Still's disease in children (systemic-onset juvenile idiopathic arthritis, SoJIA) and in adults (adult-onset Still's disease) are considered as non-familial systemic autoinflammatory diseases of unknown etiology driven by similar immunopathogenetic mechanisms. The adult-onset Still's disease pathogenesis is based on genetically determined innate immunity disturbances and molecular basis of immunopathogenesis consists of NLRP3 inflammasomedependent mechanisms of inflammation characterized by hyperproduction of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL) 1 and IL18. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, glucocorticoids, methotrexate and other disease modifying drugs are considered as «first line» medications for the treatment of adult-onset Still's disease and if they fail biologicals are recommended. A review of the literature data concerning anti-IL1 monoclonal antibodies administration in adult-onset Still's disease is presented, indicating good prospects for the use of canakinumab not only in case of resistance to standard therapy, but also as a «first-line» therapy in the onset of the disease.
Two Intellectual Giants of the American Left
Authors: Buhle Paul
Published: April 2019

Instead of theory, early U.S. radicals excelled in reportage, like John Reed's Ten Days That Shook the World, or fiction, like Upton Sinclair's packing-house shocker The Jungle. To Europeans American thought seemed impermeable to the difficult ideas of Marxism. That changed with the founding of Monthly Review in 1949, which marked a newly realized if not entirely new trend in American Marxist thought.

Click here to purchase a PDF version of this article at the Monthly Review website.
Searching for Alternatives in Eastern Europe
Authors: Krausz Tamás , Nárai Róbert
Published: April 2019

In the 1960s, György Lukács—under the slogan Back to Marx!—called for a "renaissance" of Marxism within Eastern Europe. To understand the nature of this renaissance, we have to understand the many important questions that the Hungarian uprising of 1956 raised for the anti-Stalinist left inside Hungary and Eastern Europe more broadly. This interview goes into the attempts to rethink the future of socialism from the Eastern European situation in the second half of the twentieth century, including the political lessons of 1968, the internal fight within the Hungarian Socialist Party, and the continued relevance of V. I. Lenin's Marxism.
Read Revolting Prostitutes
Authors: Schulte Brit
Published: April 2019

Revolting Prostitutes reminds readers that this struggle is at once bigger than any one sex worker's immediate needs, but also must be precisely driven by these day-to-day needs. While this might at first seem contradictory, the book emphasizes how the collective workforce is constituted by individual workers with varied experiences, all of which are unique and valid. Narrative matters and, with Revolting Prostitutes, we are gifted one shaped by nuanced, considerate, care-informed members of the impacted working community.
Determinants of Savings among Smallholder Farmers in Sokoto South Local Government Area, Sokoto State, Nigeria
Authors: OBALOLA Oyeyode Tohib , AUDU Rabiu Omeiza , DANILOLA Samuel Temitope
Published: April 2019

Low savings in the economy could lead to ineffective mobilization of funds for domestic investment. This could be part of the reason why Nigeria depends heavily on external borrowing for its developmental and investment projects. There is little or no documented evidence from available literatures of savings culture of farmers in the area. The dearth of such conclusive evidence has left gap which this study tried to fulfill by investigating the intervening variables. Purposive sampling was used to select four and two wards from Sabongari and Gagi wards. The choice of the selection was based on the preponderance of smallholder farmers in these locations. Two (2) villages were randomly selected from each ward. A random selection of twenty (20) farmers from each village gave a total of 120 respondents for the study. Data were elicited through a structured questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple regression technique. On the whole, age, farm income, non-farm income, interest rate and the distance were significant in determining the amount of saving by smallholder farmers in the study area. Thus, these factors have to be considered in designing strategies aimed at improving the savings of smallholder farmers.
An assessment of population fluctuations of citrus pest woolly whitefly Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell, 1896) (Homoptera, Aleyrodidae) and its parasitoid Cales noacki Howard, 1907 (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae): A case study from Northwestern Algeria
Authors: MAHMOUDI Abdelhaq , ALLAL BENFEKIH Leila , YIGIT Abdurrahman , GOOSEN Mattheus F. A.
Published: April 2019

The aim of this study was to assess the effectiveness of the parasitoid Cales noacki Howard, 1907 (Hymenoptera, Aphelinidae) in the biological control of the citrus pest woolly whitefly, Aleurothrixus floccosus (Maskell,1896) in Northwestern Algeria. In particular the pest and parasitoid population fluctuations under different environmental conditions were investigated. The study was conducted by examination and sampling of whitefly adult populations on young shoots and catches as well as its parasitoid during a 12-month period by counting the parasite and infested-live larvae. Results showed remarkable variations in abundance indices and infestation rates of larvae and adults that depended on the growth flush in foliage and meteorological conditions of the region. The woolly whitefly manifested three flight periods coinciding with three growth flushes of orange sap; in autumn towards the end of September followed by mid-November with the highest average abundance of 10 individuals per branch and a third flight period in mid-May. Phases of growth flush seemed to have an effect on the temporal distribution of adults over the sampling period from July to June. Pest emergence appeared favorable at 12-20 °C as the minimum interval temperature whereas the maximum varied between 25-33 °C with humidity levels of 50 % and 75 %. As for the incidence of natural enemies on whiteflies, despite their abundance, their impact was not optimum due to the large fluctuations in number of whiteflies. Although the pest-parasitoid complex appears to be important in the orchard, the biological regulation exerted by C. noacki while effective is insufficient for the complete neutralization of citrus woolly whitefly A. floccosus. An integrated approach is needed using additional natural enemies associated with the woolly whitefly.
Effects of mild and severe drought stress on the biomass, phenolic compounds production and photochemical activity of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f.
Authors: HABIBI Ghader
Published: April 2019

In this study, the biomass, compatible solutes, PSII functioning and phenolic profiles of Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. leaves were investigated at different time intervals after drought stress (20, 40 and 80 % of the field capacity). While the impaired ability of leaves for synthesis of assimilates caused growth inhibition in A. vera under severe drought stress, we observed that the content of proline, soluble sugars, total phenolic and flavonoids tended to increase in plants treated with mild drought stress. Under mild drought stress, the increased leaf thickness correlated with the higher productivity in terms of leaf biomass and gel production. Also, mild drought stress enhanced photochemical activity in Aloe leaves, and changed the entire quantity of secondary metabolite of vanillic acid produced, which may be considered to obtain better growth and considerable secondary metabolite of the medicinal Aloe plants treated with mild drought stress.
Effects of exogenous proline on the physiological characteristics of Triticum aestivum L. and Lens culinaris Medik. under drought stress
Authors: BEKKA Selma , ABROUS-BELBACHIR Ouzna , DJEBBAR Réda
Published: April 2019

Proline, which is an indicator of stress, is often considered as a good parameter for the testing of plants with good drought tolerance capacity. Thus, exogenous application of proline is a possible technique to avoid the deleterious effects of the drought on plant growth. The objectives of this study are to investigate the impact exogenous proline on the physiological behavior of two plant species, bread wheat, a monocot, and lentil, a dicot, under drought stress conditions. After several preliminary tests, optimal concentrations of exogenous proline were determined (6 mM for bread wheat and 2 mM for lentil) and both species were treated in normal and drought conditions. The results showed that water deficit affected both species leading to a reduction in growth, chlorophyll content and relative water content. Likewise, 15 % PEG-6000, which is equivalent to osmotic potential of -0.31MPa, caused a high accumulation of proline. In almost of cases we also noted a remarkable decrease in catalase (Cat), ascorbate peroxidase (APX) and gaiacol peroxidase (GPX) activities which was probably due to the oxidative stress caused by drought stress. The application of proline in stressful conditions reduced the deleterious effects caused by the stress on both species, due, particularly, to the accumulation of free endogenous proline and the increase of Cat, APX and GPX activities.
On-farm seed priming interventions in agronomic crops
Authors: CHATTERJEE Neha , SARKAR Deepranjan , SANKAR Ardit , PAL Sumita , SINGH H. B. , SINGH Rajesh Kumar , BOHRA J. S. , RAKSHIT Amitava
Published: April 2019

Priming techniques are gaining importance in agriculture with the increase in environmental stresses. Resource-poor farmers are in urgent need of such techniques as they are simple, economical, and value-added intervention associated with low-risk bearing factors. Seed enhancement methods are key to improve seed performance and achieve a good stand establishment. Worldwide beneficial effects of priming are recorded. But these technologies have still not reached most farmers. This review highlights the importance of on-farm priming strategies in modern crop production system to yield better productivity and obtain higher economic returns. Stimulation of the pre-germination metabolic changes by priming is necessary to overcome the environmental challenges that a plant can encounter. Thus, the study also focuses on mechanisms associated with priming-induced stress tolerance of crops. Various safe practical methods of seed priming can be easily adopted by the farming community to alleviate the levels of different stresses which can hamper productivity. Simultaneously they can produce good quality seeds and use them further for the next crop cycle cutting the costs of seed purchase.
Some important aspects in Moringa oleifera Lam. micropropagation
Authors: EL-NAGISH Abdullah , HASSANEIN Ahmed , SALEM Jehan , FAHEED Fayza
Published: April 2019

Type and source of explant as well as the type of cytokinin were important factors for successful moringa micropropagation. Explants obtained from in vitro grown plant materials were better than others obtained from soil growing seedlings. In addition, nodal segments were better than shoot cuttings in terms of number of shoots/ explants, frequency of shoot formation and number of nodes/shoot. While callus formation on the base of nodal segment on BAP containing media were higher than those of KIN, especially under the influence of high concentration as an aspect of vitrification, BAP was better than KIN in moringa multiplication. Low nutrient medium (half strength MS) supplemented with 0.5 mg l-1 IAA was essential for successful root formation. The suitable conditions for moringa micropropagation on full strength MS or SH may exert low stress and low need to raise the expression of SOD and POX. On the other side, stress due to over increase of chemical components of double MS medium or low nutrient content of half strength MS, B5 or WPM expressed the highest number and staining intensity of SOD and POX bands, vice versa was detected in case of CAT.
Evaluating the effect of sowing date and drought stress on morphological and functional characteristics of three genotypes of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.)
Authors: REZA RAMAZANI Seyyed Hamid , KALANTARI Reza TAHERPOUR
Published: April 2019

To assess the effects of drought stress and sowing date on phenological, morphological, and yield traits of three different cultivars of winter oilseed rape (Brassica napus L.), this study was conducted in research farm of Sarayan agricultural college- University of Birjand in 2016-2017 growing season. Experiment was conducted in a split-factorial based on the randomized complete block design with drought stress in the main plots and three sowing date (September 22, October 6, and October 22) along with three cultivars of canola (‘Homolious’, ‘Hayola50’, and ‘DK7070CL’) in the subplots in three replications. The results of analysis of variance and means comparison analysis showed significant and negative effect of drought stress on seed yield and biological yield traits of investigated cultivars of canola. The interaction effect of drought stress × sowing date × cultivar was only significant on leaf twisting trait at 1 % probability level. ‘Homolious’ was assigned as the most drought tolerance cultivar, based on SI, SSI, RDI, TOL, MP, STI, GMP, YI, YSI, and HARM drought tolerance indexes, whereas ‘Hayola50’ was assigned as most drought sensitive cultivar of oilseed rape.
Chromium-induced alkaloid production in Catharanthus roseus (L.) G.Don in vitro cultured shoots and related gene expression patterns particularly for the novel gene GS
Authors: KHATAEE Elham , KARIMI Farah , RAZAVI Khadijeh
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to determine the effects of methyl jasmonate (Mj) combined with chromium (Cr) as elicitor on production of medicinal alkaloids, its antioxidant potential, and its effects on the expression of signaling and biosynthetic enzymes. Combined treatment had positive effects on secondary metabolism and changed genes expression levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), a transcription factor (TF) known as octadecanoid-responsive Catharanthus AP2-domain 3 (ORCA3) upstream of plant alkaloids biosynthetic pathway. Maximum expression levels of peroxidase1 (PRX1), geissoschizine synthase (GS) (24 h-treatment), MAPK3 and ORCA3 (8 h-treatment), were 6.25−, 4.87-, 7.67-, and 5.38-fold higher than control, respectively, in response to 100 µM Mj + 50 µM Cr. This value was 5.92-fold for strictosidine synthase (STR) in response to 100 µM Mj + 100 µM Cr after 24 h. The maximum total yield of vincristine was 1.52-fold more than control in response to 100 µM Mj after one week. This increase was 2.16, 4.01, 2.39 and 1.97-fold for ajmalicine, vinblastine, vindoline and catharanthine respectively, in response to 100 µM Mj + 50 µM Cr. Mj + Cr can elevate alkaloid production by induction of MAPK3 and ORCA3 signaling pathway, which induces expression of downstream terpenoid indole alkaloids (TIAs) biosynthetic enzymes.
Studies on diversity indices and insect pest damage of walnuts in Kashmir, India
Authors: GULL Shaziya , AHMAD Tariq , RASOOL Ajaz
Published: April 2019

Walnut industry, one of the economically important industries of Kashmir is under multitude of stresses like changing weather patterns, international competition, insect pest damage and diseases. Pest damage by various insect species is by for the main cause of walnut damage, thus limiting its production. In this backdrop, the aim of the present study was to check the insect pest diversity and its nature and extent of damage to walnuts. Sampling was done fortnightly in three districts of Central Kashmir viz., Srinagar, Budgam, Ganderbal from June 2014 to November 2015. Quantitative estimation of individual species was made by using various diversity indices and each site varied in species diversity, richness and evenness. A total of nine sites were selected from three different districts and the insects collected belonged to 3 orders, 7 families and 10 species. Order Hemiptera was highly damaging in comparison to Coleoptera and Lepidoptera while in Hemiptera, maximum damage was done by Chromaphis juglandicola (Kaltenbach, 1843) and the least by Apodiphus pilipes (Horvath,1889). The study provides a baseline data for assessing the biodiversity pattern and damaging potential of walnut pests so as to develop holistic integrated pest management programme.
Herausforderung Bauprojekte in historischen Gebäuden – Die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek
Authors: Skina Mag. Daniel
Published: April 2019

1965/66 erweiterte die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek ihre Räumlichkeiten für Leser und bezog Teile der Neuen Burg der Wiener Hofburg. Der folgende Beitrag erläutert Bauprojekte wie die Errichtung des Bücherspeichers unter dem Burggarten sowie zahlreiche Sanierungsprojekte, die nach der Reformierung des Bundesmuseengesetzes erfolgten, wonach die Österreichische Nationalbibliothek ihre Vollrechtsfähigkeit erhielt und als wissenschaftliche Anstalt öffentlichen Rechts agieren konnte.
Zwischen Bund und Land. Die Landesprogramme und -konzepte für den Originalerhalt des schriftlichen Kulturguts
Authors: Schütte Jana Madlen
Published: April 2019

2011 wurde die Koordinierungsstelle für die Erhaltung des schriftlichen Kulturguts gegründet. Durch ihre Einrichtung sind in den letzten Jahren die sparten- und institutionenübergreifende Zusammenarbeit und die Durchführung von Maßnahmen im Feld des Originalerhalts intensiviert worden. Um eine dauerhafte Bewahrung des schriftlichen Kulturguts zu gewährleisten, ist es aber erforderlich, dass möglichst alle Länder über eigene Programme verfügen. Um ein Best-Practice-Modell für ein Landesprogramm zu entwickeln, wurde eine Umfrage unter den Mitgliedern des KEK-Expertennetzwerks und den zuständigen Ministerien durchgeführt.
A Riccati–Bernoulli sub-ODE Method for Some Nonlinear Evolution Equations
Authors: Hassan S. Z. , Abdelrahman Mahmoud A. E.
Published: April 2019

This article concerns with the construction of the analytical traveling wave solutions for the model of equations for the ion sound wave under the action of the ponderomotive force due to high-frequency field and for the Langmuir wave and the higher-order nonlinear Schrödinger equation by Riccati–Bernoulli sub-ODE method. We give the exact solutions for these two equations. The proposed method is effective tool to solve many other nonlinear partial differential equations. Moreover, this method can give a new infinite sequence of solutions. These solutions are expressed by hyperbolic, trigonometric and rational functions. Finally, with the aid of Matlab release 15, some graphical simulations were designed to see the behavior of these solutions.
Cost Estimation Methods of Machine Elements at the Design Stage in Unit and Small Lot Production Conditions
Authors: Więcek Dorota , Więcek Dariusz , Kuric Ivan
Published: April 2019

On the stage of product design there is a problem concerning production cost estimation in the moment when elements are not yet definitely designed. Depending on the amount of the available information, more or less precise cost estimation methods are applied, i.e.: variant methods, generation methods, hybrid methods. The proposed method of cost estimation is based on a formalized description of information related to construction, manufacturing and organizational characteristics concerning the designed element, the automation method of technological processes design using methods of group technology and a model of determining production costs of machine elements based on Activity Based Costing.
The Use of Low-Budget Self-Assembly Sets for Research and Robotics Education
Authors: Cheluszka Piotr
Published: April 2019

The article presents the possibilities of using easily accessible and inexpensive educational sets in scientific research and the process of robotics education. Such kits allow the exploration of theoretical and practical knowledge taking into account aspects of engineering, such as: mechanics, drive systems, sensor systems, control and programming of robots. Models of robots built from inexpensive components can also be used to test new solutions in the field of construction or control algorithms before they are used in real applications. As an example, the model of the palletizing manipulator for self-assembly was shown, the control of which was based on the Arduino Uno controller, while the drives were implemented using low-cost hobby-grade servos. For the kinematic structure of this manipulator, the forward and inverse kinematics task for the position has been discussed. This constituted the basis for the development of a manual control algorithm implemented in the controller – using a joystick and programmed – based on the data sent to the controller using serial communication from a PC. The article presents the results of the computer simulation of the manipulator kinematics, the hardware and software implementation of the robot model and the effects of its operation. The possibility of expanding the control system with additional elements to increase its functionality was indicated.
Investigation of the oxidation process in GeTe-based phase change alloy using Ge K-edge XANES spectroscopy
Authors: Krbal Milos , Kolobov Alexander V. , Fons Paul , Nitta Kiyofumi , Uruga Tomoya , Tominaga Junji
Published: April 2019

In this work, we clearly demonstrate the efficacy of using XANES spectroscopy in conjunction with a Pilatus detector as a sensitive tool to allow the study of the oxidation process in GeTe alloys via depth profile analysis. On the basis of Ge K-edge XANES spectra, it was found that GeTe alloys do not oxidize readily after an initial native surface oxidation that occurs upon exposure to oxygen in the air at the elevated temperatures, 100 °C and 330 °C. We demonstrate that amorphous GeTe possesses a higher predisposition to oxidation than crystalline GeTe when exposed to the air at temperature of 100 °C. When the temperature is set to 330 °C in an air ambient, we show that the amorphous to crystal phase transition affects the oxidation process more significantly than the simple annealing of crystalline GeTe. We suggest that the higher tendency of GeTe films to oxidize during the phase transition is a consequence of the breaking of Ge–Ge bonds in the presence of oxygen atoms which subsequently leads to the extra formation of Ge–O bonds during crystallization.
A study on how age influences swimming speed in masters breaststroke mencompetitions
Authors: Răsădean Marcel
Published: April 2019

Introduction: Masters swimming competitions involve adults who practice swimming as a hobby, and it is focused on three main areas: fitness activity, recreational activity, and competitive activity. Masters swimming competitions are regulated at an international level by the FINA (Federation Internationale de Natation) and by the LEN (Ligue Europeenne de Natation). The Swimming Masters competitions are divided in age groups, starting at the age of 25, as follows: 25-29 years, 30-34 years, 35-39 years etc.

Aim: In this paper we wish to present a study on reduction of swimming speed in relation to age, in breaststroke men competitions (50 m, 100 m, and 200 m).

Methods: We analyzed the swimming speed for Masters Swimmers in a long swimming pool for the following events: 50 m, 100 m, 200 m – man breaststroke. The reference speed for each age group was calculated as the mean of the best 10 times obtained for that certain category.

Results: For competitors aged 60-69 the speed decreases reaching about 80-60% of the maximum speed, and it reaches 80% of the maximum value at ages that range from 70 to 84 years old. After 85 the speed decreases up to 30% to 58% of the maximum speed.

Conclusion: In breaststroke men events the speed at which master competitors swim decreases with age. Regarding the values of speed dependent on age and type of event we can state that it decreases more abruptly for older age in shorter distance events.
Platelet-rich plasma intra-articular injections as an alternative treatment for knee osteoarthritis: a systematic review
Authors: Sîrbu Elena , Gligor Șerban , Pantea Corina
Published: April 2019

Knee osteoarthritis is a degenerative joint disease characterized by cartilage degeneration and hypertrophic lesions of the epiphyseal bone. It is a disabling condition that causes difficulties of locomotion and severe complications in case of inappropriate treatment. There is growing evidence proving the beneficial effects of using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the treatment of knee osteoarthritis.

The aim of the present paper is to review the recent scientific literature on the treatment of knee osteoarthritis with platelet-rich plasma presenting the current opinion on this subject.

Methods: We analys several studies about PRP who were identified using online databases: EBSCO, ScienceDirect, Scopus and PubMed.

Results: After the primary analysis we selected a total of 23 relevant studies. The analysis focused on different PRP administration techniques and methods used in knee osteoarthritis.

Conclusions: PRP is most widely used in incipient and moderate symptomatic knee osteoarthritis. Most studies show a significant decrease in pain and significant improvement in joint functionality. These results were mostly obtained after a short follow-up period (6 months-1 year) and also this treatment has a small number of side effects.
Contributions regarding combating obesity in middle school students (girls) from rural areas through motor activities
Authors: Cojocariu Adrian , Albu Valentin
Published: April 2019

The present research aims to identify and justify adequate forms to practice physical exercises, curricular and extracurricular, that lead to effective results in combating obesity in middle school students. The study group consisted of 12 female subjects, pupils of middle school age from rural areas. The experiment was conducted during seven months, including an initial test in October and a final one in May. The final results show a clear improvement in the value of the body mass index (BMI) of subjects involved in the experiment. Therefore, it is proposed to use the physical program from the experiment in order to decrease weight, in overweight or obese pupils in middle schools.
Comparative study of wing spikers on offensive efficiency actions in obtaining points in high performance competitions
Authors: Șanta Cristian , Stupar Radu-Cristian
Published: April 2019

The aim of the study is to assess the effectiveness of world-class offensive players over a period of two years, players who have qualified and participated in the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and also in the 2017 Volleyball World League. The variables used for this comparison are: the height of the players, the spot for striking the ball, the number of attacks made in each match, the number of points awarded after attacks, while considering for analysis the outside hitter and opposite positions. High-performance players record 250-300 shares in a 5-set match, about 269 jumps, the center player about 223 jumps, the outside hitter around 197, and the opposite 128 jumps, resulting in an average of 194 jumps, according to Piucco T, Santos S., (2009). Success in sports games especially in high-performance competitions is determined by the mental ability of the player that ensures personal efficiency.
Improving the quality of life through participation in physical activity- the tennis camp pilot study
Authors: Șerban Radu-Tiberiu , Baciu Alin Marius
Published: April 2019

Aim. Scientific data show an increase in infantile overweight and obesity cases, which results in illness and social problems, thus a lower quality of life. The main causes for this situation are the lack of physical activity, the nutritional behavior and emotional stress. Our attention focused on observing the group’s social behavior at the end of the implementation of a program which integrated physical activity, a healthy nutritional behavior and social activities.

Methods. The case study started by abstracting information from scientific publications for a better understanding of the phenomena. The research used the survey method for analyzing the groups’ (n=14) social dynamics throughout the implementation of a physical activity program for children aged 8 to 12.

Results. By comparing the initial and final results of the survey, an improvement of the social relations inside the subjects’ group can be observed.

Conclusion. The main knowledge gained from this experiment is the confirmation that through the implementation of strategies that include physical activities, a strict nutritional behavior and social activities, we can improve a group’s cohesion and thus contribute to the increase of the quality of life for children aged 8 to 12 years old, although the evaluation of other aspects like the evolution of physical and mental fitness throughout such a program is needed.
Effectiveness of resistance development through football at high school students
Authors: Bădoi Alexandru - Radu , Monea Gheorghe
Published: April 2019

The purpose of the research is to optimize the development of high school students' resistance through integrated work using means and methods specific to football. Experimental verification of the effectiveness of the specific means of football playing in the development of high school students' resistance. The experiment was carried out on 681 subjects. For the development of resistance, the independent variable was implemented in the subjects of the experimental sample. All subjects were predictive and summative in the 10 samples: three motor samples, three functional samples and four somatic samples. The specific methods used in the experiment for the development of resistance were based on uniform efforts, varying intervals and efforts, with appropriate dosages leading to progress.

In the final evaluation, the subjects of the experimental sample and of the reference sample progressed towards the predictive assessment, but those of the experimental sample progressed more than the subjects of the reference sample to all the samples and tests given. The effectiveness of implementing the independent experimental variable in the experimental sample subjects was 61% compared to the subjects of the reference sample. In the experiment, we used the statistical-mathematical method using arithmetic mean, median, modulus, standard deviation, amplitude, mean error, variability coefficient, Student test, Pearson correlation coefficient, Epsilon test and Z test. Higher progress in the subjects of the experimental sample. The difference between the mean of the experimental sample and the reference sample was significant at the significance threshold p <0, 05, with a probability of 95%. The value of the Pearson correlation coefficient is very high (between 0.9 and 1) to 83.33% of high cases (between 0.7 and 0.9) to 13.88% and mean (between 0.5 and 0, 7) in 2.79% of cases, meaning that the results obtained at each sample are significant. The progress of the subjects in the experimental sample was superior to the progress of the reference sample, so we can state that the dependent variable is significant, the assumptions of the research are verified and validated.
Specific training for improving the skill and speed in junior football players
Authors: Monea Dan , Prodan Rodica , Grosu Vlad Teodor
Published: April 2019

Background. The purpose of the study was to realize the priorities in physical, technical and tactical training for junior football players. Moreover, preparing of the content was intended to optimize the use the most efficient methods and means for increasing the efficiency of speed and skill during the training and games.

Objectives. Data were collected from 18 junior football players, with ages ranging from 14-15 years, members of the ACS Unirea (C) Tritenii de Jos team. The subjects were tested three times during the whole training stage, pre, middle and post-training examinations being performed. The three examinations consisted of 5 tests each: 50-meter sprint, standing long jump, 2000 meter running, maintaining the ball in the air and leading the ball through markers.

Methods. Specific methods for developing the speed used in the study are based on repetitions (specific efforts at maximum or submaximal speed, under usual, relieved, severe conditions), on various efforts and intervals. Skill development methods took into account the complexity of coordinating action movements and the spatial, temporal, and motion force precision. For developing motor skills, the authors used the interval and circuit training.

Results. All the participants attained higher levels of performance, both at the second and third examination, on each of the 5 tests. Data collected were analyzed using the One –Way ANOVA statistical procedure, which compares the results obtained by one single group of subjects. This procedure revealed, at a significant level of confidence, that the mean of the performance enhancement reached 50 percents along the one-year training stage.

Conclusions. The research has shown that, by giving a more significant share of the best methods and means for developing the speed and skill in the physical training of junior footballers, the increase in the performance of these motor skills is significant.
Bodily Souls? Paradoxical Bodies in Origen’s Theology of Progress
Authors: Cerioni Lavinia
Published: April 2019

This article analyses and discusses the Origenian terminology concerning the creation, existence and resurrection of the body. Starting from a close analysis of the textual evidence, it proposes the working definitions of those terms – such as εἶδος, σῶμα πνευματικὸν, χιτῶνες δερμάτινοι, ὑλικὸν ὑποκείμενον – which constitute the intricate vocabulary of Origen’s doctrine of the body. In particular, it stresses the difference between the εἶδος (corporeal form) and the ὑλικὸν ὑποκείμενον (material substratum). On the one hand, the εἶδος is the corporeal form of the body, which is strictly intertwined with the λογικός and represents the individuality of each intelligence. On the other hand, the ὑλικὸν ὑποκείμενον represents the materiality of the body, which changes according to different qualities and is destined to be eschatologically destroyed. In summary, this article suggests that Origen distinguishes corporeality from materiality, thus envisioning both the destruction of the flesh and the resurrection of the body.
The NF-KB pathway and endocrine therapy resistance in breast cancer
Authors: Khongthong Phungern , Roseweir Antonia K , Edwards Joanne
Published: April 2019

Breast cancer is a heterogeneous disease, which over time acquires various adaptive changes leading to more aggressive biological characteristics and development of treatment resistance. Several mechanisms of resistance have been established; however, due to the complexity of oestrogen receptor (ER) signalling and its crosstalk with other signalling networks, various areas still need to be investigated. This article focusses on the role of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-KB) as a key link between inflammation and cancer and addresses its emerging role as a key player in endocrine therapy resistance. Understanding the precise mechanism of NF-KB-driven endocrine therapy resistance provides a possible opportunity for therapeutic intervention.
Left atrial spontaneous echo contrast: relationship with clinical and echocardiographic parameters
Authors: Ito Takahide , Suwa Michihiro
Published: April 2019

Spontaneous echo contrast (SEC) indicates blood stasis in cardiac chambers and major vessels, and is a known precursor of thrombus formation. Transesophageal echocardiography plays a pivotal role in detecting and grading SEC in the left atrial (LA) cavity. Assessing LA SEC can identify patients at increased risk for thromboembolic events. LA SEC also develops in patients who have sinus rhythm, especially in those with heart failure. Detection of LA SEC is not uncommon in subjects who have multiple cardiovascular comorbidities, although mechanisms behind this association are not fully understood. In patients with atrial fibrillation, the role of mitral regurgitation in counteracting LA SEC and subsequent thromboembolism is controversial. Moreover, alterations of blood coagulability and elevated levels of certain biological markers in the blood contribute to occurrence of LA SEC. This review describes the pathogenesis and assessment of SEC, in addition to the relationship between LA SEC and clinical, biological and echocardiographic parameters.
Developmental programming of the HPA axis and related behaviours: epigenetic mechanisms
Authors: Matthews Stephen G , McGowan Patrick O
Published: April 2019

It has been approximately 30 years since the seminal discoveries of David Barker and his colleagues, and research is beginning to unravel the mechanisms that underlie developmental programming. The early environment of the embryo, foetus and newborn have been clearly linked to altered hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) function and related behaviours through the juvenile period and into adulthood. A number of recent studies have shown that these effects can pass across multiple generations. The HPA axis is highly responsive to the environment, impacts both central and peripheral systems and is critical to health in a wide variety of contexts. Mechanistic studies in animals are linking early exposures to adversity with changes in gene regulatory mechanisms, including modifications of DNA methylation and altered levels of miRNA. Similar associations are emerging from recent human studies. These findings suggest that epigenetic mechanisms represent a fundamental link between adverse early environments and developmental programming of later disease. The underlying biological mechanisms that connect the perinatal environment with modified long-term health outcomes represent an intensive area of research. Indeed, opportunities for early interventions must identify the relevant environmental factors and their molecular targets. This new knowledge will likely assist in the identification of individuals who are at risk of developing poor outcomes and for whom early intervention is most effective.