bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Modelling of the propulsion plant of a large container ship by the partition of the cycle of the main diesel engine
Authors: Kharroubi Kamal , Söğüt Oğuz Salim
Published: September 2019

In this article, a mathematical replica of the propulsive installation of a large container ship is presented. The ship propulsion is accomplished by a large two-stroke marine diesel engine driving a marine propeller. The main new idea introduced by this research consists in using the Subsystem-Enabling feature available in the MATLAB Simulink® environment to control the execution of the working sequences of the main propulsion two-stroke diesel engine. The benefits brought by this model implementation approach are its simplicity and its applicability to all the blocks of the diesel engine model, these blocks can be created to represent one engine working sequence and then duplicated to represent the remaining engine sequences, and finally, the blocks related to each sequence can be grouped in subsystems and controlled by a single subsystem monitoring the engine events according to the value of the crankshaft angle; consequently, the overall Simulink model building and execution processes are much faster. The results generated by the simulation using the Simulink model of this diesel ship propulsion plant show that, for the production of acceptable results, only a small portion of the input data of the model needs to be exactly provided by the manufacturers of the components of the propulsion plant, whereas the rest of the data can be given reasonable initial values and adjusted during the model’s fine-tuning process. Finally, it is worth noting that the considerable amount of simulator-input-data available in this article can be used in any other simulation work to develop an identical simulator to the simulator of this article or to build a different one from scratch.
Demographics, Learner Characteristics, and Use of Wearable Devices
Authors: Pan Cheng-Chang , Sivo Stephen A. , Graham Jeffrey A.
Published: September 2019

This case study was intended to explore whether wearable device use is associated with their demographic factors (e.g., device ownership and gender), using undergraduate students in a Hispanic Serving Institution. Preliminary findings of this two-way contingency table analysis suggested that students who own the device(s) are more likely to use it for school. Males are more likely to use the wearables for learning in spite of a marginal effect size. Implications and recommendations are discussed.
Internet of Things–based smart home system using a virtualized cloud server and mobile phone app
Authors: Sung Guo-Ming , Shen Yen-Shin , Hsieh Jia-Hong , Chiu Yu-Kai
Published: October 2019

This article proposes an Internet of Things–based smart home system composed of a virtualized cloud server and a mobile phone app. The smart Internet of Things–based system includes a sensing network, which is developed with the ZigBee wireless communication protocol, a message queuing telemetry transport, a virtualized cloud server and a mobile phone app. A Raspberry Pi development board is used to receive packet information from the terminal sensors using ZigBee wireless communication. Then, the message queuing telemetry transport broker not only completes transmission of the message but also publishes it to the virtualized cloud server. The transmission can then be viewed through the website using a mobile phone. The designed app combines the application of the virtualized cloud server, client sensors and the database. Verification experiments revealed the measured average response time and throughput of approximately 4.0 s and 6069 requests per second, respectively, for the virtualized web server and approximately 0.144 s and 8866 packets per second, respectively, for the message queuing telemetry transport broker. The designed functions of the mobile phone app are a global positioning system home monitoring, family memo, medical care and near-field communication key. Both interlinkage and handler methods are proposed to facilitate a powerful function without delay in displaying information. The proposed system integrates with software and hardware to complete the data analysis and information management quickly and correctly. It can cater to user needs with superior ease and convenience.
Performance of clock sources and their influence on time synchronization in wireless sensor networks
Authors: Tirado-Andrés Francisco , Araujo Alvaro
Published: September 2019

Wireless sensor networks require time synchronization, which is the coordination of events or actions to make a system operate in unison. In this work, real experiments and a theoretical analysis of the behavior of the clock sources, most used in wireless sensor networks, have been carried out. The experiments have been performed on two real platforms from two different manufacturers in real environments with sudden changes in temperature. Complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor oscillators have a low accuracy, bigger than 500 ppm, and a high dependency with temperature. External crystal oscillators have good accuracy, around 20 ppm, and are stable with temperature. Temperature-compensated crystal oscillators are very accurate, around 5 ppm, and the temperature has no influence in their drift. The use of phase-locked loop circuits minimizes the impact of temperature and stabilizes oscillators. We highlight and demonstrate the importance of the early stages of design, especially the selection of the clock source, because that decision has a great impact on the performance of the time synchronization in wireless sensor networks.
An energy-efficient unequal clustering routing protocol for wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zhu Fang , Wei Junfang
Published: September 2019

Wireless sensor networks have drawn tremendous attentions from all fields because of their wide application. Maximizing network lifetime is one of the main problems in wireless sensor networks. This article proposes an energy-efficient routing protocol which adopts unequal clustering technology to solve the hot spots problem and proposes double cluster head strategy to reduce the energy consumption of head nodes in the clusters. In addition, to balance the energy consumption between cluster heads and cluster members, a hybrid cluster head rotation strategy based on time-driven and energy-driven is proposed, which can make the timing of rotation more reasonable and the energy consumption more efficient. Finally, we compare the proposed protocol with LEACH, DEBUC, and UCNPD by simulation experiments. The simulation results prove that our proposed protocol can effectively improve the performance in terms of network lifetime, energy consumption, energy balance, stability, and throughput.
Design and analysis of wind pump for wind conditions in Pakistan
Authors: Aized Tauseef , Sohail Rehman Syed Muhammad , Kamran Sajid , Kazim Ali Hussain , Ubaid ur Rehman Syed
Published: September 2019

The unique thing about this research work is that it is the first comprehensive study out of all its kinds in Pakistan. Pakistan is an agricultural country and faces dearth of water resources availability for crops. This research work is very inevitable because it fulfils the water needs and also helps to minimize the energy deficit. This research article represents the means of wind speed data collection, design of wind-driven water pumping system and analysis of the design under different wind conditions in Pakistan. Wind speed data for province Punjab and Sindh are collected from Global Wind Atlas, Pakistan Meteorological Department and World Weather Online. First, design calculations have been made on the basis of analytical methods. Then proposed design is analysed using ANSYS Fluent Simulation models. Wind energy input, lift and drag on blades, rotor power output transmitted to the pump and water discharge from the pump have been calculated and verified from the simulation results. It has been shown that for any rotor size windmill produces maximum power output when angle between blade chord and axis of blade rotation is in the range of 23°–27°. Recommended height of windmill tower for 8–12 ft rotor diameter is 35–50 ft. Designed wind pump system can lift the ground water from 50 ft depth and discharge depends upon the size of windmill used. From the outcomes of the analysis, different designs having different power output and water pumping capacity have been proposed for different operating and wind conditions in the country.
Inversion effects on mental arithmetic in English- and Polish-speaking adults
Authors: Lewis Carolin Annette , Bahnmueller Julia , Wesierska Marta , Moeller Korbinian , Göbel Silke Melanie
Published: September 2019

In some languages the order of tens and units in number words is inverted compared with the symbolic digital notation (e.g., German 23 → “ dreiundzwanzig,” literally: “ three-and-twenty”). In other languages only teen-numbers are inverted (e.g., English 17 → “ seventeen”; Polish 17 → “ siedemnaście” literally “ seventeen”). Previous studies have focused on between group comparisons of inverted and non-inverted languages and showed that number word inversion impairs performance on basic numerical tasks and arithmetic. In two independent experiments, we investigated whether number word inversion affects addition performance within otherwise non-inverted languages (Exp. 1: English, Exp. 2: Polish). In particular, we focused on the influence of inverted ( I; English: teen-numbers ⩾ 13, Polish: numbers 11–19) and non-inverted ( N) summands with sums between 13 and 39. Accordingly, three categories of addition problems were created: N + N, N + I, and I + I with problem size matched across categories. Across both language groups, we observed that problems with results in the 20 and 30 number range were responded to faster when only non-inverted summands were part of the problems as opposed to problems with one or two inverted summands. In line with this, the cost of a carry procedure was the largest for two inverted summands. The results support the notion that both language-specific and language-invariant aspects contribute to addition problem-solving. In particular though, regarding language-specific aspects, the results indicate that inverted number word formation of teens influences place-value processing of Arabic digits even in otherwise non-inverted languages.
Cue integration in metamemory judgements is strategic
Authors: Undorf Monika , Bröder Arndt
Published: September 2019

People base judgements about their own memory processes on probabilistic cues such as the characteristics of study materials and study conditions. While research has largely focused on how single cues affect metamemory judgements, a recent study by Undorf, Söllner, and Bröder found that multiple cues affected people’s predictions of their future memory performance (judgements of learning, JOLs). The present research tested whether this finding was indeed due to strategic integration of multiple cues in JOLs or, alternatively, resulted from people’s reliance on a single unified feeling of ease. In Experiments 1 and 2, we simultaneously varied concreteness and emotionality of word pairs and solicited (a) pre-study JOLs that could be based only on the manipulated cues and (b) immediate JOLs that could be based both on the manipulated cues and on a feeling of ease. The results revealed similar amounts of cue integration in pre-study JOLs and immediate JOLs, regardless of whether cues varied in two easily distinguishable levels (Experiment 1) or on a continuum (Experiment 2). This suggested that people strategically integrated multiple cues in their immediate JOLs. Experiment 3 provided further evidence for this conclusion by showing that false explicit information about cue values affected immediate JOLs over and above actual cue values. Hence, we conclude that cue integration in JOLs involves strategic processes.
Reduced serum immunoglobulin G concentrations in multiple sclerosis: prevalence and association with disease-modifying therapy and disease course
Authors: Zoehner Greta , Miclea Andrei , Salmen Anke , Kamber Nicole , Diem Lara , Friedli Christoph , Bagnoud Maud , Ahmadi Farhad , Briner Myriam , Sédille-Mostafaie Nazanin , Kilidireas Constantinos , Stefanis Leonidas , Chan Andrew , Hoepner Robert , Evangelopoulos Maria Eleftheria
Published: September 2019

Background:

In multiple sclerosis (MS), the frequency of hypogammaglobulinemia is unknown. We aimed to evaluate the frequency of reduced immunoglobulin (Ig) concentrations and its association with immunotherapy and disease course in two independent MS cohorts.

Methods:

In our retrospective cross-sectional study, MS patients and control patients with head or neck pain from Bern University Hospital (Bern, Switzerland) and Eginition University Hospital (Athens, Greece) were included. The lower limits of normal (LLN) for serum Ig concentration were IgG < 700 mg/dl, IgM < 40 mg/dl, and IgA < 70 mg/dl. Mann–Whitney U test, analysis of variance test, and multiple linear regression analysis were employed.

Results:

In total, 327 MS patients were retrospectively identified (Bern/Athens: n = 226/101). Serum IgG concentrations were frequently under LLN in both MS cohorts (Bern/Athens: 15.5%/14.9%), even when considering only untreated patients (Bern/Athens: 7.9%/8.6%). MS patients ( n = 327) were significantly more likely to have IgG concentrations below LLN and below 600 mg/dl in comparison with controls ( n = 58) ( p = 0.015 and 0.047, respectively). Between both patient groups, no significant differences were found in frequencies of IgA and IgM concentrations under LLN [ n (MS patients/controls): IgA 203/30, IgM 224/24]. Independently of age, secondary progressive MS patients had lower IgG concentrations than relapsing–remitting and primary progressive patients (both: p ⩽ 0.01). After adjusting for sex, age, and disease course, IgG concentrations were lower in patients treated with rituximab ( p = 0.001; n = 42/327), intravenous corticosteroids ( p < 0.001; n = 16/327), natalizumab ( p < 0.001; n = 48/327), and fingolimod ( p = 0.003; n = 6/327).

Conclusion:

Our study demonstrated high prevalence rates of reduced serum IgG concentrations in MS patients with and without disease-modifying treatments. The significance of lower IgG concentrations at the levels noted is unclear considering that infections or interference with antibody production generally occur when IgG levels are much lower, at or below 400 mg/dl. However, the information is useful to monitor IgG levels especially with anti-B-cell therapies and consider IgG substitution when levels drop below 400 mg/dl.
Syndrome of inappropriate anti-diuretic hormone secretion in cancer patients: results of the first multicenter Italian study
Authors: Berardi Rossana , Mastroianni Candida , Lo Russo Giuseppe , Buosi Roberta , Santini Daniele , Montanino Agnese , Carnaghi Carlo , Tiseo Marcello , Chiari Rita , Camerini Andrea , Barni Sandro , De Marino Valeria , Ferrari Daris , Cristofano Antonella , Doni Laura , Freddari Federica , Fumagalli Daniele , Portalone Luigi , Sarmiento Roberta , Schinzari Giovanni , Sperandi Francesca , Tucci Marcello , Inno Alessandro , Ciuffreda Libero , Mariotti Marita , Mariani Cinzia , Caramanti Miriam , Torniai Mariangela , Gallucci Rosaria , Bennati Chiara , Bordi Paola , Buffoni Lucio , Galeassi Achille , Ghidini Michele , Grossi Emidio , Morabito Alessandro , Vincenzi Bruno , Arvat Emanuela
Published: September 2019

Background:

Hyponatremia in cancer patients is often caused by the syndrome of inappropriate antidiuretic hormone secretion (SIADH). The aim of this observational multicenter study was to analyze the medical and economic implications of SIADH in this setting.

Methods:

This study included 90 oncological patients from 28 Italian institutions that developed SIADH between January 2010 and September 2015. Data on clinical–pathological characteristics, anticancer therapies, hyponatremia, and related treatments were statistically analyzed.

Results:

The majority were lung cancer patients (73%) with metastatic disease at the onset of hyponatremia (83%). A total of 76 patients (84%) were hospitalized because of SIADH and less than half (41%) received tolvaptan for SIADH treatment. The duration of hospitalization was significantly longer in patients who did not receive tolvaptan and in those who do not reach sodium normalization during hospitalization. Patients who experienced a second episode of hyponatremia following tolvaptan dose modification/discontinuation presented a significantly lower serum sodium value at the time of hospitalization and minimum sodium value during hospitalization compared with patients who had not experienced another episode. The severity of hyponatremia, defined as minimum sodium value during hospitalization with a cut-off value of 110 mmol/l, and not obtaining sodium correction during hospitalization significantly correlated with overall survival rate.

Conclusions:

Hyponatremia due to SIADH could result in longer hospitalization and in a decreased overall survival when not adequately treated, and tolvaptan represents an effective treatment with a potential effect of both improving overall survival and decreasing duration of hospitalization.
BZD9L1 sirtuin inhibitor as a potential adjuvant for sensitization of colorectal cancer cells to 5-fluorouracil
Authors: Tan Yi Jer , Lee Yeuan Ting , Petersen Sven H. , Kaur Gurjeet , Kono Koji , Tan Soo Choon , Majid Amin M. S. Abdul , Oon Chern Ein
Published: September 2019

Background:

This study aims to investigate the combination effect of a novel sirtuin inhibitor (BZD9L1) with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and to determine its molecular mechanism of action in colorectal cancer (CRC).

Methods:

BZD9L1 and 5-FU either as single treatment or in combination were tested against CRC cells to evaluate synergism in cytotoxicity, senescence and formation of micronucleus, cell cycle and apoptosis, as well as the regulation of related molecular players. The effects of combined treatments at different doses on stress and apoptosis, migration, invasion and cell death mechanism were evaluated through two-dimensional and three-dimensional cultures. In vivo studies include investigation on the combination effects of BZD9L1 and 5-FU on colorectal tumour xenograft growth and an evaluation of tumour proliferation and apoptosis using immunohistochemistry.

Results:

Combination treatments exerted synergistic reduction on cell viability on HCT 116 cells but not on HT-29 cells. Combined treatments reduced survival, induced cell cycle arrest, apoptosis, senescence and micronucleation in HCT 116 cells through modulation of multiple responsible molecular players and apoptosis pathways, with no effect in epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT). Combination treatments regulated SIRT1 and SIRT2 protein expression levels differently and changed SIRT2 protein localization. Combined treatment reduced growth, migration, invasion and viability of HCT 116 spheroids through apoptosis, when compared with the single treatment. In addition, combined treatment was found to reduce tumour growth in vivo through reduction of tumour proliferation and necrosis compared with the vehicle control group. This highlights the potential therapeutic effects of BZD9L1 and 5-FU towards CRC.

Conclusion:

This study may pave the way for use of BZD9L1 as an adjuvant to 5-FU in improving the therapeutic efficacy for the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Cytoreductive nephrectomy in the current treatment algorithm
Authors: Kuusk Teele , Szabados Bernadett , Liu Wing Kin , Powles Thomas , Bex Axel
Published: September 2019

The two recent prospective randomized trials CARMENA and SURTIME have changed the therapy paradigm of metastatic renal cell carcinoma. The CARMENA trial was conducted to investigate whether cytoreductive nephrectomy (CN) is required in the targeted therapy area, whereas SURTIME studied whether deferred CN in combination with sunitinib can be used to identify patients with inherent targeted therapy resistance. In the current review, we provide a comprehensive discussion of two randomized studies and the current evidence with up-do-date algorithms for treating primary metastatic clear-cell renal cell carcinoma in the era of targeted therapy and immune-checkpoint inhibition.
Capacity of Infusion Lines for Insulin Adsorption: Effect of Flow Rate on Total Adsorption
Authors: Knopp Jennifer L. , Bishop Kaia , Lerios Theodore , Chase J. Geoffrey
Published: September 2019

Background:

Insulin adsorption to clinical materials has been well observed, but not well quantified. Insulin adsorption reduces expected and actual insulin delivery and is unaccounted for in insulin therapy or glycemic control. It may thus contribute to poor control and high glycemic variability. This research quantifies the problem in the context of clinical use.

Method:

Experimental insulin adsorption data from literature is used to calculate insulin delivery and total insulin adsorption capacities for polyethylene (PE) and polyvinal chloride (PVC) lines at clinically relevant flow rates and concentrations.

Results:

Insulin adsorption capacity decreased hyperbolically with flow rate for both PE and PVC, where low flow scenarios result in greater insulin adherence to infusion lines. When the infusion flow rate was halved from 1 to 0.5 mL/h, twice as much insulin adsorbed to the line. Insulin loss to adsorption resulted in up to ~50% of intended insulin not delivered over 24 hours in a low flow and low concentration context.

Conclusion:

Material capacity for insulin adsorption is not constant, but increases with decreasing flow. Different materials have different adsorption capacities. In low flow and low concentration contexts, such as in neonatal or pediatric intensive care, insulin loss to adsorption represents a significant proportion of daily insulin delivery, which needs to be accounted for.
Is e-cigarette use associated with coronary heart disease and myocardial infarction? Insights from the 2016 and 2017 National Health Interview Surveys
Authors: Farsalinos Konstantinos E , Polosa Riccardo , Cibella Fabio , Niaura Raymond
Published: September 2019

Background:

This study analyzed the National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS) of 2016 ( n = 33,028) and 2017 ( n = 26,742) to examine whether e-cigarette use is consistently associated with myocardial infarction (MI) and coronary heart disease (CHD).

Methods:

Surveys were examined separately and pooled. Logistic regression analysis was used, with demographics, e-cigarette use, smoking and risk factors for CHD (hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, and diabetes) being independent variables. Former smokers were subclassified according to quit duration (⩽ 6 and > 6 years).

Results:

For MI, an association was observed with some days e-cigarette (but not daily) use in the 2017 survey (OR: 2.11, 95% CI: 1.14–3.88, p = 0.017). No statistically significant association was observed in the pooled analysis (daily e-cigarette use: OR: 1.35, 95% CI: 0.80–2.27, p = 0.267). For CHD, an association was observed with daily e-cigarette use in the 2016 survey (OR: 1.89, 95% CI: 1.01–3.53, p = 0.047). From the pooled analysis, no association was found between any pattern of e-cigarette use and CHD. In single-year and pooled analysis, both MI and CHD were strongly associated with all patterns of smoking, hypertension, hypercholesterolemia, diabetes, and age.

Conclusions:

The pooled analysis of the 2016 and 2017 NHIS showed no association between e-cigarette use and MI or CHD. The associations between established risk factors, including smoking, and both conditions were remarkably consistent. The inconsistent associations observed in single-year surveys and the cross-sectional design of the NHIS cannot substantiate any link between e-cigarette use and an elevated risk for MI or CHD. Longitudinal studies are needed to explore the effects of e-cigarette use on cardiovascular disease.
The effect of guideline revisions on vascular complications of type 2 diabetes
Authors: Heijmans Ralph , Singh Sunny S. , Lieverse Aloysius G. , Sijbrands Eric J.G. , van Hoek Mandy
Published: September 2019

Background:

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of implementation and revision of the ‘Diabetes Mellitus type II’ guideline by the Dutch College of General Practitioners (DCGP) on the prevalence and incidence of macrovascular and microvascular complications.

Methods:

The DiaGene study is a case-control study ( n = 1886 patients of type 2 diabetes) with extensive, retrospectively collected complication data, as well as prospective follow up of complications. The study incorporates all lines of diabetes care. Cases were divided into categories according to the date of onset of diabetes and publication dates of the DCGP. Logistic regression models were used to investigate the associations between guideline version and complications. To investigate a possible trend between guideline version and complications, the ‘guideline category’ was also used as a continuous variable. All models were adjusted for clinical covariables.

Results:

The 1999 and 2006 guidelines versions were associated with significantly lower risk of retinopathy than the group that started without a guideline [OR 0.32 (95% CI 0.14–0.72, p = 0.006) and 0.31 (95% CI 0.11–0.91, p = 0.034), respectively]. A significant trend in reduction of peripheral artery disease (PAD) over the guideline versions was found, adjusted for age, sex and diabetes duration (odds ratio (OR) 0.70, 95% CI 0.51-0.97, p trend = 0.029) and for retinopathy in all models (OR = 0.52, 95% CI 0.37-0.73, p trend < 0.001).

Conclusions:

The introduction of the first diabetes guideline and subsequent revisions have reduced the risk of macrovascular and microvascular complications of type 2 diabetes, most strongly in diabetic retinopathy. This indicates that real-time diabetes care has improved over time.
Beyond Dependency: Economic Development, Capacity Building, and Generational Sustainability for Indigenous People in Canada
Authors: Nelson Rodney
Published: September 2019

Indigenous people in Canada have continuously been marginalized in economic participation due to an unequal relationship with the state. Many First Nations communities are looking to engage and be a part of the economy while overcoming this dependency. This article explores this unequal relationship and expands on how we can engage in economic activity from an Indigenous perspective to facilitate reconciliation. It takes into account community perspectives and concepts of traditional knowledge while looking at development, and partnerships while building economic capacity.
Catalytic dysregulation of SHP2 leading to Noonan syndromes affects platelet signaling and functions
Authors: Bellio Marie , Garcia Cédric , Edouard Thomas , Voisin Sophie , Neel Benjamin G. , Cabou Cendrine , Valet Philippe , Mori Jun , Mazharian Alexandra , Senis Yotis A. , Yart Armelle , Payrastre Bernard , Severin Sonia
Published: September 2019

Src homology 2 domain–containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2), encoded by the PTPN11 gene, is a ubiquitous protein tyrosine phosphatase that is a critical regulator of signal transduction. Germ line mutations in the PTPN11 gene responsible for catalytic gain or loss of function of SHP2 cause 2 disorders with multiple organ defects: Noonan syndrome (NS) and NS with multiple lentigines (NSML), respectively. Bleeding anomalies have been frequently reported in NS, but causes remain unclear. This study investigates platelet activation in patients with NS and NSML and in 2 mouse models carrying PTPN11 mutations responsible for these 2 syndromes. Platelets from NS mice and patients displayed a significant reduction in aggregation induced by low concentrations of GPVI and CLEC-2 agonists and a decrease in thrombus growth on a collagen surface under arterial shear stress. This was associated with deficiencies in GPVI and αIIbβ3 integrin signaling, platelet secretion, and thromboxane A2 generation. Similarly, arterial thrombus formation was significantly reduced in response to a local carotid injury in NS mice, associated with a significant increase in tail bleeding time. In contrast, NSML mouse platelets exhibited increased platelet activation after GPVI and CLEC-2 stimulation and enhanced platelet thrombotic phenotype on collagen matrix under shear stress. Blood samples from NSML patients also showed a shear stress–dependent elevation of platelet responses on collagen matrix. This study brings new insights into the understanding of SHP2 function in platelets, points to new thrombopathies linked to platelet signaling defects, and provides important information for the medical care of patients with NS in situations involving risk of bleeding.
Hemostasis stimulates lymphangiogenesis through release and activation of VEGFC
Authors: Lim Lillian , Bui Hung , Farrelly Olivia , Yang Jisheng , Li Li , Enis David , Ma Wanshu , Chen Mei , Oliver Guillermo , Welsh John D. , Kahn Mark L.
Published: September 2019

Key Points

Platelet activation supports lymphatic vessel growth during wound healing through release of the lymphangiogenic factor VEGFC. Thrombin and plasmin support lymphatic vessel growth through proteolytic activation of the lymphangiogenic factors VEGFC and VEGFD.
Ensuring sustainability in plastics use in Africa: consumption, waste generation, and projections
Authors: Babayemi Joshua O. , Nnorom Innocent C. , Osibanjo Oladele , Weber Roland
Published: September 2019

Background

Currently, plastic is at the top of the international agenda for waste management. Recent meetings of the Conferences of the Parties to the Basel and the Stockholm Conventions have expressed concerns over the impact of plastic waste, marine plastic litter, and microplastics, and emphasised the importance of reducing consumption and ensuring the environmentally sound management of waste plastics. This study presents the first continental historical analysis of mass importation and consumption of different polymers and plastics (primary and secondary forms, respectively) in Africa and the associated pollution potential. We identified, collated and synthesised dispersed international trade data on the importation of polymers and plastics into several African countries.

Results

The 33 African countries (total population of 856,671,366) with available data for more than 10 years imported approximately 86.14 Mt of polymers in primary form and 31.5 Mt of plastic products between 1990 and 2017. Extrapolating to the continental level (African population of 1.216 billion in 54 countries), about 172 Mt of polymers and plastics valued at $285 billion were imported between 1990 and 2017. Considering also the components of products, an estimated 230 Mt of plastics entered Africa during that time period, with the largest share going to Egypt (43 Mt, 18.7%), Nigeria (39 Mt, 17.0%), South Africa (27 Mt, 11.7%), Algeria (26 Mt, 11.3%), Morocco (22 Mt, 9.6%), and Tunisia (16 Mt, 7.0%). Additionally, primary plastic production in 8 African countries contributed 15 Mt during 2009–2015. The assessment showed that environmentally sound end-of-life management of waste plastics by recycling and energy recovery is in its infancy in Africa, but recycling activities and thermal recovery have started in a few countries.

Conclusions

Globally, the perception is that production and consumption of plastics can only increase in the future. Solutions are needed to tackle this global challenge. Certain policies and plastic bag bans could help reduce plastic consumption in the near future, as demonstrated by Rwanda. Furthermore, there is a need for innovative solutions such as the introduction of biodegradable polymers and other alternatives, especially for packaging.
Life span of solutions with large initial data for a semilinear parabolic system coupling exponential reaction terms
Authors: Zhou Sen
Published: October 2019

In this paper, we study a coupled systems of parabolic equations subject to large initial data. By using comparison principle and Kaplan’s method, we get the upper and lower bound for the life span of the solutions.
Ethyl formate and phosphine fumigations on the two-spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae and their biochemical responses
Authors: Kim Kyeongnam , Lee Yong Ho , Kim Gayoung , Lee Byung-Ho , Yang Jeong-Oh , Lee Sung-Eun
Published: October 2019

Two spotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae, is a polyphagous pest to a variety of plants and they are hard to be controlled due to occurrence of resistance to acaricides. In this study, biochemical evaluation after ethyl formate (EF) and phosphine (PH3) fumigation towards T. urticae might help officials to control them in quarantine purposes. PH3 fumigation controlled eggs (LC50; 0.158 mg/L), nymphs (LC50; 0.030 mg/L), and adults (LC50; 0.059 mg/L) of T. urticae, and EF effectively affected nymphs (LC50; 2.826 mg/L) rather than eggs (LC50; 6.797 mg/L) and adults (LC50; 5.836 mg/L). In a longer exposure time of 20 h, PH3 fumigation was 94.2-fold more effective tool for control of T. urticae than EF fumigant. EF and PH3 inhibited cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activity differently in both nymphs and adults of T. urticae. It confirmed COX is one of target sites of these fumigants in T. urticae and COX is involved in the respiratory chain as complex IV. Molecular approaches showed that EF fumigation completely down-regulated the expression of cox11 gene at the concentration of LC10 value, while PH3 up-regulated several genes greater than twofold in T. urticae nymphs treated with the concentration of LC50 value. These increased genes by PH3 fumigation are ndufv1, atpB, para, and ace, responsible for the expression of NADH dehydrogenase [ubiquinone] flavoprotein 1, ATP synthase, and acetylcholinesterase in insects, respectively. Lipidomic analyses exhibited a significant difference between two fumigants-exposed groups and the control, especially an ion with 815.46 m/z was analyzed less than twofold in the fumigants-treated group. It was identified as PI(15:1/18:3) and it may be used as a biomarker to EF and PH3 toxicity. These findings may contribute to set an effective control strategy on T. urticae by methyl bromide alternatives such as EF and PH3 because they have shared target sites on the respiratory chain in the pest.
Hepatoprotective studies on methanolic extract fractions of Lindernia ciliata and development of qualitative analytical profile for the bioactive extract
Authors: Pallerla Praneetha , Yellu Narsimha Reddy , Bobbala Ravi Kumar
Published: October 2019

Background

The objective of the study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of methanolic extract fractions of Lindernia ciliata (LC) and development of qualitative analytical profile of the bioactive fraction using HPLC fingerprinting analysis. All the fractions of methanolic extract of Lindernia ciliata (LCME) are assessed for their total phenolic, flavonoid contents and in vitro antioxidant properties by using DPPH, superoxide, nitric oxide, hydroxyl radical scavenging activities and reducing power assay. Acute toxicity study was conducted for all the fractions and the two test doses 50 and 100 mg/kg were selected for the hepatoprotective study. Liver damage was induced in different groups of rats by administering 3 g/kg.b.w.p.o. paracetamol and the effect of fractions were tested for hepatoprotective potential by evaluating serum biochemical parameters and histology of liver of rats. The effective fraction was evaluated for its antihepatotoxic activity against D-Galactosamine (400 mg/kg b.w. i.p.) and in vivo antioxidant parameters viz., Glutathione (GSH), Melondialdehyde (MDA) and Catalase (CAT) levels are estimated using liver homogenate.

Results

Among all the fractions, butanone fraction of LCME, (BNF-LCME) has shown better hepatoprotective activity and hence it is selected to evaluate the antihepatotoxicity against D-GaIN. The activity of BNF-LCME is well supported in in vitro and in vivo antioxidant studies and may be attributed to flavonoidal, phenolic compounds present in the fraction. Hence, BNF-LCME was subjected to the development of qualitative analytical profile using HPLC finger printing analysis.

Conclusions

All the fractions of LCME exhibited significant hepatoprotective activity and BNF-LCME (50 mg/kg) was identified as the most effective fraction.
New acoustic approximation for transversely isotropic media with a vertical symmetry axis
Authors: Xu Shibo , Stovas Alexey , Alkhalifah Tariq , Mikada Hitoshi
Published: September 2019

Seismic data processing in the elastic anisotropic model is complicated due to multiparameter dependency. Approximations to the P-wave kinematics are necessary for practical purposes. The acoustic approximation for P-waves in a transversely isotropic medium with a vertical symmetry axis (VTI) simplifies the description of wave propagation in elastic media, and as a result, it is widely adopted in seismic data processing and analysis. However, finite-difference implementations of that approximation are plagued with S-wave artifacts. Specifically, the resulting wavefield also includes artificial diamond-shaped S-waves resulting in a redundant signal for many applications that require pure P-wave data. To derive a totally S-wave-free acoustic approximation, we have developed a new acoustic approximation for pure P-waves that is totally free of S-wave artifacts in the homogeneous VTI model. To keep the S-wave velocity equal to zero, we formulate the vertical S-wave velocity to be a function of the model parameters, rather than setting it to zero. Then, the corresponding P-wave phase and group velocities for the new acoustic approximation are derived. For this new acoustic approximation, the kinematics is described by a new eikonal equation for pure P-wave propagation, which defines the new vertical slowness for the P-waves. The corresponding perturbation-based approximation for our new eikonal equation is used to compare the new equation with the original acoustic eikonal. The accuracy of our new P-wave acoustic approximation is tested on numerical examples for homogeneous and multilayered VTI models. We find that the accuracy of our new acoustic approximation is as good as the original one for the phase velocity, group velocity, and the kinematic parameters such as vertical slowness, traveltime, and relative geometric spreading. Therefore, the S-wave-free acoustic approximation could be further applied in seismic processing that requires pure P-wave data.
Multichannel maximum-entropy method for the Wigner-Ville distribution
Authors: Wang Yanghua , Rao Ying , Xu Duo
Published: September 2019

The Wigner-Ville distribution is a powerful technique for the time-frequency spectral analysis of nonstationary seismic data. However, the Wigner-Ville distribution suffers from cross-term interference between different wave components in seismic data. To mitigate cross-term interference, we have developed a multichannel maximum-entropy method (MEM) to modify the Wigner-Ville kernel. The method is related to the conventional maximum-entropy spectral analysis (MESA) algorithm because both algorithms use Burg’s reflection coefficients for the calculation of the prediction-error filter (PEF). The MESA algorithm works on the standard autocorrelation sequence, but it does not work for the Wigner-Ville kernel, which is an instantaneous autocorrelation sequence. Our multichannel MEM algorithm uses the PEF to modify any single Wigner-Ville kernel sequence by exploiting multiple Wigner-Ville kernel sequences simultaneously. This multichannel implementation is capable of robustly determining the reflection coefficient and a minimum-phased PEF for the Wigner-Ville kernel sequence. The Wigner-Ville distribution and the multichannel MEM algorithm in conjunction with each other in turn can produce a high-resolution time-frequency spectrum by mitigating the cross-term interferences and suppressing the spurious energy in the spectrum.
Outcomes of Older Women With Hormone Receptor–Positive, Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor–Negative Metastatic Breast Cancer Treated With a CDK4/6 Inhibitor and an Aromatase Inhibitor: An FDA Pooled Analysis
Authors: Howie Lynn J. , Singh Harpreet , Bloomquist Erik , Wedam Suparna , Amiri-Kordestani Laleh , Tang Shenghui , Sridhara Rajeshwari , Sanchez Jacqueline , Prowell Tatiana M. , Kluetz Paul G. , King-Kallimanis Belinda L. , Gao Jennifer J. , Ibrahim Amna , Goldberg Kirsten B. , Theoret Marc , Pazdur Richard , Beaver Julia A.
Published: September 2019

PURPOSE

Many older women will be treated with a cyclin-dependent kinase 4/6 (CDK4/6) inhibitor and an aromatase inhibitor (AI), given US Food and Drug Administration approval of three agents in this class. The current pooled analysis examines the efficacy and safety of this combination in older women.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We pooled data from three randomized controlled studies (N = 1,827) of different CDK4/6 inhibitors in combination with an AI for initial treatment of postmenopausal women with hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative metastatic breast cancer. The effect of age on progression-free survival was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier estimates and a Cox proportional hazards regression model.

RESULTS

For patients age 75 years or older (n = 198) who were treated with a CDK4/6 inhibitor and an AI, hazard ratio was 0.49 (95% CI, 0.31 to 0.76) with an estimated median progression-free survival of 31.1 months (95% CI, 20.2 months to not reached) versus 13.7 months (95% CI, 10.9 months to 24.9 months) for those treated with an AI. Incidence of grade 3 to 4 adverse events was 88.8% in patients age 75 years and older and 73.4% in patients younger than age 75 years. Patients age 75 years or older reported a decline in quality-of-life measures using the EQ-5D regardless of treatment with AI alone or with the addition of a CDK4/6 inhibitor.

CONCLUSION

There was similar efficacy with a CDK4/6 inhibitor in combination with an AI compared with AI alone for first-line treatment of hormone receptor–positive, human epidermal growth factor receptor 2–negative metastatic breast cancer in older women compared with younger patients. Patients older than age 75 years experienced higher rates of toxicity, dose modifications, and a decrease from baseline in quality-of-life measures.
One Decade of Evolution of Corporate Governance Practices in Brazil
Authors: Leal Ricardo Pereira Câmara , Carvalhal André L. , Iervolino Ana Paula
Published: October 2019

Este estudo apresenta a evolução de certas práticas de governança corporativa de empresas brasileiras negociadas em bolsa entre 2004 e 2013 que compõem um índice (CGI). Os resultados indicam que a qualidade dessas práticas melhorou, especialmente após a criação dos níveis diferenciados de negociação de adesão voluntária na bolsa, que exigem práticas melhores de governança corporativa e transparência. O CGI médio de 5,8 (em um total de 10) em 2013 pode ser considerado baixo e sugere que pode haver mais espaço para melhoria. Além disso, as empresas pontuam muito baixo nos aspectos de ética e conflitos de interesse do CGI, quando comparadas com os componentes sobre transparência, composição e funcionamento do conselho e diretos dos acionistas. O número muito pequeno de empresas que proíbem empréstimos a partes relacionadas e que facilitam a participação nas assembleias de acionistas é uma preocupação. A diminuição de mecanismos de aumento do controle, como as ações sem direito de voto e estruturas indiretas de controle, foi um avanço notável. Mesmo assim, os acordos de acionistas são cada vez mais empregados como instrumentos que interferem com a independência dos conselheiros e aumentam o poder do bloco controlador.
Há bons gestores de fundos de investimento em ações no Brasil?
Authors: Matos Paulo Rogério Faustino , Silva Wandermon , Silva Felipe
Published: October 2019

Este artigo contribui com a teoria de apreçamento de ativos, ao propor um modelo linear de fatores construídos especificamente para a indústria brasileira de fundos de investimento em ações, utilizando-o na sequência para analisar a performance destes fundos através da metodologia proposta em Fama & French (2010). A principal inovação deste trabalho consiste no uso deste arcabouço especificamente derivado para esta categoria de fundos com o intuito de inferir sobre a performance dos fundos brasileiros, enquanto a literatura afim se baseia no uso de modelos clássicos de apreçamento de ações e não fundos de investimentos. Evidencia-se que o modelo de fatores se mostra mais criterioso que o CAPM na identificação da aleatoriedade na performance. A principal evidência é a existência de somente 4% da amostra de fundos sobreviventes de investimentos em ações neta referida categoria, cuja performance risco-retorno superior é significativa e resultado de um boa gestão, e não sorte.
Implementing change
Authors: Allingham Sue
Published: September 2019

In part two of Dr Sue Allingham's series exploring Ofsted's new nursery and school inspection frameworks, she discusses what it means to implement a curriculum.
‘We must remain steady in our purpose’
Authors: Leitch Neil
Published: September 2019

As the country's political situation grows more fraught by the minute, it's important that the early years sector unites for fairer funding. Otherwise, we can expect more nursery closures and greater marginalisation of disadvantaged children.
Practitioners do not want change for the sake of change
Authors: Bayram Liz
Published: September 2019

The Early Years Foundation Stage framework is in the process of being updated, with the Government saying it could be used in schools as early as 2020, but does the sector really want or need this? An independent review suggests not.
More than a feeling…
Authors: Harris Judith
Published: September 2019

Emojis have become a key part of how we interact using technology and present lots of potential for learning. Judith Harries suggests we embrace this new form of communication to help children recognise their own and others' feelings.
Occurrence of Aflatoxin in Dairy Cow Feed Ingredients and Total Mixed Ration
Authors: Mohammadi Shad Zeinab , Ghavami Mehrdad , Atungulu Griffiths G.
Published: October 2019

Abstract. The level of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) in dairy cow feed ingredients and Total Mixed Rations (TMRs) procured at two farms for low- and high-yielding dairy cows were surveyed. Raw milk from the two groups of cows at each farm was sampled 24 h after feeding the cows with examined feedstuffs during both the rainy and the non-rainy season. The aflatoxin M1 (AFM1) level in the raw milk samples was measured 12-24 h later. The levels of AFB1 in feed and AFM1 in milk were determined by validated enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The influence of farm management and type of feeding system on aflatoxin occurrence were considered. AFB1 and AFM1 were detected in 100% of feed and milk samples, respectively. The average level of AFB1 in the feed ingredients and TMRs were in the range of 1.6-104.7 µg/kg and 11.0-56.0 µg/kg, respectively. The average level of AFM1 in milk samples was 77.0 ng/L. The average concentrations of AFB1 in feeds and AFM1 in milk procured in the rainy season were significantly greater than those procured in the non-rainy season (p<0.05). Of the studied feed, maize silage was determined as the most contaminated feed ingredient in terms of AFB1 content. Furthermore, the AFM1 in 75% of milk samples obtained from high-yielding dairy cows and 25% of milk samples obtained from low-yielding dairy cows indicated AFM1 level higher than the maximum allowable Europe Commission limit of 50 ng/L. The results also showed that the occurrence of AFB1 in feed varied with farm feed management. The extent of translocation to AFMI in milk samples was dependent on type of cow, whether low- or high- milk yielding. This study suggests regular risk analysis and using good farm management practices are important to control aflatoxin contamination in feed and milk. Keywords: Aflatoxin B1, Aflatoxin M1, Dairy cows, Feed, Milk yield.