bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rabies surveillance in the United States during 2017
Authors: Ma Xiaoyue , Monroe Ben P. , Cleaton Julie M. , Orciari Lillian A. , Li Yu , Kirby Jordona D. , Chipman Richard B. , Petersen Brett W. , Wallace Ryan M. , Blanton Jesse D.
Published: December 2018

OBJECTIVE To describe rabies and rabies-related events occurring during 2017 in the United States.

DESIGN Cross-sectional analysis of passive surveillance data.

ANIMALS All animals submitted for laboratory diagnosis of rabies in the United States during 2017.

PROCEDURES State and territorial public health departments provided data on animals submitted for rabies testing in 2017. Data were analyzed temporally and geographically to assess trends in domestic and sylvatic animal rabies cases.

RESULTS During 2017, 52 jurisdictions reported 4,454 rabid animals to the CDC, representing a 9.3% decrease from the 4,910 rabid animals reported in 2016. Of the 4,454 cases of animal rabies, 4,055 (91.0%) involved wildlife species. Relative contributions by the major animal groups were as follows: 1,433 (32.2%) bats, 1,275 (28.6%) raccoons, 939 (21.1%) skunks, 314 (7.0%) foxes, 276 (6.2%) cats, 62 (1.4%) dogs, and 36 (0.8%) cattle. There was a 0.4% increase in the number of samples submitted for testing in 2017, compared with the number submitted in 2016. Two human rabies deaths were reported in 2017, compared with none in 2016.

CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The overall number of reported cases of animal rabies has decreased over time. Laboratory testing of animals suspected to be rabid remains a critical public health function and continues to be a cost-effective method to directly influence human rabies postexposure prophylaxis recommendations.
Leadership Style, Organizational Performance, and Change Through the Lens of Emotional Intelligence
Authors: Jiménez Marisela
Published: December 2018

Transformational leadership style and emotional intelligence are aiding managers’ performance. This study explained the influence that transformational style and emotional intelligence flexibility subscale have on organizational performance during change initiatives. Emotional intelligence and leadership theory represent the theoretical lens and framework in the research study. Emotional intelligence flexibility subscale was assessed with the Emotional Quotient Inventory 2.0 (EQi 2.0), and transformational style was assessed with the Multifactor Leadership Questionnaire (MLQ 5X). The study included a population of 180 managers from a nonprofit company in Texas, USA. Data collected were analyzed using multiple linear regression and Pearson correlational model to assess if a relationship existed between managers’ emotional intelligence flexibility subscale and transformational style. The results showed a relationship between the emotional intelligence flexibility subscale and the transformational style. This research study may be beneficial to leaders in all industries undergoing organizational change to apply emotional intelligence flexibility subscale and transformational leadership style during the implementation of change initiatives.
Preliminary studies on the prevalence and genotyping of Echinococcus granulosus infection in stray dogs in Van Province, Turkey
Authors: Oguz Bekir , Ozdal Nalan , Kilinc Ozlem Orunc , Deger M. Serdar
Published: December 2018

Introduction:
Echinococcus granulosus is a zoonotic helminth of the Taeniidae family living in the small intestines of dogs. The hydatid cyst, which is the larval form of this parasite, is observed in sheep, goat, cattle, and many other organisms including humans. It causes a disease called cystic echinococcosis. Identification of strains of E. granulosus in dogs is critical in parasite control and eradication where possible. This study aims to determine the genotype of E. granulosus eggs and prevalence of this parasite in the faeces of dogs in the Van Province using the copro-PCR method.

Material and Methods: This study was conducted between 2015 and 2016 on the faeces obtained from 100 stray dogs from different parts of the Van Province. The coprological examination was conducted using the formalin-ether concentration method.

Results:
Taeniidae eggs were found in 10 (10%) out of 100 faecal samples. E. granulosus was detected in 4 out of 10 of these (40%) infected samples. Sequence analysis of positive amplicons obtained from PCR showed that there were sheep strains (G1).

Conclusion: Dogs in Van area are primarily infected with the livestock genotype of E. granulosus, which is thought to be a potential zoonotic threat to humans.
Immune-enhancing activity of potential probiotic strains of Lactobacillus plantarum in the common carp (Cyprinus carpio) fingerling
Authors: Kazuń Barbara , Małaczewska Joanna , Kazuń Krzysztof , Żylińska-Urban Joanna , Siwicki Andrzej K.
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Immune-potentiating functions of Lactobacillus plantarum strains in the common carp were evaluated.

Material and Methods: Fourteen days of feeding fish dry diet supplemented with the bacteria provided parameters of nonspecific humoral immunity (lysozyme, ceruloplasmin, γ-globulin, total protein levels, and serum bactericidal activity) and cellular immunity (pinocytosis, respiratory burst activity, and potential killing activity of organ phagocytes), as well as the proliferative response of organ lymphocytes stimulated with mitogens. The resistance of fish to infection with Aeromonas hydrophila was also determined.

Results: Dietary supplementation with L. plantarum had a substantial influence on the activity of organ phagocytes, especially the potential killing activity of head kidney cells. A significant increase in the proliferative activity of LPS-stimulated B lymphocytes and in the levels of γ-globulins and total protein was observed. The supplemented diet conveyed higher resistance than the control diet as the cumulative fish mortalities after infection with A. hydrophila were 65% and 85%, respectively.

Conclusion: The results indicate that dietary supplementation with L. plantarum stimulates the antibacterial resistance of common carp and may reinforce defence against bacterial infections, but further studies need to be conducted.
Long-term Influence of Concrete Surface and Crack Orientation on Self-healing and Ingress in Cracks – Field Observations
Authors: Danner Tobias , Geiker Mette Rica
Published: December 2018

This paper presents results from investigations on the long-term influence of concrete surface and crack orientation on ingress in cracks. Five reinforced concrete structures from Norway exposed to either de-icing salts or seawater have been investigated. Concrete cores were taken with and without cracks from surfaces with vertical and horizontal orientation. Carbonation in cracks was found on all de-iced structures, and a crack on a completely horizontal surface appeared to facilitate chloride ingress. Ingress of substances from seawater was found in all cracks from marine exposure. However, the impact of cracks on chloride ingress was unclear. Horizontal cracks on vertical surfaces appeared to facilitate self-healing.
Frost Destruction of Concrete – A Study of the Validity of Different Mechanisms
Authors: Fagerlund Göran
Published: December 2018

Well-known frost destruction mechanisms applicable to concrete not exposed to salt are, (1) hydraulic pressure during freezing, (2) growth of ice-bodies in capillaries during freezing. Theories behind these mechanisms are presented. A third mechanism, ice expansion during heating of frozen concrete, is put forward. The validity of a certain mechanisms is discussed by analyzing its ability to explain experimental observations.
The Influence of Supplementary Cementitious Materials on Climate Impact of Concrete Structures Exposed to Chlorides
Authors: Al-Ayish Nadia , During Otto , Malaga Katarina , Silva Nelson , Gudmundsson Kjartan
Published: December 2018

Addition of fly ash or GGBS in concrete has shown to increase the durability and thus the service life of concrete structures exposed to chlorides. Currently, the durability relies on regulations, which beside a minimum cover thickness also put constraint on amount and type of SCM in different environments. Swedish regulations do not, however, consider the actual durability of different binders. As a consequence, a LCA might be misleading. This paper investigates the climate impact of concrete with SCM in chloride environment. Current prescriptive design approach is compared with a performance based service life approach and applied to bridge parts.
Towards the Understanding of the pH Dependency of the Chloride Binding of Portland Cement Pastes
Authors: Machner Alisa , Hemstad Petter , De Weerdt Klaartje
Published: December 2018

Hydrated Portland cement paste exposed to a NaCl solution was acidified by adding HCl in small steps, gradually lowering the pH. The chloride binding of the cement paste changed as a function of the pH. For the range of pH from 13.2 to 12.2, decreasing pH resulted in a considerable increase in the chloride binding. At a pH of 11, the cement paste showed almost no chloride binding. In order to explain the changes in chloride binding upon lowering the pH, the phase assemblage was investigated with SEM-EDS, TGA and XRD and compared to a thermodynamic modelling.
Safety Aspect in Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Railway Transport
Authors: Drzewieniecka Beata , Nowak Marzena
Published: December 2018

Safety in transportation of dangerous goods is an important issue in transport processes. The impact of transport damage on the level of safety is very high and therefore becomes a very important issue in transport. The number of breakdowns in railway transport is becoming more and more advanced with deterioration of wagon condition due to aging. Thanks to the analysis of these data, it was possible to approximate the problem of transport failures and their impact on the safety of people involved in this transport process. In addition, the simulation in ALOHA program has been carried out that allows to illustrate the effects of the hazardous substance release from the transport rail tank. This event may result from derailment of the wagon or breakage of the wagon component. The simulation shows the extent of the threat during the incident. The conducted researches and their analysis have shown the problems of railway transport safety on various levels and different planes.
Mathematical Model for Predicting the Ship Speed in the Actual Weather Conditions on the Planned Ocean Route
Authors: Szelangiewicz Tadeusz , Żelazny Katarzyna
Published: December 2018

While operating the ship, one of the most important tasks is forecasting the ocean route. The vessel’s speed characteristics are used to predict the route. Commonly used are very simplified algorithms for calculating those characteristics in which only a few basic ship parameters are used. The article presents a more detailed mathematical model for forecasting the speed of the ship in real weather conditions. This model requires more detailed geometric data of the ship and its propulsion (propeller and propulsion engine), but this data is available for operating ships.
Determination of Regression Formulas for Key Design Characteristics of Container Ships at Preliminary Design Stage
Authors: Abramowski Tomasz , Cepowski Tomasz , Zvolenský Peter
Published: December 2018

This article presents regression equations to estimate container ship design characteristics based on the most up-to-date data and deadweight capacity, the number of containers and their combination at the preliminary design stage. These design formulas could have application for the estimation of key container ship characteristics such as: main ship dimensions, geometric parameters, main engine total power, ship velocity, final price and others. Regression equations were performed on the basis of IHS Maritime & Trade main container ship data built from 2005-2015. All equations presented in this paper could have practical application at the preliminary design stage and increase ship design theory development.
Analysis of the Possibility of Using Acoustic Emission for Monitoring Technical Condition of the Fuel Injector in 3AL25/30 Engine
Authors: Dudzik Krzysztof
Published: December 2018

Acoustic emission method (AE) can be used for the diagnosis of machine parts such as, for example: fuel injectors. This paper presents the methodology and research results of 3AL25/30 engine fuel injector. During research was studied one injector in good condition and second with simulated failure involving closing 2 of 9 holes of the injector tip. Research was carried out on a laboratory test stand using a set of acoustic emission Vallen System. This set included: 4 channel signal recorder AMSY 6, two measurement modules ASIP-2/S, preamplifier with a frequency range 20 kHz-1 MHz and the strengthening of 34 dB, AE signal measurement sensor type VS 150M, with a frequency range 100-450 kHz. During the study, the acoustic emission (AE) generated by tested injector was recorded. The following parameters were determined: amplitude, rise time, duration time, total time, number of events – hits, the effective value of the signal (RMS). Analysis of the results showed significantly longer total time of the injection in the case of damaged injector compared to the injector in good conditions. Signal amplitude was higher, however, the RMS signal reached approximately 3-times lower value for the injector with damaged tip. This means lower quality fuel atomization. Laboratory test results were compared with signals recorded on injectors installed in the engine. Analysis of the signals allowed detection damage of the injector installed in the engine during normal operation.
The Influence of Liquid Viscosity on Atomized Fuel Mean Droplet Size Determined by the Laser Diffraction Method
Authors: Krause Paweł , Labuda Róbert
Published: December 2018

The article presents the impact of viscosity of fuel on its atomization, which constitutes an important element of controlling the quality of the fuel-air mixture in compression ignition and direct injection engines. An experiment has been made using a three-hole atomizer of an engine with nominal power of 110 kW and revolutions n = 2800 min−1. Fuel was delivered by a PRW-2M injection pump intended for testing injectors. Fuel was sprayed in the atmospheric air. Three petroleum product liquids used for the experiment had a viscosity of, respectively, 3.93, 16.73 and 36.41 mm2/s. The fuel droplet size in a spray was determined by the laser diffraction method by means of a Spraytec STP 5929 analyzer. The quantity adopted for comparative purposes was the Sauter Mean Diameter D32. The results confirmed that a change of fuel viscosity within the range recommended by ship engine manufacturers has a strong impact on the size of sprayed fuel droplets. Shipowners have a limited choice of low sulphur fuel grade (up to 0.1% S), which forces the engine room personnel to use currently available fuels. Depending on the supplier, marine fuels may vary in viscosity and, according to the recommendations of engine manufacturers, they do not require heating. The increase in the size of the droplets injected into the fuel combustion chamber may affect the quality of the fuel-air mixture, increase of fuel consumption and a greater content of harmful exhaust constituents.
Application of Redundancy in Ship Power Plants of Offshore Vessels
Authors: Tarelko Wieslaw
Published: December 2018

Power and propulsion systems of offshore units must be of a very high level of reliability. The loss of ability to perform functions of their components causes generally to very high economic losses, which may be increased by unused the weather window resulting to postponing the planned offshore operations. To ensure carrying out so expensive offshore operations in the most reliable way, various types of redundancies are built-in ship power plants. This paper deals with issues related to application of redundancy in ship power plants of offshore vessels. Especially, evolution of redundancy application in ship power plants, and design solution of redundancy for offshore vessels are presented. Moreover, the specifics of these offshore operations so important from the point of view of minimizing financial losses due to any interruptions caused by failures of power and propulsion systems are discussed in detailed way.
The Effects of the Addition of Vegetable Oil on the Viscosity of Used Marine Engine Oil Marinol RG 1240
Authors: Malinowska Małgorzata
Published: December 2018

The article presents conducted research on the effects of the additives of vegetable oil on the viscosity of used marine engine oil Marinol RG 1240. Specifically, it shows dependence between viscosity and temperature for: fresh mineral oil, used mineral oil and blends of oils. Research results were compared and assessed. The viscosity of all oil samples were measured using Vibro Viscometer SV-10, at range of temperatures 5°C-65°C. It is noted that most of the used engine oil samples increase value of viscosity compared to fresh oil. However, the addition of 10% rapeseed oil significantly reduced viscosity parameters for all studied temperatures.
Overview of the Ship Efficiency Management Plan for a Seafaring Model Ship Based on the IMO MEPC 231 (65) Resolution
Authors: Waliszyn Aleksandr , Adamkiewicz Andrzej , Yafasov Abdurashid
Published: December 2018

The increase of maritime international trade, especially of dangerous liquid cargos led to a significant increase of the number of sea-going ships. Their operation poses a real threat to the maritime environment both as a result of terminal events with transported dangerous liquid cargos and emissions of harmful products from fuels burnt by ship power systems. Because of those there is a need to undertake actions to prevent such occurrences using formal, legal and utilitarian tools. Philosophy of research methodology and rationalization of actions in compliance with international directives have been shown. The article presents the guidelines of the IMO Resolution MEPC 231(65) on preventing air pollution with carbon dioxide from ships. Design Energy Efficiency Index (EEDI) for a new ship was given as well as Energy Efficiency Operational Indicator (EEOI) determined for conventional ships after a completed voyage was defined and interpreted. A model of a Ship Energy Efficiency Management Plan (SEEMP) of a chosen ship has been constructed taking into account possible actions aimed at obtaining the highest power efficiency of the ship at sea voyage. Conclusions have been drawn and possible directions of further actions have been established.
Towards lean and green thinking in construction projects at Gaza Strip
Authors: El-sawalhi Nabil I. , Jaber Bilal Majid , Shukri Abed Al
Published: December 2018

Background and problem: Integrating lean and green principles while implementing construction project has become an important aspect of modern construction. Lean construction and green building are used to maxi­mize the economic benefits, address quality, reduce waste and minimize the negative environmental impacts in con­struction.

Aims: The objectives of this paper were to measure the degree of knowledge of lean and green approaches in con­struction industry in Gaza Strip and to identify the most important benefits from application of lean and green in construction.

Methodology: Literature review and questionnaire survey were used in this study. A total of 155 copies of the questionnaire were distributed randomly to owners, con­sultants and contractors in the Gaza Strip, and 119 copies of the questionnaire were received.

Results: The results revealed that the awareness level of lean and green construction by owners, consultants and contractors in the construction industry in Gaza Strip is moderate. There are very important benefits of applying lean and green construction such as “reduce non-useful work that does not add value to work”, “reduce the environmental impact of the construction process” and “saving the money needed to complete the project”.

Conclusions: It was concluded that integrating both concepts on projects showed that lean leads to green but not necessarily vice versa. The fields of lean and green thinking, however, have been developed largely independent of each other. There is a big gap in the knowledge and application of the lean construction and the green application.
Combined telovelar-minimal transvermian approach for a bleeding pontine cavernoma in a 48-year-old patient – case report and literature review
Authors: Radu R. , Petrescu G. , Gorgan C. , Cristescu C. , Brehar F. M. , Gorgan R.M.
Published: December 2018

Symptomatic pontine cavernous malformations carry a high risk of recurrent bleeding, which may result in permanent neurological deficit. Such lesions require surgical management that can be challenging to the neurosurgeon due to their anatomical location and their proximity to delicate neural structures. An ideal surgical approach should provide maximal surgical resection with minimal morbidity. We present the case of a 48-year-old woman with a pontine cavernoma with repeated spontaneous intralesional hemorrhages, resected using a telovelar approach extended by a minimal incision of the inferior vermis, with good surgical outcome. The telovelar approach provided a good access to the lateral recesses and the foramen of Luschka, while the lower vermian incision provided a greater vertical working angle inside the ventricle.
Filum terminale paraganglioma with associated cyst: a case report
Authors: Adam Danil , Moisescu Cristiana , Iftimie Dragos , Burdusa Gina
Published: December 2018

Background and importance: Paragangliomas are neuroendocrine tumors that occur most often within the adrenal glands. The most frequent extra-adrenal locations include the carotid body and the jugular bulb. Filum terminale paragangliomas are extremely rare, with just 33 cases reported to date. Imagistic appearance is similar with other types of intradural extramedullary tumors such as ependymomas and schwannomas. Histopathological examination is the only method of establishing a definitive diagnosis. They are classified as grade I WHO tumors with favorable prognosis in the case of total resection. Clinical presentation: A 46-year-old woman without any relevant medical history was admitted to our Neurosurgical Department, complaining of low back pain with bilateral sciatica. She presented no neurological deficits and routine blood tests, as well as heart rate and blood pressure, were within normal ranges. Lumbar spine MRI with gadolinium enhancement revealed an intradural tumor with irregular, well defined margins and intense homogeneous enhancement, located at the level of the L3 vertebra. It presented an unenhancing intradural cystic lesion that extended cranially up to the level of the L1 vertebra. The tumor and associated cyst were completely resected through L2-L4 laminectomy. The tumor-cyst complex was attached, yet nonadherent to the conus medullaris and nerve roots, which allowed safe total removal. Histopathological examination was suggestive for paraganglioma, a diagnosis confirmed by immunohistochemistry that classified it as moderately differentiated, non-secreting type. Serum metanephrines subsequently determined were within normal ranges. Also, additional imagistic tests consisting of cervical and abdominal ultrasound and contrast enhanced CT scans did not detect any additional tumors. Postoperatively, the patient was neurologically intact, with complete remission of presenting symptoms at 3 months follow-up. Conclusion: Filum terminale paraganglioma is a rare diagnosis which is frequently overlooked. However, gross total resection, a common goal for all spinal tumors, can be curative in these particular cases.
High Flow Bypass for Cavernous Carotid Aneurysms
Authors: Matmusaev Maruf , Duschanov Temur , Yamada Yasuhiro , Takizawa Katsumi , Kawase Tsukasa , Tanaka Riki , Kyosuke Miyatani , Kato Yoko , Ansari Ahmed
Published: December 2018

Introduction and objective: High flow extracranial to intracranial (HF EC-IC) cerebral revascularisation may be necessary in the management of complex skull base tumours and intracranial aneurysms. Bypass grafting can be considered high flow when a radial artery or the saphenous vein is interposed between the extracranial carotids arteries and intracranial vessels. The decision as to whether to use a low flow or high flow bypass is determined by the anticipated cerebral blood flow needed and the availability of a supply source. In this study, we have used this method to bypass for two cases of giant aneurysms of the cavernous sinus part of the ICA. Methods: Two cases of giant ICE aneurysm not amenable to clipping or coiling were taken since 2016. Patients were treated in Neurosurgery department of Fujita Health University Banbuntane Hotokukai Hospital, Nagoya, Japan. During bypass surgery, intraoperative methods were used to determine the patency of the graft artery: Doppler sonography and indocyanine green (ICG) Dual-Image Videoangiography (DIVA). Results: Two patients with symptomatic large and giant cavernous carotid aneurysms were evaluated as not amenable for clipping or endovascular treatment due to location and size of the aneurysm and associated high morbidity risk with these treatment options. In both cases radial artery graft was used for high-flow EC-MCA bypass and proximal internal carotid artery was ligated. Additionally, for high-flow bypass was performed superficial temporal artery (STA) to middle cerebral artery (MCA) bypass. DIVA, ICG and Doppler sonography were used multiple times to assess the patency of graft artery. In one case there was not complete ligation of the IC after postop DSA, the next day was performed reintervention to completely ligate IC. Postoperative course was uneventful, there were no mortality or morbidity. Follow-up showed good recovery and postoperative CT and DSA showed complete occlusion of ligated IC and patent functioning arterial graft. Conclusions: Cavernous carotid aneurysms (CCA) are rare and pose considerable challenges in management. A bypass procedure before parent artery occlusion, preferable to reduce the risks of postocclusion stroke. Intraoperative Doppler sonography and DIVA makes it easy to check the patency of the graft. DIVA is superior over Doppler or ICG in terms of better visualization of related anatomical structures.
Surgery for recurrent high-grade gliomas: the dilemma of debate
Authors: Musa Wael , Taha Ahmed N.
Published: December 2018

Background: Treating recurrent gliomas is a big dilemma in the literature and no uniform protocol is approved to treat such disappointing problem. Although improvement in the RT techniques, new CTX techniques and new techniques including targeted therapy and gene therapy; all fail to dramatically improve the outcome and solve the problem of significant mass effect when the recurrent tumor is big So resurgery play a role in treating such challenging problem. The aim of the study: to assess the goal and outcome of surgery in treatment of recurrent malignant glioma. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the data of 56 patients who were operated upon for recurrent or progressed high grade gliomas in the Mansoura neurosurgery department allover 2007 to 2016. We have excluded patients with recurrent thalamic gliomas and patients with Kps score less than 70. Results: 12 patient underwent sterotactic biopsy for their tumor and were sent for adjuvant radiotherapy, 29 patients underwent partial tumor resection and gross total resection was done in 15 patients. The median time to progression was 5 months. All patients were sent after surgery for poster radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The median overall survival was 4 months. Conclusion: Recurrent high grade glioma is one of unsolved problem and optimal management is no longer available. Redo surgery is quiet challenging with higher minorities and no add to overall survival. Surgery is indicated to relieve significant mass effect. Outcome of surgery is better for those who did aggressive surgical resection at initial surgery than those who did only partial resection.
Furuncular Botfly Myiasis – A Case Report
Authors: Gao Juliana , Tešić Vera , Petronić Rosić Vesna
Published: December 2018

Botfly myiasis is an infestation of the skin or a body cavity by developing larvae of Dermatobia hominis, one of the most common flies that cause human infestation among the local population, in regions ranging from Mexico into South America and in travelers. The life cycle starts when a female fly glues the eggs to the vector, a blood-sucking arthropod, which carries the unhatched larvae to the susceptible host. A case of furuncular botfly myiasis in an 85 year-old female with recent travel to Belize is presented here to highlight the parasite life cycle and review the different treatment options.
Indeterminate Cell Histiocytosis – Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Vojvodić Aleksandra R. , Mijušković Željko , Kandolf Sekulović Lidija
Published: December 2018

Introduction. Indeterminate cell histiocytosis is a rare proliferative disorder of indeterminate dendritic cells, reported in only 50 case reports so far. It is clinically presented as yellow, red or brown papules and nodules that appear in otherwise healthy adult individuals. Indeterminate cells are distinct dendritic cells of the skin that have ultrastructural similarities to the epidermal Langerhans cells but do not contain the characteristic Birbeck’s granules and they are also langerin-negative, unlike LCH. Indeterminate cell histiocytosis is an exceptional entity with variable clinical, histopathologic or immunohistochemical findings, sharing morphologic and immunophenotypic features with both Langerhans- and non-Langerhans cell histiocytoses. Case Report. We present a case of indeterminate histiocytosis in a 77-year-old man with 3-year history of asymptomatic, multiple reddish and brown papules and nodules over the entire body, including the oral mucosa. Skin biopsy was done, and histopathological analysis with immunohistochemistry was performed. The positive ICH staining of cells for CD68, CD1a, and S-100 enabled us to diagnose ICH in our patient. Also, BRAF V600E mutation was detected in tumor tissue. The treatment was started with methotrexate that was effective for 6 months, but due to the disease recurrence, further therapy with thalidomide was advised, without effect. Conclusion. Indeterminate histiocytosis is a rare disease, therefore no standardized treatment has been established and the treatment options are limited.
Dermoscopy Of The Month: Dermoscopic Finding of Pigment Network in Lesions of Eruptive Syringoma
Authors: Ivkov Simić Milana , Gajinov Zorica , Matić Milan , Vučković Nada , Prćić Sonja
Published: December 2018

Syringoma is a benign adnexal tumor derived from intraepidermal eccrine ducts. The usual presentation of syringoma is a small smooth skin-colored, yellowish or brownish papule with flattened or rounded top. Eruptive syringoma is a rarely reported form, where lesions are numerous and occur in successive crops. A case of a 57-year-old Caucasian male with a twenty four-year history of multiple asymptomatic, erythematous and brownish papules, predominantly over the anterior aspect of the trunk is presented. All lesions appeared after prolonged sun exposures within a few days and persisted without further changes afterwards. Contact non-polarized dermoscopy showed a fine light brown, regular pigment network on a light pink background, being the same in all lesions. History of the disease, clinical finding and dermoscopy were inconclusive, and biopsy was performed. Histopathology revealed signs of syringoma. Dermoscopic finding was thought to be intriguing and therefore is discussed in this paper.
Changes in microbiological properties of soil during fungicide degradation
Authors: Baćmaga Małgorzata , Wyszkowska Jadwiga , Kucharski Jan , Kaczyński Piotr
Published: December 2018

Laboratory tests were performed on sandy loamy soil to establish the relations between bacterial diversity, soil enzyme activity and degradation of Amistar 250 SC, Falcon 460 EC and Gwarant 500 SC fungicides. Apart from carrying out microbiological and biochemical analyses, the residues of active substances from the tested fungicides were determined. Structural diversity of was determined based on the next-generation sequencing (NGS) method, and fungicide residues the liquid chromatography tandem-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). It was found that changes in bacterial diversity occurred in the soil subject to fungicide treatment, particularly at the family and genus level. Proteobacteria, Firmicutes and Actinobacteria were prevailing in all soil samples. Bacillus occurred both in the control soil and in the soil treated with fungicides, while Pseudonocardia occurred only in the fungicide-treated soil. Of all the fungicides tested, the biggest changes in bacterial diversity were caused by Gwarant 500 SC. The preparations tested not only affected the composition of soil microbiota, but also contributed to changes in the biochemical properties of soil by inhibiting the activity of almost all tested enzymes, with the exception of alkaline phosphatase and β-glucosidase. Chlorothalinil was the fastest degraded in the soil and spiroxamine at the slowest.
Influence of biomass ash, lime and gypsum fertilization on macro- and microelement contents in the soil and grains of spring wheat
Authors: Stankowski Sławomir , Sobolewska Magdalena , Jaroszewska Anna , Gibczyńska Marzena
Published: December 2018

The addition of lime and gypsum to wood ash and straw ash were used in the studies. The subject of the study was estimation of the fertilization effect of biomass, ash, gypsum and lime on the content of macro- and microelements in soil and grain of spring wheat. The experiment was carried out in 2016 in the West Pomeranian Voivodeship in Poland. The study compared three factors: wood ash of deciduous and coniferous trees and cereal straw ash (I. factor), two types of ash additions: lime or gypsum (mixture composition: 60% ash and 40% lime or gypsum) (II. factor), three doses of ash with lime or gypsum mixture: 2, 4, 6 Mg·ha−1 and control (III. factor). The analysis of the microelements contents (copper, chromium, nickel and lead) in the soil shows that the application of fertilizer in a form of wood or straw ash as well as PROFITKALK lime or SulfoPROFIT gypsum did not exceed the threshold values for the soil from the first group of land specified in Regulation of the Minister of the Environment of September 1, 2016 on the manner of assessing the pollution of the earth’s surface. After application of biomass ashes (wood or straw) an increase of some macroelements (potassium, phosphorus and calcium) in the soil was observed. The experiment did not reveal any influence of applied fertilization in the form of wood or straw ash nor PROFITKALK lime nor SulfoPROFIT gypsum on changes in iron, manganese and zinc abundance in grains of spring wheat.
Public and Private Investment and Economic Growth: An Empirical Investigation
Authors: Makuyana Garikai , Odhiambo Nicholas M.
Published: December 2018

This paper provides new evidence to contribute to the current debate on the relative impact of public and private investment on economic growth and the crowding effect between the two components of investment in South Africa. Using annual data from 1970 to 2017, the study applies the recently developed Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL)-bounds testing approach to cointegration. The study finds that private investment has a positive impact on economic growth both in the long run and short run, while public investment has a negative effect on economic growth in the long run. Further, in the long run, gross public investment is found to crowd out private investment, while its infrastructural component is found to crowd in private investment. The results of the study also reveal that both gross public investment and non-infrastructural public investment crowd out private investment in the short run. Overall, the study finds private investment to be more important than public investment in the South African economic growth process and that the importance of infrastructural public investment in stimulating private investment in the long run cannot be over-emphasized.
A Priority-Based Multichannel Mac to Support the Non-Safety Applications in SCH Interval at RSU in V2I Communication
Authors: Le Duc Tran , Nguyen Tri Gia , Simonina Olga , Buinevich Mikhail , Vladyko Andrei
Published: December 2018

The transmission of safety applications in VANET is clearly the top concern. However, the non-safety applications, which improve the quality of experience, as well as the efficiency of the traffic, also need to be paid more attention. In VANET, the safety applications are transmitted in control channel interval and the non-safety applications can be transmitted only in service channel interval. In this paper, we propose a priority-based multichannel MAC to support the non-safety applications in service channel interval in Vehicle-to-Infrastructure communication with the presence of roadside unit. The novel MAC also allocates service channel according to the priority and divides the vehicles, which have the same required service channel, into four priority groups to enhance the EDCA mechanism. We use the mathematical model and the simulation for evaluating the performance under the influence of velocity with a different number of vehicles in the network.
Analysis of Crowd Flow Parameters Using Artificial Neural Network
Authors: Yugendar Poojari , Ravishankar K.V.R.
Published: December 2018

Research scientists have been developing mathematical tools to detect objects, recognize objects and actions, and discover behaviours and events to human abilities. In all these efforts, the understanding of human actions is of a special interest for both application and research purposes. In this study, crowd flow parameters are analysed by considering linear and non linear relationships between stream flow parameters using conventional and soft computing approach. Deterministics models like Greenshield and Underwood were applied in the study to describe flow characteristics. A non-linear model based on Artificial Neural Network (ANN) approach is also used to build a relationship between different crowd flow parameters and compared with the other deterministic models. ANN model gave good results based on accuracy measurement to deterministic models because of their self-processing and intelligent behaviour. Mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RMSE) values for the best fitted ANN model are less than those for the other models. ANN model gives better performance in fitness of model and future prediction of flow parameters.
Risk and Damage Assessment for Transportation of Dangerous Freight
Authors: Batarlienė Nijolė
Published: December 2018

The article provides information on transportation of dangerous freight. Legal acts regulating transportation of Dangerous freight are discussed. Major problems and non-compliances with The European Agreement concerning International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR) are distinguished. The type of risk that one encounters is analysed, as well as who is to take responsibility for transportation of dangerous freight. Transport accidents of dangerous substances are increasingly frequent and can cause serious injuries in inhabited areas or pollution of the environment. For quantitative risk assessment and mitigation planning, consequence calculations are necessary. The aim of this article is to present methods of the first approach for calculating costs and overall expenses of an accident and to demonstrate the main recommendations for the next development stage in the area of transport accident modelling. By the means of risk assessment models, it is possible to calculate the extent of the consequences and reduce the risks during the process of transportation. Based on Technology of Dangerous Freight Transportation, the accident calculation principles are suggested, which enables to assess the costs and to find a generalized accident rate. The calculation results are provided.
The Japanese School Sports Day. The Socio-Cultural Role of a Ritualistic School Event in Contemporary Japan
Authors: Mühleder Peter
Published: December 2018

This paper provides a thorough socio-cultural analysis of Sports Day in Japanese education. Basing myself on contemporary ritual research and Gerard Genette’s notion of intertextuality, I describe the ritual ‘Sports Day’ as a ‘cultural palimpsest’, a form of practice where new meanings are constantly inscribed or rewritten without the former meanings being completely lost. This allows me to provide a detailed analysis of this school event by incorporating its ever-changing cultural dimensions. Since the introduction of the event into Japanese education in the early Meiji period, the most prominent discourses inscribed in Sports Day are elemental questions such as the relationship between the central national authorities and local practices or the problem of individualism and competitiveness in Japanese education. In an ethnographic account of a junior high school Sports Day which is based on my own fieldwork, I show how these discourses provide the framework in which Sports Day is still operated and experienced today.
Our Olympic Games? Transnational Chinese Overseas Identity and the Beijing Olympic Games 2008
Authors: Ritirc Julia
Published: December 2018

This paper is based on a research project, in which I investigated the question of Overseas Chinese identity in Austria by means of analysing articles on the Olympic Games 2008 in Beijing, drawn from the Chinese-language magazine China Weekly (Zhōngguórén Bào) published in Vienna, in Austria. In order to get to know more about the points of reference conveyed in a newspaper or magazine, I singled out the different narratives in the reports and put them into the spatial, social, socio-economic, political and historical context in which Overseas identity is formed. As a massive international sports event with enormous media coverage, the Olympic Games stir up emotions and create notions of belonging. This paper tackles the question of how a Chineselanguage magazine deals with the sensitive issue of nationalistic sentiments, given that its readership is heterogeneous, living on the interface of the cultures of two nation-states. It furthermore investigates the relationship between modern sport, nationalism and transnationalism.

This paper is meant as a contribution to the study of Overseas Chinese, as well as other research fields. By looking at China from the vantage point of the Overseas Chinese, their role and place in the Chinese world, we can draw further conclusions on Overseas Chinese transnational identity and its formation. Additionally, the respective findings make for a better understanding of the relationship between China and the rest of the world.
Why is the Geisha Hitting the Westerner? The Japanese Woodblock Print Genre of awate-e
Authors: Nowak Hannah
Published: December 2018

This paper attempts to bring to light a little-known genre of ukiyo-e (Japanese woodblock prints), the awate-e (hysteria pictures). This genre of polychrome ukiyo-e (nishiki-e) belongs among caricatures because it treats current events in a satirical way. The Namamugi incident (September 14, 1862), when samurai of the Satsuma domain killed one British merchant and injured two, led to the emergence of the awate-e. The British Crown demanded reparations for those killed. While the shogunate postponed payment, British warships gathered in the Bay of Edo to exert pressure. The danger of war was real and the cities of Yokohama and Edo were considered the main targets of a British attack. Many people moved to rural areas or at least sent their families and belongings away. This led to an increased demand for transport, houses, and land in the countryside. Hardly anybody remaining in the cities spent time in the pleasure quarters or bought luxury goods. The results were dramatic for people in those trades. This situation is satirised in the awate-e. Starting with the question ‘Why is the Geisha hitting the Westerner?’, this paper explores the genre of awate-e and its relevance for historical and ukiyo-e research by studying 21 awate-e as primary sources. It reveals a negative appraisal of Westerners, of people leaving the danger zone, and of professions in high demand. The producers of awate-e are biased towards people staying in areas become dangerous, professions suddenly grown poor, and the foreigners-out policy of the Emperor.
Knowledge Creation in New Ventures Based on the SECI Model: Similarities and Differences Between Japan, South Korea, and Austria
Authors: Drexel Nadja
Published: December 2018

This research deals with the question of which similarities and differences exist between Japanese, South Korean, and Austrian new ventures in terms of knowledge creation. The theoretical framework supporting this research is the SECI model developed by the two Japanese economists Nonaka Ikujiro and Takeuchi Hirotaka. Under the consideration of five conditions that must be met in a company, new knowledge can be created through the interaction of implicit and explicit knowledge by passing through the four modes socialisation, externalisation, combination, and internalisation. To answer this research question, an online questionnaire was sent to new ventures in Japan, South Korea, and Austria with a total of 154 companies participating. Additionally 12 expert interviews with employees or founders of new ventures were held. The result of the nonrepresentative research showed that a lot of similarities exist among the surveyed companies in terms of knowledge creation. Still there exists one important difference in the implementation of one of the five conditions of the SECI model. In comparison to Austrian companies, the majority of the Japanese and South Korean new ventures stated that their management often intentionally causes crisis/stress conditions, which can support the exchange of information and knowledge in a company.
Corroded by Globalisation: The Image of Japanese Literature in German Review Articles
Authors: Havranek Erich
Published: December 2018

The end of the 1980s was marked by a general interest in Japan because of the country’s ongoing economic boom. Shortly after, in 1990, Japan was guest of honour at the Frankfurt Book Fair and, in 1994, Ōe Kenzaburō was awarded the Nobel Prize in Literature. All of this led to the establishment of a good number of Japanese literature series being published in German-speaking countries and a considerable increase in the translation of Japanese literature. Furthermore, the dispute over a novel by Murakami Haruki on the TV show Das Literarische Quartett (The Literary Quartet) in the year 2000 had a remarkable influence on these developments. This dispute triggered the tremendous popularity of the author in German-speaking countries and simultaneously led to a change of attitude towards the translation of Japanese works in publishing houses. Against this backdrop, this paper investigates the image of Japanese literature portrayed in review articles of German language newspapers at the beginning of the 21st century. The main themes of these review articles will be presented in 12 categories that constitute the image of Japanese literature in the German book market. These categories will be presented and described in detail before conclusions about the tendencies of reviewing Japanese literature and about what influence these tendencies have on the image of Japanese literature are drawn.