bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of bitumen ageing to fractional composition
Authors: Panasenkiene Migle , Vaitkus Audrius , Masevičius Viktoras
Published: October 2021

Bitumen is manufactured from different crude oil sources also by various refining technologies, therefore, the impact of ageing is different. Bitumen is a complex chemical mixture consisting of a large number and diversity of organic compounds, mostly hydrocarbons, and varying in molecular mass, polarity and aromaticity. Various polar and non-polar fragments in bitumen interacting in-between form the certain structures which changes bitumen behaviour. Since bitumen is assigned as a colloidal system, consisting of high molecular weight asphaltene micelles dispersed in a lower molecular weight maltenes (saturates, aromatics, resins), the bitumen structure changes over time. Since ageing is one of the main factors effecting bitumen properties and asphalt pavement performance, it is essential to understand how the fractional composition of bitumen is affected by the long-term ageing simulation in the laboratory. The main purpose of this article is to analyse bitumen ageing process and influence to bitumen fractional composition (saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes), i.e. to show what happens to the bitumen fractional composition and colloidal stability when bitumen reaches a critical ageing point. The saturates, aromatics, resins, and asphaltenes were determined with the Thin Layer Chromatography with flame-ionisation detector (TLC/FID), the IATROSCAN MK-6s.
Finite element simulation and multi-factor stress prediction model for cement concrete pavement considering void under slab
Authors: Bangyi Liu , Xiaoming Huang
Published: October 2021

Uneven support as result of voids beneath concrete slabs can lead to high tensile stresses at the corner of the slab and eventually cause many forms of damage, such as cracking or faulting. Three-dimensional (3D) finite element models of the concrete pavement with void are presented. The accuracy of the model is verified by two methods. The analysis shows that the impact of void size and void depth at the slab corner on the slab stress are similar, which result in the change of the position of the maximum tensile stress. The maximum tensile stresses do not increase with the increase of the void size for relatively small void size. The maximum tensile stress increases rapidly with the enlargement in the void size when the size≥0.4m. The increments of maximum tensile stress can reach 183.7% when the void size are 1.0m. The increase of slab thickness can effectively reduce maximum tensile stress. A function is established to calculate the maximum tensile stress of the concrete slab. The function takes into account the void size and the slab thickness. The reliability of the function was verified by comparing the error between the calculated and simulated results.
Usage of new materials during rehabilitation of road structure using cold recycling technology
Authors: Krayushkina Kateryna , Khymeryck Tetiana , Fedorenko Kyrylo
Published: October 2021

Until recently, the most common way for recovering of damaged and worn asphalt pavements on Ukrainian roads remains the provision of additional reinforced layers over the old pavement with patching. However, such measures give only a short-term effect because after one or two years, the existing deformations and fractures beneath reinforced layers occur, especially in conditions of insufficient strength of the foundations. But nowadays, recycling technology of different variations became the main method of existing pavement renovation. The economic attractiveness of cold recycling technology is primarily in the reuse of existing road material for arrangement of new pavement layers, so there is no need to arrange special areas for storage and disposal of old asphalt. In addition, the use of such technology helps to minimize the harmful impacts on the environment during road repair works. The essence of cold recycling technology, which is the most widely used in Ukraine for the arrangement of a road foundation layer, is in the fact that the defective and destroyed pavement layers are strengthened directly by complex admixtures of organic (hot bitumen, bituminous emulsion, foamed bitumen) and mineral suspensions, lime) binders. Cold recycling, according to the complications of the work, is divided into several types, depending of the depth of cutting. The choice of a particular type of recovery depends mainly on the condition of the entire pavement structure, which is determined prior to the start of repair works. Optimal mis design of the organic and mineral mixture for the arrangement of the road foundation layer by cold recycling technology is also executed before the beginning of the works. Actually, the main direction of cold recycling technology research in Ukraine is the usage of new materials such as fiber - basalt or polymer, stabilizing additives (ionic or polymeric), industrial waste - slags of various types of production or other by-products. Performed studies have shown that the use of organic and mineral mixtures of optimal design with the insertion of basalt fiber increases crack resistance and durability of the arranged road foundation layer.
A study of actual and posted speed on some Nigerian roads
Authors: Onyejekwe Site , Rabiu Nasiru , Hammeed Abubakar , Osunlalu Olusegun
Published: October 2021

There is a massive problem of overspeeding on Nigerian highways. This problem is exacerbated by the absence of posted speed signs which though installed after reconstruction/rehabilitation are usually vandalised and not replaced. Where posted speed limits exist, they are largely observed in the breach as large pluralities of motorists exceed these posted speed limits. Using speed data from automatic traffic classifiers installed at locations on road sections on the federal highway network, this study is aimed at assessing the extent of the disparity between posted and actual speed with a view to identify areas of prevalent overspeeding, evaluate the extent of the problem, determine the trend of the problem, and better target enforcement activities on areas of high rates of overspeeding. The results from the study show that there is a prevalence of overspeeding in the highway sections studied with the maximum speed in all Sections in the range of 150 to 160 kph and up to 20 percent of vehicles traveling at speeds above 100 kph.
Implementation of structural health monitoring into life cycle management of tunnels: Case study Tunnel Brajdica
Authors: Stipanović Irina , Kovačević Meho Saša , Škarić Palić Sandra , Bačić Mario , Gavin Kenneth
Published: October 2021

This paper presents a case study focused on the Brajdica railway tunnel, which carries the Zagreb-Rijeka railway line into the port of Rijeka in Croatia and thus represents a critical node on the European TEN-T network. The tunnel is undergoing a major reconstruction project to increase its capacity. As part of this work an extensive embedded monitoring system comprising inclinometers, extensometers, micrometers and survey markers were installed to monitor the tunnel response. This data is supplemented with periodical laser scanning of the tunnel interior. Measurement profiles are set along the tunnel bore and the data collected is used for the development of a tunnel performance model. Long-term monitoring data from a neighbouring road tunnel was used to develop models tho predict the long-term response of the Karst bedrock in the area. Combining these models with the settlements measured during the construction phase of the works at Brajdica railway tunnel allow prediction of settlements and the future occurrence of damage in the rail tunnel. Based on different limit states, life cycle management scenarios are developed and used for maintenance planning, with the aim to decrease short and long-term risks. This work has been performed within European H2020 SAFE-10-T project.
Summarize of detail design for Pelješac bridge project in Croatia
Authors: Pei Minghai , Tang Bicheng , Xu Chunrong , Wang Xuefeng
Published: October 2021

The Pelješac Bridge is a Extradosed cable-stayed bridge with the span arrangement 84 + 108 + 108 + 189,5 + 5 x 285 + 189,5 + 108 + 108 + 84 m = 2404 m under construction in Croatia at present. The purpose of this bridge is to achieve territorial continuity of the Republic of Croatia by connecting the southern exclave comprising the bulk of Dubrovnik-Neretva County with the remainder of the Croatian mainland. China Road and Bridge Corporation (CRBC) Joint Venture (JV) won the bidding of this project following the FIDIC Red Book Contract Condition in April, 2018. As the Contractor CRBC JV executed detail design with their own advantages based on the main design, which was issued by the Client Croatian Roads. In the detail design, the feasibility of construction technology of each element is firstly considered by CRBC JV technical staffs. After that, the other parts of detail design, i.e. the design for execution were prepared according to the construction technology and the main design. In the mentioned progress, the Contractor should communicate with the designer of the main design as closely as possible for higher efficiency. CRBC JV prepared the detail design for all elements of the whole bridge, including piles foundation, pile caps, pylons and piers, steel superstructures and etc. The main detail design ideas and details of each element will be introduced and described in this article for providing references for implementation of similar projects in the future.
Road widening in curves according to the Croatian regulations, German guidelines and the computer simulation of vehicle movement
Authors: Stančerić Ivica , Tomić Iris , Bezina Šime , Džambas Tamara
Published: October 2021

Road widening is necessary in curves because the rear wheels of the vehicle are usually not steerable and their trajectory is described with a smaller radius than that of the front wheels. The maximum value of the road widening depends on the turning angle, the radius of the curve and the length of the vehicle, the wheelbase and the front overhang. The required road widening increases gradually with a higher turning angle and decreases gradually as the vehicle leaves the curve and continues in the direction. This paper presents the determination of road widening in curves according to the Croatian regulations, German guidelines and computer simulation of the vehicle movement. The road widening determined according to the above mentioned guidelines and regulations for certain design vehicles (truck with trailer, semi-trailer truck and bus), different radii of circular curves (from 12.5 to 500 m) and different turning angles (from 45 to 270°) is compared with the road widening determined by computer simulation of vehicle movement with the Autodesk software Vehicle Tracking.
Strand-Based Engineered Wood Products in Construction
Authors: Gao Zizhen , Gong Meng
Published: October 2021

Strand-based engineered wood products (EWPs) have been widely employed in construction since their emergence in the 1970s. The use of strand-based EWPs can significantly increase the yield of forest resources by utilizing submarginal logs and branches. In this chapter, the strand-based EWPs, including oriented strand board (OSB), laminated strand lumber (LSL), and oriented strand lumber (OSL), are discussed in terms of their fabrication, properties, and uses in construction. Specifically, the manufacturing requirements for elements (i.e., strands), such as dimension, density, and moisture content, are introduced. The major manufacturing processes, such as selection of adhesives, pressing parameters, and thickness control, are also discussed. In addition, the engineering properties and uses of these EWPs are illustrated. Furthermore, some innovative applications of these products, such as hybrid cross-laminated timber, are presented in this chapter.
Helicobacter pylori Seromarkers in a University Students Population in Central Nigeria
Authors: B. Oti Victor , H. Mohammed Isa , Y. Al-Mustapha Fatima , B. Buhari Salamatu
Published: October 2021

Infection due to Helicobacter pylori is a public health challenge worldwide as over 3 billion persons are infected with the bacterium globally. There is a serious need to update the knowledge on the epidemiology of this bacterial pathogen and its probable risks factors to generate intervention programs that will reduce the morbidity and mortality of infected individuals. This chapter evaluated the seromarkers of H. pylori infection and its predisposing factors among students of Nasarawa State University, Keffi, Central Nigeria. This study was done between June through August 2019; blood and stool specimens were collected from 400 students of the institution. Before the commencement of the study, ethical clearance and informed consent were retrieved and a structured questionnaire was administered to each participant. Specimens were screened for H. pylori antigen and antibody using rapid test kits (CTK Biotech, Inc., San Diego, USA and Biotest Biotech, China). Information obtained were analyzed using SSP version 2.80. P values <0.05 were reflected statistically significant. Out of the 400 students tested, 166 (41.5%) and 128 (32.0%) showed positive for anti-H. pylori IgG and Ag markers respectively. The antibody seromarker was higher in female while the H. pylori antigen was higher in males. Those students aged 21–30 years old reported the highest prevalence of the seromarkers while those of more than 41 years old had the least prevalence. Location, type of toilet facility and place of residence were statistical associated between H. pylori antigen (P < 0.05). There was a statistically significant association between anti-H. pylori IgG and the sources of water of the students (P < 0.05). This is the first public report that has successfully reported the prevalence of these seromarkers among students of a tertiary institution in Nasarawa state. The overall outcomes of this study stressed the need for student-based intervention programs to stem the transmission of this infection in Nasarawa State, Nigeria.
Domestic Violence in Pregnant Women and Their Types. Case Study in Bali, Indonesia
Authors: Komang Yuni Rahyani Ni , Made Dwi Mahayati Ni , Widhi Gunapria Darmapatni Made , Wayan Armini Ni
Published: October 2021

The island of Bali, as part of the Republic of Indonesia, is predominantly Hindu and generally follows a patrilineal kinship system. There is a link between the patrilineal kinship system and incidents of violence against women. The purpose of this paper is to describe the incidence of domestic violence /DV that has been experienced by pregnant women in the last 12 months in Bali. The study design was a mixed method, namely quantitative-qualitative. The research samples were pregnant women in the third trimester in the Pedungan Traditional Village area in Denpasar City (31 people) and the Nongan Traditional Village in Karangasem Regency (33 people). Data collection was carried out in 2015 from June to August. Forms of domestic violence incidents experienced by pregnant women in the last 12 months were more pregnant women in Nongan Village experiencing sexual abuse (3 people / 9.09% vs. 2 people / 6.45%)), economic abuse incidents (8 people / 24.24% vs. 2 people / 6.45%) compared to pregnant women in Pedungan Village. History of DV in the form of physical violence, social violence and emotional violence. The negative impact felt by pregnant women who are victims of DV, especially psychosomatic complaints, even to the point where they intend to suicide, delayed in doing antenatal care and miscarriage. It is necessary to improve the role and competence of midwives in early detection of DV in pregnant women who have their antenatal care at a health facility and cross-sector cooperation.
Dermatoscopic Findings in Palmoplantar Dermatoses
Authors: Çetinarslan Tubanur , Gökyayla Ece , Türel Ermertcan Aylin
Published: October 2021

Dermatoscopy is a useful, non-invasive method in the diagnosis of various dermatological diseases. Dermatoscopy of non-pigmented skin lesions shows additional morphologic features, such as cutaneous vascular pattern, scale color and scale distribution pattern, and background color. Dermatoscopy can be useful tool in differential diagnosis in palmoplantar dermatoses. The most specific dermatoscopic features of hand eczema include yellowish-orange globules, yellowish scales and yellowish crusts. Light red background color, regular vascular distribution pattern, dotted vessels and white scale color have been reported in previous studies as dermatoscopic features of palmoplantar psoriasis. Dotted vessels can be seen in various dermatoses, such as psoriasis, eczema, lichen planus, porokeratosis and keratodermas. The distribution pattern and color of the scales are also important in the differential diagnosis of palmoplantar dermatoses. Previous studies have shown that scales are mainly localized in skin furrows in patients with tinea manum. Patchy distributed, homogeneous, structureless, orange areas were reported in palmar keratoderma due to pityriasis rubra pilaris. Amber scales, white-to-pinkish background; sparse whitish scales were reported in palmar keratoderma due to mycosis fungoides. Dermatoscopical findings of palmoplantar area can help in the differential diagnosis of various dermatoses.
CSR Practical Orientation in Small Medium Enterprises (SMEs): A Case Study in Solo City Indonesia
Authors: B. Kurniawati Susilaningtyas , Fauzi Hasan
Published: October 2021

This study explores empirical data on the orientation of CSR practices to SMEs in City Surakarta seen from CSR practices that are employee, market, and environment-oriented as a whole. The sample in this study was 90 SMEs in the Surakarta area. The method used in this research is a survey with data analysis using Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA). Before the survey, a pilot study was conducted on 10 SMEs actors to test the instrument’s validity and reliability. The results showed that the most dominant CSR practices at SMEs in City Surakarta were the community orientation indicated by the rotated component matrix table of 0.904 and the market orientation indicated by the rotated component matrix table of 0.876. Both orientations are more dominant than other orientations.
Comparative Study on Mechanical Joints of Aluminum Vibration Damping Sheet and 1.5 GPa HPF Steel sheet
Authors: Joo Jin Hyeok , Cho Keong Hwan , Oh Je Hoon , Kam Dong Hyuck
Published: October 2021

In this study, the mechanical properties of aluminum vibration damping sheet and 1.5 GPa HPF steel sheet (SABC1470) dissimilar joining were evaluated. Joint methods of self piercing rivet (SPR), bolt/nut, flow drill screw (FDS), and blind rivet were compared to evaluate joint characteristic. In SPR Joining, buckling failure was occurred in SPR rivet caused by the strength of the 1.5 GPa HPF steel. So that, SPR hybrid joining was selected with a Al5052 alloy additional plate in lower sheet for formability and pre-hole processed on 1.5 GPa HPF steel in upper sheet. Through optimized of SPR die, the tensile shear load of the SPR hybrid joining was measured 7.53 kN. In FDS joining, failure of fastener was occurred due to the high strength of the 1.5 GPa HPF steel. FDS joining was available after pre-hole process on the 1.5 GPa HPF steel. However, delamination of the aluminum damping plate was observed and the tensile shear load was measured 3.14 kN. In bolt/nut joining, tensile shear load was measured depending on process variable (combination of plate, washer and tightening torque) and maximum tensile load was measured 5.43 kN. In blind rivet joining, the maximum tensile shear load was measured 3.64 kN, when the Al vibration damping sheet was placed on the upper plate. The large area of the blind rivet head released the concentration of stress on Al vibration damping sheet. As a result, SPR hybrid joining is considerable method because pre-hole processing is minimized and tensile shear load is higher than the other method.
Effectiveness of biosimilar drugs in the treatment of renal anemia: A case series
Authors: Muñoz Ramos Patricia , Gil Giraldo Yohana , Álvarez Chiva Vicente , Quiroga Borja
Published: October 2021

Introduction Patients with chronic kidney disease usually have anemia secondary to an erythropoietin deficit. The emergence of biosimilar drugs of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents ensures broader access to these treatments. Objective This study analyzes the effectiveness of an epoetin α biosimilar drug in chronic kidney disease patients with anemia. Methods This observational retrospective study enrolled 111 consecutive outpatients with chronic kidney disease and anemia and criteria for using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. We collected baseline epidemiological and comorbidity data, as well as hematological and renal function information. We analyzed the effectiveness of the biosimilar agent in naïve patients and those who already had other erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. Results The 111 included patients had a mean age of 83 ± 8 years, and 54% were males. We found that patients who previously received eerythropoiesis-stimulating agents, maintained hemoglobin values at two months of treatment with the biosimilar, while the naïve group significantly raised their hemoglobin values (P < 0.001). Renal function remained stable within the whole sample. The cost of using erythropoiesis-stimulating agents was reduced by a mean of 82 ± 17% with the biosimilar drug. Conclusion Using a biosimilar of epoetin α is effective in patients with chronic kidney disease and anemia and significantly reduces costs.
Immanuel Kant’s House in Königsberg: Attempt at a 3D Reconstruction
Authors: Baranova Elena V. , Maslov Vitaly N. , Vereshchagin Viacheslav A.
Published: October 2021

The house which Immanuel Kant bought in Königsberg in 1783 has not survived, having been pulled down in the late nineteenth century. Likewise, hardly any of the great philosopher’s personal belongings have survived. Many pieces of furniture and household utensils were auctioned off after his death. So the Kant museum had few original exhibits from the Königsberg thinker’s house, and almost all these artefacts were lost during the Second World War. Today, digital technologies make it possible to present a virtual picture of the various rooms, reconstruct the decorations and furniture characteristic of a Prussian urban dwelling in late eighteenth — early nineteenth centuries. With the help of 3D modelling and historical sources a realistic model of Kant’s house has been created, showing both the exterior and the interior. In addition to the paucity of sources, the task was complicated by technical problems due to the need to recreate several rooms at one location simultaneously. Reconstruction draws on several gen­uine objects from Kant’s house, now kept at museums in Germany. Also available are written and visual sources showing the exterior of the house and mentioning some furniture items located in the living room and elsewhere in the structure. Now 3D reconstructions have been made of the house’s exterior and the urban environment, the anterooms on the ground and first floors, the lecture hall, kitchen, study, drawing room, bedroom, library and dining room.
Mobile Technology-Based (mLearning) Intervention to Enhance Breast Cancer Clinicians' Communication About Sexual Health: A Pilot Trial
Authors: Reese Jennifer Barsky , Zimmaro Lauren A. , Bober Sharon L. , Sorice Kristen , Handorf Elizabeth , Wittenberg Elaine , El-Jawahri Areej , Beach Mary Catherine , Wolff Antonio C. , Daly Mary B. , Izquierdo Brynna , Lepore Stephen J.
Published: October 2021

Background: Most breast cancer clinicians lack training to counsel patients about sexual concerns. The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary effects of a mobile learning (mLearning) intervention (improving Sexual Health and Augmenting Relationships through Education [iSHARE]) aimed at enhancing breast cancer clinicians’ knowledge of, beliefs about, and comfort with discussing patients’ sexual health concerns. Methods: Clinicians listened to a 2-part educational podcast series offering information on breast cancer–related sexual health concerns and effective communication on the topic, which consisted of interviews with expert guests. Intervention feasibility was assessed through rates of enrollment, retention, and intervention completion, with benchmarks of 40%, 70%, and 60%, respectively. Acceptability was assessed through program evaluations, with 75% of clinicians rating the intervention favorably (eg, relevance, satisfaction) signifying acceptability. Clinicians self-reported their knowledge about breast cancer–related sexual health concerns, beliefs (ie, self-efficacy for discussing sexual health concerns), and comfort with discussing sexual concerns measured at preintervention and postintervention. Qualitative analysis examined clinicians’ perceptions of lessons learned from the intervention. Results: A total of 32 breast cancer clinicians enrolled (46% of those invited; 97% of those who responded and screened eligible), 30 (94%) completed both the intervention and study surveys, and 80% rated the intervention favorably, demonstrating feasibility and acceptability. Results showed positive trends for improvement in clinician knowledge, beliefs, and comfort with discussing sexual health concerns. Clinicians reported key lessons learned, including taking a proactive approach to discussing sexual health concerns, normalizing the topic, addressing vaginal health, sending the message that help is available, and assessing sexual health concerns with patients from different backgrounds. Conclusions: Breast cancer clinicians were amenable to participating in the iSHARE intervention and found it useful. iSHARE showed promise for improving clinician’s knowledge and comfort discussing patients’ sexual health concerns. A larger trial is required to demonstrate efficacy. Future studies should also examine whether iSHARE can improve patient–clinician communication and address patients’ sexual concerns.
Some Previously Relevant Aspects of Academic Life: Venia Legendi and the Status of a Private Docent in the World and in Riga Polytechnicum (1862–1896)
Authors: Baltiņš Māris
Published: October 2021

The study examines the status of a private docent, the academic position which was introduced across the world in the 18th century and which also existed in Latvia from the second half of the 19th century until the end of World War II. The status of the private docent as it used to be understood in Latvia is compared with other countries, mainly considering German-type universities. Definition of the terms «venia legendi» and «private docent» providing examples of academic activity of the lecturers of Riga Polytechnicum (RP) allow considering these concepts from various perspectives in order to make their meaning and usage in the previous centuries transparent for the users in the 21st century. Conducting the present research, the author has used archival documents and library collections, the theoretical framework includes the findings of not only the Latvian scientists, but also researchers from Russia, Germany and other countries.
Versatile Pedagogical and Social Activities of a Graduate of Riga Polytechnic Institute Jānis Stiprais (1870–1946)
Authors: Zigmunde Alīda , Stikute Elita
Published: October 2021

The research discusses continuous effort of a pedagogue, economist and journalist Jānis Stiprais (1870–1946) in his pursuit to obtain education and his versatile pedagogical activities in Tomsk (Russia), Tukums, Valka and Riga, as well as the contribution he made in such areas as journalism, folklore and social work. J. Stiprais shared his knowledge of economics gained at Riga Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with the students at the University of Latvia (UL), Latvia People’s University and Vilis Olavs Commercial School; in the first half of the 20th century he was the principal of educational institutions in Tukums, Valka and Riga, he also was one of the signatories of the Memorandum of the Central Council of Latvia on 17 March 1944. In the recognition of J. Stiprais merit for Latvia, he was honoured with the highest award of the Republic of Latvia – the Order of the Three Stars.
A Selectional Theory of Adjunct Control
Authors: Landau Idan
Published: October 2021

A novel, systematic theory of adjunct control, explaining how and why adjuncts shift between obligatory and nonobligatory control.

Control in adjuncts involves a complex interaction of syntax, semantics, and pragmatics, which so far has resisted systematic analysis. In this book, Idan Landau offers the first comprehensive account of adjunct control. Extending the framework developed in his earlier book, A Two-Tiered Theory of Control, Landau analyzes ten different types of adjuncts and shows that they fall into two categories: those displaying strict obligatory control (OC) and those alternating between OC and nonobligatory control (NOC). He explains how and why adjuncts shift between OC and NOC, unifying their syntactic, semantic, and pragmatic properties.

Landau shows that the split between the two types of adjuncts reflects a fundamental distinction in the semantic type of the adjunct: property (OC) or proposition (NOC), a distinction independently detectable by the adjunct's tolerance to a lexical subject. After presenting a fully compositional account of controlled adjuncts, Landau tests and confirms the specific configurational predictions for each type of adjunct. He describes the interplay between OC and NOC in terms of general principles of competition—both within the grammar and outside of it, in the pragmatics and in the processing module—shedding new light on classical puzzles in the acquisition of adjunct control by children. Along the way, he addresses a range of empirical phenomena, including implicit arguments, event control, logophoricity, and topicality.
Identifying Plasmodium falciparum transmission patterns through parasite prevalence and entomological inoculation rate
Authors: Amoah Benjamin , McCann Robert S , Kabaghe Alinune N , Mburu Monicah , Chipeta Michael G , Moraga Paula , Gowelo Steven , Tizifa Tinashe , van den Berg Henk , Mzilahowa Themba , Takken Willem , van Vugt Michele , Phiri Kamija S , Diggle Peter J , Terlouw Dianne J , Giorgi Emanuele
Published: October 2021

Background:

Monitoring malaria transmission is a critical component of efforts to achieve targets for elimination and eradication. Two commonly monitored metrics of transmission intensity are parasite prevalence (PR) and the entomological inoculation rate (EIR). Comparing the spatial and temporal variations in the PR and EIR of a given geographical region and modelling the relationship between the two metrics may provide a fuller picture of the malaria epidemiology of the region to inform control activities.

Methods:

Using geostatistical methods, we compare the spatial and temporal patterns ofPlasmodium falciparumEIR and PR using data collected over 38 months in a rural area of Malawi. We then quantify the relationship between EIR and PR by using empirical and mechanistic statistical models.

Results:

Hotspots identified through the EIR and PR partly overlapped during high transmission seasons but not during low transmission seasons. The estimated relationship showed a 1-month delayed effect of EIR on PR such that at lower levels of EIR, increases in EIR are associated with rapid rise in PR, whereas at higher levels of EIR, changes in EIR do not translate into notable changes in PR.

Conclusions:

Our study emphasises the need for integrated malaria control strategies that combine vector and human host managements monitored by both entomological and parasitaemia indices.

Funding:

This work was supported by Stichting Dioraphte grant number 13050800.
Compromiso cardíaco y su relación con la gravedad del cuadro agudo y los síntomas persistentes en la convalecencia de infección por COVID-19
Authors: Parodi Josefina B. , Bobadilla Jacob Pamela , Toledo Guillermo C. , Micali Rubén G. , Iacino Mercedes P. , Sotelo Belén , Bruno Cecilia , Pelletier María , Masson Juarez Walter , Huerín Melina S.
Published: October 2021

Introducción: La infección por COVID-19 se asocia a compromiso cardiovascular en su etapa aguda. La información sobre el compromiso cardíaco en la etapa de convalecencia de la enfermedad tanto en pacientes con y sin síntomas persistentes es limitada. Objetivos: 1. Analizar el compromiso cardíaco mediante ecocardiograma en la etapa de convalecencia de la enfermedad por COVID-19; 2. Explorar su asociación con: a) gravedad del cuadro agudo y b) persistencia de síntomas. Métodos: Estudio analítico, observacional, prospectivo y unicéntrico. Se incluyeron pacientes consecutivos que consultaron al centro para realizar evaluación post-COVID. Se realizó ecocardiograma Doppler color transtorácico en busca de hallazgos patológicos. Resultados: Se incluyeron 600 pacientes desde el 01/09/2020 al 01/05/2021. Veintinueve (4,8%) presentaron hallazgos patológicos en el ecocardiograma. Los pacientes con cuadros iniciales moderados o graves presentaron mayor prevalencia de trastornos de motilidad parietal (4,3% versus 0,5%, p = 0,02) y derrame pericárdico (4,3% versus 0,24%, p = 0,01) en comparación con aquellos con cuadros asintomáticos o leves. En el ajuste multivariado esta asociación no alcanzó significación estadística. El 28,6% de los pacientes referían síntomas persistentes, no observándose una asociación entre la presencia de los mismos y los hallazgos ecocardiográficos patológicos. Conclusión: La prevalencia de compromiso cardíaco evaluado mediante ecocardiograma en la etapa de convalecencia de la enfermedad por COVID-19 fue de 4,8%. Los pacientes con cuadros iniciales más graves presentaron más hallazgos patológicos. La significancia no se sostuvo en el análisis multivariado. Los síntomas persistentes no se asociaron a mayor compromiso cardíaco.
СТАТИСТИЧЕСКИЙ МЕТОД ОЦЕНКИ ЭФФЕКТИВНОСТИ СОГЛАСОВАННОЙ СО СРЕДОЙ ОБРАБОТКИ СИГНАЛОВ, "Фундаментальная и прикладная гидрофизика"
Authors: Чиров Д.В.
Published: October 2021

Предложен статистический метод оценки эффективности согласованной со средой обработки на основе оценки вероятностной характеристики выбранного случайного показателя SINR, вероятности значений которого распределены по закону минимального значения Гумбеля. Статистический метод предназначен для обработки данных натурных испытаний или модельных исследований гидроакустических приемных систем. В основу оценки вероятностной характеристики показателя SINR положен статистический анализ результатов согласованной со средой обработки сигналов в целях оценки параметров распределения этого показателя в конкретных условиях функционирования приемной системы. Приводятся примеры использования метода при моделировании согласованных со средой приемных систем для решения задач сравнения качества обработки в условиях рассогласования свойств модельного и реального волноводов, а также наличия случайных ошибок измерения параметров волновода. Моделирование результатов обработки при этом осуществлялось с использованием программного комплекса SonarMFP, разработанного АО «СПИИРАН – НТБВТ» и предназначенного для расчета функции неопределенности источника акустического сигнала при согласованной со средой обработке с использованием технологий географических информационных систем. Показано, что полученные результаты позволяют количественно сравнивать с использованием вероятностных мер согласованные со средой приемные системы, работающие в различных условиях. Метод также может быть полезен при выработке требований к информационному обеспечению приемных систем на принципах согласованной со средой обработки.
МОДЕЛИРОВАНИЕ ПРЕДЕЛЬНЫХ ПРОЧНОСТНЫХ ХАРАКТЕРИСТИК ПОЛИМЕРНЫХ ФРИКЦИОННЫХ КОМПОЗИТОВ С ХАОТИЧЕСКИ ОРИЕНТИРОВАННЫМИ СТЕКЛЯННЫМИ ВОЛОКНАМИ И ДИСПЕРСНЫМИ ДОБАВКАМИ КАУЧУКА, ГЛИНОЗЕМА, ГРАФИТА И БАРИТА, "Наука юга России"
Authors: Колесников В.И. , Бардушкин В.В. , Лавров И.В. , Сычев А.П. , Сычев А.А. , Яковлев В.Б.
Published: October 2021

Решается задача построения модели и проведения численных расчетов значений предельных прочностных показателей при одноосном сжатии полимерных фрикционных композитов. Рассмотрены композиты на эпоксифенольной основе, армированные хаотически ориентированными в пространстве материала короткими волокнами бесщелочного стекла и дисперсными добавками каучука, глинозема, графита и барита. При моделировании использован оригинальный метод прогнозирования предельных прочностных характеристик матричных композитов, согласно которому приложенная к композиту сжимающая в определенном направлении нагрузка становится разрушающей, когда внутреннее напряжение в полимерной матрице начинает превышать предел ее прочности. Указанный метод опирается на обобщенное сингулярное приближение теории случайных полей, понятие оператора концентрации напряжений (тензора четвертого ранга), связывающего локальные (внутренние) значения тензора напряжений со средними (внешними) по материалу напряжениями, и информацию о прочностных свойствах матрицы. Исследованы зависимости значений предельных прочностных показателей при одноосном сжатии полимерных фрикционных композитов от вариаций объемных концентраций наполнителей – волокон бесщелочного стекла, дисперсных включений каучука и минерального порошка, состоящего из глинозема, графита и барита в равных объемных долях. В результате проведенных модельных расчетов установлено, что увеличение объемного содержания включений каучука приводит к ослаблению прочностных показателей модельных композитов, которые при этом изменяются по закону, близкому к линейному. Увеличение концентраций остальных наполнителей (как стеклянных волокон, так и включений минерального порошка) приводит к существенному улучшению предельных прочностных характеристик полимерных фрикционных композитных материалов, при этом характер зависимостей монотонный.
ВЛИЯНИЕ АБИОТИЧЕСКИХ И БИОТИЧЕСКИХ ФАКТОРОВ НА ОБРАЗЦЫ АЛЮМИНИЕВОГО СПЛАВА Д16 В ЗОНЕ СМЕШЕНИЯ МОРСКИХ И РЕЧНЫХ ВОД, "Наука юга России"
Authors: Матишов Г.Г. , Булышева Н.И. , Клещенков А.В. , Глущенко Г.Ю. , Кренёва К.В. , Григоренко К.С. , Назаренко А.В. , Варченко Е.А. , Гончаров А.А. , Гладких А.В.
Published: October 2021

С целью оценки коррозионной стойкости образцов алюминиевого сплава марки Д16 на двух станциях в устьевой области Дона проведены натурные стендовые испытания в период с декабря 2018 г. по декабрь 2019 г. Описан гидролого-гидрохимический режим акватории. Флуктуации ионного состава на участках проведения эксперимента зависели от объема речного стока, частоты и амплитуды сгонно-нагонных явлений и связанных с ними интрузий осолоненных вод при нагонах или падений уровня воды при сгонах. Условия среды воздействуют на экспериментальные пластины как непосредственно, так и опосредованно, через влияние на состав и структуру формирующегося сообщества обрастания. Сукцессионный ход микрофитоперифитона на образцах Д16 в разных участках дельты р. Дон характеризовался двухпиковой кривой с максимумом на девятом месяце экспозиции. В структуре фитоперифитона на протяжении исследования преобладали диатомовые водоросли. Микрозооперифитон на экспериментальных пластинах представлен преимущественно инфузориями. С увеличением срока экспозиции была отмечена тенденция к увеличению доли колониальных и крупных сидячих видов инфузорий. Формирование сообществ макрообрастания начиналось на образцах, находящихся в воде более трех месяцев. Фонообразующими видами на пластинах, экспонировавшихся при полном погружении в течение 6 месяцев, являются мшанки Fredericella sultana, а через 9 и 12 месяцев – моллюски Dreissena polymorpha. При испытаниях в воде образцов в течение 12 месяцев выявлено, что наибольшая площадь коррозионных поражений для сплава Д16 получена на станции 2 – 50 %, в то время как при испытаниях на станции 1 площадь коррозионных поражений не превышает 30 % от общей площади поверхности. По результатам определения состава продуктов коррозии на всех пластинах превалируют продукты окисления поверхности образцов, элементы, входящие в состав водной среды, а также элементы органического происхождения.
ЛУЧЕВАЯ СЕМИОТИКА ДИССЕМИНИРОВАННОГО ТУБЕРКУЛЕЗА И МИКОБАКТЕРИОЗОВ ЛЕГКИХ, "Вестник Центрального научно-исследовательского института туберкулеза"
Authors: Амансахедов Р.Б. , Дмитриева Л.И. , Комиссарова О.Г. , Абдуллаев Р.Ю. , Лепеха Л.Н. , Эргешов А.Э.
Published: October 2021

Цель исследования: совершенствование дифференциальной диагностики диссеминированной формы туберкулеза (ТБ) и нетуберкулезных микобактериозов (НТМ) c применением мультисрезовой компьютерной томографии (МСКТ). В исследование вошли 142 больных с рентгенологическими признаками легочной диссеминации: 78 (54,9%) – диссеминированным ТБ легких (ДТЛ) и 64 (45,1%) – НТМ легких. Было установлено, что при ДТЛ у 30,8% больных наблюдался гематогенный – с острым в 29,2% случаев, подострым – в 25,0% и хроническим – в 45,8% течением. При НТМБ у 15,6% больных выявлялся мелкоочаговый (ацинарно-гранулематозный) – с острым у 30,0%, подострым – у 30,0% и хроническим – у 40,0% течением. У 43,8% больных определялся бронхоэктатический и у 40,0% – крупноочаговый вариант диссеминации. Результаты компьютерной томографии (КТ) структур легкого показали, что симптом «матовое стекло» независимо от генеза и течения при ДТЛ был отмечен у 12,8%, при НТМ – у 14,1%. Симптом «дерево в почках» независимо от генеза и течения наблюдался у больных ДТЛ в 76,9%, при НТМ – в 93,7% соответственно (p < 0,01). КТ симптом «lymphangoitis circumscripta» наблюдался при лимфогенном генезе независимо от стадии ДТЛ в 10,0%, а при НТМ – лишь в 1,7% случаев в варианте по типу гиперчувствительного пневмонита (p < 0,05). Распад в легочной ткани при ДТЛ был обнаружен у 43,6% больных, а у больных НТМ полости в легких были выявлены в 9,4% случаев (p < 0,01). Результаты исследования показали, что при ДТЛ патология воздухоносных путей в виде тракционных бронхоэктазов наблюдалась у 75,6%, из них при гематогенном – в 45,8% случаев, лимфогенном – в 67,4%, бронхогенном – в 76,9% случаев. Изменения воздухоносных путей при остром течении ДТЛ выявлены в 25,0%, подостром – в 85,7%, хроническом – в 84,4% случаев. При НТМ независимо от формы и течения процесса аналогичные изменения бронхов наблюдались у 100,0% больных (p < 0,01). Увеличение ВГЛУ выявлено при ДТЛ у 47,4% больных, при НТМ – у 50,0% больных и не зависело от течения и генеза процесса. Инфильтрация листков плевры выявлялась независимо от течения у подавляющего большинства больных: с лимфогенным ДТЛ и пневмоническим вариантом НТМ с втяжением в зону уплотнения легочной ткани – в 68,9% и 32,7% случаев соответственно (p < 0,05). Сравнительная оценка изменений на КТ при ДТЛ и НТМ свидетельствует о преимущественном лимфогенном характере диссеминации при ДТЛ и бронхоэктатическом варианте НТМ. Вовлечение сосудов проявлялось наличием периваскулярной локализациии очагов. Признаки васкулита характеризовались нечеткостью контуров сосудистых разветвлений с КТ симптомом «матового стекла» в зоне изменений как при ДТЛ, так и при НТМБ. Бронхоэктазии чаще отмечались при НТМ, а инфильтрация плевры с вовлечением экстраплевральной клетчатки – при ДТЛ. Увеличение размеров различных групп ВГЛУ при обеих нозологиях отмечалось в более половины случаев.
Role of the Solvation Shell Structure and Dynamics on K‐Ion and Li‐Ion Transport in Mixed Carbonate Electrolytes
Authors: Rodriguez Jassiel R. , Seo Bumjoon , Savoie Brett M. , Pol Vilas G.
Published: October 2021

Ethylene and diethyl carbonates (EC : DEC) have been attractive solvents for Li‐ion electrolytes because these can exhibit a good ionic conductivity and stable electrochemical performance. However, in the contemporary K‐ion electrolytes, KPF6 presents a limited solubility of ∼0.6 M in EC : DEC (volume ratio 1 : 1), which restricts its performance. Here, the molecular basis for these distinct solvation behaviors is clarified by combining experimental attenuated total reflectance‐infrared spectroscopy and electrochemical impedance spectroscopy measurements with molecular dynamics simulations, revealing the distinct roles of EC and DEC solvents on the solubility, ionic conductivity, and solvation shell structures of KPF6 and LiPF6 salts in EC : DEC mixtures. In turn, these insights have enabled the formulation of a new K‐ion electrolyte with EC : DEC volume ratio of 1.5 that exhibits significantly increased KPF6 solubility (∼0.9 M) and ionic conductivity, reaching 13.99 mS cm−1 at 25 °C.
Trópos and Átropos Biindole Chiral Electroactive Monomers: A Voltammetry and HPLC Comparative Insight
Authors: Arnaboldi Serena , Grecchi Sara , Vaghi Luca , Penoni Andrea , Scapinello Luca , Buzzi Ivo Franco , Cirilli Roberto , Pierini Marco , Benincori Tiziana , Mussini Patrizia Romana
Published: October 2021

A series of 2,2’‐biindole‐based inherently chiral electroactive monomers are comparatively investigated with their 3,3’ analogues as an excellent study case of two equivalent redox centres interacting through a torsional barrier. The twin peak potential splitting observed in voltammetry for the first oxidation of the biheteroaromatic core accounts for the energy barrier height: the lower the barrier, the larger the peak potential splitting, with modulation by solvent and temperature. The height of the energy barrier is determining for the electrochemical and spectroscopic features of the monomers as well as for their configurational stability and applicability for enantioselection purposes. The 3,3’ monomers, featuring large twin peak splittings in CV, are “trópos” systems with a low torsional barrier, so they cannot exist as stable enantiomers at room temperature. Instead their 2,2’ isomers, with much smaller twin peak splittings, are “átropos” systems and can be separated by enantioselective HPLC into stable enantiomers, providing powerful “inherently chiral” selectors with outstanding enantioselection properties in chiral electroanalysis and electrochemistry as well as in chiroptical spectroscopy, with fascinating reciprocal correlations.
The proliferation role of LH on porcine primordial germ cell‐like cells (pPGCLCs) through ceRNA network construction
Authors: Zhang Ming‐Yu , Tian Yu , Zhang Shu‐Er , Yan Hong‐Chen , Ge Wei , Han Bao‐Quan , Yan Zi‐Hui , Cheng Shun‐Feng , Shen Wei
Published: October 2021

Background

The transdifferentiation of skin‐derived stem cells (SDSCs) into primordial germ cell‐like cells (PGCLCs) is one of the major breakthroughs in the field of stem cells research in recent years. This technology provides a new theoretical basis for the treatment of human infertility. However, the transdifferentiation efficiency of SDSCs to PGCLCs is very low, and scientists are still exploring ways to improve this efficiency or promote the proliferation of PGCLCs. This study aims to investigate the molecular mechanism of luteinising hormone (LH) to enhance porcine PGCLCs (pPGCLCs) proliferation.

Results

In this study, we dissected the proliferation regulatory network of pPGCLCs by whole transcriptome sequencing, and the results showed that the pituitary‐secreted reproductive hormone LH significantly promoted the proliferation of pPGCLCs. We combined whole transcriptome sequencing and related validation experiments to explore the mechanism of LH on the proliferation of pPGCLCs, and found that LH could affect the expression of Hippo signalling pathway‐related mRNAs, miRNAs and lncRNAs in pPGCLCs.

Conclusions

For the first time, we found that LH promotes pPGCLCs proliferation through the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) regulatory networks and Hippo signalling pathway. This finding may help to elucidate the molecular mechanism by which LH promotes pPGCLCs proliferation.