bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Needleless Electrospinning Using a Flat Wheel Spinneret
Authors: Ali Usman , Abbass Amir , Khurshid Furqan , Aslam Sarmad , Waqar Abdul
Published: November 2018

Nanofibers have a wide range of applications, however; the mass production of nanofibers is still an obstacle to wider industrial application. In this paper, a flat wheel was used as a spinneret for production of poly (vinyl) alcohol nanofibers. Electric field comparative analysis was done between the flat wheel and other spinnerets such as a cylinder, disk and ring. It was found the flat wheel falls between the cylinder and disk and ring spinnerets. Sequence generation of polymer jets was observed from the both edges of the wheel and as well as from the surface of the wheel. The impact of operating parameters on fiber morphology was studied and it was found that smooth, uniform nanofibers with diameter around 350nm could be produced by using this spinneret. Influence of strength of applied electric field and solution concentration on the production rate was also examined and it was noted that the production rate of nanofibers using a flat wheel spinneret is several times higher than that obtained using a conventional needle electrospinning setup.
Carbon Fiber Production from Electrospun Sulfur Free Softwood Lignin Precursors
Authors: Aslanzadeh Samira , Ahvazi Behzad , Boluk Yaman , Ayranci Cagri
Published: November 2018

In this study, a sulfur-free softwood lignin (SFSL) was electrospun to form bead-free fibers. The fibers were evaluated as potential precursors for carbon fiber production. Higher heating rates of thermostabilization caused afused fiber morphology. The lignin purification process also affected the quality of the SFSL-based carbon fibers. Therefore, the yield, morphological characteristics, structural characteristics, electrical conductivity and mechanical properties of the carbon fibers were evaluated. At higher carbonization temperatures crystalline carbon fibers were formed. As a result, as the carbonization temperature increased, the conductivity of SFSL-based carbon fibers also increased.
Research on Degumming and Fixing Sericin to Obtain Sericin-fixed Souple Silk Yarns without Formaldehyde
Authors: Park Geon Yong , Kim Hyun Chel
Published: November 2018

In order to obtain sericin-fixed souple silk yarns, various conditions of degumming and fixing sericin were investigated. When raw silk yarns were degummed with solutions of soap and sodium carbonate and then fixed with sericin-fixing agents, degumming losses of 6-17% were attained. The degumming losses attained by degumming and fixing simultaneously in a solution of soap and sodium carbonate containing sericin-fixing agents were in the range of 6-9 percent. By one-step degumming with detergent after fixing sericin, sericin-fixed souple silk yarns were also obtained. In the case of two-step degumming successively twice at 60°C for 30 minutes and at 80°C for 30 minutes with detergent after fixing sericin at 60-80°C for 15 minutes with melamine and formaldehyde, the degumming losses were in the range of 7-13% and sericin removal was uniform. Two-step degumming was very effective for the elimination of free formaldehyde from silk yarns fixed with melamine and formaldehyde.
Thermal and Wet Comfort of Fabrics Based on Fractal Dimension of Silicone Coating
Authors: Shi Yunlong , Wang Liang , Zhang Wenhuan , Qian Xiaoming
Published: November 2018

In this paper, thermal and wet comforts of silicone coated windbreaker shell jacket fabrics were studied. Both thermal insulation and evaporative resistance of fabric increased with an increase in coating area due to the barrier effect of the silicone coating layer. Moreover, the coated fabrics with self-similar structures showed different thermal insulation and evaporative resistance under the same total coating area. Fractal theory was used to explain this phenomenon. Optimal thermal-wet comfort properties were obtained when the fractal dimension (D=1.599) was close to the Golden Mean (1.618). When the fractal dimension of coating was lower than 1.599, fabric warmth retention was not high enough. In contrast, fabric evaporative resistance was beyond the value at which people would feel comfortable when the fractal dimension was greater than 1.599.
Strength and Water Stability of a Fiber-reinforced Cemented Loess
Authors: Zhang Jun , Weng Xing-Zhong , Liu Jun-Zhong
Published: November 2018

This article discusses the strength and water stability of fiber-reinforced cemented loess (FRCL). The unconfined compressive tests, the anti-erosion tests and the Cantabro tests were performed for soaked and non-soaked specimens. The aforementioned specimens were made by mixing of loess with different cement and fiber ratios. Results indicate that the mixing of cement and fiber significantly improve the strength and the water stability of samples. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of samples increases with the increase of cement content. The UCS first increases and thereafter decreases with the increase of fiber content; the optimum content of fiber ranges between 0.3% and 0.45%. The total erosion mass and the erosion rate of samples were decreased by increasing the cement and fiber contents. It is pertinent to note that: (1) the anti-erosion performance of the fiber-reinforced soil was approximately 26–75% higher than that of the cemented soil, and (2) the improvement of UCS was beneficial to the anti-erosion performance. The scattering process of samples can be divided into three stages, i.e., initial stage, rapid-scattering stage and stable stage.
Atmospheric Pressure Plasma Grafting of a Vinyl-Quaternary Compound to Nonwoven Polypropylene and Cotton
Authors: Cornelius Carrie , McCord Marian , Bourham Mohamed , Hauser Peter
Published: November 2018

Nonwoven polypropylene and cotton fabrics are grafted to a vinyl quaternary compound using atmospheric-pressure plasma. Two different atmospheric plasma devices are used -the NCAPS (North Carolina Atmospheric Plasma System), a dielectric barrier discharge device created by North Carolina State University, and a plasma device from APJeT® Inc. The addition of additives such as Mohr's salt, potassium persulfate, and diacrylates are assessed to see if graft yield can be increased. Acid dye tests, SEM, and XPS reveal successful grafting of the vinyl quaternary compound. A combination of all four additives is found to yield the highest graft yields and greatest uniformity.
Investigation of Manufacturing and Processing Techniques on Shade Variation and Performance Characteristics of Woven Fabrics
Authors: Akhtar Khurram Shehzad , Afzal Ali , Iqbal Kashif , Sarwar Zahid , Ahmad Sheraz
Published: November 2018

The purpose of this research is to examine the properties of vortex and ring spun yarns and their influence on the properties of woven fabrics. Cotton/PET fibers with the same blend ratio were used to produce vortex and ring spun yarns of 24.6 tex. These yarns were woven into a fabric with a satin weave construction. Heat setting was done to control the dimensional shrinkage and its effect on results was investigated. The woven fabric was dyed using exhaust and continuous dyeing methods. The vortex yarn fabric yields superior shade depth, pilling and fastness properties in comparison to the ring yarn fabric.
The Inspection of Raw- Silk Defects Using Image Vision
Authors: Pan Qingtian , Chen Miao , Zuo Baoqi , Hu Yucai
Published: November 2018

The inspection of defects is one of the most important aspects in the quality inspection of raw silk. We introduce a raw-silk defect detection system based on image vision and image analysis that is accurate and objective. In the experimental phase, we develop an image-acquisition section—which includes a charge-coupled device (CCD) image sensor, a telecentric lens, a light source, and a raw-silk winding device to capture the raw silk images steadily. After the image capture stage, an image-processing section tasked with threshold segmentation and morphology operations is carried out to obtain the defects of raw silk. To classify the raw-silk defects accurately and quickly, we propose an area method for the classification of raw-silk defects into five categories: larger defects, large defects, common defects, small defects, and smaller defects. Meanwhile, in order to recognize the common raw-silk defects—e.g., Bavella silk, nodes, and loose ends—that cannot be detected by the Uster evenness tester, the moment invariants of each segmented region of the images are extracted and used as the input of support vector machine(SVM).A SVM is designed as a classifier to recognize the samples. The experimental results show that the proposed method can recognize these common raw-silk defects effectively. According to the new classification and accurate recognition of raw-silk defects using the proposed method, we can improve the inspection standards for raw silk and advise raw-silk reeling enterprises seeking to optimize the technological parameters.
Chicken Feather as a Fiber Source for Nonwoven Insulation
Authors: Ye Weiqin , Broughton Roy M. , Hess Joseph B.
Published: November 2018

“Raw” chicken feathers directly from a processing plant were washed with detergent and dried. Cleaned feathers were mechanically worked to separate fibrous material from the quills and ultimately classified into two components: a fibrous material suitable for further textile processing, and a residue containing large feathers and pieces of quill. The chicken feather fiber was blended with binder fiber (sheath/core construction) and made into nonwoven batting. The battings show effective insulating properties when compared with other battings made from goose down and polyester fiber.
Characterization of Melt Blown Web Properties using Air Flow Technique
Authors: Tsai Peter Ping-yi
Published: November 2018

Fiber size, pore size, and air permeability are three important properties in melt blown (MB) webs. Air permeability governs the air resistance or the pressure drop of the air through the web. One of the major applications of MB webs is for air filters. Fiber size dominates the web air filtration efficiency. Liquid filtration is another major application of MB webs. Pore size of the web determines the rated particle size in liquid filtration. Air permeability can be easily determined by air permeability testers. Fiber size and pore size in MB webs are difficult to measure by optical microscopy or other methods. However, they can be determined in fibrous products from the air flow rate through the web.
Hybrid visual natural landmark–based localization for indoor mobile robots
Authors: Zhang Xuequn , Zhu Shiqiang , Wang Zhi , Li Yuehua
Published: November 2018

Localization is a crucial part of autonomous moving for the indoor mobile robot. The natural features of the ceiling and surrounding environment can serve for position estimation. Based on these natural features, a hybrid visual natural landmarks–based localization method is proposed. We combine the landmarks-based positioning with ceiling-based visual odometry. During the visual odometry, the orientation is computed from the parallel features between the adjacent frames. The position is calculated from the corresponding point features in the two consecutive images using the perspective-n-point method. During the natural landmarks–based localization, the orientation filter is utilized to obtain the global orientation. Then, the feature points are determined by the Compute Unified Device Architecture–based scale-invariant feature transform algorithm. Finally, the position is estimated based on the computed orientation and point features. Various experiments have been conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of the proposed method. The experimental results show that the proposed localization method outperforms other methods in accuracy and efficiency.
The impact of patient-related nonmodifiable factors on perioperative outcomes following radical cystectomy with enhanced recovery protocol
Authors: Zainfeld Daniel , Chen Jian , Cai Jie , Miranda Gus , Schuckman Anne , Daneshmand Siamak , Djaladat Hooman
Published: November 2018

Background:

Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocols decrease the length of hospital stay (LOS) and complications following radical cystectomy (RC). However, the impact of non-modifiable patient factors to postoperative outcome is unclear. This study aimed to identify nonmodifiable patient and disease factors predictive of post-RC outcomes with ERAS protocols.

Methods:

We reviewed our institutional review board-approved prospectively maintained bladder cancer database. Patients with primary urothelial bladder cancer who underwent open RC with ERAS protocol between 2012 and 2016 were identified. Patient demographic and disease-relevant variables were reviewed. Factors predictive of LOS, 30- and 90-day complications and readmission were assessed using univariate and multivariable analyses.

Results:

A total of 289 patients with a median age of 70 years were included, of whom 80.6% were male, 33.6% had Charlson comorbidity index ⩾2. Median LOS was 4 days and 21.1% received intraoperative transfusion. The 30-day complication and readmission rates were 58.8% and 16.6%, respectively. Age >70 ( p = 0.02), Charlson comorbidity index ⩾2 ( p = 0.005), and intraoperative transfusion ( p = 0.03) were significantly associated with LOS. Intraoperative transfusion was significantly associated with 30-day complication and readmission ( p = 0.008, p = 0.005, respectively). No factor was found to be significantly associated with 90-day complication or readmission.

Conclusions:

With ERAS protocol, non-modifiable patient and disease factors influence outcomes after RC. Risk adjustment for these factors is important for patient counseling, quality assessment and future reimbursement.
The influence of fatty infiltration and muscle atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles on midterm functional outcomes in total shoulder resurfacing at six years’ follow-up
Authors: Edwards Gray AD , McCann Philip A , Whitehouse Michael R , Wakeley Charles J , Sarangi Partha P
Published: November 2018

Background

We report functional outcomes at six years in patients with varying degrees of fatty infiltration and atrophy of the rotator cuff muscles who have undergone anatomic total shoulder replacement.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of case notes and magnetic resonance imaging scans of patients undergoing total shoulder replacement for primary glenohumeral arthritis was performed. Patients were grouped based upon their pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging findings for fatty infiltration, muscle area and tendinopathy. Post-operative functional outcomes were assessed using the Oxford Shoulder Score and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score. Post-operative measurements were made for active shoulder movements.

Results

Thirty-two patients were reviewed at a mean of 67 months following surgery. All patients demonstrated fatty infiltration on their pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging scan. Muscle atrophy was shown in 22 patients and 12 had tendinopathy. Multiple regression analysis showed no correlation between the Oxford Shoulder Score (p = 0.443), the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand score (p = 0.419), forward flexion (p = 0.170), external rotation (p = 0.755) and any of the pre-operative independent variables.

Discussion

The degree of fatty infiltration, muscle atrophy and tendinopathy of the rotator cuff muscle on pre-operative magnetic resonance imaging scanning is not associated with functional outcome score or functional movement at medium-term follow-up following total shoulder replacement.

Level of evidence

IV
Farnesoid X Receptor Agonist GW4064 Inhibits Aromatase and ERβ Expression in Human Endometriotic Stromal Cells
Authors: Wu Pei-Li , Zeng Cheng , Zhou Ying-Fang , Yin Ling , Yu Xiao-Lan , Xue Qing
Published: November 2018

Endometriosis is an estrogen-dependent disease. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation has been shown to inhibit estrogen signaling in breast cancer and testicular tumors. However, the role of FXR in endometriosis is still poorly understood. Here, we aimed to investigate whether FXR activation by its synthetic agonist GW4064 has a therapeutic effect on endometriosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We found that the expression of FXR (encoded by the NR1H4 gene) in endometriotic tissues and stromal cells (ESCs) was higher than that in eutopic endometrial tissues and stromal cells. The GW4064 treatment led to a dose-dependent decrease in aromatase and estrogen receptor β (ERβ) expression and induced ERK1/2, p38, AMPK, and Stat3 activation in ESCs. In contrast, ERK1/2 inhibitor reversed the GW4064-induced reduction in aromatase expression. In addition, treatment with p38, AMPK, and Stat3 inhibitors or small interfering RNAs could also reverse the GW4064-induced reduction of ERβ expression in ESCs. The GW4064 treatment markedly increased Stat3 phosphorylation, enhancing the binding of Stat3 to the ESR2 promoter, which resulted in the downregulation of ERβ. Coimmunoprecipitation assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis revealed that FXR was able to compete with cyclic AMP response element-binding (CREB) protein for binding to a common sequence on the aromatase promoter region after GW4064 treatment in ESCs. Moreover, treatment of endometriosis xenografts with GW4064 suppressed aromatase and ERβ expression in nude mice. Our results suggest that FXR may represent a potential therapeutic target for future therapy.
The limits of computation: A philosophical critique of contemporary Big Data research
Authors: Törnberg Petter , Törnberg Anton
Published: November 2018

This paper reviews the contemporary discussion on the epistemological and ontological effects of Big Data within social science, observing an increased focus on relationality and complexity, and a tendency to naturalize social phenomena. The epistemic limits of this emerging computational paradigm are outlined through a comparison with the discussions in the early days of digitalization, when digital technology was primarily seen through the lens of dematerialization, and as part of the larger processes of “postmodernity”. Since then, the online landscape has become increasingly centralized, and the “liquidity” of dematerialized technology has come to empower online platforms in shaping the conditions for human behavior. This contrast between the contemporary epistemological currents and the previous philosophical discussions brings to the fore contradictions within the study of digital social life: While qualitative change has become increasingly dominant, the focus has gone towards quantitative methods; while the platforms have become empowered to shape social behavior, the focus has gone from social context to naturalizing social patterns; while meaning is increasingly contested and fragmented, the role of hermeneutics has diminished; while platforms have become power hubs pursuing their interests through sophisticated data manipulation, the data they provide is increasingly trusted to hold the keys to understanding social life. These contradictions, we argue, are partially the result of a lack of philosophical discussion on the nature of social reality in the digital era; only from a firm metatheoretical perspective can we avoid forgetting the reality of the system under study as we are affected by the powerful social life of Big Data.
How to Foster Mental Health on the Job
Authors: Sarchet Jeremy A.
Published: November 2018

The industrial nurse as a person, as an employee and as a specialist, uses her senses, her knowledge, her imagination and her relationships to change the world in which the employee lives. She does this by helping him to change. She does this by being a significant part of his world, somebody who cares, who thinks he is important. She does this by referring him to other resources, and by helping to change the job environment in which he lives.
The complex relationship between body mass index and endometriosis
Authors: Holdsworth-Carson Sarah J , Rogers Peter AW
Published: November 2018

There is an inverse relationship between endometriosis and a women’s body mass index. To date, the precise mechanisms and aetiological basis linking body mass index with endometriosis remain unknown. Although an increased incidence of endometriosis is observed in women with low body mass indices; endometriosis is associated with conditions common to obesity (hypercholesterolemia, hypertension and coronary heart disease). In the context of endometriosis, further research is necessary in women with surgically confirmed disease to improve clinical advice and patient outcomes.
Pulmonary arterial hypertension in systemic sclerosis: Diagnosis and treatment according to the European Society of Cardiology and European Respiratory Society 2015 guidelines
Authors: Giordano Nicola , Corallo Claudio , Chirico Chiara , Brazzi Angelica , Marinetti Adriana , Fioravanti Antonella , Valenti Roberto , Nuti Ranuccio , Pecetti Gianluca
Published: November 2018

Scleroderma (systemic sclerosis) is an autoimmune connective tissue disease which presents endothelial dysfunction and fibroblast dysregulation, resulting in vascular and fibrotic disorders. Pulmonary hypertension is frequent in patients with systemic sclerosis: the natural evolution of the disease can induce the development of different forms of pulmonary hypertension, representing one of the main causes of death. Among the different forms of pulmonary hypertension in systemic sclerosis, pulmonary arterial hypertension is the most frequent one (rate of occurrence is estimated between 7% and 12%). This pulmonary vascular complication should be treated with a combination of drugs that is able to counteract endothelial dysfunction, antagonizing the endothelin-1 system and replacing prostaglandin I2 and nitric oxide activity. A correct diagnosis is mandatory, because it is possible only for pulmonary arterial hypertension to use specific drugs that are able to control the symptomatic condition and the evolution of the disease. According to the most recent guidelines, for the patients with systemic sclerosis, also without pulmonary hypertension symptoms, echocardiography screening for the detection of pulmonary hypertension is recommended. Pulmonary arterial hypertension screening programs in systemic sclerosis patients is able to identify milder forms of the disease, allowing earlier management and better long-term outcome.
The Human Microbiome and Gender Medicine
Authors: Levy Gali , Solt Ido
Published: November 2018

Discoveries in molecular genetics over the last two decades have broadened our information about the genomics of complex microbial communities. As in all other fields of medicine, there is an undeniable need to explore the microbiome and the way it is impacted by biological sex. A number, although small, of recent studies have demonstrated that women and men have striking differences in the species that constitute their microbiomes. This effects pathological physiology in fields such as hepatology, oncology, autoimmune disease (most notably diabetes mellitus), autism, and obstetrics. There is still an unfortunate lack of research being done on the “microgenderome”: the interaction between microbiota, sex hormones, and the immune system. This review will highlight some of the main areas to be affected by microgenderome physiology, with an in depth focus on obstetrics.
Plateletpheresis-associated lymphopenia in frequent platelet donors
Authors: Gansner John M. , Rahmani Mahboubeh , Jonsson A. Helena , Fortin Brooke M. , Brimah Idayat , Ellis Martha , Smeland-Wagman Robin , Li Zhihan J. , Schenkel Jason M. , Brenner Michael B. , Yefidoff-Freedman Revital , Sloan Steven R. , Berliner Nancy , Issa Nicolas C. , Baden Lindsey R. , Longo Dan L. , Wesemann Duane R. , Neuberg Donna , Rao Deepak A. , Kaufman Richard M.
Published: November 2018

More than 1 million apheresis platelet collections are performed annually in the United States. After 2 healthy plateletpheresis donors were incidentally found to have low CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts, we investigated whether plateletpheresis causes lymphopenia. We conducted a cross-sectional single-center study of platelet donors undergoing plateletpheresis with the Trima Accel, which removes leukocytes continuously with its leukoreduction system chamber. We recruited 3 groups of platelet donors based on the total number of plateletpheresis sessions in the prior 365 days: 1 or 2, 3 to 19, or 20 to 24. CD4+ T-lymphocyte counts were <200 cells per microliter in 0/20, 2/20, and 6/20 donors, respectively (P = .019), and CD8+ T-lymphocyte counts were low in 0/20, 4/20, and 11/20 donors, respectively (P < .001). The leukoreduction system chamber’s lymphocyte-extraction efficiency was ∼15% to 20% for all groups. Immunophenotyping showed decreases in naive CD4+ T-lymphocyte and T helper 17 (Th17) cell percentages, increases in CD4+ and CD8+ effector memory, Th1, and regulatory T cell percentages, and stable naive CD8+ and Th2 percentages across groups. T-cell receptor repertoire analyses showed similar clonal diversity in all groups. Donor screening questionnaires supported the good health of the donors, who tested negative at each donation for multiple pathogens, including HIV. Frequent plateletpheresis utilizing a leukoreduction system chamber is associated with CD4+ and CD8+ T-cell lymphopenia in healthy platelet donors. The mechanism may be repeated extraction of these cells during plateletpheresis. The cytopenias do not appear to be harmful.
To send or not to send: weighing the costs and benefits of mailing an advance letter to participants before a telephone survey
Authors: Schell Christina , Godinho Alexandra , Kushnir Vladyslav , Cunningham John A.
Published: November 2018

Objective

A letter was mailed to half the participants (Letter = 137; No Letter = 138) of a 5-year follow-up survey regarding smoking cessation before attempting contact for a telephone interview. The primary outcome was the number of completed surveys per group (response rate). Secondary analyses of the number of telephone calls placed and a cost analysis were performed.

Results

No conclusive effect was found on the response rates per group (59.1% Letter, 50.0% No Letter; p = 0.147). Additionally, a logistic regression, controlling for demographics, revealed that there was no direct effect of sending the letter on response rate (p = 0.369). Non-parametric analysis showed significantly fewer calls (U = 7962.5, z = − 2.274, p < 0.05 two-tailed) and significantly lower costs (U = 11112.00, z = 2.521, p < 0.05 two-tailed) in reaching participants in the Letter group. Mailing an advance letter to participants did not appear to effect response rates between the groups, even when controlling for demographics. However, further analysis examining the number of call attempts and the costs per group revealed the letter may have had other effects. These findings suggest that additional analyses may be merited when evaluating the effectiveness of methods to increase participation, such as an advance letter, especially in cases where the literature largely supports its effectual use.

Trial registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT03097445. Registered 31 March 2017
Towards cardiovascular risks in children with chronic kidney disease: a prospective cohort study
Authors: Al-Doori Taghreed Fadhil , Al-Ethawi Abd El-Salam Dawood , Hasan Jessar Saleem , Al-Kaaby Ban Adil
Published: November 2018

Background: Children with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are at substantially high risk of morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD). Although this issue has been extensively studied in adults, little is known whether similar associations exist in the paediatric population. We therefore aimed to evaluate the cardiac structure and function in children with CKD, and investigate the factors that contribute to the development of CVD.

Methods: A prospective cohort was established following 40 children with CKD treated in the nephrology unit at a high-volume, tertiary, teaching hospital and compared to age- and gender-matched controls of the same number.  We reviewed the patients’ medical records, assessed growth parameters, measured blood pressure, took blood samples, and performed echocardiography.

Results: More than half of the CKD patients are hypertensive (N = 22; 55%) and were found to have a higher proportion of increased left ventricular mass index (LVMI) (75.5%; P = 0.001). In contrast, we did not find any significant association between CKD and both valvular calcification & left ventricular (LV) fractional shortening (FS) in children (P = 0.314). Furthermore, high LVMI is found to be correlated well with the following: anaemia, hypertension, CKD duration > one year, hyperparathyroidism, estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < 15ml/minute/1.73 m2 and death (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Despite the fact that LV systolic function is preserved and valvular calcification is usually absent, left ventricular hypertrophy (LVH) is common in children with CKD. Hypertension, anaemia, hyperparathyroidism, as well as the severity and duration of renal impairment, are amongst the additional risk factors that predispose to LVH. We contribute this study to the growing information of the review articles regarding the association between CKD and CVD in paediatrics.
Postoperative pain and antibacterial effect of 980 nm diode laser versus conventional endodontic treatment in necrotic teeth with chronic periapical lesions: A randomized control trial
Authors: Morsy Dina A. , Negm Maged , Diab Alaa , Ahmed Geraldine
Published: November 2018

Background: Many challenges encounter the endodontist, especially when dealing with necrotic teeth with chronic periapical lesions. Postoperative pain may be induced following conventional endodontic therapy and total eradication of the bacteria is almost unachievable even with recently available techniques. In recent years, diode laser usage in the endodontic field has gained acceptance. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the ability of the diode laser (DL) to decrease postoperative pain and achieve root canal sterility.

Methods: 56 patients with anterior teeth with chronic periapical lesions in upper anterior teeth were randomly divided into two groups (n = 28). All patients were treated with two visits of conventional root canal treatment with ProTaper Universal. The DL group: root canals were irradiated with 200 µm fiber optic at both visits; the control group (Endo): the DL fiber was placed in root canal with no activation. Bacterial samples were collected from all the cases at each step of the treatment. Pain levels were evaluated using a numerical rating scale preoperatively, and after 6, 12, 24, 48 hours and 7 days. Bacterial count was used to detect both aerobic and anaerobic bacterial load. 

Results: The qualitative pain scores revealed statistically significant lower pain levels in the DL group compared with the Endo group at all time intervals (P<0.001), except preoperatively where there was no significant difference. There was a statistically significant lower bacterial count for both aerobic and anaerobic bacteria in the DL group compared with the Endo group in both S3 samples (after laser application) and S4 samples (bacterial colonization) (P<0.001).

Conclusion: The 980 nm diode laser may be a successful adjunct to conventional endodontic treatment of necrotic cases with chronic periapical lesions in terms of postoperative pain and root canal disinfection.  

Trail registration: PACTR201511001275414 (date: 23rd September 2015)
ИНТЕРПЕРСОНАЛЬНОЕ ПРОСТРАНСТВО ЖИЗНЕДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ КАК СИСТЕМА РАЗВИТИЯ ОСОЗНАННОСТИ
Authors: Litke Svetlana Gennadievna , Mironov Aleksei Gennagievich
Published: November 2018

Исследование, представленное в статье, призвано внести вклад в решение важной проблемы социальной адаптации личности на этапах профессионального становления, развития и совершенствования. В связи с этим, перед современной системой профессионального образования возникает ряд вопросов, связанных, в первую очередь, с эффективностью работы в области взаимодействия всех субъектов профессионального образования. Развитие личностной осознанности – важная задача личностного совершенствования. Проблема развития осознанности – ключевой аспект развития Личности. Понятие «Осознание» как совокупность процесса и результата («осознанность») интеграции информационного потенциала, проявленное как целостная структура отдельных интеграционных потенциалов в индивидуальном свободном сознании.Цель работы заключается в разработке и апробации метода IAI (интроспективный анализ интерперсоны) жизнедеятельности человека, который является инновационным инструментом мониторинговых исследований профессионально-педагогических проблем и задач, а также отправной точкой для создания унифицированной системы развития осознанности с целью профилактики внутриличностных и межличностных конфликтов.Результаты исследования показали, что в процессе применения метода IAI (интроспективный анализ интерперсоны) повысился уровень понимания к педагогическим требованиям, проявились явные формы осознанного поведения. Взаимоотношения людей в процессе эксперимента строятся на основе осознанного восприятия личности партнера, с четким осознанием именно коммуникативной цели, полноценной ответственностью за коммуникативный процесс и твердым намерением решить поставленную коммуникативную задачу.
ПОДГОТОВКА СТУДЕНТОВ С ОГРАНИЧЕННЫМИ ВОЗМОЖНОСТЯМИ ЗДОРОВЬЯ К СДАЧЕ НОРМАТИВОВ «ВСЕРОССИЙСКОГО ФИЗКУЛЬТУРНО-СПОРТИВНОГО КОМПЛЕКСА "ГОТОВ К ТРУДУ И ОБОРОНЕ"»
Authors: Mitrokhin Evgeniy Aleksandrovich , Samsonova Evgeniya Andreevna , Samsonov Andrey Yurevich , Flek Aleksandr Aleksandrovich
Published: November 2018

На протяжении последних десяти лет большое внимание стало уделяться двум проблемам: оздоровление молодежи, путем вовлечения в массовые физкультурно-спортивные мероприятия (разработка и внедрение ВФСК «ГТО») и проблема социализации лиц с ограниченными возможностями здоровья (далее ОВЗ) с помощью инклюзивного образования и разработки нормативов ГТО для данной группы. По данным в СМИ с 2017 года в 14 регионах страны начались «пилотные» приемы выполнения нормативов испытаний (тестов) комплекса ГТО для лиц с ОВЗ в экспериментальном режиме.Цель. Статья посвящена актуальной на сегодняшний день теме внедрение ВФСК «ГТО» для лиц с ограниченными возможностями здоровья и инвалидов разной этиологии. Предметом изучения стали несколько процессов – возможность создания смешанных групп на занятиях по дисциплинам физической культуры и анализ испытаний ВФСК «ГТО». Авторы ставили цель выявить возможность подготовки студентов с ограниченными возможностями здоровья к сдаче нормативов ГТО на базе высших учебных заведений.Материалы и методы: в Сибирском институте управления – филиала РАНХиГС авторами осуществлялся анализ, подбор средств физического воспитания и материально-технического обеспечения для подготовки студентов к сдаче нормативов ГТО в смешанных группах (в условиях инклюзивного образования) различными методами (опрос, анкетирование, педагогический эксперимент).Результаты исследования: полученные первые результаты показали, что проведение занятий в смешанных группах по дисциплинам физической культуры будут положительно влиять на подготовку студентов с ОВЗ к участию в сдачи нормативов ГТО.
Coexistence of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) with depressive symptoms in patients suffering from depressive disorders
Authors: Skalski Michał , Przydacz Mikolaj , Sobański Jerzy , Cyranka Katarzyna , Klasa Katarzyna , Datka Wojciech , Gołąbek Tomasz , Chłosta Piotr , Dudek Dominika
Published: November 2018

Cel pracy

Celem badań była ocena nasilenia objawów z dolnego odcinka układu moczowego (LUTS) w zależności od nasilenia objawów psychopatologicznych u pacjentów leczonych z powodu zaburzeń depresyjnych.

Metoda

Zbadano 102 pacjentów (43 mężczyzn, 59 kobiet) w wieku 20-67 lat (M = 46,1) leczonych z powodu depresji. Objawy depresyjne oceniano za pomocą Skali Oceny Depresji Hamiltona (HDRS) oraz Inwentarza Samooceny (QIDS-SR). LUTS zbadano za pomocą Międzynarodowej Skali Punktowej Objawów Towarzyszących Chorobom Prostaty (IPSS). W celu analizy wpływu prezentowanych objawów, zarówno urologicznych, jak i psychiatrycznych, na jakość życia badanych osób badanych wykorzystano 30-itemowy Kwestionariusz Ogólnego Zdrowia (GHQ-30).

Wyniki

Średni wynik IPSS u kobiet był istotnie wyższy niż u mężczyzn (9,59 vs 6; p = 0,04). Pacjenci cierpiący na depresję ocenianą za pomocą QIDS-SR mieli istotnie wyższe wyniki w IPSS (9,76 vs 4,1; p = 0,002). Nasilenie wszystkich LUTS ocenianych za pomocą IPSS korelowało z wynikiem QIDS-SR u badanych mężczyzn (p <0,05). U kobiet całkowity wynik IPSS korelował z wynikiem QIDS-SR (p <0,05) i globalnym wynikiem GHQ-30 (p <0,05). Zaobserwowano wiele innych znaczących (p <0,05) korelacji między IPSS a wartością niektórych pozycji GHQ-30 zarówno u mężczyzn jak i kobiet.

Wnioski

LUTS występują powszechnie wśród pacjentów z depresją. Istnieje korelacja między nasileniem objawów depresyjnych a LUTS. LUTS wpływa na jakość życia i dobrostan oraz powoduje znaczne cierpienie u pacjentów z depresją. Współwystępowanie LUTS i depresji powinno zwrócić uwagę zarówno psychiatrów, jak i urologów, skłaniając do wzmocnienia interdyscyplinarnego podejścia do leczenia. Dalsze badania prospektywne i kohortowe są niezbędne, aby poszerzyć wiedzę na temat zależności między LUTS a depresją.
Surrogate-Based Promising Area Search for Lipschitz Continuous Simulation Optimization
Authors: Fan Qi , Hu Jiaqiao
Published: November 2018

We propose an adaptive search algorithm for solving simulation optimization problems with Lipschitz continuous objective functions. The method combines the strength of several popular strategies in simulation optimization. It employs the shrinking ball method to estimate the performance of sampled solutions and uses the performance estimates to fit a surrogate model that iteratively approximates the response surface of the objective function. The search for improved solutions at each iteration is then based on sampling from a promising region (a subset of the decision space) adaptively constructed to contain the point that optimizes the surrogate model. Under appropriate conditions, we show that the algorithm converges to the set of local optimal solutions with probability one. A computational study is also carried out to illustrate the algorithm and to compare its performance with some of the existing procedures.
Eco printing and dyeing-echoes of the 1960s
Authors: Lindholm Christina
Published: November 2018

Short commentary on the current trend of using botanical materials to dye and print. Directions for eco printing a silk scarf are included.
Climate justice isn’t sexy: The double failure of sustainable fashion marketing and activism
Authors: Portway Sarah
Published: November 2018

This article asks the question: Why is sustainable fashion not ‘sexy’ for mainstream customers? Marketing departments are curators of desire, and trending social media hashtags tell us that making a political statement holds more selfie-potential than ever. Trend forecasting and market analyses point to growing trends in sustainable food, cars, personal care and home products. This article starts with the premise that fashion has been uncharacteristically slow to adopt this save-the-world Zeitgeist. Using a climate justice vision of sustainability that considers both social and environmental impacts, this critical review of literature and historical events explores the role of marketing and activism in popularizing sustainable fashion among mainstream consumers. After a brief overview of sustainable fashion, this article lists successful mobilization strategies identified in academic literature across several disciplines. These strategies are then compared with contemporary sustainable fashion activist techniques through an analysis of recent mobilization efforts. Sustainable fashion marketing campaigns are also critiqued through comparison with existing trend-diffusion models. With a few colloquial flourishes along the way, examples from popular media are highlighted to argue that marketing teams and activist groups have deviated from their usual tactics on this issue, while they ought to employ tools that they have sharpened over time to foster a mainstream market for sustainable fashion. This article finishes with a hopeful call to action for these groups.
Children’s entertainment television in India: The changing scenario and the Indian child
Authors: Das Shukla , Kini Saesha (Sashank)
Published: November 2018

Indian children’s commercial television started in 1995 with foreign channels and gathered momentum in the early 2000s. After 2008, the spurt in home-grown programming added an indigenous dimension. However, the home-grown programmes fall short in numbers as compared to their foreign counterparts and are plagued with various issues such as lack of diversity in genres, inadequate educational programming, regressive character portrayals, stereotypical gender representation and underrepresentation of the India’s cultural treasure trove. This article reviews the shortfall of home-grown children’s programming. It then examines the genres, themes, characters, age segmentation, gender balance and cultural inclusiveness on Indian children’s television and suggests how the programming can improve in quality and create an original, relevant and contemporary world on television for the Indian child.
Book Review
Authors: Lang Patrick J.
Published: November 2018

Kriegsspiel, Hexes and the Nonkinetic: Tripping the CRT fantastic – Zones of Control: Perspectives on Wargaming, Pat Harrigan and Matthew G. Kirschenbaum (eds) (2016)

Cambridge: The MIT Press, 806 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-26203-399-2, h/bk, $50.00
INTELLIGENT CONTROLLER FOR TRACKING A 14-INCH CELESTRON TELESCOPE
Authors: Attia Abdel-Fattah A.
Published: November 2018

The paper proposes a design of two fuzzy and Proportional-Integral-Derivative (PID) controllers for a position tracking of the 1400 Celestron telescope. The position responses; right ascension and declination in such a way that it minimizes the integral absolute error (ITAE) using a modified particle swarm optimization (MPSO). Based on the structure of the MPSO, the accelerated coefficients of the particle swarm optimization are adapted dynamically by minimizing the system error with the iteration index. The adaptive control tool combines the Fuzzy controller and MPSO to produce a powerful controller in the system (FLC-PSO). The parameters of membership functions and the PID gains are tuned simultaneously based on the MPSO, which is an efficient and simple tool for the multidimensional problem. The simulation results for both controllers are analyzed and compared on a basis of the time response specifications.
Conectividad en la central de autobuses de Guadalajara, México
Authors: Camarena González Mauricio , González Pérez Mario Guadalupe , Asprilla Lara Yefer , Lizcano Caro Jose Andelfo
Published: November 2018

El ejercicio mercantil de la planificación urbana en México ha favorecido el habitar periurbano, con gran cantidad de puntos inconexos y dispersos en las arterias viales de los sistemas urbanos, esto ha fragmentado y configurando escenarios complejos de movilidad motorizada. El presente escrito contrasta en el área metropolitana de Guadalajara el potencial intercambio modal urbano en la denominada central nueva de autobuses, a través del análisis descriptivo de tres variables predefinidas: conectividad de modos de transporte, transferencia de usuarios e integración en la estructura urbana; asimismo, con la utilización del software de georreferenciación (QGi) se elaboraron mapas, definiendo información en AutoCAD. Los resultados arrojan, que, en la nueva central camionera, la conectividad y transferencia de los usuarios del transporte público es baja para unas municipalidades y altas para otras; igualmente, el diseño y funcionamiento de las vialidades que conectan la zona de estudio generan barreras de acceso a modos de transporte no motorizados, lo cual pone en riesgo la integridad física de peatones, ciclistas y personas con reducción en su movilidad
Detección y corrección de propagaciones anómalas en radares meteorológicos
Authors: Camargo López Julián Rolando , Gómez Vargas Ernesto , Cadena Contreras Laura Angélica
Published: November 2018

En este artículo se presentan los resultados del diseño de un modelo para la detección y corrección de propagaciones anómalas de los datos de un radar meteorológico en zonas ecuatoriales, específicamente en la geografía colombiana. Inicialmente se realizó la decodificación de los datos medidos por el radar, luego se realizó un análisis estadístico de los mismos, esta información permitió definir las variables que se utilizaron y la ponderación de cada una de ellas en el modelo desarrollado. Luego se diseñó el algoritmo de detección y corrección de dicho modelo. Finalmente se desarrolló una serie de pruebas que permitieron validar el adecuado funcionamiento del modelo obteniendo márgenes de error de hasta 4,67%.
The importance of long-term hygrothermal assessment of museum spaces: method and application in a permanent exhibition in a historical building
Authors: Pereira Luísa Dias , Gaspar Adélio Rodrigues , Costa José Joaquim , Pereira Gilberto
Published: November 2018

This paper presents the analysis of the hygrothermal conditions of a museum space hosted in an 18th century building, in Coimbra (Portugal). This historical building, which houses the Science Museum of the University of Coimbra, is located in the historic centre of the University of Coimbra, officially declared a World Heritage Site in 2013 by UNESCO. The methodology proposed in EN 15757:2010 was applied to two monitoring campaigns carried out at a distance of 4 years, in two of the rooms of the permanent exhibition. The results of the monitoring periods are presented and discussed. The findings unveil the necessity for long-term monitoring of the indoor environmental conditions of museum spaces, towards the support of grounded based-evidence guidelines for the conservation of objects and quality of environment for exhibits conservation.
Effect of ACTN3 Polymorphism on Self-reported Running Times
Authors: Kreutzer Andreas , Martinez Christopher A. , Kreutzer McKensie , Stone Jason D. , Mitchell Joel B. , Oliver Jonathan M.
Published: November 2018

Kreutzer, A, Martinez, CA, Kreutzer, M, Stone, JD, Mitchell, JB, and Oliver, JM. Effect of ACTN3 polymorphism on self-reported running times. J Strength Cond Res 33(1): 80–88, 2019—This investigation examined the effect of ACTN3 genotype on self-reported distance running personal records (PRs). Of 94 (n = 94) recreationally active men and women, 82 (f = 42, m = 40; age: 22.6 ± 4.5 years; body mass index [BMI]: 23.5 ± 3.4 kg·m−2) reported 1-mile running PRs, whereas 57 (f = 33, m = 24; age: 23.4 ± 5.3 years; BMI: 22.9 ± 9.3 kg·m−2) reported 5K running PRs. Subjects were grouped by the presence (ACTN3+) or absence (ACTN3−) of α-actinin-3, as well as by individual genotype (RR, RX, and XX). Among female participants, ACTN3− reported 64.5 seconds faster (p = 0.048) 1-mile PRs compared with their ACTN3+ counterparts. No differences were observed when comparing 5K PRs between genotypes. Two one-sided test equivalence testing revealed that none of the effects observed when comparing ACTN3+ and ACTN3− were equivalent to zero. Our study confirms a reportedly greater prevalence of XX benefits for endurance performance in females when compared with males but fails to strongly link ACTN3 genotype to endurance performance. Practitioners should continue to be cautious when using genetic information for talent identification and sport selection.