bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rapid SINS Two-Position Ground Alignment Scheme Based on Piecewise Combined Kalman Filter and Azimuth Constraint Information
Authors: Zhang Lu , Wu Wenqi , Wang Maosong
Published: March 2019

The accuracy and rate of convergence are two important performance factors for initial ground alignment of a strapdown inertial navigation system (SINS). For navigation-grade SINS, gyro biases and accelerometer offsets can be modeled as constant values during the alignment period, and they can be calibrated through two-position ground alignment schemes. In many situations for SINS ground alignment, the azimuth of the vehicle remains nearly constant. This quasi-stationary alignment information can be used as an augmented measurement. In this paper, a piecewise combined Kalman filter utilizing relative azimuth constraint (RATP) is proposed to improve the alignment precision and to reduce the time consumption for error convergence. It is presented that a piecewise time-invariant linear system can be combined into a whole extended time-invariant linear system so that a piecewise combined Kalman filter can be designed for state estimation. A two-position ground alignment algorithm for SINS is designed based on the proposed piecewise combined Kalman filter. Numerical simulations and experimental results show its superiority to the conventional algorithms in terms of accuracy and the rate of convergence.
Carbaryl Photochemical Degradation on Soil Model Surfaces
Authors: Siampiringue Marie , Chahboune Rajae , Wong-Wah-Chung Pascal , Sarakha Mohamed
Published: March 2019

The phototransformation of carbaryl was investigated upon solar light exposure on three surfaces, silica, kaolin and sand, as soil models. By excitation with a Suntest set up at the surface of the three solid supports, the degradation of carbaryl followed first-order kinetics with a rate constant of 0.10 h−1. By using the Kubelka Munk model, the quantum yield disappearance at the surface of kaolin was evaluated to 2.4 × 10−3. Such a value is roughly one order of magnitude higher than that obtained in aqueous solutions. The results indicated that the particle size and the specific surface area of the various models have significant effects. The photo-oxidative properties as well as the byproduct elucidation by liquid chromatography combined with diode arrays (LC-DAD) and liquid chromatography coupled mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analyses allowed us to propose the degradation mechanism pathways. The main products were 1-naphtol and 2-hydroxy-1,4-naphthoquinone, which arise from a photo-oxidation process together with products from photo-Fries, photo-ejection and methyl carbamate hydrolysis. The toxicity tests clearly showed a significant decrease of the toxicity in the early stages of the irradiation. This clearly shows that the generated products are less toxic than the parent compound.
Quantifying the Energy, Environmental, Economic, Resource Co-Benefits and Risks of GHG Emissions Abatement: The Case of Passenger Vehicles in China
Authors: Hao Han , Liu Feiqi , Sun Xin , Liu Zongwei , Zhao Fuquan
Published: March 2019

This study quantifies the energy, environmental, economic, and resource co-benefits and risks of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions abatement for China’s passenger vehicle fleet. A bottom-up model is established, which can address energy, environmental, economic and resource impacts from the passenger vehicle fleet within one unified framework. The results indicate that for passenger vehicles, the target of GHG emissions abatement generally synergizes with the targets of petroleum security enhancement, urban air quality improvement, and transport cost reduction but conflicts with the targets of rare metal conservation and transport well-being improvement. When the co-benefits and risks are taken into consideration, the design of the GHG emissions abatement scheme becomes more complicated. It is critical to adopt an overall optimization approach so that major co-benefits and risks can be considered and assessed. Such an approach can help prepare more appropriate GHG emission abatement policies.
Sustainability Development of High-Speed Rail and Airline—Understanding Passengers’ Preferences: A Case Study of the Beijing–Shanghai Corridor
Authors: Su Min , Luan Weixin , Yuan Liuyan , Zhang Rui , Zhang Zhenchao
Published: March 2019

With the rapid construction of high-speed railways (HSR), the supply structure of the transportation modes in China has changed greatly. In order to seek the sustainable development of HSR and air transport from the perspective of passenger mode choice behavior, this paper applied a binary logit model to explore the mode choice patterns in the Beijing–Shanghai corridor, which has the most successfully operated HSR line in China. By using the data collected in airports and HSR stations in the two cities, passenger flow composition and passenger mode choice behavior was analyzed. It was found that passengers’ preference for air transport decreases with the accompanying number of passengers and access time, and increases with income; female passengers and younger passengers have a higher probability of choosing air transport, ceteris paribus; and leisure passengers are more price-sensitive, they tend to travel by air transport when the air transport prices are lower. The study results reveal the travel characteristics of passengers between Beijing–Shanghai and provide information for policy design and infrastructure management.
Henan Ecological Security Evaluation Using Improved 3D Ecological Footprint Model Based on Emergy and Net Primary Productivity
Authors: Chen Gong , Li Qi , Peng Fei , Karamian Hamed , Tang Boyuan
Published: March 2019

The ecological footprint (EF) model is an effective tool for determining whether natural assets are over-utilized. The traditional EF (TEF) model and its improved model which include the emergy ecological footprint (EEF) and net primary productivity ecological footprint (NPPEF) have been widely used, but some emergy data are hard to obtain and NPP data is not stable. Therefore, in this paper, a novel three-dimensional (3D) EF model with emergy and net primary productivity (3DEF-ENPP) is proposed. The Henan province of China was chosen as the research area and commonly used statistical yearbook data and NPP data were used which are easy to obtain. We expanded a 2D EF model to a 3D EF model and took advantage of emergy analysis and net primary productivity because they have stable energy parameters, can reflect the difference in bioproductivity of different land types, and are suitable for spatial and temporal analysis. Based on our model, we obtained a rectified emergy-based ecological footprint (REEF), an ecological capacity based on net primary productivity (RNPPEC), a rectified ecological deficit (RED), an ecological footprint intensity (EFI), an ecological coordination coefficient, and a 3D-EF, which can comprehensively reflect Henan’s ecological security status. The results show that: (1) The REEF and RNPPED obtained by our proposed model are more stable than those of the former method. (2) Henan’s RED has been negative and has a downward trend, which indicates the burden of human activities on the natural environment are becoming increasingly serious. (3) The EF is increasing with time, indicating that the consumption of natural resources in Henan is gradually increasing. High EF regions are mainly distributed in the northwestern area. Southeastern regions have relatively low EFs. (4) Capital flows cannot meet the needs of current social development in Henan province and it is in a state of unsustainable development. (5) The ecological stress index is at a safe state but is still at an ecological security warning level and Henan has good ecological coordination.
Research on Spatial Correlations and Influencing Factors of Logistics Industry Development Level
Authors: Tian Xinbao , Zhang Meirong
Published: March 2019

The logistics industry plays a greater role in the sustainable development of regional economies. The development of the logistics industry between regions is not independent, and there is a spatial correlation due to the existence of spatial spillover effect or spatial expansion among regions. This paper uses the method of entropy weight to evaluate the development level of the logistics industry in 31 provinces in China. On this basis, Moran’s index (Moran’s I), Moran’s I scatter plot, and local indicators of spatial association (LISA) agglomeration plot are used to analyze the overall and local spatial agglomeration characteristics of the logistics industry. Four main factors affecting the spatial relationship of the logistics industry are analyzed by choosing the fixed effect of the spatial error model. We find that: (i) There is spatial agglomeration effect in the development level of the logistics industry from the overall perspective; (ii) regional differentiation of the spatial agglomeration effect of logistics industry development level is obvious from the local perspective; and (iii) the influence of human resource factors on the spatial relationship of logistics development level is declining.
Brand Webtoon as Sustainable Advertising in Korean Consumers: A Focus on Hierarchical Relationships
Authors: Lee Jong Yoon , Park Jae Hee , Jun Jong Woo
Published: March 2019

This study explores the impacts of webtoons as branded entertainment on consumer responses in competitive advertising markets. A webtoon is a digital cartoon format developed in South Korea for Korean audience that do not read comic books often, but are heavy consumers of webtoons. Using general surveys on brand webtoons in Korea, factors influencing consumer attitudes and electronic word-of-mouth (eWOM) intentions were investigated. The results of this study found that there are hierarchical influences on the use of brand webtoons on consumer emotion, transportation, persuasion knowledge, and advertising believability in order. The pattern of relationships was somewhat different between effects on attitudes toward brand webtoons and eWOM intentions. More specifically, pleasure and arousal influenced both attitudes and eWOM intentions. However, dominance only influenced eWOM intentions, and transportation only influenced attitudes towards branded webtoons. Persuasion knowledge negatively influenced both dependent variables. Advertising believability showed positive influences on attitudes and behavioral intentions.
Are Renewables as Friendly to Humans as to the Environment?: A Social Life Cycle Assessment of Renewable Electricity
Authors: Takeda Shutaro , Keeley Alexander , Sakurai Shigeki , Managi Shunsuke , Norris Catherine
Published: March 2019

The adoption of renewable energy technologies in developing nations is recognized to have positive environmental impacts; however, what are their effects on the electricity supply chain workers? This article provides a quantitative analysis on this question through a relatively new framework called social life cycle assessment, taking Malaysia as a case example. Impact assessments by the authors show that electricity from renewables has greater adverse impacts on supply chain workers than the conventional electricity mix: Electricity production with biomass requires 127% longer labor hours per unit-electricity under the risk of human rights violations, while the solar photovoltaic requires 95% longer labor hours per unit-electricity. However, our assessment also indicates that renewables have less impacts per dollar-spent. In fact, the impact of solar photovoltaic would be 60% less than the conventional mix when it attains grid parity. The answer of “are renewables as friendly to humans as to the environment?” is “not-yet, but eventually.”
The Gravity of the Classical Klein-Gordon Field
Authors: Chiarelli Piero
Published: March 2019

The work shows that the evolution of the field of the free Klein–Gordon equation (KGE), in the hydrodynamic representation, can be represented by the motion of a mass density ∝ | ψ | 2 subject to the Bohm-type quantum potential, whose equation can be derived by a minimum action principle. Once the quantum hydrodynamic motion equations have been covariantly extended to the curved space-time, the gravity equation (GE), determining the geometry of the space-time, is obtained by minimizing the overall action comprehending the gravitational field. The derived Einstein-like gravity for the KGE field shows an energy-impulse tensor density (EITD) that is a function of the field with the spontaneous emergence of the “cosmological” pressure tensor density (CPTD) that in the classical limit leads to the cosmological constant (CC). The energy-impulse tensor of the theory shows analogies with the modified Brans–Dick gravity with an effective gravity constant G divided by the field squared. Even if the classical cosmological constant is set to zero, the model shows the emergence of a theory-derived quantum CPTD that, in principle, allows to have a stable quantum vacuum (out of the collapsed branched polymer phase) without postulating a non-zero classical CC. In the classical macroscopic limit, the gravity equation of the KGE field leads to the Einstein equation. Moreover, if the boson field of the photon is considered, the EITD correctly leads to its electromagnetic energy-impulse tensor density. The work shows that the cosmological constant can be considered as a second order correction to the Newtonian gravity. The outputs of the theory show that the expectation value of the CPTD is independent by the zero-point vacuum energy density and that it takes contribution only from the space where the mass is localized (and the space-time is curvilinear) while tending to zero as the space-time approaches to the flat vacuum, leading to an overall cosmological effect on the motion of the galaxies that may possibly be compatible with the astronomical observations.
Topological Monopoles in Quantum Antiferromagnets
Authors: Azzouz Mohamed
Published: March 2019

While the observation of magnetic monopoles has defied all experimental attempts in high-energy physics and astrophysics, sound theoretical approaches predict that they should exist, and they have indeed been observed as quasiparticle excitations in certain condensed-matter systems. This indicates that, even though they are not ubiquitous contrary to electrons, it is possible to get them as excitations above a background. In this report, we show that phonons or lattice shear strain generate topological monopoles in some low-dimensional quantum antiferromagnets. For the Heisenberg ladder, phonons are found to generate topological monopoles with nonzero density due to quantum spin fluctuations. For the four-leg Heisenberg tube, longitudinal shear stress generates topological monopoles with density proportional to the strain deformation. The present theory is based on mapping the spin degrees of freedom onto spinless fermions using the generalized Jordan–Wigner transformation in dimensions higher than one. The effective magnetic field generated by the motion of the spinless fermions has nonzero divergence when phonons or shear stress are present. A possible material where the present kind of monopoles could be observed is BiCu

2

PO

6

.
An Operator Method for the Stability of Inhomogeneous Wave Equations
Authors: Choi Ginkyu , Jung Soon-Mo , Roh Jaiok
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we will apply the operator method to prove the generalized Hyers-Ulam stability of the wave equation, u t t ( x , t ) − c 2 ▵ u ( x , t ) = f ( x , t ) , for a class of real-valued functions with continuous second partial derivatives. Finally, we will discuss the stability more explicitly by giving examples.
An Integrated Decision-Making Method Based on Neutrosophic Numbers for Investigating Factors of Coastal Erosion
Authors: Awang Azzah , Aizam Nur Aidya Hanum , Abdullah Lazim
Published: March 2019

The recent boom of various integrated decision-making methods has attracted many researchers to the field. The recent integrated Analytic Network Process and Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (ANP–DEMATEL) methods were developed based on crisp numbers and fuzzy numbers. However, these numbers are incapable of dealing with the indeterminant and inconsistent information that exists in real-life problems. This paper proposes improvements to the integrated ANP–DEMATEL method by bringing together the neutrosophic numbers, the ANP method, and the DEMATEL method, which are later abbreviated to NS-DANP. The proposed NS-DANP method can handle the indeterminacy elements in the decision-making environment, as the single-valued neutrosophic numbers are used in the decision analysis. This proposed NS-DANP modification method includes linguistic variables representing the single-valued neutrosophic numbers (SVNNs), and also introduces the single-valued neutrosophic weighted averaging (SVNWA) aggregation operator to aggregate the decision makers’ judgments instead of the typical averaging method. The applicability of the proposed method is illustrated by a case study of the coastal erosion problem along the Peninsular Malaysia coastline, where 12 factors were considered. Three experts of coastal erosion from different organizations were invited to elicit their linguistic judgments on the cause–effect of the coastal erosion. The seven-step decision approach was developed to acquire the weightage of each coastal erosion factor. The outcome of this study reveals that coastal development is the riskiest factor toward coastal erosion. The weight of factors and the cause–effect diagram could be very helpful for government and stakeholders to project a better mitigation plan for the coastal erosion problem. Comparative analysis is also provided to check the feasibility of the proposed method.
The Beneficial and Debilitating Effects of Environmental and Microbial Toxins, Drugs, Organic Solvents and Heavy Metals on the Onset and Progression of Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Hachim Mahmood Y. , Elemam Noha M. , Maghazachi Azzam A.
Published: March 2019

Multiple sclerosis (MS), a chronic inflammatory disease of the central nervous system is common amongst young adults, leading to major personal and socioeconomic burdens. However, it is still considered complex and challenging to understand and treat, in spite of the efforts made to explain its etiopathology. Despite the discovery of many genetic and environmental factors that might be related to its etiology, no clear answer was found about the causes of the illness and neither about the detailed mechanism of these environmental triggers that make individuals susceptible to MS. In this review, we will attempt to explore the major contributors to MS autoimmunity including genetic, epigenetic and ecological factors with a particular focus on toxins, chemicals or drugs that may trigger, modify or prevent MS disease.
Occurrence and Exposure Assessment of Aflatoxins and Deoxynivalenol in Cereal-Based Baby Foods for Infants
Authors: Herrera Marta , Bervis Noemi , Carramiñana Juan José , Juan Teresa , Herrera Antonio , Ariño Agustín , Lorán Susana
Published: March 2019

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic to humans and deoxynivalenol causes digestive disorders, and both mycotoxins occur frequently in cereal-based foods. The purpose of this study was to investigate the occurrence and levels of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) and deoxynivalenol (DON) in cereal-based baby foods as well as to calculate the estimated daily intakes (EDI) in different stages of infancy. Sixty samples of infant cereals (wheat-, corn-, rice-, oat-, and mixed grain-based) were collected during a 2-year period and analyzed by validated methods. Aflatoxins were detected in 12 samples (20%), six of which exceeded the EU maximum level for aflatoxin B1 set at 0.10 µg/kg. Deoxynivalenol appeared in 20% of baby food samples, with one sample exceeding the EU maximum level established at 200 µg/kg. There were no significant differences between gluten-free products for babies aged 4–6 months and multi-cereal products for infants aged 7–12 months, nor between whole-grain-based and refined ingredients. However, baby food products of organic origin showed significantly higher levels of deoxynivalenol than conventional ones (p < 0.05). It is proposed for the health protection of infants and young children, a vulnerable group, to establish the lowest maximum level for the sum of aflatoxins (B1, B2, G1 and G2) in baby food.
Simultaneous Administration of Recombinant Measles Viruses Expressing Respiratory Syncytial Virus Fusion (F) and Nucleo (N) Proteins Induced Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses in Cotton Rats
Authors: Yamaji Yoshiaki , Sawada Akihito , Yasui Yosuke , Ito Takashi , Nakayama Tetsuo
Published: March 2019

We previously reported that recombinant measles virus expressing the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) fusion protein (F), MVAIK/RSV/F, induced neutralizing antibodies against RSV, and those expressing RSV-NP (MVAIK/RSV/NP) and M2-1 (MVAIK/RSV/M2-1) induced RSV-specific CD8+/IFN-γ+ cells, but not neutralizing antibodies. In the present study, MVAIK/RSV/F and MVAIK/RSV/NP were simultaneously administered to cotton rats and immune responses and protective effects were compared with MVAIK/RSV/F alone. Sufficient neutralizing antibodies against RSV and RSV-specific CD8+/IFN-γ+ cells were observed after re-immunization with simultaneous administration. After the RSV challenge, CD8+/IFN-γ+ increased in spleen cells obtained from the simultaneous immunization group in response to F and NP peptides. Higher numbers of CD8+/IFN-γ+ and CD4+/IFN-γ+ cells were detected in lung tissues from the simultaneous immunization group after the RSV challenge. No detectable RSV was recovered from lung homogenates in the immunized groups. Mild inflammatory reactions with the thickening of broncho-epithelial cells and the infiltration of inflammatory cells were observed in lung tissues obtained from cotton rats immunized with MVAIK/RSV/F alone after the RSV challenge. No inflammatory responses were observed after the RSV challenge in the simultaneous immunization groups. The present results indicate that combined administration with MVAIK/RSV/F and MVAIK/RSV/NP induces humoral and cellular immune responses and shows effective protection against RSV, suggesting the importance of cellular immunity.
Behavioral Interactions and Trophic Overlap between Invasive Signal Crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus (Decapoda, Astacidae) and Native Fishes in Iberian Rivers
Authors: Vedia Iván , Almeida David , Rodeles Amaia , Leunda Pedro , Baquero Enrique , Galicia David , Oscoz Javier , Elustondo David , Santamaría Jesús , Miranda Rafael
Published: March 2019

The signal crayfish Pacifastacus leniusculus Dana, 1852 is a successful invasive species in the Iberian Peninsula. This is of particular conservation concern, as fish fauna is highly endemic and also threatened within this ecoregion. The aim of this study was to analyze behavioral interactions and trophic overlap between signal crayfish and native fishes in Iberian rivers (northern Spain). Video cameras were used to record fish “dominance/evasion” after spatial encounters with crayfish. Diet composition and isotopic signatures (δ13C and δ15N) were compared to evaluate the niche overlap. Fish were dominant in 25% of the encounters with juvenile crayfish, whereas this percentage was only 4% with adult crayfish. Observations showed a high fish “evasion” response for Pyrenean stone loach Barbatula quignardi (Bǎcescu-Meşter, 1967) (>30%). Dietary results showed a high trophic overlap between signal crayfish with the pelagic Pyrenean minnow Phoxinus bigerri Kottelat, 2007 and the benthic loach. However, the isotopic niche overlap was low, with brown trout Salmo trutta L., 1758 showing the highest area (only 0.1 ‰2). Overall, our findings suggest that interferences may occur with native species for food (i.e., benthic invertebrates). Consequently, measures should be applied to control invasive crayfish in Iberian rivers.
Brine Recycling from Industrial Textile Wastewater Treated by Ozone. By-Products Accumulation. Part 1: Multi Recycling Loop
Authors: Bilińska Lucyna , Blus Kazimierz , Gmurek Marta , Ledakowicz Stanisław
Published: March 2019

The “reactive” dyeing of textiles requires an application of low-molecular-weight salts (LMWS), such as NaCl or Na2SO4, as necessary auxiliary agents. LMWS acts only as a remediation factor and remains in the dyeing effluents constitute brine. The main goal of the presented study was to investigate the application of ozone technology for industrial textile wastewater highly polluted by LMWS. The study was divided into two parts. In Part 1, by-products accumulated during multi-recycling of the same wastewater was investigated. While Part 2 was devoted to the scaling up of ozonation process, Part 1 concerns the efficiency of textile wastewater ozonation carried out as a repeatable process. The sequence of wastewater treatment and textile dyeing was repeated four times in a closed loop using the same process water. Although the wastewater decolorization was efficient in the subsequent ozonation cycles, some adverse effects, such as an increase in chemical oxygen demand (COD) and self-buffering at pH 9.5–10.0, were suggested the accumulation of by-products. The preliminary detection of by-products by thin layer chromatography (TLC) revealed phenol and naphthol derivatives as the transformation products (TPs) of ozonation. Dyeing of cotton using purified wastewater (brine) resulted in very good DECMC color matching parameters (under 1.16), but only in the first recycling loop, and then the TPs affected the process.
Contrasting Effects of an Alien Worm on Benthic N Cycling in Muddy and Sandy Sediments
Authors: Benelli Sara , Bartoli Marco , Ribaudo Cristina , Fano Elisa
Published: March 2019

The North American oligochaete Sparganophilus tamesis is widespread in European freshwaters. Its ecological effects on benthic nitrogen (N) biogeochemistry were studied in two contrasting environments: the organic-rich muddy sediments of the eutrophic Mincio River (Italy) and the organic-poor sandy sediments of the oligotrophic Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake (France). Oxygen and inorganic N fluxes and denitrification rates (IPT) were measured by dark incubation of intact cores with different worm biomass. Sediment oxygen demand and denitrification were higher in muddy than in sandy sediments; however, at the two sites, bioturbation by the oligochaetes stimulated differing microbial O2 and NO3− respiration and NH4+ production. In particular, the relative effect of S. tamesis on sediment metabolism was greater in Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake than in the Mincio River. As a result, S. tamesis favored net N loss in the Mincio River, whereas it increased NH4+ recycling and lowered denitrification efficiency in the Cazaux-Sanguinet Lake. Our results suggest that the effects of S. tamesis on N biogeochemistry might differ depending on local trophic settings. These results have implications for the conservation of isoetids in the French Lake, whose persistence can be menaced by oligochaete-induced nutrient mobilization.
Knockdown of IARS2 Inhibited Proliferation of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells by Regulating p53/p21/PCNA/eIF4E Pathway
Authors: Li Hong , Tian Yaning , Li Xiang , Wang Bin , Zhai Dongzhi , Bai Yingying , Dong Changhu , Chao Xu
Published: March 2019

IARS2 encodes mitochondrial isoleucine-tRNA synthetase, which mutation may cause multiple diseases. However, the biological function of IARS2 on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) has not yet been identified. In the present study, qRT-PCR was used to determine the expression of IARS2 in K562,
THP1, and HL-60 leukemia cells. Additionally the mRNA levels of IARS2 in CD34 cells and AML cells obtained from patients were detected by qRT-PCR. IARS2-shRNA lentiviral vector was established and used to infect acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cells. qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were employed
to assess the knockdown effect of IARS2. The proliferation rate and cell cycle phase of HL-60 cells after IARS2 knockdown were evaluated by CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry. The PathScan Antibody Array was used to determine the expression of cell cycle-related proteins in HL-60 cells after IARS2
knockdown. The expression of proliferation-related proteins in HL-60 cells after IARS2 knockdown was determined by Western blot analysis. Results showed that IARS2 expression was stable and much higher in HL-60, THP-1, and K562 leukemia cells and AML cells obtained from patients than that
of human CD34 cells. Compared with cells of the shCtrl group, IARS2 was markedly knocked down in cells that were transfected with lentivirus encoding shRNA of IARS2 in HL-60 cells (p < 0.05). IARS2 knockdown significantly inhibited the proliferation and induced cycle
arrest at the G1 phase in HL-60 cells. Additionally IARS2 knockdown significantly increased the expression of p53 and p21, and decreased the expression of PCNA and eIF4E in HL-60 cells. In conclusion, IARS2 knockdown can inhibit acute myeloid leukemia HL-60 cell proliferation and
cause cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase by regulating the p53/p21/PCNA/eIF4E pathways.
Perspectives on treatment advances for stage III locally advanced unresectable non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: Cheema P. K. , Rothenstein J. , Melosky B. , Brade A. , Hirsh V.
Published: March 2019

For more than a decade, there has been no improvement in outcomes for patients with unresectable locally advanced (la) non-small-cell lung cancer (nsclc). The standard treatment in that setting is definitive concurrent chemotherapy and radiation (ccrt). Although the intent of treatment is curative, most patients rapidly progress, and their prognosis is poor, with a 5-year overall survival (os) rate in the 15%–25% range. Those patients therefore represent a critical unmet need, warranting expedited approval of, and access to, new treatments that can improve outcomes. The pacific trial, which evaluated durvalumab consolidation therapy after ccrt in unresectable la nsclc, demonstrated a statistically significant and clinically meaningful improvement in progression-free survival (pfs) and a significant improvement in os. Durvalumab thus fills a critical unmet need in the setting of unresectable la nsclc and provides a new option for patients treated with curative intent. Here, we review the treatment of unresectable la nsclc, with a focus on the effect of the clinical data for durvalumab.
Palliative Care Consultation and Aggressive Care at End of Life in Unresectable Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lees C. , Weerasinghe S. , Lamond N. , Younis T. , Ramjeesingh Ravi
Published: March 2019

Background: Palliative care (pc) consultation has been associated with less aggressive care at end of life in a number of malignancies, but the effect of the consultation timing has not yet been fully characterized. For patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer (upcc), aggressive and resource-intensive treatment at the end of life can be costly, but not necessarily of better quality. In the present study, we investigated the association, if any, between the timing of specialist pc consultation and indicators of aggressive care at end of life in patients with upcc. Methods: This retrospective cohort study examined the potential effect of the timing of specialist pc consultation on key indicators of aggressive care at end of life in all patients diagnosed with upcc in Nova Scotia between 1 January 2010 and 31 December 2015. Statistical analysis included univariable and multivariable logistic regression. Results: In the 365 patients identified for inclusion in the study, specialist pc consultation was found to be associated with decreased odds of experiencing an indicator of aggressive care at end of life; however, the timing of the consultation was not significant. Residency in an urban area was associated with decreased odds of experiencing an indicator of aggressive care at end of life. We observed no association between experiencing an indicator of aggressive care at end of life and consultation with medical oncology or radiation oncology. Conclusions: Regardless of timing, specialist pc consultation was associated with decreased odds of experiencing an indicator of aggressive care at end of life. That finding provides further evidence to support the integral role of pc in managing patients with a life-limiting malignancy.
Possible Role of Court-Type Thai Traditional Massage During Parturition: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sananpanichkul, MD Panya , Sawadhichai, MD, PhD Chatchai , Leaungsomnapa, PhD Yosapon , Yapanya, BATM Paweena
Published: March 2019

Background and Objectives: Court-type Thai traditional Massage (c-TTM) applied during intrapartum may have some benefit other than pain relief. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of c-TTM during the first and second stage of labor, as well as pain alleviation in the first stage.Methods: This was a randomized controlled trial study. Eligible participants were singleton pregnant mothers with cervical dilation between 3–5 cm and no medical complications. Both trial groups received the same routine antepartum care except for 1 hour additional c-TTM given to the experimental group when they were in the active phase of labor. The pain score was taken from the participants at the time before labor pains started, at the time of active labor, 1, 2, 3, and 4 hours after the intervention. Pain was recorded by the researcher using a visual analog scale. The primary outcome during the first and second stages of labor was compared between groups. Pain relief during the first stage of labor and analgesic drugs used were compared as a secondary outcome. This trial is registered under the identification number TCTR20171115003.Results: Fifty-nine participants were enrolled and randomly assigned with 1:1 allocation to groups. The duration of first and second stage labor was significantly shorter in the experimental c-TTM than in the conventional control group (mean ± SD: 198.37 ± 62.80 minutes: 268.52 ± 137.81 minutes, p value =.02 and 17.54 ± 9.49 minutes: 23.35 ± 15.01 minutes, p value =.03, re-spectively). There was no difference of pain score between the groups.Conclusion: One hour of c-TTM can signifi-cantly decrease the duration of the first and second stages of labor. The pain score recorded is not statistically different between the groups.
Relevance of vancomycin suceptibility on patients outcome infected with Staphylococcus aureus
Authors: Alsayed Ahmad Riyad , Alzihlif Malek , Wadi Al Ramahi M.D, FIDSA Jamal Ahmad
Published: March 2019

Background:

Staphylococcus aureus is a serious pathogen with high rates of complications. We aim to study the susceptibility and outcome of S. aureus infection.

Methods:

A retrospective multicentre study conducted in three hospitals, Amman - Jordan. Between June 2013 and March 2014 laboratory records were reviewed for culture-positive samples growing S. aureus, also, medical records for the patients were reviewed for the demographic data, predisposing conditions, vancomycin MIC level and outcome. Inpatients and outpatients were included, a case was classified as either hospital-associated (HA), community-associated (CA), or healthcare-associated (HCA). Data were entered as excel sheets and were statistically analysed using SPSS version 22.

Results:

A total of 127 patient (46% MRSA) were culture-positive for S. aureus from different sources were collected. Eighty (63%) were inpatients. High resistance rates to non β-lactam antimicrobials were recorded. Glycopeptides agents were the antibiotics of choice for the treatment of infections caused by MRSA strains. Complications rates were higher for patients with MRSA infections including mortality, but hospital stay was longer for MSSA.

 

Conclusion

MRSA rates were high though it lately appeared plateauing in Jordan. There is a value for knowing vancomycin MICs for S. aureus as it has its own implications for outcomes, though most outcomes evaluated were significantly worse with MRSA infection.
MODIFIED SAWDUST CONCRETE/MODIFIKUOTAS PJUVENŲ BETONAS
Authors: Kantautas Aras , Vaickelionis Giedrius
Published: March 2019

Wood-cement materials are widely produced and applied in many developed countries. In this case special prepared wood aggregates are employed. Wood sawdust practically is not employed.

Extracts, present in wood, slow down the cement hydration. The influence of mineral additives on this process was determined. The efficiency of mineral additives depends on their hydraulic activity.

It has been found that the mineral components (additives) of sawdust concrete have a positive effect on cement setting and hardening due to two reasons: 1) hydraulic and other mineral additives absorb wood extracts from liquid phase which inhibit and retard setting of cement and reduce their concentration in solution; 2) reduce pH of liquid phase so the hemicellulose which is in sawdust or other wood aggregates, less disintegrate lightly soluable sugars.

When sawdust amounts are different, the optimum cement and rottenstone relation is not constant:

y = 1,29x −0,66

where y is cement and rottenstone mass relation, x is sawdust and binding material (cement+rottenstone) volume relation.

The influence of sawdust concrete humidity on its strength was found:

where y is concrete compressive strength (MPa), when its humidity X (%), R is concrete compressive strength (MPa), when its humidity W(%).

The possibility of accelerating the hardening process of concrete mixes of cement-rottenstone (gaize)-sawdust system by means of steaming at 80 °C was studied, too. It is impossible when producing ordinary wood-cement materials.

The physical and technical properties of sawdust concrete such as shrinkage strain, expansion deformations and elastic modulus were determined.

Sawdust concrete contraction deformation depending on concrete density may vary by 8…14 mm/m and expansion (in humid conditions) by 1,1…2,5 mm/m. Deformation decreases when quartz sand additive is used. When the concrete gets dry repeatedly, deformations are smaller.

The sawdust concrete elasticity modulus is similar to that of light concrete with inorganic additives having the same density.

Its frost resistance depends on the concrete structure and cement quantity. When the concrete with a small amount of sawdust is used (cement+additive: sawdust=5:1), the samples endure 75 freezing cycles.

The heat conductivity of sawdust concrete is low.

The experimental data have shown that structural thermoinsulated small blocks can be produced from these concrete mixes.
GENERAL PRINCIPLES OF MODELLING PHYSICAL-MECHANICAL PROPERTIES OF CONGLOMERATES/BENDRIEJI KONGLOMERATŲ FIZIKINIŲ-MECHANINIŲ SAVYBIŲ MODELIAVIMO PRINCIPAI
Authors: Vislavičius Kęstutis
Published: March 2019

A basic mathematical analogue for modelling grading of a mineral part of conglomerates is presented (1). The given method, in comparison with the ones used at present, has a number of advantages: a) it allows us to define instantly the possibility of getting the planned grading of a mineral part of the conglomerates out of mineral materials in possession: b) it enables us to get the optimal mineral part of the conglomerate, according to the property of conglomerate that is desired, for example, the cheapest conglomerate or the largest density of conglomerate; c) it enables us to get and analyse fictitious (not corresponding to the Standard) mineral material composition.

The general mathematical analogue (2)–(4) for modelling mineral part composition of conglomerate and prognosis of its physical-mechanical properties is based on basic mathematical analogue (1). For both mathematical analogues the following symbols are used: c j—weight multiplier of component j (for example, the price of one mass unit of component j); xj —quantity of component (mineral material) j in parts of the unit: m—number of components: aij —quantity of component j in percent, that pass through sieve i; b min, i bmax, i —limited quantities of a mineral part of conglomerate in percent, that can be passed through sieve i n—number of sieves dvj —coefficient of additional inequality v; corresponding component j: hv —limit value of additional inequality v; s—number of additional inequalities; gwj —coefficient of physical-mechanical equality wcorresponding component j; Pw —absolute term of physical-mechanical equality w; t—number of the physical-mechanical equalities.

The general mathematical analogue (2)-(4) is multi- criterion. The final solution can be chosen by including coefficients of influence or by a person who takes part in modelling.
ELEMENT DKT_CST FOR ANALYSIS OF LAMINATED ANISOTROPIC PLATES/ELEMENTAS DKT_CST SLUOKSNIUOTŲ ANIZOTROPINIŲ PLOKŠTELIŲ ANALIZEI
Authors: Michnevič Edvard , Belevičius Rimantas
Published: March 2019

The new finite element of multilayered built up with an arbitrary series of layers plate for plate bending problem is formulated on the ground of widely used, effective finite element Discrete Kirchhof Theory (DKT). The material of each layer is supposed to be different and orthotopic. Triangular element has 6 d.o.f.'s at each of 3 nodal points: 3 displacements and 2 rotations about co-ordinate axes. The 6th fictitious rotation about axis perpendicular to the element is also introduced due to numerical requirements. The element takes into account all the in-plane/out-of-plane effects except the shear. The element could find an application in the slab bending problems or in the plate, where the shear influence could be neglected, bending problems. The numerical examples are presented. Present solutions are compared with available analytical and numerical solutions.
APPLICATION OF MULTICRITERIA DECISION-AID METHODOLOGY IN BUILDING PRODUCTION ENGINEERING/DAUGIATIKSLIŲ SPRENDIMŲ METODŲ TAIKYMAS PROJEKTUOJANT STATINIUS
Authors: Thiel Tomasz
Published: March 2019

Glaustai pateikiamos pagrindinės daugiatikslės sprendimų teorijos taikvmo problemos ir klausimai, susiję su tam tikrais daugiakriterinės analizės metodais. Aptarta sprendimų priėmimo, vadovaujantis nagrinėjamų sprendimų (kelio dangos projektiniai pasiūlymai) alternatyvų eiliškumu (nuo geriausios iki blogiausios), problema. Analizei pasirinktos sprendimų alternatvvos gali būti pritaikytos, atsižvelgiant į Lenkijos ypatvbes. Skaičiavimams buvo pasirinktas daugiakriterinės analizės metodas ELECTRE III, kurį taikant galima nustatvti alternatyvų eiliškumą. Lyginamų alternatyvų galutinė prioritetiškumo eilė nustatoma, atsižvelgiant į jautrumo analizės rezultatus. pasirinkto skaičiavimo metodo rezultatus ir sprendėjo nuomonę. Siūlomas problemos sprendimo būdas rodo, kad daugiatikslė sprendimų teorija ir daugiakriterinės analizės metodai gali būti taikomi investicijų planavimo ir projektinių pasiūlymų etapais.
MODEL OF RATIONAL HOUSING IN LITHUANIA/RACIONALAUS BŪSTO STATYBOS LIETUVOJE MODELIS
Authors: Banaitis Audrius
Published: March 2019

Būsto statyba užima svarbią vietą ekonominėje, socialinėje ir technologinėje valstybės veikloje.

Būsto statybos problemos yra daugialypės ir nepakankamai kompleksiškai tyrinėtos. Būsto statybos efektyvumą ir plėtros tendencijas lemia daugelis mikro- ir makrolygmens aplinkos kintamųjų veiksnių. Kai yra tokia dinamiška padėtis, kyla klausimas, kaip objektyviai prognozuoti būsto statybos plėtrą. Viena iš galimybių—būsto Lietuvoje modeliavimas siekiant ištirti efektyvią statybos aplinką.

Straipsnyje pateiktas racionalaus būsto statybos Lietuvoje teorinis kompleksinės analizės modelis.

Remiantis įvairių pasaulyje taikomų būsto rodiklių sistemų analize, pasiūlytos kompleksinės būsto statybą apibūdinančios lyginamosios rodiklių sistemos. Rodikliai šiose sistemose traktuojami ne kaip paprasti statistiniai duomenys, bet kaip supaprastinti kompleksinių objektų modeliai. Sudarytos rodiklių sistemos rodo įvairių būsto statyboje dalyvaujančių suinteresuotų grupių interesus.

Straipsnyje pateikta būsto statybos aprašvmo koncepeine ir kiekvbine forma galimybių analizė.

Straipsnyje siūloma tyrimų metodika leidžia spręsti įvairius būsto statvbos mikro- ir makrolvgmens analizės uždavinius. Šiems uždaviniams spręsti pritaikyti daugiakriterinės analizės metodai.
A DECISION SUPPORT SYSTEM APPLYING MULTICRITERIA SYNTHESIS METHODS IN CONSTRUCTION/SPRENDIMŲ PARAMOS SISTEMA, TAIKANT DAUGIAKRITERINIUS SINTEZĖS METODUS STATYBOJE
Authors: Šarka Vaidolas
Published: March 2019

Autorius savo mokslinių tyrimų pagrindu pasirinko daugiakriterinių sprendimų priėmimo metodiką, šios metodikos Problematiką ir tyrimo metodų plėtrą.

Nagrinėjami esami vienpakopiai daugiakriterinių sprendimų priėmimo būdai statybos technologijos srityje bei autoriaus siūlomi daugiapakopiai daugiakriterinių sprendimų sintezės metodai.

Atskirų struktūrų sujungimo į bendrą sistemą kartu sprendžiant skirtingose pakopose esančių alternatyvų tarpusavio ryšių suderinamumo problemas nagrinėjimas yra labai svarbus daugiakriterinių sprendimų srityje. Sprendimo šiais metodais tikslas yra nagrinėjamame statybos komplekse sujungti kelių analizuojamų statybos procesų ar projektų altematyvas į bendrą statybos sistemą. Tuo yra siekiama dar tikslų nustatymo bei projektavimo stadijose išvengti galimų klaidų būsimoje statyboje.

Autoriaus patobulinti ir sukurti projektų daugiakriterinių sprendimų sintezės metodai yra nauja daugiakriterinių sprendimų metodų šaka. Pagal sukurtų daugiakriterinių sprendimų sintezės metodų algoritmus parengti kompiuteriniai metodų modeliai yra integruoti į naujai sukurtą sprendimų paramos sistemą statyboje SPS_DS.

Pagal SPS_DS sistemą atlikti praktiniai tyrimai. Pateikti autoriaus išspręstų dviejų realiai pastatytų pastatų kelių konstrukeinių elementų bei statybos procesų daugiapakopės daugiakriterinės analizės sintezės metodais pavyzdžiai. Taip pat sukurta pradinė SPS_DS statyboje kai kuriuos konstrukeinius elementus (pastato karkasą, isorines sienas, pertvaras. fasado apdailą. langus. stogą ir t. t.) bei statybos procesus (projekto. rangovo parinkimą) aprasanti duomenų bazė (DBS).
Two new species of Verruconis from Hainan, China
Authors: Qiao Min , Tian Weiguang , Castañeda-Ruiz Rafael F. , Xu JianPing , Yu Zefen
Published: March 2019

Two new species of the genusVerruconis,V.hainanensisandV.pseudotricladiata, were described using combined morphological and DNA sequence data. The DNA sequences of respective strains including nuclear ribosomal DNA genes (nuSSU, ITS, nuLSU) and fragments of three protein-coding genes (ACT1, BT2, TEF1) were sequenced and compared with those from closely-related species to generaOchroconisandVerruconis(Family Sympoventuriaceae, Order Venturiales). Morphologically, both species showed typical ampulliform conidiophores and conidiogenous cells, features not seen in other species ofVerruconis. The conidia ofV.hainanensisare fusiform and those ofV.pseudotricladiataare Y or T shaped, similar to old members of a closely-related genusScolecobasidium. The addition of these two new species provides a new perspective on the heterogeneity ofScolecobasidium.
An evaluation of destination attractiveness for nature-based tourism: Recommendations for the management of national parks in Vietnam
Authors: An Le Thanh , Markowski Janusz , Bartos Maciej , Rzenca Agnieszka , Namiecinski Piotr
Published: March 2019

National parks are increasingly recognized as playing an important role in the development of nature-based tourism destinations that promote effective management of natural resources and socioeconomic development. The paper was designed to evaluate the tourism attractiveness and performance of national parks in Vietnam. The tourism performance of 30 Vietnamese national parks was evaluated using multiple criteria decision analysis with the stochastic multicriteria acceptability analysis (SMAA) and preference ranking organization method for enrichment evaluation (PROMETHEE) method; thirteen national park attributes were used to determine tourism attractiveness, measured by an exponential weighted acceptability index. It was found that the Phong Nha – Ke Bang, Cuc Phuong, and Ba Be National Parks were most attractive for more than 95% of all possible preference structures. In addition, 12 non-dominated national parks were identified, and for an average supporter of most non-dominated protected areas, the trail criterion appears to be the most important. A statistically significant correlation was found between tourism attractiveness and the number of tourists who visited national parks. Our findings offer potentially useful information for decision makers in developing effective tourism marketing and management strategies for national parks in Vietnam.