bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Participants’ perspectives and preferences on clinical trial result dissemination: The TRUST Thyroid Trial experience
Authors: Racine Emmy , Hurley Caroline , Cheung Aoife , Sinnott Carol , Matvienko-Sikar Karen , Baumgartner Christine , Rodondi Nicolas , Smithson William H. , Kearney Patricia M.
Published: March 2019

Background: While there is an increasing consensus that clinical trial results should be shared with trial participants, there is a lack of evidence on the most appropriate methods. The aim of this Study Within A Trial (SWAT) is to use a patient and public involvement (PPI) approach to identify, develop and evaluate a patient-based approach to receiving trial results for participants in the Thyroid Hormone Replacement for Subclinical Hypo-Thyroidism Trial (TRUST), a trial of thyroxine versus placebo in people aged 65 years and older.

Methods: Mixed methods study with three consecutive phases. Phase 1 iteratively developed a patient-based approach using semi-structured focus groups and a consensus-orientated-decision model, a PPI group to refine the method and adult literacy review for plain English assessment. Phase 2 was a single-blind parallel group trial. Irish TRUST participants were randomised to the intervention (patient-based approach) and control group (standard approach developed by lead study site). Phase 3 used a patient understanding questionnaire to compare patient understanding of results between the two groups.

Results: Participants want to receive results of clinical trials, with qualitative findings indicating three key themes including ‘acknowledgement of individual contribution’, ‘contributing for a collective benefit’ and ‘receiving accessible and easy to understand results’. Building on these findings, the patient-based approachwas developed. TRUST participants (n=101) were randomised to the intervention (n=51) or control group (n=50). The questionnaire response rate was 74% for the intervention group and 62% for the control group.  There were no differences in patient understanding between the two approaches. 

Conclusions: We have demonstrated that it is feasible to involve trial participants in the development of result dissemination materials. Although, in this study PPI did not influence patients’ understanding of results, it documents the process of conducting PPI within the clinical trial setting.
Point-of-care testing and treatment of sexually transmitted infections to improve birth outcomes in high-burden, low-income settings: Study protocol for a cluster randomized crossover trial (the WANTAIM Trial, Papua New Guinea)
Authors: Vallely Andrew J. , Pomat William S. , Homer Caroline , Guy Rebecca , Luchters Stanley , Mola Glen D. L. , Kariwiga Grace , Vallely Lisa M. , Wiseman Virginia , Morgan Chris , Wand Handan , Rogerson Stephen J. , Tabrizi Sepehr N. , Whiley David M. , Low Nicola , Peeling Rosanna , Siba Peter , Riddell Michaela , Laman Moses , Bolnga John , Robinson Leanne J. , Morewaya Jacob , Badman Steven G. , Batura Neha , Kelly-Hanku Angela , Toliman Pamela J. , Peter Wilfred , Babona Delly , Peach Elizabeth , Garland Suzanne M. , Kaldor John M.
Published: March 2019

Background:Chlamydia trachomatis,Neisseria gonorrhoeae,Trichomonas vaginalisand bacterial vaginosis have been associated with preterm birth and low birth weight, and are highly prevalent among pregnant women in many low- and middle-income settings. There is conflicting evidence on the potential benefits of screening and treating these infections in pregnancy. Newly available diagnostic technologies make it possible, for the first time, to conduct definitive field trials to fill this knowledge gap. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate whether antenatal point-of-care testing and immediate treatment of these curable sexually transmitted and genital infections (STIs) leads to reduction in preterm birth and low birth weight.

Methods: The Women and Newborn Trial of Antenatal Interventions and Management (WANTAIM) is a cluster-randomised crossover trial in Papua New Guinea to compare point-of-care STI testing and immediate treatment with standard antenatal care (which includes the WHO-endorsed STI ‘syndromic’ management strategy based on clinical features alone without laboratory confirmation). The unit of randomisation is a primary health care facility and its catchment communities. The primary outcome is a composite measure of two events: the proportion of women and their newborns in each trial arm, who experience either preterm birth (delivery <37 completed weeks of gestation as determined by ultrasound) and/or low birth weight (<2500 g measured within 72 hours of birth). The trial will also evaluate neonatal outcomes, as well as the cost-effectiveness, acceptability and health system requirements of this strategy, compared with standard care.

Conclusions:WANTAIM is the first randomised trial to evaluate the effectiveness, cost-effectiveness, acceptability and health system requirements of point-of-care STI testing and treatment to improve birth outcomes in high-burden settings. If the intervention is proven to have an impact, the trial will hasten access to these technologies and could improve maternal and neonatal health in high-burden settings worldwide.

Registration:ISRCTN37134032.
Estimated nitric oxide density in auroras from ground-based photometric data
Authors: Дашкевич Жанна , Dashkevich Zhanna , Иванов Владимир , Ivanov Vladimir
Published: March 2019

In this paper, we numerically estimate the nitric oxide density in auroras, using photometric data on 427.8, 557.7, and 630.0 nm emission intensities. The data were obtained at midnight at observatories of the Polar Geophysical Institute. These estimates were made using a numerical modeling procedure with a time-dependent model of the auroral ionosphere [Dashkevich et al., 2017]. It is shown that the NO density in the maximum of the altitude profile is between (1÷3.3)∙10^8 cm–3. The obtained estimates indicate the absence of a correlation between the [NO]max values and 427.8 nm emission intensities.
A RELAÇÃO ENTRE O RELEVO E O CLIMA COMO PROPOSIÇÃO DE CARACTERIZAÇÃO DA FISIOLOGIA DA PAISAGEM EM PERNAMBUCO, BRASIL
Authors: Albuquerque Lucas Suassuna de , Nóbrega Ranyére Silva , Moreira Wanderley Ayobami Badiru , Menezes Rômulo Simões Cézar
Published: March 2019

A expressiva diversidade ambiental e as variações topográficas ao longo do território do estado de Pernambuco (Brasil) sugerem que o padrão espacial das paisagens seja influenciado pela relação entre a dinâmica atmosférica e o relevo. Com objetivo de investigar a influência dessa relação sobre a distribuição espacial das paisagens foram executadas cinco etapas metodológicas: 1) classificação climática com base no índice de aridez, 2) elaboração de mapas de altitude, climático e de vegetação para o estado de Pernambuco, 3) delimitação de perfis a partir dos mapas climáticos e de altitude, 4) Análise de regressão linear entre os dados inseridos nos perfis e 5) elaboração de perfis paisagísticos com base nos dados de altitude, clima e vegetação. Os resultados demonstraram que a relação entre a distribuição espacial dos climas e os dados de altitude não ocorre de maneira linear em todos os perfis. O modelo de regressão linear apresentou maior previsibilidade para os perfis localizados nas mesorregiões do Sertão e do São Francisco. No Agreste a baixa previsibilidade linear foi relacionada à existência de relevo mais complexo, já na Região Metropolitana do Recife e Zona da Mata, a dinâmica dos sistemas atmosféricos atuantes favorece um aumento da aridez com o distanciamento do oceano. Pode-se, portanto, concluir que há uma forte relação entre o relevo e a distribuição espacial das paisagens na maior parte do estado de Pernambuco, principalmente na mesorregião do Sertão.
O QUE É UM TRANSECT E SUA UTILIZAÇÃO NOS ESTUDOS CLIMÁTICOS
Authors: Fialho Edson Soares
Published: March 2019

O que é um transect? A sua mera utilização deixa o usuário alheio ao esforço intelectual despendido por pesquisadores na construção da técnica. Desde a graduação procuramos referências sobre suas origens, porém não obtivemos. Assim, este trabalho procura fazer um apanhado histórico, dentro do âmbito da ciência, do processo de construção do transect, bem como utilizá-lo no estudo da pluviosidade na cidade do Rio de Janeiro, que tem disponibilizado os dados pluviais, via internet, pelo Sistema Alerta Rio. O nosso intuito é analisar a influência da topografia na distribuição da chuva (1997-2016) e seu impacto na população carioca, frequentemente afetada por eventos episódicos pluviais intensos, que acarretam inundações, enchentes e deslizamentos de encostas, com vítimas fatais e perdas materiais.
Anaesthetic management of a horse with severe hypoxaemia and pleural effusion secondary to oesophageal perforation
Authors: Trimble Toby , Bell Andrew
Published: March 2019

A 17-year-old 424 kg Connemara gelding presented for anaesthesia and exploratory laparotomy for treatment of colic signs. After induction of anaesthesia severe hypoxaemia was diagnosed on arterial blood gas analysis, and despite aggressive treatment with mechanical ventilation, salbutamol therapy and maximal inspired oxygen fraction, blood oxygen content remained below normal. The horse was recovered from anaesthesia. However, progressive septic shock, cardiovascular and respiratory compromise were observed over the following 3 hours, and the animal was euthanased due to grave prognosis. On post-mortem examination, the patient was found to have an oesophageal perforation and pleural effusion. Anaesthetic management was complicated due to exacerbation of the V/Q mismatch created by pleural effusion secondary to oesophageal perforation.
A World without Others? Specter of Difference and Toxic Identitarian Politics
Authors: Ndlovu-Gatsheni Sabelo J.
Published: March 2019

The specter of “difference” has been haunting the modern world since the time of colonial encounters. The paradigm of the “One,” which portended the death of difference and diversity, is equally problematic. Consequently, the modern world faces resilient and paradoxical notions of a world without difference, which continues to throw up toxic identitarian politics predicated on racism, tribalism, sexism, patriarchy, xenophobia, homophobia, and even “walled states” that invest massive resources in containment of transnational human mobilities. The recent highlights of these toxic politics include Brexit and the rise of Trumpism, which are reincarnations of the politics of a world without others in the midst of a globalized universe. This article offers an overview of the key contours of difference and the manifestations of the toxic identitarian politics haunting the twenty-first century through a broad critique of Cartesianism and egocentrism, Enlightenment reason and the idea of Europe, Eurocentrism and the notion of empty lands, and Orientalism and Islamophobia, in the process exploding the resilient myths of a world without others and highlighting the possibilities of pluriversalism. In short, the article spells out the dystopia of the world without others as it also reflects on the utopia of a world with others (pluriversity).
Does privatisation reduce public deficits?
Authors: Cuadrado-Ballesteros Beatriz , Peña-Miguel Noemí
Published: March 2019

This paper provides the first ever analysis of the two-way relationship between the privatisation of government services and fiscal balance. It uses data from 22 European countries between 1995 and 2013 to examine the factors that promote privatisation policies and the effects that privatisation then has on public finances. This is important because privatisation has been promoted by both the European Union and the International Monetary Fund as a way of responding to financial crises, and in an era of austerity it is important to have robust empirical evidence about the extent to which privatisation has achieved this. Our analysis demonstrates that governments often adopt privatisation policies in the hope of improving their fiscal balances, but that political ideology is important since left-wing administrations are more likely to see it as a means of also restructuring government services.
Precariousness among solo self-employed workers: a German–Dutch comparison
Authors: Conen Wieteke , Buschoff Karin Schulze
Published: March 2019

In this article we compare solo self-employment in Germany and the Netherlands. We identify parallels and differences in the structure of solo self-employment and examine to what extent self-employment is related to a precarious situation in terms of earnings and social security. The results show that solo self-employed workers are relatively vulnerable in terms of income and disability insurance in both countries. As compared to the Netherlands, German solo self-employed workers seem to have a higher risk of precariousness, particularly in terms of income and poverty in old age. The article concludes with recommendations for action that follow from the findings.
The gender dynamics of climate change on rural women’s agro-based livelihoods and food security in rural Zimbabwe: implications for green social work
Authors: Muchacha Munyaradzi , Mushunje Mildred
Published: March 2019

The impact of climate change is not gender-neutral. In this article, we argue that its impact on rural women’s agro-based livelihoods and food security in Zimbabwe is underlined by unbalanced social and power relations and structural factors such as unequal access to the means of production. To that end, we involve green social work as a better positioned framework and practice to address the gendered implications of climate change surrounding rural women’s livelihoods and food security in Zimbabwe. Its significance relates to its holistic nature, which can enable social workers to tackle various multidimensional issues that underlie environmental crises, such as gender inequality and poverty. Additionally, green social work has a crucial focus on policy formulation, political engagement, the protection of the environment and strengthening the resilience and coping strategies of communities.
Aching desolation: Liverpool prison and the regressive limits of penal reform in England and Wales
Authors: Sim Joe
Published: March 2019

This article explores the current penal crisis through a case study of Liverpool prison, and the appalling nature of the prison’s regime, as documented in January 2018 by HM Inspectorate of Prisons. The dehumanising nature of the regime was not unique as a number of other prisons inspected during 2018 were also shown to be seriously detrimental to the health and safety of prisoners. The article also explores the problematic nature of the state’s response to the crisis and the limitations of that response. This raises a number of theoretical and political questions about the abject failure over two centuries of liberal reform. In turn, this failure raises questions about the future, beginning with recognising that the prison should be understood as an institution of the neoliberal state, which is oriented towards criminalising and controlling those on the economic and political margins of a deeply divided, fractured social order.
COMPARATIVE STUDY OF THE COMPOSITION OF ALCOHOL EXTRACTS ARTEMISIA ABSINTHIUM L., ARTEMI-SIA ARMENIACA LAM. AND ARTEMISIA LATIFOLIA LEDEB.
Authors: Ржевский (Rzhevsky) Станислав (Stanislav) Геннадьевич (Gennal'evich) , Потапов (Potapov) Михаил (Mikhail) Андреевич (Andreevich) , Шихалиев (Shikhaliyev) Хидмет (Hidmet) Сафарович (Safarovich)
Published: March 2019

This paper presents the results of a comparative analysis of the component composition of alcohol extracts Artemisia absinthium, Artemisia armeniaca, and Artemisia latifolia, performed by chromatographic mass spectrometry. The components relating to different classes of compounds (including alcohols, esters, phenolic derivatives) have been identified, their relative quantitative content has been established. In the extract of A. absinthium, 14 compounds were identified, in the extract of A. armeniaca – 16 components, in A. latifolia – 11 different compounds The data obtained for the first time on the analysis of the extract of systematically related species of wormwood, Artemisia armeniaca and Artemisia latifolia, indicate that their composition differs significantly, with coincidences only for some components: phytol and hydroquinone are present in all three species studied, while the 3-O-methyl-D-glucose, ortho-dihydroxybenzene and linoleic acid ethyl ester are characteristic only of Artemisia armeniaca and Artemisia latifolia. Among the present compounds identified components having biological activity, including α-d-metilmannofuranozid, exerting an antibacterial effect and biphenyl, thujone, phytol, hydroquinone and some other substances, which is of interest for further pharmacological studies of these species.
SPECIES OF THE GENUS ALCHEMILLA L. (ROSACEAE): CHEMICAL COMPOSITION, BIOLOGICAL ACTIVITY AND USE IN MEDICINE (REVIEW)
Authors: Лобанова (Lobanova) Ирина (Irina) Евгеньевна (Evgenievna) , Высочина (Vysochina) Галина (Galina) Ивановна (Ivanovna) , Мазуркова (Mazurkova) Наталья (Natal'ya) Алексеевна (Alekseevna) , Кукушкина (Kukushkina) Татьяна (Tat'yana) Абдулхаиловна (Abdulkhailovna) , Филиппова (Filippova) Екатерина (Ekaterina) Игоревна (Igorevna)
Published: March 2019

Data about on taxonomy of Alchemilla L.genus, distribution of Alchemilla species in world flora, use in traditional and official medicine of the different countries are presented. Questions of chemical composition, biological activity and pharmacological studying are considered. It is shown that in the last decades in Russia there is an active research of Alchemilla species at the level of regional and local floras. Species of this difficult genus in the systematic relation are offered to be used as the vegetable medicinal raw materials of different function containing compounds of different chemical classes and possessing a wide range of biological activity. As a result of complex studying with application of the latest methods of a research and standardization of vegetable raw materials a lady's mantle on existence and content of the main active ingredients 13 types of the Alchemilla species growing in Russia have been recommended for medical application. For the first time researches on antiviral activity of preparations from plant extracts of Alchemilla vulgaris L.s.I concerning some RNA - and DNA - genomic viruses are discussed. Analysis of the literature data reveals the prospects for the use of species of the genus Alchemilla.
THE COMPARATIVE STUDY OF ANTIOXIDANT PROPERTIES OF SOME SAMBUCUS L. SPECIES
Authors: Скрыпник (Skrypnik) Любовь (Lyubov') Николаевна (Nikolaevna) , Курашова (Kurashova) Алина (Alina) Андреевна (Andreevna)
Published: March 2019

The antioxidant properties of fruits, flowers, leaves, bark (or stem) of elderberry (Sambucus nigra L.), red elderberry (Sambucus racemosa L.) and dwarf elder (Sambucus ebulus L.) were investigated. The total content of anthocyanins and total phenolic compounds content by using of Folin-Ciocalteu assay were determined spectrophotometrically. The total content of water-soluble antioxidants was investigated by amperometric method. The antioxidant activity (AOA) of plant extracts was measured using DPPH (1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl) radical, ABTS (2,2’azinobis(3)ethylbenzthiazoline-6- sulfonic acid) radical and FRAP (ferric reducing antioxidant power) assays. It was established that the fruits of plants of the genus Sambucus L. were characterized by the maximum level of all studied antioxidants. High content of anthocyanins and phenolic compounds was determined in the leaves of elderberry and dwarf elder. The flowers of these elderberry species were distinguished by a high total content of water-soluble antioxidants. The highest antioxidant activity was observed in fruits extracts in comparison with other parts of the plant. Higher antioxidant activity was identified in the extract of the fruits of elderberry and dwarf elder than of the red elderberry fruits. The most optimal method for evaluating the antioxidant activity of elder extracts was the FRAP assay, which showed the highest correlation between AOA and individual antioxidant components, compared to DPPH and ABTS assays. Comparative analysis of antioxidant content and antioxidant activity of various plant parts of three elderberry species showed that the most promising sources of biologically active substances with antioxidant properties are fruits and flowers of elderberry and dwarf elder.
FREE AMINO ACIDS IN VEGETATIVE ORGANS OF PICEA OBOVATA L. AND PINUS SYLVESTRIS L.
Authors: Алаудинова (Alaudinova) Елена (Elena) Владимировна (Vladimirovna) , Миронов (Mironov) Петр (Petr) Викторович (Viktorovich)
Published: March 2019

It is shown, that change of a phenological phase of development of the tree, connected with loss of frost resistance and coming of the period of vegetation, it is accompanied by considerable changes of structure of free amino acids in meristematic tissues of buds Picea obovata L. and Pinus sylvestris L.
In the winter at both species in comparison with spring level nonproteingeneous amino acids is doubled. During too time, Picea obovata L. And Pinus sylvestris L. show authentic specific distinctions under the total content nonproteingeneous amino acids. Thus at Pinus sylvestris L. their share as a part of free amino acids reaches 40%, that twice above, than at Picea obovata L. As a part of free amino acids at Picea obovata L. and Pinus sylvestris L. the nitrogen deposit is mainly in a glycine – 13 and 9%, arginine – 12 and 8% and ornithine – 12 and 15% accordingly. Besides it, at Pinus sylvestris L. significant role in nitrogen deposition play γ-aminobutyric acid – about 19% and valine – about 6%; at Picea obovata L. – lysine and glutamic acid – on 10%. During too time, the content proline – amino acids with which presence, as a rule, co-ordinated low temperature stability of plants, at the investigated cold-resistant coniferous species is low – 0.04–0.34%.
In the spring at swelling of buds at both species as a part of free amino acids the share arginine and proline increases and sharply decreases – ornithine and γ-aminobutyric acids. Besides the pointed out amino acids at Picea obovata L. the content lysine twice decreases. For Pinus sylvestris L. the high content of the sum aspartic acids and asparagine – 19% in the spring is characteristic; at Picea obovata L. the content of the sum of amino acids with a short carbon chain – serine and glycine – 22% is raised.
As reliable stressful metabolite at both species it is possible to consider ornithine, which content during the winter period in buds meristems of 3–5 times above, than in the spring in the swelling buds meristems.
ANTIBACTERIAL ACTIVITY OF HYSSOPUS OFFICINALIS ESSENTIAL OILS
Authors: Коваленко (Kovalenko) Наталья (Natal'ya) Александровна (Aleksandrovna) , Ахрамович (Ahramovich) Татьяна (Tat'yana) Игоревна (Igorevna) , Супиченко (Supichenko) Галина (Galina) Николаевна (Nikolaevna) , Сачивко (Sachivko) Татьяна (Tat'yana) Владимировна (Vladimirovna) , Босак (Bosak) Виктор (Viktor) Николаевич (Nikolaevich)
Published: March 2019

The steam distillation method was used to obtain samples of essential oil of plants of three varieties Hyssopus officinalis L., cultivated in the conditions of the Republic of Belarus. More than 20 components were identified and determined in the essential oils of plants of the varieties Lazurit, Rozotsvetkovy, Zaveya by gas-liquid chromatography. It has been established that the studied varieties of Hyssopus officinalis belong to the pinocamphone chemotype. The main components are pinocamphone (67.6–76.0%), β-pinene, eugenol, limonene, camphene, sabinene, linalool, 1,8-cineole, α-terpineol, α-pinene, γ-terpinene and pinocampheol. The distribution of the enantiomers of a-and b-pinenes, camphene, limonene and linalool was established in the studied samples.

Antimicrobial activity of essential oils and optical isomers of pure β-pinene was investigated on Staphylococcus aureus, Salmonella alony, Bacillus subtilis, Clostridium sp., Escherichia coli Hfr H, Pseudomonas aeruosa by disc method.

It is shown that (+)-β-pinene showed higher antibacterial activity to (-)-β-pinene. The increased content of (+)-β-pinene in the varieties of Hyssopus officinalis with pink (Rosacea variety) and white (Zaveya variety) aureoles of flowers caused a higher antibacterial activity of their essential oils against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria.
STUDY OF THE POSSIBILITY OF USING IR-SPECTROSCOPY FOR THE IDENTIFICATION OF A VARIETY OF SEA BUCKTHORN FRUIT (НIPPOPHAES RHAMNOIDES L.)
Authors: Тринеева (Trineeva) Ольга (Ol'ga) Валерьевна (Valer'evna) , Рудая (Rudaya) Маргарита (Margarita) Александровна (Aleksandrovna) , Сафонова (Safonova) Елена (Elena) Федоровна (Fedorovna) , Сливкин (Slivkin) Алексей (Aleksey) Иванович (Ivanovich)
Published: March 2019

The purpose of this study was to study the feasibility of using IR spectroscopy (IRS) to identify the fruit of sea buckthorn and buckthorn varieties. Fourier species of sea-buckthorn of buckthorn species studied were analyzed by FT-IR spectroscopy of disturbed total internal reflection (FTIR). IR spectra of sea buckthorn fruits was characterized by the presence of specific absorption bands: for grades «Gallery», «Вotanical», «Trofimovskaya» and «Krasnokarminovaya» in the range 3009-3006; 1456-1443 and 1379-1375 cm-1; for varieties «Rowan», «Botanical amateur» and «Student» in the range of 1338-1321 cm-1; for varieties «Rowan», «Botanical aromatic» and «Krasnokarminovaya» in the range of 1155-1146 cm-1; for varieties «Rowan» and «Krasnokarminovaya» at 914 cm-1; for varieties «Galerit», «Botanicheskaya» and «Krasnokarminovaya» in the range of 609-592 cm-1; for varieties «Trofimovskaya» and «Krasnokarminovaya» at 814-812 cm-1; for the variety «Rowan» at 424 cm-1 and for the variety «Trofimovskaya» at 771 cm-1. The highest intensity in absorption maxima is characteristic for infrared spectra of the fruits of the varieties «Rowan», «Botanical Amateur», «Botanical Aromatic» and «Student». Identified specific frequency in the spectrum can be regarded as characteristic for a particular grade and use them as markers in determining the authenticity and graded supplies dry fruit of sea buckthorn by IR spectroscopy.

The formation of hydrogen bonds and their characteristics (size and energy) between molecules of biologically active substances (BAS) in the LRS studied are established. The revealed intermolecular hydrogen bonds belong to the type of strong bonds, since their energy exceeds 5 kcal/mol, and the length is about 2.7 Ǻ. Polyphenolic BAS in fruits, according to the IRS, form polyassociates with characteristic absorption frequencies at 3400-3200 cm-1.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF BY-PRODUCTS OF CONIFEROUS RAW MATERIALS PROCESSING
Authors: Хуршкайнен (Hurshkainen) Татьяна (Tat'yana) Владимировна (Vladimirovna) , Терентьев (Terentyev) Владимир (Vladimir) Иванович (Ivanovich) , Скрипова (Skripova) Наталья (Natal'ya) Николаевна (Nikolaevna) , Никонова (Nikonova) Наталья (Natal'ya) Николаевна (Nikolaevna) , Королева (Korolyova) Алла (Alla) Альбертовна (Al'bertovna)
Published: March 2019

Development of natural biological products – an actual problem of rational and economical use of wood bioresources with which Russia is rich. The coniferous raw material is a source of biologically active extractive compounds possessing immunostimulating, fungicidal, bactericidal activity.

Company «Ecovit» makes food and cosmetic production from Pinus Silvestris L., Abies sibirica and Pinus sibirica R. Maur wood greenery. This paper presents results of research of a chemical composition of the by-products formed in coniferous essential oils processing: residue after distillation and florentine water. The extraction of these products is carried out by petroleum ether, diethyl ether, ethyl-acetate consistently and quantitative maintenance of extractive compounds is certain. The qualitative and quantitative analysis of macro- and micro-elements in investigated samples is lead.

Chemical structure of extractive compounds is characterized with use of physicochemical meth-ods.  In residue after distillation of Abies and Pinus wood greenery carotenoids, natural phenolic com-pounds, carboxylic acids are identified. Ethanol extracts of the fulfilled pine and cedar raw material contain sesqui- and diterpenes, polyprenols, carotenoids, fat acids and phenolic compounds. In Abies ethanol extracts maltol and triterpenoids are identified. The basic components of pine florentine water are monoterpenoids.

The received results cause practical application of by-products of coniferous raw material processing for obtaining of biologically active additives, preparations for agriculture, pharmacology, perfumer-cosmetic production.
COMPONENT COMPOSITION OF ESSENTIAL OIL OF PINE BUDS (PINUS SYLVESTRIS L.), GROWING IN THE URBAN ENVIRONMENT OF TOMSK REGION
Authors: Коломиец (Kolomiets) Наталья (Natal'ya) Эдуардовна (Eduardovna) , Абрамец (Abramets) Наталья (Natal'ya) Юрьевна (Yur'evna) , Бондарчук (Bondarchuk) Руслан (Ruslan) Анатольевич (Anatol'evich) , Шириеторова (Shirietorova) Валентина (Valentina) Германовна (Germanovna) , Тыхеев (Tyheev) Жаргал (Zhargal) Александрович (Aleksandrovich) , Агеева (Ageeva) Людмила (Lyudmila) Дмитриевна (Dmitrievna)
Published: March 2019

The component composition of pine buds essential oil, growing in the area of active economic activity in Tomsk region, has been studied. Essential oil from pine buds obtained by the method of distillation with the water steam.

The component composition of the essential oil was studied by gas-liquid-chromatography-mass spectrometry on the gas chromatograph Agilent 6890 with quadrupole mass spectrometer (HP MSD 5973N). Chromatography conditions: 30-meter long quartz column HP-5MS with internal diameter 0.25 mm, film thickness of 0.25 µm (copolymer 5% diphenyl 95% dimethylsiloxane), carrier gas – helium (constant flow 1 ml/min), column temperature – 50 °С (2 min isotherm), 50–200 °С (40 °C, min), 200–280 °С (20 °С/min), 280 °С (5 min isotherm), the temperature of the ion source 170 °С, the interface between the gas chromatograph and mass selective detector 280 °С. The energy of ionizing electrons is 70 eV. The volume of injected sample of 1 µl. The component composition was determined by comparing the times and linear retention indices, mass spectra values, the database of the chromatographic-mass spectrometric library of volatile substances of plant origin. About 163 individual components were found. It is established that with the increase of technogenic pollution, the amount of essential oil decreases, the component composition changes, which can serve as an indicator of the quality of raw materials, the state of the forest stand of pine and the environment as a whole.

Data on the dominant content of 3-caren in the composition of essential oils of the pine buds, growing in the Tomsk region, suggests a limited use of this raw material and essential oil on its basis in medical practice.
ASSESSMENT OF ADHESION BETWEEN BITUMINOUS BINDER AND MINERAL AGGREGATE USING DIGITAL IMAGE ANALYSIS
Authors: Trejbal Jan , Valentová Tereza , Horová Tereza
Published: March 2019

Asphalt mixtures often fail due to a low adhesion of bituminous binder to mineral aggregate, which leads to surface coarse damages like potholes and fatigue cracking. To avoid this phenomenon, different types of adhesion promoters may be admixed into bituminous binder but a new question about their effectiveness arises. This paper presents two semi-automatic methods, which reliably replace the subjective assessment. Both of them use a digital image of asphalt mixtures as an input. The first is based on a gray level thresholding, while the second one on an entropy-based image segmentation. Asphalt mixtures composed from Zbraslav aggregate (fraction 8–16 mm), paving grade bitumen 50/70 and several types of adhesion promoters were made and subjected to the adhesion assessment. It was shown that aggregate grains coated by binder was equal to ca. 83–88% in the case of reference binder, while that was increased by ca. 10–13% if whatever adhesion promoters were used.
Bakteri Endofit asal Tanaman Tembakau sebagai Agens Pengendali Meloidogyne spp.
Authors: Mursyalatiyus Isnainy dinul , Munif Abdul , Nawangsih Abdjad Asih
Published: March 2019

Endophytic Bacteria from Tobacco Plant as Biocontrol Agent of  Meloidogyne spp.Soilborne disease on tobacco plants caused by fungal and bacterial infection in association with root-knot nematode (Meloidogyne spp.) may cause significant yield loss.  Endophytic bacteria have been recognized as biological control agent for Meloidogyne spp. as well as  plant promoting growth agent. Research was conducted to evaluate endophytic bacteria isolated from tobacco plants as biological control agent for Meloidogyne spp. infecting tobacco. A total of 215 isolates of endophytic bacteria were isolated from root of two tobacco varieties, Kemloko and Prancak 95.  Biosafety screening showed that 80 isolates (37%) and 7 isolates (8%) gave negative reaction on hypersensitivity test and hemolysis test, respectively.  Seven isolates i.e. TPT3.10, TPT2.1, TK3n8, TK2t21, TK2n8, TK3n1 and TK2t11 were able to promote plant growth and increase the mortality of juvenile Meloidogyne spp. Physiological characterization of endophytic bacteria showed that most of the isolates were able to produce protease enzyme, phosphate, nitrogen and HCN. The same isolates were also able to suppress the number of galls from 80.09% up to 93.82%. Two isolates, TPT3.10 and TK2n8, are considered having the best suppression on root gall formation.
Actuarial Modeling and Analysis of the Hong Kong Life Annuity Scheme
Authors: Kwong Koon-Shing , Chan Wai-Sum , Siu-Hang Li Johnny
Published: March 2019

The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation (HKMC) Limited, which was established in March 1997 and is wholly owned by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, has a major mission to develop and provide different financial retirement instruments to Hong Kong residents to help address the income poverty of retirees. In June 2017, HKMC Annuity Limited, a wholly-owned subsidiary of the HKMC was incorporated to implement a new life annuity scheme which would be launched by mid-2018 to cater for the needs of cash-rich Hong Kong old age residents. The objective of the scheme is to provide an additional financial retirement planning option with minimum credit risk and a certain level of liquidity to the elderly by turning lump-sum premiums into lifetime streams of monthly income at a reasonable and stable return rate. In this paper, we establish an actuarial framework to model this life annuity scheme. The framework enables us to estimate the monthly annuity payments one might receive for a certain amount of investment. It also allows us to analyze the risk entailed in the product, thus shedding light on how the underlying risk can be managed through product design. Our findings will help potential subscribers to understand the scheme and decide whether this scheme should be included in their retirement investment portfolios when it is launched in 2018.
Change analysis on evolving PLC software in automated production systems
Authors: Schlie Alexander , Bougouffa Safa , Fischer Juliane , Schaefer Ina , Vogel-Heuser Birgit
Published: March 2019

Control software for automated Production Systems (aPSs) becomes increasingly complex. Respective systems undergo constant evolution. Yet, proper documentation may not always be present, entailing maintenance issues in the long run. While manual examination of software for aPSs is an error-prone task, static analysis can improve system quality. However, it has not been applied to describe software evolution by means of changed systems artifacts. The authors address this issue and perform change analyses on IEC61131-3 projects, identifying introduced and removed systems artifacts as well as existing ones affected. By that, the authors aim to support sustainable evolution. Two feasibility studies, implemented independently, but for the same evolution scenarios for an automation plant, are used for evaluation. The technique is shown to be efficient and highly precise.
A 20-year update on the state of seaweed resources in Italy
Authors: Petrocelli Antonella , Cecere Ester
Published: March 2019

This article presents an update of the situation regarding the seaweed resources of Italy 20 years after the first assessment. A search for companies working with seaweed in Italy was conducted. In addition, the literature published over the last 20 years on seaweed biodiversity, alien species, harvests, industrial processing and biomass use was carefully examined and the results are discussed. There are a great many floristic studies, tackling both indigenous and non-indigenous species, although some geographical areas are less studied than others. The number of studies of the use of biomass has increased in the last decade. However, it is apparent that despite the considerable know-how concerning seaweed species, their properties and potential applications, Italy is still behind in seaweed exploitation compared to other countries.
Dicisigns and cognition: The logical interpretation of the ventral-dorsal split in animal perception
Authors: Stjernfelt Frederik
Published: March 2019

The paper is a critical investigation of the linguist James Hurford's bold proposal that animal cognition conforms to basic logical structure – particularly striking in the ventral-dorsal split of visual perception. The overall argument is that dorsal processing of visual information isolates the subject of a simple, perceptual proposition, while ventral processing addresses the corresponding predicate aspect – the two indicating and categorizing the object of perception, respectively. The paper investigates some of the problems in Hurford's interpretation – particularly his refusal of animal proto-language to have anything corresponding to constants or proper names and his idea that all such propositions must be monovalent only (and thus not addressing relations). As an alternative to Hurford's psychological interpretation of Frege for his logical basis, Peirce's theory of propositions – so-called “Dicisigns” – is proposed.
Encounters with the Other: Orientalism and Religious Feeling of a Madeiran Pilgrim, Maria Celina Câmara (1899)
Authors: de Castro Fernanda , Baptista Maria Manuel
Published: March 2019

This paper analyzes the travel journal of Madeiran author Maria Celina de Sauvayre da Câmara, De Nápoles a Jerusalém [From Naples to Jerusalem],3 dated 1899, from a Cultural Studies perspective. The present study focuses on pilgrimage, a physical and spiritual journey, as a ritualistic and mystical performance which, by means of staging and writing, composes a practice that allows physical and spiritual deterritorialization and reterritorialisation and the negotiation, through the sacred and through religion, of tolerances, concessions and availabilities of the subject regarding the acceptance of the Other’s religious difference, giving rise to new senses. The treatment of pilgrimage as a means of promoting contact with the Other(s), leading to deep processes of self and hetero-knowledge linked to rituals that contemplate sacred and profane space(s) and time(s) and binomial or culturally constructed representations, wherein discourses of power emerge, is inextricable in this discussion. The travel journal is a testimony to the articulations between sacred and profane and a mechanism perpetuating hegemonic and orientalist discourses derived from intrinsic relations and practices of power in the sociocultural context of individuals. We envisage pilgrimage as a transforming practice and a means of (re-)cognition and (re)construction of the Self/Other, through a personal and sacred/profane cartography promoted by writing and exalting the feeling of religious community.
Young Finnish People of Muslim Background: Creating “Spiritual Becomings” and “Coming Communities” in Their Artworks
Authors: Oikarinen-Jabai Helena
Published: March 2019

In this essay I discuss artworks by a sample of young people with a Muslim background who participated in the Numur—Islam and I exhibition, which was organised as part of the Young Muslims and Resilience (2016-2018) research project. Art exhibitions were staged in November 2017 and March 2018 with eighteen young adult participants/co-researchers. Their artworks included video and textile installations, photo collages, paintings, calligraphy and poetry, dealing with issues such as faith, dialogues between religious communities, gender, belonging and sexual diversity. Here I concentrate on some works by the participants who stated that they leaned on Sufism or spirituality in their working processes, or whose works expressed qualities that may be reflected through the spectrum in which rhizomes of Sufi ways of understanding human existence in the world are present. In their artworks, the participants created fresh ideas about possible encounters, which I interpret as being linked to modern and postmodern ideas of relationships between spaces and “becoming communities.” Likewise, these ideas can be traced to our common philosophical heritage, which is partly based on spiritual mystic thought and practices of different religions. By using art, the participants could embody this legacy, create spaces for themselves and open landscapes for discussions between Muslim believers and people with different religions and worldviews.
Magical Negress: Re-Reading Agent 355 in Brian Vaughan’s Y: The Last Man
Authors: Tembo Kwasu D.
Published: March 2019

Be it Pride of Baghdad (2006), Ex Machina (2004), Runaways (2003), The Private Eye (2013) or Saga (2012), the comic book author Brian K. Vaughan is renowned not only for the scope of the projects in his oeuvre but the nuance with which he portrays his characters, many of which are of types that usually receive less mainstream attention than their white, heteronormative, superhero counterparts. This paper will perform a close reading of Agent 355 as she appears in Vol. 1-10 of Y: The Last Man. As an analytical framework through which to parse the character, it will make recourse to the literary, cultural, and theoretical concepts associated with the magical negro. In doing so, this paper will analyse and explore the ways in which Vaughan’s writing simultaneously countermands and reinforces these stereotypical stock character arrangements in a precarious balancing act. Strong, intelligent, and determined in her expression and use of agency, 355 often fulfils the function of the magical negro, sanctified, and infused with black girl magic. On the other hand, Agent 355’s entire characterisation is also simultaneously circumscribed within the strong black woman stereotype replete with noble suffering and enduring perseverance.
Development and evaluation of a clinical reasoning curriculum as part of an Internal Medicine Residency Program
Authors: Iyer Shwetha , Goss Erin , Browder Casey , Paccione Gerald , Arnsten Julia
Published: March 2019

Background

Errors in medicine are common and often tied to diagnosis. Educating physicians about the science of cognitive decision-making, especially during medical school and residency when trainees are still forming clinical habits, may enhance awareness of individual cognitive biases and has the potential to reduce diagnostic errors and improve patient safety.

Methods

The authors aimed to develop, implement and evaluate a clinical reasoning curriculum for Internal Medicine residents. The authors developed and delivered a clinical reasoning curriculum to 47 PGY2 residents in an Internal Medicine Residency Program at a large urban hospital. The clinical reasoning curriculum consists of six to seven sessions with the specific aims of: (1) educating residents on cognitive steps and reasoning strategies used in clinical reasoning; (2) acknowledging the pitfalls of clinical reasoning and learning how cognitive biases can lead to clinical errors; (3) expanding differential diagnostic ability and developing illness scripts that incorporate discrete clinical prediction rules; and (4) providing opportunities for residents to reflect on their own clinical reasoning (also known as metacognition).

Results

Forty-seven PGY2 residents participated in the curriculum (2013–2016). Self-assessed comfort in recognizing and applying clinical reasoning skills increased in 15 of 15 domains (p < 0.05 for each). Resident mean scores on the knowledge assessment improved from 58% pre-curriculum to 81% post curriculum (p = 0.002).

Conclusions

A case vignette-based clinical reasoning curriculum can effectively increase residents’ knowledge of clinical reasoning concepts and improve residents’ self-assessed comfort in recognizing and applying clinical reasoning skills.
Visual and machine strength grading of European ash and maple for glulam application
Authors: Kovryga Andriy , Schlotzhauer Philipp , Stapel Peter , Militz Holger , van de Kuilen Jan-Willem G.
Published: March 2019

Medium dense hardwoods (HWs) show higher tensile strength (TS) values than softwoods (SWs). These advantages cannot be utilised effectively because HW grading is not well developed. The aim of the present paper was to analyse the utilisation potential of European ash (Fraxinus spp.) and maple (Acer spp.) grown in Central Europe, which were graded by different methods. The visual grading characteristics of 869 HW boards were determined and the dynamic modulus of elasticity (MOEdyn) and X-ray attenuation (XRA) were measured by an industrial scanner. The specimens were subsequently tested in tension according to EN 408:2010 and according to German visual grading rules show strength values of 28 MPa and 30 MPa, respectively. Machine strength grading and for a combination of manually assessed boards and MOEdyn give rise to higher strength data. MOEdyn, in particular, results in lamella data with 62 MPa for ash and 42 MPa for maple. There is good agreement with recently presented HW tensile profiles. Machine grading with a multisensor system allows better strength prediction compared to the MOEdyn or visual strength grading. Best performance is achieved by a combined grading approach.
Dielectric Properties of Infant Formulae, Human Milk and Whole and Low-Fat Cow Milk Relevant for Microwave Heating
Authors: Leite Juliana A. S. , Quintal Virginia S. , Tadini Carmen C.
Published: March 2019

The dielectric properties of three different reconstituted infant formulae, human milk, as well as, whole and low-fat pasteurized cow milk were measured at temperature interval from (5 to 70) °C and at frequency of 2450 MHz. The dependency of the dielectric properties with temperature is presented. The values of penetration depth were determined and can be used to estimate the ideal bottle-feeding or container diameter to use in a domestic microwave oven or specific microwave equipment to pasteurize human milk in Human Milk Banks (HMB).