bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Tunable Terahertz Metamaterial Absorber Composed of Hourglass-Shaped Graphene Arrays
Authors: Qi Yunping , Zhang Yu , Liu Chuqin , Zhang Ting , Zhang Baohe , Wang Liyuan , Deng Xiangyu , Wang Xiangxian , Yu Yang
Published: March 2020

In this paper, we demonstrate a tunable periodic hourglass-shaped graphene arrays absorber in the infrared (IR) and terahertz (THz) frequency bands. The effects of graphene geometric parameters, chemical potentials, periods, and incident angles on the pure absorption characteristics are studied by using the Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method. In addition, this paper also analyzes the pure absorption characteristics of bilayer graphene arrays. The simulation results show that the maximum absorption reaches 38.2% for the monolayer graphene structure. Furthermore, comparing the bilayer graphene structure with the monolayer structure under the same conditions shows that the bilayer structure has a tunable dual-band selective absorption effect and has a higher maximum absorption of 41.7%. Moreover, it was found that there are dual-band tunable absorption peaks at 21.6   μ m and 36.3   μ m with the maximum absorption of 41.7% and 11%. The proposed structure is a convenient method which could be used in the design of graphene-based optoelectronic devices, biosensors, and environmental monitors.
Graphene-Ionic Liquid Thin Film Nanolubricant
Authors: Avilés María-Dolores , Pamies Ramón , Sanes José , Bermúdez María-Dolores
Published: March 2020

Graphene (0.5 wt.%) was dispersed in the hydrophobic room-temperature ionic liquid 1-octyl-3-methylimidazolium bis(trifluoromethanesulfonyl) imide (IL) to obtain a new non-Newtonian (IL + G) nanolubricant. Thin layers of IL and (IL + G) lubricants were deposited on stainless steel disks by spin coating. The tribological performance of the new thin layers was compared with those of full fluid lubricants. Friction coefficients for neat IL were independent of lubricant film thickness. In contrast, for (IL + G) the reduction of film thickness not only afforded 40% reduction of the friction coefficient, but also prevented wear and surface damage. Results of surface profilometry, scanning and transmission electron microscopy (SEM and TEM), energy dispersive analysis (EDX), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) and Raman spectroscopy were discussed.
Prevalence of Zinc Deficiency in Japanese Patients on Peritoneal Dialysis: Comparative Study in Patients on Hemodialysis
Authors: Shimizu Satoshi , Tei Ritsukou , Okamura Masahiro , Takao Nobuteru , Nakamura Yoshihiro , Oguma Hidetaka , Maruyama Takashi , Takashima Hiroyuki , Abe Masanori
Published: March 2020

Background: It is known that patients on hemodialysis (HD) are prone to developing zinc deficiency due to removal of zinc by HD, inadequate dietary intake, and reduced gastrointestinal zinc absorption. However, the prevalence of zinc deficiency in patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD) has not been well established. Methods: Serum zinc levels were compared between 47 patients on PD and 47 patients on HD matched for age, sex, and duration of dialysis. A serum zinc level < 60 μg/dL was defined as clinical zinc deficiency and a level of 60–80 μg/dL as subclinical zinc deficiency. The prevalence of zinc deficiency and associated clinical factors were determined in both groups. Results: Clinical zinc deficiency was found in 59.6% of the PD group and 70.2% of the HD group (p = 0.391). Subclinical zinc deficiency was found in 40.4% of the PD group and 29.8% of the HD group. Age, body mass index, and serum albumin level were identified as independent predictors of zinc deficiency in the PD group by multivariate analysis. Conclusions: A higher prevalence of clinical and subclinical zinc deficiency was found in patients on PD. The rates were comparable between patients on PD and those on HD after adjustment for confounding factors.
The Appetite−Suppressant and GLP-1-Stimulating Effects of Whey Proteins in Obese Subjects are Associated with Increased Circulating Levels of Specific Amino Acids
Authors: Rigamonti Antonello E. , Leoncini Roberto , De Col Alessandra , Tamini Sofia , Cicolini Sabrina , Abbruzzese Laura , Cella Silvano G. , Sartorio Alessandro
Published: March 2020

The satiating effect of whey proteins depends upon their unique amino acid composition because there is no difference when comparing whey proteins or a mix of amino acids mimicking the amino acid composition of whey proteins. The specific amino acids underlying the satiating effect of whey proteins have not been investigated to date. Aims and Methods. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the appetite-suppressant effect of an isocaloric drink containing whey proteins or maltodextrins on appetite (satiety/hunger measured by a visual analogue scale or VAS), anorexigenic gastrointestinal peptides (circulating levels of glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) and peptide tyrosine tyrosine (PYY)) and amino acids (circulating levels of single, total [TAA] and branched-chain amino acids [BCAA]) in a cohort of obese female subjects (n = 8; age: 18.4 ± 3.1 years; body mass index, BMI: 39.2 ± 4.6 kg/m2). Results. Each drink significantly increased satiety and decreased hunger, the effects being more evident with whey proteins than maltodextrins. Similarly, circulating levels of GLP-1, PYY and amino acids (TAA, BCAA and alanine, arginine, asparagine, citrulline, glutamine, hydroxyproline, isoleucine, histidine, leucine, lysine, methionine, ornithine, phenylalanine, proline, serine, threonine, tyrosine, and valine) were significantly higher with whey proteins than maltodextrins. In subjects administered whey proteins (but not maltodextrins), isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, tyrosine, and valine were significantly correlated with hunger (negatively), satiety, and GLP-1 (positively). Conclusions. Eight specific amino acids (isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, proline, tyrosine, and valine) were implicated in the appetite-suppressant and GLP-1-stimulating effects of whey proteins, which may be mediated by their binding with nutrient-sensing receptors expressed by L cells within the gastrointestinal wall. The long-term satiating effect of whey proteins and the effectiveness of a supplementation with these amino acids (i.e., as a nutraceutical intervention) administered during body weight reduction programs need to be further investigated.
Risk of Kidney Stones: Influence of Dietary Factors, Dietary Patterns, and Vegetarian–Vegan Diets
Authors: Ferraro Pietro Manuel , Bargagli Matteo , Trinchieri Alberto , Gambaro Giovanni
Published: March 2020

Nephrolithiasis is a common medical condition influenced by multiple environmental factors, including diet. Since nutritional habits play a relevant role in the genesis and recurrence of kidney stones disease, dietary manipulation has become a fundamental tool for the medical management of nephrolithiasis. Dietary advice aims to reduce the majority of lithogenic risk factors, reducing the supersaturation of urine, mainly for calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, and uric acid. For this purpose, current guidelines recommend increasing fluid intake, maintaining a balanced calcium intake, reducing dietary intake of sodium and animal proteins, and increasing intake of fruits and fibers. In this review, we analyzed the effects of each dietary factor on nephrolithiasis incidence and recurrence rate. Available scientific evidence agrees on the harmful effects of high meat/animal protein intake and low calcium diets, whereas high content of fruits and vegetables associated with a balanced intake of low-fat dairy products carries the lowest risk for incident kidney stones. Furthermore, a balanced vegetarian diet with dairy products seems to be the most protective diet for kidney stone patients. Since no study prospectively examined the effects of vegan diets on nephrolithiasis risk factors, more scientific work should be made to define the best diet for different kidney stone phenotypes.
Sex-Specific Effects of Dietary Methionine Restriction on the Intestinal Microbiome
Authors: Wallis Katherine F. , Melnyk Stepan B. , Miousse Isabelle R.
Published: March 2020

Dietary methionine restriction is associated with improved health outcomes and an increase in lifespan in animal models. We have previously shown that an increase in dietary methionine induces alteration in the intestinal microbiome. The composition of the intestinal microbiota is a determinant of health and we, therefore, hypothesized that dietary methionine restriction would also induce changes in the murine microbiome. After one month on a methionine-restricted diet, five-month-old male and female C57BL/6 mice had decreased levels of serum methionine, without changes in body weight. We identified a decrease in the hepatic methylation status of animals fed a methionine-restricted diet compared to controls. This decrease was not associated with changes in DNA or protein methylation in the liver. In males, we saw an increase in families Bacteroidaceae and Verrucoccaceae (mostly A. mucinophila) and a decrease in Rumminococcaceae in animals fed a methionine-restricted diet compared to controls. In females, Bacteroidales family S24-7 was increased two-fold, while families Bacteroidaceae, Verrucoccaceae, Rumminococcaceae, and Rikenellaceae were decreased compared to controls. In summary, feeding a methionine-restricted diet for one month was associated with significant and sex-specific changes in the intestinal microbiome.
Postprandial Glycemia, Insulinemia, and Antioxidant Status in Healthy Subjects after Ingestion of Bread made from Anthocyanin-Rich Riceberry Rice
Authors: Chusak Charoonsri , Pasukamonset Porntip , Chantarasinlapin Praew , Adisakwattana Sirichai
Published: March 2020

Riceberry rice, a gluten-free grain, contains many nutrient components, including carbohydrates, proteins, certain fatty acids, and micronutrients, as well as bioactive non-nutrient compounds, such as polyphenolic compounds. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of bread made from anthocyanin-rich Riceberry rice on the postprandial glycemic response, glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), antioxidant status, and subjective ratings of appetite. In the crossover design, 16 healthy participants (six men and 10 women) completed four sessions involving blood collection in the fasting state and at 30, 60, 90, 120, 150, and 180 min after food consumption (50 g of available carbohydrate) in a randomized order: 1) glucose solution, 2) wheat bread (WB), 3) Riceberry rice bread (RRB), and 4) Hom Mali bread (HMB). Consumption of RRB resulted in significantly lower postprandial plasma glucose concentration at 30 and 60 min when compared to HMB. No difference in postprandial glucose concentration between RRB and WB was observed. In addition, postprandial plasma insulin showed a significant decrease in the group which received RRB at 15 and 60 min, as compared to HMB. In comparison with 50 g of glucose, as a reference, the glycemic index (GI) of RRB, WB, and HMB was 69.3 ± 4.4, 77.8 ± 4.6, and 130.6 ± 7.9, respectively. Interestingly, the ferric-reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) level was shown to significantly increase after consumption of RRB. In the meantime, a significant decrease in the postprandial FRAP level was also observed following an intake of WB and HMB. All breads caused increases in the postprandial plasma protein thiol group and had similar effects on hunger, fullness, desire to eat, and satiety ratings. However, consumption of RBB, WB, and HMB did not change plasma GLP-1 and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels when compared to the baseline. The findings suggest that anthocyanin-rich Riceberry rice can be a natural ingredient for gluten-free bread which reduced glycemic response together with improvement of antioxidant status in healthy subjects.
Vitamin D Supplementation in Multiple Sclerosis: A Critical Analysis of Potentials and Threats
Authors: Feige Julia , Moser Tobias , Bieler Lara , Schwenker Kerstin , Hauer Larissa , Sellner Johann
Published: March 2020

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a chronic inflammatory demyelinating and neurodegenerative disease of the central nervous system (CNS). In recent years, vitamin D has gained attention, as low serum levels are suspected to increase the risk for MS. Cholecalciferol supplementation has been tested in several clinical trials, since hypovitaminosis D was linked to higher disease activity and may even play a role in long-term outcome. Here, we review the current understanding of the molecular effects of vitamin D beyond calcium homeostasis, the potential beneficial action in MS and hazards including complications of chronic and high-dose therapy. In clinical trials, doses of up to 40,000 IU/day were tested and appeared safe as add-on therapy for short-term periods. A recent meta-analysis of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial investigating vitamin D as add-on therapy in MS, however, suggested that vitamin D had no therapeutic effect on disability or relapse rate. We recognize a knowledge gap for chronic and high-dose therapy, which can lead to life-threatening complications related to vitamin D toxicity including renal failure, cardiac arrythmia and status epilepticus. Moreover, vitamin D toxicity may manifest as fatigue, muscle weakness or urinary dysfunction, which may mimic the natural course of progressive MS. Given these limitations, vitamin D supplementation in MS is a sensitive task which needs to be supervised by physicians. While there is strong evidence for vitamin D deficiency and the development of MS, the risk-benefit profile of dosage and duration of add-on supplementation needs to be further clarified.
Intradialytic Nutrition and Hemodialysis Prescriptions: A Personalized Stepwise Approach
Authors: Piccoli Giorgina Barbara , Lippi Francoise , Fois Antioco , Gendrot Lurlynis , Nielsen Louise , Vigreux Jerome , Chatrenet Antoine , D’Alessandro Claudia , Cabiddu Gianfranca , Cupisti Adamasco
Published: March 2020

Dialysis and nutrition are two sides of the same coin—dialysis depurates metabolic waste that is typically produced by food intake. Hence, dietetic restrictions are commonly imposed in order to limit potassium and phosphate and avoid fluid overload. Conversely, malnutrition is a major challenge and, albeit to differing degrees, all nutritional markers are associated with survival. Dialysis-related malnutrition has a multifactorial origin related to uremic syndrome and comorbidities but also to dialysis treatment. Both an insufficient dialysis dose and excessive removal are contributing factors. It is thus not surprising that dialysis alone, without proper nutritional management, often fails to be effective in combatting malnutrition. While composite indexes can be used to identify patients with poor prognosis, none is fully satisfactory, and the definitions of malnutrition and protein energy wasting are still controversial. Furthermore, most nutritional markers and interventions were assessed in hemodialysis patients, while hemodiafiltration and peritoneal dialysis have been less extensively studied. The significant loss of albumin in these two dialysis modalities makes it extremely difficult to interpret common markers and scores. Despite these problems, hemodialysis sessions represent a valuable opportunity to monitor nutritional status and prescribe nutritional interventions, and several approaches have been tried. In this concept paper, we review the current evidence on intradialytic nutrition and propose an algorithm for adapting nutritional interventions to individual patients.
Viromes of Ten Alfalfa Plants in Australia Reveal Diverse Known Viruses and a Novel RNA Virus
Authors: Samarfard Samira , McTaggart Alistair R. , Sharman Murray , Bejerman Nicolás E. , Dietzgen Ralf G.
Published: March 2020

Alfalfa plants in the field can display a range of virus-like symptoms, especially when grown over many years for seed production. Most known alfalfa viruses have RNA genomes, some of which can be detected using diagnostic assays, but many viruses of alfalfa are not well characterized. This study aims to identify the RNA and DNA virus complexes associated with alfalfa plants in Australia. To maximize the detection of RNA viruses, we purified double-stranded RNA (dsRNA) for high throughput sequencing and characterized the viromes of ten alfalfa samples that showed diverse virus-like symptoms. Using Illumina sequencing of tagged cDNA libraries from immune-captured dsRNA, we identified sequences of the single-stranded RNA viruses, alfalfa mosaic virus (AMV), bean leafroll virus, a new emaravirus tentatively named alfalfa ringspot-associated virus, and persistent dsRNA viruses belonging to the families Amalgaviridae and Partitiviridae. Furthermore, rolling circle amplification and restriction enzyme digestion revealed the complete genome of chickpea chlorosis Australia virus, a mastrevirus (family Geminiviridae) previously reported only from chickpea and French bean that was 97% identical to the chickpea isolate. The sequence data also enabled the assembly of the first complete genome (RNAs 1–3) of an Australian AMV isolate from alfalfa.
Immunotherapy against Prion Disease
Authors: Ma Yue , Ma Jiyan
Published: March 2020

The term “prion disease” encompasses a group of neurodegenerative diseases affecting both humans and animals. Currently, there is no effective therapy and all forms of prion disease are invariably fatal. Because of (a) the outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy in cattle and variant Creutzfeldt–Jakob disease in humans; (b) the heated debate about the prion hypothesis; and (c) the availability of a natural prion disease in rodents, the understanding of the pathogenic process in prion disease is much more advanced compared to that of other neurodegenerative disorders, which inspired many attempts to develop therapeutic strategies against these fatal diseases. In this review, we focus on immunotherapy against prion disease. We explain our rationale for immunotherapy as a plausible therapeutic choice, review previous trials using either active or passive immunization, and discuss potential strategies for overcoming the hurdles in developing a successful immunotherapy. We propose that immunotherapy is a plausible and practical therapeutic strategy and advocate more studies in this area to develop effective measures to control and treat these devastating disorders.
Description of Virulent Factors and Horizontal Gene Transfers of Keratitis-Associated Amoeba Acanthamoeba Triangularis by Genome Analysis
Authors: Hasni Issam , Andréani Julien , Colson Philippe , La Scola Bernard
Published: March 2020

Acanthamoeba triangularis strain SH 621 is a free-living amoeba belonging to Acanthamoeba ribo-genotype T4. This ubiquitous protist is among the free-living amoebas responsible for Acanthamoeba keratitis, a severe infection of human cornea. Genome sequencing and genomic comparison were carried out to explore the biological functions and to better understand the virulence mechanism related to the pathogenicity of Acanthamoeba keratitis. The genome assembly harbored a length of 66.43 Mb encompassing 13,849 scaffolds. The analysis of predicted proteins reported the presence of 37,062 ORFs. A complete annotation revealed 33,168 and 16,605 genes that matched with NCBI non-redundant protein sequence (nr) and Cluster of Orthologous Group of proteins (COG) databases, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes Pathway (KEGG) annotation reported a great number of genes related to carbohydrate, amino acid and lipid metabolic pathways. The pangenome performed with 8 available amoeba genomes belonging to genus Acanthamoeba revealed a core genome containing 843 clusters of orthologous genes with a ratio core genome/pangenome of less than 0.02. We detected 48 genes related to virulent factors of Acanthamoeba keratitis. Best hit analyses in nr database identified 99 homologous genes shared with amoeba-resisting microorganisms. This study allows the deciphering the genome of a free-living amoeba with medical interest and provides genomic data to better understand virulence-related Acanthamoeba keratitis.
Intelligent Mechanisms of Macrophage Apoptosis Subversion by Mycobacterium
Authors: Abdalla Abualgasim Elgaili , Ejaz Hasan , Mahjoob Mahjoob Osman , Alameen Ayman Ali Mohammed , Abosalif Khalid Omer Abdalla , Elamir Mohammed Yagoub Mohammed , Mousa Mohammed Alsadig
Published: March 2020

Macrophages are one of the first innate defense barriers and play an indispensable role in communication between innate and adaptive immune responses, leading to restricted Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) infection. The macrophages can undergo programmed cell death (apoptosis), which is a crucial step to limit the intracellular growth of bacilli by liberating them into extracellular milieu in the form of apoptotic bodies. These bodies can be taken up by the macrophages for the further degradation of bacilli or by the dendritic cells, thereby leading to the activation of T lymphocytes. However, Mtb has the ability to interplay with complex signaling networks to subvert macrophage apoptosis. Here, we describe the intelligent strategies of Mtb inhibition of macrophages apoptosis. This review provides a platform for the future study of unrevealed Mtb anti-apoptotic mechanisms and the design of therapeutic interventions.
Effects of an Adaptogenic Extract on Electrical Activity of the Brain in Elderly Subjects with Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled, Two-Armed Cross-Over Study
Authors: Dimpfel Wilfried , Schombert Leonie , Keplinger-Dimpfel Ingrid K. , Panossian Alexander
Published: March 2020

Background: The current and potential uses of adaptogens are mainly related to treatment of stress-induced fatigue, impaired cognitive function, mental illness, and behavioral- and age-related disorders. However, clinical evidence regarding the efficacy of adaptogens is limited. The primary aim of this study is to determine whether a combination of adaptogenic plant extracts from Andrographis paniculata and Withania somnifera (Adaptra® Forte) could be used as effective and safe treatment for impaired cognitive, memory, or learning ability functions and sleep disorders. Methods: The changes in electroencephalogram (EEG) frequency ranges in 17 different brain regions, psychometric tests of cognitive performance, as well as standard questionnaires of assessment of mood and sleep were measured after single and repeated administration of Adaptra® or placebo for four weeks and after a two-week treatment-free follow-up period within a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled two-armed cross-over study. Results: Adaptra® Forte significantly improved cognitive performance in the d2-Test for attention and the concentration performance test after four weeks’ treatment, and was positively correlated with increases in δ and θ power in the quantitative EEG compared with placebo during cognitive challenges. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that Adaptra® Forte exhibits a calming and anxiolytic effect without sedation, and is associated with overall stress-protective activity.
Overt and Covert Buddhism: The Two Faces of University-Based Buddhism in Beijing
Authors: Chadwin Joseph
Published: March 2020

As more and more students in China turn to religion, it follows that an increasing number of students in Chinese universities self-identify as Buddhist. Chinese academia has a tendency to treat this as problematic, offering reasons for this trend as well as solutions but neglecting to examine the nature of student belief and identity. By utilising two case studies, this paper seeks to demonstrate how the Buddhist identity and practice of self-proclaimed Buddhist students in Beijing can manifest in two very different ways: overtly or covertly. More specifically, each case study provides an example of students in Beijing who very much break with the commonly held perception that students in China who self-identify as religious have a fundamentally flawed and limited understanding of their religion and rarely actually practice it.
Emotional State of Parents of Children Diagnosed with Cancer: Examining Religious and Meaning-Focused Coping
Authors: Ziółkowska Natalia , Bargiel-Matusiewicz Kamilla , Gruszczyńska Ewa
Published: March 2020

For parents, a child’s oncological disease is a critical life event with a high burdening potential, which changes the functioning of the whole family on many different levels. It triggers various coping strategies with this situation, including religious-based coping. This topic has been somewhat rarely explored, and thus, the aim of the study was to examine the relationship between the emotional state and religious and meaning-focused coping among parents of children diagnosed with cancer. A total of 147 parents participated in this study. Hierarchical regression analysis showed that correlates of positive emotions in the studied group were the economic situation, the time from diagnosis, positive reappraisal and negative religious coping. Only one significant correlate of negative emotions was identified. There is some support for the incremental validity of negative religious coping in relation to meaning-focused coping.
A Review of Life Cycle Assessment Studies of Electric Vehicles with a Focus on Resource Use
Authors: Dolganova Iulia , Rödl Anne , Bach Vanessa , Kaltschmitt Martin , Finkbeiner Matthias
Published: March 2020

Changes in the mobility patterns have evoked concerns about the future availability of certain raw materials necessary to produce alternative drivetrains and related batteries. The goal of this article is to determine if resource use aspects are adequately reflected within life cycle assessment (LCA) case studies of electric vehicles (EV). Overall, 103 LCA studies on electric vehicles from 2009 to 2018 are evaluated regarding their objective, scope, considered impact categories, and assessment methods—with a focus on resource depletion and criticality. The performed analysis shows that only 24 out of 76 EV LCA and 10 out of 27 battery LCA address the issue of resources. The majority of the studies apply one of these methods: CML-IA, ReCiPe, or Eco-Indicator 99. In most studies, EV show higher results for mineral and metal resource depletion than internal combustion engine vehicles (ICEV). The batteries analysis shows that lithium, manganese, copper, and nickel are responsible for the highest burdens. Only few publications approach resource criticality. Although this topic is a serious concern for future mobility, it is currently not comprehensively and consistently considered within LCA studies of electric vehicles. Criticality should be included in the analyses in order to derive results on the potential risks associated with certain resources.
Design of a UGV Powered by Solar Energy for Precision Agriculture
Authors: Quaglia Giuseppe , Visconte Carmen , Scimmi Leonardo Sabatino , Melchiorre Matteo , Cavallone Paride , Pastorelli Stefano
Published: March 2020

In this paper, a novel UGV (unmanned ground vehicle) for precision agriculture, named “Agri.q,” is presented. The Agri.q has a multiple degrees of freedom positioning mechanism and it is equipped with a robotic arm and vision sensors, which allow to challenge irregular terrains and to perform precision field operations with perception. In particular, the integration of a 7 DOFs (degrees of freedom) manipulator and a mobile frame results in a reconfigurable workspace, which opens to samples collection and inspection in non-structured environments. Moreover, Agri.q mounts an orientable landing platform for drones which is made of solar panels, enabling multi-robot strategies and solar power storage, with a view to sustainable energy. In fact, the device will assume a central role in a more complex automated system for agriculture, that includes the use of UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle) and UGV for coordinated field monitoring and servicing. The electronics of the device is also discussed, since Agri.q should be ready to send-receive data to move autonomously or to be remotely controlled by means of dedicated processing units and transmitter-receiver modules. This paper collects all these elements and shows the advances of the previous works, describing the design process of the mechatronic system and showing the realization phase, whose outcome is the physical prototype.
Images of Roman Imperial Denarii: A Curated Data Set for the Evaluation of Computer Vision Algorithms Applied to Ancient Numismatics, and an Overview of Challenges in the Field
Authors: Arandjelović Ognjen
Published: March 2020

Automatic ancient Roman coin analysis only recently emerged as a topic of computer science research. Nevertheless, owing to its ever-increasing popularity, the field is already reaching a certain degree of maturity, as witnessed by a substantial publication output in the last decade. At the same time, it is becoming evident that research progress is being limited by a somewhat veering direction of effort and the lack of a coherent framework which facilitates the acquisition and dissemination of robust, repeatable, and rigorous evidence. Thus, in the present article, we seek to address several associated challenges. To start with, (i) we provide a first overview and discussion of different challenges in the field, some of which have been scarcely investigated to date, and others which have hitherto been unrecognized and unaddressed. Secondly, (ii) we introduce the first data set, carefully curated and collected for the purpose of facilitating methodological evaluation of algorithms and, specifically, the effects of coin preservation grades on the performance of automatic methods. Indeed, until now, only one published work at all recognized the need for this kind of analysis, which, to any numismatist, would be a trivially obvious fact. We also discuss a wide range of considerations which had to be taken into account in collecting this corpus, explain our decisions, and describe its content in detail. Briefly, the data set comprises 100 different coin types, all with multiple examples in Fine, Very Fine, and Extremely Fine conditions, giving a total of over 650 different specimens. These correspond to 44 issuing authorities and span the time period of approximately 300 years (from 27 BC until 244 AD). In summary, the present article should be an invaluable resource to researchers in the field, and we encourage the community to adopt the collected corpus, freely available for research purposes, as a standard evaluation benchmark.
Kinetics of Phosphorus Release from Vivianite, Hydroxyapatite, and Bone Char Influenced by Organic and Inorganic Compounds
Authors: Schütze Elisabeth , Gypser Stella , Freese Dirk
Published: March 2020

The availability of P is often insufficient and limited by accumulation in soils. This led to the necessity of solutions for the recovery as well as recycling of secondary P resources. Batch experiments were conducted with CaCl2 and citric acid to characterize P release kinetics from vivianite, hydroxyapatite, and bone char. While the P release during the CaCl2 treatment was so low that only vivianite and hydroxyapatite showed a slightly higher release with increasing CaCl2 concentration, the increase of dissolved P was more pronounced for citric acid. The application of citric acid resulted in a 32,190-fold higher P release for bone char. Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopic data suggested higher instability of hydroxyapatite than for bone char. The kinetic data showed that bone char, especially at a lower particle size, had a higher long-term P release than hydroxyapatite or vivianite. The suitability of hydroxyapatite and bone char as a poorly soluble, but sustainable P source is better than that of vivianite. However, the efficiency as a P fertilizer is also dependent on present soil P mobilization processes. The results underline the importance of the accessibility of fertilized or naturally bound P for plant roots to benefit from the excretion of organic acids.
How Safety Is Compromised When Hospital Equipment Is a Poor Fit for Patients Who Are Obese
Authors: Kukielka Eliabeth
Published: March 2020

Obesity is common, serious, and costly, and according to recent data, its prevalence
is on the rise in the United States. Event reports submitted to the Pennsylvania Patient
Safety Reporting System (PA-PSRS) indicate that some healthcare facilities do not have
the necessary equipment to monitor and care for some individuals in this patient population, leading to embarrassment for patients, delays in care, and injuries to patients. An analysis of 107 events related to monitoring and patient care for patients who are obese submitted to PA-PSRS from 2009 through 2018 showed that imaging equipment, especially MRI and CT scanners, was most often implicated in event reports (49.5%; 53 events); other equipment included stretchers (24.3%; 26 events) and wheelchairs (11.2%; 12 events). Events most often occurred in an imaging department (30.8%; 33 events) or a medical/surgical unit (21.5%; 23 events). Analysts determined that 80 events (74.8%) resulted in a delay in care and that 44 events (41.1%) resulted in temporary harm to the patient, including skin tears and abrasions. Healthcare providers may not be able to prevent delays in care resulting from the unavailability of adequate equipment for patients who are obese, but they may be able to prevent harm and embarrassment for patients through proactive assessment.
Unplanned Extubation
Authors: Berkow Lauren , Kanowitz Arthur
Published: March 2020

Endotracheal intubation and extubation are procedures routinely performed by clinicians who manage the airway of critically ill or injured patients (e.g., emergency physicians, anesthesiologists, and intensive care physicians) and patients undergoing general anesthesia (i.e., anesthesiologists and other anesthesia providers). Most of
the time, extubation is a planned, intentional, and controlled event and in these circumstances the rate of complications related to extubation has been reported in the literature to be as high as 12%. The unplanned, unintentional, and uncontrolled removal of the endotracheal tube (ETT) can be either due to actions of the patient removing their
own tube, defined as self-extubation, or due to an external force applied to the ETT during nursing care or movement of the patient that causes the dislodgement of the tube, defined as accidental extubation. Unplanned extubation is associated with significant complications, including aspiration pneumonia, hypoxemia, arrhythmias, vocal cord injury, brain damage, and death.
Antibacterial activity of Turkish honey against selected foodborne pathogens
Authors: İPLİKÇİOĞLU ÇİL Güzin , KÜPLÜLÜ Özlem , CENGİZ Görkem , KORKMAZ Seda Dicle , ARSLAN Buse , GÜRCAN Safa
Published: March 2020

Honey is an important animal product that is consumed by people of all ages and has become an important antimicrobial agent because it has both antibacterial properties and does not cause microbial resistance. Although, Turkey is among the most important honey producers of the world, there are not enough studies about the antibacterial activity of Turkish honey. According to their geographical area, honey exhibit considerable and variable antimicrobial activity. In this study, we investigated the in vitro antibacterial effect of honey obtained from Turkey, against Escherichia coli, Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella Typhimurium and Staphylococcus aureus by using agar dilution, agar well diffusion and disc diffusion methods and compared the efficacy of these methods. Results showed the antibacterial effects of Turkish honey, collected from different regions against selected pathogens. Different concentrations of all honey samples displayed an antibacterial activity. Each microorganism exhibited different sensitivity to the honey tested. In addition, a significant difference was detected between the three methods for each microorganism and well diffusion method was found to be the most sensitive method.
Infância, perda e educação
Authors: De Carvalho Eliane Cristina , Veras de Carvalho Lana
Published: March 2020

Este estudo tem como foco a inter-relação entre infância, perda e educação através de um olhar fenomenológico mundano. Adotamos a abordagem qualitativa em nosso estudo, no qual realizamos um grupo fenomenológico com crianças entre 11 e 12 anos de uma escola da rede de ensino da cidade de Parnaíba-Piauí. Como recurso metodológico, utilizamos cenas de três filmes de animações infantis que apresentam questões de perdas e luto em seu enredo. Para análise do conteúdo emergido, optamos pelo método fenomenológico mundano. O grupo se apresentou como espaço fértil para troca de experiências, escuta, acolhimento e aprendizado sobre o tema na escola. Os filmes se configuraram como excelentes recursos facilitadores para abordar o tema em questão no âmbito educacional.
Educational activity of P. Kulish: book publishing and folklore preservation
Authors: Kravchenko Oksana , Pyzhianova Nataliia , Pidvalna Uliya , Reznichenko Iryna
Published: March 2020

This article is devoted to the study of the educational activities of P. Kulish, which consisted in the creation of Ukrainian educational literature, preservation of monuments of national folklore. The following scientific research methods were used in the preparation of the article: method of generalization, method of comparisons and analogies, chronological and induction method. They pay attention to the analysis of the historical work called «The story about Ukrainian people». It was noted that it was one of the first educational books on the history of Ukraine, which, along with descriptions of historical events, included folklore material, taking into account some folk songs translated into Russian. The structure and content of the textbook for teaching grammar in the Ukrainian language “Gramatka” are examined in detail in the article. It is stated that the textbook contains a preface, twelve sections. The textbook's teaching material covers not only reading and writing skills, but also arithmetic, general historical science information. Also, for the first time, samples of oral folk art and other folk monuments were used as educational material. The results of the analysis of P. Kulish's textbook “Gramatka” suggest that it implements the basic functions of the textbook, namely: information, development and education. The textbook is clearly structured, it contains basic and additional texts, illustrations, various types of tasks and exercises. The authors point to P. Kulish's key role in publishing literary works of Ukrainian writers in separate brochures. It is noted that the creation and spread of religious works in the mother tongue was an important element in raising the overall educational level of the Ukrainian people. The results of the study indicate that P. Kulish's educational activities in the native language were effective through the means of educational, religious and popular science literature.
Legislative regulation of grounds for dismissal of an employee for committing a corruption or corruption-related offense
Authors: Podorozhnii Yevhen , Obushenko Nataliia , Harbuziuk Kostiantyn , Platkovska Oksana
Published: March 2020

The article is devoted to the analysis of the current legislation of Ukraine regarding the rationing of grounds for dismissal of an employee for committing corruption or corruption-related offenses. Scientific points of view and relevant provisions of general and specific legislation on the interpretation of such definitions as "corruption", "corruption offense" and "corruption-related offense" are analyzed. The necessity to study this issue is based on the fact that the European integration direction of Ukraine's development is not possible without effective counteraction to corruption as a negative social phenomenon, which impedes the normal functioning of economic relations and civil society in general. In this context, it is emphasized that an employee who has committed a corruption offense and who has been found guilty of such an offense by a court decision, which has come into force, must be dismissed. Attention is drawn to the fact that following a court decision, it is not always possible to dismiss an employee on the ground of a corruption offense, since a person may be dismissed immediately after the administrative protocol has been drawn up against him. The purpose of the article is to analyze the current legislation of Ukraine on the regulation of grounds for dismissing of an employee for committing a corruption or corruption-related offense. Research methods are defined taking into account the purpose of the research, which is why modern methods of scientific cognition, namely comparative legal and generalization, are used. The application of these methods made it possible to achieve comprehensiveness and objectivity of scientific research, validity and consistency of the formulated conclusions.
Technology of convergence of team-coalition and administrative control of industrial enterprise
Authors: Vartanyan Arevshad A.
Published: March 2020

A lot of management entities take part in the management of an industrial enterprise, and they are quite diverse categorically. Some of them act at their own discretion and interests, others are representatives and management agents who manage both from the outside, not being part of the staff, and from the inside, being an integral part of the enterprise team.

Often the same individual is both the external and internal subject of management in relation to the enterprise. It can be part of team-coalition control groups, and also at the same time be a component of administrative and managerial staff.

The condition of many industrial enterprises is determined by the achieved level of development of their management systems, which may noticeably worsen due to the formation of coalition teams with certain managerial capabilities and their own goals, often differing or even contradicting the goals of the enterprise. The presence of such teams can lead to conflicts with the administration and to the deterioration of the economic situation of the enterprise.

There are many-sided, prolonged, and confused conflicts of interest that arose between them and the administration of the enterprise, which are exacerbated on a regular basis and again subside. Often the creation by the administration of a new control loop by creating some commission on the issue under consideration, with the participation of all interested parties, leads to a decrease in its severity, constructive and compromise behavior, and the adoption of a positive decision.

In this regard, there is a need to study the phenomenon of the creation and functioning of coalition teams and multi-circuit management in the enterprise and the corresponding methodology.

Thus, an industrial enterprise is a management object consisting of at least two contours, the subjects of which are its administrative and managerial staff and informal team-coalition control groups. Accordingly, a need arises not only for the methodology of command and coalition management and the methodology of administrative one, but also for the methodology of convergence of them of an industrial enterprise. At the same time, in addition to designing the administrative control loop, it is necessary to justify the design of a control system that implements command and coalition management and a control system that converts administrative and command and coalition one of an enterprise to solve a problem.

For the effective functioning of an industrial enterprise on the market, if there is the occurrence of such coalition teams, it is necessary for the enterprise management to quickly switch from administrative one to converged (integrated) administrative - command-coalition in order to prevent the problem from growing to catastrophic proportions. And such management must be maintained until the severity of the problem, contributing to the creation of a new contour in the enterprise, is substantially reduced.
Design and implementation of adaptive technology for teaching mathematics to school children based on integrated diagnostic approach to subject preparation and competence development
Authors: Rodionov Mikhail. A. , Dedovets Zhana , Pavlova Elena S. , Sharapova Natalia N. , Akimova Irina V.
Published: March 2020

The development of school teaching systems to enable effective adaptive communication of information requires specific pedagogical solutions to several important theoretical and methodological problems .These include 1) the discernment of basic characteristics needed to diagnose and improve the quality of subject preparation for schoolchildren, 2) clarifying the role of the teacher in the structure of adaptive learning process, and 3) finding ways to integrate adaptive content into the framework of courses on mathematics. The purpose of our study was to determine theoretical and methodological foundations of teaching mathematics to schoolchildren taking into account their level of ability with the consequent development of appropriate adaptive content.

The basic characteristics that underpin the concept of adaptive learning which contributes to both individual profiles of student ability to learn and subsequent success outcomes are: proficiency, motivation to learn and level of mathematical knowledge. The evaluation of individual profile structure of schoolchildren determines the choice of methodologies for presentation of adaptive content in ways allowing development and motivation. The system of educational process management developed in this way includes both content-methodical and procedural-technological components. This makes it possible to automatically evaluate the level of each students' mathematical training (knowledge, motivation, development) and to ensure continuous improvement.

This system can also be used by secondary teachers of mathematics as a part of extracurricular activities, or as a distance learning support. In addition, the recommendations for structuring multi-level problem material can be used by mathematics teachers to self-construct adaptive sets tasks at various stages of teaching mathematics. As a result, students have the opportunity to improve their own profile of learning success, particularly by solving a chain of tasks.
ASSESSMENT OF THE TREATMENT RESULT WITH CERVICAL LESIONS AT CAN THO BY CRYOTHERAPY
Authors: Lam Duc Tam , Nguyen Vu Quoc Huy
Published: March 2020

Objective: To evaluate the results of treatment of cervical lesions with cryotherapy in Can Tho.
Research methodology: Clinical trials and longitudinal follow-up to 44 married women from 18 to 69, with cervical lesions in Can Tho. Participants collected population sociology, history of illness and maternity wife, husband's medical history, gynecological examination, VIA, Pap's, HPV testing by technical realtime PCR, biopsy, treated lesions cervical abnormalities by cryotherapy and follow-up treatment on clinical, Pap's, the discharge and complication. The data collected is processed by statistical software Stata 10.0.
Results: average age of 42.58± 10.24, in which 39- 50 was 34,26%, 27.46% at age 30 to 39. Over 50 years (26.98%). Occupation: Housewife (28.29%), trade (21.12%), farming (16.71%). 91.61% of cases living with her husband. Married age: Age 20 to 25 years old (46.91%). 73.65% of the women with normal cervical. The treatment result with cervical lesions by cryotherapy: increased from 43.18% in 2 weeks to 100% by six months follow-up. Side effect was 54.55% and signs of pain. There are two cases to treat 2nd-cryotherapy (4.55%). No cases of 3rd-cryotherapy. Satisfied were increase from 75% in the immediate post-treatment to 100% after six months. Discharge was 7.68 days, with 1 case discharge 15 days, in which, 50% of women have discharge from 8 to 14 days, 47.73% less than 7 days of discharge.
Conclusion: Applying cryotherapy is effective for cervical lesions in Can Tho.