bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isoleucine Regulates the Synthesis of Pancreatic Enzymes via the Activation of mRNA Expression and Phosphorylation in the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Signalling Pathways in Pancreatic Tissues
Authors: Cao Yangchun , Liu Kai , Liu Shimin , Guo Long , Cai Chuanjiang , Yao Junhu
Published: June 2019

This study aimed to investigate the effects of isoleucine (Ile) on the synthesis and secretion of digestive enzymes and cellular signalling in the pancreatic tissue of dairy goats. The pancreatic tissues were incubated in buffer containing 0, 0.40, 0.80, and 1.60 mM Ile. High levels of Ile significantly increased the buffer release and total concentration of ɑ-amylase in the tissues (P < 0.001). The total trypsin and chymotrypsin concentrations in each of the Ile groups were significantly higher than those in the control group (P < 0.05); however, lipase was not affected. High levels of Ile significantly increased ɑ-amylase mRNA expression (P < 0.001) but had no effect on the mRNA expression of trypsin, chymotrypsin, or lipase. Ile did not affect S6K1 phosphorylation levels. High levels of Ile significantly increased the expression of the γ isoform of 4EBP1 (P < 0.001), which indicated that the phosphorylation of 4EBP1 was significantly increased. The phosphorylation level of eEF2 gradually decreased with the addition of Ile (P < 0.001). These results suggested that high doses of Ile can regulate the excretion of enzymes, especially ɑ-amylase, in the pancreatic tissues of dairy goats by modulating mTOR signalling, and this regulation is independent of the mTOR-S6K1 pathway.
Surgical Management of the Peripheral Osteoma of the Zygomatic Arch: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Autorino Umberto , Borbon Claudia , Malandrino Maria Chiara , Gerbino Giovanni , Roccia Fabio
Published: June 2019

An osteoma is a benign, slow-growing, osteogenic neoplasm with a low recurrence rate that is typically characterized by the proliferation of a compact or cancellous bone. It can be peripheral, central, or extraskeletal. Usually asymptomatic, peripheral osteomas in the maxillofacial region commonly arise in the paranasal sinuses and mandible and rarely occur in the zygomatic arch, with only six previously documented cases in the literature. Here, we present the management of a solitary peripheral osteoma of the right zygomatic arch in a 72-year-old woman and a review of the literature.
An Experimental Study of Seepage Properties in Crushed Sandstone and Mudstone
Authors: Ding Qi-Le , Song Shuai-Bing
Published: June 2019

To study the effects of compression rate and weight ratio of sandstone to mudstone on permeability, water flow tests were performed on crushed rocks using an in‐house designed and built water flow apparatus. Seepage properties of sandstone and mudstone were tested on specimens under six axial displacement levels. The weight ratios of the six specimens of sandstone to mudstone were set to 1 : 0, 4 : 1, 3 : 2, 2 : 3, 1 : 4, and 0 : 1. A non‐Darcy law was adopted to calculate the permeability in the experiments based on verification of the Reynolds number. Non‐Darcy flow is found to be most significant when the axial displacement or mudstone content increases. The permeability in the experiments is found to be in the range of 9.1 × 10−15–9.492 × 10−13 m2, which is calculated from a quadratic polynomial fit between the flow velocity and pressure gradient. A compression rate of 28.6% and weight ratio of sandstone to mudstone of 60% are found to be key values affecting permeability. When the axial displacement of specimen A (1 : 0) increases from 10 mm to 30 mm, the compression rate (ratio of axial displacement to original specimen height) increases from 9.5% to 28.6%, and the permeability decreases by 83.8% to 1.534 × 10−13 m2. When the axial displacement is 10 mm and the content of mudstone is increased from 0% to 60%, the permeability decreases by 77.1% to 2.172 × 10−13 m2.
Antihepatitis B Surface Antigen and Hepatitis C Antibodies among Pregnant Women in an Urban Area of Mwanza City, Tanzania
Authors: Chibwe Elieza , Silago Vitus , Kajoro Edwin , Juma Muhsin , Mkumbo Emmanuel , Minja Caroline A. , Mujuni Fridolin , Mshana Stephen E. , Mirambo Mariam M.
Published: June 2019

Background. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses (HBV and HCV) are life-threatening infections of public health importance due to their association with cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite HBV being moderately endemic in many low-income countries, there is no routine HBV vaccination among child bearing aged women making them at risk of transmitting infections to the foetus during pregnancy. This study investigated the seroprevalence of antihepatitis B surface antibodies (anti-HBs) and HCV antibodies among pregnant women in Mwanza city to provide data that can be used in devising preventive strategies. Methods. A cross-sectional hospital-based study involving 339 pregnant women was conducted between June and July 2017. Data were collected using structured data collection tool. Detection of anti-HBs was performed using enzyme immunoassay while qualitative rapid immunochromatographic tests were employed to detect HCV antibodies. Data was analyzed by using STATA version 13. Results. The mean age of the study participants was 25.6±5.8 years. The prevalence of anti-HBs was 85/339 (25.1%, 95% CI: 20.4-29.6) while that of HCV antibodies was 1/333 (0.3%, 95% CI: 0.1-0.4). By univariate logistic regression analysis, increase in age (OR: 1.04, 95% CI: 1.00-1.09, P=0.03), unknown HIV status (OR: 0.3, 95% CI: 0.11-0.79, P=0.035), and multigravidity (OR: 2.12, 95% CI: 1.18-3.8, P=0.038) were significantly associated with anti-HBs seropositivity. Conclusion. A significant proportion of pregnant women have anti-HBs while the seroprevalence of HCV is low among pregnant women in the city of Mwanza. Routine screening of HBV among pregnant women coupled with appropriate management should be emphasized in developing countries. Further studies to determine seroprevalence of HCV are recommended across the country.
Evaluation of Distribution of Succinic Acid between Binary Phase System with Biodiesel + N,N-Dioctyloctan-1-amine
Authors: Pal Sunder Lal , Raghuwanshi Shourabh Singh , Athankar Kanti Kumar , Rathore Ashwani Kumar
Published: June 2019

The present study is aimed at using one of the most promising methods called reactive extraction to extract succinic acid from aqueous solution by using N,N-dioctyloctan-1-amine in biodiesel as diluent made from sunflower oil, rice bran oil, sesame oil, and karanji oil. The results of extraction studies with the diluents (physical) showed their inability to recover any acid by themselves. In reactive extraction, the organic phase extracting power solely depends on tri-n-octylamine. The ranges of the distribution coefficient are found as 7.62–18.12 for sunflower oil biodiesel, 8.33–17.45 for rice bran oil biodiesel, 7.0–17.67 for sesame oil biodiesel, and 9.85–21.36 for karanji oil biodiesel. The ranges of the loading ratio are 0.1–3.0 for sunflower oil biodiesel, 0.1–2.9 for rice bran oil biodiesel, 0.2–2.9 for sesame oil biodiesel, and 0.1–2.9 for karanji oil biodiesel. The karanji and sunflower oil showed higher values of distribution coefficient (KD) over rice bran oil and sesame oil which might be due to presence of both C20 and special fatty acids. The results show that biogenous diluents along with N,N-dioctyloctan-1-amine as extractant form a nontoxic and viable option for the extraction of succinic acid in the binary phase system.
Medical Conditions and Modifiable Risk Factors for Myelodysplastic Syndrome: A Systematic Review
Authors: Sweeney Marina R. , Applebaum Katie M. , Arem Hannah , Braffett Barbara H. , Poynter Jenny N. , Robien Kim
Published: June 2019

Background:

The aim of this systematic review was to evaluate medical conditions and modifiable risk factors for myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) using the 2001 or 2008 World Health Organization (WHO) diagnostic criteria.

Methods:

PubMed, MEDLINE, and Scopus databases were searched for studies published between January 2001 and August 2017. Study characteristics and findings were abstracted for each article.

Results:

Thirteen articles (4 cohort, 9 case–control) met the inclusion criteria. Smoking and alcohol use were each evaluated as potential MDS risk factors in four studies. Body mass index and anemia were each evaluated in two studies. Other potential risk factors evaluated in single studies included physical activity, dietary intake (tea, isoflavones, meat, fruit, or vegetables), history of allergies, autoimmune disorders and community-acquired infections, and use of antituberculosis drugs, traditional Chinese medicines, or hair dyes.

Conclusions:

Higher BMI, smoking, a history of autoimmune disorders, community-acquired infections, history of anemia, and use of antituberculosis drugs were associated with higher risk of MDS. Vigorous physical activity and tea and dietary isoflavone intake were associated with lower MDS risk. These findings suggest no association between the other factors and risk of MDS.

Impact:

Research on risk factors for MDS is limited, and further research in larger studies is needed.
The Evolving Modern Management of Brain Metastasis
Authors: Fecci Peter E. , Champion Cosette D. , Hoj Jacob , McKernan Courtney M. , Goodwin C. Rory , Kirkpatrick John P. , Anders Carey K. , Pendergast Ann Marie , Sampson John H.
Published: June 2019

The incidence of brain metastases is increasing as cancer therapies improve and patients live longer, providing new challenges to the multidisciplinary teams that care for these patients. Brain metastatic cancer cells possess unique characteristics that allow them to penetrate the blood–brain barrier, colonize the brain parenchyma, and persist in the intracranial environment. In addition, brain metastases subvert the innate and adaptive immune system, permitting evasion of the antitumor immune response. Better understanding of the above mechanisms will allow for development and delivery of more effective therapies for brain metastases. In this review, we outline the molecular mechanisms underlying development, survival, and immunosuppression of brain metastases. We also discuss current and emerging treatment strategies, including surgery, radiation, disease-specific and mutation-targeted systemic therapy, and immunotherapy.
Encapsulation of Temozolomide in a Calixarene Nanocapsule Improves Its Stability and Enhances Its Therapeutic Efficacy against Glioblastoma
Authors: Renziehausen Alexander , Tsiailanis Antonis D. , Perryman Richard , Stylos Evgenios K. , Chatzigiannis Christos , O'Neill Kevin , Crook Timothy , Tzakos Andreas G. , Syed Nelofer
Published: June 2019

The alkylating agent temozolomide (TMZ) is the first-line chemotherapeutic for glioblastoma (GBM), a common and aggressive primary brain tumor in adults. However, its poor stability and unfavorable pharmacokinetic profile limit its clinical efficacy. There is an unmet need to tailor the therapeutic window of TMZ, either through complex derivatization or by utilizing pharmaceutical excipients. To enhance stability and aqueous solubility, we encapsulated TMZ in a p-sulphonatocalix[4]arene (Calix) nanocapsule and used 1H-NMR, LC-MS, and UV–Vis spectroscopy to chart the stability of this novel TMZ@Calix complex according to FDA and European Medicines Agency guidelines. LC-MS/MS plasma stability assays were conducted in mice to further explore the stability profile of TMZ@Calix in vivo. The therapeutic efficacy of TMZ@Calix was compared with that of unbound TMZ in GBM cell lines and patient-derived primary cells with known O6-methylguanine-DNA methyltransferase (MGMT) expression status and in vivo in an intracranial U87 xenograft mouse model. Encapsulation significantly enhanced the stability of TMZ in all conditions tested. TMZ@Calix was more potent than native TMZ at inhibiting the growth of established GBM cell lines and patient-derived primary lines expressing MGMT and highly resistant to TMZ. In vivo, native TMZ was rapidly degraded in mouse plasma, whereas the stability of TMZ@Calix was enhanced threefold with increased therapeutic efficacy in an orthotopic model. In the absence of new effective therapies, this novel formulation is of clinical importance, serving as an inexpensive and highly efficient treatment that could be made readily available to patients with GBM and warrants further preclinical and clinical evaluation.
Predictors of Acute Neurological Worsening after Endovascular Thrombectomy
Authors: Soomro Jazba , Zhu Liang , Savitz Sean I. , Sarraj Amrou
Published: June 2019

Background: Successful reperfusion after endovascular thrombectomy (EVT) correlates with good outcome. However, radiographic reperfusion does not always translate into good clinical outcomes even if the reperfusion occurs early after the stroke onset. Reasons for neurological worsening (NW) are thought to be many, such as progression of the stroke, hemorrhagic conversion post tissue plasminogen activator and/or EVT, and procedural complications such as vessel dissection or perforation, distal emboli, and re-occlusion. Data on patients worsening in the acute phase after EVT are limited. Objective: We studied the factors associated with acute NW and also identified the predictors of NW after EVT and its association with poor outcome at discharge. Methods: A retrospective cohort from a single comprehensive stroke center includes patients with acute ischemic stroke and large vessel occlusion in anterior and posterior circulation who presented between December 2014 and May 2017 and received EVT were reviewed. Primary outcome was defined as acute NW defined as change in NIHSS ≥4 from baseline in the first 24 h after EVT. Secondary outcome were modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0–2 at discharge and final infarct volume. Univariate and multivariate analyses were performed to evaluate clinical and radiographic variables independently correlating with NW after EVT. Receiver operating curve analysis was also performed to identify predictors. Results: 178 patients were included in the analysis, 26 (14.7%) met the criteria for acute NW. For these 178 patients, the median age was 63 (IQR 53–74, range 26–89), baseline median NIHSS was 19 (IQR 14–24, range 5–37), ASPECTS was 8 (IQR 7–9, range 4–10), admission median systolic blood pressure (SBP) was 150 (IQR 131–170, range 94–287), and initial median blood glucose (BG) was 123 (IQR 106–157, range 69–433). The most common reasons for worsening were progression of the stroke (42.3%) and reperfusion injury PH-2 (26.9%) (p < 0.0001). Univariate logistic analysis showed that race, ASPECTS, collateral score, diabetes mellitus, admission SBP, and admission BG were associated with acute NW. In multivariate analysis, only admission BG (OR 1.00, CI 1.00–1.01, p = 0.04) was found to have a significant association with acute NW. We ran a prediction analysis for variables and found the area under the curve to be 0.75. Finally, there was strong association between NW and poor outcome at discharge (MRS 3–6, p < 0.01) by Fisher’s exact test. About 46.1% in the NW group died during hospitalization compared to 10% in the non-NW group (p < 0.0001). Conclusion: Our single-center retrospective cohort result is limited by small sample size. It showed that high admission BG is an independent predictor of NW after EVT and ultimately leads to poor outcome.
Impact of Body Mass Index and Pretreatment Hemoglobin Level on Prognosis Following Radical Cystectomy for Bladder Cancer in Males and Females
Authors: Bi Hai , Huang Yi , Wang Guoliang , Ma Lulin , Lu Min
Published: June 2019

Objective: To assess the impact of pretreatment hemoglobin (Hb) and body mass index (BMI) on overall survival (OS) following radical cystectomy (RC) for bladder cancer (BCa) in males versus females. Materials and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 152 patients treated with RC for BCa between 2012 and 2016. Hb was categorized as low Hb or high Hb. BMI was classified as underweight, overweight, or obese. Univariate and multivariate Cox regression models were used to evaluate the association of Hb and BMI with OS both in the entire cohort and in gender subgroups. Results: In these 152 BCa cases, 79 cases (52.0%) were categorized as low Hb, and 67 cases (44.1%) were overweight or obese. Both Hb (p = 0.001) and BMI (p = 0.046) were independent prognostic factors for the entire cohort. In females, only Hb (p = 0.012) and BMI (p = 0.027) were significant prognostic factors. In males, Hb (p = 0.024) was an independent prognostic factor, but BMI (p = 0.142) lost significance in multivariate analysis. Conclusion: Our results found that both higher pretreatment Hb and higher BMI were associated with favorable prognosis for OS in BCa treated with RC. The differing impact of Hb and BMI on prognosis in progression of BCa in males versus females suggests there is involvement of sex hormone pathways.
A general framework for improving electrocardiography monitoring system with machine learning
Authors: Khairuddin A. M. , N. F. Ku Azir K. , Kan P. Eh
Published: June 2019

As one of the most important health monitoring systems, electrocardiography (ECG) is used to obtain information about the structure and functions of the human heart for detecting and preventing cardiovascular disease. Given its important role, it is vital that the ECG monitoring system provides relevant and accurate information about the heart. Over the years, numerous attempts were made to design and develop more effective ECG monitoring system. Nonetheless, the literature reveals not only several limitations in conventional ECG monitoring system but also emphasizes on the need to adopt new technology such as machine learning to improve the monitoring system as well as its medical applications. This paper reviews previous works on machine learning to explain its key features, capabilities as well as presents a general framework for improving ECG monitoring system.
Progress in neural network based techniques for signal integrity analysis–a survey
Authors: Goay Chan Hong , Aziz Azniza Abd , Ahmad Nur Syazreen , Goh Patrick
Published: June 2019

With the increase in data rates, signal integrity analysis has become more time and memory intensive. Simulation tools such as 3D electromagnetic field solvers can be accurate but slow, whereas faster models such as design equations and equivalent circuit models lack accuracy. Artificial neural networks (ANNs) have recently gained popularity in the RF and microwave circuit modeling community as a new modeling tool. This has in turn spurred progress towards applications of neural networks in signal integrity. A neural network can learn from a set of data generated during the design process. It can then be used as a fast and accurate modeling tool to replace conventional approaches. This paper reviews the recent advancement of neural networks in the area of signal integrity modeling. Key advancements are considered, particularly those that assist the ability of the neural network to cope with an increasing number of inputs and handle large amounts of data.
Textile-based flexible linear-to-circular polarizing surface for sband pico-satellites
Authors: Mirza Hidayath , Soh Ping Jack , Al-Hadi Azremi Abdullah , Hossain Toufiq Md , Sheikh Rais Ahmad , Jamlos Mohd Faizal
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a single layered textile-based flexible linear-to-circular polarizing surface. The proposed structure is designed based on a rectangular ring structure for CubeSat application in the S-band. Each unit cell is sized at 0.35λ×0.33λ×0.2λ for operation centered at 2.2 GHz. This unit cell is then multiplied into a 9x10 array to form the polarizing surface. It features a 3 dB axial ratio bandwidth (ARBW) of 34.73%, with a minimum AR of 0.28 dB. Besides that, it also offers a 90 % conversion efficiency bandwidth of up to 47.34%. The proposed structure’s performance is validated by placing it in front of a patch antenna operating at 2.2 GHz. The antenna performance indicated an increase in terms of gain from 3.14 dBi to 7.33 dBi when integrated with the polarizing surface, besides successfully converting linearly-polarized waves to circularly-polarized.
ETOU electricity tariff for manufacturing load shifting strategy using ACO algorithm
Authors: Sulaima M. F. , Dahlan N. Y. , Isa M. H. , Othman M. N. , Yasin Z. M. , Kasdirin H. A.
Published: June 2019

This paper presents load shifting strategy for cost reduction on manufacturing electricity demand side, by which a real test load profile had been used to prove the concept. Superior bio-inspired algorithm, Ant Colony Optimization (ACO) had been implemented to optimize the upright load profile of load shifting strategy in the Malaysia Enhance Time of Use (ETOU) tariff condition. Subsequently, significant simulation results of operation profit gain through 24 hours electricity consumption had been analyzed properly. The proposed method had shown reduction of approximately 6% of the electricity cost at peak and mid peak zones, when 20%, 40%, 60%, 80% and 100% load shifting weightages were applied to the identified 10% controlled loads consequently. It is hoped that the finding of this study can help poise the manufacturers to switch to ETOU tariff as well as support the national Demand Side Management (DSM) program
Performance comparison of distributed generation installation arrangement in transmission system for loss control
Authors: Shaaya S. A. , Musirin I. , Sulaiman S. I. , Mansor M. H. , Syed Mustaffa S. A.
Published: June 2019

Placing Distributed Generation (DG) into a power network should be planned wisely. In this paper, the comparison of having different installation arrangement of real-power DGs in transmission system for loss control is presented. Immune-brainstorm-evolutionary programme (IBSEP) was chosen as the optimization technique. It is found that optimizing fixed-size DGs locations gives the highest loss reduction percentage. Apart from that, scattered small-sized DGs throughout a network minimizes transmission loss more than allocating one biger-sized DG at a location.
Analysis of Near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy for chlorophyll prediction in oil palm leaves
Authors: Shafiq Amirul Sabri Mohd. , Endut R. , B. M. Rashidi C. , R. Laili A. , A. Aljunid S. , Ali N.
Published: June 2019

Oil palm nutrient content is investigated with using chlorophyll as a representative factor correlated with NIR spectroscopy spectral absorbance. NIR spectroscopy method of sampling have been tested to overcome time consuming, complex chemical analysis procedure and invasive sampling method in order to identify chlorophyll content in an oil palm tree. Spectral absorbance data from range 900 nm to 1700 nm and chlorophyll data, then tested through five pre-processing methods which is Savitzky-Golay Smoothing (SGS), Multiplicative Scatter Correction (MSC), Single Normal Variation (SNV), First Derivative (1D) and also Second Derivative (2D) using Partial Least Square (PLS) regression prediction model to evaluate the correlation between both data. The overall results show, SGS has the best performance for preprocessing method with the results, the coefficient of determination (R2) values of 0.9998 and root mean square error (RMSE) values of 0.0639. In summary, correlation of NIR spectral absorbance data and chlorophyll can be achieved using a PLS regression model with SGS pre-processing technique. Thus, we can conclude that NIR spectroscopy method can be used to identify chlorophyll content in oil palm with using time saving, simple sampling and non-invasive method.
User’s hand effect on efficiency of 2-port 5 GHZ mobile terminal antennas
Authors: Muhammad Nor Che Isa Che , Al-Hadi Azremi Abdullah , Azemi Saidatul Norlyana , Khan Rizwan
Published: June 2019

In this paper, the influence of user’s hand on mobile terminal antenna when it placed approximately on top of Multiple Input Multiple Output radiating element antennas (PIFAs) is studied extensively. The antenna is designed to operate at 5 GHz with 1.5 GHz of -6 dB bandwidth. The effect of user’s hand with different finger positions are studied at seven positions on slit at the ground plane, seven differences height above the antenna and nine different locations around the radiating element at 2 mm height from antenna. The losses due to presence of hand are studied in terms of scattering parameters, radiation efficiency and matching efficiency. The maximum loss in term of isolation in the presence of user’s hand is found at 6 mm on the slit and it decreased as the hand move away from the slitted area on the ground plane. The maximum efficiency loss is observed when the finger is placed right on top of the radiating element with -5.85 dB compare to antenna without the presence of user’s hand. On the other hand, the result for matching efficiency indicates approximately 0.2 dB losses occurred when the fingers are varied at different height and position.
Bandwidth and gain enhancement of a circular microstrip antenna using a DNG split ring resonator radome
Authors: Rasheed Ojo , Jamlos Mohd Faizal , Soh Ping Jack , Jamlos Mohd Aminudin , Isa Muammar Mohamad
Published: June 2019

This paper present the design of a circular patch microstrip antenna with enhancement in terms of bandwidth and gain using a dielectric double negative (DNG) split ring metamaterial radome. This radome is positioned on top of the CP antenna operating from 5.2 GHz to 6.4 GHz. The metamaterial radome comprises of two alternate split rings of negative permittivity, permeability and refractive index. The circular microstrip antenna bandwidth of 430 MHz has been realized by the presence of DNG metamaterial radome compared to 220 MHz without the radome. The gain has been increased as well from 1.84 dBi to 3.87 dBi.
Routing performance of structured overlay in Distributed Hash Tables (DHT) for P2P
Authors: Ruslan Rafiza , Shaqirra Mohd Zailani Ayu , Hidayah Mohd Zukri Nurul , Khairani Kamarudin Nur , Elias Shamsul Jamel , Ahmad R. Badlishah
Published: June 2019

This paper presents a routing performance analysis of structured P2P overlay network. Due to the rapid development and hectic life, sharing data wirelessly is essential. P2P allows participating peers move freely by joining and leaving the network at any convenience time. Therefore, it exists constraint when one measuring the network performance. Moreover, the design of structured overlay networks is fragmented and with various design. P2P networks need to have a reliable routing protocol. In order to analyse the routing performance, this work simulates three structured overlay protocols-Chord, Pastry and Kademlia using OMNeT++ with INET and OverSim module. The result shows that Pastry is the best among others with 100% routing efficiency. However, Kademlia leads with 12.76% and 18.78% better than Chord and Pastry in lookup hop count and lookup success latency respectively. Hence, Pastry and Kamelia architectures will have a better choice for implementing structured overlay P2P network.
The disruptometer: an artificial intelligence algorithm for market insights
Authors: Aminah binti Wan Nordin Mimi , Vedenyapin Dmitry , Alghifari Muhammad Fahreza , Gunawan Teddy Surya
Published: June 2019

Social media data mining is rapidly developing to be a mainstream tool for marketing insights in today’s world, due to the abundance of data and often freely accessed information. In this paper, we propose a framework for market research purposes called the Disruptometer. The algorithm uses keywords to provide different types of market insights from data crawling. The preliminary algorithm data-mines information from Twitter and outputs 2 parameters-Product-to-Market Fit and Disruption Quotient, which is obtained from a brand’s customer value proposition, problem space, and incumbent space. The algorithm has been tested with a venture capitalist portfolio company and market research firm to show high correlated results. Out of 4 brand use cases, 3 obtained identical results with the analysts ‘studies.
Vulnerabilidade aquífera e risco de contaminação da água subterrânea em meio urbano
Authors: Peixoto Filipe Da Silva , Cavalcante Itabaraci Nazareno
Published: June 2019

Nas áreas urbanas, a contaminação da água subterrânea está ligada à forte pressão de ocupação e uso do solo. Por isso, é necessária a implantação de medidas restritivas que promovam a conservação da água subterrânea. O presente trabalho desenvolveu um Índice de Risco de Contaminação da Água Subterrânea (IRCAS) aplicado a aquíferos em ambiente urbano no município de Fortaleza, Ceará, Brasil. A construção do IRCAS foi realizada a partir da Metodologia de Vulnerabilidade Aquífera (GOD), anexando a esta o Índice de Saneamento Ambiental (ISA), calculado por setores censitários com dados do Censo 2010, do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística (IBGE). Os dados foram gerenciados em Sistema de Informação Geográfica (SIG) e validados com amostras de água subterrânea analisada quanto a concentrações de nitrato (N-NO3 -) em 212 poços. O IRCAS apontou áreas mais próximas à costa como zonas de alto risco, por conta da alta vulnerabilidade aquífera associada ao Sistema Aquífero Dunas (SAD) sob zonas de baixa qualidade sanitária. O principal fator do risco foi o esgotamento sanitário. As maiores concentrações de nitrato (24,4 – 40 mg/L) em 83% dos poços se mostraram associadas às zonas de alto risco.
Superterreno Pernambuco-Alagoas (PEAL) na Província Borborema: ensaio de regionalização tectônica
Authors: Brito Neves Benjamim Bley , Silva Filho Adejardo Francisco da
Published: June 2019

O Superterreno Pernambuco Alagoas (PEAL), previamente designado de Maciço e/ou Terreno, é o segmento tectônico identificado imediatamente ao sul do lineamento Pernambuco. Apresenta uma área de cerca de 60.000km2, forma triangular, com a base entre o Recife e imediações de Maceió, e com vértice nas imediações de Santa Cruz, oeste de Pernambuco. Sua composição é extremamente variada, com terrenos de alto grau, arqueanos, paleoproterozoicos, eo-neoproterozoicos e tratos metavulcanossedimentares neoproterozoicos (faixas supracrustais). Estes terrenos são cortados por granitoides neoproterozoicos diversos, incluindo batólitos lineares de grandes dimensões, por stocks e batólitos menores relativamente isolados. Localmente, na sua parte centro sudoeste, foi recentemente reconhecido magmatismo granítico de arco (Ediacarano em idade). O comportamento geotectônico deste amplo superterreno- posicionado entre as faixas orogênicas da Zona Transversal e aquelas da periferia norte do craton do São Francisco (parte do o chamado “domínio meridional” da Borborema) tem sido bastante estudado, discutido e nomeado, mas é de conhecimento geral ainda perfuntório. Apresenta uma trama litoestrutural complexa, e pode ser preliminarmente dividido, para fins expositivos em três porções distintas: porção ocidental (com muitos relictos arqueanos e paleoproterozoicos), porção central (embasamento paleoproterozóico retrabalhado e supracrustais neoproterozoicas) e porção mais oriental, com exposição de um longo e linear batólito longitudinal (longitudinal à costa atlântica) e algumas supracrustais, distintas daquelas anteriormente citadas.
Estratégias didáticas para o ensino da língua inglesa na educação básica
Authors: Fernandes Meirilene Alves , Felicetti Vera Lucia , Szezecinski Antonio Filipe Maciel
Published: June 2019

O presente artigo investigou diferentes estratégias didáticas baseadas nas quatro habilidades – ouvir, falar, ler e escrever –, podem contribuir para a melhoria do processo de ensino e aprendizagem da Língua Inglesa no Ensino Fundamental. A pesquisa caracterizou-se por um estudo de caso, de caráter exploratório descritivo e abordagem qualitativa. Após a realização do pré-teste, estratégias didáticas foram desenvolvidas na contação da história de Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. Após o desenvolvimento das estratégias aplicou-se o pós-teste. A análise realizada no pré-teste, pós-teste e no corpus constituído dos relatórios realizados em cada aula evidenciaram que diferentes estratégias didáticas usadas no ensino do Inglês podem contribuir para a melhoria não somente do processo de aprendizagem dos alunos, mas também do processo de ensino.
Impact of Cardiovascular Neurohormones on Onset of Vasovagal Syncope Induced by Head‐up Tilt
Authors: Torabi Parisa , Ricci Fabrizio , Hamrefors Viktor , Melander Olle , Sutton Richard , Benditt David G. , Fedorowski Artur
Published: June 2019

Background

Vasovagal reflex is the most common form of syncope, but the pathophysiological mechanisms that initiate the reflex are not well understood. We aimed to study supine and early orthostatic levels of the neurohormones involved in control of circulatory homeostasis in relation to the onset of tilt‐induced vasovagal syncope (VVS).

Methods and Results

A total of 827 patients who were investigated for unexplained syncope with head‐up tilt test (HUT) and optional nitroglycerin provocation (Italian protocol) had blood samples collected while supine and after 3‐minutes of HUT. Of these, 173 (20.9%) patients developed VVS during drug‐free HUT, 161 of whom (males 44.7%; age 45±21 years) had complete data. We analyzed levels of epinephrine, norepinephrine, C‐terminal pro–arginine vasopressin, C‐terminal endothelin‐1, and midregional fragments of pro–atrial natriuretic peptide and pro‐adrenomedullin in relation to time from tilt‐up to onset of VVS. We applied a linear regression model adjusted for age and sex. The mean time to syncope was 11±7 minutes. Older age (β=0.13; SE=0.03,
P
<0.001), higher supine systolic blood pressure (β=0.06; SE=0.03,
P
=0.02), and higher supine midregional fragment of pro‐adrenomedullin predicted longer time to syncope (β=2.31; SE=0.77,
P
=0.003), whereas supine levels of other neurohormones were not associated with time to syncope. Among 151 patients who developed VVS later than 3 minutes of HUT, increase in epinephrine (β=−3.24; SE=0.78,
P
<0.001) and C‐terminal pro–arginine vasopressin (β=−2.07; SE=0.61,
P
=0.001) at 3 minutes of HUT were related to shorter time to syncope.

Conclusions

Older age, higher blood pressure, and higher level of pro‐adrenomedullin are associated with later onset of VVS during tilt testing, whereas greater increase of tilt‐induced epinephrine and vasopressin release correlate with shorter time to syncope.
“Ihr kennt weder mich noch meinen Vater”
Authors: Förster Hans
Published: June 2019

Jesus’ statement in John 8:19 is most often interpreted from the perspective of a theology of revelation. From a philological perspective, however, there is also a possible interpretation that understands Jesus’ interaction with his jewish audience in John 8:13-20 as a typical Johannine Misunderstanding.
Nia lenicarpa sp. nov. (Niaceae, Agaricales) from Red Sea mangroves in Saudi Arabia with comments on Nia vibrissa
Authors: ABDEL-WAHAB MOHAMED A. , JONES E. B. GARETH , ABDEL-AZIZ FATEN A. , BAHKALI ALI H.
Published: June 2019

An undescribed Nia species was recorded from intertidal decayed wood of Avicennia marina collected from Red Sea mangroves in Saudi Arabia. Nia lenicarpa sp. nov. is characterized by smooth basidiomes, growing singly or in groups of 2 to 10 confluent basidiomes, with a three-layered, thick peridium and 4-spored basidia. Nia lenicarpa differs from N. vibrissa by having smaller basidiomes without peridial hairs but with thick peridia, larger basidia and basidiospores. Phylogenetic analyses of SSU and LSU rDNA placed N. lenicarpa in a monophyletic clade with two N. vibrissa clades. There are no molecular data available for the other two Nia species; N. epidermoidea and N. globispora. The morphology of N. vibrissa from driftwood collected from a beach in Japan is illustrated. Vertical sections of basidiomes of the Japanese material showed the presence of an outer peridium that is formed by the tips of the peridial hairs which was not reported before. This supports the presence of several cryptic species in the N. vibrissa complex.
A new species of Gynochthodes (Rubiaceae), G. honbaensis from Hon Ba Nature Researve, southern Vietnam
Authors: OGURI EMIKO , TAGANE SHUICHIRO , DANG VAN-SON , YANG CHEN-JUI , TOYAMA HIRONORI , TRAN HOP , MURAKAMI NORIAKI , YAHARA TETSUKAZU
Published: June 2019

A new species, Gynochthodes honbaensis (Rubiaceae), from Hon Ba Nature Researve, Khanh Hoa Province, southern Vietnam, is described, with a key to the species of Gynochthodes in Vietnam. This species is phenotypically most similar to G. macrophylla distributed in Nicobar Islands, Thailand, and Peninsular Malaysia, but differs in having smaller leaves, and much longer and glabrous peduncles.
Three new Neotropical genera of Odiniidae (Diptera: Acalyptratae)
Authors: GAIMARI STEPHEN D.
Published: June 2019

Three new genera of Odiniidae (Diptera) are described from Costa Rica, including Helgreelia gen. nov. (type species, albeto sp. nov.; additional species, parkeri sp. nov.) and the monotypic genera Neoschildomyia gen. nov. (type species, fusca sp. nov.) and Pradomyia gen. nov. (type species, hadromera sp. nov.). A key to the New World genera of the family is provided.
Additions to the knowledge of the Mutillidae (Hymenoptera) of Pakistan
Authors: LELEJ ARKADY S. , ULLAH MISHKAT , MAHMOOD KHALID
Published: June 2019

Four species in four genera are newly recorded from Pakistan. Three of these species are new and are described: Smicromyrmilla margalla Lelej and Ullah, sp. nov. (Pakistan), Andreimyrme pakistanensis Lelej and Ullah, sp. nov. (Pakistan), and Ephutomma himalayana Lelej and Ullah, sp. nov. (Pakistan, Nepal). A new combination is proposed for Storozhenkotilla semiviolacea (André). Four genera are recorded for the first time from Pakistan: Smicromyrmilla Suárez, Storozhenkotilla Lelej, Andreimyrme Lelej, and Ephutomma Ashmead. The latter is recorded for the first time from Nepal. Storozhenkotilla semiviolacea (André) is recorded for the first time from Pakistan.
Review of Homaloxestis Meyrick (Lepidoptera, Lecithoceridae) of the Philippine Islands, with descriptions of two new species
Authors: PARK KYU-TEK , BYUN BONG-KYU
Published: June 2019

The six species of Homaloxestis Meyrick recorded from the Philippine Islands are reviewed: H. aganacma Diakonoff, H. alopecopa Meyrick, H. cholopis (Meyrick), H. luzonensis sp. nov., H. plocamandra (Meyrick), and H. quadralis sp. nov. Homaloxestis plocamandra (Meyrick), formerly known from continental southeastern Asia, is newly recorded from the Philippines. A key to the species is provided, along with photographs of the adults and genitalia of the two new and one newly recorded species
The genus Xenaclopus Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae): redescription and removal from the Aclopinae, with systematic notes
Authors: OCAMPO FEDERICO C. , VAZ-DE-MELLO FERNANDO Z.
Published: June 2019

The monotypic genus Xenaclopus Arrow is redescribed and illustrated, based in its lectotype and paralectotypes. Characters examined indicate that this genus should be removed from the Aclopinae and placed into the subfamily Melolonthinae as insertae sedis at the tribal level.
Description of two new species of Tonnoira Enderlein from caves in the Brazilian Amazon and comments about the taxonomic status of Tonnoira plumaria Quate (Diptera, Psychodidae, Psychodinae)
Authors: BRAVO FREDDY , CHAGAS CINTHIA , ALVES VERACILDA RIBEIRO
Published: June 2019

Two new species of Tonnoira Enderlein from Brazil, T. distincta sp. nov., and T. robusta sp. nov., are described an illustrated. Tonnoira plumaria Quate is transferred to the genus Platyplastinx Enderlein.
A new arboreal Lepidodactylus (Reptilia: Gekkonidae) from Espiritu Santo Island, Vanuatu: from egg to holotype
Authors: INEICH IVAN
Published: June 2019

Lepidodactylus buleli is a new gecko from Espiritu Santo Island, central Vanuatu, Melanesia. This species most closely resembles L. pulcher from Admiralty Islands (Papua New Guinea) by its elevated number of midbody scale rows, and belongs to Brown and Parker’s (1977) Group II based on having an entire terminal scansor on all digits followed by two or three divided or deeply notched subterminal scansors on digits II–V. It differs from other Group II species in having the following combination of character states: a high number of scales around midbody, relatively weak dilation of digits, slight webbing of toes III and IV, cloacal spurs, and an original coloration. This species lives in myrmecophilous plants hanging high on trees in the deep primary forest on the west dry coast of Espiritu Santo Island. It also is the first lizard known from a holotype collected as an egg in the field, hatched in captivity, and grown until reaching adult size, allowing its description.
A new insular species of Cyrtodactylus (Squamata: Gekkonidae) from the Langkawi Archipelago, Kedah, Peninsular Malaysia
Authors: GRISMER L. LEE , AHMAD NORHAYATI
Published: June 2019

A new species of the gekkonid lizard, Cytrodactylus macrotuberculatus sp. nov., is described from Pulau Langkawi of the Langkawi Archipelago located off the northwest coast of Peninsular Malaysia in the state of Kedah. This species had been previously recognized as C. pulchellus but is differentiated here from that species and all other Sunda Shelf Cyrtodactylus on the basis of its strong tuberculation and other scale and color pattern characteristics. This represents the second endemic species known from the Langkawi Archipelago.
Use of exochorion characters for the systematics of Hamadryas Hübner and Ectima Doubleday (Nymphalidae: Biblidinae: Ageroniini)
Authors: NIEVES-URIBE SANDRA , FLORES-GALLARDO ADRIÁN , LLORENTE-BOUSQUETS JORGE , LUIS-MARTÍNEZ ARMANDO , POZO CARMEN
Published: June 2019

We studied the chorionic morphology of six species of Hamadryas, and together with previous studies, we compared our results with previously published phylogenies for the genus. Samples were obtained from 19 females collected between 2013 and 2017 whose abdomens were sectioned and preserved for later dissection. Eggs were extracted from those dissections and used for the descriptions and illustrations of the chorion. The Hamadryas egg is of the globose type; it is quasi-spheroidal and has multiple polygonal grids with differentiation in specific zones/regions, and knolls with macrocells in their summits that arise in the apical third. These characteristics are very different from those found in the majority of Biblidinae and for those reported in the literature for Batesia and Panacea, which belong to the same subtribe as Hamadryas (Ageroniina, now Ageroniini). Chorionic characters support a previously suggested division of the genus (februa, feronia and laodamia groups) and they agree with the phylogenetic proposal based on morphological characters. Our study expands previous morphological work focused on this genus and compiles all the information available to date about the exochorion of Hamadryas, which now includes data for 10 species and that of Ectima thecla thecla, the putative sister group of Hamadryas.
Cornigerius lacustris of Lake Hazar, Turkey, a synonym of Cornigerius maeoticus (Pengo) of the Ponto-Caspian (Cladocera: Onychopoda)
Authors: DUMONT HENRI J. , VIERSTRAETE ANDY , AKBULUT NURAY
Published: June 2019

Cornigerius species are endemic to the Ponto-Caspian, with the exception of Cornigerius lacustris, which is endemic to freshwater Lake Hazar in the Euphrates basin. However, the barcoding fragment of the cytochrome c subunit I (COI) of animals from the type locality shows less than 1 % divergence with Black Sea and less than 2% with Caspian Lake C. maeoticus, the oldest and most widespread species of the genus. Black Sea and Caspian Lake animals show 1.5 % divergence. We therefore place the origin of the Hazar population in the Black Sea. Combined with a variable morphology, we also conclude that C. lacustris is a synonym of C. maeoticus, as already suspected by its describer. Dating the ‘lacustris’ population is difficult, but it has been there for at least a century.
4. Re-Engineered Continuing Professional Development and Modelled Use of Cloud Tools and Social Media by Academic Developers
Authors: Compton Martin , Almpanis Timos
Published: June 2019

This chapter outlines how academic developers can use ‘cloud-based tools’ and social media apps to improve the training that lecturers receive. They suggest that we need to move away from a ‘one-size-fits-all’ transmissive style of training to more transformative types of continuing professional development (CPD). Their two case studies look at the benefits of introducing social media apps that academics can immediately try, experiencing them from the learner’s perspective.
9. Role of Social Media in Learning
Authors: Kawachi Kawachi
Published: June 2019

Kawachi shows that social media can help students establish a social presence on their course, but once that role has been created it can be a distraction from engaging in collaborative learning activities. Paul makes reference to social and virtual presence to explain why the use of Facebook has led to improved learning in some case studies, but less learning in others.
13. Leadership and Social Media: Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Lanclos Donna , Phipps Lawrie
Published: June 2019

Lanclos and Phipps approach the issue of leadership from a different perspective. They have both organised several iterations of Jisc’s Digital Leadership course, which brings together leaders in HE to discuss how the digital impacts on their own personal practice and how they can make effective use of social media. They discuss the usefulness and limitations of visual mapping frameworks such as the Visitors/Residents continuum, as well as summarising their own mapping of digital engagement. Like others in this book they note that engagement in social media is beneficial but it can also mirror and even amplify societal issues of racism, sexism, bullying and other issues related to the abuse of power.
18. Expertise in Your Ears; Why You Should Jump on the Podcasting Bandwagon
Authors: Musson Dave
Published: June 2019

Musson provides a fascinating insight into how podcasting is being used in HE. First he describes the recent popularity of podcasting and outlines its potential benefits to the HE sector, before highlighting some exceptional examples of how universities are using podcasts both here in the UK and the United States to show off their expertise, showcase their research, provide a window on campus life, or even to celebrate their past students’ achievements.
19. Etiquette for the Anthropocene
Authors: Norris Jane
Published: June 2019

Norris’s chapter on ‘Etiquette for the Anthropocene’ is about discovering new way of teaching and engaging with students about global warming and the Anthropocene without increasing their anxiety levels. Jane uses what she calls ‘para-fictional’ objects that move from the physical to the digital realm, as a way to explore digital memes. As part of her project she made and distributed physical badges and then asked participants (mainly her students) to send her photos of themselves wearing the badges, which were then collated on an Instagram site. Jane outlines her rationale for this project and describes the student response, which was not altogether enthusiastic.
23. The 'Healthy Academic', Social Media, and a Personal and Professional Journey
Authors: Withnell Neil
Published: June 2019

Withnell looks into the use of social media in healthcare, pointing out that it has become a large part of his working life in the sphere of nurse education. The body of the article focusses on the pitfalls that a healthcare professional should be aware of when using social media. It also covers the relative ease of avoiding said pitfalls, whilst juxtaposing this with the great creativity that social media affords for those who are confident enough to use it professionally.