bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hubungan Pengetahuan dan Kepatuhan Diet dengan Kadar Gula Darah pada pasien Diabetes Melitus Di Poli Penyakit Dalam RSUD Idaman Banjarbaru Tahun 2018
Authors: Khasanah Tri Ardianti , Fitri Zul Fina
Published: June 2019

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder due to the pancreas not producing enough insulin or the body cannot use insulin that is produced effectively. Indonesia has 10.3 million sufferers and standon 7th position in the world after China, India, United States of America, Brazil, Russia, Mexico, on 2017 at the province of South Kalimantan’s on 2nd position that were 10.875, at Banjarbaru in 2017 is held on 2nd ranked which had 2.968 cases, at Idaman Banjarbaru Hospital on the Internal Medicine Polyclinic  there were 394 patients from January till April and estimated that will be 100 diabetes mellitus patients. This research is aimed to knowing the correlation of knowledge and compliance of diet with blood sugar levels of patients with  diabetes mellitus  at the Internal Medicine Polyclinic in Banjarbaru Hospital 2018. This type of research is a description of correlation research using cross sectional design. This research was carried out to 55 respondents. The results that tested using Chi-Square with a value of α=0.1 proved to have no correlation of knowledge with blood sugar levels (p=0.234) and proved to have a correlation of adherence to diet with blood sugar levels (p=0.00). From this study it can be concluded that knowledge proved to have not correlation with blood sugar levels and dietary compliance was shown to have a correlation with blood sugar levels in diabetes mellitus patients at Internal Medicine Polyclinic Idaman Banjarbaru Hospital 2018.
Análisis comparativo de la competitividad global de las industrias turísticas de Puerto Rico y República Dominicana
Authors: Castro-Gonzáles Segundo , Feliberty-Lugo Vivian
Published: June 2019

Esta investigación, estudia comparativamente la competitividad del sector turístico entre Puerto Rico (PR) y República Dominicana (RD). Se utilizan 53 indicadores mediante la aplicación de una metodología mejorada. El estudio encontró que: (1) ambos competidores poseen cinco estrategias similares y cuatro diferentes para atraer turistas; (2) PR es más competitivo nacionalmente que RD en condiciones de factores (CF) y en condiciones de demanda (CD) y RD supera a PR en industrias relacionadas y de apoyo (IRA) y en estructura de las firmas, estrategia y rivalidad (EFER); y (3) PR es más competitivo internacionalmente que RD en tres constructos (EFER, IRA y CD) y tiene un pilar con niveles similares que RD (CF). Finalmente, esta investigación puntualiza ciertas recomendaciones a cada país, que pueden contribuir a mejorar su competitividad turística mundial.
Fluctuaciones macroeconómicas, regla de Taylor y la dinámica del desempleo y la inflación en Puerto Rico
Authors: Rodríguez Carlos A.
Published: June 2019

Este trabajo estudia los efectos de los impulsos asociados con la regla de Taylor de Estados Unidos y la oferta y demanda local en Puerto Rico sobre la dinámica de las tasas de desempleo e inflación en la Isla, a través de la descomposición estructural desarrollada por Blanchard y Quah (1989). Según los resultados, en el corto plazo, el desempleo responde principalmente a los impulsos imprevistos de la regla de política monetaria en Estados Unidos y de la oferta. La inflación también responde a esta regla y a los impulsos asociados con la demanda agregada. A largo plazo, el desempleo disminuye y la inflación se acelera, ante una expansión imprevista de la política monetaria de Estados Unidos causada por el establecimiento de la regla de Taylor.
PREVENTIVE STOMA AFTER LOW ANTERIOR RESECTION OF THE RECTUM: IM-PROVING THE RESULTS OR BEING OVERCAUTIOUS?
Authors: Polovinkin V. V. , Porkhanov V. A. , Khmelik S. V. , Shcherba S. N. , Igolkin A. N.
Published: June 2019

The incidence of clinically significant anastomotic leakage (AL) after low anterior resection (LAR) of the rectum varies from 3 % to 21 %, and the postoperative mortality associated with AL is 6,0-39,3 %. Preventive stoma (PS) formation is the most common method for the anastomosis protection. AIM to assess the impact of PS on the AL rate and severity. PATIENTS AND METHODS: It was prospective non-randomized cohort study. Results of LAR in 247 patients operated on mid- and low rectal cancer between 2003-2011 were analized. Of 247 patients 202 had PS and 45 had no PS. RESULTS: AL developed in 34/247 (13,7%) cases. Univariate analysis revealed higher AL rate in patients without PS: 22,2 % (10/45) vs. 11,9 % (24/202), p=0,06; r=-0,37, OR 2,1. Multiple logistic regression analysis demonstrated absence of PS as independent risk factor of AL (p=0,03). The probability of AL associated peritonitis in patients without PS is 20 times higher than in patients with PS: 80 % (8/10) vs. 16,7 % (4/24); OR 20; p=0,001; r=-0,67, the probability of lethal outcome is 7,5 times higher: 60% (6/10) vs. 16,7% (4/24); OR 7,5; p=0,01; r=-0,75. CONCLUSIONS: Formation of PS after LAR of the rectum reduces the AL rate, AL associated mortality and severity of complications.
ANALYSIS OF SHORT AND LONG-TERM RESULTS OF RECONSTRUCTIVE- RESTORATIVE PHASE AFTER THE OPERATIONS LIKE HARTMANN
Authors: Gataullin I. G. , Khalikov M. M.
Published: June 2019

AIM. To improve short and long-term results of reconstructive surgery in patients with complicated colorectal cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS. Results of 63 patients who had Hartmann procedure for complicated colorectal cancer and thereafter undergone reconstructive surgery were analized. RESULTS. Restorative surgerys was performed at different time interval after the primary surgery. Sphincterometry was done in all patients with the aim to assess the functional integrity of the anal sphincter. CONCLUSION. Suggested optimal period for reconstructive surgery is 1-3 months after the primary surgery.
COMPLICATED DIVERTICULAR DISEASE: CONTEMPORARY CONCEPT OF TREATMENT (review)
Authors: Karsanov A. M. , Maskin S. S. , Goncharov D. Yu. , Klimovich I. N. , Karsanova Z. O. , Matiukhin V. V. , Degtyareva V. V.
Published: June 2019

The review respresents contemporary trends in treatment of diverticular disease. The basement of optimal decision making for these patients are clear diagnostic criteria, relevant diagnostic methods and comprehensive universal classification. The spectrum of therapies for diverticular disease includes conservative treatment for uncomplicated forms, percutaneous drainage for abscesses, resection for peritonitis. A possibility of primary anastomosis in case of resection for free perforation with or without protective stoma is discussed. Laparoscopic technologies for chronic complications of diverticular disease is a main trend to improve short, late and functional results in elective surgery.
MODERN POSSIBILITIES TO PREVENTION AND TREATMENT OF HEMORRHOIDS IN PRENATAL AND EARLY POSTNATAL PERIOD
Authors: Vasiliev S. V. , Popov D. E. , Nedozimovany A. I. , Sokolova O. S.
Published: June 2019

AIM. To work up the optimal approach to the prevention and treatment of hemorrhoids in pregnant women in antenatal and postpartum women in the immediate postpartum period. MATERIAL AND METHODS. Based on the comparative results of treatment of hemorrhoids using topical and systemic medicinal drugs in 113 pregnant women determined the effectiveness of preventive and therapeutic tactics in respect of haemorrhoidal disease in pregnancy and the early postpartum period.. Treatment schemes designed for optimum efficiency and safety of treatment of acute hemorrhoids in this patient's category. RESULTS. The use of investigated schemes for treatment and prevention can significantly reduce the risk of exacerbation of the hemorrhoids and reduce the terms of relief of symptoms in pregnant and postpartum women. The experience of the Detralex (Daflon 500) demonstrates the effectiveness and good tolerability of this product when used in pregnant women for treatment and prevention of postpartum exacerbation of hemorrhoids.
INDICATIONS FOR INJECTION OF BULKING AGENTS FOR THE TREATMENT OF ANAL INCONTINENCE
Authors: Nedozymovany A. I. , Dementeva E. A. , Popov D. E. , Vasiliev S. V.
Published: June 2019

Despite of lots conservative and surgical methods of treatment, the problem of anal incontinence is relevant today and remains unresolved. Since the beginning of the 1990s attempts ofimplantation of bulking agents in order to increase the basal pressure in the anal canal were begun. Domestic product “ДАМ+” used in the study. OBJECTIVE. To determine the indications for injection of bulking agents for the treatment of anal incontinence. Research the possibility of using the drug “ДАМ+,” with assessment of treatment outcomes. During a period of 2014 to 2016 there were 30 patients with anal incontinence of various etiologies involved in research. The mean age was 47,5 ± 6,5 years. Injection of bulking agent “ДАМ+” were performed by the punction of submucosa of the anal canal in 3 points, andfollowed by a comparative analysis of the survey after treatment. Average follow-up was 12,1 ± 0,97 months. The study we have identified indications for the implementation of bulking agents for correction of anal incontinence, and the estimation results.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSTICS OF LIVER HYPERECHOIC LESIONS
Authors: Berdnikov S. N. , Sholokhov V. N. , Siniukova G. T. , Goodilina E. A. , Abgarian M. G. , Kalinin A. E. , Kudashkin A. E. , Arhiri P. P. , Kalinin E. V.
Published: June 2019

PURPOSE. Development of elastometry and elastography in differential diagnostics of liver hyperechoic lesions (hemangioma and colorectal cancer metastases) MATERIALS AND METHODS. 180 patients examined due to liver hyperechoic lesions. All patients underwent elastography in manual compression mode, ultrasound examination in the аcoustic radiationforce impulse (ARFI) mode and in shear wave velocity (SWV) mode. RESULTS. According to the data from elastography in manual compression mode in patient's group with colorectal liver metastases in 71 % cases lesions were rigid. In patient's group with hemangioma lesions in 88 % cases were soft. According to the data from elastography in the ARFI mode in patient's group with colorectal liver metastases in 71 % cases lesions were rigid. In group of patients with liver hemangioma in 88 % cases lesions were soft. According to the tumor tissue elastometry data in patients with colorectal liver metastases RSTW was high - 3,24 m/sec (range 1,4-4,22 m/sec), median of RTSW was 3,38 m/sec. In patient's group with liver hemangioma RSTW was the lowest -1,07 m/sec (range 0,75-3,86 m/sec), median - 0,93 m/sec. CONCLUSION. Informativeness of elastography in manual compression mode for colorectal liver metastases (n=110): 98 % sensitivity, 98 % accuracy, 100 % positive predictive value. Informativeness of elastography in manual compression mode for liver hemangioma (n=70): 94 % sensitivity, 94 % accuracy, 100 % negative predictive value._ 19 ДИФФЕРЕНЦИАЛЬНАЯ ДИАГНОСТИКА ОЧАГОВЫХ ГИПЕРЭХОГЕННЫХ ОБРАЗОВАНИЙ В ПЕЧЕНИ Informativeness of elastography in ARFI mode for colorectal liver metastases (n=110): 100 % sensitivity, 100 % accuracy, 100 % positive predictive value. Informativeness of elastography in ARFI mode for liver hemangioma (n=45): 94 % sensitivity, 100 % accuracy, 100 % negative predictive value. Elastometry data for liver malignant tumors detection were more informative when RSTW threshold level was 2,0 m/sec (if more than 2,0 m/sec then malignant tumor, if less than 2 m/sec then benign tumor): 94 % accuracy, 91 % sensitivity, 97 % specificity, 92 % negative predictive value.
КЛИНИЧЕСКИЕ РЕКОМЕНДАЦИИ НАЦИОНАЛЬНОЙ АССОЦИАЦИИ СПЕЦИАЛИСТОВ ПО КОНТРОЛЮ ИНФЕКЦИЙ, СВЯЗАННЫХ С ОКАЗАНИЕМ МЕДИЦИНСКОЙ ПОМОЩИ, И ОБЩЕРОССИЙСКОЙ ОБЩЕСТВЕННОЙ НЕКОММЕРЧЕСКОЙ ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ «АССОЦИАЦИЯ КОЛОПРОКТОЛОГОВ РОССИИ» ПО ДИАГНОСТИКЕ, ЛЕЧЕНИЮ И ПРОФИЛАКТИКЕ CLOSTRIDIUM DIFFICILE-АССОЦИИРОВАННОЙ ДИАРЕИ (CDI)
Authors: Shelygin Yu. A. , Aleshkin V. A. , Sukhina M. A. , Mironov A. Yu. , Briko N. I. , Kozlov R. S. , Zverev V. V. , Achkasov S. I. , Kovalishena O. V. , Selkova E. P. , Safin A. L. , Grenkova T. A. , Khalif I. L. , Frolov S. A. , Kashnikov V. N. , Sushkov O. I.
Published: June 2019

ЦЕЛЬ ПУБЛИКАЦИИ. Познакомить практикующих врачей общей практики, терапевтов, гастроэнтерологов, инфекционистов, педиатров, бактериологов, врачей КДЛ, клинических эпидемиологов, врачей различных специальностей, преподавателей, аспирантов, ординаторов и студентов медицинских образовательным учреждений с новейшими рекомендациями НАСКИ и «Ассоциации колопроктологов России», основанными на принципах доказательной медицины, по диагностике, лечению и профилактике Clostridium difficile-ассоциированной диареи (CDI). ОСНОВНЫЕ ПОЛОЖЕНИЯ. В настоящих клинических рекомендациях изложен трёхэтапный алгоритм исследования Clostridium difficile-ассоциированной инфекции (CDI), которая является одной из основным причин нозокомиальной диареи. Ведущая роль в постановке диагноза принадлежит индикации возбудителя и детекции его токсинов. Трёхэтапный алгоритм исследования предназначен для быстрого и полного лабораторного выявления антибиотико-ассоциированным диарей, скрининга пациентов, поступающих в отделения эпидемиологического риска. Использование трёхэтапного алгоритма лабораторного исследования обеспечит правильную и своевременную диагностику, локальный микробиологический мониторинг и эпидемиологический надзор за CDI. ЗАКЛЮЧЕНИЕ. CDI характеризуется развитием диарейного синдрома, при этом наблюдаются значительные изменения в водноэлектролитном обмене. При отсутствии рациональной антибактериальной терапии CDI может прогрессировать, вызывая обширные воспалительные изменения в стенке толстой кишки с поверхностным некрозом слизистой оболочки и образованием «псевдомембран» (эксудативным бляшек), и сопровождается риском развития токсического мегаколон, перфорации стенки кишки, сепсиса.
SURGICAL TREATMENT OF PILONIDAL DESEASE (review)
Authors: Khubezov D. A. , Puchkov D. K. , Serebryansky P. V. , Lukanin R. V. , Ogoreltsev A. Y. , Krotkov A. R. , Ignatov I. S.
Published: June 2019

The treatment of pilonidal disease (PD) is extremely important now. Its incidence is up to 5% of the adults. PDtakes the fourth place among such coloproctological diseases as hemorrhoids, abscess and fistula-in-ano and anal fissure. The first experience of PD was described two centuries ago. During this period, various theories on etiology and pathogenesis of the disease were suggested. The western papers support the idea that the acquired genesis is a cause of PD. This point of view is the opposite to the countries of the former USSR, where pilonidal disease is considered as congenital pathology. Numerous procedures have been proposed because of the different theories of the etiopathogenesis if you take the point of view that the PD is a congenital disease it should be mentioned that the main goal of these methodsiselimination of pilonidal cyst with closure of the wound or without. If to consider PD as an acquired disease, the surgical break of pathogenetic mechanism is a key. Thisapproach includes: Bascom I, Cleft Lift, EPSiT procedures. Every procedure for PD has certain indications and contraindications. The aim of the review is to compare the main methods and determine their strengths and weaknesses. Unfortunately, today there is no "gold standard" in the treatment of pilonidal disease.
SYSTEMATIC REVIEW AND METAANALYSIS OF TRANSANAL ENDOSCOPIC MICROSURGERY VERSUS ENDOSCOPIC SUBMUCOSAL DISSECTION FOR RECTAL ADENOMAS AND EARLY RECTAL CANCER
Authors: Chernyshov S. V. , Tarasov M. A. , Nagudov M. A. , Mtvralashvili D. A. , Likutov A. , Rybakov E. G.
Published: June 2019

AIM: transanal endomicrosurgery (TEM) is the standard for organ-preserving treatment of patients with large adenomas and early rectal cancer. The advantage of TEM in comparison with other transanal methods of treatment of rectal tumors is the low frequency of R1 resections and fragmentation, which procudes a low level of local recurrences. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) is a new technology for superficial rectum tumors. This systematic review and meta-analysis compared safety and efficacy of ESD vs TEM for large adenoma and early colorectal cancer.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: a literature search and meta-analysis of the data was carried out in accordance with the English-language Medline database without restrictions on the publication date (end December 18, 2018) according to keywords: «endoscopic submucosal dissection», «esd», «endoscopic dissection», «tem», «tamis», «transanal endoscopic microsurgery», «transanal resection», «teo», «transanal endoscopic microsurgical excision». The systematic review includes all papers on the comparison of TEM and ESD for large adenomas and early rectal cancer. Statistical data processing was performed using Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS: four retrospective comparative studies were included in the analysis (215 patients). Groups were homogenous in the number of tumors (Odds ratio [OR]=1,19; 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.23-6.16) and size (p=0.55). The intraoperative morbidity included bleeding (p=0.54) and rectal perforation (p=0.32) was homogenous as well. The operation time in the ESD group was significantly longer by 32 minutes than TEM (OR=32.5;95% CI 17,7-47.4; p<0.0001). Postoperative stay was higher than in 1.6 times after TEM (OR=16.1; 95% CI 1.5-30.1; p=0.03). The antibiotics use after surgery was not significantly different in both groups (p=0.33). The en-bloc resections (p=0.66) and the rate of R1 resections (p=0.74) were not significantly different in both groups. The local recurrence rate was homogenous (p=0.95).

CONCLUSIONS: the ESD and TEM procedures are safe and effective techniques for local excision of adenomas and early colorectal cancer, but a randomized study is needed to prove the results.
Temperature Has a Greater Effect on Fruit Growth than Defoliation or Fruit Thinning in Strawberries in the Subtropics
Authors: Menzel Christopher M.
Published: June 2019

Fruit size declines in strawberries (Fragaria × ananassa Duch.) as the season progresses in many subtropical areas, possibly due to inadequate leaf area, over-cropping, or high temperatures. An experiment was conducted to investigate the importance of these factors on fruit growth in ‘Festival’ in Queensland, Australia. Groups of plants were defoliated to remove half of the mature leaves on each plant, thinned to remove all the inflorescences on each plant, or defoliated and thinned. Control plants were left intact. Defoliation, thinning, or defoliation + thinning decreased yield (total and/or marketable) by 15% to 24% compared with the control. Defoliation, or defoliation + thinning decreased average fruit weight (total and/or marketable fruit) by 1 to 2 g compared with the control, whereas thinning had the opposite effect. The incidence of small fruit increased towards the end of the season. There were strong relationships between fruit weight and average daily mean temperature in the seven weeks before harvest (R2s greater than 0.80). Fruit weight decreased from 24 g to 8 g as the temperature increased from 16 °C to 20 °C. This response was not affected by defoliation or thinning. The strong effect of temperature on fruit size indicates a problem for production in the future in the absence of heat-tolerant cultivars.
New Entropy-Based Similarity Measure between Interval-Valued Intuitionstic Fuzzy Sets
Authors: Mohamed Saida , Abdalla Areeg , John Robert
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we propose a new approach to constructing similarity measures using the entropy measure for Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets. In addition, we provide several illustrative examples to demonstrate the practicality and effectiveness of the proposed formula. Finally, we use the new proposed similarity measure to develop a new approach for solving problems of pattern recognition and multi-criteria fuzzy decision-making.
Tensor Decomposition for Salient Object Detection in Images
Authors: Zhou Junxiu , Tao Yangyang , Liu Xian
Published: June 2019

The fundamental challenge of salient object detection is to find the decision boundary that separates the salient object from the background. Low-rank recovery models address this challenge by decomposing an image or image feature-based matrix into a low-rank matrix representing the image background and a sparse matrix representing salient objects. This method is simple and efficient in finding salient objects. However, it needs to convert high-dimensional feature space into a two-dimensional matrix. Therefore, it does not take full advantage of image features in discovering the salient object. In this article, we propose a tensor decomposition method which considers spatial consistency and tries to make full use of image feature information in detecting salient objects. First, we use high-dimensional image features in tensor to preserve spatial information about image features. Following this, we use a tensor low-rank and sparse model to decompose the image feature tensor into a low-rank tensor and a sparse tensor, where the low-rank tensor represents the background and the sparse tensor is used to identify the salient object. To solve the tensor low-rank and sparse model, we employed a heuristic strategy by relaxing the definition of tensor trace norm and tensor l1-norm. Experimental results on three saliency benchmarks demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed tensor decomposition method.
EV-Associated miRNAs from Peritoneal Lavage are a Source of Biomarkers in Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Roman-Canal Berta , Moiola Cristian Pablo , Gatius Sònia , Bonnin Sarah , Ruiz-Miró Maria , González Esperanza , González-Tallada Xavier , Llordella Ivanna , Hernández Isabel , Porcel José M. , Gil-Moreno Antonio , Falcón-Pérez Juan M. , Ponomarenko Julia , Matias-Guiu Xavier , Colas Eva
Published: June 2019

Endometrial cancer (EC) is the sixth most common cancer in women worldwide and is responsible for more than 89,000 deaths every year. Mortality is associated with presence of poor prognostic factors at diagnosis, i.e., diagnosis at an advanced stage, with a high grade and/or an aggressive histology. Development of novel approaches that would permit us to improve the clinical management of EC patients is an unmet need. In this study, we investigate a novel approach to identify highly sensitive and specific biomarkers of EC using extracellular vesicles (EVs) isolated from the peritoneal lavage of EC patients. EVs of peritoneal lavages of 25 EC patients were isolated and their miRNA content was compared with miRNAs of EVs isolated from the ascitic fluid of 25 control patients. Expression of the EV-associated miRNAs was measured using the Taqman OpenArray technology that allowed us to detect 371 miRNAs. The analysis showed that 114 miRNAs were significantly dysregulated in EC patients, among which eight miRNAs, miRNA-383-5p, miRNA-10b-5p, miRNA-34c-3p, miRNA-449b-5p, miRNA-34c-5p, miRNA-200b-3p, miRNA-2110, and miRNA-34b-3p, demonstrated a classification performance at area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) values above 0.9. This finding opens an avenue for the use of EV-associated miRNAs of peritoneal lavages as an untapped source of biomarkers for EC.
Preventing the Solid Cancer Progression via Release of Anticancer-Cytokines in Co-Culture with Cold Plasma-Stimulated Macrophages
Authors: Kaushik Nagendra Kumar , Kaushik Neha , Adhikari Manish , Ghimire Bhagirath , Linh Nguyen Nhat , Mishra Yogendra Kumar , Lee Su-Jae , Choi Eun Ha
Published: June 2019

Non-thermal atmospheric pressure plasma sources operated in ambient environments are known to generate a variety of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species which could be applied for various biomedical applications. Herein, we fabricate a micro-dielectric barrier discharge plasma device by using screen-printing technology and apply it for studying immuno-stimulatory effects. We demonstrate a tumor-suppressive role for plasma-stimulated macrophages in metastatic solid cancers that directly elicit proliferation and are responsible for tumor relapse mediated by mesenchymal shift. Using microarray analysis, we observed that cold plasma stimulates and differentiates monocyte cells into macrophages as demonstrated by expression of several cytokine/chemokine markers. Moreover, plasma treatment stimulates the differentiation of pro-inflammatory (M1) macrophages to a greater extent. These stimulated macrophages favor anti-tumorigenic immune responses against metastasis acquisition and cancer stem cell maintenance in solid cancers in vitro. Differentiation of monocytes into anticancer macrophages could improve the efficacy of plasma treatment, especially in modifying pro-tumor inflammatory microenvironment through effecting highly resistant immunosuppressive tumor cells associated with tumor relapse.
A Topology Based Spatio-Temporal Map Algebra for Big Data Analysis
Authors: Gebbert Sören , Leppelt Thomas , Pebesma Edzer
Published: June 2019

Continental and global datasets based on earth observations or computational models challenge the existing map algebra approaches. The available datasets differ in their spatio-temporal extents and their spatio-temporal granularity, which makes it difficult to process them as time series data in map algebra expressions. To address this issue we introduce a new map algebra approach that is topology based. This topology based map algebra uses spatio-temporal topological operators (STTOP and STTCOP) to specify spatio-temporal operations between topological related map layers of different time-series data. We have implemented several topology based map algebra tools in the open source geoinformation system GRASS GIS and its open source cloud processing engine actinia. We demonstrate the application of our topology based map algebra by solving real world big data problems using a single algebraic expression. This included the massively parallel computation of the NDVI from a series of 100 Sentinel2A scenes organized as earth observation data cubes. The processing was performed and benchmarked on a many core computer setup and in a distributed container environment. The design of our topology based map algebra allows us to deploy it as a standardized service in the EU Horizon 2020 project openEO.
Tuning of Controllers in Power Systems Using a Heuristic-Stochastic Approach
Authors: Verdejo Humberto , Torres Rodrigo , Pino Victor , Kliemann Wolfgang , Becker Cristhian , Delpiano José
Published: June 2019

A method is proposed to fit parameters of Power System Stabilizer controllers in electromechanical multimachine power systems. The use of the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II heuristic method and Tabu search is considered to be initial search criteria. These methods give an approximation of the values that define the controllers. Then, the stochastic approach was used to evaluate the behavior of the parameters found when considering the system’s response to the presence of random and self-sustained in-time disturbances that affect the response of the system under steady state. The stochastic approach allows the evaluation of the system’s response through the calculation of the cost of energy loss under steady state. The method is applied to two systems: a three-machine nine-busbar system, and the Interconnected System of the Greater North (Sistema Interconectado del Norte Grande) in Chile. For these systems, the proposed methodology effectively optimized the controllers and Tabu search was shown to have a better performance than the Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm II.
Residential End-Use Energy Estimation Models in Korean Apartment Units through Multiple Regression Analysis
Authors: Lee Soo-Jin , Kim You-Jeong , Jin Hye-Sun , Kim Sung-Im , Ha Soo-Yeon , Song Seung-Yeong
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to develop a mathematical regression model for predicting end-use energy consumption in the residential sector. To this end, housing characteristics were collected through a field survey and in-depth interviews with residents of 71 households (15 apartment complexes) in Seoul, South Korea, and annual data on end-use energy consumption were collected from measurement systems installed within each apartment unit. Based on the data collected, correlativity between the field-survey data and end-use energy consumption was analyzed, and effective independent variables from the field-survey data were selected. Regression models were developed and validated for estimating six end uses of energy consumption: heating, cooling, domestic hot water (DHW), lighting, electric appliances, and cooking. Regression analysis for ventilation was not applied, and instead a calculation formula was derived, because the energy-consumption proportion was too low. The adj-R2 of the estimation model ranged from 0.406 to 0.703, and the maximum error between measured and estimated values was around ±30%, depending on the end use.
Multi-Footprint Constrained Energy Sector Planning
Authors: Lee Jui-Yuan , Lin Han-Fu
Published: June 2019

Fossil fuels have been heavily exploited since the Industrial Revolution. The resulting carbon emissions are widely regarded as being the main cause of global warming and climate change. Key mitigation technologies for reducing carbon emissions include carbon capture and storage (CCS) and renewables. According to recent analysis of the International Energy Agency, renewables and CCS will contribute more than 50% of the cumulative emissions reductions by 2050. This paper presents a new mathematical programming model for multi-footprint energy sector planning with CCS and renewables deployment. The model is generic and considers a variety of carbon capture (CC) options for the retrofit of individual thermal power generation units. For comprehensive planning, the Integrated Environmental Control Model is employed in this work to assess the performance and costs of different types of power generation units before and after CC retrofits. A case study of Taiwan’s energy sector is presented to demonstrate the use of the proposed model for complex decision-making and cost trade-offs in the deployment of CC technologies and additional low-carbon energy sources. Different scenarios are analysed, and the results are compared to identify the optimal strategy for the energy mix to satisfy the electricity demand and the various planning constraints.
Obstacle Avoidance Path Planning Design for Autonomous Driving Vehicles Based on an Improved Artificial Potential Field Algorithm
Authors: Wang Pengwei , Gao Song , Li Liang , Sun Binbin , Cheng Shuo
Published: June 2019

Obstacle avoidance systems for autonomous driving vehicles have significant effects on driving safety. The performance of an obstacle avoidance system is affected by the obstacle avoidance path planning approach. To design an obstacle avoidance path planning method, firstly, by analyzing the obstacle avoidance behavior of a human driver, a safety model of obstacle avoidance is constructed. Then, based on the safety model, the artificial potential field method is improved and the repulsive field range of obstacles are rebuilt. Finally, based on the improved artificial potential field, a collision-free path for autonomous driving vehicles is generated. To verify the performance of the proposed algorithm, co-simulation and real vehicle tests are carried out. Results show that the generated path satisfies the constraints of roads, dynamics, and kinematics. The real time performance, effectiveness, and feasibility of the proposed path planning approach for obstacle avoidance scenarios are also verified.
Effects of Injection Timing on Combustion and Emission Performance of Dual-Fuel Diesel Engine under Low to Medium Load Conditions
Authors: Zhou Hua , Zhao Hong-Wei , Huang Yu-Peng , Wei Jian-Hui , Peng Yu-Hui
Published: June 2019

A throttle can be installed on the intake pipe of a natural gas (NG)/diesel dual-fuel engine to control the excess air ratio of the air-fuel mixture by adjusting the air intake. Building on a previously proposed NG/diesel dual-fuel supply strategy using the adjustment of excess air ratio, this work further studied the effects of different injection timing schemes on output power, fuel efficiency, and pollutant emissions of a dual-fuel engine under low to medium load conditions. In the experiment, the engine was operated at a speed of 1600 r/min, under either low (27.1 N·m) or medium (50.6 N·m) loads, and the NG substitution rate was either 40%, 60%, or 80%. The effect of different injection timing schemes on the combustion performance of the engine under low to medium load conditions was studied based on in-cylinder pressure changes detected by a pressure sensor. Experimental results showed that under medium-speed low-load conditions and a NG substitution rate of 40%, setting the diesel injection timing to 27 °CA BTDC increased the engine output power by 9.03%, reduced the brake specific energy consumption (BSEC) by 13.33%, and effectively reduced CO, CO2, and HC emissions. Under medium-speed medium-load conditions with a NG substitution rate of 80%, setting the diesel injection timing to 25 °CA BTDC increased the engine output power by 14.62%, reduced the BSEC by 11.73%, and significantly reduced CO, CO2, and HC emissions.
Applicability Analysis of Klinkenberg Slip Theory in the Measurement of Tight Core Permeability
Authors: Zou Jirui , Yue Xiangan , An Weiqing , Gu Jun , Wang Liqi
Published: June 2019

The Klinkenberg slippage theory has widely been used to obtain gas permeability in low-permeability porous media. However, recent research shows that there is a deviation from the Klinkenberg slippage theory for tight reservoir cores under low-pressure conditions. In this research, a new experimental device was designed to carry out the steady-state gas permeability test with high pressure and low flowrate. The results show that, unlike regular low-permeability cores, the permeability of tight cores is not a constant value, but a variate related to a fluid-dynamic parameter (flowrate). Under high-pressure conditions, the relationship between flowrate and apparent permeability of cores with low permeability is consistent with Klinkenberg slippage theory, while the relationship between flowrate and apparent permeability of tight cores is contrary to Klinkenberg slip theory. The apparent permeability of tight core increases with increasing flowrate under high-pressure conditions, and it is significantly lower than the Klinkenberg permeability predicted by Klinkenberg slippage theory. The difference gets larger when the flowrate becomes lower (back pressure increases and pressure difference decreases). Therefore, the Klinkenberg permeability which is obtained by the Klinkenberg slippage theory by using low-pressure experimental data will cause significant overestimation of the actual gas seepage capacity in the tight reservoir. In order to evaluate the gas seepage capacity in a tight reservoir precisely, it is necessary to test the permeability of the tight cores directly at high pressure and low flowrate.
An Overview of the Production of Oxygenated Fuel Additives by Glycerol Etherification, Either with Isobutene or tert-Butyl Alcohol, over Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Estevez Rafael , Aguado-Deblas Laura , Luna Diego , Bautista Felipa M.
Published: June 2019

Biodiesel production has considerably increased in recent decades, generating a surplus of crude glycerol, which is the main drawback for the economy of the process. To overcome this, many scientists have directed their efforts to transform glycerol, which has great potential as a platform molecule, into value-added products. A promising option is the preparation of oxygenate additives for fuel, in particular those obtained by the etherification reaction of glycerol with alcohols or olefins, mainly using heterogeneous catalysis. This review collects up-to-date research findings in the etherification of glycerol, either with isobutene (IB) or tert-Butyl alcohol (TBA), highlighting the best catalytic performances reported. Furthermore, the experimental sets employed for these reactions have been included in the present manuscript. Likewise, the characteristics of the glycerol ethers–(bio)fuel blends as well as their performances (e.g., quality of emissions, technical advantages or disadvantages, etc.) have been also compiled and discussed.
Bridging User Perception and Stickiness in Business Microblog Contexts: A Moderated Mediation Model
Authors: Hsu Chien-Lung , Liao Yi-Chuan
Published: June 2019

This study develops a contingent mediation model to investigate whether user perception enhances customer stickiness through emotional connection and further assess such mediating effect varies with different adaptivity. A moderated mediation approach is adopted to test the hypotheses. Findings reveal the mediating role of emotional connection on the link between perceived usefulness and customer stickiness, but not moderated by adaptivity. On the other hand, the results showed that the relationship between perceived ease of use and customer stickiness is not mediated by emotional connection; however, after considering the moderating effect, our results show that moderated mediation exists.
Using Korean Dramas as a Precision Mental Health Education Tool for Asian Americans: A Pilot Study
Authors: Ta Park Van My , Olaisen R. Henry , Vuong Quyen , Rosas Lisa G. , Cho Mildred K.
Published: June 2019

Precision mental health (MH) holds great potential for revolutionizing MH care and reducing the burden of mental illness. Efforts to engage Asian Americans in precision MH research is necessary to help reduce MH disparities. Korean drama (“K-drama”) television shows may be an effective educational tool to increase precision MH knowledge, attitudes, and behaviors (KAB) among Asian Americans. This study determined whether KAB improved after participating in a K-drama precision MH workshop, and examined the participants’ perspectives about K-dramas’ utility as an educational tool. A K-drama precision MH workshop in English/Vietnamese/Korean was conducted with a convenience sample (n = 122). Pre-/post-tests on precision MH KAB (genetics and genetic testing, and MH and help-seeking) and a survey on K-dramas’ utility as an educational tool were administered. Findings revealed a significant difference in the pre- and post-test KAB scores overall, by genetics and genetic testing, and by MH and help-seeking. There were also significant increases in the overall post-test KAB scores by workshop (language) participation. Overall, participants responded positively on the utility of K-dramas as a precision MH educational tool. This study demonstrates the feasibility of K-drama as an innovative and widely available health education tool to educate communities about precision MH.
Effects of Sub-Acute Manganese Exposure on Thyroid Hormone and Glutamine (Gln)/Glutamate (Glu)-γ- Aminobutyric Acid (GABA) Cycle in Serum of Rats
Authors: Ou Chao-Yan , He Yong-Hua , Sun Yi , Yang Lin , Shi Wen-Xiang , Li Shao-Jun
Published: June 2019

Excessive manganese (Mn) exposure may adversely affect the central nervous system, and cause an extrapyramidal disorder known as manganism. The glutamine (Gln)/glutamate (Glu)–γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) cycle and thyroid hormone system may be involved in Mn-induced neurotoxicity. However, the effect of Mn on the Gln/Glu–GABA cycle in the serum has not been reported. Herein, the present study aimed to investigate the effects of sub-acute Mn exposure on the Gln/Glu–GABA cycle and thyroid hormones levels in the serum of rats, as well as their relationship. The results showed that sub-acute Mn exposure increased serum Mn levels with a correlation coefficient of 0.733. Furthermore, interruption of the Glu/Gln–GABA cycle in serum was found in Mn-exposed rats, as well as thyroid hormone disorder in the serum via increasing serum Glu levels, and decreasing serum Gln, GABA, triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) levels. Additionally, results of partial correlation showed that there was a close relationship between serum Mn levels and the detected indicators accompanied with a positive association between GABA and T3 levels, as well as Gln and T4 levels in the serum of Mn-exposed rats. Unexpectedly, there was no significant correlation between serum Glu and the serum T3 and T4 levels. In conclusion, the results demonstrated that both the Glu/Gln–GABA cycle and thyroid hormone system in the serum may play a potential role in Mn-induced neurotoxicity in rats. Thyroid hormone levels, T3 and T4, have a closer relationship with GABA and Gln levels, respectively, in the serum of rats.
High Prevalence of Respiratory Symptoms among Particleboard Workers in Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Asgedom Akeza Awealom , Bråtveit Magne , Moen Bente Elisabeth
Published: June 2019

Work in the wood industry might be associated with respiratory health problems. The production of particleboard used for furniture making and construction is increasing in many countries, and cause dust, endotoxin and formaldehyde exposure of the workers. The aim of the study was to assess the prevalence of respiratory symptoms and to measure lung function among Ethiopian particleboard workers using Eucalyptus trees as the raw material. In total 147 workers, 74 from particleboard production and 73 controls, participated in the study. Mean wood dust in the particleboard factories was measured to be above recommended limit values. Particleboard workers had a mean age of 28 years and the controls were 25 years. They had been working for 4 and 2 years, respectively. Lung function test was done using spirometry following American Thoracic Society (ATS) recommendations. Respiratory symptoms were collected using a standard questionnaire of ATS. Particleboard workers had higher prevalence of wheezing, cough, cough with sputum production, phlegm, and shortness of breath compared to controls. Lung function status was similar in the two groups. The symptoms might be related to the work in the factories. Longitudinal studies are recommended to explore the chronic impact of work in particleboard factories on respiratory health.
Influence of Childhood Asthma and Allergies on Occupational Exposure in Early Adulthood: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Dumas Orianne , Le Moual Nicole , Lowe Adrian J. , Lodge Caroline J. , Zock Jan-Paul , Kromhout Hans , Erbas Bircan , Perret Jennifer L. , Dharmage Shyamali C. , Benke Geza , Abramson Michael J.
Published: June 2019

We aimed to determine whether history of asthma/allergies in childhood was associated with avoidance of jobs with exposure to asthmagens in early adulthood. The Melbourne Atopic Cohort Study recruited 620 children at high risk of allergic diseases at birth (1990–1994). Asthma, hay fever and eczema were evaluated by questionnaires during childhood. A follow-up in early adulthood (mean age: 18 years) collected information on the current job. Occupational exposure to asthmagens/irritants was evaluated using a job-exposure matrix. The association between history of asthma/allergies in childhood and working in a job with exposure to asthmagens/irritants was evaluated by logistic regression, adjusted for age, sex and parental education. Among 363 participants followed-up until early adulthood, 17% worked in a job with exposure to asthmagens/irritants. History of asthma (35%) was not associated with working in an exposed job (adjusted OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 0.65–2.09). Subjects with history of hay fever (37%) and eczema (40%) were more likely to enter exposed jobs (significant for hay fever: 1.78, 1.00–3.17; but not eczema: 1.62, 0.91–2.87). In conclusion, young adults with history of allergies were more likely to enter exposed jobs, suggesting no avoidance of potentially hazardous exposures. Improved counselling against high risk jobs may be needed for young adults with these conditions.
The Quality of Caregivers for the Elderly in Long-Term Care Institutions in Zhejiang Province, China
Authors: Zeng Yuhang , Hu Xiaoqian , Li Yuanyuan , Zhen Xuemei , Gu Yuxuan , Sun Xueshan , Dong Hengjin
Published: June 2019

China is facing challenges in caring for older adults. This paper aimed to understand knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) regarding the quality of caregivers for the elderly in long-term care institutions in Zhejiang Province, and also to find related factors to improve the quality of caregivers. A cross-sectional survey was conducted from April to June 2016 in Zhejiang Province. In total, 84 caregivers were interviewed face-to-face with questionnaires on KAP towards elderly care. Multiple linear regression was used to find the related factors to KAP. A conceptual model was made to process path analysis among KAP and influencing factors using structural equation modeling. The study found that most caregivers in Zhejiang Province were middle-aged, female, and with a diploma below middle school. Many caregivers had not received any pre-employment training. Their salary was low although they undertook high-intensity work. Education and working years had a positive effect on knowledge and practice scores, and pre-employment training had a positive effect on knowledge and attitude scores. Knowledge and attitude regarding elderly care could positively affect elderly care practices. The quality of caregivers in Zhejiang Province was at a low level compared to developed countries. Continuous and regular elderly care training should be provided for caregivers to improve their elderly care knowledge and hence the quality of elderly care.
Effects of Pb(II) and Cr(VI) Stress on Phosphate-Solubilizing Bacteria (Bacillus sp. Strain MRP-3): Oxidative Stress and Bioaccumulation Potential
Authors: Shao Wen , Li Min , Teng Zedong , Qiu Bin , Huo Yaoqiang , Zhang Keyao
Published: June 2019

The aim of this work was to ascertain the effects of Pb(II) and Cr(VI) on bacterial growth, generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), as well as the localization of bioaccumulated heavy metals in a phosphate-solubilizing bacterium. The results showed that the ROS increased from 1.4-fold to 1.8-fold of control under Pb(II) stress and decreased from 1.6-fold to 1.1-fold of control under Cr(VI) stress corresponding to metal concentrations (0.5–5 mmol·L−1). The SOD activities were ROS dependent; however, the CAT activities increased under both Pb(II) and Cr(VI) stress, from 11.4 to 21.8 U·mg−1 and 11.4 to 32.9 U·mg−1, respectively. Intra/extracellular accumulation were investigated by scanning transmission electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (STEM-EDS) and it was calculated that extracellular accumulated Pb accounted for 61.7–95.9% of the total accumulation, while extracellular accumulated Cr only accounted for up to 3.6% of the total accumulation. Attenuated total reflection/Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (ATR-FTIR) analysis confirmed that the functional groups involved in those extracellular accumulation were not located in the loosely bound extracellular polysaccharides substances.