bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Game Theory‐Based Pathway Selection for Fair and Reciprocal Cooperation among Ports along the Maritime Silk Road
Authors: Feng Lin , Liu Longfang , Zhang He
Published: October 2019

The transport infrastructure connection is the fundamental base for the promotion of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road under the background of the Belt and Road Initiative. Ports, as the core elements in the connection, contribute to the practical infrastructure connections along the maritime road. A multihierarchical cooperation framework in between the ports and based on the fair and mutual benefit concept is the cornerstone of constructing the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and the engine fuelling the updation of Chinese seaports and growth. This paper first defines the port cooperation along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road and analyses the opportunity and challenges from the perspectives of the port‐industrial and the port‐region interaction. Then, it develops research into port cooperation, path selection, cooperation mechanisms, and application conditions in analysing port FDI, BOT, port alliances, multimode transport, and the institutional innovation of China’s ports. In conclusion, we develop a game theory selection analysis to study multiwin cooperation for port FDI in host countries along the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road.
Stable Switching Rule Design for Buck Converter via Affine Switched Systems
Authors: Li Jian , Wang Jingjing , Wang Quankang , Wang Yingzhou
Published: October 2019

This paper presents design and analysis of the switching rule based on affine switched systems, and simulation and experimental verifications are carried out for the Buck converter. Firstly, the switched system is modeled according to the dynamic characteristics of the Buck converter, and the affine switched systems are introduced. Secondly, a switching rule based on affine switched systems is introduced which takes the maximum Lyapunov function between the two sets of Lyapunov functions. Finally, the experiment verifies the closed loop control based on the Buck converter after the simulation. The real‐time switching signal of the model is the real‐time PWM waveform in the experiment. The experimental results show that the switching rule makes the system asymptotically stable.
Therapeutic Challenges for Elderly Patients with Primary Hyperparathyroidism
Authors: Sluis Kenneth , Kim Hyon , He Yuling , Wong Beatrice , Wang Xiangbing
Published: October 2019

Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) predominantly affects older adults, and parathyroidectomy can achieve definitive cure in symptomatic PHPT and asymptomatic meeting surgical criteria. As the population continues to age, the treatment of PHPT in octogenarians and nonagenarians presents a clinical conundrum. This case series presents the management of eight patients 85 years of age and older diagnosed with PHPT. A retrospective chart review of patients diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism were identified in a single institution. Those patients 85 years of age and older who were followed up for over one year were included in this case series. The literature on treatment options for this age group was also reviewed. Eight cases of PHPT patients aged 88 ± 2.5 years old with a follow-up average of 5.6 ± 4.4 years were reported in our case series. Six PHPT patients were medically managed and two PHPT patients underwent parathyroid resection. Most of the medically managed PHPT patients except for one had long-term stability of disease for over five years. The treatment of PHPT diagnosed in patients over 85 years of age presents a clinical challenge for which there is no clear consensus guideline. Our case series supports that medical therapy is a feasible option for PHPT patients over 85 years old.
Experimental Study on Drag Reduction Characteristics of Bionic Earthworm Self-Lubrication Surface
Authors: Liu Guomin , Wu Xueqiao , Zou Meng , Yan Yuying , Li Jianqiao
Published: October 2019

In the present study, a coupling bionic method is used to study the drag reduction characteristics of corrugated surface with lubrication. In order to test the drag reduction features, bionic specimen was prepared inspired by earthworm surface and lubrication. Based on the reverse engineering method, nonsmooth curve of earthworm surface was extracted and the bionic corrugated sample was designed, and the position of lubrication hole was established by experimental testing. The lubricating drag reduction performance, the influence of normal pressure, the forward velocity, and the flow rate of lubricating fluid on the forward resistance of the bionic specimens were analyzed through a single factor test by using the self-developed test equipment. The model between the forward resistance and the three factors was established through the ternary quadratic regression test. The results show that the drag reduction effect is obvious, the drag reduction rate is 22.65% to 34.89%, and the forward resistance decreases with the increase of the forward velocity, increases with the increase of the normal pressure, and decreases first and then becomes stable with the increase of flow rate of lubricating fluid. There are secondary effects on forward resistance by the three factors, and the influencing order is as follows: normal pressure>flow rate of lubricating fluid>forward velocity.
Lactobacillus inersIs Associated with Vaginal Dysbiosis in Healthy Pregnant Women: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Zheng Nengneng , Guo Renyong , Yao Yinyu , Jin Meiyuan , Cheng Yiwen , Ling Zongxin
Published: October 2019

Vaginal dysbiosis has been identified to be associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes, such as preterm delivery and premature rupture of membranes. However, the overall structure and composition of vaginal microbiota in different trimesters of the pregnant women has not been fully elucidated. In this study, the physiological changes of the vaginal microbiota in healthy pregnant women were investigated. A total of 83 healthy pregnant participants were enrolled, who are in the first, second, or third pregnancy trimester. Quantitative real-time PCR was used to explore the abundant bacteria in the vaginal microbiota. No significant difference in the abundance ofGardnerella,Atopobium,Megasphaera,Eggerthella,Leptotrichia/Sneathia, orPrevotellawas found among different trimesters, exceptLactobacillus. Compared with the first pregnancy trimester, the abundance ofL. inersdecreased in the second and third trimester while the abundance ofL. crispatuswas increased in the second trimester. Moreover, we also found that vaginal cleanliness is correlated with the present ofLactobacillus,Atopobium, andPrevotellaand leukocyte esterase is associated withLactobacillus,Atopobium,Gardnerella,Eggerthella,Leptotrichia/Sneathia, andPrevotella. For those whose vaginal cleanliness raised or leukocyte esterase became positive, the richness ofL. inersincreased, while that ofL. crispatusdecreased significantly. Our present data indicated that the altered vaginal microbiota, mainlyLactobacillus, could be observed among different trimesters of pregnancy andL. inerscould be considered as a potential bacterial marker for evaluating vaginal cleanliness and leukocyte esterase.
Influence of Flaw Inclination Angle on Cracking Behavior of Rock-Like Materials under Uniaxial Compression
Authors: Xu Rongchao
Published: October 2019

The inclination angle of the flaw has an important effect on the cracking behavior of fractured rock. The influence of the inclination angle of closed flaw on the strength, cracking behavior, failure modes, and AE behaviors of specimens has not been investigated thoroughly. Uniaxial compression tests were conducted on gypsum samples containing a single closed flaw with different inclination angles. The flaw orientation influence on strength, cracking mechanism, failure modes, and AE behaviors was analyzed in detail. With the increase of the flaw inclination angle from 30° to 75°, the mechanical parameters such as elastic modulus, wing crack initiation strength, and uniaxial compression strength decrease first and then increase and reach the minimum value at 45°. The wing crack initiation angle decreases from 65° to 35° as the flaw inclination angle increases from 30° to 75°. The wing crack is more difficult to initiate from the tips of closed flaws compared with that of open flaws. The secondary cracks are initially shear cracks and propagate in a stable manner. However,when the axial stress reaches the peak strength, the secondary crack propagates unstably, which results in the macroscopic failure of the sample. The AE behaviors of samples are also analyzed during the uniaxial compression test. The experimental results are expected to provide helpful guidance for safe construction under fractured rock mass condition.
Chemical Fingerprint and Metabolic Profile Analysis of Tianshu Tablets by Ultra-High Performance Liquid Chromatography/Quadrupole-Time of Flight Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Chen Lin , Chen Renhao , Ouyang Hui , Wang Qi , Li Zhifeng , Feng Yulin , Yang Shilin
Published: October 2019

In recent years, the chemical fingerprinting of traditional Chinese medicines and the metabolites in these compounds has been a hot topic. In the present study, the chemical fingerprint of Tianshu tablets (TST) and the metabolic characteristics of compounds in rats after intragastric administration were studied by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry (UPLC/Q-TOF MS). In a preliminary study, 77 chemical components in TST were determined by comparison with retention times, accurate molecular mass, and characteristic fragment ions of the known compounds in the literature and some well-known compounds were analyzed in detail, and the fragmentation pathways for parishins B, gastrodin A, and cnidilide or neocnilide were specifically analyzed. After intragastric administration of TST (4 g/kg) to rats, a total of 61 compounds were detected in plasma samples, including 7 prototypes and 54 metabolites. After further analysis, it was found that these metabolites were subjected to glucuronidation, sulfation, methylation, hydroxylation, dehydrogenation, or mixed metabolic processes. Hydroxylation and glucuronidation were finally confirmed as the main metabolic pathways. This is the first research on the chemical fingerprint and metabolites of TST, which lays a foundation for further investigation of TST.
Neoadjuvant PD-1 Immune Checkpoint Blockade Reverses Functional Immunodominance among Tumor Antigen–Specific T Cells
Authors: Friedman Jay , Moore Ellen C. , Zolkind Paul , Robbins Yvette , Clavijo Paul E. , Sun Lilian , Greene Sarah , Morisada Megan V. , Mydlarz Wojciech K. , Schmitt Nicole , Hodge James W. , Schreiber Hans , Van Waes Carter , Uppaluri Ravindra , Allen Clint
Published: October 2019

Purpose:

Surgical resection of primary tumor with regional lymphadenectomy remains the treatment of choice for patients with advanced human papillomavirus–negative head and neck squamous cell carcinoma. However, even when pathologic disease-free margins can be achieved, locoregional and/or distant disease relapse remains high. Perioperative immunotherapy may improve outcomes, but mechanistic data supporting the use of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment clinically are sparse.

Experimental Design:

Two syngeneic models of oral cavity carcinoma with defined T-cell antigens were treated with programmed death receptor 1 (PD-1) mAb before or after surgical resection of primary tumors, and antigen-specific T-cell responses were explored with functional and in vivo challenge assays.

Results:

We demonstrated that functional immunodominance developed among T cells targeting multiple independent tumor antigens. T cells specific for subdominant antigens expressed greater levels of PD-1. Neoadjuvant, but not adjuvant, PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade broke immunodominance and induced T-cell responses to dominant and subdominant antigens. Using tumors lacking the immunodominant antigen as a model of antigen escape, neoadjuvant PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade induced effector T-cell immunity against tumor cells lacking immunodominant but retaining subdominant antigen. When combined with complete surgical excision, neoadjuvant PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade led to formation of immunologic memory capable of preventing engraftment of tumors lacking the immunodominant but retaining subdominant antigen.

Conclusions:

Together, these results implicate PD-1 expression by T cells in the mechanism of functional immunodominance among independent T-cell clones within a progressing tumor and support the use of neoadjuvant PD-1 immune checkpoint blockade in patients with surgically resectable carcinomas.
m6A RNA Methylation Controls Proliferation of Human Glioma Cells by Influencing Cell Apoptosis
Authors: Li Feng , Zhang Chao , Zhang Guifang
Published: October 2019

Glioma, as one of the most aggressive tumors, is hardly cleaned by surgical removal, leading to a low survival rate. m6A is an internal modification in RNA and plays an important role in many kinds of cancers. In our study, we detected that the m6A level was decreased in glioma tissue, which might be caused by decreased METTL3 and increased FTO levels. We upregulated the m6A level in U251 cells by overexpressing METTL3. The results showed that a high level of m6A led to a reduced migration and proliferation ability, and vice versa. Finally, we performed a TUNEL assay and showed that m6A regulated cell proliferation by influencing apoptosis of U251 cells through regulating HSP90 expression.
Nutritional Status Assessment in Children and Adolescents with Various Levels of Physical Activity in Aspect of Obesity
Authors: Słowik Jerzy , Grochowska-Niedworok Elżbieta , Maciejewska-Paszek Izabela , Kardas Marek , Niewiadomska Ewa , Szostak-Trybuś Magdalena , Palka-Słowik Maria , Irzyniec Tomasz
Published: October 2019

Introduction: A rational way of nourishment, combined with adequate physical activity, are the basic components of maintaining proper body condition. Objective: The aim of the study was to evaluate nutritional status among children and adolescents with different levels of physical activity. Methods: The study group consisted of 1,013 students of both genders aged between 7 and 18 years attending elementary and post-primary schools (general and sports profile) in Siemianowice Slaskie. Results: The crude body mass index (BMI) values ranged from 12.78 to 35.3. Body mass within the limits of arbitrary standard referred to 70% of the examined group, overweight or obesity was found in over 25%. Percentage of body fat (FATP) values ranged from 5.7 to 45.2%. Conclusions: A significant number of children and adolescents were overweight or obese based on BMI categories and FATP values. Overweight and obesity were most common among younger children, particularly boys. Higher torso FATP levels were more common among sports-oriented class students. BMI is not a good tool for the determination of the nutritional status of children and adolescents, while the bioelectric impedance method enables one to conduct a precise analysis of adipose tissue content and location. Sports-oriented elementary school students from the study group were characterized by higher FATP values.
Predictors of Occult Lymph Node Metastasis and Prognosis in Patients with cN0 T1–T2 Supraglottic Laryngeal Carcinoma: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wang Shi-Xu , Ning Wen-Juan , Zhang Xi-Wei , Tang Ping-Zhang , Li Zheng-Jiang , Liu Wen-Sheng
Published: October 2019

Background: This work aimed to explore the predictors of lymph node metastasis (LNM) and analyze the prognosis of patients with clinically node-negative (cN0) T1–T2 supraglottic laryngeal carcinoma (SGLC). Methods: Data for 130 patients with cN0 T1–T2 SGLC who initially underwent surgery were retrospectively reviewed. Occult LNM incidence, relevant factors, and prognosis were analyzed. Results: Of the 130 patients with cN0 T1–T2 SGLC, 21 (16.2%) had occult LNM. Based on univariate and multivariable regression analyses, male sex and poor tumor differentiation predicted the incidence of occult LNM. The incidence of occult LNM was 20.9% in males and 5.1% in females (p = 0.035). Patients with poorly differentiated tumors had a higher incidence of occult LNM (42.9%) than patients with well-differentiated (10.3%) and moderately differentiated tumors (14.3%; p < 0.05). Thirteen patients (10%) had cervical recurrence, and all had T2 tumors (p = 0.02). The 5-year disease-specific survival rates were 70 and 90% for patients with and without LNM, respectively (p = 0.000). Conclusions: Sex and tumor differentiation are potential predictors of occult nodal disease. Female patients with cN0 T1–T2 SGLC are less likely than male patients to have neck metastasis. Poorly differentiated tumors are associated with the frequency of neck metastasis, and selective neck dissection is strongly recommended for these tumors.
Exploring Consistency and Variation in Fibreoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing Practice in Australia
Authors: Cimoli Michelle , Oates Jennifer , McLaughlin Emma , Langmore Susan E.
Published: October 2019

Background: Fibreoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing (FEES) is an imaging technique used by speech-language pathologists (SLPs) and some other health professionals to assess swallowing. Objectives: The primary aim was to gain an insight into FEES practices in Australia by characterising SLPs who use FEES and identifying areas of consistency and variation in practice. The secondary aim was to explore factors associated with variation in practice. Method: Cross-sectional survey methodology was used. The link to a web-based survey was e-mailed to 351 SLPs who practised in adult dysphagia. Results: The participation rate for the study was 18.8% (n = 66). Twenty-two SLPs (38.6%) used FEES. These SLPs represented a cross-section of workplace settings, caseloads, clinical and training experiences. Consistency and variation in FEES procedural and assessment practices were identified. Some procedural aspects of FEES varied according to whether a medical practitioner was present, type of FEES training, and number of FEES conducted per month. Conclusion: This research represents a benchmark in the knowledge of how FEES is used in Australia. Despite the small number of participants, the findings provide a foundation from which future research questions can be generated. More extensive examination of the use of FEES by SLPs is warranted. Further research is also required to establish methods for attaining and maintaining competency and to achieve consensus on which aspects of swallowing are assessed when using FEES and how the examination should be conducted.
Teachers’ and Children’s Experiences after an Acoustic Intervention and a Noise-Controlling Workshop in Two Elementary Classrooms
Authors: Pirilä Sirpa , Jokitulppo Jaana , Niemitalo-Haapola Elina , Yliherva Anneli , Rantala Leena
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Treating sources of noise is a novel aspect of voice ergonomics intended to enhance the preconditions for good voice production and easy listening. Objective: To improve experiences of listening and voice ergonomics in classrooms. Methods: Participants were two female elementary school teachers with voice symptoms and their pupils (n = 50). Two interventions were performed: the acoustic intervention and then the workshop intervention where the teachers and pupils were active. Teachers’ voice symptoms and pupils’ and teachers’ experiences of the interventions were elicited by questionnaire. Results: The teacher with many voice symptoms experienced more annoyance from sounds and benefitted more from the interventions. After the interventions both teachers suffered fewer voice breaks and voice symptoms such as lump and mucus in the throat. The pupils reported improvement in the teachers’ voice clarity and audibility (p = 0.001). Pupils aged 12–13 years were more annoyed by sounds than those aged 8–9 years (p = 0.003). The older pupils experienced less sound annoyance after both interventions and the younger ones after the workshop intervention. Conclusions: The importance of good acoustics and individuals’ ability to improve voice ergonomics and listening conditions was demonstrated.
Microbiological Control of Cellular Products: The Relevance of the Cellular Matrix, Incubation Temperature, and Atmosphere for the Detection Performance of Automated Culture Systems
Authors: Günther Susanne-Katharina , Geiss Celina , Kaiser Stefan J. , Mutters Nico T. , Günther Frank
Published: October 2019

Background: The microbiological control of cellular products sometimes causes significant procedural issues for quality control laboratories. According to the European Pharmacopoeia (EP), the microbiological control of cellular products requires a 7- to 14-day incubation period at two different incubation temperatures using aerobic and anaerobic growth media. However, the suitability of these test conditions for efficient quality control can be influenced by many conditions, such as the expected microbial spectrum of contamination or the texture and composition of the cellular product. Because of interference, direct inoculation and membrane filtration as reference methods of pharmacopoeia are largely unsuitable for the microbiological control of cellular products; therefore, alternative and, above all, automated methods are the focus of interest. Objective: The aim of our study was to evaluate the method suitability and possible effects of cell matrix, incubation temperature, and oxygen pressure on the detection performance of automated culture systems. Methods: The BacT/ALERT® 3DTM Dual T system (bioMérieux, Nürtingen, Germany) was used to evaluate the factors influencing automated microbiological control of cellular products. The tests were performed using microbial strains recommended by the EP for microbiological method suitability testing and additional relevant possible contaminants of human-derived stem-cell products under varying culture and cell matrix conditions. Results: All contaminants were detected by the system in the required period of 2–5 days. Low incubation temperatures (22°C) had overall negative effects on the detection kinetics of each type of microbial contamination. The adverse effects of the accompanying cell matrix on the detection properties of the system could be compensated in our study by incubation at 32°C in both the aerobic and the anaerobic culture conditions. Conclusion: Automated culture techniques represent a sufficient approach for the microbiological control of cellular products. The negative effects of the cell matrix and microbial contamination on the detection performance can be compensated by the application of variable culture conditions in the automated culture system.
A Self-Reported Version of the Measurements in the Addictions for Triage and Evaluation-Q: Concurrent Validity with the MATE 2.1
Authors: Oudejans Suzan , de Weert-van Oene Gerdien , Spits Masha , de Wildt Wencke , Merkx Maarten , Dekker Jack , Visch Irene , Goudriaan Anneke
Published: October 2019

Introduction: Substance abuse treatment centers require reliable and valid instruments to monitor treatment progress, to evaluate treatment effectiveness, and to initiate clinical trials. Currently the Measurements in the Addictions for Triage and Evaluation (MATE) 2.1, an instrument that serves these purposes, is considered quite lengthy and intensive, especially in the case of allocation to milder treatment intensity. Therefore, a self-reported version of the MATE-Q was designed for patients with mild to moderate substance-abuse and co-occurring problems. The aim of the present study was to assess concurrent validity with the interviewer version of the MATE (version 2.1). Materials and Methods: Data were collected at 2 locations of a Dutch substance abuse treatment center, one location in a large city and one in a suburban area. A correlational design was employed, where each included participant completed a MATE-Q and a MATE 2.1 within 3 days or less (administered at intake, before treatment initiation). A total of 98 treatment-seeking patients were included (51.0% alcohol as a primary problem, 19.4% cannabis, 14.3% gambling and 6.1% cocaine). Measurements included the MATE-Q and the MATE 2.1. Intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for single measures were calculated, deploying the 2-way mixed procedure with absolute agreement. Descriptives of scores comprise means and Cronbach’s alpha for internal consistency. Results: For the majority (15 out of 24) of the scores ICCs were equal or above 0.7. For 93 patients (95%), the primary problem substance or problem behavior was reported correspondingly. Nine MATE-Q mean scores differed significantly from their MATE 2.1 counterparts. Discussion/Conclusion: For the majority of scores, the MATE-Q has acceptable concurrent validity for the assessment of patients with mild to moderate substance abuse and co-occurring problems.
ОЦІНКА ДІЯЛЬНОСТІ ГАСТРОЕНТЕРОЛОГІЧНОЇ СЛУЖБИ У ВІННИЦЬКІЙ ОБЛАСТІ ЗА 2016–2018 рр.
Authors: Komar O. M. , Kizlova N. M.
Published: October 2019

Мета: оцінити діяльність гастроентерологічної служби у Вінницькій області за 2016–2018 рр. шляхом вивчення регіональних трендів поширеності, захворюваності, госпіталізації й летальності від хвороб органів травлення (ХОТ).

Матеріали і методи. Для оцінки діяльності гастроентерологічної служби у Вінницькій області обрано такі тренди: поширеність, захворюваність, рівень госпіталізації та летальності від хвороб органів травлення з поглибленим їх аналізом за нозологічними формами. Віковим контингентом для дослідження виокремлено доросле населення регіону. Аналізу та статистичній обробці підлягали дані, взяті з національної електронної медичної інформаційної системи eHealth. Методи дослідження – епідеміологічний, медико-статистичний.

Результати. Оцінка регіональних трендів поширеності й захворюваності хвороб органів травлення на 10 000 до­рослого населення виявила щорічне їх зниження, особливо вперше виявлених захворювань, показник наочності якого склав (-) 16,9 % (з 233,0 у 2016 р. до 193,7 у 2018 р.), поширеність ХОТ – (-) 8,93 % (з 2261,1 до 2059,2 відповідно).

Відзначено зростання частоти госпіталізації ХОТ за п’ятьма нозологічними формами (за показником наочності): диспепсія – (+) 30,28 %, проривна виразка шлунка та дванадцятипалої кишки – (+) 19,38 %, гастроезофагеальний рефлюкс – (+) 18,12 %, жовчнокам’яна хвороба, холецистит, холангіт – (+) 10,8 %, цироз печінки – (+) 8,95 %.

з’ясовано, що темп росту рівня летальності від ХОТ у 2018 р. до попереднього склав (+) 101,6 % (з 1,25 до 1,27), у тому числі за нозологічними формами: жовчнокам’яна хвороба, холецистит, холангіт – (+) 110,5 %, виразка шлунка та дванадцятипалої кишки – (+) 103,8 %, цироз печінки – (+) 102,5 %.

Висновки. Досліджені тренди поширеності, захворюваності, госпіталізації та летальності від хвороб органів травлення довели накопичення обтяженої ресурсомісткої хронічної патології шлунково-кишкового тракту та гепатобіліарної системи, вартість медичних процедур яких є найвищою. Причиною існуючої тенденції у розповсюдженні ХОТ є поєднаний вплив несприятливих чинників державного, системного й індивідуального характеру, які призводять до щорічного погіршення стану здоров’я населення України.
ВИКОРИСТАННЯ БІОСЕНСОРІВ ДЛЯ МОНІТОРИНГУ НАВКОЛИШНЬОГО СЕРЕДОВИЩА
Authors: Martsenyuk V. P. , Zhulkevych I. V. , Sverstiuk A. S. , Melnyk N. A. , Kozodii N. V. , Berezovska I. B.
Published: October 2019

Мета: розглянути класифікацію біосенсорів (за типом перетворювача), принцип їх роботи, галузі застосування біосенсорів залежно від виду забруднювачів навколишнього середовища та основні напрямки подальшого розвитку біосенсорних технологій.

Матеріали і методи. У дослідженні застосовано бібліосемантичний та аналітичний методи.

Результати. Біосенсор є портативним аналітичним пристроєм, що складається з чутливого елемента біологічного походження та фізико-хімічного перетворювача. Його устаткування має такі компоненти: біорецептор, перетворювач, процесор сигналу на виході. Біосенсори класифікуються відповідно до біорецептора (ферменти, імуноафінність, ДНК і цілі мікробні клітини) чи перетворювача (електрохімічний, оптичний, п’єзоелектричний, електрохімічний та тепловий біосенсори). Як біосенсори, так і біологічні прилади можна використовувати як інструменти контролю параметрів навколишнього середовища – для оцінки фізичного, хімічного та біологічного моніторингу забруднювальних речовин у довкіллі. Основні програми біосенсорів призначено для виявлення та контролю різних забруднювальних речовин, включно солі важких металів, органічні та неорганічні забруднювачі, токсини, антибіотики і мікроорганізми.

Висновки. Застосування сучасних нанотехнологічних біосенсорів має великий потенціал для екологічного моніторингу та для виявлення забруднювальних речовин, оскільки дані біологічні пристрої є портативними і дають змогу проводити вимірювання в режимі реального часу. Принцип роботи біосенсора ґрунтується на здатності фіксування біологічного матеріалу, відбувається за допомогою фізичного або мембранного захоплення, нековалентних або ковалентних зв’язків.
Consumo de bebidas alcoólicas em estudantes de enfermagem de um centro universitário
Authors: Fernandes Márcia Astrês , Moita Frankiana Medeiros , Nascimento Marcelo Pereira Vieira , Santos José Diego Marques , Paiva Miguel Henrique Pereira de
Published: October 2019

OBJETIVO: investigar o padrão de consumo de álcool em estudantes de enfermagem de um Centro Universitário.MÉTODOS: trata-se de um estudo exploratório, descritivo, com abordagem quantitativa, desenvolvido com 372 estudantes de enfermagem de um Centro Universitário. Os dados foram coletados no mês de maio de 2014, mediante aplicação de um questionário sociodemográfico e da escala de AUDIT.RESULTADOS: evidenciou-se que 90,6% dos acadêmicos usam ou já fizeram uso de bebida alcoólica. Quando avaliado o resultado por zona do AUDIT, evidenciou-se que a maioria dos entrevistados 162 (44%) foi classificada na Zona II.CONCLUSÃO: torna-se relevante a condução de futuras pesquisas para desvendar fatores de proteção e de risco para o uso de álcool.
Mysticism Matters: Distinguishing between Intrinsic Religiosity, Extrinsic Religiosity, and Spirituality Using Higher-order Factors of Personality and Mysticism
Authors: Campbell Matthew L. , Lee Sherman A. , Cothran D. Lisa
Published: October 2019

The current study was designed to examine factors of personality and mystical experience that might predict the extent to which participants were intrinsically religious, extrinsically religious, and/or spiritual, while controlling for gender and race. Data from 777 introductory psychology students were used. Hypotheses were partially supported with three hierarchical multiple regression analyses. The personality factors traditionalism and transformation were found to be modest differentiating predictors of the three criterion variables. However, the three factors of mysticism, introvertive, extrovertive, and religious interpretation mysticism, were found to predict substantial differentiating variance between intrinsic religiosity and spirituality.
Contributions to the Andean Senecioneae (Compositae)—II. Werneria lanatifolia, a new species from central Andes

Authors: CALVO JOEL , MENESES ROSA I.
Published: October 2019

Werneria lanatifolia is described as a new species from the central Andes. It is a minute plant characterized by a lanate indumentum on the adaxial leaf surface and involucre. The new species is compared with the morphologically closest taxa and useful characters for its proper identification are provided. Detailed pictures of living plants, a distribution map, and a dichotomous key including the species allied to W. lanatifolia are also presented.
LutzoDex™—A digital key for Brazilian sand flies (Diptera, Phlebotominae)
within an Android App
Authors: DE ALMEIDA ROCHA DOUGLAS , DE ALMEIDA MAXWELL RAMOS , DE SENA BATISTA JAINAINE ABRANTES , DE ANDRADE ANDREY JOSÉ
Published: October 2019

Here we present an Android mobile application (app) for the identification of Brazilian phlebotomine sand fly species. The app, which is named LutzoDex™, relies on information included in a data source with morphological and morphometrical characters. This tool can present up to seven answer options to a question. Images of morphological structures can be referenced to make identification easier, and users can see a list of possible species based on the features they report. Maps are also used to determine the geographical distribution and whether the species is incriminated or suspected as a vector of Leishmania spp. in Brazil. The app is available free of charge in both English and Portuguese in the Google Play Store at https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=max.com.lutzodex&hl=pt_BR.
Radioactivity Levels of Some Natural Stones in Burdur, Turkey
Authors: Akkurt İskender , Günoğlu Kadir
Published: October 2019

Radionuclides such as uranium, thorium and potassium have existed in the environment since the world's existence. It is important to know the distribution of these radionuclides in terms of human health and environmental protection. For this reason, the measurements of these natural
radionuclides were made for the 6 stone samples extracted in the province of Burdur. To measure the natural activity concentrations of potassium-40, radium-226 and thorium-232 radionuclides, a gamma spectrometry method was used with a NaI (T1) detector which is a multichannel analytical detector
in the gamma spectrometer laboratory of Suleyman Demirel University. The average activity concentrations of 40K, 226Ra and 232Th were 290.53 Bq/kg, 35.49 Bq/kg and 42.88 Bq/kg, respectively. To evaluate the radiological hazard of natural radioactivity to humans
and the environment, radium equivalent activity, absorbed dose ratio, annual effective dose ratio, internal and external hazard indices were calculated. These calculated values were found to be suitable with the standard limit values.
강박성: 감정적 진실 및 심미적 대상과의 접촉을 조율하기 Obsessionality: Modulating the Encounter with Emotional Truth and the Aesthetic Object
Authors: 버그스틴 (Avner Bergstein) 애브너
Published: October 2019

자폐성 및 원시적 정신상태에 대한 경험은 강박성의 이해에 시사하는 바가 크다. 여기서 강박성은, 강렬한 감정 경험, 그리고 자신의 전능한 통제 밖에 존재하는 불가사의한 대상 (enigmatic object) 과의 분리사실을 당면할 때 기본적으로 수반되는 고통에 대처하기 위하여 경험을 대대적으로 단순화시키려는 시도라고 볼 수 있다. 더 나아가, 강박성 사고와 다변(verbosity)으로의 철퇴는 종종 생애 초기의 상실 경험과 분리성에 대한 때이른 자각과 연관이 있는데, 대상을 전적으로 통제하고 있다는 착각을 유지하기 위해 동원된다. 갈등상태인 욕망에 대한 해석이나, 마음의 억압되고 전치된 부분들 및 이들을 향한 방어를 언급하는 개입은, 이 환자군에서는 유의미한 치료적 변화를 가져오지 못한다. 나는 대안으로 이 환자들과는 원시적이고 비상징적인 (nonsymbolic) 정신기능 수준에서 작업을 할 것을 제안하는데, 이는 경험이 언어로 전달되고 역동적으로 해석되기 이전에 분석상황의 지금 여기에서 우선 겪어져야 한다는 의미이다. 나는 초기 상실의 경험을 감당하기 위해 자신의 감정을 죽이고 강박성으로 도피하는 한 환자의 분석사례를 통해 이러한 접근을 그려보고자 한다.
Yolk Sac Tumors of the Head and Neck in Aicardi Syndrome
Authors: Epperson Madison V. , Born Hayley L. , Wang Dehua , Myer Charles M.
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

To understand that yolk sac tumors (YSTs) of the head and neck (H&N) are exceedingly rare and typically carry a poor prognosis. To acknowledge the possibility of increased incidence in patients with Aicardi Syndrome and the ramifications this has on early diagnosis and treatment in this population.

Methods:

To date, four germ cells tumors of the H&N have been reported in patients with Aicardi Syndrome. This report presents the second known case of a H&N YST in a patient with Aicardi syndrome. In both cases, the patient was initially misdiagnosed given unconvincing radiologic evidence. However, tissue diagnosis and elevated alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) levels were suggestive of a YST.

Results:

In contrast to the poor prognosis previously described, both patients with Aicardi syndrome had an excellent chemotherapeutic response exhibited by normalization of AFP levels and imaging.

Conclusions:

Rare germ cell tumors of the H&N, such as YSTs, have now been documented in several patients with Aicardi syndrome, indicating a possible association given the rarity of these tumors in the population. YSTs should be considered in the differential diagnosis of H&N masses in these patients, with emphasis on early tissue diagnosis and treatment.
The Impact of Medical Scribes on Patient Satisfaction in an Academic Otolaryngology Clinic
Authors: Keefe Katherine R. , Levi Jessica R. , Brook Christopher D.
Published: October 2019

Objectives:

Evidence shows that scribes can improve provider efficiency and satisfaction in several settings, but is mixed on whether scribes improve patient satisfaction. We studied whether scribes improved patient satisfaction in an academic otolaryngology clinic.

Methods:

The authors performed a retrospective review of patient responses to the Press Ganey survey between 12/2016 and 12/2017. Their responses about satisfaction with the provider and wait times were examined. Three providers worked with scribes during this year; each spent six months with a scribe and six without. The authors compared survey responses from periods with and without scribes using the Fischer exact test. Average overall provider ratings were compared using the Student’s t-test.

Results:

A total of 87 patients filled out Press Ganey surveys for the 3 providers over the year: 54 for visits without scribes, and 33 for visits with scribes. Fischer exact analysis demonstrated no significant difference in satisfaction with providers and wait times for both individual providers and all providers combined (all P > .05). There was also no difference in patients’ likelihood of recommending the provider’s office ( P = .91). Overall provider rating (0-10 scale) was high without scribes (9.48 ± 1.06) and was unchanged by the presence of scribes (9.53 ± 0.8) ( P = .97).

Conclusion:

Patient satisfaction with wait times and providers was high overall and was not affected by the presence of a medical scribe.
Greenland’s Arctic advantage: Articulations, acts and appearances of sovereignty games
Authors: Jacobsen Marc
Published: October 2019

Greenland representatives successfully use the renewed international geostrategic interest in the Arctic to enhance Greenland’s foreign policy sovereignty. This is facilitated by Denmark’s dependence on Greenland’s geographic location and continuous membership of the Danish Realm for maintaining the status of an Arctic state, which recently has become one of the five most important security and foreign policy priorities. The dependency gives Greenland an ‘Arctic advantage’ in negotiations with Denmark, while turning circumpolar events into strategic arenas for sovereignty games in the aim to move the boundary of what Greenland may do internationally without Danish involvement. This article analyzes how these games unfold in the Arctic Council, at the high-level Ilulissat meetings and at circumpolar conferences where Greenland representatives articulate, act and appear more foreign policy sovereignty through outspoken discontent, tacit gestures and symbolic alterations. Altogether, this contributes to the expanding of Greenland’s foreign policy room for maneuver within the current legal frameworks, while enhancing Greenland’s international status and attracting external investments, important in their striving towards becoming a state with full formal Westphalian sovereignty.
Engaged yet excluded: The processual, dispersed, and political dynamics of boundary work
Authors: Glimmerveen Ludo , Ybema Sierk , Nies Henk
Published: October 2019

What happens when people try to ‘transcend’ organizational boundaries and engage with so-called outsiders? Current boundary-work literature does not fully account for the processual, dispersed, and political dynamics triggered by such efforts. To address this shortcoming, this article builds on an ethnographic study of a professional care provider’s attempts to engage local citizens within one of its care homes. We analyze how actors negotiate the parameters of outsider engagement – that is, how they interactively (re-)erect and (re-)efface boundaries between actors (Who is engaged?), issues (What is their engagement about?), and positions of authority (Does local engagement affect central decision-making?). We contribute to extant theorizing by, first, explicitly scrutinizing boundary work’s temporal and spatial dynamics. Testifying to the importance of analyzing temporal sequences, we show how attempts at transcending boundaries intensified boundary work on multiple organizational platforms. Paradoxically, inclusionary efforts evoked exclusionary effects (and vice versa) as actors came to contest and, eventually, redefine ‘appropriate’ insider–outsider relations. Second, our analysis highlights how the political effectiveness of an inclusive and non-hierarchical approach still, ironically, depends on ongoing hierarchical support and managerial enforcement. Third, our article makes a case for the adoption of long-term, multi-sited methodologies when studying the everyday dynamics of boundary-work processes.
Community Participation in Mahikeng Local Municipality: Power Relations Perspective
Authors: Masuku Mandla Mfundo , Molope Mokgadi Patience
Published: October 2019

In South Africa, community members have the constitutional right to partake in local governance and the local municipal council has the constitutional mandate to facilitate community participation. Qualitative research was used to assess the impact of power relations on community participation in the Mahikeng Local Municipality. The study findings indicate that power differentials contributed to the abandonment of the legislative provisions in the Mahikeng Local Municipality in the North-West Province of South Africa. Among other things, this paper recommends finalisation of the draft public participation framework. The framework should clearly identify and define the roles of the community, elected councillors and traditional authorities. The paper recommends the development of a strategy that includes clear and comprehensive public participation guidelines, protocols and processes to facilitate implementation of the framework. In consultation with the community, a detailed community participation schedule must be developed, implemented and continuously monitored and evaluated.
Education Policy and Black Teachers: Perspectives on Race, Policy, and Teacher Diversity
Authors: White Terrenda , Woodward Brian , Graham DaVonna , Milner H. Richard , Howard Tyrone C.
Published: October 2019

This article examines interview responses from prominent education researchers who were asked to consider the role of major educational policies in the underrepresentation of Black teachers in public schools. Participants considered policies related to accountability and market reforms including testing, school choice and charter schools, and alternative teacher education. Although participants agreed that Black teachers contribute greatly to academic achievement for students, their views differed about whether or how policies undermine the presence of Black teachers in schools. We offer conceptual distinctions between participants’ views, including those who described policy as having a mixed impact on Black teachers, those who described policy as having an unintended but harmful impact, and those who described policy as playing a tacit role in systemic marginalization of Black teachers and as a form of institutional racism. We find benefit in all participants’ views and offer suggestions for initiatives that seek to strengthen workforce diversity.
Microvascular network optimization of self-healing materials using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II and experimental validation
Authors: Li Peng , Liu Genzhu , Liu Yuan , Huang Jingyong
Published: October 2019

Self-healing is a new strategy for crack defect which is the main reason for the failure of composites. As an extrinsic self-healing system, the microvascular network system is capable of multiple healing cycles and rapid healing of large area damage. However, the embedment of micropipe network will affect the performance of matrix material. In this article, a microvascular network of self-healing material is optimized using non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm II. Two objective functions head loss and void volume fraction are considered. Finite element analysis and Hardy Cross iteration are performed to achieve the quantization of objective functions. One hundred sixty-five optimized solutions were obtained, and the void volume fraction was within the limits of [4.19%, 5.13%], whereas the head loss was within the limits of [9.63×10−7 m, 6.51×10−6 m]. According to the optimization results, the network was prepared and tested to validate the design and feasibility. The test result shows that the void volume fraction of the prepared network is 3.77%, lower than the designed value 4.43% which has a little effect on the matrix material. The network is interconnected and the healing agent can flow freely in it. The embedded network does not reduce the performance of epoxy resin. The optimization of microvascular network balances the mechanical properties and self-repairing properties of the matrix material.
Experimental study on pressure pulses in long-distance gas pipeline during the pigging process
Authors: Zhou Jun , Deng Tao , Peng Jinghong , Liang Guangchuan , Zhou Xuan , Gong Jing
Published: October 2019

Long-distance gas pipelines generally have complex, undulating sections. Trapped air pockets are often present at the high points or ends of pipelines. This article carries out an experimental research to figure out the transient changes. First of all, under the condition of using the pig with 231 g and the injection pressure of 0.3 MPa, the hydraulic pulse increases from 0.31 to 0.54 MPa as the liquid level rises from 1 to 8 m. And at the liquid level of 8 m, the injection pressure grows from 0.3 to 0.75 MPa and the hydraulic pulse from 0.54 to 0.95 MPa. When the interception air mass is located at the blind side of the pipeline’s end, the injection pressure is 0.75 MPa, and the hydraulic pulse decreases from 4.9 to 3.21 MPa with the increase in the void fraction. The maximum hydraulic pressure generates when the air pocket is located at the rear end of the drainage system (4.9 MPa) is far higher than that when the air pocket is located in front of the pig (1.0 MPa). Therefore, it is necessary to minimize the generation of trapped air pockets at the rear end of the pipeline system to ensure safety.
The three-dimensional model of staple yarn formation simulated from randomly assembled fibers
Authors: Wang Jiang , Akankwasa Nicholus Tayari , Zhang Yuze , Shi Qianqian , Li Liqing , Wang Jun
Published: October 2019

The modeling and simulation of the staple fiber spinning process is still a challenging concept in yarn technology due to the complexity of the process and uncontrollable parameters. This work presents a staple fiber yarn formation model based on the ideal assumptions about the configuration of the fibers and the cross-section of the sliver. The model presented utilizes a novel designed computer algorithm that randomly arranges staple fibers of defined length to simulate the typical arrangement of the fibers in a roving in the form of a fiber strand, which is then simulated in ABAQUS software to undergo the yarn formation stages, and the details are analyzed. The simulation results show the entire process of the twisting of the sliver and calculation of the configurational changes of each fiber in the strands is extracted. According to the model, the stages of the twisting of the sliver into the yarn are captured and presented, and the process of how the sliver converts to the yarn is analyzed in detail. In the real twisting experiment of the sliver, the propagation of the twist and the configurational changes of the fibers in the simulation experiment were verified. The experimental and numerical data are in good agreement and the model presents a precise mechanism for yarn formation. The work can be utilized to classify and understand fiber behavior during yarn processing, which can result in optimizing the staple fiber spinning technology.