bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Computational Approaches in Theranostics: Mining and Predicting Cancer Data
Authors: Cova Tânia F. G. G. , Bento Daniel J. , Nunes Sandra C. C.
Published: March 2019

The ability to understand the complexity of cancer-related data has been prompted by the applications of (1) computer and data sciences, including data mining, predictive analytics, machine learning, and artificial intelligence, and (2) advances in imaging technology and probe development. Computational modelling and simulation are systematic and cost-effective tools able to identify important temporal/spatial patterns (and relationships), characterize distinct molecular features of cancer states, and address other relevant aspects, including tumor detection and heterogeneity, progression and metastasis, and drug resistance. These approaches have provided invaluable insights for improving the experimental design of therapeutic delivery systems and for increasing the translational value of the results obtained from early and preclinical studies. The big question is: Could cancer theranostics be determined and controlled in silico? This review describes the recent progress in the development of computational models and methods used to facilitate research on the molecular basis of cancer and on the respective diagnosis and optimized treatment, with particular emphasis on the design and optimization of theranostic systems. The current role of computational approaches is providing innovative, incremental, and complementary data-driven solutions for the prediction, simplification, and characterization of cancer and intrinsic mechanisms, and to promote new data-intensive, accurate diagnostics and therapeutics.
Effect of Superheated Steam Treatment on the Mechanical Properties and Dimensional Stability of PALF/PLA Biocomposite
Authors: Challabi Ahmed Jaafar Hussein , Chieng Buong Woei , Ibrahim Nor Azowa , Ariffin Hidayah , Zainuddin Norhazlin
Published: March 2019

The effectiveness of superheated steam (SHS) as an alternative, eco-friendly treatment method to modify the surface of pineapple leaf fiber (PALF) for biocomposite applications was investigated. The aim of this treatment was to improve the interfacial adhesion between the fiber and the polymer. The treatment was carried out in an SHS oven for different temperatures (190–230 °C) and times (30–120 min). Biocomposites fabricated from SHS-treated PALFs and polylactic acid (PLA) at a weight ratio of 30:70 were prepared via melt-blending techniques. The mechanical properties, dimensional stability, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the biocomposites were evaluated. Results showed that treatment at temperature of 220 °C for 60 min gave the optimum tensile properties compared to other treatment temperatures. The tensile, flexural, and impact properties as well as the dimensional stability of the biocomposites were enhanced by the presence of SHS-treated PALF. The SEM analysis showed improvement in the interfacial adhesion between PLA and SHS-treated PALF. XRD analysis showed an increase in the crystallinity with the addition of SHS-PALF. The results suggest that SHS can be used as an environmentally friendly treatment method for the modification of PALF in biocomposite production.
Dapivirine Bioadhesive Vaginal Tablets Based on Natural Polymers for the Prevention of Sexual Transmission of HIV
Authors: Cazorla-Luna Raúl , Martín-Illana Araceli , Notario-Pérez Fernando , Bedoya Luis-Miguel , Bermejo Paulina , Ruiz-Caro Roberto , Veiga María-Dolores
Published: March 2019

Young sub-Saharan women are a group that is vulnerable to the sexual transmission of HIV. Pre-exposure prophylaxis through vaginal microbicides could provide them an option for self-protection. Dapivirine has been demonstrated to have topical inhibitory effects in HIV, and to provide protection against the sexual transmission of this virus. This paper reports on the studies into swelling behaviour, bioadhesion and release carried out on dapivirine tablets based on chitosan, locust bean gum and pectin, to select the most suitable formulation. The modified simulated vaginal fluid led to a high solubility of dapivirine and allowed the dapivirine release profiles to be characterized in sink conditions; this aqueous medium is an alternative to organic solvents, which are not a realistic option when evaluating systems whose behaviour varies in aqueous and organic media. Of the formulations evaluated, dapivirine/pectin tablets containing 290 mg of polymer and 30 mg of dapivirine present the most moderate swelling, making them the most comfortable dosage forms. Their high bioadhesive capacity would also allow the formulation to remain in the action zone and release the drug in a sustained manner, pointing to this formulation as the most promising candidate for future evaluations of vaginal microbicides for the prevention of HIV.
Solvent Effects on Radical Copolymerization Kinetics of 2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate and Butyl Methacrylate
Authors: Idowu Loretta A. , Hutchinson Robin A.
Published: March 2019

2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is an important component of many acrylic resins used in coatings formulations, as the functionality ensures that the chains participate in the cross-linking reactions required to form the final product. Hence, the knowledge of their radical copolymerization kinetic coefficients is vital for both process and recipe improvements. The pulsed laser polymerization (PLP) technique is paired with size exclusion chromatography (SEC) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) to provide kinetic coefficients for the copolymerization of HEMA with butyl methacrylate (BMA) in various solvents. The choice of solvent has a significant impact on both copolymer composition and on the composition-averaged propagation rate coefficient (kp,cop). Compared to the bulk system, both n-butanol and dimethylformamide reduce the relative reactivity of HEMA during copolymerization, while xylene as a solvent enhances HEMA reactivity. The magnitude of the solvent effect varies with monomer concentration, as shown by a systematic study of monomer/solvent mixtures containing 50 vol%, 20 vol%, and 10 vol% monomer. The observed behavior is related to the influence of hydrogen bonding on monomer reactivity, with the experimental results fit using the terminal model of radical copolymerization to provide estimates of reactivity ratios and kp,HEMA.
Self-Healing Hydrogels with both LCST and UCST through Cross-Linking Induced Thermo-Response
Authors: Zhao Haifeng , An Heng , Xi Baozhong , Yang Yan , Qin Jianglei , Wang Yong , He Yingna , Wang Xinguo
Published: March 2019

Self-healing hydrogels have drawngreat attention in the past decade since the self-healing property is one of the characteristics of living creatures. In this study, poly(acrylamide-stat-diacetone acrylamide) P(AM-stat-DAA) with a pendant ketone group was synthesized from easy accessible monomers, and thermo-responsive self-healing hydrogels were prepared through a series of diacylhydrazide compounds cross-linking without any additional stimulus. Although the copolymers do not show thermo-response, the hydrogels became thermo-responsive andboth the lower critical solution temperature (LCST) and upper critical solution temperature (UCST) varied with the composition of the copolymer and structure of cross-linkers. With a dynamic covalent bond connection, the hydrogel showed gel-sol-gel transition triggered by acidity, redox, and ketone to acylhydrazide group ratios. This is another interesting cross-linking induced thermo-responsive (CIT) hydrogel with different properties compared to PNIPAM-based thermo-responsive hydrogels. The self-healing hydrogel with CIT properties could have great potential for application in areas related to bioscience, life simulation, and temperature switching.
Use of RGB Vegetation Indexes in Assessing Early Effects of Verticillium Wilt of Olive in Asymptomatic Plants in High and Low Fertility Scenarios
Authors: Sancho-Adamson Marc , Trillas Maria Isabel , Bort Jordi , Fernandez-Gallego Jose Armando , Romanyà Joan
Published: March 2019

Verticillium Wilt of Olive, a disease caused by the hemibiotrophic vascular fungus Verticillium dahliae Kleb. presents one of the most important constraints to olive production in the world, with an especially notable impact in Mediterranean agriculture. This study evaluates the use of RGB vegetation indexes in assessing the effects of this disease during the biotrophic phase of host-pathogen interaction, in which symptoms of wilt are not yet evident. While no differences were detected by measuring stomatal conductance and chlorophyll fluorescence, results obtained from RGB indexes showed significant differences between control and inoculated plants for indexes Saturation, a*, b*, green Area (GA), normalized green-red difference index (NGRDI) and triangular greenness index (TGI), presenting a reduction in plant growth as well as in green and yellow color components as an effect of inoculation. These results were contrasted across two scenarios of mineral fertilization in soil and soil amended with two different olive mill waste composts, presenting a clear interaction between the host-pathogen relationship and plant nutrition and suggesting the effect of V. dahliae infection during the biotrophic phase was not related to plant water status.
Mapping Wetland Types in Semiarid Floodplains: A Statistical Learning Approach
Authors: Powell Megan , Hodgins Grant , Danaher Tim , Ling Joanne , Hughes Michael , Wen Li
Published: March 2019

Detailed vegetation maps are needed for wetland conservation and restoration as different vegetation communities have distinct water requirements. It is a continuous challenge to map the distribution of different wetland types on a regional scale, and a trade-off between the categorical details and availability of resources to ensure broad applications is often necessary for operational mapping. Here, we evaluated the capacity and performance of statistical learning in discriminating wetland types using Landsat time series and geomorphological variables computed from Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) and Shuttle Radar Topography Mission (SRTM) digital elevation model (DEM). Our study showed that there was a discrimination limit of statistical learning in wetland mapping. The approach was clearly inadequate in distinguishing certain wetland types. In semiarid Australia, our results suggested that the appropriate level for floodplain wetland mapping included four classes: tree-dominated woodlands, shrublands, vegetated swamps, and non-flood-dependent terrestrial communities. Our results also demonstrated that the geomorphological metrics significantly improved the accuracy of wetland classification. Furthermore, geomorphological metrics derived from the freely available coarser resolution SRTM DEM were as beneficial for wetland mapping as those extracted from finer scale commercially-based LiDAR DEM. The finding enables the widespread applications of our approach, as both data sources are freely available globally.
Water Vapor Calibration: Using a Raman Lidar and Radiosoundings to Obtain Highly Resolved Water Vapor Profiles
Authors: Kulla Birte , Ritter Christoph
Published: March 2019

We revised the calibration of a water vapor Raman lidar by co-located radiosoundings for a site in the high European Arctic. For this purpose, we defined robust criteria for a valid calibration. One of these criteria is the logarithm of the water vapor mixing ratio between the sonde and the lidar. With an error analysis, we showed that for our site correlations smaller than 0.95 could be explained neither by noise in the lidar nor by wrong assumptions concerning the aerosol or Rayleigh extinction. However, highly variable correlation coefficients between sonde and consecutive lidar profiles were found, suggesting that small scale variability of the humidity was our largest source of error. Therefore, not all co-located radiosoundings are useful for lidar calibration. As we assumed these changes to be non-systematic, averaging over several independent measurements increased the calibration’s quality. The calibration of the water vapor measurements from the lidar for individual profiles varied by less than ±5%. The seasonal median, used for calibration in this study, was stable and reliable (confidence ±1% for the season with most calibration profiles). Thus, the water vapor mixing ratio profiles from the Koldewey Aerosol Raman Lidar (KARL) are very accurate. They show high temporal variability up to 4 km altitude and, therefore, provide additional, independent information to the radiosonde.
The Comparison of Campus Planning Development at the Initial Stage of School Establishment: A Study of the Two Newly Instituted Private Universities of Science and Technology in Taiwan
Authors: Sun Chuan-Jen , Chiou Shang-Chia
Published: March 2019

Along with the adjustment of industrial structure, the pattern of the TVE in Taiwan has altered. Ever since the year of 1990 when the government started to promote new establishment of institute of technology and the institution status change, name change and upgrading policy of various types of schools, the number of technological universities and colleges has dramatically increased. However, in terms of a campus that affects essentially and greatly students’ environmental cultivation learning, a technical college should in fact take the conformation of technical and vocational spirit and educational orientation into consideration and shape the school style and applicability of the technical university that possesses vocational education content based on school comprehensive planning and development framework of organic growth and sustainable operation. The purpose of this study is to probe into the course of campus planning development in the early stages of foundation of private university of science and technology in Taiwan. It is hoped that the research be conducted aiming at the development context of school formulation from the standpoint of technical and vocational education’s historical development. This study adopts qualitative observation, documentary research and in-depth interview to try to understand the research topic from multiple aspects through field observation and interactive interview. Lastly, the study applies “comparative analysis approach” for reflecting on the development characteristics and issues of Taiwan’s private vocational school in the light of campus developing process and implementation modality of private technical university before proposing the relevant suggestions at the end of the paper.
Hepatitis E virus (HEV)—The Future
Authors: Denner Joachim
Published: March 2019

Hepatitis (HEV) is widely distributed in pigs and is transmitted with increasing numbers to humans by contact with pigs, contaminated food and blood transfusion. The virus is mostly apathogenic in pigs but may enhance the pathogenicity of other pig viruses. In humans, infection can lead to acute and chronic hepatitis and extrahepatic manifestations. In order to stop the emerging infection, effective counter-measures are required. First of all, transmission by blood products can be prevented by screening all blood donations. Meat and sausages should be appropriately cooked. Elimination of the virus from the entire pork production can be achieved by sensitive testing and elimination programs including early weaning, colostrum deprivation, Caesarean delivery, embryo transfer, treatment with antivirals, protection from de novo infection, and possibly vaccination. In addition, contaminated water, shellfish, vegetables, and fruits by HEV-contaminated manure should be avoided. A special situation is given in xenotransplantation using pig cells, tissues or organs in order to alleviate the lack of human transplants. The elimination of HEV from pigs, other animals and humans is consistent with the One Health concept, preventing subclinical infections in the animals as well as preventing transmission to humans and disease.
The Impact of HIV-1 Genetic Diversity on CRISPR-Cas9 Antiviral Activity and Viral Escape
Authors: Darcis Gilles , Binda Caroline S. , Klaver Bep , Herrera-Carrillo Elena , Berkhout Ben , Das Atze T.
Published: March 2019

The clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)-Cas9 system is widely explored for sequence-specific attack on HIV-1 proviral DNA. We recently identified dual-guide RNA (dual-gRNA) combinations that can block HIV-1 replication permanently in infected cell cultures and prevent viral escape. Although the gRNAs were designed to target highly conserved viral sequences, their efficacy may be challenged by high genetic variation in the HIV-1 genome. We therefore evaluated the breadth of these dual-gRNA combinations against distinct HIV-1 isolates, including several subtypes. Replication of nearly all virus isolates could be prevented by at least one gRNA combination, which caused inactivation of the proviral genomes and the gradual loss of replication-competent virus over time. The dual-gRNA efficacy was not affected by most single nucleotide (nt) mismatches between gRNA and the viral target. However, 1-nt mismatches at the Cas9 cleavage site and two mismatches anywhere in the viral target sequence significantly reduced the inhibitory effect. Accordingly, sequence analysis of viruses upon breakthrough replication revealed the acquisition of escape mutations in perfectly matching and most 1-nt mismatching targets, but not in targets with a mismatch at the Cas9 cleavage site or with two mismatches. These results demonstrate that combinatorial CRISPR-Cas9 treatment can cure T cells infected by distinct HIV-1 isolates, but even minor sequence variation in conserved viral target sites can affect the efficacy of this strategy. Successful cure attempts against isolates with divergent target sequences may therefore require adaptation of the gRNAs.
PARTICULARITIES OF DETERMINING PRIMARY ENERGY NEEDS FOR BUILDING MATERIALS/PIRMINĖS ENERGIJOS POREIKIŲ STATYBINĖMS MEDŽIAGOMS NUSTATYMO YPATUMAI
Authors: Čiuprinskas Kęstutis , Martinaitis Vytautas
Published: March 2019

Civil buildings in Lithuania consume one half of final energy or about 70% of heat generated in thermoelectric and heat power stations. However, energy is necessary not only for exploitation but also for the creation of buildings: manufacture of building materials, transportation and construction. For global energy saving in the construction industry, at the state level, it is important to determine an optimum ratio between energy requirement for building creation and exploitation. Taking into account the durability of buildings for the evaluation of strategic relation ships between energetics and construction industry it is reasonable to use a physical building life cycle energy requirement model, because the reliability of an economical prognosis is usually lower than that in physical processes. In this work generalised ratios are suggested for energy requirement by the main building materials, which can be used in the calculation of a physical building life cycle model. In collecting this information three sources were used, namely: from Lithuania, former USSR and Western countries.

In the beginning we hoped that the collected information would show higher energy needs for the production of building materials in Lithuania and other former USSR countries than those in developed countries, where manufacturing technology is more modern, and energy saving measures have been implemented earlier. After collecting more data, it was evident from foreign—literature that in Western countries the energy needs are bigger because they are based on other energy needs estimation levels. In the estimation data of energy needs for the Lithuanian building materials industry the levels of technological processes are not clearly described. In this case an application of such data for a physical model of life cycle cost estimations cannot be used directly. For a more detailed analysis 10 building materials were chosen: silicate brick, ceramic brick, rockwool, polyctirol, cement, timber, steel, glass, concrete, ferro-concrete.

Energy requirements are classified according to 4 levels of full technological processes, i.e.: for the main process, for raw materials, for machines and for machines that produce these machines. Taking into account the indetermination of the information of data sources, the values can be recommended only for a tentative evaluation. More precise values can be obtained by a detailed analysis of the Lithuanian industry. For building construction industry prognosis one monitoring for building and insulation material manufacturing processes is necessary taking into account different technological levels and processes.
VEHICLE ACCIDENTAL IMPACTS ON BRIDGES/AUTOMOBILIŲ ATSITIKTINIAI SMŪGIAI Į TILTUS
Authors: Kamaitis Zenonas
Published: March 2019

Viadukus dažnai pažeidžia po jais važiuojantis negabaritinis transportas. To priežastis yra nuolat didėjantys transporto priemonių ir jomis vežamų krovinių svoriai ir gabaritai bei nepakankami viadukų konstrukcijų artumo gabaritai. Straipsnyje pateikti konkretūs automobilią netinkamo važiavimo po viadukais pavyzdžiai (1 ir 2 pav.). Sudarytas viadukų konstrukcijų būklės reitingas, naudotas Vilniaus statinių būklei vertinti (3 pav.).

Norint veiksmingai apsaugoti statinius nuo atsitiktinių transpoto priemonių smūgių, reikia:

nustatyti smūginių apkrovų dydžius bei jų veikimo ruožus;

įvertinti naudojamų statinių avarijų tikimybę.

Įvairiai siūloma vertinti atsitiktinių apkrovų dydžius [(3), (5),(6) formulės, lentelė]. Susidūrimo metu atsiranda kinetinė energija, kurią absorbuoja automobilis ir tilto konstrukcijos [(4) formulė]. Susidūrimo jėga pasiskirsto tarp automobilio ir tilto konstrukcijų atvirkščiai proporcingai jų standžiams.

Tikimybiniais skaičiavimais reikia analizuoti dvi galimas situacijas:

geometrinę automobilių ir viaduko susidūrimo tikimybę [7 pav., (7) formulė], kuri labai priklauso nuo potiltės gabarito (6 pav.) ir transporto priemonių matmenų;

tikimybę, kad susidūrimo metu viaduku važiuoja traukinys, yra daug automobilią ar pėsčiųjų [(8) formulė], kurie gali nukentėti avarijos metu.

Tikimybiniams skaičiavimams reikia turėti pakankamai patikimų statistikos duomenų apie transporto priemonių gabaritus, eismo sąlygas, viadukų konstrukcijas.

Atsitiktiniai transporto smūgiai bei viadukų potiltės gabaritai turėtų būti apibrėžti normomis.
THE EFFECT OF THE FORM OF THE SLITS IN THE RESONANT SUSPENDED CEILING ON THE ACOUSTIC INDICATORS OF A HALL/REZONANSINIŲ KABAMŲJŲ LUBŲ PLYŠIŲ FORMOS ĮTAKA SALĖS AKUSTINIAMS RODIKLIAMS
Authors: Stauskis Vytautas
Published: March 2019

Straipsnyje nagrinėjama rezonansinių kabamųjų lubų su stačiakampio ir kryžiaus formos plyšiais įtaka objektyviems salės akustiniams rodikliams.

Lubų plokštumos pagamintos iš 25 mm storio faneros, kuri lakuota tris kartus. Taigi kabamosios lubos pagamintos iš garsą atspindinžių medžiagų. Virš kabamųjų lubų papildomų absorbuojančių medžiagų nėra. Visos salės plokštumos yra iš garsą atspindinčių medžiagų, ir tik 119 m2 orkestro pakyla padengta absorbuojančia medžiaga. Plyšių plotis abiem atvejais—50 cm, o kabamųjų lubų aukštis nuo standaus paviršiaus—100 cm. Tokiu atveju suminis kryžiaus formos plyšių plotas yra 258 m2, arba 34,4% bendro lubų ploto. Stačiakampio formos plyšių plotas yra 160 m2, arba 19,5% bendro lubų ploto. Vadinasi, kryžiaus formos plysių plotas yra 1,76 karto didesnis negu stačiakampio formos plyšių plotas.

Tyrimai rodo, kad nefiltruoto signalo energijos slopimui plyšių suminis plotas neturi įtakos ankstyvuoju lauko slopimo periodu, kuris užima laiko intervalą iki 300–400 ms. Toliau einant laikui garso laukas lėčiau slopsta tada, kai plyšių suminis plotas yra didžiausias, t.y. esant kryžiaus, bet ne stačiakampio formos plyšiams. Vadinasi, garso laukas greičiau turėtų nuslopti esant kryžiaus formos plyšiams, o įvyksta atvirkščiai.

Reverberacijos laikas daugiausia, net 0,8—1,8 s, sumažėja tada, kai plyšiai yra stačiakampio formos, t.y. kai jų suminis plotas yra mažiausias. Didėjant suminiam plyšių plotui reverberacijos laikas mažėja mažiau ir siekia iki 0,2—0,8 s, kai dažnių diapazonas iki 500 Hz. Didžiausias skirtumas siekia net apie 0,8 s. Šis mažėjimas turi išreikštą rezonansinį pobūdį su maksimumu, kai yra prie 200 ir 250 Hz.

Absorbcijos koeficientai buvo apskaičiuoti pagal kabamųjų lubų ir visų salės paviršių plotus. Todėl jų absoliutinės reikšmės buvo mažos. Grafikas rodo, kad absorbcijos koeficientai maksimalias reikšmes turi esant 200 ir 250 Hz, ir jos yra didesnės tada, kai mažesnis plyšių plotas, t.y. stačiakampio formos plyšiams. Toks absorbcijos koeficiento kitimas atitinka ir reverberacijos laiko kitimą.

Santykinė garso absorbcija didesnė tada, kai suminis plyšių plotas yra mažiausias. Kai 200 ir 250 Hz, esant didesniam plyšių plotui, t.y. kryžiaus formos plyšiams, absorbcija padidėja iki 60 m2, o esant mažesniam suminiam plyšių plotui ji padidėja jau iki 140 m2.

Šie rezultatai rodo, kad tarp dviejų salės tūrių, kurie atskirti kabamosiomis lubomis, vyksta skirtinga garso laukų sąveika. Kai lubos yra su kryžiaus formos plyšiais ir kada jų suminis plotas yra didesnis negu esant stačiakampio formos plyšiams, tada vyksta didesnis garso energijų pasikeitimas tarp abiejų tūrių. Dėl to gauname mažesnes reverberacijos laiko, absorbcijos koeficiento ir absorbcijos reikšmes tada, kai lubos yra su kryžiaus formos plyšiais.
INNOVATIVE DIVISION OF INFORMATION SYSTEMS OF BUILDING ENTERPRISES ACCORDING TO THE METHODS OF ECONOMY AND PROCESS TECHNOLOGY/KONZEPTION ZUR NEUGLIEDERUNG DER BAUBETRIEBLICHEN INFORMATIONSSYSTEME NACH BETRIEBSWIRTSCHAFTLICHEN UND VERFAHRENSTECHNISCHEN MET
Authors: Reader Siegfried
Published: March 2019

At the present time the implementation of building projects is impossible without using information technology. This process can be divided into 4 stages: 1) planning and constructing, 2) getting permissions, 3) building preparations, and 4) building peformance. Roughly speaking, decomposition of building activities includes two main spheres: technical and economic.

Building enterprise information systems are open dynamic systems. They consist of active elements connected by material supply quantities. They also include elements showing their relations to the environment and to the client. When arranging this system, one must have in mind that the implementation of a building order should follow contract agreements with the aim of getting profit. Therefore all the deviations from guiding quantities should be avoided by compensating them. A developed building enterprise information system implies this regulating property. In this case, it is referred as cybernetic system.

Contrary to the building site information systems oriented to the present time, the novelty of the new decomposition consists in that it does not deal with a pure control system and a model possessing partial systems, but with a building enterprise information system developed following modern methods of building enterprise as well as economic sciences and intended for achieving completeness and transparency. It ensures a reliable information pertaining to an important building process and permits to make timely decisions.
A NEW METHOD FOR THE DETERMINATION OF THE BOOMINESS RADIUS/NAUJAS AIDUMO RADIUSO NUSTATYMO METODAS
Authors: Stauskis Vytautas
Published: March 2019

Siūlomas naujas aidumo radiuso nustatymo metodas, naudojant eksperimentu gautas integralines garso lauko augimo ir slopimo kreives.

Aidumo radiusas, arba kritinė distancija, iki šiol buvo skaičiuojamas tik pagal teorinę formulę, kurioje figūruoja tik salės tūris ir reverberacijos laikas. Apskaičiuotas reverberacijos laikas tos pačios salės taškuose visada yra pastovus dydis. Išmatuotas reverberacijos laikas įvairiuose salės taškuose jau yra skirtingas, tačiau rezultatai skiriasi nedaug, todėl ir aidumo radiusas turi būti beviek vienodas įvairiuose salės taškuose. Šiame darbe daroma prielaida, kad reverberacijos laikas negali būti vieninteliu kriterijumi, kuris nusako aidumo radiusą.

Metodo pagrindas yra integralinės garso lauko augimo ir slopimo kreivės, pagal kurias nustatomos tiesioginio garso ir difuzinio garso energijos. Problema yra sužinoti laiką, nuo kurio prasideda difuzinis garso laukas. Tyrimais nustatyta, kad difizinio garso lauko pradžios laikas labai priklauso nuo atstumo iki garso šaltinio. Arti garso šaltinio difuzinio garso lauko pradžios laikas gali būti taške, prie kurio garso energija nuslopsta 15 dB, o pabaigos laikas—taške, prie kurio energija nuslopsta iki 20 dB. Nustatyta, kad toli nuo garso šaltinio difuzinis garso laukas gali būti įvertinamas parenkant lauko slopimą nuo −7 iki −10 dB. Toks slopimas pagal lygį užima laiko intervalą apytikriai nuo 500 iki 1000 ms. Laikoma, kad tokiame laiko intervale jau nusistovi difuzinis garso laukas. Šis intervalas priklauso nuo salės tūrio ir jos absorbcijos. Žinodami difuzinio garso lauko pradžios ir pabaigos laikus, juos aproksimuojame tiese. Garso lauko slopimo integralinėje kreivėje ieškome taško, prie kurio ši kreivė nuo aproksimuojančios tiesės nukrypsta 0,1 dB. Laikome, kad šis taškas ir charakterizuos difuzinio garso lauko energiją. Tiesioginio garso lauko energiją surandame iš garso lauko augimo integralinės kreivės. Pagal pateiktą formulę apskaičiuotas aidumo radiusas ir jo priklausomybė nuo atstumo iki garso šaltinio.

Tyrimai rodo, kad aidumo radiusas beveik nepriklauso nuo atstumo iki garso šaltinio, jeigu jis apskaičiuotas pagal kitų autorhų siūlomą formulę. Iš eksperimento duomenų nustatant aidumo radiusą pagal šį metodą aidumo radiusas turi didesnes absoliučias reikšmes, negu apskaičiuotosios, ir jis pastebimai didėja, didėjant atstumui iki garso šaltinio, tačiau tik iki 7,5 m. Toliau didėjant atstumui iki šaltinio aidumo radiusas kinta nedaug.
The FMOS-COSMOS Survey of Star-forming Galaxies at z ∼ 1.6. VI. Redshift and Emission-line Catalog and Basic Properties of Star-forming Galaxies
Authors: Kashino Daichi , Silverman John D. , Sanders David , Kartaltepe Jeyhan , Daddi Emanuele , Renzini Alvio , Rodighiero Giulia , Puglisi Annagrazia , Valentino Francesco , Juneau Stéphanie , Arimoto Nobuo , Nagao Tohru , Ilbert Olivier , Fèvre Olivier Le , Koekemoer Anton M.
Published: March 2019

We present a new data release from the Fiber Multi-Object Spectrograph (FMOS)-COSMOS survey that contains the measurements of the spectroscopic redshift and flux of rest-frame optical emission lines (Hα, [N ii], [S ii], Hβ, [O iii]) for 1931 galaxies out of a total of 5484 objects observed over the 1.7 deg2 COSMOS field. We obtained H- and J-band medium-resolution (R ∼ 3000) spectra with FMOS mounted on the Subaru telescope, which offers an in-fiber line flux sensitivity limit of

for an on-source exposure time of 5 hr. The full sample contains the main population of star-forming galaxies at z ∼ 1.6 over the stellar mass range

, as well as other subsamples of infrared-luminous galaxies detected by Spitzer and Herschel at the same and lower (z ∼ 0.9) redshifts and X-ray-emitting galaxies detected by Chandra. This paper presents an overview of our spectral analyses, a description of the sample characteristics, and a summary of the basic properties of emission-line galaxies. We use the larger sample to redefine the stellar mass–star formation rate relation based on the dust-corrected Hα luminosity and find that the individual galaxies are better fit with a parameterization including a bending feature at M
* ≈ 1010.2 M
⊙, and that the intrinsic scatter increases with M
* from 0.19 to 0.37 dex. We also confirm with higher confidence that the massive (M
* ≳ 1010.5
M
⊙) galaxies are chemically mature as much as local galaxies with the same stellar masses, and that the massive galaxies have lower [S ii]/Hα ratios for their [O iii]/Hβ as compared to local galaxies, which is indicative of enhancement in the ionization parameter.
Is nocturnal enuresis a predisposing factor for the overactive bladder?
Authors: SUDITU NICOLAIE , NEGRU IRINA , MIRON ADELINA , NOVAC BOGDAN , CIUTA CATALIN
Published: March 2019

Background/aims: To perform a limited observational study to ascertain whether there is statistical support that nocturnal enuresis (NE) is a predisposing factor in the development of overactive bladder (OAB).
Materials and methods: The authors recruited patients diagnosed with OAB over a period of twelve months, and those who declared a history of NE were asked additional questions regarding the features of their NE.
Results: A total of 285 patients were diagnosed with overactive bladder, and 98 (34.38%) of them had previously displayed NE symptoms that had diminished before reaching the median age of 9.83. Separation of patients by sex revealed a male majority (58.16%). Additionally, most patients had urban origins (75.51%). The median time span from remission of NE to diagnosis of OAB was 24.79 years, and the median age at which patients began to suffer was 31.80 years. Behavioural factors (smoking, alcohol consumption) and psychological and infectious factors (past history of urinary tract infection) were identified at varying degrees.
Conclusions: The presence of NE in a third of the patients who in time developed OAB and the earlier onset of OAB for these patients suggests a causal physio-pathological relationship between NE and OAB. The preponderance of urban patients confirm the existence of acquired urban triggering factors of OAB (nutritious, social, or professional).
Keywords: Nocturnal enuresis, Overactive bladder, Predisposing cause, Risk factors.
Serum S100A12 and S100B Proteins are Independent Predictors of the Presence and Severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea
Authors: DEMİRCİ GÖZDE , ZAMANİ ADİL , YOSUNKAYA ŞEBNEM , KILINÇ İBRAHİM
Published: March 2019

Background/aim: Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is associated with serious cardio-metabolic risks. Early diagnosis and treatment compliance are important. For this purpose, research is being carried out on biomarkers associated with the pathogenesis of the disease. We aimed to investigate whether serum S100A12 and S100B proteins could be used as biochemical markers in OSA patients to determine disease presence and severity.
Materials and Methods: A total of 60 (16 women, 44 men) patients with OSA and 50 (20 women, 30 men) controls were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Each subject included in the study underwent full-night polysomnography (PSG). The presence and severity of OSA was assessed by the apnea?hypopnea index (AHI). In the OSA group, 17-cases were mild, 18 were moderate, and 25 were severe. The serum levels of S100A12 and S100B were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) technique. These protein levels were compared using the Student?s t-test in the patient and control groups. Spearman's rho correlation coefficients and corresponding p-values were calculated to determine the correlations between these protein levels and polysomnographic parameters. For evaluating the association between OSA and biomarkers, as well as possible confounding factors with S100A12 and S100B, we employed multiple linear regression analyses for the patients with OSA.
Results: Serum levels of S100A12 and S100B were higher in patients than controls (p=0.01 and p=0.005, respectively), and a significant correlation was determined between S100A12 and S100B values and AHI (p=0.0001; p=0.0001), sleep time with SpO2< 90% (p=0.032; p=0.01), minimum SpO2 during sleep (p=0.019; p=0.007), and oxygen desaturation index ODI (p=0.001; p=0.0001). In the linear regression analysis, AHI was independently related with both S100A12 (p<?0.0001) and S100B (p=?0.011). Receiving operating curves (ROC) identified patients with OSA: AUC for S100A12=0.643; AUC for S100B=0.655 (p<0.05).
Conclusion: Serum levels of S100B and S100A proteins have high diagnostic performance in OSA and are independent predictors of OSA presence and severity.
Study on the Network-Based English Phonetics Teaching Mode for English-Major Students
Authors: Wang Yan Wei , Zhou Hai Sen
Published: March 2019

With the development of Information Technology, internet is accessible to all, especially to the students. Based on the network, English teaching is changing greatly, which is not simply with textbooks, chalk and blackboard, but with multimedia, various apps and other tools. As to study the network-based English phonetics teaching mode for English-major students, the background of the application, the steps of the network-based teaching mode and the theoretical basis are introduced firstly. By selecting college English-major students of 2017 in Anhui Institute of Information Technology as the object of the teaching experiment, the paper describes the investigation and analyzes the data, which shows that the students learning based on the network have better pronunciation in English than those learning in the traditional mode. Thus, the author suggests that teachers use the network-based teaching mode to improve the effectiveness of teaching and learning.
The Influence of Group Size in the Asynchronous Online Discussions on the Development of Critical Thinking Skills, and on Improving Students’ Performance in Online Discussion Forum
Authors: Afify Mohammed Kamal
Published: March 2019

Asynchronous Online Discussions (AOD) are considered as one of the most ma-jor tools in learning management systems which are used in universities. The ex-ploitation of AODs forums offer students the possibility to teach and learn any-time and anywhere. They also provide students with the time needed to process learning, share ideas and points of view on e-course topics. The group size in the AODs is a substantial variable that affects the interaction and the participation of students. The purpose of our research lays in understanding the influence of the group size participating in the AODs on the development of critical thinking skills in information technology for students of the Faculty of Education, and im-proving students’ performance in online discussion forums. In this research, 103 university students from the bachelor's degree have participated in the study. The participating students are studying the Computer Application in Education Course, and the Education Technology Course on the Blackboard e-learning Management System, during a 15-week semester. The findings of the research have revealed very significant conclusions; and the researcher has come up with various recommendations and suggestions for future studies and further research.
Ultrasonic nebulization for the elemental analysis of microgram-level samples with offline aerosol mass spectrometry
Authors: O'Brien Rachel E. , Ridley Kelsey J. , Canagaratna Manjula R. , Jayne John T. , Croteau Philip L. , Worsnop Douglas R. , Budisulistiorini Sri Hapsari , Surratt Jason D. , Follett Christopher L. , Repeta Daniel J. , Kroll Jesse H.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The elemental composition of organic material in
environmental samples – including atmospheric organic aerosol, dissolved
organic matter, and other complex mixtures – provides insights into their
sources and environmental processing. However, standard analytical
techniques for measuring elemental ratios typically require large sample
sizes (milligrams of material or more). Here we characterize a method for
measuring elemental ratios in environmental samples, requiring only
micrograms of material, using a small-volume nebulizer (SVN). The technique
uses ultrasonic nebulization of samples to generate aerosol particles
(100–300 nm diameter), which are then analyzed using an aerosol mass
spectrometer (AMS). We demonstrate that the technique generates aerosol from
complex organic mixtures with minimal changes to the elemental composition
of the organic material and that quantification is possible using internal
standards (e.g., NH415NO3). Sample volumes of 2–4 µL
with total solution concentrations of at least 0.2 g L−1 form sufficient
particle mass for elemental ratio measurement by the AMS, despite only a
small fraction (∼ 0.1 %) of the sample forming fine
particles after nebulization (with the remainder ending up as larger
droplets). The method was applied to aerosol filter extracts from the field
and laboratory, as well as to the polysaccharide fraction of dissolved
organic matter (DOM) from the North Pacific Ocean. In the case of aerosol
particles, the mass spectra and elemental ratios from the SVN–AMS agree with
those from online AMS sampling. Similarly, for DOM, the elemental ratios
determined from the SVN–AMS agree with those determined using combustion
analysis. The SVN–AMS provides a platform for the rapid quantitative
analysis of the elemental composition of complex organic mixtures and
non-refractory inorganic salts from microgram samples with applications that
include analysis of aerosol extracts and terrestrial, aquatic, and
atmospheric dissolved organic matter.
Particle Clustering and Subclustering as a Proxy for Mixing in Geophysical Flows
Authors: Chakraborty Rishiraj , Coutino Aaron , Stastna Marek
Published: March 2019

Abstract. The Eulerian point of view is the traditional theoretical and numerical tool to describe fluid mechanics. Some modern computational fluid dynamics codes allow for the efficient simulation of particles, in turn facilitating a Lagrangian description of the flow. The existence and persistence of Lagrangian coherent structures in fluid flow has been a topic of considerable study. Here we focus on the ability of Lagrangian methods to characterize mixing in geophysical flows. We study the instability of a strongly non-linear double jet flow, initially in geostrophic balance, which forms quasi-coherent vortices when subjected to ageostrophic perturbations. Particle clustering techniques are applied to study the behaviour of the particles in the vicinity of coherent vortices. Changes in inter-particle distance play a key role in establishing the patterns in particle trajectories. This paper exploits graph theory in finding particle clusters and regions of dense interactions (also known as sub-clusters). The methods discussed and results presented in this paper can be used to identify mixing in a flow and extract information about particle behaviour in coherent structures from a Lagrangian point of view.
Bathymetric Properties of the Baltic Sea
Authors: Jakobsson Martin , Stranne Christian , O'Regan Matt , Greenwood Sarah L. , Gustafsson Bo , Humborg Christoph , Weidner Elizabeth
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Marine science and engineering commonly require reliable information about seafloor depth (bathymetry), e.g. for studies of ocean circulation, bottom habitats, fishing resources, sediment transport, geohazards and site selection for platforms and cables. Baltic Sea bathymetric properties are analysed here using the using the newly released Digital Bathymetric Model (DBM) by the European Marine Observation and Data Network (EMODnet). The analyses include hypsometry, volume, descriptive depth statistics, and km-scale seafloor ruggedness, i.e. terrain heterogeneity, for the Baltic Sea as a whole as well as for 17 sub-basins defined by the Baltic Marine Environment Protection Commission (HELCOM). We compare the new EMODnet DBM with IOWTOPO, the previously most widely used DBM of the Baltic Sea which has served as the primary gridded bathymetric resource in physical and environmental studies for nearly two decades. The area of deep water exchange between the Bothnian Sea and the Northern Baltic Proper across the Åland Sea is specifically analysed in terms of depths and locations of critical bathymetric sills. The EMODnet DBM provides a bathymetric sill depth of 88 m at the northern side of the Åland Sea and 60 m at the southern side, differing from previously identified sill depths of 100 and 70 m respectively. High-resolution multibeam bathymetry acquired from this deep water exchange path, where vigorous bottom currents interacted with the seafloor, allows us to assess what we are missing in presently available DBMs in terms of physical characterisation and our ability to then interpret seafloor processes and highlights the need for continued work towards complete high-resolution mapping of the Baltic Sea seafloor.
The Use of Valuing Strategies into Enhancing Creativity in EFL Writing
Authors: Rababah Luqman , Ahmed Banikalef Ala’Eddin Abdullah
Published: March 2019

The present study aimed at finding out the valuing strategies used by EFL teachers to enhance student’s creativity in writing. The present study made use of a qualitative approach to obtain data from the Discovery School students in Amman, Jordan and to determine the answers to the research questions. This study was carried out in the one hundred branches of Discovery Schools (DSs) located in Amman, Jordan for the Academic year 2018/2019. Using a convenience sample, ten EFL teachers were chosen as a sampling for the current study. The present study conducted interviews with EFL teachers and observed them. The participants were selected from the first secondary cycle as the cycle holds significance. To check the trustworthiness and credibility of qualitative data, the researcher utilized two strategies, triangulation and member check. The interview data analysis showed that eight teachers believed that using the strategy was important. On a negative note, the results from the observation showed that only three teachers actually employed this strategy among their teaching techniques. Further research is recommended on the same topic in different settings.
Combination Anthelmintic Treatment for Persistent Ancylostoma caninum Ova Shedding in Greyhounds
Authors: Hess Lindie B. , Millward Laurie M. , Rudinsky Adam , Vincent Emily , Marsh Antoinette
Published: March 2019

Ancylostoma caninum is a nematode of the canine gastrointestinal tract commonly referred to as hookworm. This study involved eight privately owned adult greyhounds presenting with persistent A. caninum ova shedding despite previous deworming treatments. The dogs received a combination treatment protocol comprising topical moxidectin, followed by pyrantel/febantel/praziquantel within 24 hr. At 7–10 days posttreatment, a fecal examination monitored for parasite ova. Dogs remained on the monthly combination treatment protocol until they ceased shedding detectable ova. The dogs then received only the monthly topical moxidectin maintenance treatment. The dogs remained in the study for 5–14 mo with periodical fecal examinations performed. During the study, three dogs reverted to positive fecal ova status, with two being associated with client noncompliance. Reinstitution of the combination treatment protocol resulted in no detectable ova. Use of monthly doses of combination pyrantel, febantel and moxidectin appears to be an effective treatment for nonresponsive or persistent A. caninum ova shedding. Follow-up fecal examinations were important for verifying the presence or absence of ova shedding despite the use of anthelmintic treatment. Limitations of the current study include small sample size, inclusion of only privately owned greyhounds, and client compliance with fecal collection and animal care.