bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Intercept Probability Analysis of Cognitive Radio Threshold-Based System With Diversity Reception
Authors: Chopra Khyati , Bose Ranjan , Joshi Anupam
Published: June 2019

The intercept probability performance of decode-and-forward (DF) underlay cognitive radio threshold-based network is investigated in this paper. Here, a secondary source is transferring data to secondary destination via secondary relay cooperation. There are interference limitations on secondary user of cognitive system from the primary licensed users. The DF relays are not assumed to correctly decode the message always and only those relays which can satisfy the predetermined threshold are successful in decoding the source message. The worst case scenario has been studied, where Maximal Ratio Combining (MRC) and Selection Combining (SC) diversity reception schemes have been applied only at eavesdropper. We have obtained asymptotic and diversity analysis for balanced and unbalanced system. The secrecy of the system is shown to be significantly affected by eavesdropper link quality, predetermined threshold and interference power limitations. Furthermore, the optimal relay selection scheme (OS) is presented and the improvement in secrecy performance is shown with the increase in relay number.
Harmonic Amplification Damping Using a DSTATCOM-based Artificial Intelligence Controller
Authors: Mejeed Raghad Ali , Jameil Ahmed K. , Hussein Husham Idan
Published: June 2019

Background & Objective:

Harmonic amplification is one of the primary issues in power
system networks. The objective of this study is to manage the harmonic event and its significant effects
on power quality. A new control approach that uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) is proposed and
applied to a Distribution Static Synchronous Compensator (DSTATCOM). DSTATCOM is a
FACTS device that can achieve highly effective reactive power compensation to reduce and/or damp
the harmonic amplification in power system networks.

Results & Conclusion:

Simulation results are obtained using the MATLAB/Simulink package. The
validity and effectiveness of using the AI approach are proven based on the DSTATCOM FACTs
device with linear and nonlinear loads. Analysis results are discussed.
Opportunities Threats and Challenges in Anarchistic and Autarkic States-Utopian States versus Dystopian States-Plight of Communities and Individuals in the Modern World
Authors: Sakyi Kwesi Atta , Mukosa Francis , Mweemba Burton , Katebe Moses
Published: June 2019

This research looks at the hypothetical state of no governments and no external trade, the autarky situation as well as the ideal utopian democratic state juxtaposed as Utopia versus Dystopia. This essay is motivated by the current world situation of global internet connectivity which transcends borders and defies government regulation. The essay focuses on examining what opportunities would be presented in a situation of no government and also what challenges and threats would exist in such an instance bordering on Dystopia. The paper comprises findings that have been drawn from analyzing the different opinions, facts and findings from researchers on the topic of public policy. It fundamentally addresses the question from an assumption that there were no governments and concludes by drawing on the importance of public policy and why this is essential in order to avoid anarchy that arises as a result of not having laws and regulations to control the behaviors of societies and individuals in those Hobbesian societies. The findings in the paper are that a state of no government presents itself as a state of confusion and that it descends into the extreme form of a totally unregulated free market capitalist approach for communities and societies. This, in the end, results in lawlessness that to an extent permits the emergence of anarchist states where the rich take advantage of their power and become more powerful than societies or states as exemplified by the MNCs. The purpose of government is to provide essential services and ensure that the rights of individuals are protected. Without the regulatory and protective umbrella of government, the concept of protection and extending the benefits of external trade become the preserve of rich individuals who may brutally exploit and assault the poor to the point of enslavement and exploitation.
The rise of skepticism in Spanish political and digital media contexts
Authors: Cano-Orón Lorena , Mendoza Isabel , Moreno-Castro Carolina
Published: June 2019

Currently in Spain, there is a political and social debate over the use and sale of homeopathic products, which is promoted mainly by the skeptical movement. For the first time, this issue has become significant in political discourse. This study analyzes the role that homeopathy-related stories are playing in that political debate. We analyzed the viewpoints of headlines between 2015 and 2017 in eight digital dailies (n = 1,683), which published over 30 stories on homeopathy during the three-year study period. The results indicated that the stance on therapy's lack of scientific evidence gained ground during the period studied.
Speaking with one voice for climate science — climate researchers' opinion on the consensus policy of the IPCC
Authors: Hoppe Imke , Rödder Simone
Published: June 2019

The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) proceeds on the assumption that scientific consensus is a tool for successful climate communication. While ‘speaking with one voice’ has contributed to the Panel's success in putting climate change on the public and political agenda, the consensus policy is also contested, as our literature analysis (n=106) demonstrates. The arguments identified thereby inform a survey of climate scientists (n=138), who are the ones responsible for realising the policy. The data indicate moderate support for the consensus policy but significantly more in traditional climate sciences than in social sciences, life- and geosciences.
How do think tanks qualify their expertise? Exploring the field of scientific policy advice in France
Authors: Laux Thomas
Published: June 2019

This study explores the field of scientific policy advice in environmental and energy policies in France to gain insights into the role of think tanks. The field evolved along with the growth of think tanks. The think tanks refer to several orders of worth and combine them in their communication in order to qualify their expertise. The results of the study reveal that the think tanks have become more independent actors and that the field of scientific policy advice has gained autonomy. Both aspects indicate that the relationship between politics and expertise has gradually changed in France.
Síndrome del burnout y clima organizacional en el Instituto Técnico de Formación para el Trabajo y el Desarrollo Humano Surcolombiano
Authors: Guzmán Pacheco Juan Felipe
Published: June 2019

El presente estudio ¾de corte cuantitativo, diseño no experimental, de tipo descriptivo correlacional¾ pretende identificar el nivel de prevalencia del síndrome de burnout en veinte docentes del municipio de Pitalito, Huila, y luego correlacionarla con las variables del clima organizacional. Los datos fueron analizados mediante el software estadístico SPSS (versión 21) y se obtuvieron los siguientes resultados: niveles bajos para las dimensiones de Cansancio emocional y Despersonalización, y para la Realización personal un nivel medio. La habilidad de afrontamiento más eficaz es el Afrontamiento activo. Por último, la dimensión organizacional más dinámica es la de Autonomía. Finalmente, se hallaron correlaciones positivas entre las variables anteriores.
Medición de la contribución de las Exportaciones al Producto Interno Bruto de los países miembros de la Comunidad Andina de Naciones, mediante la estimación de elasticidades e impactos marginales
Authors: Lopez-Camargo Oscar , Carvajal Alexander
Published: June 2019

Este documento buscó responder a la pregunta: ¿Cuál es la contribución causal de las Exportaciones (EXP) al Producto Interno Bruto (PIB) en las economías de la Comunidad Andina de Naciones (CAN) ?, por ello, se pretendía medir la contribución de exportaciones al crecimiento del PIB en los países miembros de la CAN; la metodología utilizada fue la estimación de modelos econométricos con las formas funcionales lineal-lineal, lineal-logarítmica, exponencial (logarítmico-lineal), logarítmica-logarítmica y recíproca; En estos modelos, se estableció como  variable dependiente el PIB y como variable independiente EXP, luego de estimar los modelos, se calcularon las elasticidades e impactos marginales para cada forma funcional y para cada uno de los países miembros de la CAN (Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador y Perú). Los resultados obtenidos muestran que existe una inelasticidad EXP del producto PBI y que los impactos marginales son mayores que la unidad en la relación de dependencia de las variables.
The event of disorientation: artistic methods of immanent critique
Authors: Scott Andrew Elliott
Published: June 2019

Through stories recounting experiences of disorientation and the process of reorientation, potentials are found for rethinking our relation to built surroundings. Engaging with art historical examples of architectural art installations that use methods repetition and replication, disorientation is approached as a catalyst for a process of ‘immanent critique’. This presents a way to critically engage with and inflect what is happening in the moment while remaining within the immediacy of that moment. This holds the potential for a participant in the event to inflect the event with one’s own implicated agency. The unfolding event is redirected, and novelty can emerge.

The artworks of Mike Nelson, Gregor Schneider and Glenn Seator are discussed as sharing methods of artistic practice that catalyse immanent critique through their disorienting installations. Through a discussion of a selection of art installations, this paper proposes how employing methods of architectural repetition or doppelgängers can result in a catalytic disorientation. It is within this experience or event of disorientation that an immanent critique can take place, and where potentials for change can be taken up.
ASSESSING THE VOLUME FRACTIONS OF THE PHASES, NODULARITY AND NODULE COUNT OF SPHEROIDAL GRAPHITE CAST IRON USING IMAGEJ SOFTWARE
Authors: TORAMAN Selin , COSGUN Tugay , ALKAN Bulent , CETİN Baris , AKYİLDİZ Oncu
Published: June 2019

In this study, a
simple method for assessing the microstructure of ductile cast iron by using a
freeware digital image processing software is described. The method is applied
to three different ductile iron grades to assess their ferrite, pearlite and
graphite volume fractions as well as graphite nodularity, nodule count, nodule
size. All specimens were found to show good nodularity (~ 88 % by area) with
different graphite average size and perimeter morphology. The amount of
graphite was also found to be similar (11±2 % by area) in all specimens. On the
other hand, ferrite percentages were found as 85.8, 57.1, and 52.5 %
respectively for ASTM A536 grades 60-40-18, 65-45-12, and 80-55-06. It was also
found that among these three grades, the higher the pearlite content, the
higher the hardness. The agreement with the standards confirms that
quantitative metallography through image processing is a powerful tool in order
to estimate the mechanical properties of cast irons.
Effects of a Mediterranean Eating Plan on the Need for Glucose-Lowering Medications in Participants With Type 2 Diabetes: A Subgroup Analysis of the PREDIMED Trial
Authors: Basterra-Gortari F. Javier , Ruiz-Canela Miguel , Martínez-González Miguel A. , Babio Nancy , Sorlí José V. , Fito Montserrat , Ros Emilio , Gómez-Gracia Enrique , Fiol Miquel , Lapetra José , Estruch Ramón , Serra-Majem Luis , Pinto Xavier , González José I. , Bulló Mónica , Castañer Olga , Alonso-Gómez Ángel , Forga Luis , Arós Fernando
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE

To examine the effects of two Mediterranean eating plans (Med-EatPlans) versus a low-fat eating plan on the need for glucose-lowering medications.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

From the Prevención con Dieta Mediterránea (PREDIMED) trial, we selected 3,230 participants with type 2 diabetes at baseline. These participants were randomly assigned to one of three eating plans: Med-EatPlan supplemented with extra-virgin olive oil (EVOO), Med-EatPlan supplemented with mixed nuts, or a low-fat eating plan (control). In a subgroup (15%), the allocation was done in small clusters instead of using individual randomization, and the clustering effect was taken into account in the statistical analysis. In multivariable time-to-event survival models, we assessed two outcomes: 1) introduction of the first glucose-lowering medication (oral or injectable) among participants on lifestyle management at enrollment and 2) insulin initiation.

RESULTS

After a median follow-up of 3.2 years, in multivariable analyses adjusting for baseline characteristics and propensity scores, the hazard ratios (HRs) of starting a first glucose-lowering medication were 0.78 (95% CI 0.62–0.98) for Med-EatPlan + EVOO and 0.89 (0.71–1.12) for Med-EatPlan + nuts, compared with the control eating plan. After a median follow-up of 5.1 years, the adjusted HRs of starting insulin treatment were 0.87 (0.68–1.11) for Med-EatPlan + EVOO and 0.89 (0.69–1.14) for Med-EatPlan + nuts compared with the control eating plan.

CONCLUSIONS

Among participants with type 2 diabetes, a Med-EatPlan + EVOO may delay the introduction of new-onset glucose-lowering medications. The Med-EatPlan did not result in a significantly lower need for insulin.
Use of Plasma Fragments of Propeptides of Type III, V, and VI Procollagen for the Detection of Liver Fibrosis in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Bril Fernando , Leeming Diana Julie , Karsdal Morten Asser , Kalavalapalli Srilaxmi , Barb Diana , Lai Jinping , Rabe Matthew , Cusi Kenneth
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE

This study assessed the utility of plasma fragments of propeptides of type III (PRO-C3), V (PRO-C5), and VI (PRO-C6) procollagen for the detection of liver fibrosis in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

Patients with T2DM (n = 191) underwent an oral glucose tolerance test, a liver 1H-MRS, and a liver biopsy when indicated. PRO-C3, PRO-C5, and PRO-C6 were blindly assessed.

RESULTS

PRO-C3 performed well for the diagnosis of moderate-to-advanced (area under the receiver operating characteristic curve [AUROC] 0.81 [95% CI 0.74–0.88]) and advanced (AUROC 0.88 [0.80–0.95]) fibrosis in T2DM patients. Its performance was similar to that of AST to platelet ratio index (APRI) (AUROC 0.83 and 0.87, respectively) and Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) (AUROCs 0.83 and 0.86, respectively) scores. Use of PRO-C5 and PRO-C6 did not improve the accuracy to detect liver fibrosis. After 18 months, PRO-C3 changes were associated with changes in fibrosis stages.

CONCLUSIONS

PRO-C3 performed well for the detection of fibrosis in T2DM patients and showed promising results for prediction of histological changes in fibrosis stage with treatment.
The Association of Late-Life Diabetes Status and Hyperglycemia With Incident Mild Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: The ARIC Study
Authors: Rawlings Andreea M. , Sharrett A. Richey , Albert Marilyn S. , Coresh Josef , Windham B. Gwen , Power Melinda C. , Knopman David S. , Walker Keenan , Burgard Sheila , Mosley Thomas H. , Gottesman Rebecca F. , Selvin Elizabeth
Published: June 2019

OBJECTIVE

We sought to examine associations in older adults among diabetes, glycemic control, diabetes duration, and biomarkers of hyperglycemia with incident mild cognitive impairment (MCI) and incident dementia.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

We conducted a prospective analysis of 5,099 participants from the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) Study who attended the fifth (2011–2013) exam. Cognitive status was assessed during follow-up via telephone calls, death certificate codes, surveillance, and a follow-up examination (2016–2017). We defined incident cognitive impairment as incident MCI or incident dementia in persons dementia-free at the index examination; we also examined each outcome separately. Diabetes was defined using self-report, medications, or HbA1c ≥6.5%; poor glycemic control in persons with diabetes was defined as HbA1c ≥7%. We examined the following biomarkers of hyperglycemia: HbA1c, fructosamine, glycated albumin, and 1,5-anhydroglucitol.

RESULTS

Mean age at baseline was 76 years, 59% were female, and 21% were black. Diabetes (hazard ratio [HR] 1.14 [95% CI 1.00, 1.31]), poor glycemic control in persons with diabetes (HR 1.31 [95% CI 1.05, 1.63]), and longer diabetes duration (≥5 vs. <5 years; HR 1.59 [95% CI 1.23, 2.07]) were significantly associated with incident cognitive impairment. We found a J-shaped association between HbA1c and incident dementia. Glycated albumin and fructosamine were also associated with incident dementia, independently of HbA1c. HbA1c and fructosamine were also associated with incident MCI.

CONCLUSIONS

Diabetes status, poor glycemic control, and longer diabetes duration were associated with worse cognitive outcomes over a median follow-up of 5 years.
Optar pelo Consumo Colaborativo Pode Aumentar seu Bem-Estar?
Authors: Ubal Valentina Ortiz , Lazarin Lucas Roecker
Published: June 2019

Esta pesquisa analisa narrativas e percepções quanto ao impacto da adesão ao consumo colaborativo no bem-estar dos consumidores. Para isso, realiza uma pesquisa exploratória de abordagem qualitativa, na qual 41 participantes responderam a questionário aberto, com posterior análise de conteúdo na perspectiva interpretativista. Com as verificações, propõe-se que (1) a adesão ao consumo colaborativo aumenta o bem-estar dos consumidores; (2) o aumento de bem-estar nos consumidores no consumo colaborativo é distinto do aumento que ocorre na situação de consumo tradicional; (3) o aumento de bem-estar devido ao consumo colaborativo, diferente daquele oriundo do consumo tradicional, deve-se principalmente (a) às interações sociais, (b) à economia de custos, (c) ao altruismo e (d) à consciência ambiental, propiciadas pelas práticas de colaboração e compartilhamento.
Apuntes sobre el léxico de un inventario decimonónico de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda
Authors: Torres Martínez Marta
Published: June 2019

La presente investigación toma como objeto de estudio un inventario de enseres y efectos fechado en 1894 y recogido en un protocolo notarial conservado en el Archivo de la Real Maestranza de Caballería de Ronda. La finalidad es doble: dar a conocer fondos archivísticos inéditos y listar el léxico documentado y contrastarlo con las fuentes lexicográficas de la época. Concretamente, revisamos el tratamiento de nuestro corpus en la tradición lexicográfica del español, así como en repertorios de especialidad como el Gran diccionario taurómaco (1896) de Sánchez de Neira o el Vocabulario taurino (1900) de Casellas, entre otros. En definitiva, pretendemos que este trabajo contribuya a un mejor conocimiento del léxico histórico español, más específicamente, del ámbito taurino.
Pablo E. Saracino, Lorenzo Padilla: un prosista anónimo del siglo xvi. Miño y Dávila, Buenos Aires, 2016; 127 pp.
Authors: Rodríguez Berea David Hazael
Published: June 2019

Además de las crónicas, libros de viajes, de exempla, de cuentos, de aventura o de novelas, la prosa española se constituye de libros de historia. Éstos han sido clasificados bajo el término “historiografías” a causa de la constante inserción de episodios ficticios, míticos y religiosos dentro de una historia que se supone verdadera. No obstante, lo que diferencia a estos textos de la novela de caballerías, o de las así llamadas milesias, no es solamente su tendencia hacia la narración dehechos concretos, sino también un objetivo político.
Osmar Sánchez Aguilera (ed.), Manifiestos… de manifiesto: provocación, memoria y arte en el género-síntoma de las vanguardias literarias hispanoamericanas, 1896-1938. Prefacio de Rose Corral. Iberoamericana-Vervuert-Bonilla Artigas Editores, Madrid-México, 2017; 216 pp.
Authors: Hernández García Mariano
Published: June 2019

Del análisis de las ideas de Rubén Darío a las de Vicente Huidobro, los artículos que dan forma al libro aquí reseñado recorren un período de casi medio siglo. Pero si los dos escritores recién mencionados nos hacen pensar inmediatamente en poesía, Manifiestos… de manifiesto nos propone, de entrada, un descentramiento, un cambio sugerente de perspectiva que concentre nuestra atención –el propio título del libro ya lo adelanta– en los manifiestos de aquella época.
Jorge Luis Borges, Tema del traidor y del héroe (edición crítico-genética). Ed. de Laura Rosato y Germán Álvarez. Pról. de Alberto Manguel. Est. de Javier Cercas y Edgardo Cozarinsky, Biblioteca Nacional, Buenos Aires, 2016.
Authors: Cajero Antonio
Published: June 2019

Laura Rosato y Germán Álvarez han dedicado mucho tiempo a investigar el acervo de Jorge Luis Borges preservado en la Biblioteca Nacional de Argentina. A su acuciosa meticulosidad debemos un libro cardinal para entender no sólo las fuentes, sino algunas de las estrategias de la lectura y la escritura borgeanas: Borges, libros y lecturas.
Mirjam Leuzinger (ed.), Jorge Semprún. Frontières/ Fronteras. Narr Francke Attempto Verlag, Tübingen, 2018; 186 pp. (Frankfurter Studien zur Iberoromania und Frankophonie, 8).
Authors: Prado Garduño Gloria María
Published: June 2019

A casi siete años de la muerte de Jorge Semprún, con una perspectiva todavía cercana, trece investigadores que colaboran en diferentes universidades europeas y algunas latinoamericanas reúnen, en este libro, diversas miradas sobre la obra del escritor español, quien no cesa de despertar interés en distintas latitudes.
Determinación de hemólisis en cepas de Staphylococcus spp causantes de mastitis bovina
Authors: Sánchez-Neira Yaline , Angarita-Merchán Maritza
Published: June 2019

Introducción. El género Staphylococcus presenta una amplia diversidad de determinantes de virulencia que comprende componentes de la pared celular y exoproteínas, las cuales contribuyen a su habilidad para colonizar y causar enfermedad en los mamíferos; las hemolisinas, como las toxinas α,y las hemolisinas β, γ y δ, son proteínas capaces de inducir lisis de eritrocitos y toxicidad en otras líneas celulares.

Objetivo. Determinar la actividad hemolítica en cepas de Staphylococcus spp. causantes de infecciones intramamarias en vacas lecheras de fincas del cordón central lechero del departamento de Boyacá.

Materiales y métodos. Se llevó a cabo un estudio cuantitativo, observacional y de corte transversal, en el cuál se determinó la hemólisis cualitativa y cuantitativa en 12 cepas de Staphylococcus spp. previamente confirmadas con ADN ribosómico 16S.

Resultados. Se encontró actividad hemolítica positiva en 9 de las 12 cepas estudiadas; 6 presentaron hemólisis beta; 3, hemólisis alfa, y 3, hemólisis gamma o ausencia de hemólisis. La determinación cuantitativa se llevó a cabo en 9 cepas estudiadas, encontrándose aumento progresivo de la absorbancia y disminución del número de eritrocitos, a medida que aumentaba el tiempo de incubación.

Conclusiones. La determinación cualitativa y cuantitativa de hemólisis en las cepas de Staphylococcus spp., permitió conocer la capacidad hemolítica presente en las cepas bacterianas aisladas de ubres de vacas con mastitis según el test de California en el departamento de Boyacá. Esto indica una implicación de riesgo patológico y epidemiológico en bovinos portadores de estas bacterias, por la posible transmisión a los consumidores de productos lácteos y sus derivados contaminados.
Seroprevalencia de infección por Trypanosoma cruzi y factores asociados en Miraflores Boyacá, Colombia
Authors: Monroy-Díaz Ángela , Rodríguez-Niño Sonia , Suescún-Carrero Sandra Helena , Ramírez-López Laura
Published: June 2019

Introducción. La enfermedad de Chagas es causada por el parásito Trypanosoma cruzi, se transmitecuando las heces infectadas de vectores triatomineos tienen contacto con el huésped por medio deuna picadura o a través de una membrana mucosa; otras vías de infección incluyen transfusiones,transplantes y transmisión congénita y oral. En Miraflores es una enfermedad de gran endemia quenecesita búsqueda activa de casos.Objetivo. Determinar la seroprevalencia de la infección por T. cruzi y los factores asociados con laenfermedad de Chagas en el municipio de Miraflores en el departamento de Boyacá, Colombia.Materiales y métodos. Se trata de un estudio observacional, analítico y de corte transversal. Se determinóla seropositividad en 166 muestras de suero mediante las técnicas ELISA IgG-IgM y ELISA recombinante,considerando positivas aquellas que fueron reactivas en las dos pruebas. Se indagó sobre lascaracterísticas sociodemográficas y los factores relacionados con la infección por el parásito T. cruzi.Se determinó la asociación de las variables mediante odds ratio y significancia estadística con p<0,05.Resultados. La seropositividad para infección por T. cruzi fue de 7,8 % y se estableció que ser mayor de41 años se relacionó con una mayor frecuencia de seropositividad (OR=5,0; IC95% 1,2-34,0; p=0,04).Conclusiones. El estudio de zonas endémicas ayuda a identificar personas infectadas que son asintomáticas,las cuales pueden acceder a tratamientos oportunos. En Miraflores, el 7,8 % de la población puedeacceder a este beneficio, además, permite establecer una línea epidemiológica de base que contribuyaal control de la enfermedad en el municipio.
Prevalencia de la sintomatología respiratoria en trabajadores mineros del municipio de Socotá, Boyacá, 2017
Authors: Gutiérrez-Alvarado Nelson Camilo
Published: June 2019

Introducción. La minería se ha relacionado con problemas de salud de predominio respiratorio, causados por la exposición al carbón y a los diversos componentes que permanecen suspendidos en el aire de las minas, los cuales son un riesgo para contraer enfermedades de predominio respiratorio que clásicamente se manifiestan por tos, expectoración, hemoptisis y dolor en el pecho, entre otros síntomas. Objetivo. Determinar la prevalencia de la sintomatología respiratoria en los trabajadores mineros del municipio de Socotá (Boyacá) en diciembre de 2017.Metodología. Se llevó a cabo un estudio de tipo observacional, descriptivo y de corte transversal. Se incluyeron 794 trabajadores para tamizar síntomas indicativos de algún trastorno respiratorio importante.Resultados. Hubo predominio del grupo de edad de 36 a 45 años, con 240 (30,23 %) individuos. El grupo más sintomático fue el grupo B, con 48 a 69 meses de trabajo. La prevalencia de personas con sintomatología respiratoria fue de 5 % (n=40). El síntoma más prevalente fue la fatiga (n=134; 16,88 %). Al hacer una regresión logística multivariada dividida por una estratificación en meses de trabajo y hacer la comparación de toda la población contra el grupo B (48 a 96 meses), los síntomas de pérdida de peso, sudoración y dolor en pecho muestran una relación estadísticamente significativa. Conclusiones. La prevalencia de los sintomáticos respiratorios fue baja (n=40; 5 %) en esta población. Sin embargo, la regresión dio el indicio de que a mayor tiempo de exposición laboral, aumenta la aparición de síntomas en los trabajadores.
Some Addition Formulas for Fibonacci, Pell and Jacobsthal Numbers
Authors: Bilgici Göksal , Şentürk Tuncay Deniz
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we obtain a closed form for

F

?

i
=
1

k

${F_{\sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^k {} }}$

,

P

?

i
=
1

k

${P_{\sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^k {} }}$

and

J

?

i
=
1

k

${J_{\sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^k {} }}$

for some positive integers k where Fr, Pr and Jr are the rth Fibonacci, Pell and Jacobsthal numbers, respectively. We also give three open problems for the general cases

F

?

i
=
1

n

${F_{\sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^n {} }}$

,

P

?

i
=
1

n

${P_{\sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^n {} }}$

and

J

?

i
=
1

n

${J_{\sum\nolimits_{i = 1}^n {} }}$

for any arbitrary positive integer n.
Inverse Ambiguous Functions and Automorphisms on Finite Groups
Authors: Toborg Imke
Published: June 2019

If G is a finite group, then a bijective function f : G → G is inverse ambiguous if and only if f(x)−1 = f
−1(x) for all x ∈ G. We give a precise description when a finite group admits an inverse ambiguous function and when a finite group admits an inverse ambiguous automorphism.
Evaluation of Rice Straw Yield, Fibre Composition and Collection Under Mediterranean Conditions
Authors: Matías Javier , Cruz Verónica , García Antonio , González Diana
Published: June 2019

Rice straw remains almost unutilised in the majority of cases and is usually burned. Data on rice residue production under European conditions are extremely limited. A detailed assessment of rice biomass yield, partitioning and straw collection was carried out in Spain. Eleven commercial rice varieties were evaluated in 2015, and two baling trials were performed in 2014 and 2015. The average straw yield was 9.7 t·ha−1. Straw yield, biomass partitioning indices and fibre composition varied significantly according to rice variety. Straw to grain ratio and harvest index were 1.00 and 0.50 on average for rough grain, and 1.25 and 0.41 for husked grain. Biomass partitioning indices significantly correlated with grain yield. Mean content of cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin and ash of rice straw was 32.5%, 19.8%, 6.5% and 13.7%, respectively. Straw amount of less than 3.0 t·ha−1 can be collected during the baling trials. Rice straw could represent an eco-friendly source of lignocellulosic biomass in Europe, however, in order to achieve this, baling machine improvements and special crop management should be carried out.
Titanium and Stainless Steel MIG LSC Welding
Authors: Poláková Nela , Dostál Petr
Published: June 2019

This paper deals with the issue of welding two different materials – titanium and stainless steel (UNS N50400 + X5CrNi 18-10). These two materials have completely different chemical compositions and mechanical properties; therefore, process of their mutual welding is complicated. Melting temperature of both materials is also different. An innovative MIG LSC arc welding method with an additional material has been selected for this purpose. A protective atmosphere was used in order to avoid galvanic corrosion of materials that would preclude the welding process. Aforementioned atmosphere contained 100% Ar. The MIG LSC welding method was designed by Fronius. Presented experiment compares utilization of following 4 different electrodes (additional material) for the welding of titanium and stainless steel: Ti, Fe, corrosion-resistant Fe and CuSi3 electrode. Tensile test was utilized for evaluation of weldment mechanical properties. Measured results were supplemented with a metallographic analysis snapshot and tensile diagram.
The LMS for testing independence in two-way contingency tables
Authors: Sulewski Piotr
Published: June 2019

In the statistical literature there are proposed many test measures to determine the independence of two qualitative variables in contingency tables, in particular in two-way contingency tables larger than 2×2. For statistical analysis, three of the so-called “chi-squared tests”—the T
3 test, BP test and |χ| test—were selected. These tests were compared with a logarithmic minimum test, which is the author’s proposal. Critical values for the tests were determined with the Monte Carlo method. To compare the tests, an appropriate measure of untruthfulness of H
0 was used and the power of the tests was calculated.
LC-MS/MS Analysis of Sugars, Alditols, and Humectants in Smokeless Tobacco Products
Authors: Wang Liqun , Stanfill Stephen , Valentin-Blasini Liza , Watson Clifford H. , Cardenas Roberto Bravo
Published: June 2019

Globally, smokeless tobacco (ST) includes a wide array of chemically diverse products generally used in the oral cavity. Although ST has been widely investigated, this study was undertaken to determine the levels of sugars (mono- and di-saccharides), alditols, and humectants present in major ST categories/subcategories by using high performance liquid chromatography coupled with a triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (HPLC-MS/MS). The products studied included chewing tobacco (loose leaf, plug, twist), US moist snuff, Swedish snus, creamy snuff, dry snuff, dissolvable tobacco products, and tobacco-coated toothpicks. The highest mean sugar level was detected in chewing tobacco (9.3–27.5%, w/w), followed by dissolvable tobacco (2.1%); all other products were lower than 1%. Creamy snuff had the highest mean alditol levels (22.6%), followed by dissolvable tobacco (15.4%); all others had levels lower than 1%. The detected mean humectant levels ranged from non-detectable to 5.9%. This study demonstrates the broad chemical diversity among ST. This research may aid researchers and public health advocates investigating the exposures and risks of ST. [Beitr. Tabakforsch. Int. 28 (2019) 203–213]
Conditioning of Tobacco and Tobacco Products: The Effect of Forced Air Flow
Authors: Chen Zhihao , Miao Qian , Zhao Jijun , Ding Li , Xiao Yan , Wang Huiping , Qin Yunhua , Xiong Wen , Tao Hong , Wang Yu , Lv Xiaodong , Feng Qian
Published: June 2019

Conditioning is a very important procedure for tobacco and tobacco products before their corresponding chemical and physical analysis. For cigarettes, forced air flow is generally required during the conditioning procedure. A special wind tunnel was designed to investigate how the forced air flow affects the conditioning of cigarettes in a constant climate laboratory. Two types of cigarettes with blended (including flue-cured and burley tobacco strands) and pure flue-cured tobacco strands were selected as test samples. It was found that the conditioning time to achieve the equilibrium could be shortened from 23 h without forced air flow to 7 h with a forced air flow rate of 2m/s. This is mainly due to the exchange of water molecules between cigarette samples and atmosphere being accelerated by applying the forced air flow. It was concluded that a 48 h conditioning period using the described forced air flow rate setup was unnecessary to attain the equilibrium for cigarettes. [Beitr. Tabakforsch. Int. 28 (2019) 224–229]
Sustainable Learning Levels of High School Students
Authors: Eskici Menekşe
Published: June 2019

The aim of this study was to determine sustainable learning levels of students. The study also attempted to determine sustainable learning levels of students based on gender and grade. The participants of the study consisted of 742 high school students (354 females and 388 males) in various high schools in Babaeski district of Kırklareli, Turkey during the 2017–2018 academic year. In order to collect data, a scale with two subscales – behavioural and cognitive – was developed. The data were analysed through SPSS 17, and arithmetic mean, standard deviation, t-test and one-way analysis of variance (One Way Anova) were used. According to the results of the study, it is concluded that sustainable learning level of the high school students is moderate. The study also found a significant variation in favour of the female students in “learning for development” subdimension on the cognitive subscale of the scale.
On the search for sources of good and evil in the Lvov-Warsaw School of Philosophy
Authors: Konstańczak Stefan
Published: June 2019

In this article, the author attempts to identify the sources of good and evil as undertaken by the Lvov-Warsaw School of Philosophy (LWSP) founded by Kazimierz Twardowski. Such attempts were undertaken by both Twardowski himself and his closest students and associates; Władysław Witwicki, Tadeusz Kotarbiński. Tadeusz Czeżowski, and Kazimierz Ajdukiewicz. The best-known approach is Kotarbiński’s independent ethics in which the author refers to Aristotle perceiving such potential in the characteristics of each individual as to distinguish elementary qualities in the form of opposites including opposition to good and evil. According to this approach, man acts in an evil manner because he stops following the natural voice of his own heart and instead implements set proposals provided by external factors. In the opinion of the author, the proposals formulated within the LWSP can form the basis for a rational explanation of the atrocities committed during World War II which modern ethics, being focused on neutral metaethical issues, fails to do.
Normalizing Book Citations in Google Scholar: A Hybrid Cited-side Citing-side Method
Authors: Mingers John , Kaymaz Eren
Published: June 2019

Purpose

To design and test a method for normalizing book citations in Google Scholar.

Design/methodology/approach

A hybrid citing-side, cited-side normalization method was developed and this was tested on a sample of 285 research monographs. The results were analyzed and conclusions drawn.

Findings

The method was technically feasible but required extensive manual intervention because of the poor quality of the Google Scholar data.

Research limitations

The sample of books was limited and also all were from one discipline —business and management. Also, the method has only been tested on Google Scholar, it would be useful to test it on Web of Science or Scopus.

Practical limitations

Google Scholar is a poor source of data although it does cover a much wider range citation sources that other databases.

Originality/value

This is the first method that has been developed specifically for normalizing books which have so far not been able to be normalized.
Evolution of the Socio-cognitive Structure of Knowledge Management (1986–2015): An Author Co-citation Analysis
Authors: González-Valiente Carlos Luis , Santos Magda León , Arencibia-Jorge Ricardo
Published: June 2019

Purpose

The evolution of the socio-cognitive structure of the field of knowledge management (KM) during the period 1986–2015 is described.

Design/methodology/approach

Records retrieved from Web of Science were submitted to author co-citation analysis (ACA) following a longitudinal perspective as of the following time slices: 1986–1996, 1997–2006, and 2007–2015. The top 10% of most cited first authors by sub-periods were mapped in bibliometric networks in order to interpret the communities formed and their relationships.

Findings

KM is a homogeneous field as indicated by networks results. Nine classical authors are identified since they are highly co-cited in each sub-period, highlighting Ikujiro Nonaka as the most influential authors in the field. The most significant communities in KM are devoted to strategic management, KM foundations, organisational learning and behaviour, and organisational theories. Major trends in the evolution of the intellectual structure of KM evidence a technological influence in 1986–1996, a strategic influence in 1997–2006, and finally a sociological influence in 2007–2015.

Research limitations

Describing a field from a single database can offer biases in terms of output coverage. Likewise, the conference proceedings and books were not used and the analysis was only based on first authors. However, the results obtained can be very useful to understand the evolution of KM research.

Practical implications

These results might be useful for managers and academicians to understand the evolution of KM field and to (re)define research activities and organisational projects.

Originality/value

The novelty of this paper lies in considering ACA as a bibliometric technique to study KM research. In addition, our investigation has a wider time coverage than earlier articles.
Does a Country/Region’s Economic Status Affect Its Universities’ Presence in International Rankings?
Authors: Tuesta Esteban Fernández , Garcia-Zorita Carlos , Ayllon Rosario Romera , Sanz-Casado Elías
Published: June 2019

Purpose

Study how economic parameters affect positions in the Academic Ranking of World Universities’ top 500 published by the Shanghai Jiao Tong University Graduate School of Education in countries/regions with listed higher education institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

The methodology used capitalises on the multi-variate characteristics of the data analysed. The multi-colinearity problem posed is solved by running principal components prior to regression analysis, using both classical (OLS) and robust (Huber and Tukey) methods.

Findings

Our results revealed that countries/regions with long ranking traditions are highly competitive. Findings also showed that some countries/regions such as Germany, United Kingdom, Canada, and Italy, had a larger number of universities in the top positions than predicted by the regression model. In contrast, for Japan, a country where social and economic performance is high, the number of ARWU universities projected by the model was much larger than the actual figure. In much the same vein, countries/regions that invest heavily in education, such as Japan and Denmark, had lower than expected results.

Research limitations

Using data from only one ranking is a limitation of this study, but the methodology used could be useful to other global rankings.

Practical implications

The results provide good insights for policy makers. They indicate the existence of a relationship between research output and the number of universities per million inhabitants. Countries/regions, which have historically prioritised higher education, exhibited highest values for indicators that compose the rankings methodology; furthermore, minimum increase in welfare indicators could exhibited significant rises in the presence of their universities on the rankings.

Originality/value

This study is well defined and the result answers important questions about characteristics of countries/regions and their higher education system.
Supply Chain Simulation in Educational Process
Authors: Vojtek Martin , Kendra Martin , Široký Jaromír , Magdechová Katarína , Šipuš Denis
Published: June 2019

Logistics is defined as an interdisciplinary science, which deals with coordination, harmonization, connection and optimization of material, product and service flows including flows of information and finance. The main aim of logistics is to satisfy needs of the customer with importance of quality aspect and optimal costs. The paper is focused on practical logistic problems within the company, its suppliers and customers so overall supply chain is analyzed there. The aim of the paper is to provide practical simulation and calculation of selected logistic examples such as procurement, storage and distribution on case studies. These logistic aspects are analyzed in way, how are they explained to students in university educational process on school subjects that deal with logistics in some case. The simulation of storage process is done with specialized software called Byron, which is also used for educational purposes.
Adsorption and gas sensing properties of CuFe2O4 nanoparticles
Authors: Haija Mohammad Abu , Basina Georgia , Banat Fawzi , Ayesh Ahmad I.
Published: June 2019

Spinel ferrite nanoparticles in the form CuFe2O4 were tested for gas sensing applications. Nanoparticles pressed in a disk form were used to construct conductometric gas sensors. The disk was placed between two electrical electrodes wherein the top electrode had a grid structure. The produced sensors were tested against H2S and H2 gases and they were found to be selective and sensitive to H2S concentration as low as 25 ppm. The composition of the nanoparticles was confirmed by X-ray diffraction and energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy measurements. The crystal structure was verified by both X-ray diffraction and transmission electron microscope. The observations obtained from the experiments demonstrated the high potential of using CuFe2O4 nanoparticles for H2S sensing applications.
Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP) – new era for an old disease
Authors: Onisâi Minodora , Vlădăreanu Ana-Maria , Spînu Andreea , Găman Mihaela , Bumbea Horia
Published: June 2019

Immune thrombocytopenia is an autoimmune hematological disorder characterized by severely decreased platelet count of peripheral cause: platelet destruction via antiplatelet antibodies which may also affect marrow megakaryocytes. Patients may present in critical situations, with cutaneous and/or mucous bleeding and possibly life-threatening organ hemorrhages (cerebral, digestive, etc.) Therefore, rapid diagnosis and therapeutic intervention are mandatory.

Corticotherapy represents the first treatment option, but as in any autoimmune disorder, there is a high risk of relapse. Second line therapy options include: intravenous immunoglobulins, thrombopoietin receptor agonists, rituximab or immunosuppression, but their benefit is usually temporary. Moreover, the disease generally affects young people who need repeated and prolonged treatment and hospitalization and therefore, it is preferred to choose a long term effect therapy. Splenectomy – removal of the site of platelet destruction – represents an effective and stable treatment, with 70–80% response rate and low complications incidence.

A challenging situation is the association of ITP with pregnancy, which further increases the risk due to the immunodeficiency of pregnancy, major dangers of bleeding, vital risks for mother and fetus, potential risks of medication, necessity of prompt intervention in the setting of specific obstetrical situations – delivery, pregnancy loss, obstetrical complications, etc.

We present an updated review of the current clinical and laboratory data, as well as a detailed analysis of the available therapeutic options with their benefits and risks, and also particular associations (pregnancy, relapsed and refractory disease, emergency treatment).
Knee arthrodesis as a salvage method for septic TKA failure
Authors: Ciobanu Traian , Japie Ioan Mihau , Nutiu Octavian , Papuc Alexandru , Radulescu Dragos , Radulescu Radu
Published: June 2019

Periprosthetic joint infection is the most common reason for a failed TKA, with a septic TKA reported rate of 1 to 4% of primary TKA patients. Septic TKA has a various number of treatment options which include chronic-suppressive antibiotics, irrigation and debridement, single or staged revision arthroplasty. The goal is to eradicate the periprosthetic joint infection and reimplant a sterile and fully functional total knee prosthesis. In case the infection becomes uncontrollable, there is only one option to eradicate the infection: knee arthrodesis or above-knee amputation.

We report the case of a 63-year-old patient who in 2009 underwent TKA, the 1 year follow-up showed periprosthetic infection. At first stage, the prosthetic implants were removed and a solid cement spacer was shaped to occupy the remaining space. In 2011, after achieving complete clinical and biological remission of the infection, the cement spacer was removed and LCCK revision prosthesis was inserted.

In 2013 reinfection occurred leading to removal of the prosthetic implants and reinsertion of an antibiotic impregnated cement spacer.

Since the patient suffered significant bone loss and the local conditions were unfavorable, being prone to infection, there were 2 options to evaluate: knee arthrodesis or above knee amputation. We chose knee arthrodesis using Ilizarov external fixation technique.

Many surgical techniques are available to achieve knee arthrodesis: internal fixation with plates or intramedullary nails and external fixation. The Ilizarov method is a very effective technique that could be taken into consideration when knee arthrodesis is required.