bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prevention of pathological syndromes and post-morbidity rehabilitation of patients with heavy surgical infection on the basis of the complications development prediction index
Authors: Kemerov S. V. , Vorobjev V. M. , Karpova M. R. , Solov᾿ev M. M. , Dambaev G. Tz.
Published: October 2018

Purpose of the study: working out an easy-to-use complication development index (CDI), designing a program for post morbidity rehabilitation of patients with surgical infection to improve the results of its treatment and reduce lethality.

Materials and methods. A retrospective results analysis of treatment of 320 patients for purulent peritonitis and abdominal sepsis was carried out, including 268 patients (the comparison group) and 52 (the core group) with whom the complications development index was calculated. While studying this group of patients, the same protocol was used to prevent and treat complications on the basis of a complex individual program. In the comparison group, the patients were divided according to the severity of their condition in compliance with generally accepted clinical criteria: medium-heavy (98), severe (86) and extremely severe (84 patients, respectively).

We have studied general clinical and biochemical indices, as well as the results of instrumental studies of the function of vital organs and body systems. The following indices were calculated:  the prothrombin index; the integral index of thromboelastography (IIT), J = [R (min) × K (min)] : mA (mm), where R is the clotting time, K is the clot formation time, mA is the clot density); the general condition severity APACHE II (Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation); the degree of organ dysfunction SOFA (Sepsis organ failure assessment); leukocyte index of intoxication (LII). The PIRO concept (predisposition, infection, response, organ dysfunction) was used for clinical interpretation of the received research results.

Results. The prediction index of complications of surgical infection was proposed. It is based on the results of clinical analysis the results of patient treatment and calculated by using the severity of the underlying pathological process, as well as the number of concomitant diseases, pathological syndromes and aggravating factors.  As a result of the complication development prediction index use along with the implementation of the complex program for prevention and treatment of complications, the number went down from 50% to 90% in different groups under observation.
The expression of CCL11/eotaxin, CCR3 receptor and eosinophil peroxidase in tumor tissue in gastric and colon cancers
Authors: Kolobovnikova Yu. V. , Yankovich K. I. , Romanova E. V. , Dmitrieva A. I. , Novitskiy V. V. , Urazova O. I.
Published: October 2018

The purpose of the study was to analyze the expression of CCL11/eotaxin, CCR3 receptor to eotaxin and eosinophil peroxidase (EXP) in tumor tissue and its relation to tissue eosinophilia in gastric and colon cancers.

Materials and methods. 52 patients with gastric cancer and 55 patients with colon cancer were examined. The material of the study was samples of malignant tumors of the stomach and large intestine obtained during a surgery. The expression of CCL11/eotaxin, CCR3 and EXP in the tumor tissue was evaluated by immunohistochemical method. For statistical processing of the results, one-factor dispersion and correlationregression (by Spearman) methods of analysis were used.

Results. High expression of CCL11/eotaxin by tumor cells is typical of stomach and colon cancers with eosinophilic infiltration of the tumor tissue. The CCR3 receptor to eotaxin on the cell membrane of infiltration of the tumor tissue in gastric and colon cancers is found in 100% of cases. Expression of CCR3 (at stomach cancer) and EXP (at stomach and colon cancers) by cells of the tumor microenvironment with eosinophilic granulocytes infiltration is significantly higher than in the cells of the tumor microenvironment without eosinophilic infiltration.

Conclusion. Tissue eosinophilia in gastric and colon cancers develops due to the ability of transformed malignant cells to produce CCL11/eotaxin that mediates the attraction of CCR3-expressing eosinophil granulocytes in the tumor tissue. High level of EPX (marker enzyme of eosinophils) expression by cells of tumor microenvironment in the gastric and colon cancers with tissue eosinophilia suggests the expressed cytotoxic potential of eosinophilic granulocytes, which can be directed against tumor cells.
Ubiquitin and regulation of apoptosis in Jurkat cells
Authors: Nosareva O. L. , Stepovaya E. A. , Ryazantseva N. V. , Shakhristova E. V. , Orlov D. S. , Novitsky V. V.
Published: October 2018

Introduction.One of the crucial tasks in medicine is studying the molecular mechanisms of selective management of tumor cell apoptosis following conformational changes in protein molecules (ubiquitination).

The purpose of the study. The aim of the project is to establish the role of ubiquitin and ubiquitinligase in dexamethasone-induced apoptosis in Jurkat cells.

Materials and methods.The study was carried out on the Jurkat tumor cell line (intact cells and cells cultured in the presence of an apoptosis inducer dexamethasone in the final concentration of 10 µmol. In intact and dexamethasone-affected Jurkat cells, implementation of apoptosis and the amount of FAS-, TNF Receptor 1 and cells with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential were assessed by flow cytometry using FITC-conjugated Annexin V and Propidium Iodide. The levels of NF-κB, Apaf-1, ubiquitin and ubiquitin ligase were determined by Western blot analysis. The activity of caspase-3 was measured by spectrofluorometry.

Results.When adding the apoptosis inducer dexamethasone to the Jurkat cell culture, we registered a fall in the concentration of ubiquitin and a rise in the level of ubiquitinligase against the backdrop of activated receptor(an increase in the amount of Annexin V positive cells, FASand TNF Receptor 1) and mitochondrialmediated (an increase in the number of cells with reduced mitochondrial membrane potential and elevation of Apaf-1 level) pathways of apoptosis, as opposed to the intact cell culture. We estimated the completion of apoptosis by determining the activity of caspase-3 in the investigated tumor cells.

Conclusion.The obtained findings allow the conclusion that ubiquitination of regulatory and effector proteins in programmed cell death is one of the molecular mechanisms that regulates and selectively controls apoptosis in Jurkat cells.
Chiroptical Symmetry Analysis (CSA): Exciton Chirality-Based Formulae to Understand the Chiroptical Responses of Cn and Dn Symmetric Systems
Authors: Castro-Fernández Silvia , Peña-Gallego Ángeles , Mosquera Ricardo A. , Alonso-Gómez José Lorenzo
Published: October 2018

The high sensitivity of chiroptical responses to conformational changes and supramolecular interactions has prompted an increasing interest in the development of chiroptical applications. However, prediction and understanding the chiroptical responses of the necessary large systems may not be affordable for calculations at high levels of theory. In order to facilitate the development of chiroptical applications, methodologies capable of evaluating the chiroptical responses of large systems are necessary. Exciton chirality method has been extensively used for the interaction between two independent chromophores through the Davydov model. For systems presenting C2 or D2 symmetry one can get to the same results by applying the selection rules. In the present article, analysis of the selection rules for systems with symmetries Cn and Dn with n = 3 and 4 is used to uncover the origin of their chiroptical responses. We hope that the use of the chiroptical symmetry analysis (CSA) for systems presenting the symmetries explored herein as well as for systems presenting higher symmetries will serve as a useful tool for the development of chiroptical applications.
Diet Control to Achieve Euglycemia Induces Tau Hyperphosphorylation Via AMPK Activation in the Hippocampus of Diabetic Rats
Authors: Han Sang-Don , Lee Jun-Ho , Noh Yun-Hee , Jin Mingli , Kim Jin-Seong
Published: October 2018

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a chronic neurodegenerative disease, and typical pathologic findings include abnormally hyperphosphorylated tau aggregation and neurofibrillary tangles. Insulin resistance and hyperglycemia have been assessed as risk factors for AD development. As the maintenance of optimal blood glucose levels is an important indicator of diabetes mellitus (DM) treatment, diet control is essential. AMPK is a crucial sensor of cellular bioenergetics for controlling anabolic and catabolic metabolism. Diet restriction to achieve euglycemia can increase AMPK activity in the liver and heart. Since AMPK is a direct regulator of tau phosphorylation, we hypothesized that strict diet control to achieve euglycemia affects tau protein phosphorylation through increased AMPK activity in the hippocampus of DM rats. To confirm this hypothesis, we generated insulin-deficient DM rats by subtotal pancreatectomy. Animals were categorized into the restriction (R) group, control (C) group and ad libitum (AL) group according to the diet. We found that tau phosphorylation was significantly increased in the R group compared with the C or AL group. AMPK activity in the R group significantly increased compared to that of the C group or AL group, as expected. Furthermore, the R group showed more critical tau pathology in the hippocampus than the other groups. These results suggest that diet control to achieve euglycemia in insulin-deficient DM conditions is harmful because of the increased possibility of AD development through increased tau phosphorylation by AMPK activation in the hippocampus. We propose that not only hyperglycemia but also euglycemia, which is beneficial in DM patients, must be considered a potential risk factor for AD development, especially when euglycemia is achieved by diet control during insulin deficiency.
Entropy Inequalities for Lattices
Authors: Harremoës Peter
Published: October 2018

We study the existence or absence of non-Shannon inequalities for variables that are related by functional dependencies. Although the power-set on four variables is the smallest Boolean lattice with non-Shannon inequalities there exist lattices with many more variables without non-Shannon inequalities. We search for conditions that excludes the existence of non-Shannon inequalities. It is demonstrated that planar modular lattices cannot have non-Shannon inequalities. The existence of non-Shannon inequalities is related to the question of whether a lattice is isomorphic to a lattice of subgroups of a group.
Deep Convolutional Neural Networks Capabilities for Binary Classification of Polar Mesocyclones in Satellite Mosaics
Authors: Krinitskiy Mikhail , Verezemskaya Polina , Grashchenkov Kirill , Tilinina Natalia , Gulev Sergey , Lazzara Matthew
Published: October 2018

Polar mesocyclones (MCs) are small marine atmospheric vortices. The class of intense MCs, called polar lows, are accompanied by extremely strong surface winds and heat fluxes and thus largely influencing deep ocean water formation in the polar regions. Accurate detection of polar mesocyclones in high-resolution satellite data, while challenging, is a time-consuming task, when performed manually. Existing algorithms for the automatic detection of polar mesocyclones are based on the conventional analysis of patterns of cloudiness and involve different empirically defined thresholds of geophysical variables. As a result, various detection methods typically reveal very different results when applied to a single dataset. We present a conceptually novel approach for the detection of MCs based on the use of deep convolutional neural networks (DCNNs). We demonstrate that DCNN model is capable of performing binary classification of 500x500km patches of satellite images regarding MC patterns presence in it. The training dataset is based on the reference database of MCs manually tracked in the Southern Hemisphere from satellite mosaics. This dataset is further used for testing several different DCNN setups, specifically, DCNN built “from scratch”, DCNN based on VGG16 pre-trained weights also engaging the Transfer Learning technique, and DCNN based on VGG16 with Fine Tuning technique. Each of these networks is further applied to both infrared (IR) and a combination of infrared and water vapor (IR+WV) satellite imagery. The best skills (97% in terms of the binary classification accuracy score) is achieved with the model that averages the estimates of the ensemble of different DCNNs. The algorithm can be further extended to the automatic identification and tracking numerical scheme and applied to other atmospheric phenomena characterized by a distinct signature in satellite imagery.
Peak Week and Competition Day Strategies of Competitive Natural Bodybuilders
Authors: Chappell Andrew J , Simper Trevor
Published: October 2018

Bodybuilders utilize peaking strategies in a bid to fine-tune their aesthetics for competition day. The most prevalent peaking strategies utilized by natural bodybuilders are unreported in the current literature. Eighty-one (M - 59, F - 22) natural bodybuilders were recruited from competitions during the 2016 and 2017 British Natural Bodybuilder Federation seasons. Competitors completed a 34-item questionnaire designed to investigate peaking and contest day strategies. The questionnaire listed commonly utilized peaking strategies and provided additional space for qualitative information. Analysis of the data indicated that carbohydrate (CHO), water and sodium manipulation were the most commonly utilized peak week strategies. The consumption of high glycemic index CHO was the most common competition day strategy. Only 6.2 % of competitors reported following their regular diet the week prior to competition. The CHO manipulation strategies were similar to classical CHO loading, whereby bodybuilders attempt to maximize muscle glycogen concentrations. Furthermore, bodybuilders attempted to remove superfluous water by exploiting the diuretic/polyuria effect associated with water loading/restriction. The potentially deleterious effects of peaking on bodybuilders' health is considered and the efficacy of these strategies to enhance appearance is discussed. The findings of the present investigation are likely to be of interest to bodybuilders and their coaches.
Motion and Dynamic Responses Approach for WindFloat Structures under Marine Loads
Authors: Scurtu Ionut Cristian , Garleanu Delia , Garleanu Gabriel
Published: October 2018

This paper presents performed Ansys numerical simulation on WindFloat structures. It contributes to the methodology of calculation based on CFD instruments to study the movements of the waves on semi-submersible stationary structures and highlights the importance of using RAO functions. RAO numerical approach developed can be applied to design semisubmersible WindFloat structures in order to fulfill essential requirements regarding operational safety and design. Numerical methodology was designed in accordance marine loads and the I.T.T.C. recommendations. The numerical RAO results for regular wave movements include many elements for the semi-submergible structure. Close results to open sea operation can be achieved by constant improvement in numerical simulation methodologies. The work opens the way for further hydrodynamic development on irregular waves for realistic hydrodynamic and structural response of the actual semi-submersibles at sea. The results demonstrate the accuracy of RAO function approach for specific WindFloat in Jonswap spectrum.
Mineralogical and Geochemical Constraints on the Origin and Late-Stage Crystallization History of the Breivikbotn Silicocarbonatite, Seiland Igneous Province in Northern Norway: Prerequisites for Zeolite Deposits in Carbonatite Complexes
Authors: Zozulya Dmitry , Kullerud Kåre , Ravna Erling , Savchenko Yevgeny , Selivanova Ekaterina , Timofeeva Marina
Published: October 2018

The present work reports new mineralogical and whole rock geochemical data from the Breivikbotn silicocarbonatite (Seiland igneous province, North Norway), allowing conclusions to be drawn concerning its origin and the role of late fluid alteration. The rock shows a rare mineral association: calcite + pyroxene + amphibole + zeolite group minerals + garnet + titanite, with apatite, allanite, magnetite and zircon as minor and accessory minerals, and it is classified as silicocarbonatite. Calcite, titanite and pyroxene (Di36-46 Acm22-37 Hd14-21) are primarily magmatic minerals. Amphibole of hastingsitic composition has formed after pyroxene at a late-magmatic stage. Zeolite group minerals (natrolite, gonnardite, Sr-rich thomsonite-(Ca)) were formed during hydrothermal alteration of primary nepheline by fluids/solutions with high Si-Al-Ca activities. Poikilitic garnet (Ti-bearing andradite) has inclusions of all primary minerals, amphibole and zeolites, and presumably crystallized metasomatically during a late metamorphic event (Caledonian orogeny). Whole rock chemical compositions of the silicocarbonatite differs from the global average of calciocarbonatites by elevated silica, aluminium, sodium and iron, but show comparable contents of trace elements (REE, Sr, Ba). Trace element distributions indicate within-plate tectonic setting of the carbonatite. The spatial proximity of carbonatite and alkaline ultramafic rock (melteigite), the presence of “primary nepheline” in carbonatite together with the trace element distributions indicate that the carbonatite was derived from crystal fractionation of a parental carbonated foidite magma. The main prerequisites for the extensive formation of zeolite group minerals in silicocarbonatite are revealed.
Studies on the Synergistic Effects of Bitumen Plasticization and Microwave Treatment on Short-Term Devulcanization of Ground Tire Rubber (GTR)
Authors: Zedler Łukasz , Klein Marek , Saeb Mohammad Reza , Colom Xavier , Cañavate Javier , Formela Krzysztof
Published: October 2018

In this paper, ground tire rubber (GTR) was mechano-chemically modified with road bitumen 160/220 and subsequently treated using a microwave radiation. The combined impact of bitumen 160/220 content and microwave treatment on short-term devulcanization of GTR were studied by thermal camera, wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (WD-XRF), static headspace and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (SHS-GC-MS), thermogravimetric analysis combined with Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (TGA-FTIR), oscillating disc rheometer and static mechanical properties measurements. The obtained results showed that bitumen plasticizer prevent oxidation of GTR during microwave treatment and simultaneously improves processing and thermal stability of obtained reclaimed rubber. 
Accuracy Assessment on Unmanned Aerial System Derived Digital Surface Models
Authors: Manfreda Salvatore , Dvorak Petr , Mullerova Jana , Herban Sorin , Vuono Pietro , Arranz Justel José Juan , Perks Matthew
Published: October 2018

Small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) represent a cost-effective strategy for topographic surveys. These low-cost drones can provide useful information for 3D reconstruction even if they are equipped with a low-quality navigation system. To ensure the production of high-quality topographic models, careful consideration of flight mode and proper distribution of ground control points is required. To this end a commercial drone has been adopted to monitor a small earthen dam using different combinations of flight configurations and adopting a variable number of ground control points (GCPs). Results highlighted that both choice and combination of flight plans can reduce the relative error of the 3D model up to a few meters without the need of including GCPs. The use of GCPs allows the quality of topographic survey to be greatly improved, reducing error to the order of a few centimeters. In particular, the combined use of images extracted from two flights, one with a camera mounted at nadir and the second with a 20° angle, proves extremely beneficial to increase the overall accuracy of the 3D model and especially of the vertical precision.
Chemical and Non-Chemical Solutions for Managing Twospotted Spider Mite, Western Tarnished Plant Bug, and Other Arthropod Pests in Strawberries
Authors: Dara Surendra K. , Peck David , Murray Dave
Published: October 2018

The twospotted spider mite, Tetranychus urticae and the western tarnished plant bug, Lygus hesperus are major arthropod pests of strawberries in California.  Other important insect pests include the greenhouse whitefly, Trialeurodes vaporariorum and the western flower thrips, Frankliella occidentalis.  Chemical pesticides play a major role in managing these pests, but not without the associated risk of pesticide resistance and environmental safety.  Two field studies were conducted in Santa Maria to evaluate the potential of botanical and microbial pesticides in the integrated pest management (IPM) of strawberry.  Chemical, botanical, and microbial pesticides were evaluated against T. urticae in a small plot study in 2013 and against L. hesperus and other insect pests in a large plot study in 2015 in commercial strawberry fields.  Bug vacuums were also used in the 2015 study.  Results demonstrated that non-chemical alternatives can play an important role in strawberry IPM.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Estriol Using Iron-Doped TiO2 under High and Low UV-Irradiation
Authors: Ramírez-Sánchez Irwing M. , Bandala Erick R.
Published: October 2018

Iron Doped TiO2 nanoparticles (Fe-TiO2) were synthesized and photocatalitically investigated under high and low fluence values of UV-radiation. The Fe-TiO2 physical characterization was performed using X-ray Powder Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area analysis, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), Diffuse Reflectance Spectroscopy (DRS), and X-Ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS) technique. The XPS evidenced that ferric ion (Fe3+) was in the lattice of TiO2 and co-dopants no intentionally added were also present due to the precursors of the synthetic method. The Fe3+ concentration played a key role in the photocatalytic generation of hydroxyl radical (•OH) and estriol (E3) degradation. Fe-TiO2 materials accomplished E3 degradation, and it was found that the catalyst with 0.3 at. % content of Fe (0.3 Fe-TiO2) enhanced the photocatalytic activity under low UV-irradiation compared with no intentionally Fe-added TiO2 (zero-iron TiO2) and Aeroxide® TiO2 P25. Furthermore, the enhanced photocatalytic activity of 0.3 Fe-TiO2 under low UV-irradiation may have applications when radiation intensity must be controlled, as in medical applications, or when strong UV absorbing species are present in water.
Hyers-Ulam Stability of Lagrange's Mean Value Points in Two Variables
Authors: Jung Soon-Mo , Kim Ji-Hye
Published: October 2018

Using a theorem of Ulam and Hyers, we will prove the Hyers-Ulam stability of two-dimensional Lagrange's mean value points $(\eta, \xi)$ which satisfy the equation, $f(u, v) - f(p, q) = (u-p) f_x(\eta, \xi) + (v-q) f_y(\eta, \xi)$, where $(p, q)$ and $(u, v)$ are distinct points in the plane. Moreover, we introduce an efficient algorithm for applying our main result in practical use.
Development of a Disaster Management Assessment Model Using Resilience Engineering Techniques and Infectious Disease Disaster Management Capacity Assessment
Authors: Kim Donghyun , Lee Ji-Hee
Published: October 2018

Safety management assessment systems for national level units’ in South Korea focus on responding capacity to cope with impending accident occurrence and danger occurrence. Since the four stage systems for prevention-preparation-response-recovery, which are core elements of national disaster management, assess the capacities by item such as those of individuals, disaster management departments, institutions, and management networks, there is no assessment function for the organic operation states of the entire systems. Therefore, for efficient disaster management, systematic evaluation indices that will enable active pre-checks in departments in organizations should be developed in place of the existing simply checking methods. In this study, an assessment model that will enable active disaster management centered on practice was developed using resilience engineering techniques. This model consists of disaster management items from the viewpoint of proactive responses instead of prevention. A total of 56 items that constitute four capacities; which are prediction (13 items), monitoring (14 items), proactive response (15 items), and safety learning (14 items) capacities were adopted in this model through Delphi analysis. Institutional capacities for infectious disease disaster management were evaluated based on this model and the resultant scores were prediction 4.41, monitoring 4.63, proactive response 4.69, safety learning 4.56 out of the full score of 5.0 points with an overall average of 4.51. This is an excellent capacity management score comparable to the score 4.57 of diagnosis of similar capacities by the WHO\_JEE (The Joint External Evaluation) in 2017. In fact, in 2015, when infectious disease capacity management was poor, in case of MERS (Middle East Respiratory Syndrome) infectious disease spread in South Korea, 36 patients died and 6,729 patients were isolated. However, through capacity reinforcement, in the case of MERS occurrence in South Korea in September 2018, a management capacity that prevented spread was shown as one confirmed case was completely cured in 10 days and 21 contacts were isolated and tested negative. Therefore, this capacity management assessment model is judged to be usable in enhancing disaster response and management capacities.
Stop Band Continuous Profile Filter in Empty Substrate Integrated Coaxial Line
Authors: Gómez Darío , Esteban Héctor , Belenguer Angel , Boria Vicente E. , Borja Alejandro L.
Published: October 2018

Substrate integrated waveguides reduce the losses and increase the quality factor of resonators in communication filters when compared with traditional planar technologies, while maintaining their low cost and low profile characteristics. Empty substrate integrated waveguides go one step further, removing the dielectric of the substrate. One of these transmission lines is the empty substrate integrated coaxial line (ESICL), which adds the advantage of being a two conductor structure. Thus, it propagates a TEM mode, which reduces the dispersion and the bandwith limitation of other one conductor empty substrate integrated waveguides. Continuous profile filters, at the cost of being long structures, are very easy to manufacture and design (usually no optimization is needed), and they are highly insensitive to manufacturing tolerances. In this work a simple continuous profile filter, with a stop band response, is designed for the first time in the novel ESICL technology. The influence of the design parameters on the insertion losses and fractional bandwidth is discussed. A prototype has been successfully manufactured and measured. A sensitivity analysis shows the high tolerance of the proposed stop band filter to manufacturing errors.
Connection Problem for Sums of Finite Products of Chebyshev Polynomials of the Third and Fourth Kinds
Authors: Dolgy Dmitry Victorovich , Kim Dae San , Kim Taekyun , Kwon Jongkyum
Published: October 2018

This paper treats the connection problem of expressing sums of finite products of Chebyshev polynomials of the third and fourth kinds in terms of five classical orthogonal polynomials. In fact, by carrying out explicit computations each of them are expressed as linear combinations of Hermite, generalized Laguerre, Legendre, Gegenbauer, and Jacobi polynomials which involve some terminating hypergeometric functions ${}_2 F_0, {}_2 F_1$, and ${}_3 F_2$.
A low-cost approach using diatomaceous earth biosorbent as alternative SPME coating for the determination of PAHs in water samples by GC-MS
Authors: Reinert Naysla , Camila Vieira , Silveira Cristian , Budziak Dilma , Carasek Eduardo
Published: October 2018

In this study, the use of recycled diatomaceous earth as the extraction phase in a the solid phase microextraction (SPME) technique for the determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in river water samples, with separation/detection performed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), is proposed. The optimized extraction conditions are extraction time 70 min at 80 ºC with no addition of salt. The limits of quantification were close to 0.5 μg L-1 with RSD values lower than 25% (n = 3). The linear working range was 0.5 μg L-1 to 25 μg L-1 for all analytes. The method was applied to samples collected from the Itajaí River (Santa Catarina, Brazil) and the RSD values for repeatability and reproducibility were lower than 15% and 17%, respectively. The efficiency of the recycled diatomaceous earth fiber was compared with that of commercial fibers and good results were obtained, confirming that this is a promising option for use as the extraction phase in SPME.
Air Pollution Dispersion Modelling Using Spatial Analyses
Authors: Bitta Jan , Svozilík Vladislav , Pavlíková Irena , Jančík Petr
Published: October 2018

Abstract: The air pollution dispersion modelling via spatial analyses (Land Use Regression – LUR) is an alternative approach to the air quality assessment to the standard air pollution dispersion modelling techniques. Its advantages are mainly much simpler mathematical apparatus, quicker and simpler calculations and a possibility to incorporate other factors affecting pollutant’s concentration. The goal of the study was to model the PM10 particles dispersion modelling via spatial analyses v in Czech-Polish border area of Upper Silesian industrial agglomeration and compare results with results of the standard Gaussian dispersion model SYMOS’97. Results show that standard Gaussian model with the same data as the LUR model gives better results (determination coefficient 71% for Gaussian model to 48% for LUR model). When factors of the land cover and were included into the LUR model, the LUR model results were significantly improved (65% determination coefficient) to the level comparable with Gaussian model. The hybrid approach combining the Gaussian model with the LUR gives superior quality of results (65% determination coefficient).
Perceptions, Experiences, and Priorities Supporting Agro-Ecosystem Management Decisions Differ among Agricultural Producers, Consultants, and Researchers
Authors: McKenzie Sean , Parkinson Hilary , Mangold Jane , Burrows Mary , Ahmed Selena , Menalled Fabian
Published: October 2018

The sustainability of agriculture depends as much on the natural resources required for production as it does on the stakeholders that manage those resources.  It is thus essential to understand the variables that influence the decision-making process of agricultural stakeholders to design educational programs, interventions, and policies geared towards their specific needs, a required step to enhance agricultural sustainability.  We examined the perceptions, experiences, and priorities that influence management decisions of five major groups of agricultural stakeholders (conventional small grain producers, organic small grain producers, organic vegetable producers, extension agents and agro-industry crop consultants, and researchers) across the Montana, United States.  Results revealed that while stakeholder groups have distinct perceptions, experiences, and priorities, there were similarities across groups.  Specifically, organic vegetable and organic small grain producers showed similar responses that were, in turn, divergent of conventional producers, researchers, and crop consultants.  Conventional small grain producers and researchers showed overlapping response patterns while crop consultants formed an isolated group. Our results reinforce the need for agricultural education and programs that address unique and shared experiences, priorities, and concerns of multiple stakeholder groups.  This study endorses the call for a paradigm shift from the traditional top-down agricultural extension model to one that accounts for participants’ socio-ecological contexts to facilitate the adoption of sustainable agricultural systems that support environmental and human wellbeing.
Surface Modification of the Bulk Metallic Glass Zr$_{46}$Cu$_{36.8}$Ag$_{9.2}$Al$_8$ Triggered by Millisecond Laser Irradiation
Authors: Shlykova Alexandra A. , Gasanov Mikhail F. , Nasedkin Alexandr , Fedorov Viktor A.
Published: October 2018

Zirconium based bulk metallic glasses are industrially valuable materials which commercial market grows rapidly. Surface modification of these metallic glasses by high-intensity lasers is relatively new and costly treatment promising great advantages over classical surface processing methods. In this work we perform the case study of surface modification of Zr$_{46}$Cu$_{36.8}$Ag$_{9.2}$Al$_8$ metallic glass by high-intensity millisecond laser beam. Our results suggest chemical deposition of atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen in the laser-melted surface area and its surroundings. Zirconium nitride layer was detected in the middle of laser-irradiated area. Nanocrystals embedded in the amorphous matrix were also formed on the surface. Overall, our findings suggest possibilities for improvement of mechanical characteristics of the studied metallic glass.
Hamstring Muscle Endurance in Subjects with Prior Knee Injuries
Authors: Faxon Jamie , Sanni Adeola , McCully Kevin
Published: October 2018

Background: Knee joint is a common site for injury among younger people, the purpose of this study is to measure the skeletal muscle endurance and strength on people with prior knee reconstruction surgery. Methods: Young healthy female subjects were tested who reported having knee reconstruction surgery of over one year prior to testing.  The skeletal muscle endurance index of the hamstring and quadriceps muscles was determined as the decline in the specific muscle acceleration in response to 2, 4, and 6 Hz electrical stimulation.  Maximal isometric muscle strength (MVC) was measured in the hamstring and quadriceps muscles. Results: The hamstring muscles in the affected leg had less endurance than the non-affected leg at 6 Hz stimulation (55.5 ± 13.2% versus 78.0 ± 13.3%, P = 0.01).  Muscle endurance was not reduced in the quadriceps muscles in the affected leg compared to the non-affected leg at 6 Hz stimulation (78.0 ± 13.3% versus 80.3 ± 10.0%, P = 0.69).  There were no differences in MVC between the affected and non-affected legs for either the hamstring (P= 0.20) or quadriceps muscles (p = 0.67). Conclusions: Muscle endurance is reduced in the hamstring muscles at least one-year post injury, while hamstring strength is not.  Reduced hamstring muscle endurance could be a result of a lack of focus on muscle endurance during rehabilitation after injury and may contribute to re-injury in the particular muscle even in people who have recovered muscle strength.   
Iron Supplementation in Suckling Piglets: an Ostensibly Easy Therapy of Neonatal Iron Deficiency Anemia
Authors: Szudzik Mateusz , Starzyński Rafał R. , Jończy Aneta , Mazgaj Rafał , Lenartowicz Małgorzata , Lipiński Paweł
Published: October 2018

In pigs, iron deficiency anemia (IDA) is the most prevalent deficiency disorder during the early postnatal period frequently developing into a critical illness. Meanwhile, in humans, only low-birth-weight infants, including premature infants are especially susceptible to developing IDA. In both human and pig neonates, the initial cause of IDA is low birth iron stores. In piglets this shortage of stored iron results mainly from genetic selection over the past few decades for large litter size and high birth weight. In consequence, pregnant sows cannot provide sufficient amount of iron to the increasing number of developing fetuses. Supplementation with iron is a common practice for the treatment of IDA in piglets. For decades, the preferred procedure for delivering iron supplements during early life stages has been through the intramuscular injection of large amount of iron dextran. However, this relatively simple therapy, which in general, efficiently corrects IDA, may generate toxic effects, and by inducing hepcidin expression, may decrease bioavailability of supplemental iron. New iron supplements are considered now with the aim to combine improvement of hematological status, blunting hepcidin expression, and minimizing toxicity of the administered iron. We propose that iron-deficient piglets constitute a convenient animal model for performing pre-clinical studies with iron supplements.
Investigation of the Mediterranean Cyclone Cleopatra Using the WRF Model: Sensitivity Analysis and Ensemble Forecasting Approach
Authors: Mylonas Markos P. , Douvis Kostas C. , Polychroni Iliana D. , Politi Nadia , Nastos Panagiotis T.
Published: October 2018

Towards the investigation and further understanding of the development and propagation of Medicanes, this study explores the forecasting capability of WRF model in case of cyclone “Cleopatra” which affected with extreme rainfall and strong winds Sardinia and Calabria, Italy, in November 2013.  This cyclone was unusual in that it developed a warm core but did not fulfill its transformation into a tropical-like cyclone because its core did not expand high enough in the tropospnere. The ERA5 reanalysis dataset was dynamically downscaled from 31 km spatial horizontal resolution to 9 km using WRF model. The methodology consists of; firstly, an extensive physical parameterization schemes sensitivity test and consequently, a short-range ensemble forecasting implementation based on the highest statistical scored physics configuration. All simulation results were validated against surface observations and remote sensing products. Subsequently, the modeled cyclone trajectories are compared to satellite imagery derived from EUMETSAT-SEVIRI gridded data. The findings of the conducted analysis illustrate that ensemble average displays significant difference in performance compared to any of the deterministic runs individually, suggesting that ensemble forecasts will be beneficial in studies assessing cyclonic events in the Mediterranean region.
Highlighting Racial Demonization in 3D Animated Films and Its Implications: A Semiotic Analysis of Frankenweenie
Authors: Uzuegbunam Chikezie , Ononiwu Chinedu Richard
Published: October 2018

This article focuses on a semiotic analysis of Frankenweenie, one of Disney Picture’s 3D animated films. Anchored within the psychoanalytic film theory, the aim was to highlight how animated films, as colorful and comic as they are, can demonize a certain group of people. Studying how animated films can do this can lead to an important understanding because children’s exposure to modelled behavior on television and in movies has the potential to influence a wide range of attitudes and behaviors, cause victimization, alter their perceptions of reality, reinforce stereotypes and make them acquire such negative emotions as fear and anxiety, and behaviors like retaliation and passivity. The possibility of these adverse effects is even of greater concern in Africa and similar contexts which are at the receiving end of cultural products such as films that emanate from the West. The findings suggest that the negative portrayal of ‘people of color’ or other characters that represent them, by American film producers and directors seems to be a reoccurring phenomenon. Significantly, from an African perspective, this study corroborates scholars’ position that Disney has continued to portray ‘people of color’ negatively over the years.
Media Construction of Sport Celebrities as National Heroes
Authors: Dumitriu Diana Luiza
Published: October 2018

Within the broader media-sport nexus framework, sport is known for providing not only engaging performances for the entertainment market, but also important symbolic capital in terms of national identity and public diplomacy. The present paper looks at how these dimensions overlap, focusing on the centrality of the media logic within the dynamics of the social field of sport and its corollary celebrization imagery. The aim of the paper is, thus, to identify the contextual aspects and the legitimation strategies mobilized through media discourses in the overlap of the star status and the national hero image of a sport actor. When and how does media crown an athlete with the national hero aura? What does this national hero status involve in terms of identity and identification mechanisms? Focusing on a corpus of 310 online articles and 12 Facebook highlights published by two main Romanian sport newspapers during the 2014 Roland Garros Tournament, the study discusses the media construction of the raising sport star, Simona Halep (i.e. first Romanian tennis player to enter Top 3 WTA), as national hero. The analysis examines not only the symbolic power of the sport performances as national identity resources and celebrity input, but also the engaging deliberative spaces that emerge along with the national hero frame and the hybrid form of civic celebrity practices involved in legitimizing it.
Senior Citizens and the European Union. A Romanian Perspective
Authors: Udrea Georgiana , Ticoiu Laura Andreea
Published: October 2018

The general goal of this paper is to study senior Romanian citizens’ EU attitudes after ten years of European membership, with a special focus on the unsolved tension between the instrumental and symbolic perspectives. By looking at the present context, the purpose of this research is to assess the challenges and transformations of the EU-related opinions and support of traditional euro-enthusiastic citizens in times of vulnerability and struggling economies. Equally, the paper favours a future-oriented view, and puts under scrutiny people’s expectations and evaluations of the future developments of the EU and their consequences at personal, national and supra-national level.
Brain Drain Phenomenon in Romania: What Comes in Line after Corruption?
Authors: Iacob (Bâra) Raluca
Published: October 2018

Romanians’ rapidly increasing exodus over the borders, in the last years, propelled Romania to the top countries with the highest international migration rates worldwide. A rate of 7.3% per annum, recorded between 2000 and 2015, placed Romania second, after Syria (United Nations, 2016). Between 1990 – 2017, Romania registered the highest rise in the migration stock among all EU states – 287 per cent (The World Bank, 2018a). The boost of the migration phenomenon was supported by significant changes, including in the migrants’ profiles, in terms of their level of education, consequently the loss of human capital represented by the highly skilled Romanians already has an impact on the key sectors of the Romanian economy. The highly skilled manpower shortage has been a constant topic on the public agenda, especially after Romania’s integration in the European Union (2007), and after the burst of the most recent financial crisis (2008). The number of highly educated employees (tertiary education and upper secondary and post-secondary attainment) decreased in Romania, negatively affecting the key sectors of the economy. Furthermore, research shows that Romania has the lowest percentage of tertiary education graduates from the EU, with 26.3% for the age segment of 30 – 34 years (Eurostat, 2018a).

The paper aims to show recent data on the determinant causes of the brain drain phenomenon in Romania (push factors) and to generate a classification of the three categories of mainly possible determinants: economic, socio-political and organizational factors, based on the results of an online survey addressed to Romanian high-skilled migrants.
Review of The Age of Sharing by Nicholas A. John, Polity Press, Cambridge, UK, 2017, 200 pages
Authors: Ilieș Veronica Ioana
Published: October 2018

In the society we live today the concept of ‘sharing’ is at a common use, in multiple situations. People share houses, food, information, services, smiles, stories, photos, cars, pets, expertise and many other goods, services or emotions. Children at the very beginning of their lives are taught to share toys and experience; they grow up with the lesson of sharing learned. Sharing becomes, thus, a way of healthy communication between future adults. Today, companies start businesses that involve ’sharing’ in different economic contexts. It is now virtually impossible to talk about ‚’sharing’ without involving the social media and the intense activity that people carry out assisted by the new technologies of the digital age. Theabovementioned elements are practically the starting point of the impressive work by Nicholas A. John in his book The Age of Sharing.
Usage of Mobile Laboratories of Biological Expertise Abroad and in Russia: Present Day Realities and Prospects
Authors: Karnaukhov I. G. , Sharova I. N. , Kazakova E. S. , Morozov K. M. , Shcherbakova S. A. , Kutyrev V. V.
Published: October 2018

We analyzed the data on availability and usage of mobile laboratories of biological expertise for indication and identification of pathogenic biological agents in foreign countries and in the Russian Federation. We outlined the major types of mobile units that exist abroad and in Russia. Key stages of evolution in design and deployment of mobile laboratories in the network of plague control institutions of the Rospotrebnadzor were described, as well as the broadening of the range of their use in Russia. We assessed operational use of the Russian mobile laboratories, both in Russia and abroad, in the provision of sanitary-epidemiological welfare during mass events, disaster management, and response to epidemic manifestations of particularly dangerous infectious diseases. Major trends in implementation of mobile units of biological expertise in Russia were identified. We addressed their usage in various State Programs on assistance to partner-countries in the matters of International Health Regulations (2005) implementation, control over dangerous infectious diseases. Advanced inventions – Second generation modernized mobile complex of the specialized anti-epidemic teams, mobile laboratory for monitoring and diagnostics, and airmobile anti-epidemic complex – were discussed.
Current epidemiological situation on Particularly Dangerous Mycoses around the World and Forecast of Its Development
Authors: Lipnitsky A. V. , Markin A. M. , Sharov T. N. , Toporkov A. V. , Viktorov D. V.
Published: October 2018

The literature review focuses on epidemiological aspects of the spread of particularly dangerous mycoses across the world (coccidioidomycosis, histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, paracoccidioidomycosis). Forecast of morbidity rates for the next few years is provided too. Out of all endemic mycoses, coccidioidomycosis, endemic for North America regions, poses the most dangerous threat. In case of the infection, complications are most likely to arise, including the dissemination of the process in immunocompromised persons. Histoplasmosis is also classed as particularly dangerous mycosis. It affects both humans and animals. It is endemic for North, Central and South America, as well as Asia and Australia. The most studied endemic areas of infection with blastomycosis are in the territory of North America, while paracoccidioidomycosis is endemic for Latin America countries. Analysis of academic publications on particularly dangerous mycoses over the last three years testifies to the increase in their morbidity rates around the world. This situation is associated, primarily, with the increment in the number of immunocompromised subjects. An important stage in the improvement of the agent diagnostics is introduction of advanced methods for early diagnostics of mycoses, in particular, molecular-genetic and genome sequencing tools. It could also allow for the detection of patients beyond the limits of endemic foci.