bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Yenidoğan Yoğun Bakım Ünitesinde Sık Görülen Sağlık Hizmeti İlişkili Enfeksiyonlarından Korunma ve Önlenmesi
Authors: ALAY Handan
Published: October 2019

Sağlık bakım hizmeti
ile ilişkili enfeksiyonlar yenidoğan yoğun bakım ünitelerinde  morbidite, mortalite ve maliyet artışına
neden olmaktadırlar. Yenidoğanların daha geçirgen ve olgunlaşmamış cilt  ve mukozaları, bozuk konak savunma
mekanizmaları, tedavi veya monitarizasyon amacıyla kullanılan invaziv işlemler
ve geniş spektrumlu antibiyotik kullanımı sağlık hizmeti ilişkili
enfeksiyonların görülmesine zemin hazırlamaktadırlar. Bu klinik çalışma ile
yenidoğan yoğun bakım ünitelerinde sıklıkla karşılaştığımız sağlık hizmeti
ilişkili enfeksiyonlardan korunma ve önlem stratejilerine rehberler
doğrultusunda bakış sunmak istedik.
Mediated friendship
Authors: Mainardi Arianna
Published: October 2019

This article engages with the current debate on feminisms and digital media by looking at the tension between individualism and collective action. Drawing on an empirical research project involving girls, carried out in Italy and focusing on female processes of subjectivation in a postfeminist new media context, it will discuss constraints and opportunities shaped by the everyday use of social media. The article places itself in the latest trend of cyberfeminist studies, by analysing friendship relationships developed among girls in and through digital media. It also looks at how the mediated nature of social network sites offers room for the building of alliances among girls, and how this challenges online and offline gender norms. In doing so, the article reflects on the way female relationships change and are reworked in digital culture, thus giving a new meaning to the feminist concept of sisterhood.
Cyber Security Threat Intelligence using Data Mining Techniques and Artificial Intelligence
Authors:   Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh., Gupta* Shivangi , Sabitha A. Sai ,   Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh., Punhani Ritu ,   Amity School of Engineering and Technology, Amity University, Noida, Uttar Pradesh.
Published: October 2019

Threat intelligence is the procurement of evidence-based knowledge about current or potential threats. The interest of threat intelligence comprises of advancement in efficiency and boosting effectiveness in terms of analytical and prevention capabilities. Cybersecurity represents serious interest for numerous organizations because maximum of them are using Internet-connected data devices which are opening doors for cyber attackers. Outstanding threat intelligence within the cyber sphere requests for the knowledge base of threat information and a thoughtful way to represent this knowledge. This study proposes a clear rationale of significant artificial intelligence (AI) techniques used for recognizing a cyber-attack. Data analysis can be formulated to guide industries and Internet-connected systems such as smartphones or robotic factories on what to do in the appearance of an incident. AI techniques will analyze past incidents and summarize knowledge from experts and will continue to adapt or reform new branches as it reviews from the new incidents. In addition, various data mining approaches used in boosting threat truthfulness in cybersecurity data are also studied. To conclude, we discussed that; AI will robotize the collation of machine-readable external threats and will improve the efficiency and accuracy of the data for each smart organization’s specific framework.
Growth of housing sector in India - application of Cost-effective Construction Technologies to reduce Greenhouse Gas Emission
Authors: Sengupta Nilanjan
Published: October 2019

Building construction sector can play a major role in reducing Greenhouse Gas emission through application of technologies aimed at reduction of use of building materials. Energy consumed during production of building materials and components plays a crucial role in creating environmental pollution. India is witnessing high growth in urban and rural housing, which needs more production of building materials. Permanent or semi-permanent type buildings which consume easily available conventional materials like brick, reinforced cement concrete etc. can be made Economic and Eco-friendly by lowering use of energy-consuming building materials through Cost-effective Construction Technologies. Buildings with Cost-effective Construction Technology can be designed within the parameters of the existing Indian Standards. Awareness generation among the users, proper technical and architectural guidance and easy availability of skilled manpower are of utmost importance for promotion of cost-effective technologies in India and to make them as the most acceptable case of sustainable building technologies both in terms of cost and environment.
Relocation and Focal Mechanism of Aftershocks Pidie Jaya Earthquake (Mw6.5) Dec 7th, 2016 using BMKG Network
Authors: Supendi Pepen , Nugraha Andri D. , Wijaya Tony Agus
Published: October 2019

We have successfully relocated 74 out of 89 aftershocks until December 19, 2016, by using hypocenter double-difference method. We also have conducted focal mechanism analysis to estimate the type of fault slip. The results indicate improvement in hypocenter location, where the initial earthquakes focus depth at a fixed depth of 10 km have been updated and have described the patterns of active fault in the area trending Northwest-Southeast. The validity through the histogram of travel-time residual shows fairly good data processing where the residual value is close to zero (t.obs - t.cal ~ 0). Based on focal mechanism solutions of mainshock and two selected aftershocks, the type of fault is right lateral strike-slip.
The Future of Field Experiences in Distance Education:
Authors: Wertzberger Eileen
Published: October 2019

In an attempt to be more culturally responsive to the needs of its students, universities across the country are leveraging technologies to make their campuses more readily available to a broader student audience. Yet, with the proliferation of online teacher preparation programs, difficulties arise in providing preservice teachers with quality field experiences. This case study examines how telepresence robotic technology was used to facilitate a field experience that would otherwise have been prohibitive in a master of arts in teaching program. While a substantial body of literature examines the use of virtual environments and technologies in educating hard-to-reach populations, little research has been done in how telepresence technologies may effectively bridge the access gap for preservice teachers who are place-bound geographically. The findings from this study suggest that, when coupled with the implementation of effective co-teaching practices, telepresence technology can facilitate meaningful field experiences in real time, for place-bound preservice teachers without local K-12 institutions to host their field experiences.
KELIO SKERSINIO PROFILIO PARINKIMO PAGAL PROJEKTINĮ VIDUTINĮ PAROS EISMO INTENSYVUMĄ IR SUDĖTĮ METODIKOS ANALIZĖ / ANALYSIS OF ROAD CROSS-SECTION DESIGNING CONSIDERING DESIGNED TRAFFIC VOLUME
Authors: Jakulytė Sandra , Laurinavičius Alfredas , Puodžiukas Virgaudas
Published: October 2019

Road design elements are being discussed in society. Traffic congestion is a reason why sometimes new road elements is not working. Roads are designed by their function in the world. It is known that the roads are classified according to their functional purpose. Functional purpose is a criteria, which determines road design class and road category. Normative documents in analyzed countries define analysis of road capacity and road level of service. This analysis must be done in road design process. Methodology of road cross-section designing rewied in this arcticle.
Radial Velocity Discovery of an Eccentric Jovian World Orbiting at 18 au
Authors: Blunt Sarah , Endl Michael , Weiss Lauren M. , Cochran William D. , Howard Andrew W. , MacQueen Phillip J. , Fulton Benjamin J. , Henry Gregory W. , Johnson Marshall C. , Kosiarek Molly R. , Lawson Kellen D. , Macintosh Bruce , Mills Sean M. , Nielsen Eric L. , Petigura Erik A. , Schneider Glenn , Vanderburg Andrew , Wisniewski John P. , Wittenmyer Robert A. , Brugamyer Erik , Caldwell Caroline , Cochran Anita L. , Hatzes Artie P. , Hirsch Lea A. , Isaacson Howard , Robertson Paul , Roy Arpita , Shen Zili
Published: October 2019

Based on two decades of radial velocity (RV) observations using Keck/High Resolution Echelle Spectrometer (HIRES) and McDonald/Tull, and more recent observations using the Automated Planet Finder, we found that the nearby star HR 5183 (HD 120066) hosts a 3

minimum mass planet with an orbital period of

yr. The orbit is highly eccentric (e ≃ 0.84), shuttling the planet from within the orbit of Jupiter to beyond the orbit of Neptune. Our careful survey design enabled high cadence observations before, during, and after the planet’s periastron passage, yielding precise orbital parameter constraints. We searched for stellar or planetary companions that could have excited the planet’s eccentricity, but found no candidates, potentially implying that the perturber was ejected from the system. We did identify a bound stellar companion more than 15,000 au from the primary, but reasoned that it is currently too widely separated to have an appreciable effect on HR 5183 b. Because HR 5183 b’s wide orbit takes it more than 30 au (1″) from its star, we also explored the potential of complimentary studies with direct imaging or stellar astrometry. We found that a Gaia detection is very likely, and that imaging at 10 μm is a promising avenue. This discovery highlights the value of long-baseline RV surveys for discovering and characterizing long-period, eccentric Jovian planets. This population may offer important insights into the dynamical evolution of planetary systems containing multiple massive planets.
Regime Transition between Eddy-driven and Moist-driven Circulation on High Obliquity Planets
Authors: Kang Wanying
Published: October 2019

We investigate how the meridional circulation and baroclinic eddies change with insolation and rotation rate, under high and zero-obliquity setups, using a general circulation model. The total circulation is considered as superposition of circulations driven by different physics processes, such as diabatic and adiabatic processes. We decompose the meridional circulation into diabatic and adiabatic components, in order to understand their different responses to changes of insolation and rotation rate. As insolation or rotation period increases, the meridional circulation tends to become more diabatically dominant, regardless of the obliquity. The low obliquity circulation is always dominated by diabatic processes, while the high obliquity configuration has two circulation regimes: an adiabatic-dominant regime in the limit of low insolation and fast rotation, and a diabatic-dominant regime in the opposite limit. This regime transition may be observable via its signature on the upper atmospheric zonal wind and the column cloud cover. The momentum-driven circulation, the dominant circulation component in the weak-insolation and fast-rotating regimes is found to resemble that in a dry dynamic model forced by a reversed meridional temperature gradient, indicating the relevance of using a dry dynamic model to understand planetary general circulations under high obliquity.
European species of Dendrostoma (Diaporthales)
Authors: Jaklitsch Walter M. , Voglmayr Hermann
Published: October 2019

European species of the genus Dendrostoma (Erythrogloeaceae, Diaporthales) occurring on Castanea sativa and Quercus spp. based on freshly collected material are presented. Using a matrix of sequences from ITS, LSU, rpb2, and tef1, five species are recognized, and their phylogenetic positions are determined. Four species are added to the 14 described species of Dendrostoma. Dendrostoma atlanticum on Castanea sativa, D. creticum on Quercus coccifera and D. istriacum on Q. ilex are described as new species, Valsa castanea is combined in Dendrostoma, and D. leiphaemia is redescribed and illustrated. A key to the European species of Dendrostoma is provided.
InvasiBES: Understanding and managing the impacts of Invasive alien species on Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services
Authors: Gallardo Belinda , Bacher Sven , Bradley Bethany , Comín Francisco A. , Gallien Laure , Jeschke Jonathan M. , Sorte Cascade J. B. , Vilà Montserrat
Published: October 2019

Invasive Alien Species (IAS) are amongst the most significant drivers of species extinction and ecosystem degradation, causing negative impacts on ecosystem services and human well-being. InvasiBES, a project funded by BiodivERsA-Belmont Forum for 2019–2021, will use data and models across scales, habitats and species to understand and anticipate the multi-faceted impacts of IAS and to provide tools for their management. Using Alien Species Narratives as reference, we will design future intervention scenarios focused on prevention, control and eradication of IAS in Europe and the United States, through a participatory process bringing together the expertise of scientists and stakeholders. We will also adapt current impact assessment protocols to assess both the detrimental and beneficial impacts of IAS on biodiversity and ecosystem services. This information will then be combined with maps of the potential distribution of Invasive Species of Interest in Europe under current and future climate-change scenarios. Likewise, we will anticipate areas under risk of invasion by range-shifting plants of concern in the US. Finally, focusing on three local-scale studies that cover a range of habitats (freshwater, terrestrial and marine), invasive species (plants and animals) and ecosystem services (supporting, provisioning, regulating and cultural), we will use empirical field data to quantify the real-world impacts of IAS on biodiversity and ecosystem services and calculate indicators of ecosystem recovery after the invader is removed. Spatial planning tools (InVEST) will be used to evaluate the costs and benefits of species-specific intervention scenarios at the regional scale. Data, models and maps, developed throughout the project, will serve to build scenarios and models of biodiversity and ecosystem services that are relevant to underpin management of IAS at multiple scales.
The impact of a new genus on the molecular phylogeny of Hemisphaeriini (Hemiptera, Fulgoromorpha, Issidae)
Authors: Zhao Songping , Bourgoin Thierry , Wang Menglin
Published: October 2019

A new genus,Retaldargen. nov.of the family Issidae (Hemisphaeriinae, Hemisphaeriini) is described from Guangxi Province of China. A revised molecular analysis for the Hemisphaeriini based on partial sequences of 18S, 28S, COXI and Cytb, provides evidence for a new lineage within the subtribe Mongolianina. With two subgroups of genera now identified, the monophyly of Mongolianina is discussed from both a morphological and a molecular basis.
An overview of bankruptcy prediction models for corporate firms: A Systematic literature review
Authors: Shi Yin , Li Xiaoni
Published: October 2019

Purpose: This paper aims to provide a comprehensive overview of literature related to corporate bankruptcy prediction, to investigate and address the link between different authors (co-authorship), and to identify the primary models and methods that are used and studied by authors of this area in the past five decades.Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review (SLR) has been conducted, using the Scopus database for identifying core international academic papers related to the established research topic from the year 1968 to 2017.Findings: It has been verified, firstly, that bankruptcy prediction in the corporate world is a field of growing interest, as the number of papers has increased significantly, especially after 2008 global financial crisis, demonstrating the importance of this topic for corporate firms. Secondly, it should be mentioned that there is little co-authorship in this researching area, as the researchers with a lot of influence were basically not working together during the last five decades. Thirdly, it has been identified that the two most frequently used and studied models in bankruptcy prediction area are Logistic Regression (Logit) and Neural Network. However, there are many other innovative methods as machine learning models applied in this field lately due to the emerging technology of computer science and artificial intelligence.Originality/value: We applied the SLR approach that allows a better view of the academic contribution related to the corporate bankruptcy prediction; this contributes as the link among different elements of the concept studied, and it demonstrates the growing interest in this area.
Analysis of some economic-financial ratios to analyse the financial crisis in five-star hotels in Barcelona and Madrid
Authors: Pie Laia , Bonillo Isaac , Barcelo Judit , Fabregat-Aibar Laura
Published: October 2019

Purpose: Analyse some of the financial ratios to see the impact of the economic crisis on 5-star hotels in Spain.Design/methodology/approach: The information needed to write this article was taken from the Iberian Balance Sheet Analysis System (SABI), the Hotel Occupancy Survey published periodically by the National Statistics Institute, the IDESCAT and the official websites of the hotels analysed.Findings and Originality/value: The results obtained show how the financial crisis did not have a direct impact on luxury hotels, but on the contrary, they continue to increase their success thanks to the best continuous strategies. One test is the luxury hotels that were created in Barcelona and Madrid between 2008 and 2011. The work shows that it does not take into account for a hotel chain to have more than one luxury hotel in the same city, since one both of them may end up showing financial losses. It is also found that it is important to determine the number of rooms that the hotel must have in order to avoid construction costs and to have the maximum efficiency.Research limitations/implications: The study has the problem of not updating the SABI database. In some cases, the information has not been updated since 1990.Practical implications: The result that luxury hotels can cover the fixed assets coefficient with their equity. At the same time, it supports the importance of making a better forecast of the number of rooms in order to help them have a better financing.Social implications: It supports the importance of a single luxury hotel in the same hotel chain in the same city and of making good strategic planning in order to improve the results of financial ratios.Originality/value: The article helps explain how the tourist model in Spain has changed since the beginning of the financial crisis.
Corneal Epithelial Thickness Mapping After Photorefractive Keratectomy for Myopia
Authors: Sedaghat Mohammad-Reza , Momeni-Moghaddam Hamed , Gazanchian Mehrdad , Reinstein Dan Z. , Archer Timothy J. , Randleman J. Bradley , Hosseini Seyed Rafi , Nouri-Hosseini Golshid
Published: October 2019

PURPOSE:

To evaluate the longitudinal changes in epithelial thickness after photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) and correlate these with refractive changes.

METHODS:

This prospective study included 52 eyes of 52 candidates for myopic PRK. Along with standard ophthalmic examinations, corneal epithelial thickness mapping by anterior segment optical coherence tomography was performed. Epithelial thickness maps of 9-mm diameter were divided into 25 sectors, including a central 2-mm zone and eight octants within para-central (2 to 5 mm), midperipheral (5 to 7 mm), and peripheral (7 to 9 mm) annular zones. All PRK treatments were performed using the Technolas Teneo 317 model 2 excimer laser (Bausch & Lomb, Rochester, NY) and an aspheric profile with a 6-mm diameter optical zone. Follow-up was at 1, 3, and 6 months.

RESULTS:

Repeated thickness measures before and after PRK at different follow-up times showed a significant difference in thickness separately in various zones (
P
< .001). A significant decrease in thickness was seen 1 month after PRK in all zones. Afterward, epithelial thickening continued in all zones and reached the preoperative thickness in the midperipheral and peripheral zones 6 months later, whereas the thickness in the central 5-mm zone was significantly thicker than before surgery. There was also a significant correlation between changes in spherical equivalent and epithelial thickness from before to 6 months postoperatively in the paracentral and peripheral zones.

CONCLUSIONS:

There was a marked decrease in the epithelial thickening pattern at 1 month after PRK, with gradual thickening at 3 and 6 months. Changes in epithelial thickness and spherical equivalent were significant only for the para-central peripheral zone.

[
J Refract Surg.
2019;35(10):632–641.]
Long-term Comparison of Combined t-PTK and CXL (Cretan Protocol) Versus CXL With Mechanical Epithelial Debridement for Keratoconus
Authors: Grentzelos Michael A. , Liakopoulos Dimitrios A. , Siganos Charalambos S. , Tsilimbaris Miltiadis K. , Pallikaris Ioannis G. , Kymionis George D.
Published: October 2019

PURPOSE:

To compare the long-term outcomes of corneal cross-linking (CXL) for the treatment of keratoconus using two different techniques for epithelial removal: transepithelial phototherapeutic keratectomy (t-PTK) and mechanical epithelial debridement.

METHODS:

In this prospective, comparative, interventional case series, 26 patients (30 eyes) with progressive keratoconus underwent CXL treatment. Fifteen eyes (13 patients) underwent epithelial removal with t-PTK (Cretan protocol) and 15 eyes (13 patients) underwent mechanical epithelial debridement (Dresden protocol) during CXL. Visual, refractive, and keratometric outcomes were evaluated preoperatively and at 1, 2, 3, and 4 years postoperatively.

RESULTS:

No intraoperative or postoperative complications were observed in any of the patients. In the Cretan protocol group, mean uncorrected (UDVA) and corrected (CDVA) visual acuity improved from 0.99 ± 0.42 and 0.33 ± 0.28 logMAR preoperatively to 0.75 ± 0.32 (
P
= .018) and 0.21 ± 0.16 (
P
= .024) logMAR at 4 years postoperatively, respectively. In the Dresden protocol group, mean UDVA improved from 0.83 ± 0.47 logMAR preoperatively to 0.63 ± 0.40 logMAR (
P
= .033) at 4 years postoperatively, whereas mean CDVA did not demonstrate a statistically significant improvement postoperatively (
P
> .05). In the Cretan protocol group, mean corneal astigmatism improved from −6.19 ± 4.54 diopters (D) preoperatively to −4.68 ± 3.10 D (
P
= .041) at last follow-up, whereas in the Dresden protocol group there was no statistically significant difference postoperatively (
P
> .05).

CONCLUSIONS:

Epithelial removal with t-PTK during CXL (Cretan protocol) resulted in better visual, refractive, and keratometric outcomes compared with mechanical epithelial debridement over a long-term follow-up.

[
J Refract Surg
. 2019;35(10):650–655.]
Kawasaki Disease: Beyond IVIG and Aspirin
Authors: Moussa Taha , Wagner-Weiner Linda
Published: October 2019

Kawasaki disease (KD) is a vasculitis syndrome of unknown etiology, affecting medium-sized vessels and occurring primarily in young children. It is a self-limited illness classically presenting with fever, conjunctivitis, mucocutaneous lesions, and cervical adenopathy. However, vasculitis of coronary arteries with aneurysm formation may occur, leading to morbidity and rarely mortality. Prompt diagnosis of KD is essential as early treatment with intravenous immune globulin (IVIG) decreases the occurrence and severity of coronary vasculitis. This article reviews the clinical characteristics of KD, laboratory assessment, echocardiogram findings, and recommended initial medical therapy. Complications of KD are discussed, including KD refractory to IVIG, the presence of shock or macrophage activation syndrome (MAS), and short/long-term cardiac sequelae. The medical management of these complications is reviewed. Although improved treatment of KD has resulted in a decrease of coronary artery vasculitis over the past 3 decades, KD remains the most common cause of acquired heart disease in children.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2019;48(10):e400–e405.]
Kikuchi-Fujimoto Disease in Children: An Important Diagnostic Consideration for Cervical Lymphadenitis
Authors: Batton Emily , Alali Muayad , Hageman Joseph R. , Parilla Megan , Yu Karl O. A.
Published: October 2019

Kikuchi-Fujimoto disease (KFD), or histiocytic necrotizing lymphadenitis, is a rare, benign, and self-limited disease that causes lymphadenopathy and has a characteristic histological appearance. The etiology of this disease is unknown, but a possible infectious trigger has been hypothesized. In the adult population this disease is more common in females; however, in the pediatric population it is more common in males. Descriptions in the pediatric literature are lacking, particularly in the United States. The authors report three cases of pediatric KFD that presented at the same institution in a 9-month time period. All three patients were male and of non-Asian descent who were diagnosed with KFD by histopathologic specimen after presenting with unilateral cervical lymphadenitis. Each patient had additional laboratory evidence of a possible bacterial infection at the time of diagnosis. These three cases highlight the importance of considering KFD early when a pediatric patient presents with unilateral cervical lymphadenitis. The authors discuss the epidemiology, etiology, clinical manifestations, diagnostic approaches, and treatment of KFD.

[
Pediatr Ann.
2019;48(10):e406–e411.]
Global Overview of Tropical Dry Forests
Authors: Hasnat G. N. Tanjina , Hossain Mohammed Kamal
Published: October 2019

Forests cover almost one-third of the Earth's land surface. Tropical dry forests are the second-most-important forest type in the world covering approximately 42% of tropical and sub-tropical forest area. The main features of these forests are their deciduousness, a prolonged dry period extending 3-9 months, and little annual precipitation of 250-2,000 mm. Tropical dry forests are found in five of the eight realms in the world. More than half of the forests are distributed in the Americas, with other portions in Africa, Eurasia, Australia, and Southeast Asia. The forests are unique in nature, and provide shelter to a huge number of endemics and endangered species. Among woody plant species, about 40% are not found anywhere in the world. These forests are now the most threatened among all forest types. The conservation status of these forests is endangered. Deforestation, rapid civilization, land conversion, fire, and climate change are the major threats. Proper management with time-oriented policy could be helpful to restore these forests and protect the existing remnant areas.
Litter Production and Decomposition in Tropical Forest
Authors: Chakravarty Sumit , Rai Prakash , Vineeta  , Pala Nazir A. , Shukla Gopal
Published: October 2019

Plant litter production and decomposition is a crucial ecosystem process that defines and governs the plant-soil relationships by regulating the nutrient turnover and the build-up of soil organic matter. Litter is the principal source of organic matter for soils in the forest ecosystem. The litter, upon decomposition, makes available essential nutrients for the growth and development of a forest stand. Different tree components contain different amounts of nutrients; and build up of soil organic matter. The amount of nutrients added through litter decomposition varies with forest types, species, stand attributes, and variation in seasonal environmental conditions. Nutrient return from organic matter is estimated by the physico-chemical properties of the litter. Moreover, the rate of decomposition and the nutrient releases are highly influenced by magnitude of litter produced, litter quality and nutrients release, as well as, by climatic conditions and existing microbial communities in the soil system. Ecological impact of carbon and nutrient dynamics in the litter layer is considerable in a forest ecosystem.
Ecology of Natural Regeneration of Tropical Dry Forests of Africa and Its Implications for Their Sustainable Man
Authors: Syampungani Stephen , Sikanwe Annie Namuuya , Chirwa Paxie W. C.
Published: October 2019

Recovery of African dry forests and woodlands is through either sexual or vegetative means. A sufficient number of regeneration pool (root suckers, sprouts, and seedlings) tend to occur in the herbaceous layer of the African dry forests. However, the prevailing environmental conditions such as fires and competition for nutrients and light influence the number of surviving individuals to enter the next size class. Developing restoration strategy for the African savannas requires the knowledge of regeneration mechanisms and dynamics of these woodlands which will be helpful in their management.
MR1-Independent Activation of Human Mucosal-Associated Invariant T Cells by Mycobacteria
Authors: Suliman Sara , Murphy Melissa , Musvosvi Munyaradzi , Gela Anele , Meermeier Erin W. , Geldenhuys Hennie , Hopley Christiaan , Toefy Asma , Bilek Nicole , Veldsman Ashley , Hanekom Willem A. , Johnson John L. , Boom W. Henry , Obermoser Gerlinde , Huang Huang , Hatherill Mark , Lewinsohn David M. , Nemes Elisa , Scriba Thomas J.
Published: October 2019

Tuberculosis (TB) is the leading cause of mortality from a single infectious agent, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Relevant immune targets of the partially efficacious TB vaccine bacille Calmette–Guérin (BCG) remain poorly defined. Mucosal-associated invariant T (MAIT) cells are MHC-related protein 1 (MR1)–restricted T cells, which are reactive against M. tuberculosis, and underexplored as potential TB vaccine targets. We sought to determine whether BCG vaccination activated mycobacteria-specific MAIT cell responses in humans. We analyzed whole blood samples from M. tuberculosis–infected South African adults who were revaccinated with BCG after a six-month course of isoniazid preventative therapy. In vitro BCG stimulation potently induced IFN-γ expression by phenotypic (CD8+CD26+CD161+) MAIT cells, which constituted the majority (75%) of BCG-reactive IFN-γ–producing CD8+ T cells. BCG revaccination transiently expanded peripheral blood frequencies of BCG-reactive IFN-γ+ MAIT cells, which returned to baseline frequencies a year following vaccination. In another cohort of healthy adults who received BCG at birth, 53% of mycobacteria-reactive–activated CD8 T cells expressed CDR3α TCRs, previously reported as MAIT TCRs, expressing the canonical TRAV1-2-TRAJ33 MAIT TCRα rearrangement. CD26 and CD161 coexpression correlated with TRAV1-2+CD161+ phenotype more accurately in CD8+ than CD4−CD8− MAIT cells. Interestingly, BCG-induced IFN-γ expression by MAIT cells in vitro was mediated by the innate cytokines IL-12 and IL-18 more than MR1-induced TCR signaling, suggesting TCR-independent activation. Collectively, the data suggest that activation of blood MAIT cells by innate inflammatory cytokines is a major mechanism of responsiveness to vaccination with whole cell vaccines against TB or in vitro stimulation with mycobacteria (Clinical trial registration: NCT01119521).
Economic burden of slow learners
Authors: Karande S , Ramadoss D , Gogtay N
Published: October 2019

Aims:

The primary objective of this study was to evaluate the economic burden of slow learners (students with “borderline intellectual functioning”) by estimating its direct, indirect, and intangible costs. The secondary objective was to assess the impact of variables on the economic burden.

Settings and Design:

Cross-sectional, single-arm descriptive study.

Setting:

Learning disability clinic in a public medical college in Mumbai.

Materials and Methods:

The study cases (age ≥5 - 18 years) were recruited by nonprobability sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to interview the parent to collect data related to direct and indirect costs. Intangible costs data were collected by documenting the willingness-to-pay value using the contingent valuation technique.

Statistical Analysis Used:

A quantile regression model was used to assess the impact of predictor variables on the costs.

Results:

The direct, indirect, and intangible costs of slow learners were INR 6,065,915, 10,298,613, and 145,172,800, respectively. Indirect costs comprised 62.9% of the total costs. Expenditure on tuitions, medications, and remedial education comprised 57.38%, 16.18%, and 10.30% of the direct costs, respectively. The average annual total costs of slow learners were INR 3,544,880. The average annual learning disability clinic costs were INR 2,250,194. The average annual total costs per student were INR 57,951. Longer duration of poor school performance was predictive of higher direct and total costs.

Conclusion:

The economic burden of slow learners is enormous (intangible > indirect > direct costs). Tuitions are the most costly component of direct costs. Parental loss of earnings is the most costly component of indirect costs.
Bullous pemphigoid associated with dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor – A case report
Authors: Karthik S , Joseph PE , Babu T
Published: October 2019

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors (DPP-4i) are one of the mainstay drugs in the management of type 2 diabetes mellitus. It has been well-documented that these class of drugs cause allergic reactions. Bullous pemphigoid (BP) is a blistering skin condition commonly associated with many drugs. Here, we report a case of probable DPP-4i-induced BP in an elderly man, which resolved on discontinuation of the drug. Although this adverse drug reaction has been documented in Western world and Japanese ethnicity, this seems to be the first case report of such occurrence in Indian ethnicity.
Counting Feynman-like graphs: Quasimodularity and Siegel–Veech weight
Authors: Goujard Elise , Möller Martin
Published: October 2019

We prove the quasimodularity of generating functions for counting torus covers, with and without Siegel–Veech weight. Our proof is based on analyzing decompositions of flat surfaces into horizontal cylinders. The quasimodularity arises from representing the generating series as a contour integral of quasi-elliptic functions. This provides an alternative proof of the quasimodularity results of Bloch–Okounkov, Eskin–Okounkov and Chen–Möller–Zagier, and generalizes the results of Böhm–Bringmann–Buchholz–Markwig for simple ramification covers.
A HIGH-POWER SOURCE OF OPTICAL RADIATION WITH MICROWAVE EXCITATION
Authors: Churyumov Gennadiy Ivanovich , Denisov Oleksandr Grigorovich , Frolova Tetyana Ivanivna , Wang Nannan , Qiu Jinghui
Published: October 2019

For more than 50 years, interest to the microwave heating technology has not weakened. In addition to the traditional areas of its application, which described in detail in [1], recently there has been an expansion of technological possibilities for the use of microwave energy associated with the impact of electromagnetic waves of the microwave range on various materials (sintering of metal and ceramic powders) and media, including plasma [2]. One such new direction is the creation of high-power and environmentally friendly sources of optical radiation on the basis of an electrodeless sulfur lamp with microwave excitation [2, 3]. The purpose of this paper is to the further development of the theory and practice of microwave excitation by the electrodeless sulfur lamps, improvement the energy efficiency during energy conversion into the optical radiation and widening the application of new light sources in real practice. The results of the computer modeling of conversion process of the microwave energy into optical radiation energy are presented. The simulation results are compared with experimental data. It is shown that additional use of the solar panels for the reverse conversion of the optical radiation into DC energy with follow-up its using in the circuits of secondary power supply allows improving the energy efficiency of the light source.   References Microwave Power Engineering. Edited by E.C. Okress. V. 1, 2. Academic Press, New York & London. 1968.A.N. Didenko, SVCh-energetika. Teoriya i praktika. – Moscow: Nauka. 2003.- 445 s.G. Churyumov, T. Frolova, “Microwave Energy and Light Energy Transformation: Methods, Schemes and Designs. Microwave Energy and Light Energy Transformation: Methods, Schemes and Designs” // In book “Emerging Microwave Technologies in Industrial, Agricultural, Medical and Food Processing.” Edited by Kok Yeow You, IntechOpen, 2018. pp. 75-91.
JOINING OF CU TO SS304 BY MICROWAVE HYBRID HEATING WITH NI AN INTERLAYER
Authors: S Aravindan , Tamang Siddharth
Published: October 2019

The joining of dissimilar Pure Copper (Cu) to Stainless Steel (SS304) is necesilated in many industrial applications such as heat exchangers and electrical contacts. Advantages of both the materials such as high electrical conductivity of copper and better corrosion resistance of SS304 can be harnessed by way of joining both the metals. However, joining to Cu to itself or other materials is a challenge since the input heat is dissipated rapidly. Most of the conventional welding methods such as arc and gas are incompetent and unconventional methods such as Explosion Welding, EBW, Diffusion Bonding are very expensive.In this study a new economical process of joining of dissimilar metals i.e. Cu to SS304 by microwave hybrid heating is investigated. Microwave joining is made possible by applying a powder (in this work Nickel metal powder) as an interlayer and exposing to microwave surrounding the interlayer with a susceptor. In this study the interlayer of Ni powder having average size 200nm and 45μm was used. On exposure to microwave, the interlayer meal powder heats up [1] and then it promotes melting and thereby bonding to facilitate dissimilar joint. The microstructure of the joint is studied by optical microscope and scanning electron microscope. The joints formed with 200nm Ni powder were observed to have a defect free microstructure as illustrated in Fig. 1. The EDS and XRD analysis determines the formation of solid solution between Cu-Ni interface and an intermetallic compound at Fe-Ni interface. The diffusion of elements across the joint was further analyzed by EDS line scan. The hardness variation was studied by Vickers’ micro-hardness. It can be concluded that smaller size Ni heat up faster in microwave and produce stronger joint of Cu to SS304 by microwave hybrid heating.  References 1.           M. S. Srinath, A. K. Sharma, et al. ,Materials & Design , 2011, 32, 2685–2694
OPTIMIZING ASPHALT MIXTURES TO BE HEATED BY MICROWAVE
Authors: Gallego Juan , Gulisano Federico , Picado Luis , Crucho Joao
Published: October 2019

Over the last ten years the concept of self healing in asphalt mixtures for roads pavements has been reaching great importance due to the fact that this capability allows a material to recuperate original properties after failure. This new generation of asphalt paving materials would allow road agencies to save no renewable resources as aggregates and bitumen, making the road investments more efficient. By the moment, there are two mechanisms to promote self healing in asphalt pavement: the incorporation in the asphalt mixtures of capsules containing a rejuvenating agent, or the heating of the pavement, especially the surface layer, to melt the asphalt binder, that gets liquid and refills the cracks in the material, recuperating a part of its initial structural parameters. Probably the most promising method for the in situ heating of the pavements is the radiation by microwaves. Unfortunately, asphalt mixture components (aggregates and binder) are low sensitive to microwave energy. This is why it may be advantageous to incorporate in the mixture additives to improve the sensibility to the radiation with microwaves. In this investigation two additives were studied: graphene and EAF slag coming from the steel industry. These additives were incorporated at several contents and the efficiency of the heating process was evaluated by the ratio kwh/kg/ºC in order to optimize the content of the additive in the asphalt mixture. Additionally, an evaluation of the electrical conductivity of the asphalt mixture at different contents of additives was carried out to study the possible relation between the conductivity of the mixture and its sensibility to microwave radiation. As a result of the investigation, it seems that microwave radiation can be a real option to promote in situ self healing of asphalt pavements. References J. Gallego, M.A. del Val, V. Contreras, A. Páez. Use of additives to improve the capacity of bituminous mixtures to be heated by means of microwaves, Materiales de Construcción. Vol. 67, Issue 325, January–March 2017, e110. http://dx.doi.org/10.3989/mc.2017.00416 …
REFLEXIONES DEL FUTURO MAESTRO/A DE PRIMARIA SOBRE El PROYECTO ESCÉNICO COMO HERRAMIENTA DE APRENDIZAJE
Authors: Vernia-Carrasco Ana Mercedes
Published: October 2019

Después de cuatro años implementando el proyecto escénico como herramienta de aprendizaje en la asignatura de Didáctica de la Expresión Musical, en la Universidad Jaume I, hemos recogido las reflexiones del alumnado participante, para evaluar el proyecto en diferentes puntos. La formación y educación artística ha ido perdiendo importancia en el Sistema Educativo español, no obstante, opinamos que es fundamental su implicación en el currículum oficial, por ellos se deben buscar herramientas que faciliten su conocimiento y su didáctica. El proyecto escénico se implementa durante el primer semestre del grado de maestro y maestra en primaria, y en su tercer curso de formación, para poner en práctica los conocimientos que posee el alumnado, respecto a la educación musical, adaptándose al bagaje de cada participante. El trabajo en equipo es fundamental tanto en el proceso como en la presentación, que además requiere de expertos profesionales para la gestión de los recursos tecnológicos que se necesitarán para la puesta en escena. La coordinación, la escenografía, la interacción con los elementos sonoros y la comunicación a través del cuerpo, forman la base de este aprendizaje, que se relacionada además con diferentes temas transversales, escogidos por el propio alumnado y relacionados con las realidades y demandas sociales. Nuestras conclusiones son, por una parte, la valoración positiva del alumnado y la necesaria puesta por el cambio de paradigma respecto a la educación y formación musical y por otra parte, la importante conexión que se establecen entre las diferentes artes y sus competencias.
A Critical Review of the Science and Engineering of Cathodic Protection of Steel in Soil and Concrete
Authors: Angst Ueli M.
Published: October 2019

After a century of history of cathodic protection (CP) of iron and steel, this paper critically reviews the state of the art in the science and engineering and assesses the fitness of CP as an effective technology to tackle the challenges related to infrastructure corrosion. This paper focuses on CP of iron-based alloys embedded in porous media, such as soil or concrete, as these two major applications of CP technology share many similarities. First, the scientific understanding of CP is reviewed and different competing theories are discussed. There is wide agreement that corrosion protection of steel is achieved thanks to a combination of immediate activation polarization and the beneficial changes in electrolyte chemistry that are gradually occurring at the steel surface when a protection current is flowing toward a steel electrode. A major and well-documented technological advantage of these “chemical effects” is that the protective effect of CP is maintained during temporal loss of protection current, e.g., due to survey work related shut-offs or anodic interference. However, the relationships between these chemical concentration changes in the porous medium and the protection current are complex, and, as this review shows, cannot reliably be described with state-of-the-art approaches. Moreover, in this paper, different hypotheses for the mechanism of corrosion protection in heterogeneous situations (galvanic elements), as they are generally occurring in practice, are discussed. It is revealed that understanding the working mechanism of CP in heterogeneous conditions remains a critical scientific challenge. The longstanding debate concerns the question whether CP results mainly in a reduction of number and size of actively corroding areas, or in a reduction of the corrosion rate at the actively corroding sites. Additionally, the literature addressing the interrelation between microbiologically influenced corrosion and CP is here reviewed, and recent progress as well as limitations of the existing literature are highlighted. In a second part, engineering practice and CP protection criteria are reviewed. It is found that the approaches stipulated in international standard are unreliable. This can be traced back to the assessment criteria being empirical and incapable of adequately taking into account the complexity of the underlying processes. Finally, recommendations for future developments are made. Particular opportunities are seen in embracing the progress made in numerical modeling, such as reactive transport modeling in porous media, and considering the interdependence between the involved processes, namely the interdependence between transport processes, chemical reactions, and electrode kinetics.
Estimating and Reporting Uncertainties in Remotely Sensed Atmospheric Composition and Temperature
Authors: von Clarmann Thomas , Degenstein Douglas A. , Livesey Nathaniel J. , Bender Stefan , Braverman Amy , Butz André , Compernolle Steven , Damadeo Robert , Dueck Seth , Eriksson Patrick , Funke Bernd , Johnson Margaret C. , Kasai Yasuko , Keppens Arno , Kleinert Anne , Kramarova Natalya A. , Laeng Alexandra , Payne Vivienne H. , Rozanov Alexei , Sato Tomohiro O. , Schneider Matthias , Sheese Patrick , Sofieva Viktoria , Stiller Gabriele P. , von Savigny Christian , Zawada Daniel
Published: October 2019

Abstract. Remote sensing of atmospheric state variables typically relies on the inverse solution of the radiative transfer equation. An adequately characterized retrieval provides information on the uncertainties of the estimated state variables as well as on how any constraint or a priori assumption affects the estimate. Reported characterization data should be intercomparable between different instruments, empirically validatable, grid-independent, usable without detailed knowledge of the instrument or retrieval technique, traceable, and still have reasonable data volume. The latter condition of adequacy may force one to work with representative rather than individual characterization data. The main sources of uncertainty are measurement noise, calibration errors, simplifications and idealizations in the radiative transfer model and retrieval scheme, auxiliary data errors, and uncertainties in atmospheric or instrumental parameters. Some of these errors affect the result in a random way, while others chiefly cause a bias or are of mixed character. Beyond this, it is of utmost importance to know the influence of any constraint and prior information on the solution. While different instruments or retrieval schemes may require different error estimation schemes, we provide a list of recommendations which shall help to unify retrieval error reporting.