bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of age on long-term survival following gastrectomy for gastric cancer
Authors: Brown LR , Kamarajah SK , Madhavan A , Wahed S , Navidi M , Immanuel A , Hayes N , Phillips AW
Published: April 2022

Introduction

Gastrectomy remains the primary curative treatment modality for patients with gastric cancer. Concerns exist about offering surgery with a high associated morbidity and mortality to elderly patients. The study aimed to evaluate the long-term survival of patients with gastric cancer who underwent gastrectomy comparing patients aged <70 years with patients aged ≥70 years.

Methods

Consecutive patients who underwent gastrectomy for adenocarcinoma with curative intent between January 2000 and December 2017 at a single centre were included. Patients were stratified by age with a cut-off of 70 years used to create two cohorts. Log rank test was used to compare overall survival and Cox multivariable regression used to identify predictors of long-term survival.

Results

During the study period, 959 patients underwent gastrectomy, 520 of whom (54%) were aged ≥70 years. Those aged <70 years had significantly lower American Society of Anesthesiologists grades (p<0.001) and were more likely to receive neoadjuvant chemotherapy (39% vs 21%; p<0.001). Overall complication rate (p=0.001) and 30-day postoperative mortality (p=0.007) were lower in those aged <70 years. Long-term survival (median 54 vs 73 months; p<0.001) was also favourable in the younger cohort. Following adjustment for confounding variables, age ≥70 years remained a predictor of poorer long-term survival following gastrectomy (hazard ratio 1.35, 95% confidence interval 1.09, 1.67; p=0.006).

Conclusions

Low postoperative mortality and good long-term survival were demonstrated for both age groups following gastrectomy. Age ≥70 years was, however, associated with poorer outcomes. This should be regarded as important factor when counselling patients regarding treatment options.
Electromagnetic modeling and simulation of the biophoton propagation in myelinated axon waveguide
Authors: Zeng Haomin , Zhang Yunhua , Ma Yue , Li Song
Published: April 2022

Biophotons in the nervous system are a potential carrier of neural signals. Previous experiments and studies indicated that biophotons are closely related to the neuronal activity and can propagate along myelinated axons. We establish a multilayer electromagnetic simulation model and demonstrate that the myelinated axon waveguide has low attenuation and low dispersion and operates in a narrow bandwidth on the order of 10 nm. We also find that the operating wavelength of the waveguide is almost linearly related to the axon diameter and the number of myelin layers. Each additional layer of the myelin sheath causes the operating wavelength of the myelinated axon waveguide to shift 52.3 nm to the long-wave direction, while an increase in the axon diameter of 1.0 µm causes the operating wavelength to shift 94.5 nm to the short-wave direction. These findings well explain the tendency of the spectral redshift among different species and the spectral blueshift during the aging process of mice. Via the analysis method in this paper, we can predict the wavelength of the propagating biophotons based on the neural structure.
Interferometric grazing incidence test of rough steep convex aspherics: full 3D reconstruction of the object
Authors: Rothau S. , Schamburek T. , Mantel K. , Lindlein N.
Published: April 2022

A grazing incidence interferometric measurement procedure is applied to test rough convex steep rotationally symmetric aspherics. The measurement of rough surfaces is possible; i.e., without the need to polish the surfaces, due to the large effective wavelength (

λ

eff

=
10

µ
m

) of the test. One measurement step using diffractive beam splitters and phase-shifting techniques delivers the surface information along one meridian. The full surface description can be stitched together from several phase results combined with appropriate object rotations. This publication includes, besides the short recapitulation of the measurement principle and experimental setup, a presentation of the simulated and measured data of an aspherical object under test. The data analysis of each meridian is focused on the elimination of the misalignment aberrations caused by specimen displacements. Finally, the stitching of multiple meridian regions to a 3D surface map of the specimen is shown.
Terahertz spoof surface plasmonic demultiplexer based on band-stop waveguide units
Authors: Li Huilin , Li Yanfeng , Yuan Mingrui , Ma Xinyu , Han Jiaguang
Published: April 2022

Demultiplexers play an important role in wavelength division multiplexing optical transmission systems and constitute an essential component of future terahertz integrated circuits. In this work, we propose a terahertz spoof surface plasmonic demultiplexer, which is capable of distinguishing between three different frequencies by exploiting the band-stop effect of the waveguide units. The waveguide units are composed of metallic pillars of different sizes, where the transmission of spoof surface plasmons in the terahertz range is strongly influenced by the pillar size. The frequency-splitting feature can be achieved by selecting waveguide units with proper parameters that allow the passbands of the waveguides to be completely non-overlapping. As the effective working section, the length of the band-stop units is 1 mm, and extinction ratios of 21.5 dB, 18.0 dB, and 23.9 dB are obtained at 0.578 THz, 0.632 THz, and 0.683 THz, respectively. The proposed band-stop unit and its tunable characteristics have important applications for further development of terahertz integrated communication systems and terahertz on-chip plasmonic circuity.
Cavity resonator-integrated guided-mode resonance filters with on-chip electro- and thermo-optic tuning
Authors: Monmayrant Antoine , Calvez Stephane , Calmon Pierre-François , Dubreuil Pascal , Charlot Samuel , Fehrembach Anne-Laure , Popov Evgueny , Gauthier-Lafaye Olivier
Published: April 2022

Cavity resonator grating filters (CRIGFs) integrated on lithium niobate on insulator (LNOI) with electrical tuning elements are reported. The resonance wavelength of the filters is in the 780 nm range. Integrated thermo-optical tuning range of 2.5 nm is measured using integrated resistors, whilst a 0.7 nm electro-optical tuning range using capacitive metallic pads is achieved with ±400V drive voltage.
Optical poling by means of electrical corona discharge
Authors: Pereira João M. B. , Tarasenko O. , Claesson Åsa , Laurell Fredrik , Margulis Walter
Published: April 2022

Electrical corona discharge is employed in this work to deposit ions on the surface of an optical fiber, creating a strong electric field that is used for poling. Green laser light propagating in the core frees photocarriers that are displaced by the poling field. The technique presented can induce a higher optical nonlinearity than previously obtained in traditional optical poling with internal metal electrodes. To date, a maximum second order nonlinearity 0.13 pm/V has been achieved for a 15 kV corona discharge bias.
Multiple intermodal-vectorial four-wave mixing bands generated by selective excitation of orthogonally polarized LP01 and LP11 modes in a birefringent fiber
Authors: Majchrowska Sylwia , Żołnacz Kinga , Urbańczyk Wacław , Tarnowski Karol
Published: April 2022

This study investigates the nonlinear frequency conversions between the six polarization modes of a two-mode birefringent fiber. The aim is to demonstrate that the selective excitation of different combinations of linearly polarized spatial modes at the pump wavelength initiates distinct intermodal-vectorial four-wave mixing processes. In particular, this study shows that exciting two orthogonally polarized LP01 and LP11 modes can lead to the simultaneous generation of up to three pairs of different spatial modes of orthogonal polarizations at different wavelengths. The role of the phase birefringence of the spatial modes in the phase matching of such a four-wave mixing process is explained. Moreover, the theoretical predictions are verified through numerical simulations based on coupled nonlinear Schrödinger equations, and are also confirmed experimentally in a commercially available birefringent fiber.
Transition frequency measurement of highly excited Rydberg states of 87Rb for a wide range of principal quantum numbers
Authors: B. S. Silpa , Barik Shovan Kanti , Chaudhuri Saptarishi , Roy Sanjukta
Published: April 2022

We report our measurements of the absolute transition frequencies of 5P3/2, F = 3 to nS and nD Rydberg states of 87Rb with high principal quantum numbers in a wide range of values (n = 45-124). The measurements were performed using Rydberg Electromagnetically Induced Transparency (EIT) in ladder-type three-level systems. We measure the transition frequencies with an accuracy of ≤ 2 MHz. We determine the values of the Rydberg-Ritz parameter for 87Rb from our experimental measurements of the transition frequencies. Our measurements of the absolute transition frequencies of the highly excited Rydberg states would be useful for diverse applications in quantum information processing, quantum simulation and quantum sensing with Rydberg atoms.
Quality versus emergency: How good were ventilation fittings produced by additive manufacturing to address shortages during the COVID19 pandemic?
Authors: Khonsari Roman Hossein , Oranger Mathilde , François Pierre-Marc , Mendoza-Ruiz Alexis , Leroux Karl , Boussaid Ghilas , Prieur Delphine , Hodge Jean-Pierre , Belle Antoine , Midler Vincent , Morelot-Panzini Capucine , Patout Maxime , Gonzalez-Bermejo Jésus
Published: April 2022

Objective

The coronavirus disease pandemic (COVID-19) increased the risk of shortage in intensive care devices, including fittings with intentional leaks. 3D-printing has been used worldwide to produce missing devices. Here we provide key elements towards better quality control of 3D-printed ventilation fittings in a context of sanitary crisis.

Material and methods

Five 3D-printed designs were assessed for non-intentional (junctional and parietal) and intentional leaks: 4 fittings 3D-printed in-house using FDeposition Modelling (FDM), 1 FDM 3D-printed fitting provided by an independent maker, and 2 fittings 3D-printed in-house using Polyjet technology. Five industrial models were included as controls. Two values of wall thickness and the use of coating were tested for in-house FDM-printed devices.

Results

Industrial and Polyjet-printed fittings had no parietal and junctional leaks, and satisfactory intentional leaks. In-house FDM-printed fittings had constant parietal leaks without coating, but this post-treatment method was efficient in controlling parietal sealing, even in devices with thinner walls (0.7 mm vs 2.3 mm). Nevertheless, the use of coating systematically induced absent or insufficient intentional leaks. Junctional leaks were constant with FDM-printed fittings but could be controlled using rubber junctions rather than usual rigid junctions. The properties of Polyjet-printed and FDM-printed fittings were stable over a period of 18 months.

Conclusions

3D-printing is a valid technology to produce ventilation devices but requires care in the choice of printing methods, raw materials, and post-treatment procedures. Even in a context of sanitary crisis, devices produced outside hospitals should be used only after professional quality control, with precise data available on printing protocols. The mechanical properties of ventilation devices are crucial for efficient ventilation, avoiding rebreathing of CO2, and preventing the dispersion of viral particles that can contaminate health professionals. Specific norms are still required to formalise quality control procedures for ventilation fittings, with the rise of 3D-printing initiatives and the perspective of new pandemics.
Effects of a locally available dietary interventions counselling on the community-based management of anaemia in children under five years in Ghana: Kumbungu cluster randomized controlled trial protocol
Authors: Nuertey Benjamin Demah , Yawson Alfred E. , Addai Joyce A. , Biritwum Richard B.
Published: April 2022

Anaemia in children under five years remains a significant cause of mortality and morbidity in low-middle income countries. Globally, 27% of the world’s population is anaemic, of which developing countries account for more than 89%. The global prevalence is worse in Africa and Asia. Anaemia has the potential of maintaining the cycle of poverty, as it prevents children from attaining their full development potential. An important part of anaemia in children under-five years are preventable. Locally available dietary (LAD) interventions may be the sustainable interventions to address the high prevalence of anaemia in our communities. The aim of the study is to determine the effect of counselling on Locally Available Diet, on anaemia among children aged 6–59 months in the Kumbungu District of the Northern Region, Ghana. This study will be a community-based cluster randomized, controlled trial, with two parallel arms; Iron + Folic Acid (IFA arm) hereby referred to as the Standard care arm and Iron + Folic Acid + Counselling on Locally available dietary intervention (IFA+LAD arm) referred to as the Standard Plus arm. Study participants are children between the ages of 6 to 56 months. All study participants would receive iron plus folic acid. The minimum number of children per arm is 330 and the number of community clusters is 10 (5 per study arm). Also, considering this study proposes two parallel arms, the total minimum study sample size of children under five years is 496, the minimum total number of community clusters is 10 and a minimum of 25 households per community cluster, 124 households per study arm and 248 households for the study. Randomization is at the level of the clusters (selected communities). The intervention group receives counselling on LAD at a household level aimed at promoting the intake of locally available iron, folate and vitamin B12 rich foods. Also encourage the intake of food rich in enhancers of iron absorption and discouraging the intake of food rich in inhibitors of iron absorption. The primary outcome is mean haemoglobin levels in study arms. Secondary outcomes would include measurement of weight, height/length, mid upper arm circumference, dietary record, serum iron, ferritin, and other parameters of full blood count. Ethical clearance has been obtained and trial registered with Pan African Trial Registry (www.pactr.org)PACTR201906918438423.
Morphological and genetic characterization of the broad mite Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks (Acari: Tarsonemidae) from two Mexican populations
Authors: Ovando-Garay Vivian , González-Gómez Rebeca , Zarza Eugenia , Castillo-Vera Alfredo , de Coss-Flores Martha Elena
Published: April 2022

Polyphagotarsonemus latus Banks is considered a polyphagous pest of diverse agricultural and ornamental crops of global economic significance. Its distribution, host range, variety of symptoms, morphological differences, chaetotaxy and several ontogeny reports have advanced the idea of P. latus as a species complex. Correct pest identification leads to suitable control treatment. Therefore, the objective of this study was the identification of mites collected in two different geographic regions in Mexico (Chiapas and Guanajuato) that had been tentatively designated as Polyphagotarsonemus sp. Biometric differences on the morphology of adults as well the genetic variability were determined by taxonomical and molecular (mitochondrial COI gene) characterization techniques. The identity of the mites from both populations was confirmed as P. latus based on taxonomic characters. Biometric parameter variations were found between both populations (70.58% and 53.84% for females and males, respectively). The average sequenced fragment size was 447 bp (both populations). A homology search against six P. latus sequences available in the GenBank database revealed that sequence KM580507.1 (from India) shows 83.0–86.41% and 99.26–99.52% similarity with the sequences from Guanajuato and Chiapas, respectively. Molecular data indicated a significant divergence between the populations. The genetic distance demonstrates the population from Chiapas has a higher genetic correspondence (0.010) to the sequence from India (KM580507.1) whereas the population from Guanajuato is more distant (0.191). The genetic distance between the populations of this study and other GenBank sequences is even larger. We consider our results strengthen the hypothesis of P. latus consisting of a species-complex. However, it is essential to extend the study to other regions including its country of origin (Sri Lanka), and to include ultrastructural features.
Supplementary education can improve the rate of adequate bowel preparation in outpatients: A systematic review and meta-analysis based on randomized controlled trials
Authors: Peng Shicheng , Liu Sixu , Lei Jiaming , Ren Wensen , Xiao Lijun , Liu Xiaolan , Lü Muhan , Zhou Kai
Published: April 2022

Background

Colonoscopy is widely used for the screening, diagnosis and treatment of intestinal diseases. Adequate bowel preparation is a prerequisite for high-quality colonoscopy. However, the rate of adequate bowel preparation in outpatients is low. Several studies on supplementary education methods have been conducted to improve the rate of adequate bowel preparation in outpatients. However, the controversial results presented encourage us to perform this meta-analysis.

Method

According to the PRISMA statement (2020), the meta-analysis was registered on PROSPERO. We searched all studies up to August 28, 2021, in the three major electronic databases of PubMed, Web of Science and Cochrane Library. The primary outcome was adequate bowel preparation rate, and the secondary outcomes included bowel preparation quality score, polyp detection rate, adenoma detection rate, cecal intubation time, withdrawal time, nonattendance rate and willingness to repeat rate. If there was obvious heterogeneity, the funnel plot combined with Egger’s test, meta-regression analysis, sensitivity analysis and subgroup analysis were used to detect the source of heterogeneity. RevMan 5.3 and Stata 17.0 software were used for statistical analysis.

Results

A total of 2061 records were retrieved, and 21 full texts were ultimately included in the analysis. Our meta-analysis shows that supplementary education can increase the rate of adequate bowel preparation for outpatients (79.9% vs 72.9%, RR = 1.14, 95% CI: 1.08–1.20, I2 = 87%, p<0.00001). Supplementary education shortened the withdrawal time (MD: -0.80, 95% CI: -1.54 to -0.05, p = 0.04) of outpatients, increased the Boston Bowel Preparation Scale (MD: 0.40, 95% CI: 0.36 to 0.44, p<0.00001), reduced the Ottawa Bowel Preparation Scale (MD: -1.26, 95% CI: -1.66 to -0.86, p<0.00001) and increased the willingness to repeat (91.9% vs 81.4%, RR:1.14, 95% CI: 1.04 to 1.25, p = 0.004).

Conclusion

Supplementary education for outpatients based on the standard of care can significantly improve the quality of bowel preparation.
Effect of flipped classroom approach in the teaching of a hematology course
Authors: Qutob Haitham
Published: April 2022

The flipped classroom is a teaching strategy used to enhance the engagement of students in the learning process. Replacing didactic lectures with active learning strategies through flipped classroom sessions fosters independence and the opportunity for students to engage in different passive learning styles. Although many studies of the flipped classroom approach have been conducted with medical students, few have focused on the effect of flipped classroom sessions on students in other medical professional fields. The aim of this study was to assess the effect of the flipped classroom approach on the performance of medical laboratory science students in a hematology course and their perception of the flipped classroom as an active learning strategy. In addition, students’ perceptions regarding the flipped classroom as an active learning strategy were assessed. Of two cohorts in hematology courses, cohort 2 attended flipped classroom sessions, whereas cohort 1 underwent traditional class sessions. Students’ learning outcomes, achievements and performance on examinations in hematology courses were assessed. In addition, a satisfaction survey was distributed to the students to evaluate their perception of the flipped classroom as a student-centred learning strategy. Students in cohort 2 performed significantly better in the knowledge and cognitive domains than did those in cohort 1 (p < 0.001). Cohort 2 students completed the course successfully with an average grade of 81%, and few students received low grades; in comparison, cohort 1 students completed the course with an average grade of 73%, and 7 students received a grade of F. Of students in cohort 2, 83% believed that the flipped classroom provided a better understanding of the subject matter and appropriate knowledge and skills. The results indicate the effectiveness of flipped classrooms as an active learning style in enabling students to obtain desirable knowledge and improve their academic performance. Moreover, students zrecognized that the flipped classroom as an active learning style was more beneficial than the traditional teaching approach.
Quantifying risk factors and potential geographic extent of African swine fever across the world
Authors: Jiang Dong , Ma Tian , Hao Mengmeng , Ding Fangyu , Sun Kai , Wang Qian , Kang Tingting , Wang Di , Zhao Shen , Li Meng , Xie Xiaolan , Fan Peiwei , Meng Ze , Zhang Shize , Qian Yushu , Edwards John , Chen Shuai , Li Yin
Published: April 2022

African swine fever (ASF) has spread to many countries in Africa, Europe and Asia in the past decades. However, the potential geographic extent of ASF infection is unknown. Here we combined a modeling framework with the assembled contemporary records of ASF cases and multiple covariates to predict the risk distribution of ASF at a global scale. Local spatial variations in ASF risk derived from domestic pigs is influenced strongly by livestock factors, while the risk of having ASF in wild boars is mainly associated with natural habitat covariates. The risk maps show that ASF is to be ubiquitous in many areas, with a higher risk in areas in the northern hemisphere. Nearly half of the world’s domestic pigs (1.388 billion) are in the high-risk zones. Our results provide a better understanding of the potential distribution beyond the current geographical scope of the disease.
Project activities in the professional training of future designers (based on China’s educational experience)
Authors: Panyok Tatyana , Dai Zhen , Ju Dongting
Published: April 2022

This article presents the findings of the research into improving design professional training by means of project activities alongside art and multimedia technologies (MTs). It discusses the role of artistic skills in the success of project activities, in particular, the skills of visual representation of the environment via MTs. It was confirmed that the development of media significantly changed the technological potential of design, as well as its artistic value. Therefore, professional training content became the primary focus of attention, since it appeared vital to involve new forms of creating artistic design projects with such modern methods as media fusion and motion graphics. The development of digital technologies promoted changes in teaching methods, adjustments in curricula according to the demands of modern design and those of introducing creative approaches in project activity teaching. The experimental part of the study demonstrates the dynamics of forming professional project skills on the authors’ special course ‘Multimedia Technologies’.
Inventário dos Resíduos Sólidos Produzidos no Campus do IF Goiano Rio Verde
Authors: Ribeiro Bhrunna Tacauana , Mello Jefferson Alecrim de , Oliveira Marcos Fernandes de , Barbosa Jr. João Areis F. , Tininis Aristeu Gomes
Published: April 2022

Nos últimos 20 anos, mudanças sociais e comportamentais têm sido intensas, as cidades têm sentido uma explosão demográfica substancial proporcionada por estabilidade econômica e pela busca de melhor qualidade de vida. A comodidade oferecida ao consumidor tem transformado a forma do mercado de produtos de necessidade cotidiana sensivelmente, gerando cada vez mais resíduos sólidos para atender a este mercado consumidor. O presente trabalho tem como propósito a realização de um inventário dos resíduos sólidos produzidos no Instituto Federal Goiano - Campus Rio Verde e nos traz uma ideia comportamental quanto ao modo de tratamento de uma determinada faixa da população com questões aparentemente simples, mas que dizem muito sobre como estaremos conduzindo a forma de consumo, a maneira do descarte de materiais, a disposição pessoal em contribuir com um gerenciamento sustentável de resíduos sólidos, e o que pode ser melhorado. A pesquisa foi dividida em três etapas onde foram levantados procedimentos metodológicos na literatura sobre o assunto, escolhendo a maneira de condução do experimento em loco, na segunda etapa  levantados os locais onde estão as unidades iniciais de segregação, a logística de acondicionamento dos resíduos nos pontos de coleta, os dias em que são realizadas as coletas,  e por último a caracterização em loco do tipo de material produzido, o volume em massa do teor produzido de material, e a  análise e discussão dos dados encontrados neste inventário, como também suas contribuições para o campus universitário.
Understanding global patterns of insectivorous bat dietary research
Authors: Taweesub Chalermchai , Cejuela Tanalgo Krizler , Sritongchuay Tuanjit , Catherine Hughes Alice
Published: April 2022

Studies focusing on the diet of insectivorous bats enhances our understanding of species foraging ecology, and the various ecosystem services provided by bats (especially regulating and suppressing pest populations). This service provides an important insight on their roles in ecosystems, and decreases crop damage as well as increasing productivity, reducing pesticide application, and as significant source of energy for cave ecosystems. This study aimed to understand patterns and provide an overview of how bat diet research has changed over seven decades, to enable more effective future research on conservation and bat pest-control related services. In this study, we reviewed and synthesized the insectivorous bat diet literature and the research which reported the dietary composition that published between 1950 and 2020 to evaluate trends and changes in research. We found studies on 374 species (33.3% of insectivorous species), and a progressive increase in research during over seven decades across all nine regions. The majority of publications were concentrated in North America (116 publications) with fewer studies in countries from the tropics. Most studies took place in natural areas (252 studies) with fewer in buildings and agroecosystems. All insectivorous-bats families were included in diet research, with Vespertilionidae having the greatest coverage (275 studies). Our synthesis highlights clear spatial and taxonomic biases in research. Future studies should focus on all and include more research in agroecosystems and urban areas to understand their roles in ecosystems as well as promote bat conservation.
Lakatos’ Quasi-Empiricism Revisited
Authors: Zeng Wei
Published: April 2022

The central idea of Lakatos’ quasi-empiricism view of the philosophy of mathematics is that truth values are transmitted bottom-up, but only falsity can be transmitted from basic statements. As it is falsity but not truth that flows bottom-up, Lakatos emphasizes that observation and induction play no role in both conjecturing and proving phases in mathematics. In this paper, I argue that Lakatos’ view that one cannot obtain primitive conjectures by induction contradicts the history of mathematics, and therefore undermines his quasi-empiricism theory. I argue that his misconception of induction causes this view of Lakatos. Finally, I propose that Wittgenstein’s view that “mathematics does have a grammatical nature, but it is also rooted in empirical regularities” suggests the possibility to improve Lakatos’ view by maintaining his quasi-empiricism while accepting the role induction plays in the conjecturing phase.
Investigation of the hydrogen embrittlement susceptibility of steel components during thin-film hot-dip galvanizing
Authors: Pinger Thomas , Riedel Jens , Diehl Axel , Mayrhofer Robert
Published: April 2022

With regard to the application of thin-film hot-dip galvanizing to a welded steel tube structure in vehicle construction, several test series were carried out to investigate the potential for hydrogen embrittlement caused by the pretreatment media used in the galvanizing process. Here, C-ring specimens were produced from the materials E355 and C75 in different tempering states, treated in a hydrochloric acid-based operational pickle, and then tested under constant strain rate or constant load. The results show that under the investigated pickling conditions, no hydrogen-induced embrittlement effect occurs up to a hardness of 470 HV in the case of material E355 and 500 HV in the case of material C75. Only in the case of 550 HV and 600 HV, both for C75, was a tendency to embrittlement observed; this effect was more pronounced after treatment with the freshly prepared pickle than in the operating pickles. The two test methods used showed consistent results.
Research on the auxetic behavior and mechanical properties of periodically rotating graphene nanostructures
Authors: Liang Yingjing , Huang Jietao , Qu Jianxin , Huang Jianzhang , Hui David
Published: April 2022

Negative Poisson’s ratio (auxetic) material is one of the most widely studied metamaterials, and recent attempts have been made to discover auxeticity in graphene-based and related carbon-based materials. However, it is shown that negative Poisson’s ratio effect requires special conditions, such as high temperature. Achieving negative Poisson’s ratio effect under large strain at ambient conditions is the key to graphene materials in nano-device applications. In order to discover the auxetic properties of nanostructures under large strain, this article proposes periodically rotating graphene nanostructures (PRGNs) which are the combination of graphene and rotating rigid unit structures. Poisson’s ratio, Young’s modulus, and damage mechanism of PRGNs are investigated using molecular dynamics simulation. It can be possible to conclude that PRGNs can also exhibit auxetic behavior, and their negative Poisson’s ratio effect can be maintained even at large strains (ε ∼ 0.1). Poisson’s ratio can be regulated by adjusting the value of the geometry parameters of the graphene sheets (GSs), which comprise the PRGNs, and changed from negative to positive and from positive to negative. Also, the influences of the structural size of GSs and the connection angle between GSs on the mechanical properties are explored, which will provide a theoretical basis for the preparation and performance optimization of GSs and the nano-auxetic properties of materials.
A Study on the Influence of Natural Agents on the Absorption Properties of Cotton Fabrics – Part Two
Authors: Mohanraj Saravanan
Published: April 2022

Increased worldwide competition in textiles has given opportunities to researchers and industries to work toward new challenges in product development. This research work aims to investigate how the herbal extract-treated cotton fabrics were made with a focus on the absorption properties. The treated fabric samples were analyzed for their static absorption (%), immersion time (s), surface water absorption (mL), and vertical wicking height (cm). The mangosteen dyed cotton fabrics with specifications of 140 g/m2 and the plain weave with 40 % dyed concentration and untreated cotton fabrics had static water absorptions of 320 % and 328 %, immersion times of 1.68 s and 1.65 sec, surface water absorptions of 17 ml and 18.1 ml, and vertical wicking heights of 4 cm and 4.9 cm, respectively. Water repellency properties had slight changes for treated terry fabrics say 220 and 240 GSM with rating ‘50’ in adjacent to the untreated fabric sample with rating ‘0’. Water repellency results indicated that there was no characteristic change in the water response property (i.e., water absorption) of herbal extract-treated samples. Mangosteen and orange extracts-treated cotton fabrics of 140 and 240 g/m2 with a 30 % dye concentration showed better water absorption properties in comparison to the other herbal extract dyed samples.
Definition of the concept of social and pedagogical partnership as a mechanism for the development of an institution of additional education
Authors:   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Zhuravleva Natalia Nikolaevna , Svezhentseva Anastasia Yurievna ,   Municipal Budgetary Institution for Additional Education of Children “House of Creativity “Oktyabrsky” of Novosibirsk
Published: April 2022

The article deals with the phenomenon of socio-pedagogical partnership, shows the genesis of this concept in the historical aspect. Since the term “socio-pedagogical partnership” is a relatively ambiguous concept and has recently arisen in pedagogy, this article shows how the essence of this concept has changed at different stages. In the development of conceptual approaches to social partnership, several significant periods are distinguished, which makes it possible to judge the socio-pedagogical partnership as a development mechanism. In the development of conceptual approaches to social partnership, several significant periods can be distinguished. The first period dates back to antiquity. The second period from the XVI-XVII centuries. – the first half of the XVIII century marks the development of the concept of social partnership based on the ideas of the French Enlightenment and German philosophy. The period from the middle of the XX century is marked by the development of the ideas of civil society, the concept of social society and the construction of its models.
The use of integrated learning elements for the forming of universal pedagogical competencies in the conditions of the interfaculty technopark
Authors:   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Kravtsov Yuriy Vasilevich , Mishutina Olga Valerievna ,   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University
Published: April 2022

The article is focused on a variant of integrated learning technology elements application with a meta-subject component for the forming of students’ universal pedagogical competencies within the framework of the interfaculty technopark. The Federal State Educational Standard of Higher Education (approved 22.02.2018, and amended 08.02.2021) provides definitions and range of universal pedagogical competencies. The use of integrated learning technology with meta-subject tasks direction allows students to aim their efforts towards forming of universal competencies. A system of tasks on the search for the characteristics in the nature of the Novosibirsk region of the main postulates of natural science concepts published in foreign scientific periodicals has been prepared for students of the IV-th course of non-linguistic majors. The forming of students’ universal competencies is carried out during a process of creating educational products, therefore, according to the results of the search activity, students submit reports according to generally accepted forms. A result of testing the meta-subject tasks turned out, that their content to be difficult for students, but they were conversant with the technology of creating educational products. At the same time, diagnostics of competence forming process remains debating point. On a base of assuming a connection between the quality of student educational products and the level of competence forming, the authors conclude that reproductive level of task completion prevailed in the group of students. This makes it necessary to continue working on the formation of universal competencies for future teachers.
Features of Reaction in a Conflict Situation Among Students-Defectologists with Different Levels of Reflexivity
Authors:   Novosibirsk State Pedagogical University, Veterok Ekaterina V.
Published: April 2022

The article presents an analysis of the problem of the peculiarities of reaction in a conflict situation among students of defectology with different levels of reflexivity. It is noted that in the mechanisms of response in a conflict situation, a significant place is occupied by personal factors that determine the predisposition of the subject to the choice of a behavior strategy. Various typologies of conflicts are presented, which are developed on the basis of different approaches to understanding this social phenomenon. A number of definitions of behavior strategies in a conflict situation are given based on the analysis of foreign and domestic works. The concept of reflexivity in relation to various psychological characteristics is defined. The results of an empirical study of the peculiarities of reaction in a conflict situation among students of defectology with different levels of reflexivity are presented, according to which students of defectology with a low level of reflexivity tend to defend their own interests without taking into account the interests of the opponent, students of defectology with a low level of reflexivity are characterized by the lack of a tendency to find solutions to the problem and defend their own interests, which manifests itself in ignoring the conflict situation., students of defectology with an average level of reflexivity tend to search for solutions to the problem taking into account their own interests and the interests of the opponent.
Double fixation for complex distal femoral fractures
Authors: Stoffel Karl , Sommer Christoph , Lee Mark , Zhu Tracy Y , Schwieger Karsten , Finkemeier Christopher
Published: April 2022

For complex distal femoral fractures, a single lateral locking compression plate or retrograde intramedullary nail may not achieve a stable environment for fracture healing.

Various types of double fixation constructs have been featured in the current literature. Double-plate construct and nail-and-plate construct are two common double fixation constructs for distal femoral fractures.

Double fixation constructs have been featured in studies on comminuted distal femoral fractures, distal femoral fracture with medial bone defects, periprosthetic fractures, and distal femoral non-union.

A number of case series reported a generally high union rate and satisfactory functional outcomes for double fixation of distal femoral fractures.

In this review, we present the state of the art of double fixation constructs for distal femoral fractures with a focus on double-plate and plate-and-nail constructs.
Estrategias de análisis de datos de los impactos del conocimiento en las capacidades de gestión tecnológica
Authors: Ríos Martínez Leidy Liliana , Sáenz Blanco Fabiola , Cordero Sáenz Néstor Orlando
Published: April 2022

Este texto da cuenta de un estudio que tuvo como propósito establecer las estrategias de analisis de datos de los impactos del conocimiento en las capacidades de gestión tecnológica, según el modelo de gestión tecnológica propuesto por Sáenz et al. (2017). Se aplicó una encuesta en la cual participaron 152 entidades prestadoras de servicios de calibración acreditadas en Bogotá, con un nivel de confianza del 95 % y un margen de error del 5 %. Se obtuvo un tamaño muestral de 110 entidades con sus perfiles respectivos. Uno de los instrumentos usados para desarrollar el estudio fue la aplicación de estrategias de analisis de datos para identificar adecuadamente las variables que tienen relación e incidencia en los impactos del conocimiento en las capacidades de gestión tecnológica. Los resultados evidencian cómo se definieron los criterios de análisis y muestran cómo se desarroll el análisis correlacional de las variables para la “dimensión humana” y la “dimensión organizacional”, en relación con la capacidad de gestionar el conocimiento del modelo. Por lo tanto, se concluye que las estrategias de análisis de datos de los impactos del conocimiento en las capacidades de gestión tecnológica tienen influencia positiva en el desarrollo del analisis de entrada de las variables del modelo de gestión tecnológica, para, luego, poder realizar la posterior simulación y evaluación en entornos dinámicos.
Sexual dimorphism and hyaluronic acid treatments of male patients
Authors: Toledo Avelar Luiz Eduardo , Real Julia , Haddad Alessandra , Miranda Avelar João Victor de
Published: April 2022

There are several differences between the male and female face. These differences are found not only in the three thirds of the face, but also in all topographic layers. When studying the skull of both genders, we can see that the male skull is bigger, heavier and has more volume than the female. From top to bottom, when we analyze the superior third of the face, we can see the frontal region is completely different in male and female craniums. The female frontal region is more vertical and rectified with the frontal eminence well pronounced. The male frontal region is more oblique, does not have the pronounced frontal eminence superiorly, but has an important protrusion above the superior orbital rim, called the supraorbital ridge (Figure 1). This gives the frontal region an irregular surface on profile view and is an important sign of ageing since it becomes more prominent in elderly patients.
INVESTMENT ACTIVITY IN PLANT-GROWING - ASSESSMENT AND FUTURE PROSPECTS
Authors: Ivanova D.
Published: April 2022

The agricultural sector in Bulgaria faces a number of challenges related to the new programming period for Europe and the prospective (forthcoming) technological transformation. The new realities in the transition period (2021-2022) require in-depth research activities on the readiness of the sector in terms of investment opportunities and prospects for the future. The purpose of this study is to analyze the investment activity of SMEs in the plant-growing sector (crop-raising sector) and to identify some of the main determining factors. The dynamics and the amount of investments in the sector is analyzed through the incremental changes that have occurred in the provision of tangible fixed assets. Accordingly, the impact of economic profitability, leverage as well as company refinancing opportunities are taken into account.
MODELS IN SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT IN ANIMAL HUSBANDRY
Authors: Petrova N. , Genchev E.
Published: April 2022

Supply chain management is a critical aspect of conducting any business. In this article, we provide an overview of some the methods for supply management and their use in animal husbandry. In this paper, we introduce a version of Wilson`s model. The illustration of the proposed model, showing economic effects to the farm, reducing its expenses (by 2.5%) compared to farms that do not utilize this model.
ECONOMIC ASPECTS AND CHALLENGES IN PRECISION AGRICULTURE
Authors: Penev N. , Petrov M.
Published: April 2022

Precise agriculture is an intersection in which meet high technologies, knowledge of the earth, soil, climate and good practices in agricultural activity. Economic aspects with precise agriculture are related to the introduction of those practices that can help improving the optimization of costs and achievement of higher quality products and better crop collection rates. In order to introduce the practices and techniques of precise agriculture specific investments are required in: information assurance, agro -technical procedures, monitoring services, and the use of GPS devices for mapping the field and planning the production process according to the specific needs of the farm. There are a wide variety of techniques that could be introduced in the production process, but only in certain cases these practices could be viable and could lead to real pay-back in a reasonable period of time and of course, could lead agricultural production to optimization levels , reducing costs of exploitation and improving financial statements of the farm.
IMPROVING ACCESS TO FINANCE FOR AGRICULTURAL HOLDINDS AS A FACTOR FOR THE SUSTAINABILITY OF AGRICULTURAL FINANCING IN BULGARIA
Authors: Kirechev D.
Published: April 2022

The article analyzes the demand for finance and the supply of financial services. The assessment is that access to finance is a significant difficulty for Bulgarian farmers. Bulgarian farmers value their problems with access to finance at least twice as much as those of average European farmers. The main difficulties experienced by Bulgarian farmers and reflected in the demand for finance are determined by their needs for working capital, modernization of agricultural enterprises, and the purchase of agricultural land. The supply of agricultural loans is growing. The state of lending to the agricultural sector in the period after the country's accession to the European Union in 2007 is studied. In recent years, the supply of credit has increased. The main problems in the credit market are the concentration of the banking sector, the high levels of indebtedness, difficulties related to loan collateral. Lending is closely linked to financial support under CAP schemes. The development of financial support in combination with the improvement of the supply of agricultural finance is an important factor for achieving sustainable financing of agriculture in Bulgaria in the coming years. The need to improve the tools for improving the value chain in agriculture is highlighted.
Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted breast biopsy in the diagnosis of cancer recurrence at the surgical scar: a report of three cases
Authors:   Department of Diagnostic Radiology – Breast Imaging Unit, King Hussein Cancer Center, Jordan, Tahoun Laila Abu , Maraqa Bayan ,   Department of Laboratory Medicine and Pathology, King Hussein Cancer Center, Jordan
Published: April 2022

Aim of the study: Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy is being increasingly used in the diagnosis of breast lesions. The advantages of vacuum-assisted biopsy over core needle biopsy include large sample and higher diagnostic accuracy. Indications for ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy include suspicious calcifications visible on ultrasound, architectural distortion, and very subtle or insinuating lesions. Case description: We present three patients treated for breast cancer with breast-conserving surgery who developed suspicious findings on mammogram and MRI at or near the surgical scar. The findings were subtle, small, or atypical lesions on ultrasound. Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy was performed, and recurrence was diagnosed. The technique was advantageous due to real-time imaging, ability to control the path of the needle, obtaining multiple cores with a single skin puncture and single pass, supine position, no radiation, and no IV contrast. Conclusions: Ultrasound-guided vacuum-assisted biopsy should be considered in cases involving multiple suspicious findings at or near the surgical scar, with subtle or atypical sonographic correlates. Vacuum-assisted biopsy is indicated; yet ultrasound guidance is more comfortable, no radiation and no contrast.