bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Smart Optical Catheters for Epidurals
Authors: Carotenuto Benito , Ricciardi Armando , Micco Alberto , Amorizzo Ezio , Mercieri Marco , Cutolo Antonello , Cusano Andrea
Published: May 2018

Placing the needle inside the epidural space for locoregional anesthesia is a challenging procedure, which even today is left to the expertise of the operator. Recently, we have demonstrated that the use of optically sensorized needles significantly improve the effectiveness of such procedure. Here we propose an optimized configuration, where the optical fiber strain sensor is directly integrated inside the epidural catheter. The new design allows to solve the biocompatibility issues and increases the versatility of the former configuration. Through an in vivo study carried out on a porcine model we confirm the reliability of our approach, which also opens the way to catheter monitoring during its insertion inside biological spaces.
Effects of Periostracum Cicadae on Cytokines and Apoptosis Regulatory Proteins in IgA Nephropathy Rat Model
Authors: Yang Lu , Wang Yan , Nuerbiye Aobulikasimu , Cheng Ping , Wang Jin-Hui , Kasimu Rena , Li Hong
Published: May 2018

Periostracum cicadae, the cast-off shell of the cicada Cryptotympana pustulata Fabricius, is used in traditional Chinese medicine for its diaphoretic, anticonvulsive, sedative, antipyretic, and antiallergic effects. However, the exact pathogenesis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN) remains unclear, thereby hindering investigations to identify novel therapeutic agents. A rat IgAN model was established by administration of bovine serum albumin, lipopolysaccharide, and carbon tetrachloride, which simultaneously established blood stasis and a heat syndrome model. The animals were sacrificed to detect changes in protein levels in urine and blood. Immunofluorescence was performed to assess IgA deposition in the glomeruli. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Hematology and eosin, periodic acid-Schiff, TUNEL, and immunohistochemical staining were performed to evaluate histopathological changes in kidney tissues. Additionally, target-related proteins were measured by western blotting. Periostracum cicadae resulted in a reduction in blood and urine protein levels. Serum TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels significantly decreased in the periostracum cicadae-treated groups compared to the IgAN group. Furthermore, a reduction in MCP-1, TLR4, and IgA expression levels and a dose- dependent increase in caspace-3 expression were observed in response to periostracum cicadae treatment. TGF-β1 levels decreased, whereas that of Fas increased in the kidney tissues of the periostracum cicadae-treated groups. The findings of the present study indicate that periostracum cicadae induces apoptosis and improves kidney inflammation and fibrosis in IgA nephropathy rat models.
On a Class of Hermite-Obrechkoff One-Step Methods with Continuous Spline Extension
Authors: Mazzia Francesca , Sestini Alessandra
Published: May 2018

The class of A-stable symmetric one-step Hermite-Obrechkoff (HO) methods introduced in [1] for dealing with Initial Value Problems is analyzed. Such schemes have the peculiarity of admitting a multiple knot spline extension collocating the differential equation at the mesh points. As a new result, it is shown that these maximal order schemes are conjugate symplectic which is a benefit when the methods have to be applied to Hamiltonian problems. Furthermore a new efficient approach for the computation of the spline extension is introduced, adopting the same strategy developed in [2] for the BS linear multistep methods. The performances of the schemes are tested in particular on some Hamiltonian benchmarks and compared with those of the Gauss Runge-Kutta schemes and Euler-Maclaurin formulas of the same order.
Influence of the Quantity of Water Absorption in the Mechanical Properties of Jute Fiber and Glass Fiber Composites
Authors: Dantas Camila Medeiros , Freire Júnior Raimundo Carlos Silverio , Santos Jayna Kátia Dionisio dos , Silva Camilla Cruz da , Cöuras Ford Elmo Thiago Lins
Published: May 2018

The use of plant fibers as reinforcement in composites with the aim of totally or partially replacing synthetic fibers has received significant attention in the last years. However, one of the disadvantages of the use of these fibers in polymeric composites is associated to the fact that they are hydrophilic, resulting in poor adhesion with most matrices when in the presence of moisture. In addition, another problem encountered is the lower strength of this type of fiber and, as a solution to minimize these problems, the composite can be hybridized by adding layers of natural and synthetic fibers and the use of resin protection along the thickness of the composite. (Lateral protection) to reduce moisture absorption by the laminate. The objective of this work is to obtain composites formed by five layers of reinforcement and terephthalic polyester matrix, one of which is reinforced only with short glass fiber-E blanket, another reinforced only with jute fiber and a third hybrid containing the fibers. Two types of reinforcements with interlayer layers. Afterwards, the loss of mechanical properties was observed when these materials were immersed in distilled water, with and without lateral protection, until reaching saturation. We evaluated parameters such as the influence of configuration type and environmental conditions, such as the amount of water absorption. The obtained results show that the hybrid composite obtained a behavior close to the composite containing only fiberglass, and better than the one containing only jute fiber and that the absorption was smaller in the samples with side protection.
Artificial Immune System (AIS)-Based Location Management Scheme in Mobile Cellular Networks
Authors: Biswash Sanjay Kumar , Sarkar Mahasweta , Sharma Dhirendra Kumar
Published: May 2018

In this paper, we are proposing a bio-inspired location management (LM) technique for personal communication system (PSC). It is based on artificial immune system (AIS), with self-adaptation and self-updates attributes in order to perform the location management, and work helps to achieve the better quality of service (QoS) and quality of experience (QoE) for the mobile users. Here, we are suggesting a modified mobile switching center (MSC) architecture, and an adaptive self-modified location management procedure. The proposed mobile switching centre architecture has an advantage of rule-based and fact-based system to store the rules and fact related to location management procedure, and it shows the intelligent behavior of system. The mobile switching centre calculates the best method for location management and rule-base system trigged the rules to perform the techniques. The system stores the result (techniques for location management) in fact-base system for future use. The efficiency and effectiveness of the proposed techniques been analyzed, and it observed that the proposed system has 45-50% improvement in performance over the current location management techniques. Here, we are taking the performance parameters such as signaling cost, database update cost, overhead measurement, mobility management cost.
PPARgamma Expression is Diminished in Macrophages of Recurrent Miscarriage Placentas
Authors: Kolben Theresa Maria , Rogatsch Elisabeth , Vattai Aurelia , Hester Anna , Kuhn Christina , Schmoeckel Elisa , Mahner Sven , Jeschke Udo , Kolben Thomas
Published: May 2018

PPARgamma belongs to the group of nuclear receptors which is expressed in the trophoblast and together with other factors is responsible for the maintenance of pregnancy. Apart from that PPARgamma is also a main factor for macrophage polarization. The aim of this study was to investigate the combined expression pattern and frequency of PPARgamma under physiological circumstances and in spontaneous and recurrent miscarriages in the trophoblast and in maternal macrophages of the decidua. Human placental tissues of the first trimester (15 physiologic pregnancies, 15 spontaneous abortion & 16 recurrent miscarriage placentas) were analyzed for expression of the nuclear receptor PPARgamma. Expression changes were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and RT-PCR in trophoblast and in maternal macrophages of the decidua. Maternal macrophages were identified by double immunofluorescence using CD68 as marker for macrophages. The intermediate villous trophoblast revealed a significantly lower PPARgamma expression in spontaneous and recurrent abortion. Maternal macrophages express PPARgamma. Their number is significantly enhanced in the decidua of spontaneous miscarriages whereas in recurrent miscarriages maternal macrophages seem to express PPARgamma only in very few cases. PPARgamma is associated with an M2 polarization state that is common for decidual macrophages. The lack of PPARgamma in recurrent miscarriage decidual macrophages seems to be associated with a specific inflammatory response against the fetus.
An Ethnographic Approach to the Study of Folklore of Barumal Village in India
Authors: Gupta Avinash , Roy Sneha
Published: May 2018

The focus of this ethnographic expedition is to study the folklore and traditions amongst the existing tribal populations of Barumal village in southern Gujarat, India. The fieldwork revolves around cultural and socio-economic aspects of their livelihood and this paper encompasses the knowledge from one such lens out of many. It tries to identify the importance of mythology and its roots. The data collected from three different population groups are Varlis, Kukanas, Dhodiya Patels that are set within the caste system based hierarchy inhabiting in the same region. The interview method was employed throughout with open-ended questions. The varied customs and traditions appearing in their lifestyle, occupation, and festivals are always associated with one god or another. The key informants felt the need to distinguish the history of their own tribe from the others by taking the help of myths passed down from their ancestors. Most of the key informants were mature adults including both males and females.
Multiple Fault Location in a Photovoltaic Array Using Bidirectional Hetero-Associative Memory Network in Micro-distribution Systems
Authors: Chang Long-Yi , Pai Neng-Sheng , Chou Min-Hung , Chen Jian-Liung , Kuo Chao-Lin , Lin Chia-Hung
Published: May 2018

In manual maintenance inspections of large-scaled photovoltaic (PV) or rooftop PV systems, several days are required to survey the entire PV field. To improve reliability and shorten the amount of time involved, this study proposes an electrical examination based method for locating multiple faults in the PV array. The maximum power point tracking (MPPT) algorithm is used to estimate the maximum power of each PV panel; this is then compared with metering the output power of PV array. Power degradation indexes are parameterized to quantify the degradation between maximum power and metered output power. Bidirectional hetero-associative memory (BHAM) networks are then used to locate multiple faults within the entire PV field. For a rooftop PV system with two strings, as seen in Figure 1, experimental results demonstrate that the proposed model has computational efficiency for real-time applications and that its algorithm is easily implemented in a mobile intelligent vehicle.
TGF-β Sustains Tumor Progression through Biochemical and Mechanical Signal Transduction
Authors: Furler Robert L. , Nixon Douglas F. , Brantner Christine A. , Popratiloff Anastas , Uittenbogaart Christel H.
Published: May 2018

TGF-β signaling transduces immunosuppressive biochemical and mechanical signals in the tumor microenvironment. In addition to canonical SMAD signaling, TGF-β can promote tumor growth and survival by inhibiting proinflammatory signaling and extracellular matrix remodeling. In this article, we will review how TAK1 activation lies at the intersection of proinflammatory signaling by immune receptors and anti-inflammatory signaling by TGF-β receptors. Additionally, we will discuss the role of TGF-β in the mechanobiology of cancer. Understanding how TGF-β dampens proinflammatory responses and induces pro-survival mechanical signals throughout cancer development will be critical in designing therapeutics which inhibit tumor progression while bolstering the immune response.
A3, a Scorpion Venom Derived Peptide Analogue with Potent Antimicrobial and Antibiofilm Activity against Clinical Isolates of Multi-Drug Resistant Gram Positive Bacteria
Authors: Almaaytah Ammar , Farajallah Ahmad , Abualhaijaa Ahmad , Al-balas Qosay
Published: May 2018

Current research in the field of antimicrobials is focused on the development of novel antibiotics and antimicrobial agents to counteract the huge dilemma that the human population is mainly facing in regards to the rise of bacterial resistance and biofilm infections. Host Defense peptides (HDPs) are a promising group of molecules for antimicrobial development as they share unique characteristics suitable for antimicrobial activity including their broad spectrum of activity and potency against bacteria. AamAP1 is a novel HDP that was identified through molecular cloning from the venom of the North African scorpion Androctonus amoeruxi. In vitro antimicrobial assays revealed that the peptide displays moderate activity against different strains of Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Additionally, the peptide proved to be highly hemolytic and displaying significantly high toxicity against mammalian cells. In our study, a novel synthetic peptide analogue named A3 was designed from the naturally occurring scorpion venom host defense peptide. The design strategy depended on modifying the amino acid sequence of the parent peptide in order to increase its net positive charge, percentage helicity and optimize other physico-chemical parameters involved theoretically in HDPs activity. Accordingly, A3 was evaluated for its in vitro antimicrobial and anti-biofilm activity individually and in combination with four different types of conventional antibiotics against clinical isolates of multi-drug resistant (MDR) Gram-positive bacteria. A3 was also evaluated for its cytotoxicity against mammalian cells. A3 displayed potent and selective in vitro antimicrobial activities against a wide range of MDR Gram-positive bacteria. Our results also showed that combining A3 with conventional antibiotics displayed a synergistic mode of action which resulted in decreasing the MIC value for A3 peptide as low as 0.125 µM. These effective concentrations were associated with negligible toxicities on mammalian cells. In conclusion, A3 exhibits enhanced activity and selectivity when compared with the parent natural scorpion venom peptide. The combination of A3 with conventional antibiotics may be pursued as a potential novel treatment strategy against MDR and biofilm forming bacteria.
Transcriptional Activation of Human GD3 Synthase (hST8Sia I) Gene In curcumin-Induced Autophagy in A549 Human Lung Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Lee Miri , Kim Kyoung-Sook , Kim Dong-Hyun , Kim Cheorl-Ho , Lee Young-Choon
Published: May 2018

Curcumin, a natural polyphenolic compound isolated from the plant Curcuma longa, is known to induce autophagy in various cancer cells, including lung cancer. In the present study, we also confirmed by LC3 immunofluorescence and immunoblotting analyses that curcumin triggers autophagy in human lung adenocarcinoma A549 cell line. In parallel with autophagy induction, gene expression of human GD3 synthase (hST8Sia I) responsible for ganglioside GD3 synthesis was markedly elevated in response to curcumin in A549 cells. To investigate transcriptional activation of hST8Sia I associated with autophagy formation in curcumin-treated A549 cells, functional characterization of the 5’-flanking region of the hST8Sia I gene was carried out using luciferase reporter assay system. Deletion analysis demonstrated that the -1146 to -646 region, which includes putative c-Ets-1, CREB, AP-1 and NF-κB binding sites, functions as the curcumin-responsive promoter of hST8Sia I in A549 cells. Site-directed mutagenesis and chromatin immunoprecipitation assay demonstrated that the NF-κB binding site at -731 to -722 was indispensable for the curcumin-induced hST8Sia I gene expression in A549 cells. Moreover, the transcriptional activation of hST8Sia I by curcumin A549 cells was strongly inhibited by compound C, an inhibitor of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK). These results suggest that curcumin controls hST8Sia I gene expression via AMPK signal pathway in A549 cells.
Preoperative and Postoperative Assessment of Ultrasonographic Measurement of Inferior Vena Cava: a Prospective, Observational Study
Authors: Kaydu Ayhan , Gökçek Erhan
Published: May 2018

Background: Ultrasound measurement of dynamic changes in inferior vena cava (IVC) diameter and collapsibility index (CI) evaluates to estimate the fluid responsiveness and intravascular volume status. We conducted a analysis to quantify the sonographic measurement of IVC diameter changes in adult patients at preoperative and postoperative period. Methods: Ultrasonography was performed on 72 patients scheduled for surgery with American Society of Anesthesiologists physical status I to III. Quantitative assessments of the end-expiration (Dmin), end-inspiration (Dmax) and CI at preoperative and postoperative period were compared in a prospective, observational study. The patients received intravenous fluid according to standard protocol regimes peroperatively. The cutt-off value of dIVC 40% was accepted as hypovolemia. Results: Ultrasonography of IVC measurement was unsuccessful in 12.5% of patients and 63 patients remained for analyses. The mean age was 43.29 ± 17.22 (range 18 - 86) years. The average diameter of the Dmin, Dmax and dIVC at preoperative and postoperative were 1.99 ± 0.31 vs. 2.05 ± 0.29 cm, 1.72 ± 0.33 vs. 1.74 ± 0.32 cm, 14.0 ± 9.60 % vs. 15.14 ± 11.18 %, respectively (p<0.05). Using a threshold dIVC of 40%, one patient preoperatively and 5 postoperatively were hypovolemic (p<0.05). CI was also positively associated preoperatively and postoperatively (regression coefficient = 0.438, p<0.01). Conclusion: The diameter of IVC did not change preoperatively and postoperatively in adult patients with standard fluid regimens. The parameters of the IVC diameter increased postoperatively according to preoperative period.
Microgrid as a Cost-Effective Alternative for Rural Network Underground Cabling for Adequate Reliability
Authors: Uski Sanna , Rinne Erkka , Sarsama Janne
Published: May 2018

Microgrids can be used for securing power supply during network outages. Underground cabling of distribution networks is another effective, but conventional and expensive alternative to enhance reliability of power supply. This paper presents firstly an analysis method for the determination of microgrid power supply adequacy during islanded operation, and secondly, a comparison method for overall cost calculation of microgrids vs. underground cabling. The microgrid power adequacy during a rather long network outage is required in order to indicate high level of reliability of supply. The overall cost calculations consider the economic benefits and costs incurred combined for both the distribution network company and the consumer. Whereas the microgrid setup determines the islanded operation power adequacy and thus the reliability of supply, the economic feasibility results from the normal operations and services. The methods are illustrated by two typical, and even critical, case studies in rural distribution networks: an electric-heated detached house and a dairy farm. These case studies show that even in case of a single consumer, a microgrid option could be more economical than network renovation by underground cabling of a branch in order to increase reliability.
Effect of a Dense Network of Surface Reservoirs on the Power Demand for Water Distribution in a Semiarid Basin
Authors: Nascimento Tatiana , Cavalcanti Natalia , Castro Bruno , Medeiros Pedro
Published: May 2018

The power generation from hydroelectric plants has increased worldwide, contributing to the participation of the renewable sources to the energy matrix. In the semiarid Brazilian Northeast (NEB), thousands of small dams have been built over time as a solution for water supply. Although incompatible with hydropower generation due to the conflict with human water supply in the region, small reservoirs accumulate water and hydraulic energy at high altitudes. In this work, simulations were performed to assess how the arrangement of various sized reservoirs impact the power demand for water distribution in the Banabuiú River Basin – BRB (19,800 km²), Brazil. The power required to pump water from all 1,405 reservoirs to the districts is 6.5 GWh/year, whereas in the scenario with the 12 larger strategic reservoirs only, the power demand reaches 45.3 GWh/year. Although representing roughly 60% of the water availability of the BRB and being able to supply all the districts, the Arrojado Lisboa reservoir alone would demand 195 GWh/year to supply water to the entire basin, i.e. 30 times the power required in the real reservoir arrangement. By storing water at high altitudes and distributing it spatially, the small reservoirs increase the energy efficiency on the water distribution system.
An Automated IoT Visualization BIM Platform for Decision Support in Facilities Management
Authors: Chang Kai-Ming , Dzeng Ren-Jye , Wu Yi-Ju
Published: May 2018

Building information modeling (BIM) is the digital representation of physical and functional characteristics (such as geometry, spatial relationship, and geographic information) of a facility to support decisions during its life cycle. BIM has been extended beyond 3D geometrical representations in recent years, and now includes time as a fourth dimension and cost as a fifth dimension, as well as such other applications as virtual reality and augmented reality. The Internet of Things (IoT) has been increasingly applied in various products (smart homes, wearables) to enhance work productivity, living comfort, and entertainment. However, research addressing the integration of these two technologies (BIM and IoT) is still very limited, and has focused exclusively on the automatic transmission of sensor information to BIM models. This paper describes an attempt to represent and visualize sensor data in BIM with multiple perspectives in order to support complex decisions requiring interdisciplinary information. The study uses a university campus as an example and includes several scenarios, such as an auditorium with a dispersed audience and energy saving options for rooms with different functions (mechanical/electric equipment, classrooms, and laboratory). This paper also discusses the design of a common platform allowing communication among sensors with different protocols (Arduino, Raspberry Pi), the use of Dynamo to accept sensor data as input and automatically redraw visualized information in BIM, and how visualization may help in making energy-saving management decisions.
Diversity of Gut Microbiota in Autism Reveals Differential Abundance of Prevotella and Akkermansia Species
Authors: Agarwala Swati , Naik Bindushree , B Ramachandra Nallur
Published: May 2018

Background: Gut-Brain-Axis provides bidirectional communicational route; imbalance of which can have pathophysiological consequences. It is a frontier in autism research, affects 85% of autistic children (NIH report). Their microbiome has few overall microbes and smaller number of health promising microbes than their neurotypical peers. We hypothesize autism gut might play a role in manifestation of autism behaviours and on treatment, can revert back to normal behaviour considerably. The aim is to better understand to what degree gut microbiota of autism subjects differs from controls and identify bacterial species present exclusively in autism. Materials and Methods: 16s-rRNA-sequence of autism-subjects were retrieved from the American Gut Project Archive. Taxonomic assignment was inferred by similarity based methods using Quantitative Insights Into Microbial Ecology (QIIME). Species abundance was characterized and co-occurrence network was built to infer species interaction using measures of diversity. Statistical parameters were considered to validate the findings. Result: A total of 206 (1.8%) of American Gut Project datasets onstituted of autistic samples. Various bacteria such as Akkermansia sp., and Prevotella sp., were harboured in higher abundance in autistic children with statistical significance than in controls. Conclusion: These findings indicate connecting-link between gut-microbiome-brain-axis and autistic behaviour which can result in improved management
Simulation of Underground Gas Storage Feasibility in a Depleted Gas Reservoir
Authors: Kakhsaz Hamidreza , Ansari Abdolhamid
Published: May 2018

Underground storage of natural gas is an inevitable necessity because of increasing growth of household energy consumption, the high share of natural gas in the energy basket, high costs of development of production resources, and refining. Considering the growth of demand and variation of natural gas consumption as a massive and inexpensive energy carrier, also unbalanced supply and demand for natural gas in cold seasons, there is a need for natural gas storage for preventing lack of gas during peak gas consumption. In this way, extra gas is injected into the underground reservoir during storage in summer and taken from that reservoir in the cold seasons. The creation of underground reservoirs for storing natural gas is scheduled to be implemented by the gas storage company and the vulnerability of the transmission and distribution system will be prevented by storing surplus gas in summer for reprocing in winter.
A Comparison of Dependence Across Different Types of Nicotine Containing Products and Coffee
Authors: Fagerström Karl
Published: May 2018

Introduction. Few studies have compared the dependence to different tobacco and nicotine products. Besides how dependence may vary between tobacco products there is even less known how it relates to other common drugs, e.g. caffeine. In this study degree of dependence was compared between snus, cigarettes, nicotine replacement (NR), electronic cigarettes and coffee. Methods. An internet panel was used to obtain a representative sample of 3001 Swedes. The responders were asked among other related things about their use of snus, NR, traditional cigarette or e-cigarette use and coffee consumption. The indicators of dependence used were: A. the Heavy Smoking Index, B. The proportions that used within 30 min after raising in the morning, C. rating the first use in the morning as the most important and D. Stating that it would be very hard to give up entirely. Results. Significantly fewer among coffee drinkers started use within 30 minutes of awakening compared with all other products. The first use of the day was found to be more important for snus users compared with other products. On HSI there was no difference between snus and cigarettes. Snus and cigarettes were rated as being more difficult to give up than NR and coffee. Conclusion. Dependence to traditional cigarettes and snus seem to be relatively similar while NR was rated lower and coffee lowest. Since the prevalence of caffeine use in all forms is so much more prevalent than nicotine use there might be more persons in the society heavily dependent on caffeine. Implication. Tobacco products are likely more dependence forming that NR products and coffee. The addiction to coffee or caffeine is seldom discussed in the society. But if there are more individuals heavily dependent on coffee than nicotine and some nicotine containing products like snus and even more so NR are not that much more harmful than coffee how problematic is the addiction?
Chemical Mechanism of Petal Color Change in Oenothera Flowers during Senescence
Authors: Teppabut Yada , Oyama Kin-ichi , Kondo Tadao , Yoshida Kumi
Published: May 2018

Oenothera flower petals change color during senescence. When in full bloom, the flowers of O. tetraptera are white and those of O. laciniata and O. stricta are yellow; however, the colors change to pink and orange, respectively, when the petals fade. We analyzed the flavonoid components in these petals as a function of senescence using HPLC-DAD and LC-MS. In all three species, cyanidin 3-glucoside (Cy3G) was found in faded petals, and the content of Cy3G increased in senescence. In full bloom (0 h), no Cy3G was detected in any of the petals, but after 12 h, the content of Cy3G in O. tetraptera was 0.97 μmol/gFW and that in O. laciniata was 1.82 μmol/gFW. Together with anthocyanins, major flavonoid components in petals were identified. Quercitrin was detected in the petals of O. tetraptera, and isosalipurposide was found in the petals of O. laciniata and O. stricta. The content of quercitrin did not change during senescence, but that of isosalipurposide in O. laciniata increased from 3.4 μmol/gFW at 0 h to 4.8 μmol/gFW at 12 h. The color change in all the three Oenothera flowers was confirmed to be due to the de novo biosynthesis of Cy3G.
PENGARUH PROGRAM BLOCK GRANT KECAKAPAN HIDUP TERHADAP HASIL BELAJAR BAHASA INGGRIS
Authors: Ibrahim Nurdin
Published: May 2018

The aim of this study is to examine the differences in learning achievement in English between the students who receives Block Grant and who don’t. This study was conducted in 2005 at Jakarta Public Senior Highschools which received Block Grant Welfare Program and Jakarta Public Senior Highschools which didn’t receive Block Grant Welfare Program in 2003, located in East, Central, and North Jakarta. This study used Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) with additional approach Tuckey Test at á=0,05, and used expost facto and a 2x2 factorial design. The result of hypotheses testing shows that: first, in overall, there is a significant difference found between English achievement of student who received Block Grant and who didn’t receive Block Grant. Second, there is an interaction between enteryng behaviors and Block Grant Welfare Program to the students’ achievement in English.
Dogs in the criminal justice system: Consideration of facility and therapy dogs
Authors: Spruin Elizabeth , Mozova Katarina
Published: May 2018

It is known that the criminal justice process is most often perceived as a negative experience by victims, witnesses, as well as defendants. Whilst measures have been put into place across the globe to improve their experiences, there is still much more which needs to be done, especially as the process can involve secondary victimisation of those participating in it and prolonged trauma. The current opinion piece centres on the use of trained dogs to help the experiences of criminal justice system users during active cases. Whilst this practice is mostly used in North America, hints at bringing varying types of dogs into the criminal justice system are visible elsewhere, too. With the criminal justice users in mind, it is key to establish, from the offset, the positives of such service, but also be very aware of its limitations and challenges, in order for the service delivering what it aims without causing a disruption to the criminal justice process or its users. This piece provides a theoretical and practical analysis of topicssurrounding the use of specially trained dogs to support criminal justice system users with the view of highlighting our lack of knowledge on the topic and practical challenges of this service.
Leakage Calculator for Plugged-and-Abandoned Wells
Authors: Moeinikia Fatemeh , Ford Eric P. , Lohne Hans Petter , Arild Øystein , Majoumerd Mohammad Mansouri , Fjelde Kjell Kåre
Published: May 2018

The current practice on the Norwegian Continental Shelf (NCS) when designing solutions for permanent plug and abandonment (P&A) complies with NORSOK Standard D-010 (2013). This is a prescriptive approach to P&A, as opposed to a “fit-for-purpose” risk-based approach. A risk-based approach means that any given P&A solution is expressed in terms of the leakage risk, which can be formulated in terms of the following quantities: the probability that the (permanent) barrier system will fail in a given time period, and the corresponding consequence in terms of leakage to the environment.

As part of building a leakage-risk model for permanently plugged-and-abandoned wells, a simple leakage-rate calculator has been developed for quick evaluation of the leakage potential from a given (permanent) well-barrier solution. This tool is developed to serve the second aspect of the risk-based approach: the consequence in terms of leakage rate to the environment. The leakage potential from the well can then be quantitatively assessed, taking into account different leakage pathways including leakage through bulk cement, through cement cracks, and through microannuli along cement interfaces.

In the paper, we will provide models to estimate leakage rate for each leakage pathway and show how to integrate them in the leakage calculator to obtain a description of leakage flow from the reservoir through failed barriers to the environment. The information and input parameters needed to achieve this will be discussed, and uncertain parameters will be treated probabilistically, thus allowing for expressing uncertainty in the leakage-rate estimate. Results from the leakage calculator will be demonstrated on a synthetic case, showing variants of a permanently plugged-and-abandoned well.
Fecundity and survival of Carpophilus hemipterus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) on alternative hosts
Authors: Oladipupo Seun Olaitan , Adedire Chris Oluwakayode , Gbaye Olahire Ayo
Published: May 2018

The tendency of the dried fruit beetle Carpophilus hemipterus (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera: Nitidulidae) to occur as pests in stores and fields has necessitated investigations on its fecundity and survival on some alternative food hosts such as groundnut, cocoa, cowpea and rice. Two copulating pairs of the adult beetle were introduced on fifty grammes of each food substrate in a no choice test at 28 oC +/- 3 oC and relative humidity of 75% +/- 5%. The number of eggs laid, emerged larvae, and enclosed adults were recorded. Weight loss of the food substrates was also recorded. Analysis of variance was performed on the data generated. Kaplan Meier analysis was carried out to determine the beetle survival rate on each host. Fewer eggs were deposited on rice compared to the other hosts; however, there was no significant difference (p > 0.05) between the percentage hatchability of the beetle on all the food hosts. As evidenced by the larvae emergence data, cocoa (4.28%) and groundnut (5.42%) suffered significantly higher (p < 0.05) levels of damage. However, based on the Kaplan Meier survival index (Px), it was noted that the adult enclosion and survival of the beetle was lowest on cocoa (0.27) and highest in cowpea (0.64). General Linear Model (GLM) revealed highly significant influence (p < 0.0001) of food substrate (S) on the fecundity of C. hemipterus (F3,320 = 464.099) and its larvae development (F3,199 = 345.042). It also showed the effect of Period (P) on number of eggs (F3,320 = 320.932) and larvae development (F3,199 = 188.167) to be highly significant (p < 0.001). Likewise, there was significant impact (p < 0.0001) of the interaction of food substrate x duration (S x D) on the oviposition of C. hemipterus (F9,199 = 5.167) and larvae development (F9,199 = 13.403). The ability of C. hemipterus to survive on less preferred food hosts is highlighted in this study.
SIMULAÇÃO NUMÉRICA DE ESCOAMENTO MONOFÁSICO COM DOIS COMPONENTES EM RESERVATÓRIOS DE PETRÓLEO
Authors: Souza Debossam João Gabriel , Dos Santos Heringer Juan Diego , De Tarço Honorio Jr. Paulo , De Souza Grazione , Amaral Souto Helio Pedro
Published: May 2018

Este trabalho apresenta resultados de um estudo do escoamento monofásico bicomponente em reservatórios de petróleo. O escoamento é descrito por duas equações diferenciais parciais parabólicas, para a pressão da fase e a concentração de um dos dois componentes. O método de diferenças finitas é escolhido para a discretização das equações e uma formulação totalmente implícita é adotada. Uma decomposição de operadores é utilizada na resolução numérica, de forma que dois subsistemas algébricos, em termos da pressão e da concentração, são resolvidos de forma iterativa. O problema acoplado pressão-concentração é resolvido e uma análise do refinamento da malha computacional é realizada. Também estuda-se o efeito do uso de um campo heterogêneo de permeabilidades no transporte dos componentes no reservatório.
Iron and NOM interactions in GAC groundwater treatment
Authors: Al-Attas Omar G. , Narbaitz Roberto M. , Douglas Ian
Published: May 2018

This research work investigates the iron chromatographic displacement from the granular activated carbon (GAC) columns that occurred in the Vars, Ontario groundwater treatment plant. Natural organic matter (NOM) (XAD-8) fractionation showed that 30% of NOM was hydrophobic with the capability of forming complexes with iron. CHELEX-100 isolation indicated that 37–40% of the iron was organically-bound. The quantification of complexed iron performed on GAC microcolumn effluent at iron exhaustion point showed that this iron was neither adsorbed nor split from NOM. This indicates that NOM–iron complexes were not the cause of the observed chromatographic displacement of iron and suggests that competitive adsorption between iron and NOM forced the previously adsorbed iron to be desorbed. Adding greensand treatment prior to the GAC columns resulted in full iron removal, which suggests that NOM–iron complexes must have been either broken by potassium permanganate oxidation and/or adsorbed by the greensand filter.
Youth against terrorism (on the work of the anti-terrorist youth festival)
Authors: Ермаков Павел Николаевич , Абакумова Ирина Владимировна
Published: May 2018

The article presents a capsule review of the work of the anti-terrorist festival of student’s, scientific and creative youth “Peace to the Caucasus”: participants, plenary lectures, work forms, results.
Социальная реклама как компонент формирования антитеррористических и антиэкстремистских ценностей в молодежной среде
Authors: Попова Лариса Владимировна , Слинько Анна Евгеньевна
Published: May 2018

The article deals with the problem of formation of anti-terrorist and anti-extremist values in the youth environment. The emphasis is placed on application of public service advertisement as a component of formation of anti-terrorist and anti-extremist values in the youth environment.
Уровень выраженности оптимизма у взрослых и особенности их поведения в конфликтной ситуации
Authors: Бреус Елена Дмитриевна
Published: May 2018

The article is dedicated to the particularities of the personality behavior in the conflict in connection with the subjective perception of the �conflict� situation. This work outlines the differences in the choice and reaction orientation in the conflict, and also the interrelation of the perception indices of the conflict degree in the assessed situations amongpeople with different level of the optimism.
Развитие учащихся в междисциплинарных контекстах
Authors: Абакумова Ирина Владимировна , Тельнова Ольга Витальевна , Фоменко Владимир Трофимович
Published: May 2018

It is generally recognized by teachers and psychologists that the global purpose of modern education is development of a person. In psychology development is defined as new mental formations. In this connection an activity is considered as a source for development,and leading kinds of activity are distinguished in its structure. The authors of the present article show that a considerable developing resource for education can be taken from non-psychological theories. Semiotics, synergy, content-genetic logic, the theory of structures, axiology, existential theories, philosophy are among them. In each of the named spheres of knowledge development is defined taking into account its specificity and it differs. In these interdisciplinary contexts in comparison with psychological one development appears more system and enriched, as an ambiguous, heterogeneous, and, at the same time, an integral phenomenon.
Изучение психологической безопасности в образовательной среде постконфликтного региона
Authors: Масаева Зарема Вахаевна , Волков Сергей Иванович
Published: May 2018

The article considers a feature of the educational space of the post-conflict region in the context of ensuring the psychological safety of students studying at institutes of higher education of the Chechen republic. The importance of safe educational space is topicalnow and especially in Chechnya where there were two military campaigns which caused heavy losses in the educational system. A research on studying of the educational environmentpsychological safety is carried out in the form of questioning among students for creation of safe educational space at institutes of higher education of the Chechen republic, promoting display of comfort and security among the Chechen youth.
Исследование различных параметров успешности решения психодиагностических задач практикующими психологами и студентами-психологами
Authors: Ачина Алиса Владимировна , Синченко Татьяна Юрьевна
Published: May 2018

The comparative analysis of success in solving psychodiagnostic problems by practical psychologists and psychology students was carried out in this article. The success criteria and markers of psychodiagnostic activity components are distinguished. The psychodiagnostic process strengths made by practical psychologists are described. The skills of semiotic, logic, technical and deontological components of the psychodiagnostic activity among psychology students are estimated. The further ways of research are traced.
Диалог культур как смыслотехнология формирования установок толерантного сознания и поведения студентов вуза
Authors: Абакумова Ирина Владимировна , Кагермазова Лаура Цараевна , Савин Василий Анатольевич
Published: May 2018

The opportunities of use of achievements of the new psychological-pedagogical area of “Sense pedagogics” in the real practice of forming of attitudes of tolerant consciousness of students are considered in the paper. In this context tolerance is analyzed as a componentof sense-value sphere of a developing personality that enables to analyze its dynamic features, to consider it as a component of sense regulation and self-regulation of the person. The context of the last two concepts makes the crossing of concepts of life-sense strategies and psychology of tolerance especially urgent field of knowledge. Dialogueof cultures as a way of knowledge and respect for others, as a way to mutual spiritual enrichment and, the main thing, as a sense-technology of forming of tolerant behaviour of students is to promote the approvement of ideals and practice of tolerance.
Некоторые аспекты теории замещающего онтогенеза а.в. семенович в филогенетическом принципе коррекционного физического воспитания детей с нарушениями опорно-двигательного аппарата
Authors: Ефименко Николай Николаевич
Published: May 2018

The article makes an attempt to find common evolutional principles of physical development and psychogenesis among the children of early and preschool age having various disorders of the locomotive system. Correctional physical education of children having cerebral palsy and other locomotor disorders is in the basis of research. From positions of the substitutional ontogenesis theory A.V. Semenovich considers correctness of use of the phylogenetic principle of locomotor habilitation of the specified contingent of children by means of physical education.
Социометрия учебной группы при взаимном самообучении
Authors: Баранник Николай Сергеевич , Горбатюк Владимир Феофанович
Published: May 2018

This paper elaborates the structure of the study group in mutual self-education. The study of the author’s self-education model combining synergy and traditional pedagogy is in progress. A situation of constructive chaos is created with a view to start the properties of self-education inherent in every living thing. We give an electronic resourceon the course to students. We keep an electronic register on training. We use Moreno’s sociometry and questioning. By means of individual questioning we succeeded in identifying the structure of the study group in mutual self-education. We have constructed a sociogram of mutual learning, through which the leaders of self-education are revealed. By the end of training the number of leaders has increased, that describes the sustainability of self-development processes.
Проблемы психолого-педагогических наук в пространственно-временной ситуации XXI века (доклад на общем собрании РАО)
Authors: Фельдштейн Давид Иосифович
Published: May 2018

The article reviews the features of modern human community revealingchanges in all spheres of development; it considers the importance, senseintensional essence of the present stage of social development. It is a question of education transformation, of formation of new principles, conditions, and forms of its organization: subject and intensional, structural, sense. The author pays attention to performance of the perspective basic researches, supposing comprehension of both a modern situation, and the person’s anthropogenic changes, substantiation of forecasts of the development of education and growing people’s socialization, methodological studies of innovativeschemes, upbringing and education models, taking into accountall-civilization trends.
Отношение студентов к мигрантам как фактор и показатель этноконфессиональных установок современной молодежи
Authors: Абакумова Ирина Владимировна , Гришина Анастасия Васильевна
Published: May 2018

The first part of the article reveals the concept of social attitudes and social stereotypes, which are described in the context of ethnic relations. This paper focuses on the role of the media in shaping the worldview of today’s youth. The second part of the article describes the study of social distance and ethnic and religious stereotypes conducted by I.V. Abakumova and A.V. Grishina. The last part of the article is devoted to the main findings and conclusions of the study.
Коммуникативный ресурс как акмеологическая детерминанта успешности профессионального становления специалистов в области медицины
Authors: Щербакова Татьяна Николаевна , Рощевская Елена Владимировна
Published: May 2018

The article reviews the relevance of the research of the role of the communicative resource in the success of professional formation of experts of the anthropocentered professions during training in the institute of higher education. The results of the empirical study of indices of development of the communicative resource of medicine students are presented. Psychological portraits of “successful” and “unsuccessful” students are described. The structure and the content of the communicative resource are disclosed. The authors distinguish risks and areas of the psychological and acmeological support of the development of the communicative component of the future experts’ professional formation.
Growth and Variability of Major Food Crops Production in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan
Authors: Ali Shah Syed Asghar , Khalil Alamgir Khalil
Published: May 2018

The present study was undertaken to investigate the growth and variability in major food crops production of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The study was based on secondary data, covers a period of about 30 years i.e. starting from 1984-85 to 2013-14, Whereas, the growth models has been employed to fit the best growth model and Cuddy Della Vella Index was applied to find variability in major food crops production i.e. wheat, maize, sugarcane and rice. Based on the results of analyzed data, it was found that in major food crops (wheat, maize, sugarcane, rice) Production, the growth models i.e.  Cubic growth model, power growth model, cubic growth model, cubic growth model respectively were found suitable, based on the R2 criteria and fitted trend line. After selecting best fitted model for each major food crop, the growth rate was calculated by using the selected fitted models which were found to be 10.97%, 8.00%, 45.31% and 1.19% respectively.  Moreover, the variability for each major food crop production was found to be 1.53%, 1.23%, 0.44% and 0.79% respectively.