bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
epicontacts: Handling, visualisation and analysis of epidemiological contacts
Authors: Nagraj VP , Randhawa Nistara , Campbell Finlay , Crellen Thomas , Sudre Bertrand , Jombart Thibaut
Published: October 2018

Epidemiological outbreak data is often captured in line list and contact format to facilitate contact tracing for outbreak control. epicontacts is an R package that provides a unique data structure for combining these data into a single object in order to facilitate more efficient visualisation and analysis. The package incorporates interactive visualisation functionality as well as network analysis techniques. Originally developed as part of the Hackout3 event, it is now developed, maintained and featured as part of the R Epidemics Consortium (RECON). The package is available for download from the Comprehensive R Archive Network (CRAN) and GitHub.
Small RNA trafficking at the forefront of plant–pathogen interactions
Authors: Zhao Yan , Liang Xiangxiu , Zhou Jian-Min
Published: October 2018

Plants and pathogenic microbes are engaged in constant attacks and counterattacks at the interface of the interacting organisms. Much of the molecular warfare involves cross-kingdom trafficking of proteins, nucleic acids, lipids, and metabolites that act as toxins, inhibitors, lytic enzymes, and signaling molecules. How various molecules are transported across the boundaries of plants and pathogens has remained largely unknown until now. Extracellular vesicles have emerged as likely carriers of molecular ammunition for both plants and pathogens. Recent advances are beginning to show how extracellular vesicles serve as powerful vehicles that transfer small RNAs from plants to fungal cells to diminish pathogen virulence and from fungi to plant cells to dampen host immunity.
Baseline characteristics of infected foot ulcers in patients with diabetes at a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan
Authors: Yasin Muhammad , Zafar Shaista , Rahman Hazir , Khan Taj Ali , Nazir Shabnum , Shah Salman , Dawood Muhammad , Ahmad Shahbaz , Basit Abdul , Khan Shahid Niaz , Saleha Shamim
Published: October 2018

Objective:

Studies on diabetic foot ulcers (DFU) involving a representative sample of patients in Pakistan are scarce. This study aimed to determine baseline characteristics of infected DFUs in patients hospitalised at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad.

Method:

In this cross-sectional study, carried out during May 2015 and June 2016, foot ulcer characteristics of patients with DFUs were investigated and documented. From infected DFUs, aerobic bacterial pathogens were isolated, identified and evaluated for antimicrobial susceptibility.

Results:

A total of 214 patients were recruited to the study, 62.6% of which were male, 90.2% were aged ≥40 years, 76.2% had type 1 diabetes and 78.5% had poor glycaemic control at time of presentation to hospital. Most patients had grade 3/moderate ulceration (based on the Wagner and International Working Group on the Diabetic Foot/Infectious Diseases Society of America criteria). Over half of the DFUs (57.9%) were of ≤3 months' duration and 70.1% were ≥3 cm2. Of the patients with deep infection grade ulcers, 26.6% underwent amputation, accounting for their prolonged hospital stay (≥20 days). Significant differences were observed between patients with type 1 and type 2 diabetes with DFUs in relation to gender (p≤0.0001), ulcer size (p=0.0421) and duration of hospital stay (p=0.0253). The most significant predictors for lower extremity amputation were osteomyelitis (p=0.0114), retinopathy (p=0.0001) and neuropathy (p=0.0001. Piperacillin/tazobactam was found to be an effective antibiotic against the most commonly isolated Staphylococcus non-aureus (35.48%), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (22.26%), and Staphylococcus aureus (20.96%) species indentified in the DFU infections.

Conclusion:

The findings of this study may be helpful in the optimal management and appropriate treatment of patients with infected DFUs.
Preventing and treating trench foot: validation of an educational manual for military personnel
Authors: Mendes Bruno , Salomé Geraldo Magela , Pinheiro Fernanda Augusta Marques , Júnior Marcelo Renato Massahud , da Cunha Diequison Rite , Ferreira Lydia Masako
Published: October 2018

Objective:

To develop and validate an educational manual on the prevention and treatment of trench foot for military personnel.

Method:

This is a prospective, descriptive, observational study. A manual was developed based on a literature review of books, theses and articles published in the last 10 years. The manual was evaluated by an expert committee of the Brazilian Army, and tested and validated by military students from an Army Sargent School in Brazil. Students evaluated the following parameters: definition of trench foot, risk of trench foot development among the military, risk factors, identification of trench foot, preventive measures, treatment of trench foot, and final considerations.

Results:

A total of 99 military students participated in the testing. Some parameters were exclusively evaluated by the experts, 12 physicians and 11 nurses, and rated as ‘good or very good’ as follows: thematic content (100%), graphic display (100%), topic sequence (100%), clarity of language and comprehension of information (91.3%) and illustrations (95.6%). Other parameters were rated as ‘good or very good’ by both the experts and military students, as follows: definition of trench foot (100% and 85.8%), risk of trench foot among the military (95.6% and 86.8%), risk factors (100% and 82.8%), identification of trench foot (100% and 86.8%), preventive measures (100% and 81.8%), treatment (95.6% and 84.8%) and final considerations (95.6% and 81.82 %), respectively. Cronbach's alpha was 0.891 for consistency and 0.854 for reliability.

Conclusion:

The educational manual was validated by health professionals, tested by military students, and showed to be a consistent, reliable and valid educational instrument for the prevention and treatment of trench foot.
Experimental investigation of Combustion, Performance and Emission
in single cylinder diesel engine operated on blends of diesel and waste cooking oil
Authors: Yadav Ajay Kumar , Pathariya Anoop Kumar
Published: October 2018

We all are aware with the limited amount of energy and there resources. Today the agriculture sector needs good amount of energy, mainly energy from CI engine. As the consumption of energy increase the demand of energy also increases, mainly in petroleum sector. Today 90 % of the total demand is full filled by the fossil fuels. The petroleum sector needs some alternative fuels to reach the demand. This research straightly focused on the use of waist cooking oil This concept also needs to aware with the consequences of reusing the WCO domestically and in restaurants. whenever the demand of energy needed we searches about alternative fuels so to complete the research for a alternative fuel we have to learn about fossil fuels ,exhaust emissions ,global warming etc. Here we used blends of waist cooking oil and diesel oil which are prepared by volume name as B5 using 5% of WCO and B10 comprise 10% WCO. The combustion , performance and emission properties are studied experimentally by combustion of different blends at different loads. It has to observed that in performance characteristic Mechanical efficiency is more for B10 when compare with B5 and conventional Diesel. When the load is increases fuel consumptions shows a considerable fall while it is noticeable that CO emission trend decreases and NOx increases after increasing some loads and HC are also indicate a down fall trend ,on other hand CO2 emissions shows less affected.
Comparative Study on the Effect of Nitriding and Microwave Coating on
Microstructure, Hardness and Wear of AISI H13 Tool Steel
Authors: Yunus Mohammad Iqbal , Singh Kanwarjeet , Arora Gaurav , Singari Ranganath M
Published: October 2018

Heat treatment and surface processing are critical aspects of design and manufacture of components in a wide range of industrial sectors. Engineering materials, such as steel, are heat treated under controlled heating and cooling to alter their chemical, physical and mechanical properties to meet desired engineering applications. Gears engaged rotating at several thousand RPM. Inner Barrels of Injection Moulding machines, which is subjected to wear when
thermoplastics, glass fibres are chosen to be injection moulded, Guide pillar Guide bush which slide over each other needs to be hardened from outside to improve hardness and wear resistance, but ductile from inside to bear fluctuating load, for this types of operation Case Hardening is required, to give desired property. In this detailed and systematic investigation, we have selected AISI H13 tool steel as for our research work specimen and we have made an effort to find out the mechanical properties (EDX, Hardness HV, Pin on Disc wear test) and micro structural
properties (SEM, XRD) by comparing the two process one is traditional Case hardening heat treatment process i.e. Gas Nitriding and a new process i.e. Coating of Ni-based alloy powder on H13 Tool steel by Microwave Hybrid Heating (MHH) method in household microwave oven at 900W and 2.45 GHz and further find the best process. Investigation shows that coated Sample has good Wear resistance as compared to unmodified H13 Tool Steel sample and nitrided sample, Vicker’s micro-hardness of nitride sample is found to be 829.5HV, and for coated sample is 788HV, Coated
sample has good Microstructure as compared to nitrided sample and is free from porous cracks.
Investigating the Effect of Advertising on Emotional Reactions of Customers (Case Study: Branches of Parsian Bank in Tehran)
Authors: Rad Hojjat Soheyli
Published: October 2018

At the current word and in the industrial and even post-industrial age, advertising is a need. Advertising mixed of science and art can be called also as miracle industry and an industry, which can recover the industry and can also destroy industry, if it is used in wrong way. Commercial advertising, with use of modern media that are being more variable and effective over the time with wonderful speed, is not a simple marketing or notification to link consumers and suppliers anymore and is in fact a reality that can leave deep and fundamental effects on domains of human social life and on human. Therefore, the present study has investigated the effect of advertising on emotional reactions of customers in branches of Parsian Bank in Tehran. Statistical population in this study consists of customers of all branches of Parsian Bank in Tehran. Using Morgan table, 146 people were selected as sample using
simple random sampling method. Data analysis was done using SPSS22 and Lisrel8.8 software. The results of the study showed that there is significant correlation between advertising and emotional reactions of customers. Moreover, the results showed that there is significant correlation between brand promotion in advertising, related news in advertising, and empathy in advertising, familiarity with advertising, confusion in advertising, and entertainment in advertising with customer emotional reactions. Moreover, there is significant correlation between
enjoyable emotional reactions of customers to advertising and advantage-based value and hedonic value.
Productivity improvement of AK 103 assembly line
Authors: Gebray Tadesse , Thakur Ashish
Published: October 2018

In particular the paper leads to minimize the assembly time and reduction of product cost that is maximized becausof wastage due to crack. The objective of this research was to maximize assembly productivity for AK103 at Gafat Armament Industry. The assembly system was analyzed using layout to represent assembly line and table to represent sub-assemblies. The time needed for each process is also studied. By maintaining the idle machineries and introducing continuity of assembly, the current annual capacity of assembly factory can be improved to 3400 products. Design and development of two jigs performed using available technology in industry. The jigs were tested and both jigs work well with some recommended corrections. One method of improving productivity was specifying cause of crack of the components. Study was made on 234 samples at different time for different purpose. For force
fitted components, tolerance was also checked taking 3 samples for each fitting components. The other methods used to reduce assembly time were design of new assembly process layout and stating of recommended solutions for inefficient equipments. By appropriate designed layout and recommended corrections of machineries, production capacity may increase from 3400 to 20580 is conceived.
On Fabrication and Mechanical Testing of a New Finger Support
Authors: Nasseri Simin , Castellano Vitale Kyle , Kotwal Mushfequr
Published: October 2018

Following the work done previously on design and simulation of a new finger support, this paper focuses on mechanical testing, methods of fabrication using a LaserJet 3D printer and also explores a better polymer which can be used for the support. The special composite finger support was designed for the first time to accommodate the patients with all sort of finger deformity. A new model is presented here, which is the optimum design suggested
previously and is consisted of polymeric support with an inserted sheet of aluminum or carbon fiber. After presenting the results of modeling (including the calculated maximum stress and maximum deformation), the maximum stress values were compared with the yield strength values of the metals and it was noticed that the support does not undergo any plastic or permanent deformation. Furthermore, in order to validate the modeling results, the support was fabricated and mechanical tests were conducted. The steps and details of designing, simulation, mathematical
confirmation using MATLAB (Mathworks©) package, fabrication, and mechanical testing are all presented. Overall the finger support is reliable and strong and can be brought to the market.
Development of a multivariate model to predict significant coronary artery disease in Thai patients with left ventricular systolic dysfunction and determine the applicability of coronary angiography: a single-center, retrospective, case–control study
Authors: Methavigul Ratikorn , Methavigul Komsing
Published: October 2018

Background

Coronary angiography (CAG) or stress imaging has been performed in almost all Thai patients with left ventricular (LV) systolic dysfunction. If CAG results reveal insignificant coronary stenosis, such patients are diagnosed with nonischemic cardiomyopathy (NICM); however, CAG is considered to provide no benefit and may even harm these patients because it is invasive.

Objectives

To identify predictors associated with significant coronary artery disease (CAD) (stenosis) in Thai patients with LV systolic dysfunction without angina and without LV regional wall motion abnormality and create a prediction score.

Method

Retrospective data from patients at a single tertiary-care center with LV systolic dysfunction (LV ejection fraction <50%) diagnosed between August 2000 and October 2014 were separated into a group with ischemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and a group with NICM according to CAG. Predictors associated with CAD found in normal populations were determined. Multivariate analysis was used to identify predictors associated with significant coronary stenosis in patients with LV systolic dysfunction to develop a model to create a prediction score.

Results

We included data registered from 240 Thai patients with LV systolic dysfunction. Predictors associated with ICM were age (>60 years), sex (male), and a history of diabetes mellitus (DM). Predictors associated with NICM were body mass index (BMI) >25 kg/m2 and the presence of left bundle branch block (LBBB) on electrocardiography. A simplified equation to predict significant CAD in patients with LV systolic dysfunction is: 3(male sex) + 3(age >60 y) – 5(BMI >25 kg/m2) - 5(LBBB) + 5(DM) - 5. The sensitivity and specificity of this score are 60.5% and 85.1%, respectively.

Conclusion

Our prediction score has modest sensitivity, but high specificity for predicting significant CAD and can be used to determine who should not undergo CAG.
Sobolev inequalities for fractional Neumann Laplacians on half spaces
Authors: Musina Roberta , Nazarov Alexander I.
Published: October 2018

We consider different fractional Neumann Laplacians of order

s
∈

(
0
,
1
)

{s\in(0,1)}

on domains

Ω
⊂

ℝ
n

{\Omega\subset\mathbb{R}^{n}}

, namely, the restricted Neumann Laplacian

(

-

Δ
Ω
N

)

R
s

{{(-\Delta_{\Omega}^{N})^{s}_{\mathrm{R}}}}

, the semirestricted Neumann Laplacian

(

-

Δ
Ω
N

)

Sr
s

{{(-\Delta_{\Omega}^{N})^{s}_{\mathrm{Sr}}}}

and the spectral Neumann Laplacian

(

-

Δ
Ω
N

)

Sp
s

{{(-\Delta_{\Omega}^{N})^{s}_{\mathrm{Sp}}}}

.
In particular, we are interested in the attainability of Sobolev constants for these operators when Ω is a half-space.
What is happening to laboratory medicine in Denmark?
Authors: Jørgensen Per E.
Published: October 2018

A number of current trends will affect and probably change laboratory medicine, as we know it. Scientific and technological developments, digital health with big data and artificial intelligence, and centralization will change the interfaces among the specialties of laboratory medicine. They might even challenge the identity of some specialties. Other trends such as demographic changes, increased complexity of health care, digital health with electronic health records, and more demanding and well-informed patients will change the way laboratory medicine specialties deliver their services. This paper discusses the possible changes of laboratory medicine in Denmark – a Scandinavian country where almost all hospitals are public. If Danish laboratories grasp the new possibilities instead of trying to avoid them, laboratory medicine is likely to prosper. Such a positive development will call upon good leadership and a genuine willingness among laboratory specialist to adapt to a future where their own specialty might be very different from today.
Household Disaster Preparedness in New York City before Superstorm Sandy: Findings and Recommendations
Authors: Martins V. Nuno , Louis-Charles Hans M. , Nigg Joanne , Kendra James , Sisco Sarah
Published: October 2018

This study focuses on household disaster preparedness in New York City (NYC) prior to Superstorm Sandy occurrence on October 25, 2012. The purpose of our analysis is to explain the level and patterns of disaster preparedness before a relatively rare natural disaster event occurred and to investigate the factors that influenced the capacity of NYC households to prepare for emergencies and disasters. A random telephone (RDD) survey comprised of 2001 NYC residents across all five boroughs was conducted by the NYC Department of Health and Mental Hygiene and completed before Sandy struck the City. These data were explored using frequencies, cross-tabs, and factor analysis to build a path model of household disaster preparedness. Findings indicate that household disaster preparedness levels in NYC are high, especially regarding the acquisition of emergency supplies and communication resources. A trust in local government and assistance from one’s social network are the strongest predictors of general household preparedness. Exogenous variables in our model – low income households and those with functional and access needs residents – will be more vulnerable during an actual disaster since they are less able to access communication technologies to search for self-protective disaster information and to communicate their needs during an emergency.
A finite difference method for the very weak solution to a Cauchy problem for an elliptic equation
Authors: Hào Dinh Nho , Thu Giang Le Thi , Kabanikhin Sergey , Shishlenin Maxim
Published: October 2018

We introduce the concept of very weak solution to a Cauchy problem for elliptic equations. The Cauchy problem is regularized by a well-posed non-local boundary value problem whose solution is also understood in a very weak sense.
A stable finite difference scheme is suggested for solving the non-local boundary value problem and then applied to stabilizing the Cauchy problem. Some numerical examples are presented for showing the efficiency of the method.
Crystal structure of sodium caesium zinc phosphate, NaCsZnP2O7
Authors: Fang Wang , Yigang Chen
Published: October 2018

NaCsZnP2O7, monoclinic, P21/n (no. 14), a = 7.3873(3) Å, b = 7.6637(2) Å, c = 12.9658(4) Å, β = 91.249(3)°, V = 733.87(4) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0221, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0569, T = 293(2) K.
The crystal structure of 2-[4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl]-4,4,5,5-tetramethylimidazoline-3-oxide-1-oxyl, C14H19N2O4
Authors: Yin Mei , Jing Lin-Lin , Li Bo , Liu Yu-Zhi , Gao Peng , Wang Hai-Bo
Published: October 2018

C14H19N2O4, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 9.263(10) Å, b = 9.874(11) Å, c = 15.431(16) Å, V = 1407(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0542, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.1323, T = 296(2) K.
Important anniversary of the leading Czech numismatist, historian and museum person – Eduard Šimek (*1936)
Authors: Polanský Luboš , Krákorová Jaroslava
Published: October 2018

On February 22, 2016, the Czech numismatist, historian and museum person Eduard Šimek celebrated his important anniversary – his 80th birthday. Between 1963 and 2005, he spent some 43 years in the National Museum in Prague; first of all, he served as a curator of the numismatic department, and since 1990, he was appointed gradually a research secretary, deputy director-in-general and director of the Historical museum. He wrote more than 400 books, articles, studies and reports, he was a co-author of several exhibitions, he worked as a secretary of the editorial board of the Numismatické listy, and he was an editor of the Sborník vlastivědných prací z Podblanicka, Muzejní a vlastivědná práce / Časopis Společnosti přátel starožitností, and many others. He used to be a member of several editorial boards, research collegia, many committees and commissions, numismatic, historical and museum societies. Since 2005, he has been working for the Pedagogical Museum, and he was awarded the medal of J. A. Komenský for his extraordinary contribution in the field. Parallelly, he taught – and still teaches – numismatics at the Charles University in Prague and at the University of South Bohemia in Budweis. He also gives lectures at the Higher Professional School of Information Services in Prague. He is a honorary member of the Czech Numismatic Society and a correspondent of the Austrian Numismatic Society.
Stigma, Emotion Appraisal, and the Family Environment as Predictors of Carer Burden for Relatives of Individuals Who Meet the Diagnostic Criteria for Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Kirtley Jenna , Chiocchi John , Cole Jon , Sampson Mark
Published: October 2018

There is some research exploring carers’ experiences within the National Health Service in the UK, but only one has focused on carers of individuals with borderline personality disorder (BPD). Ninety-eight carers completed a questionnaire-based study; 57 carers of individuals who meet the diagnostic criteria for BPD were compared to 41 carers of individuals with other mental health problems. The study aimed to investigate whether perceived stigma, perceived threat of strong emotions, and expressed emotion (EE) within the family environment predicted carer burden. The results showed that carers of those who met the diagnosis for BPD experienced higher levels of carer burden, stigma, EE, emotional over involvement (EOI), criticism (CC), and perceived threat of strong emotions than carers of individuals with other mental health difficulties. EOI, CC, carer group (BPD and mental health), and gender of participant were predictors of carer burden, with EOI explaining the most variance of burden.
LncRNA NEAT1 promotes inflammatory response and induces corneal neovascularization
Authors: Bai Yan-hui , Lv Yong , Wang Wei-qun , Sun Guang-li , Zhang Hao-hao
Published: October 2018

Human corneal fibroblasts (HCFs) are implicated in corneal neovascularization (CRNV). The mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response in HCFs and the development of CRNV were explored in this study. Alkali burns were applied to the corneas of rats to establish a CRNV model. The expression of long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) nuclear enriched abundant transcript 1 (NEAT1) and mRNA and protein levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)- activating protein (NKAP) were examined by quantitative real-time (qRT-PCR) and Western blot methods, respectively. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is used to stimulate HCFs for inflammatory response. The level of inflammation factors in HCF supernatant was detected using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Binding and interactions between NEAT1 and miRNA 1246 (miR-1246) were determined by RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) and RNA pull-down assays in HCFs. Compared with the control group (n = 6), NEAT1 was upregulated in the corneas of the CRNV rat model (n = 6). The expression of NEAT1 in HCFs was upregulated by LPS. Downregulation of NEAT1 suppressed the secretion of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). NEAT1 could bind and interact with miR-1246. LPS regulated the expression of NKAP and NF-κB signaling via the NEAT1/miR-1246 pathway. Downregulation of NEAT1in vivoinhibited CRNV progression in the CRNV rat model. The lncRNA NEAT1 induced secretion of inflammatory factors, mediated by NF-κB, by targeting miR-1246, thereby promoting CRNV progression.
Why were the “oriental cults” invented?
Authors: Gillmeister Andrzej , Musiał Danuta
Published: October 2018

The article is devoted to the analysis of the historiographical background of the category of the so-called oriental cults/oriental religions created in the 19th century and developed by Franz Cumont. We discuss the role of this term in 20th-century historiography with the focus on the works of Tadeusz Zieliński that are important to the reception of the oriental cults metaphor. We argue that the concept of oriental cults/oriental religions in its original version is not an effective or useful research tool. However, as a historiographical concept it has fulfilled its role in a threefold way: firstly, it drew scholars’ attention to the vitality of ancient religious experience, secondly, it established the fact that Roman religion was a living organism, naturally adapted to changing political, social and cultural conditions, thirdly, it helped to understand the principles behind the construction of metaphors in the academic discourse.
Briefing: Time-bar provisions of NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract clause W1.3
Authors: Davis Terrence
Published: October 2018

This briefing expounds on the time-barring mechanism of the NEC3 Engineering and Construction Contract, which has been used incorrectly to time-bar contractors from referring to adjudication claims for payment of the precise amount of money due to the contractor. This briefing demonstrates that such claims may be referred to adjudication within 2 to 4 weeks of the notification of the dispute given at any time, provided that the notice of the compensation event arising from the project manager’s negligent assessment of the amount due is given before the defects date.
Inappropriate flushing of menstrual sanitary products
Authors: Hawkins Anna , Sharpe Rebecca , Spence Kevin , Holmes Naomi
Published: October 2018

This study explored the disposal strategies of menstrual sanitary products through in-depth semi-structured interviews with women aged 18–30 years. There have been many educational campaigns to improve solid waste disposal, but inappropriate disposal and blockages are still a major problem for the water industry. While quantitative studies exploring self-reporting of flushing norms have been conducted, there is evidence to suggest that these results may not take into account the complex set of socio-cultural factors associated with menstrual product disposal. Bridging this gap, the interviews undertaken in this work revealed that although all participants had a desire to dispose responsibly, their ability to utilise solid waste streams or to minimise waste by using reusable products was not always possible because they felt, to some degree, restricted by the wider societal requirements for discretion and the design, accessibility and availability of bins and bathroom facilities. Based on these findings, industry recommendations are suggested.
Performance Comparison for Series and Parallel Modes of a Hybrid Electric Vehicle
Authors: Yaşar Halit , Canbolat Gökhan
Published: October 2018

Recently, the studies in the automotive sector has concentrated
on hybrid electric vehicle. The better results in fuel economy and vehicle
performance values have been achieved with the hybrid electric vehicle
technology. In this study, the fuel consumption and vehicle performance values are
compared to the series and parallel hybrid electric modes of a conventional
street sweeper by using AVL Cruise. Nowadays, there are many driving cycles
used in the analysis of fuel consumption and vehicle performans. However the
current driving cycles are not appropriate for the vehicles designed for a
particular function (carrying, lifting, sweeping etc.) such as street sweepers
in terms of velocity and functionality. For this reason, a driving cycle was
constructed by taking into consideration the daily tasks of the street sweepers
with the help of AVL Cruise. The series and parallel hybrid electric
configurations of the street sweeper were analyzed separately. Consequently,
the demanded power (kW) from the internal combustion engine and its fuel
consumption (L/h) were investiageted under the specific operating conditions in
the driving cycle. The simulations show that the series hybrid mode has better
fuel economy and vehicle performance.
Determining the Effect of Some Biasing Parameter Selection Methods for the Two Stage Ridge Regression Estimator
Authors: ÖZBAY Nimet , TOKER Selma
Published: October 2018

The use
of biased estimation techniques is inevitable in connection with
multicollinearity. Two stage ridge estimator is a pioneer biased estimator
which is use to recover the problems that are originated from the
multicollinearity. The noteworthy issue regarding two stage ridge estimator is
selection of its biasing parameter. This article investigates several methods
on selection of the biasing parameter of the two stage ridge estimator based on
the works in the literature related to ridge estimator in a linear regression
model. To demonstrate the best estimators of the biasing parameter, a Monte
Carlo experiment is conducted. The utility of the proposed estimators of the
biasing parameter for two stage ridge estimator is observed in terms of mean
square error criterion.
STIMULATING INNOVATION IN DISTRIBUTED ENERGY
Authors: Popadyuk T. G. , Kupreev D. A.
Published: October 2018

The development of distributed energy can significantly improve the efficiency of the electric power industry by using new technologies. Existing mechanisms are associated with the threats of losing existing competencies in the production of domestic equipment for distributed energy and the risks of creating the market only for foreign producers. The article contains analysis of incentive measures for distributed energy, in particular, objects based on renewable energy sources, and contains identified problems and suggested ways to solve them.
EVALUATION OF THE UNIVERSITY LEADER’S EFFECTIVENESS: FOREIGN EXPERIENCE
Authors: Ovchinnikova N. E.
Published: October 2018

The article presents an analysis of the technologies for assessing the effectiveness of university management in the United States. Dedicated positive effects from the implementation of these manager’s performance assessment forms. Based on the conducted research, in the article were formulated recommendations on drawing up KPI forms for Russian universities administrators.
REPUTATION MANAGEMENT ORGANIZATIONS: THEORETICAL AND APPLIED ASPECTS
Authors: Kudryashov V. S.
Published: October 2018

The article considers the theoretical foundations of mainstreaming the issue of reputation management by the organization. The basic terms and definitions of reputation management organization. The basic functions of reputation management organization. The parameters of reputation management organization. Solutions to strengthen the reputation of organizations through a program of relations with stakeholders.
PRELIMINARY ASSESSMENT OF EFFICIENCY INNOVATIONS
Authors: Kuklin G. P.
Published: October 2018

The author poses the problem of the conflict of local decisions about the implementation of an innovative project using traditional methods and evaluating the effectiveness of the system before and after the introduction of an innovative solution.
Transient and Steady-State Analysis of Single Switched Capacitor Converter
Authors: Kushnerov Alexander
Published: October 2018

The paper derives closed form expressions for transient and steady-state operation of a DC-DC converter with single switched capacitor. To this end, the result of each switching is considered as a point in the iterative process, and the function between the points is reconstructed. As opposed to the commonly accepted approach, when each of the topologies is approximated by a first order circuit, the proposed analysis is carried out for second order circuits. This allows obtaining the waveform of output voltage ripple and paves the way to more accurate calculation of equivalent resistance. The obtained analytical expressions were verified by simulations and an excellent agreement between the results was found.
Comparative analysis of blood hematological and biochemical indices in children with different vitamin provision
Authors: Yambulatov A. M.
Published: October 2018

Aim. To study the peculiar features of hemogram indices and biochemical indices of blood in children with different vitamin provision.

Materials and methods. Vitamin A, C, D, E, B6 and B12 content in blood was determined in 188 children (aged 5–6 years) of pre-school educational institutions (PEI), who attended PEI for not less than 3 years and had a standard C-vitaminised diet.

Results. The study of a season provision with vitamins A, C, D, E, B6 and B12 showed that 75–85 % of children have a whole-year deficit of vitamins, characterized as polyhypovitaminosis in 40 %. Comparative analysis of blood hematological and biochemical indices in children with different vitamin provision was carried out.

Conclusions. Among children with insufficient vitamin provision there was noted more stressed state of hemopoietic erythrocytic blast and decreased proliferative activity of lymphomonocytic blast against the background of higher activity of allergic-type cell responses; lower level of protein, carbohydrate, mineral and energetic metabolism is observed in children with insufficient vitamin provision.
Rare combination of liver alveococcus with right lung and cerebral echinococcus
Authors: Barykov V. N.
Published: October 2018

The paper presents the observation regarding successful combined (surgical and medicamentous) treatment of patients with multiple parasitic damage: liver alveococcosis and pulmonary and cerebral echinococcosis. Surgical treatment, combined with albendasole, permits to reach clinical improvement even in case of multiorgan parasitic damage.
Mitigating Psychological Distress Among Humanitarian Staff Working With Migrants and Refugees: A Case Example
Authors: Guskovict Kristen L. , Potocky Miriam
Published: October 2018

Ongoing acute stress in humanitarian work leads to psychological distress among humanitarian workers. Stress management within humanitarian agencies requires responses at both the individual staff member and agency levels. Stress management is often conceptualized in four categories: stress that can be accepted; stress that can be altered; stress to which individuals can adapt; and stress that can be avoided. Humanitarian workers accept the stress created by the environment in which they choose to work. They can manage stress by altering their own behaviors through improved communication skills and the implementation of self-care plans. They can adapt, with the help of staff care plans such as counseling and peer support, to the stress created by their own histories of trauma or mental illness. The stress created by the workplace can be avoided. However, without a comprehensive support plan for mitigating psychological distress, both the individual humanitarian worker and the agency overall suffer. This article reviews current literature regarding the impact of avoidable stress and the impact of adaptation programs such as staff care and stress management plans on humanitarian work, and illustrates these impacts with a case example from the Danish Refugee Council, an international non-governmental organization with approximately 300 employees working in Greece.
Socially Isolated Cambodians in the US
Authors: Berthold S. Megan , Kong Sengly , Ostrander Jason , Fukuda Seiya
Published: October 2018

Community organizations in the United States are severely challenged to serve Cambodian refugees who experience health disparities associated with their traumatic experiences. Community leaders have identified a sub-set of community members of particular concern: those at either end of the age spectrum (elders and young people) who are socially isolated. As part of a larger community-based participatory research project, we conducted a focus group with seven Cambodian community leaders from six cities. The study sought to better understand the phenomenon of social isolation of Cambodian elders and young people in order to inform health promotion efforts. Cambodian leaders expressed keen concern for those community members who rarely seem to leave their homes or interact with the Cambodian community. Prominent themes identified by leaders related to isolation were: a generational pattern; benefits of extended family; health concerns; cultural influences and language; impact of stigma; fear and safety concerns; and lack of sufficient resources. In addition, leaders identified several possible solutions to address the phenomenon of social isolation in their communities. Health promotion efforts with this population should identify isolated individuals and enhance their social connectedness and support networks as part of a larger integrated effort.
Incidence, prevention and treatment of migraine
Authors: Alsaaid Maan , Alowaa Zainab , Abufaia Rawan , Rukun Rana , Saddeek Aisha , Alnassir Mohammed , Lamfon Mohammed , Mohmmed Ayah , Bazhair Njood , AlNouri Afnan
Published: October 2018

Migraine is the second most common type of headache worldwide. It is estimated to affect about one sixth of population. Despite being a primary headache, it is severe, incapacitation, and disturbing normal daily life activity. Therefore, researchers and neuroscientists were and are still endeavouring to understand the basic mechanisms of migraine and its preventive strategies. Treatment of migraine is also a subject of continuous interest. Prevention of migraine is the cornerstone of migraine management. It is achieved by reducing exposure to risk factors, prophylactic treatment of recurrent migraines, and acute treatment prior to exposure to precipitating factors. Treatment of migraine refers to the acute management of headaches when they occur. Many medications are available for abortion or relief of headache, and the choice of which depends on many factors such as the patients' comorbidities, the headache characteristics and severity, the associated symptoms, the adverse events, and the patients' preferences. This article will review and discuss the incidence of migraine, its preventive measures, and treatment updates.
Clinico-epidemiological study of leprosy from a North Indian tertiary care hospital
Authors: Adil Mohammad , Amin Syed Suhail , Mohtashim Mohd , Mushtaq Sabha , Alam Mehtab , Priya Annu
Published: October 2018

Background: Leprosy was eliminated as a public health problem in India in 2005. Yet, more than 60% of all new cases of leprosy are reported from India.

Methods: A retrospective analysis of the records of patients attending the leprosy clinic of the Dermatology Out Patient Department was done for a period of one year from May 2017 to April 2018. The data was analysed for clinical and epidemiological characteristics of the patients.

Results: A total of 225 patients visited the leprosy clinic during the study period. Almost half of all patients (47.1%) were aged between 21-40 years. Among the patients were 32 children (14.2%) below 16 years. There were 60 patients (26.6%) suffering from paucibacillary disease and 158 patients (70.2%) had multibacillary disease. Seven patients (3.2%) presented with other forms of leprosy like historic leprosy and pure neuritic leprosy. Borderline lepromatous leprosy was found to be the commonest subtype seen in 86 patients (38.2%). There were 152 males (67.6%) and 73 females (32.4%). The male female ratio was 2.08:1. A total of 118 patients (52.4%) were from rural background and 107 (47.6%) hailed from urban areas. Multibacillary disease was seen in 83.6% of the total females compared to 63.8% of males.

Conclusions: Leprosy may be down but is not yet out. The high proportion of children diagnosed with leprosy is a warning regarding the active transmission of the disease in the community. Continued efforts are required to prevent the disease from making a resurgence.
Campus Physical Environment Accessibility for Person with Disabilities in the Ethiopian Public Universities
Authors: Muzemil Abdulfettah
Published: October 2018

The study has been conducted aiming to explore the perception of PWDs regarding the accessibility of universities Physical environment for their needs in five purposively selected public universities of Ethiopia. Students with physical disabilities and visual impairments were participants of the study. The study employed survey design to answer the basic questions of the research. Questionnaire has been used as exclusive data collection tool. In addition, quantitative analysis method has been used to analyze the collected data. The result of the study revealed that, in general, respondents believed that theuniversities buildings and overall campuses physical environment were inaccessible for the needs of PWDs. The study also investigated the most common perceived campus physical environment barriers for PWDs such as inaccessible classrooms, libraries, bookstores, auditoriums, dining halls, dorms, circulation areas, corridors and bathrooms. In addition, campus shops, parks, museums, students’ clinic and banks were perceived as not been barrier free to be easily accessed by PWDs. Furthermore, poor ramp designs, lack of elevators and lack of accessible building entrances were also perceived as barriers for PWDs.
THE ISOLATION OF INFLUENZA A VIRUS FROM PLUMAGE OF WATERFOWL DURING AUTUMN MIGRATION
Authors: Gulyaeva Marin A. , Sharshov Kirill A. , Sobolev Ivan A. , Yurlov Alexander K. , Gadzhiev Alimurad A. , Rabazanov Nukhkadi I. , Shestopalova Lidia V. , Shestopalov Alexander M.
Published: October 2018

Aim. In the present work we investigated the circulation of AIV in wild bird populations and studied the sorption of the influenza virus in the feathers of wild waterfowl nesting on reservoirs during the autumn mass migration. Material and methods. Sampling was carried out on the territory of the Novosibirsk region on Lake Chany during the period from August to September 2014-2016. Biological samples were collected from 188 wild waterfowl of various species. AIV isolation from cloacal swabs and swabs collected from feathers was carried out in the developing chick embryo system (RCC) as previously recommended. The isolated viruses were tested by HA/HI with specific sera, PCR analysis was carried out with subtyping primers. The genomes of the isolated viruses were sequenced for phylogenetic analysis. Results and discussion. As a result of monitoring, cloacal and feather swabs were collected from 188 individuals belonging to 13 species of the Anseriformes and Charadriiformes, whose representatives are the main natural reservoir of AIV. Fifteen new AI viruses were isolated from the collected samples. Four of them were isolated from plumage samples and the rate was more than 2 times lower, compared with virus isolation from cloacal swabs. Main conclusions. Thus, it can be assumed that avian influenza virus transmission by plumage during migration is not sufficiently taken into account. The key role in AIV ecology may play the virus spreading by its adsorption on bird feathers.
ECOLOGICAL AND BIOLOGICAL FEATURES OF THE NEKTONIC COMMUNITY OF CARP FISH AND PROSPECTS FOR ITS PRODUCTION
Authors: Khabzhokov Aslan B. , Kazanchev Safarbi Ch. , Shakhmurzov Mukhamed M. , Getokov Oleg O. , Kazancheva Lyudmila A.
Published: October 2018

Aim. The aim is to study some of the bio-ecological and morpho-physiological features of the main species of cultivated carp fish, the influence of a complex of biological methods of intensification on the growth and yield of bioproducts. Methods. Frontal method was used to obtain larvae from mirror and scaly carp species. Hydro-chemical and hydro-biological studies of water bodies, establishment of qualitative and quantitative criteria for the main groups of the trophic chain were carried out according to the existing methodology. Results. To clarify the growth characteristics of scaly and mirror carp fish under different growing conditions, we conducted experiments on their separate farming in four ponds. According to the planned experiment, from June 1, carps in ponds number 3 and 4 were fed with artificial fodders. From the first days of farming, scaly carp had a higher rate of growth, ahead of the same age mirror carps almost one and a half times. Since the beginning of feeding, the ratio in the growth rate of carp of different groups has changed dramatically, scaly carp with additional feeding increased the average weight by 8.6 g, while the mirror ones by 10.3 g over the same period. Conclusions. From the analysis of the experiments carried out, it follows that in the first year of life scaly carp have a higher growth rate on natural diet compared to the mirror ones by 16%, and in the second year, by 9% (P>0.999). Consequently, for intensive fish farming with the use of additional fodder, it is possible to recommend both scaly and mirror species of carp.
Determinação das Respostas de Conversores de Potência em Regime Permanente
Authors: Fernandes D. A. , Naidu S. R. , Costa F. F.
Published: October 2018

Neste trabalho é apresentada uma técnica para simular as respostas de conversores de potência em regime permanente. Ela é baseada na representação dos elementos do circuito por matrizes impedância ou admitância a partir de formas de onda periódicas. O método de Newton-Raphson é então utilizado para solucionar as equações dos circuitos não-lineares. Modelos detalhados de dispositivos semicondutores podem ser facilmente incluídos no processo. As respostas de conversores eletrônicos de potência típicos são calculadas e suas formas de onda são apresentadas. A técnica desenvolvida também é capaz de simular as respostas de circuitos autônomos e não-autônomos.