bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigating the utility of intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion: analysis of over 140,000 cases from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample data set
Authors: Badhiwala Jetan H. , Nassiri Farshad , Witiw Christopher D. , Mansouri Alireza , Almenawer Saleh A. , da Costa Leodante , Fehlings Michael G. , Wilson Jefferson R.
Published: April 2019

OBJECTIVE

Intraoperative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) is a useful adjunct in spine surgery, with proven benefit in scoliosis-correction surgery. However, its utility for anterior cervical discectomy and fusion (ACDF) is unclear, as there are few head-to-head comparisons of ACDF outcomes with and without the use of IONM. The authors sought to evaluate the impact of IONM on the safety and cost of ACDF.

METHODS

This was a retrospective analysis of data from the National (Nationwide) Inpatient Sample of the Healthcare Cost and Utilization Project from 2009 to 2013. Patients with a primary procedure code for ACDF were identified, and diagnosis codes were searched to identify cases with postoperative neurological complications. The authors performed univariate and multivariate logistic regression for postoperative neurological complications with use of IONM as the independent variable; additional covariates included age, sex, surgical indication, multilevel fusion, Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI) score, and admission type. They also conducted propensity score matching in a 1:1 ratio (nearest neighbor) with the use of IONM as the treatment indicator and the aforementioned variables as covariates. In the propensity score–matched cohort, they compared neurological complications, length of stay (LOS), and hospital charges (in US dollars).

RESULTS

A total of 141,007 ACDF operations were identified. IONM was used in 9540 cases (6.8%). No significant association was found between neurological complications and use of IONM on univariate analysis (OR 0.80, p = 0.39) or multivariate regression (OR 0.82, p = 0.45). By contrast, age ≥ 65 years, multilevel fusion, CCI score > 0, and a nonelective admission were associated with greater incidence of neurological complication. The propensity score–matched cohort consisted of 18,760 patients who underwent ACDF with (n = 9380) or without (n = 9380) IONM. Rates of neurological complication were comparable between IONM and non-IONM (0.17% vs 0.22%, p = 0.41) groups. IONM and non-IONM groups had a comparable proportion of patients with LOS ≥ 2 days (19% vs 18%, p = 0.15). The use of IONM was associated with an additional $6843 (p < 0.01) in hospital charges.

CONCLUSIONS

The use of IONM was not associated with a reduced rate of neurological complications following ACDF. Limitations of the data source precluded a specific assessment of the effectiveness of IONM in preventing neurological complications in patients with more complex pathology (i.e., ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament or cervical deformity).
Risk factors for 90-day reoperation and readmission after lumbar surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis
Authors: Ilyas Haariss , Golubovsky Joshua L. , Chen Jingxiao , Winkelman Robert D. , Mroz Thomas E. , Steinmetz Michael P.
Published: April 2019

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study was to evaluate the incidence and risk factors for 90-day readmission and reoperation after elective surgery for lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

METHODS

The authors performed a retrospective consecutive cohort analysis of patients undergoing posterior lumbar decompression with or without fusion for LSS with claudication from January 2014 through December 2015.

RESULTS

Data were collected on 1592 consecutive patients. The mean age at surgery was 67.4 ± 10.1 years and 45% of patients were female. The 90-day reoperation rate was 4.7%, and 69.3% of the reoperations occurred within the first 30 days. The 90-day readmission rate was 7.2%. Multivariable analysis showed that postoperative development of a surgical site infection (SSI; odds ratio [OR] 14.09, 95% confidence interval [CI] 7.86–25.18), acute kidney injury (AKI; OR 6.76, 95% CI 2.39–19.57), and urinary tract infection (UTI; OR 3.96, 95% CI 2.43–6.37), as well as a history of congestive heart failure (CHF; OR 3.03, 95% CI 1.69–5.28), were significant risk factors for readmission within 90 days. Male sex (OR 0.60, 95% CI 0.38–0.92) was associated with decreased odds for readmission. With regards to reoperation, development of SSI (OR 25.06, 95% CI 13.54–46.51), sepsis (OR 7.63, 95% CI 1.52–40.59), UTI (OR 2.54, 95% CI 1.31–4.76), and increased length of stay (LOS; OR 1.25, 95% CI 1.17–1.33) were found to be significant risk factors. A subsequent analysis found that morbid obesity (OR 6.99), history of coronary artery disease (OR 2.263), increased duration of surgery (OR 1.004), and LOS (OR 1.07) were significant risk factors for developing an SSI.

CONCLUSIONS

Overall, this study found rates of 4.7% and 7.2% for reoperation and readmission, respectively, within 90 days: 30.7% of the reoperations and 44.7% of the readmissions occurred beyond the first 30 days. A diagnosis of SSI, AKI, UTI, and history of CHF were significant factors for readmission, while male sex was associated with decreased odds for readmission. A diagnosis of SSI, sepsis, UTI, and increased LOS were found to be significant predictors for reoperation. Understanding 90-day complication rates is imperative because there has been increased discussion and healthcare policy extending the global postoperative window to 90 days. Current literature supports a readmission rate of 3%–9% after spine surgery. However, this literature either is limited to a 30-day window or does not stratify between different types of spine surgeries.
First clinical experience with DRD2/3 antagonist ONC201 in H3 K27M–mutant pediatric diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma: a case report
Authors: Hall Matthew D. , Odia Yazmin , Allen Joshua E. , Tarapore Rohinton , Khatib Ziad , Niazi Toba N. , Daghistani Doured , Schalop Lee , Chi Andrew S. , Oster Wolfgang , Mehta Minesh P.
Published: April 2019

Diffuse intrinsic pontine gliomas (DIPGs) frequently harbor the histone H3 K27M mutation. Gliomas with this mutation commonly overexpress dopamine receptor (DR) D2 and suppress DRD5, leading to enhanced sensitivity to DRD2 antagonism. This study reports the first clinical experience with the DRD2/3 antagonist ONC201 as a potential targeted therapy for H3 K27M–mutant DIPG. One pediatric patient (a 10-year-old girl) with H3 K27M–mutant DIPG was enrolled in an investigator-initiated, IRB-approved compassionate-use study and began single-agent ONC201 treatment 1 month after completing radiotherapy. The study endpoints were clinical and radiographic response (primary) and toxicities (secondary).

The patient presented with House-Brackmann grade IV facial palsy and unilateral hearing loss. MRI demonstrated a 2.3 × 2.1 × 2.8–cm pontomedullary tumor. Stereotactic biopsy confirmed H3 K27M–mutated DIPG. The tumor was treated with radiotherapy, but 1 month after completion of that treatment, the tumor and neurological symptoms showed only minimal change, and ONC201 treatment was initiated as described above. The tumor volume sequentially decreased by 26%, 40%, and 44% over the next 6 months, and remained stable at 18 months. Ipsilateral hearing normalized and the facial palsy improved to House-Brackmann grade I by 4 months. After 1 year of ONC201 treatment, 2 new lesions were identified outside of the prior high-dose radiotherapy volume. The patient was treated with dexamethasone, bevacizumab, and additional focal radiotherapy to these new tumors. These tumors remained stable in size over the subsequent 6 months on MRI. To date, no adverse events have been observed or reported due to ONC201. The patient remains clinically improved as of the latest follow-up visit, 19 months after starting ONC201 and 22 months from diagnosis. This case supports further investigation of this novel agent targeting H3 K27M–mutated DIPG.
PEMBELAJARAN BAHASA PADA ANAK USIA DINI MELALUI CERITA BERGAMBAR
Authors: Deiniatur Much
Published: April 2019

Language Skill consists of four components of speaking, writing, listening and reading. The most important thing for children is speaking, because it provides enormous benefits, one of which so that children can interact with peers and others around them and add new knowledge.

Storytelling is a popular communication medium for children, training their ability to focus attention for some time on certain objects. Children are able to express themselves through a process that makes them happy and fosters a sense of satisfaction that makes them more confident. Tale or story telling is something human, that is, fairy tale or story using eye, hearing, motion, and touching heart.

 

The benefits of storytelling activities are: 1.) Storytelling can develop children's imagination, 2.) Increasing experience, 3.) Train concentration power, 4.) Increasing the vocabulary, 5.) Creating a familiar atmosphere, 6.) comprehending, 7.) Developing social feelings, 8.) Developing children's emotions, 9.) Practicing listening, 10.) Knowing positive and negative values. 11.) Adding knowledge

Keywords: language, early childhood, story, picture
Kuis Kihajar Sebagai Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Televisi dan Internet
Authors: Anwas Oos M
Published: April 2019

Abstrak

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pelaksanaan Kuis Kihajar 2013 terutama dari aspek: karakteristik Kuis Kihajar dan proses pembelajaran dalam Kuis Kihajar. Penelitian ini menggunakan metode deskriptif. Penelitian dilakukan terhadap pelaksanaan Kuis Kihajar 2013 pada Juli s.d. Oktober 2013. Pengumpulan data dilakukan melalui data sekunder serta pengamatan dan wawancara terhadap pengelola dan peserta Kuis. Hasil analisis data diketahui bahwa karakteristik Kuis Kihajar sangat menarik karena setiap bulannya tidak hanya menambah peserta baru tetapi lebih dari setengahnya peserta lama tetap setia mengikuti kuis ini. Peserta kuis tidak sekedar membuka web atau mengirim sms, tetapi mengerjakan soal hingga rata-rata mencapai 44 soal setiap kali mengaksesnya. Proses pembelajaran dalam Kuis Kihajar, antara lain: mudah, menyenangkan, menuntut penggunaan berbagai sumber belajar, fleksibel, serta menggunakan teknologi informasi dan komunikasi (televisi, SMS, dan internet) yang sesuai dengan tren tuntutan zaman. Model Kuis Kihajar juga secara bertahap dapat mendorong terwujudnya budaya baru dalam memanfaatkan TIK sebagai media pembelajaran guna meningkatkan kemampuan dan kualitas hidup.

Kata kunci: Kuis Kihajar, media pembelajaran, media televisi, media internet

Abstract:

This study aimed to determine the implementation of Kihajar Quiz 2013 mainly from aspects: characteristics and the learning process. This study used a descriptive method. Research conducted on the implementation of Kihajar Quiz from July 2013 until October 2013. Data collected through secondary data as well as observations and interviews with organizers and quiz participants. The analysis of the data found that the characteristics Kihajar Quiz very interesting because every month not only add new participants but more than half of the previous participants remained faithful with the quiz. Participants do not just open a web quiz or sent sms, but work on the problems to reach an average of 44 questions each access. The learning process in Kihajar Quiz, among others: easy, fun, demanding the use of a variety of learning resources, fleksibel, as well as the use of information and communication technologies (television, SMS, and internet) in accordance with the trend of the demands of the times. Kihajar Quiz Model gradually promote the establishment of a new culture in is using ICT as a learning medium to improve the ability and quality of life.

Keywords : Kihajar quiz, instructional media, television, internet
FIGURATIVE CONSTITUENTS OF THE CONCEPT COLOR IN SPANISH AND UKRAINIAN (BASED ON FICTION TEXTS)
Authors: Lesnevskaya Ekaterina
Published: April 2019

The article features the results of a contrastive analysis of the figurative characteristics of color terms as elements of the conceptual worldview of Spaniards and Ukrainians. In this regard we consider the following topics: concept COLOR as a cross-object of conceptology, linguistic culture and discourse; color terms as an element of the conceptual worldview of Spaniards and Ukrainians; ethno-specific contrasts of the figurative constituents of the color terms black, white, red, blue, yellow, green in Spanish and Ukrainian in fiction. This study explores the linguocultural concept of COLOR from the cognitive, ethno-cultural and discursive perspectives, and therefore the concept can be considered as the subject matter of such disciplines as anthropology, linguocultural science and discourse theory. The corpus of the study was formed using the continuous sampling method from multi-genre prose written by contemporary Spanish (Carlos Ruiz Zafón, Camilo José Cela, Gabriel García Márquez) and Ukrainian (Yurii Andrukhovych, Lyubko Deresh, Oksana Zabuzhko) writers. A common feature of the color term black in Spanish and Ukrainian fiction is its use in the description of human blood and its altered states. The color terms black and white characterizing such concepts as NIGHT, DEATH, EYES can be observed in the individual authors’ worldview of Spanish-speaking and Ukrainian writers despite the non-contiguous nature of the two languages and cultures. In the Spanish linguistic culture, the color term blue is used as an image of DEATH and LONELINESS, whereas in Ukrainian – as an image of RAGE, TENSION and ILLNESS.
DREAM AND REALITY IN THE POETRY OF DAVID GASCOIGNE (LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF THE POEM AND THE SEVENTH DREAM IS THE DREAM OF ISIS)
Authors: Pradivlianna Liudmyla
Published: April 2019

Surrealism, the XX century literature and art movement, inspired an impressive number of scientific research regarding different aspects of the phenomenon. This paper studies surrealism as a type of artistic thinking which raised the role of the unconscious in poetry. It focuses on the core of surrealist aesthetics – an automatic image, which allowed the poets to study human irrational states, such as dreams. Focusing on the themes of dreams and dream-like narrations, surrealists created poetry which was formed by specific images. An automatic image coming directly from one’s unconscious mind was expected to reveal new knowledge about the world and people. But as the poet ’functions’ only as a conductor of the unconscious images, it is the reader who has to create meanings in this kind of poetry.The paper regards surrealism in terms of a lingvo-poetic experiment and analyzes the linguistic characteristics of the automatic texts in the early poetic collection of David Gascoyne (1916–2001). It outlines the peculiarities of the British poet’s techniques which are built upon French surrealist concepts and theories and examines phonetic, semantic and syntactic aspects of his poetry. David Gascoyne’s lyrics demonstrates the poet’s commitment to the French version of surrealism, his interest in the unconscious and dream-like narration. The streams of arbitrary visual images, deep emotionality, the artistic use of the word, semantic increments of meaning make Gascoigne’s texts open to interpretation. And though the poet actually refers visual effects (we rather see dreams), specific dream-like patterns are created not only by lexical, but also by phonetic repetitions, via intonation in which lexemes acquire a new semantic load.
Contribution of Osmotically Dehydrated Wild Garlic on Biscuits' Quality Parameters
Authors: Šobot Kosana , Laličić-Petronijević Jovanka , Filipović Vladimir , Nićetin Milica , Filipović Jelena , Popović Ljiljana
Published: April 2019

Wild garlic generally improves strengths and regenerates the body and also helps in the treatment of various diseases. In this study the contribution of wild garlic osmotic dehydration process in sugar beet molasses on biscuits' quality parameters is investigated. Presented results showed that addition of osmotically dehydrated wild garlic in molasses impoved textural characteristics of biscuits by lowering hardness and increasing fracturability and also changed colour characteristics of biscuits. Chemical composition of biscuits with added osmotically dehydrated wild garlic was improved in comparison to the biscuits with added fresh wild garlic, where proteins, total sugars, celulose and ash compositions were increased in amounts of 1.86, 3.2, 15.8 and 5.76 % respectively. Addition of osmodehydrated wild garlic had provided higher Zn, Cu and Fe biscuits' content in comparison to the addition of fresh wild garlic, in amounts of 2.75, 15.33 and 15.84 % respectively. Developed mathematical models of biscuits quality parameters were statistically significant, while predicted and observed responses corresponded very well. In effort of obtaining new types of products, new application of known ingredients was proposed, allowing incorporation of sugar beet molasses' rich nutrient content in wheat products formulation.
Modelación Numérica y Mapas de Afectación por Flujo de Lahares Primarios en el Drenaje Sur del Volcán Cotopaxi
Authors: Vera Pablo , Ortega Patricio , Casa Edwin , Santamaría Jorge , Hidalgo Ximena
Published: April 2019

Los lahares primarios originados durante erupciones de volcanes nevados, como el volcán Cotopaxi, son el resultado de la combinación de mecanismos físicos relacionados con el fenómeno eruptivo como la expulsión de ceniza, material piroclástico y flujos de lava incandescente que provocan el derretimiento súbito de una porción del glaciar. Afectan directamente asentamientos humanos e infraestructura desarrollada a lo largo de los cauces de los ríos y llanuras que corresponden a los drenajes naturales por donde transitan los lahares. El periodo de recurrencia eruptiva del volcán es relativamente amplio considerando la más reciente erupción significativa que ha sido registrada en junio de 1877. La investigación se enfoca en la modelación numérica unidimensional para flujo no permanente realizada en el programa libre HEC-RAS, considerando información geológica, glaciológica, vulcanológica y cartográfica actual, generada y recopilada en campo durante los últimos años. Estos datos han sido analizados y considerados para la definición de los parámetros iniciales que corresponden a volúmenes e hidrogramas. El modelo numérico calibrado en base al evento histórico de 1877, constituye la base para la simulación de los escenarios probables de ocurrencia. Los resultados obtenidos permiten la generación de mapas de afectación referenciales que constituyen un aporte técnico y práctico, ya que pueden ser utilizados para tomar decisiones acerca de la definición de zonas de afectación, sitios seguros, planificación territorial, planes de concientización, recuperación y mitigación ante procesos eruptivos futuros del volcán Cotopaxi que afecten de manera particular el valle de Latacunga.
EPIDEMIOLOGY OF TRAFFIC ACCIDENTS IN KAZAKHSTAN IN 2013-2015
Authors: Abdrakhmanova Z B , Buleshov M A , Moldaliyev I S , Buleshova A M , Ivanov S V , Grjibovski A M
Published: April 2019

The authors have carried out a review of traffic accidents occurrence the Republic of Kazakhstan in 2013-2015. A favorable trend -indices decrease of traffic accidents from 2013 has been revealed as well as considerable differences between the regions of Kazakhstan according to the figures have been discovered. Country regions with the most unfavorable situation in traffic accidents and population mortality as a result of traffic accidents have been specified. Among them: Almaty region, Kyzylorda region, Atyrau region, Karaganda region and Mangistau region. The necessity to set a trauma registry has been specified. It allows to work out programs of traffic accidents primary prevention considering regions' local peculiarities.
INFORMATIONAL AND COMMUNICATIVE BASIS OF THE ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY IN THE ARCTIC
Authors: Vilova T V , Chertova N A , Vilova M G , Permilovskiy M S
Published: April 2019

The paper deals with the conditions of efficiency of states' information cooperation, the importance of ecological communication while providing environmental safety as well as peculiarities of legal regulation of information support of environmental safety in the Arctic. The authors analyzed the concept of environmental communication and suggested the idea of a communicative legitimacy creation, intending the process of gathering, accumulation and dissemination of information about the environment state in the Arctic should be carried out with the aim of ensuring environmental safety. The actual problems of creation of a uniform information space in the Arctic have been studied in the paper. It is stated that the national Arctic policy is being developed in the Russian Federation. This policy should be based on principles of openness, cooperation and awareness of the results of the Arctic zone development. In this study the authors came to the conclusion that the creation of organizational and legal mechanisms of interaction between the Arctic countries will contribute to the environmental safety in the Arctic zone. The authors established a relationship between the creation of current exchange of ecological information systems and environmental security in the Arctic in the interests of sustainable development.
PENGEMBANGAN SISTEM INFORMASI PELATIHAN BERBASIS WEB MENGGUNAKAN TEKNOLOGI WEB SERVICE DAN FRAMEWORK LARAVEL
Authors: Somya Ramos , Nathanael Tan Michelle Esmeralda
Published: April 2019

Pincher ID is a local startup that engaged in the education sector especially for providing training classes. For now, Pincher ID based on a mobile application that causes only a third party (Google Play store/ App Store)  who can access it. Furthermore, mobile application Pincher ID is not indexed by search engine so it makes difficult for people to find it. In this research, training information system web-based with web service technology and framework Laravel will be built. Web service technology applied to the system for data integration so data can be stored centrally.  The architecture of web service used in the system is REST because accessing REST with URL address on browser application, give easy access to the application. In this research, prototype method used to develop an information system based on a website that can be used by Pincher ID. The test result showed that the training information system worked well and in accordance with the user’s wishes.
Emergency laparoscopic exploration of postpartum spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder:A case report and review of literature
Authors: Xu Zhichao , Wang Xiaoqing , Wang Jun , Li Zhiayan , Du Junkai
Published: April 2019

Introduction:
Spontaneous rupture of the urinary bladder(SRUB)
is a relatively rare cause of acute abdomen disease, whcih was easily
complicated with diffuse peritonitis, septic shock, acute renal failure.
Athough a few cases about postpartum
patient sufferred from SRUB have been reported recently,the management of postpartum SRUB was
not well established. Case
Report: The subject
of this case was a 37-year-old postpartum woman who presented with abdominal pain for one day.Based on his clinical presentation,
investigation results, it
was highly
suspected for urinary
disease complicated with diffuse peritonitis, such as SRUB, ureteral rupture. Given that vital signs were unstable and peritonitis signs were aggravating gradually, emergency laparoscopic exploration were performed.
There was a visible rupture in the left posterior of the bladder wall, with a
diameter of 2cm.Laparoscopic repair was employed and patient recovered well. In
this article, we
also reviewed relevant literatures to 
initially establish main
diagnostic basis for
postpartum SRUB.

Conlcusion:
Postpartum
women with a complaint of acute abdomen pain maybe caused by SRUB, especially
companied with oliguria and dysuria. And laparoscopy have an obvious advantage
to the diagnosis and treatment for highly suspected postpartum
SRUB.
High-Pressure Water Jet Injury to the Parotid Region
Authors: Aydın Sedat , Berk Derya , Coruk Sedef , Öztürk Seva , Uysal Elif
Published: April 2019

Introduction: The
high-pressure water jet is used for cleaning in various business lines.
However, these technological devices occasionally cause severe penetrating
injuries in the head and neck region due to high-pressure water. Such
high-pressure water injuries to the parotid region are rare.

Case Report: After
high-pressure water jet injury, facial paralysis was present in a 37-year-old
male patient who applied to the emergency department with an incision about
15-20 cm including skin, subcutaneous tissue, parotid gland and masseter muscle
on the raght side of the neck. In Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI), there was
no pathology showing deep veins, trachea, larynx, and oropharynx. For facial
paralysis, prednisolone treatment was given intravenously (iv) and antibiotic therapy
was started in response to the possibilit of infection.

Conclusion: As
the daily use of water jets becomes increasingly widespread, the prominence of
these injuries is increasing. Early tissue repair is useful in reducing
post-injury complications. We found it appropriate to present this issue in
order to take attention to the public awareness of such head and neck injuries
due to high-pressure water pumps.
Knowledge-Based Manufacturing: Management and Deployment of Manufacturing Rules through Product Lifecycle Management Systems
Authors: Corallo Angelo , Marra Manuela , Pascarelli Claudio
Published: April 2019

In manufacturing companies, computer-aided design (CAD)/computer-aided manufacturing (CAM) feature-based approaches have been developed for faster numerical control (NC) programming. They allow to automatically generate toolpath, recognizing both standard and custom machining features, and defining for each of them the best or preferred machining process based on predefined rules. The definition of Feature Based Manufacturing (FBM) rules requires advanced competences and skills; furthermore, the standardization required by these instruments is too rigorous for real machining practices. It is therefore necessary to extend the Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) environment in order to be able to make explicit and manage manufacturing rules based on industrial best practice. The paper addresses these problems presenting a possible solution to optimize FBM information management and integration within the product lifecycle. A data model extension, covering new items such as “manufacturing rules” and “tool setting preferences”, and a new methodology for rules management and deployment are proposed.
No Pain, No Gain? In Defence of Genetically Disenhancing (Most) Research Animals
Authors: Devolder Katrien , Eggel Matthias
Published: April 2019

Every year, around 12 million animals are used for the purpose of scientific research in the European Union alone. The procedures performed on them often cause significant pain and suffering. Despite regulations aimed at reducing this suffering, we can expect millions of research animals to continue to suffer in the near to mid-term future. Given this reality, we propose the use of gene editing to create research animals with a reduced capacity for suffering, in particular, from pain. We argue that our proposal would be in line with moral principles embedded in European regulations regarding animal research, and that it would facilitate compliance with these regulations. We also respond to the strongest argument against our proposal—the ‘no pain no gain’ argument.
Potential of Insect Meals as Protein Sources for Meat-Type Ducks Based on In Vitro Digestibility
Authors: Kovitvadhi Attawit , Chundang Pipatpong , Thongprajukaew Karun , Tirawattanawanich Chanin , Srikachar Sunyanee , Chotimanothum Banthari
Published: April 2019

There has been a dramatic increase in duck meat consumption. As a result, ducks are an interesting alternative type of livestock. Animal-based proteins such as fishmeal and animal by-products are valuable nutrients with high digestibility, but they are associated with cost fluctuations, pathogen contamination, and environmental impacts. Therefore, plant-based proteins are used, but they have the disadvantages of inappropriate amino acid profiles, anti-nutritional factors, and mycotoxin contamination. Insect meal contains favorable nutrients and low production costs and is environmentally friendly; however, there is a large number of insect species. Therefore, the purpose of this investigation is to screen insects for their potential use as a protein source in the duck diet. Insect meal with a high proportion of low-digestible components was shown to have low digestibility. Yellow mealworm larvae, giant mealworm larvae, lesser wax moth larvae, house fly larvae, mulberry silkworm pupae, and American cockroach nymph have the potential to be alternative protein sources for ducks. Insect meal has been widely studied and is used in animal nutrition to replace common protein sources that have several disadvantages and to promote sustainability in animal production. Two-step in vitro digestibility using crude enzyme extracts from digestive tracts of meat-type ducks (Cherry Valley) was performed on general protein sources and insect meals to compare the in vitro digestibility of organic matter (OMd) and crude protein (CPd). Variation in chemical components between different types of insect meal was found. A positive correlation was found between OMd and the ether extract composition in insect meal, whereas a negative correlation was shown between crude fiber and acid detergent fiber. Contrasting relationships were found between CPd and crude fiber and acid detergent fiber in insect meal. In conclusion, the yellow mealworm larvae (Tenebrio molitor), giant mealworm larvae (Zophobas morio), lesser wax moth larvae (Achroia grisella), house fly larvae (Musca domestica), mulberry silkworm pupae (Bombyx mori), and American cockroach nymph (Periplaneta americana) are potential protein sources for ducks based on OMd and CPd digestibility after screening with an in vitro digestibility technique.
Evaluation of Deep Learning Neural Networks for Surface Roughness Prediction Using Vibration Signal Analysis
Authors: Lin Wan-Ju , Lo Shih-Hsuan , Young Hong-Tsu , Hung Che-Lun
Published: April 2019

The use of surface roughness (Ra) to indicate product quality in the milling process in an intelligent monitoring system applied in-process has been developing. From the considerations of convenient installation and cost-effectiveness, accelerator vibration signals combined with deep learning predictive models for predicting surface roughness is a potential tool. In this paper, three models, namely, Fast Fourier Transform-Deep Neural Networks (FFT-DNN), Fast Fourier Transform Long Short Term Memory Network (FFT-LSTM), and one-dimensional convolutional neural network (1-D CNN), are used to explore the training and prediction performances. Feature extraction plays an important role in the training and predicting results. FFT and the one-dimensional convolution filter, known as 1-D CNN, are employed to extract vibration signals’ raw data. The results show the following: (1) the LSTM model presents the temporal modeling ability to achieve a good performance at higher Ra value and (2) 1-D CNN, which is better at extracting features, exhibits highly accurate prediction performance at lower Ra ranges. Based on the results, vibration signals combined with a deep learning predictive model could be applied to predict the surface roughness in the milling process. Based on this experimental study, the use of prediction of the surface roughness via vibration signals using FFT-LSTM or 1-D CNN is recommended to develop an intelligent system.
Turbulent Intermittency in a Random Fiber Laser
Authors: Macêdo Antônio M. S. , González Iván R. Roa , Raposo Ernesto P. , Menezes Leonardo de S. , Gomes Anderson S. L.
Published: April 2019

In fluid turbulence, intermittency is the emergence of non-Gaussian tails in the distribution of velocity increments in small space and/or time scales. Intermittence is thus expected to gradually disappear as one moves from small to large scales. Here we study the turbulent-like intermittency effect experimentally observed in the distribution of intensity fluctuations in a disordered continuous-wave-pumped erbium-doped-based random fiber laser with specially-designed random fiber Bragg gratings. The intermittency effect is investigated as a crossover in the distribution of intensity increments from a heavy-tailed distribution (for short time scales), to a Gaussian distribution (for large time scales). The results are theoretically supported by a hierarchical stochastic model that incorporates Kolmogorov’s theory of turbulence. In particular, the discrete version of the hierachical model allows a general direct interpretation of the number of relevant scales in the photonic hierarchy as the order of the transitions induced by the non-linearities in the medium. Our results thus provide further statistical evidence for the interpretation of the turbulence-like emission previously observed in this system.
Platelet-Rich Plasma and Micrografts Enriched with Autologous Human Follicle Mesenchymal Stem Cells Improve Hair Re-Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia. Biomolecular Pathway Analysis and Clinical Evaluation
Authors: Gentile Pietro , Scioli Maria G. , Bielli Alessandra , De Angelis Barbara , De Sio Ciro , De Fazio Domenico , Ceccarelli Gabriele , Trivisonno Angelo , Orlandi Augusto , Cervelli Valerio , Garcovich Simone
Published: April 2019

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) and Micrografts containing human follicle mesenchymal stem cells (HF-MSCs) were tried as a potential treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, little to no work has yet to be seen wherein the bio-molecular pathway of HF-MSCs or PRP treatments were analyzed. The aims of this work are to report the clinical effectiveness of HF-MSCs and platelet-rich plasma evaluating and reviewing the most updated information related to the bio-molecular pathway. Twenty-one patients were treated with HF-MSCs injections and 57 patients were treated with A-PRP. The Wnt pathway and Platelet derived-growth factors effects were analyzed. 23 weeks after the last treatment with mean hair thickness increments (29 ± 5.0%) over baseline values for the targeted area. 12 weeks after the last injection with A-PRP mean hair count and hair density (31 ± 2%) increases significantly over baseline values. The increment of Wnt signaling in Dermal Papilla Cells evidently is one of the principal factors that enhances hair growth. Signaling from mesenchymal stem cells and platelet derived growth factors positively influences hair growth through cellular proliferation to prolong the anagen phase (FGF-7), inducing cell growth (ERK activation), stimulating hair follicle development (β-catenin), and suppressing apoptotic cues (Bcl-2 release and Akt activation).
Incremental Dynamic Analysis for Estimating Seismic Performance of Multi-Story Buildings with Butterfly-Shaped Structural Dampers
Authors: Farzampour Alireza , Mansouri Iman , Dehghani Hamzeh
Published: April 2019

Structural strength and stiffness were previously investigated to sufficiently improve the lateral load resistance against major events. Many buildings require appropriate design to effectively withstand the lateral seismic loads and reduce the corresponding damages. Design methodologies and structural elements were recently introduced to improve the energy dissipation capability and limit the high force demands under seismic loadings. The new systems are designed to protect the structural integrity and concentrate the inelasticity in a specific area, while the remaining parts are kept undamaged and intact. This study introduces a new structural system with dampers having strategic cutouts, leaving butterfly-shaped shear dampers for dominating the yielding mechanism over other brittle limit states. The new system is designed for re-establishing the conventional eccentrically braced frame system with simple linking beams. The system with strategic cutouts is subsequently used and compared with the eccentrically braced frames (EBF) system for seismic performance investigation and incremental dynamic analysis (IDA), using the OpenSees program, which is used to indicate the collapse behavior under forty-four selected ground motions. Results show that the butterfly-shaped multi-story buildings, compared to the corresponding conventional systems, are capable of enhancing the system resistance against lateral seismic loads by postponing the collapse state to the larger drift ratio values.
Sonochemical Synthesis of Cadmium(II) Coordination Polymer Nanospheres as Precursor for Cadmium Oxide Nanoparticles
Authors: Afkhami Farhad Akbari , Khandar Ali Akbar , Mahmoudi Ghodrat , Abdollahi Reza , Gurbanov Atash V. , Kirillov Alexander M.
Published: April 2019

Nanospheres of a new coordination polymer {[Cd2(µ-HL)(µ-L)(NO3)3(H2O)]·H2O}n (1) were easily prepared by a sonochemical method from cadmium(II) nitrate and HL (HL, pyridine-2-carboxaldehyde isonicotinoyl hydrazone) in ethanol. Single crystals of 1 were also obtained using a branched tube method. The crystal structure of 1 indicates that the µ-HL/µ-L− blocks act as linkers between the Cd(II) centers, assembling them into 1D tooth-shaped interdigitated chains, which are further interlinked into a complex 3D H-bonded network with a rare hms (3,5-conn) topology. Nanoparticles of 1 were characterized by elemental analysis, FT-IR spectroscopy, and powder X-ray diffraction (XPRD), while their spherical morphology was confirmed by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, in the presence of a surfactant, the thermolysis of sonochemically generated nanoparticles of 1 led to the formation of cadmium oxide nanospheres (cubic CdO) with an average diameter of 10 nm. This study extends the application of sonochemical synthetic methods for the generation of phase pure nanoparticles of coordination polymers and their thermolysis products.
Viability Evaluation of Three Grass Biofuels: Experimental Study in a Small-Scale Combustor
Authors: Regueiro Araceli , Jezerská Lucie , Pérez-Orozco Raquel , Patiño David , Zegzulka Jiří , Nečas Jan
Published: April 2019

This experimental study focusses on the viability of three low-grade biofuels in small-scale biomass units of 7–12 kW The tested materials were homemade grass pellets (gp1 and gp2) and a mixture of leaves and woody pellets (lp50) that were made without binders and completely characterized in terms of their chemical and physical properties (proximate analysis, elementary composition, ash content, flowability, etc.). The results obtained with the non-commercial fuels were compared with commercial wood pellets (wp). The viability study comprised the operational parameter influences, such as primary and secondary airflow, fuel consumption, etc., together with the impact of those parameters on the main problems in combustion (concentration and particle distribution, fouling and slagging). The results revealed that the biomass whose behavior during combustion induced fewer particulate emissions and deposits was the mixed fuel, made of 50% leaf + 50% wood pellet (lp50). Contrary to the grass-based pellets, lp50 has the possibility of being used in commercial devices with the incorporation of processes during the manufacturing that improve their properties.
A Techno-Economic Analysis of a PV-Battery System in Greece
Authors: Kosmadakis Ioannis E. , Elmasides Costas , Eleftheriou Dimitrios , Tsagarakis Konstantinos P.
Published: April 2019

A techno-economic assessment has been carried out to evaluate the economic feasibility of energy self-consumption from a combination of photovoltaics and lead-acid batteries (PV-BAT). The Total annual economic cost (TAEC) and the cost per unit of energy were first calculated, from PV-BAT data collected over a 12 month period and then from energy system model data for the same period. A comparison of the actual renewable energy yield to optimal model output revealed that energy was restrained partially due to limited storage resources. The cost per kilowatt-hour for the two examined scenarios ranged from 0.55 to 0.62 €/kWh and from 0.42 to 0.46 €/kWh, respectively, showing room for further cost reductions. Despite currently lower energy purchasing costs from electricity providers, these findings constitute a significant price indication of the kilowatt-hour produced by PV-BAT, showing the need for further investigation into how battery sizing can be optimized and battery cost can be reduced.
Populus simonii Carr. Reduces Wind Erosion and Improves Soil Properties in Northern China
Authors: Zhang Jieming , Jia Guodong , Liu Ziqiang , Wang Dandan , Yu Xinxiao
Published: April 2019

To assess the ecological effects of poplar stands with different densities and ages, fixed observation sites were established in selected standard forest plots. Daily dynamics of wind speed and sand transport rate were monitored over an erosive period (March to June) in 2017. Soil characteristics were also measured at these plots. Average daily wind speed and average daily wind erosion modulus decreased significantly after the establishment of poplar trees on sandy land, while soil density decreased significantly, soil hardness increased greatly, and soil organic carbon, total N, and available P levels increased significantly. With increasing stand density, average daily wind speed and daily sediment transport firstly decreased and then increased, while the investigated soil nutrients showed the opposite trend. A tree density of 1320–1368 trees·hm−2 significantly reduced surface wind erosion. With the increase in forest age, the average daily wind speed and daily sediment transport declined, while soil physical and chemical properties were gradually improved. At a stand age of 40 years, wind-caused soil erosion significantly reduced. Taking these effects into consideration, the design and management of protective forest systems in arid and semi-arid areas can be greatly improved.
Optimized pH and Its Control Strategy Lead to Enhanced Itaconic Acid Fermentation by Aspergillus terreus on Glucose Substrate
Authors: Komáromy Péter , Bakonyi Péter , Kucska Adrienn , Tóth Gábor , Gubicza László , Bélafi-Bakó Katalin , Nemestóthy Nándor
Published: April 2019

Biological itaconic acid production can by catalyzed by Aspergillus terreus (a filamentous fungi) where the fermentation medium pH is of prominent importance. Therefore, in this work, we investigated what benefits the different pH regulation options might offer in enhancing the process. The batch itaconic acid fermentation data underwent a kinetic analysis and the pH control alternatives were ranked subsequently. It would appear that the pH-shift strategy (initial adjustment of pH to 3 and its maintenance at 2.5 after 48 h) resulted in the most attractive fermentation pattern and could hence be recommended to achieve itaconic acid production with an improved performance using A. terreus from carbohydrate, such as glucose. Under this condition, the itaconic acid titer potential, the maximal itaconic acid (titer) production rate, the length of lag-phase and itaconic acid yield were 87.32 g/L, 0.22 g/L/h, 56.04 h and 0.35 g/g glucose, respectively.
Impact of a Culturally Tailored mHealth Medication Regimen Self-Management Program upon Blood Pressure among Hypertensive Hispanic Adults
Authors: Chandler Jessica , Sox Luke , Kellam Kinsey , Feder Lauren , Nemeth Lynne , Treiber Frank
Published: April 2019

Background: Uncontrolled hypertension (HTN) and medication nonadherence are more prominent among Hispanics compared to non-Hispanic whites and African Americans. Advances in wireless health technology enable real-time monitoring of medication adherence (MA) and blood pressure (BP), facilitating timely patient–provider communication including tailored reinforcement/motivational feedback to patients and quicker titration changes by providers. The purpose of the current study was to conduct a 9-month smartphone-enabled efficacy trial addressing MA and BP control among Hispanic adults with uncontrolled HTN and poor MA. Methods: The research design was a 9-month, two-arm efficacy trial including an experimental (Smartphone Med Adherence Stops Hypertension, SMASH) group and an enhanced standard care (ESC) group. SMASH participants utilized a SMASH app which interfaced with a Bluetooth-enabled BP monitor for BP self-monitoring and an electronic medication tray. The ESC participants received text messages including links to PDFs and brief video clips containing healthy lifestyle tips for attention control. Results: Participants were 54 Hispanic adults (mean age: 46.5 years) with uncontrolled HTN. They were randomly assigned to either the SMASH (n = 26) or ESC group (n = 28). At baseline, no participants had controlled systolic BP (SBP). Baseline group averages for SBP between the SC and SMASH groups did not differ (150.7 and 152.3 mmHg, respectively; p = 0.53). At the 1, 3, 6, and 9-month time points, SBP averages were significantly lower in the SMASH versus SC groups (month 1: 125.3 vs. 140.6; month 3: 120.4 vs. 137.5, month 6: 121.2 vs. 145.7 mmHg; month 9: 121.8 vs. 145.7, respectively; all p-values <0.01). At months 3, 6, and 9 there was a significant difference between the percentage of participants meeting the 7th Joint National Committee cutoffs for SBP control in the SC and SMASH groups (month 3: 62.5 vs. 92.0%; month 6: 57.9 and 94.4%, month 9: 27.8 and 92.3%, respectively; all p-values ≤0.01). Average medical regimen adherence, as indicated by timestamped medication intake and BP monitoring for the SMASH group, ranged from 89.1 to 95.2% across the 9-month trial. Conclusion: Our findings indicate that our culturally tailored smartphone-enabled medical regimen self-management program may be an effective solution for the promotion of MA, resulting in statistically and clinically significant reductions in SBP among Hispanic adults with uncontrolled HTN.
The Association between Osteoporosis and Grip Strength and Skeletal Muscle Mass in Community-Dwelling Older Women
Authors: Taniguchi Yoshiaki , Makizako Hyuma , Kiyama Ryoji , Tomioka Kazutoshi , Nakai Yuki , Kubozono Takuro , Takenaka Toshihiro , Ohishi Mitsuru
Published: April 2019

This cross-sectional study investigated the association between osteoporosis, grip strength, and skeletal muscle mass in community-dwelling older women. Data obtained from 265 older women who participated in a community-based health check survey (Tarumizu Study) were analyzed. Face-to-face interviews with participants revealed their history of osteoporosis. Appendicular skeletal muscle mass was assessed through bioelectrical impedance analysis, and appendicular skeletal muscle index was calculated. Dominant grip strength was also assessed. Loss of skeletal muscle mass (appendicular skeletal muscle mass < 5.7 kg/m2) and muscle weakness (grip strength < 18 kg) were determined based on criteria for sarcopenia put forth by the Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia. The prevalence rates of osteoporosis, muscle weakness, and loss of skeletal muscle mass were 27.2%, 28.7%, and 50.2%, respectively. Loss of skeletal muscle mass was more prevalent in participants with osteoporosis than in those without (65.3% vs. 44.6%, p < 0.01). The association between osteoporosis and muscle strength was not significant (30.6% vs. 28.0%, p = 0.68). After covariate adjustment, loss of skeletal muscle mass was found to be independently associated with osteoporosis (odds ratio 2.56, 95% confidence interval 1.33–4.91). In sum, osteoporosis was found to be associated with loss of skeletal muscle mass, but not with muscle weakness in community-dwelling older women.