bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Global exponential stability and existence of periodic solutions of fuzzy wave equations
Authors: Liu Wei , Lou Yimin 
Published: January 2020

AbstractIn this paper, the global exponential stability and the existence of periodic solutions of fuzzy wave equations are investigated. By variable substitution the system of partial differential equations (PDEs) is transformed from second order to first order. Some sufficient conditions that ensure the global exponential stability and the existence of periodic solution of the system are obtained by an analysis that uses a suitable Lyapunov functional. In addition, a concrete example is given to show the effectiveness of the results.
Consumer stated preferences for dairy products with carbon footprint labels in Italy
Authors: Canavari Maurizio , Coderoni Silvia 
Published: January 2020

AbstractCarbon footprint (CF) labels on agri-food products represent one of the most important tools to convey information to consumers about the greenhouse gases emissions associated with their purchase behaviour.Together with the growing interest of consumers in CF labels, the subject has gained attention also in the scientific literature, and formal evaluations of consumer response to carbon labelling have been published. Studies in this area aim at analysing consumers’ preferences for buying products with a lower CF label or their willingness to pay (WTP) for these products.The objective of this paper is twofold. First, the study proposes a review of the literature that so far has analysed consumer WTP for CF label, focusing on Italian consumers. Second, it uses the results of two surveys of consumers’ attitudes towards dairy products with a lower CF label to analyse the factors determining a positive stated WTP. Results point out that a positive WTP for lower CF products is more likely to be declared by respondents who believe that buying products with less environmental impact can combat climate change. Conversely, highly price-sensitive consumers are less likely to be willing to pay more for CF-labelled products.
Mapping the pigment distribution of Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring
Authors: Delaney John K. , Dooley Kathryn A. , van Loon Annelies , Vandivere Abbie 
Published: January 2020

Abstract
As part of the 2018 Girl in the Spotlight project, reflectance and molecular fluorescence imaging spectroscopy (RIS, FIS), and macroscale X-ray fluorescence scanning (MA-XRF) were performed on Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring (c. 1665, Mauritshuis) with the goal of obtaining a comprehensive understanding of the distribution of pigments. Prior analysis of cross-sections in the 1990s, and their recent (re)-examination identified many of the pigments present in the painting. The results from all three imaging methods, along with site-specific fibre optic reflectance spectroscopy, confirmed Vermeer’s limited palette and determined how and where each pigment was used. RIS and MA-XRF found the blue region of the headscarf was painted with natural ultramarine and varying amounts of lead white. The yellow part of the headscarf was painted with yellow ochre and lead white, and the border of the headscarf additionally contained ultramarine and lead–tin yellow. The lit side of the jacket was painted with yellow ochre, lead white, and ultramarine, whereas the darker, ruddy blue-green areas that are in relative shadow contained yellow ochre with ultramarine. FIS also mapped a red lake in portions of the shadowed areas at the back of the jacket. The Girl’s skin was painted using earths (ochres), lead white, vermilion, and some red lake. Fluorescence emission from red lake was strongest in the lips, where vermilion was also found. The pearl earring was depicted using a scumble and highlight of lead white. In the dark background, the RIS data cube allowed the determination of the visible spectral shape even though the overall reflectance intensity was low (1 to 3%). A reflectance inflection point at ~ 700 nm indicated the presence of indigo, whereas lack of a reflectance peak at green wavelengths in most areas indicated degradation of the yellow pigment previously identified as weld. Some small green areas in the background (i.e. reflectance maximum at 525 nm) were found; these coincided with areas previously protected by old retouchings, and are thus better preserved. The combination of all three spectral imaging modalities provided a more complete understanding of how the colouration of the painting was achieved.
Conteúdo Local nos contratos de exploração e produção de petróleo e gás natural
Authors: Aragão Alexandre Santos de 
Published: January 2020

Local Content in oil and natural gas exploration and production contracts O presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar a exigência de contratação em percentuais mínimos de fornecedores brasileiros advinda das cláusulas de Conteúdo Local nos contratos de exploração e produção de petróleo e gás natural. Para tanto, examina-se em que consistem as obrigações de Conteúdo Local, bem como sua natureza jurídica. Em seguida, o artigo investiga os casos em que as cláusulas de Conteúdo Local se mostram ineficazes e o cumprimento dos percentuais ofertados quando da apresentação das respectivas propostas se afigura inexigível, destacando sempre que a existência da obrigação imposta pelas cláusulas de Conteúdo Local é condicionada à verificação concreta do seu suporte fático. Finalmente, o trabalho se debruça sobre a possibilidade de aplicação de sanções ao particular contratante nos casos em que a incidência das cláusulas de Conteúdo Local resta afastada. This article aims to analyze the requirement of contracting minimum percentages from Brazilian suppliers arising from the Local Content clauses in oil and natural gas exploration and production contracts. To this end, the paper examines what constitutes the Local Content obligations, as well as their legal nature. The article then goes on to investigate cases in which Local Content clauses are ineffective and when compliance with the percentages offered when proposals were submitted looks unenforceable, emphasizing that the existence of the obligation imposed by the Local Content clauses is conditional on effective verification. Finally, the work focuses on the possibility of applying sanctions to the private contractor in cases of non-compliance.
Splenic trauma, the way forward in reducing splenectomy: our 15-year experience
Authors: Jesani H , Jesani L , Rangaraj A , Rasheed A 
Published: January 2020

Introduction The aim of this study was to study radiological assessment, management and outcome of traumatic splenic injury over 15 years in a UK district general hospital. Method A retrospective database was established including all splenic injury cases from June 2002 to June 2017 by searching the clinical electronic database. We searched the radiological database for computed tomography reported phrases ‘spleen injury’, ‘laceration’, ‘haematoma’, ‘trauma’. We interrogated theatre records for operations coded as splenectomy and cross-referenced this with pathology. Records were reviewed for demographics, vital observations, documentation of American Association for the Surgery of Trauma (AAST) grading of splenic injury, subsequent management and outcomes. Results There were 126 patients identified with traumatic splenic injury, with male to female ratio three to one. Operative management was undertaken in 54/126 (43%) patients and selective non-operative management in the remaining. Splenic artery embolisation was undertaken in 5/126 (4%) and 2/126 underwent splenorrhaphy. Computed tomography was undertaken in 109/126 (87%) patients and AAST grading was reported in 18 (17%) patients. AAST grade reporting did not improve significantly when comparing the first 7.5 years with the latter (2/30, 7%; 16/79, 20%), respectively; p = 0.09). Selective non-operative management increased significantly over the studied period (14/34, 42%; 58/93, 62%; p = 0.04). The overall hospital mortality was 10.3%. Discussion and conclusion AAST grade reporting of splenic injury has remained sub-optimal over 15 years. Despite progression towards selective non-operative management, operative intervention remained unacceptably high, with splenectomy being the main therapeutic modality. Standardisation through an integrated multidisciplinary diagnostic and management pathway offers the optimal strategy to reduce trauma-induced splenectomy.
Characterization of passivity in Mueller matrices
Authors: San José Ignacio , Gil José J. 
Published: January 2020

Except for very particular and artificial experimental configurations, linear transformations of the state of polarization of an electromagnetic wave result in a reduction of the intensity of the exiting wave with respect to the incoming one. This natural passive behavior imposes certain mathematical restrictions on the Mueller matrices associated with the said transformations. Although the general conditions for passivity in Mueller matrices were presented in a previous paper [ J. Opt. Soc. Am. A 17, 328 (2000)JOAOD60740-323210.1364/JOSAA.17.000328], the demonstration was incomplete. In this paper, the set of two necessary and sufficient conditions for a Mueller matrix to represent a passive medium are determined and demonstrated on the basis of its arbitrary decomposition as a convex combination of nondepolarizing and passive pure Mueller matrices. The procedure followed to solve the problem also provides an appropriate framework to identify the Mueller matrix that, among the family of proportional passive Mueller matrices, exhibits the maximal physically achievable intensity transmittance. Beyond the theoretical interest on the rigorous characterization of passivity, the results obtained, when applied to absolute Mueller polarimetry, also provide a criterion to discard those experimentally measured Mueller matrices that do not satisfy the passivity criterion.
Broadband graphene/hexagonal boron nitride modulators based on a Si3N4 waveguide
Authors: Su Jiale , He Xiaoying , Li Chong 
Published: January 2020

For exploring a strong electro-optic effect from a graphene/hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) structure, here a comprehensive study for investigating the integrated broadband graphene/hBN modulators has been presented. Two representative configurations with a

S
i

3

N

4

waveguide were compared, focusing on optimizing the hBN thickness, waveguide width and height, and graphene size to balance their performances. It was found that 200 µm long devices with 65 nm hBN thickness allow for

∼

80

G
H
z

modulation bandwidth, 35.4 dB extinction ratio, and over 700 nm operation spectral range. Compared to the ridge

S
i

3

N

4

waveguide, the buried

S
i

3

N

4

waveguide was more suitable as an optical waveguide for the graphene/hBN modulator to obtain a large modulation depth of

∼
0.17

d
B

µ

m

and a large operation spectral range from 750 to

∼

1640

n
m

.
Originality in Belgian civil law: comparing the Code Napoleon with Book 8 of the New Belgian Civil Code
Authors: Vandezande Niels , Schroers Jessica 
Published: January 2020

Dr Niels Vandezande and Jessica Schroers examine the introduction of an entire New Belgian Civil Code and the opportunity provided to make revisions to take account of electronic evidence. The authors explain how the NBCC codifies and simplifies existing rules to take account of digital issues.
Index words: Belgium, Evidence law, civil law, civil procedure, Electronic evidence law and legislation
Case translation: Estonia
Authors: Case translation Estonia: 
Published: January 2020

TlnRnKo 09.01.2017, 1-15-9051, Tallinna Ringkonnakohus (Tallinn Circuit Court), 9 January 2017
Estonia; VAT on property; admissibility of evidence collected by surveillance; digital evidence guidelines; continuity of evidence (also known as chain of custody); MD5 hash – whether sufficient to prove evidence not altered; status of opinion of external expert (a lawyer)
Case translation: Italy
Authors: Case translation Italy: 
Published: January 2020

Tribunale sez. V, Milano, 18/10/2016, n. 11402, Court of Milan, V Civil, 18 October 2016
Italy; evidence of contract; e-mails; validity of electronic signature; payment of invoices; Code of the Digital Administration decree 82/2005; Regulation (EU) No 910/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 23 July 2014 on electronic identification and trust services for electronic transactions in the internal market and repealing Directive 1999/93/EC OJ L 257, 28.8.2014, p. 73–114
Earlier Alanine Aminotransferase Normalization During Antiviral Treatment Is Independently Associated With Lower Risk of Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Chronic Hepatitis B
Authors: Choi Jonggi , Kim Gi-Ae , Han Seungbong , Lim Young-Suk 
Published: January 2020

OBJECTIVES:
It was suggested that normalization of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels at 1 year of antiviral treatment is associated with a lower risk of hepatic events in patients with chronic hepatitis B (CHB). However, it remains unclear whether earlier ALT normalization is associated with lower hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) risk, independent of fatty liver or cirrhosis and on-treatment virological response (VR), in patients with CHB.

METHODS:
We analyzed 4,639 patients with CHB who initiated treatment with entecavir or tenofovir using landmark analysis and time-dependent Cox analysis. We defined normal ALT as ≤35 U/L (men) and ≤25 U/L (women) and VR as serum hepatitis B virus DNA <15 IU/mL.

RESULTS:
During a median 5.6 years of treatment, 509 (11.0%) patients developed HCC. ALT normalization occurred in 65.6% at 1 year and 81.9% at 2 years and was associated with a significantly lower HCC risk in landmark (P < 0.001) and time-dependent Cox analyses (adjusted hazard ratio [AHR] 0.57; P < 0.001). Compared with ALT normalization within 6 months, delayed ALT normalization at 6–12, 12–24, and >24 months was associated with incrementally increasing HCC risk (AHR 1.40, 1.74, and 2.45, respectively; P < 0.001), regardless of fatty liver or cirrhosis at baseline and VR during treatment. By contrast, neither earlier VR (AHR 0.93; P = 0.53) nor earlier hepatitis B e antigen seroclearance (AHR 0.91; P = 0.31) was associated with a significantly lower HCC risk.

DISCUSSION:
In patients with CHB treated with entecavir or tenofovir, earlier ALT normalization was independently associated with proportionally lower HCC risk, regardless of fatty liver or cirrhosis at baseline and on-treatment VR.
Acute Esophageal Necrosis Associated With Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Jaiswal Palashkumar , Araujo James L. 
Published: January 2020

ABSTRACT
Acute esophageal necrosis or “black esophagus” is a rare clinical entity characterized by necrosis of the esophageal mucosa resulting from low-flow hemodynamic states. The disease commonly presents with upper gastrointestinal hemorrhage, and the diagnosis is based on the presence of circumferential black appearance of the distal esophagus with variable proximal involvement and sparing of mucosa distal to the esophagogastric junction. The disease is associated with a high mortality rate, and treatment is supportive. We describe a case of acute esophageal necrosis associated with acute postendoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography pancreatitis.
Retained placenta in Relation with Blood Components in Egyptian crossbred cattle
Authors: Mourad Reem S. 
Published: January 2020

<p> The present study was carried out in the veterinary units on 14 normal cows and 32 cows with Retained Placenta. Cows were chosen after about 6 to 12 hours from parturition in Shebin Elkom, Menoufia, Egypt.</p><p> Results show that there was very highly significant increase of concentrations of all blood biochemical components, macro elements and micro elements in normal cows than those in retained fetal membranes cows except in globulin, Sodium and Manganese. On the other hand, plasma concentrations of biochemical components were highly significant between summer and winter in cholesterol, total protein and albumin but it wasn’t significant in glucose, globulin and A/G ratio. Moreover, there was very highly significant in plasma concentration between summer and winter in all macro elements except potassium and Ca/P ratio. Also, there was very highly significant in plasma concentration between summer and winter in all micro elements except Manganese. Meanwhile, plasma concentrations of biochemical components were not significant between parities except in A/G ratio. Furthermore, there was no significant in plasma concentration between summer and winter in all macro elements. But, there was very highly significant (P≤0.01) in plasma concentration of Cu and Cd between summer and winter, and it was significant (P≤0.05) in Fe and Se but, there was no significant in Co, Zn, Mn, and Mo.</p><p> The aim of this study was to determine blood plasma constituents and inorganic macro and micro elements in the case of retained placenta in crossbred cattle under Egyptian conditions.</p>
Notes from the Editors, January 2020
Authors: The Editors - 
Published: January 2020

buy this issue
The coup against the Bolivian government under Evo Morales came straight out of the latest political-military manuals of the U.S. imperial state. These manuals provide instructions on how systematically to undermine the reputation of a popular, elected leader with accusations of dictatorship, corruption, and various other forms of character assassination in order to soften support on the left. Moreover, these manuals provide step-by-step instructions on how to prepare the political and military bases of a coup.
Utility of recombinant human TSH stimulation test in the follow-up of patients with differentiated thyroid cancer depending on basal thyroglobulin results
Authors: Sandúa Amaia , Macias Monica , Perdomo Carolina , Galofre Juan Carlos , Ferrer Roser , Alegre Estibaliz , González Álvaro 
Published: January 2020

Abstract

Background
Thyroglobulin (Tg) is fundamental for differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC) monitoring. Tg detection can be enhanced using recombinant human thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) (rhTSH). This study is aimed to evaluate the use of the rhTSH stimulation test when using a high-sensitivity Tg assay.

Methods
We retrospectively studied 181 rhTSH tests from 114 patients with DTC and negative for antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TgAb). Image studies were performed in all cases. Serum Tg and anti-TgAb were measured using specific immunoassays.

Results
rhTSH stimulation in patients with basal serum Tg (b-Tg) concentrations lower than 0.2 ng/mL always resulted in rhTSH-stimulated serum Tg (s-Tg) concentrations lower than 1.0 ng/mL and negative structural disease. In patients with b-Tg concentration between 0.2 and 1.0 ng/mL, s-Tg detected one patient (1/30) who showed biochemical incomplete response. Patients with negative images had lower s-Tg than those with nonspecific or abnormal findings (p<0.05). Receiver operating characteristic curve analysis of the s-Tg to detect altered images showed an area under the curve of 0.763 (p<0.05). With an s-Tg cutoff of 0.85 ng/mL, the sensitivity was 100%, decreasing to 96.15% with an s-Tg cutoff of 2 ng/mL.

Conclusions
Patients with DTC with b-Tg concentrations equal or higher than 0.2 ng/mL can benefit from the rhTSH stimulation test.
Spectral properties and biological activity of La(III) and Nd(III) Monensinates
Authors: Pantcheva I. , Dimitrova R. , Ivanova V. , Nedzhib A. , Dorkov P. , Dinev D. , Spasov R. , Alexandrova R. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractThe present research is focused on evaluation of complexation ability of Monensic acid (MonH) towards La3+ and Nd3+ ions.Changes in the SRCD spectrum of Monensinate anion were monitored upon addition of lanthanide(III) ions. The antibiotic undergoes formation of one neutral ([Ln(Mon)3(H2O)3]) and two positively charged complex species of composition [Ln(Mon)2(H2O)2]+ and [Ln(Mon) (H2O)]2+, respectively (Ln = La3+, Nd3+). Neutral complexes were isolated as fine powders and were characterized by IR, FAB-MS and ESI-MS. It is assumed that Monensin acts in bidentate coordination mode via monodentate carboxylate moiety and hydroxyl group, both located at the opposite ends of antibiotic molecule.Activity of Monensic acid and [Ln(Mon)3(H2O)3] to decrease visible bacteria growth of B. subtilis, S. Lutea and B. mycoides was evaluated by agar hole diffusion method. Results showed that complexation of lanthanide(III) ions to Monensin enhances the activity of non-coordinated ligand.Antitumor efficacy of compounds was assayed on human triple negative breast cancer and transplantable sarcoma in rat. The cytotoxicity was accessed by MTT test, NR uptake, CV assay and double AO/PI staining. Experimental data revealed that Monensic acid and [Ln(Mon)3(H2O)3] possess concentration- and time-dependent activity, and express promising cytotoxic properties against human and rat permanent cancer cell lines.
Phytochemistry and toxicological assessment of Bryonia dioica roots used in north-African alternative medicine
Authors: Bourhia Mohammed , Bari Ahmed , Ali Syed Saeed , Benbacer Laila , khlil Naima 
Published: January 2020

AbstractTo investigate the phytochemical composition, acute and sub-acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of B. dioica roots. The phytochemical analysis was performed using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). The acute toxicity of the aqueous extract of B.dioica roots was assessed in mice with single doses ranging from 250 to 1000 mg/kg for 14 days. The sub-acute toxicity was carried out with repeated doses ranging from 64.5 to 250 mg/kg for 28 days. Histopathological changes and markers of renal and liver function were investigated. The results of GC-MS analysis showed the presence of interesting phytoconstituents. The clinical symptoms and mortalities that occurred in treated mice were more remarkable due to the increasing sample concentration of the studied extract. However, no mortalities, or histopathological, or biochemical disturbances were observed even at the maximal dose administered (250 mg/kg). The outcome of the present work suggests that the treatment of animals with single doses of B. dioica roots extract higher than 250 mg/kg produces significant toxicities, however, treatment with repeated doses up to 250 mg/kg for 28 days seems to be safe for animals.
Optimization of chromatographic systems for analysis of selected psychotropic drugs and their metabolites in serum and saliva by HPLC in order to monitor therapeutic drugs
Authors: Wróblewski K. , Petruczynik A. , Tuzimski T. , Prajsnar K. , Przygodzka D. , Buszewicz G. , Karakuła-Juchnowicz H. , Róg J. , Morylowska-Topolska J. , Waksmundzka-Hajnos M. 
Published: January 2020

AbstractRetention, separation selectivity and system efficiency of selected basic psychotropic drugs (clozapine, aripiprazole, vortioxetine and zolpidem) and drug metabolites (desmethylclozapine, clozapine N-oxide and dehydroaripiprazole) on Hydro RP, Phenyl-Hexyl and Polar RP columns were studied. Mobile phases containing methanol or acetonitrile as organic modifiers, acetate buffer at pH 3.5 and addition of diethylamine (DEA) as a silanol blocker were applied. Significant differences in the retention, peak shapes and systems’ efficiency of the investigated compounds were obtained depending on the tested chemically bonded stationary phases with various ligands. Based on the obtained results the Phenyl-Hexyl column was selected for analysis of the drugs and their metabolites in human serum and saliva samples. Solid phase extraction (SPE) was applied for sample pre-treatment. The best SPE-HPLC-DAD procedure was used for simultaneous analysis of clozapine, aripiprazole and their metabolites in body fluids. Liquid chromatography coupled with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method was applied for confirmation of the presence of the investigated compounds in biological samples. The lower limit of quantification (LLOQ) of clozapine obtained using the proposed method was 10 ng/mL. The validated method for determining the presence of clozapine and its main metabolite was successfully applied in therapeutic drug monitoring.