bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inverse Stage Migration in Radical Prostatectomy—A Sustaining Phenomenon
Authors: Hoeh Benedikt , Preisser Felix , Mandel Philipp , Wenzel Mike , Humke Clara , Welte Maria-Noemi , Müller Matthias , Köllermann Jens , Wild Peter , Kluth Luis A. , Roos Frederik C. , Chun Felix K. H. , Becker Andreas
Published: March 2021

Objective: To investigate temporal trends in prostate cancer (PCa) radical prostatectomy (RP) candidates.

Materials and Methods: Patients who underwent RP for PCa between January 2014 and December 2019 were identified form our institutional database. Trend analysis and logistic regression models assessed RP trends after stratification of PCa patients according to D'Amico classification and Gleason score. Patients with neoadjuvant androgen deprivation or radiotherapy prior to RP were excluded from the analysis.

Results: Overall, 528 PCa patients that underwent RP were identified. Temporal trend analysis revealed a significant decrease in low-risk PCa patients from 17 to 9% (EAPC: −14.6%, p < 0.05) and GS6 PCa patients from 30 to 14% (EAPC: −17.6%, p < 0.01). This remained significant even after multivariable adjustment [low-risk PCa: (OR): 0.85, p < 0.05 and GS6 PCa: (OR): 0.79, p < 0.001]. Furthermore, a trend toward a higher proportion of intermediate-risk PCa undergoing RP was recorded.

Conclusion: Our results confirm that inverse stage migration represents an ongoing phenomenon in a contemporary RP cohort in a European tertiary care PCa center. Our results demonstrate a significant decrease in the proportion of low-risk and GS6 PCa undergoing RP and a trend toward a higher proportion of intermediate-risk PCa patients undergoing RP. This indicates a more precise patient selection when it comes to selecting suitable candidates for definite surgical treatment with RP.
Reference Intervals for Hematology and Clinical Chemistry for the African Elephant (Loxodonta africana)
Authors: Steyrer Christine , Miller Michele , Hewlett Jennie , Buss Peter , Hooijberg Emma H.
Published: March 2021

The African elephant (Loxodonta africana) is listed as vulnerable, with wild populations threatened by habitat loss and poaching. Clinical pathology is used to detect and monitor disease and injury, however existing reference interval (RI) studies for this species have been performed with outdated analytical methods, small sample sizes or using only managed animals. The aim of this study was to generate hematology and clinical chemistry RIs, using samples from the free-ranging elephant population in the Kruger National Park, South Africa. Hematology RIs were derived from EDTA whole blood samples automatically analyzed (n = 23); manual PCV measured from 48 samples; and differential cell count results (n = 51) were included. Clinical chemistry RIs were generated from the results of automated analyzers on stored serum samples (n = 50). Reference intervals were generated according to American Society for Veterinary Clinical Pathology guidelines with a strict exclusion of outliers. Hematology RIs were: PCV 34–49%, RBC 2.80–3.96 × 1012/L, HGB 116–163 g/L, MCV 112–134 fL, MCH 35.5–45.2 pg, MCHC 314–364 g/L, PLT 182–386 × 109/L, WBC 7.5–15.2 × 109/L, segmented heterophils 1.5–4.0 × 109/L, band heterophils 0.0–0.2 × 109/L, total monocytes 3.6–7.6 × 109/L (means for “regular” were 35.2%, bilobed 8.6%, round 3.9% of total leukocytes), lymphocytes 1.1–5.5 × 109/L, eosinophils 0.0–0.9 × 109/L, basophils 0.0–0.1 × 109/L. Clinical chemistry RIs were: albumin 41–55 g/L, ALP 30–122 U/L, AST 9–34 U/L, calcium 2.56–3.02 mmol/L, CK 85–322 U/L, GGT 7–16 U/L, globulin 30–59 g/L, magnesium 1.15–1.70 mmol/L, phosphorus 1.28–2.31 mmol/L, total protein 77–109 g/L, urea 1.2–4.6 mmol/L. Reference intervals were narrower than those reported in other studies. These RI will be helpful in the future management of injured or diseased elephants in national parks and zoological settings.
The Pros and Cons of Rye Chromatin Introgression into Wheat Genome
Authors: Moskal Kinga , Kowalik Sylwia , Podyma Wiesław , Łapiński Bogusław , Boczkowska Maja
Published: March 2021

Rye is one of the most commonly used sources of elite genes in wheat improvement programs. Due to the high collinearity of the genomes of both cereal species, it is possible to obtain interspecific chromosomal translocations and substitution lines. Rye chromatin is used to transfer numerous genes for resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses into the wheat genome. Introgression has also resulted in improved agronomic traits. However, despite the numerous advantages, the transfer of large fragments or whole chromosomes has been quite often accompanied by a decrease in end-use quality. This paper presents an overview of the benefits and drawbacks of using rye as a source of variability in wheat breeding.
Effect of Harvesting Corn after Frost in Alberta (Canada) on Whole-Plant Yield, Nutritive Value, and Kernel Properties
Authors: Guyader Jessie , Baron Vern S. , Beauchemin Karen A.
Published: March 2021

This study compares yield, nutritive value, and kernel properties of whole plant corn (WPC) harvested before and after a light frost in short growing season areas. Six corn hybrids grown in two years at three locations within Alberta (Canada) were harvested before or after the first frost. Samples of WPC were analyzed for dry matter (DM) content, neutral detergent fiber (NDF) concentration, starch concentration, and 48-h in vitro DM and NDF digestibility (DMD and NDFD, respectively). Cob samples were analyzed for DM, and kernels were analyzed for DM, hardness, particle size distribution, density, and stage of maturity. Delaying harvest to after frost increased DM content of WPC at all locations but exceeded the recommended range (32–38%) in the two warmest locations. Whatever the year and hybrid, DM yield was either not affected or decreased after frost. Postfrost harvest increased starch concentration and modified kernel characteristics only if these were less than expected before frost. Fiber concentration was not affected by harvesting time. Frost had either no impact or increased DMD or NDFD of WPC. We conclude that delaying harvest until after frost in short growing season areas can be beneficial when whole-plant DM content is low before frost.
Extracellular Vesicle miR-200c Enhances Gefitinib Sensitivity in Heterogeneous EGFR-Mutant NSCLC
Authors: Lin Chien-Chung , Wu Chin-You , Tseng Joseph Ta-Chien , Hung Chun-Hua , Wu Shang-Yin , Huang Yu-Ting , Chang Wei-Yuan , Su Po-Lan , Su Wu-Chou
Published: March 2021

Intratumoral heterogeneity in epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR)-mutant mutant non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) explains the mixed responses to EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs). However, some studies showed tumors with low abundances of EGFR mutation still respond to EGFR-TKI, and the mechanism remained undetermined. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) can transmit antiapoptotic signals between drug-resistant and drug-sensitive cells. Herein, we profiled EVs from EGFR-mutant cells to identify a novel mechanism explaining why heterogenous EGFR-mutant NSCLC patients still respond to EGFR-TKIs. We first demonstrated that the EVs from EGFR-mutant changes the wild-type cells’ sensitivity to gefitinib by adding EV directly or coculturing EGFR wild-type (CL1-5) cells and EGFR-mutant (PC9) cells. In animal studies, only the combined treatment of PC9 EV and gefitinib delayed the tumor growth of CL1-5 cells. MicroRNA analysis comparing EV miRNAs from PC9 cells to those from CL1-5 cells showed that mir200 family members are most abundant in PC9 EVs. Furthermore, mir200a and mir200c were found upregulated in plasma EVs from good responders to EGFR-TKIs. Finally, the transfection of CL1-5 cells with miR200c inactivates downstream signaling pathways of EGFR, the EMT pathway, and enhances gefitinib sensitivity. Overall, our results suggest that in heterogeneous EGFR-mutant NSCLC, tumor cells transmit EV miRNAs that may affect sensitivity to EGFR-TKIs and provide potential prognostic biomarkers for EGFR-mutant NSCLC.
Preschool Wheezing and Gastro-Esophageal Reflux: --Causal or Casual Coincidence? Update from Literature
Authors: Borrelli Melissa , Ponte Giuliana , Miele Erasmo , Maglione Marco , Caffarelli Carlo , Santamaria Francesca
Published: March 2021

Gastroesophageal reflux (GER) and wheeze are two common conditions in children. GER has been advocated as a causative factor for explaining recurrent to persistent respiratory symptoms at any age. This association very often means that many children with cough, wheezing, or recurrent respiratory infections receive empirical anti-reflux medications. The causal relationship is still largely discussed. Compared to the large number of studies in infants and adolescents, literature on the relationship between GER and wheeze in preschool children is scarce and inconclusive. The aim of the present narrative review was to summarize what is known so far, and what the literature has proposed in the last 20 years, on the relationship between preschool wheezing and GER. In preschool children with respiratory symptoms there is a high rate of positivity of reflux testing, for this reason pH-MII testing and endoscopy are recommended. Flexible bronchoscopy may be useful to exclude anatomical abnormalities as the cause of wheezing in infancy and preschool years. Several biomarkers, as well as empirical anti-reflux therapy, have been proposed for the diagnosis of GER-related airway diseases, but the conclusions of these studies are controversial or even conflicting. There is a great need for future clinical trials to confirm or rule out the association.
Sport Ability during Walking Age in Clubfoot-Affected Children after Ponseti Method: A Case-Series Study
Authors: Pavone Vito , Vescio Andrea , Caldaci Alessia , Culmone Annalisa , Sapienza Marco , Rabito Mattia , Canavese Federico , Testa Gianluca
Published: March 2021

Background: The Ponseti method (PM) of manipulative treatment for congenital talipes equinovarus (CTEV) or clubfoot became widely adopted by pediatric orthopedic surgeons at the beginning of the mid-1990s with reports of long-term successful outcomes. Sports are crucial for children’s development and for learning good behavior. This study aimed to evaluate the sports activity levels in children treated with PM and to assess the different outcomes, according to gender and bilaterality. Methods: A total of 25 patients (44 feet) with CTEV treated by the PM were included in the study. The patients were clinically evaluated according to the Clubfoot Assessment Protocol, American Orthopedic Foot and Ankle Society, Ankle–Hindfoot score, the Foot and Ankle Disability Index (CAP, AOFAS, and FADI, respectively), and FADI Sport scores. Results: The overall mean CAP, AOFAS, FADI, and FADI Sport scores were 97.5 ± 6.4 (range 68.75–100), 97.5 ± 5.8 (range 73.00–100), 99.9 ± 0.6 (range 97.1–100), and 100, respectively. Gender and bilaterality did not affect outcome (p > 0.05). Conclusions: The data confirmed good-to-excellent outcomes in children with CTEV managed by PM. No limitations in sport performance or activity could be observed. In particular, male and female patients and patients with unilateral or bilateral involvement performed equally well.
Transient Pressure-Driven Electroosmotic Flow through Elliptic Cross-Sectional Microchannels with Various Eccentricities
Authors: Numpanviwat Nattakarn , Chuchard Pearanat
Published: March 2021

The semi-analytical solution for transient electroosmotic flow through elliptic cylindrical microchannels is derived from the Navier-Stokes equations using the Laplace transform. The electroosmotic force expressed by the linearized Poisson-Boltzmann equation is considered the external force in the Navier-Stokes equations. The velocity field solution is obtained in the form of the Mathieu and modified Mathieu functions and it is capable of describing the flow behavior in the system when the boundary condition is either constant or varied. The fluid velocity is calculated numerically using the inverse Laplace transform in order to describe the transient behavior. Moreover, the flow rates and the relative errors on the flow rates are presented to investigate the effect of eccentricity of the elliptic cross-section. The investigation shows that, when the area of the channel cross-sections is fixed, the relative errors are less than 1% if the eccentricity is not greater than 0.5. As a result, an elliptic channel with the eccentricity not greater than 0.5 can be assumed to be circular when the solution is written in the form of trigonometric functions in order to avoid the difficulty in computing the Mathieu and modified Mathieu functions.
Design of Military Service Framework for Enabling Migration to Military SaaS Cloud Environment
Authors: Cho Sungrim , Hwang Sunwoong , Shin Woochang , Kim Neunghoe , In Hoh Peter
Published: March 2021

The military of the Republic of South Korea applies infrastructure as a service (IaaS) cloud-computing technology and applications distributed nationwide are transferred to two defense-integrated data centers (DIDCs). However, to improve the quality of the military information service provided by the DIDCs, it is crucial to expand the cloud-computing service from IaaS to the software as a service (SaaS) level. Owing to the in-house planning, development and operation of military applications by the Ministry of National Defense and each military force, these organizations operate several applications that are similar and redundant. Accordingly, SaaS can reduce the costs of IT services and management overhead by eliminating similar and redundant applications and integrating them into common services. In this study, a military service framework (MSF) was designed based on the criteria of business functions and service targets. The MSF was applied to applications currently in operation to create a current military SaaS portfolio, whereas the future military SaaS portfolio was restructured by identifying common services within and between organizations and throughout the military. Consequently, 369 future military SaaS portfolios were created, representing a 36% decrease realized by integrating similar and redundant systems out of 580 applications.
Poised for Change: University Students Are Positively Disposed toward Food Waste Diversion and Decrease Individual Food Waste after Programming
Authors: Alattar Manar A. , Morse Jennifer L.
Published: March 2021

Eaters (consumers of food) are responsible for 60% of waste along the food cycle in developed countries. Programs that target individual and household food waste behavior change are essential to addressing such waste. School cafeterias worldwide offer an opportune microcosm in which to educate on food and nutrition skills and change related behavior. No Scrap Left Behind, a cafeteria food waste diversion program, was developed, piloted, and assessed based on measures of both direct and indirect food waste behavior, and attitudes, knowledge, and emotions related to food waste. Participants had positive attitudes towards food waste reduction, engaged in food waste diversion actions, had some knowledge of the impacts of wasted food, and considered their actions important to waste reduction generally. Food waste per student was decreased by 28% over the course of the first year of programming (p = 0.000967), and by 26% in the following year when measured a week before and a week after programming occurred (p = 0.0218). Results indicate that students were poised for food behavior change and that related programming did impact behavior in the short term. Programming may, therefore, help improve student attitudes and skills to develop long-term change as well, although future research should explore this specifically. In comparison with other research on cafeteria programming, results suggest that food waste diversion programming can positively impact students’ dispositions and behaviors, and may be more effective when tailored to the specific population.
Complete-Arch Accuracy of Four Intraoral Scanners: An In Vitro Study
Authors: Celeghin Giordano , Franceschetti Giulio , Mobilio Nicola , Fasiol Alberto , Catapano Santo , Corsalini Massimo , Grande Francesco
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study is to define the accuracy of four intraoral scanners (IOS) through the analysis of digital impressions of a complete dental arch model. Eight metal inserts were placed on the model as reference points and then it was scanned with a laboratory scanner in order to obtain the reference model. Subsequently, the reference model was scanned with four IOS (Carestream 3600, CEREC Omnicam, True Definition Scanner, Trios 3Shape). Linear measurements were traced on an STL file between the chosen reference points and divided into four categories: three-element mesiodistal, five-element mesiodistal, diagonal, and contralateral measurements. The digital reference values for the measurements were then compared with the values obtained from the scans to analyze the accuracy of the IOS using ANOVA. There were no statistically significant differences between the measurements of the digital scans obtained with the four IOS systems for any of the measurement groups tested.
Work Engagement in Nurses during the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Allande-Cussó Regina , García-Iglesias Juan Jesús , Ruiz-Frutos Carlos , Domínguez-Salas Sara , Rodríguez-Domínguez Carmen , Gómez-Salgado Juan
Published: March 2021

In some areas of Spain, health services and professionals working in the front line against the Sars-Cov-2 virus have been widely overwhelmed at all levels. Therefore, the objective of this study was to assess the level of work engagement of Spanish nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic. A cross-sectional study was carried out. The sample consisted of 510 active nurses from all over Spain, without age exclusion, who voluntarily accepted to participate in the study. Work engagement was assessed with the 9-item Utrecht Work Engagement Scale (UWES) questionnaire, through an online questionnaire and non-probabilistic snowball sampling. The results showed a mean age of 45.9 years (SD = 10.7 years), most of them women (78.1%), and 58.5% were in primary care. The mean score for the UWES-9 questionnaire was 4.6 points (SD = 1.35). The categorical regression analysis performed revealed an R2 value of 0.75 and a significance of p < 0.01 in the sex, type of unit, and training variables. The Spanish nurses in the sample present high levels of work engagement in all dimensions in general, although the lowest mean scores are found in the vigor dimension, among men, and nurses working in hospital and critical units.
Health, Psycho-Social Factors, and Ageism in Older Adults in Spain during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Fernández-Ballesteros Rocío , Sánchez-Izquierdo Macarena
Published: March 2021

Older adults are a population at risk for COVID-19. This study has two independent objectives: (1) to report the impact of COVID-19, as well as psycho-social responses during lockdown, in a sample of older adults in Spain, and (2) to explore through the review of published surveys what extent ageism has increased at the population level. The first objective was to search through an online questionnaire collecting information about self-reported health, lifestyles, psycho-social conditions, and a diversity of concerns. This questionnaire was administered to a volunteer sample of 315 older Spanish men and women (301 COVID-19-free and 14 diagnosed with COVID-19). All individuals reported that they had information about the COVID-19 pandemic. Their self-perception of health was also quite good, most maintaining healthy lifestyles and few reporting unhealthy behaviors. They reported few changes in family and interpersonal relations during lockdown. Those diagnosed with COVID-19 reported higher levels of anxiety, irritation, and fear, in comparison with the COVID-19-free group. Interestingly, instead of being concerned about health, the greatest concern in both groups (COVID-free and those diagnosed with COVID) were politics and the future. Our second objective, to explore ageism during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, was examined across various surveys conducted in several populations by several authors. Results showed an increase in ageism in Spain. Although some new information about health perception, psychosocial responses, and concerns during this unknown stressful situation was obtained, much more research with representative samples is required in order to arrive at more accurate conclusions.
Relationships of Social Support, Stress, and Health among Immigrant Chinese Women in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Study Using Structural Equation Modeling
Authors: Luo Yunjie , Sato Yoko
Published: March 2021

Social support could help immigrant Chinese women in Japan to improve health. However, these women suffer from numerous stresses associated with acculturation and child-rearing, which could impact the effect of social support on mental and physical health. This study aims to identify the relationships among social support, acculturative stress, parenting stress, mental health, and physical health to propose a structural path model of these relationships and to evaluate the mediating role of stress between social support and health. A questionnaire was used to collect data for the main variables and demographic factors. A total of 109 women participated (mean age 33.9 ± 5.6 years). The results show that immigrant Chinese women in Japan experienced a low level of mental health (44.7 ± 9.8). Additionally, social support directly influenced parenting stress (β = −0.21, p < 0.05), acculturative stress (β = −0.19, p < 0.05), and mental health (β = 0.31, p < 0.001) and indirectly influenced physical health (β = 0.09, p < 0.05). Parenting stress partially mediated the association between social support and mental health (β = 0.09, p < 0.05). To protect the effectiveness of social support on mental health, it is essential to reduce the parenting stress of immigrant Chinese women.
Characteristics of Elderly Care Work That Influence Care Workers’ Turnover Intentions
Authors: Lim Jeongmi
Published: March 2021

Turnover and retention of care workers in long-term care (LTC) settings is an important issue. However, much research about turnover in LTC settings has focused on licensed nurses or nurse assistants. Moreover, many studies have utilized quantitative methods. The purpose of this study was to understand the characteristics of elderly care work that influence the turnover intentions of care workers in LTC. In-depth interviews were conducted with 10 care workers and analyzed using the content analysis method. As a result, seven categories were extracted as the characteristics of the elderly care work associated with turnover, including low social appreciation about care work, precarious employment, unprotected labor rights and safety, an unfair wage system, unclear scope and role of work, absence of training and supervision to enhance professionalism, and emotional labor. For the turnover prevention and retention of care workers, it is necessary to resolve the insecurity of care work. In particular, guidelines for improving the wage level and working conditions of care workers should be instituted, and at the same time, government supervision is required. Education is necessary to strengthen the professionalism of care workers and ensure skilled care work.
Organizational Strategies for End-User Development—A Systematic Literature Mapping
Authors: Modesto Augusto S. C. , Figueiredo Rejane M. da C. , Ramos Cristiane S. , Santos Letícia de S. , Venson Elaine , Pedrosa Glauco V.
Published: March 2021

In the last few years, several organizations have been looking for strategies to meet the needs of users of Information Technology (IT). The decentralization of IT and the empowerment of nonprofessional users have been a viable option among these strategies. This study aimed to identify the End-User Development (EUD) strategies adopted by organizations. A systematic mapping was performed in order to provide for a structured body of knowledge and find potential research gaps. The results show that EUD methods and techniques are the most common strategies addressed in the literature. Also, most of the EUD strategies identified a focus either on EUD managerial issues, such as risk management, or on more technical elements, such as the implementation of components for EUD applications. The benefits and barriers to the adoption of EUD by organizations are also presented in this study. In general, defining EUD processes is a common gap in EUD surveys. We reinforce the need to carry out more research on the adoption of EUD in organizations, with a high level of evidence to validate the results.
Preface to “Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents through Sport and Physical Activities—2nd Edition”
Authors: Bianco Antonino
Published: March 2021

The second edition of the Special Issue entitled “Health Promotion in Children and Adolescents through Sport and Physical Activities” has been successfully completed, as expected [...]
To Mitigate or Adapt? Explaining Why Citizens Responding to Climate Change Favour the Former
Authors: Blennow Kristina , Persson Johannes
Published: March 2021

Why do citizens’ decisions made because they favour the mitigation of climate change outnumber those made because they favour adaptation to its impacts? Using data collected in a survey of 338 citizens of Malmö, Sweden, we tested two hypotheses. H1: the motivation for personal decisions because they favour adaptation to the impacts of climate change correlates with the decision-making agent´s knowledge of specific local impacts of climate change, and H2: the motivation for personal decisions because they favour mitigation of climate change correlates with the risk perception of the decision-making agent. While decisions made because they favour mitigation correlated with negative net values of expected impacts of climate change (risk perception), decisions made because they favour adaptation correlated with its absolute value unless tipping point behaviour occurred. Tipping point behaviour occurs here when the decision-making agent abstains from decisions in response to climate change in spite of a strongly negative or positive net value of expected impacts. Hence, the decision-making agents´ lack of knowledge of specific climate change impacts inhibited decisions promoting adaptation. Moreover, positive experiences of climate change inhibited mitigation decisions. Discussing the results, we emphasised the importance of understanding the drivers of adaptation and mitigation decisions. In particular, we stress that attention needs to be paid to the balance between decisions solving problems ‘here and now’ and those focusing on the ‘there and then’.
A Corpus-Assisted Discourse Study of Attitudes toward Spanish as a Heritage Language in Florida
Authors: Kutlu Ethan , Kircher Ruth
Published: March 2021

Spanish speakers constitute the largest heritage language community in the US. The state of Florida is unusual in that, on one hand, it has one of the highest foreign-born resident rates in the country, most of whom originate from Latin America—but on the other hand, Florida has a comparatively low Spanish language vitality. In this exploratory study of attitudes toward Spanish as a heritage language in Florida, we analyzed two corpora (one English: 5,405,947 words, and one Spanish: 525,425 words) consisting of recent Twitter data. We examined frequencies, collocations, concordance lines, and larger text segments. The results indicate predominantly negative attitudes toward Spanish on the status dimension, but predominantly positive attitudes on the solidarity dimension. Despite the latter, transmission and use of Spanish were found to be affected by pressure to assimilate, and fear of negative societal repercussions. We also found Spanish to be used less frequently than English to tweet about attitudes; instead, Spanish was frequently used to attract Twitter users’ attention to specific links in the language. We discuss the implications of our findings (should they generalize) for the future of Spanish in Florida, and we provide directions for future research.
Research on Agricultural Cooperation Potential between China and CEE Countries Based on Resource Complementarity
Authors: Guo Ru , Qiu Xiaodong , He Yiyi
Published: March 2021

Central and East European (CEE) countries are attractive among emerging markets due to a combination of factors such as economic growth and market potential. Although the CEE countries as a whole have a very high degree of connectivity, each country has different market opportunities and external environment, so agricultural enterprises wanting to enter the CEE market must take into account the diverse and complex resource base of CEE countries. In the light of economic globalization, China and CEE countries face mutual opportunities and challenges, and it is necessary to strengthen agricultural cooperation. The potential of agricultural investment cooperation between China and CEE countries is the basis for multinational enterprises to allocate resources and implement internationalization strategies rationally. The purpose of this paper is to analyze theagricultural cooperation potential between China and CEE countries in the perspective of resource complementarity, with a selection of macro data related to agricultural capacity from 2009–2018. In particular, this study examines the differences and complementarities between China and CEE countries in terms of agricultural resource conditions and product output and trade; by constructing an agricultural cooperation potential evaluation model, the entropy value method is applied to predict and evaluate the potential characteristics of agricultural cooperation between China and CEE countries in 2021–2025. The research results show that the current intermittent and episodic nature of agricultural cooperation between China and CEE countries does not match the high or medium-high level of complementarity between agricultural production factors. Thus, agricultural enterprises can utiliza such considerable cooperation potential based on the resource complementarity to develop internationalization strategies and overseas investment.
Assessing the Use of Molecular Barcoding and qPCR for Investigating the Ecology of Prorocentrum minimum (Dinophyceae), a Harmful Algal Species
Authors: McLennan Kate , Ruvindy Rendy , Ostrowski Martin , Murray Shauna
Published: March 2021

Prorocentrum minimum is a species of marine dinoflagellate that occurs worldwide and can be responsible for harmful algal blooms (HABs). Some studies have reported it to produce tetrodotoxin; however, results have been inconsistent. qPCR and molecular barcoding (amplicon sequencing) using high-throughput sequencing have been increasingly applied to quantify HAB species for ecological analyses and monitoring. Here, we isolated a strain of P. minimum from eastern Australian waters, where it commonly occurs, and developed and validated a qPCR assay for this species based on a region of ITS rRNA in relation to abundance estimates from the cultured strain as determined using light microscopy. We used this tool to quantify and examine ecological drivers of P. minimum in Botany Bay, an estuary in southeast Australia, for over ~14 months in 2016–2017. We compared abundance estimates using qPCR with those obtained using molecular barcoding based on an 18S rRNA amplicon. There was a significant correlation between the abundance estimates from amplicon sequencing and qPCR, but the estimates from light microscopy were not significantly correlated, likely due to the counting method applied. Using amplicon sequencing, ~600 unique actual sequence variants (ASVs) were found, much larger than the known phytoplankton diversity from this region. P. minimum abundance in Botany Bay was found to be significantly associated with lower salinities and higher dissolved CO2 levels.
Pervaporation of Aqueous Ethanol Solutions through Rigid Composite Polyvinyl-Alcohol/Bacterial Cellulose Membranes
Authors: Dobre Tănase , Patrichi Claudia Ana Maria , Pârvulescu Oana Cristina , Aljanabi Ali A. Abbas
Published: March 2021

The paper focuses on synthesis, characterization and testing in ethanol-water separation by pervaporation of new membrane types based on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) and bacterial cellulose (BC). A technology for obtaining these membranes deposited on a ceramic support is presented in the experimental section. Three PVA-BC composite membranes with different BC content were obtained and characterized by FTIR, SEM and optic microscopy. The effects of operating temperature (40–60 °C), permeate pressure (18.7–37.3 kPa) and feed ethanol concentration (24–72%wt) on total permeate flow rate (0.09–0.23 kg/m2/h) and water/ethanol selectivity (5–23) were studied based on an appropriate experimental plan for each PVA-BC membrane. Statistical models linking the process factors to pervaporation performances were obtained by processing the experimental data. Ethanol concentration of the processed mixture had the highest influence on permeate flow rate, an increase in ethanol concentration leading to a decrease in the permeate flow rate. All 3 process factors and their interactions had positive effects on membrane selectivity. Polynomial regression models were used to assess the effect of BC content in the dried membrane on pervaporation performances. Values of process performances obtained in this study indicate that these membranes could be effective for ethanol-water separation by pervaporation.
Noises Cutting and Natural Neighbors Spectral Clustering Based on Coupling P System
Authors: Zhang Xiaoling , Liu Xiyu
Published: March 2021

Clustering analysis, a key step for many data mining problems, can be applied to various fields. However, no matter what kind of clustering method, noise points have always been an important factor affecting the clustering effect. In addition, in spectral clustering, the construction of affinity matrix affects the formation of new samples, which in turn affects the final clustering results. Therefore, this study proposes a noise cutting and natural neighbors spectral clustering method based on coupling P system (NCNNSC-CP) to solve the above problems. The whole algorithm process is carried out in the coupled P system. We propose a natural neighbors searching method without parameters, which can quickly determine the natural neighbors and natural characteristic value of data points. Then, based on it, the critical density and reverse density are obtained, and noise identification and cutting are performed. The affinity matrix constructed using core natural neighbors greatly improve the similarity between data points. Experimental results on nine synthetic data sets and six UCI datasets demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is better than other comparison algorithms.
A Hybrid Genetic Programming–Gray Wolf Optimizer Approach for Process Optimization of Biodiesel Production
Authors: Kumar Vikas , Kalita Kanak , Madhu S , Ragavendran Uvaraja , Gao Xiao-Zhi
Published: March 2021

Biodiesel is one the most sought after alternate fuels in the current global need for sustainable and renewable energy sources due to their lower emissions and no major modification requirement to existing engines. However, the performance and productivity of the biodiesel production process are significantly dependent on the process parameters. In this regard, a novel hybrid genetic programming-gray wolf optimizer approach for the process optimization of biodiesel production is proposed in this paper. For an illustration of the proposed approach, kinematic viscosity is expressed as a symbolic regression metamodel to account for the influence of catalyst concentration, reaction temperature, alcohol-to-oil molar ratio, and reaction time. Then, the genetic programming-based symbolic regression metamodel is used as an objective function by the gray wolf optimizer to optimize the process parameters. The obtained results show that the proposed approach is simple, accurate, and robust.
C1q Complement/Tumor Necrosis Factor-Associated Proteins in Cardiovascular Disease and COVID-19
Authors: Xie Yaoli , Meng Zhijun , Gao Jia , Liu Caihong , Wang Jing , Guo Rui , Zhao Jianli , Lopez Bernard , Christopher Theodore , Lee Daniel , Ma Xinliang , Wang Yajing
Published: March 2021

With continually improving treatment strategies and patient care, the overall mortality of cardiovascular disease (CVD) has been significantly reduced. However, this success is a double-edged sword, as many patients who survive cardiovascular complications will progress towards a chronic disorder over time. A family of adiponectin paralogs designated as C1q complement/tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-associated proteins (CTRPs) has been found to play a role in the development of CVD. CTRPs, which are comprised of 15 members, CTRP1 to CTRP15, are secreted from different organs/tissues and exhibit diverse functions, have attracted increasing attention because of their roles in maintaining inner homeostasis by regulating metabolism, inflammation, and immune surveillance. In particular, studies indicate that CTRPs participate in the progression of CVD, influencing its prognosis. This review aims to improve understanding of the role of CTRPs in the cardiovascular system by analyzing current knowledge. In particular, we examine the association of CTRPs with endothelial cell dysfunction, inflammation, and diabetes, which are the basis for development of CVD. Additionally, the recently emerged novel coronavirus (COVID-19), officially known as severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2), has been found to trigger severe cardiovascular injury in some patients, and evidence indicates that the mortality of COVID-19 is much higher in patients with CVD than without CVD. Understanding the relationship of CTRPs and the SARS-CoV-2-related damage to the cardiovascular system, as well as the potential mechanisms, will achieve a profound insight into a therapeutic strategy to effectively control CVD and reduce the mortality rate.
Comparison between Novice and Experienced Surgeons Performing Corrective Osteotomy with Patient-Specific Guides in Dogs Based on Resulting Position Accuracy
Authors: Roh Yoon , Cho Cheong , Ryu Chang , Lee Je , Jeong Seong , Lee Hae
Published: March 2021

Corrective osteotomy has been applied to realign and stabilize the bones of dogs with lameness. However, corrective osteotomy for angular deformities requires substantial surgical experience for planning and performing accurate osteotomy. Three-dimensional printed patient-specific guides (3D-PSGs) were developed to overcome perioperative difficulties. In addition, novices can easily use these guides for performing accurate corrective osteotomy. We compared the postoperative results of corrective osteotomy accuracy when using 3D-PSGs in dogs between novice and experienced surgeons. We included eight dogs who underwent corrective osteotomy: three angular deformities of the radius and ulna, three distal femoral osteotomies, one center of rotational angle-based leveling osteotomy, and one corrective osteotomy with stifle arthrodesis. All processes, including 3D bone modeling, production of PSGs, and rehearsal surgery were carried out with computer-aided design software and a 3D-printed bone model. Pre- and postoperative positions following 3D reconstruction were evaluated by radiographs using the 2D/3D registration technique. All patients showed clinical improvement with satisfactory alignment and position. Postoperative accuracy evaluation revealed no significant difference between novice and experienced surgeons. PSGs are thought to be useful for novice surgeons to accurately perform corrective osteotomy in dogs without complications.
Niğde İli Ortaokul ve Lise Öğrencileri Oyun Bağımlılık Düzeylerinin Demografik Değişkenler Açısından İncelenmesi
Authors: KOÇ Oğuz , BODUROĞLU Erdem , GEZİCİ Süleyman , EKİNAY Hüseyin
Published: March 2021

Bu çalışmanın genel amacı, Niğde ili ortaokul ve lise düzeyinde kamu okullarında öğrenim gören ergenlerin DSM-5 kriterlerine göre oyun bağımlılık düzeyi algılarının belirlenmesi ve demografik değişkenler açısından incelenmesidir. Çalışmaya Niğde ilinde bulunan resmi ortaokul ve liselerde öğrenim gören 939 öğrenci dahil edilmiştir. Bu araştırmanın verileri katılımcılara ait demografik bilgi formu ve ergenler için oyun bağımlılığı ölçeği kullanılarak elde edilmiştir. Öğrencilerin oyun bağımlılık düzeylerini belirlemek için aralık genişliği formülü kullanılmıştır. Kademe ve cinsiyet değişkenlerine göre oyun bağımlılık düzeylerinin farklılaşıp farklılaşmadığını anlamaya yönelik bağımsız örneklemler için t testi, sınıf düzeyi değişkene göre ise tek faktörlü varyans analizi gerçekleştirilmiştir. Analizler sonucunda; öğrencilerin kendilerine yönelik oyun bağımlılık düzeyi algılarının “Hiçbir zaman” düzeyinde olduğu görülmüştür. Kademe değişkeni açısından anlamlı farklılık bulunmazken, cinsiyet ve sınıf düzeyi değişkenleri açısından oyun bağımlılığı farklılaşmaktadır. Erkek öğrencilerin kız öğrencilere göre, beşinci sınıf öğrencilerinin yedinci ve sekizinci sınıf öğrencilerinkine göre ve on birinci sınıf öğrencilerinin sekizinci sınıf öğrencilerininkine göre oyun bağımlılık düzeylerinin daha yüksek olduğu bulunmuştur. Araştırmanın sonuçları, bulgular ve sınırlılıklar çerçevesinde tartışılmıştır.
CONCEPCIONES DE CONFLICTO ESCOLAR: UN ESTUDIO DEL CONFLICTO DESDE LA PERSPECTIVA DE LOS ESTUDIANTES
Authors: Cabrera Arismendy Carlos Enrique , García Pérez Dina , Tabares Ramírez Carlos Andrés
Published: March 2021

El objetivo del artículo Concepciones de Conflicto Escolar: Un estudio del conflicto desde la perspectiva de los estudiantes, se centra en divulgar los hallazgos de la investigación homónima sobre las concepciones de conflicto que tienen los estudiantes de una Institución Educativa ubicada en Pereira, Risaralda, desde el enfoque de las teorías implícitas. Se plantearon como objetivos específicos identificar y analizar las concepciones de conflicto de los estudiantes del grupo focal elegido. La investigación fue cualitativa, de corte interpretativo; se utilizaron dos técnicas: la entrevista semiestructurada y el grupo focal. El análisis mostró las divergencias y convergencias signicativas en los discursos de los estudiantes respecto del conflicto escolar, lo que propicia nuevas concepciones de este fenómeno en las instituciones educativas. Un hallazgo considerable es que los estudiantes son conscientes de que las situaciones no son naturalmente conflictivas; consideran que el conflicto se origina por actitudes agresivas o intolerantes de sus pares.
Media Pembelajaran Pengenalan Alat Transportasi, Musik, dan Benda di Sekolah bagi Siswa Tunarungu Sekolah Dasar
Authors: Septiana R , Al Irsyadi F Y
Published: March 2021

A remarkable school – B (SLB) YRTRW Surakarta is a spesial school for children with special school for children with special needs to help provide education. According to a survey of SLB-B YRTRW Surakarta, it is difficult for students to get the names of objects right anf there are still mistakes, and it is also difficult for students to play because the learing methods are less interesting and therefore not focus on the material presented by teachers. An alternative or solution is to provide the learning media in the form of applications. The appication is called BELMA (together learning) abaout the introduction of transportation tools, Musical Instruments, and objects in the school environment for fourth-grade elementary school students. The founding of the media of education is a method for observation, analysis or problem identification,  and interviews. The result of research based on questionnaires are 87.871%, and this application can thus help the learning process. The purpose of this study is to be expected to help both tearchers and students in the learning process in class so that students can be quick to understand and enthusiastic about material delivery.
Sistem Pendukung Keputusan Kenaikan Jabatan Menggunakan Metode Algoritma Naïve Bayes Classifier
Authors: Dewi P S , Sastradipraja C K , Gustian D
Published: March 2021

This research aims to build an information system that can support the company in decision-making, especially about the promotion of positions at PT. Global Beautiful Fashion. This is motivated by the difficulty of determining whether or not an employee has been promoted to office, due to an uncomputed system and stacked employee data documents. In this study, the data used is data on the promotion of employee positions at PT. Global Beautiful Clothing and the method used is the Naïve Bayes Classifier algorithm method. And to find out how well the Naïve Bayes Classifier algorithm was used in this study, RapidMiner software was used to conduct testing. RapidMiner's testing yielded an accuracy score of 91.67% and a ROC value of 0.979 which means the Naïve Bayes Classifier algorithm was very well used in this study. After testing using RapidMiner software and obtaining test results, it is then implemented into a system using PHP and MySQL designed to predict promotion. The prediction results obtained from the system are following the calculation results obtained from RapidMiner software and manual calculations.  Based on the research that has been done that the decision support system built can be applied to PT. Busana Indah Global (BIG) to make it easier to determine the feasibility of promotion for its employees.
Tillfälligt inflöde av magra och aggressiva talgoxar Parus major under höstflyttningen på Utklippan
Authors: Larsson Rolf
Published: March 2021

On October 13th and 14th, 2014 there was an influx of Great Tits Parus major to the island of Utklippan, 15 km off the coast of south-eastern Sweden. During these two days, 158 Great Tits were trapped, ringed and weighed. Most of them were very light; 90.4% of the males and 96.5% of the females had a body mass below the estimated lean body mass (males = 17.3 g, females = 16.3 g). The mean body mass during the influx days was 1.5 g (males) and 1.56 g (females) below these lean body mass values. The birds had probably left the eastern coast of the Baltic Sea the day before and then met unfavourable weather with rain and strong head-winds. Probably they had been disoriented and forced to fly for at least 8 hours or even up to 20 hours over open sea before reaching Utklippan. Many of the Great Tits were very aggressive and they attacked other species and killed them by pecking at the head to eat the brain of the victims.
Using Short Stories to Develop Speaking Skill
Authors: Christina Yakkal Sarojini J , Revathi K
Published: March 2021

In the present era, speaking in English without errors is a great challenge for the students of all ages and it is a long process to achieve it, perfectly. Speaking skill refers to the ability to convey one’s thought through words. It is advisable to develop speaking skill in English at the early stage because they can practice better with necessary language skills to succeed in later life. The purpose of the paper is to develop speaking skill in English through Short Stories. The researcher selected three short stories from “Arabian Nights”, and “Parts of Speech” was taught using these stories to speak without grammatical errors. The statistical analysis shows that there was an improvement among the experimental group students.