bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluación del efecto inhibidor de la enzima polifenol oxidasa en una salsa de aguacate (Persea americana)
Authors: Vega Contreras Nelson Alfonso , Salazar Mercado Seir Antonio , Bautista Linda Tatiana , Muñoz Gloria
Published: August 2020

This research is to rate the inhibition of Polyphenol Oxidase enzyme in a paste made of avocado (Persea Americana Mill) variety Hass through an onion peel (Allium Cepa) from two sorts of bulbs, white one and red one; exposed to two thermic treatments over 100°C and 115°C aiming to inhibit the effect of Polyphenol Oxidase which convert Phenols into Quinones causing the enzymatic browning. So that it implied to perform diversity of treatments, employing an inhibitor agent on different concentrations and periods of time in order to determine the ideal applications on determined times which required measuring the absorbance in four treatments, 1:0, 1.1, 1.2 and 2.1 respectively corresponding to the enzyme and the inhibitor agent, as a result of the enzymatic activity test a complete inhibition was reached for a concentration of 1:2 for the white bulb onion case in temperature of 100°C related to enzyme substratum; in red bulb onion case the inhibition varied for each treatment.
Elasticidad de la demanda en el subsistema de transporte masivo del Área Metropolitana Centro Occidente en función del incremento de la tarifa
Authors: Escobar Falcón Luis Miguel , Cárdenas Parra Kenny , Marín Moreno César Augusto , Bolaños Rubén Iván , Martínez Doris Amparo
Published: August 2020

In this work is presented the demand elasticity of a passenger’s public transport system with respect to bus fares. First, we established confidence intervals with the information of passengers who has used the transport system by periods. Once it has been defined the confidence intervals then the demand elasticity with respect to bus fare its calculated. This estimation allows to conclude how much the bus fare impacts the demand of the service, or if it exists another reason why the demand of the services has fluctuated during the history of the system. In this research it can be observed that the three first periods were inelastic and the next three periods were elastic, in the last periods its necessary to do a holistic view to find which another factor it’s the one who is affecting the passenger’s demand.
Diseño de una metodología para generar un plan de mantenimiento a través de la integración de RCM, WCM y Lean Manufacturing aplicable en procesos de trefilado de alambrón
Authors: Pérez Adán Emilio , Castiblanco-Jiménez Ivonne , Mateo Díaz Nicolás Francisco
Published: August 2020

The development of five phases based on Design Thinking (Empathize, Define, Ideate, Prototype, Evaluate) is presented in order to design a methodology integrating Reliability Centered Maintenance (RCM), World Class Manufacturing (WCM) and Lean Manufacturing tools, which allows generating a maintenance plan applicable in wire drawing processes, particularly in a Mexican company in the steel sector. In the "Empathize, Define and Devise" phases, the main problems in processes of the steel sector of Colombian companies and one in Mexico are identified, proposing solution alternatives based on needs and realities, considering the expected Key Performance Indicators (KPI). Subsequently, tools are selected according to the problem and the alternative solutions proposed. In the "Prototype and Evaluate" phases, the selected tools are integrated, generating a maintenance plan which is described and represented by a diagram as an evaluation of the designed methodology.
Sistemas automatizados para el control del recurso hídrico y variables ambientales bajo invernadero: aplicaciones y tendencias
Authors: Tangarife Escobar Héctor Iván , Toro Meléndez Sandra Ximena , Carmona Cadavid Cindy Vanessa
Published: August 2020

This review paper makes part of the applied research project “Design and implementation of a SCADA system to control the water resources and associated environmental parameters through PLC in greenhouses” ascribed to the research group GICEMET in the National Learning Service-SENA-. This study aims at identifying the applications of the agricultural automation to include models of supervision, control and information acquisition in the water resources and environmental parameters management for crops cultivated in greenhouses. A comprehensive search was carried out in national and international indexed journals, webpages and databases. The information was categorized based on several differentiated criteria: supervision under greenhouses, automatic control of water resources and environmental parameters, information acquisition for irrigation under greenhouses, and technological tendencies of the automation in the field. This review allowed to conclude about the advantages of the implementation of this kind of automation compared to conventional agricultural systems, as well as, poses the necessity to apply it in the agricultural sector as a contribution to reduce the impact of the workforce migration from the rural areas to the urban areas.
EFEKTIVITAS KONSENTRASI EKSTRAK BIJI SIRSAK GUNUNG (Annona montana Macf.) TERHADAP MORTALITAS RAYAP TANAH (Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren., Rhinotermitidae
Authors: Ismanto Agus , Moerfiah Moerfiah , Supriadi Achmad , Zulfikar Muhamad Nizar
Published: August 2020

One of the insects that cause a lot of damage are termites. Forms of damage that can be caused by termites include damage to building components that made of wood and the contents of the building in the form of furniture, books, cloth, and even securities. One example of a termite species that is dangerous as a pest is Coptotermes curvignathus. Mountain soursop seeds have bioactive compounds that are very cytotoxic, so they have potential as insecticides. This research Used a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) consisting of controls and 5 treatments (P1) 20%, (P2) 40%, (P3) 60%, (P4) 80% (P5) 100% mountain soursop seed extract. The parameters observed were retention, termite mortality, and weight reduction in the test sample. Mountain soursop seed extract is effective as an insecticide against subterranean termites. The concentration of mountain soursop seed extract 40% (P2) causes termite mortality of 100% and a decrease in sample weight by 0.43%. Mountain soursop seed extract has the potential to be developed as an anti-termite species Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren. The retention value produced in the test sample based on SNI 03-5010.1-1999 shows that the mountain soursop seed extract with a concentration of 20% (P1) meets the standard retention of interior wood use, while extracts with a concentration of 40% (P2) meet the standard of retention of exterior wood use.Keywords: Mountain soursop seeds, Retention, mortality, weight decrease, Subterranean TermiteABSTRAKRayap banyak menimbulkan kerugian seperti rusaknya komponen bangunan yang terbuat dari kayu, beserta isi bangunannya seperti furnitur, kertas, bahan kain dan lain-lain. Salah satu contoh spesies rayap yang berbahaya sebagai hama adalah Coptotermes curvignathus. Biji sirsak gunung memiliki senyawa bioaktif bersifat sitotoksik yang sangat kuat, sehingga memiliki potensi sebagai insektisida. Rancangan penelitian menggunakan Rancangan Acak Lengkap (RAL), terdiri dari 6 perlakuan yaitu (P1) 20%, (P2) 40%, (P3) 60%, (P4) 80% (P5) 100% dan kontrol. Parameter yang diamati meliputi retensi, mortalitas rayap, dan penurunan berat sampel. Ekstrak biji sirsak gunung efektif sebagai insektisida terhadap rayap tanah. Konsentrasi ekstrak biji sirsak gunung 40% (P2) menyebabkan mortalitas rayap sebesar 100% dan penurunan berat contoh uji sebesar 0,43%. Ekstrak biji sirsak gunung berpotensi dikembangkan sebagai anti rayap tanah jenis Coptotermes curvignathus Holmgren. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa ekstrak biji sirsak gunung dengan konsentrasi 20% (P1) memenuhi standar retensi penggunaan kayu interior, sementara ekstrak dengan konsentrasi 40% (P2) memenuhi standar retensi penggunaan kayu eksterior.
A Multimodal Approach for Monitoring Driving Behavior and Emotions
Authors: Balali Vahid , Tavakoli Arash , Heydarian Arsalan
Published: August 2020

Studies have indicated that emotions can significantly be influenced by environmental factors; these factors can also significantly influence drivers’ emotional state and, accordingly, their driving behavior. Furthermore, as the demand for autonomous vehicles is expected to significantly increase within the next decade, a proper understanding of drivers’/passengers’ emotions, behavior, and preferences will be needed in order to create an acceptable level of trust with humans. This paper proposes a novel semi-automated approach for understanding the effect of environmental factors on drivers’ emotions and behavioral changes through a naturalistic driving study. This setup includes a frontal road and facial camera, a smart watch for tracking physiological measurements, and a Controller Area Network (CAN) serial data logger. The results suggest that the driver’s affect is highly influenced by the type of road and the weather conditions, which have the potential to change driving behaviors. For instance, when the research defines emotional metrics as valence and engagement, results reveal there exist significant differences between human emotion in different weather conditions and road types. Participants’ engagement was higher in rainy and clear weather compared to cloudy weather. More-over, engagement was higher on city streets and highways compared to one-lane roads and two-lane highways.
Deutschland in Europa – Geschichte und Gegenwart
Authors: Sturm Roland
Published: August 2020

Deutschlands Rolle in Europa wandelte sich von einer zustimmenden Haltung zu mehr Integration durch Euro- und Flüchtlingskrise zu einer kritischeren Sichtweise. Damit erreichte das Thema Europa den Parteienwettbewerb in Deutschland. Das Modell der „Vereinigten Staaten von Europa“, das die Juncker-Kommission offensiv vertrat, hat – auch angesichts der Rolle des Nationalstaats in der Corona-Krise – an Attraktivität verloren.
Evaluation of a Novel Cystoscopic Compatible Cryocatheter for the Treatment of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Baust John M. , Robilotto Anthony , Santucci Kimberly L. , Snyder Kristi K. , Van Buskirk Robert G. , Katz Aaron , Corcoran Anthony , Baust John G.
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND:

As the acceptance of cryoablative therapies for the treatment of non-metastatic cancers continues to grow, avenues for novel cryosurgical technologies and approaches have opened. Within the field of genitourinary tumors, cryosurgical treatments of bladder cancers remain largely investigational. Current modalities employ percutaneous needles or transurethral cryoballoons or sprays, and while results have been promising, each technology is limited to specific types and stages of cancers.

OBJECTIVE:

This study evaluated a new, self-contained transurethral cryocatheter, FrostBite-BC, for its potential to treat bladder cancer.

METHODS:

Thermal characteristics and ablative capacity were assessed using calorimetry, isothermal analyses, in vitro 3-dimensional tissue engineered models (TEMs), and a pilot in vivo porcine study.

RESULTS:

Isotherm assessment revealed surface temperatures below – 20°C within 9 sec. In vitro TEMs studies demonstrated attainment of ≤– 20°C at 6.1 mm and 8.2 mm in diameter following single and double 2 min freezes, respectively. Fluorescent imaging 24 hr post-thaw revealed uniform, ablative volumes of 326.2 mm3 and 397.9 mm3 following a single or double 2 min freeze. In vivo results demonstrated the consistent generation of ablative areas. Lesion depth was found to correlate with freeze time wherein 15 sec freezes resulted in ablation confined to the sub-mucosa and ≥30 sec full thickness ablation of the bladder wall.

CONCLUSIONS:

These studies demonstrate the potential of the FrostBite-BC cryocatheter as a treatment option for bladder cancer. Although preliminary, the outcomes of these studies were encouraging, and support the continued investigation into the potential of the FrostBite-BC cryocatheter as a next generation, minimally invasive cryoablative technology.
Concealed role of red blood cells in pathogenesis of pulmonary arterial hypertension: Decreased red blood cell nitric oxide generation and effect of Rho-Kinase inhibitor fasudil
Authors: Basarici Ibrahim , Özen Nur , Kilavuz Ece , Kısak Fatih , Basrali Filiz , Yaras Nazmi , Koksoy Sadi , Celik Mukadder Levent , Ulker Pinar
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a devastating disease characterized with alterations in pulmonary vasculature yielding increased pulmonary arterial resistance. Emerging evidences suggest important regulatory roles of red blood cells (RBCs) on nitric oxide (NO) bioavailability, mainly by modulating their endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme activity. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this pilot study was to evaluate the alterations in RBC eNOS activity and intracellular NO generation in PAH patients and the modulatory effects of Rho-Kinase (ROCK) inhibitors. METHODS: RBCs were isolated from patients with PAH and age-matched healthy subjects and were analyzed for their eNOS activity and NO generation capacity under the conditions of the presence or absence of ROCK inhibitor, fasudil. Phosphotidylserine (PS) exposure was also defined. RESULTS: eNOS activity and intracellular NO generation were lower in RBC from PAH patients. ROCK inhibitor increased basal eNOS activity and improved NO generation capacity of RBC of PAH patients to healthy control levels. PS exposure levels were also higher in RBC of PAH patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study provides first evidences for decreased RBC eNOS activity due to its ROCK mediated negative regulation in PAH patients. Considering increased ROCK activity contribution to progression of PAH, ROCK inhibition influences NO bioavailability through RBC eNOS, in addition to endothelial eNOS.
Silencing of long noncoding RNA TUG1 inhibits viability and promotes apoptosis of acute myeloid leukemia cells by targeting microRNA-221-3p/KIT axis
Authors: Zhang Xifeng , Yang Likun , Xu Guixia
Published: August 2020

OBJECTIVE: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a hematological malignancy. This study was attempted to uncover the effects of long noncoding RNA taurine-upregulated gene1 (TUG1) on the viability and apoptosis of AML cells. METHODS: QRT-PCR was implemented to examine the expression of TUG1, miR-221-3p and KIT in AML. The correlation between TUG1 and clinicopathological features of AML patients was evaluated. The effect of TUG1 on AML cells were studied by RNA interference approach. AML cells were transfected with miR-221-3p mimic and miR-221-3p inhibitor, respectively. Then the viability and apoptosis of AML cells were examined by MTT and flow cytometry assay, respectively. Additionally, dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to confirm the interactions among TUG1, miR-221-3p and KIT. Western blot was applied to analyze protein expression of KIT. RESULTS: The expression of TUG1 and KIT was up-regulated in AML, but miR-221-3p was down-regulated. TUG1 expression had obviously correlation with World Health Organization (WHO) grade in AML patients. The functional experiment stated that TUG1 silencing suppressed the viability and accelerated the apoptosis of AML cells. Moreover, the mechanical experiment demonstrated that TUG1 and KIT were both targeted by miR-221-3p with the complementary binding sites at 3’UTR. Up-regulation of miR-221-3p inhibited the protein expression of KIT. Furthermore, in the feedback experiment, miR-221-3p inhibition or KIT overexpression reversed the repression of tumor behavior induced by TUG1 silencing. CONCLUSIONS: TUG1 silencing retarded viability and promoted apoptosis of AML cells via regulating miR-221-3p/KIT axis, providing a potential therapeutic target for AML.
Investigating the relationship between ccfDNA concentration, its integrity, and some individual factors in an Iranian population
Authors: Khani Maryam , Hosseini Jalil , Habibi Mohsen , Mirfakhraie Reza , Sadeghzadeh Zahra , Pouresmaeili Farkhondeh
Published: August 2020

INTRODUCTION: Circulating cell-free DNA (ccfDNA) increases in some pathologic conditions like cancer. We aimed to investigate the correlation between some individual factors and the ccfDNA level in peripheral blood of Iranian in relation to prostate cancer. MATERIAL AND METHOD: 30 patients with prostate cancer (PCa), 40 with benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), and 30 controls were studied. Personal information, ccfDNA concentration, and the integrity index were assessed for the correlation between the disease and different factors. The results were statistically analyzed using SPSS software. RESULTS: In PCa group, no association was found between total ccfDNA, BMI, BPH background, non-cancerous diseases, medications, PCa length, and job (p-value > 0.05). But, total ccfDNA had statistical associations with weight, family history of cancer, and location (p-value < 0.05). No association was between the integrity of ccfDNA, weight, the background of BPH, and family history of cancer. But, the integrity of ccfDNA was significantly associated with BMI and PCa length (p-value < 0.05). In BPH group, no association between total ccfDNA or the integrity of ccfDNA and the assessed factors was obtained (p-value > 0.05). In the normal group, neither statistical association was found between total ccfDNA, weight, BMI, and job, nor between the integrity of ccfDNA, weight, BMI, non-cancerous disease, drug, job, and location (p-value > 0.05). But, a statistical association was found between the integrity of ccfDNA and family history of cancer in the recent group (Based on 95% CI and P-value less than 0.05). CONCLUSION: ccfDNA and its integrity as possible prostate cancer biomarkers under the influence of individuals’ physiological status are prone to the pathologic changes toward the disease. Further simultaneous study of the target groups could clarify this matter.
Global burden of COVID-19: Situational analyis and review
Authors: Gebru Addis Adera , Birhanu Tadesse , Wendimu Eshetu , Ayalew Agumas Fentahun , Mulat Selamawit , Abasimel Hussen Zakir , Kazemi Ali , Tadesse Bosenu Abera , Gebru Beniam Adera , Deriba Berhanu Senbeta , Zeleke Nigus Shimelis , Girma Abebe Gule , Munkhbat Bulgantsetseg , Yusuf Qamar Kassim , Luke Amana Ogeto , Hailu Dejene
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: The novel Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is the major public health burden in the world. The morbidity and mortality of the global community due to this disease is dramatically increasing from time to time. OBJECTIVE: This situational analysis is aimed to analyse prevalence and incidence of COVID-19 and to provide clear information about this disease for the scientific community, stakeholders, healthcare practitioners and decision-makers. METHODS: The literatures were identified by searching the key relevant and officially known online databases: medRxiv, Google scholar and PubMed. The online databases contain archives of most English biomedical journals and scientific papers published online from 31 December to 3 April 2020 were included. After the literature search, articles were screened independently by two reviewers for eligibility. RESULTS: The world continents have confirmed a total of 1,202,320 confirmed COVID-19 cases: (51.2%) in Europe, (27.7%) in North America, (17.9%) in Asia, (1.96%) in South America and at less number of confirmed COVID-19 cases in Africa and Australia which was accounted 0.8% and 0.5%, respectively. However, this review showed that there was a significant increase in the confirmed COVID-19 cases by 109,555 in Asia, 8,658 in Africa, 332,866 in North America, 20,269 in South America, 568,894 in Europe, 5,051 in Australia and 1,045,403 in the whole world, with the exception of Antartica, during the review period. The overall results showed that there were 1,098,762 cases and 59,172 deaths recorded during the review period. The result zero number of deaths with COVID-19 was observed in 66 countries. CONCLUSION: The review concluded that COVID-19; SARS-CoV-2 is the major public health burden in the world, the morbidity and mortality of global community is dramatically increasing from time to time. Strong collaboration among all sectors and the design of effective prevention and control strategies which include staying home, social/physical distancing, quarantine, testing of suspected patients, isolation and managing of the confirmed cases. Therefore, all countries should implement five major COVID-19 prevention and control programmes as soon as possible at community level.
Relationship between health literacy and quality of life among hemodialysis patients, Tehran, Iran, 2019
Authors: Alemayehu Yisak Hagos , Seylani Khatereh , Sharifi Farshad , Asgari Parvaneh , Ghorbani Banafsheh , Bahramnezhad Fatemeh
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: Chronic kidney disease and dialysis are associated with various complications. OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to determine the relationship between health literacy and quality of life among patients receiving hemodialysis in hospitals affiliated with Tehran University of Medical Sciences. METHODS: In this study, a descriptive – correlational study design with 138 sample size was used. Convenience sampling was used to select the study participants. We collected the data on May-September 2019. Data collection was done using the HELIA and KDQOL SF™. RESULTS: In this study, 133 respondents fully completed the questioners. The mean score of health literacy of the respondents was 49.03 (± 22.37) while the average score of quality of life of the respondents in this study was 53.01 (± 14.86). CONCLUSION: Based on the findings, patients receiving haemodialysis had insufficient health literacy and a better quality of life. In order to address the health literacy needs of the patients, consideration of continuous health education and assessment in this patient subpopulation could gradually improve their health literacy and quality of life. Health care providers such as nurses could improve Health Literacy and substantially Quality of Life through interventions aimed at determining existing literacy needs in the long and short term treatment course for individual dialysis patients.
Recovery algorithm to correct silent data corruption of synaptic storage in convolutional neural networks
Authors: Roy Arighna , Ludwig Simone A.
Published: August 2020

With the surge of computational power and efficient energy consumption management on embedded devices, embedded processing has grown exponentially during the last decade. In particular, computer vision has become prevalent in real-time embedded systems, which have always been a victim of transient fault due to its pervasive presence in harsh environments. Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) are popular in the domain of embedded vision (computer vision in embedded systems) given the success they have shown. One problem encountered is that a pre-trained CNN on embedded devices is vastly affected by Silent Data Corruption (SDC). SDC refers to undetected data corruption that causes errors in data without any indication that the data is incorrect, and thus goes undetected. In this paper, we propose a software-based approach to recover the corrupted bits of a pre-trained CNN due to SDC. Our approach uses a rule-mining algorithm and we conduct experiments on the propagation of error through the topology of the CNN in order to detect the association of the bits for the weights of the pre-trained CNN. This approach increases the robustness of safety-critical embedded vision applications in volatile conditions. A proof of concept has been conducted for a combination of a CNN and a vision data set. We have successfully established the effectiveness of this approach for a very high level of SDC. The proposed approach can further be extended to other networks and data sets.
Relationship between isometric strength parameters and specific volleyball performance tests: Multidimensional modelling approach
Authors: Majstorović Nikola J. , Dopsaj Milivoj J. , Grbić Vladimir M. , Savić Zoran S. , Vićentijević Aleksandar R. , Nešić Goran P.
Published: August 2020

BACKGROUND: Volleyball player’s performance depends on a combination of technical-tactical skills and an optimum level of general and specific physical fitness. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the study was to compare the results of three isometric strength tests with the results of four specific volleyball performance tests using a novel Multidimensional Modelling Approach. METHODS: In a cross-sectional study 80 male (age = 16.2 ± 1.7 yrs.) and 116 female (age = 16.1 ± 1.5 yrs.) volleyball players performed two testing sessions consisting of ankle extensor, handgrip, and lumbar isometric strength tests, followed by countermovement tests, modified X test and medicine ball throw. RESULTS: Principal Component Analysis, with 51.38% to 64.87% of variances explained, was used to group results from multiple tests into a single score: isometric force (Fmax Score), rate of force development (RFDmax Score), and specific performance tests (Specific Score). Calculated Fmax Score, and RFDmax Score values showed low (r= 0.310–0.416), but statistically significant (p< 0.01) correlations with Specific Score. Regression analysis showed 17.3% and 9.6% influence of Fmax and 16.9% and 10.1% influence of RFDmax on specific abilities for male and female sample respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The findings derived from the isometric strength tests are not related to those obtained from specific volleyball performance tests. However, the advantages of isometric tests and their findings may be of a comparative clinical value in management of sports injury in volleyball players.
Mitochondrial DNA Manipulations Affect Tau Oligomerization
Authors: Weidling Ian W. , Wilkins Heather M. , Koppel Scott J. , Hutfles Lewis , Wang Xiaowan , Kalani Anuradha , Menta Blaise W. , Ryan Benjamin , Perez-Ortiz Judit , Gamblin T. Chris , Swerdlow Russell H.
Published: August 2020

Background: Mitochondrial dysfunction and tau aggregation occur in Alzheimer’s disease (AD), and exposing cells or rodents to mitochondrial toxins alters their tau. Objective: To further explore how mitochondria influence tau, we measured tau oligomer levels in human neuronal SH-SY5Y cells with different mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) manipulations. Methods: Specifically, we analyzed cells undergoing ethidium bromide-induced acute mtDNA depletion, ρ0 cells with chronic mtDNA depletion, and cytoplasmic hybrid (cybrid) cell lines containing mtDNA from AD subjects. Results: We found cytochrome oxidase activity was particularly sensitive to acute mtDNA depletion, evidence of metabolic re-programming in the ρ0 cells, and a relatively reduced mtDNA content in cybrids generated through AD subject mitochondrial transfer. In each case tau oligomer levels increased, and acutely depleted and AD cybrid cells also showed a monomer to oligomer shift. Conclusion: We conclude a cell’s mtDNA affects tau oligomerization. Overlapping tau changes across three mtDNA-manipulated models establishes the reproducibility of the phenomenon, and its presence in AD cybrids supports its AD-relevance.
Effects of Resistance Exercise with Instability on Cognitive Function (REI Study): A Proof-Of-Concept Randomized Controlled Trial in Older Adults with Cognitive Complaints
Authors: Cavalcante Bruno Remígio , de Souza Mariana Ferreira , Falck Ryan Stanley , Liu-Ambrose Teresa , Behm David G. , Pitangui Ana Carolina Rodarti , de Araújo Rodrigo Cappato
Published: August 2020

Background: Activities which simultaneously challenge both physical and cognitive function are promising strategies for promoting cognitive function. Objective: To examine the effects of resistance exercise with instability and traditional resistance exercise compared with a health education control on cognitive function in older adults with cognitive complaints. Methods: Sixty-seven participants were randomized to either 12 weeks of thrice-weekly resistance exercise (RE = 23), RE with instability (REI = 22), or a weekly health education control (CON = 22). At each training session, RE and REI participants performed seven exercises for three sets and 10–15 repetitions. REI participants performed each exercise using instability devices. The primary outcome was a composite score of global cognitive function. Secondary outcomes included composite scores for cognitive sub-domains and physical function. Results: Most participants were women (REI: 77%; RE = 78%; CON = 77%; mean age of 71 years), and did not need transport to the intervention site. At completion, compared with CON, REI and RE did not significantly improve on global cognition or each cognitive sub-domain. Both exercise groups improved on the timed up and go (REI - CON: –1.6 s, 95% CI: [–2.6, –0.5]; RE - CON: –1.4 s, 95% CI: [–2.4, –0.5) and 1-RM (REI - CON: 24 kg, 95% CI: [11, 36]; RE - CON: 25 kg, 95% CI: [12, 37]). An exploratory contrast showed that compared with RE, REI promote greater gains on global cognition (2.20, 95% CI: [0.10, 4.31]) and memory (1.34; 95% CI: [0.15, 2.54]). Conclusion: REI did not substantially improve cognitive function but did promote physical function among older adults with cognitive complaints. However, compared with RE, REI improved global cognition and memory.
Increased Levels of Coagulation Factor XI in Plasma Are Related to Alzheimer’s Disease Diagnosis
Authors: Begic Edin , Hadzidedic Suncica , Obradovic Slobodan , Begic Zijo , Causevic Mirsada
Published: August 2020

Background: Alzheimer’s disease is a complex disorder of unclear etiology that develops in the elderly population. It is a debilitating, progressive neurodegeneration for which disease-modifying therapies do not exist. Previous studies have suggested that, for a subset of patients, dysregulation in hemostasis might be one of the molecular mechanisms that ultimately leads to the development of neurodegeneration resulting in cognitive decline that represents the most prominent symptomatic characteristic of Alzheimer’s disease. Objective: To examine a relationship between factors that are part of coagulation and anticoagulation pathways with cognitive decline that develops during Alzheimer’s disease. Methods: SOMAscan assay was used to measure levels of coagulation/anticoagulation factors V, VII, IX, X, Xa, XI, antithrombin III, protein S, protein C, and activated protein C in plasma samples obtained from three groups of subjects: 1) subjects with stable cognitively healthy function, 2) subjects with stable mild cognitive impairment, and 3) subjects diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s disease. Results: Our results show that protein levels of coagulation factor XI are significantly increased in patients who are diagnosed with probable Alzheimer’s disease compared with cognitively healthy subjects or patients diagnosed with mild cognitive impairment. Furthermore, our results demonstrate that significant predictors of Alzheimer’s-type diagnosis are factors IX and XI—an increase in both factors is associated with a reduction in cognitive function. Conclusion: Our study justifies further investigations of biological pathways involving coagulation/anticoagulation factors in relation to dementia, including dementia resulting from Alzheimer’s-type neurodegeneration.
NLRP3 Inflammasome: A Potential Therapeutic Target in Fine Particulate Matter-Induced Neuroinflammation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Shi Jian-Quan , Wang Bian-Rong , Jiang Teng , Gao Li , Zhang Ying-Dong , Xu Jun
Published: August 2020

As one of the most harmful air pollutants, fine particulate matter (PM2.5) has been implicated as a risk factor for multiple diseases, which has generated widespread public concern. Accordingly, a growing literature links PM2.5 exposure with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). A critical gap in our understanding of the adverse effects of PM2.5 on AD is the mechanism triggered by PM2.5 that contributes to disease progression. Recent evidence has demonstrated that PM2.5 can activate NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation. In this review, we highlight the novel evidence between PM2.5 exposure and AD incidence, which is collected and summarized from neuropathological, epidemiological, and neuroimaging studies to in-depth deciphering molecular mechanisms. First, neuropathological, epidemiological, and neuroimaging studies will be summarized. Then, the transport pathway for central nervous system delivery of PM2.5 will be presented. Finally, the role of NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated neuroinflammation in PM2.5 induced-effects on AD will be recapitulated.
Genome-Wide Association Study of Brain Alzheimer’s Disease-Related Metabolic Decline as Measured by [18F] FDG-PET Imaging
Authors: Wang Rong-Ze ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Yang Yu-Xiang , Li Hong-Qi , Shen Xue-Ning , Chen Shi-Dong , Dong Qiang , Wang Yi , Yu Jin-Tai
Published: August 2020

Background: Hypometabolism detected by fluorodeoxyglucose F18 positron emission tomography ([18F] FDG PET) is an early neuropathologic changes in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and provides important pathologic staging information. Objective: This study aimed to discover genetic interactions that regulate longitudinal glucose metabolic decline in AD-related brain regions. Methods: A total of 586 non-Hispanic white individuals from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) 1/GO/2 cohorts that met all quality control criteria were included in this study. Genome-wide association study of glucose metabolic decline in regions of interest (ROIs) was performed with linear regression under the additive genetic model. Results: We identified two novel variants that had a strong association with longitudinal metabolic decline in different ROI. Rs4819351-A in gene 1-acylglycerol-3-phosphate O-acyltransferase 3 (AGPAT3) demonstrated reduced metabolic decline in right temporal gyrus (p = 3.97×10–8, β= –0.016), while rs13387360-T in gene LOC101928196 demonstrated reduced metabolic decline in left angular gyrus (p = 1.69×10–8, β= –0.027). Conclusion: Our results suggest two genome-wide significant SNPs (rs4819351, rs13387360) in AGPAT3 and LOC101928196 as protective loci that modulate glucose metabolic decline. These two genes should be further investigated as potential therapeutic target for neurodegeneration diseases.
Analysis of athletes’ stadium stress source based on improved layered K-means algorithm
Authors: Gong Chen
Published: August 2020

Most of the research on stressors is in the medical field, and there are few analysis of athletes’ stressors, so it can not provide reference for the analysis of athletes’ stressors. Based on this, this study combines machine learning algorithms to analyze the pressure source of athletes’ stadium. In terms of data collection, it is mainly obtained through questionnaire survey and interview form, and it is used as experimental data after passing the test. In order to improve the performance of the algorithm, this paper combines the known K-Means algorithm with the layering algorithm to form a new improved layered K-Means algorithm. At the same time, this paper analyzes the performance of the improved hierarchical K-Means algorithm through experimental comparison and compares the clustering results. In addition, the analysis system corresponding to the algorithm is constructed based on the actual situation, the algorithm is applied to practice, and the user preference model is constructed. Finally, this article helps athletes find stressors and find ways to reduce stressors through personalized recommendations. The research shows that the algorithm of this study is reliable and has certain practical effects and can provide theoretical reference for subsequent related research.
Multi-criteria spherical fuzzy regret based evaluation of healthcare equipment stocks
Authors: Onar Sezi Cevik , Kahraman Cengiz , Oztaysi Basar
Published: August 2020

The catastrophes due to widespread outbreaks create a long-standing distraction and have an accelerating transmission. The uncontrolled outbreaks cause not only health-related problems but also supply chain related problems. The outbreak caused by the coronavirus (COVID-19) shows how vulnerable the Healthcare systems and the supporting systems such as supply chains of the countries to such type of disasters. Keeping high levels of inventory, especially for healthcare products, can be beneficial to overcome such shortage problems. Nevertheless, keeping a high level of inventory can be costly, and the durability of the products creates a limit. The decision-makers have to carefully decide the inventory levels by considering many factors such as the criticality of the product and the easiness of producing the product. In this study, we try to develop a decision model for defining the inventory levels in Healthcare systems by considering multiple scenarios such as outbreaks. A novel spherical regret based multi-criteria decision-making approach is developed and used for evaluating the total regret of not keeping stock of the healthcare equipment.
CNC router selection under dynamic fuzzy environment
Authors: Aktas Ahmet , Aydin Serhat , Kabak Mehmet
Published: August 2020

To cut several types of hard materials in manufacturing, Computer Numeric Control (CNC) router machines are commonly used. The tasks to be done by different machines can be performed by a single CNC router machine. Production of parts with better quality is possible at lower costs by production with CNC router machines, and these machines improve the productivity of manufacturing system. For these reasons, determination of the appropriate CNC router machine for manufacturing systems is a crucial decision. Different factors related to properties of machines are effective on the decision. Therefore, decision makers must include different effective aspects into decision process. Under this consideration, an analytic selection procedure for CNC router machines by taking uncertain expressions of experts on the selection criteria and variable values occur over time is proposed in this study. In order to handle the modelling difficulty of uncertainty of the statements and the value changes by time, dynamic intuitionistic multi attribute decision making is used to select the best CNC router. Applicability of the proposed selection procedure is demonstrated on an application, and a comparative analysis with dynamic neutrosophic multi attribute decision making is presented.
Fuzzy multi-objective decision making approach for nuclear power plant installation
Authors: Çakır Esra , Ulukan Ziya
Published: August 2020

Due to the increase in energy demand, many countries suffer from energy poverty because of insufficient and expensive energy supply. Plans to use alternative power like nuclear power for electricity generation are being revived among developing countries. Decisions for installation of power plants need to be based on careful assessment of future energy supply and demand, economic and financial implications and requirements for technology transfer. Since the problem involves many vague parameters, a fuzzy model should be an appropriate approach for dealing with this problem. This study develops a Fuzzy Multi-Objective Linear Programming (FMOLP) model for solving the nuclear power plant installation problem in fuzzy environment. FMOLP approach is recommended for cases where the objective functions are imprecise and can only be stated within a certain threshold level. The proposed model attempts to minimize total duration time, total cost and maximize the total crash time of the installation project. By using FMOLP, the weighted additive technique can also be applied in order to transform the model into Fuzzy Multiple Weighted-Objective Linear Programming (FMWOLP) to control the objective values such that all decision makers target on each criterion can be met. The optimum solution with the achievement level for both of the models (FMOLP and FMWOLP) are compared with each other. FMWOLP results in better performance as the overall degree of satisfaction depends on the weight given to the objective functions. A numerical example demonstrates the feasibility of applying the proposed models to nuclear power plant installation problem.
Evaluation of smart health technologies with hesitant fuzzy linguistic MCDM methods
Authors: Büyüközkan Gülçin , Mukul Esin
Published: August 2020

Smart health applications are raising a growing interest around the world thanks to its potential to act proactively and solve health related problems with smart technologies. Smart health technologies can provide effective healthcare services such as personalization of treatments through big data, robotics in cure and care, artificial intelligence support to doctors, etc. The mixed structure of the evaluation of smart health technologies involves various contradictory criteria. However, when information is of uncertain nature, it is difficult to decide on how to treat. A hesitant fuzzy linguistic term set (HFLTS) approach is applied to overcome such uncertainties related to this multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) problem. This approach can be used to facilitate experts’ decision-making processes in complex and uncertain situations. In this study, an integrated hesitant fuzzy linguistic (HFL) MCDM approach is proposed to evaluate smart health technologies. The criteria are weighted with HFL Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP), and then, smart health technologies are evaluated with the HFL Combinative Distance-based Assessment (CODAS) method. A comparative analysis with HFL COPRAS and HFL TOPSIS is applied. Lastly, the potential of this approach is presented through a case study.
Dependency beetween IT project success and the communication with project stakeholders - intuitionistic fuzzy sets approach
Authors: Barbara Gładysz , Dorota Kuchta
Published: August 2020

The paper is based on a survey analyzing the success of IT projects in Poland as function of the cooperation with different stakeholders. The project’s participants expressed their subjective opinions on the effectiveness of the collective cooperation with various stakeholder groups. The impact of cooperation with different stakeholder groups: project team, management of the project implementation unit, suppliers and end users of the final product on the success of the project is examined. To this end, intuitionistic fuzzy sets, a correlation coefficient of intuitionistic fuzzy sets and an original method of intuitionistic fuzzy regression are applied. The conclusions point to the most important stakeholder groups for the complete success and for the avoidance of a complete failure of IT projects. Some possibilities of the extension of the proposed method are indicated, so that the decision maker can adopt it to his or her preferences in searching for project success or failure factors.
Hesitant fuzzy linguistic TOPSIS method for the electric vehicles’ charging stations location selection problem and an application for Istanbul
Authors: Kalender Zeynep Tugce , Kilic Huseyin Selcuk , Tuzkaya Gulfem , Dascioglu Busra Gulnihan
Published: August 2020

The prevalence of environmental studies in the academy has increased in recent years, depending on the adverse effects of global warming on natural resources. Besides various environmentally benign applications, one of the most important instruments on eliminating the negative environmental effects of an increasing population is electric vehicles. There are various topics within the concept of electric vehicles, including the determination of electric vehicle type, routing, network design, and so on. However, in this study, determining the locations of electric charging stations is the main focus. The problem is handled as a multi-criteria decision-making problem with the consideration of the uncertainties in the decision-making environment. Specifically, the judgments of decision-makers play a critical role in the success of decisions, but for a decision-maker, it is usually difficult to express his/her preferences by using only one linguistic term due to the structure of some criteria type. Hence, with the proposed methodology, in this study, criteria are firstly classified as fuzzy and crisp according to their objective or subjective characteristics. Afterwards, besides the utilization of classic techniques for crisp type criteria, probabilistic linguistic terms sets are utilized for fuzzy type criteria with an extended version of TOPSIS. The proposed methodology is used for the comparison of 39 alternative electric charging locations in Istanbul, which is one of the most crowded cities in Europe.
Modeling humanoid robots facial expressions using Pythagorean fuzzy sets
Authors: Kahraman Cengiz , Boltürk Eda , Onar Sezi Cevik , Oztaysi Basar
Published: August 2020

Pythagorean fuzzy sets (PFS) are an extension of intuitionistic fuzzy sets introduced by Atanassov [1]. PFSs have the advantage of providing larger domains for assigning membership and non-membership degrees satisfying that their squared sum is at most equal to one. PFS have been often used in modeling the problems under vagueness and impreciseness in order to better define the problems together with the hesitancy of decision makers. Different human emotions and behaviors can be modeled in humanoid robots (HR) by fuzzy sets. In this paper, facial expressions of a humanoid robot are modeled depending on the degrees of the emotions. Larger degree of emotion causes a stronger indicator of the facial mimic.
Sustainable energy selection based on interval-valued intuitionistic fuzzy and neutrosophic aggregation operators
Authors: Bolturk Eda , Gülbay Murat , Kahraman Cengiz
Published: August 2020

Sustainable energy selection has been a very popular problem among the researchers and various models including deterministic, probabilistic and fuzzy approaches have been developed for the solution of this problem. Fuzzy approaches to sustainable energy selection problems have been often handled in the literature. Aggregation operators for multi-expert decision making problems are an alternative solution technique for multi criteria decision making problems. Since neutrosophic and intuitionistic fuzzy aggregation operators are comparable extensions of ordinary fuzzy sets, they have been employed to aggregate multi-expert judgments. An illustrative energy selection problem is presented, solved by two approaches, and results are compared. The same linguistic data have been used for the comparison purpose.
Forecasting US movies box office performances in Turkey using machine learning algorithms
Authors: Çağlıyor Sandy , Öztayşi Başar , Sezgin Selime
Published: August 2020

The motion picture industry is one of the largest industries worldwide and has significant importance in the global economy. Considering the high stakes and high risks in the industry, forecast models and decision support systems are gaining importance. Several attempts have been made to estimate the theatrical performance of a movie before or at the early stages of its release. Nevertheless, these models are mostly used for predicting domestic performances and the industry still struggles to predict box office performances in overseas markets. In this study, the aim is to design a forecast model using different machine learning algorithms to estimate the theatrical success of US movies in Turkey. From various sources, a dataset of 1559 movies is constructed. Firstly, independent variables are grouped as pre-release, distributor type, and international distribution based on their characteristic. The number of attendances is discretized into three classes. Four popular machine learning algorithms, artificial neural networks, decision tree regression and gradient boosting tree and random forest are employed, and the impact of each group is observed by compared by the performance models. Then the number of target classes is increased into five and eight and results are compared with the previously developed models in the literature.