bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of profiles of volatile organic compounds in exhaled breath by means of an electronic nose as a proposal for a screening method for breast cancer: a case-control study
Authors: Díaz de León-Martínez Lorena , Rodríguez-Aguilar Maribel , Gorocica-Rosete Patricia , Domínguez-Reyes Carlos Alberto , Martínez-Bustos Verónica , Tenorio-Torres Juan Alberto , Ornelas-Rebolledo Omar , Cruz-Ramos José Alfonso , Balderas-Segura Berenice , Flores-Ramírez Rogelio
Published: July 2020

The objective of the present study was to identify volatile prints from exhaled breath, termed breath-print, from breast cancer (BC) patients and healthy women by means of an electronic nose and to evaluate its potential use as a screening method. A cross-sectional study was performed on 443 exhaled breath samples from women, of whom 262 had been diagnosed with BC by biopsy and 181 were healthy women (control group). Breath-print analysis was performed utilizing the Cyranose 320 electronic nose. Group data were evaluated by principal component analysis (PCA), canonical discriminant analysis (CDA), and support vector machine (SVM), and the test’s diagnostic power was evaluated by means of receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves. The results obtained using the model generated from the CDA, which best describes the behavior of the assessed groups, indicated that the breath-print of BC patients was different from that of healthy women and that they presented with a variability of up to 98.8% and a correct classification of 98%. The sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value, and positive predictive value reached 100% according to the ROC curve. The present study demonstrates the capability of the electronic nose to separate between healthy subjects and BC patients. This research could have a beneficial impact on clinical practice as we consider that this test could probably be used at the first point before the application of established gold tests (mammography, ultrasound, and biopsy) and substantially improve screening tests in the general population.
Visitor perspectives and satisfaction index towards ecotourism potential in the Leang-Leang Prehistoric Park, Bantimurung Bulusaraung National Park
Authors: Asrianny  , Soekmadi Rinekso , Darusman Dudung , Susilo Arifin Hadi
Published: July 2020

The Leang-Leang prehistoric park is one of four leading destinations in Bantimurung Bulusarung National Park, however, the evaluation of visitor perspectives and satisfaction index in this site were still limited. This study aimed to analyze the importance-performance analysis based on visitor perspectives and to assess visitor satisfaction index in the Leang-Leang destination. Fifty people selected through convenience sampling method were involved as respondents. Consumer perspective assessment was focused on 33 ecotourism potential subcomponents and the scoring method referred to Likert scale, prior to group into the IPA matrix/Cartesian diagram. The visitor satisfaction assessment was calculated based on the formula of customer satisfaction index. The result showed that there were 7 ecotourism potential subcomponents that need to be prioritized by managerial team, i.e local cultural arts, guide and interpreter, public lavatory, garbage dump, rest area, security facility (tourist police) and shopping facility. Flora attraction, panorama, specific attraction, historical heritage, hospitality of local people, the easiness access to locations, the easiness access to get information about the distance from the nearest city, brochures, maps or other directions, clean water availability, service, care and skill of human resource had been already in the good condition, so keep up the good work. Fauna attraction, local traditions and customs, festival, carvings and crafts, local food, homestay, hotel, camping ground, the easiness access to get transportation, telephone, faximile or internet and health facility were included in low priority subcomponents. Moreover, cultural landscape, local people daily life and transportation costs were categorized as possible overkill subcomponent. The score of visitor satisfaction index was 55.57 and categorized as a moderate satisfaction level.
Seasonal and Spatial Variation of Ciliate Abundance in Lake Lanao along Wato-Balindong, Lanao Del Sur, Philippines
Authors: Abamo F , Cosain H , Abato J , Disoma C
Published: July 2020

Ciliated protozoans are one-celled eukaryotes characterized by hair-like structures called cilia. Ciliate abundance has been used as bioindicators of organic pollution in a freshwater system. This study was conducted to determine the spatio-temporal variation of ciliate abundance in Lake Lanao, Philippines, along Wato-Balindong’s littoral and pelagic zones during dry (May 2018) and wet (August 2018) seasons. It intended to assess the trophic state of the lake based on planktonic ciliate abundance. In each zone, three sites were sampled for ciliates using a conical plankton net. The ciliates were fixed with formalin-acidified logul’s Iodine for microscopic observation and counting. Spatially, the data on ciliate abundance did not vary between littoral and pelagic zones. However, it did vary significantly between seasons; ciliates had higher abundance in the wet season than in the dry season. This variation could be attributed to a possible increase of nitrogen and phosphorus washed into the lake by rain. Bioindication using ciliate abundance revealed that Lake Lanao in Wato-Balindong is ultraoligotrophic, i.e., the lake is pristine, well-oxygenated and low in nutrients during sampling.
Seismic hazard microzonation of ground response parameters in Bengkulu City, Indonesia
Authors: Mase L Z , Agustina S , Anggraini P W
Published: July 2020

This paper presents the seismic hazard microzonation of ground motion parameters on the basis of earthquakes events in Bengkulu City. Geotechnical site investigation and geophysical survey were performed in Bengkulu City. Furthermore, data were used to observe the geological condition. The local seismic design code for soft soil was used to generate spectral acceleration, which was later used as the scaling factor to generate ground motion for earthquake simulation. One-dimensional seismic ground response analysis was conducted to simulate earthquake wave propagating through soil layers. Several parameters, such as peak ground acceleration (PGA), spectral accelerations (SA) at 0.2 s and 1 s, and seismic wave amplification factor were observed. Those parameters were also depicted in seismic microzonation maps and addressed to identify potential impact during the earthquake. The results showed that the possibility of structural building responses along coastal area of Bengkulu City is relatively high. Therefore, a local seismic design code is important to propose as the alternative for reliable seismic design code. In general, the results of this study could give a recommendation to local government to consider seismic resistance design for buildings in Bengkulu City.
Urban forest development at landside of Hang Nadim Batam Airport based on the microclimate and noise study
Authors: Saninah T N , Rushayati S B , Hermawan R
Published: July 2020

The landside of Hang Nadim Batam Airport can be adapted to urban forests to reduce emissions, stabilize the microclimate, and reduce noise. The purpose of this research are to study the microclimate and noise around the Hang Nadim Batam Airport, and develop landside based on the condition of the airport urban forest. Research was conducted on April, 8th-15th 2019 based on the density of vegetation. Location determining, characteristics of trees and leaf area index, air temperature and humidity, and noise were used as the methods of this research. The factors that analyzed by this research were NDVI, tree profile diagrams, LAI, air temperature and humidity, thermal humidity, and noise. The result showed that there were 55 trees of 11 species from 6 families. The profile diagram showed the densest vegetation was at point F, one of the points of measurements with dense vegetation category, seen by horizontally and vertically. The highest air temperature and thermal humidity was at point E and the lowest was at point F. The highest humidity was at point F and the lowest was at point E. The highest noise was at rare vegetation and the lowest was at dense vegetation. Landside development needs to look at ecology, technical, and aesthetic.
Accuracy testing of Wolf von Wulfing stand table in estimating teak stand volume
Authors: Rahmani T A , Kristiantoro F , Prihanto B , Muhdin
Published: July 2020

The Wolf von Wulfing (WvW) stand table made in 1932 is commonly used to estimate the volume of teak stands at a certain class of site quality (bonita) and age. A state forest enterprise(Perum Perhutani)usually uses the WvW table to estimate the volume of stands at the end of the cutting cycle or in other words used to determine the annual allowable cut (AAC). The accuracy level of estimated stand volume using WvW table still needs to be tested. This study aims to test the accuracy of the Wolf von Wulfing stand table in estimating the volume of teak stands(Tectona grandis),using measurement results data on teak stands in the Forest Management Unit (FMU) of Ciamis (West Java) and Randublatung (Central Java). We conducted an analysis by comparing the stand volume using the WvW table with the stand volume obtained using the local volume table (TVL) that already available in each study location. Data analysis was performed using simple linear regression: Y = (30+|31X; X = Volume WvW; Y = Volume TVL. Regression analysis results showed that the relationship between Volume WvW (X) and Volume TVL (Y), expressed through the equation of Y = -2.83 + 0.88X, with the value of R2adj=0.94. Hypothesis testing results on the value of (30 and (31, states that the value of (30=0 and (31^1, so that it can be concluded that the alleged results with the WvW table are overestimating. Alleged overestimate results can cause overcutting so that forest management is not sustainable.
Nonlinear backstepping tracking control of DC motor driven inverted pendulum
Authors: Petrov V
Published: July 2020

The paper presents nonlinear backstepping approach for nonlinear control design applied to a DC motor driven inverted pendulum system. The nonlinear closed-loop system designed simultaneously tracks exponentially desired reference trajectory with overdamped response specifications. A simulation example is given for illustration.
Manipulator for upper limbs rehabilitation-ROBCO ®
Authors: Chivarov Nayden , Chikurtev Denis
Published: July 2020

This article presents a manipulator for upper limbs rehabilitation Robco ®. The manipulator will be able to allow rehabilitation of the shoulder, elbow and wrist. Manipulator’s hardware, software and web-based user interface have been researched and developed to allow the required functions and properties for rehabilitation procedures. Usability experiments have been performed to investigate the functionalities. The results demonstrate precise positioning and repeatability. Finally, we can conclude that the rehabilitation of upper limbs can be robotized, which will reduce time and costs of the rehabilitation procedures.
Expert estimation of leakage losses in the pneumatic systems in the bottling industry
Authors: Kosturkov R D , Nachev V G , Titova T P
Published: July 2020

By eliminating leaks in compressed air systems in manufacturing plants, up to 50% of energy can be saved. With a well-designed inspection and maintenance plan, eliminating the majority of leaks can be a routine and effective practice. This paper describes the results of a pneumatic leakage audits in manufacturing facilities from the bottling industry in Bulgaria. The results are analyzed and are defined major groups elements of the pneumatic system, which can be potential sources of leakage leading to significant losses of compressed air and determining energy efficiency in the production.
Route map for renewable energy sources implementation for household in Bulgaria
Authors: Gospodinova Dilyana , Milanov Kostadin , Dineff Peter
Published: July 2020

This paper is concerned with the design of a hybrid household system, located in the city of Sofia with the possibility of grid connection. It is comprised of photovoltaic (PV) arrays, wind generator and battery energy storage devices. A multi-objective, non-derivative optimisation is considered in this residential application; the primary objective is the system cost minimisation. The commercial software, HOMER Pro, is utilised to identify the least-cost design among hundreds of options. This paper discusses suitability of renewable energy (RE) applied in one-family household according socio-economic situation in Bulgaria. Finally, a route map of RES implementation options is presented, and economic indicators such as Total net presents cost (NPC), Cost of Energy (COE) and RES fraction are assessed.
Study of a linear generator with permanent magnets converting sea wave energy into electricity
Authors: Georgiev N P , Raychev R P
Published: July 2020

This paper studies the output electrical parameters of a linear generator with permanent magnets without an iron core for three types of electrical connection of its windings. Software simulations have been performed by means of ANSYS 2019 R1 and FEMM, and experimental studies of the linear generator have been carried out. A model has been obtained, which simulates the operation of the generator under study with good level of precision. The optimal scheme of connecting the generator windings, which is suitable for practical realization, has been determined.
Investigation of transformers for power electronic converters
Authors: Milanov K G
Published: July 2020

A transformer is an integral part of power electronic equipment and it is usually the input stage of a high power converter. A good model of the transformer is needed to evaluate the performance parameters of power converters. This work represent 2 new methods for short-circuit test of single-phase transformers. The paper offers measurement methods that do not require powerful adjustable AC sources. Short circuit parameters can be determined by measuring the parameters of the transient when switching on: i) capacitor under zero initial conditions to an idle transformer or ii) by a transient process when connected to a non-powered short-circuit transformer of a capacitor under non-zero initial conditions. In order to accurately determine the period and the transition process in the event of a short circuit, it is suggested to include a parallel connected battery. PSpice is being used as a simulation tool for analysis and design of power electric circuits.
The value of the work done by an isotropic vector force field along an isotropic curve
Authors: Razpopov Dimitar , Dzhelepov Georgi
Published: July 2020

In the present paper we consider a 3-dimensional differentiable manifold M equipped with a Riemannian metric g and an endomorphism Q, whose third power is the identity and Q acts as an isometry on g. Both structures g and Q determine an associated metric f on (M,g,Q). The metric f is necessary indefinite and it defines isotropic vectors in the tangent space TpM at an arbitrary point p on M.

The physical forces are represented by vector fields. We investigate physical forces whose vectors are in TpM on (M,g,Q). Moreover, these vectors are isotropic and they act along isotropic curves. We study the physical work done by such forces.
Study on threshold capabilities of a copper bromide vapor laser
Authors: Fidanov D V
Published: July 2020

This paper presents theoretical and simulation results for the operating parameters of a copper bromide (CBr) laser. The CuBr active medium finds applications as both as a laser source and a vapor amplifier. A methodology is developed to serve as the basis for the solution of a two-dimensional quasi-stationary heat conductivity equation on the cross-section of the gas tube for modeling the temperature of the neutral gas and the electron temperature of the discharge. This methodology makes it possible to determine the maximum electrical power supplied and the maximum electron temperature in terms of thermal ionization and electric ionization resistance of the gas discharge. Analytical results are applied in computer simulations and for the assessment of parameters of an actual CuBr laser.
Modelling and estimate of the LTWM noise parameters
Authors: Prlinčević Bojan , Milivojević Zoran
Published: July 2020

In the first part of this paper, a statistical analysis of the noise in the image, as a result of the insertion of the watermark by Liu and Tan algorithm, was performed. After that, using the base of test image the noise model was created. Based on the model, an algorithm for estimating the statistical parameters of noise, LTWM algorithm, (μ and σ
2) in the image with a watermark, was created. In the second part of this paper there is a description of the experiment in which a comparative analysis of the accuracy of estimating statistical parameters by the proposed LTWM algorithm and Algorithms from [3], [6] - [8], was performed. Algorithms have been applied on watermarked images from the NRCS base. The results of MAE and MSE between true and estimated variance are shown in tables and diagrams. In addition, the execution time of the tested algorithms was measured. A detailed comparative analysis has shown that the proposed LTWM algorithm was more precise, and has a shorter execution time, compared to the analysed algorithms.
Intelligent virtual agent, learning how to reach a goal by making the least number of compromises
Authors: Budakova Dilyana , Petrova-Dimitrova Veselka , Dakovski Lyudmil
Published: July 2020

The learning process in the Q-learning algorithm is characterized by maximizing a single, numerical reward signal. However, there are tasks for which the requirements toward the way to reach a goal are complex. This paper proposes a modification to the Q-learning algorithm. In order to make the Q-learning agent find the optimal path to the goal by meeting particular complex criteria, the use of measures model (a model of environment criteria), represented as a new memory matrix, is introduced. If the goal cannot be reached by following the pre-set criteria, the learning agent can compromise a given criterion. The agent makes the least possible number of tradeoffs in order to reach the goal. If the criteria are arranged by their level of importance, then the agent can choose more in number and more acceptable compromises. The aim of the modification is to empower the learning agent to control the way of reaching a goal. The modified algorithm has been applied to training smart shopping-cart learning agents. The tests show improvement in their behaviour.
Testing of games through software agents managed by artificial neural networks
Authors: Trankov Miroslav , Hadzhikolev Emil , Hadzhikoleva Stanka
Published: July 2020

With the development of artificial neural networks, their use in different fields is increasing to optimize different activities. The availability of rich programming languages, various existing machine learning software libraries, along with the virtualization technologies has made intelligent technologies accessible not only to large corporations but also to individual programmers.

Game development is a complex process involving many specialists, experts in various fields. Single-game testing is an iterative process that covers different game development opportunities, different player abilities, as well as player interaction when working in a team. The question is, is it possible to use intelligent software agents in the game testing process in order to optimize the human, time and financial resources needed?

This article introduces our attempt to create an intelligent autonomous agent that plays the Brawl Stars game, managed by an artificial neural network. Initially, the agent is trained by collecting frames from a game that is being played by an experienced player. The frames are then processed and analyzed, and a neural network is trained, which directs the agent to conduct an autonomous game. The developed agent was used in two experiments that confirmed the great potential for the use of artificial neural networks in game testing.
Design of an automated railway crossing system with Verilog language in CPLD
Authors: Zhilevski M , Hristov V
Published: July 2020

In this paper the basic requirements for the automatic railways crossing devices are formulated. A block diagram, which consists of elements that make the automatic railways crossing systems are presented and their working principles are discussed. Based on the hardware description language - Verilog, a digital railway crossing control system is designed and is implemented with complex programmable logic device, taking into account the requirements. As an opportunity for practical application the controller CoolRunner II could be used. Simulation results with set input parameters are shown to represent the functionality of the designed system. The results obtained can be used for design, implementation, simulation and development of such types of systems in railway crossing automatics.
Logistics 4.0 and supply chain 4.0 in the automotive industry
Authors: Markov Krasimir , Vitliemov Pavel
Published: July 2020

The Industry 4.0 technologies give real benefits to the plants where they are implemented such as performance improvement, costs and delays reductions. The automotive plants are among the factories that could implement most of these technologies. Industry 4.0 can affect all of the processes which happen in the automotive industry manufacturing plants – engineering, production, logistics, management, etc. Analysis of all of the processes in one article is too complex task and due to this the paper is focused only on logistics and supply chain. The aim of this article is to investigate the potential possibilities for implementation of Logistics 4.0 and Supply Chain 4.0 in the automotive industry plants, in particular in Bulgaria. Specially designed survey was used as investigation method. It consists of two groups with proposals and assumptions. The survey was conducted by 12 automotive industry logistics experts who are on 6 different logistics positions. The results show that the production visibility (assembly lines connected to internet) and blockchain technologies have the biggest values to the logistics and supply chain. But the cybersecurity and faulty data are the main challenges in front of them.
Measuring the diameter of electron beam by rotating slit disc
Authors: Tongov M , Hikov T , Angelov I , Petrov P
Published: July 2020

A device for analysing the shape of the electron beam in electron beam welding apparatus has been developed. Experiments has been done with the device. The beam size at different focusing currents and constant beam current has been measured. The performance of the device is shown.
Bead formation research in TIG welding of AISI 304 steel
Authors: Tongov Manahil , Dimitrova Rayna , Konstantinov Konstantin
Published: July 2020

On the basis of the experimental results in depositing strips of molten metal onto AISI 304 steel using the D-optimal plan of the experiment and processing of the got results, regression equations were obtained describing the dependence of the bead width and the penetration depth depending on the welding speed and the value of the welding current. In parallel, a regression equation is obtained connecting the arc voltage and the welding current.
Comparative analysis of sorption characteristics of Bulgarian grape seeds and flours and flakes produced by them
Authors: Durakova A G , Bogoeva A L , Krasteva A P , Temelkova M L
Published: July 2020

The present paper contains a comparative characteristics of results obtained from statics of the sorption characteristics of grape seeds and biologically active products obtained from them - full-fatted flour, defatted flour and full-fatted flakes. The statics of the sorption processes is conducted for three temperatures - 10°C, 25°C and 40°C and eight water activities in the range from 0.112 to 0.868. For all of the examined products the temperature rise leads to a decrease of their sorption capacity. For the description of the equilibrium curves of the examined products the three parametric modified models of Oswin, Halsey, Henderson, Chung-Pfost are used. By the method of the smallest squares, using a programme for nonlinear regression “Statistics”, the coefficients of the used models are calculated, as on the basis of universally used criteria of suitability, a relevant model is recommended for each of the four Bulgarian products. The calculation of the values of the monolayer moisture content (MMC) in water activities below 0.5 is done through linearization of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) model. The obtained results for MMC vary within the range from 2.34% to 4.96% dry substance (d.b.) for the processes of adsorption and desorption.
Application machining robots in processing operations
Authors: Guergov S , Nikolova N G , Stefanov G
Published: July 2020

An approach for the realization of various technological operations (drilling, milling, boring, grinding, etc.) on the basis of a specially designed execution technological system and an industrial robot has been developed. In the end effector of it, instead of a complex and large-sized tool turret, the workpiece is established. The method of producing geometrical surfaces of the workpiece is through the following formative motions: the feed motions are performed by the robot and the primary cutting motions by the tools, which are clamping in the turrets of the technological modules.
Modeling and study of a novel electrothermal oscillator based on shape memory alloys
Authors: Mitrev R P , Atamas E I , Goncharov O I , Todorov T S , Iatcheva I I
Published: July 2020

The paper deals with mathematical modelling and experimental investigation of a novel electrothermal oscillator based on Shape Memory Alloys (SMA). The operation of the oscillator is based on a heated by DC electric current SMA wire, mounted with a pre-tension between the free ends of two symmetrically arranged cantilever beams. Crystallographic changes in the SMA wire, consisting in the transition between austenitic and martensitic phases due to the periodic heating and cooling, lead to its intermittent shortening and stretching and thus mechanical and electrical vibrations are generated. The mathematical model of the system is derived using Lagrange-Maxwell formalism, Joule–Lenz law and Newton’s law of cooling. Simulation results show two types of periodic motion – the first one with low frequency is due to the temperature variation in the wire and the second one is with much more higher frequency and is due to the mass and elastic properties of the system. Experimental validation of the mathematical model shows its suitability for description of the considered system dynamic behaviour.
Effect of P modifiers, SiC nanomodifiers and combinations them on the structure of a hypereutectic aluminum-silicon AlSi18 alloy
Authors: Panov Iv , Dochev B , Manolov V , Velikov A , Dyakova V , Kuzmanov P
Published: July 2020

Introduction. Studies have been carried out with the following types of an aluminum-silicon AlSi18 alloy: unmodified, modified by a standard P modifier, modified by a SiC nanomodifier, and modified by a combination of both types if modifiers. The paper discusses the influence of the different types of modifiers and the combination of them on the shape and size of the primary Si crystals and their distribution in the structure of the alloy, as well as on the shape and size of the Si crystals in the eutectic composition.
Influence of a P modifier, a nanosized SiC modifier, and a combination of them on the mechanical properties of a hypereutectic aluminium-silicon alloy AlSi18
Authors: Panov Iv , Dochev B , Manolov V , Velikov A , Dyakova V , Kuzmanov P
Published: July 2020

Introduction. The hypereutectic aluminium-silicon alloy AlSi18 has been modified by: a standard P modifier, introduced into the melt by means of the ligature CuP 0,4wt.%; a nanomodifier SiC 0,1wt.%; and a combination of these two. The influence of the different types of modifiers and their combination on the mechanical propertis of the alloy has been discussed. The mechanical properties of an unmodified AlSi18 alloy have been used as basic data to compare the obtained results with.
The influence of magnesium alloy AE42 test specimens deformation magnitude on their microstructure
Authors: Marcheva Y , Loukaycheva M , Tsonev V , Dimova B
Published: July 2020

It is known that the properties of metals and their alloys depend on their microstructure. An important aspect of microstructure study is the ability to predict the properties and the behavior of the material in the process of its exploitation taking into account determined structural changes and their relationship with the material properties. The goal of this work is to study the effect of the magnitude of the plastic deformation on the microstructure of magnesium alloy AE42 test specimens. This paper describes the actions to get test specimens with various magnitude of residual deformation. The microstructure of those test specimens is studied. The gathered results are discussed.
Diffusion of innovation in the Bulgarian dairy industry
Authors: Nikolova-Alexieva Valentina , Krasteva Irina
Published: July 2020

This report presents a study of the factors that influence the diffusion of innovation in Bulgarian dairy businesses. Maintaining high innovation activity and positive innovation potential is the result of the effective functioning of the innovation system. The different types, functions and factors, prerequisites and mechanisms for implementing the process of innovation diffusion are explored. It is proved that the efficiency of investment is determined by external factors, primarily by the level of economic concentration of the market of innovative products. As a results the external factors have a relatively greater impact on the economic efficiency of investing in innovation and and hence a significant direct impact on the diffusion of innovation in the dairy industry. The «highest» level of correlation is determined with the factor of economic concentration of the industry and the market of innovation project.
Why do Bulgarian wine producers innovate?
Authors: Pastarmadzhieva D , Angelova M
Published: July 2020

The positive effects of the innovations on the performance of the companies is inevitable. However, these effects can be numerous and it is important the entrepreneurs to be aware what they can expect. Thus, the aim of the current study is to identify the results, expected by the Bulgarian wine producers from the application of innovations and if their choice is associated to some factors. The object of the study is Bulgarian SMEs wine producers. The focus is their opinion as regards the expected results from the application of innovations. The results are obtained through survey, conducted from December 2019 to January 2020. The results show that the most expected results by the Bulgarian wine producers are the increase of competitiveness and efficiency of their enterprises.
Process mining in support of technological readiness level assessment
Authors: Markovska Veneta , Kabaivanov Stanimir
Published: July 2020

We develop a framework for assessing technological readiness level using available data on business processes. By constructing a network of actors and linking process steps together it is possible to estimate the complexity of organizational structure, examine the bottlenecks and analyse whether advantages of available technology are fully utilized. Using publicly available data on business event logs we also test an automated process mining procedure and suggest a measurement to link our results to the TRL.
Opportunities for process reengineering in Bulgarian bread production (a case study)
Authors: Damyanova-Bakardzhieva Magdalena
Published: July 2020

The aim of this paper is to outline the importance of business process reengineering and to prove that it could have great effects on the manufacturing industry. Sustainability becomes an important factor in production and the issue of energy efficiency is examined in the paper. The research is conducted in a bread producing factory. After reengineering, the company achieves better performance, cost minimization, increase in production and a significant energy efficiency improvement.
Enhancing the critical temperature of strained Niobium films
Authors: Choi Joonyoung , Kim Young-Kyoung , Kim Chang-Duk , Kim Sooran , Jo Younjung
Published: July 2020

The study of the high critical temperature (T
c) of hydrogen compounds under high pressure has resulted in a considerable focus on Bardeen–Cooper–Schrieffer superconductors. Nb has the highest T
c among the elemental metals at ambient pressure, so reviewing Nb films again is worthwhile. In this study, we investigated the factors that determine the T
c of Nb films by strain introduction and carrier doping. We deposited Nb films of various thicknesses onto Si substrates and evaluated the T
c variation with thickness. In-plane compressive strain in the (110) plane due to residual stress reduced the T
c. First-principles calculations showed that adjusting the density of states at the Fermi level is key for both strain-induced suppression and doping-induced enhancement of the Nb T
c. The application of hydrostatic pressure compensated for the intrinsic strain of the film and increased its T
c, which could also be enhanced by increasing the hole concentration with an electric double-layer transistor. A liquid electrolyte should be used as a pressure medium for applying hydrostatic pressure to increase the T
c of correlated materials, where this increase results from changes in material structure and carrier concentration.
Influence of pore size on the plastic deformation of c-axis-compressed magnesium single crystals
Authors: Xue Chun , Wang Huan-zhu , Chu Zhi-bing , Li Yu-Gui , Gui Hai-lian
Published: July 2020

The molecular dynamics method is used to establish a single crystal model of magnesium with different void sizes. Uniaxial compression along the c-axis is carried out at 300 K. Combined with the stress–strain curve, potential energy curve and dislocation density curve of the four models, the compression mechanical energy and structural evolution process of a single crystal of magnesium with different hole sizes are analysed. Results show that when the radius of the single spherical void is large, the elastic modulus is small, the yield stress is low, the potential energy value is large, and the absolute value is small, such conditions facilitate deformation. When the hole radius is small, complete closure under c-axis compression requires minimal time and deformation.
A classification of finite locally 2-transitive generalized quadrangles
Authors: Bamberg John , Li Cai Heng , Swartz Eric
Published: July 2020

Ostrom and Wagner (1959) proved that if the automorphism group

G
G

of a finite projective plane

π
\pi

acts

2
2

-transitively on the points of

π
\pi

, then

π
\pi

is isomorphic to the Desarguesian projective plane and

G
G

is isomorphic to

P

Γ

L

(
3
,
q
)

\mathrm {P} \Gamma \mathrm {L}(3,q)

(for some prime-power

q
q

). In the more general case of a finite rank

2
2

irreducible spherical building, also known as a generalized polygon, the theorem of Fong and Seitz (1973) gave a classification of the Moufang examples. A conjecture of Kantor, made in print in 1991, says that there are only two non-classical examples of flag-transitive generalized quadrangles up to duality. Recently, the authors made progress toward this conjecture by classifying those finite generalized quadrangles which have an automorphism group

G
G

acting transitively on antiflags. In this paper, we take this classification much further by weakening the hypothesis to

G
G

being transitive on ordered pairs of collinear points and ordered pairs of concurrent lines.
Scribble, Lgl1, and myosin II form a complex in vivo to promote directed cell migration
Authors: Abedrabbo Maha , Ravid Shoshana
Published: July 2020

Here we show that Scribble (Scrib), Lethal giant larvae 1 (Lgl1), and myosin II form a complex in vivo and colocalize at the cell leading edge of migrating cells, and this colocalization is interdependent. Scrib and Lgl1 are required for proper cell adhesion, polarity, and migration.
WAVE1 and WAVE2 have distinct and overlapping roles in controlling actin assembly at the leading edge
Authors: Tang Qing , Schaks Matthias , Koundinya Neha , Yang Changsong , Pollard Luther W. , Svitkina Tatyana M. , Rottner Klemens , Goode Bruce L.
Published: July 2020

This study shows that WAVE1 and WAVE2 have redundant roles as actin nucleation-promoting factors (NPFs) in promoting lamellipodia formation, but also unique and nonoverlapping roles in controlling the rate of actin network extension, with WAVE2 promoting and WAVE1 restricting growth.
Earlier life leisure-time physical activity in relation to age-related frailty syndrome
Authors: Kolehmainen Laura , Havulinna Satu , Ngandu Tiia , Strandberg Timo , Levälahti Esko , Lehtisalo Jenni , Antikainen Riitta , Hietikko Elina , Peltonen Markku , Pölönen Auli , Soininen Hilkka , Tuomilehto Jaakko , Laatikainen Tiina , Rauramaa Rainer , Kivipelto Miia , Kulmala Jenni
Published: July 2020

Background

frailty syndrome is common amongst older people. Low physical activity is part of frailty, but long-term prospective studies investigating leisure-time physical activity (LTPA) during the life course as a predictor of frailty are still warranted. The aim of this study is to investigate whether earlier life LTPA predicts frailty in older age.

Methods

the Finnish Geriatric Intervention Study to Prevent Cognitive Impairment and Disability (FINGER) included older adults (aged 60–77 years) from the general population who were at increased risk of cognitive decline. Frailty was assessed for 1,137 participants at a baseline visit using a modified version of Fried’s phenotype, including five criteria: weight loss, exhaustion, weakness, slowness and low physical activity. Self-reported data on earlier life LTPA were available from previous population-based studies (average follow-up time 13.6 years). A binomial logistic regression analysis was used to investigate the association between earlier life LTPA and pre-frailty/frailty in older age.

Results

the prevalence of frailty and pre-frailty was 0.8% and 27.3%, respectively. In the analyses, pre-frail and frail groups were combined. People who had been physically very active (OR 0.37, 95% CI 0.23–0.60) or moderately active (OR 0.45, 95% CI 0.32–0.65) earlier in life had lower odds of becoming pre-frail/frail than individuals who had been sedentary.

Conclusions

frailty was rare in this relatively healthy study population, but almost a third of the participants were pre-frail. Earlier life LTPA was associated with lower levels of pre-frailty/frailty. The results highlight the importance of physical activity when aiming to promote healthy old age.
Sexual satisfaction of middle-aged and older adults: longitudinal findings from a nationally representative sample
Authors: Buczak-Stec Elżbieta , König Hans-Helmut , Hajek André
Published: July 2020

Background

whilst previous studies have investigated the determinants of sexual satisfaction (i) using longitudinal data or (ii) among older adults, only a few studies have done both at the sametime.

Objective

the purpose of this study was to investigate the determinants of sexual satisfaction longitudinally among middle-aged and older adults.

Design

nationally representative longitudinal study (German Ageing Survey—DEAS).

Setting

community-dwelling individuals in Germany. Data drawn from three waves (2002, 2008, 2011).

Subjects

individuals aged 40–95 (36.9% age group 65+). At wave 2 in the year 2002, n = 3,843 individuals took part.

Methods

well-established and widely used scales were used to quantify the independent variables. We included variables such as sociodemographic factors, self-rated health, physical functioning, depression and loneliness in our analysis. Sexual satisfaction was our outcome measure. Results were stratified by age (40–64, 65+). To take into account the multilevel data structure, we used random coefficient models.

Results

random-effects regressions showed that increased sexual satisfaction was consistently associated with the following variables in both age groups: lower number of physical illnesses, β = −0.03, P < 0.001 (betas coefficients given for individuals 65 years and over); better self-rated health, β = −0.06, P < 0.001; absence of depression, β = −0.16, P < 0.01; and higher importance of sexuality and intimacy, β = 0.08, P < 0.001. Moreover, sexual satisfaction was associated with having a partner: β = 0.16, P < 0.001; living with a partner in the same household, β = 0.26, P < 0.001; and a lower score of loneliness, β = −.28, P < 0.001. In contrast, sexual satisfaction was, for example, not associated with cognitive functioning.

Conclusions

the most surprising findings were that among both middle-aged and older adults, almost the same determinants (with exception of sociodemographic factors) were associated with satisfaction with sexlife.
TERL: classification of transposable elements by convolutional neural networks
Authors: da Cruz Murilo Horacio Pereira , Domingues Douglas Silva , Saito Priscila Tiemi Maeda , Paschoal Alexandre Rossi , Bugatti Pedro Henrique
Published: July 2020

Transposable elements (TEs) are the most represented sequences occurring in eukaryotic genomes. Few methods provide the classification of these sequences into deeper levels, such as superfamily level, which could provide useful and detailed information about these sequences. Most methods that classify TE sequences use handcrafted features such as k-mers and homology-based search, which could be inefficient for classifying non-homologous sequences. Here we propose an approach, called transposable elements pepresentation learner (TERL), that preprocesses and transforms one-dimensional sequences into two-dimensional space data (i.e., image-like data of the sequences) and apply it to deep convolutional neural networks. This classification method tries to learn the best representation of the input data to classify it correctly. We have conducted six experiments to test the performance of TERL against other methods. Our approach obtained macro mean accuracies and F1-score of 96.4% and 85.8% for superfamilies and 95.7% and 91.5% for the order sequences from RepBase, respectively. We have also obtained macro mean accuracies and F1-score of 95.0% and 70.6% for sequences from seven databases into superfamily level and 89.3% and 73.9% for the order level, respectively. We surpassed accuracy, recall and specificity obtained by other methods on the experiment with the classification of order level sequences from seven databases and surpassed by far the time elapsed of any other method for all experiments. Therefore, TERL can learn how to predict any hierarchical level of the TEs classification system and is about 20 times and three orders of magnitude faster than TEclass and PASTEC, respectively https://github.com/muriloHoracio/TERL. Contact:murilocruz@alunos.utfpr.edu.br
PAMOGK: a pathway graph kernel-based multiomics approach for patient clustering
Authors: Tepeli Yasin Ilkagan , Ünal Ali Burak , Akdemir Furkan Mustafa , Tastan Oznur
Published: July 2020

Motivation

Accurate classification of patients into molecular subgroups is critical for the development of effective therapeutics and for deciphering what drives these subgroups to cancer. The availability of multiomics data catalogs for large cohorts of cancer patients provides multiple views into the molecular biology of the tumors with unprecedented resolution.

Results

We develop Pathway-based MultiOmic Graph Kernel clustering (PAMOGK) that integrates multiomics patient data with existing biological knowledge on pathways. We develop a novel graph kernel that evaluates patient similarities based on a single molecular alteration type in the context of a pathway. To corroborate multiple views of patients evaluated by hundreds of pathways and molecular alteration combinations, we use multiview kernel clustering. Applying PAMOGK to kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) patients results in four clusters with significantly different survival times (P-value =1.24e−11). When we compare PAMOGK to eight other state-of-the-art multiomics clustering methods, PAMOGK consistently outperforms these in terms of its ability to partition KIRC patients into groups with different survival distributions. The discovered patient subgroups also differ with respect to other clinical parameters such as tumor stage and grade, and primary tumor and metastasis tumor spreads. The pathways identified as important are highly relevant to KIRC.

Availability and implementation

github.com/tastanlab/pamogk.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.
FANCY: fast estimation of privacy risk in functional genomics data
Authors: Gürsoy Gamze , Brannon Charlotte M , Navarro Fabio C P , Gerstein Mark
Published: July 2020

Motivation

Functional genomics data are becoming clinically actionable, raising privacy concerns. However, quantifying privacy leakage via genotyping is difficult due to the heterogeneous nature of sequencing techniques. Thus, we present FANCY, a tool that rapidly estimates the number of leaking variants from raw RNA-Seq, ATAC-Seq and ChIP-Seq reads, without explicit genotyping. FANCY employs supervised regression using overall sequencing statistics as features and provides an estimate of the overall privacy risk before data release.

Results

FANCY can predict the cumulative number of leaking SNVs with an average 0.95 R2 for all independent test sets. We realize the importance of accurate prediction when the number of leaked variants is low. Thus, we develop a special version of the model, which can make predictions with higher accuracy when the number of leaking variants is low.

Availability and implementation

A python and MATLAB implementation of FANCY, as well as custom scripts to generate the features can be found at https://github.com/gersteinlab/FANCY. We also provide jupyter notebooks so that users can optimize the parameters in the regression model based on their own data. An easy-to-use webserver that takes inputs and displays results can be found at fancy.gersteinlab.org.

Supplementary information

Supplementary data are available at Bioinformatics online.