bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationship Between PET-Assessed Amyloid Burden and Visual and Verbal Episodic Memory Performance in Elderly Subjects
Authors: Squarzoni Paula , Faria Daniele de Paula , Yassuda Mônica Sanches , Porto Fábio Henrique de Gobbi , Coutinho Artur Martins , Costa Naomi Antunes da , Nitrini Ricardo , Forlenza Orestes Vicente , Duran Fabio Luiz de Souza , Brucki Sonia Maria Dozzi , Buchpiguel Carlos Alberto , Busatto Geraldo F.
Published: September 2020

Background: Studies of elderly subjects using biomarkers that are proxies for Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathology have the potential to document meaningful relationships between cognitive performance and biomarker changes along the AD continuum. Objective: To document cognitive performance differences across distinct AD stages using a categorization based on the presence of PET-assessed amyloid-β (Aβ) burden and neurodegeneration. Methods: Patients with mild dementia compatible with AD (n = 38) or amnestic mild cognitive impairment (aMCI; n = 43) and a cognitively unimpaired group (n = 27) underwent PET with Pittsburgh compound-B (PiB) assessing Aβ aggregation (A+) and [18F]FDG-PET assessing neurodegeneration ((N)+). Cognitive performance was assessed with verbal and visual episodic memory tests and the Mini-Mental State Examination. Results: The A+(N)+ subgroup (n = 32) showed decreased (p < 0.001) cognitive test scores compared to both A+(N)–(n = 18) and A–(N)–(n = 49) subjects, who presented highly similar mean cognitive scores. Despite its modest size (n = 9), the A–(N)+ subgroup showed lower (p < 0.043) verbal memory scores relative to A–(N)–subjects, and trend lower (p = 0.096) scores relative to A+(N)–subjects. Continuous Aβ measures (standard uptake value ratios of PiB uptake) were correlated most significantly with visual memory scores both in the overall sample and when analyses were restricted to dementia or (N)+ subjects, but not in non-dementia or (N)–groups. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that significant Aβ-cognition relationships are highly salient at disease stages involving neurodegeneration. The fact that findings relating Aβ burden to memory performance were detected only at (N)+ stages, together with the similarity of test scores between A+(N)–and A–(N)–subjects, reinforce the view that Aβ-cognition relationships during early AD stages may remain undetectable unless substantially large samples are evaluated.
Melatonin treatment improves the shelf-life and postharvest quality of table grape (Vitis labrusca L. cv. ‘Fengzao’)
Authors: Sun Ya-Dan , Guo Da-Long , Yang Sheng-Di , Zhang He-Cheng , Wang Lei-Lei , Min-Li  , Yu Yi-He
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Melatonin (MT) is an endogenous indoleamine that regulates senescence progression and stress response in plants. OBJECTIVE: Here, we investigated the effect of MT on the shelf-life and postharvest quality of table grapes (Vitis labrusca L. cv. ‘Fengzao’). METHODS: After harvesting, ‘Fengzao’ grapes were immersed in MT solution at various concentrations (0 [as control], 0.05, 0.1, 0.5 and 1.0 mM for 2 h and stored at 24±1 for 15 days. Physiological indicators including weight loss rate, firmness, contents of total soluble solids (TSSs), ascorbic acid (AsA), malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and activities of catalase (CAT), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were investigated. Additionally, the DNA methylation rate of ‘Fengzao’ grapes were measured using the methylation-sensitive amplification polymorphism (MSAP) technique. RESULTS: Application of MT effectively delayed grape senescence in all treatment groups compared with the control, with the longest delay observed in the 0.5 mM treatment. Additionally, the rate of DNA methylation decreased in all the 0.5 mM MT treatment groups, indicating a potential role of MT in demethylation. CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that the exogenous application of MT can delay the senescence of grapes during postharvest.
Approximation of 3D convection diffusion equation using DQM based on modified cubic trigonometric B-splines
Authors: Tamsir Mohammad , Dhiman Neeraj , Gill F.S. , Robin
Published: September 2020

This paper presents an approximate solution of 3D convection diffusion equation (CDE) using DQM based on modified cubic trigonometric B-spline (CTB) basis functions. The DQM based on CTB basis functions is used to integrate the derivatives of space variables which transformed the CDE into the system of first order ODEs. The resultant system of ODEs is solved using SSPRK (5,4) method. The solutions are approximated numerically and also presented graphically. The accuracy and efficiency of the method are validated by comparing the solutions with existing numerical solutions. The stability analysis of the method is also carried out.
The D1/D5 Dopamine Partial Agonist PF-06412562 in Advanced-Stage Parkinson’s Disease: A Feasibility Study
Authors: Huang Xuemei , Lewis Mechelle M. , Van Scoy Lauren Jodi , De Jesus Sol , Eslinger Paul J. , Arnold Amy C. , Miller Amanda J. , Fernandez-Mendoza Julio , Snyder Bethany , Harrington William , Kong Lan , Wang Xi , Sun Dongxiao , Delnomdedieu Marielle , Duvvuri Sridhar , Mahoney Susan E. , Gray David L. , Mailman Richard B.
Published: September 2020

Background: Current drug treatments have little efficacy in advanced-to-end-stage Parkinson’s disease (advPD), yet there are no reports of interventional trials in advPD. D1 dopamine agonists have the potential to provide benefit. Objective: To determine the feasibility and safety of the selective D1/D5 dopamine partial agonist PF 06412562 in advPD. Methods: A two-week, randomized, double blind, crossover phase Ib study in advPD patients compared standard-of-care (SoC) carbidopa/levodopa with PF 06412562. Each week, there was a Day 1 baseline evaluation with overnight levodopa washout, then treatment on Days 2 and 3 with either SoC or PF-06412562 (split dose 25 + 20 mg), followed by discharge on Day 4. Primary endpoints were safety and tolerability. Secondary endpoints were global clinical impression of change (GCI-C) rated by clinicians and caregivers. Results: Eight advPD patients and their caregivers consented to participate and six were randomized (average disease duration: 22 y). None withdrew voluntarily. One participant with baseline Day 1 dehydration, pre-renal kidney injury, and autonomic dysfunction experienced symptomatic and serious hypotension after receiving PF-06412562 in Week 1 and was discontinued from the study. All other adverse events were rated mild (PF-06412562: n = 1, SoC: n = 0), moderate (PF-06412562: n = 1, SoC: n = 1), or severe but non-serious (PF-06412562: n = 3, SoC: n = 2). No clinically meaningful laboratory changes were observed. Among the five participants who completed the study, GCI-C favored PF-06412562 in two per clinicians’ and four participants per caregivers’ rating. Conclusion: PF-06412562 was tolerated in advPD patients. This study provides the feasibility for future safety and efficacy studies in this population with unmet needs.
Parkinsonism as a Third Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic?
Authors: Beauchamp Leah C. , Finkelstein David I. , Bush Ashley I. , Evans Andrew H. , Barnham Kevin J.
Published: September 2020

Since the initial reports of COVID-19 in December 2019, the world has been gripped by the disastrous acute respiratory disease caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. There are an ever-increasing number of reports of neurological symptoms in patients, from severe (encephalitis), to mild (hyposmia), suggesting the potential for neurotropism of SARS-CoV-2. This Perspective investigates the hypothesis that the reliance on self-reporting of hyposmia has resulted in an underestimation of neurological symptoms in COVID-19 patients. While the acute effect of the virus on the nervous system function is vastly overshadowed by the respiratory effects, we propose that it will be important to monitor convalescent individuals for potential long-term implications that may include neurodegenerative sequelae such as viral-associated parkinsonism. As it is possible to identify premorbid harbingers of Parkinson’s disease, we propose long-term screening of SARS-CoV-2 cases post-recovery for these expressions of neurodegenerative disease. An accurate understanding of the incidence of neurological complications in COVID-19 requires long-term monitoring for sequelae after remission and a strategized health policy to ensure healthcare systems all over the world are prepared for a third wave of the virus in the form of parkinsonism.
Functional pain disorders – more than nociplastic pain
Authors: Popkirov Stoyan , Enax-Krumova Elena K. , Mainka Tina , Hoheisel Matthias , Hausteiner-Wiehle Constanze
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Nociplastic pain has been recently introduced as a third mechanistic descriptor of pain arising primarily from alterations of neural processing, in contrast to pain due to tissue damage leading to nociceptor activation (nociceptive) or due to lesion or disease of the somatosensory nervous system (neuropathic). It is characterized by hyperalgesia and allodynia, inconsistency and reversibility, as well as dynamic cross-system interactions with biological and psychobehavioral factors. Along with this renewed understanding, functional pain disorders, also classified as chronic primary pain, are being reframed as biopsychosocial conditions that benefit from multimodal treatment. OBJECTIVE: To summarize the current understanding of nociplastic pain and functional pain disorders, with a focus on conditions that are common in neurology practice. METHODS: This was a narrative literature review. RESULTS: Chronic back pain, fibromyalgia syndrome and complex regional pain syndrome are best understood within a biopsychosocial framework of pain perception that considers structural factors (predispositions and sequelae) and psychobehavioral mechanisms. Although pain is often the primary complaint, it should not be the only focus of treatment, as accompanying symptoms such as sleep or mood problems can significantly impact quality of life and offer useful leverage points for multimodal treatment. Analgesic pharmacotherapy is rarely helpful on its own, and should always be imbedded in a multidisciplinary setting.
Short stature and the effect of human growth hormone: Guidelines for the care of people with spina bifida
Authors: O’Neil Joseph , Fuqua John S.
Published: September 2020

It is estimated that a significant percentage of individuals with spina bifida (SB) are shorter than their age-matched typical peers. Parents of children with spina bifida may ask if human growth hormone is appropriate for their child. This article discusses short stature and the use of human growth hormone among children with SB. This guideline was developed for SB Healthcare Guidelines from the 2018 Spina Bifida Association’s Fourth Edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida.
Mental health guidelines for the care of people with spina bifida
Authors: Kritikos Tessa K. , Smith Kathryn , Holmbeck Grayson N.
Published: September 2020

Spina bifida’s (SB) impact on cognitive, physical, and psychosocial functioning places individuals at risk for mental health concerns. This article discusses the SB Mental Health Guidelines from the 2018 Spina Bifida Association’s Fourth Edition of the Guidelines for the Care of People with Spina Bifida and reviews evidence-based directions with the intention of helping individuals with SB achieve optimal mental health throughout the lifespan. Guidelines address clinical questions pertaining to the psychosocial impact of SB on mental health and adaptation, domains of mental health that are affected in individuals with SB, areas of resilience, common maladaptive behaviors that may impact people with SB, and resources or practices that are helpful in mitigating mental health issues in this population. Gaps in the research and future directions are discussed.
The estimated parameter of logistic regression model by Markov Chain Monte Carlo method with multicollinearity
Authors: Araveeporn Autcha , Klomwises Yuwadee
Published: September 2020

Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) method has been a popular method for getting information about probability distribution for estimating posterior distribution by Gibbs sampling. So far, the standard methods such as maximum likelihood and logistic ridge regression methods have represented to compare with MCMC. The maximum likelihood method is the classical method to estimate the parameter on the logistic regression model by differential the loglikelihood function on the estimator. The logistic ridge regression depends on the choice of ridge parameter by using crossvalidation for computing estimator on penalty function. This paper provides maximum likelihood, logistic ridge regression, and MCMC to estimate parameter on logit function and transforms into a probability. The logistic regression model predicts the probability to observe a phenomenon. The prediction accuracy evaluates in terms of the percentage with correct predictions of a binary event. A simulation study conducts a binary response variable by using 2, 4, and 6 explanatory variables, which are generated from multivariate normal distribution on the positive and negative correlation coefficient or called multicollinearity problem. The criterion of these methods is to compare by a maximum of predictive accuracy. The outcomes find that MCMC satisfies all situations.
Runners, repeaters, strangers and aliens: Operationalising efficient output disclosure control
Authors: Alves Kyle , Ritchie Felix
Published: September 2020

Statistical agencies and other government bodies increasingly use secure remote research facilities to provide access to sensitive data for research and analysis by internal staff and third parties. Such facilities depend on human intervention to ensure that the research outputs do not breach statistical disclosure control (SDC) rules. Output SDC can be principles-based, rules-based, or something in between. Principles-based is often seen as the gold standard statistically, as it improves both confidentiality protection and utility of outputs. However, some agencies are concerned that the operational requirements are too onerous for practical implementation, despite these statistical advantages. This paper argues that the choice of output checking procedure should be seen through an operational lens, rather than a statistical one. We take a popular conceptualisation of customer demand from the operations management literature and apply it to the problem of output checking. We demonstrate that principles-based output SDC addresses user and agency requirements more effectively than other approaches, and in a way which encourages user buy-in to the process. We also demonstrate how the principles-based approach aligns better with the statistical and staffing needs of the agency.
Modeling execution techniques of inscriptions1
Authors: Liuzzo Pietro Maria , Evangelisti Silvia
Published: September 2020

The paper discusses a small ontology to describe the features of the execution techniques of inscriptions, based on a recent contribution discussing the classification methodologies. The modeling is done on the basis of existing recent attempts to model epigraphic documents and not on a general evaluation of existing ontologies. The ontology described is used in parallel to enrich and further structure the EAGLE Vocabularies for Execution Technique, which uses SKOS, with possibly immediate impact on the many projects using the concepts contained there.
Improving patient waiting time of centralized front office service in a regional hub hospital using the discrete event simulation model
Authors: Cocchi D. , Ciagli E. , Ancora A. , Tortoli P. , Carpini C. , Cirone D. , Rossi E. , Frosini F. , Vezzosi S.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Today, hospital rankings are based not only on basic clinical indicators, but even on quality service indicators such as patient waiting times. Improving these indicators is a very important issue for hospital management, so finding a solution to achieve it in a simple and effective way is one of the greatest goals. OBJECTIVES: The aim of this article is to evaluate the use of a discrete event simulation model to improve healthcare processes and reduce waiting time of patients and hospital costs. METHODS: The case study proposed in this paper is the reorganization of non-clinical front office operation for the patients (i.e. booking of exams, delivering medical reports, etc.) of the Careggi University Hospital of Florence, to optimize the utilization of the human resources and to improve performances of the process. RESULTS: The development and validation of the model was made according to an analysis of real processes and data, pre and post implementation of model outcomes. The new organization shows a decrease of waiting times from an average value of 10 minutes and 37 seconds to 5 minutes and 57 seconds (-44%). CONCLUSIONS: This paper shows that discrete event simulation could be a precise, cost-limited tool to optimize hospital processes and performance.
Synchrosqueezing with short-time fourier transform method for trinary frequency shift keying encoded SSVEP
Authors: Zhao Dechun , Li Xiaoxiang , Hou Xiaorong , Feng Mingyang , Jiang Renping
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: The frequencies that can evoke strong steady state visual evoked potentials (SSVEP) are limited, which leads to brain-computer interface (BCI) instruction limitation in the current SSVEP-BCI. To solve this problem, the visual stimulus signal modulated by trinary frequency shift keying was introduced. OBJECTIVE: The main purpose of this paper is to find a more reliable recognition algorithm for SSVEP-BCI based on trinary frequency shift keying modulated stimuli. METHODS: First, the signal modulated by trinary frequency shift keying is simulated by MATLAB. At different noise levels, the empirical mode decomposition, singular value decomposition, and synchrosqueezing with the short-time Fourier transform are used to extract the characteristic frequency and reconstruct the signal. Then, the coherent method is used to demodulate the reconstructed signal. Second, in the paradigm of BCI using trinary frequency shift keying modulated stimuli, the three methods mentioned above are used to reconstruct EEG signals, and canonical correlation analysis and coherent demodulation are used to recognize the BCI instructions. RESULTS: For simulated signals, it is found that synchrosqueezing with short-time Fourier transform has a better effect on extracting the characteristic frequencies. For the EEG signal, it is found that the method combining synchrosqueezing with short-time Fourier transform and coherent demodulation has a higher accuracy and information translate rate than other methods. CONCLUSION: The method combining synchrosqueezing with short-time Fourier transform and coherent demodulation proposed in this paper can be applied in the SSVEP system based on trinary frequency shift keying modulated stimuli.
Personal, health and function, and career maintenance factors as determinants of quality of life among employed people with multiple sclerosis
Authors: Rumrill Phillip , Li Jian , Strauser David , Roessler Richard T. , Bishop Malachy , Chan Fong , Adams Chithra , Leslie Mykal
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an intrusive disease that significantly affects labor force participation. OBJECTIVE: This study examined the extent to which factors at the personal, health and function, and environmental/career maintenance levels contribute to the predictability power for quality of life among employed people with MS. METHOD: Participants consisted of 523 members of nine National Multiple Sclerosis Society chapters representing 21 states and Washington, DC. These individuals were employed at the time of the survey, and they were primarily middle age (average age of 48 years) and Caucasian (74%). RESULTS: The final hierarchical multiple regression model explained 54 percent of the variability in participants’ quality of life scores, although none of the hypothesized personal/demographic predictors were significant. Participants who perceived better overall health and lower levels of stress, who experienced less severe cognitive and mobility-related MS symptoms, and who expressed stronger job-person matches and higher levels of job satisfaction reported higher quality of life scores than did other participants. CONCLUSIONS: The findings underscore the complexity involved in predicting perceived quality of life among employed people with MS. Implications of these findings for future research and clinical practice are discussed.
Development and implementation of a logic model: Occupational stress, physical activity, and sedentary behavior in the workplace1
Authors: Taylor Wendell C. , Das Bhibha M. , Paxton Raheem J. , Shegog Ross , Suminski Richard R. , Johnson Stephanie R. , Akintola Omotola A. , Hammad Asmaa , Guidry Monica K.
Published: September 2020

BACKGROUND: An increasing level of occupational stress is a major problem in the workplace that requires innovative approaches and strategies. An understudied research area pertains to the effects that physical activity performed during the workday can have on occupational stress. OBJECTIVE: To determine if and how an intervention that increases physical activity and reduces sedentary behavior affects workplace stress. The population of interest are employees at a large university medical center including support staff, healthcare professionals, physicians, and faculty members; the study design is longitudinal; the approach is the implementation of an innovative workplace program (i.e., the Booster Break). METHODS: We present a logic model promoting physical activity and reducing sitting time during the workday as a feasible and practical strategy to cope with occupational stress. RESULTS: The logic model approach emphasizes that funding, partnerships, and incentives are inputs to implementing program activities such as Booster Break sessions, weekly meetings, social support, and personal self-monitoring. Short-term outcomes were categorized as psychosocial, goal setting, organizational, and social; intermediate outcomes were behavioral and psychosocial; and long-term outcomes were health status and physiological status. CONCLUSIONS: This study is the first known effort to outline a comprehensive intervention based on changing physical activity and sedentary behavior during the workday and the concomitant effects on occupational stress. The findings of this study can be used to develop and implement interventions at workplaces to target increases in physical activity, decreases in sedentary time, and improvements in overall employee health.
Pengaruh Mediasi Solvabilitas Dalam Hubungan Antara Struktur Modal Dan Return On Equity
Authors: Naibaho Febri Andrian Lowel , Hutabarat Francis
Published: September 2020

Penelitian berikut ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui apakah variable (X) capital structure, dan solvability memiliki pengaruh signifikan atau tidak dengan variable (Y) ROE. Hasil uji signifikan menunjukkan bahwa pada model 1 tidak mempunyai pengaruh yang signifikan dari Capital Structure terhadap ROE. Hal ini dapat kita lihat dari nilai F-test 1.799 dan nilai significant 0.188 pada ? = 5%. Sedangkan pada model 2, didapati bahwa dengan adanya mediasi Solvability maka didapati pengaruh Capital Structure, Solvability terhadap Return on Equity adalah significant dengan tingkat signifikan 0.000 pada ? = 5% dengan F-test 37.620. Hasil uji signifikan menunjukkan bahwa diantara keempat variable independen maka terlihat bahwa pada model 1 tidak ada pengaruh signifikan pada variable Capital Structure terhadap Return on Equity dengan nilai signifikan 0.188 pada level signifikan 5%. Sedangkan pada model 2, didapati dengan adanya mediasi Solvability, didapati bahwa Capital Structure dan ROE tetap mempunyai pengaruh yang tidak signifikan yaitu 0.486 pada level signifikan 5%. Dan terkait Solvability dan Return on Equity didapati adanya pengaruh yang signifikan dengan level signifikan 0.000 pada level signifikan 5%. Dengan demikian keberadaan Solvability sepenuhnya memediasi pengaruh Capital Structure dan Return on Equity. Sehingga dapat di simpulkan bahwa capital structure tidak memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap ROE, Sedangkan solvability memiliki pengaruh yang signifikan terhadap ROE.
New records of two uncommon species, Calappa tuerkayana Pastore, 1995 (Decapoda, Calappidae) and Parasquilla ferrussaci (Roux, 1828) (Stomatopoda, Parasquillidae), from the Strait of Sicily (central Mediterranean Sea)
Authors: Sardo G. , Geraci M. L. , Scannella D. , Falsone F. , Vitale S.
Published: September 2020

The shamefaced crab Calappa tuerkayana Pastore, 1995 and the mantis shrimp Parasquilla ferussaci (Roux, 1828) are two crustacean species rarely reported in the Mediterranean Sea. In December 2018, two specimens of C. tuerkayana and one specimen of P. ferussaci were collected on a soft bottom at about 132 and 145 m depth during a trawl survey off Mazara del Vallo harbour (Strait of Sicily). This note reports the northernmost record of C. tuerkayana in the Strait of Sicily and confirms the occurrence of P. ferussaci in the same area. An update of the spatial distribution of these crustacean species in the Mediterranean Sea is also presented.
DAILY DYNAMICS OF SEXUAL HUNTING SIGNS IN COWS AND HEIFERS OF MATING AGE OF DAIRY HERD WITH LOOSE HOUSING
Authors: Tkachov A. , Shahova Y.
Published: September 2020

The article reveals the feasibility of organizing and conducting the selection of cows and heifers by sexual activity for artificial insemination day and night. Revealed for three months in females (n=717): in 600 signs of sexual activity in 0,70 %, 700-19,94 %; 800- 19,25 %; 900 – 9,21 %; from 1000-1200-14.78 %; from 1300-1400- 4.32 %; from 1500-1600-15.2 %; from 1700-1900 – 9,76 %; 2000-6,83 %. It was revealed that most animals had sexual activity in the morning (49.10 %).

In August, 213 heads were studied, of which the signs of sexual activity in 600 had 2.35 %; in 700-14.08 %; in 800 - 11.74 %; in 900 - 8.45; in 1000 decreased to 3.29 %, in 1400 - an increase to 11.74 %; in 1600 - 12.68 %; in 1800 - 13.15% and 2000 - 22.54 %. Round-the-clock monitoring revealed a state of libido, for a period of 0000-400 hours morning 25,00 %, 400-800 – 18,27 %, 800-1200 – 17,34 %, 1200-1600 – 20,19 %, 1600-2000 – 4,81 %, 2000-2400 - 14,42 %. Of the 104 cows identified in the hunt, 62.5 % showed sexual activity in the period from 2000 to 800, and only 37.5 % of cows in the hunt were detected during the working hours of the artificial insemination operator. Also, from 22 heifers, 40.9 % showed signs of sexual activity in the period from 2000 to 800, and 59.09 % showed signs of sexual activity during working hours. Therefore, given the acceleration of physiological processes in the warm season, there are prerequisites for reducing the efficiency of the operator.

In September (an hour later), it was revealed in females (n=270): in 700 - 18.89 %, in 800 - 21.85 %; before 900 there was a decrease to 1000 %; and by 1000 hours - a rapid increase to 27.04 %; by 1400, a decrease to 1.85 %; from 1600 to 2000 - 12.96, 7.04 and 0.37 %, respectively. In October, out of 234 animals in 700, 26.50 % of females showed signs of sexual activity, which is 7.60 more than in September and 12.42 % more than in August; in 800 - 23.08 %; in 900-8.97 %; in 1000, a slight increase to 11.11 % was observed, by 1400 - a decrease to 0.43 % (similar to the previous month); in 1600, 20.09 % were detected, in 1800 - 9.83 %.

So, during the daylight hours, cows and heifers show signs of sexual activity not evenly: the first wave of excitement begins with a sunrise and lasts 4-6 hours, the second begins at 1400-1600 and continues until sunset.

The data obtained indicate that it is advisable to identify cow’s sexual activity both during the day and at night. Such studies should be carried out depending on the time of year: the length of daylight and the temperature of the environment. The conducted research can serve as a basis for compiling the multiplicity of detection of cow’s sexual activity during the day and the mode of their detection libido during working shifts by artificial insemination operators, their assistants and other workers.
PHENOTYPIC CONSOLIDATION COEFFICIENTS OF BIRTH-WEIGHT INDICATORS IN SOWS OF WELSH BREED
Authors: Tsereniuk Aleksandr , Martyniuk Irina , Akimov Aleksandr , Shkavro Natalya , Babicz Marek
Published: September 2020

The aim of the research was to study the effect of sow and boar age on average weight of newly born piglets, considering the season of the year and the age of the animals. The studies were conducted in the research farm of SE “Gontarivka”, Volchansky district, Kharkiv region. Natural breeding of sows is used for reproduction on the farm. The insemination of sows was carried out according to the scheme of studies. 35 head of sows and 4 boars of different ages and live weights were selected. Four groups of sows were formed. In order to study the impact of the season of the year on sow productivity, the first series of studies were conducted in the autumn, the second series - in the spring according to the same scheme.

In different groups of animals, average weight of newly born piglets ranged from 1.10 to 1.21 kg. The average value of this indicator for all sows for both studied seasons was 1.16 kg. The magnitude (for all sows of the period) in winter farrowing was 1.74 % higher than the summer farrowing (for all sows of the period), although the difference between these groups was not probable. Between the sows of different ages, inseminated by boars of different ages, in winter, the higher values were given to young sows that were inseminated by young boars (p<0.01 compared to young sows that were inseminated by full-grown boars). Among the sows of different ages, inseminated by boars of different ages, in the summer, the highest values were middle-aged, which were inseminated by middle-aged boars (p<0.01 compared to young sows in winter, inseminated by full boars and p<0.05 compared to young sows in summer, which were inseminated by adult boars). During the summer period the middle-aged sows, which were inseminated by middle-aged boars, received maximum values of average weight of newly born piglets, which were higher than sows of other groups by 10.00-0.83 %.

The most consolidated high-birth-weight rates were obtained in winter for young sows that were inseminated by adult boars. In the summer, the most consolidated were young sows inseminated by young boars.
Cross Cultural Differences in Cognition: A Study on How Culture Affects the Way We Think
Authors: Phillips Sharon Campbell- , Deb Proshad Halder  , Serlange Campbell  , Daneil Phillips
Published: September 2020

Communication is the exchanging of information through speaking, writing and signals. It plays an important to our development; it is the dissemination of ideas, and information to persons. Cognition is our mental process in which we acquire knowledge and understanding, and this is done through our thoughts, our experiences, and our senses. Cultural differences involve what people’ believe how they behave, the language they speak, and their practices based on their ethnicity. Cross-cultural differences in cognition can be very effective to certain operations conducted by persons; however, it can also limit us based on our perspective.  To gather information and to understand how culture affects cognition and the way we think, questionnaires, surveys and experiments were used. Questionnaires were administered to tertiary level students, surveys were administered to teachers and experiments were conducted among students from various culture and background. The experiments were centered on visualization, focus and critical thinking. The purpose of this study is to investigate if cultural differences affect the way we think, and this double-dissociation is discussed in terms of implications for different developmental trajectories, with different developmental sub-tasks in the different cultures.
Drivers of Clan Conflicts: A Perspective of the Role of Al-Shabaab in Garissa County, Kenya
Authors: Rotich Stephen, K. , Warfa, O. Ahmed
Published: September 2020

The purpose of the study was to investigate the relationship between the drivers of intra-clan-based conflicts and the involvement of external actors that has remained indefinable in Garissa County. The three sub-counties: Garissa Township, Ijara and Fafi were purposively selected for the study because of prolonged and unresolved intra-clan conflicts coupled with militia group of Al-Shabaab attacks over the past years. Qualitative approach was used to seek understanding of drivers of intra-clan conflicts and involvement of violent extremism. The study involves primarily 35 Key Informants drawn from security agencies, Clan elders, Religious leaders and Civil societies across the three sub-counties. The study established that competition over natural resources: water; pasture and land are the main causes of intra-clan conflicts. The respondents attest that intra-clan conflicts have been accelerated by clan identity politics, poverty, illiteracy, unemployment and Al-Shabaab infiltration. The devolution has elevated competition for political leadership due to sharing of county resources and employment along the sub-clans. The study found some respondents attributing Kenya’s military operation in Somalia to reciprocal attacks by Al-Shabaab in the county. The research established that over the years, Somali clan conflicts and hostility have spilled over into North Eastern Kenya, creating security threat and undermining community peace and cohesion. The porous border of Kenya-Somali has made it easy for some sub-clans to communicate with their kinsmen’s counterparts and obtain guns that are readily available in Somalia. The perception of injustices and sense of marginalization amongst the Muslims have provided fertile ground for Al-Shabaab which has diverted attention of security agencies to violent extremism rather than clan conflicts. The study recommends enhancement of inclusive peace committee and collaboration of community with administration and security agencies to tie together peace. There is also a need for openness of politicians to advocate for impartiality, clan conflicts resolution and countering violent extremism through policy framework in the county assembly.
Työssä kehittyminen tietotyöntekijän oikeutena ja velvollisuutena
Authors: Saari Tiina
Published: September 2020

Onko työssä kehittyminen työntekijän oikeus vai työnantajan asettama velvollisuus? Tietotyössä se on osa psykologista sopimusta, johon kuuluu kaksisuuntaisuus ja vastavuoroisuus. Yleensä työntekijä kuitenkin itse huolehtii omien oikeuksiensa toteutumisesta, kuten lisäkouluttautumisesta.
Miten elinikäisestä oppimisesta puhutaan?
Authors: Kinnari Heikki
Published: September 2020

Elinikäistä oppimista koskeva keskustelu liittyy vahvasti muualla yhteiskunnassa käytävään keskusteluun. Käsitteen määrittely riippuu hyvin paljon määrittelijätahosta. Helsingin Sanomien mielipideosaston ja vieraskynäpalstan kirjoituksissa löytyy viisi keskenään aktiivisesti keskustelevaa elinikäisen oppimisen diskurssia.
The Development of Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes as a Cell-Free Regenerative Medicine
Authors: Vishnubhatla Indira , Corteling Randolph , Stevanato Lara , Hicks Caroline , Sinden John
Published: September 2020

Abstract non disponibile
Diagnósticos, resultados e intervenções de enfermagem voltados para comunidade, na pandemia de covid-19
Authors: Ramos Camille Rabello , Lima da Silva Jorge Luiz , Lindolpho Mirian da Costa , Chrizostimo Miram Marinho , Reis Liliane Belz dos , Almeida Giulia Lemos de
Published: September 2020

Objetivo: identificar os diagnósticos de enfermagem segundo a taxonomia da NANDA, elencar resultados pertinentes de acordo com a NOC, e principais intervenções segundo a NIC, voltados para a comunidade, para o enfrentamento da pandemia da covid-19. Método: estudo qualitativo que analisou alguns documentos publicados pelo Instituto Brasileiro de Estatística e Geografia sobre os dados da Pesquisa Nacional de Amostra por Domicílio, do Ministério da Saúde – Coronavírus, e sobre as Diretrizes para Diagnóstico e Tratamento. Resultados: o estudo encadeou publicações do Instituto Brasileiro de Geografia e Estatística- Pesquisa Nacional por Amostra de Domicílio do Ministério da Saúde – Coronavírus, Diretrizes Para Diagnóstico e Tratamento para identificar os diagnósticos de enfermagem e elencar NOCs e NICs. Chegou-se a três diagnósticos sendo escolhidas e seus consequentes resultados e intervenções. Conclusão: esse trabalho colabora na instrumentalização do enfermeiro para assistir à comunidade, família e indivíduo nesse primeiro momento de pandemia.
Hong Kong: The Crack-up
Authors: Hong Frank Shihong
Published: September 2020

Hong Kong is typically celebrated as the Oriental Pearl owing its prosperity to a free economy and the British rule of law, and lately the front line of a pro-democracy movement that courageously confronts the authoritarian sovereign to its north. In reality, Hong Kong, as ominously foretold by its geographic features, has been cracking up like a plate. This metaphor is more of a methodological insight than a mere rhetoric device in that it takes nothing short of a rigorous analysis at the micro level to overcome the deeply entrenched bending of the nearly two-century long arc of Hong Kong’s life for geopolitical and propaganda purposes at various junctures. This Essay is an exercise of critical phenomenology that seeks to challenge the grand myth of Hong Kong’s autonomy and expose the lines of flight that have caused unrest in Hong Kong and fissures in America alike.
Knowledge, Attitude and Clinical Decision-Making Abilities of Pediatric Nurses Regarding Pain Management
Authors: ŞEN CELASİN Nesrin , DUR Şadiye , ERGİN Dilek , KARAARSLAN Duygu
Published: September 2020

Objective: The aim of this study was to describe knowledge, attitude and clinical decision-making abilities of pediatric nurses regarding pain management, and to find the factors that affect them.Methods: In this descriptive and analytical study, the participants consisted of 131 pediatric nurses who were employed in pediatric clinics of a university hospital and a state hospital in Manisa, Turkey. Data were collected by using the Nurse Description Form, the Questionnaire on Nurses’ Attitudes and Knowledge About Pain, and the Clinical Decision Making Questionnaire.Results: In the study, the mean (standard deviation) score of knowledge and attitude of pediatric nurses in pain management and patients with pain was 7.32 (7.00), and the scores of 45% of them were at an intermediate level. It was found that while variables such as age, occupation and years of working experience did not affect the total mean score of knowledge and attitude of pediatric nurses in pain management, educational background and the unit at which they worked affected it. Moreover, most of the pediatric nurses had sufficient information regarding pain diagnosis; 61.1% of them observed patients’ behavior while diagnosing the severity of pain, and 65.6% of them used a pain diagnosis scale to measure patients’ pain.Conclusion: As a result of the study, it was found that pediatric nurses had an intermediate level of knowledge and behavior regarding pain management and had sufficient knowledge about pain diagnosis and management.
Feasibility Analysis and Application of Reinforcement Learning Algorithm Based on Dynamic Parameter Adjustment
Authors: Li Menglin , Gu Xueqiang , Zeng Chengyi , Feng Yuan
Published: September 2020

Reinforcement learning, as a branch of machine learning, has been gradually applied in the control field. However, in the practical application of the algorithm, the hyperparametric approach to network settings for deep reinforcement learning still follows the empirical attempts of traditional machine learning (supervised learning and unsupervised learning). This method ignores part of the information generated by agents exploring the environment contained in the updating of the reinforcement learning value function, which will affect the performance of the convergence and cumulative return of reinforcement learning. The reinforcement learning algorithm based on dynamic parameter adjustment is a new method for setting learning rate parameters of deep reinforcement learning. Based on the traditional method of setting parameters for reinforcement learning, this method analyzes the advantages of different learning rates at different stages of reinforcement learning and dynamically adjusts the learning rates in combination with the temporal-difference (TD) error values to achieve the advantages of different learning rates in different stages to improve the rationality of the algorithm in practical application. At the same time, by combining the Robbins–Monro approximation algorithm and deep reinforcement learning algorithm, it is proved that the algorithm of dynamic regulation learning rate can theoretically meet the convergence requirements of the intelligent control algorithm. In the experiment, the effect of this method is analyzed through the continuous control scenario in the standard experimental environment of ”Car-on-The-Hill” of reinforcement learning, and it is verified that the new method can achieve better results than the traditional reinforcement learning in practical application. According to the model characteristics of the deep reinforcement learning, a more suitable setting method for the learning rate of the deep reinforcement learning network proposed. At the same time, the feasibility of the method has been proved both in theory and in the application. Therefore, the method of setting the learning rate parameter is worthy of further development and research.
Policy-Based Composition and Embedding of Extended Virtual Networks and SFCs for IIoT
Authors: Mandarawi Waseem , Rottmeier Jürgen , Rezaeighale Milad , de Meer Hermann
Published: September 2020

The autonomic composition of Virtual Networks (VNs) and Service Function Chains (SFCs) based on application requirements is significant for complex environments. In this paper, we use graph transformation in order to compose an Extended Virtual Network (EVN) that is based on different requirements, such as locations, low latency, redundancy, and security functions. The EVN can represent physical environment devices and virtual application and network functions. We build a generic Virtual Network Embedding (VNE) framework for transforming an Application Request (AR) to an EVN. Subsequently, we define a set of transformations that reflect preliminary topological, performance, reliability, and security policies. These transformations update the entities and demands of the VN and add SFCs that include the required Virtual Network Functions (VNFs). Additionally, we propose a greedy proactive heuristic for path-independent embedding of the composed SFCs. This heuristic is appropriate for real complex environments, such as industrial networks. Furthermore, we present an Industrail Internet of Things (IIoT) use case that was inspired by Industry 4.0 concepts, in which EVNs for remote asset management are deployed over three levels; manufacturing halls and edge and cloud computing. We also implement the developed methods in Alevin and show exemplary mapping results from our use case. Finally, we evaluate the chain embedding heuristic while using a random topology that is typical for such a use case, and show that it can improve the admission ratio and resource utilization with minimal overhead.
Predisposing Factors for “Olive Quick Decline Syndrome” in Salento (Apulia, Italy)
Authors: Scortichini Marco
Published: September 2020

Recently, a new severe disease has been reported in the Salento area (Apulia region, southern Italy) in the multimillennial olive agro-ecosystem, given the common name “olive quick decline syndrome” (OQDS). Together with Xylella fastidiosa subsp. pauca, some pathogenic fungi such as Phaeoacremonium spp. have been found associated with the disease. The main predisposing factors to the disease seem to be local cultivar susceptibility, depletion of some micronutrients in the soil that could be related to some agronomical practices favoring the depletion of soil fertility, an incorrect pruning cycle, climatic changes that result in increased soil waterlogging, and frost and drought events. The possible synergistic action of microorganisms other than X. f. subsp. pauca cannot be excluded. The features characterizing the areas where OQDS first appeared and subsequently spread, described and discussed here, would point to a rather fragile environment where one or more adverse climatic and/or edaphic factors could have acted together. The intrinsic peculiarities and management of the Salento olive agro-ecosystem could also have played a fundamental role in enhancing the virulence of X. f. subsp. pauca once introduced from abroad.
Shock-Absorber Rotary Generator for Automotive Vibration Energy Harvesting
Authors: Kim Tae Dong , Kim Jin Ho
Published: September 2020

The vibration energy derived from vehicle movement over a road surface was first converted to rotational energy during vehicle operation by installing blades in the suspension system. The rotational energy was converted to electrical energy using the rotational energy as the input value of the rotary generator. The vibrations from the road’s surface were analyzed using CarSim-Simulink. The blades’ characteristics were analyzed using ANSYS Fluent. The T–ω curve was derived, and the power generation of the rotary generator was verified using the commercial electromagnetic analysis program, ANSYS MAXWELL. For high power generation, the design was optimized using PIAnO (process integration, automation, and optimization), a PIDO (process integration and design optimization) tool. The amount of power generation was 59.4562 W, which was a 122.47% increase compared to the initial model. The remaining problems were analyzed, and further studies were performed. This paper proposes the applicability and development direction of suspension with energy harvesting by installing blades on suspension.
Convergence of Weak*-Scalarly Integrable Functions
Authors: Sabiri Noureddine , Guessous Mohamed
Published: September 2020

Let (Ω,F,μ) be a complete probability space, E a separable Banach space and E′ the topological dual vector space of E. We present some compactness results in LE′1E, the Banach space of weak*-scalarly integrable E′-valued functions. As well we extend the classical theorem of Komlós to the bounded sequences in LE′1E.