bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Identification of VASA Gene Expression in In-vitro Culture From Non-Obstructive Azoospermia (NOA) Testicular Biopsy Cells: A Study to Unlock Knowledge of Male Infertility
Authors: Abd Razak Redzuan , Md Isa Lokman , Muhammad Razali Refaudeen , Mat Yusuf Afzan , Abd Wahab Azantee Yazmie , Ahmad Ariffin Syamsul , Ramli Roszaman , Muhammad Husin
Published: January 2021

The expression product of VASA gene is widely conserved germ line marker and participates to regulate the development of reproductive system and spermatogenesis in healthy man. Azoospermic is a condition which the man is unable to produce any sperm cells for reproduction activity. This condition produced has bad impact to the man since the ability to produce their own progeny will be interrupted or blocked forever. Not only the family bloodline of the man would be ended, the psychological issue like shamefulness and low self-esteem occurs. In Islam, seeking knowledge is an obligatory to Muslims in order to solve problems and improve lives. Thus to unveil the problem of azoospermic man we aimed to determine the level of VASA gene expression in samples of testes cells of non-obstructive azoospermic (NOA) and compare it with sperms of healthy man. Samples were taken from three NOA patients by testicular sperm extraction (TESE) to obtain testicular biopsies. Testicular cells were isolated and cultured in supplemented knockout DMEM media. VASA gene expression was determined by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The VASA gene expression from sperm of healthy man was also determined for comparison purpose. It was demonstrated that the addition of growth factor significantly increased SSC-like cells colony formation in tissues obtained from NOA patients. No VASA expression was detected in spermatogonial-like stem cells culture on day 1, 7, 14 and 21 in each of the azoospermic samples. Our findings shown VASA gene was not expressed in spermatogenesis in vitro culture that might be associated with the abnormal differentiation of primordial germ cells that lead to male infertility. Islam also teaches us to not have feelings of despair and for problems that we are facing but to find the solution and consider the problem as a test from the Almighty. All the tests should be handled with strong believe since only Allah (SWT) knows what the best for us and each of the tests will have justified wisdom and benefits which we as human being are unable to realise thoroughly.
Learning Style Preferences among Pre-clinical Medical Students in a Public University in Pahang
Authors: Jamani Nurjasmine Aida , AbdAziz Karimah Hanim , Ab Karim Hanis Syazana Che , Nizar Fatma Azzahraa , Dzulkarnain Husna Najihah , Azimi Muhammad Irham
Published: January 2021

Educational experts affirm that students prefer various type of learning preference. It is known that the learning style preferences vary among medical students worldwide. Knowing the types will help medical educators to improve their way of conveying lectures and teaching in a more effective learning environment. This study aims to describe the learning style preferences of pre-clinical medical students and the association with their socio-demography. This is a cross sectional study done among Year 1 and Year 2 pre-clinical year medical students in a public university in Kuantan Pahang. Medical students who fulfilled the inclusion and exclusion criteria were recruited using systematic random sampling. A validated learning style questionnaire (VARK) was used to assess their learning style. Descriptive statistics and bivariable analysis was used using SPSS version 23. A total of 166 pre-clinical year medical students participated in this study. The mean age was 21.3 (0.84). Majority of them were Malays (98.2%) and females (69.9%). Most of the students preferred unimodal learning style (80.0%) with the most preferred learning style preferences being kinaesthetic (39.1%). Bivariable analysis showed female students preferred kinesthetic learning style compared to male students (p=0.03). In this study, majority of the pre-clinical year medical students preferred ‘life-like’ learning experience in their study. Hence, we recommend that medical educators to be more aware of the varieties of learning style preferences in order to improve the quality of teaching and learning experiences.
Organizational and information aspects of management of modern enterprise development
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Gudz O. Ye.
Published: January 2021

The article investigates the importance and role of organizational and information aspects in managing the development of a modern enterprise, discusses various information products and their impact on organizational structure and effectiveness of development management, outlines additional opportunities and benefits and risks of using innovative information and communication technologies by modern enterprises. The expediency of using the intellectual dual model of managing the development of a modern enterprise, which should include a spectrum of interacting network systems, is justified: a system of goals and tasks, which are focused on activation of development, increase of competitive advantages and competences, increase of enterprise efficiency; a system of development scenarios that identify alternative avenues for successful achievement of objectives and implementation of activities; a system of criteria and indicators for evaluating the use of pranks, leveling threats, and the impact of various factors on performance, which will allow you to choose the optimal scenario for development management.
Feasibility of messenger-marketing for promotion of goods and services on the internet
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Vynogradova O. V. , Drokina N. I. , Darchuk V. G.
Published: January 2021

The relevance and role of using instant messengers in the promotion of goods and services of enterprises are substantiated in the research. The advantages (affordability, variability of content, loyalty, high efficiency) and disadvantages (lack of API, lack of popularity, lack of legislative regulation and the difficulty of controlling mailings) of using messenger marketing in the enterprise’s Internet marketing system are presented. The trends in the use of instant messengers in Ukraine and the features of using each of the instant messengers at the present stage of development of Internet marketing are considered. An overview of the tools of such popular instant messengers in Ukraine as WhatsApp, Viber, Telegram, Facebook Messenger, Skype is provided and their comparative characteristics are compiled. The main stages of the instant messenger’s implementation and the benefits for the company with a reasonable choice of an instant messaging service in Internet marketing are described.
Economic security of ukraine in the context of globalization processes
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Mordas I. V. , Muzhanova T. M.
Published: January 2021

Modern globalization processes and their influence on the economic security of the country are analyzed. The impact of globalization on European integration processes has been determined. The economic aspects of European integration of Ukraine are investigated. Economic security threats have been identified and the directions for ensuring the economic security of Ukraine under the conditions of European integration have been substantiated.
Situation al analysis in the enterprise risk management
Authors:   State University of Telecommunications, Pariy L. V.
Published: January 2021

The role and value of theoretical principles regarding of the situational approach in the enterprise crisis management are bring to light. Methodological aspects of the use of situational analysis in the enterprise risk management by domestic enterprises and ways of analyses of the crisis situations for cost-effective solutions as for avoiding business failure of enterprise are considered.
Formation and development of digital competence of employees as a component of anti-crisis management of the organization
Authors:   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine, Kyiv, Balanovsʹka T. I. , Havrysh O. M. ,   State University of Telecommunications, Vyrzhykovsʹka B. ,   Warsaw University of Life Sciences, Warsaw
Published: January 2021

In the article discusses the essence of the concept of “anti-crisis management”, describes the terms “competency” and “competence”. The main groups of key competencies that a specialist should possess are considered. The results of studies are presented, which indicate that for many citizens of both Ukraine and Poland, advanced digital technology is now an important element of functioning both in professional and in private life. The concept of “digital competency” is characterized and it is established that the new edition of the key competencies for lifelong learning - recommendation 2018/0008 (NLE) of the European Parliament and the Council (EU), like the previous one, contains digital competence. It is noted that the dissemination of new technologies among society and the full use of their capabilities is impossible without the constant build-up of digital competence, and the formation and development of digital competence among potential and working personnel provides for their approximation and adaptation to world practice. The main provisions of the Concept for the development of the digital economy and society of Ukraine for 2018-2020 are given.
Selection-valuable barley samples of the VIR collection in terms of adaptability, productivity and grain quality
Authors: Gerasimov S. A.
Published: January 2021

The purpose of the research is to identify promising samples of spring barley from the VIR collection in terms of yield, parameters of the adaptive capacity of individual productivity elements and grain quality for use in creating a new breeding material adapted to the extreme conditions of Eastern Siberia. When studying the VIR collection in the conditions of Eastern Siberia for the first time, barley samples were identified according to the parameters of the adaptive ability of individual elements of productivity and yield, grain quality indicators, which are involved in crosses with local varieties. With the participation of these samples, 100 hybrid combinations were created. The studies were carried out in 2014-2017 on the experimental field of the Krasnoyarsk Research Institute of Agriculture, located in Eastern Siberia on ordinary low-power black soils, according to generally accepted methods. Agrometeorological conditions during the years of research were contrasting. It has been established that the highest grain productivity was formed by the variety Abalak (Krasnoyarsk Territory, Tyumen Region), Vaughn C.I. 11367 (k-17835, USA), Kindred (k-18048, USA), Codac (k-30874, Canada), Etienne (k-30875, Canada), Diamond (k-29192, Canada), AC Albright (k- 30601, Canada), Ubagan (k-30776, Chelyabinsk region.), Bagrets (k-30988, Sverdlovsk region), Talan (k-46502) and Tanay (Novosibirsk region), Abalak (Krasnoyarsk Territory, Tyumen region), AC Albright (k-30601, Canada), Cirstin (k- 29988, Germany), Talan (k-46502, Novosibirskaya region), Tarsky 3 (k-30719, Omsk region). In the selection of varieties of an intensive type, samples of North America, Scandinavia, Germany, Ukraine, Belarus, Kazakhstan and some regions of Russia were of interest. To increase the amount of protein in grain during crop farming, samples from Germany, Yugoslavia, Dagestan, Altai Territory and Chelyabinsk Region had an advantage. Some samples from Canada, Chelyabinsk, Novosibirsk and Altai Regions were identified based on the gross collection of protein per unit area. Samples from Canada, Finland, Sweden, as well as Novosibirsk and Omsk Regions were characterized by high grain quality.
Assessment of selection groups of mature cows of various breeds, differentiated by milk fat
Authors: Durov A. S. , Deeva V. S.
Published: January 2021

The assessment of black-and-white, red steppe, and Simmental cattle, differentiated by milk fat was carried out. Three groups were formed: selection, production and marriage. The selection parameters are calculated using the standard deviation. The calculated parameters of selection of animals of the breeding group for milk fat in adult black-and-white cows are at least 179 kg, red steppe - 186, Simmental breed from the Novosibirsk region - 143, the Republic of Khakassia - 176 kg. Cows of the red steppe breeding group are leading in productivity. Their milk fat index is 216.8 kg (P ≥ 0.95). In animals of the black-and-white breed, the milk fat productivity is 193.2 kg. In the Simmental Republic of Khakassia it is 193.8, in the Novosibirsk region - 163.5 kg. Analysis of interbreed differences in cows of breeding groups shows that animals of the black-and-white breed surpass their peers in chest width behind the shoulder blades, milk yield and milk production index. Animals of the red steppe breed are the best in milk fat, live weight, width in shanks, oblique body length, oblique rear length, chest girth, milk fat content. Simmental cows bred in the Novosibirsk region lead over their peers in height at the withers, and Simmental cows in Khakassia - in height at the sacrum, chest depth, cannon girth, assessment of the exterior. Evaluation of the production groups of animals for milk fat allows to note that the selection group of the black-and-white breed, despite the superiority in milk yield, is inferior to the peers of the red steppe and Simmental in terms of the evaluated character. However, the cows of the black-and-white breed of the production group surpass their peers in milk fat and most other signs. The formation of breeding groups for milk fat enables to note the consolidation of the black-and-white breed in terms of productive and exterior characteristics. The Red Steppe and Simmental breeds have a high potential for improvement. These breeding groups are worthy of competing with the contemporaries of the black-andwhite breed in milk fat productivity.
EDUCAÇÃO EMPREENDEDORA NOS CURSOS TÉCNICOS: UMA ANÁLISE QUANTI-QUALITATIVA DO CASO DOS CURSOS DE ELETRÔNICA E ELETROTÉCNICA DO IFPE
Authors: Welton Pereira da Luz Felix , Ruben Sostenes Gomes de Melo , Renata Cristine de Sá Pedrosa DANTAS
Published: January 2021

É possível perceber o crescente aumento na atenção mundial em relação a educação empreendedora e o interesse em sua aplicação por parte de grandes países e organizações. O desemprego e a crise econômica são, atualmente, alguns dos principais fatores responsáveis pelo crescimento do empreendedorismo no Brasil. Visto isso, este trabalho tem como objetivo geral realizar a identificação dos conteúdos de educação empreendedora que estão sendo trabalhados nos cursos Técnico em Eletrônica e Técnico em Eletrotécnica do Instituto Federal de Pernambuco – Campus Recife. Foram analisados documentos oficiais do Instituto Federal de Pernambuco, incluindo documentos do campus Recife e dos cursos Técnico em Eletrônica e Técnico em Eletrotécnica. Aos discentes, foi aplicado um questionário online com questões fechadas e abertas que teve como objetivo identificar o ponto de vista dos estudantes dos cursos técnicos estudados em relação ao tema do trabalho, bem como sua ligação com a instituição e sua posição na sociedade como um todo. Por meio dos resultados obtidos foi possível observar que a maior parte dos estudantes tem interesse em empreender e possuem boa parte das características empreendedoras, apesar disso grande parte dos alunos não tem conhecimento sobre empreendedorismo. A educação empreendedora nos cursos estudados tem maior destaque na disciplina “Empreendedorismo”, onde são abordados temas relacionados a noções de empreendedorismo, identificação de habilidades e competências empreendedoras e a identificação de oportunidades de negócios. Conclui-se que o Instituto Federal de Pernambuco – Campus Recife poderia tratar de forma mais ampla a educação empreendedora, tendo em vista o grande interesse por parte de seus estudantes, assim trazendo o empreendedorismo à tona desde o início dos cursos, através de eventos e programas tendo como objetivo preparar cada vez melhor os discentes da instituição para a atualidade do mercado e até mesmo tratando o empreendedorismo de maneira transdisciplinar, com formação aos professores para que cada um possa desenvolver trabalhos em suas disciplinas.
The Impact of Rewards & Supervisor Support on Turnover Intentions with the Mediating Effect of Affective Commitment among University Lecturers in Public and Private Universities of Islamabad, Pakistan
Authors: Kiani Ozair Ijaz , Haider Aftab , Zahir Salma
Published: January 2021

The purpose of this study has focused on what kind of impact rewards and supervisor support has on turnover intentions that had been developed by university lecturers and how affective commitment plays a mediating role in the reduction of turnover intentions by university lecturers in universities of Islamabad. The quantitative technique was used to collect data from a sample of 278 university lecturers of both public and private universities in Islamabad through close-ended questionnaires. Stratified simple random sampling technique was implemented in this study. The data was analyzed through correlation and regression analysis while using SPSS. For mediation, the Preacher and Hayes Test has been used to check the mediation effect of affective commitment between independent and dependent variables used in this study. Findings show that rewards and supervisor support played a pivotal role in the reduction of turnover intentions among lecturers and developed a stronger level of affective commitment for their respective universities.
The role of cell-free DNA in fibrinolysis for intraventricular hemorrhage
Authors: Xie Fangke , Tan Qiang , Yu Anyong , Guo Peiwen , Wang Ling , Zeng Zongwei , Liang Liang , Xian Jishu , Feng Hua , Chen Zhi
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVE

Tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) fibrinolysis did not improve functional outcomes of patients with intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), largely because of the unsatisfactory clot clearance. The presence of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) within the clot has been confirmed to impair tPA fibrinolysis, but the mechanism has been unclear. The authors hypothesized that cell-free DNA (cfDNA), the main framework of NETs, might be the important reason for the fibrinolysis resistance, and they validated the hypothesis, hoping to provide a new target to promote intraventricular fibrinolysis.

METHODS

First, cfDNA was detected in IVH clots by immunofluorescence staining in a rat model of IVH. Second, after blood (with or without exogenous cfDNA) intraventricular injection, IVH rats were given intraventricular infusion of 2 μl of saline, tPA, or tPA + DNase1 randomly. Then, the ventricular volume, animal behavior, and reactive astrocyte proliferation were assessed. Third, the IVH clots were collected for fibrinolysis assay in vitro. Finally, the effects of exogenous cfDNA in IVH were evaluated.

RESULTS

The presence of cfDNA in clots was observed as early as 1 hour after IVH. Compared with the whole-blood model, blood + cfDNA caused more severe ventricular dilation (day 7: blood 32.47 ± 2.096 mm3 vs blood + DNA 40.09 ± 2.787 mm3, p < 0.05), increased fibrinolysis resistance to tPA (day 7: tPA + DNA 26.04 ± 1.318 mm3 vs tPA 22.15 ± 1.706 mm3, p < 0.05), and further deteriorated the functional defects in rats (blood vs blood + DNA, p < 0.05). Degradation of cfDNA by DNase1 further enhanced the fibrinolysis effects on relieving the ventricular dilation (day 7: tPA + DNase1 11.67 ± 2.023 mm3 vs tPA, p < 0.05), improving the functional outcome (tPA vs tPA + DNase1, p < 0.05) and reducing periventricular astrocyte proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

cfDNA impaired tPA fibrinolysis for IVH, and degradation of cfDNA may be a new target to improve this condition.
Image quality of EOS low-dose radiography in comparison with conventional radiography for assessment of ventriculoperitoneal shunt integrity
Authors: Monuszko Karen , Malinzak Michael , Yang Lexie Zidanyue , Niedzwiecki Donna , Fuchs Herbert , Muh Carrie R. , Gingrich Krista , Lark Robert , Thompson Eric M.
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVE

Patients with shunted hydrocephalus often accumulate high levels of radiation over their lifetimes during evaluation of hardware integrity. Current practice involves the use of a series of conventional radiographs for this purpose. Newer low-dose EOS radiography is currently used to evaluate scoliosis but has not been explored to evaluate shunt integrity on a large scale. The goal of this study was to compare the quality of imaging using EOS low-dose radiography to conventional radiography to evaluate shunt tubing.

METHODS

A retrospective chart review was performed on 57 patients who previously had both conventional radiographs and low-dose EOS images of their cerebral shunt tubing from 2000 to 2018. Patient demographics (age, sex, type of shunt tubing, primary diagnosis) were collected. Conventional radiographic images and low-dose EOS images were independently analyzed by a neurosurgeon and neuroradiologist in three categories: image quality, delineation of shunt, and distinction of shunt compared to adjacent anatomy.

RESULTS

All patients had shunted hydrocephalus due to spina bifida and Chiari type II malformation. Ratings of EOS and conventional radiographic images by both raters did not differ significantly in terms of image quality (rater 1, p = 0.499; rater 2, p = 0.578) or delineation of shunt (p = 0.107 and p = 0.256). Conventional radiographic images received significantly higher ratings than EOS on the ability to distinguish the shunt versus adjacent anatomy by rater 1 (p = 0.039), but not by rater 2 (p = 0.149). The overall score of the three categories combined was not significantly different between EOS and conventional radiography (rater 1, p = 0.818; rater 2, p = 0.186). In terms of cost, an EOS image was less costly than a conventional radiography shunt series ($236–$366 and $1300–$1547, respectively). The radiation dose was also lower for EOS images, with an effective dose of 0.086–0.140 mSv compared to approximately 1.6 mSv for a similar field of view with conventional radiography.

CONCLUSIONS

The image quality of low-dose EOS radiography does not significantly differ from conventional radiography for the evaluation of cerebral shunts. In addition, EOS affords a much lower radiation dose and a lower cost.
Impact of intrawound vancomycin powder on prevention of surgical site infection after posterior spinal surgery
Authors: Ushirozako Hiroki , Hasegawa Tomohiko , Yamato Yu , Yoshida Go , Yasuda Tatsuya , Banno Tomohiro , Arima Hideyuki , Oe Shin , Mihara Yuki , Yamada Tomohiro , Ide Koichiro , Watanabe Yuh , Nakai Keichi , Imada Takaaki , Matsuyama Yukihiro
Published: January 2021

OBJECTIVE

Surgical site infection (SSI) after posterior spinal surgery is one of the severe complications that may occur despite administration of prophylactic antibiotics and the use of intraoperative aseptic precautions. The use of intrawound vancomycin powder for SSI prevention is still controversial, with a lack of high-quality and large-scale studies. The purpose of this retrospective study using a propensity score–matched analysis was to clarify whether intrawound vancomycin powder prevents SSI occurrence after spinal surgery.

METHODS

The authors analyzed 1261 adult patients who underwent posterior spinal surgery between 2010 and 2018 (mean age 62.3 years; 506 men, 755 women; follow-up period at least 1 year). Baseline and surgical data were assessed. After a preliminary analysis, a propensity score model was established with adjustments for age, sex, type of disease, and previously reported risk factors for SSI. The SSI rates were compared between patients with intrawound vancomycin powder treatment (vancomycin group) and those without (control group).

RESULTS

In a preliminary analysis of 1261 unmatched patients (623 patients in the vancomycin group and 638 patients in the control group), there were significant differences between the groups in age (p = 0.041), body mass index (p = 0.013), American Society of Anesthesiologists classification (p < 0.001), malnutrition (p = 0.001), revision status (p < 0.001), use of steroids (p = 0.019), use of anticoagulation (p = 0.033), length of surgery (p = 0.003), estimated blood loss (p < 0.001), and use of instrumentation (p < 0.001). There was no significant difference in SSI rates between the vancomycin and control groups (21 SSIs [3.4%] vs 33 SSIs [5.2%]; OR 0.640, 95% CI 0.368–1.111; p = 0.114). Using a one-to-one propensity score–matched analysis, 444 pairs of patients from the vancomycin and control groups were selected. There was no significant difference in the baseline and surgical data, except for height (p = 0.046), between both groups. The C-statistic for the propensity score model was 0.702. In the score-matched analysis, 12 (2.7%) and 24 (5.4%) patients in the vancomycin and control groups, respectively, developed SSIs (OR 0.486, 95% CI 0.243–0.972; p = 0.041). There were no systemic complications related to the use of vancomycin.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study showed that intrawound vancomycin powder was useful in reducing the risk of SSI after posterior spinal surgery by half, without adverse events. Intrawound vancomycin powder use is a safe and effective procedure for SSI prevention.
Engineering Education Based on Integration with Science and Industry
Authors: Kazakov Yu. M. , Bashkirtseva N. Yu. , Zhuravleva M. V. , Ezhkova G. O. , Sirotkin A. S. , Ebel A. O.
Published: January 2021

The development of globalization processes requires the provision of scientific and technological leadership of economies. In solving this goal, universities are called upon to play a special role, which can ensure the competitiveness of engineering education. Among the main indicators of academic leadership are ensuring the world level of training content, increasing academic mobility, growing demand and efficiency of master's and postgraduate studies, increase in the number of online educational programs, increase in the number of competitive courses and programs taught online, development of a targeted training system. The key condition for increasing the competitiveness of engineering education is the strengthening of its integration with science and the industrial sector. This is due to the possibility of solving a set of tasks for the development of content, organization and management of the educational process. The effectiveness of their solution is determined by the composition of partners involved in joint activities. The analysis shows that there are trends in the expansion of partnerships and the intensification of international cooperation. This facilitates the development of various formats of interaction to improve the training of engineers. Among the most developing integrated forms of training are networked educational programs. A distinctive feature of their implementation is the growth in the number of participants in network partnerships, among them are universities (as a rule more than one), industry institutes, enterprises (more than one). The network format is being implemented and remains promising in the organization of student practices. The basic departments created at enterprises are the main instrument of targeted training. With the development of the system of professional standards, the role of integration of universities with enterprises in organizing and conducting procedures for assessing the qualifications of personnel has increased. The need to solve the problem of increasing the global competitiveness of education reinforces the requirement to develop the integration of universities with academic science in the form of scientific and educational centers, with foreign universities, enterprises and high-tech businesses.
Online Learning as e-Learning: The Quality and Results (Critical Analysis)
Authors: Dozhdikov A. V.
Published: January 2021

This article critically examines the result obtained by researchers at the Higher School of Economics in relation to the results of the experiment to assess the quality of online learning. It is noted that the thesis about the possibility of “complete replacement of traditional forms of education with online education without loss of quality” is distorted in the media, and the conclusions are based on insufficient data. To clarify the conditions of the transition and implementation of online technologies, it is proposed to hold a large-scale experiment with a randomly selection mechanisms for participants of training courses, instructors, disciplines (modules). The article focuses on the fact that while the impact of online education on the psychology and physiology of students has not been sufficiently studied, there is a risk of deteriorating health, as well as a drop in the quality of education. It is proposed to develop temporary standards limiting the maximum time of work online for different categories of students and teachers.The risks of «financial bubbles» in the online education market due to the rush demand after the COVID-19 pandemic for government agencies and private businesses has been identified. The conclusion is made about the priority development of short-term online courses related to the development of rather narrow and applied competencies in demand by the modern information society, about the possible success of online technologies in case of obtaining a “second higher” education and improving qualifications. High-quality online systems in the field of higher education require serious investments in research and development in the field of psychology and pedagogy of education, the use of medical control tools. In the medium term, the benefits of this research, conducted by medical scientists, educators and psychologists, will be used by organizations on the “second wave” of interest to online learning. From an organizational point of view, the correct “rotation” of the contingent of students, when part of the time they study full-time, and part of the time they learn online with computers / tablets and high-quality Internet access, will not lead to a deterioration in the quality of education, but will significantly reduce the spread of the pandemic.
Praise as Classroom Communicative Reinforcing Device: Perceptions of Vietnamese University Students
Authors: Do L. T.T. , Vu A. T.L.
Published: January 2021

One of the biggest challenges for teachers is to foster a positive learning environment in which students become motivated and engaged in classroom activities. Growing concerns have been shown about how evaluative praise functioned as a good reinforcer for students' achievement and desirable behaviour affects students' motivation to learn, depending on teachers' messages communicated with students. This study examined the impacts of different types of teacher praise upon university students' perceptions. Case study was employed to collect the data through observations and semi-structured interviews. The results highlighted that students perceived differently towards kinds of praise that they earned. They tended to respond to specific, verbal praise in a more positive way because of its explicit recognition and precise information about their contributions, hence it could make better their self-concept as well as help them keep motivated. Also, high-achievers sought for ability praise whereas low-achievers desired to draw effort praise from teachers. Educators would benefit these findings for the pedagogical purposes.
Imaginary Units of Publication Activities in Consumer Society
Authors: Bagdasaryan N. G. , Sonina L. A.
Published: January 2021

Consumer society is associated with abundance of goods and services. Usually the scientific activity is not among them. Meanwhile, with scientometric indicators introduction, science activity acquired characteristics of consumer society in which it runs. The publication activity in modern circumstances got in track of consumer focus: authors, journals and mediators became economical actors, and scientific text became the product of “sings absorption and absorbed by signs”. Was it possible to avoid it? - this question is without answer. It is clear that imposing quantitative scientometric indicators became the catalyst of this process.
Improving funding and publishing workflows with PIDs
Authors: Mejias Gabriela
Published: January 2021

Tracking and understanding the impact of research is important to funders, publishers, and researchers. But the process of doing so is full of pain points – from the time it takes to apply for a grant and report on it, to the often poor data quality of the information being collected, and the challenge of keeping track of researchers and their research over time. The ORCID Funder Working Group recently analyzed these pain points and published their recommendations for using persistent identifiers to help address these challenges. In this article, you will learn more about persistent identifiers for researchers, publications, and grants and about what each stakeholder group can do to reduce the burden and improve the transparency of the process – from applying for a grant to publishing the research results.
Life Course Air Pollution Exposure and Cognitive Decline: Modelled Historical Air Pollution Data and the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936
Authors: Russ Tom C. , Cherrie Mark P.C. , Dibben Chris , Tomlinson Sam , Reis Stefan , Dragosits Ulrike , Vieno Massimo , Beck Rachel , Carnell Ed , Shortt Niamh K. , Muniz-Terrera Graciela , Redmond Paul , Taylor Adele M. , Clemens Tom , van Tongeren Martie , Agius Raymond M. , Starr John M. , Deary Ian J. , Pearce Jamie R.
Published: January 2021

Background:

Air pollution has been consistently linked with dementia and cognitive decline. However, it is unclear whether risk is accumulated through long-term exposure or whether there are sensitive/critical periods. A key barrier to clarifying this relationship is the dearth of historical air pollution data.

Objective:

To demonstrate the feasibility of modelling historical air pollution data and using them in epidemiologicalmodels.

Methods:

Using the EMEP4UK atmospheric chemistry transport model, we modelled historical fine particulate matter (PM2.5) concentrations for the years 1935, 1950, 1970, 1980, and 1990 and combined these with contemporary modelled data from 2001 to estimate life course exposure in 572 participants in the Lothian Birth Cohort 1936 with lifetime residential history recorded. Linear regression and latent growth models were constructed using cognitive ability (IQ) measured by the Moray House Test at the ages of 11, 70, 76, and 79 years to explore the effects of historical air pollution exposure. Covariates included sex, IQ at age 11 years, social class, and smoking.

Results:

Higher air pollution modelled for 1935 (when participants would have been in utero) was associated with worse change in IQ from age 11–70 years (β = –0.006, SE = 0.002, p = 0.03) but not cognitive trajectories from age 70–79 years ( p > 0.05). There was no support for other critical/sensitive periods of exposure or an accumulation of risk (all p > 0.05).

Conclusion:

The life course paradigm is essential in understanding cognitive decline and this is the first study to examine life course air pollution exposure in relation to cognitive health.
The Effects of Intracranial Stenosis on Cerebral Perfusion and Cognitive Performance
Authors: Hilal Saima , Mutsaerts Henri J.M.M , Ferro Doeschka A. , Petr Jan , Kuijf Hugo J. , Biessels Geert Jan , Chen Christopher
Published: January 2021

Background:

Intracranial stenosis (ICS) may contribute to cognitive dysfunction by decreased cerebral blood flow (CBF) which can be measured quantitatively by arterial spin labelling (ASL). Interpretation of CBF measurements with ASL, however, becomes difficult in patients with vascular disease due to prolonged arterial transit time (ATT). Recently, spatial coefficient of variation (sCoV) of ASL signal has been proposed that approximates ATT and utilized as a proxy marker for assessment of hemodynamic status of cerebral circulation.

Objective:

We investigate the association of ICS with CBF and sCoV parameters and its eventual effects on cognition in a memory clinic population.

Methods:

We included 381 patients (mean age = 72.3±7.9 years, women = 53.7%) who underwent 3T MRI and detailed neuropsychological assessment. ICS was defined as≥50% stenosis in any intracranial vessel on 3D Time-of-Flight MR Angiography. Gray matter sCoV and CBF were obtained from 2D EPI pseudo-continuous ASL images.

Results:

ICS was present in 58 (15.2%) patients. Patients with ICS had higher gray matter sCoV and lower CBF. The association with sCoV remained statistically significant after correction for cardiovascular risk factors. Moreover, ICS was associated with worse performance on visuoconstruction, which attenuated with higher sCoV. Mediation analysis showed that there was an indirect effect of ICS on visuoconstruction via sCoV.

Conclusion:

These findings suggest that compromised CBF as detected by higher sCoV is related to cognitive impairment among individuals diagnosed with ICS. We also showed that sCoV partially mediates the link between ICS and cognition. Therefore, sCoV may provide valuable hemodynamic information in patients with vascular disease.
The Right Temporal Variant of Frontotemporal Dementia Is Not Genetically Sporadic: A Case Series
Authors: Ulugut Erkoyun Hulya , van der Lee Sven J. , Nijmeijer Bas , van Spaendonk Rosalina , Nelissen Anne , Scarioni Marta , Dijkstra Anke , Samancı Bedia , Gürvit Hakan , Yıldırım Zerrin , Tepgeç Fatih , Bilgic Basar , Barkhof Frederik , Rozemuller Annemieke , van der Flier Wiesje M. , Scheltens Philip , Cohn-Hokke Petra , Pijnenburg Yolande
Published: January 2021

Background:

Right temporal variant frontotemporal dementia (rtvFTD) has been generally considered as a right sided variant of semantic variant primary progressive aphasia (svPPA), which is a genetically sporadic disorder. Recently, we have shown that rtvFTD has a unique clinical syndrome compared to svPPA and behavioral variant frontotemporal dementia.

Objective:

We challenge the assumption that rtvFTD is a sporadic, non-familial variant of FTD by identifying potential autosomal dominant inheritance and related genes in rtvFTD.

Methods:

We collected all subjects with a diagnosis of FTD or primary progressive aphasia who had undergone genetic screening ( n = 284) and subsequently who had a genetic variant ( n = 48) with a diagnosis of rtvFTD ( n = 6) in 2 specialized memory clinics.

Results:

Genetic variants in FTD related genes were found in 33% of genetically screened rtvFTD cases; including MAPT ( n = 4), GRN ( n = 1), and TARDBP ( n = 1) genes, whereas only one svPPA case had a genetic variant in our combined cohorts. Additionally, 4 out of 6 rtvFTD subjects had a strong family history for dementia.

Conclusion:

Our results demonstrate that rtvFTD, unlike svPPA, is not a pure sporadic, but a heterogeneous potential genetic variant of FTD, and screening for genetic causes for FTD should be performed in patients with rtvFTD.
Why Inclusion Matters for Alzheimer’s Disease Biomarker Discovery in Plasma
Authors: Khan Mostafa J. , Desaire Heather , Lopez Oscar L. , Kamboh M. Ilyas , Robinson Renã A.S.
Published: January 2021

Background:

African American/Black adults have a disproportionate incidence of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and are underrepresented in biomarker discovery efforts.

Objective:

This study aimed to identify potential diagnostic biomarkers for AD using a combination of proteomics and machine learning approaches in a cohort that included African American/Black adults.

Methods:

We conducted a discovery-based plasma proteomics study on plasma samples ( N = 113) obtained from clinically diagnosed AD and cognitively normal adults that were self-reported African American/Black or non-Hispanic White. Sets of differentially-expressed proteins were then classified using a support vector machine (SVM) to identify biomarker candidates.

Results:

In total, 740 proteins were identified of which, 25 differentially-expressed proteins in AD came from comparisons within a single racial and ethnic background group. Six proteins were differentially-expressed in AD regardless of racial and ethnic background. Supervised classification by SVM yielded an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.91 and accuracy of 86%for differentiating AD in samples from non-Hispanic White adults when trained with differentially-expressed proteins unique to that group. However, the same model yielded an AUC of 0.49 and accuracy of 47%for differentiating AD in samples from African American/Black adults. Other covariates such as age, APOE4 status, sex, and years of education were found to improve the model mostly in the samples from non-Hispanic White adults for classifying AD.

Conclusion:

These results demonstrate the importance of study designs in AD biomarker discovery, which must include diverse racial and ethnic groups such as African American/Black adults to develop effective biomarkers.
A triangulation estimation and forecasting framework for agricultural time series
Authors: Chou Fu-I , Ho Wen-Hsien , Chen Yenming J. , Tsai Jinn-Tsong
Published: January 2021

This study proposes a framework implementing triangular estimation for better modeling and forecasting time series. In order to improve the performance of estimation, we employ two sources of triangulation to generate a time series, which is statistically indistinguishable with the latent time series hidden in a system. Thanks to Bayesian hierarchical estimation, which is akin to deep learning but more sophisticate and longer history, the framework has been validated by a large amount of records in vegetable auctions. The hierarchical Bayesian estimation and Monte Carlo Markov Chain particle filters used in hidden Markov model are appreciated during the massive bootstrapping of data. Our results demonstrate excellent estimation performance in discovering hidden states.
Research on children’s classroom behavior based on pressure cushion
Authors: Yu Meng , Lu Bao , Li Xiong , Li Wenfeng
Published: January 2021

Online Distance teaching for multiple smart classrooms by famous teachers, as an effective solver for the problem of lack of excellent teachers, has become a new popular teaching mode. However, one of the key problems to be solved urgently for this teaching mode is how to monitor children’s class status and effectively feedback their listening standing to teachers. Installation of intelligent pressure cushion on the chair of smart classroom to monitor children’s classroom state can be a powerful way to improve teaching effectiveness for the online distance teaching mode. This paper presents a new method for monitoring children’s classroom behavior based on intelligent cushion, which can identify basic children’s classroom behavior by classifying the original intelligent cushion pressure signal and evaluating the effectiveness of the classifier. To be concrete, the present method uses intelligent pressure cushion to collect data and denoises the original data by digital filter, and then extracts the time-domain and frequency-domain features of time-series pressure signals based on sliding time window. Finally, it uses machine learning to identify children’s status. In addition, by feature selection to reduce the data dimension, integrating different classifier to classify the extracted features, the efficiency of the present method is greatly improved.
Study on customized knowledge graph of student pilot learning in FITS training
Authors: Huang Chung-Lin , Huang Chung-Chi
Published: January 2021

Knowledge graphs are useful sources for various AI applications, however the basic paradigm to support pilot training is still unclear. In the paper, It is proposed to generate the customized knowledge graph of flight trainings using machine learning method for the flight training program. In order to provide the successful key to the further understanding of the learning problems between the students and the instructors. In this research, we collected data from an aeronautical academic in Taiwan that students were trained for Recreation Pilot License Program. We performed a test on 24 students at the first of each training course, 16 data of collected been used on building the module, 8 of them used to exam the module. There are 12 courses in the training program, and 30 hours total time were suggested by academic. The score which we applied on test were based on LCG method which is the sum of Maneuver and SRM Grades. For the indicators of course component in Learner Centered Grading, namely (a) CCS1: Operation & Effect of Controls; (b) CCS2: Straight & Level; (c) CCS3: Climbing & Descending; (d) CCS4: Turning; (e) CCS5: Stalling; (f) CCS6: Revision; (g) CCS7: Circuits; (h) CCS8: Cross-Wind Training; (i) CCS9: Circuit Emergency; (j) CCS10: Solo Circuit; (k) CCS11: Forced Landing; and (l) CCS12: Precautionary & Searching Landing. Through the method of Knowledge Graph, we deduct and predict the number of hours that need to be added for each student’s learning. Using the dynamic knowledge graph to display the key issues of the course learning continuously, and make follow-up decisions for the students, instructors and airliners.
Effectiveness of clauses restricting equity transfer in articles of association of limited liability companies using fuzzy AHP: A data analysis of related cases in China from 2010 to 20191
Authors: Chen Peng , Nie Yingzhi
Published: January 2021

Based on the company cases published in China over the past ten years, both theoretical methods and Artificial intelligence technologies were applied to analysis cases data on the effectiveness of clauses restricting equity transfer in articles of association of limited liability companies (LLCs). With its unique characters based on shareholders and strong vitality, limited liability company (LLC), as the “evergreen tree” among the market players, is a company form adopted by many investors. Nevertheless, due to its prominent closed characteristics, equity transfer has become a bottleneck for the development of LLCs. According to this paper, it is necessary to distinguish between the effectiveness of clauses restricting internal and external equity transfer in articles of association of LLCs. Fuzzy Analytic Hierarchical Process (AHP) is utilized for which involves process of analytic hierarchy modelled with utilizing theory of fuzzy logic. Moreover, instead of being confined to the existing legal norms, the judgment standard of clauses restricting equity transfer in articles of association of LLCs should be comprehensively measured by the golden rules, i.e. “fairness”, “autonomy” and “operability”.
Analysis of the cost factors on E-government software cost using fuzzy decision making system
Authors: Gu Xungang , Li Gang , Cao Shengli , Zhang Yumeng , Wang Ran
Published: January 2021

The reasonable cost budget of the e-government scheme can effectively promote the construction of the digital government. To analyze the cost impact components of the e-government system and find out the impact factor model works in China, this paper reviews relevant literature on software cost impact factors and proposes the impact factors model based on COCOMO II. Besides, combined with the actual construction of digital government and specific cases, this paper analyzes the mechanism of each impact factor in detail. The model can be used to guide the cost estimation of e-government software in China, especially with artificial intelligence estimation method. An enhanced decision theory of theory based on fuzzy set has been adopted for analysis of cost factor on E-government software cost.