bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peningkatan Keterampilan Membuat Alat Peraga Matematika Pada Mahasiswa Prodi PGSD Universitas Peradaban
Authors: Adi Candra Kusuma
Published: October 2020

In understanding abstract mathematical concepts, students need teaching aids such as concrete objects as an intermediary or visualization. The purpose of the research is to obtain skills in making mathematics teaching aids on PGSD University of Civilization students. The research method uses qualitative research with a total of 66 research subjects in the third semester of 2015/2016 Academic Year. Data collection techniques were taken using observation, interviews, documentation. The results obtained from the study provide knowledge of new knowledge, improve skills in making learning support instruments, train the creative thinking of students of the University of Civilization PGSD as a provision of learning strategies when going to be a teacher. This training prepares prospective teachers in explaining mathematical concepts, in learning mathematics, the use of teaching aids is expected to increase student motivation. Motivation can arise because many ideas and new ideas and fun learning contains a variety of information that is relevant to the learning needs of students.
Pendampingan Kader Puskesmas Dalam Pengelolaan Limbah Rumah Tangga Sebagai Kompos
Authors: Maksuk  , Lukman
Published: October 2020

The cadres of public health center  have an important role in managing of households in the community, therefore it is important to improve skills to manage such waste so that the waste can be utilized and beneficial. The method of managing household waste in this activity uses the concept of Pilah – Kumpul - Manfaat - Untung (PKMU) to reduce the volume of household waste and provide benefits to the community. Participants involved in this activity were health workers, kader of community health centers and the community of RT 14 and RT 33. The Achievement targets in this activity were to improve the ability of health workers and cadres to manage of household waste, use of household waste for the planting of medicinal plants, families and the formation of independent care working groups for batra activities in health center and the formation of waste bank managers. The results of this activity show that cadres and the community can use household waste as compost, in addition, household waste such as plastic can be reused. The follow up of this activity is the formation of a waste bank manager at the location of the activity.
Transformation of Higher Education During the Pandemic: Pain Points
Authors: Gafurov I. R. , Ibragimov H. I. , Kalimullin A. M. , Alishev T. B.
Published: October 2020

The relevance of the study is due to the contradiction between the mass transition of the Russian system of higher education to the distance learning format and the insufficient willingness of participants in the educational process to work under the new requirements caused by the COVID 19 pandemic. Teachers, students and administrators of higher educational institutions in Russia have encountered a number of difficulties. Their analysis will highlight the objective and subjective factors of their occurrence and develop recommendations for the further organization of distance learning in its combination with the traditional format. The purpose of the study was to analyze the modern work experience in the remote format of one of the leading Russian universities – Kazan Federal University. On this basis, the article analyzes successes and problems of this process, shows the contradictions between traditional and distance learning, considers the main models of educational organization that involve traditional and remote learning formats using distance educational technologies. It is concluded that in the system of basic formal education at all levels and areas of training, distance learning can be considered as a form that complements and strengthens the social, pedagogical, organizational, psychological, and didactic potential of the traditional (face-to-face) educational format.

The work comprehensively used the methods of theoretical (analysis, synthesis, systematization, comparison, etc.) and empirical (study of literature, conversation, questioning, observation) research.
The Experience of University Department in Organizing Research Circles at Schools as a Direction of University Career Guidance Work
Authors: Kogan E. A. , Ponomareva D. I.
Published: October 2020

Attracting applicants in modern conditions is quite an important and difficult task for higher education institutions. Non-core graduate departments of the University face the greatest difficulties in this process.

The article discusses the main directions of career guidance work of the Department of “Sociology, psychology and social management” of the Moscow Aviation Institute (NationalResearchUniversity) in the course of implementing cooperation agreements with educational institutions inMoscowand theMoscowregion. The authors present an experience of organizing and conducting research circles in sociology and social psychology for students of grades 8-11.

The activity of the sociological research circle “First steps in science” was aimed at forming students’ ideas about research, its methods and stages; developing skills of independent work with the received social information; obtaining skills for developing, conducting and presenting research results. The program of the circle “Social psychology” adapted for classes of humanitarian and socioeconomic orientation, included personal growth trainings and career guidance games aimed at developing professional self-determination in career planning.

Research circles allowed school students to develop their special skills, arouse interest in sociology and psychology, improve their understanding of the criteria for their own professional choice, as well as form students’ understanding of the Department’s profile.

During the implementation of career guidance measures in modern conditions, along with positive results, the authors have identified the factors that hinder the successful interaction of schools and universities such as the lack of involvement in this process of all subjects of the educational space, insufficient attention of the school administration to the social needs of graduating departments. To solve these problems, the authors have developed and proposed a model for organizing research circles based on schools, which can qualitatively improve the social partnership of all interested participants. The basic ideas and theses of the article may be of interest both for teachers of higher educational institutions and for pedagogical staff of secondary schools.
What Influences the Historical Memory of Modern Students?
Authors: Sorokina N. D.
Published: October 2020

Historical memory is an object of informational conflict. This is why it is so important to study this phenomenon. Using the example of a survey of students in relation to important historical events in our country, including the Great Patriotic War, it is shown that while there is no radical transformation of the role of the past in the formation of personality, in the minds of most young people, historical memory is still a good form of patriotism education. The most effective mechanisms for preserving the memory of historical events are social institutions of education and family. At the same time, there is a “fading” of such a traditional and effective mechanism for preserving the memory of the Great Patriotic War as personal meetings with war veterans, personal communication with relatives who passed the war. It can be replaced by a mechanism for preserving memory, such as memoir literature of war participants, which is not yet popular among students. However, there is a problem: personal historical memory sometimes goes against the official interpretation of historical events. It can also serve as a mirror image of the social divide in society. In addition to traditional social institutions, civil society institutions can play an important role in shaping shared historical memory. If the latter are supported by the state, it is possible to avoid a conflict between cultural memory, which is closely related to traditions, and communicative memory. If these channels operate separately, or if, say, ideology tries to suppress other channels, historical memory is devalued and distorted. If all these channels work synchronously, they provide a huge effect. Different types of memory perform an important function – education of a citizen who would be responsible to past generations and to descendants.
National Research and Federal Universities Contribution to the Project 5-100
Authors: Berestov A. V. , Guseva A. I. , Kalashnik V. M. , Kaminsky V. I. , Kireev S. V. , Sadchikov S. M.
Published: October 2020

This article presents research results of national research universities (NRU) and federal universities (FU) contribution to the Project of competitiveness enhancement of the leading Russian universities among global research and education centers (Project 5-100). The following indicators were analyzed: publications, indexed in Web of Science and Scopus databases, share of international students and faculty, share of young employees and staff with PhD, performance in international rankings, etc. The analysis was based on 41 quantitative and 11 qualitative indicators. In the analysis the following data sources were used: statistical forms 1-Monitoring, rankings agencies data, etc. It has been determined that the most influence on the Russian education competitiveness enhancement in the world belongs to the leading NRU – participants of Project 5-100. The article analyzes the contribution of federal universities in the implementation of the Project 5-100.
Reflective Hyperconnectivity of Social Networks Virtual Space as a Factor in the Design of Distant Learning Environment
Authors: Melezhik K. A. , Petrenko A. D. , Khrabskova D. M.
Published: October 2020

In this article, topics related to the urgent transition to distance education (DE), through decisive measures taken to protect Russian university community against consequences of COVID-19 epidemic are covered. Based on semi-structured interviews with administrators, faculty, IT specialists and students, it is argued that in the force majeure circumstances the university offers for DE a standard model of one-size-fits-all curriculum though modified through information and communication technologies. The use of the Internet in a localized online space is limited to delivering courses without considering needs of individual learners, their autonomy, preferences and prior knowledge of the subject. The observation method was used by both participant and non-participant. An experiment on the teachers’ self-assessment proves that many still view the university as a source of offline information for students. The article purports to discuss ways to promote DE by the concepts of postindustrial educational space connectivism, hyperconnectivity of social networks, teachers’ reflective practice, digital nativity of teachers and students in mastering information and communication technologies. It is claimed that real transition of a Russian university to DE cannot be achieved without internet-provided increased transactional distance in the dialogue between the teacher and students mediated by technology and reflective approach.
Lymphocyte to monocyte ratio may predict increased carotid intima-media thickness in patients with subclinical hypothyroidism
Authors: Yurtdaş Mustafa , Asoğlu Ramazan , Özaydın Adnan , Doğan Zeki
Published: October 2020

BACKGROUND: Inflammation has an important role in the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis. Lymphocyte-to-monocyte ratio (LMR) is accepted as an indicator of inflammation. OBJECTIVE: Our aim was to scrutinize the relationship between LMR and subclinical atherosclerosis (SubAth) measured by carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) in subclinical hypothyroidism (SubHT). METHODS: Newly identified 190 SubHT patients were prospectively included into the study. Blood samples were taken for measuring laboratory parameters. Then, CIMT was computed. Patients were seperated into 2 groups by their CIMT value (Group-1: ≤0.9 and Group-2: >0.9 mm), and then stratified into tertiles pursuant to LMR and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels, respectively. RESULTS: 59 patients had an increased CIMT value (Group-2), and 131 patients had a normal CIMT value (Group-1). Group-2 had a lower LMR and a greater high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hsCRP), CIMT and TSH than Group-1 (for all, p < 0.05). Patients in the lowest tertile of LMR had a higher hsCRP, TSH and CIMT than those in the highest tertile (for all, p < 0.05). LMR was negatively associated with hsCRP, CIMT and TSH (for all, p < 0.05). LMR and TSH were independent predictors of increased CIMT. CONCLUSIONS: Pre-ultrasonographic LMR, which is a simple and inexpensive inflammatory marker, may give additional predictive information to determine SubAth in SubHT.
Short-Chain Fatty Acids and Lipopolysaccharide as Mediators Between Gut Dysbiosis and Amyloid Pathology in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Marizzoni Moira , Cattaneo Annamaria , Mirabelli Peppino , Festari Cristina , Lopizzo Nicola , Nicolosi Valentina , Mombelli Elisa , Mazzelli Monica , Luongo Delia , Naviglio Daniele , Coppola Luigi , Salvatore Marco , Frisoni Giovanni B.
Published: October 2020

Background: Metagenomic data support an association between certain bacterial strains and Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but their functional dynamics remain elusive. Objective: To investigate the association between amyloid pathology, bacterial products such as lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and short chain fatty acids (SCFAs: acetate, valerate, butyrate), inflammatory mediators, and markers of endothelial dysfunction in AD. Methods: Eighty-nine older persons with cognitive performance from normal to dementia underwent florbetapir amyloid PET and blood collection. Brain amyloidosis was measured with standardized uptake value ratio versus cerebellum. Blood levels of LPS were measured by ELISA, SCFAs by mass spectrometry, cytokines by using real-time PCR, and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction by flow cytometry. We investigated the association between the variables listed above with Spearman’s rank test. Results: Amyloid SUVR uptake was positively associated with blood LPS (rho≥0.32, p≤0.006), acetate and valerate (rho≥0.45, p < 0.001), pro-inflammatory cytokines (rho≥0.25, p≤0.012), and biomarkers of endothelial dysfunction (rho≥0.25, p≤0.042). In contrast, it was negatively correlated with butyrate (rho≤–0.42, p≤0.020) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL10 (rho≤–0.26, p≤0.009). Endothelial dysfunction was positively associated with pro-inflammatory cytokines, acetate and valerate (rho≥0.25, p≤0.045) and negatively with butyrate and IL10 levels (rho≤–0.25, p≤0.038). Conclusion: We report a novel association between gut microbiota-related products and systemic inflammation with brain amyloidosis via endothelial dysfunction, suggesting that SCFAs and LPS represent candidate pathophysiologic links between the gut microbiota and AD pathology.
Reduction of Dendritic Inhibition in CA1 Pyramidal Neurons in Amyloidosis Models of Early Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Ruiter Marvin , Herstel Lotte J. , Wierenga Corette J.
Published: October 2020

Background: In an early stage of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), before the formation of amyloid plaques, neuronal network hyperactivity has been reported in both patients and animal models. This suggests an underlying disturbance of the balance between excitation and inhibition. Several studies have highlighted the role of somatic inhibition in early AD, while less is known about dendritic inhibition. Objective: In this study we investigated how inhibitory synaptic currents are affected by elevated Aβ levels. Methods: We performed whole-cell patch clamp recordings of CA1 pyramidal neurons in organotypic hippocampal slice cultures after treatment with Aβ-oligomers and in hippocampal brain slices from AppNL-F-G mice (APP-KI). Results: We found a reduction of spontaneous inhibitory postsynaptic currents (sIPSCs) in CA1 pyramidal neurons in organotypic slices after 24 h Aβ treatment. sIPSCs with slow rise times were reduced, suggesting a specific loss of dendritic inhibitory inputs. As miniature IPSCs and synaptic density were unaffected, these results suggest a decrease in activity-dependent transmission after Aβ treatment. We observed a similar, although weaker, reduction in sIPSCs in CA1 pyramidal neurons from APP-KI mice compared to control. When separated by sex, the strongest reduction in sIPSC frequency was found in slices from male APP-KI mice. Consistent with hyperexcitability in pyramidal cells, dendritically targeting interneurons received slightly more excitatory input. GABAergic action potentials had faster kinetics in APP-KI slices. Conclusion: Our results show that Aβ affects dendritic inhibition via impaired action potential driven release, possibly due to altered kinetics of GABAergic action potentials. Reduced dendritic inhibition may contribute to neuronal hyperactivity in early AD.
Automated Hippocampal Subfield Volumetric Analyses in Atypical Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Gabere Musa ,   for Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Thu Pham Nha Trang , Graff-Radford Jonathan , Machulda Mary M. , Duffy Joseph R. , Josephs Keith A. , Whitwell Jennifer L.
Published: October 2020

Background: Posterior cortical atrophy (PCA) and logopenic progressive aphasia (LPA) are two of the most common variants of atypical Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Both PCA and LPA are associated with relative sparing of hippocampus compared to neocortex, although hippocampal atrophy is observed. It is unclear whether regional patterns of hippocampal subfield involvement differ between PCA and LPA, and whether they differ from typical AD. Objective: To assess volume of specific subfields of the hippocampus in PCA, LPA, and typical AD. Methods: Fifty-nine patients with PCA and 77 patients with LPA were recruited and underwent T1-weighted MRI and Pittsburgh Compound B (PiB) PET at Mayo Clinic. Thirty-six probable AD patients and 100 controls were identified from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative. Hippocampal subfield volumes were calculated using Freesurfer, and volumes were compared between PCA, LPA, AD, and controls using Kruskal-Wallis and Dunn tests. Results: The LPA and PCA groups both showed the most striking abnormalities in CA4, presubiculum, molecular layer of the hippocampus, molecular and granule cell layers of the dentate gyrus, and the hippocampal-amygdala transition area, although atrophy was left-sided in LPA. PCA showed smaller volume of right presubiculum compared to LPA, with trends for smaller volumes of right parasubiculum and fimbria. LPA showed a trend for smaller volumes of left CA1 compared to PCA. The AD group showed smaller volumes of the right subiculum, CA1, and presubiculum compared to LPA. Conclusion: Patterns of hippocampal subfield atrophy differ across the different syndromic variants of AD.
Value of Neuropsychological Tests to Identify Patients with Depressive Symptoms on the Alzheimer’s Disease Continuum
Authors: Menne Felix , Schipke Carola Gertrud , Klostermann Arne , Fuentes-Casañ Manuel , Freiesleben Silka Dawn , Bauer Chris , Peters Oliver
Published: October 2020

Background: Depressive symptoms often co-occur with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and can impact neuropsychological test results. In early stages of AD, disentangling cognitive impairments due to depression from those due to neurodegeneration often poses a challenge. Objective: We aimed to identify neuropsychological tests able to detect AD-typical pathology while taking into account varying degrees of depressive symptoms. Methods: A battery of neuropsychological tests (CERAD-NP) and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) were assessed, and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers were obtained. After stratifying patients into CSF positive or negative and into low, moderate, or high GDS score groups, sensitivity and specificity and area under the curve (AUC) were calculated for each subtest. Results: 497 participants were included in the analyses. In patients with low GDS scores (≤10), the highest AUC (0.72) was achieved by Mini-Mental State Examination, followed by Constructional Praxis Recall and Wordlist Total Recall (AUC = 0.714, both). In patients with moderate (11–20) and high (≥21) GDS scores, Trail Making Test-B (TMT-B) revealed the highest AUCs with 0.77 and 0.82, respectively. Conclusion: Neuropsychological tests showing AD-typical pathology in participants with low GDS scores are in-line with previous results. In patients with higher GDS scores, TMT-B showed the best discrimination. This indicates the need to focus on executive function rather than on memory task results in depressed patients to explore a risk for AD.
Perceptions About and Engagement in Behaviors to Reduce the Risk of Dementia Among Adult Persons in Israel
Authors: Werner Perla , AboJabel Hanan
Published: October 2020

Background Engagement in behaviors aimed at reducing the risk of developing dementia is a leading recommendation in most National Dementia Strategy programs. Objective: In an effort to advance knowledge regarding the implementation of this recommendation, the current study examined the perceptions and engagement of the adult population in Israel regarding behaviors aimed at reducing the risk of developing dementia, and its correlates. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among 502 Israeli adults aged 40 and over. Approximately half of the participants (51.2%) were female, and the majority (80.1%) were Jewish. Results: Overall, while the percentage of participants reporting that the examined activities were important for brain health was moderate, percentages reporting engaging in these behaviors were low. The most important correlate of engagement in health behaviors was participants’ perceptions about the importance of these behaviors for their brain health. Increased age, being Jewish, and enhanced perceived susceptibility to develop dementia were also significantly associated with increased engagement in behaviors to reduce the risk of dementia. Conclusion: The results of this study emphasize the need to develop intervention programs aimed at promoting engagement in behaviors to reduce the risk of dementia development. These programs will benefit from assessing participants’ perceived importance of these behaviors, and from identifying the needs of unique groups, such as older persons and those pertaining to ethno-cultural groups.
A systematic review of security threats and countermeasures in SaaS
Authors: Díaz de León Guillén Miguel Ángel , Morales-Rocha Víctor , Fernández Martínez Luis Felipe
Published: October 2020

Among the service models provided by the cloud, the software as a service (SaaS) model has had the greatest growth. This service model is an attractive option for organizations, as they can transfer part or all of their IT functions to a cloud service provider. However, there is still some uncertainty about deciding to carry out a migration of all data to the cloud, mainly due to security concerns. The SaaS model not only inherits the security problems of a traditional application, but there are unique attacks and vulnerabilities for a SaaS architecture. Additionally, some of the attacks in this environment are more devastating due to nature of shared resources in the SaaS model. Some of these attacks and vulnerabilities are not yet well known to software designers and developers. This lack of knowledge has negative consequences as it can expose sensitive data of users and organizations. This paper presents a rigorous systematic review using the SALSA framework to know the threats, attacks and countermeasures to mitigate the security problems that occur in a SaaS environment. As part of the results of this review, a classification of threats, attacks and countermeasures in the SaaS environment is presented.
Bank customer loyalty under the background of internet finance and multimedia technology
Authors: Pei Pei , Li Yingji
Published: October 2020

In recent years, Internet finance has developed rapidly in China, and has attracted more and more attention. With the rise of a variety of online payment, the development of traditional commercial banks has been seriously hindered, a large number of customer resources have been lost and reduced customer loyalty. Therefore, this paper studies how to improve customer loyalty in the context of Internet Finance and multimedia technology. First of all, based on multimedia technology and fuzzy concept, this paper designs and implements the bank customer management system based on multimedia technology and fuzzy concept; secondly, it constructs the corresponding evaluation index system, and designs the relevant functions of the system according to the specific needs of customers; finally, the system is implemented by using spring open-source framework system, web, JSP, EAI and database technology. In the test phase, in order to test the performance of the designed customer management system, this paper constructs a test system. Through the customer experience of using the system and the performance of the new and old management system for comparative analysis of satisfaction, analysis of the advantages of this management system.
Rough set models of interval rough number information system
Authors: Cheng Linhai , Zhang Yu , He Yingying , Lv Yuejin
Published: October 2020

Classical rough set theory (RST) is based on equivalence relations, and does not have an effective mechanism when the attribute value of the objects is uncertain information. However, the information in actual problems is often uncertain, and an accurate or too vague description of the information can no longer fully meet the actual needs. Interval rough number (IRN) can reflect a certain degree of certainty in the uncertainty of the data when describing the uncertainty of the data, and can enable decision makers to make decisions more in line with actual needs according to their risk preferences. However, the current research on rough set models (RSMs) whose attribute values are interval rough numbers is still very scarce, and they cannot analyze the interval rough number information system (IRNIS) from the perspective of similar relation. therefore, three new interval rough number rough set models (IRNRSMs) based on similar relation are proposed in this paper. Firstly, aiming at the limitations of the existing interval similarity degree (ISD), new interval similarity degree and interval rough number similarity degree (IRNSD) are proposed, and their properties are discussed. Secondly, in the IRNIS, based on the newly proposed IRNSD, three IRNRSMs based on similar class, β-maximal consistent class and β-equivalent class are proposed, and their properties are discussed. And then, the relationships between these three IRNRSMs and those between their corresponding approximation accuracies are researched. Finally, it can be found that the IRNRSM based on the β-equivalent classes has the highest approximation accuracy. Proposing new IRNRSMs based on similar relation is a meaningful contribution to extending the application range of RST.
Speech enhancement algorithm of improved OMLSA based on bilateral spectrogram filtering
Authors: Wang Jie , Yan Linhuang , Tian Jiayi , Yuan Minmin
Published: October 2020

In this paper, a bilateral spectrogram filtering (BSF)-based optimally modified log-spectral amplitude (OMLSA) estimator for single-channel speech enhancement is proposed, which can significantly improve the performance of OMLSA, especially in highly non-stationary noise environments, by taking advantage of bilateral filtering (BF), a widely used technology in image and visual processing, to preprocess the spectrogram of the noisy speech. BSF is capable of not only sharpening details, removing unwanted textures or background noise from the noisy speech spectrogram, but also preserving edges when considering a speech spectrogram as an image. The a posteriori signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) of OMLSA algorithm is estimated after applying BSF to the noisy speech. Besides, in order to reduce computing costs, a fast and accurate BF is adopted to reduce the algorithm complexity O(1) for each time-frequency bin. Finally, the proposed algorithm is compared with the original OMLSA and other classic denoising methods using various types of noise with different signal-to-noise ratios in terms of objective evaluation metrics such as segmental signal-to-noise ratio improvement and perceptual evaluation of speech quality. The results show the validity of the improved BSF-based OMLSA algorithm.
Robust data hiding with multiple backups and optimized reference matrix
Authors: Zhang Xianquan , Yang Ju , Dong Yu , Yu Chunqiang , Tang Zhenjun
Published: October 2020

Most data hiding methods have limitations in resisting cropping and noise attacks. Aiming at this problem, a robust data hiding with multiple backups and optimized reference matrix is proposed in this paper. Specifically, secret data is divided into a set of groups and multiple backups of each group data are generated according to the number of backups. The cover image is divided into several blocks. A reference matrix is constructed by four constraints to assist data hiding and data extraction. The proposed method aims to extract exactly at least one backup of each group data so that the correct backups can construct the secret data well if the stego-image is corrupted. Experimental results show that the proposed algorithm is robust to cropping and noise attacks.
A novel method based on convolutional neural network for malaria diagnosis
Authors: Hu Junhua , Liu Jie , Liang Pei , Li Bo
Published: October 2020

Malaria is one of the three major diseases with the highest mortality worldwide and can turn fatal if not taken seriously. The key to surviving this disease is its early diagnosis. However, manual diagnosis is time consuming and tedious due to the large amount of image data. Generally, computer-aided diagnosis can effectively improve doctors’ perception and accuracy. This paper presents a medical diagnosis method powered by convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract features from images and improve early detection of malaria. The image sharpening and histogram equalization method are used aiming at enlarging the difference between parasitized regions and other area. Dropout technology is employed in every convolutional layer to reduce overfitting in the network, which is proved to be effective. The proposed CNN model achieves a significant performance with the best classification accuracy of 99.98%. Moreover, this paper compares the proposed model with the pretrained CNNs and other traditional algorithms. The results indicate the proposed model can achieve state-of-the-art performance from multiple metrics. In general, the novelty of this work is the reduction of the CNN structure to only five layers, thereby greatly reducing the running time and the number of parameters, which is demonstrated in the experiments. Furthermore, the proposed model can assist clinicians to accurately diagnose the malaria disease.
Flash Electroretinography Parameters and Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Netser Roni , Demmin Docia L. , Dobkin Roseanne , Goldstein Ariel , Roché Matthew , Netser Zernik Amitai , Silverstein Steven M.
Published: October 2020

Background: Parkinson’s disease (PD) is known to affect retinal structure and activity. As such, retinal evaluations may be used to develop objective and possibly early PD diagnostic tools. Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Parkinson’s disease (PD) manifestation and treatment on retinal activity. Methods: Data were collected on 21 participants diagnosed with PD, including the number of medications taken, clinical scales and flash electroretinography (fERG) measurements, under light-adapted and dark-adapted conditions. The fERG parameters measured included a-wave and b-wave amplitude and implicit time (i.e., latency). First, we investigated correlations between symptom measure scores and the fERG parameters. Next, we divided participants into two groups based on their antiparkinsonian medication load and analyzed differences between these groups’ fERG parameters. Results: fERG parameters were strongly correlated with a number of clinical variables, including motor and non-motor symptoms and age at PD onset. Photoreceptor cell implicit time was longer among participants taking one or less antiparkinsonian medication as compared to those taking two or more. However, overall there was not strong evidence of a relationship between the number of antiparkinsonian medications taken and the fERG parameters. Conclusion: Findings suggest that fERG may be a useful, non-intrusive measure of retinal, and, perhaps overall CNS function, in PD. However, additional studies in larger samples are needed to clarify this association.
Designing Varzaneh Desert Tourism Resorts with Eco-tourism Development Approach
Authors: Shams Parnaz
Published: October 2020

This article aims to create a Residential and Recreational Complex and to investigate its impact on improving the living standards of the local Varzaneh desert community. In view of Iran is highly ranked in terms of diversity of natural and climatic phenomena, especially desert climate in the world, in this paper Varzaneh desert was selected as the target and statistical community and practical and developmental purposes have been analyzed and implemented as descriptive and developmental. Using causal analysis, strategies and tactics for ecotourism development in this area have been proposed, so that the research of this paper reflects the fact that the Varzaneh Desert has an aggressive strategy based on supporting its strengths and usability of existing opportunities to overcome the weaknesses and threats facing ecotourism development.
Comparison of Mechanical Properties of Normal & Polypropylene Fiber Reinforced Concrete
Authors: Z. A. Siddiqi  , M. M. Kaleem  , M. Jawad  , A. Ajwad  , M. Usman
Published: October 2020

Concrete is the most commonly used construction material in the world. However, normal weight concrete shows less resistance to flexure. This research dealt with the technique to improve material efficiency in flexure as well as in compression, using polypropylene fibers. Different samples of concrete were prepared containing different dosages of polypropylene fibers (0.1%, 0.2%, 1% and 2% of the total concrete volume). The samples were then tested in compression and flexure, after 7, 14 and 28 days. The experimental investigation showed that the fibers increase the flexural strength of concrete in elastic range, when used in a specific limit. Maximum efficiency from the material was obtained at 0.2% dosage of fibers. Below and above this percentage the flexural and compressive strengths start decreasing. The experimental results also confirmed that with the gradual increase in polypropylene content the water absorption of concrete increases.
A Walk on the Wild Side: 2013 Cool-Season Forage Recommendations for Wildlife Food Plots in North Florida
Authors: Blount A. R. , Olson S. M. , Francis D. L. , Mackowiak C. L. , Ober H. K. , Freeman J. H. , Quesenberry K. H. , Barnett R. D. , Wilson T. W. , Gornto R. W.
Published: October 2020

A. R. Blount, S. M. Olson, D. L. Francis, C. L. Mackowiak, H. K. Ober, J. H. Freeman, K. H. Quesenberry, R. D. Barnett, T. W. Wilson, and R. W. Gornto
Are Cows Comfortable in Modern Dairy Facilities?
Authors: Toledo Izabella
Published: October 2020

The main challenge in modern large dairy farms is to achieve maximum milk production while maintaining optimal cow health and welfare. Facilities should be designed to assure that calves, heifers and cows are comfortable and can successfully grow and develop in order to reach peak performance. It is crucial to provide dairy cattle with basic shelter needs and allow farm staff to manage these animals in an effective manner. In addition, cows need to accomplish certain natural behavioral activities daily. Some factors that may decrease or limit the ability of cows to express natural behaviors include but are not limited to resting area and resting behavior, time spent away from pen (i.e. for milking and other management procedures), feed and water access and availability, stocking density, and environmental factors such as heat stress. Understanding cows needs and their natural behaviors allows us to adjust facilities in order to optimize cow comfort and subsequent productivity and profitability.
Water Resources for Florida Citrus
Authors: Boman Brian , Parsons Larry
Published: October 2020

This is document No. CH162 and Circular 1420, one of a series of the Agricultural and Biological Engineering Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: August 2002.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/ch162
Concepts, History, Principles, and Application of Germplasm Cryopreservation Technology
Authors: Yang Huiping , Tiersch Terrence R.
Published: October 2020

Germplasm are living genetic resources that can serve as bearers of heredity, and include germ cells and their precursors, plant seeds and pollen, animal sperm, oocytes, embryos, and larvae. Cryopreservation refers to the preservation of biological materials at extremely low temperatures, typically using solid carbon dioxide at -80°C or liquid nitrogen at -196°C for freezing, and cryogenic storage in perpetuity. Germplasm cryopreservation is an important technology applied for medical treatment, maintenance of biological diversity, preservation of valuable genetic resources, assistance of breeding programs, and conservation of imperiled species. This extension publication is intended to introduce the basic concepts, history, principles, and applications of germplasm cryopreservation technology.
Farm Business Start-Up Checklist for Northeast Florida
Authors: Athearn Kevin , Johns Jennifer
Published: October 2020

This document lists steps for starting a farm business in Northeast Florida, along with resources and contact information to assist a new farmer with completing each step.
Blueberry Frost Protection Practices in Florida and Georgia
Authors: Borisova Tatiana , Conlan Elizabeth , Smith Erick , Olmstead Mercy , Williamson Jeffrey
Published: October 2020

This publication was developed to assist professionals working with blueberry producers to establish a benchmark for producers’ use of frost protection practices.  This benchmark can assist in developing outreach strategies educating producers about frost protection strategies, and it can also help measure changes in producers’ frost protection behavior over time.
Financial Management: Some Important Generalizations
Authors: Kepner Karl , Wysocki Allen
Published: October 2020

This is EDIS document FE 343, a publication of the Department of Food and Resource Economics, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Published July 2002. The objectives of this article on financial management are twofold: (1) to provide an overview of the importance of professional financial management to a business firm’s operations and (2) to discuss nine financial management viewpoints that tend to restrict the financial performance of business organizations.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fe343
Facts about Folate
Authors: Bobroff Linda B.
Published: October 2020

This document is FCS8632, one of a series of the Department of Family, Youth, and Community Sciences, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication: March 2001.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy186
Florida Fresh: Grapefruit
Authors: Hillan Jennifer
Published: October 2020

This document is FCS8678, one of a series of the Department of Family, Youth and Community Sciences, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: July 2002.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/fy277
JobStart Part 6 Planning the Interview
Authors: Bolton Elizabeth B. , Hack George O.
Published: October 2020

This document is FY350, Part 6 of an 8 part series developed for the Department of Family, Youth andCommunity Sciences, Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences,University of Florida. Revised version prepared for electronic publication November 2001 by Elizabeth B. Bolton.Original version prepared for publication May 1997 by Elizabeth B. Bolton and George O. Hack
Diversity in the Workplace: Benefits, Challenges, and the Required Managerial Tools
Authors: Green Kelli A. , López Mayra , Wysocki Allen , Kepner Karl
Published: October 2020

This is EDIS document HR 022, a publication of the Department of Food and Resource Economics, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Published July 2002. It was designed to help managers effectively manage diverse workforces. It provides a general definition for workplace diversity, discusses the benefits and challenges of managing diverse workplaces, and presents effective strategies for managing diverse workforces.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hr022
Providing a Motivational Environment with Proper Associate Recognition
Authors: Becton Clayton , Wysocki Allen , Kepner Karl
Published: October 2020

This is EDIS document HR 023, a publication of the Department of Food and Resource Economics, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL. Published July 2002.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hr023
Citrus Problems In The Home Landscape
Authors: Zekri Mongi , Rouse Robert E.
Published: October 2020

This document is HS-876, one of a series of the Horticultural Sciences Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Publication date: July 2002.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/hs141
Rootstocks for Florida Stone Fruit
Authors: Sarkhosh Ali , Olmstead Mercy , Chaparro Jose , Beckman Thomas
Published: October 2020

Rootstocks have been used in many tree fruit systems to provide growth advantages and/or pest and disease resistance without affecting (or sometimes improving) productivity and fruit quality. In Florida, stone fruit are grown on rootstocks that specifically provide resistance to the peach root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne floridensis (Handoo, et al., 2004; Sherman, et al., 1991). Although several root-knot nematode-resistant rootstocks are available for stone fruit grown in other locations and climates, ‘Flordaguard’ peach rootstock is currently the only rootstock recommended for stone fruit production in Florida.

 

Root-knot nematodes (M. incognita and M. javanica) have historically been the most important species of root-knot nematodes parasitizing peach in the southeastern United States peach industry.  ‘Guardian’, ‘Nemaguard’, ‘Nemared’, and ‘Okinawa’ rootstocks are resistant to these species of nematode. However, in 1966 a new species of root-knot nematode was detected on ‘Nemaguard’ and ‘Okinawa’ peach rootstocks in Gainesville, Florida, and ultimately identified as M. floridensis in 2004 (Han-doo, et al., 2004). This nematode reproduces abundantly on ‘Nemaguard’ and ‘Nemared’ peach rootstocks as well as on other crops (verbena, eggplant, squash, basil, impatiens, tomato, snapdragon, dill, and certain ornamental plants) (Table 1). Consequently, ‘Nemaguard’, ‘Nemared’, and ‘Okinawa’ peach rootstock are no longer recommended for peaches, nectarines, and plums in Florida. ‘Nemaguard’ and ‘Nemared’ rootstocks had been used in north Florida for many years, but continued use may increase nematode populations to damaging levels on these rootstocks.

 

‘Flordaguard’ rootstock has better resistance to M. floridensis than ‘Nemaguard’ rootstock. Field evaluation of peach rootstocks to different root-knot nematode species indicated that after 25 months, nematode egg production was greater on ‘Nemaguard’ than on ‘Flordaguard’ rootstock (Nyczepir, et al., 2006). Longer-term observations in Florida also suggest that trees on ‘Nemaguard’ rootstock do not perform well in soils infested with M. floridensis. Accordingly, ‘Flordaguard’ rootstock is the only rootstock the University of Florida currently recommends for commercial peach production. ‘Sharpe’, a clonal plum hybrid rootstock (Beckman, et al., 2008), is only recommended for backyard fruit production because of its reduced yield and smaller fruit size when compared to trees budded onto ‘Flordaguard’ rootstock.
West Indian Powderpost Drywood Termite, Cryptotermes brevis (Walker) (Insecta: Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)
Authors: Scheffrahn Rudolf H. , Su Nan-Yao
Published: October 2020

This document is EENY-079, one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: April 1999.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in236
Wheel Bug, Arilus cristatus (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae)
Authors: Mead Frank W.
Published: October 2020

The wheel bug, Arilus cristatus (Linnaeus), is a moderately common, widely distributed, beneficial assassin bug that preys on man's pest insects. However, its bite usually is more severe than a bee sting, and both nymphs and adults should be avoided or handled with caution. This document is EENY-086 (originally published as DPI Entomology Circular No. 143), one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: June 1999. Revised: January 2003.

EENY086/IN243: Wheel Bug, Arilus cristatus (Linnaeus) (Insecta: Hemiptera: Reduviidae) (ufl.edu)
Mole Crickets, Scapteriscus spp.
Authors: Capinera John L. , Leppla Norman C.
Published: October 2020

This document is EENY-235, one of a series of Featured Creatures from the Entomology and Nematology Department, Florida Cooperative Extension Service, Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences, University of Florida. Published: September 2001.

https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in391
Cultivares de Caqui Japonés en Florida
Authors: Sarkhosh Ali , Andersen Peter C. , Huff Dustin , Clavijo Herrera Jonathan
Published: October 2020

This is the Spanish version of: Sarkhosh, Ali, Peter Andersen, and Dustin Huff. 2020. “Japanese Persimmon Cultivars in Florida”. EDIS 2020 (1). https://doi.org/10.32473/edis-mg242-2020.

El caqui japonés, Diospyros kaki L., es originario de China y fue cultivado por primera vez en Florida en el año 1870. El número de fincas productoras de caqui en Florida ha aumentado de 164 a 227 durante el período 2012-2017, haciendo mayor hincapié en la naturaleza de pequeña escala de la superficie promedio de fincas en esta industria. Los árboles crecen y fructifican mejor en el centro y norte de Florida, y pueden producir altos rendimientos de fruta de buena calidad. En el sur de Florida, la calidad de los frutos de tipo astringentes es mejor que la de los de tipo no astringentes.https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/mg460
Bacterial Crown Gall of Roses Caused by Agrobacterium tumefaciens
Authors: Duman Kamil , Da Silva Susannah , Iriarte Fanny , Riddle Barron , Knox Gary , Orwat Matthew , Steed Shawn , Compoverde E. Vanessa , Jones Jeffrey , Paret Mathews
Published: October 2020

Rhizobium radiobacter (also known as Agrobacterium tumefaciens), has been reported to be found on more than 600 different plant species worldwide including many common vegetables, weeds, deciduous and evergreen trees and shrubs. This document discusses the biology, symptom expression, and management of this bacterium.
Peters’s Rock Agama in Florida
Authors: Gioeli Ken , Johnson Steve A.
Published: October 2020

There is growing public awareness of Peters’s rock agama in Florida.  Adult male agama are highly visible because of their bright red coloration.  Juveniles and females are much less colorful.  Adult agama are large, fast moving reptiles.  This document provides background information about the introduction of agama to Florida as well as biology, conservation issues and management recommendations.