bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interaction between dolphins and coastal fisheries and using acoustic deterrent in reducing of interaction
Authors: Namlıtürk Emre
Published: March 2021

This study was conducted at the Unye-Ordu coasts of the South-eastern Black Sea, from May 2015 and February 2017, to investigate the frequency of dolphins-bottom gillnet fisheries interactions, the role of using acoustic deterrent in reducing the damage inflicted by the dolphins to the gillnets and to the fish caught in the gillnets. For this purpose, two gillnet sets with similar technical and equipment characteristics were prepared. While one of the groups had acoustic deterrent (active group), the other did not have acoustic deterrent (control group). In the study were used Future Oceans (70 kHz) deterrent. During the study, in only 3 of the 65 fishing trials have determined the interaction of dolphins with gillnets. It was determined that the number of holes in the gillnets caused by the dolphins was 36.3% less in the nets with acoustic deterrent than the control nets. On the other hand, the CPUE value of the whiting was estimated as 2.01 ± 0.23 kg km-1 s-1 in the gillnets with acoustic deterrent and 1.97 ± 0.24 kg km-1 s-1 in the control nets. These results showed that the use of acoustic deterrent does not have a negative effect on the catch of whiting caught in the gillnets.
Effects of feed rations containing egg powder in different proportions on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition and survival rate of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss Walbaum, 1792) fry
Authors: Köse Özay , Arıman Karabulut Huriye , Kurtoğlu İlker Zeki , Er Akif
Published: March 2021

This study aims to determine the appropriate egg powder ratio that can be substituted into the fish meal to close the protein deficit without adversely affecting the development performance of rainbow trout fry (Oncorhynchus mykiss) (0.38±0.01 g and 3.55±0.05 cm). Also, the effects of egg powder used as a protein source on rainbow trout feed on growth performance, feed utilization, body composition, and survival rates were investigated. The egg powder ratio in the ration of the groups were arranged to be 0% (Control), 25% (E-25), 50% (E-50), 75% (E-75), and 100% (E-100) of the amount of protein obtained from fish meal. To evaluate their growth performance, fish were fed for 90 days between March and May, and additional feeding was given for 17 days for the challenge test. As a result of the study, when the more than 25% egg powder was added to the ration, the final body weight (FBW), weight gain (WG), weight gain rate (WGR), specific growth rate (SGR), feed intake (FI), and protein efficiency ratio (PER) had a statistically significant difference among the groups (p<0.05). It was determined that the difference between groups was insignificant in terms of condition factor (CF), and the addition of more than 25% egg powder to the ration increased the feed conversion ratio (FCR) statistically and significantly (p<0.05). As a result of the challenge test carried out with two different fish pathogens (Lactococcus garvieae and Yersinia ruckeri), it was determined that the addition of egg powder decreased the survival rate in all groups compared to the control group (p <0.05). As a result, it was concluded that up to 25% of egg powder can be used rainbow trout fry feeds, but continuous feeding with egg powder supplemented feeds may cause fish health problems.
Recent status of exotic tilapia species in Turkey
Authors: Çiçek Erdoğan
Published: March 2021

One of the most controversial issues in Turkey about the occurrence of the exotic fish species belonging to the family Cichlidae. Up to date, starting the 1970’s a total of seven species including Coptodon rendalli, C. zillii, Oreochromis aureus, O. mossambicus, O. niloticus, Sarotherodon galilaeus and Tristramella simonis introduced to Turkey for aquaculture purposes or accidently. Then these species have deliberately released or escaped from research and aquaculture facilities establishing themselves into natural environment of Turkey. In other cases, tilapia have been introduced into new aquatic habitats via aquarists or ornamental fish farmers. There was not any reliable record about establishment of O. mossambicus, S. galilaeus and T. simonis in Turkey. It is observed that now C. rendalli, C. zillii, O. aureus, and O. niloticus and/or hybrids of them exist in the wild water system of Turkey. Another problematic issue is that species identification of specimens found in nature is impossible due to the fact that hybridization of different species of Cichlidae. By the way, the range of the species belonging to the family Cichlidae in Turkey is determined that a need for detailed genetic studies to assess the current status.
Applied System Analysis in Management As a Tool for Modeling the Functioning of Economic Systems
Authors: Zvyagin Leonid
Published: March 2021

The main purpose of applied system analysis is the application of the system principle in applied areas of human activity. Therefore, the topic of this study is relevant. System analysis is a fairly popular scientific direction, which has applications in almost all areas of human life. Initially, system analysis was used in the technical field, then it was extended to other areas of human activity. The value of the system approach lies in the fact that the consideration of categories of system analysis creates the basis for a logical and consistent approach to the problem of decision-making. The effectiveness of problem solving using system analysis is determined by the structure of the problems to be solved. The purpose of this article is to consider aspects of the application of applied system analysis in business Analytics and management. The object of the study is business Analytics and management and the study of the application of applied analysis in these areas. In this connection, you need to answer the following questions: define the essence of a systematic management principle; to reveal the concept of the system, describe its properties; to define the concept of the model, consider the types of models in the system analysis; to define the basic stages of modeling of economic objects as research objects business intelligence; identify the main stages of modeling organizational systems.
Joint-Stock Company As a Focus of Trends in the Formation of Private Wealth
Authors: Galanov Vladimir , Galanova A.
Published: March 2021

Joint-stock company is the most developed form of private capital association historically and logically growing out of the previous organizational forms of the existence of market organizations. A joint stock company is the result of the development of two interrelated processes. From the standpoint of economic content, a joint-stock company is the result of the development of the relations of production themselves from its natural forms to the commodity form and then to the form of the capitalist economy. From the point of view of the forms in which this content develops, in the form of a joint-stock company, the process of improving organizational forms that allow uniting private capital to achieve a single goal – making a profit – finds its "logical conclusion". Unlike the legal forms of a general partnership and a limited liability company, the form of a joint-stock company allows to combine a potentially unlimited number of investors and their capital on terms that most contribute to the maximization and preservation of private wealth, potentially for all members of modern society.
Dynamic Sampling Allocation Under Finite Simulation Budget for Feasibility Determination
Authors: Shi Zhongshun , Peng Yijie , Shi Leyuan , Chen Chun-Hung , Fu Michael C.
Published: March 2021

Monte Carlo simulation is a commonly used tool for evaluating the performance of complex stochastic systems. In practice, simulation can be expensive, especially when comparing a large number of alternatives, thus motivating the need to intelligently allocate simulation replications. Given a finite set of alternatives whose means are estimated via simulation, we consider the problem of determining the subset of alternatives that have means smaller than a fixed threshold. A dynamic sampling procedure that possesses not only asymptotic optimality, but also desirable finite-sample properties is proposed. Theoretical results show that there is a significant difference between finite-sample optimality and asymptotic optimality. Numerical experiments substantiate the effectiveness of the new method.

Summary of Contribution: Simulation is an important tool to estimate the performance of complex stochastic systems. We consider a feasibility determination problem of identifying all those among a finite set of alternatives with mean smaller than a given threshold, in which the means are unknown but can be estimated by sampling replications via stochastic simulation. This problem appears widely in many applications, including call center design and hospital resource allocation. Our work considers how to intelligently allocate simulation replications to different alternatives for efficiently finding the feasible alternatives. Previous work focuses on the asymptotic properties of the sampling allocation procedures, whereas our contribution lies in developing a finite-budget allocation rule that possesses both asymptotic optimality and desirable finite-budget properties.
Case Article—GreatDeal and NewChicken Merger: Designing an Omni-Channel Supply Chain
Authors: Keskin Burcu B. , Barbee Emily C.
Published: March 2021

In this case study, we consider the design and redesign of an omni-channel supply chain, following a merger of two existing companies. Prior to the merger, each company has their existing supply chain and operational strengths. Specifically, one company is a more established brick-and-mortar chain and the other is a web-based, e-commerce retailer. Postmerger, they need to evaluate the supply chain structure in terms of sales channels, distribution and fulfillment strategies, and inventory management (especially for three specific groups of products). The case study presents information regarding the market conditions that forced the two companies to merge and offers information to evaluate two competing proposals from senior executives regarding navigating the integration of the online and physical supply chains. The case article discusses the role of this integrated problem within a supply chain management or an inventory management course. In the case article, we present a literature review regarding the positioning of the posed problem among the existing works. We also highlight our experiences in teaching the case. The case “Teaching Note” presents a number of discussion questions depending on the usage of the case, offers answers to specific discussion questions, and provides guidance regarding classroom discussion. We also have a complementary Microsoft (MS) Excel template that can be shared with students and a complete MS Excel spreadsheet presenting the solutions.
Case—GreatDeal and NewChicken Merger: Designing an Omni-Channel Supply Chain
Authors: Keskin Burcu B. , Barbee Emily C.
Published: March 2021

On Monday morning, Alice Smith, vice president of supply chain (VP-SC) for GreatDeal, sat at her desk wondering how she and Rosie Dartmouth, the supply chain executive for NewChicken, are going to navigate the merger between their two companies. The merger was finalized last Friday, and NewChicken is now absorbed into GreatDeal. This week, Alice and Rosie, along with their team of experts, have to start the long and arduous process of reconfiguring their now combined supply chains to ensure the most profitable path for the company. Alice and Rosie are expected to give a presentation to the new chief executive officer, Michelle Shalhoub. The expectations from the merger are high, and there is no room for error. Furthermore, Ms. Shalhoub is known for asking for multiple competitive proposals so that she has the option to choose the best one. Depending on which proposal Ms. Shalhoub accepts, Alice may stay in her position as a VP or she may lose her title and office to Rosie. Hence, the stakes are high for Alice at a personal level too. As Alice took another sip of her coffee, she contemplated the changes and challenges ahead. She collected all of her notes on the merger, data sources, related news stories, and business magazines and then pulled up her sleeves to get started.
The Psychology of Second Guesses: Implications for the Wisdom of the Inner Crowd
Authors: Gaertig Celia , Simmons Joseph P.
Published: March 2021

Prior research suggests that averaging two guesses from the same person can improve quantitative judgments, a phenomenon known as the “wisdom of the inner crowd.” In this article, we find that this effect hinges on whether people explicitly decide in which direction their first guess had erred before making their second guess. In nine studies (N = 8,465), we found that asking people to explicitly indicate whether their first guess was too high or too low before making their second guess made people more likely to provide a second guess that was more extreme (in the same direction) than their first guess. As a consequence, the introduction of that “Too High/Too Low” question reduced (and sometimes eliminated or reversed) the wisdom-of-the-inner-crowd effect for (the majority of) questions with non-extreme correct answers and increased the wisdom-of-the-inner-crowd effect for questions with extreme correct answers. Our findings suggest that the wisdom-of-the-inner-crowd effect is not inevitable but rather that it depends on the processes people use to generate their second guesses.

This paper was accepted by Yuval Rottenstreich, decision analysis.
A multicentre national study of the effectiveness of virtual fracture clinic management of orthopaedic trauma during the COVID-19 pandemic (MAVCOV): a cross-sectional study protocol
Authors: Ng Zhan H. , Downie Samantha , Makaram Navnit S. , Kolhe Shivam N. , Mackenzie Samuel P. , Clement Nicholas D. , Duckworth Andrew D. , White Timothy O.
Published: March 2021

Aims

Virtual fracture clinics (VFCs) are advocated by recent British Orthopaedic Association Standards for Trauma and Orthopaedics (BOASTs) to efficiently manage injuries during the COVID-19 pandemic. The primary aim of this national study is to assess the impact of these standards on patient satisfaction and clinical outcome amid the pandemic. The secondary aims are to determine the impact of the pandemic on the demographic details of injuries presenting to the VFC, and to compare outcomes and satisfaction when the BOAST guidelines were first introduced with a subsequent period when local practice would be familiar with these guidelines.

Methods

This is a national cross-sectional cohort study comprising centres with VFC services across the UK. All consecutive adult patients assessed in VFC in a two-week period pre-lockdown (6 May 2019 to 19 May 2019) and in the same two-week period at the peak of the first lockdown (4 May 2020 to 17 May 2020), and a randomly selected sample during the ‘second wave’ (October 2020) will be eligible for the study. Data comprising local VFC practice, patient and injury characteristics, unplanned re-attendances, and complications will be collected by local investigators for all time periods. A telephone questionnaire will be used to determine patient satisfaction and patient-reported outcomes for patients who were discharged following VFC assessment without face-to-face consultation.

Ethics and dissemination

The study results will identify changes in case-mix and numbers of patients managed through VFCs and whether this is safe and associated with patient satisfaction. These data will provide key information for future expert-led consensus on management of trauma injuries through the VFC. The protocol will be disseminated through conferences and peer-reviewed publication. This protocol has been reviewed by the South East Scotland Research Ethics Service and is classified as a multicentre audit. Cite this article: Bone Jt Open 2021;2(3):211–215.
Phonon lasing in a hetero optomechanical crystal cavity
Authors: Cui Kaiyu , Huang Zhilei , Wu Ning , Xu Qiancheng , Pan Fei , Xiong Jian , Feng Xue , Liu Fang , Zhang Wei , Huang Yidong
Published: March 2021

Micro- and nanomechanical resonators have emerged as promising platforms for sensing a broad range of physical properties, such as mass, force, torque, magnetic field, and acceleration. The sensing performance relies critically on the motional mass, mechanical frequency, and linewidth of the mechanical resonator. Herein, we demonstrate a hetero optomechanical crystal (OMC) cavity based on a silicon nanobeam structure. The cavity supports phonon lasing in a fundamental mechanical mode with a frequency of 5.91 GHz, an effective mass of 116 fg, and a mechanical linewidth narrowing in the range from 3.3 MHz to 5.2 kHz, while the optomechanical coupling rate is as high as 1.9 MHz. With this phonon laser, on-chip sensing can be predicted with a resolution of

δ
λ
/
λ
=
1.0
×

10

−
8

. The use of a silicon-based hetero OMC cavity that harnesses phonon lasing could pave the way toward high-precision sensors that allow silicon monolithic integration and offer unprecedented sensitivity for a broad range of physical sensing applications.
Wohngebietsentwicklung heute – was lernen wir aus den letzten 30 Jahren?
Authors: Spars Guido , Guhl Pascal
Published: March 2021

Die aktuelle Lage auf den Wohnungsmärkten der wachsenden Großstadtregionen ist von erheblichen Defiziten geprägt. Ein wesentliches Defizit zeigt sich beim Wohnungsneubau im Verhältnis zu den Bedarfszahlen. Zwar wurden im Jahr 2019 rund 293.000 Wohnungen gebaut und damit rund 6000 mehr als im Vorjahr. Die Fertigstellungszahlen bleiben in fast allen Wachstumsstädten weit hinter den Bedarfen zurück, mit der Konsequenz einer weiter zunehmenden Verknappung von Wohnflächen und damit einhergehenden steigenden Miet- und Verkaufspreisen. Es stellt sich daher die Frage, ob nicht größere Vorhaben der Quartiers- bzw. Wohngebietsentwicklung eine wichtige Rolle bei dieser außergewöhnlichen Neubauherausforderung in deutschen Wachstumszentren spielen könnten. Auch die Bereitstellung von Bauland könnte über größere Vorhaben schneller erfolgen und vielleicht sogar – über den Einsatz entsprechender Instrumente – zu insgesamt günstigeren Bodenpreisen gelingen. Es drängt sich die Frage nach einer effizienten, Größenvorteile in der Produktion ausnutzenden Gebietsentwicklungsstrategie in den Kommunen auf. Was kann man für diese neuen Quartiersentwicklungen aus den größeren Wohngebietsentwicklungen der letzten 30 Jahre lernen? Gibt es Erkenntnisse aus einer empirischen Breitenuntersuchung, die helfen können solche strategischen Fragen besser beantworten zu können? Wir wollen versuchen in diesem Beitrag Antworten auf die aufgeworfenen Fragen zu geben und stützen uns hierbei auf die jüngst erschienene empirische Analyse zu neuen Quartiersentwicklungen seit 1990, die im Rahmen einer Dissertation erarbeitet wurden.
Insecticide resistance in dengue vectors from hotspots in Selangor, Malaysia
Authors: Rasli Rosilawati , Cheong Yoon Ling , Che Ibrahim M. Khairuddin , Farahininajua Fikri Siti Futri , Norzali Rusydi Najmuddin , Nazarudin Nur Ayuni , Hamdan Nur Fadillah , Muhamed Khairul Asuad , Hafisool Afiq Ahnaf , Azmi Ruziyatul Aznieda , Ismail Harith Aswad , Ali Roziah , Ab Hamid Nurulhusna , Taib Mohd Zainuldin , Omar Topek , Wasi Ahmad Nazni , Lee Han Lim
Published: March 2021

Background

In Malaysia, dengue remains a top priority disease and usage of insecticides is the main method for dengue vector control. Limited baseline insecticide resistance data in dengue hotspots has prompted us to conduct this study. The present study reports the use of a map on the insecticide susceptibility status of Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus to provide a quick visualization and overview of the distribution of insecticide resistance.

Method and results

The insecticide resistance status of Aedes populations collected from 24 dengue hotspot areas from the period of December 2018 until June 2019 was proactively monitored using the World Health Organization standard protocol for adult and larval susceptibility testing was conducted, together with elucidation of the mechanisms involved in observed resistance. For resistance monitoring, susceptibility to three adulticides (permethrin, deltamethrin, and malathion) was tested, as well as susceptibility to the larvicide, temephos. Data showed significant resistance to both deltamethrin and permethrin (pyrethroid insecticides), and to malathion (organophosphate insecticide) in all sampled Aedes aegypti populations, while variable resistance patterns were found in the sampled Aedes albopictus populations. Temephos resistance was observed when larvae were tested using the diagnostic dosage of 0.012mg/L but not at the operational dosage of 1mg/L for both species.

Conclusion

The present study highlights evidence of a potential threat to the effectiveness of insecticides currently used in dengue vector control, and the urgent requirement for insecticide resistance management to be integrated into the National Dengue Control Program.
Trolley dilemma in the sky: Context matters when civilians and cadets make remotely piloted aircraft decisions
Authors: Christen Markus , Narvaez Darcia , Zenk Julaine D. , Villano Michael , Crowell Charles R. , Moore Daniel R.
Published: March 2021

Crews operating remotely piloted aircrafts (RPAs) in military operations may be among the few that truly experience tragic dilemmas similar to the famous Trolley Problem. In order to analyze decision-making and emotional conflict of RPA operators within Trolley-Problem-like dilemma situations, we created an RPA simulation that varied mission contexts (firefighter, military and surveillance as a control condition) and the social “value” of a potential victim. We found that participants (Air Force cadets and civilian students) were less likely to make the common utilitarian choice (sacrificing one to save five), when the value of the one increased, especially in the military context. However, in the firefighter context, this decision pattern was much less pronounced. The results demonstrate behavioral and justification differences when people are more invested in a particular context despite ostensibly similar dilemmas.
Whole-genome sequencing of SARS-CoV-2 reveals the detection of G614 variant in Pakistan
Authors: Umair Massab , Ikram Aamer , Salman Muhammad , Khurshid Adnan , Alam Masroor , Badar Nazish , Suleman Rana , Tahir Faheem , Sharif Salmaan , Montgomery Joel , Whitmer Shannon , Klena John
Published: March 2021

Since its emergence in China, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has spread worldwide including Pakistan. During the pandemic, whole genome sequencing has played an important role in understanding the evolution and genomic diversity of SARS-CoV-2. Although an unprecedented number of SARS-CoV-2 full genomes have been submitted in GISAID and NCBI, data from Pakistan is scarce. We report the sequencing, genomic characterization, and phylogenetic analysis of five SARS-CoV-2 strains isolated from patients in Pakistan. The oropharyngeal swabs of patients that were confirmed positive for SARS-CoV-2 through real-time RT-PCR at National Institute of Health, Pakistan, were selected for whole-genome sequencing. Sequencing was performed using NEBNext Ultra II Directional RNA Library Prep kit for Illumina (NEW ENGLAND BioLabs Inc., MA, US) and Illumina iSeq 100 instrument (Illumina, San Diego, US). Based on whole-genome analysis, three Pakistani SARS-CoV-2 strains clustered into the 20A (GH) clade along with the strains from Oman, Slovakia, United States, and Pakistani strain EPI_ISL_513925. The two 19B (S)-clade strains were closely related to viruses from India and Oman. Overall, twenty-nine amino acid mutations were detected in the current study genome sequences, including fifteen missense and four novel mutations. Notably, we have found a D614G (aspartic acid to glycine) mutation in spike protein of the sequences from the GH clade. The G614 variant carrying the characteristic D614G mutation has been shown to be more infectious that lead to its rapid spread worldwide. This report highlights the detection of GH and S clade strains and G614 variant from Pakistan warranting large-scale whole-genome sequencing of strains prevalent in different regions to understand virus evolution and to explore their genetic diversity.
The incidence of acute respiratory infection in Indonesian infants and association with vitamin D deficiency
Authors: Oktaria Vicka , Danchin Margaret , Triasih Rina , Soenarto Yati , Bines Julie E. , Ponsonby Anne-Louise , Clarke Michael W. , Graham Stephen M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Vitamin D deficiency has been associated with acute respiratory infection (ARI) in early life, but this has not been evaluated in Indonesia. We aimed to determine the incidence of ARI in Indonesian infants, and to evaluate the association with vitamin D deficiency.

Methods

From 23 December 2015 to 31 December 2017, we conducted a community-based prospective cohort study in Yogyakarta province. We enrolled 422 pregnant women and followed their infants from birth until 12 months of age for ARI episodes. Vitamin D status was measured at birth and at age six months. We performed Cox proportional hazard regression analysis to evaluate the association between vitamin D deficiency and pneumonia incidence.

Results

At study completion, 95% (400/422) of infants retained with a total of 412 child years of observation (CYO). The incidence of all ARI and of WHO-defined pneumonia was 3.89 (95% CI 3.70–4.08) and 0.25 (95% CI 0.21–0.30) episodes per CYO respectively. Vitamin D deficiency at birth was common (90%, 308/344) and associated with more frequent episodes of ARI non-pneumonia (adjusted odds ratio 4.48, 95% CI:1.04–19.34). Vitamin D status at birth or six months was not associated with subsequent pneumonia incidence, but greater maternal sun exposure during pregnancy was associated with a trend to less frequent ARI and pneumonia in infants.

Conclusion

ARI, pneumonia, and vitamin D deficiency at birth were common in Indonesian infants. Minimising vitamin D deficiency at birth such as by supplementation of mothers or safe sun exposure during pregnancy has the potential to reduce ARI incidence in infants in this setting.
The impact of the coronavirus disease and Tele-Heart Failure Clinic on cardiovascular mortality and heart failure hospitalization in ambulatory patients with heart failure
Authors: Puwanant Sarinya , Sinphurmsukskul Supanee , Krailak Laddawan , Nakaviroj Pavinee , Boonbumrong Noppawan , Siwamogsatham Sarawut , Chettakulanurak Krailerk , Ariyachaipanich Aekarach , Boonyaratavej Smonporn
Published: March 2021

Background

We sought to investigate the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic and the Tele-HF Clinic (Tele-HFC) program on cardiovascular death, heart failure (HF) rehospitalization, and heart transplantation rates in a cohort of ambulatory HF patients during and after the peak of the pandemic.

Methods

Using the HF clinic database, we compared data of patients with HF before, during, and after the peak of the pandemic (January 1 to March 17 [pre-COVID], March 17 to May 31 [peak-COVID], and June 1 to October 1 [post-COVID]). During peak-COVID, all patients were managed by Tele-HFC or hospitalization. After June 1, patients chose either a face-to-face clinic visit or a continuous tele-clinic visit.

Results

Cardiovascular death and medical titration rates were similar in peak-COVID compared with all other periods. HF readmission rates were significantly lower in peak-COVID (8.7% vs. 2.5%, p<0.001) and slightly increased (3.5%) post-COVID. Heart transplant rates were substantially increased in post-COVID (4.5% vs. peak-COVID [0%], p = 0.002). After June 1, 38% of patients continued with the Tele-HFC program. Patients managed by the Tele-HFC program for <6 months were less likely to have HF with reduced ejection fraction (73% vs. 54%, p = 0.005) and stage-D HF (33% vs. 14%, p = 0.001), and more likely to achieve the target neurohormonal blockade dose (p<0.01), compared with the ≥6-month Tele-HFC group.

Conclusions

HF rehospitalization and transplant rates significantly declined during the pandemic in ambulatory care of HF. However, reduction in these rates did not affect subsequent 5-month hospitalization and cardiovascular mortality in the setting of Tele-HFC program and continuum of advanced HF therapies.
Characterization of the robust humoral immune response to GSK2618960, a humanized anti-IL-7 receptor monoclonal antibody, observed in healthy subjects in a Phase 1 study
Authors: Liao Karen , Chen Keguan , Brett Sara , Gehman Andrew , Schwartz Ann M. , Gunn George R. , DeWall Stephen L.
Published: March 2021

Interleukin-7 (IL-7) signaling modulates T cell activity and is implicated in numerous autoimmune diseases. An anti-IL-7 receptor monoclonal antibody (GSK2618960) biotherapeutic was evaluated in healthy subjects for safety, pharmacokinetics (PK), pharmacodynamics (PD) and immunogenicity in a single-dose escalation phase I study. We found that antibodies against GSK2618960 (i.e., anti-drug antibodies or ADA) developed in 83% and 100% of GSK2618960-treated subjects in the 0.6 and 2.0 mg/kg dose cohorts, respectively. Of the ADA positive subjects, 64% (7 of 11) had detectable neutralizing activity. Further investigation revealed the presence of GSK2618960-specific memory B cells, indicating the development of immunological memory for the ADAs. Ex vivo stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cell (PBMC) samples demonstrated a relatively strong CD4+ T cell proliferation response to GSK2618960 as compared to the control anti-RSV antibody (which is known to have only low immunogenic potential), confirming the high immunogenic potential of GSK2618960. Furthermore, GSK2618960 was found to bind in vitro monocyte-derived dendritic cells (DCs). GSK2618960 treatment of PBMCs increased the proportion of DC cells showing an increase in expression of CD83, CD86 and CD209, which indicated enhanced DC differentiation and activation relative to the isotype control anti-β amyloid antibody. Collectively, the evidence supports that the high incidence of observed clinical immunogenicity was likely related to the receptor-mediated activity by GSK2618960.
Karrierváltók Magyarországon – Karrierváltó csoportok
Authors: Bokor Attila , Fertetics Mandy , Hidegh Anna Laura , Váradi Szabó Zsuzsa
Published: March 2021

A kétrészes tanulmányban a Karrierváltók Magyarországon kutatási projekt első eredményeit mutatják be a szerzők. Kutatásukban olyan emberek élettörténetét kívánták feldolgozni, akiknek volt egy vagy több jelentős karrierváltása, például társadalmi szférát, szakterületet vagy munkaerő-piaci státust váltottak. A kutatás jelenlegi fázisában főként az élet- és karrierváltási történetek tartalmi elemeire koncentráltak: kik, honnan, hová, milyen folyamatban, milyen közvetlen és közvetett befolyásoló tényezők hatására, mire építve váltottak. Jelen cikkük első felében a kutatási tervről, valamint a módszertanról adnak átfogó ismertetőt, majd a tanulmány második felében az elemzés során definiált egyes karrierváltó csoportokat mutatják be, tanulságokat megfogalmazva mind a potenciális karrierváltók, kutatók és HR-szakemberek számára.
Önmegvalósítás a munkahelyen – Megélések és meg nem élések, illetve azok okai
Authors: Beck-Bíró Kata
Published: March 2021

Ebben a cikkben a szerző arra keresi a választ, hogy mit jelent az önmegvalósítás a hétköznapi életben, illetve az önmegvalósítási törekvésnek milyen akadályai vannak (1) az egyén, (2) a munkakör, (3) a szervezet és a (4) tágabb környezet szintjén. E kérdések megválaszolásában reklámügynökségi kreatív szakemberek segítenek – a velük készített mélyinterjúk segítségével kiderül, hogy az önmegvalósítás nem feltétlenül az „azt csinálom, amit akarok” megélése, hanem egy tudatos folyamat, amely során kompromisszumkötésre is szükség lehet. Kompromisszum magammal? A munkámmal? A főnökömmel? A szakmával? A cikk első részében (Vezetéstudomány 2009. 11. sz.) a humanisztikus pszichológia képviselőinek és a szervezetkutatók elméleteit elemezve, összehasonlítva a szerző meghatározta, hogy mit jelent az önmegvalósítás, illetve mik jelenthetik a szervezeti keretek között történő egyéni önmegvalósítás gátló tényezőit. A kutatás eredményei a szakirodalmi összefoglalót pontosítják, esetenként újraértelmezik és legfőképp „életre keltik”. Az „életszerű” definíció, illetve a gátló tényezők összefoglalása és struktúrába rendezése újdonság lehet az önmegvalósítás témájában.
Management of People by Managers with a Technical Background - Research Results
Authors: Dobrovská D.
Published: March 2021

In 1999 and 2000, the Masaryk Institute of Advanced studies of CTU in Prague launched a study of the efficiency of human resource management in Czech enterprises, with emphasis on technically educated managers. About 85 managers, each responsible for 5-250 employees assessed their own HRM activities and attitudes and those of their firm. The following aspects were analysed: evaluating individual management areas, assessing the general management standard of the given company, awareness of the company's personnel management policy, manager's own contribution to formulating the company's personnel management strategy, developing job descriptions, using professional methods of employee selection, promoting employees to the status of manager, periodic assessment of employees, training of staff responsible for assessment, employee remuneration and other motivation tools, etc. Results and data analysis are given in the paper. The managers of the Czech companies reviewed are still involved mainly in operating management, and devote limited time to the conceptual work needed in order to formulate an integral company policy in the area of personnel management. On the basis of this analysis, further training for managers with technical education will be designed and organised by the Masaryk Institute of Advanced Studies.
Actual Optical and Thermal Performance of Photovoltaic Modules
Authors: Elminir Hamdy K. , Benda V. , Kudláček I.
Published: March 2021

Field testing is costly, time-consuming and depends heavily on prevailing weather conditions. Adequate security and weather protection must also be provided at the test site. Delays can be caused due to bad weather and system failures. To overcome these problems, a photovoltaic array simulation may be used. In any simulation scheme involving photovoltaic systems, one important choice is the selection of a mathematical model.In the literature several approaches to the problem have been made. Most procedures designed for this purpose are based on analytical descriptions of the physical mechanisms inside the solar cell that can be represented by a circuit diagram with discrete components, like a two-exponential model. Such simulators have some merits. However, their limited flexibility in readily simulating the influence of solar radiation, temperature and various array parameters is a serious drawback that has been noted. To get more accurate results in predicting the actual performance of photovoltaic modules, the parameters influencing incoming (optical parameters) and outgoing power flow (electrical and thermal parameters) were investigated by simulation and by some verifying experiments, to get a closer insight into the response behavior of this element, and to estimate the overall performance as well as optimization of the parameters.
Effect of Thermal Cycling on the Strength and Texture of Concrete for Nuclear Safety Structures
Authors: Hošková Š. , Kapičková O. , Trtík K. , Vodák F.
Published: March 2021

The effect of thermal cycling (freezing and thawing) on the texture and strength of two types of concrete is studied: 1. Concrete used for a containment structure at NPP Temelín (Czech Republic) - so-called TEMELÍN concrete.2. Highly resistant PENLY concrete, which was used as a standard because of its high quality, proved by the research carried out in a European Commission project. The results for the two samples of concrete are compared.
Two-equation Turbulence Model Similarity Solution of the Axisymmetric Fluid Jet
Authors: Tesař V.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents a general, universally valid solution of axisymmetric turbulent submerged jet flow, for which no fully satisfactory solution has been known. What has been available so far are either computational solutions for individual particular cases, lacking universality, or similarity solutions with inadequate turbulence models, some of them based upon assumptions of a speculative character (e.g. constant mixing length across the jet profile). The present approach uses a similarity transformation of the governing equations, which incorporate an advanced turbulence model. The results are shown to be in excellent agreement with available experimental data. The new solution provides a suitable basis for analysis of enigmatic aspects of axisymmetric jets, such as their "spreading anomaly".
Determining the Permeable Efficiency of Elements in Transport Networks
Authors: Svoboda V. , Šiktancová D.
Published: March 2021

The transport network is simulated by a directed graph. Its edges are evaluated by length (in linear units or time units), by permeability and by the cost of driving through in a transport unit. Its peaks (nodes) are evaluated in terms of permeability, the time of driving through the node in time units and the cost of driving a transport unit (set) through this node.For such a conception of the transport network a role of optimisation and disintegration of transport flow was formulated, defined by a number of transport units (transport sets). These units enter the network at the initial node and exit the network (or vanish at the defined node). The aim of optimization was to disintegrate the transport flow so that the permeability was not exceeded in any element of the network (edge, nod), so that the relocation of the defined transport flow was completed in a prearranged time and so that the cost of driving through the transport net between the entry and exit knots was minimal.
Pollutant Removal from Highway Runoff Using Retention/Detention Units
Authors: Elsayed Ashraf El-Shahat , Grünwald A. , Dvořák D.
Published: March 2021

Highway runoff contains total suspended solids, hydrocarbons, oil and greases, chloride, and other contaminants that are transported in solution and particulate forms to adjacent floodplains, roadside swales, and retention/detention ponds. Oil and grit chambers represent a type of retention/detention unit used for removing heavy particulates and adsorbed hydrocarbon particulates. Storage/sediment units also represent a type of retention/detention unit used for controlling peak flow and removing suspended solids. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of traffic volume and site characteristics on highway runoff quality. The study also aims to evaluate the performance of retention/detention units that collect runoff from the Prague-Brno and Prague-Plzeň highways, Czech Republic. The results of this study indicate no definitive relationship between average daily traffic and concentration of runoff constituents, though the site characteristics have a strong relation to some constituents. The results also show that retention/detention units are effective in treating organic compounds.
Class Representation of Shapes Using Qualitative-codes
Authors: Ismail Ashraf Fouad Hafez
Published: March 2021

This paper introduces our qualitative shape representation formalism that is devised to overcome, as we have argued, the class abstraction problems created by numeric schemes. The numeric shape representation method used in conventional geometric modeling systems reveals difficulties in several aspects of architectural designing. Firstly, numeric schemes strongly require complete and detailed information for any simple task of object modeling. This requirement of information completeness makes it hard to apply numeric schemes to shapes in sketch level drawings that are characteristically ambiguous and have non-specific limitations on shape descriptions. Secondly, Cartesian coordinate-based quantitative shape representation schemes show restrictions in the task of shape comparison and classification that are inevitably involved in abstract concepts related to shape characteristics. One of the reasons why quantitative schemes are difficult to apply to the abstraction of individual shape information into its classes and categories is the uniqueness property, meaning that an individual description in a quantitative scheme should refer to only one object in the domain of representation. A class representation, however, should be able to indicate not only one but also a group of objects sharing common characteristics. Thirdly, it is difficult or inefficient to apply numeric shape representation schemes based on the Cartesian coordinate system to preliminary shape analysis and modeling tasks because of their emphasis on issues, such as detail, completeness, uniqueness and individuality, which can only be accessed in the final stages of designing. Therefore, we face the need for alternative shape representation schemes that can handle class representation of objects in order to manage the shapes in the early stages of designing. We consider shape as a boundary description consisting of a set of connected and closed lines. Moreover, we need to consider non-numeric approaches to overcome the problems caused by quantitative representation approaches.This paper introduces a qualitative approach to shape representation that is contrasted to conventional numeric techniques. This research is motivated by ideas and methodologies from related studies such as in qualitative formalism ([4], [6], [19], [13], [31]), qualitative abstraction [16], qualitative vector algebra ([7], [32]), qualitative shapes ([18], [23], [21]), and coding theory ([20], [25], [26], [1], [2], [3], [22]). We develop a qualitative shape representation scheme by adopting propitious aspects of the above techniques to suit the need for our shape comparison and analysis tasks. The qualitative shape-encoding scheme converts shapes into systematically constructed qualitative symbols called Q-codes. This paper explains how the Q-code scheme is developed and applied.
Colorimetry and TV Colour Splitting Systems
Authors: Kaiser J. , Košťál E.
Published: March 2021

The colorimetric standard of the present-day television system goes back to the American NTSC system from 1953. In this RGB colorimetric system it is not possible, for basic reasons, to produce a scanning device which will provide signals suitable for controlling any displayed unit. From the very beginning of the television system the scanning device has produced inevitable colour deformation. The range of reproductive colours is not fully utilized either by a contemporary Cathode Ray Tube display unit or by a Liquid Crystal Display. In addition, the range is not sufficient for true reproduction of colours. Specific technical and scientific applications in which colour bears a substantial part of the information (cosmic development, medicine) demand high fidelity colour reproduction. The colour splitting system, working in the RGB colorimetric system, continues to be universally used. This article submits the results of a design for a colour splitting system working in the XYZ colorimetric system (hereafter referred to as the XYZ prism). A way to obtain theoretical spectral reflectances of partial XYZ prism filters is briefly described. These filters are then approximated by real optical interference filters and the geometry of the XYZ prism is established.
Involvement of Thermodynamic Cycle Analysis in a Concurrent Approach to Reciprocating Engine Design
Authors: Macek J. , Takáts M.
Published: March 2021

A modularised approach to thermodynamic optimisation of new concepts of volumetric combustion engines concerning efficiency and emissions is outlined. Levels of primary analysis using a computerised general-change entropy diagram and detailed multizone, 1 to 3-D finite volume methods are distinguished. The use of inverse algorithms based on the same equations is taken into account.
Structural Design Using Simulation Based Reliability Assessment
Authors: Vukazich S. , Marek P.
Published: March 2021

The concept of Simulation Based Reliability Assessment (SBRA) for Civil Engineering structures is presented. SBRA uses bounded histograms to represent variable material and geometric properties as well as variable load effects, and makes use of the Monte Carlo technique to perform a probability-based reliability assessment. SBRA represents a departure from the traditional deterministic and semi-probabilistic design procedures applied in codes and as such requires a "re-engineering" of current assessment procedures in accordance with the growing potential of computer and information technology. Three simple examples of how SBRA can be used in Structural Engineering design are presented: 1) the reliability assessment of a steel beam, 2) a truss bar subjected to variable tension and compression, and 3) the pressure on the wall of an elevated water tank due to earthquake load.
Study of the Blending Efficiency of Pitched Blade Impellers
Authors: Fořt I. , Jirout T. , Rieger F. , Allner R. , Sperling R.
Published: March 2021

This paper presents an analysis of the blending efficiency of pitched blade impellers under a turbulent regime of flow of an agitated low viscous liquid. The conductivity method is used to determine of the blending (homogenization) time of miscible liquids in pilot plant mixing equipment with standard radial baffles. For the given homogeneity degree (98 %) a three-blade pitched blade impeller is tested with various off-bottom clearances, vessel/ impeller diameter ratios and various impeller pitch angles. The experimental results show in accordance with theoretical data from the literature, that the greatest effect on the dimensionless blending time is exhibited by the vessel/ impeller diameter ratio and the impeller pitch angle. The number of total circulations necessary for reaching the chosen homogeneity degree depends on the impeller pitch angle and amounts more than three. Finally, the energetic efficiency of the blending process is calculated. The results of this study show, that the highest energetic efficiency of the three-blade pitched blade impeller appears for the pitch angle a = 24°, the impeller/vessel diameter ratio T/D = 2 and the impeller off-bottom clearance h/D = 1.
Measurement of Temperature Fields in Long Span Concrete Bridges
Authors: Římal J.
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with assesing of the influence of climate temperatures on deformations and stresses in a cross section of the Nusle Bridge. The main purpose is to describe the measurement of the thermal fields, to compare measured and computed temperature fields, and to provide a real estimation of the stresses that occur.
Partial Discharge Measurements in HV Rotating Machines in Dependence on Pressure of Coolant
Authors: Kršňák I. , Kolcunová I.
Published: March 2021

The influence of the pressure of the coolant used in high voltage rotating machines on partial discharges occurring in stator insulation is discussed in this paper. The first part deals with a theoretical analysis of the topic. The second part deals with the results obtained on a real generator in industrial conditions. Finally, theoretical assumptions and obtained results are compared.
Large-scale File System Design and Architecture
Authors: Dynda V. , Rydlo P.
Published: March 2021

This paper deals with design issues of a global file system, aiming to provide transparent data availability, security against loss and disclosure, and support for mobile and disconnected clients.First, the paper surveys general challenges and requirements for large-scale file systems, and then the design of particular elementary parts of the proposed file system is presented. This includes the design of the raw system architecture, the design of dynamic file replication with appropriate data consistency, file location and data security.Our proposed system is called Gaston, and will be referred further in the text under this name or its abbreviation GFS (Gaston File System).