bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occupational Burnout Syndrome in Polish Physicians: A Systematic Review
Authors: Zgliczyńska Magdalena , Zgliczyński Stanisław , Ciebiera Michał , Kosińska-Kaczyńska Katarzyna
Published: December 2019

Due to the nature of their work, physicians are exposed to chronic stress. This may potentially lead to the widespread occurrence of occupational burnout syndrome (BS). The aim of this systematic review study was to summarize available published data concerning the prevalence of BS in Polish doctors. The literature search was performed using the following databases: PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) and Google Scholar. The last search was performed on September 27th, 2019. Only articles in English or Polish on graduated doctors practicing in Poland were taken into account. All types of original research were considered eligible. However, review articles, book chapters, case reports, case series, conference papers, study protocols and articles in languages other than English and Polish were excluded. There were no restrictions on age, seniority or specialty of study participants. The literature search revealed a total of 21 studies that met the inclusion criteria. The results of individual studies were very diverse, which makes it difficult to draw specific conclusions. However, the problem of burnout among Polish doctors is valid and worth special attention from society, health policy leaders, and doctors themselves. High-quality research is essential to for a better understanding of this topic.
An Eye for an Eye? Third Parties’ Silence Reactions to Peer Abusive Supervision: The Mediating Role of Workplace Anxiety, and the Moderating Role of Core Self-Evaluation
Authors: Huang Jun , Guo Gengxuan , Tang Dingping , Liu Tianyuan , Tan Liang
Published: December 2019

Currently, a few scholars have studied the spillover effects of abusive supervision from third parties’ perspective. However, these limited researches mainly focus on third parties’ explicit behavior response to peer abusive supervision, ignoring their implicit reactions (e.g., silence) and the emotional mechanism among it. To fill the above gaps, drawing on affective events theory, we construct a theoretical model that explains the relationship among peer abusive supervision, third parties’ workplace anxiety, third parties’ silence, and third parties’ core self-evaluation. Multi-wave data from 283 front-line employees (57% male and 43% female; 57.2% are 30 years old and below, 31.1% are 31–40 years old and 11.7% are over 40 years old), who come from eight real estate and insurance companies in China, were used to support our framework. In particular, our empirical results indicated that peer abusive supervision was positively related to third parties’ silence, among which workplace anxiety played a partial mediating role. In addition, third parties’ core self-evaluation moderated the relationship between peer abusive supervision and silence, meanwhile, the mediating role of workplace anxiety. Specifically, the effect of peer abusive supervision on workplace anxiety, and the mediating effect of workplace anxiety, was weaker when the third parties’ core self-evaluation was higher rather than lower. The results contribute to both theory and practice.
Sex Differences in Factors Affecting Hospital Outpatient Department Visits: Korea Health Panel Survey Data from 2009 to 2016
Authors: You Chang Hoon , Kwon Young Dae , Kang Sungwook
Published: December 2019

This study intends to inspect the sex differences in proportion of hospital outpatient department (OPD) visits in overall outpatient (OP) visits using national panel data and to explore factors that influence the proportions by sex. This study analyzed data of the 2009–2016 Korea Health Panel Survey. Fractional logit regression was applied to analyze factors that affect proportion of hospital visits among outpatient visits. Analysis of related factors was carried out first for all analysis subjects and then by sex. The study data were provided by 7470 women (52.2%) and 6846 men (47.8%). The overall average number of OP visits was 13.0, and women showed a much higher frequency of visits (15.8) than men (9.9). The average proportion of hospital OPD visits among overall OP visits was 21.9%, and men showed a higher rate (25.1%) than women (19.5%). The analysis model including sociodemographic factors, economic factors, and health-related factors confirmed that men showed a higher rate of hospital usage than women. Type of medical security, household income, participation in economic activities, disability, and serious illnesses were significant variables for both sexes. Age, education level, marital status, and subscription to voluntary private health insurance were significant only for women, whereas region of residence was significant only for men. This study confirmed that there is a sex difference in proportion of hospital OPD visits and in the factors that affect the proportion of hospital OPD visits. Universal health coverage is provided through social health insurance, but there is a sex difference in hospital OPD visits, and factors related to socioeconomic status have a significant effect, especially on women’s selection of health care institutions. More attention should be given to sex differences in factors affecting health care utilization.
Development of Physical Performance Tasks during Rapid Growth in Brazilian Children: The Cariri Healthy Growth Study
Authors: Silva Simonete , Mendes Hudday , Freitas Duarte , Prista António , Tani Go , Katzmarzyk Peter T. , Baxter-Jones Adam D. G. , Valdivia Alcibíades Bustamante , Maia José
Published: December 2019

Growth and physical performance scores were studied around three years of attainment of peak height velocity (PHV). We aimed to estimate the age at peak velocity, or at peak rate, in physical performance tasks, and sex-differences when aligned by biological age. A total of 131 boys and 123 girls, 8 to 14 years of age were recruited from the Cariri region of Brazil. A mixed longitudinal design was used with four overlapping age cohorts: 8, 10, 12, and 14 years, followed for three years, with measurements performed at 6 month intervals. Height, 12 min run (12mR), handgrip strength (HG), standing long jump (SLJ), and shuttle run (SR) velocities were estimated using a non-smooth mathematical procedure. Age at PHV was 13.4 ± 1.6 years in boys compared with 12.2 ± 2.3 years in girls. Maximal velocity in SLJ was attained 6 and 3 months prior to PHV in boys and girls, respectively. For HG, peaks were attained 9 months after PHV in boys and 15 months after PHV in girls. Maximal velocity in 12mR was attained 6 months before PHV in boys and at PHV in girls, whereas a peak in SR occurred 12 months after PHV in both sexes. In conclusion, dynamic changes in physical performance relative to PHV appear similar in both sexes, although sex differences were evident in some motor tests.
A Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Model for Evaluating Senior Daycare Center Locations
Authors: Lee Amy H. I. , Kang He-Yau
Published: December 2019

Many developed and developing countries are facing an imminent population aging and rapid demographics changing problem. The need of various kinds of eldercare is increasing tremendously. A senior daycare center, very similar to a daycare center for toddlers and preschoolers, can provide the elderly a place to go during daytime and have a more diversified social life. In this research, a senior daycare center location evaluation problem is studied, and a model for facilitating the decision-making of the senior daycare center location is constructed by considering the benefits, opportunities, costs, and risks (BOCR) of the locations. Senior daycare center location evaluation factors are listed first through literature review and interview with experts. These factors are used to construct a network, which is applied to prepare a questionnaire to ask about the influences of a criterion to other criteria. The interrelationships among the criteria are calculated by adopting fuzzy interpretative structural modeling (FISM). Based on the results from the FISM, a fuzzy analytic network process (FANP) questionnaire is given out, and the results are used to determine the priorities of the criteria. In addition, the final ranking of the senior daycare center locations can be obtained. The research results can provide references for prospective senior daycare center providers for making relevant decisions.
Investigating the Effects of Non-Branded Foods Placed in Cartoons on Children’s Food Choices through Type of Food, Modality and Age
Authors: Villegas-Navas Victoria , Montero-Simo Maria-Jose , Araque-Padilla Rafael A.
Published: December 2019

Cartoons are among the most consumed media products by children, especially those at a young age. While branded food placements are not allowed in animated series, non-branded food placements are prevalent. However, little is known about the effects that these food placements might have on children’s eating preferences. In an experimental study with 124 children (51.6% girls, age range: 7–11, Mage = 9.24, and SD = 1.19), 62 children in the experimental condition were exposed to 16 food placements in cartoons, whereas children in the control condition were exposed to cartoon scenes without foods. The healthiness of the placed foods (low nutritional value foods versus high nutritional value foods) as well as the modality of food placements (unimodal versus bimodal) were manipulated. After watching the cartoon scenes, children completed a choice task where each placed food appeared on a separate choice card. Our results indicate that non-branded low nutritional value foods placed in cartoons are an effective strategy in modifying children’s food choices when children are under age 9. We suggest that policy makers, particularly those involved in the content design of cartoons, take these results into account when placing low nutritional value foods in cartoons, especially for an animated series that targets young child audiences.
An Improved Mobile Mapping System to Detect Road-Killed Amphibians and Small Birds
Authors: Sousa Guedes Diana , Ribeiro Hélder , Sillero Neftalí
Published: December 2019

Roads represent a major source of mortality for many species. To mitigate road mortality, it is essential to know where collisions with vehicles are happening and which species and populations are most affected. For this, moving platforms such as mobile mapping systems (MMS) can be used to automatically detect road-killed animals on the road surface. We recently developed an MMS to detect road-killed amphibians, composed of a scanning system on a trailer. We present here a smaller and improved version of this system (MMS2) for detecting road-killed amphibians and small birds. It is composed of a stereo multi-spectral and high definition camera (ZED), a high-power processing laptop, a global positioning system (GPS) device, a support device, and a lighter charger. The MMS2 can be easily attached to any vehicle and the surveys can be performed by any person with or without sampling skills. To evaluate the system’s effectiveness, we performed several controlled and real surveys in the Évora district (Portugal). In real surveys, the system detected approximately 78% of the amphibians and birds present on surveyed roads (overlooking 22%) and generated approximately 17% of false positives. Our system can improve the implementation of conservation measures, saving time for researchers and transportation planning professionals.
Assessing the Distribution of Heavy Industrial Heat Sources in India between 2012 and 2018
Authors: Ma Caihong , Niu Zheng , Ma Yan , Chen Fu , Yang Jin , Liu Jianbo
Published: December 2019

The heavy industry in India has witnessed rapid development in the past decades. This has increased the pressures and load on the Indian environment, and has also had a great impact on the world economy. In this study, the Preparatory Project Visible Infrared Imaging Radiometer (NPP VIIRS) 375-m active fire product (VNP14IMG) and night-time light (NTL) data were used to study the spatiotemporal patterns of heavy industrial development in India. We employed an improved adaptive K-means algorithm to realize the spatial segmentation of long-term VNP14IMG data and artificial heat-source objects. Next, the initial heavy industry heat sources were distinguished from normal heat sources using a threshold recognition model. Finally, the maximum night-time light data were used to delineate the final heavy industry heat sources. The results suggest, that this modified method is a much more accurate and effective way of monitoring heavy industrial heat sources, and the accuracy of this detection model was higher than 92.7%. The number of main findings were concluded from the study: (1) the heavy industry heat sources are mainly concentrated in the north-east Assam state, east-central Jharkhand state, north Chhattisgarh and Odisha states, and the coastal areas of Gujarat and Maharashtra. Many heavy industrial heat sources were also found around a line from Kolkata on the Eastern Indian Ocean to Mumbai on the Western Indian Ocean. (2) The number of working heavy industry heat sources (NWH) and, particularly, the total number of fire hotspots for each working heavy industry heat source area (NFHWH) are continuing to increase in India. These trends mirror those for the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and total population of India between 2012 and 2017. (3) The largest values of NWH and NFHWH were in Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Odisha whereas the smallest negative values, the S l o p e _ N W H in Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh were also the two largest values in the whole country. The smallest negative values of S l o p e _ N W H and S l o p e _ N F H W H were in Haryana. The S l o p e _ N F H W H in the mainland Gujarat had the second most negative value, while the value of the S l o p e _ N W H was the third-highest positive value.
Quality Control of “As Built” BIM Datasets Using the ISO 19157 Framework and a Multiple Hypothesis Testing Method Based on Proportions
Authors: Ariza-López Francisco Javier , Rodríguez-Avi José , Reinoso-Gordo Juan Francisco , Ariza-López Íñigo Antonio
Published: December 2019

Building information model (BIM) data are digital and geometric-based data that are enriched thematically, semantically, and relationally, and are conceptually very similar to geographic information. In this paper, we propose both the use of the international standard ISO 19157 for the adequate formulation of the quality control for BIM datasets and a statistical approach based on a binomial/multinomial or hypergeometric (univariate/multivariate) model and a multiple hypothesis testing method. The use of ISO 19157 means that the definition of data quality units conforms to data quality elements and well-defined scopes, but also that the evaluation method and conformity levels use standardized measures. To achieve an accept/reject decision for quality control, a statistical model is needed. Statistical methods allow one to limit the risks of the parties (producer and user risks). In this way, several statistical models, based on proportions, are proposed and we illustrate how to apply several quality controls together (multiple hypothesis testing). All use cases, where the comparison of a BIM dataset versus reality is needed, are appropriate situations in which to apply this method in order to supply a general digital model of reality. An example of its application is developed to control an “as-built” BIM dataset where sampling is needed. This example refers to a simple residential building with four floors, composed of a basement garage, two commercial premises, four apartments, and an attic. The example is composed of six quality controls that are considered simultaneously. The controls are defined in a rigorous manner using ISO 19157, by means of categories, scopes, data quality elements, quality measures, compliance levels, etc. The example results in the rejection of the BIM dataset. The presented method is, therefore, adequate for controlling BIM datasets.
Pharmacological Inhibition of TFF3 Enhances Sensitivity of CMS4 Colorectal Carcinoma to 5-Fluorouracil through Inhibition of p44/42 MAPK
Authors: Chen Ru-Mei , Chiou Yi-Shiou , Chong Qing-Yun , Poh Han-Ming , Tan Tuan-Zea , Zhang Meng-Yi , Ma Lan , Zhu Tao , Pandey Vijay , Basappa  , Kumar Alan Prem , Lobie Peter E.
Published: December 2019

Increased expression of trefoil factor 3 (TFF3) has been reported in colorectal carcinoma (CRC), being correlated with distant metastasis and poor clinical outcomes. Amongst the CRC subtypes, mesenchymal (CMS4) CRC is associated with the worst survival outcome. Herein, the functional roles of TFF3 and the pharmacological inhibition of TFF3 by a novel specific small molecule TFF3 inhibitor—2-amino-4-(4-(6-fluoro-5-methylpyridin-3-yl)phenyl)-5-oxo-4H,5H-pyrano[3,2-c]chromene-3-carbonitrile (AMPC) in CMS4 CRC was explored. Forced expression of TFF3 in CMS4 CRC cells promoted cell proliferation, cell survival, foci formation, invasion, migration, cancer stem cell like behaviour and growth in 3D Matrigel. In contrast, siRNA-mediated depletion of TFF3 or AMPC inhibition of TFF3 in CMS4 CRC cells decreased oncogenic behaviour as indicated by the above cell function assays. AMPC also inhibited tumour growth in vivo. The TFF3-stimulated oncogenic behaviour of CMS4 CRC cells was dependent on TFF3 activation of the p44/42 MAPK (ERK1/2) pathway. Furthermore, the forced expression of TFF3 decreased the sensitivity of CMS4 CRC cells to 5-fluorouracil (5-FU); while depleted TFF3 expression enhanced 5-FU sensitivity in CMS4 CRC cells. 5-FU treatment induced TFF3 expression in CMS4 CRC cells. AMPC, when used in combination with 5-FU in CMS4 CRC cells exhibited a synergistic inhibitory effect. In summary, this study provides functional evidence for TFF3 as a therapeutic target in CMS4 CRC.
Evidence for the Desmosomal Cadherin Desmoglein-3 in Regulating YAP and Phospho-YAP in Keratinocyte Responses to Mechanical Forces
Authors: Uttagomol Jutamas , Ahmad Usama Sharif , Rehman Ambreen , Huang Yunying , Laly Ana C. , Kang Angray , Soetaert Jan , Chance Randy , Teh Muy-Teck , Connelly John T. , Wan Hong
Published: December 2019

Desmoglein 3 (Dsg3) plays a crucial role in cell-cell adhesion and tissue integrity. Increasing evidence suggests that Dsg3 acts as a regulator of cellular mechanotransduction, but little is known about its direct role in mechanical force transmission. The present study investigated the impact of cyclic strain and substrate stiffness on Dsg3 expression and its role in mechanotransduction in keratinocytes. A direct comparison was made with E-cadherin, a well-characterized mechanosensor. Exposure of oral and skin keratinocytes to equiaxial cyclic strain promoted changes in the expression and localization of junction assembly proteins. The knockdown of Dsg3 by siRNA blocked strain-induced junctional remodeling of E-cadherin and Myosin IIa. Importantly, the study demonstrated that Dsg3 regulates the expression and localization of yes-associated protein (YAP), a mechanosensory, and an effector of the Hippo pathway. Furthermore, we showed that Dsg3 formed a complex with phospho-YAP and sequestered it to the plasma membrane, while Dsg3 depletion had an impact on both YAP and phospho-YAP in their response to mechanical forces, increasing the sensitivity of keratinocytes to the strain or substrate rigidity-induced nuclear relocation of YAP and phospho-YAP. Plakophilin 1 (PKP1) seemed to be crucial in recruiting the complex containing Dsg3/phospho-YAP to the cell surface since its silencing affected Dsg3 junctional assembly with concomitant loss of phospho-YAP at the cell periphery. Finally, we demonstrated that this Dsg3/YAP pathway has an influence on the expression of YAP1 target genes and cell proliferation. Together, these findings provide evidence of a novel role for Dsg3 in keratinocyte mechanotransduction.
Greatwall-Endosulfine: A Molecular Switch that Regulates PP2A/B55 Protein Phosphatase Activity in Dividing and Quiescent Cells
Authors: García-Blanco Natalia , Vázquez-Bolado Alicia , Moreno Sergio
Published: December 2019

During the cell cycle, hundreds of proteins become phosphorylated and dephosphorylated, indicating that protein kinases and protein phosphatases play a central role in its regulation. It has been widely recognized that oscillation in cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) activity promotes DNA replication, during S-phase, and chromosome segregation, during mitosis. Each CDK substrate phosphorylation status is defined by the balance between CDKs and CDK-counteracting phosphatases. In fission yeast and animal cells, PP2A/B55 is the main protein phosphatase that counteracts CDK activity. PP2A/B55 plays a key role in mitotic entry and mitotic exit, and it is regulated by the Greatwall-Endosulfine (ENSA) molecular switch that inactivates PP2A/B55 at the onset of mitosis, allowing maximal CDK activity at metaphase. The Greatwall-ENSA-PP2A/B55 pathway is highly conserved from yeast to animal cells. In yeasts, Greatwall is negatively regulated by nutrients through TORC1 and S6 kinase, and couples cell growth, regulated by TORC1, to cell cycle progression, driven by CDK activity. In animal cells, Greatwall is phosphorylated and activated by Cdk1 at G2/M, generating a bistable molecular switch that results in full activation of Cdk1/CyclinB. Here we review the current knowledge of the Greatwall-ENSA-PP2A/B55 pathway and discuss its role in cell cycle progression and as an integrator of nutritional cues.
Silencing of lncRNA AK045490 Promotes Osteoblast Differentiation and Bone Formation via β-Catenin/TCF1/Runx2 Signaling Axis
Authors: Li Dijie , Tian Ye , Yin Chong , Huai Ying , Zhao Yipu , Su Peihong , Wang Xue , Pei Jiawei , Zhang Kewen , Yang Chaofei , Dang Kai , Jiang Shanfeng , Miao Zhiping , Li Meng , Hao Qiang , Zhang Ge , Qian Airong
Published: December 2019

Osteoporosis, a disease characterized by both loss of bone mass and structural deterioration of bone, is the most common reason for a broken bone among the elderly. It is known that the attenuated differentiation ability of osteogenic cells has been regarded as one of the greatest contributors to age-related bone formation reduction. However, the effects of current therapies are still unsatisfactory. In this study we identify a novel long noncoding RNA AK045490 which is correlated with osteogenic differentiation and enriched in skeletal tissues of mice. In vitro analysis of bone-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) showed that AK045490 inhibited osteoblast differentiation. In vivo inhibition of AK045490 by its small interfering RNA rescued bone formation in ovariectomized osteoporosis mice model. Mechanistically, AK045490 inhibited the nuclear translocation of β-catenin and downregulated the expression of TCF1, LEF1, and Runx2. The results suggest that Lnc-AK045490 suppresses β-catenin/TCF1/Runx2 signaling and inhibits osteoblast differentiation and bone formation, providing a novel mechanism of osteogenic differentiation and a potential drug target for osteoporosis.
Full-Length Transcriptome Sequencing and Different Chemotype Expression Profile Analysis of Genes Related to Monoterpenoid Biosynthesis in Cinnamomum porrectum
Authors: Qiu Fengying , Wang Xindong , Zheng Yongjie , Wang Hongming , Liu Xinliang , Su Xiaohua
Published: December 2019

Leaves of C. porrectum are rich in essential oils containing monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes and aromatic compounds, but the molecular mechanism of terpenoid biosynthesis in C. porrectum is still unclear. In this paper, the differences in the contents and compositions of terpenoids among three chemotypes were analyzed using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Furthermore, the differential expression of gene transcripts in the leaf tissues of the three C. porrectum chemotypes were analyzed through a comparison of full-length transcriptomes and expression profiles. The essential oil of the three C. porrectum chemotypes leaves was mainly composed of monoterpenes. In the full-length transcriptome of C. porrectum, 104,062 transcripts with 306,337,921 total bp, an average length of 2944 bp, and an N50 length of 5449 bp, were obtained and 94025 transcripts were annotated. In the eucalyptol and linalool chemotype, the camphor and eucalyptol chemotype, and the camphor and linalool chemotype comparison groups, 21, 22 and 18 terpene synthase (TPS) unigenes were identified respectively. Three monoterpene synthase genes, CpTPS3, CpTPS5 and CpTPS9, were upregulated in the eucalyptol chemotype compared to the linalool chemotype and camphor chemotype. CpTPS1 was upregulated in the camphor chemotype compared to the linalool chemotype and the eucalyptol chemotype. CpTPS4 was upregulated in the linalool chemotype compared to the camphor chemotype and the eucalyptol chemotype. Different unigenes had different expression levels among the three chemotypes, but the unigene expression levels of the 2-C-methyl-D-erythritol 4phosphate (MEP) pathway were generally higher than those of the mevalonate acid (MVA) pathway. Quantitative reverse transcription PCR(qRT-PCR) further validated these expression levels. The present study provides new clues for the functional exploration of the terpenoid synthesis mechanism and key genes in different chemotypes of C. porrectum.
B Cell Abnormalities in Systemic Lupus Erythematosus and Lupus Nephritis—Role in Pathogenesis and Effect of Immunosuppressive Treatments
Authors: Yap Desmond Y. H. , Chan Tak Mao
Published: December 2019

Abnormalities in B cells play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and lupus nephritis (LN). Breach in central and peripheral tolerance mechanisms generates autoreactive B cells which contribute to the pathogenesis of SLE and LN. Dysregulation of B cell transcription factors, cytokines and B cell–T cell interaction can result in aberrant B cell maturation and autoantibody production. These immunological abnormalities also lead to perturbations in circulating and infiltrating B cells in SLE and LN patients. Conventional and novel immunosuppressive medications confer differential effects on B cells which have important clinical implications. While cyclophosphamide and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF) showed comparable clinical efficacy in active LN, MMF induction was associated with earlier reduction in circulating plasmablasts and plasma cells. Accumulating evidence suggests that MMF maintenance is associated with lower risk of disease relapse than azathioprine, which may be explained by its more potent and selective suppression of B cell proliferation. Novel therapeutic approaches targeting the B cell repertoire include B cell depletion with monoclonal antibodies binding to cell surface markers, inhibition of B cell cytokines, and modulation of costimulatory signals in B cell–T cell interaction. These biologics, despite showing improvements in serological parameters and proteinuria, did not achieve primary endpoints when used as add-on therapy to standard treatments in active LN patients. Other emerging treatments such as calcineurin inhibitors, mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitors and proteasome inhibitors also show distinct inhibitory effects on the B cell repertoire. Advancement in the knowledge on B cell biology has fueled the development of new therapeutic strategies in SLE and LN. Modification in background treatments, study endpoints and selective recruitment of subjects showing aberrant B cells or its signaling pathways when designing future clinical trials may better elucidate the roles of these novel therapies for SLE and LN patients.
Novel Diels–Alder Type Adducts from Morus alba Root Bark Targeting Human Monoamine Oxidase and Dopaminergic Receptors for the Management of Neurodegenerative Diseases
Authors: Paudel Pradeep , Park Se Eun , Seong Su Hui , Jung Hyun Ah , Choi Jae Sue
Published: December 2019

In this study, we delineate the human monoamine oxidase (hMAO) inhibitory potential of natural Diels–Alder type adducts, mulberrofuran G (1), kuwanon G (2), and albanol B (3), from Morus alba root bark to characterize their role in Parkinson’s disease (PD) and depression, focusing on their ability to modulate dopaminergic receptors (D1R, D2LR, D3R, and D4R). In hMAO-A inhibition, 1–3 showed mild effects (50% inhibitory concentration (IC50): 54‒114 μM). However, 1 displayed moderate inhibition of the hMAO-B isozyme (IC50: 18.14 ± 1.06 μM) followed by mild inhibition by 2 (IC50: 57.71 ± 2.12 μM) and 3 (IC50: 90.59 ± 1.72 μM). Our kinetic study characterized the inhibition mode, and the in silico docking predicted that the moderate inhibitor 1 would have the lowest binding energy. Similarly, cell-based G protein-coupled receptors (GPCR) functional assays in vector-transfected cells expressing dopamine (DA) receptors characterized 1–3 as D1R/D2LR antagonists and D3R/D4R agonists. The half-maximum effective concentration (EC50) of 1–3 on DA D3R/D4R was 15.13/17.19, 20.18/21.05, and 12.63/‒ µM, respectively. Similarly, 1–3 inhibited 50% of the DA response on D1R/D2LR by 6.13/2.41, 16.48/31.22, and 7.16/18.42 µM, respectively. A computational study revealed low binding energy for the test ligands. Interactions with residues Asp110, Val111, Tyr365, and Phe345 at the D3R receptor and Asp115 and His414 at the D4R receptor explain the high agonist effect. Likewise, Asp187 at D1R and Asp114 at D2LR play a crucial role in the antagonist effects of the ligand binding. Our overall results depict 1–3 from M. alba root bark as good inhibitors of hMAO and potent modulators of DA function as D1R/D2LR antagonists and D3R/D4R agonists. These active constituents in M. alba deserve in-depth study for their potential to manage neurodegenerative disorders (NDs), particularly PD and psychosis.
Choosing Mutation and Crossover Ratios for Genetic Algorithms—A Review with a New Dynamic Approach
Authors: Hassanat Ahmad , Almohammadi Khalid , Alkafaween Esra’a , Abunawas Eman , Hammouri Awni , Prasath V. B. Surya
Published: December 2019

Genetic algorithm (GA) is an artificial intelligence search method that uses the process of evolution and natural selection theory and is under the umbrella of evolutionary computing algorithm. It is an efficient tool for solving optimization problems. Integration among (GA) parameters is vital for successful (GA) search. Such parameters include mutation and crossover rates in addition to population that are important issues in (GA). However, each operator of GA has a special and different influence. The impact of these factors is influenced by their probabilities; it is difficult to predefine specific ratios for each parameter, particularly, mutation and crossover operators. This paper reviews various methods for choosing mutation and crossover ratios in GAs. Next, we define new deterministic control approaches for crossover and mutation rates, namely Dynamic Decreasing of high mutation ratio/dynamic increasing of low crossover ratio (DHM/ILC), and Dynamic Increasing of Low Mutation/Dynamic Decreasing of High Crossover (ILM/DHC). The dynamic nature of the proposed methods allows the ratios of both crossover and mutation operators to be changed linearly during the search progress, where (DHM/ILC) starts with 100% ratio for mutations, and 0% for crossovers. Both mutation and crossover ratios start to decrease and increase, respectively. By the end of the search process, the ratios will be 0% for mutations and 100% for crossovers. (ILM/DHC) worked the same but the other way around. The proposed approach was compared with two parameters tuning methods (predefined), namely fifty-fifty crossover/mutation ratios, and the most common approach that uses static ratios such as (0.03) mutation rates and (0.9) crossover rates. The experiments were conducted on ten Traveling Salesman Problems (TSP). The experiments showed the effectiveness of the proposed (DHM/ILC) when dealing with small population size, while the proposed (ILM/DHC) was found to be more effective when using large population size. In fact, both proposed dynamic methods outperformed the predefined methods compared in most cases tested.
Success Factors Importance Based on Software Project Organization Structure
Authors: Otoom Ahmed Fawzi , AL Kateb Ghadeer , Hammad Maen , Sweis Rateb J. , Hijazi Haneen
Published: December 2019

The main aim of this paper is to identify critical success factors (CSFs) and investigate whether they are the same or not across different project organization structures. The organization structures under the study are: functional, project, and matrix. The study is based on a survey that was conducted on a large number of software projects in Jordan. To rank success factors (SFs) and identify critical ones, we use the importance index of SFs, which is calculated based on the likelihood and impact across different structures. For deeper analysis, we carry out statistical experiments with an ANOVA test and Spearman’s rank correlation test. Analysis results of an ANOVA test partially indicates that the values of the SF importance index are slightly different across the three organization structures. Moreover, the Spearman’s rank correlation test results show a high degree of correlation of the SF importance index between the function and project organization structures and a low degree of correlation between the function and matrix organization structures.
Structured Cognitive-Motor Dual Task Training Compared to Single Mobility Training in Persons with Multiple Sclerosis, a Multicenter RCT
Authors: Veldkamp Renee , Baert Ilse , Kalron Alon , Tacchino Andrea , D’hooge Mieke , Vanzeir Ellen , Van Geel Fanny , Raats Joke , Goetschalckx Mieke , Brichetto Giampaolo , Shalmoni Nov , Hellinckx Peter , De Weerdt Natasja , De Wilde Dorien , Feys Peter
Published: December 2019

The aim was to compare the effectiveness of dual-task training (DTT) compared to single mobility training (SMT) on dual-task walking, mobility and cognition, in persons with Multiple Sclerosis (pwMS). Forty pwMS were randomly assigned to the DTT or SMT groups. The DTT-group performed dual-task exercises using an interactive tablet-based application, while the SMT-group received conventional walking and balance exercises. Both interventions were supervised and identical in weeks (8) and sessions (20). Nine cognitive-motor dual-task conditions were assessed at baseline, after intervention and at 4-weeks follow-up (FU). The dual-task cost (DTC), percentage change of dual-task performance compared to single-task performance, was the primary outcome. Mobility and cognition were secondarily assessed. Mixed model analyses were done with group, time and the interaction between group and time as fixed factors and participants as random factors. Significant time by group interactions were found for the digit-span walk and subtraction walk dual-task conditions, with a reduction in DTC (gait speed) for the DTT maintained at FU. Further, absolute dual-task gait speed during walking over obstacles only improved after the DTT. Significant improvements were found for both groups in various motor and cognitive measures. However, the DTT led to better dual-task walking compared to the SMT.
Removal of Cadmium from Aqueous Solutions by Saccharomyces cerevisiae–Alginate System
Authors: Moreno Rivas Silvia Carolina , Armenta Corral Rosa Idalia , Frasquillo Félix María del Carmen , Islas Rubio Alma Rosa , Vázquez Moreno Luz , Ramos-Clamont Montfort Gabriela
Published: December 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the Cd2+ removal capacity of a biosorbent system formed by Saccharomyces cerevisiae in calcium alginate beads. The adsorption of Cd2+ by a S. cerevisiae–alginate system was tested either by batch or fixed-bed column experiments. The S. cerevisiae–alginate system was characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS, zeta potential), size, hardness, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy. Beads of the S. cerevisiae–alginate system showed a spherical–elliptical morphology, diameter of 1.62 ± 0.02 mm, 96% moisture, negative surface charge (−29.3 ± 2.57 mV), and texture stability during storage at 4 °C for 20 days. In batch conditions, the system adsorbed 4.3 µg of Cd2+/g of yeast–alginate beads, using a Cd2+ initial concentration of 5 mg/L. Adsorption capacity increased to 15.4 µg/g in a fixed-bed column system, removing 83% of total Cd2+. In conclusion, the yeast–alginate system is an efficient option for the removal of cadmium at low concentrations in drinking water.
Crystalline Structure, Synthesis, Properties and Applications of Potassium Hexatitanate: A Review
Authors: Ponce-Peña Patricia , Poisot Martha , Rodríguez-Pulido Alicia , González-Lozano María Azucena
Published: December 2019

Potassium hexatitanate (PHT) with chemical formula K2Ti6O13 has a tunnel structure formed by TiO2 octahedra sharing edges or corners and with the potassium atoms located in the tunnels. This material has attracted great interest in the areas of photocatalysis, reinforcement of materials, biomaterials, etc. This work summarizes a large number of studies about methods to prepare PHT since particle size can be modified from millimeter to nanometric scale according to the applied method. Likewise, the synthesis method has influenced the material properties as band-gap and the final mechanical performance of composites when the reinforcement is PHT. The knowing of synthesis, properties and applications of PHT is worthwhile for the design of new materials and for the development of new applications taking advantage of their inherent properties.
Nature-Inspired, Ultra-Lightweight Structures with Gyroid Cores Produced by Additive Manufacturing and Reinforced by Unidirectional Carbon Fiber Ribs
Authors: Pelanconi Marco , Ortona Alberto
Published: December 2019

This article reports on a nature-inspired, ultra-lightweight structure designed to optimize rigidity and density under bending loads. The structure’s main features were conceived by observing the scales of the butterflies’ wings. They are made of a triply periodic minimal surface geometry called gyroid and further reinforced on their outer regions with a series of ribs. In this work, the ribs were substituted with carbon fiber-reinforced bars that were connected to the main structure with an innovative concept. Stereolithography was used to print a plastic component in one piece that comprised the core and the connection system. Bending tests were performed on the structures along with a Finite Element Method optimization campaign to achieve the optimum performance in terms of stiffness and density. Results show that these architectures are among the most effective mechanical solutions in respect to their weight because of their particular arrangement of material in space.
Tailoring Strength and Ductility of a Cr-Containing High Carbon Steel by Cold-Working and Annealing
Authors: Wang Jing , Shen Yongfeng , Liu Yan , Wang Fuguo , Jia Nan
Published: December 2019

SEM, TEM characterizations, in combination with tensile tests, provided an intriguing observation that ultra-high-strength and good ductility could be achieved simultaneously by changing the ratio of large and small precipitates in high-carbon steel (1.0C-1.5Cr-0.31Mn-0.20Si, wt %). The high yield strength of 670 MPa, tensile-stress of 740 MPa, and good ductility (elongation of 26%) were obtained by adopting spheroidization annealing, cold rolling, recrystallization annealing, and cold drawing. This led to nanosized precipitates with a large ratio of big size to the small size of 0.28, promoting high dislocation storage of 1.39 × 1014 m−2. In addition, the finite element (FE) method was used to simulate the cold-rolling process, and the largest stress and strain were 830 MPa and 0.6 at a depth of 3 mm after the fourth pass of the 0.10C-1.50Cr steel, respectively. The stress and strain accumulation in the top layer was potentially caused by severe plastic deformation, as well as attrition rendered by the rollers. This explained the emergence of dense low-angle grain boundaries in the region close to the surface of the cold rolled steel.
Industrial Calibration Procedure for Confocal Microscopes
Authors: Mínguez Martínez Alberto , de Vicente y Oliva Jesús
Published: December 2019

Coordinate metrology techniques are widely used in industry to carry out dimensional measurements. For applications involving measurements in the submillimeter range, the use of optical, non-contact instruments with suitable traceability is usually advisable. One of the most used instruments to perform measurements of this type is the confocal microscope. In this paper, the authors present a complete calibration procedure for confocal microscopes designed to be implemented preferably in workshops or industrial environments rather than in research and development departments. Therefore, it has been designed to be as simple as possible. The procedure was designed without forgetting any of the key aspects that need to be taken into account and is based on classical reference material standards. These standards can be easily found in industrial dimensional laboratories and easily calibrated in accredited calibration laboratories. The procedure described in this paper can be easily adapted to calibrate other optical instruments (e.g., focus variation microscopes) that perform 3D dimensional measurements in the submillimeter range.
The Influence of Selected Local Phenomena in CFRP Laminate on Global Characteristics of Bolted Joints
Authors: Puchała Krzysztof , Szymczyk Elżbieta , Jachimowicz Jerzy , Bogusz Paweł , Sałaciński Michał
Published: December 2019

High specific mechanical properties of composites are the reason for their use in various fields, e.g., the aerospace industry. Mechanical joints are still used in the aerospace industry to assembly large aircraft structures. The properties of laminate around the hole can be, however, weakened, compared to their nominal values as a result of a drilling process or cyclic loading. This paper aims at the classification and analysis of imperfections affecting mechanically fastened joints in a laminate structure. A method of modeling the hole vicinity, a gradient material model, as well as the numerical and experimental estimation of laminate deterioration in this area, were proposed and analyzed. Comparative analysis of numerical and experimental results based on displacements of the testing machine grip and the extensometer length confirmed the aforementioned results as consistent in linear ranges. Therefore, joint characteristics obtained based upon measurement of the grip displacement and the ratio of stiffness in linear ranges are sufficient to determine the parameters of a gradient material model. Some imperfections resulting from, e.g., asymmetry, were included in the gradient material model; thus, the obtained weakening of laminate properties in the hole vicinity can be overestimated. Therefore, further analyses of the gradient material model for laminate structures are necessary.
Study on the Seismic Performance of Box-Plate Steel Structure with Openings Modular Unit
Authors: Men Jinjie , Fan Guanlei , Lan Tao , Wang Jiachen , Xiong Liquan
Published: December 2019

The box-plate steel structure residence is a box structure with stiffened steel plates directly used as load-bearing walls and floors. In practical engineering, due to the functional requirements of the building, it is necessary to open door or window openings on the box-plate steel structure walls. To study the seismic performance of the box-plate steel structure with openings system, two three-story single-compartment box-plate steel structures with openings modular units were designed and fabricated according to the 1:3 reduced scale. Through the quasi-static loading test, numerical simulation, and theoretical analysis, the failure process, failure mode, lateral force resistant capacity, and hysteresis performance of the specimens were studied. The impact of the different opening areas and opening position on the seismic performance of the box-plate steel structure was emphatically analyzed. The results of the test indicated that the openings on the steel wall plate would reduce the initial stiffness and the lateral force resistant capacity of the specimen; the destruction of the box-plate steel structure with openings modular unit under the low cyclic loading effect started with the tear in the corner of the openings and ended with the tear in the corner steel wall plate. Then, the finite element analysis (FEA) models were developed to supplement the experimental study, and the comparisons were made between measured and simulated results on load versus displacement relationships and failure modes. On the basis of the stressing mechanism of the box-plate structure modular unit, the calculation equation of the lateral force resistant capacity of the box-plate structure with openings modular unit was put forward. Then, the proved finite element analysis (FEA) models were used for parameter analysis of different influence parameters to verify the proposed calculation equation. The results showed that the proposed calculation equation had high accuracy and could be used as a design basis for practical engineering.
Mixed Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method for Darcy-Forchheimer Model
Authors: Spiridonov Denis , Huang Jian , Vasilyeva Maria , Huang Yunqing , Chung Eric T.
Published: December 2019

In this paper, the solution of the Darcy-Forchheimer model in high contrast heterogeneous media is studied. This problem is solved by a mixed finite element method (MFEM) on a fine grid (the reference solution), where the pressure is approximated by piecewise constant elements; meanwhile, the velocity is discretized by the lowest order Raviart-Thomas elements. The solution on a coarse grid is performed by using the mixed generalized multiscale finite element method (mixed GMsFEM). The nonlinear equation can be solved by the well known Picard iteration. Several numerical experiments are presented in a two-dimensional heterogeneous domain to show the good applicability of the proposed multiscale method.
A New Record of Graph Enumeration Enabled by Parallel Processing
Authors: Xu Zhipeng , Huang Xiaolong , Jimenez Fabian , Deng Yuefan
Published: December 2019

Using three supercomputers, we broke a record set in 2011, in the enumeration of non-isomorphic regular graphs by expanding the sequence of A006820 in the Online Encyclopedia of Integer Sequences (OEIS), to achieve the number for 4-regular graphs of order 23 as 429,668,180,677,439, while discovering several regular graphs with minimum average shortest path lengths (ASPL) that can be used as interconnection networks for parallel computers. The enumeration of 4-regular graphs and the discovery of minimal-ASPL graphs are extremely time consuming. We accomplish them by adapting GENREG, a classical regular graph generator, to three supercomputers with thousands of processor cores.
A Fractional Equation with Left-Sided Fractional Bessel Derivatives of Gerasimov–Caputo Type
Authors: Shishkina Elina , Sitnik Sergey
Published: December 2019

In this article we propose and study a method to solve ordinary differential equations with left-sided fractional Bessel derivatives on semi-axes of Gerasimov–Caputo type. We derive explicit solutions to equations with fractional powers of the Bessel operator using the Meijer integral transform.
The Enhancement of Academic Performance in Online Environments
Authors: Chicharro Francisco I. , Giménez Elena , Sarría Íñigo
Published: December 2019

Distance education has been gaining popularity for the last years. The proficiency in online environments of both learners and teachers explains the success of this methodology. An evaluation of graduate students’ performance within numerical analysis is discussed. In order to improve the marks obtained by the students, specific actions have been performed over the years and data from different classes has been analyzed using statistical tools. The results show that the actions proposed seemed to help the students in their learning process.