bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrepreneurs/CEOs’ Factors of Production and Core Elements of the Firms/Entities
Authors: Trifu Alexandru
Published: June 2022

The approach is taking into account the fact that Entrepreneurs and, broadly speaking, the CEOs are ubiquitous, a characteristic of the market that can never be absent. It is considered a modern factor of production, along with the classic ones, as land, labor, and capital. For our purpose, we consider a factor of production any resource needed for the creation of an economic good, or service, in order to make, finally, profit. In this respect, both owners/entrepreneurs and CEOs are considered a decisive factor of production because, by their skills, knowledge, and abilities, they create and add value to the firm/corporation. We used the quantitative research, consisting in the study of the practices and experiences of the firms, ownership and management in order to synthesize that the Entrepreneurship and CEOs’ existence are intrinsic and vital to economic businesses. The results prove that it is necessary combining in original and efficient manner the skills and knowledge of the Entrepreneur and CEOs to get profit and the sustainability on the specific market. These challenges demand quick and appropriate answers from entities. Therefore, the theory of the firm, the theory of entrepreneurship has to be developed based on these new realities and folded on the main form of organization.
Biodiesel Production Using Reactive Distillation Column Based on Intensification Processes
Authors: Kiesse Zeleme Ana , André Chivanga Barros António
Published: June 2022

Environment concerns related to the use of fossil fuels are reflected in proposals for new conversion technologies to produce biofuels from biomass. The biofuels produced in this context have the same characteristics as petroleum derivatives, however, with reduced greenhouse gas emissions and with no sulfur in their molecular structures. In this context, a reactive distillation (RD) column was designed, constructed, installed, and operated using process intensification principles. It was applied in the production of biodiesel, using residual frying oil as the raw material, by the transesterification reaction, in a continuous regime. The process started with alcohol in excess in the reboiler, located in the bottom of the RD, which was heated through the combustion of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) to produce ethanol vapor, which was recirculated in the column until stabilization. In this stage, the reagents were inserted into the feed tanks. Thus, the tank valves were opened for each reactant. The reaction products were recovered during the experiment from the bottom of the column and they were distilled to obtain two phases, biodiesel and glycerol. The results obtained from this study show that the use of an RD column can produce biodiesel in a continuous regime.
Effect of Mining on Heavy Metals Toxicity and Health Risk in Selected Rivers of Ghana
Authors: Yaw Hadzi George
Published: June 2022

Heavy metal contamination of selected rivers in the mining areas of Ghana was studied. In the study, 44 composite water samples were collected, digested, and analyzed for selected metals using ICP-MS. The average concentrations (mg/L) of heavy metals from the pristine sites ranged from 0.003 (As) to 0.929 (Fe), and the mining sites ranged from 0.002 (Pb) to 20.355 (Fe). Generally, the metals were within the WHO and USEPA acceptable limits except Al, Fe, As, Cr, and Mn. Hazard quotients for ingestion (HQing) and dermal contact from pristine and mining sites ranged from 0.838 (Cr) to 3.00 × 10−4 (Cu) and from 0.181 (As) to 2.40 × 10−6 (Cu), respectively. The carcinogenic risks (CRs) for ingestion were within standard limit (10−6 to 10−4). However, Arsenic showed high CRing above the acceptable limit (1.83 × 10−2). The CRs for dermal contact range from 4.22 x 10−8 to 1.44 x 10−9 (Cr) and from 7.34 x 10−8 to 5.65 x 10−9 (Pb). Carcinogenic risk values for As in the mining areas raise carcinogenic concerns for the residents in the studied areas. PROMETHEE and GAIA indicate major contribution of the metals from the mining. Multivariate PCA and cluster analysis suggest anthropogenic activities as the major source of the metal toxicity of the mine rivers.
Essential Oils as Antimicrobial and Food Preservatives
Authors: S. Serag Mamdouh , A. Elfayoumy Reham , T. Mohesien Marwa
Published: June 2022

Essential oils (EOs) are secondary metabolites produced by aromatic and medicinal plants. These oils have a wide range of applications in the culinary, perfume, antimicrobial and food industries. Because of several reported side effects of synthetic oils, the use of essential oils as antimicrobials and food preservatives is a source of concern. For cereals, grains, pulses, fruits, and vegetables, essential oils have the potential to be employed as a food preservative. When compared to synthetic compounds, EOs derived from safe natural sources and are effective for human health. This chapter will shed light on some medicinal plants that are rich in essential oils, as well as their antimicrobial properties. Because essential oils are rich in a number of active ingredients [e.g., terpenes, terpenoids, carotenoids, coumarins, curcumins] that are important in food industry, they have strong antimicrobial and food preservation. As a result of the diverse properties of essential oils, they can be used in a natural, safe, eco-friendly, cost-effective and renewable manner. Examples of some foodborne diseases will also be highlighted.
Volatile Components of Strawberries
Authors: Zamorska Iryna
Published: June 2022

Strawberries of such cultivars as “Ducat”, “Honey” and “Polka” were studied to define the content of aromatic volatiles using the methods of highly efficient liquid chromatography. About 49 components were identified in the composition of volatiles of ripe strawberries, namely esters, aldehydes, ketones, furanone, organic acids, aroma compounds, lactones, terpenic compounds, and alkanes. Their shares are the following: esters—12.8–41.8%, aldehydes—5.9–15.9%, ketones—8.7–35.6%, furanone—22.7–24.4%, and organic acids—2.47–21.85%. Depending on a cultivar, typical volatile components of strawberries are ethyl butanoate (10.1–30.65%), trans-2-hexenal (5.31–15.55%), acetoin (8.20–35.67), 2.5–dimethyl-4-methoxy-3(2H)-furanone (mesifurane) (19.08–19.92%) and 2.5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (3.43–4.40%). A peculiar feature of volatile compounds of Polka strawberries is the highest ester share—41.77% of total content of volatiles, for Ducat strawberries it would be the share of ketones (35.88%), and for Honey strawberries—γ-decalaktone (12.41%). A high aroma activity of ripe strawberries is recorded on 2.5-dimethyl-4-methoxy-3(2H)-furanone (mesifurane) and 2.5-dimethyl-4-hydroxy-3(2H)-furanone (furaneol). Sweet, caramel flavors are typical for strawberries of the studied cultivars. Strawberries of Polka cultivar have a pronounced aroma.
ADDC: Automatic Design of Digital Circuit
Authors: Ryan Conor , Tetteh Michael , McEllin Jack , Mota-Dias Douglas , Conway Richard , Naredo Enrique
Published: June 2022

Digital circuits are one of the most important enabling technologies in the world today. Powerful tools, such as Hardware Description Languages (HDLs) have evolved over the past number of decades to allow designers to operate at high levels of abstraction and expressiveness, rather than at the gate level, which circuits are actually constructed from. Similarly, highly accurate digital circuit simulators permit designers to test their circuits before committing them to silicon. This is still a highly complex and generally manual task, however, with complex circuits taking months or even years to go from planning to silicon. We show how Grammatical Evolution (GE) can harness the standard tools of silicon design and be used to create a fully automatic circuit design system. Specifically, we use a HDL known as SystemVerilog and Icarus, a free, but powerful simulator, to generate circuits from high level descriptions. We apply our system to several well known digital circuit literature benchmarks and demonstrate that GE can successfully evolve functional circuits, including several which have been subsequently rendered in Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs).
Calorimetry to Understand Structural Relaxation in Chalcogenide Glasses
Authors: Singh Patial Balbir
Published: June 2022

Thermal behavior of chalcogen additive materials synthesized via melt quench method can be studied by reheating the bulk samples in differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) or differential thermal analyzer (DTA) experiment. It involves kinetics of structural transformations as three basic characteristic phenomena correspond to glass transition, crystallization and melting are involved. Thermal stability and glass forming ability are important factors from technological point of view in various applications. Thermal stability of glasses can be ascertained based on calorimetric measurements. In the glass transition region (first region in reheating experiment), structural relaxation takes place. The temperature in glass transition region, its heating rate dependence and empirical approaches for estimation of apparent activation energy are useful to determine utility of these materials in various applications.
Energy Management in Wireless Sensor Network
Authors: Alhmiedat Tareq
Published: June 2022

Usually, wireless sensor networks (WSNs) are installed in large areas to monitor various physical conditions of the environment and forward the collected sensed data to a base station (central node), for instance: gas monitoring, intrusion detection, tracking objects, etc. However, sensor nodes are usually deployed unattended and battery-powered with no external power source. Therefore, WSNs face the challenge of limited energy source available onboard, where packet transmission and sensing functions are the most power consumption factors in WSN. Therefore, to overcome the energy depletion in sensor nodes, it is important to study the energy management issue in WSN. In this chapter, the significance of energy management issue is discussed first, and then the possible energy management strategies for WSN are presented and illustrated.
Scientific, Technical, and Social Challenges of Coffee Rural Production in Ecuador
Authors: María Cristina Echeverría , Sania Ortega-Andrade , Sebastián Obando , Nuti Marco
Published: June 2022

The production of coffee in Ecuador a family activity carried out in rural areas. Due to the economic importance of this crop and its ability to adapt to different ecosystems, it has been widely introduced in government conservation and economic reactivation programs. At the present, it is cultivated in the four Ecuadorian natural regions that comprise the Amazon rainforest, the Andean mountains, the Pacific coast, and the Galapagos Islands. The different climate and altitude characteristics of these regions allow Ecuador to grow all commercial varieties of coffee. The variety planted, the region of origin, and the type of post-harvest processing gives each cup of coffee a unique flavor and aroma. To recovery the knowledge behind each production process, a complete review of the whole coffee productive chain was made. The information reviewed was compared with the available information of other neighboring countries and complemented with experiences described by small farmers. The analysis confirms that Ecuador has a competitive advantage due to its ecosystem diversity. However, the development of this industry depends on the correct implementation of policies that cover three main aspects: (1) farmers’ quality of life, (2) training and research programs, and (3) fair trade for small producers.
Resting-State Brain Network Analysis Methods and Applications
Authors: Ge Yunxiang , Dou Weibei
Published: June 2022

Resting-state fMRI has been widely applied in clinical research. Brain networks constructed by functional connectivity can reveal alterations related to disease and treatment. One of the major concerns of brain network application under clinical situations is how to analyze groups of data to find the potential biomarkers that can aid in diagnosis. In this paper, we briefly review common methods to construct brain networks from resting-state fMRI data, including different ways of the node definition and edge calculation. We focus on using a brain atlas to define nodes and estimate edges by static and dynamic functional connectivity. The directed connectivity method is also mentioned. We then discuss the challenges and pitfalls when analyzing groups of brain networks, including functional connectivity alterations, graph theory attributes analysis, and network-based statistics. Finally, we review the clinical application of resting-state fMRI in neurorehabilitation of spinal cord injury patients and stroke patients, the research on the mechanism and early diagnosis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as multiple system atrophy, as well as the research on brain functional network alteration of glioma patients.
Flame Retardants: New and Old Environmental Contaminants
Authors: Ghiraldelli Miranda Raul , Ferreira Sampaio Carolina , Gomes Leite Fernanda , Duarte Maia Flavia , Junqueira Dorta Daniel
Published: June 2022

Flame retardants are a group of compounds used in a variety of consumer goods to inhibit or retard the spread of flames. Several classes of chemical compounds have such capabilities, however, the persistence of these compounds in the environment and their toxicity are crucial points for a risk assessment. Classes such as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have already been banned in some parts of the world while they are still permitted and extensively used in other parts of the globe. In the need for substitutes for the toxic compounds used, new structures have been synthesized and suggested by the industry as an alternative and substitutives flame retardants. The objective of this review is to address the classes of compounds used as flame retardants in terms of their toxicity to human or non-human organisms and their persistence in the environment.
Application of Iron Oxide in Supercapacitor
Authors: Lakra Rajan , Kumar Rahul , Kumar Sahoo Parasanta , Kumar Sandeep , Soam Ankur
Published: June 2022

Iron oxide nanostructures have been considered very promising material as electrode in electrochemical energy storage devices because of their lower cost of synthesis and high theoretical charge storage capacity. Iron oxide nanoparticles and their nanocomposites have performed excellent in supercapacitor. Iron oxide as negative electrode has extended the working voltage window of a supercapacitor. The main problems associated with iron oxide based electrodes are their poor electrical conductivity and cycle stability. Therefore, a conductive carbon matrix has been added to the iron oxide based electrodes to improve the electrochemical performance. In this chapter, recent progress on iron oxide and its composite with different materials as electrode in supercapacitor is summarized. The various synergistic effects of nanocomposites and compositional engineering to enhance the electrochemical performance of iron oxide are also discussed.
Heavy Metal Contamination of Water and Their Toxic Effect on Living Organisms
Authors: Singh Anubhav , Sharma Anuj , K. Verma Rohit , L. Chopade Rushikesh , P. Pandit Pritam , Nagar Varad , Aseri Vinay , K. Choudhary Sumit , Awasthi Garima , K. Awasthi Kumud , S. Sankhla Mahipal
Published: June 2022

Water has become a major threat in today’s world. Collection of heavy metals, a few of them, is potentially toxic and these get distributed to different areas through different pathways. With an increase in the earth’s population, development and industrialization are taking place rapidly and these get the major source of water contamination. With heavy metals in lakes, rivers, groundwater, and various water sources, water gets polluted by the increased concentration of heavy metals and metalloids through release from the suddenly mine tailings, disposal of high metal wastes, growing industrial areas, leaded gasoline and paints, usage of fertilizers inland, animal manures, E-waste, sewage sludge, pesticides, wastewater irrigation, coal, etc. Exposure to heavy metals has been linked to chronic and acute toxicity, which develops retardation; neurotoxicity can damage the kidneys, lead to the development of different cancers, damage the liver and lungs; bones can become fragile; and there are even chances of death in case of huge amount of exposure. This chapter mainly focuses on heavy metal pollution in water and its toxic effect on living organisms.
Personalized Strategy of Obesity Prevention and Management Based on the Analysis of Pathogenetic, Genetic, and Microbiotic Factors
Authors: Drozdovska Svitlana , Andrieieva Olena , Orlenko Valeriya , Andrieiev Igor , Pastukhova Victoriya , Mazur Iuliia , Hurenko Olha , Nahorna Anastasiia
Published: June 2022

This chapter reviews the issue of overweight management, which is one of the major challenges faced by most countries today. The causes of obesity include genetic and epigenetic factors, a lack of physical activity, eating disorders, and gut microbiota status. Physical exercise is the main means of prevention and management of overweight and obesity. The effectiveness of exercise programs for obese people typically varies around 80%, but it can be increased by taking into account biochemical, genetic, epigenetic, and microbiome markers, which allows choosing the most appropriate type of exercise according to individual characteristics. The pathogenetic preconditions for reducing exercise tolerance were examined based on the existing imbalance of adipokines, cytokines, and incretins. The association between genotype and weight loss induced by different diets and types of exercise was discussed along with obesity epigenetic markers. The effects of dietary choice on the microbiome composition and its contribution to the development of systemic inflammation in obese people were assessed. The weight management exercise program for middle-aged women was presented. The structure and value of the factors that determine the physical condition of overweight middle-aged women were described. These data provide the basis for designing a sound exercise program for weight management.
The Use of Waterpipe Tobacco Products and Its Associated Risk Factors among University of Limpopo Students, South Africa
Authors: Daniel Monyeki Kotsedi , James Siweya Hlengani , Johanna Makgae Phut
Published: June 2022

The use of tobacco products is a modifiable risk factor for non-communicable diseases. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of waterpipe tobacco product use and associated risk factors amongst University of Limpopo students aged 17–43 years. This cross-sectional study comprises 916 (415 males and 501 females) University of Limpopo students aged 17–43 years. The questionnaire was validated for the University of Limpopo student population before it was used. Logistic regression was used to determine the associated risk factors for waterpipe tobacco product use among the University of Limpopo students. Staying on campus (OR 2.54 95%CI 1.87 3.44) or off-campus (0.39 95%CI 0.29 0.54) was significantly (p<0.05) associated with using waterpipe tobacco products even after adjusting for age and gender and receiving a bursary (on Campus OR=3.8095%CI 2.59 5.57) off-campus (0.26 95%CI 0.18 0.39). Our results demonstrate that waterpipe smoking was more prevalent among university male students than female students. Liking the taste and difficulties to refuse were significantly (p<0.05) associated with the use of waterpipe amongst University students. Future research should investigate the association of waterpipe use with risk factors for non-communicable diseases over time.
Brazilian Coffee Sustainability, Production, and Certification
Authors: Rossi Moda Laleska , Eugênio Spers Eduardo , Florêncio de Almeida Luciana , Mara de Alencar Schiavi Sandra
Published: June 2022

Brazil is the largest coffee producer in the world, being responsible for 40% of world total production, 69.9 million bags in 2021. Due its major production and exportation role in the global coffee market, Brazil has been also recognized for its commitment with quality and social-sustainability parameters based on voluntary sustainability standards (VSS) and geographic identification (GI). Despite higher prices at the final market and some changes toward more sustainable production models, certification is not a panacea for sustainability. In that sense, the governance of certification and standards along the value chains plays a central role. Brazil, as the largest coffee producer and exporter, has also a great potential regarding coffee GI, which can lead to differentiation strategies and economic benefits for small farmers, contributing also to sustainable production and cultural and environmental protection. However, the existence of economic and social barriers plays salient challenges for farmers to meet the quality standards as well as GI protocols among other market compliance tools, in addition to the correct value appropriation arising for quality sustainability adopted strategies by coffee farmers in Brazil.
Bast Fiber Textiles Addressed Improvement of Human Life
Authors: Zimniewska Malgorzata , Romanowska Barbara
Published: June 2022

Cannabis sativa L. and Linum usitatissimum L. belong to fibrous plant family delivering textile fibers located in their bast of stalk. This chapter covers discussion about flax and hemp fibers properties and processing based on authors’ finding and available literature. The authors will present research on flax and hemp fibers bioactivity in relationship with their chemical composition, which is strongly related to the selected method of fiber processing, including methods of fiber extraction in light of their effect on fibers antioxidant and antibacterial activity. Human-ecological features of linen/hemp textiles, including clothing effect on human physiology, are described. The case study of functional clothing preparation based on the bioactivity of bast fibers will be presented. This chapter delivers knowledge about complex factors of human-ecological performance of flax and hemp, which have a significant effect on the improvement of human life, including comfort, well-being, and health-supporting performance. The environmental approach of bast fibers in terms of contribution to green planet protection is shortly discussed. Collected literature and authors’ findings allowed to prove the positive effect of bast fibers textiles on the improvement of human life in terms of everyday wearing of clothing as well from the viewpoint of environmental impact, which is in line with the European Green Deal strategy.
Cancer Immunotherapy and Cytotoxicity: Current Advances and Challenges
Authors: Zhang Leisheng , Cai Hui
Published: June 2022

Immunotherapies are revolutionizing strategies for cancer treatment and infectious disease administration, which thus occupy worldwide concerns and enthusiasms for conquering relapsing and refractory immunodysfuction-related diseases. Current preclinical and clinical studies have suggested the partial success and promising potential of cancer management by various immunotherapies such as cancer vaccine, lymphocyte-promoting cytokines, checkpoint inhibitors and the cellular immunotherapy. However, the precise controlled modulation of the recipient’s immune system as well as the concomitant cytotoxicity remains the core challenge in the broad implementation of cancer immunotherapies. In this Chapter, we mainly focus on the latest updates of the cytotoxicity of cancer immunocytotherapy, together with the remarkable opportunities and conspicuous challenges, which represent the paradigm for boosting the immune system to enhance antitumor responses and ultimately eliminate malignancies. Collectively, we summarize and highlight the auspicious improvement in the efficacy and cytotoxicity of cancer immunotherapy and will benefit the large-scale preclinical investigations and clinical practice in adoptive immunotherapy.
Prevalent Orthopedic Injuries in Recreational Athletes after SARS-COV2 Lockdown: An Orthopedic Surgeon’s Point of View in Order to Help Sport’s Physicians Daily Practice
Authors: Alonso Martínez Stenger Rodrigo
Published: June 2022

The conditions of compulsory social isolation in the course of 2020 due to severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-COV2) have forced even the most active individual to reduce their level of training and/or acquire sedentary habits. The effects of confinement have caused disarrangement, reflected in the loss of physical fitness because of lack of or decrease in training and changes in diet and healthy lifestyle. It has also caused modifications in psychosocial plane. This review analyzes the most frequently seen orthopedic injuries in recreational sports athletes after lockdown: muscle injuries, tendinopathies, acute or stress fractures, medial tibial stress syndrome, sprains, dislocations, and fasciitis.
Palliative Care Therapies
Authors: Muthanna Shanshal Aisha
Published: June 2022

Palliative care considered as a support care for anyone living with a complex disease such as cancer, it has a great role in decreasing the severity of illness and slowness loss of functions by symptoms control and management in different stages of cancer. Palliative care is a specialized care area bounded to deliver health care facilities to patients who suffer from direct, indirect symptoms, unmet needs, for prevention and relief suffering from psychological issues mainly emotional issues (depression, anxiety, and delirium) and physiological issues like (nausea, vomiting, fatigue, xerostomia, headache, osteoradionecrosis, hemoptysis, dyspnea, taste loss, and pain). So its goal is to prolong their survival with the best possible quality of life for both the patients and their families.
Main Challenges of Heating Plasma with Waves at the Ion Cyclotron Resonance Frequency (ICRF)
Authors: Urbanczyk Guillaume
Published: June 2022

Of all the techniques used for heating plasmas in fusion devices, waves in the Ion Cyclotron Resonance Frequency (ICRF ∼ MHz) continue to be exceptionally advantageous and unique insofar as it enables to deposit of power directly on ions in the core, significantly enhancing fast ion population together with fusion reaction products. However, because of the multiple inherent challenges—such as matching robustness, antenna design, wave coupling efficiency, wave propagation, wave absorption, and plasma surface interactions due to radiofrequency (RF) sheath excitation—ICRF is often one of the most complex heating systems to implement successfully. This chapter provides a brief introduction of these challenges and their respective underlying physics, together with examples of both simulations and experimental results from various tokamaks around the world. Finally, ICRF advantages and applications on present and future devices and perspectives of technological solutions are discussed and summarized.
Use of Saline Waste from a Desalination Plant under the Principles of the Circular Economy for the Sustainable Development of Rural Communities
Authors: Cornejo-Ponce Lorena , Vilca-Salinas Patricia , J. Arenas María , Lienqueo-Aburto Hugo , Moraga-Contreras Claudia
Published: June 2022

In the region of Arica and Parinacota, Chile (South America), concerned about the environment, the use of brine from a reverse osmosis plant was considered as irrigation water, which is generally discharged into the sea, sewers, or nearby rivers. In this sense, the integrated management of this waste was studied under the 3 principles and 11 strategies of the circular economy, for which it will be used to produce halophilic fodder (Atriplex nummularia), supporting the sustainability of livestock farmers in the sector. As for the results, it was estimated that with 86,400 Lh-1 in 20 days of brine, 400 A. nummularia plants would be irrigated, with an energy consumption of 31,319 kWh per day, through a photovoltaic system. In addition, of the 11 strategies of the circular economy, this study complies with 9 of them. It is noteworthy that the combination of brackish water desalination technologies and solar energy to produce A. nummularia would avoid the production of 1.5 tons of CO2. Finally, this study opens potential opportunities for future research, for the implementation of this type of project in rural communities, considering an optimization in the management of saline waste and water.
Management Strategies in Perinatal HIV
Authors: Aleshire Kayla , Bazzi Rima
Published: June 2022

Current management of perinatal HIV infections and exposures involves the administration of antiretroviral therapy to both the pregnant mother and to her child after delivery. Striving to achieve safe and effective medication management is key in preventing new pediatric HIV infections. Maternal HIV testing and subsequent monitoring can help to identify fetal HIV exposures during pregnancy, maternal nonadherence, insufficient treatment regimens, and otherwise undiscovered exposures during the delivery process. There are several well-constructed guidelines that offer expert references for healthcare providers. This chapter will summarize current recommendations from the United States, with a brief insight into select international guidelines. Although available guidelines provide a structured framework for the healthcare team, there has recently been a significant drive to advance current perinatal management and outcomes.
Tolerance of Plant Cell Wall to Environment
Authors: Nedukha Olena
Published: June 2022

Drought and flooding of soil are negatively factors for growth and development of plants. Exogenous factors, including moisture of soil, intensity of sun light, temperature, salinization, the content and diffusion rate of CO2 and O2 is main that influence terrestrial and flood plants. Cell walls actively participate in the mechanisms of plant adaptation to drought and flooding. It has been established that the resistance of plants to unfavorable environmental conditions is due to the plasticity of the structural, biochemical and functional characteristics of plant cell walls, that manifests itself in a change of ultrastructure cell walls, density of stomata and wax in leaf epidermis, compacting or loosening of cell walls, presence of cuticle pores, change of content of crystalline and amorphous cellulose, hemicellulose, callose and lignin and change in a ratio of syringyl/quajacyl monolignols and also expression of the specific genes.
Nonlinear Intelligent Predictive Control for the Yaw System of Large-Scale Wind Turbines
Authors: Song Dongran , Li Ziqun , Yang Jian , Dong Mi , Chen Xiaojiao , Huang Liansheng
Published: June 2022

This chapter presents a nonlinear intelligent predictive control using multi-step prediction model for the electrical motor-based yaw system of an industrial wind turbine. The proposed method introduces a finite control set under constraints for the demanded yaw rate, predicts the multi-step yaw error using the control set element and the prediction wind directions, and employs an exhaustive search method to search the control output candidate giving the minimal value of the objective function. As the objective function is designed for a joint power and actuator usage optimization, the weighting factor in the objective function is optimally determined by the fuzzy regulator that is optimized by an intelligent algorithm. Finally, the proposed method is demonstrated by simulation tests using real wind direction data.
Emotional Intelligence: A Systematic Comparison Between Young Athletes and Non-athletes, Gender and Age Groups
Authors: Aouani Hajer , Slimani Maamer , Ghouili Hatem , Tod David , Znazen Hela , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi , Hamrouni Sabeur , Chtara Moktar , Elloumi Mohamed
Published: June 2022

Background: Emotional intelligence (EI) and emotional competence (EC) are considered as multidimensional strategies for dealing with various complex situations. There are conflicting results regarding the effect of age, gender and sports status on EI and EC dimensions. Objectives: In the present study, we compared the EI between young athletes and non-athletes, as well as in terms of both genders and different age groups Methods: Four hundred seventy-nine young individuals (239 athletes, 240 non-athletes) aged 12 - 18 years old participated in this study. They were classified according to their age (12 - 15 years and 16 - 18 years) and gender (239 male, 240 female). All participants completed the Profile of Emotional Competence (PEC); for assessing the intra- and interpersonal EC and global EI. Results: Athletes had significantly higher values of global EI and altogether the intra- and interpersonal EC dimensions (all, P < 0.001). The comparison between genre and age groups highlighted those males and younger participants showed significantly higher components for both inter- and intrapersonal EC and global EI than females and older participants respectively (0.05 < P < 0.001). Conclusions: Based on the result of the current study, we conclude that engagement and involvement in sports can be considered as a key factor for developing adequate EI. Psychologists and sport-scientists need to be aware about the specific-related psychological skills for both age and gender requirements, particularly EI.
Principios básicos de Evaluación Económica de Intervenciones Sanitarias
Authors: Oliva Moreno Juan , Catalá-López Ferrán
Published: June 2022

El objetivo de este artículo es presentar los conceptos generales asociados a los estudios de evaluación económica de intervenciones sanitarias. Dichos elementos forman parte de la información básica que debe estar presente en cualquier estudio y, por tanto, deben ser tenidos en cuenta a la hora del diseño o la interpretación de cualquier evaluación. Asimismo, se incide en el objeto que persiguen este tipo de análisis, que no es otro sino aportar información, centrada en la dimensión de la eficiencia (coste-efectividad), en los procesos de toma de decisiones.
Better approximation algorithms for maximum weight internal spanning trees in cubic graphs and claw-free graphs
Authors: Biniaz Ahmad
Published: June 2022

Given a connected vertex-weighted graph $G$, the maximum weight internal spanning tree (MaxwIST) problem asks for a spanning tree of $G$ that maximizes the total weight of internal nodes. This problem is NP-hard and APX-hard, with the currently best known approximation factor $1/2$ (Chen et al., Algorithmica 2019). For the case of claw-free graphs, Chen et al. present an involved approximation algorithm with approximation factor $7/12$. They asked whether it is possible to improve these ratios, in particular for claw-free graphs and cubic graphs.

For cubic graphs we present an algorithm that computes a spanning tree whose total weight of internal vertices is at least $\frac{3}{4}-\frac{3}{n}$ times the total weight of all vertices, where $n$ is the number of vertices of $G$.
This ratio is almost tight for large values of $n$.
For claw-free graphs of degree at least three, we present an algorithm that computes a spanning tree whose total internal weight is at least $\frac{3}{5}-\frac{1}{n}$ times the total vertex weight. The degree constraint is necessary as this ratio may not be achievable if we allow vertices of degree less than three.

With the above ratios, we immediately obtain better approximation algorithms with factors $\frac{3}{4}-\epsilon$ and $\frac{3}{5}-\epsilon$ for the MaxwIST problem in cubic graphs and claw-free graphs having no degree-2 vertices, for any $\epsilon>0$.
The new algorithms are short (compared to that of Chen et al.) and fairly simple as they employ a variant of the depth-first search algorithm. Moreover, they take linear time while previous algorithms for similar problem instances are super-linear.
Parameterized Algorithms for Queue Layouts
Authors: Bhore Sujoy , Ganian Robert , Montecchiani Fabrizio , Nöllenburg Martin
Published: June 2022

An $h$-queue layout of a graph $G$ consists of a linear order of its vertices and a partition of its edges into $h$ sets, called queues, such that no two independent edges of the same queue nest. The minimum $h$ such that $G$ admits an $h$-queue layout is the queue number of $G$. We present two fixed-parameter tractable algorithms that exploit structural properties of graphs to compute optimal queue layouts. As our first result, we show that deciding whether a graph $G$ has queue number $1$ and computing a corresponding layout is fixed-parameter tractable when parameterized by the treedepth of $G$. Our second result then uses a more restrictive parameter, the vertex cover number, to solve the problem for arbitrary $h$.
Polygons with Prescribed Angles in 2D and 3D
Authors: Efrat Alon , Fulek Radoslav , Kobourov Stephen , Tóth Csaba
Published: June 2022

We consider the construction of a polygon $P$ with $n$ vertices whose turning angles at the vertices are given by a sequence $A=(\alpha_0,\ldots, \alpha_{n-1})$, $\alpha_i\in (-\pi,\pi)$,
for $i\in\{0,\ldots, n-1\}$.
The problem of realizing $A$ by a polygon can be seen as that of constructing a straight-line drawing of a graph with prescribed angles at vertices, and hence, it is a special case of the well studied problem of constructing an angle graph.
In 2D, we characterize sequences $A$ for which every generic polygon $P\subset \mathbb{R}^2$ realizing $A$ has at least $c$ crossings, for every $c\in \mathbb{N}$, and describe an efficient algorithm that constructs, for a given sequence $A$, a generic polygon $P\subset \mathbb{R}^2$ that realizes $A$ with the minimum number of crossings.
In 3D, we describe an efficient algorithm that tests whether a given sequence $A$ can be realized by a (not necessarily generic) polygon $P\subset \mathbb{R}^3$, and for every realizable sequence the algorithm finds a realization.
Analysis of ultradian rest-activity rhythms using locomotor activity in mice
Authors: Lee Jung Hyun , Moon Eunsoo , Park Jeonghyun , Hong Yoo Rha , Yoon Min
Published: June 2022

Background: Locomotor activity in mice may have an ultradian rest-activity rhythm. However, to date, no study has shown how locomotor activity can be explained statistically using fitted cosine curves. Therefore, this study explored whether the ultradian rhythm of locomotor activity in mice could be analyzed using cosine fitting analysis.Methods: The locomotor activity of 20 male mice under a 12/12-hour dark/light cycle for 2 days was fitted to a cosine function to obtain the best fit. The mean absolute error (MAE) values were used to determine the explanatory power of the calculated cosine model for locomotor activity. The cosine fitting analysis was performed using R statistical software (version 4.1.1).Results: The mean MAE was 0.2944, whereas the mean MAE for integrating the individual analyses in the two experimental groups was 0.3284. The periods of the estimated ultradian rest-activity rhythm ranged from 1.602 to 4.168 hours. Conclusions: These results suggest that locomotor activity data reflect an ultradian rhythm better than a circadian rhythm. Locomotor activity can be statistically fitted to a cosine curve under well-controlled conditions. In the future, it will be necessary to explore whether this cosine-fitting analysis can be used to analyze ultradian rhythms under different experimental conditions.
Incidence of arterial steno-occlusive disease and related factors in patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft surgery
Authors: Kim Seong Gyu , Lee Geun Woo , Lee Chul Ho
Published: June 2022

Background: Patients who undergo coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery receive regular physical examinations and medications on an outpatient basis. However, these patients are at risk of developing other vascular diseases, such as postoperative arterial steno-occlusive disease (SOD). This study investigated the incidence of SOD and related factors.Methods: In total, 246 patients who underwent CABG surgery from January 1, 2017 to December 31, 2021 were investigated. The incidence and risk factors of vascular disease were analyzed by dividing the included patients into SOD and non-SOD groups. Laboratory tests, medical history, surgical information, and family history were investigated through an electronic chart review.Results: Data from 193 patients who met the criteria were analyzed. SOD occurred in 19.1% of patients, and the cerebral artery (38%) was the most common artery involved, followed by the peripheral artery (32%), the coronary artery (22%), and the retinal artery (8%). Risk factors for the development of SOD included estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR; odds ratio [OR]=0.977, p=0.008), cholesterol (OR=1.020, p=0.001), and patients with diabetes complications (OR=5.077, p=0.010). The 3-year cumulative incidence rate was 21.6%, and the risk factors for cumulative occurrence were a low eGFR, elevated cholesterol, and complications of diabetes.Conclusions: Low eGFR, high cholesterol, and the presence of diabetic complications before CABG surgery may be associated with postoperative vascular disease. In these cases, close monitoring, proper drug administration, and patient warnings may be required.
How to write an original article in medicine and medical science
Authors: Kang Gwansuk , Kim Sung Eun
Published: June 2022

Excellent research in the fields of medicine and medical science can advance the field and contribute to human health improvement. In this aspect, research is important. However, if researchers do not publish their research, their efforts cannot benefit anyone. To make a difference, researchers must disseminate their results and communicate their opinions. One way to do this is by publishing their research. Therefore, academic writing is an essential skill for researchers. However, preparing a manuscript is not an easy task, and it is difficult to write well. Following a structure may be helpful for researchers. For example, the standard structure of medical and medical science articles includes the following sections: introduction, methods, results, and discussion (IMRAD). The purpose of this review is to present an introduction for researchers, especially novices, on how to write an original article in the field of medicine and medical science. Therefore, we discuss how to prepare and write a research manuscript for publication, using the IMRAD structure. We also included specific tips for writing manuscripts in medicine and medical science.
The molecular mechanism of load adaptation by branched actin networks
Authors: Li Tai-De , Bieling Peter , Weichsel Julian , Mullins R Dyche , Fletcher Daniel A
Published: June 2022

Branched actin networks are self-assembling molecular motors that move biological membranes and drive many important cellular processes, including phagocytosis, endocytosis, and pseudopod protrusion. When confronted with opposing forces, the growth rate of these networks slows and their density increases, but the stoichiometry of key components does not change. The molecular mechanisms governing this force response are not well understood, so we used single-molecule imaging and AFM cantilever deflection to measure how applied forces affect each step in branched actin network assembly. Although load forces are observed to increase the density of growing filaments, we find that they actually decrease the rate of filament nucleation due to inhibitory interactions between actin filament ends and nucleation promoting factors. The force-induced increase in network density turns out to result from an exponential drop in the rate constant that governs filament capping. The force dependence of filament capping matches that of filament elongation and can be explained by expanding Brownian Ratchet theory to cover both processes. We tested a key prediction of this expanded theory by measuring the force-dependent activity of engineered capping protein variants and found that increasing the size of the capping protein increases its sensitivity to applied forces. In summary, we find that Brownian Ratchets underlie not only the ability of growing actin filaments to generate force but also the ability of branched actin networks to adapt their architecture to changing loads.
Cd59 and inflammation regulate Schwann cell development
Authors: Wiltbank Ashtyn T , Steinson Emma R , Criswell Stacey J , Piller Melanie , Kucenas Sarah
Published: June 2022

Efficient neurotransmission is essential for organism survival and is enhanced by myelination. However, the genes that regulate myelin and myelinating glial cell development have not been fully characterized. Data from our lab and others demonstrates thatcd59, which encodes for a small GPI-anchored glycoprotein, is highly expressed in developing zebrafish, rodent, and human oligodendrocytes (OLs) and Schwann cells (SCs), and that patients with CD59 dysfunction develop neurological dysfunction during early childhood. Yet, the function of Cd59 in the developing nervous system is currently undefined. In this study, we demonstrate thatcd59is expressed in a subset of developing SCs. Usingcd59mutant zebrafish, we show that developing SCs proliferate excessively and nerves may have reduced myelin volume, altered myelin ultrastructure, and perturbed node of Ranvier assembly. Finally, we demonstrate that complement activity is elevated incd59mutants and that inhibiting inflammation restores SC proliferation, myelin volume, and nodes of Ranvier to wildtype levels. Together, this work identifies Cd59 and developmental inflammation as key players in myelinating glial cell development, highlighting the collaboration between glia and the innate immune system to ensure normal neural development.
The Influence of the Brand Personality Concept on Consumer Satisfaction and Loyalty
Authors: Marković Ivana , Rabasović Biljana , Stojanović Nikola
Published: June 2022

Research Question: The goal of this research is to describe how the concept of brand personality and its dimensions affect customer satisfaction and loyalty. Motivation: Creating brand personality is an efficient differentiation strategy, used by numerous companies for building and sustaining competitive advantage. Brands with personality are considered as real people and can be described using human characteristics. Therefore, consumers can establish connection with them more easily, which increases customer satisfaction and brand loyalty. Idea: The main idea of this paper was to empirically evaluate the relationship between the concept of brand personality and its dimensions and customer satisfaction and loyalty. Data: The information for this purpose was gathered through a survey that included 191 participants. Tools: Collected data were statistically analyzed using descriptive statistics, reliability and regression analyses in order to test the hypothesis. Findings: The results have proved that the brand personality plays a significant part in building satisfaction and loyalty. Furthermore, results indicate a significant positive relationship between all five brand personality dimensions and satisfaction on loyalty, with excitement and competency as dominant.  Contribution: This paper provides new insights significant for the Serbian-speaking audience and is genuinely useful since it stresses the importance of brand personification and its influence on success. Therefore, it can be used by brand managers to aid the process of establishing and sustaining strong brands.