bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Combinations of Market and Non-Market Strategies That Facilitate Family Firm Survival
Authors: Basco Rodrigo , Rodríguez-Escudero Ana Isabel , Martin Cruz Natalia , Barros-Contreras Ismael
Published: July 2020

Even though family firms are characterized by an overlap between the family and business systems, family business research has focused separately on how family firms compete (i. e., strategic behavior) and how families are involved their firms (i. e., types of family orientation). With the aim of closing this research gap, we draw on the heterogeneity principle of family firms and the equifinality principle of the configurative approach to conjecture that family firms can successfully adjust their strategic behavior and family business orientation in a variety of ways to enhance their likelihood of survival. We follow a sample of Spanish family firms over an 11-year period (2004–2015) to test our model. Based on the Kaplan–Meier survival estimator and the Cox proportional hazard model, we find that survival likelihood is higher when firms combine a differentiation strategy with a business-first or a family-enterprise-first orientation or when firms follow a low-cost strategy with a family-first orientation.
Social Enterprises: Evolution of the Organizational Model and Application to the Italian Case
Authors: Poledrini Simone , Tortia Ermanno C.
Published: July 2020

This article aims at delivering new theoretical interpretation and quantitative evidence concerning the emergence and development of social enterprises (SEs) in Italy. Where the former is concerned the article seeks to provide the core features necessary to identify when an organization can be defined as a SE. In particular, the analysis retraces the steps back to the intersection between “classical” studies on entrepreneurial non-profit organizations and the more recent literature on entrepreneurial action and social responsibility for the business enterprise. The institutional and quantitative analysis then focuses on the development of SEs in Italy, discussing the institutional evolution of the new legal forms, and the principal area of activity of SEs in Italy. This country represents a key player in the evolution of SEs as it pioneered legislation and practice in Europe and the emerging new frontier for modeling different types of SEs.
Non-family Employees in Family firms and Turnover Intentions: The Relevance of Identification and Justice Perceptions
Authors: Yazici Omer , Memili Esra , Patel Pankaj
Published: July 2020

Many family firms hire and rely on non-family employees; therefore, the mutual benefits provided to both family and non-family members are important. Yet, the perspectives of non-family employees have been under researched. Drawing upon organizational identity and justice theories and the extant literature on family influence, this study examines non-family employees’ perceived family influence, family firm identification, family firm justice, and turnover intentions in a sample of 301 family business non-family employees. Path analysis results show that non-family employees’ perceived family influence can lead to family firm identification, in turn diminishing their turnover intentions. We also find that non-family employees’ perceptions of family firm justice moderate the relationship between non-family employees’ perceived family influence and family firm identification. We conclude by discussing implications.
Die multi-resiliente Gesellschaft: Orientierungspunkte für die Corona-Krise und darüber hinaus
Authors: Fathi Karim
Published: July 2020

Die Corona-Krise hält die Welt in Atem. Sie birgt ein ganzes Bündel von Risikopotenzialen, dem sich Gesellschaften stellen müssen. Zugleich sehen sie sich noch weiteren globalen Problemen gegenüber, wie z. B. der nächsten Wirtschaftskrise oder den Klimawandel. Wie können sich Gesellschaften über die Corona-Krise hinaus vor völlig unterschiedlichen Krisentypen wappnen? Eine mögliche Antwort könnte „Multiresilienz“ sein. Dieser Ansatz zielt darauf ab, „Grundrobustheit“ aufzubauen, d. h. Gesellschaften in völlig unterschiedlichen Krisenkontexten reaktions- und problemlösungsfähiger zu machen. Vier allgemeine Orientierungsprinzipien erschließen sich aus einer tieferen, systemischen Betrachtungsebene.
Popularisierung von Protestsymbolen „Wir woll’n sie überall – Regenbogenfahnen“
Authors: Regener Susanne , Safaian Dorna , Teune Simon
Published: July 2020

Symbole sind visuelle Verdichtungen von Kernbotschaften sozialer Bewegungen. Durch ihre Verbreitung steigt die Sichtbarkeit der Bewegungen und ihr Potenzial für gesellschaftliche Wirkung. Insofern liegt die Popularisierung, die allgemeine Bekanntheit und Verwendung eines Symbols, im Interesse von Bewegungsakteur*innen. Allerdings sind Prozesse der Popularisierung auch mit Bedeutungsverschiebungen verbunden, die von der ursprünglichen Botschaft der Bewegung abweichen. Der Artikel beschreibt die Popularisierung der Symbole Antiatomsonne und Regenbogenfahne, stellt die dafür relevanten Rahmenbedingungen und Akteure vor und führt das Potenzial zur Verbreitung auf die Eigenschaften der Symbole selbst zurück.
Einfach klimagerechter leben
Authors: Abel Georg , Bätzing Miriam
Published: July 2020

Der Klimawandel ist nicht nur medial allgegenwärtig. Spätestens seit den Hitzesommern der Jahre 2018 und 2019 ist er auch im Alltag der Verbraucher*innen in Deutschland angekommen. Aktuelle Befragungen zeigen, dass der Großteil der Verbraucher*innen das Thema gleichermaßen wahr- wie ernst nimmt. Klimaschutz ist ein wichtiges Verbraucherthema geworden und eng mit unseren Konsum- und Lebensgewohnheiten verwoben. Gerade die Macht der Gewohnheit ist es, die im Klimakontext über Handeln und Nichthandeln bestimmt. Dieses Kapitel geht daher der Frage nach, wie Verbraucher*innen denken und handeln, welchen Zugang sie zum Klimathema haben und welche Weichenstellung es braucht, um klimagerechtere Lebensweisen voranzubringen.
The scope of empirical narratology
Authors: Wirag Andreas
Published: July 2020

The article, on the “scope of empirical narratology”, offers a survey of the emerging field of empirical narratology, which arguably originates with the publication ofPsychonarratology(Bortolussi and Dixon 2003). To situate empirical approaches in narratology, the article first outlines the current discussion in the field, which is divided as to whether empirical methodologies represent a un‑/helpful addition to the discipline. After that, three major methods of conducting empirical research in narratology are introduced: i. e., a qualitative, quantitative / corpus-based, and quantitative / experimental approach. Each method is discussed and illustrated with a model study from current research. Finally, the article suggests topics for further investigation in the empirical paradigm. By presenting tenets and study models for empirical narratology, the article hopes to highlight its attractiveness for narratology at large, and to advance the developing framework.
Land use/land cover assessment as related to soil and irrigation water salinity over an oasis in arid environment
Authors: Biro Turk Khalid G. , Aljughaiman Abdullah S.
Published: July 2020

The land use and land cover (LULC) changes and the implications of soil and irrigation water salinity have adverse effects on crop production and the ecosystems of arid and semiarid regions. In this study, an attempt has been made to analyze and monitor the LULC changes using multitemporal Landsat data for years 1986, 1998, 2007, and 2016 in Al-Ahsa Oasis, Saudi Arabia. In addition, efforts were made to measure the spatial distribution of soil and irrigation water salinity along the oasis. The supervised maximum likelihood classification method was applied to classify the individual images independently. Moreover, soil samples were collected at surface soil depth from the selected LULC types, namely, date palm, croplands, and bare land. Also, groundwater samples were collected from bore wells located in agricultural farms. The spatial distribution of the soil salinity (Ece) and irrigation water salinity (ECiw) was classified based on the Food and Agriculture Organization guidelines. The results showed that significant changes in LULC patterns have occurred during 1986–2016 in the study area. The ECewas found higher in date palm compared with cropland and bare land. However, the spatial distribution of the ECiwover the oasis indicated that 94% of irrigation water ranged between moderate and severe salinity risk. The study concludes that salinity management practices need to be developed in the study area aiming to sustain crop yields, improve soil properties, and minimize the environmental impacts of LULC changes on the ecosystem of Al-Ahsa Oasis.
Quality of Energy, Energy Access and Law within the Cuban Hydropower Context
Authors: Peña Pupo Leonardo , Fariña Wong Ernesto Yoel , Luis Cordova José Grabiel , Delgado Triana Yanelys
Published: July 2020

This article deals with the quality of energy generated in the autonomous mini and micro hydroelectric plants located in the mountainous regions of Cuba, where they are the only source of energy supply. The quality of energy generated and its availability are a right to the inhabitants of these communities, on an equal footing with those whose supply is through the electricity grid. In this sense, the legal and technical norms existing in Cuba, while defining equality of rights, also impose unviable technical and economic conditions.
Optimization of medium–low-grade phosphorus rock carbothermal reduction process by response surface methodology
Authors: Luo Biwei , Li Pengfei , Li Yan , He Pengpeng , Ji Jun , He Dongsheng , Tian Qifeng
Published: July 2020

Phosphorus extraction from phosphorus rock was conducted by carbothermal reduction with silica and coke. The effects of reaction temperature, reaction time, coke excess coefficient, molar ratio of silicon–calcium, and phosphorus rock particle size on the phosphorus reduction rate were investigated by the response surface methodology (RSM). The central composite design (CCD) with five factors and five levels was used to explore the effects of variables’ interactions on the phosphorus reduction rate. The results showed that there are significant interactions between reaction time and temperature; reaction temperature and molar ratio of silicon–calcium; reaction temperature and phosphorus rock particle size; coke excess coefficient and molar ratio of silicon–calcium; and coke excess coefficient and phosphorus rock particle size. The optimum conditions in the experimental range are reaction time 92 min, reaction temperature 1340°C, coke excess coefficient 1.27, molar ratio of silicon–calcium 1.28, and phosphorus rock particle size 75–106 µm, which were derived from the quadratic statistic model. Under these conditions, the phosphorus reduction rate can reach 96.88%, which is close to the model prediction value 99.40%. The optimized carbothermal reduction conditions of phosphorus rock by the RSM are helpful to reduce the energy cost of thermal phosphoric acid process.
Synthesis, antibacterial activities, and sustained perfume release properties of optically active5-hydroxy- and 5-acetoxyalkanethioamide analogues
Authors: Shimotori Yasutaka , Hoshi Masayuki , Ogawa Narihito , Miyakoshi Tetsuo , Kanamoto Taisei
Published: July 2020

5-Acetoxy- and 5-hydroxyalkanethioamide analogues showed high antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. Antibacterial thioamides were prepared from 5-alkyl-δ-lactones by amidation, thionation, and subsequent deacetylation. Optically active thioamides with 99% diastereomeric excesses were prepared by diastereomeric resolution using Cbz-L-proline as the resolving agent. Antibacterial thioamides were slowly lactonized by a lipase catalyst. Therefore, these thioamides are potential sustained-release perfume compounds having antibacterial properties.
Sulphur and vanadium-induced high-temperature corrosion behaviour of different regions of SMAW weldment in ASTM SA 210 GrA1 boiler tube steel
Authors: Kumar Ravindra , Tewari Vinay Kumar , Prakash Satya
Published: July 2020

Corrosion at elevated temperature is a serious problem in running thermal power plants because of the use of low-grade fuels that contain substantial amounts of sulphur, vanadium, sodium etc. This article reports the high-temperature corrosion of weld metal and heat-affected zone (HAZ) of shielded metal arc-welding (SMAW) weldment in GrA1 steel in a molten salt (Na2SO4–60% V2O5) environment at 900°C under cyclic conditions. The thermogravimetric technique was used to observe the kinetics of corrosion. The corrosion products formed on weld metal and HAZ of SMAW welded steel were characterized by scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX) and X-ray diffraction pattern. Weld metal was found to oxidize at a higher rate than those of HAZ due to the presence of sodium and sulphur in the inner oxide scale as confirmed by EDX, and this leads to high corrosion rate (in terms of weight gain).
The effects of β-Si3N4 on the formation and oxidation of β-SiAlON
Authors: Liu Xin , Qu Dianli , Luo Xudong , Guo Yuxiang , Cui Yan
Published: July 2020

The influence of the additive β-Si3N4 on the formation and oxidation of Si4Al2O2N6 during the sintering of Al, Si, and Al2O3 powders under flowing nitrogen atmosphere was examined. An increasing molar percentage of β-Si3N4 was shown to alter the morphology of Si4Al2O2N6 from a fiber-like to a rod-like structure and also shortened the time needed to form a dense, continuous oxide layer, which served as a barrier to the diffusion of O2. An optimal molar percentage of β-Si3N4 of 29.9 mol% was discovered, at which the grain growth was enhanced, and the surface area was, in turn, reduced, yielding superior resistance to oxidation. Our results provided a theoretical basis for the formation of β-SiAlON and demonstrated the potential of its use in high-temperature oxidizing environments.
„Bye SPEX! What’s next?“ Zur Historisierung einer Pop-Kulturzeitschrift
Authors: Pabst Philipp , Zipfel Hannah
Published: July 2020

In 2018, the crisis of print media hit German pop journalism hard. Following Groove, Intro and Melodie und Rhythmus, Spex – the most influential magazine of German pop journalism – too ceased production. This article examines the history of Spex as one fraught with frequent endings and crises – a process that ultimately led to the self-historicization of the magazine.
Prevalence and factors associated with smoking among Tunisian secondary school-adolescents
Authors: Ben Ayed Houda , Yaich Sourour , Ben Hmida Mariem , Ben Jemaa Maissa , Trigui Maroua , Karray Raouf , Jedidi Jihene , Mejdoub Yosra , Kassis Mondher , Feki Habib , Damak Jamel
Published: July 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to estimate the extent of smoking experience among high and middle school adolescents in Southern Tunisia and to delineate its potential associated factors.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional study among middle and high school-adolescents in the governorate of Sfax, South of Tunisia in the 2017–2018 school-years. A questionnaire was anonymously administered to a representative sample of 1,210 school-adolescents randomly drawn.

Results

The mean age of the school-adolescents was 15.6 ± 4.2 years. The prevalence of lifetime smoking was 16.7% (95% CI=[14.7–18.8%]) (boys 32.6%; girls 5.9%;p<0.001). Among the respondents, 13.9% (95% CI=[11.9–15.8%]) were current smokers. In multivariate logistic regression analysis, independent associated factors of current smoking were male gender (Adjusted (AOR)=10.2; p<0.001), 16–17 and 18–19-year age-groups (AOR=2; p=0.005 and AOR=2.6; p=0.001, respectively), below average academic performance (AOR=5.2; p=0.012), divorced parents (AOR=3.9; p=0.007), family monthly income ≥800 dollars (AOR=2.1; p=0.001), having a part time job (AOR=3.9; p<0.001) and a perceived high stress level (AOR=1.98; p=0.008). Secondhand smoke (AOR=1.8; p=0.011) and concomitant alcohol drink (AOR=14.56; p<0.001) were independent predictors of current smoking, while high education level of the father was independently associated with lower prevalence of current smoking (AOR=0.17; p<0.001).

Conclusion

The prevalence of lifetime and current smoking were relatively high in Southern Tunisian middle and high schools. Multilevel influences on youth smoking behavior had been identified, which reflected the need to conceive appropriate school interventions and effective antismoking education program.
Investigation of the rheological, thermal, sensory properties, and particle size distribution of sesame paste white compound chocolate as influenced by the soy flour and emulsifier levels
Authors: Hosseini Abdul Fateh , Mazaheri-Tehrani Mostafa , Yeganehzad Samira , Razavi Seyed Mohammad Ali
Published: July 2020

The impacts of replacing various levels of skim milk powder with soy flour (0%, 7%, and 14.5% w/w), as well as the quantity of emulsifier (mono-glyceride, 0 and 1.5% w/w) on particle size distribution, rheological, textural, thermal, and sensory properties of sesame paste white compound chocolate were studied. Enhancing the percentage of soy flour along with concurrent decrease of milk powder, increased particle size distribution parameters, as D90 increased from 9.33 to 16.6 (μm). The outcomes indicated that different contents of soy flour affected the hardness along with having greater impact on the samples containing emulsifier. Adding mono-glyceride to chocolate resulted in an excessive reduction in the hardness and also in particle size distribution parameters. Values of Casson plastic viscosity ranged from 2.46 to 5.8 (Pa.s), the Casson yield values and apparent viscosity varied between 9.95 and 111.72 (Pa), and 6.3 and 12.1(Pa.s), respectively. Moreover, analyzing the data demonstrated that soy flour had notable impact on the sensory properties of the samples. Also, soy flour and emulsifier could be manipulated for achieving the desirable rheological properties of sesame paste white compound chocolate.
The effect of linguistic modification on English as a second language (ESL) nursing student retention
Authors: Moore Brenda , Waters Andrew
Published: July 2020

English-as-a-second-language (ESL) nursing students fail out of nursing programs at a far higher rate than native English speakers. There are many reasons for this trend, however academic failure related to poor performance on multiple-choice (MC) exams, is the most common.

Objective

The purpose of this interventional comparative research study was to determine the effect of linguistic modification (LM) of MC exam questions on score and timing of ESL compared to native English-speaking nursing students.

Method

Two-factor analysis of variance and a mixed-effects regression were applied to the data from 69 participants.

Results

Statistical significance was noted as related to time. All students took significantly less time to complete the LM questions in comparison to the standard questions.

Conclusion

LM is a process that should be used by nursing faculty to create fair evaluation instruments for all nursing students.
The dynamical behavior of mixed type lump solutions on the (3 + 1)-dimensional generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili–Boussinesq equation
Authors: Liu Jian-Guo , Eslami Mostafa , Rezazadeh Hadi , Mirzazadeh Mohammad
Published: July 2020

This paper studies the (3 + 1)-dimensional generalized Kadomtsev–Petviashvili–Boussinesq (KPB) equation via the Hirota’s bilinear form and symbolic computation. Mixed type lump solutions are presented, which include rational function, trigonometric function and hyperbolic function. The propagation and the dynamical behaviors of these mixed type of lump solutions are shown by some three-dimensional and contour plots.
“Good schooling” in a race, gender, and class perspective: The reproduction of inequality at a former Model C school in South Africa
Authors: Hiss Amy , Peck Amiena
Published: July 2020

After the first democratic elections in 1994 in South Africa, many Model C schools were opened for Black, Coloured and Indian learners. Model C schools that used to cater solely for White female learners had now entered the democratic period, and while the Cape Town Model C school in our study swiftly became populated with Black middle-class female learners, little was known of other transformations on the ground. In 2016, a protest by Black female learners quickly found favour on Twitter. They claimed that differentiated racialised treatment was directed at them and enshrined in the school’s Code of Conduct (COC). In order to investigate these claims, we employ an intersectional discourse analysis to investigate the 2015 COC prior to the protest, as well as the post-protest 2017 COC. Drawing on theories of social reproduction, cultural capital, symbolic violence and habitus, we endeavour to show how Black learners’ embodied capital and lack of cultural capital ensured their inability to be accommodated at the school. We investigate the outcomes of the COC in terms of empowerment, as measured by equitable school access, and the reproduction of inequality, indicated by the implementation of “school rules” directed at Black female learners whilst maintaining the status of the dominant (White) group of middle-class students. We conclude that analysis of the COC reveals an attempt at cultivating a particular White middle-class womanhood through the guise of “good schooling”.
Enoxaparin induced reactive thrombocytosis: a rare adverse drug reaction
Authors: Meenpidiyil Saleel Salman , Azeez Shihas , Kumar Vaisakh Prasanna , Suresh Dhanush , Kalathathoduuill Sareena , Thandupara Safa , Puthukudi Muhammed Hashik
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Enoxaparin is a low molecular weight heparin (LMWH), which belongs to the class of anticoagulants. The drug is administered as subcutaneous injection to prevent or treat deep vein thrombosis (DVT), pulmonary embolism and ischemic complications.

Case Presentation

A 57-year-old women diagnosed with acute coronary syndrome developed reactive thrombocytosis following the administration of enoxaparin subcutaneously. The blood test reports of the patient showed that there is a gradual elevation of platelet count day by day following enoxaparin administration. On an assessment using both World Health Organization–Uppsala Monitoring Centre (WHO–UMC) scale and Naranjo Causality Assessment Scale indicated that enoxaparin is the “probable” cause for the reaction.

Conclusions

We conclude that reactive thrombocytosis is a probable adverse drug reaction and close monitoring of blood counts is essential, following enoxaparin injection. More studies are to be conducted to identify further complications.
Effects of atenolol injected into the nucleus accumbens septi in rats in the elevated plus-maze test
Authors: Llano López Luis H. , Melonari Pablo , Olguin Marisa , Fraile Miriam Débora , Landa Adriana I. , Gargiulo Pascual A.
Published: July 2020

Background

In previous studies, we have observed that glutamate antagonists injected within the nucleus accumbens septi (NAS) induced an anxiolytic-like effect in the elevated plus maze (EPM) test in rats. In the present study, the effect of Atenolol, a specific Beta Adreno-receptor antagonist in the EPM was studied in male rats bilaterally cannulated NAS.

Methods

Rats were divided into five groups that received either 1 μL injections of saline or atenolol in different doses (0.75, 1 or 2 μg/1 μL, n=15–16) 15 min before testing.

Results

Time Spent in the Open Arm was modified by treatment (F=4.563, p=0.006, df 3). This was increased by the lowest dose of atenolol (p<0.05), by the medium doses (p<0.001) and also by the highest dose (p<0.01). Time per Entry was modified by treatment (F=4.54, p=0.06, df 3). This parameter was increased by the lowest dose of atenolol (p<0.01), but not for the medium and higher doses.

Conclusions

We conclude that Atenolol beta receptor blockade in the accumbens lead to an anxiolytic-like effect related to an increase in the time spent in the open arm and in the time per entry, showing specific behavioral patterns.
Complementary and alternative medicine is positively associated with religiousness/spirituality
Authors: Heller Tabitha , Kloos Christof , Mueller Nicolle , Roemelt Josef , Keinki Christian , Wolf Gunter , Mueller Ulrich Alfons , Huebner Jutta
Published: July 2020

Background

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is used often by patients with different diseases. While some authors subsume religiousness and spirituality to CAM, others do not. The objective of the present study was to assess the prevalence and types of CAM usage as well as the participants' spirituality/religiousness in an outpatient department for endocrinology and metabolic diseases.

Methods

All individuals visiting the outpatient department at a German university hospital from April to June 2009 were offered a standardized questionnaire on the use of dietary supplements and alternative therapies as well as their religiousness/spirituality. Demographic and clinical data of 428 respondents were taken from the electronic health record.

Results

Of the respondents, 16.4% (n = 66) classified themselves to be religious/spiritual and 67.9% (n = 273) as not religious/spiritual. Women were more religious/spiritual than men (p = 0.02). 41.4% of the respondents used supplements and 27.4% additional therapies. The use of supplements and additional therapies was more frequent in people with higher religiousness/spirituality (p = 0.005 and p = 0.01,resp.) but there were no associations between religiousness/spirituality and the number of consultations, costs for drugs, appraisal of the physicians treatment methods, the perceived effectiveness of prescribed drugs, fear of late complications or of side effects.

Conclusions

A higher religiousness/spirituality is associated with a more frequent use of supplements or additional therapies in individuals with endocrinopathies or metabolic diseases. As CAM has been shown to be associated with worse outcome, addressing religiousness/spirituality which stresses the responsibility of the person for his life might offer an additional resource and should be further studied.
The first 10 years of the international coordination network for standards in systems and synthetic biology (COMBINE)
Authors: Waltemath Dagmar , Golebiewski Martin , Blinov Michael L , Gleeson Padraig , Hermjakob Henning , Hucka Michael , Inau Esther Thea , Keating Sarah M , König Matthias , Krebs Olga , Malik-Sheriff Rahuman S , Nickerson David , Oberortner Ernst , Sauro Herbert M , Schreiber Falk , Smith Lucian , Stefan Melanie I , Wittig Ulrike , Myers Chris J
Published: July 2020

This paper presents a report on outcomes of the 10th Computational Modeling in Biology Network (COMBINE) meeting that was held in Heidelberg, Germany, in July of 2019. The annual event brings together researchers, biocurators and software engineers to present recent results and discuss future work in the area of standards for systems and synthetic biology. The COMBINE initiative coordinates the development of various community standards and formats for computational models in the life sciences. Over the past 10 years, COMBINE has brought together standard communities that have further developed and harmonized their standards for better interoperability of models and data. COMBINE 2019 was co-located with a stakeholder workshop of the European EU-STANDS4PM initiative that aims at harmonized data and model standardization for in silico models in the field of personalized medicine, as well as with the FAIRDOM PALs meeting to discuss findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR) data sharing. This report briefly describes the work discussed in invited and contributed talks as well as during breakout sessions. It also highlights recent advancements in data, model, and annotation standardization efforts. Finally, this report concludes with some challenges and opportunities that this community will face during the next 10 years.
Identification of Biomarker on Biological and Gene Expression data using Fuzzy Preference Based Rough Set
Authors: Begum Shemim , Sarkar Ram , Chakraborty Debasis , Maulik Ujjwal
Published: July 2020

Cancer is fast becoming an alarming cause of human death. However, it has been reported that if the disease is detected at an early stage, diagnosed, treated appropriately, the patient has better chances of survival long life. Machine learning technique with feature-selection contributes greatly to the detecting of cancer, because an efficient feature-selection method can remove redundant features. In this paper, a Fuzzy Preference-Based Rough Set (FPRS) blended with Support Vector Machine (SVM) has been applied in order to predict cancer biomarkers for biological and gene expression datasets. Biomarkers are determined by deploying three models of FPRS, namely, Fuzzy Upward Consistency (FUC), Fuzzy Downward Consistency (FLC), and Fuzzy Global Consistency (FGC). The efficiency of the three models with SVM on five datasets is exhibited, and the biomarkers that have been identified from FUC models have been reported.
Face Recognition in Complex Unconstrained Environment with An Enhanced WWN Algorithm
Authors: Wang Dongshu , Wang Heshan , Sun Jiwen , Xin Jianbin , Luo Yong
Published: July 2020

Face recognition is one of the core and challenging issues in computer vision field. Compared to computer vision, human visual system can identify a target from complex backgrounds quickly and accurately. This paper proposes a new network model deriving from Where-What Networks (WWNs), which can approximately simulate the information processing pathways (i.e., dorsal pathway and ventral pathway) of human visual cortex and recognize different types of faces with different locations and sizes in complex background. To enhance the recognition performance, synapse maintenance mechanism and neuron regenesis mechanism are both introduced. Synapse maintenance is used to reduce the background interference while neuron regenesis mechanism is introduced to regulate the neuron resource dynamically to improve the network usage efficiency. Experiments have been conducted on human face images of 5 types, 11 sizes, and 225 locations in complex backgrounds. Experiment results demonstrate that the proposed WWN model can basically learn three concepts (type, location and size) simultaneously. The experiment results also show the advantages of the enhanced WWN-7 model for face recognition in comparison with several existing methods.
Association of sleep characteristics with adiposity markers in children
Authors: Herttrich Theresa , Daxer Johann , Hiemisch Andreas , Kluge Jens , Merkenschlager Andreas , Kratzsch Jürgen , Scheuermann Kathrin , Jenni Oskar G. , Körner Antje , Kiess Wieland , Quante Mirja
Published: July 2020

Background

Accumulating evidence suggests a relationship between sleep alterations and overweight/obesity in children. Our aim was to investigate the association of sleep measures other than obstructive sleep apnea or sleep duration with overweight/obesity and metabolic function in children.

Methods

We conducted a prospective cohort study in school- aged children (aged 5 to 8 years, prepubertal, and 12 to 15 years, pubertal) with overweight/obesity and normal-weight children. All children underwent a standardized in-laboratory polysomnography followed by a fasting blood assessment for glucose and metabolic testing. Subjective sleep measures were investigated by a 7-day sleep diary and questionnaire. We analyzed prepubertal and pubertal groups separately using logistic regression and partial correlation analyses.

Results

A total of 151 participants were analyzed. Overweight/obese children had significantly higher odds for arousal index (prepubertal children: 1.28, Confidence interval (CI): 1.06, 1.67; pubertal children: 1.65, CI: 1.19, 2.29) than normal-weight children, independent of age and gender. In prepubertal children, arousal-index was positively associated with C-peptide (r=0.30, p=0.01), whereas Minimum O2 saturation was negatively associated with triglycerides (r=−0.34, p=0.005), adjusting for age and sex. However, associations were attenuated by further adjustment for body mass index standard deviation scores (BMI-SDS). In pubertal children, higher level of apnea-hypopnea-index and pCO2 predicted increased lipoprotein (a) levels (r=0.35, p=0.03 and r=0.40, p=0.01, respectively), independent of age, sex, and BMI-SDS. A negative association was found between pCO2 and high-density lipoprotein (HDL)-cholesterol (r=−0.40, p=0.01).

Conclusions

Overall, we report that sleep quality as measured by arousal index may be compromised by overweight and obesity in children and warrants attention in future intervention programs.
Definition and early diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in children
Authors: Christian Flemming Gunter Matthias , Bussler Sarah , Körner Antje , Kiess Wieland
Published: July 2020

With this review, we aim to focus the attention on some established as well as new concepts for the metabolic syndrome (MetS) in children and adolescents spanning from definition to recommendations for the diagnostic approach. Even though there is no international commonly used definition of the metabolic syndrome in children and adolescents, all definitions include obesity as precondition for the development of MetS even in children. Obesity is one of the major cardiometabolic risk factors and it is strongly linked to other metabolic diseases like hyperlipidemia, hyperinsulinemia as well as hypertension. The metabolic syndrome is commonly known as a constellation of the mentioned morbidities. Pediatricians and researchers agree that early diagnosis and early interventions of the MetS are important to improve the prevention of cardiovascular disease and type 2 diabetes in adulthood. However, this requires appropriate screening tools for children and adolescents at risk for the MetS and its comorbidities. Due to controversies regarding the definition of MetS and the lack of consensus thresholds for the single components in children and adolescents, there is no internationally accepted diagnostic pathway for MetS available. However, several consensus statements and national guidelines for the assessment of obesity and its comorbidities in children and adolescents are available. Obesity seems to be the driving factor for the development of the other risk factors of MetS. In order to avoid conflicts concerning the definition of overweight and obesity, we recommend using the WHO definition of overweight (one standard deviation body mass index for age and sex and obesity; two standard deviations body mass index for age and sex) in children and adolescents.
Menstrual cycle, reproductive function, body mass index, and metabolic profiles of women with former central precocious puberty: 10–20-year longitudinal cohort study in southern Thailand
Authors: Satitpatanapan Pitchaya , Jaruratanasirikul Somchit , Sriplung Hutcha
Published: July 2020

Background

In 2011, we described 64 girls diagnosed with central precocious puberty (CPP) during 1995–2009. In 2019, the former CPP patients were 16–30 years of age and had been followed-up for 6–20 years after cessation of gonadotropin-releasing hormone analog (GnRHa) treatment.

Objectives

To determine the menstrual cycle, reproductive function, and long-term sequelae of the former GnRHa-treated and untreated CPP patients.

Methods

Sixty-seven former CPP women diagnosed during January 1995 to December 2010 were evaluated in 2019 for current menstrual cycle and pregnancy rate and for general health status, weight, height, blood pressure, and metabolic profiles of glucose, lipids, insulin, and testosterone.

Results

In 2019, the former CPP women averaged 20.7 ± 2.7 years of age (range: 16.5–30). Eighty-three percent had a regular menstrual cycle. Of the 14 married women, six (43%) were fertile with 1–2 children. The untreated women had a significantly higher rate of obesity (BMI >25 kg/m2) than the GnRHa-treated women (72.1% vs. 36.6%, p < 0.01). Two women (3%) had polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS). Fasting plasma glucose, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), and testosterone levels were normal and similar between the GnRHa-treated and untreated participants. The serum insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), and homeostasis model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels were higher in the untreated group than the GnRHa-treated group, but without significant differences.

Conclusions

At a 10–20-year follow-up, our former CPP patients had regular menstruation, normal reproductive function, and normal metabolic outcomes. The low prevalence of PCOS of 3% suggests that CPP is not a risk factor for PCOS, at least during early adulthood.
Influence of newborn head circumference and birth weight on the delivery mode of primipara: what is more important?
Authors: Passerini Karolina , Kurmanavicius Juozas , Burkhardt Tilo , Balsyte Dalia
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Aim of the study was to analyze the impact of head circumference (HC) and birth weight (BW) on the delivery mode and delivery outcomes.

Methods

Study population consisted of pregnancy, delivery and newborn data from 1,762 women, who delivered between 2004 and 2016 at University Hospital of Zurich (UHZ). Odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated for mode of delivery. Newborns were sorted into four groups according HC or BW. To evaluate the association between HC and delivery outcome, a descriptive analysis was performed. In addition reference charts of newborn HC at term were constructed.

Results

OR for instrumental delivery (ID) was 2.37 (CI 95%, 1.63–3.46), for C-Section (CS) 3.74 (CI 95%, 1.49–9.37) when HC >36 cm. OR for ID was 1.59 (CI 95%, 1.02–2.50), for CS 3.18 (CI 95% 1.08–9.350) when BW was >4,000 g. OR for ID was 2.15 (95% CI, 1.69–2.73), for CS 1.93 (95% CI, 0.89–4.18) when HC ≥36 cm and BW <4000 g. OR for ID was 2.23 (95% CI, 1.35–3.67), for CS 4.39 (95% CI, 1.48–12.99) when HC ≥36 cm and BW ≥4,000 g. HC ≥36 cm was defined as large in our study. Mothers with higher age and body mass index delivered babies with larger HC (p<0.05). Blood loss and duration of expulsion period and BW was associated with larger HC (p<0.05).

Conclusions

The rate of ID and CS increased in case of a larger HC and greater BW. However, the main prognostic factor for ID was size of HC: ≥36 cm, but not macrosomia.
Reference ranges for the fetal mitral, tricuspid, and interventricular septum annular plane systolic excursions (mitral annular plane systolic excursion, tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion, and septum annular plane systolic excursion) between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation
Authors: Peixoto Alberto Borges , Bravo-valenzuela Nathalie Jeanne , Martins Wellington P. , Tonni Gabriele , Mattar Rosiane , Moron Antonio Fernandes , Pares David Baptista , Araujo Júnior Edward
Published: July 2020

Objectives

This study aimed to establish reference ranges for fetal mitral, tricuspid, and interventricular septum annular plane systolic excursions (MAPSE, TAPSE, and SAPSE) in normal pregnant women between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation.

Methods

This prospective and cross-sectional study included 360 low-risk singleton pregnancies between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation. MAPSE, TAPSE, and SAPSE were measured by M-mode in real time in an apical or basal four-chamber view through placing the cursor at the atrioventricular junction, marked by the valve rings at the tricuspid, mitral, and basal septum, respectively. A regression analysis was done to determine the appropriate polynomial equation model for both measurements and standard deviation (SD) values in relation to gestational age (GA). The intra- and inter-observer reproducibility was evaluated using the concordance correlation coefficient (CCC) and limits of agreement (LoA).

Results

There was a significant positive correlation between MAPSE (r=0.705, p<0.0001), TAPSE (r=0.804, p<0.0001), and SAPSE (r=0.690, p<0.0001) and GA. The mean of each parameter ranged as follows: 2.87–5.56 mm, MAPSE; 3.98–8.07 mm, TAPSE; and 2.34–4.21 mm, SAPSE. Poor/moderate intra- and inter-observer reliability (CCC between 0.70 and 0.90) and poor/moderate agreement of all the tested parameters were evaluated (LoA between 10 and 50%).

Conclusions

Reference values were established for the fetal MAPSE, TAPSE, and SAPSE between 20 and 36 + 6 weeks of gestation in low-risk pregnant women. These parameters showed poor/moderate reproducibility.
Prediction of extubation success using the diaphragmatic electromyograph results in ventilated neonates
Authors: Hunt Katie A. , Hunt Ian , Ali Kamal , Dassios Theodore , Greenough Anne
Published: July 2020

Objectives

Extubation failure is common in infants and associated with complications.

Methods

A prospective study was undertaken of preterm and term born infants. Diaphragm electromyogram (EMG) was measured transcutaneously for 15–60 min prior to extubation. The EMG results were related to tidal volume (Tve) to calculate the neuroventilatory efficiency (NVE). Receiver operating characteristic curves (ROC) were constructed and areas under the ROCs (AUROC) calculated.

Results

Seventy-two infants, median gestational age 28 (range 23–42) weeks were included; 15 (21%) failed extubation. Infants successfully extubated were more mature at birth (p=0.001), of greater corrected gestational age (CGA) at extubation (p<0.001) and heavier birth weight (p=0.005) than those who failed extubation. The amplitude and area under the curve of the diaphragm EMG were not significantly different between those who were and were not successfully extubated. Those successfully extubated required a significantly lower inspired oxygen and had higher expiratory tidal volumes (Tve) and NVE. The CGA and Tve had AUROCs of 0.83. A CGA of >29.6 weeks had the highest combined sensitivity (86%) and specificity (80%) in predicting extubation success.

Conclusions

Although NVE differed significantly between those who did and did not successfully extubate, CGA was the best predictor of extubation success.
COVID-19 does not stop obstetrics: what we need to change to go on safely birthing. The experience of a University Obstetrics and Gynecology Department in Milan
Authors: Alfieri Nikita , Manodoro Stefano , Marconi Anna Maria
Published: July 2020

Since SARS-COV-2 appeared in Wuhan City, China and rapidly spread throughout Europe, a real revolution occurred in the daily routine and in the organization of the entire health system. While non-urgent clinical services have been reduced as far as possible, all kind of specialists turned into COVID-19 specialists. Obstetric assistance cannot be suspended and, at the same time, safety must be guaranteed. In addition, as COVID-19 positive pregnant patients require additional care, some of the clinical habits need to be changed to face emerging needs for a vulnerable but unstoppable kind of patients. We report the management set up in an Obstetrics and Gynecology Unit during the COVID-19 era in a University Hospital in Milan, Italy.
First record of Sanborn’s bonneted bat, Eumops hansae (Molossidae), in Colombia
Authors: Torres Diego A. , Rojas Abel Eduardo
Published: July 2020

Sanborn’s bonneted bat (Eumops hansae), an insectivorous Molossidae, is widely distributed in the Neotropics. However, records are scattered throughout its distribution with confirmed records from a few countries of South and Central America. Here, we record the first specimen of this species for Colombia. With this new record, the number of Eumops species in Colombia raises to eight and molossid species to 27. We recommend efforts of bat sampling to be directed towards habitats where molossid bats concentrate their foraging activities, thus increasing the knowledge of these rare bats and their occurrence in museum collections.
Time-varying optical vortices enabled by time-modulated metasurfaces
Authors: Barati Sedeh Hooman , Salary Mohammad Mahdi , Mosallaei Hossein
Published: July 2020

In this paper, generation of optical vortices with time-varying orbital angular momentum (OAM) and topological charge is theoretically demonstrated based on time-modulated metasurfaces with a linearly azimuthal frequency gradient. The topological charge of such dynamic structured light beams is shown to continuously and periodically change with time evolution while possessing a linear dependence on time and azimuthal frequency offset. The temporal variation of OAM yields a self-torqued beam exhibiting a continuous angular acceleration of light. The phenomenon is attributed to the azimuthal phase gradient in space-time generated by virtue of the spatiotemporal coherent path in the interference between different frequencies. In order to numerically authenticate this newly introduced concept, a reflective dielectric metasurface is modelled consisting of silicon nanodisk heterostructures integrated with indium-tin-oxide and gate dielectric layers on top of a mirror-backed silicon slab which renders an electrically tunable guided mode resonance mirror in near-infrared regime. The metasurface is divided into several azimuthal sections wherein nanodisk heterostructures are interconnected via nanobars serving as biasing lines. Addressing azimuthal sections with radio-frequency biasing signals of different frequencies, the direct dynamic photonic transitions of leaky-guided modes are leveraged for realization of an azimuthal frequency gradient in the optical field. Generation of dynamic twisted light beams with time-varying OAM by the metasurface is verified via performing several numerical simulations. Moreover, the role of modulation waveform and frequency gradient on the temporal evolution and diversity of generated optical vortices is investigated which offer a robust electrical control over the number of dynamic beams and their degree of self-torque. Our results point toward a new class of structured light for time-division multiple access in optical and quantum communication systems as well as unprecedented optomechanical manipulation of objects.
Been There, Done That
Authors: Jensen Klaus Bruhn
Published: July 2020

Digital media have been defined as meta-media that integrate new as well as old media on a single technological platform. As such, digital media enable new forms of meta-communication about the conditions under which communication is accomplished. The resulting meta-data bear witness to who was present, when, where and doing what, and these meta-data remain present for system administrators, regulators, marketers and other third parties to reinterpret and recycle. This article outlines the importance of meta-communication for contemporary communication theory, examines mediated presence as an instance of meta-communication, and addresses the implications of digitally mediated presence for current issues of surveillance.
Tribological performance of nano-diamond composites-dispersed lubricants on commercial cylinder liner mating with CrN piston ring
Authors: Huang Ruoxuan , Wang Zichun , Yuan Xiaoshuai , Zhang Tianchi , Ma Siqi , Chen Xiangnan , Xu Jiujun
Published: July 2020

This work investigated the effect of nanodiamond (ND) additives on the tribological properties of CrN-coated piston ring mating with the chromium-plated and BP alloy iron cylinder liners, which is one of the key friction pairs in the internal combustion engines. To enhance the dispersion of the NDs in the base oil, the surface of ND particles was modified with polyaniline viain situpolymerization. The friction and wear as well as the scuffing characteristics of the friction pair lubricated with different contents of ND composite-added base oil were evaluated by using the reciprocating tribotests, which are close to the actual conditions. The wear surface morphologies and elements distribution were analyzed to explore the wear behaviors and the associated mechanisms of friction pairs under the lubrication incorporated with the ND composites. The results show that the ND additive is beneficial for the pair of Cr liner and CrN-coated piston ring in the friction and wear as well as scuffing properties, and the best concentration of ND additive is expected to be around 1 wt%. But for the BP liner, the developed nanocomposite has a negative impact. The friction force and the wear loss of the pair lubricated by the ND composite-added oil are even worse than that tested with the base lubricating oil.