bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Morfometria e beneficiamento de sementes de Schizolobium parahyba (Vell.) Blake var. parahyba
Authors: Hanzen Felipe Augusto , Dranski Joao Alexandre Lopes
Published: February 2021

O objetivo do presente trabalho foi avaliar a morfometria e o beneficiamento de sementes Schizolobium parahyba. Foram utilizadas sementes oriundas de coleta realizada em três árvores matrizes situadas em uma área de domínio ciliar na região do município de Medianeira – PR. Separaram-se casualmente quatro repetições de 100 sementes, das quais foram mensurados o comprimento, a largura, a espessura e a massa. Foram utilizadas peneiras de crivo circular, com perfurações de 14 mm a 18 mm, e peneiras de crivo oblongo, com perfurações de 4 x 22 mm e 5 x 22 mm. O teste ocorreu de forma que as sementes foram dispostas sobre as peneiras em ordem decrescente e submetidas a agitação manual. Após a peneiração computou-se os dados morfométricos e de massa das sementes retidas e aplicaram-se procedimentos da estatística descritiva e construíram-se histogramas de distribuição de frequências com o tipo e tamanho do crivo. Comparou-se pelo teste de Qui-quadrado a 5% de probabilidade de erro a proporção de sementes observadas e esperadas dentro dos intervalos de classe. As médias dos parâmetros morfométricos e de massa, bem como a uniformidade de sementes retidas em função da furação e tipo de peneira foram submetidas a análise de variância e quando da evidência de diferenças significativas as médias foram comparadas pelo teste Dunnett a 5% de probabilidade de erro. Os resultados obtidos indicaram que peneiras de crivo circular como as melhores para o beneficiamento de sementes de guapuruvú constatando-se que a melhor base para separação no peneiramento foi a largura.
Crescimento de mudas de pau viola (Cytharexyllum myrianthum) são po-tencializadas utilizando resíduos do tratamento de esgoto doméstico
Authors: Olher Izabella , Siqueira Marcos Vinícius Bohrer Monteiro , Costa Gustavo Henrique Gravatim , Lobo Thomaz Figueiredo
Published: February 2021

O lodo de esgoto é um resíduo rico em matéria orgânica e nutrientes minerais gerado nas Estações de Tratamento de Esgoto. Geralmente este resíduo é depositado em aterros sanitários, aumentando o volume de descarte no local, e por conseguinte os níveis de poluição. Não menos importante, perde-se um material que pode ser reaproveitado como adubo para o setor florestal e agrícola. No entanto, é pertinente mais estudos que viabilizem o seu uso, sobretudo em viveiros produtores de mudas nativas. O objetivo desse trabalho foi avaliar o desenvolvimento do pau viola (Cytharexyllum myrianthum), em relação ao lodo de esgoto compostado (LEC) e substrato comercial (SC), testando-se dois tipos de água, residuária e de abastecimento. Foram obtidos os seguintes parâmetros biométricos: altura, diâmetro do coleto e número de folhas, bem como a produção de matéria seca (raiz e parte aérea). Os resultados revelaram que não houve diferença significativa entre os tratamentos avaliados. Entre os tipos de água, as mudas da água residuária se desenvolveram mais, obtendo mudas de maiores valores de altura, número de folhas, diâmetro do coleto e matéria seca das folhas e raiz. Para a produção de mudas de pau viola, é aconselhável a utilização da combinação de LEC e o uso de água residuária para a irrigação. Acredita-se que com estas medidas haverá redução dos custos dos viveiros para a produção de mudas e da disposição desses resíduos no meio ambiente.
Mitochondrial Calcification
Authors: Duvvuri Bhargavi , Lood Christian
Published: February 2021

One of the most fascinating aspects of mitochondria is their remarkable ability to accumulate and store large amounts of calcium in the presence of phosphate leading to mitochondrial calcification. In this paper, we briefly address the mechanisms that regulate mitochondrial calcium homeostasis followed by the extensive review on the formation and characterization of intramitochondrial calcium phosphate granules leading to mitochondrial calcification and its relevance to physiological and pathological calcifications of body tissues.
Fault Prediction and Early-Detection in PV Power Plants based on Self-Organizing Maps
Authors: Betti Alessandro , Tucci Mauro , Crisostomi Emanuele , Piazzi Antonio , Barmada Sami , Thomopulos Dimitri
Published: February 2021

In this paper a novel and flexible solution for fault prediction based on data collected from Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system is presented. Generic fault/status prediction is offered by means of a data driven approach based on a self-organizing map (SOM)and the definition of an original Key Performance Indicator (KPI). The model has been assessed on a park of three photovoltaic (PV) plants with installed capacity up to 10 MW, and on more than sixty inverter modules of three different technology brands. The results indicate that the proposed method is effective in predicting incipient generic faults in average up to 7 days in advance with true positives rate up to 95%. The model is easily deployable for on-line monitoring of anomalies on new PV plants and technologies, requiring only the availability of historical SCADA data, fault taxonomy and inverter electrical datasheet.
Use of Waste from Granite Gang Saws to Manufacture Ultra-High Performance Concrete Reinforced with Steel Fibres
Authors: López Gayarre Fernando , Suárez González Jesús , Lopez Boadella Iñigo , López-Colina Pérez Carlos , Serrano López Miguel
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study is to analyse the feasibility of using waste from granite gang saws (GCW-GS) to manufacture ultra-high performance, steel-fibre reinforced concrete (UHPFRC). These machines cut granite blocks by abrasion using a steel blade and slurry containing fine steel grit. The waste generated by gang saws (GCW-GS) contains up to 15% Fe2O3 and up to 5% CaO. This is the main difference from the waste produced by diamond saws (GCW-D). Consequently, the second objective of this study is to compare the results of the waste obtained with gang saws with that from diamond saws, in order to determine the influence of iron and calcium oxides. The waste from cutting granite with gang saws was used in different percentages to replace micronized quartz powder of natural origin in the manufacture of UHPRFC. All the test specimens were analysed to determine their compressive strength, elasticity modulus, flexural strength and indirect tensile strength. The final conclusion is that wastes from both gang saws and diamond saws can be used to manufacture UHPFRC with an improvement in the mechanical properties up to a 35% replacement. The results for GCW-GS are better, mainly due to the pozzolanic effect of the iron dioxide. For higher percentage replacements the mechanical properties are close to the control concrete with small decreases.
Design of Easily Removable Lattice-Based Support Structures for L-Pbf
Authors: Omid Zarei , Ole Geisen , Gaurav Jitendra , Stephan Ziegler , Johannes Henrich
Published: February 2021

Laser powder bed fusion (L-PBF) is a type of additive manufacturing technology that processes metal powders into a component. Support structures are an essential part of the L- PBF process as they transfer the laser-induced heat during and shortly after the process to the substrate, sustaining positional accuracy of downward facing surfaces of the component. Since the use of support structures is inevitable, optimized designs for them are crucial in realizing more sustainable production process. In a serial production setup, reducing the lead time and cost of a non-value-added process step like support structure removal is of significance when improving the overall business case and competitiveness.The goal of this study was to verify the applicability of lattice-based support structures for L-PBF. To achieve this, different lattice types as support structures were designed. They were tested, compared and verified for a Siemens gas turbine component. The results showed that the generated lattice-based support structures could be suitable for L-PBF. The supports had to be designed appropriately such that they could preserve the geometry of the part. Furthermore, they had to have a short fabrication time and to be removable easily, preferably without machining or sawing.
Microstructure And Mechanical Properties Of A Cold-Work Tool Steel Produced Via Electron Beam Melting (EBM)
Authors: Aydin Selte , Christos Oikonomou , Seshendra Karamchedu , Carlos Botero , Markus Ramsperger
Published: February 2021

Electron Beam Melting (EBM) is one of the most promising techniques within Metal Additive Manufacturing (AM) techniques, which currently is for the fabrication of high performance components for the aerospace and medical industries, mostly. Among the industrial applications envisioned for the future of EBM, the fabrication of high carbon steels for the tooling industry is of great interest.In this study, martensitic highly alloyed (Cr-Mo-V) cold-work tool steel was processed by EBM. A suitable heat treatment was proposed in order to obtain an optimal microstructure, which was studied by means of optical and scanning-electron microscopy. The performance of the material was evaluated based on the hardness achieved and the abrasive wear resistance of the material processed through EBM when compared with that of the conventionally produced state.
Modeling System Risk in the South African Insurance sector: A Dynamic Mixture Copula Approach
Authors: Muteba Mwamba John Weirstrass , Angaman Serge Esef
Published: February 2021

In this study, a dynamic mixture copula is used to estimate the marginal expected shortfall in the South African insurance sector. While other studies assumed nonlinear dependence to be static over time, our model capture time-varying nonlinear dependence between institutions and the market. In order to capture time-varying nonlinear dependence, the generalized autoregressive score (GAS) is used to model the dynamic copula parameters. Furthermore, our study implements a ranking that expresses to what degree individual insurers are systemically important in South Africa. We use daily stock return of five South African insurers listed in the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) from November 13, 2007 to June 15, 2020. We find that Sanlam and Discovery contribute the most to systemic risk, while Santam is found to be the least contributor to the overall systemic risk in the South African insurance sector. Our findings would be of paramount importance for the South African regulators as they would be informed that not only banks are systemically important, but some insurers also are systemically important financial institutions. Hence, stricter regulation of these institutions in the form of higher capital and loss absorbency requirements could be required based on the individual business activities undertaken by the company.
Alkalinity Generation in the Coastal Area, the Case of the Wadden Sea
Authors: Yakubov Shamil , Protsenko Elizaveta
Published: February 2021

High alkalinity values on the seaside can influence the exchange of carbon dioxide between seawater and the atmosphere. Still, there are many uncertainties about biogeochemical processes responsible for alkalinity generation in the coastal area. One example of coastal areas with high alkalinity is the German Bight. The German Bight is the south-east part of the North Sea. The literature suggests that high summer alkalinity values in the German Bight result from the exchange of the German Bight with the Wadden Sea (an intertidal zone along Dutch, German, and Danish coasts). We show that the origin of high alkalinity values in the German Bight can be sulfate reduction in sediments of the Wadden Sea and that it can increase alkalinity from March to August up to approximately 220 micromoles per liter. Also, we show that sulfate reduction does not cause any significant year alkalinity flux from the Wadden Sea to the German Bight; instead, nitrogen compounds ( and ) are responsible for it and cause an alkalinity flux about 13 GM a year from the Wadden Sea to the German Bight.
Candida Albicans ERG11 Gene Polymorphism: Impact on Its In Vivo Virulence and Susceptibility to Fluconazole According to the Galleria Mellonella Model
Authors: Sawadogo Marcel Patindoilba , Zida Adama , Soulama Issiaka , Sermé Samuel S , Guiguemdé Thierry Kiswendsida , Sangaré Ibrahim , Kafando Clément , Bamba Sanata , Ouédraogo-Traoré Rasmata , Guiguemdé Robert Tinga
Published: February 2021

The aim of this study is to have an idea on the molecular mechanisms of C. albicans resistance to fluconazole in Burkina Faso, by studying the polymorphism of the ERG11 gene, and its implication in the C. albicans virulence and resistance in vivo according to the Galleria mellonella model; (2) Methods: Ten (10) clinical strains including, 5 resistant and 5 susceptible and 1 virulent and susceptible reference strain SC5314 are used. For the estimation of virulence, the larvae were inoculated with 10 μL of C. albicans cell suspension at variable concentrations: 2,5.105, 5.105, 1.106, and 5.106 CFU/larva of each strain. For the in vivo efficacy study, fluconazole was administered at 1, 4 and 16 mg/kg respectively to G. mellonella larvae, after infection by inoculum 5.106 CFU / larvae of each strain; (3) Results: Six (6) non-silent mutations in the ERG11 gene (K143R, F145L, G307S, S405F, G448E, V456I on ERG11p) were found in 4 resistant isolates. Larval mortality depended on fungal burden and strain. The inoculum 5.106 CFU caused 100% mortality in 2 days for the 2 CAAL-1 and CAAL-2 strains carrying the F145L mutation, in 3 days for the reference strain SC5314, in 4 days for the ensemble of resistant strains, and in 5 days for the ensemble of susceptible strains. The comparison of the mortality due to the reference strain SC5314 CFU / larva and the average mortality due to the two mutant F145L strains, shows a significant difference (P <0.05).Fluconazole significantly protected (P> 0.05) the larvae from infection by susceptible strains and the reference strain. However, 100% mortality in 6 days after injection of the resistant strains, was observed (4) Conclusions: Certain mutations in the ERG11 gene such as the F145L mutation are thought to be a source of increased virulence in Candida albicans. Fluconazole effectively protected larvae from infection by susceptible strains in vivo, unlike resistant strain
Laser Additive Manufacturing of Intermetallic Alloys for High-Temperature Applications
Authors: Rittinghaus Silja-Katharina , Schmelzer Janett , Wilms Markus B. , Kruger Manija
Published: February 2021

Intermetallic alloys like e.g. Iron-Aluminides, Titanium-Aluminides or Molybdenum- Silizides are prospective materials for high-temperature applications. For additive manufacturing (AM) intermetallic structural materials are particularly challenging due to their high melting points, oxygen susceptibility and low temperature brittleness. The feasibility of manufacturing intermetallic Mo-Si-B alloys with the laser additive manufacturing process of direct energy deposition (DED) is demonstrated and recent results in characterizing rapidly solidified material with respect to correlations between process, composition and microstructures are presented. The possibility to dope the material with Yttrium oxide (Y2O3) for dispersion is successfully demonstrated. Current challenges, e.g. homogenous distribution of alloying elements and applicability are addressed.
Pengaruh School Climate dan Procedural Justice terhadap Citizenship Behavior towards Environment Siswa SMA
Authors: Yulianita Tri Jayanti  , I Made Putrawan  , RefirmanDj
Published: February 2021

Environmental destruction that occurs in Indonesia is increasing due to weak awareness behavior in protecting the environment. One of the efforts that can be made with citizenship behavior toward environment. This study aims to determine the influence of school climate and procedural justice on citizenship behavior toward environment. The method used is a survey method through causal studies and analyzed by path analysis. This research was conducted towards 70 students in SMAN 68 Jakarta in the odd semester of the 2020/2021 school year. The result of relianility coefficient calculation of citizenship behavior toward environment was 0.802, procedural justice was 0.786, and school climate was 0.930. The results showed that school climate had a significant direct effect on procedural jsutice, procedural justice had a significant direct effect on citizenship behavior toward environment, school climate had a significant direct effect on citizenship behavior toward environment, and obtained good procedural justice results as a mediator variable between school climate and citizenship behavior toward environment in students
Responsiveness, Reliability, and Validity of Arabic Version of Oxford Knee Score for Total Knee Arthroplasty
Authors: Bin Sheeha Bodor , Williams Anita , Johnson David Sands , Granat Malcolm , Bin Nasser Ahmad , Jones Richard
Published: February 2021

Background:

The Oxford Knee Score (OKS) is a reliable, valid, and sensitive assessment tool for individuals undergoing a total knee arthroplasty (TKA). The published psychometric assessment of the Arabic version of the OKS (OKS-Ar) is limited to male patients and has not been assessed for responsiveness following TKA. The aim of this study was to assess the reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the OKS-Ar in an inclusive population of patients undergoing TKA.

Methods:

One hundred Arabic-speaking patients awaiting TKA were assessed with the OKS-Ar, the Arabic version of the Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score (KOOS-Ar), and a visual analogue scale for pain (VAS-P) in order to assess the correlation between the OKS-Ar and the KOOS-Ar and VAS-P and determine the construct validity. Repeat assessments were completed 7 to 10 days after the first assessment and 6 months after TKA.

Results:

Questionnaires were completed by 80 female and 20 male participants with a mean age of 62 ± 8 years. The test and retest median scores showed no significant difference from one another, with a strong Spearman correlation between the 2 measurements (rs = 0.94). Bland-Altman limits of agreement showed no significant bias. The Cronbach alpha was 0.85 indicating high internal consistency. There was no floor or ceiling effect before TKA, and the post-TKA ceiling effect was only 2%. The OKS-Ar pain component correlated strongly with the KOOS-Ar pain subscale (rs = 0.73). The OKS-Ar effect size was 3.09, which was larger than that of all of the KOOS subscales at 6 months after TKA.

Conclusions:

To our knowledge, this is the first study to assess reliability, validity, and responsiveness of the OKS-Ar after TKA. The validity and reliability results are similar to those found for both the original English-language OKS and the OKS translated into other languages. We believe that this is also the first study to assess OKS-Ar responsiveness after TKA and to show a large effect size. We found that the OKS-Ar is a feasible, valid, reliable, and sensitive measurement tool to assess pain and function in TKA-treated individuals whose main language is Arabic.
Analise de trilha para caracteres morfológicos do Feijão-Bravo (Papparis flexuosa) no Cariri Paraibano
Authors: Silva M. A. , Silva D. S. , Andrade L. A. , Lopes W. B. , Santos G. R. A.
Published: February 2021

O objetivo deste trabalho consistiu em obter estimativas do desdobramento das correlações em análise de trilha sobre as variáveis, número de brotações, diâmetro do caule, comprimento do caule e número de folhas de plantas de feijão-bravo em dois períodos de avaliação em condições edafoclimaticas do Cariri Paraibano. As características número de brotações na época seca e comprimento do caule na época chuvosa foram capazes de explicar melhor o desenvolvimento do numero de folhas, atuando de forma direta e inversamente proporcional sobre a variável básica. O estudo permitiu concluir que o número de brotações exerce grande influência no número de folhas em ambos os períodos de avaliação.
Simulação do uso da cama de frango na própria propriedade
Authors: França L. R. , Kreuz R. , Menezes J. F. S. , Lacerda M. J. R.
Published: February 2021

O presente estudo objetivou determinar a capacidade de ampliação das granjas de produção de frangos de corte do município de Rio Verde, GO, Brasil, baseado na capacidade de utilização da cama de frango como fonte de adubação na própria propriedade. Através de questionários, foram coletadas informações sobre a quantidade de aves alojadas e do tamanho das propriedades. Para determinar a capacidade de utilização da cama de frango, foram considerados 3 níveis tecnológicos (baixo, médio e alto). Considerando a simulação para baixo nível tecnológico (utilização de 1,8 toneladas de cama de frango/ha/ano) não foram verificadas possibilidades de ampliação do número de galpões em nenhuma das granjas pesquisadas, existindo ainda a produção de cama referente a 244 galpões acima da capacidade de utilização. Para o nível médio de tecnologia (4,4 toneladas de cama de frango/ha/ano) observou-se que poderiam ser ampliados 24 galpões em terras próprias, de algumas propriedades. Entretanto, ocorreu um excedente equivalente à produção de cama de 161 galpões, por último, nas propriedades de alto nível tecnológico (8,7 toneladas de cama de frango/ha/ano), poderiam ser ampliados 135 galpões em algumas propriedades e em outras ocorreria um excedente equivalente à produção de 96 galpões.
Inclusión de forrajes con distinta relación de fibra soluble e insoluble en la dieta de cerdos
Authors: González A. , Figueroa V. , Batista C. , Casal A. , Álvarez A. , Saadoun A. , Astigarraga L.
Published: February 2021

Se evaluó la inclusión progresiva de dos forrajes con diferente contenido en fibra soluble (FS), en dietas de cerdos desde la recría a la terminación. Los tratamientos fueron: dieta base testigo (T0) formulada en base a maíz y harina de soja; dieta base con alfalfa (T1) (Medicago sativa var. Chaná) o con achicoria (T2) (Cichorium intibus var. Lacerta) para las fases (F) de recría I (F1, 40-60 kg de PV), recría II (F2, 60-80 kg de PV) y terminación (F3, 80 a 100 kg de PV). Se utilizaron 27 animales con un peso inicial de 42 kg (± 2.3), en un diseño de parcelas al azar en tres tratamientos con nueve repeticiones. El peso final y la ganancia diaria no difirieron entre tratamientos. El consumo de Fibra Dietaria fue mayor en los tratamientos con forraje (P
Efecto de la alimentación de dos legumbres de grano, guisantes y frijoles faba, en la calidad del huevo y la puesta
Authors: Ait Kaki A. , Deineko T. , Moula N.
Published: February 2021

La harina de soja es ahora la principal fuente de gallinas ponedoras de proteínas. Esta materia prima se produce principalmente en el extranjero, lo que hace que Europa dependa en gran medida de las importaciones. Una mejor autonomía proteica podría limitar este impacto económico y la cuestión ambiental relacionada con el cultivo de soja. Una de las opciones estudiadas regularmente en las últimas décadas para aumentar la producción de proteínas en Europa es el cultivo de cultivos proteicos como guisantes, habas de faba y lupin. Sin embargo, algunos inconvenientes pueden limitar su uso en alimentos animales como alternativa a la harina de soja, es decir, niveles más bajos de proteínas; presencia de factores anti-nutricionales; y perfil de aminoácidos no ideal. por lo tanto. El objetivo de este trabajo era evaluar el impacto del uso de guisantes y frijoles faba como alternativa a la soja, en las prestaciones de puesta de gallinas, así como en la calidad de los huevos físicos y nutricionales, incluido el perfil de ácidos grasos. Se probaron dos dietas, una que contiene sólo el 22% de la harina de soja como fuente de proteínas (grupo de control); y la segunda contiene el 45% de dos plantas leguminosas (30% de guisantes y 15% de habas de faba) complementadas al 6% de la harina de soja. La tasa de puesta de huevos fue significativamente menor para el grupo experimental (51,79 frente a 60,63 %, p 0,05) con respecto al físico (peso del huevo, peso, peso y peso de la cáscara, grosor y fuerza de la cáscara), y parámetros nutricionales (colesterol y ácidos grasos esenciales).
Efeito de um composto de leveduras na incidência de diarreia em bezerras criadas em diferentes sistemas de alojamento
Authors: Scherer B. , Pizoni C. , Cardoso K.B. , Barbosa A.A. , Raimondo R.F. e S. , Ladeira S.R.L. , Brauner C.C. , Del Pino F.A.B. , Corrêa M.N. , Rabassa V.R.
Published: February 2021

O objetivo do presente estudo foi avaliar o efeito da suplementação de um produto composto de cultura de levedura e levedura enzimaticamente hidrolisada na incidência de diarreia e no desenvolvimento corporal de bezerras leiteiras submetidas à diferentes sistemas de alojamento. Foram usadas cento e dezenove bezerras mantidas em dois sistemas de alojamento e divididas aleatoriamente em dois grupos: grupo levedura (n = 62, 36 ao ar livre e 26 no curral) e grupo controle (n = 57, 30 ao ar livre e 27 no curral). O grupo levedura foi tratado com 8 ml de cultura de levedura / animal, que foi administrada oralmente uma vez por dia durante 42 dias. As medidas zootécnicas foram analisadas e a incidência de diarreia infecciosa foi monitorada, também foram realizadas coletas de sangue e fezes. Os dados foram submetidos à análise de variância por medidas repetidas do Software SAS, Tukey’s HSD e Teste Qui quadrado, sendo considerado diferença estatística (p≤0,05). Os animais do grupo controle criados ao ar livre apresentaram maior incidência de diarreia (80,00%) quando comparado aos animais do grupo tratamento (55,55%) (p=0,03). O período de maior incidência de diarreia (96,92%) foi nos primeiros 15 dias de vida (p
EEG Yöntemi İle Tüketicilerin Elektronik Ticaret Sitelerine Yönelik Algıları Üzerine Deneysel Bir Çalışma
Authors: COŞKUN Pınar , YÜCEL Atilla
Published: February 2021

Çalışmada, nöropazarlama tekniklerinden Electroencephalography EEG Analiz Yöntemi kullanılarak elektronik ticaret sitelerinin etkinliği ve katılımcılar tarafından nasıl algılandığı araştırılmıştır Araştırma; Fırat Üniversitesi Pazarlama ve Nöropazarlama Araştırma Merkezinde yaş, cinsiyet, eğitim durumu, mesleği ve yetiştiği şehir gibi demografik özellikleri farklı olan gruplardan oluşan 30 gönüllü katılımcı ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma örneklemi 19-41 yaş aralığı 18’i kadın, 12’si ise erkek katılımcıdan oluşmuştur. Araştırmada en çok ziyaret edilen e-ticaret sitelerinin “Hepsiburada, Markafoni, Gittigidiyor, Sahibinden ve N11” görselleri sırasıyla katılımcılara 5’er saniyelik slaytlar halinde izlettirilmiş olup bu sitelere verilen tüketici tepkileri nöropazarlama açısından incelenmiştir. Katılımcıların EEG verileri incelendiğinde tüm görsellere tepki verdiği gözlemlenmiştir. Araştırmada elde edilen bulgular incelenerek; firmaların hazırlamış olduğu web sitelerinde yer alan unsurların (menüler, basit görünüm, okunabilir yazılar, sitenin arka fonu, yazı rengi, site haritası ve ulaşılabilir olması) müşteriler tarafından nasıl algılandığı, nelere dikkat ettikleri tespit edilmiştir.
Investigation of Speculative Bubbles in Financial Markets: The Example of Foreign Exchange Market
Authors: GÜLCAN Nazlıgül , BOYACIOĞLU Namıka , ÖZDEMİR HÖL Arife
Published: February 2021

Financial bubbles are described as the deviation of the market values of financial assets from their core values. They are one of the main indicators for the financial crises by negatively affecting the markets due to the constant overvaluation of the assets. Therefore, investigating the presence of financial bubbles and determining the reasons are of great importance for investors, market regulators, and portfolio managers in terms of investment risk and price stability. In the study, the presence of bubbles in the foreign exchange market is investigated by considering the most traded currencies such as the US Dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen, British Pound, and Chinese Yuan. For this purpose, the daily price data for the period between 03.01.2005-20.11.2019 for the US Dollar/Turkish Lira, Euro/Turkish Lira, British Pound/Turkish Lira, and Chinese Yuan/Turkish Lira, and the daily price data belonging to 28.08.2013-20.11.2019 period for Japanese Yen/Turkish Lira are used. Supremum Augmented Dickey-Fuller (SADF) and Generalized Supremum Augmented Dickey-Fuller (GSADF) tests are used to determine the bubbles in aforementioned exchange rates. The results indicate findings regarding the formation of financial bubbles in the foreign exchange market in Turkey.
Improving Corrosion Inhibition Fluids and Techniques in Offshore Projects
Authors: Whitfield Stephen
Published: February 2021

Inhibitor fluids are widely accepted as an optimal method for slowing corrosion rates and mitigating the effects of corrosion on a system. However, that has not stopped operators and service companies from finding new ways to better the process. This feature takes a look at the work being done by companies to improve corrosion inhibitor fluids and inhibition techniques for offshore fields.
Trend and equity of general practitioners’ allocation in China Based on the Data from 2012-2017
Authors: Yu Qianqian , Yin Wenqiang , Huang Dongmei , Sun Kui , Chen Zhongming , Guo Hongwei , Wu Di
Published: February 2021

Background: General practitioners are the gatekeepers of the health of the residents. This study aims to evaluate the trend and equity of general practitioners' allocation from 2012-2017 in China and provide a reference for regional health planning and rational distribution of general practitioners. Methods: We extracted the data of general practitioners from 22 provinces, 5 autonomous regions, and 4 municipalities of mainland China. The population and geographical area were taken from the China Statistical Yearbook. The general practitioners' data were taken from the China Health Statistical Yearbook. Lorenz curve, Gini coefficient, and agglomeration degree were used to analyze the data. Results：The number of general practitioners was 252,717 in 2017, which equates to 1.82 per 10,000 residents, and accounts for 7.45% of the total number of practicing (assistant) doctors. From 2012 to 2017, the population-based Gini coefficient for general practitioners reduced from 0.31 to 0.24, while the geographical area-based Gini coefficient remained unchanged at 0.73. The agglomeration degree based on population increased from 0.72 to 0.73 in the western region including Tibet (0.403) and Shaanxi (0.513). Moreover, in the eastern region the agglomeration degree reduced from 1.477 to 1.329. In the middle region it rose from 0.646 to 0.802. The agglomeration degree based on the geographical area in the western region increased from 0.270 to 0.277 while the values in Tibet, Qinghai, Xinjiang were less than 0.1. In the eastern region, it reduced from 1.447 to 1.329. It increased from 1.149 to 1.423 in the middle region.Conclusions: The number of general practitioners has increased significantly in China. It has a fair allocation based on population. However, the equity based on geographical area is low and uneven in different regions with large regional differences. In the western region, there is an allocation shortage with respect to population and geographical area. Concerned departments should establish and improve the incentive and performance appraisal mechanisms of general practitioners. The Internet+ should be used to empower their service capacity and efficiency. The educational input should be increased for the western region and government should encourage the eastern region to support the western region.
A Qualitative Study on of Psychological Stress Among Frontline Nurses Fighting COVID-19
Authors: Pan Aihong , Wu Yuyan , Chen Juanjuan
Published: February 2021

Objectives To understand the mental health status of frontline nurses who were in direct contact with patients with confirmed or suspected coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and their tolerance for work duration and work intensity during the COVID epidemic, to identify the greatest source of stress, and to provide a scientific basis for targeted psychological interventions performed by clinical nursing managers to improve nurses' mental health. Methods Using a purposive sampling method, a semistructured interview was conducted with 50 nurses working in the COVID ward, observation ward, and fever clinic of a COVID-19 designated treatment hospital in Hefei City. The interview data were sorted and analyzed using the Colaizzi phenomenological research method. Results The frontline nurses felt stress, anxiety and loneliness, interpersonal distress, and psychological needs and had certain expectations regarding work duration and work intensity. Conclusion Nursing managers should pay attention to the psychological needs of frontline nurses caring for COVID-19 patients, provide targeted intervention measures and make timely adjustments, and create a psychological stress response model for these nurses.
The Effect of Xuebijing on the Gut Microbiota and Metabolic of Heat 1 Stroke Rat 2
Authors: wen Qiang , He Xuan , Shao Yu , Peng Lun , Zhao Li , Pan Guo , Su Lei
Published: February 2021

The goal of the present study was to evaluate the fecal microbiome and serum metabolites in 16 Xuebijing (XBJ)-injected rats after heat stroke using 16S rRNA gene sequencing and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) metabolomics. Eighteen rats were divided into the control group (CON), heat stroke group (HS), and XBJ group. The 16S rRNA gene sequencing results revealed that the abundance of Bacteroidetes was overrepresented in the XBJ group compared to the HS group, while Actinobacteria was underrepresented. Metabolomic profiling showed that the pyrimidine metabolism pathway, pentose phosphate pathway, and glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway were upregulated in the XBJ group compared to the HS group. Taken together, these results demonstrated that heat stroke not only altered the gut microbiome community structure of rats but also greatly affected metabolic functions, leading to gut microbiome toxicity.
Has the Use of Contraceptive Helped in Averting Births? An Analysis of Births Averted in 21 Major States of India
Authors: Das Jyoti , Singh S.K. , Mahapatra Bidhubhushan
Published: February 2021

Background: In a highly populated country like India, family planning plays a major role in controlling population growth. Estimation of births averted helps in assessing the effectiveness of contraceptive methods. Since the 1950s, different strategies of family planning have been adopted to curb fertility rates by expanding the use of modern contraception among couples. As a result, there has been a steady increase in the users of family planning methods to curb their family sizes. However, there is variation in the adoption of contraceptive methods across the states. From earlier researches, it is established that the permanent modern methods like female sterilization, male sterilization, and IUCD are almost 100 percent effective methods to prevent pregnancy. This study, therefore, is a worthy attempt to estimate the births averted using modern contraception at present for Indian states with the help of the latest available data, by using the method suggested by Liu and others (2008)[11]. Results: The results of the analysis show that births averted were highest in Uttar Pradesh and Maharashtra. However, the percentage reduction in births by the contraceptive method is highest in Punjab indicating the effectiveness of modern contraception use. Conclusions: The analysis of births-averted estimation not only shows the state-level variations but also its significant impact on reducing TFR. Further, female sterilization has the highest prevalence rate among the contraceptive method and averting the highest number of births.
15-Lipoxygenase-2 Deficiency Induces a Dysfunction in Macrophages That Can Be Restored by Salidroside
Authors: Huang Rong Huang , Li Tingting Li , Yong Xi Yong , Wen Huling Wen , Zhou Xing Zhou , Liao Yichen Liao , You Jun You , Yu Chunlei Yu , Xu Peng Xu , Wang Yuquan Wang , Wen Dan Wen , Xia Tianqin Xia , Yang Hao Yang , Chen Yanqin Chen , Xu Lei Xu , Zhong Xiaorong Zhong , Li Xianfu Li , Zhou Chunyang Zhou , Xu Zhengmin Xu
Published: February 2021

15-Lipoxygenase-2(15-LOX-2) is thought to regulate inflammation and immunological function however, its mechanisms of action are still unclear. Furthermore, it has been reported that salidroside has anti inflammatory properties , but its role in macrophage function has not been understood yet In this study, we aimed to determine how 15-LOX-2 expression level s affect the function of macrophages and the effect of salidroside on 15-LOX-2 deficient macrophages We used multiple functional genetic strategies to determine 15-LOX-2 function in macrophages. 15-LOX-2 deficiency promotes phagocytosis and proliferation of macrophages and impairs their apoptosis Mechanistically, t he expression levels of cyclophilinB (CypB) were upregulated in 15-LOX-2 deficient Ana 1 macrophages, whereas those of caspase 3 were down regulated. Furthermore, RNA-seq analysis showed that inflammation, complement, and TNF-α signaling pathway s were all activated in 15-LOX-2 deficient Ana 1 macrophages. Treatment of 15-LOX-2 deficient macrophages with salidroside, a natural product derived from Rhodiola species, effectively reversed the effects of 15-LOX-2 deficiency on caspase 3 and CypB levels, as well as on apoptosis and proliferation. In conclusion, our study shows that there is a newly identified link between 15-LOX-2 deficiency and salidroside in regulating macrophage survival, proliferation, and function. Salidroside may be a promising therapeutic strategy for treating inflammation related diseases resulting from 15-LOX-2 deficiency.
Speech Perception Across The Lifespan by Means of Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Hoppe Ulrich , Hocke Thomas , Iro Heinrich
Published: February 2021

Hearing loss is one of the most common diseases worldwide. It affects communicative abilities in all age groups. However, it is well known that elderly people suffer more frequently from hearing loss. The aim of this study was to describe the relationship between hearing loss, age, and speech perception. The model that we employed used Random Forest Regression. It was applied to a large clinical data set of 19,801 ears, covering all degrees of hearing loss. It allows the estimation of age-related decline in speech perception in quiet, with the effect of pure-tone hearing loss completely separated. Our results show that speech scores depend on the specific type of hearing loss and age. We found age effects for all degrees of hearing loss. A deterioration in speech perception of up to 25 percentage points across the whole life span was observed. The largest decrease was 10 percentage points per life decade. The decline can be attributed to a distortion component of presbyacusis, which is not measured by pure-tone audiometry.
Gender-Specific Associations of Speech-Frequency Hearing Loss, High-Frequency Hearing Loss, and Cognitive Impairment Among Older Community Dwellers in China
Authors: Wang Jingru , Wang Feng , Han Peipei , Liu Yuewen , Ma Weibo , Yu Xing , Xie Fandi , Niu Shumeng , Hu Hao , Zhu Xiaohan , Yu Ying , Guo Qi
Published: February 2021

Objectives

The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between speech-frequency hearing loss (SFHL), high-frequency hearing loss (HFHL), and cognitive impairment (CI). Then to determine whether there are any differences in gender among older community dwellers in China.
Methods

This study involved 1,012 adults aged ≥ 60 years (428 male; average age, 72.61 ± 5.51 years). The participants had their hearing and cognition measured using pure tone audiometry and Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE), respectively. We used the audiometric definition of hearing loss (HL) adopted by the World Health Organization (WHO). Speech-frequencies were measured as 0.5 kHz, 1 kHz, 2 kHz, and 4 kHz; high-frequencies were measured as 4 kHz and 8 kHz. Pure tone average (PTA) was measured as hearing sensitivity.
Results

Our studies demonstrated a 37.6% prevalence of HL in males and a 36.0% prevalence of HL in females. Adjusted for confounding variables, the results from a multivariate analysis showed that SFHL was associated with CI in females (OR = 2.400, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.313–4.385) and males (OR = 2.189, 95% Confidence Interval = 0.599–2.944). However, HFHL was associated with CI only in females (OR = 2.943, 95% Confidence Interval = 1.505–5.754). HL was associated with poorer cognitive scores (P < 0.05). “Registration” (P < 0.05) in MMSE was associated with speech- and high-frequency hearing sensitivity.
Conclusion

The associations between HL and CI varied according to gender in older community-dwellers, suggesting that different mechanisms are involved in the etiology of HL. Moreover, hearing sensitivity was negatively associated with cognition scores; therefore, early screening for HL and CI among older community-dwelling adults is advised.
COVID-19/Pneumonia Classification Based on Guided Attention
Authors: Danilov Viacheslav , Karpovsky Alex , Kirpich Alexander , Litmanovich Diana , Nefaridze Dato , Talalov Oleg , Semyonov Semyon , Proutski Alexander , Koniukhovskii Vladimir , Shvartc Vladimir , Gankin Yuriy
Published: February 2021

With the novel coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) continually having a devastating effect around the globe, many scientists and clinicians are actively seeking to develop new techniques to assist with the tackling of this disease. Modern machine learning methods have shown promise in their adoption to assist the health care industry through their data and analytics-driven decision making, inspiring researchers to develop new angles to fight the virus. In this paper, we aim to develop a robust method for the detection of COVID-19 by utilizing patients' chest X-ray images. Despite recent progress, scarcity of data has thus far limited the development of a robust solution. We extend upon existing work by combing publicly available data across 5 different sources and carefully annotating the comprising images into three categories: normal, pneumonia, and COVID-19. To achieve a high classification accuracy, we propose a training pipeline based on the directed guidance of traditional classification networks, where the guidance is directed by an external segmentation network. Through this network, we observed that the widely used, standard networks can achieve an accuracy comparable to tailor-made models specifically for COVID-19, furthermore one network, VGG-16, outperformed the best of the tailor-made models.
Friction law for atomic-scale contact assisted by atomistic simulations
Authors: Wang Yang , Xu Jingxiang , Ootani Yusuke , Ozawa Nobuki , Adachi Koshi , Kubo Momoji
Published: February 2021

Non-empirical law depicting how atomic-scale friction behaves is crucial to facilitate the practical design of tribosystems. However, progress in developing a practically usable friction law has stagnated because atomic-scale friction arises from the continuous forming and rupturing of interfacial chemical bonds and such interfacial chemical reactions are difficult to measure precisely in experiments. Here, we propose a usable friction law for atomic-scale contact by using atomistic simulations to correctly measure the interfacial chemical reactions of a realistic rough surface, and confirm its applicability to predicting how atomic-scale friction varies with temperature, sliding velocity, and load.
Study of Analytical Methods for Determining 16 Organophosphorus Pesticide Residues in Panax Notoginseng and Aucklandia Lappa Decne by Automated Solid-Phase Extraction System and GC/MS
Authors: Wu Na , Gou Gaozhang , Liang Dachao , Ruan Jinru , Liu Wei , Feng Shaoping
Published: February 2021

A fast and sensitive multi-residue analytical method was developed for the determination of organophosphorus pesticide residues in Panax notoginseng and Aucklandia lappa decne by comparing an ultrasonic extraction and homogenate extraction approach coupled with automated solid-phase extraction system and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS). Various factors affecting the homogenate extraction and purification efficiency were investigated in detail. The optimum conditions for homogenate extraction of organophosphorus pesticide residues from Panax notoginseng and Aucklandia lappa decne were 60 mL dichloromethane, 10000 r/min of extracting revolution speed and 2 min of extracting time. The extracts were cleaned up by automated solid-phase extraction system and determined by GC/MS. Under the optimum conditions, the results of the homogenate extraction approach were compared with those of the ultrasonic extraction, and the homogenate extraction approach was used to extract the samples. The average recoveries of the method by a homogenate extraction approach coupled with automated solid-phase extraction system and GC/MS ranged from 72.56% to 96.70%, and RSDs were 0.05~0.14%, which allowed the determination of 16 organophosphorus pesticide residues in Panax notoginseng and Aucklandia lappa decne. The results indicated that the proposed method can apply for the determination of organophosphate pesticides residues in Panax notoginseng and Aucklandia lappa decne with high accuracy and precision.
Differences of Clinical Features and Prognosis between Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Necrotizing Pneumonia and Non-Mycoplasma Pneumoniae Necrotizing Pneumonia in Children
Authors: Yang Beilei , Zhang Weili , Gu Wenjing , Zhang Xinxing , Wang Meijuan , Huang Li , Zhu Canhong , Yan Yongdong , Ji Wei , Ni Huiping , Chen Zhengrong
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIn the past few years, Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP) infection has been reported more in China . However, there are few studies on the clinical characteristics and prognosis of necrotizing pneumonia (NP) caused by different pathogens. MethodsA retrospective analysis was performed, including 31 children with a clinical diagnosis of NP in the hospital from January 1, 2013 to January 31, 2020. A total of 11 children with MPNP were included in the observation group and the other 20 children with other pathogens were included in the control group. The clinical manifestations, laboratory data, imaging findings, treatments and outcomes were analyzed.ResultsThe proportion of dyspnea cases was significantly higher in the non-Mycoplasma pneumoniae necrotizing pneumonia (N-MPNP) group than that in the Mycoplasma pneumoniae necrotizing pneumonia (MPNP) group (P = 0.02).The LDH level of all patients in the MPNP group was higher than the normal value, with a median value of 805.0 U/L, which was significantly higher than those in the N-MPNP group (414.0 [299.9–540.6] U/L; Z = −2.518; P = 0.012). The white blood cells (WBCs) count of the N-MPNP group was 17.8 (11.1–21.7) × 109/L, which was significantly higher than that of the MPNP group (10.2 [6.3–14.1] × 109/L; P< 0.05). The mean time of pulmonary necrosis in the MPNP group was 20.9 ±6.9 days, which was higher than that of the N-MPNP group (16.8 ±6.1 days; t = 3.101; P = 0.004). The incidence of pleural effusion in the N-MPNP group (19 patients, 95%) was significantly higher than that in the MPNP group (six patients, 54.55%) (P = 0.013). Among them, two patients received bronchoscopy lavage at a maximum four times, and the cases of plastic bronchitis were seen only in the MPNP group (3 cases; P = 0.037).The length of stay was 18 (10–22) days in the MPNP group and 23.5 (13.5–47) days in the N-MPNP group and no significant difference was observed between the two groups (Z = −1.923, P = −0.055).Conclusions1. MP infection is the most common infection in children with NP in the Suzhou area. There is no gender and age difference between MPNP and N-MPNP, but the bacterial infection was mainly observed in the N-MPNP group.2. Children in the N-MPNP group have more severe clinical symptoms, were more prone to shortness of breath, had a longer hospital stay, and had earlier imaging manifestations of necrosis, whereas children in the MPNP group were more likely to have plastic bronchitis. The level of WBC and LDH and the nature of pleural effusion can be used to identify MPNP and N-MPNP to some extent.3. The prognosis of MPNP was better than that of N-MPNP. There were no death cases. Pleural thickening, pulmonary fibrosis, and bronchiectasis were the most common sequelae. Compared with N-MPNP, the recovery time of lung imaging in MPNP was shorter.