bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ECONOMIC ASPECTS OF BANK MARKETING AND THE REAL SECTOR
Authors: Uteubayeva A.T. , Kabiyev А.А. , Imangaliyeva М.
Published: April 2020

In an era of rapid technological development and increasing competition, the value of the mass customer as a source of profit is growing steadily. The client becomes the main asset of the bank, its needs and requirements are in the focus of the banking business. The survival strategy in the struggle for the mass customer is based on the submission of all business processes and procedures to one single goal – customer satisfaction. In the future, business performance will be determined by the degree of customer satisfaction. The economic crisis, the crisis of industrial production is pushing for a review of key aspects of banking marketing, which should explore the interaction of the industrial and banking sectors and generate solutions to increase the effectiveness of their interaction. The crisis confirms that it is necessary to improve the tools of banking marketing in the industrial sector of the economy of the region. Computer models, where the atoms are agents, are called agentbased models. In most works devoted to the construction and study of agent-based models, the rules for interaction between agents are extremely simple. Nevertheless, the result is quite meaningful meaningful results.
The issues of improving the use of bank marketing tool to improve the efficiency of interaction between the industrial and banking sectors of the economy are considered. Reasoning upon the economic aspects of the effectiveness of bank marketing, the authors state that a marketing performance evaluation system should have not only mechanisms for a posteriori analysis (that is, analysis of the results of acceptance or rejection of an offer), but also possibility of priori assessment of marketing offers, campaigns, profitability, and even marketing budgets. The system should contain a tool that simulates the appearance of clients, the selection of offers to clients and assessing the acceptance or rejection of offers, probable consumption or non-consumption of the proposed product.
An unsupervised semantic sentence ranking scheme for text documents
Authors: Zhang Hao , Wang Jie
Published: April 2020

This paper presents Semantic SentenceRank (SSR), an unsupervised scheme for automatically ranking sentences in a single document according to their relative importance. In particular, SSR extracts essential words and phrases from a text document, and uses semantic measures to construct, respectively, a semantic phrase graph over phrases and words, and a semantic sentence graph over sentences. It applies two variants of article-structure-biased PageRank to score phrases and words on the first graph and sentences on the second graph. It then combines these scores to generate the final score for each sentence. Finally, SSR solves a multi-objective optimization problem for ranking sentences based on their final scores and topic diversity through semantic subtopic clustering. An implementation of SSR that runs in quadratic time is presented, and it outperforms, on the SummBank benchmarks, each individual judge’s ranking and compares favorably with the combined ranking of all judges.
Predicting Cognitive Impairment and Dementia: A Machine Learning Approach
Authors: Aschwanden Damaris , Aichele Stephen , Ghisletta Paolo , Terracciano Antonio , Kliegel Matthias , Sutin Angelina R. , Brown Justin , Allemand Mathias
Published: April 2020

Background:

Efforts to identify important risk factors for cognitive impairment and dementia have to date mostly relied on meta-analytic strategies. A comprehensive empirical evaluation of these risk factors within a single study is currently lacking.

Objective:

We used a combined methodology of machine learning and semi-parametric survival analysis to estimate the relative importance of 52 predictors in forecasting cognitive impairment and dementia in a large, population-representative sample of older adults.

Methods:

Participants from the Health and Retirement Study (N = 9,979; aged 50–98 years) were followed for up to 10 years ( M = 6.85 for cognitive impairment; M = 7.67 for dementia). Using a split-sample methodology, we first estimated the relative importance of predictors using machine learning (random forest survival analysis), and we then used semi-parametric survival analysis (Cox proportional hazards) to estimate effect sizes for the most important variables.

Results:

African Americans and individuals who scored high on emotional distress were at relatively highest risk for developing cognitive impairment and dementia. Sociodemographic (lower education, Hispanic ethnicity) and health variables (worse subjective health, increasing BMI) were comparatively strong predictors for cognitive impairment. Cardiovascular factors (e.g., smoking, physical inactivity) and polygenic scores (with and without APOE ɛ4) appeared less important than expected. Post-hoc sensitivity analyses underscored the robustness of these results.

Conclusions:

Higher-order factors (e.g., emotional distress, subjective health), which reflect complex interactions between various aspects of an individual, were more important than narrowly defined factors (e.g., clinical and behavioral indicators) when evaluated concurrently to predict cognitive impairment and dementia.
Force performance of single-sided linear induction motors with dual-branch phase winding in low-speed Maglev train
Authors: Chang Xin , Lu Qinfen , Wang Zihui
Published: April 2020

The low-speed Maglev train adopts single-sided linear induction motors (SLIMs) as traction part. Although the phase winding normally adopts single-branch in order to avoid circulating current caused by longitudinal end effect, the influence of circulating current is not investigated in detail. This paper calculates the circulating current and force performance of SLIMs with dual-branch by 3D finite element method (FEM). Firstly, two kind connections of dual-branch phase winding are introduced, called continuous connection or interval connection respectively. Secondly, the circulating current and force performance are obtained at both starting and steady state, and then the effect of circulating current on force performance is deduced. Thirdly, the contribution to force performance by each coil assembly is studied. Finally, the circulating current, force performance and efficiency under different air gap length are analyzed. It is demonstrated that the dual-branch connection has better force performance than single-branch one, but also bigger current unbalance and lower efficiency.
Design optimization and analysis of a segmented-rotor switched reluctance machine for BSG application in HEVs
Authors: Wang Haoxiang , Chen Long , Sun Xiaodong , Cai Yingfeng , Diao Kaikai
Published: April 2020

This work presents the development of an optimal segmented-rotor switched reluctance machine (SSRM) for the application as belt-driven starter/generators in hybrid electric vehicles. Different from conventional switched reluctance machines, the stator of the SSRM consists of two types of poles, i.e., exciting and auxiliary poles, and the rotor consists of a series of discrete segments. The initial design of this new SSRM is obtained based on the specifications of the belt-driven starter/generators. To improve the steady-state and dynamic performances in the practical operation, six important parameters, including two coefficients of stator and rotor poles, the stator inner diameter, radial height of rotor segment, and the turn-on and turn-off angles are optimized to maximize the output torque and minimize the core loss. Then, the overall performances before and after optimization are compared. It is found that the obtained optimal SSRM exhibits better flux linkage and inductance characteristics, and higher torque and output power within the whole speed range. Moreover, for the generator performance, the SSRM after optimization exhibits higher power and efficiency under the same speed. Finally, to validate the analysis method, a prototype is built and its steady-state and dynamic performances are verified by the experimental results.
Grape skin extract prevents UV irradiation induced DNA damage of normal human epidermal keratinocytes cells
Authors: Song Yutong , Bondad Serene Ezra Corpus , Tajima Hirotaka , Sato Tomoyuki , Wakamiya Nobutaka , Ohtani Katsuki , Ito Keizo , Okuno Tsutomu , Kurasaki Masaaki
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND: There is concern that DNA damage may occur in skin cells due to UV irradiation. In this study, we investigated whether extracts from grape skin, which should be discarded, can suppress DNA damage caused by UV radiation. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effectivity of GSE in diminishing UV-induced cytotoxicity in normal human epidermal keratinocytes (NHEK) cells. METHODS: The polyphenol content in GSE was carried out using the HPLC instrument. UV dose was selected by measurement of cell viability, and ELISA results of DNA photoproduct. Optimum extracts condition of grape skin selected by DNA photoproduct content as well as at this condition; Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cytochrome c gene expressions were evaluated by Western blotting. RESULTS: In this study, we confirmed that GSE protect against DNA damage-induced cell death. Condition for 80% EtOH for 24 h at 60 °C was suitable to extract for grape skin. Red grape skin (Zweigelt) was more effective than white grape skin (Niagara) in preventing (before irradiation) and repairing (after irradiation). UV-induced upregulation of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cytochrome c expression were reduced by GSE treatment. CONCLUSIONS: The study demonstrated a promising potential of GSEs in skin therapeutics application.
The anti-arrhythmic effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) are mainly mediated by nitric oxide
Authors: Kazemirad Hamideh , Kazerani Hamid Reza
Published: April 2020

BACKGROUND: Pomegranate juice (PJ) contains strong antioxidant polyphenols, and cardiovascular beneficial effects have been reported for the fruit. OBJECTIVE: Using a Langendorff’s model, we hypothesized that PJ has antiarrhythmic effects on isolated rat hearts. METHODS: The hearts in the control group (n = 10) were perfused with Krebs solution. The test groups (n = 10, each) were further perfused with PJ, L-NAME (L), or both (PJL). Following 30 min stabilization, all hearts experienced 30 min global ischemia and 120 min reperfusion. The hearts were monitored for the occurrence of single and salvo arrhythmias, ventricular tachycardia (VT), and ventricular fibrillation (VF). The cardiac release of creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and nitrite were measured. In addition, the markers of oxidative stress including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), catalase (CAT), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed in the homogenates of the hearts. RESULTS: The PJ group showed a significant reduction in the occurrence of arrhythmias, an improvement in redox markers, and a rise in nitrite release, compared to the control. Simultaneous treatment with L-NAME significantly reduced, but not fully abolished, these effects. CONCLUSIONS: The current study suggests strong anti-arrhythmic effects for PJ, which are mainly mediated by nitric oxide.
Study on the routing algorithm of airport navigation lighting system based on mobile wireless ad hoc network
Authors: Wu Huazhu , Guo Wenyou
Published: April 2020

Currently, the performance of the conventional airport navigation lighting system can’t meet the functional requirements of an airport under combat readiness or emergency state. A new type of airport navigation lighting system in mobile wireless ad hoc network is proposed in this paper. The system consists of a monitoring center, a coordinator and a number of terminal nodes. It can be flexibly transferred, concealed in time, remotely controlled, quickly started and networked on demand. According to the functions and the distribution characteristics of the navigation luminaries in the airfields, the terminal nodes are grouped according to regions. The cluster heads are selected in each group according to the energy of nodes and the distribution distance between nodes. By comparing the advantages and the disadvantages between the Cluster-Tree protocol and the AODVjr protocol, an optimized routing algorithm is proposed. In order to reduce the number of hops of RREQ broadcast packets and prevent the invalid RREQ flooding, this algorithm adopts the neighbor table algorithm of ZigBee protocol and regional grouping method. The results of the simulations and the test of small-scale hardware show that this optimization algorithm can effectively reduce the number of routing hops, shorten the transmission delay, reduce the number of dead nodes and improve the success rate of data transmission.
Design of millisecond IP network USB hub for remote experiment education
Authors: Cui Yansong , Chen Keliang , Chen Tiefang
Published: April 2020

The universal serial bus (USB) is widely used as a general purpose computer peripheral interface. With the development of cloud services and sharing technologies, the remote application of local USB devices is becoming a key issue. Superspeed and low-latency cloud data transmission through USB interface becomes practical and important. In this paper, a remote SuperSpeed USB hub based on IP network is proposed. In this system, the Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) and USB 3.0 transceivers are used to pack and unpack USB data in real time which is transmitted between host and device through the switch. The use of active response is to solve the problem of response time uncertainty caused by network transmission. We have realized the link layer and protocol layer of USB3.0 based on FPGA, realized all transmission modes of USB3.0 protocol, and realized the network transmission of superspeed data stream. The test results show that local USB devices can use the USB hub for superspeed and low-latency communication with remote hosts over the network. The realization of this system has far-reaching significance. For example, the USB interface data and control signals in VR can realize cloud network transmission for remote experiment education.
Development of EtherCAT real-time control system for robot based on Simulink Real-Time
Authors: Wang Song , Yang Xudong , Geer J. van der
Published: April 2020

In industrial applications, EtherCAT control technology requires the use of TwinCAT control software with dedicated servos for real-time control. In order to solve the limitations of the practical application of EtherCAT, this experiment combines EtherCAT real-time control technology with Simulink Real-Time real-time control technology to design a new EtherCAT real-time control technology based on Simulink Real-Time. In the experiment, D2 delta robot is used as the control object, and the real-time control environment of Simulink Real-Time is set up to build the EtherCAT real-time communication model. The established real-time control model is added to the robot control system to realize the motion control of the robot.
Dynamic Bayesian network state prediction based on variable relationship
Authors: Liao Zhongzhi , Wang Chao , Zhu Jianxin , Chen Junjie
Published: April 2020

In order to improve the accuracy of the state prediction model, a dynamic Bayesian network state prediction model based on the relationship of prediction variables is designed. The prediction model of dynamic Bayesian network structure learning algorithm was improved, integrated into the Gibbs sampling algorithm model prediction, joined the predicted relationship between different factors affecting the node, is given based on the variable relationship between the dynamic Bayesian network structure design, using a moment on the different nodes and state influence factors to predict the probability distribution of the moment state nodes. The experimental results show that the model is simple in structure, more accurate than the traditional learning method of Bayesian network structure, and more practical.
An adaptive pulmonary nodule detection algorithm
Authors: Cao Keyan , Meng Gongjie , Wang Zhiqiong , Liu Yefan , Liu Haoli , Sun Liangliang
Published: April 2020

Recently, lung cancer has been paid more and more attention. People have reached a consensus that early detection and early treatment can improve the survival rate of patients. Among them, pulmonary nodules are the important reference for doctors to determine the lung health. With the continuous improvement of CT image resolution, more suspected pulmonary nodule information appears from the impact of chest CT. How to relatively and accurately locate the suspected nodule location from a large number of CT images has brought challenges to the doctor’s daily diagnosis. To solve the problem that the original DBSCAN clustering algorithm needs manual setting of the threshold, this paper proposes a region growing algorithm and an adaptive DBSCAN clustering algorithm to improve the accuracy of pulmonary nodule detection. The image is roughly processed and ROI (Regions of Interest) region is roughly extracted by CLAHE transform. The region growing algorithm is used to roughly process the adjacent region’s expansibility and the suspected region in ROI, and mark the center point in the region and the boundary point of its point set. The mean value of region range is taken as the threshold value of DBSCAN clustering algorithm. The center of the point domain is used as the starting point of clustering, and the rough set of points is used as the MinPts threshold. Finally, the clustering results are labeled in the initial CT image. Experiments show that the pulmonary nodule detection method proposed in this paper effectively improves the accuracy of the detection results.
Low incidence of daily active tobacco smoking in patients with symptomatic COVID-19
Authors: Miyara Makoto , Tubach Florence , Pourcher Valérie , Morelot-Panzini Capucine , Pernet Julie , Haroche Julien , Lebbah Said , Morawiec Elise , Gorochov Guy , Caumes Eric , Hausfater Pierre , Combes Alain , Similowski Thomas , Amoura Zahir
Published: April 2020

Importance: As the pandemic of COVID-19 is still under progression, identification of prognostic factors remains a global challenge. The role of cigarette smoking has been suggested among the disease’s epidemiological risk factors, although it is highly controversial.
Objective: To evaluate the correlation of daily smoking with the susceptibility to develop SARS-CoV-2 infection.
Participants: We estimated the rates of daily current smokers in COVID-19-infected patients in a large French university hospital between February 28th , 2020 and March 30th , 2020 for outpatients and from March 23rd , till April 9th , 2020 for inpatients.
Design: The rates from both groups were compared to those of daily current smokers in the 2018 French general population, established in 2018, after standardization of the data for sex and age.

Results: The inpatient group was composed of 343 patients, median age 65 yr: 206 men (601%, median age 66 years) and 137 women (39.9%, median age 65 years) with a rate of daily smokers of 4.4% (5.4% of men and 2.9% of women).The outpatient group was composed of 139 patients, median age 44 years: 62 men (44.6 %, median age 43 years, and 77 women (55.4 %, median age 44 years). The daily smokers rate was 5.3% (5.1% of men and 5.5 % of women). In the French population, the daily smokers rate was 25.4% (28.2% of men and 22.9% of women).

The rate of current daily smokers was significantly lower in COVID-19 outpatients and inpatients (80.3% and 75.4%, respectively), as compared to that in the French general population with standardized incidence ratios according to sex and age of 0.197 [0.094 - 0.41] and 0.246 [0.148 - 0.408]. These ratios did not significantly differ between the two groups (P=0.63).

Conclusions and relevance: Our cross sectional study in both COVID-19 out- and inpatients strongly suggests that daily smokers have a very much lower probability of developing symptomatic or severe SARS-CoV-2 infection as compared to the general population.
ON THE ISSUE OF HUMAN BEINGS AND HUMAN SOCIETY IN LAO TZU PHILOSOPHY
Authors: Le Giang Hong
Published: April 2020

Lao Tzu was a prominent figure in the Eastern philosophy in the ancient time. In the light of the modern dialectical materialism, the essay analyzes the essences of dialectical materialism in Lao Tzu philosophy and the philosophy of life in his most important work: Tao Te Ching.
ULUSLARARASI KARİYER NİYETİNDE SOSYAL SERMAYE ve ÖZYETERLİK ETKİSİ
Authors: SHUİBU Ali , KARAKİRAZ Ahmet , ÇİTÇİ Umut Sanem
Published: April 2020

Yeni ekonomik düzen, üniversiteden mezun olan binlerce birey için emek piyasasını oldukça rekabetçi hale getirmiştir. Ülkelerin genç işsiz sayılarının giderek artıyor olması, gençlerin üniversite eğitim döneminde farklı stratejiler geliştirmesine ve eylemlerde bulunmasına sebep olmaktadır. Genellikle kendi ülkelerinde mezuniyet sonrası iş bulma ihtimalini düşük değerlendiren öğrencilerin bir alternatif olarak uluslararası kariyer seçeneklerini değerlendireceklerini öngören araştırmacılar uluslararası kariyer niyetinin nasıl geliştiğini merak etmişlerdir. Sosyal Bilişsel Kariyer Teorisinin ve Sosyal Sermaye teorilerinin sunduğu zeminden hareket ile araştırmacılar bir devlet üniversitesinin İşletme Fakültesi lisans öğrencilerinden “uluslararası kariyer niyetlerini ve bu niyetin gelişmesine etkisi olan faktörleri değerlendirmeyi” mümkün kılan ankete katılmalarını istemişlerledir. Toplamda 497 öğrencinin cevap verdiği anketin sunduğu veriler ışığında “aile, akran, akademik ve toplumsal sosyal sermayenin” öz-yeterlik aracı değişkeni üzerinden lisans öğrencilerinin uluslararası kariyer niyetini nasıl etkilediğine dair geliştirilen hipotezler test edilmiştir. Yapılan araştırma sonucunda elde edilen temel bulgu aile, akran ve toplumsal sosyal sermayenin üniversite öğrencilerinin öz-yeterliğini geliştirdiği ve bunun üzerinden uluslararası kariyer niyeti geliştirmelerini sağladığıdır. Ancak araştırmanın çarpıcı bulgusu akademik sosyal sermayenin lisans öğrencilerinin uluslararası kariyer niyeti geliştirmesinde etkili olmadığıdır. Bu durum özellikle yasal bir zorunluluk olarak Cumhur Başkanlığı önderliğinde üniversitelerde giderek öne çıkan kariyer merkezleri için ayrıca araştırılması gereken önemli bir bulgudur.
KUŞAK ÇALIŞMALARINDAKİ TARTIŞMALI KONULARA İLİŞKİN BİR DEĞERLENDİRME
Authors: AYDIN Ali Emre
Published: April 2020

Kuşak kavramı ve kuşaklar arası farklılıklar, akademisyenler, uygulayıcılar ve popüler medya gibi birçok tarafın ilgisini çekmekte ve konuyla ilgili araştırma sayısı her geçen gün artmaktadır. Bununla birlikte kuşak kavramının çok boyutlu yapısına odaklanan ve kuşak çalışmalarındaki sorunlara değinen sınırlı sayıda araştırma vardır. Bu doğrultuda, kuşakları daha iyi kavrayabilmek için kavramla ilgili varsayımların eleştirel bir biçimde sorgulanması önemlidir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, kuşak kavramını analiz ederek ve kavramın bağlamından kopuk olarak ele alınmasının yarattığı sorunları sistematik bir şekilde ortaya koyarak kapsamlı bir çerçeve sunmaktır. Ayrıca pazarlama alanındaki kuşak literatürüne eleştirel bir bakış açısı ile katkı sağlanması hedeflenmiştir. Bunun için kavramın tarihsel gelişimi, tanımları ve kullanımındaki sorunlar tartışılmış ve pazarlama alanında kuşak farklılıklarına odaklanan çalışmalar literatür analizi yöntemi ile değerlendirilmiştir. Kuşaklar arası farklılıklarla ilgili literatürde karşılaşılan genel sorunlar, pazarlama alanındaki çalışmalar üzerinden betimlenmiştir. Bu noktadan hareketle kuşak kavramına dair bilgiye ilişkin kavrayış ve kuşaklarla ilgili araştırma tasarımları için önerilerde bulunulmuştur. Çalışmada sunulan çerçevenin hem araştırmacılar hem de uygulayıcıların kuşaklarla ilgili araştırma süreçlerine ve değerlendirmelerine katkı sağlaması beklenmektedir.
Effects of hospital consolidation in Croatia assessed by safety attitudes questionnaire 2006 short form
Authors: Bulajić Maša , Plavec Davor , Lazibat Tonći
Published: April 2020

On several occasions hospitals in Croatia have been a subject to consolidation. The
purpose of the consolidations was savings gained by merging some of the
services, especially in the hospitals which are geographically close to
each other. The available published research results have shown that the smallest hospitals in Croatia achieve highest results for safety measured by the Safety Attitudes Questionnaire 2006 Short Form (SAQ). Further investigation and management of the SAQ data obtained in 2016 has proven that the analyzed independent hospitals with up to 500 beds, compared to the consolidated hospitals, achieve significantly better results with regard to Working Conditions, Management’s Attitude, Job Satisfaction and overall SAQ results. In terms of expenditures expressed
as the index change of expenditures from year 2006 (2006 having an index of 100), no significant differences were found. However, the highest rise in the expenditures is found for consolidated hospitals with >500 beds, while the hospitals with <500 beds, either consolidated or not, show the same trend in the change of expenditures during the period 2006-2015. These findings should be considered when deciding upon hospitals consolidation in Croatia.
Guide to the fresh water fishes in Tubod River, Lake Danao and its outlet, Inawasan River in Leyte, Philippines
Authors: Weliange Wasantha , Pogosa Jimmy , Lankaadikara Chandima , Leichtfried Maria , Goltenboth Friedhelm
Published: April 2020

Description and key for the identification of 21 fresh water fish species occur Tubod River (18 species), Lake Danao (4 species); and its outlet; Inawasan River (1species) in Leyte Main Island in Philippines are presented together with notes and ecology of the species.
Research Note: Abundance and prey spectrum of web spiders in rice agroecosystems of Pangasugan, Leyte, Philippines
Authors: Gangurde Sarwshri , Martin Konrad , Ceniza Maria Juliet
Published: April 2020

The cultivation of tropical Asian rice, which may have originated 9,000 years ago, created an agricultural ecosystem of unrivalled ecological complexity. A complex arthropod communitiy is inhabiting in the rice ecosystem, including pest and beneficial species. Concerning beneficials, the spiders are among the very commonly encountered species. A study was conducted in the irrigated tropical rice fields of Leyte, Philippines on the abundance and their potential for natural biological control. the objective of this study was to record, identify and count individuals of selected web building spider species and evaluate the prey spectrum at different stages of rice growth. It was observed that abundance of spiders in the rice ecosystems occurred only starting at the tillering stage when the preferred host plant stage for the prey species was reached. the most dominant species of spiders encountered were Tetragnatha species. However, in the latest stage of rice development, Argiope species were the most dominant spiders. Prey species included mainly the pest species of the rice plants, such as the hoppers, rice bugs and other smaller insects and in addition the other predatory species such as the coccinellid beetles, dragonflies and parasitic hymenopterans were also observed. The web building spiders showed more activity in the late afternoon than in early morning.
Influence of waterlogging stress and benzyladenine application on tomato grafted to eggplant
Authors: Regis Mary Ann Jully , Diputado Misael
Published: April 2020

Under waterlogged conditions, the non-grafted tomato plants had significantly lower survival rate (53%), compared to the 100% survival rating of grafted plants. Both grafted and non-grafted plants while under waterlogged conditions had high leaf stomatal resistance, low transpiration rate and high stress rating, compared to the non-waterlogged plants. However, one week after resumption of aerobic soil conditions, both stomatal resistance and transpiration as well as stress rating returned to normal in grafted plants unlike in the non-grafted plants which continued to show high stomatal resistance, low transpiration rates and high stress rating. The morphological changes associated with stress in the plant regardless of treatments were cupping, drooping and eventual wilting of leaves. Due to severe stress under waterlogged conditions, the non-grafted plants had significantly lower yield which was just about 41% that in grafted plants. The grafted, non-waterlogged plants had comparable yield with the non-grafted, non-waterlogged plants.
Application of benzyladenine was not effective in alleviating waterlogging stress effects on both grafted and non-grafted tomato.
Optimization of the factors affecting the drying rate of cassava grates in a rotary drum dryer
Authors: Tan Daniel Leslie , Sebial Gener , Amestoso Felix
Published: April 2020

This study determined the optimum effects of temperature, drum rotation and loading rate on the drying rate of cassava grates using the rotary drum dryer in removing moisture from cassava grates. A Central Composite Design was employed to evaluate a total of 15 fractional treatments derived from the 27 treatment combinations of temperature (75, 94 and 113°C), drum rotation (15, 20 and 25 RPM) and loading rate (5, 15, and 25 kg/h). The response surface regression obtained optimum conditions of the factors and predicted values on the stationary point on water loss as well as the rate of water removal.

Results from the canonical analysis of response surface on plain water loss show an optimum combination of temperature of 107°C, drum rotation of 23 RPM and loading rate of 24 kg/h. At 25 kg/h loading rate regardless of any variation of temperature and drum rotation, the rotation of the drum could not be sustained due to heavy load caused by the accumulated weight of the grates inside the drums. The optimum conditions and predicted response values for rate of plain moisture loss were observed to be: temperature of 108°C, drum rotation of 23 RPM, loading rate of 26 kg/h. Response surface plots show the opposite effects between loading rates and temperature on the plain water loss as well as the rate of moisture loss. Response surface plots also revealed that RPM has no effect on the plain water loss and rate of moisture removal
Nonlinear Analysis of Tie Confined Columns
Authors: Ranajay Bhowmick
Published: April 2020

Columns, being a very important component of the building structure, are required to be strong enough and also sufficiently deformable to withstand all possible static and dynamic loads to maintain the integrity of the structure throughout their entire life. The strength and the deformability of the columns can be increased by confining the concrete with lateral reinforcements provided in the form of the spirals, hoops or ties. Several experimental and analytical studies have been carried out by various researchers over the years to determine the extent of improvement that can be made to the strength and ductility of the columns, subjected to concentric loading, by confining them using lateral reinforcements. In the present study three-dimensional finite element models of confined concrete columns have been made using ANSYS and analyzed under the application of static concentric loading to find out the effects of lateral confinement. Suitable material models for both concrete and steel have been chosen and nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) of laterally confined three-dimensional concrete column models have been carried out. The numerical methodology, at first, has been verified against previous experimental results. Then different types of lateral confinements have been modeled and the stress-strain responses and the complex stress distribution patterns have been studied and compared to find out the better type of confinement.
Discovering Customer Paths from Location Data with Process Mining
Authors: Onur Dogan
Published: April 2020

customer paths can be used for several purposes, such as understanding customer needs, defining bottlenecks, improving system performance. Two of the principal difficulties depend on discovering customer paths due to dynamic human behaviors and collecting reliable tracking data. Although machine learning methods have contributed to individual tracking, they have complex iterations and problems to produce understandable visual results. Process mining is a methodology that can rapidly create process flows and graphical representations. In this study, customer flows are created with process mining in a supermarket. The differences between the paths of customers purchased and non-purchased are discussed. The results show that both groups have almost similar visit duration, which is 87.5 minutes for purchased customers and 86.6 minutes for non-purchased customers. However, the duration of aisles is relatively small in non-purchased customer flows because customers aim to return or change the item instead of buying.
Gestational Diabetes – Metabolic Risks of Adult Women With Respect to Birth Weight
Authors: VEJRAZKOVA D. , LUKASOVA P. , VANKOVA M. , BRADNOVA O. , VACINOVA G. , VCELAK J. , CIRMANOVA V. , ANDELOVA K. , KREJCI H. , BENDLOVA B.
Published: April 2020

Metabolic disorders such as obesity, insulin resistance and other components of metabolic syndrome (MetS) are connected with birth weight. Low and high birth weight is associated with a higher risk of developing type 2 diabetes mellitus, the mechanism is not clear. In this study, we evaluated the association between birth weight and anthropometric as well as biochemical components of MetS in women with a history of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) in comparison with control women. In part of the GDM group, we re-evaluated metabolic changes over 5-8 years. Anthropometry, blood pressure, glucose metabolism during the 3-h oGTT, lipid profile, uric acid, thyroid hormones, and liver enzymes were assessed. From the analyzed components of MetS in adult women we proved the association of low birth weight (birth weight <25th percentile) with glucose processing, in particular among women with a history of GDM. Low birth weight GDM women revealed significantly higher postchallenge insulin secretion and lower peripheral insulin sensitivity. Re-examinations indicate this association persists long after delivery.
Differences in Bisphenol A and Estrogen Levels in the Plasma and Seminal Plasma of Men With Different Degrees of Infertility
Authors: VITKU J. , SOSVOROVA L. , CHLUPACOVA T. , HAMPL R. , HILL M. , SOBOTKA V. , HERACEK J. , BICIKOVA M. , STARKA L.
Published: April 2020

The general population is potentially exposed to many chemicals that can affect the endocrine system. These substances are called endocrine disruptors (EDs), and among them bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the most widely used and well studied. Nonetheless, there are still no data on simultaneous measurements of various EDs along with steroids directly in the seminal fluid, where deleterious effects of EDs on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis are assumed. We determined levels of BPA and 3 estrogens using LC-MS/MS in the plasma and seminal plasma of 174 men with different degrees of infertility. These men were divided according their spermiogram values into 4 groups: (1) healthy men, and (2) slightly, (3) moderate, and (4) severely infertile men. Estradiol levels differed across the groups and body fluids. Slightly infertile men have significantly higher BPA plasma and seminal plasma levels in comparison with healthy men (p<0.05 and p<0.01, respectively). Furthermore, seminal BPA, but not plasma BPA, was negatively associated with sperm concentration and total sperm count (–0.27; p<0.001 and –0.24; p<0.01, respectively). These findings point to the importance of seminal plasma in BPA research. Overall, a disruption of estrogen metabolism was observed together with a weak but significant impact of BPA on sperm count and concentration.
The Role of Steroid Hormones in the Development of Intrahepatic Cholestasis of Pregnancy
Authors: PAŘÍZEK A. , DUŠKOVÁ M. , VÍTEK L. , ŠRÁMKOVÁ M. , HILL M. , ADAMCOVÁ K. , ŠIMJÁK P. , ČERNÝ A. , KORDOVÁ Z. , VRÁBLÍKOVÁ H. , BOUDOVÁ B. , KOUCKÝ M. , MALÍČKOVÁ K. , STÁRKA L.
Published: April 2020

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is a disorder of liver function, commonly occurring in the third trimester but sometimes also as soon as the end of the second trimester of pregnancy. Symptoms of this disorder include pruritus, plus abnormal values of bile acids and hepatic transaminases. After birth, symptoms disappear and liver function returns to normal. Though ICP is relatively non-complicated and often symptomatically mild from the point-of-view of the mother, it presents a serious risk to the fetus, making this disease the subject of great interest. The etiology and pathogenesis of ICP is multifactorial and as yet not fully elucidated. Hormonal factors likely play a significant role, along with genetic as well as exogenous factors. Here we summarize the knowledge of changes in steroid hormones and their role in the development of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy. In addition, we consider the role of exogenous factors as possible triggers of steroid hormone changes, the relationship between metabolic steroids and bile acids, as well as the combination of these factors in the development of ICP in predisposed pregnant women.
Fatty Acid Composition of Adipose Tissue Triglycerides in Obese Diabetic Women After Bariatric Surgery: a 2-Year Follow up
Authors: KUNEŠOVÁ M. , SEDLÁČKOVÁ B. , BRADNOVÁ O. , TVRZICKÁ E. , STAŇKOVÁ B. , ŠRÁMKOVÁ P. , DOLEŽALOVÁ K. , KALOUSKOVÁ P. , HLAVATÝ P. , HILL M. , BENDLOVÁ B. , FRIED M. , HAINER V. , VRBÍKOVÁ J.
Published: April 2020

Bariatric surgery is the most effective method in the treatment of obesity and type 2 diabetes (T2DM). The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of different types of bariatric procedures on remission of T2DM and on the fatty acid composition in subcutaneous adipose tissue. Patients included obese diabetic women who underwent bariatric surgery: biliopancreatic diversion (BPD), n=8, laparoscopic gastric banding (LAGB), n=9 or laparoscopic greater curvature plication (LGCP), n=12. Anthropometric characteristics and fatty acid composition of adipose tissue (FA AT) were analyzed before surgery, then 6 months and 2 years after surgery. FA AT was analyzed by gas chromatography. Diabetes remission was estimated. BPD was most efficient in inducing a remission of diabetes (p=0.004). Significantly higher increases in lauric (12:0), myristoleic (14:1n-5) and palmitoleic (16:1n-7) acids and delta-9 desaturase were found two years after BPD, suggesting higher lipogenesis in adipose tissue. Docosatetraenoic acid (22:4n-6) increased significantly after BPD, while docosapentaenoic acid (22:5n-3) decreased 6 months after BPD and increased after 2 years. No changes were found after LAGB and LGCP after 2 years. Bariatric surgery led to significant changes in the fatty acid composition of subcutaneous adipose tissue in severely obese diabetic women after six months and two years, and was partly influenced by the type of surgery used.
Mechanical Characterization of Basalt Fabric-Reinforced Alkali-Activated Matrix Composite: A Preliminary Investigation
Authors: Candamano Sebastiano , Crea Fortunato , Iorfida Antonio
Published: April 2020

Fabric-reinforced cementitious composites are a recent family of commercial products devoted to the external retrofitting and strengthening of masonry and concrete structures. In the present work, the authors investigate the possibility of using, as matrix, a mortar based on alkali-activated materials. Basalt textile was selected as reinforcement because it is an effective, low-cost and environmentally friendly reinforcement. The matrix was prepared using by-products of industrial processes. Mortar was characterized by measuring its drying shrinkage, capillary water absorption, compressive and flexural strengths and analyzed using X-Ray diffractometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis. The mechanical behavior of the composites was investigated through tensile and direct shear tests. The basalt fabric-reinforced alkali-activated matrix composite showed, under tension, a tri-linear response curve, mainly governed by cracks development and widening. The measured ultimate stress, ultimate strain and tensile modulus of elasticity in region III were 434 MPa (CoV 14.2%), 2.192% (CoV 4.1%) and 39 GPa (CoV 11.3%), respectively. The load–global slip response curves of the composite show an average peak load around 1148 N (CoV 23.0%) and an exploitation ratio versus the textile and the tensile of 0.40 and 0.86, respectively. Even if the preliminary results are encouraging, the performance of FRAAM composites would be positively affected by an increase of the dimensional stability of the matrix.
Investigating the Atmospheric Sources and Sinks of Perfluorooctanoic Acid Using a Global Chemistry Transport Model
Authors: Holland Rayne , Khan M. Anwar H. , Chhantyal-Pun Rabi , Orr-Ewing Andrew J. , Percival Carl J. , Taatjes Craig A. , Shallcross Dudley E.
Published: April 2020

Perfluorooctanoic acid, PFOA, is one of the many concerning pollutants in our atmosphere; it is highly resistant to environmental degradation processes, which enables it to accumulate biologically. With direct routes of this chemical to the environment decreasing, as a consequence of the industrial phase out of PFOA, it has become more important to accurately model the effects of indirect production routes, such as environmental degradation of precursors; e.g., fluorotelomer alcohols (FTOHs). The study reported here investigates the chemistry, physical loss and transport of PFOA and its precursors, FTOHs, throughout the troposphere using a 3D global chemical transport model, STOCHEM-CRI. Moreover, this investigation includes an important loss process of PFOA in the atmosphere via the addition of the stabilised Criegee intermediates, hereby referred to as the “Criegee Field.” Whilst reaction with Criegee intermediates is a significant atmospheric loss process of PFOA, it does not result in its permanent removal from the atmosphere. The atmospheric fate of the resultant hydroperoxide product from the reaction of PFOA and Criegee intermediates resulted in a ≈0.04 Gg year−1 increase in the production flux of PFOA. Furthermore, the physical loss of the hydroperoxide product from the atmosphere (i.e., deposition), whilst decreasing the atmospheric concentration, is also likely to result in the reformation of PFOA in environmental aqueous phases, such as clouds, precipitation, oceans and lakes. As such, removal facilitated by the “Criegee Field” is likely to simply result in the acceleration of PFOA transfer to the surface (with an expected decrease in PFOA atmospheric lifetime of ≈10 h, on average from ca. 80 h without Criegee loss to 70 h with Criegee loss).
Evaluation of Inflammation Caused by Cardiopulmonary Bypass in a Small Animal Model
Authors: Fujii Yutaka
Published: April 2020

Extracorporeal circulation (ECC) methods are being increasingly used for mechanical support of respiratory and cardio-circulatory failure. Especially, cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) during cardiovascular surgery, sustenance of the patient’s life by providing an appropriate blood flow and oxygen supply to principal organs. On the other hand, systemic inflammatory responses in patients undergoing cardiovascular surgery supported by CPB contribute significantly to CPB-associated mortality and morbidity. Our previous research showed that CPB causes a systemic inflammatory response and organ damage in a small animal CPB model. We have been studying the effects of hyperoxia and blood plasma substitute on CPB. In this review, we present a study focusing on the systemic inflammatory response during CPB, along with our findings.
Delineating Repetitive Behavior Profiles across the Lifespan in Fragile X Syndrome
Authors: Reisinger Debra L. , Shaffer Rebecca C. , Tartaglia Nicole , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Erickson Craig A.
Published: April 2020

Restricted repetitive behaviors (RRBs) are a core area of impairment in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), but also affect several other neurodevelopmental disorders including fragile X syndrome (FXS). Current literature has begun to describe the RRB profile in FXS up through adolescence; however, little is known about the subtypes of RRBs in adolescents and adults. Further, literature on the RRB profile of females with FXS is limited. The present study examines the RRB profile across subtypes and specific items in both males and females with FXS while assessing for differences based on age, ASD diagnosis and the impact of IQ. Participants included 154 individuals with FXS (ages 2 to 50 years old). Results revealed a peak in RRB severity in FXS between 7–12 years for the majority of RRB subscales with the exception of Sensory-Motor behaviors peaking between 2 and 12 years before declining. Distinct RRB profiles in males and females with FXS emerged in addition to significant overlap among the item and subscale levels of RRBs across gender. Further, an added diagnosis of ASD significantly increased rates of RRBs across all subscale levels, but not necessarily across all items. Lastly, IQ did not solely account for the presence of RRBs in FXS, with Sensory-Motor behaviors being driven by comorbid ASD in males with FXS, and Restricted Interest behaviors being driven by comorbid ASD regardless of gender. These findings build on the current understanding of RRBs in FXS based on gender and comorbid ASD and lay important groundwork for the development of targeted behavioral and pharmacological treatments.
Role of Potassium Ions Quantum Tunneling in the Pathophysiology of Phantom Limb Pain
Authors: Alrabayah Mustafa , Qaswal Abdallah Barjas , Suleiman Aiman , Khreesha Lubna
Published: April 2020

(1) Background: multiple theories were proposed to explain the phenomenon of phantom limb pain (PLP). Nevertheless, the phenomenon is still shrouded in mystery. The aim of this study is to explore the phenomenon from a new perspective, where quantum tunneling of ions, a promising field in medical practice, might play a major role. (2) Methods: investigators designed a quantum mathematical model based on the Schrödinger equation to examine the probability of potassium ions quantum tunneling through closed membrane potassium channels to the inside of phantom axons, leading to the generation of action potential. (3) Results: the model suggests that the probability of action potential induction at a certain region of the membrane of phantom neurons, when a neuron of the stump area is stimulated over 1 mm2 surface area of the membrane available for tunneling is 1.04 × 10−2. Furthermore, upon considering two probabilities of potassium channelopathies, one that decreased the energy of the barrier by 25% and another one by 50%, the tunneling probability became 1.22 × 10−8 and 3.86 × 10−4, respectively. (4) Conclusion: quantum models of potassium ions can provide a reliable theoretical hypothesis to unveil part of the ambiguity behind PLP.