bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perancangan Sistem Informasi Pengendalian Persediaan Bahan Baku
Authors: Subhan Subhan , Syahadatina Rika , Ustman Ustman
Published: August 2021

Sistem informasi berbasis komputer merupakan suatu sistem pengolahan data yang digunakan untuk memperoleh data yang relevan dan reliable sehingga data yang dihasilkan dapat mendukung dalam pengambilan keputusan. Permasalahan yang muncul yaitu kurangnya informasi antara bagian dapur, gudang dan kasir yang menerima pesanan sehingga proses produksi akan terhenti, hal ini disebabkan karena stok bahan baku di gudang mengalami kekosongan. Target yang ingin dicapai adalah tersedianya system informasi persediaan bahan baku yang terkomputerisasi sehingga dapat meminimalisir adanya kekurangan dan kelebihan stok persediaan bahan baku. Kegiatan pengabdian ini dilakukan melalui beberapa tahapan yaitu menentukan alur perancangan sistem, melakukan perancangan sistem dan menerapkan sistem informasi persediaan bahan baku berbasis komputer.
Pemberdayaan Kelompok Wanita Mawar Melalui Teknologi Pengolahan Produk Ayam Pedaging
Authors: Nurlaila Selvia , Purdiyanto Joko , Umar Malikah , Kurnadi Bambang
Published: August 2021

Pelaksanaan Program pengabdian kepada masyarakat dapat memberikan informasi, teknologi dan penerapannya dengan harapan adanya program ini dapat meningkatkan pendapatan ekonomi kelompok wanita Mawar serta bisa berkompetisi dengan menghasilkan produk berdaya jual tinggi dan dapat memasarkannya. Desa Bukek merupakan salah satu Desa di Kecamatan Tlanakan Kabupaten Pamekasan. Mayoritas pekerjaan masyarakat adalah bertani dan beternak. Rata-rata pendapatannya diperoleh melalui kepala keluarga, dan kebanyakan ibu rumah tangga tidak memiliki pekerjaan. Komoditas ternak yang dipelihara antara lain sapi, kambing, domba, kelinci, ayam buras, ayam petelur, ayam pedaging dan itik. Dalam pemeliharaan tidak jarang perempuan mengambil alih pekerjaan ini.  Produksi ayam pedaging menjadi salah satu produk ternak unggas di wilayah ini. Awalnya mereka kurang menyukai mengkonsumsi daging ayam ras namun seiring pengetahuan yang mereka dapatkan akan gizi ayam pedaging timbul keinginan untuk mengetahui cara pengolahan produk ayam pedaging ini sehingga semua produk dari ayam pedaging dan hasil ikutannya menjadi produk yang mempunyai nilai jual tinggi.
Analysis of the quadratus lumborum muscle activity on leg length discrepancy: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Eryiğit Sevim , Al Kafee Abdullah , Akan Aydin
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Quadratus lumborum (QL) discrete region extensions might change depending on whether leg length discrepancy (LLD) individually has any extra erector spinae action in the lumbar spine, which can result in serious injury to the lower extremities and lumbar vertebrae. OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the effect of QL muscle activity on LLD by using electromyography (EMG) signals. METHODS: The study employed a randomized controlled design. A total of 100 right-handed volunteers were included in this study. All participants were assessed manually by tape measurement for LLD. EMG signals were recorded during the resting and maximal isometric contraction positions to determine QL muscle activity. The power spectral density (PSD) methods were applied to compute EMG signals. RESULTS: In maximal isometric contraction position, comparing the short right LLD (Right side = 0.00064 ± 0.00001, Left side = 0.00033 ± 0.0006) and short left LLD (Right side = 0.00001 ± 0.00008, Left side = 0.00017 ± 0.0001), it was found that the short right LLD group had significantly increased PSD of EMG values. In resting position, the short right LLD (Right side = 0.0002 ± 0.0073, Left side = 0.00016 ± 0.0065) had significantly increased PSD of EMG compared to the short left LLD (Right side = 0.00004 ± 0.0003, Left side = 0.0001 ± 0.0008) values of the QL muscle activity. The results of both groups were also statistically significant (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The present study showed that it is possible to determine effective experimental interventions for functional LLD using EMG signal analysis of QL muscle activity on an asymptomatic normal population.
The protein-protein interaction network of intestinal gastric cancer patients reveals hub proteins with potential prognostic value
Authors: Santos Everton Cruz , Binato Renata , Fernandes Priscila Valverde , Ferreira Maria Aparecida , Abdelhay Eliana
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Gastric cancer (GC) is the third leading cause of cancer worldwide. According to the Lauren classification, gastric adenocarcinoma is divided into two subtypes: diffuse and intestinal. The development of intestinal gastric cancer (IGC) can take years and involves multiple factors. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the protein profile of tumor samples from patients with IGC in comparison with adjacent nontumor tissue samples. METHODS: We used label-free nano-LC-MS/MS to identify proteins from the tissues samples. The results were analyzed using MetaCore™ software to access functional enrichment information. Protein-protein interactions (PPI) were predicted using STRING analysis. Hub proteins were determined using the Cytoscape plugin, CytoHubba. Survival analysis was performed using KM plotter. We identified 429 differentially expressed proteins whose pathways and processes were related to protein folding, apoptosis, and immune response. RESULTS: The PPI network of these proteins showed enrichment modules related to the regulation of cell death, immune system, neutrophil degranulation, metabolism of RNA and chromatin DNA binding. From the PPI network, we identified 20 differentially expressed hub proteins, and assessed the prognostic value of the expression of genes that encode them. Among them, the expression of four hub genes was significantly associated with the overall survival of IGC patients. CONCLUSIONS: This study reveals important findings that affect IGC development based on specific biological alterations in IGC patients. Bioinformatics analysis showed that the pathogenesis of IGC patients is complex and involves different interconnected biological processes. These findings may be useful in research on new targets to develop novel therapies to improve the overall survival of patients with IGC.
Discrepancies of RET gene and risk of differentiated thyroid carcinoma
Authors: Rashid Faiza A. , Khan Mosin S. , Tabassum Sobia , Aiman Aiffa , Jadoon Maharij H.
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Somatic variations in rearranged during transfection (RET) proto-oncogene acts to influence Thyroid cancer (TC) in a low penetrance manner, but their effects tend to vary between different populations. OBJECTIVE: This case-control study was aimed to evaluate effect of RET G691S, S904S and L769L single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) on the risk for differentiated thyroid carcinoma (DTC). METHODS: A total of 180 patients and 220 controls were genotyped by Polymerase chain reaction – restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). Di-Deoxy Sanger sequencing was performed on 100 samples with variations and 20 wild samples for each amplified exon. In addition, In Silico tools were used to evaluate structural and functional impact of individual SNPs in disease progression. RESULTS: In RET G691S/L769L/S904S SNPs, frequency of variant genotypes in DTC cases was 61.1%, 54.4% and 76.6% as compared to 45.9%, 43.6% and 89.09% in controls respectively (P⩽ 0.05). In Silico analysis revealed that different protein formed due to G691S substitution decreases the stability of 3D structure of protein. The RET G691S and L769L SNP followed “Dominant” but RET S904S SNP confirmed an “Additive” mode of inheritance. CONCLUSION: RET G691S/L769L/S904S SNPs are significantly associated with DTC with G691S SNP declining the stability of final protein product.
Emotional, sexual and behavioral correlates of attitudes toward sex robots: Results of an online survey
Authors: Brandon Marianne , Planke Julie A.
Published: August 2021

Understanding people’s attitudes toward sex robots will be essential to facilitate this technology’s likely assimilation into human relationships in a way that maximizes benefit and minimizes conflict within the privacy of people’s bedrooms. This online survey was developed to investigate attitudes toward sex robots. Questions were chosen to explore a variety of emotional, behavioral, and sexual variables that could potentially be pertinent to individual’s receptivity to sex with robots. There were 376 respondents, 84.1% of which were heterosexual. Self-reports of depression, social anxiety, attention deficit disorder, and Asperger’s spectrum all correlated positively with receptivity toward sex robots. Challenges with monogamy, more lifetime sex partners, higher frequency of masturbation, more pornography consumption, greater consumption of alcohol and marijuana, and more frequent use of video games also all correlated positively with receptivity toward sex robots. Curiously, receptivity toward sex robots correlated positively with both the experience of sexual pleasure with human partners and with the experience of anxiety during sex with a human partner. It is our belief that research in this area is paramount to assist psychologists, anthropologists, roboticists, and couples in navigating the intimate challenges of the future.
Association of Stress with Risk of Dementia and Mild Cognitive Impairment: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Franks Katherine H. , Bransby Lisa , Saling Michael M. , Pase Matthew P.
Published: August 2021

Background: Although many studies have investigated the association between stress and risk of dementia, findings are inconsistent due to the variation in the measures used to assess stress. Objective: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis to investigate the association between psychological stress (including neuroticism, stressful life events, and perceived stress) and the risk of incident dementia and mild cognitive impairment in adults. Methods: PsycINFO, Embase, and MEDLINE were searched to October 2020 for eligible observational, prospective studies. Of the 1,607 studies screened, 26 (24 unique cohorts) were included in the qualitative analysis and 16 (15 unique cohorts) were included in the quantitative analysis. Results: Across studies, higher perceived stress was significantly associated with an increased risk of mild cognitive impairment (Cases/Total N = 207/860: hazard ratio [HR] = 1.19, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.03–1.38) and all-cause dementia (Cases/Total N = 203/1,882: HR = 1.44, 95% CI = 1.07–1.95). Exposure to two or more stressful life events (versus none) was significantly associated with an increased risk of all-cause dementia (Cases/Total N = 3,354/11,597: HR = 1.72, 95% CI = 1.14–2.60), while one or more stressful life events was not. Higher neuroticism was significantly associated with an increased risk of Alzheimer’s disease dementia (Cases/Total N = 497/4,771: HR = 1.07, 95% CI = 1.01–1.12), but not all-cause dementia. Conclusion: This review suggests that psychological stress in adulthood is associated with an increased risk of dementia. Further research is needed to clarify the mechanisms underlying these associations.
Grey Matter Loss at Different Stages of Cognitive Decline: A Role for the Thalamus in Developing Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: van de Mortel Laurens Ansem ,   for the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Thomas Rajat Mani , van Wingen Guido Alexander
Published: August 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is characterized by cognitive impairment and large loss of grey matter volume and is the most prevalent form of dementia worldwide. Mild cognitive impairment (MCI) is the stage that precedes the AD dementia stage, but individuals with MCI do not always convert to the AD dementia stage, and it remains unclear why. Objective: We aimed to assess grey matter loss across the brain at different stages of the clinical continuum of AD to gain a better understanding of disease progression. Methods: In this large-cohort study (N = 1,386) using neuroimaging data from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, voxel-based morphometry analyses were performed between healthy controls, individuals with early and late and AD dementia stage. Results: Clear patterns of grey matter loss in mostly hippocampal and temporal regions were found across clinical stages, though not yet in early MCI. In contrast, thalamic volume loss seems one of the first signs of cognitive decline already during early MCI, whereas this volume loss does not further progress from late MCI to AD dementia stage. AD dementia stage converters already show grey matter loss in hippocampal and mid-temporal areas as well as the posterior thalamus (pulvinar) and angular gyrus at baseline. Conclusion: This study confirms the role of temporal brain regions in AD development and suggests additional involvement of the thalamus/pulvinar and angular gyrus that may be linked to visuospatial, attentional, and memory related problems in both early MCI and AD dementia stage conversion.
The Frontal Behavioral Battery: A Measure of Frontal Lobe Symptoms in Brain Aging and Neurodegenerative Disease
Authors: Galvin James E. , Cohen Iris , Greenfield Keri K. , Walker Marcia
Published: August 2021

Background: Approximately 90%of persons living with dementia experience behavioral symptoms, including frontal lobe features involving motivation, planning, social behavior, language, personality, mood, swallowing, and gait. Objective: We conducted a two-stage study with a development sample (n = 586) and validation sample (n = 274) to evaluate a brief informant-rated measure of non-cognitive features of frontal lobe dysfunction: the Frontal Behavioral Battery (FBB). Methods: In the development sample, internal consistency, principal factor analysis, and correlations between the FBB and outcomes were evaluated. In the validation sample, we examined (a) FBB scores by diagnosis, (b) known-group validity by demographics, subjective complaints, and dementia staging, and (c) correlation between FBB and MRI volumes. Receiver operator characteristic curves assessed the ability of the FBB to discriminate individuals with frontal lobe features due to a neurodegenerative disease. Results: The FBB characterized 11 distinct frontal lobe features. Individuals with dementia with Lewy bodies and frontotemporal degeneration had the greatest number of frontal lobe features. Premorbid personality traits of extroversion, agreeableness, and openness were associated with fewer frontal lobe behavioral symptoms, while subjective cognitive complaints were associated with greater symptoms. The FBB provided very good discrimination between individuals with and without cognitive impairment (diagnostic odds ratio: 13.1) and between individuals with and without prominent frontal lobe symptoms (diagnostic odds ratio: 84.8). Conclusion: The FBB may serve as an effective and efficient method to assess the presence of non-cognitive symptoms associated with frontal lobe dysfunction, but in a brief fashion that could facilitate its use in clinical care and research.
Serum Daytime Melatonin Levels Reflect Cerebrospinal Fluid Melatonin Levels in Alzheimer’s Disease but Are Not Correlated with Cognitive Decline
Authors: Nous Amber , Wittens Mandy Melissa Jane , Vermeiren Yannick , De Deyn Peter Paul , Van Broeckhoven Christine , Nagels Guy , Smolders Ilse , Engelborghs Sebastiaan
Published: August 2021

Background: Nocturnal cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood melatonin levels are altered in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). However, literature remains inconclusive on daytime blood melatonin levels. A positive correlation between melatonin levels and Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) scores in AD subjects has been evidenced following cross-sectional analyses. Whereas a correlation between serum and spinal CSF melatonin has been shown in healthy volunteers, an equal investigation in AD patients still has to be undertaken. Objective: 1) To evaluate whether serum melatonin levels correlate with spinal CSF melatonin levels in AD. 2) To compare daytime CSF and serum melatonin levels between patients with AD dementia, mild cognitive impairment due to AD, and healthy controls, and to evaluate whether melatonin can affect cognitive decline in AD. Methods: Subjects with AD and healthy controls included in two existing cohorts, of whom a CSF and serum sample was available at the neurobiobank and had at least 6 months of neuropsychological follow-up, were included in the present study. Melatonin concentrations were measured with liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Results: Daytime serum melatonin levels correlated with spinal CSF melatonin levels in AD (r = 0.751, p < 0.001). No significant differences regarding daytime melatonin levels were found between patients and controls. No correlations were observed between daytime melatonin levels and MMSE score changes. Conclusion: Daytime serum melatonin accurately reflects CSF melatonin levels in AD, raising the possibility to assess melatonin alterations by solely performing blood sampling if also confirmed for night-time values. However, daytime melatonin levels are not associated with changes of cognitive impairment.
Effects of machining method and technique on galvanized steel material properties
Authors: Rani Nadia Abdul , Aziz Faieza Abdul , Hemdi Abdul Rahman , Kanagaraj Mohanadhas
Published: August 2021

Machining or metal cutting operation is the process of removing unwanted material in the form of chips, from a block of metal, using cutting tool is the most widely used industrial practice for which sustainable manufacturing is an appropriate approach. Aligning with rapidly changing scenario in manufacturing industries, applications of optimization techniques in metal cutting processes is essential for a manufacturing unit to respond effectively to severe competitiveness and increasing demand of quality product in the market. When machining structural parts with high material removal rates, the stiffness of the machine tool can be one of the limited factors due to the machining vibrations or called chatter vibrations. Computer Numerical Controller (CNC) machining is one of the machining method used to get a high accuracy results in product and Wire Electrical Discharge Machining (WEDM) is one of the advanced technique primarily used for hard metals or those that would be very difficult to machine with traditional techniques, such as conventional milling operation. Due to this non-contact operation towards the work piece, it shallower the heat-affected zone (HAZ) which may effect on the material properties. In this paper, galvanized steel has been used to identify the changes in its mechanical properties by using tensile test with both machining methods and techniques to produce the T-bone specimen. Hence the static or tensile properties of the specimen is obtained, a good machining procedure could be determined. Therefore, it will decrease the strength of material and increase the durability and reliability of product.
Study of various trends for morphing wing technology
Authors: Gurumukhi Shardul
Published: August 2021

Term ‘Morphing’ is generally used where the body structurally adapts to make itself best suited for its situation and become more efficient for the same. This phenomenon is seen in nature where species change their body configuration to handle the situation in the best way possible. The same concept is applied on aircraft to make them versatile for various situations, like changing from a long endurance mission to a high speed combat mission. As of now conventional aircraft are best suited for a few mission types, morphing technology seeks to change that. In the current situation morphing is mostly being done on wings and can be categorized in two broad methods. This review discusses and analyzes those methods. Also a comparison is done among them on the basis of structural stability, ease of manufacturing, actuation efficiency and reliability. Finally a summary is given for the current situation of the morphing wing technology and various future scopes for the same.
Fabrication technique using a core and cavity mold of a hybrid composite ballistic helmet
Authors: Alim M.S.A.M. , Mustapha F. , Abdullah M.N. , Sultan M.T.H. , Muda M.K.H.
Published: August 2021

Material used for helmet technology has transformed moderately little since the introduction of aramids, which ballistic helmets still uses woven aramids with a thermoset resin system. Most widely used strengthening material for ballistic helmet is Kevlar fibers which comprise outstanding impact resistance and high strength to weight ratio. For Kevlar reinforcement and resin shaping process, composite materials uses molding process in the fabrication methods. The most vital fabrication method is the hand lay-up process. Hand lay-up process normally consists of laying a dry fabric layer by hand onto a mold to shape into desirable design and shape. After the lay-up process is done, resin is then applied to the dry plies. There are several accessible curing methods and the most commonly used method is to let the product to cure at room temperature. This paper presents the fabrication process of ballistic helmet using a hand lay-up fabrication process with a core and cavity mold. This paper also describes the helmet mold design, materials and processing methods.
Influence of bio-filler on the mechanical properties of glass/nylon fibre reinforced epoxy based hybrid composites
Authors: Nayak Suhas Yeshwant , Heckadka Srinivas Shenoy , Baby Anil , Samant Rashmi , Shenoy K. Rajath
Published: August 2021

Studies on bio-fillers addition to polymer composites is gaining momentum as it is an effective substitute for core reinforcements, leading to cost reduction in manufacturing composites and enhanced composite performance. The present study utilizes plain E-glass and nylon fibre woven mats as reinforcements with treated broiler egg shell as a filler for developing the composites. Composite laminates were fabricated with varying filler contents. Composites were characterized for tensile, flexural and impact strength. Scanning electron microscopy was carried out to observe the fibre matrix interactions. Results showed a decline in tensile and flexural properties mainly due to weak interfacial bonding while an improvement in resistance to impact loading was observed in Glass Fibre (GF), Nylon Fibre(NF) and Hybrid Composites (HC) with the addition of filler material.
Reliable detection of pulse arrival time for partial discharge location in HV cable based on improved Allen-Bear algorithm
Authors: Sun Tingxi , Fang Yizhi , Lei Xiaoyue , Liu Ying , Jiang Zhibin , Sun Kang , Zhang Jing
Published: August 2021

In multi-sensor data based partial discharge (PD) source location in high voltage (HV) cable, poor reliability of detection of pulse arrival time against noises, waveform distortion, amplitude attenuation is the major barriers to practical application. In this paper, an improved Allen-Bear PD pulse detection algorithm, which combines the advantage of the characteristic functions of the two time-window energy ratio based detection algorithms, is proposed for robust PD location. The most critical contribution of proposed method is the extension of frequency domain component compared to the characteristic functions of the original algorithm. Simulation and physical experiment results demonstrate that the proposed method not only ensures the detection accuracy of the PD pulse arrival time, but also improves the reliability under harsh practical scenarios. It performs significantly better than the existing detection algorithm in terms of anti-noise, anti-waveform distortion, time window length variation, etc. It has significant value for practical applications.
wCM based hybrid pre-processing algorithm for class imbalanced dataset
Authors: Singh Deepika , Saha Anju , Gosain Anjana
Published: August 2021

Imbalanced dataset classification is challenging because of the severely skewed class distribution. The traditional machine learning algorithms show degraded performance for these skewed datasets. However, there are additional characteristics of a classification dataset that are not only challenging for the traditional machine learning algorithms but also increase the difficulty when constructing a model for imbalanced datasets. Data complexity metrics identify these intrinsic characteristics, which cause substantial deterioration of the learning algorithms’ performance. Though many research efforts have been made to deal with class noise, none of them focused on imbalanced datasets coupled with other intrinsic factors. This paper presents a novel hybrid pre-processing algorithm focusing on treating the class-label noise in the imbalanced dataset, which suffers from other intrinsic factors such as class overlapping, non-linear class boundaries, small disjuncts, and borderline examples. This algorithm uses the wCM complexity metric (proposed for imbalanced dataset) to identify noisy, borderline, and other difficult instances of the dataset and then intelligently handles these instances. Experiments on synthetic datasets and real-world datasets with different levels of imbalance, noise, small disjuncts, class overlapping, and borderline examples are conducted to check the effectiveness of the proposed algorithm. The experimental results show that the proposed algorithm offers an interesting alternative to popular state-of-the-art pre-processing algorithms for effectively handling imbalanced datasets along with noise and other difficulties.
Discrete-MultiResUNet: Segmentation and feature extraction model for knee MR images
Authors: More Sujeet , Singla Jimmy
Published: August 2021

Deep learning has shown outstanding efficiency in medical image segmentation. Segmentation of knee tissues is an important task for early diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) with selecting variant features. Automated segmentation and feature extraction of knee tissues are desirable for faster and reliable analysis of large datasets and further diagnosis. In this paper a novel architecture called as Discrete-MultiResUNet, which is a combination of discrete wavelet transform (DWT) with MultiResUNet architecture is applied for feature extraction and segmentation, respectively. This hybrid architecture captures more prominent features from the knee magnetic resonance image efficiently with segmenting vital knee tissues. The hybrid model is evaluated on the knee MR dataset demonstrating outperforming performance compared with baseline models. The model achieves excellent segmentation performance accuracy of 96.77% with a dice coefficient of 98%.
Locus Coeruleus Degeneration Correlated with Levodopa Resistance in Parkinson’s Disease: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Zhou Cheng , Guo Tao , Wu JingJing , Wang Linbo , Bai Xueqin , Gao Ting , Guan Xiaojun , Gu Luyan , Huang Peiyu , Xuan Min , Gu Quanquan , Xu Xiaojun , Zhang Baorong , Cheng Wei , Feng Jianfeng , Zhang Minming
Published: August 2021

Background: The widely divergent responsiveness of Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients to levodopa is an important clinical issue because of its relationship with quality of life and disease prognosis. Preliminary animal experiments have suggested that degeneration of the locus coeruleus (LC) attenuates the efficacy of levodopa treatment. Objective: To explore the relationship between LC degeneration and levodopa responsiveness in PD patients in vivo. Methods: Neuromelanin-sensitive magnetic resonance imaging (NM-MRI), a good indicator of LC and substantia nigra (SN) degeneration, and levodopa challenge tests were conducted in 57 PD patients. Responsiveness to levodopa was evaluated by the rates of change of the Unified Parkinson’s Disease Rating Scale Part III score and somatomotor network synchronization calculated from resting-state functional MRI before and after levodopa administration. Next, we assessed the relationship between the contrast-to-noise ratio of LC (CNRLC) and levodopa responsiveness. Multiple linear regression analysis was conducted to rule out the potential influence of SN degeneration on levodopa responsiveness. Results: A significant positive correlation was found between CNRLC and the motor improvement after levodopa administration (R = 0.421, p = 0.004). CNRLC also correlated with improvement in somatomotor network synchronization (R = –0.323, p = 0.029). Furthermore, the relationship between CNRLC and levodopa responsiveness was independent of SN degeneration. Conclusion: LC degeneration might be an essential factor for levodopa resistance. LC evaluation using NM-MRI might be an alternative tool for predicting levodopa responsiveness and for helping to stratify patients into clinical trials aimed at improving the efficacy of levodopa.
Clinical and Economic Outcomes Associated with Dysphagia in Hospitalized Patients with Parkinson’s Disease
Authors: Di Luca Daniel G. , McArthur Eric W. , Willis Allison , Martino Rosemary , Marras Connie
Published: August 2021

Background: Dysphagia is a frequent complication that may increase morbidity and mortality in Parkinson’s disease (PD). Nevertheless, there is limited data on its objective impact on healthcare outcomes. Objective: To investigate the outcomes associated with dysphagia in hospitalized patients with PD and associated healthcare costs and utilization. Methods: We performed a retrospective cohort study using the National Inpatient Sample (NIS) data from 2004 to 2014. A multivariable regression analysis was adjusted for demographic, and comorbidity variables to examine the association between dysphagia and associated outcomes. Logistic and negative binomial regressions were used to estimate odds or incidence rate ratios for binary and continuous outcomes, respectively. Results: We identified 334,395 non-elective hospitalizations of individuals with PD, being 21,288 (6.36%) associated with dysphagia. Patients with dysphagia had significantly higher odds of negative outcomes, including aspiration pneumonia (AOR 7.55, 95%CI 7.29–7.82), sepsis (AOR 1.91, 95%CI 1.82–2.01), and mechanical ventilation (AOR 2.00, 95%CI 1.86–2.15). For hospitalizations with a dysphagia code, the length of stay was 44%(95%CI 1.43–1.45) longer and inpatient costs 46%higher (95%CI 1.44–1.47) compared to those without dysphagia. Mortality was also substantially increased in individuals with PD and dysphagia (AOR 1.37, 95%CI 1.29–1.46). Conclusion: In hospitalized patients with PD, dysphagia was a strong predictor of adverse clinical outcomes, and associated with substantially prolonged length of stay, higher mortality, and care costs. These results highlight the need for interventions focused on early recognition and prevention of dysphagia to avoid complications and lower costs in PD patients.
Development of potential inhibitors of cell division protein kinase 2 by ligand based drug design
Authors: Atalay Vildan Enisoğlu , Savaş Büşra
Published: August 2021

Cyclin-dependent kinases (CDKs) are commonly known by their role in cell cycle regulation which affects cancer mechanism. In many cancer types, CDKs show extreme activity or CDK inhibiting proteins are dysfunctional. Specifically, CDK2 plays an indispensable role in cell division especially in the G1/S phase and DNA damage repair. Therefore, it is important to find new potential CDK2 inhibitors. In this study, ligand-based drug design is used to design new potential CDK2 inhibitors. Y8 L ligand is obtained from the X-ray crystal structure of human CDK2 (PDB ID: 2XNB) (www.pdb.org) and used as a structure model. By adding hydrophilic and hydrophobic groups to the structure, a training set of 36 molecules is generated. Each molecule examined with Spartan’14 and optimized structures are used for docking to CDK2 structure by AutoDock and AutoDock Vina programs. Ligand-amino acid interactions are analysed with Discovery Studio Visualizer. Van der Waals, Pi-Pi T-shaped, alkyl, pi-alkyl, conventional hydrogen bond and carbon-hydrogen bond interactions are observed. By docking results and viewed interactions, some molecules are identified and discussed as potential CDK2 inhibitors. Additionally, 8 different QSAR descriptors obtained from Spartan’14, Preadmet and ALOGPS 2.1 programs are investigated with multiple linear regulation (MLR) analysis with SPSS program for their impact on affinity value.
A high-performance eletromagnetic wave absorption material based on biochar derived from pomelo peel
Authors: CAI Yu Ping
Published: August 2021

As a kind of renewable resources with abundant reserves, research on the utilization of biochar has been paid more and more attention. However, the use of pomelo peel biomass carbon in the field of eletromagnetic wave absorption (EWA) has never been reported. In this study, the pomelo peel of natural recovery were carbonized at temperature of 700°C for 1 h in a high vacuum of 300 pa. The as-prepared biomass carbon were uniformly mixed with the paraffin by heat-assisted impregnation to prepare small ring-shaped devices, and the EWA characteristics of the small devices were investigated. The absorbing measurements were performed with the filling mass fraction of 30% and 50% of the biochar, respectively. The biochar with a mass fraction of 50% showed the excellent absorbing properties with the maximum reflection loss up to –44.3 dB at 9.84 GHz in the thickness of 2.0 mm, which is expected to be used as light, broadband and efficient EWA material.
DFT investigation of SiO2 nanotube for adsorption of methyl- and propyl-paraben
Authors: Harismah Kun , Nayini Mohsen Mohammad Raei , Montazeri Shadi , Ariaei Shaghayegh , Nouraliei Milad
Published: August 2021

A huge number of parabens, esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid, are used in cosmetic and personal care products as preservative substances. Due to their detrimental effects on ecosystem and human health, taking precautionary measures to remove these compounds is an important task regarding the environmental issues. In this study, a silica (SiO2) nanotube has been selected as a novel sensor to adsorb the most common parabens which are methyl paraben and propyl paraben molecules. To this aim, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were used to evaluate the properties for investigated compounds. The calculated adsorption energies of the most stable configurations for methyl parban@SiO2 and propyl paraben@SiO2 complexes were found to be –0.238 and –0.242 eV, respectively. The electronic properties of nanotubes experienced dramatic changes in case of interactions with parabens, which led to declining the HOMO/LUMO energy gap of the nanotube to its original value. Such adsorption could also enhance the electrical conductivity of the nanotubes meaning that the utilized SiO2 nanotube could detect the existence of methyl and propyl parabens molecules in the environment. As a concluding remark, the investigated SiO2 nanotube could work as a possible sensor for hazardous paraben with the importance of environmental issues.
Hydroxyl-containing bis(sulfonates). Reaction of 1,4-dibromo-2,3-butanedione with water, methanol and sodium sulfite
Authors: Tsivgoulis Gerasimos M. , Vachliotis Dimitris G. , Kordopati Golfo G. , Ioannou Panayiotis V.
Published: August 2021

Sulfonates are well-known substances with a variety of applications, e.g. as surfactants. On the other hand, bis(sulfonates) bearing hydroxyl or keto group(s) in between the sulfonate groups can be used with or without further modification as starting materials for the preparation of new type of molecules capable to form either complexes or in general supramolecular structures. The synthesis of three hydroxyl-bearing bis(sulfonates), 2-hydroxypropane-1,3-bis(sodium sulfonate) 4, DL-2,3-dihydroxybutane-1,4-bis(sodium sulfonate) 8, and sodium 2,3,4-trihydroxy-1-sulfonate 7 (as by-product) via the Strecker sulfonation are described. Interestingly, under similar conditions, sulfonation of 1,4-dibromo-2,3-butanedione 9 was found to be very complicated and no pure product could be isolated, despite previously reported results on sulfonation of α-halogenated ketones in high yields. There are indications that SO32- attacks at the carbonyl carbon of 9 followed by rearrangement and expulsion of SO42-. 1,4-dibromo-2,3-butanedione 9, bearing two keto groups next to methylene groups, can potentially exist as enols or in the case of its solution in hydroxylic solvents in the form of hemiketals or geminal diols. This behavior of 9 when is dissolved in CDCl3, CD3OD and D2O was studied by means of UV-Vis, 1H and 13C NMR and the nature of the adducts formed was elucidated.
Explainable zero-shot learning via attentive graph convolutional network and knowledge graphs
Authors: Geng Yuxia , Chen Jiaoyan , Ye Zhiquan , Yuan Zonggang , Zhang Wei , Chen Huajun
Published: August 2021

Zero-shot learning (ZSL) which aims to deal with new classes that have never appeared in the training data (i.e., unseen classes) has attracted massive research interests recently. Transferring of deep features learned from training classes (i.e., seen classes) are often used, but most current methods are black-box models without any explanations, especially textual explanations that are more acceptable to not only machine learning specialists but also common people without artificial intelligence expertise. In this paper, we focus on explainable ZSL, and present a knowledge graph (KG) based framework that can explain the transferability of features in ZSL in a human understandable manner. The framework has two modules: an attentive ZSL learner and an explanation generator. The former utilizes an Attentive Graph Convolutional Network (AGCN) to match class knowledge from WordNet with deep features learned from CNNs (i.e., encode inter-class relationship to predict classifiers), in which the features of unseen classes are transferred from seen classes to predict the samples of unseen classes, with impressive (important) seen classes detected, while the latter generates human understandable explanations for the transferability of features with class knowledge that are enriched by external KGs, including a domain-specific Attribute Graph and DBpedia. We evaluate our method on two benchmarks of animal recognition. Augmented by class knowledge from KGs, our framework generates promising explanations for the transferability of features, and at the same time improves the recognition accuracy.
The cognitive level does not interfere with recovery after robot-assisted gait training in traumatic brain injury: A 10-year cohort study
Authors: Lissom Luc Oscar , Bonsangue Valentina , Macca Marina , Severini Giacomo , Lavezzi Susanna , Basaglia Nino , Straudi Sofia
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: There is still no clear evidence available on the role of robot-assisted gait training (RAGT) in severe traumatic brain injury (TBI) and on the relationship between this intervention and cognitive impairment. OBJECTIVE: This study investigates the impact of the cognitive level at admission on functional recovery in a cohort of patients with severe TBI who received RAGT training within a multidisciplinary rehabilitation setting. METHODS: We included patients with gait disturbance due to a severe TBI. Patients were grouped into three classes according to their level of cognitive functioning (LCF) at admission (LCF 2-3; LCF 4-5-6; LCF 7-8). We collected demographics (sex, age), clinical data, and a set of outcome measures at admission and discharge. RESULTS: We registered 80 patients, 19 females and 61 males, 35.3 ± 14.85 years. Patients with a low cognitive level at admission were mostly subacute (p= 0.001). Cognitive impairment despite longer length stay in the hospital (LOS) (p= 0.001) did not preclude recovery after RAGT in terms of cognition (R2= 0.68; p< 0.0001), functional independence (R2= 0.30; p< 0.0001) and overall disability (R2= 0.32; p< 0.0001). CONCLUSION: Irrespective of their level of cognition, patients with severe TBI might benefit from RAGT during a multidisciplinary program.
SMART STEP – SMARTphone-driven exercise and pedometer-based STEP intervention to promote physical activity among desk-based employees: Study protocol for a three-arm cluster randomized controlled trial
Authors: Chandrasekaran Baskaran , Rao Chythra R. , Davis Fiddy , Arumugam Ashokan
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Prolonged sitting in desk-based office workers is found to be associated with increased cardiometabolic risk and poor cognitive performance. Technology-based physical activity (PA) interventions using smartphone applications (SmPh app) to promote PA levels might be effective in reducing cardiometabolic risk among sedentary population but the evidence remains inconclusive. OBJECTIVE: The objective is to investigate the effects of a technology-based PA intervention compared to PA education with a worksite manual or no intervention on PA levels, cardiometabolic risk, cognitive performance, and work productivity among desk-based employees. METHOD: A three-arm clustered randomized trial will be conducted. The study will be conducted among various administrative offices of a multifaceted university in India. Desk-based employees aged between 30 and 50 years (n = 159; 53 in each arm) will be recruited. Employees from various constituent institutions (clusters) of the university will be randomized into one of the three following groups - SMART: SmPh app-driven break reminders (visual exercise prompts) plus pedometer-based step intervention, TRADE: worksite PA education with a manual plus American College of Sports Medicine guided PA prescription, or CONTROL: usual work group. At baseline and after the 1st, 3rd and 6th month of the trial period, accelerometer-measured sitting time and PA levels, cardiometabolic risk (fasting blood glucose, triglycerides, insulin, blood pressure, heart rate variability, functional capacity, and subcutaneous fat), cognitive performance (executive function), sickness absenteeism and work limitations will be assessed by a blinded assessor. Therapist delivering interventions will not be blinded. CONCLUSION: This trial will determine whether a combined SmPh-app and pedometer-based intervention is more effective than education or no intervention in altering PA levels, cardiometabolic risk and cognitive performance among desk-based employees in India. This study has the potential to foster institutional recommendations for using SmPh-based technology and pedometers to promote PA and reduce sedentary behavior at work.
Text neck: An adverse postural phenomenon
Authors: Fiebert Ira , Kistner Fran , Gissendanner Christine , DaSilva Christopher
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: The excessive use of hand-held mobile devices (HHMD) leads to a postural phenomenon known as text neck. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this paper is to discuss the anatomical, biomechanical and muscle activation changes within the cervical and thoracic regions associated with the sustained, forward, flexed neck posture, observed with excessive usage of hand-held mobile devices. Additionally, this paper examines the relationship of gender, as well as the effects of carrying backpack loads by youth, on this forward, flexed neck posture. METHODS: Multiple aspects of the text neck position that occur when an individual uses a HHMD are described. RESULTS: Prolonged use of hand-held mobile devices results in adverse anatomical and biomechanical changes in the cervical and thoracic spine, muscular imbalances, and postural compensations, all of which contribute to muscular overuse and fatigue resulting in pain. CONCLUSIONS: Physical therapists must educate their patients about proper posture while using hand-held mobile devices. Proper posture includes: holding the device close to eye level, using the device while standing or sitting and holding the device with a line of sight perpendicular to the surface of the device, using a larger screen, and texting with both hands. Also, because children are using hand held mobile devices at younger ages, parents and teachers must be educated about the dangers of prolonged use of hand-held devices.
A call for transformation: Exit, Voice, Loyalty and Neglect (EVLN) in response to workplace incivility
Authors: Dolev Niva , Itzkovich Yariv , Fisher-Shalem Orit
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Interrelations between incivility and its precursors or consequences, as well as the role of these interrelations in employees’ reactions to incivility are still poorly understood. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of the present study was to assess different reactions to workplace incivility while identifying specific and individual-based appraisals and emotions associated with these reactions. METHOD: A qualitative research approach using semi-structured in-depth interviews, with a sample of 42 employees in a beverage manufacturing corporation in Israel to capture employees’ voices regarding their incivility experiences. RESULTS: Analysis of the interviews indicated four reaction-categories: (1) Exit; (2) Voice; (3) Loyalty; and (4) Neglect, in line with the theoretical EVLN model for describing reactions to stressful conditions. In particular, the interviews revealed a dynamic reaction process and suggested that intentionality of reaction provides a third, new dimension. Additionally, an underlying emotional process rooted in appraisals and aroused emotions was evident in each of the reactions. CONCLUSIONS: Organizations that wish to reduce incivility events may wish to examine the emotions of targets of incivility, explore the underlying appraisals associated with these emotions, and be mindful of the dynamic and highly individual reaction processes involved.
Translation and validation of Assessment of Work Performance (AWP) into the Icelandic language and culture
Authors: Skúladóttir Edda Björk , Fenger Kristjana , Bejerholm Ulrika , Sandqvist Jan
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND: Evidence-based services in vocational rehabilitation call for valid and reliable assessments of work performance for intervention planning and safe return to work for individuals with illness or injuries. Assessments that are easy to use, culturally adapted, and in a language professionals and clients understand is important for their utility. Translation and adaption of assessments to new languages and cultures are of importance to maintain high standards of assessments and the quality of services in the vocational rehabilitation setting. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to translate and adapt the Assessment of Work Performance (AWP), into the Icelandic language and culture. Furthermore, to investigate the content validity and utility of the evaluation instrument. METHODS: The study was conducted in two phases. The first phase, based on the Dual-Panel translation method, included two expert panels performing translation and cultural adaption of the original Swedish AWP. In the second phase field testing of the translated instrument was followed by an online survey among vocational rehabilitation professionals for content validation and utility. RESULTS: The results of the study showed satisfactory opinions from experienced professionals toward the content validity, translation, cultural adaption, and utility of the Icelandic version of the AWP. CONCLUSIONS: The study indicates that the Dual-Panel translation method is a valid method when translating instruments from one language and culture to another. Furthermore, the results of the study imply that the AWP can be regarded as content valid up to an acceptable degree for implementation in vocational rehabilitation services in Iceland.