bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
تحديد أثر أخلاقيات العلاقات العامة في القرارات الإستراتيجية دراسة وصفية تحليلية لآراء عينة من القيادات الإدارية في وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي
Authors: عبد الجبار منى حيدر
Published: December 2018

يختلف دور العلاقات العامة (PR) وأهميتها من مجتمع إلى آخر، تبعاً لاختلاف ثقافات هذه المجتمعات عموماً, ولاختلاف القيم الأخلاقية المعمول بها من ممارسيها في منظمات هذه المجتمعات, فالعلاقات العامة في المجتمعات المتقدمة وبعض الدول النامية قد خطت خطوات جبارة ووصلت إلى مرحلة المساهمة في التخطيط الاستراتيجي وعملية اتخاذ القرار, في إطار التزام إداراتها بقيم ومعايير أخلاقية محددة لممارسيها, وبالمقابل نجد أن تطبيقها في العراق ما زال لم يتخطى مرحلة التنسيق مع وسائل الاتصال المختلفة بهدف الدعاية والإعلان وتحقيق العلانية للمنظمة. نتيجة محدودية إدراك المنظمات للدور الاستراتيجي والحيوي الذي يمكن أن تلعبه العلاقات العامة في الحفاظ على سمعة ومكانة المنظمة من جانب, أيضا عدم التزام أو جهل ممارسيها بالمبادئ الأخلاقية للمهنة, يضعف مصداقيتها ودورها الحيوي في صناعة القرارات الإستراتيجية الناجحة من جانب آخر, ويهدف هذا البحث إلى بحث دور أخلاقيات العلاقات العامة(PR) في صياغة القرارات الإستراتيجية الناجحة في عينة البحث التي شملت (64) شخصاً من شاغلي المناصب الإدارية داخل وزارة التعليم العالي والبحث العلمي, وتوصل البحث إلى مجموعة من الاستنتاجات أبرزها متوسط إدراك إدارة المنظمة المبحوثة لأهمية العلاقات العامة والتزامها  الأخلاقي في صياغة القرارات  الإستراتيجية الناجحة أيضا قبول مخطط الدراسة وفرضياته بدرجات تباينت في قوتها على مستوى متغيرات الدراسة ومقاييسها و تم الاستناد عليها لوضع عدد من التوصيات, بضمنها تحديد سُبل الوصول إلى صانعي القرارات العليا بالمنظمة, وتعزيز الدور الاستشاري الأخلاقي لممارسيها
تأثير الدور التكاملي لنظام ذكاء الأعمال وعمليات تحـويل المعـرفة في بناء المنظمـة المتعلمـة بحث ميداني في شركة كورك للاتصالات المتنقلة في مدينة بغداد
Authors: يونس فراس رحيم
Published: December 2018

الغرض: يهدف البحث إلى استكشاف تأثير نظام ذكاء الأعمال (Business Intelligence System) وعمليات تحويل المعرفة (Knowledge Conversion Processes) في بناء المنظمة المتعلمة                              (Learning Organization) في شركة كورك للاتصالات المتنقلة في مدينة بغداد.

التصميم / المنهجية / المدخل: لآجل تحقيق أهداف البحث فقد تم تطوير استبانة أعدت لهذا الغرض ومن ثم فقد اختبر البحث في قطاع الاتصالات، ممثلاً بإحدى شركات الاتصالات المتنقلة في مدينة بغداد، لذا فقد اختيرت شركة كورك تيليكوم كعينة للبحث، وكان الاختيار يستند إلى معيار أفضل الشركات العالمية لخدمة الاتصالات المتنقلة من حيث الريادة وجودة الخدمات في سوق الاتصالات، وانطلاقاً من مخطط البحث الافتراضي الذي يأخذ بالحسبان طبيعة وأبعاد العلاقات بين متغيرات نظام ذكاء الأعمال ممثلة بـ (مصادر البيانات والمعلومات، وتكنولوجيا تكامل البيانات، وتكنولوجيا خزن البيانات، وتكنولوجيا تحليل البيانات، وتكنولوجيا عرض البيانات) وإدارة المعرفة متمثلة بعمليات تحويل المعرفة التي تتضمن (التنشئة الاجتماعية، والتخريج، والترابط، والتذويت) في بناء المنظمة المتعلمة التي تتضمن (القيادة، والتعلم، والاستراتيجية، والتغيير) في شركات الاتصالات في مدينة بغداد، واسترشاداً بهذا المخطط فقد سعى البحث إلى اختبار أربع فرضيات رئيسة المتعلقة بعلاقات الارتباط وعلاقات التأثير بين متغيرات البحث وذلك للإجابة عن التساؤلات المتعلقة بمشكلة البحث والوصول إلى الأهداف الموضوعة، لذا فقد تم اختبارها باستعمال بعض الأساليب الاحصائية، وهي: (الوسط الحسابي، والانحراف المعياري، والنسب المئوية، واختبار كولمنغروف سميرونوف، واختبار استقلالية متغيرات البحث، ومعامل ارتباط بيرسون، وتحليل الانحدار المتعدد، وتحليل المسار). أما في الجانب الميداني فقد تمت الاستعانة بعينة تتكون من (37) فرداً للإجابة عن فقرات الاستبانة.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

النتائج: أظهرت النتائج ان التنشئة، والترابط، والتذويت لها تأثير كبير في بناء المنظمة المتعلمة، وقد كانت التنشئة العنصر الأكثر تأثيراً وذات التأثير الاعظم في المنظمة المتعلمة، وعلى الرغم من ذلك تم التوصل الى ان التخريج ليس له تأثير احصائي في المنظمة المتعلمة. بينما ظهر أن لتكنولوجيا تحليل البيانات التأثير الأعظم في بناء المنظمة المتعلمة، في حين وُجد لمتغير مصادر البيانات أن له تأثيراً معنوياً ضعيفاً من الناحية الاحصائية في بناء المنظمة المتعلمة.

كما تبين أن لعمليات تحويل المعرفة دوراً مهماً في زيادة تأثير نظام ذكاء الأعمال في بناء المنظمة المتعلمة، وهذا دليل على توافر نظام ذكاء الأعمال في شركة كورك تيلكوم المبحوثة ومع انه يؤثر في تعزيز التوجه نحو تحقيق المنظمة المتعلمة.

الآثار العملية: يوفر البحث الحالي تقديم الارشادات لقادة قطاع الاتصالات في معالجة التحدي المتمثل في معرفة مستوى تطبيق نظام ذكاء الأعمال ومستوى عمليات تحويل المعرفة، في بناء المنظمة المتعلمة في إطار التكامل بين نظام ذكاء الأعمال وعمليات تحويل المعرفة.

الأصالة/ القيمة: يعد البحث الحالي واحداُ من البحوث القليلة التي درست العلاقة بين نظام ذكاء الأعمال وعمليات تحويل المعرفة والمنظمة المتعلمة، في وقت تطرقت بحوث واسعة النطاق إلى عمليات إدارة المعرفة والمنظمة المتعلمة. أو ذكاء الأعمال وإدارة المعرفة.
الاطار متكامل لتقنيات تخفيض التكاليف و اعادة الهندسة العمليات لتطوير استراتيجيات الشركة/دراسة تطبيقية في بعض الشركات التابعة لوزارة النفط
Authors: خلف بتول عطية
Published: December 2018

بدات عملية إعادة هندسة العمليات كأسلوب في القطاع الخاص للمساعدة المنظمات في اعادة التفكير في كيفية تسيير العمل من أجل تحسين العمليات الانتاجية  وخفض التكلفة التشغيلية، للوصول الى المنافسة على مستوى عالمي. وقد كان ذلك رئيسيا لإعادة الهيكلة عن طريق مواصلة التطور الحاصل في استخدام التكنولوجيا لدعم العمليات الابتكارية.

دخلت التكنولوجيا في كافة مجالات الحياة  وأنظمتها المختلفة ، اذ أدى ذلك الاستخدام إلى إحداث تغيير في جميع الجوانب ويتحقق نجاح الشركات وتقدمها اليوم من خلال استخدام الموارد بشكل يؤمن رغبات الزبائن واحتياجاتهم، ومتطلبات السوق بالدرجة الأولى، والذي انعكس بشكل  أساس على بناء استراتيجياتها، وقد اوجب تسارع التغييرات في بيئات الأعمال وحدة المنافسة على الشركات إتباع استراتيجيات حديثة لتحقيق التميز والتطور هذه الشركات .

   تم اختيار أنموذج البحث وفرضياته باستخدام الأساليب الإحصائية المتعددة في معالجة البيانات التي تم جمعها باستخدام استمارة الاستبيان التي عدت الأداة الرئيسة موضحة  اوجه العلاقة بين متغيرين مهمين الاول تقنيات تخفيض التكاليف والثاني اعادة هندسة العمليات وذلك من خلال مجموعة اسئلة لعدد من العناصر الفرعية ، واستخدم لاغراض تحليل الاستمارة برنامج ال(SPSS) من خلال تحديد الوسط الحسابي والوسيط والانحراف المعياري ومعامل الارتباط والانحدار الخطي. وتوصل البحث الى مجموع من الاستنتاجات أهمها :

تؤثر التكنولوجيا معنوياً وبشكل كبير على متغيير البحث تقنيات تخفيض التكاليف واعادة هندسة العمليات.

ان الموارد البشرية المدعومه مادياً ومعنوياً والمؤهل والمدرب بشكل جيد قادرة على الابداع والتميز بالوجه الأكمل.

لتحقيق انخفاض التكاليف يجب تحديد الخطوات العملية التي يجب اتّباعها والوسائل والأساليب الفنية التي يمكن الاستعانة بها
استعمال التداول الالكتروني وتأثيره في تحسين اداء سوق العراق للاوراق المالية
Authors: صحن جبار عيسى
Published: December 2018

استهدف البحث تفحص المزايا التي تحققت لسوق العراق للاوراق المالية نتيجة للتحول من التداول اليدوي الى التداول الالكتروني.تم اختبار ثلاث فرضيات رئيسة الاولى متعلقة بتحسن عمق السوق والثانية بسيولته في حين الفرضية الرئيسة الثالثة تتعلق باختبار اثر تحسن عمق السوق وسيولته في اداء السوق (المتغير التابع).واعتمد اسلوب دراسة الحدث وعلى عدد من المشاهدات بلغت( 74 ) مشاهدة توزعت متناصفة بين فترتي البحث قبل وبعد استعمال التداول الالكتروني، علما ان نافذة الحدث كانت في (5\7\2009 ) وامتدت مدة البحث من( 2006 ) ولغاية( 2012 ) .نتائج اختبار الفرضيات اشارت الى ان التحول نحو التداول الالكتروني اسهم في تحقيق فروقات معنوية في كل من عمق السوق (زيادة عدد العقود المنفذة) وسيولته (زيادة حجم التداول) وللفترة بعد التداول الالكتروني، وان هذه الفروقات المعنوية في متغيرات البحث المستقلة انعكست على ادء السوق (ارتفاع مؤشر سوق العراق للاوراق المالية) أذ زادت القوة التفسيرية لمتغيرات البحث المستقلة من( 35.1% ) قبل فترة التداول الالكتروني الى( 40.7% ) وللفترة بعد التداول الالكتروني، اي ان تحسن عمق السوق وسيولته له تأثير ذو دلالة احصائية معنوية في اداء سوق العراق للاوراق المالية ويعزى الى استعمال نظام التداول الالكتروني.
How policies select immigrants: The role of the recognition of foreign qualifications
Authors: Andriescu Monica
Published: December 2018

Although immigrants’ settlement and integration into the labour market are subject to a number of regulations, previous research has primarily investigated the role of admission policies in selecting immigrants. There are other policies, however – such as the recognition of foreign qualifications – that fulfil a similar role, although these policies are largely overlooked in the literature. This study explores the way these policies select among wanted and unwanted highly skilled immigrants, subsequently facilitating or hindering their integration into jobs matched to their level and type of qualifications. This article draws on semi-structured interviews with highly skilled Romanian immigrants with various professional qualifications and focuses on their experiences with recognition processes in Germany over the last decade, highlighting the procedures’ effects on individuals’ upward or downward employment trajectories.
New figures for old stories: Migration and remittances in Nepal
Authors: Kollmair Michael , Manandhar Siddhi , Subedi Bhim , Thieme Susan
Published: December 2018

Labour migration and remittances are major economic mainstays for Nepal’s economy. However, there is still insufficient documentation on scale and significance of this process. Estimations of migration figures suggest that real numbers are several times higher than official statistics show. Therefore this article contributes to the emerging debate of the last years comparing latest national statistics with own empirical data. The paper concludes that the total numbers of migrants calculated by the authors closely corresponds with official statistics, while amount of remittances seems to be higher indeed, highlighting once more that labour migration and remittances are an important mainstay of Nepal’s economy.
An Academic Review of Anton LaVey’s Satanic Philosophy
Authors: Andrade Dr. Gabriel
Published: December 2018

Satan has been a changing character for the last 2500 years. For most of its history, the Devil was represented as God’s archenemy, the representation of absolute evil. By the 19th Century, this approach had begun to change with the Romantics, some of whom represented a more heroic character. In the mid-20th Century, in the mist of counter-cultural movements, the figure of Satan was once again apprehended by non-conformists. The most notorious of these was Anton LaVey, who founded the Church of Satan. This article reviews LaVey’s approach to the figure of Satan, some of the rituals and symbolisms associated with this movement, and the way LaVey used Satan as a way to represent his particular philosophical views. Key Words: Satanism, Anton Lavey, Church of Satan, Devil
Multi-Objective Bi-Level Programming for the Energy-Aware Integration of Flexible Job Shop Scheduling and Multi-Row Layout
Authors: Zhang Hongliang , Ge Haijiang , Pan Ruilin , Wu Yujuan
Published: December 2018

The flexible job shop scheduling problem (FJSSP) and multi-row workshop layout problem (MRWLP) are two major focuses in sustainable manufacturing processes. There is a close interaction between them since the FJSSP provides the material handling information to guide the optimization of the MRWLP, and the layout scheme affects the effect of the scheduling scheme by the transportation time of jobs. However, in traditional methods, they are regarded as separate tasks performed sequentially, which ignores the interaction. Therefore, developing effective methods to deal with the multi-objective energy-aware integration of the FJSSP and MRWLP (MEIFM) problem in a sustainable manufacturing system is becoming more and more important. Based on the interaction between FJSSP and MRWLP, the MEIFM problem can be formulated as a multi-objective bi-level programming (MOBLP) model. The upper-level model for FJSSP is employed to minimize the makespan and total energy consumption, while the lower-level model for MRWLP is used to minimize the material handling quantity. Because the MEIFM problem is denoted as a mixed integer non-liner programming model, it is difficult to solve it using traditional methods. Thus, this paper proposes an improved multi-objective hierarchical genetic algorithm (IMHGA) to solve this model. Finally, the effectiveness of the method is verified through comparative experiments.
A Connection Between the Kalman Filter and an Optimized LMS Algorithm for Bilinear Forms
Authors: Dogariu Laura-Maria , Ciochină Silviu , Paleologu Constantin , Benesty Jacob
Published: December 2018

The system identification problem becomes more challenging when the parameter space increases. Recently, several works have focused on the identification of bilinear forms, which are related to the impulse responses of a spatiotemporal model, in the context of a multiple-input/single-output system. In this framework, the problem was addressed in terms of the Wiener filter and different basic adaptive algorithms. This paper studies two types of algorithms tailored for the identification of such bilinear forms, i.e., the Kalman filter (along with its simplified version) and an optimized least-mean-square (LMS) algorithm. Also, a comparison between them is performed, which shows interesting similarities. In addition to the mathematical derivation of the algorithms, we also provide extensive experimental results, which support the theoretical findings and indicate the good performance of the proposed solutions.
The Price Equation Program: Simple Invariances Unify Population Dynamics, Thermodynamics, Probability, Information and Inference
Authors: Frank Steven A.
Published: December 2018

The fundamental equations of various disciplines often seem to share the same basic structure. Natural selection increases information in the same way that Bayesian updating increases information. Thermodynamics and the forms of common probability distributions express maximum increase in entropy, which appears mathematically as loss of information. Physical mechanics follows paths of change that maximize Fisher information. The information expressions typically have analogous interpretations as the Newtonian balance between force and acceleration, representing a partition between the direct causes of change and the opposing changes in the frame of reference. This web of vague analogies hints at a deeper common mathematical structure. I suggest that the Price equation expresses that underlying universal structure. The abstract Price equation describes dynamics as the change between two sets. One component of dynamics expresses the change in the frequency of things, holding constant the values associated with things. The other component of dynamics expresses the change in the values of things, holding constant the frequency of things. The separation of frequency from value generalizes Shannon’s separation of the frequency of symbols from the meaning of symbols in information theory. The Price equation’s generalized separation of frequency and value reveals a few simple invariances that define universal geometric aspects of change. For example, the conservation of total frequency, although a trivial invariance by itself, creates a powerful constraint on the geometry of change. That constraint plus a few others seem to explain the common structural forms of the equations in different disciplines. From that abstract perspective, interpretations such as selection, information, entropy, force, acceleration, and physical work arise from the same underlying geometry expressed by the Price equation.
An Entropy-Based Knowledge Measure for Atanassov’s Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets and Its Application to Multiple Attribute Decision Making
Authors: Wang Gang , Zhang Jie , Song Yafei , Li Qiang
Published: December 2018

As the complementary concept of intuitionistic fuzzy entropy, the knowledge measure of Atanassov’s intuitionistic fuzzy sets (AIFSs) has attracted more attention and is still an open topic. The amount of knowledge is important to evaluate intuitionistic fuzzy information. An entropy-based knowledge measure for AIFSs is defined in this paper to quantify the knowledge amount conveyed by AIFSs. An intuitive analysis on the properties of the knowledge amount in AIFSs is put forward to facilitate the introduction of axiomatic definition of the knowledge measure. Then we propose a new knowledge measure based on the entropy-based divergence measure with respect for the difference between the membership degree, the non-membership degree, and the hesitancy degree. The properties of the new knowledge measure are investigated in a mathematical viewpoint. Several examples are applied to illustrate the performance of the new knowledge measure. Comparison with several existing entropy and knowledge measures indicates that the proposed knowledge has a greater ability in discriminating different AIFSs and it is robust in quantifying the knowledge amount of different AIFSs. Lastly, the new knowledge measure is applied to the problem of multiple attribute decision making (MADM) in an intuitionistic fuzzy environment. Two models are presented to determine attribute weights in the cases that information on attribute weights is partially known and completely unknown. After obtaining attribute weights, we develop a new method to solve intuitionistic fuzzy MADM problems. An example is employed to show the effectiveness of the new MADM method.
Life-Cycle Cost Minimization of Gas Turbine Power Cycles for Distributed Power Generation Using Sequential Quadratic Programming Method
Authors: Aji Satriya Sulistiyo , Kim Young Sang , Ahn Kook Young , Lee Young Duk
Published: December 2018

The life-cycle cost reduction of medium-class gas turbine power plants was investigated using the mathematical optimization technique. Three different types of gas turbine power cycles—a simple cycle, a regenerative cycle, and a combined cycle—were examined, and their optimal design conditions were determined using the sequential quadratic programming (SQP) technique. As a modeling reference, the Siemens SGT-700 gas turbine was chosen and its technical data were used for system simulation and validation. Through optimization using the SQP method, the overall costs of the simple cycle, regenerative cycle, and combined cycle were reduced by 7.4%, 12.0%, and 3.9%, respectively, compared to the cost of the base cases. To examine the effect of economic parameters on the optimal design condition and cost, different values of fuel costs, interest rates, and discount rates were applied to the cost calculation, and the optimization results were analyzed and compared. The values were chosen to reflect different countries’ economic situations: South Korea, China, India, and Indonesia. For South Korea and China, the optimal design condition is proposed near the upper bound of the variation range, implying that the efficiency improvement plays an important role in cost reduction. For India and Indonesia, the optimal condition is proposed in the middle of the variation ranges. Even for India and Indonesia, the fuel cost has the largest contribution to the total cost, accounting for more than 60%.
Adaptive Backstepping Control with Online Parameter Estimator for a Plug-and-Play Parallel Converter System in a Power Switcher
Authors: Guo Chujia , Zhang Aimin , Zhang Hang , Zhang Lei
Published: December 2018

This study aims to address the inherent uncertainty in plug loads and load extraction, distributed generation, and the inevitable circulating current in a parallel structure. Therefore, in this paper, an adaptive backstepping control scheme with an online parameter estimator (OPE) for a plug-and-play parallel converter system in a four-port power switcher is proposed. The adaptive backstepping control method was designed in the dq0 coordinate system to suppress the circulating current in the zero-component; the circulating current can be suppressed by using an embedded algorithm and omitting the extra controller. An adaptive update law was designed to weaken the influence of the arbitrary plug and extraction operations in the DC and AC buses to realize the plug-and-play function. The transient tracking performance is governed by the limitation of maximum total errors in the voltage and current. As a result, the settling times of the voltage, current, and power decreased. Additionally, to further improve the system robustness, an online inductance and resistance estimator was established using an optimal algorithm that solves the weighted least squares problem. In the estimator, there are no additional voltage and current sensors needed, and the mean squared error (MSE) of the estimation can be minimized. Simulation studies on a two-converter parallel system with a plug-and-play function were conducted using MATLAB/SIMULINK (R2018b, MathWorks, Natick, MA, USA) to verify the effectiveness of the proposed adaptive backstepping control strategy. The results show that this strategy improves system performance over that of a system with unbalanced parameters among a parallel structure with AC and DC system disturbances caused by arbitrary plug and extraction operations.
Epigallocatechin-3 Gallate Inhibits STAT-1/JAK2/IRF-1/HLA-DR/HLA-B and Reduces CD8 MKG2D Lymphocytes of Alopecia Areata Patients
Authors: Hamed Fatma , McDonagh Andrew , Almaghrabi Sarah , Bakri Youssef , Messenger Andrew , Tazi-Ahnini Rachid
Published: December 2018

Background: Alopecia areata (AA) is associated with Interferon- γ (IFN-γ) mediated T-lymphocyte dysfunction and increased circulating Interleukine-17 (IL-17) levels. Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) specifically inhibits IFN-γ pathways and unlike Janus Kinase 1 and 2 (JAK1/JAK2) inhibitors (tofacitinib, ruxolitinib), EGCG is safer, more cost-effective, and is a topically active agent. Our objective is to test the mode of action of EGCG in vitro and ex vivo using HaCat, Jurkat cell lines, and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of AA patients and healthy controls (HCs), respectively. Methods: distribution of T helper cells (Th1, Th17), and cytotoxic cells (CD8) in PBMCs isolated from 30 AA patients and 30 HCs was investigated by flowcytomterty. In vitro treatment of HaCat and Jurkat cells with 40 μm EGCG for 48 h was performed to measure the level of phosphorylation of signal transducer and activator of transcription protein STAT1, and replicated in ex vivo model using PBMCs of AA patients. Results: Interestingly, 40 μm EGCG is capable of completely inhibiting phosphorylation of STAT1 after 48 h in HaCat and Jurkat cells and ex vivo in PBMCs of AA patients. Based on QPCR data, the action of EGCG on p-STAT1 seems to be mediated via downregulation of the expression of JAK2 but not JAK1 leading to the inhibition of human leukocyte antigens (HLA-DR and HLA-B) expression probably via IRF-1. On the other hand, AA patients have significantly increased levels of Th1, Th17, and CD8 cells and the production of IFN-γ and IL-17 by PBMCs in AA patients was significantly higher compared to HC; p = 0.008 and p = 0.006, respectively. Total numbers of CD8+ cells were not significantly different between treated and untreated samples. However, CD8+ cells with positive Natural killer group 2 member D (NKG2D) transmembrane receptor (CD8+ NKG2D+ subset) was significantly reduced when PBMCs were treated with 20 μm EGCG for 48 h. Conclusion: These results suggest that EGCG has a synergistic action that inhibits expression of HLA-DR and HLA-B molecules via the IFN-γ pathway to maintain immune privilege in HF; also it reduces CD8+ NKG2D+ subset.
Particulate Matter Exposure of Passengers at Bus Stations: A Review
Authors: Ngoc Le Thi Nhu , Kim Minjeong , Bui Vu Khac Hoang , Park Duckshin , Lee Young-Chul
Published: December 2018

This review clarifies particulate matter (PM) pollution, including its levels, the factors affecting its distribution, and its health effects on passengers waiting at bus stations. The usual factors affecting the characteristics and composition of PM include industrial emissions and meteorological factors (temperature, humidity, wind speed, rain volume) as well as bus-station-related factors such as fuel combustion in vehicles, wear of vehicle components, cigarette smoking, and vehicle flow. Several studies have proven that bus stops can accumulate high PM levels, thereby elevating passengers’ exposure to PM while waiting at bus stations, and leading to dire health outcomes such as cardiovascular disease (CVD), respiratory effects, and diabetes. In order to accurately predict PM pollution, an artificial neural network (ANN) and adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference systems (ANFIS) have been developed. ANN is a data modeling method of proven effectiveness in solving complex problems in the fields of alignment, prediction, and classification, while the ANFIS model has several advantages including non-requirement of a mathematical model, simulation of human thinking, and simple interpretation of results compared with other predictive methods.
IQOSTM vs. e-Cigarette vs. Tobacco Cigarette: A Direct Comparison of Short-Term Effects after Overnight-Abstinence
Authors: Adriaens Karolien , Van Gucht Dinska , Baeyens Frank
Published: December 2018

Introduction: Research from Philip Morris International’s science division on its Heat-not-Burn product IQOSTM focused on its chemical, toxicological, clinical, and behavioral aspects. Independent research on the experiences and behavioral aspects of using IQOSTM, and how it compares to e-cigarettes, is largely lacking. The current randomized, cross-over behavioral trial tried to bridge the latter gaps. Methods: Participants (n = 30) came to the lab on three consecutive days after being overnight smoking abstinent. During each session, participants used one of three products (cigarette, e-cigarette, or IQOSTM) for five minutes. Exhaled CO (eCO) measurements and questionnaires were repeatedly administered throughout the session. Results: Smoking a cigarette for five minutes resulted in a significant increase of eCO, whereas using an IQOSTM resulted in a small but reliable increase (0.3 ppm). Vaping did not affect eCO. Cigarette craving reduced significantly after product use, with the decline being stronger for smoking than for e-cigarettes or IQOSTM. Withdrawal symptoms declined immediately after smoking or using IQOSTM, and with some delay after vaping. IQOSTM scored higher in terms of subjective reward/satisfaction and was slightly preferred to the e-cigarette. Discussion: Short-term use of IQOSTM has a minimal impact on eCO, is equally effective in reducing cigarette craving and withdrawal symptoms as an e-cigarette, and is slightly preferred.
Sexual Dimorphism of NADPH Oxidase/H2O2 System in Rat Thyroid Cells; Effect of Exogenous 17β-Estradiol
Authors: Stepniak Jan , Lewinski Andrzej , Karbownik-Lewinska Malgorzata
Published: December 2018

It has long been observed that females are more susceptible to thyroid diseases than males. Epidemiological and experimental data show that actions of hormonal factors—especially estrogens—may explain such disparity. However, the exact cause and mechanisms of this sexual dimorphism remain so far unknown. Therefore, we aimed at evaluating the effect of 17β-estradiol on the redox balance in thyroids of male and female rats. Expression of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases, i.e., dual oxidase 1 (DUOX1), dual oxidase 2 (DUOX2) and NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) levels were evaluated in the primary cell cultures derived from thyroid glands of adult male or female Wistar rats. The measurement was made before and after treatment with 17β-estradiol alone or with addition of one of its receptor antagonists. We found that under basal conditions female thyroid cells are exposed to higher concentrations of H2O2, most likely due to NOX/DUOX enzymes activity. Additionally, exogenous 17β-estradiol stimulated NOX/DUOX expression as well as H2O2 production, and this effect was mainly mediated through ERα. In conclusion, oxidative processes may constitute mechanisms responsible for sexual dimorphism of thyroid diseases. Exogenous 17β-estradiol may play a crucial pathogenic role in thyroid diseases via oxidative mechanisms, however without any gender differences.
Differential Regulation of Thermodynamic Binding Forces of Levocetirizine and (S)-Cetirizine by Lys191 in Human Histamine H1 Receptors
Authors: Hishinuma Shigeru , Tamura Yuri , Kobayashi Chihiro , Akatsu Chizuru , Shoji Masaru
Published: December 2018

Cetirizine is a zwitterionic second-generation antihistamine containing R- and S-enantiomers, levocetirizine, and (S)-cetirizine. Levocetirizine is known to have a higher affinity for the histamine H1 receptors than (S)-cetirizine; ligand-receptor docking simulations have suggested the importance of the formation of a salt bridge (electrostatic interaction) between the carboxylic group of levocetirizine and the Lys191 residue at the fifth transmembrane domain of human histamine H1 receptors. In this study, we evaluated the roles of Lys191 in the regulation of the thermodynamic binding forces of levocetirizine in comparison with (S)-cetirizine. The binding enthalpy and entropy of these compounds were estimated from the van ‘t Hoff equation, by using the dissociation constants obtained from their displacement curves against the binding of [3H]mepyramine to the membrane preparations of Chinese hamster ovary cells expressing wild-type human H1 receptors and their Lys191 mutants to alanine at various temperatures. We found that the higher binding affinity of wild-type H1 receptors for levocetirizine than (S)-cetirizine was achieved by stronger forces of entropy-dependent hydrophobic binding of levocetirizine. The mutation of Lys191 to alanine reduced the affinities for levocetirizine and (S)-cetirizine, through a reduction in the entropy-dependent hydrophobic binding forces of levocetirizine and the enthalpy-dependent electrostatic binding forces of (S)-cetirizine. These results suggested that Lys191 differentially regulates the binding enthalpy and entropy of these enantiomers, and that Lys191 negatively regulates the enthalpy-dependent electrostatic binding forces of levocetirizine, contrary to the predictions derived from the ligand-receptor docking simulations.
Notched Belly Grain 4, a Novel Allele of Dwarf 11, Regulates Grain Shape and Seed Germination in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)
Authors: Tong Xiaohong , Wang Yifeng , Sun Aiqun , Bello Babatunde Kazeem , Ni Shen , Zhang Jian
Published: December 2018

Notched belly grain (NBG) is a type of deformed grain shape that has been associated with inferior appearance and tastes in rice. NBG is coordinated by both environments and genetics. In this study, we report on the first map-based cloning of an NBG gene on chromosome 4, denoted NBG4, which is a novel allele of Dwarf 11 encoding a cytochrome P450 (CYP724B1) involved in brassinosteroid (BR) biosynthesis. A 10-bp deletion in the 7th exon knocked down the level of the NBG4 transcript and shifted the reading frame of the resulting protein. In addition to the dwarf and clustered panicle as previously reported in the allelic mutants, nbg4 grains also displayed retarded germination and NBG due to the physical constraint of deformed hulls caused by abnormal hull elongation. NBG4 is constitutively expressed with the highest level of expression in immature inflorescences. In all, 2294 genes were differentially expressed in nbg4 and wild-type (WT), and evidence is presented that NBG4 regulates OsPPS-2, OsPRA2, OsYUCCA1, sped1-D, and Dwarf that play critical roles in determining plant architecture, panicle development, and seed germination. This study demonstrated that NBG4 is a key node in the brassinosteroid-mediated regulation of rice grain shape.
Methodology of Drought Stress Research: Experimental Setup and Physiological Characterization
Authors: Osmolovskaya Natalia , Shumilina Julia , Kim Ahyoung , Didio Anna , Grishina Tatiana , Bilova Tatiana , Keltsieva Olga A. , Zhukov Vladimir , Tikhonovich Igor , Tarakhovskaya Elena , Frolov Andrej , Wessjohann Ludger A.
Published: December 2018

Drought is one of the major stress factors affecting the growth and development of plants. In this context, drought-related losses of crop plant productivity impede sustainable agriculture all over the world. In general, plants respond to water deficits by multiple physiological and metabolic adaptations at the molecular, cellular, and organism levels. To understand the underlying mechanisms of drought tolerance, adequate stress models and arrays of reliable stress markers are required. Therefore, in this review we comprehensively address currently available models of drought stress, based on culturing plants in soil, hydroponically, or in agar culture, and critically discuss advantages and limitations of each design. We also address the methodology of drought stress characterization and discuss it in the context of real experimental approaches. Further, we highlight the trends of methodological developments in drought stress research, i.e., complementing conventional tests with quantification of phytohormones and reactive oxygen species (ROS), measuring antioxidant enzyme activities, and comprehensively profiling transcriptome, proteome, and metabolome.
Alisol B 23-Acetate Inhibits IgE/Ag-Mediated Mast Cell Activation and Allergic Reaction
Authors: Shao Chen , Fu Bingjie , Ji Ning , Pan Shunli , Zhao Xiaoxia , Zhang Zhe , Qiu Yuling , Wang Ran , Jin Meihua , Wen Ke , Kong Dexin
Published: December 2018

Alisol B 23-acetate (AB23A), a natural triterpenoid, has been reported to exert hepatoprotective and antitumor activities. Aiming to investigate the anti-inflammatory activity, this study examined the effect of AB23A on mast cells and allergic reaction. AB23A inhibited the degranulation of mast cells stimulated by immunoglobulin E/antigen (IgE/Ag), and also decreased the synthesis of leukotriene C4 (LTC4), production of interlukin-6 (IL-6), and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in a concentration-dependent manner with no significant cytotoxicity in bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMCs). AB23A inhibited spleen tyrosine kinase (Syk) and the downstream signaling molecules including phospholipase Cγ (PLCγ), serine-threonine protein kinase/inhibitor of nuclear factor kappa-B kinase/nuclear factor kappa-B (Akt/IKK/NF-κB), and mitogen-activated protein kinases/cytosolic phospholipase A2 (MAPK/cPLA2). Furthermore, AB23A blocked mobilization of Ca2+. Similar results were obtained in other mast cell lines Rat basophilic leukemia (RBL)-2H3 cells and a human mast cell line (HMC-1). In addition, AB23A attenuated allergic responses in an acute allergy animal model, passive cutaneous anaphylaxis (PCA). Taken together, this study suggests that AB23A inhibits the activation of mast cells and ameliorates allergic reaction, and may become a lead compound for the treatment of mast cell-mediated allergic diseases.
Wound-Healing Markers Revealed by Proximity Extension Assay in Tears of Patients following Glaucoma Surgery
Authors: Csősz Éva , Tóth Noémi , Deák Eszter , Csutak Adrienne , Tőzsér József
Published: December 2018

Tears are a constantly available and highly valuable body fluid collectable by non-invasive techniques. Although it can give information on ocular status and be used for follow-ups, tear analysis is challenging due to the low amount of sample that is available. Proximity extension assay (PEA) allows for a sensitive and scalable analysis of multiple proteins in a single run from a one-µL sample, so we applied this technique and examined the amount of 184 proteins in tears collected at different time points after trabeculectomy. The success rate of this surgical intervention highly depends on proper wound healing; therefore, information on the process is indispensable. We observed significantly higher levels of IL-6 and MMP1 at the early time points (day one, two, and four) following trabeculectomy, and the protein amounts went back to the level observed before the surgery three months after the intervention. Patients with or without complications were tested, and proteins that have roles in the immune response and wound healing could be observed with altered frequency and amounts in the cases of patients with complications. Our results highlight the importance of inflammation in wound-healing complications, and at the same time, indicate the utility of PEA in tear analysis.
Using Mouse and Drosophila Models to Investigate the Mechanistic Links between Diet, Obesity, Type II Diabetes, and Cancer
Authors: Warr Coral G. , Shaw Katherine H. , Azim Arani , Piper Matthew D. W. , Parsons Linda M.
Published: December 2018

Many of the links between diet and cancer are controversial and over simplified. To date, human epidemiological studies consistently reveal that patients who suffer diet-related obesity and/or type II diabetes have an increased risk of cancer, suffer more aggressive cancers, and respond poorly to current therapies. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms that increase cancer risk and decrease the response to cancer therapies in these patients remain largely unknown. Here, we review studies in mouse cancer models in which either dietary or genetic manipulation has been used to model obesity and/or type II diabetes. These studies demonstrate an emerging role for the conserved insulin and insulin-like growth factor signaling pathways as links between diet and cancer progression. However, these models are time consuming to develop and expensive to maintain. As the world faces an epidemic of obesity and type II diabetes we argue that the development of novel animal models is urgently required. We make the case for Drosophila as providing an unparalleled opportunity to combine dietary manipulation with models of human metabolic disease and cancer. Thus, combining diet and cancer models in Drosophila can rapidly and significantly advance our understanding of the conserved molecular mechanisms that link diet and diet-related metabolic disorders to poor cancer patient prognosis.
Association of HbA1C Variability and Renal Progression in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes with Chronic Kidney Disease Stages 3–4
Authors: Lee Mei-Yueh , Huang Jiun-Chi , Chen Szu-Chia , Chiou Hsin-Ying Clair , Wu Pei-Yu
Published: December 2018

Little is known about the predictive value of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) variability in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The aim of this study was to investigate whether HbA1C variability is associated with progression to end-stage renal disease in diabetic patients with stages 3–5 CKD, and whether different stages of CKD affect these associations. Three hundred and eighty-eight patients with diabetes and stages 3–5 CKD were enrolled in this longitudinal study. Intra-individual HbA1C variability was defined as the standard deviation (SD) of HbA1C, and the renal endpoint was defined as commencing dialysis. The results indicated that, during a median follow-up period of 3.5 years, 108 patients started dialysis. Adjusted Cox analysis showed an association between the highest tertile of HbA1C SD (tertile 3 vs. tertile 1) and a lower risk of the renal endpoint (hazard ratio = 0.175; 95% confidence interval = 0.059–0.518; p = 0.002) in the patients with an HbA1C level ≥ 7% and stages 3–4 CKD, but not in stage 5 CKD. Further subgroup analysis showed that the highest two tertiles of HbA1C SD were associated with a lower risk of the renal endpoint in the group with a decreasing trend of HbA1C. Our results demonstrated that greater HbA1C variability and a decreasing trend of HbA1C, which may be related to intensive diabetes control, was associated with a lower risk of progression to dialysis in the patients with stages 3–4 CKD and poor glycemic control (HbA1c ≥ 7%).
Molecular Dynamics Simulation of Structural Signals of Shear-Band Formation in Zr46Cu46Al8 Metallic Glasses
Authors: Feng Shi-Dong , Chan Keith K. C. , Zhao Lei , Wang Li-Min , Liu Ri-Ping
Published: December 2018

The evolution from initiation to formation of a shear band in Zr46Cu46Al8 metallic glasses is presented via molecular dynamics simulation. The increase in number and the decrease in average size of clusters with the quasi-nearest atoms being 0 correspond to the shear-band evolution from initiation to formation. When the shear band is completely formed, the distribution of the bond orientational order q6 reaches a minimum. The maximum of the number of the polyhedral loss of Cu-centered <0, 0, 12, 0> and the minimum of the number of the polyhedral loss of Zr-centered <0, 2, 8, 5> correspond to the shear-band formation. These findings provide a strong foundation for characterizing the evolution from initiation to formation of shear bands.
Mechanical Behavior of Natural Fiber-Based Bi-Directional Corrugated Lattice Sandwich Structure
Authors: Li Shuguang , Feng Yanxia , Wang Mengyuan , Hu Yingcheng
Published: December 2018

In this study, 11 kinds of composite material were prepared, and the compression behavior of a bi-directional corrugated lattice sandwich structure prepared using jute fiber and epoxy resin was explored. The factors affecting the mechanical behavior of single and double-layer structures were studied separately. The results shows that the fiber angle, length-to-diameter ratio of the struts, and the type of fiber cloth have the most significant influence on the mechanical behavior of the single-layer lattice structure when preparing the core layer. When the fiber angle of the core layer jute/epoxy prepreg is (90/90) the compressive strength and Young’s modulus are 83.3% and 60.0% higher than the fiber angle of (45/45). The configuration of the core and the presence of the intermediate support plate of the double-layer structure have a large influence on the compression performance of the two-layer structure. After the configuration was optimized, the compressive strength and Young’s modulus were increased by 40.0% and 28.9%, respectively. The presence of the intermediate support plate increases the compressive strength, and Young’s modulus of the double-layer structure by 75.0% and 26.6%, respectively. The experimental failure is dominated by the buckling, fracture, and delamination of the core struts.
Investigation of the Compressibility and Compactibility of Titanate Nanotube-API Composites
Authors: Sipos Barbara , Pintye-Hódi Klára , Regdon Géza , Kónya Zoltán , Viana Maryléne , Sovány Tamás
Published: December 2018

The present work aims to reveal the pharma-industrial benefits of the use of hydrothermally synthesised titanate nanotube (TNT) carriers in the manufacturing of nano-sized active pharmaceutical ingredients (APIs). Based on this purpose, the compressibility and compactibility of various APIs (diltiazem hydrochloride, diclofenac sodium, atenolol and hydrochlorothiazide) and their 1:1 composites formed with TNTs were investigated in a comparative study, using a Lloyd 6000R uniaxial press instrumented with a force gauge and a linear variable differential transformer extensometer. The tablet compression was performed without the use of any excipients, thus providing the precise energetic characterisation of the materials’ behaviour under pressure. In addition to the powder functionality test, the post-compressional properties of the tablets were also determined and evaluated. The results of the energetic analysis demonstrated that the use of TNTs as drug carriers is beneficial in every step of the tabletting process: besides providing better flowability and more favourable particle rearrangement, it highly decreases the elastic recovery of the APIs and results in ideal plastic deformation. Moreover, the post-compressional properties of the TNT–API composites were found to be exceptional (e.g., great tablet hardness and tensile strength), affirming the above results and proving the potential in the use of TNT carriers for drug manufacturing.
Antiviral and Antioxidant Properties of Echinochrome A
Authors: Fedoreyev Sergey A. , Krylova Natalia V. , Mishchenko Natalia P. , Vasileva Elena A. , Pislyagin Evgeny A. , Iunikhina Olga V. , Lavrov Vyacheslav F. , Svitich Oksana A. , Ebralidze Linna K. , Leonova Galina N.
Published: December 2018

The aim of this study was to examine the in vitro antioxidant and antiviral activities of echinochrome A and echinochrome-based antioxidant composition against tick-borne encephalitis virus (TBEV) and herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). The antioxidant composition, which is a mixture of echinochrome A, ascorbic acid, and α-tocopherol (5:5:1), showed higher antioxidant and antiviral effects than echinochrome A. We suppose that echinochrome A and its composition can both directly affect virus particles and indirectly enhance antioxidant defense mechanisms in the hosting cell. The obtained results allow considering the echinochrome A and the composition of antioxidants on its basis as the promising agents with the both antioxidant and antiviral activities.
Coordinated Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) and Ground-Based Weather Measurements to Predict Lagrangian Coherent Structures (LCSs)
Authors: Nolan Peter J. , Pinto James , González-Rocha Javier , Jensen Anders , Vezzi Christina N. , Bailey Sean C. C. , De Boer Gijs , Diehl Constantin , Laurence Roger , Powers Craig W. , Foroutan Hosein , Ross Shane D. , Schmale David G.
Published: December 2018

Concentrations of airborne chemical and biological agents from a hazardous release are not spread uniformly. Instead, there are regions of higher concentration, in part due to local atmospheric flow conditions which can attract agents. We equipped a ground station and two rotary-wing unmanned aircraft systems (UASs) with ultrasonic anemometers. Flights reported here were conducted 10 to 15 m above ground level (AGL) at the Leach Airfield in the San Luis Valley, Colorado as part of the Lower Atmospheric Process Studies at Elevation—a Remotely-Piloted Aircraft Team Experiment (LAPSE-RATE) campaign in 2018. The ultrasonic anemometers were used to collect simultaneous measurements of wind speed, wind direction, and temperature in a fixed triangle pattern; each sensor was located at one apex of a triangle with ∼100 to 200 m on each side, depending on the experiment. A WRF-LES model was used to determine the wind field across the sampling domain. Data from the ground-based sensors and the two UASs were used to detect attracting regions (also known as Lagrangian Coherent Structures, or LCSs), which have the potential to transport high concentrations of agents. This unique framework for detection of high concentration regions is based on estimates of the horizontal wind gradient tensor. To our knowledge, our work represents the first direct measurement of an LCS indicator in the atmosphere using a team of sensors. Our ultimate goal is to use environmental data from swarms of sensors to drive transport models of hazardous agents that can lead to real-time proper decisions regarding rapid emergency responses. The integration of real-time data from unmanned assets, advanced mathematical techniques for transport analysis, and predictive models can help assist in emergency response decisions in the future.
Indoor Bluetooth Low Energy Dataset for Localization, Tracking, Occupancy, and Social Interaction
Authors: Baronti Paolo , Barsocchi Paolo , Chessa Stefano , Mavilia Fabio , Palumbo Filippo
Published: December 2018

Indoor localization has become a mature research area, but further scientific developments are limited due to the lack of open datasets and corresponding frameworks suitable to compare and evaluate specialized localization solutions. Although several competitions provide datasets and environments for comparing different solutions, they hardly consider novel technologies such as Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), which is gaining more and more importance in indoor localization due to its wide availability in personal and environmental devices and to its low costs and flexibility. This paper contributes to cover this gap by: (i) presenting a new indoor BLE dataset; (ii) reviewing several, meaningful use cases in different application scenarios; and (iii) discussing alternative uses of the dataset in the evaluation of different positioning and navigation applications, namely localization, tracking, occupancy and social interaction.