bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MENOPOZ DÖNEMİNDE OLAN KADINLARIN EVLİLİK UYUMLARI VE ETKİLEYEN FAKTÖRLER
Authors: ERTEKİN PINAR Şükran , POLAT Şenay
Published: June 2020

Araştırma menopoz döneminde olan kadınların evlilik uyumları ve bu durumu etkileyen faktörlerin incelenmesi amacı ile yapılmıştır. Tanımlayıcı türdeki araştırmanın örneklemini Doğu Anadolu Bölgesindeki bir aile sağlığı merkezine başvuran, en az bir yıldır menopoza girmiş ve evli olan kadınlar oluşturmuştur (n=204). Veriler Kişisel Bilgi Formu ve Evlilikte Uyum Ölçeği ile toplanmıştır. Evlilikte Uyum Ölçeği’nden alınan puanlar uyumsuzluktan uyumluluğa doğru artmakta ve ölçeğin kesme noktası 43.5’dir. Veriler sayı ve yüzdelik dağılım, bağımsız örneklem t testi, tek yönlü varyans analizi ile değerlendirilmiştir. p<0.05 anlamlı olarak kabul edilmiştir. Kadınların yaş ortalaması 56.23±7.79’dur. Evlilikte Uyum Ölçeği toplam puan ortalaması 36.16±7.38, anlaşma-anlaşamama alt boyut puan ortalaması 28.56±6.11, ilişki tarzı puan ortalaması ise 7.59±2.56’dır. Kadınların %84.3’ünün Evlilikte Uyum Ölçeğinden aldığı puanlar ölçeğin kesme puanının altındadır. Kadınların %38.7’sinin nadiren mutsuz, sadece %28.6’sının mutlu olduğu saptanmıştır. Yaşı 51-60 arasında olan, gelir durumunu kötü olarak algılayan, eş ile iletişimini orta düzeyde değerlendiren, 31 ve daha fazla yıldır evli olan kadınların Evlilikte Uyum Ölçeği toplam, anlaşma-anlaşamama ve ilişki tarzı puanları istatistiksel olarak anlamlı düzeyde daha düşüktür (p<0.05). Kadınların genel olarak evlilik uyumları düşük olarak tespit edilmiş, yarısına yakın bir kısmı mutsuz olduğunu belirtmiştir. Yaş, gelir durumu, eş ile iletişim ve evlilik süresi menopozda evlilikte uyumu etkilemektedir.
RENAL HÜCRELERDE METOTREKSAT KAYNAKLI SİTOTOKSİSİTE: KURKUMİN’İN KORUYUCU ROLÜ
Authors: ÇİĞ Bilal
Published: June 2020

Metotreksat (MET), akciğer, meme kanserleri ve lenfoma gibi çeşitli malignitelerin tedavisinde kullanılmaktadır. Bu neoplastik ajanın hepatorenal toksisite gibi çeşitli komplikasyonlara neden olması onun tedavide kullanımını sınırlamaktadır. Antiinflamatuvar etkileri çok iyi bilinen kurkumin (KUR)’in hepatorenal toksisite üzerindeki koruyucu etkileri literatürde ifade edilmiştir. Bu çalışmada metotreksat ile indüklenen oksidatif stres, proinflamatuar yanıtın kurkumin ile baskılanabileceğini varsaydık. Bu çalışma, metotreksat kaynaklı sitotoksisite ve oksidatif strese karşı kurkuminin koruyucu rolünü araştırmak için planlandı. Bu çalışmada metotreksat kaynaklı renal toksisite ve sonrasında gelişen moleküler olayları in-vitro araştırmak üzere fare böbrek kortikal toplama kanal hücreleri (mpkCCDc14) kullanıldı. Gruplar, Kontrol, KUR (10 μM ve 24 saat), MET (5 μM ve 24 saat) ve MET+KUR olarak dizayn edildi. Metotreksat kaynaklı oksidatif stres, mpkCCDc14 hücrelerinde mitokondriyal membran depolarizasyonu (MMD), sitozolik reaktif oksijen türleri (ROS) üretimi, apopitoz ve kaspaz-3, kaspaz-9 aktivasyon düzeyleri belirlenerek değerlendirildi. MET, oksidatif stresin hücre içinde artmasına neden olmasına rağmen, bu kurkumin tarafından azaltılmıştır. Kurkumin tedavisi, mitokondriyal disfonksiyonu düzenleyerek hücrelerde ROS oluşumunu bastırdı. Metotreksata maruz kalan hücrelerde apoptoz, kaspaz-3 ve kaspaz-9 aktiviteleri artmıştır. Bununla birlikte bu durum, kurkumin tedavisi ile modüle edildi. Sonuç olarak, metotreksat ile indüklenen oksidatif stres hücre hasarına ve proenflamatuar yanıta yol açarak kronik böbrek hastalığının ilerlemesinde mpkCCDc14 hücrelerinin rolünü güçlendirir. Kurkumin antioksidan, antienflamatuar ve anti-apopitotik etki ederek metotreksat kaynaklı sitozolik toksisiteye karşı yardımcı bir tedavi olabilir.
Instruments of International Commercial Contract
Authors: Acharya Suman
Published: June 2020

There has been a growing role of international commercial contract along with the globalization and transnationalization of trade. As international contract covers all issues of trade, international sales of contract is a popular one. While concluding commercial contract, country specific law having jurisdiction and substantial provisions cannot be forgotten. The contract cannot be concluded squashing universally accepted principles and competition policy which are established by peremptory norms. Any covert intention to remove competition policy is starkly declined in the contract provision. The damage can be claimed in court of law having jurisdictions as contracted if anything is unhealthy and unreasonable. International instruments i.e. treaty or recommendations want to establish uniform rules of practices across the globe in the matter of international commercial contracts, which are binding to member country.
Effects of Selected Soil Amendments and Mulch Type on Soil Properties and Productivity in Organic Vegetable Production
Authors: Larkin Robert P.
Published: June 2020

The potential benefits of different types of soil amendments and mulch ground covers on soil chemical and biological properties, crop development and yield, and disease and pest issues in organic vegetable production, as represented by legume (green snap bean), cucurbit (green zucchini squash), and brassicaceous (turnip) vegetable crops, were evaluated in a two-year field trial in Maine, USA. Soil amendments evaluated (following an initial fertilizer base) included a commercial organic fertilizer alone, composted dairy manure, compost plus fish meal, and compost plus Wollastonite, a natural source of silicon (Si). A paper mulch was also compared with a woven polypropylene fabric mulch for their performance and effects as weed barriers within these systems. Mulch type significantly affected soil properties, with the fabric mulch associated with increases in soil moisture, organic matter, and other soil chemical and biological properties relative to the paper mulch. The fabric mulch also resulted in earlier emergence and earlier harvests for bean and zucchini. Soil amendments affected soil properties and crop growth and yield of bean and zucchini, with compost amendments increasing soil pH, organic matter, and several nutrient concentrations, as well as crop emergence and yield relative to a fertilizer-only treatment. Compost treatment also reduced the infestation and damage caused by mites on beans in 2018. Addition of fish meal increased most nutrient element concentrations and microbial respiration, and Si amendment increased emergence of beans, and reduced powdery mildew on squash and late season browning of beans. These results help define specific management practices to improve organic vegetable production and provide useful information and options for growers.
Ethosomes for Coenzyme Q10 Cutaneous Administration: From Design to 3D Skin Tissue Evaluation
Authors: Sguizzato Maddalena , Mariani Paolo , Spinozzi Francesco , Benedusi Mascia , Cervellati Franco , Cortesi Rita , Drechsler Markus , Prieux Roxane , Valacchi Giuseppe , Esposito Elisabetta
Published: June 2020

Ethosome represents a smart transdermal vehicle suitable for solubilization and cutaneous application of drugs. Coenzyme Q10 is an endogenous antioxidant whose supplementation can counteract many cutaneous disorders and pathologies. In this respect, the present study describes the production, characterization, and cutaneous protection of phosphatidylcholine based ethosomes as percutaneous delivery systems for coenzyme Q10. CoQ10 entrapment capacity in ethosomes was almost 100%, vesicles showed the typical ‘fingerprint’ structure, while mean diameters were around 270 nm, undergoing an 8% increase after 3 months from production. An ex-vivo study, conducted by transmission electron microscopy, could detect the uptake of ethosomes in human skin fibroblasts and the passage of the vesicles through 3D reconstituted human epidermis. Immunofluorescence analyses were carried on both on fibroblasts and 3D reconstituted human epidermis treated with ethosomes in the presence of H2O2 as oxidative stress challenger, evaluating 4-hydroxynonenal protein adducts which is as a reliable biomarker for oxidative damage. Notably, the pretreatment with CoQ10 loaded in ethosomes exerted a consistent protective effect against oxidative stress, in both models, fibroblasts and in reconstituted human epidermis respectively.
RKIP Regulates Differentiation-Related Features in Melanocytic Cells
Authors: Penas Cristina , Apraiz Aintzane , Muñoa Iraia , Arroyo-Berdugo Yoana , Rasero Javier , Ezkurra Pilar A. , Velasco Veronica , Subiran Nerea , Bosserhoff Anja K. , Alonso Santos , Asumendi Aintzane , Boyano Maria D.
Published: June 2020

Raf Kinase Inhibitor Protein (RKIP) has been extensively reported as an inhibitor of key signaling pathways involved in the aggressive tumor phenotype and shows decreased expression in several types of cancers. However, little is known about RKIP in melanoma or regarding its function in normal cells. We examined the role of RKIP in both primary melanocytes and malignant melanoma cells and evaluated its diagnostic and prognostic value. IHC analysis revealed a significantly higher expression of RKIP in nevi compared with early-stage (stage I–II, AJCC 8th) melanoma biopsies. Proliferation, wound healing, and collagen-coated transwell assays uncovered the implication of RKIP on the motility but not on the proliferative capacity of melanoma cells as RKIP protein levels were inversely correlated with the migration capacity of both primary and metastatic melanoma cells but did not alter other parameters. As shown by RNA sequencing, endogenous RKIP knockdown in primary melanocytes triggered the deregulation of cellular differentiation-related processes, including genes (i.e., ZEB1, THY-1) closely related to the EMT. Interestingly, NANOG was identified as a putative transcriptional regulator of many of the deregulated genes, and RKIP was able to decrease the activation of the NANOG promoter. As a whole, our data support the utility of RKIP as a diagnostic marker for early-stage melanomas. In addition, these findings indicate its participation in the maintenance of a differentiated state of melanocytic cells by modulating genes intimately linked to the cellular motility and explain the progressive decrease of RKIP often described in tumors.
Renin-Angiotensin System in Lung Tumor and Microenvironment Interactions
Authors: Catarata Maria Joana , Ribeiro Ricardo , Oliveira Maria José , Robalo Cordeiro Carlos , Medeiros Rui
Published: June 2020

The mechanistic involvement of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) reaches beyond cardiovascular physiopathology. Recent knowledge pinpoints a pleiotropic role for this system, particularly in the lung, and mainly through locally regulated alternative molecules and secondary pathways. Angiotensin peptides play a role in cell proliferation, immunoinflammatory response, hypoxia and angiogenesis, which are critical biological processes in lung cancer. This manuscript reviews the literature supporting a role for the renin-angiotensin system in the lung tumor microenvironment and discusses whether blockade of this pathway in clinical settings may serve as an adjuvant therapy in lung cancer.
Family Socioeconomic Status and Exposure to Childhood Trauma: Racial Differences
Authors: Assari Shervin
Published: June 2020

Background: Minorities’ diminished returns (MDRs) refer to weaker effects of socioeconomic status (SES) indicators such as parental educational attainment and family income in generating tangible childhood outcomes for racial and ethnic minorities compared to the majority group, a pattern prevalent in the US. Our existing knowledge is minimal, however, about diminished returns of family SES on reducing exposure to childhood trauma. Aim: To determine if there was a difference between non-Hispanic whites (NHW) and non-Hispanic blacks (NHB) in the effect of SES on exposure to childhood trauma among children ages 8–11 years old. Materials and methods: In this cross-sectional study, we analyzed data from 4696 NHW or NHB American 8–11-year-old children who were participants in the Adolescent Brain Cognitive Development (ABCD) Study. The independent variables were parental educational attainment and family income. The primary outcome was exposure to 1 or 2+ childhood traumas, measured by the Kiddie Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia (K-SADS) semi-structured interview. Polynomial regression was used for data analysis. Results: Parental education and family income had statistically significant protective (negative) effects on childhood trauma, indicating children from high income and highly educated families were exposed to a lower level of childhood trauma. However, race/ethnicity showed statistically significant interactions with parental education and family income on exposure to childhood trauma, indicating weaker protective effects of parental education and family income on reducing exposure to trauma for NHB compared to NHW children. Race-specific models showed protective effects of parental education and family income on exposure to childhood trauma for NHW but not NHB children. Conclusion: The protective effects of parental education and family income against exposure to childhood trauma are systematically diminished for NHBs compared to NHWs. To minimize the racial/ethnic health gaps, diminished returns of parental education and family income should be addressed. There is a need for programs and interventions that equalize not only SES but also the marginal returns of SES for ethnic groups. Such efforts require addressing structural and societal barriers that hinder NHB families from translating their SES resources into tangible outcomes. There is a need for studies that can minimize MDRs for NHB families, such that SES can similarly secure tangible outcomes in the presence of SES resources.
Control of Heat Pumps with CO2 Emission Intensity Forecasts
Authors: Leerbeck Kenneth , Bacher Peder , Junker Rune Grønborg , Tveit Anna , Corradi Olivier , Madsen Henrik , Ebrahimy Razgar
Published: June 2020

An optimized heat pump control for building heating was developed for minimizing CO 2 emissions from related electrical power generation. The control is using weather and CO 2 emission forecasts as inputs to a Model Predictive Control (MPC)—a multivariate control algorithm using a dynamic process model, constraints and a cost function to be minimized. In a simulation study, the control was applied using weather and power grid conditions during a full-year period in 2017–2018 for the power bidding zone DK2 (East, Denmark). Two scenarios were studied; one with a family house and one with an office building. The buildings were dimensioned based on standards and building codes/regulations. The main results are measured as the CO 2 emission savings relative to a classical thermostatic control. Note that this only measures the gain achieved using the MPC control, that is, the energy flexibility, not the absolute savings. The results show that around 16% of savings could have been achieved during the period in well-insulated new buildings with floor heating. Further, a sensitivity analysis was carried out to evaluate the effect of various building properties, for example, level of insulation and thermal capacity. Danish building codes from 1977 and forward were used as benchmarks for insulation levels. It was shown that both insulation and thermal mass influence the achievable flexibility savings, especially for floor heating. Buildings that comply with building codes later than 1979 could provide flexibility emission savings of around 10%, while buildings that comply with earlier codes provided savings in the range of 0–5% depending on the heating system and thermal mass.
Towards a Characterization of Working Forest Conservation Easements in Georgia, USA
Authors: Reeves Tyler , Mei Bin , Siry Jacek , Bettinger Pete , Ferreira Susana
Published: June 2020

We examine the attributes of working forest conservation easements in Georgia. Easement contracts and baseline reports are inspected to investigate easement themes, land use types, recreation opportunities, hydrological features, and forest management activity. Easement themes are heavily weighted towards themes of protecting natural habitat and preserving the conservation values of properties. Predominant land use types include wildlife food plots, bottomland hardwoods, and planted pine stands. Common hydrological features found were small creeks/streams and ponds. Lastly, forest management was characterized as having small amounts of restrictions present, with forest management being largely similar to other unencumbered property in the southeastern USA. This information can be used as a reference for landowners interested in establishing a working forest conservation easement (WFCE) on their property as well as a tool for comparison for researchers investigating easement characteristics in other regions.
Nutrient Composition of Demersal, Pelagic, and Mesopelagic Fish Species Sampled Off the Coast of Bangladesh and Their Potential Contribution to Food and Nutrition Security—The EAF-Nansen Programme
Authors: Nordhagen Anna , Rizwan Abu Ansar Md. , Aakre Inger , Moxness Reksten Amalie , Pincus Lauren Michelle , Bøkevoll Annbjørg , Mamun Al , Haraksingh Thilsted Shakuntala , Htut Thaung , Somasundaram Thiruchenduran , Kjellevold Marian
Published: June 2020

Fish is a major part of the Bangladeshi diet, but data on the nutrient composition of marine fish species are sparse. Mesopelagic fish may be a new potential resource of food and nutrients; however, nutrient composition data are lacking. The aim of this study was to provide nutrient composition data of fish species sampled off the coast of Bangladesh and determine their potential contribution to recommended nutrient intakes (RNI). Seven species from the pelagic, mesopelagic, and demersal zones were sampled from the coast of Bangladesh with Dr. Fridtjof Nansen in 2018. Three pooled samples containing 15-840 individuals from each species were analysed at the Institute of Marine Research, Norway. The demersal species contained substantially lower concentrations of nearly all nutrients, whereas the mesopelagic species generally were more nutrient dense. All species, except for the demersal species Bombay duck (9% dry matter), were found to contribute ≥100% to the RNI of vitamin B12, eicosapentaenoic acid, docosahexaenoic acid, and selenium. All species, except for the demersal fish species, contributed ≥25% to the RNI of six or more nutrients. The data presented in this paper are an important contribution to the Bangladeshi food composition table and contribute to the understanding of fish as an important source of micronutrients.
Complex of Geophysical Studies of the Seyakha Catastrophic Gas Blowout Crater on the Yamal Peninsula, Russian Arctic
Authors: Bogoyavlensky Vasily , Bogoyavlensky Igor , Nikonov Roman , Kishankov Aleksei
Published: June 2020

This article describes the main results of two Arctic expeditions in 2017–2018 to study the Seyakha Crater in the north of Western Siberia, Yamal Peninsula. It was formed on a place of a pingo-like feature (PLF) by huge blowout, self-ignition, and explosion of gas on 28 June 2017. In 2018, for the first time, the integration of geophysical studies on the Yamal Peninsula revealed in detail an Arctic gas-blowout crater within a river channel and adjacent land with permafrost. On the basis of unmanned aerial vehicle photography, echo sounding, and ground penetrating radar survey data processing, a 3D digital elevation model (DEM) of the crater and the structure of near-surface deposits was created. A previously unknown uplift inside the permafrost layers, probably connected with the processes of gas chamber formation, was revealed. A long period of continuous gas emission (mainly, biogenic methane) from the Seyakha C11 Crater (2017–2019) and other existing data show evidence for a gas-dynamic mechanism of the PLF growth and a volcanic type of eruption.
Erratum: Yuan, B., et al. Household Registration System, Migration, and Inequity in Healthcare Access. Healthcare 2019, 7, 61
Authors: Yuan Bocong , Li Jiannan , Wang Zhaoguo , Wu Lily
Published: June 2020

Some details about author affiliations should to be updated in the article [...]
Trends in the Cumulative Incidence of Vocational Rehabilitation Indicators in Brazil, 2007–2016
Authors: Miranda Cristiano Barreto de , Silva-Junior João Silvestre , Fernandes Gisele Aparecida , Fischer Frida Marina
Published: June 2020

Vocational rehabilitation (VR) aims at improving work ability to facilitate workers’ return to work. VR is provided in Brazil by the public social security system. The aim of the present study was to analyze trends in VR indicators for Brazil from 2007 to 2016. Based on open-access, secondary aggregate data, we calculated the cumulative incidence of VR indicators. We fitted Prais-Winsten generalized linear regression models to estimate trends and calculated annual percent variation with the corresponding 95% confidence interval (95% CI). The mean cumulative incidence of referrals to VR services was 37.16/1000 temporary disability benefits granted and exhibited a decreasing trend of −6.92% (95% CI: −8.38; −5.43). The mean cumulative incidence of admissions to VR services was 57.34/100 referrals and exhibited an increasing trend of 3.31% (95% CI: 1.13; 5.53). The mean cumulative incidence of rehabilitation was 57.43/100 admissions and remained stable along the analyzed period, −2.84 (95% CI: −5.87; 0.29). Our findings evidence a reduction in the number of workers referred for VR, an increase of admissions, and stability in the cumulative incidence of rehabilitated workers.
Crafting Jobs for Occupational Satisfaction and Innovation among Manufacturing Workers Facing the COVID-19 Crisis
Authors: Ren Tianzhou , Cao Lele , Chin Tachia
Published: June 2020

China’s manufacturing employees are confronted with unprecedent occupational and innovation challenges caused by the ongoing COVID-19 crisis coupled with the pressure of being replaced by digital technologies. To gain a better understanding of the rising occupational uncertainty during this critical time, based on the job demands-resources (JD-R) theory, we examined the associations of employees’ job crafting behaviors (JCB) with their occupational satisfaction and innovation workplace behavior (IWB), as well as the mediating effect of work engagement on the above relationships. The final usable data were obtained from the formal survey of 311 employees of six manufacturing companies that have returned to work amid COVID-19. Structural equation modelling was adopted to analyze the data. Results show that employees’ JCB strengthens their occupational satisfaction and IWB via work engagement. Theoretically, our research enriches the existing body of knowledge about JCB from a cross-disciplinary angle integrating the perspectives of career and psychology. Practically, we offer valuable first-hand evidence about how manufacturing employees conducted JCB to re-orient their careers and to innovate in the face of the high unemployment situation.
What Determines Forest Farmers’ Participation in Afforestation Programs? Empirical Evidence from a Population-Based Census Survey
Authors: Lee Tzong-Haw , Lee Brian , Chen Yu-Long , Sun Lih-Chyun , Chang Hung-Hao
Published: June 2020

Afforestation programs have become increasingly significant as policymakers attempt to protect the environment and reduce climate change. Although many studies have examined the participation decisions of forest farm households in afforestation programs, these studies fail to consider different types of these policies. This paper fills this knowledge gap by studying the determinants of forest farms participating in two afforestation programs on plain and sloped land in Taiwan. We construct a population-based sample of forest farms drawn from agricultural census surveys in Taiwan and estimate the multinomial logit model. We find that failing to distinguish between afforestation programs may result in misleading findings. Moreover, socio-demographic and farm production characteristics also affect participation decisions. Additional results from a simple simulation exercise show that forest farms are more likely to enroll in afforestation programs on sloped land, possibly due to lower opportunity costs
Working Conditions in Social Firms and Health Promotion Interventions in Relation to Employees’ Health and Work-Related Outcomes—A Scoping Review
Authors: Kordsmeyer Ann-Christin , Lengen Julia Christine , Kiepe Niklas , Harth Volker , Mache Stefanie
Published: June 2020

Background: Social firms—a type of social enterprise—offer people with severe disabilities the possibility of employment and integration into the labor market. Since 01 January 2018, social firms in Germany are obligated to provide health promotion interventions for their employees. Therefore, the study aims to provide an overview of the current state of research on working conditions, coping strategies, work- and health-related outcomes, and health promotion interventions in social firms to derive recommendations for action. Methods: The databases PubMed, MEDLINE, PsycINFO, PSYNDEX, CINAHL, and Web of Science were searched. The study selection was based on predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria in the time period between 2000 and 2019. The quality of the studies was critically appraised in a standardized way using the Mixed-Methods Appraisal Tool. Results: A total of 25 studies were included. The current state of research indicated that employees with disabilities were provided with several environmental resources like social support, flexibility, structured work tasks or options for training. A mix of environmental and personal resources impacted several work- and health-related outcomes like well-being, job satisfaction, productivity, work engagement, the motivation to work, or job tenure. Conclusions: There is a need for further (longitudinal) research concerning the work and health situation of employees working in social firms and the development of health promotion interventions.
Longitudinal Analysis of Work-to-Family Conflict and Self-Reported General Health among Working Parents in Germany
Authors: Borgmann Lea-Sophie , Rattay Petra , Lampert Thomas
Published: June 2020

The combination of work and family roles can lead to work-to-family conflict (WTFC), which may have consequences for the parents’ health. We examined the association between WTFC and self-reported general health among working parents in Germany over time. Data were drawn from wave 6 (2013) and wave 8 (2015) of the German family and relationship panel. It included working persons living together with at least one child in the household (791 mothers and 723 fathers). Using logistic regressions, we estimated the longitudinal effects of WTFC in wave 6 and 8 on self-reported general health in wave 8. Moderating effects of education were also considered. The odds ratio for poor self-reported general health for mothers who developed WTFC in wave 8 compared to mothers who never reported conflicts was 2.4 (95% CI: 1.54–3.68). For fathers with newly emerged WTFC in wave 8, the odds ratio was 1.8 (95% CI: 1.03–3.04). Interactions of WTFC with low education showed no significant effects on self-reported general health, although tendencies show that fathers with lower education are more affected. It remains to be discussed how health-related consequences of WTFC can be reduced e.g., through workplace interventions and reconciliation policies.
The Role of Family Time Together in Meeting the Recommendation for Physical Activity among Primary School Children
Authors: Korcz Agata , Krzysztoszek Jana , Łopatka Marlena , Ludwiczak Mateusz , Górska Paulina , Bronikowski Michał
Published: June 2020

Family time may have an influence on children’s physical activity (PA) participation or may contribute to increased sedentary behaviour. The aim of this paper was to examine whether spending family time is associated with the PA of children aged 10–11. Cross-sectional data on 158 primary school children (80 girls and 78 boys) with a mean age of 10.6 ± 0.49 years were collected. Weight and height were used to calculate body mass index. The level of moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) was determined with a physical activity screening measure. Participants wore a Vivofit® wrist band activity tracker to measure their daily number of steps. The Health Behaviour in School-Aged Children questionnaire was used to obtain information from children about the frequency of activities undertaken by the family. Analyses entailed descriptive statistics of the total sample and by gender, t-test, and the Mann–Whitney U-test to examine the gender differences and Spearman’s correlation coefficients. It was found that 32.3% of the children did not accomplish at least 60 min per day on ≥5 of the seven days and more than 75.9% of them did not accumulate at least 12,000 or more steps daily. More boys than girls tended to be sufficiently active and met the guideline of at least 60 min per day on ≥5 of the seven days (70.5% and 65.0%, respectively) or 12,000 steps per day (25.8% and 10.0%, respectively). The number of steps during the weekday was significantly and inversely associated both in girls and in boys with active family time (r = −0.27 and r = −0.25, respectively), and with total family time (r = −0.28) and non-active family time (r = −0.25) only in boys. Average MVPA was also inversely correlated with active family time (r = −0.31), non-active family time (r = −0.24), and total family time (r = −0.29) in boys. The correlation effect size values ranged between small to medium significant differences for these measures. The findings underscore the need for community-based PA programmes designed for whole families to meet the recommended PA of children and also to develop and promote active leisure activities among families.
How Managers’ Job Crafting Reduces Turnover Intention: The Mediating Roles of Role Ambiguity and Emotional Exhaustion
Authors: Shin Yuhyung , Hur Won-Moo , Park Kyungdo , Hwang Hansol
Published: June 2020

Despite the increasing body of research on job crafting, the relationship between managers’ job crafting and their turnover intention, as well as its intermediary mechanisms, has received relatively little attention from researchers. This study examined how managers’ job crafting negatively affected their turnover intention, focusing on role ambiguity and emotional exhaustion as underlying mediators. Data were collected from 235 store managers in South Korean food franchises. All study hypotheses were supported by regression-based path modeling. Controlling for role conflict and role ambiguity, we found a negative relationship between job crafting and role ambiguity, a positive relationship between role ambiguity and emotional exhaustion, and a positive relationship between emotional exhaustion and turnover intention. Our mediation analyses further revealed that controlling for role conflict and role overload, role ambiguity and emotional exhaustion partially and sequentially mediated the relationship between managers’ job crafting and their turnover intention. These findings have several implications for theory and practice.
Surveillance Simulator for Undersea Aquaculture Monitoring
Authors: Min Su-Hong , Lee Jae-Hak , Choi Jae Weon
Published: June 2020

This paper deals with simulator development for an underwater aquaculture surveillance system. The aim is to prevent the intrusion of objects into the water. The simulator checks the performance of the alarm system prior to installation in the underwater surveillance system. The simulator tests virtual environments, but reliable experimental results are obtained using two different methods. First, the state space underwater intruder dynamic models is expressed to control several variables at once. Second, the sensor model is designed using a statistical approach, because detection performance decreases for a various reason when detecting objects using the sensor. This simulator uses Matlab GUI as a tool. Setting various test environments (i.e., sensor configuration and sensor detection range) allows the user to analyze the performance of the underwater surveillance system.
Influence of Temperature Reaction for the CdSe–TiO2 Nanotube Thin Film Formation via Chemical Bath Deposition in Improving the Photoelectrochemical Activity
Authors: Lai Chin Wei , Samsudin Nurul Asma , Low Foo Wah , Abd Samad Nur Azimah , Lau Kung Shiuh , Chou Pui May , Tiong Sieh Kiong , Amin Nowshad
Published: June 2020

In this present work, we report the deposition of cadmium selenide (CdSe) particles on titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanotube thin films, using the chemical bath deposition (CBD) method at low deposition temperatures ranging from 20 to 60 °C. The deposition temperature had an influence on the overall CdSe–TiO2 nanotube thin film morphologies, chemical composition, phase transition, and optical properties, which, in turn, influenced the photoelectrochemical performance of the samples that were investigated. All samples showed the presence of CdSe particles in the TiO2 nanotube thin film lattice structures with the cubic phase CdSe compound. The amount of CdSe loading on the TiO2 nanotube thin films were increased and tended to form agglomerates as a function of deposition temperature. Interestingly, a significant enhancement in photocurrent density was observed for the CdSe–TiO2 nanotube thin films deposited at 20 °C with a photocurrent density of 1.70 mA cm−2, which was 17% higher than the bare TiO2 nanotube thin films. This sample showed a clear surface morphology without any clogged nanotubes, leading to better ion diffusion, and, thus, an enhanced photocurrent density. Despite having the least CdSe loading on the TiO2 nanotube thin films, the CdSe–TiO2 nanotube thin films deposited at 20 °C showed the highest photocurrent density, which confirmed that a small amount of CdSe is enough to enhance the photoelectrochemical performance of the sample.
Assessing Porous Media Permeability in Non-Darcy Flow: A Re-Evaluation Based on the Forchheimer Equation
Authors: Tupin Simon , Ohta Makoto
Published: June 2020

In a recent paper published in Materials (Castro et al., 2019), the permeability evaluation of triple periodic minimum surface samples was carried out experimentally. Darcy’s law was used under unsuitable conditions, resulting in an underestimation of the results. In this comment, we highlight the problem and propose a new estimation of the permeability using the Forchheimer equation, which is better suited to the experimental conditions.
On Multipolar Intuitionistic Fuzzy B-Algebras
Authors: Borzooei Rajab Ali , Kim Hee Sik , Jun Young Bae , Ahn Sun Shin
Published: June 2020

In this paper, we discuss the notion of an m-polar fuzzy (normal) subalgebra in B-algebras and its related properties. We consider characterizations of an m-polar fuzzy (normal) subalgebra. We define the concept of an m-polar intuitionistic fuzzy (normal) subalgebra in a B-algebra, and we characterize the m-polar intuitionistic fuzzy (normal) subalgebra. Given an m-polar fuzzy set, we construct a simple m-polar fuzzy set and discuss on m-polar intuitionistic fuzzy subalgebras of B-algebras.
Construction of Different Types Analytic Solutions for the Zhiber-Shabat Equation
Authors: Yokus Asıf , Durur Hülya , Ahmad Hijaz , Yao Shao-Wen
Published: June 2020

In this paper, a new solution process of ( 1 / G ′ ) -expansion and ( G ′ / G , 1 / G ) -expansion methods has been proposed for the analytic solution of the Zhiber-Shabat (Z-S) equation. Rather than the classical ( G ′ / G , 1 / G ) -expansion method, a solution function in different formats has been produced with the help of the proposed process. New complex rational, hyperbolic, rational and trigonometric types solutions of the Z-S equation have been constructed. By giving arbitrary values to the constants in the obtained solutions, it can help to add physical meaning to the traveling wave solutions, whereas traveling wave has an important place in applied sciences and illuminates many physical phenomena. 3D, 2D and contour graphs are displayed to show the stationary wave or the state of the wave at any moment with the values given to these constants. Conditions that guarantee the existence of traveling wave solutions are given. Comparison of ( G ′ / G , 1 / G ) -expansion method and ( 1 / G ′ ) -expansion method, which are important instruments in the analytical solution, has been made. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of these two methods have been discussed. These methods are reliable and efficient methods to obtain analytic solutions of nonlinear evolution equations (NLEEs).
Infections of Deep Hand and Wrist Compartments
Authors: Malizos Konstantinos N. , Papadopoulou Zoe K. , Ziogkou Anna N. , Rigopoulos Nikolaos , Athanaselis Efstratios D. , Varitimidis Socrates E. , Dailiana Zoe C.
Published: June 2020

The human hand is the most exposed part of the body to highest risk for injuries, loss of the skin integrity, and to the inoculation of bacteria, most commonly Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus β-haemolytic, and gram-negative. In case of an infection, the mobile anatomical structures and the synovial membranes in close proximity to each other may spread the pus towards deep spaces and compartments. Mild early infections without an abscess formation may respond to antibiotics, but at more advanced stage, erythema, swelling, stiffness, and severe pain may ensue. Abscess formation will cause debilitating pain, fever, systemic symptoms, and even sepsis. Necrotizing infections may threaten not only the limb, but also patient’s life. Therefore, an initially “trivial” hand injury should never be neglected, as it might turn into a deep space infection, which must be treated immediately with drainage, wound debridement, and i.v. antibiotics. Delay in diagnosis and inadequate initial management might rapidly lead to abscess formation, destruction of the gliding surfaces and the normal anatomy, and irreparable functional deterioration.
Kinematics of Photoisomerization Processes of PMMA-BDK-MR Polymer Composite Thin Films
Authors: Al-Bataineh Qais M. , Ahmad A. A. , Alsaad A. M. , Qattan I. A. , Bani-Salameh Areen A. , Telfah Ahmad D.
Published: June 2020

We investigate and report on the kinematics of photoisomerization processes of polymer composite thin films based on azo dye methyl red (MR) hosted in polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) incorporated with Benzyl dimethyl ketal (BDK) as a photo-initiator. Understanding photoisomerization mechanisms is crucial for several optical applications such as Read/Write/Erase (WRE) optical data storage media, UV light Read/Write heads, and UV light sensors. The as-prepared polymer composite thin films are characterized using UV–Vis spectroscopy. Furthermore, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and scanning electron microscope (SEM) are employed to investigate the optical, chemical, and morphological properties of trans- and cis-states of PMMA-BDK-MR polymer composite thin films. The presence of the azo dye MR in the composite is essential for the efficient performance of the cis ↔ trans cycles through illumination ↔ thermal relaxation for Write/Read/Erase optical data storage and UV-light sensors. Moreover, UV–Vis and FTIR results confirm the hysteresis cycle of trans- and cis-states and that PMMA-BDK-MR thin films may be regarded as potential candidates for successful Write/Read/Erase optical data storage and UV-light sensors. In addition, the morphology of the thin film surface is investigated by SEM technique. The SEM images indicate that uncured surfaces of PMMA-BDK-MR thin films are inhomogeneous compared with the corresponding surfaces after curing. The transformation from inhomogeneous surfaces to homogeneous surfaces is attributed to the polymerization of thin films by UV curing.
Influence of Calcium Binding on Conformations and Motions of Anionic Polyamino Acids. Effect of Side Chain Length
Authors: Tolmachev Dmitry , Lukasheva Natalia , Mamistvalov George , Karttunen Mikko
Published: June 2020

Investigation of the effect of CaCl2 salt on conformations of two anionic poly(amino acids) with different side chain lengths, poly-(α-l glutamic acid) (PGA) and poly-(α-l aspartic acid) (PASA), was performed by atomistic molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The simulations were performed using both unbiased MD and the Hamiltonian replica exchange (HRE) method. The results show that at low CaCl2 concentration adsorption of Ca2+ ions lead to a significant chain size reduction for both PGA and PASA. With the increase in concentration, the chains sizes partially recover due to electrostatic repulsion between the adsorbed Ca2+ ions. Here, the side chain length becomes important. Due to the longer side chain and its ability to distance the charged groups with adsorbed ions from both each other and the backbone, PGA remains longer in the collapsed state as the CaCl2 concentration is increased. The analysis of the distribution of the mineral ions suggests that both poly(amino acids) should induce the formation of mineral with the same structure of the crystal cell.
Obtainment and Characterization of Hydrophilic Polysulfone Membranes by N-Vinylimidazole Grafting Induced by Gamma Irradiation
Authors: Vázquez Elizabeth , Muro Claudia , Illescas Javier , Burillo Guillermina , Hernández Omar , Rivera Ernesto
Published: June 2020

Polysulfone (PSU) film and N-vinylimidazole (VIM) were used to obtain grafted membranes with high hydrophilic capacity. The grafting process was performed by gamma irradiation under two experiments: (1) different irradiation doses (100–400 kGy) and VIM 50% solution; (2) different concentration of grafted VIM (30–70%) and 300 kGy of irradiation dose. Characteristics of the grafted membranes were determined by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), contact angle, swelling degree, desalination test, thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). Both experiments indicated that the absorbed dose 300 kGy and the VIM concentration, at 50% v/v, were effective to obtain PSU grafted membranes with 14.3% of grafting yield. Nevertheless, experimental conditions, 400 kGy, VIM 50% and 300 kGy, VIM 60–70% promoted possible membrane degradation and VIM homopolymerization on the membrane surface, which was observed by SEM images; meanwhile, 100–200 kGy and VIM 30–50% produced minimal grafting (2 ± 0.5%). Hydrophilic surface of the grafted PSU membranes by 300 kGy and VIM 50% v/v were corroborated by the water contact angle, swelling degree and desalination test, showing a decrease from 90.7° ± 0.3 (PSU film) to 64.3° ± 0.5; an increment of swelling degree of 25 ± 1%, and a rejection-permeation capacity of 75 ± 2%. In addition, the thermal behavior of grafted PSU membranes registered an increment in the degradation of 20%, due to the presence of VIM. However, the normal temperature of the membrane operation did not affect this result; meanwhile, the glass transition temperature (Tg) of the grafted PSU membrane was found at 185.4 ± 0.5 °C, which indicated an increment of 15 ± 1%.
How Does the Volatility of Volatility Depend on Volatility?
Authors: Rømer Sigurd Emil , Poulsen Rolf
Published: June 2020

We investigate the state dependence of the variance of the instantaneous variance of the S&P 500 index empirically. Time-series analysis of realized variance over a 20-year period shows strong evidence of an elasticity of variance of the variance parameter close to that of a log-normal model, albeit with an empirical autocorrelation function that one-factor diffusion models fail to capture at horizons above a few weeks. When studying option market behavior (in-sample pricing as well as out-of-sample pricing and hedging over the period 2004–2019), messages are mixed, but systematic, model-wise. The log-normal but drift-free SABR (stochastic-alpha-beta-rho) model performs best for short-term options (times-to-expiry of three months and below), the Heston model—in which variance is stationary but not log-normal—is superior for long-term options, and a mixture of the two models does not lead to improvements.
Exploration of User’s Mental State Changes during Performing Brain–Computer Interface
Authors: Ko Li-Wei , Chikara Rupesh Kumar , Lee Yi-Chieh , Lin Wen-Chieh
Published: June 2020

Substantial developments have been established in the past few years for enhancing the performance of brain–computer interface (BCI) based on steady-state visual evoked potential (SSVEP). The past SSVEP-BCI studies utilized different target frequencies with flashing stimuli in many different applications. However, it is not easy to recognize user’s mental state changes when performing the SSVEP-BCI task. What we could observe was the increasing EEG power of the target frequency from the user’s visual area. BCI user’s cognitive state changes, especially in mental focus state or lost-in-thought state, will affect the BCI performance in sustained usage of SSVEP. Therefore, how to differentiate BCI users’ physiological state through exploring their neural activities changes while performing SSVEP is a key technology for enhancing the BCI performance. In this study, we designed a new BCI experiment which combined working memory task into the flashing targets of SSVEP task using 12 Hz or 30 Hz frequencies. Through exploring the EEG activity changes corresponding to the working memory and SSVEP task performance, we can recognize if the user’s cognitive state is in mental focus or lost-in-thought. Experiment results show that the delta (1–4 Hz), theta (4–7 Hz), and beta (13–30 Hz) EEG activities increased more in mental focus than in lost-in-thought state at the frontal lobe. In addition, the powers of the delta (1–4 Hz), alpha (8–12 Hz), and beta (13–30 Hz) bands increased more in mental focus in comparison with the lost-in-thought state at the occipital lobe. In addition, the average classification performance across subjects for the KNN and the Bayesian network classifiers were observed as 77% to 80%. These results show how mental state changes affect the performance of BCI users. In this work, we developed a new scenario to recognize the user’s cognitive state during performing BCI tasks. These findings can be used as the novel neural markers in future BCI developments.
Valorization of Banana and Red Beetroot Peels: Determination of Basic Macrocomponent Composition, Application of Novel Extraction Methodology and Assessment of Biological Activity In Vitro
Authors: Šeremet Danijela , Durgo Ksenija , Jokić Stela , Huđek Ana , Vojvodić Cebin Aleksandra , Mandura Ana , Jurasović Jasna , Komes Draženka
Published: June 2020

The nutritional and bioactive content of banana and red beetroot peels was investigated. The basic macrocomponent composition was determined using standard AOAC (Association of Official Analytical Chemists) methods, while the recovery efficiency of bioactive compounds was investigated using conventional and innovative extraction techniques (subcritical water extraction, ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction). Extracts were analyzed for biological effects in vitro on human hepatic, tongue and colon cancer cell lines. A macrocomponent analysis revealed a notable amount of dietary fiber in banana and beetroot peels (39.0 and 33.6% dmb) and a relatively high content of protein in beetroot peel (18.3% dmb). Regarding the micronutrients-minerals, banana and beetroot peels were shown to be a very good source of potassium (75.06 and 41.86 mg g−1 dmb). Both extracts of banana and beetroot peels obtained by conventional extraction - decoction (100 °C, 20 min) exhibited the highest total phenolic content and antioxidant capacity. Additionally, in banana peel, these extracts were the richest in dopamine content (12.63 mg g−1 dmb). Extraction by infusion (80 °C, 30 min) yielded a beetroot peel extract with the highest total betacyanin content (9.80 mg g−1 dmb). Biological effects in vitro were dose- and time-dependent, as well as influenced by the presence of polysaccharides.