bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
La importancia de la pequeña empresa no estatal en el mejoramiento de la capacidad productiva de la economía cubana
Authors: Cabarrouy Evaldo A.
Published: April 2019

Las empresas en pequeña escala, lo mismo las formales y visibles que las invisibles e informales, han crecido en importancia en los países en desarrollo como fuentes de trabajo para los desempleados o subempleados y como factores que contribuyen al crecimiento económico nacional y a la igualdad económica. En Cuba, las medidas de política económica, instauradas con plena fuerza alrededor de 1993, facilitaron muchas actividades comerciales de trabajo por cuenta propia que anteriormente eran consideradas ilegales y que los cubanos ya ejercían clandestinamente, mejorando así la satisfacción de importantes necesidades básicas, sobre todo en la alimentación, el transporte de carga y pasajeros. El objetivo del trabajo, por lo tanto, no sólo es el de plantear que el Estado permita la concertación más amplia de estas empresas individuales y familiares, sino también en el plano de la estrategia industrial, proponer que la pequeña empresa no estatal pueda percibir mejor al sector gubernamental en el papel de facilitador que en el de fiscalizador.
Hostigamiento sexual virtual: Perspectivas del ordenamiento jurídico de Estados Unidos de Norteamérica
Authors: Vega Lozada Fredrick
Published: April 2019

La implantación de herramientas de convergencia de tecnologías en las empresas, como el correo electrónico y el uso productivo de la Internet se han convertido en medios útiles e indispensables en la globalización económica. Una de las preocupaciones es que estas tecnologías emergentes y convergentes se utilicen para perpetuar y acrecentar discriminaciones como es el hostigamiento sexual. Esta investigación pone en perspectiva la experiencia del ordenamiento jurídico de los Estados Unidos de Norteamérica sobre el tema.
Modelos mentales: Análisis comparativo de liderazgo y aprendizaje de los estudiantes de empresariales de pregrado de las Universidades de Talca, Chile y Göttingen, Alemania
Authors: Bustamante Miguel A. , Bravo Palma Ángela , Sánchez Peñailillo Andrea
Published: April 2019

La visión estratégica de directivos innovadores con la mirada puesta en el tercer milenio, ha dado pie para el estudio de los modelos mentales. Es por ello que realizamos esta investigación con el propósito de comparar las características del liderazgo y las capacidades de aprendizaje de los estudiantes de empresariales de distintos países. Los resultados sugieren que los estudiantes de empresariales de la Universidad de Talca en Chile poseen atributos de liderazgo más autoritario y aprendizaje conceptual y abstracto, en tanto que los estudiantes de la Universidad de Göttingen en Alemania muestran características de aprendizaje más orientadas a la aplicación y la experiencia práctica y un estilo de liderazgo más participativo
Análisis de las transformaciones en el sistema empresarial cubano
Authors: Marquetti Nodarse Hiram
Published: April 2019

En el presente trabajo se analizó el impacto de algunos desequilibrios relacionados con el funcionamiento del sistema capitalista, a partir de la primera mitad de los años setenta y cómo éstos impactaron la dinámica económica de los principales países capitalistas. Asimismo, se analizaron las particularidades de este proceso en los entonces países socialistas. Se ofrecen consideraciones generales en torno al Perfeccionamiento Empresarial (PE), destacándose su lugar e importancia en el contexto del programa de reformas económicas desarrollado en Cuba durante el decenio de los años noventa. Finalmente, se ofrecen algunas consideraciones en torno a las principales restricciones que enfrenta este proceso en el término de corto plazo.
Detectar irregularidades de contabilidad: Un estudio de transacciones específicas indicativas de prácticas inapropiadas
Authors: Meinhofer Mara Liz
Published: April 2019

Sinopsis de las siguientes tesis: Detectar irregularidades de contabilidad: Un estudio de transacciones específicas indicativas de prácticas inapropiadas, El puerto de las Américas: La puerta al futuro de Puerto Rico,El efecto a corto plazo en el precio de una acción de capital de una compañía tenedora de bancos en Puerto Rico cuando la compañía anuncia una recompra de acciones, El trabajo a distancia y los beneficios económicos para las empresas, Los costos de transacción en el mercado secundario de capital de Puerto Rico.
El efecto a corto plazo en el precio de una acción de capital de una compañia tenedora de bancos en Puerto Rico cuando la campaña anuncia una recompra de acciones
Authors: Fuste López Alexia Ivette
Published: April 2019

Sinopsis de las siguientes tesis: Detectar irregularidades de contabilidad: Un estudio de transacciones específicas indicativas de prácticas inapropiadas, El puerto de las Américas: La puerta al futuro de Puerto Rico,El efecto a corto plazo en el precio de una acción de capital de una compañía tenedora de bancos en Puerto Rico cuando la compañía anuncia una recompra de acciones, El trabajo a distancia y los beneficios económicos para las empresas, Los costos de transacción en el mercado secundario de capital de Puerto Rico.
Los costos de transacción en el mercado secundario de capital de Puerto Rico
Authors: Valladares Torres Moisés
Published: April 2019

Sinopsis de las siguientes tesis: Detectar irregularidades de contabilidad: Un estudio de transacciones específicas indicativas de prácticas inapropiadas, El puerto de las Américas: La puerta al futuro de Puerto Rico,El efecto a corto plazo en el precio de una acción de capital de una compañía tenedora de bancos en Puerto Rico cuando la compañía anuncia una recompra de acciones, El trabajo a distancia y los beneficios económicos para las empresas, Los costos de transacción en el mercado secundario de capital de Puerto Rico.
Fondos de pensiones: Riesgo y rentabilidad; un análisis al caso chileno
Authors: Díaz Contreras Carlos , Higuera Cartes Freddy
Published: April 2019

En los últimos años las rentabilidades de los Fondos de Pensiones han bajado considerablemente, e incluso, en algunas oportunidades, éstas han sido negativas (en términos reales). Dada la obligatoriedad para un trabajador dependiente de ingresar a una Administradora de Fondos de Pensiones (AFP), en este trabajo se quiso analizar la combinación rentabilidad/ riesgo asumida por los afiliados. Si bien los resultados de este trabajo señalan que, en general, la combinación rentabilidad/riesgo no es distinta a lo que la teoría predice, también es cierto la necesidad urgente de implementar los multifondos, para permitir que los distintos afiliados elijan los perfiles de rentabilidad/riesgo de acuerdo a sus preferencias.
Un análisis de las prácticas de mercadeo estratégico en las empresas familiares de rápido crecimiento de EE.UU.
Authors: Upton Nancy , Tend Elizabeth , Seaman Samuel
Published: April 2019

Este artículo se basa en una investigación sobre las prácticas estratégicas de mercadeo de las Empresas Familiares de Rápido Crecimiento (EFRC) en los Estados Unidos. De acuerdo a los resultados de la investigación, en general, éstas prefieren una estrategia de diferenciación y son más propensas a adoptar la estrategia de “imitador creativo” al mercadear productos o servicios nuevos. Se valen de los productos existentes, en gran parte, las que tienen más de tres años en operación, sin embargo, casi una tercera parte de sus ventas provienen de productos y servicios nuevos. Este dato revela que estas empresas son expertas en ofrecer productos y servicios nuevos para mantener su ímpetu en el mercado. Además de encontrar productos y servicios nuevos, tienen que buscar clientes nuevos. Aunque algunos investigadores han señalado a la globalización como la fuerza para el crecimiento rápido, otros han notado que las empresas familiares evitan el mercado global. Nuestro modelo demostró que estas empresas tienden a ganar la mayoría de sus ingresos en el mercado local. Las ventas internacionales tienen una correlación significativa con varios factores, incluso la presencia de un director externo en la junta directiva y el uso de agentes y corredores.
Experiencia empresarial la participación de los empleados: Fórmula para salir de la crisis
Authors: Rivera Rodríguez Hugo Alberto
Published: April 2019

Una de las interrogantes más frecuentes entre los teóricos, pragmáticos y ejecutivos, en fin, entre todo aquel vinculado a la administración empresarial es: ¿Cómo se logra la competitividad? Pero mucho más complicado es preguntarse por la competitividad en países latinoamericanos enmarcados en condiciones socioeconómicas turbulentas. En este artículo se indica, cómo la generación de resultados económicos - propósito de la totalidad de las compañías que se han enfocado en cambiar su modelo de operación para lograr la globalización - demanda estrategias organizacionales mucho más efectivas como: la movilización de inteligencias, el aprendizaje y la innovación. Muchas de éstas las podemos enmarcar como elementos estructurales de la empresa e, igualmente, como procesos que garantizan los resultados económicos.
Estudio exploratorio sobre la efectividad de un sistema ergonómico contra el desorden músculo-esqueletal ocasionado por las funciones repetitivas de los trabajos de oficina
Authors: Vega Cidraz Rosamar
Published: April 2019

Sinopsis de las siguientes tesis: Estudio exploratorio sobre la efectividad de un sistema ergonómico contra el desorden músculo-esqueletal ocasionado por las funciones repetitivas de los trabajos de oficina, El Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte (TLCAN) 10 años después, Comercio electrónico y su impasse de impuestos en los EE.UU.
El tratado de libre comercio de América del Norte (TLCAN) 10 años después
Authors: Mora Rizo José Ramiro
Published: April 2019

Sinopsis de las siguientes tesis: Estudio exploratorio sobre la efectividad de un sistema ergonómico contra el desorden músculo-esqueletal ocasionado por las funciones repetitivas de los trabajos de oficina, El Tratado de Libre Comercio de América del Norte (TLCAN) 10 años después, Comercio electrónico y su impasse de impuestos en los EE.UU.
Pengaruh Kepemimpinan Hamba Tuhan Dalam Pertumbuhan Kerohanian Jemaat Gereja GPdI ‘Zion’ Krebet, Tembalang, Wlingi - Blitar
Authors: Rumiyati Umi , Widianto Kasiatin , Juanda DR , Setyarini Lilis , Ari Wibowo Daniel
Published: April 2019

There is the reason for the growth of the church in the church because the leadership carried out by God's servants or pastors in their ministry can bring good spiritual growth to the congregation. And also the character shown in the life of the servant of God or the pastor of the congregation can be a blessing to the church he leads. A leader is a person who deserves to be a role model for the others because the leader has a good character and is a blessing to the congregation he leads. Through research on the Influence of God's Servant Leadership in Spiritual Growth of GPdI ‘Zion' Krebet Church, Tembalang, Wlingi - Blitar, the writer wants to know the level of influence.
Editorial: Mindfulness y Psicoterapia 10 años después (2006-2016)
Authors: Simón Vicente
Published: April 2019

Editorial del monográfico Mindfulness y Psicoterapia 10 años después (2006-2016)
Intervenciones Basadas en Mindfulness: Tratamiento de las Personas Supervivientes de Trauma
Authors: Rodríguez Vega Beatriz , Bayón Pérez Carmen , Fernández Liria Alberto
Published: April 2019

La experiencia traumática es una experiencia de terror e indefensión ante un estrés extremo. Genera la tendencia en la persona que la sufre a escapar del dolor que surge a través de la desconexión de esa experiencia en el momento presente. La propuesta de mindfulness es conectar de nuevo dentro y fuera, en el momento presente, a través de nuevas formas de relacionarse con dicha experiencia con aceptación y dejando ir, sin identificarse ni agarrarse a ella. En este texto se han descritos las aportaciones de mindfulness y muy especialmente la forma de adaptarlas al caso de las personas supervivientes de trauma. Mindfulness ofrece un camino prometedor para el tratamiento del trauma que incluye además, el autocuidado del terapeuta.
Terapia de Compasión Basada en los Estilos de Apego
Authors: García Campayo Javier , Navarro Mayte , Modrego Marta , Morillo Héctor , Correa Marta
Published: April 2019

La terapia de compasión es una psicoterapia de tercera generación que se está utilizando en los últimos años de forma asociada a mindfulness. Existen varios protocolos de entrenamiento en compasión que al igual que los protocolos de mindfulness han surgido en países anglosajones con entornos culturales y sistemas sanitarios muy diferentes al nuestro. En este contexto consideramos que era necesario desarrollar un modelo de terapia de compasión más cercana a nuestra cultura, más adaptada a nuestro entorno sanitario y que pudiese ser aplicable no sólo a población general, sino también a pacientes con enfermedades psicológicas y somáticas. Este modelo está centrado en los estilos de apego, un concepto psicoanalítico que describe el tipo de relación que el niño desarrolla con sus padres y que influenciará de forma decisiva el tipo de relación interpersonal que mantendrá de adulto con otras personas, así como la imagen que desarrollará sobre sí mismo. En el artículo se describen las bases científicos del modelo, la estructura del programa, los datos de evidencia y el proceso de formación en este protocolo, el primero autóctono desarrollado en países de habla hispana.
Plate-Type Acoustic Metamaterials: Experimental Evaluation of a Modular Large-Scale Design for Low-Frequency Noise Control
Authors: Ang Linus , Koh Yong , Lee Heow
Published: April 2019

For industrial applications, the scalability of a finalised design is an important factor to consider. The scaling process of typical membrane-type acoustic metamaterials may pose manufacturing challenges such as stress uniformity of the membrane and spatial consistency of the platelet. These challenges could be addressed by plate-type acoustic metamaterials with an internal tonraum resonator. By adopting the concept of modularity in a large-scale design (or meta-panel), the acoustical performance of different specimen configurations could be scaled and modularly combined. This study justifies the viability of two meta-panel configurations for low-frequency (80–500 Hz) noise control. The meta-panels were shown to be superior to two commercially available noise barriers at 80–500 Hz. This superiority was substantiated when the sound transmission class (STC) and the outdoor-indoor transmission class (OITC) were compared. The meta-panels were also shown to provide an average noise reduction of 22.7–27.4 dB at 80–400 Hz when evaluated in different noise environments—traffic noise, aircraft flyby noise, and construction noise. Consequently, the meta-panel may be further developed and optimised to obtain a design that is lightweight and yet has good acoustical performance at below 500 Hz, which is the frequency content of most problematic noises.
3D Strain and Elasticity Measurement of Layered Biomaterials by Optical Coherence Elastography based on Digital Volume Correlation and Virtual Fields Method
Authors: Meng Fanchao , Zhang Xinya , Wang Jingbo , Li Chuanwei , Chen Jinlong , Sun Cuiru
Published: April 2019

The three-dimensional (3D) mechanical property characterization of biological tissues is essential for physiological and pathological studies. A digital volume correlation (DVC) and virtual fields method (VFM) based 3D optical coherence elastography (OCE) method is developed to quantitatively measure the 3D full-field displacements, strains and elastic parameters of layered biomaterials assuming the isotropy and homogeneity of each layer. The integrated noise-insensitive DVC method can obtain the 3D strain tensor with an accuracy of 10%. Automatic segmentation of the layered materials is realized based on the full field strain and strain gradient. With the strain tensor as input, and in combination with the segmented geometry, the Young’s modulus and Poison’s ratio of each layer of a double-layered material and a pork specimen are obtained by the VFM. This study provides a powerful experimental method for the differentiation of various components of heterogeneous biomaterials, and for the measurement of biomechanics.
Analytical Theory of Attosecond Transient Absorption Spectroscopy of Perturbatively Dressed Systems
Authors: Kolbasova Daria , Santra Robin
Published: April 2019

A theoretical description of attosecond transient absorption spectroscopy for temporally and spatially overlapping XUV and optical pulses is developed, explaining the signals one can obtain in such an experiment. To this end, we employ a two-stage approach based on perturbation theory, which allows us to give an analytical expression for the transient absorption signal. We focus on the situation in which the attosecond XUV pulse is used to create a coherent superposition of electronic states. As we explain, the resulting dynamics can be detected in the spectrum of the transmitted XUV pulse by manipulating the electronic wave packet using a carrier-envelope-phase-stabilized optical dressing pulse. In addition to coherent electron dynamics triggered by the attosecond pulse, the transmitted XUV spectrum encodes information on electronic states made accessible by the optical dressing pulse. We illustrate these concepts through calculations performed for a few-level model.
Impact of Environmental Conditions on the Health of the Far Eastern Region Population
Authors: Shkrabtak Nataliy , Frolova Nina , Kiseleva Tatyana , Sergeeva Irina , Pomozova Valentina
Published: April 2019

The population of the Far Eastern region is under stress due to daily exposure to harmful and carcinogenic substances in the air, with average annual levels exceeding health standards. The purpose of this study is to assess the medical and environmental situation in the Far Eastern region and to identify relationships between environmental factors and the incidence in the population. For four years, studies have been conducted to assess the impact of environmental pollution on public health using basic demographic and morbidity indicators for the emissions of harmful substances, according to the data from State reports “On the sanitary-epidemiological situation in the Russian Federation” and statistical data from the Federal Statistics Service of the Russian Federation. In the course of this research, it was found that the increase in the incidence of malignant neoplasms was promoted by an increase in the amount of air-polluting emissions and an increase in the proportion of people employed in heavy work under conditions that do not meet health requirements. Using the regression equation, the impact of the amount of wastewater discharges and the amount of pollutants emitted into the atmosphere demonstrated an increase in respiratory diseases. As a preventive measure against negative environmental factors, the mandatory use of local adaptogens in everyday food products has been proposed.
A Simple and Efficient Microfluidic System for Reverse Chemical Synthesis (5′-3′) of a Short-Chain Oligonucleotide Without Inert Atmosphere
Authors: Bhardwaj Rahul , Tue Phan T. , Biyani Manish , Takamura Yuzuru
Published: April 2019

Reverse DNA synthesis (5′-3′) plays diverse functional roles in cellular biology, biotechnology, and nanotechnology. However, current microfluidic systems for synthesizing single-stranded DNAs at a laboratory scale are limited. In this work, we develop a simple and efficient polydimethylsiloxane- (PDMS-) based microfluidic system for the reverse chemical synthesis of short-chain oligonucleotides (in the 5′-3′ direction) under ambient conditions. The use of a microfluidics device and anhydrous conditions effectively surpass the problem of moisture sensitivity during oligonucleotide synthesis. With optimized microfluidic synthesis conditions, the system is able to synthesize up to 21 bases-long oligonucleotides in air atmosphere. The as-synthesized oligonucleotides, without further purification, are characterized using matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight (MALDI-TOF/TOF) mass spectroscopy (MS) supported by the denatured polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) analysis. This developed system is highly promising for producing the desired sequence at the nanomolar scale on-chip and on-demand in the near future.
Optimization of Replaced Grinding Wheel Diameter for Minimum Grinding Cost in Internal Grinding
Authors: Tran Thi-Hong , Le Xuan-Hung , Nguyen Quoc-Tuan , Le Hong-Ky , Hoang Tien-Dung , Luu Anh-Tung , Banh Tien-Long , Vu Ngoc-Pi
Published: April 2019

This paper shows an optimization study on calculating the optimum replaced wheel diameter in internal grinding of stainless steel. In this work, the effects of the input factors, including the initial diameter, the grinding wheel width, the ratio between the length and the diameter of the work-pieces, the dressing depth of cut, the wheel life and the radial grinding wheel wear per dress on the optimum replaced grinding wheel diameter were considered. Also, the effects of cost components, including the cost of the grinding machine and the wheel cost were examined. Moreover, to estimate the influences of these parameters on the optimum replaced diameter, a simulation experiment was given and conducted by programming. From the results of the study, a regression equation was proposed to calculate the optimum replaced diameter.
Preparation and Modification of Biochar Materials and their Application in Soil Remediation
Authors: Yang Xue , Zhang Shiqiu , Ju Meiting , Liu Le
Published: April 2019

As a new functional material, biochar was usually prepared from biomass and solid wastes such as agricultural and forestry waste, sludge, livestock, and poultry manure. The wide application of biochar is due to its abilities to remove pollutants, remediate contaminated soil, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In this paper, the influence of preparation methods, process parameters, and modification methods on the physicochemical properties of biochar were discussed, as well as the mechanisms of biochar in the remediation of soil pollution. The biochar applications in soil remediation in the past years were summarized, such as the removal of heavy metals and persistent organic pollutants (POPs), and the improvement of soil quality. Finally, the potential risks of biochar application and the future research directions were analyzed.
Path Tracking of Mining Vehicles Based on Nonlinear Model Predictive Control
Authors: Bai Guoxing , Liu Li , Meng Yu , Luo Weidong , Gu Qing , Ma Baoquan
Published: April 2019

Path tracking of mining vehicles plays a significant role in reducing the working time of operators in the underground environment. Because the existing path tracking control of mining vehicles, based on model predictive control, is not very effective when the longitudinal velocity of the vehicle is above 2 m/s, we have devised a new controller based on nonlinear model predictive control. Then, we compare this new controller with the existing model predictive controller. In the results of our simulation, the tracking accuracy of our controller at the longitudinal velocity of 4 m/s is close to that of the existing model predictive controller, at the longitudinal velocity of 2 m/s. When longitudinal velocity is 4 m/s, the existing model predictive controller cannot drive the mining vehicle to track the given path, but our nonlinear model predictive controller can, and the maximum displacement error and heading error are 0.1382 m and 0.0589 rad, respectively. According to these results, we believe that this nonlinear model predictive controller can be used to improve the performance of the path tracking of mining vehicles.
Machinability of Stone—Plastic Materials During Diamond Planing
Authors: Zhu Zhaolong , Buck Dietrich , Guo Xiaolei , Cao Pingxiang , Ekevad Mats
Published: April 2019

This paper investigated the machinability of a stone–plastic composite (SPC) via orthogonal cutting with diamond cutters. The objective was to determine the effect of cutting depth on its machinability, including cutting forces, heat, chip formation, and cutting quality. Increased cutting depth promoted an increase in both frictional and normal forces, and also had a strong influence on the change in normal force. The cutting temperatures of chips and tool edges showed an increasing trend as cutting depth increased. However, the cutting heat was primarily absorbed by chips, with the balance accumulating in the cutting edge. During chip formation, the highest von Mises strain was mainly found in SPC ahead of the cutting edge, and the SPC to be removed partially passed its elastic limit, eventually forming chips with different shapes. Furthermore, the average surface roughness and the mean peak-to-valley height of machined surfaces all positively correlated to an increase in cutting depth. Finally, with an increase in cutting depth, the chip shape changed from tubular, to ribbon, to arc, to segmental, and finally, to helical chips. This evolution in chip shape reduced the fluctuation in cutting force, improving cutting stability and cutting quality.
A Novel Method of Hyperspectral Data Classification Based on Transfer Learning and Deep Belief Network
Authors: Li Ke , Wang Mingju , Liu Yixin , Yu Nan , Lan Wei
Published: April 2019

The classification of hyperspectral data using deep learning methods can obtain better results than the previous shallow classifiers, but deep learning algorithms have some limitations. These algorithms require a large amount of data to train the network, while also needing a certain amount of labeled data to fine-tune the network. In this paper, we propose a new hyperspectral data processing method based on transfer learning and the deep learning method. First, we use a hyperspectral data set that is similar to the target data set to pre-train the deep learning network. Then, we use the transfer learning method to find the common features of the source domain data and target domain data. Second, we propose a model structure that combines the deep transfer learning model to utilize a combination of spatial information and spectral information. Using transfer learning, we can obtain the spectral features. Then, we obtain several principal components of the target data. These will be regarded as the spatial features of the target domain data, and we use the joint features for the classifier. The data are obtained from a hyperspectral public database. Using the same amount of data, our method based on transfer learning and deep belief network obtains better classification accuracy in a shorter amount of time.
Optimization in Decision Making in Infrastructure Asset Management: A Review
Authors: Chen Lin , Bai Qiang
Published: April 2019

Infrastructure assets, serving everyone’s daily life, are an essential foundation of any society. Their management faces a wide range of challenges. Hence optimization methods are increasingly applied to assist making management decisions in infrastructure asset management (IAM). A large number of articles apply a broad range of optimization methods in their decision making (DM) and achieve great results. However, they mainly focus on individual methods and a comprehensive knowledge, given the broad range of optimization methods, is hardly discussed. Hence it is valuable to analyze and graphically present the existing knowledge on this subject. This paper, based on a total of 337 articles, provides an overall review of the applications of optimization when making management decisions in IAM, with the intension of enhancing the optimization application and method selection and guiding the future research in this field. More specifically, this paper introduces the application process of optimization when assisting DM in IAM, summarizes the previous application research, and discusses the popular optimization methods applied in DM in IAM. According to the literature review, this paper confirms optimization can effectively assist DM in IAM and a wide range of optimization methods are applicable to assist a variety of DM problems. The recommendations on the applications and selection of optimization methods in the context of IAM are also made to facilitate the applications.
Robust Mixture Modeling Based on Two-Piece Scale Mixtures of Normal Family
Authors: Maleki Mohsen , Contreras-Reyes Javier E. , Mahmoudi Mohammad R.
Published: April 2019

In this paper, we examine the finite mixture (FM) model with a flexible class of two-piece distributions based on the scale mixtures of normal (TP-SMN) family components. This family allows the development of a robust estimation of FM models. The TP-SMN is a rich class of distributions that covers symmetric/asymmetric and light/heavy tailed distributions. It represents an alternative family to the well-known scale mixtures of the skew normal (SMSN) family studied by Branco and Dey (2001). Also, the TP-SMN covers the SMN (normal, t, slash, and contaminated normal distributions) as the symmetric members and two-piece versions of them as asymmetric members. A key feature of this study is using a suitable hierarchical representation of the family to obtain maximum likelihood estimates of model parameters via an EM-type algorithm. The performances of the proposed robust model are demonstrated using simulated and real data, and then compared to other finite mixture of SMSN models.
Ex Vivo Raman Spectrochemical Analysis Using a Handheld Probe Demonstrates High Predictive Capability of Brain Tumour Status
Authors: Bury Danielle , Morais Camilo L. M. , Ashton Katherine M. , Dawson Timothy P. , Martin Francis L.
Published: April 2019

With brain tumour incidence increasing, there is an urgent need for better diagnostic tools. Intraoperatively, brain tumours are diagnosed using a smear preparation reported by a neuropathologist. These have many limitations, including the time taken for the specimen to reach the pathology department and for results to be communicated to the surgeon. There is also a need to assist with resection rates and identifying infiltrative tumour edges intraoperatively to improve clearance. We present a novel study using a handheld Raman probe in conjunction with gold nanoparticles, to detect primary and metastatic brain tumours from fresh brain tissue sent for intraoperative smear diagnosis. Fresh brain tissue samples sent for intraoperative smear diagnosis were tested using the handheld Raman probe after application of gold nanoparticles. Derived Raman spectra were inputted into forward feature extraction algorithms to build a predictive model for sensitivity and specificity of outcome. These results demonstrate an ability to detect primary from metastatic tumours (especially for normal and low grade lesions), in which accuracy, sensitivity and specificity were respectively equal to 98.6%, 94.4% and 99.5% for normal brain tissue; 96.1%, 92.2% and 97.0% for low grade glial tumours; 90.3%, 89.7% and 90.6% for high grade glial tumours; 94.8%, 63.9% and 97.1% for meningiomas; 95.4%, 79.2% and 98.8% for metastases; and 99.6%, 88.9% and 100% for lymphoma, based on smear samples (κ = 0.87). Similar results were observed when compared to the final formalin-fixed paraffin embedded tissue diagnosis (κ = 0.85). Overall, our results have demonstrated the ability of Raman spectroscopy to match results provided by intraoperative smear diagnosis and raise the possibility of use intraoperatively to aid surgeons by providing faster diagnosis. Moving this technology into theatre will allow it to develop further and thus reach its potential in the clinical arena.
TRAILblazing Strategies for Cancer Treatment
Authors: Kretz Anna-Laura , Trauzold Anna , Hillenbrand Andreas , Knippschild Uwe , Henne-Bruns Doris , von Karstedt Silvia , Lemke Johannes
Published: April 2019

In the late 1990s, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-related apoptosis-inducing ligand (TRAIL), a member of the TNF-family, started receiving much attention for its potential in cancer therapy, due to its capacity to induce apoptosis selectively in tumour cells in vivo. TRAIL binds to its membrane-bound death receptors TRAIL-R1 (DR4) and TRAIL-R2 (DR5) inducing the formation of a death-inducing signalling complex (DISC) thereby activating the apoptotic cascade. The ability of TRAIL to also induce apoptosis independently of p53 makes TRAIL a promising anticancer agent, especially in p53-mutated tumour entities. Thus, several so-called TRAIL receptor agonists (TRAs) were developed. Unfortunately, clinical testing of these TRAs did not reveal any significant anticancer activity, presumably due to inherent or acquired TRAIL resistance of most primary tumour cells. Since the potential power of TRAIL-based therapies still lies in TRAIL’s explicit cancer cell-selectivity, a desirable approach going forward for TRAIL-based cancer therapy is the identification of substances that sensitise tumour cells for TRAIL-induced apoptosis while sparing normal cells. Numerous of such TRAIL-sensitising strategies have been identified within the last decades. However, many of these approaches have not been verified in animal models, and therefore potential toxicity of these approaches has not been taken into consideration. Here, we critically summarise and discuss the status quo of TRAIL signalling in cancer cells and strategies to force tumour cells into undergoing apoptosis triggered by TRAIL as a cancer therapeutic approach. Moreover, we provide an overview and outlook on innovative and promising future TRAIL-based therapeutic strategies.
Hydroxymethylation of Furfural to HMF with Aqueous Formaldehyde over Zeolite Beta Catalyst
Authors: Nishimura Shun , Shibata Atsuki
Published: April 2019

Hydroxymethylation of 2-furaldehyde (furfural) toward 5-hydroxymethyl-2-furaldehyde (HMF) was examined in this work among various zeolites with an aqueous formaldehyde as a reagent in a batch and a flow reactor system. It was found that the zeolite beta gave high activity and good reusability with calcination treatment before each run for the target reaction in the batch system. The unique stability of the HMF yield in the liquid-flow system was also observed only in the case of zeolite beta. The effect of the SiO2/Al2O3 ratio in the zeolite beta suggested that hydrophobicity would be an important factor in faster hydroxymethylation with an aqueous formaldehyde reagent. The highest turnover frequency (TOF) for HMF production was found to be 2.4 h−1 in the case of zeolite beta with SiO2/Al2O3 = 440 in the batch reactor system. An approximately 30% yield for HMF was achieved under optimum conditions for zeolite beta catalysts.
Influence of a Bleaching Agent on the Color Stability of Indirect Composite Resins Immersed in Dyes
Authors: dos Santos Daniele , da Silva Emily , Mendonça Juliani , Cetrangolo Denis , Caxias Fernanda , Goiato Marcelo
Published: April 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the effect of a bleaching agent on the color of extrinsically pigmented indirect composite resins. Samples of five resins (Adoro, Resilab, Cristobal, Sinfony, Epricord) were manufactured and divided into five groups: red wine, coffee, orange juice, Coca-Cola, and artificial saliva (control). The stained samples were immersed in a 38% hydrogen peroxide solution for 30 min per week, over three weeks. Color readings were performed at the initial state (L0), after 21 days of dye immersion (ΔE1, L1), and after 7 (ΔE2, L2), 14 (ΔE3, L3), and 21 days (ΔE4, L4) of bleach immersion. Data were subjected to ANOVA and Tukey’s honestly significant difference (HSD) test (α = 0.05). The color alteration was greater in ΔE1, regardless of color solution, indicating extrinsic pigmentation. The Resilab group exhibited greater ΔE1 values than the other resins. The bleaching agent promoted bleaching action on the surfaces of the materials studied, removing the previously impregnated pigments.
Low Deposition Temperature-Induced Changes of the Microstructure and Tribological Property of WS2 Film
Authors: Hu Ming , Dong Yi , Wang Yan , Wang Desheng , Jiang Dong , Fu Yanlong , Weng Lijun , Sun Jiayi , Gao Xiaoming
Published: April 2019

Pure WS2 films were prepared by the radio frequency sputtering of a WS2 target with the initial substrate temperature controlled to −40, −25, 0 °C and room temperature by cooling the holder with liquid nitrogen, respectively. The influence of the substrate temperature on the microstructures and the tribological properties of the prepared films have been evaluated and the wear mechanism of the films was explained. It revealed that with decreasing the substrate temperature, the prepared WS2 film changed from the loose and coarse columnar plate structure for film deposited at room temperature to a much more compact morphology for film deposited at −40 °C. The WS2 film deposited at low temperature of −40 or −25 °C exhibited a long wear life higher than 5.0 × 105 sliding cycles, while this was about 1.5 × 105 cycles for the WS2 deposited at room temperature. The improved tribological properties for the low temperature-deposited film were mainly attributed to the much lower wear rate resulted from the compact structure as well as the sustained and steadily formed transform layer on the counterpart ball.
GIS-Based Multi-Criteria Assessment and Seasonal Impact on Plantation Forest Landscape Visual Sensitivity
Authors: Yang Huijuan , Li Yongning , Zhang Zhidong , Xu Zhongqi , Huang Xuanrui
Published: April 2019

Visual sensitivity assessments identify the location of the high-sensitivity areas in terms of visual change. Studying the visual sensitivity of plantation forest landscapes and their seasonal changes can help resolve increasingly frequent conflicts between tourism and forest management activities, in the context of the multi-functional management of plantation forests. In this study, we used the geographic information system (GIS) and multi-criteria evaluation (MCE) methods combined with the analytic hierarchy process (AHP) to perform a visual sensitivity evaluation. Nine map-based criteria were selected, and the visual sensitivity of summer and autumn values were calculated, using data from sources including inventory data for forest management planning and design, digital elevation model (DEM), and aerial photographs. Vegetation uniformity (VU) and color diversity (CD) indices were constructed using three patch-level-based landscape indices, including area (AREA), fractal dimension index (FRAC), and proximity (PROX), to visualize the summer and autumn vegetation characteristics of a plantation forest landscape. We conducted a case study on the Saihanba Mechanical Forest Plantation, China’s largest forest plantation. The results were evaluated by experts, confirming the method to be reliable. This study provides an accurate, objective, and visualized evaluation method for the visual sensitivity of plantations for forest management units at the landscape scale. In analyzing the visual sensitivity of plantation forest landscapes, appropriate criteria, e.g., uniformity or diversity should be selected based on forest vegetation characteristics. When identifying high-sensitivity regions, it is necessary to simultaneously analyze areas with high visual sensitivity in different seasons and then superimpose the results.
Tax Fraud Detection through Neural Networks: An Application Using a Sample of Personal Income Taxpayers
Authors: Pérez López César , Delgado Rodríguez María Jesús , de Lucas Santos Sonia
Published: April 2019

The goal of the present research is to contribute to the detection of tax fraud concerning personal income tax returns (IRPF, in Spanish) filed in Spain, through the use of Machine Learning advanced predictive tools, by applying Multilayer Perceptron neural network (MLP) models. The possibilities springing from these techniques have been applied to a broad range of personal income return data supplied by the Institute of Fiscal Studies (IEF). The use of the neural networks enabled taxpayer segmentation as well as calculation of the probability concerning an individual taxpayer’s propensity to attempt to evade taxes. The results showed that the selected model has an efficiency rate of 84.3%, implying an improvement in relation to other models utilized in tax fraud detection. The proposal can be generalized to quantify an individual’s propensity to commit fraud with regards to other kinds of taxes. These models will support tax offices to help them arrive at the best decisions regarding action plans to combat tax fraud.
Comparative Analysis of Skeletal Muscle Metabolites of Fish with Various Rates of Aging
Authors: Maslov Dmitry L. , Trifonova Oxana P. , Mikhailov Anton N. , Zolotarev Konstantin V. , Nakhod Kirill V. , Nakhod Valeriya I. , Belyaeva Nataliya F. , Mikhailova Marina V. , Lokhov Petr G. , Archakov Alexander I.
Published: April 2019

Fish species exhibit great diversity rating of aging (from negligible to rapid), which gives a unique possibility for the discovery of the molecular mechanisms that determine the differences in the rate of aging. A mass spectrometric metabolic profiling of skeletal muscle of fish with various aging rates was carried out by direct injection to a quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometer. The first group includes long-lived fish species (pike (Esox Lucius) and sterlet (Acipenser ruthenus); the second group—species with gradual senescence such as that observed in many mammalian species of similar size (zander (Sandra lucioperca) and perch (Perca fluviatilis)) and the third group—species with very short life cycle (chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta) and pink salmon (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)). Multivariate analysis of metabolic profiles allowed the detecting of about 80 group-specific features associated with amino acids, lipids, biogenic amines, intermediates of glycolysis, glycogenolysis, and citric acid cycle. Possible roles in the aging process are hypothesized for the biochemical pathways of the metabolites that were altered in the different groups.
Spatio–Temporal Relationship and Evolvement of Socioeconomic Factors and PM2.5 in China During 1998–2016
Authors: Yang Yi , Li Jie , Zhu Guobin , Yuan Qiangqiang
Published: April 2019

A comprehensive understanding of the relationships between PM2.5 concentration and socioeconomic factors provides new insight into environmental management decision-making for sustainable development. In order to identify the contributions of socioeconomic development to PM2.5, their spatial interaction and temporal variation of long time series are analyzed in this paper. Unary linear regression method, Spearman’s rank and bivariate Moran’s I methods were used to investigate spatio–temporal variations and relationships of socioeconomic factors and PM2.5 concentration in 31 provinces of China during the period of 1998–2016. Spatial spillover effect of PM2.5 concentration and the impact of socioeconomic factors on PM2.5 concentration were analyzed by spatial lag model. Results demonstrated that PM2.5 concentration in most provinces of China increased rapidly along with the increase of socioeconomic factors, while PM2.5 presented a slow growth trend in Southwest China and a descending trend in Northwest China along with the increase of socioeconomic factors. Long time series analysis revealed the relationships between PM2.5 concentration and four socioeconomic factors. PM2.5 concentration was significantly positive spatial correlated with GDP per capita, industrial added value and private car ownership, while urban population density appeared a negative spatial correlation since 2006. GDP per capita and industrial added values were the most important factors to increase PM2.5, followed by private car ownership and urban population density. The findings of the study revealed spatial spillover effects of PM2.5 between different provinces, and can provide a theoretical basis for sustainable development and environmental protection.
Tai Chi as an Alternative Exercise to Improve Physical Fitness for Children and Adolescents with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Kong Zhaowei , Sze Tat-Ming , Yu Jane Jie , Loprinzi Paul D. , Xiao Tao , Yeung Albert S. , Li Chunxiao , Zhang Hua , Zou Liye
Published: April 2019

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of Tai Chi (TC) on anthropometric parameters and physical fitness among children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities (ID). Methods: Sixty-six Chinese individuals engaged in sport-related extracurricular activities (TC and aerobic exercise (AE)) as exercise interventions or arts/crafts activities as a control condition (CON). The experimental protocol consisted of a baseline assessment, a 12-week intervention period, and a post-intervention assessment. Results: Significant interaction effect was only observed in the performance of a 6-min walk test. After 12 weeks of intervention, the AE group had significant changes in body mass index (p = 0.006, d = 0.11), sit-ups (p = 0.030 and d = 0.57), and 6-min walk test (p = 0.005, d = 0.89). Significant increases in vertical jump (p = 0.048, d = 0.41), lower-limb coordination (p = 0.008, d = 0.53), and upper-limb coordination (p = 0.048, d = 0.36) were observed in the TC group. Furthermore, the TC group demonstrated significantly greater improvements on balance compared to the control group (p = 0.011). Conclusions: TC may improve leg power and coordination of both lower and upper limbs, while AE may be beneficial for body mass index, sit-ups and cardiorespiratory fitness.
Enhancement of Detoxification of Petroleum Hydrocarbons and Heavy Metals in Oil-Contaminated Soil by Using Glycine-β-Cyclodextrin
Authors: Zhang Wei , Liu Yun-guo , Tan Xiao-fei , Zeng Guang-ming , Gong Ji-lai , Lai Cui , Niu Qiu-ya , Tang Yuan-qiang
Published: April 2019

Soil contamination with petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals is a widespread environmental problem. In recent years, cyclodextrin has attracted research interest because of its special hole structure that can form inclusion complexes with certain small molecules. However, the solubility of β-cyclodextrin (β-CD) in water is low and it crystallizes easily, leading to its low utilization in practice. In this experiment, we connected β-CD with glycine under alkaline conditions to prepare glycine-β-cyclodextrin (G-β-CD), which is water soluble, has stronger coordinating ability with heavy metals, and is more suitable for treating oil-contaminated soil. The results show that G-β-CD provides better desorption of petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals in soils with low organic matter content (1%) and NaNO3 of 0.25 mol/L at 70 g/L G-β-CD under mildly acidic (pH 5–6) conditions. The results indicate that petroleum hydrocarbons and heavy metals were removed simultaneously by means of pretreatment with G-β-CD, and the results can provide a theoretical basis for remediation of petroleum-contaminated soil.
Impact and Interactions of Policies for Mitigation of Air Pollutants and Greenhouse Gas Emissions in Korea
Authors: Oh Inha , Yoo Wang-Jin , Yoo Yiseon
Published: April 2019

Korea faces a challenging task of simultaneously reducing emissions of air pollutants and greenhouse gases (GHG). Since both are emitted from the same sources such as fossil fuel combustion and economic activities, there could be commonalities and interactions between the policies for reducing each of them. A static computable general equilibrium model is developed to observe the economic impact of policies for reducing air pollutants or GHG and the interactions between those policies in Korea. The results show that reducing one of the air pollutants, particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) emissions by 30% from the business-as-usual (BAU) in 2022 will lead to reduction of GHG emissions by 22.8% below the BAU level, exceeding the national GHG reduction target. Also, by achieving the domestic GHG reduction target, which is 32.5% below the BAU level by 2030, PM2.5 emissions will be reduced by 32.8%. The costs of reducing air pollutants and greenhouse gas are high, reaching from 0.34% to 1.75% of gross domestic product, and the reduction causes an asymmetrical damage to emission intensive industries. The sum of the benefits from air pollutants and GHG reduction is estimated to be 0.4 to 1.2 times greater than the costs, depending on the scenario.