bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
STUDY OF KNOWLEDGE OF PRESCRIPTION WRITING AMONGST SECOND YEAR MBBS STUDENTS, INTERNS AND CLINICIANS AT A TERTIARY HEALTH CARE CENTRE
Authors: Merchant Dr. Arwa. S. , Merchant Dr. Fatema. S. , Bhosle Dr. Deepak
Published: November 2019

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: To assess and compare the knowledge of prescription writing between second year MBBS students, interns and clinicians at tertiary health care center and medical college.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross sectional, three armed questionnaire based comparative study was conducted after approval of institutional ethics committee. A questionnaire comprising of 25 questions was designed and validated by experts to assess the knowledge regarding prescription writing amongst second year MBBS students, interns and clinicians. Maximum score of the questionnaire was 25. Statistical analysis: total marks scored was analyzed by “student’s t-test”

Percentages of correct answers were analyzed by “chi-square test”.

RESULTS: Excellent grade (marks between 19-25) was scored by 12% of Second year students, 24% of interns and 20% of clinician participants.

Good grade (marks between 12-18) was scored by 56 % of second year students, 63% of interns and 55% of clinicians

Average grade (marks below 12) was obtained by 32% of second year student, 13% by Interns and 25% by clinicians.

The difference between the levels of knowledge about Prescription writing between second year MBBS students, Interns and clinicians was found to be statistically significant (p <0.014)

Few doctors avoid writing prescription to their patients and they ask their junior’s to do so. Thus though being clinically advanced but may have less of exposure to theoretical knowledge.

CONCLUSION: We concluded from the study that the knowledge about prescription writing was better in interns than the clinicians and the second year students.

Few interventions like regular seminars and workshops on Prescription writing should be organized for MBBS students and also for clinicians who can be conducted at appropriate forums as a part of continuing medical education. Conducting well timed prescription audit at OPD and IPD level can go a long way in achieving this goal.
NON MOTOR SYMPTOMS IN PARKINSON’S DISEASE PATIENTS: A HOSPITAL BASED PROSPECTIVE STUDY.
Authors: Baid Dr. Atul , Baid Dr. Chhavi Raman
Published: November 2019

Objectives: This present study was to evaluate the clinical profile and prevalence of non motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease patients on the basis of various system involvements.

Methods: Detail history, clinical examination and relevant investigations were performed to all cases of Parkinson’s disease patients. The diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease was confirmed by UKPDS Brain Bank Criteria. Neurological examination was conducted for MMSE scores and H and Y staging.

Results: Data was analyzed by using simple statistical methods with help of Ms-Office software. Data was tabulated and percentages were calculated.

Conclusions: Parkinson’s disease was commonly occurred in old age male populations. Most of the cases had H & Y stage 2. Non motor symptoms were progressed as the stage of Parkinson’s disease progressed. Nausea, unsatisfactory bowel voiding and constipation were common gastrointestinal symptoms. Decreased libido, orthostatic hypotension, nocturia and hypo/hyper Sexuality were common autonomic dysfunction. Insomnia, Restless Leg and Behavioural limb movements were common sleep disorders. Dementia, attention deficit, anhedonia and apathy were common neuropsychiatric symptoms seen in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Common sensory symptoms were unexplained Pain (Paraesthesia) and hyposmia. Other common symptoms of Parkinson’s disease patients had swelling of leg, falls and weight gain. Hence early diagnosis, management and awareness are essential for improvement of quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease.

Keywords:  Parkinson’s disease, non motor symptoms, Hoehn & Yahr stage, UKPDS Brain Bank Criteria
PROSPECTIVE AND RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF COLONIC INTERPOSITION IN BENIGN AND MALIGNANT ESOPHAGEAL LESION.
Authors: Ghanghoria Dr. Arvind , Dawar Dr. Rakesh , Mathur Dr. R. K.
Published: November 2019

The Retrospective and prospective study entitled "Prospective and Retrospective study of Colonic Interposition in Benign and Malignant Esophageal Lesion" will be conducted in the Department of Surgery of MGM Medical College and M.Y. Hospital, Indore over a period of 2 year.

The above table shows the distribution of patients according to presenting complains. 1 (3.3%) patient presented with liquid dysphagia, 23 (76.7%) patients presented with solid and liquid dysphagia and 6 (20.0%) patients presented with solid dysphagia. Majority of the patients had solid and liquid dysphagia. the distribution of patients according to diagnosis. 6 (20.0%) patients had carcinoma esophagus and 24 (80.0%) patients had esophageal strictures. Majority of the patients had esophageal strictures. Comparison of wound site infection. At 2 weeks, 2 (6.7%) patients had wound site infection, which was still present at 1 month and decreased to 1 (3.3%) at 3 months. After 3 months, none of the patients had wound site infection.

The colon interposition is an alternative option for esophageal reconstruction when the stomach is unavailable the quality of life after colonic transposition compared at postoperative 1 month and 2 year using specially designed QOL questionnaire for coloplasty patients. Our disease specific questionnaire performs well in relation to previously published study which was used same questionnaire asses the quality of life. in post coloplasty patients According to the selected colon graft (left or Right) route of reconstruction, direction of graft various surgical procedures can be considered for colonic reconstruction in present study left colic artery based left colonic graft is used. Regardless of the situation, blood supply of colon graft directly affect the outcome of the surgery.

Keywords: Colonic, Interposition, Esophageal & Lesion.
ASSESSMENT OF CLINICAL PROFILE OF CELIAC DISEASE AMONG CHILDREN AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL
Authors: Bijarnia Dr. Satya Narayan , Dev Dr. Deveshwar , Gupta Dr. R K
Published: November 2019

Background: Celiac disease is reported to be the most common genetic and food related intolerance, globally. Celiac disease is an autoimmune disease that reported among genetically susceptible individuals. The autoimmune process is reported to be triggered by a well-identified associated environmental factor known as gluten and its related prolamins which are present in wheat, barley and rye.

Material & Methods: The present prospective study was conducted at department of pediatrics of our tertiary care hospital. The study was an observational study on 30 self-reported patients during a period of one year from January 2017 to December 2017. Patients without any exclusion criteria of sex, religion and socioeconomic status were enrolled by simple random sampling.

Results: In the present study, on the basis of clinical symptoms we found that in the age group of less than 5 years 75% had diarrhea, 87.5% had abdominal distension, 87.5% had abdominal pain, 75% had anorexia. In the age group of 5-10 years 50% had diarrhea, 66.6% had abdominal distension, 58.3% had abdominal pain, 66.6% had anorexia and 16.6% had constipation. In the age group of more than 10 years 70% had diarrhea, 60% had abdominal distension, 50% had abdominal pain, 40% had anorexia and 20% had constipation.

Conclusion: We concluded from the present study that most common clinical symptom among children was diarrhea followed by abdominal distention, pain in abdomen, anorexia, constipation, pallor,edema, vitamin deficiencies and mouth ulcers.

Keywords: Celiac disease, IgA-anti tissue transglutaminase antibodies, Screening.
A COMPARATIVE QUALITATIVE STUDY OF DISPERSIBLE TABLETS OF THREE DIFFERENT COMMERCIAL BRANDS
Authors: Kishore Ankita , Kashyap Pradeep , Sharma Devender , Singh Ranjan Kumar
Published: November 2019

Dispersible tablets are uncoated or film-coated tablets meant to be spread in water before administration giving a unvaried dispersion. Pediatric and old patients face complications in swallowing the conventional tablets. So according to the need dispersible tablets have been developed which combine the benefits of liquid dosage forms and solid dosage forms. The dispersible tablets allow dispersion in water prior to administration. In present study we have compared three brands of different dispersible tablets. The objective of the study was to find out the best dosage form based on the post compression parameters of dispersible tablets and to develop a co-relation among these parameters. Three brands of dispersible tablets had been selected i.e. Acetylsalicylic acid, Cefixime & Paracetamol tablets and they have been compared on the basis of different parameters of dispersible tablets like uniformity of weight, friability testing, hardness, wetting time, wetting volume, water absorption ratio, dispersion time, disintegration time, uniformity of dispersion. Acetylsalicylic acid & Cefixime complies all the parameters except friability test, while Paracetamol tablets complies all the tests except it was showing more hardness compared to other two brands due to which it’s properties like wetting time, wetting volume, water absorption ratio, dispersion time, disintegration time was lower than other two. So after overall comparison Cefixime was found to be the best in comparison to other two brands.

Keywords: Dispersible tablets, paracetamol, cefixime, acetylsalicylic acid, comparison, post compression parameters.
The Impact of Academic Potential Test (APT) on GPA Score in Bachelor Dental Program in Trisakti University
Authors: Amtha Rahmi , Astoeti Tri Erri , Agustin Tri Putriany , Yusra Yohana , Poedjiastoeti Wiwiek , Gunardi Indrayadi
Published: November 2019

Introduction: Academic potential test (APT) is the terminology used for requirement in student recruitment process at Faculty of Dentistry, Trisakti University. According to literature, APT score is believed to predict the academic achievement in graduate school. Objectives: This study assessed the impact of APT score on GPA score at Bachelor Dental Program year 2015-2018. Methods: Cross sectional descriptive analysis were done on 486 students, divided into 4 groups based on credit semester (CS); group A 144 CS, B 100 CS, C 60 CS, and D 20 CS. Result: mean APT score were 598 + 95.46 and GPA score were 2.63 + 0.72. Linear regression test showed significant correlation between APT and GPA scores (p=0.007; r2=1.5%). It shows that APT contributed as only a little aspect for the success of students in their study. In dentistry, there are other factors that may influence GPA score beside APT such as intellectual quality, talent, behavior, psychomotor and capability in social, science and communication. Conclusion: Academic potential test could be used to predict the GPA score in Bachelor Dental Program.
Rehabilitation of Vertical Dimension Decreased Cases in Elderly Patients
Authors: Adrian Nova
Published: November 2019

Introduction: An elderly person is considered elderly when he or she reaches 60 years or more. Among the problems that occur in the elderly is the loss of teeth. Elderly patients who lose several teeth might decrease the vertical dimension; additional tooth migration causes extensive loss contact. Obtaining an ideal occlusal schema was challenging for dental practitioners. A suitable and efficient preprosthetic plan might be essential to acquire comfortable and good dentures for patients. Our objective is to organize a suitable and efficient preprosthetic, planning to acquire comfortable for patient. Case Report: A 69 year old man who had lost several teeth due to caries on teeth 15, 14, 13, 12, 11, 21, 24, 25, 26, 34, 37, 44, 46 and 47. He had used dentures over the last 15 years and needed a new one because the previous dentures was impaired. We determined the tentative vertical dimension and position to the articulator. Preprosthetic planning fixed the prosthesis on 36 and 27 with extraction on 18. A second impression was made and placed on the articulator, arranging the teeth and try in wax dentures continously. We used a definitive dentures and suggest a periodic control. Conclusion: The loss of several teeth decreased vertical dimensions, and existing tooth migration caused extensive loss contact. The systematic preprosthetic planning might be arranged on behalf of success prosthesis.
Investigating the Effect of Liquidity, Leverage, Sales Growth, and Good Corporate Governance on Financial Distress
Authors: Dianova Agustina , Nahumury Joicenda
Published: November 2019

Large companies may experience financial distress because of their inability to compete. Therefore, investors should be more vigilant in investing their funds. Some ways that can be done is through cash flow analysis, analysis of corporate strategy, and analysis of financial statements. This study aims to determine the effect of liquidity, leverage, sales growth, and good corporate governance on financial distress. The study used 55 samples of telecommunication and non-construction companies listed in Indonesia Stock Exchange period 2013-2017. The technique sampling in this study is the purposive sampling method. The data analysis method is PLS (Partial Least Square). The results of this study indicate that liquidity, leverage, sales growth, and good corporate governance do not affect financial distress. These unexpected results may due to the limitation of this study. Therefore, for future research in financial distress, it is suggested to take into account the sample size and other variables that expected to affect financial distress.
PERTUMBUHAN KELAPA SAWIT (Elais guineensis Jacq.) ASAL PEREMAJAAN TUMBANG TOTAL DAN SISIPAN
Authors: Hartawan Rudi , Marwan Edy , Suharjo Ali
Published: November 2019

Produktivitas tanaman kelapa sawit terus menurun setelah mencapai usia 25 tahun. Peremajaan merupakan solusi untuk mengembalikan produktivitas tanaman. Beberapa metode peremajaan digunakan oleh petani swadaya yang disesuaikan dengan kebutuhan dan modal yang tersedia. Metode peremajaan yang umum dilakukan adalah tumbang total dan sisipan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui pertumbuhan kelapa sawit asal peremajaan tumbang total dan sisipan. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di lahan peremajaan tumbang total dan lahan peremajaan sisipan yang berada di Desa Panca Mulya kecamatan Sungai Bahar Kabupaten Muaro Jambi. Bahan yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah tanaman kelapa sawit varietas Tenera berumur dua tahun yang di tanaman pada lahan peremajaan tumbang total dan sisipan dengan metode pengambilan sampel systematic sampling dan peubah yang diamati adalah fisik tanaman, pH tanah, intensitas cahaya, suhu, dan kelembaban. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa teknik peremajaan berpengaruh nyata terhadap pertumbuhan tanaman, dan tanaman kelapa sawit dapat tumbuh baik pada lahan peremajaan tumbang total. Pertumbuhan yang lebih baik pada tanaman kelapa sawit diindikasi dengan semakin besar diameter batang maka lebih baik, semakin rendah tinggi tanaman maka lebih baik, semakin banyak jumlah pelepah maka lebih baik, semakin terang warna daun maka lebih baik, dan semakin tipis ketebalan daun maka lebih baik. Tindakan agronomi yang biasa dilakukan adalah pengendalian gulma dan pemupukan. Tindakan lain seperti pengendalian hama dan penyakit, kastrasi, dan pembuangan bunga dompet jarang dilakukan.
SURVEI SERANGAN HAMA PADA PERKEBUNAN TEBU (Saccharum officinarum L.) DI PROVINSI JAMBI
Authors: Adrian Rizaldi , Nasamsir Nasamsir , Meilin Araz
Published: November 2019

Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di Desa Sungai Asam Kabupaten Kerinci, Desa Siulak Kecil Hilir, Hamparan Sungai Bermas, Kabupaten Kerinci, Desa Tangkit Kabupaten Muaro Jambi dan Desa Sungai Buluh Kabupaten Batanghari. Dari analisis data yang didapatkan dari pemasangan dua perangkap yellow trap dan pitfall, hasil identifikasi menunjukkan bahwa penyebab dari serangan penggerek batang Tebu adalah Kumbang (Rhabdoscelus obscurus) termasuk dalam family Curculionidae dan subfamily Rhynchophorinae Ordo Coleoptera , diindikasikan hama tersebut merupakan hama utama pada tanaman Tebu yang pradewasanya dikenal juga dengan hama uret. Hama uret ini dapat merusak bagian dalam batang tanaman tebu hingga menyebabkan kematian.Key words : tanamana Tebu, Rhabdoscelus obscures. RhynchophorinaeABSTRACTThis research was carried out in Sungai Asam Village, Kerinci Regency, Siulak Kecil Hilir Village Sungai Bermas , Kerinci District, Tangkit Village, Muaro Jambi Regency, and Sungai Buluh Village, Batanghari Regency.  Analysis of the data obtained from the installation of two yellow trap and pitfall traps, identification results indicate that the cause of the attack of sugarcane stem borer is the Beetle (Rhabdoscelus obscurus) included in the family Curculionidae and subfamily Rhynchophorinae Ordo Coleoptera indicated that these pests are the main pests in sugarcane plants which are commonly known as uret pests. This uret pest can damage the inside sugar cane stems to cause death.Key words : sugarcane, Rhabdoscelus obscures. Rhynchophorinae
Study of the effect of four generic lambda-cyhalothrin pesticides on the reproductive function of male wistar han rats
Authors: Shepelskaya N.R. , Kolianchyk Ya.V. , Prodanchuk M.G.
Published: November 2019

Introduction. Objective is to identify hazard and asses reproductive toxicity risk of four generic lambda-cyhalothrin pesticides of different purity on male Wistar Han rats. Methods. Lambda-cyhalothrin (LC1 — 97 %, LC2 — 96 %, LC3 — 97,1 %, LC4 — 96,7 % purity) was administered intragastrically on a daily basis, exceptfor Saturday and Sunday, at doses of 0,0; 0,3 and 3,0 mg/kg body weight for three groups of animals, 20 males in each, for 11 weeks. Control animals received an equivalent amount of solvent. In parallel with control and experimental animals, there were intact females, intended for mating. At the end of inoculation, functional parameters of the state of gonads and the ability of animals to reproduce offspring were studied. The state of reproductive function in intact females was taken into account at day 20 of pregnancy. Results and discussion. The obtained data indicate that the exposure to four generic lambda-cyhalothrin substances at a dose of 3,0 mg/kg body weight for 11 weeks showed a general toxic effect (weight loss) in males under the effect of LC1. All four test substances have a reproductive toxicity at the maximum dose and have a pronounced antiandrogenic effect, which is manifested in changes in the morphological and functional parameters of the state of the gonads in the experimental groups of males. In addition, there was a negative effect on the fertility of males (LC2), which was concluded by the fertility index in intact females. Conclusion. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that all studied lambda-cyhalothrin samples have reproductive toxicity at a dose of 3,0 mg/kg body weight. No observed effect level (NOEL) for all studies substances is the dose of 0,3 mg/kg body weight. In the range of studied doses, there is a dose-effect dependence. Key words: pesticides, cyhalothrin, lambda-cyhalothrin, gonadotoxicity, reproductive toxicity.
Trends in the prevalence of chronic liver disease in the Korean adult population, 1998–2017
Authors: Park Seung Ha , Plank Lindsay D. , Suk Ki Tae , Park Yong Eun , Lee Jin , Choi Joon Hyuk , Heo Nae Yun , Park Jongha , Kim Tae Oh , Moon Young Soo , Kim Hyun Kuk , Jang Hang Jea , Park Ha Young , Kim Dong Joon
Published: November 2019

Data on the trends in the prevalence of chronic liver disease (CLD) in Korea are scarce. This study aimed to evaluate whether the CLD prevalence changed between 1998–2001 and 2016–2017. Data were extracted from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (1998–2001 to 2016–2017; n=25,893). Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was defined as a hepatic steatosis index >36 in the absence of any other evidence of CLD. The definition of alcoholrelated liver disease (ALD) was excessive alcohol consumption (≥210 g/week for men and ≥140 g/week for women) and an ALD/NAFLD index >0. The prevalence of NAFLD increased from 18.6% (95% confidence interval [CI], 17.8–19.5%) in 1998–2001 to 21.5% (95% CI, 20.6–22.6%) in 2016–2017. During the same time period, increases were observed in the prevalence of obesity (27.0 vs. 35.1%), central obesity (29.4 vs. 36.0%), diabetes (7.5 vs. 10.6%), and excessive drinking (7.3 vs. 10.5%). ALD prevalence also increased from 3.8% (95% CI, 3.4–4.2%) to 7.0% (95% CI, 6.4–7.6%). In contrast, chronic hepatitis B decreased from 5.1% (95% CI, 4.6–5.5%) to 3.4% (95% CI, 3.0–3.8%). The prevalence of chronic hepatitis C was approximately 0.3% in 2016–2017. The prevalence of NAFLD and ALD increase among Korean adults. Our results suggest potential targets for interventions to reduce the future burden of CLD.
Once again about supercavity modes: (a response to the letter to the editors of Physics–Uspekhi from V V Klimov [Phys. Usp. 62 (10) 1058 (2019); Usp. Fiz. Nauk 189 (10) 1131 (2019)] with comments on the review by M V Rybin and M F Limonov “Resonance effects in photonic crystals and metamaterials” [Phys. Usp. 62 (8) 823 (2019); Usp. Fiz. Nauk 189 (8) 881 (2019)])
Authors: Rybin M V , Limonov M F
Published: November 2019

In this letter, we demonstrate the fallacy of the provisions and conclusions set forth in the letter to the editors of Physics–Uspekhi by V V Klimov [Phys. Usp.
62 (10) 1058 (2019)]. The author discusses the review by M V Rybin and M F Limonov [Phys. Usp.
62 (8) 823 (2019)] and makes a number of conclusions that have nothing to do with the content of the review and the original work on which the review is based. Also, V V Klimov’s conclusions contradict well-known data in the literature.
Method of detection and spectrometry of charged particles produced in a superstrong electromagnetic field based on their transport by the magnetic field of a coaxial line
Authors: Moshkunov S I , Khomich V Yu
Published: November 2019

This paper presents methods of detection and spectrometry of high-energy electrons and positrons produced in the interaction of laser radiation with matter and vacuum. The methods are based on charged particle transport in the magnetic field of a hollow coaxial line through which a direct current flows. The methods make it possible to detect particles at a distance of several dozen meters from the source with retention of close to 100% collection efficiency and provide efficient detector protection from background radiation.
Experiences of Foundation Year Students at Oman College of Health Sciences
Authors: Al Junaibi Suad , Al Yahya’ei Asma Nasser , Nasser Al Rahbi Aziza , Abdullah Al Battashi Bushra , Hamed Al Ghaithi Iman , Abdullah Al Raqadi Kahwla , Ahmed Al Hinai Maha , Mohammed Al Farsi Marwa , Abdullah Al Suti Nawar , Said Al Mashari Sameera , Said Al Sudairi Sara
Published: November 2019

Joining college for the first time might be a difficult experience for most students as the transitional stage from being a student of secondary school to one in a college can lead to problems in terms of adjusting to college life. There are multiple aspects that students need to adjust to in college life such as social, academic, lifestyle, institutional attachment, and personal-emotional aspects.

The aim of this project was to identify the common adjustment issues among first-year students enrolled in the foundation program at the Oman College of Health Sciences (OCHS). To achieve the purpose of the project, a survey comprising 26 points and subdivided into four parts was designed using a Likert-type scale. A sample of 200 first-year students (mean age=19yrs.) at OCHS were randomly selected to be surveyed from total of 374 students. However, only 188 students participated in the survey: 48 males (25.5%), and 140 females (74.5%). The gathered data were entered and analyzed through the google forms service. The results showed lack of entertainment to be the main issue with first-year students followed by concerning economic problems, social and wellbeing issues. The findings indicated that Extracurricular Activities (ECAs) within and outside the college play an important role in the students’ academic performances and have positive effects on their lives. Such students will also be able to alter their behavior, improve their learning, develop their personality, and increase their teamwork and leadership skills.
Paraphilic Disorders in ICD-11 and the Forensic context in Brazil
Authors: Diehl Alessandra , Jesus Mari Jair de , Abdalla Filho Elias
Published: November 2019

The World Health Organization (WHO) has made substantial changes to the classification of paraphilic disorders (F65) for the Eleventh Revision of the International Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-11). Its expected that by January 2022 the ICD-11 may already be used by clinicians and stakeholders in many countries around the world.
ILLOCUTIONARY ACTS ON ALADDIN MOVIE 2019
Authors: Sembiring Wulan Angelia , Ambalegin Ambalegin
Published: November 2019

Illocutionary act is a part of pragmatics studies. Illocutionary acts are acts performed by speakers in saying something (with an appropriate intention and in an appropriate context), The aim of this research were to find out the types of illocutionary act in the Aladdin movie and also to find context underlying illocutionary act in the movie .This method was descriptive qualitative because the data were the utterances of the characters in the Aladdin movie.  The research colleting the data with non-participatory methods .There were some steps in collecting the data: downloading the movie script, watching the movie several times, reading and observing the dialogue in the movie .The result of the research there are 30 utterances of directives illocutionary acts  . Each of the utterances divided into a part of directive illocutionary act . The data were classified into five namely are , directives (10), assertives (5) declaratives (2), commissives (4), expressives (9).
A Comparative Study of Multivariate Analysis Techniques for Highly Correlated Variable Identification and Management
Authors: Ntotsis K. , Kalligeris E. N. , Karagrigoriou A.
Published: November 2019

In this work we attempt is to locate and analyze via multivariate analysis techniques, highly correlated covariates (factors) which are interrelated with the Gross Domestic Product and therefore are affecting either on short-term or on long-term its shaping. For the analysis, feature selection techniques and model selection criteria are used. The case study focuses on annual data for Greece for the period 1980-2018.
Bivariate Software Reliability Growth Models under Budget Constraint for Development Management
Authors: Minamino Yuka , Inoue Shinji , Yamada Shigeru
Published: November 2019

Software reliability growth is observed by investing not only the testing-time but also the testing-effort in the testing-phase of software development process. If the testing-time (testing-effort) is reduced to some extent, it is possible to observe the software reliability growth by investing the amount of testing-effort (testing-time) which can compensate the insufficiency of the testing-time (testing-effort). However, most of the existing software reliability growth models (SRGMs) are constructed as univariate models and the substitutability between the testing-time and testing-effort is not considered. Additionally, it is necessary to remove many faults efficiently within the budget. In this paper, we develop bivariate Weibull type SRGMs under budget constraint based on the Cobb-Douglas type and CES (constant elasticity of substitution) type testing-time functions. Simultaneously, we evaluate the substitutability between the testing-time and testing-effort factors which are software reliability growth factors. Finally, we conduct the sensitivity analysis and show numerical examples by using actual data sets.
Project Maintenance Effort Optimization Based on Flexible JDP Model for OSS Fault Big Data
Authors: Tamura Yoshinobu , Yamada Shigeru
Published: November 2019

We focus on double irregular fluctuations under jump in the operation performance of open source software (OSS). Then, this paper proposes the method of cost optimization based on flexible jump diffusion process (JDP) model in order to consider several noisy cases for maintenance effort in the OSS operation with version upgrade. In particular, we discuss a method of effort optimization based on the flexible JDP model with the unexpected irregular continuous fluctuation in version upgrade for OSS projects. The proposed method will be useful for the OSS project managers to decide the optimal version upgrade and maintenance time of OSS under the OSS project management. Furthermore, we show several analysis examples of the optimization method considering the properties of version upgrade under OSS projects.
Existence of Forbidden Digraphs for Crisp Boolean Petri Nets
Authors: Singh Gajendra Pratap , Singh Sujit Kumar , Jha Madhuri
Published: November 2019

Boolean Petri net (BPN) and Crisp Boolean Petri net (CBPN) is a well-studied graph model since 2010 which has several applications in mathematical modeling of complex or tricky networks. Modeling any network with Petri net which can generate binary numbers as marking vectors in its reachability tree is still has much uses. In CBPN with a minimum number of transition and minimum number of steps of reachability tree, minimal execution time to run the machine has not been noted till date, thus it’s necessary to sort out this problem. Possibly it may occur due to some forbidden structure which hinders any 1-safe Petri net to be a CBPN. In this paper, we present some forbidden digraphs whose presence interrupts the generation of binary n-vectors exactly once. Any 1-safe Petri net is not a CBPN if it contains any of the subnet induced to the four forbidden structures discussed in this paper.
Diagnostic and Monitoring System for Technical Condition of Electromechanical Section of Thermal Control Systems in Spacecraft
Authors: Matveev Stanislav A. , Korotkov Evgeny B. , Zhukov Yuri A. , Slobodzian Nikita S. , Nadezhin Mikhail I. , Gorbunov Andrei V. , Tanklevskiy Leonid T.
Published: November 2019

Modern diagnostics methods ensuring the safety of production and operation, as well as the improvement of functional characteristics of electromechanical systems’ are discussed, method of diagnostics according to the spectrum and hodograph of the engine’s equivalent current is presented. Functional concept is presented for the system of control, diagnostic and monitoring of technical condition of thermal control systems’ electromechanical part in the spacecraft. The decision-making and forecasting algorithm for the operational resource is based on ground-based studies and diagnostic results. This approach to device diagnostics and monitoring is also used in other servo drives, mechatronic and robotic systems of space vehicles and other objects that are inaccessible and left unattended. Hardware-algorithmic implementation of the system is described, recommendations on the components base selection are given.
High Fiber Cakes from Mediterranean Multipurpose Oilseeds as Protein Sources for Ruminants
Authors: Serrapica Francesco , Masucci Felicia , Raffrenato Emiliano , Sannino Maura , Vastolo Alessandro , Barone Carmela Maria Assunta , Di Francia Antonio
Published: November 2019

Fifteen oilseed cakes from sunflower, pomegranate, cardoon, tobacco and hemp were characterized with regard to chemical composition, Cornell Net Carbohydrate and Protein System (CNCPS) fractionation, in vitro digestibility of dry matter, neutral detergent fiber, and crude protein. All the cakes presented low moisture, rather variable ether extract contents and medium to high levels of crude protein and neutral detergent fiber. The cakes significantly differed in terms of CNCPS partitioning and in vitro digestibility. Tobacco and hemp cakes presented high contents of slow degradable fractions of crude protein and carbohydrate joined to good post-ruminal protein digestibility. Cardoon cakes presented the highest rumen protein degradability. Based on crude protein content and intestinal digestibility of rumen undegraded protein, cakes of tobacco and hemp showed the better potential as alternative protein supplements for ruminants, while pomegranate appears to be the least suitable for ruminant feeding.
Axial Compressive Behavior of Steel-Damping-Concrete Composite Wall
Authors: Zhang Chunwei , An Dong , Zhu Limeng
Published: November 2019

This paper presents a novel steel-damping-concrete (SDC) composite wall as a vertical element for high-rise buildings and nuclear power plants etc. In an SDC composite wall, a damping layer is sandwiched between the concrete core and steel plates to reduce structural response based on its damping characteristics under axial and seismic loads. To ensure that an SDC composite wall exhibits a comparable compressive resistance as a steel-concrete-steel (SCS) composite wall, two types of reinforcing approaches including steel sheets and sleeves are utilized to enhance the weakness of the damping layer on the concrete core. The compressive performance of the reinforced SDC composite wall is numerically and analytically investigated using finite element (FE) simulations by ABAQUS. The influences of several key parameters including the type of reinforcement, the thickness of the damping layer, steel plates, and concrete core, the binding bar spacing as well as the diameter of steel sheets on the compressive performance of the composite walls are investigated through numerical analyses. The results show that while only embedding the rubber interlayer in the composite wall leads to the decrease of compressive resistance of the composite wall, the steel sheets and sleeves can provide the confinement effect on concrete core efficiently and improve the compressive resistance and ductility of walls. Based on the available methods in the current design codes such as Eurocode 4, AISC-360, a theoretical model is developed to predict the ultimate compressive resistance of SDC walls. The predictions show a reasonable correlation when compared with the numerical results.
Special Feature on Advanced Mobile Robotics
Authors: Kim DaeEun
Published: November 2019

Mobile robots and their applications are involved with many research fields including electrical engineering, mechanical engineering, computer science, artificial intelligence and cognitive science [...]
Enhanced Multistream Fast TCP: Rapid Bandwidth Utilization after Fast-Recovery Phase
Authors: Ahmad Sarfraz , Arshad Muhammad Junaid
Published: November 2019

The purpose of this study is to enhance the performance of Multistream Fast Transmission Control Protocol (TCP) keeping in view the recent web-based applications that are being deployed on long-range, high-speed, and high-bandwidth networks. To achieve the objective of the research study, a congestion control after fast-recovery module for congestion control scheme of Multistream Fast TCP is proposed. The module optimized the performance of the protocol by reducing the time that is required to consume the available bandwidth after a fast-recovery phase. The module is designed after studying additive-increase, multiplicative-decrease and rate-based congestion window management schemes of related transport protocols. The module adjusts the congestion window on receipt of each individual acknowledgment instead of each round trip time after the fast-recovery phase until it consumes vacant bandwidth of the network link. The module is implemented by using Network Simulator 2. Convergence time, throughput, fairness index, and goodput are the parameters used to assess the performance of proposed module. The results indicate that Enhanced Multistream Fast TCP with congestion control after fast recovery recovers its congestion window in a shorter time period as compared to multistream Fast TCP, Fast TCP, TCP New Reno, and Stream Control Transmission Protocol. Consequently, Enhanced Multistream Fast TCP consumes the available network bandwidth in lesser time and increases the throughput and goodput. The proposed module enhanced the performance of the transport layer protocol. Our findings demonstrate the performance impact in the form of a decrease in the convergence time to consume the available network bandwidth and the increase in the throughput and the goodput.
Effect of Glycerol Concentration and Light Intensity on Growth and Biochemical Composition of Arthrospira (Spirulina) Platensis: A Study in Semi-Continuous Mode with Non-Aseptic Conditions
Authors: Markou Giorgos , Kougia Eleni , Kefalogianni Io , Tsagou Vasiliki , Arapoglou Dimitrios , Chatzipavlidis Iordanis
Published: November 2019

In this study, Arthrospira platensis was grown in the presence of different glycerol concentrations (0.5–9 g/L) under three light intensities (5, 10 and 15 Klux) in semi-continuous mode and under non-axenic conditions. The aim of this study was to investigate the growth performance, the biomass biochemical composition and any interactions between A. platensis and bacteria that would potentially grow as well on glycerol. The results here show that glycerol did not have any positive effect on biomass production of A. platensis. In contrast, it was observed that by increasing glycerol concentration the growth performance of A. platensis was restricted, while a gradual increase of bacteria population was observed, which apparently outcompeted and repressed A. platensis growth. Chlorophyll fluorescence measurements (Quantum Yields) revealed that glycerol was not an inhibiting factor per se of photosynthesis. On the other hand, cyanobacterial biomass grown on glycerol displayed a higher content in proteins and lipids. Especially, protein productivity was enhanced around 15–35% with the addition of glycerol compared to the control. In distinction, carbohydrate and photosynthetic pigments (phycocyanin and chlorophyll-α) content decreased with the increase of glycerol concentration. The results here suggest that A. platensis did not utilize glycerol for biomass production but most probably as metabolic energy carrier towards synthesis of proteins and lipids, which are more energy consuming metabolites compared to carbohydrates. The study revealed that the addition of glycerol at amounts of 0.5–1.5 g/L could be a strategy to improve protein productivity by A. platensis.
On the Neuroprotective Effects of Naringenin: Pharmacological Targets, Signaling Pathways, Molecular Mechanisms, and Clinical Perspective
Authors: Nouri Zeinab , Fakhri Sajad , El-Senduny Fardous F. , Sanadgol Nima , Abd-ElGhani Ghada E. , Farzaei Mohammad Hosein , Chen Jen-Tsung
Published: November 2019

As a group of progressive, chronic, and disabling disorders, neurodegenerative diseases (NDs) affect millions of people worldwide, and are on the rise. NDs are known as the gradual loss of neurons; however, their pathophysiological mechanisms have not been precisely revealed. Due to the complex pathophysiological mechanisms behind the neurodegeneration, investigating effective and multi-target treatments has remained a clinical challenge. Besides, appropriate neuroprotective agents are still lacking, which raises the need for new therapeutic agents. In recent years, several reports have introduced naturally-derived compounds as promising alternative treatments for NDs. Among natural entities, flavonoids are multi-target alternatives affecting different pathogenesis mechanisms in neurodegeneration. Naringenin is a natural flavonoid possessing neuroprotective activities. Increasing evidence has attained special attention on the variety of therapeutic targets along with complex signaling pathways for naringenin, which suggest its possible therapeutic applications in several NDs. Here, in this review, the neuroprotective effects of naringenin, as well as its related pharmacological targets, signaling pathways, molecular mechanisms, and clinical perspective, are described. Moreover, the need to develop novel naringenin delivery systems is also discussed to solve its widespread pharmacokinetic limitation.
mRNA Detection in Anal Cytology: A Feasible Approach for Anal Cancer Screening in Men Who Have Sex with Men Living With HIV
Authors: del Pino Marta , Martí Cristina , Gaber Jina , Svanholm-Barrie Cecilia , Rodríguez-Carunchio Leonardo , Rodriguez-Trujillo Adriano , Carreras Núria , Fuertes Irene , Barnadas Esther , Marimón Lorena , Blanco Jose Luis , Persing David H. , Torné Aureli , Ordi Jaume
Published: November 2019

There is growing interest in anal cancer screening strategies. However, cytological/molecular evaluation of anal samples is challenging. We aimed to determine the feasibility of detecting, in anal liquid-based cytologies, the expression of biomarkers involved in the cell cycle disturbance elicited by human papillomavirus (HPV). The accuracy of this approach in the identification of high-grade squamous intraepithelial lesions/anal intraepithelial neoplasia grade2–3 (HSIL/AIN2–3) was also evaluated. 215 anal cytologies from men having sex with men living with human immunodeficiency virus were evaluated. Patients showing concordant cytological and anoscopy-directed biopsy diagnosis were selected: 70 with negative cytology and HPV test, 70 with low-grade SIL (LSIL/AIN1) cytology and biopsy, and 75 with cytology and biopsy of HSIL/AIN2–3. CDKN2A/p16, MKI67 and TOP2A mRNA expression was analyzed. HPV detection was performed with Xpert HPV Assay (Cepheid, Sunnyvale, CA, USA). HSIL/AIN2–3 showed higher expression for the biomarkers than LSIL/AIN1 or negative samples. The specificity for HSIL/AIN2–3 detection for a sensitivity established at 70% was 44.7% (95%confidence interval [CI] 36.5–53.2) for TOP2A and MKI67 and 54.5% (95%CI 46.0–62.8%) for CDKN2A/p16. mRNA detection of cell biomarkers in anal liquid-based cytology is feasible. Further studies are warranted to confirm if strategies based on mRNA detection have any role in anal cancer screening.
Life Cycle Assessment of Lighting Systems and Light Loss Factor: A Case Study for Indoor Workplaces in France
Authors: Bertin Kévin , Canale Laurent , Ben Abdellah Oussama , Méquignon Marc-André , Zissis Georges
Published: November 2019

Life cycle assessment (LCA) methodology has been used to evaluate the performance of the following lighting systems: compact fluorescent lamps (CFL), light-emitting diode (LED) lamps, and fluorescent tubes (T5 type). This work covers the singularity of the French electricity mix for indoor workplaces lighting and describes the best strategy for lamp replacement. We have defined the light loss factor to integrate the following additional parameters: lumen depreciation, dirt accumulation, and risks of failure. Therefore, we propose a new definition of the functional unit (maintained megalumen hour), and we conduct this assessment to be compliant with the standards of lighting system equipment (NF EN 12464-1). Unlike previous studies, we observed that the manufacturing phase is the most impacting over the whole life cycle, thus making the extension of LED lamps’ lifetime a more effective strategy to reduce the potential environmental impacts than increasing their efficacy. This paper highlights how the light loss factor affects the LCA results and proves that it should be taken into account for subsequent assessments. Finally, this new approach includes the real usage of the lamps in the study and contributes to lay the foundation for life cycle sustainability assessment to also evaluate the economic, social, and human impacts of lighting.
Financial Variables, Market Transactions, and Expectations as Functions of Risk
Authors: Olkhov Victor
Published: November 2019

This paper develops methods and a framework of financial market theory. We model financial markets as a system of agents which perform market transactions with other agents under the action of numerous expectations. Agents’ expectations are formed of economic and financial variables, market transactions, the expectations of other agents, and other factors that impact financial markets. We use the risk ratings of agents as their coordinates and approximate a description of financial variables, market transactions, and expectations of numerous separate agents by density functions of aggregated agents in the economic domain. The motion of separate agents in the economic domain due to a change of agents’ risk rating produces collective financial flows of variables, transactions, and expectations. We derive equations on collective financial variables, market transactions, expectations, and their flows in the economic domain. These flows define the evolution of financial markets. As an example, we present a simple model with linear dependence between disturbances of volume and the cost of transactions on one hand, and disturbances of expectations that determine transactions on the other hand. Our model describes harmonique oscillations of these disturbances with numerous frequencies and allows an explicit form for fluctuations of price and return to be derived. These relations show a direct dependence between price, return, and volume perturbations.
An Ontology-Driven Cyberinfrastructure for Intelligent Spatiotemporal Question Answering and Open Knowledge Discovery
Authors: Li Wenwen , Song Miaomiao , Tian Yuanyuan
Published: November 2019

The proliferation of geospatial data from diverse sources, such as Earth observation satellites, social media, and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has created a pressing demand for cross-platform data integration, interoperation, and intelligent data analysis. To address this big data challenge, this paper reports our research in developing a rule-based, semantic-enabled service chain model to support intelligent question answering for leveraging the abundant data and processing resources available online. Four key techniques were developed to achieve this goal: (1) A spatial and temporal reasoner resolves the spatial and temporal information in a given scientific question and enables place-name disambiguation based on support from a gazetteer; (2) a spatial operation ontology categorizes important spatial analysis operations, data types, and data themes, which will be used in automated chain generation; (3) a language-independent chaining rule defines the template for input, spatial operation, and output as well as rules for embedding multiple spatial operations for solving a complex problem; and (4) a recursive algorithm facilitates the generation of executive workflow metadata according to the chaining rules. We implement this service chain model in a cyberinfrastructure for online and reproducible spatial analysis and question answering. Moving the problem-solving environment from a desktop-based environment onto a geospatial cyberinfrastructure (GeoCI) offers better support to collaborative spatial decision-making and ensures science replicability. We expect this work to contribute significantly to the advancement of a reproducible spatial data science and to building the next-generation open knowledge network.