bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Prosocial-Antisocial Behavior and Empathic Skill Levels of Wheelchair Basketball Players in Sports
Authors: Balçıkanlı Gülfem Sezen , İlhan Ekrem Levent , Esentürk Oğuz Kaan , Çelik Okan Burçak
Published: July 2019

This
study aims to find out the prosocial and antisocial behavior as well as the
empathic skills of wheelchair basketball players in sports. A total of 230
wheelchair basketball players (216 males and 14 females) participated in this
study which uses relational screening model. The Prosocial and Antisocial
Behavior in Sport Scale (PABSS) and the Interpersonal Reactivity Index (IRI)
were used as data collection tools. Independent t-test, Cronbach Alpha, One-Way
Anova, Pearson correlation and multiple regression analysis were used for the
analysis of data. The data obtained shows that there is a low level, meaningful
and positive correlation between the empathic skills of wheelchair basketball
players and their tendency for prosocial behavior in sports. In addition, a
medium-level, meaningful and negative correlation between their empathic skills
and tendency for antisocial behavior was found. It has been concluded that
perspective taking, empathic concern and fantasy which are dimensions of
empathy do not show a difference in the variable being a national athlete or
non-national athlete. It was seen that personal distress is higher in athletes
who are not national athletes. As a result of the analysis it was found out
that as the antisocial behavior of wheelchair basketball players towards their
teammates and opponents increase, their fantasy levels decrease. In light of
these findings, it may be said that while emphatic skills promote prosocial
behavior in wheelchair basketball players, they decrease antisocial behavior.
Based on these results, the empathy training which will be given to athletes to
promote prosocial behavior in sports is of great importance.
Pengaruh Lingkungan Kerja Fisik dan Non-Fisik terhadap Kebosanan Kerja karyawan di Akademi Maritim Yogyakarta (AMY)
Authors: Pratama Himawan Aditya
Published: July 2019

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan dan menjelaskan pengaruh lingkungan kerja baik fisik ataupun non fisik dari salah satu institusi pendidikan swasta di Yogyakarta yang berlokasi di Akademi Maritim Yogyakarta (AMY) Jenis penelitian yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah penelitian penjelasan (explanatory research) dengan pendekatan kuantitatif. Populasi dalam penelitian ini adalah semua karyawan tetap AMY yang berjumlah 40 orang. Teknik analisis data yang digunakan adalah analisis statistik deskriptif dan analisis statistik inferensial, analisis statistik inferensial yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah analisis regresi linier berganda. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa lingkungan kerja baik fisik maupun non-fisik berpengaruh positif dan signifikan terhadap Kebosanan kerja karyawan di Akademi Maritim Yogyakarta.
POTENSI NILAI GIZI TERHADAP BAHAYA LOGAM BERAT PADA KEONG MAS (Pomacea canaliculata) DAN KERANG KIJING (Anodonta woodiana)
Authors: Widowati Hening , Sutanto Agus , Sulistiani Widya Sartika
Published: July 2019

Pomacea canaliculata and Anodonta woodiana are alternative foods for people who live in Kalibening Village, Pekalongan, Lampung Timur. They live as a filter feeder, so they can accumulate heavy metals Pb and Cd from their habitat potentially. This study aims to determine the effect of cooking method on the levels of Pb and Cd and the nutritional value of P. canaliculata and A. woodiana such as Ca and Protein. The variation of the cooking method that was used in this experiment is: steam, boil and fry with without processing, as a control. Based on the results of the study it is known that boiling is the best method in minimizing Pb and Cd from P. canaliculata and A. woodiana with an average reduction of 41.43% for Pb metal and 58.06% for Cd metal. While the average decrease in Ca levels was around 24.64% and 23.23% for the average reduction in protein.
IMPLEMENTASI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN KOOPERATIF TIPE JIRQA TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA PADA MATERI PERTUMBUHAN DAN PERKEMBANGAN TUMBUHAN
Authors: Beni Beni , Bustami Yakobus , Leliavia Leliavia
Published: July 2019

The critical thinking skills of students in SMP Negeri 2 Sekadau Hilir were still low. This research aims to determine the effect of the jigsaw, reading, questioning, answering (JiRQA)type cooperative learning model on students critical thinking skills of SMP Negeri 2 Sekadau Hilir. The approach was quantitative in the form of quasi-experiment research. The instrument for measuring critical thinking skills using essay questions as many as 6 items. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistical analysis to determine mean and inferential analysis using the t-test. The results of the descriptive statistical analysis show that there was an increase in the mean value of pretest and post test critical thinking skills of the experimental class by 45.28% and the control class by 33.11%. The inferential statistical analysis results show that the probability value of students critical thinking skills of 0.00 is smaller than 0.05 so that it can be concluded that there was a significant effect of implementation JiRQA learning model on students' critical thinking skills.
UPAYA PENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN GURU DALAM PENGGUNAAN TEKNOLOGI INFORMASI DAN KOMUNIKASI (TIK) MELALUI KEGIATAN WORKSHOP DI TK KECAMATAN SUNGAI LALAK
Authors: Rinawati Rinawati
Published: July 2019

This research is motivated by the still weak ability of teachers in the use of information and communication technology (ICT). This research was conducted in all kindergarten assisted by researchers in the Lalak River District. Sabjek of this study were all kindergarten teachers in the District of Sungai Lalak which numbered 25 teachers. The purpose of this study is to improve the ability of teachers to use information and communication technology (ICT) through workshop activities. This research consists of two cycles, each of which consists of 4 stages, namely, planning, implementation, observation, and reflection. The results of the study prove that in the first and second cycles, it can be seen that the competence in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in TK Lalak District Kindergarten teachers is generally in the medium category. In the first aspect of the first cycle, 4 people or 16% kindergarten teachers have a high ability regarding the use of information and communication technology (ICT), while the second cycle increases to 10 people or 40%. In the second category there were 14 people or 56% who had moderate abilities regarding the use of ICTs, while the second cycle had 12 people or 48% who had moderate abilities. In the third aspect of the first cycle of 7 people or 28% have not been able to master the use of ICT, while in the second cycle reduced to 3 people or 12% have not been able to master the use of information and communication technology (ICT). Based on the description that has been described, the researcher draws conclusions from the results of research conducted that the implementation of information and communication technology (ICT) workshops can improve the ability of teachers in the use of information and communication technology (ICT) in TK Lalak River District.
SYNCHRONOUS AND METACHRONOUS TUMORS – A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Sanda Nicoleta Aurelia , Ristea Roxana , Neagu Ștefan
Published: July 2019

This paper aims to present the results of extensive studies on synchronous and metachronous tumors, both in order to optimize the surgical treatment of these, but also to concretize some suitable and useful screening measures for their early detection. The prognosis of cancer patients has improved over time. On the other hand, investigative methods have advanced considerably so that today are discovered tumors that could have gone unnoticed in the past. These data show why there are currently more cases of multiple cancers and their rate is steadily rising. The review will consider several studies focused on multiple tumors in terms of their localizations, manifestations, and risk factors. The first primary tumor found in a patient is called the index tumor, and the following tumors can be considered synchronous if they occurred in less than 6 months and metachronous if they occurred more than 6 months. Also, for the tumors of group IA, a variable of 4 centimeters was imposed13. Thus multiple tumors of the same tissue / organ (multicenter type A) are considered, tumors that are located at 4 cm or more of the index tumor, are histopathologically confirmed as malignant and are not metastasis or relapses of the first tumor.
ANALISIS PENERAPAN SAK EMKM PADA PENYUSUNAN LAPORAN KEUANGAN UMKM DI KOTA BATAM
Authors: Purba Mortigor Afrizal
Published: July 2019

Seeing the importance of applying accounting for UMKM, the IAI as a professional organization as well as a compiler of Financial Accounting Standards (SAK) through the Financial Accounting Standards Board (DSAK) composes accounting standards that are consistent with the characteristics of UMKM. Based on the results of the study, it can be concluded that, (1) Bookkeeping carried out on UMKM is still limited to business reports which are prepared not in accordance with financial accounting standards, but the entity considers them as financial statements. (2) The entity has not conducted accounting procedures in accounting. (3) UMKM have not implemented SAK-EMKM. (4) The entity has not been able to present financial statements in accordance with the SAK-EMKM
PENGARUH EARNING PER SHARE, RETURN ON EQUITY, PRICE EARNING RATIO, DAN DEBT TO EQUITY RATIO TERHADAP HARGA SAHAM (PERUSAHAAN YANG TERGABUNG DALAM INDEKS LQ45 DI BURSA EFEK INDONESIA)
Authors: Kemalasari Ayu , Ningsih Desrini
Published: July 2019

This study aims to analyze the effect of Earning Per Share, Return On Equity, Price Earning Ratio, and Debt to Equity Ratio on stock price of the companies listed in the LQ45 index for the period 2013-2017. The results showed that EPS had a significant effect on stock prices with a sig value of 0,000. ROE had no significant effect on stock prices with a sig value of 0,131. PER had a significant effect on stock prices with a sig value of 0,000. DER had no significant effect on stock prices with a sig value of 0,572. EPS, ROE, PER, and DER variables simultaneously have a significant effect on stock prices with a sig value of 0,000. The determination coefficient is 0,839, which means the EPS, ROE, PER, and DER variables is 83,9% affect the stock price while the remaining 16,1% is influenced by other variables not examined in this study.
PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN MESIN CNC ROUTER TERHADAP WAKTU STANDAR PENGERJAAN ORNAMEN DESAIN INTERIOR
Authors: Nugroho Adi , S Sujadi
Published: July 2019

This study aims to determine the effect of using CNC routers on the standard production time of ornament products at PT Victory Synergy. CNC itself is a machine that is controlled through numeric and letter codes (numerics) which consists of three main components, namely the computer, interface, and actuator system. The research method used in this study is a quantitative approach. Information or research data is obtained through observation, literature studies and interviews with production operators. Based on the results of measurements that have been done, it shows that the existence of CNC routers on the production floor was able to shorten the production stages that were previously carried out to reduce the production cycle time to reach 63.97 minutes or ± 1 hour from the previous production process. This condition also proves that the design of these simple CNC routers can shorten the standard production time that occurs at PT Victory Synergy
Editorial: Special Issue on Efficient Data Structures
Authors: Jansson Jesper
Published: July 2019

This Special Issue of Algorithms is focused on the design, formal analysis, implementation, and experimental evaluation of efficient data structures for various computational problems.
Theoretical Study of Transverse Offsets of Wide Span Tractor Working Implements and Their Influence on Damage to Row Crops
Authors: Bulgakov Volodymyr , Pascuzzi Simone , Adamchuk Valerii , Kuvachov Volodymyr , Nozdrovicky Ladislav
Published: July 2019

Wide span tractors have a wide transversal bar, on which different implements can be mounted, while the supporting wheels follow the set traffic-lanes. The stability of wide span tractor movement is influenced by unbroken small angular deviations and transversal displacements of the machine due to several factors. These deflections from the set trajectories affect the working implements, especially the peripheral ones, which can cut the plants if wide span tractors are used to manage row crops. In this context, it needs to consider a safeguard zone that allows to reduce the probability of contact between working implements and plants. The aim of this paper was to determine the quantitative effect of transverse displacements of the working implements and the suitable size of the aforesaid safeguard zone. The magnitude of the inner and outer displacements of the working implements depends significantly on their location in relation to the center of the wide span tractor. For working implements located outside the center of the tractor, the outer safeguard zone should be larger than the inner zone. The probability of crop damage by working implements can be reduced by automated control of wide span tractor movement.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Properties of Mastiha: A Review of Preclinical and Clinical Studies
Authors: Papada Efstathia , Kaliora Andriana C.
Published: July 2019

Nowadays both scientists and consumers have an increasing interest for natural products as preventing and healing factors without side effects. Mastiha, is a natural product of the Mediterranean basin with several health benefits as investigated the last decades. The present review summarises the research evidence from preclinical and clinical studies regarding the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of Mastiha. MEDLINE, COHRANE and search terms “Mastiha”, “Mastic gum”, “Chios mastic” and “Pistacia lentiscus” were used. We limited our search by selecting only articles written in English literature, published between 2003 and 2019 that were experimental studies on Mastiha resinous exudate (review articles and individual case reports were excluded). Additional searches were performed using “oxidative stress” and “inflammation”. A total of 19 studies met our criteria and were included in this review. Currently, there are more preclinical than clinical data available. Taken all together, the antioxidant potential of Mastiha is most probably owed to the inhibition of protein kinase, while its anti-inflammatory capacity may be the result of the inhibition of NF-κB activation. Further clinical studies in large populations are necessary.
Classification Method of Plug Seedlings Based on Transfer Learning
Authors: Xiao Zhang , Tan Yu , Liu Xingxing , Yang Shenghui
Published: July 2019

The classification of plug seedlings is important work in the replanting process. This paper proposed a classification method for plug seedlings based on transfer learning. Firstly, by extracting and graying the interest region of the original image acquired, a regional grayscale cumulative distribution curve is obtained. Calculating the number of peak points of the curve to identify the plug tray specification is then done. Secondly, the transfer learning method based on convolutional neural network is used to construct the classification model of plug seedlings. According to the growth characteristics of the seedlings, 2286 seedlings samples were collected to train the model at the two-leaf and one-heart stages. Finally, the image of the interest region is divided into cell images according to the specification of the plug tray, and the cell images are put into the classification model, thereby classifying the qualified seedling, the unqualified seedling and the lack of seedling. After testing, the identification method of the tray specification has an average accuracy of 100% for the three specifications (50 cells, 72 cells, 105 cells) of the 20-day and 25-day pepper seedlings. Seedling classification models based on the transfer learning method of four different convolutional neural networks (Alexnet, Inception-v3, Resnet-18, VGG16) are constructed and tested. The classification accuracy of the VGG16-based classification model is the best, which is 95.50%, the Alexnet-based classification model has the shortest training time, which is 6 min and 8 s. This research has certain theoretical reference significance for intelligent replanting classification work.
Imaging the Vocal Folds: A Feasibility Study on Strain Imaging and Elastography of Porcine Vocal Folds
Authors: Lamprecht Raphael , Maghzinajafabadi Mohammadali , Semmler Marion , Sutor Alexander
Published: July 2019

Vocal folds are an essential part of human voice production. The biomechanical properties are a good indicator for pathological changes. In particular, as an oscillation system, changes in the biomechanical properties have an impact on the vibration behavior. Subsequently, those changes could lead to voice-related disturbances. However, no existing examination combines biomechanical properties and spatial imaging. Therefore, we propose an image registration-based approach, using ultrasound in order to gain this information synchronously. We used a quasi-static load to compress the tissue and measured the displacement by image registration. The strain distribution was directly calculated from the displacement field, whereas the elastic properties were estimated by a finite element model. In order to show the feasibility and reliability of the algorithm, we tested it on gelatin phantoms. Further, by examining ex vivo porcine vocal folds, we were able to show the practicability of the approach. We displayed the strain distribution in the tissue and the elastic properties of the vocal folds. The results were superimposed on the corresponding ultrasound images. The findings are promising and show the feasibility of the suggested approach. Possible applications are in improved diagnosis of voice disorders, by measuring the biomechanical properties of the vocal folds with ultrasound. The transducer will be placed on the vocal folds of the anesthetized patient, and the elastic properties will be measured. Further, the understanding of the vocal folds’ biomechanics and the voice forming process could benefit from it.
Evaluation of Straw Open Burning Prohibition Effect on Provincial Air Quality during October and November 2018 in Jilin Province
Authors: Chen Weiwei , Li Jingwei , Bao Qiuyang , Gao Zongting , Cheng Tianhai , Yu Yang
Published: July 2019

Generally, the period (i.e., October and November) was seriously affected by frequent atmospheric pollution under concentrative seasonal crop residue burning and coal burning in Jilin Province, Northeast China. A strict straw open burning ban policy was implemented in Jilin Province during October and November 2018. However, the quantitative effect of straw fire control and its effect on air quality are still unclear. In this study, using multisource data, we evaluated the status of straw-burning control and its contribution to air quality improvement in late autumn and early winter (i.e., October and November) of 2018 at a provincial level. The results showed that the open burning of straw was effectively controlled in October and November 2018 by comparing farmland fire point data to those collected in 2015–2017. There were significant positive correlations among the fire points, aerosol optical depth (AOD), and ground-monitored air quality index (AQI) on a spatial scale. The concentration values of AQI, PM2.5, and PM10 were significantly lower than for the other three years of 2015, 2016, and 2017. Based on meteorological analysis, similar conditions were found in 2018 and 2017, which were worse than that in 2016. Combined with emissions, meteorological conditions, and source apportionment information, if the straw-burning control of 2018 had been performed in 2016 and 2017, the PM2.5 concentrations could have been reduced by at least 30.6%. These results suggest the necessity of straw burning control in the improvement of air quality during the period of late autumn and early winter. Nevertheless, the comprehensive impact of straw-burning control on air quality should be further evaluated for the whole post-harvest period (i.e., October to April of the following year) as the straw-burning period can be postponed in some cities. Furthermore, the establishment of a scientific and reasonable planned burning of straw is also crucial in gradually reducing atmospheric pollution and the actual operation of local governments in those areas where straw can be burned under certain conditions.
Objective Center-Finding Algorithm for Tropical Cyclones in Numerical Models
Authors: Zhao Chengwu , Song Junqiang , Leng Hongze , Zhao Juan
Published: July 2019

Precise center-detection of tropical cyclones (TCs) is critical for dynamic analysis in high resolution model data. The existence of both smaller scale perturbations and larger scale circulations could reduce the accuracy of center positioning. In this study, an objective center-finding algorithm is developed based on a two-dimensional Fourier filter and a vorticity centroid algorithm. This proposed algorithm is able to automatically adjust its parameters according to the scale of the target vortex instead of using artificially prescribed parameters in previous research. What’s more, this new algorithm has been optimized and validated by a hundred idealized vortexes with different sizes and small-scale perturbations. A high-resolution simulation of Typhoon Soudelor (2015) was used to evaluate the performance of the new algorithm, and the proposed objective center-finding algorithm was found able to detect a precise and reliable center.
Hybrid Binary Particle Swarm Optimization Differential Evolution-Based Feature Selection for EMG Signals Classification
Authors: Too Jingwei , Abdullah Abdul Rahim , Mohd Saad Norhashimah
Published: July 2019

To date, the usage of electromyography (EMG) signals in myoelectric prosthetics allows patients to recover functional rehabilitation of their upper limbs. However, the increment in the number of EMG features has been shown to have a great impact on performance degradation. Therefore, feature selection is an essential step to enhance classification performance and reduce the complexity of the classifier. In this paper, a hybrid method, namely, binary particle swarm optimization differential evolution (BPSODE) was proposed to tackle feature selection problems in EMG signals classification. The performance of BPSODE was validated using the EMG signals of 10 healthy subjects acquired from a publicly accessible EMG database. First, discrete wavelet transform was applied to decompose the signals into wavelet coefficients. The features were then extracted from each coefficient and formed into the feature vector. Afterward, BPSODE was used to evaluate the most informative feature subset. To examine the effectiveness of the proposed method, four state-of-the-art feature selection methods were used for comparison. The parameters, including accuracy, feature selection ratio, precision, F-measure, and computation time were used for performance measurement. Our results showed that BPSODE was superior, in not only offering a high classification performance, but also in having the smallest feature size. From the empirical results, it can be inferred that BPSODE-based feature selection is useful for EMG signals classification.
Masonry Buildings: Research and Practice
Authors: Rodrigues Hugo , Šipoš Tanja Kalman
Published: July 2019

Masonry is a construction material that has been used throughout the years as a structural or non-structural component in buildings [...]
Stearoyl-CoA Desaturase 1 as a Therapeutic Target for the Treatment of Cancer
Authors: Tracz-Gaszewska Zuzanna , Dobrzyn Pawel
Published: July 2019

A distinctive feature of cancer cells of various origins involves alterations of the composition of lipids, with significant enrichment in monounsaturated fatty acids. These molecules, in addition to being structural components of newly formed cell membranes of intensely proliferating cancer cells, support tumorigenic signaling. An increase in the expression of stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 (SCD1), the enzyme that converts saturated fatty acids to ∆9-monounsaturated fatty acids, has been observed in a wide range of cancer cells, and this increase is correlated with cancer aggressiveness and poor outcomes for patients. Studies have demonstrated the involvement of SCD1 in the promotion of cancer cell proliferation, migration, metastasis, and tumor growth. Many studies have reported a role for this lipogenic factor in maintaining the characteristics of cancer stem cells (i.e., the population of cells that contributes to cancer progression and resistance to chemotherapy). Importantly, both the products of SCD1 activity and its direct impact on tumorigenic pathways have been demonstrated. Based on these findings, SCD1 appears to be a significant player in the development of malignant disease and may be a promising target for anticancer therapy. Numerous chemical compounds that exert inhibitory effects on SCD1 have been developed and preclinically tested. The present review summarizes our current knowledge of the ways in which SCD1 contributes to the progression of cancer and discusses opportunities and challenges of using SCD1 inhibitors for the treatment of cancer.
Liquid Biopsy in Glioblastoma: Opportunities, Applications and Challenges
Authors: Saenz-Antoñanzas Ander , Auzmendi-Iriarte Jaione , Carrasco-Garcia Estefania , Moreno-Cugnon Leire , Ruiz Irune , Villanua Jorge , Egaña Larraitz , Otaegui David , Samprón Nicolás , Matheu Ander
Published: July 2019

Liquid biopsy represents a minimally invasive procedure that can provide similar information from body fluids to what is usually obtained from a tissue biopsy sample. Its implementation in the clinical setting might significantly renew the field of medical oncology, facilitating the introduction of the concepts of precision medicine and patient-tailored therapies. These advances may be useful in the diagnosis of brain tumors that currently require surgery for tissue collection, or to perform genetic tumor profiling for disease classification and guidance of therapy. In this review, we will summarize the most recent advances and putative applications of liquid biopsy in glioblastoma, the most common and malignant adult brain tumor. Moreover, we will discuss the remaining challenges and hurdles in terms of technology and biology for its clinical application.
Metal Foams as Novel Catalyst Support in Environmental Processes
Authors: Gancarczyk Anna , Sindera Katarzyna , Iwaniszyn Marzena , Piątek Marcin , Macek Wojciech , Jodłowski Przemysław J. , Wroński Sebastian , Sitarz Maciej , Łojewska Joanna , Kołodziej Andrzej
Published: July 2019

Metal foams are considered as promising catalyst carriers due to their high porosity, large specific surface area, and satisfactory thermal and mechanical stability. The study presents heat transfer and pressure drop experiments performed for seven foams of different pore densities made from diverse metals. Mass transfer characteristics are derived using the Chilton–Colburn analogy. It was found that the foams display much more intense heat/mass transfer than a monolith, comparable to packed bed. Next, the foams’ efficiencies have been compared, using 1D reactor modeling, in catalytic reactions displaying either slower (selective catalytic reduction of NOx) or faster kinetics (catalytic methane combustion). For the slow kinetics, the influence of carrier specific surface area at which catalyst can be deposited (i.e., catalyst amount) was decisive to achieve high process conversion and short reactor. For this case, monolith appears as the best choice assuming it’s the lowest pressure drop. For the fast reaction, the mass transfer becomes the limiting parameter, thus solid foams are the best solution.
Temperature Dependence of AlF3 Protection on Far-UV Al Mirrors
Authors: Gutiérrez-Luna Nuria , Perea-Abarca Belén , Espinosa-Yáñez Lucía , Honrado-Benítez Carlos , de Lis Tomás , Rodríguez-de Marcos Luis Vicente , Aznárez José Antonio , Larruquert Juan Ignacio
Published: July 2019

More efficient and stable far ultraviolet (FUV) mirrors will enable future space observatories. Traditional FUV mirrors are based on MgF2-protected Al. AlF3 has been identified as a promising substitute for MgF2 to prevent Al oxidation. Hence, the reflectivity, stability, and morphology of AlF3-protected Al mirrors have been investigated as a function of deposition temperature of the AlF3 film. In this work, it is shown how AlF3 deposition temperature is an important parameter whose optimization ultimately yields valuable throughput enhancement and improved endurance to large storage periods. Al films were deposited at room temperature (RT) and AlF3 protective layers were deposited at temperatures ranging from RT to 350 °C. It was found that the optimum AlF3 deposition temperature was between 200 and 250 °C, yielding the largest FUV reflectance and a better stability of the mirrors, which had been stored in a desiccator environment. Increasing AlF3 deposition temperature resulted in an increase in film density, approaching bulk density at 250 °C. The morphology of Al and AlF3 films as a function of AlF3 deposition temperature was also investigated. The increase in the AlF3 deposition temperature resulted in a decrease of both Al and AlF3 surface roughness and in the growth of the grain width at the AlF3 outer surface. It also resulted in a trend for the prevalent (111) planes of Al nanocrystals to orient parallel to the coating surface.
Assessment: A Suggested Strategy for Learning Chemical Equilibrium
Authors: Bernal-Ballen Andres , Ladino-Ospina Yolanda
Published: July 2019

Chemical equilibrium is listed as one of the most complicated concepts to learn, and the origin of this phenomenon is attributed to misconceptions, teaching-related problems, and the use of inappropriate didactic approaches. At the same time, assessment is a crucial fragment of educational activities although its relevance as a learning strategy is underestimated. For that reason, we designed and applied unique assessment approaches related to chemical equilibrium to 33 high school students at Colegio Mayor de San Bartolome (Bogotá, Colombia). The results suggested that assessment instruments focused on the identified misconceptions might reduce the impact (of the misconceptions), and students were able to build concepts related to chemical equilibrium whilst they were being assessed. Problems associated with forward and reverse reactions, differences between initial and equilibrium concentrations, and the indiscriminate use of Le Chatelier’s principle were approached by students and significant improvement was achieved through the assessment. Changes associated with assessment perceptions were accomplished and the proposed strategy suggests that it is plausible to learn during the assessment moment.
Web Browser Network Based on a BA Model for a Web-Based Virtual World
Authors: Kohana Masaki , Sakamoto Shinji , Okamoto Shusuke
Published: July 2019

Real-time web applications such as a virtual world require considerable computing resources. However, as the number of servers increases, so does the maintenance and financial cost. To share tasks among web browsers, the browsers must share data. Therefore, a network must be constructed among the web browsers. In this paper, we propose the construction of a web browser network based on the Barabasi–Albert model (BA model). We focus on a web-based multiplayer online game that requires higher frequent communication and significant computing resources. We attempt to optimize computing resource utilization for web browsers. We improve upon the method in our previous study, which constructed a network for a web-based virtual world, using only location information. When a new user logged into a world, the web browser connected to two other browsers whose users had a location close to that of the user. The experimental results of that method showed 50% data coverage, which was insufficient to display the game screen because the web browser displays the characters on the virtual world. In this study, we attempt to use the BA model to construct more efficient networks than those in the previous study to increase data coverage. Our new method uses the number of connections of the web browser and location information to calculate the probability of web browser selection. The experimental results show that the data coverage exceeds 90%, indicating significant improvement over the previous method.
Electrospun Nanofiber Mats with Embedded Non-Sintered TiO2 for Dye-Sensitized Solar Cells (DSSCs)
Authors: Mamun Al , Trabelsi Marah , Klöcker Michaela , Sabantina Lilia , Großerhode Christina , Blachowicz Tomasz , Grötsch Georg , Cornelißen Carsten , Streitenberger Almuth , Ehrmann Andrea
Published: July 2019

TiO2 is a semiconductor that is commonly used in dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs). However, the necessity of sintering the TiO2 layer is usually problematic due to the desired temperatures of typically 500 °C in cells that are prepared on polymeric or textile electrodes. This is why textile-based DSSCs often use metal fibers or metallic woven fabrics as front electrodes on which the TiO2 is coated. Alternatively, several research groups investigate the possibilities to reduce the necessary sintering temperatures by chemical or other pre-treatments of the TiO2. Here, we report on a simple method to avoid the sintering step by using a nanofiber mat as a matrix embedding TiO2 nanoparticles. The TiO2 layer can be dyed with natural dyes, resulting in a similar bathochromic shift of the UV/Vis spectrum, as it is known from sintered TiO2 on glass substrates, which indicates an equivalent chemical bonding. Our results indicate a new possibility for producing textile-based DSSCs with TiO2, even on textile fabrics that are not high-temperature resistant.
Is Your Privacy for Sale? An Experiment on the Willingness to Reveal Sensitive Information
Authors: Cloos Janis , Frank Björn , Kampenhuber Lukas , Karam Stephany , Luong Nhat , Möller Daniel , Monge-Larrain Maria , Dat Nguyen Tan , Nilgen Marco , Rössler Christoph
Published: July 2019

We investigate whether individuals’ self-stated privacy behavior is correlated with their reservation price for the disclosure of personal and potentially sensitive information. Our incentivized experiment has a unique setting: Information about choices with real implications could be immediately disclosed to an audience of fellow first semester students. Although we find a positive correlation between respondents’ willingness to accept (WTA) disclosure of their private information and their stated privacy behavior for some models, this correlation disappears when we change the specification of the privacy index. Independent of the privacy index chosen we find that the WTA is significantly influenced by individual responses to personal questions, as well as by different decisions to donate actual money, indicating that the willingness to protect private information depends on the delicacy of the information at stake.
Identification of TPX2 Gene Family in Upland Cotton and its Functional Analysis in Cotton Fiber Development
Authors: Lei Kang , Liu Aiying , Fan Senmiao , Peng Huo , Zou Xianyan , Zhen Zhang , Huang Jinyong , Fan Liqiang , Zhang Zhibin , Deng Xiaoying , Ge Qun , Gong Wankui , Li Junwen , Gong Juwu , Shi Yuzhen , Jiang Xiao , Zhang Shuya , Jia Tingting , Zhang Lipeng , Yuan Youlu , Shang Haihong
Published: July 2019

Microtubules (MTs) are of importance to fiber development. The Xklp2 (TPX2) proteins as a class of microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs) play a key role in plant growth and development by regulating the dynamic changes of microtubules (MTs). However, the mechanism underlying this is unknown. The interactions between TPX2 proteins and tubulin protein, which are the main structural components, have not been studied in fiber development of upland cotton. Therefore, a genome-wide analysis of the TPX2 family was firstly performed in Gossypium hirsutum L. This study identified 41 GhTPX2 sequences in the assembled G. hirsutum genome by a series of bioinformatic methods. Generally, this gene family is phylogenetically grouped into six subfamilies, and 41 G. hirsutum TPX2 genes (GhTPX2s) are distributed across 21 chromosomes. A heatmap of the TPX2 gene family showed that homologous GhTPX2 genes, GhWDLA2/7 and GhWDLA4/9, have large differences in expression levels between two upland cotton recombinant inbred lines (69307 and 69362) that are different in fiber quality at 15 and 20 days post anthesis. The relative data indicate that these four genes are down-regulated under oryzalin, which causes microtubule depolymerization, as determined via qRT-PCR. A subcellular localization experiment suggested that GhWDLA2 and GhWDLA7 are localized to the microtubule cytoskeleton, and GhWDLA4 and GhWDLA9 are only localized to the nucleus. However, only GhWDLA7 between GhWDLA2 and GhWDLA7 interacted with GhTUA2 in the yeast two-hybrid assay. These results lay the foundation for further function study of the TPX2 gene family.
The Components of the Glacial Runoff of the Tsambagarav Massif from Stable Water Isotope Data
Authors: Bantcev Dmitry V. , Ganyushkin Dmitry A. , Chistyakov Kirill V. , Volkov Ilya V. , Ekaykin Alexey A. , Veres Arina N. , Tokarev Igor V. , Shtykova Natalya B. , Andreeva Tatiana A.
Published: July 2019

The aim of this study was to determine the contribution of snow and glacial ice to the river fluxes, and to identify the type of ice formation in the Tsambagarav massif (the northwestern part of Mongolia). The main method for this study was isotopic analysis of water samples. The isotopic separation showed that the shares of the main components in the total runoff differed for different rivers of the massif. Alongside with that, glacial meltwater prevailed in all the investigated fluxes. The share of snow and firn in the meltwater coming from the surface of the large valley glaciers in the middle of the ablation season in 2017 changed by only 10%—from 20% to 30%. Thus, further reduction of glaciation caused by global climate change could significantly affect the water balance of the study area. The isotopic composition of glacial ice proves that its alimentation primarily comes from precipitation during the transitional seasons. Superimposed ice is not the basis for nourishment of the glaciers of the Tsambagarav massif.
A Clinical Trial of the Effect of a Blood Leakage Detection Device for Patients during Hemodialysis
Authors: Ou Yang-Kun , Wu Ming-Jui , Ciou Wei-Siang , Du Yi-Chun
Published: July 2019

In hemodialysis, vascular access is usually achieved through an arteriovenous fistula, and a dislodged needle can cause varying degrees of injury to patients. In severe cases, the loss of blood can prove to be fatal. This study proposed a blood leakage detection device for patients during hemodialysis (HD). First, the device was tested on a phantom arm, and later in a clinical test on patients receiving HD. The thoughts of the patients and the nursing staff involved were surveyed before and after the introduction of the device. Analysis of the results indicated that the device achieved 100% and 98.9% accuracy rates on the phantom arm test and clinical test, respectively. The results suggested that patients believed the device could reduce their mental anxiety, and the nursing staff considered the device reliable and that it would enhance the quality of care. The proposed detection device can be extended to similar applications for preventing catheter dislodgement, and to improve patient safety and reduce the stress of clinical nursing staff.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Undiagnosed Glucose Intolerance Status in Apparently Healthy Young Adults Aged <40 Years: The Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2014–2017
Authors: Lyu Young Sang , Kim Sang Yong , Bae Hak Yeon , Kim Jin Hwa
Published: July 2019

Background: Early-onset diabetes results in longer lifetime hyperglycemic exposure that consequently leads to earlier chronic diabetes complications and premature death. The aim of this study was to quantify the prevalence and risk factors of undiagnosed diabetes and undiagnosed prediabetes in apparently healthy young adults aged <40 years. Methods: This study used data from the Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cross-sectional, nationally representative survey conducted by the Korean Ministry of Health and Welfare from 2014 to 2017. A total of 4442 apparently healthy young adults enrolled in this study. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted separately to evaluate associated risk factors with undiagnosed diabetes and undiagnosed prediabetes in groups stratified by sex. Results: The prevalence of undiagnosed diabetes and undiagnosed prediabetes was 1.2% and 25.0%, respectively. Obesity (body mass index ≥ 30.0 kg/m2) was a significant risk factor of undiagnosed diabetes regardless of sex (men, odds ratio (OR): 9.808, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.619–59.412; women, OR: 7.719, 95% CI: 1.332–44.747). Family history of diabetes was significantly associated with undiagnosed diabetes (OR: 3.407, 95% CI: 1.224–9.481) in women only. Increased age, obesity status, and family history of diabetes were significant risk factors for undiagnosed prediabetes. Alcohol consumption was found to be negatively associated with undiagnosed prediabetes in women. Conclusions: Increased attention and implementation of precise strategies for identifying young adults at high risk for undiagnosed diabetes would allow for increased wellbeing as well as reduced healthcare burdens associated with diabetes.
c-Met and PD-L1 on Circulating Exosomes as Diagnostic and Prognostic Markers for Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lux Alexander , Kahlert Christoph , Grützmann Robert , Pilarsky Christian
Published: July 2019

Exosomes are membrane vesicles which offer potential as blood derived biomarkers for malign tumors in clinical practice. Pancreatic cancer is counted among cancer diseases with the highest mortality. The present work seeks to assess whether pancreatic carcinomas release exosomes which express c-Met (proto-oncogene mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor) and PD-L1 (programmed cell death 1 ligand 1), and whether the detection of such expression in serum has diagnostic or prognostic meaning for the affected patients. Exosome isolation was performed on culture media of one benign pancreatic cell line and ten pancreatic carcinoma cell lines as well as on serum samples from 55 patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC), 26 patients with chronic pancreatitis and 10 patients with benign serous cyst adenoma of the pancreas. Exosomes were bound to latex beads and stained with antibodies against c-Met or PD-L1. Analysis of fluorescence intensity was performed by flow cytometry. In terms of c-Met, the mean fluorescence intensity of PDAC-patients was significantly higher than the fluorescence intensity of the comparative patients with benign disease (p < 0.001). A diagnostic test based on c-Met resulted in a sensitivity of 70%, a specificity of 85% and a diagnostic odds ratio of 13:2. The specificity of the test can be further improved by combining it with the established tumor marker carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA 19-9). In addition, c-Met-positive patients showed a significantly shorter postoperative survival time (9.5 vs. 21.7 months, p < 0.001). In terms of PD-L1, no significant difference between fluorescence intensity of PDAC-patients and comparative patients was detectable. However, PD-L1-positive PDAC-patients also showed a significantly shorter postoperative survival time (7.8 vs. 17.2 months, p = 0.043). Thus, both markers can be considered as negative prognostic factors.
Hybrid Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy–Surgical Technique and Results
Authors: Kuvendjiska Jasmina , Marjanovic Goran , Glatz Torben , Kulemann Birte , Hoeppner Jens
Published: July 2019

Background: Hybrid minimally invasive esophagectomy (HMIE) has been proven to be superior when compared with open esophagectomy, with a significant reduction of postoperative morbidity. In HMIE, the laparotomy is replaced by a minimally invasive laparoscopic approach. The radical mediastinal resection plus reconstruction is performed by a thoracic approach through a muscle-sparing thoracotomy. In this instructional article, we describe the surgical technique of HMIE in detail in order to facilitate possible adoption of the procedure by other surgeons. In addition, we give the monocentric results of our own practice. Methods: Between 2013 and 2018, HMIE was performed in 157 patients. The morbidity and mortality data of the procedure is shown in a retrospective monocentric analysis. Results: Overall, 54% of patients had at least one perioperative complication. Anastomotic leak was evident in 1.9%, and a single patient had focal conduit necrosis of the gastric pull-up. Postoperative pulmonary morbidity was 31%. Pneumonia was found in 17%. The 90 day mortality was 2.5%. Wound infection rate was 3%, and delayed gastric emptying occurred in 17% of patients. In follow up, 12.7% presented with diaphragmatic herniation of the bowel, requiring laparoscopic hernia reduction and hiatal reconstruction and colopexy several months after surgery. Conclusion: HMIE is a highly reliable technique, not only for the resection part but especially in terms of safety in reconstruction and anastomosis. For esophageal surgeons with experience in minimally invasive anti-reflux procedures and obesity surgery, HMIE is easy and fast to learn and adopt.
Effects of Different Antidiabetic Medications on Endothelial Glycocalyx, Myocardial Function, and Vascular Function in Type 2 Diabetic Patients: One Year Follow–Up Study
Authors: Lambadiari Vaia , Pavlidis George , Kousathana Foteini , Maratou Eirini , Georgiou Dimitrios , Andreadou Ioanna , Kountouri Aikaterini , Varoudi Maria , Balampanis Konstantinos , Parissis John , Triantafyllidi Helen , Katogiannis Konstantinos , Birba Dionysia , Lekakis John , Dimitriadis George , Ikonomidis Ignatios
Published: July 2019

Background: Poor glycaemic control affects myocardial function. We investigated changes in endothelial function and left ventricular (LV) myocardial deformation in poorly controlled type 2 diabetics before and after glycaemic control intensification. Methods: In 100 poorly-controlled diabetic patients (age: 51 ± 12 years), we measured at baseline and at 12 months after intensified glycaemic control: (a) Pulse wave velocity (PWV, Complior); (b) flow-mediated dilatation (FMD, %) of the brachial artery; (c) perfused boundary region (PBR) of the sublingual arterial micro-vessels (side-view dark-field imaging, Glycocheck); (d) LV global longitudinal strain (GLS), peak twisting (pTw), peak twisting velocity (pTwVel), and peak untwisting velocity (pUtwVel) using speckle tracking echocardiography, where the ratio of PWV/GLS was used as a marker of ventricular-arterial interaction; and (e) Malondialdehyde (MDA) and protein carbonyls (PCs) plasma levels. Results: Intensified 12-month antidiabetic treatment reduced HbA1c (8.9 ± 1.8% (74 ± 24 mmol/mol) versus 7.1 ± 1.2% (54 ± 14 mmol/mol), p = 0.001), PWV (12 ± 3 versus 10.8 ± 2 m/s), PBR (2.12 ± 0.3 versus 1.98 ± 0.2 μm), MDA, and PCs; meanwhile, the treatment improved GLS (−15.2 versus −16.9%), PWV/GLS, and FMD% (p < 0.05). By multi-variate analysis, incretin-based agents were associated with improved PWV (p = 0.029), GLS (p = 0.037), PBR (p = 0.047), and FMD% (p = 0.034), in addition to a reduction of HbA1c. The patients with a final HbA1c ≤ 7% (≤ 53 mmol/mol) had greater reduction in PWV, PBR, and markers of oxidative stress, with a parallel increase in FMD and GLS, compared to those who had HbA1c > 7% (> 53 mmol/mol). Conclusions: Intensified glycaemic control, in addition to incretin-based treatment, improves arterial stiffness, endothelial glycocalyx, and myocardial deformation in type 2 diabetes after one year of treatment.