bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ANTIVIRUS SOFTWARE AND INDUSTRIAL CYBER SECURITY SYSTEM CERTIFICATION IN RUSSIA
Authors: Nazarenko M. A. , Gorobets A. I. , Miskov D. V. , Muravyev V. V. , Novikov A. S.
Published: May 2019

The article is dedicated to issues in certification of antivirus software and industrial cyber security systems. It was shown that certification time in Russia is much longer than in the USA, European Union and Germany. The life time and the development time of products of this field were analyzed in the article. Each variable was specified for new products and for new versions of existing products. Some statistical methods were used in the article: Cronbach’s alfa, t-statistics, and median value similarity that are typical for the articles in quality management. As a result, it was found that certification time in Russia for industrial cyber security systems is significantly longer than in other analyzed countries, up to three-fold. Product development and life time are also longer. However, the most important result is that certification in Russia adds from 32.1 to 40 percent of time to the development of a new version or a new product, correspondingly, whereas in other investigated countries these numbers are about 17 percent. Reduction of certification time will increase new product development efficiency in the field of cyber security, which will improve positions of Russian products at the international mark et.
Climate change responding measures in Vinh Long province
Authors: Le Tuan Ngoc , Tran Hoang Xuan
Published: May 2019

This work aimed to proposing climate change responding measures in Vinh Long province. Based on analysing vulnerability to climate change in Vinh Long province, via methods of data collection, GIS, SWOT analysis, multi-criteria analysis, consulting stakeholders and experts, 32 key solutions responding to climate change were proposed, divided into 3 main groups: adaptation, mitigation, and supporting measures. After that, 39 priority projects to implement proposed key solutions were established, including finance source and timeline – as an important basis to efficiently carry out the climate change responding program in Vinh Long province.
初中体育教学的中长跑训练教学方法及其策略分析
Authors: 邹 启莲
Published: May 2019

初中体育教学中的中长跑训练非常重要,是初中体育教学的重点内容。中长跑运动是以有氧代谢为主的耐力性周期运动项目,其是以发展机体耐久跑的体育练习项目,在技术上要求练习者身体保持较为放松的跑步状态,对练习者体力和意志力有比较高的要求。基于此,本文阐述了初中体育教学的中长跑训练意义,对初中体育教学的中长跑常用训练教学方法及其策略进行了探讨分析。
运用交互式电子白板 构建高效数学课堂
Authors: 王 秀芳
Published: May 2019

交互式白板教学的运用是一种高效的现代教学方法,对学生的主体性,创新意识和探索精神的发展起着重要作用。在小学数学教学中使用交互式白板是小学数学课堂发展的必然趋势。它必将激发学生的学习兴趣,改进教师的教学方法和学生的学习方式,昀终优化小学数学课堂教学。
浅谈高中英语有效课堂教学的方法
Authors: 李 辉玉
Published: May 2019

近年来随着教育改革的不断发展,在教学过程中教师越来越注重学生在课堂中的主体地位,但是由于过去传统教学方式对于课堂教学的影响较大,所以至今英语课堂教学中仍存在着一些问题需要进行改进。对于学生来说英语课堂教学是学生获得知识的重要途径,因此,教师要注重课堂教学质量的提升,提高英语课堂的教学效率。本文针对高中英语有效课堂教学的方法进行了探究。
浅析生物情趣教学的研究与探索
Authors: 刘 光尧
Published: May 2019

通过根植课堂的实践研究,探寻构建生物情趣教学的有效策略和注意问题,进一步优化生物课堂,让学生在富有情趣的体验感悟中获得新知,实现学生综合素养的全面发展和提升。
基于 PCK理论下的一节合作学习课堂教学设计
Authors: 陈 晓静
Published: May 2019

这一概念昀早由斯坦福大学教授Shulman(美国教育研究会主席)提出,他认为构成教学的知识基础有7类,其中的“学科教学知识”逐步成为教师知识的重心与核心。学科教学知识是“PedagogicalContentKnowledge”(简称为PCK)的翻译,也有些研究者将其翻译成“教学内容知识”或者“学科教育知识”。
基于媒介融合的信息跨媒介联动对广告设计教学的启发与思考
Authors: 柯 汉飞
Published: May 2019

本文在媒介融合基础上,阐述了媒介融合与信息跨媒介联动的内涵,以及广告和广告设计的内涵,并从广告审美、技术和艺术以及广告意义空间方面分析了广告设计教学所受到的启发及思考,以供参考。
Occurrence of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Associated with Exotic Dogs in Commercial Breeding Mills in Jos Metropolis-Nigeria
Authors: Amapu T. Y. Amapu T. Y. , Latu M. Y. Latu M. Y. , Dapiya H. S. Dapiya H. S. , Pam K. V. Pam K. V. , Job M. O. Job M. O. , Dawen D. E. Dawen D. E. , Brengshak S. B. Brengshak S. B. , Ajang Y. Ajang Y. , Hero G. U. Hero G. U. , Dingmun P. J. Dingmun P. J. , Okojokwu O. J. Okojokwu O. J.
Published: May 2019

In Nigeria, there has been an increasing trend towards establishing puppy mills for commercial breeding of exotic dogs. This study determined gastrointestinal parasites associated with exotic dogs of the existing puppy mills in Jos Metropolis Nigeria. A total of 150 dogs’ fresh feacal samples were collected from 25 different puppy mills and examined using formol ether and floatation concentration techniques. Data on risks factors variables of dogs’ age, number of dogs per kernel kennel type, nature of food and history of antiparasitic drugs usage were collected from the breeders using predesigned questionnaire. The result revealed an overall prevalence of 71.33% intestinal parasitic burden among the dogs. Chi square (χ2) analysis showed association (p< 0.05) between breeds of dogs and occurrence of parasites. The gastrointestinal parasites associated were most prevalent dogs in Neapolitan mastiff (86.36%) followed by Rottweiler (75.70%) and German Shepherd (57.14%) was the least infected Predominantly, a total of seven (7) species of intestinal parasites; Ancylostoma caninum (28.00%) Dipylidium caninum (23.33%), Toxocara canis (14.00%), Trichuris vulpis (11.33%), Taenia sp. (5.33%) Giardia sp. (7.33%) and Coccidia sp. (5.33%) were identified. Among different gastrointestinal parasitic infections, occurrence of Ancylostoma caninum (28.00%) was highest, followed by Dipylidium caninum (23.33%). Multiple parasitic infections among positive dogs sampled were observed, however, risk factors variables did not (p > 0.05) affect parasitic infection. Age based gastrointestinal parasitic infection peak (77.78%) was reported among 7 9 months old and decreased with ages of dogs The result showed no significant difference in prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites among age groups of the dogs (χ2 = 2.616, d.f. = 5, P = 0.624). This trend implies that puppies of younger age groups had higher prevalence and tendency for infection with gastrointestinal parasites than their older counterparts.This study provides baseline data on the spectrum of intestinal parasitic infection of exotic dogs in commercial puppy mills in Jos-Nigeria. Therefore, the phenomenon could represent an important health threat and needs to be regulated, so that breeders adhere to hygiene practices and veterinary guidelines. This will serve as an approach to reduce the tendency of increasing intestinal parasitic burden of local dogs as well as eliminate emergent zoonotic intestinal parasites in the dogs.
Intensive Course Programme at Qassim University, Saudi Arabia: Finding Correlations between Course Shortcomings and High Dropout Rates
Authors: Mohammad Aslam Mohammad Shariq , Hassan Al-Ahdal Arif Ahmed Mohammed , Hasan Odeh Bsahar Ragheb , AbdulAll Saied Dalia Baker
Published: May 2019

ICP in Saudi institutions of higher education is a university preparation course based on an academic curriculum aimed to hone the school leavers’ intellectual skills to succeed in the challenge of higher education. Universities all over the world, and especially in the west, offer similar programs, rather they mandate prospective international students whose mother tongue is other than English to opt for such programmes. These are popularly known as ESL (English as Second Language) intensive courses. In the KSA these are limited to the period at the very start of the academic session. However, in the west, students can opt for longer and more frequent programmes with the choice of sitting for these during the vacation periods. In this sense, they are more flexible to suit student needs. The aim is similar as that in KSA: To set the non-English speaking student at a language pedestal where he/she has a fair a chance to pursue higher education as the English-speaking one. Seen from this vantage, this is a bridge course to select incumbents for the English courses offered by the universities. Pilot studies in the KSA on the success of ICP failed to yield conclusive results amidst rising agreement to scrap the programme as tangible learning outcomes were not visible. However, before doing so it would have been worthwhile to find correlations. If any, between attrition rates and course shortcomings. This aim motivated the current study across three campuses in the departments of English at Qassim University Colleges of Sciences and Arts in Methnab, Al-Asyah, and Buraidah. The study collected all enrolment and follow up data for the three departments and interviewed fifteen subjects each from among those who completed the course but decided against pursuing higher education, those who dropped out before course completion, and those who enrolled for higher education after undertaking the ICP. Our greater concern was with those who dropped out during the course as they neither pursued higher education nor benefitted as they would have on completing the programme.
EVALUASI ATAS PENERAPAN SISTEM AKUNTANSI SATUAN KERJA PENGELOLA KEUANGAN DAERAH PEMERINTAH KOTA BOGOR (Studi Kasus pada Dinas Pendapatan Pengelolaan Keuangan dan Aset Daerah)
Authors: . Jeffry
Published: May 2019

Aim from this research has explained how far regulation that applied by city government in Bogor, explain how far accounting system applications SKPKD in city government in Bogor ,  and explain financial statement presentation in city government in Bogor. Research method that used case study method.  This method covers activity that done with hold direct research to location to gets data that need to relate to problem that canvassed. Research is done Dinas Pendapatan, Pengelolaan Keuangan, dan Aset Daerah Kota Bogor. From research result that done, that city government bogor in the year 2007 apply Permendagri number 13 year 2006.  Then setting accountancy wisdom in city local government bogor appointed in number mayor regulation 26 year 2008 that published on 25 novembers 2008 about system and region finance accounting procedure.  City local government finance accounting system bogor comprehensively apply cash inflow accounting procedure, money supply expenditure accounting procedure, perosedur asset accountancy, with accounting procedure besides money supply. Financial statement presentation event, city government financial statement bogor fulfil Standard Government Accountancy as that regulated in PP number 24 year 2005. Evaluation result in this research that city government region finance manager work unit accounting system bogor as according to Permendagri number 13 year 2006 then done to setting accountancy wisdom that regulated in number mayor regulation 26 year 2008.  Even if happen slowness in regional leader regulation publication but system and region finance accounting procedure based on Permendagri number 13 year 2006 permanent applied at the (time) of regional leader regulation arrangement current.Keyword: accounting system, ministry of home affairs regulation (Permendagri)
PENGARUH PELAYANAN PAJAK, PERSEPSI SISTEM PERPAJAKAN, PENGETAHUAN PAJAK, DAN KESADARAN WAJIB PAJAK TERHADAP KEPATUHAN WAJIB PAJAK ORANG PRIBADI
Authors: . Waluyo
Published: May 2019

This research aims to analyze the impact of tax apparatus service, perception of effective tax system, knowledge of tax, and awareness of individual taxpayers on tax compliance, as well as to obtain empirical evidence on research conducted either empirically or simultaneously. The research method used is a causal study. Causal study means that the researchers wanted to examine the relationship between independent variables with dependent variable.The populations of research was all individual taxpayers registered in the tax office (KPP). The sample of population used is an individual taxpayer who enrolled in tax office Tigaraksa especially around in Kelapa Dua subdistrict at period 2012. Sample was used 102 respondence. These results indicate that variable tax apparatus service have effect on individual taxpayer compliance, variable perception of effective tax system didn’t have effect on individual taxpayer compliance, knowledge of tax have effect on individual taxpayer compliance, and awareness of individual taxpayers have effect on individual taxpayer compliance. Variable tax apparatus service, perception of effective tax system, knowledge of tax, and awareness of individual taxpayers have simultaneously on tax compliance.Keywords: tax service, perception of effective tax system, knowledge of tax, awareness of individual tax payers and tax compliance.
Política Monetaria en el Ecuador.
Authors: Chamba Bastidas Lenin Agustín , Sánchez Lunavictoria Doris Maribel , Suárez Navarrete Homero Eudoro , Procel Silva María Alexandra
Published: May 2019

Con la promulgación de la Ley General de Instituciones del Sector Financiero en 1994, se facilita la creación de una institución financiera y reduce los sistemas de control, de 24 bancos que había en el año 1994, aumentaron a 96 en 1999, denota con claridad el facilismo que se dio desde el punto de vista legal para que se puedan crear bancos en el Ecuador a efectos de resolver los problemas económicos del país, es necesario ejecutar una política de manera integral. Se debe considerar la política del sector externo, especialmente de los países con los cuales tenemos mayor relación comercial o de aquellos que tienen mucha influencia a nivel mundial, la realidad económica es diferente y por lo tanto los efectos y acciones posiblemente difieran entre sí.
An Adaptive Procedure for the Global Minimization of a Class of Polynomial Functions
Authors: Favati Paola , Lotti Grazia , Menchi Ornella , Romani Francesco
Published: May 2019

The paper deals with the problem of global minimization of a polynomial function expressed through the Frobenius norm of two-dimensional or three-dimensional matrices. An adaptive procedure is proposed which applies a Multistart algorithm according to a heuristic approach. The basic step of the procedure consists of splitting the runs of different initial points in segments of fixed length and to interlace the processing order of the various segments, discarding those which appear less promising. A priority queue is suggested to implement this strategy. Various parameters contribute to the handling of the queue, whose length shrinks during the computation, allowing a considerable saving of the computational time with respect to classical procedures. To verify the validity of the approach, a large experimentation has been performed on both nonnegatively constrained and unconstrained problems.
Counter-Terrorism Video Analysis Using Hash-Based Algorithms
Authors: García-Retuerta David , Bartolomé Álvaro , Chamoso Pablo , Corchado Juan Manuel
Published: May 2019

The Internet is becoming a major source of radicalization. The propaganda efforts of new extremist groups include creating new propaganda videos from fragments of old terrorist attack videos. This article presents a web-scraping method for retrieving relevant videos and a pHash-based algorithm which identifies the original content of a video. Automatic novelty verification is now possible, which can potentially reduce and improve journalist research work, as well as reduce the spreading of fake news. The obtained results have been satisfactory as all original sources of new videos have been identified correctly.
Information Clues and Emotional Intentions: A Case Study of the Regional Image of the Cultural and Creative Community
Authors: Chen Yulin
Published: May 2019

In order to capture the value of cultural creativity, this study explored regional cultural creativities with different creative forms to understand how people interpret and interact with various regional cultural creative images. This was done by analyzing the abstract (performance) type of cultural creativity and the figurative (commodity) type of cultural creativity, in order to understand how existing regional cultural creativities operate information threads in social media, and how the different forms of content may lead to different levels of participation and feedback. The Cloud Gate Dance Theater can be taken as an example of an abstract cultural creation (performance type), and Green-in-hand as an example of a figurative cultural creativity (commodity type). In this study, all user page content for the period 1 January 2011, to 31 December 2018, and the number of user comments for each post were analyzed, for a total of 4784 posts. Computer science, data mining, big data, and social network analysis were combined to verify the findings of the analyses. Through an application programming interface (API), data and information in social media is extracted. Then data filtering, storage, and analysis is performed with meaningful information extracted for interpretation and for use in text mining to explore the relationship with the public based on content attributes. This study first verifies that the regional image is consistent with the social image location. Second, the information cues results found that information cues could be organized into region personality through any direct or indirect contact. Third, emotional clues can evoke emotions and self-expression, which is seen as an important clue to region emotions. In addition, this study also provides a conceptual framework for understanding how different forms of information, in regards to social management of existing regional cultural creativities, leads to varying levels of participation. Understanding the form of information is a key factor in the acceptance of information by the public. It is a reminder for cultural and creative institutions of the importance of text and images, and of figurative and abstract information planning in social content. In order to improve the competitiveness of the destination, using content interaction through social media to create and enhance a strong brand image is important.
Estimating Conditional Value at Risk in the Tehran Stock Exchange Based on the Extreme Value Theory Using GARCH Models
Authors: Tabasi Hamed , Yousefi Vahidreza , Tamošaitienė Jolanta , Ghasemi Foroogh
Published: May 2019

This paper attempted to calculate the market risk in the Tehran Stock Exchange by estimating the Conditional Value at Risk. Since the Conditional Value at Risk is a tail-related measure, Extreme Value Theory has been utilized to estimate the risk more accurately. Generalized Autoregressive Conditional Heteroscedasticity (GARCH) models were used to model the volatility-clustering feature, and to estimate the parameters of the model, the Maximum Likelihood method was applied. The results of the study showed that in the estimation of model parameters, assuming T-student distribution function gave better results than the Normal distribution function. The Monte Carlo simulation method was used for backtesting the Conditional Value at Risk model, and in the end, the performance of different models, in the estimation of this measure, was compared.
Genetic Mutation Analysis of High and Low IgY Chickens by Capture Sequencing
Authors: Wang Qiao , Wang Fei , Liu Lu , Li Qinghe , Liu Ranran , Zheng Maiqing , Cui Huanxian , Wen Jie , Zhao Guiping
Published: May 2019

Based on the results of our previous genome-wide association study (GWAS), a comprehensive analysis on single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) was performed on White Leghorn and Beijing-You chickens with high and low IgY levels in defined genomic regions using the capture-sequencing approach. High and low IgY chickens showed substantial genetic variations. In total, more than 30,000 SNPs were found in all four chicken groups, among which 1045 were non-synonymous mutations resulting in amino acids alterations. In total, 23,309 Indels were identified. Among the 1169 Indels that were found only in Beijing-You chickens, 702 were shared between high and low IgY chickens compared with the reference genome. There were 1016 Indels specific to the White Leghorn chickens, among which 188 were high IgY-specific, 134 were low IgY-specific and 694 were shared between the high and low IgY chicken lines. Many genetic mutations were located in the regulatory regions of important immunomodulatory genes, including TAP1, TAP2 and BF1. Our findings provide an in-depth understanding of genetic mutations in chicken microchromosomes.
Ion Channel Targeting with Antibodies and Antibody Fragments for Cancer Diagnosis
Authors: Duranti Claudia , Arcangeli Annarosa
Published: May 2019

The antibody era has greatly impacted cancer management in recent decades. Indeed, antibodies are currently applied for both cancer diagnosis and therapy. For example, monoclonal antibodies are the main constituents of several in vitro diagnostics, which are applied at many levels of cancer diagnosis. Moreover, the great improvement provided by in vivo imaging, especially for early-stage cancer diagnosis, has traced the path for the development of a complete new class of antibodies, i.e., engineered antibody fragments. The latter embody the optimal characteristics (e.g., low renal retention, rapid clearance, and small size) which make them ideal for in vivo applications. Furthermore, the present review focuses on reviewing the main applications of antibodies and antibody fragments for solid cancer diagnosis, both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, we review the scientific evidence showing that ion channels represent an almost unexplored class of ideal targets for both in vitro and in vivo diagnostic purposes. In particular, we review the applications, in solid cancers, of monoclonal antibodies and engineered antibody fragments targeting the voltage-dependent ion channel Kv 11.1, also known as hERG1.
Duration of the Symptoms and Brain Aging in Women with Fibromyalgia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Villafaina Santos , Collado-Mateo Daniel , Fuentes-García Juan P. , Domínguez-Muñoz Francisco J. , Gusi Narcís
Published: May 2019

Fibromyalgia is a chronic syndrome that is characterized by widespread pain and an altered brain dynamic. The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of the duration of the symptoms on the cortical activity of women with fibromyalgia using electroencephalogram power spectrum analyses in an eye-closed resting state. Twenty-nine women participated in this cross-sectional study (N: 29; age: 55.59 [9.50]). Theta, alpha, beta-1, beta-2, and beta-3 frequency bands were analyzed using EEGLAB. Theta power significantly correlated with the duration of the symptoms, but not with age. In addition, participants were divided into two groups according to number the years for which they were suffering from fibromyalgia. Participants who had a longer duration of symptoms obtained higher theta power in the frontal (Fp1, F4, F7, F8, and Fz), central (C3, C4, and Cz), and parietal (P3 and Pz) areas than those who had a shorter duration of symptoms, which may be related to brain aging. This exploratory study demonstrates for the first time that the frontal, central, and parietal areas may be influenced by the years in which they were suffering from the symptoms of fibromyalgia. This might indicate that the duration of these symptoms may have a higher impact on brain aging than the actual age of the patient.
Modeling of a 3D Temperature Field by Integrating a Physics-Specific Model and Spatiotemporal Stochastic Processes
Authors: Wang Di , Zhang Xi
Published: May 2019

Engineering thermal management (ETM) is one of the critical tasks for quality control and system surveillance in many industries, and acquiring the temperature field and its evolution is a prerequisite for efficient thermal management. By harnessing the sensing data from sensor networks, an unprecedented opportunity has emerged for an accurate estimation of the temperature field. However, limited resources of sensor deployment and computation capacity pose a great challenge while modeling the spatiotemporal dynamics of the temperature field. This paper presents a novel temperature field estimation approach to describe the dynamics of a temperature field by combining a physics-specific model and a spatiotemporal Gaussian process. To reduce the computational burden while dealing with a large set of spatiotemporal data, we employ a tapering covariance function and develop an associated parameter estimation procedure. We introduce a case study of grain storage to show the effectiveness and efficiency of the proposed approach.
Release of VEGF from Dental Implant Surface (IML® Implant) Coated with Concentrated Growth Factors (CGF) and the Liquid Phase of CGF (LPCGF): In Vitro Results and Future Expectations
Authors: Palermo Andrea , Ferrante Franco , Stanca Eleonora , Damiano Fabrizio , Gnoni Antonio , Batani Tiziano , Carluccio Maria Annunziata , Demitri Christian , Siculella Luisa
Published: May 2019

This study aimed to evaluate the combined use of the Concentrated Growth Factor (CGF) and the liquid phase of CGF (LPCGF) on dental implant surfaces, using a medical device to determine the migration of growth factors, from the implant surface to the recipient. The implants were permeated by autologous growth factors, using a specific centrifuge device. CGF adhesion on the implant surface was evaluated through a scanning electron microscope analysis. To assess the release of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) from CGF, LPCGF, and CGF- or LPCGF-permeated implant, an ELISA assay was carried out. The results showed that the concentration of the growth factor VEGF was greater in CGF than in LPCGF. Our innovative technique allowed the incorporation of autologous growth factors on the surface of the dental implants. Moreover, we reported the release of VEGF, over time, by CGF- or LPCGF-permeated implant. On this basis, it was possible to obtain a biologically active implant surface, essential to create intercellular communication and neo-angiogenesis, to facilitate wound healing and tissue regeneration.
Scaling of Three-Dimensional Computer-Generated Holograms with Layer-Based Shifted Fresnel Diffraction
Authors: Zhang Hao , Cao Liangcai , Jin Guofan
Published: May 2019

Holographic three-dimensional (3D) displays can reconstruct a whole wavefront of a 3D scene and provide rich depth information for the human eyes. Computer-generated holographic techniques offer an efficient way for reconstructing holograms without complicated interference recording systems. In this work, we present a technique for generating 3D computer-generated holograms (CGHs) with scalable samplings, by using layer-based diffraction calculations. The 3D scene is partitioned into multiple layers according to its depth image. Shifted Fresnel diffraction is used for calculating the wave diffractions from the partitioned layers to the CGH plane with adjustable sampling rates, while maintaining the depth information. The algorithm provides an effective method for scaling 3D CGHs without an optical zoom module in the holographic display system. Experiments have been performed, demonstrating that the proposed method can reconstruct quality 3D images at different scale factors.
Feature-Preserved Point Cloud Simplification Based on Natural Quadric Shape Models
Authors: Zhang Kun , Qiao Shiquan , Wang Xiaohong , Yang Yongtao , Zhang Yongqiang
Published: May 2019

With the development of 3D scanning technology, a huge volume of point cloud data has been collected at a lower cost. The huge data set is the main burden during the data processing of point clouds, so point cloud simplification is critical. The main aim of point cloud simplification is to reduce data volume while preserving the data features. Therefore, this paper provides a new method for point cloud simplification, named FPPS (feature-preserved point cloud simplification). In FPPS, point cloud simplification entropy is defined, which quantifies features hidden in point clouds. According to simplification entropy, the key points including the majority of the geometric features are selected. Then, based on the natural quadric shape, we introduce a point cloud matching model (PCMM), by which the simplification rules are set. Additionally, the similarity between PCMM and the neighbors of the key points is measured by the shape operator. This represents the criteria for the adaptive simplification parameters in FPPS. Finally, the experiment verifies the feasibility of FPPS and compares FPPS with other four-point cloud simplification algorithms. The results show that FPPS is superior to other simplification algorithms. In addition, FPPS can partially recognize noise.
Ideal Mechanization: Exploring the Machine Metaphor through Theory and Performance
Authors: LaViers Amy
Published: May 2019

Models of machines, including the increasingly miniaturized, digitally controlled machines of modern computers, inform models of human and animal behavior. What are the impacts of this exchange? This paper builds on theoretical discussion to produce an artistic exploration around this idea. The paper uses known limits on computation, previously proved by Turing, to model the process of mechanization, machines interacting with an environment. This idea was used to inform a live performance that leveraged a theatrical setting emulating an ideal mechanization machine, audience participation with their bodies as well as their personal cell phones, and readings of academic papers, which is also presented. The results of this work is a shared exploration of when human experience fits machine-based metaphors and, when it does not, highlighting distinct strengths and questioning how to measure the capacities of natural and artificial behavior.
Warm Season Hydroclimatic Variability and Change in the Appalachian Region of the Southeastern U.S. from 1950 to 2018
Authors: Kinlaw Timothy , Sugg Johnathan W. , Perry L. Baker
Published: May 2019

The hydroclimatology of the southeastern U.S. is changing, with increased precipitation, intensified summer-to-fall rainfall, and prolonged dry periods. However, research has yet to determine whether these trends are present in the southern Appalachian Mountains, which contain the most topographic and hydroclimatic variability across the region and serve as a valuable resource for growing population centers. This study examines warm season hydroclimatic variability and changes from 1950 to 2018 using the Global Historical Climatological Network (GHCN) daily data record. Daily rainfall is classified according to different intensities, ranging from light to heavy, and a Mann-Kendall test is used to determine the trend at each station. Additionally, a Spearman’s rank correlation test is performed to test for significant linkages between precipitation class frequencies and large-scale modes of atmospheric variability (Atlantic Multidecadal Oscillation, Caribbean SST Index, Pacific/North American Pattern). The results suggest that dry days became less common and light precipitation became more common across the southern Appalachian region. Similarly, the length of dry spells became shorter at most elevations. Teleconnection patterns are linked to the variability of precipitation class frequencies, particularly with dry days and light precipitation. In conclusion, this research reveals the unique character of hydroclimatic variability and change across the southern Appalachian region in the context of the broader southeastern U.S.
Expansion Culture of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells and Production of Cardiomyocytes
Authors: Le Minh Nguyen Tuyet , Hasegawa Kouichi
Published: May 2019

Transplantation of human pluripotent stem cell (hPSCs)-derived cardiomyocytes for the treatment of heart failure is a promising therapy. In order to implement this therapy requiring numerous cardiomyocytes, substantial production of hPSCs followed by cardiac differentiation seems practical. Conventional methods of culturing hPSCs involve using a 2D culture monolayer that hinders the expansion of hPSCs, thereby limiting their productivity. Advanced culture of hPSCs in 3D aggregates in the suspension overcomes the limitations of 2D culture and attracts immense attention. Although the hPSC production needs to be suitable for subsequent cardiac differentiation, many studies have independently focused on either expansion of hPSCs or cardiac differentiation protocols. In this review, we summarize the recent approaches to expand hPSCs in combination with cardiomyocyte differentiation. A comparison of various suspension culture methods and future prospects for dynamic culture of hPSCs are discussed in this study. Understanding hPSC characteristics in different models of dynamic culture helps to produce numerous cells that are useful for further clinical applications.
Which Species Should We Focus On? Umbrella Species Assessment in Southwest China
Authors: Shi Xuewei , Gong Cheng , Zhang Lu , Hu Jian , Ouyang Zhiyun , Xiao Yi
Published: May 2019

In conservation biology, umbrella species are often used as agents for a broader set of species, or as representatives of an ecosystem, and their conservation is expected to benefit a large number of naturally co-occurring species. Southwest China is home to not only global biodiversity hotspots, but also rapid economic and population growth and extensive changes in land use. However, because of the large regional span, the diverse species distributions, and the difficulty of field investigations, traditional methods used to assess umbrella species are not suitable for implementation in Southwest China. In the current study, we assessed 810 key protected species from seven taxa by indicator value analysis, correlation analysis, and factor analysis. We selected 32 species as umbrella species, whose habitats overlapped the habitats of 97% of the total species. Furthermore, the selected species were significantly correlated with 70% of all species in the study area. A total of 16 out of 19 selected animal species have been previously mentioned as umbrella species, compared with only 3 out of 13 plants species; this is despite plants accounting for a large proportion of the total species in Southwest China. We discuss the roles of indicator species and co-occurring species, and provide suggestions for species protection in Southwest China based on the current results. Our research provides valuable scientific information for research on umbrella conservation species over large geographical scales, and related fields of biodiversity conservation.
The Effect of Anticoagulants, Temperature, and Time on the Human Plasma Metabolome and Lipidome from Healthy Donors as Determined by Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Khadka Manoj , Todor Andrei , Maner-Smith Kristal M. , Colucci Jennifer K. , Tran ViLinh , Gaul David A. , Anderson Evan J. , Natrajan Muktha S. , Rouphael Nadine , Mulligan Mark J. , McDonald Circe E. , Suthar Mehul , Li Shuzhao , Ortlund Eric A.
Published: May 2019

Liquid-chromatography mass spectrometry is commonly used to identify and quantify metabolites from biological samples to gain insight into human physiology and pathology. Metabolites and their abundance in biological samples are labile and sensitive to variations in collection conditions, handling and processing. Variations in sample handling could influence metabolite levels in ways not related to biology, ultimately leading to the misinterpretation of results. For example, anticoagulants and preservatives modulate enzyme activity and metabolite oxidization. Temperature may alter both enzymatic and non-enzymatic chemistry. The potential for variation induced by collection conditions is particularly important when samples are collected in remote locations without immediate access to specimen processing. Data are needed regarding the variation introduced by clinical sample collection processes to avoid introducing artifact biases. In this study, we used metabolomics and lipidomics approaches paired with univariate and multivariate statistical analyses to assess the effects of anticoagulant, temperature, and time on healthy human plasma samples collected to provide guidelines on sample collection, handling, and processing for vaccinology. Principal component analyses demonstrated clustering by sample collection procedure and that anticoagulant type had the greatest effect on sample metabolite variation. Lipids such as glycerophospholipids, acylcarnitines, sphingolipids, diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, and cholesteryl esters are significantly affected by anticoagulant type as are amino acids such as aspartate, histidine, and glutamine. Most plasma metabolites and lipids were unaffected by storage time and temperature. Based on this study, we recommend samples be collected using a single anticoagulant (preferably EDTA) with sample processing at <24 h at 4 °C.
Target Size Manipulations Affect Error-Processing Duration and Success Perceptions but not Behavioural Indices of Learning
Authors: Ong Nicole T. , Hawke Jamie , Hodges Nicola J.
Published: May 2019

We evaluated if and how success perceptions, through target size manipulations, impact processes related to motor learning. This work was based on recent literature suggesting that expectations and self-efficacy exert a direct impact on learning. We measured arousal, kinematics, learner expectancies, motivation, and outcomes in a dart-throwing task. Novices (n = 29) were assigned to either a “Large-target” (horizontal target, 10-cm high) or “Small-target” (2-cm high) group for practice (t = 90), and both groups completed 24-h retention tests. The Small-target group took longer to plan and process feedback in the pre-throw and post-throw periods, respectively, and showed larger joint amplitudes early in practice compared to the Large-target group. As predicted, the Large-target group made more hits and had heightened outcome expectancies compared to the Small-target group. Surprisingly, only the Large-target group performed better than they expected. Despite the Large-target group having more target hits, enhanced expectancies, and more unexpected success, this group did not outperform the Small-target group on behavioural indices of performance and learning. This research questions assumptions and results related to success-related manipulations for task performance and mechanisms related to target size manipulations.
State Financial Losses in Public Procurement Construction Projects in Indonesia
Authors: Wahyono Herry Ludiro , Hatmoko Jati Utomo Dwi , Tamin Rizal Z.
Published: May 2019

To sustainably eradicate corruption, extraordinary efforts are needed particularly in the context of construction projects. In this study, the state losses in government-funded construction projects in Indonesia is analyzed. Research data were collected through field observations for types of work that were not completed per technical specifications. Data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics. The results indicate that structural work was responsible for 98.70% of total state losses. The top three state losses were found to be associated with concrete, roads, and front stonework, and the values are 40.40%, 28.43%, and 18.23% respectively. Loss in architectural work was the smallest (1.30%). The outcomes of this survey offer a knowledge basis for law enforcement authorities and construction project supervisors to pay more attention to projects involving concrete structures, rigid pavement structures during road construction, and stonework.
A Ducted Photovoltaic Façade Unit with Buoyancy Cooling: Part II CFD Simulation
Authors: Elbakheit Abdel Rahman
Published: May 2019

A ducted photovoltaic façade (DPV) unit was simulated using computational fluid dynamics (CFD). This is Part II of the study, which is a repetition of Part I—a previous experimental study of the ducted photovoltaic unit with buoyancy cooling. The aim of this study is to optimize the duct width behind the solar cells to allow for the cells to achieve maximum buoyancy-driven cooling during operation. Duct widths from 5 to 50 cm were simulated. A duct width of 40 cm allowed for the maximum calculated heat to be removed from the duct; however, the lowest cell-operating temperature was reported for a duct width of 50 cm. The results showed that the change in temperature (ΔT) between the ducts’ inlets and outlets ranged from 8.10 to 19.32 °C. The ducted system enhanced module efficiency by 12.69% by reducing the photovoltaic façade (PV) temperature by 27 °C from 100 to 73 °C, as opposed to the increased temperatures that have been reported when fixing the PV directly onto the building fabric. The maximum simulated heat recovered from the ducted PV system was 529 W. This was 47.98% of the incident radiation in the test. The total summation of heat recovered and the power enhanced by the ducted system was 61.67%. The nature of airflow inside the duct was explored and visualized by reference to the Grashof number (Gr) and CFD simulations, respectively.
Huzhangoside A Suppresses Tumor Growth through Inhibition of Pyruvate Dehydrogenase Kinase Activity
Authors: Kwak Choong-Hwan , Lee Jung-Hee , Kim Eun-Yeong , Han Chang Woo , Kim Keuk-Jun , Lee Hanna , Cho MyoungLae , Jang Se Bok , Kim Cheorl-Ho , Chung Tae-Wook , Ha Ki-Tae
Published: May 2019

Aerobic glycolysis is one of the important metabolic characteristics of many malignant tumors. Pyruvate dehydrogenase kinase (PDHK) plays a key role in aerobic glycolysis by phosphorylating the E1α subunit of pyruvate dehydrogenase (PDH). Hence, PDHK has been recognized as a molecular target for cancer treatment. Here, we report that huzhangoside A (Hu.A), a triterpenoid glycoside compound isolated from several plants of the Anemone genus, acts as a novel PDHK inhibitor. Hu.A was found to decrease the cell viability of human breast cancer MDA-MB-231, hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B, colon cancer HT-29, DLD-1, and murine lewis lung carcinoma LLC cell lines. The activity of PDHK1 was decreased by Hu.A in both in vitro assays and in vivo assays in DLD-1 cells. Hu.A significantly increased the oxygen consumption and decreased the secretory lactate levels in DLD-1 cells. In addition, Hu.A interacted with the ATP-binding pocket of PDHK1 without affecting the interaction of PDHK1 and pyruvate dehydrogenase complex (PDC) subunits. Furthermore, Hu.A significantly induced mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) and depolarized the mitochondrial membrane potential in DLD-1 cells. Consistently, when Hu.A was intraperitoneally injected into LLC allograft mice, the tumor growth was significantly decreased. In conclusion, Hu.A suppressed the growth of tumors in both in vitro and in vivo models via inhibition of PDHK activity.
Potential Prognostic Role of 18F-FDG PET/CT in Invasive Epithelial Ovarian Cancer Relapse. A Preliminary Study
Authors: Perrone Anna , Dondi Giulia , Lima Giacomo , Castellucci Paolo , Tesei Marco , Coluccelli Sara , Gasparre Giuseppe , Porcelli Anna , Nanni Cristina , Fanti Stefano , De Iaco Pierandrea
Published: May 2019

Epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) is the most lethal gynecological malignancy, with relapse occurring in about 70% of advanced cases with poor prognosis. Fluorine-18-2-fluoro-2-deoxy-d-glucose PET/CT (18F-FDGPET/CT) is the most specific radiological imaging used to assess recurrence. Some intensity-based and volume-based PET parameters, maximum standardized uptake values (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV) and total lesion glycolysis (TLG), are indicated to have a correlation with treatment response. The aim of our study is to correlate these parameters with post relapse survival (PRS) and overall survival (OS) in Epithelial Ovarian Cancer (EOC) relapse. The study included 50 patients affected by EOC relapse who underwent 18F-FDGPET/CT before surgery. All imaging was reviewed and SUVmax, MTV and TLG were calculated and correlated to PRS and OS. PRS and OS were obtained from the first relapse and from the first diagnosis to the last follow up or death, respectively. SUVmax, MTV and TLG were tested in a univariate logistic regression analysis, only SUVmax demonstrated to be significantly associated to PRS and OS (p = 0.005 and p = 0.024 respectively). Multivariate analysis confirmed the results. We found a cut-off of SUVmax of 13 that defined worse or better survival (p = 0.003). In the first relapse of EOC, SUVmax is correlated to PRS and OS, and when SUVmax is greater than 13, it is an unfavorable prognostic factor.
Changes in Ultraviolet Radiation Exposure to the Ocular Region: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Weis Ezekiel , Vrouwe Sebastian Q. , LeBaron David B. , Parliament Matthew B. , Shields Jerry , Shields Carol L.
Published: May 2019

In contrast to the well-established association between ultraviolet radiation (UVR) exposure and skin cancers, the relationship between UVR and uveal malignant melanoma (UM) remains controversial. To address this controversy, we evaluated the incidence rates of cutaneous malignancies in the eyelids as a proxy for UVR exposure in the ocular region using a population-based cancer registry. Overall, 74,053 cases of eyelid basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and 7890 cases of melanoma over a 26-year period (1982–2007) were analyzed. The incidence of eyelid basal cell carcinoma and uveal melanoma remained stable, whereas other cutaneous areas demonstrated an increase in the rates. A comparability test demonstrated that BCC incidence trends were significantly different between the eyelid versus both chronically exposed (males p = 0.001; females p = 0.01) and intermittently exposed skin (males and females, p = 0.0002), as well as the skin of the face (males p = 0.002; females p = 0.02). Similarly, melanoma trends were significantly different between the UM group versus both chronically exposed cutaneous melanoma (CM) (males p = 0.001; females p = 0.04) and intermittently exposed CM (males p = 0.005), as well as facial skin CM (males and females p = 0.0002). The discrepancy of cancer incidence between tumors in the peri-ocular region versus the rest of the body suggests that the peri-ocular region might have a different or unique exposure pattern to ultraviolet radiation.
Epigenetic Reprogramming of TGF-β Signaling in Breast Cancer
Authors: Suriyamurthy Sudha , Baker David , ten Dijke Peter , Iyengar Prasanna Vasudevan
Published: May 2019

The Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway has a well-documented, context-dependent role in breast cancer development. In normal and premalignant cells, it acts as a tumor suppressor. By contrast, during the malignant phases of breast cancer progression, the TGF-β signaling pathway elicits tumor promoting effects particularly by driving the epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT), which enhances tumor cell migration, invasion and ultimately metastasis to distant organs. The molecular and cellular mechanisms that govern this dual capacity are being uncovered at multiple molecular levels. This review will focus on recent advances relating to how epigenetic changes such as acetylation and methylation control the outcome of TGF-β signaling and alter the fate of breast cancer cells. In addition, we will highlight how this knowledge can be further exploited to curb tumorigenesis by selective targeting of the TGF-β signaling pathway.
Mild Ammonia Synthesis over Ba-Promoted Ru/MPC Catalysts: Effects of the Ba/Ru Ratio and the Mesoporous Structure
Authors: Nishi Masayasu , Chen Shih-Yuan , Takagi Hideyuki
Published: May 2019

A series of novel mesoporous carbon-supported, Ba-promoted, Ru catalysts with Ba/Ru ratios of 0.1–1.6 and a Ru loading of 10 wt% (denoted as 0.1–1.6Ba-10Ru/MPC) were prepared via stepwise impregnation of Ru and Ba precursors on the mesoporous carbon materials. The catalysts were applied to mild ammonia synthesis and compared to reference materials, including an analog of the prepared catalyst with a Ba/Ru ratio of 1.6 and a Ru loading of 10 wt% (denoted as 1.6Ba-10Ru/AC). Characterization by X-ray diffraction (XRD), nitrogen physisorption, and electronic microscopy revealed that the 0.1–1.6Ba-10Ru/MPC catalysts contained Ru particles (approximately 2 nm) that were well-dispersed on the mesoporous structure and nanostructured Ba(NO3)2 species. These species decomposed into amorphous BaOx species, acting as a promoter on the metallic Ru particles forming catalytically active sites for ammonia synthesis. All the 0.1–1.6Ba-10Ru/MPC catalysts showed a synergistic effect of the active Ba and Ru species, which were stabilized in the mesoporous carbon framework with fast molecular diffusion and could effectively catalyze mild ammonia synthesis (280–450 °C and 0.99 MPa) even under intermittently variable conditions, particularly for those with Ba/Ru ratios of >0.5. In contrast, the 1.6Ba-10Ru/AC analog showed poor activity and stability for ammonia synthesis due to the sintering of Ba and Ru particles on the outer surface of the microporous carbon framework, resulting in low molecular diffusion and weak synergistic effect of the catalytically active sites.