bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Short-term effects of an upper cervical spine traction-manipulation program in patients with cervicogenic dizziness: A case series study
Authors: Carrasco-Uribarren Andoni , Rodríguez-Sanz Jacobo , Malo-Urriés Miguel , Hidalgo-García César , Tricás-Moreno José Miguel , Balboa-López David , Cabanillas-Barea Sara
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: Damage on the somatosensory system could cause sensation of dizziness, a condition known as cervicogenic dizziness (CD). Manual physical therapy has shown beneficial effects, relieving the symptoms of cervicogenic dizziness. However, the effect of upper cervical spine manipulation is unknown, as this is a technique that respects the International Federation of Orthopedic Manipulative Physical Therapists (IFOMPT) safety criteria. OBJECTIVE: To assess the effects of upper cervical spine traction-manipulation in subjects with cervicogenic dizziness. METHODS: This was a descriptive case series study. Treatment focused on the upper cervical spine manipulation procedure. Evaluation was performed before and after the treatment. Variables recorded include upper and lower cervical range of motion, Cervical Flexion-Rotation Test (CFRT), dizziness intensity and cervical pain (VAS), self-perceived dizziness measured with Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI) and subjective perception of outcome (GROC-scale). RESULTS: Ten subjects were recruited. After the treatment protocol, there was an increased range of movement towards the most restricted side, as measured by the CFRT (p< 0.001), decreased intensity of dizziness (p< 0.001) and intensity of pain (p< 0.001). Functional capacity also improved after the intervention (p< 0.011). CONCLUSION: Upper cervical spine manipulation may decrease dizziness intensity and cervical pain and improve functional ability and upper cervical spine mobility in patients with cervicogenic dizziness.
The effects of curl-up exercise in terms of posture and muscle contraction direction on muscle activity and thickness of trunk muscles
Authors: Ha Sun-Young , Shin DooChul
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: The curl-up exercise is widely used in clinical practice for strengthening abdominal muscles, but has been applied without a systematic method. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to determine the most effective method considering the angle and muscle contraction direction during the curl-up exercise. METHODS: Fourteen healthy males performed the curl-up exercise according to contraction direction (concentric and eccentric) and angle (30∘, 60∘, and 90∘). The muscle activity of the rectus abdominis (RA), external oblique (EO), internal oblique (IO), and iliopsoas (IP) was measured using electromyography (EMG), and the muscle thickness of transversus abdominis (TrA) was measured using ultrasonography. RESULTS: The activities of the abdominal muscles (RA, EO, and IO) decreased with increasing angles (30∘, 60∘, and 90∘) (p< 0.05). There was no significant difference between eccentric and concentric contractions. The thickness ratio of TrA was the largest at an eccentric curl-up at 30∘, and the smallest at a concentric curl-up at 30∘ (p< 0.05). CONCLUSIONS: The most effective angle for curl-up was 30∘. Although there is no difference in the direction of muscle contraction, eccentric curl-up at 30∘ could be considered the most effective posture for abdominal strengthening considering the importance of TrA.
Effects of abdominal hollowing and bracing maneuvers on hip extension strength in prone standing position
Authors: Hwang Ji-Hun , Sung Kwan-Sik , Yi Chung-Hwi
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND:

Abdominal stabilization is an important factor during hip extension. Additionally, the prone standing position is a more effective and functional position for hip extension than the prone or supine positions.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the concentric isokinetic strength of the hip extensors during prone standing hip extension (PSHE) using stabilization maneuvers such as abdominal resting (AR), abdominal bracing (AB), and abdominal hollowing (AH).

METHODS:

Thirty one healthy subjects were recruited for this study. In each of the 3 maneuvers the participants performed concentric isokinetic hip extensions, 4 at 60[Formula: see text]/s and 5 at 180[Formula: see text]/s. The outcome variables consisted of the peak moment (PM), total work (TW), and average power (AP).

RESULTS:

Hip extension strength, as indicated by the PM, differed significantly among the three conditions at both velocities ([Formula: see text] 0.05). Significantly greater strength was achieved with AB than with AH at 60[Formula: see text]/s, but no such differences were evident at 180[Formula: see text]/s.

CONCLUSIONS:

Prone standing hip extension with AB at 60[Formula: see text]/s offers an effective option for measuring hip extension strength.
RIF: Reactive information flow labels
Authors: Kozyri Elisavet , Schneider Fred B.
Published: March 2020

Restrictions that a reactive information flow (RIF) label imposes on a value are determined by the sequence of operations used to derive that value. This allows declassification, endorsement, and other forms of reclassification to be supported in a uniform way. Piecewise noninterference (PWNI) is introduced as a fitting security policy, because noninterference is not suitable. A type system is given for static enforcement of PWNI in programs that associate checkable classes of RIF labels with variables. Two checkable classes of RIF labels are described: RIF automata are general-purpose and based on finite-state automata; κ-labels concern confidentiality in programs that use cryptographic operations.
Determinants of sleep habits in toddlers: Application of planned behavior theory
Authors: Maree Sima , Zidi Esa Mohammadi , Yari Saeed , Javadi Maryam
Published: March 2020

BACKGROUND: Sleep health is a prerequisite for mental and physical health. The family affects the sleeping habits of the child. OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the theory of mothers’ planned behavior in predicting sleeping habits of toddlers. METHODS: The participants of this descriptive-analytical study were 120 mothers of 12- to 36-month-old children living in Razan, Hamadan province, Iran. Data were collected in three stages in order to develop a theory-based tool. Semi-structured qualitative interviews with mothers were conducted to investigate the application of theory in predicting mothers’ intention and behavior (n = 25). The face and content validity of the questionnaire was confirmed by a panel of experts. Test-retest method was used to determine the reliability of the questionnaire at 3 weeks interval (n = 25). Validity of Structural Convergence and Divergence with Factor Analysis, Internal Consent with Cronbach’s Alpha and predictive validity was determined by multiple regression coefficients (n = 120). RESULTS: The mean age of the children was 22.8 ± 7.5 months, 55% (66 children) were boys, the mean score of the children’s sleep questionnaire was 49 ± 6, and the children’s sleep duration was 9 ± 1 hour. Theoretical constructs have a positive and direct correlation with each other and with children’s sleep habits, which demonstrates the validity of the theory in predicting toddler sleep habits. Regression analysis showed that perceived behavioral control was the strongest predictor of sleeping habits of toddlers (𝛽 = 0.446) (P = 0.000). The theory of planned behavior can explain 30.5 to 25.7% of the variance of toddler sleep habits. CONCLUSION: While recommending more comprehensive studies, the findings of the study emphasize the application of the theory of planned behavior in identifying factors influencing sleep habits and designing child sleep improvement interventions.
2SRM: Learning social signals for predicting relevant search results
Authors: Badache Ismail
Published: March 2020

Search systems based on both professional meta-data (e.g., title, description, etc.) and social signals (e.g., like, comment, rating, etc.) from social networks is the trending topic in information retrieval (IR) field. This paper presents 2SRM (Social Signals Relevance Model), an approach of IR which takes into account social signals (users’ actions) as an additional information to enhance a search. We hypothesize that these signals can play a role to estimate a priori social importance (relevance) of the resource (document). In this paper, we first study the impact of each such signal on retrieval performance. Next, some social properties such as popularity, reputation and freshness are quantified using several signals. The 2SRM combines the social relevance, estimated from these social signals and properties, with the conventional textual relevance. Finally, we investigate the effect of the social signals on the retrieval effectiveness using state-of-the-art learning approaches. In order to identify the most effective signals, we adopt feature selection algorithms and the correlation between the signals. We evaluated the effectiveness of our approach on both IMDb (Internet Movie Databese) and SBS (Social Book Search) datasets containing movies and books resources and their social characteristics collected from several social networks. Our experimental results are statistically significant, and reveal that incorporating social signals in retrieval model is a promising approach for improving the retrieval performance.
Assessment of an in-house phantom for the quality control of a clinical gamma camera
Authors: Oumar Alio Ahmat , Erçelebi Ergun
Published: March 2020

OBJECTIVE:

Since in-house phantoms may provide effective quality control for gamma cameras in clinical settings, this study aims to assess an in-house phantom designed to perform quality control tests of a gamma camera using locally available, affordable materials. This is of particular importance in developing countries where scientific support may not be readily available.

MATERIALS AND METHODS:

The phantom was made from cylindrical plexiglass with a diameter of 230 mm and thickness of 60 mm. The phantom design was based on NEMA recommendations and only used materials that are locally available and generally accessible to most nuclear medicine departments and require minimal engineering instruction.

RESULTS:

The phantom demonstrated high levels of reliability and accuracy. The integral uniformity range was between 1.93% and 2.40%. The differential uniformity ranged between 1.48% and 1.70%.

CONCLUSION:

This work demonstrates that in-house phantoms are capable of monitoring gamma camera performance. This approach is particularly useful when scientific support is not easily accessible and when commercial phantoms are not readily available.
Non-coding RNAs As Transcriptional Regulators In Eukaryotes
Authors: Burenina O. Yu. , Oretskaya T. S. , Kubareva E. A.
Published: March 2020

Non-coding RNAs up to 1,000 nucleotides in length are widespread in eukaryotes and fulfil various regulatory functions, in particular during chromatin remodeling and cell proliferation. These RNAs are not translated into proteins: thus, they are non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs). The present review describes the eukaryotic ncRNAs involved in transcription regulation, first and foremost, targeting RNA polymerase II (RNAP II) and/or its major proteinaceous transcription factors. The current state of knowledge concerning the regulatory functions of SRA and TAR RNA, 7SK and U1 snRNA, GAS5 and DHFR RNA is summarized herein. Special attention is given to murine B1 and B2 RNAs and human Alu RNA, due to their ability to bind the active site of RNAP II. Discovery of bacterial analogs of the eukaryotic small ncRNAs involved in transcription regulation, such as 6S RNAs, suggests that they possess a common evolutionary origin.
Translational Cross-Activation of the Encapsidated RNA of Potexviruses
Authors: Arkhipenko M. V. , Nikitin N. A. , Donchenko E. K. , Karpova O. V. , Atabekov J. G.
Published: March 2020

We had shown the genomic RNA of potexviruses potato virus X and the alternanthera mosaic virus to be inaccessible in vitro to ribosomes while in intact virion form, but the RNAs can be translationally activated following the binding of movement protein 1 (MP1) to virus particles. Here, we present the results of the follow-up study targeting two more potexvirus species - the Narcissus mosaic virus and the Potato aucuba mosaic virus. We found encapsidated potexviral RNA to share common translational features in vitro and the MP1 to be potent over homological virions of its own species and over heterological virions of other species, as well exhibiting selective specificity. Reciprocal cross-activation is observed among viral species phylogenetically either close or distant. There is direct evidence that MP1 binding to the end of the virion is necessary, but not sufficient, for translational activation of encapsidated RNA.
Recombinant Human Cyclophilin A In Vitro Inhibits the Formation of Fibrin Clot
Authors: Morozov Yu. A. , Khromykh L. M. , Dementieva I. I. , Charnaia M. A. , Kulikova N. L. , Kazansky D. B.
Published: March 2020

The chemotactic properties of cyclophilin A are well-known. There exists however a poor level of understanding regarding the hemostatic effects of this protein. Herein it is shown that recombinant human cyclophilin A (rhСyA), in contrast to the granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, is capable of inhibiting in vitro the formation of a fibrin clot, thereby violating the spatial dynamics of clot growth; this effect is transient and dose-independent. Furthermore, the hypothesis that the conformational changes in the thrombin-rhCyA complex may mediate the anticoagulant effect of rhCyA on the autowave processes of blood clotting is postulated.
A Study on Digital Image Restoration Filters
Authors: Banu SK Shaila , B Sivaparvathi , SK Munwar Ali , SK Raheema , R Sailaja , P Kamala
Published: March 2020

In this paper, at first a color image is taken Then the image is transformed into a grayscale image. After that, the motion blurring effect is applied to that image according to the image degradation model described in equation 3.the blurring effect can be controlled by a and b components of the model. Then random noise is added in the image via MATLAB programming. Many methods can restore the noisy and motion blurred image: particularly in this paper inverse filtering as well as wiener filtering are implemented for the restoration purpose consequently, both motion blurred and noisy motion blurred image are restored via inverse filtering as well as wiener filtering techniques and the comparison is made among them.
PROFESI AKUNTAN SYARIAH UNTUK MENDUKUNG PEREKONOMIAN SYARIAH
Authors: Estutik Riska Septiana , Firmansyah Amrie
Published: March 2020

ABSTRACT The development of the Islamic economy in Indonesia, which has begun to creep up, shows ashift in interest in public transactions that began to glance at the Islamic market. This paper aims toreview existing literature to provide the need for the sharia accountant profession to encourage thedevelopment of sharia economics from stakeholder theory. The result of the study suggests that thesharia accountant profession is needed to provide guarantees to stakeholders on the reliability ofinformation needed for decision making related to sharia financial transactions. Also, shariaaccountants are expected to become gatekeepers so that cases that have the potential to harmstakeholders do not occur. However, the availability of qualified human resources to meet the demandof sharia accountants is still limited, so it needs support from various parties such as the governmentand professional organizations such as the Indonesian Institute of Accountants to develop the shariaaccountant profession.   Keywords: sharia accountant profession, stakeholders theory   ABSTRAKPerkembangan ekonomi syariah di Indonesia yang mulai merangkak naik, menunjukkanpergeseran minat transaksi masyarakat yang mulai melirik pasar syariah. Makalah ini melakukantelaah atas pustaka yang telah ada untuk memberikan gambaran perlunya profesi akuntan syariahdalam mendorong perkembangan ekonomi syariah dilihat dari sudut pandang stakeholders theory.Dari hasil telaah, diketahui bahwa profesi akuntan syariah sangat dibutuhkan untuk memberikanjaminan kepada stakeholders atas keandalan informasi yang diperlukan untuk pengambilankeputusan terkait transaksi keuangan syariah. Selain itu, akuntan syariah juga diharapkan dapatmenjadi gatekeeper agar kasus-kasus yang berpotensi merugikan stakeholders tidak terjadi. Namundemikian, ketersediaan sumber daya manusia yang mumpuni untuk memenuhi permintaan akuntansyariah masih terbatas sehingga perlu dukungan dari berbagai pihak seperti pemerintah maupunorganisasi profesi seperti Ikatan Akuntan Indonesia untuk pengembangan profesi akuntan syariah.   Kata kunci: profesi akuntan syariah, stakeholders theory
The Rise of an Athlete Brand: Factors Influencing the Social Media Following of Athletes
Authors: Su Yiran , Baker Bradley J. , Doyle Jason P. , Kunkel Thilo
Published: March 2020

Abstract: Athlete brands exist within a network of brand relationships. Thus, considering the joint influences of related brands at different levels (league, team, and athlete) is essential for understanding how athlete brands are built. We focus on growth factors impacting athletes’ social media followings (Twitter and Instagram) around the critical juncture of team transfer periods. We use data from the NFL Draft, because this moment in time provides a key opportunity to capture combined influences from league-, team-, athlete-, and platform-related factors on athlete brand development. Through comparing a large sample of athlete social media followings before and after the draft, we identify immediate changes as athletes start their professional careers. Results indicate examining multiple factors in the same model is essential for understanding the role each plays in building athlete brands. The league and team represent master brands into which an athlete brand is integrated, and consequently athlete brands are provided with benefits from these new brand relationships. Results further demonstrate network effects, highlighting the importance of possessing a strong brand before a high-profile event.
Artificial Intelligence in Logistics
Authors: Kota László
Published: March 2020

The artificial intelligence undergoes an enormous development since its appearance in the fifties. The computing power has grown exponentially since then, enabling the use of artificial intelligence applications in different areas. Since then, artificial intelligence applications are not only present in the industry, but they have slowly conquered households as well. Their use in logistics is becoming more and more widespread, just think of self-driving cars and trucks. In this paper, the author attempts to summarize and present the artificial intelligence logistical applications, its development and impact on logistics.
Primary Care Recognition and Treatment of Methamphetamine Use Disorder
Authors: Richard Terry, DO, MBA  , Leslie Dally, DO, PGY-2  , Constantino Lambroussis, DO, MS
Published: March 2020

Methamphetamine addiction remains one of the most common substance use disorders encountered by physicians and is often unrecognized in the current opioid epidemic. Methamphetamine remains widely available in the United States despite laws designed to limit illicit production. Physical signs of methamphetamine abuse are not always recognized in the primary care setting. The utilization of the Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) has helped in identification of drug abusers in this setting. The mainstay of treatment remains cognitive behavioral therapy. Though various medications have been tried, none have gained FDA approval because of lack of proven efficacy. The most promising treatment modality on the horizon appears to be immunotherapy. Treatment, while not necessarily efficacious in the long term, is widely available today.
Learning from Royal Shell’s Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Authors: AbdulGhani Gaghman
Published: March 2020

The study is conducted to analysis the supply chain management paying special attention to the logistics. The aim is to understand the impact of logistics on organization performance, also to help in identifying opportunities for cost/time removals and/or value adding along the supply chain. The company chosen for the study is Royal Dutch Shell Plc. As Shell is the one of the big-gest Oil and Gas Company known in the world and one of the leaders of logistic and supply chain management.  Though Shell is working efficiently for providing customers with quality services still there are is-sues with the supply chain which should be taken care of in order to be much better. These factors grouped in Control the Cost, Planning and Risk Management, Suppliers/Owners Relationship Management. Study concluded with some suggestions can be adopted by any organization aiming for better performance in supply chain.
KEANEKARAGAMAN JENIS GASTROPODA DI SUNGAI JANGKOK KOTA MATARAM SEBAGAI DASAR PENYUSUNAN PETUNJUK PRAKTIKUM EKOLOGI
Authors: Ferisandi Robiyatul , Dharmawibawa Iwan Doddy , Safnowandi Safnowandi
Published: March 2020

Gastropoda included in the Mollusca phylum. Gastropoda are commonly found in watersheds. Jangkok River is a watershed that flows from the mountains of West Lombok Regency across Mataram City and interacts the most with human activities. This study aims to: 1) identify the type of Gastropoda found in the Jangkok River, Mataram City; and 2) developing research results on the diversity of Gastropod species in the Jangkok River in Mataram City as the basis for the Formulation of Ecology Practicum Guidelines. This type of research is exploratory descriptive research and development research. Descriptive research analyzes only to the level of description that is to analyze and present data systemically, so that it can be more easily understood and concluded, and exploratory research is a type of research that aims to find something new in the form of a grouping of symptoms, facts and certain diseases. While development research is an attempt to develop an effective product for use by schools and colleges, and not to test theory. Data collection techniques used for descriptive exploratory research are observation and documentation, while for development research are validation, legibility testing, and documentation. The data analysis technique was using species diversity index and percentage technique. The results showed that there were 51 Gastropod individuals consisting of 7 species that have been found including Potamopyrgus antipodarum, Mya arenaria, Ilyanasa aobsoleta, Pomacea canaliculata, Pomace ainsaluran, Poamarcobula amurensis, and Melanoides punctata. Species diversity at the upstream station has a very low diversity index with a value of 0, the middle station has a diversity index with a value of 0,91 indicating low diversity, and downstream stations have a diversity index with a value of 1,29 indicating moderate diversity. The average value of the validation test for practicum is 80,6%, and the readability test for students is 81%, with these results the practicum instructions that have been prepared are in the very valid category and do not need to be revised.
TINGKAT FILOGENETIK RHOPALOCERA DI TAMAN WISATA ALAM KERANDANGAN KABUPATEN LOMBOK BARAT
Authors: Nofisulastri Nofisulastri , Ayuningtiyas Monika
Published: March 2020

This study aimed to determine the existence of the sub-order species Rhopalocera in Kerandangan Nature Tourism Park (NTP) area and the extent of its phylogenetic level between species found. This type of research was quantitative descriptive research. The sampling location consists of two location points namely the location of the park (the front part of NTP) as station I and the waterfall area of the cave wallet used as station II. Sampling was carried out by estimating the distribution of time ie morning and afternoon with observations for 2 (two) weeks. Sample footage used exploratory survey (roaming) with entrapping method. Data were analyzed descriptively to show a description of the morphology of the species found. Then the similarity level index of soransen was calculated with a limit of 9 species based on the number of species found. The results showed that the types of sub-order Rhopalocera found were Troides helena, Papilio memnom, Graphium sarpedon, Papilio peranthus, Doleschallia bisaltide, Cupha erymanthis, Mycalesis sp., and Jamides alecto. While the closest phylogenetic level falls on Papilio polytes and Papilio peranthus is 100% and species with the farthest kinship level are between species of Papilio polytes and Doleschallia bisaltide with a percentage of phylogenetic is 57,9%.
KEANEKARAGAMAN MAKROZOOBENTOS DI SUNGAI BAH BOLON KABUPATEN SIMALUNGUN SUMATERA UTARA
Authors: Sumanto Natalia Lusianingsih
Published: March 2020

Simalungun City has a very wide river ecosystem. This ecosystem is surrounded by a variety of industries and is likely to dump its waste into rivers. This can have an impact on the diversity of living things in the waters. This study aims to determine the diversity of macrozoobenthos as an indicator of water quality. The purposive random sampling method was used to determine 4 sampling stations. Samples were taken 3 times with an interval of 2 weeks. Data were then analyzed using a diversity index. The results found that the phylum Annelids, Arthropods, and Mollusks are divided into 20 genera. Cyrnellus genus has the highest density value at the cigarette factory waste disposal site that is 87.40 ind / m2. The highest diversity index is found in ice plant waste disposal sites and the highest uniformity index is found in locations free of human activity. Physical chemical factors have a strong correlation with macrozoobenthos diversity.
Analisis Pengaruh Service Quality dan Biaya Terhadap Kepuasan pelanggan (Study Kasus Pada PT. Mustikasakti Sarana Kencana)
Authors: Reyhansyah Ivan
Published: March 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis pengaruh kualitas pelayanan dan harga terhadap kepuasan pelanggan dengan obyek PT. Mustikasakti  Sarana Kencana. Metode kwantitatif korelasional, pengumpulan data dengan survey pelanggan sebanyak 49 responden layak dianalisis. Hasilnya kualitas pelayanan berpengaruh positif terhadap kepuasan pelanggan, dan kepuasan pelanggan berpengaruh positif terhadap loyalitas pelanggan.
Regulatory Effects of Propofol on High-Dose Remifentanil-Induced Hyperalgesia
Authors: SU X. , ZHU W. , TIAN Y. , TAN L. , WU H. , WU L.
Published: March 2020

We aimed to evaluate the regulatory effects of propofol on high-dose remifentanil-induced hyperalgesia. A total of 180 patients receiving laparoscopic cholecystectomy were randomly divided into sevoflurane + high-dose remifentanil (SH) group, sevoflurane + low-dose remifentanil (SL) group and propofol + high-dose remifentanil group (PH) group (n=60). After intravenous administration of midazolam, SH and SL groups were induced with sevoflurane and remifentanil, and PH group was induced with propofol and remifentanil. During anesthesia maintenance, SH and SL groups were given 0.3 μg/kg/min and 0.1 μg/kg/min sevoflurane and remifentanil respectively, and PH group was given 0.3 μg/kg/min propofol and remifentanil. The three groups had significantly different awakening time, extubation time and total dose of remifentanil (P<0.001). Compared with SL group, periumbilical mechanical pain thresholds 6 h and 24 h after surgery significantly decreased in SH group (P<0.05), and the visual analog scale (VAS) scores significantly increased 30 min, 2 h and 6 h after surgery (P<0.05). Compared with SH group, periumbilical mechanical thresholds 6 h and 24 h after surgery were significantly higher in PH group (P<0.05), and VAS scores 30 min, 2 h and 6 h after surgery were significantly lower (P<0.05). PH group first used patient-controlled intravenous analgesia pump significantly later than SL group did (P<0.05). The total consumptions of sufentanil in PH and SL groups were significantly lower than that of SH group (P<0.05). The incidence rates of bradycardia and postoperative chill in PH and SH groups were significantly higher than those of SL group (P<0.05). Anesthesia by infusion of high-dose remifentanil plus sevoflurane caused postoperative hyperalgesia which was relieved through intravenous anesthesia with propofol.
Modification of Human Pericardium by Chemical Crosslinking
Authors: FILOVÁ E. , STAŇKOVÁ L. , ECKHARDT A. , SVOBODOVÁ J. , MUSÍLKOVÁ J. , PALA J. , HADRABA D. , BRYNDA E. , KOŇAŘÍK M. , Pirk J. , BAČÁKOVÁ L.
Published: March 2020

Autologous and allogenic human pericardia used as biomaterials for cardiovascular surgery are traditionally crosslinked with glutaraldehyde. In this work, we have evaluated the resistivity to collagenase digestion and the cytotoxicity of human pericardium crosslinked with various concentrations of glutaraldehyde in comparison with pericardium crosslinked by genipin, nordihydroguaiaretic acid, tannic acid, and in comparison with unmodified pericardium. Crosslinking retained the wavy-like morphology of native pericardium visualized by second harmonic generation microscopy. The collagenase digestion products were analyzed using SDS-PAGE, capillary electrophoresis, and a hydroxyproline assay. Glutaraldehyde and genipin crosslinking protected the native pericardium efficiently against digestion with collagenase III. Only low protection was provided by the other crosslinking agents. The cytotoxicity of crosslinked pericardium was evaluated using xCELLigence by monitoring the viability of porcine valve interstitial cells cultured in eluates from crosslinked pericardium. The highest cell index, reflecting both the number and the shape of the monitored cells was observed in eluates from genipin. Crosslinking pericardium grafts with genipin therefore seems to be a promising alternative procedure to the traditional crosslinking with glutaraldehyde, because it provides similarly high protection against degradation with collagenase, without cytotoxic effects.
Validation of the Czech Version of the Relational Needs Satisfaction Scale
Authors: Pourová Martina , Řiháček Tomáš , Žvelc Gregor
Published: March 2020

Aim

If we want to understand people’s satisfaction in their relationships, it is essential to have a valid and reliable measure of relational needs satisfaction. The aim of this study was to test the factor structure of the Czech version of the Relational Needs Satisfaction Scale (RNSS) as well as the scale’s measurement invariance and convergent validity.

Method

In total, 419 adults answered a battery of measures, including the RNSS, in an online survey. Confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to test the factor structure and the measurement invariance of the RNSS across gender and age. A correlational analysis was conducted to assess the convergent validity.

Results

The five-factor structure of the RNSS was confirmed. Furthermore, support for a second-order global relationship satisfaction factor was found. The hierarchical model was strictly invariant with respect to gender and age. Furthermore, the RNSS demonstrated an expected pattern of correlations with the reference instruments.

Conclusion

The Czech version of the RNSS can be considered a valid and reliable method.
A Geolocation Analytics-Driven Ontology for Short-Term Leases: Inferring Current Sharing Economy Trends
Authors: Alexandridis Georgios , Voutos Yorghos , Mylonas Phivos , Caridakis George
Published: March 2020

Short-term property rentals are perhaps one of the most common traits of present day shared economy. Moreover, they are acknowledged as a major driving force behind changes in urban landscapes, ranging from established metropolises to developing townships, as well as a facilitator of geographical mobility. A geolocation ontology is a high level inference tool, typically represented as a labeled graph, for discovering latent patterns from a plethora of unstructured and multimodal data. In this work, a two-step methodological framework is proposed, where the results of various geolocation analyses, important in their own respect, such as ghost hotel discovery, form intermediate building blocks towards an enriched knowledge graph. The outlined methodology is validated upon data crawled from the Airbnb website and more specifically, on keywords extracted from comments made by users of the said platform. A rather solid case-study, based on the aforementioned type of data regarding Athens, Greece, is addressed in detail, studying the different degrees of expansion & prevalence of the phenomenon among the city’s various neighborhoods.
RETRACTED: Effects of the Application of Biochar in Four Typical Agricultural Soils in China
Authors: Wang Huanhuan , Ren Tianbao , Feng Yuqing , Liu Kouzhu , Feng Huilin , Liu Guoshun , Shi Hongzhi
Published: March 2020

The purpose of this study was to explore the effects of biochar application on soils in the main tobacco-producing areas in China. The study was conducted in four study regions in China, where the same three experimental treatments were set up in each area, including a control (CK), a treatment involving the application of chemical fertilizer (F), and a treatment involving the application of biochar (B). We analyzed the basic physical and chemical properties, microbial diversity, and root system of tobacco plants. The results show that: Biochar increased the soil pH, which was most obvious in the study site in Shaowu City, Fujian Province (FUS), where the soil pH increased by 22.64% and 27.49% compared with soil under the CK and F treatments, respectively. Biochar increased the microbial biomass carbon (MBC) content, and increased the soil content of available nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium; this effect was most obvious in FUS. The root activity in plots treated with biochar increased by 6.95% and 13.72% compared to the CK and F plots, respectively. Similarly, the number of root tips increased by 89.76% and 21.48% compared to the CK and F plots, respectively. In short, biochar improved the physical soil structure, increased the soil pH, and promoted the effectiveness of soil nutrients. Furthermore, biochar improved the bacterial soil diversity, enriched the population structure of soil bacteria, and promoted the healthy development of flue-cured tobacco roots. However, the demand for and types of biochar suitable for use in different tobacco-planting soils need further study.
Optimizing Nitrogen Fertilization to Improve Qualitative Performances and Physiological and Yield Responses of Potato (Solanum tuberosum L.)
Authors: Lombardo Sara , Pandino Gaetano , Mauromicale Giovanni
Published: March 2020

Potato is often produced by adopting high nitrogen (N) external inputs to maximize its yield, although the possible agronomic and qualitative benefits of a N over-fertilization to the crop are scarcely demonstrated. Therefore, our aim was to determine, over two years, the effect of three N fertilization rates (0, 140 and 280 kg ha−1, referred to as N0, N140 and N280) simultaneously on the crop physiology, yield components, N use efficiency and tuber chemical composition of cv. Bellini. Throughout the field monitoring, our data highlighted that N140 provided an improvement of the crop physiology, as expressed in terms of leaf photosynthesis rate and Soil Plant Analysis Development (SPAD) readings, than the other N fertilization rates. In addition, regardless of year and as compared to N0 and N280, the supply of 140 kg N ha−1 also ensured the highest yield and an intermediate value of the nitrogen use efficiency (59.1 t ha−1 and 37.1 kg tuber dry weight kg N−1, respectively), together with nutritionally relevant tuber qualitative traits, i.e. high levels of dry matter, starch (by an enzymatic/spectrophotometric method), total polyphenols (by Folin-Ciocalteu assay) and ascorbic acid [by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis], and a low nitrate amount (by an ion-selective electrode method) (16.6%, 634-3.31-0.61 and 0.93 g kg−1 of dry matter, respectively). Therefore, although a certain interaction between N fertilization rate and year was observed, our findings demonstrated that a conventional N fertilization rate (280 kg ha−1) is unnecessary from both agronomic and qualitative standpoints. This is of considerable importance in the perspective to both limit environmental pollution and improve growers’ profits by limiting N external inputs to potato crops.
Nitrogen Fertilizer Management and Maize Straw Return Modulate Yield and Nitrogen Balance in Sweet Corn
Authors: Gao Lei , Li Wu , Ashraf Umair , Lu Wenjia , Li Yuliang , Li Chunyan , Li Guangyu , Li Gaoke , Hu Jianguang
Published: March 2020

Nitrogen fertilizer is an important component of crop production; however, its excessive application could result in N loss that could have serious environmental concerns. Straw incorporation in the soil after crop harvest is one of the most feasible straw management techniques, however, the optimization of nitrogen (N) fertilizer management and maize straw incorporation to modulate the crop yield and to maintain N balance in sweet corn is necessary to get better yields on a sustained basis. The present study was comprised of two straw management treatments i.e., (i) no straw return (S0), and (ii) incorporation of crushed corn ears by into the soil using rotary tiller (S100) and four N fertilizer management treatments i.e., (i) common farmer practice with total N applied at 300 kg ha−1 with 50%, 5%, 30%, and 15% splits at basal, 3-leaf stage (V3), at hilling stage (V8) and at tasseling/flowering stage (RT), respectively (FM); (ii) application of total N at 225 kg ha−1 with 40%, 10% and 50% at basal, 3-leaf stage (V3) and at hilling stage (V8), respectively (OMI); (iii) application of total N at 150 kg ha−1 with 40%, 10% and 50% at basal, 3-leaf stage (V3), and at hilling stage (V8), respectively (OMII); and (iv) the treatment without any fertilizer application (N0). The hybrid sweet corn cultivar ‘Yuetian 28’ was grown during the spring and autumn growing seasons of 2016 and 2017. The results showed that the N management treatments substantially improved the fresh ear yield, ear number and ear weight, partial factor productivity from nitrogen (PFPN), recovery efficiency from nitrogen (REN), and agronomic efficiency from nitrogen (AEN). Compared with FM, the OMI and OMII treatments significantly increased the AEN and PFPN whilst decreased the apparent N loss, however, the fresh ear yield, ear number and ear weight in OMI treatment were found to be statistically similar (p ˃ 0.05) to FM. Moreover, the S100 treatment did not affect the fresh ear yield and yield components significantly. Overall, straw return combined with an optimized N fertilizer application could improve the yield of sweet corn on a sustained basis with minimum and/or negligible N loss.
Loss of Control Prediction for Motorcycles during Emergency Braking Maneuvers Using a Supervised Learning Algorithm
Authors: Huertas-Leyva Pedro , Savino Giovanni , Baldanzini Niccolò , Pierini Marco
Published: March 2020

The most common evasive maneuver among motorcycle riders and one of the most complicated to perform in emergency situations is braking. Because of the inherent instability of motorcycles, motorcycle crashes are frequently caused by loss of control performing braking as an evasive maneuver. Understanding the motion conditions that lead riders to start losing control is essential for defining countermeasures capable of minimizing the risk of this type of crashes. This paper provides predictive models to classify unsafe loss of control braking maneuvers on a straight line before becoming irreversibly unstable. We performed braking maneuver experiments in the field with motorcycle riders facing a simulated emergency scenario. The latter involved a mock-up intersection in which we generated conflict events between the motorcycle ridden by the participants and an oncoming car driven by trained research staff. The data collected comprises 165 braking trials (including 11 trials identified as loss of control) with 13 riders representing four categories of braking skill, ranging from beginner to expert. Three predictive models of loss of control events during braking trials, going from a basic model to a more advanced one, were defined using logistic regressions as supervised learning methods and using the area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve as a performance indicator. The predictor variables of the models were identified among the parameters of the vehicle kinematics. The best model predicted 100% of the loss of control and 100% of the full control cases. The basic and the more advanced supervised models were adapted for loss of control identification with time series data, and the results detecting in real-time the loss of control events showed excellent performance as well as with the supervised models. The study showed that expert riders may maintain stability under dynamic conditions that normally lead less skilled riders to a loss of control or falling events. The best decision thresholds of the most relevant kinematic parameters to predict loss of control have been defined. The thresholds of parameters that typically characterize the loss of control such as the yaw rate and front-wheel lock duration were dependent on the rider skill levels. The peak-to-root-mean-square ratio of roll acceleration was the most robust parameter for identifying loss of control among all skill levels.
Experimental Investigation of Linear Encoder’s Subdivisional Errors under Different Scanning Speeds
Authors: Gurauskis Donatas , Kilikevičius Artūras , Borodinas Sergejus
Published: March 2020

Optical encoders are widely used in applications requiring precise displacement measurement and fluent motion control. To reach high positioning accuracy and repeatability, and to create a more stable speed-control loop, essential attention must be directed to the subdivisional error (SDE) of the used encoder. This error influences the interpolation process and restricts the ability to achieve a high resolution. The SDE could be caused by various factors, such as the particular design of the reading head and the optical scanning principle, quality of the measuring scale, any kind of relative orientation changes between the optical components caused by mechanical vibrations or deformations, or scanning speed. If the distorted analog signals are not corrected before interpolation, it is very important to know the limitations of the used encoder. The methodology described in this paper could be used to determine the magnitude of an SDE and its trend. This method is based on a constant-speed test and does not require high-accuracy reference. The performed experimental investigation of the standard optical linear encoder SDE under different scanning speeds revealed the linear relationship between the tested encoder’s traversing velocity and the error value. A more detailed investigation of the obtained results was done on the basis of fast Fourier transformation (FFT) to understand the physical nature of the SDE, and to consider how to improve the performance of the encoder.
Experimental Evaluation and Numerical Simulation of the Thermal Performance of a Green Roof
Authors: Guattari Claudia , Evangelisti Luca , Asdrubali Francesco , De Lieto Vollaro Roberto
Published: March 2020

In the building sector, both passive and active systems are essential for achieving a high-energy performance. Considering passive solutions, green roofs represent a sustainable answer, allowing buildings to reach energy savings, and also reducing the collateral effect of the Urban Heat Island (UHI) phenomenon. In this study, a roof-lawn system was investigated by means of an extended measurement campaign, monitoring the heat transfer across the roof. Heat-flow meters and air- and surface-temperature probes were applied in a real building, in order to compare the performance of the roof-lawn system with a conventional roof. This experimental approach was followed to quantify the different thermal behaviors of the building components. Moreover, an equivalent thermal model of the roof-lawn system was studied, in order to obtain the equivalent thermal properties of the roof, useful for setting building models for yearly energy simulations. The roof-lawn system revealed its advantages, showing a higher thermal inertia with no overheating in summertime and a lower thermal transmittance with energy savings in wintertime, and, consequently, better indoor conditions for the occupants of the building.
A Fault Diagnosis Method of Mine Hoist Disc Brake System Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Li Juanli , Jiang Shuo , Li Menghui , Xie Jiacheng
Published: March 2020

The performance of the brake system is directly related to the safety and reliability of the mine hoist operation. Mining the useful fault information in the operation of a mine hoist brake system, analyzing the abnormal parts and causes of the equipment, and making accurate early prediction and diagnosis of hidden faults are of great significance to ensure the safe and stable operation of a mine hoist. This study presents a fault diagnosis method for hoist disc brake system based on machine learning. First, the monitoring system collects the information of the hoist brake system, extracts the fault features, and pretreats it by SPSS (Statistical Product and Service Solutions). This work provides data support for fault classification. Then, due to the complex structure of the hoist brake system, the relationship between the fault factors often has a significant impact on the fault. Considering the correlation between the fault samples and the attributes of each sample data, the C4.5 decision tree algorithm is improved by adding Kendall concordance coefficient, and the improved algorithm is used to train the sample data to get the decision tree classification model. Finally, the fault sample of the hoist brake system is trained to get the algorithm model, and then the fault diagnosis rules are generated. The state of the brake system is judged by classifying the data. Experiments show that the improved C4.5 decision tree algorithm takes the relativity of conditional attributes into account, has a higher diagnostic accuracy when processing more data, and has concise and clear fault classification rules, which can meet the needs of hoist fault diagnosis.
Galician Female Architects—A Critical Approach to Inequality in the Architectural Profession (1931–1986)
Authors: Novas-Ferradás María , Carreiro-Otero María , López-González Cándido
Published: March 2020

The remoteness of Galicia, a cultural and linguistic bridge between Portugal and Spain, did not prevent it from playing a significant role in the history of female architects in the Iberian Peninsula. Nine Galician pioneers have carved the path since the first generation of Spanish female architects outlined the precedents during the Second Spanish Republic (1931–1939). They were also present in an initial period, even if housewifization theories were intensively fueled by the dictatorship (1939–1975); likewise during the continuity period in the transition to democracy (1975–1982), and the second wave of feminism. However, it would not be until progressive democratic institutionalization (1982–1986) that more women gained access to architectural studies in university (consolidation period); but what is the legacy of these pioneers? Are Galician female architects ‘in transition’ yet? Based on data primarily collected by research group MAGA and released publications, this piece explores how, despite their achievements, their recognition is still superficial. And even if the number of undergraduate students reached quantitative equality, female practitioners continue to leave architecture and these numbers are increasing. Towards a critical approach to inequality in the profession, this article researches the history—and stories—of Galician female architects to examine how far we are from effective equality in the Galician architectural world.