bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Makerspace for skills development in the industry 4.0 era
Authors: Dos Santos Eduardo Ferro , Benneworth Paul
Published: June 2019

Goal / Purpose: Universities are increasingly investing in makerspaces. These learning spaces are presented as a place where students can share their projects, can innovate using rapid prototyping equipment, use low and high technology that serves as a starting point for students to launch start-ups, get advice on how to place a product in the market, and relate to potential lenders. This paper aims to discuss whether companies can benefit from these projects and whether skills for engineers can be developed in this environment. The paper provides insightful perceptions of the actions developed by one emergent university to develop innovative methodologies to support industry and students, to provide potential partnerships that fund projects in order to better prepare professionals for the industry 4.0.

Design / Methodology / Approach: A discussion of the subject was carried out based on the existing literature and an exploratory study in an existing makerspace in the Netherlands. It was one qualitative research based on a case study. Field observation and research questions were based on the technical skills of engineering described in theory.

Results: This article presented the idea that the makerspaces can be a great source of innovation if they are appropriately designed. The connection between universities and companies, aligned to active methodologies for teaching and learning meets a global need within a corporate universe to get faster and simpler and make the team see the project in a more holistic and complete manner. However, the goal is to bridge the gap with professors, researchers, makers, start-ups, and companies who want to use business-to-business practices. It can be said that these are beneficial characteristics of a makerspace observed: (i) students' learning is more active, (ii) more interaction between students and professors, through different areas (iii) at an early stage, students get in contact with the professional reality of their field, as the projects are related to real Engineering problems, and (iv) students develop transversal skills.

Practical implications: This paper identifies the potential that Makerspaces offer as a strategic approach to teaching and learning related to the fourth industrial era. This paper implies that universities and academics that wish to tailor their education to industry 4.0 need understand this model better, and where appropriate invest in educational infrastructures such as this in universities, companies or cities. This will ensure that universities are educating professionals with the most suitable skills for industry and society, generating innovation in creative teaching and learning spaces.

Research Limitations: The study is limited to one empirical research, analysis, and observation of a case study that can serve as a basis for future studies in other locations.
Design science in operations management: conceptual foundations and literature analysis
Authors: Dresch Aline , Pacheco Lacerda Daniel , Cauchick-Miguel Paulo Augusto
Published: June 2019

Goal: The aim of this paper is to show that design science and design science research may contribute as a methodological approach in the context of operations management.

Design/methodology/approach: A systematic literature review was conducted to identify articles that have applied design science and design science research in operations management studies.

Results: The findings show that the concepts of design science and design science research are relevant and can be applied to conduct more relevant research. Moreover, this paper presents appropriate steps for conducting design science research and provides a summary of the main studies conducted in operations management until the present time. Some drivers are also suggested for advancing research in design science and design science research in operations management.

Limitations of the investigation: The main limitation of this paper is the lack of an empirical approach.

Practical implication: This paper can contribute to other researchers in the sense of presenting a methodological approach that can help reducing the gap that exists between the research that is developed by academics and what is necessary to support practitioners in organizations, mainly in operations management problems.

Originality/value: Publications that discuss research in the area of operations management generally consider the aims and practices determined by traditional sciences (natural and social) as a reference. Thus, it is important to explain the core concepts and foundations, as well as presenting the papers, which have already been developed using design science research in operations management, is necessary for advancing the discussion regarding the use of this method in this area.
Evaluation of total oil and grease with flow control for mature oil fields in the context of industry 4.0
Authors: Nascimento Juracy Leandro do , Copetti Alessandro , Bertini Luciano , Moratori Patrick Barbosa , Campos Mário Cesar Mello Massa de
Published: June 2019

Goal: Industry 4.0 enables the design of new models for process monitoring in which sensors, analyzers, and controls are positioned at different points in the process. The goal of this work is to present the modeling and control of a three-phase production separator with hydrocyclones to treat produced water on an oil platform of mature fields.

Design / Methodology / Approach: The Methodology or approach used was to develop a model for the primary separator that allows its operation by means of a controller (fuzzy and PI) to manipulate the flow of discarded water, acting indirectly in the oil-in-water measure.

Results: The results showed the consistency of the model for open loop simulations and the effectiveness of the controllers to comply with the discarding requirements for the closed-loop simulations. 

Limitations of the investigation: The limitation of the model and developed controllers is that they are only applied to platforms where water production exceeds the separators discharge capacity and the exceeding water can be offloaded to another equipment or to another platform.

Practical implications: The main practical implications of this study are to maximize the flow of discarded water on mature field platforms, which produces elevated amounts of water, to conform the total oil and grease to the local law regulations. Additionally, it also increases oil production, with a higher limit of water production.

Originality / Value: Compared to the previous authors, where the models of discarded flow is a function of the water-oil interface, this work developed a model that allowed the flow of the discarded water to be a function of its quality.
Towards Supply Chain Management 4.0
Authors: Frazzon Enzo Morosini , Rodriguez Carlos Manuel Taboada , Pereira Marina Meireles , Pires Matheus Cardoso , Uhlmann Iracyanne
Published: June 2019

Highlights: A brief review of industrial, logistics, and Supply Chain Management evolution. A concept and the technological elements for Supply Chain Management 4.0 (SCM 4.0) are presented. Potential applications of SCM 4.0 are reviewed as well.

Goal: This paper aims at reviewing the historical development of the Supply Chain Management 4.0 concept and to propose an update for it.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The exploratory part of the paper started with a bibliometric analysis to identify relevant keywords and publications per year. Secondly, a historical review of the concepts of Supply Chain Management is presented. Additionally, the paper embraced a conceptual approach to propose a new definition of Supply Chain Management 4.0. Lastly, a research outlook and some initiatives to the practical application of the concept are presented.

Results: The bibliometric analysis about Supply Chain Management 4.0 reinforce the growing importance of the topic. The main keywords related to the subject indicate that Big Data, cloud computing, and Internet of Things are the most widely explored issues within smart supply chains. Analysis indicate that smart supply chains take advantage of communication and technological advances in order to build an adaptive, efficient, and transparent network. However, the application of such concept requires the development of knowledge, not only in the hardware and software fields, but also in the managerial field, to address the question of how to use that information and communication to benefit stakeholders.

Limitations of the investigation: The document reports an exploratory research applied only to the Scopus database. In addition, only English-language literature was considered.

Practical implications: The review showed a lack on the development of knowledge not only in the hardware field, but also in the managerial field. It is recommendable that studies focus on areas such as required data to be exchanged, potential financial benefits, and technological and managerial challenges.

Originality/value: An overview of the historical evolution of the supply chain to the Supply Chain Management 4.0 is presented. A concept of Supply Chain Management 4.0 is proposed. Application examples illustrated the practical implementation of the proposed concept.
The Brazilian Innovation Award: Analysis of assessment instrument validity and reliability
Authors: Eleutério Delesposte Jamile , De Oliveira Vale Coutinho Mariana , Baptista Narcizo Ramon , Cardoso Rodolfo , Lopes da Silva Carlos Eduardo
Published: June 2019

Goal: This article presents an analysis of the validity and reliability of the assessment instrument used in the 2016–2017 Brazilian Innovation Award.

Design/Methodology/Approach: This study used multivariate analysis techniques on the data from 2,651 companies. Two hypotheses were tested. The first (H1), related to reliability, used Pearson’s Correlation and Cronbach’s alpha. The second hypothesis (H2), related to validity, used Confirmatory factor analysis (CFA).

Results: The instrument is reliable and valid and is an important mechanism for the assessment of the maturity of innovation management.

Limitations of the investigation: One of the constructs can still be improved in future studies and applications, although it has demonstrated acceptable levels of reliability and validity.

Practical implications: The combined use of the constructs “organizational dimensions” and “innovation outcomes” proved to be an accurate conceptual model for assessing the maturity level of innovation management in organizations.

Originality/Value: The instrument is a robust diagnostic instrument and, with appropriate adaptations, it can be replicated and used in other contexts and countries, providing international comparative studies.
Strategic alliance between information intensive services and supply chain integration: impact on firm performance
Authors: Roy Supriyo , Satpathy Biswajit
Published: June 2019

Goal: This Survey-based empirical research is aimed to theorize and assess a structural model that incorporates strategic alliance between Information Intensive Services (IIS) and Supply Chain Integration (SCI) and its impact on Firm Performance (FP), with special reference to Indian business houses.

Design / Methodology / Approach: This paper proposes a hypothesis model within the decision-making framework that offers strategic alliance tool for managers in the area of supply chain to operationalize business decisions. Samples of more than 210 primary data sets are collected from population of different industries in India by a proper sampling method and by framing questionnaires. The relationship, as proposed in the hypothesis model, is assessed empirically by using statistical techniques called Structural Equation Modeling. 

Results: Practitioners may expect improved supply chain performance through strategic alliance between information intensive services and supply chain integration, as it is demanded industries in this Industry 4.0 era.

Limitations: The hypothesis framed by western standards seems to be obvious; however, considering the Indian business scenario, where the supply chain and technology of information systems are almost a new concept in most firms, this seems to be a valid area of research.

Practical Implications: Research conceptualizes and develops different dimensions of information-intensive services that offer empirical support for the adoption of proper information system to improve performance within an integrated supply chain.

Originality / Value: This survey-based empirical research will ‘coordinate and highlight the issue of integration’ of Enterprise Information Systems within the organizational supply chain.
Digital Manufacturing Tools in the Simulation of Collaborative Robots: Towards Industry 4.0
Authors: Lima Fábio , De Carvalho Caroline Nogueira , Acardi Mayara B. S. , Dos Santos Eldiane Gomes , De Miranda Gabriel Bastos , Maia Rodrigo Filev , Massote Alexandre Augusto
Published: June 2019

Goal: The main objective of this study is to analyze the impact of inserting a collaborative robot in a production line of a factory of the automotive sector.
Design / Methodology / Approach: Two simulation environments were developed. The first one models the original operation without the collaborative robot. The second one evaluates the impact of inserting the robot. This work is quantitative.
Results: The paper presents the use of digital manufacturing tools in a simulation of a collaborative operation between a human and a collaborative robot. The simulations with and without the collaborative robot were performed, and they make it possible to emphasize the benefits of the collaborative operation in a real production line.
Limitations of the investigation: The first simulation scenario was validated from the real data provided by the factory. However, the second scenario is a suggestion, emphasizing the benefits of collaborative operation. Implementation of the second scenario was not conducted.
Practical implications: Since its completion depended on support from the automotive sector, this work is noticeably practical. The real data used in the first scenario as well as the assumptions made in the second scenario allow one to conclude that it is possible to implement the propositions with the collaborative robot in the chosen line.
Originality / Value: The use of the collaborative robot in Brazil was forbidden by regulation until recently. Even in other countries decision makers still find have difficulty deciding for this new technology. For this reason, the benefits of using collaborative robots, mainly in Brazilian companies, is still not clear. This work contributes to the collaborative robot discussion and consequently to Industry 4.0 implementation by creating a digital twin of an existing process and inserting a collaborative robot in it. The results should be used by decision makers to decide for inserting this technology in their factories.
Blockchain Based MFA Solution: the use of hydro raindrop MFA for information security on WordPress websites
Authors: Aparecido Cardoso João Antonio , Ishizu Felipe Takeshi , De Lima Jeferson Tadeu , Pinto Jefferson De Souza
Published: June 2019

Goal: The present work aims to present how the use of a blockchain two-factor authentication solution 2FA on a page developed on WordPress can contribute to the information security regarding user authentication.

Design/Methodology/Approach: The research method employed is characterized as an exploratory research, since all the analysis is based on the theoretical reference data available on the subject. A field research was carried out in relation to the implementation of the multi-factor authentication plugin Hydro Raindrop MFA, which uses blockchain technology offered by The Hydrogen Technology Corporation and the Project Hydro platform over the Ethereum network. Thus, this paper sought to present and conceptualize some of the technologies used, pointing out their contribution to information security.

Results: The main results showed that the use of decentralized technology, such as blockchain and the Hydro Raindrop Plugin, can contribute considerably in the process of user authentication, which may strengthen the safeguard of the information and assets of individuals and organizations by inhibiting or reducing the possibility of successful a hacker attack. This solution is at the forefront of innovation with regard to data security because it uses advanced blockchain technology. It might contribute in a satisfactory way to the preservation of critical data and information that are the core value of many organizations of the industry 4.0.

Limitations of the investigation: This research was limited to analyzing how the implementation of the Hydro Raindrop multi-factor authentication solution on a WordPress page can be beneficial to ensure information security.

Practical implications: This study’s findings can contribute to entities interested in cybersecurity. As a suggestion for future works, analyses of plugins or similar solutions available on the market in distinct types of websites, or performance comparisons between them, may be relevant to contribute to scientific research.

Originality/Value: This work can contribute in an innovative way to scientific research, since it addresses a recently created solution that uses blockchain technology as its basis for a safer method of authentication.
Políticas de profissionalização do excepcional no período da ditadura militar
Authors: Siems-Marcondes Maria Edith Romano
Published: June 2019

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar as políticas de profissionalização e de inserção no mercado de trabalho do público-alvo da educação especial no Brasil durante o período da Ditadura Militar (1964/1985). Investigamos as políticas de profissionalização estabelecidas no conjunto das metas e dos projetos do Centro Nacional de Educação Especial (CENESP) e como essas políticas se materializaram em ações ordenadas no Território Federal de Roraima. O estudo parte de análise documental sob viés histórico além de entrevistas das primeiras docentes que se dedicaram ao desenvolvimento de atividades na área. Evidenciamos que o Território se constituiu em campo de aplicação das propostas e dos projetos como preconizados nas políticas nacionais.
Inclusão escolar e social na Itália: A contribuição das associações de pessoas com deficiência
Authors: Mura Antonello
Published: June 2019

O artigo apresenta uma reflexão sobre as dimensões histórica e sociológica que marcaram o surgimento das associações de pessoas com deficiência na Itália. Por meio de uma retomada histórica, buscou-se definir o contexto no qual se estruturaram as primeiras iniciativas com características de associações, dirigindo a atenção às suas dimensões sociais e éticas. Foram consideradas suas singularidades como integrantes de eventos político-culturais que definiram a perspectiva italiana de inclusão escolar e social das pessoas com deficiência, nos anos 1970. Pode-se perceber como tais associações marcaram a reorganização dos serviços dirigidos às pessoas com deficiência, no sentido de sua afirmação como sujeitos promotores de cidadania e da ampliação dos processos de inovação para toda a sociedade.
A educação especial no estado do Rio Grande do Sul: História, política e gestão (1970-1980)
Authors: Severo Andréa Asti , Da Silva Mayara Costa , Baptista Claudio Roberto
Published: June 2019

O texto apresenta uma análise relativa à educação especial, no Rio Grande do Sul, entre 1970 e 1980. A pesquisa foi realizada com base em análise documental de bibliografia sobre o tema e de documentos históricos, como um relatório de uma Comissão Especial da Assembleia Legislativa do estado, de 1972. O período analisado é marcado por reformas educacionais e pelo predomínio de um regime militar que, além de sua dimensão autoritária, privilegiava a perspectiva de privatização dos serviços. Pode-se identificar o predomínio de uma compreensão relativa à educação especial como um “problema” a ser corrigido que estava associado a uma perspectiva de política educacional com base no ideal de homogeneização por meio das iniciativas que privilegiavam a assistência e os setores privados.
Formação de professores em Educação Especial no período da ditadura civil-militar no Estado do Pará
Authors: Oliveira Ivanilde Apoluceno de , De França Maria do Perpétuo Socorro Gomes de Souza Avelino
Published: June 2019

Neste artigo analisa-se a formação de professores no período de ditadura civil-militar, em especial, nos anos de 1964 a 1985, no Estado do Pará. O foco é para o Curso de Pedagogia, habilitação em Deficiência Mental – DM, da Universidade do Estado do Pará, único curso com esta habilitação na Região Norte. Qual o contexto em que foi criado o Curso? Quais as bases teórico-metodológicas da Habilitação Educação Especial? Com que finalidade foi criado? Estas questões norteiam o desenvolvimento do estudo. Trata-se de uma pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, com levantamento de diversas fontes como a legislação educacional e o projeto pedagógico do curso. Este estudo oportuniza explicitar os acontecimentos deste período e seus efeitos na atual política de Educação Especial. Entre os resultados destaca-se que: o período da ditadura civil-militar incorporou uma política educacional tecnicista voltada para o mercado de trabalho, que contribuiu para consolidar a política de integração no campo da Educação Especial, com uma educação de bases psicológicas e terapêutico-clínicas.
A Federação Nacional das APAES no contexto da ditadura civil-militar no Brasil: Construção da hegemonia no campo da educação especial
Authors: Rafante Heulalia Charalo , Da Silva João Henrique , Caiado Katia Regina Moreno
Published: June 2019

As ações da Federação Nacional das APAES (1962) são hegemônicas no Brasil e a legislação assegura financiamento do Estado. Nesse artigo, foram realizadas pesquisa bibliográfica e documental para analisar as estratégias da Federação para garantir sua hegemonia na Educação Especial, no período da ditadura civil militar (1964-1985). A partir de Gramsci (2001), considera-se as APAES organismos privados de hegemonia, compondo a sociedade civil em relação orgânica com a sociedade política. Conclui-se que o movimento apaeano se caracteriza pelo “filantropoestatismo”, em que as atividades filantrópicas são financiadas com recursos públicos, sendo que essa relação se instituiu na ditadura civil-militar, confirmando a relação orgânica das APAES com os dirigentes do regime.
A relação público/privado nas políticas de educação especial no período ditatorial no Brasil (1964-1985)
Authors: Bueno José Geraldo Silveira , Lehmkhul Márcia de Souza , Goes Ricardo Schers de
Published: June 2019

Este artigo tem por objetivo analisar a relação entre o público e o privado nas políticas de educação especial no Brasil durante o período da ditadura civil-militar (1964-1985), na medida em que parte do princípio de que, apesar dos avanços que as instituições privado-filantrópicas de educação especial obtiveram no período anterior (1945 a 1963), foi durante o regime ditatorial que as instituições especializadas da educação especial receberam incentivos que possibilitaram a sua disseminação pelo território nacional, assim como ampliaram sua influência sobre as políticas nacionais de educação especial. Por meio de análise documental, pudemos detalhar e analisar processos pouco conhecidos desta relação, envolvendo o financiamento público obtido e as influências políticas que essas entidades exerceram nesse período.
Pessoas com deficiência na escola capixaba pós-1964: Questões da exceção
Authors: Jesus Denise Meyrelles , Simões Regina Helena Silva , Luiz Miriã Lúcia
Published: June 2019

No Brasil, nas décadas de 1950 a 1970, o termo “excepcional” definia pessoas com deficiência, em contraponto a um suposto ser humano “normal”. Por outro lado, denomina-se “regime de exceção” o governo ditatorial pós-golpe de 1964, contrapondo-se ao regime republicano democrático. A partir da análise de documentos legislativos, atas escolares, relatórios de Estágios de Treinamentos em Recursos Audiovisuais, propostas curriculares e do Diagnóstico da realidade de escolas de demonstração, este artigo indaga a produção dessas excepcionalidades e seus desdobramentos no atendimento escolar às pessoas com deficiência no estado do Espírito Santo no período ditatorial (1964-1985). Nesse período, produziu-se um movimento bifronte: no ensino público, a segregação de alunos ‘excepcionais’ - aparentemente sustentada por argumentos técnico-pedagógicos - obscurecia fatores sociais e econômicos que condicionavam exclusões dentro e fora das escolas; na esfera privada, a criação de instituições filantrópicas desobrigava o estado do atendimento àqueles que demandavam apoios diferenciados no campo da educação. No primeiro caso, tratava-se de promover diagnósticos e soluções que abrangiam desde o domínio de recursos audiovisuais e técnicas de ensino pelos professores até a organização de turmas de acordo com “níveis” e “capacidades” de aprendizagem das crianças julgadas “excepcionais”. No segundo caso, negavam-se princípios básicos de cidadania.
Educação Especial em tempos de ditadura
Authors: Caiado Katia Regina Moreno , Siems-Marcondes Maria Edith Romano , Pletsch Marcia Denise
Published: June 2019

Os textos deste dossiê analisam o papel desempenhado por diferentes atores políticos e sociais na institucionalização da Educação Especial no Brasil durante a ditadura civil-militar (1964-1985), com destaque para os debates teóricos e políticos que influenciaram as tomadas de posição dos agentes. O dossiê também traz um artigo que discute a institucionalização da Educação Especial na Itália durante a década de 1970, contribuindo, assim, com a construção de comparações e avanços teórico-metodológicos na área da História da Educação Especial. Espera-se que os artigos apresentados neste dossiê suscitem indagações e reflexões sobre as propostas que vêm ganhando relevo no Brasil, as quais voltam a focar perspectivas assistencialistas que vinculam a deficiência ao modelo médico, em detrimento de um modelo social e de direitos dessa população.
Plant growth regulators: One of the techniques of enhancing growth and yield of Bangladeshi local cucumber variety (Cucumis sativus)
Authors: Mir Albely Afifa , Sadat Md. Abu , Amin Md. Ruhul , Islam Md. Nazrul
Published: June 2019

Cucumber (Cucumis sativus) is becoming an essential part of the regular food menu for both health cautiousness and its dietary value over other foods. Availability of high yielding cucumber variety is one of the major obstacles for cucumber production in Bangladesh. Plant growth regulators (PGRs) play a significant role to alter the various type of physiological and morphological characters in cucumber. In this research, Bangladeshi local cucumber variety ‘Baromashi’ was used to observe the effect of PGRs on growth and yield-related characters. Four different treatments (Control: untreated plant, T1: maleic hydrazide 200 ppm, T2: ethephon 300 ppm and T3: NAA (1-naphthaleneacetic acid) 18 ppm) were used. Application of PGRs showed an increased number of primary and secondary branches however, negative effect on stem length and node for the first flower was also observed. PGRs showed the opposite effect on the time required for the first flowering where male flower needed more time and female flower required less time compared to the untreated plants. In the case of fruit-related characters, PGRs possessed positive effect and ethephon 200 ppm showed the best result among the treatments. Total yield might be directly related to the number of branches as well as with the number of female flowers in local cucumber variety.
The bullwhip effect in Brazilian supply chain of organic products: an analysis from the perspective of transaction cost theory
Authors: Coti-Zelati Paolo Edoardo , Queiroz Mauricio Jucá de , Araújo Davi Lucas Arruda de
Published: June 2019

This paper deals with the to the supply chain strategic management of organic products. The objective of this study is to propose a model that integrates the concepts of supply chain management (SCM), transaction costs theory (TTC) and bullwhip effect in supply chain of organic products generating propositions that will direct future empirical research. Therefore, this paper proposes that the SCM and TTC can contribute in reducing the distortion of perception of demand along the supply chain of organic products. A conceptual model relating the three variables studied was elaborated and three theoretical future empirical investigations to propositions in order to solve the problem of the bullwhip effect, namely the distortion of perception of demand along the supply chain of organic products.
Achieving job performance from empowerment through the mediation of employee engagement: an empirical study
Authors: Natrajan Nidhi Shridhar , Sanjeev Rinku , Singh Sanjeev Kumar
Published: June 2019

In present scenario, business organization understood the importance of sophisticated employee behavior for the development of overall job performance.  It is important for an organization to perform effectively for that it enhances their employee’s job performance. Many study supports that an empowered employee recognizes and attaches himself or herself with the wider extent of organizational objectives. An engaged employee has more ownership and able to contribute towards his/her own growth and overall productivity. Boston focuses on implementing feedback given by employees with immediate effect and has 43% employees who are highly engaged. Facebook has a culture of contribution and each employee is recognized for his contribution to the overall goal of the company “to make the world more open and connected ". This policy of contributing culture is communicated to all the candidates during recruitment process. That is why Facebook is not only known for being one of the most popular social networking platforms but for its highly engaging culture as well. Under this study, the focus is to understand the relationship between employee empowerment and job performance. The study also tries to explore empirically the mediating effect of employee engagement in this regard. It was conducted on IT sector in Delhi NCR region with a sample size of 182 employees.  The finding of the study reflects that engagement has its mediation effect on job performance with respect to employee empowerment.
Risk Taking and Aggression On and Off the Field: Evidence from the National Football League
Authors: Ge Qi
Published: June 2019

We study the behavioral link between NFL players’ off-field misconduct and their on-field infractions by matching a comprehensive dataset of players’ off-field arrests with detailed record of on-field penalty calls. Results from Poisson regressions indicate that players with arrest record are likewise observed to have significantly higher tendencies for aggression-related penalties, implying their inherent preferences toward risks or aggression. Such association is particularly salient among repeat offenders. We also find that repeat offenders boast stronger overall career performance and longer career span compared to non-offenders and one-time offenders, suggesting that the related behavioral traits can be instrumental to job performance in professional football.
Endogenous Matching and Money with Random Consumption Preferences
Authors: Hogan Thomas L. , Luther William J.
Published: June 2019

Current money matching models employ either random matching or endogenous matching processes, both of which oversimplify the problem. We maintain that, although most economic interactions are intentional, some randomness remains. We offer an endogenous matching model of money with random consumption preferences. Our model preserves the intentionality of economic interactions while leaving scope for chance. We identify the conditions for potential monetary and nonmonetary equilibria and compare them to those of other endogenous matching and random matching models.
Lipid profile and genetic status in a familial hypercholesterolemia pediatric population: exploring the LDL/HDL ratio
Authors: Di Taranto Maria Donata , de Falco Renato , Guardamagna Ornella , Massini Giulia , Giacobbe Carola , Auricchio Renata , Malamisura Basilio , Proto Michela , Palma Daniela , Greco Luigi , Fortunato Giuliana
Published: June 2019

Background

Familial hypercholesterolemia (FH) is a genetic disorder caused by mutations in genes involved in low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake (LDLR, APOB and PCSK9). Genetic diagnosis is particularly useful in asymptomatic children allowing for the detection of definite FH patients. Furthermore, defining their genetic status may be of considerable importance as the compound heterozygous status is much more severe than the heterozygous one. Our study aims at depicting the genetic background of an Italian pediatric population with FH focusing on the correlation between lipid profile and genetic status.

Methods

Out of 196 patients with clinically suspected FH (LDL-cholesterol [LDL-C] levels above 3.37 mmol/L, cholesterol level above 6.46 mmol/L in a first-degree relative or the presence of premature cardiovascular acute disease in a first/second-degree relative), we screened 164 index cases for mutations in the LDLR, APOB and PCSK9 genes.

Results

Patients with mutations (129/164) showed increased levels of LDL-C, 95th percentile-adjusted LDL-C and LDL/high-density lipoprotein (HDL) ratio and decreased levels of HDL-C, adjusted HDL-C. The association of the LDL/HDL ratio with the presence of mutations was assessed independently of age, (body mass index) BMI, parental hypercholesterolemia, premature coronary artery disease (CAD), triglycerides by multivariate logistic regression (odds ratio [OR]=1.701 [1.103–2.621], p=0.016). The LDL/HDL ratio gradually increased from patients without mutations to patients with missense mutations, null mutations and compound heterozygotes.

Conclusions

In conclusion, the LDL/HDL ratio proved to be a better parameter than LDL-C for discriminating patients with from patients without mutations across different genetic statuses.
Reference intervals for thyroid-stimulating hormone, free thyroxine, and free triiodothyronine in elderly Chinese persons
Authors: Wang Danchen , Yu Songlin , Ma Chaochao , Li Honglei , Qiu Ling , Cheng Xinqi , Guo Xiuzhi , Yin Yicong , Li Dandan , Wang Zhenjie , Hu Yingying , Lu Shuangyu , Yang Guohua , Liu Huaicheng
Published: June 2019

Background

Thyroid hormone levels are essential for diagnosing and monitoring thyroid diseases. However, their reference intervals (RIs) in elderly Chinese individuals remain unclear. We aimed to identify factors affecting thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free triiodothyronine (FT3), and free thyroxine (FT4) levels using clinical “big data” to establish hormone level RIs for elderly Chinese individuals.

Methods

We examined 6781, 6772, and 6524 subjects aged ≥65 years who underwent FT3, FT4, and TSH tests, respectively, at the Peking Union Medical College Hospital between September 1, 2013, and August 31, 2016. Hormones were measured using an automated immunoassay analyzer (ADVIA Centaur XP). RIs were established using the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute document C28-A3 guidelines.

Results

The median TSH was significantly higher in women than in men; the opposite was true for median FT3 and FT4 levels. No differences were observed in TSH or FT4 by age in either sex or overall; FT3 levels significantly decreased with age. Seasonal differences were observed in TSH and FT3 levels but not FT4 levels; the median TSH was the highest in winter and lowest in summer, whereas the median FT3 was the lowest in summer (albeit not significantly). RIs for TSH were 0.53–5.24 and 0.335–5.73 mIU/L for men and women, respectively; those for FT3 were 3.76–5.71, 3.60–5.42, and 3.36–5.27 pmol/L in 64- to 74-, 75- to 84-, and 85- to 96-year-old subjects, respectively. The RI for FT4 was 11.70–20.28 pmol/L.

Conclusions

RIs for TSH in elderly individuals were sex specific, whereas those for FT3 were age specific.
Iron status determination in individuals with Helicobacter pylori infection: conventional vs. new laboratory biomarkers
Authors: Enko Dietmar , Wagner Helga , Kriegshäuser Gernot , Wögerer Julia , Halwachs-Baumann Gabriele , Schnedl Wolfgang J. , Zelzer Sieglinde , Fauler Günter , Mangge Harald , Markus Herrmann , Meinitzer Andreas
Published: June 2019

Background

Helicobacter pylori has been associated with iron deficiency (ID). This study is aimed at investigating ID with conventional (ferritin, transferrin saturation [TSAT]) and new biomarkers (soluble transferrin receptor [sTfR], sTfR/log ferritin, reticulocyte hemoglobin content [CHr], hepcidin-25) in patients sub-grouped by the presence or absence of H. pylori infection.

Methods

In total, 200 consecutive outpatients, who were referred for the H. pylori
13C-urea breath test (13C-UBT), underwent blood testing for ID. Additionally, Thomas-plot (TP)-analyses (sTfR/log ferritin, CHr) were calculated.

Results

Fifty-three and 147 individuals were found with and without H. pylori infection, respectively. Patients with H. pylori infection showed a higher sTfR concentration (p<0.02) and a higher sTfR/log ferritin ratio (p<0.05). Based on a ferritin <30 μg/L and/or a TSAT <20%, 25/53 (47.2%) patients with H. pylori infection and 63/147 (42.9%) without H. pylori infection showed ID. Based on TP-analyses, 10/53 (18.9%) patients with and 17/147 (11.6%) without H. pylori infection were identified with ID. Completed eradication therapy tended to be associated with functional ID.

Conclusions

Helicobacter pylori infection was associated with significantly higher plasma sTfR concentrations and sTfR/log ferritin ratios. Patients with H. pylori eradication therapy were more often detected with functional ID compared to patients without eradication therapy, when using the new biomarkers.
Preanalytical challenges – time for solutions
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Betsou Fay , Cadamuro Janne , Cornes Michael , Fleischhacker Michael , Fruekilde Palle , Neumaier Michael , Nybo Mads , Padoan Andrea , Plebani Mario , Sciacovelli Laura , Vermeersch Pieter , von Meyer Alexander , Simundic Ana-Maria
Published: June 2019

The European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM) Working Group for the Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE) was originally established in 2013, with the main aims of (i) promoting the importance of quality in the preanalytical phase of the testing process, (ii) establishing best practices and providing guidance for critical activities in the preanalytical phase, (iii) developing and disseminating European surveys for exploring practices concerning preanalytical issues, (iv) organizing meetings, workshops, webinars or specific training courses on preanalytical issues. As education is a core activity of the WG-PRE, a series of European conferences have been organized every second year across Europe. This collective article summarizes the leading concepts expressed during the lectures of the fifth EFLM Preanalytical Conference “Preanalytical Challenges – Time for solutions”, held in Zagreb, 22–23 March, 2019. The topics covered include sample stability, preanalytical challenges in hematology testing, feces analysis, bio-banking, liquid profiling, mass spectrometry, next generation sequencing, laboratory automation, the importance of knowing and measuring the exact sampling time, technology aids in managing inappropriate utilization of laboratory resources, management of hemolyzed samples and preanalytical quality indicators.
Random attractors for stochastic retarded strongly damped wave equations with additive noise on bounded domains
Authors: Jia Xiaoyao , Ding Xiaoquan
Published: June 2019

In this paper we study the asymptotic behavior for a class of stochastic retarded strongly damped wave equation with additive noise on a bounded smooth domain in ℝd. We get the existence of the random attractor for the random dynamical systems associated with the equation.
Statistical approximation properties of λ-Bernstein operators based on q-integers
Authors: Cai Qing-Bo , Zhou Guorong , Li Junjie
Published: June 2019

In this paper, we introduce a new generalization of λ-Bernstein operators based on q-integers, we obtain the moments and central moments of these operators, establish a statistical approximation theorem and give an example to show the convergence of these operators to f(x). It can be seen that in some cases the absolute error bounds are smaller than the case of classical q-Bernstein operators to f(x).
Analysis of impact load on tubing and shock absorption during perforating
Authors: Deng Qiao , Zhang Hui , Li Jun , Hou Xuejun , Wang Hao
Published: June 2019

During the past few decades, the technologies of the higher-shot densities, larger perforating guns and tubing-conveyed perforation (TCP) combined well testing have been used widely used for well completions. This results in a large increase of impact loads in the tubing during TCP. The safety of the tubing is directly related to the success of perforation combined well test,which is the key link in the oil and gas production. In this study, the influence factors of perforating impact load have firstly been analyzed. Also the dynamic response of tubing during TCP in three dimensions has been studied by numerical simulation. According to the computing results, the vulnerable parts of tubing during TCP have been found, where the axial impact load is the strongest and it is concluded that the axial shock absorber has the optimal installation position to achieve the best shock absorption effect, which is verified by the case. This study proposes a novel method for the safety analysis of the tubing, which has important significance to provide guidance for the design of field perforating operations and to improve security.
Ion charge separation with new generation of nuclear emulsion films
Authors: Montesi M.C. , Lauria A. , Alexandrov A. , Solestizi L. Alunni , Giovanni Ambrosi , Argirò S. , Diaz R. Arteche , Bartosik N. , Battistoni G. , Belcari N. , Bellinzona E. , Bianucci S. , Biondi S. , Bisogni M.G. , Bruni G. , Camarlinghi N. , Carra P. , Cerello P. , Ciarrocchi E. , Clozza A. , Colombi S. , Guerra A. Del , Simoni M. De , Crescenzo A. Di , Donetti M. , Dong Y. , Durante M. , Embriaco A. , Emde M. , Faccini R. , Ferrero V. , Ferroni F. , Fiandrini E. , Finck C. , Fiorina E. , Fischetti M. , Francesconi M. , Franchini M. , Galati G. , Galli L. , Garbini M. , Gentile V. , Giraudo G. , Hetzel R. , Iarocci E. , Ionica M. , Kanxheri K. , Kraan A. C. , Lante V. , Tessa C. La , Torres E. Lopez , Marafini M. , Mattei I. , Mengarelli A. , Mirabelli R. , Moggi A. , Morone M.C. , Morrocchi M. , Muraro S. , Narici L. , Pastore A. , Pastrone N. , Patera V. , Pennazio F. , Placidi P. , Pullia M. , Raffaelli F. , Ramello L. , Ridolfi R. , Rosso V. , Rovituso M. , Sanelli C. , Sarti A. , Sartorelli G. , Sato O. , Savazzi S. , Scavarda L. , Schiavi A. , Schuy C. , Scifoni E. , Sciubba A. , Sécher A. , Selvi M. , Servoli L. , Silvestre G. , Sitta M. , Spighi R. , Spiriti E. , Sportelli G. , Stahl A. , Tioukov V. , Tomassini S. , Tommasino F. , Traini G. , Valle S.M. , Vanstalle M. , Villa M. , Weber U. , Zoccoli A. , Lellis G. De
Published: June 2019

In hadron therapy, the accelerated ions, interacting with the body of the patient, cause the fragmentation of both projectile and target nuclei. The fragments interact with the human tissues depositing energy both in the entrance channel and in the volume surrounding the tumor. The knowledge of the fragments features is crucial to determine the energy amount deposited in the human body, and - hence - the damage to the organs and to the tissues around the tumor target.

The FOOT (FragmentatiOn Of Target) experiment aims at studying the fragmentation induced by the interaction of a proton beam (150-250 MeV/n) inside the human body. The FOOT detector includes an electronic setup for the identification of Z ≥ 3 fragments integrated with an emulsion spectrometer to measure Z ≤ 3 fragments. Charge identification by nuclear emulsions is based on the development of techniques of controlled fading of the particle tracks inside the nuclear emulsion, that extend the dynamical range of the films developed for the tracking of minimum ionising particles. The controlled fading strongly depends on temperature, relative humidity and treatment duration.

In this study the performances in terms of charge separation of proton, helium and carbon particles, obtained on a batch of new emulsion films produced in Japan are reported.
Recent developments in resonance ionization mass spectrometry for ultra-trace analysis of actinide elements
Authors: Raeder Sebastian , Kneip Nina , Reich Tobias , Studer Dominik , Trautmann Norbert , Wendt Klaus
Published: June 2019

Resonance ionization mass spectrometry is an efficient tool to detect minute amounts of long-lived radio-isotopes in environmental samples. Applying resonant excitation and ionization with pulsed laser radiation within a hot cavity atomizer enables the sensitive detection and precise quantification of long-lived actinide isotopes. Due to the inherently element selective ionization process, this method ensures ultimate suppression of contaminations from other elements and molecules. The characterization of in-source resonance ionization of the actinide elements U, Th, Np, and Am using a compact quadrupole mass spectrometer (QMS) setup are discussed.
The effect of Ramadan fasting on renal functions in patients with chronic kidney disease
Authors: Dogan Ibrahim , Eser Baris , Kayadibi Huseyin
Published: June 2019

Objective

We aimed to investigate the effects of Ramadan fasting on renal functions in patients with stage 3 and 4 chronic kidney disease.

Materials and methods

The study was conducted in Ramadan month which was between June and July. Patients were evaluated before Ramadan, the week immediately following the end of the Ramadan, and 3 and 6 months after Ramadan.

Results

Twenty-four fasting (mean age of 68 ± 13 years) and 55 non-fasting individuals (mean age of 69 ± 9 years) were included in this study. There was no statistically significant difference for creatinine levels in the first week after Ramadan in both groups compared to levels before Ramadan (p = 0.070, p = 0.470, respectively). The groups were compared according to the criteria of deterioration in renal function (reduction of 25% in GFR and 30% increase in serum creatinine levels). There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups according to these two criteria (p = 0.452, p = 0.660, respectively). In univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis, the presence of diabetes mellitus and proteinuria were found to be independent risk determinants of renal dysfunction.

Conclusion

Patients with diabetes mellitus and prominent proteinuria may constitute critical patient groups for renal function deterioration during Ramadan fasting.
Amduat-Exemplare von Thutmosis I.: Weitere Fundstücke im Grab KV 38
Authors: Abdel Ghany Khaled
Published: June 2019

This article deals with the further exploration in tomb KV 38 in the Valley of Kings. In the course of this exploration in early 2018 I discovered more small mud-plaster fragments of the Amduat book. These different Amduat fragments can be identified as a part of the fourth, sixth, seventh, eighth and tenth hour of the book of Amduat. Therefore, these Amduat fragments prove that possibly the cliff walls of the tomb of king Thutmose I were originally encased and decorated with a complete corpus of the book of Amduat (long version). After an examination of the displayed scenes and their comparison with similar sections of the Amduat from tomb KV 34 it turned out that both specimens show clear differences and that both tombs have manifold artistic variations. Therefore, both specimen are originate from different reigns and were not made by the same king.