bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Biosensor of inflammation biomarkers based on electrical bioimpedance analysis on immobilized DNA without chemical modification
Authors: Gómez-López Modesto , Miliar-García Ángel , Pérez-Vielma Nadia Mabel , Lara-Padilla Eleazar , González-Díaz César Antonio 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The development of biosensors to identify molecular markers or specific genes is fundamental for the implementation of new techniques that allow the detection of specific Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) sequences in a fast, economic and simple way. Different detection techniques have been proposed in the development of biosensors. Electrical Bioimpedance Spectroscopy (EBiS) has been used for diagnosis and monitoring of human pathologies, and is recognized as a safe, fast, reusable, easy and inexpensive technique. This study proves the development of a complementary DNA (cDNA) biosensor based on measurements of EBiS and DNA's immobilization with no chemical modifications. The evaluation of its potential utility in the detection of the gene expression of three inflammation characteristic biomarkers (NLRP3, IL-1β and Caspase 1) is presented. The obtained results demonstrate that EBiS can be used to identify different gene expression patterns, measurements that were validated by Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction (qPCR). These results indicate the technical feasibility for a biosensor of specific genes through bioimpedance measurements on the immobilization of cDNA.
Confidence Intervals of Gini Coefficient Under Unequal Probability Sampling
Authors: Berger Yves G. , Balay İklim Gedik 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
We propose an estimator for the Gini coefficient, based on a ratio of means. We show how bootstrap and empirical likelihood can be combined to construct confidence intervals. Our simulation study shows the estimator proposed is usually less biased than customary estimators. The observed coverages of the empirical likelihood confidence interval proposed are also closer to the nominal value.
Switching Between Different Non-Hierachical Administrative Areas via Simulated Geo-Coordinates: A Case Study for Student Residents in Berlin
Authors: Groß Marcus , Kreutzmann Ann-Kristin , Rendtel Ulrich , Schmid Timo , Tzavidis Nikos 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The transformation of area aggregates between non-hierarchical area systems (administrative areas) is a standard problem in official statistics. For this problem, we present a proposal which is based on kernel density estimates. The approach applies a modification of a stochastic expectation maximization algorithm, which was proposed in the literature for the transformation of totals on rectangular areas to kernel density estimates. As a by-product of the routine, one obtains simulated geo-coordinates for each unit. With the help of these geo-coordinates, it is possible to calculate case numbers for any area system of interest. The proposed method is evaluated in a design-based simulation based on a close-to-reality, simulated data set with known exact geo-coordinates. In the empirical part, the method is applied to student resident figures from Berlin, Germany. These are known only at the level of ZIP codes, but they are needed for smaller administrative planning districts. Results for (a) student concentration areas and (b) temporal changes in the student residential areas between 2005 and 2015 are presented and discussed.
Measuring the Sustainable Development Goal Indicators: An Unprecedented Statistical Challenge
Authors: MacFeely Steve 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In March 2017, the United Nations (UN) Statistical Commission adopted a measurement framework for the UN Agenda 2030 for Sustainable Development, comprising of 232 indicators designed to measure the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and their respective 169 targets. The scope of this measurement framework is so ambitious it led Mogens Lykketoft, President of the seventieth session of the UN General Assembly, to describe it as an ‘unprecedented statistical challenge’.
Naturally, with a programme of this magnitude, there will be foreseen and unforeseen challenges and consequences. This article outlines some of the key differences between the Millennium Development Goals and the SDGs, before detailing some of the measurement challenges involved in compiling the SDG indicators, and examines some of the unanticipated consequences arising from the mechanisms put in place to measure progress from a broad political economy perspective.
Congenital Cutaneous Kaposiform Hemangioendothelioma in a Newborn Calf
Authors: Epikmen Erkmen Tuğrul , Aydogan Ahmet , Avci Hamdi , Birincioğlu Sümbül Serap 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
A one-day-old female Holstein calf was presented with subcutaneous masses spread over the whole body. Macroscopically, the masses were firm in touch, greyish-white in colour, 0.5-2 cm in diameter range. Histopathological examination confirmed the cutaneous Kaposiform hemangioendothelioma (KHE). Microscopic examination of the tumor revealed sheets of spindled endothelial cells forming vascular slits. Immunohistochemically, the tumor cells and capillaries gave strongly positive reaction for CD31 while vimentin, alpha smooth muscle actin and cytokeratin AE1/AE3 were negative. In this case, macroscopical, detailed histhopathological and immunohistochemical findings of congenital KHE reported firstly in a newborn calf.
Achieving innovative firm performance through human capital and the effect of social capital
Authors: Samad Sarminah 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
For the past decade, human capital has been recognized as one of the crucial assets of any firm’s overall performance. Previous studies widely advocated a linear link between human capital and innovative firm performance, arguing that there are a variety of factors to examine if the relationship between human capital and innovative firm performance is to be properly understood. The focus of this study was to examine the effect of social capital on the relationship between human capital and innovative firm performance. Specifically, it examined the relationship between human capital and social capital and between human capital and innovative firm performance. It also examined the relationship between social capital and innovative firm performance. A total of 294 questionnaires were obtained from managerial staff in automotive companies in Malaysia and the data was analysed using the Partial Least Squares (PLS) test. The results indicated a direct effect between human capital and innovative performance. It was found that human capital is significantly related to social capital and that there is a significant relationship between social capital and innovative firm performance, indicating the ability of social capital to improve innovative firm performance. Finally, it revealed that innovative firm performance could be achieved by human capital through the role of valuable social capital and that good innovative firm performance leads to more prudent and sustainable organisations. The results provide pertinent implications for academia, policymakers and market players while also contributing to the research fields of strategic management, human capital, social capital and performance.
A technology of drinking water decontamination from radon and its decay products
Authors: Voinov Igor , Remez Viktor P. , Ioshin Alexey A. , Semenishchev Vladimir S. , Gorchakov Dmitry A. 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Underground water is one of the main sources of radon for households. This article focuses on the estimation and removal of radon from underground water using the technology and inorganic sorbents developed by EKSORB Ltd., Russia for liquid radioactive waste treatment in the nuclear power industry. The article presents the results of tests of a system for the removal of radon and radon daughters from water patented by EKSORB. This is achieved by filtering water through RATZIR sorbent, followed by periodic load regeneration. Over a period of three years, the plant is successful in removing radon from the water that had an initial radon content of approximately 1500 Bq/L to less than 60 Bq/L, without releasing radon to indoor/outdoor air.
Using a scale model room to assess the contribution of building material of volcanic origin to indoor radon
Authors: Lucchetti Carlo , Castelluccio Mauro , Altamore Matteo , Briganti Alessandra , Galli Gianfranco , Soligo Michele , Tuccimei Paola , Voltaggio Mario 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In the frame of Radon rEal time monitoring System and Proactive Indoor Remediation (RESPIRE), a LIFE 2016 project funded by the European Commission, the contribution of building materials of volcanic origin to indoor radon concentration was investigated. First, total gamma radiation and related outdoor dose rates of geological materials in the Caprarola area (Central Italy) were measured to define main sources of radiation. Second, 222Rn and 220Rn exhalation rates of these rocks used as building materials were measured using an accumulation chamber connected in a closed loop with a RAD7 radon monitor. Among others, the very porous “Tufo di Gallese” ignimbrite provided the highest values. This material was then used to construct a scale model room of 62 cm × 50 cm × 35 cm (inner length × width × height, respectively) to assess experimental radon and thoron activity concentration at equilibrium and study the effects of climatic conditions and different coatings on radon levels. A first test was carried out at ambient temperature to determine experimental 222Rn and 220Rn equilibrium activities in the model room, not covered with plaster or other coating materials. Experimental 222Rn equilibrium was recorded in just two days demonstrating that the room “breaths”, exchanging air with the outdoor environment. This determines a dilution of indoor radon concentration. Other experiments showed that inner covers (such as plasterboard and different kinds of paints) partially influence 222Rn but entirely cut the short-lived 220Rn. Finally, decreases in ambient temperature reduce radon exhalation from building material and, in turn, indoor activity concentration.
Exposures from radon, thoron, and thoron progeny in high background radiation area in Takandeang, Mamuju, Indonesia
Authors: Saputra Miki Arian , Nugraha Eka Djatnika , Purwanti Tri , Arifianto Rokhmat , Laksmana Roza Indra , Hutabarat Richard P. , Hosoda Masahiro , Tokonami Shinji 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The exposure from radon, thoron, and thoron progeny was measured for 45 dwellings in high background radiation area in Takandeang, Indonesia with ambient dose equivalent rate ranging from 0.34 μSv h−1 to 1.90 μSv h−1. The measurement was taken using passive radon and thoron discriminative detector and thoron progeny detector. This measurement was taken from November 2018 to October 2019, and within one month the detector would be replaced with a new detector. The concentrations of radon, thoron, and thoron progeny were calculated as 42–490 Bq m−3, 20–618 Bq m−3, and 4–40 Bq m−3, respectively. The concentrations for outdoor were 49–435 Bq m−3, 23–457 Bq m−3, and 4–37 Bq m−3, respectively, and the annual effective dose was 9.8–28.6 mSv y−1. Based on the result of Spearman’s correlations analysis between the indoor radon and thoron concentrations and between the indoor thoron progeny and thoron concentrations, we suggest that exposure to thoron cannot be predicted from exposure to radon, and the equilibrium equivalent thoron concentration has a large uncertainty when it is estimated from thoron concentration assuming a single thoron equilibrium factor.
Radon variability due to floor level in two typical residential buildings in Serbia
Authors: Udovicic Vladimir , Veselinovic Nikola , Maletic Dimitrije , Banjanac Radomir , Dragic Aleksandar , Jokovic Dejan , Savic Mihailo , Knezevic David , Savkovic Maja Eremic 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
It is well known that one of the factors that influence the indoor radon variability is the floor level of the buildings. Considering the fact that the main source of indoor radon is radon in soil gas, it is expected that the radon concentration decreases at higher floors. Thus at higher floors the dominant source of radon is originating from building materials, and in some cases there may be deviations from the generally established regularity. In such sense, we chose one freestanding single-family house with loft and other 16-floor high-rise residential building for this study. The indoor radon measurements were performed by two methods: passive and active. We used passive devices based on track-etched detectors: Radtrak2 Radonova. For the short-term indoor radon measurements, we used two active devices: SN1029 and SN1030 (manufactured by Sun Nuclear Corporation). The first device was fixed in the living room at the ground level and the second was moved through the floors of the residential building. Every measuring cycle at the specified floor lasted seven days with the sampling time of 2 h. The results show two different indoor radon behaviours regarding radon variability due to floor level. In the single-family house with loft we registered intense difference between radon concentration in the ground level and loft, while in the high-rise residential building the radon level was almost the same at all floors, and hence we may conclude that radon originated mainly from building materials.
Virtual reality and consumer behavior: constraints, negotiation, negotiation-efficacy, and participation in virtual golf
Authors: Choi Chulhwan , Yoo Sin-Wook , Park Jin , Greenwell T. Christopher 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The emergence of virtual sports shows promises in encouraging participation among those who may be constrained from participating in traditional recreational sports (Choi et al., 2019). To maximize virtual sports’ potential in increasing sports participation, this study aimed to investigate the relationships between constraints, negotiation, negotiation-efficacy, and participation. Results from virtual golf participants found that, as predicted, (a) constraints had a negative direct influence on participation, (b) negotiation-efficacy had a negative direct influence on constraints, (c) negotiation-efficacy had a positive direct influence on negotiation, and negotiation had a positively direct influence on participation. The findings of this study indicated that reduced constraints did not result in increasing virtual golf consumers’ participation because negotiation did not play a significant role in their decision to participate. Thus, the current study provides a comprehensive understanding of interrelationships among leisure participation, constraints, and negotiation, particularly extending to the context of virtual golf.
MarQR technology for measuring relative displacements of building structure elements with regard to joints and cracks
Authors: Woźniak Marek , Woźniak Krzysztof 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The article presents an original optical system to measure displacements across joints or cracks in building structures. It describes the concept of system operation, algorithms to be followed and results of practical tests that have been performed.
The proposed solution is based on digital photos taken with a non-metric digital camera, modified by defining its internal orientation elements and correction of lens distortion during calibration, constituting the measurement instrument registering the pictures of markers. QR (Quick Response) codes are proposed to be the markers. Being digitally processed, a set of registered images allow visualising the measured size of occurred displacements.
Owing to this solution, it is possible to obtain data on a mutual position of two or more QR codes in the form of translation elements in 3D space and appropriate three orientation angles. Appointed elements are unequivocal in spatial interpretation and not limited by dimension.
As the tests performed by the authors show, the results are more than satisfactory. The proposed measurement technology is an objective system of data acquisition, suitable for automating the whole monitoring process of displacements of building structure elements concerning joints and cracks.
The Most Important Motivational Factors for Employees in Industrial Enterprises Regarding the Differences Between Various Generational Groups
Authors: Mĺkva Miroslava , Kučerová Marta , Babeľová Zdenka Gyurák 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
The paper presents results of the research focused on the coexistence of different generations of employees. Described in the paper is the importance of selected motivational factors and motivational needs fulfilment with respect to different generational groups of employees. The research was carried out at the University based on the data collection from business practice of industrial enterprises. The analysed data were collected in 2018, the total sample consisted of 534 respondents. The respondents were exclusively employees of industrial enterprises. Based on the processing, analysis and evaluation of the collected data, it is possible to draw some recommendations for the management of industrial enterprises, which has to continually face the question of how to approach staff management effectively. The research results are based on examination of different preferences of the employees from various generations, and they point at the need of taking into account the requirements and needs of employees, differentiated according to their age. Respecting these requirements will make possible for managers to take into account the specificities of employees of different ages, and to indicate the ways of effectively managing the age-diversified workforce.
The influence of the soil constitutive models on the seismic analysis of pile-supported wharf structures with batter piles in cut-slope rock dike
Authors: Deghoul Lylia , Gabi Smail , Hamrouni Adam 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
In coastal regions, earthquakes caused severe damage to marine structures. Many researchers have conducted numerical investigations in order to understand the dynamic behavior of these structures. The most frequently used model in numerical calculations of soil is the linear-elastic perfectly plastic model with a Mohr-Coulomb failure criterion (MC model). It is recommended to use this model to represent a first-order approximation of soil behavior. Therefore, it is necessary to accommodate soil constitutive models for the specific geotechnical problems.
In this paper, three soil constitutive models with different accuracy were applied by using the two-dimensional finite element software PLAXIS to study the behavior of pile-supported wharf embedded in rock dike, under the 1989 Loma Prieta earthquake. These models are: a linear-elastic perfectly plastic model (MC model), an elastoplastic model with isotropic hardening (HS model), and the Hardening Soil model with an extension to the small-strain stiffness (HSS model).
A typical pile-supported wharf structure with batter piles from the western United States ports was selected to perform the study. The wharf included cut-slope (sliver) rock dike configuration, which is constituted by a thin layer of rockfill overlaid by a slope of loose sand. The foundation soil and the backfill soil behind the wharf were all dense sand. The soil parameters used in the study were calibrated in numerical soil element tests (Oedometer and Triaxial tests).
The wharf displacement and pore pressure results obtained using models with different accuracy were compared to the numerical results of Heidary-Torkamani et al.[28] It was found that the Hardening Soil model with small-strain stiffness (HSS model) gives clearly better results than the MC and HS models.
Afterwards, the pile displacements in sloping rockfill were analyzed. The displacement time histories of the rock dike at the top and at the toe were also exposed. It can be noted that during the earthquake there was a significant lateral ground displacement at the upper part of the embankment due to the liquefaction of loose sand. This movement caused displacement at the dike top greater than its displacement at the toe. Consequently, the behavior of the wharf was affected and the pile displacements were important, specially the piles closest to the dike top.
Key Challenges in Modelling an Epidemic – What Have we Learned from the COVID-19 Epidemic so far
Authors: Eržen Ivan , Kamenšek Tina , Fošnarič Miha , Žibert Janez 
Published: July 2020

Abstract
Mathematical modelling can be useful for predicting how infectious diseases progress, enabling us to show the likely outcome of an epidemic and help inform public health interventions. Different modelling techniques have been used to predict and simulate the spread of COVID-19, but they have not always been useful for epidemiologists and decision-makers. To improve the reliability of the modelling results, it is very important to critically evaluate the data used and to check whether or not due regard has been paid to the different ways in which the disease spreads through the population. As building an epidemiological model that is reliable enough and suits the current epidemiological situation within a country or region, certain criteria must be met in the modelling process. It might be necessary to use a combination of two or more different types of models in order to cover all aspects of epidemic modelling. If we want epidemiological models to be a useful tool in combating the epidemic, we need to engage experts from epidemiology, data science and statistics.
Slovenian Cross-Cultural Adaptation and Validation of Health-Related Quality of Life Measures for Chronic Otitis Media (COMQ-12), Vertigo (DHI, NVI) and TINNITUS (THI)
Authors: Vozel Domen , Steiner Nejc , Božanić Urbančič Nina , Mladenov Dejan , Battelino Saba 
Published: July 2020

Abstract

Purpose
To provide physicians and patients with the tools needed to evaluate patients’ problems and health-related quality of life by cross-culturally adapting and validating the Chronic Otitis Media Questionnaire 12 (COMQ-12), the Dizziness Handicap Inventory (DHI), the Neuropsychological Vertigo Inventory (NVI) and the Tinnitus Handicap Inventory (THI).

Materials and methods
COMQ-12, DHI, NVI and THI were translated into the Slovenian language and completed by patients treated at our department for chronic otitis media, vertigo or tinnitus. The control group for each questionnaire consisted of healthy volunteers. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, discriminant validity, diagnostic accuracy and cut-off value were determined for each questionnaire.

Results
Test-retest reliability was excellent for DHI (ICC A=0.946) and NVI (p=0.315, ICC A=0.975), good to excellent for COMQ-12 (p=0.680, ICC A=0.858) and satisfactory for THI (p=0.120). Discriminant validity was confirmed for each questionnaire (p>0.05) using the Mann-Whitney U test (COMQ-12, DHI, THI) or the Welch t-test (NVI). COMQ-12 had acceptable (α=0.796) and DHI (α=0.910), NVI (α=0.950) and THI (α=0.924) perfect internal consistency. COMQ-12 and DHI had excellent, NVI acceptable and THI perfect diagnostic accuracy (AUC=0.987, AUC=0.999, AUC=0.781 and AUC=1.000 respectively). Cut-off values determined by Youden’s index were 7, 7, 9 and 56 for COMQ-12, THI, DHI and NVI, respectively.

Conclusion
Slovenian COMQ-12, DHI, NVI and THI are a valid and accurate tool for the diagnosis and measurement of health-related quality of life in patients with chronic otitis media, vertigo and tinnitus. They could aid general practitioners, occupational health specialists, neurologists and otorhinolaryngologists.