bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Reliability and validity of time domain heart rate variability during daily routine activities – an alternative to the morning orthostatic test?
Authors: Mesquita Ricardo Neves de Oliveira , Kyröläinen Heikki , Schäfer Olstad Daniela 
Published: April 2017

Summary
Study aim: To determine the reliability and validity of a time domain heart rate variability (HRV) index during free-living physical activity (FLPA).
Material and methods: Eight white-collar workers participated in this study. RR intervals (time between consecutive R-peaks of the PQRS complex) were recorded using the Polar V800 heart rate (HR) monitor upon awakening and at work on 16 different days. A total of 127 cycles of sitting periods followed by walking breaks were included for consecutive pairwise analysis for reliability. The HR values from the orthostatic test (OT) were compared with the corresponding values at work.
Results: The HR values showed high levels of repeatability [the coefficient of variation (CV) during sitting and walking at work was 4.71 and 3.99%, respectively, with a typical error (TE) of 3.73 (3.34-4.25) and 3.65 (3.31-4.09)], but they did not correlate with the corresponding OT HR upon awakening (r = 0.28 for supine vs. sitting and r = 0.05 for standing vs. walking, p > 0.05). The root-mean-square difference of successive normal RR (RMSSD) was revealed not to be repeatable [CV values during sitting and walking were 19.99 and 29.05%, respectively, with a TE of 7.9 (7.15-8.85) and 9.43 (8.53-10.57)].
Conclusions: Analyzing RMSSD from daily routine activities was not reliable, and therefore validity cannot be assumed. RMSSD should therefore be calculated from RR intervals recorded in standardized conditions, such as during the OT upon awakening.
Separate patient serum sodium medians from males and females provide independent information on analytical bias
Authors: Hansen Steen Ingemann , Petersen Per Hyltoft , Lund Flemming , Fraser Callum G. , Sölétormos György 
Published: April 2017

AbstractBackground:During monitoring of monthly medians of results from patients undertaken to assess analytical stability in routine laboratory performance, the medians for serum sodium for male and female patients were found to be significantly related.Methods:Daily, weekly and monthly patient medians of serum sodium for both male and female patients were calculated from results obtained on samples from the population >18 years on three analysers in the hospital laboratory. The half-range of medians was applied as an estimate of the maximum bias. Further, the ratios between the two medians were calculated.Results:The medians of both genders demonstrated dispersions over time, but they were closely connected in like patterns, which were confirmed by the half-range of the ratios of medians for males and females that varied from 0.36% for daily, 0.14% for weekly and 0.036% for monthly ratios over all instruments.Conclusions:The tight relationship between the gender medians for serum sodium is only possible when raw laboratory data are used for calculation. The two patient medians can be used to confirm both and are useful as independent estimates of analytical bias during constant calibration periods. In contrast to the gender combined median, the estimate of analytical bias can be confirmed further by calculation of the ratios of medians for males and females.
Consequences of Integration Proceses in Europe: Sector of Logistics Services
Authors: Godnič Beti , Vodopivec Robert 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In the article the authors analyse the integration processes in the European Union and consequences of this processes, after the new EU Member States joined the EU in the year 2004 and 2007. The authors analyse the European market of logistics services and focus on the issue of the irregular effects that occur in the year 2004 and 2007. The authors wanted to examine if there are differences in the old EU-15 Member States and the new EU Member States in changed micro and macro environment in the European market of logistics services. The authors wanted to determine how the old EU-15 Member States and the new EU Member States adapt to the new business environment and other changes in the micro and macro environment in the European market of logistics services. The authors found that the development after the new EU Member States joined the EU in the year 2004 and 2007 in the EU-15 member states and in the new EU Member States is different. The EU has to adopt the harmonised economic policy which will solve the North-South problem and cross-state cultural consensus and find a way to operate systemically in global environment.
Digital Transformation and Value Creation: Sea Change Ahead
Authors: Reddy Srinivas K. , Reinartz Werner 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Digital transformation is taking place all around us and there is hardly a single aspect of life that has not been affected. It has an obvious, lasting, and even revolutionary impact, not only on the economic systems and commercial players, but also on the lives of individuals and on society at large. Digital transformation will bring greater tangible and intangible value, but the changes do come with certain costs and risks, sometimes unforeseen.
In terms of business strategy, digital technology has been transforming businesses dramatically. Even young companies that have been at the forefront of digital disruption are forced to reinvent and transform themselves and their businesses permanently in order to survive and thrive. If incumbents themselves don’t take advantage of this digital progress to innovate, others will. A new wave of digital disruptors is changing the face of industries. The ability to innovate is thus more important than ever. Entire industries may be threatened if they do not react quickly, while others are emerging almost instantly as if out of nowhere. Handling speed and providing real-time solutions is therefore one of the most critical skills in a digital world.
Crowdfunding: Financing Ventures in the Digital Era
Authors: Reddy Srinivas K. , Tan Yee Heng 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Crowdfunding is a method of raising funds to support a venture, usually by raising small amounts from a large number of investors. Typically, a project creator posts a project on a platform seeking a certain amount of funds for some venture. Potential backers view the project and contribute money if they are convinced of the idea. In most cases, these backers receive something in return.
Crowdfunding helps facilitate projects that would otherwise have fallen through the cracks. There are many success stories, but the average success rates are moderate. To succeed, it is necessary to manage the expectations of diverse stakeholders during the entire funding and development process. Success factors range from selecting the right platform to accurate communication all along the way. Prior experience helps, as well as a realistic assessment of the chances, so as not to disappoint the community.
From Point of Sale to Point of Need: How Digital Technology Is Transforming Retailing
Authors: Reinartz Werner , Imschloß Monika 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Digital transformation has a strong impact on the retail industry. Activities that were once retail sector are moving to online stores, and specialized third parties are taking over physical distribution and payment. Naturally, store-based retailers are not taking this sitting down and many are reacting by starting to “digitalize” their point of sale. But in order to understand the true impact of digitalization and to react adequately, one needs to think backwards from the consumer and enter the scene at a much earlier stage. In our digital age, need occurrence, shopping and consumption are moving much closer in time and space and are being naturally integrated into our daily routine. If retailers still want their share, they have to build an ecosystem of presence and organize themselves around consumption and lived reality of their consumers. They have to be present in the mind of the consumer at the very instance a need arises. Being recalled in time matters now more than ever.
Smart Cities, Livable Cities
Authors: Menon Anil 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Urbanization is a truly global trend, affecting populations in developed and emerging regions across all continents. To keep up with the rapid influx of new city dwellers, city leaders are turning to technology. One of the key challenges in many cities is providing safe drinking water. Other major issues in many cities across the developing world are traffic, parking, waste management, lighting, security, education and health care.
The Internet of Things increasingly offers new ways to make our lives as citizens smarter, more efficient and more informed. For example, city governments can charge appropriate fees, deliver tailored services and manage public infrastructure while considering interdependencies. In order to successfully seize the opportunities associated with the current shifts and to anticipate what’s coming, city leaders need to recognize and address the interrelationship of all city challenges and their impact across all constituent groups in seeking solutions.
Influence of Nearshore Mining Pits on Hydro- and Lithodynamics of a Dissipative Coastal Zone: Case Study of the Hel Peninsula (Poland)
Authors: Ostrowski Rafał , Skaja Marek 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The paper deals with a sandy shore located on the open sea side of the Hel Peninsula in Poland (the south Baltic Sea coast). The study site displays a cross-shore profile that intensively dissipates wave energy, mostly due to breaking. The theoretical modelling of wave transformation at this site reveals specific distributions of wave heights and bed shear stresses. The sediment borrow areas, presently used and identified for future exploitation, are located inconveniently far from the periodically re-nourished shores. The paper presents the possibilities of dredging works in the coastal zone that would not disturb the natural nearshore motion of water and sediments. The results of the study can be helpful in formulating generic safety standards, at least with respect to dissipative shores of non-tidal or micro-tidal seas, like the Baltic Sea.
Whirling System of Water Exchange in Breeding Pools
Authors: Matej Karolina , Pawliczka Iwona , Sawicki Jerzy M. , Wielgat Paweł , Zima Piotr 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
To create proper living conditions for sea mammals kept in closed systems, one has to make sure that the characteristics of breeding pools, such as their shape, dimensions, the facing of the walls and bottom, as well as the quality and motion of water, resemble as closely as possible the natural environment of the animals. An appropriate system of water exchange plays a very important role here. A complete exchange of water is time-consuming, expensive and troublesome, so it can be performed only periodically and should be supported by a supplementary continuous exchange. This operation improves water quality and can create a proper velocity field in breeding pools. The breeding pools investigated in the present study are located in a sealarium in Hel (Poland), which belongs to the Institute of Oceanography of the Gdansk University. Tracer measurements, carried out in these reservoirs made it possible to evaluate the intensity of continuous water exchange. It was found that this intensity was insufficient (as evidenced by large dead zones in the pools and short detention time), and therefore alterations to the existing system were proposed (i.e. a tangential position of the inlet and a centrally situated outlet). On the basis of a simplified model of circulative water flow, it was shown that the altered hydraulic system can considerably improve the situation.
On Uncertainties in Determination of Sediment Transport Rates in Coastal Regions
Authors: Ostrowski Rafał 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
The paper deals with research uncertainties, difficulties, inaccuracies and unreliabilities related to the modelling of physical phenomena involving coastal lithodynamics. The considerations are focused on processes of wave transformation, wave-driven currents and sediment transport itself. It is shown that possible inaccuracies at individual stages of the modelling of coastal hydrodynamics can lead to serious uncertainties with respect to the ultimate modelling output, namely bed shear stresses and sediment transport rates. These inaccuracies result mostly from arbitrarily assumed parameters and constants. Other modelling biases discussed in the paper comprise simplifications and approximations with respect to sediment resources and size-graded properties, randomness of hydrodynamic impacts, bottom roughness and land-borne factors involved in coastal lithodynamics.
Desensitization to chemical and food sensitivities by low-dose immunotherapy ascertained by provocation neutralization is associated with reduced influx of calcium ions into lymphocytes
Authors: Puri Basant K. , Howard John McLaren , Monro Jean A. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract

Background
Food and chemical sensitivities have detrimental effects on health and the quality of life. The natural course of such sensitivities can potentially be altered through various types of allergen-specific immunotherapy, including low-dose immunotherapy. The molecular mechanism by which low-dose immunotherapy causes desensitization has not thus far been elucidated. While resting lymphocytes maintain a low cytosolic calcium ion concentration, antigen receptor signaling results in calcium ion influx, predominantly via store-operated calcium channels. We therefore hypothesized that desensitization by low-dose immunotherapy is associated with reduced influx of calcium ions into lymphocytes. The aim of this study was to test this hypothesis.

Methods
Intracellular lymphocytic calcium ion concentrations were assayed in a total of 47 patients, following incubation with picogram amounts of the test allergens, using a cell-permeable calcium-sensing ratiometric fluorescent dye and fluorescence spectroscopy, both at baseline and following successful provocation neutralization treatment with low-dose immunotherapy.

Results
Low-dose immunotherapy was associated with a reduction in lymphocytic intracellular calcium ion concentration following treatment of: 23 % for metabisulfite sensitivity (p<0.0004); 12 % for salicylate sensitivity (p<0.01); 23 % for benzoate sensitivity (p<0.01); 30 % for formaldehyde sensitivity (p<0.0001); 16 % for sensitivity to petrol exhaust (p<0.003); 16 % for natural gas sensitivity (p<0.001); 13 % for nickel sensitivity (p<0.05); 30 % for sensitivity to organophosphates (p<0.01); and 24 % for sensitivity to nitrosamines (p<0.05).

Conclusions
Low-dose immunotherapy may affect baseline levels of intracellular calcium in lymphocytes, supporting the premise that allergens affect cell signaling in immune cells and provocation neutralization immunotherapy helps to promote more normal immune cell signaling.
Field Programmable Gate Array (FPGA) Respiratory Monitoring System Using a Flow Microsensor and an Accelerometer
Authors: Mellal Idir , Laghrouche Mourad , Bui Hung Tien 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
This paper describes a non-invasive system for respiratory monitoring using a Micro Electro Mechanical Systems (MEMS) flow sensor and an IMU (Inertial Measurement Unit) accelerometer. The designed system is intended to be wearable and used in a hospital or at home to assist people with respiratory disorders. To ensure the accuracy of our system, we proposed a calibration method based on ANN (Artificial Neural Network) to compensate the temperature drift of the silicon flow sensor. The sigmoid activation functions used in the ANN model were computed with the CORDIC (COordinate Rotation DIgital Computer) algorithm. This algorithm was also used to estimate the tilt angle in body position. The design was implemented on reconfigurable platform FPGA.
Influence of chemical structure of branched and dendritic organosilicon luminophores on their optical and thermal properties
Authors: Borshchev Oleg V. , Kleymyuk Elena A. , Surin Nikolay M. , Svidchenko Evgeniya A. , Fedorov Yuriy V. , Dmitryakov Petr V. , Chvalun Sergei N. , Ponomarenko Sergei A. 
Published: April 2017

AbstractSynthesis and investigation of optical and thermal properties of a homologous series of highly luminescent nanostructured organosilicon luminophores (NOLs) containing different donor to acceptor ratio (D:A) are reported. Each of the NOL consists of a 1,4-bis(5-phenylthienyl-2-yl)benzene (PTPTP) acceptor unit and four, six or twelve 2,2′-bithienyl donor fragments connected to each other through two or six silicon atoms. These complex molecules show a “molecular antenna” effect with high efficiency of intramolecular energy transfer about 97-98% combined with excellent photoluminescence (PL) quantum yield of 84-91% and fast PL decay time of 0.90-0.95 ns. A significant increase of the molar extinction coefficient from 94 000 to 257 000 M
Synthesis and effects of flavonoid structure variation on amyloid-β aggregation
Authors: Matos Ana M. , Cristóvão Joana S. , Yashunsky Dmitry V. , Nifantiev Nikolay E. , Viana Ana S. , Gomes Cláudio M. , Rauter Amélia P. 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Dietary flavonoids and synthetic derivatives have a well-known potential for biomedical applications. In this perspective, we report herein new methodologies to access chrysin and 5,7-dihydroxychromone, and these structures were combined with those of naturally occurring quercetin, luteolin, (+)-dihydroquercetin and apigenin to assemble a set of polyphenols with structure variations for in vitro testing over the aggregation of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) amyloid peptide Aβ1−42. Using thioflavin-T (ThT) monitored kinetics and subsequent mechanistic analysis by curve fitting, we show that catechol-type flavonoids reduce Aβ1−42 fibril content by 30% at molar ratios over 10. Without affecting secondary nucleation, these compounds accelerate primary nucleation events responsible for early primary oligomer formation, putatively redirecting the latter into off-pathway aggregates. Atomic force microscopy (AFM) imaging of reaction end-points allowed a comprehensive topographical analysis of amyloid aggregate populations formed in the presence of each compound. Formation of Aβ1−42 small oligomers, regarded as the most toxic amyloid structures, seems to be limited by flavonoids with a C2 phenyl group, while flavonol 3-OH is not a beneficial structural feature. Overall, the diversity of structural variations within flavonoids opens avenues for their development as chemical tools in the treatment of AD by tackling the formation and distribution of neurotoxic oligomers species.
Dynamic stability of nanocomposite viscoelastic cylindrical shells coating with a piezomagnetic layer conveying pulsating fluid flow
Authors: Arani Ali Ghorbanpour , Mortazavi Seyed Abolfazl , Maraghi Zahra Khoddami 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
In this study, the dynamic stability of an embedded viscoelastic composite cylindrical shell reinforced by boron nitride nanotubes (BNNTs) is investigated. The composite cylindrical shell is coated by a viscoelastic piezomagnetic layer and subjected to combined magneto-electro-mechanical loads. The composite polymer matrix and the coating layer are made of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) and iron oxide (CoFe2O4), respectively. The composite cylindrical shell conveys pulsating fluid flows, which results in harmonic oscillations. The equivalent characteristics of composite are determined using micro-electro-mechanical models. Considering the magneto-electro-mechanical coupling, motion equations are obtained using Hamilton’s principle. Results show the influences of fluid velocity, geometrical parameters of shell, viscoelastic foundation, orientation angle and percentage of BNNTs on the resonance frequency and stability of a PVDF-coated nanocomposite shell. The result of this study may be used for the design of rotating machines, hydraulic systems and motors.
Effect of neutron irradiation on neat epoxy resin stability in shielding applications
Authors: Adeli Ruhollah , Shirmardi Seyed Pezhman , Abbasi Hassan , Ahmadi Seyed Javad 
Published: April 2017

Abstract
Epoxy resin is a thermoset polymer and is one of the main candidates for radiation shielding application. In this investigation, carbon, hydrogen, and nitrogen analysis showed that the presence of the light element of nitrogen in cured epoxy could lead to more effective neutron shielding ability compared with physical curing. The effect of neutron irradiation of amine-cured epoxy was studied by infrared spectroscopy. Neat epoxy samples were irradiated at the core of the Tehran Research Reactor in the same neutron flux in the order of 1013 (neutron/cm2×s) at several radiation times (up to 12 h). The results indicated that neutron irradiation caused moderate changes in peak absorption locations of epoxy spectra. This result indicates that, in this neutron flux and irradiation time, the molecular structure of epoxy remains stable.
Formulacity in ESP Teaching: A Case of Doing a Balancing Act Between Form and Meaning
Authors: Gutowska Urszula 
Published: April 2017

AbstractGrammar teaching has never belonged to mainstream ESP teaching/ learning practices. However, this apparent lack of concern with grammar in ESP materials runs counter to both subjective and objective needs of ESP learners. The first part of the paper presents students′ views on deficiencies of coursebooks for teaching English for Medical Purposes (EMP) as well as author’s reflective thinking on the needs of medical undergraduates of vocational schools in Poland. It is suggested that some of the deficiencies of the materials might be remedied and the students′ needs better taken care of if explicit teaching of formulaic language is introduced into ESP classroom environment. It is hypothesized that explicit teaching of formulaic language may stimulate grammar development in the long term and foster communicative competence of ESP learners in the short term. Therefore, the second part of the paper proposes pedagogically relavant classification of medical formulaic sequences motivated by the lexicogrammatical features of Medical English. The third part of the paper shows in what way the proposed classification of formulaic sequences might help teachers of medical English design tasks that are conducive to the development of formulaic competence of students of English for Medical Purposes.