cometadata/datacite-rtg-text-other-reclassification-records huggingface dataset:
Evaluation der Mitarbeitendenbeurteilung
Creators: name: Walczewski, Yanick
Publisher: name: Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
Year: 2015

description: In der vorliegenden Bachelorarbeit wird eine Mitarbeitendenbeurteilung evaluiert. Einzelne Elemente der Mitarbeitendenbeurteilung werden aus wissenschaftlich-­‐ theoretischer Sicht beurteilt. Dabei stellt sich heraus, dass spezifische Leistungskriterien, sub-­‐ jektive Quellen, freie Eindrucksschilderung, Gesprächsleitfaden und Förderung und Zielset-­‐ zung die wesentlichen Bestandteile der Mitarbeitendenbeurteilung sind. Zudem werden der praktische Nutzen, die Relevanz, sowie die Akzeptanz des Modells in Bezug auf einzelne Ak-­‐ teurs-­‐Gruppen ermittelt. Die Datenerhebung erfolgt mittels Leitfadeninterviews und standar-­‐ disierten Fragebogen. Bedeutsame Ergebnisse zeigen sich vor allem hinsichtlich den Leis-­‐ tungskriterien und Einstufungsverfahren, denen ein geringer Nutzen zugewiesen wird. Über-­‐ dies werden Zielsetzung und Förderungsmassnahmen als besonders handlungsleitend beur-­‐ teilt. Es stellt sich zudem heraus, dass die Mitarbeitendenbeurteilung gering akzeptiert wird. Die Befunde liefern Ansatzpunkte zur Formulierung von Handlungsempfehlungen, damit we-­‐ sentliche Elemente in die Mitarbeitendenbeurteilung integriert und umgestaltet werden kön-­‐ nen, um die Akzeptanz und den Nutzen zu steigern.
Bayesian spatio-temporal hierarchical models for disease mapping and detection
Creators: name: Boulieri, Areti
Publisher: name: Imperial College London
Year: 2017

description: In recent years, emerging computational algorithms have revolusionised the application of sophisticated Bayesian hierarchical models in numerous fields, including public health. Such models have become widespread in disease mapping and detection studies, where data of complex spatio-temporal structures arise, due to their flexibility to accommodate associated statistical challenges. This thesis contributes to the scientific literature by building upon existing disease mapping and detection spatio-temporal models within the Bayesian hierarchical framework in order to answer important epidemiological questions. Motivated by chronic respiratory diseases and road traffic accidents, two major public health concerns characterised by inherent geographical structures, three main objectives are established. First, a Bayesian model is proposed for the joint analysis of road traffic accidents by taking into account dependences across space, time and also between severity levels, in order to perform disease mapping and highlight increased risk of accident. Second, the chronic respiratory disease is investigated by using a recently proposed Bayesian detection model. To achieve this, three data sources are analysed: mortality, hospital admissions, and drug prescriptions, each capturing a different level of disease severity. Along with providing spatio-temporal patterns of the chronic respiratory disease, the detection of unusual areas in terms of temporal behaviour is enabled, thus providing insights for hypothesis generation. Following on from the previous work, a more flexible detection model is finally developed and evaluated through an extensive simulation study. Comparisons against the benchmark model are performed, suggesting great improvements of the proposed model. To illustrate the model, two case studies are carried out, on road traffic accidents and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
Intra-operative decision making training and evaluation using simulation
Creators: name: Yeh, Chi-Chuan
Publisher: name: Imperial College London
Year: 2017

description: Modern surgical education has evolved from a traditional apprenticeship model to competency-based training. Intra-operative decision making (IODM), an important surgical competence, can have profound impacts on patients’ surgical outcomes. Making proper decisions intra-operatively under uncertainty and pressure is a harsh challenge for all surgeons. Simulation-based trainings allow trainees to gain experience in performing operations independently. However, there is little evidence for the effectiveness of IODM training by using simulation. The purposes of this research were to explore influencing factors on IODM and create a new IODM model, to design a training course for enhancing surgical trainees’ skill in such decision making, and to evaluate its feasibility. By using mixed method research with the various qualitative approaches of systematic review, interviews, and observations in the UK and Taiwan, exploring surgeons’ perspectives of influencing factors on IODM and using simulation for training IODM, a new IODM model and a framework for IODM training have been created, and a training course for enhancing IODM skills has been designed. This is the first study related to IODM with the views of both Western and Eastern surgeons. Explicitly stressing the importance of ‘the values of ensuring patient benefit and safety’ and ‘reflection all the time’ in surgical training could be a good strategy for teaching IODM. The new model of doing IODM and the new assessment tool for evaluating IODM created in this study could provide a structure for teaching and evaluating surgeons’ IODM skills in simulated and clinical settings. The feasibility of an innovative IODM training course which was based on the framework for IODM training with simulation base design was successfully tested and it will soon be implemented on a large scale for investigating its short-term and long-term effects in the future.
Modelling the epidemiology and healthcare burden of chagas disease in colombia
Creators: name: Cucunuba Perez, Zulma
Publisher: name: Imperial College London
Year: 2017

description: Chagas disease remains as a major cause of heart disease burden in Latin American countries. Although in the last three decades most endemic countries have implemented various control strategies, the impact of such interventions has not been rigorously quantified, and questions remain as how to address old and new challenges as countries progress towards the 2020 goals proposed by the World Health Organization (WHO). These goals are aimed to achieve interruption of domiciliary transmission in all endemic countries and to have all infected/ill patients under care. However, estimates on the current status of domiciliary transmission and on the burden of disease in those countries remains poorly understood and even ambiguous. Since the majority of Trypanosoma cruzi infections remain in asymptomatic state for decades before showing the heart/digestive complications, most infected people continue unaware of their condition. Therefore, access to early diagnosis and treatment are yet very precarious and the surveillance health systems are not really capturing the changing epidemiology of the disease. Given the nature of the multi-pronged interventions required to Chagas disease control, obtaining disease estimates is crucial to understand how the health system is responding to such demand and how to better plan interventions. Taking Colombia as a case study, in this PhD thesis I am presenting a methodological and analytical approach to understand five key issues relevant for planning interventions for Chagas disease in endemic countries: historical exposure to Force-of-Infection, disease progression, disease burden, costs and access to early diagnosis and treatment. The methods, results and limitations of this approach and its components are presented and discussed.
Βελτιστοποίηση της κυτταρολογικής εξέτασης του επιθηλίου της ακροποσθίας του σκύλου
Creators: name: Βέργου, Μερόπη Νικολάου
Publisher: name: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Year: 2023
Subjects: Σκύλος
Ακροποσθία
Κυτταρολογία
Canine
Prepuce
Cytology

description: Η κυτταρολογική εξέταση της ακροποσθίας χρησιμοποιείται για τη διερεύνηση φλεγμονωδών και νεοπλασματικών καταστάσεων της ακροποσθίας, αλλά και για τη διερεύνηση του υπεροιστρογονισμού. Τα δεδομένα, όμως, για την αναμενόμενη φυσιολογική κυτταρολογική εικόνα του επιθηλίου της ακροποσθίας, καθώς και της επίδρασης σε αυτήν διαφόρων παραγόντων, είναι περιορισμένα. Σκοπός της μελέτης αυτής ήταν ο καθορισμός τιμών αναφοράς των ποσοστών των επιθηλιακών κυττάρων της ακροποσθίας σε υγιείς, ακέραιους σκύλους και η διερεύνηση πιθανής συσχέτισής τους με τη φυλή, το σωματικό βάρος, την ηλικία, το πυώδες έκκριμα της ακροποσθίας πριν και μετά τον καθαρισμό του, τα ουδετερόφιλα και τη φυσιολογική διακύμανση της οιστραδιόλης και της τεστοστερόνης. Για το σκοπό αυτό μελετήθηκαν 50 υγιείς, ακέραιοι σκύλοι, από τους οποίους πραγματοποιήθηκε δειγματοληψία κυτταρολογικού υλικού από την ακροποσθία πριν και μετά τον καθαρισμό της και τα επιθηλιακά κύτταρα κατηγοριοποιήθηκαν σε 4 κυτταρικούς τύπους (παραβασικά, ενδιάμεσα, επιφανειακά, κερατινοποιημένα) σύμφωνα με τα κυτταρολογικά κριτήρια για τα κολπικά επιχρίσματα. Τα αποτελέσματα της μελέτης αυτής, είναι δυνητικά χρήσιμα για τη βελτιστοποίηση της κυτταρολογικής εξέτασης της ακροποσθίας για τη διερεύνηση του υπεροιστρογονισμού στην κλινική πράξη.
description: Preputial cytology is occasionally performed in dogs for the assessment of inflammatory/neoplastic conditions or the detection of hyperestrogenism. There is limited information on the reference intervals and factors that may affect the preputial differential epithelial cell count in healthy intact dogs. The objectives of this study were the establishment of reference intervals of the preputial differential epithelial cell count in dogs and to investigate the potential impact of signalment, presence of gross preputial discharge or neutrophils, preputial cleaning and normal estrogen variation and testosterone on the differential cell count. To this purpose, 50 client-owned, clinically healthy, intact dogs were enrolled in the study. Preputial cytology smears were obtained, and a four-part (parabasal, intermediate, superficial, cornified) differential cell count was performed, prior to and after gentle preputial cleaning. The results of the study may help improve the utility of prepuce cytology to predict hyperestrogenism.
Σκληρική στήριξη με ενδοφακούς Carlevale: συστηματική ανασκόπηση
Creators: name: Ζαμπογιάννη, Ανδρονίκη Θεοδώρου
Publisher: name: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Year: 2023
Subjects: Σκληρική στήριξη ενδοφακών
Carlevale ενδοφακός
Αφακία
Scleral fixation of intraocular lenses
Carlevale intraocular lens
Aphakia

description: Σκοπός της διπλωματικής εργασίας ήταν η συγκέντρωση και η ανάλυση στοιχείων της βιβλιογραφίας σχετικά με την ένθεση του ενδοφακού Carlevale, αλλά και η σύγκρισή του με άλλους ενδοφακούς. Πραγματοποιήθηκε ανασκόπηση στη βιβλιογραφία έως τον Αύγουστο του 2023 και επεξεργασία δεδομένων από 26 μελέτες. Από αυτές 2 ήταν προοπτικές συγκριτικές, 12 ήταν αναδρομικές, 3 ήταν μελέτες περιστατικών και 9 ήταν περιγραφή περιστατικών. Μέσω αυτών, αξιολογήθηκε η προεγχειρητική και μετεγχειρητική οπτική οξύτητα, καθώς και οι πιθανές επιπλοκές. Σε όλες τις έρευνες αναφέρεται βελτίωση της οπτικής οξύτητας, ενώ οι μετεγχειρητικές επιπλοκές είναι λίγες. Ταυτόχρονα, η θέση και επικέντρωση του ενδοφακού παρουσιάζει υψηλή σταθερότητα, χάρη στο σχεδιασμό του. Οι συχνότερες μετεγχειρητικές επιπλοκές είναι οι διαταραχές της οφθαλμικής πίεσης, η αυτοπεριοριζόμενη αιμορραγία υαλοειδούς και το κυστεοειδές οίδημα ωχράς κηλίδας. Συμπερασματικά, ο ενδοφακός Carlevale έχει σχεδιαστεί για διασκληρική στερέωση, χωρίς χρήση ραμμάτων. Η ένθεσή του σε πολλά περιστατικά, όπως εκτεταμένα τραύματα είναι επιτυχημένη, προσφέροντας καλή αποκατάσταση. Επιπλέον, μπορεί να συνδυαστεί και με άλλες χειρουργικές επεμβάσεις, όπως η μεταμόσχευση ενδοθηλίου του κερατοειδούς με άριστα αποτελέσματα.
description: The purpose of the thesis was to gather and analyze literature data on the insertion of the Carlevale intraocular lens, but also to compare it with other intraocular lenses. We reviewed the literature up to August 2023 and processed data from 26 studies. Of these, 2 were prospective comparative, 12 were retrospective, 3 were case studies and 9 were case reports. Through them, preoperative and postoperative visual acuity, as well as possible complications, were evaluated. In all the studies, an improvement in visual acuity is reported, while the postoperative complications are few. At the same time, the position and focus of the intraocular lens is highly stable, thanks to its design. The most common postoperative complications are intraocular pressure disturbances, self-limiting vitreous hemorrhage, and cystoid macular edema. In conclusion, the Carlevale intraocular lens is designed for sutureless scleral fixation. Its insertion in many cases, such as extensive traumas, is successful, offering good recovery. In addition, it can be combined with other surgical procedures, such as corneal endothelium transplantation with excellent results.
CCWI2017: F19 'Multi-object approach for WSN Partitioning in the framework of Pressure Driven Analysis'
Creators: name: Creaco, E.
name: Di Nardo, A.
name: Di Natale, M.
name: Giudicianni, C.
name: Santonastaso, G.F.
Publisher: name: The University of Sheffield
Year: 2017
Subjects: subject: 90599 Civil Engineering not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Civil engineering

description: This paper proposes a novel methodology for WSN (water supply network) partitioning, made up of two serial steps and aimed at investigating leakage reduction benefits as a dual-use value of water network partitioning (WNP). Step 1 makes use of a spectral clustering algorithm to define the optimal layout of the districts, exploiting the properties of the connectivity matrix and giving a mathematical elegance to the arduous problem of optimal cluster definition. Taking the partitioning results of step 1 as granted, Step 2 deals with closure of isolation valves and installation of flow meters in the boundary pipes between either district. In the context of Step 2, a bi-objective optimization, aimed at maximizing the daily water volume supplied to the WSN users and at minimizing the leakage, is performed, in which network behavior is tested in PDA (pressure driven analysis). The applicability of the methodology is shown in a real case study.
Η οξεία αρτηριακή απόφραξη και η θρόμβωση σε ασθενείς με λοίμωξη sars-cov 19
Creators: name: Ζιώγα, Όλγα Ιωάννη
Publisher: name: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Year: 2023
Subjects: Sars-cov-2
Οξεία αρτηριακή απόφραξη
Θρόμβωση
Acute arterial occlusion
Thrombosis

description: Η διατριβή επιδιώκει να διερευνήσει τις επιπτώσεις της COVID-19 στη θρόμβωση, εστιάζοντας στον ρόλο του D-dimer ως δείκτη πιθανού θρομβωτικού κινδύνου. Σκοπός της έρευνας ήταν η ανάλυση της ανάπτυξης θρόμβων σε ασθενείς με COVID-19 και η κατανόηση των παραγόντων κινδύνου που εμπλέκονται. Εξετάσαμε τη σχέση μεταξύ της έντονης φλεγμονής και της υψηλής προδιαθεσικότητας για θρόμβωση, επικεντρώνοντας την προσοχή μας στον D-dimer ως βιοχημικό δείκτη. Κατά τη διαδικασία της έρευνας, αντιμετωπίσαμε το ερώτημα για το πώς ο υψηλός D-dimer σχετίζεται με τον θρομβωτικό κίνδυνο και τις συνέπειές του. Επιπλέον, ασχοληθήκαμε με την ανάλυση της αρτηριακής θρόμβωσης και των συνδεδεμένων κινδύνων, εστιάζοντας στη διάρκεια των συμπτωμάτων πριν από την εισαγωγή του ασθενούς και εργαστηριακούς δείκτες. Αυτή η προσέγγιση αποκάλυψε τη σημαντική σύνδεση μεταξύ του D-dimer και του υψηλού κινδύνου θρόμβωσης. Κατά τη διαδικασία αυτής της εξέτασης, διαπιστώσαμε με σαφήνεια τη σχέση της αύξησης του D-dimer με τον υψηλό κίνδυνο θρόμβωσης, ενισχύοντας τη σημασία της αποτελεσματικής θρομβοπροφύλαξης σε ασθενείς με COVID-19. Τέλος, αναφερθήκαμε στην αντιμετώπιση της θρόμβωσης σύμφωνα με τις υπάρχουσες οδηγίες, ενώ προτείνουμε την εξέταση περαιτέρω παραμέτρων και παραγόντων που επηρεάζουν το D-dimer. Αυτή η προσέγγιση ενδέχεται να ενισχύσει την κατανόηση της παθοφυσιολογίας και να προωθήσει βελτιωμένες πρακτικές διαχείρισης του θρομβωτικού κινδύνου στην πανδημία της COVID-19.
description: This thesis seeks to investigate the effects of COVID-19 on thrombosis, focusing on the role of D-dimer as a marker of potential thrombotic risk. The aim of the study was to analyse the development of thrombus in patients with COVID-19 and to understand the risk factors involved. We examined the relationship between intense inflammation and high predisposition to thrombosis, focusing on D-dimer as a biochemical marker. In the course of the investigation, we addressed the question of how high D-dimer is associated with thrombotic risk and its consequences. In addition, we addressed the analysis of arterial thrombosis and associated risks, focusing on the duration of symptoms before patient admission and laboratory markers. This approach revealed the significant association between D-dimer and high risk of thrombosis. In the process of this review, we clearly established the association between increased D-dimer and high risk of thrombosis, reinforcing the importance of effective thromboprophylaxis in patients with COVID-19. Finally, we addressed the management of thrombosis according to existing guidelines, and suggest further consideration of parameters and factors affecting D-dimer. This approach may enhance our understanding of pathophysiology and promote improved thrombotic risk management practices in the COVID-19 pandemic.
CCWI2017: F97 'Adaptation of Physarum polycephalum evolution for least-cost design of water distribution network'
Creators: name: Skulovich, Olya
name: Ostfeld, Avi
Publisher: name: The University of Sheffield
Year: 2017
Subjects: subject: 90599 Civil Engineering not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Civil engineering

description: This study presents a physarum polycephalum-inspired mathematical model for the solution of the problem of least cost design of water distribution systems. We propose modifications of the classical physarum polycephalum mathematical model to adjust it for water distribution system optimization. The methodology was tested on two small-scale benchmark examples: two-loop and Hanoi networks. In the both cases, the obtained results are 10-11% above the known optimal solution, however, the number of iterations required to achieve them are exceptionally small. The proposed approach should be further tested for its applicability to the larger networks. Altogether, the method can serve as a good and easily obtainable first approximation for the least cost water distribution system design.
Ιατρικό απόρρητο: από τον Ιπποκράτη στον Κώδικα Ιατρικής Δεοντολογίας
Creators: name: Ζουμπουλίδου, Ευαγγελία Σάββα
Publisher: name: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Year: 2023
Subjects: Ιατρικό Απόρρητο
Δεοντολογία
Ιατρική Σχέση
Εμπιστοσύνη
Καθήκον Εχεμύθειας
Ιατρική Ευθύνη
Προσωπικά Δεδομένα
Medical Confidentiality
Code of Conduct
Doctor-Patient Relationship
Confidence
Medical Secrecy
Medical Liability

description: Σκοπός της διατριβής ήταν να ευαισθητοποιηθεί καθένας εργαζόμενος στον κλάδο της υγείας και μη, ούτως ώστε μέσα από την κατανόηση του σεβασμού του ιδιωτικού πυρήνα των ασθενών, να εκλείψουν εντελώς τα φαινόμενα καταπάτησης του ιατρικού απορρήτου. Εξετάσαμε την εμφάνιση του Ιπποκράτη και την καθοριστική συμβολή του στην εξέλιξη της επιστήμης. Επισημάναμε τη σημασία των έργων «Όρκος» και «Νόμος» για τη σύγχρονη ιατρική επιστήμη. Στη συνέχεια, συνδέσαμε την ιατρική, τη νομική και την ηθική. Αναφερθήκαμε στην ανέκαθεν κυρίαρχη σχέση του ασθενή με τον γιατρό. Ακόμα, αναλύσαμε το εννοιολογικό πλαίσιο του ιατρικού απορρήτου στο Νόμο 3418/2005 και τις περιπτώσεις άρσης του. Ένα άλλο θέμα που θίξαμε ήταν η επαγγελματική ιατρική ευθύνη. Ασχοληθήκαμε επιπλέον με τη συνταγματική κατοχύρωση του απορρήτου και την αποτελεσματική προστασία των ευαίσθητων προσωπικών δεδομένων υγείας.
description: The aim of the present thesis was raising awareness of not acting against the ground law rules of medical confidentiality among doctors and others employees. As a result, there will be increased the amount of respect and understanding of patients’ privacy. We examined the presence of Hippocrates and his determining contribution to modern medicine. We pointed out the significance of two projects named Oath and Law for medical science development. Furthermore, we interrelate Medicine with Law and Ethics. We were referring to the doctor-patient relationship that it is dominant all along. Moreover, in Law 3418/2005 we analyzed the semantic content of medical confidentiality and the exception from the ground law rules. We also examined the medical liability. Another aim of this study was to examine medical confidentiality in the written constitution and keeping sensitive personal health data safer than ever.
description: Σε συνεργασία με: Κοινωνικής Διοίκησης και Πολιτικής Επιστήμης (Δημοκρίτειο Πανεπιστήμιο Θράκης)
Improving the usefulness and use of patient experience feedback
Creators: name: Flott, Kelsey Margarett
Publisher: name: Imperial College London
Year: 2017

description: Patient experience is recognised as a pillar of healthcare quality equal to safety and effectiveness (1)(2). In the UK National Health Service (NHS), this paradigm has supported robust feedback collection, leading to a repository of nationally-collected patient experience data (3)(4). However, such data has not been effectively used to drive local quality improvements (4)(5)(6). This work addresses the question, how can the usefulness and use of patient experience feedback be improved? In order to contribute a clear body of knowledge in response, this work ascertains the root causes of limited data use; tests how novel analytic techniques can enhance data utility; and explores how experience data can be used in conjunction with other data to improve organisational responsiveness to patient feedback. First, this work systematically appraises the evidence relied upon to design patient surveys. This confirms a deficit of patient input into the evidence base, and subsequently insufficient information about how patients’ priorities differ. Population segmentation techniques are then employed to identify patient groups and their varying concerns, and present feedback in a disaggregated way that facilitates targeted improvement. Furthermore, interviews with NHS staff elucidate what adaptations they feel are necessary in order to embed national patient survey results within their local improvement strategies. This work then leverages existing data to generate a new patient experience composite score that challenges current national benchmarking metrics. The composite score is used to cluster acute NHS organisations, revealing organisational patterns in patient experience. Furthermore, multi-linear regression analysis delineates which organisational factors predict positive patient experience, intimating the importance of cultural variables. A translational research case study then captures the process towards achieving the organisational culture necessary to act on patient experience data. Individually, these findings convey a series of policy recommendations, while cumulatively they showcase the possibilities for a more patient-centric health service.
title: Fisica degli atomi, delle molecole e dei solidi: Esercizi sulla struttura della materia con soluzioni commentate
Creators: name: Cappai, Antonio
name: Colombo, Luciano
name: Panai, Robert
Publisher: name: UNICApress
Year: 2024

description: Secondo una consolidata tradizione universitaria italiana, la verifica dell’apprendimento di una materia appartenente all’area culturale delle “discipline STEM” prevede il superamento di una prova scritta e di una prova orale. Mentre quest’ultima è intesa come verifica di acquisizione tanto dei fondamenti concettuali quanto del formalismo teorico della disciplina, la prova scritta intende verificare le capacità di problem solving secondo il paradigma “sapere significa saper fare”, della cui validità formativa gli Autori di questo manuale sono convinti sostenitori.
Usualmente esistono molti validissimi manuali che coprono la parte teorica, mentre è cronicamente scarso il numero di manuali che propongano problemi al giusto livello di complessità, offrendone anche la dettagliata e commentata soluzione. Questo è particolarmente vero per quelle discipline che corrispondono all’ultimo anno del ciclo triennale di una laurea di primo livello.
Al fine di colmare almeno parzialmente questa lacuna, qui viene proposto un manuale che raccoglie una ricca e variegata serie di problemi (con soluzioni e commenti) di fisica degli atomi, delle molecole e dei solidi cristallini. Questi argomenti, che costituiscono un irrinunciabile corpus di conoscenze in fisica moderna, rappresentano il cuore della disciplina “Struttura della Materia”, come definita dalla tassonomia universitaria italiana.
Analysis of competitiveness and economic profit of the confectionary sector in Kazakhstan and its comparison with Czech Republic data
Creators: name: Hájek, Petr
name: Kaňková, Eva
name: Zhunissova, Gulnar
name: Hájek, Petr
name: Kaňková, Eva
name: Zhunissova, Gulnar
Publisher: name: Unknown
Year: 2022
Subjects: subject: Agribusiness
subject: Financial Economics
subject: bankruptcy
subject: competitiveness
subject: INFA
subject: EVA
subject: ROE

description: Measuring competitiveness in post-communist countries in Central Asia is challenging. Many well-known metrics fail to warn bankruptcy risks sufficiently early or at all. This study uses metrics of the Altman z-score, Taffler z-score, IN99, IN01, IN05, and creditworthiness models to assess bankruptcy likelihood and financial performance of local and foreign confectionery companies operating in Kazakhstan during 2007-2018. These companies are Roshen, KDV Yaskino, Konti, Rakhat, and Bayan Sulu. The IN bankruptcy and creditworthiness models are considered in this study because they are found to be more appropriate for post-communist countries. Compared to the well known Altman or Taffler z-score models, they better suit the events and corporate situations peculiar to these countries. The benchmarking INFA system, involving a pyramidal approach developed for Czech companies, provides the economic-value-added (EVA) and component indicators to analyze competitiveness. This study also compares the performance of Kazakhstan companies with Nestlé Czechia and the Czech food industry. The objective is to analyze company competitiveness, bankruptcy probability, and ability to create value. Results show the effectiveness of INFA in analyzing competitiveness and the applicability of IN models to companies from Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine, and the Czech Republic.
Coordination between cell size and global gene expression
Creators: name: Martínez Segura, Amalia
Publisher: name: Imperial College London
Year: 2017

description: All cells change size during the cell cycle, as they have to double their mass in order to produce two equally sized daughter cells. For biochemical reactions to work as intended in a changing volume, the reactants’ concentration should be stable. Data shows that the total mass of RNA and protein per cell are proportional to cell size. Expression data also shows a coordinated increase of the majority of the transcripts when there is an increase in average cell length \citep{Zhurinsky2010}, the mechanism behind it is still poorly understood. In this study I took advantage of a previously described genetic model in fission yeast to investigate this question. This particular strain has a mutation in the \textit{cdc2} gene that makes the gene product sensitive to a nucleotide analogue. When the drug is added, cells arrest in G2 and start growing in size without replicating their genome or dividing. Using transcriptomics and proteomics, I characterised how all transcripts and the majority of proteins respond to an increase in cell size. As previously described, most transcripts and proteins concentration is proportional to cell size. However, there is a subset of molecules that scape the global regulation that the rest of the genome is subjected to. Examining the features that makes this molecule circumvent the coordination of size and gene expression could reveal what is the mechanism behind it. I also applied a mathematical model to study how the cell allocates its limited resources at a maximal size.
IoT als Enabler für ein interaktives Schaufenster
Creators: name: Luthiger, Jürg
name: Schoch, Robin
name: Stamm, Christoph
Publisher: name: Fachhochschule Nordwestschweiz FHNW
Year: 2018
Subjects: subject: Internet of things
subject: Interaktion
subject: 600 - Technik
subject: 005 - Computer Programmierung, Programme und Daten

description: Am Standort Brugg/Windisch betreibt die FHNW ein Maker Studio mit einem Schaufenster zur Präsentation von Wechselausstellungen. Um Passanten in die Wechselausstellungen einbeziehen zu können, sind lichtempfindliche Schalter am Schaufenster angebracht, mit denen die interaktiven Elemente einer Ausstellung gesteuert werden können. Diese Schalter und anderen interaktiven Elemente sind mit Technologien des Internet of Things (IoT) realisiert worden. Unter IoT wird die virtuelle Repräsentation realer, physischer Objekte verstanden, die untereinander mithilfe der Internet-Technologien kommunizieren können.
Evaluation of extraction methods for the identification of proteins from date palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) seed and flesh
Creators: name: Hooi Xian Lee
name: Fisal Ahmad
name: Bahruddin Saad
name: Mohd Nazri Ismail
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2017
Subjects: subject: Biochemistry
subject: 29999 Physical Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Physical sciences
subject: Microbiology
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Biotechnology
subject: 39999 Chemical Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Chemical sciences
subject: 69999 Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: 80699 Information Systems not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Computer and information sciences
subject: Inorganic Chemistry
subject: Plant Biology

description: Date fruits are well known to be very nutritious. Nevertheless, the protein contents of the fruit, particularly the seed and flesh, are still understudied, largely due to their difficult physical characteristics. This study was conducted to compare three different protein extraction methods which were the trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-acetone (TCA-A), phenol (Phe), and TCA-acetone-phenol (TCA-A-Phe), and to perform proteomic analysis on date palm seed and flesh. Phe extraction method showed the highest protein yields for both seed (8.26 mg/g) and flesh (1.57 mg/g). Through sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, Phe, and TCA-A-Phe extraction methods were shown to be efficient in removing interfering compounds and gave well-resolved bands over a wide range of molecular weights. Following liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry analysis, about 50–64% of extracted proteins were identified with known functions including those involved in glycolysis, Krebs cycle, defense, and storage. Phe protein extraction method was proven to be the optimal method for date flesh and seed.
Ο ηθικός προβληματισμός για τον Προγεννητικό και Προεμφυτευτικό έλεγχο
Creators: name: Λιάπουρα, Σοφία Γεωργίου
Publisher: name: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki
Year: 2023
Subjects: Προγεννητικός έλεγχος
Προεμφυτευτικός έλεγχος
Χριστιανική ηθική και Βιοηθική
Prenatal checkup
Pre- implantation screening
Christian ethics and Bioethics

description: Ο προγεννητικός και προεμφυτευτικός έλεγχος είναι η σύγχρονη μορφή ευγονικής , η οποία ήταν γνωστή από την αρχαιότητα , κάνοντας μια σύντομη ανάδρομή από το παρελθόν μέχρι σήμερα. Γίνεται αναφορά στον τρόπο με τον οποίο γίνετε η ιατρική πράξη του προγεννητικού και προεμφυτευτικού ελέγχου και ποιος ο σκοπός της τεχνικής αυτής. Έπειτα, προβάλλονται τα ηθικά διλήμματα που προκύπτουν από τις τεχνικές αυτές . Επίσης ,παρουσιάζεται η θέση της Ορθόδοξης Εκκλησίας στον ηθικό προβληματισμό που προκύπτει από τις τεχνικές του προγεννητικού και προεμφυτευτικού ελέγχου , για το δικαίωμα στη ζωή και για την αξία κάθε προσώπου , μέσα από τα πατερικά κείμενα και από σύγχρονούς ποιμένες της εκκλησίας.
description: Prenatal and preimplantation testing is the modern form of eugenics, which has been known since ancient times, making a brief retrospect from the past to the present. Reference is made to the way in which the medical practice of prenatal and pre-implantation control is performed and what is the purpose of this technique. Then, the ethical dilemmas arising from these techniques are presented. Also, the position of the Orthodox Church is presented in the moral reflection arising from the techniques of prenatal and pre-implantation control, for the right to life and for the value of each person, through the paternal texts and by contemporary pastors of the church.
Targeted and untargeted liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) metabolic profiling in population cohort studies
Creators: name: Sood, Deepti
Publisher: name: Imperial College London
Year: 2016

description: Incorporating liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) based metabolite profiling into molecular epidemiological studies holds the potential to identify biomarkers that link genetics, environmental exposures (the exposome) and phenotypes to multifactorial diseases. This thesis applied and examined three LC-MS platforms for three different kinds of studies in the context of exposome research. A targeted, fully quantitative LC-MS/MS method was applied to quantify 14 urinary endogenous oestrogen metabolites; the results demonstrated identification of metabolic phenotype for the genetic polymorphism in CYP3A gene associated with breast cancer in pre-menopausal women. A combined targeted LC-MS/MS and direct infusion-MS/MS method were used to explore the metabolic response to prenatal exposures to persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in 1st trimester maternal and cord serum. The results showed an association of POPs with concentration variation in citrulline and diacyl phosphatidylcholines in both maternal and cord serum and kynurenine/tryptophan ratio in mothers indicating altered indoleamine 2, 3-dioxygenase enzyme activity. Finally, an untargeted LC-MS metabolite profiling pilot study was conducted to extend the limited knowledge of the urinary metabolites level temporal variability in healthy children. Despite high precision, the data demonstrated large inter- and intra-individual variation in metabolite levels. Through these studies, the broader challenges for the successful application of LC-MS metabolome analysis in identifying molecular biomarkers from population studies are explored. These specifically include data comparability, lack of longitudinal variability data and pre-analytical biases. In summary, this thesis illustrates the value of LC-MS to exposome research and identifies the strengths and weakness of different experimental strategies used to characterise metabolic phenotypes in population studies.
Additional file 8: of Genome-wide identification and characterization of long non-coding RNAs involved in the early somatic embryogenesis in Dimocarpus longan Lour
Creators: name: Chen, Yan
name: Li, Xue
name: Su, Liyao
name: Chen, Xu
name: Zhang, Shuting
name: Xu, Xiaoping
name: Zhang, Zihao
name: Chen, Yukun
name: XuHan, Xu
name: Lin, Yuling
name: Lai, Zhongxiong
Publisher: name: figshare
Year: 2018
Subjects: subject: Physical Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Genetics
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: Developmental Biology
subject: Marine Biology
subject: Hematology

description: qPCR validation of the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA relationships of the miR159a.1 and miR398a networks. (a) miR159a.1 network qPCR validation. Dlo-miR396a was used as a reference gene to normalize miRNA expression data; DlRan3A was used to normalize lncRNAs and mRNAs. (b) miR398a network qPCR validation. Dlo-miR164a was used as a reference gene to normalize miRNA expression data; EF-1Îą was used to normalize lncRNAs and mRNAs. (PDF 1266 kb)
Evaluation of Extraction Methods for the Identification of Proteins from Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Seed and Flesh
Creators: name: Hooi Xian Lee
name: Fisal Ahmad
name: Bahruddin Saad
name: Mohd Nazri Ismail
Publisher: name: Taylor & Francis
Year: 2017
Subjects: subject: Biochemistry
subject: 29999 Physical Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Physical sciences
subject: Medicine
subject: Molecular Biology
subject: Biotechnology
subject: 39999 Chemical Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Chemical sciences
subject: 69999 Biological Sciences not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Biological sciences
subject: 80699 Information Systems not elsewhere classified
subject: FOS: Computer and information sciences
subject: Cancer
subject: Inorganic Chemistry
subject: Plant Biology

description: Date fruits are well known to be very nutritious. Nevertheless, the protein content of the fruit, particularly the seed and flesh is still understudied, largely due to their difficult physical characteristics. This study was conducted to compare three different protein extraction methods which were the TCA-acetone (TCA-A), phenol (Phe), and TCA-acetone-phenol (TCA-A-Phe), and to perform proteomic analysis on date palm seed and flesh. Phe extraction method showed the highest protein yields for both seed (8.26 mg/ g) and flesh (1.57 mg/ g). Thru SDS- PAGE, Phe and TCA-A-Phe extraction methods were shown to be efficient in removing interfering compounds and gave well-resolved bands over a wide range of molecular weights. Following LC- MS/MS analysis, about 50- 64% of extracted proteins were identified with known functions including those involved in glycolysis, Krebs cycle, defense, and storage. Phe protein extraction method was proven to be the optimal method for date flesh and seed.
Functional characterisation of OPCML clinical mutations in ovarian cancer and correlate to OPCML crystal structure
Creators: name: Alomary, Mohammad Nasser
Publisher: name: Imperial College London
Year: 2017

description: Ovarian cancer is a heterogeneous disease, considered the most lethal of all gynaecological malignancies. With an initially high response rate to treatment, ovarian cancer can suddenly relapse, with advanced stages showing loco-regional dissemination. Despite enormous efforts to tackle ovarian cancer, current treatments fail to bring complete remission or significantly extend patient life. OPCML is a promising candidate in ovarian cancer treatment, identified as a tumour suppressor frequently inactivated in ovarian and other cancers. OPCML is a negative regulator of RTKs and regulates different cellular activities. The aims of this PhD were to identify and functionally characterise clinical OPCML mutations in ovarian cancer guided by the newly resolved crystal structure of OPCML. The project describes how TCGA and COSMIC databases have been used here to identify somatic missense mutations in several tumours. A panel of OPCML mutant constructs was then created and these selected constructs were utilised to transduce three ovarian cancer cell lines (SKOV3, PEA1, and PEO1) for domain I, and SKOV3 cells for domain II and III. Selected transduced mutants were used to characterise the mutants’ localisation, interaction with receptor tyrosine kinases, proliferation, cellular transformation, invasion, migration, and their potential role in the adhesion to the extracellular matrix in vitro. Furthermore, two in vivo models were used to characterise OPCML mutants: the athymic mice model and the chick embryo chorioallantoic membrane assay. The results showed that the OPCML mutants in domain I behave differently when they interact with receptor tyrosine kinase AXL and FGFR1 compared to wild-type OPCML. These OPCML mutants preserve the ability to inhibit growth in vitro, but have a complete loss of function in vivo. They also block the OPCML inhibitory activity on anchorage-independent growth, invasion, migration, and adhesion to extracellular matrix components laminin I, fibronectin, and fibrinogen. The OPCML mutants in domain II showed partial loss of function in adhesion to collagen I and IV, and complete loss of tumour suppressor function in cell proliferation in vitro and in vivo, anchorage-independent growth, invasion, migration, and adhesion to laminin I, fibronectin, and fibrinogen. The OPCML mutants in domain III preserve adhesion to collagen I and IV, but show complete loss of function in the inhibition of tumour growth in vitro and in vivo, anchorage-independent growth, invasion, migration, and adhesion to laminin I, fibronectin, and fibrinogen. Therefore, this study identifies a new mechanism of OPCML inactivation by mutations and shows that single amino acid change can abolish OPCML function. These findings suggest that OPCML is an excellent candidate for a new and novel therapeutic strategy in ovarian cancer and other malignancies, as well as other non-cancer diseases.
Supplementary document for Modelling the atmospheric refractive index structure parameter using macrometeorological observations - 6903277.pdf
Creators: name: Hegde, Ravikiran
name: Sarma, Anand
name: Satheesh, S
name: K, Krishnamoorthy
Publisher: name: Optica Publishing Group
Year: 2024
Subjects: Uncategorized

description: Supplementary file
The role of ribosomal protein S6 kinases in cellular senescence, ageing and fatty liver disease
Creators: name: Gallage, Suchira Upeksha
Publisher: name: Imperial College London
Year: 2017

description: The world’s elderly population is growing rapidly, and ageing is the largest risk factor for the predominant killer diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease and dementia. Ageing and metabolic dysfunction are tightly linked, and there is a need to understand the underlying mechanisms driving these complex processes for therapeutic interventions. Deregulated nutrient sensing, particularly mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling, and cellular senescence are hallmarks of ageing. Previous studies have shown that deletion of ribosomal protein S6 kinase 1 (S6K1), a downstream effector of mTOR, in mice prolongs lifespan and protects from obesity. Given the recent evidence implicating mTOR signalling in cellular senescence and the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), we hypothesised that a decelerated senescence and SASP response may underlie, at least partially, the health improvements in S6K1-/- mice. 600-day-old S6K1-/- mice displayed normal levels of senescence in the liver but showed a significant attenuation in age-related induction of SASP markers, inflammation and immune infiltration. Experiments performed in mouse embryonic fibroblasts isolated from S6K1 and/or S6K2 knockout mice or depletion of S6 kinases in human primary fibroblasts confirmed that S6 kinases regulate a proinflammatory SASP subset without affecting the senescence growth arrest. The diminution in age-related inflammation may in part be responsible for the improved healthspan observed in S6K1-/- mice. Given the close link between ageing, obesity and cancer, we also studied whether S6 kinases (S6K1 and S6K2) play a causal role in a diet-induced model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). We observed that liver-specific deletion of S6K1 and S6K2 induces a sexually dimorphic phenotype with males showing a beneficial response whilst females showing a worsened outcome, suggesting that gender disparity is an important factor for metabolic and cancer therapy. In summary, we demonstrated that S6 kinases play an important role in the regulation of the proinflammatory SASP and fatty liver disease.
Effects of international trade on world agricultural production and productivity: evidence from a panel of 126 countries 1962-2014
Creators: name: Yuan, Lingran
name: Zhang, Qizheng
name: Wang, Shuo
name: Hu, Weibin
name: Gong, Binlei
name: Yuan, Lingran
name: Zhang, Qizheng
name: Wang, Shuo
name: Hu, Weibin
name: Gong, Binlei
Publisher: name: Unknown
Year: 2022
Subjects: subject: Agricultural and Food Policy
subject: International Relations/Trade
subject: Production Economics
subject: agricultural spillovers and productivity
subject: spatial econometrics and model averaging
subject: developed and less developed countries
subject: GATT and WTO periods

description: General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT) was notable in largely excluding agriculture whereas the World Trade Organization (WTO) brought agriculture into the world trade rules. This article aims to evaluate the impacts of trade on agriculture production and productivity, especially the changes between the GATT and WTO periods. Using a panel of 126 countries from 1962-2014, this article derives not only spillover effects that were overlooked, but also provides more accurate productivity than was estimated with bias in literature for both periods. We find that trade hindered agriculture production and productivity in the GATT period but improved agriculture production and productivity in the WTO period.
Energy balance-related factors: epidemiologic evidence for deriving recommendations for breast cancer prevention and survival
Creators: name: Chan, Doris Sau Man
Publisher: name: Imperial College London
Year: 2018

description: Background There is evidence that diets and active lifestyle that allows adequate body weight contribute to breast cancer prevention. It is important to keep the evidence base updated to inform lifestyle recommendations and provide useful guidance. Methods As part of the work for the World Cancer Research Fund (WCRF) International Continuous Update Project, the accumulated evidence from cohort studies and randomised controlled trials on energy balance-related factors (total energy intake, physical activity and adiposity) and risk of female breast cancer development and mortality after breast cancer, was systematically reviewed and meta-analysed. The evidence was graded (convincing, probable, limited) and compared with the conclusions published in the 2007 WCRF Second Expert Report. Results Overall, 230 publications were meta-analysed. Higher body fatness, as indicated by body mass index (BMI), and adult weight gain, convincingly increased (12% per 5 kg/m2 and 7% per 5 kg, respectively); and recreational and vigorous physical activity probably reduced (12% and 10% for high vs low levels) postmenopausal breast cancer risk. Evidence on abdominal and gluteofemoral fatness (waist and hip circumferences, waist-hip-ratio) supports these findings. As reported previously, BMI was inversely associated with premenopausal breast cancer risk. Physical activity remains graded limited suggestive, but new findings on vigorous physical activity suggested probable protection (21% for high vs low levels) against breast cancer in premenopausal women. Evidence from studies on breast cancer survivors was limited, but suggested that women with normal body weight and with higher levels of physical activity may have the most favourable survival after breast cancer. Conclusion The new accumulated evidence is consistent with the previous WCRF conclusions, and supports the recommendations for women to aim to have normal body weight (BMI 18.5-24.9 kg/m2) and be physically active (≥ 30 minutes/day moderate-vigorous activity), and to prevent gain in weight and waist circumference. Breast cancer survivors may potentially benefit by following these recommendations after cancer treatment.