55 results on '"Ngan, S.C."'
Search Results
2. Analyzing supply chain operation models with the PC-algorithm and the neural network
- Author
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Wong, T.C., Law, Kris M.Y., Yau, Hon K., and Ngan, S.C.
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- 2011
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3. Bile Acid Metabolism Analysis Provides Insights into Vascular Endothelial Injury in Salt-Sensitive Hypertensive Rats.
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Zeng, Baihan, Peng, Xile, Chen, Li, Liu, Jiao, and Xia, Lina
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HIGH-salt diet ,SALT-free diet ,DIETARY patterns ,BILE acids ,ACID analysis - Abstract
As an unhealthy dietary habit, a high-salt diet can affect the body's endocrine system and metabolic processes. As one of the most important metabolites, bile acids can prevent atherosclerosis and reduce the risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Therefore, in the present study, we aimed to reveal the bile acid metabolism changes in salt-sensitive hypertension-induced vascular endothelial injury. The model was established using a high-salt diet, and the success of this procedure was confirmed by detecting the levels of the blood pressure, vascular regulatory factors, and inflammatory factors. An evaluation of the histological sections of arterial blood vessels and kidneys confirmed the pathological processes in these tissues of experimental rats. Bile acid metabolism analysis was performed to identify differential bile acids between the low-salt diet group and the high-salt diet group. The results indicated that the high-salt diet led to a significant increase in blood pressure and the levels of endothelin-1 (ET-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). The high-salt diet causes disorders in bile acid metabolism. The levels of four differential bile acids (glycocholic acid, taurolithocholic acid, tauroursodeoxycholic acid, and glycolithocholic acid) significantly increased in the high-salt group. Further correlation analysis indicated that the levels of ET-1 and TNF-α were positively correlated with these differential bile acid levels. This study provides new evidence for salt-sensitive cardiovascular diseases and metabolic changes caused by a high-salt diet in rats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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4. Impact of Long Working Hours on Mental Health Status in Japan: Evidence from a National Representative Survey.
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Ma, Xinxin, Kawakami, Atushi, and Inui, Tomohiko
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- 2024
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5. Roles of Integrin in Cardiovascular Diseases: From Basic Research to Clinical Implications.
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Zhang, Shuo, Zhang, Qingfang, Lu, Yutong, Chen, Jianrui, Liu, Jinkai, Li, Zhuohan, and Xie, Zhenzhen
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CARDIOVASCULAR diseases ,ARRHYTHMIA ,MEDICAL research ,VASCULAR smooth muscle ,INTEGRINS ,MUSCLE cells ,BLOOD platelet aggregation ,HEART fibrosis - Abstract
Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) pose a significant global health threat due to their complex pathogenesis and high incidence, imposing a substantial burden on global healthcare systems. Integrins, a group of heterodimers consisting of α and β subunits that are located on the cell membrane, have emerged as key players in mediating the occurrence and progression of CVDs by regulating the physiological activities of endothelial cells, vascular smooth muscle cells, platelets, fibroblasts, cardiomyocytes, and various immune cells. The crucial role of integrins in the progression of CVDs has valuable implications for targeted therapies. In this context, the development and application of various integrin antibodies and antagonists have been explored for antiplatelet therapy and anti-inflammatory-mediated tissue damage. Additionally, the rise of nanomedicine has enhanced the specificity and bioavailability of precision therapy targeting integrins. Nevertheless, the complexity of the pathogenesis of CVDs presents tremendous challenges for monoclonal targeted treatment. This paper reviews the mechanisms of integrins in the development of atherosclerosis, cardiac fibrosis, hypertension, and arrhythmias, which may pave the way for future innovations in the diagnosis and treatment of CVDs. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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6. Employee Cognitive Workaholism and Emotional Exhaustion in a Digital Workplace: What Is the Role of Organisations?
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Hynes, Jennifer and Koç, Hasan
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- 2024
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7. The Relationship between Psychosocial and Work Stress among Construction Professionals during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
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Miyanda, Cheryl Khairunnisa, Erwandi, Dadan, Lestari, Fatma, and Kadir, Abdul
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COVID-19 pandemic ,JOB stress ,MENTAL health personnel ,VOCATIONAL guidance ,CAREER development ,HOME health aides - Abstract
Many aspects of society were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, including physical health, psychological well-being, social dynamics, and the economy. The construction sector experienced a significant influence from the pandemic. This research aimed to analyze the relationship between psychosocial factors (individual, home, and work factors) and the level of work distress among construction sector workers during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study employed a quantitative analytical approach with a cross-sectional design. Data collection took place in November–December 2021, and the total sample that met the inclusion criteria was 110 respondents. Work distress and psychosocial data were collected using a questionnaire that had undergone validity and reliability tests. Univariate analyses (frequency distribution), bivariate analyses (chi-square test), and multivariate analyses (multiple logistic regression tests) were conducted to analyze the data. The research revealed that the most closely related variables to the work distress levels were work duration, followed by employment status and career opportunities. This study underscores the importance of regulating working hours and providing opportunities for permanent employment and career advancement for the mental health of construction workers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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8. Albumin Redox Modifications Promote Cell Calcification Reflecting the Impact of Oxidative Status on Aortic Valve Disease and Atherosclerosis.
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Sastre-Oliva, Tamara, Corbacho-Alonso, Nerea, Rodriguez-Sanchez, Elena, Mercado-García, Elisa, Perales-Sanchez, Ines, Hernandez-Fernandez, German, Juarez-Alia, Cristina, Tejerina, Teresa, López-Almodóvar, Luis F., Padial, Luis R., Sánchez, Pedro L., Martín-Núñez, Ernesto, López-Andrés, Natalia, Ruiz-Hurtado, Gema, Mourino-Alvarez, Laura, and Barderas, Maria G.
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AORTIC valve diseases ,CALCIFICATION ,OXIDATION-reduction reaction ,INTERSTITIAL cells ,ARTERIAL calcification ,ALBUMINS - Abstract
Calcific aortic valve disease (CAVD) and coronary artery disease (CAD) are related cardiovascular diseases in which common mechanisms lead to tissue calcification. Oxidative stress plays a key role in these diseases and there is also evidence that the redox state of serum albumin exerts a significant influence on these conditions. To further explore this issue, we used multimarker scores (OxyScore and AntioxyScore) to assess the global oxidative status in patients with CAVD, with and without CAD, also evaluating their plasma thiol levels. In addition, valvular interstitial cells were treated with reduced, oxidized, and native albumin to study how this protein and its modifications affect cell calcification. The differences we found suggest that oxidative status is distinct in CAVD and CAD, with differences in redox markers and thiol levels. Importantly, the in vitro interstitial cell model revealed that modified albumin affects cell calcification, accelerating this process. Hence, we show here the importance of the redox system in the development of CAVD, emphasizing the relevance of multimarker scores, while also offering evidence of how the redox state of albumin influences vascular calcification. These data highlight the relevance of understanding the overall redox processes involved in these diseases, opening the door to new studies on antioxidants as potential therapies for these patients. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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9. Next-Generation Proteomics of Brain Extracellular Vesicles in Schizophrenia Provide New Clues on the Altered Molecular Connectome.
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Lorca, Cristina, Fernández-Rhodes, María, Sánchez Milán, Jose Antonio, Mulet, María, Elortza, Félix, Ramos-Miguel, Alfredo, Callado, Luis F., Meana, J. Javier, Mur, Maria, Batalla, Iolanda, Vilella, Elisabet, Serra, Aida, and Gallart-Palau, Xavier
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EXTRACELLULAR vesicles ,PROTEOMICS ,BIOMARKERS ,CELL communication ,NEUROLOGICAL disorders ,INNATE lymphoid cells - Abstract
Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are tiny membranous structures that mediate intercellular communication. The role(s) of these vesicles have been widely investigated in the context of neurological diseases; however, their potential implications in the neuropathology subjacent to human psychiatric disorders remain mostly unknown. Here, by using next-generation discovery-driven proteomics, we investigate the potential role(s) of brain EVs (bEVs) in schizophrenia (SZ) by analyzing these vesicles from the three post-mortem anatomical brain regions: the prefrontal cortex (PFC), hippocampus (HC), and caudate (CAU). The results obtained indicate that bEVs from SZ-affected brains contain region-specific proteins that are associated with abnormal GABAergic and glutamatergic transmission. Similarly, these vesicles from the analyzed regions were implicated in synaptic decay, abnormal brain immunity, neuron structural imbalances, and impaired cell homeostasis. Our findings also provide evidence, for the first time, that networks of molecular exchange (involving the PFC, HC, and CAU) are potentially active and mediated by EVs in non-diseased brains. Additionally, these bEV-mediated networks seem to have become partially reversed and largely disrupted in the brains of subjects affected by SZ. Taken as a whole, these results open the door to the uncovering of new biological markers and therapeutic targets, based on the compositions of bEVs, for the benefit of patients affected by SZ and related psychotic disorders. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2024
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10. Compassion Satisfaction, Burnout, and Secondary Traumatic Stress among Respiratory Therapists in Mississippi: A Cross-Sectional Study.
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DeVaul, Driscoll, Reulet, Britney, Daniels, Jacob, Zhu, Xiaoqian, Wilkins, Renee, and Gordy, Xiaoshan Z.
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- 2023
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11. Albumin of People with Diabetes Mellitus Is More Reduced at Low HbA1c.
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Paar, Margret, Cvirn, Gerhard, Hoerl, Gerd, Reibnegger, Gilbert, Sourij, Harald, Sourij, Caren, Kojzar, Harald, and Oettl, Karl
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PEOPLE with diabetes ,DIABETES ,TYPE 2 diabetes ,GLYCOSYLATED hemoglobin ,HIGH performance liquid chromatography ,ALBUMINS ,SERUM albumin - Abstract
Oxidative stress is involved in the development, progression, and complications of diabetes mellitus (DM). Oxidative modification of human serum albumin's cysteine-34 is a marker for oxidative stress-related pathological conditions. We aimed to evaluate the redox state of albumin in patients with DM to investigate possible correlations with age, diabetes duration, and disease control status. Plasma aliquots were collected from 52 participants (26 type 1 and 26 type 2 DM). Patients were divided into two groups according to their glycated hemoglobin levels less than or equal to and greater than 58 mmol/L. Albumin redox state was assessed with high-performance liquid chromatography by fractionating it into human mercaptalbumin (HMA) and human nonmercaptalbumin 1 and 2 (HNA1 and HNA2). Albumin redox fractions were differently related to the age of study participants. In age-matched T1DM and T2DM groups, the albumin redox state was essentially the same. Irreversibly oxidized HNA2 was positively correlated with diabetes duration, especially in the T1DM group. HNA was increased in people with an increased HbA1c (>58 mmol/mol). Our results support the hypothesis that oxidative stress plays a crucial role in DM pathogenesis and emphasize the importance of diabetes control on systemic oxidative burden. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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12. Anxiety and Depression in British Horseracing Stud and Stable Staff Following Occupational Injury.
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Davies, Emma, Liddiard, Sophie, McConn-Palfreyman, Will J., Parker, John K., Cameron, Lorna J., and Williams, Jane M.
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HORSE racing ,WORK-related injuries ,HEALTH literacy ,EMPLOYEE recruitment ,ANXIETY ,MENTAL depression ,SOCIAL anxiety - Abstract
Simple Summary: Employee mental health is a strategic initiative for global organizations and maintaining staff wellbeing is a key focus for British horseracing. Workforce wellbeing is increasingly linked to employee recruitment, retention, and productivity, challenges currently facing the horseracing sector. Improving staff wellbeing is paramount to maintaining high standards of equine welfare, ensuring the industry's social license to operate is upheld. Research in horseracing has identified a range of factors influencing staff wellbeing; however, the role of injury in anxiety and depression scores is unknown for this population. Over two thirds of injured staff were experiencing anxiety and over half were experiencing depression. Anxiety and depression scores were related to employment status, working hours, and type of injury. Higher anxiety and depression scores were negatively associated with help-seeking and pain management behaviors during injury, as well as increased risk of using alcohol as a coping method, both for pain-relief at work and socially. The findings from this study may provide opportunities to influence mental health post-injury within horseracing, through the development of educational resources aimed at reducing stigma, improving mental health literacy, and developing industry-wide early screening protocols for mental health in injured staff. Horseracing has identified several factors influencing staff wellbeing; however, the relationship between injury, anxiety, and depression is yet to be established. This study investigated anxiety and depression scores and their association to pain management, coping, and help-seeking behaviour in injured British horseracing staff. An online retrospective survey was completed by 175 participants, identifying injury prevalence, coping strategies, occupational risk factors, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) scores. Analysis identified 65.14% (n = 114) of staff reported anxiety scores above the threshold (≥8) and 59.52% (n = 104) of staff reported depression scores ≥8. Median anxiety and depression scores were higher for staff who viewed their employer as unhelpful (anxiety p = 0.001; depression p = 0.020). Heightened anxiety and depression were associated with an increased likelihood to use pain medication to manage at work, including non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID's), alcohol, nicotine, and prescription drugs (p < 0.05). Implications for staff wellbeing is evident; anxiety and depression risks are high following injury, which may influence help-seeking behaviour, perceived job security, and coping mechanisms. This paper suggests it is vital to continue to investigate poor mental health and injury in racing staff and the implications for equine welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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13. Hidden and Understaffed: Exploring Canadian Medical Laboratory Technologists' Pandemic Stressors and Lessons Learned.
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Dignos, Patricia Nicole, Khan, Ayesha, Gardiner-Davis, Michael, Papadopoulos, Andrew, Nowrouzi-Kia, Behdin, Sivanthan, Myuri, and Gohar, Basem
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MEDICAL quality control ,WELL-being ,FOCUS groups ,NURSING ,ATTITUDES of medical personnel ,RESEARCH methodology ,INTERVIEWING ,MENTAL health ,QUALITATIVE research ,SOUND recordings ,RESEARCH funding ,THEMATIC analysis ,MEDICAL technologists ,PERSONNEL management ,COVID-19 pandemic ,PSYCHOLOGICAL stress - Abstract
(1) Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the critical role of medical laboratory technologists (MLTs) in the healthcare system. Little is known about the challenges MLTs faced in keeping up with the unprecedented demands posed by the pandemic, which contributed to the notable staff shortage in the profession. This study aims to identify and understand the stressors of MLTs in Canada and the lessons learned through their lived experiences during the pandemic. (2) Methods: In this descriptive qualitative study, we conducted five semi-structured focus groups with MLTs working during the pandemic. The focus group sessions were audio-recorded and then transcribed verbatim. Thematic analysis was used to inductively code data and identify themes. (3) Results: A total of 27 MLTs across Canada participated in the study. Findings highlighted four key themes: (i) unexpected challenges navigating through the uncertainties of an ever-evolving pandemic; (ii) implications of staff shortage for the well-being of MLTs and quality of patient care; (iii) revealing the realities of the hidden, yet indispensable role of MLTs in predominantly non-patient-facing roles; and (iv) leveraging insights from the COVID-19 pandemic to enhance healthcare practices and preparedness. (4) Conclusion: The study provides in-depth insight into the experiences of MLTs across Canada during the pandemic. Based on our findings, we provide recommendations to enhance the sustainability of the laboratory workforce and ensure preparedness and resiliency among MLTs for future public health emergencies, as well as considerations as to combating the critical staff shortage. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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14. Plasma Fibronectin as a Novel Predictor of Coronary Heart Disease: A Retrospective Study.
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Peng, Longyun, Deng, Haiwei, Li, Jie, Lu, Guihua, and Zhai, Yuan-Sheng
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- 2023
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15. The Interplay of Migrant Workers' Working Hours, Income, and Well-Being in China.
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Zhang, Fei, Xu, Wei, and Khurshid, Adnan
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There is a history of overwork in China, and regulations to protect workers are insufficient. This study explores the relationship between working long hours and self-rated health among rural-urban migrant workers in China. Survey data from the 2018 China Family Panel Studies (CFPS) is used to construct a simultaneous equation model, and the 3SLS method is applied. The results showed that: (1) Migrant workers had good health. However, overtime work is very common among migrant workers in China, and male migrants work more overtime. (2) Migrant laborers' health and income are causally related, with better health leading to higher income. In contrast, the compensatory effect of income by extending working hours on health is smaller than the damage caused by overtime work for the male migrants who have more severe overtime work, resulting in a negative income effect on health. (3) The incentive effect of income on labor supply and the positive interaction effect of increasing labor hours to increase income are only reflected in the standard labor time sample. Therefore, for the heavy overwork group whose working hours have already reached the limit, income increases can no longer motivate them to extend their labor hours. Therefore, provincial and national policy transformations are needed to regularize working hours and remuneration while maintaining individual health. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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16. Targeting the Cysteine Redox Proteome in Parkinson's Disease: The Role of Glutathione Precursors and Beyond.
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Martinez-Banaclocha, Marcos A.
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PARKINSON'S disease ,CELLULAR aging ,CYSTEINE ,SOMATIC mutation ,GLUTATHIONE ,OXIDATION-reduction reaction ,CELL communication - Abstract
Encouraging recent data on the molecular pathways underlying aging have identified variants and expansions of genes associated with DNA replication and repair, telomere and stem cell maintenance, regulation of the redox microenvironment, and intercellular communication. In addition, cell rejuvenation requires silencing some transcription factors and the activation of pluripotency, indicating that hidden molecular networks must integrate and synchronize all these cellular mechanisms. Therefore, in addition to gene sequence expansions and variations associated with senescence, the optimization of transcriptional regulation and protein crosstalk is essential. The protein cysteinome is crucial in cellular regulation and plays unexpected roles in the aging of complex organisms, which show cumulative somatic mutations, telomere attrition, epigenetic modifications, and oxidative dysregulation, culminating in cellular senescence. The cysteine thiol groups are highly redox-active, allowing high functional versatility as structural disulfides, redox-active disulfides, active-site nucleophiles, proton donors, and metal ligands to participate in multiple regulatory sites in proteins. Also, antioxidant systems control diverse cellular functions, including the transcription machinery, which partially depends on the catalytically active cysteines that can reduce disulfide bonds in numerous target proteins, driving their biological integration. Since we have previously proposed a fundamental role of cysteine-mediated redox deregulation in neurodegeneration, we suggest that cellular rejuvenation of the cysteine redox proteome using GSH precursors, like N-acetyl-cysteine, is an underestimated multitarget therapeutic approach that would be particularly beneficial in Parkinson's disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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17. Glycocalyx–Sodium Interaction in Vascular Endothelium.
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Sembajwe, Lawrence Fred, Ssekandi, Abdul M., Namaganda, Agnes, Muwonge, Haruna, Kasolo, Josephine N., Kalyesubula, Robert, Nakimuli, Annettee, Naome, Mwesigwa, Patel, Kaushik P., Masenga, Sepiso K., and Kirabo, Annet
- Abstract
The glycocalyx generally covers almost all cellular surfaces, where it participates in mediating cell-surface interactions with the extracellular matrix as well as with intracellular signaling molecules. The endothelial glycocalyx that covers the luminal surface mediates the interactions of endothelial cells with materials flowing in the circulating blood, including blood cells. Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) remain a major cause of morbidity and mortality around the world. The cardiovascular risk factors start by causing endothelial cell dysfunction associated with destruction or irregular maintenance of the glycocalyx, which may culminate into a full-blown cardiovascular disease. The endothelial glycocalyx plays a crucial role in shielding the cell from excessive exposure and absorption of excessive salt, which can potentially cause damage to the endothelial cells and underlying tissues of the blood vessels. So, in this mini review/commentary, we delineate and provide a concise summary of the various components of the glycocalyx, their interaction with salt, and subsequent involvement in the cardiovascular disease process. We also highlight the major components of the glycocalyx that could be used as disease biomarkers or as drug targets in the management of cardiovascular diseases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
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- 2023
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18. F 1 ·F o ATP Synthase/ATPase: Contemporary View on Unidirectional Catalysis.
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Zharova, Tatyana V., Grivennikova, Vera G., and Borisov, Vitaliy B.
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BACTERIAL enzymes ,MEMBRANE proteins ,CATALYSIS ,ANTITUBERCULAR agents ,SYNTHASES ,PURINERGIC receptors - Abstract
F
1 ·Fo -ATP synthases/ATPases (F1 ·Fo ) are molecular machines that couple either ATP synthesis from ADP and phosphate or ATP hydrolysis to the consumption or production of a transmembrane electrochemical gradient of protons. Currently, in view of the spread of drug-resistant disease-causing strains, there is an increasing interest in F1 ·Fo as new targets for antimicrobial drugs, in particular, anti-tuberculosis drugs, and inhibitors of these membrane proteins are being considered in this capacity. However, the specific drug search is hampered by the complex mechanism of regulation of F1 ·Fo in bacteria, in particular, in mycobacteria: the enzyme efficiently synthesizes ATP, but is not capable of ATP hydrolysis. In this review, we consider the current state of the problem of "unidirectional" F1 ·Fo catalysis found in a wide range of bacterial F1 ·Fo and enzymes from other organisms, the understanding of which will be useful for developing a strategy for the search for new drugs that selectively disrupt the energy production of bacterial cells. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2023
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19. Seeing the Forest and the Trees: A Scoping Review of Empirical Research on Work-Life Balance.
- Author
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Wong, Ka Po, Teh, Pei-Lee, and Chan, Alan Hoi Shou
- Abstract
Work–life balance (WLB), which has become a central issue in workers' everyday lives, is a global issue with a growing body of investigation into its meaning and the construction of suitable measurement scales, but varying meanings for WLB have been observed in studies. Due to these discrepancies, review or summary work is needed to identify the trends and development of WLB among workers, including (a) the commonly used WLB scales, (b) the antecedents and outcomes related to WLB and (c) the frequency of the emergence of these antecedents and outcomes. This review aims to provide an overview of empirical studies investigating the antecedents and outcomes of WLB. A total of 99 published articles from 77 journals over the period of 2006–2020 were extracted. The research methods, analysis methods, countries investigated, pivot of WLB scales used, and thematic topics and research gaps were identified. The trends of WLB, including the establishment of standard working hours, the availability of working from home, the effects of technologies on achieving WLB and the benefits of WLB for subjective wellbeing, are discussed. The research insights will provide the research directions for constructing WLB scales and investigating issues that significantly affect the WLB of employees. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2023
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20. Health Risk Assessment of Informal Food Vendors: A Comparative Study in Johannesburg, South Africa.
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Sepadi, Maasago Mercy and Nkosi, Vusumuzi
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- 2023
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21. Impact of Long Working Hours on Mental Health: Evidence from China.
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Ma, Xinxin
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- 2023
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22. Efficient Top-K Identical Frequent Itemsets Mining without Support Threshold Parameter from Transactional Datasets Produced by IoT-Based Smart Shopping Carts.
- Author
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Rehman, Saif Ur, Alnazzawi, Noha, Ashraf, Jawad, Iqbal, Javed, and Khan, Shafiullah
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PRUNING ,SHOPPING carts ,ASSOCIATION rule mining ,MINES & mineral resources ,ARTIFICIAL intelligence - Abstract
Internet of Things (IoT)-backed smart shopping carts are generating an extensive amount of data in shopping markets around the world. This data can be cleaned and utilized for setting business goals and strategies. Artificial intelligence (AI) methods are used to efficiently extract meaningful patterns or insights from such huge amounts of data or big data. One such technique is Association Rule Mining (ARM) which is used to extract strategic information from the data. The crucial step in ARM is Frequent Itemsets Mining (FIM) followed by association rule generation. The FIM process starts by tuning the support threshold parameter from the user to produce the number of required frequent patterns. To perform the FIM process, the user applies hit and trial methods to rerun the aforesaid routine in order to receive the required number of patterns. The research community has shifted its focus towards the development of top-K most frequent patterns not using the support threshold parameter tuned by the user. Top-K most frequent patterns mining is considered a harder task than user-tuned support-threshold-based FIM. One of the reasons why top-K most frequent patterns mining techniques are computationally intensive is the fact that they produce a large number of candidate itemsets. These methods also do not use any explicit pruning mechanism apart from the internally auto-maintained support threshold parameter. Therefore, we propose an efficient TKIFIs Miner algorithm that uses depth-first search strategy for top-K identical frequent patterns mining. The TKIFIs Miner uses specialized one- and two-itemsets-based pruning techniques for topmost patterns mining. Comparative analysis is performed on special benchmark datasets, for example, Retail with 16,469 items, T40I10D100K and T10I4D100K with 1000 items each, etc. The evaluation results have proven that the TKIFIs Miner is at the top of the line, compared to recently available topmost patterns mining methods not using the support threshold parameter. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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23. An Improved Elephant Herding Optimization for Energy-Saving Assembly Job Shop Scheduling Problem with Transportation Times.
- Author
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Jiang, Tianhua, Liu, Lu, Zhu, Huiqi, and Li, Yaping
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PRODUCTION scheduling ,TRANSPORTATION schedules ,JOB shops - Abstract
The energy-saving scheduling problem (ESSP) has gained increasing attention of researchers in the manufacturing field. However, there is a lack of studies on ESSPs in the assembly job shop environment. In contrast with traditional scheduling problems, the assembly job shop scheduling problem (AJSP) adds the additional consideration of hierarchical precedence constraints between different jobs of each final product. This paper focuses on developing a methodology for an energy-saving assembly job shop scheduling problem with job transportation times. Firstly, a mathematical model is constructed with the objective of minimizing total energy consumption. Secondly, an improved elephant herding optimization (IEHO) is proposed by considering the problem's characteristics. Finally, thirty-two different instances are designed to verify the performance of the proposed algorithm. Computational results and statistical data demonstrate that the IEHO has advantages over other algorithms in terms of the solving accuracy for the considered problem. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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24. Towards A Socioeconomic Model of Sleep Health among the Canadian Population: A Systematic Review of the Relationship between Age, Income, Employment, Education, Social Class, Socioeconomic Status and Sleep Disparities.
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Etindele Sosso, F. A., Kreidlmayer, Marta, Pearson, Dess, and Bendaoud, Imene
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CANADIANS ,SLEEP interruptions ,SOCIAL classes ,INCOME ,SOCIOECONOMIC status ,SCHOOL absenteeism - Abstract
A better understanding of the contribution of the socioeconomic status (SES) in sleep health could guide the development of population-based interventions aiming to reduce "the silent public health issue" that are sleep disturbances. PRISMA was employed to identify relevant studies having examined the association between social class, social capital, education, income/assets, occupation/employment status, neighborhood deprivation and sleep health. Sixteen cross-sectional and three longitudinal studies were selected, having sampled 226,029 participants aged from 2 months to 85 years old. Findings showed that: (1) sleep health disparities among children and adolescent are strongly correlated to parental socioeconomic indicators; (2) poor parental income, poor family SES and poor parental education are associated with higher sleep disturbances among children and adolescents; (3) lower education is a predictor of increased sleep disturbances for adults; (4) low SES is associated with high sleep disturbances in adults and old people and; (5) low income and full-time employment was significantly associated with short sleep among adults and old people. In conclusion, sleep health should be an important public health target. Such intervention would be beneficial for populational health, for all taxpayers and public administrations, which would see a reduction in absenteeism and productivity losses attributable to sleep-related health problems in the global economy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
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25. Effects of working conditions on the perception of night work safety and health effects on nurses.
- Author
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Yi J and Hong KJ
- Abstract
Aim: To examine night working conditions by shift work type and identify the effects of night working conditions on nurses' perceptions of shift work safety and health effects., Background: Night work is the main factor affecting nurses' health. However, the safety of night working conditions has not been sufficiently examined in previous studies., Methods: This study used a cross-sectional research design and an online survey using a tool released by the Australian Manufacturing Workers' Union, and the responses of 348 shift work nurses in Korea were analyzed. Logistic regression analysis was used to examine the effects of shift work conditions on the perceived safety of night work and health effects. The STROBE reporting guidelines were utilized, and data were collected from December 1 to December 31, 2021., Results: The adjusted logistic regression analysis showed that perceived threat to safety and the health effects of shift work were not significant according to shift type. However, night-shift-work nurses who worked alone (P = 0.003), lacked an emergency recovery system (P = 0.026), and had difficulty commuting perceived a threat to their health (P = 0.007). Additionally, nurses who experienced loss of concentration (P = 0.006) and inadequate rest time (P < 0.001) perceived the health effects of shift work., Discussion: Urgent monitoring of night work conditions is necessary for the 2-shift work type. Nurses must work night shifts together and an emergency system should be established for their safety., Conclusion: Night work conditions should be improved to prevent the hazards of night work and its negative health effects on nurses., Implications for Nursing and Health Policy: This study suggests the necessity of a policy to enhance night work safety, including emergency coping systems and sufficient inter-shift rest time., (© 2024 International Council of Nurses.)
- Published
- 2024
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26. Long Working Hours Indirectly Affect Psychosomatic Stress Responses via Complete Mediation by Irregular Mealtimes and Shortened Sleep Duration: A Cross-Sectional Study.
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Watanabe, Tenshi, Masuya, Jiro, Hashimoto, Shogo, Honyashiki, Mina, Ono, Miki, Tamada, Yu, Fujimura, Yota, Inoue, Takeshi, and Shimura, Akiyoshi
- Published
- 2022
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27. Socioeconomic Position and Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: A Systematic Review of Social Epidemiological Studies.
- Author
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Bendaoud, Imene and Etindele Sosso, Faustin Armel
- Subjects
DROWSINESS ,FULL-time employment ,SLEEP interruptions ,MEDICAL research ,OLDER people ,LIVING conditions - Abstract
The objectives of this empirical study are to describe and discuss the current literature available on the relationship between excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) and the socioeconomic position (SEP) as well as to provide recommendations for consideration of SEP in sleep medicine and biomedical research. Databases Medline/PubMed, Web of Science, Google scholar and Scopus were screened from January 1990 to December 2020 using PRISMA guidelines and 20 articles were included in the final synthesis. Nineteen studies were cross-sectional and one study was longitudinal. Among these studies, 25.00% (n = 5) are focused on children and adolescent and the remaining 75.00% (n = 15) focused on adults and seniors. Ages ranged from 8 to 18 years old for children/adolescent and ranged from 18 to 102 years old for adults. Main SEP measures presented in these studies were education, income, perceived socioeconomic status and employment. The sample size in these studies varied from N = 90 participants to N = 33,865 participants. Overall, a lower educational level, a lower income and full-time employment were associated with EDS. Symptoms of EDS are prevalent in women, especially those with a low income or no job; and children and adolescents with difficult living conditions or working part time reported more sleep disturbances. SEP is already considered as an important determinant for many health outcomes, but if SEP is embedded in the experimental design in psychosomatic research, biomedical research and clinical practice as a constant variable regardless of outcome; it will move forward future investigations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
28. Effects of First-Time Experiences and Self-Regulation on College Students' Online Learning Motivation: Based on a National Survey during COVID-19.
- Author
-
Li, Gege, Luo, Heng, Lei, Jing, Xu, Shuxian, and Chen, Tianjiao
- Subjects
ONLINE education ,COLLEGE student attitudes ,COLLEGE students ,STUDENT attitudes ,STRUCTURAL equation modeling ,COGNITIVE learning - Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many college students in developing countries to engage in online learning for the first time, and the sudden transit has raised concerns regarding students' competencies for, perception of, and attitude towards online learning. To address those concerns, this study measured three essential constructs of online learning (self-regulated learning, perceived presences, and learning motivation) based on a national survey in China (N = 12,826) and employed structural equation modeling to investigate their intertwined relationship. The study results reveal that (1) college students' academic achievement cannot effectively predict their self-regulated learning in an online learning context; (2) self-regulation can be further differentiated into general and task-specific strategies with a varying impact on three types of presences; (3) online learning motivation is best predicted by cognitive presence, followed by social presence and teaching presence; and (4) the path of task-specific self-regulated learning → cognitive presence → online learning motivation generates the largest positive compound effect. Implications for online teaching and learning practice are also discussed through the stakeholder perspectives of students, teachers, and platform developers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
29. An effective algorithm for flexible assembly job‐shop scheduling with tight job constraints.
- Author
-
Lin, Wenhui, Deng, Qianwang, Han, Wenwu, Gong, Guiliang, and Li, Kexin
- Subjects
JOB shops ,ALGORITHMS ,CONSTRAINT algorithms ,GENETIC algorithms ,TAGUCHI methods ,SCHEDULING - Abstract
Thus far, the available works on the flexible assembly job‐shop scheduling problem (FAJSP) consider job processing and assembly separately. However, in some real production systems, if equipment is composed of thousands of jobs and assembled in many stages, some jobs and assemblies cannot be processed simultaneously. Therefore, this work proposes an FAJSP with tight job constraints (FAJSP‐JC) in which jobs and assemblies can be processed simultaneously, and each assembly is treated as an operation. A job constraint genetic algorithm (JCGA) is presented to solve the proposed FAJSP‐JC with the goal of minimizing the makespan. In the JCGA, a novel two‐dimensional encoding method (2D‐encoding) is designed to conveniently express the operating constraints and tight job constraints, and an effective decoding method is proposed to decode the 2D‐encoded information. Furthermore, a crossover operator and a mutation operator are designed to improve the computational efficiency and expand the solution space. Ten benchmark instances of the FAJSP‐JC are constructed to test the JCGA. The Taguchi method is used to obtain the best combination of the key parameters that are used in the JCGA. Computational experiments carried out confirm that the JCGA is able to easily obtain better solutions compared to the genetic algorithm (GA) with a division encoding method and the classical GA, demonstrating its superior performance over these algorithms in terms of both solution quality and computational efficiency. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
30. A Cosine Similarity Measure Based on the Choquet Integral for Intuitionistic Fuzzy Sets and Its Applications to Pattern Recognition.
- Author
-
Olgun, Murat, Türkarslan, Ezgi, Ünver, Mehmet, and Ye, Jun
- Subjects
FUZZY sets ,FUZZY integrals ,FUZZY measure theory - Abstract
There exist various types of similarity measures for intuitionistic fuzzy sets in the literature. However, in many studies the interactions among the elements are ignored in the construction of the similarity measure. This paper presents a cosine similarity measure for intuitionistic fuzzy sets by using a Choquet integral model in which the interactions between elements are considered. The proposed similarity measure is applied to some pattern recognition problems and the results are compared with some existing results to demonstrate the effectiveness of this new similarity measure. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
31. CEO discretion, political connection and real earnings management in Nigeria.
- Author
-
Sani, Armaya'u Alhaji, Abdul Latif, Rohaida, and Al-Dhamari, Redhwan Ahmed
- Subjects
EARNINGS management ,DISCRETION ,CHIEF executive officers ,FINANCIAL statements ,PANEL analysis - Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to examine the influence of CEO discretion on the real earnings management and to explore whether the discretion of the CEO to ensure accurate and reliable financial reports is influenced by the political connection of board members. Design/methodology/approach: Using the generalized method of movement to control the potential endogeneity on the sample of listed companies in Nigeria, the study conducted several checks using Driscoll–Kraay panel data regression with standard error to robust the main findings. Findings: The paper provides evidence that CEO Discretion reduces the tendency of real earnings management and improve the reporting quality. However, the CEO's discretion to provide reliable financial reports and to reduce the likely earnings manipulation is overturn by the presence of politically connected directors. Originality/value: Existing studies on CEO attributes and earnings management in Nigeria fail to explain why CEOs were involved in corporate financial scandals. This paper suggests that the presence of politically connected directors is what override and upturn the CEO discretion to dwell into real earnings manipulations. Prior studies measured political connection using a dummy variable (Chaney et al., 2011; Osazuwa et al., 2016; Tee, 2018), this paper measured political connection using the proportion of politically connected directors. This is on the idea that the presence of more politically connected directors may give them the power to override the CEOs decision. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
32. A new hybrid particle swarm optimization and parallel variable neighborhood search algorithm for flexible job shop scheduling with assembly process.
- Author
-
Fattahi, Parviz, Bagheri Rad, Naeeme, Daneshamooz, Fatemeh, and Ahmadi, Samad
- Subjects
PRODUCTION scheduling ,PARTICLE swarm optimization ,SEARCH algorithms ,GENETIC algorithms ,DETERMINISTIC algorithms ,TABU search algorithm ,COMPUTER scheduling - Abstract
Purpose: The purpose of this paper is to present a mathematical model and a new hybrid algorithm for flexible job shop scheduling problem with assembly operations. In this problem, each product is produced by assembling a set of several different parts. At first, the parts are processed in a flexible job shop system, and then at the second stage, the parts are assembled and products are produced. Design/methodology/approach: As the problem is non-deterministic polynomial-time-hard, a new hybrid particle swarm optimization and parallel variable neighborhood search (HPSOPVNS) algorithm is proposed. In this hybrid algorithm, particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm is used for global exploration of search space and parallel variable neighborhood search (PVNS) algorithm for local search at vicinity of solutions obtained in each iteration. For parameter tuning of the metaheuristic algorithms, Taguchi approach is used. Also, a statistical test is proposed to compare the ability of metaheuristics at finding the best solution in the medium and large sizes. Findings: Numerical experiments are used to evaluate and validate the performance and effectiveness of HPSOPVNS algorithm with hybrid particle swarm optimization with a variable neighborhood search (HPSOVNS) algorithm, PSO algorithm and hybrid genetic algorithm and Tabu search (HGATS). The computational results show that the HPSOPVNS algorithm achieves better performance than competing algorithms. Practical implications: Scheduling of manufacturing parts and planning of assembly operations are two steps in production systems that have been studied independently. However, with regard to many manufacturing industries having assembly lines after manufacturing stage, it is necessary to deal with a combination of these problems that is considered in this paper. Originality/value: This paper proposed a mathematical model and a new hybrid algorithm for flexible job shop scheduling problem with assembly operations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
33. Vertical fit of HR practices and organizational culture: a case of a large-sized Korean conglomerate.
- Author
-
Lee, Hwanwoo, Park, Joon Hyung, Ngan, Shing-Chung, and Tian, T. Siva
- Published
- 2017
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
34. N -Acetyl-Cysteine: Modulating the Cysteine Redox Proteome in Neurodegenerative Diseases.
- Author
-
Martinez-Banaclocha, Marcos
- Subjects
NEURODEGENERATION ,CYSTEINE ,MILD cognitive impairment ,THERAPEUTICS ,OXIDATION-reduction reaction ,DIETARY supplements - Abstract
In the last twenty years, significant progress in understanding the pathophysiology of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases has been made. However, the prevention and treatment of these diseases remain without clinically significant therapeutic advancement. While we still hope for some potential genetic therapeutic approaches, the current reality is far from substantial progress. With this state of the issue, emphasis should be placed on early diagnosis and prompt intervention in patients with increased risk of neurodegenerative diseases to slow down their progression, poor prognosis, and decreasing quality of life. Accordingly, it is urgent to implement interventions addressing the psychosocial and biochemical disturbances we know are central in managing the evolution of these disorders. Genomic and proteomic studies have shown the high molecular intricacy in neurodegenerative diseases, involving a broad spectrum of cellular pathways underlying disease progression. Recent investigations indicate that the dysregulation of the sensitive-cysteine proteome may be a concurrent pathogenic mechanism contributing to the pathophysiology of major neurodegenerative diseases, opening new therapeutic opportunities. Considering the incidence and prevalence of these disorders and their already significant burden in Western societies, they will become a real pandemic in the following decades. Therefore, we propose large-scale investigations, in selected groups of people over 40 years of age with decreased blood glutathione levels, comorbidities, and/or mild cognitive impairment, to evaluate supplementation of the diet with low doses of N-acetyl-cysteine, a promising and well-tolerated therapeutic agent suitable for long-term use. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
35. Environmental and Occupational Health Exposures and Outcomes of Informal Street Food Vendors in South Africa: A Quasi-Systematic Review.
- Author
-
Sepadi, Maasago Mercy and Nkosi, Vusumuzi
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
36. Group classification of one-dimensional equations of fluids with internal energy depending on the density and the gradient of the density.
- Author
-
Voraka, P. and Meleshko, S.
- Subjects
FLUID mechanics ,FORCE & energy ,DENSITY ,PROPERTIES of matter ,DIFFERENTIAL equations - Abstract
Group analysis provides a regular procedure for mathematical modeling by classifying differential equations with respect to arbitrary elements. This article presents the group classification of one-dimensional equations of fluids, where the internal energy is a function of the density and the gradient of the density. The equivalence Lie group and the admitted Lie group are provided. The group classification separates all models into 21 different classes according to the admitted Lie group. Invariant solutions of one particular model are obtained. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2009
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
37. Mental Health Promotion and Intervention in Occupational Settings: Protocol for a Pilot Study of the MENTUPP Intervention.
- Author
-
Arensman, Ella, O'Connor, Cliodhna, Leduc, Caleb, Griffin, Eve, Cully, Grace, Ní Dhálaigh, Doireann, Holland, Carolyn, Van Audenhove, Chantal, Coppens, Evelien, Tsantila, Fotini, Ross, Victoria, Aust, Birgit, Pashoja, Arlinda Cerga, Cresswell-Smith, Johanna, Cox, Laura, de Winter, Lars, Fanaj, Naim, Greiner, Birgit A., Hegerl, Ulrich, and Mathieu, Sharna
- Published
- 2022
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
38. Functional analysis of the large periplasmic loop of the Escherichia coli K-12 WaaL O-antigen ligase.
- Author
-
Pérez, José M., McGarry, Megan A., Marolda, Cristina L., and Valvano, Miguel A.
- Subjects
ESCHERICHIA coli ,ARGININE ,GRAM-negative bacteria ,CELL surface antigens ,AMINO acids ,POLYMERIZATION research ,PHYSIOLOGY - Abstract
WaaL is a membrane enzyme implicated in ligating undecaprenyl-diphosphate (Und-PP)-linked O antigen to lipid A-core oligosaccharide. We determined the periplasmic location of a large (EL5) and small (EL4) adjacent loops in the Escherichia coli K-12 WaaL. Structural models of the EL5 from the K-12, R1 and R4 E. coli ligases were generated by molecular dynamics. Despite the poor amino acid sequence conservation among these proteins, the models afforded similar folds consisting of two pairs of almost perpendicular α-helices. One α-helix in each pair contributes a histidine and an arginine facing each other, which are highly conserved in WaaL homologues. Mutations in either residue rendered WaaL non-functional, since mutant proteins were unable to restore O antigen surface expression. Replacements of residues located away from the putative catalytic centre and non-conserved residues within the centre itself did not affect ligation. Furthermore, replacing a highly conserved arginine in EL4 with various amino acids inactivates WaaL function, but functionality reappears when the positive charge is restored by a replacement with lysine. These results lead us to propose that the conserved amino acids in the two adjacent periplasmic loops could interact with Und-PP, which is the common component in all WaaL substrates. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2008
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
39. A Field Study of Work Type Influence on Air Traffic Controllers' Fatigue Based on Data-Driven PERCLOS Detection.
- Author
-
Zhang, Jianping, Chen, Zhenling, Liu, Weidong, Ding, Pengxin, and Wu, Qinggang
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
40. Influence of Socio-Cultural Attributes on Stigmatizing Public Transport in Saudi Arabia.
- Author
-
Nahiduzzaman, Kh Md, Campisi, Tiziana, Shotorbani, Amin Mohammadpour, Assi, Khaled, Hewage, Kasun, and Sadiq, Rehan
- Abstract
Several factors over the years have contributed to stigma in public transport. Many studies have highlighted the need to make the transport system more equitable both from economic and gender perspectives. This study attempts to demonstrate how the perceptions of public transport users and non-users are stigmatized from social and cultural standpoints. Thus, it identifies the social and cultural stigma-induced barriers embedded with the use and people's general perception about the public bus service, taking SAPTCO (Saudi Public Transport Company) as a case study. The study results suggest that privacy concern is the primary cause of stigma. Most of the users are unwilling to ride with their families as SAPTCO does not account for gender needs (e.g., privacy, travel convenience, safety, comfort, etc.). Moreover, people from the high-income classes are more stigmatized against this ridership. A fuzzy inference system (FIS) model is used to analyze the survey questionnaire responses and understand what stigma means for the public bus service. Expert opinions are employed to generate "if–then" rules of the FIS models. Sensitivity of the defined fuzzy model is conducted to different aspects of the ridership. The study results further suggest that "inconvenience" poses the highest impact while "feeling safe", "privacy", "fare", "timing", and "comfort" are found to be the medium impact-making variables for stigma. The stigma-defining variables would be critical for the public bus service to improve its service quality and help (re-)design the policies that would attract a high amount of ridership. Some solutions are suggested in the end that would complement, strengthen, and promote the current SAPTCO service. The demonstrated methodology of this study would be relevant and adaptive to any relevant context to improve public transportation service and pertaining policies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
41. An automated assignment-free Bayesian approach for accurately identifying proton contacts from NOESY data.
- Author
-
Ling-Hong Hung and Samudrala, Ram
- Subjects
PROTONS ,NUCLEAR magnetic resonance ,PROBABILITY theory ,BAYESIAN analysis ,ALGORITHMS - Abstract
The identification of proton contacts from NOE spectra remains the major bottleneck in NMR protein structure calculations. We describe an automated assignment-free system for deriving proton contact probabilities from NOESY peak lists that can be viewed as a quantitative extension of manual assignment techniques. Rather than assigning contacts to NOESY crosspeaks, a rigorous Bayesian methodology is used to transform initial proton contact probabilities derived from a set of 2992 protein structures into posterior probabilities using the observed crosspeaks as evidence. Given a target protein, the Bayesian approach is used to derive probabilities for all possible proton contacts. We evaluated the accuracy of this approach at predicting proton contacts on 60
15 N separated NOESY and13 C separated NOESY datasets simulated from experimentally determined NMR structures and compared it to CYANA, an established method for proton constraint assignment. On average, at the highest confidence level, our method accurately identifies 3.16/3.17 long range contacts per residue and 12.11/12.18 interresidue proton contacts per residue. These accuracies represent a significant increase over the performance of CYANA on the same data set. On a difficult real dataset that is publicly available, the coverage is lower but our method retains its advantage in accuracy over CANDID/CYANA. The algorithm is publicly available via the Protinfo NMR webserver . [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]- Published
- 2006
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
42. P element regulation and X-chromosome subtelomeric heterochromatin in Drosophila melanogaster.
- Author
-
Ronsseray, Stéphane, Lehmann, Monique, Nouaud, Danielle, and Anxolabéhère, Dominique
- Abstract
In Drosophila melanogaster, crossing males carrying autonomous P elements with females devoid of P copies results in hybrid dysgenesis in the germline of progeny. The reciprocal cross produces non-dysgenic progeny due to a maternally inherited state non-permissive for P transposition. The capacity of a P copy to repress transposition depends on both its structure and its chromosomal location. Naturally occuring regulatory P elements inserted at the telomere of the X chromosome have been genetically isolated in a genomic context devoid of other P elements. One or two copies of autonomous P elements at this site (1A) are sufficient to elicit a strong P repression in the germline. These elements are flanked by Telomeric Associated Sequences, previously identified and described by Karpen and Spradling (1992) as having heterochromatic properties. The regulatory properties of P elements at 1A are strongly impaired by mutations affecting Su(var)205, which encodes Heterochromatin Protein 1, a non-histone heterochromatin protein. The regulatory properties of classical P strains are not sensitive to Su(var)205. Models based on chromatin structure or on nuclear localisation of the telomeres are discussed in order to explain both the strong regulatory properties of P elements at the X chromosome telomere and their sensitivity to Su(var)205. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 1997
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
43. Stoichiometric Thiol Redox Proteomics for Quantifying Cellular Responses to Perturbations.
- Author
-
Day, Nicholas J., Gaffrey, Matthew J., Qian, Wei-Jun, and Del Corso, Antonella
- Subjects
POST-translational modification ,PROTEOMICS ,THIOLS ,OXIDATION-reduction reaction ,PROTEIN structure ,CYSTEINE ,SULFHYDRYL group ,MASS spectrometry - Abstract
Post-translational modifications regulate the structure and function of proteins that can result in changes to the activity of different pathways. These include modifications altering the redox state of thiol groups on protein cysteine residues, which are sensitive to oxidative environments. While mass spectrometry has advanced the identification of protein thiol modifications and expanded our knowledge of redox-sensitive pathways, the quantitative aspect of this technique is critical for the field of redox proteomics. In this review, we describe how mass spectrometry-based redox proteomics has enabled researchers to accurately quantify the stoichiometry of reversible oxidative modifications on specific cysteine residues of proteins. We will describe advancements in the methodology that allow for the absolute quantitation of thiol modifications, as well as recent reports that have implemented this approach. We will also highlight the significance and application of such measurements and why they are informative for the field of redox biology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
44. An EEG Feature Extraction Method Based on Sparse Dictionary Self-Organizing Map for Event-Related Potential Recognition.
- Author
-
Feng, Shang, Li, Haifeng, Ma, Lin, and Xu, Zhongliang
- Subjects
SELF-organizing maps ,BRAIN-computer interfaces ,SIGNAL classification ,ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAPHY ,SIGNAL sampling ,FEATURE extraction - Abstract
In the application of the brain-computer interface, feature extraction is an important part of Electroencephalography (EEG) signal classification. Using sparse modeling to extract EEG signal features is a common approach. However, the features extracted by common sparse decomposition methods are only of analytical meaning, and cannot relate to actual EEG waveforms, especially event-related potential waveforms. In this article, we propose a feature extraction method based on a self-organizing map of sparse dictionary atoms, which can aggregate event-related potential waveforms scattered inside an over-complete sparse dictionary into the code book of neurons in the self-organizing map network. Then, the cosine similarity between the EEG signal sample and the code vector is used as the classification feature. Compared with traditional feature extraction methods based on sparse decomposition, the classification features obtained by this method have more intuitive electrophysiological meaning. The experiment conducted on a public auditory event-related potential (ERP) brain-computer interface dataset showed that, after the self-organized mapping of dictionary atoms, the neurons' code vectors in the self-organized mapping network were remarkably similar to the ERP waveform obtained after superposition and averaging. The feature extracted by the proposed method used a smaller amount of data to obtain classification accuracy comparable to the traditional method. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
45. A New Method to Support Decision-Making in an Uncertain Environment Based on Normalized Interval-Valued Triangular Fuzzy Numbers and COMET Technique.
- Author
-
Faizi, Shahzad, Sałabun, Wojciech, Ullah, Samee, Rashid, Tabasam, and Więckowski, Jakub
- Subjects
COMETS ,MEMBERSHIP functions (Fuzzy logic) ,FUZZY numbers ,FUZZY sets ,DECISION making ,HESITATION - Abstract
Multi-criteria decision-making (MCDM) plays a vibrant role in decision-making, and the characteristic object method (COMET) acts as a powerful tool for decision-making of complex problems. COMET technique allows using both symmetrical and asymmetrical triangular fuzzy numbers. The COMET technique is immune to the pivotal challenge of rank reversal paradox and is proficient at handling vagueness and hesitancy. Classical COMET is not designed for handling uncertainty data when the expert has a problem with the identification of the membership function. In this paper, symmetrical and asymmetrical normalized interval-valued triangular fuzzy numbers (NIVTFNs) are used for decision-making as the solution of the identified challenge. A new MCDM method based on the COMET method is developed by using the concept of NIVTFNs. A simple problem of MCDM in the form of an illustrative example is given to demonstrate the calculation procedure and accuracy of the proposed approach. Furthermore, we compare the solution of the proposed method, as interval preference, with the results obtained in the Technique for Order of Preference by Similarity to Ideal solution (TOPSIS) method (a certain preference number). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
46. Mathematical Model and Evaluation Function for Conflict-Free Warranted Makespan Minimization of Mixed Blocking Constraint Job-Shop Problems.
- Author
-
Sauvey, Christophe, Trabelsi, Wajdi, and Sauer, Nathalie
- Subjects
COMPUTER scheduling ,PRODUCTION scheduling ,PARTICLE swarm optimization ,MATHEMATICAL models ,GENETIC algorithms ,MATHEMATICAL optimization - Abstract
In this paper, we consider a job-shop scheduling problem with mixed blocking constraints. Contrary to most previous studies, where no blocking or only one type of blocking constraint was used among successive operations, we assume that, generally, we may address several different blocking constraints in the same scheduling problem depending on the intermediate storage among machines, the characteristics of the machines, the technical constraints, and even the jobs. Our objective was to schedule a set of jobs to minimize the makespan. Thus, we propose, for the first time, a mathematical model of the job-shop problem taking into account the general case of mixed blocking constraints, and the results were obtained using Mosel Xpress software. Then, after explaining why and how groups of jobs have to be processed, a blocking constraint conflict-free warranted evaluation function is proposed and tested with the particle swarm optimization and genetic algorithm methods. The results prove that we obtained a near-optimal solution to this problem in a very short time. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2020
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
47. Design Methodology for the Implementation of Fuzzy Inference Systems Based on Boolean Relations.
- Author
-
Espitia, Helbert, Soriano, José, Machón, Iván, and López, Hilario
- Subjects
FUZZY systems ,FUZZY logic ,SYSTEMS design ,FUZZY sets ,ALGEBRA - Abstract
This paper proposes a methodology for the design of fuzzy inference systems based on Boolean relations. The approach using Boolean sets presents limited performance due to the abrupt transitions that occur during its functioning, therefore, fuzzy sets can be used aiming the improvement of the performance. In this approach, firstly, the design of a Boolean controller is performed, which is later extended into fuzzy under design guidelines proposed in this paper. The methodology uses Kleene algebra via truth tables for the fuzzy system design, allowing the simplification of the equations that implement the fuzzy system. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
48. Extended Technology Acceptance Model to Predict Mobile-Based Money Acceptance and Sustainability: A Multi-Analytical Structural Equation Modeling and Neural Network Approach.
- Author
-
Gbongli, Komlan, Xu, Yongan, and Amedjonekou, Komi Mawugbe
- Abstract
This research is a pioneering study into the adoption of mobile-based money services for financial inclusion and sustainability in developing countries like Togo. Owing to their differences from more usual mobile-based banking and payment services, such technology is being aggressively promoted by providers of network telecommunication companies. However, the factors influencing its sustainable acceptance remain largely unknown. This paper extends the original Technology Acceptance Model (TAM), by integrating self-efficacy (SEMM), technology anxiety (TAMM), and personal innovativeness (PIMM). The research model is assessed with survey data of 539 actual and prospective mobile money users employing structural equation modeling–artificial neural networks (SEM–ANN) approach. A feed-forward-back-propagation (FFBP) multi-layer perceptron (MLP) ANN with significant predictors obtained from SEM as the input units and the root mean square of errors (RMSE) indicated that the ANN method achieves high prediction accuracy. The results present conclusive evidence that perceived ease-of-use (PEMM) is the most significant factor affecting consumers' attitudes to mobile-based money. While perceived usefulness (PUMM) and PIMM affect adoption decisions, their impact is much lower. Consumer attitudes and intentions were found to have a significant relationship with TAM. SEMM and TAMM; however, they showed mixed results. These findings will be useful to retain prevailing users and attract new ones. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
49. Multi-Criteria Group Decision-Making Using an m-Polar Hesitant Fuzzy TOPSIS Approach.
- Author
-
Akram, Muhammad, Adeel, Arooj, and Alcantud, José Carlos R.
- Subjects
GROUP decision making ,FUZZY sets ,TOPSIS method ,INFORMATION asymmetry ,COMPUTER programming ,FUZZY arithmetic - Abstract
The m-polar fuzzy sets (mF sets) have a representative and fundamental role in several fields of science and decision-making. The fusion of mF sets with several other theories of mathematics has become a favorable practice for depicting numerous types of uncertainties under multi-polar information. In this article, we introduce an innovative hybrid model, called m-polar hesitant fuzzy sets (mHF-sets), a hybridization of hesitancy and mF sets, which enables us to tackle multi-polar information with hesitancy. Hesitancy incorporates symmetry into the treatment of the data, whereas the m-polar fuzzy format allows for differentiated or asymmetric sources of information. We highlight and explore basic key properties of mHF-sets and formulate intrinsic operations. Moreover, we develop an m-polar hesitant fuzzy TOPSIS (mHF-TOPSIS) approach for multi-criteria group decision-making (MCGDM), which is a natural extension of the TOPSIS method to this framework. We describe applications of mHF-sets in group decision-making. Further, we show the efficiency of our proposed approach by applying it to the industrial field. Finally, we generate a computer programming code that implements our decision-making procedure for ease of lengthy calculations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
50. Selection of Manufacturing Enterprise Innovation Design Project Based on Consumer's Green Preferences.
- Author
-
Yang, Jie, Su, Jiafu, and Song, Lijun
- Abstract
For enterprise, how to quickly realize the selection of green innovative design projects has become a key issue for improving innovation performance. Based on an analysis of enterprise product innovation and customer green preferences, an indicator set for innovation performance in enterprise was established. Considering the fuzziness of the correlation between indicators for innovation performance in enterprise and consumer's green preferences, a fuzzy clustering method was used to identify the internal relations among the indicators for innovation performance with green preferences of customers. Then a wavelet neural network was used to select the innovation design project for various green preferences of customers. Finally, a case study was proposed to verify the feasibility and effectiveness of the method. This work can help the enterprise to develop green design, products, and serve uniformly, which can effectively shorten green product development cycles, reduce cost, and improve enterprise innovation performance greatly. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2019
- Full Text
- View/download PDF
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