Big Data Analytics Impact Transformation

The study aimed at evaluating the applications of big data analytics in enhancing the transformation of the global economy. The sample for this study consisted of consultants who are familiar with big data and transformation in marketing. A total of 396 consultants were sent the study questionnaire to participate in the online survey, of which 118 participants commenced the survey. Companies need such input because only half of them create business events and only a quarter calculate key performance indicators such as profitability. One can only wonder whether there is in fact a wide demand for this classification. From a realistic point of view, it may not matter whether the change is radical or transformative, the real impact is more important. Furthermore, the anticipated increase in post-purchase boost is in line with previous studies which mention that companies can offer precise customer service using the new interface. Findings are not astounding as we see such modifications taking place. The popularity of mobile and social applications facilitates customers to access product and service information in a variety of ways when needed, which further augments their product and service awareness. This study shows increased expectations for the use of automation and self-service communication between institutions and customers. The results assured that businesses need such input to be a starting point for firms to verify their business issues

Performance analysis of a single underground thermal storage borehole using phase change material

Ground source heat pumps (GSHP) are used to provide both heating and cooling to a given system. These heat pumps transfer heat efficiently between the system and the ground. Despite this high efficiency, there has been a low adoption rate for GSHPs owing to limited usage in commercial structures and buildings primarily due to high installation costs, but also due to a lack of drilling space and unbalanced heating/cooling loads. Phase change materials (PCMs) can absorb, store and release large amounts of latent heat over a defined narrow temperature range while the material changes phase or state. The main goal of this paper is to be able to predict numerically the performance of a single borehole with the effect of implementing PCMs. In order to successfully proceed with the discussion, two main objectives for this paper are presented. The first objective is to establish a finite element model of a single borehole with accurate assumptions in order to achieve an accurate prediction over four years of operation for a GSHP. Then, the second objective of the paper is to investigate the effect of using PCM in the borehole of GSHP to help maintain a more stable ground temperature range. Two scenarios of different PCM volumes and melting temperatures are presented. It was found that the performance enhancement due to PCMs reaches up to 35% in monthly average COP. In addition, PCMs show great potential to smooth the ground thermal response

Adult Cardiac Progenitor Cell Aggregates Exhibit Survival Benefit Both In Vitro and In Vivo

Background: A major hurdle in the use of exogenous stems cells for therapeutic regeneration of injured myocardium remains the poor survival of implanted cells. To date, the delivery of stem cells into myocardium has largely focused on implantation of cell suspensions. Methodology and Principal Findings: We hypothesize that delivering progenitor cells in an aggregate form would serve to mimic the endogenous state with proper cell-cell contact, and may aid the survival of implanted cells. Microwell methodologies allow for the culture of homogenous 3D cell aggregates, thereby allowing cell-cell contact. In this study, we find that the culture of cardiac progenitor cells in a 3D cell aggregate augments cell survival and protects against cellular toxins and stressors, including hydrogen peroxide and anoxia/reoxygenation induced cell death. Moreover, using a murine model of cardiac ischemia-reperfusion injury, we find that delivery of cardiac progenitor cells in the form of 3D aggregates improved in vivo survival of implanted cells. Conclusion: Collectively, our data support the notion that growth in 3D cellular systems and maintenance of cell-cell contact improves exogenous cell survival following delivery into myocardium. These approaches may serve as a strategy to improve cardiovascular cell-based therapies

Effect of Roasting Hass Avocado Kernels on Nutritional Value and Volatile Compounds

Because of the lack of commercial food applications of Hass avocado (Persea americana Mill) kernel, which are a useful agricultural waste and a good source of bioactive compounds, this study investigated the influence of roasting on the chemical composition, antinutritional factors, antioxidant activity, colour, and GC-MS profile in avocado kernels after roasting at 180 °C for 30 min. The nutritional data revealed a significant increase (p p < 0.05) was noticed in crude protein, total flavonoids, Fe, antinutrients, lightness, and yellowness/blueness after roasting. The 94 volatile compounds separated by GC-MS included 51 compounds from raw Hass kernels and 65 compounds from roasted kernels. The identified compounds constituted 96.21% and 93.25% in raw and roasted Hass kernels, respectively. The most compounds in the roasted Hass kernels were 3,7,11, trimethyl-8,10-dodecedienylacetate (6.28%), 2-methylbutan-1-ol (5.89%), 2-decanone, O-methyloxime (3.73%), 2-methyl-pyrazine (3.62%), and n-hexane (3.51%). Esters were the most common volatile compounds present in both raw and roasted Hass avocado kernels extract, we found 15 and 14 of these compounds (27.53 and 20.36%), respectively. This indicates that roasted Hass kernel flour is nutritionally and organoleptically suitable for food applications, including pastries and beverages, especially coffee drinks

Clinical Assessment of Neuroinflammatory Markers and Antioxidants in Neonates with Hyperbilirubinemia and Their Association with Acute Bilirubin Encephalopathy

Objective: To assess the oxidant and antioxidant status in neonates with and without hyperbilirubinemia and their association with early manifestations of acute bilirubin encephalopathy (ABE), in addition to eliciting the possible oxidative effects of phototherapy. Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted with 104 full-term newborns at Menoufia University Hospitals from January 2020 to January 2021 to help resolve the debate regarding whether bilirubin is an antioxidant. The cases group (Group I) included 52 full-term newborns (37–40 weeks) with hyperbilirubinemia during the neonatal period, while the control group (Group II) included 52 healthy, full-term age and sex-matched newborns who did not have hyperbilirubinemia. The cases group was further subdivided into Group Ia (n = 12), which included newborns who presented with neurological manifestations suggesting early ABE, and Group Ib (n = 40), which included newborns with no signs suggestive of ABE. All newborns were subjected to clinical and neurological examinations, as well as laboratory investigations. Results: Comparing the specific biological markers between the Group 1 subgroups before phototherapy, the mean plasma levels of prostaglandin-Em, prostaglandin E2, and TSB were significantly higher in Subgroup I(a) (all p m, DSB, and TSB (p m (37.47 vs. 27.23), prostaglandin E2 (81.09 vs. 31.49), DSB (1.21 vs. 0.55), and TSB (16.63 vs. 8.26; p-value m, and PGE2) and an upsurge in TAC, highlighting the absence of oxidative stress effects arising from phototherapy. Neonates with neurological manifestations suggesting ABE had higher levels of oxidative stress markers and lower levels of total antioxidant capacity than those without

Retarding aging of asphalt binders using antioxidant additives and copolymers

The rheological properties of asphalt binders change with aging. Aging is accelerated at elevated temperatures due to binder oxidation, leading to fatigue cracking and eventually pavement failure under heavy and repeated traffic loading. This study examined the effect of various antioxidant additives and copolymers with antioxidant agents on retarding the aging of asphalt binders. The performance of antioxidants was evaluated at the binder and mastic levels. Two unmodified binders were tested and fine asphalt mixtures made with these binders and three different aggregates were prepared and evaluated. Fatigue characteristics of asphalt binders and fine portion of asphalt mixtures (FAM) were determined before and after aging and an aging index was defined to evaluate the effect of antioxidants�and copolymers on aging. The results showed that certain antioxidants�and copolymers such as Redicote AP, Solprene and Calprene may retard the aging and improve the rheological properties of the asphalt binders. In addition, the results of FAM testing confirmed the favourable effect of certain antioxidants on improving the resistance to fatigue. In addition, the type of aggregate was found to influence the rate of aging of asphalt mixtures. - 2017, - 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group.This work was supported by Qatar National Research Fund [grant number NPRP 6-773-2-320]. This paper was made possible by the NPRP grant (NPRP 6-773-2-320) from the Qatar National Research Fund (a member of Qatar Foundation). The statements made herein are solely the responsibility of the authors.Scopu