bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Telomere Length in Chromosomally Normal and Abnormal Miscarriages and Ongoing Pregnancies and Its Association with 5-hydroxymethylcytosine Patterns
Authors: Krapivin Mikhail I. , Tikhonov Andrei V. , Efimova Olga A. , Pendina Anna A. , Smirnova Anna A. , Chiryaeva Olga G. , Talantova Olga E. , Petrova Lubov’ I. , Dudkina Vera S. , Baranov Vladislav S.
Published: June 2021

The present study investigates telomere length (TL) in dividing chorionic cytotrophoblast cells from karyotypically normal and abnormal first trimester miscarriages and ongoing pregnancies. Using Q-FISH, we measured relative TLs in the metaphase chromosomes of 61 chorionic villous samples. Relative TLs did not differ between karyotypically normal samples from miscarriages and those from ongoing pregnancies (p = 0.3739). However, among the karyotypically abnormal samples, relative TLs were significantly higher in ongoing pregnancies than in miscarriages (p < 0.0001). Relative TLs were also significantly higher in chorion samples from karyotypically abnormal ongoing pregnancies than in those from karyotypically normal ones (p = 0.0018) in contrast to miscarriages, where relative TL values were higher in the karyotypically normal samples (p = 0.002). In the karyotypically abnormal chorionic cytotrophoblast, the TL variance was significantly lower than in any other group (p < 0.05). Assessed by TL ratios between sister chromatids, interchromatid TL asymmetry demonstrated similar patterns across all of the chorion samples (p = 0.22) but significantly exceeded that in PHA-stimulated lymphocytes (p < 0.0001, p = 0.0003). The longer telomere was predominantly present in the hydroxymethylated sister chromatid in chromosomes featuring hemihydroxymethylation (containing 5-hydroxymethylcytosine in only one sister chromatid)—a typical sign of chorionic cytotrophoblast cells. Our results suggest that the phenomena of interchromatid TL asymmetry and its association to 5hmC patterns in chorionic cytotrophoblast, which are potentially linked to telomere lengthening through recombination, are inherent to the development programme. The TL differences in chorionic cytotrophoblast that are associated with karyotype and embryo viability seem to be determined by heredity rather than telomere elongation mechanisms. The inheritance of long telomeres by a karyotypically abnormal embryo promotes his development, whereas TL in karyotypically normal first-trimester embryos does not seem to have a considerable impact on developmental capacity.
Improvement of Glucose Tolerance by Food Factors Having Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Releasing Activity
Authors: Hira Tohru , Trakooncharoenvit Aphichat , Taguchi Hayate , Hara Hiroshi
Published: June 2021

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a gastrointestinal hormone released from enteroendocrine L cells in response to meal ingestion. GLP-1 receptor agonists and GLP-1 enhancers have been clinically employed to treat diabetes owing to their glucose-dependent insulin-releasing activity. The release of GLP-1 is primarily stimulated by macronutrients such as glucose and fatty acids, which are nutritionally indispensable; however, excessive intake of sugar and fat is responsible for the development of obesity and diabetes. Therefore, GLP-1 releasing food factors, such as dietary peptides and non-nutrients, are deemed desirable for improving glucose tolerance. Human and animal studies have revealed that dietary proteins/peptides have a potent effect on stimulating GLP-1 secretion. Studies in enteroendocrine cell models have shown that dietary peptides, amino acids, and phytochemicals, such as quercetin, can directly stimulate GLP-1 secretion. In our animal experiments, these food factors improved glucose metabolism and increased GLP-1 secretion. Furthermore, some dietary peptides not only stimulated GLP-1 secretion but also reduced plasma peptidase activity, which is responsible for GLP-1 inactivation. Herein, we review the relationship between GLP-1 and food factors, especially dietary peptides and flavonoids. Accordingly, utilization of food factors with GLP-1-releasing/enhancing activity is a promising strategy for preventing and treating obesity and diabetes.
Molecular Pathomechanisms of Impaired Flow-Induced Constriction of Cerebral Arteries Following Traumatic Brain Injury: A Potential Impact on Cerebral Autoregulation
Authors: Szenasi Annamaria , Amrein Krisztina , Czeiter Endre , Szarka Nikolett , Toth Peter , Koller Akos
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) frequently occurs worldwide, resulting in high morbidity and mortality. Here, we hypothesized that TBI impairs an autoregulatory mechanism, namely the flow-induced constriction of isolated rat middle cerebral arteries (MCAs). (2) Methods: TBI was induced in anaesthetized rats by weight drop model, and then MCAs were isolated and transferred into a pressure-flow chamber. The internal diameter was measured by a video-microscopy. (3) Results: In MCAs from intact rats, increases in flow and pressure + flow elicited constrictions (−26 ± 1.9 µm and −52 ± 2.8 µm, p < 0.05), which were significantly reduced after TBI or in the presence of thromboxane-prostanoid (TP receptor) antagonist SQ 29,548. Flow-induced constrictions were significantly reduced by HET0016, inhibitor of cytochrome P450 4A (CYP450 4A). Arachidonic acid, (AA, 10−7 M), and CYP-450 4A metabolite 20-hydroxyeicosatetraenoic acid (20-HETE) elicited constrictions of intact MCA (−26 ± 2.3% and −31 ± 3.6%), which were significantly reduced after TBI (to 11 ± 1.3% and −16 ±2.5%). The TP receptor agonist U46619 (10−7 M) elicited substantial constrictions of MCA from intact rats (−21 ± 3.3%), which were also significantly reduced, after TBI (to −16 ± 2.4%). (4) Conclusions: Flow-induced constrictor response of MCA is impaired by traumatic brain injury, likely due to the reduced ability of cytochrome P450 4A to convert arachidonic acid to constrictor prostaglandins and the mitigated sensitivity of thromboxane-prostanoid receptors.
The Role of Neuropeptide B and Its Receptors in Controlling Appetite, Metabolism, and Energy Homeostasis
Authors: Wojciechowicz Tatiana , Billert Maria , Jasaszwili Mariami , Strowski Mathias Z. , Nowak Krzysztof W. , Skrzypski Marek
Published: June 2021

Neuropeptide B (NPB) is a peptide hormone that was initially described in 2002. In humans, the biological effects of NPB depend on the activation of two G protein-coupled receptors, NPBWR1 (GPR7) and NPBWR2 (GPR8), and, in rodents, NPBWR1. NPB and its receptors are expressed in the central nervous system (CNS) and in peripheral tissues. NPB is also present in the circulation. In the CNS, NPB modulates appetite, reproduction, pain, anxiety, and emotions. In the peripheral tissues, NPB controls secretion of adrenal hormones, pancreatic beta cells, and various functions of adipose tissue. Experimental downregulation of either NPB or NPBWR1 leads to adiposity. Here, we review the literature with regard to NPB-dependent control of metabolism and energy homeostasis.
Mitochondrial Function Are Disturbed in the Presence of the Anticancer Drug, 3-Bromopyruvate
Authors: Cal Magdalena , Matyjaszczyk Irwin , Filik Karolina , Ogórek Rafał , Ko Young , Ułaszewski Stanisław
Published: June 2021

3-bromopuryvate (3-BP) is a compound with unique antitumor activity. It has a selective action against tumor cells that exhibit the Warburg effect. It has been proven that the action of 3-BP is pleiotropic: it acts on proteins, glycolytic enzymes, reduces the amount of ATP, induces the formation of ROS (reactive oxygen species), and induces nuclear DNA damage. Mitochondria are important organelles for the proper functioning of the cell. The production of cellular energy (ATP), the proper functioning of the respiratory chain, or participation in the production of amino acids are one of the many functions of mitochondria. Here, for the first time, we show on the yeast model that 3-BP acts in the eukaryotic cell also by influence on mitochondria and that agents inhibiting mitochondrial function can potentially be used in cancer therapy with 3-BP. We show that cells with functional mitochondria are more resistant to 3-BP than rho0 cells. Using an MTT assay (a colorimetric assay for assessing cell metabolic activity), we demonstrated that 3-BP decreased mitochondrial activity in yeast in a dose-dependent manner. 3-BP induces mitochondrial-dependent ROS generation which results in ∆sod2, ∆por1, or ∆gpx1 mutant sensitivity to 3-BP. Probably due to ROS mtDNA lesions rise during 3-BP treatment. Our findings may have a significant impact on the therapy with 3-BP.
Socio-Cultural and Somatic Factors Associated with Children’s Motor Competence
Authors: Lopes Vitor P. , Monteiro Diogo
Published: June 2021

The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of somatic and socio-cultural factors on children’s motor competence (MC). MC was assessed through the standing long jump (SLJ), distance throw of a tennis ball (TTB), and 20 m dash (20 m) in 181 children (84 girls) with a mean age of 6.10(0.47) years. The effect of socio-economic status, house/living space, educational practices, the child’s interaction with peers and siblings, and the sum of five skinfolds (SS) were analysed via structural equation modelling (SEM) in each motor skill. The SEM models displayed a good fit to the data. In addition, standardized direct effects are significant on different outcome variables, except for brotherhood relationship (BR) and peer relationship in TTB, and 20 m dash and BR in standing long jump (SLJ). SS are negatively related to all motor skills.
Legal Aspects of “White-Label” Banking in the European, Polish and German Law
Authors: Grabowski Michał
Published: June 2021

Offering “White-label” products and services is a well-developed business sector in the European market. At present, this market concept is also increasingly being applied to financial services, as part of a bank–FinTech cooperation. A question arises, however, as to the proper place for such models within the complex system of European financial law. This article reviews the “White-label” frameworks currently operating in the banking sector and the corresponding regulations of the European Union law, based on their application in German and Polish legal system. Purposive, grammatical, and comparative law methods were used to study the content of legal acts. As a result, the principles of two primary models of White-label banking were established. The first model is based on a bank acting only as an outsourcing service provider. In the second model, a bank also operates on the basis of a license it was granted. Both models have a common legal origin in European Union law, but local variations exist depending on the legal system of a given Member State.
Selection of Optimal Magnets for Traction Motors to Prevent Demagnetization
Authors: Rao Dantam , Bagianathan Madhan
Published: June 2021

Currently, permanent-magnet-type traction motors drive most electric vehicles. However, the potential demagnetization of magnets in these motors limits the performance of an electric vehicle. It is well known that during severe duty, the magnets are demagnetized if they operate beyond a ‘knee point’ in the B(H) curve. We show herein that the classic knee point definition can degrade a magnet by up to 4 grades. To prevent consequent excessive loss in performance, this paper defines the knee point k as the point of intersection of the B(H) curve and a parallel line that limits the reduction in its residual flux density to 1%. We show that operating above such a knee point will not be demagnetizing the magnets. It will also prevent a magnet from degenerating to a lower grade. The flux density at such a knee point, termed demag flux density, characterizes the onset of demagnetization. It rightly reflects the value of a magnet, so can be used as a basis to price the magnets. Including such knee points in the purchase specifications also helps avoid the penalty of getting the performance of a low-grade magnet out of a high-grade magnet. It also facilitates an accurate demagnetization analysis of traction motors in the worst-case conditions.
The Superiority of Quantum Strategy in 3-Player Prisoner’s Dilemma
Authors: Dong Zhiyuan , Wu Ai-Guo
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we extend the quantum game theory of Prisoner’s Dilemma to the N-player case. The final state of quantum game theory of N-player Prisoner’s Dilemma is derived, which can be used to investigate the payoff of each player. As demonstration, two cases (2-player and 3-player) are studied to illustrate the superiority of quantum strategy in the game theory. Specifically, the non-unique entanglement parameter is found to maximize the total payoff, which oscillates periodically. Finally, the optimal strategic set is proved to depend on the selection of initial states.
Lexical Sense Labeling and Sentiment Potential Analysis Using Corpus-Based Dependency Graph
Authors: Ban Kirigin Tajana , Bujačić Babić Sanda , Perak Benedikt
Published: June 2021

This paper describes a graph method for labeling word senses and identifying lexical sentiment potential by integrating the corpus-based syntactic-semantic dependency graph layer, lexical semantic and sentiment dictionaries. The method, implemented as ConGraCNet application on different languages and corpora, projects a semantic function onto a particular syntactical dependency layer and constructs a seed lexeme graph with collocates of high conceptual similarity. The seed lexeme graph is clustered into subgraphs that reveal the polysemous semantic nature of a lexeme in a corpus. The construction of the WordNet hypernym graph provides a set of synset labels that generalize the senses for each lexical cluster. By integrating sentiment dictionaries, we introduce graph propagation methods for sentiment analysis. Original dictionary sentiment values are integrated into ConGraCNet lexical graph to compute sentiment values of node lexemes and lexical clusters, and identify the sentiment potential of lexemes with respect to a corpus. The method can be used to resolve sparseness of sentiment dictionaries and enrich the sentiment evaluation of lexical structures in sentiment dictionaries by revealing the relative sentiment potential of polysemous lexemes with respect to a specific corpus. The proposed approach has the potential to be used as a complementary method to other NLP resources and tasks, including word disambiguation, domain relatedness, sense structure, metaphoricity, as well as a cross- and intra-cultural discourse variations of prototypical conceptualization patterns and knowledge representations.
Representations of Rectifying Isotropic Curves and Their Centrodes in Complex 3-Space
Authors: Qian Jinhua , Yin Pei , Fu Xueshan , Wang Hongzeng
Published: June 2021

In this work, the rectifying isotropic curves are investigated in three-dimensional complex space C3. The conclusion that an isotropic curve is a rectifying curve if and only if its pseudo curvature is a linear function of its pseudo arc-length is achieved. Meanwhile, the rectifying isotropic curves are expressed by the Bessel functions explicitly. Last but not least, the centrodes of rectifying isotropic curves are explored in detail.
Phenolphthalein Anilide Based Poly(Ether Sulfone) Block Copolymers Containing Quaternary Ammonium and Imidazolium Cations: Anion Exchange Membrane Materials for Microbial Fuel Cell
Authors: Mohanty Aruna , Song Young Eun , Kim Jung Rae , Kim Nowon , Paik Hyun-jong
Published: June 2021

A class of phenolphthalein anilide (PA)-based poly(ether sulfone) multiblock copolymers containing pendant quaternary ammonium (QA) and imidazolium (IM) groups were synthesized and evaluated as anion exchange membrane (AEM) materials. The AEMs were flexible and mechanically strong with good thermal stability. The ionomeric multiblock copolymer AEMs exhibited well-defined hydrophobic/hydrophilic phase-separated morphology in small-angle X-ray scattering and atomic force microscopy. The distinct nanophase separated membrane morphology in the AEMs resulted in higher conductivity (IECw = 1.3–1.5 mequiv./g, σ(OH−) = 30–38 mS/cm at 20 °C), lower water uptake and swelling. Finally, the membranes were compared in terms of microbial fuel cell performances with the commercial cation and anion exchange membranes. The membranes showed a maximum power density of ~310 mW/m2 (at 0.82 A/m2); 1.7 and 2.8 times higher than the Nafion 117 and FAB-PK-130 membranes, respectively. These results demonstrated that the synthesized AEMs were superior to Nafion 117 and FAB-PK-130 membranes.
Effects of Lactobacillus reuteri and Streptomyces coelicolor on Growth Performance of Broiler Chickens
Authors: Bhogoju Sarayu , Khwatenge Collins N. , Taylor-Bowden Thyneice , Akerele Gabriel , Kimathi Boniface M. , Donkor Joseph , Nahashon Samuel N.
Published: June 2021

There are well documented complications associated with the continuous use of antibiotics in the poultry industry. Over the past few decades, probiotics have emerged as viable alternatives to antibiotics; however, most of these candidate probiotic microorganisms have not been fully evaluated for their effectiveness as potential probiotics for poultry. Recent evaluation of a metagenome of broiler chickens in our laboratory revealed a prevalence of Lactobacillus reuteri (L. reuteri) and Actinobacteria class of bacteria in their gastrointestinal tract. In this study Lactobacillus reuteri and Streptomyces coelicolor (S. coelicolor) were selected as probiotic bacteria, encapsulated, and added into broiler feed at a concentration of 100 mg/kg of feed. In an 8-week study, 240 one day-old chicks were randomly assigned to four dietary treatments. Three dietary treatments contained two probiotic bacteria in three different proportions (L. reuteri and S. coelicolor individually at 100 ppm, and mixture of L. reuteri and S. coelicolor at 50 ppm each). The fourth treatment had no probiotic bacteria and it functioned as the control diet. L. reuteri and S. coelicolor were added to the feed by using wheat middlings as a carrier at a concentration of 100 ppm (100 mg/kg). Chickens fed diets containing L. reuteri and S. coelicolor mixture showed 2% improvement in body weight gain, 7% decrease in feed consumption, and 6–7% decrease in feed conversion ratios. This research suggests that L. reuteri and S. coelicolor have the potential to constitute probiotics in chickens combined or separately, depending on the desired selection of performance index.
Wide Genetic Diversity of Blastocystis in White-Tailed Deer (Odocoileus virginianus) from Maryland, USA
Authors: Maloney Jenny G. , Jang Yunah , Molokin Aleksey , George Nadja S. , Santin Monica
Published: June 2021

Blastocystis is a gastrointestinal protist frequently reported in humans and animals worldwide. Wildlife populations, including deer, may serve as reservoirs of parasitic diseases for both humans and domestic animals, either through direct contact or through contamination of food or water resources. However, no studies of the occurrence and subtype distribution of Blastocystis in wildlife populations have been conducted in the United States. PCR and next generation amplicon sequencing were used to determine the occurrence and subtypes of Blastocystis in white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus). Blastocystis was common, with 88.8% (71/80) of samples found to be positive. Twelve subtypes were identified, ten previously reported (ST1, ST3, ST4, ST10, ST14, ST21, and ST23–ST26) and two novel subtypes (ST30 and ST31). To confirm the validity of ST30 and ST31, MinION sequencing was used to obtain full-length SSU rRNA gene sequences, and phylogenetic and pairwise distance analyses were performed. ST10, ST14, and ST24 were the most commonly observed subtypes. Potentially zoonotic subtypes ST1, ST3, or ST4 were present in 8.5% of Blastocystis-positives. Mixed subtype infections were common (90.1% of Blastocystis-positives). This study is the first to subtype Blastocystis in white-tailed deer. White-tailed deer were found to be commonly infected/colonized with a wide diversity of subtypes, including two novel subtypes, zoonotic subtypes, and subtypes frequently reported in domestic animals. More studies in wildlife are needed to better understand their role in the transmission of Blastocystis.
Of Prophecy and Piety: Spinoza’s Tractatus Theologico-Politicus between al-Farabî and Erasmus
Authors: Leezenberg Michiel
Published: June 2021

In this contribution, I discuss some less well-known premodern and early modern antecedents of Spinoza’s concepts and claims in the Tractatus Theologico-Politicus. On the one hand, I will argue, Spinoza’s notion of prophecy owes more to Moses Maimonides than to any Christian author; and through Maimonides, Spinoza may be linked to the discussion of prophecy in The Virtuous City by the tenth-century Islamic philosopher al-Farabî. Spinoza’s concern with prophecy as a popular formulation of the Divine Law may be fruitfully seen in the light of these two authors. On the other hand, Spinoza’s notion of pietas has arguably been shaped by a number of early modern authors from the Low Countries, including Thomas a Kempis and Erasmus: it does not consist in merely obeying the law, but also has a clear devotional and theist dimension of love for God and for one’s neighbors. As such, it may be associated with recent ideas on philosophy and spiritual exercises. These findings have a number of non-trivial implications for Spinoza’s place in the rise of modern, academic Western philosophy. I will discuss these implications in the context of Pierre Hadot’s influential views on philosophy as a way of life and Michel Foucault’s notion of spirituality.
An Autoencoder-Based Deep Learning Approach for Load Identification in Structural Dynamics
Authors: Rosafalco Luca , Manzoni Andrea , Mariani Stefano , Corigliano Alberto
Published: June 2021

In civil engineering, different machine learning algorithms have been adopted to process the huge amount of data continuously acquired through sensor networks and solve inverse problems. Challenging issues linked to structural health monitoring or load identification are currently related to big data, consisting of structural vibration recordings shaped as a multivariate time series. Any algorithm should therefore allow an effective dimensionality reduction, retaining the informative content of data and inferring correlations within and across the time series. Within this framework, we propose a time series AutoEncoder (AE) employing inception modules and residual learning for the encoding and the decoding parts, and an extremely reduced latent representation specifically tailored to tackle load identification tasks. We discuss the choice of the dimensionality of this latent representation, considering the sources of variability in the recordings and the inverse-forward nature of the AE. To help setting the aforementioned dimensionality, the false nearest neighbor heuristics is also exploited. The reported numerical results, related to shear buildings excited by dynamic loadings, highlight the signal reconstruction capacity of the proposed AE, and the capability to accomplish the load identification task.
Machine Learning Strategy for Soil Nutrients Prediction Using Spectroscopic Method
Authors: Trontelj ml. Janez , Chambers Olga
Published: June 2021

The research presented in this paper is based on the hypothesis that the machine learning approach improves the accuracy of soil properties prediction. The correlations obtained in this research are important for understanding the overall strategy for soil properties prediction using optical spectroscopy sensors. Several research results have been stated and investigated. A comparison is made between six commonly used techniques: Random Forest, Decision Tree, Naïve Bayes, Support Vector Machine, Least-Square Support Vector Machine and Artificial Neural Network, showing that the best prediction accuracy cannot always be achieved by the most common and complicated method. The influence of the chosen category for nutrient characterization was investigated, indicating better prediction when a multi-component strategy was used. In contrast, the prediction of single-component soil properties was less accurate. In addition, the influence of category levels was not as significant as expected when choosing between 3-level, 5-level or 13-level nutrient characterization for some nutrients, which can be used for a more precise nutrient characterization strategy. A comparative analysis was performed between soil from a local farm with similar texture and soils collected from different locations in Slovenia, which gave a better prediction for a local farm. Finally, the influence of principal component analysis was validated using 5, 10, 20 and 50 first principal components, indicating the better performance of machine learning when using the 50 principal components.
Correlation Analysis of Different Measurement Places of Galvanic Skin Response in Test Groups Facing Pleasant and Unpleasant Stimuli
Authors: Sanchez-Comas Andres , Synnes Kåre , Molina-Estren Diego , Troncoso-Palacio Alexander , Comas-González Zhoe
Published: June 2021

The galvanic skin response (GSR; also widely known as electrodermal activity (EDA)) is a signal for stress-related studies. Given the sparsity of studies related to the GSR and the variety of devices, this study was conducted at the Human Health Activity Laboratory (H2AL) with 17 healthy subjects to determine the variability in the detection of changes in the galvanic skin response among a test group with heterogeneous respondents facing pleasant and unpleasant stimuli, correlating the GSR biosignals measured from different body sites. We experimented with the right and left wrist, left fingers, the inner side of the right foot using Shimmer3GSR and Empatica E4 sensors. The results indicated the most promising homogeneous places for measuring the GSR, namely, the left fingers and right foot. The results also suggested that due to a significantly strong correlation among the inner side of the right foot and the left fingers, as well as the moderate correlations with the right and left wrists, the foot may be a suitable place to homogenously measure a GSR signal in a test group. We also discuss some possible causes of weak and negative correlations from anomalies detected in the raw data possibly related to the sensors or the test group, which may be considered to develop robust emotion detection systems based on GRS biosignals.
Depth-Camera Based Energy Expenditure Estimation System for Physical Activity Using Posture Classification Algorithm
Authors: Lin Bor-Shing , Lee I-Jung , Fahn Chin-Shyurng , Lee Yi-Fang , Chou Wei-Jen , Wu Meng-Luen
Published: June 2021

Insufficient physical activity is common in modern society. By estimating the energy expenditure (EE) of different physical activities, people can develop suitable exercise plans to improve their lifestyle quality. However, several limitations still exist in the related works. Therefore, the aim of this study is to propose an accurate EE estimation model based on depth camera data with physical activity classification to solve the limitations in the previous research. To decide the best location and amount of cameras of the EE estimation, three depth cameras were set at three locations, namely the side, rear side, and rear views, to obtain the kinematic data and EE estimation. Support vector machine was used for physical activity classification. Three EE estimation models, namely linear regression, multilayer perceptron (MLP), and convolutional neural network (CNN) models, were compared and determined the model with optimal performance in different experimental settings. The results have shown that if only one depth camera is available, optimal EE estimation can be obtained using the side view and MLP model. The mean absolute error (MAE), mean square error (MSE), and root MSE (RMSE) of the classification results under the aforementioned settings were 0.55, 0.66, and 0.81, respectively. If higher accuracy is required, two depth cameras can be set at the side and rear views, the CNN model can be used for light-to-moderate activities, and the MLP model can be used for vigorous activities. The RMSEs for estimating the EEs of standing, walking, and running were 0.19, 0.57, and 0.96, respectively. By applying the different models on different amounts of cameras, the optimal performance can be obtained, and this is also the first study to discuss the issue.
A Novel Feature Extraction and Fault Detection Technique for the Intelligent Fault Identification of Water Pump Bearings
Authors: Irfan Muhammad , Alwadie Abdullah Saeed , Glowacz Adam , Awais Muhammad , Rahman Saifur , Khan Mohammad Kamal Asif , Jalalah Mohammad , Alshorman Omar , Caesarendra Wahyu
Published: June 2021

The reliable and cost-effective condition monitoring of the bearings installed in water pumps is a real challenge in the industry. This paper presents a novel strong feature selection and extraction algorithm (SFSEA) to extract fault-related features from the instantaneous power spectrum (IPS). The three features extracted from the IPS using the SFSEA are fed to an extreme gradient boosting (XBG) classifier to reliably detect and classify the minor bearing faults. The experiments performed on a lab-scale test setup demonstrated classification accuracy up to 100%, which is better than the previously reported fault classification accuracies and indicates the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Near-Infrared Reflectance Spectroscopy for Predicting the Phospholipid Fraction and the Total Fatty Acid Composition of Freeze-Dried Beef
Authors: Ripoll Guillermo , Failla Sebastiana , Panea Begoña , Hocquette Jean-François , Dunner Susana , Olleta Jose Luis , Christensen Mette , Ertbjerg Per , Richardson Ian , Contò Michela , Albertí Pere , Sañudo Carlos , Williams John L.
Published: June 2021

Research on fatty acids (FA) is important because their intake is related to human health. NIRS can be a useful tool to estimate the FA of beef but due to the high moisture and the high absorbance of water makes it difficult to calibrate the analyses. This work evaluated near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy as a tool to assess the total fatty acid composition and the phospholipid fraction of fatty acids of beef using freeze-dried meat. An average of 22 unrelated pure breed young bulls from 15 European breeds were reared on a common concentrate-based diet. A total of 332 longissimus thoracis steaks were analysed for fatty acid composition and a freeze-dried sample was subjected to near-infrared spectral analysis. 220 samples (67%) were used as a calibration set with the remaining 110 (33%) being used for validation of the models obtained. There was a large variation in the total FA concentration across the animals giving a good data set for the analysis and whilst the coefficient of variation was nearly 68% for the monounsaturated FA it was only 27% for the polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). PLS method was used to develop the prediction models. The models for the phospholipid fraction had a low R2p and high standard error, while models for neutral lipid had the best performance, in general. It was not possible to obtain a good prediction of many individual PUFA concentrations being present at low concentrations and less variable than other FA. The best models were developed for Total FA, saturated FA, 9c18:1 and 16:1 with R2p greater than 0.76. This study indicates that NIRS is a feasible and useful tool for screening purposes and it has the potential to predict most of the FA of freeze-dried beef.
RGB-D Data-Based Action Recognition: A Review
Authors: Shaikh Muhammad Bilal , Chai Douglas
Published: June 2021

Classification of human actions is an ongoing research problem in computer vision. This review is aimed to scope current literature on data fusion and action recognition techniques and to identify gaps and future research direction. Success in producing cost-effective and portable vision-based sensors has dramatically increased the number and size of datasets. The increase in the number of action recognition datasets intersects with advances in deep learning architectures and computational support, both of which offer significant research opportunities. Naturally, each action-data modality—such as RGB, depth, skeleton, and infrared (IR)—has distinct characteristics; therefore, it is important to exploit the value of each modality for better action recognition. In this paper, we focus solely on data fusion and recognition techniques in the context of vision with an RGB-D perspective. We conclude by discussing research challenges, emerging trends, and possible future research directions.
Dual Memory LSTM with Dual Attention Neural Network for Spatiotemporal Prediction
Authors: Li Teng , Guan Yepeng
Published: June 2021

Spatiotemporal prediction is challenging due to extracting representations being inefficient and the lack of rich contextual dependences. A novel approach is proposed for spatiotemporal prediction using a dual memory LSTM with dual attention neural network (DMANet). A new dual memory LSTM (DMLSTM) unit is proposed to extract the representations by leveraging differencing operations between the consecutive images and adopting dual memory transition mechanism. To make full use of historical representations, a dual attention mechanism is designed to capture long-term spatiotemporal dependences by computing the correlations between the current hidden representations and the historical hidden representations from temporal and spatial dimensions, respectively. Then, the dual attention is embedded into DMLSTM unit to construct a DMANet, which enables the model with greater modeling power for short-term dynamics and long-term contextual representations. An apparent resistivity map (AR Map) dataset is proposed in this paper. The B-spline interpolation method is utilized to enhance AR Map dataset and makes apparent resistivity trend curve continuous derivative in the time dimension. The experimental results demonstrate that the developed method has excellent prediction performance by comparisons with some state-of-the-art methods.
Caesalpinia sappan L. Ameliorates Scopolamine-Induced Memory Deficits in Mice via the cAMP/PKA/CREB/BDNF Pathway
Authors: Helmi Helmi , Fakhrudin Nanang , Nurrochmad Arief , Ikawati Zullies
Published: June 2021

Memory is an essential aspect of human cognition. A decrease in this aspect is well associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The development of a novel cognitive enhancer (CE) may help overcome AD-related problems. In this study, we evaluated the CE effect of Caesalpinia sappan L. (CS) in memory deficit mice. Administration of its ethanolic extract (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight (BW)) and brazilin (5 and 10 mg/kg BW) ameliorated the scopolamine-amnesic effect, as evidenced by significant decreases (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) in the escape latency time and increases (p < 0.01) in the percentage of time spent in the target quadrant of the Morris water maze test. We also examined the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP) level, protein kinase A (PKA) activity, and protein expression levels of phosphorylated cAMP response element binding (pCREB) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) in hippocampal tissues to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. Results showed that CS wood ethanolic extract and brazilin not only significantly increase (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) cAMP levels and PKA activity but also significantly enhance (p < 0.01, p < 0.05) the expression level of pCREB and BDNF in the hippocampus. These findings indicate that CS activates the cAMP/PKA/CREB/BDNF pathway. Taken together, our results demonstrate that CS is a promising herb that could be developed as a CE agent.
Assessments of Organic Carbon Stabilization Using the Spectroscopic Characteristics of Humic Acids Separated from Soils of the Lena River Delta
Authors: Polyakov Vyacheslav , Abakumov Evgeny
Published: June 2021

In the Arctic zone, where up to 1024 × 1013 kg of organic matter is stored in permafrost-affected soils, soil organic matter consists of about 50% humic substances. Based on the analysis of the molecular composition of humic acids, we assessed the processes of accumulation of the key structural fragments, their transformations and the stabilization rates of carbon pools in soils in general. The landscape of the Lena River delta is the largest storage of stabilized organic matter in the Arctic. There is active accumulation and deposition of a significant amount of soil organic carbon from terrestrial ecosystems in a permafrost state. Under ongoing climate change, carbon emission fluxes into the atmosphere are estimated to be higher than the sequestration and storing of carbon compounds. Thus, investigation of soil organic matter stabilization mechanisms and rates is quite an urgent topic regarding polar soils. For study of molecular elemental composition, humic acids were separated from the soils of the Lena River delta. Key structural fragments of humic matter were identified and quantified by CP/MAS 13C NMR spectroscopy: carboxyl (–COOR); carbonyl (–C=O); CH3–; CH2–; CH-aliphatic; –C-OR alcohols, esters and carbohydrates; and the phenolic (Ar-OH), quinone (Ar = O) and aromatic (Ar–) groups as benchmark Cryosols of the Lena delta river terrestrial ecosystem. Under the conditions of thermodynamic evolutionary selection, during the change between the dry and wet seasons, up to 41% of aromatic and carboxyl fragments accumulated in humic acids. Data obtained showed that three main groups of carbon played the most important role in soil organic matter stabilization, namely C, H-alkyls ((CH2)n/CH/C and CH3), aromatic compounds (C-C/C-H, C-O) and an OCH group (OCH/OCq). The variations of these carbon species’ content in separated humics, with special reference to soil–permafrost organic profiles’ recalcitrance in the current environment, is discussed.
Placemaking in Informal Settlements: The Case of France Colony, Islamabad, Pakistan
Authors: Shafqat Ramisa , Marinova Dora , Khan Shahed
Published: June 2021

This paper provides an alternative perspective on urban informal settlements by analysing them as places of rural remnants, reservoirs of regional cultural heritage, and spaces entailing traditional sustainable elements that are brought to the urban realm by rural migrants. These socio-cultural and spatial attributes of a settlement converge under the notion of a “place.” Placemaking analysis is thus contended to be appropriate for comprehensive understanding of an informal settlement. The selected case study of France Colony, Islamabad, employs the placemaking methodology framework to investigate sustainability values and practices from the day-to-day living of its inhabitants. Data collected through on-site interviews during transect walks in France Colony are then translated into four maps as a spatio-cultural documentation of the sustainable elements found in the informal settlement. The four maps relate to form and users, activities and amenities, image and characteristics, and access and linkages. This systematic analysis assisted in categorising the sustainability characteristics of the informal settlements according to the three pillars (social, economic, and environmental) of sustainability. The findings show that the organic placemaking, originating from everyday life, values, behaviour, and lifestyle of the informal dwellers, allows for a strong and vibrant resilient community to emerge.
Flow Cytometric Analysis of the Cytotoxic T-Cell Recall Response to Theileria parva in Cattle Following Vaccination by the Infection and Treatment Method
Authors: Elnaggar Mahmoud M. , Knowles Donald P. , Davis William C. , Fry Lindsay M.
Published: June 2021

The apicomplexan hemoparasite, Theileria parva, causes East Coast fever (ECF), a frequently fatal disease of African cattle. Vaccine development has been impeded by incomplete understanding of protective immunity following natural exposure or the infection and treatment method (ITM) of immunization. This is attributable to a paucity of methods to characterize the memory T-cell repertoire following infection. To overcome this impediment, assays developed to study the immune response to other intracellular pathogens were adapted for use in studies with T. parva to enable definition of the phenotype and function of effector T cells in T. parva-immune cattle, facilitating vaccine development. As reported herein, stimulation of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) from ITM-immunized steers with irradiated, autologous, T. parva-infected cell lines elicited a proliferative recall response comprised of CD45R0+/CCR7− CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. Subsequent co-incubation of stimulated cultures with infected cells demonstrated the presence of cytotoxic T cells (CTLs) with the ability to kill infected cells. Comparison of CTL activity in cultures depleted of CD4+ or CD8+ T cells demonstrated CTL activity was primarily attributed to CD8+ T cells. Importantly, stimulation of PBMC from vaccinated steers always elicited proliferation of CD4+ and CD8+ T cells. This was the first important observation obtained from the use of the assay described herein.
Perfil da estudante de serviço social da UFF - Rio das Ostras em 2019
Authors: Assunção Vânia Ferreira de
Published: June 2021

Este texto objetiva publicizar e analisar as informações sobre o perfil socioeconômico da discente de serviço social da Universidade Federal Fluminense (UFF) – Rio das Ostras, coletadas por meio de pesquisas quanti e qualitativa realizadas no primeiro semestre de 2019. Após breve apresentação do campus e do curso, a fim de situar os dilemas da educação superior em um campus de estrutura precarizada e falta das condições necessárias de ensino/aprendizagem, expõem-se suas condições socioeconômicas e sua trajetória estudantil e a organização da sua vida acadêmica. São feitas, ainda, sempre que possível, comparações com dados de outras pesquisas.
Influence Function and Bootstrap Methods of Estimating the Standard Errors of the Estimators of Mixture Exponential Distribution Parameter
Authors: Udobi J. I. , Osuji G. A. , Onyeagu S. I. , Obiora-Ilouno H. O.
Published: June 2021

This work estimated the standard error of the maximum likelihood estimator (MLE) and the robust estimators of the exponential mixture parameter (θ) using the influence function and the bootstrap approaches. Mixture exponential random samples of sizes 10, 15, 20, 25, 50, and 100 were generated using 3 mixture exponential models at 2%, 5% and 10% contamination levels. The selected estimators namely: mean, median, alpha-trimmed mean, Huber M-estimate and their standard errors (Tn ) were estimated using the two approaches at the indicated sample sizes and contamination levels. The results were compared using the coefficient of variation, confidence interval and the asymptotic relative efficiency of Tn in order to find out which approach yields the more reliable, precise and efficient estimate of Tn. The results of the analysis show that the two approaches do not equally perform at all conditions. From the results, the bootstrap method was found to be more reliable and efficient method of estimating the standard error of the arithmetic mean at all sample sizes and contamination levels. In estimating the standard error of the median, the influence function method was found to be more effective especially when the sample size is small and yet contamination is high. The influence function based approach yielded more reliable, precise and efficient estimates of the standard errors of the alpha-trimmed mean and the Huber M-estimate for all sample sizes and levels of contamination although the reliability of the bootstrap method improved better as sample size increased to 50 and above. All simulations and analysis were carried out in R programming language.
METHODS OF REPEATED USE OF CEMENT DUST
Authors: Саламанова М.Ш. , Алиев С.А. , Муртазаева Р.С.-А.
Published: June 2021

В процессе обжига портландцементного клинкера в электрофильтрах вращающихся печей скапливается большое количество пыли, как клинкерной, так и аспирационной, поэтому рациональное использование этих продуктов, содержащих определенную долю полноценного сырьевого ресурса, является актуальной задачей индустрии цемента. В данной работе представлены результаты исследований цементной пыли, проведен энергодисперсионный и сравнительный анализ исследуемых порошков, а также приводится возможный способ утилизации цементной пыли для получения бесклинкерных цементов щелочной активации и бетонов на их основе. Разработанные рецептуры бесклинкерных вяжущих с применением отходов цементной промышленности и натриевого жидкостекольного затворителя позволят получать менее затратные, прочные и долговечные композиты, которые позволят частично заменять традиционный бетон на дорогом портландцементе. Работа выполнена в рамках исследований по реализации научного проекта 1848200001 Высококачественные бетоны с повышенными эксплуатационными свойствами на основе местного природного и техногенного сырья , получившего поддержку Российского фонда фундаментальных исследований (РФФИ).

In the process of firing Portland cement clinker in electrostatic precipitators, in rotary kilns, a large amount of harmful substances, both clinker and aspiration, accumulates, therefore rational use of these products leads to certain shares of a fullfledged river resource, which are derived from industrial cement. It should be noted that the reuse of dust electrostatic precipitators is impossible. The basis for obtaining durable and more resourceefficient composites is based on modern technological methods that contribute to the improvement of technical and physicomechanical properties, with the integrated application of technogenic raw materials and liquid sodium binder. The developed clinkerfree binder formulations using the cement industry wastes and sodiumbased sludge glass will make it possible to produce less expensive, durable, and durable composites that will partially replace traditional concrete with expensive portland cement.
EFFECTIVE CEMENT PLASTER SOLUTIONS BASED ON SECONDARY FILLER FROM TECHNOGEN RAW MATERIALS
Authors: Исмаилова З.Х. , Хамидов М.А. , Мовсулов М.М.
Published: June 2021

Работа посвящена актуальной проблеме повышения эффективности утилизации техногенных отходов с получением вторичных сырьевых материалов для бетона и строительного раствора. Представлены результаты испытаний вторичного заполнителя (песка) из керамического кирпичного боя и строительных штукатурных растворов на его основе. Получены экспериментальные зависимости основных свойств строительных штукатурных смесей от вида и количества вторичного заполнителя из техногенного сырья в их составах. Обозначена перспективность продолжения экспериментальных работ в данном направлении с использованием современных химических модификаторов структуры цементного камня для повышения эффективности использования вторичных сырьевых продуктов техногенного происхождения. Работа выполнена в рамках исследований по реализации научного проекта 1848200001 Высококачественные бетоны с повышенными эксплуатационными свойствами на основе местного природного и техногенного сырья , получившего поддержку Российского фонда фундаментальных исследований (РФФИ).

The work is devoted to the actual problem of increasing the efficiency of utilization of industrial waste with the production of secondary raw materials for concrete and mortar. The results of tests of secondary aggregate (sand) from ceramic brick fights and building plaster solutions based on it are presented. Experimental dependences of the basic properties of building plaster mixtures on the type and amount of secondary aggregate from technogenic raw materials in their compositions were obtained. The prospect of continuing experimental work in this area using modern chemical modifiers of the cement stone structure to improve the efficiency of using secondary raw materials of technogenic origin is indicated. The work was performed as part of research on the implementation of the research project No. 1848 200001 Highquality concretes with enhanced performance properties based on local natural and technogenic raw materials received support from the Russian Foundation for Basic Research (RFBR).