bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Examining Pre-Service Teachers’ Perceptions About Virtual Classrooms in Online Learning
Authors: Debbag Murat , Fidan Mustafa
Published: September 2022

Using a descriptive research design, this study explored pre-service teachers’ perceptions of synchronous virtual classrooms and Web camera use in online learning. The study sample consisted of 256 pre-service teachers from the education faculty of a university in Turkey, and data was collected using a survey. The results showed that most pre-service teachers did not want to open their own Web cameras, due to reasons such as unsuitable physical environment, unsuitable appearance, and distractions on the screen. In addition, they stated that instructors’ gestures, facial expressions, and verbal-visual emphases were essential, and they wanted instructors to be visible on screen. They also suggested that student-centered practices and question-answer activities should be carried out to increase the effectiveness of virtual classrooms. In addition, sessions should not be scheduled in the early hours of the day, and should be of short duration.
The Landscape of MOOC Platforms Worldwide
Authors: Perifanou Maria , Economides Anastasios A.
Published: September 2022

Previous studies have mainly investigated major massive open online course (MOOC) platforms such as Coursera, edX, and Udemy. This study used 21 metrics to explore 35 MOOC platforms from across the world. Five Web analytics tools were used to analyze these MOOC platforms using data from MOOC platform directories and exploration of platform sites. The findings revealed that many universities, companies, and organizations have cooperated with the platforms and provided MOOCs through them. Major global platforms have offered thousands of MOOCs while regional platforms were more likely to have offered dozens. Some large platforms had millions of registered users while others registered just thousands. The major global platforms were established in the US to offer MOOCs mainly in English, though they offered MOOCs in other languages as well. The regional platforms offered MOOCs mainly in local languages, and to some extent in English and other languages. Some platforms engaged users for long periods while others failed to keep users after they viewed the first page of the platform. On average, a visitor stayed on a platform for 8 minutes visited 7.2 pages per visit. Major global platforms attracted users from all over the world, while regional platforms mainly attracted users from countries where the regional platform language was spoken. Some platforms had very few accessibility and contrast errors while other platforms performed poorly. Most platforms were mobile-friendly. However, administrators of almost all MOOC platforms should take actions to increase the speed of their platform. Other recommendations include undertaking marketing campaigns to increase the number of partners, the number of MOOCs offered, and the platforms’ visibility.
Bridging the Gap: Micro-credentials for Development
Authors: McGreal Rory , Mackintosh Wayne , Cox Glenda , Olcott, Jr. Don
Published: September 2022

This paper describes current trends and issues in implementing micro-credentials. The Covid19 epidemic, combined with the increasing cost of higher education; employer concerns about graduate skills and competencies; increasing inequities in access; and student frustrations about lack of job opportunities have all been a catalyst for universities, colleges, independent credentialing agencies, and leaders of national qualification frameworks to rethink the broader credentials continuum in terms of open education and micro-credentials. Students desire more options at lower costs to combine their education and training for jobs.  Employers want entry-level employees with better skills and capacity to learn. As a result, major colleges and universities are now actively engaged in granting and/or recognising micro-credentials. Standardising qualifications based on time competencies is an essential requirement for credit transfer among institutions. Micro-credentials are important in ensuring the acceptance and stackability of credentials from different institutions, while providing employers with a secure and unalterable permanent digital record of applicants' abilities to perform skills of high value in the workplace. The OERu (Open Educational Resources universitas) provides an example of how one international consortium is supporting SDG4: Education for All by implementing micro-credentials allowing for maximum transferability among institutions in different countries. The lesson for strategic leaders is simplicity. Micro-credentials should be well Integrated into current institutional programs, rendered easy-to-use with clear validation metrics, providing a value-added benefit for all stakeholders.  A list of recommendations to institutions, governments, UNESCO and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) is provided.
Excess Mortality since COVID-19: What Data Do We Need and What Questions Should We Ask to Understand its Causes in Portugal?
Authors: Ricoca Peixoto Vasco , Vieira André , Aguiar Pedro , Abrantes Alexandre
Published: September 2022

N/a.
Antibacterial Activity of Phyllophorus sp. Methanol Crude Extract on Vibrio alginolyticus and Vibrio harveyi
Authors: Andriyono Sapto , Dwi Cahyono Tatak , Dewi Masithah Endang
Published: September 2022

Utilization of natural materials sourced from the sea is very promising. These natural ingredients can function as antibacterials that are useful in a number of fields. This study aims to explore the extract of sea cucumber Phylloporus sp. as an antibacterial agent for Vibrio alginoliticus and Vibrio harveyi. The diffusion method was carried out with three treatments of sea cucumber extract starting at doses of 500, 1000 and 1500 mg/L with three replications for each treatment. Positive control was antibiotic Chloramphenicol 100 mg/ml (0.01%) and negative control with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO) 10%. The test results showed that sea cucumber extract was able to inhibit both types of bacteria, visible from the inhibition zone formed. In Vibrio alginoliticus bacteria, the average inhibition zone formed was 0.433 ± 0.0288. In bacteria, Vibrio harveyii was inhibited by sea cucumber extract with an average inhibition zone of 0.516 ± 0.104. Inhibition zone of sea cucumber extract Phylloporus sp. lower than Chloramphenicol which is a commercial antibacterial.
Interface chemistry for sodium metal anodes/batteries: a review
Authors: Li Guojie , Lou Xinyao , Peng Chengbin , Liu Chuntai , Chen Weihua
Published: September 2022

Sodium metal batteries (SMBs), benefiting from their low cost and high energy densities, have drawn considerable interest as large-scale energy storage devices. However, uncontrollable dendritic formation of sodium metal anodes (SMAs) caused by inhomogeneous deposition of Na+ severely decreases the Coulombic efficiency, leads to short cycling life, and poses potential safety hazards, dragging SMBs out of practical applications. Electrolytes are attracting massive attention for not only providing ion transport channels but also exhibiting vital effects on interfacial compatibility and dendrite growth. In fact, the as-formed solid electrolyte interphase (SEI) has a great influence on the deposition and stripping process of SMAs. Moreover, Na plating process is accompanied by the generation of SEI, in which the electrolyte plays a vital role. Nevertheless, until now, the interaction among electrolyte-SEI-sodium dendrite has rarely been summarized. Herein, a fundamental understanding of sodium dendrite is concluded and the influence of the electrolyte and interface on Na+ deposition is emphasized. Furthermore, the outlook for constructing dendrite-inhibited SMAs is suggested.
Effects of processing parameters on a β-solidifying TiAl alloy fabricated by laser-based additive manufacturing
Authors: Huang Danni , Dong Yangping , Chen Hancong , Zhou Yinghao , Zhang Ming-Xing , Yan Ming
Published: September 2022

β-solidifying TiAl alloys are considered as promising candidate materials for high-temperature structural applications. Laser-based additive manufacturing (LAM) enables the fabrication of components with geometrical complexity in near-net shape, leading to time and feedstock savings. In this study, a gas-atomized Ti-44Al-4Nb-1Mo-1Cr powder is used as a feedstock material for LAM. However, the LAM of TiAl alloys remains a challenge due to serious cracking during the printing process. To minimize the cracking, the optimization of the LAM processing parameters is essential. Hence, the effects of the LAM processing parameters on the cracking susceptibility and microstructure are studied here. Our experimental results show that the cracking susceptibility can be mitigated by increasing the laser power. Accordingly, the microstructure transforms from the dominating α2 grains to a near-lamellar microstructure with an increment in laser power, leading to a reduction in microhardness, even though it is still higher than that of its as-cast counterparts. It is concluded that changes in the laser power can directly tailor the microstructure, phase composition and microhardness of LAM-fabricated TiAl alloys.
Liberté des prix du vin et institutions vitivinicoles
Authors: Bouniol Romain
Published: September 2022

Le vin n'est pas un produit comme les autres mais il ne fait pas partie des dérogations prévues par le Code du commerce concernant la liberté des prix et de la concurrence : la fixation des prix du vin est donc libre ! Pourtant la tentation d'intervenir peut exister...
Assessment Tasks and Virtual Exergames for Remote Monitoring of Parkinson’s Disease: An Integrated Approach based on Azure Kinect
Authors: Amprimo Gianluca , Masi Giulia , Priano Lorenzo , Azzaro Corrado , Galli Federica , Pettiti Giuseppe , Mauro Alessandro , Ferraris Claudia
Published: September 2022

Motor impairments are among the most relevant, evident, and disabling symptoms of Parkinson’s disease that adversely affect quality of life, resulting in limited autonomy, independence, and safety. Recent studies have demonstrated the benefits of physiotherapy and rehabilitation programs specifically targeted to the needs of Parkinsonian patients in supporting drug treatments and improving motor control and coordination. However, due to the expected increase of patients in the coming years, traditional rehabilitation pathways in healthcare facilities could become unsustainable. Consequently, new strategies are needed, in which technologies play a key role in enabling more frequent, comprehensive, and out-of-hospital follow-up. The paper proposes a vision-based solution using the new Azure Kinect DK sensor to implement an integrated approach for remote assessment, monitoring, and rehabilitation of Parkinsonian patients, exploiting non-invasive 3D tracking of body movements to objectively and automatically characterize both standard evaluative motor tasks and virtual exergames. Preliminary results show the system’s ability to quantify specific features of motor performance, easily monitor changes and disease progression over time, and the possibility of using exergames to support motor condition assessment and training. The main innovation relies precisely on the integration of evaluative and rehabilitative aspects, which could be used as a closed loop to design new protocols for remote management of patients tailored to their actual conditions.
The Influence of Varying Thermal Treatment Conditions on Reducing Zinc Content from a Steelmaking and Blast Furnace Sludge
Authors: Kurka Vladislav , Jonšta Petr , Kander Ladislav , Kotásek Ondřej , Pyš Jiří , Klásková Ivana , Noga Roman , Vindyš Marek , Simha Martynková Gražyna
Published: September 2022

The prospects of processing blast furnace and steelmaking sludge using Waelz process in a laboratory rotary kiln is shown. The influence of varying thermal treatment modes, furnace atmosphere and type of reducing agents on the level of zinc reduction from sludges was analyzed. In general, the blast furnace sludge contains a high portion of iron (approx.48 wt. %) and can be reused as a charge after satisfactory zinc reduction. It was found that N- atmosphere and high content of the graphite or coke oven reducing agent in combination with high temperature can reduce the content of Zn in the sludge to 0.08 wt. % at 1200 °C for mixture of steelmaking and blast furnace sludge. A significant reduction in the Zn content to 0.66 wt. % occurs at 1100 °C. The content and type of reducing agent play an important role; graphite has shown a better reducing ability compared to coke oven dust. When nitrogen is used, zinc is reduced even without an additional reducing agent, since the carbon contained in the sludge is made use of for the reduction. In an air atmosphere, without the use of a reducing agent, there was no reduction in the Zn content.
Reproductive aspects of the dwarf cichlid Apistogramma agassizii under captive conditions
Authors: SILVA HÉLIO JACOBSON DA , COSTA TIAGO VIANA , ALMEIDA JOÃO PEDRO CIDADE , SANTOS WENDELL GLÓRIA DOS , MACHADO NOÉDSON DE JESUS BELTRÃO , VIEIRA RITA BRITO
Published: September 2022

Apistogramma agassizii is a native fish from the Amazon basin, which is of great interest for fishkeeping and is supplied to the retail trade from extractivism. Knowledge about the reproductive characteristics of this fish is fundamental to successful breeding. Objective: This work aimed to study the behavior and reproductive performance of this species in white and black aquariums. A total of 16 pairs were used, 8 in each treatment. The system had water recirculation, with fresh and inert food supply. Result: The fish demonstrated parental care, more accentuated by the female and partial spawning. The same coloration pattern was observed in both treatments, with coloration intensifying only during spawning. The eggs were adhesive and U-shaped/oval. The females followed the larvae, even after they left the nests, and attacked the males when they approached the offspring. Males exhibited territorial behavior. No significant differences were observed for the following parameters studied: largest and smallest egg size, spawning weight, absolute fecundity, number of hatched larvae, and hatchability rate. Conclusion: This study found that the fish are prolific and show good reproductive rates in conditions of captivity; thus, they are suitable to rear for the ornamental fish trade.
Rendimiento y valor nutritivo del pasto Brachiaria brizantha cv. “Marandú”, en zonas semiáridas del litoral ecuatoriano
Authors: Solís Lucas L.A. , Valle D. , Orrala Borbor N.A.
Published: September 2022

La investigación tuvo como objetivo determinar el rendimiento del pasto Brachiaria brizantha cv. Marandú y valorar la calidad nutricional a través de su bromatología. Se aplicó un diseño de bloques completos al azar (DBCA), con arreglo factorial; factor A tres dosis de nitrógeno (N100, N120, N140) y el factor B, tres distancias de siembra (0,40 x 0,6 m, 0,5 x 0,7 m, 0,6 x 0,8 m) con 3 repeticiones, un total de 27 parcelas experimentales. El experimento se llevó a cabo a los 60 días después del corte de igualación, las variables evaluadas fueron biomasa fresca, biomasa seca y bromatología y sus medias comparadas con el Test de Tukey (≤ 0.05). Los resultados muestran que a los 60 días, la menor aplicación de nitrógeno alcanzó 31.51% en materia seca, 12.25% en proteína cruda, 32.0% en fibra y 10.51% en ceniza.
Efectos de los niveles de fertilización, distancias de siembra y momentos de corte sobre la calidad nutricional del ensilaje de maíz
Authors: Solís Lucas L.A. , Castaño E.
Published: September 2022

La necesidad de contar con una fuente de alimentación animal sostenible y sustentable ha llevado a los productores a utilizar los recursos endógenos, como el maíz, que transformado en ensilaje es una alternativa para mejorar los sistemas de producción de rumiantes en zonas que sufren largas temporadas de sequía, con mínima disponibilidad de forraje. El presente trabajo se desarrolló en Río Verde, provincia de Santa Elena, con el objetivo de evaluar el rendimiento y valor nutritivo del maíz “Ilusión CPR” variedad ancestral de Las Balsas como especie forrajera para alimentación bovina utilizando el método procesado de ensilaje. El experimento utilizó un DBCA con arreglo factorial con tres dosis de nitrógeno (120, 150 y 180 kg/ha) y tres distancias de siembra (20*80, 25*80, 30*80 cm) con tres repeticiones. Se evaluaron altura de la planta a los 30, 45 y 60 días; rendimiento a tres edades de corte (70, 80 y 90 días) y el análisis bromatológico realizado a una muestra homogeneizada de los tratamientos nitrogenados (3 muestras N1, N2 y N3). Los resultados mostraron a los 30 días, una mayor altura para el factor nitrógeno con la dosis 180 kg/ha, pero a los 45 y 60 días las medias mostraron homogeneidad en los tratamientos. En el rendimiento de biomasa sobresale el corte a los 70 días con el T4 que obtuvo 81 t/ha. El corte 3 sobresale en proteína, materia seca, fibra, ceniza.
ARE FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TAX AGGRESSIVE? EVIDENCE FROM CORPORATE TAX RETURN DATA
Authors: Efendi Subagio , Darmadi Salim , Czernkowski Robert
Published: September 2022

This study examines how financial firms’ tax aggressiveness differs from their peers in other sectors. Using confidential tax return data of the 5,968 largest Indonesian firms from 2009 to 2017, our study finds financial firms to have lower tax burdens relative to their non-financial counterparts, suggesting more opportunities for tax avoidance. Further, we document simultaneous use of tax shelters and temporary and permanentdifferences between accounting standards and tax laws, indicating a tendency to use the most sophisticated and less costly techniques in minimising tax burdens. These findings suggest tax aggressiveness may be one important unintended consequence of the government’s conventional prudential policy.
DOES CREDIT PERFORMANCE CHANGE IN THE POSTCOVID- 19? EVIDENCE FROM JAVA ISLAND, INDONESIA
Authors: Darjana Darjana , Wiryono Sudarso Kadero , Koesrindartoto Deddy Priatmodjo
Published: September 2022

This paper examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on credit performance of banks in Java. We have used monthly panel data from January 2016 to December 2020 of the Java region. We find that the credit performance declines during the pandemic amid the economic downturn compared to the pre-COVID-19 period. Overall, ourfindings suggest that the delivery of credit types has been affected except working capital. Likewise, the credit for the main economic sectors is significantly influenced by the pandemic.
THE IMPACT OF FISCAL SPACE ON INDONESIA’S FISCAL BEHAVIOR
Authors: Putri Marcella Alifia Kuswana , Utama Chandra , Mokoginta Ivantia Savitri
Published: September 2022

This study investigates the impact of fiscal space on the probability that the government of Indonesia will be able to implement counter-cyclical fiscal behavior. We use ordinary least squares and probit methods to estimate the fiscal policy reaction function. This study confirms that increasing fiscal space can increase the probability of the government to execute its counter-cyclical behavior policy. A proposal to increase the space includes generating alternative sources of government revenues from taxes and non-taxes and redesigning subsidies toward selected targeting recipients to reduce the non-discretionary part of the government budget.
Pressure Buildup and Flow Tests in Wells
Authors: Matthews C.S. , Russell D.G.
Published: September 2022

A time-tested classic, Pressure Buildup and Flow Tests in Wells presents a comprehensive study of the creation and analysis of transient pressure responses in wells. Basic principles are reviewed, and the applicability and limitations of the various techniques are critically discussed and illustrated with examples. With its detailed review of literature and extensive bibliography, this book serves as a useful guide and reference to engineers directly engaged in well pressure work.
Making Good Decisions
Authors: Bratvold Reidar B. , Begg Steve H.
Published: September 2022

Making strategic and tactical decision about your company's future - oil and gas field developments, selection drilling locations, initiating seismic and reservoir studies, company acquisitions and R & D investments - is often a complex process with highly uncertain outcomes and consequences. Knowing how to make good decisions is essential whether you are a decision maker or providing information to support decision makers. Making Good Decisions is based on commonly accepted best practices and underpinned by sound theory, stemming from the author's mix of industry and academic experience. It will help the reader to think clearly about complex and uncertain decision situations and explain such topics as decision-tree analysis, Monte Carlo simulation, value of information, and value of flexibility. This book is essential reading for technical professionals and managers alike - you might even find some good tips for making personal decisions!
Well Testing
Authors: Lee John
Published: September 2022

The first book in the SPE Textbook Series, Well Testing emphasizes fundamental principles in using well pressures and flow rates to evaluate the formation surrounding a tested well. Originally published in the early 1980's, this textbook has been an industry and educational standard for many years. Example problems, exercises, tables and figures supplement the material. This book is only available in eBook formats.
Introduction to Petroleum Economics
Authors: Hinkin Chris
Published: September 2022

Introduction to Petroleum Economics is about the process of gathering project data, calculating whether a project should proceed and delivering recommendations. It discusses the science of petroleum economics, starting from square-one, the tools of the trade that petroleum economists use, day in and day out, and also its application. Along the way the author relates some helpful and informative anecdotes based on his almost twenty-year career as a petroleum economist. Vital for all oil professionals as well as students, Introduction to Petroleum Economics unravels the decision-making behind why a petroleum project moves ahead or ends.
Nodal Analysis of Oil and Gas Production Systems
Authors: Jansen Jan Dirk
Published: September 2022

Nodal Analysis of Oil and Gas Production Systems provides a modern view on the use of nodal analysis techniques to optimize the production from oil and gas wells. It covers multiphase flow through flow lines, wells, chokes and the near-well reservoir. It teaches the development of mathematical models for those system elements, and how to implement these in computer code. It explains the underlying physics, starting from first principles whenever possible, and reverting to empirical correlations whenever necessary. It covers the essential concepts in nodal analysis of a well system and aims at providing the readers with enough knowledge to use commercial nodal analysis software for more complex systems, explore the literature in this field, and expand their knowledge.

Supplementary items for this book can be downloaded here. (https://www.tudelft.nl/citg/over-faculteit/afdelingen/geoscience-engineering/sections/reservoir-engineering/staff/academic-staff/prof-dr-ir-jd-jan-dirk-jansen/nodal-analysis)
Synergistic Effect of potassium iodide and sodium (Z)-4-oxo-4-p-tolyl-2-butenoate on the Characterization, Treatment, and Protection of Two Bronze Objects from Thamar Museum, Yemen
Authors: Megahed Mohamed M. , El-Shamy A. M.
Published: September 2022

Objects from the Thamar regional museum in Yemen were used in the investigation. In addition to a thick layer of light-green/brown corrosion result, they also had a rust-colored black and brown layer with tiny pieces and a scattering of pale green. Corrosion and its products will be examined in-depth in this study, which will assist us in better understanding the corrosive causes and degradation processes, as well as to identify the metals that comprise the chosen objects produced during long-term entombment. Both items' samples were investigated using Metallographic Microscope (ME) and Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) for this purpose, while corrosion products were evaluated by using x-ray diffraction (XRD), while the bulk elements of the objects were determined using x-ray fluorescence (XRF). Copper, atacamite, and paratacamite have been identified by XRD analysis as the corrosion products of the leaded bronze alloy. Microscopy shows that the two items have been damaged in certain areas. Chemical cleaning was selected for the treatment of the artifacts based on the information gathered. To investigate the synergistic impact of adding 25 ppm of potassium iodide (KI) to the stock solution of the corrosion inhibitor sodium (Z)-4-oxo-4-p-tolyl-2-butenoate, in this work, the effect of potassium iodide as an improvement chemical was examined (SOTB). For the preservation of old leaded bronze items, this combination has been tested. Synergistic effects between KI and the chosen inhibitor were shown to be beneficial.
Colonoscopic laxative instillation for the fecal loaded colon: A Case Series
Authors: Wagle Suhas D. , Wagle Aneeta S.
Published: September 2022

Context:
Post-operative, critically ill, and elderly patients often have fecal loading or impaction. In a few such patients, disimpaction of fecalomas and colon cleansing is difficult. Bowel obstruction, megacolon, lower gastrointestinal bleeding, and gut perforation are complications that may ensue. Oral laxatives or enemas may only be partially effective. Surgical intervention may be needed for salvage or for complications.
Series and Design:
Fourteen hospitalized cases with defecation disorder due to fecal loading of the colon were enrolled for retrospective analysis. Colonoscopic instillation of mannitol and /or lactulose was undertaken as an intervention when the use of oral laxatives was either ineffective or unfeasible, and enema too had yielded poor results.
Results
Ten patients had satisfactory outcomes for feal clearance, whereas four patients with poor or incomplete responses underwent repeat interventions or surgery. No significant complications were encountered due to this therapy.
Conclusion
Colonoscopic instillation of mannitol or lactulose in fecal loaded critically ill patients, results in a safe and satisfactory fecal clearance.
WITHDRAWN: Pilot Pattern Optimization of OFDM Sparse Channel Estimation Based on Enhanced Butterfly Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Li Ning , YU Wenhan , Deng Zhongliang
Published: September 2022

Pilot pattern has an important impact on the performance of channel estimation based on compressed sensing. However, due to the limitations of time and space, the traditional enumeration methods and existing heuristic methods have some limitations in practical application. This paper proposes an enhanced butterfly optimization algorithm (EBOA) to solve this problem. EBOA is based on the butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA). In view of the problems that the BOA algorithm is prone to local optimal and slow convergence speed, EBOA improves the optimization efficiency and robustness by introducing the optimization strategy of good point set, designing adaptive switching probability and t-distribution variation factor, and applies it to pilot pattern optimization. Experiments show that compared with butterfly optimization algorithm (BOA), estimation of distribution algorithm (EDA), Particle swarm optimization (PSO), salp swarm algorithm (SSA), the EBOA algorithm proposed in this paper can generate a measurement matrix with less cross-correlation, and the corresponding optimized pilot mode is better than other methods in bit error rate and mean square error.
Nonextensive realizations in interacting ion channels: implications for mechano-electrical transducer mechanisms.
Authors: Santos Danielle O. C. , Trindade Marco Antônio S. , Silva Adriano J. da
Published: September 2022

Although there are theoretical studies on the thermodynamics of ion channels, an investigation involving the thermodynamics of coupled channels has not been proposed. To overcome this issue, we developed calculations to present a thermodynamic scenario associated with mechanoelectrical transduction channels as a single and coupling of two-state channels. The modeling was inspired by the Tsallis theory, in which we derived the open and closed probability distributions, the joint probability distribution, the Tsallis entropy, and the Shannon mutual information. Despite being well studied in many biological systems, the literature has not addressed both entropy and mutual information related to isolated and a pair of physically interacting mechanoelectrical transduction channels. Inspired by the hair cell biophysics, we revealed how the presence of nonextensivity modulates the degree of entropy and mutual information as a function of stereocilia displacements. In this sense, we showed how the non-extensivity regulates the current versus displacement curve for a single and two interacting channels made up of a single open and closed states. Overall, subadditivity and superadditivity yielded increments and decrements in the entropy and mutual information compared with the extensive regime. We also observed that the magnitude of the interaction between the two channels significantly influences the amplitude of the joint entropy and the mutual information. These results are directly related to the modulation of the channel kinetics, given by changes evoked by hair cell displacements. Finally, we found that the gating force modulates the contribution of subadditivity and superadditivity present in the joint entropy and the mutual information. The present findings shed light on the thermodynamic process involved in the molecular mechanisms of the auditory system.
Indoor lightweight semantic segmentation network based on Mask R-CNN
Authors: LIAN Xiaofeng , XU Chenxing , LUO Haiyong , TAN Li
Published: September 2022

Slow semantic segmentation speed in the semantic SLAM, Low real-time performance, excessive occupation of resources and other problems, A lightweight Mask R-CNN network with an adaptive channel attention mechanism is proposed since the original semantic segmentation network is complex in the residual network. And the application environment is indoor, The environment is relatively simple. Therefore, the lightweight network improves the ResNet-50 in the original complex backbone network (backbone) by using deep separable convolution and packet convolution to a more lightweight ResNet-SD-tiny. And add the adaptive channel attention mechanism. In the adaptive channel attention module of the model, the weight of RGB information to RGB information in a weighted way, by increasing the cascade of empty space convolution, the parameter weight of the traditional feature pyramid pooling module is reduced, reducing the real-time acquisition of the RGB information features.
Cost-efficient bio-based food packaging films from the dragon fruit peel and pomegranate peel
Authors: WANG Wenhui , Xue Guoli , Qu Yanjun , Wang Ru , Wei Yiping , Liu Miao , Shen Caihong , Song Ping , Zhang Se
Published: September 2022

In this study, two fruit processing coproducts, pomegranate peel and dragon fruit peel, were mixed to fabricate a composite film that can be used in food packaging. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to prepare and evaluate a dragon fruit peel polysaccharide film incorporating pomegranate peel polyphenols. The films were evaluated for their morphology, mechanical properties, crystallinity, solubility, UV resistance, oxidation resistance, and bacteriostatic properties. Different concentrations (0, 0.3, 0.5, 0.7%, w/w) of pomegranate peel polyphenols were added to the dragon fruit peel polysaccharide film by casting technology. The results showed that the addition of pomegranate peel polyphenols made the film hydrophobic, decreased the water vapor transmission rate of the film, and reduced the solubility of the film (p<0.05). Furthermore, the UV transmittance decreased with increasing concentration of pomegranate peel polyphenols (p < 0.05). By contrast, the thermal properties were not significantly affected by the concentration of pomegranate peel polyphenols. After the addition of pomegranate peel polyphenols, the surface of the film became rougher while the cross-section became smoother. X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy showed that the crystalline nature and functional groups of the film did not change significantly. The compatibility of the film-forming substances was good, and the obtained films also exhibited good mechanical properties. Importantly, the addition of pomegranate peel polyphenols endowed the dragon fruit peel polysaccharide film with excellent antibacterial properties, while also significantly improves the antioxidant activity and UV-resistance of the film. The dragon fruit peel polysaccharide film with 0.7% (w/w) pomegranate peel polyphenols showed the best overall performance. This alternative material is a potential substitute for petrochemical packaging, alleviating serious environmental pollution problems.
Neurotoxicity of Bisphenol A and the impact of melatonin administration on oxidative stress, ERK/NF-kB signaling pathway and behavior in rats
Authors: Berghian Alexandra C. Sevastre – , Casandra Cristina , Gheban Dan , Olteanu Diana , Olănescu Maria Cristina , Rogojan Liliana , Filip Gabriela Adriana , Bâldea Ioana
Published: September 2022

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure can be associated with neurodevelopmental disorders due to impairment of cell proliferation and synaptic development. Our study evaluated the effects of melatonin (MEL) on ambulatory activity, lipid peroxidation, cytokines, ERK/NF-kB signaling pathway in hippocampus and frontal lobe, and histopathological changes in the hippocampus of the BPA-treated rats. The animals were divided in 4 groups: control, BPA, BPA + MEL I, BPA + MEL II. MEL I (20 mg/kg b.w), and MEL II (40 mg/kg b.w.) were orally administered for 28 days. In the 29th day, BPA (1 mg/kg b.w) was intraperitoneally administered and, after 24 h, Open Field Test (OFT) and Elevated Plus Maze (EPM), were conducted. The results showed that MEL II group made significantly more entries in the open arms of EPM, travelled significantly greater distance and spent more time in the central part of OFT. Malondialdehyde levels were diminished by MEL II in the hippocampus and by MEL I in the frontal lobe. In the hippocampus, MAPK level was significantly lowered by both doses of MEL (p < 0.05) while in frontal lobe, only MEL II reduced the MAPK activation. MEL I and II significantly decreased the γH2AX and upregulated the NFkB and pNFkB expressions in the hippocampus while MEL II downregulated the MCP1 expression. Both doses of MEL attenuated the BPA-evoked histopathological alterations in the hippocampus. These data indicate that MEL can mediate the neuroprotection against BPA-induced neurotoxicity and improves the behavioral changes suggesting a real potential as protective agent in brain toxicity.
VHL-HIF-2α axis-induced SEMA6A upregulation stabilized β-catenin to drive clear cell renal cell carcinoma progression
Authors: Ji Jing , Xu Yuxin , Xie Mengru , He Xinbei , Liu Wenwen , Chen Zefeng , Shi Wen , zhang zhen , Liu Wei , Wang Xiuju , Wang Weiling , Ma Jinming , Qian Qilan , Jing Aixin , Ding Yuanyuan , Yang Jiayan , Qian Jingting , liu bin
Published: September 2022

SEMA6Ais a multifunctional transmembrane semaphorin protein that participates in various cellular processes, including axon guidance, cell migration, and cancer progression. However, the role ofSEMA6Ain clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is unclear. Based on high-throughput sequencing data, here we report thatSEMA6Ais a novel target gene of theVHL-HIF-2αaxis and overexpressed in ccRCC. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and reporter assays revealed thatHIF-2αdirectly activatedSEMA6Atranscription in hypoxic ccRCC cells.Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation is correlated with the expression ofSEMA6Ain ccRCC; the latter physically interacted withSEC62and promoted ccRCC progression throughSEC62-dependent β-catenin stabilization and activation. Depletion ofSEMA6AimpairedHIF-2α-inducedWnt/β-catenin pathway activation and led to defective ccRCC cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo.SEMA6Aoverexpression promoted the malignant phenotypes of ccRCC, which was reversed bySEC62depletion. Collectively, this study revealed a potential role forVHL-HIF-2α-SEMA6A-SEC62axis in the activation ofWnt/β-catenin pathway. Thus,SEMA6Amay act as a potential therapeutic target, especially inVHL-deficient ccRCC.
A minimally invasive fin scratching protocol for fast genotyping and early selection of zebrafish embryos
Authors: Venditti Martina , Pedalino Catia , Rosello Marion , Fasano Giulia , Serafini Malo , Revenu Céline , Bene Filippo Del , Tartaglia Marco , Lauri Antonella
Published: September 2022

Current genetic modification and phenotyping methods in teleost fish allow detailed investigation of vertebrate mechanisms of development, modeling of specific aspects of human diseases and efficient testing of drugs at an organ/organismal level in an unparalleled fast and large-scale mode. Fish-based experimental approaches have boosted the in vivo verification and implementation of scientific advances, offering the quality guaranteed by animal models that ultimately benefit human health, and are not yet fully replaceable by even the most sophisticated in vitro alternatives. Thanks to highly efficient and constantly advancing genetic engineering as well as non-invasive phenotyping methods, the small zebrafish is quickly becoming a popular alternative to large animals’ experimentation. This approach is commonly associated to invasive procedures and increased burden. Here, we present a rapid and minimally invasive method to obtain sufficient genomic material from single zebrafish embryos by simple and precise tail fin scratching that can be robustly used for at least two rounds of genotyping already from embryos within 48 hours of development. The described protocol betters currently available methods (such as fin clipping), by minimizing the relative animal distress associated with biopsy at later or adult stages. It allows early selection of embryos with desired genotypes for strategize culturing or genotype-phenotype correlation experiments, resulting in a net reduction of “surplus” animals used for mutant line generation.
Risk Perception as a Motivational Resource during the COVID-19 Pandemic: The Role of Vaccination Status and Emerging Variants
Authors: Waterschoot Joachim , Vansteenkiste Maarten , Yzerbyt Vincent , Morbée Sofie , Klein Olivier , Luminet Olivier , Schmitz Mathias , Oost Pascaline Van , Raemdonck Eveline , Brisbois Marie , Bergh Omer Van den
Published: September 2022

Background: People’s perceived risk to be infected and to have severe illness has been thought as a motivational source of adherence to behavioral measures during the COVID-19 crisis.
Methods: We used online self-reported data, spanning 20 months of the COVID-19 crisis in [blinded] (n = 241,275; 34% vaccinated; July 2020 - March 2022).
Results: The findings demonstrate, especially among vaccinated persons, that people’s perceived severity was more prominent than perceived probability for infection, up until Omicron emerged. At both the between-persons and between-day levels, perceived severity was the most strongly related to autonomous motivation, a pattern that was less pronounced for unvaccinated people towards the end of the crisis.
Conclusions: These findings show that variation in risk perceptions largely accounts for the variation in both between-individuals’ and day-to-day variation in motivation to adhere to the measures, thereby showing a sensitivity to the characteristics of the variants of the virus and the role of one’s vaccination status.
Analysis of risk factors for failure of autologous arteriovenous endovascular fistula in patients on maintenance hemodialysis
Authors: Jia Wanning , Yang Liu , He Wenwen , Gao Liqian
Published: September 2022

Objective: To look at the risk factors for autologous arteriovenous endovascular fistula dysfunction in hemodialysis patients (MHD).
Methods: As of July 2022, of the 49 patients who received MHD treatment in 1 our hemodialysis facility, 25 were classified as normal and 24 were classified as dysfunction. To examine the risk variables influencing the dysfunction of internal fistula in MHD patients, general clinical data and laboratory test results were gathered from both groups.
Results: Patients in the dysfunctional group had higher hemoglobin levels, higher red blood cell counts, were more likely to smoke, and had more combined diabetics than those in the normal group; however, iPTH levels were lower (P 0.05) than those in the normal group. Multifactorial logistic regression study showed that high erythrocyte levels, iPTH levels, age, smoking, and concomitant diabetes were independent risk factors for endovascular failure in patients with MHD (P < 0.05).
Conclusion: High erythrocyte level, iPTH level, age, smoking, and coupled diabetes mellitus are all strongly associated with the failure of autologous arteriovenous fistula in MHD patients. To decrease the likelihood of autologous arteriovenous endovascular fistula failure by raising awareness of endovascular fistula maintenance, using a rope ladder puncture technique to puncture from a distance to a close proximity, and encouraging patients to quit smoking.
Ancient implications for today’s precision medicine: How the first Near East farmers shaped the European genetic risk architecture for IBD
Authors: Krause-Kyora Ben , Torres Guillermo , Silva Nicolas da , Kolbe Daniel , Dose Janina , Schade-Lindig Sabine , Wahl Joachim , Berszin Carola , Francken Michael , Görner Irina , Schierhold Kerstin , Pechtl Joachim , Grupe Gisela , Caliebe Amke , Müller Johannes , Schreiber Stefan , Nebel Almut
Published: September 2022

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is often described as a model for modern civilization diseases in which environmental factors trigger disease manifestation in genetically compromised individuals. Little is known about the evolutionary history of variants associated with IBD in modern Europeans. Here, we analysed 610 IBD-variants in 2445 ancient datasets from human remains spanning the last 12,000 years, including genotypes generated from 172 newly collected individuals from the European Neolithic. We found statistically significant differences in the frequencies of 97 IBD variants between Neolithic and modern populations that can be explained by the adoption of an agricultural lifestyle and behaviour and concomitant possible microbiome changes in the earliest farmers. Later admixture events and selection against pathogens largely influenced the genetic risk architecture of IBD in contemporary Europeans. A better understanding of the evolutionary history of disease variants is an important first step in translating genetic findings into preventive health care.
Development and validation of risk prediction model for sarcopenia in patients with colorectal cancer
Authors: Zhang Ying , Sun Shufeng , Huang Weijian , Yu Luxin , Zhu Yongjian
Published: September 2022

Objectives
Sarcopenia is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with colorectal cancer. However, the clinical factors that lead to colorectal cancer patients with sarcopenia are still unclear. The objectives of the study are to develop and validate a nomogram that predicts the happen of sarcopenia and provide a reliable tool for healthcare providers to identify the high-risk population of colorectal cancer patients with sarcopenia early.
Methods
A total of 359 patients diagnosed with colorectal cancer from July 2021 to May 2022 were included. All patients were randomly divided into a training (n = 287) cohort and a validation cohort (n = 72) at the ratio of 80/20. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were performed to evaluate the factors associated with sarcopenia. The diagnostic nomogram of sarcopenia in patients with colorectal cancer was constructed in the training cohort and was validated in the validation cohort. AUC, calibration curve and Hosmer-Lemeshow test were used to evaluate the performance of the nomogram.
Results
Smoking history, drinking history, diabetes, TNM stage, nutritional status, and physical activity were included in the nomogram for the prediction of sarcopenia. The diagnostic nomograms exhibited good discrimination, the AUC value of the diagnostic nomogram is 0.971 and 0.922 in the training and verification cohort. Nomogram's calibration work is also excellent (H-L test:0.886).
Conclusions
The nomogram composed of preoperative factors can successfully predict the occurrence of sarcopenia in patients with colorectal cancer, which is helpful to early identify the high-risk population and employ an intervention for them timely.
A structure-based drug repurposing approach by considering the twenty four SARS-CoV2 Targets: A consensus scoring approach
Authors: Jamir Esther , Sarma Himakshi , Priyadarsinee Lipsa , Kiewhuo Kikrusenuo , Nagamani Selvaraman , Sastry G. Narahari
Published: September 2022

Drug repurposing is emerging as a vital approach for identifying known drugs with potential therapeutic indications for COVID-19 disease. This aims to categorize and develop therapeutics by identifying existing approved drugs from drug libraries that can effectively reduce drug development time, cost and safety risk. In the current study, virtual screening of known drugs has been carried out against 24 proteins of SARS-CoV2 (NSP1-NSP16, envelope, membrane, nucleoprotein, spike, ORF3a, ORF6, ORF7a, ORF8, and ORF9b). A total of 4193 approved drugs were screened against these targets using AutoDock Vina. The drugs were classified into active and inactive molecules based on the threshold value of the docking score and the therapeutic indications of top 10 and bottom 10 drugs were analyzed in detail. From the study, it was observed that most of the active drugs have antiviral, antibacterial, anticancer, pain and central nervous system based therapeutic properties. The inactive compounds mainly fall in the categories of anti-depressive, vitamin deficiency molecules, and also antiseptics properties. Overall, the outcome of this study will help in identifying the groups of drugs or scaffold that may have activity against COVID-19 targets.
Geodesic Tracking via New Data-driven Connections of Cartan Type for Vascular Tree Tracking
Authors: Berg Nicky J. van den , Smets Bart M.N. , Pai Gautam , Mirebeau Jean-Marie , Duits Remco
Published: September 2022

We introduce a data-driven version of the plus Cartan connection on the homogeneous space $\mathbb{M}_2$ of 2D positions and orientations. We formulate a theorem that describes all shortest and straight curves (parallel velocity and parallel momentum, respectively) with respect to this new data-driven connection and corresponding Riemannian manifold. Then we use these shortest curves for geodesic tracking of complex vasculature in multi-orientation image representations defined on $\mathbb{M}_{2}$. The data-driven Cartan connection characterizes the Hamiltonian flow of all geodesics. It also allows for improved adaptation to curvature and misalignment of the (lifted) vessel structure that we track via globally optimal geodesics. We compute these geodesics numerically via steepest descent on distance maps on $\mathbb{M}_2$ that we compute by a new modified anisotropic fast-marching method.
Our experiments range from tracking single blood vessels with fixed endpoints to tracking complete vascular trees in retinal images. Single vessel tracking is performed in a single run in the multi-orientation image representation, where we project the resulting geodesics back onto the underlying image. The complete vascular tree tracking requires only two runs and avoids prior segmentation, placement of extra anchor points, and dynamic switching between geodesic models.
Altogether we provide a geodesic tracking method using a single, flexible, transparent, data-driven geodesic model providing globally optimal curves which correctly follow highly complex vascular structures in retinal images.
All experiments in this article can be reproduced via documented \emph{Mathematica} notebooks available at \cite{githubNicky}.