bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phase unwrapping algorithm based on a rank information filter
Authors: Xie Xianming , Liu Yuanyuan , Shou Zhaoyu , Zeng Qingning , Wang Guofu , Huang Qingnan , Gao Xi
Published: July 2021

A robust phase unwrapping algorithm based on a rank information filter is proposed to retrieve the unambiguous unwrapped phase from noisy wrapped phase images. First, a recursive phase unwrapping program, based on a rank information filter, is proposed to transform the problem of phase unwrapping for wrapped phase into the problem of the state estimation for state variables under the framework of a rank information filter, where a local phase gradient estimator based on the amended matrix pencil model (AMPM) is used to obtain phase gradient information required by the recursive phase unwrapping program. Second, an efficient path-following strategy based on heap-sort is used to guide the phase unwrapping path, which ensures that the recursive phase unwrapping program based on a rank information filter unwraps wrapped phase images along the path from high-quality pixels to low-quality pixels. Finally, the results obtained from synthetic data and experimental measured data demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed method and show this method can obtain robust solutions from noisy wrapped phase images.
Ability of gas modulation to reduce the pickup of drifts in refractometry
Authors: Axner Ove , Forssén Clayton , Silander Isak , Zakrisson Johan , Zelan Martin
Published: July 2021

Gas modulation refractometry (GAMOR) is a methodology for assessment of gas refractivity, molar density, and pressure that, by a rapid gas modulation, exhibits a reduced susceptibility to various types of disturbances. Although previously demonstrated experimentally, no detailed analysis of its ability to reduce the pickup of drifts has yet been given. This work provides an explication of to what extent modulated refractometry in general, and GAMOR in particular, can reduce drifts, predominantly those of the cavity lengths, gas leakages, and outgassing. It is indicated that the methodology is insensitive to the linear parts of so-called campaign-persistent drifts and that it has a significantly reduced susceptibility to others. This makes the methodology suitable for high-accuracy assessments and out-of-laboratory applications.
High laser fluence ITO coatings utilizing a Fabry-Perot thin film filter to reduce effective absorption
Authors: Stolz Christopher J. , Sytchkova Anna , Doerner Paul , Kupinski Pete , Feigenbaum Eyal , Teslich Nick , Menor Marlon , Adams John
Published: July 2021

Laser-induced damage threshold of transparent conductors, such as Indium Tin Oxide (ITO), is limited by their high optical absorption due to free carriers. However, the effective absorption of a transparent conductor thin film can be reduced by an order of magnitude, without changing the electrical characteristics of the film, when placed in a low electric field section of a multilayer coating. A Fabry-Perot thin film interference filter has both high transmittance and low electric field positions, so it is an ideal thin film structure for this application. Although Fabry-Perot interference filters are not known as particularly high laser-induced damage resistant coatings due to their resonant characteristics, a laser-induced damage threshold (LIDT) improvement of up to 8× was observed with this technique compared to single layer ITO coatings fabricated using either radio frequency magnetron sputtering or electron-beam deposition. Additionally, an approximately 4× LIDT improvement for a Fabry-Perot interference filter has been observed by the addition of ITO into the multilayer structure.
Generation of rotational orbital angular momentum beams in the radio frequency based on an optical-controlled circular antenna array
Authors: Song Xiyao , Su Zhonghan , Ma Jingcan , Yao Yuchen , Bai Yunping , Zheng Zhennan , Gao Xinlu , Huang Shanguo
Published: July 2021

The orbital angular momentum (OAM) has been widely used in the wireless short-range communication system, but for long-distance communication, the huge difficulty of beam receiving is a great challenge. In this paper, to overcome this challenge, a generation system of radio-frequency rotational orbital angular momentum (RF-ROAM) beams based on an optical-controlled circular antenna array (CAA) is proposed. The ROAM beam is an OAM beam rotating at a certain speed around the beam axis. According to the rotational Doppler effect, the rotation of the OAM beam will induce a frequency shift proportional to the OAM mode and the rotation speed. Thereby, by rotating an OAM beam at a fixed speed scheduled in advance in the transmitting end, the beam can be mode-distinguished by just detecting the frequency shift without receiving the whole wavefront vertical to the beam axis in the receiving end. This provides a partial reception scheme for the OAM-based wireless communication system. The generation system of RF-ROAM beams is proposed and constructed, and the proof-of-concept experiment is performed. In the system, the optical-controlled CAA is constructed to generate the general RF-OAM beam, the optical signal processor (OSP) is employed to control the phase shifts to further control the OAM mode, and the signal with time-varying phase is generated as the rotation factor to control the rotation speed. In the experiment, the RF-ROAM beams with different mode and mode combination are generated and successfully measured by detecting the frequency shift of the signal received in a fixed point.
Point spread function for the wide-field-of-view plenoptic cameras
Authors: Jin Xin , Li Kunyi , Li Chuanpu , Sun Xufu
Published: July 2021

Recently, single or multi-layer spherical lens (monocentric lens) coupled with a microlens array (MLA) and an imaging sensor are under investigation to expand the field of view (FOV) for handheld plenoptic cameras. However, there lacks modeling the point spread functions (PSFs) for them to improve the imaging quality and to reconstruct the light field in the object space. In this paper, a generic image formation model is proposed for wide-FOV plenoptic cameras that use a monocentric lens and an MLA. By analyzing the optical characteristics of the monocentric lens, we propose to approximate it by a superposition of a series of concentric lenses with variable apertures. Based on geometry simplification and wave propagation, the equivalent imaging process of each portion of a wide-FOV plenoptic camera is modeled, based on which the PSF is derived. By comparing PSFs captured by real wide-FOV plenoptic camera and those generated by the proposed model, the validity of this model is verified. Further, reconstruction process is applied by deconvolving captured images with the PSFs generated by the proposed model. Experimental results show that the quality of reconstructed images is better than that of subaperture images, which demonstrates that our proposed PSF model is beneficial for imaging quality improvement and light field reconstruction.
Light trapping transparent electrodes with a wide-angle response
Authors: Sun Mengdi , Kik Pieter G.
Published: July 2021

The angle dependent transmission of light trapping transparent electrodes is investigated. The electrodes consist of triangular metallic wire arrays embedded in a dielectric cover layer. Normal incidence illumination of the structure produces light trapping via total internal reflection, virtually eliminating all shadowing losses. It is found that varying the external angle of incidence can affect the light trapping efficiency ηLT due to partial loss of internal reflection and increased interaction with neighboring wires. Despite these effects, a judicious selection of geometry and materials can reduce shadowing losses by more than 85% over a surprisingly large angular range of 120°. It is demonstrated that the angle-averaged shadowing losses in an encapsulated silicon solar cell under illumination with unpolarized light can be reduced by more than a factor of two for incident angles between −60° and +60° off-normal across the entire AM1.5 solar spectrum.
Defocused projection model for phase-shifting profilometry with a large depth range
Authors: Yu Yi , Da Feipeng
Published: July 2021

Phase-shifting 3D profilometry is widely combined with defocused projection, but the accuracy of defocused projection could be far below expectations especially in the case of large depth range measurement. In this paper, a new defocus-induced error related to the shape of the measured object is pinpointed and a novel defocused projection model is established to cope with such a error to improve the accuracy of defocusing phase-shifting profilometry. Supplemented with a specialized calibration and reconstruction procedure, the phase is well corrected to obtain accurate measurement results. Furthermore, the impact of the defocus-induced error is analyzed through simulations, and the feasibility of our method is verified by experiments. Faced with issues involving a large measurement range, the proposed method is expected to give a competitive performance.
Multi-omics analysis of glucose-mediated signaling by a moonlighting Gβ protein Asc1/RACK1
Authors: Li Shuang , Li Yuanyuan , Rushing Blake R. , Harris Sarah E. , McRitchie Susan L. , Jones Janice C. , Dominguez Daniel , Sumner Susan J. , Dohlman Henrik G.
Published: July 2021

Heterotrimeric G proteins were originally discovered through efforts to understand the effects of hormones, such as glucagon and epinephrine, on glucose metabolism. On the other hand, many cellular metabolites, including glucose, serve as ligands for G protein-coupled receptors. Here we investigate the consequences of glucose-mediated receptor signaling, and in particular the role of a Gα subunit Gpa2 and a non-canonical Gβ subunit, known as Asc1 in yeast and RACK1 in animals. Asc1/RACK1 is of particular interest because it has multiple, seemingly unrelated, functions in the cell. The existence of such “moonlighting” operations has complicated the determination of phenotype from genotype. Through a comparative analysis of individual gene deletion mutants, and by integrating transcriptomics and metabolomics measurements, we have determined the relative contributions of the Gα and Gβ protein subunits to glucose-initiated processes in yeast. We determined that Gpa2 is primarily involved in regulating carbohydrate metabolism while Asc1 is primarily involved in amino acid metabolism. Both proteins are involved in regulating purine metabolism. Of the two subunits, Gpa2 regulates a greater number of gene transcripts and was particularly important in determining the amplitude of response to glucose addition. We conclude that the two G protein subunits regulate distinct but complementary processes downstream of the glucose-sensing receptor, as well as processes that lead ultimately to changes in cell growth and metabolism.
The RNA-binding protein Igf2bp3 is critical for embryonic and germline development in zebrafish
Authors: Vong Yin Ho , Sivashanmugam Lavanya , Leech Rebecca , Zaucker Andreas , Jones Alex , Sampath Karuna
Published: July 2021

The ability to reproduce is essential in all branches of life. In metazoans, this process is initiated by formation of the germline, a group of cells that are destined to form the future gonads, the tissue that will produce the gametes. The molecular mechanisms underlying germline formation differs between species. In zebrafish, development of the germline is dependent on the specification, migration and proliferation of progenitors called the primordial germ cells (PGCs). PGC specification is dependent on a maternally provided cytoplasmic complex of ribonucleoproteins (RNPs), the germplasm. Here, we show that the conserved RNA-binding protein (RBP), Igf2bp3, has an essential role during early embryonic development and germline development. Loss of Igf2bp3 leads to an expanded yolk syncytial layer (YSL) in early embryos, reduced germline RNA expression, and mis-regulated germline development. We show that loss of maternal Igf2bp3 function results in translational de-regulation of a Nodal reporter during the mid-blastula transition. Furthermore, maternaligf2bp3mutants exhibit reduced expression of germplasm transcripts, defects in chemokine guidance, abnormal PGC behavior and germ cell death. Consistently, adultigf2bp3mutants show a strong male bias. Our findings suggest that Igf2bp3 is essential for normal embryonic and germline development, and acts as a key regulator of sexual development.
Safety and data quality of EEG recorded simultaneously with multi-band fMRI
Authors: Egan Maximillian K. , Larsen Ryan , Wirsich Jonathan , Sutton Brad P. , Sadaghiani Sepideh
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Simultaneously recorded electroencephalography and functional magnetic resonance imaging (EEG-fMRI) is highly informative yet technically challenging. Until recently, there has been little information about EEG data quality and safety when used with newer multi-band (MB) fMRI sequences. Here, we measure the relative heating of a MB protocol compared with a standard single-band (SB) protocol considered to be safe. We also evaluated EEG quality recorded concurrently with the MB protocol on humans.

Materials and methods

We compared radiofrequency (RF)-related heating at multiple electrodes and magnetic field magnitude, B1+RMS, of a MB fMRI sequence with whole-brain coverage (TR = 440 ms, MB factor = 4) against a previously recommended, safe SB sequence using a phantom outfitted with a 64-channel EEG cap. Next, 9 human subjects underwent eyes-closed resting state EEG-fMRI using the MB sequence. Additionally, in three of the subjects resting state EEG was recorded also during the SB sequence and in an fMRI-free condition to directly compare EEG data quality across scanning conditions. EEG data quality was assessed by the ability to remove gradient and cardioballistic artifacts along with a clean spectrogram.

Results

The heating induced by the MB sequence was lower than that of the SB sequence by a factor of 0.73 ± 0.38. This is consistent with an expected heating ratio of 0.64, calculated from the square of the ratio of B1+RMS values of the sequences. In the resting state EEG data, gradient and cardioballistic artifacts were successfully removed using traditional template subtraction. All subjects showed an individual alpha peak in the spectrogram with a posterior topography characteristic of eyes-closed EEG. The success of artifact rejection for the MB sequence was comparable to that in traditional SB sequences.

Conclusions

Our study shows that B1+RMS is a useful indication of the relative heating of fMRI protocols. This observation indicates that simultaneous EEG-fMRI recordings using this MB sequence can be safe in terms of RF-related heating, and that EEG data recorded using this sequence is of acceptable quality after traditional artifact removal techniques.
Academic resilience in European countries: The role of teachers, families, and student profiles
Authors: García-Crespo Francisco J. , Fernández-Alonso Rubén , Muñiz José
Published: July 2021

Academic resilience is a student’s ability to achieve academic results significantly higher than would be expected according to their socioeconomic level. In this study, we aimed to identify the characteristics of students, families, and teacher activities which had the greatest impact on academic resilience. The sample comprised 117,539 fourth grade students and 6,222 teachers from 4,324 schools in member states of the European Union that participated in the PIRLS 2016 study. We specified a two-level hierarchical linear model in two phases: in the first level we used the students’ personal and family background variables, in the second level we used the variables related to teaching activity. In the first phase we used the complete model for all countries and regions, in the second phase we produced a model for each country with the highest possible number of statistically significant variables. The results indicated that the students’ personal and family variables that best predicted resilience were the reading self-confidence index, which increased the probability of student resilience by between 62 and 130 percentage points, a feeling of belonging to the school, which increased the chances of being resilient by up to 40 percentage points, and support from the family before starting primary school (Students from Lithuania who had done early literary activities in the family setting were twice as likely to be resilient than those who had not). The teaching-related factors best predicting resilience were keeping order in the classroom, a safe and orderly school environment (increasing chances of resilience by up to 62 percentage points), and teaching focused on comprehension and reflection, which could increase the probability of resilience by up to 61 percentage points.
Effects of taping techniques on arch deformation in adults with pes planus: A meta-analysis
Authors: Tang Meihua , Wang Lin , You Yanwei , Li Jiajia , Hu Xiaoyue
Published: July 2021

Objective

To investigate effects of taping techniques on arch deformation in adults with pes planus.

Methods

The following databases were searched up to March 2020, including Web of Science, Pubmed, EBSCO, CNKI and Cochrane Library. Heterogeneity and publication bias were assessed by I2 index and funnel plots, respectively. In addition, Cochrane scale was used to evaluate the quality of research.

Results

Navicular height for three antipronation taping techniques significantly increased immediately post tape compared with baseline (mean difference = 4.86 mm, 95% CI = 2.86–6.87 mm, Z = 4.75, p < 0.001). The highest increase was observed in Augmented low-Dye (ALD). Modified low-Dye (MLD) was second only to ALD (p<0.001). Navicular height after walking for 10 min was much higher than baseline (p<0.001), with MLD decreased smaller than ALD.

Conclusions

ALD was the most effective taping technique for controlling foot arch collapse immediately post tape compared with baseline, followed by MLD. By contrast, MLD could possibly performed better than ALD in maintaining immediate navicular height after walking for 10 min. Low-Dye could make resting calcaneal stance position closer to neutral position. Although positive effects of Navicular sling, low-Dye and Double X taping interventions were observed, they could not maintain this immediate navicular height effect after a period of higher intensity weight-bearing exercise.
Identification of novel and rare variants associated with handgrip strength using whole genome sequence data from the NHLBI Trans-Omics in Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Program
Authors: Sarnowski Chloé , Chen Han , Biggs Mary L. , Wassertheil-Smoller Sylvia , Bressler Jan , Irvin Marguerite R. , Ryan Kathleen A. , Karasik David , Arnett Donna K. , Cupples L. Adrienne , Fardo David W. , Gogarten Stephanie M. , Heavner Benjamin D. , Jain Deepti , Kang Hyun Min , Kooperberg Charles , Mainous Arch G. , Mitchell Braxton D. , Morrison Alanna C. , O’Connell Jeffrey R. , Psaty Bruce M. , Rice Kenneth , Smith Albert V. , Vasan Ramachandran S. , Windham B. Gwen , Kiel Douglas P. , Murabito Joanne M. , Lunetta Kathryn L. ,   on behalf of the TOPMed Longevity and Healthy Aging Working Group,   from the NHLBI Trans-Omics for Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Consortium
Published: July 2021

Handgrip strength is a widely used measure of muscle strength and a predictor of a range of morbidities including cardiovascular diseases and all-cause mortality. Previous genome-wide association studies of handgrip strength have focused on common variants primarily in persons of European descent. We aimed to identify rare and ancestry-specific genetic variants associated with handgrip strength by conducting whole-genome sequence association analyses using 13,552 participants from six studies representing diverse population groups from the Trans-Omics in Precision Medicine (TOPMed) Program. By leveraging multiple handgrip strength measures performed in study participants over time, we increased our effective sample size by 7–12%. Single-variant analyses identified ten handgrip strength loci among African-Americans: four rare variants, five low-frequency variants, and one common variant. One significant and four suggestive genes were identified associated with handgrip strength when aggregating rare and functional variants; all associations were ancestry-specific. We additionally leveraged the different ancestries available in the UK Biobank to further explore the ancestry-specific association signals from the single-variant association analyses. In conclusion, our study identified 11 new loci associated with handgrip strength with rare and/or ancestry-specific genetic variations, highlighting the added value of whole-genome sequencing in diverse samples. Several of the associations identified using single-variant or aggregate analyses lie in genes with a function relevant to the brain or muscle or were reported to be associated with muscle or age-related traits. Further studies in samples with sequence data and diverse ancestries are needed to confirm these findings.
Treatment of NiMoO4/nanographite nanocomposite electrodes using flexible graphite substrate for aqueous hybrid supercapacitors
Authors: Arshadi Rastabi Shahrzad , Sarraf-Mamoory Rasoul , Razaz Ghadir , Blomquist Nicklas , Hummelgård Magnus , Olin Håkan
Published: July 2021

The cycling performance of supercapacitors sometimes becomes limited when electrode materials slough off during frequent charge–discharge cycles, due to weak bonding between the active material and the current collector. In this work, a flexible graphite foil substrate was successfully used as the current collector for supercapacitor electrodes. Graphite foil substrates were treated in different ways with different acid concentrations and temperatures before being coated with an active material (NiMoO4/nanographite). The electrode treated with HNO3(65%) and H2SO4(95%) in a 1:1 ratio at 24°C gave better electrochemical performance than did electrodes treated in other ways. This electrode had capacitances of 441 and 184 Fg–1at current densities of 0.5 and 10 Ag-1, respectively, with a good rate capability over the current densities of the other treated electrodes. SEM observation of the electrodes revealed that NiMoO4with a morphology of nanorods 100–120 nm long was properly accommodated on the graphite surface during the charge–discharge process. It also showed that treatment with high-concentration acid created an appropriately porous and rough surface on the graphite, enhancing the adhesion of NiMoO4/nanographite and boosting the electrochemical performance.
Spectral estimation for detecting low-dimensional structure in networks using arbitrary null models
Authors: Humphries Mark D. , Caballero Javier A. , Evans Mat , Maggi Silvia , Singh Abhinav
Published: July 2021

Discovering low-dimensional structure in real-world networks requires a suitable null model that defines the absence of meaningful structure. Here we introduce a spectral approach for detecting a network’s low-dimensional structure, and the nodes that participate in it, using any null model. We use generative models to estimate the expected eigenvalue distribution under a specified null model, and then detect where the data network’s eigenspectra exceed the estimated bounds. On synthetic networks, this spectral estimation approach cleanly detects transitions between random and community structure, recovers the number and membership of communities, and removes noise nodes. On real networks spectral estimation finds either a significant fraction of noise nodes or no departure from a null model, in stark contrast to traditional community detection methods. Across all analyses, we find the choice of null model can strongly alter conclusions about the presence of network structure. Our spectral estimation approach is therefore a promising basis for detecting low-dimensional structure in real-world networks, or lack thereof.
Revealing immune responses in the Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis-infected THP-1 cells using single cell RNA-sequencing
Authors: Park Hong-Tae , Park Woo Bin , Kim Suji , Lim Jong-Sung , Nah Gyoungju , Yoo Han Sang
Published: July 2021

Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (MAP) is a causative agent of Johne’s disease, which is a chronic and debilitating disease in ruminants. MAP is also considered to be a possible cause of Crohn’s disease in humans. However, few studies have focused on the interactions between MAP and human macrophages to elucidate the pathogenesis of Crohn’s disease. We sought to determine the initial responses of human THP-1 cells against MAP infection using single-cell RNA-seq analysis. Clustering analysis showed that THP-1 cells were divided into seven different clusters in response to phorbol-12-myristate-13-acetate (PMA) treatment. The characteristics of each cluster were investigated by identifying cluster-specific marker genes. From the results, we found that classically differentiated cells express CD14, CD36, and TLR2, and that this cell type showed the most active responses against MAP infection. The responses included the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines such as CCL4, CCL3, IL1B, IL8, and CCL20. In addition, the Mreg cell type, a novel cell type differentiated from THP-1 cells, was discovered. Thus, it is suggested that different cell types arise even when the same cell line is treated under the same conditions. Overall, analyzing gene expression patterns via scRNA-seq classification allows a more detailed observation of the response to infection by each cell type.
Are responders to patient health surveys representative of those invited to participate? An analysis of the Patient-Reported Outcome Measures Pilot from the Australian Orthopaedic Association National Joint Replacement Registry
Authors: Harris Ian A. , Cashman Kara , Lorimer Michelle , Peng Yi , Ackerman Ilana , Heath Emma , Graves Stephen E.
Published: July 2021

Background

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) are commonly used to evaluate surgical outcome in patients undergoing joint replacement surgery, however routine collection from the target population is often incomplete. Representative samples are required to allow inference from the sample to the population. Although higher capture rates are desired, the extent to which this improves the representativeness of the sample is not known. We aimed to measure the representativeness of data collected using an electronic PROMs capture system with or without telephone call follow up, and any differences in PROMS reporting between electronic and telephone call follow up.

Methods

Data from a pilot PROMs program within a large national joint replacement registry were examined. Telephone call follow up was used for people that failed to respond electronically. Data were collected pre-operatively and at 6 months post-operatively. Responding groups (either electronic only or electronic plus telephone call follow up) were compared to non-responders based on patient characteristics (joint replaced, bilaterality, age, sex, American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) score and Body Mass Index (BMI)) using chi squared test or ANOVA, and PROMs for the two responder groups were compared using generalised linear models adjusted for age and sex. The analysis was restricted to those undergoing primary elective hip, knee or shoulder replacement for osteoarthritis.

Results

Pre-operatively, 73.2% of patients responded electronically and telephone follow-up of non-responders increased this to 91.4%. Pre-operatively, patients responding electronically, compared to all others, were on average younger, more likely to be female, and healthier (lower ASA score). Similar differences were found when telephone follow up was included in the responding group. There were little (if any) differences in the post-operative comparisons, where electronic responders were on average one year younger and were more likely to have a lower ASA score compared to those not responding electronically, but there was no significant difference in sex or BMI. PROMs were similar between those reporting electronically and those reporting by telephone.

Conclusion

Patients undergoing total joint replacement who provide direct electronic PROMs data are younger, healthier and more likely to be female than non-responders, but these differences are small, particularly for post-operative data collection. The addition of telephone call follow up to electronic contact does not provide a more representative sample. Electronic-only follow up of patients undergoing joint replacement provides a satisfactory representation of the population invited to participate.
Leptin and advanced glycation end products receptor (RAGE) in tuberculosis patients
Authors: Lazzari Tássia Kirchmann , Cavalheiro Erika , Coutinho Sandra Eugênia , da Silva Lívia Fontes , Silva Denise Rossato
Published: July 2021

Introduction

The pathogenesis of consumptive syndrome of tuberculosis (TB) is largely unknown. Leptin concentrations may be high because of the host’s inflammatory response, contributing to weight loss in patients with TB. The receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) is also associated with weight loss in patients with TB and is related to enhanced mortality. The objective of this study was to evaluate the association between leptin and AGE/RAGE.

Methods

Case-control study. Leptin, AGE (carboxymethyl lysine, CML) and soluble RAGE (sRAGE) were measured from blood samples by ELISA.

Results

We included in the study 34 patients with TB and 34 controls. We found an inverse correlation between serum leptin levels and sRAGE, only in cases (r = -0.609, p < 0.0001). sRAGE levels were lower in patients with TB who died as compared with patients who survive (21.90 ± 4.24 pg/mL vs 66.14 ± 29.49 pg/mL; p = 0.045). Leptin levels were higher in patients with TB who died as compared with patients who survive (14.11 [7.48–14.11] ng/mL vs 3.08 [0.54–6.34] ng/mL; p = 0.028).

Conclusions

We identified lower sRAGE levels and higher leptin levels in patients with TB who died as compared with patients who survive. In addition, an inverse and significant correlation between serum leptin and sRAGE levels was demonstrated. Future studies, with a larger sample size and in different settings, including not only hospitalized patients, are needed to confirm these findings.
Fast magnetic resonance arthrography of the labrum
Authors: CL English , FJ Shannon , D Bergin
Published: July 2021

Research question: Short volumetric interpolated breath hold exam (VIBE) 3D gradient echo sequences are comparable to T1 spin echo (SE) sequences for evaluating the shoulder labrum using arthroscopy as a gold standard. Methods: 24 patients with suspected labral tears had magnetic resonance (MR) arthrography of the shoulder using 1.5T MR scanner. Coronal oblique 3D VIBE FS sequences were performed and reconstructed in axial and sagittal oblique planes and compared with standard T1 SE sequences. Presence and location of labral tear and rotator cuff tears were noted. Findings were correlated with surgery where available. Time to obtain T1 SE sequences versus 3D VIBE acquisition was recorded. Results: Of 24 patients, 54% had arthroscopy. Sensitivity and positive predictive value (PPV) of both T1 SE and VIBE sequences for labral tears was 92%. 100% agreement for diagnosis of labral tear by readers between both sequences was noted. Specific labral tear location was accurate in 75% for both sequences. The mean time to obtain T1 SE sequences was 13.5 mins and 7.5 minutes for 3D VIBE sequences. Conclusion: Fast MR arthrography using 3D VIBE sequences shows excellent concordance with standard T1-FS sequence for diagnosis of labral tears. With shorter acquisition time and high diagnostic sensitivity 3D VIBE sequences maybe used as an alternative to standard sequences. Level of evidence: Level III retrospective diagnostic study.
Comida, arte e atividades lúdicas
Authors: Tomich Anita Lopes Oliveira , Castellões Mariana Lamha , Campos Renata Fortuna de Souza , Rodrigues Ana Cláudia Peres , Oliveira Ana Lívia de
Published: July 2021

Atividades de Educação Alimentar e Nutricional (EAN) visam promover maior autonomia para adesão de hábitos alimentares saudáveis dentro do contexto do Direito Humano à Alimentação Adequada e garantir a segurança alimentar e nutricional. O objetivo deste artigo é descrever a experiência de um projeto realizado com pré-escolares e escolares, em Juiz de Fora Minas Gerais, entre julho de 2017 e dezembro de 2019, atendendo crianças com a faixa etária entre 6 e 11 anos na Associação de Assistência Social João Emilio. O projeto foi desenvolvido por meio das seguintes atividades: criação e/ou adaptação de jogos e brincadeiras ao tema “alimentação”, oficinas culinárias, músicas, colagens, confecção de painéis, mostra de alimentos, rodas de conversa e uso de cerâmica artesanal para confecção de utilitários. O preparo e realização de todas essas atividades foram um trabalho coletivo, no qual as crianças e adolescentes foram estimuladas a terem uma alimentação mais saudável de maneira lúdica e descontraída, proporcionando prazer, bem-estar e troca de saberes.
Educação e diversidade cultural
Authors: Schiavetto Solange Nunes de Oliveira , Ruellas Taciana Begalli de Oliveira , Bernardes Adonias Santos
Published: July 2021

Este artigo busca apresentar os principais resultados do desenvolvimento do projeto de extensão “História e cultura do povo Kiriri do Rio Verde de Caldas”, realizado por meio do edital PAEx nº 12/2019 da Pró-reitoria de Extensão da Universidade do Estado de Minas Gerais. O projeto seguiu uma abordagem com duas frentes metodológicas que contemplaram ações no âmbito acadêmico do curso de Pedagogia da instituição (Unidade Poços de Caldas) e atividades no bojo da educação básica ao propor o seu desenvolvimento em duas escolas públicas do município de Poços de Caldas-MG. As discussões e interações com os diferentes públicos abarcados pelas ações do projeto buscaram compreender a dinâmica de transformações no que tange aos territórios, identidade e cultura, aos quais o grupo foi submetido ao longo de séculos e, mais especificamente, nas últimas décadas. Acredita-se que tais discussões foram importantes ferramentas para ampliar abordagens sobre a diversidade que marca a construção histórica do país. Ao estreitarmos laços entre comunidade acadêmica e povo Kiriri do Rio Verde foi possível realizar reflexões e aprofundar o aprendizado em torno do tema da diversidade cultural na educação.
Educação financeira
Authors: Freitas Carlos Cesar Garcia , Landgraf Matheus Lirança , Moraes Kauani Oliveira Gracional de , Freitas Flaviane Pelloso Molina
Published: July 2021

Este artigo apresenta as ações e os resultados de um projeto de extensão, financiado pelo Governo do Estado do Paraná e executado pela Universidade Estadual do Norte do Paraná, que envolveu ações de educação e capacitação financeira para o público em geral. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa descritiva, de caráter qualitativo e quantitativo, mediante emprego da estratégia de campo e observação participante. Como principais resultados destacam-se: 484 pessoas atendidas pelo projeto, distribuídas em cinco municípios do Estado do Paraná, por meio de palestras, minicursos e assessorias, que possibilitaram acesso ao conhecimento acerca da gestão financeira pessoal.
Radiological Consequences Modelling for a Land Based Operations Environment
Authors: Silva Rodrigo Werner , Reis André Luiz Queiroga , Stenders Ricardo M. , ANdrade Edson Ramos
Published: July 2021

Radiological Dispersive Devices (RDD) are often portrayed as weapons used by radical (asymmetric) forces, however they can also be used in a regular war. In this study, a hypothetical scenario where an asymmetric force contaminates the battlefield, by detonating an RDD prior to the soldier’s arrival without being detected, is simulated. The software HotSpot was used due to its speed and conservative results which can help inform the decisions made by the commanding officers. HotSpot performs a Gaussian simulation of the radioactive dispersion in the environment. The plumes that arise from the explosion are considered to be affected by the atmospheric conditions. In this study, those conditions are represented by the Pasquill-Gifford stability classes. The results of the simulation show that remaining stationary, if the contaminated area size is not affected by the PG class variation, may increase the radiological risk. It is better to move the soldiers around in order to avoid additional exposure, however that may also be a challenge for various reasons including changes in the shape of the contaminated area. Nevertheless, the variations in local PG classes gain importance as the distance from the release point increases.
Deep Learning based Cryptanalysis of Stream Ciphers
Authors: Mishra Girish , Gupta Indivar , Murthy S V S S N V G Krishna , Pal S K
Published: July 2021

Conventional cryptanalysis techniques necessitate an extensive analysis of non-linear functions defining the relationship of plain data, key, and corresponding cipher data. These functions have very high degree terms and make cryptanalysis work extremely difficult. The advent of deep learning algorithms along with the better and efficient computing resources has brought new opportunities to analyze cipher data in its raw form. The basic principle of designing a cipher is to introduce randomness into it, which means the absence of any patterns in cipher data. Due to this fact, the analysis of cipher data in its raw form becomes essential. Deep learning algorithms are different from conventional machine learning algorithms as the former directly work on raw data without any formal requirement of feature selection or feature extraction steps. With these facts and the assumption of the suitability of employing deep learning algorithms for cipher data, authors introduced a deep learning based method for finding biases in stream ciphers in the black-box analysis model. The proposed method has the objective to predict the occurrence of an output bit/byte at a specific location in the stream cipher generated keystream. The authors validate their method on stream cipher RC4 and its improved variant RC4A and discuss the results in detail. Further, the authors apply the method on two more stream ciphers namely Trivium and TRIAD. The proposed method can find bias in RC4 and shows the absence of this bias in its improved variant and other two ciphers. Focusing on RC4, the authors present a comparative analysis with some existing methods in terms of approach and observations and showed that their process is more straightforward and less complicated than the existing ones.
Crisis Management of Restaurant Business in Modern Conditions
Authors: KLYMCHUK Alona , POSTOVA Valentyna , MOSKVICHOVA Olena , HRYHORUK Iryna
Published: July 2021

The aim of the article is the study of presumable and real causes of the crisis, the factors that cause it, its signs and consequences that deteriorate the normal conditions of the enterprise functioning. Research methods used in the process of writing the work include general and special methods. From general research methods the following were used: deduction (when constructing the structure of work in the logical interconnectedness and unity, as well as the interdependence of its components), induction (when forming general conclusions of the study), abstract logic and synthesis (when clarifying the interpretations of the categorical tools of crisis management), analysis (in the development of classifications of crisis phenomena, in the study of trends in restaurants crisis management, in processing the results). Special methods used include factor analysis, computational analysis and method of comparisons, tabular and graphic, economic and statistical correlation analysis, forecasting methods (in justifying the prospects of institutions) restaurant business after the cessation of the spread of the coronavirus pandemic) and other methods of studying economic and managerial processes and phenomena. This paper investigates the system of restaurant crisis management and defines its essence and main components. It also considers necessity and relevance of crisis diagnostics and monitoring of restaurants activities and operations during different crisis lifecycle stages. The present work includes a comparison of foreign and Ukrainian experience, as well as the practices of crisis management and reorganization, state regulation in the realm of bankruptcy. It establishes the main external factors of unprofitable activity of restaurant establishments. It determines that the innovation policy in the crisis management process is one of the main tools that contributes to the exit of the establishments under study from the crisis and increase their competitive positions in the market. The current study presents a generalized sequence of crisis management strategic goals implementation. It identifies the phases of the crisis development and the stages of the crisis lifecycle in the restaurant business. It shows the developed structural organisation of restaurant establishments under the influence of the anti-crisis action program. Also, it presents specially developed proposals to reduce electricity costs in the restaurant business. This research offers motivational components that are recommended for introduction into the establishments activities and presents the structural model of restaurants activity crisis management system.
Tomb of Sunan Gunung Jati and Pura Tanah Lot: Two Multi Religious Tourism Destination in Indonesia
Authors: MUNAWAR Raniri , RAHMAT Munawar , YAHYA M. Wildan Bin H.M.
Published: July 2021

Religious tourism destinations in Indonesia are an essential pillar in the development of a peaceful, pluralist society. Tourists of various ethnicities and religions mostly visit the spiritual tourism areas of SGJ (Tomb of SunanGunungJati, Cirebon West Java) and PTL (Pura Tanah Lot, Bali). Therefore, this research aims to discuss the impact of religious tourism on forming a pluralist and peaceful society. The method is qualitative research with data obtained through observation, short and in-depth interviews, and book surveys. The study subjects were three tour guides, 100 tourists at each location, with the field research carried out for 10 Friday nights each at SGJ (October 2019 to February 2020) and PTL (December 2018 to August 2019). The result showed that firstly tourists feel a spiritual aroma in religious tourism destinations. Secondly, SGJ tourists, in particular, feel confident that the prayers they say at SGJ's grave are answered. Thirdly, tourists visualize ethnicities and followers of other religions as brothers who share the same spiritual goals. The implication is that religious tourism destinations are an alternative to the formation of a peaceful pluralist society.
Managing Organizational Communication in Tourism Industry. The Case of Kosovo
Authors: MEHA Arbresha , ZEQIRI Flamur
Published: July 2021

The main purpose of this paper is to explore the definition of the tourism industry and to examine the forms and importance of managing organizational communication in the tourism industry. Organizational communication deals with the interaction, coordination between individuals in a group, company, or organization. Effective communication results in problem-solving and decision-making at the organizational level.

Communication skills regulate behavior and create motivation among people. Motivation is an important part and factor of behavior and should be part of a communication process.

To successfully manage communication network and be effective, it must include training and guidance, and that the information is accurate in a timely manner in order to resolve and prevent potential conflicts.

The tourism industry brings many economic benefits, jobs and raises the image of the country, and through tourism the country can be recognized and promoted by attracting foreign tourists. The tourism industry is the combination of all sectors related to tourism, a combination of hotels and facilities for accommodation, entertainment, business, and other purposes, so it interacts with many sectors of the economy.
Hongos simbiontes de hormigas cortadoras de hojas del género Acromyrmex en bosques secos del centro de Argentina
Authors: Pelissero David , Kuhar Francisco , Pereyra Mariana , Nouhra Eduardo
Published: July 2021

Fungi associated with leaf-cutter ants (LCAs) play a fundamental role in Neotropical ecosystems. The association with fungi allows LCAs to be the dominant herbivores and in this way influence ecological processes. In order to know the taxonomic diversity of fungal symbionts associated with LCAs, ten sampling sites were selected corresponding to the Chaqueño Serrano district and the Algarrobo district. Samples of fungi grown by leaf cutter ants were collected, a part of the fungal material was grown in potato agar culture medium with dextrose and another was stored in a CTAB buffer. Subsequently, amplifications of the ITS1, ITS2 and 5.8S ribosomal gene were carried out. A phylogenetic analysis (Maximum Likelihood and Bayesian) was performed with the sequences. Results show that the leaf cutter ants in the sampled region cultivate symbiotic fungi of two well-differentiated phylogenetic clades (known as A and B). The agar cultures showed a slow growth, with development of globose structures named gongylidia that are grouped together forming staphyla (clusters). Among the ants studied, Acromyrmex striatus is associated with fungi from both clades. In the Espinal forest (Algarrobo district) A. striatus was found associated with clade B fungi (Leucocoprinus sp.) and in the Chaco Serrano (Chaqueño Serrano district) with clade A fungi (Leucocoprinus gongylophorus). While Acromyrmex crassispinus and A. heyeri included in the study exclusively cultivate L. gongylophorus from clade A fungi regardless of the region they inhabit. In addition, the first molecular identification of the fungus L. gongylophorus cultivated by Acromyrmex silvestrii is reported.
MATHEMATICAL EXPANSION OF SPECIAL THEORY OF RELATIVITY ONTO ACCELERATIONS
Authors: Czajko Jakub
Published: July 2021

The special theory of relativity (STR) is operationally expanded onto orthogonal accelerations: normal  and binormal  that complement the instantaneous tangential speed  and thus can be structurally extended into operationally complete 4D spacetime without defying the STR. Thus the former classic Lorentz factor, which defines proper time differential  can be expanded onto  within a trihedron moving in the Frenet frame (T,N,B). Since the tangential speed  which was formerly assumed as being always constant, expands onto effective normal and binormal speeds ensuing from the normal and binormal accelerations, the expanded formula conforms to the former Lorentz factor. The obvious though previously overlooked fact that in order to change an initial speed one must apply accelerations (or decelerations, which are reverse accelerations), made the Einstein’s STR incomplete for it did not apply to nongravitational selfpropelled motion. Like a toy car lacking accelerator pedal, the STR could drive nowhere. Yet some scientists were teaching for over 115 years that the incomplete STR is just fine by pretending that gravity should take care of the absent accelerator. But gravity could not drive cars along even surface of earth. Gravity could only pull the car down along with the physics that peddled the nonsense while suppressing attempts at its rectification. The expanded formula neither defies the STR nor the general theory of relativity (GTR) which is just radial theory of gravitation. In fact, the expanded formula complements the STR and thus it supplements the GTR too. The famous Hafele-Keating experiments virtually confirmed the validity of the expanded formula proposed here.