bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Binocular fusion enhances the efficiency of spot-the-difference gameplay
Authors: Venkataramanan Kavitha , Gawde Swanandi , Hathibelagal Amithavikram R. , Bharadwaj Shrikant R.
Published: July 2021

Spot-the-difference, the popular childhood game and a prototypical change blindness task, involves identification of differences in local features of two otherwise identical scenes using an eye scanning and matching strategy. Through binocular fusion of the companion scenes, the game becomes a visual search task, wherein players can simply scan the cyclopean percept for local features that may distinctly stand-out due to binocular rivalry/lustre. Here, we had a total of 100 visually normal adult (18–28 years of age) volunteers play this game in the traditional non-fusion mode and after cross-fusion of the companion images using a hand-held mirror stereoscope. The results demonstrate that the fusion mode significantly speeds up gameplay and reduces errors, relative to the non-fusion mode, for a range of target sizes, contrasts, and chromaticity tested (all, p<0.001). Amongst the three types of local feature differences available in these images (polarity difference, presence/absence of a local feature difference and shape difference in a local feature difference), features containing polarity difference was identified as first in ~60–70% of instances in both modes of gameplay (p<0.01), with this proportion being larger in the fusion than in the non-fusion mode. The binocular fusion advantage is lost when the lustre cue is purposefully weakened through alterations in target luminance polarity. The spot-the-difference game may thus be cheated using binocular fusion and the differences readily identified through a vivid experience of binocular rivalry/lustre.
Study on prevalence of suicidal ideation and risk factors of suicide among patients visiting psychiatric OPD at Shree Birendra Hospital, Kathmandu Nepal
Authors: Katuwal Nagendra , Shrestha Dhan Bahadur , Adhikari Suman Prasad , Oli Prakash Raj , Budhathoki Pravash , Amatya Richa , Pradhan Monalisha , Adhikari Bibhuti
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Suicide is a global public health issue. Several environmental, psychosocial, behavioral factors along with physical, sexual, and emotional abuse have been associated with suicidal ideation and attempts. Childhood physical, sexual abuse, and health risk behaviors are also associated with suicidal attempts. The suicidal ideation prevalence varied from 1 to 20% and it varied with study population, geography, age group, gender, and other factors. The Beck suicidal ideation scale is an effective tool for assessing the major suicidal ideation with a six cut-off score.

Materials and method

160 patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled into this cross-sectional study after random sampling among the patients visiting the Psychiatric OPD of Shree Birendra Hospital, Kathmandu, Nepal. The Semi-Structured Interview Schedule (SSIS), Beck Scale for Suicide Ideation (BSS), and Kuppuswamy’s Scale were used to collect the data from the patients enrolled in the study. The Chi-square test and binary logistic regression analyses were used to identify and differentiate the factors associated with high suicidal risk.

Results

Out of total 160 patients, 65% (n = 104) were female, 92.5% (n = 148) were married, 61.9% (n = 99) were residing in urban area, 93.1% (n = 148) were Hindus, 74.4% (n = 119) patients were living in the nuclear family, 5% (n = 8) patients had family history of psychiatric illness and 10.6% (n = 17) patients were using the substance of abuse. In the Beck scale for suicidal ideation questionnaire, 87.5% (n = 140) patients had moderate to strong wish to live, 89.4% (n = 143) patients responded as they would take precautions to save a life, 88.8% (n = 142) patients had such ideation/wish for brief, 96.3% (n = 154) had not considered for specificity/planning of contemplated suicidal attempt, 91.9% (n = 147) patients stated that they would not attempt active suicide because of a deterrent example from family, religion, irreversibility of the act and 98.1% (n = 157) patients had revealed ideas of deception/concealment of contemplated suicide openly. 16.9% (n = 27) of participants were categorized as high risk for suicide while 83.1% (n = 133) patients were as a low-risk category for suicide based on the Beck scale for suicidal ideation scoring.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this study found that most of the suicidal attempts were done as an act of impulse and it is higher among female and married individuals residing in the urban areas. This study did not establish any statistically significant association or differences among independent variables with the higher risk scoring in the Beck suicidal ideation scale.
Characterization of two closely related citrus cultivars using UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based widely targeted metabolomics
Authors: Wang Fu , Chen Lin , Chen Shiwei , Chen Hongping , Liu Youping
Published: July 2021

Citrus cultivars are widely spread worldwide, and some of them only differ by specific mutations along the genome. It is difficult to distinguish them by traditional morphological identification. To accurately identify such similar cultivars, the subtle differences between them must be detected. In this study, UPLC-ESI-MS/MS-based widely targeted metabolomics analysis was conducted to study the chemical differences between two closely related citrus cultivars,Citrus reticulata‘DHP’ andC.reticulata‘BZH’. Totally 352 metabolites including 11 terpenoids, 35 alkaloids, 80 phenolic acids, 25 coumarins, 7 lignans, 184 flavonoids and 10 other compounds were detected and identified; Among them, 15 metabolites are unique to DHP and 16 metabolites are unique to BZH. Hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA), principal component analysis (PCA), and orthogonal signal correction and partial least squares-discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) can be used to clearly discriminate between DHP and BZH. 93 metabolites including 36 down-regulated and 57 up-regulated are significantly different in DHP and BZH. They are mainly involved in the biosynthesis of flavonoids, flavones, flavonols, and isoflavonoids. In addition, the relative content levels of flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenoids are much higher in the peel of DHP than that of BZH, the presence of which may correlate with the quality difference of the peels. The results reported herein indicate that metabolite analysis based on UPLC-ESI-MS/MS is an effective means of identifying cultivars with different genotypes, especially those that cannot be distinguished based on traditional identification methods.
Trisomy 21-associated increases in chromosomal instability are unmasked by comparing isogenic trisomic/disomic leukocytes from people with mosaic Down syndrome
Authors: Rafferty Kelly , Archer Kellie J. , Turner Kristi , Brown Ruth , Jackson-Cook Colleen
Published: July 2021

Down syndrome, which results from a trisomic imbalance for chromosome 21, has been associated with 80+ phenotypic traits. However, the cellular changes that arise in somatic cells due to this aneuploid condition are not fully understood. The primary aim of this study was to determine if germline trisomy 21 is associated with an increase in spontaneous somatic cell chromosomal instability frequencies (SCINF). To achieve this aim, we quantified SCINF in people with mosaic Down syndrome using a cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus assay. By comparing values in their isogenic trisomic/disomic cells, we obtained a measure of differences in SCINF that are directly attributable to a trisomy 21 imbalance, since differential effects attributable to “background” genetic factors and environmental exposures could be eliminated. A cross-sectional assessment of 69 people with mosaic Down syndrome (ages 1 to 44; mean age of 12.84 years) showed a significantly higher frequency of micronuclei in their trisomic (0.37 ± 0.35 [mean ± standard deviation]) compared to disomic cells (0.18 ± 0.11)(P <0.0001). The daughter binucleates also showed significantly higher levels of abnormal patterns in the trisomic (1.68 ± 1.21) compared to disomic (0.35 ± 0.45) cells (P <0.0001). Moreover, a significant Age x Cell Type interaction was noted (P = 0.0113), indicating the relationship between age and SCINF differed between the trisomic and disomic cells. Similarly, a longitudinal assessment (mean time interval of 3.9 years; range of 2 to 6 years) of 18 participants showed a mean 1.63-fold increase in SCINF within individuals over time for their trisomic cells (P = 0.0186), compared to a 1.13-fold change in their disomic cells (P = 0.0464). In summary, these results showed a trisomy 21-associated, age-related increase in SCINF. They also underscore the strength of the isogenic mosaic Down syndrome model system for “unmasking” cellular changes arising from a trisomy 21 imbalance.
Deep learning neural networks to differentiate Stafne’s bone cavity from pathological radiolucent lesions of the mandible in heterogeneous panoramic radiography
Authors: Lee Ari , Kim Min Su , Han Sang-Sun , Park PooGyeon , Lee Chena , Yun Jong Pil
Published: July 2021

This study aimed to develop a high-performance deep learning algorithm to differentiate Stafne’s bone cavity (SBC) from cysts and tumors of the jaw based on images acquired from various panoramic radiographic systems. Data sets included 176 Stafne’s bone cavities and 282 odontogenic cysts and tumors of the mandible (98 dentigerous cysts, 91 odontogenic keratocysts, and 93 ameloblastomas) that required surgical removal. Panoramic radiographs were obtained using three different imaging systems. The trained model showed 99.25% accuracy, 98.08% sensitivity, and 100% specificity for SBC classification and resulted in one misclassified SBC case. The algorithm was approved to recognize the typical imaging features of SBC in panoramic radiography regardless of the imaging system when traced back with Grad-Cam and Guided Grad-Cam methods. The deep learning model for SBC differentiating from odontogenic cysts and tumors showed high performance with images obtained from multiple panoramic systems. The present algorithm is expected to be a useful tool for clinicians, as it diagnoses SBCs in panoramic radiography to prevent unnecessary examinations for patients. Additionally, it would provide support for clinicians to determine further examinations or referrals to surgeons for cases where even experts are unsure of diagnosis using panoramic radiography alone.
“Llegar a algún lugar en la vida” – Jovenes marginados con éxito en sus trayectorias de educación en Río Grande del Sur, Brasil
Authors: Sauer Karin Elinor , De Souza Correa Sílvio Marcus
Published: July 2021

“Llegar a algún lugar en la vida” es el objetivo de muchos jóvenes salidos de grupos sociales marginales en Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. Ellos han experimentado un ascenso social través de su inclusión a algún proceso formal o informal de formación, y fueron invitados a participar del proyecto de investigación internacional “Trayectorias de integración en el proceso de educación”. Estos actores hablan de sus trayectorias personales y de sus éxitos profesionales en entrevistas narrativas. Este artículo presenta algunos resultados, re referencia a cuál es la importancia de la familia, de la religión, de la solidaridad y la identificación con respecto a la educación frente a una emergente sociedad del conocimiento.
Aprendizaje virtual y desarrollo de experiencias educativas en la clase de historia de educación secundaria
Authors: Bruno-Jofré Rosa , Steiner Karin
Published: July 2021

Nuestro propósito principal en este artículo es establecer un marco teórico amplio que posibilite considerar críticamente la introducción de nuevas tecnologías en las clases de historia. Mantenemos que es necesario situar la integración de las tecnolo-gías de la información y la comunicación (TICs) dentro de una visión éticamente defen-dible de la educación y las consiguientes finalidades educativas, el esclarecimiento de lo que constituyen experiencias educativas, y el reconocimiento de las dimensiones psico-lógico-culturales de la enseñanza y el aprendizaje. Esto significa encuadrar la construc-ción de los contenidos de conocimiento con las prácticas culturales de los historiadores y las funciones de la historia. Situamos el desarrollo de una mentalidad histórica en el centro de los fines educativos en la enseñanza de la historia. Pero consideramos que sin una conciencia critica de las implicaciones pedagógicas de la integración de las TICs, el aprendizaje de la historia puede quedar reducido a “edutrenimiento”.
Criterios para analizar el uso de internet en instituciones universitarias
Authors: Lareki Arkaitz
Published: July 2021

En el siguiente artículo presentamos los resultados obtenidos en un trabajo de investigación bibliográfico dirigido a organizar los criterios de la clasificación utilizados para analizar las instituciones universitarias dependiendo del uso que hacen de Internet. Tras comprobar que los criterios vigentes se pueden agrupar en torno a dos ejes (ámbitos de uso y grado de presencialidad-virtualidad), proponemos la creación de un nuevo eje centrado en aspectos didácticos. Esto nos permitirá determinar no sólo los ámbitos y el grado de incorporación de Internet, sino también si se dan las condiciones necesarias para afrontar los cambios pedagógicos que la UNESCO propone en su “Declaración de la Educación Superior en el Siglo XXI” y que resultan necesarios para afrontar con éxito el Espacio Europeo de la Educación Superior. Todos los datos aquí presentados se enmarcan en una investigación de carácter documental y empírica realizada en la Universidad del País Vasco.
Discursos pedagógicos en el ordenamiento jurídico: el principio del "interés superior del niño"
Authors: Thoilliez Ruano Bianca
Published: July 2021

El principio del “interés superior del niño” recogido en la Convención de 1989, supone reconocer a la infancia una entidad propia caracterizada por su situación de “necesidad y dependencia”. Esa consideración especial que asume la legislación nace de transformar el interés privado por la protección y desarrollo de los niños en una responsabilidad compartida. La inclusión de este principio en el ordenamiento jurídico referido a menores, responde a un uso del discurso pedagógico como “medio” de conectar con las demandas y sensibilidades sociales; pero, al mismo tiempo, ese discurso pedagógico en torno al interés superior del niño es asumido colectivamente como un “fin” en sí mismo dentro del proyecto del bien común. Uno y otro aspecto, son fines y aspiraciones sociales que nuestra Ley del Menor aúna en un tenso equilibrio.
Innovación docente a la luz de Bolonia: trabajo en equipo y revisiones cruzadas para convertir al alumno en protagonista de su proceso de aprendizaje
Authors: González Martín Mª del Rosario , Génova Fuster Gonzalo
Published: July 2021

A la luz del Proceso de Bolonia hemos realizado una adaptación del método de enseñanza de una asignatura de la titulación de Ingeniería Informática, basado en la adquisición de competencias genéricas y transversales, en el protagonismo del alumno y en el trabajo en equipo. Del mismo modo se ha adaptado el procedimiento de evaluación al nuevo modelo de enseñanza. Después de tres años de implantación y mejora, el resultado ha sido satisfactorio en relación a objetivos y competencias, tanto para alumnos como para profesores.
Clinical, ultrasonographic, and postmortem findings in sheep and goats with urinary tract disorders
Authors: Tharwat Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Background and Aim: In sheep and goats, most urinary disorders are incidental findings at the postmortem examination and do not present clinically. As such, the diagnosis of renal diseases in sheep and goats can be overlooked. Therefore, this study was carried out on sheep and goats to describe the clinical, ultrasonography (USG), and postmortem findings of various disorders affecting the urinary tract. Materials and Methods: A total of 58 animals (30 sheep and 28 goats) were examined, as well as were ten healthy control animals (five sheep and five goats) for a comparison. The animals were referred for various causes, including anorexia, frequent and painful urination, hematuria, decreased body weight, oliguria, and anuria. Results: The sheep and goats were categorized into ten groups of symptoms and disorders: Pelvic abscessation, pigmented urine, renal failure, pyelonephritis, cystitis, hydronephrosis, rupture of the urethra, rupture of the urinary bladder, rupture of the urinary bladder together with the urethra, and paralysis of the urinary bladder. Clinical presentation, USG, and postmortem examination results for each group were detailed. Many clinical presentations were nonspecific. USG examination of the urinary tract significantly facilitated the verification of the previously mentioned disorders. Conclusion: USG demonstrated superior performance in the early and confirmatory diagnosis of urinary disorders in sheep and goats. Therefore, it is recommended that routine USG be the preferred imaging modality for examining sheep and goats with urinary disorders and for determining their prognosis.
What the audiences of performing arts find most important: An examination of the attitudinal and relational marketing strategies
Authors: Chang Angela
Published: July 2021

The audiences of performing arts events are changing, together with wider economic and cultural changes. A questionnaire survey of three folklore performances was conducted in 2008, and yielded a response of 1,470 theater audience members in Taiwan. Traditional folklore performances are usually seen as appealing by old male viewers. However, the findings showed that the audiences of the performances comprised fewer men and a considerable number of women. With the successful transformation of the art organization in relationship marketing, young and collegiate respondents were shown to be frequent and loyal viewers of this folklore performance. The school channel in this study was found to be an effective way to disseminate performance-related information to the young audiences. In addition, age was found to be the predictor for building relations of the emotional bond. This paper contended that building relationships required emotional bonds with the art organization. For long-term true relationships, it was suggested to be driven by the goal of directed emotional quality perceived by the audiences. The discussion on the future studies and limitations were concluded.
La repercusión de las ampliaciones al Este en la Seguridad y Defensa de la UE
Authors: Abad Quintanal Gracia
Published: July 2021

Si bien es innegable que la incorporación a la Unión Europea de algunos de los antiguos miembros del Pacto de Varsovia ha derivado también en una diversidad aún mayor de planteamientos y percepciones que hacen aún más difícil, si cabe, el progreso de la integración en un ámbito que se ha revelado como especialmente sensible desde un primer momento, el de la seguridad y la defensa, no es menos cierto que el nuevo contexto estratégico resultante del fin de la Guerra Fría supuso un impulso a la cooperación en este ámbito. Con todo, es evidente que la ampliación de la organización ha condicionado algunos de los planteamientos de la UE respecto de determinadas cuestiones y de manera especial:

La aproximación que debe adoptar y mantener la UE respecto de la Federación Rusa y sus políticas y movimientos estratégicos.

La posición que debe adoptar la UE respecto de los conflictos (des)congelados en Europa: Kosovo, Georgia y Ucrania.

Con vistas a analizar estas cuestiones, este trabajo revisará la evolución de la cooperación en materia de seguridad y defensa en el seno de la UE desde el final de la Guerra Fría, analizará lo que la ampliación al este ha supuesto tanto para la Unión como para los nuevos miembros, especialmente en materia de seguridad y defensa, y profundizará en cómo dicha ampliación ha condicionado la implicación de la UE en algunos de los conflictos surgidos desde el fin de la Guerra Fría.
Isabel I de Inglaterra
Authors: Corredoira Rodríguez Beatriz
Published: July 2021

Isabel I fue y sigue siendo una de las figuras más célebres y admiradas de la historia de Inglaterra. Se trató de una gobernante cuyo reinado, aunque exitoso (al guiar a su pueblo hacia lo que se conocería como “la edad de oro”), estuvo colmado de retos, muchos de ellos cimentados en la construcción social del género.

En este trabajo se busca analizar tanto su vida como su reinado, bajo uno de los enfoques que más importancia ha cobrado en el estudio de la historia durante las últimas décadas: el feminismo. De esta forma, se presentará la importancia de la relación entre historia y feminismo, así como una serie de conceptos clave con los que se podrá analizar tanto la influencia que tuvieron varias figuras clave en la formación de la “Reina Virgen” como la complejidad de la cuestión matrimonial para una reina con estatus de hombre honorario.
Gallstone Illeus, a difficult diagnosis
Authors: Saenz Luis , Sánchez Morelos Adolfo García , Zavala Alfredo Barrera , Mancilla Carolina León , González Mireya De La Fuente , Cisneros Nava Eduardo Hermes , Ocampo Vargas Alan Karecci , Galicia Azalia Rosalia Pérez , Moyron Miguel Fernando Juárez , Portillo Eduardo Muñoz , Rossano Michelle Mendoza , González Oswaldo Díaz , Vallejo Fausto Romero , Bravo Alejandro Badillo , Portillo Elizabeth Mendoza , Nuevo José Juan Lozano
Published: July 2021

Gallstone ileus is a rare cause of mechanical bowel obstruction seen in patients with a history of cholelithiasis or cholecystitis. Its diagnosis is difficult since it presents vague and nonspecific symptoms. This is the case of a 69-year-old woman with a history of arterial hypertension and type 2 diabetes mellitus, without a surgical history, who is admitted to the emergency room due to abdominal pain. Her diagnosis is based on contrast X-ray images, computed tomography (CT) and upper gastrointestinal endoscopy. Surgery remains being the gold standard treatment.
Intensification process in thyme essential oil nanoemulsion preparation based on subcritical water as green solvent and six different emulsifiers
Authors: Ahmadi Omid , Jafarizadeh-Malmiri Hoda
Published: July 2021

In order to alter the solubility and bioavailability of various functional lipids and plant essential oils (EOs), it is possible to prepare their oil in water (O/W) nanoemulsions. Thyme O/W nanoemulsions were prepared under subcritical water conditions (at 120°C and pressure of 1.5 atm for 2 h), using Tween 20, Tween 80, saponin, Arabic gum, xanthan gum, and sodium caseinate as emulsifiers. Results indicated that nanoemulsions with minimum mean droplet size of 11.5 and 12.6 nm were produced using Tween 20 and 80, respectively. Moreover, nanoemulsions with minimum polydispersity index (0.139) and maximum mean value of zeta potential (−24.5 mV) were provided utilizing xanthan gum and saponin, respectively. Results also revealed that the prepared nanoemulsions using saponin had maximum antioxidant activity based on percentage of scavenging ability (40.6%) and bactericidal effects against Streptococcus mutans as manifested in the formed clear zone (diameter of 21 mm). Morphological assessment of all the prepared nanoemulsions demonstrated that spherical thyme nanodroplets were formed in the colloidal solutions which revealed that all the prepared nanoemulsions had high thermodynamic stability due to the minimum surface energy level of the formed nanodroplets. This can increase applications of the prepared thyme O/W nanoemulsions in the aqueous food and pharmaceutical formulations.
Robust decentralized model predictive load-frequency control design for time-delay renewable power systems
Authors: Magdy Gaber , Bakeer Abualkasim , Alhasheem Mohammed
Published: July 2021

A robust decentralized model predictive control (DMPC) design is proposed for frequency stability of hybrid renewable power systems considering high renewables energy penetration and nonlinearity effects. The Egyptian power system (EPS) considered as a test system comprises both traditional power stations (i.e., steam, gas, combined cycle, and hydraulic power plants) and renewable energy sources (RESs). Where the considered RESs contain both the wind power generated from Zafarana and Gabel El-Zeit wind farms and the solar power generated from Benban solar park, which is considered one of the world’s largest photovoltaic (PV) plants. To obtain an accurate insight into a real modern power system, this research takes into account the effects of the important nonlinearity such as generation rate constraints (GRCs), governor deadband (GDB), and communication time delay (CTD). The designed control is set based on the DMPC for each subsystem independently to ensure the frequency stability of the whole system as each subsystem has different characteristics and operating constraints than the others. Moreover, the decentralized control scheme has become imperative for large power systems due to the high cost of transmitting data over long distances and the probability of error occurrence with the centralized control scheme. To verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed DMPC for the EPS, it is compared with the centralized MPC (CMPC) scheme in different operating conditions. The simulation results, which are conducted using MATLAB/SIMULINK® software, emphasized that the proposed DMPC scheme can effectively handle several load disturbances, high uncertainty in the system parameters, and random communication delays. Hence, it can regulate the grid frequency and ensure the robust performance of the studied renewable power system with high RESs penetration and maximum communication delays in the system.
Effects of sleeve gastrectomy on neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio
Authors: Bulur Oktay , Öztürk Doğan , Ertuğrul Derun Taner , Sayın Selim , Asiltürk Zeliha , Dal Kürşat , Şahin Mutlu , Buluş Hakan , Uzman Metin
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Obesity and related diseases have become one of the most important health problems in the modern age. In addition to its clinical use in the treatment of obesity, bariatric surgery reduces obesity-induced inflammation. Neutrophil–lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a cheap and easily attainable inflammatory marker. The purpose of this study is to show the effect of bariatric surgery on NLR at preoperative and postoperative 3rd, 6th, and 12th months after SG.

Methods

298 patients, who underwent sleeve gastrectomy (SG) in general surgery clinic between 2015 and 2017, were included in the study. We excluded the patients younger than 18 years old, and did not have any inflammatory, infectious, hematological, and comorbide diseases such as diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular diseases, ischemic heart disease, hypertension, renal insufficiency, cancer, and respiratory problems like asthma, obstructive sleep apnea syndrome. We evaluated the levels of NLR at preoperative and postoperative 3rd, 6th, and 12th months visits.

Results

There were a total of 298 adult patients (age: mean 38.6, minimum 18, maximum 69 years old). Of whom 247 were female (82.9%) and 51 were male (17.1%). We found that NLR levels decreased significantly at 3rd, 6th, and 12th month visits after SG (p<0.001).

Conclusions

We concluded that NLR levels decrease after surgery in a proportional reduction in adipose tissue. The decrease in NLR levels may also be associated with the protective effects of sleeve gastrectomy against low-grade inflammation-related diseases.
Levetiracetam exposure during prenatal and postnatal period induces cognitive decline in rat offsprings, not completely prevented by Bacopa monnieri
Authors: Sudhishma  , Devadasa Acharya Sahana , Ullal Sheetal D. , Blossom Vandana , Parida Amrita , Noushida Nadira
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Levetiracetam (LEV) is an antiepileptic recommended during pregnancy. Bacopa monneri is a medicinal herb used in Ayurveda for improvement of cognition. Data on effects of LEV and Bacopa on cognition is inadequate. The study evaluated the cognitive effects of LEV on rat offspring of dams exposed to LEV and whether pretreatment with Bacopa monnieri, inhibits the potential cognitive decline by LEV.

Methods

Pregnant rats were allocated into four groups of three rats each. Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4 received 2% gum acacia, LEV 270 mg/kg, LEV 270 mg/kg + Bacopa 100 mg/kg and LEV 270 mg/kg + Bacopa 200 mg/kg respectively during pregnancy and lactation. Three pups from all dams were chosen at random and exposed to passive avoidance, Hebb-Williams and Morris water maze tests to check for their cognition and relevant histopathology was done.

Results

In the passive avoidance model groups 3 and 4, showed an increase in escape latency compared with group 2, demonstrating an improved learning (p=0.05). In Hebb-Williams maze, the time taken to reach reward chamber by group 2 increased compared to group 1, p=0.006, showing cognitive decline. Neuronal count in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex decreased significantly in group 2, which improved in group 3 & 4 however there was distortion of architecture in group 4.

Conclusions

LEV exposure in intrauterine and neonatal period induced cognitive decline in rat offsprings and Bacopa 100 mg/kg prevented LEV induced cognitive decline. However safety of exposure to Bacopa during the gestation period has to be evaluated.
Accent labeling algorithm based on morphological rules and machine learning in English conversion system
Authors: Liu Xiaofeng , Singh Pradeep Kumar , Pavlovich Pljonkin Anton
Published: July 2021

The dependency of a speech recognition system on the accent of a user leads to the variation in its performance, as the people from different backgrounds have different accents. Accent labeling and conversion have been reported as a prospective solution for the challenges faced in language learning and various other voice-based advents. In the English TTS system, the accent labeling of unregistered words is another very important link besides the phonetic conversion. Since the importance of the primary stress is much greater than that of the secondary stress, and the primary stress is easier to call than the secondary stress, the labeling of the primary stress is separated from the secondary stress. In this work, the labeling of primary accents uses a labeling algorithm that combines morphological rules and machine learning; the labeling of secondary accents is done entirely through machine learning algorithms. After 10 rounds of cross-validation, the average tagging accuracy rate of primary stress was 94%, the average tagging accuracy rate of secondary stress was 94%, and the total tagging accuracy rate was 83.6%. This perceptual study separates the labeling of primary and secondary accents providing the promising outcomes.
Giant plurihormonal pituitary adenoma in a child – case study
Authors: Moszczyńska Elżbieta , Grajkowska Wiesława , Maksymowicz Maria , Malicka Joanna , Szalecki Mieczysław , Prokop-Piotrkowska Monika
Published: July 2021

Objectives

To describe the case of a 12-year-old girl with a rare plurihormonal pituitary macroadenoma secreting prolactin (PRL), growth hormone (GH), thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), and alpha subunit (α-SU).

Case presentation

The patient experienced recurrent headaches and progressing loss of vision in one eye. During the examination, abnormalities such as tall stature, coarse facial features, enlarged feet and hands, tachycardia, hand tremor, hyperhidrosis, galactorrhea, and goiter were observed. Head magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a solid tumor in the anterior and middle cranial fossa, measuring 80 × 50 × 55 mm. A stereotactic biopsy revealed plurihormonal Pit-1 positive pituitary adenoma secreting PRL, GH, and TSH. A pituitary hyperfunction with PRL, GH, TSH, and α-SU excess was diagnosed. The patient was successfully treated pharmacologically with dopamine agonists and somatostatin analogue, and a decrease of tumor volume (30%) was achieved.

Conclusions

When neurosurgery is not possible, long-term pharmacological treatment of plurihormonal pituitary macroadenoma can be a safe and relatively effective alternative.
Intermediation, Disintermediation und Cybermediäre: Zum Einfluss der Digitalisierung auf Wertschöpfungsketten in der Schuhbranche
Authors: Herb Christopher , Neiberger Cordula
Published: July 2021

Globale Wertschöpfungsketten (WSK) werden derzeit, hervorgerufen durch die neuen technischen und organisatorischen Möglichkeiten der Digitalisierung, in besonderem Maße restrukturiert. Bisherige Forschungen konzentrierten sich dabei weitgehend auf die Auswirkungen auf Zulieferer in Ländern des globalen Südens. Dieser Beitrag nimmt dagegen den Teil des Vertriebs in den Blick. Anhand der deutschen Schuhbranche werden die Auswirkungen der Digitalisierung auf die Steuerungsmacht in diesem Teil der Wertschöpfungsketten sowie die damit einhergehenden Beziehungen zwischen den Akteuren und zwischen verschiedenen WSK innerhalb der Branche näher beleuchtet. Dabei konnten vor allem Sportartikelhersteller und Online-Plattformen aufgrund des hohen Digitalisierungsgrades in (Herstellungs-,) Kommunikations- und Vertriebsprozessen als zentrale Akteure (Leitunternehmen) identifiziert werden. Zudem zeigen die Untersuchungsergebnisse, dass Akteure mit einer geringen Umsetzung digitaler Prozesse zum Teil bereits aus Wertschöpfungsketten ausgeschlossen werden. Folglich möchte der Beitrag das Bewusstsein dafür schärfen, dass der Digitalisierungsfortschritt von Unternehmen als kritische Determinante für die Teilnahme an WSK herangezogen sowie für die Verhandlung von Gorvernanceformen zwischen Akteuren berücksichtigt werden sollte.
Multiresponse Optimization of Wear Parameters of Steel-Embedded Glass-Epoxy Hybrid Composites Using Taguchi-Grey Method Optimization
Authors: Chavhan Ganesh R. , Wankhade Lalit N.
Published: July 2021

In this work, Taguchi-grey relational analysis (GRA) has been used to optimize the process parameters during the tribological performance of steel-embedded glass-epoxy hybrid composites. The specific wear rate (SWR) and the average coefficient of friction (CoF) were investigated. The tribological test was planned by using Taguchi L27 orthogonal array. The tests were carried using different factors like steel volume % (0–10 %), applied load (80–100 N), and sliding distance (1,000–2,000 m) for a constant time (20 min). The optimal process parameters were obtained with Taguchi-GRA, and the influencing factor was determined with the help of analysis of variance. The results show that the most influencing factor is steel volume %, followed by applied load and sliding distance. The dry sliding wear performance was optimized to achieving minimal SWR and average CoF. Steel volume 10 %, sliding distance 1,000 m, and applied load 80 N were observed as optimum parameters to achieving minimal SWR and average CoF. A confirmation test was carried out to verify the tests. The results show that the multiresponses such as SWR and average CoF were significantly enhanced through GRA. Finally, the worn surfaces of the hybrid composites were studied through scanning electron microscope (SEM). The SEM shows that the pits on the surface of the image were covered with voids and other defects. The SEM also shows that the specimen’s porosity decreases with the increasing fractional volume of steel in the composite.
Face Recognition Technology Based on Partial Facial Features
Authors: Eva Winney
Published: July 2021

In the past two decades, many face recognition methods have been proposed. Among them, most researchers use the entire face as the basis for recognition. The basic technical route is to extract and compare the general features of the entire face. However, in actual scenes, human faces may be blocked by obstacles. Therefore, how to realize face recognition by using some of the facial features that can be obtained? In addition, this partial face recognition technology is mostly based on the acquisition of key points of the face to recognize the whole face. This review intends to summarize the full face and partial face recognition methods based on key points of the face.
Effect of Hemodilution in vitro and in vivo on the Hemostatic System
Authors: Kinzersky A. A. , Dolgikh V. T. , Korzhuk M. S. , Kinzerskaya D. A. , Romanenko S. V.
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to determine experimentally the eﬀect of hemodilution by the 2:1 sterofundin/gelofusine (SG) solution on hemostatic parameters in vitro and in vivo.

Material and methods. Experiments were carried out on 75 male Wistar rats weighing 270–380 g and anesthetized with intramuscular tiletamine-zolazepam (40 mg/kg) + xylazine (10 mg/kg). Animals were divided randomly into 4 groups: Group 1 — in vitro 25-percent dilution of carotid blood samples by the SG solution (n=12), Group 2 — in vitro 37.5-percent dilution of similar samples (n=11), Group 3 — in vivo 25-percent dilution (n=10), Group 4 — the controls (n=42) with no dilution. The ﬁrst stage of the study compared the in vitro dilution groups with the control group and with each other; the second stage compared the in vivo dilution group with the control group. The parameters of low-frequency piezoelectric tromboelastography (LFPTEG), clotting tests and complete blood count were studied to evaluate the eﬀect of hemodilution.

Results. At a 25-percent hemodilution with 2:1 CG solution in vitro and in vivo, the hemostatic parameters retained within the reference limits, but a trend to increased intensity of the enzymatic reactions of the coagulation cascade and a signiﬁcant increase in clot polymerization in vitro due to relative anticoagulant deﬁciency became evident. In vitro 37.5-percent blood dilution signiﬁcantly reduced the blood level of ﬁbrinogen and platelet count, inhibited the intensity of the proteolytic stage of coagulation, reduced the clot density at the T3 gelation point, at 5 minutes after reaching it and the maximum amplitude (MA) of the LFPTEG curve, as well as signiﬁcantly reduced anticoagulant activity of the blood. The observed changes in hemostatic parameters were signiﬁcantly outside the reference limits, which may aﬀect the interpretation of the experimental results and be clinically important. We found negative correlation between clot density and platelet activity at 25-percent dilution in vivo, whereas at 37.5-percent dilution in vitro an additional positive correlations between platelet count and ﬁbrinogen levels were determined.

Conclusion. A 25-percent hemodilution with 2:1 CG solution should be considered «safe» for the in vivo hemostatic system providing minimal eﬀect on the in vitro parameters in the exper-iment.
The use of lignin as cross-linker for polyurethane foam for potential application in adsorbing materials
Authors: Li Jinpeng , Wang Bin , Chen Kefu , Tian Xiaojun , Zeng Jinsong , Xu Jun , Gao Wenhua
Published: July 2021

Lignin was extracted from wheat straw and used for its crosslinking function in the synthesis of polyurethane foam (PUF). The effects of lignin’s addition on the cross-linking structure and macroscopic properties of the PUFs were investigated. A morphological examination, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy, and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were conducted to measure the performance of the polyurethanes. Kinetic models were simulated to analyze the oily solvent adsorption mechanism of the polyurethane. The results showed that an increase in the cross-linking density was conducive to an improvement of the physical properties of the polyurethane. Moreover, the process of oily solvent adsorption was in accordance with the quasi-second-order kinetic model. Both physical and chemical adsorption occurred during the adsorption process. This work demonstrated a highly effective method for imparting PUFs with an excellent performance and proper lignin content.
Investigation on suitable coating material for soy-lignin bonded Rhizophora spp. particleboard for medical physics applications
Authors: Zuber Siti Hajar , Hashikin Nurul Ab. Aziz , Mohd Yusof Mohd Fahmi , Hashim Rokiah
Published: July 2021

A phantom material was prepared with different percentages of soy-lignin bonded with Rhizophora spp. particleboard and different coating materials, including epoxy resin, gloss wood finish, and a mixture of epoxy resin and gloss wood finish. A set of samples without coating was prepared for comparison. Each sample was bonded with 6% or 12% soy-lignin adhesives. The aim was to investigate the suitability of different coating materials at low energy range. The water absorption, thickness swelling, surface roughness, and mass attenuation coefficients of the samples with various coating materials were examined. Water absorption and thickness swelling of the samples coated with different coating materials followed a similar trend, but only one sample (coated with gloss wood finish) was within the recommended value of 12% according to JIS A 5908 (2003). Surface roughness testing revealed that the sample coated with gloss finish was smoother than other coated and non-coated samples. The mass attenuation coefficient of the sample coated with gloss finish was similar to that of water, indicating its suitability as a coating material for the Rhizophora spp. particleboard in medical physics applications.
Enhanced production of lipid as biofuel feedstock from the marine diatom Nitzschia sp. by optimizing cultural conditions
Authors: Anandapadmanaban Baala Harini , Rajkumar Renganathan , Sobri Takriff Mohd
Published: July 2021

Microalgae were isolated, identified, and cultivated for enhanced biomass production and lipid accumulation. A marine microalgae was isolated from coastal rock pools of Tuticorin, Tamil Nadu, and identified as Nitzschia sp. RRSE2 upon microscopic examination and molecular sequence analysis. The experimental results showed that the maximum growth, biomass, and lipid content were obtained at pH 8 using the F/2 medium. These parameters revealed a notable difference when NaCl was added at 3% concentration. Meanwhile, the nutrients NaNO3 (18.75 mgL-1) and NaH2PO4 (3.48 mgL-1) were shown to be suitable nitrogen and phosphorus sources, respectively, for the production of lipids. On day 14, the maximum lipid concentration of 77.5 mgL-1 was produced using optimized culture conditions. Additionally, the maximum number of 17×105 cells mL-1 and the biomass concentration of 0.69 gL-1 were achieved on this same day. Finally, the fatty acid composition of the algal lipid was analyzed by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis.
Effect of short-term thermomechanical densification of Scots pine veneers bonded with different adhesives on shear strength of plywood
Authors: Bernaczyk Arkadiusz , Hänsel Andreas , Blüthgen Lars , Krystofiak Tomasz , Niemz Peter
Published: July 2021

The effect of short-term thermomechanical (STTM) densification on shear strength of plywood produced with Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) veneers was investigated. The veneer sheets were densified under temperatures of 20 °C, 120 °C, and 180 °C, and pressure of 1 MPa for 2 min. There were four polyvinyl acetate (PVAc) adhesives, 1 emulsion polymer isocyanate (EPI)-adhesive, and 2 resins for comparison reasons applied. The samples were stored for 7 d under the normal climate temperature of 22 °C and relative humidity of 65%. As a result of STTM densification, the plywood had higher density but lower shear strength. The plywood made with these veneers and EPI-adhesives showed the highest shear strength values. There was a slight difference of the final product’s shear strength between the used adhesives, but it was not noticeable in tested conditions.
Lyalko Vadym Ivanovich
Authors:   Taras Shevchenko National University of Kyiv
Published: July 2021

The main stages of life, scientific, scientific-organizational and public activity of Academician of the NAS of Ukraine Vadym Ivanovych Lyalko, a famous scientist in the field of aerospace research and hydrogeology, Honored Worker of Science and Technology of Ukraine, winner of the State Prizes of Ukraine and the V.I. Vernadsky Prize of the Academy of Sciences of the USSR, are highlighted. The chronological index of printed works acquaints the reader with the significant work of the scientist. For scientists, specialists in the aerospace and geology sphere, as well as those who are interested in the history of domestic science.
Moral Distress in Neonatology
Authors: Prentice Trisha M. , Janvier Annie , Gillam Lynn , Donath Susan , Davis Peter G.
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

To longitudinally examine the nature of moral distress (MoD) experienced by clinicians caring for extremely low gestational age neonates.

METHODS

Neonatologists, medical trainees, and nurses were surveyed at regular intervals on their experience of MoD and their preferred level of care in relation to 99 neonates born <28 weeks’ gestational age managed from birth until discharge or death in 2 tertiary NICUs. Clinicians reporting significant distress (≥6 of 10 on Wocial’s Moral Distress Thermometer) were asked to provide open-ended responses on why they experienced MoD. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze frequency and intensity of MoD across different clinician characteristics. Open-ended responses were analyzed by using mixed methods.

RESULTS

Over 18 months, 4593 of 5332 surveys (86% response rate) were collected. MoD was reported on 687 (15%) survey occasions; 91% of neonates elicited MoD during their hospitalization. In their open-ended answers, clinicians invoked 5 main themes to explain their distress: (1) infant-centered reasons (83%), including illness severity, predicted outcomes, and disproportionate care; (2) management plans (26%); (3) family-centered reasons (19%); (4) parental decision-making (16%); and (5) provider-centered reasons (15%). MoD was strongly associated with the perception of “parents wanting too much.” Neonatologists experienced less distress and were more likely than nurses and trainees to align preferred levels of care with family wishes.

CONCLUSIONS

The majority of preterm infants will generate some MoD; however, it is rarely shared and of a sustained nature. The main constraint reported by clinicians was “parents wanting too much,” leading to disproportionate care.
Sharp inequalities of various metrics on the classes of functions with given comparison function
Authors: Alexandrova T.V. , Kofanov V.A.
Published: July 2021

For any $q > p > 0$, $\omega > 0,$ $d \ge 2 \omega,$  we obtain the following sharp inequality of various metrics$$\|x\|_{L_q(I_{d})} \le \frac{\|\varphi +c\|_{L_q(I_{2\omega})}}{\|\varphi + c \|_{L_p(I_{2\omega})}}\|x\|_{L_p(I_{d})}$$on the set $S_{\varphi}(\omega)$ of $d$-periodic functions $x$ having zeros with given the sine-shaped $2\omega$-periodic comparison function $\varphi$, where $c\in [-\|\varphi\|_\infty, \|\varphi\|_\infty]$ is such that$$\|x_{\pm}\|_{L_p(I_{d})} = \|(\varphi +c)_{\pm}\|_{L_p(I_{2\omega})}\,.$$In particular, we  obtain such type inequalities on the Sobolev sets of periodic functions and on the spaces of trigonometric polynomials and polynomial splines with given quotient of the norms $\|x_{+}\|_{L_p(I_{d})} / \|x_-\|_{L_p(I_{d})}$.
Screw surfaces in Lobachevskii space
Authors: Vakarchuk A.A. , Stepanenko P.T.
Published: July 2021

Screw surfaces in Lobachevskii space.
On approximation of two-variable functions with respect to one metric of Hausdorff type by polynomials of S.N. Bernstein
Authors: Martyniuk V.T.
Published: July 2021

On approximation of two-variable functions with respect to one metric of Hausdorff type by polynomials of S.N. Bernstein.
On convergence of some iterative processes
Authors: Lisikhina N.P.
Published: July 2021

On convergence of some iterative processes.
Some questions of theory of functional Gamma transformation
Authors: Stempkovskaia A.A.
Published: July 2021

Some questions of theory of functional Gamma transformation.