bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-Cost and High-Performance Solution for Positioning and Monitoring of Large Structures
Authors: de Alteriis Giorgio , Conte Claudia , Caputo Enzo , Chiariotti Paolo , Accardo Domenico , Cigada Alfredo , Schiano Lo Moriello Rosario
Published: February 2022

Systems for accurate attitude and position monitoring of large structures, such as bridges, tunnels, and offshore platforms are changing in recent years thanks to the exploitation of sensors based on Micro-ElectroMechanical Systems (MEMS) as an Inertial Measurement Unit (IMU). Currently adopted solutions are, in fact, mainly based on fiber optic sensors (characterized by high performance in attitude estimation to the detriment of relevant costs large volumes and heavy weights) and integrated with a Global Position System (GPS) capable of providing low-frequency or single-update information about the position. To provide a cost-effective alternative and overcome the limitations in terms of dimensions and position update frequency, a suitable solution and a corresponding prototype, exhibiting performance very close to those of the traditional solutions, are presented and described hereinafter. The solution leverages a real-time Kalman filter that, along with the proper features of the MEMS inertial sensor and Real-Time Kinematic (RTK) GPS, allows achieving performance in terms of attitude and position estimates suitable for this kind of application. The results obtained in a number of tests underline the promising reliability and effectiveness of the solution in estimating the attitude and position of large structures. In particular, several tests carried out in the laboratory highlighted high system stability; standard deviations of attitude estimates as low as 0.04° were, in fact, experienced in tests conducted in static conditions. Moreover, the prototype performance was also compared with a fiber optic sensor in tests emulating actual operating conditions; differences in the order of a few hundredths of a degree were found in the attitude measurements.
Automated Affective Computing Based on Bio-Signals Analysis and Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Filippini Chiara , Di Crosta Adolfo , Palumbo Rocco , Perpetuini David , Cardone Daniela , Ceccato Irene , Di Domenico Alberto , Merla Arcangelo
Published: February 2022

Extensive possibilities of applications have rendered emotion recognition ineluctable and challenging in the fields of computer science as well as in human-machine interaction and affective computing. Fields that, in turn, are increasingly requiring real-time applications or interactions in everyday life scenarios. However, while extremely desirable, an accurate and automated emotion classification approach remains a challenging issue. To this end, this study presents an automated emotion recognition model based on easily accessible physiological signals and deep learning (DL) approaches. As a DL algorithm, a Feedforward Neural Network was employed in this study. The network outcome was further compared with canonical machine learning algorithms such as random forest (RF). The developed DL model relied on the combined use of wearables and contactless technologies, such as thermal infrared imaging. Such a model is able to classify the emotional state into four classes, derived from the linear combination of valence and arousal (referring to the circumplex model of affect’s four-quadrant structure) with an overall accuracy of 70% outperforming the 66% accuracy reached by the RF model. Considering the ecological and agile nature of the technique used the proposed model could lead to innovative applications in the affective computing field.
Detection of Farmland Obstacles Based on an Improved YOLOv5s Algorithm by Using CIoU and Anchor Box Scale Clustering
Authors: Xue Jinlin , Cheng Feng , Li Yuqing , Song Yue , Mao Tingting
Published: February 2022

It is necessary to detect multi-type farmland obstacles in real time and accurately for unmanned agricultural vehicles. An improved YOLOv5s algorithm based on the K-Means clustering algorithm and CIoU Loss function was proposed to improve detection precision and speed up real-time detection. The K-Means clustering algorithm was used in order to generate anchor box scales to accelerate the convergence speed of model training. The CIoU Loss function, combining the three geometric measures of overlap area, center distance and aspect ratio, was adopted to reduce the occurrence of missed and false detection and improve detection precision. The experimental results showed that the inference time of a single image was reduced by 75% with the improved YOLOv5s algorithm; compared with that of the Faster R-CNN algorithm, real-time performance was effectively improved. Furthermore, the mAP value of the improved algorithm was increased by 5.80% compared with that of the original YOLOv5s, which indicates that using the CIoU Loss function had an obvious effect on reducing the missed detection and false detection of the original YOLOv5s. Moreover, the detection of small target obstacles of the improved algorithm was better than that of the Faster R-CNN.
Thermal Change Index-Based Diabetic Foot Thermogram Image Classification Using Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Khandakar Amith , Chowdhury Muhammad E. H. , Reaz Mamun Bin Ibne , Ali Sawal Hamid Md , Abbas Tariq O. , Alam Tanvir , Ayari Mohamed Arselene , Mahbub Zaid B. , Habib Rumana , Rahman Tawsifur , Tahir Anas M. , Bakar Ahmad Ashrif A. , Malik Rayaz A.
Published: February 2022

Diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to plantar ulcers, amputation and death. Plantar foot thermogram images acquired using an infrared camera have been shown to detect changes in temperature distribution associated with a higher risk of foot ulceration. Machine learning approaches applied to such infrared images may have utility in the early diagnosis of diabetic foot complications. In this work, a publicly available dataset was categorized into different classes, which were corroborated by domain experts, based on a temperature distribution parameter—the thermal change index (TCI). We then explored different machine-learning approaches for classifying thermograms of the TCI-labeled dataset. Classical machine learning algorithms with feature engineering and the convolutional neural network (CNN) with image enhancement techniques were extensively investigated to identify the best performing network for classifying thermograms. The multilayer perceptron (MLP) classifier along with the features extracted from thermogram images showed an accuracy of 90.1% in multi-class classification, which outperformed the literature-reported performance metrics on this dataset.
Novel Cooperative Automatic Modulation Classification Using Vectorized Soft Decision Fusion for Wireless Sensor Networks
Authors: Yan Xiao , Zhang Yan , Rao Xiaoxue , Wang Qian , Wu Hsiao-Chun , Wu Yiyan
Published: February 2022

Cooperative automatic modulation classification (CAMC) using a swarm of sensors is intriguing nowadays as it would be much more robust than the conventional single-sensing-node automatic modulation classification (AMC) method. We propose a novel robust CAMC approach using vectorized soft decision fusion in this work. In each sensing node, the local Hamming distances between the graph features acquired from the unknown target signal and the training modulation candidate signals are calculated and transmitted to the fusion center (FC). Then, the global CAMC decision is made by the indirect vote which is translated from each sensing node’s Hamming-distance sequence. The simulation results demonstrate that, when the signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) was given by η ≥ 0dB, our proposed new CAMC scheme’s correct classification probability Pcc could reach up close to 100%. On the other hand, our proposed new CAMC scheme could significantly outperform the single-node graph-based AMC technique and the existing decision-level CAMC method in terms of recognition accuracy, especially in the low-SNR regime.
Fibre Bragg Grating Based Interface Pressure Sensor for Compression Therapy
Authors: Bradbury James A. , Zhang Qimei , Hernandez Ledezma Francisco U. , Correia Ricardo , Korposh Serhiy , Hayes-Gill Barrie R. , Tamoué Ferdinand , Parnham Alison , McMaster Simon A. , Morgan Stephen P.
Published: February 2022

Compression therapy is widely used as the gold standard for management of chronic venous insufficiency and venous leg ulcers, and the amount of pressure applied during the compression therapy is crucial in supporting healing. A fibre optic pressure sensor using Fibre Bragg Gratings (FBGs) is developed in this paper to measure sub-bandage pressure whilst removing cross-sensitivity due to strain in the fibre and temperature. The interface pressure is measured by an FBG encapsulated in a polymer and housed in a textile to minimise discomfort for the patient. The repeatability of a manual fabrication process is investigated by fabricating and calibrating ten sensors. A customized calibration setup consisting of a programmable translation stage and a weighing scale gives sensitivities in the range 0.4–1.5 pm/mmHg (2.6–11.3 pm/kPa). An alternative calibration method using a rigid plastic cylinder and a blood pressure cuff is also demonstrated. Investigations are performed with the sensor under a compression bandage on a phantom leg to test the response of the sensor to changing pressures in static situations. Measurements are taken on a human subject to demonstrate changes in interface pressure under a compression bandage during motion to mimic a clinical application. These results are compared to the current gold standard medical sensor using a Bland–Altman analysis, with a median bias ranging from −4.6 to −20.4 mmHg, upper limit of agreement (LOA) from −13.5 to 2.7 mmHg and lower LOA from −32.4 to −7.7 mmHg. The sensor has the potential to be used as a training tool for nurses and can be left in situ to monitor bandage pressure during compression therapy.
Estimating the Emotional Information in Japanese Songs Using Search Engines
Authors: Akaishi Jin , Sakata Masaki , Yoshinaga Jouichiro , Nakano Mitsutaka , Koshi Kazuhiro , Kiyota Kimiyasu
Published: February 2022

Several studies have shown that music can reduce unpleasant emotions. Based on the results of this research, several systems have been proposed to suggest songs that match the emotions of the audience. As a part of the system, we aim to develop a method that can infer the emotional value of a song from its Japanese lyrics with higher accuracy, by applying the technology of inferring the emotions expressed in sentences. In addition to matching with a basic emotion dictionary, we use a Web search engine to evaluate the sentiment of words that are not included in the dictionary. As a further improvement, as a pre-processing of the input to the system, the system corrects the omissions of the following verbs or particles and inverted sentences, which are frequently used in Japanese lyrics, into normal sentences. We quantitatively evaluate the degree to which these processes improve the emotion estimation system. The results show that the preprocessing could improve the accuracy by about 4%. Japanese lyrics contain many informal sentences such as inversions. We pre-processed these sentences into formal sentences and investigated the effect of the pre-processing on the emotional inference of the lyrics. The results show that the preprocessing may improve the accuracy of emotion estimation.
A Modified Complex Variational Mode Decomposition Method for Analyzing Nonstationary Signals with the Low-Frequency Trend
Authors: Miao Qiuyan , Shu Qingxin , Wu Bin , Sun Xinglin , Song Kaichen
Published: February 2022

Complex variational mode decomposition (CVMD) has been proposed to extend the original variational mode decomposition (VMD) algorithm to analyze complex-valued data. Conventionally, CVMD divides complex-valued data into positive and negative frequency components using bandpass filters, which leads to difficulties in decomposing signals with the low-frequency trend. Moreover, both decomposition number parameters of positive and negative frequency components are required as prior knowledge in CVMD, which is difficult to satisfy in practice. This paper proposes a modified complex variational mode decomposition (MCVMD) method. First, the complex-valued data are upsampled through zero padding in the frequency domain. Second, the negative frequency component of upsampled data are shifted to be positive. Properties of analytical signals are used to get the real-valued data for standard variational mode decomposition and the complex-valued decomposition results after frequency shifting back. Compared with the conventional method, the MCVMD method gives a better decomposition of the low-frequency signal and requires less prior knowledge about the decomposition number. The equivalent filter bank structure is illustrated to analyze the behavior of MCVMD, and the MCVMD bi-directional Hilbert spectrum is provided to give the time–frequency representation. The effectiveness of the proposed algorithm is verified by both synthetic and real-world complex-valued signals.
A New Coarse Gating Strategy Driven Multidimensional Assignment for Two-Stage MHT of Bearings-Only Multisensor-Multitarget Tracking
Authors: Wei Zheng , Duan Zhansheng , Han Yina , Mallick Mahendra
Published: February 2022

The problem of two-dimensional bearings-only multisensor-multitarget tracking is addressed in this work. For this type of target tracking problem, the multidimensional assignment (MDA) is crucial for identifying measurements originating from the same targets. However, the computation of the assignment cost of all possible associations is extremely high. To reduce the computational complexity of MDA, a new coarse gating strategy is proposed. This is realized by comparing the Mahalanobis distance between the current estimate and initial estimate in an iterative process for the maximum likelihood estimation of the target position with a certain threshold to eliminate potential infeasible associations. When the Mahalanobis distance is less than the threshold, the iteration will exit in advance so as to avoid the expensive computational costs caused by invalid iteration. Furthermore, the proposed strategy is combined with the two-stage multiple hypothesis tracking framework for bearings-only multisensor-multitarget tracking. Numerical experimental results verify its effectiveness.
A Population-Based Iterated Greedy Algorithm for Maximizing Sensor Network Lifetime
Authors: Bouamama Salim , Blum Christian , Pinacho-Davidson  Pedro
Published: February 2022

Finding dominating sets in graphs is very important in the context of numerous real-world applications, especially in the area of wireless sensor networks. This is because network lifetime in wireless sensor networks can be prolonged by assigning sensors to disjoint dominating node sets. The nodes of these sets are then used by a sleep–wake cycling mechanism in a sequential way; that is, at any moment in time, only the nodes from exactly one of these sets are switched on while the others are switched off. This paper presents a population-based iterated greedy algorithm for solving a weighted version of the maximum disjoint dominating sets problem for energy conservation purposes in wireless sensor networks. Our approach is compared to the ILP solver, CPLEX, which is an existing local search technique, and to our earlier greedy algorithm. This is performed through its application to 640 random graphs from the literature and to 300 newly generated random geometric graphs. The results show that our algorithm significantly outperforms the competitors.
A 6D Pose Estimation for Robotic Bin-Picking Using Point-Pair Features with Curvature (Cur-PPF)
Authors: Cui Xining , Yu Menghui , Wu Linqigao , Wu Shiqian
Published: February 2022

Pose estimation is a particularly important link in the task of robotic bin-picking. Its purpose is to obtain the 6D pose (3D position and 3D posture) of the target object. In real bin-picking scenarios, noise, overlap, and occlusion affect accuracy of pose estimation and lead to failure in robot grasping. In this paper, a new point-pair feature (PPF) descriptor is proposed, in which curvature information of point-pairs is introduced to strengthen feature description, and improves the point cloud matching rate. The proposed method also introduces an effective point cloud preprocessing, which extracts candidate targets in complex scenarios, and, thus, improves the overall computational efficiency. By combining with the curvature distribution, a weighted voting scheme is presented to further improve the accuracy of pose estimation. The experimental results performed on public data set and real scenarios show that the accuracy of the proposed method is much higher than that of the existing PPF method, and it is more efficient than the PPF method. The proposed method can be used for robotic bin-picking in real industrial scenarios.
Separation and Recycling Potential of Rare Earth Elements from Energy Systems: Feed and Economic Viability Review
Authors: Patil Ajay B. , Paetzel Viktoria , Struis Rudolf P. W. J. , Ludwig Christian
Published: February 2022

This review explores the potential of separating and recycling rare earth elements (REEs) from different energy conversion systems, such as wind turbines, electric vehicles batteries, or lighting devices. The REEs include 17 elements (with global production of 242 kilometric tons in 2020) that can be found abundantly in nature. However, they are expensive and complicated to extract and separate with many environmental challenges. The overall demand for REEs is continuously growing (with a 10% yearly increase) and it is quite clear that recycling has to be developed as a supply strategy in addition to conventional mining. However, the success of both mining and recycling depends on appropriate separation and processing technologies. The overall REE recycling situation today is very weak (only 2% of REEs are recovered by recycling processes compared with 90% for iron and steel). The biggest recycling potentials rely on the sectors of lamp phosphors (17%), permanent magnets (7%), and NiMH batteries (10%) mainly at the end-of-life stage of the products. The profitability of rare earth recycling mostly depends on the prices of the elements to accommodate the processing costs. Therefore, end-of-life REE recycling should focus on the most valuable and critical REEs. Thus, the relevant processes, feed, and economic viability warrant the detailed review as reported here.
Gender and Power in China’s Environmental Turn: A Case Study of Three Women-Led Initiatives
Authors: Chen Lu , Hansen Mette Halskov
Published: February 2022

The Chinese authorities have formulated a vision for the global future that it terms ‘ecological civilization’ (shengtai wenming 生态文明). It was introduced into Communist Party ideology in 2007 and endorsed by Xi Jinping in 2013 as a major framework for the country’s environmental policies. During the 2000s, the government set in motion many stricter environmental regulations and targets in line with this vision, including opening up some new room for bottom-up, volunteer-driven initiatives mostly on waste collection, recycling, education, and sustainable agriculture. At the same time, it calls for more participation of women in environmental governance at grassroots levels. Surveys in different parts of the world, including China, have suggested that women tend to be more concerned with environmental issues than men, but we have few qualitative studies in China of this topic. This article details three case studies in which women have initiated environmental projects in their local communities. They have mobilized other women (and some men) to engage in collective action, and they have generated financial and symbolic resources for their projects. We analyse these cases and argue that by raising the status of environmental issues such as waste collection and recycling, previously often downplayed as “women’s affairs”, China’s environmental turn has helped expand the space available for female subjectivities and participation in public activities. However, this expanding role has not translated into better representation or participation of women at higher levels of political authority beyond the village level, and the emerging female environmental subjectivities remain firmly based in existing political hierarchies and male-dominated structures.
Tools for In Vitro Propagation/Synchronization of the Liverwort Marchantia polymorpha and Application of a Validated HPLC-ESI-MS-MS Method for Glutathione and Phytochelatin Analysis
Authors: Giardini Silvia , Bellini Erika , Bandoni Elena , Saba Alessandro , Sanità di Toppi Luigi
Published: February 2022

Bryophytes, due to their poikilohydric nature and peculiar traits, are useful and versatile organisms for studies on metal accumulation and detoxification in plants. Among bryophytes, the liverwort Marchantia polymorpha is an excellent candidate as a model organism, having a key role in plant evolutionary history. In particular, M. polymorpha axenic cultivation of gametophytes offers several advantages, such as fast growth, easy propagation and high efficiency of crossing. Thus, the main purpose of this work was to promote and validate experimental procedures useful in the establishment of a standardized set-up of M. polymorpha gametophytes, as well as to study cadmium detoxification processes in terms of thiol-peptide production, detection and characterisation by HPLC-mass spectrometry. The results show how variations in the composition of the Murashige and Skoog medium impact the growth rate or development of this liverwort, and what levels of glutathione and phytochelatins are produced by gametophytes to counteract cadmium stress.
Transport Systems for Sustainability: Policy, Planning and Exploitation
Authors: Macário Rosário , Reis Vasco
Published: February 2022

Sharing a common global vision for the improvement of the world, accompanied by a framework that operationalizes this vision, is a crucial step for the long-term sustainability of the planet and its people [...]
Estimation of the Origin-Destination Matrix for Trucks That Use Highways: A Case Study in Chile
Authors: Basso Franco , Pezoa Raúl , Tapia Nicolás , Varas Mauricio
Published: February 2022

Nowadays, freight transport is crucial in the functioning of cities worldwide. To dig further into the understanding of urban freight transport movements, in this research, we conducted a case study in which we estimated an origin-destination matrix for the trucks traveling on Autopista Central, one of Santiago de Chile’s most important urban highways. To do so, we used full real-world vehicle-by-vehicle information of freight vehicles’ movements along the highway. This data was collected from several toll collection gates equipped with free-flow and automatic vehicle identification technology. However, this data did not include any vehicle information before or after using the highway. To estimate the origins and destinations of these trips, we proposed a multisource methodology that used GPS information provided by SimpliRoute, a Chilean routing company. Nevertheless, this GPS data involved only a small subset of trucks that used the highway. In order to reduce the bias, we built a decision tree model for estimating the trips’ origin, whose input data was complemented by other public databases. Furthermore, we computed trip destinations using proportionality factors obtained from SimpliRoute data. Our results showed that most of the estimated origins belonged to outskirt municipalities, while the estimated destinations were mainly located in the downtown area. Our findings might help improve freight transport comprehension in the city, enabling the implementation of focused transport policies and investments to help mitigate negative externalities, such as congestion and pollution.
A 3D Phase Space Analysis of Scalar Field Potentials
Authors: Pace Francesco , Frusciante Noemi
Published: February 2022

In this study, we present the phase-space analysis of Quintessence models specified by the choice of two potentials, namely the Recliner potential and what we call the broken exponential-law potential, which is a new proposal. Using a dynamical system analysis we provide a systematic study of the cosmological evolution of the two models and their properties. We find new scaling solutions characterised by a constant ratio between the energy density of the scalar field and that of the matter component. These solutions are of high interest in light of the possibility to alleviate the coincidence problem. Additionally, the models also show attractor solutions. We finally construct concrete models built using a double potential according to which one potential realises the early-time scaling regime and the second one allows to exit this regime and to enter in the epoch of cosmic acceleration driven by a scalar-field dominated attractor point.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy: The Role of Socioeconomic Factors and Spatial Effects
Authors: Lee Jim , Huang Yuxia
Published: February 2022

This paper investigates the spatial dimension of socioeconomic and demographic factors behind COVID-19 vaccine hesitancy. With a focus on a county with considerable sociodemographic diversity in the state of Texas, USA, we apply regression models to census-tract-level data of the unvaccinated population. In addition to disparities in accessing the vaccination service, particularly for residents in rural areas, empirical results confirm under-vaccination among lower socioeconomic neighborhoods and communities with signs of distrust in government. The spatial model regressions further underscore the impact that vaccine hesitancy among residents in one community spread to its nearby communities. This observed spatial spillover effect is attributable to the geographic interactions of similar socioeconomic groups.
Prediction of SARS-CoV-2 Omicron Variant Immunogenicity, Immune Escape and Pathogenicity, through the Analysis of Spike Protein-Specific Core Unique Peptides
Authors: Kontopodis Evangelos , Pierros Vasileios , Stravopodis Dimitrios J. , Tsangaris George T.
Published: February 2022

The recently discovered Omicron variant of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus has raised a new, global, awareness. In this study, we identified the Core Unique Peptides (CrUPs) that reside exclusively in the Omicron variant of Spike protein and are absent from the human proteome, creating a new dataset of peptides named as SARS-CoV-2 CrUPs against the human proteome (C/H-CrUPs), and we analyzed their locations in comparison to the Alpha and Delta variants. In Omicron, 115 C/H-CrUPs were generated and 119 C/H-CrUPs were lost, almost four times as many compared to the other two variants. At the Receptor Binding Motif (RBM), 8 mutations were detected, resulting in the construction of 28 novel C/H-CrUPs. Most importantly, in the Omicron variant, new C/H-CrUPs carrying two or three mutant amino acids were produced, as a consequence of the accumulation of multiple mutations in the RBM. These C/H-CrUPs could not be recognized in any other viral Spike variant. Our findings indicated that the virus binding to the ACE2 receptor is facilitated by the herein identified C/H-CrUPs in contact point mutations and Spike cleavage sites, while the immunoregulatory NF9 peptide is not detectably affected. Thus, the Omicron variant could escape immune-system attack, while the strong viral binding to the ACE2 receptor leads to the highly efficient fusion of the virus to the target cell. However, the intact NF9 peptide suggests that Omicron exhibits reduced pathogenicity compared to the Delta variant.
Non-Inferiority Field Study Comparing the Administrations by Conventional Needle-Syringe and Needle-Free Injectors of a Trivalent Vaccine Containing Porcine Circovirus Types 2a/2b and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae
Authors: Cho Hyejean , Ahn Yongjun , Oh Taehwan , Suh Jeongmin , Chae Chanhee
Published: February 2022

The objective of this study was to assess the clinical, immunological, microbiological, and pathological evaluation of trivalent vaccine containing porcine circovirus types 2a/b (PCV2a/b) and Mycoplasma hyopneumoniae given by two different needle-free injection devices compared with conventional needle-syringe injection in a herd with subclinical PCV2d infection and enzootic pneumonia. A total of 240 21-day-old pigs, which weighed between 5 to 6 kg, were randomly divided into four groups (60 pigs per group, 30 = male and 30 = female per group). Injection site reactions in the pigs were minimal for the two needle-free injection devices and needle-syringe injection. Trivalent vaccination of pigs with two needle-free injection devices was not inferior to conventional needle-syringe injection for growth performance. Trivalent vaccination of pigs with two different needle-free injection devices reduced levels of PCV2d loads in serum and M. hyopneumoniae loads in the larynx equally compared to the conventional needle-syringe injection. The amount of PCV2d load in serum from the needle-free Pulse FX injection device at 49 days post vaccination showed non-inferiority to conventional needle-syringe injection. The immune response against PCV2 and M. hyopneumoniae to trivalent vaccine given with the needle-free Pulse FX injection device was non-inferior to conventional needle-syringe injection. The pigs from the two needle-free injection device and conventional needle-syringe injection had significantly (p < 0.05) lower macroscopic and microscopic lung lesion scores, and microscopic lymphoid lesions than from unvaccinated. The results of this study demonstrated that vaccination of trivalent vaccine by the two needle-free Pulse injection devices used in the study was non-inferior to that by conventional needle-syringe injection for growth performance, immune response against PCV2 and M. hyopneumoniae, and reduction of PCV2 viremia.
Molecular Mechanisms of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) Induced Inflammation in an Immortalized Ovine Luteal Endothelial Cell Line (OLENDO)
Authors: Gram Aykut , Kowalewski Mariusz P.
Published: February 2022

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is the most common Gram-negative bacterium causing infection of the uterus or mammary gland and is one of the major causes of infertility in livestock. In those animals affected by E. coli driven LPS-mediated infections, fertility problems occur in part due to disrupted follicular and luteal functionality. However, the molecular mechanisms by which LPS induces inflammation, and specifically, the role of LPS in the disruption of capillary morphogenesis and endothelial barrier function remain unclear. Here, we hypothesized that LPS may lead to alterations in luteal angiogenesis and vascular function by inducing inflammatory reactions in endothelial cells. Accordingly, OLENDO cells were treated with LPS followed by evaluation of the expression of selected representative proinflammatory cytokines: NF-kB, IL6, IL8, TNFα, and ICAM 1. While TNFα was not affected by treatment with LPS, transcripts of NF-kB, IL6, and IL8 were affected in a dosage-dependent manner. Additionally, the activity of TLR2 and TLR4 was blocked, resulting in suppression of the LPS-induced expression of ICAM 1, NF-kB, IL6, and IL8. Inhibition of the PKA or MAPK/ERK pathways suppressed the LPS-stimulated expression of NF-kB, IL6, and IL8, whereas blocking the PKC pathway had the opposite effect. Furthermore, LPS-induced phosphorylation of Erk1 and Erk2 was inhibited when the TLR4 or MAPK/ERK pathways were blocked. Finally, LPS seems to induce inflammatory processes in OLENDO cells via TLR2 and TLR4, utilizing different signaling pathways.
Molecular and Pathological Detection of Hepatitis E Virus in Roe Deer (Capreolus capreolus) and Fallow Deer (Dama dama) in Central Italy
Authors: Fonti Niccolò , Pacini Maria Irene , Forzan Mario , Parisi Francesca , Periccioli Marcello , Mazzei Maurizio , Poli Alessandro
Published: February 2022

Hepatitis E virus (HEV) is a common causative agent of acute hepatitis in the world, with a serious public health burden in both developing and industrialized countries. Cervids, along with wild boars and lagomorphs, are the main wild hosts of HEV in Europe and constitute a documented source of infection for humans. The aim of this study was to evaluate the presence of HEV in roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) and fallow deer (Dama dama) living in Tuscany, Central Italy. Liver samples from 48 roe deer and 60 fallow deer were collected from carcasses during the hunting seasons. Following the results obtained from molecular and histopathologic studies, 5/48 (10.4%) roe deer and 1/60 (1.7%) fallow deer liver samples were positive for the presence of HEV RNA. All PCR-positive livers were also IHC-positive for viral antigen presence, associated with degenerative and inflammatory lesions with predominantly CD3+ cellular infiltrates. This study represents the first identification in Italy of HEV RNA in roe and fallow deer and the first study in literature describing liver alterations associated with HEV infection in cervids. These results demonstrate that HEV is present in wild cervid populations in Italy and confirm the potential zoonotic role of these species.
FEATURES OF THE COMPANY’S FUNCTIONING IN THE INTERNATIONAL MARKET OF TOURIST SERVICES IN CHINA
Authors: Kuksova Irina , Hu Fayong
Published: February 2022

This article examines the company’s performance in the global tourism market in China. At present, tourism is one of the most important parts of the global economy and globalization and meets the needs of the people, helping to improve people’s lives. Unlike other regions, tourism is known for its stability despite temporary differences in market and commodity markets. Tourism activities do not lead to the deterioration of any natural resources (if there are appropriate environmental factors), which differentiate them from many economic sectors.
MOBILE COMMERCE AND MOBILE PAYMENTS
Authors: Maklakova Elena , Usenko N. , Se Czyczin'
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to m-commerce and mobile payments as new and actively developing types of economic activity. Mobile commerce is inherently international. The volume of trade through various Internet services is growing rapidly every year. This process is widespread among companies in economically developed countries. Mobile trading allows you to ensure high efficiency of the enterprise; it benefits both sellers and buyers around the world
FORESTRY PROBLEMS IN THE ECONOMY OF THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Vilisova A. , Stepanova Yu.
Published: February 2022

Every year the share of the forestry industry in Russia’s GDP is decreasing, but this does not mean that this industry is of little importance for our country. Current views on forestry problems and backlog tell us that the condition of forests is not the best. This article touches on topical problems and ways to solve some of the problems of forestry with the help of economics.
COVID-19 PANDEMIC AND GLOBAL ECONOMY
Authors: Maklakova Elena , Shahebaz Dzhanatul
Published: February 2022

The article focuses on the negative impact of Covid-19 on global economic growth, supply chain, foreign investment, and exchange rate ratios. The outbreak of the Cavid-19 pandemic is an extraordinary global economic problem faced by people in almost all regions. The authors attempted to collect and summarize some current data from secondary sources, such as journal articles, international institutional reports, well-known newspapers, electronic literature databases, and a website related to the global economy of Covid-19.
ON METHODS OF MEASURING THE IMPACT OF DRAUGHT ON PINUS SYLVESTRIS
Authors: Maksimchuk Pavel , Ilunina Anna
Published: February 2022

Drought periods can be responsible for substantial damage in forests. Different studies have used empirical methods to measure the impact of drought on trees. More recently, huge advances in genomics have allowed finding potential genetic markers involved in drought resistance or tolerance. In this paper we review some empirical and genomic approaches that have been discussed by the scientists of Technische Universität of München (Germany) and National Institute of Agricultural Research (France). We suggest that a combination of these two types of approaches allows a better understanding of the mechanisms leading to drought resistance or tolerance.
MOVIE INDUSTRY IN IRELAND
Authors: Plaksina N. , Litvinova L.
Published: February 2022

The article is devoted to the film industry in Ireland. The authors explore the phenomenon of Irish cinema, the diversity of its genres and the reasons for its popularity in the modern world. According to researchers, the secret of the popularity of Irish cinema consists of a number of factors: - the national character of the Irish as a nation, which is characterized by openness, sincerity in feelings and their expressions. The audience always likes the Irish humor, especially black humor; - some traditional elements of Irish everyday life – the habit of finishing the working day in the pub, socializing and relaxing after a hard day, absolutely charming architecture, both rural and urban, namely bright, different from the main color of the buildings doors;- the unique nature of the country, the emerald expanses of hills, hills and valleys, rivers, lakes. Almost all Irish films contain scenes of beautiful nature, which undoubtedly adorns any film; - many well-known actors in the modern world who have their own style of playing and creating images.
ÜBER DIE AUSWIRKUNGEN VON KRAFTFAHRZEUGEN AUF DIE UMWELT UND DEREN VERBESSERUNG
Authors: Popova N. , Degtyarev I.
Published: February 2022

Gegenwärtig ist der Automobilkomplex in unserem Land im Großen und Ganzen durch eine große Anzahl schädlicher Emissionen von Fahrzeugen in die Atmosphäre gekennzeichnet (vergessen wir nicht die Fabriken, in denen sie hergestellt werden), die sich nachteilig auf die ökologische Umwelt des Planeten auswirken . Da der Verkehrskomplex eine dominierende Rolle in den Wirtschaftsbeziehungen der Welt spielt, kommt es nicht darauf an, ihn zu ersetzen oder zu beseitigen. Dies bedeutet, dass die einzig wahre Lösung für uns darin besteht, Motoren (die Hauptschadstoffe der Umwelt) umweltfreundlicher zu verändern und zu verbessern. Dieser Artikel untersucht die schädlichen Auswirkungen von Motoren und zeigt, wie dieses Problem gelöst werden kann.
THE GROWTH OF POPULATION INFLUENCES THE DEVELOPMENT OF TRANSPORT MOBILITY IN RUSSIA
Authors: Rabeeah S. , Zvereva O.
Published: February 2022

In this article, we try to shed the light on how the growth of population influences the transport mobility in Russian. The population of Russia has increased by about 2.5 times, and the volume of passenger traffic has increased by about 20 times since 1913. The growth in the volume of passenger traffic depends more on the development of technology, communication information, budget, free time and real incomes of the population, cultural, household, and social needs of the individual, their place of residence, areas of employment, growth of cities and their territory, empowerment rest and craving of residents for communication. The growth of population mobility is mainly due to the social structure, and not demographic factor
VARIETY OF LANGUAGES IN SWITZERLAND
Authors: Rahmonov T. , Ermakov S.
Published: February 2022

Switzerland is located at the junction of western, central and southern Europe, is landlocked and borders Italy to the south, France to the west, Germany to the north, and Austria and Liechtenstein to the east. The country is geographically divided between the Alps, the Swiss plateau and the Jura, covering a total area of 41,285 km². While the Alps occupy most of the territory, Switzerland’s population of approximately 8.5 million people is mainly concentrated on the plateau, where the largest cities are located, including two global ones – Zurich and Geneva. Switzerland is at the crossroads of Germanic and Romance Europe and has four main linguistic and cultural regions: German, French, Italian and Romansh.
MODERN METHODOLOGICAL APPROACHES TO THE ASSESSMENT OF PROFITABILITY AND PERFORMANCE OF THE ENTERPRISE
Authors: Sonina T. , Roldugin A. , Bezrukova Tatyana , Popova L.
Published: February 2022

One of the main and essential methodological approaches for monitoring the financial condition of an enterprise is the coefficient approach with the establishment of weighting coefficients for each type of profit and profitability indicators. This study reveals the need for the introduction of such methodological technologies to optimize the profitability and profitability of the enterprise, as well as to increase the efficiency of its financial and economic activities.
METHODOLOGY OF EFFECTIVE MANAGEMENT OF A MOTOR TRANSPORT LOGISTICS COMPANY
Authors: Syuy Men'yuan' , Bezrukova Tatyana
Published: February 2022

The process of effective management of a motor transport logistics company (MTLC) has its own specific features of management and achieving an effective result. A block diagram of the MTLC management methodology is presented. The groups of controlling influence on a motor transport logistics enterprise are considered, which include management mechanisms and tools, target management functions of a motor transport logistics enterprise, have a favorable external disturbing influence and a negative internal influence on the final result.
PSYCHOLOGICAL ASPECT IN ECONOMIC PROCESSES. THE CONCEPT OF ECONOMIC PSYCHOLOGY
Authors: Haustova V. , Pecherskaya Olga
Published: February 2022

This article examines the relationship between economic science and psychology, how the processes of the human psyche, perception and certain economic processes influence each other. In the course of economic activity, a person manifests himself as a source of various habits, behavior, mood. Economic psychology tries to explain the behavior of an individual in various situations, proceeding from the fact that a person is rational and determines in advance possible positive or negative results for himself.
REENGINEERING OF BUSINESS PROCESSES OF A FURNITURE ENTERPRISE
Authors: Shanin I. , Pirozhkova M.
Published: February 2022

:The article examines the possibility of using various approaches to reengineering at furniture enterprises. Constantly changing competitive conditions dictate new rules for the sale and production of commercial furniture products. First of all, the situation on the furniture market has undergone changes caused by restrictive measures. Most furniture businesses have been forced to switch to online sales. The quality of the information provided on the sites, the speed of processing an online order, as well as delivery and service began to depend on the volume of revenue and business reputation of the enterprise, a decrease in the level of which may be caused by the presence of problematic and bottlenecks in current business processes.
TRANSPORT TELEMATICS AS A SINGLE INFORMATION SPACE
Authors: Dorokhin Sergey , Azarova Natalia , Rud' V.
Published: February 2022

as the development of innovative technologies accelerates, the requirements for cargo transportation increase. Telematics systems can provide the fastest and safest transportation, helping managers to organize the work of the enterprise as efficiently as possible.
THE INFLUENCE OF AUTOMOBILE TRAFFIC ON THE ECOLOGY
Authors: Zolotukhin S. , Ilunina Anna
Published: February 2022

The article deals with the use of automobiles as one of the most important reasons of intoxication of environment. The damage to ecology consists in the toxic property of the waste and noise. The factors of climatic changes and classification of human diseases due to chemical pollution of automobile transport are being analyzed. Several innovations developed to optimize the data of ecologic damage of traffic are proposed.
Kollippavai in Sangam texts
Authors: P Shanthi
Published: February 2022

There are many songs in the Sangam texts about a mother goddess called Kollippavai. It is said to be a puppet written in the cave of Kolli, a puppet made by a goblin, and a puppet written by God himself. Given the diversity of the Tamil tradition, this phrase sets out to illustrate the concept of empathy. Although the word puppet has many dimensions such as paganism, puppetry, and divinity, there are various theories about their authenticity. Silappathikaram says that Kollippavai is a women. Thirumal dance Pavai Koothu Mogini Pavai dance Silappathikaram said that it was a later development. Mohini's appearance at the end of the Kshira Sagara is a later story. PL Sami's establishment in Tamil literature of the worship of the mother goddess can be found in the fact that Aathal's killer is also a kind of mother deity like the jungle. This article attempts to establish its authenticity through the Sangam verse.
Efektivitas Program Magang Siswa SMK di Kota Serang Dengan Menggunakan Metode CIPP di Era Adaptasi New Normal Pandemi Covid-19
Authors: Sudaryono  , Elmanda Vonda , Purba Angelia Efrida , Ayu Sanjaya Yulia Putri , Julianingsih Dwi
Published: February 2022

Program magang menjadi sebuah program yang penting dalam lembaga pendidikan khususnya Sekolah Menengah Kejuruan (SMK) di Indonesia. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengevaluasi tingkat keberhasilan Program tersebut  dalam mengasah keterampilan siswa dan mempersiapkan siswa dalam dunia kerja. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian pendekatan evaluasi dengan model CIPP atau context, input, process, dan product. Penelitian dilakukan kepada 100 orang siswa SMK yang telah menyelesaikan program magang selama masa pandemi Covid-19. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pelaksanaan program magang mulai dari context, input, process, hingga product menunjukkan kategori yang baik, sehingga program ini masih layak untuk dilanjutkan. Kepala SMK kedepannya dapat memberikan motivasi siswa terkait seluruh unsur program magang yang dilakukan, agar mutu program ini selaras dengan tujuan Pendidikan Nasional dalam meningkatkan mutu sumber daya manusia yang  terpercaya dan siap pakai.
Blockchain Technology as A Media for Sharing Information that Generates User Access Rights and Incentives
Authors: Henderi  , Gunawan I Ketut , Husni Teja Sukmana  , Ardianto Agung Yudo
Published: February 2022

We propose another blockchain client displaying stage that can be utilized to share data without letting completely go and possession and apply it to the field of movement booking. Our new stage gives answers for different central points of interest: extraordinary information insurance and client the board, and shared motivating forces. Track the functioning techniques, objects, time, strategies and reasons for UN associations in an unquestionable way. Gather client profile data and empower clients to trade data with elective travel suppliers to get endowments dependent on protection inclinations determined in great agreements. Client information dependent on the storehouse will be changed over into an open information design and communicated by means of blockchain transmission. This permits the information to be effectively handled and utilized by different hubs. The keen agreement confirms and executes the concurred information. Terms of utilization and token exchange become free help to clients. Savvy agreements can give an assortment of stores to guarantee that all members act with honesty. This record additionally assesses the presentation of the new stage dependent on the investigation of holding up time and memory utilization by characterizing three test situations. The outcomes show that the hub can rapidly react to every one of our issues by utilizing the exchange port nonconcurrently.
Predictive and Prognostic Significance of the State of Gene TOP2A as a Marker of Anthracyclines Sensitivity in Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Бармотько М.А.
Published: February 2022

Представлен обзор литературы, посвященный изучению значимости состояния гена ТОР2А как фактора прогноза исхода заболевания и эффективности лечения антрациклинами у пациентов с раком молочной железы.

A literature review was presented and devoted to study of significance gene TOP2A state as a factor in predicting the outcome of the disease and the efficacy of anthracyclines treatment in patients with breast cancer.