bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Proteomic and microbiota analyses of the oral cavity during psychological stress
Authors: Paudel Durga , Kuramitsu Yasuhiro , Uehara Osamu , Morikawa Tetsuro , Yoshida Koki , Giri Sarita , Islam Syed Taufiqul , Kitagawa Takao , Kondo Tadashi , Sasaki Kazuki , Matsuoka Hirofumi , Miura Hiroko , Abiko Yoshihiro
Published: May 2022

Psychological stress is associated with various oral diseases such as aphthous stomatitis, oral lichen planus, taste disturbances and glossodynia. However, the underlying mechanism is still unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of psychological stress on salivary proteins and the oral microbiota in a rat model of chronic restraint stress. Six-week-old Sprague Dawley rats were subjected to restraint stress for four hours daily for 1 month. The behavior, weights of the adrenal glands, and serum corticosterone levels were evaluated as stress markers. Proteomic analysis of the saliva was performed using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis followed by mass spectrometry and Western blotting. Analysis of the oral microbiota was performed via 16S rRNA next-generation sequencing. The low mean body weights, lower number of entries and time spent in the open arm of elevated plus maze, high adrenal gland/body weight ratios, and high serum corticosterone levels confirmed the high levels of stress in the stress group of rats compared to the controls. Thirty-three protein spots were found to be significantly altered between the two groups. After silver staining, seven visible spots were subjected for mass spectrometry, and the expression levels of the two most significantly altered proteins, BPI fold containing family A member 2 and von Ebner’s gland protein, were confirmed by Western blotting. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis revealed a significant reduction in alpha diversity in the stress group compared to the controls. The abundances of oral bacteria, such as Facklamia and Corynebacterium, were significantly altered between the two groups. Additionally, analysis with PICRUSt2 software predicted 37 different functional pathways to be altered between the groups. In conclusion, the present study identified altered salivary proteins and oral microbiota due to psychological stress. These findings might aid in understanding the pathogenesis of stress-related oral diseases.
Remanufacturing an evaluation system for electrical control systems of drilling rig based on the improved FCE and ANN
Authors: Dong Xinghua , Zhang Zhiwei , Sun Juan , Luo Zhen
Published: May 2022

The decision process of different remanufacturing schemes in an electronic control system has great fuzziness and uncertainty. Therefore, it is essential to use an appropriate method to show the characteristics of different schemes and support the users’ decision. Based on the concepts of the artificial neural network theory and the improved comprehensive evaluation method, the decision-making system of the electronic control remanufacturing scheme was constructed in the present study. In the first step, a classification method of parts is proposed from the perspective of manufacturing enterprises. Moreover, an artificial neural network model is used to determine parts of remanufacturing value. Then the pricing strategy is divided according to the users’ needs, and then a decision model is constructed. The combined subjective and objective methods are used to solve the compound weight of different equipment, and a set of improved fuzzy comprehensive decision methods is formed. Then the proposed model was applied to an electronic control transformation project as an example to evaluate the performance of different schemes. The evaluation results were consistent with the results of a third-party organization. It was concluded that the proposed scheme can be used as the theoretical basis to choose the best remanufacturing scheme to ensure the efficient operation of each part in an ECS.
The impact of working in academia on researchers’ mental health and well-being: A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis
Authors: Nicholls Helen , Nicholls Matthew , Tekin Sahra , Lamb Danielle , Billings Jo
Published: May 2022

Objective

To understand how researchers experience working in academia and the effects these experiences have on their mental health and well-being, through synthesizing published qualitative data.

Method

A systematic review and qualitative meta-synthesis was conducted to gain a comprehensive overview of what is currently known about academic researchers’ mental health and well-being. Relevant papers were identified through searching electronic databases, Google Scholar, and citation tracking. The quality of the included studies was assessed and the data was synthesised using reflexive thematic analysis.

Results

26 papers were identified and included in this review. Academic researchers’ experiences were captured under seven key themes. Job insecurity coupled with the high expectations set by the academic system left researchers at risk of poor mental health and well-being. Access to peer support networks, opportunities for career progression, and mentorship can help mitigate the stress associated with the academic job role, however, under-represented groups in academia are at risk of unequal access to resources, support, and opportunities.

Conclusion

To improve researchers’ well-being at work, scientific/academic practice and the system’s concept of what a successful researcher should look like, needs to change. Further high-quality qualitative research is needed to better understand how systemic change, including tackling inequality and introducing better support systems, can be brought about more immediately and effectively. Further research is also needed to better understand the experiences and support needs of post-doctoral and more senior researchers, as there is a paucity of literature in this area.

Trial registration

The review protocol was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42021232480).
Tocopherol more bioavailable than tocopheryl-acetate as a source of vitamin E for broilers
Authors: van Kempen Theo A. T. G. , Benítez Puñal Samuel , Huijser Jet , De Smet Stefaan
Published: May 2022

Vitamin E is typically supplied in the form of tocopheryl-acetate (T-Ac) since tocopherol (T) has stability issues. Tocopheryl-acetate, however, must be hydrolyzed in the intestines before it can be absorbed, a step that is purportedly rate-limiting for its bioavailability. The objective of this study was to compare the efficiency of absorption of T-Ac and T in broilers. In addition, two test procedures were evaluated in which animals received the test substances for either 2 or 4 days only. Animals were adapted to diets without supplemental vitamin E (feedstuffs contributed 14±1 ppm natural vitamin E (RRR-tocopherol)) till the age of 25 d (individual housing) or 28 d (group housing). Subsequently, they were fed T-Ac at 80, 53, 36, 24, or 16 ppm or T at 80, 40, 20, 10, or 5 ppm for a period of 4 d (4-di) or 2 d (2-dg), after which serum and liver were collected for analysis of vitamin E. Measured feed vitamin E levels were used for the data analysis; the recovery of T-Ac was 85%, and that of T was 39%. Both test procedures (2 or 4 days) yielded good quality data. Based on linear regression analysis, the relative efficiency with which T-Ac raised tissue levels as compared to T was 0.24 (2-dg) to 0.37 (4-di), with liver and serum yielding similar results. Analysis using more complex dose response models imply that the hydrolysis of T-Ac was strongly dose-dependent and that it could be saturated at doses above approximately 50 ppm in animals only briefly fed T-Ac; for T there was no evidence of saturation. These data imply that T, provided that stable forms can be developed, has the potential to be much more efficient at providing vitamin E to the animal, and on top, can yield much higher tissue levels, than T-Ac.
Characterizing the sublethal effects of SmartStax PRO dietary exposure on life history traits of the western corn rootworm, Diabrotica virgifera virgifera LeConte
Authors: Reinders Jordan D. , Reinders Emily E. , Robinson Emily A. , Moar William J. , Price Paula A. , Head Graham P. , Meinke Lance J.
Published: May 2022

The western corn rootworm (WCR),Diabrotica virgifera virgiferaLeConte, is an economically important pest of field corn (Zea maysL.) across the United States (U.S.) Corn Belt. Repeated use of transgenic hybrids expressingBacillus thuringiensis(Bt) proteins has selected for field-evolved resistance to all current rootworm-active Bt proteins. The newest product available for WCR management is SmartStax®PRO, a rootworm-active pyramid containing Cry3Bb1, Cry34/35Ab1 [now reclassified as Gpp34Ab1/Tpp35Ab1] and a new mode of action, DvSnf7 dsRNA. Understanding the fitness of adult WCR after dietary exposure to SmartStax®PRO will identify potential impacts on WCR population dynamics and inform efforts to optimize resistance management strategies. Therefore, the objective of the present study was to characterize the effect of SmartStax®PRO dietary exposure on WCR life history traits. Adult WCR were collected during 2018 and 2019 from emergence tents placed over replicated field plots of SmartStax®PRO or non-rootworm Bt corn at a site with a history of rootworm-Bt trait use and suspected resistance to Cry3Bb1 and Cry34/35Ab1. Adult survival was reduced by 97.1–99.7% in SmartStax®PRO plots relative to the non-rootworm Bt corn plots during the study. Individual male/female pairs were fed different diets of ear tissue to simulate lifetime or adult exposure. Life history parameters measured included adult longevity, adult head capsule width, lifetime female egg production, and egg viability. Results indicate that lifetime or adult exposure to SmartStax®PRO significantly reduced adult longevity and lifetime egg production. Larval exposure to SmartStax®PRO significantly reduced WCR adult size. Results from this study collectively suggest that SmartStax®PRO may negatively impact WCR life history traits, which may lead to reduced population growth when deployed in an area with WCR resistance to Bt traits.
‘You feel how you look’: Exploring the impacts of unmet water, sanitation, and hygiene needs among rural people experiencing homelessness and their intersection with drug use
Authors: Ballard April M. , Cooper Hannah L. F. , Young April M. , Caruso Bethany A.
Published: May 2022

Existing literature attests to water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) inequities among people experiencing homelessness (PEH) in the United States, but there is a dearth of research on such issues in rural areas. Homelessness is an emerging public health concern in rural areas where homelessness is on the rise, infectious disease outbreaks are becoming increasingly common, and PEH face unique WASH-related challenges compared to their urban counterparts. We conducted an exploratory study to understand the impacts of unmet WASH needs among rural PEH and their intersection with drug use through in-depth interviews (n = 10). Eligible participants were 18 years or older, lived in one of five Central Appalachian counties, and had experienced homelessness in the previous six months. Using thematic analysis, we identified factors that inhibit WASH access, and adverse health and well-being outcomes that result from unmet WASH needs. We also explore how WASH experiences compare among rural PEH who self-reported drug use to those who did not. Our findings revealed that factors at multiple levels inhibited WASH access, including stigma and place-based characteristics, which contributed to the adverse physical, mental, and emotional health of PEH. Comparisons between PEH who used drugs to those that did not revealed the intricate relationship between WASH, homelessness, and substance use in communities impacted by the opioid epidemic. Expanded WASH facilities that are safe and available with no prerequisites can address inadequate access among rural PEH and collaboration with harm reduction services may be advantageous to reach those who inject drugs.
“Criminal types”: The criminal psychological representations of delinquents around 1900
Authors: Lazardzig Jan
Published: May 2022

Analysing the work of the German criminologist and jurist Erich Wulffen (1862–1936), Jan Lazardzig in his essay shows how the representation of delinquency in criminal anthropology was echoed in dramatic literature, which corresponds with the time of urbanization, mass culture and cultural and medial transformation around 1900. Wulffen’s analytical approach is examined in the context of the systematic identification, archiving and dissemination of information about delinquency that became a primary police technique. The evocation of dramatic ‘criminal types’, the author argues, simultaneously serves as affirmation and as self-assurance of the Bildungsbürgertum and the identity of the bourgeoisie.
Punching the Prism: On nonperformance and racism
Authors: Krasznahorkai Katalin
Published: May 2022

A one-metre replica of the Statue of Liberty taking a knee and raising a fist as a gesture of solidarity with George Floyd, painted in colours reminiscent of rainbow, was placed on a public square in Budapest in 2021. Although the police and armed military were ordered to prevent its demolition, the artwork was physically punched, damaged and fenced off with wooden boards. The sculpture and the whole site were re-framed by right-wing and neo-Nazi activists overwriting it with white supremacist slogans. Planned for being publicly visible for two weeks, it did not stand for even a day. The article argues that the non-performance of the police is in line with the governmental policy giving fertile ground for public acts of xenophobia and racism. Reading André Lepecki on choreopolitics combined with the theory of image acts, the analysis claims that the sculpture was used as a proxy and that non-performance and immobility trigger huge counter-actions that reveal institutionalized racism.
All-women theatre in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Al-Aqeel Ohood
Published: May 2022

The subject matter of women’s creative experience and contribution to the theatre in Saudi Arabia is challenging, as it relates to the reality of Saudi society. Women were not entitled to participate in the theatre based on the cultural and social values of Saudi society: during the emergence of modern arts in the country, its conservative society refused to allow women’s appearance on stage. The social ban resulted in an institutional ban, which made many male playwrights take the female component out of their texts. There is no doubt that, to an extent, this resulted in the delay of women’s direct involvement in the Saudi Arabian theatre and is what prompted women to take an interest in finding a theatre that suited their needs. This article investigates the appearance of the so-called all-women theatre, its successes and shortcomings, and presents an argument about the role of official and commercial venues in assisting this unique theatrical experience. It also applies a critical analysis to two plays by Wafaa Al-Tayeb, who wrote mainly for the all-women theatre: After Me, The Deluge and With a Pink Ribbon, both published in a collection in 2016. It is hoped that this article can trace most of the cultural, social and commercial aspects that shaped these plays and gave them their characteristics.
EPISTEMOLOGIA DA PRÁTICA: ANÁLISE DA PRODUÇÃO ACADÊMICA EM TESES E DISSERTAÇÕES BRASILEIRAS
Authors: Rufino Luiz Gustavo Bonatto , Souza Neto Samuel de
Published: May 2022

Atualmente, há muitas conceituações concernentes ao conceito de epistemologia, à exemplo do constructo denominado “Epistemologia da Prática”. Embora em muitos contextos haver maior utilização de tal conceito, poucos estudos demonstram como tem sido sua utilização no campo científico, isto é, qual tem sido o estado da arte na análise dessa conceituação. Assim, objetivamos analisar o estado da arte das produções acadêmicas que abordam o conceito de Epistemologia da Prática em teses e dissertações publicadas no Brasil, buscando compreender os aspectos quantitativos e qualitativos a esse respeito, no decorrer do recorte temporal de 1999 até 2018, baseado no Catálogo de Teses e Dissertações da CAPES. Os resultados da análise de um total de 98 trabalhos encontrados permitem concluir que a perspectiva da Epistemologia da Prática tem apresentado certa inserção no âmbito das pesquisas na pós-graduação brasileira, especialmente na última década, o que ilustra a proeminência da abordagem desse conceito atualmente. Apesar disso, é fundamental que haja análises criteriosas acerca de suas potencialidades e limitações, bem como considera-se importante haver investimento maior na fundamentação teórica que subsidie os trabalhos de modo mais apropriado.
AS TECNOLOGIAS MÓVEIS NO CENÁRIO EDUCACIONAL DA PANDEMIA DE COVID-19
Authors: Carvalho Célia Regina de
Published: May 2022

No ano de 2020, em decorrência do avanço da pandemia de covid-19, as instituições de educação do Brasil adotaram o ensino remoto emergencial substituindo as aulas presencias por aulas ofertadas por meios digitais e, em 2021, defendeu-se o ensino híbrido, como meio de abrir as escolas para os estudantes. Assim sendo, este artigo discute sobre a adoção de tecnologias móveis, durante o ensino remoto emergencial, partindo do pressuposto de que dispositivos como celulares, tablets e notebooks foram utilizados por muitos professores e estudantes, para a realização de atividades de ensino e aprendizagem, o que apontou para a importância do ensino híbrido em 2021. A metodologia adotada no estudo se insere no campo da pesquisa qualitativa, do tipo descritivo-explicativa, mediante a implementação de uma proposta formativa a professores do ensino fundamental, pela qual se intervém na formação continuada destes proﬁ ssionais. Diante dos resultados do presente estudo, discorre-se sobre a importância da formação docente num cenário pós-pandêmico, a ﬁ m de promover condições de utilização de tecnologias digitais e aparelhos móveis na prática docente, tendo em vista que estes dispositivos são comumente utilizados pela sociedade atual.
The Four Leadership Styles of Entrepreneurs. A Competency-Based Model for Entrepreneurial Leadership
Authors: Kassai Ákos
Published: May 2022

This research addresses a gap in the literature of a comprehensive model for entrepreneurial leadership style and constructs a model of the entrepreneur-specific leadership style approaching the topic from the angle of competencies. This study methodologically applies literature research and the case survey method with multiple types of quantitative analysis. The paper introduces five leadership dimensions to structure relevant entrepreneurial leadership competencies and identifies the most vital critical entrepreneurial leadership competencies as partnering, communication and discovering customer needs. Four leadership styles – Lone Wolf, Team Builder, Explorer and Architect – are suggested as characteristic for successful entrepreneurs. This paper is the third in a sequence of research papers and presents significant new findings from the research programme.
Determinação Social da Saúde e Participação Social na APS
Authors: Mendonça Maria Helena Magalhães de , Alves Marcia Guimarães de Mello , Spadacio Cristiane
Published: May 2022

A perspectiva da determinação social da saúde e da participação social na Atenção primária em saúde/Sistema Único de Saúde (APS/SUS) colocam a necessidade de atualizar discussões necessárias, promovidas por referenciais das ciências sociais e humanas, na construção do campo de conhecimentos e práticas da Saúde Coletiva. O contexto atual da pandemia do Covid-19 apresenta-se como um importante analisador das relações entre o social e o biológico, a partir dos discursos político-sanitários vigentes. Este trabalhocompõe-se de uma introdução que apresenta os temas e conceitos do pensamento social em saúde, destacando a abordagem de três dimensões: a dimensão social, a dimensão política dos direitos,; e a dimensão multicultural,. Ao final, tece algumas considerações gerais e recomenda alterações na forma de intervenção, ação e representação nos serviços de saúde da APS no SUS, em sua interface intersetorial, que se aproprie dos aprendizados com a pandemia.
Repräsentation - Partizipation - Zugänglichkeit
Authors: Büchel Julia
Published: May 2022

Das Thema der gesellschaftlichen Einbindung, der gesellschaftlichen Rolle und Relevanz von Museen ist von hoher Aktualität für die museumstheoretische und -praktische Diskussion. Julia Büchel diskutiert die Entstehung, Begründung und Prinzipien der Forderungen nach gesellschaftlicher Einbindung und nimmt eine systematische Analyse an drei Fallstudien vor, womit ihr ein Beitrag zur Annäherung von Theorie und Praxis im Ausstellungswesen gelingt. Die Untersuchung ermöglicht eine Systematisierung von Ausstellungsanalysen und -betrachtungen und besitzt darüber hinaus das Potenzial, die Forderung nach der gesellschaftlichen Öffnung und Relevanz der Institutionen zu unterstützen. Sie diskutiert Vorschläge für mögliche neue Formate und skizziert das Potenzial der Digitalisierung.
Die Entdeckung der Gestaltbarkeit
Authors: Baumert Felix
Published: May 2022

Ein Bewusstsein von Gestaltungsfreiheiten gesellschaftlichen Fortschritts - das ist auch in der Zeit nach der Französischen Revolution im langen 19. Jahrhundert keine Selbstverständlichkeit. Felix Baumert zieht Alexis de Tocqueville, Karl Marx und Max Weber erstmals gemeinsam heran, um aus ihren verschiedenen Perspektiven zu zeigen, wie sich auch in der modernen Welt einschränkende Möglichkeitsräume oder gar die Erstarrung von Gestaltungsfreiheiten ergeben können. Damit zeigt er die fundamentale Bedeutung von Politik in der Moderne auf, und zwar als notwendiges Instrument der Bewusstwerdung sowie der Absicherung von Gestaltungsfreiheiten.
Menschenrechte und Antisemitismus
Authors: Müller Natascha
Published: May 2022

Die Sichtbarkeit der globalen »Boykott, Desinvestitionen und Sanktionen«-Kampagne (BDS) gegen Israel nimmt weltweit zu. Unter Berufung auf die universalen Menschenrechte fordern BDS-Akteure einen umfassenden Boykott des jüdischen Staats. Gleichzeitig wird die Bewegung oft als antisemitisch klassifiziert, was zu der Frage führt: Können Antisemitismen auch im Namen der Menschenrechte formuliert werden? Natascha Müller nimmt sich diesem Komplex an und untersucht, wie »menschenrechtsorientierte Antisemitismen« weltweit für den BDS-Diskurs mobilisieren. Durch die Entwicklung eines innovativen Theoriemodells gelingt ihr eine differenzierte Beurteilung der BDS-Akteure und ihrer Forderungen.
»offensichtlich unbegründet«: a work in progress meditation on sonic biometry, migration and the archive
Authors: Oliveira Pedro
Published: May 2022

A meditation on sonic biometry, migration and the archive, connecting the recordings of the Prussian Phonographic Commission in the early 20th Century with current practices of identification in asylum-seeking processes in Germany. The author troubles the question of identity, personhood, and citizenship (as belonging and nationhood) in dialogue with decolonial theorists.
Industry 4.0 and 5g technology on firms network
Authors: Vilela José Marcelo de Freitas , Faria Filho José Rodrigues
Published: May 2022

Goal: This study aims to explore the relationship between companies leveraged by the use of 5G technologies and Industry 4.0 to develop a model that explains the impacts on the ecosystem.
Design / Methodology / Approach: This study applies a bibliometric research utilizing scientometric review to provide an understanding of the status quo and the trend for research on the tripod theme in the world: (a) Firm Network, (b) Industry 4.0 and (c) 5G Technology. The study is extended by a qualitative research applying critical incident technique to experts´ interviews looking for the gap in the bibliometric review and insights on the tripod theme to develop a Conceptual Model based on grounded theory.
Results: A conceptual model of balanced competitive expansion of the market was developed regarding the bibliometric and qualitative research. The model, based on 5 hypotheses - related to Partnership, Competition and Products and Services – highlights that while the 5G technology and Industry 4.0 impact the relationship among companies (competition, partnerships, product and services) this impact is balanced with a market expansion.
Limitations of the investigation: This proposed conceptual model must be evaluated with quantitative research to validate the variables and hypothesis developed based on grounded theory.
Practical implications: This paper shows methodological steps and basis to develop a conceptual model to be validate with broadly quantitative survey.
Originality / Value: The paper demonstrates its originality and relevance by presenting a model relating innovative technology trends and their impact in the ecosystem
Weed Management in Direct Seeded Rice under Different Row Spacing
Authors: Ul Abidin Muhammad Zain , Muskan Komal , Alim Danish , Khalid M Armaghan , Adnan Muhammad , Abbas Waheed
Published: May 2022

A field study to evaluate the weed management in direct seeded rice under different row spacing was carried out at Agronomic Research Area, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad during summer 2018. Two herbicides Butachlor @ 118.61 g a.i. ha-1 (pre-emergence) was applied within 24 hours of sowing of direct seeded rice and combination of two herbicides Butachlor @ 118.61 g a.i. ha-1 (pre-emergence) within 24 hours after sowing sequentially followed by Bispyribac Sodium + Bensulfurin Methyl @ 26.7 g a.i. ha-1 + 17.8 g a.i. ha-1 (post-emergence) was applied 15 days after sowing. Bispyribac Sodium @ 26.7 g a.i. ha-1 was applied 15 days after sowing. A weedy check and weed free treatment were also run for comparison. A fine rice cultivar (Basmati 515) was sown during the last week of June in 22.5 cm and 11.25 cm spaced rows using a seed rate of 29 kg ha-1. To fulfill the requirement of nutrients 135 kg N, 88 kg P and 61 kg ha-1 K were applied. The experiment was replicated thrice in a randomized complete block design under split plot arrangement. The net plot size was 3 m × 2.25 m. Date regarding weed density (15, 30 and 45 DAS), weed biomass before harvesting and yield components of rice were recorded by following standard procedures and statistically analyzed by applying Fisher’s analysis of variance technique. Least significant difference test (LSD) at 5% probability was used to compare treatments means. Results of the study showed that total weed density and weed dry weight were significantly influenced by different row spacing and weed control treatments. Significantly lower weed density and weed biomass were observed under narrow row spacing (11.25 cm) as compared to wider row spacing (22.5 cm). Among weed control treatments application of Butachlor @ 118.61 g a.i. ha-1 (pre-emergence) within 24 hrs after sowing of DSR and Bispyribac Sodium @ 26.7 g a.i. ha-1 (15 DAS) reduced the total weed density and weed dry weight. Similarly, paddy yield was also significantly influenced by different row spacing and weed control treatments as weed free at 11.25 cm row spacing gave maximum paddy yield (4.0 t ha-1).
Auditory sEMG biofeedback for reducing muscle co‐contraction during pedaling
Authors: Kibushi Benio , Okada Junichi
Published: May 2022

Muscle co‐contraction between the agonist and antagonist muscles often causes low energy efficiency or movement disturbances. Surface electromyography biofeedback (sEMG‐BF) has been used to train muscle activation or relaxation but it is unknown whether sEMG‐BF reduces muscle co‐contraction. We hypothesized that auditory sEMG‐BF improves muscle co‐contraction. Our purpose was to investigate whether auditory sEMG‐BF is effective in improving muscle co‐contraction. Thirteen participants pedaled on a road bike using four different auditory sEMG‐BF conditions. We measured the surface electromyography at the lower limb muscles. The vastus lateralis (VL) and the semitendinosus (ST) activities were individually transformed into different beep sounds. Four feedback conditions were no‐feedback, VL feedback, ST feedback, and both VL and ST feedback. We compared the co‐contraction index (COI) of the knee extensor‐flexor muscles and the hip flexor‐extensor muscles among the conditions. There were no significant differences in COIs among the conditions (p = 0.83 for the COI of the knee extensor‐flexor; p = 0.32 for the COI of the hip flexor‐extensor). To improve the muscle co‐contraction by sEMG‐BF, it may be necessary to convert muscle activation into a muscle co‐contraction. We concluded that individual sEMG‐BF does not immediately improve muscle co‐contraction during pedaling.
Non-woven textiles for medical implants: mechanical performances improvement
Authors: Lequeux Amandine , Maze Benoit , Laroche Gaetan , Heim Frederic
Published: May 2022

Non-woven textile has been largely used as medical implant material over the last decades, especially for scaffold manufacturing purpose. This material presents a large surface area-to-volume ratio, which promotes adequate interaction with biological tissues. However, its strength is limited due to the lack of cohesion between the fibers. The goal of the present work was to investigate if a non-woven substrate can be reinforced by embroidery stitching towards strength increase. Non-woven samples were produced from both melt-blowing and electro-spinning techniques, reinforced with a stitching yarn and tested regarding several performances: ultimate tensile strength, burst strength and strength loss after fatigue stress. Several stitching parameters were considered: distance between stitches, number of stitch lines (1, 2 or 3) and line geometry (horizontal H, vertical L, cross X). The performance values obtained after reinforcement were compared with values obtained for control samples. Results bring out that reinforcement can increase the strength by up to 50% for a melt-blown mat and by up to 100% for an electro-spun mat with an X reinforcement pattern. However, after cyclic loading, the reinforcement yarn tends to degrade the ES mat in particular. Moreover, increasing the number of stitches tends to fragilize the mats.
Assessment of urine sample quality by the simultaneous measurement of urinary γ-glutamyltransferase and lactate dehydrogenase enzyme activities: possible application to unravel cheating in drugs of abuse testing
Authors: Friess Anna , Friess Ulrich , Shipkova Maria , Wieland Eberhard
Published: May 2022

Objectives

Evaluation of the simultaneous measurement of urinary γ-glutamyltransferase (γGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) to discriminate fresh from previously frozen specimens in urine drug monitoring.

Methods

Two widely available photometric tests (Siemens Healthineers Atellica) were used to determine the range of urinary γGT and LDH excretion and to study the decay in urinary enzyme activity under various storage conditions (room temperature, 4–8 °C, −18 °C, −80 °C). From these data, cut-off values were established and evaluated in split (fresh/frozen) specimens.

Results

Both assays allow robust, reliable, and simultaneous determination of urinary γGT and LDH. In healthy subjects, the 95% reference intervals for enzyme activity in native urine were γGT: 24.4–100.4 U/g Crea (creatinine) and LDH: 2.5–45.8 U/g Crea. Frozen storage for at least 7 days at −18 °C resulted in a loss of activity to less than 50% in both enzymes. Cut-offs for frozen samples were γGT≤33.2 U/g Crea and LDH≤ 8.4 U/g Crea. When applied to 100 sample pairs (fresh/frozen), 86.5% (173/200) of the measurements were conclusive and the combination of concordant enzyme measurements (low γGT/low LDH or high γGT/high LDH) was able to predict the mode of storage with a sensitivity of 96.3% and a specificity of 96.7%.

Conclusions

The additional measurements of urinary γGT and LDH can be used to detect previously frozen urine specimens. A simple protocol is proposed to provide additional information on sample quality when deceit is suspected. The procedure can be easily integrated into the standard workflow of urinary drug monitoring.
Qualitative Properties of Space-Dependent SIR Models with Constant Delay and Their Numerical Solutions
Authors: Takács Bálint M. , Faragó István , Horváth Róbert , Repovš Dušan
Published: May 2022

In this article, a space-dependent epidemic model equipped with a constant latency period is examined.
We construct a delay partial integro-differential equation and show that its solution possesses some biologically reasonable features.
We propose some numerical schemes and show that, by choosing the time step to be sufficiently small, the schemes preserve the qualitative properties of the original continuous model.
Finally, some numerical experiments are presented that confirm the aforementioned theoretical results.
Anisotropic Adaptive Finite Elements for an Elliptic Problem with Strongly Varying Diffusion Coefficient
Authors: Dubuis Samuel , Passelli Paride , Picasso Marco
Published: May 2022

The elliptic problem

-

div
⁡

(

μ
⁢

∇
⁡
u

)

=
f

-\operatorname{div}(\mu\nabla u)=f

is considered, where

μ
>
0

\mu>0

is smooth but strongly varying.
Anisotropic a posteriori error estimates are derived, the effectivity index being bounded above and below by two constants independent of the data 𝑓, 𝜇, the mesh size and aspect ratio, up to higher order terms.
Numerical experiments on non-adapted and adapted anisotropic meshes confirm these predictions.
Sign language identification and recognition: A comparative study
Authors: Sultan Ahmed , Makram Walied , Kayed Mohammed , Ali Abdelmaged Amin
Published: May 2022

Sign Language (SL) is the main language for handicapped and disabled people. Each country has its own SL that is different from other countries. Each sign in a language is represented with variant hand gestures, body movements, and facial expressions. Researchers in this field aim to remove any obstacles that prevent the communication with deaf people by replacing all device-based techniques with vision-based techniques using Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning. This article highlights two main SL processing tasks: Sign Language Recognition (SLR) and Sign Language Identification (SLID). The latter task is targeted to identify the signer language, while the former is aimed to translate the signer conversation into tokens (signs). The article addresses the most common datasets used in the literature for the two tasks (static and dynamic datasets that are collected from different corpora) with different contents including numerical, alphabets, words, and sentences from different SLs. It also discusses the devices required to build these datasets, as well as the different preprocessing steps applied before training and testing. The article compares the different approaches and techniques applied on these datasets. It discusses both the vision-based and the data-gloves-based approaches, aiming to analyze and focus on main methods used in vision-based approaches such as hybrid methods and deep learning algorithms. Furthermore, the article presents a graphical depiction and a tabular representation of various SLR approaches.
The Social Foundations of Public Support for Political Compromise
Authors: Wolak Jennifer
Published: May 2022

In a time of deeply divided political parties, how do Americans think political decisions should be made? In surveys, most Americans say that politicians should be willing to find compromises with the other side. I propose that people endorse compromise because they see it as both a political and a social norm. Conflict is inevitable in politics and in life. People must find ways to navigate the disagreements they have with family, friends, and coworkers – and they expect the same from members of Congress. Using survey evidence from the 2020 American National Social Network Survey, I show that people’s experiences navigating political differences in their social lives sharpens their support for compromise. When people have stronger social ties and more conversations with those who do not share their views, they are more likely to endorse compromise in politics.
Study on the technical parameters model of the functional components of cone crushers
Authors: Yu Luo-jian , Tong Xin
Published: May 2022

A cone crusher is a machine that crushes rock materials with high efficiency and low power consumption; it is one of the typical road construction equipment. To improve the production efficiency, mechanical performance, and crushing performance of the cone crusher, thus increasing profit, this study used Discrete element method (DEM) particle analysis software to optimize the structure of the moving cone, studied the crushing effect of the crusher, and carried out kinetics analyses. Based on DEM, the structure of the cone crusher cavity was analyzed and optimized. A Y51 cone crusher was selected as a representative example to study its moving cone structure. By analyzing the factors that affect the performance and efficiency of the crusher, the precession angle, base angle, shape, and rotational speed of the moving cone were optimized. Using the Genetic Algorithm-Support Vector machine method (GA-SVW), the optimal combination of parameters was determined, and the key parts of the crusher were thus optimized.
Thermal analysis characterisation of solar-powered ship using Oldroyd hybrid nanofluids in parabolic trough solar collector: An optimal thermal application
Authors: Shahzad Faisal , Jamshed Wasim , Safdar Rabia , Hussain Syed M. , Nasir Nor Ain Azeany Mohd , Dhange Mallinath , Nisar Kottakkaran Sooppy , Eid Mohamed R. , Sohail Muhammad , Alsehli Mishal , Elfasakhany Ashraf
Published: May 2022

The mathematical modeling of hybrid nanofluid flow and heat transfer with entropy generation toward parabolic trough surface collector (PTSC) inside the solar-powered ship (SPS) is performed. The mathematical model used non-Newtonian Oldroyd-B model amidst a constant inclined magnetic field influence is being considered. The mathematical model is then reduced by adopting appropriate similarity transformation into a higher-order nonlinear differential equations system. The reduced model is computed using the well-known technique called the Keller Box scheme. Physical parameters effectiveness, for instance, thermal radiation, viscous dissipation, hybrid nanoparticles, and Joule heating, is displayed in graphs. The silver-ethylene glycol (Ag-EG) characteristic performance outperformed the silver-magnetite-ethylene glycol (Ag-Fe3O4/EG). The maximum efficiency of Ag-EG is about 26.3%, while the minimum is at least 5.6%.
Wear volume estimation for a journal bearing dataset
Authors: Bote-Garcia José-Luis , Gühmann Clemens
Published: May 2022

To develop a system for predicting the remaining useful lifetime of a journal bearing, it is necessary to monitor the progressive wear quantitatively. For this purpose, we create a dataset where the wear volume is tracked throughout several experiments. The roundness profile is used to determine the wear volume over the entire life of the journal bearing. Therefore, a procedure for tracking the wear volume is described. The uncertainty of the procedure is analyzed. It is shown that the procedure has good accuracy and that the uncertainty is induced by the manual setting of the measuring positions. It has been shown that acoustic emission can be used to classify different friction states and identify defects in journal bearings. In addition, it has been demonstrated in experimental setups that it can be used to estimate the wear volume of sliding lubricated metallic contacts. Several experiments were carried out under different operating conditions for the dataset’s creation. Finally, the root mean square value of the acquired acoustic emission signal is used for estimation. Linear regression, random forest regressor, multilayer perceptron, and recurrent neuronal network are applied. The wear volume can be estimated with a root mean square error of 0.32 mm3and a coefficient of determination of 93 %. Neural networks have the distinct advantage of being able to estimate wear at any point during an experiment.
The Contributions of Mu-Opioid Receptors on Glutamatergic and GABAergic Neurons to Analgesia Induced by Various Stress Intensities
Authors: Du Yinan , Yu Kexin , Yan Chuanting , Wei Chunling , Zheng Qiaohua , Qiao Yanning , Liu Yihui , Han Jing , Ren Wei , Liu Zhiqiang
Published: May 2022

The endogenous opioid system plays a crucial role in stress-induced analgesia. Mu-opioid receptors (MORs), one of the major opioid receptors, are expressed widely in subpopulations of cells throughout the CNS. However, the potential roles of MORs expressed in glutamatergic (MORGlut) and γ-aminobutyric acidergic (MORGABA) neurons in stress-induced analgesia remain unclear. By examining tail-flick latencies to noxious radiant heat of male mice, here we investigated the contributions of MORGABAand MORGlutto behavioral analgesia and activities of neurons projecting from periaqueductal gray (PAG) to rostral ventromedial medulla (RVM) induced by a range of time courses of forced swim exposure. The moderate but not transitory or prolonged swim exposure induced a MOR-dependent analgesia, although all of these three stresses enhanced β-endorphin release. Selective deletion of MORGABAbut not MORGlutclearly attenuated analgesia and blocked the enhancement of activities of PAG-RVM neurons induced by moderate swim exposure. Under transitory swim exposure, in contrast, selective deletion of MORGlutelicited an analgesia behavior via strengthening the activities of PAG-RVM neurons. These results indicate that MOR-dependent endogenous opioid signaling participates in nociceptive modulation in a wide range, not limited to moderate, of stress intensities. Endogenous activation of MORGABAexerts analgesia, whereas MORGlutproduces antianalgesia. More importantly, with an increase of stress intensities, the efficiencies of MORs on nociception shifts from balance between MORGlutand MORGABAto biasing toward MORGABA-mediated processes. Our results point to the cellular dynamic characteristics of MORs expressed in excitatory and inhibitory neurons in pain modulation under various stress intensities.
Melodia and the “Disposition of the Soul”
Authors: Cohen David E.
Published: May 2022

In 1607 Claudio Monteverdi’s younger brother, Giulio Cesare, published his Dichiaratione, arguably the most significant document of the famous and influential polemic known as the Artusi-Monteverdi controversy. He there attempted to rebut Giovanni Maria Artusi’s criticism of the technical “licenses”—especially with regard to dissonance treatment—that the great composer had sought to justify as essential elements of the new approach to text setting that he called the seconda pratica. In support of his argument, Giulio Cesare quotes passages from Plato’s Republic in order to claim the great philosopher’s authority for his brother’s revolutionary musical poetics. As I show in this study, the Platonic pronouncements concerning what the Monteverdis call melodia, that is, song (melos), provide Giulio Cesare with virtually the whole of his implicit argument for the artistic validity of Claudio’s subversive compositional practices.

The article’s principal aim, however, is to demonstrate that Giulio Cesare exploits a lexical peculiarity in Ficino’s Latin translation of the Republic to misrepresent Plato’s thought on a point of great importance to the philosopher: the power of song to influence a people’s ēthos, their ethical or moral character. Ficino’s idiosyncratic rendering in the crucial passage of ēthos tēs psychēs as affectio animi (“affection of the soul”) enables, and indeed invites, Giulio Cesare to elide the true object of Plato’s concern and instead implicitly associate the philosopher’s dicta regarding the ethical force of melos with what the Dichiaratione identifies as the goal of the seconda pratica: “moving the affections of the soul.”
“What a Concept! What, a Concept? What Concept?” The Byrds, Jefferson Airplane, and the Early Days of the Concept Album
Authors: Grier James
Published: May 2022

While almost everyone agrees that the Beatles set the bar for the concept album, many would argue about possible precursors, rivals, and imitators. Two releases frame the Beatles’ two most important albums: the Byrds’ Fifth Dimension appeared on July 18, 1966, just weeks before the release of Revolver on August 5 and 8 (the British and US releases, respectively); while Jefferson Airplane’s After Bathing at Baxter’s was released in late November 1967, nearly six months after Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band appeared on June 1 and 2.

Fifth Dimension and After Bathing at Baxter’s each provides its own interpretation of how thirty to forty minutes of music, articulated by a break halfway through between the end of side one and the beginning of side two, should proceed. The Byrds create an artful succession of songs familiar from single releases and new material, generating a multitude of stylistic cross-references and binding the album together despite the variety of styles it embraces, including Dylanesque psychedelia, Coltrane-inspired jazz, and items from the traditional folk repertory. The Airplane, on the other hand, attempt to string groups of two or three songs together into “suites,” as the band terms them on the jacket, with greater or lesser success. But the overall structure of the album depends on the strength of the material with which each side begins and ends. Both Fifth Dimension and Baxter’s contribute their own perspectives on how the album could become a well-integrated, thoughtful, and creative collection of material.
Žodžių suvokimo ir ekspresyviosios kalbos ypatumai neišplėtotos kalbos atveju
Authors: Kamandulytė-Merfeldienė Laura , Makauskienė Vilma
Published: May 2022

Straipsnyje aptariami vaikų, turinčių neišplėtotą kalbą, leksikos ypatumai. Atlikta kiekybinė sukauptojo vaikų kalbos tekstyno ir eksperimentinių užduočių rezultatų analizė padėjo atskleisti žodžių supratimo, vartojimo ypatumus, leksinės įvairovės rodiklius. Lyginami vaikų, turinčių neišplėtotą kalbą, ir tipinės kalbos raidos vaikų rezultatai. Tyrimas atskleidė, kad vaikai, kuriems būdinga neišplėtota kalba, statistiškai reikšmingai prasčiau atliko daiktavardžių ir veiksmažodžių supratimo bei produkcijos užduotis. Žodžių supratimo ir produkcijos sunkumus lemia reta žodžio vartosena vaiko aplinkoje, žodžio ilgis, darybinė struktūra, sinonimija, panašios reikšmės žodžių gausa
Statistical and computational approaches for the analysis of high-throughput epigenomic data
Authors:   , Gibas Povilas
Published: May 2022

Epigenetic mechanisms, such as DNA modifications, are of great importance in all living things. Despite the importance of DNA modifications, many of the difficulties involved in establishing and characterizing epigenetic profiles discourage researchers from following this path of research. TOP-seq is the first DNA sequencing method which uses covalent labeling of unmodified individual CG sites, following by the synthesis of DNA polymerase. This DNA sequencing method combines the enrichment of the unmodified DNA fraction, the resolution of a single base, and the strand specificity. Several other TOP-seq-based sequencing methods that can identify other DNA modifications are currently being developed. However, to make full use of these methods, a set of appropriate statistical and computational methods is required. This study presents strategies to solve obstacles that arises from a very specific type of TOP-seq data. This study is based on three main parts: design, development, application. During the design part, we present a data processing strategy that converts primary TOP-seq epigenomic data into a CG position coverage signal. In the development section, we propose and integrate three signal transformations that enhance the signaling of enrichment-based epigenomic methods. Finally, we present several cases where the TOP-seq signal can be used to obtain biological information.