bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Rice miR396-GRF-GIF-SWI/SNF Module: A Player in GA Signaling
Authors: Lu Yuzhu , Zeng Jia , Liu Qiaoquan
Published: January 2022

Rice Growth-Regulating Factors (GRFs) were originally identified to be gibberellin (GA)-induced, but the nature of GA induction has remained unknown because most reports thereafter focused on revealing their roles in growth-promoting activities. GRFs have the WRC (Trp, Arg, Cys) domain to target DNA and contain the QLQ (Gln, Leu, Gln) domain to interact with GRF-Interacting Factor (GIF), which recruits ATP-dependent DNA translocase Switch/Sucrose Non-fermenting (SWI/SNF) for chromatin remodeling. Both GRFs and GIFs exhibit transcriptional activities but GIFs lack a DNA-binding domain. So, GRFs act like a navigator in the GRF-GIF-SWI/SNF complex, determining when and where the complex should work on. The levels of most rice GRFs can be sensitively regulated by miR396, which responds to many developmental and environmental factors. Recent clues from several studies highlight the original question of how GRFs participate in GA signaling. DELLA (contain DELLA motif) protein plays dual roles in controlling the level of GRFs by regulating the level of miR396 and interacting with GRFs. Here we address the question of why this complex plays an essential role in controlling plant growth focusing on the action of GA signaling pivot, DELLA.
Identification of the Q Gene Playing a Role in Spike Morphology Variation in Wheat Mutants and Its Regulatory Network
Authors: Zhang Jiazi , Xiong Hongchun , Guo Huijun , Li Yuting , Xie Xiaomei , Xie Yongdun , Zhao Linshu , Gu Jiayu , Zhao Shirong , Ding Yuping , Liu Luxiang
Published: January 2022

The wheat AP2 family gene Q controls domestication traits, including spike morphology and threshability, which are critical for the widespread cultivation and yield improvement of wheat. Although many studies have investigated the molecular mechanisms of the Q gene, its direct target genes, especially those controlling spike morphology, are not clear, and its regulatory pathways are not well established. In this study, we conducted gene mapping of a wheat speltoid spike mutant and found that a new allele of the Q gene with protein truncation played a role in spike morphology variation in the mutant. Dynamic expression levels of the Q gene throughout the spike development process suggested that the transcript abundances of the mutant were decreased at the W6 and W7 scales compared to those of the WT. We identified several mutation sites on the Q gene and showed that mutations in different domains resulted in distinct phenotypes. In addition, we found that the Q gene produced three transcripts via alternative splicing and that they exhibited differential expression patterns in nodes, internodes, flag leaves, and spikes. Finally, we identified several target genes directly downstream of Q, including TaGRF1-2D and TaMGD-6B, and proposed a possible regulatory network. This study uncovered the target genes of Q, and the results can help to clarify the mechanism of wheat spike morphology and thereby improve wheat grain yield.
Comparing Online Webcam- and Laboratory-Based Eye-Tracking for the Assessment of Infants’ Audio-Visual Synchrony Perception
Authors: Bánki Anna , de Eccher Martina , Falschlehner Lilith , Hoehl Stefanie , Markova Gabriela
Published: January 2022

Online data collection with infants raises special opportunities and challenges for developmental research. One of the most prevalent methods in infancy research is eye-tracking, which has been widely applied in laboratory settings to assess cognitive development. Technological advances now allow conducting eye-tracking online with various populations, including infants. However, the accuracy and reliability of online infant eye-tracking remain to be comprehensively evaluated. No research to date has directly compared webcam-based and in-lab eye-tracking data from infants, similarly to data from adults. The present study provides a direct comparison of in-lab and webcam-based eye-tracking data from infants who completed an identical looking time paradigm in two different settings (in the laboratory or online at home). We assessed 4-6-month-old infants (n = 38) in an eye-tracking task that measured the detection of audio-visual asynchrony. Webcam-based and in-lab eye-tracking data were compared on eye-tracking and video data quality, infants’ viewing behavior, and experimental effects. Results revealed no differences between the in-lab and online setting in the frequency of technical issues and participant attrition rates. Video data quality was comparable between settings in terms of completeness and brightness, despite lower frame rate and resolution online. Eye-tracking data quality was higher in the laboratory than online, except in case of relative sample loss. Gaze data quantity recorded by eye-tracking was significantly lower than by video in both settings. In valid trials, eye-tracking and video data captured infants’ viewing behavior uniformly, irrespective of setting. Despite the common challenges of infant eye-tracking across experimental settings, our results point toward the necessity to further improve the precision of online eye-tracking with infants. Taken together, online eye-tracking is a promising tool to assess infants’ gaze behavior but requires careful data quality control. The demographic composition of both samples differed from the generic population on caregiver education: our samples comprised caregivers with higher-than-average education levels, challenging the notion that online studies will per se reach more diverse populations.
Experimental Study on the Effect of Urban Road Traffic Noise on Heart Rate Variability of Noise-Sensitive People
Authors: Cai Chao , Xu Yanan , Wang Yan , Wang Qikun , Liu Lu
Published: January 2022

Epidemiological studies have confirmed that long-term exposure to road traffic noise can cause cardiovascular diseases (CDs), and when noise exposure reaches a certain level, the risk of related CDs significantly increases. Currently, a large number of Chinese residents are exposed to high noise exposure, which could greatly increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. On the other hand, relevant studies have found that people with high noise sensitivity are more susceptible to noise. And it is necessary to pay more attention to the high noise-sensitive people. This study investigated the acute physiological effect of different noise-sensitive groups by indoor-level noise stimulus experiments under laboratory conditions, by observing heart rate variability (HRV) indicators, including standard deviation of NN intervals (SDNN), low frequency/high frequency (LF/HF), and heart rate (HR). The results showed that (a) there was no significant difference in HRV between the high-sensitive group and the low-sensitive group at the physiological baseline and the different stimulating noise levels. (b) Then, based on the theory of cumulative effect of noise proposed by WHO Regional Office for Europe, non-significant but observable differences between groups were further discussed. By analyzing differences of the variation trends and the within-group significant changes of SDNN and HR between the two groups, the results tended to show that the high-sensitive group is more affected by road traffic noise. In addition, the values of SDNN and HR showed observable between-group differences at 55 dB (A) and 65 dB (A) which corresponding to the SPL associated with a significantly increased risk of cardiovascular disease concerned by epidemiological studies. According to the cumulative effect theory (WHO), these differences in HRV caused by short-term noise stimulation may have the potential to produce physiological response and lead to between-groups differences in prevalence after long-term recurrent effect, and deserve attention and further research.
Optimal Management of the Public and Patients by Pharmacists in the Era of COVID-19: An Evidence-Based Review and Practical Recommendations
Authors: Song Zaiwei , Hu Yang , Ren Zhenyu , Wang Guanru , Liu Shuang , Zheng Siqian , Yang Li , Zhao Rongsheng
Published: January 2022

Purpose: Currently, managing the public and patients during the COVID-19 pandemic is constituting a health care challenge worldwide. Patient-oriented management is of crucial importance to promote emergency preparedness and response. This study aims to formulate an integrated pharmacist management strategy of the public and patients and to provide evidence-based and practical references.

Methods: Evidence-based review and practical analysis were utilized. First, PubMed, EMBASE and Chinese database were searched. Studies about patient management in major public health emergencies were included. Second, the Chinese experience of patient management was analyzed and identified. Finally, combining evidence-based and practical analysis, the pharmacist management strategy of the public and patients was researched and summarized.

Results: Regarding the home quarantine period, pharmacist management services should include medication guidance, guidance on risk monitoring, sanitation measures education, health management guidance and psychological support. Regarding the outpatient visit period, pharmacists should participate in the control of in-hospital infections and provide physician-pharmacist joint clinic services, pharmacy clinic services, medication therapy management, medication consultation services, drug supply guarantee and drug dispensing services. Regarding the hospitalization period, pharmacist management services should include monitoring and evaluating the safety and efficacy of medications, providing strengthened care for special populations and other pharmaceutical care. For non-hospitalized or discharged patients, pharmacist management services should include formulating medication materials and establishing pharmacy management files for discharged patients.

Conclusion: An evidence-based, patient-centered and entire-process-integrated pharmacist management strategy of the public and patients is established, which remedies the gaps in the existing patient management and can be implemented to support pharmacists' contributions to COVID-19 pandemic control.
Knowledge, Attitude, and Perceived Barriers of Newly Graduated Registered Nurses Undergoing Standardized Training in Intensive Care Unit Toward Early Mobilization of Mechanically Ventilated Patients: A Qualitative Study in Shanghai
Authors: Jiang Jinxia , Zhao Sijia , Han Peng , Wu Qian , Shi Yan , Duan Xia , Yan Songjuan
Published: January 2022

Aim: To explore the knowledge and attitudes of newly graduated registered nurses, who have undergone standardized training in the intensive care unit, about the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients and identify perceived barriers to the application of early mobilization.

Background: Early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients has been gradually gaining attention, and its safety and effectiveness have also been verified. Nurses in intensive care units are the implementers of early mobilization, and the quality of their care is closely related to patient prognosis. However, the knowledge and attitude of newly graduated registered nurses undergoing standardized training, in intensive care units, on the early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients and the obstacles they face in clinical implementation are still unclear.

Methods: This qualitative study utilized the phenomenological method to explore the experiences of 15 newly graduated registered nurses undergoing standardized training in intensive care units in a 3rd hospital in Shanghai, China. Semi-structured face-to-face interviews were conducted in June 2020. The Colaizzi seven-step framework was used for data analysis.

Findings: A total of 15 new nurses comprised the final sample after data saturation. Three main themes emerged from the analysis and seven subthemes: perceived importance, low implementation rate, and perceived barriers.

Conclusions: Newly graduated registered nurses undergoing standardized training in intensive care units have a high level of awareness of the importance of early mobilization of mechanically ventilated patients and are willing to implement it. However, there is a lack of relevant knowledge and other obstacles that restrict clinical implementation. Early mobilization should be included in the standardized training of new nurses in intensive care units.
Network Structure and Community Evolution Online: Behavioral and Emotional Changes in Response to COVID-19
Authors: Fang Fan , Wang Tong , Tan Suoyi , Chen Saran , Zhou Tao , Zhang Wei , Guo Qiang , Liu Jianguo , Holme Petter , Lu Xin
Published: January 2022

Background: The measurement and identification of changes in the social structure in response to an exceptional event like COVID-19 can facilitate a more informed public response to the pandemic and provide fundamental insights on how collective social processes respond to extreme events.

Objective: In this study, we built a generalized framework for applying social media data to understand public behavioral and emotional changes in response to COVID-19.

Methods: Utilizing a complete dataset of Sina Weibo posts published by users in Wuhan from December 2019 to March 2020, we constructed a time-varying social network of 3.5 million users. In combination with community detection, text analysis, and sentiment analysis, we comprehensively analyzed the evolution of the social network structure, as well as the behavioral and emotional changes across four main stages of Wuhan's experience with the epidemic.

Results: The empirical results indicate that almost all network indicators related to the network's size and the frequency of social interactions increased during the outbreak. The number of unique recipients, average degree, and transitivity increased by 24, 23, and 19% during the severe stage than before the outbreak, respectively. Additionally, the similarity of topics discussed on Weibo increased during the local peak of the epidemic. Most people began discussing the epidemic instead of the more varied cultural topics that dominated early conversations. The number of communities focused on COVID-19 increased by nearly 40 percent of the total number of communities. Finally, we find a statistically significant “rebound effect” by exploring the emotional content of the users' posts through paired sample t-test (P = 0.003).

Conclusions: Following the evolution of the network and community structure can explain how collective social processes changed during the pandemic. These results can provide data-driven insights into the development of public attention during extreme events.
Review of Physically Unclonable Functions (PUFs): Structures, Models, and Algorithms
Authors: Gebali Fayez , Mamun Mohammad
Published: January 2022

Physically unclonable functions (PUFs) are now an essential component for strengthening the security of Internet of Things (IoT) edge devices. These devices are an important component in many infrastructure systems such as telehealth, commerce, industry, etc. Traditionally these devices are the weakest link in the security of the system since they have limited storage, processing, and energy resources. Furthermore they are located in unsecured environments and could easily be the target of tampering and various types of attacks. We review in this work the structure of most salient types of PUF systems such as static RAM static random access memory (SRAM), ring oscillator (RO), arbiter PUFs, coating PUFs and dynamic RAM dynamic random access memory (DRAM). We discuss statistical models for the five most common types of PUFs and identify the main parameters defining their performance. We review some of the most recent algorithms that can be used to provide stable authentication and secret key generation without having to use helper data or secure sketch algorithms. Finally we provide results showing the performance of these devices and how they depend on the authentication algorithm used and the main system parameters.
Cystic Adventitial Disease of the Common Femoral Artery: A Rare-Case Report
Authors: Wang Qilong , Cheng Zhihua , Tang Liang , Wang Qi , Zhang Ping , Zhang Hua
Published: January 2022

Herein, we report the case of a 59-year-old man with intermittent claudication of ~100 m, who complained of resting pain in his lower right extremity. A pelvic, contrast-enhanced, computed tomography scan showed the presence of cystic density in the lower segment of the right common femoral artery. Faced with the risk of acute limb ischemia, we navigated a challenging diagnostic procedure to choose an appropriate treatment for him. Additionally, we performed a pathological investigation of the excised common femoral artery following the excision bypass. On postoperative day 5, the patient was discharged from the hospital. During the 2-year follow-up, no new cysts were discovered, and the patient had favorable prognosis.
Ticks and Tick-Borne Pathogens in Domestic Animals, Wild Pigs, and Off-Host Environmental Sampling in Guam, USA
Authors: Weaver Genevieve V. , Anderson Neil , Garrett Kayla , Thompson Alec T. , Yabsley Michael J.
Published: January 2022

Background: Guam, a United States of America (USA) island territory in the Pacific Ocean, is known to have large populations of ticks; however, it is unclear what the risk is to wildlife and humans living on the island. Dog (Canis familiaris), cat (Felis catus), and wild pig (Sus scrofa) sentinels were examined for ticks, and environmental sampling was conducted to determine the ticks present in Guam and the prevalence of tick-borne pathogens in hosts.

Methods and Results: From March 2019-November 2020, ticks were collected from environmental sampling, dogs, cats, and wild pigs. Blood samples were also taken from a subset of animals. A total of 99 ticks were collected from 27 environmental samples and all were Rhipicephalus sanguineus, the brown dog tick. Most ticks were collected during the dry season with an overall sampling success rate of 63% (95% CI: 42.4–80.6). 6,614 dogs were examined, and 12.6% (95% CI: 11.8–13.4) were infested with at least one tick. One thousand one hundred twelve cats were examined, and six (0.54%; 95% CI: 0.20–1.1) were found with ticks. Sixty-four wild pigs were examined and 17.2% (95% CI: 9.5–27.8) had ticks. In total, 1,956 ticks were collected and 97.4% of ticks were R. sanguineus. A subset of R. sanguineus were determined to be the tropical lineage. The other tick species found were Rhipicephalus microplus (0.77%), Amblyomma breviscutatum (0.77 %), and a Haemaphysalis sp. (0.51%). Blood samples from 136 dogs, four cats, and 64 wild pigs were tested using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and DNA sequencing methods. Five different tick-borne pathogens with the following prevalences were found in dogs: Anaplasma phagocytophilum 5.9% (95% CI: 2.6–11.3); Anaplasma platys 19.1% (95% CI: 12.9–26.7); Babesia canis vogeli 8.8% (95% CI: 4.6–14.9); Ehrlichia canis 12.5% (95% CI: 7.5–19.3); Hepatozoon canis 14.7% (95% CI: 9.2–28.8). E. canis was detected in one cat, and no tick-borne pathogens were detected in wild pigs. Overall, 43.4% (95% CI: 34.9–52.1) of dogs had at least one tick-borne pathogen. Serological testing for antibodies against Ehrlichia spp. and Anaplasma spp. showed prevalences of 14.7% (95% CI: 9.2–28.8) and 31.6% (95% CI: 23.9–40), respectively.

Conclusion: Four different tick species were found in Guam to include a Haemaphysalis sp., which is a previously unreported genus for Guam. Dogs with ticks have a high prevalence of tick-borne pathogens which makes them useful sentinels.
Path Tracking Control of an Autonomous Tractor Using Improved Stanley Controller Optimized with Multiple-Population Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Liang , Zhai Zhiqiang , Zhu Zhongxiang , Mao Enrong
Published: January 2022

To improve the path tracking accuracy of autonomous tractors in operation, an improved Stanley controller (IMP-ST) is proposed in this paper. The controller was applied to a two-wheel tractor dynamics model. The parameters of the IMP-ST were optimized by multiple-population genetic algorithm (MPGA) to obtain better tracking performance. The main purpose of this paper is to implement path tracking control on an autonomous tractor. Thus, it is significant to study this field because of smart agricultural development. According to the turning strategy of tractors in field operations, five working routes for tractors were designed, including straight, U, Ω, acute-angle and obtuse-angle routes. Simulation tests were conducted to verify the effectiveness of the proposed IMP-ST in tractor path tracking for all routes. The lateral root-mean-square (RMS) error of the IMP-ST was reduced by up to 36.84% and 48.61% compared to the extended Stanley controller and the original Stanley controller, respectively. The simulation results indicate that the IMP-ST performed well in guiding the tractor to follow all planned working routes. In particular, for the U and Ω routes, the two most common turning methods in tractor field operations, the path tracking performance of the IMP-ST was improved by 41.72% and 48.61% compared to the ST, respectively. Comparing and analyzing the e-Ψ and β-γ phase plane of the three controllers, the results indicate that the IMP-ST has the best control stability.
The Use of Compost Increases Bioactive Compounds and Fruit Yield in Calafate Grown in the Central South of Chile
Authors: Pinto-Morales Fernando , Retamal-Salgado Jorge , Lopéz María Dolores , Zapata Nelson , Vergara-Retamales Rosa , Pinto-Poblete Andrés
Published: January 2022

Different concentrations of compost applied as organic fertilizer can modify productive, quality, and chemical parameters in several fruit tree species. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of increasing applications of compost on physiological, productive, and quality parameters in calafate fruit during the seasons of 2018–2019 and 2019–2020. The study was conducted on a commercial calafate orchard using a randomized complete block design with four treatments (CK: no compost application, T1: 5 Ton ha−1, T2: 10 Ton ha−1, and T3: 15 Ton ha−1), each with four repetitions. The results did not show statistical significance for stomatal conductance (Gs), quantum yield of PSII, or photosynthetic active radiation (PAR) within treatments. As for fruit yield, a statistical difference was found between the control treatment and T1, which were lower than T2 and T3 in both seasons. The trees reached a higher leaf area index with T2 in both seasons. The highest antioxidant capacity was obtained with T3 and T2 for the first and second season, respectively. Polyphenols and total anthocyanin production showed statistical significance, with a higher content at the second season with T2. It is concluded that the dose under which yield, quality, and nutraceutical content of calafate fruit are optimized is the one used in T2, 10 Ton ha−1.
Influence of Pulsed Electric Fields on Photosynthesis in Light/Dark-Acclimated Lettuce
Authors: Wang Douyan , Hayashi Yu , Enoki Takahiro , Nakahara Kenta , Arita Tetsuya , Higashi Yuya , Kuno Yasuharu , Terazawa Tatsuya , Namihira Takao
Published: January 2022

Recent years have seen numerous studies into how applying pulsed high electric fields (PEF) to living organisms induces various stress reactions. Plants produce glucose through photosynthesis and use this as a source of energy for living, yet there are few studies on the photosynthetic response characteristics when PEF is applied to growing plants. In this study, the photosynthetic response when electric fields of 10 to 100 V/mm were applied to light and dark-acclimated leaves of lettuce was measured by combined gas exchange and chlorophyll fluorescence, and the exposure time was kept constant at 500 s. The responses to PEF with regard to the photosynthetic parameters of electron transfer rate (ETR), non-photochemical quenching (NPQ), photosynthetic rate (A), and transpiration rate (E) were recorded during the experiment. Results showed that PEF can cause both the activation and deactivation of photosynthetic activity in lettuce, that there is an optimum value for activation, and that the application of excessive energy leads to inactivation. This study also found that stomata on both active and deactivated lettuce had been open to a greater extent than lettuce to which PEF had not been applied. All the results of statistical significance in this study were p < 0.05 and p < 0.01.
A Characterization Method for Pavement Structural Condition Assessment Based on the Distribution Parameter of the Vehicle Vibration Signal
Authors: Wang Weiguo , Zhou Shishi , Yang Qun
Published: January 2022

A pavement structural survey plays a vital role in road maintenance and management. This study was intended to explore the feasibility of a non-stop pavement structure assessment method by analyzing the vibration data from a vehicle sensor. In this study, three falling weight deflectometer (FWD) tests and four vehicle vibration tests were conducted on five pavement structures. The FWD test results show that the continuously reinforced composite pavement has a higher structural stiffness than the semi-rigid base asphalt pavement. According to the statistical distribution of vehicle acceleration, a distribution parameter, the peak probability density (PPD), was proposed. The correlation coefficient (−0.722) of the center deflection (D1) and PPD indicates a strong correlation between the two variables. Therefore, PPD is strongly correlated with pavement structural stiffness. This study proposed a novel characterization method for pavement structural conditions based on the distribution parameter of the vehicle vibration signal.
Fermatean Fuzzy DEMATEL and MMDE Algorithm for Modelling the Barriers of Implementing Education 4.0: Insights from the Philippines
Authors: Gonzales Gamaliel , Costan Felix , Suladay Decem , Gonzales Roselyn , Enriquez Lynne , Costan Emily , Atibing Nadine May , Aro Joerabell Lourdes , Evangelista Samantha Shane , Maturan Fatima , Selerio Egberto , Ocampo Lanndon
Published: January 2022

Technological transitions in the education sector of developing economies are faced with a range of barriers, involving resource scarcity, socio-cultural concerns, and issues related to management and policy. The popularity of Industry 4.0 has prompted Education 4.0 (EDUC4), an approach to learning that involves transformation using advanced technologies. While a recent work reported a comprehensive list of barriers to EDUC4 implementation, particularly in developing economies, further analysis to identify those priority barriers remains a gap. Thus, this work addresses this gap by introducing a novel methodological extension of the decision-making trial and evaluation laboratory (DEMATEL) method following the integration of Fermatean fuzzy sets (FFS). The FFS, compared to other fuzzy environments, could capture higher levels of uncertainties that are associated when eliciting judgments necessary for the DEMATEL. Such integration is aided by the maximum mean de-entropy (MMDE) algorithm, which analytically determines the threshold value crucial for constructing the prominence-relation map of the DEMATEL. Following its application in evaluating the implementation of EDUC4 in Philippine universities, the critical barriers are the lack of training resources, costs, insufficiency of available technologies, skills gap of human resources, knowledge gap, and the complexity of the learning platforms. Among this set, barriers related to cost and lack of training resources are deemed the most prominent ones. The statistical test on the impact of addressing the two prominent barriers shows that addressing the barrier related to costs yields statistically more favorable results regarding the mitigation of other EDUC4 implementation barriers. Although these insights may contain idiosyncrasies, they can serve as starting points of discussion in other relevant developing economies. These methodological and practical contributions advance the development of analytical tools under uncertainty that can handle pressing problems such as the EDUC4 implementation.
SousChef System for Personalized Meal Recommendations: A Validation Study
Authors: Ribeiro David , Barbosa Telmo , Ribeiro Jorge , Sousa Filipe , Vieira Elsa F. , Silva Marlos , Silva Ana
Published: January 2022

Nutrition is an essential part of our life. A healthy diet can help to prevent several chronic diseases like diabetes, obesity, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases, being influenced by social, cultural, and economic factors. Meal recommender systems are a trend to assist people in finding new recipes to cook and adopt healthier eating habits. However, food choice is complex and driven by multiple factors which need to be reflected in the personalization process of these systems to ensure their adoption. We present SousChef, a meal recommender system that can help to plan multiple meals considering an individual’s food preferences, restrictions, and nutritional needs. Our approach uses recipes rather than individual food items, limiting recommendations to tasteful and culturally acceptable food combinations. Several experiments were performed to evaluate the system from different perspectives: nutritional, food preferences, and restrictions, and the recommendations’ variability. Our results highlight the importance of using extensive and diverse content in recommendations to meet food preferences, restrictions, and nutritional needs of people with different characteristics.
Wall Surfaces as Interfaces: The First Pompeian Style
Authors: Haug Annette
Published: January 2022

This article investigates the role of wall surfaces as an interactive medium in the First Pompeian Style, referring to examples from Pompeii. Five different aspects are investigated in more detail: (1) surfaces and their relation to the core; (2) surface qualities; (3) surfaces as image carriers; (4) surfaces and their relation to the physical space; (5) surfaces and their relation to the social space. These aspects allow for a deeper understanding of the First Style’s ornamental, pictorial and spatial qualities. In this view, surfaces can be conceived as media interfaces.
An Efficient Multi-Scale Anchor Box Approach to Detect Partial Faces from a Video Sequence
Authors: Garg Dweepna , Jain Priyanka , Kotecha Ketan , Goel Parth , Varadarajan Vijayakumar
Published: January 2022

In recent years, face detection has achieved considerable attention in the field of computer vision using traditional machine learning techniques and deep learning techniques. Deep learning is used to build the most recent and powerful face detection algorithms. However, partial face detection still remains to achieve remarkable performance. Partial faces are occluded due to hair, hat, glasses, hands, mobile phones, and side-angle-captured images. Fewer facial features can be identified from such images. In this paper, we present a deep convolutional neural network face detection method using the anchor boxes section strategy. We limited the number of anchor boxes and scales and chose only relevant to the face shape. The proposed model was trained and tested on a popular and challenging face detection benchmark dataset, i.e., Face Detection Dataset and Benchmark (FDDB), and can also detect partially covered faces with better accuracy and precision. Extensive experiments were performed, with evaluation metrics including accuracy, precision, recall, F1 score, inference time, and FPS. The results show that the proposed model is able to detect the face in the image, including occluded features, more precisely than other state-of-the-art approaches, achieving 94.8% accuracy and 98.7% precision on the FDDB dataset at 21 frames per second (FPS).
Deregulation of Trace Amine-Associated Receptors (TAAR) Expression and Signaling Mode in Melanoma
Authors: Vaganova Anastasia N. , Kuvarzin Savelii R. , Sycheva Anastasia M. , Gainetdinov Raul R.
Published: January 2022

Trace amine-associated receptors (TAARs) interact with amine compounds called “trace amines” which are present in tissues at low concentrations. Recently, TAARs expression in neoplastic tumors was reported. In this study, TAARs expression was analyzed in public RNAseq datasets in nevi and melanoma samples and compared to the expression of dopamine receptors (DRDs) that are known to be involved in melanoma pathogenesis. It was found that all DRDs and TAARs are expressed in nevi at comparable levels. Differential expression analysis demonstrated the drastic decrease of TAAR1, TAAR2, TAAR5, TAAR6, and TAAR8 expression in melanomas compared to benign nevi with only TAAR6, TAAR8, and TAAR9 remaining detectable in malignant tumors. No association of TAARs expression levels and melanoma clinicopathological characteristics was observed. TAARs co-expressed genes in melanoma and nevi were selected by correlation values for comparative pathway enrichment analysis between malignant and benign neoplasia. It was found that coexpression of TAARs with genes inquired in neurotransmitter signaling is lost in melanoma, and tumor-specific association of TAAR6 expression with the mTOR pathway and inflammatory signaling is observed. It is not excluded that TAARs may have certain functions in melanoma pathogenesis, the significance of which to tumor progression is yet to be understood.
Selenium Induces Pancreatic Cancer Cell Death Alone and in Combination with Gemcitabine
Authors: Wooten David J. , Sinha Indu , Sinha Raghu
Published: January 2022

Survival rate for pancreatic cancer remains poor and newer treatments are urgently required. Selenium, an essential trace element, offers protection against several cancer types and has not been explored much against pancreatic cancer specifically in combination with known chemotherapeutic agents. The present study was designed to investigate selenium and Gemcitabine at varying doses alone and in combination in established pancreatic cancer cell lines growing in 2D as well as 3D platforms. Comparison of multi-dimensional synergy of combinations’ (MuSyc) model and highest single agent (HSA) model provided quantitative insights into how much better the combination performed than either compound tested alone in a 2D versus 3D growth of pancreatic cancer cell lines. The outcomes of the study further showed promise in combining selenium and Gemcitabine when evaluated for apoptosis, proliferation, and ENT1 protein expression, specifically in BxPC-3 pancreatic cancer cells in vitro.
Cohesive Zone Model Modification Techniques According to the Mesh Size in Finite Element Models of Stiffened Panels with Debonding
Authors: Mantzaroudis Vasileios K. , Stamatelos Dimitrios G.
Published: January 2022

When catastrophic failure phenomena in aircraft structures, such as debonding, are numerically analyzed during their design process in the frame of “Damage Tolerance” philosophy, extreme requirements in terms of time and computational resources arise. Here, a decrease in these requirements is achieved by developing a numerical model that efficiently treats the debonding phenomena that occur due to the buckling behavior of composite stiffened panels under compressive loads. The Finite Element (FE) models developed in the ANSYS© software (Canonsburg, PA, USA) are calibrated and validated by using published experimental and numerical results of single-stringer compression specimens (SSCS). Different model features, such as the type of the element used (solid and solid shell) and Cohesive Zone Modeling (CZM) parameters are examined for their impact on the efficiency of the model regarding the accuracy versus computational cost. It is proved that a significant reduction in computational time is achieved, and the accuracy is not compromised when the proposed FE model is adopted. The outcome of the present work leads to guidelines for the development of FE models of stiffened panels, accurately predicting the buckling and post-buckling behavior leading to debonding phenomena, with minimized computational and time cost. The methodology is proved to be a tool for the generation of a universal parametric numerical model for the analysis of debonding phenomena of any stiffened panel configuration by modifying the corresponding geometric, material and damage properties.
A Verifiable Arbitrated Quantum Signature Scheme Based on Controlled Quantum Teleportation
Authors: Lu Dianjun , Li Zhihui , Yu Jing , Han Zhaowei
Published: January 2022

In this paper, we present a verifiable arbitrated quantum signature scheme based on controlled quantum teleportation. The five-qubit entangled state functions as a quantum channel. The proposed scheme uses mutually unbiased bases particles as decoy particles and performs unitary operations on these decoy particles, applying the functional values of symmetric bivariate polynomial. As such, eavesdropping detection and identity authentication can both be executed. The security analysis shows that our scheme can neither be disavowed by the signatory nor denied by the verifier, and it cannot be forged by any malicious attacker.
The Role of Non-Bank Financials in the Formation of Long-Term Resources for Economic Growth in Russia
Authors: Travkina Elena Vladimirovna , Ternovskaya Elena Petrovna , Fiapshev Alim Borisovich
Published: January 2022

The development of the activities of non-bank financial institutions that accumulate the resources of the national savings system on a long-term basis is seen as a factor in increasing investment in the Russian economy and its growth rates. When carrying out the study, we used general scientific methods, methods of structural, weigh, and dynamic analysis, and comparisons of performance indicators of non-bank financial institutions. Problems in the activities of organizations in the non-banking sector of the Russian financial market are predetermined by the parameters and trends in the development of the socio-economic situation in Russia, including insufficient efficiency of regulatory practices. The positive dynamics of the development of non-bank financial intermediaries is qualified as unstable; it is not supported by the solution of the structural and institutional problems of the Russian economy. In view of this, an increase in their role in the redistribution process is associated both with decisions of a more general order and with the improvement of the regulatory and supervisory practices implemented by the Bank of Russia. The solution to the identified problems in the development of the non-banking segment of the financial market should be aimed at turning it into an effective mechanism for capital formation to ensure economic growth.
Applications and Trends in Social Robotics
Authors: Martín Fernando Alonso , Castillo José Carlos , Malfáz María , Castro-González Álvaro
Published: January 2022

Social robots are intended to coexist with humans and engage in relationships that lead them to a better quality of life [...]
Reducing Parameters of Neural Networks via Recursive Tensor Approximation
Authors: Kwon Kyuahn , Chung Jaeyong
Published: January 2022

Large-scale neural networks have attracted much attention for surprising results in various cognitive tasks such as object detection and image classification. However, the large number of weight parameters in the complex networks can be problematic when the models are deployed to embedded systems. In addition, the problems are exacerbated in emerging neuromorphic computers, where each weight parameter is stored within a synapse, the primary computational resource of the bio-inspired computers. We describe an effective way of reducing the parameters by a recursive tensor factorization method. Applying the singular value decomposition in a recursive manner decomposes a tensor that represents the weight parameters. Then, the tensor is approximated by algorithms minimizing the approximation error and the number of parameters. This process factorizes a given network, yielding a deeper, less dense, and weight-shared network with good initial weights, which can be fine-tuned by gradient descent.
TB-NET: A Two-Branch Neural Network for Direction of Arrival Estimation under Model Imperfections
Authors: Lin Liyu , She Chaoran , Chen Yun , Guo Ziyu , Zeng Xiaoyang
Published: January 2022

For direction of arrival (DoA) estimation, the data-driven deep-learning method has an advantage over the model-based methods since it is more robust against model imperfections. Conventionally, networks are based singly on regression or classification and may lead to unstable training and limited resolution. Alternatively, this paper proposes a two-branch neural network (TB-Net) that combines classification and regression in parallel. The grid-based classification branch is optimized by binary cross-entropy (BCE) loss and provides a mask that indicates the existence of the DoAs at predefined grids. The regression branch refines the DoA estimates by predicting the deviations from the grids. At the output layer, the outputs of the two branches are combined to obtain final DoA estimates. To achieve a lightweight model, only convolutional layers are used in the proposed TB-Net. The simulation results demonstrated that compared with the model-based and existing deep-learning methods, the proposed method can achieve higher DoA estimation accuracy in the presence of model imperfections and only has a size of 1.8 MB.
Water Needs of Willow (Salix L.) in Western Poland
Authors: Liberacki Daniel , Kocięcka Joanna , Stachowski Piotr , Rolbiecki Roman , Rolbiecki Stanisław , Sadan Hicran A. , Figas Anna , Jagosz Barbara , Wichrowska Dorota , Ptach Wiesław , Prus Piotr , Pal-Fam Ferenc , Łangowski Ariel
Published: January 2022

Willows are one of the plants which can be used to produce biomass for energy purposes. Biomass production is classified as a renewable energy source. Increasing the share of renewable sources is one of the priority actions for European Union countries due to the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. To achieve the best possible growth of the willow and increase its biomass for fuel, it is crucial to provide optimal water conditions for its growth. The aim of the study was to determine the water requirements of willows under the conditions of the western Polish climate and to verify whether this area is potentially favourable for willow cultivation. The novelty of this paper lies in its multi-year climatic analysis in the context of willow water needs for the area of three voivodships: Lubusz, Lower Silesian, and West Pomeranian. This is one of the few willow water-needs analyses for this region which considers the potential for widespread willow cultivation and biomass production in western Poland. Reference evapotranspiration (ETo) was determined by the Blaney-Criddle equation and then, using plant coefficients, water needs for willow were determined. Calculations were carried out for the growing season lasting from 21 May to 31 October. The estimated water needs during the vegetation season amounted on average to 408 mm for the West Pomeranian Voivodeship, 405 mm for the Lubusz Voivodeship, and 402 mm for the Lower Silesian Voivodeship. The conducted analysis of variance (ANOVA) showed that these needs do not differ significantly between the voivodeships. Therefore, it can be concluded that the water requirements of willows in western Poland do not differ significantly, and the whole region shows similar water conditions for willow cultivation. Furthermore, it was found that water needs are increasing from decade to decade, making rational water management necessary. This is particularly important in countries with limited water resources, such as Poland. Correctly determining the water requirements of willow and applying them to the cultivation of this plant should increase the biomass obtained. With appropriate management, willow cultivation in Poland can provide an alternative energy source to coal.
Instrumental Methods for Cage Occupancy Estimation of Gas Hydrate
Authors: Cai Wenjiu , Huang Xin , Lu Hailong
Published: January 2022

Studies revealed that gas hydrate cages, especially small cages, are incompletely filled with guest gas molecules, primarily associated with pressure and gas composition. The ratio of hydrate cages occupied by guest molecules, defined as cage occupancy, is a critical parameter to estimate the resource amount of a natural gas hydrate reservoir and evaluate the storage capacity of methane or hydrogen hydrate as an energy storage medium and carbon dioxide hydrate as a carbon sequestration matrix. As the result, methods have been developed to investigate the cage occupancy of gas hydrate. In this review, several instrument methods widely applied for gas hydrate analysis are introduced, including Raman, NMR, XRD, neutron diffraction, and the approaches to estimate cage occupancy are summarized.
VMD-WSLSTM Load Prediction Model Based on Shapley Values
Authors: Shao Bilin , Yan Yichuan , Zeng Huibin
Published: January 2022

Accurate short-term load forecasting can ensure the safe operation of the grid. Decomposing load data into smooth components by decomposition algorithms is a common approach to address data volatility. However, each component of the decomposition must be modeled separately for prediction, which leads to overly complex models. To solve this problem, a VMD-WSLSTM load prediction model based on Shapley values is proposed in this paper. First, the Shapley value is used to select the optimal set of special features, and then the VMD decomposition method is used to decompose the original load into several smooth components. Finally, WSLSTM is used to predict each component. Unlike the traditional LSTM model, WSLSTM can simplify the prediction model and extract common features among the components by sharing the parameters among the components. In order to verify the effectiveness of the proposed model, several control groups were used for experiments. The results show that the proposed method has higher prediction accuracy and training speed compared with traditional prediction methods.
Larval Development in Tropical Gar (Atractosteus tropicus) Is Dependent on the Embryonic Thermal Regime: Ecological Implications under a Climate Change Context
Authors: Cordova-de la Cruz Simrith E. , Riesco Marta F. , Martínez-Bautista Gil , Calzada-Ruiz Daniel , Martínez-Burguete Talhia , Peña-Marín Emyr S. , Álvarez-Gonzalez Carlos Alfonso , Fernández Ignacio
Published: January 2022

In ectotherm species, environmental temperature plays a key role in development, growth, and survival. Thus, determining how temperature affects fish populations is of utmost importance to accurately predict the risk of climate change over fisheries and aquaculture, critical to warrant nutrition and food security in the coming years. Here, the potential effects of abnormal thermal regimes (24, 28 and 32 °C; TR24, TR28, and TR32, respectively) exclusively applied during embryogenesis in tropical gar (Atractosteus tropicus) has been explored to decipher the potential consequences on hatching and growth from fertilization to 16 days post-fertilization (dpf), while effects on skeletal development and body morphology were explored at fertilization and 16 dpf. Egg incubation at higher temperatures induced an early hatching and mouth opening. A higher hatching rate was obtained in eggs incubated at 28 °C when compared to those at 24 °C. No differences were found in fish survival at 16 dpf, with values ranging from 84.89 to 88.86%, but increased wet body weight and standard length were found in larvae from TR24 and TR32 groups. Thermal regime during embryogenesis also altered the rate at which the skeletal development occurs. Larvae from the TR32 group showed an advanced skeletal development, with a higher development of cartilaginous structures at hatching but reduced at 16 dpf when compared with the TR24 and TR28 groups. Furthermore, this advanced skeletal development seemed to determine the fish body morphology. Based on biometric measures, a principal component analysis showed how along development, larvae from each thermal regime were clustered together, but with each population remaining clearly separated from each other. The current study shows how changes in temperature may induce craniofacial and morphological alterations in fish during early stages and contribute to understanding the possible effects of global warming in early development of fish and its ecological implications.