bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The expected values and variances for degree-based topological indices in three random chains*
Authors: Zhang Weilin , You Lihua , Liu Hechao , Fang Xiaona
Published: October 2022

This article is devoted to obtain a general method of calculating the expected values and variances for degree-based topological indices in random hexagonal, phenylene and polyphenyl chains. Based on the general method, some important degree-based topological indices are discussed and the explicit analytical expressions of their expected values and variances are presented, in which some known results are included. Besides, the expected values and variances for degree-based topological indices in these random chains are compared. In the end, the extremal values and the average values for degree-based topological indices in these random chains are determined.
OsSRK1, a Lectin receptor-like kinase, controls plant height by mediating internode elongation in Oryza sativa L.
Authors: Li Bin , Li Yixing , Qiu Mudan , Dong Hao , Li Xiushan , Liu Xuanming , He Chongsheng , Li Li
Published: October 2022

LecRLKs (Lectin receptor-like kinases) is a subfamily of RLKs (receptor like kinase) and takes part in mounds of biological processes in plant-environment interaction. However, the roles of LecRLKs in plant development are still elusive. Here, we showed that OsSRK1, belonging to LecRLK family in rice, had a relative higher expression in internode and stem in comparison with that in root and leaf. Importantly, srk1-1 and srk1-2, two genome-edited mutants of OsSRK1using CRISPR/Cas9 system, exhibited obviously a decreased plant height and shorter length of the first internode and second internode compared with those in WT. Subsequently, histochemical sectioning showed that the stem diameter and the cell length in stem are significantly reduced in srk1-1 and srk1-2 compared with WT. Moreover, analyzing the expression of four gibberellin biosynthesis related genes showed that CPS, KAO, KS1 and GA3ox2 expression had similar levels between WT and mutants. Importantly, we further verified that OsSRK1 can directly interact with gibberellin receptor GID1. Together, our results revealed that LecRLKs family member OsSRK1 positively regulated plant height by controlling internode elongation which maybe depended on OsSRK1- GID1 interaction mediated gibberellin signaling transduction.
Visualization analysis of research hotspots and frontier development of knowledge graph construction
Authors: Wang Zhaodi , Wang Lei , Wang Gang
Published: October 2022

Knowledge graph construction is one of the hot issues in artificial intelligence, and it is the core and key to knowledge graph research. Through Citespace (a statistical software) and bibliometric analysis, we draw a visual knowledge graph based on relevant literature published from 2012 to 2021, and analyze it from multiple dimensions including annual published articles, institutions, research hotspots, and research frontiers. The following conclusions are obtained. First, the number of research results is gradually increasing, but the research institutions are scattered. Second, knowledge graph construction has been studied from diversified perspectives, but the concept connotation and technical boundary are vague. Third, the construction technology of each link is constantly developing, but its accuracy, basic methods and theories need to be further improved. Fourth, large-scale universal multilingual knowledge extraction and application, together with natural language processing, has become the most concerned issue in the current knowledge graph construction. However, in large-scale application in special fields, the research on knowledge graph evaluation technology is inadequate, and the development of educational technology based on knowledge graph is slightly insufficient. In the future, priority should be given to developing the application of knowledge graph in large-scale domestic fields, strengthening international cooperation and exchange in technology research & development, and developing knowledge graph system engineering conception. It is also important to strengthen the research on multi-domain application technology and the humanistic research of knowledge graph construction.
Improving Local Formability of Aluminum 6xxx and 7xxx Alloy Sheets using Friction Stir Processing for Automotive Applications
Authors: Wahaz Nasim , Das Hrishikesh , UPADHYAY PIYUSH , Efe Mert
Published: October 2022

Friction stir processing (FSP) on a gantry setup was implemented on various high-strength commercial aluminum sheet metals, including 7085-T76, 7075-T6, 7055-T6, and 6111-T6, to improve the local formability of each alloy. Samples subjected to FSP were bend tested over a safe-to-fracture range by incrementally decreasing the radii of bending to find the radius to thickness ratio (r/t) at fracture. The locally processed region showed a formability improvement of 20% in 7075, 37% in 7055, 41% in 7085, and 71% in 6111 compared to the base alloys. A natural aging study on the FSP alloys showed only 12 hours of natural aging had lowered the elongation-to-fracture back to the base level for 7075 alloy, showing limited shelf life for forming applications for that alloy, whereas 6111 and 7055 alloys retained their elongationto-fracture improvements above the base alloy even after 2 weeks of natural aging. Effects of surface roughness on bending performance was tested on the 7085 alloy where a polished surface after FSP showed a slight improvement in r/t at fracture. Furthermore, the top and bottom surfaces of the processed sheet were bend tested at tension and compression, and the results showed that specimens processed at lower tool-head rotational speeds tended to fracture under tension but not under compression. Finally, FSP was incorporated into a robot tool head to evaluate the feasibility of local FSP for commercial applications at higher welding speeds of up to 5 m/min compared to the current gantry setup with its maximum welding speed of 2.9 m/min.
Intense chorus waves are the cause of flux-limiting in the heart of the outer radiation belt
Authors: Chakraborty Suman , Mann Ian , Watt Clare , Rae Iain Jonathan , Olifer Leonid , Ozeke Louis , Sandhu Jasmine , Mauk Barry , Spence Harlan
Published: October 2022

Chorus waves play a key role in outer Van Allen electron belt dynamics through cyclotron resonance. Here, we use Van Allen Probes data to reveal a new and distinct population of intense chorus waves excited in the heart of the radiation belt during the main phase of geomagnetic storms. The power of the waves is typically ∼2-3 orders of magnitude greater than pre-storm levels, and are generated when fluxes of ∼10-100 keV electrons approach or exceed the Kennel-Petschek limit. These intense chorus waves rapidly scatter electrons into the loss cone, capping the electron flux to a value close to the limit predicted by Kennel and Petschek over 50 years
ago. Our results are crucial for understanding the limits to radiation belt fluxes, with accurate models likely requiring the inclusion of this chorus wave-driven flux-limiting process, that is independent of the acceleration mechanism or source responsible for enhancing the flux.
SGRT-based DIBH radiotherapy practice for right breast cancer combined with RNI: A retrospective study on dosimetry and treatment accuracy
Authors: Lai Jianjun , Hu Haili , Jiang Lu , Wu Jing , Lei Lan , Zhang Chuanfeng , Jing Zhao , Qu Li , Wu Zhibing
Published: October 2022

Background: This paper studied retrospectively the dosimetry and therapeutic accuracy of deep inspiration breath hold (DIBH) radiotherapy in regional nodal radiation (RNI)-containing right-sided breast cancer patients who had completed treatment based on surface guided radiotherapy (SGRT) technology, hoping to clarify the clinical application value and related issues .
Methods: Free breath (FB) and DIBH plans were prepared for31 RNI-containing right breast cancer patients who had completed DIBH radiotherapy based on SGRT technology. Four organs at risk (OARs) including heart, right coronary artery (RCA), right lung and liver were made dosimetriccomparison on the premise that the planning target volume was met dose-volume prescription requirements. Meanwhile, 31 patients were divided into edge of xiphoid process (EXP), sternum middle (SM)and left breast wall (LBW) groups according to different positions of respiratory gating primary points. The CBCT setup error data of the three groups were contrasted for the treatment accuracy study, and the effects of different gating window heights on the lung volume increment of the right side were compared among the three groups.
Results: All planning target volume met the dose-volume coverage criteria. Compared with FB, DIBH slumpedthe maximum dose of heart and RCA by 44.3% and 46.7% respectively. The mean dose was went down by 12.5% for right lung. The mean liver dosedecreased the most, with an average reduction rate of 69.4%. The setup error of EXP group in the anterior-posterior (AP) direction was 3.6±4.5mm, significantly higher than the other two groups (2.2±2.6mm, 2.4±3.1mm). The rightlung volume increment in EXP, SM and LBW groups was 72.3%, 69.9 % and 67.2%, respectively(P=0.08), and the corresponding breath-holding heights were 13.5±3.7mm, 10.3±2.4mm, and 9.6±2.8mm, respectively(p<0.05).
Conclusions: SGRT-based DIBH can better protect the heart, RCA, ipsilateral lung and liver of right breast cancer patients combined with RNI. Different respiratory gating primary points have different therapeutic accuracy and breath-hold height. On the premise of reasonable respiratory gating primary points, interfractions can be widely applied as it has high repeatability and breath-holding stability to ensure therapeutic accuracy.
A note on how public transport announcements affect the spread of coronavirus
Authors: Heluo Yuxi , Robson Charles W.
Published: October 2022

We investigate the relationship between coronavirus-preventive announcements in public transport hubs and the spread of the coronavirus in Vienna, Austria. Due to its frequent high population densities, the role of public transport is a crucial topic in the field of public health, especially during times of pandemic. Using structural equation modeling, we analyze Google mobility data taken from February to December 2020 and find that changes in the contents of the announcements can influence the pandemic crisis, via their effects on public transport mobility. Interestingly, we find that different announcements affect public transport mobility differently. The impact of these announcements is maintained even after taking the effect of the contemporary government regulations into account. We therefore argue that, in order to fight the spread of the virus, it is important for policymakers to inform the general public about coronavirus-preventive behavior in an appropriate manner. We further suggest that governments take advantage of the large daily flow of people through public transport infrastructure, to disseminate vital information during crises.
DGL22: A practical Quantum key distribution
Authors: Al-darwbi Mohammed , Ghorbani Ali , Lashkari Arash
Published: October 2022

Quantum key distribution (QKD) protocols are unconditionally secure, providing that quantum devices are truthful. Device-independent quantum key distribution (DI-QKD) protocols offer the prospect of distributing secret keys with minimal assumptions. The DI-QKD protocols are hard to implement using the current technologies as they require all the quantum devices to be uncharacterized. Measurement device independent quantum key distribution (MDI-QKD) protocols assume that the measurement devices are not truthful; the adversary might make them. MDI-QKD is secure but more challenging to implement. Receiver-device-independent quantum key distribution (RDI-QKD) protocols assume that the receiver's measurement devices can be viewed as a black box while the sender's device can be trusted. RDI-QKD relies on reasonable assumptions that make it easy to implement using the current state-of-the-art technology. We propose an RDI-QKD protocol, called DGL22. DGL22 is secure against all known attacks that are allowed by quantum mechanics. DGL22 provides several benefits over previous protocols, including the capability to attain high communication and sifting efficiency.
Gnoseología del docente universitario como elemento social Posgrado de la Universidad Alas Peruanas
Authors: Ramirez Julca Máximo , Estrada Gamboa Mauro , Ramirez Corsino Rodolfo
Published: October 2022

La investigación realizada tuvo como objetivos: describir y explicar la relación que existe entre gnoseología del docente universitario como elemento social en la Escuela de Posgrado de la Universidad Alas Peruanas, para estar a la par con el cambio acelerado de la ciencia y la tecnología en el proceso de enseñanza y aprendizaje, en la formación del docente universitario. El método de muestreo utilizado fue el aleatorio simple empleando una muestra por conglomerados. El instrumento aplicado fue la encuesta que tuvo por finalidad conocer la opinión de los docentes universitarios, acerca de la relación existente entre la gnoseología como elemento social a nivel de la docencia universitaria. En actuales circunstancias, la ciencia y la tecnología suministra herramientas necesarias para hacer realidad el estudio de la gnoseología, social empero, no se trata de convertir al docente universitario en un pedagogo o un tecnólogo profesional, ello solo haría descuidar su disciplina profesional y científica, sino que aporta a la formación social del profesional, con nuevas posibilidades en los procesos de enseñanza y aprendizaje, mediante la virtualización de la información.
Origen, evolución y desarrollo de un castillo medieval del interior de Galicia. El caso del castillo roquero de San Salvador de Todea (Allariz, Ourense)
Authors: Rodríguez Nóvoa Alba A. , Fernández Fernández Adolfo , Valle Abad Patricia , Pérez Rodríguez Francisco Javier
Published: October 2022

En el marco de tres proyectos sucesivos de investigación llevados a cabo por la Universidad de Vigo se descubrió, excavó y documentó el castillo roquero de San Salvador de Todea, cercano a la villa de Allariz. Se trata de un yacimiento articulado en dos plataformas, que cuenta con dos tumbas antropomorfas en la inferior y la fortificación propiamente dicha en la superior. San Salvador de Todea presenta las características propias de los castillos roqueros. Se emplaza en un punto elevado, muy escarpado y bien defendido naturalmente, con una función principal de control de territorio y de las vías de comunicación, en este caso, entre el interior ourensano y Portugal. El castillo se construye aprovechando los afloramientos graníticos para apoyar vigas y muros, tanto en la muralla, como en la torre y otras estancias habitacionales y defensivas. En este artículo presentamos los resultados de un proyecto multidisciplinar, que ha conseguido fechar la fortaleza pleno medieval entre los siglos XI/XII y el XV, así como varias ocupaciones previas.
Socio-philosophical paradigmatic approaches to the typology of modern humanitarian expertise
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Kovaleva Tatiana V. , Plasienkova Zlatica ,   Comenius University in Bratislava
Published: October 2022

The aim of the article is to define socio-philosophical paradigms for typology of humanitarian expertise, to show its possibilities and role in the life of society and the world for the solution of modern sociocultural problems. Objectives: With the help of historical paradigmatic approaches to demonstrate theoretical grounding of socio-philosophical foundations of expertise in humanitarian fields and the purpose of humanitarian expertise for the individual, society and professional organizations. This research is methodologically based on the socio-philosophical analysis of some works of famous sociologists and philosophers of the 20th–21st centuries which created preconditions for formation of methodological foundations of humanitarian expertise, and it also includes presentation of three types of humanitarian expertise and demonstration of their distinctive features. Thanks to the developed methods and techniques in sociology, philosophy, culturology, etc., experts and expert communities had some new approaches for studying various problems of society and quickly eliminating the consequences of negative results of scientific and technological progress on it. Developed methods and techniques underlying humanitarian expertise allowed experts to go beyond the subjectivism of the individual and consider sociocultural phenomena objectively based on facts in justification of social actions. When the role of science in the life of society becomes predominant there is a need for such methods, techniques, and technologies that would make it possible to stop the use of scientific achievements to the detriment of society, to determine the unethical behavior of scientists and every member of society, to anticipate dangerous man-made situations. The focus of expert knowledge should be the monitoring of unethical behavior of professionals in the humanitarian spheres of society protecting the interests and health of people.
The Stoic tradition in Russian and Western existentialism: Lev Shestov and Karl Jaspers
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Popov Danil S.
Published: October 2022

The article investigates the Stoic tradition in Russian and Western existentialism, drawing on the example of the philosophy of L. Shestov and K.Jaspers. Applying the methods of textual analysis, the study focuses on their accounts of what the Stoics did and preached (or would have done and preached), instead of revealing alleged conceptual affinities between Stoic philosophy and existentialism. The author shows that both thinkers used these accounts as crucial points of reference, developing and upholding their own key doctrines: refutation of rationalism (L. Shestov), the experience of boundary situations and existential communication (K.Jaspers). Yet, they expressed serious criticism of Stoic ideas and emphasised that people would not achieve the highest aim of philosophising if they pursued the strategies of the Stoics. The study highlights the fact that L. Shestov and K.Jaspers were neither historians of philosophy nor proponents of Stoicism and examined not Stoic doctrines but a set of certain Stoic values. The form and content of their arguments make it possible to consider them as coherent Stoic narratives. Thus, the article suggests that accounts of Stoic attitudes and values offered in Russian and Western existentialism give an essential guide as to how one ought or ought not to exist, act and think.
Post-processing climate projections of precipitation for the Po river basin: will Italy's North become water-constrained?
Authors: Boyko Oleksiy , Reggiani Paolo , Todini Ezio
Published: October 2022

Surface and groundwater resource availability depends on precipitation patterns. Climatic change may alter not only future annual totals of precipitation but also its temporal distribution. In regions depending strongly on snow accumulation for steady water supply, this can lead to water constraints. We process climatic projections of precipitation from 19 models of the Climate Model Inter-comparison Project 5 for the Po river, Italy. The study area hosts Italy's most important lakes and reservoirs and is inhabited by 16 million people. The river basin is also known for its productive areas of irrigated agriculture. We apply a Bayesian processor of uncertainty, which we calibrate on a comprehensive set of high-resolution gridded observations. The processor outputs predictive densities of precipitation for selected prognostic time windows. These densities can be used in conjunction with an utility function to estimate potential losses and/or evaluate the benefits of mitigating actions. For the study area, annual precipitation will not change notably in the future for both an optimistic and a pessimistic scenario. The temporal distribution of precipitation will become affected. These potential changes result in considerable strain on storage capacity and water flows needed to satisfy irrigation demand as well as hydroelectric and thermal energy production.
Caracterización de los agroemprendimientos asociativos rurales en Antioquia para el fortalecimiento de la acción colectiva y el desarrollo local
Authors: Oquendo Tirado Luis Felipe , Rodríguez Espinosa Holmes , Pérez Peña Rosa Elsa
Published: October 2022

Un papel fundamental de los diferentes modelos de extensión agropecuaria es la generación de procesos empresariales a través de propuestas asociativas y organizacionales entre medianos y pequeños productores. Conocer cuál ha sido el desarrollo de estas organizaciones permite establecer oportunidades de mejoramiento que beneficien su estructura y función, fortaleciendo su capital social y comercial. El objetivo de la investigación fue caracterizar los agroemprendimientos rurales a través del análisis de información secundaria y la recolección de datos en campo aportados por directivos e integrantes de la organización para conocer su situación actual y sus necesidades de fortalecimiento. Para ello, se utilizó una investigación de enfoque mixto con estatus dominante cualitativo y de tipo concurrente. La caracterización de los agroemprendimientos se realizó por medio del análisis de información secundaria, entrevistas semiestructuradas y grupos focales, que permitieron la identificación de los aspectos claves que inciden sobre las iniciativas empresariales, vistos desde cinco categorías de análisis  —técnica, económica, social, comercial y organizacional—, las cuales facilitaron la aproximación a los múltiples factores que giran en torno a estos modelos de negocio y su influencia en el sector rural. La intervención permitió identificar aspectos fundamentales en el proceso de consolidación de una organización, encontrando similitudes con lo reportado en la literatura; además, favoreció el diagnóstico del territorio y el impacto social y empresarial del agroemprendimiento sobre la comunidad, identificando los aspectos que consideran relevantes para el desarrollo de sus capacidades de autogestión y sostenibilidad, y construyendo así una herramienta participativa para la identificación de las necesidades reales que involucran al actor real de las intervenciones de extensión agropecuaria. En conclusión, la propuesta participativa para la caracterización de los agroemprendimientos permitió generar un alto grado de apropiación por parte de los actores claves del territorio, autorreflexionando sobre factores que influyen en su funcionamiento y haciendo un recorrido desde sus capacidades para la identificación de debilidades y oportunidades. Esta forma de intervención favorece que la comunidad no solo identifique sus necesidades, sino que también se vincule en la creación de propuestas que movilicen sus recursos y estrategias hacia la consolidación y la sostenibilidad.
Uso del selenio en organismo acuáticos. Una revisión
Authors: Hoya-Flórez Jenny , Estrada-Posada Ana , Yepes Blandón Jonny Andrés
Published: October 2022

Los nutrientes presentes en el alimento, son de vital importancia para los procesos biológicos en los animales, de esta manera la selección de los ingredientes que conforman la dieta, son esenciales para determinar la inclusión apropiada. Estos nutrientes se dividen en dos grupos macronutrientes que se requieren en grandes cantidades, y proporcionan la mayor parte de energía que necesita un organismo, entre los cuales se encuentran proteínas, lípidos y carbohidratos y los micronutrientes requeridos en menor cantidad, utilizados para regeneración de tejidos y la regulación de procesos corporales, como las vitaminas y los minerales. Estos últimos, garantizan un buen desarrollo de las funciones fisiológicas de los organismos y son necesarios para el metabolismo, generando un fortalecimiento del sistema inmunitario y prevención de enfermedades. Entre los minerales con marcado interés en la acuicultura se encuentra el selenio (Se), mineral traza, que se encuentra en forma de compuestos inorgánicos como selenito y selenato, o compuestos orgánicos en forma de seleno-aminoácidos tales como seleno-cisteína y seleno-metionina. La importancia biológica del selenio radica en su incorporación a moléculas llamadas selenoproteínas, las cuales tienen diferentes funciones tales como; homeostasis de los organismos, (tiorredoxina y del glutatión), en el metabolismo de hormonas tiroideas, (tironina deyodinasa), maduración de espermatozoides y antioxidantes (glutatión peroxidasa), funciones musculares (selenoproteina N), entre otras. De las diferentes selenoproteínas que existen, la mayor parte de ellas se conservan en peces. En los sistemas de acuicultura se ha venido implementando su incorporación en la dieta, con resultados óptimos en los parámetros zootécnicos, en el fortalecimiento inmunológico, y en la expresión de genes. Esta revisión muestra la importancia de Se en peces, destacándose estudios que evalúan los efectos de suplementar dietas con Se para la alimentación de animales acuáticos en cautiverio y la necesidad de determinar requerimientos especie-específicos.
Deep 3D Dynamic Object Detection towards Successful and Safe Navigation for Full Autonomous Driving
Authors: Wijesekara Patikiri Arachchige Don Shehan Nilmantha
Published: October 2022

Background:

Infractions other than collisions are also a crucial factor in autonomous driving since other infractions can result in an accident. Most existing works have been conducted on navigation and collisions; however, fewer studies have been conducted on other infractions such as off-road driving and not obeying road signs. Furthermore, state-of-the-art driving models have not performed dynamic 3D object detection in the imitation learning stage; hence, the performance of such a model is unknown. No research has been conducted to investigate the driving models' computational complexities.

Objective:

The objective of this research is to study the effect of 3D dynamic object detection for autonomous driving and derive an optimized driving model with superior performance for navigation and safety benchmarks.

Methods:

We propose two driving models. One of them is an imitation learning-based model called Conditional Imitation Learning Dynamic Objects (CILDO), which performs dynamic object detection using image segmentation, depth prediction, and speed prediction. The other proposed model is an optimized model of the base model using an additional traffic light detection branch and deep deterministic policy gradient-based reinforcement learning called Conditional Imitation Learning Dynamic Objects Low Infractions-Reinforcement Learning (CILDOLI-RL).

Results:

An ablation study proves that using image segmentation and depth prediction together to enable three-dimensional object vision improves navigation performance rather than taking decisions entirely from the image. The CILDOLI-RL model presented in this paper achieves the highest score for the newly introduced No-Other-Infraction benchmark and No-Crash benchmark. It scores a moderate score for the Car Learning to Act (CARLA) benchmark in both the training town and the testing town, ensuring safe autonomous driving. The base CILDO model achieves the best performance in navigation and moderate scores for safety benchmarks under urban or rural dense traffic environments in both towns. Both proposed models are relatively computationally complex.

Conclusion:

For safety-critical driving, since both navigation performance and safety are crucial factors, it can be concluded that the proposed CILDOLI-RL is the best model out of the two proposed models. For applications where driving safety is not of much concern, the proposed CILDO is the best model.
Strategies for protecting functional components of chia oil by emulsion-based delivery systems with sunflower lecithin
Authors:   CIDCA-UNLP, Tomas Mabel , Copado Claudia ,   CIDCA-CONICET UNLP, Julio Luciana ,   CIDCA-CONICET UNLP, Ixtaina Vanesa ,   CIDCA-CONICET UNLP
Published: October 2022

Chia seed oil represents an important vegetal source of Ï‰-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) being very susceptible to lipid oxidation. Emulsion-based delivery systems could constitute a tool for its protection and incorporation into foods. In this study chia bilayer O/W emulsions were obtained by layer-by-layer deposition technique (LBL). It consisted of the electrostatic deposition of positively charged chitosan on negatively charged oil droplets being stabilized with modified sunflower lecithins. The effect of pH of emulsions was also evaluated. The particle size distribution, mean diameters, Î¶-potential and viscosity of emulsions were determined. The chitosan addition had a strong influence (p‰¤0.001) on the rheological properties increasing the viscosity and changing the flow behavior of emulsions. The global and oxidative stability of emulsions were evaluated during refrigerated storage. The bilayer emulsions showed better physical stability and lower peroxide values (p‰¤0.05) than the monolayer ones and bulk chia oil, and with no significant (p >0.05) changes in their Ï‰-3 PUFAs content during the storage. Bilayer emulsions with modified sunflower lecithins proved to be protective systems against lipid oxidation, constituting a viable option for the delivery of chia Ï‰-3PUFAs with potential application in the food industry
Estimation of Near-kink Reproduction Number During the Emergent Variants of the COVID-19 Pandemic (Preprint)
Authors: Nakamoto Ichiro , Zhang Jilin , Zhuang Weiqing , Chen Wei
Published: October 2022

BACKGROUND

Sketching the major portraits of the COVID-19 epidemic when variants of the pathogen emerge is critical to inform the dynamics of disease transmission and countermeasure strategies. Multiple approaches, including log-linear and near-log-linear techniques, have been exploited to evaluate the principal parameters such as reproduction numbers at the early stages of an epidemic outbreak.

OBJECTIVE

This study focuses on the kink corner of the transmission curve presenting differentiated log-quadratic traits where more infectious variants emerge at the diminishing phase of an infectious disease.

METHODS

A novel log-quadratic trending framework is proposed to project potentially unidentified cases of COVID-19 around the kink, where the transmission of the pandemic initially lowers and accelerates subsequently, and exercise with the updated framework of classic EpiEstim. We first compared the performance near the kink using the proposed technique versus classic EpiEstim and Log-linear models taking into account a variety of levels of transmissibility, data distribution, and reporting rates. Thereafter we utilized the revised framework on the outbreak data of four settings including Bulgaria, Japan, Poland, and South Korea.

RESULTS

The proposed framework reduced the estimation bias versus traditional EpiEstim and log-linear methods near the kink. The coverage of 95% credible intervals improved. The proposed method implied generally an upward trend of reproduction number estimation versus the other two methods when more contagious variants of the virus were present.

CONCLUSIONS

The log-quadratic correction improved the reproduction number estimation at the kink versus the classic EpiEstim and log-linear models by refined amendment of curve fitting. This is of concern when essentially the transmission traits of a pandemic alter expeditiously and countermeasures are needed at the earlier phases of the climax.
Bone mineral density and its relationship with body composition indices in stroke patients
Authors: Bystrytska M.A.
Published: October 2022

Background. Stroke and osteoporosis with its complications are age-related diseases that mainly affect the elderly. The aim of the study was to determine the bone mineral density (BMD, fat and lean mass and their association in stroke patients. Materials and methods. Eighty-six stroke patients and 86 age- and sex-matched individuals without neurological disorders as a comparison group were examined. BMD, lean and fat mass were determined using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Results. Men and women with stroke had a significantly higher frequency of osteoporosis than the comparison group (14.2 vs. 2.3 %; 20.5 vs. 4.4 %, respectively). BMD in women with a stroke was lower at the level of all examined areas, in men; differences were registered at the proximal femur and the total body. In men with stroke, significantly lower lean mass index (17.9 ± 1.5 and 19.2 ± 1.8 kg/m2; p < 0.05) and the appendicular lean mass index (7.5 ± 0.4 and 8.5 ± 1.0 kg/m2; p<0.05) were found, and in women — no significant differences in body composition indices were found, however, the frequency of sarcopenia was significantly higher in both men (28.6 vs. 9.5%, p<0.05) and women (15.9 vs. 2.3%, p<0.05). In men of both groups, positive correlations between total body BMD and lean mass were registered. The dependence of BMD of different areas on fat and lean mass was obtained in stroke women, in contrast to men, in whom the influence of fat mass on BMD was not found. Conclusion. The stroke leads to changes in bone mineral density and lean (muscle) mass and therefore is a risk factor for the development of osteoporosis and sarcopenia.
Skeletal muscle dysfunction, sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
Authors: Masik N.P. , Stepaniuk T.V. , Masik O.I.
Published: October 2022

Background. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is often associated with musculoskeletal dysfunction, including skeletal muscle dysfunction, sarcopenia, osteoporosis, and obesity. The purpose was to assess skeletal muscle status and determine the prevalence of sarcopenia and sarcopenic obesity in patients with COPD. Materials and methods. 66 patients with COPD and 35 healthy subjects had been examined. Sarcopenia was established using EWGSOP2 criteria, and sarcopenic obesity was defined in the presence of sarcopenia with a body mass index >25kg/m2. Results. In 59.1% of the patients with COPD, a decrease in skeletal muscle strength was found, in particular, by 28.2% in women and by 39.1% in men at GOLD 4 in comparison with GOLD 1 and by 40.7% and 54.3%, respectively, compared to the control. A decrease in leg circumference (by 16.3% in women and by 20.8% in men) was determined at GOLD 4 compared to GOLD 1. A decrease in walking speed by 20% in women and by 27.3% in men was determined at GOLD 4 in comparison with GOLD 1 and a reliable correlation inverse connection between age and walking speed (r=–0.72 — in women and r =–0.61— in men). A significant decrease in the lean mass of the limbs was established in COPD patients over 45 years old and with GOLD 2, lean and fat mass indices— with GOLD 3, appendicular lean mass— with GOLD 4 and over 60 years old. A direct correlation link was established between the severity of COPD and android type of obesity (r = 0.41; p <0.05). Conclusions. Sarcopenia was diagnosed in 66.7% of the patients with COPD and 5.7% of the control group, and sarcopenic obesity was diagnosed in 27.3% of the patients with COPD. An increase in the share of sarcopenia was observed with age (from 50% among young people to 91.7% among subjects over 60 years old) and sarcopenic obesity (from 25% of subjects under 45 years old to 55.6% over 60 years old) and with increasing severity of COPD (from 20% with GOLD 1 to 100% with GOLD 4 and from 42.9% with GOLD 1 to 50% with GOLD 4, respectively).
Mathematical model of the bone biological age based on the bone mineral density and quality indicex and Ukrainian FRAX model
Authors: Grygorieva N.V. , Dubetska H.S. , Koshel N.M. , Pisaruk A.V. , Antoniuk-Shcheglova I.A.
Published: October 2022

Background. It is well-known that with aging there is a loss of bone mass and its strength, which leads to the development of osteoporosis and its complications. The aim of the study was to create a modern mathematical model for determining the biological age of the bone system, taking into account indices of bone mineral density (BMD) and quality and the FRAX® questionnaire. Materials and methods. 77 women and 44 men aged 30 to 90 years without any significant somatic pathology were included in the study. Patients were divided into 4 age groups: 30–44 years old — young, 45–59 years — mature, 60–74 years — old age and 75–90 years— senile age. We measured the parameters of BMD in the different areas of the skeleton by means of the dual-photon X-ray absorptiometry (DXA, “Prodigy”). The 10-year probability of major osteoporotic and hip fractures was measured using the Ukrainian version of the FRAX®. Statistical analysis was performed in the Statistica 7.0 program (StatSoft Inc., USA). Results. The dependence of the indices of BMD and bone quality, risk of osteoporotic fractures on age and the need for their early determination in young people to predict the risk of osteoporosis and its complications have been proven. The coefficient of determination of the R2 model was 0.62, which indicates that 62% of the variance of the “Age” can be explained by the predictors included in the model (DXA and FRAX indices); adjusted R2 index was 0.59 (p<0.001), which indicates high significance of the model. Conclusions. The developed model for estimating the bone biological age has high accuracy and can be used to assess the risk of osteoporosis and its complications in young people for the purpose of predicting the disease.
Disease incidence in shrimp farms located in east coastal region of the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Authors: Dang Thi Hoang Oanh , Truong Quoc Phu , Nguyen Thanh Phuong
Published: October 2022

A field study on the water quality parameters and prevalence of diseases was carried out in four locations in the Mekong Delta, Vietnam. A total number of 960 samples (816 with disease signs and 144 without disease sign) of farmed shrimp were collected over 8 sampling months (2 production cycles). Samples were collected every two weeks and when abnormal behavior from cultured shrimp was observed. Five major groups of gross clinical signs were recorded among diseased shrimp samples. Diseases that appeared through the sampling months were: (1) atrophy and pale-colored hepatopancreas (HP) with the empty or little food in the mid gut; (2) empty/little/discontinued food in the midgut and (3) slow growth, HP atrophy and gut with discontinued food. White feces disease was not found in April but appeared for the rest of sampling months with the highest prevalence in July (39,2%) and the lowest prevalence in September (4,9%). White spot disease appeared from October to December (at the end of when the monsoon season and low temperature).
Periodic parabolic problem with discontinuous coefficients: Mathematical analysis and numerical simulation
Authors: Eddine Alaa Nour , Charkaoui Abderrahim , Elaassri Abdelwahab
Published: October 2022

This work presents a new approach for the mathematical analysis and numerical simulation of a class of periodic parabolic equations with discontinuous coefficients. Our technique is based on the minimization of a least squares cost function. By the means of variational calculus, we prove that the considered optimization problem admits an optimal solution. Using the Lagrangian method, we compute the gradient of the cost function associated with our problem. Finally, we give several numerical simulations that show the efficiency and robustness of our method.
Infomediarios como herramienta para la proyección en internet de los contenidos educativos de las universidades
Authors: Peñaloza Báez Marcela Juliana
Published: October 2022

Los recursos educativos y servicios asociados a los portales infomediarios que se ofrecen gracias al trabajo tanto de las universidades como de sus comunidades, contribuyen a las actividades académicas de alumnos y profesores en todo el mundo, y de la sociedad en general. El artículo pretende mostrar las ventajas de ampliar y facilitar el acceso a los contenidos digitales educativos en línea pertenecientes a las instituciones de educación superior para lograr un mayor impacto social, lo que es un reto tecnológico que permite mejorar la visibilidad web y la proyección nacional e internacional de estos productos.
Manual de prácticas de propagación de especies nativas
Authors: Pérez-Nasser Nadia , Martínez-Cruz Juan , Lindig-Cisneros Roberto
Published: October 2022

Este manual pretende ser una guía que señale cómo adquirir las habilidades básicas para lograr la propagación de especies nativas de plantas con diversos fines, y es un complemento para cursos relacionados con el viverismo de especies nativas. A través de una serie de prácticas se exploran las características de las semillas, la forma de colectarlas y de tratarlas para lograr su germinación. Se considera también el uso de diversos sustratos, la propagación vegetativa y de especies suculentas (crasuláceas y cactáceas).
Prácticas de física experimental: Mecánica
Authors: Cervantes Solano Miguel Ángel , Colosi Daniele
Published: October 2022

Las prácticas de física que propone este manual están dirigidas a estudiantes de ciencias de nivel licenciatura. Las prácticas ofrecen una amplia variedad de temas de mecánica pensados para que los estudiantes aprendan los conceptos básicos y adquieran hábitos de pensamiento crítico que les ayuden a experimentar e investigar fenómenos físicos que incluso pueden ser utilizados en otras áreas de las ciencias naturales como la química, la biología, la geología, entre otras.
Violencia escolar en el Altiplano mexicano. Reflexiones y estrategias para la resolución de conflictos
Authors: Chávez González Mónica Lizbeth
Published: October 2022

En México, el tema de la violencia escolar comenzó a tratarse de forma indirecta en la década de los noventa del siglo XX con las primeras investigaciones dedicadas a analizar los problemas de indisciplina en el aula y una crisis de valores que marcaban los primeros conflictos entre los sujetos escolares. Fue hasta iniciado el presente siglo que la violencia se convirtió en un campo de investigación con una diversidad de enfoques teóricos y metodológicos. Sin embargo, aunque abundan las investigaciones normativo-prescriptivas sobre el tema, hay una gran escasez de trabajos analíticos basados en material empírico y local. / A través de observaciones, entrevistas y pláticas informales, un equipo de investigación interdisciplinario se aproximó a seis municipios de San Luis Potosí y Nuevo León con la intención de generar conocimiento sobre las múltiples formas en que se manifiesta la violencia en los ámbitos cotidianos de las escuelas rurales. El objetivo de este libro es compartir con la comunidad académica, educativa, estudiantil y a los interesados en general ciertas herramientas analíticas para comprender el tema de la violencia escolar así como estrategias para su prevención y erradicación basadas en una investigación etnográfica realizada en el Altiplano Noreste en México. A través de observaciones, entrevistas y pláticas informales, un equipo de investigación interdisciplinario se aproximó a seis municipios de San Luis Potosí y Nuevo León con la intención de generar conocimiento sobre las múltiples formas en que se manifiesta la violencia en los ámbitos cotidianos de las escuelas rurales. El objetivo de este libro es compartir con la comunidad académica, educativa, estudiantil y a los interesados en general ciertas herramientas analíticas para comprender el tema de la violencia escolar así como estrategias para su prevención y erradicación basadas en una investigación etnográfica realizada en el Altiplano Noreste en México.
Cooperative Banking: A Way for Inclusive Growth Through Co-Operative Micro Financing
Authors: P Yaser Yaseen
Published: October 2022

Abstract: A bank is a financial institution licensed to receive deposits and make loans. Banks may also provide financial services such as wealth management, currency exchange, and safe deposits. There are several different kinds of banks including retail banks, commercial or corporate banks, and investment banks. In most countries, banks are regulated by the national government or central bank. Banking is defined as the business activity of accepting and safeguarding money owned by other individuals and entities, and then lending out this money in order to conduct economic activities such as making profit or simply covering operating expenses. Cooperative Microfinancing a new option for Government & Development Organizations. Micro financing is the provision of financial services to poor and low-income households without access to formal financial institutions. Microfinance is described as banking for the poor. Microfinance programs provide Micro credit/loans, Micro savings, Micro insurance, training to group members and other financial services to low income and poor people for use in small businesses. In Cooperative Micro Financing we are essentially looking at a "double bottom line"— social gains and commercial success. Conventional Micro financing setup is somewhat also lying on the same concept however Cooperative financial system naturally focus on welfare aspect. This paper tries, to inclusive growth among poor people through Co-operative Micro financing. This paper is an attempt to introduce an innovative and productive banking system in Kerala through co-operative micro financing. The author is aiming for the evolution of banking system in India especially in Kerala having an inclusive growth and upfilment and empowerment of poor by introducing new ways in the existing co-operative banking structure through Kudumbashree
A Critical Review of Charakokta Vishghana Mahakashaya as Antioxidant in Present Scenario
Authors: Kumar Dr. Amit , Jain Dr. Jayanti , Kapoor Dr. Ritu , Adlakha Dr. Manoj
Published: October 2022

Abstract: Visha is another name for a chemical that depresses society. Visha is a material that is harmful to life and has properties like Aniedeshyarasa/Apaki, Vyavayi, Vikasi, Ushna, Teekshna, Ruksha, And Asukar. Garavisha is the name for synthetic poison, krutrima visha. These Gara vishas, depending on their combinations. Gara vishas, depending on their combinations, can cause illnesses like Shopha (edoema), Pandu (anaemia), Udara (ascites), Unmada (psychological disturbance), Durnam (piles), etc. in the body. Dooshivisha is the term for Sthavara, Jangama, or Krutrima poisons that are not completely eliminated from the body and become dry due to digestion (metabolism), antitoxic formulation, exposure to heat, air, or sunlight, or when the aforementioned natural ten qualities of the poison become less potent. In the present study we will investigate and apply the concepts of Agad Tantra to many ailments and pathological conditions, including Garavisha & Dooshivisha, using antitoxic formulations like Charakokta Vishaghana Mahakashaya.
Assessment of Groundwater Vulnerability to Contamination using GIS-based DRASTIC model in Lucknow, India
Authors: Yadav Shashi Kant , Gupta Dr. Anirudh
Published: October 2022

Abstract: Groundwater intrinsic vulnerability maps are considered a promising means for forestalling groundwater resources from contamination in recent years. With the use of a Geographic Information System (GIS) and hydro-geochemical data, the DRASTIC model is used to forecast groundwater vulnerability. For which ArcGIS software is used. Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh, is the study area for this study. This model is based on the seven data layers that provide the input to the modelling. It corresponds to the initials of seven layers i.e. Depth to water, net Recharge, Aquifer media, Soil media, Topography, Impact of vadose zone ,and Hydraulic Conductivity. Mal and Sarojani Nagar Block showed higher vulnerability (139–143). The results also suggested that the low, moderate, and high groundwater vulnerability zones cover around 30.35%, 45.02%, and 24.63 % of the study area, respectively. The results is validated using nitrate concentration in groundwater. The percentage of study area for nitrate concentrations <45 mg/l, 45-60 mg/l, 60-80 mg/l, and 80-110 mg/l are 55.5%, 34.5%, 9%, and ~1% respectively. The GIS technique has provided an efficient tool for assessing and analysing the vulnerability to groundwater pollution.