bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ballast Water Treatment Technology: Design, Risk Assessment, and Installation on a Tank Ship
Authors: Reynolds Kevin J. , Weber Peter F. , Mato Rudy , Dorchak Charles
Published: July 2021

This paper outlines the design, assessment, and installation of a prototype ballast water treatment system for a double-hull tank ship. The IMO has established a timetable by which vessels must be equipped with ballast water treatment systems that meet a prescribed performance standard. Tank ship installations are particularly challenging because ballast piping is typically located in spaces defined by classification society rules as hazardous. These same rules do not readily allow the treatment equipment and piping to communicate with these spaces. The treatment system described in this paper has been demonstrated, through a risk assessment, to meet applicable classification society rules. Planned full-scale testing intends to show the operational safety, efficiency, and biological efficacy of this promising technology.
Wave induced extreme hull girder loads on containerships
Authors: Jensen J. Juncher , Pedersen Preben Terndrup , Shi Bill , Wang Sue , Petricic Martin , Mansour Alaa E.
Published: July 2021

This paper provides simple but rational procedures for prediction of extreme wave – induced sectional hull girder forces with reasonable engineering accuracy. The procedures take into account main ship hull characteristics such as: length, breadth, draught, block coefficient, bow flare coefficient, forward speed and hull flexibility. The vertical hull girder loads are evaluated for specific operational profiles. Firstly a quadratic strip theory is presented which can give separate predictions for the hogging and sagging bending moments and shear forces and for hull girder loads. Then this procedure is used as a base to derive semi-analytical formulas such that approximate wave load calculations can be performed by a simple spreadsheet program. Due to the few input parameters this procedure can be used to estimate the wave-induced bending moments at the conceptual design phase. Since the procedure is based on rational methods it can be applied for novel single hull ship types not presently covered by the rules of the classification societies or to account for specific operational profiles.
Optimal Thrust Allocation in a Dynamic Positioning System
Authors: Leavitt J. A.
Published: July 2021

An existing approach to optimizing thrust allocation in surface vessels is considered for general use with dynamic positioning systems. A solution to the power limiting problem is presented, and the handling of azimuthing thrusters is significantly improved. Various other considerations related to thrust allocation are treated. A generalized algorithm is developed.
Performance Prediction of Cavitating Water-Jet Propulsors Using a Viscous/Inviscid Interactive Method
Authors: Sun Hong , Kinnas Spyros A.
Published: July 2021

The authors present a viscous/inviscid interaction method to predict the viscous flow inside water-jet pumps, including the effects of sheet cavitation on the rotor and /or stator blades. The circumferentially averaged interaction between the rotor and the stator is accounted for in an iterative manner. The method is applied in the case of an actual water-jet pump and comparisons of the predicted and the measured rotor torque are presented.
La digitalización docente frente al reto de crisis sanitaria. La adaptación del claustro de Quirónsalud Madrid
Authors: Bermejo Javier , Rivero Carmen , Rojo Sara , Cerezo Eva , Rodríguez Noemi , Carrasco Temiño M.Aranzazu , Rodríguez Jonatan , Suárez M.Carmen
Published: July 2021

La digitalización del profesorado universitario es un aspecto que ha cobrado especial relevancia en los últimos meses, de forma más concreta en el ámbito sanitario. Las clases presenciales se han visto canceladas y sustituidas por docencia online de una manera abrupta a causa de la crisis sanitaria acontecida. A ello se suma la elevada carga asistencial que han asumido todos los profesionales sanitarios. Varios de los hospitales del grupo Quirónsalud en Madrid desarrollan gran parte del plan académico del Grado de Medicina de la Universidad Europea y, debido a las circunstancias derivadas de la pandemia, su docencia ha tenido que transformarse, usando herramientas digitales que permitieran llevar a cabo tanto la labor docente como el arduo trabajo hospitalario de forma simultánea. Este artículo presenta los datos de la docencia llevada a cabo, así como las iniciativas que se han puesto en marcha desde marzo de 2020, con la finalidad de analizar la adaptación del claustro médico docente del grupo Quirónsalud a la situación acaecida. La utilización de herramientas asíncronas ha favorecido el trabajo autónomo del estudiante y la compatibilización de la actividad asistencial y la docencia en los hospitales mediante iniciativas como clases síncronas online, seminarios grabados y presentaciones locutadas, entre otras.

The digitalization of university teaching staff is an aspect that has taken on special relevance in recent months, especially in the field of healthcare. Face-to-face classes have been abruptly cancelled and replaced by online teaching due to the health crisis. In addition, all the health care providers have taken on the burden of providing care, making it compatible with the virtual classes. Several Quirónsalud groups hospitals carry out part of the academic plan for the degree in Medicine at the European University. However, the teaching has had to be transformed, using digital tools that allow the teaching work and the arduous hospital work to be blended. This article presents the data on the teaching carried out and the initiatives that have been implemented since March 2020 with the aim of analyzing the adaptation of the medical teaching staff of the Quirónsalud group to the situation that has occurred. The use of asynchronous tools has favored the autonomous work of the student and the compatibility of healthcare activity and teaching in hospitals through initiatives such as online synchronous classes, recorded seminars and spoken presentations, among others.
Referencias de orientación espacial en las App de anatomía 3D
Authors: D'Angelo Verónica
Published: July 2021

En el presente trabajo de investigación se evaluó la percepción de aplicaciones de anatomía 3D en relación a una estrategia de enseñanza basada en fundamentos cognitivos de la manipulación de imágenes digitales. Dos grupos de estudiantes ingresantes a la carrera de medicina recibieron entrenamiento en el uso de aplicaciones de software de anatomía en 3D, sólo uno de los grupos recibió información adicional sobre las limitaciones de la memoria en la retención de imágenes tridimensionales y estrategias para el uso apropiado de los controles de rotación que evitan la sobrecarga cognitiva. La percepción se evaluó con un modelo de aceptación de tecnología (TAM) y se constató una diferencia significativa entre ambos grupos a favor del grupo entrenado. Interpretamos Inferimos que la incorporación de aplicaciones de anatomía 3D en dispositivos tradicionales de pantalla 2D, tendrá mayor aceptación (es decir, probabilidad de uso futuro) cuando está acompañada de una estrategia de autoregulación para evitar los efectos de desorientación que producen las rotaciones no controladas características del uso autodidacta.

In this research work the perception of 3D anatomy applications was evaluated in relation to a teaching strategy based on cognitive foundations of digital image manipulation. Two groups of students entering the medical career received training in the use of 3D anatomy software applications, only one of the groups received additional information on memory limitations in the retention of three-dimensional images and strategies for appropriate use of rotation controls that avoid cognitive overload. Perception was evaluated with a technology acceptance model (TAM) and a significant difference was found between both groups in favor of the trained group. We interpret We infer that the incorporation of 3D anatomy applications in traditional 2D screen devices will have greater acceptance (that is, probability of future use) when it is accompanied by a self-regulation strategy to avoid the disorientation effects produced by the characteristic uncontrolled rotations in self-taught use.
Métissage et hiérarchisation des cultures : les soubassements idéologiques de l’essentialisation des différences
Authors: Moisseeff Marika
Published: July 2021

La discrimination des minorités visibles se fonde sur l’idéologie hiérarchisante qui conduit à appréhender leurs caractéristiques physiques en termes biologiques permettant de les situer à un palier inférieur sur l’échelle de l’évolution. Pour illustrer les répercussions tragiques de cette appréhension des différences, l’auteure prend pour exemple le sort qui a été réservé, en Australie, aux métis issus des relations entre les Aborigènes et leurs colonisateurs.
Compétence des nouvelles directions d’école de langue française au Canada pour la gestion inclusive de la diversité ethnoculturelle, linguistique et religieuse
Authors: Gélinas Proulx Andréanne , IsaBelle Claire , Meunier Hélène
Published: July 2021

Compte tenu du changement démographique de la population scolaire, les écoles de langue française au Canada ont le mandat de favoriser une gestion inclusive de la diversité ethnoculturelle, linguistique et religieuse. Or, selon notre revue de la littérature, force est de constater que la compétence interculturelle des directions d’école pour assurer cette gestion inclusive de la diversité ne semble pas développée par certaines d’entre elles. Notre recherche qualitative menée auprès de 101 acteurs francophones de l’éducation des dix provinces canadiennes vise d’abord à présenter un portrait de l’état de la compétence interculturelle des directions d’école qui ont 5 ans et moins d’expérience en gestion scolaire (DÉ5-) en contexte francophone au Canada et, ensuite, à savoir si la compétence interculturelle devrait être inscrite dans les référentiels de compétences des directions d’école. Les résultats indiquent que les DÉ5- ne possèdent pas les indicateurs de compétence interculturelle requis pour assurer une gestion inclusive de la diversité, ce qui implique qu’elles tireraient des bénéfices d’une aide sous forme, entre autres, de formation. En outre, nous constatons un mutisme de la majorité des participants par rapport à cette compétence, que ce soit pour indiquer si elle est développée ou non chez les DÉ5- ou pour l’inscrire aux référentiels. De fait, nous recommandons qu’un travail de sensibilisation soit fait afin que les acteurs de l’éducation perçoivent la nécessité de cette compétence.
La diversité religieuse comme expérience urbaine : controverses et dynamiques d’échange dans la métropole montréalaise
Authors: Germain Annick , Dejean Frédéric
Published: July 2021

Les métropoles canadiennes se caractérisent depuis les années 1980 par un redéploiement significatif de la diversité religieuse, lié en partie aux transformations de l’immigration. En revanche, la prise de conscience par nombre d’acteurs municipaux de ces transformations et des enjeux qui y sont associés est plus récente. Dans les lignes qui suivent nous nous penchons sur une de ces métropoles et abordons la « super diversité » montréalaise à travers la question des lieux de culte. Notre propos est organisé en deux temps. Dans une première partie, nous montrons que la « super diversité » est à la fois le résultat de l’immigration et d’un processus de différenciation interne des groupes religieux, induisant un paysage religieux plus complexe que jamais. Cette complexité se présente certes comme un émiettement institutionnel mais se traduit aussi, et c’est ce qui nous intéresse ici, par une grande variété de formes prises par les lieux de culte dans l’espace urbain. Dans une seconde partie, nous proposons l’hypothèse selon laquelle la question des lieux de culte peut, pour peu que l’on sorte d’une définition purement technique de l’aménagement, devenir un élément clef du dialogue interculturel si l’on met l’accent sur les transactions sociales originales qui engagent de multiples acteurs parfois en conflit.
Manifestations du fait religieux dans les institutions de santé de première ligne au Québec
Authors: Le Gall Josiane , Xenocostas Spyridoula , Lemoyne‐Dessaint Sophie
Published: July 2021

En dépit de la multiplication de nouveaux groupes religieux au Québec au cours des dernières décennies, l’impact du pluralisme religieux sur l’organisation et la prestation des services de santé demeure peu documenté dans le contexte québécois. Dans cet article, à partir des données recueillies lors d’une recherche sur les défis et enjeux posés par la diversité religieuse dans l’intervention de première ligne, nous examinons les manifestations de la religion dans la relation de soins : quels sont les types de demandes des patients en matière religieuse ? Quelles sont les difficultés attribuables à la diversité religieuse ? Quelles sont les réponses des intervenants à ces demandes ou cas difficiles ?
Faible participation des travailleurs immigrants aux mesures de santé et sécurité au travail dans les petites entreprises
Authors: Gravel Sylvie , Legendre Gabrielle , Rhéaume Jacques
Published: July 2021

Une analyse de la participation des travailleurs aux mesures préventives a été réalisée dans le cadre d’une étude portant sur la santé et la sécurité au travail (SST) dans les petites entreprises (PE) montréalaises de 10 à 50 employés embauchant des travailleurs immigrants. Comparativement aux travailleurs canadiens d’origine, les travailleurs immigrants bénéficiaient de moins de formations en SST et étaient moins enclins à identifier les risques, à déclarer leurs lésions lorsqu’ils se blessaient et à participer aux enquêtes d’accidents. Plusieurs ne portaient pas d’équipement de protection même si l’employeur en fournissait un. De façon générale, les travailleurs immigrants méconnaissaient leurs droits et leurs obligations en matière de SST. Certaines PE, surtout celles dont les dirigeants étaient diplômés en gestion ou en SST, faisaient des efforts soutenus pour corriger cette méconnaissance par des activités de formation, des systèmes de compagnonnage entre collègues originaires des mêmes pays ou communicant dans la même langue, des actions pertinentes, mais souvent insuffisantes. Les PE qui tentaient de surmonter les écarts de compréhension culturelle et linguistique de la SST étaient plutôt des entreprises hétérogènes sur le plan des origines culturelles et des langues : les dirigeants étaient majoritairement canadiens, alors que les superviseurs et les employés étaient originaires de divers pays. Au contraire, dans les PE homogènes où les dirigeants, les superviseurs et les travailleurs provenaient des mêmes pays d’origine (ex : Liban, Inde, etc.), les problèmes de compréhension des mesures préventives de SST se posaient à tous les niveaux hiérarchiques.
La culture en tant que facteur du développement cognitif
Authors: Retschitzki Jean
Published: July 2021

Cet article discute du rôle de la culture en tant que facteur du développement cognitif, à partir d’un certain nombre de travaux en psychologie interculturelle du développement cognitif. L’évolution des recherches dans ce domaine, tant sur le plan méthodologique que dans la manière d’aborder cette problématique à la fin du vingtième siècle, est présentée et commentée.

Après un tour d’horizon des principaux travaux empiriques ayant cherché à déterminer dans quelle mesure le
développement cognitif est universel ou relatif aux groupes culturels, nous exposons les évolutions récentes dans
le domaine de la psychologie interculturelle du développement cognitif, sous l’influence notamment du courant
socioculturel issu principalement des travaux de Vygotsky. Nous présentons les principales caractéristiques des
travaux qui se réclament de la psychologie culturelle et nous en évaluons la portée.
Droits humains et témoignages : l’épreuve de la culture
Authors: Saillant Francine
Published: July 2021

Les violences contemporaines qui impliquent dans nombre de cas des exactions des droits les plus fondamentaux sont chaque jour exposées à nos yeux, ne serait‐ce que par leur hypermédiatisation en tous genres. Les droits humains sont pour leur part devenus plus que jamais un langage transnational qui permet la traduction multiforme et culturellement située de ces exactions. Le témoignage, utilisé de diverses façons comme forme de communication des exactions par rapport aux droits, mérite une attention particulière. Le témoignage, dont l’usage est connu dans le domaine du droit en tant que moyen de faire apparaître la vérité, prend potentiellement dans l’espace public d’autres significations. Il est plus que jamais l’une des expressions des altérités, en même temps qu’un moyen, pour diverses catégories d’étrangers et de personnes et collectivités minorisées et discriminées, d’arriver par la voix ou l’image à se faire entendre et voir. Se faire entendre, c’est‐à‐dire que la voix puisse avoir écho et réponse, mais aussi que cette voix soit recevable et reconnue. Se faire voir c’est‐à‐dire ouvrir un espace pour des images qui font apparaître les sujets, leurs droits lésés, leurs revendications, leurs actions, leurs victoires. Ce numéro propose une réflexion approfondie sur cette question : d’abord en exposant une série de cas articulant droits et témoignages; ensuite en cernant, leur variété aidant, les multiples médiations qui font que ces voix seront oui ou non entendues et reconnues, ces images plus ou moins vues et reçues. Les cultures d’origine et de réception, qu’elles soient liées à l’ethnicité, aux institutions, au statut, à l’âge ou aux régimes politiques, jouent comme on le verra, un rôle fondamental.
Récits de souffrance et VIH/sida : réflexions sur quelques enjeux anthropologiques et éthiques du témoignage
Authors: Lebouché Bertrand , Lévy Joseph Josy
Published: July 2021

Comme le montrent les travaux sur la maladie grave, celle‐ci constitue un événement majeur qui affecte non seulement l’organisme mais aussi la perception de l’identité, et conduit les individus à devenir étrangers ou invisibles, rendant difficile l’expression du témoignage de l’expérience de leur maladie. Ces caractéristiques sont pleinement illustrées chez les personnes vivant avec le VIH/sida, jusqu’à disparaître souvent des espaces de dépistage, de diagnostic et de soins mis à leur disposition. Ces enjeux son repris à partir de l’approche éthique de Johannes‐Baptist Metz et de William T. Cavanaugh qui offrent un cadre de réflexion qui met au centre de leur argumentation les motifs éthiques touchant les espaces de réappropriation des récits de souffrance et leur réinscription dans l’espace social, en particulier dans le contexte interculturel. À partir de ces approches, les espaces de soins font l’objet d’une nouvelle interprétation, montrant comment ils peuvent devenir des lieux de réflexion, d’échanges et de pratiques qui dépassent le simple accès à des traitements biomédicaux, comme les antirétroviraux. Ces innovations, paradoxalement, font rebondir le statut du récit et du témoignage pour les personnes vivant avec le VIH/sida.
Preliminary design of an Initial Test of Integrated Skills within TRADILEX: an ongoing project on the validity of audiovisual translation tools in teaching English
Authors: Couto-Cantero Pilar , Sabaté-Carrové Mariona , Gómez Pérez María Carmen
Published: July 2021

This article shows the preliminary design process for a tailor-made Initial Test of Integrated Skills (ITIS) specially adapted to the needs of TRADILEX, a project (2020-2023) funded by the Spanish Ministry of Science, Innovation and Universities to study the scope and validity of using audiovisual translation (AVT) tools to develop communicative competence in a foreign language. We also design a complete virtual AVT-based teaching platform that will help to promote faster and better EFL learning. In this paper we present one of the project’s initial stages, i.e. the ITIS design and the methodological framework for the design process from draft stage to final product. The draft pilot ITIS was tested by specialists, who produced a series of reports and anticipated several potential problems that occurred when the test was carried out. We pay special attention to the changes and improvements made to the draft ITIS as well as its three-stage process and remedial measures. The validity of the ITIS is currently being tested with a pilot group. The ITIS will be complemented with a Final Test of Integrated Skills (FITIS), which is currently underway.
ECONOMIC INEQUALITY AND POVERTY IN EUROPEAN UNION
Authors: Škorić Božana , Bjelić Jelena , Nikolić Marijana , Chirosa Luis
Published: July 2021

Excessive accumulation and raising income inequality re- flected on the high rates of poverty in the European Union countries. Economic literature has wide research on the link between income inequality and economic growth. However, knowledge about correlation between income inequality and poverty is scare. In this paper, we have proved that poverty is not synonymous for income ine- quality, but that is a product of income inequality. Income inequality, measured by the Gini coefficient, reflected the movement of the percentage of the population who are at risk of poverty. The coefficient of simple on correlation showed that income inequality affects the growth risk of poverty in the countries of the European Union. Besides poverty, as a consequence of income inequality, other socio-economic problems also appeared: the suppression of economic growth, the rise in crime rate, the decline in the quality of education and health, the political inequal- ity growth. All these problems should warn governments to take economic policy for reducing economic inequal- ity. The European Union, as an area of 28 member states, needs to carefully select economic policy instruments to reduce income inequality and ensure stable ground for economic growth. The differences between the level of development, the index of democracy, income and liv- ing standards in observed countries have influenced the difficulty in observing the problem and computing math- ematical and statistical connection. Through equalization of incomes, the European Union could solve problems of poverty, social exclusion and democracy (measured by index of democracy).
THE APPLICATION OF FAIR VALUE ACCOUNTING IN BOSNIA AND HERZEGOVINA
Authors: Pobrić Amira
Published: July 2021

This study investigates the application of fair value ac- counting in companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina. The study was conducted on a sample of 190 companies. The application of fair value accounting causes a lot of controversy related to the relevance and reliability of fair value information. It is believed that the extent to which fair value measurement is used reflects attitudes of financial statement preparers about the usefulness of this model at its best. The findings of this study sug- gest that most companies in Bosnia and Herzegovina do not have tendency to apply fair value accounting. It is found that half of the companies in the sample do not use fair value accounting at all. Almost half of the com- panies that use fair value accounting use it just because they own assets that require fair value measurement. Fair value accounting is much more used in financial and larger companies than in non-financial and smaller companies. Companies mostly use fair value accounting for the measurement of investment property. However, they use it for the measurement of intangible assets at a minimum. The findings also suggest that the application of fair value accounting increases the uncertainty in fi- nancial statements. The quality of fair value disclosures is very low. Numerous companies do not disclose infor- mation on fair value hierarchy and valuation techniques that were used for fair value measurement. Companies that disclose this information mostly use indirectly ob- servable inputs (Level 2) for fair value measurement and these create a lot of room for earnings management.
Phenological and Morphological Traits of Important Hazelnut Cultivars in North West Bosnia
Authors: Skender Azra , Hadžiabulić Semina , Aliman Jasmina , Hasanbegović Jasna
Published: July 2021

The paper presents the results of the analysis of phenological and morphological characteristics of 3 hazelnut cultivars present in the production plantation in the north-western Bosnia and Herzegovina. The 'Rimski', 'Istarski dugi' and 'Tonda Gentile Romana' cultivars served as research material. Blooming time ranged from December to March. For all cultivars, the occurrence of dichogamy, precisely protandry, was observed. The longest flowering period of both male and female flowers was found in the 'Tonda Gentile Romana' cultivar. The 'Rimski' cultivar had the highest fruit weight (3.04 g). 'Tonda Gentile Romana' had the highest kernel weight (1.50 g). The highest kernel percentage (49%) was found in 'Istarski dugi'. The length of male catkins ranged from 21.73 cm to 29.76 cm. Statistically significant differences among cultivars were found for the following traits: the length of male catkins, the number of female flowers in glomeruli, and the number of nuts on a fruiting shoot. The 'Istarski' cultivar had the highest average length of male catkins (29.76) and the highest number of female flowers in the glomeruli (7.32). 'Tonda Gentile Romana' had the highest number of fruits (20.93) on the shoots. All three cultivars have proven to be good varieties in terms of phenological and morphological characteristics, so they can be recommended for intensive production of this nut crop.
Population Trends of the Most Common Large Game in the Hunting Area in Eastern Croatia in 2008 – 2018
Authors: Gavran Mirna , Gantner Vesna
Published: July 2021

Red deer, roe deer, and wild boar belong to a group of large game and are the most common species of game in the hunting area in Eastern Croatia. The research was conducted by the company hunting staff in the Osijek-Baranja County, area of Kućanci in the interval from 2008 to 2018. Knowing the number of wildlife in the hunting area is the base for establishing growth and planning shootings. It is important to keep the balance in the hunting ground to avoid transmission and spreading of diseases and reduce traffic accidents as well as vehicle and wildlife damages. Given the fact that populations of large game have great importance in Croatia, the main objective of the study was to determine population trends of red deer, roe deer, and wild boar in the hunting ground in Eastern Croatia in 2008 – 2018.
Phenological Models for Predicting the Budburst and Flowering Date of Grapevine
Authors: Ruml Mirjana , Korać Nada
Published: July 2021

The study aimed to develop temperature-based models to predict the budburst and flowering dates in grapevine. The models were developed using phenological data for 20 wine cultivars grown in the region of Sremski Karlovci (Serbia) and temperature observations over the 1986–2007 period. The input variable for the budburst model was the mean daily temperature averaged over the period from 1 March to the event onset, while the input variable for the flowering model was the maximum daily temperature averaged over the period from 15 April to the event onset. The models proved to be capable of predicting the onset of budburst and flowering in grapevine with high accuracy. For 20 cultivars studied, the mean absolute differences between the observed and predicted budburst and flowering dates were on average 4 and 3 days, respectively.
Type of Waste as a Factor of Economic Development of Households and Environmental Protection in Rural Environments
Authors: Pešić Bratislav , Stolić Nikola , Zlatković Nebojša
Published: July 2021

The research was conducted in the villages of Jablanica, district Orašac, Jarsenovo, and Stupnica, a rural area on the territory of the City of Leskovac. The paper aims to determine the mortality rate, to identify significant farmers in rural areas and to maintain sustainable agricultural production as a means of the economic development of the local community and the protection of the environment in which they live. For that purpose, the farmer survey method was used to identify and describe the factors that use the amount of waste generated on farms and its impact on the environment. Appropriate methods were used to separate the waste into organic and inorganic, which was later used as a mineral additive in the fields (organic) or harmlessly removed (inorganic). A random sample of 60 agricultural farms was surveyed in order to determine the impact of waste of different origin on the environment. The results of the research show that the factors that use the amount and types of waste influenced the farmers’ perception. The questionnaire proved to be reliable, as the Cronbach's alpha coefficient is 0.539 (Cronbach's Alpha 0.539). At the same time, the way in which waste is collected, stored, classified, and used is important for its utilization with the necessary economic upgrade per production unit and reduction of harmful work in the environment, and proper use.
Experimental progress of quantum machine learning based on spin systems
Authors: Tian Yu , Lin Zi-Dong , Wang Xiang-Yu , Che Liang-Yu , Lu Da-Wei ,   Department of Physics, Southern University of Science and Technology, Shenzhen 518055, China
Published: July 2021

Machine learning is widely applied in various areas due to its advantages in pattern recognition, but it is severely restricted by the computing power of classic computers. In recent years, with the rapid development of quantum technology, quantum machine learning has been verified experimentally verified in many quantum systems, and exhibited great advantages over classical algorithms for certain specific problems. In the present review, we mainly introduce two typical spin systems, nuclear magnetic resonance and nitrogen-vacancy centers in diamond, and review some representative experiments in the field of quantum machine learning, which were carried out in recent years.
Dynamic sampling of images from various categories for classification based incremental deep learning in fog computing
Authors: Dube Swaraj , Wong Yee Wan , Nugroho Hermawan
Published: July 2021

Incremental learning evolves deep neural network knowledge over time by learning continuously from new data instead of training a model just once with all data present before the training starts. However, in incremental learning, new samples are always streaming in whereby the model to be trained needs to continuously adapt to new samples. Images are considered to be high dimensional data and thus training deep neural networks on such data is very time-consuming. Fog computing is a paradigm that uses fog devices to carry out computation near data sources to reduce the computational load on the server. Fog computing allows democracy in deep learning by enabling intelligence at the fog devices, however, one of the main challenges is the high communication costs between fog devices and the centralized servers especially in incremental learning where data samples are continuously arriving and need to be transmitted to the server for training. While working with Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN), we demonstrate a novel data sampling algorithm that discards certain training images per class before training even starts which reduces the transmission cost from the fog device to the server and the model training time while maintaining model learning performance both for static and incremental learning. Results show that our proposed method can effectively perform data sampling regardless of the model architecture, dataset, and learning settings.
Additive and multiplicative probabilistic models of infant looking times
Authors: Šimkovic Matuš , Träuble Birgit
Published: July 2021

Additive and multiplicative regression models of habituation were compared regarding the fit to looking times from a habituation experiment with infants aged between 3 and 11 months. In contrast to earlier studies, the current study considered multiple probability distributions, namely Weibull, gamma, lognormal and normal distribution. In the habituation experiment the type of contrast between the habituation and the test trial was varied (luminance, color or orientation contrast), crossed with the number of habituation trials (1, 3, 5, or 7 habituation trials) and crossed with three age cohorts (4, 7, 10 months). The initial mean LT to dark stimuli (around 3.7 s) was considerably shorter than the mean LT to green and gray stimuli (around 5 s). Infants showed the strongest dishabituation to changes from dark to bright (luminance contrast) and weak-to-no dishabituation to a 90-degrees rotation of the gray stimuli (orientation contrast). The dishabituation was stronger after five and seven habituation trials, but the result was not statistically robust. The gamma distribution showed the best fit in terms of log-likelihood and mean absolute error and the best predictive performance. Furthermore, the gamma distribution showed small correlations between parameters relative to other models. The normal additive model showed an inferior fit and medium correlations between the parameters. In particular, the positive correlation between the initial looking time (LT) and the habituation rate was likely responsible for a different interpretation relative to the multiplicative models of the main effect of age on the habituation rate. Otherwise, the additive and multiplicative models provided similar statistical conclusions. The performance of the model versions without pooling and with partial pooling across participants (also called random-effects, multi-level or hierarchical models) were compared. The latter type of models showed worse data fit but more precise predictions and reduced correlations between the parameters. The performance of model variants with auto-regressive time structures were explored but showed considerably worse fit. The performance of quadratic models that allowed non-monotonic changes in LTs were investigated as well. However, when fitted with LT data, these models did not produce non-monotonic change in LTs. The study underscores the utility of partial-pooling models in terms of providing more accurate predictions. Further, it agrees with previous research in that a multiplicative LT model is preferable. Nevertheless, the current results suggest that the impact of the choice of an additive model on the statistical inference is less dramatic then previously assumed.
Relict groups of spiny frogs indicate Late Paleogene-Early Neogene trans-Tibet dispersal of thermophile faunal elements
Authors: Hofmann Sylvia , Jablonski Daniel , Litvinchuk Spartak N. , Masroor Rafaqat , Schmidt Joachim
Published: July 2021

Background

The Himalaya-Tibet orogen (HTO) presents an outstanding geologically active formation that contributed to, and fostered, modern Asian biodiversity. However, our concepts of the historical biogeography of its biota are far from conclusive, as are uplift scenarios for the different parts of the HTO. Here, we revisited our previously published data set of the tribe Paini extending it with sequence data from the most western Himalayan spiny frogsAllopaaandChrysopaaand using them as an indirect indicator for the potential paleoecological development of Tibet.

Methods

We obtained sequence data of two mitochondrial loci (16S rRNA, COI) and one nuclear marker (Rag1) fromAllopaasamples from Kashmir Himalaya as well asChrysopaasequence data from the Hindu Kush available from GenBank to complement our previous data set. A Maximum likelihood and dated Bayesian gene tree were generated based on the concatenated data set. To resolve the inconsistent placement ofAllopaa, we performed different topology tests.

Results

Consistent with previous results, the Southeast Asian genusQuasipaais sister to all other spiny frogs. The results further reveal a basal placement ofChrysopaarelative toAllopaaandNanoranawith an estimated age ofca.26 Mya. Based on the topology tests, the phylogenetic position ofAllopaaas a sister clade toChaparanaseems to be most likely, resulting in a paraphyletic genusNanoranaand a separation from the latter clade around 20 Mya, although a basal position ofAllopaato the genusNanoranacannot be entirely excluded. Both, the placements ofChrysopaaandAllopaasupport the presence of basal Paini lineages in the far northwestern part of the HTO, which is diametrically opposite end of the HTO with respect to the ancestral area of spiny frogs in Southeast Asia. These striking distributional patterns can be most parsimoniously explained by trans-Tibet dispersal during the late Oligocene (subtropicalChrysopaa) respectively early Miocene (warm temperateAllopaa). Within spiny frogs, only members of the monophyleticNanorana+Paaclade are adapted to the colder temperate climates, indicating that high-altitude environments did not dominate in the HTO beforeca.15 Mya. Our results are consistent with fossil records suggesting that large parts of Tibet were characterized by subtropical to warm temperate climates at least until the early Miocene. They contradict prevalent geological models of a highly uplifted late Paleogene proto-Plateau.
Vertical escape tactics and movement potential of orthoconic cephalopods
Authors: Peterman David J. , Ritterbush Kathleen A.
Published: July 2021

Measuring locomotion tactics available to ancient sea animals can link functional morphology with evolution and ecology over geologic timescales. Externally-shelled cephalopods are particularly important for their central roles in marine trophic exchanges, but most fossil taxa lack sufficient modern analogues for comparison. In particular, phylogenetically diverse cephalopods produced orthoconic conchs (straight shells) repeatedly through time. Persistent re-evolution of this morphotype suggests that it possesses adaptive value. Practical lateral propulsion is ruled out as an adaptive driver among orthoconic cephalopods due to the stable, vertical orientations of taxa lacking sufficient counterweights. However, this constraint grants the possibility of rapid (or at least efficient) vertical propulsion. We experiment with this form of movement using 3D-printed models of Baculites compressus, weighted to mimic hydrostatic properties inferred by virtual models. Furthermore, model buoyancy was manipulated to impart simulated thrust within four independent scenarios (Nautilus-like cruising thrust; a similar thrust scaled by the mantle cavity of Sepia; sustained peak Nautilus-like thrust; and passive, slightly negative buoyancy). Each model was monitored underwater with two submerged cameras as they rose/fell over ~2 m, and their kinematics were computed with 3D motion tracking. Our results demonstrate that orthocones require very low input thrust for high output in movement and velocity. With Nautilus-like peak thrust, the model reaches velocities of 1.2 m/s (2.1 body lengths per second) within one second starting from a static initial condition. While cephalopods with orthoconic conchs likely assumed a variety of life habits, these experiments illuminate some first-order constraints. Low hydrodynamic drag inferred by vertical displacement suggests that vertical migration would incur very low metabolic cost. While these cephalopods likely assumed low energy lifestyles day-to-day, they may have had a fighting chance to escape from larger, faster predators by performing quick, upward dodges. The current experiments suggest that orthocones sacrifice horizontal mobility and maneuverability in exchange for highly streamlined, vertically-stable, upwardly-motile conchs.
Plasmid Derived AmpC Genotypes among the Multidrug Resistant Enterobacteriaceae Strains Isolated from Urine Samples in Southern India
Authors: Mol P Ronni , Shanthi Ganesan , Bindayna Khalid
Published: July 2021

Introduction: The most common pathogens causing Urinary Tract Infections (UTI) in community and hospital settings are Enterobacteriaceae. Antibiotic resistance is a major problem worldwide because of an increase in the use of antibiotics. Production of Extended Spectrum Beta-Lactamases (ESBLs) and AmpC beta-lactamases is the most common cause of resistance among Enterobacteriaceae (AmpC). Initially, AmpC β-lactamases received less attention globally, but now it has become a rising problem. Detection of AmpC β-lactamases expressing microbes is a requirement for addressing surveillance, for problems of hospital infection control, and for choosing optimal antimicrobial therapy. Aim: To study the genotype distribution of plasmid mediated AmpC β-lactamase produced in Enterobacteriaceaestrains isolated from urine samples. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study based on clinical laboratory surveillance was conducted from July 2019 to February 2020. Sixty Enterobacteriaceae isolates were identified by standard biochemical reactions. AmpC screening were done by cefoxitin disk diffusion and confirmed by an inhibitor-based assay using boronic acid. The presence of six plasmid mediated AmpC genes was determined by multiplex Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 20.0 was used to obtain descriptive data. Results: Among 60 Enterobacteriaceae isolates, 23 (38.3%) were cefoxitin-resistant isolates which contain Escherichia colistrain (n=17) while the remaining samples consist ofKlebsiella pneumoniae (n=5) and Proteus mirabilis strains (n=1). AmpC β-lactamase production was phenotypically confirmed in 12(20%) isolates and genotypically confirmed by PCR analysis in 16(26.6%) of all the urine isolates. In the present study, 3(13%), 2 (8.6%) of cefoxitin resistant isolates harboured the DHA, EBC gene and 1(4.3%) each harboured FOX and CIT gene, and 9(39.1%) harboured a combination of the genes. Conclusion: The present study suggested the predominant existence of plasmid mediated AmpC producers in Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR) Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. We suggest continuous surveillance is important to effectively control the spread of these strains and for optimal clinical outcome.
Association of C-Reactive Protein with Mild and Severe Depression
Authors: Singh Soni , Tiwari Sunita , Ali Wahid , Singh Shraddha
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Depression is associated with increased serum C-Reactive Protein (CRP) levels in circulation. Inflammatory response is established as an important factor in the pathophysiology of depressive disorders. Increased levels of CRP are associated with Cardiovascular diseases. Aim: The objective of the present study was to assess the changes in circulating CRP level according to severity of depression. Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in Physiology Department of KGMU, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India, with time duration of one year. Study group comprised of 40 drug naïve depressive patients between the age group of 18-40 years enrolled in the study. Diagnosis of depression was based on International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10). Patients were divided into two groups (mild depression and severe depression) on the basis of severity of depression accessed via Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (Ham-D). Serum CRP levels were accessed on both groups by commercially available ELISA kit. Results: Statistically insignificant relationship was seen when age (p=0.14), Blood Pressure (BP) {Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) (p=0.102) and Diastolic Blood Presure (DBP) (p=0.270)}, Body Mass Index (BMI) (p=0.539) were compared with both mild and severe depression group. Serum CRP levels and both the depression group (mild depression and severe depression) showed statistically significant relationship (p=0.015). Conclusion: It can be concluded that there exist a significant association of serum CRP levels with severity of depression. Patients with severe depression have lower levels of CRP as compared to patients with mild depressive symptoms.
Direct Detection of Extended Spectrum β-Lactamases from Positive Blood Cultures by using Aztreonam and Clavulanate
Authors: Francis Renji , Rangaiah Ambica , Rangappa Kusuma Gowdra , Venugopal Shwetha Jinnahalli
Published: July 2021

Introduction: Bacterial Sepsis by Multidrug Resistant Gram Negative Bacilli (MDRGNB) producing Extended Spectrum β-Lactamases (ESBL) is one of the major causes of mortality and morbidity in hospitals. Early detection of ESBLs directly from positive blood cultures can reduce mortality. The phenotypic detection of ESBLs is difficult as they may be masked by the co-production of additional enzymes like AmpC. This can be overcome by using an Aztreonam Discs With and Without Clavulanate (AO/CL) method. Aim: To identify ESBLs directly from the positive blood cultures by using AO/CL disc diffusion method and to detect the genes coding for ESBL enzymes by conventional Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR). Materials and Methods: A prospective study was conducted over a period of five months (October 2020-February 2021). A total of 100 positive blood cultures showing Gram-negative bacilli on Gram stain was subjected to direct detection of ESBLs by using Cefotaxime (CTX), Ceftazidime (CAZ) discs with and without clavulanate and AO/CL. Isolates from positive blood culture were identified to genus and species level by VITEK-2 compact. Isolates were tested for ESBL production by CAZ/CTX with and without clavulanate disc diffusion method as recommended by CLSI. PCR was carried out to detect target genes responsible for ESBL production such as CTX–M, TEM, SHV genes. Statistical analysis was done by using MS Excel sheet. Descriptive statistics like percentage calculation was done in the study. Results: Out of 100 positive blood cultures showing Gram Negative Bacteria (GNB) on Gram stain, 33 were positive for ESBL production by direct disc diffusion method. Out of these, 27 ESBL producers were detected by CAZ/CTX with and without clavulanate disc diffusion method and AO/CL method whereas six ESBL producers were detected by AO/CL disc diffusion method only. A 27 culture isolates were found positive for ESBL production by CAZ/CTX with and without clavulanate disc diffusion method as recommended by Clinical and Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI). Out of 33, 28 (85%) isolates possessed one of the target genes for ESBL production such as 10TEM (36%), 10CTX-M (36%), 07TEM+CTX M (25%), 01SHV (3%). Conclusion: Direct detection of ESBLs plays a significant role in management of sepsis. It helps the clinician in escalation and de-escalation of antibiotics and prevents the development of antimicrobial resistance. It contributes towards antibiotic stewardship and better compliance to infection prevention and control protocols. AO/CL method is preferred to detect ESBL producers directly from positive blood culture bottles.