bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Novel Dual Band Frequency Selective Surface and its Applications on the Gain Improvements of Compact UWB Monopole Antenna
Authors: Rai Vikas Kumar , Kumar Mithilesh
Published: October 2023

In this work, a highly directional ultra-wideband (UWB) microstrip patch antenna as a single-element is suggested. The proposed antenna’s gain is enhanced with a novel dual-band frequency selective surface (FSS) placed beneath it. The FSS design has a hexagonal structure with meander line inductances and a capacitance-like structure connecting all of the corners to the middle. There is no metallic layer on the other side of the substrate, which shows transmission zeros at 4.95 GHz and 12.7 GHz, and a modified U-shaped monopole antenna is developed. First, the performance characteristics of the antenna and FSS are analyzed from the simulation results, and they are validated experimentally after fabrication, followed by measurement. The compact configuration comprises an antenna loaded with the proposed FSS results S11 less than -10 dB from 3.15 GHz to 22.65 GHz, covering the UWB band together with the X, Ku-band with a bandwidth of 19.5 GHz (151.16% FBW). The antenna’s overall physical dimensions would be 38.8 mm×38.8 mm×25.2 mm (0.407λo×0.407λo×0.265λo), with λo denoting the lowest frequency’s free-space wavelength. The FSS loading results in a 9.9 dBi maximum gain at 10 GHz. The antenna’s small size increases bandwidth, and its high peak gain makes it ideal for use in real-time applications.
Surface Morphology and Exchange Bias Anisotropy Studies in Large Area Deposited Co2FeSi Ir50Mn50 Multi Layers For Spintronic Applications
Authors: Basumatary Himalaya , Chatterjee Payel , Raja M. Manivel
Published: October 2023

Surface morphology and magnetic properties of ferromagnetic Heusler alloy Co2FeSi thin films and their multi-layers with anti-ferromagnetic Ir50Mn50, which find applications in spintronic devices were investigated. The sputtering process flow for large area deposition of thin films on 3 inch size thermally oxidized single crystal Si(100)/SiO2 substrates have been developed by optimizing the sputtering geometry and other process parameters. A uniform film composition, thickness, smooth surface, good crystallinity and magnetic properties have been achieved in the films over 3-inch size wafers. The isotropic magnetic properties such as saturation/remanent magnetizations, coercivity were achieved in Co2FeSi films deposited on 3-inch size Si(100)/SiO2 wafers with 15 nm Cr buffer layer. An exchange bias anisotropy has been established in Co2FeSi/IrMn multilayer by magnetic annealing process using in-house made magnetic annealing set up. A maximum exchange bias anisotropy field, Hex of 178 Oe and low coercivity, Hc of 85 Oe has been achieved in the Co2FeSi/IrMn multilayer stacks suitable for magnetic tunnel junctions for spintronic applications.
Development of Tribological Coatings for Aerospace and Missile Applications
Authors: Murthy J.K.N. , Venkataraman B. , Lakshmi Gokul , Ramakrishna M.
Published: October 2023

Tribological coatings play a key role in enhancing the performance and service life of engineering systems and components. Over the years, DMRL has worked extensively in studying various aspects of tribological coatings used in aerospace and missile propulsion systems where harsh and hostile environments prevail. The coatings have been deposited mostly by thermal spray processes for these applications. The studies have been done to understand the relationship between microstructure, mechanical properties and tribological behaviour of coatings. In this work, a cermet coating based on carbide to resist wear and an abradable coating based on cobalt alloy to control clearance between the blade tip and shroud for gas turbine aeroengine application and a low friction coating developed for a missile application will be discussed.
Design Validation and Reliability Assurance of Electronic Systems Using the Next Generation RGT Models
Authors: Basha Mustaq , Ware Nilesh R.
Published: October 2023

Arrhenius Accelerated Growth Model (AAGT) is the next generation accelerated testing models used for design validation and reliability assurance of electronics systems. These models are used in design and manufacturing phases towards reliability enhancement of the system respectively. AAGT Models uses Highly Accelerated Stresses for screening of the components towards uncovering Compared to traditional qualification test methods, design flaws, latent defects, component selection problems, and manufacturing flaws can be detected fast. The procedure includes thermal dwells and quick temperature changes while subjecting the test unit to increasing degrees of stress. Dynamic stresses (Pseudo-Random Vibration covering all 6DOF systems) and a combination of thermal and dynamic PSD stresses towards quickly precipitating inherent/hidden defects quickly. These Accelerated models used to qualify modern active array radar modules like Transmit Receive Modules (TRMs) which will be in large numbers and It will be difficult and time-consuming to filter these modules individually using the traditional way. To increase the quality and dependability of electronic devices, much accelerated life tests have been extensively adopted. However, extremely accelerated life tests may only be used as a qualitative approach to assess a product's dependability; they cannot be used to quantify a product's reliability, such as MTBF/MTTF. Consequently, in order to efficiently assess the level of product reliability while improving product reliability in a timely manner. HALT/HASS uses Arrhenius Accelerated Growth Model that is an effective technique used for screening of the module with in short period. This paper discuss in detail with a case study on active array modules deliberating about the test methodology, challenges faced during Using Arrhenius accelerated test models, rapid testing and assessment of these Four channel TRMs used for airborne Fire Control Radar for combat operations.
Redução de desperdícios em processos produtivos
Authors: Dantas Daniel Henrique da Silva , Justa Marcelo Augusto Oliveira da , Lago Neto João Caldas do , Coelho Moisés Israel Belchior de Andrade
Published: October 2023

O estudo trata da redução de desperdícios em processos produtivos, tendo como enfoque o caso da digitalização de instruções de trabalho numa empresa do Polo Industrial de Manaus (PIM). No que se refere aos procedimentos metodológicos, o estudo é bibliográfico, exploratório e explicativo, tendo o estudo de caso como eixo estruturante. Os resultados foram percebidos mediante a comparabilidade dos cenários anterior e posterior a implementação das melhorias sugeridas. Infere-se que antes da digitalização das instruções de trabalho diversas falhas foram identificadas na indústria onde o estudo foi desenvolvido. Desperdícios de tempo e dinheiro somados com processos ineficientes e morosos corroboravam para um contexto de não conformidades e perdas de produção. Após a implantação da digitalização das instruções de trabalho, houve redução de custos, melhoria dos processos de criação, alteração e aprovação das documentações e diminuição de produtos defeituosos foram algumas das benesses alcançadas. Com a ajuda de monitores, scanners, minicomputadores e sistemas de gerenciamento, o processo de setup de produção passou a ser mais eficaz. Houve também melhoria no fluxo de tarefas pertinentes as instruções de trabalho, o qual ficou sob a responsabilidade do setor de Engenharia de Processos. Já o controle da digitalização das instruções no processo produtivo ficou a cargo do departamento de Produção. O estudo conclui que o projeto de digitalização de instruções de trabalho gerou vantagens operacionais e financeiras, resultados estes que justificam a solução de problemas à luz da melhoria contínua e da busca pela excelência em processos fabris.
Palavras-chave: Ganhos operacionais; Ganhos financeiros; Excelência em Processos.
Causes and effects of coastal dunes erosion during storm surge Axel in January 2017 on the southern Baltic Polish coast
Authors: Łabuz Tomasz Arkadiusz
Published: October 2023

The study is dedicated to researching the storm surge Axel, the largest on the South Baltic coast in the 20th and 21st centuries. This unique event resulted in a very large erosion along the whole Polish Baltic Sea coast in January 2017 (max. HSL = 1.65 m, the average for the coast 1.36 m). Storm surge effects on the coast were followed based on field observations of dune retreat and analysis of hydrodynamic and meteorological parameters of the surge and its passage through the Baltic Sea. The material of dune erosion was collected based on cross-shore profiling of almost every 1 km, along the whole Polish sand barrier coast, before and after this storm. The work also studies the parameters of smaller storm surges from the end of 2016, which caused the lowering of beaches and dune erosion. A relationship was observed between erosion, and beach height and sea level (SL). The higher the beach, the lower the erosion that occurred. The average dune toe retreat was 5.1 m, and the largest exceeded 9–19 m (max. 42 m). The most important for dune erosion was the height of run-up, beach height and shore exposition for a surge. The largest dune erosion was observed during the heaviest SL with wave run-up higher than 3.8 m above mean sea level (AMSL). Each coast section was eroded, which also caused losses in infrastructure.
Inventory and assessment of geosites and geodiversity sites of the Ait Attab syncline (M’goun unesco Geopark, Morocco) to stimulate geoconservation, geotourism and sustainable development
Authors: Louz Elhassan , Rais Jamila , Barakat Ahmed , Barka Abdellah Ait , Nadem Samir
Published: October 2023

The Ait Attab syncline, in the southwestern part of the Moroccan Central High Atlas (CHA), is a vast basin characterised by an exceptional geodiversity illustrating the complete sedimentary series in the CHA. This series offers the opportunity to study regional palaeogeography, transgressive and regressive megasequences, Jurassic-Cretaceous volcanism and Atlas tectonics, and various fossils, including dinosaur footprints. The study area also harbours considerable landscape and cultural wealth that can play a significant role in sustainable geotourism and geoeducation development. To promote and protect this geoheritage wealth, the present work provides the first quantitative and qualitative inventory of geosites of interest by adopting Brilha’s (2016) method. Thus, 3 geotrails covering 8 geosites and 11 geodiversity sites have been selected. The evaluation of these sites confirms their scientific and educational importance, which helps understand the geological, tectonic and palaeogeographical evolution of the Ait Attab syncline. The tourist value of these sites is also high, explained by the high interpretative potential of the geosites and their location as a gateway to the M’Goun Unesco geopark. The degradation risk assessment showed that most of these sites have a medium risk, except for palaeontological and magmatic sites, which have a high degradation risk.
The change and variability of snow cover in Kraków in a 100-year observation series
Authors: Piotrowicz Katarzyna , Falarz Małgorzata
Published: October 2023

This article presents the results of research on the changes and variability of snow cover in Kraków in the 100-year period 1921/22–2020/21 and in its two sub-periods covering the years of the slow and rapid territorial, urban and industrial development of Kraków (respectively, 1921/22–1960/61 and 1961/62–2020/21). The long-term variability of the number of days with snow cover, the maximum depth of the snow layer, the dates of the beginning and end of snow cover duration in the winter season, the potential snow cover duration and the index of snow cover stability were analysed. The directions of changes in the snow cover in the last 100 winter seasons in Kraków correspond to the global changes in air temperature presented in the latest IPCC reports: until the end of the 1950s there were no significant trends, or only small trends were observed, whereas from the beginning of the 1960s faster changes in the snow cover duration and maximum seasonal snow depth have been visible. In the last 60 years (1961/62–2020/21), the impact of global changes in Kraków has been joined by the impact of territorial, demographic and industrial development of the city, causing significant negative trends in snow cover with relative values of less than −9% ∙ 10 years−1, both in the case of snow cover duration and its maximum depth in the winter season; these changes are statistically significant. Throughout the whole 100-year period (1921/22–2020/21) and in its second part (1961/62–2020/21), a decrease in snow cover stability has also been observed.
Analysis of built-up classes in urbanised zones using radar images
Authors: Pluto-Kossakowska Joanna , Giczan Joanna
Published: October 2023

This paper presents the results of a study to determine the potential of radar imaging to detect classes of built-up areas defined in the Urban Atlas (UA) spatial database. The classes are distinguished by function and building density. In addition to the reflectance value itself, characteristics such as building density or spatial layout can improve the identification of these classes. In order to increase the classification possibilities and better exploit the potential of radar imagery, a grey-level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) was generated to analyse the texture of built-up classes. Two types of synthetic-aperture radar (SAR) images from different sensors were used as test data: Sentinel-1 and ICEYE, which were selected for their different setup configurations and parameters. Classification was carried out using the Random Forests (RF) and Minimum Distance (MD) methods. The use of the MD classifier resulted in an overall accuracy of 64% and 51% for Sentinel-1 and ICEYE, respectively. In ICEYE, individual objects (e.g. buildings) are better recognised than classes defined by their function or density, as in UA classes. Sentinel-1 performed better than ICEYE, with its texture images better complementing the features of urban area classes. This remains a significant challenge due to the complexity of urban areas in defining and characterising urban area classes. Automatic acquisition of training fields directly from UA is problematic and it is therefore advisable to independently obtain reference data for built-up area categories.
Koncept „woda” jako wyznacznik idiostylu w małej prozie Josepha Conrada
Authors: Wilczyńska Tetiana , Wilczyński Ołeksandr
Published: October 2023

Artykuł poświęcony jest analizie konceptu „woda” w krótkiej prozie słynnego brytyjskiego pisarza polskiego pochodzenia, urodzonego w Ukrainie, Josepha Conrada. Celem badań było opracowanie lingwokognitywnego charakteru konceptu „woda” jako wyznacznika idiostylu autora. Badania potwierdziły, że nowe podejścia naukowe (lingwokognitywne, lingwokulturowe, lingwokonceptualne) otwierają szerokie możliwości głębszego zrozumienia fenomenu Josepha Conrada, pozwalają na rozumienie zarówno postaci samego autora, jak i kluczowych pojęć w jego twórczości w nowej perspektywie. W trakcie analizy ustalono, że koncept „woda” w utworach pisarza jest poznawczo wieloaspektowy, polisemantyczny oraz nacechowany aksjologicznie. O specyfice jego lingwalizacji świadczy rozbudowany system nominacji jego oznaczenia, liczne znaczenia pojęciowe oraz ambiwalentny charakter konceptualizowanego pojęcia, co potwierdza wagę odpowiedniego obrazu w idiostylu pisarza i pomaga czytelnikowi modelować obraz autora, aby uświadomić sobie znaczenie jego życiowego doświadczenia i lepiej zrozumieć przedstawione wydarzenia. Wszystko to daje podstawy do wniosku, że koncept „woda” jest istotną cechą idiostylu pisarza w krótkiej prozie Josepha Conrada.
Gatunkowa oraz stylistyczna specyfika twórczości Maksa Kidruka
Authors: Rzekiecka Gabriela
Published: October 2023

W artykule przedstawiono analizę gatunkowej oraz stylistycznej specyfiki twórczości ukraińskiego pisarza Maksa Kidruka na przykładzie powieści Nie patrz wstecz i milcz oraz Zanim światło nie zgaśnie na zawsze. Stwierdzono, że przedstawiciel najmłodszej generacji literatury ukraińskiej umiejętnie transformuje elementy różnych gatunków i łączy je w swojej prozie, zatem trudno jednoznacznie określić istotę gatunkową jego utworów. Owe transformacje są cechą charakterystyczną oryginalnego stylu autorskiego, który wciąż pozostaje niedostatecznie zbadany. W utworach tego pisarza zaprezentowane są takie jednostki leksykalne, jak onimy, terminy, ekspresywna leksyka (barbaryzmy, egzotyzmy, wulgaryzmy itp.). Ponadto w badanych tekstach prawie nie ma opisów, pojawiają się obrazy-symbole czy nawet przypisy i załączniki. Twórczość Maksa Kidruka może służyć jako źródło dalszych badań zarówno z zakresu stylistyki językowej, jak i literaturoznawstwa.
Wojna za strefą walki albo czy jest możliwa ucieczka od traumy (według powieści Haśki Szyjan "Za plecami")
Authors: Puchońska Oksana
Published: October 2023

Podejmowane w kulturze ukraińskiej próby refleksji oraz przepracowania traumatycznego doświadczenia totalitarnej przeszłości są uwidaczniane w pojawiających się ostatnio tekstach literackich. Większość z nich odzwierciedla najbardziej aktualne problemy teraźniejszości w świetle doświadczeń traumatycznych, spowodowanych radziecką polityką represyjną wobec narodu ukraińskiego w XX wieku. Dzisiejsza wojna rosyjsko-ukraińska, która rozpoczęła się w Donbasie w 2014 roku, jest niczym innym, jak walką przeciwko narzuconej przez Rosję wizji tożsamości oraz próbą odzyskania przez Ukraińców właściwego obrazu pamięci historycznej. Ta kwestia jest poruszana na różnych poziomach przez przedstawicieli różnych pokoleń. Jednak dla generacji najmłodszej stanowi chyba największe wyzwanie, o czym dobitnie świadczy analizowana w artykule powieść Haśki Szyjan Za plecami. W tej powieści obserwujemy rzeczywistość poprzez spojrzenie młodej dziewczyny, która próbuje odzyskać równowagę psychiczną po bezpośrednim doświadczeniu wojny.
ROMO1 – a potential immunohistochemical prognostic marker for cancer development
Authors: Tsoneva Eva , Vasileva-Slaveva Mariela B. , Kostov Stoyan G. , Yordanov Angel D.
Published: October 2023

Reactive Oxygen Species Modulator 1 (ROMO1) was first discovered in 2006, and its structural characteristics were elucidated by Lee et al. in 2018. This novel protein resides in the inner mitochondrial membrane and exerts control over the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) by modulating membrane potential and permeability. ROS, in turn, plays a multifaceted role in cancer progression: at low concentrations, it serves as a critical player in cell signaling, influencing tumor suppression and immune system maintenance; at moderate concentrations, it promotes cancer progression, while high concentrations induce apoptosis. ROMO1, as a key regulator of intracellular ROS, significantly impacts cancer cell invasion and growth. Existing literature demonstrates that overexpression of ROMO1 is strongly associated with lymph node metastasis and a dismal prognosis in cancer patients, making it a promising prognostic factor for solid malignant tumors. ROMO1 can be investigated by various methods including immunohistochemistry (IHC) which is one very suitable method in our opinion.
Promoting antibacterial activity of polyurethane blend films by regulating surface-enrichment of SiO2 bactericidal agent
Authors: Li Guanglong , Shi Shenwei , Zhang Lexing , Li Ting , Wang Yang , Dong Weifu
Published: October 2023

Polyurethane (PU) blended with nano-bactericidal agents was one of the most ways to obtain PU with antimicrobial properties. However, the bactericidal agent nanoparticles cannot effectively enrich the PU surface to reduce their antimicrobial properties. In this study, nano-silica particles with a large number of polar quaternary ammonium salt (N,N-dimethyl-3-aminopropyl-12-alkyl-ammonium bromide trimethylsilyl, denoted as QAC) can easily enrich the PU surface to endow PU with excellent antibacterial properties after they were blended with PU film. The QAC on the surface of silica with different diameters (denoted as SiO2-Q-X) can endow silica with antimicrobial properties and improve the repulsion between silica and PU to enhance the enrichment on PU surface of silica. A series of SiO2-Q-X/PU blend films were prepared and applied to inhibit the growth of the bacterial colony. The SiO2-Q-X/PU films can inhibit the growth of Gram-negative Escherichia coli and Gram-positive Staphylococcus epidermidis. The SiO2-Q-X with more polar QAC was easily enriched on the surface of PU and had a better bactericidal effect than those of SiO2-Q-X with a minor polar QAC. Moreover, the aging of the SiO2-Q-X/PU films did not affect their antibacterial effect.
Convergence at Poverty Point: a revised chronology of the Late Archaic Lower Mississippi Valley
Authors: Grooms Seth B. , Ward Grace M.V. , Kidder Tristram R.
Published: October 2023

The Poverty Point site, located in the Lower Mississippi Valley of the south-eastern United States, is commonly considered a centre of innovation that exported new material culture, practices and identity to presumably contemporaneous sites in the region. Recent radiocarbon data, however, show that Jaketown, previously interpreted as a peripheral expression of Poverty Point culture, is earlier than the type-site. Using the revised chronology at Jaketown as a case study, the authors argue that assuming a radial diffusion of cultural innovations biases our understanding of social change and obfuscates complex histories. Their study demonstrates how examining local sequences can challenge generalised models of regional cultural change.
Evaluation of Mechanical Performance of Asphalt Emulsion Stabilized Base Course Composed of Reclaimed Asphalt Pavement and Asphaltenes
Authors: Jhora Nusrat Nazim , Kamran Farshad , Baghaee Moghaddam Taher , Hashemian Leila
Published: October 2023

Reclaimed asphalt pavement (RAP) is a material that is produced by milling old asphalt pavement that can be mixed with virgin asphalt binder and aggregates to fabricate a recycled asphalt mixture. Using RAP in pavement structure can promote sustainability and reduce construction costs. In this study, asphaltenes, which is a waste material derived from oil sands deasphalting operation, was added as a modifier to recycled mixtures composed of different contents of RAP. A proctor test was conducted to determine the optimum fluid contents. Mix designs were performed for mixtures with 50 %, 75 %, and 100 % RAP with asphalt emulsion and different asphaltenes contents. Mechanical properties of the modified mixtures were evaluated by conducting the indirect tensile strength (ITS) test, creep compliance and strength test, indirect tensile asphalt cracking test (IDEAL-CT), and Hamburg wheel tracking test. The optimum emulsion content was determined to be 1.5 % based on sample performance using the ITS test. The results indicate that asphaltenes improves the strength up to the design-specified limits. The asphaltenes-modified samples show lower creep compliance and fracture energy (FE) values than the unmodified sample, indicating these samples are potentially more prone to cracking. Further, statistical analysis shows the difference in FE is significant at the lowest testing temperatures (−20°C). Asphaltenes-modified mixtures have greater cracking resistance at the intermediate temperature (25°C) and rutting performance at high temperature (40°C) than the unmodified mixture. However, based on FE and rutting resistance index, the improvements are not significant. Overall, the 100 % RAP mix with 1 % asphaltenes had the best tensile strength, cracking resistance, rutting resistance, and low temperature properties compared to other modified mixes.
Reward Modulates Visual Responses in the Superficial Superior Colliculus of Mice
Authors: Baruchin Liad J. , Alleman Matteo , Schröder Sylvia
Published: October 2023

The processing of sensory input is constantly adapting to behavioral demands and internal states. The drive to obtain reward, e.g., searching for water when thirsty, is a strong behavioral demand and associating the reward with its source, a certain environment or action, is paramount for survival. Here, we show that water reward increases subsequent visual activity in the superficial layers of the superior colliculus (SC), which receive direct input from the retina and belong to the earliest stages of visual processing. We trained mice of either sex to perform a visual decision task and recorded the activity of neurons in the SC using two-photon calcium imaging and high-density electrophysiological recordings. Responses to visual stimuli in around 20% of visually responsive neurons in the superficial SC were affected by reward delivered in the previous trial. Reward mostly increased visual responses independent from modulations due to pupil size changes. The modulation of visual responses by reward could not be explained by movements like licking. It was specific to responses to the following visual stimulus, independent of slow fluctuations in neural activity and independent of how often the stimulus was previously rewarded. Electrophysiological recordings confirmed these results and revealed that reward affected the early phase of the visual response around 80 ms after stimulus onset. Modulation of visual responses by reward, but not pupil size, significantly improved the performance of a population decoder to detect visual stimuli, indicating the relevance of reward modulation for the visual performance of the animal.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTTo learn which actions lead to food, water, or safety, it is necessary to integrate the receiving of reward with sensory stimuli related to the reward. Cortical stages of sensory processing have been shown to represent stimulus-reward associations. Here, we show, however, that reward influences neurons at a much earlier stage of sensory processing, the superior colliculus (SC), receiving direct input from the retina. Visual responses were increased shortly after the animal received the water reward, which led to an improved stimulus signal in the population of these visual neurons. Reward modulation of early visual responses may thus improve perception of visual environments predictive of reward.
Structural Adaptation Triggers in the CAP: Regional Implementation 2007–2013 in the East Midlands, England
Authors: Buelow Franca Angela , Brower Ann
Published: October 2023

This case study explores how policy structures support agricultural adaptation. Using the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) reforms of 2007–2013, this case study analyses regional implementation in the East Midlands, England. We investigate how the structures of CAP implementation and supporting regional policies might enhance adaptive capacity and resilience building. Methods include a review of the policy, qualitative analysis of policy structures as well as linguistic analysis of policy documents. The case study is an exercise of looking back to look forward—an approach to understand the preconditions for today’s decision-making structures, which have changed tremendously due to Brexit as well as new climate agreements and policies. It provides insights into the starting point of climate adaptation structures for agricultural adaptation decisions that are relevant in the gradual layering of climate change concerns into agricultural reforms after the 2007–2013 reforms of CAP. The article provides insight into (a) what kind of regulatory aspects promote adaptation the agricultural sector (b) if the implementation of the agricultural policy is characterized by adaptive governance as defined in the social-ecological systems and resilience literature. It further examines to what extent such governance arrangements can (c) result in adaptive capacity structures and, finally (d) lead to assumptions on resilience promotion.
CLASSIFICATION OF SKIN LESIONS USING MULTI-TASK DEEP NEURAL NETWORKS
Authors: Tymchenko Borys I. , Marchenko Philip O. , Khvedchenya Eugene M. , Spodarets Dmitry V.
Published: October 2023

Skin cancer is the most prevalent type of cancer disease. The most of skin cancer deaths are caused by melanoma, despite being the least common skin cancer. Early and accurate detection and treatment is the best healing, however detection of this type of malignancy in the early stages is not obvious. Data-driven solutions for malignant melanomas detection can make treatment more effective. Convolutional neural networks have been successfully applied in different areas of computer vision, also in the classification of cancer types and stages. But in most cases, images are not enough to reach robust and accurate classification. Such metadata as sex, age, nationality, etc. could also be applied inside the models. In this paper, we propose an end-to-end method for the classification of melanoma stage using convolutional neural networks from an RGB photo and persons' metadata. Also, we provide a method of semi-supervised segmentation of the region of melanoma appearance. From the experimental results, the proposed method demonstrates stable results and learns good general features. The main advantage of this method is that it increases generalization and reduces variance by using an ensemble of the networks, pretrained on a large dataset, and fine-tuned on the target dataset. This method reaches ROC-AUC of 0.93 on 10982 unique unseen images.
INTERACTIVE SHAPE MODELING USING FUNCTIONALLYDEFINED OBJECTS
Authors: Romanyuk Olexandr N. , Vyatkin Sergey I. , Mykhaylov Pavlo I. , Chekhmestruk Roman Y.
Published: October 2023

Creating digital models is a complex task in computer graphics. Animation developers usually use two methods. The models are either sculpted from a traditional material such as clay or plasticine, and then the model must be digitized. Models can alsobe created using one of several commercial (or custom) modeling systems, such as MAYA or SoftImage. Since clay can be molded to create smooth surfaces and precise details, most designers very often use this method. It would be useful to give users the same opportunity as modeling from clay or plasticine, but in virtual space. So that the designer can deform the work piece, add details, and remove unnecessary parts. In addition, virtual shopping malls, virtual worlds, scientific visualization, design, construction, and so on,require huge costs to transmit three-dimensional geometric data over the network. This requires a compact description of three-dimensional objects.Considering these requirements, methods were developed with the following features. Innovations in the interactive modeling interface that take advantage of functional model assignment. This is the orientation and positioning of the sculpting tool relative to the surface.The paper describes the interactive modeling of deformation forms of models based on perturbation functions. Such objects are characterized by a high degree of smoothness and are described by a small number of functions. They are easyto deform and create shapes similar to modeling from plasticine. The proposed method of deformation of the functionally based models with fast visualization allows to provide the interactivity and a realistic appearance of the resulting shapes. An interactive modeling of deformations is presented.The process of interactive modeling of geometric shapes defined by perturbation functions is described. A method for interactive modeling of functionally defined objects without preliminary triangulation is proposed. This allows more accurate definition of3D shapes and simplifies the modeling system. The algorithm for finding the minimum common parent for the objects, the algorithm for adding an object (perturbation) to the scene, and the algorithm for selecting the objects in the scene were developed for this purpose. A method for visual representation of free forms and analytical perturbations for interactive modeling is developed. An interactive scene editor has been created with the ability to save the result both as a scene file and as a bitmap image. The set of primitives for constructing scenes has also been expanded, and the properties of new primitives have been investigated. When creating the editor, work was done to optimize the rasterization algorithm. A method adapted for graphic processing units is used for rapid rendering of 3D models. The considered scientific problem can be used to facilitate the modeling of 3-dimensional surfaces with different types of deformations, which can be relevant for solving applied problems.
High-Cycle Fatigue Life Behaviour of Fabricated Glass Fibre-Reinforced Polymer
Authors: Loman Miminorazeansuhaila , Z.M. Hafizi  , F. Lamin
Published: October 2023

This study focuses on the fatigue behaviour analysis of glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) composite specimens under high-cycle fatigue loading conditions. Therefore, property validation is recommended in the material development process upon further investigation of the fabricated GRFP. This study aims to evaluate the behaviour of the fabricated GFRP fatigue specimen when subjected to high-cycle fatigue loads and compare it to existing studies. A GFRP fatigue test sample was fabricated using the hand layup process into a flat rectangular panel, which was then cut into a small dimension of 28×2×0.2 cm fatigue specimen. Fatigue tests were performed on five flat specimens at different constant amplitude loads or stress levels between 40% and 80% of ultimate tensile strength to obtain the stress–life curve for the fabricated GFRP. Results showed that the high-stress levels of 80% contributed to the most reduced fatigue life cycle of GFRP. This result is consistent with previous studies and lies within the published life cycle range, validating the fabricated GRFP. A new parameter called the failure modulus, or Mf, may be used to quantify a particular set of fatigue tests.
The Effect of Landing Gear Dimension Variation on the Static Strength and Dynamic Response of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV)
Authors: Son Lovely , M. Rusli  , S.P. Putra  , E. Satria
Published: October 2023

This research discusses the static and dynamic analysis of the landing gear structure of an unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV). The dimensional study is conducted to investigate the effect of landing gear dimension variation on UAVs’ static strength and dynamic response. Static analysis was performed with Finite Element Method (FEM) software. The dynamic response of the UAV is analyzed using a single-degree-of-freedom vibration model. Based on the static analysis results, the landing gear stiffness and strength can be increased by increasing the width and decreasing the height, radius, and length of the landing gear structure. The energy dissipation in the dynamic analysis is described by hysteresis and viscous damping model. The dynamic response simulation results show that the increase in the stiffness of the landing gear leads to an increase in force transmission and acceleration of the UAV. Furthermore, the UAV response using the viscous damping model can accurately predict the system’s response with the hysteretic damping model for small damping conditions. However, the deviation was observed for large damping conditions.
Decreased hepatic thyroid hormone signaling in systemic and liver-specific but not brain-specific accelerated aging due to DNA repair deficiency in mice
Authors: Barnhoorn Sander , Meima Marcel E , Peeters Robin P , Darras Veerle M , Leeuwenburgh Selmar , Hoeijmakers Jan H J , Vermeij Wilbert P , Visser W Edward
Published: October 2023

Background

Thyroid hormone signaling is essential for development, metabolism, and response to stress but declines during aging, the cause of which is unknown. DNA damage accumulating with time is a main cause of aging, driving many age-related diseases. Previous studies in normal and premature aging mice, due to defective DNA repair, indicated reduced hepatic thyroid hormone signaling accompanied by decreased type 1 deiodinase (DIO1) and increased DIO3 activities. We investigated whether aging-related changes in deiodinase activity are driven by systemic signals or represent cell- or organ-autonomous changes.

Methods

We quantified liver and plasma thyroid hormone concentrations, deiodinase activities and expression of T3-responsive genes in mice with a global, liver-specific and for comparison brain-specific inactivation of Xpg, one of the endonucleases critically involved in multiple DNA repair pathways.

Results

Both in global and liver-specific Xpg knockout mice, hepatic DIO1 activity was decreased. Interestingly, hepatic DIO3 activity was increased in global, but not in liver-specific Xpg mutants. Selective Xpg deficiency and premature aging in the brain did not affect liver or systemic thyroid signaling. Concomitant with DIO1 inhibition, Xpg
−/− and Alb-Xpg mice displayed reduced thyroid hormone-related gene expression changes, correlating with markers of liver damage and cellular senescence.

Conclusions

Our findings suggest that DIO1 activity during aging is predominantly modified in a tissue-autonomous manner driven by organ/cell-intrinsic accumulating DNA damage. The increase in hepatic DIO3 activity during aging largely depends on systemic signals, possibly reflecting the presence of circulating cells rather than activity in hepatocytes.
A 20-year study of autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type II and III in Taiwan
Authors: Tseng Hsu-Hua , Lin Yen-Bo , Lin Kuan-Yu , Lin Chia-Hung , Li Hung-Yuan , Chang Chia-Hsuin , Tung Yi-Ching , Chen Pei-Lung , Wang Chih-Yuan , Yang Wei-Shiung , Shih Shyang-Rong
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome (APS) is a rare immune-endocrinopathy characterized by the failure of at least two endocrine organs. Clinical characteristics have mainly been described in the Western population. This study comprehensively analyzed the demographic and clinical manifestations of APS II and APS III in Taiwan.

Methods

Patients aged ≥20 years with a diagnosis of APS II or APS III in ten hospitals between 2001 and 2021 were enrolled. The clinical and serological characteristics of the patients were retrospectively reviewed.

Results

Among the 187 enrolled patients (45 men and 142 women); only seven (3.7%) had APS II, while the others had APS III. Fifty-five patients developed hyperthyroidism and 44 patients developed hypothyroidism. Men were diagnosed with APS at a younger age than women (16.8 vs 27.8 years old, P = 0.007). Most patients were initially diagnosed with type 1 diabetes mellitus. There was a positive correlation between age at diagnosis and the likelihood of developing thyroid dysfunction. For every year older patients were diagnosed with APS III, the risk of developing hyperthyroidism increased by 3.6% (P = 0.002), and the risk of developing hypothyroidism increased by 3.7% (P = 0.035). Positive anti-parietal cell antibodies (APCA) were associated with a higher risk of anemia in patients with APS III (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

This study provides the most comprehensive analysis of APS II and APS III in Asia. The percentage of patients with APS II was significantly lower than in the Western population. A second autoimmune endocrinopathy may develop several years after the first one. APCA examination is valuable when evaluating anemia in patients with APS.
Dificultades para investigar sobre feminicidio en América Latina
Authors: Ospina Muñoz Doris Elena
Published: October 2023

El feminicidio en América Latina ha sido investigado desde diferentes perspectivas teóricas, dentro de las que se destacan perspectivas jurídicas y sociológicas, y se extrañan los abordajes desde las áreas de la salud, más allá de los reportes epidemiológicos. Objetivo: Identificar tendencias en la investigación sobre feminicidio en América Latina. Método: Estado del arte. Resultados: Se encontraron cinco áreas problemáticas: inconsistencia, calidad y acceso a los datos estadísticos; ambigüedad conceptual entre femicidio y feminicidio; falta de estudios sobre el perfil de víctimas y victimarios; falta de asistencia y atención a víctimas secundarias de feminicidio, y dificultades para incorporar la perspectiva de género en los sistemas jurídico, de salud y de educación. Conclusiones: Se enfatiza en la necesidad de datos confiables; la ambigüedad conceptual entre femicidio y feminicidio tiene implicaciones jurídicas y sociológicas en el abordaje del fenómeno en los ámbitos educativos y de formación profesional para la atención de los casos de violencia hacia las mujeres; aunque no hay consenso, hay una tendencia a considerar que los perfiles psico-socio-demográficos de víctimas y victimarios ayudarían en la prevención, resocialización y evaluación pericial de los casos; la escasez de programas de atención a víctimas secundarias del feminicidio limita la comprensión de la experiencia de las personas afectadas.
Las humanidades y el malestar en el mundo: editorial para una publicación miscelánea
Authors: Mendoza Torres Johan , Echeverry Gaviria Santiago , Rodríguez Torres Denix
Published: October 2023

Ahora que la Revista Análisis ha pasado por un cambio en su equipo editorial, quienes escriben esta breve pero necesaria editorial saludan cordialmente a todos sus lectores, a todos sus autores y a aquellos perspicaces estudiosos de este arte llamado humanidades.
“Quédate en México”: transformaciones en el contexto migratorio americano
Authors: Maresca Alberto
Published: October 2023

El contexto mexicano es fundamental para examinar la diversidad de los movimientos migratorios en el continente americano. Este artículo adopta un enfoque multidisciplinar para analizar cómo los actores estatales, y por tanto los gobiernos de Estados Unidos y México, producen ciertas iniciativas que afectan directamente al estudio de caso que aquí se presenta, a saber, la migración de Guatemala a México. Pero es esencial aportar un profundo análisis propio de la sociología de la migración para comprender cómo, para los migrantes guatemaltecos, existen aspectos beneficiosos al optar por emigrar a México sin continuar el viaje hacia Estados Unidos. Este fenómeno supone una transformación para México en el contexto de la migración. Entonces, el país puede ser considerado como un estado de origen, tránsito y destino al mismo tiempo. El discurso político tanto de las recientes administraciones estadounidenses de Trump y Biden, como el del actual presidente mexicano Andrés Manuel López Obrador, debe considerarse como uno de los factores causales del desvío de la migración guatemalteca. Mientras que en EEUU ciertos dispositivos de restricción migratoria como el Título 8 y el Título 42 ejemplifican el rigor institucional respecto a la inmigración, por otro lado, Andrés Manuel López Obrador (AMLO) instrumentaliza la solidaridad hacia los migrantes para obtener ciertos beneficios, en ocasiones inherentes a la economía mexicana. Y mientras que en la polarizada sociedad estadounidense los migrantes no suelen ser bienvenidos, el humanitarismo de la población mexicana alimenta la inmigración procedente de Guatemala. Este último movimiento migratorio, que se define como intra-Sur al corresponder a dos países pertenecientes al Sur Global dentro de América Latina, es decir, México y Guatemala, también resulta propiciado por afinidades sociolingüísticas y culturales que unen a mexicanos y guatemaltecos. Partiendo tanto de la literatura académica estadounidense y de las perspectivas neoliberales asociadas, que analizan el fenómeno migratorio en función de los problemas que acarrea a Estados Unidos, así como de las teorías humanitaristas y latinoamericanistas vinculadas a los estudios migratorios producidos en América Latina, se propone un análisis de causas iniciales y motivos de la continuación del desvío de la migración guatemalteca. De esta forma, es posible comprender a fondo qué lleva a los guatemaltecos a establecerse en México y cuáles son las diferencias con la tradicional migración Sur-Norte con destino a los Estados Unidos.
Changes in muscle tone in 36-46 year olds after spine injuries under the influence of therapeutic physical education
Authors:   Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University named after Mykhailo Kotsyubynskyi, Sulima A.S. , Nasalskyi M.D. ,   Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University named after Mykhailo Kotsyubynskyi, Zdebskyi O.O. ,   Vinnytsia State Pedagogical University named after Mykhailo Kotsyubynskyi
Published: October 2023

Spinal cord injury is one of the most difficult problems of modern neurosurgery. According to statistics, there are about 3,000 people with this disease in Ukraine every year. The causes of cervical spinal cord injury are traffic accidents, domestic and industrial injuries. Therefore, the main task of doctors at the current stage is the creation of physical rehabilitation programs for the successful treatment and rehabilitation of this contingent of patients. The purpose of the study is to study the changes in muscle tone in persons of II mature age with spinal cord injury of the cervical region under the influence of therapeutic physical education. Material and methods: 27 people (10 women and 17 men) with this injury participated in the study. The age of the patients is 36-46 years. The degree of spasticity was determined according to the modified 6-point Ashforth spasticity scale. Results: All patients were divided into two groups: control (13 people) and main (14 people). The physical therapy classes developed by us contributed to the reduction of spasticity of the studied muscles. Thus, the level of spasticity of the calf and soleus muscles, adductor muscles, and quadriceps muscle in the subjects of the main group is two times lower than in the patients of the control group. Conclusions. Therefore, the results of our research indicate that physical therapy exercises contribute to the reduction of muscle spasticity.
The attitude of highly qualified athletes to the means of restoring the body in the conditions of the educational and training process
Authors:   Lviv State University of Physical Culture named after Ivan Boberskyi, Guziy O.V. , Magliovanyi A.V. ,   Lviv National Medical University named after Danylo Halytskyi, Romanchuk O.P. ,   Lviv State University of Physical Culture named after Ivan Boberskyi, Trach V.M. ,   Lviv State University of Physical Culture named after Ivan Boberskyi
Published: October 2023

The recovery of athletes in the educational and training process is important for increasing the level of training and preventing the development of states of overstrain and overtraining. Purpose: To determine the attitude of highly qualified athletes to the use of means of body recovery in the educational and training process. Material and methods: 202 highly qualified male athletes aged 22.6±2.8 years, who are representatives of acyclic sports, were interviewed. The experience of playing sports was 10.3±3.1 years. In combination with other research methods, a questionnaire was conducted. The questionnaire included 4 blocks of questions, one of which characterized the attitude of athletes to recovery procedures. Results: it is shown that during recovery athletes prefer sauna (46% - occasionally and 23.3% - often), water treatments (41.6% - occasionally and 22.3% - often) and massage (45.5% - periodically and 9.9% - often). Athletes very rarely use kinesiotherapy (15.9%) and restorative self-training (9.9%). A positive attitude towards the use of recovery tools is associated with the age of the athletes (r = 0.231, p = 0.020) and the experience of their classes (r = 0.294, p = 0.003). Athletes with impaired work capacity, a feeling of increased excitability, superficial sleep, and a feeling of heaviness in the working muscles are prone to use the sauna. The use of massage is preferred by athletes with a feeling of increased excitability, apathy, mood swings and a feeling of fatigue the morning after training. Conclusion: the survey showed an understanding of insufficient organization of the recovery process, when active means of recovery are not used enough, despite the fact that they have significant opportunities to prevent the development of overstrain and overtraining.