bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The ‘PRICE’ of Physical Activity Referral Schemes (PARS): Stakeholders’ Recommendations for Delivering Quality Care to Patients
Authors: Albert Francis A. , Malau-Aduli Aduli E. O. , Crowe Melissa J. , Malau-Aduli Bunmi S.
Published: August 2021

Evidence-based strategies are needed to curb the growing cases of physical inactivity related morbidities. Delivering holistic care through collaborative shared decision making could boost the effectiveness of physical activity referral schemes (PARS) and foster the quality of care for patients with multimorbidity. A qualitative study involving semi-structured telephone interviews was utilised to gain insights from Australian PARS stakeholders (general practitioners, exercise physiologists, and patients). A pluralistic evaluation approach was employed to explore and integrate participants’ opinions and experiences of PARS and their recommendations were used to develop a model for quality care delivery in PARS initiatives. Five overarching themes: promote, relate, incentivise, communicate, and educate were identified as the ‘PRICE’ for developing effective and functional PARS programmes that foster quality patient care. It was evident that PARS programmes or policies aimed at optimising publicity, encouraging incentives, improving interdisciplinary information sharing and professional relationships between patients and healthcare professionals can transform healthcare delivery and provide top quality PARS care services to patients. Therefore, governments, healthcare systems, and PARS administrators can translate and leverage the insights from this study to optimise the delivery of high quality care to PARS patients.
Structural Contour Map of the Iota Carbonic Anhydrase from the Diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana Using a Multiprong Approach
Authors: Jensen Erik L. , Receveur-Brechot Véronique , Hachemane Mohand , Wils Laura , Barbier Pascale , Parsiegla Goetz , Gontero Brigitte , Launay Hélène
Published: August 2021

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) are a family of ubiquitous enzymes that catalyze the interconversion of CO2 and HCO3−. The “iota” class (ι-CA) was first found in the marine diatom Thalassiosira pseudonana (tpι-CA) and is widespread among photosynthetic microalgae and prokaryotes. The ι-CA has a domain COG4875 (or COG4337) that can be repeated from one to several times and resembles a calcium–calmodulin protein kinase II association domain (CaMKII-AD). The crystal structure of this domain in the ι-CA from a cyanobacterium and a chlorarachniophyte has been recently determined. However, the three-dimensional organization of the four domain-containing tpι-CA is unknown. Using biophysical techniques and 3-D modeling, we show that the homotetrameric tpι-CA in solution has a flat “drone-like” shape with a core formed by the association of the first two domains of each monomer, and four protruding arms formed by domains 3 and 4. We also observe that the short linker between domains 3 and 4 in each monomer confers high flexibility, allowing for different conformations to be adopted. We propose the possible 3-D structure of a truncated tpι-CA containing fewer domain repeats using experimental data and discuss the implications of this atypical shape on the activity and metal coordination of the ι-CA.
Altered Follicular Fluid Metabolic Pattern Correlates with Female Infertility and Outcome Measures of In Vitro Fertilization
Authors: Lazzarino Giacomo , Pallisco Romina , Bilotta Gabriele , Listorti Ilaria , Mangione Renata , Saab Miriam , Caruso Giuseppe , Amorini Angela , Brundo Maria , Lazzarino Giuseppe , Tavazzi Barbara , Bilotta Pasquale
Published: August 2021

Nearly 40–50% of infertility problems are estimated to be of female origin. Previous studies dedicated to the analysis of metabolites in follicular fluid (FF) produced contrasting results, although some valuable indexes capable to discriminate control groups (CTRL) from infertile females (IF) and correlate with outcome measures of assisted reproduction techniques were in some instances found. In this study, we analyzed in blind FF of 35 control subjects (CTRL = patients in which inability to obtain pregnancy was exclusively due to a male factor) and 145 IF (affected by: endometriosis, n = 19; polycystic ovary syndrome, n = 14; age-related reduced ovarian reserve, n = 58; reduced ovarian reserve, n = 29; unexplained infertility, n = 14; genetic infertility, n = 11) to determine concentrations of 55 water- and fat-soluble low molecular weight compounds (antioxidants, oxidative/nitrosative stress-related compounds, purines, pyrimidines, energy-related metabolites, and amino acids). Results evidenced that 27/55 of them had significantly different values in IF with respect to those measured in CTRL. The metabolic pattern of these potential biomarkers of infertility was cumulated (in both CTRL and IF) into a Biomarker Score index (incorporating the metabolic anomalies of FF), that fully discriminated CTRL (mean Biomarker Score value = 4.00 ± 2.30) from IF (mean Biomarker Score value = 14.88 ± 3.09, p < 0.001). The Biomarker Score values were significantly higher than those of CTRL in each of the six subgroups of IF. Posterior probability curves and ROC curve indicated that values of the Biomarker Score clustered CTRL and IF into two distinct groups, based on the individual FF metabolic profile. Furthermore, Biomarker Score values correlated with outcome measures of ovarian stimulation, in vitro fertilization, number and quality of blastocysts, clinical pregnancy, and healthy offspring. These results strongly suggest that the biochemical quality of FF deeply influences not only the effectiveness of IVF procedures but also the following embryonic development up to healthy newborns. The targeted metabolomic analysis of FF (using empowered Redox Energy Test) and the subsequent calculation of the Biomarker Score evidenced a set of 27 low molecular weight infertility biomarkers potentially useful in the laboratory managing of female infertility and to predict the success of assisted reproduction techniques.
Molecular Basis of Interactions between the Antibiotic Nitrofurantoin and Human Serum Albumin: A Mechanism for the Rapid Drug Blood Transportation
Authors: Calderaro Antonella , Maugeri Alessandro , Magazù Salvatore , Laganà Giuseppina , Navarra Michele , Barreca Davide
Published: August 2021

Nitrofurantoin is an antimicrobial agent obtained through the addition of a nitro group and a side chain containing hydantoin to a furan ring. The interactions of the antibiotic with human serum albumin (HSA) have been investigated by fluorescence, UV-VIS, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, and protein-ligand docking studies. The fluorescence studies indicate that the binding site of the additive involves modifications of the environment around Trp214 at the level of subdomain IIA. Fluorescence and UV-VIS spectroscopy, displacement studies, and FTIR experiments show the association mode of nitrofurantoin to HSA, suggesting that the primary binding site of the antibiotic is located in Sudlow’s site I. Molecular modeling suggests that nitrofurantoin is involved in the formation of hydrogen bonds with Trp214, Arg218, and Ser454, and is located in the hydrophobic cavity of subdomain IIA. Moreover, the curve-fitting results of the infrared Amide I’ band indicate that the binding of nitrofurantoin induces little change in the protein secondary structure. Overall, these data clarify the blood transportation process of nitrofurantoin and its rapid transfer to the kidney for its elimination, hence leading to a better understanding of its biological effects and being able to design other molecules, based on nitrofurantoin, with a higher biological potential.
Inhibition of WHSC1 Allows for Reprogramming of the Immune Compartment in Prostate Cancer
Authors: Want Muzamil Y. , Karasik Ellen , Gillard Bryan , McGray A. J. Robert , Battaglia Sebastiano
Published: August 2021

Immunotherapy initially demonstrated promising results in prostate cancer (PCa), but the modest or negative results of many recent trials highlight the need to overcome the poor immunogenicity of this cancer. The design of effective therapies for PCa is challenged by the limited understanding of the interface between PCa cells and the immune system in mediating therapeutic resistance. Prompted by our recent observations that elevated WHSC1, a histone methyltransferase known to promote progression of numerous cancers, can silence antigen processing and presentation in PCa, we performed a single-cell analysis of the intratumoral immune dynamics following in vivo pharmacological inhibition of WHSC1 in mice grafted with TRAMP C2 cells. We observed an increase in cytotoxic T and NK cells accumulation and effector function, accompanied by a parallel remodeling of the myeloid compartment, as well as abundant shifts in key ligand–receptor signaling pathways highlighting changes in cell-to-cell communication driven by WHSC1 inhibition. This comprehensive profiling of both immune and molecular changes during the course of WHSC1 blockade deepens our fundamental understanding of how anti-tumor immune responses develop and can be enhanced therapeutically for PCa.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Alpha Effects on the Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Include Enhanced Expression of TNF Receptor 1
Authors: Droessler Linda , Cornelius Valeria , Markov Alexander G. , Amasheh Salah
Published: August 2021

Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα) has been shown to impair the intestinal barrier, inducing and maintaining inflammatory states of the intestine. The aim of the current study was to analyze functional, molecular and regulatory effects of TNFα in a newly established non-transformed jejunal enterocyte model, namely IPEC-J2 monolayers. Incubation with 1000 U/mL TNFα induced a marked decrease in transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER), and an increase in permeability for the paracellular flux marker [3H]-D-mannitol compared to controls. Immunoblots revealed a significant decrease in tight junction (TJ) proteins occludin, claudin-1 and claudin-3. Moreover, a dose-dependent increase in the TNF receptor (TNFR)-1 was detected, explaining the exponential nature of pro-inflammatory effects, while TNFR-2 remained unchanged. Recovery experiments revealed reversible effects after the removal of the cytokine, excluding apoptosis as a reason for the observed changes. Furthermore, TNFα signaling could be inhibited by the specific myosin light chain kinase (MLCK) blocker ML-7. Results of confocal laser scanning immunofluorescence microscopy were in accordance with all quantitative changes. This study explains the self-enhancing effects of TNFα mediated by MLCK, leading to a differential regulation of TJ proteins resulting in barrier impairment in the intestinal epithelium.
Prognostic Impact of Membranous/Nuclear Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor Localization in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Muroni Maria Rosaria , Ribback Silvia , Sotgiu Giovanni , Kroeger Nils , Saderi Laura , Angius Andrea , Cossu-Rocca Paolo , De Miglio Maria Rosaria
Published: August 2021

EGFR is overexpressed in the majority of clear cell renal cell carcinomas (CCRCCs). Although EGFR deregulation was found to be of great significance in CCRCC biology, the EGFR overexpression is not associated with EGFR-targeted therapy responsiveness. Moreover, the prognostic role of EGFR expression remains controversial. In the present study, we evaluated the role played by EGFR overexpression in CCRCC and its prognostic significance associated with different immunohistochemical localization patterns. In our study, the Total Score (TS) related to membranous-cytoplasmic EGFR expression showed a significant correlation with grade, pathologic stage (pT), and Stage, Size, Grade, and Necrosis (SSIGN) score, and a negative correlation with nuclear EGFR expression. No significant correlations were shown between nuclear EGFR and clinic-pathological features. Additionally, a correlation between SGLT1 expression levels and pT was described. Multivariate analysis identifies pT and SSIGN score as independent prognostic factors for CCRCC. A significantly increased survival rate was found in the case of positive expression of nuclear EGFR and SGLT1. Based on our findings, SGLT1 and nuclear EGFR overexpression defines a subgroup of CCRCC patients with good prognosis. Membranous-cytoplasmic EGFR expression was shown to be a poor prognostic factor and could define a CCRCC subgroup with poor prognosis that should be responsive to anti-EGFR therapies.
Glycerol Improves Skin Lesion Development in the Imiquimod Mouse Model of Psoriasis: Experimental Confirmation of Anecdotal Reports from Patients with Psoriasis
Authors: Choudhary Vivek , Kaddour-Djebbar Ismail , Custer Victoria E. , Uaratanawong Rawipan , Chen Xunsheng , Cohen Elyssa , Yang Rong , Ajebo Etsubdenk , Hossack Sarah , Bollag Wendy B.
Published: August 2021

Glycerol is used in many skin care products because it improves skin function. Anecdotal reports by patients on the National Psoriasis Foundation website also suggest that glycerol may be helpful for the treatment of psoriasis, although to date no experimental data confirm this idea. Glycerol entry into epidermal keratinocytes is facilitated by aquaglyceroporins like aquaporin-3 (AQP3), and its conversion to phosphatidylglycerol, a lipid messenger that promotes keratinocyte differentiation, requires the lipid-metabolizing enzyme phospholipase-D2 (PLD2). To evaluate whether glycerol inhibits inflammation and psoriasiform lesion development in the imiquimod (IMQ)-induced mouse model of psoriasis, glycerol’s effect on psoriasiform skin lesions was determined in IMQ-treated wild-type and PLD2 knockout mice, with glycerol provided either in drinking water or applied topically. Psoriasis area and severity index, ear thickness and ear biopsy weight, epidermal thickness, and inflammatory markers were quantified. Topical and oral glycerol ameliorated psoriasiform lesion development in wild-type mice. Topical glycerol appeared to act as an emollient to induce beneficial effects, since even in PLD2 knockout mice topical glycerol application improved skin lesions. In contrast, the beneficial effects of oral glycerol required PLD2, with no improvement in psoriasiform lesions observed in PLD2 knockout mice. Our findings suggest that the ability of oral glycerol to improve psoriasiform lesions requires its PLD2-mediated conversion to phosphatidylglycerol, consistent with our previous report that phosphatidylglycerol itself improves psoriasiform lesions in this model. Our data also support anecdotal evidence that glycerol can ameliorate psoriasis symptoms and therefore might be a useful therapy alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Genes as Model Genes for Genome Editing in Plants
Authors: Khusnutdinov Emil , Sukhareva Anna , Panfilova Maria , Mikhaylova Elena
Published: August 2021

CRISPR/Cas, one of the most rapidly developing technologies in the world, has been applied successfully in plant science. To test new nucleases, gRNA expression systems and other inventions in this field, several plant genes with visible phenotypic effects have been constantly used as targets. Anthocyanin pigmentation is one of the most easily identified traits, that does not require any additional treatment. It is also associated with stress resistance, therefore plants with edited anthocyanin genes might be of interest for agriculture. Phenotypic effect of CRISPR/Cas editing of PAP1 and its homologs, DFR, F3H and F3′H genes have been confirmed in several distinct plant species. DFR appears to be a key structural gene of anthocyanin biosynthesis, controlled by various transcription factors. There are still many promising potential model genes that have not been edited yet. Some of them, such as Delila, MYB60, HAT1, UGT79B2, UGT79B3 and miR156, have been shown to regulate drought tolerance in addition to anthocyanin biosynthesis. Genes, also involved in trichome development, such as TTG1, GLABRA2, MYBL2 and CPC, can provide increased visibility. In this review successful events of CRISPR/Cas editing of anthocyanin genes are summarized, and new model genes are proposed. It can be useful for molecular biologists and genetic engineers, crop scientists, plant genetics and physiologists.
Integrated Metabolomics and Proteomics Analyses in the Local Milieu of Islet Allografts in Rejection versus Tolerance
Authors: Hernandez Luis F. , Betancourt Luis R. , Nakayasu Ernesto S. , Ansong Charles , Ceballos Gerardo A. , Paredes Daniel , Abdulreda Midhat H.
Published: August 2021

An understanding of the immune mechanisms that lead to rejection versus tolerance of allogeneic pancreatic islet grafts is of paramount importance, as it facilitates the development of innovative methods to improve the transplant outcome. Here, we used our established intraocular islet transplant model to gain novel insight into changes in the local metabolome and proteome within the islet allograft’s immediate microenvironment in association with immune-mediated rejection or tolerance. We performed integrated metabolomics and proteomics analyses in aqueous humor samples representative of the graft’s microenvironment under each transplant outcome. The results showed that several free amino acids, small primary amines, and soluble proteins related to the Warburg effect were upregulated or downregulated in association with either outcome. In general, the observed shifts in the local metabolite and protein profiles in association with rejection were consistent with established pro-inflammatory metabolic pathways and those observed in association with tolerance were immune regulatory. Taken together, the current findings further support the potential of metabolic reprogramming of immune cells towards immune regulation through targeted pharmacological and dietary interventions against specific metabolic pathways that promote the Warburg effect to prevent the rejection of transplanted islets and promote their immune tolerance.
Functional Insights into Silymarin as an Antiviral Agent against Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71)
Authors: Lalani Salima , Masomian Malihe , Poh Chit Laa
Published: August 2021

Enterovirus A71 (EV-A71) is a major neurovirulent agent capable of causing severe hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) associated with neurological complications and death. Currently, no FDA-approved antiviral is available for the treatment of EV-A71 infections. The flavonoid silymarin was shown to exert virucidal effects, but the binding site on the capsid was unknown. In this study, the ligand interacting site of silymarin was determined in silico and validated in vitro. Moreover, the potential of EV-A71 to develop resistance against silymarin was further evaluated. Molecular docking of silymarin with the capsid of EV-A71 indicated that silymarin binds to viral protein 1 (VP1) of EV-A71, specifically at the GH loop of VP1. The in vitro binding of silymarin with VP1 of EV-A71 was validated using recombinant VP1 through ELISA competitive binding assay. Continuous passaging of EV-A71 in the presence of silymarin resulted in the emergence of a mutant carrying a substitution of isoleucine by threonine (I97T) at position 97 of the BC loop of EV-A71. The mutation was speculated to overcome the inhibitory effects of silymarin. This study provides functional insights into the underlying mechanism of EV-A71 inhibition by silymarin, but warrants further in vivo evaluation before being developed as a potential therapeutic agent.
The Effect of Polyethylene Glycol Addition on Wettability and Optical Properties of GO/TiO2 Thin Film
Authors: Azani Azliza , Halin Dewi Suriyani Che , Razak Kamrosni Abdul , Abdullah Mohd Mustafa Al Bakri , Nabiałek Marcin , Ramli Muhammad Mahyiddin , Abdul Razak Mohd Fairul Sharin , Sandu Andrei Victor , Sochacki Wojciech , Skrzypczak Tomasz
Published: August 2021

Modification has been made to TiO2 thin film to improve the wettability and the absorption of light. The sol-gel spin coating method was successfully used to synthesize GO/TiO2 thin films using a titanium (IV) isopropoxide (TTIP) as a precursor. Different amounts of polyethylene glycol (PEG) (20 to 100 mg) were added into the parent sol solution to improve the optical properties and wettability of the GO/TiO2 thin film. The effect of different amounts of PEG was characterized using X-ray diffraction (XRD) for the phase composition, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) for microstructure observation, atomic force microscopy (AFM) for the surface topography, ultraviolet–visible spectrophotometry (UV-VIS) for the optical properties and wettability of the thin films by measuring the water contact angle. The XRD analysis showed the amorphous phase. The SEM and AFM images revealed that the particles were less agglomerated and surface roughness increases from 1.21 × 102 to 2.63 × 102 nm when the amount of PEG increased. The wettability analysis results show that the water contact angle of the thin film decreased to 27.52° with the increase of PEG to 80 mg which indicated that the thin film has hydrophilic properties. The optical properties also improved significantly, where the light absorbance wavelength became wider and the band gap was reduced from 3.31 to 2.82 eV with the presence of PEG.
Optimization of Bio-Foamed Concrete Brick Strength via Bacteria Based Self-Healing and Bio-Sequestration of CO2
Authors: Alshalif Abdullah Faisal , Irwan J. M. , Tajarudin Husnul Azan , Othman N. , Al-Gheethi A. A. , Shamsudin S. , Altowayti Wahid Ali Hamood , Abo Sabah Saddam
Published: August 2021

This research aimed to optimize the compressive strength of bio-foamed concrete brick (B-FCB) via a combination of the natural sequestration of CO2 and the bio-reaction of B. tequilensis enzymes. The experiments were guided by two optimization methods, namely, 2k factorial and response surface methodology (RSM). The 2k factorial analysis was carried out to screen the important factors; then, RSM analysis was performed to optimize the compressive strength of B-FCB. Four factors, namely, density (D), B. tequilensis concentration (B), temperature (T), and CO2 concentration, were selectively varied during the study. The optimum compressive strength of B-FCB was 8.22 MPa, as deduced from the following conditions: 10% CO2, 3 × 107 cell/mL of B, 27 °C of T and 1800 kg/m3 of D after 28 days. The use of B. tequilensis in B-FCB improved the compressive strength by 35.5% compared to the foamed concrete brick (FCB) after 28 days. A microstructure analysis by scanning electronic microscopy (SEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD) reflected the changes in chemical element levels and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) precipitation in the B-FCB pores. This was due to the B. tequilensis surface reactions of carbonic anhydrase (CA) and urease enzyme with calcium in cement and sequestered CO2 during the curing time.
Application of Nanoindentation in the Characterization of a Porous Material with a Clastic Texture
Authors: Kasyap Sathwik S. , Senetakis Kostas
Published: August 2021

In materials science and engineering, a significant amount of research has been carried out using indentation techniques in order to characterize the mechanical properties and microstructure of a broad range of natural and engineered materials. However, there are many unresearched or partly researched areas, such as, for example, the investigation of the shape of the indentation load–displacement curve, the associated mechanism in porous materials with clastic texture, and the influence of the texture on the constitutive behavior of the materials. In the present study, nanoindentation is employed in the analysis of the mechanical behavior of a benchmark material composed of plaster of Paris, which represents a brand of highly porous-clastic materials with a complex structure; such materials may find many applications in medicine, production industry, and energy sectors. The focus of the study is directed at the examination of the influence of the porous structure on the load–displacement response in loading and unloading phases based on nanoindentation experiments, as well as the variation with repeating the indentation in already indented locations. Events such as pop-in in the loading phase and bowing out and elbowing in the unloading phase of a given nanoindentation test are studied. Modulus, hardness, and the elastic stiffness values were additionally examined. The repeated indentation tests provided validations of various mechanisms in the loading and unloading phases of the indentation tests. The results from this study provide some fundamental insights into the interpretation of the nanoindentation behavior and the viscoelastic nature of porous-clastic materials. Some insights on the influence of indentation spacing to depth ratio were also obtained, providing scope for further studies.
Long-Term Corrosion Testing of Zy-4 in a LiOH Solution under High Pressure and Temperature Conditions
Authors: Diniasi Diana , Golgovici Florentina , Marin Alexandru Horia , Negrea Aurelian Denis , Fulger Manuela , Demetrescu Ioana
Published: August 2021

The fuel cladding is one of the most important structural components for maintaining the integrity of a fuel channel and for safely exploitation of a nuclear power plant. The corrosion behavior of a fuel cladding material, Zy-4, under high pressure and temperatures conditions, was analyzed in a static isothermal autoclave under simulated primary water conditions—a LiOH solution at 310 °C and 10 MPa for up to 3024 h. After this, the oxides grown on the Zy-4 sample surface were characterized using electrochemical measurements, gravimetric analysis, metallographic analysis, SEM and XPS. The maximum oxide thicknesses evaluated by gravimetric and SEM measurements were in good agreement; both values were around 1.2 µm. The optical light microscopy (OLM) investigations identified the presence of small hydrides uniformly distributed horizontally across the alloy. EIS impedance spectra showed an increase in the oxide impedance for the samples oxidized for a long time. EIS plots has the best fit with an equivalent circuit which illustrated an oxide model that has two oxide layers: an inner oxide layer and outer layer. The EIS results showed that the inner layer was a barrier layer, and the outer layer was a porous layer. Potentiodynamic polarization results demonstrated superior corrosion resistance of the samples tested for longer periods of time. By XPS measurements we identified all five oxidation states of zirconium: Zr0 located at 178.5 eV; Zr4+ at 182.8 eV; and the three suboxides, Zr+, Zr2+ and Zr3+ at 179.7, 180.8 and 181.8 eV, respectively. The determination of Vickers microhardness completed the investigation.
Vessel Scheduling Optimization Model Based on Variable Speed in a Seaport with One-Way Navigation Channel
Authors: Liu Dongdong , Shi Guoyou , Hirayama Katsutoshi
Published: August 2021

To improve the efficiency of in-wharf vessels and out-wharf vessels in seaports, taking into account the characteristics of vessel speeds that are not fixed, a vessel scheduling method with whole voyage constraints is proposed. Based on multi-time constraints, the concept of a minimum safety time interval (MSTI) is clarified to make the mathematical formula more compact and easier to understand. Combining the time window concept, a calculation method for the navigable time window constrained by tidal height and drafts for vessels is proposed. In addition, the nonlinear global constraint problem is converted into a linear problem discretely. With the minimum average waiting time as the goal, the genetic algorithm (GA) is designed to optimize the reformulated vessel scheduling problem (VSP). The scheduling methods under different priorities, such as the first-in-first-out principle, the largest-draft-vessel-first-service principle, and the random service principle are compared and analyzed experimentally with the simulation data. The results indicate that the reformulated and simplified VSP model has a smaller relative error compared with the general priority scheduling rules and is versatile, can effectively improve the efficiency of vessel optimization scheduling, and can ensure traffic safety.
Recognizing Physical Activities for Spinal Cord Injury Rehabilitation Using Wearable Sensors
Authors: Alhammad Nora , Al-Dossari Hmood
Published: August 2021

The research area of activity recognition is fast growing with diverse applications. However, advances in this field have not yet been used to monitor the rehabilitation of individuals with spinal cord injury. Noteworthily, relying on patient surveys to assess adherence can undermine the outcomes of rehabilitation. Therefore, this paper presents and implements a systematic activity recognition method to recognize physical activities applied by subjects during rehabilitation for spinal cord injury. In the method, raw sensor data are divided into fragments using a dynamic segmentation technique, providing higher recognition performance compared to the sliding window, which is a commonly used approach. To develop the method and build a predictive model, a machine learning approach was adopted. The proposed method was evaluated on a dataset obtained from a single wrist-worn accelerometer. The results demonstrated the effectiveness of the proposed method in recognizing all of the activities that were examined, and it achieved an overall accuracy of 96.86%.
Quantifying Uncertainty in Pulsed Thermographic Inspection by Analysing the Thermal Diffusivity Measurements of Metals and Composites
Authors: Addepalli Sri , Zhao Yifan , Erkoyuncu John Ahmet , Roy Rajkumar
Published: August 2021

Pulsed thermography has been used significantly over the years to detect near and sub-surface damage in both metals and composites. Where most of the research has been in either improving the detectability and/or its applicability to specific parts and scenarios, efforts to analyse and establish the level of uncertainty in the measurements have been very limited. This paper presents the analysis of multiple uncertainties associated with thermographic measurements under multiple scenarios such as the choice of post-processing algorithms; multiple flash power settings; and repeat tests on four materials, i.e., aluminium, steel, carbon-fibre reinforced plastics (CFRP) and glass-fibre reinforced plastics (GFRP). Thermal diffusivity measurement has been used as the parameter to determine the uncertainty associated with all the above categories. The results have been computed and represented in the form of a relative standard deviation (RSD) ratio in all cases, where the RSD is the ratio of standard deviation to the mean. The results clearly indicate that the thermal diffusivity measurements show a large RSD due to the post-processing algorithms in the case of steel and a large variability when it comes to assessing the GFRP laminates.
Lower Back Injury Prevention and Sensitization of Hip Hinge with Neutral Spine Using Wearable Sensors during Lifting Exercises
Authors: Michaud Florian , Pérez Soto Manuel , Lugrís Urbano , Cuadrado Javier
Published: August 2021

The popularization and industrialization of fitness over the past decade, with the rise of big box gyms and group classes, has reduced the quality of the basic formation and assessment of practitioners, which has increased the risk of injury. For most lifting exercises, a universal recommendation is maintaining a neutral spine position. Otherwise, there is a risk of muscle injury or, even worse, of a herniated disc. Maintaining the spine in a neutral position during lifting exercises is difficult, as it requires good core stability, a good hip hinge and, above all, observation of the posture in order to keep it correct. For this reason, in this work the authors propose the prevention of lumbar injuries with two inertial measurement units. The relative rotation between two sensors was measured for 39 voluntary subjects during the performance of two lifting exercises: the American kettlebell swing and the deadlift. The accuracy of the measurements was evaluated, especially in the presence of metals and for fast movements, by comparing the obtained results with those from an optical motion capture system. Finally, in order to develop a tool for improving sport performance and preventing injury, the authors analyzed the recorded motions, seeking to identify the most relevant parameters for good and safe lifting execution.
Deep Convolutional Clustering-Based Time Series Anomaly Detection
Authors: Chadha Gavneet Singh , Islam Intekhab , Schwung Andreas , Ding Steven X.
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a novel approach for anomaly detection in industrial processes. The system solely relies on unlabeled data and employs a 1D-convolutional neural network-based deep autoencoder architecture. As a core novelty, we split the autoencoder latent space in discriminative and reconstructive latent features and introduce an auxiliary loss based on k-means clustering for the discriminatory latent variables. We employ a Top-K clustering objective for separating the latent space, selecting the most discriminative features from the latent space. We use the approach to the benchmark Tennessee Eastman data set to prove its applicability. We provide different ablation studies and analyze the method concerning various downstream tasks, including anomaly detection, binary and multi-class classification. The obtained results show the potential of the approach to improve downstream tasks compared to standard autoencoder architectures.
Effect of Changing Match Format from Halves to Quarters on the Performance Characteristics of Male University Field Hockey Players
Authors: Lam Elliot P. , Sunderland Caroline D. , Morris John G. , Furlong Laura-Anne M. , Mason Barry S. , Barrett Laura A.
Published: August 2021

The study examined whether the performance characteristics of male university field hockey players differed when the match format was 2 × 35 min halves compared to 2 × 2 × 17.5 min quarters. Thirty-five male university field hockey players (age 21.2 ± 3.0 years, height 1.81 ± 0.07 m, body mass 75.1 ± 8.9 kg), competing at national level in the UK, were monitored over 52 matches played across the 2018–2019 (2 × 35 min halves) and 2019–2020 (2 × 2 × 17.5 min quarters) seasons using 15 Hz Global Positioning System units and heart rate monitors. Total distance, high-speed running distance (≥15.5 km·h−1), accelerations (≥2 m·s−1), decelerations (≤−2 m·s−1), average heart rate and percentage of time spent at >85% of maximum heart rate were recorded during both match formats. Two-level random intercept hierarchal models (Match—level 1, Player—level 2) suggested that the change in format from 2 × 35 min halves (2018–2019 season) to 2 × 2 × 17.5 min quarters (2019–2020 season) resulted in a reduction in total distance and high-speed running distance completed during a match (by 221 m and 120 m, respectively, both p < 0.001). As no significant cross-level interactions were observed (between season and half), the change from 35 min halves to 17.5 min quarters did not attenuate the reduced physical performance evident during the second half of matches (total distance: −235 m less in second half; high-speed running distance: −70 m less in second half; both p < 0.001). Overall, the findings suggest that the change in match format did alter the performance characteristics of male university field hockey players, but the quarter format actually reduced the total distance and high-speed running distance completed during matches, and did not attenuate the reduction in performance seen during the second half of matches.
The Use of a Smartphone Application in Monitoring HRV during an Altitude Training Camp in Professional Female Cyclists: A Preliminary Study
Authors: Javaloyes Alejandro , Mateo-March Manuel , Manresa-Rocamora Agustín , Sanz-Quinto Santiago , Moya-Ramón Manuel
Published: August 2021

Altitude training is a common strategy to improve performance in endurance athletes. In this context, the monitoring of training and the athletes’ response is essential to ensure positive adaptations. Heart rate variability (HRV) has been proposed as a tool to evaluate stress and the response to training. In this regard, many smartphone applications have emerged allowing a wide access to recording HRV easily. The purpose of this study was to describe the changes of HRV using a validated smartphone application before (Pre-TC), during (TC), and after (Post-TC) an altitude training camp in female professional cyclists. Training load (TL) and vagal markers of heart rate variability (LnRMSSD, LnRMSSDcv) of seven professional female cyclists before, during, and after and altitude training camp were monitored. Training volume (SMD = 0.80), LnRMSSD (SMD = 1.06), and LnRMSSDcv (SMD = −0.98) showed moderate changes from Pre-TC to TC. Training volume (SMD = 0.74), TL (SMD = 0.75), LnRMSSD (SMD = −1.11) and LnRMSSDcv (SMD = 0.83) showed moderate changes from TC to Post-TC. Individual analysis showed that heart rate variability responded differently among subjects. The use of a smartphone application to measure HRV is a useful tool to evaluate the individual response to training in female cyclists.
Planning the organization's personnel needs as the initial stage of the HR policy and HR planning process
Authors: Lychkan Leonid Petrovich
Published: August 2021

In the context of modern economy and digital transformation of the system of public relations, reconsidering the role and place of a person in an organization, the attitude to a person as an individual has changed dramatically. The processes of successful planning of the organization's personnel requirements are connected and involve obtaining answers to certain questions, including: how many employees will be required; employees of what qualifications will be required; when and where employees will be required; how and in what way to attract the necessary employees; how to better use employees in accordance with their knowledge, skills, abilities and their internal motivation; how and in what way to organize and provide conditions for the training and development of employees; how to implement the processes of using and laying off redundant employees; what costs or expenses will be necessary for the implementation of planned activities related to personnel requirements, and many other questions. Recently, any modern organization has increasingly linked its activities and its development with a specific capital – human capital. The article deals with the provisions related to the planning of personnel (human resources) and certain aspects of such planning, in particular, planning the organization's need for personnel for a certain planning period for its development and implementation of the intended indicators and plans. The materials of the article can be used within the "Economics and Management" and "Management" program tracks.
transgresión de la imprescriptibilidad en los delitos de corrupción
Authors: Portugal Dorado Jimena
Published: August 2021

La investigación tuvo por objetivo analizar la identificación de la naturaleza de la figura jurídica en los delitos de corrupción incorporada en la legislación boliviana. Con una metodología de tipo descriptivo- propositivo, un enfoque cualitativo, y diseño documental, además se utilizó los métodos analítico, deductivo e inductivo. La población y muestra estuvo conformada por tres expertos, los mismos que determinaron su posición profesional, desde la óptica doctrinaria, experticia y académica de la imprescriptibilidad de delitos de corrupción. Como técnicas e  instrumentos, se utilizaron la entrevista y un cuestionario a los expertos entrevistados. Se obtuvo como resultado, la afectación en la seguridad jurídica. Concluyendo que con la propuesta se garantizará el principio de legalidad y el sometimiento de control internacional de cumplimiento de las obligaciones internacionales.
A Novel Method for Gender and Age Detection Based on EEG Brain Signals
Authors: Issa Haitham , Issa Sali , Shah Wahab
Published: August 2021

This paper presents a new gender and age classification system based on Electroencephalography (EEG) brain signals. First, Continuous Wavelet Transform (CWT) technique is used to get the time-frequency information of only one EEG electrode for eight distinct emotional states instead of the ordinary neutral or relax states. Then, sequential steps are implemented to extract the improved grayscale image feature. For system evaluation, a three-fold-cross validation strategy is applied to construct four different classifiers. The experimental test shows that the proposed extracted feature with Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) classifier improves the performance of both gender and age classification, and achieves an average accuracy of 96.3% and 89% for gender and age classification, respectively. Moreover, the ability to predict human gender and age during the mood of different emotional states is practically approved.
Bursalı Şeyh Gazzî-zâde Mustafa Nesîb’in Şiirleri
Authors: AKSOYAK İ. Hakkı
Published: August 2021

Osmanlı Devleti’nin ilk başkenti olan Bursa aynı zamanda çok önemli bir kültür merkezi olmuştur. Devletin başkenti önce Edirne’ye oradan da İstanbul’a taşınmıştır ancak Bursa kültür merkezi olma özelliğini kaybetmemiştir. Bu yüzden yüzyıllar içerisinde bu şehirde pek çok âlim, sanatkâr ve şair yetişmiştir. Özellikle Bursa’da yer alan tekke ve dergâhlar pek çok şairin yetişmesinde önemli rol oynamıştır. Bu dergâhlardan birisi de Gazzî-zâde Dergâhıdır.Bu makalenin konusunu oluşturan Mustafa Nesîb de bu dergâhda yetişen şairlerden birisidir. Bursa Gazzî Dergâhı’nın kurucusu olan Ahmed-i Gazzî’nin torunu olan Mustafa Nesîb bu sebeple Gazzî-zâde olarak anılmaktadır. Nesîb,1135/1722-23 yılında dünyaya gelmiş 1202 /1787yılında ölmüştür. Henüz çocuk denilebilecek bir yaşta Gazzî Dergâhı postnişini olan şair, ölünceye kadar elli yıla yakın bir süre bu görevi sürdürmüştür. Kaynakların belirttiğine göre Arapça ve Farsça’yı çok iyi bilen Nesîb, dini konularda pek çok eser vermiştir. Yine kaynakların şiir yazdığını ve mürettep divan tertip ettiğini bildirdiği Nesîb’in divanı ve şiirleri bir iki örnek dışında ele geçmemiştir. Bu makalede Nesîb’in Bursa İnebey Yazma Eserler Kütüphanesi OR 2087 numarada kayıtlı mecmuada yer alan gazellerine yer verilecektir.
Kerbelâ Vakı‘ası’nda Farklı Bir Üslup ve Muhteva: Mehmed Nâzım Paşa’nın Kerbelâ Risâlesi
Authors: ALP Gökhan
Published: August 2021

Kerbelâ hadisesi, edebî eserlerde izhar-ı matem ve susuzluk remzi etrafında muteber bir şekilde tahayyül ettirilen sahneler, resmedilen ağıt tablosu içerisinde savaş ve kahramanlık manzaralarıyla yer almıştır. Hz. Hüseyin’in soyunun yüceliği, şahsi özellikleri, Ehl-i beyt’e reva görülen zulüm ve bu zulme ortak olanların telini merkezinde tahrir kılınan konu, Hz. Hüseyin’i sürekli yâd etmeye vesile olacak şekilde ifade bulmuştur. Pek çok yazınsal faaliyetin merkezinde temas edilen hususlar, ayrı bir muhteva ve üslup temelinde Mehmed Nâzım Paşa tarafından kaleme alınmıştır.Nâzım Paşa tarafından mensur olarak kaleme alınan “Kerbelâ” adlı risalede, olayın tesiri ile yazılmış metinlerden farklı olarak her iki tarafın gözünden maksat ve fikirler tahlil edilmiştir. Sanatlı ve secili bir dille yazılan eserde, risalenin yazılış sebebi ve muhteviyata dair verilen bilgiler eserin bakış açısını vesikalandırmıştır. Hadisedeki hikmetlerin yansıtıldığı bu vesika üzerinde Mehmed Nâzım Paşa’nın hayatı ve çalışmaları ilk olarak ele alınmış, akabinde “Kerbelâ” adlı risale üzerinde durulmuştur. Eser biçim ve muhteva yönünden değerlendirilmiş ardından transkripsiyonlu metni verilmiştir.
Behçet Necatigil'in Varsa Ev Şiirinin Göstergebilimsel Yöntemle Çözümlenmesi
Authors: BULUT Muhammet Ali , PULAT Ali
Published: August 2021

Gönderici tarafından gönderilen yazılı ileti, dil vasıtasıyla alıcıya ulaşır. Dil göstergeler dizgesidir; yerini tuttuğu varlığın kendisi değildir. Sözlü iletişimde, iletişim kodlarının çözümlemesi kolaydır ancak yazarla okuyucu arasındaki bir iletişim olan yazınsal metinlerin kodlarını çözmek zordur. Çünkü yazınsal metinlerde dil; retorik unsurlar, dilsel sapmalar ve sanatsal gayelerle günlük konuşma dilinden uzaklaşır. Yazınsal metinlerin çözümü için çeşitli yöntemler kullanılmaktadır. Göstergebilim, Algirdas Julien Greimas tarafından dizgeleştirilmiş olup yazınsal metinlerin çözümlenmesinde yeni bir yöntemdir. Göstergebilimsel çözümleme yöntemi metin merkezlidir, çözümleme alanı olarak sadece metni esas alır. Göstergebilim, anlamın karşıtlıklardan doğacağını kabul etmektedir. Göstergebilimsel çözümleme yönteminin roman öykü gibi anlatı metinlerine uygulandığını gördük, çalışmamızda bu çözümleme yöntemini şiire uygulamak istedik. Çalışmamızda, Greimas’ın göstergebilimsel çözümleme yöntemiyle Behçet Necatigil’in “Varsa Ev” şiirini çözümledik. Necatigil, ev şiirleriyle özdeşleşen bir şairimizidir. Şiir, Greimas’ın göstergebilimsel çözümleme yönteminin eyleyenler modeliyle çözümlenmiştir. Şiir; anlatı, söylem ve mantıksal-anlamsal düzey olmak üzere üç bölümde çözümlenmiştir. Şiirin anlatı düzeyinde görülen ev ve sokak göstergelerine, mantıksal-anlamsal düzeyde yeni anlamlar yüklendiği ve bu iki göstergenin karşıtlık oluşturduğu tespit edilmiştir. İnsanın duyguyla hareket ettiğinde sokağı, düşünceyle hareket ettiğinde evi tercih ettiği görülmüştür.
Scopus Veri Tabanına Dayalı Bibliyometrik Değerlendirme: Miyelodisplastik Sendrom Konulu Yayınların Global Analizi ve Türkiye Kaynaklı Yayınların Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: ÖZLÜ Can
Published: August 2021

Amaç: Miyelodisplastik sendrom (MDS) hematoloji alanının ilgi çeken konu başlıklarındandır. Bu çalışmada, MDS hakkındaki bilimsel litetarürün gözden geçirilmesini amaçladık.
Yöntem: Scopus bibliyometrik veri tabanında İngilizce dilinde tarama yapıldı. Başlık, özet ve anahtar kelimelerinde "myelodysplastic syndrome" ve "Article" anahtar kelimeleri içeren, 1954-2021 yılları arasında yapılmış orijinal araştırma makalelerine ulaşıldı. Yayınlar; yapıldıkları kurum, yazar, yayın yılı, konu, atıf sayısı ve yayınlandıkları dergi açısından değerlendirildi.
Sonuçlar: Bu konuda; 33.518 yayın olduğu, ilk yayının 1954 yılında yayınlandığı saptandı. Bunların 22.033 tanesi orijinal araştırma makalesi idi. Amerika Birleşik Devletleri (ABD)(n=6998,%31,8) bu konudaki en bilimsel üretken ülke idi. Bu konuda en fazla makalesi bulunan 3 öncü kurum; Texas Üniversitesi Dr Anderson Kanser Merkezi (%4,7), Fred Hutchinson Kanser Araştırma Merkezi (%2,2) ve Dana-Farber Kanser Enstitüsü (%2,1) idi. MDS konulu makalelerin 1297’si en az 100 kez atıf almıştı. En fazla atıfı alan makale 4574 atıf almıştı. Ülkemiz 19. sırada yer almakta olup, 328 makale yayınlanmış idi. 2000 yılından sonra yayın sayısında hızlı bir artış olmuş ve en fazla yayın (28 makale) 2020 yılında yayınlanmıştı. Ülkemizden en fazla sayıda makale (17 makale) Turkish Journal of Hematology’de yayınlanmıştı.
Tartışma: Analiz çalışmamız MDS hakkında yapılan yayınların atıf sayılarının oldukça yüksek olduğu yönünde idi. Bu da araştırmacıları bu konuda yayın yapmaya teşvik edebilir. Ayrıca ülkemizden bu konuda yapılması gereken yayın sayılarının arttırılması gerekmektedir.
SIRPROM: SISTEMA DE RECOMENDAÇÃO DE PROMOÇÕES MULTICRITÉRIO PARA SUPERMERCADOS
Authors: de Araújo Júnior José Gildo , de Assunção Cleyton Rage
Published: August 2021

Este trabalho visa desenvolver o SirPROM um sistema multicritério de recomendação de promoções a fim de automatizar as vendas sugeridas entre os produtos avai- lable em um supermercado visando o controle gradual do estoque, a redução do desperdício e o conseqüente aumento da receita. O setor administrativo de muitos supermercados, desconsidera o potencial econômico presente na reaquisição de cordões de compra de seus clientes e fornecedores armazenados ao longo do tempo. Do processamento desses dados emerge o entendimento de inúmeros padrões até então desconhecidos, entre eles as regras de associação dos itens vendidos e as preferências de compra dos clientes, a fim de promover a expansão do faturamento.