bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Reflections and New Perspectives on Face Cognition as a Specific Socio-Cognitive Ability
Authors: Meyer Kristina , Sommer Werner , Hildebrandt Andrea
Published: June 2021

The study of socio-cognitive abilities emerged from intelligence research, and their specificity remains controversial until today. In recent years, the psychometric structure of face cognition (FC)—a basic facet of socio-cognitive abilities—was extensively studied. In this review, we summarize and discuss the divergent psychometric structures of FC in easy and difficult tasks. While accuracy in difficult tasks was consistently shown to be face-specific, the evidence for easy tasks was inconsistent. The structure of response speed in easy tasks was mostly—but not always—unitary across object categories, including faces. Here, we compare studies to identify characteristics leading to face specificity in easy tasks. The following pattern emerges: in easy tasks, face specificity is found when modeling speed in a single task; however, when modeling speed across multiple, different easy tasks, only a unitary factor structure is reported. In difficult tasks, however, face specificity occurs in both single task approaches and task batteries. This suggests different cognitive mechanisms behind face specificity in easy and difficult tasks. In easy tasks, face specificity relies on isolated cognitive sub-processes such as face identity recognition. In difficult tasks, face-specific and task-independent cognitive processes are employed. We propose a descriptive model and argue for FC to be integrated into common taxonomies of intelligence.
Improving Gifted Talent Development Can Help Solve Multiple Consequential Real-World Problems
Authors: Wai Jonathan , Lovett Benjamin J.
Published: June 2021

Fully developing the talents of all students is a fundamental goal for personal well-being and development and ultimately for global societal innovation and flourishing. However, in this paper we focus on what we believe is an often neglected and underdeveloped population, that of the gifted. We draw from the cognitive aptitude and gifted education research literatures to make the case that solutions to consequential real-world problems can be greatly enhanced by more fully developing the talents of the intellectually gifted population, which we operationalize in this paper as roughly the top 5% of cognitive talent. Should well-supported high achievers choose to solve them, these problems span health, science, economic growth, and areas unforeseen. We draw from longitudinal research on intellectually precocious students and retrospective research on leaders and innovators in society, showing that mathematical, verbal, and spatial aptitudes are linked to societal innovation. We then discuss two remaining fundamental challenges: the identification of disadvantaged and marginalized groups of students who have traditionally been neglected in selection for gifted programming suited to their current developmental needs, and the building of skills beyond academic ones, specifically in the related areas of open-minded thinking and intellectual humility.
Small Floating Target Detection Method Based on Chaotic Long Short-Term Memory Network
Authors: Yan Yan , Xing Hongyan
Published: June 2021

In order for the detection ability of floating small targets in sea clutter to be improved, on the basis of the complete ensemble empirical mode decomposition (CEEMD) algorithm, the high-frequency parts and low-frequency parts are determined by the energy proportion of the intrinsic mode function (IMF); the high-frequency part is denoised by wavelet packet transform (WPT), whereas the denoised high-frequency IMFs and low-frequency IMFs reconstruct the pure sea clutter signal together. According to the chaotic characteristics of sea clutter, we proposed an adaptive training timesteps strategy. The training timesteps of network were determined by the width of embedded window, and the chaotic long short-term memory network detection was designed. The sea clutter signals after denoising were predicted by chaotic long short-term memory (LSTM) network, and small target signals were detected from the prediction errors. The experimental results showed that the CEEMD-WPT algorithm was consistent with the target distribution characteristics of sea clutter, and the denoising performance was improved by 33.6% on average. The proposed chaotic long- and short-term memory network, which determines the training step length according to the width of embedded window, is a new detection method that can accurately detect small targets submerged in the background of sea clutter.
Gonadal Development of Females of the White Shrimp Penaeus schmitti (Burkenroad, 1936) Caught in Southeastern Brazil
Authors: Garcia Roberta , Craveiro Cecília , Bernabé Caroline , Silva Maria , Aride Paulo , Oliveira Adriano , Gonçalves Flávia , Neto Jones , Lavander Henrique , Faggio Caterina
Published: June 2021

This study describes the reproductive cell development and ovarian developmental stages, and identifies the nongerminal components of white shrimp (Penaeus schmitti) caught off the southern coast of Espírito Santo, Brazil. P. schmitti specimens were collected monthly from March 2019 to February 2020, by artisanal fishing. All shrimps were analyzed macroscopically (n = 181) and females were randomly selected monthly (n = 154) for ovarian histological analysis. The ovaries were extracted for visual analysis and then submitted to histological analysis. Macroscopic analysis determined five stages of gonadal development from the color and turgidity of the fresh ovary. Histological observations allowed us to observe five stages of gonadal development: immature, initial development, advanced development, mature and spawning. This information are fundamental for understanding the reproductive aspects of P. schmitti, as well as other penaeid shrimps, in order to promote preservation of natural stocks and provide information to assist in the development of the reproductive potential of native species in captivity.
High-Resolution Observations of Upwelling and Front in Daya Bay, South China Sea
Authors: Mao Huabin , Qi Yongfeng , Qiu Chunhua , Luan Zhenhua , Wang Xia , Cen Xianrong , Yu Linghui , Lian Shumin , Shang Xiaodong
Published: June 2021

Field observations of coastal regions are important for studying physical and biological features. Observations of high-resolution coastal phenomena were obtained by using a tow-yo instrument and a turbulence profiler at Daya Bay in the South China Sea in October 2015. Details of coastal phenomena, including warm water from a nuclear plant discharge, as well as an upwelling, and front, were obtained. The upwelling, with a width of 2 km, resulted in saltier and more turbid water near the bottom, with low chlorophyll-a and dissolved oxygen contents being transported upward to the surface layer and changing the local water environment. The front, with the lateral salinity variations as large as 0.7 psu across 1 km, was active at the water intersection of the South China Sea and Daya Bay. Such events commonly form during weak stratification periods in autumn. Continuous measurements from VMP-250 profiler over circa 22 h revealed active fronts and an averaged dissipation rate of 8 × 10−8 W/kg and diffusivity of 5.8 × 10−5 m2/s (i.e., one order of magnitude larger than in the open ocean) in the thermocline. The front was accompanied by strong mixing, indicating that it had formed at the intersection of different water masses and played an important role in energy dissipation in Daya Bay, further affecting the distribution of ecological elements.
Histoplasmosis Diagnosed in Europe and Israel: A Case Report and Systematic Review of the Literature from 2005 to 2020
Authors: Antinori Spinello , Giacomelli Andrea , Corbellino Mario , Torre Alessandro , Schiuma Marco , Casalini Giacomo , Parravicini Carlo , Milazzo Laura , Gervasoni Cristina , Ridolfo Anna Lisa
Published: June 2021

Human histoplasmosis is a mycosis caused by two distinct varieties of a dimorphic fungus: Histoplasma capsulatum var. capsulatum and H. capsulatum var. duboisii. In Europe, it is usually imported by migrants and travellers, although there have been some autochthonous cases, especially in Italy; however, most European physicians are unfamiliar with its clinical and pathological picture, particularly among immunocompromised patients without HIV infection. This systematic review of all the cases of histoplasmosis reported in Europe and Israel between 2005 and 2020 identified 728 cases diagnosed in 17 European countries and Israel described in 133 articles. The vast majority were imported (mainly from Central and South America), but there were also seven autochthonous cases (six in Europe and one in Israel). The patients were prevalently males (60.4%), and their ages ranged from 2 to 86 years. The time between leaving an endemic region and the diagnosis of histoplasmosis varied from a few weeks to more than 40 years. Progressive disseminated histoplasmosis was the most frequent clinical picture among people living with HIV infection (89.5%) or a different immunocompromising condition (57.1%), but it was also recorded in 6.2% of immunocompetent patients. Twenty-eight cases were caused by Histoplasma duboisii. Immunocompromised patients without HIV infection had the worst outcomes, with a mortality rate of 32%.
Prevalence and Clinicopathological Characteristics of Moderate and High-Penetrance Genes in Non-BRCA1/2 Breast Cancer High-Risk Spanish Families
Authors: Fonfria Maria , de Juan Jiménez Inmaculada , Tena Isabel , Chirivella Isabel , Richart-Aznar Paula , Segura Angel , Sánchez-Heras Ana Beatriz , Martinez-Dueñas Eduardo
Published: June 2021

(1) Background: Over the last decade, genetic counseling clinics have moved from single-gene sequencing to multigene panel sequencing. Multiple genes related to a moderate risk of breast cancer (BC) have emerged, although many questions remain regarding the risks and clinical features associated with these genes. (2) Methods: Ninety-six BC index cases (ICs) with high-risk features for hereditary breast and ovarian cancer (HBOC) and with a previous uninformative result for BRCA1/2 were tested with a panel of 41 genes associated with BC risk. The frequency of pathogenic variants (PVs) was related to the clinical characteristics of BC. (3) Results: We detected a PV rate of 13.5% (excluding two cases each of BRCA1 and MUTYH). Among the 95 assessed cases, 17 PVs were identified in 16 ICs, as follows: BRCA1 (n = 2), CHEK2 (n = 3), ATM (n = 5), MUTYH (n = 2), TP53 (n = 2), BRIP1 (n = 1), CASP8 (n = 1), and MSH2 (n = 1). We also identified a novel loss-of-function variant in CASP8, a candidate gene for increased BC risk. There was no evidence that the clinical characteristics of BC might be related to a higher chance of identifying a PV. (4) Conclusions: In our cohort, which was enriched with families with a high number of BC cases, a high proportion of mutations in ATM and CHEK2 were identified. The clinical characteristics of BC associated with moderate-risk genes were different from those related to BRCA1/2 genes.
Auditor Judgements after Withdrawal of the Materiality Accounting Standard in Australia
Authors: David Raul , Abeysekera Indra
Published: June 2021

The concept of materiality, originating in the accounting domain and applied in the auditing domain, is an essential tool for improving audit quality. A renewed interest in materiality research emerged in Australia after submitting Exposure Draft no. 243 by the Australian Accounting Standards Board (AASB) proposing the withdrawal of AASB 1031 Materiality, which became effective in July 2015. The purpose of this paper is to review the audit literature to examine how the materiality concept is located in the regulatory framework, the standards and guidance that support the application of this concept, and research undertaken using different research methods. As our review reveals significant gaps in recent research on the subject, gaps need to be addressed. The paper concludes by proposing research propositions that fit into the audit triangle for materiality research developed in this paper.
Networking for Cloud Robotics: The DewROS Platform and Its Application
Authors: Botta Alessio , Cacace Jonathan , De Vivo Riccardo , Siciliano Bruno , Ventre Giorgio
Published: June 2021

With the advances in networking technologies, robots can use the almost unlimited resources of large data centers, overcoming the severe limitations imposed by onboard resources: this is the vision of Cloud Robotics. In this context, we present DewROS, a framework based on the Robot Operating System (ROS) which embodies the three-layer, Dew-Robotics architecture, where computation and storage can be distributed among the robot, the network devices close to it, and the Cloud. After presenting the design and implementation of DewROS, we show its application in a real use-case called SHERPA, which foresees a mixed ground and aerial robotic platform for search and rescue in an alpine environment. We used DewROS to analyze the video acquired by the drones in the Cloud and quickly spot signs of human beings in danger. We perform a wide experimental evaluation using different network technologies and Cloud services from Google and Amazon. We evaluated the impact of several variables on the performance of the system. Our results show that, for example, the video length has a minimal impact on the response time with respect to the video size. In addition, we show that the response time depends on the Round Trip Time (RTT) of the network connection when the video is already loaded into the Cloud provider side. Finally, we present a model of the annotation time that considers the RTT of the connection used to reach the Cloud, discussing results and insights into how to improve current Cloud Robotics applications.
How Are Urban Green Spaces and Residential Development Related? A Synopsis of Multi-Perspective Analyses for Leipzig, Germany
Authors: Schwarz Nina , Haase Annegret , Haase Dagmar , Kabisch Nadja , Kabisch Sigrun , Liebelt Veronika , Rink Dieter , Strohbach Michael W. , Welz Juliane , Wolff Manuel
Published: June 2021

The relationship between urban green spaces (UGS) and residential development is complex: UGS have positive and negative immediate impacts on residents’ well-being, residential location choice, housing, and land markets. Property owners and real estate agents might consider how prospective clients perceive UGS and act accordingly, while urban planners influence UGS location and management as well as aim at steering the built environment. Typically, studies focus on one of these perspectives at a time. Here, we provide a synopsis of results from studies, taking different perspectives for a single case study: Leipzig, Germany. We summarise and discuss the findings of eight studies on UGS and residential development. In detail, these studies focus on spatial pattern analysis, hedonic pricing analysis, mixed-methods studies on experts’ perspectives, surveys, and choice experiments exploring residents’ perceptions of UGS. We reflect on the feasibility of deriving a synthesis out of these independent studies and to what extent context matters. We conclude that both triangulating of data and methods, as well as long-term and context-sensitive studies are needed to explain the interlinkages between UGS and residential development and their context dependency.
Mapping Landscape Perception: An Assessment with Public Participation Geographic Information Systems and Spatial Analysis Techniques
Authors: Palacio Buendía Amalia Vaneska , Pérez-Albert Yolanda , Serrano Giné David
Published: June 2021

Mapping cognitive landscape perception is hindered by the difficulty of representing opinions that are spatially distributed in a heterogeneous way or not restricted by the locations of physical elements in the landscape. In recent years, the use of tools based on geographic information techniques has gained momentum in landscape assessment. We propose a methodology for generalizing cognitive landscape opinions on a spatial basis. To this end, we used a public participatory geographic information system to collect data, which is a method based on bipolar adjectives to approach users’ opinions, and the inverse distance weighted spatial interpolator and multi-criteria evaluation to undertake the spatial analysis. The study was conducted in the Ebro Delta, which is a protected wetland in northeastern Spain. The assessment was based on 1593 georeferenced opinions and resulted in a continuous geographic map of 330 km2 depicting positive and negative perceptions about the landscape. The area under study was perceived as productive, interesting, attractive, and, for the most part, quiet and peaceful, although it was seen as dirty in some parts. The method successfully mapped cognitive landscape opinions and establishes a novel procedure in landscape approaches.
Does Financial Excess Support Land Urbanization—An Empirical Study of Cities in China
Authors: Li Zhenghui , Zou Fanqi , Tan Yong , Zhu Jinhui
Published: June 2021

Most countries have experienced land urbanization, which is indispensable for financial support, especially for their financing function achievement through land appreciation and other channels in the urbanization process. By using 34 provincial capital (sub-provinces) cities in China as the sample, this paper studies the impact of finance on land urbanization construction based on the panel data from 2003 to 2018 under a differential GMM method; besides, the causes of excessive financial support and results generated on different regions are reported. Moreover, a moderate range of financial support for land urbanization is found under the influence of land finance. We obtain the following results: first, there is excessive financial support for land urbanization with regional differences exhibited; for instance, the eastern and central regions have an excessive financial support but the western region does not. Second, land urbanization with an excessive financial support correlates with financial efficiency, while the relatively large financial efficiency leads to the waste of a large number of financial resources. Third, financial support has a single and significant threshold effect on land urbanization construction, and finance has a promoting effect when land finance is less than the threshold value; otherwise, it has an inhibiting effect.
The Metabolic Bone Disease X-linked Hypophosphatemia: Case Presentation, Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
Authors: Vincze Jon , Skinner Brian W. , Tucker Katherine A. , Conaway Kory A. , Lowery Jonathan W. , Hum Julia M.
Published: June 2021

The authors present a stereotypical case presentation of X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH) and provide a review of the pathophysiology and related pharmacology of this condition, primarily focusing on the FDA-approved medication burosumab. XLH is a renal phosphate wasting disorder caused by loss of function mutations in the PHEX gene (phosphate-regulating gene with homologies to endopeptidases on the X chromosome). Typical biochemical findings include elevated serum levels of bioactive/intact fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) which lead to (i) low serum phosphate levels, (ii) increased fractional excretion of phosphate, and (iii) inappropriately low or normal 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25-vitD). XLH is the most common form of heritable rickets and short stature in patients with XLH is due to chronic hypophosphatemia. Additionally, patients with XLH experience joint pain and osteoarthritis from skeletal deformities, fractures, enthesopathy, spinal stenosis, and hearing loss. Historically, treatment for XLH was limited to oral phosphate supplementation, active vitamin D supplementation, and surgical intervention for cases of severe bowed legs. In 2018, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved burosumab for the treatment of XLH and this medication has demonstrated substantial benefit compared with conventional therapy. Burosumab binds circulating intact FGF23 and blocks its biological effects in target tissues, resulting in increased serum inorganic phosphate (Pi) concentrations and increased conversion of inactive vitamin D to active 1,25-vitD.
Ag(I) Complexes of Imine Derivatives of Unexpected 2-Thiophenemethylamine Homo-Coupling and Bis-(E)-N-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-1-(quinolin-2-yl)methanimine
Authors: Adeleke Adesola A. , Zamisa Sizwe J. , Omondi Bernard
Published: June 2021

Imines are fundamental organic compounds used as synthetic intermediates and as ligands in coordination chemistry. They are also found to be important pharmacophores in various bioactive compounds. In this report, two Schiff bases were prepared using the traditional condensation of 4-pyridinecarboxaldehyde with 2-thiophenemethylamine and 2-quinolinecarboxaldehyde with furfurylamine to form (E)-1-(pyridin-4-yl)-N-(thiophen-2-ylmethyl)methanimine (L1) and (E)-N-(furan-2-ylmethyl)-1-(quinolin-2-yl)methanimine (L2) respectively. L1 and L2 were complexed with silver perchlorate in 2:1 [M:L] stoichiometry to obtain complexes 1 and 2, respectively. The crystal structures of 1 and 2 were unequivocally determined by single-crystal X-ray diffraction analysis. The resulting structures revealed 2 to be a four-coordinate as expected. In contrast, an unexpected chemoselective hydrolytic cleavage of one mole of the (CH=N) imine ligands occurred in complex 2 and, further, the amines (thiophenemethylamine) homo-coupled to form a new imine ligand derivative in situ (L1a) before coordinating to the Ag(I) center along with L1. This observation described an alternative synthetic route to be explored to synthesize a diverse range of imine derivatives, which involves the Ag(I)-promoted homo-coupling of amines. Herein, the crystal structures of Ag(I) complexes of pyridinyl [Ag(L1)(L1a)]ClO4 (1) and quinolinyl [Ag(L2)2]ClO4 (2) Schiff bases are presented.
Dimensional (Parametric) Synthesis of the Hexapod-Type Parallel Mechanism with Reconfigurable Design
Authors: Fomin Alexey , Antonov Anton , Glazunov Victor , Carbone Giuseppe
Published: June 2021

The study provides a solution to a dimensional synthesis problem for a hexapod-type reconfigurable parallel mechanism, which can change its configuration to realize different trajectories of its output link while having a single drive. The work presents an original procedure to find the dimensions of some mechanism’s links and their initial configuration to reproduce these trajectories. After describing the mechanism, the paper examines kinematic relations representing the basis for the subsequent synthesis algorithm. Next, the obtained expressions are extended and provide a system of equations to be solved. The structure of this equation system allows it to be solved effectively by numerical methods, which is demonstrated with an example. The proposed algorithm of dimensional synthesis does not require solving the optimization problems, in contrast to the familiar methods of dimensional synthesis of parallel mechanisms. Further, the suggested approach to the synthesis problem allows finding solution in a fast and computationally efficient manner.
Complementary Airflow Control of Oscillating Water Columns for Floating Offshore Wind Turbine Stabilization
Authors: M’zoughi Fares , Aboutalebi Payam , Garrido Izaskun , Garrido Aitor J. , De La Sen Manuel
Published: June 2021

The implementation and integration of new methods and control techniques to floating offshore wind turbines (FOWTs) have the potential to significantly improve its structural response. This paper discusses the idea of integrating oscillating water columns (OWCs) into the barge platform of the FOWT to transform it into a multi-purpose platform for harnessing both wind and wave energies. Moreover, the OWCs will be operated in order to help stabilize the FOWT platform by means of an airflow control strategy used to reduce the platform pitch and tower top fore-aft displacement. This objective is achieved by a proposed complementary airflow control strategy to control the valves within the OWCs. The comparative study between a standard FOWT and the proposed OWC-based FOWT shows an improvement in the platform’s stability.
Modified Inertial Forward–Backward Algorithm in Banach Spaces and Its Application
Authors: Song Yanlai , Postolache Mihai
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we present a new modified inertial forward–backward algorithm for finding a common solution of the quasi-variational inclusion problem and the variational inequality problem in a q-uniformly smooth Banach space. The proposed algorithm is based on descent, splitting and inertial ideas. Under suitable assumptions, we prove that the sequence generated by the iterative algorithm converges strongly to the unique solution of the abovementioned problems. Numerical examples are also given to demonstrate our results.
First Solution of Fractional Bioconvection with Power Law Kernel for a Vertical Surface
Authors: Asjad Muhammad Imran , Ur Rehman Saif , Ahmadian Ali , Salahshour Soheil , Salimi Mehdi
Published: June 2021

The present study provides the heat transfer analysis of a viscous fluid in the presence of bioconvection with a Caputo fractional derivative. The unsteady governing equations are solved by Laplace after using a dimensional analysis approach subject to the given constraints on the boundary. The impact of physical parameters can be seen through a graphical illustration. It is observed that the maximum decline in bioconvection and velocity can be attained for smaller values of the fractional parameter. The fractional approach can be very helpful in controlling the boundary layers of the fluid properties for different values of time. Additionally, it is observed that the model obtained with generalized constitutive laws predicts better memory than the model obtained with artificial replacement. Further, these results are compared with the existing literature to verify the validity of the present results.
Efficient Computation of Heat Distribution of Processed Materials under Laser Irradiation
Authors: Zhu Jianxin , Lin Wencheng
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a solution is provided to solve the heat conduction equation in the three-dimensional cylinder region, where the laser intensity of the material irradiation surface is expressed as a Gaussian distribution. Based on the symmetry of heat distribution, firstly, the form of the heat equation in the common rectangular coordinate system is changed to another form in the two-dimensional cylindrical coordinate system. Secondly, the ADI with the backward Euler method and with Crank–Nicolson method are established to discretize the model in the cylindrical coordinate system, after which the simulation results are obtained, where the first kind of boundary value condition is used to verify the accuracy of these two algorithms. Then, the above two methods are used to solve the model with the third kind of boundary value condition. Finally, the comparison is performed with the results obtained by the MATLAB’s PDETOOL, which shows that the solution is more feasible and efficient.
Some High-Order Convergent Iterative Procedures for Nonlinear Systems with Local Convergence
Authors: Behl Ramandeep , Argyros Ioannis K. , Mallawi Fouad Othman
Published: June 2021

In this study, we suggested the local convergence of three iterative schemes that works for systems of nonlinear equations. In earlier results, such as from Amiri et al. (see also the works by Behl et al., Argryos et al., Chicharro et al., Cordero et al., Geum et al., Guitiérrez, Sharma, Weerakoon and Fernando, Awadeh), authors have used hypotheses on high order derivatives not appearing on these iterative procedures. Therefore, these methods have a restricted area of applicability. The main difference of our study to earlier studies is that we adopt only the first order derivative in the convergence order (which only appears on the proposed iterative procedure). No work has been proposed on computable error distances and uniqueness in the aforementioned studies given on Rk. We also address these problems too. Moreover, by using Banach space, the applicability of iterative procedures is extended even further. We have examined the convergence criteria on several real life problems along with a counter problem that completes this study.
Modeling Interactions among Migration, Growth and Pressure in Tumor Dynamics
Authors: Blanco Beatriz , Campos Juan , Melchor Juan , Soler Juan
Published: June 2021

What are the biomechanical implications in the dynamics and evolution of a growing solid tumor? Although the analysis of some of the biochemical aspects related to the signaling pathways involved in the spread of tumors has advanced notably in recent times, their feedback with the mechanical aspects is a crucial challenge for a global understanding of the problem. The aim of this paper is to try to illustrate the role and the interaction between some evolutionary processes (growth, pressure, homeostasis, elasticity, or dispersion by flux-saturated and porous media) that lead to collective cell dynamics and defines a propagation front that is in agreement with the experimental data. The treatment of these topics is approached mainly from the point of view of the modeling and the numerical approach of the resulting system of partial differential equations, which can be placed in the context of the Hele-Shaw-type models. This study proves that local growth terms related to homeostatic pressure give rise to retrograde diffusion phenomena, which compete against migration through flux-saturated dispersion terms.
Wavelet Numerical Solutions for a Class of Elliptic Equations with Homogeneous Boundary Conditions
Authors: Wang Jinru , Shi Wenhui , Hu Lin
Published: June 2021

This paper focuses on a method to construct wavelet Riesz bases with homogeneous boundary condition and use them to a kind of second-order elliptic equation. First, we construct the splines on the interval [0,1] and consider their approximation properties. Then we define the wavelet bases and illustrate the condition numbers of stiffness matrices are small and bounded. Finally, several numerical examples show that our approach performs efficiently.
An Online Generalized Multiscale Finite Element Method for Unsaturated Filtration Problem in Fractured Media
Authors: Spiridonov Denis , Vasilyeva Maria , Tyrylgin Aleksei , Chung Eric T.
Published: June 2021

In this paper, we present a multiscale model reduction technique for unsaturated filtration problem in fractured porous media using an Online Generalized Multiscale finite element method. The flow problem in unsaturated soils is described by the Richards equation. To approximate fractures we use the Discrete Fracture Model (DFM). Complex geometric features of the computational domain requires the construction of a fine grid that explicitly resolves the heterogeneities such as fractures. This approach leads to systems with a large number of unknowns, which require large computational costs. In order to develop a more efficient numerical scheme, we propose a model reduction procedure based on the Generalized Multiscale Finite element method (GMsFEM). The GMsFEM allows solving such problems on a very coarse grid using basis functions that can capture heterogeneities. In the GMsFEM, there are offline and online stages. In the offline stage, we construct snapshot spaces and solve local spectral problems to obtain multiscale basis functions. These spectral problems are defined in the snapshot space in each local domain. To improve the accuracy of the method, we add online basis functions in the online stage. The construction of the online basis functions is based on the local residuals. The use of online bases will allow us to get a significant improvement in the accuracy of the method. We present results with different number of offline and online multisacle basis functions. We compare all results with reference solution. Our results show that the proposed method is able to achieve high accuracy with a small computational cost.
A Methodology for Redesigning Networks by Using Markov Random Fields
Authors: García Cabello Julia , Castillo Pedro A. , Aguilar-Luzon Maria-del-Carmen , Chiclana Francisco , Herrera-Viedma Enrique
Published: June 2021

Standard methodologies for redesigning physical networks rely on Geographic Information Systems (GIS), which strongly depend on local demographic specifications. The absence of a universal definition of demography makes its use for cross-border purposes much more difficult. This paper presents a Decision Making Model (DMM) for redesigning networks that works without geographical constraints. There are multiple advantages of this approach: on one hand, it can be used in any country of the world; on the other hand, the absence of geographical constraints widens the application scope of our approach, meaning that it can be successfully implemented either in physical (ATM networks) or non-physical networks such as in group decision making, social networks, e-commerce, e-governance and all fields in which user groups make decisions collectively. Case studies involving both types of situations are conducted in order to illustrate the methodology. The model has been designed under a data reduction strategy in order to improve application performance.
Global and Local Behavior of the System of Piecewise Linear Difference Equations xn+1 = |xn| − yn − b and yn+1 = xn − |yn| + 1 Where b ≥ 4
Authors: Aiewcharoen Busakorn , Boonklurb Ratinan , Konglawan Nanthiya
Published: June 2021

The aim of this article is to study the system of piecewise linear difference equations xn+1=|xn|−yn−b and yn+1=xn−|yn|+1 where n≥0. A global behavior for b=4 shows that all solutions become the equilibrium point. For a large value of |x0| and |y0|, we can prove that (i) if b=5, then the solution becomes the equilibrium point and (ii) if b≥6, then the solution becomes the periodic solution of prime period 5.
Collaborative Co-Attention Network for Session-Based Recommendation
Authors: Chen Wanyu , Chen Honghui
Published: June 2021

Session-based recommendation aims to model a user’s intent and predict an item that the user may interact with in the next step based on an ongoing session. Existing session-based recommender systems mainly aim to model the sequential signals based on Recurrent Neural Network (RNN) structures or the item transition relations between items with Graph Neural Network (GNN) based frameworks to identify a user’s intent for recommendation. However, in real scenarios, there may be strong sequential signals existing in users’ adjacent behaviors or multi-step transition relations among different items. Thus, either RNN- or GNN-based methods can only capture limited information for modeling complex user behavior patterns. RNNs pay attention to the sequential relations among consecutive items, while GNNs focus on structural information, i.e., how to enrich the item embedding with its adjacent items. In this paper, we propose a Collaborative Co-attention Network for Session-based Recommendation (CCN-SR) to incorporate both sequential and structural information, as well as capture the co-relations between them for obtaining an accurate session representation. To be specific, we first model the ongoing session with an RNN structure to capture the sequential information among items. Meanwhile, we also construct a session graph to learn the item representations with a GNN structure. Then, we design a co-attention network upon these two structures to capture the mutual information between them. The designed co-attention network can enrich the representation of each node in the session with both sequential and structural information, and thus generate a more comprehensive representation for each session. Extensive experiments are conducted on two public e-commerce datasets, and the results demonstrate that our proposed model outperforms state-of-the-art baseline model for session based recommendation in terms of both Recall and MRR. We also investigate different combination strategies and the experimental results verify the effectiveness of our proposed co-attention mechanism. Besides, our CCN-SR model achieves better performance than baseline models with different session lengths.
Characterization of Protein Hydrolysates from Fish Discards and By-Products from the North-West Spain Fishing Fleet as Potential Sources of Bioactive Peptides
Authors: Henriques Andreia , Vázquez José A. , Valcarcel Jesus , Mendes Rogério , Bandarra Narcisa M. , Pires Carla
Published: June 2021

Fish discards and by-products can be transformed into high value-added products such as fish protein hydrolysates (FPH) containing bioactive peptides. Protein hydrolysates were prepared from different parts (whole fish, skin and head) of several discarded species of the North-West Spain fishing fleet using Alcalase. All hydrolysates had moisture and ash contents lower than 10% and 15%, respectively. The fat content of FPH varied between 1.5% and 9.4% and had high protein content (69.8–76.6%). The amino acids profiles of FPH are quite similar and the most abundant amino acids were glutamic and aspartic acids. All FPH exhibited antioxidant activity and those obtained from Atlantic horse mackerel heads presented the highest 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, reducing power and Cu2+ chelating activity. On the other hand, hydrolysates from gurnard heads showed the highest ABTS radical scavenging activity and Fe2+ chelating activity. In what concerns the α-amylase inhibitory activity, the IC50 values recorded for FPH ranged between 5.70 and 84.37 mg/mL for blue whiting heads and whole Atlantic horse mackerel, respectively. α-Glucosidase inhibitory activity of FPH was relatively low but all FPH had high Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity. Considering the biological activities, these FPH are potential natural additives for functional foods or nutraceuticals.
An Overview to the Health Benefits of Seaweeds Consumption
Authors: Lomartire Silvia , Marques João Carlos , Gonçalves Ana M. M.
Published: June 2021

Currently, seaweeds are gaining major attention due to the benefits they give to our health. Recent studies demonstrate the high nutritional value of seaweeds and the powerful properties that seaweeds’ bioactive compounds provide. Species of class Phaeophyceae, phylum Rhodophyta and Chlorophyta possess unique compounds with several properties that are potential allies of our health, which make them valuable compounds to be involved in biotechnological applications. In this review, the health benefits given by consumption of seaweeds as whole food or by assumption of bioactive compounds trough natural drugs are highlighted. The use of seaweeds in agriculture is also highlighted, as they assure soils and crops free from chemicals; thus, it is advantageous for our health. The addition of seaweed extracts in food, nutraceutical, pharmaceutical and industrial companies will enhance the production and consumption/usage of seaweed-based products. Therefore, there is the need to implement the research on seaweeds, with the aim to identify more bioactive compounds, which may assure benefits to human and animal health.
Management Strategies for Brain Tumors Diagnosed during Pregnancy: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Shiro Reona , Murakami Kosuke , Miyauchi Masaharu , Sanada Yasuhiro , Matsumura Noriomi
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives: Maternal brain tumors diagnosed during pregnancy are very rare, and their clinical course remains incompletely understood. We recently experienced a case of a brain tumor diagnosed at 30 weeks of gestation, and the treatment was initiated after delivery at 32 weeks of gestation. In this study, we reviewed case reports of brain tumors diagnosed during pregnancy, focusing on whether the brain tumor was treated during pregnancy or after termination of pregnancy and on the timing of therapeutic intervention. Materials and Methods: We searched PubMed and Ichushi-Web for articles published after January 2000 that reported cases of maternal brain tumors diagnosed during pregnancy. The patients were divided into two groups according to whether the tumor was treated during pregnancy (Group A) or after termination of pregnancy (Group B). Results: In total, 42 patients were included in the study (13 (31%) in Group A and 29 (69%) in Group B). The most common symptoms before diagnosis were those caused by increased intracranial pressure (57.1%). The diagnosis was made at 18 ± 6 weeks of gestation in Group A and 26 ± 9 weeks of gestation in Group B (p = 0.007). In all cases diagnosed after 34 weeks of gestation, termination of pregnancy was followed by treatment. Treatment was initiated within two weeks of diagnosis in 50% of patients in Group A and 30% in Group B. Conclusions: When severe symptoms caused by increased intracranial pressure last for several weeks, imaging tests should be considered. Termination of pregnancy is a good option for a brain tumor diagnosed after 34 weeks of gestation, while comprehensive treatment decisions should be made based on the severity of symptoms and the course of pregnancy in other cases.
Is the Right to Abortion at Risk in Times of COVID-19? The Italian State of Affairs within the European Context
Authors: Montanari Vergallo Gianluca , Rinaldi Raffaella , Piersanti Valeria , Tini Anastasio , Del Rio Alessandro
Published: June 2021

The COVID-19 health emergency has thrown the health systems of most European countries into a deep crisis, forcing them to call off and postpone all interventions deemed not essential or life-saving in order to focus most resources on the treatment of COVID-19 patients. To facilitate women who are experiencing difficulties in terminating their pregnancies in Italy, the Ministry of Health has adapted to the regulations in force in most European countries and issued new guidelines that allow medical abortion up to 63 days, i.e., 9 weeks of gestational age, without mandatory hospitalization. This decision was met with some controversy, based on the assumption that the abortion pill could “incentivize” women to resort to abortion more easily. In fact, statistical data show that in countries that have been using medical abortion for some time, the number of abortions has not increased. The authors expect that even in Italy, as is the case in other European countries, the use of telemedicine is likely to gradually increase as a safe and valuable option in the third phase of the health emergency. The authors argue that there is a need to favor pharmacological abortion by setting up adequately equipped counseling centers, as is the case in other European countries, limiting hospitalization to only a few particularly complex cases.
Relationships between Fitness Status and Match Running Performance in Adult Women Soccer Players: A Cohort Study
Authors: Gonçalves Lillian , Clemente Filipe Manuel , Barrera Joel Ignacio , Sarmento Hugo , González-Fernández Francisco Tomás , Palucci Vieira Luiz H. , Figueiredo António José , Clark Cain C. T. , Carral J. M. Cancela
Published: June 2021

Background and Objectives: The aim of this study was twofold: (i) to analyze the relationships between fitness status (repeated-sprint ability (RSA), aerobic performance, vertical height jump, and hip adductor and abductor strength) and match running performance in adult women soccer players and (ii) to explain variations in standardized total distance, HSR, and sprinting distances based on players’ fitness status. Materials and Methods: The study followed a cohort design. Twenty-two Portuguese women soccer players competing at the first-league level were monitored for 22 weeks. These players were tested three times during the cohort period. The measured parameters included isometric strength (hip adductor and abductor), vertical jump (squat and countermovement jump), linear sprint (10 and 30 m), change-of-direction (COD), repeated sprints (6 × 35 m), and intermittent endurance (Yo-Yo intermittent recovery test level 1). Data were also collected for several match running performance indicators (total distance covered and distance at different speed zones, accelerations/decelerations, maximum sprinting speed, and number of sprints) in 10 matches during the cohort. Results: Maximal linear sprint bouts presented large to very large correlations with explosive match-play actions (accelerations, decelerations, and sprint occurrences; r = −0.80 to −0.61). In addition, jump modalities and COD ability significantly predicted, respectively, in-game high-intensity accelerations (r = 0.69 to 0.75; R2 = 25%) and decelerations (r = −0.78 to −0.50; R2 = 23–24%). Furthermore, COD had significant explanatory power related to match running performance variance regardless of whether the testing and match performance outcomes were computed a few or several days apart. Conclusion: The present investigation can help conditioning professionals working with senior women soccer players to prescribe effective fitness tests to improve their forecasts of locomotor performance.
Effect of Mobile Carrier on the Performance of PVAm–Nanocellulose Facilitated Transport Membranes for CO2 Capture
Authors: Casadei Riccardo , Firouznia Elham , Baschetti Marco Giacinti
Published: June 2021

Facilitated transport membranes obtained by coupling polyvinylamine with highly charged carboxymethylated nanocellulose fibers were studied considering both water sorption and gas permeation experiments. In particular, the effect of the L-arginine as a mobile carrier was investigated to understand possible improvements in CO2 transport across the membranes. The results show that L-arginine addition decreases the water uptake of the membrane, due to the lower polyvinylamine content, but was able to improve the CO2 transport. Tests carried on at 35 °C and high relative humidity indeed showed an increase of both CO2 permeability and selectivity with respect to nitrogen and methane. In particular, the CO2 permeability increased from 160 to about 340 Barrer when arginine loading was increased from 0 to 45 wt%. In the same conditions, selectivity with respect to nitrogen was more than doubled, increasing from 20 to 45. Minor improvements were instead obtained with respect to methane; CO2/CH4 selectivity, indeed, even in presence of the mobile carrier, was limited to about 20.
Role of Non-Metallic Inclusions in the Fracture Behavior of Cold Drawn Pearlitic Steel
Authors: Toribio Jesús , Ayaso Francisco-Javier , González Beatriz
Published: June 2021

In this paper an exhaustive scientific work is performed, by means of metallographic and scanning electron microscope (SEM) techniques, of the microstructural defects exhibited by pearlitic steels and their evolution with the manufacturing process by cold drawing, analyzing the consequences of such defects on the isotropic/anisotropic fracture behavior of the different steels. Thus, the objective is the establishment of a relation between the microstructural damage and the fracture behavior of the different steels. To this end, samples were taken from all the intermediate stages of the real cold drawing process, from the initial hot rolled bar (not cold drawn at all) to the heavily drawn final commercial product (prestressing steel wire). Results show the very relevant role of non-metallic inclusions in the fracture behavior of cold drawn pearlitic steels.
Coenzyme Q Biosynthesis: An Update on the Origins of the Benzenoid Ring and Discovery of New Ring Precursors
Authors: Fernández-del-Río Lucía , Clarke Catherine F.
Published: June 2021

Coenzyme Q (ubiquinone or CoQ) is a conserved polyprenylated lipid essential for mitochondrial respiration. CoQ is composed of a redox-active benzoquinone ring and a long polyisoprenyl tail that serves as a membrane anchor. A classic pathway leading to CoQ biosynthesis employs 4-hydroxybenzoic acid (4HB). Recent studies with stable isotopes in E. coli, yeast, and plant and animal cells have identified CoQ intermediates and new metabolic pathways that produce 4HB. Stable isotope labeling has identified para-aminobenzoic acid as an alternate ring precursor of yeast CoQ biosynthesis, as well as other natural products, such as kaempferol, that provide ring precursors for CoQ biosynthesis in plants and mammals. In this review, we highlight how stable isotopes can be used to delineate the biosynthetic pathways leading to CoQ.