bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Agnuside Alleviates Synovitis and Fibrosis in Knee Osteoarthritis through the Inhibition of HIF-1α and NLRP3 Inflammasome
Authors: Zhang Li , Li Xiaochen , Zhang Haosheng , Huang Zhengquan , Zhang Nongshan , Zhang Li , Xing Runlin , Wang Peimin
Published: March 2021

Increasing evidence has shown that NLRP3 inflammasome activation participates in chronic aseptic inflammation and is related to tissue fibrosis. Our last study also revealed the vital role of NLRP3 inflammasome, highly associated with tissue hypoxia, in the onset and development of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). In this study, we tried to find a possible benign intervention for that pathological process. Agnuside (AGN), a nontoxic, natural small molecule isolated from the extract of Vitex negundo L. (Verbenaceae), has been demonstrated to have antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, analgesia, and many other properties as an iridoid glycoside, although its specific target is still unclear. Therefore, we established MIA-induced KOA model rats and investigated the effects of AGN oral gavage on oxygen-containing state, NLRP3 inflammasome, synovitis, and fibrosis in KOA. Pimonidazole staining and HIF-1α immunohistochemical assay both showed that AGN at the oral dose of 6.25 mg/kg can effectively relieve local hypoxia in synovial tissue. Besides, we observed a decrease of HIF-1α, caspase-1, ASC, and NLRP3 after AGN intervention, both in the mRNA and protein levels. In addition, rats treated with the AGN showed less inflammatory reaction and fibrosis, not only in the expression of NLRP3, inflammasome downstream factors IL-1β and IL-18, and fibrosis markers TGF-β, TIMP1, and VEGF but also in the observation of HE staining, anatomical characteristics, Sirius Red staining, and type I collagen immunohistochemistry. Subsequently, we established LPS-induced models of fibroblast-like synoviocytes (FLSs) mimicking the inflammatory environment of KOA and activating NLRP3 inflammasome. FLSs treated with AGN (3 μM) resulted in a downregulation of HIF-1α and the components required for NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Meanwhile, the content of proinflammatory factors IL-1β and IL-18 in FLS supernatant was also reduced by AGN. In addition, both mRNA and protein levels of the fibrotic markers were significantly decreased after AGN management. To conclude, this study demonstrates that AGN alleviates synovitis and fibrosis in experimental KOA through the inhibition of HIF-1α accumulation and NLRP3 inflammasome activation. Additionally, not only does it reveal some novel targets for anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects of AGN but also announces its potential value in treating KOA in humans.
First-Arrival Picking for Microseismic Monitoring Based on Deep Learning
Authors: Guo Xiaolong
Published: March 2021

In microseismic monitoring, achieving an accurate and efficient first-arrival picking is crucial for improving the accuracy and efficiency of microseismic time-difference source location. In the era of big data, the traditional first-arrival picking method cannot meet the real-time processing requirements of microseismic monitoring process. Using the advanced idea of deep learning-based end-to-end classification and the prominent feature extraction advantages of a fully convolution neural network, this paper proposes a first-arrival picking method of effective signals for microseismic monitoring based on UNet++ network, which can significantly improve the accuracy and efficiency of first-arrival picking. In this paper, we first introduced the methodology of the UNet++-based picking method. And then, the performance of the proposed method is verified by the experiments with finite-difference forward modeling simulated signals and actual microseismic records under different signal-to-noise ratios, and finally, comparative experiments are performed using the U-Net-based first-arrival picking algorithm and the Short-Term Average to Long-Term Average (STA/LTA) algorithm. The results show that compared to the U-Net network, the proposed method can obviously improve the first-arrival picking accuracy of the low signal-to-noise ratio microseismic signals, achieving significantly higher accuracy and efficiency than the STA/LTA algorithm, which is famous for its high efficiency in traditional algorithms.
The Beckman–Quarles Theorem in Hyperbolic Geometry
Authors: Demirel Oğuzhan , Topal Damla , Aslan Leyla
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we present the counterpart of the Beckman–Quarles theorem in the Poincaré disc model of hyperbolic geometry to characterize the gyroisometries (hyperbolic isometries) with a single nonzero distance

a
∈

0,1

satisfying

a

2

∈
ℚ

.
Characteristics of Stress, Crack Evolution, and Energy Conversion of Gas-Containing Coal under Different Gas Pressures
Authors: Zhang Zhizhen , Niu Yixin , Shang Xiaoji , Liu Xingguang , Gao Feng
Published: March 2021

In order to study the meso-mechanism of deformation, crack evolution, and energy conversion of gas-containing coal under loads, considering the gas pressure and adsorption expansion, the gas-solid coupling calculation program of MatDEM software was developed, and the triaxial compression process of gas-containing coal under different gas pressures was numerically simulated. The results show that the strength and stiffness of gas-containing coal decrease with the increase of gas pressure. During the loading process, the permeability of the coal sample decreases first and then increases, while the initial permeability, minimum permeability, and maximum permeability all decrease with the increase of gas pressure. There are far more shear cracks in coal samples than tension cracks, and the number of cracks increases simultaneously with the peak stress drop. With the increase of gas pressure, the macroscopic cracks in coal samples gradually change from large-angle shear cracks to multiple intersecting small-angle ones, and the coal sample gradually changes from brittle failure to ductile. There is an initial accumulation of elastic energy inside the gas-bearing coal, and the dissipated damping heat presents a stage change. As the loading stress level increases, the gas pressure gradually produces a degrading effect. The rockburst tendency of gas-bearing coal changes from weak to none with the increase of gas pressure, which is related to the evolution of the accumulated elastic energy and dissipated damping energy in the coal.
Calculation of Subgrade Moisture Index in Seasonally Frozen Regions considering Evapotranspiration at Subzero Temperatures and the Pavement Coverage Effect
Authors: Li Dongxue , Sun Zongyuan , Ling Jianming , Li Cong
Published: March 2021

The moisture index of subgrade material directly below a paved highway is typically represented by that of an uncovered slope. However, existing studies have demonstrated the existence of a significant moisture content difference between an uncovered slope and covered subgrade owing to evapotranspiration. Moreover, under the influence of solar radiation, wind, and other factors, soil evapotranspiration persists even at subzero temperatures. This paper presents an improved method for subgrade moisture index calculation for regions that freeze seasonally. Instead of the conventional Thornthwaite method, the Food and Agriculture Organization Penman–Monteith (FAO‐56 PM) method was employed to estimate the potential evapotranspiration (PE) of slope soil at subzero temperatures. Based on the moisture balance principle, the PE and water runoff and deficit were used as input parameters to calculate the moisture index of an uncovered slope. After the effect of pavement cover on subgrade humidity was defined through a correction coefficient determined via the matric suction dependence of soil water content, an optimized calculation formula was developed to estimate the moisture index of the subgrade material according to that of the corresponding slope. The results calculated on a typical seasonally frozen region in Northeast China demonstrated the applicability and accuracy of the proposed method for predicting the subgrade moisture. The potential evapotranspiration of an uncovered highway slope soil at subzero temperatures could reach 9.8%–15.7% of the total annual evapotranspiration. The moisture index range for seasonally frozen regions was −14.2–57.3. These findings will have important implications for effective improvements in the design and construction of subgrade in regions that freeze seasonally or face similar climatic conditions.
Constraints of Pore-Bulk Strain Ratio and Interference Time on the Evolution of Coal Permeability during CO2 Injection
Authors: Liu Guannan , Liu Jishan , Gao Feng
Published: March 2021

CO2 injection into coal seam triggers a series of processes that are coupled all together through a permeability model. Previous studies have shown that current permeability models cannot explain experimental data as reported in the literature. This knowledge gap defines the goal of this study. We hypothesize that this failure originates from the assumption that the pore strain is the same as the bulk strain in order to satisfy the Betti-Maxwell reciprocal theorem. This assumption is valid only for the initial state without gas sorption and deformation and for the ultimate state with uniform gas sorption and uniform deformation within the REV (representative elementary volume). In this study, we introduce the pore-bulk strain ratio and interference time to characterize the process of gas sorption and its associated nonuniform deformation from the initial state to the ultimate state. This leads to a new nonequilibrium permeability model. We use the model to fully couple the coal deformation and gas flow. This new coupled model captures the impact of coal local transient behaviors on gas flow. Results of this study clearly show that coal permeability is constrained by the magnitudes of initial and ultimate pore-bulk strain ratios and interference time, that current permeability data in the literature are within these bounds, and that the evolutions of coal permeability all experience similar stages from the initial value to the ultimate one.
A Rapid Gradation Detection System for Earth and Stone Materials Based on Digital Image
Authors: Yu Shu , Wen Yanfeng , Chen Zuyu , Zhang Guoying , Wang Yujie , Hao Jianwei , Zhang Qiang
Published: March 2021

Gradation has an important influence on the mechanical properties of earth and stone materials after compaction, and a reasonable gradation is the key to ensure compaction quality. In this paper, a set of earth and stone materials gradation detection system based on digital image processing was proposed, which was suitable for detection in the construction sites. The system obtained images which were taken from multiple directions of materials transport vehicle, used the thresholding method to segment the images, detected particle contours through edge detection algorithm of Canny to realize the image recognition of particle size, and drew the gradation curve of earth and rock materials finally. It was verified by selecting limestone aggregates of different gradations, and the results showed high accuracy. The system can realize on‐site detection of the earthwork gradation rapidly and accurately at a dam construction site.
Optic Neuritis Presented as Syndrome of Inappropriate Antidiuretic Hormone Secretion in an 8 Year Old
Authors: Prasadani T. G. M. , Panditha Kapila , Irugalbandara D.
Published: March 2021

Optic neuritis is a rare demyelinating disorder, which involves the optic nerve. It can be a monophasic self-limiting illness due to postinfectious or postvaccination etiology. It can also be an initial presentation of a relapsing demyelinating disorder such as multiple sclerosis or neuromyelitis optica spectrum of disorders. It is characterized to aquaporin-4 antibody-rich areas in the brain, optic nerve, and spinal cord. The hypothalamus and periventricular area are also rich in specific antibodies and may lead to dysfunction in the hypothalamic-pituitary axis. Antidiuretic hormone (ADH) is synthesized in the hypothalamus and stored in the posterior pituitary and may secrete inappropriately due to this disturbance. This will impair water excretion from the kidney, leading to hyponatremia. When hyponatremia is significant, the patient will present with confusion, agitation, and convulsions. This case report discusses acute symptomatic hyponatremia as the initial presentation of optic neuritis due to syndrome of inappropriate ADH secretion (SIADH).
Identifying the Key Nodes and Sections of Urban Roadway Network Based on GPS Trajectory Data
Authors: Wang Jing , Dong Chunjiao , Shao Chunfu , Huang Shichen , Wang Shuang
Published: March 2021

This paper proposes a novel approach to identify the key nodes and sections of the roadway network. The taxi-GPS trajectory data are regarded as mobile sensor to probe a large scale of urban traffic flows in real time. First, the urban primary roadway network model and dual roadway network model are developed, respectively, based on the weighted complex network. Second, an evaluation system of the key nodes and sections is developed from the aspects of dynamic traffic attributes and static topology. At the end, the taxi-GPS data collected in Xicheng District of Beijing, China, are analyzed. A comprehensive analysis of the spatial-temporal changes of the key nodes and sections is performed. Moreover, the repetition rate is used to evaluate the performance of the identification algorithm of key nodes and sections. The results show that the proposed method realizes the expression of topological structure and dynamic traffic attributes of the roadway network simultaneously, which is more practicable and effective in a large scale.
On Fixed Point Results in Partial
b
-Metric Spaces
Authors: Qawaqneh Haitham , Noorani Mohd Salmi Md , Aydi Hassen , Zraiqat Amjed , Ansari Arslan Hojat
Published: March 2021

Partial

b

-metric spaces are characterised by a modified triangular inequality and that the self-distance of any point of space may not be zero and the symmetry is preserved. The spaces with a symmetric property have interesting topological properties. This manuscript paper deals with the existence and uniqueness of fixed point points for contraction mappings using triangular weak

α

-admissibility with regard to

η

and

C

-class functions in the class of partial

b

-metric spaces. We also introduce an example to demonstrate the obtained results.
Association between Down Syndrome and Disorders of Sex Development: Report of Three Cases and Review of 188 Cases in the Literature
Authors: Santos-Neto Octavio O. , Mariano Marina H. , Marques-de-Faria Antonia P. , Andrade Juliana G. R. , Vieira Tarsis A. P. , Viguetti-Campos Nilma L. , dos Santos Ana P. , Mello Maricilda P. , Mazzola Tais N. , Guaragna Mara S. , Fabbri-Scallet Helena , Damiani Durval , Steinmetz Leandra , Ferreira Marianna R. , Saito Paula A. , Sievert Jean C. , Maciel-Guerra Andrea T. , Guerra-Junior Gil
Published: March 2021

In this study, we present 3 cases of Down syndrome (DS) associated with disorders/differences of sex development (DSD) and review the literature on this topic. Case 1: 1-year-old child with male genitalia and DS phenotype, 47,XX,+21 karyotype and testicular DSD. Case 2: 11-month-old child with male genitalia and few DS dysmorphisms, 45,X/47,XY,+21 karyotype, and mixed gonadal dysgenesis. Case 3: 4-month-old child with female genitalia and DS phenotype, 47,XY,+21 karyotype and XY complete gonadal dysgenesis. In the literature, among 188 patients, 107 (57%) had Klinefelter syndrome and 61 (33%) Turner syndrome, 12 (6%) had mixed gonadal dysgenesis, 2 (1%) had partial androgen insensitivity, 2 (1%) ovotesticular DSD, and the others had congenital adrenal hyperplasia, XY partial gonadal dysgenesis, XY complete gonadal dysgenesis, and complete androgen insensitivity (1 case each). A typical DS phenotype was found in all individuals of the revision, with the exception of one case, but DSD features were not always reported. In conclusion, the association of DS with sex chromosome DSD is the most frequently observed, whereas associations with 46,XX and 46,XY DSD is extremely rare.
Evaluation of weighted fusion for scalar images in multi-sensor network
Authors: Jittawiriyanukoon C. , Srisarkun V.
Published: March 2021

The regular image fusion method based on scalar has the problem how to prioritize and proportionally enrich image details in multi-sensor network. Based on multiple sensors to fuse and manipulate patterns of computer vision is practical. A fusion (integration) rule, bit-depth conversion, and truncation (due to conflict of size) on the image information are studied. Through multi-sensor images, the fusion rule based on weighted priority is employed to restructure prescriptive details of a fused image. Investigational results confirm that the associated details between multiple images are possibly fused, the prescription is executed and finally, features are improved. Visualization for both spatial and frequency domains to support the image analysis is also presented.
Joint impacts of relaying scheme and wireless power transfer in multiple access of cellular networks
Authors: Le Anh-Tu , Do Dinh-Thuan
Published: March 2021

This paper considers ergodic capacity of energy harvesting (EH) based cellular networks. Such a network employs non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) together with relaying scheme to serve two far users. In this system model, relay is facilitated power splitting (PS) protocol to implement energy harvesting (EH). To examine capacity, expressions of signal to noise ratio (SNR) need be computed to achieve capacity. Power allocation factors are different for two users in such system and hence performance gap happens to distinguish requirements for separated users. It can be confirmed that the proposed paradigm exhibits maximal achievable capacity in some scenarios of setting parameters. To confirm exactness of the analytical expressions and show advantages of the proposed EH-NOMA, simulation results are performed in terms of ergodic capacity.
Design and development of sensorless based 5-DOF bilaterally controlled surgical manipulator: A prototype
Authors: Nakdhamabhorn Sakol , Pillai M. Branesh , Suthakorn Jackrit
Published: March 2021

Minimally invasive surgery (MIS) is one of the most challenging tasks in surgical procedures due to the lack of visibility of the surgical area, instrument orientation, and depth perception. A tele-operated robot assisted minimally invasive surgery is developed to enhance a surgeon's hand dexterity and accuracy. To perform MIS, the surgeon controls a slave manipulator via a master manipulator, so the force feedback and motion feedback are required to imitate an amount of action and reaction force between master and slave manipulator. The complicated MIS requires more complex surgical manipulator with multi DOFs and multiple force feedback. The limitation of multiple DOFs force feedback is a bandwidth of torque sensors. Therefore, this study proposes a sensorless based 5-DOF Bilaterally controlled surgical manipulation. In this research disturbance observer (DOB) is used to identify the internal disturbance of the system, which is used to estimate the reaction torque. This research mainly focuses on a 5-DOF bilaterally controlled surgical manipulator to maintain a position and additional force. The result of torque error in contact motion is less than 2%, the non-contact motion error is not over 5%, and it is evident that the error is always less than 0.3% for the position response.
Realistic influence maximization based on followers score and engagement grade on instagram
Authors: Purba Kristo Radion , Yulia Yulia
Published: March 2021

In recent years, the emergence of social media influencers attracts the study of a realistic influence maximization (IM) technique. The theoretical performance of IM has become matured. However, it is not enough since IM has to be implemented in a social media environment. Realistic IM algorithms and diffusion models have been proposed, such as the addition of user factors or a learning agent. However, most studies still relied on the influence spread benchmark, which makes the usefulness questionable. This research is among the first IM study using Instagram data. In this study, two diffusion models are proposed, which are based on the original IC and LT models, with the addition of the engagement grade (EG) factor. An algorithm called IMFS (IM with followers score) is proposed to accommodate the new models as well as IC and LT. In addition, realistic benchmark methods are proposed, namely the average engagement of the activated users, and the overlapping between post likers and activated users. The result shows that the proposed models are 2-3x more realistic if compared to IC and LT.
Recent research in finding the optimal path by ant colony optimization
Authors: Sari Sari Ali , Mohamad Kamaruddin Malik
Published: March 2021

The computation of the optimal path is one of the critical problems in graph theory. It has been utilized in various practical ranges of real world applications including image processing, file carving and classification problem. Numerous techniques have been proposed in finding optimal path solutions including using ant colony optimization (ACO). This is a nature-inspired metaheuristic algorithm, which is inspired by the foraging behavior of ants in nature. Thus, this paper study the improvement made by many researchers on ACO in finding optimal path solution. Finally, this paper also identifies the recent trends and explores potential future research directions in file carving.
Comparison of the trend moment and double moving average methods for forecasting the number of dengue hemorrhagic fever patients
Authors: Khairina Dyna Marisa , Khairunnisa Rizka , Hatta Heliza Rahmania , Maharani Septya
Published: March 2021

Spread of Dengue Hemorrhagic Fever (DHF) is influenced by an increase in air temperature due to changes in weather and population density so that there is a lot of exchange of dengue virus through the bite of the Aedes aegypti mosquito. Forecasting models are needed to predict the number of DHF patients in the future so that monitoring of the number of DHF patients can be carried out as anticipation and consideration of decision making. Forecasting the number of patients is based on actual data within 2 (two) previous years by comparing the two methods, namely trend moment and double moving average. To measure the accuracy of the forecasting results from the two forecasting methods, tracking signal and moving range are used. Based on the test results, it shows that the forecasting results are said to be good because no one has passed the upper control limit and lower control limit values so that the difference between the actual data and the forecasting results is not too significant and the trend moment more recommended because the difference in actual data and forecasting results are approached and shown in the pattern graph by looking at the data difference in each period.
Optimum speed controller structure utilizing the MCA approach
Authors: Moosa Omran Khulood , Jasim Basil Hani , Hassan Kadhim H.
Published: March 2021

In this paper, an optimal speed controller for dc motor is considered using a PID controller and tuned its parameters of gain to offer an optimal solution by using a modified camel algorithm MCA approach. The proposed MCA scheme was applied to solve the difficulty of getting the optimum gains of PID parameters. The MCA has good evolutionary speed with the simple construction of optimization depend on camel searching performance. The characteristics of the MCA algorithm were confirmed by optimizing the gains parameters of proportional, integral, derivative PID controller. The performance of PID-MCA is comparing with a classic PID controller enhanced with GA genetic algorithm optimization method to tune the gain parameters of the speed controller system. It was shown that the utilize of optimization processes indicated better performance for the MCA procedure in term of speed of execution and the size of memory compared with the GA method by applying computer simulations analysis. The proposed scheme has an efficient feature that includes the ease of implementation, good efficiency of computational performances with stable convergence characteristics. The results indicated that the proposed MCA scheme is a useful tool for search ability, produced efficient outcomes compared with the GA optimized method when applied in the proposed system.
Experimental analysis of non-Gaussian noise resistance on global method optical flow using bilateral in reverse confidential
Authors: Kesrarat Darun , Patanavijit Vorapoj
Published: March 2021

This paper presents the analytical of non-Gaussian noise resistance with the aid of the use of bilateral in reverse confidential with the optical flow. In particular, optical flow is the sample of the image’s motion from the consecutive images caused by the object’s movement. It is a 2-D vector where every vector is a displacement vector displaying the motion from the first image to the second. When the noise interferes with the image flow, the approximated performance on the vector in optical flow is poor. We ensure greater appropriate noise resistance by applying bilateral in reverse confidential in optical flow in the experiment by concerning the error vector magnitude (EVM). Many noise resistance models of the global method optical flow are using for comparison in our experiment. And many sequenced image data sets where they are interfered with by several types of non-Gaussian noise are used for experimental analysis.
Microscopy images segmentation algorithm based on shearlet neural network
Authors: Al-Azzawi Nemir Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Microscopic images are becoming important and need to be studied to know the details and how-to quantitatively evaluate decellularization. Most of the existing research focuses on deep learning-based techniques that lack simplification for decellularization. A new computational method for the segmentation microscopy images based on the shearlet neural network (SNN) has been introduced. The proposal is to link the concept of shearlets transform and neural networks into a single unit. The method contains a feed-forward neural network and uses a single hidden layer. The activation functions are depending on the standard shearlet transform. The proposed SNN is a powerful technology for segmenting an electron microscopic image that is trained without relying on the pre-information of the data. The shearlet neural networks capture the features of full accuracy and contextual information, respectively. The expected value for specific inputs is estimated by learning the functional configuration of a network for the sequence of observed value. Experimental results on the segmentation of two-dimensional microscopy images are promising and confirm the benefits of the proposed approach. Lastly, we investigate on a challenging datasets ISBI 2012 that our method (SNN) achieves superior outcomes when compared to classical and deep learning-based methods.
Design and development of intelligent waste bin system with advertisement solution
Authors: Faisal Tarig , Awawdeh Moath , Bashir Anees
Published: March 2021

In cities where a large geographical area of the city is densely populated, the process of waste collection is cumbersome, tiresome and expensive. Often, the burden of manually tracking and collecting of waste causes waste management companies enormous wasted effort and get them involved in tasks that are not necessary. No doubt, a digital interaction between waste management companies and targeted waste collection areas could ensure the process becomes fast, efficient and traceable as they become aware of the states of the wastes, aptly. It will considerably reduce any discrepancies that may occur due to the lack of information available during a particular time. Accordingly, this paper proposes a novel approach towards waste management combined with the internet of things to reduce the problems that would occur due to the accumulation of wastes and hence improvise waste collection/management process. Additionally, an innovative feature which generates revenue and creates business opportunities for waste management companies is introduced via advertisement solution based on network-attached storage technology.
Overview about GIS multi-criteria spatial analysis for micro hydropower plant site suitability in South Ogan Komering Ulu District, South Sumatera, Indonesia
Authors: Nur Wawan Hendriawan , Yuliana Yuliana , Susilowati Yuliana , Kumoro Yugo , Yunarto Yunarto
Published: March 2021

Morphology in South OKU District is the potential of a micro hydropower plant (MHPP) as an alternative power source. This potential has not been fully utilized, although many un-electrified villages are in several remote areas. Identification planning for MHPP is one of the most critical planning tasks and requires excellent multi-criteria spatial analysis. GIS and multi-criteria analysis have played an essential role in analyzing suitable locations for MHPP development. GIS and multi-criteria spatial analysis consist of detailed investigations of ongoing sites and suitability for specific planning. This research aims to overview GIS multi-criteria spatial analysis for MHPP site suitability based on electricity South OKU demands. The most critical data and criteria to decide the best site suitability are un-electrified villages, rivers, land use, slope, landslide vulnerability, and elevation. All of the data were generated into the raster data format. Quantitative modeling used AHP as a multi-criteria analysis method, and a weighted score is determined by considering the comparison of each criterion. Finally, the criterion layer was calculated by open-source QGIS to create a site suitability map. The field study verified the resulting map, and there is a match between the preferred locations and the field survey. The research results preferred Sungai Are, Sindang Danau, and Kisam Tinggi Sub-district as the best suitability for MHPP development.
A GMM supervector approach for spoken Indian language identification for mismatch utterance length
Authors: Bakshi Aarti , Kopparapu Sunil Kumar
Published: March 2021

Gaussian mixture model-universal background model (GMM UBM) supervectors are used to identify spoken Indian languages. The supervectors are calculated from short-time MFCC, its first and sec derivatives. The UBM builds a generalized Indian language model, and mean adaptation transforms it to a duration normalized language-specific GMM. Multi-class support vector machine and artificial neural network classifiers are used to identify language labels from the supervectors. Experimental evaluations are performed using 30 sec speech utterances from nine Indian languages comprised five Indo-Aryan and four Dravidian languages, extracted from all India radio broadcast news data-set. Eight smaller duration data-sets were manually derived to study the effect of training and test duration mismatch. In mismatch conditions, identification accuracy decreases with a decrease in test and train utterance duration. Investigations showed that the 32-mixture model with ANN classifier has optimal performance.
Litoteca IGc-USP: como um arquivo de rochas tornou-se laboratório de preservação de acervo litológico
Authors: Sborja Camila Hoshino , Lima Jessica Tarine Moitinho
Published: March 2021

Idealizada e projetada em 2014 para arquivar e salvaguardar o acervo litológico do Instituto de Geociências da Universidade de São Paulo (IGc-USP), a Litoteca IGc-USP atualmente assume as funções de laboratório, o Laboratório de Preservação de Acervo Litológico (Litolab), cujo objetivo, além de funcionar como arquivo e salvaguarda, inclui documentar, tornar acessível, valorar e divulgar o acervo litológico científico produzido pelos pesquisadores do instituto. O presente artigo pretende caracterizar essa proposta de mudança de nomenclatura, perpassando pelo histórico dainstituição e por sua missão e função junto à universidade. O Litolab, diferentemente de outras litotecas brasileiras, apresenta, em seu processo de gestão e preservação, uma metodologia de comunicação e documentação que o aproxima das coleções musealizadas, distanciando-o das litotecas cuja missão se detém no procedimento de inventário e salvaguarda. Por meio de tal processo, as amostras tornam-se documentos e o arquivo musealizado torna-se o laboratório de preservação. Dessa forma, a produção científica acadêmica do IGc-USP, cuja disponibilidade para consulta anteriormente apresentava maior dificuldade, por depender de acesso exclusivamente pessoal ao acervo, passa a estar disponível remotamente a qualquer interessado, via internet.
Prática extensionista em museus universitários: a trajetória do Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da Universidade Federal do Paraná (MAE-UFPR)
Authors: Pérez Gil Laura , Portela Bruna  Marina , Freire Gabriela de Carvalho
Published: March 2021

O Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da Universidade Federal do Paraná (MAE-UFPR) é o primeiro museu universitário tanto dessa universidade quanto do estado do Paraná. Ao longo do texto, fazemos um percurso na história do MAE-UFPR, tendo como fio condutor a transformação da sua atuação extensionista. Nas suas primeiras décadas de existência, o museu operava por meio de um entendimento segundo o qual seu papel social se baseava na externalização e difusão do conhecimento. Ao longo dos últimos anos, e em consonância com as transformações da própria museologia e daconceitualização da extensão universitária, o conceito central é o de diálogo.
Formação de novas gerações nos museus universitários: o papel do educativo do Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da USP
Authors: Silva Maurício André da
Published: March 2021

Neste artigo, discute-se a contribuição do Educativo do Museu de Arqueologia e Etnologia da Universidade de São Paulo na formação de novas gerações para o campo museal e áreas correlatas. A instituição, ao longo de décadas, tem sensibilizado profissionais por meio do ensino, da pesquisa e da extensão. Os museus universitários, nessa perspectiva, têm atuação crucial ao ampliar o vínculo da universidade com a sociedade, especialmente com os trabalhos educacionais para o público em geral. Com o crescimento do acesso de distintas parcelas da população ao espaço universitário nos últimos anos, os museus podem ser um local privilegiado para o acolhimento dessas diferenças e para sua incorporação no mundo da ciência e da museologia. Muitos e muitas profissionais que hoje atuam em diferentes segmentos da área do patrimônio cultural começaram sua vida profissional nesses locais, em particular dentro das universidades públicas.
Editorial
Authors: Marandino Martha
Published: March 2021

A literatura revela a dificuldade de definir o que é exatamente um museu universitário. Seria apenas o espaço físico, o prédio que pertence a uma universidade? Inclui necessariamente coleções que pertençam à universidade? Seria ainda um espaço em que os funcionários são necessariamente empregados pela universidade? Desde a década de 1980 Warhurst nos alerta sobre a dificuldade da definição dos museus universitários e aponta que muitos não satisfazem aos critérios de demarcação já estipulados.
Accountability and social control: how the process works
Authors: Gonçalves Andréa de Oliveira , Bilhim João de Abreu Faria , Rezende Ricardo Borges de , Gonçalves Rodrigo de Souza
Published: March 2021

Adopting an action research approach, this study presents the findings of an analysis of accountability and social control processes in place between the local government (Municipal Health Office) and the Anápolis-Brazil Municipal Health Council. The different stages of the action research process entailed: observation of plenary meetings, analysis of the composition of the council, a group interview with council members and the training of council members. The main results were the tabling and approval of a resolution defining a template for accountability reports and the drafting of a handbook with guidelines on how to read and analyze accountability reports. Members of the health council were seen to change their views concerning the process of analyzing the reports, the new emphasis being on their quality and on connecting them with the planning information. In the light of Habermas’s perspective, the authors question the role of training and the intention implicit in the guidelines: are they an opportunity for empowerment/liberation or, on the contrary, an instrument of domination and alienation?
A certificação Bandeira Azul e seus impactos nas praias do Brasil
Authors: Espínola Rafaella Soares , Ferreira Lissa Valéria Fernandes , Marques Junior Sergio
Published: March 2021

As certificações ambientais surgem num contexto onde a sustentabilidade vem sendo discutida na gestão de destinos turísticos. Aplicadas às praias e marinas, seguem critérios rigorosos e indicam a qualidade ambiental dos locais certificados, gerando credibilidade nas ações voltadas à sustentabilidade. Neste contexto, esta pesquisa objetiva analisar os impactos da certificação Bandeira Azul nas praias brasileiras a partir da percepção dos representantes de cada praia certificada. Como procedimentos metodológicos, trata-se de um estudo descritivo exploratório de abordagem qualitativa que contou com a aplicação de entrevistas estruturadas com os cinco representantes das praias certificadas no Brasil e coordenação geral do Bandeira Azul nacional. No tratamento dos dados, foi utilizada a técnica da análise de conteúdo (Bardin, 2004) onde os resultados foram ilustrados no formato de quadros. Concluiu-se que a certificação Bandeira Azul pode representar um elemento de diferenciação turística para as praias certificadas, impactando positivamente na imagem do destino, trazendo benefícios econômicos, fomentando a captação de recursos públicos e privados, promovendo a conscientização ambiental dos atores envolvidos (gestores, turistas e comunidades), entre outros.
O processo de estruturação da rede de serviços turísticos em Canoa Quebrada (Aracati – Ceará – Brasil) e os principais impactos provocados pelo turismo no território
Authors: Diógenes Conceição Malveira , César Pedro de Alcântara Bittencourt , Santos Norberto Pinto dos
Published: March 2021

Neste artigo, a partir da escala local de Canoa Quebrada (litoral leste do Ceará /Brasil), como parte e fragmento do município de Aracati, estudaram-se algumas transformações físico-territoriais e a relação com os mercados mundiais e globais. Assim, objetivou-se realizar um levantamento histórico da estruturação da rede de serviços turísticos e analisar os principais impactos provocados pelo turismo no território. Como procedimento metodológico aplicou-se questionários aos prestadores de serviços turísticos em uma amostra censitária, e a observação direta participativa. Somam-se ainda entrevistas semiestruturadas com atores representativos do setor, conselhos, associações, instituições de ensino e poder público. Canoa Quebrada, um dos principais destinos turísticos de Ceará, classifica-se como destino indutor da atividade. Aracati possui um rico patrimônio material e imaterial que não se integra efetivamente aos roteiros turísticos comercializados de forma massificada. A velocidade e a dinamicidade com que o fluxo turístico se desenvolveu acarretaram inúmeras transformações físico-territoriais na pequena vila de pescadores, conforme constatado na pesquisa. As transformações vindouras, a construção e a operação do Aeroporto Regional de Aracati, ainda acarretarão inúmeras outras transformações. Este artigo aponta para a necessidade de um planejamento adequado da atividade turística, para a descentralização e a desconcentração das atividades planejadas, para a realização de estudos de capacidade de carga, bem como para um maior envolvimento dos atores locais no processo de gestão do destino. Percebe-se ainda uma clara necessidade de desenvolvimento de pesquisas cientificas sobre impactos econômicos, ambientais, político-institucionais e culturais na região.
Composição de elementos maiores de rochas fonte, solos e sedimentos derivados de rochas graníticas em clima subtropical úmido: contribuição aos estudos de proveniência sedimentar
Authors: Pereira Guilherme Madrid , Guadagnin Felipe , Jelinek Andréa Ritter , Caron Felipe
Published: March 2021

O estudo dos processos sedimentares e da modificação da composição detrítica entre rocha, solo e sedimento é fundamental para compreender o fracionamento composicional nos primeiros estágios do ciclo sedimentar. Estudos em ambientes atuais são necessários para desvendar a inter-relação complexa entre os processos que geram todo o espectro composicional dos sedimentos detríticos. Neste trabalho, a influência dos processos sedimentares na composição dos sedimentos foi avaliada utilizando-se amostras de rochas fonte, solos e sedimentos detríticos em uma bacia hidrográfica na qual rochas graníticas estão expostas em clima subtropical úmido. As amostras foram separadas em oito intervalos granulométricos de seixo a lama. A composição geoquímica dessas amostras foi analisada por Inductively Coupled Emission Optical Spectroscopy — ICP-EOS. A relação entre a composição química e o tamanho de grão foi analisada por métodos estatísticos utilizando-se diagramas, gráficos de dispersão, análise dos componentes principais e avaliação da estrutura de covariância via análise biplot. Os resultados demonstram o controle do tamanho de grão na composição dos solos e sedimentos e têm implicação no entendimento da influência do intemperismo e do transporte no fracionamento geoquímico. A análise da relação entre a composição de rocha, solo e sedimento em ambientes atuais contribui para a construção e tem potencial para a construção de modelos quantitativos que permitam determinar o efeito dos processos sedimentares na composição das rochas siliciclásticas.
Immuno-Electrophysiological Mechanisms of Functional Electrical Connections Between Recipient and Donor Heart in Patients With Orthotopic Heart Transplantation Presenting With Atrial Arrhythmias
Authors: Herweg Bengt , Nellaiyappan Madhan , Welter-Frost Allan M. , Tran Thanh , Mabry George , Weston Kathryn , Tobón Catalina , Saiz Javier , Noujaim Sami , Weston Mark W.
Published: March 2021

Background:

The formation of recipient-to donor atrio-atrial connections (AAC) in patients after orthotopic heart transplantation (OHT) is poorly understood. We sought to investigate the mechanisms of atrial tachyarrhythmias after OHT, the role of AACs, and their relationship to the immunologic match.

Methods:

In a large series of OHT patients, we performed a retrospective review of 42 patients who underwent catheter ablation for atrial arrhythmias. A realistic 3-dimensional computer model of human atria was used to study AAC conductivity.

Results:

Patient age was 55±15 years (71% male). Biatrial anastomosis was present in 24/42 patients (57%). An AAC was found in 9/42 patients (21%, right-sided in 5 patients with biatrial anastomosis, left-sided in 4 patients). The AAC became apparent at the time of the electrophysiology study 10.1±7.6 years after OHT (range, 0.3–22.2 years). Donor-specific antibodies were present in no patient with AAC but were present in 69% of patients without AAC,
P
=0.002. In all patients with AAC, a recipient atrial tachycardia propagated via AAC to the donor atrium (4 patients presented with atrial fibrillation). Simulations showed AAC conduction requires an isthmus of ≥2 mm and is cycle length and location dependent. Patients without AAC (n=13) frequently presented with donor atrial arrhythmias, in 77% cavo-tricuspid isthmus flutter was ablated. The procedural success was high, although, 12 patients (29%) required reablation.

Conclusions:

AACs are found in 21% of OHT patients with atrial tachyarrhythmias and can manifest very early after OHT. Immune privilege characterized by the absence of donor-specific antibodies may facilitate AAC formation. Propagation across an AAC is width, cycle length, and location dependent. Patients with AAC present with focal atrial tachycardias or atrial fibrillation originating from the recipient atria; patients without most frequently present with cavo-tricuspid isthmus dependent atrial flutter. While multiple arrhythmias frequently require reablation, ablative therapy is highly effective.

Graphic Abstract:

A
graphic abstract
is available for this article.
Temporal Trends in Stroke-Related Memory Change
Authors: Eng Chloe W. , Mayeda Elizabeth R. , Gilsanz Paola , Whitmer Rachel A. , Kim Anthony S. , Glymour M. Maria
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose:

Findings from the Framingham Heart Study suggest that declines in dementia incidence rates over recent decades are partially due to decreases in stroke incidence and mortality; however, whether trends of declining dementia rates extend to survivors of incident stroke remains unclear. We investigated evidence for temporal trends in memory change related to incident stroke in a nationally representative cohort.

Methods:

Adults age 50+ in the HRS (Health and Retirement Study) were followed across three successive 6-year epochs (epoch 1: 1998–2004, n=16 781; epoch 2: 2004–2010, n=15 345; and epoch 3: 2010–2016; n=15 949). Participants were included in an epoch if they were stroke-free at the start of that epoch. Annual rates of change in a composite z-standardized memory score were compared using demographic-adjusted linear regression models for stroke-free participants, those who survived after stroke, and those who died after stroke, considering memory change before stroke, at the time of stroke, and for years following stroke.

Results:

Crude stroke incidence rates decreased from 8.5 per 1000 person-years in epoch 1 to 6.8 per 1000 person-years in epoch 3. Rates of memory change before and following stroke onset were similar across epochs. Memory decrement immediately after stroke onset attenuated from −0.37 points (95% CI, −0.44 to −0.29) in epoch 1 to −0.26 (95% CI, −0.33 to −0.18) points in epoch 2 and −0.25 (95% CI, −0.33 to −0.17) points in epoch 3 (
P
value for linear trend=0.02).

Conclusions:

Decreases in stroke-related dementia in recent years may be partially attributable to smaller memory decrements immediately after stroke onset. Findings suggest reductions in stroke incidence and improvements in stroke care may also reduce population burden of dementia. Further investigations into whether temporal trends are attributable to improvements in stroke care are needed.
China’s Efforts to Shape and Improve Its International Discursive Power: Diplomatic Practice
Authors: Sun Jisheng
Published: March 2021

Discursive power is the reflection of a country’s national strength and international influence. The increase of economic power does not necessarily mean the increase of discursive power. The improvement of discursive power has to be strategically designed and multidimensionally improved. Due to China’s historical experiences regarding discursive power, China is weak in many fields. Since the 18th National Congress of the Communist Party of China, China began to pay more attention to improve its international discursive power such as expanding its discursive presence and strengthening effectiveness of its voice, changing language style, enhancing institutional power and innovating diplomatic practice. In the future, more substantive efforts will be needed such as strengthening the overall strategic layout, enhancing institutional discursive power in various fields, improving the discursive system and promoting integration of China’s major diplomatic ideas and discourse with global ones.