bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The System of Innovation With the Case of USA
Authors: Imer Sabahattin Tugrul
Published: January 2021

Science, technology, and innovation (STI) are directly linked with prosperity in today's global, competitive, fast-paced, and knowledge-based economy as they are not critical for the industrial development only, but also have a direct impact on the living standards. Therefore, a properly functioning innovation system is the key to permanent progress, from the perspective of both economic growth and development. This chapter lays out the national system of innovation (NSI) approach and accentuates the role of the government within that regard. As an example for a successful model, the U.S. innovation ecosystem is examined with an historical background both from the public policy perspective and at the institutional level through practical applications, particularly within the concept of university-industry collaboration. Also in the light of today's swiftly growing digital technology and global competition, the system of innovation is revisited to make assessments for future sustainability.
University-Industry Collaboration With a Focus on Venture Capital Investments
Authors: Sahin Serkan
Published: January 2021

Today, many countries are searching for financing alternatives which may contribute to the development of an economy. Funds provided by venture capitals may be considered as a vital funding source especially for start-ups. In particular, venture capital investments may enhance the available financing alternatives used to finance innovative business ideas. Policies supporting the capital market development may also boost innovative business ideas since the developed capital markets may attract higher amounts of venture capital investments. Hence, it seems possible that policies supporting innovative business ideas may contribute to this goal by supporting the development of the capital markets. This chapter aims to explain business models, financing alternatives, and exit strategies; give information about venture capital investments in Europe; propose a conceptual model for an improved university-industry collaboration via capital market development; and finally, empirically investigate the causal association between venture capital investments and capital market development.
Mental Health and Psychosocial Support for Persons in Quarantine and Isolation Facilities During the COVID-19 Pandemic in Namibia
Authors: Freeman Rachel J. , Taukeni Simon George , Kalomo Eveline Ndinelao
Published: January 2021

In this chapter, the authors describe the essential need of mental health and psychosocial support for people accommodated in mandatory quarantine and isolation facilities during the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic in Namibia through a multi-sectoral response. Namibia recorded its first two index cases on 13 March 2020 when a married couple arrived in the Windhoek district in Namibia from Madrid, Spain on 11 March 2020. Namibia has since March 2020 provided supervised quarantine services to 12,128 persons in facilities around the country. The Ministry of Health and Social Services provides mental health and psychosocial support services, which were critical in the short and long-term response to COVID-19 pandemic. Public health measures were developed in line with WHO guidelines to contain the virus. These measures include the need of setting up quarantine and isolation facilities. Recommendations for future research in strengthening mental health and psychosocial support services and coping strategies are provided in the chapter.
IoT, IR 4.0, and AI Technology Usability and Future Trend Demands
Authors: Tabassum Mujahid , Perumal Sundresan , Mohanan Saju , Suresh P. , Cheriyan Sunitha , Hassan Waqar
Published: January 2021

The world is struggling and dealing with a new pandemic named Coronavirus. Technologies such as the internet of things, IR4.0, artificial intelligence, and social media applications are becoming crucial tools during these tumultuous times to aid humanity in different perspectives. Many industries and people around the world are utilizing these applications to perform daily life operations. Therefore, technological innovations are continuously improving in every sector. For instance, in many hospitals, COVID-19 patients are monitored using the IoT-based networks on a regular basis with the ability to make decisions with the aid of the artificial intelligence. Industrial Revolution 4.0 is another technology that is helping business in current pandemic situation. In current pandemic, internet and 4G networks are playing important roles. These networks demand heavy bandwidth and show new future industries trends. In this chapter, the authors have discussed IoT, IR 4.0, AI, and social media applications' roles and impact on society, usability, and future trend demands.
Image Transmission Analysis Using MIMO-OFDM Systems
Authors: Sharma Akanksha , Kansal Lavish , Gaba Gurjot Singh , Mounir Mohamed
Published: January 2021

This chapter demonstrates various ways for transmitting an image file using MIMO-OFDM systems which have anti-error ability to reduce BER. Furthermore, various diversity combining techniques like maximal ratio combining (MRC), selection combining (SC) are incorporated along with transmitting diversity scheme (i.e., beamforming). Different modulation techniques (viz. QPSK, 16-PSK, and 64-PSK) are used and evaluated in terms of BER vs. SNR considering different combination of transmitters and receivers. Lastly, results showed that in the transmission course, BER is considerably reduced and the image quality is found much better in comparison to other schemes.
A Review of MIMO
Authors: França Reinaldo Padilha , Monteiro Ana Carolina Borges , Arthur Rangel , Iano Yuzo
Published: January 2021

MIMO is the technology that allows equipment to work with both polarizations at the same time, both horizontally and vertically, and the devices make this function as a download-only polarization and another upload-only polarization. Others still do not do either of these controls and connect using both biases at the same time, so the data transfer rate can double. MIMO is an integral part of modern wireless communications technologies, whether you're talking about 802.11ac or 4G LTE Wi-Fi network data. It arose from a need to increase the transmission capacity of an access point and is basically the access point's ability to receive and send simultaneous streams. This technology has a feature that the higher the speed and the more antennas the device has, the more data it can transfer at one time, meaning faster wireless download and upload speeds. This chapter examines the MIMO technology and developments over the recent past as well as the upcoming integration into new mobile technologies, approaching its success, categorizing, and synthesizing the potential of technology.
Defining Multimedia
Authors: Kennedy Caran
Published: January 2021

Multimedia systems have revolutionized the traditional means of communication that have ultimately enhanced the learning styles in online education. With the advancement of technology, online education has become available to students who would like to pursue a higher education. It has also played an important role in how humans consume, transmit, and process information to one another in the online classroom. This chapter analyzes the importance of integrating multimedia in online education and how it can create students to pursue media entrepreneurship. Consequently, this chapter will show its support of the integration of multimedia tools in communication education by discussing the benefits of these systems and how they are used as a stepping stool to the phenomenon, entrepreneurship.
PID Control Algorithm Based on Genetic Algorithm and its Application in Electric Cylinder Control
Authors: Zhang Geng , Gong Xiansheng , Chen Xirui
Published: January 2021

The traditional PID controller is simple in principle, easy to use, stable and reliable, and it is still widely used in the control field. However, for many nonlinear and lagging objects, the parameter tuning of PID controller is very important. Genetic algorithm provides a new way to optimize the parameters of PID. It uses simple coding techniques and propagation mechanisms to express complex phenomena, which is not restricted by the restriction of the search space. In this paper, the global optimization of genetic algorithm is used to optimize the parameters of PID, which can improve the performance and adaptive capability of PID controller. The mathematical model of the electric cylinder system is established, and the PID controller based on genetic algorithm is used to control the system. The simulation results verify the effectiveness of the proposed control algorithm.
A Genetic-Algorithms-Based Technique for Detecting Distributed Predicates
Authors: Al Maghayreh Eslam
Published: January 2021

One of the techniques that have been used in the literature to enhance the dependability of distributed applications is the detection of distributed predicates techniques (also referred to as runtime verification). These techniques are used to verify that a given run of a distributed application satisfies certain properties (specified as predicates). Due to the existence of multiple processes running concurrently, the detection of a distributed predicate can incur significant overhead. Several researchers have worked on the development of techniques to reduce the cost of detecting distributed predicates. However, most of the techniques presented in the literature work efficiently for specific classes of predicates, like conjunctive predicates. This chapter presents a technique based on genetic algorithms to efficiently detect distributed predicates under the possibly modality. Several experiments have been conducted to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed technique.
Intelligent Computing in Medical Imaging
Authors: Chakraborty Shouvik , Chatterjee Sankhadeep , Ashour Amira S. , Mali Kalyani , Dey Nilanjan
Published: January 2021

Biomedical imaging is considered main procedure to acquire valuable physical information about the human body and some other biological species. It produces specialized images of different parts of the biological species for clinical analysis. It assimilates various specialized domains including nuclear medicine, radiological imaging, Positron emission tomography (PET), and microscopy. From the early discovery of X-rays, progress in biomedical imaging continued resulting in highly sophisticated medical imaging modalities, such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), ultrasound, Computed Tomography (CT), and lungs monitoring. These biomedical imaging techniques assist physicians for faster and accurate analysis and treatment. The present chapter discussed the impact of intelligent computing methods for biomedical image analysis and healthcare. Different Artificial Intelligence (AI) based automated biomedical image analysis are considered. Different approaches are discussed including the AI ability to resolve various medical imaging problems. It also introduced the popular AI procedures that employed to solve some special problems in medicine. Artificial Neural Network (ANN) and support vector machine (SVM) are active to classify different types of images from various imaging modalities. Different diagnostic analysis, such as mammogram analysis, MRI brain image analysis, CT images, PET images, and bone/retinal analysis using ANN, feed-forward back propagation ANN, probabilistic ANN, and extreme learning machine continuously. Various optimization techniques of ant colony optimization (ACO), genetic algorithm (GA), particle swarm optimization (PSO) and other bio-inspired procedures are also frequently conducted for feature extraction/selection and classification. The advantages and disadvantages of some AI approaches are discussed in the present chapter along with some suggested future research perspectives.
A Multiobjective Genetic-Algorithm-Based Optimization of Micro-Electrical Discharge Drilling
Authors: Unune Deepak Rajendra , Aherwar Amit
Published: January 2021

Inconel 718 superalloy finds wide range of applications in various industries due to its superior mechanical properties including high strength, high hardness, resistance to corrosion, etc. Though poor machinability especially in micro-domain by conventional machining processes makes it one of the “difficult-to-cut” material. The micro-electrical discharge machining (µ-EDM) is appropriate process for machining any conductive material, although selection of machining parameters for higher machining rate and accuracy is difficult task. The present study attempts to optimize parameters in micro-electrical discharge drilling (µ-EDD) of Inconel 718. The material removal rate, electrode wear ratio, overcut, and taper angle have been selected as performance measures while gap voltage, capacitance, electrode rotational speed, and feed rate have been selected as process parameters. The optimum setting of process parameters has been obtained using Genetic Algorithm based multi-objective optimization and verified experimentally.
GA-Based Optimized Image Watermarking Method With Histogram and Butterworth Filtering
Authors: Malik Sunesh , Reddlapalli Rama Kishore , Gopal Girdhar
Published: January 2021

The present paper proposes a new and significant method of optimization for digital image watermarking by using a combination of Genetic Algorithms (GA), Histogram and Butterworth filtering. In this proposed method, the histogram range selection of low frequency components is taken as a significant parameter which assists in bettering the imperceptibility and robustness against attacks. The tradeoff between the perceptual transparency and robustness is considered as an optimization puzzle which is solved with the help of Genetic Algorithm. As a result, the experimental outcomes of the present approach are obtained. These results are secure and robust to various attacks such as rotation, cropping, scaling, additive noise and filtering attacks. The peak signal to noise ratio (PSNR) and Normalized cross correlation (NC) are carefully analyzed and assessed for a set of images and MATLAB2016B software is employed as a means of accomplishing or achieving these experimental results.
Home Load-Side Management in Smart Grids Using Global Optimization
Authors: Recioui Abdelmadjid
Published: January 2021

Demand-side management (DSM) is a strategy enabling the power supplying companies to effectively manage the increasing demand for electricity and the quality of the supplied power. The main objectives of DSM programs are to improve the financial performance and customer relations. The idea is to encourage the consumer to use less energy during peak hours, or to move the time of energy use to off-peak times. The DSM controls the match between the demand and supply of electricity. Another objective of DSM is to maintain the power quality in order to level the load curves. In this chapter, a genetic algorithm is used in conjunction with demand-side management techniques to find the optimal scheduling of energy consumption inside N buildings in a neighborhood. The issue is formulated as multi-objective optimization problem aiming at reducing the peak load as well as minimizing the energy cost. The simulations reveal that the adopted strategy is able to plan the daily energy consumptions of a great number of electrical devices with good performance in terms of computational cost.
A Survey on Grey Optimization
Authors: Negewo Adem Guluma
Published: January 2021

This chapter provides a literature review of optimization problems in the context of grey system theory, as proposed by various authors. The chapter explains the binary interactive algorithm approach as a problem-solving method for linear programming and quadratic programming problems with uncertainty and a genetic-algorithm-based approach as a second problem-solving scheme for linear programming, quadratic programming, and general nonlinear programming problems with uncertainty. In the chapter, details on the computation procedures involved for solving the aforementioned optimization problems with uncertainty are presented and results from these two approaches are compared and contrasted. Finally, possible future work area in the subject is suggested.
Trust-Aware Routing Framework for Internet of Things
Authors: Sankar S. , Somula Ramasubbareddy , Kumar R. Lakshmana , Srinivasan P. , Jayanthi M. Amala
Published: January 2021

Establishing security in internet of things (IoT) is a critical challenge, as it is connected to the network's extremely resource-constrained devices. The RPL is a standard routing protocol for IoT. It is well-suited for low power and lossy networks (LLN). The RPL provides little security in the IoT network against various attacks. However, one needs to strengthen the security concern in RPL. So, this paper proposes a trust-aware, energy-based reliable routing (TAER-RPL) for IoT to enhance security among network nodes. The TAER-RPL is taken into account the routing metrics, namely trust, ETX, RER to pick the optimal parent for data transmission. The simulation is conducted in COOJA simulator. TAER-RPL's efficiency is compared with SecTrust-RPL and RPL. The TAER-RPL increases the lifespan of the network by 15%.
Multimodal Dance Generation Networks Based on Audio-Visual Analysis
Authors: Duan Lijuan , Xu Xiao , En Qing
Published: January 2021

3D human dance generation from music is an interesting and challenging task in which the aim is to estimate 3D pose from visual and audio information. Existing methods only use skeleton information to complete this task, which may cause jittering results. In addition, due to lack of appropriate evaluation metrics for this task, it is difficult to evaluate the quality of the generated results. In this paper, the authors explore multi-modality dance generation networks through constructing the correspondence between the visual and the audio cues. Specifically, they propose a 2D prediction module to predict future frames by fusing visual and audio features. Moreover, they propose a 3D conversion module, which is able to generate the 3D skeleton from the 2D skeleton. In addition, some new human dance generation evaluation metrics are proposed to evaluate the quality of the generated results. Experimental results indicate that the proposed modules can meet the requirements of authenticity and diversity.
Industry 4.0 Adoption in Manufacturing Industries Using Technology-Organization-Environment Framework
Authors: Patil Kanchan Pranay
Published: January 2021

This paper investigated the determinant factors affecting the Industry 4.0 ecosystem needed for the digitization and automation of manufacturing industries. The 4th industrial revolution implements a value chain by interfacing internet of things devices and robotics, data processing in the cloud using artificial intelligence-based analytics. The study was conducted in Pune, India, a manufacturing and IT services hub. It sought to identify Industry 4.0 facilitators and inhibitors by framing empirical data collected from 320 manufacturing facilities and analyzed using PLS-SEM within a model based on technology-organization-environment (TOE) theory and motivation-threat-ability (MTA) theory. The results confirmed that technology competence, organization scope, consumer readiness, competitive pressure, trading partners' readiness, and governance practices are the facilitators, whereas organization resistance inhibits Industry 4.0 adoption intentions. The outcome of this study shall provide guidelines to manufacturing industries management as well as technology solution providers.
Design of a Public Vehicle Tracking Service Using Long-Range (LoRa) and Intelligent Transportation System Architecture
Authors: Salazar-Cabrera Ricardo , Pachón de la Cruz Álvaro , Molina Juan Manuel Madrid
Published: January 2021

Public transport vehicles are involved in a high percentage of traffic accidents in intermediate cities, mainly due to speeding and lack of control over their routing. In addition, many passengers of these vehicles report poor quality of service. To try to improve this, the authors propose a system to provide a public transport vehicle tracking service with high quality regarding accessibility, safety, and comfort. They developed an ITS architecture for this type of city following a methodology, they constructed a detailed service diagram using the ITS architecture and quality requirements, and finally, they selected the adequate wireless communication technology for the service. They determined that an IoT-based system, with LoRaWAN technology and considering the developed ITS architecture, provides the service with the required characteristics. They also analyzed the use of the proposed service design in the case of an intermediate Colombian city, determining the required components, network, and budget.
Employing Case Study and Survey Designs in Information Research
Authors: Kankam Philip Kwaku
Published: January 2021

Research designs are regarded as set of guidelines and instructions to be followed in tackling research phenomenon. Employing research designs in information research is renowned to diverge from one investigator to another based on the researcher's choice and the nature of the problem under investigation. The dissimilarities in the application of research designs in information research do not rely on data collection alone, but also on the practical significances of the inquiry and the interpretation of the results. The study looked into the two most popular research designs—case study and survey—and discussed how the use of these designs fit into information research. It was found that understanding and application of research designs in information research is critical and beneficial. However, information researchers are advised to be careful of the flaws of the research design—case study or survey—they would adopt for a study.
Mechanical Characterization and Evaluation of NaOH Treated Chopped Abaca Fiber Reinforced Epoxy Composites
Authors: Kurien Rittin Abraham , Selvaraj D. Philip , Sekar M. , Koshy Chacko Preno , Tijo D.
Published: January 2021

Researchers have been busy developing new environmental friendly products and materials based on sustainability principles to reduce pollution and prevention of our resourceful non-biodegradable and non-renewable sources. Over synthetic materials there are many unquestionable focal points for natural fibers and some of them are low thickness, least waste transfer issues and also equivalent quality. In this research the mechanical properties of abaca fiber reinforced epoxy composite were evaluated. Then with the help of compression moulding process, different composite samples of varying fiber volume fractions were prepared. Different mechanical tests such as tensile, flexural, impact and hardness were conducted on the prepared samples. 25 wt% of abaca fibre volume fraction composites shows better mechanical properties.
Functionalization of Graphene with O and S for Catalytic Degradation of Chlorophenols and Dyes
Authors: Sudhaparimala S. , Usha R.
Published: January 2021

Graphene, functionalized with the heteroatoms like nitrogen, oxygen and sulphur atoms has been well explored for a wide range of applications but only few reports are available on its adsorption and photocatalytic application in the degradation of chlorophenols and organic dyes. A simple and energy-efficient process to prepare graphene oxide and sulphur doped graphene oxide was developed. The micro structure and surface morphology were confirmed by the analytical techniques of Powder X-ray diffractogram (PXRD), Fourier Transformed Raman Spectroscopy (FT-Raman), Scanning Electron Microscopy. The results were suggestive of the structures suitable for screening their catalytic activity in the degradation of the highly toxic polychlorophenols and organic dyes. The adsorption and photo catalytic properties of the asprepared samples were screened for the degradation process and it was found that sulphur doped graphene oxide showed more positive results for the degradation of chlorophenols than graphene oxide. Under the given experimental conditions the decoloration of dyes were not satisfactory. Ultimately, the study provided an economical and efficient, method for tuning graphene structures for the removal of pollutants in wastewater.
Air Assisted Atomization Characterization of Biodegradable Fluid Using Microlubrication Technique
Authors: Bhise Dipali K. , Patil Bhushan T. , Shaikh Vasim A.
Published: January 2021

In microlubrication, effective spray cooling is generally dependent on the atomization process. Air assisted atomizer is commonly used in many industrial applications because even at low-pressure fuel or coolant supply, it can create a fine spray formation. Viscosity force resists the deformation of liquid ligaments into a droplet. This increase in viscosity creates a bigger droplet size. If the density of the coolant is more, it will resist the acceleration and results in a bigger droplet. Properties of coolant such as viscosity, density, and surface tension are important and will affect the droplet size. Hence, for effective microlubrication, the performance study of atomization is important. In this paper, computational fluid dynamics (CFD) is used to study atomization characteristics of biodegradable coolant castor oil and AccuLube-2000 at flow rate 150 ml/hr to 60 ml/hr. This paper focuses on the effect of coolant properties like viscosity and density on the droplet size and discrete phase model concentration. In this work, the CFD atomization is studied using a discrete phase model and a Realizable k-ϵ turbulent flow model. Numerical simulation shows that the droplet size of the castor oil is more than AccuLube-2000. Also, for a higher flow rate, the area near the nozzle had a very uneven concentration of sprayed particles. However, the concentration was more even as the spray went farther away from the nozzle.
Investigating Mechanical Properties of Sustainable Concrete Admixing Wollastonite Micro Fibre and Granite Block Cutting Waste
Authors: Mandrawalia Ajay K. , Gaur Arun
Published: January 2021

Due to rapid urbanization around the world, production of cement concrete has increased several times, in turn, affect the ecosystem by the depletion of natural resources and emission of greenhouse gases. In this study, a sustainable approach has been made by partially admixing ordinary Portland cement with wollastonite micro fiber and natural fine aggregate with granite block cutting waste. The mechanical characteristics of concrete samples such as compressive strength, flexural strength, density and split tensile strength were conducted to evaluate the influence of wollastonite micro fiber and granite block cutting waste on different mixes. Different concrete mixes were casted by partially substituting ordinary portland cement with constant 10% wollastonite micro fiber and fine aggregate with granite block cutting waste at different substitution level of (0%, 10%, 20%, 30%,40% and 50%) by weight. The partial substitution of wollastonite micro fiber and granite block cutting waste enhanced the mechanical properties of cement concrete.
Chromosome 1p31.1 Deletion Syndrome
Authors: Biswal Seba , Parida Preetinanda , Dubbudu Aranya , Sharawat Indar Kumar , Panda Prateek Kumar
Published: January 2021

Chromosomal microdeletion syndromes usually present with neurological abnormalities, developmental delays, and various systemic abnormalities. 1p31 microdeletion syndrome is one of the novel microdeletion syndromes that usually presents with developmental delay, intellectual disability, various craniofacial abnormalities, and other systemic abnormalities in a proportion of cases. NEGR1 and NFIA are few of the genes present in this locus responsible for these symptoms. However, none of the reported cases had only isolated intellectual disability. Here, we are reporting a case of 1p31 microdeletion syndrome with isolated moderate intellectual disability and hyperactivity in an 11-year-old boy. It is essential for clinicians to be aware of such an atypical presentation of 1p31.1 microdeletion syndrome, to maintain reasonable clinical suspicion in cases with unexplained intellectual disability.
Neuronal Ceroid Lipofuscinoses in Children
Authors: Kamate Mahesh , Reddy Narendranadha , Detroja Mayank , Hattiholi Virupaxi
Published: January 2021

Background:

The neuronal ceroid lipofuscinoses (NCL) constitute a group of gray matter neurodegenerative disorders characterized by the accumulation of ceroid lipopigment in lysosomes in neurons and other cell types. There are very few published studies on NCL from India, especially in children.

Methods:

A retrospective study of confirmed patients of NCL diagnosed over a period of 10 years from January 2019 to December 2019.

Results:

Fifty children had a definitive diagnosis of NCL based on enzymatic studies or genetic testing using next-generation sequencing. Around 15 children were diagnosed to have CLN-1 (ceroid lipofuscinoses, neuronal-1) based on palmitoyl protein thioesterase-1 deficiency; 24 children were diagnosed with CLN2 (ceroid lipofuscinoses, neuronal-2) based on deficient tripeptidyl-peptidase-1 activity; three patients were diagnosed as CLN6, five patients as CLN7, one case each of CLN8, CLN11, and CLN14 based on genetic testing. Clinical presentation was quite varied and included refractory seizures, developmental delay/regression, and abnormal movements. Visual failure was not common in the present case series. Neuroimaging patterns in different types of NCL were different. All children had a progressive downhill course resulting in death in many over a period of 5–10 years of disease onset.

Conclusion:

NCL is not uncommon and diagnosis can be suspected based on clinical investigations and neuroimaging findings. Diagnosis can be confirmed by enzymatic assays or genetic testing.
Role of Vitamin D in Cerebrovascular Disease
Authors: Kaul Subhash , Manikinda Jayasree
Published: January 2021

Introduction:

Vitamin D deficiency is now a well-recognized public health problem affecting almost every second person throughout the world. Recent evidence from many population-based studies has indicated that a poor vitamin D status is a predictor of future strokes.

Materials and Methods:

We reviewed recent studies on 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] and symptomatic ischemic stroke. A graded increase in the risk of symptomatic ischemic stroke with decreasing levels of plasma 25(OH)D has been found in most of the studies. Vitamin D also has a role in the poststroke period where its deficiency may hinder the rehabilitation process.

Conclusions:

After reviewing current literature on the subject, we conclude that there are some data to suggest the role of vitamin D in patients with stroke but it cannot be concluded as a risk factor for stroke. Larger population-based studies are needed to confirm the causative role of vitamin D in stroke.
Crossover patterns under meiotic chromosome program
Authors: Wang Shunxin , Shang Yongliang , Liu Yanlei , Zhai Binyuan , Yang Xiao , Zhang Liangran
Published: January 2021

Repairing DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs) with homologous chromosomes as templates is the hallmark of meiosis. The critical outcome of meiotic homologous recombination is crossovers, which ensure faithful chromosome segregation and promote genetic diversity of progenies. Crossover patterns are tightly controlled and exhibit three characteristics: obligatory crossover, crossover interference, and crossover homeostasis. Aberrant crossover patterns are the leading cause of infertility, miscarriage, and congenital disease. Crossover recombination occurs in the context of meiotic chromosomes, and it is tightly integrated with and regulated by meiotic chromosome structure both locally and globally. Meiotic chromosomes are organized in a loop-axis architecture. Diverse evidence shows that chromosome axis length determines crossover frequency. Interestingly, short chromosomes show different crossover patterns compared to long chromosomes. A high frequency of human embryos are aneuploid, primarily derived from female meiosis errors. Dramatically increased aneuploidy in older women is the well-known “maternal age effect.” However, a high frequency of aneuploidy also occurs in young women, derived from crossover maturation inefficiency in human females. In addition, frequency of human aneuploidy also shows other age-dependent alterations. Here, current advances in the understanding of these issues are reviewed, regulation of crossover patterns by meiotic chromosomes are discussed, and issues that remain to be investigated are suggested.
Exploring the potential impact of nutritionally actionable genetic polymorphisms on idiopathic male infertility
Authors: Mahbouli Sinda , Dupont Charlotte , Elfassy Yaelle , Lameignère Eric , Levy Rachel
Published: January 2021

Infertility affects about 15% of the world's population. In 40%–50% of infertile couples, a male factor underlies the problem, but in about 50% of these cases, the etiology of male infertility remains unexplained. Some clinical data show that lifestyle interventions may contribute to male reproductive health. Cessation of unhealthy habits is suggested for preserving male fertility; there is growing evidence that most preexisting comorbidities, such as obesity and metabolic syndrome, are highly likely to have an impact on male fertility. The analysis of genetic polymorphisms implicated in metabolic activity represents one of the most exciting areas in the study of genetic causes of male infertility. Although these polymorphisms are not directly connected with male infertility, they may have a role in specific conditions associated with it, that is, metabolic disorders and oxidative stress pathway genes that are potentially associated with an increased risk of male infertility due to DNA and cell membrane damage. Some studies have examined the impact of individual genetic differences and gene-diet interactions on male infertility, but their results have not been synthesized. We review the current research to identify genetic variants that could be tested to improve the chances of conceiving spontaneously through personalized diet and/or oral vitamin and mineral supplementation, by examining the science of genetic modifiers of dietary factors that affect nutritional status and male fertility.
Pseudo $S$-Asymptotically Bloch Type Periodicity with Applications to Some Evolution Equations
Authors: Chang Yong-Kui , Wei Yanyan
Published: January 2021

This paper is mainly focused upon the pseudo

S

-asymptotically Bloch type periodicity and its applications. Firstly, a new notion of pseudo

S

-asymptotically Bloch type periodic functions is introduced, and some fundamental properties on pseudo

S

-asymptotically Bloch type periodic functions are established. Then, the notion and properties of weighted pseudo

S

-asymptotically Bloch type periodic functions are similarly presented. Finally, the obtained results are applied to investigate the existence and uniqueness of pseudo

S

-asymptotically Bloch type periodic mild solutions for some semi-linear evolution equations in Banach spaces.
Social emotional model for coping with learning among adolescent secondary school students
Authors: Sospeter Mwita , Shavega Theresia J , Mnyanyi Cosmas
Published: January 2021

Social emotions are frequently experienced in every individual in the daily life including adolescents’ secondary school students. The mult-social emotional changes such as aggressive and happiness among adolescents influences students coping with learning at school. The purpose of this study was to develop social emotional model for coping with learning among adolescent secondary school students. Specifically the study attempted to answer the extent social emotional model is effective in improving students coping with learning. The study adapted collaborative action research design in which a total of 244 adolescent secondary school students responded to questionnaires and focus group discussion. The effectiveness of the developed social emotional model for student coping with learning was reported by students through the questionnaires. It was found that the aspects incorporated in the model improved practices in learning outcomes to both teachers and students in coping with learning. It was found that, Teachers used guidance and counseling, action oriented activities such as role play, encouraging play and exploration as the strategies to foster active engagement among adolescent secondary school students towards learning adjustment. Furthermore, the study revealed positive significant because the data in the model summary shows that the value of r=.351 indicates that one item for adolescent secondary school students coping with learning increased for about 35.1% with 77.5% standard error of the estimated predictor value. Although this study was conducted in Tanzania employing moderate sample size from which the data was gathered with the help of collaboration action research design. The findings provide guidelines for further replicate research on social emotion behaviours and academic performance in education elsewhere.
Sustainable soil management for improving sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] production in West Africa, Burkina Faso
Authors: Sawadogo Jacques , Coulibaly Pane Jeanne d’Arc , Valea Wendpouiré Carine , Legma Jean Boukari
Published: January 2021

Improved sorghum management practice can provide smallholder farmers with stability in their household nutritional needs and ensure food security. This study was therefore conducted to compare the effect of the single of two organic resources and their combined use with inorganic fertilizer (IN) on soil fertility and sorghum production. It was conducted in the Northern part of Burkina Faso. The treatments consisted of two levels of IN (the normal and the half dose of NPK + urea) and two types of organic resources (simple compost SC and Piliostigma reticulatum leaves compost CP). These treatments were combined to give 6 treatments: T1: control ; T2 : SC ; T3 : CP; T4 : SC + ½ dose of IN ; T5 : CP + ½ dose of IN ; T6 : normal dose of IN. The experiment was led using a randomized complete block design in three replications. The result revealed a greater  improvement of soil pH and nutrients induced by CP used alone. However, when combined with IN, it decreased significantly soil nutrients and  sorghum yield components and yield. Contrary, the SC in combination with IN gave the highest improvement in yield components and yield of sorghum. The use of IN alone increased sorghum yield components and yield but it contributed to decrease soil pH and nutrients content. A combined use of inorganic and organic fertilizers could be therefore recommended for maintaining soil fertility and for a sustainable production of sorghum.Keywords : Organic and inorganic resources, soil nutrients, sorghum yield.
Caractérisation structurale des peuplements naturels de Khaya anthotheca (Welw.) C.DC dans les concessions forestières du Sud-Ouest de la République Centrafricaine
Authors: Deguene Bruce , Touckia Gorgon Igor , Yongo Olga Diane , Loumeto Jean Joël
Published: January 2021

L’objectif de cette étude est d’apporter des informations scientifiques nécessaires à la préservation et gestion durable de Khaya anthotheca dans le sud-ouest de la République Centrafricaine via l’amélioration des connaissances sur son écologie. Pour y parvenir, des inventaires forestiers ont été effectués dans les Permis d’Exploitation et d’Aménagement (PEA) des entreprises forestières CentraBois (PEA 192) et Timberland (PEA188). Pour toutes les caractéristiques dendrométriques calculées en fonction des concessions et des classes de diamètre, le PEA 188 de Timberland est largement dominant. La densité moyenne des individus adultes est de 0,10 pieds/ha sur le PEA 192 et de 12 pieds/ha sur le PEA 188 avec le même coefficient de variation (cv) de 112,7%. La surface terrière (m2/ha) varie de 0,86 sur le PEA 192 à 3,78 sur le PEA 188 avec des cv respectifs de 60,2% et 66,4%. La densité de régénération moyenne varie de 3,52 plants/ha sur le PEA 192 à 12,19 plants/ha sur le PEA 188. Les courbes dendrométriques sont exponentielles décroissantes dans les deux concessions. Des travaux de recherches sur la régénération artificielle de K. anthotheca sont importantes pour définir des mesures de préservation dans ces zones.Mots clés : Concessions forestières, inventaires, régénération, gestion durable.

 

English Title: Structural characterisation of natural populations of Khaya anthotheca (Welw.) C.DC in the forest concessions of South-West of Central African RepublicThe objective of this study is to provide scientific information necessary for the preservation and sustainable management of Khaya anthotheca in the south-west of the Central African Republic by improving knowledge of its ecology. To achieve this, forest inventories were carried out in the Logging and Management Permits (PEA) of the forestry companies CentraBois (PEA 192) and Timberland (PEA188). For all dendrometric characteristics calculated according to concessions and diameter classes, Timberland's PEA 188 is largely dominant. The average density of adult individuals is 0.10 tree/ha on PEA 192 and 12 tree/ha on PEA 188 with the same coefficient of variation (CV) of 112.7%. The basal area (m2/ha) varies from 0.86 on PEA 192 to 3.78 on PEA 188 with respective coefficient of variation of 60.2% and 66.4%. The average regeneration density varies from 3.52 plant/ha on the PEA 192 to 12.19 plant/ha on the PEA 188. The dendrometric curves are exponentially decreasing in both concessions. Research on artificial regeneration of K. anthotheca is important to define preservation measures in these areas.Keywords: Forest concessions, inventories, regeneration, sustainable management.
Evaluation des méthodes de piégeage des termites au nord du Burkina Faso
Authors: Dao Aïchatou Nadia Christelle , Nacambo Saidou , Sankara Fernand , Pousga Salimata , Coulibaly Kalifa , Nacoulma Jacques Philippe , Somda Irénée , Kenis Marc
Published: January 2021

En Afrique de l’Ouest, les termites sont communément utilisés comme alimentation protéinique pour la volaille. Cette étude avait pour objectif de tester et d’améliorer une méthode traditionnelle de collecte des termites par piégeage avec un récipient renversé, au Nord du Burkina Faso. Des essais ont été menés avec deux genres de termites (Macrotermes et Odontotermes) afin d’évaluer l’effet des saisons, des substrats, des récipients et de l’exposition au soleil sur leur piégeage. Six substrats ont été utilisés avec trois types de récipients (en terre cuite, en fer et en plastique) pour collecter les termites. Les résultats ont montré que le canari en terre cuite est le meilleur récipient pour la collecte des termites. Les meilleurs substrats pour capturer les Macrotermes, ont été les substrats contenant des tiges de sorgho et, pour les Odontotermes, les substrats contenant la bouse de vache. L’exposition des pièges au soleil a eu un effet négatif significatif sur les Odontotermes, mais pas sur les Macrotermes. Ces résultats peuvent aider les aviculteurs à améliorer le piégeage des termites en utilisant le récipient et les substrats les plus adéquats et en protégeant leur piège du soleil.Mots clés : Termites, aliments pour volaille, Macrotermes, Odontotermes, Burkina Faso.

 

English Title: Evaluation of termite trapping methods in northern Burkina Faso

In West Africa, termites are commonly used as a protein feed for poultry. The objective of this study was to test and improve a traditional method of trapping termites with an overturned container in northern Burkina Faso. Trials have been conducted with two termite genera (Macrotermes and Odontotermes) to assess the effect of seasons, substrates, containers and sun exposure on their trapping. Six substrates were used with three types of containers (terracotta, iron and plastic) to collect termites. The results showed that the terracotta container is the best container for collecting termites. The best substrates for Macrotermes were the substrates containing sorghum stalks and, for Odontotermes, the substrates containing cow dung. Exposure of the traps to the sun had a significant negative effect on Odontotermes, but not on Macrotermes. These results can help poultry farmers improve termite trapping by using the most suitable container and substrates and protecting their trap from the sun.Keywords: Termites, poultry feed, Macrotermes, Odontotermes, Burkina Faso.
Effects of Combined Ethanol Extract of Anthocleista Vogelii and Alstonia Boonei Stem Barks on Liver Function Indices in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Induced
Authors: Chukwu C.N. , Uroko R.I. , Egba S.I. , Adamude F.A. , Asadu C.L.
Published: January 2021

Objective: This study evaluated the effects of combined ethanol extract of Anthocleista vogelii and Alstonia boonei (CEAA) stem barks on the liver function indices of benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH)-induced rats.Materials and Methods: Thirty (30) male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into five groups (n = 6). BPH was induced subcutaneously with 5 mg/kg/day of testosterone propionate in olive oil. Groups 1-3 served as normal, BPH control (untreated) and standard drug control respectively, while Groups 4 and 5 were BPH-induced rats and treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg/day of the CEAA respectively after one hour of the BPH induction. After twenty-eight days of treatments, biochemical and histopathological analyses were conducted using standard analytical procedures.Results: The acute toxicity result of CEAA indicated no mortality or adverse reactions. Significant body weight change was only observed in the first week from the group-administered 200 mg/kg/day of CEAA. Liver damage was evident in the BPH control characterized by significant (P<0.05) increase in relative liver weight and liver enzymes’ (AST, ALT, ALP) activities but a reduction in total protein and globulin levels. Treatment with CEAA attenuated the liver damage by significantly (P<0.05) reducing the elevated relative liver weight and liver enzyme function activities and elevated total protein and globulin levels.Conclusion: The revealed that the combined ethanol extract of Anthocleista vogelii and Alstonia boonei (CEAA) stem barks possess hepatoprotective effects that could improve liver integrity and functions in BPH induced rats.

Keywords: Benign prostatic hyperplasia, liver marker indices, Anthocleista vogelii, Alstonia boonei, liver histomorphology
Evaluation of polyherbal methionine and choline in feedlot rations for lambs
Authors: Bárcena-Gama J.R. , Martínez-Aispuro J.A. , Mendoza-Martínez G.D. , Cordero-Mora J.L. , Sánchez-Torres M.T. , Figueroa-Velasco J.L. , Ayala-Monter M.A.
Published: January 2021

Requirements of lambs for choline and methionine have not been clearly established, but because of their metabolic relationship, the availability of these two nutrients may affect protein synthesis and energy balance. Therefore, a trial was carried out to evaluate the effect on productive performance and blood metabolites of including methionine and choline from polyherbal mixtures in finishing lamb diets. Forty Hampshire x Suffolk lambs weighing 26.9 ± 2.8 kg were used for a 45-day experiment. The treatments were arranged as a 2x2 factorial, in which the factors were dietary supplementation with herbal methionine and choline at two levels (0% and 0.4% of dry matter (DM)). The treatments had no effects on the lambs’ productive variables (daily feed intake, average daily gain, and feed to gain ratio), carcass characteristics and lipid metabolites (P >0.05). The results indicated that the inclusion of polyherbal mixtures containing methionine, choline and their combination at 0.4% of DM in finishing lamb diets showed no benefits in productive response or in blood metabolites related to lipid metabolism.

Keywords: amino acid, lipid metabolites, productive performance, ruminally protected, vitamin