bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Boundary Value Problem with Stationary Inhomogeneities for a Hyperbolic-Type Equation with a Fractional Derivative
Authors: Kirianova Ludmila Vladimirovna
Published: April 2022

The paper presents an analytical solution of a partial differential equation of hyperbolic-type, containing both second-order partial derivatives and fractional derivatives of order below the second. Examples of applying the solution of a boundary value problem with stationary inhomogeneities for a hyperbolic-type equation with a fractional derivative in modeling the behavior of polymer concrete under the action of loads are considered.
Randić Index of a Line Graph
Authors: Zhang Jiangfu , Wu Baoyindureng
Published: April 2022

The Randić index of a graph G, denoted by R(G), is defined as the sum of 1/d(u)d(v) for all edges uv of G, where d(u) denotes the degree of a vertex u in G. In this note, we show that R(L(T))>n4 for any tree T of order n≥3. A number of relevant conjectures are proposed.
Conversations in Cochlear Implantation: The Inner Ear Therapy of Today
Authors: Rauterkus Grant , Maxwell Anne K. , Kahane Jacob B. , Lentz Jennifer J. , Arriaga Moises A.
Published: April 2022

As biomolecular approaches for hearing restoration in profound sensorineural hearing loss evolve, they will be applied in conjunction with or instead of cochlear implants. An understanding of the current state-of-the-art of this technology, including its advantages, disadvantages, and its potential for delivering and interacting with biomolecular hearing restoration approaches, is helpful for designing modern hearing-restoration strategies. Cochlear implants (CI) have evolved over the last four decades to restore hearing more effectively, in more people, with diverse indications. This evolution has been driven by advances in technology, surgery, and healthcare delivery. Here, we offer a practical treatise on the state of cochlear implantation directed towards developing the next generation of inner ear therapeutics. We aim to capture and distill conversations ongoing in CI research, development, and clinical management. In this review, we discuss successes and physiological constraints of hearing with an implant, common surgical approaches and electrode arrays, new indications and outcome measures for implantation, and barriers to CI utilization. Additionally, we compare cochlear implantation with biomolecular and pharmacological approaches, consider strategies to combine these approaches, and identify unmet medical needs with cochlear implants. The strengths and weaknesses of modern implantation highlighted here can mark opportunities for continued progress or improvement in the design and delivery of the next generation of inner ear therapeutics.
Targeting Src-Hic-5 Signal Cascade for Preventing Migration of Cholangiocarcinoma Cell HuCCT1
Authors: Wu Wen-Sheng , Ling Chin-Hsien , Lee Ming-Che , Cheng Chuan-Chu , Chen Rui-Fang , Lin Chen-Fang , You Ren-In , Chen Yen-Cheng
Published: April 2022

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is the second most common primary liver cancer with poor prognosis. The deregulation of a lot of oncogenic signaling molecules, such as receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), has been found to be associated with CCA progression. However, RTKs-based target therapy showed limited improvement suggesting a need to search for alternative targets for preventing CCA progression. To address this issue, we screened the oncogenic signal molecules upregulated in surgical tissues of CCAs. Interestingly, over-expression of hydrogen peroxide inducible clone-5 (Hic-5) coupled with over-activation of Src, AKT, JNK were observed in 50% of the cholangiocarcinoma with metastatic potential. To investigate whether these molecules may work together to trigger metastatic signaling, their up-and-down relationship was examined in a well-established cholangiocarcinoma cell line, HuCCT1. Src inhibitors PP1 (IC50, 13.4 μM) and dasatinib (IC50, 0.1 μM) significantly decreased both phosphorylated AKT (phosphor-AKT Thr450) and Hic-5 in HuCCT1. In addition, a knockdown of Hic-5 effectively suppressed activation of Src, JNK, and AKT. These implicated a positive cross-talk occurred between Hic-5 and Src for triggering AKT activation. Further, depletion of Hic-5 and inhibition of Src suppressed HuccT1 cell migration in a dose-dependent manner. Remarkably, prior transfection of Hic-5 siRNA for 24 h followed by treatment with PP1 or dasatinib for 24 h resulted in additive suppression of HuCCT1 migration. This suggested that a promising combinatory efficacy can be achieved by depletion of Hic-5 coupled with inhibition of Src. In the future, target therapy against CCA progression by co-targeting Hic-5 and Src may be successfully developed in vivo.
Analysis of a Repetitive Language Coding System: Comparisons between Fragile X Syndrome, Autism, and Down Syndrome
Authors: Hoffmann Anne , Thurman Angela , Sterling Audra , Kover Sara , Finestack Lizbeth , Berry-Kravis Elizabeth , Edgin Jamie , Drayton Andrea , Fombonne Eric , Abbeduto Leonard
Published: April 2022

Expressive language sampling (ELS) is a frequently used tool for language analysis, as it can be used across widely ranging cognitive and language abilities. ELS can also evaluate pragmatic language, including excessive self-repetition, which is challenging to assess with traditional standardized assessments. This study explored how a well-established ELS protocol can assess three types of linguistic self-repetition in three neurodevelopmental disabilities: fragile X syndrome (FXS), autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and Down syndrome (DS). We examined its ability to differentiate between these disorders, the relationships between repetitive language and other participant characteristics, and initial construct validity. We found that the groups with FXS and ASD differed significantly on each of the three repetitive language measure, and that the group with DS differed from either ASD or FXS on two. Cognitive ability was significantly related to phrase repetition in the group with ASD. When the groups were combined, there was evidence of convergent and divergent validity. This study extends previous research on ELS and supports its use as a means to characterize pragmatic language. It also provides information about the relationships between repetitive language and other phenotypic characteristics.
A Study of Using Metaphoric and Beat Gestures with Motion-Based and Non-Motion-Based Metaphors during Retelling Stories
Authors: Khatin-Zadeh Omid , Farsani Danyal , Reali Florencia
Published: April 2022

In this paper, we classify metaphors into four categories: motion-based metaphors, static space-based metaphors, static object-based metaphors, and static event-based metaphors. Then, a study that investigated the use of gestures with these types of metaphors is reported. The aim was to examine how these types of metaphors are used with metaphoric and beat gestures during the process of re-telling stories. The participants of the study listened to three audio stories. Each story contained two motion-based metaphors, two static space-based metaphors, two static object-based metaphors, and two static event-based metaphors. After listening to each story, they had to retell the stories in front of a camera. The videos were analyzed to determine the number of metaphoric gestures and beat gestures that had been used by participants during the retelling of the stories. The results showed that the highest number of metaphoric gestures had been used with static space-based metaphors. This was followed by motion-based metaphors, static object-based metaphors, and static event-based metaphors, respectively. On the other hand, the highest number of beat gestures was used with static event-based metaphors. These findings indicate that the use of metaphoric gestures and beat gestures accompanying metaphors is highly dependent on the spatial and motoric properties of the base of the metaphors, which supports the idea of embodied metaphor comprehension.
Characteristics and Mechanism of Fire Spread between Full-Scale Wooden Houses from Internal Fires
Authors: Yuan Shasha , Xiang Kun , Yan Feng , Liu Qing , Sun Xuan , Li Yinqing , Du Peng
Published: April 2022

In ancient villages, the spread of uninterrupted fires caused great damage to clustered wooden houses. Thus, the spread of fire among wooden houses should be systematically studied to explore its characteristics. Statistical analysis is a feasible way to study the characteristics and underlying mechanisms of fire in full-scale wooden houses. In this study, 4 full-scale wooden buildings were built in an ethnic village in Guizhou Province, and the fire spread test was conducted by igniting a 0.63-MW power wood crib. To investigate the fire spread, the visual characteristics were observed, and the temperatures and heat radiation at special locations were monitored with thermocouples and radiation flowmeters, respectively. The effect of relative slope, heat radiation, and wind direction on fire spread characteristics was established by mathematical statistics, and the measured temperatures were used to verify the statistics’ regularity. The results showed that in wooden houses, fire spread was mainly influenced by the slope, the distance between houses, and wind direction. When the inner wall of a wooden house is protected by a fireproof coating, the thermal radiation spread and fire spread are both slower. The slope and distance had the same influence weight (0.41) on fire spread; however, since they affect the process in different ways, they should be analyzed separately for fire risk evaluation. The findings of this study provide a theoretical foundation for understanding the fire spread process in wooden buildings.
Novel Carbon Ion and Proton Partial Irradiation of Recurrent Unresectable Bulky Tumors (Particle-PATHY): Early Indication of Effectiveness and Safety
Authors: Tubin Slavisa , Fossati Piero , Carlino Antonio , Martino Giovanna , Gora Joanna , Stock Markus , Hug Eugen
Published: April 2022

Background: We present the early results of a novel partial bulky-tumor irradiation using particles for patients with recurrent unresectable bulky tumors who failed previous state-of-the-art treatments. Methods: First, eleven consecutive patients were treated from March 2020 until December 2021. The targeted Bystander Tumor Volume (BTV) was created by subtracting 1 cm from Gross Tumor Volume (GTV) surface. It reflected approximately 30% of the central GTV volume and was irradiated with 30–45 Gy RBE (Relative Biological Effectiveness) in three consecutive fractions. The Peritumoral Immune Microenvironment (PIM) surrounding the GTV, containing nearby tissues, blood-lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes, was considered an organ at risk (OAR) and protected by highly conservative constraints. Results: With the median follow up of 6.3 months, overall survival was 64% with a median survival of 6.7 months; 46% of patients were progression-free. The average tumor volume regression was 61% from the initial size. The symptom control rate was 91%, with an average increase of the Karnofsky Index of 20%. The abscopal effect has been observed in 60% of patients. Conclusions: Partial bulky-tumor irradiation is an effective, safe and well tolerated treatment for patients with unresectable recurrent bulky disease. Abscopal effects elucidate an immunogenic pathway contribution. Extensive tumor shrinkage in some patients might permit definitive treatment—otherwise previously impossible.
Senescence Is the Main Trait Induced by Temozolomide in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Beltzig Lea , Schwarzenbach Christian , Leukel Petra , Frauenknecht Katrin B. M. , Sommer Clemens , Tancredi Alessandro , Hegi Monika E. , Christmann Markus , Kaina Bernd
Published: April 2022

First-line drug in the treatment of glioblastoma, the most severe brain cancer, is temozolomide (TMZ), a DNA-methylating agent that induces the critical damage O6-methylguanine (O6MeG). This lesion is cytotoxic through the generation of mismatch repair-mediated DNA double-strand breaks (DSBs), which trigger apoptotic pathways. Previously, we showed that O6MeG also induces cellular senescence (CSEN). Here, we show that TMZ-induced CSEN is a late response which has similar kinetics to apoptosis, but at a fourfold higher level. CSEN cells show a high amount of DSBs, which are located outside of telomeres, a high level of ROS and oxidized DNA damage (8-oxo-guanine), and sustained activation of the DNA damage response and histone methylation. Despite the presence of DSBs, CSEN cells are capable of repairing radiation-induced DSBs. Glioblastoma cells that acquired resistance to TMZ became simultaneously resistant to TMZ-induced CSEN. Using a Tet-On glioblastoma cell system, we show that upregulation of MGMT immediately after TMZ completely abrogated apoptosis and CSEN, while induction of MGMT long-term (>72 h) after TMZ did not reduce apoptosis and CSEN. Furthermore, upregulation of MGMT in the senescent cell population had no impact on the survival of senescent cells, indicating that O6MeG is required for induction, but not for maintenance of the senescent state. We further show that, in recurrent GBM specimens, a significantly higher level of DSBs and CSEN-associated histone H3K27me3 was observed than in the corresponding primary tumors. Overall, the data indicate that CSEN is a key node induced in GBM following chemotherapy.
The Prognostic Value of Eight Comorbidity Indices in Older Patients with Cancer: The ELCAPA Cohort Study
Authors: Canoui-Poitrine Florence , Segaux Lauriane , Benderra Marc-Antoine , About Frédégonde , Tournigand Christophe , Laurent Marie , Caillet Philippe , Audureau Etienne , Ferrat Emilie , Lagrange Jean-Leon , Paillaud Elena , Bastuji-Garin Sylvie ,   on behalf of the ELCAPA Study Group
Published: April 2022

Background: A prognostic assessment is crucial for making cancer treatment decisions in older patients. We assessed the prognostic performance (relative to one-year mortality) of eight comorbidity indices in a cohort of older patients with cancer. Methods: We studied patients with cancer aged ≥70 included in the Elderly Cancer Patient (ELCAPA) cohort between 2007 and 2010. We assessed seven nonspecific indices (Charlson Comorbidity Index (CCI), three modified versions of the CCI, the Elixhauser Comorbidity Index, the Gagne index, and the Cumulative Illness Rating Scale for Geriatrics (CIRS-G)) and the National Cancer Institute Comorbidity Index. Results: Overall, 510 patients were included. Among patients with nonmetastatic cancer, all the comorbidity indices were independently associated with 1-year mortality (adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) of 1.44 to 2.51 for one standard deviation increment; p < 0.05 for all) and had very good discriminant ability (Harrell’s C > 0.8 for the eight indices), but were poorly calibrated. Among patients with metastatic cancer, only the CIRS-G was independently associated with 1-year mortality (aHR (95% confidence interval): 1.26 [1.06–1.50]). Discriminant ability was moderate (0.61 to 0.70) for the subsets of patients with metastatic cancer and colorectal cancer. Conclusion: Comorbidity indices had strong prognostic value and discriminative ability for one-year mortality in older patients with nonmetastatic cancer, although calibration was poor. In older patients with metastatic cancer, only the CIRS-G was predictive of one-year mortality.
Bismuth Sillenite Crystals as Recent Photocatalysts for Water Treatment and Energy Generation: A Critical Review
Authors: Baaloudj Oussama , Kenfoud Hamza , Badawi Ahmad K. , Assadi Achraf Amir , El Jery Atef , Assadi Aymen Amine , Amrane Abdeltif
Published: April 2022

Photocatalysis has been widely studied for environmental applications and water treatment as one of the advanced oxidation processes (AOPs). Among semiconductors that have been employed as catalysts in photocatalytic applications, bismuth sillenite crystals have gained a great deal of interest in recent years due to their exceptional characteristics, and to date, several sillenite material systems have been developed and their applications in photoactivity are under study. In this review paper, recent studies on the use of Bi-based sillenites for water treatment have been compiled and discussed. This review also describes the properties of Bi-based sillenite crystals and their advantages in the photocatalytic process. Various strategies used to improve photocatalytic performance are also reviewed and discussed, focusing on the specific advantages and challenges presented by sillenite-based photocatalysts. Furthermore, a critical point of certain bismuth catalysts in the literature that were found to be different from that reported and correspond to the sillenite form has also been reviewed. The effectiveness of some sillenites for environmental applications has been compared, and it has demonstrated that the activity of sillenites varies depending on the metal from which they were produced. Based on the reviewed literature, this review summarizes the current status of work with binary sillenite and provides useful insights for its future development, and it can be suggested that Bismuth sillenite crystals can be promising photocatalysts for water treatment, especially for degrading and reducing organic and inorganic contaminants. Our final review focus will emphasize the prospects and challenges of using those photocatalysts for environmental remediation and renewable energy applications.
Depletion of γδ T Cells Leads to Reduced Angiogenesis and Increased Infiltration of Inflammatory M1-like Macrophages in Ischemic Muscle Tissue
Authors: Arnholdt Christoph , Kumaraswami Konda , Götz Philipp , Kübler Matthias , Lasch Manuel , Deindl Elisabeth
Published: April 2022

γδ T cells, a small subset of T cells in blood, play a substantial role in influencing immunoregulatory and inflammatory processes. The functional impact of γδ T cells on angiogenesis in ischemic muscle tissue has never been reported and is the topic of the present work. Femoral artery ligation (FAL) was used to induce angiogenesis in the lower leg of γδ T cell depleted mice and wildtype and isotype antibody-treated control groups. Gastrocnemius muscle tissue was harvested 3 and 7 days after FAL and assessed using (immuno-)histological analyses. Hematoxylin and Eosin staining showed an increased area of tissue damage in γδ T cell depleted mice 7 days after FAL. Impaired angiogenesis was demonstrated by lower capillary to muscle fiber ratio and decreased number of proliferating endothelial cells (CD31+/BrdU+). γδ T cell depleted mice showed an increased number of total leukocytes (CD45+), neutrophils (MPO+) and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) (MPO+/CitH3+), without changes in the neutrophils to NETs ratio. Moreover, the depletion resulted in a higher macrophage count (DAPI/CD68+) caused by an increase in inflammatory M1-like macrophages (CD68+/MRC1−). Altogether, we show that depletion of γδ T cells leads to increased accumulation of leukocytes and M1-like macrophages, along with impaired angiogenesis.
Circadian Governance of Cardiac Growth
Authors: Latimer Mary N. , Young Martin E.
Published: April 2022

The cardiomyocyte circadian clock temporally governs fundamental cellular processes, leading to 24-h rhythms in cardiac properties (such as electrophysiology and contractility). The importance of this cell-autonomous clock is underscored by reports that the disruption of the mechanism leads to adverse cardiac remodeling and heart failure. In healthy non-stressed mice, the cardiomyocyte circadian clock modestly augments both cardiac protein synthesis (~14%) and mass (~11%) at the awake-to-sleep transition (relative to their lowest values in the middle of the awake period). However, the increased capacity for cardiac growth at the awake-to-sleep transition exacerbates the responsiveness of the heart to pro-hypertrophic stimuli/stresses (e.g., adrenergic stimulation, nutrients) at this time. The cardiomyocyte circadian clock orchestrates time-of-day-dependent rhythms in cardiac growth through numerous mechanisms. Both ribosomal RNA (e.g., 28S) and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/S6 signaling axis are circadian regulated, peaking at the awake-to-sleep transition in the heart. Conversely, the negative regulators of translation (including PER2, AMPK, and the integrated stress response) are elevated in the middle of the awake period in a coordinated fashion. We speculate that persistent circadian governance of cardiac growth during non-dipping/nocturnal hypertension, sleep apnea, and/or shift work may exacerbate left ventricular hypertrophy and cardiac disease development, highlighting a need for the advancement of chronotherapeutic interventions.
Regulation of the Actin Cytoskeleton-Linked Ca2+ Signaling by Intracellular pH in Fertilized Eggs of Sea Urchin
Authors: Limatola Nunzia , Chun Jong Tai , Santella Luigia
Published: April 2022

In sea urchin, the immediate contact of the acrosome-reacted sperm with the egg surface triggers a series of structural and ionic changes in the egg cortex. Within one minute after sperm fuses with the egg plasma membrane, the cell membrane potential changes with the concurrent increases in intracellular Ca2+ levels. The consequent exocytosis of the cortical granules induces separation of the vitelline layer from the egg plasma membrane. While these cortical changes are presumed to prevent the fusion of additional sperm, the subsequent late phase (between 1 and 4 min after fertilization) is characterized by reorganization of the egg cortex and microvilli (elongation) and by the metabolic shift to activate de novo protein and DNA syntheses. The latter biosynthetic events are crucial for embryonic development. Previous studies suggested that the early phase of fertilization was not a prerequisite for these changes in the second phase since the increase in the intracellular pH induced by the exposure of unfertilized sea urchin eggs to ammonia seawater could start metabolic egg activation in the absence of the cortical granule exocytosis. In the present study, we have demonstrated that the incubation of unfertilized eggs in ammonia seawater induced considerable elongations of microvilli (containing actin filaments) as a consequence of the intracellular pH increase, which increased the egg’s receptivity to sperm and made the eggs polyspermic at fertilization despite the elevation of the fertilization envelope (FE). These eggs also displayed compromised Ca2+ signals at fertilization, as the amplitude of the cortical flash was significantly reduced and the elevated intracellular Ca2+ level declined much faster. These results have also highlighted the importance of the increased internal pH in regulating Ca2+ signaling and the microvillar actin cytoskeleton during the late phase of the fertilization process.
Effects of Epigenetic Modification of PGC-1α by a Chemical Chaperon on Mitochondria Biogenesis and Visual Function in Retinitis Pigmentosa
Authors: Ozawa Yoko , Toda Eriko , Homma Kohei , Osada Hideto , Nagai Norihiro , Tsubota Kazuo , Okano Hideyuki
Published: April 2022

Retinitis pigmentosa (RP) is a hereditary blinding disease characterized by gradual photoreceptor death, which lacks a definitive treatment. Here, we demonstrated the effect of 4-phenylbutyric acid (PBA), a chemical chaperon that can suppress endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, in P23H mutant rhodopsin knock-in RP models. In the RP models, constant PBA treatment led to the retention of a greater number of photoreceptors, preserving the inner segment (IS), a mitochondrial- and ER-rich part of the photoreceptors. Electroretinography showed that PBA treatment preserved photoreceptor function. At the early point, ER-associated degradation markers, xbp1s, vcp, and derl1, mitochondrial kinetic-related markers, fis1, lc3, and mfn1 and mfn2, as well as key mitochondrial regulators, pgc-1α and tfam, were upregulated in the retina of the models treated with PBA. In vitro analyses showed that PBA upregulated pgc-1α and tfam transcription, leading to an increase in the mitochondrial membrane potential, cytochrome c oxidase activity, and ATP levels. Histone acetylation of the PGC-1α promoter was increased by PBA, indicating that PBA affected the mitochondrial condition through epigenetic changes. Our findings constituted proof of concept for the treatment of ER stress-related RP using PBA and revealed PBA’s neuroprotective effects, paving the way for its future clinical application.
Study of Mask Electrochemical Machining for Ring Narrow Groove under the Action of Multiple Physical Fields
Authors: Zhao Ruochen , Huang Liang , Zhao Haiyue , Cao Yan , Tian Weijun , Wang Ning
Published: April 2022

Deep and narrow groove structures are widely used in aviation, aerospace, weapons, and other industries, and play a very important role. In order to solve the problems of machining tool deformation, machining flying edge, burr in traditional Computerized Numerical Control (CNC) milling for deep and narrow grooves, and the problems of serious motor loss and low machining efficiency in non-contact electrical discharge machining (EDM), electrochemical mask machining through the mask treatment of the non-processed part mask processing, and with no loss of the processing cathode tool, was suggested as an efficient way to solve these problems. Considering that the corrosion removal of the anodic workpiece is mainly subject to the multi-physical field coupling action between the electric field, the flow field, and the temperature field, it is necessary to construct a multi-physical field coupling model of electrochemical mask machining and combine this with the numerical simulation analysis to realize the distribution state of the multi-physical field, so as to realize the optimization guidance of the overall processing process.
Low Friction and High Wear Resistance of Plasma Electrolytic Oxidation (PEO)-Coated AZ31 Mg Alloy Sliding against Hydrogenated DLC (a-C-H) at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Bhowmick Sukanta , Muhaffel Faiz , Eskandari Behzad , Cimenoglu Huseyin , Alpas Ahmet T.
Published: April 2022

Plasma electrolytic oxidation (PEO) treatment of Mg alloys improves their wear resistance by increasing their surface hardness, but also leads to high coefficient of friction (COF) values. The sliding counterfaces and the conditions under which PEO-coated Mg alloys operate affect their COFs. PEO-coated AZ31 alloy sliding against hydrogenated DLC (a-C-H) coated steel yields a low COF of 0.13 under the ambient conditions. The current study investigates the effect of the test temperature on the tribological behavior of PEO-coated AZ31 Mg samples sliding against the a-C-H coated counterface at temperatures up to 300 °C. According to the COF vs. wear rate diagram constructed in the temperature range of 25–250 °C, lower COF values and wear rates were exhibited by PEO-coated AZ31 sliding against a-C-H compared to uncoated AZ31 sliding against a-C-H, and PEO coated AZ31 sliding against an uncoated ASTM 52100 steel. The PEO-coated AZ31 produced the lowest COF of 0.03 at 200 °C. The application of PEO to the Mg alloy automotive cylinder bores running against DLC-coated piston rings and/or PEO-coated Mg alloy pistons running against DLC-coated bores could provide a new approach for the prevention of seizure and hot scuffing in lightweight engines in the temperature range between 150–250 °C.
Detection of Complex Features of Car Body-in-White under Limited Number of Samples Using Self-Supervised Learning
Authors: Liu Chuang , Su Kang , Yang Long , Li Jie , Guo Jingbo
Published: April 2022

The measurement and monitoring of the dimensional characteristics of the body-in-white is an important part of the automobile manufacturing process. The process of using key point regression technology to perform online detection of complex features on body-in-white currently faces a bottleneck problem, namely limited training samples. Under the condition that the number of labeled normal map samples is limited, this paper proposes a framework for domain-independent self-supervised learning using a large number of original images. Under this framework, a self-supervised pre-order task is designed, which uses a large number of easily accessible unlabeled original images for characterization learning as well as a domain discriminator to conduct adversarial training on the feature extractor, so that the extracted representation is domain-independent. Finally, in the key point regression task of five different complex features, a series of comparative experiments were carried out between the method in this paper and benchmark methods such as supervised learning, conventional self-supervised learning, and domain-related self-supervised learning. The results show that the method proposed in this paper has achieved significant performance advantages. In the principal component analysis of extracting features, the representation extracted by the method in this paper does not show obvious domain information.
The Influence of Genetic Algorithms on Learning Possibilities of Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Kotyrba Martin , Volna Eva , Habiballa Hashim , Czyz Josef
Published: April 2022

The presented research study focuses on demonstrating the learning ability of a neural network using a genetic algorithm and finding the most suitable neural network topology for solving a demonstration problem. The network topology is significantly dependent on the level of generalization. More robust topology of a neural network is usually more suitable for particular details in the training set and it loses the ability to abstract general information. Therefore, we often design the network topology by taking into the account the required generalization, rather than the aspect of theoretical calculations. The next part of the article presents research whether a modification of the parameters of the genetic algorithm can achieve optimization and acceleration of the neural network learning process. The function of the neural network and its learning by using the genetic algorithm is demonstrated in a program for solving a computer game. The research focuses mainly on the assessment of the influence of changes in neural networks’ topology and changes in parameters in genetic algorithm on the achieved results and speed of neural network training. The achieved results are statistically presented and compared depending on the network topology and changes in the learning algorithm.
Multi-Ingredient Supplement Supports Mitochondrial Health through Interleukin-15 Signaling in Older Adult Human Dermal Fibroblasts
Authors: Rebalka Irena Alexandra , May Linda , Nederveen Joshua Peter , Tarnopolsky Mark Andrew
Published: April 2022

The macroscopic and microscopic deterioration of human skin with age is, in part, attributed to a functional decline in mitochondrial health. We previously demonstrated that exercise attenuated age-associated changes within the skin through enhanced mitochondrial health via IL-15 signaling, an exercise-induced cytokine whose presence increases in circulation following physical activity. The purpose of this investigation was to determine if these mitochondrial-enhancing effects could be mimicked with the provision of a novel multi-ingredient supplement (MIS). Cultured human fibroblasts isolated from older, sedentary women were treated with control media (CON) or CON supplemented with the following active ingredients to create the MIS: coenzyme Q10, alpha lipoic acid, resveratrol, curcumin, zinc, lutein, astaxanthin, copper, biotin, and vitamins C, D, and E. Outcomes were determined following 24 or 72 h of treatment. MIS provision to dermal fibroblasts significantly increased the mRNA abundance of mitochondrial biogenesis activators and downstream IL-15 signaling pathways, and proteins for oxidative phosphorylation subunits and antioxidant defenses. These findings were co-temporal with lower cellular senescence and cytotoxicity following MIS treatment. In summary, MIS supplementation led to exercise-mimetic effects on human dermal fibroblasts and their mitochondria by reproducing the molecular and biochemical effects downstream of IL-15 activation.
Histopathologic Feature of Hyalinization Predicts Recurrence of Conventional/Solid Multicystic Ameloblastomas
Authors: Augustine Dominic , Rao Roopa S. , Surendra Lakshminarayana , Patil Shankargouda , Yoithapprabhunath Thuckanaickenpalayam Ragunathan , Albogami Sarah , Shamsuddin Shaheen , Basheer Sulphi Abdul , Sainudeen Shan
Published: April 2022

The histologic properties of tumors seem to affect their biological behavior, and the same holds good for solid multicystic ameloblastoma (SMA), a benign, locally destructive lesion. Hyalinization is one such histological factor that has been demonstrated to correlate with the biological behavior of neoplasms. The present study aimed to analyze the correlation between the severity of hyalinization (SOH) and the recurrence potential of SMAs. The study was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded (FFPE) diagnosed archival cases of SMA, follicular SMA (n = 35) and plexiform SMA (n = 25). The cases were evaluated for SOH and scored from 0–3, and the correlation between SOH and recurrence was analyzed for statistical significance. The clinical parameters of the lesion were analyzed for statistical correlation with recurrence. The SOH significantly correlated with the recurrence of SMA (p = 0.001). The histologic type did not influence the biological behavior of SMA. The location of SMA in the body of the mandible (p = 0.036), multilocular radiolucency (p = 0.001) and root resorption (p = 0.002) also showed strong statistical correlation with recurrence. It is evident from the present study that hyalinization strongly correlates with the biological behavior of SMA. Future studies with advanced investigations could validate the presence of hyalinization and identify the origin of the hyalinized product in SMAs.
The Cross-Sectional Intrinsic Entropy—A Comprehensive Stock Market Volatility Estimator
Authors: Vințe Claudiu , Ausloos Marcel
Published: April 2022

To take into account the temporal dimension of uncertainty in stock markets, this paper introduces a cross-sectional estimation of stock market volatility based on the intrinsic entropy model. The proposed cross-sectional intrinsic entropy (CSIE) is defined and computed as a daily volatility estimate for the entire market, grounded on the daily traded prices—open, high, low, and close prices (OHLC)—along with the daily traded volume for all symbols listed on The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and The National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations (NASDAQ). We perform a comparative analysis between the time series obtained from the CSIE and the historical volatility as provided by the estimators: close-to-close, Parkinson, Garman–Klass, Rogers–Satchell, Yang–Zhang, and intrinsic entropy (IE), defined and computed from historical OHLC daily prices of the Standard & Poor’s 500 index (S&P500), Dow Jones Industrial Average (DJIA), and the NASDAQ Composite index, respectively, for various time intervals. Our study uses an approximate 6000-day reference point, starting 1 January 2001, until 23 January 2022, for both the NYSE and the NASDAQ. We found that the CSIE market volatility estimator is consistently at least 10 times more sensitive to market changes, compared to the volatility estimate captured through the market indices. Furthermore, beta values confirm a consistently lower volatility risk for market indices overall, between 50% and 90% lower, compared to the volatility risk of the entire market in various time intervals and rolling windows.
Interrogating the Links between Climate Change, Food Crises and Social Stability
Authors: Köpke Sören
Published: April 2022

There is a vivid scientific debate on how climate change affects stability, resilience, and conflict dynamics of human societies. Environmental security and collapse theory are theoretical approaches that claim severe negative impacts of climatic disasters on political stability, allegedly through the vector of food insecurity. Yet there is a disconnect between this work and the rich body of knowledge on food insecurity and society. The literature is fairly unanimous that (a) drought does not necessarily lead to famines, since (b) famines have a political context that is often more important than other factors; in addition, (c) famines and the distribution of suffering reflect social hierarchies within afflicted societies, and (d) even large-scale famines do not necessarily cause collapse of a polity’s functioning, as (e) food systems are highly interconnected and complex. As an illustrative case, the paper offers a longitudinal study of Malawi. By combining environmental history and analysis of Malawi’s idiosyncratic (post-)colonial politics, it discusses the possible connections between droughts, food insecurity, and political crises in the African country. The single-case study represents a puzzle for adherents of the “collapse” theory but highlights the complex political ecology of food crises in vulnerable societies. This has implications for a formulation of climate justice claims beyond catastrophism.
MOOCs Design: A Conceptual Framework for Continuous Teacher Training in Portugal
Authors: Amado Carolina , Dorotea Nuno , Pedro Ana , Piedade João
Published: April 2022

This paper aims to present a conceptual framework for Massive Open Online Courses (MOOCs) design with regard to continuous teacher training, where a mixed methodology research approach was used. This methodology was structured in two consecutive phases: The first phase adopted a sequential exploratory strategy, where a scoping literature review approach was applied, and analysis content techniques were used to map and analyze the key dimensions in the design of MOOCs. The second phase was based on the concurrent triangulation strategy, where the quantitative data were extracted from 103 questionnaires and the qualitative data were obtained from two mini focus group interviews, which contributed to the development of the framework. Based on the data collected in phase 2, we proposed a framework which is structured in three main dimensions and ten subdimensions: (i) Resources—Human and Technological infrastructure; (ii) Design—Course overview, Target learners, Pedagogical approaches, Goals, Learning materials, content and activities and Assessment activities; and (iii) Organization and monitoring—Accreditation and Data monitoring and evaluation. This paper contributes to the actual state of the art in MOOCs design given the inexistence of frameworks for such courses in the specific case of continuous teacher training, and it shows the importance of accreditation recognition by the Portuguese entities.
Analysis of Entrepreneurial Education—Study of the Configuration of the Entrepreneurial Identity through the Acquisition of Crucial Transversal Competences for Future University Students
Authors: Donoso-González Macarena , Pedraza-Navarro Inmaculada , Palferro-Fernández Leonardo
Published: April 2022

Faced with the continuous changes that today’s society presents, educational policies place entrepreneurial education and, therefore, the promotion of the entrepreneurial spirit, as the axis on which to articulate effective responses for the current socio-educational context. The need to train students in key aspects that will enable them to face the main difficulties that future labor and social future bring is the focus of attention of the educational environment. In this sense, we set out to find out how entrepreneurial education affects the identity formation of pre-university students in the Spanish context through the pedagogical and environmental factors present in an entrepreneurial education programme. The methodology used is based on qualitative research, which under an interpretative approach, has been assisted by quantitative and evaluative research on educational programmes, in order to try to respond to research objectives. The findings of this research lead us to consider entrepreneurial education in the pre-university environment as effective for the configuration of entrepreneurial identity in students, which facilitates an encouraging future for university students participating in these programmes, who will present an improved entrepreneurial identity that enables them to face forthcoming social, economic and labor reconfigurations.
Personal Need for Structure and Fractions in Mathematical Education
Authors: Švecová Valéria , Rybanský Ľubomír , Pavlovičová Gabriela
Published: April 2022

The research was aimed at finding relations between mathematical knowledge and cognitive individual variable. We realized the experiment with 162 students of the Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra, Slovakia. We had two variables—the personal need for structure (PNS) as a cognitive-individual variable and knowledge of the fraction as a mathematical variable. The relationships between the factors of the personal need for structure scale and the knowledge of fractions were determined by the IRT model. We have proven a negative correlation between the successful solving of fraction test and score in the PNS scale. This means that the higher the success rate of solving the fraction tasks, the lower the overall score on the personal need for structure scale and its subfactors.
Development of a Face Prediction System for Missing Children in a Smart City Safety Network
Authors: Wang Ding-Chau , Tsai Zhi-Jing , Chen Chao-Chun , Horng Gwo-Jiun
Published: April 2022

Cases of missing children not being found are rare, but they continue to occur. If the child is not found immediately, the parents may not be able to identify the child’s appearance because they have not seen their child for a long time. Therefore, our purpose is to predict children’s faces when they grow up and help parents search for missing children. DNA paternity testing is the most accurate way to detect whether two people have a blood relation. However, DNA paternity testing for every unidentified child would be costly. Therefore, we propose the development of the Face Prediction System for Missing Children in a Smart City Safety Network. It can predict the faces of missing children at their current age, and parents can quickly confirm the possibility of blood relations with any unidentified child. The advantage is that it can eliminate incorrect matches and narrow down the search at a low cost. Our system combines StyleGAN2 and FaceNet methods to achieve prediction. StyleGAN2 is used to style mix two face images. FaceNet is used to compare the similarity of two face images. Experiments show that the similarity between predicted and expected results is more than 75%. This means that the system can well predict children’s faces when they grow up. Our system has more natural and higher similarity comparison results than Conditional Adversarial Autoencoder (CAAE), High Resolution Face Age Editing (HRFAE) and Identity-Preserved Conditional Generative Adversarial Networks (IPCGAN).
Ultra-Low-Cost and Ultra-Low-Power, Miniature Acoustic Modems Using Multipath Tolerant Spread-Spectrum Techniques
Authors: Sherlock Benjamin , Morozs Nils , Neasham Jeffrey , Mitchell Paul
Published: April 2022

To enable long-term, large-scale, dense underwater sensor networks or Internet of Underwater Things (IoUT) this research investigates new novel waveforms and experimental prototypes for robust communications on ultra-low-cost and ultra-low-power, miniature acoustic modems. Spread-spectrum M-ary orthogonal signalling (MOS) is used with symbols constructed from subsequences of long pseudorandom codes. This decorrelates multipath signals, even when the time-spread spans many symbols, so they present as random noise. A highly cost-engineered and miniaturised prototype acoustic modem implementation was created, for the 24 kHz–32 kHz band, with low receive power consumption (12.5 mW) and transmit power of <1 W. Simulations show that the modulation scheme achieves 640 bit/s at −4.5 dB with AWGN or the equivalent level of multipath energy. Experimental validation of the hardware shows successful point-to-point communication at ranges of >3 km in lakes and >2 km in the sea including severe multipath. In lake testing of a 7-node, multi-hop, sensor network with TDA-MAC protocol, packet delivery was near 100% for all nodes. Trials of acoustic sensor nodes in the North Sea achieved 99.5% data delivery over a 3-month period and a wide range of sea conditions. Modulation and hardware have proven reliable in a variety of underwater environments. Competitive range and throughput with low cost and power are attractive for large-scale and long-term battery-operated networks. This research has delivered a viable and affordable communication technology for future IoUT applications.
Safety Considerations of Hydrogen Application in Shipping in Comparison to LNG
Authors: Depken Jorgen , Dyck Alexander , Roß Lukas , Ehlers Sören
Published: April 2022

Shipping accounts for about 3% of global CO2 emissions. In order to achieve the target set by the Paris Agreement, IMO introduced their GHG strategy. This strategy envisages 50% emission reduction from international shipping by 2050, compared with 2008. This target cannot be fulfilled if conventional fuels are used. Amongst others, hydrogen is considered to be one of the strong candidates as a zero-emissions fuel. Yet, concerns around the safety of its storage and usage have been formulated and need to be addressed. “Safety”, in this article, is defined as the control of recognized hazards to achieve an acceptable level of risk. This article aims to propose a new way of comparing two systems with regard to their safety. Since safety cannot be directly measured, fuzzy set theory is used to compare linguistic terms such as “safer”. This method is proposed to be used during the alternative design approach. This approach is necessary for deviations from IMO rules, for example, when hydrogen should be used in shipping. Additionally, the properties of hydrogen that can pose a hazard, such as its wide flammability range, are identified.
Rational Application of Electric Power Production Optimization through Metaheuristics Algorithm
Authors: Santos Eliton Smith dos , Nunes Marcus Vinícius Alves , Nascimento Manoel Henrique Reis , Leite Jandecy Cabral
Published: April 2022

The aim of this manuscript is to introduce solutions to optimize economic dispatch of loads and combined emissions (CEED) in thermal generators. We use metaheuristics, such as particle swarm optimization (PSO), ant lion optimization (ALO), dragonfly algorithm (DA), and differential evolution (DE), which are normally used for comparative simulations, and evaluation of CEED optimization, generated in MATLAB. For this study, we used a hybrid model composed of six (06) thermal units and thirteen (13) photovoltaic solar plants (PSP), considering emissions of contaminants into the air and the reduction in the total cost of combustibles. The implementation of a new method that identifies and turns off the least efficient thermal generators allows metaheuristic techniques to determine the value of the optimal power of the other generators, thereby reducing the level of pollutants in the atmosphere. The results are presented in comparative charts of the methods, where the power, emissions, and costs of the thermal plants are analyzed. Finally, the comparative results of the methods were analyzed to characterize the efficiency of the proposed algorithm.