bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Overcome uncertainties of vertical take-off and landing aircraft based on optimal sliding mode control
Authors: Sadik Aboud Wajdi , S. Abd Al-Amir Hayder , A. Alhamdany Aseel , M. Kadhim Fahad
Published: November 2022

This study aims to design a robust and optimal controller to overcome the problems related to the existence of disturbances and uncertainties during takeoff and landing operations of vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. The dynamics are decomposed into two phase’s parts which are the minimum phase and the non-minimum phase. These two-part are controlled by proposing a robust nonlinear controller represented by sliding mode control (SMC). Also, the chattering effect due to the fast-switching surface in SMC is eliminated by utilizing a proposed sigmoid function which acts as the sigmoid function. The controller's main parameters are tuned optimally based on the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. In addition, the controller guaranteed the system stability based on the Lyapunov and Routh theories. The main output parameter responses represented by the positioning of the centre of mass and angle of rolling are determined with bounded control inputs. The performance of the proposed controller is tested by tracking VTOL parameters to the desired trajectories. The simulated results not only showed a significant tracking trajectory but also system stability guaranteed. In addition, the results showed an improved rate of 72% and 84% compared with those results obtained from the literature.
Stepwise regression of agarwood oil significant chemical compounds into four quality differentiation
Authors: Huzir Siti Mariatul Hazwa Mohd , Amidon Aqib Fawwaz Mohd , Al-Hadi Anis Hazirah ‘Izzati Hasnu , Ismail Nurlaila , Yusoff Zakiah Mohd , Tajuddin Saiful Nizam , Taib Mohd Nasir
Published: November 2022

This paper gives precise summary on the application of stepwise regression model based upon the pre-process analysis of boxplot for four chemical compounds into four different qualities of agarwood oil. In the global market, agarwood oil is acknowledged as a pricey and valuable nature product owing to its benefits. Unfortunately, there is no standard grading method for agarwood oil grade classification. Intelligent model in grading the quality of agarwood oil is crucial as one of the efforts to classify the agarwood quality. The main model chosen in this study is stepwise regression by concerned specific parameter which is the value of correlation coefficient, R2. To achieve this goal, four out of eleven significant compounds of agarwood oil that consist of 660 data samples from low, medium low, medium high and high quality are representing the input. The independent variables are X1, X2, X3 and X4 which refer to the ɤ-Eudesmol, 10-epi-ɤ-eudesmol, β-agarofuran and dihydrocollumellarin compounds, respectively. MATLAB software version r2015a has been chosen as the simulation platform for this research work. The result showed that the stepwise regression model has a correlation coefficient of 0.756 and p-value less than 0.05 significance level which successfully passed the performance criteria toward regression value.
Submarine control system using sliding mode controller with optimization algorithm
Authors: Ajaweed Mazin Najeeb , Muhssin Mazin Thani , Humaidi Amjad Jaleel , Abdulrasool Ali Hashim
Published: November 2022

The purpose of this paper is to design and implement the pitch and depth control system of an autonomous underwater vehicles (AUV). This control system will determine the best pitch angle as well as the depth automatically when there are changes in speed, weight, etc. In this paper, the kinematic and dynamic equations of motion for the AUV are derived to obtain the pitch angle and depth transfer functions. The control strategies applied here, are firstly, the sliding mode controller (SMC) driven by particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm. Secondly, the proportional integral derivative controller (PID) tuned by PSO algorithm as a standard controller. The PSO algorithm is used as an efficient algorithm to search for the optimal controllers’ parameters and hence improving the performance of the system. The findings show that the designed sliding mode control (SMC) could improve the stability and performance and provides more realistic behavior for the AUV compared to other classical controllers and according to pitch and the depth changes.
Bi-directional trust management system in fog computing using logistic regression
Authors: Priyadarshini Ramamurthy , Malarvizhi Nandagopal
Published: November 2022

Fog computing is a decentralised computing infrastructure that brings data, storage, computation, and communication resources closer to end users by extending typical cloud computing services to the network edge. A fog node can serve another fog node based on their processing power allowing fog-to-fog interaction. Fog nodes, being independent must be trusted for delegation because they collect sensitive data and share with other discrete fog nodes, where standard cryptographic solutions are ineffective against the internal attacks tossed by rogue fog node. This paper proposes a Bi-directional trust management system for secure transactions and fog-to-fog collaboration to address this problem in a fog environment, which allows a service requester to assess a service provider’s trustworthiness and the service provider to assess the service requester's level of trust before beginning a connection. This trust management system works based on the recommendation system, which is estimated using logistic regression by fog service provider and subjective logic by fog service requester for the establishment of secured connection between them. Using quality of security parameters, the proposed work yields the result of decision making between the fog service requester and fog service provider.
Large dataset partitioning using ensemble partition-based clustering with majority voting technique
Authors: Babu Vunnava Dinesh , Malathi Karunakaran
Published: November 2022

Large datasets have become useful in data mining for processing, storing, and handling vast amounts of data. However, handling and processing large datasets is time-consuming and memory intensive. As a result, the researchers adopted a partitioning strategy to improve controllability and performance and reduce the time and memory required to handle large datasets. Unfortunately, the numerous clustering techniques available in the literature could confuse experts in choosing the best techniques for a given dataset. Furthermore, no clustering technique can tackle all problems, such as cluster structure, noise, or density. To manage large datasets, existing clustering techniques need scalable solutions. Therefore, this paper proposes an ensemble partition-based clustering with a majority voting technique for large dataset partitioning using the aggregation of k-means, k-medoids, fuzzy c-means, expectation-maximization (EM) and density-based spatial clustering of applications with noise (DBSCAN) techniques. These techniques cluster the large dataset individually in the first stage. The final clusters are discovered in the next stage through a majority voting technique among the five clustering algorithms. These five clustering algorithms assigned data instances to the cluster with the most votes. The experimental findings demonstrate that the ensemble partition-based clustering method surpasses the other five clustering algorithms in terms of execution time and accuracy.
Transforming the business process diagram into a class diagram by model-driven architecture
Authors: Mohamed Achraf Habri , Redouane Esbai , Yasser Lamlili El Mazoui Nadori
Published: November 2022

The strength of the model-driven architecture (MDA) lies in its use of models and diagrams in the process of visualizing and developing information systems of companies, that is why we chose the business process model and notations (BPMN) due to the simplicity of the symbols of its diagrams and the clarity of its notations so that all simple users of information systems within the organization can understand their needs and goals quickly and smoothly. In our paper, we suggested that we connect all categories of the staff in the companies, whatever their specialty, and the IT developers, by making a transformation between the BPMN diagrams as independent computing model to the unified modeling language (UML) class diagram as platform independent model. We chose the latter as a destination due to its development and the possibility of transforming it into a powerful and integrated program, and also to complete other transformations later, we chose query views transformations (QVT) due to its consistency with the same family of programs and previous languages.
Refurbished and improvised model using convolution network for autism disorder detection in facial images
Authors: Kaur Narinder , Gupta Ganesh
Published: November 2022

The main quality of deep learning over conventional machine learning (ML) techniques empowers firsthand uses in processing of images, speech recognition, medical imaging, machine translation and robotics, computer vision, and numerous other fields. The purpose of this study is to assess algorithms of deep Learning for person with the disorder of autism. This disorder is developing disorder that causes significant communicative, social and behavioral difficulties in those who have it. In this research paper, the Enhanced version of convolution network is discussed. Visual geometry group (VGG), is one of model of the convolution neural network which has essential features of convolution neural network (CNN). The VGG 16 net is employed to calculate the processes that can be used to classify this disorder with improved accuracy. The preprocessing of the image data is done. The VGG 16 convolution network is used to classify between autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and Non-ASD. Finally, the algorithm's efficacy is considered based on its accuracy performance. The VGG 16 net algorithm produces better results with an accuracy of 68.54%, compared with the normal CNN algorithm.
Evaluation of object detectors in recognizing crossroad intersection triangle sign
Authors: Shahbaz Shahad Jaafar , Al-Zuky Ali Abid Dawood , Al-Obaidi Fatin Ezzat Muhy Al-Dean
Published: November 2022

Variations in perspective, illumination, occlusion, motion blur, and weatherworn degeneration of signs could all be crucial in identifying road signs. The goal of this work is to evaluate cascade object detector and Speed Up Robust Features in detecting, recognizing crossroad intersection triangle sign, and determining the optimum threshold value. The current work is executed in Baghdad's streets during the daytime. Results showed the effectiveness of cascade detector in detecting the triangle sign than SURF with precision lies in the range (0.9-0.98). Finally, the highest precision was recorded at fifteen and twenty-five threshold values for cascade and SURF approaches respectively.
A comprehensive survey of whale optimization algorithm: modifications and classification
Authors: Mahmood Saboohi , Bawany Narmeen Zakaria , Tanweer Muhammad Rizwan
Published: November 2022

Whale optimization algorithm (WOA) is an emerging nature-inspired, swarm-intelligence based algorithm to solve optimization problems more efficiently. This algorithm is based on the bubble-net hunting strategy of the humpback whales. It has gained immense popularity among researchers, typically, due to its simple nature, fast convergence, and having minimum parameters. In the recent past, it has been widely adopted in various fields including data mining, machine learning, wireless sensor networks, cloud computing, civil engineering, and power systems due to its optimal performance. The WOA has given competitive results in comparison to the state-of-the-art optimization algorithms. In this study, we aim to present a comprehensive survey of WOA consisting of more than eighty existing variants of WOA. More specifically, we intend to put forward key aspects of WOA variants with reference to modifications and applications. Further, we classify the most dominant variants of WOA in distinct categories based on modification area such as equation modification, parameter tuning or the problem space for which an algorithm has been specifically altered. We believe that this study will be beneficial for the community working on optimization problems and it can serve as a basis for understanding the modification and improvement process of an optimization algorithm.
Energy-efficient routing protocol in wireless sensor networks based on bacterial foraging optimization
Authors: Adil Abdulzahra Abdulmalik , Abdul Qader Khudor Baida’a , S. Alshawi Imad
Published: November 2022

Reserve the wireless sensor networks (WSNs) lifetime for as long as possible is a current goal. In WSNs, sensors are often limited in power. However, uneven power consumption (UPC) reduces lifetime, and its deterioration is considered one of the most critical problems. Therefore, balancing the energy consumption is a significant issue in the WSN, necessitating a routing protocol that is energy-efficient that extends the life of the network. A few protocols have been used to balance energy use across network nodes. This paper proposed a routing protocol energy-saving called Bacterial foraging optimization routing protocol (BFORP). BFORP attempts to investigate the problem of the life of WSNs. It can decrease the routing of excessive messages that may result in severe energy waste by recycling the information that frequents the source node into the sink. In the proposed method, the preferable node in the sending routes may be chosen by prioritizing the lowest traffic load, the highest residual energy, and the shortest path to the sink. In comparison to the known protocols used in routing, the results of the simulation have proven the efficacy of the suggested protocol in lowering energy employment and reducing the delay of end-to-end.
Fuzzy spider monkey optimization routing protocol to balance energy consumption in heterogeneous wireless sensor networks
Authors: Hameed Zaboon Khalid , Mumtaz Kudhair Nagham , S. Alshawi Imad
Published: November 2022

Wireless sensor network (WSN) nodes have high computation limitations, limited communication capabilities, and limited power resources because of the difficulty or impossibility of replacing or recharging the sensor battery. Energy consumption in nodes is a critical issue to consider while developing WSNs. Many routing protocols are proposed for energy conservation as an important goal for improvement. Nonetheless, just delivering energy is not enough to prolong the life of a WSN. Unbalanced energy depletion is a significant problem in WSNs, often resulting in network splits and a reduction in network lifetime, as well as performance retrogression. This article, therefore, proposes a robust protocol called the fuzzy spider monkey optimization routing protocol (FSMORP) to determine the best data path routing for heterogeneous WSNs (HWSNs). In this case, an FSMORP computes the best path across the cluster heads from a sensor to the sink. This work uses the clustering method to organize heterogeneous nodes in HWSNs. The simulation result indicates that the FSMORP considerably enhances data latency reduction, energy balancing, and lifetime maximization for the network.
Enhance work for java based network analyzer tool used to analyze network simulator files
Authors: Alkenani Jawad , Nassar Khulood Ahmed
Published: November 2022

The network performance measurement is important in computer networks, and performance measurement may not be effective for installation in peripheral devices resulting in the replacement of those devices and thus increasing cost. In light of this, it is better to have a simulation of the network to see its performance rather than the actual design. NS-2 is one of the most popular and widely used open-source network simulators in many organizations, which generates trace files during the simulation experience. The trace file contains all network events that can be used to calculate performance. Thus, NS-2 does not offer any visualization options for analyzing simulation results (trace files), which is the fundamental problem of trace file parsing difficulty. This paper provides a graphical user interface tool that enables researchers to quickly and efficiently analyze and visualize NS-2 trace files. This tool is a development of the JDNA tool, as it could not analyze more than one trace file at a time. In addition, this work can be a useful guide for network researchers or other programmers to analyze their networks and understand how to calculate network performance metrics.
Processamento de sinais
Authors:   Universidade de São Paulo. Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos, Maciel Carlos Dias
Published: November 2022

Esse texto visa aos alunos dos cursos de Sinais e Sistemas, 4º semestre, e Processamento Digital de sinais, no 5º semestre, dos cursos de Engenharia Elétrica, com ênfase em Eletrônica e Engenharia de Computação da Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos. Esses cursos têm a carga horária de quatro aulas/semanas durante quinze semanas na disciplina de Sinais e Sistemas. Já na disciplina de Processamento de Sinais a carga horária é de duas aulas/semana durante quinze semanas. O conteúdo apresentado neste livro cobre toda a ementa das duas disciplinas, com os registros de muitas justificativas que não faziam parte da dinâmica de sala de aula.
Necrose da língua por arterite de células gigantes
Authors: Oliver Luiza Aguera , Alencar Alice Guiotti de , Lyra Marcelo Rosandiski , Silva Ignacio Yáñez
Published: November 2022

Apresentamos um caso de arterite de células gigantes com amaurose, seguida de necrose da língua, diagnosticado clinicamente com boa resposta terapêutica ao corticoide oral. Salientamos que os casos de necrose da língua são extremamente raros. A suspeita diagnóstica de arterite de células gigantes é de fundamental importância e mesmo na impossibilidade de realizar a biópsia de artéria temporal, não se deve retardar o início do tratamento sob pena de acarretar sequelas definitivas ou manifestações mais graves da doença.
Osteomielite crônica como uma armadilha ao diagnóstico na prática do dermatologista
Authors: Borges Júnior Márcio Custódio , Guzzo Giovanna , Souza Alessandra Martins de , Andrella Josiane Monção , Benelli Pedro Matheus , Antônio João Roberto
Published: November 2022

Na prática clínica da dermatologia não é incomum nos depararmos com situações desafiadoras, de difícil caracterização e que podem nos induzir ao erro diagnóstico. Quadros cutâneos com apresentações semelhantes entre si estão aqui inclusas e, neste caso, é de suma importância a atuação do médico dermatologista de forma a unir as informações da anamnese, exame físico e exames complementares, a fim de excluir condições de pior prognóstico e que requerem atuação mais agressiva de outras condições benignas e/ou com menor impacto negativo. Apresentamos abaixo uma dessas situações de desafio diagnóstico em que uma lesão cutânea secundária à osteomielite crônica foi inicialmente atribuída à causa inflamatória ou neoplásica.
Trombólise de embolia pulmonar aguda tardia pós-covid-19
Authors: Cicilini André Luiz , Kajihara Lucas , Fróes Michele Higa , Eduardo Jamilton de Medeiros
Published: November 2022

A embolia pulmonar (EP) tardia na COVID-19 é aquela que ocorre semanas após a infecção pelo SARS-CoV-2 e vem sendo relatada mesmo nos pacientes que manifestaram síndrome gripal leve. Não há explicação fiável para sua ocorrência, mas parece envolver persistência das alterações inflamatórias virais associadas à exposição de fosfolipídios e liberação de micropartículas de membrana potencialmente trombogênicas. A trombólise com ativadores de plasminogênio, principalmente a alteplase, é bem estabelecida nos casos de EP de alto risco e considerada nos eventos de intermediário alto risco, com benefícios como reperfusão pulmonar, redução de pressão da artéria pulmonar e estabilidade do ventrículo direito (VD). Entretanto, há poucos casos relatados de trombólise na EP secundária a COVID-19. Apresentamos o caso de uma paciente feminina adulta, sem fatores de risco significativos para eventos trombogênicos diagnosticada com COVID-19 leve que no 18º dia após o início dos sintomas evoluiu com EP associada à instabilidade de VD e foi submetida à trombólise com alteplase intravenosa com sucesso.
Oxaliplatin versus Irinotecan no câncer colorretal avançado
Authors: Prado Thaís Árabe do , Del Bel Giovanna Volpe , Levignali Milena Bongiorno , Resende Uanderson
Published: November 2022

O câncer colorretal é uma neoplasia com alta prevalência e letalidade.  A razão desse elevado número de mortes é a detecção da doença em estágios metastáticos, de difícil cura e que necessitam de terapia quimioterápica adjuvante ou paliativa. Na atualidade, o principal tratamento quimioterápico dessa neoplasia tem como base as drogas Oxaliplatina ou Irinotecano, isolados ou combinados com outros medicamentos. O objetivo desta revisão sistemática é avaliar se há superioridade do esquema quimioterápico com Irinotecano sobre o regime com Oxaliplatina. Foi realizada a análise de ensaios clínicos randomizados, fase II ou III, nas bases de dados eletrônicas Central e PubMed. Critérios de inclusão: ensaios clínicos randomizados comparando regimes à base de irinotecano ou oxaliplatina como tratamentos de primeira linha para câncer colorretal metastático. O desfecho primário analisado foi a superioridade entre os quimioterápicos sobre a sobrevida global. Os desfechos secundários incluíram sobrevida livre de progressão, taxa de resposta e efeitos colaterais. Registro na PROSPERO: CRD42019130339. Não houve diferença significativa nos 13 estudos sobre a sobrevida dos pacientes. Sobre os efeitos colaterais dos medicamentos, os regimes baseados em irinotecano foram associados a uma alta incidência de neutropenia e diarreia grave. Já os associados com oxaliplatin cursaram com alta incidência de neuropatia sensitiva. Não houve diferença estatisticamente significativa sobre a sobrevida global, sobrevivência livre de progressão e na taxa de resposta quando comparamos os pacientes que receberam oxaliplatina e irinotecano.
Clinical and epidemiological characteristics of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in central Brazil
Authors: Bento Dhiogo da Cruz Pereira , Oliveira Rayana Pereira Dantas de , Santos Kamilla de Faria , Azevedo Rômulo Morais , Minasi Lays Bernardes , Ternes Yves Mauro Fernandes , Reis Angela Adamski da Silva , Santos Rodrigo da Silva
Published: November 2022

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical-epidemiological characteristics of patients with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) in the State of Goiás, Brazil. Methods: We conducted a descriptive cross-sectional study to assess medical records of patients with ALS followed-up at the State Rehabilitation and Readaptation Medical Center Dr. Henrique Santillo, Goiânia, GO, Brazil, between 2005 and 2018. In addition, we registered and created a photographic panel with the main clinical findings of ALS cases. Results: From 224 investigated patients, 51.8% were male, and 67.4% manifested the classic form of the disease. Initial symptoms were more frequent in the lower limbs (37.9%), and complications resulted in 45.5% of tracheostomy, 60.3% of gastrostomy, and 49.1% of deaths. Most patients had a five-year survival from the onset of symptoms, and no significant association between the use of non-invasive ventilation and increased survival were found. The analysis of the clinical-epidemiological characteristics showed a more extended time between the first symptoms and the diagnosis of the disease was observed. Conclusion: In this study, the time between the first symptoms and diagnosis was longer than in the literature, resulting in late treatments. In addition, there was no satisfactory result regarding survival with the use of non-invasive ventilation. Therefore, clinical-epidemiological studies of the disease in Brazil, as well as public awareness and training of professionals in recognition of ALS clinical signs will assist in early and more efficient interventions.
O efeito das medidas de distanciamento social sobre a incidência de COVID-19 no Brasil: uma análise multisetorial
Authors: Silva Lucas Emanuel de Oliveira , Rocha Thiago José Matos , Figueiredo Filho Dalson Britto
Published: November 2022

Objetivo: Este artigo estima o impacto das medidas de distanciamento social sobre a incidência de COVID-19 a partir de uma perspectiva multissetorial. Métodos: O desenho de pesquisa utiliza um modelo de regressão em painel para analisar a relação entre restrições de mobilidade em diferentes setores econômicos e a dinâmica longitudinal da doença nos estados do Brasil. Resultados: Os principais resultados indicam que apenas os coeficientes das variáveis que representam os setores de restaurantes (p-valor < 0,05), compras (p-valor < 0,05) e transporte (p-valor < 0,001) obtiveram significância estatística. Em especial, o transporte (std= -0,674) é a variável que mais influencia a variação do número de casos de COVID-19. Conclusões: As evidências reportadas nesta pesquisa podem auxiliar o processo de tomada de decisão dos gestores governamentais a respeito da eficácia de intervenções não farmacológicas como instrumento para reduzir a disseminação da COVID-19.
Ensino do exame respiratório: o que é história e o que é necessidade?
Authors: Castagna Yasmin Redi , Pernomian Ana Paula Sambugaro , Zaneti Isadora Rocha , Oliveira Fabio Celeste de , Silva Lilian Carvalho , Rocha Rafael Reis , Frenchel Ricardo , Araújo João Pedro Rabelo de , Vianna Elcio Oliveira , Cetlin Andrea Antunes
Published: November 2022

A semiologia é uma das técnicas mais utilizadas na prática médica há séculos. Ensinada por meio de roteiros sistematizados, estudantes de inúmeras escolas da área de saúde por todo o mundo aprendem as manobras semiológicas como fundamento na avaliação dos pacientes. No entanto, apesar de extremamente difundida, discute-se pouco sobre sua acurácia como manobra diagnóstica. Tendo este ponto em vista, este artigo aborda a precisão das diversas manobras semiológicas do exame físico do aparelho respiratório e a descrição comparativa do seu ensino em diferentes escolas médicas no mundo. Como resultados, tem-se valores de acurácia discordantes, o que pode ser justificado pela qualidade dos estudos ou pelas variáveis analisadas que diferem entre os estudos e propostas de padronização. Em conclusão, a semiologia é a base da avaliação médica, independentemente dos avanços e disponibilidade dos exames de imagens, e cada manobra deve ser ensinada com seu devido valor científico. Conhecer a aplicabilidade e individualizar a prática das etapas do exame respiratório pode ser um caminho possível de adequação aos tempos atuais, sem impor perdas de informações relevantes para o desenvolvimento do raciocínio clínico.
Orbitacolax iniistii sp. nov. (Copepoda, Cyclopoida, Bomolochidae) recovered from the blackspot razorfish Iniistius dea (Temminck & Schlegel, 1845) (Pisces, Labridae) in Japan
Authors: Izawa Kunihiko
Published: November 2022

Orbitacolax iniistii sp. nov. is described based on a single specimen of the female recovered from washing fluid of the blackspot razorfish Iniistius dea (Temminck & Schlegel, 1845) (Pisces, Labridae) in Japan.
Expression of the senescence-related gene FoxO in Daphnia pulex and its role in the regulation of reproductive transformation (Branchiopoda, Cladocera)
Authors: Zhang Shun , Zhou Xuan-Yu , Zhang Cheng , Zhao Chun-Pu , Li Wei , Wang Dan-Li , Xu Shan-Liang
Published: November 2022

The gene FoxO plays an important role in regulating individual growth and development, cell survival, and senescence, mainly through transcriptional regulation and the signal transduction pathway. In this study, the full-length cDNA sequence of the FoxO gene was cloned from Daphnia pulex. FoxO was silenced by RNA interference. The expression levels of the senescence-related genes FoxO, Akt, and Sir2 were analysed before and after interference by real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Meanwhile, the production of an ephippium in D. pulex was evaluated before and after interference. The expression of FoxO and protein abundance decreased after interference. The number of ephippia produced in the Akt interference group was higher than in the two control groups, and the expressions of the senescence-related genes Akt and Sir2 decreased after interference. The results indicate that FoxO regulated senescence, primarily through the phosphorylation of Akt and acetylation of Sir2, thereby affecting the reproductive transformation of D. pulex.
The effect of ice trash fish, Leiognathus equula (Forsskål, 1775) (Percomorphi, Leiognathidae) and oyster, Crassostrea iredalei (Faustino, 1932) (Ostreida, Ostreidae) on the growth and mating of the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain Estampador, 1950 (Brachyura, Portunidae), cultured in a controlled tank
Authors: Gunarto Gunarto , Herlinah Herlinah , Muliani Muliani , Tampangallo Bunga Rante , Kamaruddin Kamaruddin
Published: November 2022

The aim of this study was to determine the most suitable kind of feed for the mud crab, Scylla paramamosain, to grow from juvenile to broodstock size and to monitor their monthly size and growth rate, as well as to (1) record them reaching maturity and (2) their subsequent mating frequency. For this research, a Complete Randomized Design was used with three treatments. Each treatment was carried out with 40 individuals. The crabs are usually grown in 90 m3 concrete tanks. The three feeds tested were: (A) trash fish, Leiognathus equula, (B) a combination of that ice trash fish and oyster meat from Crassostrea iredalei, and, (C) that same oyster meat only. The feed was always given at 3-10% of total body weight/day. Newly adult male crabs were selected for mating with a newly adult female crab. The male crabs fed treatments B and C grew faster than male crabs fed treatment A. While the female crabs fed treatment C grew significantly faster than female crabs fed treatment A (), but not significantly than the female crabs fed treatment B (). A total of 30 female crabs were followed in mating from July 2020 to January 2021, and the highest mating intensity was found from September to October 2020. The present study indicates that mud crabs grow fast when they are fed treatment C, i.e., oyster meat only.
Between Medicine and Gift
Authors: Liang Siran , Münster Daniel
Published: November 2022

Tibet’s wild fungus cordyceps (Ophiocordyceps sinensis), a prized commodity in metropolitan China, has been undergoing changes in the way it is traded and marketed in Tibet. Prized as a medicinal tonic and high-value gift, the parasitic fungus has traditionally been traded in its dried form. However, in recent years we have observed the emergence of trade in fresh cordyceps. This paper seeks to make sense of this change in the form of this commodity and its correlation to changing meanings of cordyceps in China. Based on ethnographic fieldwork in Tibet and textual analysis of online markets in China, this paper argues that this transformation is associated with China’s anticorruption campaigns, the rising importance of e-commerce infrastructures, and the biomedicalization of cordyceps through advancing biotechnologies. In addition, we argue that professional brokers play a key role in the emergence of the fresh cordyceps trade.
Contestations, Contradictions, and Co-optations of Naturopathy and Biomedicine
Authors: Bhardwaj Ruby
Published: November 2022

The introduction of naturopathy in India can be traced back to the colonial period when it was fielded in resistance to the growing prominence of biomedicine. Reporting the findings of an empirical study conducted in two naturopathy centers in Delhi, this article explores its contradictions, contestations, and co-optations with biomedicine. It argues that biomedicine conditions the proliferation of yoga and naturopathy through its shortcomings and excesses. Patient accounts reveal that the pursuit of yoga and naturopathic treatment is propelled by their dissatisfaction with biomedicine and perception of risk involved in the ingestion of drugs. Furthermore, the study explores how patients and practitioners negotiate through pluralistic settings, imposed by the adoption of biomedical diagnostics and nosology that contradict naturopathy’s episteme. The practice of naturopathy and yoga demonstrates therapeutic regimes severed from their ontological bearings, reducing them merely to adjunct therapies adapted to a biomedical episteme.
Philosophical Definitions: A Pragmatic Approach
Authors: Arroyo Gustavo
Published: November 2022

In this paper, I argue for a pragmatic theory of the motivations behind the practice of defining concepts in philosophy. The “correct” definition in philosophy is not, as is usually supposed, the definition that accurately describes some pre-philosophical meaning, but the definition which is useful for the achievement of certain theoretical goals. I consider different examples of definitional debates from the history of philosophy. The analysis of these examples also evidences why philosophers do not usually grant the incidence of pragmatic reason in their conceptual investigations. At the end of the paper, I provide some reasons that explain why the incidence of pragmatic reasons is inevitable.
The Place of Cities in the Evolution of International Humanitarian Law
Authors: Sossai Mirko
Published: November 2022

The increasing interest in the global dimension of cities and their engagement with international law has coincided with the emergence of a new wave of scholarship covering the main legal challenges related to urban warfare. In recent years, the devastating humanitarian consequences of war in cities have raised new questions regarding how relevant rules of international humanitarian law are interpreted and applied: cities are portrayed not only as the seat of political leadership or as cultural property but increasingly also as “populated areas” and an “interconnected infrastructure of essential services”. Urban fighting is uniquely characterized by the proximity of military objectives with civilians and civilian objects: the question of the use of explosive weapons against military objectives in populated areas reflects the need for further clarification with respect to the application of the relevant rules of international humanitarian law (IHL). Much debate has been devoted to the legal implications of the contemporary resurgence of sieges of cities. Given that sieges are not per se an explicitly prohibited method of warfare under IHL, a key topic has been the precise scope of the “starvation of civilians” as a method of combat, for the purposes of the prohibition under Article 54(1) of Additional Protocol I and customary law. It is worth considering to what extent the specific representation of what amounts to a city has been considered as a factor in the current debate.
Writing Women into the History of Philosophy: Contextualism Re-Examined
Authors: Kotevska Laura
Published: November 2022

Contextualism is an established approach in the history of philosophy. This paper explores the advantages and disadvantages of contextualism as it is used in the examination of philosophical works produced by women whose work has, until recent decades, been neglected by historians of philosophy. It examines how various options for practicing contextualist history of philosophy might help to explain a woman’s participation in philosophy or undermine her intellectual authority and obscure our understanding of her work. The paper concludes with three suggestions for writing and teaching work produced by women that are informed by the methodological considerations addressed in the paper in order to avoid some of the epistemically harmful outcomes that can emerge when placing a woman’s work in her patriarchal context.
Quantification of QLCS Tornadogenesis, Associated Characteristics, and Environments across a Large Sample
Authors: Goodnight James S. , Chehak Devin A. , Trapp Robert J.
Published: November 2022

The skillful anticipation of tornadoes produced by quasi-linear convective systems (QLCSs) is a well-known forecasting challenge. This study was motivated by the possibility that warning accuracy of QLCS tornadoes depends on the processes leading to tornadogenesis, namely, one that is dominated by an apparent release of horizontal shearing instability [shearing instability dominant (SID)] and one by a pre-tornadic mesocyclone [pre-tornadic mesocyclone dominant (PMD)] and its associated generative mechanisms. The manual classification of the genesis of 530 QLCS tornadoes as either SID or PMD was performed using heuristic, yet process-driven criteria based on single-Doppler radar (WSR-88D) data. This included 214, 213, and 103 tornadoes that occurred during 2019, 2017, and 2016, respectively. As a function of tornadogenesis process, 36% were classified as SID, and 60% were classified as PMD; the remaining 4% could not be classified. Approximately 30% of the SID cases were operationally warned prior to tornadogenesis, compared to 44% of the PMD cases. PMD tornadoes were also more common during the warm season and displayed a diurnal, midafternoon peak in frequency. Finally, SID cases were more likely to be associated with QLCS tornado outbreaks but tended to be slightly shorter lived. A complementary effort to investigate environmental characteristics of QLCS tornadogenesis revealed differences between SID and PMD cases. MLCAPE was relatively larger for warm-season SID cases, and 0–3-km SRH was relatively larger in warm-season PMD cases. Additionally, pre-tornadic frontogenesis was more prominent for cool-season SID cases, suggestive of a more significant role of the larger-scale meteorological forcing in vertical vorticity that fosters tornadogenesis through SID processes.
The Politic of Everyday Counter-Terrorism: Online Performances and Responsibilities of the Prevent Duty in UK Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Spiller Keith , Whiting Andrew , Awan Imran , Campbell Ben
Published: November 2022

The Prevent Duty mandates that public authorities must work to prevent people from being drawn into terrorism. In this article we review how 158 UK Higher Education Institutions have responded to this new duty by examining their public-facing webpages and Prevent policy documentation. In doing this we draw upon de Certeau’s notions of the everyday to highlight how such initiatives are presented publicly to viewing audiences, and how messages seep into and deepen security measures within UK Higher Education. In reviewing the performative element of Prevent, specifically how information is displayed, we find that the majority of UK Higher Education Institutions have approached their new roles through the prism of ‘compliance’ and/or ‘safeguarding’. The article argues presentations of safeguarding, reassurance and reluctance offer a telling insight into how the Duty has been adopted in Higher Education Institutions’ everyday practice.
Quantifying Authenticity: Progress and Challenges
Authors: Zhou Qilou (Bill) , He Zeya , Li Xiang (Robert)
Published: November 2022

The growth of quantitative studies on authenticity in the past two decades has reflected researchers’ ongoing attempts to establish a valid conceptual basis, research paradigms, and methodological approaches to measure authenticity in different tourism contexts. In the spirit of dialog, this study defends the conceptual and methodological underpinnings of quantifying authenticity. We build on the theoretical legacy of the authenticity concept and propose a framework to systematically quantify authenticity across tourism settings. In delineating the subjects and objects tied to authenticity, this framework integrates useful instruments, indicators, and scales to measure authenticity. The scope of authenticity quantification for empirical research is accordingly expanded.
Self-healable, strengthened, shape memory elastomers enabled by dual cross-linked networks
Authors: Wang Lin , Wang Chenlu , Sun Wenshuo , Du Aihua
Published: November 2022

We propose a strategy of combining covalent and noncovalent cross-links into carboxyl nitrile rubber (XNBR) networks to fabricate multifunctional elastomers with self-healing and shape memory ability. Specially, commercially available XNBR was cross-linked by diethylenetriamine (DETA) and trimethylolpropane tris(3-mercaptopropionate) (TMPT) through hydrogen bond interaction and thiol-ene “click” reaction, generating reversible hydrogen bonds and robust covalent bonds cross-links, respectively. The modulus of the resulted polymers is consistently enhanced with the increase of TMPT loading, indicating the cross-linking networks are gradually constrained. In addition, the samples demonstrate self-healing and shape memory functions due to the reversible hydrogen bonds and robust covalent cross-links. When the content of TMPT is 0, the sample shows the high elongation at break and appropriate tensile strength. It can achieve almost complete healing due to the material contains noncovalent bonds only. When the content of TMPT is 2 phr, the sample exhibits both pretty self-healing and moderate shape memory ability. This strategy might provide an alternative way to construct intelligent multifunctional polymers with versatile functions.
You are how you speak: The roles of vocal pitch and semantic cues in shaping social perceptions
Authors: Wu Hannah Xiaohan , Li Yuanhua , Ching Boby Ho-Hong , Chen Tiffany Ting
Published: November 2022

Social perceptions of speakers are influenced by their voice information, including vocal characteristics and semantic content. Our study investigated how individuals’ warmth- and competence-related perceptions of speakers were affected by vocal pitch levels (i.e., high/low) and three kinds of semantic cues (i.e., prosocial, antisocial, and neutral) simultaneously. We have three key findings. First, antisocial cues negatively affected social perceptions, regardless of speakers’ gender. However, prosocial cues did not have positive impacts on evaluations of speakers because ratings were similar between prosocial cues and neutral cues. Second, female vocal pitch mattered for warmth-related perceptions but not for competence-related perceptions. The role of semantic cues should be additionally considered when investigating the impact of male vocal pitch on these perceptions. For example, higher-pitched men in prosocial contexts were perceived as warmer, while low-pitched men in antisocial contexts were judged as more competent. Third, the connection between vocal pitch and two kinds of perceptions showed an opposite trend, in which high pitch was related to more warmth but less competence, while the low pitch was associated with less warmth but more competence. These findings extend the understanding of the role of vocal pitch in the formation of stereotypes of strangers in different semantic contexts.
Differences in eccentricity for sound-induced flash illusion in four visual fields
Authors: Chang Chun , Wang Erlei , Yang Jiajia , Luan Xiaotong , Wang Aijun , Zhang Ming
Published: November 2022

A sound-induced flash illusion (SiFI) is a multisensory illusion dominated by auditory stimuli, in which the individual perceives that the number of visual flashes is equal to the number of auditory stimuli when visual flashes are presented along with an unequal number of auditory stimuli. Although the mechanisms underlying fission and fusion illusions have been documented, there is not yet a consensus on how they vary according to the different eccentricities. In the present study, by incorporating the classic SiFI paradigm into four different eccentricities, we aimed to investigate whether the SiFI varies under the different eccentricities. The results showed that the fission illusion varied significantly across the four eccentricities, with the perifovea (7°) and peripheral (11°) illusions being greater than the fovea and parafovea (3°) illusions. In contrast, the fusion illusion did not vary significantly across the four eccentricities. Our findings revealed that SiFI was affected by different visual fields and that there were differences between the fission and the fusion illusions. Furthermore, by examining the SiFI of eccentricity across visual fields, this study also suggests that bottom-up factors affect the SiFI.
Design optimization and analysis of HTHL suborbital spaceplanes propelled by hybrid rocket motors
Authors: Xiao Mingyang , Zhu Hao , Zhang Yuanjun , Wang Pengcheng , Cai Guobiao
Published: November 2022

In this paper, a design optimization and parameter analysis of a horizontal takeoff horizontal landing (HTHL) suborbital spaceplane propelled by a hybrid rocket motor (HRM) is proposed. Referenced by a prototype, an integrated design model, including the mass and shape estimation, HRM design, aerodynamic calculation, and trajectory simulation, is established. A series of long burning experimental tests in the reference article is adopted to modify the influence of nozzle erosion on HRM. After modification, the results of HRM design are well fitted with the test ones, which verified the precision of the modified model and revealed the importance of erosion effect on HRM performance. Then, the integrated design process is built and optimized by the multi-island genetic algorithm. The results indicated that the designed HRM-propelled suborbital spaceplane could achieve the target flight height under all the constraints. The parameter analysis (PA) based on optimum result is adopted to analyze the influences of design variables on the performance parameters of the HTHL suborbital spaceplane, and it also gives theoretical reference to the design optimization of the similar aerospace vehicles.
Association between serum uric acid level and systemic lupus erythematosus kidney outcome: An observational study in Southern Chinese population and a meta-analysis
Authors: Han Yipeng , Lu Xiaoxi , Xiao Shibai , Qin Jiayu , Zheng Lijuan , Feng Yi , Cai Yujie , Qiu Rong , Huang Qin , Yang Min
Published: November 2022

Objective

The study aimed to explore the effect of serum uric acid (SUA) level on the progression of kidney function in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients

Methods

A total of 123 biopsy-proven lupus nephritis (LN) patients were included in this retrospective observational study. Cox proportional hazard regression analyses as well as restricted cubic spline analyses were performed to identify predictors of renal outcome in LN patients. We also performed a systematic review and meta-analysis for SUA and overall kidney outcomes in SLE patients.

Results

Based on the laboratory tests at renal biopsy, 72 (58.5%) of the 123 patients had hyperuricemia. The median (IQR) follow-up duration was 3.67 years (1.79–6.63 years), and a total of 110 (89.4%) patients experienced progression of LN. Increased serum uric acid level, whether analyzed as continuous or categorical variable, was associated with higher risk of LN progression in Cox proportional hazard regression model (hazard ratio [HR]: 1.003, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.001–1.005; HR: 1.780, 95% CI: 1.201–2.639, respectively). This relationship maintained in women (HR: 1.947, 95% CI: 1.234–3.074) but not men (HR: 2.189, 95% CI: 0.802–5.977). The meta-analysis showed a similar result that both continuous and categorical SUA were positively associated with the risk of kidney function progression in LN (weighted mean difference [WMD]: 1.73, 95% CI: 0.97–2.49; odds ratio [OR]: 1.55, 95% CI: 1.20–2.01, respectively).

Conclusions

Our study found overall and especially in women that higher SUA in LN patients were associated with increased risk of renal progression. Meta-analysis yielded consistent results. Future studies are required to establish if uric acid can be used as a biomarker for risk assessment and/or as a novel therapeutic target in SLE.