bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Variation in Molar Mass of Polymers During Thermal Spray Deposition
Authors: Gawne D.T. , Bao Y. , Zhang T.
Published: May 2022

This paper investigates the degradation of polymers during thermal spraying with special reference to the changes in molar mass. A study is carried out on the degradation of polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) during plasma spraying. The infrared spectroscopy showed that the coating did not lead to any significant chemical reactions. However, the gel permeation chromatography measurement revealed larger changes in the molar mass with a decrease of up to 70% in the average numerical molar mass of the PMMA. The results show that increasing the arc power resulted in a substantial increase in degradation. Because of the extremely low thermal conductivity of polymers, the magnitude of these effects becomes even worse. The results indicate that it is important to consider molar mass measurements along with spectroscopic analysis when characterizing thermally sprayed polymer coatings. Paper includes a German-language abstract.
Production of Porous Functional Coatings with Radio-Frequency Plasma Spraying
Authors: Thaler H. , Borck V. , Henne R. , Schiller G.
Published: May 2022

This paper deals with the production of porous functional coatings by means of high-frequency plasma spraying. This technology is presented for the first time in connection with controlled, open, porous, and graded structures. Materials such as pure metals (molybdenum and titanium), high-temperature alloys (Inconel), and ceramics (yttrium oxide-stabilized zirconium oxide) have been processed with several powder fractions with extremely different process parameters (container pressure, power, plasma gas composition). The samples were tested for their characteristic properties (porosity, effective pore sizes and permeability). The status of development is reported and potential attractive industrial applications are mentioned. Paper includes a German-language abstract.
Farmacodermia após uso de cefalexina em cão: Relato de caso
Authors: Moraes Paulo Victor Silva , Bezerra Aniele dos Santos , Guedes Rodrigo Fonseca de Medeiros , Pinheiro Breno Queiroz , Nunes-Pinheiro Diana Célia Sousa , Ferreira Tiago Cunha
Published: May 2022

O comprometimento cutâneo devido a uma reação adversa a medicamentos (RAM) pode ser chamado de farmacodermia e se caracteriza por uma reação de hipersensibilidade, após a administração de um fármaco. Algumas drogas como vacinas, fármacos antimicrobianos, anti-inflamatórios não esteroidais, anti-helmínticos e agente anestésicos estão mais associados com as reações farmacodérmicas. As RAMs podem ser caracterizadas por sinais dermatológicos, que incluem: eritrodermia esfoliativa, erupção medicamentosa fixa, urticária, angioedema, dermatopatias vesico-bolhosas ou pustulares como o pênfigo foliáceo farmacodérmico, vasculites, o eritema multiforme e necrólise epidérmica tóxica, podendo ainda o paciente apresentar sinais sistêmicos. O diagnóstico pode ser difícil devido a utilização simultânea de diversos fármacos, entretanto o exame citológico e, principalmente, o histopatológico podem ser uma ferramenta essencial nestes casos. Relata-se neste trabalho a ocorrência de uma reação farmacodérmica em um canino sem raça definida, após o uso por via oral de antibiótico (Cefalexina), no qual foi observado lesões como pápulas, pústulas, colarinhos epidérmicos e descamações difusas por todo o corpo do paciente. O diagnóstico foi realizado por meio do histórico, do exame clínico e histopatológico. O paciente apresentou excelente recuperação após a terapia instituída.
Engineering Communication Skills for Novice Engineers: A Pilot Project
Authors: Kakepoto Inayatullah , Laghari Abdullah , Buriro Ghulam Saqib
Published: May 2022

Industry has broadened the job scope for engineers. Engineers have to perform multiple projects in terms of technical and non-technical. Technical skills require integration of communication skills in modern industry. This research attempted to discover communication skills significance for novice engineers. Also, it explored communication skill training needed for novice engineers. A purposive sampling research design was employed to draw the results. Twenty (20) final year engineering students participated in this qualitative study. The study research instrument was focus group interviews.Findings described that communication skills play a significant role for engineers in the work environment of modern industry. Moreover, inadequate communication skills training are provided to engineering students during study time. Pakistan Engineering Council (PEC) should emphasize upon engineering universities of Pakistan to train engineering students in hard and soft skills.
Exploring Teachers' Difficulties in Teaching English as a Second Language in Public Sector Elementary Schools
Authors: Hafeez Aqila , Ashraf Ijaz
Published: May 2022

This study explored the difficulties faced by the teachers while teaching English as a second language in public sector elementary schools. This study was descriptive in nature, and a survey-type research design was used. Data were collected from a randomly selected sample of 120 teachers, both male and female, out of the population of 800 public sector elementary schools of tehsil Samundari district Faisalabad. A questionnaire in the form of a 5-point Likert scale was used as a tool to collect data from respondents. Data were analyzed by using SPSS version 22. Weighted scores, mean values, and standard deviations were calculated for analysis. Findings revealed that teachers' workload in school, irrelevant qualifications, and financial pressure were the key challenges. Over crowdedness in classrooms,students and their parents' less interest in the English language, faulty examination system, limited time to complete the syllabus, and fewer training opportunities were the major problems faced by the teachers while teaching English. This study urges curtailing the workload of teachers and the arrangement of training programs for the teachers.
Pakistani Advanced EFL Learners' Perceptions of Role of Pakistani English Short Stories in Increasing Motivation and Interest in Reading Classroom
Authors: Khan Ubaidullah , Malik Tahira , Shams Shamim Ara
Published: May 2022

This research was conducted to study the effectiveness of Pakistani English short stories to increase the level of interest and motivation of the students in reading class. The first part of this study was experimental research that found the positive effect of indigenous English literature on students' interest and motivation in reading classrooms. This second part is based on the students’ perceptions about using Pakistani short stories in the reading classroom. The advanced EFL students constituted the population of this study. The study revealed that the students found the reading lessons based on Pakistani English short stories much more effective as compared to the ones based on foreign literature as the former was easy to understand and relate to, and increased the students' motivation level. The study recommends including indigenously produced English literature in the Pakistani curriculum.
Pragmatic Analysis of Short Story "The New Constitution": Finding the Conventional Implicatures
Authors: Sheikh Shunizia , Saleem Shahid
Published: May 2022

Every literary text has some connotative meaning which is beyond the denotative meaning of lexicons used in it. To unveil the hidden aspect of society is the real intuition of author towards coding the text.This research paper aims to analyze the short story "The New Constitution" by Saddat Hassan Manto.The Pragmatic Analysis of text has been chosen as an analytical framework. Pragmatically, text can be analyzed in many ways. In this research, the use of conventional implicatures (rhetorical devices) in the text has been selected as sub theme. The data have been collected from focused reading of the short story "The New Constitution". For this purpose, 50 sentences have been extracted from the text and the frequencies of the respective implicatures (rhetorical devices) have been noted. The present study meets the determined objectives which have been observed while writing this paper. Contextual inspiration of the text has also been explained which is only possible by finding these rhetorics.
The Alchemy of Spirituality: A Comparative Analysis of Rumi and Shelley's Poems The Alchemy of Love and Hymn to Intellectual Beauty
Authors: Noreen Munnzza , Ali Rana Imran , Saeed Amna Romaisa
Published: May 2022

A Comparative Study that aims to highlight the mystic notions and the similarities within the poetic approaches of the poets: Rumi and Shelley with reference to their poems The Alchemy of Love (1926) and Hymn to Intellectual Beauty (1817). The Alchemy of Love by Rumi and Hymn to Intellectual Beauty by Shelley can be seen as profound echoes of spirituality. The study’s analytical framework, by implementing Osho’s spiritual (mystic) philosophy, endeavors to illustrate the similarities and dissimilarities in their ideological beliefs and the rationale behind them by keeping in view their unique spiritual dimensions. The mystic ideas shared by the two poets diminish the cultural, religious, and geographical differences, expressing that spirituality pervades far beyond these limited boundaries of human intellect. This study encourages comparative examination of Eastern and Western poets and is capable enough to open new horizons for research in the realm of World literature across the globe.
Instructors Tackling Grammar Issues in an Integrated English language teaching program at ELC in Umma Al-Qura University
Authors: Khan Shaukat , Sheikh Adnan Rashid
Published: May 2022

This paper aims to find out the effectiveness of integrated teaching programs and their benefits of tackling grammatical issues of EFL students. Grammar issues have become an unavoidable concern for language instructors. It unlocks teachers’ views, attitudes and perceptions about integrated teaching programs and language complexities in production and reception by EFL students. Grammar increases vocational strengths through using appropriate structures. It has been unfolded that instructors have indicated the usefulness of integrated teaching programs to tackle students’ structural problems. Instructors concluded that the emergence of issues related to grammar could be explained through integrated programs based on their experience and knowledge. A questionnaire has been used to get instructors’ views and attitudes about integrated teaching programs. The research revealed that integrated teaching programs [IETPS] are helpful to decrease learners’ grammar issues. Investigating instructors’ experiences and doing interactions with EFL students in classes, teachers negotiated and reflected positive views about tackling grammar issues.
Communication Skills across Engineering Curriculum: A Case Study
Authors: Kakepoto Inayatullah , Laghari Abdullah , Laghari Tania
Published: May 2022

Effective communication skills occupy key importance in the world of work. This study aimed to investigate the standing of communication skills courses in the engineering curriculum taught to engineering students. Additionally, it assessed whether all engineering departments implement the same credit hour course for engineering departments. The data collection source was Prospectus-2021 of Quaid-e-Awam University of Engineering, Science and Technology Nawabshah. Discourse Analysis was the data analysis method. Findings exhibit that communication skills are taught as a single subject in the university and some engineering departments implement it as a 2-credithour and some 3-credit hour course. Unexpectedly, the department of chemical engineering implements it as(1) credit only. Findings endorse employers’ concerns that engineering graduates passing out from engineering universities are not ready for industry jobs.Research results would guide engineering universities of Pakistan to revisit engineering communication skills courses to bring them at par with industry skill needs.
Challenges in the Implementation of Communicative Language Teaching in Azad Kashmir
Authors: Aurangzeb Ishfaq , Khalique Shahida , Khan Arshad Ali
Published: May 2022

This study investigated challenges faced by EFL teachers in the execution of communicative language teaching (henceforth CLT) at the elementary level in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK), Pakistan. The sample for this study consists of 30 EFL teachers from ten elementary schools in Muzaffarabad. The data was collected in two phases, starting with quantitative data collection through questionnaires, followed by qualitative data collection through interviews. The collected data was analyzed statistically through frequencies and percentages. It was found that the EFL teachers in AJK are aware of the basic principles of CLT.Although the teachers have a positive approach toward CLT, they have failed to practice it in their classes because of some challenges. The findings indicated that the factors affecting the implementation of CLT in the AJK are traditional grammar-based teaching, lack of CLT training, large class size, the diverse backgrounds of students, and a lack of support from the administration.
Parallel Modernity and Indigeneity in Riffat Abbas's Namak Ka Jeevan Ghar
Authors: Fiaz Muhammad Kamran , Nawaz Rafida , Munawar Aniqua
Published: May 2022

Indigeneity is a powerful means of representation and also a contested idea in the modern postcolonial world; used as a tool of resistance and conscious socio-political strategy to express collective identities. The assertion of singularity is the starting point of the path to achieve identity rooted in unique history, distinguished culture, religion, art and fables.The paper aims to understand the concept of Indigeneity employing Mbembe’s theory of decolonization by (re)visit to Loonri, a textual utopia created by Riffat Abbas in Namak ka Jeevan Ghar, the novel initially written in Saraiki. The paper reflects on identity discourses and native dialogue with power and governance structure as well as “other”. The study unearthed how in a parallel modern world, the indigenous inhabitants of a region formulate subversive strategies over time to maintain a unique identity with their creative spirit and sturdy imagination to maintain Indigeneity as parallel modernity.
Students' Attitude and Perceived Needs towards the use of L1 in English Classes
Authors: Ahmad Zohaib , Ishaq Qudsia , Ejaz Aneela
Published: May 2022

The purpose of this study is to investigate learners' perspectives on language of teaching in English classrooms at the University of AJK, Jhelum valley campus. It is an attempt to ascertain the learners' perceptions about the need of first language (L1) in classrooms. The research study was designed to be a case study in which quantitative data gathering methods were used. The participants were 98 students randomly selected from the English department except first semester. A learners’ questionnaire was used to gather information.The outcomes of study have revealed learners supported the use of Urdu in English classrooms. Students thought that Urdu could be used often in English classrooms.
Masks of National Liberation: A Study of The Weary Generations and Basti
Authors: Khan Waheed Ahmad , Ali Imran , Ali Imdad
Published: May 2022

The present paper analyses issue of the power relationship between the privileged class and the mass who struggled for liberation from British Raj. This power relationship manifests itself first during partition of United India which resulted in emergence of imagined communities. The imagined communities could not remain homogeneous due to a lack of harmony in their priorities and different social backgrounds. It also examines the pitfall of national liberation by highlighting military dictatorship and ethnic politics which widened crevices among the people of East Pakistan and West Pakistan. The war of 1857 has been compared with the war of 1971 in order to unearth the drawbacks of decolonisation which paved the ground for the emergence of ethnic politics. Ethnic politics promoted exploitation,inequality, and political marginalisation, which led to the separation of East Pakistan in 1971. Benedict Anderson’s theory about imagined communities has been included in the study in order to prove the weak bond of collectivity in the form of nationalism. Frantz Fanon’s views about the emergence of the elite class after decolonization have also been linked with the issue under study. The paper highlights the weak nature of bondage among various ethnic communities which do not maintain their status of collectivity and leads to regionalism after decolonization.
Role Of Electronic Media In Projecting International Image of A State: Issues Of Pakistan's International Image-Hindsight Comparison With Region And Globe
Authors: Chaudhry Summaiya , Fatima Noor , Begum Sajjida
Published: May 2022

In order to fully understand the impact of international news on Pakistan as a state, society, culture and nation, it is essential to understand the manner in which electronic media has been managed efficiently by states to project a progressive global image across region and beyond. In the backdrop this paper aims at focusing role of electronic media in projecting international image of a state: issues of Pakistan’s international image-hindsight comparison with region and globe.
History of Islamophobia in Canada
Authors: Akram Nadeem
Published: May 2022

Canada is generally considered the most liberal andleast racist country in the Western hemisphere at least according tothe popular discourse. The ground reality is slightly more complex.According to the Canadian Center for Policy Alternatives, moreMuslims have been killed in hate crimes in Canada in the last fiveyears than in any other G-7 country. The anti-terror legislation after9/11 further caused systematic islamophobia. This research paperstudies the historical evolution of Islamophobia and anti-Muslimdiscourse in Canada. The objective is to understand the literary andmedia sources of the growing anti-Muslim hate crimes
Кореляційні властивості ринку цінних паперів в катастрофічних і шокових умовах
Authors: Дербенцев В. Д. , Ганчук А. А. , Соловйов Володимир Миколайович
Published: May 2022

Одним з найважливіших економічних явищ останнього десятиліття стала глобалізація світової економіки, що виявляється у фінансовій сфері найбільш помітно. Очевидно, що глобалізація, будучи об'єктивним процесом, яка збільшує економічну ефективність на загальносвітовому рівні, може мати негативну дію на окремі країни, що необхідно враховувати при розробці економічної політики. Зокрема, глобалізація посилила нестійкість фінансових систем, в першу чергу, країн з ринками, що формуються. Це яскраво продемонстрували азіатська і російська кризи 1997-1998 рр. Принципове значення має прогнозування екзогенних шокових явищ, типу 11 вересня 2001 р. В [3] ми показали, що відомі методи прогнозування критичних явищ (які використовують коефіцієнти Херста і Холдера, зміну коефіцієнтів кореляції у передкризовий період тощо) не в змозі передбачити шокове явище. В даній роботі ми досліджуємо динаміку самоорганізованої кластерної структури світових фондових ринків в період шоку 11 вересня 2001 року. У якості бази даних візьмемо індекси інвестиційної привабливості розвинених і країн, що розвиваються, які обраховуються міжнародною компанією Morgan Stanley Capital International (MSCI – www.msci.com).
Спеціальні професійні компетентності вчителя інформатики
Authors: Мінтій І. С.
Published: May 2022

Розглянуто структуру спеціальних професійних компетентностей вчителя інформатики, особливу увагу приділено компетентностям з програмування, їх складовим.
The multimode island kind photonic crystal resonator: states classification
Authors: Glushko E. Ya. , Stepanyuk A. N.
Published: May 2022

In this work, we consider a new calculation method to solve the eigenvalue problem for electromagnetic field in finite 2D structures including the modes distribution through the system. The field amplitude distribution is valuable if the signal energy inside the system should be transformed in most effective way. The method proposed for finite resonators operates with open boundary conditions that are important to account the electromagnetic field non-periodicity in a finite system.
Формування акцентуаційних умінь і навичок учнів
Authors: Бакум З. П.
Published: May 2022

Метою статті є з’ясування лінгвістичних засад вивчення словесного наголосу української мови та етапі поглиблення, узагальнення й систематизації знань з фонетики; визначення ефективних шляхів формування акцентуаційних умінь і навичок гімназистів
Етнопедагогіка як джерело трудового виховання особистості
Authors: Бакум З. П. , Ємельова А. П.
Published: May 2022

Важливе місце в системі національного виховання посідає утвердження такого принципу, як працелюбність. Трудова активність, сформованість творчої працелюбної особистості формується як під впливом соціального середовища, так і в процесі трудового навчання та виховання, спрямованого на формування відповідних умінь професійної майстерності, готовності до життєдіяльності в умовах ринкових відносин. Безумовно, використання накопиченого українським народом досвіду щодо виховання є цінним джерелом для відродження і становлення трудового виховання, оскільки воно відповідає українському менталітетові, особливостям національного характеру. Метою статті є висвітлення народно-педагогічних засад трудового виховання особистості.
Open Education Space: Computer-Aided Training of the Future Engineer-Teacher
Authors: Бакум З. П. , Ткачук В. В.
Published: May 2022

One of the challenges facing higher education is training of graduates for professional activity in the information society. The solution of this problem is connected with students’ competence formation in the field of computer science, computer engineering and information and communication technology. Activation of the formation process of "engineer-teacher" profession requires solving the problem of computer-aided training of specialists in the field of engineering and pedagogy, taking into account global experience, as well as issues of training specialists, that are common to the national higher school. In the article the computer-based disciplines for the field of training 6.010104 "Vocational Education (according to specialty) have been analyzed as professional. The attention is focused on the open education space as one of the means of optimization of these subjects teaching in view of modern popularization of continuous open access to the educational process.
Українська мова як іноземна: лінгводидактичні проблеми
Authors: Бакум З. П.
Published: May 2022

У статті порушено актуальні проблеми вивчення української мови іноземними громадянами на підготовчому факультеті вищих навчальних закладів, схарактеризовано основні підходи, методи навчання, визначено перспективи розвитку окресленого аспекту методики.
Вплив на споживача як характерна комунікативнопрагматична ознака реклами
Authors: Арешенкова О. Ю.
Published: May 2022

У статті розглянуто види масовокомунікативного впливу. Визначено різновиди рекламного впливу. Встановлено роль мовних засобів впливу в рекламних текстах.
Украинская социально-бытовая сказка как отображение национальной ментальности
Authors: Мельник Н. Г.
Published: May 2022

Проаналізовано особливості української соціально-побутової казки як відображення національної ментальності. Через сюжети казок розкрито відносини між людьми, поняття «багатство» і «бідність», «чесність» і «хитрість», «працьовитість» і «лінь», «щедрість» та «жадібність», що визначають моральні пріоритети, характерні для представників української національної ментальності.
Показові судові процеси над районним керівництвом як складова антишкідницької операції в аграрному секторі України доби Великого терору 1937–1938 рр.
Authors: Романець Наталя Радомирівна
Published: May 2022

У статті досліджуються показові судові процеси над районними керівниками як складова репресивної кампанії по боротьбі зі шкідництвом в аграрному секторі України під час Великого терору 1937-1938 рр. На основі критичного переосмислення вітчизняної і зарубіжної історіографії, аналізу документів архіву Служби безпеки України, що вперше вводяться до наукового обігу, визначаються особливості, механізми, цілі карально-репресивних заходів влади.
Аграрні перетворення на Дніпропетровщині у пожовтневий період (1917-1928 рр.): соціально-економічні наслідки
Authors: Романець Наталя Радомирівна
Published: May 2022

У статті досліджуються аграрні перетворення на Дніпропетровщині у пожовтневий період (1917-1928 рр.): соціально-економічні наслідки.
The Macaronesian bird-flowered element as a
model system to study the evolution of ornithophilous
floral traits
Authors: Ojeda Alayón Darío I.
Published: May 2022

The Macaronesian bird-flowered element comprises at least
16 species from eight genera and they have converged, to a certain degree, to
a bird pollination syndrome. This paper provides a review and an update regarding the evolution of the bird-flowered element. It also identifies areas
where our knowledge of this group is lacking and describes potential avenues
for further research within this group. Finally, the characteristics of this birdflowered element are discussed in order to consider them as a model system
to study the evolution of the floral traits involved in bird pollination, and the
application of this knowledge for conservation purposes.
The sensitive nature of facial recognition: Tensions between the Swedish police and regulatory authorities1
Authors: Eneman Marie , Ljungberg Jan , Raviola Elena , Rolandsson Bertil
Published: May 2022

Emerging technologies with artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning are laying the foundation for surveillance capabilities of a magnitude never seen before. This article focuses on facial recognition, now rapidly introduced in many police authorities around the world, with expectations of enhanced security but also subject to concerns related to privacy. The article examined a recent case where the Swedish police used the controversial facial recognition application Clearview AI, which led to a supervisory investigation that deemed the police’s use of the technology illegitimate. Following research question guided the study: How do the trade-offs between privacy and security unfold in the police use of facial recognition technology? The study was designed as a qualitative document analysis of the institutional dialogue between the police and two regulatory authorities, theoretically we draw on technological affordance and legitimacy. The results show how the police’s use of facial recognition gives rise to various tensions that force the police as well as policy makers to rethink and further articulate the meaning of privacy. By identifying these tensions, the article contributes with insights into various controversial legitimacy issues that may arise in the area of rules in connection with the availability and use of facial recognition.
Aberrant Cross-Tissue Functional Connectivity in Alzheimer’s Disease: Static, Dynamic, and Directional Properties
Authors: Zhang Xingxing ,   Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative, Guan Qing , Li Yingjia , Zhang Jianfeng , Zhu Wanlin , Luo Yuejia , Zhang Haobo
Published: May 2022

Background: BOLD signals in the gray matter (GM) and white matter (WM) are tightly coupled. However, our understanding of the cross-tissue functional network in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is limited. Objective: We investigated the changes of cross-tissue functional connectivity (FC) metrics for the GM regions susceptible to AD damage. Methods: For each GM region in the default mode (DMN) and limbic networks, we obtained its low-order static FC with any WM region, and the high-order static FC between any two WM regions based on their FC pattern similarity with multiple GM regions. The dynamic and directional properties of cross-tissue FC were then acquired, specifically for the regional pairs whose low- or high-order static FCs showed significant differences between AD and normal control (NC). Moreover, these cross-tissue FC metrics were correlated with voxel-based GM volumes and MMSE in all participants. Results: Compared to NC, AD patients showed decreased low-order static FCs between the intra-hemispheric GM-WM pairs (right ITG-right fornix; left MoFG-left posterior corona radiata), and increased low-order static, dynamic, and directional FCs between the inter-hemispheric GM-WM pairs (right MTG-left superior/posterior corona radiata). The high-order static and directional FCs between the left cingulate bundle-left tapetum were increased in AD, based on their FCs with the GMs of DMN. Those decreased and increased cross-tissue FC metrics in AD had opposite correlations with memory-related GM volumes and MMSE (positive for the decreased and negative for the increased). Conclusion: Cross-tissue FC metrics showed opposite changes in AD, possibly as useful neuroimaging biomarkers to reflect neurodegenerative and compensatory mechanisms.
Migraine, Cognitive Decline, and Dementia in Older Adults: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Liang Yajun , Gao Ya , Wang Rui , Grande Giulia , Monastero Roberto , Dong Yanhong , Jiang Xin , Lv Peiyuan , Qiu Chengxuan
Published: May 2022

Background: The potential impact of migraine on cognitive aging among older adults remains controversial. Objective: To examine the relationship of migraine and subtypes with cognitive decline and dementia in an older Swedish population. Methods: This population-based study included 3,069 participants (age ≥ 60 years) from the Swedish National study on Aging and Care in Kungsholmen, Stockholm. Baseline examination was conducted in 2001–2004, and participants were followed every 3 or 6 years until 2013–2016. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews, clinical examinations, laboratory tests, and linkage with registers. Global cognitive function was measured with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE). Dementia was diagnosed according to the DSM-IV criteria. Migraine and subtypes were defined following the international classification system. Data were analyzed using logistic regression, Cox regression, and linear mixed-effects models. Results: At baseline, 305 participants were defined with non-migraine headache and 352 with migraine. The cross-sectional analysis showed that the multivariable-adjusted odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of prevalent dementia was 0.49 (0.20–1.21) for migraine and 0.66 (0.26–1.66) for migraine without aura. The longitudinal analysis showed that the multivariable-adjusted hazard ratios of incident dementia associated with migraine and subtypes ranged 0.68–0.89 (p > 0.05). Furthermore, migraine and subtypes were not significantly associated with either baseline MMSE score or MMSE changes during follow-ups (p > 0.05). The nonsignificant associations did not vary substantially by age, APOE ɛ4 allele, cerebrovascular disease, and antimigraine treatment (p for interactions > 0.05). Conclusion: This study shows no evidence supporting the associations of migraine and its subtypes with cognitive decline and dementia among older adults.
DNA Damage Increases Secreted Aβ40 and Aβ42 in Neuronal Progenitor Cells: Relevance to Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Welty Starr , Thathiah Amantha , Levine Arthur Samuel
Published: May 2022

Background: Recent studies suggest a strong association between neuronal DNA damage, elevated levels of amyloid-β (Aβ), and regions of the brain that degenerate in Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: To investigate the nature of this association, we tested the hypothesis that extensive DNA damage leads to an increase in Aβ40 and Aβ42 generation. Methods: We utilized an immortalized human neuronal progenitor cell line (NPCs), ReN VM GA2. NPCs or 20 day differentiated neurons were treated with hydrogen peroxide or etoposide and allowed to recover for designated times. Sandwich ELISA was used to assess secreted Aβ40 and Aβ42. Western blotting, immunostaining, and neutral comet assay were used to evaluate the DNA damage response and processes indicative of AD pathology. Results: We determined that global hydrogen peroxide damage results in increased cellular Aβ40 and Aβ42 secretion 24 h after treatment in ReN GA2 NPCs. Similarly, DNA double strand break (DSB)-specific etoposide damage leads to increased Aβ40 and Aβ42 secretion 2 h and 4 h after treatment in ReN GA2 NPCs. In contrast, etoposide damage does not increase Aβ40 and Aβ42 secretion in post-mitotic ReN GA2 neurons. Conclusion: These findings provide evidence that in our model, DNA damage is associated with an increase in Aβ secretion in neuronal progenitors, which may contribute to the early stages of neuronal pathology in AD.
Highly Specific and Sensitive Target Binding by the Humanized pS396-Tau Antibody hC10.2 Across a Wide Spectrum of Alzheimer’s Disease and Primary Tauopathy Postmortem Brains
Authors: Helboe Lone , Rosenqvist Nina , Volbracht Christiane , Pedersen Lars Ø. , Pedersen Jan T. , Christensen Søren , Egebjerg Jan , Christoffersen Claus T. , Bang-Andersen Benny , Beach Thomas G. , Serrano Geidy E. , Falsig Jeppe
Published: May 2022

Background: Deposits of hyperphosphorylated tau fibrils are hallmarks of a broad spectrum of tauopathies, including Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Objective: To investigate heterogeneity of tau pathology across brain extracts from a broad selection of different tauopathies and examine the binding properties of the humanized pS396-tau antibody hC10.2 and six other anti-tau antibodies. Methods: 76 individual tauopathy tissue samples were analyzed in a battery of assays: immunohistochemistry, ELISA, tau aggregation assay, western blot, [3H]PI-2620 and [3H]MK-6240 tau tracer binding, and aggregated seeding activity in RD_P301S HEK293T Biosensor cells. The efficiency of seven anti-tau antibodies to engage with pathological tau species was directly compared. Results: Our data indicate that a strong correlation existed between the tau tracer binding, amount of tau aggregates, pS396-tau phosphorylation, and seeding activity. The hC10.2 antibody, which has entered clinical development, effectively engaged with its epitope across all individual cases of mid-stage and late AD, and primary tauopathies. hC10.2 was superior compared to other phospho- and total tau antibodies to prevent seeded tau aggregation in the biosensor cells. hC10.2 effectively depleted hyperphosphorylated and aggregated tau species across all tauopathy samples proportionally to the amount of tau aggregates. In AD samples, hC10.2 bound to ghost tangles which represent extracellular pathological tau species. Conclusion: S396 hyperphosphorylation is a feature of the formation of seeding-competent tau across different tauopathies and it is present both in intra- and extracellular pathological tau. hC10.2 represents an excellent candidate for a hyperphosphorylation-selective therapeutic tau antibody for the treatment of AD and primary tauopathies.
Levitation behaviours of an eccentric SC-PM system with multi-degree-of-freedom motion
Authors: Ai Liwang , Miao Sen , Li Na , Gao Caixia , Feng Haichao , Xu Xiaozhuo
Published: May 2022

The high temperature superconducting (HTS) magnetic levitation is actually a self-stable levitation with multi-degree-of-freedom (DoF). However, the research of HTS magnetic levitation focuses on the axial or radial levitation behaviour with single-DoF motion independently. This article mainly discusses the 3-D modelling and the levitation behaviours of an eccentric superconductor-permanent magnet (SC-PM) system with multi-DoF motion. Firstly, the Power-Law E −  J relation is used to obtain the relationship of equivalent conductivity-electric field strength for the superconductor. Then, a 3-D finite element model (FEM) of SC-PM system is established and calculated in software MagNet. At the same time, the result of the simulation is verified by the experimental measurements. The axial levitation behaviour is analysed by establishing and solving the 3-D FEM in eccentric SC-PM system with different multi-DoF motions. The results show that the maximum axial levitation force decreases with the increase of the static eccentricity distance. When the PM rotor exhibits dynamic eccentricity, the axial levitation force presents periodic fluctuations of which the amplitude and period are related to the dynamic eccentric distance and speed.
Iron loss analysis of magnetic bearing system considering magnetic-thermal coupling
Authors: Jin Chaowu , Su Hao , Dong Yue , Zhou Jin , Xu Yuanping , Yan Xu
Published: May 2022

When the magnetic bearing rotor is working, the iron loss concentration phenomenon may occur on the rotor journal, which will cause the temperature gradient on the rotor journal and thermal unbalance. In order to study the iron loss concentration phenomenon, a multi-physics simulation method considering the magnetic-thermal coupling is proposed. Using ANSYS Maxwell for modeling and finite element analysis to obtain the causes of iron loss concentration in magnetic bearing and the influence of different parameters on the size and distribution of iron loss; using COMSOL for magnetic-thermal coupling in magnetic bearing to obtain the influence of iron loss concentration on temperature distribution. The simulation results show that: because of the initial disturbance, the control effect of the magnetic bearing makes the magnetic field distribution on the circumference of the rotor journal uneven, resulting in the phenomenon of iron loss concentration; control current and bias current have significant influence on iron loss distribution, while bias current and speed have a significant influence on iron loss value; iron loss concentration will result in a temperature gradient on the rotor surface. The magnetic-thermal coupling finite element analysis is verified by the temperature rise detection experiment. It provides a theoretical basis and reference for the loss and thermal unbalance of magnetic bearing.
The research on priority selection of e-commerce agent operation service providers based on Fuzzy-DEMATEL, ANP combination weighting and TOPSIS analysis
Authors: Yang Li , Zhu Xiaoping
Published: May 2022

In view of the comprehensive evaluation and selection of e-commerce agent service provider, this paper discusses the construction of e-commerce agent service provider selection index system. Fuzzy-Decision-Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (Fuzzy-DEMATEL) is selected to analyze the logical relationship and influence relationship between the selection indexes of e-commerce representative operation service providers, and the importance and relevance Analytic Network Process (ANP) network was constructed. The combined weighting method of Fuzzy-Dematel and ANP is used to calculate the mixed weight, and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity to Ideal Solution (TOPSIS) method was used to complete the comprehensive ranking and selection of alternatives. Finally, the empirical analysis of M company, a toy manufacturing enterprise in central China, choosing e-commerce agent operation service provider is carried out by using the established evaluation method, and the results show that the evaluation method is effective and feasible.
Detecting aluminium tube surface defects by using faster region-based convolutional neural networks
Authors: Chen Song , Wang Da-Gui , Wang Fang-Bin
Published: May 2022

Surface defect detection is critical for obtaining high-quality products. However, surface defect detection on circular tubes is more difficult than on flat plates because the surface of circular tubes reflect light, which result in missed defects. In this study, surface defects, including dents, bulges, foreign matter insertions, scratches, and cracks of circular aluminium tubes were detected using a novel faster region-based convolutional neural network (Faster RCNN) algorithm. The proposed Faster RCNN exhibited higher recognition speed and accuracy than RCNN did. Furthermore, incorporation of image enhancement in the method further enhanced recognition accuracy.
An improved SSD method for infrared target detection based on convolutional neural network
Authors: Liu Gang , Cao Zixuan , Liu Sen , Song Bin , Liu Zhonghua
Published: May 2022

Target detection is the basis for automatic target recognition system of infrared imaging guidance to complete subsequent tasks such as recognition and tracking. Existing systems have not the autonomous learning ability of target feature, and it will be powerless once the task environment exceeds the pre-planned condition. The single-stage target detection based on deep learning has the ability of autonomous learning and high computational efficiency, which is an effective way to solve the problem of infrared imaging guidance target detection in complex environment. SSD (Single Shot MultiBox Detector) is a classical single-stage detection model, however, the convolution layer with strong semantic information in SSD has low resolution, which is not conducive to small target detection. In addition, the location loss of SSD does not consider the impact of target scale change. Therefore, this paper puts forward two improvement ideas in view of SSD: (1) Starting from FPN (Feature Pyramid Network), feature channel’s importance is distinguished through efficient channel attention mechanism, the contribution of each feature layer to the fusion output is described based on the learnable weight, and the feature weighted fusion of bidirectional multi-scale is realized between the feature layer which has low resolution and strong semantics and the feature layer which has high resolution and weak semantics. (2) Starting from IoU (Intersection over Union) and considering non overlapping parts and geometric relationship between the predicted box and the ground-truth box, the location loss of SSD that remains invariable to the target scale change is constructed to improve the sensitivity of the detection model to the locating error of small target. The experimental results show that, for 300 × 300 input, the presented method achieves 84.7% mAP (mean Average Precision) on VOC2007 test and for 512 × 512 input, it reaches 86.6%. On the self-built infrared aircraft data set, the proposed method achieves 81.1% mAP and can detect more small targets. Without affecting detection speed, the presented method on experimental results outperforms some comparable state-of-the-art models such as YOLOv3 (You Only Look Once), DSSD (Deconvolutional Single Shot Multibox Detector), RSSD (Rainbow Single Shot Multibox Detector) and FSSD (Fusion Single Shot Multibox Detector).
Searching for Answers: Information-Seeking by Young People At-Risk for Huntington’s Disease
Authors: Chase Colby L. , Yashar Beverly M. , Swope Chandler , Albin Roger L. , Uhlmann Wendy R.
Published: May 2022

Background: Health information-seeking is a coping strategy used globally by individuals with a personal or family history of a medical condition, including Huntington’s disease (HD). Objective: We sought to ascertain information-seeking practices of young people who grew up at-risk for HD. Methods: Participants ages 18–25 were recruited from HD support organizations. An online 96-item survey assessed information-seeking motivations and timing as well as information topics accessed, sources, and needs. Results: Fifty young adults (mean age 22.2 years) who grew up at-risk for HD responded. HD had been generally kept a secret (35.4%) or talked about but difficult to bring up (43.8%) in many families. Most (78.0%) became aware of HD in their family before age 15. Few (7.1%) received information resources at the time of disclosure. Most (68.1%) first sought information independently online, half within a week of disclosure. Respondents were motivated to understand the potential impact of HD on their personal lives and family members, obtain general information about the condition, and learn about treatments and research. Most sought information on clinical features and inheritance with > 80% interested in information on symptoms and personal risk and > 70% about having children. Conclusion: Limited information is provided to young people when first informed about HD in their families leading to independent, mostly online information-seeking. Information is used to build knowledge about HD to facilitate coping and life planning. Healthcare providers can direct young people to reliable resources and guide parents in talking with children to ensure that information needs are met.
Huntington’s Disease Clinical Trials Corner: April 2022
Authors: Estevez-Fraga Carlos , Rodrigues Filipe B. , Tabrizi Sarah J. , Wild Edward J.
Published: May 2022

In this edition of the Huntington’s Disease Clinical Trials Corner we expand on GENERATION HD1, PRECISION-HD1 and PRECISION-HD2, SELECT-HD, and VIBRANT-HD trials, and list all currently registered and ongoing clinical trials in Huntington’s disease.
Learning environment and course experience vs adaptability, motivation, and creativity: Their contribution to learning effectiveness
Authors: Ong Kiah-Ju , Lu Ching-Hua , Chou Ying-Chyi , Chen Kuan-Jung
Published: May 2022

This study aimed to investigate the effects of learning environment (traditional and non-traditional classroom seating) and course experience on the learning effectiveness of undergraduates. This study also examined the effects of both variables on adaptability, creativity, and motivation; consequently, contribute to learning effectiveness. Overall, 483 undergraduates from a university in Taiwan participated in the survey. Findings evinced that the learning environment and course experience had significant positive influences on learning effectiveness. The relationship between the learning environment and learning effectiveness was partially mediated by adaptability; while creativity partially mediated the adaptability and learning effectiveness relationship. Furthermore, motivation was found to be partially mediated the course experience and learning effectiveness relationship; while, creativity partially mediated the motivation and learning effectiveness relationship. Results suggested that non-traditional classroom seating was promoting adaptability, creativity, and learning effectiveness of students. A good course experience can motivate students, promote creativity, and learning effectiveness.
RETRACTED: Artificial intelligence and big data driven digital media design
Authors: Zhang Yiping , Wilker Kolja
Published: May 2022

This article has been retracted. A retraction notice can be found at https://doi.org/10.3233/JIFS-219433.
Local neighborhood gradient pattern: A feature descriptor for content based image retrieval
Authors: Arya R. , Vimina E.R.
Published: May 2022

Local feature descriptors are efficient encoders for capturing repeated local patterns in many of the computer vision applications. Majority of such descriptors consider only limited local neighborhood pixels to encode a pattern. One of the major issues while considering more number of neighborhood pixels is that it increases the dimensionality of the feature descriptor. The proposed descriptor addresses these issues by describing an effective encoding pattern with optimal feature vector length. In this paper, we have proposed Local Neighborhood Gradient Pattern (LNGP) for Content-Based Image Retrieval (CBIR) in which the relationship between a set of neighbours and the centre pixel is considered to obtain a compact 8-bit pattern in the respective pixel position. The relationship of the gradient information of immediate, next-immediate, and diagonal neighbours with the centre pixel is considered for pattern formation, and thus the local information based on pixels in three directions are captured. The experiments are conducted on benchmarked image retrieval datasets such as Wang’s 1K, Corel 5K, Corel 10K, Salzburg (Stex), MIT-Vistex, AT & T, and FEI datasets and it is observed that the proposed descriptor yields average precision of 71.88%, 54.57%, 40.66%, 71.85%, 86.12%, 82.54%, and 68.54% respectively in the mentioned datasets. The comparative analysis of the recent descriptors indicates that the proposed descriptor performs efficiently in CBIR applications.