bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Оркестровка як чинник класифікації «Бранденбурзьких концертів» Йоганна Себаст’яна Баха
Authors: Ракочі Вадим
Published: September 2021

Розглянуто проблему класифікації «Бранденбурзьких концертів» Й. С. Баха. Відзначено відсутність консенсусу серед дослідників з цього питання дотепер. Наголошено на потребі перегляду поширеної сьогодні класифікації Концертів з акцентом на особливостях їх викладу в оркестрі. У процесі аналізу оркестрування концертів виявлено схильність Й. С. Баха до поєднання струнних і духових інструментів, що є звичним для німецьких композиторів. Часте використання щільного і багатошарового викладу та мелодизації середнього і нижнього голосів пояснено звичною для Й. С. Баха опорою на поліфонічну фактуру. Наголошено на прямій залежності між поширенням гомофонного, поліфонічного чи змішаного викладу і проявом жанрових рис кожного з трьох видів концерту. Зокрема у творах, які тяжіють до сольного концерту (П’ятий), опора на гомофонну фактуру значно більш очевидна, ніж у Першому концерті, який за жанровими ознаками є змішаним (concertо grossо і solo). У контексті розгляду викладу в оркестрі висвітлено відмінності підходу німецьких та італійських композиторів до групи concertino. Підкреслено вплив, який справляє трактування виконавців в concertino, як рівних чи неоднакових за значущістю, на формування жанрових рис solo, grosso, ripieno concerti чи їх міксту у кожному концерті. Особливу увагу приділено поєднанню рис двох чи трьох вказаних видів концерту. У цьому контексті проаналізовано виділення труби у Другому та клавесину в П’ятому концертах серед кількох солістів concertino, групи альтів та віол в оркестрі відповідного Третього та Шостого концертів. Наведено міркування щодо ймовірних причин поєднання в concertino таких несхожих за силою і характером звуку труби, флейти, гобоя і скрипки у Другому концерті. Розглянуто способи виділення соліста (солістів) на тлі оркестру, зазначено важливість не лише тембрового, а й фактурного, регістрового та ритмічного диференціювання. Запропоновано класифікацію концертів крізь призму оркестрування і взаємодії соліста та оркестру на чотири підгрупи.
Amblypomacentrus vietnamicus sp. n., a new damselfish from the South China Sea (Teleostei: Perciformes: Pomacentridae)
Authors: Prokofiev A.M.
Published: September 2021

A new species of Amblypomacentrus is described from the South China Sea off Vietnam. It differs from congeners in scale and gill-raker counts, slightly protruding snout, and coloration. This is the first record of this genus from the mainland Asia.
BREEDING FRUIT CROPS IN THE TATAR RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF AGRICULTURE
Authors: Osipov G. E. , Osipova Z. A. , Petrova N. V.
Published: September 2021

The purpose of the research was to analyze the work on the creation of new varieties of apple, cherry and plum, carried out from 1938 to 2020 in the Tatar Research Institute of Agriculture, as well as the identification of promising crossbreeding combinations and genotypes for use in breeding and transfer to the State variety testing. In the apple breeding orchard, promising seedlings in hybrid families were identified by productivity, taste and size of fruits: Anis Novy×Plodovitoe (1-6-48), Anis Novy×Vityaz(1-7-26, 1-7-27,  1-7-57,1-7-70, 1-7-97), Anis Novy×Ural Souvenir (1-8-88) . In 2021, 4 apple varieties were entered into the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation: Renet Tatarsky, Volzhskaya Krasavitsa, Tenkovskaya and Kamskaya. The apple variety Renet Povolzh’ya is undergoing state variety testing. Promising hybrids 1-1-11, 1-2-11, 1-2-14, 1-10-30, 1-11-6, 1-11-31, 2-2-75,2-2-93 have been selected in sour cherry breeding orchards. In 2015, a new self-fertile variety of Shelangovskaya sour cherry was accepted for State variety testing in the Middle Volga and Volga-Vyatka regions. In 2021, 8 varieties of sour cherries were included in the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation: Krasa Tataria, Zarya Tataria, Shakirovskaya, Truzhenitsa Tataria, Sevastyanovskaya, Tveritinovskaya, Pamyat Sakharova and Obilnaya. In the plum breeding orchard promising hybrid seedlings 1-1-11, 1-1-20, 1-1-47, 1-1-75, 1-1-84, 1-2-36, 1-2-49, 1-2-57, 1-2-60, 1-3-19, 1-3-58, 1-3-86, 1-8-43 and others were selected according to important economic and biological characteristics. In 2021, the State Register of Breeding Achievements of the Russian Federation, admitted for use, included 8 varieties of home-breeding plums of the Tatar Research Institute of Agriculture: 2 varieties of early ripening — Sverkh Rannya, Sineokaya; 6 varieties of medium ripening — Rakitovaya, Renklod Tenkovskiy, Volzhanka, Tenkovskaya Golubka, Kazanskaya and Pamyat Khasanova.
THE INFLUENCE OF ROOTSTOCK ON THE FROST RESISTANCE OF SWEET CHERRIES DURING THE THAW
Authors: Upadysheva G. Yu.
Published: September 2021

Studies on the frost resistance of sweet cherries were carried out in 2019–2020 in the FSBSI of the Federal Horticultural Research Center for Breeding, Agrotechnology and Nursery in laboratory conditions by artificial freezing in the climate chamber TH-6 JEIO TECH-1000. Objects of research: Tyutchevka and Chermashnaya varieties grafted on 8 clonal rootstocks (Colt, Izmailovsky, AVCH-2, V-5-88, VC-13, Moskoviya, VSL-2, Stepnoy Rodnik). The aim of the research is to study the effect of clonal rootstocks on the frost resistance of cherry buds and tissues during the thaw and to identify the most frost-resistant scion-rootstock combinations for the 3rd component. It was found that after freezing at t = -20 °C during the thaw, the safety of flower buds in the Tyutchevka variety in both years of research was more than 80 %, and in the Chermashnaya variety — from 20 to 30 %, depending on the year. The limits of changes in the frost resistance of generative buds of varieties depending on the rootstock are shown: in the Tyutchevka variety — from 66.8 % (V-5-88) to 96.4 % (Izmailovsky), and in the Chermashnaya variety — from 7.7 % (V-5-88) to 65.5 % (AVCH-2). When using the AVCH-2 and Izmailovsky clonal rootstocks, the safety of flower buds increased by 30 % compared to the Colt rootstock. The most frost-resistant scion –rootstock combinations for each variety were identified: Tyutchevka/Izmailovsky and Tyutchevka/Stepnoy Rodnik, which preserved more than 90 % of the living rudiments; Chermashnaya/AVCH-2 (65.5 %) and Chermashnaya/Izmailovsky (40.1 %). Vegetative buds and tissues of annual branches were practically free of freezing in the studied varieties when grafted on the rootstocks of Stepnoy Rodnik and AVCH-2. In the Chermashnaya variety, damage of about 1 point of the phloem and vascular bundle under the buds was noted when grafting on rootstocks V-5-88 and Colt.
Climate Change Effects on Water Resources and Need of Dams in Pakistan
Authors: Hussain Tanveer , Basit Abdul , Javed Muhammad Naeem
Published: September 2021

Climate change is a global phenomenon; its outcome affects societies around the world. Climate change has become the greatest severe issue of the 21st century. Climate change has a large influence on the atmosphere, farming, health zone, flood, ecology, marine and water levels in Pakistan. When these environmental changes affect the natural system, they may affect the living being indirectly or directly. Due to global warming, Pakistan is frequently suffering climate changes and water resources decline. Pakistan has the 135th position in terms of (CO2) releases but unfortunately has been ranked 7thposition in terms of vulnerability to climate changes. The present study explored how climate change has affected the water resources of Pakistan, why the dams are necessary and what consequences might seem in the upcoming and what kind of strategies should be adopted by the government. There is a need that concerned departments should take action on an emergency basis to increase water storage capacity and construct dams in the interest of future generations.
The impact of preoperative supine radiographs on surgical strategy in adult spinal deformity
Authors: Lovecchio Francis , Elysee Jonathan Charles , Lafage Renaud , Varghese Jeff , Bannwarth Mathieu , Schwab Frank , Lafage Virginie , Kim Han Jo
Published: September 2021

OBJECTIVE

Preoperative planning for adult spinal deformity (ASD) surgery is essential to prepare the surgical team and consistently obtain postoperative alignment goals. Positional imaging may allow the surgeon to evaluate spinal flexibility and anticipate the need for more invasive techniques. The purpose of this study was to determine whether spine flexibility, defined by the change in alignment between supine and standing imaging, is associated with the need for an osteotomy in ASD surgery.

METHODS

A single-center, dual-surgeon retrospective analysis was performed of adult patients with ASD who underwent correction of a thoracolumbar deformity between 2014 and 2018 (pelvis to upper instrumented vertebra between L1 and T9). Patients were stratified into osteotomy (Ost) and no-osteotomy (NOst) cohorts according to whether an osteotomy was performed (Schwab grade 2 or higher). Demographic, surgical, and radiographic parameters were compared. The sagittal correction from intraoperative prone positioning alone (sagittal flexibility percentage [Sflex%]) was assessed by comparing the change in lumbar lordosis (LL) between preoperative supine to standing radiographs and preoperative to postoperative alignment.

RESULTS

Demographics and preoperative and postoperative sagittal alignment were similar between the Ost (n = 60, 65.9%) and NOst (n = 31, 34.1%) cohorts (p > 0.05). Of all Ost patients, 71.7% had a grade 2 osteotomy (mean 3 per patient), 21.7% had a grade 3 osteotomy, and 12.5% underwent both grade 3 and grade 2 osteotomies. Postoperatively, the NOst and Ost cohorts had similar pelvic incidence minus lumbar lordosis (PI-LL) mismatch (mean PI-LL 5.2° vs 1.2°; p = 0.205). Correction obtained through positioning (Sflex%) was significantly lower for in the osteotomy cohort (38.0% vs 76.3%, p = 0.004). A threshold of Sflex% < 70% predicted the need for osteotomy at a sensitivity of 78%, specificity of 56%, and positive predictive value of 77%.

CONCLUSIONS

The flexibility of the spine is quantitatively related to the use of an osteotomy. Prospective studies are needed to determine thresholds that may be used to standardize surgical decision-making in ASD surgery.
Intermediality and the City Text: Towards an Analysis of a “City Picture”
Authors: Kozlova Marina
Published: September 2021

This paper attempts to examine a specific type of text, called the “city picture”, by use of intermedial methodology. Firstly, it distinguishes between the “city text” and the “city picture”: the latter is understood as a particular type of urban text, which structural and semantic element is represented in a text, or its fragment, by the image of the city. The urban text is defined as both a system of signs (“the city as text”, in a semiotic perspective) and as a semantically connected group of texts about the city. Then follows an analysis of the main approaches to the intermedial study to identify the tools for further work. The prerequisites for the study of the urban text in the perspective of intermedial approach are the interdisciplinary nature of the urban text and the inclusion of the visual component both in the concept of the “city picture” itself and in the selected texts. On the example of the works Ch. Baudelaire, A. Bertrand, L.-S. Mercier, É. Verhaeren, G. Rodenbach the author tries to analyze different types of intermedial connections that the “city picture” can create. This includes an analysis of the relationships between literature and painting in selected works, then in the illustrated editions, as well as a “reverse” medial transition into the field of visual art. In the end it concludes that the described approach is applicable for the analysis of urban texts.
Incoherence as a Feature of a Poetic Text (On the Interpretation of the Figurative System of O. Mandelstam)
Authors: Moskvin Vasily
Published: September 2021

As our analysis has shown, one of the dominant features of O. Mandelstamʼs poetics is the orientation towards darkening incoherence. In the article, the types and sources of his incoherences are revealed; from the perspective of constructed typology, the article explain a number of dark places in the poetʼs texts. The main method of implementing the mentioned orientation should be considered a metaphor, which Mandelstam called heraclitic. The latter, judging by the context, is a verbal image that is essentially, up to the point of hermetical closedness darkened by the use of a number of special means; this complex technique turns the text into an enigma designed to appeal to the reader's heuristic abilities.
Histories of Urban Deltascapes: A Comparison of Arles and Kolkata
Authors: Mukherjee Jenia , Morera Raphaël , Guerrin Joana , Véron René
Published: September 2021

Delta cities are exposed to cycles of fluvial risks that have been managed across space and time. Floods and flood mitigation in urban deltascapes are therefore dependent on territorial and historicised dynamics. This paper uses historical urban political ecology (HUPE) to unravel the changing interactions between biophysical and political-economic processes affecting urban deltascapes in particular periods from the sixteenth century onwards. We present two case studies: Arles (on the Rhône Delta, France) and Kolkata (on the Bengal Delta, India). Our empirical findings point to the influence of connected global processes and to similarities in historical trajectories. In particular, both case studies reveal state efforts to 'fix' the fluid deltascape originally managed by local institutions, altered flood vulnerabilities (in terms of frequency, intensity and space), and more recent initiatives of mediation between interest groups. Through this unexpected comparison, more generally, we aim to contribute to a (global) environmental history that is sensitive both to local specificities and complexities and to the influence of global processes.
From Wetlands to Farmlands: A Campaign Against Nature on China's Chongming Island, 1960-1962
Authors: Yue Bingru
Published: September 2021

To confront food insufficiency caused by the Great Leap Forward, China's central government promoted a national policy of 'agriculture as the priority'. The Shanghai municipal government launched a campaign to expand cultivated land within its jurisdiction by transforming wetlands on Chongming Island through a military-style campaign. Tens of thousands of urban workers were drafted into a Land Reclamation Army to meet national and municipal food self-sufficiency goals. Their campaign featured both attacks on nature and interpersonal abuse. In accordance with the central directives, wetlands totalling 8,000 hectares were drained for conversion into farmland. This conversion proved to be costly, as land with low fertility was created through the permanent destruction of the wetland ecosystem and reclamation workers suffered physical and psychological mistreatment. Although the transformation of wetlands was completed quickly, food production fell far short of targets. Furthermore, the land reclamation campaign imposed irrevocable costs on the island's established communitiesotivations in authoritarian regimes operating diverse political and economic agendas.
Learning to swallow together: Medical and speech and language therapy student interprofessional learning about dysphagia
Authors: Kelly Helen , Cronin Maireád , Hynes Helen , Duxbury Sarah , Twomey Orlaith
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND: Interprofessional education (IPE) is considered to be a necessary step in preparing the healthcare workforce for collaborative patient care. Dysphagia, a complex health condition, requires collaboration between disciplines such as medicine (MED) and speech and language therapy (SLT). Therefore, both disciplines must have a shared understanding of dysphagia management within the context of interprofessional care. OBJECTIVE: This study investigated MED and SLT students’ shared learning about dysphagia management following an IPE workshop. The student experience of IPE was also explored. METHODS: Fifty students participated in one 3-hour classroom-based IPE dysphagia workshop which was appraised through a questionnaire completed immediately before and following the workshop. Within- and Between-Group analysis evaluated change in knowledge about dysphagia management. Comments related to student learning experiences were examined using a qualitative description approach. RESULTS: 98%of students (24 MED; 25 SLT) completed pre- and post-workshop questionnaires. Wilcoxon Signed-Rank tests indicated statistically significant post-workshop growth in knowledge of symptoms (p < 0.001) and medical conditions (p < 0.001) related to dysphagia. Students reported increased confidence in their ability to identify dysphagia (p < 0.001). Greater understanding of interprofessional roles was observed post-workshop, notably nursing (p < 0.05), pharmacy (p < 0.05), occupational therapy (p < 0.05) and physiotherapy (p < 0.001). While recognised as beneficial to shared learning and appreciation of different discipline perspectives, both cohorts found IPE challenging. CONCLUSIONS: Classroom-based IPE is an appropriate approach for shared learning about complex health conditions which require interprofessional care. Including patient-facing activities would further enhance student learning. While students found IPE challenging, they identified several benefits related to their professional development.
Development of an Innovative Learning Methodology Aiming to Optimise Learners’ Spatial Conception in an Online Mechanical CAD Module During COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kanetaki Zoe , Stergiou Constantinos , Troussas Christos , Sgouropoulou Cleo
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic struck humanity in February 2020. Closures of educational institutions, worldwide, resulted to the creation of emergency remote teaching environments as a substitute to face to face learning. The disruption caused in the academic community has stimulated innovative learning methods within all levels of the educational sector. New parameters affecting knowledge transmission are getting involved while students follow courses apart on a common virtual learning environment. This research is based on a first-semester Mechanical Engineering CAD module in tertiary education. A learning strategy has been applied by reforming the traditional face-to-face leaning mode to a fully remote learning environment. The methods applied have been tested using statistical analysis and have shown to contribute significantly in students’ spatial perception in 2-Dimentional Drawings. The outcomes of this research reveal a novel teaching strategy that improved students’ academic achievements in CAD during the lockdown. Specific aspects can be considered sustainable on their return back to normality.
On the Development of a Personalized Augmented Reality Spatial Ability Training Mobile Application
Authors: Papakostas Christos , Troussas Christos , Krouska Akrivi , Sgouropoulou Cleo
Published: September 2021

Augmented Reality has been integrated in educational settings in the field of engineering. Prior research has examined the learning outcomes and the pedagogical affordances of this technology. However, training undergraduate engineers, from diverse knowledge level, requires customized training approach, tailored to the individual learning pace. In this paper, we present PARSAT (Personalized Augmented Reality Spatial Ability Training), which is a mobile Augmented Reality application for the enhancement of students’ spatial visualization skills. The application takes into account the theoretical contents of engineering design, deployed through video tutorials, and student-computer interaction with 3D objects. Students interpret different views of a 3D object, which are represented on their mobile screen. PARSAT efficaciously strengthens students’ recognition of spatial structures and views, adjusted to the fulfillment of their personal needs. In terms of personalization, PARSAT consists of different levels, which do not follow a linear flow, as each student takes part in a different sequence of activities, according to their time spent in the 3D object manipulation, and their assessment scores at the end of each level. Furthermore, an agent is used to analyze students’ knowledge level, and send them feedback. The system reduces unnecessary cognitive load and, at the same time, improves students learning experience in learning engineering drawing.
A Framework for Personalized Fully Immersive Virtual Reality Learning Environments with Gamified Design in Education
Authors: Marougkas Andreas , Troussas Christos , Krouska Akrivi , Sgouropoulou Cleo
Published: September 2021

Traditional learning methods frequently fail to provoke students’ interest, stimulate their enjoyment and encourage them to participate in learning activities, resulting in discomfort, distractions, and disengagement, if not quitting. Education’s goal is to improve the quality and effectiveness of teaching and learning methods. This paper aims to present a framework based on Virtual Reality (VR) technology and contemporary Head Mounted Displays, that incorporates game-based techniques and adaptive design according to the student’s profile. As a result, this paper analyzes the relevant literature, the VR apparatus, the importance of VR, as well as gamification, personalization and adaptive design in education, which are the learning foundations on which the framework is based. Finally, the framework’s modules and structure are presented, taking into account all of the previously mentioned parameters. This novel framework aspires to serve as a basis for educational applications that use immersive Virtual Reality technologies to transform learning procedures into entertaining, engaging, enjoyable, and effective experiences.
Implementing Hierarchical Indoor Semantic Location Identity Classification: A Case Study for COVID-19 Proximity Tracking in the Philippines
Authors: Paderes Irvin Kean Paulus , Figueroa Ligayah Leah , Feria Rommel
Published: September 2021

Efforts toward COVID-19 proximity tracking in closed environments focus on efficient proximity identification by combining it with indoor localization theory for location activity monitoring and proximity detection. But these are met with concerns based on existing considerations of the localization theory like costly infrastructure, multi-story support, and over-reliance on sensor networks. Semantic location identities (SLI), or location data stored with additional meaningful context, has become a feasible localizing factor especially in locations that have multiple spaces with different usage from each other. There is also a novel method of classification framework, called hierarchical classification, that leverages the hierarchical structure of the labels to reduce model complexity. The research aims to provide a solution to proximity analysis and location activity monitoring considering guidelines released in a Philippine context that addresses concerns of indoor localization and handling of geospatial data by implementing a hybrid hierarchical indoor semantic location identity classification that focuses on observable events within context-unique locations.
Smart Technologies and the Case of People with Disabilities: A Preliminary Overview
Authors: Poli Maria
Published: September 2021

Recently, smart technologies as well as the digitization has entered dynamically into our lives. Cities become mega-cities because of the over population, human health conditions are gradually degraded. The existence of disabled people and the lack of their socialization the diversity of stakeholders as human beings and the difficulty of integrating them into society are few of some problems that Smart City and Smart Technology come to give manageable solutions. Solutions that could find into suggesting researches and intelligence analytics. It is important to refer to this relationship of intelligent capabilities and human resources. This study presents an overview of digital technology especially for people with disabilities. It highlights the contribution of technology to simple everyday habits of disabled and the ability to access the immediate environment. In conclusion, this article is based on the individual requirements, human rights, and preferences of people with disabilities and gives an intriguing perspective to a subject that will be in the limelight and provide effective solutions in the next years driven by technological developments.
Designing Personalisation in a Environmental Recommendation System: Differences of AHP and Fuzzy AHP
Authors: Kabassi Katerina
Published: September 2021

Different methods have been proposed for designing the personalization process in a recommendation system. In the past, multi-criteria decision making theories have been proposed for the design of stereotypes in a recommendation system for environmental awareness. The main objective of this paper is on presenting the main differences when applying the fuzzy AHP and AHP for designing the weights of criteria in a recommendation system that its personalization process is based on multi-criteria decision making theories.
Real-Time Face Mask Detector Using Convolutional Neural Networks Amidst COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Kontellis Efstratios , Troussas Christos , Krouska Akrivi , Sgouropoulou Cleo
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic provoked many changes in our everyday life. For instance, wearing protective face masks has become a new norm and is an essential measure, having been imposed by countries worldwide. As such, during these times, people must wear masks to enter buildings. In view of this compelling need, the objective of this paper is to create a real-time face mask detector that uses image recognition technology to identify: (i) if it can detect a human face in a video stream and (ii) if the human face, which was detected, was wearing an object that it looked like a face mask and if it was properly worn. Our face mask detection model is using OpenCV Deep Neural Network (DNN), TensorFlow and MobileNetV2 architecture as an image classifier and after training, achieved 99.64% of accuracy.
Unsupervised Man Overboard Detection Using Thermal Imagery and Spatiotemporal Autoencoders
Authors: Bakalos Nikolaos , Katsamenis Iason , Karolou Eleni Eirini , Doulamis Nikolaos
Published: September 2021

Man overboard incidents in a maritime vessel are serious accidents where the rapid detection of the even is crucial for the safe retrieval of the person. To this end, the use of deep learning models as automatic detectors of these scenarios has been tested and proven efficient, however, the use of correct capturing methods is imperative in order for the learning framework to operate well. Thermal data can be a suitable method of monitoring, as they are not affected by illumination changes and are able to operate in rough conditions, such as open sea travel. We investigate the use of a convolutional autoencoder trained over thermal data, as a mechanism for the automatic detection of man overboard scenarios. Morever, we present a dataset that was created to emulate such events and was used for training and testing the algorithm.
The Impact of Built and Social Environmental Characteristics on Diagnosed and Estimated Future Risk of Dementia
Authors: Bagheri Nasser , Mavoa Suzanne , Tabatabaei-Jafari Hossein , Knibbs Luke D. , Coffee Neil T. , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Anstey Kaarin J.
Published: September 2021

Background: Dementia is a major global health challenge and the impact of built and social environments’ characteristics on dementia risk have not yet been fully evaluated. Objective: To investigate associations between built and social environmental characteristics and diagnosed dementia cases and estimated dementia risk. Methods: We recruited 25,511 patients aged 65 and older from family physicians’ practices. We calculated a dementia risk score based on risk and protective factors for patients not diagnosed with dementia. Our exposure variables were estimated for each statistical area level 1: social fragmentation, nitrogen dioxide, public open spaces, walkability, socio-economic status, and the length of main roads. We performed a multilevel mixed effect linear regression analysis to allow for the hierarchical nature of the data. Results: We found that a one standard deviation (1-SD) increase in NO2 and walkability score was associated with 10% higher odds of any versus no dementia (95% CI: 1%, 21% for NO2 and 0%, 22% for walkability score). For estimated future risk of dementia, a 1-SD increase in social fragmentation and NO2 was associated with a 1% increase in dementia risk (95% CI: 0, 1%). 1-SD increases in public open space and socioeconomic status were associated with 3% (95% CI: 0.95, 0.98) and 1% decreases (95% CI: 0.98, 0.99) in dementia risk, respectively. There was spatial heterogeneity in the pattern of diagnosed dementia and the estimated future risk of dementia. Conclusion: Associations of neighborhood NO2 level, walkability, public open space, and social fragmentation with diagnosed dementia cases and estimated future risk of dementia were statistically significant, indicating the potential to reduce the risk through changes in built and social environments.
A Review of APOE Genotype-Dependent Autophagic Flux Regulation in Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Chen Huiyi , Chen Feng , Zhang Miaoping , Chen Yanting , Cui Lili , Liang Chunmei
Published: September 2021

Autophagy is a basic physiological process maintaining cell renewal, the degradation of dysfunctional organelles, and the clearance of abnormal proteins and has recently been identified as a main mechanism underlying the onset and progression of Alzheimer’s disease (AD). The APOE ɛ4 genotype is the strongest genetic determinant of AD pathogenesis and initiates autophagic flux at different times. This review synthesizes the current knowledge about the potential pathogenic effects of ApoE4 on autophagy and describes its associations with the biological hallmarks of autophagy and AD from a novel perspective. Via a remarkable variety of widely accepted signaling pathway markers, such as mTOR, TFEB, SIRT1, LC3, p62, LAMP1, LAMP2, CTSD, Rabs, and V-ATPase, ApoE isoforms differentially modulate autophagy initiation; membrane expansion, recruitment, and enclosure; autophagosome and lysosome fusion; and lysosomal degradation. Although the precise pathogenic mechanism varies for different genes and proteins, the dysregulation of autophagic flux is a key mechanism on which multiple pathogenic processes converge.
Modeling Sympathetic Hyperactivity in Alzheimer’s Related Bone Loss
Authors: Culibrk Robert A. , Arabiyat Ahmad S. , DeKalb Carisa A. , Hahn Mariah S.
Published: September 2021

Background: A significant subset of patients with Alzheimer’s disease (AD) exhibit low bone mineral density and are therefore more fracture-prone, relative to their similarly aged neurotypical counterparts. In addition to chronic immune hyperactivity, behavioral dysregulation of effector peripheral sympathetic neurons—which densely innervate bone and potently modulate bone remodeling—is implicated in this pathological bone reformation. Objective: Thus, there exists a pressing need for a robust in vitro model which allows interrogation of the paracrine interactions between the putative mediators of AD-related osteopenia: sympathetic neurons (SNs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). Methods: Toward this end, activated SN-like PC12 cells and bone marrow derived MSCs were cultured in poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) hydrogels in the presence or absence of the AD-relevant inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) under mono- and co-culture conditions. Results: PC12s and MSCs exposed separately to TNF-α displayed increased expression of pro-inflammatory mediators and decreased osteopontin (OPN), respectively. These data indicate that TNF-α was capable of inducing a dysregulated state in both cell types consistent with AD. Co-culture of TNF-α-activated PC12s and MSCs further exacerbated pathological behaviors in both cell types. Specifically, PC12s displayed increased secretion of interleukin 6 relative to TNF-α stimulated monoculture controls. Similarly, MSCs demonstrated a further reduction in osteogenic capacity relative to TNF-α stimulated monoculture controls, as illustrated by a significant decrease in OPN and collagen type I alpha I chain. Conclusion: Taken together, these data may indicate that dysregulated sympathetic activity may contribute to AD-related bone loss.
Vibration analysis of planetary gearbox using empirical mode decomposition and automatic fault prediction using artificial neural network
Authors: Narendiranath Babu T. , Singh Prabhu Pal , Somesh M. , Jha Harshit Kumar , Rama Prabha D. , Venkatesan S. , Ramesh Babu V.
Published: September 2021

The planetary gearbox works on an epicyclic gear train consisting of sun gear meshed with planets gears and ring gear. It got advantages due to its large torque to weight ratio and reduced vibrations. It is mostly employed in analog clocks, automobile automatic gearbox, Lathe machines, and other heavy industries. Therefore, it was imperative to analyze the various faults occurring in a gearbox. Furthermore, come up with a method so that failures can be avoided at the early stage. It was also a reason why it became the field of intensive research. Moreover, the technology of neural networks emerged recently, where machine learning models are trained to detect uneven vibrations on their own. This attracted many researchers to perform the study to devise their own methods of prediction. The central concept of fault prediction by the neural network without human beings’ interference inspired this study. Most industries always wanted to know if their operation line is working fine or not. In this study, an attempt was made to apply the method of deep learning on one of the most critical gearboxes because of its components and functionality. A significant part of the study also involved filtering the vibration data obtained while testing. Comparative analysis of the variation of the peak of acceleration was performed for healthy and faulty conditions.
q-Rung orthopair fuzzy frank power point aggregation operators with new multi-parametric distance measures
Authors: Xing Yuping
Published: September 2021

The recently proposed q-rung orthopair fuzzy set (q-ROFS) whose main feature is that the qth power of membership degree (MD) and the qth power of non-membership degree (NMD) is equal to or less than 1, is a powerful tool to describe uncertainty. The major contribution of this paper lies to investigate power point average (PPA) aggregation operators with q-rung orthopair fuzzy information based on Frank t-conorm and t-norm. Since the existing power average (PA) operators all rely on the traditional distance measures to measure support degree between the input values, it cannot reflect decision makers’ attitude. In response, this paper introduces firstly a series of distance measures for q-rung orthopair fuzzy numbers (q-ROFNs) based on point operators, from which the corresponding support measures can be obtained. Secondly, based on the proposed point distance measures, new Frank power point average aggregation operators are proposed to aggregate q-rung orthopair fuzzy information. Finally, a novel multiple attribute decision making (MADM) technique is presented based on the proposed Frank power point average aggregation operators. The developed MADM method not only can get more objective information, but also avoid the influence of unduly high or low attribute values on the decision result, providing a new way for decision makers (DMs) under q-rung orthopair fuzzy environment.
Interrogation of Dystrophin and Dystroglycan Complex Protein Turnover After Exon Skipping Therapy
Authors: Novak James S. , Spathis Rita , Dang Utkarsh J. , Fiorillo Alyson A. , Hindupur Ravi , Tully Christopher B. , Mázala Davi A.G. , Canessa Emily , Brown Kristy J. , Partridge Terence A. , Hathout Yetrib , Nagaraju Kanneboyina
Published: September 2021

Recently, the Food and Drug Administration granted accelerated approvals for four exon skipping therapies –Eteplirsen, Golodirsen, Viltolarsen, and Casimersen –for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD). However, these treatments have only demonstrated variable and largely sub-therapeutic levels of restored dystrophin protein in DMD patients, limiting their clinical impact. To better understand variable protein expression and the behavior of truncated dystrophin protein in vivo, we assessed turnover dynamics of restored dystrophin and dystrophin glycoprotein complex (DGC) proteins in mdx mice after exon skipping therapy, compared to those dynamics in wild type mice, using a targeted, highly-reproducible and sensitive, in vivo stable isotope labeling mass spectrometry approach in multiple muscle tissues. Through statistical modeling, we found that restored dystrophin protein exhibited altered stability and slower turnover in treated mdx muscle compared with that in wild type muscle (∼44 d vs. ∼24 d, respectively). Assessment of mRNA transcript stability (quantitative real-time PCR, droplet digital PCR) and dystrophin protein expression (capillary gel electrophoresis, immunofluorescence) support our dystrophin protein turnover measurements and modeling. Further, we assessed pathology-induced muscle fiber turnover through bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) labeling to model dystrophin and DGC protein turnover in the context of persistent fiber degeneration. Our findings reveal sequestration of restored dystrophin protein after exon skipping therapy in mdx muscle leading to a significant extension of its half-life compared to the dynamics of full-length dystrophin in normal muscle. In contrast, DGC proteins show constant turnover attributable to myofiber degeneration and dysregulation of the extracellular matrix (ECM) in dystrophic muscle. Based on our results, we demonstrate the use of targeted mass spectrometry to evaluate the suitability and functionality of restored dystrophin isoforms in the context of disease and propose its use to optimize alternative gene correction strategies in development for DMD.
The Effect of Immunomodulatory Treatments on Anti-Dystrophin Immune Response After AAV Gene Therapy in Dystrophin Deficient mdx Mice
Authors: Li Ning , Parkes Joanna E. , Spathis Rita , Morales Melissa , Mcdonald John , Kendra Ryan M. , Ott Emily M. , Brown Kristy J. , Lawlor Michael W. , Nagaraju Kanneboyina
Published: September 2021

Background: AAV-based gene therapy is an attractive approach to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) patients. Although the long-term consequences of a gene therapy approach for DMD are unknown, there is evidence in both DMD patients and animal models that dystrophin replacement by gene therapy leads to an anti-dystrophin immune response that is likely to limit the long-term use of these therapeutic strategies. Objective: Our objective is to test whether the anti-dystrophin immune response is affected by immunomodulatory drugs in mdx mice after rAAV gene therapy. Methods: mdx mice were treated with rAAV microdystrophin alone or in combination with immunomodulatory drugs. Dystrophin expression in skeletal muscle was assessed by mass spectrometry. Immune responses were assessed by immunophenotyping, western blot for anti-dystrophin antibodies and flow cytometry assays for antigen-specific T-cell cytokine expression. The impact on muscle was measured by grip strength assessment, in vivo torque, optical imaging for inflammation and H&E staining of sections to assess muscle damage. Results: We found that AAV-9-microdystrophin gene therapy induced expression of microdystrophin, anti-dystrophin antibodies, and T-cell cytokine responses. Immunomodulatory treatments, rituximab and VBP6 completely abrogated the anti-dystrophin antibody response. Prednisolone, CTLA4-Ig, and eplerenone showed variable efficacy in blocking the anti-dystrophin immune response. In contrast, none of the drugs completely abrogated the antigen specific IFN-γ response. AAV-microdystrophin treatment significantly reduced inflammation in both forelimbs and hindlimbs, and the addition of prednisolone and VBP6 further reduced muscle inflammation. Treatment with immunomodulatory drugs, except eplerenone, enhanced the beneficial effects of AAV-microdystrophin therapy in terms of force generation. Conclusions: Our data suggest that AAV-microdystrophin treatment results in anti-dystrophin antibody and T-cell responses, and immunomodulatory treatments have variable efficacy on these responses.
A Practical Approach to Early-Onset Parkinsonism
Authors: Riboldi Giulietta M. , Frattini Emanuele , Monfrini Edoardo , Frucht Steven J. , Di Fonzo Alessio
Published: September 2021

Early-onset parkinsonism (EO parkinsonism), defined as subjects with disease onset before the age of 40 or 50 years, can be the main clinical presentation of a variety of conditions that are important to differentiate. Although rarer than classical late-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD) and not infrequently overlapping with forms of juvenile onset PD, a correct diagnosis of the specific cause of EO parkinsonism is critical for offering appropriate counseling to patients, for family and work planning, and to select the most appropriate symptomatic or etiopathogenic treatments. Clinical features, radiological and laboratory findings are crucial for guiding the differential diagnosis. Here we summarize the most important conditions associated with primary and secondary EO parkinsonism. We also proposed a practical approach based on the current literature and expert opinion to help movement disorders specialists and neurologists navigate this complex and challenging landscape.
A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF FUNCTIONAL OUTCOME BETWEEN BIOABSORBABLE INTERFERENCE SCREW AND ENDOBUTTON FIXATION ON FEMUR IN ARTHROSCOPIC ANTERIOR CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RECONSTRUCTION
Authors: Swarnkar Ramniwas , Chauhan Gyanendra Singh , Sharma Shyoji Lal , Lamoria Ravindra
Published: September 2021

Background: This prospective clinical study was performed to compare the Functional outcomes between Bioabsorbable Interference Screw And Endobutton Fixation On Femur In Arthroscopic Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction .Methods: from April 2018 to June 2019, 126 patients (16 females and 110 males) aged 18 to 50 years were enrolled in this study. Patients were randomly divided into two groups including Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL) reconstruction with Bioabsorbable interference screw fixation called group A (N=63) and other group B that underwent ACL reconstruction with Endobutton fixation (N=63). Functional outcomes were compared for TL (Tegner Lysholm)
Score preoperatively, at 3 months and 6 months. All data were collected and analyzed with the help of suitable statistical parameters.Results: The endobutton fixation yielded better outcome in terms of instant stability of the graft and functional outcome at the end of 6 month. We are currently awaiting long term results to verify whether or not these early results persist.
Key words: Bioabsorbable Interference Screw, Endobutton Fixation, Anterior Cruciate Ligament, TL Score.
CHALLENGES FACED BY CORONA WARRIORS DURING COVID-19 PANDEMIC: A REVIEW
Authors: Kumar Mahendra , Talati Shweta , Arora Pankaj , Gill Mukhtiar
Published: September 2021

Background: The Corona Virus Disease-19 (COVID-19) pandemic is indubitably one of the deadliest events recorded in the 21st century. By the beginning of the year, 2020 the COVID-19 virus has taken the world by surprise and posed a huge challenge to one and all. This pandemic has revealed the existing state of our health care system along with the condition of health care workers (HCWs) with respect to preparedness for such crisis time. During this pandemic, healthcare workers are playing a crucial role in the early detection of cases, contact tracing, and treatment of patients.

Methods and Material: Literature search was done regarding challenges faced by healthcare institutions and health care workers during COVID-19 pandemic from multiple databases. The studies published between June 2020 to January 2021 were considered. The articles were selected according to inclusion and exclusion criteria.

Results: COVID-19 pandemic as uncovered our preparations to handle pandemic. Health care workers have gone through a difficult time including experiencing stigma, physical and psychological burden. The healthcare institutions had faced shortages of personal protective equipment (PPEs), trained human resource and basic facilities.

Conclusion: This review underlines the current discussion about the challenges faced by HCW during the COVID-19 pandemic and their coping strategies. An effective, coordinated, and sincere effort towards helping HCWs by developing congenial environment, provision of regular training, psychological support is pivotal to motivate them to work during such crisis.

Keywords: COVID-19; Health Care Workers; Stigma; Pandemic; PPEs
Otel Ambiyansının Otelin İmajına ve Turist Memnuniyetine Etkisi: Alanya’daki Otel İşletmelerinde Bir Araştırma
Authors: USLU Abdullah , AYSAL Onur
Published: September 2021

Bu çalışmanın amacı otel işletmelerinin ambiyansının otel imajına ve turist memnuniyetine etkisini araştırmaktır. Nicel bir veri toplama yöntemi olan anket tekniğinden faydalanılmıştır. Araştırmanın evreni, Alanya’daki otel işletmelerine gelen turistler oluşturmaktadır. Bu amaçla turistlere yüz yüze anket uygulanarak toplamda 420 anket içerisinde verileri eksik olan 34 anket çıkarılmış ve geriye kalan 386 anket ile çalışmanın analizleri gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırma sonuçlarına göre, otel ambiyansının otel imajına ve turist memnuniyetine olumlu etkisi olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu bağlamda otel işletmeleri imajlarını güçlendirmeleri için öncelikli olarak oteldeki ambiyansı daha nitelikli hale getirmelidirler. Ambiyans ve imajın güçlenmesi memnuniyeti ve sonrasında sadakati artıracaktır.
USAHA MIKRO KECIL DAN MENENGAH (UMKM) DALAM MENINGKATKAN KESEJAHTERAAN MASYARAKAT
Authors: Wika Undari, Anggia Sari Lubis
Published: September 2021

Tujuan penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui perkembangan dan peranan Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah (UMKM) di Kecamatan Perbaungan Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai  terhadap kesejahteraan ekonomi masyarakat. Metode penelitian ini adalah metode kualitatif dengan teknik pengumpulan data berdasarkan observasi dan wawancara dengan informan 6 orang. Teknis analisis data penelitian ini adalah analisis deskriptif. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan  bahwa  Perkembangan Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah (UMKM) di Kecamatan Perbaungan Kabupaten Serdang Bedagai cukup berkembang, karena dari sisi kualitas para pelaku UMKM pada umumnya masih mampu bertahan  dan menjalankan usaha produksi dan dagangannya. Peran Usaha Mikro Kecil dan Menengah (UMKM) dapat meningkatkan kesejahteraan masyarakat, karena keberadaan UMKM mampu memenuhi kebutuhan ekonomi keluarga, mampu mengurangi pengangguran dan mampu memenuhi kebutuhan masyarakat yang memproduksi berbagai jenis makanan untuk dijual di kios pelaku UMKM
COMMUNICATION IN SOCIAL DISTANCING: THE ROLE OF TECHNOLOGY IN COMMUNICATION TO OVERCOME SOCIAL ISOLATION
Authors: Bambang Irwanto Cherlydea Gladys, Yohanes Muljono,
Published: September 2021

Social distancing aims to reduce interactions between people in the wider community, where individuals may have been infected or are carriers but have not been identified so as not to be isolated. The impact of social distancing is social isolation due to reduced social interaction. Related to social distancing issues as the impact of infectious disease outbreak has the potential to cause social isolation, it is known that the development of information and communication technology can overcome social and spatial barriers of social interaction by enabling easier communication processes. The results revealed that the development of technology has an important role as a medium of communication in social distancing problems as the impact of infectious disease outbreak has the potential to cause social isolation.