bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Performance Evaluation of LIBSVM and MSVM in Human Age Estimation and Gender Identification from Digital Images of Femur bone
Authors: C Santosh K , Pradeep N , Chakrabarti Tulika , Chakrabarti Prasun , Elngar Ahmed A. , Nami Mohammad , Ravi Vinayakumar , Rajchakit Grienggrai , Akbar M Ali
Published: September 2022

In forensic science, identification of age and gender from the skeletal remains is a time-consuming and challenging task. It is known that bones in the human skeleton develop from several separate centers of ossification. It is challenging to determine the gender and the age of fatalities in mass disasters, aviation crashes, wildfire victims, exhumations, and bomb explosions. Therefore, the use of computer-assisted techniques is necessary and important in medical image analysis since they enable forensic science to produce results quickly. Manual assessment techniques based on a visual inspection of the bones reveal their incapacity for precise classification. Long bone plays an important role in medical and legal investigations since they resist environmental impacts. Hence, digital x-ray images of the femur bone are considered as input for the experiment. In this paper, the major contributing features of the femur are identified which will facilitate determining the age and gender of a person. We have developed a classification system using SVM Classifiers. For age estimation, the Multiclass SVM (MSVM) classifier is used, and gender determination uses the LIBSVM classifier. As per the medical literature, the average neck-shaft angle is 132° for men and 121° for women. The average head diameter is 46 mm for men and 39 mm for women. Males' femur neck angles can range from 122° to 149°, while females can range from 113° to 141°. Males' head diameters can range from 33.6 mm to 51.9 mm, while female head diameters can range from 31.4 mm to 46.7 mm. From the experimental results, the age estimation and gender identification are above 90% using Multiclass SVM (MSVM) and LIBSVM respectively. The findings of the current study reveal that there are differences in statistical significance between male and female femur radiograph measurements, with male feature values marginally predominating over female feature values in most of the samples.
A novel internet of things based on deep neural network framework using soft-attention convolutional neural networks for COVID-19 detection
Authors: Fki Zeineb , Ammar Boudour , Fourati Rahma , Fendri Hela , Daoued Emna , Mnif Zeineb , Hussain Amir , Ayed Mounir Ben
Published: September 2022

Background: The impact of coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on health care is universal. The risks resulting from emerging contagious viruses and the efficacy of vaccines are persisting due to the presence of different variants. Learning of deeper and more interpretable models from COVID-19 data are conducive to understand this disease and to study the virus spread, individual diagnosis and may be other engrossing relating issues. However, some difficulties and intricacies are arising from the scarcity of precisely labelled data. Previous works have exploited existing Deep Neural Network (DNN) models that are pre-trained on large datasets like ImageNet.
Method: In this paper, a new framework is proposed in order to monitor and predict COVID-19 cases and other diseases, pursuing medical data. The currently proposed framework essentially relies on (1) an Internet of Things (IoT) processing model to collect data and operate on them later, (2) a DNN model for data processing, known as REGATT. This proposed model is based on a pre-trained REGNet model finely tuned by spatial, channel ATTention and convolutional layers, boosting feature representation and discrimination.
Results: Comparative experimental results on four different benchmark datasets show that the proposed model leads to a promising solution for diagnosing COVID-19.
Conclusion: It is concluded that an IoT and DNN-based solution are a viable way for the diagnosis of not only COVID-19 but also other diseases. It is advisable that future works explore the development of interpretable models.
AMPK attenuates SHH subgroup medulloblastoma growth and metastasis by inhibiting NF-κB activation
Authors: Yue Shen , Cai Jing , Wang Yue , Wang Xin fa , Li Tian yuan , Ai Zi he , Pu Xiao hong , Yang Xin , Yao Yi xing , He Jun ping , Cheng Steven Y , Yu Ting ting , Liu Chen
Published: September 2022

Background: Medulloblastoma (MB) is one of the most common malignant pediatric brain tumors. Metastasis and relapse are the leading causes of death in MB patients. The initiation of the SHH subgroup of MB (SHH-MB) is due to the aberrant activation of Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) signaling. However, the mechanisms for its metastasis are still unknown. Results: AMP-dependent protein kinase (AMPK) restrains the activation of Shh signaling pathway, thereby impeding the proliferation of SHH-MB cells. More importantly, AMPK also hinders the growth and metastasis of SHH-MB cells by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, Vismodegib and TPCA-1, which block the Shh and NF-κB pathways, respectively, synergistically restrained the growth, migration, and invasion of SHH-MB cells. Conclusions: This work demonstrates that AMPK functions through two signaling pathways, SHH-GLI1 and NF-κB. AMPK-NF-κB axis is a potential target for molecular therapy of SHH-MB, and the combinational blockade of NF-κB and Shh pathways confers synergy for SHH-MB therapy.
Gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids promote prostate cancer progression through inducing cancer cell autophagy and M2 macrophage polarization
Authors: Liu Yufei , Zhou Quan , Ye Fangdie , Yang Chen , Jiang Haowen
Published: September 2022

Objective: Emerging research have reported the regulative role of gut microbiota-derived short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) within tumor microenvironment. In previous study we have demonstrated abnormal gut microbial composition in castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) patients, here we sought to reveal the mechanism of SCFAs as a mediator linking microbiota dysbiosis and prostate cancer (PCa) progression.
Methods:By using transgenic TRAMP mouse model, PCa patient samples, in vitro PCa cell transwell assay, and macrophage recruitment assay, we examined the effects of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) and SCFAs on PCa progression.
Results: FMT using CRPC patients’ fecal suspension increased the abundance of SCFAs-producing gut microbiotas in TRAMP mice including Ruminococcus, Alistipes, Phascolarctobaterium, and correspondingly raised mice’s gut acetate and butyrate levels. CRPC FMT or SCFAs supplementation accelerated TRAMP mice’s cancer progression. In vitro, SCFAs enhanced PCa cells migration and invasion by inducing TLR3-triggered autophagy that further activated NF-κB and MAPK signalings. Also, PCa cell-derived CCL20 activated by SCFAs reprogrammed the tumor microenvironment by recruiting more macrophage infiltration and simultaneously inducing M2 macrophage polarization, which in turn further strengthened PCa cells invasiveness. Finally in a large cohort of 362 PCa patients from our department, we demonstrated that CCL20 expression in prostate was positively correlated with Gleason grade, pre-operative PSA, neural invasion, seminal vesical invasion, and was negatively correlated with post-operative biochemical recurrence-free survival. Gut microbiota dysbiosis-related CCL20 could be a biomarker for predicting prognosis in PCa patients.
Conclusion: Collectively, gut microbiota dysbiosis-derived SCFAs promoted PCa progression through inducing cancer cell autophagy and M2 macrophage polarization. Intervention of SCFAs-producing microbiotas may be a useful strategy in the manipulation of CRPC.
Electrical modeling of high voltage windings of power transformers for online partial discharge localization
Authors: Hamidi Abdolsamad , Hamidi Abdolsattar , setayeshmehr Alireza
Published: September 2022

Partial Discharge (PD) is one of the most important factors in the gradual destruction of transformer insulation, more importantly if the problem is not resolved can cause complete insulation failure. Physical localization of the fault inside the transformers in terms of saving repair time and cost is important. In this paper, by modeling a high voltage winding of a power transformer as a single-layer disk winding with air core the localization of PD is investigated. In this configuration, winding consists of six disks. Here, by applying impulse voltage as PD signal to the beginning of each disk, the voltages are measured and saved online at the bushing and neutral ends of the winding. By using the curve fitting method, the equations of PD signals at these two ends are extracted, then by computing transfer function in Laplace domain the magnitude of this transfer function are saved as a reference diagram. We have done this for all 6 disks. When PD occurred at winding by measuring voltages at bushing and neutral ends and drawing transfer function and comparison with reference diagrams, each diagram that has minimum difference with drawn diagram is the place of PD. Finally, the proposed method is validated with a laboratory winding with six disks.
Reciprocal Prospective Effects among Parental Psychological Distress, Family Cohesion, and Child Socioemotional Behavior in Three Dyads within Families
Authors: Yu Jeong Jin
Published: September 2022

The present study explores the dyadic longitudinal interplay among parents’ psychological distress and cohesion and children’s internalizing behaviors and peer-related social competence within an individual and across one’s dyadic partner, using data from three dyads and multiple informants. Data came from a nationally representative longitudinal cohort study of children born between April and July 2008 across South Korea. The current analyses were based on 1,779 families. Mothers, fathers, and preschool teachers responded to questionnaires. Children were four years old (48.6% girls) and the mean ages of mothers and fathers were 34.8 and 37.3 years, respectively at baseline. There were prospective and bidirectional associations between maternal psychological distress and children’s internalizing behaviors and between maternal cohesion and children’s internalizing behaviors. Paternal psychological distress was longitudinally related to children’s internalizing behaviors. Children’s peer social competence was predictive of their own internalizing behaviors and paternal psychological distress and cohesion. Maternal and paternal psychological distress and cohesion were prospectively and bidirectionally associated. The findings demonstrated prospective transactions within the three family dyads, while highlighting the importance of obtaining data on each family member and considering interactive effects of both parent and child gender in this line of enquiry.
Effects of impact energy on the crown formation and underwater cavity of free-falling thick disks
Authors: Janati Mahsa , Azimi Amir Hossein
Published: September 2022

A series of laboratory experiments was conducted to investigate the effects of impact energy on the crown formation and cavity dynamics of free-falling thick disks in stagnant water. To simulate the effects of impact energy on the dynamics of free-falling thick disks, four different release heights, hr, and six different disk masses were considered. A threshold limit of hr = 4do, where do is the disk diameter, was obtained as different patterns of cavity dynamics and crown characteristics were observed during the impact and descending of solid disks. The evolution of crown characteristics such as crown shape, diameter, and height with time were measured, and the pinch-off time and location of pinch-off were extracted from image analysis. Experimental results revealed that the crown characteristics at the pinch-off varied linearly with the impact Froude number and they were larger than solid spheres. A threshold value of non-dimensional impact energy to create a full seal crown was obtained which occurred when impact energy was more than 36% of the initial energy. The variations of crown diameter at the pinch-off indicated relatively larger crown diameters for hr/do > 4 whereas the crown height was invariant with release height. The results indicated a relatively shorter pinch-off depth in gravity-driven disks in comparison with the force-driven disks and gravity driven sphere in stagnant water. The energy losses due to impact, crown formation, and pinch-off were calculated for all tests and an adverse correlation was found between normalized energy losses and impact Froude number. Experimental observations indicated that disks with smaller impact energy dissipated more energy due to the impact. The time variations of the frontal position and velocity of disks showed that the threshold release height highly affected the trajectory, falling speed, and the duration of the descending process.
An Algorithm to Create Sorted FP-Growth Tree for Extracting Association Rules
Authors: Barkhan M. , Ramazani R. , Kabani A.
Published: September 2022

Mining data in massive databases to find useful data, frequent patterns (FP) and knowledge discovery, has been studied popularly in data mining research fields minding governments, industries and sales companies. In data mining, frequent patterns as growth tree are an efficient method for discovering knowledge and compressing information in a tree structure. Previous studies presented various methods to achieve frequent patterns which even require complex process and costs, particularly if the patterns overnumbered. In this paper we provide a divide and conquer algorithm based on FP-Growth Tree to create an initially sorted tree structure of the nodes that the most frequent patterns would be available at every moment of the tree construction procedure. In addition, we can consider a parameter to avoid inserting less frequent branches, thus, the tree would be sorted from the beginning of its formation.
FPGA implementation of a real-time edge detection system based on an improved Canny algorithm
Authors: Guo Laigong , Wu Sitong
Published: September 2022

Canny edge detection is one of the most widely used edge detection algorithms due to its superior performance. However, it is complex, time-consuming process and has a high hardware cost. In addition, most of the existing implementations of the algorithm use the same fixed pair of high and low threshold values for all input images. This cannot automatically adapt to changes in the external detection environment and results in decreased performance. To overcome these issues, an improved Canny algorithm is proposed in this paper. It uses the Sobel operator and approximation methods to calculate the gradient magnitude and direction for replacing complex operations with reduced hardware cost. Otsu’s algorithm is introduced to adaptively determine the image threshold. However, Otsu’s algorithm has division operations,and the division operation is complex, has low efficiency and slow speed. We introduce a logarithmic unit to turn division into a subtraction operation that is easy to implement by hardware but which does not affect the selection of the threshold. Experimental results show that the system can detect the edge of the image well without adjusting the threshold value when the external environment changes and requires only 1.231 ms to detect the edges of the 512 x 512 image when clocked at 50 MHz. Compared with existing FPGA implementations, our implementation uses the least amount of logical resources. Thus, it is more suitable for platforms have limited logical resources.
Kinetics of Thermal Degradation of Raw Lacquer Enhanced by Formaldehyde Urea Prepolymer
Authors: Xiao Qiang , Cao Yanjun , Zheng Wenyu , Hou Tianle , Gao Shuhang , Lyu Jianhua , Xiao Hui , Chen Yuzhu , chen ming
Published: September 2022

In this study, formaldehyde-urea prepolymer (FUP) were synthesized, which were used to modify the raw lacquer (RL), while the basic properties of the RL were tested. Thermal gravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy were used to analyze the degradative characteristics and the surface morphology of RL before and after modification. The result indicated that FUP can significantly improve the performance of RL. The drying time of the modifying RL is significantly shortened the gloss, the pencil hardness, and the impact performance are also significantly enhanced at the same time. TG analysis and thermal decomposition kinetics analysis illustrated that the thermal stability and the activation energy of LF2 were stronger than that of RL. In addition, scanning electron microscopy analysis illustrated that the surface smoothness of RL were also improved.
Parameter uncertainty of Land Use Change Impact Prediction on the Hydrology of the Upper Blue Nile Basin, Ethiopia
Authors: Anberber Tewodros
Published: September 2022

Land use land cover (LULC) has changed significantly due to population growth and causing a huge environmental problem at global and regional level, especially in countries where their economy depends on agriculture. Previous studies have used hydrological models to assess the impact of LULC change on the hydrology of Upper Blue Nile (UBN) basin, but may not have addressed a wide range of uncertainties which arises due to parameter, error in input data, model structure uncertainty and level of understanding of the user. The aim of this research was to estimate the effect of parameter uncertainty on land use change impact prediction on UBN basin, Ethiopia. SWAT model was chosen and set up in the UBN basin and Sequential Uncertainty Fitting (SUFI2) technique was used for calibration, sensitivity and uncertainty analysis of the model. Parameter uncertainty range, prediction change uncertainty and the impact of land use change on the UBN basin hydrology was assessed using two hypothetical land use scenarios (Scenario 1: convert half of forested area in to agricultural land andScenario 2: completely change the forest cover into agriculture). The results of the simulation indicated that SWAT model simulate the flow for the UBN basin with p-factor of 0.94 and 0.85 for calibration and validation respectively, while the r-factor were 0.86 and 0.71 for calibration and validation, respectively. The goodness of fit results between the observed and simulated flow showed that NSE for calibration and validation period were 0.87 and 0.89, respectively, and PBIAS for calibration and validation period were − 2.7% and 1.4%, respectively. Average daily stream flow was increased by 5.5% and 11% for scenario 1 and scenario 2, respectively compared to the baseline. For both hypothetical scenarios, the parameter uncertainty shows an effect for the predicted flow and based on coefficient of variation CN, CANMX and ALPHA_BF have relatively shows higher uncertainty. Additionally, predicted change uncertainty for the minimum flow is higher than the average and maximum flow. The predicted effect of land use change on the basin is significant and there is also a chance of land use change to occur in the UBN basin, due to that soil and water management practices should be done in the basin to prevent environmental and socio-economic problems which arise due to land use changes. Uncertainties on model prediction should not be ignored in LULC change studies to get a better understanding for decision making and to avoid over and underestimation of possible pressures.
Exponentially fitted robust scheme for the solution of singularly perturbed delay parabolic differential equations with integral boundary condition
Authors: Gobena Wakjira Tolassa , Duressa Gemechis File
Published: September 2022

In this paper, an exponentially fitted finite difference method is developed to solve singularly perturbed delay parabolic partial differential equations having a large delay on the spatial variable with an integral boundary condition on the right side of the domain. The problem's solution exhibits an interior layer and a parabolic boundary layer on both ends of the spatial domain. Simpson's rule is applied to treat the integral boundary condition. Uniform convergence analysis has been carried out, and it is observed that the method is first-order convergent in the time direction and second-order in the spatial direction. Numerical examples and results are considered to validate the scheme's applicability, and it also improves the results of the methods existing in the literature.
MSC Classification: 65L11 , 65M06 , 65M12.
Bioprocess development for Extraction and purification of cellulases from Aspergillus niger 3ASZ using statistical experimental design techniques
Authors: Sorour Aman A. , Olama Zakia A. , El-Naggar Moustafa Y. , Ali Safaa M.
Published: September 2022

Background:The amount of cellulosic materials is large and may lead to environmental pollution, so it can be converted into useful materials for use in food or energy. Statistical design (Plackett–Burman and Box-Behnken) was the main topic of this study and was used to optimize the effect of environmental factors on cellulase production byAspergillus niger.Results:Cellulase production using Plackett–Burman was 6.86-fold higher than the production of cellulase using basal medium. Subsequently, the design of BOX-Benken was affected to find the superlative procedure environments. The expected cellulase activity was 79.4 U/ml/min, which was adjacent to 18 times the enzyme activity. Ammonium sulfate precipitation was applied to the crude enzyme, followed by sequential fractionation with an Amicon system. The Amicon was used to demonstrate the final volume, total enzyme activity, specific activity, purification fold, and yield of cellulase (partially purified enzyme).Conclusion:Numerous cellulolytic enzymes are abundant inAspergillusspecies. All of the data showed thatAspergillussp. might be a reliable source of industrially and economically useful cellulases. By statistically calculating the relevance of a large number of elements in one experiment using a multifactorial statistical design, time may be saved while still maintaining the validity of each component.
Does antimicrobial use during pregnancy impact excess weight in early childhood? Findings from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Bertoldi Andréa , Flores Thaynã , Silveira Marysabel , Emmerick Isabel , Boing Alexandra , Silveira Mariângela , Mielke Gregore
Published: September 2022

Background:Studies have suggested that prenatal exposure to antimicrobials might be associated with obesity during childhood.Objective:This study aimed to investigate the association between the use of antimicrobials during pregnancy and excess weight in children at ages three, 12, 24 and 48 months.Methods:Data of participants from the 2015 Pelotas (Brazil) Birth Cohort study were analyzed (N=4,275). The use of antimicrobials during pregnancy was assessed using standardized questionnaires and excess weight was defined as BMI for age in z-score ≥ 1.Results:Over 43% of women used at least one antimicrobial during pregnancy. The proportion of children with excess weight increased from 17.6% (95%CI 16.5; 18.8) at age 3mo to 43.8% (95%CI 42.2; 45.4) at age 48mo. Overall, most associations investigated between the use of antimicrobials during pregnancy and excess weight in children were null. The use of antimicrobials during the second trimester of pregnancy was associated with lower BMI-for-age at three months. On average, children whose mothers used antimicrobials in one trimester of pregnancy had a BMI-for-age at 12mo 0.11 z-score (95%CI 0.01; 0.20) higher than those from mothers who did not use antimicrobials. An increased risk in excess weight at 48mo [RR= 1.13 (95%CI 1.04; 1.23)] was observed among children whose mothers’ used antimicrobials in the first trimester of pregnancy.Conclusion:Given that most of the associations investigated had either null results or a small magnitude of association, this study does not support previous findings that the use of antimicrobial during pregnancy impacts excess weight in early childhood.
Left atrial strain imaging and integrated backscatter: predictors of recurrence in patients with paroxysmal, persistent, and long-standing persistent atrial fibrillation undergoing catheter ablation
Authors: Brás Pedro Garcia , Cunha Pedro Silva , Timóteo Ana Teresa , Portugal Guilherme , Galrinho Ana , Laranjo Sérgio , Cruz Madalena Coutinho , Valente Bruno , Rio Pedro , Delgado Ana Sofia , Paulo Margarida , Brás Manuel , Ferreira Rui Cruz , Oliveira Mário Martins , Branco Luísa Moura
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Impaired left atrial (LA) strain by two-dimensional (2D) speckle tracking (STE) is a known predictor of arrhythmia recurrence after catheter ablation (CA) of atrial fibrillation (AF). The aim of this study was to compare LA strain and integrated backscatter (IBS) between paroxysmal, persistent, and long-standing persistent AF and evaluate its association with AF recurrence post-index CA.
Methods
Analysis of consecutive patients with symptomatic paroxysmal and persistent AF who underwent CA and had performed an echocardiogram in our center prior to CA. LA phasic strain, strain rate and IBS were assessed by 2D STE at baseline.
Results
We analyzed 78 patients, 31% with persistent AF (46% long-standing AF), 65% male, mean age 59 ± 14 years, who underwent pulmonary vein isolation and were followed-up for 12 months. AF recurrence occurred in 22 (28%) patients. LA phasic strain parameters were significantly impaired in patients with AF recurrence compared to those without recurrence and were shown to be independent predictors of AF recurrence in a multivariable analysis. LA reservoir strain < 18% predicted AF recurrence with 86% sensitivity and 70% specificity, confirmed in a Kaplan-Meier analysis, with a higher predictive power compared to LA volume index (LAVI). IBS was not associated with AF recurrence. However, patients with paroxysmal AF who experienced AF recurrence showed a significantly higher IBS.
Conclusion
LA phasic strain parameters were predictors of AF recurrence after CA, independently of LAVI. LA reservoir strain < 18% showed a higher predictive power for AF recurrence compared to LAVI. IBS was not associated with AF recurrence.
Association of the Pretreatment Lung Immune Prognostic Index with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Outcomes in Patients with Advanced Hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Sun Tao , Guo Yusheng , Sun Bo , Chen Lei , Ren Yanqiao , Zhu Licheng , Zhang Lijie , Liu Yiming , Zheng Chuansheng
Published: September 2022

Objective
To evaluate whether the pretreatment Lung Immune Prognostic Index (LIPI) is associated with outcomes in advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) patients under ICI.
Methods
A two-center retrospective study of patients with HCC treated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) between January 2018 and January 2021 was performed. The patients were stratified into three groups (good LIPI, intermediate LIPI, and poor LIPI) according to pretreatment LIPI based on dNLR (neutrophil count/ [white blood cell count - neutrophil count]) greater than 3 and LDH greater than LDH normal value. The primary endpoints were overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). The second endpoints were disease control rate (DCR) and objective response rate (ORR).
Results
In the pooled cohort (n=224), 80 (35.7%) had a good LIPI (zero factor), 91 (40.6%) had intermediate LIPI (one factor), and 53 (23.7%) had poor LIPI (two factors). The median follow-up was 25.1 months. Median OS was 16.8 months, 12.5 months, and 9.5 months for the good, intermediate, and poor LIPI groups, respectively (P < 0.0001). Median PFS was 11.8 months, 7.8 months, and 4.0 months for the good, intermediate, and poor LIPI groups, respectively (P<0.0001) The intermediate LIPI and poor LIPI were independently associated with shorter OS, PFS，and lower ORR, DCR (P＜0.05).
Conclusion
Pretreatment LIPI was correlated with worse outcomes for ICIs suggesting that LIPI could be promising biomarker for advanced HCC patients under ICIs.
Socioeconomic and Gender Effects of Climate Change and its Adaptation Strategies in Different Agro-ecologies of Sidama Region, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Addis Endalew , Haile Hirut Bekele , Bekele Mulugeta
Published: September 2022

This study examined socio-economic and gender effects of climate change and its adaptation strategies in lowland, midland and highland agro-ecologies of Sidama Region in Ethiopia. A mixed research approach with secondary data analysis, key informant interview, focus group discussion, field observations and survey research is employed to collect data. A total of 700 households selected randomly and proportionately after stratifying households by wealth ranking into poor, medium and model farmers in each kebele. Subsequently, qualitative information is analyzed using thematic and content analysis whereas quantitative data is analyzed using descriptive statistics by STATA Software. Secondary data is also analyzed using thematic analysis and descriptive statistics. The results showed that there is climate change and it has effects on livelihood, food, water, and energy securities. Accordingly, climate change affects all livelihood capitals, and it causes both transient and chronic food insecurity in the study areas. Moreover, there is gender differentiated vulnerability since livelihood assets are still under the control of males. Furthermore, in intra-household analysis women differently affected by food, water and energy insecurities since they are expected to fulfil food, water and energy demands of the household. To address these effects, soil and water conservation, changing crop varieties, intercropping, changing planting date, water harvesting, irrigation, livestock diversification, livelihood diversification, and migration are practiced as adaptation strategies. Thus there should be appropriate and gender sensitive policies, local institutions, and public participation to minimize the socio-economic and gender effects of climate change and optimize the practice and efficiency of adaptation strategies.
Excess filaggrin in keratinocytes is removed by extracellular vesicles to prevent premature death and this mechanism can be hijacked by Staphylococcus aureus in a TLR2-dependent fashion
Authors: Hovhannisyan Lilit , Kobiela Adrian , Serna Jorge Bernardino de la , Bogucka Aleksandra , Deptula Milena , Paul Argho , Panek Kinga , Czechowska Ewa , Rychlowski Michal , Krolicka Aleksandra , Zielinski Jacek , Gabrielsson Susanne , Pikula Michal , Trzeciak Magdalena , Ogg Graham , Gutowska-Owsiak Danuta
Published: September 2022

Filaggrin (FLG) protein is indispensable for multiple aspects of the epidermal barrier function but its accumulation in a monomeric filaggrin form may initiate premature keratinocytes death; it is unclear how filaggrin levels are controlled before the formation of storing keratohyalin granules. Here we show that keratinocyte-secreted small extracellular vesicles (sEVs) may contain filaggrin-related cargo providing a route of eliminating excess filaggrin from keratinocytes. Filaggrin-containing sEVs are found in plasma in both healthy individuals and atopic dermatitis patients. Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) enhances packaging and secretion of filaggrin-relevant products within the sEVs for enhanced export via a TLR2-mediated mechanism which is also linked to the ubiquitination process. This filaggrin removal system, preventing premature keratinocyte death and epidermal barrier dysfunction, is exploited by S. aureus which promotes filaggrin elimination from the skin that could help safeguard bacterial growth.
Design of State Feedback LQR Based Dual Mode Fractional Order PID Controller Using Inertia Weighted PSO Algorithm with Reference Model: For Control of an Underactuated System With and Without Disturbance
Authors: R Rajesh
Published: September 2022

Several control strategies are proposed and developed to improve the performance of the different underactuated systems, particularly inverted pendulum. This paper proposes the dual-mode fractional order control with a reference model for pitch and angle control of an inverted pendulum system. Inertia weighted particle swarm optimization is employed to the tuning of FOPID controller which ensures an optimal balance between local and global search. The optimal parameters of the FOPID controller are obtained by minimizing the error between the reference output and plant output which improves the steady-state tracking error also. An optimal state feedback LQR control is implemented using pole placement design in the feedback to stabilize and improve the robustness of the inverted pendulum. Extensive simulation and comparisons of the proposed structure show that the designed FOPID controller structure has an excellent performance in with and without disturbance conditions compared to the PID controller.
Atoms in Gaseous and Solid States and their Energy and Force Relationships under Transitional Behaviors
Authors: Ali Mubarak
Published: September 2022

By recalling the conventional studies of atoms, it is possible to discover new insights tackling the present and future challenges. Atoms of different elements form by electrons and energy knots. Atoms in elements recognize based on their electrons. The intercrossing of the photons to construct the lattice of each element atom varies. The lengths and numbers of the intercrossed photons depend on the filled and unfilled states an atom possesses for its element. The intercrossing overt photons in a gaseous atom lattice are different than in the solid atom lattice. Except for the hydrogen atom, the atoms possess the same valency as specified. In the hydrogen atom, two energy knots occupy two electrons. In the helium atom, four energy knots occupy four electrons. A helium atom forms a zeroth ring in atoms of all higher-order elements. The study of protons and neutrons is no longer significant. Electrons of a gaseous atom deal with the minimum required potential energy, whereas the maximum is in a solid atom. Electrons in a gaseous atom experience the maximum required levitational force along the north pole. However, electrons experience the maximum required gravitational force along the south pole in a solid atom. In the transition state, electrons undertake infinitesimal displacements by remaining within the occupied energy knots. But electrons keep a different orientation for the gaseous atom and solid atom. The investigations discussed here explore the atomic structure differently from the earlier ones.
Flexible work arrangement and work-related outcomes during the Covid-19 pandemic: Evidence from local governments in Indonesia
Authors: Sunaryo Sinto , Sri Runing Sawitri Hunik , Suyono Joko , Wahyudi Lilik , Sarwoto
Published: September 2022

The Covid-19 outbreak has forced various organizations to adjust work designs to comply with health protocols. Flexible work arrangement is a model that is widely used, including flextime and work from home. This study analyzes the impact of flexible work arrangements on affective commitment, job satisfaction, organizational citizenship behavior, and work engagement, which lead to employee happiness. A total of 405 respondents who work in local governments in Indonesia participated in an online survey using the snowball sampling technique. Data were analyzed using partial least squares. This study found a significant effect of flexible work arrangements on affective commitment and organizational citizenship behavior. It means that employees perceive a flexible work arrangement policy as an organizational effort to protect employees from Covid-19. Thus, it makes employees showing their affective commitment and willingness to have organizational citizenship behavior. In addition, job satisfaction, organizational citizenship behavior, and work engagement have been shown to affect employee happiness. This finding has implications for leaders to develop flexible work arrangements as alternative work designs, especially during times of crises such as a pandemic. Further research recommendations are emphasized to examine other flexible work arrangements according to contextual needs.
Developing Orientation and Mobility Skills Checklist and Determining Its Cut-off Scores
Authors: ALTUNAY Banu , UYSAL SARAÇ Menekşe , BÜYÜKÖZTÜRK Şener
Published: September 2022

Introduction: In order to be able to carry out systematic teaching activities for the orientation and mobility skills that are vital in the lives of students with visual impairment in schools, it is extremely important to determine their performance levels with measurement tools. The aim of this study is to develop an Orientation and Mobility Skills Checklist (OMSC) for visually impaired students at primary and secondary school levels and to determine the cut-off scores. Method: The OMSC consists of two independent checklists. In the process of the OMSC development, the psychometric properties of the tool were determined by applying it to all tactile students studying in primary and secondary schools in a province. The findings on the validity and reliability of the OMSC have shown that it is suitable to be used as a measurement tool to determine orientation and mobility skills. The Orientation Skills (OS) checklist is a single-factor structure of 6 items. On the other hand, the Mobility Skills (MS) checklist has a 19-item, 3-factor structure. After the tool was developed, identifying the norm values was aimed by determining the percentiles so that the scores could be interpreted. With this aim, the OMSC was applied to a total of 402 students who were studying in separate educational environments opened for visually impaired students and to students who were continuing their inclusive education in the regions close to these schools in Turkey. However, since the scores obtained aggregated in low scores, the cut-off scores were determined with the Angoff method based on expert opinion. After the implementation, the psychometric features of the OMSC were re-examined.Findings: The descriptive statistics of the scores obtained revealed that 70.1% of the students received zero points from the MS control checklist. OS scores did not deviate excessively from the normal distribution. The construct validity and reliability of the checklists were examined, and the cut-off scores for minimum competency levels for the OS and MS checklists were determined as 2 and 6 points, respectively.Discussion: The results of the research were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature. The OMSC can be used to assess students, determine the progress of students studying at different educational institutions, and direct them to appropriate training in line with their needs.
Reflexiones sobre la garantía de la unidad de mercado en el ordenamiento jurídico español
Authors:   Universidad de Sevilla, Sevilla, España, Barrero Rodríguez Enrique
Published: September 2022

La Constitución española no consagra expresamente el principio de unidad de mercado, pero este ha sido sentado en nuestro ordenamiento jurídico merced a la labor interpretativa del Tribunal Constitucional. No obstante, este principio plantea no pocas tensiones y conflictos derivadas de la articulación del Estado español como Estado complejo territorialmente. En el presente estudio se analiza el contenido de la Ley 20/2013, de Garantía de la Unidad de Mercado, exponiendo sus principios fundamentales y los problemas que planteará su aplicación
Algunas notas sobre el tratamiento del ruido en Chile
Authors:   Universidad Andrés Bello, Talcahuano, Chile., Elso Kotzing Christofher
Published: September 2022

El presente artículo tiene por objeto ofrecer un panorama general sobre la regulación del ruido en Chile, tomando en consideración el estatuto vigente y algunos problemas prácticos que resultan de su aplicación. Lo anterior sin dejar de lado las reglas generales presentes en el Código Civil frente a molestias que puedan ocasionarse a consecuencia de ruidos que impliquen una turbación en el uso de la propiedad. Proponiendo entonces y como lo han hecho otros autores, el reconocimiento de la teoría de la inmisión como un sistema que permita una interpretación amplia del campo de aplicación de las acciones posesorias, atendido el desfase que presenta nuestro Código frente a hechos que no impliquen desposeimiento.
Criterios para limitar la obligación de pago de renta por el término anticipado del contrato de arrendamiento. Análisis del artículo 1945 del código civil chileno
Authors:   Universidad Católica de la Santísima Concepción, Concepción, Chile, Fuentes Guíñez Rodrigo
Published: September 2022

El artículo 1945 del Código Civil chileno impone al arrendatario, responsable del término anticipado, la obligación de pagar la renta hasta la fecha que el contrato hubiere podido cesar. Debido a que, en determinados casos el monto a pagar por el arrendatario puede resultar excesivo, se proponen los criterios adecuados para su limitación o reducción. Para tal efecto, es necesario determinar, en forma previa, la naturaleza de esta obligación de pago de renta (cumplimiento o indemnización).
Rapid Accumulation of Cadmium and Antioxidative Response in Tobacco Leaves
Authors: Buzduga Inna M. , Salamon Ivan , Volkov Roman A. , Pаnchuk Irina I.
Published: September 2022

Background:

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most dangerous environmental pollutants. Plant damage caused by oxidative stress during long-term Cd accumulation is well documented, while the primary response to Cd uptake is poorly understood.

Objective:

We assess the short-term injury and the primary reaction of the antioxidant system to the rapid accumulation of Cd in tobacco leaves.

Methods:

Leaf rosettes of the 5-week-old plants without roots were exposed to 100, 500 and 5000 μM Cd chloride for 2 and 12 hours. Cd accumulation, oxidation levels of proteins and lipids, content of reduced (Asc) and oxidized (DHA) ascorbate and activity of CAT, APX and POD were determined.

Results:

An accumulation of Cd in high concentration, but only a relatively small increase in the oxidation of proteins and lipids was found in the leaves after 2 hours of treatment. These effects were transient and disappeared after 12 hours. No visible damage to plants was observed. After 12 hours, the total ascorbate content (Asc + DHA) decreased by 18%, remained unchanged or increased by 85% after the application of 100, 500 and 5000 µM Cd chloride. The increase in the ascorbate pool, which should be considered as a component of the protective response, was caused by the accumulation of DHA. The activity of APX and POD remained unchanged, while that of CAT decreased, indicating that antioxidant enzymes activation is not involved in the primary response to Cd.

Conclusions:

The primary generation of ROS induced by Cd does not appear to be a deleterious manifestation of Cd toxicity, but rather a component of stress signaling that causes activation of the protective response. Uptake of Cd caused severe damage to the plant after long-term, but not after short-term treatment, suggesting that the damage is the result of secondary effects of Cd toxicity.
Gasotransmitters in Plants: Mechanisms of Participation in Adaptive Responses
Authors: Kolupaev Yuriy E. , Karpets Yuriy V. , Shkliarevskyi Maksym A. , Yastreb Tetiana O. , Plohovska Svitlana H. , Yemets Аlla I. , Blume Yaroslav B.
Published: September 2022

Plant adaptive responses to environmental stresses occur with the participation of plant hormones and a network of signaling mediators. Among these, a growing attention has been paid over the recent years to gasotransmitters (GT). This term is used to define small gaseous molecules synthesized by living organisms that perform signaling functions. The main GT in plants are nitrogen monoxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), and hydrogen sulfide (H2S). The mechanisms of GT participation in the processes of plant adaptation to unfavorable environmental conditions have not yet been studied enough, which limits the use of GT in crop production. This review summarizes the latest data on GT synthesis in plants, the ability of GT to induce post-translational protein modifications in plants and to functionally interact with each other and with other signaling mediators. Particular attention is paid to the participation of GT in the regulation of antioxidant system, the state of cytoskeleton, and stomatal reactions of plants. These effects are important for stimulation by gasotransmitters the adaptation of plants to extreme temperatures, drought, and salinity. The possibilities of using GT donors in crop production were also considered.
Electronic Co-design (ECO-design) Workshop for Increasing Clinician Participation in the Design of Health Services Interventions: Participatory Design Approach
Authors: Savoy April , Patel Himalaya , Shahid Umber , Offner Alexis D , Singh Hardeep , Giardina Traber D , Meyer Ashley N D
Published: September 2022

Background

Participation from clinician stakeholders can improve the design and implementation of health care interventions. Participatory design methods, especially co-design methods, comprise stakeholder-led design activities that are time-consuming. Competing work demands and increasing workloads make clinicians’ commitments to typical participatory methods even harder. The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated barriers to clinician participation in such interventions.

Objective

The aim of this study was to explore a web-based participatory design approach to conduct economical, electronic co-design (ECO-design) workshops with primary care clinicians.

Methods

We adapted traditional in-person co-design workshops to web-based delivery and adapted co-design workshop series to fit within a single 1-hour session. We applied the ECO-design workshop approach to codevelop feedback interventions regarding abnormal test result follow-up in primary care. We conducted ECO-design workshops with primary care clinicians at a medical center in Southern Texas, using videoconferencing software. Each workshop focused on one of three types of feedback interventions: conversation guide, email template, and dashboard prototype. We paired electronic materials and software features to facilitate participant interactions, prototyping, and data collection. The workshop protocol included four main activities: problem identification, solution generation, prototyping, and debriefing. Two facilitators were assigned to each workshop and one researcher resolved technical problems. After the workshops, our research team met to debrief and evaluate workshops.

Results

A total of 28 primary care clinicians participated in our ECO-design workshops. We completed 4 parallel workshops, each with 5-10 participants. We conducted traditional analyses and generated a clinician persona (ie, representative description) and user interface prototypes. We also formulated recommendations for future ECO-design workshop recruitment, technology, facilitation, and data collection. Overall, our adapted workshops successfully enabled primary care clinicians to participate without increasing their workload, even during a pandemic.

Conclusions

ECO-design workshops are viable, economical alternatives to traditional approaches. This approach fills a need for efficient methods to involve busy clinicians in the design of health care interventions.