bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Unsupervised Machine Learning for Exploratory Data Analysis of Exoplanet Transmission Spectra
Authors: Matchev Konstantin T. , Matcheva Katia , Roman Alexander
Published: September 2022

Transit spectroscopy is a powerful tool for decoding the chemical compositions of the atmospheres of extrasolar planets. In this paper, we focus on unsupervised techniques for analyzing spectral data from transiting exoplanets. After cleaning and validating the data, we demonstrate methods for: (i) initial exploratory data analysis, based on summary statistics (estimates of location and variability); (ii) exploring and quantifying the existing correlations in the data; (iii) preprocessing and linearly transforming the data to its principal components; (iv) dimensionality reduction and manifold learning; (v) clustering and anomaly detection; and (vi) visualization and interpretation of the data. To illustrate the proposed unsupervised methodology, we use a well-known public benchmark data set of synthetic transit spectra. We show that there is a high degree of correlation in the spectral data, which calls for appropriate low-dimensional representations. We explore a number of different techniques for such dimensionality reduction and identify several suitable options in terms of summary statistics, principal components, etc. We uncover interesting structures in the principal component basis, namely well-defined branches corresponding to different chemical regimes of the underlying atmospheres. We demonstrate that those branches can be successfully recovered with a K-means clustering algorithm in a fully unsupervised fashion. We advocate for lower-dimensional representations of the spectroscopic data in terms of the main principal components, in order to reveal the existing structure in the data and quickly characterize the chemical class of a planet.
Gene expression in primary hemocyte culture of the Pacific white shrimp Penaeus vannamei infected with different white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) strains
Authors: Parrilla-Taylor Delia Patricia , Elizondo-González Regina , Gutierrez-Rivera Jesús Neftalí , García-Gasca Alejandra , Vibanco-Pérez Norberto , Durán Avelar Maria De Jesús , Vázquez-Juárez Ricardo
Published: September 2022

Five previously analyzed white spot syndrome virus (WSSV) strains from northwest Mexico, differing in their genome architecture as well as in virulence, were selected (high virulence JP and LG strains; moderate virulence GVE and DIV strains; and low virulence LC10 strain) to evaluate pathogenesis response in vitro. Expression of phagocytosis-activating protein PAP, manganese superoxide dismutase MnSOD and peroxiredoxin PRX, and two genes of immediate-early expression (IE1 and WSSV304) were measured by qPCR in a primary hemocyte cell culture from Penaeus vannamei at 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 h post-infection (hpi). PAP expression was significantly higher at 1 and 3 hpi, and JP and LC10 strains induced the highest expression. The response of MnSOD was high at 1 hpi, and a significant increase in PRX expression was detected at 3 hpi, probably due to the occurrence of an oxidative burst; expression levels of MnSOD and PRX were significantly higher at 1 and 3 hpi, respectively, induced by the LG strain (high virulence), suggesting an acute response. In general, expression of most immune-related - genes decreased after the initial hours of infection. Expression levels of IE1 and WSSV304 were exceptionally high at 1 hpi in almost all five WSSV analyzed strains, confirming their efficient mechanism for replication and viral fitness. The results of this study do not show an accurate link between the genome size and WSSV virulence of the strains, albeit the strain with the smallest genome showed the highest virulence. All strains induced an early immune response in heterogeneous ways.
Distribution and epidemiology of the infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) in rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) in Peru
Authors: Ulloa-Stanojlovic Francisco Miroslav , Caballero-Celli Romina , Smith Carlos , Gómez-Sánchez Orezzoli Muriel María
Published: September 2022

The infectious pancreatic necrosis virus (IPNV) is a highly pathogenic virus that affects the aquaculture of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) and can cause mortality rates that exceed 90% in the juvenile stage. This study aims to know the distribution and frequency of IPNV presentation in trout production farms in the seven main producing states of the species in Peru. Prevalence values of IPNV have been identified in the states of Cusco (4.05%), Puno (3.81%), and Huancavelica (0.23%). These results showed the distribution and epidemiology of the IPNV that, until 2019, was absent in the country. Likewise, it represents the need to implement prevention and control measures against the virus to reduce the risk of dissemination to free states of IPNV. Finally, improving sanitary management against IPNV reduces its economic and productive impact on rainbow trout aquaculture in Peru.
Saponins and Tannin Levels in Chayote, Mung Beans, and Biscuits from Chayote and Mung Beans
Authors: Sakung Jamaludin M. , Rahmawati Sitti , Pulukadang Sri Hastuti , Afadil Afadil
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Saponins and tannins are active compounds of secondary metabolites which are known to have several health benefits, including antibacterial and antioxidant. Chayote and green beans are natural ingredients that contain saponins and tannins. Starch from these two ingredients is used as a basic ingredient for making biscuits.

AIM: The purpose of this study was to determine the levels of saponins and tannins in biscuits made from chayote and green beans.

METHODS: Saponins and tannins in the samples were extracted and analyzed using the Gravimetric method. The tannin content of flour and biscuits based on chayote and green beans was analyzed spectrophotometrically.

RESULTS: The results of the saponin analysis of biscuits made from chayote, flour, and chayote were 5.693%, 2.813%, and 2.574%. Meanwhile, the tannin levels were 1.143%, 4.308%, and 1.922%, respectively. The saponin levels in biscuits made from mung bean, flour, and mung bean obtained were 6.742%, 4.593%, and 4.315%, respectively, while the tannin levels were 4.464%, 3.250%, and 3.893%, respectively. From the sample of chayote and green bean flour biscuit formulation (1:1), the saponin content was 1.558%, while the tannin content was 3.436%.

CONCLUSION: In mung bean flour and mung bean biscuits, the saponin content was higher than that of chayote flour and chayote biscuits. The increase in tannin content in the formulation (1:1) was derived from mung bean flour, because the tannin content in mung bean was higher than that of chayote.
Inhibitory Activity of α-Glucosidase by the Extract and Fraction of Marine Sponge-Derived Fungus Penicillium citrinum Xt6
Authors: Fauziah Fitra , Ali Hirowati , Ilmiawati Cimi , Bakhtra Dwi , Agustin Zilfia , Handayani Dian
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic condition characterized by high blood glucose levels due to insufficient insulin secretion or activity. Diabetes treatment may include inhibiting carbohydrate breakdown enzymes like α-glucosidase. Chemical compounds of the marine-derived fungus have the potential to inhibit α-glucosidase and, thus, could be used in therapy. Marine sponge-derived fungus lives in a colony on the tissues of living things. In the marine sponge Xestospongia testudinaria DD-01, there is a colony of the fungus Penicillium citrinum Xt6. P. citrinum Xt6 has been reported to reduce blood glucose levels in alloxan-induced diabetic mice.

AIM: This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase by the extracts and fractions of marine-derived fungus P. citrinum Xt6.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The study was carried out in vitro using p-nitrophenyl-α-D-glucopyranoside (PNPG) substrate and α-glucosidase enzyme from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. ELISA was used to measuring the enzyme’s inhibition activity at the wavelength of 405 nm. Acarbose was used as the standard drug, which inhibits the activity of α-glucosidase.

RESULTS: Inhibitory concentration (IC50) value of ethyl acetate extract was 37.39 μg/mL, methanol fraction was 60.01 μg/mL, n-hexane fraction was 75.45 μg/mL, and acarbose was 124.39 g/mL.

CONCLUSION: It can be concluded that the extract and fraction of marine-derived fungus P. citrinum inhibit α-glucosidase activity. P. citrinum could be developed into an antidiabetic agent.
Pharmacotherapy of Mental Illness in the Mental Health Centers in Kosovo During 2021
Authors: Alidema Fitim , Isjanovski Viktor , Hasani-Alidema Arieta , Halilaj-Vishi Behrije , Alilaj-Beqiraj Minire
Published: September 2022

Background- Treatment of mental illness with pharmacotherapy is strictly monitored in clinical centers dedicated to this purpose. While in most of developed countries this practice is well established, in Kosovo, in absence of such system, there is the need for further and continues investigation in this context with the aim to better monitor the therapy.  
Aim of the study - This work aims to analyze and investigate the treatment of the patients with mental illness in the Mental Health Centers in Kosovo.
Methods - The methodology of this research work is based on the specific guidelines published by the WHO. Handbook of the World Health Organization (WHO). All patients’ data were obtained from protocol books of the treated patients. For each city, 30 patients which were selected according to the theory of probability, were analyzed. A total of 209 patients were enrolled in the study. Regarding the pharmacotherapeutic characteristics we have analyzed the way of treatment of mental illnesses according to the groups of drugs and centers. The diseases were categorized according to the International Classification of Diseases - Revision 10.  
Results - Drugs were mainly administered through mouth, per os (PO) (82.4%). According to the clinics there was no significant change as per administration route of the drugs (ChiTest = 28, p > 0.11) (Tab.3). Almost, 2/3 of the prescribed drugs were non-essential (66.1%). Considering the class of the therapeutic drugs, over half of them were antipsychotic (53.2%), whereas in a percentage of 17.2% and 13.8% were anticholinergic and anxiolytic/hypnotic drugs, accordingly. These classes of drugs were 84.2% of the overall used drugs.  Taken together, In the Mental Health Centers in Kosovo, drugs are mainly administered orally, with only 17.6% of the cases treated parenterally. The majority of the drugs used are the non-essential drugs, with antipsychotics being the most prescribed ones.
Conclusions - Furthermore, the study highlights the use of the third-line therapy as a first choice, and the use of effective drugs with low safety profile such as: Clozapine 84.62% (from SDA group). Moreover, ineffective drugs are used in 1.92% of patients and non-compliance of treatment with drug indications was found in 5.77% of cases.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphism of Dectin-1 Gene Associates with Atopic Dermatitis in Children
Authors: Volosovets Olexandr , Kryvopustov Sergii , Mozyrska Olena , Goncharov Sergii , Kupkina Anna , Iemets Oksana , Dosenko Victor
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory skin disease with complex and multifactorial pathophysiology, involving elements of barrier dysfunction, alterations in cell-mediated immune responses, IgE sensitization, and environmental factors. This encourages the search for predictors of disease development among both genetic markers and environment. AIM: The aim of the study was to examine if genetic factors of Malassezia recognition, or Malassezia colonization may be related to IgE sensitization or to severity of AD. METHODS: The study included 106 patients with eczema and 103 healthy children. Specific IgE against Malassezia mix (m227) was analyzed in 51 patients using immunochemiluminescent method on the ImmunoCAP 100 (Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Phadia, Sweden). Genotyping for rs7309123 in Dectin-1 was performed using Real-time PCR. The level of colonization by Malassezia in the scale samples was determined by a real-time PCR assay. RESULTS: Increased IgE to Malassezia spp. was observed in 29,4% of children with eczema. Higher Malassezia spp. – specific IgE titer positively correlated with severity of AD, age of onset, head–neck type of AD, and a higher total IgE. GG genotype rs7309123 Dectin-1 is significantly more often found in the patients than in the control group, but no correlation with IgE sensitization to Malassezia was found. Malassezia restricta and M. globosa were predominant in patients and controls, with some predominance of M. globosa over M. restricta among patients. CONCLUSION: Sensitization to Malassezia, genetic markers in Dectin-1, and Malassezia colonization of the skin can be tools for studying the gene-environment interactions in the pathogenesis of AD.
The Effect of Liposomes Ethanol Extract of Tekelan Leaves (Chromolaena odorata L.) on the SOD and MDA Level in Streptozotocin-Nicotinamide-Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Rahmi Sofia , Rosidah Rosidah , Widyawati Tri , Sumaiyah Sumaiyah
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress occurs when the quantity of free radical molecules in the body exceeds the number of antioxidant molecules. Tekelan leaf (Chromolaena odorata L.) is an Asteraceae plant with antioxidant qualities that aid in the prevention of oxidative stress. According to, the chemical components contained in tekelan leaves, such as flavones, flavonols, flavonones, chalcones, and hydroxy benzoic acid, are responsible for the antioxidant properties. Tekelan leaf ethanol extract liposomes is one of preparation that can improve the level antioxidant activity of the samples, in the recent research antioxidant activity of liposomes ethanol extract of tekelan leaves (Chromolaena odorata L.) is tested to male rats which induced by Streptozotocin-Nicotinamid than calcilate the level of  SOD and MDA.
 
 
AIM: The goal of this study was to see if tekelan leaf ethanol extract liposomes might reduce MDA and SOD levels in male rats caused by STZ-nicotinamide.
 
METHOS: Rats were given nicotinamide at a dose of 24 mg/200gBW and streptozotocin at a dose of 12 mg/200gBW at day 1, then continue to liposome and extract administration at doses of 20 mg/200gBW, 40 mg/200gBW, and 80 mg/200gBW, respectively for 15 days. At day 16 the blood were drawn and SOD and MDA levels were analyzed using a spectrophotometer.
 
RESULTS:  The MDA value for liposome preparation at a dose of 80 mg/200gBW were substantially lower (9.81±0.08) than negative control group (15.94±0.45). Furthermore, similar result also reported in SOD value that liposome preparation at a dose of 80 mg/200gBW (89.33±0.30) that higher than negative control group (65.55±0.30).
 
CONCLUSION: It concluded that the liposomes preparation of the ethanol extract of tekelan leaves showed higher antioxidant activity than extract preparation, it showed dose dependent manner.
Effect of SHBG Polymorphism on the Levels of Bioavailable Testosterone and Lipid Metabolism in Older Men of the Kazakh Population
Authors: Akkaliyev Merkhat , Aukenov Nurlan , Massabayeva Meruyert , Apsalikov Bakytbek , Rakhyzhanova Saule , Kuderbaev Muratkhan , Sadykov Nariman
Published: September 2022

This study is aimed at investigating the effect of SHBG (rs727428; rs10822184) and LPL (rs754493647) single nucleotide polymorphisms on the concentration of the bioavailable fraction of testosterone in older men.
Materials and methods To study gene mutations, 417 residents of the East Kazakhstan region of Kazakh nationality were examined. The main group included 135 men with signs of hypogonadism (AMS 37-49), and the control group consisted of 282 healthy men (AMS 17-26) of the corresponding age (p = 0.5). Single nucleotide polymorphisms rs 727428 [C / T]; rs10822184 [T / C]; rs754493647 [T / C], was determined by the TaqMan method.
Results Analysis of the rs727428 polymorphism has revealed that the TT allele (rs727428) has a lower level of albumin (p = 0.03), bioavailable testosterone (p = 0.04), and free testosterone (p = 0.6) than in carriers of the CC and CT genotypes. Also, it has shown a decrease in total testosterone (p = 0.001) and an increase in SHBG levels (p = 0.07) in men with the TT genotype of the rs727428 gene polymorphism. The rs10822184 polymorphism demonstrated an increase in triglyceride and LDL levels in TT genotype (p ≤ 0.04), in comparison with CC and CT genotypes.
Conclusion It has been proven that rs727428 (p = 0.001) is associated with testosterone levels and therefore can determine the concentration of bioavailable testosterone. Decreased levels of bioavailable testosterone are a sign of male hypogonadism. This study confirms the effect of rs10822184 on LDL (p = 0.01) and triglyceride (p = 0.04) levels, but its association with androgen levels has not been proven. Our results may be of interest for understanding the etiology of early development of hypogonadism and lipid metabolism disorders in men. To confirm the conclusions, a more detailed study with a large sample of men from the Kazakh population may be required.
Evaluation the Protective Effect of Withania somnifera Extract on the Level of Sex Hormone in Morphine Addicted Female Rats
Authors: Al-Nuaimi Zaid , Al-Baniwes Ali Jaafar
Published: September 2022

Morphine is one of the most types of phenanthrene alkaloid opioid used to soothe the acute and chronic pain via narcotic and analgesic medical employment. Increasingly constantly used of opioid in the public and medication practical important knowledge improve that. Morphine show pernicious has effects on numerous tissue for instance ovary, liver and lung morphine side effects instruct for existence of oxidative role due to generation of reactive oxygen species in the affected tissue. Last decades researchers proved that natural substance provides protective role against toxic effect. Thus, withania somnifera consider as antioxidant substance provide protective versus the toxic substance as morphine. The present study wase aimed to evaluate the protective role of withania somnifera extract on the level of sex hormone in morphine addicted female rats. In conclusion, the present study confirmed a truth evidence of a protective roles of withania somnifera  against the morphine addiction in female rats.
Incidence and Prevalence of Polymyalgia Rheumatica and Giant Cell Arteritis in a Healthcare Management Organization in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Authors: Martínez Perez José Maximiliano , Mollerach Florencia Beatriz , Scaglioni Valeria , Vergara Facundo , Gandino Ignacio Javier , Catoggio Luis José , Rosa Javier Eduardo , Soriano Enrique Roberto , Scolnik Marina
Published: September 2022

Objective

To estimate incidence and prevalence of polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) and giant cell arteritis (GCA) in a university hospital–based health management organization (Hospital Italiano Medical Care Program) in Argentina.

Methods

Overall and sex-specific incidence rates (IRs) and prevalence were calculated (age ≥ 50 yrs). Incidence study followed members with continuous affiliation ≥ 1 year from January 2000 to December 2015. Diagnosis as per the 2012 European Alliance of Associations for Rheumatology/American College of Rheumatology (ACR) criteria for PMR or the ACR 1990 criteria for GCA. Prevalence was calculated on January 1, 2015.

Results

There were 176,558 persons who contributed a total of 1,046,620 person-years (PY). Of these, 825 developed PMR, with an IR (per 100,000 PY) of 78.8 (95% CI 73.4-84.2) overall, 90.1 (95% CI 82.9-97.2) for women, and 58.9 (95% CI 51.1-66.6) for men. Ninety persons developed GCA; the IR was 8.6 (95% CI 6.8-10.4) overall, 11.1 (95% CI 8.5-10.6) for women, and 4.2 (2.2-6.3) for men. There were 205 prevalent PMR cases and 23 prevalent GCA cases identified from a population of 80,335. Prevalence of PMR was 255 per 100,000 (95% CI 220-290) overall, 280 (95% CI 234-325) for women, and 209 (95% CI 150-262) for men; and the prevalence of GCA was 28.6 per 100,000 (95% CI 16.9-40.3) overall, 36.4 (95% CI 20.1-52.8) for women, and 14.2 (95% CI 0.3-28.1) for men.

Conclusion

This is the first study of incidence and prevalence of PMR and GCA in Argentina. There were similarities and differences with cohorts from other parts of the world, but population-based epidemiologic studies in Latin America are needed.
The Burden of Gout and Its Attributable Risk Factors in the Middle East and North Africa Region, 1990 to 2019
Authors: Amiri Fatemeh , Kolahi Ali-Asghar , Nejadghaderi Seyed Aria , Noori Maryam , Khabbazi Alireza , Sullman Mark J.M. , Kaufman Jay S. , Collins Gary S. , Safiri Saeid
Published: September 2022

Objective

This study reported the burden of gout and its attributable risk factors in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region between 1990 and 2019 by age, sex, and sociodemographic index (SDI).

Methods

Data on the prevalence, incidence, and years lived with disability (YLD) due to gout were obtained from the Global Burden of Disease 2019 study for the 21 countries in the MENA region, from 1990 to 2019.

Results

In 2019, the regional age-standardized point prevalence and annual incidence rates of gout were 509.1 and 97.7 per 100,000 population, which represent a 12% and 11.1% increase since 1990, respectively. Moreover, in 2019 the regional age-standardized YLD rate was 15.8 per 100,000 population, an 11.7% increase since 1990. In 2019, Qatar and Afghanistan had the highest and lowest age-standardized YLD rates, respectively. Regionally, the age-standardized point prevalence of gout increased with age up to the oldest age group, and it was more prevalent among males in all age groups. In addition, there was an overall positive association between SDI and the burden of gout between 1990 and 2019. In 2019, high BMI (46.1%) was the largest contributor to the burden of gout in the MENA region.

Conclusion

There were large intercountry variations in the burden of gout, but in general, it has increased in MENA over the last 3 decades. This increase is in line with the global trends of gout. However, the age-standardized YLD rate change was higher in MENA than at the global level.
The Opportunities and Challenges of Telemedicine in the Management of People With Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Taylor Peter C.
Published: September 2022

As a specialty, rheumatology predominantly provides care for people living with chronic musculoskeletal disease. Most of the patient care delivered in contemporary rheumatology services is provided on an outpatient basis, whereas the need for inpatient care has declined over the last 2 decades in parallel with the expanding availability of effective therapeutics that can be administered by patients in their own home.
Addressing the Rheumatology Workforce Shortage: A Question of Supply and Demand
Authors: Ruderman Eric M. , Ogdie Alexis
Published: September 2022

The combination of a growing and aging population and advances in treatment have increased demands for rheumatology services across the world. In the United States, a shrinking rheumatology workforce, driven by retirements and a shift toward part-time work, coupled with this increased demand, has led to estimates that the demand for rheumatology clinical providers will outstrip supply by over 100% by 2030.1
Relaxation dynamics of SIR-flocks with random epidemic states
Authors: Ha Seung-Yeal , Park Hansol , Yang Seoyeon
Published: September 2022

We study the collective dynamics of a multi-particle system with three epidemic states as an internal state. For the collective modeling of active particle system, we adopt modeling spirits from the swarmalator model and the SIR epidemic model for the temporal evolution of particles' position and internal states. Under suitable assumptions on system parameters and non-collision property of initial spatial configuration, we show that the proposed model does not admit finite-time collisions so that the standard Cauchy-Lipschitz theory can be applied for the global well-posedness. For the relaxation dynamics, we provide several sufficient frameworks leading to the relaxation dynamics of the proposed model. The proposed sufficient frameworks are formulated in terms of system parameters and initial configuration. Under such sufficient frameworks, we show that the state configuration relaxes to the fixed constant configuration via the exponentially perturbed gradient system and explicit dynamics of the SIR model. We present explicit lower and upper bounds for the minimal and maximal relative distances.
Ant colony optimization algorithm and fuzzy logic for switched reluctance generator control
Authors: Tarik Rabyi , Adil Brouri
Published: September 2022

This article discusses two methods to control the output voltage of switched reluctance generators (SRGs) used in wind generator systems. To reduce the ripple of the SRG output voltage, a closed-loop voltage control technique has been designed. In the first method, a proportional-integral (PI) controller is used. The parameters of the PI controller are tuned based on the voltage variation. The SRG is generally characterized by strong nonlinearities. However, finding appropriate values for the PI controller is not an easy task. To overcome this problem and simplify the process of tuning the PI controller parameters, a solution based on the ant colony optimization algorithm (ACO) was developed. To settle the PI parameters, several cost functions are used in the implementation of the ACO algorithm. To control the SRG output voltage, a second method was developed based on the fuzzy logic controller. Unlike several previous works, the proposed methods, ACO and fuzzy logic control, are easy to implement and can solve numerous optimization problems. To check the best approach, a comparison between the two methods was performed. Finally, to show the effectiveness of this study, we present examples of simulations that entail the use of a three-phase SRG with a 12/8 structure and SIMULINK tools.
Biological emergent properties in non-spiking neural networks
Authors: Naudin Loïs
Published: September 2022

A central goal of neuroscience is to understand the way nervous systems work to produce behavior. Experimental measurements in freely moving animals (e.g. in the C. elegans worm) suggest that ON- and OFF-states in non-spiking nervous tissues underlie many physiological behaviors. Such states are defined by the collective activity of non-spiking neurons with correlated up- and down-states of their membrane potentials. How these network states emerge from the intrinsic neuron dynamics and their couplings remains unclear. In this paper, we develop a rigorous mathematical framework for better understanding their emergence. To that end, we use a recent simple phenomenological model capable of reproducing the experimental behavior of non-spiking neurons. The analysis of the stationary points and the bifurcation dynamics of this model are performed. Then, we give mathematical conditions to monitor the impact of network activity on intrinsic neuron properties. From then on, we highlight that ON- and OFF-states in non-spiking coupled neurons could be a consequence of bistable synaptic inputs, and not of intrinsic neuron dynamics. In other words, the apparent up- and down-states in the neuron's bimodal voltage distribution do not necessarily result from an intrinsic bistability of the cell. Rather, these states could be driven by bistable presynaptic neurons, ubiquitous in non-spiking nervous tissues, which dictate their behaviors to their postsynaptic ones.
Weakly perceived object detection based on an improved CenterNet
Authors: Zhou Jing , Chen Ze , Huang Xinhan
Published: September 2022

Nowadays, object detection methods based on deep neural networks have been widely applied in autonomous driving and intelligent robot systems. However, weakly perceived objects with a small size in the complex scenes own too few features to be detected, resulting in the decrease of the detection accuracy. To improve the performance of the detection model in complex scenes, the detector of an improved CenterNet was developed via this work to enhance the feature representation of weakly perceived objects. Specifically, we replace the ResNet50 with ResNext50 as the backbone network to enhance the ability of feature extraction of the model. Then, we append the lateral connection structure and the dilated convolution to improve the feature enhancement layer of the CenterNet, leading to enriched features and enlarged receptive fields for the weakly sensed objects. Finally, we apply the attention mechanism in the detection head of the network to enhance the key information of the weakly perceived objects. To demonstrate the effectiveness, we evaluate the proposed model on the KITTI dataset and COCO dataset. Compared with the original model, the average precision of multiple categories of the improved CenterNet for the vehicles and pedestrians in the KITTI dataset increased by 5.37%, whereas the average precision of weakly perceived pedestrians increased by 9.30%. Moreover, the average precision of small objects (AP_S) of the weakly perceived small objects in the COCO dataset increase 7.4%. Experiments show that the improved CenterNet can significantly improve the average detection precision for weakly perceived objects.
Reconnecting the Cinchona (Rubiaceae) collections of the “Real Expedición Botánica al Virreinato del Perú” (1777-1816)
Authors: Walker Kim , García Guillén Esther , Allasi Canales Nataly , Medina Leopoldo , Driver Felix , Rønsted Nina , Nesbitt Mark
Published: September 2022

During the “Real Expedición Botánica al Virreinato del Perú”, 1777-1816, Hipólito Ruiz López (1754-1816), José Antonio Pavón Jiménez (1754-1840), Juan José Tafalla Navascués (1755-1811) and Juan Agustín Manzanilla (fl. 1793-1816) collected economically important specimens of anti-malarial cinchona bark (Cinchona spp.). In the 230 years since, these specimens have been dispersed across institutions in Spain, Britain, Germany and Italy. Two major sub-collections of these are found at the Real Jardín Botánico, Madrid, Spain (n = 243), and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, UK (n = 188). The Kew collection arrived in Britain through Pavón and other Spanish botanists selling part of the collections. This study traces the history, trajectory and relationship of the collections between the two institutes.
On the original material of Senecio dombeyanus (Compositae), an interesting case linking the herbaria G, MA, and P
Authors: Calvo Joel
Published: September 2022

The name Senecio dombeyanus DC. has disparately been treated over time depending on the authors because of the uncertainty concerning the provenance of the original material, which was collected during the “Expedición Botánica al Virreinato del Perú”, namely by Joseph Dombey. This issue is clarified here, as well as its implications on the Bolivian flora. Furthermore, a lectotype is designated for the name S. cremeiflorus Mattf., and the name S. amplus J.Rémy is synonymized with S. smithii DC.
Berichtgeving in Belgische kranten over Brussel als woonplaats
Authors: Bauwens Joke , Verhoest Pascal , Braak Petrus te
Published: September 2022

L’image extrêmement négative de Bruxelles dans la presse, souvent citée comme un facteur expliquant le manque d’attrait de la ville en tant que lieu de vie, fait rarement l’objet de recherches. Cette étude porte sur la façon dont les journaux belges présentent la vie bruxelloise, ainsi que sur la façon dont ces représentations sont corrélées à des schémas culturels plus généraux qui influent sur les perceptions de la population. Une analyse des correspondances multiples nous a permis de constater que dans l’ensemble, la presse regroupe des concepts pour forger deux représentations diamétralement opposées : la première correspond à une perception « phobique » de Bruxelles, centrée sur les aspects négatifs de la vie citadine, tandis que la seconde traduit une vision « cosmopolite » de la capitale, l’accent étant mis sur son dynamisme et sur d’autres atouts qui lui sont propres. En outre, en matière de description de la vie bruxelloise, les différences entre les journaux tiennent davantage à leur orientation (élitaire ou populaire) qu’à la langue de publication (néerlandais ou français).
De la bourgeoisie à la vie d’artiste. Crises de succession et socialisation anticipatrice
Authors: Roux Nicolas
Published: September 2022

Comment comprendre l’orientation des individus vers une vie d’artiste peu établie et incertaine (mais relativement prestigieuse) ? En s’intéressant notamment à l’héritage familial, l’article, à partir de l’analyse biographique des trajectoires de comédien·ne·s issu·e·s des fractions économiques des classes supérieures, éclaire l’effet d’attraction du champ artistique. Cette attraction fait sens par rapport au rejet d’un héritage perçu comme (petit) bourgeois et incarné par l’ambition ou la prétention des parents. Ce rejet puise dans deux logiques, solidaires entre elles : la volonté de ne pas reproduire les dominations sociale et masculine expérimentées dans la famille et l’espace local d’origine ; et l’adhésion à la vie d’artiste et à ses croyances structurantes (vocation, singularité, désintéressement). Ces trajectoires renseignent au final sur la façon dont les rapports sociaux (ici principalement de classe et de sexe) peuvent s’imbriquer pour façonner des espérances en amont d’un projet professionnel et de formation artistique. Elles donnent ainsi à voir un type particulier de socialisation anticipatrice.
From the Bourgeoisie to the Life of an Artist: Crises of Succession and Anticipatory Socialization
Authors: Roux Nicolas
Published: September 2022

How should we understand certain individuals’ orientation toward the unsettled, uncertain (although relatively prestigious) life of an artist? This article is based on biographical analyses of the life trajectories of actors and actresses from the economic fractions of the upper classes, and focuses in particular on family inheritance. The attraction to the artistic field makes sense in connection with artists’ rejection of a family inheritance perceived to be bourgeois or petty bourgeois, embodied in the ambitions or expectations of their parents. This rejection stems from two interconnected logics: on the one hand, a desire not to reproduce the social domination and male domination experienced within an artist’s family and place of origin; and on the other, an adherence to the life of an artist and its structuring beliefs (vocation, individuality, economic disinterest). Ultimately, the life trajectories of these artists show how social relations (here, primarily relations of class and sex) can intertwine to shape an aspiring artist’s hopes, even before they have formulated career plan or engaged in any artistic training—thus demonstrating a particular type of anticipatory socialization.
L’urgence du documentaire. Entretien avec Keira Maameri
Authors: Delaporte Chloé , Mayenga Evélia , Maameri Keira
Published: September 2022

Cet entretien avec la documentariste Keira Maameri porte à la fois sur ses quatre films, qui abordent les rapports de domination dans les mondes de la culture autour de thèmes variés (le deuil dans les textes de rap français, les artistes femmes dans la culture hip-hop, le rapport des rappeurs à l'islam et l'étiquette « écrivain·e de banlieue »), et sur sa propre expérience artistique. En complément des articles scientifiques qui composent le dossier thématique de ce numéro, cet entretien éclaire par la marge les enjeux sociaux imbriqués que pose la création artistique des artistes minorisé·e·s en contexte français.
Rap on Trial: The Political and Legal Battles Over Jo le Phéno and Nick Conrad’s Music Videos
Authors: Carinos Vasquez Emmanuelle
Published: September 2022

Through the ethnography of two trials—of rapper Jo le Phéno, under investigation for his track “Bavure”, and of Nick Conrad for “PLB”—this article analyses the role of the law in the social construction of the rap genre. While recent commentary by legal experts emphasizes the idea of a “legal shield” for rap, both artists were sentenced in the court of first instance. The article aims to shed light on the paradox of apparently protective case law yet still-frequent convictions. Comparative analysis of the two cases identifies the position taken by the legal institution by which it defines incriminated tracks’ access to the status of work of art and to legitimate and legal politically engaged speech, drawing from interactions, categories, and cross-representations of social relations of power (age, class, sex, and race). The hearings, perceived as a space of symbolic violence, document a dynamic common to both trials: the court’s reversal of the artists’ use of a confessional style and an anchoring in reality as artistic choices made to illegitimise the work and the defendants. The latter are then categorized via the assignment of marginalizing labels which devalue and distance them from the status of artist as it is nevertheless recognized in case law. Through these two cases, we see how the law constructs the “paradoxical (il)legitimacy” of rap, as identified by Karim Hammou in the 2010s (2012, 2016): a genre that is neither fully legitimized nor fully illegitimate, but which is singled out as a minority-group art form—an ambivalence that explains the coexistence of protective case law and convictions.
Le Nord comme territoire. Poétique et écologie du paysage dans les haïkus de Tomas Tranströmer
Authors: Briens Sylvain
Published: September 2022

Le propos de cet article est de comprendre, à travers l’étude des haïkus du poète suédois Tomas Tranströmer, comment le Nord s’est construit comme un territoire. Les haïkus de Tomas Tranströmer cherchent, par une poétique du silence, à saisir les phénomènes, les structures et l’esprit du lieu naturel et développent une écologie et une poésie du paysage. Ils expriment un rapport nordique singulier avec la nature et affirment la dimension existentielle du Nord comme territoire. Leur lecture nous invite à réfléchir sur comment habiter le Nord aujourd’hui, entre contraintes économiques et impératifs écologiques.
Mapping Successful Countering Violent Extremism Strategies for Implementation in Bangladesh
Authors: Amit Sajid , Kafy Abdulla-Al , Barua Lumbini
Published: September 2022

Bangladesh, already troubled by the malady of violent extremism (VE), has become particularly vulnerable to radicalization via the internet, with one of the world's largest adolescent populations adopting the internet and social media. Countering VE (CVE) practitioners frequently assert that extremists are increasingly relying on technological innovations to recruit naive youths to their cause, which they believe is a trend that is accelerating. This research examines existing programs throughout the world in the area of disruptive technologies that have had some impact in the areas of preventing and combating VE (P/CVE). Secondary research and expert interviews were used in conjunction with each other to develop the technique. The report outlines successful efforts in technology-based initiatives that have been implemented in Bangladesh as a result of the knowledge gathered in the process. After that, proposals for CVE deployment techniques have been suggested, which might possibly be adopted or coordinated by USAID and other funders and practitioners in the field of P/CVE.
Pornification of the Cyberspace During Intrastate Conflicts
Authors: Karakuş Muhammed , Ak Ömer
Published: September 2022

Beyond the physical world around us, a deeply penetrating digital world or cyberspace began to bring about new opportunities and threats for national and international actors. The violent non-state actors (VNSAs) are not exempt from this development. Above all, the age of cyberspace changed the propaganda and recruitment strategies of the VNSAs. Armed groups acting in intrastate wars that want to recruit individuals and increase their supporters now reach people more effectively through cyberspace. Women play an important role at this point. Numerous studies explain various dimensions of the changing role of women in intrastate wars. Rather than a simplistic division of roles between men and women, some organizations began to present women as respected members rather than baits and sexual objects. By observing propaganda made by the VNSAs in cyberspace, this study shows how women are used differently to recruit new members and receive international support comparatively. In this sense, the study focuses on female fighters' role and representation in cyberspace.
Political Vigilante Violence as a Weapon of Empowerment Among Socially Excluded Ghanaian Youth
Authors: Tweneboah Seth , Clottey Ezekiel
Published: September 2022

This chapter aims to draw the connection between social exclusion, disenchantment, and political vigilante violence in Ghana. The chapter frames political vigilante violence as an alternative weapon of empowerment for deprived and disenchanted Ghanaian youth. It argues that in the face of the post-independent Ghanaian state's inability to attend to the needs of the increasing youthful population leading to patterns of marginalization, many of the youth align themselves with political parties as a form of social, economic, and other existential security. Drawing on the experiences of the young population of Agbogbloshie, a slum area of Ghana's capital city, as a focal point, the chapter presents political vigilante violence as a function of social exclusion and presents an analysis of the ways in which disenchanted Ghanaian youth deploy violence as a channel to gain a voice and recognition in the public arena.
Vietnamese Teaching Practitioners as Doctoral Students Learning-to-Teach, Teaching, and Assessing Students of and for Social Justice
Authors: Cao Phuong Thi Hong , Vu Tung Ngoc
Published: September 2022

This chapter presents a reflective account of two practitioners, doctoral students from Vietnam learning to teach, teaching and assessing students in teritary EFL context for interculturality. Informed by King and Kasun's social justice framework, the researchers employed a duo-ethnographic approach to exploring their transnational process of co-constructing knowledge of social justice and transforming into responsible educators for interculturality. Data revealed that the researched participants' educational backgrounds, overseas engagement, and research-to-pedagogy perspectives have facilitated their sense of intercultural communication, which in turn shaped their socially-just personal, academic, and professional decisions.
On Promoting Social Justice in the Privileged and Multilingual Study Abroad Context
Authors: Seidl Eva
Published: September 2022

This chapter focuses on the multilingual and multicultural classroom in the privileged context of study abroad. In such an international classroom, exchange students from diverse academic, linguistic, and cultural backgrounds meet and interact for a limited period of time. However, too often, the interplay between privilege and responsibility is not adequately addressed, and the study abroad context misses the chance of educational justice-oriented work. The purpose of this chapter is to link social justice education with intercultural communicative competence as well as with culturally and emotionally responsive teaching practices.
A Study on the Impact of COVID-19 on Street Vendors in India
Authors: Dokku Srinivasa Rao , Jampala Rajesh C. , Lakshmi P. Adi
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a dramatic loss of human life worldwide and presents an unprecedented challenge to public health, food systems, and the world of work. The economic and social disruption caused by the pandemic is devastating: tens of millions of people are at risk of falling into extreme poverty, while the number of undernourished people, currently estimated at nearly 690 million, could increase by up to 132 million by the end of the year. This chapter analyses the impact of COVID-19 on livelihood of street vendors in India. The study was conducted in Vijayawada City, Andhra Pradesh, India. The study considered 100 street vendors covering all types of street vendors like food vendors, flower vendors, vegetable vendors, etc. Analysis of the data showed that COVID-19 had a significant impact on the street vendors in the selected cities. During COVID-19, street vendors' revenues, profits, savings, number of customers, and working hours have dropped significantly. At the same time, household spending, debt per provider, and healthcare costs have increased significantly.
Blockchain Technology With the Internet of Things in Manufacturing Data Processing Architecture
Authors: Pal Kamalendu
Published: September 2022

Modern manufacturing logistics and supply chain have transformed into highly complex value-creating business networks. It has become increasingly challenging to cross-check the source of raw materials and maintain visibility of products and merchandise while moving through the value chain network. This way, the high complexity of manufacturing business processes and the continuously growing amount of information lead to extraordinary demand to find an appropriate data processing architecture for the global manufacturing industry. The internet of things (IoT) applications can help manufacturing companies track, trace, and monitor products, business activities, and processes within the respective value chain networks. Combining with IoT, blockchain technology can enable a broader range of different application scenarios to improve value chain transparency. This chapter presents a hybrid (i.e., IoT, blockchain, service-oriented computing) data processing architecture for the manufacturing industry.
Current Trends in Integrating the Blockchain With Cloud-Based Internet of Things
Authors: J. V. Anchitaalagammai , S. Kavitha , S. Murali , P. R. Hemalatha , T. Subanachiar
Published: September 2022

Blockchains are shared, immutable ledgers for recording the history of transactions. They substitute a new generation of transactional applications that establish trust, accountability, and transparency. It enables contract partners to secure a deal without involving a trusted third party. The internet of things (IoT) is rapidly changing our society to a world where every “thing” is connected to the internet, making computing pervasive like never before. It is increasingly becoming a ubiquitous computing service, requiring huge volumes of data storage and processing. The stable growth of the internet of things (IoT) and the blockchain technology popularized by cryptocurrencies has led to efforts to change the centralized nature of the IoT. Adapting the blockchain technology for use in the IoT is one such efforts. This chapter focuses on blockchain-IoT research directions and to provide an overview of the importance of blockchain-based solutions for cloud data manipulation in IoT.
An Artificial Intelligence Approach for the Detection of Cervical Abnormalities
Authors: Salamalekis Evangelos , Pouliakis Abraham , Margari Niki , Kottaridi Christine , Spathis Aris , Karakitsou Effrosyni , Gouloumi Alina-Roxani , Leventakou Danai , Chrelias George , Valasoulis George , Nasioutziki Maria , Kyrgiou Maria , Dinas Konstantinos , Panayiotides Ioannis G , Paraskevaidis Evangelos , Chrelias Charalampos
Published: September 2022

Numerous ancillary techniques detecting HPV DNA or mRNA are viewed as competitors or ancillary techniques to test Papanicolaou. However, no technique is perfect because sensitivity increases at the cost of specificity. Various methods have been applied to resolve this issue by using many examination results, such as classification and regression trees and supervised artificial neural networks. In this article, 1258 cases with results from test Pap, HPV DNA, HPV mRNA, and p16 were used to evaluate the performance of the self-organizing map (SOM). An artificial neural network has three advantages: it is unsupervised, can tolerate missing data, and produces topographical maps. The results of the SOM application were encouraging and produced maps depicting the important tests.