bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidirectional myocardial function in bicuspid aortic valve stenosis patients: a three-dimensional speckle tracking analysis
Authors: Deng Wenhui , Li Yuman , Zhang Li , Yang Yali , Lv Qing , Tan Yuting , He Shukun , Zhang Yichan , Xie Mingxing , Wang Jing
Published: January 2024

Purpose
The effects of aortic stenosis (AS) progression on multidirectional myocardial function in BAV patients has still not elucidated, although early left ventricular longitudinal myocardial dysfunction is known to be presented in BAV patients with normal function. The aim of the study was to evaluate the multidirectional myocardial functions of BAV patients.
Methods
A total of 86 BAV patients (age 46.71 ± 13.62 years, 69.4% men) with normally functioning (BAV-nf), mild AS, moderate AS, and severe AS with preserved left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF ≥ 50%) were included. 30 healthy volunteers were recruited as the control group. Multidirectional strain and volume analysis were performed by three-dimensional speckle tracking echocardiography(3D-STE).
Results
Global longitudinal strain (GLS), and global radial strain (GRS) were reduced in BAV-nf patients compared with the controls. With each categorical the increase of AS severity from BAV-nf to severe AS, there was an associated progressive impairment of GLS and GRS (all P < 0.001). The global circumferential strain (GCS) did not change significantly from BAV-nf to mild AS but was starting damaged from moderate AS. Multiple linear regressions indicated that indexed aortic valve area (AVA/BSA), as a measure of AS severity, was an independent determinant of GLS, GCS and GRS.
Conclusions
Left ventricular myocardial damage occurs earlier in BAV patients. With each categorical increase in the grade of AS severity from normally functioning to severe aortic stenosis, there was an associated progressive impairment of longitudinal myocardial. Furthermore, circumferential myocardial function was starting damaged from moderate AS. AVA/BSA was independently associated with multidirectional myocardial function injuries.
Comprehensive Analysis of PSME2 and Its Significant Role in Non- small cell lung cancer
Authors: Ma Xuemei , Jiang XiaoLi , Han Yu , Zhou Binjian , Song Mengxue , Wu Qingtian , Hou Xia
Published: January 2024

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common subtype of lung cancer, but its mechanisms of occurrence and development remain incompletely understood. The proteasome activator complex subunit 2 (PSME2) is a member of the family of protease-activating subgenes and is strongly associated with the emergence of several cancer types. However, the role of PSME2 in NSCLC is unclear. In this study, we investigated the clinical significance and prognostic value of PSME2 expression in NSCLC progression. We utilized data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database for bioinformatic analyses. We carried out experimental validation at both the tissue and cellular levels. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) and various databases, such as Kaplan-Meier Plotter (KM), STRING, Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), TIMER2.0, were used to investigate the role of PSME2 in NSCLC. Statistical analysis was performed using R (v.4.3.1). Our findings revealed the predictive significance of PSME2 in NSCLC patients. PSME2 is highly expressed in pathological tissues and cell lines of NSCLC patients. PSME2 expression was associated with patient's age, sex, tumor stage, lymph node stage, pathological stage. GSEA analysis identified associations between PSME2 and extracellular matrix organization, as well as immune-related pathways. Immunological analysis revealed a positive correlation between the level of immune cell permeation, the activation of anti-tumor immune cycle stages, and the level of PSME2 expression. Identifying PSME2 as a novel biomarker for NSCLC could shed light on the promotion of NSCLC development by the immune environment.
Neural patterning of P19 cells derived embryoid bodies: an analogic perspective
Authors: Sadaghiani Sahar , Sardar Reza , Hassanzadeh Sajad , Namjoo Zeinab
Published: January 2024

Research conducted on neuron differentiation from different cells is very limited. This research examined the patterning of differentiated neural cells in embryoid bodies (EBs) of two groups, hanging drop cells and aggregate cells obtained from P19 cells. P19 cells are a type of mouse embryonic carcinoma cells that can irreversibly differentiate into nerve cells by retinoic acid. P19 cell line was cultured in Minimum Essential Medium Alpha Medium in two hanging drop and aggregation methods. After 4 days, the EBs obtained from both methods were suspended into control and 1μM RA groups. A Real-Time PCR method and an inverted microscope were applied to evaluate neurons 8 days after induction. Using both hanging drop and aggregation methods, long and branched processes emerged from different parts of the cells by the end of the eighth day. Evaluation and comparison of the expression level of neural differentiation markers, including Nes, TUB βIII, and Map2, showed no significant difference between the two groups. However, aggregation group neurons exhibited higher levels of Nes mRNA. Neuronal identity markers, which represent the identity of the resulting neurons in EBs, revealed no significant difference between hanging drop and aggregation groups. The two above-mentioned methods can result in significant and similar differentiation of EBs into motor neuron-like neurons with spatial identity along the rostro-caudal axis under RA induction. This can be considered as a basis for nerve cell differentiation and transplantation in vitro and in vivo.
Simultaneous Removal of COD, NH3-N, and Turbidity from Sanitary Landfill Leachate using CB-PAC Particles: Isotherm Modelling and Treatment Assessment
Authors: OGEDEY Aysenur , OGUZ Ensar
Published: January 2024

This study aims to research the synchronous adsorption of COD, NH3-N, and turbidity from landfill leachate using coal-based powdered activated carbon (CB-PAC), examine its Langmuir adsorption capacities, and compare them to those of other commercial activated carbons. BET area and pore volume, FTIR spectra, SEM-EDX images, and zeta potential values of CB-PAC particles were investigated as well in order to comprehend the adsorption mechanism. Turbidity, NH3-N, and COD removal fit the Langmuir isotherm model due to their high correlation coefficients (R2 0.99, 0.98, and 0.99). The Langmuir capacities of CB-PAC particles for the concurrent adsorption of COD, NH3-N, and turbidity were revealed to be 500 mg O2/g, 17.5 mg/g, and 18 mg (NH2)2H2SO4/g. The optimum COD, NH3-N, and turbidity removal efficiencies at pH 5 were identified as 47.8%, 26.5%, and 51.8%, respectively. The CB-PAC particles' NH3-N and COD removal capacities were higher than other PAC particles reported in the literature. The strong adsorption capacities of the CB-PAC particles allow them to efficiently adsorb turbidity, NH3-N, and COD in the landfill leachate.
IoT Workload Offloading Efficient Intelligent Transport System in Federated ACNN Integrated Cooperated Edge-Cloud Networks
Authors: Lakhan Abdullah , Grønli Tor-Morten , Bellavista Paolo , Memon Sajida , Thinnukool Orawit , Alharby Maher
Published: January 2024

Intelligent transport systems (ITS) provide various cooperative edge cloud services for roadside vehicular applications. These applications offer additional diversity, including ticket validation across transport modes and vehicle and object detection to prevent road collisions. Offloading among cooperative edge and cloud networks plays a key role when these resources constrain devices (e.g., vehicles and mobile) to offload their workloads for execution. ITS used different machine learning and deep learning methods for decision automation. However, the self-autonomous decision-making processes of these techniques require significantly more time and higher accuracy for the aforementioned applications on the road-unit side.Thus, this paper presents the new offloading ITS for IoT vehicles in cooperative edge cloud networks. We present the augmented convolutional neural network (ACNN) that trains the workloads on different edge nodes. The ACNN allows users and machine learning methods to work together, making decisions for offloading and scheduling workload execution. This paper presents an augmented federated learning scheduling scheme (AFLSS). An algorithmic method called AFLSS comprises different sub-schemes that work together in the ITS paradigm for IoT applications in transportation. These sub-schemes include ACNN, offloading, scheduling, and security. Simulation results demonstrate that, in terms of accuracy and total time for the considered problem, the AFLSS outperforms all existing methods.
Human-computer interaction using artificial intelligence-based expert prioritization and neuro quantum fuzzy picture rough sets for identity management choices of non-fungible tokens in the Metaverse
Authors: Kou Gang , Dinçer Hasan , Pamucar Dragan , Yüksel Serhat , Deveci Muhammet , Olaru Gabriela Oana , Eti Serkan
Published: January 2024

Necessary improvements should be made to increase the effectiveness of non-fungible tokens on the Metaverse platform without having extra costs. For the purpose of handing this process more efficiently, there is a need to determine the most important factors for a more successful integration of non-fungible tokens into this platform. Accordingly, this study aims to determine the appropriate the identity management choices of non-fungible tokens in the Metaverse. There are three different stages in the proposed novel fuzzy decision-making model. The first stage includes prioritizing the expert choices with artificial intelligence-based decision-making methodology. Secondly, the criteria sets for managing non-fungible tokens are weighted by using Quantum picture fuzzy rough sets-based M-SWARA methodology. Finally, the identity management choices regarding non-fungible tokens in the Metaverse are ranked with Quantum picture fuzzy rough sets oriented VIKOR. The main contribution of this study is that artificial intelligence methodology is integrated to the fuzzy decision-making modelling to differentiate the experts. With the help of this situation, it can be possible to create clusters for the experts. Hence, the opinions of experts outside this group may be excluded from the scope. It has been determined that security must be ensured first to increase the use of non-fungible tokens on the Metaverse platform. Similarly, technological infrastructure must also be sufficient to achieve this objective. Moreover, biometrics for unique identification has the best ranking performance among the alternatives. Privacy with authentication plays also critical role for the effectiveness of this process.
Trends in malaria prevalence in the Jakiri Health District in Cameroon over a 16- year period (2006-2021): A retrospective study
Authors: Ndang Ndong Henry , Mengnjo Njodzela Christian , Masumbe Palmer Netongo , Chuye Ngala Hanson , Chu Chuo Ennestine , Enos Juliana Yartey , Amambua-Ngwa Alfred , Cheng Ndong Ignatius
Published: January 2024

Background
Malaria remains a serious public health concern, particularly in regions with favorable climatic conditions for transmission. The Jakiri Health District in the North-West Region of Cameroon is endemic to malaria, exhibiting significant burden and unique epidemiological characteristics. Understanding the dynamics of malaria prevalence in this district is vital for developing targeted interventions, optimizing resources, and guiding public health policies. We report the trends in malaria prevalence over a 16-year period in the Jakiri Health District, Cameroon.
Methods
Data was collected retrospectively through review of consultation, laboratory and prescription registers of the Jakiri District Hospital. Data was double entered, cross-checked, and analyzed using SPSS statistical software and Microsoft Excel.
Results
A total of 3,800 febrile patients were recorded from 2006 to 2021 with 2,318 (61.0%) being females and 1,482 (39.0%) males. A quarter of the patients (24.9%) were confirmed malaria positive. Malaria prevalence showed a fluctuating yet increasing pattern between 2006 and 2021. Confirmed malaria cases increased from 19.7% in 2006 through 21.3% in 2008 to 26.1% in 2009. Between 2009 and 2014, malaria cases dropped from 26.1–16.0%, then, increased steadily to a peak of 39.8% in 2019 and declined again to 24.8% in 2021. Malaria prevalence was higher in males (27.2%) than in females (23.0%), and the odds of having malaria were higher in males than in females (OR = 1.28, 95% CI 1.10–1.49). Of those tested, children aged 1 to < 5yrs and 5 to < 15 years were most affected by malaria during the study period.
Conclusion
Malaria prevalence was found to have increased in trend from 2006 to 2009, decreased during 2009 to 2014, and increased again from 2014 to 2019, with significant fluctuation across the study period. Children < 15 years remained the most vulnerable to malaria infection with males carrying the highest malaria burden in the locality. A shift in malaria burden from children under 5yrs to 5 to < 15yrs was observed during the period.
Induced senescence and calcification in anaplastic meningioma
Authors: Yokogami Kiyotaka , Watanabe Takashi , Yamashita Shinji , Mizuguchi Asako , Takeshima Hideo
Published: January 2024

Purpose. Meningiomas are the most common type of brain tumors and are generally benign, but malignant atypical meningiomas and anaplastic meningiomas frequently recur with poor prognosis. The metabolism of meningiomas is little known, so few effective treatment options other than surgery and radiation are available, and the targets for treatment of recurrence are not well defined. The Aim of this paper is to find the therapeutic target.
Methods. This study focused on meningioma metabolism and demonstrated that bone morphogenetic protein (BMP) signaling regulates meningioma growth, cellular senescence, and calcification.
Results. Inhibitors of BMP receptor (BMPR1A) and forced expression of Gremlin2 (GREM2) shifted tryptophan metabolism from kynurenine/quinolinic acid production to serotonin production in malignant meningiomas, reduced NAD+/NADH production, decreased gene cluster expression involved in oxidative phosphorylation, and caused decrease in ATP. Finally, malignant meningiomas underwent cellular senescence, decreased proliferation, and eventually formed psammoma bodies. We reanalyzed RNA-sequencing data of clinical samples obtained from GEO RNA-seq Experiments Interactive Navigator, a public database, and found that increased expression of GREM2 decreased the expression of genes involved in oxidative phosphorylation, similar to our experimental results.
Conclusions. The GREM2-BMPR1A-tryptophan metabolic pathway in meningiomas is a potential new therapeutic target.
Psychometric Evaluation of the German version of the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale
Authors: Zapf Holger , Boettcher Johannes
Published: January 2024

Background: The quality of dyadic Parent-Child Communication (PCC) between parents and their adolescent children may be important for the adolescent’s general development and mental health during adolescence. Since German instruments for measuring PCC are still lacking, this study aimed to validate the German translation of the Parent-Adolescent Communication Scale (PACS), an internationally established self-report questionnaire.
Methods: To examine the theoretical-based two-factor model of the PACS in a German population sample of 1044 parent-adolescent dyads, confirmatory factor analyses were used. Moreover, the cross-group measurement invariance of the instrument was assessed. Two clinical samples were used to assess discriminative validity. Bland-Altman plots were used to asses parent-adolescent agreement.
Results: The two-factor structure of the PACS was supported. Scalar measurement invariance was established for parent age groups and adolescent gender but not for adolescent age groups and parent gender. Convergent and divergent validity were established. Discriminative validity was only established for the adolescent version in the adolescent psychiatry sample. Test-retest reliability was satisfactory, and rater agreement was medium.
Conclusion: The German translation of the PACS is a reliable and valid measurement to assess parent-adolescent communication quality per self-report. Research directions include the concordance discrepancy in clinical samples and further investigation of changes in parents’ and adolescents’ perspectives on problem and open communication.
Registration: NCT05332236 (clinicaltrials.gov), first registered 2022-04-11.
How do NMDA and AMPA receptors share a common regulatory mechanism that underlies the NMDAR-dependent LTP and LTD?
Authors: Li Yun-Qing , Huang Fensheng , Fan Bo-Yuan , Chen Ying-Biao , Li Hui , Zhao Tian-Yu , Li Meng-Ying , Bai Yang , Zhang Hua , Zhang Fu-Xing , Tang Jing-Shi , Wigstrom Holger
Published: January 2024

NMDA receptor (NMDAR)-dependent AMPA receptor (AMPAR)-mediated synaptic plasticity, encompassing long-term potentiation (LTP) and depression (LTD), is considered a cellular mechanism for learning and memory. However, the intertwined regulatory mechanisms of NMDAR and AMPAR-mediated synaptic plasticity are not yet fully understood. Here, we discovered that activating either NMDAR, AMPAR, or both leads to an activity-dependent synaptic depression, which is independent of Ca2+. Interestingly, even stimulating NMDAR at a test frequency of 0.1 Hz was able to induce LTP. Yet, this induction was impeded by antagonists of ryanodine receptors or CaMKII. We also observed that the activity-dependent synaptic depression is developmentally regulated and could be reversed by NMDAR-induced Ca2+-dependent upregulation. Furthermore, postsynaptic responses driven by both NMDAR and AMPAR displayed additive effects and synchronously shifted throughout the synaptic plasticity processes. This synchronous evolution indicates a shared regulatory mechanism. Based on previous studies and our current findings, it is suggested that a dynamic balance between activity-dependent dephosphorylation and CaMKII-dependent rephosphorylation of postsynaptic glutamate receptor functional sites guides the direction of NMDAR-dependent, AMPAR-mediated synaptic plasticity.
Analgesic efficacy and safety of regional anesthesia methods in the perioperative period of surgical treatment of unstable spinal fractures: a randomized study
Authors: Morunova A. Yu. , Ezhevskaya Anna A.
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION: Perioperative anesthesia in spinal surgery is important areas of anesthesiology. Comparison of spine-straightening muscle block (Erector spinae plane block, ESP block) and epidural anesthesia (EA) during spinal surgery may access its effectiveness and safety. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of a single and extended ESP block compared with epidural analgesia in the perioperative period of treatment of unstable vertebral fractures. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective trial involved 110 patients. Three groups of patients were identified: group 1 (n = 35) — with bonuses P block; group 2 (n = 30) — with prolonged ESP block, group 3 (n = 45) — with prolonged epidural analgesia. Systemic hemodynamics, total opioid consumption, pain intensity, complications, the need for additional analgesia were evaluated. RESULTS: There were no differences in hemodynamics and opioid consumption in the intraoperative period. Six hours after surgery the groups with prolonged ESP block (group 2) and prolonged epidural analgesia (group 3) had lower pain indicators on the VAS scale than for group 1. The need for anesthesia (tramadol) for group 1 was significantly higher than for other groups, and amounted to 78 %. The need of opioid was 3 % for group 1, in other groups it was not required. PTR was present in a small percentage in each of the groups, but no statistical differences were found (p = 0.45). In the group with EA, there were 3 cases of urinary retention, 1 case of hip paresthesia. CONCLUSIONS: The use of ESP block allows to achieve effective and safe analgesia during spinal surgery for unstable vertebral fractures. Longer analgesia is provided by prolonged use of the ESP block than by its single use. When compared with prolonged EA, no significant differences were found in the effectiveness of analgesia, the consumption of opioids and the frequency of PTR.
Comment on the article of V.V. Antonova et al. “The effect of a tyrosyl-D-alanyl-glycyl-phenylalanyl-leucyl-arginine diacetate (Dalargin) on oxidative stress in patients with severe combined trauma: a prospective clinical study”
Authors: Grigoryev Evgeny V.
Published: January 2024

Comment on the article of V.V. Antonova et al. “The effect of a tyrosyl-D-alanyl-glycyl-phenylalanyl-leucyl-arginine diacetate (Dalargin) on oxidative stress in patients with severe combined trauma: a prospective clinical study”
Perioperative management of patients with hemostatic system disorders. Methodological recommendations of the All-Russian public organization “Federation of Anesthesiologists and Reanimatologists” and the National Association of Specialists in Thrombosis, Clinical Hemostasiology and Hemorheology
Authors: Zabolotskikh Igor B. , Sinkov S. V. , Bulanov A. Yu. , Vorobyova N. A. , Eremenko A. A. , Kuzovlev A. N. , Kulikov A. V. , Lebedinskii K. M. , Popov A. S. , Roitman E. V.
Published: January 2024

Perioperative coagulation disorders pose a serious risk of life-threatening complications. The article presents methodological recommendations of the Federation of Anesthesiologists and reanimatologists of Russian Federation for the perioperative management of patients with disorders of the hemostatic system, which summarizes aspects of both diagnosis and assessment, and intensive care of congenital and acquired disorders of the coagulation system in the perioperative period. The literature search focused on meta-analyses and randomized controlled trials, but also included registries, non-randomized comparative and descriptive studies, case series, cohort studies, systematic reviews, and expert opinion. The principles of perioperative management of disseminated intravascular coagulation syndrome, hepatic, uremic, traumatic, septic coagulopathy, acquired thrombocytopenia and trobocytopathies, antiphospholipid syndrome, hemophilia A and B, von Willebrand disease and other pathologies are described. For each recommendation, the level of certainty of the evidence and the level of strength of the evidence are presented. The recommendations were developed by experts in the field of perioperative patient management for anesthesiologists and intensive care physicians as a help in making clinical decisions; the final decision for a particular patient is made by the attending physician.
Comparative assessment of the prognostic ability of paediatric Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (pSOFA), paediatric logistic organ dysfunction 2 (PELOD 2) and Vasoactive-Inotropic Score (VIS) in children with septic shock: a retrospective observational study
Authors: Trembach А. V. , Bgane N. M. , Trembach I. A. , Mironov P. I. , Aleksandrovich Yuriy S.
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION: Septic shock is the most severe stage of sepsis in children accompanied by a highest mortality. OBJECTIVE: The aim of the work is to compare an informative significance of pSOFA, PELOD 2 scales and VIS as predictors of mortality in children with septic shock. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The design of the study is retrospective, observational, single-center trial. The study was performed in the Children's Regional Clinical Hospital of Krasnodar. The inclusion criteria were children with septic shock from 9 months to 17 years old. The endpoint of trial was 28-day mortality. Demographic and clinical characteristic were presented with median and average values, also interquartile intervals were counted. Mann-Whitney U-test was used for comparison data received. The discriminatory power, sensitivity and specificity were defined with receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and determination of area under ROC curve (AUC). RESULTS: No one of this trial’s score provides a prediction of children’s survival with sepsis and shock during first 24 hour PICU stay. PELOD 2 and pSOFA scores allow to estimate a prediction from day 3 from PICU stay. Furthermore PELOD 2 score shows a higher informative significance. The VIS has an ability to predict survival on day 5 from admission. CONCLUSIONS: Only the PELOD 2 score has a good discriminatory power regarding the prognosis of survival in children with septic shock after 48 hours of intensive care. The VIS scale allow to assess a severity of cardiovascular dysfunction in children with refractory septic shock with threshold critical value more than 21 points.
Evaluation of Drought Using Meteorological Drought Indices, a Case Study: Alanya (Türkiye)
Authors: GHASEMLOUNIA Redvan , UTLU Mustafa
Published: January 2024

Drought is one of the most important challenges that many countries, especially countries in the Middle East region, are struggling with. Based on this, the study and monitoring of hydrological and drought factors is an important issue that can have a significant impact on management decisions in the field of water resources, especially in crisis management. Therefore, investigating the drought parameters is very important to understand the drought situation of a region. In this study, Alanya region, which is located on the southern coast of Turkey, was selected as a case study for drought analysis. Four drought indices for the selected region including: China Z-Index (CZI), Standardized Precipitation Index (SPI), Modified China Z-Index (MCZI) and Z-Score Index (ZSI) have been investigated. All these indicators have been investigated and evaluated using time scales of 1, 6, 12 and 24 months, the coefficient of determination (R2) has been calculated for each drought index with a different time scale and their results have been compared. The findings of the research showed that SPI and CZI drought indices performed better than other selected drought indices in identifying and effectively tracking drought severity. In addition to the study of dry events, wet events were also investigated, which indicates the presence of consecutive floods in the last years of the studied period in the region. The results indicated similar very dry events for the selected indicators in the 6-month period. Also, the rainfall trend for the period of 2015-2022 was taken into consideration to examine the rainfall of the last eight years. The results show that precipitation has decreased in recent years and has a downward trend in most months of the period in question, and the possibility of flood events due to sudden showers in the region has increased due to the continuation of droughts experienced in the years before 2015. Investigating soil moisture and vegetation for the selected period in the study area is also important for the evaluation of the drought level. Evaluation of the available land (vegetation) cover maps of the years 1975, 1985, 2000, 2010, 2020 and 2022 show that the vegetation cover has weakened over the years, and it has been evaluated as an indicator that the danger of drought in the region has increased.
Análise de Modelos de Aprendizado Profundo para Sistemas Embarcados aplicados à Classificação de Rachaduras em Construções
Authors: Arcanjo Adenilton , Carvalho Ottoni André Luiz
Published: January 2024

A Inteligência Artificial (IA) tem sido aplicada em diversas áreas para otimizar tarefas, agilizar atividades e reduzir custos. Na construção civil, a IA tem sido utilizada atrav es´ do aprendizado de máquina e da visão computacional para automatizar a inspeção visual em obras e construções. Um dos principais usos e na detecção de patologias, como rachaduras, trincas e fissuras em estruturas como edifícios, pontes, tubulaçoes, e afins. Outra área que vem aplicando técnicas de aprendizado de máquina e a de sistemas embarcados. E possível encontrar cada vez mais dispositivos com menor poder de processamento e menor capacidade de memoria utilizando alguma técnica de aprendizado de maquina. Pode-se citar os smartwatches, assistentes virtuais, entre outros. O presente trabalho tem como objetivo selecionar modelos de aprendizado de máquina para a detecção de rachaduras em estruturas de concreto utilizando a plataforma Edge Impulse. Para isso, foram avaliadas diferentes versões da arquitetura de redes neurais MobileNet, levando em consideração critérios como acurácia, consumo de recursos (memoria RAM e capacidade de armazenamento em Flash) e tempo de inferência. Ao término do processo, foram selecionados seis modelos candidatos que demonstraram potencial para serem implementados no dispositivo embarcado. Esses modelos apresentaram uma excelente acurácia, com valores variando de 97% a 99,6%. Além disso, o consumo de memória RAM necessario não ultrapassou 280 Kb, enquanto a utilização de memoria FLASH ficou abaixo de 225 Kb. Em relação ao tempo de inferência, o modelo mais r apido registrou um tempo de 328 ms, enquanto o modelo mais lento atingiu 1240 ms. Todas as configuraçoes da plataforma e a construção do modelo foram realizadas considerando o dispositivo embarcados de referência ESP32-CAM. Espera-se que este trabalho contribua para a seleção de modelos eficientes para a detecção de rachaduras em concretos, facilitando a implementação em sistemas embarcados.
Application of Graph Theory in the Analysis of Query Similarity and Complexity in Relational Databases
Authors: Souza Beatriz , Guedes Luiz Affonso
Published: January 2024

Information Systems constant changes and refactoring processes eventually result in design debts, one of them being related to the database management. Redundancy and complexity are often found in databases and eventually affect the overall system performance. In this study, the analysis conducted was based on graph analysis, which is an essential technique in several fields demanding data management. The investigation involved the study of relationships and connections in a realworld financial organization database, between SQL queries represented as nodes and edges in a graph structure. By analyzing the graph structure and properties, it was possible to identify important nodes, detect clusters of related data, and uncover hidden relationships and redundancy. The results indicate that 50% of the database queries had medium to high similarity in subgraphs, which allows the organization to gain valuable insights into their data, make informed decisions, and optimize their database performance.
MRI Lumbar Spine Semantic Segmentation Using YOLOv8
Authors: Oliveira Fabio , Pinto Luiz Alberto , Almeida Gustavo , Cavalieri Daniel
Published: January 2024

The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as an assistant for diagnosis in imaging exams has already proven to be effective, and is known as Computer-Aided Diagnosis (CAD). This paper evaluates the effectiveness of using a single network, YOLOv8x is the current state-of-the-art in the YOLO family, for lumbar spine detection and segmentation in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) exams. The network was used for detection, classification, and semantic segmentation, generating the masks over the vertebrae, which simplified the implementation and reduced the computational cost. Encouraging results were obtained using a dataset of 1,116 samples (images). The detection step achieved a mean average precision (mAP) of 0.989 at 50% intersection over union (IoU), mAP:50-95 of 0.886, recall of 0.98, and precision of 0.97. For bounding box marking, the following results were achieved: mAP of 0.978 at 50% IoU, mAP:50-95 of 0.882, recall of 0.971, and precision of 0.948. The semantic segmentation step achieved a mAP of 0.978 at 50% IoU, mAP:50-95 of 0.856, recall of 0.971, and precision of 0.948. These results demonstrate the effectiveness of using YOLOv8x for lumbar spine detection and segmentation in MRI exams.
Caracterização de Chapas de Aço utilizando árvores de Decisão Impulsionadas por Gradiente
Authors: Britto Vitor , Simas Filho Eduardo , Albuquerque Maria Clea , Silva Ivan , Farias Cláudia
Published: January 2024

Os Aços Interstitial-Free, também conhecidos como Aços IF, são ligas metálicas amplamente utilizadas na indústria automobilística, mas devido ao seu transporte e armazenamento ocorrerem em forma de bobinas, suas propriedades mecânicas podem ser afetadas. Este estudo, buscou classificar amostras de aço IF, de acordo com a posição de onde foram extraídas da bobina. A técnica de Correntes Parasitas Pulsadas (PEC) foi utilizada para coletar os sinais e técnicas de aprendizado de máquina, para a classificação. Usou-se um conjunto de arvores de decisão impulsionadas por gradiente em combinação com técnicas de processamento de sinais e métodos de redução de dimensionalidade, como a Transformada Rápida de Fourier (FFT), Análise de Componentes Principais (PCA) e a Análise Discriminante Linear (LDA). Os resultados mostraram que a combinação dos sinais FFT com a aplicação da técnica LDA resultou em uma melhor classificação. Esses achados têm o potencial de auxiliar no diagnostico de falhas no processamento e estampagem de chapas de aço IF, contribuindo para a otimização desses processos.
Sistema de Apoio à Decisão para Avaliação de Estruturas Industriais Utilizando a Técnica de Correntes Parasitas Pulsadas e Redes Neurais
Authors: Barbosa Hugo , Silva Junior Manoel Messias , Simas Filho Eduardo , Farias Paulo César , Albuquerque Maria , Silva Ivan , Farias Claudia
Published: January 2024

Inspeções utilizando correntes parasitas pulsadas vem sendo aplicadas no monitoramento de integridade estrutural em equipamentos industriais. Destacando-se na capacidade de detecção de corrosão sob isolamento térmico, uma vez que, não precisa entrar em contato com a superfície do material avaliado, não havendo a necessidade de remoção do isolamento para realização do ensaio. Diante disso, para este trabalho foi desenvolvido um sistema de classificação automático para identificação de defeitos provocados por corrosão em um tubo de aço carbono, usualmente aplicado na indústria petroquímica. Este sistema foi projetado através das topologias Perceptron Multi-Camadas (Multi Layer Perceptron – MLP) e Redes Neurais Recorrentes (Recurrent Neural Networks RNN). Neste caso, utilizou-se o sinal no domínio do tempo do ensaio por correntes parasitas pulsadas como entrada das redes neurais projetadas. Observou-se que os melhores resultados foram alcançados quando utilizado a rede neural recorrente como sistema inteligente.
EFFECT OF FERMENTATION TIME AND ROASTING TEMPERATURE ON THE CHARACTERISTICS OF WINE COFFEE ARABICA SEMERU
Authors:   Universitas Brawijaya, Maligan Jaya Mahar , Kosasih Swandayani Utami ,   Universitas Brawijaya, Nurcholis Mochamad ,   Universitas Brawijaya, Sriherfyna Feronika Heppy ,   Universitas Brawijaya
Published: January 2024

This study was conducted to identify the best fermentation period and roasting temperature for semeru arabica wine coffee. This study used the factorial RSBD research approach (three levels of roasting temperature and four levels of fermentation duration). Physicochemical and organoleptic data were analyzed using ANOVA 5%, LSD 5%, and HSD 5%. Then, the best treatment's ash alkalinity, coffee juice content, and caffeine level were assessed. According to the study, the fermentation period has impact on the moisture level of green beans, the moisture and ash content of roasted beans, acidity, body, and balance. The water and ash content of roasted beans, aroma, flavor, acidity, aftertaste, body, balance, and overall attribute, are influenced by the roasting temperature. Then the interaction between factors significantly affects the water content of roasted beans, flavor, acidity, and body. The best treatment achieved a total score of 81.83 (40 days, 200 °C).
Ecological perspectives on virtual community engagement among university students during and after COVID-19
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed A. , Farghly Safaa A. , Bekhit Takwa S. , Ahmed Abdelwahab D. , Shamrokh Mervat G.
Published: January 2024

This research, conducted at Hail University, explores how university students interact with online communities during and after the COVID-19 pandemic using an ecological perspective. It aims to understand the increased role of these platforms in education and socialization during the pandemic. The study focuses on examining students' views, activities, and motivations in online interactions. A detailed electronic questionnaire was used to investigate students' understanding, use, and application of online communities. It also looked at ecological methods to improve involvement, such as increasing awareness, assessing risks, providing support, and tackling challenges in online communities. Various methods, including content analysis, surveys, case studies, and detailed interviews, were used to test these approaches. The results show that students frequently use online communities, with no significant differences in use based on gender, field of study, or academic level. The research highlights the importance for educational institutions to adopt these findings and methods to create an effective online community environment that supports students' overall growth and academic success. This study is unique in its ecological approach and offers new insights into student engagement in virtual communities.
Rights of Investors as Participants in Relationships Related to the Creation and Use of Results of Intellectual Activity
Authors: Leontev K. B.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. The article considers the problems caused by the limited possibilities of legal registration of relations between investors and persons creating the results of intellectual activity or organizing the creation of RIA. It is noted that the obligatory rights based on contracts concluded by investors do not allow to fully take into account their interests and provide guarantees of their observance when disposing of exclusive rights to the intellectual property created with the attraction of investment funds.  

The conclusions are substantiated that taking into account the growing needs in attracting investment funds for the implementation of projects related to the creation and use of RIAs, it is necessary to provide investors with the opportunity to participate in the ownership of exclusive rights to RIAs created with their support, which will allow investors to control the subsequent disposal of exclusive rights to such RIAs, directly participate in the licensing processes and receive remuneration for their use.

The purpose is to develop theoretical provisions that form the basis for the development of legal regulation ensuring the observance of investors' rights as participants in relations related to the creation and use of RIA.

Objectives: to identify the peculiarities of registration of investors' rights when they participate in relations related to the creation and use of RIA with the attraction of investment funds; to develop proposals aimed at improving the legal regulation of relations between investors, persons organizing the creation and use of RIA, authors and right holders for various cases of organization of investment activity in the field under consideration.

Methodology. The dialectical-materialistic method, methods of analysis and synthesis, formal-legal method were used in writing the work.

The results of the research are of theoretical and applied nature and are aimed at improving the quality of legal regulation of legal relations related to the creation and use of RIA.

The conclusions made on the basis of the results of the conducted research have a discussion character and are aimed at improving the legal regulation of investment activities related to the creation of RIA. The article is a continuation of the author's scientific research.
Some Criminological Features of Crime in Migration Sphere
Authors: Novichkov V. E.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. In recent years illegal migration also remains relevant, accompanied by criminal networks created by foreign citizens and stateless persons and the maintenance of an underground economy, including smuggling and illegal employment, which can cause social and economic problems. Compliance with legislation in the field of preventing and combating migrant crime helps maintain law-abiding and compliance with laws and regulations, as well as law and order and public safety in the country.  

The purpose of the study is to supplement scientific knowledge in terms of determining the general level of crime of foreigners and stateless persons in modern Russia, to identify factors that contribute to the commission of crimes by migrants. 

Objectives: to assess the current state (general level) of migration crime and compare it with the level among the local population; establish quantitative and qualitative characteristics of crime in the migration sphere; identify specific properties, as well as changes in crime in the migration sphere.  

Methodology. When writing a scientific article, general scientific methods related to universal methods were used: dialectical, historical, system-structural, generalization method and particular methods: extrapolation method, factor analysis, forecasting, document research, content analysis of the press, biographical and statistical.

The results of the study made it possible to: determine the current level of crime among migrants in Russia and identify the main types of crimes that are most often committed by migrants; provide new comparative data on the crime of migrants in comparison with the general population of Russia and a number of regions; identify previously overlooked and new risk factors, as well as the socio-economic vulnerability of migrants.  

Conclusion. Modern Russian society is faced not only with large-scale migration processes, but also with qualitative and quantitative changes in crime in the migration sphere. This phenomenon signals a possible increase in the near future in the increased public danger of the acts of migrants, and if organizational and legal measures are not taken to neutralize this type of crime, then the trend of increasing crimes by foreign citizens and stateless persons will increase in the near future.
Artificial Intelligence in the Context of Criminal Law Risks
Authors: Lopashenko N. A. , Kobzeva E. V. , Rozhavskiy Z. D.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. The growing digitalization of society, leads to the emergence of new forms of socially dangerous behavior (socially dangerous activity). In many ways, such criminal and legal risks are caused by the involvement of the phenomenon of artificial intelligence in various spheres of human activity. During the operation of artificial intelligence, it is also possible to exert harmful effects on artificial intelligence itself and (or) its carrier, which, from the standpoint of the current criminal law, may not always receive an unambiguous qualification.

The purpose of the study is to identify criminal law risks existing in the context of artificial intelligence and formulate scientifically based conclusions regarding the prospects for the development of domestic criminal law and legislation.

Objectives: to identify the key criminal law risks associated with the exploitation of artificial intelligence; to check whether artificial intelligence has the properties necessary for criminal personality; to identify possible options for criminal law assessment of harm caused by the exploitation of artificial intelligence; to establish the sufficiency of criminal law resources to protect artificial intelligence itself from socially dangerous behavior.

Methodology. The methodological basis of the research was the universal dialectical method of cognition of phenomena and processes of the surrounding reality. During the development of theoretical and applied provisions of the work, a set of general scientific and private scientific research methods (formal logical, predictive, formal legal, etc.) was also used.

Results. The prospects for the development of criminal law and criminal legislation of Russia in the context of the problem of artificial intelligence directly depend on the level of scientific and technological achievements in its programming and operation.

Conclusion. The modern potential of artificial intelligence precludes raising the question of its criminal legal personality mainly due to its lack of ability to mentally perceive its own socially dangerous activity, which is a prerequisite for criminal liability. The developer of the corresponding program or the operator of the artificial intelligence carrier device must be responsible for causing harm to interests protected by criminal law in connection with the exploitation of artificial intelligence.
Thesis Paper: Some Reflections
Authors: Gongalo B. M.
Published: January 2024

Relevance. At present, the procedure for preparing thesis papers is being transformed. It is due to changes in the nomenclature of scientific specialties, according to which the scientific specialty 12.00.03 “Civil Law, Business Law, Family Law, Private International Law” has been replaced by an extended scientific specialty 5.1.3 “Private Law (Civil) Sciences”. However, there is still a problem of a low number of thesis papers in private law sciences as a result of postgraduate studies. This makes it necessary for novice researchers to form an idea about the preparation of thesis papers on private law sciences, taking into account their specifics.

The purpose of the study is to generalize the author’s idea of preparing a thesis paper on private law sciences.

Objectives: to identify approaches to the selection of a thesis paper  topic on civil law, to develop recommendations for the application of practice in a thesis paper, to give recommendations on the style of a thesis paper text.

The methodology of the study is presented by the dialectical-materialistic method and the system method. There were also applied analysis, synthesis and the formal legal method.

The results of the study consist in a generalized idea of the specifics of preparing a thesis paper on private law (civil) sciences, based on the author’s personal experience. The key points of successful completion of a thesis paper research are highlighted, in particular, the justification of the research topic, the use of practice, and foreign scientific literature.

Conclusion.  Working on a thesis paper is a complex and time–consuming process. In general, the arguments given about how a thesis is “prepared” are not the ultimate truth. Moreover, they do not pretend to be complete ones.

This is more a thought-provoking information.