bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Axial Performance of Steel Fiber‐Reinforced Rubberized Concrete‐Filled Circular Tubular Columns
Authors: Deng Yu , Liang Jiong-Feng , Li Wei
Published: February 2021

In order to study the axial performance of steel fiber‐reinforced rubberized concrete‐filled circular steel tubular columns, a total of 11 steel fiber‐reinforced rubberized concrete‐filled circular tubular columns are subjected to axial compression tests, considering the main parameters are rubber substitution rate, rubber particle size, steel fiber content, and concrete strength. The test results show that the use of rubber will reduce the bearing capacity of the columns but can increase the ductility of the columns. The smaller the rubber particles, the greater the reduction in the bearing capacity. The incorporation of steel fibers can increase the compressive strength of concrete, thereby improving the axial performance of the columns. The strength of concrete has the greatest influence on the columns, and the bearing capacity increases approximately linearly with the increase of concrete strength.
Uncertainty and Sensitivity Analysis of Significant Parameters for Superlarge Diameter Shield Excavation
Authors: Chen Elton J. , Chen Yang-Yang , Wei Lin-Chun , Luo Han-Bin
Published: February 2021

Excavation of a superlarge diameter tunnel by tunnel boring machine (TBM) is different from that of a shield tunnel with normal dimension, in which the control system of the superlarge TBM is very complicated and difficult to operate. Hence, it is very important to focus on the control and management of significant parameters to ensure excavation stability under uncertainty. In this paper, we (i) utilize a BIM‐based big data platform (BIM‐BDP) to manage the essential construction data of tunnel project in digital format; (ii) adopt the global sensitivity analysis (SA) to recognize significant parameters for shield excavation based on polynomial chaos expansion (PCE)–extended Fourier amplitude sensitivity test (eFAST) model; and (iii) employ the uncertainty analysis (UA) to discover the correlation between significant parameters from the data of the BIM‐BDP. This research contributes to (i) the body of knowledge of proposing a more appropriate research methodology that can cope with aleatory and epistemic uncertainty and support uncertainty and sensitivity analysis (UA/SA) processes based on data from BIM‐BDP and (ii) the state of practice by providing a data‐driven surrogate model to simulate system behaviors of shield excavation with high reliability and to reduce dependency on domain experts. Here, we pay close attention to the most influential parameters that require priority parameter control, which can help administrators optimize the management of shield parameters during tunnel excavation.
Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Mildbr. and Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal Extracts Decrease Doxorubicin Cytotoxicity on H9c2 Cardiomyoblasts
Authors: Moukette Bruno M. , Castelão-Baptista José P. , Ferreira Luciana , Silva Ana M. , Simões Rui F. , Cabral Célia , Pieme Constant A. , Ngogang Jeanne Y. , Sardão Vilma A. , Oliveira Paulo J.
Published: February 2021

Ethnopharmacological Relevance. Doxorubicin (Dox) is an anthracycline antibiotic widely used in cancer treatment. Despite its antitumor efficacy, its clinical application is significantly limited because of its cardiotoxicity originated, among other factors, from pro-oxidant damage to cardiac mitochondria. Phytochemicals represent a potentially attractive strategy to mitigate Dox cardiotoxicity due to their antioxidant properties, with plant extracts used in traditional medicine often being ignored in terms of potential therapeutic uses. Aim of the Study. The present study aimed at investigating the protective effects of two native Cameroonian plants, Afrostyrax lepidophyllus Mildbr. (A. lepidophyllus) and Monodora myristica (Gaertn.) Dunal (M. myristica), against Dox-induced cytotoxicity on cultured H9c2 cardiomyoblast cells. Materials and Methods. Bark extracts of these plants (1 and 25 µg/mL) were added 3 hours before coincubating H9c2 cardiomyoblasts with Dox (0.5 and 1 µM) for 24 hours more. We measured cell mass and metabolic viability, mitochondrial transmembrane potential, superoxide anion content, and activity-like of caspase-3 and caspase-9 following treatment with the extracts and/or Dox. Also, selenium and vitamin C contents were measured in the plant extracts. Results. The results confirmed that Dox treatment decreased cell mass, mitochondrial membrane potential and metabolic viability, increased mitochondrial superoxide anion, and stimulated caspase-3 and caspase-9-like activities. Pretreatment of the cells with the plant extracts significantly inhibited Dox cytotoxicity, with more significant results at the higher concentration. Measurements of selenium and vitamin C in the extracts revealed higher concentration of both when compared with other Cameroonian spices. Conclusion. Both extracts of A. lepidophyllus and M. myristica were effective against Dox-induced cytotoxicity, most likely due to their content in antioxidants.
Research and Application of a Reinforced Concrete Simplified Model
Authors: Jia Haipeng , Tian Shuaikang
Published: February 2021

To accurately and efficiently carry out numerical calculations for blasting demolition projects, based on the basic principles of engineering mechanics, a simplified concrete model is established. This model represents the postpeak behavior of concrete in compression and the peak behavior in traction. Based on the mechanical properties of steel and concrete materials, a new reinforced concrete model is proposed. The proposed reinforced concrete model has been implemented in the computer program LS‐DYNA and used to simulate a real blasting demolition. The result shows that this model can accurately reflect the collapse and movement process of the chimney.
Biofilm-Producing Bacteria and Risk Factors (Gender and Duration of Catheterization) Characterized as Catheter-Associated Biofilm Formation
Authors: Gunardi Wani Devita , Karuniawati Anis , Umbas Rainy , Bardosono Saptawati , Lydia Aida , Soebandrio Amin , Safari Dodi
Published: February 2021

Background. A catheter-associated urinary tract infection (CA-UTI) is preceded by biofilm formation, which is related to several risk factors such as gender, age, diabetic status, duration of catheterization, bacteriuria before catheterization, virulence gene factor, and antibiotic usage. Aims. This study aims to identify the microbial composition of catheter samples, including its corresponding comparison with urine samples, to determine the most important risk factors of biofilm formation and characterize the virulence gene factors that correlate with biofilm formation. Methods. A longitudinal cross-sectional study was conducted on 109 catheterized patients from September 2017 to January 2018. The risk factors were obtained from the patients’ medical records. All catheter and urine samples were cultured after removal, followed by biomass quantification. Isolate identification and antimicrobial susceptibility testing were performed using the Vitex2 system. Biofilm-producing bacteria were identified by the Congo Red Agar (CRA) method. A PCR test characterized the virulence genes of dominant bacteria (E. coli). All data were collected and processed for statistical analysis. Results. Out of 109 catheterized patients, 78% of the catheters were culture positive, which was higher than those of the urine samples (37.62%). The most common species isolated from the catheter cultures were Escherichia coli (28.1%), Candida sp. (17.8%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (15.9%), and Enterococcus faecalis (13.1%). E. coli (83.3%) and E. faecalis (78.6%) were the main isolates with a positive CRA. A statistical analysis showed that gender and duration prior to catheterization were associated with an increased risk of biofilm formation

p
<
0.05

. Conclusion. E. coli and E. faecalis were the most common biofilm-producing bacteria isolated from the urinary catheter. Gender and duration are two risk factors associated with biofilm formation, therefore determining the risk of CAUTI. The presence of PapC as a virulence gene encoding pili correlates with the biofilm formation. Biofilm-producing bacteria, female gender, duration of catheterization (more than five days), and PapC gene presence have strong correlation with the biofilm formation. To prevent CAUTI, patients with risk factors should be monitored by urinalysis tests to detect earlier the risk of biofilm formation.
Precipitation Reaction Mechanisms of Mineral Deposits Simulated with a Fluid Mixing Model
Authors: Zhang Yan , Han Runsheng , Ding Xing , Wang Yurong , Wei Pingtang
Published: February 2021

Nonmagmatic, carbonate-hosted epigenetic hydrothermal Pb–Zn deposits similar to those at the Huize Pb–Zn Mine are widespread across the Sichuan–Yunnan–Guizhou (SYG) polymetallic province. The precipitation mechanisms of these geologically intriguing deposits are an area of interest for many researchers. To simulate the underlying precipitation reaction mechanisms and dynamics of each aspect, a fluid mixing model for metal sulfide precipitation was used in a series of experiments, where solutions that contain Pb/Zn chloride complexes and sulfide were subjected to pH changes, water-rock reactions, and dilutions. Based on the results of these experiments, thermodynamic phase diagrams, and other experimental findings, a fluid mixing genetic model was developed for SYG Pb–Zn deposits, and this model was used to analyze the mechanisms of metal sulfide precipitation. The results indicate that acidic fluids in the form of chloride complexes transported Pb and Zn, whereas sulfide exists in the form of H2S within these fluids. The precipitation of metal sulfides occurs when these fluids undergo changes in pH, water-rock reactions, or isothermal dilution. The pH changes were found to be the most effective method for the induction of sulfide precipitation, followed by dilution and then water-rock reactions. The formation of sulfide precipitates due to pH changes, water-rock reactions, and dilution can be attributed to a single mechanism, i.e., changes in the pH of the fluid. Therefore, changes in pH are the primary mechanism of sulfide precipitation.
The Efficacy of Ramucirumab in the Treatment of Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer: A Meta-Analysis of RCTs
Authors: Yang Hongqiong , Zhou Yaojun , Wang Liangzhi , Gu Tianyi , Lv Mengjia , Sun Jinling , Tu Chao , He Junbo
Published: February 2021

Five electronic databases were searched for eligible records. Outcomes were presented and analyzed according to the objective response rate (ORR), progression-free survival (PFS) rate, and overall survival (OS) rate. Five records involving 2,024 participants were included in the study. The pooled analysis of OS and PFS were longer with ramucirumab (RAM) therapy than without RAM for OS (odds ratio

OR

=
0.90

, 95% confidence interval

CI

=
0.82
–
1.00

,

p
=
0.05

) and PFS (

OR
=
0.74

,

95
%
CI
=
0.57
–
0.96

,

p
=
0.02

). Moreover, compared with the current first-line chemotherapy, the OS (

OR
=
0.93

,

95
%
CI
=
0.83
–
1.04

,

p
=
0.19

) and PFS (

OR
=
0.82

,

95
%
CI
=
0.64
–
1.06

,

p
=
0.13

) results were not significantly higher with RAM. The ORRs of the patients in the RAM therapy groups were significantly higher than those in the groups without RAM (

OR
=
1.40

,

95
%
CI
=
1.14
–
1.73

,

p
=
0.001

).
IDO1 Signaling through GCN2 in a Subpopulation of Gr-1+ Cells Shifts the IFNγ/IL6 Balance to Promote Neovascularization
Authors: Dey Souvik , Mondal Arpita , DuHadaway James B. , Sutanto-Ward Erika , Laury-Kleintop Lisa D. , Thomas Sunil , Prendergast George C. , Mandik-Nayak Laura , Muller Alexander J.
Published: February 2021

In addition to immunosuppression, it is generally accepted that myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC) also support tumor angiogenesis. The tryptophan-catabolizing enzyme indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO1) has been implicated in promoting neovascularization through its positioning as a key regulatory node between the inflammatory cytokines IFNγ and IL6. Here, we report that within the heterogeneous expanse of Gr-1+ MDSCs, both IDO1 expression and the ability to elicit neovascularization in vivo were associated with a minor subset of autofluorescent, CD11blo cells. IDO1 expression was further restricted to a discrete, CD11c and asialo-GM1 double-positive subpopulation of these cells, designated here as IDVCs (IDO1-dependent vascularizing cells), due to the dominant role that IDO1 activity in these cells was found to play in promoting neovascularization. Mechanistically, the induction of IDO1 in IDVCs provided a negative-feedback constraint on the antiangiogenic effect of host IFNγ by intrinsically signaling for the production of IL6 through general control nonderepressible 2 (GCN2)–mediated activation of the integrated stress response. These findings reveal fundamental molecular and cellular insights into how IDO1 interfaces with the inflammatory milieu to promote neovascularization.
Implementation effects of economics and market operations based model for traditionally integrated power systems
Authors: Mobarak Youssef , Kannan Nithiyananthan , Alharbi Fahd , Albatati Faisal
Published: February 2021

The main objective of this paper is to introduce power system economic operations in traditionally integrated power systems and market operations in deregulated power systems and study its effects. The power system economic operation is mathematically treated as an optimization problem. Also, a function of economic operation is to minimize generation cost, transmission losses, and so on, subject to power system operation constraints. In this paper, we start from generation cost formulations and introduce traditional economic dispatch model, optimal power flow model, and unit commitment model. With the deregulation of the power industry, integrated power system is unbundled to generation, transmission, and distribution. Electricity is traded in the wholesale market. Small customers purchase energy from electricity retailers through the retail market. The electricity market is operated for energy trading while satisfying power system operation requirements. Electricity market is mathematically modelled as an optimization problem that is subject to power system operation constraints and market operation constraints.
Uncertainty and sensitivity analysis applied to a voltage series operational amplifier
Authors: Ibrahim Mohammad Nizam , Che Soh Zainal Hisham , Mohamad Hadis Nor Shahanim , Othman Ali
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the applied uncertainty and sensitivity analysis to resistors used in voltage series operational amplifier circuit. Two resistors bands are considered which are the gold band (5% uncertainty) and the silver band (10% uncertainty). To generate resistors uncertainty sample points, the SIMLAB uncertainty and sensitivity tool is used. A total of  sample points based on Sobol’ technique has been created for each resistor band. The voltage series amplifier is modelled in MATLAB/Simulink. A MATLAB script has been written to execute Monte-Carlo simulations for reading the resistor sample points, updating and executing the voltage series model and finally calculating the voltage gain. The result of uncertainty analysis shows that the produced voltage gain is uncertain within the range of  for the gold band and  for the silver band with respect to a reference voltage gain. The result of sensitivity analysis shows that each resistor, although their values are different, contributes equally contribution to the uncertainty of voltage gain.
A hybrid de-noising method for mammogram images
Authors: Mehmood Gondal Rashid , Anwar Lashari Saima , Ali Saare Murtaja , Ali Sari Sari
Published: February 2021

In general, mammogram images contaminated with noise which directly affect images quality. Several methods have been proposed to de-noise these images, however, there is always a risk of losing valuable information. In order to overcome the loss of information, the present study proposed a hybrid denoising method for mammogram images. The proposed hybrid method works in two steps: Firstly, preprocessing with mathematical morphology was applied for image enhancement. Secondly, global unsymmetrical trimmed median filter (GUTM) is applied to de-noise image. Experimental results prove that proposed method work well for mammogram images. Hence, the study provided an alternative method for denoising mammogram images.
Haar wavelet method for solving coupled system of fractional order partial differential equations
Authors: AL-Shimmary Abbas , Kareem Radhi Sajeda , Kassim Hussain Amina
Published: February 2021

This paper deal with the numerical method, based on the operational matrices of the Haar wavelet orthonormal functions approach to approximate solutions to a class of coupled systems of time-fractional order partial differential equations (FPDEs.). By introducing the fractional derivative of the Caputo sense, to avoid the tedious calculations and to promote the study of wavelets to beginners, we use the integration property of this method with the aid of the aforesaid orthogonal matrices which convert the coupled system under some consideration into an easily algebraic system of Lyapunov or Sylvester equation type. The advantage of the present method, including the simple computation, computer-oriented, which requires less space to store, time-efficient, and it can be applied for solving integer (fractional) order partial differential equations. Some specific and illustrating examples have been given; figures are used to show the efficiency, as well as the accuracy of the, achieved approximated results. All numerical calculations in this paper have been carried out with MATLAB.
Combating the hate speech in Thai textual memes
Authors: Mookdarsanit Lawankorn , Mookdarsanit Pakpoom
Published: February 2021

Thai textual memes have been popular in social media, as a form of image information summarization. Unfortunately, many memes contain some hateful content that easily causes the controversy in Thailand. For global protection, the Hateful Memes Challenge is also provided by Facebook AI to enable researchers to compete their algorithms for combating the hate speech on memes as one of NeurIPS’20 competitions. As well as in Thailand, this paper introduces the Thai textual meme detection as a new research problem in Thai natural language processing (Thai-NLP) that is the settlement of transmission linkage between scene text localization, Thai optical recognition (Thai-OCR) and language understanding. From the results, both regular and irregular text position can be localized by one-stage detection pipeline. More scene text can be augmented by different resolution and rotation. The accuracy of Thai-OCR using convolutional neural network (CNN) can be improved by recurrent neural network (RNN). Since misspelling Thai words are frequently used in social, this paper categorizes them as synonyms to train on multi-task pre-trained language model. 
A performance enhancement of physical layer at Wi-MAX system with RLDPC code
Authors: Bawage Sandeep , S Manjula , Bhavikatti A. M.
Published: February 2021

In present wireless communication network, the error correction codes plays the major role for efficient data transmission in noisy environments. To get minimum BER and PAPR has been the main aim towards the field in forward error control coding. Majority of the researchers has considered turbo codes at specific SNR over AWGN channel but have complexity issues with the iterative output decoder and causes degradation in the Wi-Max network system. In this paper, the author presents and evaluates WiMAX physical layer performance with using MIMO technologies, where a Robust-LDPC technique of coding and decoding in OFDM based WiMAX system is consider. The decoding method of RLDPC has processed by Belief Propagation at the logarithmic domain in an iterative manner, the proposed methodology shows good decoding outcome for RLDPC codes at Rician and Rayleigh channel. Moreover, the applicability of our proposed model channel codes is defined under IEEE Wi-MAX standard and the results analysis is done under different code-rate and modulation schemes.
Sectoral dual-polarized MIMO antenna for 5G-NR band N77 base station
Authors: Muhsin Muhsin , Nurlaili Afina Lina , Saharani Aulia , Utami Indah Rahmawti
Published: February 2021

Massive internet of things (IoT) in 5G has many advantages as a future technology. It brings some challenges such as a lot of devices need massive connection. In this case, multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) systems offer high performance and capacity of communications. There is a challenge of correlation between antennas in MIMO. This paper proposes three-sectors MIMO base station antenna for 5G-New Radio (5G-NR) band N77 with dual polarized configuration to reduce the correlation. The proposed antenna has a maximum coupling of -16.90 dB and correlation below 0.01. The obtained bit error rate (BER) performance is very close to non-correlated antennas with bandwidth of 1.87 GHz. It means that the proposed antenna has been well designed.
A survey on IoT application layer protocols
Authors: G. Hamid Harth , T. Alisa Zainab
Published: February 2021

The constant evolution in internet technology has made. The internet of things (IoT) to be the center of research fields in computer engineering. This review paper discusses the choice of an application layer protocol in an IoT system integration so first, the paper briefly defines the potential protocols. After that, it opens up a comparison between these protocols according to how they manage their overhead and messages which affects traffic management and thus starts the discussion. The main contribution of this work is the simplification of comparison between session layer protocols in the benefit of IoT applications exclusively. IoT system Standards and platforms are being improved constantly. IoT enables application devices to connect and coordinate their tacks, such applications like healthcare, smart home, and industrial automation. Several protocols have been discussed to provide effective communication for resource-limited devices. However, their traffic management is still a field for researches, to find the optimal protocol choice for different situations. The review collects the results of other works that experimentally compared application layer protocols in the IoT environment and presents the graphical and tabular compression. Finally, the conclusion summarize the choice in different applications.
Information security threats encountered by Malaysian public sector data centers
Authors: Shammugam Inthrani , Narayana Samy Ganthan , Magalingam Pritheega , Maarop Nurazean , Perumal Sundresan , Shanmugam Bharanidharan
Published: February 2021

Data centers are primarily the main targets of cybercriminals and security threats as they host various critical information and communication technology (ICT) services. Identifying the threats and managing the risks associated with data centers have become a major challenge as this will enable organizations to optimize their resources to focus on the most hazardous threats to prevent the potential risks and damages. The objective of this paper is to identify major ICT security threats to data centers in the Malaysian public sector and their causes. The data for this study was collected through interview sessions. A total of 33 respondents from various government organizations were interviewed. The results revealed that the technical threats, spyware, phishing, bluesnarfing threats, social engineering and virus, trojan, malware, ransomware, viral websites threats are the major categories of threats often encountered by the malaysian public sector organizations. The causes for these threats are lack of budget, competent personnel, and manpower for security tasks, user awareness; lack of compliances and monitoring; insufficient security policies and procedures as well as deliberate cyber attacks. The outcome of this study will give a greater degree of awareness and understanding to the ICT security officers, who are entrusted with data center security.
A new class of self-scaling for quasi-newton method based on the quadratic model
Authors: A. Hassan Basim , M. Sulaiman Ranen
Published: February 2021

Quasi-Newton method is an efficient method for solving unconstrained optimization problems. Self-scaling is one of the common approaches in the modification of the quasi-Newton method. A large variety of self-scaling of quasi-Newton methods is very well known. In this paper, based on quadratic function we derive the new self-scaling of quasi-Newton method and study the convergence property. Numerical results on the collection of problems showed the self-scaling of quasi-Newton methods which improves overall numerical performance for BFGS method.
SMUPI-BIS: a synthesis model for users’ perceived impact of business intelligence systems
Authors: Shakir Nasir Intedhar , Mousa Ayad Hameed , Hussein Alsammak Ihab L.
Published: February 2021

Business intelligence is a collection of methodologies, methods, architectures, and technologies that convert raw data into significant and useful information used by organizations to enable more effective strategic, tactical, and operational insights and decision-making.  In spite of several studies have examined the critical success factors and development of business intelligence System, but few relevant studies have investigated perceptions of end-users Business Intelligence Systems. Furthermore, none of those studies was performed in a Higher Education Sector in Iraq. Consequently, the study aims to determine the business intelligence system features influencing perceived impact end users’ and of using business intelligence systems in Iraqi educational institutes. A technology acceptance model and technology organization environment framework were syntheses as a basis to develop a research model for business intelligence users' perceived impact and adopt of business intelligence systems named (SMUPI-BIS). Later, an online instrument (questionnaire) was designed to gather data from the business intelligence system users in five Iraqi universities. Twenty-one hypotheses were proposed and later tested. Then, for data analysis, the authors used several methods such as hierarchical regression, one-way ANOVA, descriptive statistics as well as structural equation modeling (SEM). The main outcomes of this study suggest that decision support, information quality, and real-time reporting are the most significant system characteristics influencing end users' perceived impact and their usage of business intelligence systems.
Development of an inventory management system using association rule
Authors: Oladele Tinuke Omolewa , Ogundokun Roseline Oluwaseun , Adegun Adekanmi Adeyinka , Adeniyi Emmanuel Abidemi , Ajanaku Ayobami Tayo
Published: February 2021

Stores today still make use of manual approaches to keeping inventory which could be cumbersome. Having a computerized inventory system would make inventory management more efficient and effective. In this chapter, an Inventory Management System using Association Rule was developed which will ensure proper record keeping and keep items in stocks updated. ANGULARJS, a JavaScript framework, was used for the implementation of the system, PHP (hypertext pre-processor) was used for the backend of the system development as well as the database management, HTML was used alongside CSS for the system interface design and NoSQL database was the database used for this research. In conclusion, a computerized inventory system that had been improved using the Association Rule method was the resulting product useful for creating transactions, updating items in stock, record keeping, generating reports for decision making, and lastly, the system will make the stores more effective.
Taxonomic key to the snakes (Squamata: Ophidia) species of the Itajaí Valley, Santa Catarina, Brazil
Authors: Waltrick Camilla Spengler , Giasson Luís Olímpio Menta
Published: February 2021

Snakes represent the richest Reptile group in Brazil, amounting to 412 species and 40% of them are endemic for the country. This great richness combined with the poor taxonomic knowledge makes the identification a difficult process. To correctly identify a specimen, guides, taxonomic revisions, identification keys, and consulting specialists are the most used methods. Identification keys are based on separation and segregation of characters, where the chosen paths lead to the appropriate taxa. These tools are normally used by students and non-taxonomists. Also, they can be very helpful with the general public, where they can identify the species with simple characters. This study aims to develop keys for the snakes from the State of Santa Catarina state, Brazil, focusing on the Itajaí Valley species. We surveyed 351 specimens deposited in Universidade Regional de Blumenau Zoological Collection (CZFURB), Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (CHUFSC), and Natural History Museum of Capão da Imbuia (MHNCI) herpetological collections. Characters including pholidosis, dentition, and coloration patterns were examined from the 46 snake species registered from Itajaí Valley.
Conservation Units as a protection tool for social wasps in Minas Gerais state, Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Glauco Cássio de Sousa , Henriques Nathália Ribeiro , Clemente Mateus Aparecido , Souza Marcos Magalhães de
Published: February 2021

Conservation Units are an important tool for the Brazilian biota protection. However, various taxa, including the social wasps, are undersampled or are unknown in these areas. Therefore, our study aimed to assess the social wasp richness and distribution in the Conservation Units in Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil. The social wasps were sampled between 2015 and 2019 in the Ritápolis National Forest (FLONA Ritápolis), in the Alto-Montana Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN Alto-Montana), in the Rio Machado Basin State Environmental Protection Area (APA Rio Machado) and in the Serra de São José Environmental Protection Area (APA Serra de São José), using two different sampling methodologies. Fourteen species were sampled for FLONA Ritápolis, 10 for RPPN Alto-Montana, 35 for APA Rio Machado and 19 for APA Serra de São José. Ninety-six social wasp species of the known richness in Minas Gerais were sampled in 14 Conservation Units, representing 90% of the fauna of the state. Thirty-four species are exclusive to these areas, with emphasis on the Rio Doce State Park, the Serra do Papagaio State Park, the Pandeiros River Wildlife Regufe and the APA Rio Machado. Most of the Conservation Units sampled are in the Atlantic Forest areas, but further efforts are needed in this biome, because of its accelerated destruction. There is still an urgent need for more studies in the Cerrado and Caatinga areas in the state, especially in Conservation Units.
A apreciação de literatura no humanismo teológico de Filipe Melanchthon
Authors: Gross Eduardo
Published: February 2021

Filipe Melanchthon é uma das figuras proeminentes na Reforma e no Humanismo renascentista alemães, embora no Brasil esta segunda característica não seja muito bem conhecida. Sua obra como um todo tem uma base teológica com a qual ele pretendia também favorecer os estudos acadêmicos, principalmente, mas não só, no que hoje é chamado de Ciências Humanas. O presente texto mostra como ele utilizou a distinção teológica entre lei e evangelho para configurar o espaço das então assim chamadas artes na universidade pré-moderna alemã tardia. A ênfase aqui está nos estudos literários e linguísticos e na abordagem ética deles, favorecida por ele.
Revista Aonde Vamos? Um projeto judaico brasileiro
Authors: Chermont Lucia
Published: February 2021

O objetivo deste artigo é realizar uma análise da revista Aonde Vamos? (RJ, 1943-1977), um semanário de grande projeção na comunidade judaica nacional, nas suas redes e conexões nacionais. Esta revista tinha forte viés crítico e ideológico, veio à luz durante um período de grandes transformações, como a integração e a afirmação desse grupo frente ao trágico legado do Holocausto e às expectativas da então recente e tensa fundação do Estado de Israel. No Brasil, além das questões internacionais era o período de ascensão e integração para a comunidade judaica brasileira. O artigo propõe-se a responder como se davam as estratégias frente às restrições impostas pela ditadura do Estado Novo à imprensa imigrante, quem eram os mediadores dentro e fora da comunidade judaica e as redes que foram construídas e contribuíam para a projeção da revista nos seus mais de trinta anos de existência.
Caminhando e falando com Vitali H. Ferera
Authors: Amâncio Moacir
Published: February 2021

Ator e contador de histórias apresenta seu primeiro livro em prosa. Vitali H. Ferera nasceu no ano de 1941 em Istambul, Turquia, e vive em Israel desde a juventude. Como ator, ele não escreveu sua história, mas cria um ambiente narrativo através do diálogo com uma personagem feminina que o acompanha na viagem aos cenários da infância e no presente. Estes episódios, criados na maioria em sua língua materna, o judeu espanhol, foram então, na maior parte, editados e traduzidos para o hebraico, com especialistas, e entremeados de trechos no original. O resultado é uma narrativa fascinante no aspecto histórico e social, refletindo a experiência sefardita pessoal e coletiva principalmente na Turquia e em Israel, e também na Argentina e na França. Numa época em que o judeu espanhol não funciona mais como instrumento essencial de comunicação, aqui o idioma ainda está presente com toda a sua vibração.
Healthy Lifestyle and Clonal Hematopoiesis of Indeterminate Potential: Results From the Women's Health Initiative
Authors: Haring Bernhard , Reiner Alexander P. , Liu Jingmin , Tobias Deirdre K. , Whitsel Eric , Berger Jeffrey S. , Desai Pinkal , Wassertheil‐Smoller Sylvia , LaMonte Michael J. , Hayden Kathleen M. , Bick Alexander G. , Natarajan Pradeep , Weinstock Joshua S. , Nguyen Patricia K. , Stefanick Marcia , Simon Michael S. , Eaton Charles B. , Kooperberg Charles , Manson JoAnn E.
Published: February 2021

Background

Presence of clonal hematopoiesis of indeterminate potential (CHIP) is associated with a higher risk of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, cancer, and mortality. The relationship between a healthy lifestyle and CHIP is unknown.

Methods and Results

This analysis included 8709 postmenopausal women (mean age, 66.5 years) enrolled in the WHI (Women's Health Initiative), free of cancer or cardiovascular disease, with deep‐coverage whole genome sequencing data available. Information on lifestyle factors (body mass index, smoking, physical activity, and diet quality) was obtained, and a healthy lifestyle score was created on the basis of healthy criteria met (0 point [least healthy] to 4 points [most healthy]). CHIP was derived on the basis of a prespecified list of leukemogenic driver mutations. The prevalence of CHIP was 8.6%. A higher healthy lifestyle score was not associated with CHIP (multivariable‐adjusted odds ratio [OR] [95% CI], 0.99 [0.80–1.23] and 1.13 [0.93–1.37]) for the upper (3 or 4 points) and middle category (2 points), respectively, versus referent (0 or 1 point). Across score components, a normal and overweight body mass index compared with obese was significantly associated with a lower odds for CHIP (OR, 0.71 [95% CI, 0.57–0.88] and 0.83 [95% CI, 0.68–1.01], respectively;
P
‐trend 0.0015). Having never smoked compared with being a current smoker tended to be associated with lower odds for CHIP.

Conclusions

A healthy lifestyle, based on a composite score, was not related to CHIP among postmenopausal women. However, across individual lifestyle factors, having a normal body mass index was strongly associated with a lower prevalence of CHIP. These findings support the idea that certain healthy lifestyle factors are associated with a lower frequency of CHIP.
Clinical Application of Serologic Testing for Coronavirus Disease 2019 in Contemporary Cardiovascular Practice
Authors: Damluji Abdulla A. , Christenson Robert H. , deFilippi Christopher
Published: February 2021

In patients with cardiovascular disease, the use of antibody or serological testing is frequently encountered as the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic continues to evolve. Antibody testing detects one form of the acquired immunological response to a pathogenic antigen. Once the immune system recognizes a viral antigen or a protein as foreign, a humoral immune response is initiated, which is generally detected by laboratory testing in 5 to 10 days after the initial exposure. While this information is critical from a public health perspective to implement surveillance systems and measures to limit infectivity and transmission rate, the misinterpretation of serologic testing in clinical practice has generated much confusion in the medical community because some attempted to apply these strategies to individual patient's treatment schemes.

In this mini‐review, we examine the different serologic‐based testing strategies, how to interpret their results, and their public health impact at the population level, which are critical to contain the transmission of the virus in the community within a busy cardiovascular practice. Further, this review will also be particularly helpful as vaccination and immune therapy for coronavirus disease 2019 become available to the society as a whole.
Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network: Summary of Findings and Network Outcomes
Authors: St‐Onge Marie‐Pierre , Aggarwal Brooke , Allison Matthew A. , Berger Jeffrey S. , Castañeda Sheila F. , Catov Janet , Hochman Judith S. , Hubel Carl A. , Jelic Sanja , Kass David A. , Makarem Nour , Michos Erin D. , Mosca Lori , Ouyang Pamela , Park Chorong , Post Wendy S. , Powers Robert W. , Reynolds Harmony R. , Sears Dorothy D. , Shah Sanjiv J. , Sharma Kavita , Spruill Tanya , Talavera Gregory A. , Vaidya Dhananjay
Published: February 2021

The Go Red for Women movement was initiated by the American Heart Association (AHA) in the early 2000s to raise awareness concerning cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk in women. In 2016, the AHA funded 5 research centers across the United States to advance our knowledge of the risks and presentation of CVD that are specific to women. This report highlights the findings of the centers, showing how insufficient sleep, sedentariness, and pregnancy‐related complications may increase CVD risk in women, as well as presentation and factors associated with myocardial infarction with nonobstructive coronary arteries and heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in women. These projects were augmented by collaborative ancillary studies assessing the relationships between various lifestyle behaviors, including nightly fasting duration, mindfulness, and behavioral and anthropometric risk factors and CVD risk, as well as metabolomic profiling of heart failure with preserved ejection fraction in women. The Go Red for Women Strategically Focused Research Network enhanced the evidence base related to heart disease in women, promoting awareness of the female‐specific factors that influence CVD.
Propranolol Reduces the Development of Lesions and Rescues Barrier Function in Cerebral Cavernous Malformations
Authors: Oldenburg Joppe , Malinverno Matteo , Globisch Maria Ascencion , Maderna Claudio , Corada Monica , Orsenigo Fabrizio , Conze Lei Liu , Rorsman Charlotte , Sundell Veronica , Arce Maximiliano , Smith Ross O. , Yau Anthony C.Y. , Billström Gry Hulsart , Mägi Caroline Öhman , Beznoussenko Galina V. , Mironov Alexander A. , Fernando Dinesh , Daniel Geoffrey , Olivari Davide , Fumagalli Francesca , Lampugnani Maria Grazia , Dejana Elisabetta , Magnusson Peetra U.
Published: February 2021

Background and Purpose:

Cerebral cavernous malformations (CCM) present as mulberry-like malformations of the microvasculature of the central nervous system. Current medical treatment of CCM lesions is limited to surgical removal of the vascular malformations. It is, therefore, important to identify therapeutic drug treatments for patients with CCM. Propranolol has shown great benefit in the treatment of infantile hemangioma. In addition, patients with CCM who receive propranolol have demonstrated a reduction of their lesions. Our investigation set out to provide preclinical data to support propranolol as a therapeutic treatment.

Methods:

An inducible endothelial-specific
Ccm3
knockout murine model (CCM3
iECKO
) was used, with assessment of lesion quantity and size following oral treatment with propranolol. Scanning and transmission electron microscopy were used to characterize the CCM3
iECKO
lesions and the effects of propranolol on the disease. Immunofluorescent imaging was used to investigate pericyte coverage in the propranolol-treated CCM3
iECKO
mice.

Results:

With propranolol treatment, the lesion quantity, size, and volume decreased in both the brain and retina in the CCM3
iECKO
model. Novel characteristics of the CCM3
iECKO
lesions were discovered using electron microscopy, including plasmalemmal pits and thickening of the endothelial-pericyte basal membrane. These characteristics were absent with propranolol treatment. Pericyte coverage of the CCM3
iECKO
lesions increased after propranolol treatment, and vascular leakage was reduced.

Conclusions:

This study supports the concept that propranolol can be used to reduce and stabilize vascular lesions and can, therefore, be suggested as a pharmaceutical treatment for CCM.
Making Representations: The SDG Process and Major Groups’ Images of the Future
Authors: Knappe Henrike , Schmidt Oscar
Published: February 2021

The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) process aimed to be more inclusive, transparent, and participatory than prior United Nations processes. This article traces the practices of representation that were performed by civil society actors during the SDG process. In doing so, we advance a performative approach in which the very process of making representation is examined. Its aim is to conceptualize and study representation as an aesthetic and political practice. This leads to the two central research questions of this article: How do civil society organizations in global environmental politics make representative claims by picturing their envisioned future? How are future representations (that is, the representation of futures or future beings) related to actor positions during the SDG process? Special emphasis is given to representations of “the future” as an ever-present frame of reference in environmental politics. Based on a systematic content analysis of the statements of two Major Groups—Children, and Youth and Farmers—we discuss the variety of future representations between the Major Groups and how especially more radical future representations are connected to rather precarious actor positions in representative claims.
The Refractory Period Matters: Unifying Mechanisms of Macroscopic Brain Waves
Authors: Weistuch Corey , Mujica-Parodi Lilianne R. , Dill Ken
Published: February 2021

The relationship between complex brain oscillations and the dynamics of individual neurons is poorly understood. Here we utilize maximum caliber, a dynamical inference principle, to build a minimal yet general model of the collective (mean field) dynamics of large populations of neurons. In agreement with previous experimental observations, we describe a simple, testable mechanism, involving only a single type of neuron, by which many of these complex oscillatory patterns may emerge. Our model predicts that the refractory period of neurons, which has often been neglected, is essential for these behaviors.
Contrastive Similarity Matching for Supervised Learning
Authors: Qin Shanshan , Mudur Nayantara , Pehlevan Cengiz
Published: February 2021

We propose a novel biologically plausible solution to the credit assignment problem motivated by observations in the ventral visual pathway and trained deep neural networks. In both, representations of objects in the same category become progressively more similar, while objects belonging to different categories become less similar. We use this observation to motivate a layer-specific learning goal in a deep network: each layer aims to learn a representational similarity matrix that interpolates between previous and later layers. We formulate this idea using a contrastive similarity matching objective function and derive from it deep neural networks with feedforward, lateral, and feedback connections and neurons that exhibit biologically plausible Hebbian and anti-Hebbian plasticity. Contrastive similarity matching can be interpreted as an energy-based learning algorithm, but with significant differences from others in how a contrastive function is constructed.
Textual analysis of artificial intelligence manuscripts reveals features associated with peer review outcome
Authors: Vincent-Lamarre Philippe , Larivière Vincent
Published: February 2021

We analyzed a data set of scientific manuscripts that were submitted to various conferences in artificial intelligence. We performed a combination of semantic, lexical, and psycholinguistic analyses of the full text of the manuscripts and compared them with the outcome of the peer review process. We found that accepted manuscripts scored lower than rejected manuscripts on two indicators of readability, and that they also used more scientific and artificial intelligence jargon. We also found that accepted manuscripts were written with words that are less frequent, that are acquired at an older age, and that are more abstract than rejected manuscripts. The analysis of references included in the manuscripts revealed that the subset of accepted submissions were more likely to cite the same publications. This finding was echoed by pairwise comparisons of the word content of the manuscripts (i.e., an indicator of semantic similarity), which were more similar in the subset of accepted manuscripts. Finally, we predicted the peer review outcome of manuscripts with their word content, with words related to machine learning and neural networks positively related to acceptance, whereas words related to logic, symbolic processing, and knowledge-based systems negatively related to acceptance.
Engendering Change: Charting a History of the Emirates through Women Artists
Authors: Derderian Elizabeth
Published: February 2021

Contrary to narratives of universally positive modernization in the United Arab Emirates, this article draws on the lives and work of women artists to offer a more detailed view of the UAE’s rapid urbanization and development. First, the article shows how changing educational structures and systems led to the privileging of the English language, which has resulted in differential generational access to a contemporary art world that operates predominantly in English. Second, the article looks at the losses of urbanization illustrated by artists reflecting on the changing experience of community, gendered norms of public behavior, the role of buildings and monuments in navigation and identity, and resource exploitation.
From Invisible to Actualized: Imagery and Identity in Photos of Women in the Gulf
Authors: Kelly Marjorie , Al-Ajmi Sara Essa
Published: February 2021

After reviewing how Middle Eastern women have been photographed historically, the paper explores how contemporary Gulf women represent themselves, both behind and in front of the camera. Initially, women were invisible, then eroticized or exoticized in Orientalist photography, only to appear in early twentieth-century family portraits as both the repository of cultural values and as the new, modern woman. The reaction of contemporary Gulf female photographers to perceptions of themselves as jobless, nameless, faceless, and voiceless is presented in examples of art photography-cum-political commentary. The media coverage of Qatar’s Shaykha Mūza is analyzed in terms of her use of clothing as nonverbal communication and as a form of soft-power politics. It is followed by a discussion of the rules – formal and informal – for publishing photos of females. The paper concludes with a survey of Gulf females’ use of selfies. Thus, three aspects of photography – as art, as photojournalism, and as private communication – demonstrate how Gulf women visually represent their identities.