bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Towards Real-time Score Analysis in PWGL
Authors: Kuuskankare Mika
Published: May 2022

In this paper, we introduce an original approach to computerized music analysis within the graphical computer-assisted composition environment called PWGL. Our aim is to facilitate the realtime analysis of interactive scores written in common Western music notation. To this end, we have developed a novel library that allows us to analyze scores realized with the help of ENP (the graphical music notation module of PWGL), and to visualize the results of the analysis in realtime. ENP is extended to support the display of supplementary information that can be drawn on top of the score as an overlay. The analysis backend is realized with the help of our builtin musical scripting language based on pattern matching. The analysis results are presented directly as a part of the original score leveraging the extensible and interactive visualization capabilities of ENP. In this paper we describe the current state of the library and present, as a case study, a fully functional application allowing for the realtime analysis and display of voice leading errors according to the counterpoint rules developed mainly in the Renaissance and Baroque eras.
Applications of FFT for timbral characterization in woodwind instruments
Authors: Gonzalez Yubiry , Prati Ronaldo C.
Published: May 2022

The conceptualization of the musical timbre, which allows its quantitative evaluation in an audio record, is still an open-ended issue. This paper presents a set of dimensionless descriptors to assess the musical timbre of woodwind instruments in recordings of the fourth octave of the tempered musical scale. These descriptors are calculated from the Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) spectra using the Python Programming Language, specifically the SciPy library. The characteristic spectral signature of the clarinet, bassoon, transverse flute, and oboe are obtained in the fourth musical octave, observing the presence of degeneration for some musical sounds, that is, two given different aerophones may present the same harmonics. It is concluded that the proposed descriptors are sufficient to differentiate the aerophones studied, allowing their recognition, even in the case that there present the same set of harmonic frequencies.
Concatenative Sound Synthesis as a Technomorphic Model in Computer-Aided Composition
Authors: Guatimosim Júlio , Padovani José Henrique , Guatimosim Carlos
Published: May 2022

The text presents a process aimed at computer-aided composition for percussion instruments based on Concatenative Sound Synthesis (CSS). After the introduction, we address the concept of ”technomorphism” and the influence of electroacoustic techniques in instrumental composition. The third section covers processes of instrumental sound synthesis and its development in the context of Computer-Aided Composition (CAC) and Computer-Aided Music Orchestration (CAMO). Then, we describe the general principles of Concatenative Sound Synthesis (CSS). The fifth section covers our adaptation of CSS as a technomorphic model for Computer-Aided Composition/Orchestration, employing a corpus of percussion sounds/instruments. In the final section, we discuss future developments and the mains characteristics of our implementation and strategy.
Challenges to generate musical visualizations
Authors: Moura Rute , Cabral Giordano , Abreu Jáder , Cunha Mychelline , Almeida Horhanna
Published: May 2022

The technological acceleration of recent years has allowed for significant advances in data processing and the study of Music, an art with richly expressive and communicative information. In this article, we bring reports of experiences and contributions in the treatment of musical data extracted from digital MIDI and sound files, for the development of systems that generate musical visualizations.
Hot Streaks in the Brazilian Music Market: A Comparison Between Physical and Digital Eras
Authors: Barbosa Gabriel R. G. , Melo Bruna C. , Oliveira Gabriel P. , Silva Mariana O. , Seufitelli Danilo B. , Moro Mirella M.
Published: May 2022

Consuming music through streams has made huge volumes of data available. We collect a part of such data and perform cross-era comparative analyses between physical and digital media for successful artists within the music market in Brazil. Given an artist’s career, we focus on hot streak periods defined as high-impact bursts occurring in sequence. Specifically, we construct artists’ success time series to detect and characterize hot streak periods for both physical and digital eras. Then, we assess their features, analyze them in the genre scale, and perform a cluster analysis to identify groups of artists with distinct success levels. For both physical and digital eras, we find the same clusters: Spike Hit Artists, Big Hit Artists, and Top Hit Artists. Our insights shed light on significant changes in the dynamics of the music industry over the years, by identifying the core of each era.
Playing Time-Variant Audio Feedback Networks
Authors: Monteiro Adriano Claro
Published: May 2022

This article presents practical and artistic contributions to the field of computational musical systems based on audio feedback networks which have been used as instruments for music creation in the author's artistic practice. The article begins with an introduction to the research field of feedback and selforganized music systems. Later on two systems are presented: the first is a network of cross-modulated sinusoidal oscillators (by frequency modulation), and the second is a network of transforming processes of pre-recorded sound samples.
Mapping, Triggering, Scoring, and Procedural Paradigms of Machine Listening Application in Live-Electronics Compositions
Authors: Oliveira Vinicius César , Padovani José Henrique
Published: May 2022

Since the advent of real-time computer music environments, composers have increasingly incorporated DSP analysis, synthesis, and processing algorithms in their creative practices. Those processes became part of interactive systems that use real-time computational tools in musical compositions that explore diverse techniques to generate, spatialize, and process instrumental/vocal sounds. Parallel to the development of these tools and the expansion of DSP methods, new techniques focused on sound/musical information extraction became part of the tools available for music composition. In this context, this article discusses the creative use of Machine Listening and Musical Information Retrieval techniques applied in the composition of live-electronics works. By pointing out some practical applications and creative approaches, we aim to circumscribe, in a general way, the strategies for employing Machine Listening and Music Information Retrieval techniques observed in a set of live-electronics pieces, categorizing four compositional approaches: namely, mapping, triggering, scoring, and procedural paradigms of application of machine listening techniques in the context of live-electronics music compositions.
Investigando Tecnologias Educacionais para o Ensino e Aprendizagem de Música para Deficientes Visuais Totais
Authors: Remedios Sara Elene Lobato dos , Silva Sandro Luís Freire de Castro , Ferreira Simone Bacellar Leal
Published: May 2022

O surgimento de tecnologias assistivas para o ensino de música para cegos trouxe inúmeros benefícios, porém, mesmo com a evolução tecnológica, os diferentes métodos de ensino podem não abranger a totalidade desse grupo. Portanto, se faz necessário conhecer as tecnologias disponíveis, para os pontos de convergência sejam conhecidos e novas funcionalidades sejam propostas. Para essa tarefa, este trabalho tem como objetivo investigar na literatura as tecnologias educacionais que apoiam o ensino e aprendizagem de música para deficientes visuais totais por meio de um mapeamento sistemático da literatura. Este trabalho apresentou um levantamento de tecnologias voltadas para músicos e alunos de música deficientes visuais.
Song Emotion Recognition: A Study of the State of the Art
Authors: Santos Arthur Nicholas dos , Rosero Jácome Karen Gissell , Masiero Bruno Sanches
Published: May 2022

Music is art, and art is a form of expression. Often, when a song is composed or performed, there may be an intent by the singer/songwriter of expressing some feeling or emotion through it, and, by the time the music gets in touch with an audience, a spectrum of emotional reactions can be provoked. For humans, matching the intended emotion in a musical composition or performance with the subjective perceptiveness of different listeners can be quite challenging, in account that this process is highly intertwined with people’s life experiences and cognitive capacities. Fortunately, the machine learning approach for this problem is simpler. Usually, it takes a data-set, from which features are extracted to present this data to a model, that will train to predict the highest probability of an input matching a target. In this paper, we studied the most common features and models used in recent publications to tackle music emotion recognition, revealing which ones are best suited for songs (particularly acapella).
Erfolgsleere
Authors: Andrick Michael
Published: May 2022

In der Arbeitswelt Erfolg zu haben verlangt, sich rational und ehrgeizig zu verausgaben. Die Sinnfragen bleiben zu Hause, Eigensinn und Ideale schleifen sich ab. Die Industriegesellschaft kann Menschen zu charakterlosen Funktionären machen. Sie leiten dann mit derselben stummen Professionalität eine Schule oder eine »Investmentbank«, stellen ebenso fleißig und loyal Bücher oder Bomben her. Wie sind unsere Arbeitswelten entstanden – und wie funktionieren sie? Warum fasziniert, fesselt und verdummt uns der Ehrgeiz? Warum sollten wir uns gegen die Durchformung unseres Daseins durch die Karriere wehren? Und wie ermöglicht es das Philosophieren, sich eine eigene Lebensweise zu bewahren? Das sind die Fragen der Philosophie für die Arbeitswelt.
Meister Eckhart: Leben aus dem Grunde des Lebens
Authors: Witte Karl Heinz
Published: May 2022

Meister Eckhart ist beliebt. Vorträge über ihn sind gut besucht. Es gibt zahlreiche interreligiöse Studien über ihn. In der Meditations- und Spiritualitätsbewegung ist er ein viel zitierter Autor. Er wird als Zeuge für Erleuchtungserfahrungen aufgerufen, oder er wird als aristotelisch-arabischer Philosoph vorgestellt. Seine Predigten und andere Texte sprechen uns auch nach 700 Jahren noch an, z. B.: »So gewiss der Vater seinen einzigen Sohn in seiner Natur [in der Trinität] gebiert, so gewiss gebiert er ihn in das Innerste des Geistes, und das ist die innere Welt. Hier ist Gottes Grund mein Grund und mein Grund Gottes Grund. Hier lebe ich aus meinem Eigenen, wie Gott aus seinem Eigenen lebt. Wer in diesen Grund jemals nur einen Augenblick geschaut hat, dem sind tausend Mark rote Goldmünzen wie ein falscher Heller. Aus diesem innersten Grunde sollst du alle deine Werke wirken ohne Warum und Wozu« (Predigt 5b). Das Zitat wirft Fragen auf: Was geschieht im Innersten des Geistes? Wie kann Gottes Grund und mein Grund derselbe sein? Welchen Schatz kann ich in diesem Grunde finden? Wie kann ich ohne Absicht handeln? Karl Heinz Witte fasst in dieser Einführung in das Werk Meister Eckharts solche Fragen und Thesen zusammen in die Frage nach dem »Leben aus dem Grunde des Lebens«. Er führt in Eckharts Lehre ein, um sie für unsere Zeit verständlich zu machen, ohne den Philosophen und Theologen des Mittelalters zu aktualisieren oder zu modernisieren. Vielmehr versucht er, Eckharts philosophisches Denken und seine theologische Intention aus seinen Texten und in seinen Begriffen fachgerecht zu erklären.
Real-time semantic segmentation of gastric intestinal metaplasia using a deep learning approach
Authors: Siripoppohn Vitchaya , Pittayanon Rapat , Tiankanon Kasenee , Faknak Natee , Sanpavat Anapat , Klaikaew Naruemon , Vateekul Peerapon , Rerknimitr Rungsun
Published: May 2022

Background/Aims: Previous artificial intelligence (AI) models attempting to segment gastric intestinal metaplasia (GIM) areas have failed to be deployed in real-time endoscopy due to their slow inference speeds. Here, we propose a new GIM segmentation AI model with inference speeds faster than 25 frames per second that maintains a high level of accuracy.Methods: Investigators from Chulalongkorn University obtained 802 histological-proven GIM images for AI model training. Four strategies were proposed to improve the model accuracy. First, transfer learning was employed to the public colon datasets. Second, an image preprocessing technique contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization was employed to produce clearer GIM areas. Third, data augmentation was applied for a more robust model. Lastly, the bilateral segmentation network model was applied to segment GIM areas in real time. The results were analyzed using different validity values.Results: From the internal test, our AI model achieved an inference speed of 31.53 frames per second. GIM detection showed sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive, negative predictive, accuracy, and mean intersection over union in GIM segmentation values of 93%, 80%, 82%, 92%, 87%, and 57%, respectively.Conclusions: The bilateral segmentation network combined with transfer learning, contrast-limited adaptive histogram equalization, and data augmentation can provide high sensitivity and good accuracy for GIM detection and segmentation.
Capability based-approach: re-Invent people and materials viable relationships
Authors: Sbordone Maria Antonietta , Sanches Regina Aparecida , De Luca Alessandra , Amato Carmela Ilenia
Published: May 2022

Sustainability as an approach to the contemporary textile and fashion design; not only linked to the environmental vision but concerning the economy, respect for people's work and production. “A new dominant social paradigm (DSP) would focus on creating apparel products that are more efficient in material use, production and consumer utility, as well as better meeting the human needs of the consumer base, inherently more social than material needs. Similarly, clothing education in the dominant new social paradigm would promote the development of skills that would most likely include understanding human needs and ecosystem limitations, working collaboratively with the market rather than trying to dominate it and an understanding of local culture and tradition " (LeHew, 2011).
A costura industrial como recurso criativo no projeto de Design de Superfícies do vestuário
Authors: Abreu Ana Cláudia de , Menezes Marizilda dos Santos
Published: May 2022

A produção dos produtos do vestuário conta com várias etapas operacionais como por exemplo a costura industrial que é emprega nas superfícies têxteis como recurso de materialização, ou seja, a união de duas ou mais camadas de tecidos por meio de pontos de costura que tridimensionalizam o objeto.  Neste contexto, a pesquisa busca explorar as possibilidades da costura industrial para ser considerada como um recurso criativo para gerar superfícies inovadoras em vestuário, ancoradas em três pilares: nas abordagens projetuais do Design de Superfícies, nos aspectos técnicos da costura industrial e nas características dos materiais têxteis. Para isso, foi realizada uma investigação exploratória, com aplicações de experimentos por meio de quatro técnicas de costura industrial reta em três gramaturas de tecidos. Os resultados foram categorizados por meio dos efeitos obtidos nas superfícies como gráfica, estrutural e gráfica estrutural, demonstrando ser um recurso criativo que pode ser explorado no início do projeto de produtos do vestuário.
Luz, espaço e matéria Uma tríade inseparável no processo compositivo do iluminador(a) cênico(a)
Authors: De Bem Cláudia
Published: May 2022

O artigo versa sobre as inter-relações da luz do espaço e da matéria como elementos catalizadores e sensíveis na construção da imagem da cena. Abordaremos o tema através de pontos de vista da neurociência, filosofia e artes sobre a relevância do reconhecimento das subjetividades destes elementos compositivos para ampliar a discussão no campo da percepção e interatividade de linguagens na cena teatral e visualidade da cena e repensar novas dinâmicas de sensibilização com a luz, a matéria e o espaço como ações metodológicas na formação do iluminador(a) cênico(a). No corpo do artigo, também trazemos alguns relatos e experiências práticas onde observou-se alguns aspectos subjetivos de processos criativos de artistas do design cênico que complementam a temática do artigo.
O ambiente remoto como espaço alternativo para o processo criativo da luz
Authors: Lima Luana Oliveira de , Pacheco Débora Matiuzzi , De Castro Saraçol Julia
Published: May 2022

Este texto tem por finalidade propor reflexões a partir de relatos experimentais do processo de criação artístico da luz, durante o distanciamento social dimanado pela pandemia de Covid-19. Suas perspectivas técnicas e poéticas, sobretudo que permeia estratégias para suplantar as dificuldades do ensino remoto durantes as aulas de Graduação em Artes Cênicas, que tencionaram a experimentação síncrona e digital com a matéria luz, na concepção e estabelecimento de uma linguagem.
“Experiência luz”: relato de uma vivência da iluminação cênica em conexão com histórias de assombração
Authors: Silva Ivanilde Santos da
Published: May 2022

O relato apresenta o percurso criativo desenvolvido durante o processo de trabalho do “Projeto Experiência Luz e a Recontação de Histórias de Assombração na Cidade de Belém-2021”, que abordou a iluminação cênica criativa através de experiências com iluminação em espaços comunitários da periferia da cidade.
Ensino e pesquisa da iluminação cênica na Universidade Federal de Uberlândia por Camila Tiago
Authors: Souza Fernanda Guimarães Mattos de
Published: May 2022

Camila Tiago é diretora de iluminação do curso de Teatro da Universidade Federal de Uberlândia – UFU, onde também fundou um grupo de estudos em iluminação cênica chamado “Cênica Luz”. Mineira, nascida em Iturama e criada em Uberlândia, é uma das coordenadoras e apresentadoras do programa semanal “da ideia à luz” e atua profissionalmente como criadora de luz para diversos grupos teatrais de sua região, tal como o Grupo Pontapé.  Simpática, ela discorre aqui sobre formação, pesquisa, criação e outras peculiaridades que envolvem a profissão de iluminador no Brasil, mais especificamente na sua região. Com uma trajetória construída sobre as bases do autodidatismo, Camila vem estabelecendo uma constante relação com a pesquisa e, principalmente, com a prática, tal como nos conta ao longo desta generosa entrevista.
estratonismo en el materialismo ilustrado: el caso Sade
Authors: Zorrilla Natalia
Published: May 2022

Este artículo tiene como objetivo estudiar el proceso de articulación del “estratonismo”, constructo histórico-filosófico creado en torno a la figura de Estratón de Lámpsaco, en la Ilustración francesa. Argumentaremos que el materialismo ateo ilustrado incorpora elementos estratonistas, centralmente la idea de la naturaleza como potencia productiva ciega. Nos abocaremos a reconstruir tal proceso de articulación, concentrándonos en la obra de autores de posiciones diversas (incluso opuestas entre sí) como Cudworth, Bayle y d’Holbach. Examinaremos a continuación la reapropiación crítica del estratonismo que realiza Braschi, uno de los personajes filósofos de la obra Histoire de Juliette de Sade, en su metafísica materialista atea.
Taking the TU Delft Carpentries Workshops Online
Authors: Plomp Esther , Tsang Emmy , Martinez Lavanchy Paula M.
Published: May 2022

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands (TU Delft) stopped its activities on campus until autumn 2021 and moved all teaching activities to an online setting. This article describes the challenges and lessons learned from successfully moving basic programming workshops, Software Carpentry workshops, online. The article details the local TU Delft context, the online workshop tools that were employed, and the roles that the organising team played to organise and run these online workshops. To successfully adapt to the online context, it was important to adjust the original planning and programme for the Carpentry workshops. General challenges of online workshops and solutions that worked for the TU Delft team are also shared. Through iteratively developing the online workshops over the past year, the team has enhanced both learners’ and organisers’ experience. The lessons learned will continue to be valuable when the workshops are transitioned back to a physical setting when COVID-19 protective measures are lifted.
Depositing Data: A Usability Study of the Texas Data Repository
Authors: Xu Zhihong , Watts John , Bankston Sarah , Sare Laura
Published: May 2022

Objective: The purpose of this study is to examine the usability of the Texas Data Repository (TDR) for the data depositors who are unfamiliar with its interface and use the results to improve user experience.

Methods: This mixed-method research study collected qualitative and quantitative data through a pre-survey, a task-oriented usability test with a think-aloud protocol, and an exit questionnaire. Analysis of the quantitative (i.e., descriptive statistics) and qualitative data (e.g., content analysis of the thinking-aloud protocols) were employed to examine the TDR’s usability for first-time data depositors at Texas A&M University.

Results: While the study revealed that the users were generally satisfied with their experience, the data suggest that a majority of the participants had difficulty understanding the difference between a dataverse collection and dataset, and often found adding or editing metadata overwhelming. The platform’s tiered model for metadata description is core to its function, but many participants did not have an accurate mental model of the platform, which left them scrolling up and down the page or jumping back and forth between different tabs and pages to perform a single task. Based on the results, the authors made some recommendations.

Conclusions: While this paper relies heavily on the context of the Harvard Dataverse repository platform, the authors posit that any self-deposit model, regardless of platform, could benefit from these recommendations. We noticed that completing various metadata fields in the TDR required participants to pivot their mindset from a data creator to that of a data curator. Moreover, the methods used to investigate the usability of the repository can be used to develop additional studies in a variety of repository and service model contexts.
Interface performance of Bi2Te3-based micro thermoelectric devices optimized synergistically by surface modification engineering
Authors: Tang Hao , Bai Hui , Lü Jia-Nan , Hua Si-Heng , Yan Yong-Gao , Yang Dong-Wang , Wu Jin-Song , Su Xian-Li , Tang Xin-Feng ,   State Key Laboratory of Advanced Technology for Materials Synthesis and Processing, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China,   Nanostructure Research Center, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
Published: May 2022

The miniaturization of thermoelectric devices raises a strong requirement for the excellent interfacial properties of thermoelectric elements. Thus, achieving a heterogeneous interface with low interfacial contact resistivity and high interfacial bonding strength is a prerequisite for the successful fabrication of high-performance and high-reliability Bi2Te3-based micro thermoelectric devices. In this work, we adopt the acid pickling method to modify the surface structure of Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 material to synergistically optimize the interfacial properties of Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3/Ni thermoelectric elements. The acid pickling process effectively modulates the work function of Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 material, which dramatically reduces the contact barrier height of Ni/Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3 heterojunction from 0.22 to 0.02 eV. As a consequence, the corresponding interfacial contact resistivity of the element is greatly reduced from 14.2 to 0.22 μΩ·cm2. Moreover, the acid pickling process effectively adjusts the surface roughness of the matrix, forming a V-shaped pit of 2–5 μm in depth on the substrate surface and leading to a pinning effect. This significantly enhances the physical bonding between the material surface and the Ni layer, which, together with the metallurgical bond formed by the interfacial diffusion reaction zone of about 50-nm-thick Ni/Bi0.4Sb1.6Te3, greatly enhances the interfacial bond strength from 7.14 to 22.34 MPa. The excellent interfacial properties are further validated by the micro-thermoelectric devices. The maximum cooling temperature difference of 4.7 mm× 4.9 mm micro thermoelectric device fabricated by this process achieves 56.5 K, with hot side temperature setting at 300 K, and the maximum output power reaches 882 μW under the temperature gradient of 10 K. This work provides a new strategy for realizing the synergetic optimization of interfacial properties and opens up a new avenue for improving the performance of micro thermoelectric devices.
A novel lineage-tracing mouse model for studying early MmuPV1 infections
Authors: Yilmaz Vural , Louca Panayiota , Potamiti Louiza , Panayiotidis Mihalis , Strati Katerina
Published: May 2022

Human papillomaviruses are DNA viruses that ubiquitously infect humans and have been associated with hyperproliferative lesions. The recently discovered mouse specific papillomavirus (MmuPV1) provides the opportunity to study papillomavirus infections in vivo in the context of a common laboratory mouse model (Mus musculus). To date, a major challenge in the field has been the lack of tools to identify, observe, and characterize individually the papillomavirus hosting cells and also trace the progeny of these cells over time. Here, we present the successful generation of an in vivo lineage-tracing model of MmuPV1-harboring cells and their progeny by means of genetic reporter activation. Following the validation of the system both in vitro and in vivo, we used it to provide a proof-of-concept of its utility. Using flow-cytometry analysis, we observed increased proliferation dynamics and decreased MHC-I cell surface expression in MmuPV1-treated tissues which could have implications in tissue regenerative capacity and ability to clear the virus. This model is a novel tool to study the biology of the MmuPV1 host-pathogen interactions.
Complex fitness landscape shapes variation in a hyperpolymorphic species
Authors: Stolyarova Anastasia V , Neretina Tatiana V , Zvyagina Elena A , Fedotova Anna V , Kondrashov Alexey S , Bazykin Georgii A
Published: May 2022

It is natural to assume that patterns of genetic variation in hyperpolymorphic species can reveal large-scale properties of the fitness landscape that are hard to detect by studying species with ordinary levels of genetic variation. Here, we study such patterns in a fungus Schizophyllum commune, the most polymorphic species known. Throughout the genome, short-range linkage disequilibrium (LD) caused by attraction of minor alleles is higher between pairs of nonsynonymous than of synonymous variants. This effect is especially pronounced for pairs of sites that are located within the same gene, especially if a large fraction of the gene is covered by haploblocks, genome segments where the gene pool consists of two highly divergent haplotypes, which is a signature of balancing selection. Haploblocks are usually shorter than 1000 nucleotides, and collectively cover about 10% of the S. commune genome. LD tends to be substantially higher for pairs of nonsynonymous variants encoding amino acids that interact within the protein. There is a substantial correlation between LDs at the same pairs of nonsynonymous mutations in the USA and the Russian populations. These patterns indicate that selection in S. commune involves positive epistasis due to compensatory interactions between nonsynonymous alleles. When less polymorphic species are studied, analogous patterns can be detected only through interspecific comparisons.
Comparison between Haemodynamic Responses of Propofol Induction between BIS Guided Dose and Sleep Dose: A Randomised Control Trial
Authors: Shangne Sentila , Soreingam Kasomhung , Devi Sinam Neetu , Singh Keisham Upendra , Devi Laishram Rani , Thongram Kalpana , Keishab Bishakha , Nongthombam Rakesh
Published: May 2022

Introduction: Propofol contributes largely in the rapid evolution of day care surgery due to its superior recovery characteristics. However, it is associated with dose-dependent systemic arterial hypotension which increases morbidity and mortality. Bispectral index or BIS is an Electroencephalographic (EEG) derived parameter used to assess the depth of anaesthesia. Titrating drugs to a specific BIS value during general anaesthesia allows to adjust the dose of anaesthetic needed by the patient thereby, reducing the dose related side-effects. Aim: To determine whether the dose of propofol guided BIS values causes less arterial hypotension than the commonly used sleep dose method. Materials and Methods: The present study was a randomised control trail conducted on 92 patients of American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) I and II physical status, aged 18-60 years, of both genders, scheduled for elective surgeries under general anaesthesia and were randomly divided into group A and B (46 in each). For induction of anaesthesia, Group A received propofol till the BIS values reached 50±1 for 30 seconds, while Group B received sleep dose of propofol without BIS monitoring. Haemodynamic effects Heart Rate (HR), Diastolic Blood Pressure (DBP), Systolic Blood Pressure (SBP) and Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) were recorded at baseline, during induction and at 1, 5, 10 and 15 minutes after intubation. Total propofol consumption and secondarily, level of sedation after extubation using Ramsay Sedation Scale were also measured in both the groups. Results: The total dose requirement of propofol was reduced significantly in group A compared to group B (p<0.005). Blood pressure decreased from the baseline in both the groups following induction with propofol but was insignificant. HR increased by 2.2% in group A while it decreased by 8.5% in group B but was insignificant (p>0.005). On arrival to Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), group A were more co-operative, oriented patients compared to group B (67.4% vs 32.6% respectively). Conclusion: BIS monitoring significantly reduces the consumption of propofol for induction of anaesthesia while the incidence of hypotension was similar in both the groups. Lower sedation level with comparatively better extubation score with the use of BIS helps in fast tracking.
Morphometric Study of Proximal Femur and its Applications in Prosthesis Designing: A Cross-sectional Study from Western India
Authors: Skaria Sajan , Kulkarni Manoj , Vaishnani Hetal
Published: May 2022

Introduction : The hip joint is subjected to daily stresses as it bears the weight of the upper body. Osteoarthritis of the hip may cause irreversible damage. Proximal geometry of the femur, like neck-shaft angle and torsion is important in designing prostheses for a specific population. Most of the prostheses manufacturers follow the Western parameters as there is a scarcity of data in the Indian context. Aim: To analyse the normal Neck-Shaft Angle (NSA) and torsion of the femur in the Indian population. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional analytical study was carried out in a total of 300 dried femora (150 right and 150 left) of unknown age and gender without any defect or damage during a period of 2.6 years (June 2019 to December 2021) in Sumandeep Vidyapeeth University, Gujarat, India. The NSA and the angle of femoral torsion was measured using a Goniometer. Mean and standard deviation were calculated. Student’s t-tests was applied to ascertain the statistical difference between right and left femur. Results: The average NSA was 128.55±6.99°. The mean values were 130.70±6.03° and 126.41±7.22° on right and left sides respectively with statistically significant difference (p-value<0.0001). The average femoral torsion was found to be 16.43±2.34°. On the left side, it was 16.43±2.31° and 16.43±2.36° on the right side with No statistically significant difference was found between right and left femorae (p-value=1.00). Conclusion: The accuracy and success of the hip replacement surgery demands complete knowledge of the morphometry of the proximal femur which is highly specific among the races, region and gender. The present study provides the normal morphometry of the proximal femur of Indian population.
Annotated checklist of the herpetofauna of the Pilliga Forest in northern inland New South Wales, Australia for the period January 2006 - January 2018
Authors: Murphy Michael J.
Published: May 2022

The Pilliga Forest is one of the largest surviving woodland remnants on the New South Wales western slopes in inland eastern Australia. Collation of personal observations by a resident herpetologist working in the Pilliga Forest over a 12-year period identified 18 frog species and 49 reptile species. One additional reptile species was identified from museum specimen records, and unconfirmed reports of another one frog and seven reptile species are also noted. This paper provides the most comprehensive published account of the herpetofauna of the Pilliga Forest to date, and illustrates the value of observations over an extended period. Comparison with other locations across western New South Wales highlights the high species richness of the Pilliga Forest for both frogs and reptiles. This is in part a function of its location in a biogeographic overlap zone between eastern, western and northern faunal assemblages. Species of particular conservation concern found in the Pilliga Forest include the threatened Hoplocephalus bitorquatus, near-threatened Pseudophryne bibronii and declining woodland reptiles such as Ctenotus allotropis, Diporiphora nobbi, Morelia spilota metcalfei, Acanthophis antarcticus, Brachyurophis australis and Vermicella annulata.
Evaluating an Oryza sativa L. Based Fermented Beverage ‘Pendam’: A Source of Sustainable Diet to Gadaba Ethnic Community of India
Authors: Mishra Arup Kumar , Bajpai Ranjana , Swain Amrita
Published: May 2022

Focussing on the need of sustainable diet, this research aimed to understand the nutritional feature of a traditional fermented beverage named as ‘Pendam’. As it is widely consumed in study region, participant observation method applied to understand the complete preparation process. In order to understand the quality of Pendam, the nutritional compositions were analysed using standard methods. With pH value of 3.6, this beverage reflects a protein and carbohydrate content of 1.614 mg/ml and 3.01 mg/ml respectively. Fat and yeast are absent in the beverage. The energy value stands at 1.8496 Cal/100 ml. Having cultural importance within the community, Pendam is considered sacred and play strong role in rituals and festivals. The nutritional features ensure it as a sustainable beverage.
Seed Priming’s Effectiveness in Improving Okra Germination and Seedling Growth
Authors: Khanal Sadikshya , Khanal Samikshya , Koirala Sagar , Katel Shambhu , Mandal Honey Raj
Published: May 2022

Seed priming is a pre-sowing seed treatment technique that enables the seed to emerge fast, raise vigor, and increase yield potential. Field research was done to evaluate the efficacy of seed priming on germination and seedling growth of okra in Nawalpur, Nepal. The experiment was laid out in a Randomized completely blocked design (RCBD) from May to June 2020. Open-pollinated variety Arka anamika with four treatments (T1; priming with tap water for 24 hours, T2: priming with hot water at 500c for 5 minutes, T3: priming with cow’s urine at 2% concentration for 3 hours, and T4: priming with NaCl at 3% concentration for 12 hours) was evaluated in a Randomized Complete Block Design that included five replications for each treatment. The germination study was done for 10 days after sowing whereas the seedling growth parameter was done after germination up to 15 DAS. The result of the study showed that the highest germination percentage (72%), seed vigor (1451.00 cm), and plant height (9.19 cm) was observed in seed primed with hot water. Similarly, the lowest mean germination time MGT (1.66 days) and highest shoot length (10.68 cm) were observed in seeds primed with NaCl. Overall, seed priming with hot water and NaCl were found effective to ameliorate germination and seedling growth in okra under field conditions in Nawalpur.
A Study on Farmers’ Perception about Uzhavan App in Select Districts of Tamil Nadu
Authors: Nandhini S. , Rohini A.
Published: May 2022

ICT provides more facilities to farmers by introducing agricultural mobile apps and encourage the farmers for effective farming. These mobile apps provide agriculture related information to farmers in timely and cost effective manner. The present study is carried out to find the farmers perception on uzhavan app which is developed by Government of Tamil Nadu. More than 5 lakh farmers have registered in this app and get various benefits. The uzhavan app has been used by many farmers in gaining more information about agricultural activities. Respondents revealed that dissemination of information through the uzhavan app is valuable and user friendly. The major challenges faced by the farmers were network problem mainly during the ATMA training registration, lack of price details of few commodity and in minor problem time consumes to use all services, app is quite difficult to use due to poor content visibility. From the study, it has been found that majority of farmers had good perception about the uzhavan app and they are satisfied with the features that support them in farming and they also expect some other features need to be integrated in uzhavan mobile app. The uzhavan app provides real time market price of some agricultural commodities and it has greater impact in selling farmers produce at fair price in mandis. Meanwhile, the features of e market online platform helps farmers to connects directly with traders and sell their produce at good price. The availability of farm guide in app provides information regarding fertilizer recommendations practices where most of sample respondents adopted recommended usage level and has positive impact in farming by increasing the yield of farmers.
Strategy to Improve the Marketing Behaviour of Turmeric Farmers in Kadapa District of Andhra Pradesh
Authors: Sravani Settipalli , Prasad S. V. , Praveena P. L. R. J. , Sagar G. Karuna
Published: May 2022

The present study was carried out purposively in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh as it is having the maximum area under turmeric cultivation. The main objective of the study was to develop a suitable strategy to improve the marketing behavior of turmeric farmers. The study followed Ex post facto research design. The purposive sampling technique was administered and two mandals namely Mydukur and Duvvur were selected on the basis of maximum area under the turmeric cultivation. Data was collected from 90 respondents by following a randomly drawn sample technique with the help of a well-structured interview schedule. The study undertaken comprises of analyzing the profile, marketing behaviour and relationship between the profile and marketing behaviour of turmeric farmers. Apart from this, the study was also concerned with the problems encountered in the marketing of produce and their suggestions to overcome these problems by developing a suitable strategy that helps in improving the marketing behaviour of turmeric farmers. The major findings of the study revealed that, the marketing behaviour of a farmer is influenced by various different factors viz., time of sale, location of sale, marketing channels used, and market prices. The government interventions through the provision of direct marketing/linkages with their marketing firms are highly useful to enhance the marketing behaviour of the farmers. Apart from this, making aware of market prices across the nation through e-sources (mobile apps) by the government may also be helpful to improve the markeing ability of turmeric farmers. Further, it is essential to create awareness regarding the market potential of a produce by field-level marketing professionals under the guidance of the Directorate of Agricultural Marketing can be helpful for afflicting the marketing ability of the farmers.
Evaluation of Haemogram Parameters in Refrigerated Therapeutic Whole Blood at the Blood Transfusion Center of the Douala General Hospital Cameroon
Authors: Symphorien Ewodo , Clemence Olemba , Sylvie Ongbayokolak Nadine , Aurore Apou Jeanne , Pierrick Zedong Yann , Dieudonne Adiogo
Published: May 2022

Blood transfusion is a substitute therapy which consists to administered blood or one of its components to one or more sick person. hematological components retain their stability if the cold chain is maintained between 2 and 6°C. essential for good transfusion performance. The aim of this work was to evaluate the stability of haemogram parameters under the influence of cold chain on whole blood bags seronegative from infections transmissible by blood transfusion (ITT).

Methodology: A cohort of 200 blood collected into the citrate phosphate dextrose adenine (CPDA) blood bag collected consecutively at the blood transfusion center of the Douala General Hospital constituted the population of the study conducted from March 1st to September 30th, 2018. 5ml of this blood from the donor’s blood bag was collected into a dry tube (for the blood count using URIT 3000 Plus machine) and the rest was stored in a BIOBASE brand refrigerator at a temperature between 2 and 6. On the day of delivery, a second sample was taken by section of the tubing of the bag for the analysis of a second haemogram of the same blood bags. Temperature, refrigerator opening frequency and blood were collected every day. Data analysis was done using by SPSS 20.0 for Windows software. The results were considered significant at p˂0.05.

Results: The storage temperature significantly (p˂0.05) decrease the rate of leukocytes, erythrocytes and hemoglobin. When the shelf life and the frequency of opening the refrigerator increased, hemoglobin, hematocrit, MCV and lymphocyte decreased significantly while leukocyte, MCHC, thrombocytes and granulocytes increase significantly.

Conclusion: This study showed that, the decrease in leukocytes, red blood cells and hemoglobin levels was significantly related to shelf life and frequency of opening the refrigerator. Knowledge on this variation could be very useful in the selection of refrigerated blood or pint and the efficiency of transfusion.
Effects of Tamoxifen Administration on Lipid Profile in Female Albino Rats
Authors: Owoade Abiodun Olusoji , Adetutu Adewale , Ogundipe Olufemi Ogundeji , Owoade Akinade William , Kehinde Esther Oluwakemi
Published: May 2022

This study is aimed at investigating the effects of tamoxifen on lipid profile. In order to achieve this, tamoxifen was administered once daily intraperitoneally to the female rats at a dose of 2.07mg/kg body weight for 1 and 2 weeks, while a group of rats was allowed to recover for a week after 2 weeks of tamoxifen administration. Rats in the control group were similarly treated but were given corn oil instead of the drug. Tamoxifen administration caused perturbations of major lipids in the animals. Administration of tamoxifen for 1 week lowered cholesterol and triglycerides levels in the plasma by 23.63 % and 39.74 % respectively and in the low density lipoproteins and very low density lipoproteins (LDL+VLDL) by 79.72 % and 67.59 % respectively, while it increased high density lipoproteins (HDL) cholesterol by 3.44 fold. In the tissues, tamoxifen administration for 2 weeks did not significantly affect cholesterol and triglycerides levels but phospholipid levels in the liver, kidney and heart were lowered by 52.38 %, 42.98 % and 73.82 % respectively, while phospholipidosis was the hallmark of its effect in the spleen. The result of our study affirmed that tamoxifen exerts a favourable effect on lipid profile. The hypocholesterolemic and hypotriglyceridesmia effects of tamoxifen observed in this study may partially explain the    decrease in coronary heart disease related mortality seen in patients receiving tamoxifen treatment.
Suggestion Generation for Erroneous Words in Tamil Documents Using N-gram Technique
Authors: Sakuntharaj Ratnasingam
Published: May 2022

A spell checker is a tool that finds and corrects erroneous words and grammatical mistakes in a text document. Spelling error detection and correction techniques are widely used by text editing systems, search engines, text to speech and speech to text conversion systems, machine translation systems and optical character recognition systems. The spell checkers for European languages and some Indic languages are well developed. However, perhaps, owing to Tamil being a morphologically rich and agglutinative language this has been a challenging task. Erroneous words and grammatical mistakes can occur in sentences due to various reasons. Erroneous words can be classified into two categories, namely non-word errors and real-word errors. This work aims to correct non-word errors in Tamil documents by suggesting alternatives. The proposed approach uses letter-level and word-level n-gram, stemming and hash table techniques. Test results show that the suggestions generated by the system are with 95% accuracy.
Effect of Malted African Breadfruit (Treculia africana) Seed Flour Inclusion on In-vitro Glycemic Index, Starch and Protein Digestibility of Fibre Rich Snack Bars
Authors: P. Edima-Nyah, Anne , E. Udo, Mfoniso , E. Ntukidem, Victor , C. Ojimelukwe, Philippa , U. Nwabueze, Titus
Published: May 2022

The study was carried out to elucidate the suitability and utilization of malted African breadfruit (Treculia africana) seed flour in snack bars production. Malted African breadfruit seeds, maize and coconut were processed to flour and evaluated of their proximate composition, phytochemical composition and particle sizes. Six (6) products were developed from the flour blends in the respective ratio of 0:95:5 (T0), 20:75:5 (T20), 25:70:5 (T25), 30:65:5 (T30), 35:60:5 (T35) and 95:0:5 (T95). Soluble dietary fibre (SDF = 5.15 – 3.15%) decreased while insoluble (IDF = 7.23 – 19.23%) and total dietary fibre (TDF = 12.33 – 22.39%) increased significantly (p<0.05) with increasing malted African breadfruit inclusion. In vitro glycemic index (IVGI) and starch digestibility (IVSD) decreased significantly (p<0.05) from 57.30 – 45.65% and 57.48 – 31.44% respectively, with increasing substitution of malted African breadfruit seed flour. A negative correlation was observed between the TDF and IVGI content of the snack bars. In vitro protein digestibility ranged from 68.19 to 87.45%. With reference to standard classifications, the formulated malted African breadfruit seed based snack bars could be referred to as ‘high fibre’ and ‘low glycemic’ foods, and may have positive health benefit to the consumers, especially the diabetics and those interested in weight management.