bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
INVESTIGATION ON COGNITIVE RADIO NETWORKS: INTRODUCTION, SPECTRUM SENSING, IEEE STANDARDS, CHALLENGES, APPLICATIONS
Authors:   Balaji Institute of Technology and Science, Kumar Vaigandla Karthik , Mounika Thippani ,   Balaji Institute of Technology and Science, Urooj Uzma ,   Balaji Institute of Technology and Science, Azmi Nilofar ,   Balaji Institute of Technology and Science, Karne RadhaKrishna ,   Balaji Institute of Technology and Science
Published: July 2022

During the last decade, Cognitive Radio (CR) has become a popular research topic. The availability of radio spectrum is in shortage, and CR technology can solve the problem by enabling dynamic spectrum access. This innovative technology has been used to manage the radio spectrum since it was introduced. These developments have led to rapid advances in this research field. A review of recent advances in Spectrum Sensing (SS) is presented in this paper, from its origins to its present state. A CR network has been found to be a highly effective and intelligent technology. Frequency spectrum is a bounded natural resource and an essential component of wireless communication networks. We explored CR in this paper and its various phases. Different definitions of CR are then presented from various institutions. Many different types of communications systems use CR techniques. It is anticipated that they will improve commercial and military data services, as well as increase the use of underutilized radio frequencies. In this paper, CR standards have been discussed, as well as its applications in various areas.
CORRELATION BETWEEN PHYSICOCHEMICAL CHARACTERS AND RHIZOSPHERIC MYCOFLORA FROM SOIL OF PIGEON PEA FIELD IN JALAUN DISTRICT
Authors:   Bundelkhand University, Sinha Priyanka , Rizvi Gazala ,   Bundelkhand University, Singh Devendra ,   Bundelkhand University
Published: July 2022

Soil is an excellent culture media for the growth and development of various microorganisms. It is a mixture of five component i.e., organic matter, mineral matter, soil air, soil water and soil microorganism. Soil is not an inert static material but a medium pulsating with life. The amount proposition of different components in soil varies with localities in climate. The study was undertaken to investigate the relationship among physicochemical characteristic of soil and their impact on microfloral diversity and wilt disease incidence of pigeon pea, from ten different villages belonging to Jalaun district. Soil sample were analyzed for various characteristic pH, EC, soil moisture, N, P, K, organic carbon. Soil microflora was isolated. Wilt incidence was estimated. A total 20 fungal species belonging to 12 genera comprising of Aspergillus, Alternaria, Botrytis, Curvularia, Cladosporium, Fusarium, Pythium pathogenic and Aspergillus, Emericella, Mucor, Penicillium, Rhizopus, Trichoderma saprophytic fungi was isolated. There was no uniform trend visualized among the correlation of soil microflora with physical and chemical property of soil. Soil pH, Moisture, EC and P showed significant impact and other component like C, N and K also affect the growth of soil microbiota.
FACE RECOGNIZATION ATTENDANCE SYSTEMUSING MACHINE LEARNING TECHNIQUES
Authors:   RV College of Engineering, V Anushka , DL Akasha ,   RV College of Engineering, Chakravorty Prof. Chandrani ,   RV College of Engineering
Published: July 2022

Nowadays education institutions are concerned with the regularity of student attendance who is present or absent. This is mainly concerned with the student’s academic performance which is affected by his or her attendance in the Institution. The methods of calling the attendance which by calling the student roll no, or by calling the name or by making the sign of the student in the paper. These may take more time and also be difficult for faculty. So, there is a necessity computerbased attendance system in which it maintains the student attendance record. Attendance is easy by rerecognization of students and marking attendance. The proposed system was designed by using CNN classifier and LBPH algorithms for face recognization. This system saves time for marking attendance.
Correlation of Attitudes towards Remote Consultations of a Rheumatologist with Health Locus of Control: Survey of Lithuanian Patients with Chronic Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Antinis Dominykas , Sabaliauskienė Jurgita
Published: July 2022

Background: During the COVID-19 pandemic, telemedicine has become an important means to control the disease with the help of a doctor for patients with chronic diseases. To make treatment of chronic rheumatic diseases effective, it is important that patients have a positive attitude towards the remote consulting and maintained health related individual behavior, which depends on the patient’s health locus of control.
Methods: The sample of the survey consists of 207 Lithuanian patients with chronic rheumatic diseases. Most of them have been diagnosed with spondyloarthritis (n=83), connective tissue diseases (n=53) and rheumatoid arthritis (n=49). To reveal the attitude towards remote consultations of a rheumatologist, an original questionnaire has been developed, which includes reasons for prioritizing remote consultations of a rheumatologist, and positive and negative attitude towards the consultations. Health locus of control was assessed by Multidimensional Health Locus of Control (MHLC) scale, which contains Internality, Chance and Powerful Others subscales.
Results: The survey revealed the main reasons why patients with chronic rheumatic diseases choose remote consultations. When comparing the average of statements revealing positive attitude M=2.78 with the negative one of M=1.51 it becomes obvious that the attitude of subjects towards remote consultations is favorable. A correlation analysis was performed to assess the correlation of patient positive or negative attitudes towards remote consultations with the health locus of control. The results did not establish a correlation between patients’ positive attitude towards the named consultations and internality locus of control. However, it has been obtained that a negative attitude towards remote consultations has albeit not strong, but a statistically significant correlation with two indicators of health locus of control – Chance (r=0.203, p≤0.0001) and Powerful Others (r=0.94, p=0.01).
Conclusion: The survey revealed a favorable attitude of patients with chronic rheumatic diseases towards remote consultations. Furthermore, it showed that personal conviction of a patient that health depends on circumstances and influence of other people worsens the attitude towards remote consultations.
Keywords: telerheumatology, remote consultations, health locus of control.
Theoretical Assumptions of Value-Based Communication
Authors: Drulytė Ramvyda , Daniusevičiūte-Brazaitė Laura , Mickevičius Vaidas , Tüür Aldona
Published: July 2022

Keywords: human values, book fairs, human values in communication.
Post-COVID Heroes: Physical Education Teachers’ Role in Sports and Physical Activity in Jamaica
Authors: Der Rowe Van
Published: July 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has greatly exacerbated Jamaica’s high physical inactivity rates, which means the country could potentially see increases in lifestyle diseases and deaths. Given the fact that physical literacy is not prevalent among the Jamaican population, physical education (PE) teachers must play a greater role in the postCOVID era to promote physical activity and sports involvement through school, community, and national initiatives.
Purpose: The purpose of this study was to assess the perceived role of PE teachers in the development of sports and physical activity (PA) lifestyles in the post-COVID era in Jamaica.
Methods: The research took the form of a descriptive quantitative survey that analyzed the experiences and perceptions of 47 PE teachers in Jamaica. The sampling method utilized a combined approach using purposive and snowball sampling techniques.
Results: The results of the study indicated that PE teachers play an important role in teaching and developing the fundamental skills of students in preparation for transition into amateur and national competitions. PE teachers in the post-COVID era need to contribute more to students living a healthy lifestyle and becoming active for life.
Conclusion: The results of this study have great implications for Jamaica’s physical inactivity levels and the continued development and maintenance of Jamaica’s dominance in sports in the international arena.
Keywords: chronic lifestyle diseases, physical activity lifestyle, sports development.
Ecological and agrochemical assessment of the state of agricultural landscapes in Ivano-Frankivsk region
Authors: Davydiuk H. , Shkarivska L. , Klymenko I. , Dovbash N. , Demyanyuk O.
Published: July 2022

In the Western region of Ukraine, one of the main factors influencing the ecological safety of agricultural landscapes is anthropogenic pressure. Based on monitoring studies, ecological and agrochemical assessment of the state of agrolandscapes of IvanoFrankivsk region is conducted, in particular in residential areas. The state of soils, natural waters and crop production was studied by the method of route monitoring. Chemical and analytical studies were carried out using methods of chemical, physical and chemical analysis using modern methods of atomic absorption spectrophotometry, flame photometry, in accordance with the requirements of the quality management system, according to methods that meet the regulatory framework of Ukraine. It was determined that some of the studied soil samples had very low acidity and high content of biogenic elements (especially phosphorus and potassium) and pollutants. The quality of natural waters in some cases did not meet the regulatory requirements. This is due to both natural factors — features of the hydrological regime, and anthropogenic — violation of sanitary rules for the development of the territory, the introduction of high doses of mineral and organic fertilizers, noncompliance with manure storage technologies, the maintenance of domestic animals and poultry, and the disposal of livestock and household waste. Some samples of crop products did not meet sanitary and hygienic standards for the content of lead, cadmium, nickel, copper and iron. Studies indicate a significant impact of the anthropogenic factor on the change in the quality of soil, natural waters and crop production. Conducting an ecological and agrochemical assessment of the state of agricultural landscapes in the Western region, including residential areas and establishing the features of migration and accumulation of biogenic elements and ecotoxicants, is a promising area of research to develop measures to prevent pollution of soil, groundwater, open reservoirs and plant products.
Amphorae of Roman Time from Excavations at Settlement on Berezan Island (in Collection of Odesa Archaeological Museum of NAS of Ukraine)
Authors: Masyuta Denis
Published: July 2022

The author presents the finds of amphorae of the Roman time, which were found on the island of Berezan. Materials that are introduced into scientific circulation are stored in the depositaries of the Odesa Archaeological Museum of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine. They are mainly represented by fragments of amphorae, which were found as a result of the work of archaeological expeditions headed by M.F. Boltenko (1927, 1928, 1930, 1931, 1946) and V.V. Lapin (1960, 1961) at Berezan settlement. Some of the finds also came from the island of Berezan, but the year and place of their finding are unknown.

A comprehensive study of amphorae fragments gives the opportunity to reconstruct the trade relations of the settlement, which was located on the island of Berezan in the first centuries AD. Products in transport amphorae appeared on the island in the early Roman time. Thus, in amphorae of type Vnukov S І, dating no later than the first third of the 2nd century AD, Heraclean wine, made according to Coan recipe, was imported. Subsequently, the products of Heraclea Pontica sporadically came in amphorae of variant Vnukov S IVC.

The peak of trade activity of the settlement was attained in the end of the 2nd – the middle of the 3rd century AD. The range of products imported in transport wares during that period was rather wide. Heraclean wine was imported in large quantities (in amphorae of variant Vnukov S IVD) as opposed to much lesser quantities of the Aegean wine (in vessels of type Kapitän II) and Cilicia wine (in amphora of type Agora G 199). Probably, there was wine in amphora of type Zeest 72 or Zeest 73, which came to the island from an unidentified production site.

Bosporus ‘salsamentum’, which had been very popular among the inhabitants of Berezan settlement since the end of the 2nd century AD was transported in amphorae of type Zeest 75 (variants A, C, D), and from the beginning of the 3rd century AD, also in a rather rare container of type Krapivina 27 (variants ‘a’ and ‘b’). Salted fish was also imported from the non-localized center in vessels of variant Zeest 75B. In addition, a small amount of purchased olive oil was imported in amphorae of type Zeest 80 from several production sites located in the Aegean and the Black Sea regions. Single items represent variants of amphorae that cannot be correlated with already known types.

In Berezan collection of the Odesa Archaeological Museum of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, no ceramic containers were found, which could be dated only later than 264. However, vessels of types Zeest 72 and Kapitän II could come to Berezan in the 4th century AD.
CONGENITAL NEPHROTIC SYNDROME: A CASE REPORT
Authors:   Nephrology Division, Department Of Child Health Science, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia., MURDANINGSIH Dr. ERNI , RAUF Dr. SYARIFUDDIN ,   Nephrology Division, Department Of Child Health Science, Hasanuddin University, Indonesia
Published: July 2022

Congenital nephrotic syndrome (CNS) is a rare kidney disorder characterized by severe protein urea, hypo-protein aemia, and edema commencing shortly after birth. The majority CNS type often discovered is Finnish by common indication of prematurely born infant with a large placenta. Prenatal diagnosis can be through the detection of high levels of Alfa fetoprotein in the amniotic fluid. The infant aged one month 18 days had abdominal swelling that was noticeable from 21 days after birth. The infant hospitalized at Kolaka Hospital had anasarca edema, hypo-albuminemia (albumin 1.0 g / dl), protein urea (+++), and hyper-lipidaemia (209). Patient’s history of receiving albumin transfusions. Referring to the anamnesis and physical examination, the infant endured a CNS started less than three months after birth, and the onset factor of symptoms led to primary CNS due to genetic disorders. The diagnosis is made based on history, physical examination, and supporting investigations. The patient accepts the treatment of intravenous albumin transfusion followed by intravenous antibiotics for secondary infection.
OS CONTOS CEDRAZIANOS PARA A CONDUÇÃO DE UM ENSINO INTERDISCIPLINAR
Authors: Barbosa Priscila Raiane da Silva , Lira Mirtes Ribeiro de
Published: July 2022

Resumo: Os contos que compõem a coleção “Outras Histórias da Turma do Xaxado”, escritos por Antônio Cedraz, embasam-se no realismo maravilhoso. Nessas produções, o contexto social do Brasil é revelado por meio da associação entre elementos fantasiosos, provenientes do imaginário dos brasileiros, e aspectos voltados à realidade desse país com destaque ao sertão nordestino. Assim, este estudo tem como objetivo demonstrar como esses contos podem se tornar um excelente recurso pedagógico, capaz de auxiliar uma prática de ensino interdisciplinar condizente com o contexto atual. Nessa perspectiva, além de entreter os leitores, as produções contribuem para a produção de significados que geram conhecimento nas diversas áreas do saber.

Abstract: The tales that compose the collection “Other Stories of the Xaxado’s gang”, written by Antônio Cedraz, are based on wonderful realism. In these productions, the social context of Brazil is revealed through the association between fanciful elements, derived from the imagination of Brazilian people, and aspects focused on the reality of that country, with emphasis on the northeastern backwoods. Thus, this study aims to demonstrate how these stories can become an excellent pedagogical resource, capable of assisting an interdisciplinary teaching practice consistent with the current context. In this perspective, in addition to entertaining readers, the productions contribute to the production of meanings that generate knowledge in the various areas of knowledge.
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DO PROJETO SOCIAL “LIBRAS NA PERSPECTIVA INCLUSIVA” NA VIDA DOS ALUNOS OUVINTES PARA A COMUNICAÇÃO COM OS ALUNOS SURDOS NO AMBIENTE EDUCACIONAL
Authors: Leite Maria Clerya Alvino , Souza Mércia Silva de Lima
Published: July 2022

O objetivo deste trabalho foi analisar as contribuições do projeto social “Libras na perspectiva inclusiva” na vida dos alunos ouvintes, principalmente na comunicação com os alunos surdos no município de Mamanguape-PB. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória descritiva com abordagem qualitativa - do tipo levantamento de campo. Os participantes da pesquisa foram dois alunos ouvintes (maiores de idade) que fazem parte do projeto e que tem contato com alunos surdos em sala de aula. Na coleta de dados utilizou-se um questionário virtual que foi enviado aos participantes via e-mail. Os resultados da pesquisa apontam que o projeto possibilitou aos participantes conhecimentos sobre a Língua Brasileira de Sinais (Libras), contribuindo para a comunicação com os surdos no ambiente escolar, além de adquirir conhecimentos sobre a identidade surda em todos os seus aspectos, possibilitando aos envolvidos, crescimento pessoal no ambiente educacional e social. Portanto, consideramos a necessidade de mudanças no ambiente escolar com a inserção da Libras para a comunicação entre alunos surdos e ouvintes no âmbito educacional.
PALAVRA DENTRO DOS PARÊNTESES - O LUGAR DO NÃO-HETEROSSEXUAL NA BASE NACIONAL COMUM CURRICULAR:
Authors: Baliscei João Paulo , Mochi Luciene Celina Cristina
Published: July 2022

Este artigo tem como objetivo problematizar as maneiras como as configurações familiares são abordadas enquanto representações na Educação Básica. Organizou-se uma pesquisa com delineamentos bibliográficos e documentais, a partir da qual analisaram-se as menções que a Base Nacional Comum Curricular – BNCC faz sobre “famílias” e “sexualidades”. Debruçou-se sobre os estudos das Relações de Gênero e Estudos da Cultura Visual.  Nas considerações finais, levaram-se cinco justificativas para explicar que a BNCC fortalece a heterossexualidade compulsória, e estabeleceram-se relações entre “estar dentro dos parênteses” e estar “dentro do armário”.
EXISTE UMA BNCC NA SSP?
Authors: Ferreira Deyvid Braga , Maria Nogueira Diógenes Elione , Carla Gonçalves Ferreira Geisa
Published: July 2022

Este artigo  objetiva analisar a Matriz Curricular Nacional proposta pela Secretaria Nacional de Segurança Pública (SENASP/MJ), mais especificamente seu objetivo geral de ensino que padroniza as malhas curriculares de todo o País, dos profissionais da área de segurança pública. A metodologia utilizada para desvelar tal problemática foi a pesquisa qualitativa, com revisão bibliográfica. Nossa perspectiva teórica foi a da Análise do Discurso de vertente francesa, que trabalha a relação língua, ideologia e história. Nossa categoria de análise foi a Formação Discursiva. Os resultados desta pesquisa mostraram que tal instrumento de padronização curricular, em vez de apresentar melhoras institucionais, dialoga com os anseios do capital de forma a perpetuar o seu projeto de sociabilidade.
ENTRE REZAS E BENZEÇÕES
Authors: Reis Natália de Paula , Do Couto Elza Kioko Nakayama Nenoki
Published: July 2022

Neste artigo buscamos abordar a construção discursiva de fórmulas religiosas utilizadas por benzedeiros e benzedeiras, verificando a organização desse discurso, bem como sua relação com a exterioridade. Assim, os fundamentos teóricos e metodológicos da pesquisa envolvem a abordagem da Análise do Discurso de linha francesa. A constituição do corpus compreendeu textos escritos (rezas) utilizadas por um benzedeiro, morador da cidade de Rubiataba (GO), situada no centro-norte do estado. Constatamos que, a partir das benzeções, os especialistas buscam incutir crenças, pensamentos e valores na população que crê. Dessa forma, as fórmulas religiosas não são apenas meios curativos para se combater as enfermidades, mas também são elementos que se encontram intimamente ligados à visão de mundo de dada comunidade.
BRANQUEAMENTO SOCIAL TAMBÉM PRECISA SER DISCUTIDO
Authors: Perotto Jhonatan Thiago Beniquio , Azevedo Lucy Ferreira
Published: July 2022

Este artigo resulta de uma pesquisa de mestrado cujo objetivo consistiu em observar de que forma o branqueamento social, ocorrido no Brasil desde o final do século XIX, e seus reflexos foram representados na literatura brasileira, e se isso contribuiu para a naturalização do racismo estrutural. Para tanto, analisamos a percepção de alunos de 3ª série do Ensino Médio, de uma escola estadual de Cuiabá-MT, a respeito dessa representação. Nesta pesquisa, com natureza qualitativa, foi utilizada, como procedimento metodológico, a pesquisa-ação e, para alcançar os objetivos do trabalho, o material didático de Língua Portuguesa adotado pela escola foi analisado, um questionário foi aplicado e oficinas foram realizadas. Com base na Análise de Discurso Crítica, foram observadas as concepções dos indivíduos participantes, e os resultados salientaram a crença dos sujeitos no mito de democracia racial e a falta de conhecimento sobre literatura negra brasileira.
Flipped Well-Plate Hanging-Drop Technique for Growing Three-Dimensional Tumors
Authors: Jeong Yoon , Tin Ashley , Irudayaraj Joseph
Published: July 2022

Three-dimensional (3D) tumor culture techniques are gaining popularity as in vitro models of tumoral tissue analogues. Despite the widespread interest, need, and present-day effort, most of the 3D tumor culturing methodologies have not gone beyond the inventors’ laboratories. This, in turn, limits their applicability and standardization. In this study, we introduce a straightforward and user-friendly approach based on standard 96-well plates with basic amenities for growing 3D tumors in a scaffold-free/scaffold-based format. Hanging drop preparation can be easily employed by flipping a universal 96-well plate. The droplets of the medium generated by the well-plate flip (WPF) method can be easily modified to address various mechanisms and processes in cell biology, including cancer. To demonstrate the applicability and practicality of the conceived approach, we utilized human colorectal carcinoma cells (HCT116) to first show the generation of large scaffold-free 3D tumor spheroids over 1.5 mm in diameter in single-well plates. As a proof-of-concept, we also demonstrate matrix-assisted tumor culture techniques in advancing the broader use of 3D culture systems. The conceptualized WPF approach can be adapted for a range of applications in both basic and applied biological/engineering research.
Towards Better Governance on Biosafety and Biosecurity: China’s Advances and Perspectives in Medical Biotechnology Legislation
Authors: Xue Yang , Shang Lijun
Published: July 2022

In this paper, we systematically investigated and assessed China’s evolving medical biotechnology legislative and regulatory regime. 89 laws, rules, measures, guidelines, and views from 1985 to 2022 were systematically analogized and 28 were found to be involved in medical biotechnology legislation, including the recently passed Biosecurity Law. We classified the legislations and performed a comparative analysis for their legal binding based on the legal subject and extent of application, then further analyzes some of the legislative challenges in governing medical biotechnology risks in the context of China’s upgrading its regulatory and legal regime in the last 3 years. We concluded that policymakers in China have now incorporated medical biotechnology-related biosafety and biosecurity into the national strategic goals of a “People-Centered” approach to establish and foster an ecological civilization, particularly in the aftermath of the “He Jiankui affair.” Instead of relying on a patchwork of existing regulations and measures relating to the emerging field of medical biotechnology, China is attempting to integrate a patchwork of existing regulations and measures into a comprehensive legal framework, such as the constitution, National Security Law, Biosecurity Law, administrative regulations, departmental and local rules, and has begun to use the Civil Code and Criminal Law to explicitly identify actions relating to medical biotechnology. In general, China follows the “precautionary principle” as it thinks that uncertainty in science and technology should not be used to justify delaying the adoption of measures to prevent injuries or dangers, stating that whoever advances biotechnology must face the burden of proof of no harm. There would be a need to impose oversight for prevention and precaution if any biotechnology breakthrough that carries risks on which no scientific consensus has been reached. We argued that the “top-down” formulation of general objectives by the active political leadership and “bottom-up” innovation in the implementation are the keys to achieving these goals. Given the rapid advancements in medical biotechnology, countries all over the world must examine the governance landscape around biosafety and biosecurity and quickly consider options for their own comprehensive, credible, and long-lasting regulatory frameworks and experiences learned from China’s governance will help chart a scalable future roadmap.
Insights Into the Role of Mortalin in Alzheimer’s Disease, Parkinson’s Disease, and HIV-1-Associated Neurocognitive Disorders
Authors: Priyanka  , Seth Pankaj
Published: July 2022

Mortalin is a chaperone protein that regulates physiological functions of cells. Its multifactorial role allows cells to survive pathological conditions. Pharmacological, chemical, and siRNA-mediated downregulation of mortalin increases oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction leading to unregulated inflammation. In addition to its well-characterized function in controlling oxidative stress, mitochondrial health, and maintaining physiological balance, recent evidence from human brain autopsies and cell culture–based studies suggests a critical role of mortalin in attenuating the damage seen in several neurodegenerative diseases. Overexpression of mortalin provides an important line of defense against accumulated proteins, inflammation, and neuronal loss, a key characteristic feature observed in neurodegeneration. Neurodegenerative diseases are a group of progressive disorders, sharing pathological features in Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, multiple sclerosis, and HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder. Aggregation of insoluble amyloid beta-proteins and neurofibrillary tangles in Alzheimer’s disease are among the leading cause of neuropathology in the brain. Parkinson’s disease is characterized by the degeneration of dopamine neurons in substantia nigra pars compacta. A substantial synaptic loss leading to cognitive decline is the hallmark of HIV-associated neurocognitive disorder (HAND). Brain autopsies and cell culture studies showed reduced expression of mortalin in Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and HAND cases and deciphered the important role of mortalin in brain cells. Here, we discuss mortalin and its regulation and describe how neurotoxic conditions alter the expression of mortalin and modulate its functions. In addition, we also review the neuroprotective role of mortalin under neuropathological conditions. This knowledge showcases the importance of mortalin in diverse brain functions and offers new opportunities for the development of therapeutic targets that can modulate the expression of mortalin using chemical compounds.
Regeneration in the Auditory Organ in Cuban and African Dwarf Crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer and Osteolaemus tetraspis) Can We Learn From the Crocodile How to Restore Our Hearing?
Authors: Li Hao , Staxäng Karin , Hodik Monika , Melkersson Karl-Gunnar , Rask-Andersen Mathias , Rask-Andersen Helge
Published: July 2022

Background: In several non-mammalian species, auditory receptors undergo cell renewal after damage. This has raised hope of finding new options to treat human sensorineural deafness. Uncertainty remains as to the triggering mechanisms and whether hair cells are regenerated even under normal conditions. In the present investigation, we explored the auditory organ in the crocodile to validate possible ongoing natural hair cell regeneration.

Materials and Methods: Two male Cuban crocodiles (Crocodylus rhombifer) and an adult male African Dwarf crocodile (Osteolaemus tetraspis) were analyzed using transmission electron microscopy and immunohistochemistry using confocal microscopy. The crocodile ears were fixed in formaldehyde and glutaraldehyde and underwent micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) and 3D reconstruction. The temporal bones were drilled out and decalcified.

Results: The crocodile papilla basilaris contained tall (inner) and short (outer) hair cells surrounded by a mosaic of tightly connected supporting cells coupled with gap junctions. Afferent neurons with and without ribbon synapses innervated both hair cell types. Supporting cells occasionally showed signs of trans-differentiation into hair cells. They expressed the MAFA and SOX2 transcription factors. Supporting cells contained organelles that may transfer genetic information between cells, including the efferent nerve fibers during the regeneration process. The tectorial membrane showed signs of being replenished and its architecture being sculpted by extracellular exosome-like proteolysis.

Discussion: Crocodilians seem to produce new hair cells during their life span from a range of supporting cells. Imposing efferent nerve fibers may play a role in regeneration and re-innervation of the auditory receptors, possibly triggered by apoptotic signals from wasted hair cells. Intercellular signaling may be accomplished by elaborate gap junction and organelle systems, including neural emperipolesis. Crocodilians seem to restore and sculpt their tectorial membranes throughout their lives.
Rho and Rab Family Small GTPases in the Regulation of Membrane Polarity in Epithelial Cells
Authors: Ebnet Klaus , Gerke Volker
Published: July 2022

Membrane polarity, defined as the asymmetric distribution of lipids and proteins in the plasma membrane, is a critical prerequisite for the development of multicellular tissues, such as epithelia and endothelia. Membrane polarity is regulated by polarized trafficking of membrane components to specific membrane domains and requires the presence of intramembrane diffusion barriers that prevent the intermixing of asymmetrically distributed membrane components. This intramembrane diffusion barrier is localized at the tight junctions (TJs) in these cells. Both the formation of cell-cell junctions and the polarized traffic of membrane proteins and lipids are regulated by Rho and Rab family small GTPases. In this review article, we will summarize the recent developments in the regulation of apico-basal membrane polarity by polarized membrane traffic and the formation of the intramembrane diffusion barrier in epithelial cells with a particular focus on the role of Rho and Rab family small GTPases.
Abietane-Type Diterpenoids From Nepeta bracteata Benth. and Their Anti-Inflammatory Activity
Authors: Yang Er-Lan , Hou Yong , Ma Guo-Xu , Zou Lin-Jun , Xu Xu-Dong , Wu Hai-Feng , Yang Jun-Shan , Wei Hong-Wan , Fan Cong-Zhao , Sun Zhao-Cui , Shi Lei-Ling
Published: July 2022

Terpenes possess a wide range of structural features and pharmaceutical activities and are promising for drug candidates. With the aim to find bioactive terpene molecules, eight new compounds were isolated from the medicinal plant Nepeta bracteata Benth., including seven new abietane-type diterpenoids (1–7), along with a new ursane-type triterpenoid(8). The structures of compounds 1–8 were elucidated through the detailed spectroscopic analyses of their 1D and 2D NMR and MS data, and the absolute configurations of compounds 1–7 were determined by comparing their experimental and calculated ECD spectra. Compound 1 was a novel degraded carbon diterpene with the disappearing of methyl signal at C-19, while compound 7 possessed a new norabietane-type diterpenoid carbon skeleton with the presence of five-membered lactone arising from ring rearrangement. The anti-inflammatory of all obtained isolates were evaluated on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells and the results of anti-inflammatory activity screening showed that compared with the LPS model group, all compounds were significantly down-regulation the TNF-α inflammatory factor at the specific concentration, except for compound 6.
Blood-Based Biomarkers to Search for Atrial Fibrillation in High-Risk Asymptomatic Individuals and Cryptogenic Stroke Patients
Authors: Palà Elena , Bustamante Alejandro , Pagola Jorge , Juega Jesus , Francisco-Pascual Jaume , Penalba Anna , Rodriguez Maite , De Lera Alfonso Mercedes , Arenillas Juan F. , Cabezas Juan Antonio , Pérez-Sánchez Soledad , Moniche Francisco , de Torres Reyes , González-Alujas Teresa , Clúa-Espuny Josep Lluís , Ballesta-Ors Juan , Ribas Domingo , Acosta Juan , Pedrote Alonso , Gonzalez-Loyola Felipe , Gentile Lorente Delicia , Ángel Muñoz Miguel , Molina Carlos A. , Montaner Joan
Published: July 2022

Background

Atrial fibrillation (AF) increases the risk of ischemic stroke in asymptomatic individuals and may be the underlying cause of many cryptogenic strokes. We aimed to test the usefulness of candidate blood-biomarkers related to AF pathophysiology in two prospective cohorts representative of those populations.

Methods

Two hundred seventy-four subjects aged 65–75 years with hypertension and diabetes from the AFRICAT cohort, and 218 cryptogenic stroke patients aged >55 years from the CRYPTO-AF cohort were analyzed. AF was assessed by 4 weeks of monitoring with a wearable Holter device (NuuboTM™). Blood was collected immediately before monitoring started. 10 candidate biomarkers were measured by automated immunoassays (Roche, Penzberg) in the plasma of all patients. Univariate and logistic regression analyses were performed in each cohort separately.

Results

Atrial fibrillation detection rate was 12.4% (AFRICAT cohort) and 22.9% (CRYPTO-AF cohort). 4 biomarkers were significantly increased in asymptomatic individuals with AF [Troponin-T, Angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), Endocan, and total N-terminal pro-B type natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP)] and 7 biomarkers showed significantly higher concentrations in cryptogenic stroke patients with AF detection [growth differentiation factor 15, interleukin 6, Troponin-T, Ang-2, Bone morphogenic protein 10, Dickkopf-related protein 3 (DKK-3), and total NT-proBNP]. The models including Ang-2 and total NT-proBNP [AUC 0.764 (0.665–0.863)], and Ang-2 and DKK-3 [AUC = 0.733 (0.654–0.813)], together with age and sex, showed the best performance to detect AF in high-risk asymptomatic individuals, and in cryptogenic stroke patients, respectively.

Conclusion

Blood-biomarkers, in particular, total NT-proBNP, DKK-3, and Ang-2, were associated with AF reflecting two mechanistically different pathways involved in AF pathophysiology (AF stretch and vascular changes). The combination of these biomarkers could be useful in AF screening strategies in the primary care setting and also for searching AF after cryptogenic stroke.
Pre-existing Proton Pump Inhibitor Treatment and Short-Term Prognosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients
Authors: Xie Juntao , Chen Qingui , He Dejian
Published: July 2022

Introduction

Evidence suspects proton pump inhibitor (PPI) use is a risk factor of poor prognosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). We aimed to investigate the association between pre-existing PPI use before emergency department (ED) visit and short-term prognosis of AMI patients.

Materials and Methods

AMI patients admitted to ED were included and categorized as cohorts with or without pre-existing PPI use. Hospital mortality, length of hospital stay, being admitted to intensive care unit (ICU), and length of (total) ICU stay were studied as prognostic outcomes. Multivariable logistic regression or linear regression were used to estimate the associations between pre-existing PPI use and the outcomes after adjusting for potential confounders.

Results

A total of 2001 AMI patients were included. No significant difference was found in hospital mortality and length of ICU stay between cohorts; patients with pre-existing PPI use showed a significantly longer length of hospital stay (median 3.81 vs. 3.20 days, P = 0.002) but lower proportion of being admitted to ICU (25.59% vs. 40.83%, P < 0.001) compared to those without pre-existing PPI use. Pre-existing PPI use was not associated with hospital mortality [odds ratio (OR) 1.08, 95% confidence interval (CI) 0.58–1.99], length of hospital stay (β = 0.23, 95% CI −0.35 to 0.82), and length of ICU stay (β = −0.18, 95% CI −1.06 to 0.69), but was statistically significantly associated with lower risk of being admitted to ICU (OR 0.69, 95% CI 0.52–0.92).

Conclusion

The current study does not support newly diagnosed AMI patients with pre-existing PPI use before ED visit would experience worse short-term prognosis than those without.
Impact of Water Vapor on the Development of a Supercell Over Eastern China
Authors: Wang Hao , Hu Zeyong , Liu Peng , Zhang Feimin
Published: July 2022

In this study, the impact of water vapor on the improvement of precipitation simulation in a supercell event over eastern China is investigated by assimilating lightning data into the weather research and forecast (WRF) three-dimensional variational system. The results indicate that the vertical distribution of vapor plays a crucial role in convection precipitation simulation. The WRF alone fails to capture the vertical distribution of vapor, especially at higher altitudes, and vapor simulation is often weak in WRF. Assimilation of lightning data enhances the range and intensity of precipitation forecasts; assimilation of pseudo water vapor transformed from lightning data improves the convection intensification and updraft height of supercells by rectifying the vertical moisture profile. Lightning data assimilation can efficiently compensate for the paucity of observations during supercell growth, and the benefits of lightning data assimilation are concentrated in areas where lightning data is accessible. Further, the importance of microscale water vapor variations, which can be well represented by assimilating pseudo-water vapor, in representing the supercell’s range and intensity is highlighted.
SBAS-InSAR-Based Landslide Susceptibility Mapping Along the North Lancang River, Tibetan Plateau
Authors: Zhang Jiajia , Gao Bo , Huang Hai , Chen Long , Li Yuanling , Yang Dongxu
Published: July 2022

Landslides pose huge challenges to the economic activities in mountainous areas at present, while large numbers of landslide disasters have developed in the Hengduan Mountains area in the eastern part of the Tibetan Plateau. Accurate landslide susceptibility mapping (LSM) serves as a critical measure to predict the serious risks that may be encountered in engineering activities. However, previous landslide susceptibility assessment can only play a limited role in the real-time analysis of current activities of slopes. In this study, the deformation rates of the slopes along the Lancang River were determined using the SBAS-InSAR technique. Meanwhile, the landslide susceptibility along the north Lancang River was assessed using the frequency ratio (FR), random forest and FR-RF models, and the precision of the assessment results was verified according to receiver operating characteristic curves (ROCs). Finally, a refined landslide susceptibility map was developed by integrating the deformation rates and landslide susceptibility indexes (LSIs) using a contingency matrix. As indicated by the deformation rates calculated using the SBAS-InSAR technique according to ascending and descending data show that the RADARSAT-2 descending data yielded more precise deformation results. The area-under-the-curve (AUC) values of the three assessment models were 0.866, 0.897, and 0.916, respectively, indicating that the assessment results obtained with the FR-RF model are the most precise. In the upgraded landslide susceptibility map, the areas with high and very high landslide susceptibility increased by 2.97%. Meanwhile, a total of 563,430 grid cells showed an increase in landslide susceptibility, accounting for 11.15% of all the grid cells. Most especially, the Xueru and Ritong areas exhibited a significant increase in landslide susceptibility, and it has been verified by remote sensing images and field surveys that both areas are subject to landslide risks. Therefore, the upgraded landslide susceptibility map has a better prediction performance and can provide valuable support for the decision making in the construction of major engineering facilities and the prevention and remediation of landslides.
Precipitation Trends Analysis Using Gridded Dynamic Sampling Zones: Case Study Yangtze Delta Megalopolis
Authors: Liu Xiaolong , Fu Dafang , Zevenbergen Chris , Yu Meixiu , Kumar Alagarasan Jagadeesh
Published: July 2022

As a result of the fast growth of remote sensing and data assimilation technology, many global land use land cover (LULC) and climate reanalysis data sets have been used to advance our understanding of climate and environmental change. This paper investigates the precipitation variations of the Yangtze Delta Megalopolis by using precipitation reanalysis data under conditions of dynamic urban sprawl. Compared with current precipitation characteristic analyses, which are often based on a limited number of ground rainfall stations, the approach followed in this study comprises a grid-based statistical method using large sets of samples with a uniform distribution and a same representative grid area. This novel approach of dynamic sampling is applied in this study to overcome the temporal and spatial inconsistency of stationary sampling. This approach allows to examine the impact of urbanization on regional precipitation characteristics. The Yangtze Delta Megalopolis (YDM) region, one of the most developed regions in China, was selected as a case study to evaluate the impact of urbanization on subsequent precipitation features. The results reveal that the annual total precipitation (TP) and the maximum daily precipitation (MDP) in both urban and non-urban areas of the YDM region generally have increased during the past 30 years. Hence, the region has become increasingly humid. Extrema of annual MDP and TP show obvious spatial characteristics, in which most maxima are located in the southern part of YDM while minima are more concentrated in the northern part. This newly developed approach has potentials for application in studies where underlying surface features exhibit rapid alterations. The findings of this case study provide relevant information for planning and design of regional water resources management, flood risk management, and planning of the urban drainage system of the YDM region.
Cyber Security Protection of Power System Equipment Based on Chip-Level Trusted Computing
Authors: Xi Wei , Li Xiaobo , Feng Qihui , Yao Hao , Cai Tiantian , Yu Yang
Published: July 2022

This article proposes a network security protection scheme for power system embedded devices based on chip-level trusted computing, gives the overall architecture of power equipment chip-level trusted computing, introduces the principle of trust chain transfer within power terminals, and proposes the method of using the on-chip SRAM inside the main control chip of power system embedded devices as the PUF to construct the trusted root. Furthermore, we propose a complete trust transfer mechanism from booting trust to the loading that trust on operating system and application, and give the corresponding program design framework and program logic. The chip-level trusted computing program designed in this article was applied in a distribution automation DTU device equipped with the FUXI chip that is developed by the China Southern Power Grid and the Sylix OS operating system. Finally, we carry out the security protection test. The validity of the designed program is verified by running malicious programs to attack the power equipment. The results show that the designed program can effectively detect and intercept illegal programs, and provide an effective solution for the security protection of power equipment in the open network environment.
Security Constrained Dispatch for Renewable Proliferated Distribution Network Based on Safe Reinforcement Learning
Authors: Cui Han , Ye Yujian , Tian Qidong , Tang Yi
Published: July 2022

As the terminal of electricity consumption, the distribution network is a vital field to lower the carbon emission of the power system. With the integration of distributed energy resources, the flexibility of the distribution network has been promoted significantly where dispatch actions can be employed to lower carbon emissions without compromising the accessibility of reliable electricity. This study proposes a security constrained dispatch policy based on safe reinforcement learning for the distribution network. The researched problem is set up as a constrained Markov decision process, where continuous-discrete mixed action space and high-dimensional state space are in place. In addition, security-related rules are embedded into the problem formulation. To guarantee the generalization of the reinforcement learning agent, various scenarios are generated in the offline training stage, including randomness of renewables, scheduled maintenance, and different load profiles. A case study is performed on a modified version of the IEEE 33-bus system, and the numerical results verify the effectiveness of the proposed method in decarbonization.
RETRACTED: Assessing the Nexus Between Green Economic Recovery, Green Finance, and CO2 Emission: Role of Supply Chain Performance and Economic Growth
Authors: Zhong Weishun , Zong Like , Yin Weihua , Ali Syed Ahtsham , Mouneer Salma , Haider Jahanzaib
Published: July 2022

Environmentalists are more concerned with the environment in this age of industrialization, and they are continually interested in researching factors that can facilitate the transition towards sustainability. This study applies an econometric technique called the panel Generalized Method of Moments generalized moments to analyze green finance and renewable energy’s impact on CO2 emissions from 2010 to 2019. According to the findings, green finance has a significant negative and positive impact on carbon emissions and green economic recovery. In addition, the results showed that logistics operations use energy and fossil fuel, and the findings also showed that the amount of fossil fuel and non-green energy sources creates a significant harmful effect on the environmental sustainability, in addition to having a negative impact on economic growth. Inadequate transportation-related infrastructure and logistics services are other significant contributors to CO2 and overall emissions of greenhouse gases. According to the findings, sustainable energy development can be advanced by fostering the growth of green finance. This can be accomplished by employing a variety of metrics that pertain to the three dimensions of economic development, financial development, and environmental development.