bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How environment dynamics affects production scheduling: Requirements for development of CPPS models
Authors: Alves Cátia , Putnik Goran , Varela Leonilde
Published: November 2021

Production scheduling can be affected by many disturbances in the manufacturing system, and consequently, the feasible schedules previously defined became obsolete. Emerging of new technologies associated with Industry 4.0, such as Cyber-Physical Production Systems, as a paradigm of implementation of control and support in decision making, should embed the capacity to simulate different environment scenarios based on the data collected by the manufacturing systems. This paper presents the evaluation of environment dynamics effect on production scheduling, considering three scheduling models and three environment scenarios, through a case study. Results show that environment dynamics affect production schedules, and a very strong or strong positive correlation between environment dynamics scenarios and total completion time with delay, over three scheduling paradigms. Based on these results, the requirement for mandatory inclusion of a module for different environment dynamics scenarios generation and the corresponded simulations, of a Cyber-Physical Production Systems architecture, is confirmed.
ISO 9001 certification benefits: Aprincipal component analysis
Authors: Fonseca Luis , Cardoso Maria , Pereira Maria , Ávila Paulo
Published: November 2021

This research addresses the benefits of ISO 9001 to understand the reasons behind its worldwide adoption. By applying principal component analysis to the results of a survey encompassing 526 valid responses (24.4% response rate), a more business-oriented scale than the traditional internal/external type of motivation with three main categories of benefits is proposed: operational improvement benefit (regarded as the most relevant), profitability and, market. The internal benefits related to the operational improvement are the benefits most felt by organizations, highlighting the contribution of ISO 9001 to improve learning processes and knowledge generation. Concerning the organization size, medium-sized organizations attribute greater importance to the market and competitiveness. However, there are no statistical differences in the reporting of benefits felt in operational improvement and profitability. In relation to the year of certifcation, organizations certified before the year 2000 report higher market benefits when compared to those certified later. The investigation of ISO 9001 within Industry 4.0 and digital processes are suggested for future research.
Reduced order modelling and balancing control of bicycle robot
Authors: Kumar Suman , Kumar Awadhesh
Published: November 2021

A new result for balancing control of a bicycle robot (bicyrobo), employing reduced-order modelling of a pre-specified design controller structure in higher-order to derive into a reduced controller has been presented in this paper. The bicyrobo, which is an unstable system accompanying other causes of uncertainty such as UN-model dynamics, parameter deviations, and external disruptions has been of great interests to researchers. The controllers in the literature reviews come up with the higher order controller (HOC), the overall system becomes complex from the perspective of analysis, synthesis, enhancement and also not easy to handle it's hardware implementation. Therefore, a reduced-order pre-specified controller is developed in this work. It is effective enough to tackle unpredictable dynamics. The reduced-order controller (ROC) design is based on model order reduction (MOR) method, which is a resutl of hybridization of balanced truncation (BT) and singular perturbation approximation (SPA) approach. The reduced model so obtained, which retains DC gain as well, has been named as balanced singular perturbation approximation (BSPA) approach. It is based upon the preservation of dominant modes (i.e. appropriate states) of the system as well as the removal of states having relatively less important distinguishing features. The strong demerit of the BT method is that, for reduced-order model (ROM), steady-state values or DC gain do not match with the actual system values. The BSPA has been enabled to account for this demerit. The method incorporates greater dominant requirements and contributes to a better approximation as compared to the existing methods. The results obtained by applying proposed controller, are compared with those of the controllers previously designed and published for the same type of work. Comparatively, the proposed controller has been shown to have better performance as HOC. The performance of HOC and ROC is also examined with perturbed bicyrobo in terms of time-domain analysis and performance indices error.
Numerička analiza dinamičkog ponašanja kompozitnog saćastog panela ispunjenog cevčicama pod dejstvom udarnog opterećenja male brzine u ravni panela
Authors: Djemaoune Younes , Krstić Branimir , Rašuo Boško , Rašić Stefan , Radulović Daniel , Dodić Marjan
Published: November 2021

Honeycomb sandwich structures, composed of many regularly arranged hexagonal cores and two skins, show excellent impact performance due to strong energy absorption capability under impact loads. In this paper, a numerical study of low velocity impact on honeycomb sandwich panels filled with circular tubes in the in-plane direction was performed. To calibrate the numerical model, simulation results in the out-of-plane direction are compared with the experimental ones. The numerical modelling of the drop weight test was carried out using the nonlinear explicit finite element code Abaqus/Explicit. The impact responses are presented as the contact force between the impactor and the panel versus the time. It was concluded that the filled honeycomb panel absorbs the same amount of impact energy in a shorter time than an empty one. In addition, the deflections of the front and back face-sheets are investigated. The panel degradation and the stress distribution during the crushing are also discussed.
Application of manual therapy in muscle tensional dysphonia
Authors: Jovanović Stevan , Arsić Slađana , Stojanović-Jovanović Biljana , Kljajić Dragana , Trajkov Marija
Published: November 2021

Muscle tension dysphonia is a functional voice disorder caused by unbalanced activity of the laryngeal and extralaryngeal muscles. People with dysphonia may have changes in the cervical and perilaryngeal muscles, limited amplitude of movement of the cervical spine, but also posture disorders. The aim of this paper is to present the analyzed therapeutic effects of manual techniques in muscle tension dysphonia, based on a review of the available literature. In accordance with the set criteria and the goal of the paper, the collection and analysis of professional and scientific research papers available in PubMed / MEDLINE databases and others, published in the period from 2004 to 2018, was performed. The analyzed studies belong to the type of clinical studies and by design, two types of studies are included: the type of randomized control study and the study of one group of subjects with before and after-examination. Some studies with one group of respondents were characterized by the authors as a series of cases and one, as a small pilot study of repeated measures. The results of the research indicate a larger number of corrective effects of laryngeal manual therapy. It is certain that by developing a broader manual-therapeutic approach, the etiological factor of muscle tension dysphonia can be more effectively influenced which leads to a reduction in pain, improvement of physical functioning as well as improvement of specific vocal qualities.
Direct immunofluorescence as a low-budget method for brain tissue inspection in standardization of neuroborreliosis animal model in NMRI mice
Authors: Đurić Selena , Simin Verica , Banović Pavle
Published: November 2021

Objective. To test if the direct immunofluorescence can be used for the detection of Borrelia afzelii in brain tissue during the standardization of the animal model of neuroborreliosis in NMRI mice. Methods. The study was performed on 15 mice of NMRI strain. All mice were subcutaneously inoculated with 100 ml of BSK-H medium containing the local isolate of Borrelia afzelii. Animals were sacrificed after inoculation at III (n = 4), IV (n = 6) and V (n = 5) weeks, by cervical dislocation. In the sampled brains of mice, the presence of Borrelia was detected by direct immunofluorescence (DIF) and chain polymerization reaction (PCR). Results. The first brain tested positive for Borrelia three weeks after the inoculation. The bacteria were detected in 1 out of 4 brains (25%). After that, there was a growth in the percentage of positive results. The data showed that 3 out of 6 brains (50%) were found positive on Borrelia presence by the end of the fourth week. Whereas, in 3 out of 5 brains (60%) Borrelia was detected five weeks following the inoculation. Conclusion. According to the preliminary results, direct immunofluorescence appeared to be a practical, low budget method for following the kinetics of neuro-infection. NMRI mice could be considered as an adequate animal model for neuroborreliosis. Thus, more research is needed on the topics of infection kinetics for the period after fifth week post inoculation, as well as sensitivity and specificity of direct immunofluorescence.
Higher education faculty, administration, and students' perceptions of eco fashion: Case of the School of Engineering Management
Authors: Ilić-Kosanović Tatjana , Ilić Damir
Published: November 2021

Fashion industry has become globalized, with the emergence of so called fast fashion (fast overproduction and fast consumption). This ongoing fast fashion trend has profound negative impact on the environment (water and land pollution, lack of recycling, etc.). The other serious issue connected to the fashion industry are labour conditions (forced and child labour). However, the new trends are emerging such are sustainable fashion, slow fashion, eco fashion, and ethical fashion that are trying to start solving those problems. In this paper faculty, administration, and students' perception on eco fashion is surveyed on the example of the School of Engineering Management, Belgrade, Serbia. The statistical ANOVA analysis has been implemented by using software SPSS18 package to explore the perceptions of various higher education stakeholders of eco fashion. The results show that there is no statistically significant difference in the perceptions of different groups of eco fashion. The final part of the paper presents opinions on the most important elements of eco fashion for the consumers' purchasing decisions collected through the interviews.
Forms of testaments in European legislatures
Authors: Vasiljković Jovana , Krstinić Dalibor
Published: November 2021

A testament is a unilateral legal act as it is made by a declaration of will of one person and is distinguished from other legal acts by its characteristics. By means of testament the testators may dispose of their rights and create an obligation for themselves and the obligations of the testament do not come into effect until after the death of the testator. A testament can be made in one of the forms prescribed by the law. The primary goal of this paper is to demonstrate and analyse different forms of testaments in the legislature of the Republic of Serbia and the chosen European legislatures of France, Germany, Italy and England. The following methods will be used in the paper: comparative analysis of the forms of testaments in the said legislatures, to be completed by the normative method, while by analysing the content in a systematic way we shall approach the subject matter, and the historical method, which will help us review the origin of certain forms of testaments.
The legal status and the role of the Bank of Russia in providing economic sovereignity of the Russian Federation
Authors: Rapajić Milan , Petković Nebojša
Published: November 2021

The Bank of Russia is the legal entity which, apart of the other organs of state authorities, acts as the organ of state governing with remarkable role in exibiting the functions of Russian state and insufficiently precisely determined status in accordance to the state authorities and law entities. In this work the investigation is directed to the relationship between the legal position of the Bank of Russia and its role in providing the economic sovereignty of the Russian Federation. The aim of the work is to explore the legal position of main bank in monetary system and its role in providing the economic sovereignty of the Russian Federation on the basis of systematization and reliable literature source norm analysis, applying the comparative-law method, as well as the method of legal exegesis and content analysis. The results of survey imply to the presence of different attitudes to the legal position of the Bank of Russia. Insufficiently determined legal position of the Bank of Russia brings to disballance of measures and activities of executive authorities and the Bank of Russia, which has a negative influence on providing the full economic sovereignty, self-developement of the country and greater social benefits, in spite of the fact that the Bank of Russia is mostly independent from the state authorities having a comfortable position in civil transit affairs.
SEEFELDT, Douglas & THOMAS, William G. DH Project: Digital History Project. Lincoln. University of Nebraska-Lincoln, 2006-2014.
Authors: Zurita Jiménez Clotilde
Published: November 2021

En este documento se analizan las diferentes funcionalidades y actividades recogidas en la página web del proyecto desarrollado por la Universidad de Nebraska-Lincoln denominado “Digital History Project” y de su posible interés para expertos e interesados en el aprendizaje y aplicación de las nuevas tecnologías en el estudio de la Historia.
Visualizing Networks of Cultural Discourses in Latin American Electronic Literature
Authors: Meza Nohelia
Published: November 2021

There are relatively few studies that explore the interdisciplinarity between electronic literature and digital humanities research methods. The present paper addresses this lack by combining close reading and distant reading methodologies to analyze networks of cultural discourses in a corpus of 30 Latin American e-lit works published from 1995 to 2020. To conduct the research, three network graphs were created using Gephi, an open-source software for the exploration and analysis of network visualizations. The graphs study the following relations between the e-lit works and the cultural discourses: the frequency of primary, secondary and tertiary discourses, the degree of multi-discourse, and the degree of cultural discourse co-occurrence. The results show the appearance of unexpected discourse variations and new co-occurrence patterns, the benefits of network graphs for revealing e-lit works’ families, and the potential use of data visualization techniques to study e-lit databases. Overall, the paper demonstrates the utility of digital humanities research methods to further examine electronic literature materials.
Estilometría con fines geolingüísticos aplicada al corpus COSER
Authors: Peñarrubia Navarro Pablo
Published: November 2021

En el presente trabajo se propone la utilización de las técnicas estilométricas modernas para el estudio y clasificación de geolectos en español, realizando un análisis de Estilometría sobre el corpus COSER. Se utiliza el programa Stylo sobre varias entrevistas transcritas para extraer parámetros fiables de categorización. Al final, se han aplicado los resultados concluyentes sobre todo el corpus, consiguiendo una clasificación no aleatoria que, incluso, es explicable desde algunos trabajos dialectales de referencia.
Una propuesta semiológica para la interpretación fotográfica. La utilización del software ATLAS.ti para la adaptación y construcción de un método de análisis visual
Authors: López Raventós Cristian
Published: November 2021

El objetivo principal del artículo es presentar una propuesta de método para la interpretación fotográfica basada en la teoría semiológica y desarrollada con la ayuda del software para el análisis de datos cualitativos ATLAS.ti. La propuesta metodológica está basada en la adaptación de los conceptos plano de expresión y contenida que componen el signo en el pensamiento de L. Hjelmslev, y las reglas de formación sintáctica y correlación semántica en Ch. Morris. Para el análisis se han elegido imágenes fotográficas del proyecto de investigación “El papel de las imágenes en la construcción y representación de la violencia. El caso de los grupos de autodefensa en el Estado de Michoacán (2013-2015)” desarrollado desde el año 2018 al 2020 en la Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México.
Las herramientas digitales en el análisis de traducciones: una aproximación cualitativa al análisis de la traducción de literatura infanti
Authors: Pérez Fresno Inés
Published: November 2021

El uso herramientas digitales para analizar traducciones todavía carece de arraigo, en particular en lo que concierne al análisis estilístico de traducciones literarias. El análisis cuantitativo de traducciones con estas herramientas puede servir al investigador como punto de partida para una investigación inductiva. Los resultados obtenidos nos permitirían formular hipótesis que trataríamos de verificar o desmentir posteriormente a través de una aproximación cualitativa a los textos. Realizaremos un análisis comparativo de diferentes traducciones de literatura infantil utilizando tres herramientas, con el fin de observar sus posibles aportes al análisis de traducciones y su accesibilidad para otros trabajos de investigación literarios y traductológicos.
Para unas lecturas remediadas: análisis cuantitativo y cualitativo de textos
Authors: Sanz Cabrerizo Amelia
Published: November 2021

Introducción

Amelia SANZ CABRERIZO
Barriers to Optimal End-of-Life Care for Adolescents and Young Adults With Cancer: Bereaved Caregiver Perspectives
Authors: Mack Jennifer W. , Currie Erin R. , Martello Vincent , Gittzus Jordan , Isack Asisa , Fisher Lauren , Lindley Lisa C. , Gilbertson-White Stephanie , Roeland Eric , Bakitas Marie
Published: November 2021

Background: Adolescents and young adults (AYAs; aged 15–39 years) with cancer frequently receive intensive measures at the end of life (EoL), but the perspectives of AYAs and their family members on barriers to optimal EoL care are not well understood. Methods: We conducted qualitative interviews with 28 bereaved caregivers of AYAs with cancer who died in 2013 through 2016 after receiving treatment at 1 of 3 sites (University of Alabama at Birmingham, University of Iowa, or University of California San Diego). Interviews focused on ways that EoL care could have better met the needs of the AYAs. Content analysis was performed to identify relevant themes. Results: Most participating caregivers were White and female, and nearly half had graduated from college. A total of 46% of AYAs were insured by Medicaid or other public insurance; 61% used hospice, 46% used palliative care, and 43% died at home. Caregivers noted 3 main barriers to optimal EoL care: (1) delayed or absent communication about prognosis, which in turn delayed care focused on comfort and quality of life; (2) inadequate emotional support of AYAs and caregivers, many of whom experienced distress and difficulty accepting the poor prognosis; and (3) a lack of home care models that would allow concurrent life-prolonging and palliative therapies, and consequently suboptimal supported goals of AYAs to live as long and as well as possible. Delayed or absent prognosis communication created lingering regret among some family caregivers, who lost the opportunity to support, comfort, and hold meaningful conversations with their loved ones. Conclusions: Bereaved family caregivers of AYAs with cancer noted a need for timely prognostic communication, emotional support to enhance acceptance of a poor prognosis, and care delivery models that would support both life-prolonging and palliative goals of care. Work to address these challenges offers the potential to improve the quality of EoL care for young people with cancer.
Accelerating Advances in Cancer Care Research: A Lookback at the 21st Century Cures Act in 2020
Authors: Gallo Leigh , Walters Ronald S. , Allen Jeff , Ahlstrom Jenny , Alspach Clay , Biru Yelak , Schatz Alyssa , Martin Kara , Carlson Robert W.
Published: November 2021

The 21st Century Cures Act (Cures Act), signed into law in 2016, was designed to advance new therapies by modernizing clinical trials, funding research initiatives, and accelerating the development and use of health information technology. To analyze the current issues in cancer care related to the implementation and impact of the Cures Act, NCCN convened a multistakeholder working group. Participants discussed the legislation’s impact on the oncology community since enactment and identified the remaining gaps and challenges as experienced by stakeholders. In June 2020, the policy recommendations of the working group were presented at the virtual NCCN Policy Summit: Accelerating Advances in Cancer Care Research: A Lookback at the 21st Century Cures Act in 2020. The summit consisted of informative discussions and a multistakeholder panel to explore the recommendations and the future of the Cures Act. This article explores identified policy recommendations from the NCCN Working Group and the NCCN Policy Summit, and analyzes opportunities to advance innovative cancer care and patient access to data.
Clinical Activity of Selitrectinib in a Patient With Mammary Analogue Secretory Carcinoma of the Parotid Gland With Secondary Resistance to Entrectinib
Authors: Florou Vaia , Nevala-Plagemann Christopher , Whisenant Jonathan , Maeda Patricia , Gilcrease Glynn W. , Garrido-Laguna Ignacio
Published: November 2021

NTRK gene fusions are found in <1% of all cancers but are uniformly present in mammary analog secretory carcinomas (MASC) of the salivary glands. Two selective histology-agnostic tropomyosin receptor kinase (TRK) inhibitors are currently approved for malignancies with these oncogenic fusions. Resistance to TRK inhibition has been recognized, and the mediating mechanisms are presently being studied. This report describes a patient diagnosed with an MASC of the parotid gland who after undergoing multiple lines of treatment was found to have an ETV6-NTRK3 fusion and initiated TRK-targeted therapy using entrectinib. Upon disease progression, we performed tumor genetic sequencing that showed a secondary resistance mutation. The patient subsequently responded to selitrectinib, a next-generation TRK inhibitor.
Trivialiteter, forstyrrelser og indikatorer. Ledelse på en skolereforms ikke- planlagte/performative effekter.
Authors:   , Binderup Thomas
Published: November 2021

Afhandlingen undersøger, hvordan elementerne i folkeskolereformen 2014 tages imod, manøvreres på plads og materialiseres af aktører i en nordjysk kommune. Afhandlingens forskningsspørgsmål lyder: Hvordan bliver elementer fra den danske folkeskolereform 2014 taget imod og bliver selvfølgelige – eller afvist af skoleledelsen, og hvordan bringes disse nye elementer i anvendelse i en ledelsespraksis? Hvilke ledelsesformer opstår og bliver til, når ledelsen arbejder på at lede en planlagt forandring? Afhandlingen formulerer et bidrag til at undersøge ledelse i tilblivelse fra et ny-materialistisk teoretisk perspektiv og herigennem at foretage tætte empiriske beskrivelser af hvad der sker, når en skole arbejder med elementerne i folkeskolereformen 2014.
The science of transhumanism: Are we nearly there?
Authors: Willmott Chris
Published: November 2021

Transhumanism looks to utilise science and technology to move humans beyond the limitations of their natural form. Recent scientific advances have, for the first time, presented plausible genetic interventions for the directed evolution of humans. In separate developments, electromechanical innovations, including miniaturisation of components and improvements in bio-compatible materials, have seen breakthroughs in brain-machine interfaces (BMIs) that potentiate a cybernetic dimension, in which mechanical devices would be under the direct control of the mind. This article offers insight into the most important of these recent advances, with particular emphasis on genome editing and therapeutic uses of BMIs in which the same technology might be employed for enhancement.
Introduction: Transhumanism. Beyond the body
Authors: Macip Salvador
Published: November 2021

Science allows us to understand the world we live in. Centuries of research have helped us learn more about our place in the universe, and we have discovered a perhaps even more fascinating mystery: how the organism we inhabit works and the reasons why it stops doing so. In this field, as in many others, we have gone from just admiring nature’s wonders to being able to control them.
General issues of forensic characteristics of fraud connected with subsidy payments in the sphere of small and medium entrepreneurship
Authors: Bodunova Kseniya Gennad'evna
Published: November 2021

One of the strategic guidelines for sustainable socio-economic development is the creation of favorable conditions for small and medium entrepreneurship. According to article 6 of the Federal Law “On the development of small and medium entrepreneurship in Russia” of July 24, 2007 #209, government policy in this sphere is a part of socio-economic policy, and includes political, economic, social, informational, legal, organizational, educational and other activities performed by Russia’s public and local authorities. The research subject is the mechanism of fraud connected with subsidy payments in the sphere of small and medium entrepreneurship, and the patterns of organizational and methodological support of the work of law enforcement agencies aimed at the detection, investigation and solution of such crimes. According to the above-mentioned law, the implementation of regional programs with financial support from the federal centre is meant to facilitate the achievement of these goals, since small and medium entrepreneurship has a prominent regional aspect, and is a strategic resource of spatial development. At the same time, in the last few years, the facts of illegal receipt of budgetary funds by business entities in the form of federal, regional and local subsidies have been registered more and more often. Law enforcement agencies failed to effectively detect and investigate these crimes, which can be explained by the lack of methodological support of their work and modern tools based on information technologies. The scientific novelty of the research is determined by its tasks, and consists in the substantiation of conclusions about the organic interrelation of the organization and methodology of investigation fraud-related crimes in the sphere of small and medium entrepreneurship, and the development of ways of their improvement.   
Attention network modulation via tRNS correlates with attention gain
Authors: Contò Federica , Edwards Grace , Tyler Sarah , Parrott Danielle , Grossman Emily , Battelli Lorella
Published: November 2021

Transcranial random noise stimulation (tRNS) can enhance vision in the healthy and diseased brain. Yet, the impact of multi-day tRNS on large-scale cortical networks is still unknown. We investigated the impact of tRNS coupled with behavioral training on resting-state functional connectivity and attention. We trained human subjects for 4 consecutive days on two attention tasks, while receiving tRNS over the intraparietal sulci, the middle temporal areas, or Sham stimulation. We measured resting-state functional connectivity of nodes of the dorsal and ventral attention network (DVAN) before and after training. We found a strong behavioral improvement and increased connectivity within the DVAN after parietal stimulation only. Crucially, behavioral improvement positively correlated with connectivity measures. We conclude changes in connectivity are a marker for the enduring effect of tRNS upon behavior. Our results suggest that tRNS has strong potential to augment cognitive capacity in healthy individuals and promote recovery in the neurological population.
Single-nucleus transcriptomic analysis of human dorsal root ganglion neurons
Authors: Nguyen Minh Q , von Buchholtz Lars J , Reker Ashlie N , Ryba Nicholas JP , Davidson Steve
Published: November 2021

Somatosensory neurons with cell bodies in the dorsal root ganglia (DRG) project to the skin, muscles, bones, and viscera to detect touch and temperature as well as to mediate proprioception and many types of interoception. In addition, the somatosensory system conveys the clinically relevant noxious sensations of pain and itch. Here, we used single nuclear transcriptomics to characterize transcriptomic classes of human DRG neurons that detect these diverse types of stimuli. Notably, multiple types of human DRG neurons have transcriptomic features that resemble their mouse counterparts although expression of genes considered important for sensory function often differed between species. More unexpectedly, we identified several transcriptomic classes with no clear equivalent in the other species. This dataset should serve as a valuable resource for the community, for example as means of focusing translational efforts on molecules with conserved expression across species.
Deep learning-based anomaly-onset aware remaining useful life estimation of bearings
Authors: Kamat Pooja Vinayak , Sugandhi Rekha , Kumar Satish
Published: November 2021

Remaining Useful Life (RUL) estimation of rotating machinery based on their degradation data is vital for machine supervisors. Deep learning models are effective and popular methods for forecasting when rotating machinery such as bearings may malfunction and ultimately break down. During healthy functioning of the machinery, however, RUL is ill-defined. To address this issue, this study recommends using anomaly monitoring during both RUL estimator training and operation. Essential time-domain data is extracted from the raw bearing vibration data, and deep learning models are used to detect the onset of the anomaly. This further acts as a trigger for data-driven RUL estimation. The study employs an unsupervised clustering approach for anomaly trend analysis and a semi-supervised method for anomaly detection and RUL estimation. The novel combined deep learning-based anomaly-onset aware RUL estimation framework showed enhanced results on the benchmarked PRONOSTIA bearings dataset under non-varying operating conditions. The framework consisting of Autoencoder and Long Short Term Memory variants achieved an accuracy of over 90% in anomaly detection and RUL prediction. In the future, the framework can be deployed under varying operational situations using the transfer learning approach.
Nutritional properties of selected superfood extracts and their potential health benefits
Authors: Barsby Jacqueline P. , Cowley James M. , Leemaqz Shalem Y. , Grieger Jessica A. , McKeating Daniel R. , Perkins Anthony V. , Bastian Susan E. P. , Burton Rachel A. , Bianco-Miotto Tina
Published: November 2021

Background

The term ‘superfoods’ is used to market foods considered to have significant health benefits. ‘Superfoods’ are claimed to prevent diseases as well as improving overall health, though the lack of explicit criteria means that any food can be labelled ‘super’ without support from scientific research. Typically, these ‘superfoods’ are rich in a particular nutrient for example antioxidants or omega-3 fatty acids. The objective of this study was to investigate the nutritional properties of a selection of superfood seeds: flax, chia, hulled sunflower and two types of processed hemp seeds and determine whether they may have potential health benefits.

Methods

We developed a simple aqueous extraction method for ground seeds and analysed their composition by mineral, protein and monosaccharide analyses. Cell viability assays were performed on Caco-2 and IEC-6 intestinal epithelial cells using increasing doses of the prepared extracts.

Results

Increased cell viability was observed in both cell lines with increasing concentrations of the flax seed, chia seed or hulled sunflower extracts (P < 0.05). Compositional analyses revealed the presence of polysaccharides, proteins and essential minerals in the aqueous extracts and in vitro assays showed sunflower had the highest antioxidant activity. However, differences in extract composition and antioxidant properties could not be directly related to the observed increase in cell viability suggesting that other components in the extracts may be responsible. Future studies will further characterize these extracts and investigate whether they are beneficial for gastrointestinal health.
The COVID-19 Rages on: How did Nigerian Banks’ Stock React?
Authors: Temitope Awosusi Charles , Akinyemi Kayode Peter
Published: November 2021

This study was carried out to examine how stocks of Nigerian deposit money banks (DMBs) reacted to the covid-19 pandemic from two perspectives: prices and volume traded on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. The effect of the pandemic on DMBs stock prices and traded volume was examined from three methodical areas: general effect, predictive effect and response to the covid-19 shock. Panel data of stock prices, volume of stocks traded of all the 15 listed Nigerian DMBs and monthly covid-19 data from February, 2020 to August, 2021 were analyzed with panel least square (PLS)s, panel vector autoregressive (PVAR) and impulse response function (IRF). These analytical methods were used to examine how covid-19 statistics, namely, number of confirmed positive cases, number of deaths due to the pandemic and number of discharged covid-19 patients affected Nigerian DMB’s stock prices and volume of stocks traded for the period under study.  Results of the PLS revealed that while covid-19 positively affected stock prices of the banks, it negatively affected the volume of their stocks that were traded on the Stock Exchange.  The PVAR results revealed that none of the covid-19 statistics examined exert long run predictive effect on stock price of Nigerian DMBs during the period, but the number of discharged patients and significantly had predictive affect volume of stocks traded. Both stock prices and volume traded responded swiftly to the shock from number of covid-19 confirmed cases and mildly to the fatalities and number of discharged patients. We conclude that, overall, the covid-19 pandemic significantly affected Nigerian DMB’s stock prices and volume traded and recommend that both banks and the NSE develop pandemic management strategies and invest more on technology driven stock trading facilities that will reduce the conventional brick-and-mortar trading during lockdowns.
Factors Influencing the Quality of Academic Performance in Higher and Middle Secondary Schools of Trashi Yangtse Dzongkhag
Authors: Dargay Sonam
Published: November 2021

The purpose of this article includes is to identify the factors that will determine the quality of academic performance of students and to assess teachers’ perceptions on factors that influence the quality of academic performance. In light of the deteriorating education quality and poor academic performance in high schools, it became important more than ever before to study the factors influencing the performance. The research focused mainly on educational article, thus, it was convenient to adopt descriptive research and follow the mixed method as a research design. The quantitative data was collected from 100 school teachers through e-mail and four principals for in-depth study. The interviews were recorded using the mobile device and then transcribed to analyze and develop themes. The research found that there is insufficient resources in school that has deteriorated the quality of academic performance, lack of professional development training. It was also evident that school culture contributes to improve the quality of academic performance. Therefore, the study recommends the  concerned agencies need to allocate enough resources, improve social ambience, conduct frequent in-service workshops for the teachers and as well act as change agent for further improvement of conducive environment in all the levels of schools across the country.
Views of Farmers on the Structure of Private Extension Service Organization
Authors: Sahoo Madhusmita , Barik Reema , Pattnaik Indira Priyadarsini , Rout Santosh Kumar
Published: November 2021

The present study was conducted during the year 2018-2020 in Khordha district of Odisha to know the “views of farmers on the structure of private extension service organisation”. The number of respondents were selected by proportional and random sampling method. Descriptive as well as inferential statistical tools were employed to attain the objective of the study. the data was analysed by using frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation and correlation test. The study reveals that as much as (90%) of the respondents have expressed an opinion that the private extension service organization should be a registered one. Further 63.33% of the respondents believe that the state government should have control over private extension service organization in some other form to avoid exploitation. 90% of the respondents have the ranked training as the first requirement. 73.33% of the respondents have expressed that the extension service organizations should provide information’s to the farmers once a fortnight. 93.33% of the respondents have preferred that the block headquarter should be the operational area.
Influence of Teachers’ Improvisation of Heat-Producing Materials on Acquisition of Science Skills among Pre-primary School Learners in Kiambu, Kenya
Authors: Githui Millicent Wandia , Koech Peter Kibet , Thinguri Ruth
Published: November 2021

Acquisition of science skills among pre-primary school learners has had its fair share of challenges with many pre-primary school learners manifesting low competencies in manipulation, experimentation and observation skills. The purpose of this study was to assess the influence of teachers’ improvisation of heat-producing materials on acquisition of science skills among pre-primary school learners. The study was guided by Social Constructivism and Instructional Theories. The study adopted mixed methodology and applied concurrent triangulation research design. Qualitative data were analyzed thematically along the objectives and presented in narrative forms. Quantitative data were analyzed descriptively and inferentially using linear regression analysis with the help of Statistical Packages for Social Science (SPSS 23) and presented using tables. These results indicate that there is significant relationship between teachers’ improvisation of heat-producing materials and acquisition of science skills among pre-primary school learners (p=0.000< 0.05). The study established that pre-primary school learners’ manifest low science skills. That is, their manipulation, experimentation and observation skills are still below average. The study recommends that the pre-primary curriculum developers emphasize the improvisation of heat-producing materials as much as possible and frequent inspections are carried out. For future studies, researchers may put greater interest in conducting a similar study with national scope to certain the influence of improvised instructional materials on the levels of science skills among pre-primary learners.
Phytochemical and Pharmacological Evaluation of Yellow and Green Variety of Cocus nucifera Water
Authors: Lobo Anisha Priya , Arpitha K. V. , D. Shetty Krisha , T. Rai Shobitha , Nayak Prashant , Kumar Abhishek , Kumar Pankaj , Pai Aravinda
Published: November 2021

Coconut water widely consumed as a health drink by people around the world. This led to an urge to study various properties of Cocus nucifera. We evaluated anti oxidant and phyto chemical constituents of two variety of coconut the yellow and green variety. Phytochemical assays showed the presence of terpinoids, alkaloids, resin, sugars, steroids, glycosides and tannins in both the dwarfs but yellow variety showed more amount of photochemical constituents. In both the variety of coconut water antioxidants were found. In the assay of DPPH, scavenging of nitric oxide assay and scavenging of hydrogen peroxide the presence of antioxidants were proved against the standard ascorbic acid. Results found yellow variety to be more potent antioxidant.

All assays proved yellow dwarf was healthier than green dwarfs with more health benefits and medicinal properties.
Synthesis of Magnetic Catalyst Derived from Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch for Esterification of Oleic Acid: An Optimization Study
Authors: Krishnan Shamala Gowri , Pua Fei-Ling , Tan Ee-Sann
Published: November 2021

Biomass, renewable, abundantly available and a good source of energy. The conversion of biomass waste into valuable products has received wide attention. In this study, an empty fruit bunch (oil palm EFB) supported magnetic acid catalyst for esterification reaction was successfully prepared via the one-step impregnation process. The new magnetic catalyst achieved a higher surface area of 188.87 m2/g with a total acidity of 2.4 mmol/g and identified iron oxide as g-Fe2O3. The magnetization value of 24.97 emu/g demonstrated that the superparamagnetic catalyst could be easily recovered and separated after the reaction using an external magnet. The catalytic performance of oil palm EFB supported magnetic acid catalyst was examined by esterification of oleic acid. Esterification process parameters were optimized via Response Surface Methodology (RSM) optimization tool with Box-Behnken design (BBD). The following optimum parameters were determined: an amount of 9 wt% catalyst, molar ratio of methanol to oleic acid of 12:1, reaction time of 2 h and reaction temperature of 60 °C with a maximum conversion of 94.91% was achieved. The catalyst can be recycled up to five cycles with minimal loss in its activity. The oil palm waste-based magnetic acid catalyst indicates its potential replacement to the existing solid catalysts that are economical and environmentally friendly for the esterification process in biofuel applications. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Synthesis of Magnetic Base Catalyst from Industrial Waste for Transesterification of Palm Oil
Authors: Krishnan Shamala Gowri , Pua Fei-Ling , Lim Hong-Hua
Published: November 2021

Industrial waste is produced in large amounts annually; without proper planning, the waste might cause a serious threat to the environment. Hence, an industrial waste-based heterogeneous magnetic catalyst was synthesized using carbide lime waste (CLW) as raw material for biodiesel production via transesterification of palm oil. The catalyst was successfully synthesized by the one-step impregnation method and calcination at 600 °C. The synthesized catalyst, C-CLW/g-Fe2O3, was characterized by temperature-programmed desorption of carbon dioxide (CO2-TPD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), electron dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET), vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The catalyst has a specific surface area of 18.54 m2/g and high basicity of 3,637.20 µmol/g. The catalytic performance shows that the optimum reaction conditions are 6 wt% catalyst loading, 12:1 methanol to oil molar ratio with the reaction time of 3 h at 60 °C to produce 90.5% biodiesel yield. The catalyst exhibits good catalytic activity and magnetism, indicating that the CLW can be a potential raw material for catalyst preparation and application in the biodiesel industry. Copyright © 2021 by Authors, Published by BCREC Group. This is an open access article under the CC BY-SA License (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0).
Cardiovascular Risk Profile and Osteoarthritis—Considering Sex and Multisite Joint Involvement: A Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging
Authors: Perruccio Anthony V. , Zahid Shatabdy , Yip Calvin , Power J. Denise , Canizares Mayilee , Heckman George A. , Badley Elizabeth M.
Published: November 2021

Objective

The objective of this study was to investigate a profile of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors by sex among individuals with and without osteoarthritis (OA) and to consider single‐site and multisite joint OA.

Methods

Data were sourced from Cycle 1, Comprehensive Cohort, Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging, a national sample of individuals ages 45 to 85 years. Systemic inflammatory/metabolic CVD risk factors collected were high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein (hsCRP) level, high‐density lipoprotein, triglycerides, total cholesterol, body mass index (BMI), systolic blood pressure, and hemoglobin A1c. Smoking history was also collected. Respondents indicated doctor‐diagnosed OA in the knees, hips, and/or hands and were characterized as yes/no OA and single site/multisite OA. Individuals with OA were age‐ and sex‐matched to non‐OA controls. Covariates were age, sex, education, income, physical activity, timed up and go test findings, and comorbidities. A latent CVD risk variable was derived in women and men; standardized scores were categorized as follows: lowest, mid‐low, mid‐high, and highest risk. Associations with OA were quantified using ordinal logistic regressions.

Results

A total of 6,098 respondents (3,049 with OA) had a median age of 63 years, and 55.8% were women. One‐third of OA respondents were in the highest risk category versus one‐fifth of non‐OA respondents. Apart from BMI (the largest contributor in both sexes), hsCRP level (an inflammation marker) was predominant in women, and metabolic factors and smoking were predominant in men. Overall, OA was associated with worse CVD risk quartiles compared with non‐OA. OA was increasingly associated with worse CVD risk quartiles with increasing risk thresholds among women with multisite OA, but not men.

Conclusion

Findings suggest unique CVD risks by sex/multisite subgroups and point to a potentially important role for inflammation in OA over and above traditional CVD risk factors.
Self‐Propelled Micro‐/Nanomotors as “On‐the‐Move” Platforms: Cleaners, Sensors, and Reactors
Authors: Hu Yang , Liu Wei , Sun Yan
Published: November 2021

Artificial micro‐/nanomotors (MNMs) are tiny apparatuses that can autonomously navigate and perform specific tasks at micro‐/nanoscale. The continuous movement characteristics of MNMs and related motion‐induced micromixing effect enable these devices to act as “on‐the‐move” cleaners, sensors, and reactors to facilitate corresponding chemical/physical processes. With reasonable design and specific surface functionalization, MNMs show great promise in environmental, sensing, and chemical applications. This review conveys the current propulsion strategies of MNMs, with specific focus on their capabilities of accelerating chemical/physical processes. Representative applications of MNMs in environmental remediation, detection, and chemical conversion are discussed, emphasizing and highlighting the role of these moving MNMs in chemical aspects. Finally, the main challenges and existing limitations to translating the potential of MNMs into real‐world applications are discussed, along with the future opportunities of this field.