bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Avascular necrosis hips: management with core decompression bone graft and bone marrow aspirate concentrate
Authors: Jhunjhunwala H. R. , Tawri Pratik Sunil
Published: October 2023

Background: Avascular necrosis of the femoral head is a disorder that can lead to the collapse of the femoral head and can progress to secondary osteoarthritis, which would ultimately require a total hip replacement. It can be avoided if the disease is diagnosed at an early stage. Intra-osseous pressures can be reduced, thereby aiding in halting the disease progression by core decompression along with bone marrow aspirate concentrate with morselized bone allograft. Aim was to evaluate the role of core decompression with BMAC with bone grafting for the treatment of early stage AVN of the hip by clinical and functional outcomes of the patient.
Methods: A prospective observational study done to evaluate the clinical and functional outcomes by using the Harris hip score with domains for pain, functional activity, range of motion, and gait. Pre-operative and 18-months post-operative HHS was calculated in 30 samples between 30-50 years undergoing core decompression with BMAC and bone grafting in AVN hip upto Ficat Arlet stage IIb.
Results: There was a significant increase in HHS from 67.66±9.87 pre-operatively to 92.4±7.4 post-operatively (p<0.05) which is statistically significant), indicates marked pain relief and functional well-being of the patients.
Conclusions: Core decompression with BMAC and bone grafting is safe and effective in the early stages of AVN of the femoral head and is helpful in delaying the progression of AVN leading to THR based on clinical and functional outcomes of the patients at 18 months follow up.
FRONTEIRA ECONÔMICA NO BRASIL E A CRIAÇÃO DA TERRA INDÍGENA NA SETE DE SETEMBRO, DO POVO PAITER SURUI
Authors: Barros Trubiliano Carlos Alexandre , Surui Hgaibiten
Published: October 2023

Pensar a história recente de Rondônia é pensar o processo colonizatório do território. A recente história de Rondônia e a história do povo Paiter Suruí estão interligadas com as políticas de ocupação e exploração do espaço. Tradicionalmente, os Paiter Suruí se fixaram a noroeste de Mato Grosso e a sudeste de Rondônia. Na medida em que avançavam as frentes de expansão ocorreram os contatos dos Paiter Suruí com os não índios. O artigo que segue é fruto de pesquisa que objetivou de modo geral, compreender o processo de criação da Terra Indígena Sete de Setembro; especificamente buscou-se identificar os projetos políticos e econômico, bem como, os conflitos que envolveram os não indígena e o povo Paiter Suruí.
LÚDICO E A INTERCULTURALIDADE PARA A INCLUSÃO
Authors: Rocha Ribeiro Karem Rafaela , Da Silva Matos Lucília , Da Costa Pinheiro Welington
Published: October 2023

Este estudo tem por objetivo analisar as práticas lúdicas presentes na cultura indígena Warao como um canal de estímulo a interculturalidade na constituição de possíveis caminhos pedagógicos que levem a inclusão de crianças indígenas venezuelanas da etnia Warao, na escola e na comunidade em que vivem. Para tanto, foi realizada uma pesquisa etnográfica na Escola Municipal Professor Pedro Demo e na Comunidade Warao - Prosperidade, ambas localizadas no distrito de Outeiro em Belém-PA. Verificou-se a influência do lúdico como uma linguagem importante que pode promover compreensão, respeito e valores interculturais na perspectiva da inclusão de crianças Warao.
ARQUEOLOGIA ANCESTRAL NA ALDEIA SÃO FRANCISCO, BAIXO TAPAJÓS, AMAZÔNIA
Authors: Jesus Tupinambá Hudson Romário Melo de
Published: October 2023

Este artigo é uma versão revista e consideravelmente sintetizada de aula apresentada no Curso Livre de Arqueologia Amazônica/UFAM sob o título “Arqueologia ancestral na TI Tupinambá, rio Tapajós”, disponibilizada em plataforma online em 26 de novembro de 2021. O texto expressa a posição de contribuição assumida pelo autor ao compor o grupo de trabalho Arqueologias Indígenas e Colaborativas na Amazônia. A comunicação foi realizada a convite para participação no painel de arqueologias indígenas. A pesquisa em arqueologia realizada na Terra Indígena Tupinambá no baixo Tapajós é escrita em torno do processo de significação do território como enunciação indígena, como tecelagem de paisagens que evidenciam a floresta como moradia. Discuto a formação urbana ameríndia na floresta ao estudar singularidades nas aldeias indígenas. Esta foi uma experiência colaborativa e de construção do pensamento arqueológico e do conhecimento indígena, realizados a partir das vivências como aldeado e das lentes de práticas e experiências arqueológicas de uma pesquisa em campo.
EDITORIAL
Authors: De Moura Marlene Ossami , A. Viana Sibeli
Published: October 2023

Editorial, v. 21 n. 1 (2023): Protagonismo Indígena: Natureza, Cultura e Território
Atmospheric Modelling of Photochemical Transformations of Pollutants: Impact of Weather Conditions and Diurnal Cycle (Case Study: Ust-Kamenogorsk, Kazakhstan)
Authors: Temirbekov Nurlan , Malgazhdarov Yerzhan , Tamabay Dinara , Temirbekov Almas
Published: October 2023

In this study, the dispersal of atmospheric pollutants from point sources and their photochemical transformations are examined. The mass conservation principle underlies a system of differential equations formulated to describe the transfer and transformation processes, incorporating stoichiometric formulas and reaction rate constants. The atmospheric boundary layer model and the transport-transformation equation of pollutants are considered, integrating a specific parameter to assess the influence of anthropogenic heat sources and surface heterogeneity on pollutant dispersion. Using Ust-Kamenogorsk, an industrial city in Kazakhstan, as a case study, the model accounts for variations in photochemical transformations due to weather conditions, ambient temperature, and time of day. To facilitate numerical simulations of atmospheric pollution and visualize various scenarios, a software application package was created, incorporating photochemical transformations. The developed suite of applications has been verified with real data and benchmarked against contemporary software packages such as WRF and SILAM. Moving forward, the refined model aims to forecast air pollution patterns in industrial cities across Kazakhstan.
Twaróg i ser smażony – wczoraj i dziś
Authors: Chudy Sylwia , Makowska Agnieszka
Published: October 2023

Celem niniejszego opracowania jest przybliżenie zagadnień związanych z produkcją twarogu i sera smażonego. Niniejsza praca ma charakter przeglądowy. Została oparta na podstawie dostępnej literatury. Praca zawiera informacje pochodzące zarówno z aktualnego piśmiennictwa jaki i odwołania do pozycji z czasów Polski Rzeczpospolitej Ludowej i starszych.
Dyskursywnie o dziecku i dzieciństwie – wprowadzenie w problematykę
Authors: Wiśniewska-Kin Monika , Bonar Jolanta
Published: October 2023

We wprowadzeniu omawiamy kluczowe kategorie profilujące problematykę numeru tematycznego poświęconego refleksji nad zagadnieniem dzieciństwa jako obszaru inspirujących i opresywnych dyskursów kulturowych. Inicjujemy pytania o źródła stagnacji i środki zaradcze niezbędne do uruchomienia namysłu nad dyskursywnie pojmowanymi wypowiedziami dzieci.
Current Challenges for Preschool Primary Education
Authors: Enders Angela , Hitzler Rudolf , Gößinger Christian
Published: October 2023

Challenges for elementary and primary education in many areas neither occur in isolation nor are limited to individual states but often represent themselves as area-wide and complex problem situations. The text discusses how to deal with a heterogeneous student body in elementary schools, which has been exacerbated by immigration in recent years. The focus of reflection is on individual, instructional, and organizational approaches to make educational processes as fruitful as possible for all children.
Identification of a Child’s Creative Potential: Test, Observation, or Dialogue? Main Themes of the Discourse
Authors: Szmidt Krzysztof J.
Published: October 2023

The subject of the article is the diagnosis of children’s creativity in its two varieties: diagnosis of creative potential and diagnosis of effectiveness, generally based on psycho- metric measurement. The author briefly characterizes both types of diagnoses, and then goes on to criticize their shortcomings and limitations, which are still the subject of dispute among their supporters. Finally, he proposes to appease these disputes by developing an integrated diagnosis model that combines the study of all aspects of creativity: products, people, the process of creation, and the creative environment, with the use of dialogue and through analyzing children’s narratives. Giving voice to the creative child and the systematic collection and analysis of his or her various achievements in the form of a portfolio is the essence of this model of diagnosis, which is to fulfill an important prognostic and developmental function.
Role nauczyciela a opresyjność wobec uczniów
Authors: Gałecka Jolanta
Published: October 2023

Uczniowie spędzają sporą część swojego życia w szkole, w której większość czasu wypełniona jest przez nauczycieli. Jakość tego czasu zależy także od podejścia nauczycieli do zagadnień edukacyjnych, od ich poczucia sprawczości, odpowiedzialności czy zaangażowania. Przeprowadzając fenomenograficzne badania epistemologicznych przekonań nauczycieli, zadałam im pytania nie tylko o zagadnienia bezpośrednio związane z epistemologią, ale także o to, jak postrzegali swoją rolę, oraz jaki widzieli wpływ na proces uczenia się uczniów. Z zebranych odpowiedzi ujawniły się sylwetki nauczycieli, wśród których wyodrębniłam 8 odmiennych koncepcji ról nauczyciela, dających mi podstawę do wyłonienia 4 kategorii opisu, w których manifestowały się odmienne formy opresji. Opisane role, a raczej aktywności je tworzące, pozwalają zrozumieć kontekst opresyjności. Główne źródła potencjalnej opresyjności wydają się leżeć w odmiennych stosunkach nauczycieli do podstawowych koncepcji edukacyjnych, w tym przede wszystkim do przekazywania wiedzy i uwikłania w system, czyli poczucia wpływu systemu na wykonywanie własnej pracy.
Attitudes and responsibilities of students against online learning
Authors: Mustaji Mustaji , Pradana Hirnanda Dimas
Published: October 2023

This research attempts to determine how student attitudes and responsibilities towards online learning vary according to ability and education level. Attitudes towards educators, learning processes, and learning materials are all quantifiable. Individuals’ initial knowledge is determined by their ability to use information technology, their willingness to use it, and their perceptions of computer and internet reliability. This research focuses on undergraduate, masters, and doctoral students at Universitas Negeri Surabaya, which is located in Surabaya, East Java, Indonesia. This research utilized a non-experimental quantitative design. This research used questionnaires serving as the data collection instrument. The findings indicated that attitudes towards online learning varied according to one’s initial level of competence and education. Despite this, there was no gender disparity in students’ attitudes towards online learning. The degree to which students are responsible for online learning varies according to their baseline competence and education level.       
Keywords: attitude; online learning;  responsibility; students; university.
Development of online basic education courses for the State University of Surabaya students studying educational technology
Authors: Susarno Lamijan Hadi , Setiawan Budi
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced colleges and universities around the world to switch to online teaching and learning (OTL). This research aims to find out, improve, and make sure that all students have the same opportunities to learn and teach well. Because of this, it is important to look into the different ways university teachers adopt and use online teaching. This research belongs to developing Online Learning for Basic Education courses using vi-learning facilities provided by the State University of Surabaya (UNESA) by involving students majoring in Curriculum and Educational Technology at UNESA. It applied the ADDIE development model that consisted of five stages: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. From the development results, expert validation of learning design was carried out to determine the feasibility of online learning. This research also conducted field trial tests for students to determine the effectiveness of the product development. The results of this study showed that online learning in Basic Education courses was feasible.
Keywords: ADDIE model; basic education; online learning; research and development; virtual learning.
Re-positioning of educational technology in the VUCA world: Global and local cases from the perspective of Turkey
Authors: Odabasi Hatice Ferhan , Bülbül Ali Haydar
Published: October 2023

This paper introduces and discusses an extensive case of VUCA in Turkey resulting from global and local calamities in terms of the facts and their reflections to Educational Technology. Turkey has experienced a successive events of misfortune starting with Covid-19 pandemic and followed by massive earthquakes that took place on February 2023, each of which has deepened VUCA and both resulted in failure in coping with VUCA, especially in Educational Technology. This paper thus, intends to draw attention to the mistakes made during these atmospheres by representing the facts and reactions of principles, which, we believe, may guide the rest in similar future cases. In this report, we firstly introduce the outlines of VUCA and the facts about February Earthquakes. Secondly, we discuss VUCA cases within the context of Educational Technology. Lastly, based on what we learned from these cases, suggestions for shareholders are presented to relieve Educational Technology.
Keywords: VUCA, Educational Technology, Covid-19, February 6 earthquakes
Hemşirelik Öğrencilerinin Hasta Savunuculuğu Durumlarının Belirlenmesi
Authors: GÜLNAR Emel , BAYRAM Şüle , ÖZVEREN Hüsna
Published: October 2023

Bu çalışma hemşirelik öğrencilerinin hasta savunuculuğu durumlarının belirlenmesi amacıyla tanımlayıcı olarak yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemini bir üniversitenin hemşirelik bölümü dördüncü sınıfta öğrenim gören 206 öğrenci oluşturmuştur. Araştırmanın verileri Tanıtıcı Özellikler Formu ve Hemşireler İçin Hasta Savunuculuk Ölçeği kullanılarak toplanmıştır. Verilerin değerlendirilmesinde sayı, yüzdelik hesaplaması, ortalama ölçüleri (minimum, maksimum) ve Student-t testi kullanılmıştır. Bu çalışmada, hemşirelik öğrencilerinin hasta savunuculuğu ölçeği puan ortalaması 159,67±21,49 olarak belirlenmiştir. Ölçeğin alt boyutları puan ortalamalarının; tedavi ve bakım 51,35±7,65, eşitlik 34,50±4,58, hasta hakların 27,62±5,62, bilgilendirme 12,74±2,09, seçim hakkı 16,23±2,82, kültürel bakım 8,41±1,59 ve mahremiyet 8,78±1,40 olarak belirlenmiştir. Bu çalışma sonucunda hemşirelik öğrencilerinin hasta savunuculuğu ve alt boyutları puan ortalamalarının yüksek olduğu belirlenmiştir. Hemşirelik eğitiminde öğrencilerin hasta savunuculuğu rolü kazanmaları için dersler içerisinde senaryoya dayalı vaka örnekleri ve interaktif eğitim yöntemlerinin kullanılması önerilmektedir.
İnflamatuvar Bağırsak Hastalığı Tanısı Alan Yetişkin Bireylerde Mikrobiyota Farkındalığı ve Akdeniz Diyetine Uyumun Değerlendirilmesi
Authors: KUMRAL Sena Nur , KATIRCIOĞLU Beyza , TEKİN Nasminel , ÖZTÜRK Semiha Nur , AYYILDIZ Feride
Published: October 2023

Bu araştırma, inflamatuvar bağırsak hastalığı (İBH) tanılı ve sağlıklı bireylerde mikrobiyota farkındalığı ve Akdeniz diyetine uyumun değerlendirilmesi amacıyla yapılmıştır. Araştırmanın örneklemini 18-65 yaş aralığındaki 148 İBH tanılı ve 156 sağlıklı birey olmak üzere toplam 304 gönüllü katılımcı oluşturmuştur. Veriler, katılımcıların genel özellikleri, sağlık bilgileri ve beslenme alışkanlıklarını içeren bilgi formu, Akdeniz Diyetine Bağlılık Ölçeği (MEDAS) ve Mikrobiyota Farkındalık Ölçeği (MFÖ) kullanılarak çevrimiçi anket yöntemiyle toplanmıştır. Çalışma sonucunda İBH’li bireylerin mikrobiyota farkındalık puanları ve Akdeniz diyetine uyum puanları sağlıklı bireylerden anlamlı olarak düşük bulunmuştur. MFÖ puanının, MEDAS puanı ile pozitif; yaş ve BKİ ile ise negatif korelasyon gösterdiği görülmüştür. İBH’li bireyler için mikrobiyota ve Akdeniz diyetine yönelik eğitimlerin planlanması, İBH’li bireylerin bu konular hakkındaki farkındalığının artmasına katkı sunabilir. Mikrobiyota ve Akdeniz diyeti hakkında bilgi artışının hastalık prognozu ve beslenme durumunun iyileşmesini olumlu etkileyeceği düşünülmektedir.
Okul Dışı Öğrenme Ortamlarında Yapılan Etkinliklerin Öğrencilerin Enerji Kaynaklarına Yönelik Farkındalıklarına ve Bilgi Düzeylerine Etkisi
Authors: BAYGÜL Abdulkadir
Published: October 2023

Bu çalışmanın amacı, enerji santrallerine yapılan gezilerle, öğrencilerin enerji kaynaklarının hangi tür enerji kaynağı olduğuna yönelik bilgi düzeylerine ve farkındalıklarına etkisini tespit etmektir. Ayrıca rüzgâr enerji santraline (RES) yapılan gezi ile öğrencilerin rüzgâr enerji santrallerine yönelik bilgi düzeylerini gözden geçirmelerini sağlamak, bu yapılara ilişkin öğrenme ihtiyaçlarını belirlemek ve etkinlik sonucunda bilgi düzeylerinin nasıl değiştiğini tespit etmektir. Araştırmada, nitel araştırma yöntemlerinden temel nitel araştırma yaklaşımlarında durum çalışması kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın çalışma grubunu, 2022 yılında TÜBİTAK 4004 Doğa Eğitimi ve Bilim Okulları kapsamında desteklenen doğa eğitimi projesine katılan 30 ortaokul öğrencisi oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma verileri “Bilgi-İstek-Öğrenme Kartları” ve “Enerji Kaynağı Türü Anketi” ile toplanmıştır. Araştırmada elde edilen verilerin analizinde betimsel ve içerik analizi yöntemleri kullanılmıştır. Araştırma sonucunda, okul dışı öğrenme ortamlarına yapılan eğitim planlı gezilerin katılımcıların enerji kaynağı türleri konusunda ve rüzgâr enerji santrallerine yönelik bilimsel okuryazarlık ve farkındalık düzeylerine önemli katkısının olduğu söylenebilir. Yapılan birçok çalışmada ve bu çalışmada gözlendiği gibi okul dışı öğrenme ortamlarına yapılan planlı geziler sayesinde öğrencilerin bilişsel ve duyuşsal özelliklerinde gelişmeler olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Bu sebeple bu tür faaliyetlere eğitim ve öğretim süreçlerinin tüm aşamalarında yer verilmesi önerilmektedir.
Comparison of Test Equating Methods Based on Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory
Authors: MUTLUER Ceren , ÇAKAN Mehtap
Published: October 2023

This study aims to choose the equating method with the least equating error by using the equating methods in Classical Test Theory and Item Response Theory. In this study, booklet 1 and booklet 3 data were used for PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment) 2012 Mathematics test. Data from Turkey, Indonesia, Shanghai/China and Finland, countries participating in PISA 2012, were selected for this study. Non-equivalent groups design was used in the test equating process. Linear equating methods [Tucker (w1=1, w1=0.5), Levine observed score (w1=1, w1=0.5), Levine true score, Classical Congeneric and Braun-Holland), equipercentile equating methods (pre smoothing according to C6 polynomial degree, beta4, post smoothing according to S 0.05 cubic function, frequency estimation (w1=1, w1=0.5) ] were used in the study. In Classical Test Theory, the least error is obtained from the frequency estimation method with a synthetic universe weight of w1 = 0.5. For the Item Response Theory, the calibration method was first decided, which is the Stocking-Lord method. After the scale transformation was achieved with the Stocking-Lord calibration method, the equating scores were calculated from the IRT's true and observed equating methods. The least error in IRT was obtained from the true score equating method. For error values, error coefficients were calculated according to Newton-Raphson's delta method and bootstrap methods. When the error coefficients (delta and bootstrap) of the equating methods in both theories were compared, it was found that the equating methods based on IRT had fewer errors than the equating methods in CTT, and the method with the least equating error was the IRT true score equating. The least equating error frequency estimation in CTT (w1=0.5) and the most error Levine true score equating method.
Effect of exercise intervention using mobile healthcare on blood lipid level and health-related physical fitness in obese women: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Choi Jae-Ho , Park Hun-Young , Sun Yerin , Seo Jisoo , Lee Eunjoo , Kim Sung-Woo , Kim Jisu , Lim Kiwon
Published: October 2023

[Purpose] This study aimed to evaluate the effects of 12 weeks of non-face-to-face exercise intervention using mobile health (mHealth) on blood lipid levels and health-related physical fitness in obese women.[Methods] Thirty obese women (aged: 39.40 ± 11.07 years, percent body fat: 37.05 ± 5.15%) were enrolled, and all completed the study. Non-face-to-face exercises were performed for 12 weeks using a mHealth and smart tracker (Charge 4, Fitbit, USA). Participants were randomly assigned to an experimental (EXP) or control (CON) group. The 12-week exercise program using mHealth included resistance (twice a week for 60 min), aerobics (five times a week for 50 min), and flexibility (five times a week for 10 min).[Results] The results showed that high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Post − Pre: 9.07 mg·dL-1, p < 0.001) and ratio of low-density to high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (Post − Pre: −0.71 mg·dL-1, p < 0.05) significantly changed during the intervention period in EXP. There were significant increases in sit-ups (Post − Pre: 7.73 numbers, p < 0.001), grip strength (Post − Pre: 2.92 kg, p < 0.001), and sit and reach (Post − Pre: 2.51 cm, p < 0.01) in EXP.[Conclusion] Non-face-to-face exercise using mHealth for 12 weeks improved blood lipid levels and health-related physical fitness; therefore, it can help improve compliance through self-monitoring and lifestyle changes by increasing physical activity.
Credible transition plans for coal power sector: current disclosure framework and considerations for transition finance
Authors: Liu Yuanxin , Gao Chenchen , Yang Xiaowen , Yuan Jiahai , Ren Yufei
Published: October 2023

The zero-carbon transition of the coal power industry comes with substantial economic costs, both in terms of the cost of stranded assets and the innovation and application of carbon reduction, zero-carbon, and decarbonization technologies. Mobilizing social capital through transition finance is crucial to support companies in their efforts to reduce carbon emissions. The lack of high-quality data and consistent, comparable disclosure frameworks hinders proper due diligence and strategic planning, presenting a major obstacle to financing the transition. To identify the mismatches between existing disclosure frameworks for transition plans and the needs of transition finance, we conducted a systematic review of various transition disclosure frameworks, such as TCFD (Task Force on Climate-Related Financial Disclosures), CA100+ (Climate Action 100+) and TPT (Transition Plan Taskforce), and compared them with the information requirements of financial institutions for assessing coal phase-out plans of production entities. The results indicate that the ex-ante assessment of transition finance requires disclosure frameworks to be further expanded and aligned in areas such as technological distinctions and data quality to meet the demands of pricing, risk management, new product innovation, and disclosure of financial institutions’ carbon footprints in their asset portfolios. Moreover, the implementation of the current disclosure standards by coal power enterprises may encounter dual constraints from soft regulatory practices and the external business environment, resulting in the emergence of the “green silence” phenomenon. The inconsistency between disclosure frameworks may also give rise to regulatory arbitrage, leading to a distorted evaluation of the transition process of coal power enterprises by the capital market, resulting in potential price distortions and credit risks.
Measurement of Road Transport Emissions. Case study: Centinela-La Rumorosa Road, Baja California, México
Authors: Calderon-Ramirez Julio , Gutiérrez-Moreno Jose Manuel , Montoya-Alcaraz Marco , Casillas Angel
Published: October 2023

Air pollution is a global issue, and the transportation sector is recognized as the third-largest contributor to anthropogenic greenhouse gas emissions. Vehicles emit a range of chemical compounds as a direct result of the combustion process. The nature and quantity of these emissions depend on the vehicle's characteristics, road, and local weather conditions. As a result, these emissions require special attention due to the adverse effects contributing to global warming and significantly impacting human health. In this regard, diagnosing and monitoring air quality is crucial for understanding the nature and quantity of emissions generated by various sources. However, in developing countries, the necessary inputs, and data for conducting such analyses are not always available. Therefore, the purpose of this study is to estimate emissions specifically generated from road operations. To achieve this, HDM-4 calculation tool is utilized to quantitatively estimate these emissions. This tool was applied in Baja California, Mexico, on the Centinela-La Rumorosa highway. The results obtained show that annually, 372.5 tons of pollutant emissions are generated, composed of HC, CO, CO2, NOx, Par, SO2, and PB, covering a mere 128 kilometers of length within a state road network spanning 11,429 kilometers. This highlights the necessity of implementing strategies to reduce emissions or the environmental impact generated by vehicular operations on roads in developing countries.
Pivot Clustering to Minimize Error in Forecasting Aggregated ARMA Demand
Authors: Kovtun Vladimir , Giloni Avi , Hurvich Clifford , Seshadri Sridhar
Published: October 2023

In this paper we compare the effects of forecasting demand using individual (disaggregated) components versus first aggregating the components either fully or into several clusters. Demand streams are assumed to follow autoregressive moving average (ARMA) processes. Using individual demand streams will always lead to a superior forecast compared to any aggregates, however we show that if several aggregated clusters are formed in a structured manner then these subaggregated clusters will lead to a forecast with minimal increase in mean-squared forecast error. We show this result based on theoretical MSFE obtained directly from the models generating the clusters as well as estimated MSFE obtained directly from simulated demand observations. We suggest a pivot-algorithm, that we call Pivot Clustering, to create these clusters. We also provide theoretical results to investigate sub-aggregation, including for special cases such as, aggregating MA(1) streams and ARMA streams with similar or same parameters.
Parental Influence and Intergenerational Transmission of Religious Belief, Attitudes, and Practices: Recent Evidence from the United States
Authors: Gemar Adam
Published: October 2023

A traditionally salient topic of empirical investigation in the sociology of religion, this paper seeks to offer a recent investigation into the intergenerational transmission of religion and the parental forms of religious engagement that predict adult engagement with religion. The study of this paper explores the intergenerational transmission of religion, focusing on the parental forms of religious identity and engagement that influence religious identity, beliefs, and practices in adulthood. By analyzing the 2018 GSS dataset in the United States with multiple regression analyses, I find strong parental and childhood influences on adult religiosity, religious service attendance, and belief in God. Indeed, this engagement often mirrors parental engagement for these variables. However, while paternal religious identity often predicts these religious variables, I find that the religious identity and engagement of parents generally does not predict religious identity in adulthood. Ultimately, while these results generally show strong predictive mechanisms of intergenerational transmission, they also illustrate that these relationships are variably dependent on the form of parental and adult religious engagement and which parent participates or is associated with that engagement.
A Frontier Approach to Eco-Efficiency Assessment in the World’s Busiest Sea Ports
Authors: Bulak Muhammet Enis
Published: October 2023

The maritime economy is at the forefront of unprecedented sustainability challenges. Addressing ecological externalities in port operations supports the decarbonization goals of the United Nations (UN) Climate Action program and port city transition towards resilient and sustainable urban units. This research brings out an empirical assessment of seaport performance from an eco-environmental point of sustainability with a non-parametric analysis. Most common indicators from the cross-sectoral Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) database for 21 world’s busiest seaports are used for the analysis. This research integrates four different models with inputs: CO2 emission, electricity consumption, waste, and water consumption, and; outputs: employee, revenue, and container throughput. Projection pathways are established for inefficient seaports to improve sustainability performance. The analysis shows that the seaports of Qingdao and Cartagena as the most sustainably performing seaports under the selected maritime sustainability indicators. This research supports port managers in understanding the strengths and weaknesses of their operations and helps frame strategic policies toward achieving overall sustainability in the maritime industry across SDG 14 (marine ecosystem) and SDG 13 (Climate mitigation) goals of the 2030 Urban Agenda.
Au-Coated ZnO Surface-Enhanced Raman Scattering (SERS) Substrates: Synthesis, Characterization, and Applications in Exosome Detection
Authors: Adesoye Samuel , Abdullah Saqer Al , Kumari Anjali , Pathiraja Gayani , Nowlin Kyle , Dellinger Kristen
Published: October 2023

Developing a biomolecular detection method that minimizes photodamage while maintaining an environment suitable for biological constituents to maintain their physiological state is expected to drive new diagnostic and mechanistic breakthroughs. In addition, ultra-sensitive diagnostic platforms are needed for rapid and point-of-care technologies for various diseases. Considering this, surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) is proposed as a non-destructive and sensitive approach to address the limitations of fluorescence, electrochemical, and other optical detection techniques. However, to advance the applications of SERS, novel approaches to enhance the signal of substrate materials are needed to improve reproducibility and costs associated with manu-facture and scale-up. Due to their physical properties and synthesis, semiconductor-based nanostructures have gained increasing recognition as SERS substrates; however, low signal en-hancements have offset their widespread adoption. To address this limitation and assess the po-tential for use in biological applications, zinc oxide (ZnO) was coated with different concentra-tions (0.01-0.1 M) of gold (Au) precursor. When crystal violet (CV) was used as a model target with the synthesized substrates, the highest enhancement was obtained with ZnO coated with 0.05 M Au precursor. This substrate was subsequently applied to differentiate exosomes derived from three cell types to provide insight into their molecular diversity. We anticipate this work will serve as a platform for colloidal hybrid SERS substrates in future bio-sensing applications.
Strong Activation of p53 by Actinomycin D and Nutlin-3a Overcomes Resistance of Cancer Cells to the Pro-apoptotic Activity of FAS Ligand
Authors: Łasut-Szyszka Barbara , Gdowicz-Kłosok Agnieszka , Krześniak Małgorzata , Głowala-Kosińska Magdalena , Będzińska Agnieszka , Rusin Marek
Published: October 2023

The p53 protein activates pro-apoptotic gene FAS, which encodes death receptor for the FAS ligand (FASLG). Cancer cells are resistant to apoptosis triggered by FASLG. We found that actinomycin D and nutlin-3a (ActD+Nut3a) synergized in activation of p53 and in the induction of pro-apoptotic genes; however, the apoptotic cells were infrequent. We hypothesized that this drug combination sensitizes cancer cells to the pro-apoptotic activity of FASLG. We exposed various cancer cell lines to ActD+Nut3a for 45h and next we treated cells with recombinant FASLG. We observed apoptosis by flow cytometry and by activation status of caspase-3, -8, -9, and -10. The cell viability was determined by the MTS assay and cell staining on culture plates. Actinomycin D and nutlin-3a strongly synergized in sensitizing cells to apoptosis triggered by FASLG. This combination killed more than 99% of cells within 5h. The cell death was accompanied by a strong activation of all examined caspases. In engineered p53-deficient cells this pro-apoptotic effect was completely lost. Therefore, the combination of ActD+Nut3a activates p53 in a way, which overcomes the resistance of cancer cells to apoptosis triggered by FASLG.
Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation Trends and Outcomes in Canada: A Registry-based Cohort Study
Authors: Seftel Matthew D. , Pasic Ivan , Parmar Gaganvir , Bucher Oliver , Allan David S. , Bhella Sita , Hay Kevin Anthony , Ikuomola Olaweseun , Musto Grace , Prica Anca , Richardson Erin , Truong Tony H , Paulson Kristjan
Published: October 2023

Background: Hematopoietic cell transplantation (HCT) is an established therapy for hematologic malignancies and serious non-malignant blood disorders. Despite its curative potential, HCT is associated with substantial toxicity and health resource utilization. Effective delivery of HCT requires complex hospital-based care, which limits the number of HCT centers in Canada. In Canada, the quantity, indications, temporal trends, and outcomes of patients receiving HCT are not known.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study of first transplants reported to the Cell Therapy Transplant Canada (CTTC) registry between 2000 and 2019. We determined overall survival (OS) and non-relapse mortality (NRM), categorizing the cohort into early (2000-2009) and later (2010-2019) eras to investigate temporal changes.
Results: Of 18,046 transplants, 10,475 were allogeneic and 7,571 were autologous. Comparing the two eras, allogeneic transplants increased in number by 22.3%, with greater use of matched unrelated donors in the later era. Autologous transplants increased by 10.9%. Temporal improvements in NRM were observed in children and adults. OS improved in pediatric patients and in adults receiving autologous HCT. In adults receiving allogeneic HCT, OS was stable despite the substantially older age of patients in the later era.
Interpretation: HCT is an increasingly frequent procedure in Canada which has expanded to serve older adults. Noted improvements in NRM and OS reflect progress in patient and donor selection, preparation for transplant, and post- transplant supportive care. In allogeneic HCT, unrelated donors have become the most frequent donor source, highlighting the importance of continued growth of volunteer donor registries. These results serve as a baseline measure for quality improvement and health services planning in Canada.
Analyzing Convolutional Neural Network Performance on an Edge TPU with a Focus on Transfer Learning Adjustments
Authors: DeLozier Christian , Blanco Justin , Rakvic Ryan , Shey James
Published: October 2023

Transfer learning has proven to be a valuable technique for deploying machine learning models on edge devices and embedded systems. By leveraging pre-trained models and fine-tuning them on specific tasks, practitioners can effectively adapt existing models to the constraints and requirements of their application. In the process of adapting an existing model, a practitioner may make adjustments to the model architecture, including the input layers, output layers, and intermediate layers. In this study, we examine the effects of these adjustments on the runtime and energy performance of an edge processor performing inferences. Based on our observations, we make recommendations for how to adjust convolutional neural networks during transfer learning to maintain runtime performance. We observe that the Edge TPU is generally more efficient than a CPU at performing inferences on convolutional neural networks, and continues to outperform a CPU as the depth and width of the convolutional network increases. We explore multiple strategies for adjusting the input and output layers of an existing model and demonstrate important performance cliffs for practitioners to consider when modifying a convolutional neural network model.
Heat Transfer Analysis on Promotion of CO2 Reduction Performance of P4O10/TiO2 Photocatalyst by Black Body Material
Authors: Nishimura Akira , Hanyu Ryo , Mae Homare , Senoue Hirokai , Hu Eric
Published: October 2023

Since the photocatalytic reaction is a surface reaction, enhancing the gas movement around photocatalyst would promote photocatalytic CO2 reduction performance. A new approach to enhance the gas movement around the photocatalyst by the natural thermosiphon movement of gasses around photocatalyst using black body material was proposed and confirmed experimentally, but the heat transfer mechanism on the phenomena was not clarified yet. The purpose of this study is to clarify the heat transfer mechanism of it. This study calculated the temperature of mixed gases of CO2 and NH3 around P4O10/TiO2 photocatalyst by the heat transfer formula. It is revealed that there was no difference between the increase temperature (Tg) from the temperature at the beginning of the CO2 reduction experiment (Tini) and the temperature of mixed gases of CO2 and NH3 measured by thermocouple in the experiment (Te) under the illumination condition with a visible light (VIS) + an infrared light (IR) and IR only. The heat transfer model proposed by this study has predicted Tg well under the illumination condition with VIS + IR and IR only well. On the other hand, it is revealed that the difference between Tg and Te was as large as 10 ℃ under the illumination condition with an ultra violet light (UV) + VIS + IR.
Early Initiation of Adalimumab Significantly Diminishes Post-operative Crohn’s Disease Endoscopic Recurrence and Is Superior to 6-Mercaptopurine Therapy. An Open Label Randomized Controlled Study
Authors: Hirsch Ayal , Scapa Erez , Fliss Isakov Naomi , Tulchinsky Hagit , Itzkowitz Eran , Kariv Yehuda , Ron Yulia , Yanai Henit , White Ian , Yassin Sharif , Cohen Nathaniel Aviv , Brazovski Eli , Dotan Iris , Maharshak Nitsan
Published: October 2023

Post operative recurrence (POR) is the rule in patients with Crohn’s disease (CD), mitigated with prophylactic therapy. The evidence for therapeutic choice and timing of intervention is lacking. We aimed to compare rates of POR in patients treated early with prophylactic 6-mercaptopurine (6-MP) or adalimumab. We conducted a prospective single center randomized open label clinical study, in which patients in surgical remission following their first ileocecectomy were randomized to receive early treatment with 6-MP or adalimumab. Patients were followed up clinically every 3 months and underwent endoscopy at weeks 32 and 58 post-operatively. The primary endpoint was endoscopic recurrence (ePOR) at 1 year (week 58), defined as a Rutgeerts score≥i2. We enrolled 35 patients (25 males, mean age 35±1.4 years, median disease duration 5±6.1 years) following ileocecectomy. Of these, 7(20%) were current smokers and 9(26%) biologics experienced. Patients allocated to adalimumab had significantly less ePOR than patients treated with 6MP at week 32 (21% vs 69%, p=0.004) and 58 (47% vs 75%), (p=0.03, HR=0.39, 95% CI=0.16-0.93). POR was associated with increased diameter of the resected small bowel surgical specimen, lower baseline body mass index (BMI), increased week 18 fecal calprotectin and serum alanine aminotransferase and decreased week 18 hemoglobin level. Adalimumab is more effective than 6-MP in preventing ePOR. Increased operative small bowel diameter and lower post-operative BMI were associated with ePOR. Eighteen weeks serum hemoglobin and ALT, and fecal calprotectin levels were predictive of endoscopic disease recurrence. (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT01629628).
Scalable Retrieval of Similar Landscapes in Optical Satellite Imagery Using Unsupervised Representation Learning
Authors: Karatsiolis Savvas , Padubidri Chirag , Kamilaris Andreas
Published: October 2023

Global Earth Observation (EO) is becoming increasingly important in understanding and addressing critical aspects of life on our planet about environmental issues, natural disasters, sustainable development and others. EO plays a key role in making informed decisions on applying or reforming land use, responding to disasters, shaping climate adaptation policies etc. EO is also becoming a useful tool for helping professionals make the most profitable decisions, e.g., in real estate or the investment sector. Finding similarities in landscapes may provide useful information regarding applying contiguous policies, taking alike decisions or learning from best practices on events and happenings that have already occurred in similar landscapes in the past. However, current applications of similar landscape retrieval are limited by moderate performance and the need for time-consuming and costly annotations. We propose splitting the similar landscape retrieval task into a set of smaller tasks that aim at identifying individual concepts inherent to satellite images. Our approach relies on several models trained with Unsupervised Representation Learning (URL) on Google Earth images to identify these concepts. We show the efficacy of matching individual concepts for tackling the task of retrieving similar landscape(s) to a user-selected satellite image with a proof-of-concept application of the proposed approach on the geographical territory of the Republic of Cyprus. Our results demonstrate the efficacy of breaking up the landscape similarity task into individual concepts closely related to remote sensing instead of trying to capture all concepts and image semantics with a single model like a single RGB semantics model.
Neutrophil-Creatinine Index: A New Prognostic Factor for Severity of Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Sahin Abdurrahman
Published: October 2023

Background and Objectives: The severity of acute pancreatitis (AP) is graded as mild (MAP), moderately severe (MSAP), and severe (SAP) according to the revised Atlanta Classification. Determining the severity of AP is the main goal in the early time of AP. The aim of this study was to compare laboratory parameters or indices including neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and neutrophil-creatinine index (NCI) at admission for predicting severity of AP. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, the data from patients who admitted with diagnosis of AP between January 2018 and December 2021 were collected. Laboratory parameters and indices including NLR, PLR and NCI were compared in the discrimination of AP severity groups. Results: A total of 421 patients [MAP group (n=213), MSAP group (n=158) and SAP group (n=50)] were included. WBC count, neutrophil count, hematocrit, CRP, BUN, creatinine, NLR and NCI were significant parameters to discriminate AP subgroups. The AUROC analysis for discriminating MSAP from MAP showed that WBC (AUC: 0.723, 95% CI: 0.674-0.768, p<0.001), hematocrit (AUC: 0.566, 95% CI: 0.514-0.607, p=0.032), NLR (AUC: 0.649, 95% CI: 0.598-0.698, p< 0.001) and NCI (AUC: 0.749, 95% CI: 0.701-0.792, p<0.001) were statistically significant parameters. Similarly, AUCs to discriminate SAP from MSAP were (AUC: 0.649, 95% CI: 0.579-0.713, p < 0.001) for WBC, (AUC: 0.703, 95% CI: 0.621-0.785, p< 0.001) for BUN, (AUC: 0.602, 95% CI: 0.532-0.669, p=0.029) for CRP and (AUC: 0.742, 95% CI: 0.676-0.800, p<0.001) for NCI. Logistic regression analyses indicated that NCI was the only parameter to discriminate MSAP form MAP (OR: 1.119, 95% CI: 1.015-1.235, p=0.023) and SAP from MSAP (OR: 1.113, 95% CI: 1.042-1.888, p = 0.001). Conclusions: The present study enabled the identification of neutrophil-creatinine index as a new prognostic tool for the assessment AP severity at hospital admission.
High Mitochondrial Protein Expression as a Potential Predictor of Relapse Risk in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Patients with the Monocytic FAB subtypes M4 and M5
Authors: Selheim Frode , Aasebø Elise , Bruserud Øystein , Hernandez-Valladares Maria
Published: October 2023

AML is a highly aggressive and heterogeneous form of hematological cancer. Proteomics-based stratification of patients into more refined subgroups may contribute to a more precise characterization of the patient-derived AML cells. Here, we reanalyzed liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) generated proteomic and phosphoproteomic data from 26 chemoresistant/relapse (RELAPSE) and 15 relapse-free (REL_FREE) AML patients. We considered not only the RELAPSE and REL_FREE characteristics but also integrated the French-American-British (FAB) classification, along with considering the presence of nucleophosmin 1 (NPM1) mutation and cytogenetically normal AML. We found a significant number of differentially enriched proteins (911) and phosphoproteins (257) between the various FAB subtypes in RELAPSE patients. Patients with the myeloblastic M1/M2 subtype showed higher levels of RNA processing-related routes and lower levels of signaling related to terms like translation and degranulation, when compared to the M4/M5 subtype. Moreover, we found that high abundance of proteins associated to mitochondrial translation and oxidative phosphorylation, particularly observed in the RELAPSE M4/M5 NPM1 mutated subgroup, distinguishes relapsing from non-relapsing AML patient cells with the FAB subtype M4/M5. Thus, the discovery of subtype-specific biomarkers through proteomic profiling may complement the existing classification system for AML and potentially aid in selecting personalized treatment strategies for individual patients.
An Analysis of Recreational and Leisure Areas in Polish Counties with the Use of Geographically Weighted Regression
Authors: Nalej Marta , Lewandowicz Elżbieta
Published: October 2023

Recreational and leisure areas play a special role. These areas mitigate or eliminate the disadvantages of living in large cities, and they enhance the quality of life in small towns. The aim of this study was to analyze the share of recreational and leisure areas in Polish counties in 2022. In Poland, recreational and leisure areas constitute a separate land-use category in cadastral registers. Annual cadastral data from the Land and Building Register at county level (in tabular form) were the main source of data for the study. The analysis revealed that the share of recreational and leisure areas was higher in counties situated in western and south-western Poland, as well as in cities. The spatially varied influence of socioeconomic factors on the share of recreational and leisure areas in Polish counties in 2002 was determined with the use of local Moran's I statistic and geographically weighted regression (GWR). The study confirmed that population density was significantly related to the share of recreational and leisure areas in Polish counties. The impact of the remaining socioeconomic factors associated with spatial and economic development varied across regions. The study also revealed that in addition to the current socioeconomic determinants, the share of recreational and leisure areas in Polish counties was also influenced by historical factors and the counties' development since their establishment.