bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Teaching English with Movies
Authors: Mrissa Brahim , Anasse Khadija
Published: March 2024

This study looks into the benefits of employing movies as a pedagogical tool in English language teaching programs. The objective is to explore potentials of movies in enhancing English language teaching and gauge some teaching challenges related to using them in English language teaching. A quantitative approach is employed, and data is collected using a questionnaire given to teachers of English in order to find out what they think about this technique of instruction and to investigate some frequent issues that arise when using movies as teaching resources. The study concludes that incorporating movies into EFL instruction can be an effective strategy for enhancing students' language skills and fostering a more engaging learning environment.  The findings imply that movies provide students with contextualized language input, foster cultural awareness and stimulate their enthusiasm in learning English. Furthermore, the study recommends two methods for creating movie-based teaching materials: worksheets and interactive video quizzes using the Edpuzzle platform.
Values Education: An Educational Approach to Train Students in the 1st Cycle of Portuguese Basic Education for Citizenship
Authors: Martins Ernesto
Published: March 2024

Education in values develops in the family, in schools and in society in general, through human coexistence and interpersonal relationships. The cementing of this education is necessary today to overcome many problems, conflicts and inhumane situations. Values are statements and/or principles that each human being internalizes and converts into valued actions and everyday experiences (Ballester & Calvo, 2007, p. 34-39). The transmission of a set of essential values to the current society characterizes the mutual relationship between adult-child/youth in training, covering up, disguising and reinforcing existing egocentrism (Andrade, 1997). The problem of education for values constitutes a transversal theme across the curricular areas of the 1st Cycle of Basic Education (1st CEB). According to Zabalza (2000, p. 21): “the theme of values was and will be a key theme in any process of action and reflection on people and their actions”. Educating for values in students' compulsory education is contributing to their formation as people and citizens (Ortega & Mínguez, 2003). The purposes of this education are to encourage students to develop daily the application of values in coexistence and the construction of peace, solidarity and tolerance. It is also important for 1st CEB teachers to develop teaching strategies to promote values in students, in any learning context; for the formation of future citizens in a democratic society.
The Dilemma of Unlawful Digital Interventions and Their Impacts on the Rohingya Community During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Biswas Buddha Dev , Khan Ashrafuzzaman
Published: March 2024

This study explores the impact of unlawful digital interventions on the Rohingya community in Bangladesh during the COVID-19 pandemic. The Rohingya refugees, who have faced severe persecution in Myanmar, found themselves in refugee camps in Bangladesh, where they initially had limited access to technology and the internet due to legal restrictions. However, by using the Ethnoscape and Mediascape of globalization theory devised by Arjun Appadurai, the study aims to understand the unlawful digital interventions in the camps during the Covid-19 pandemic. This unauthorized access to digital platforms played a crucial role in raising awareness among the Rohingya population during the COVID-19 pandemic. The study conducted in three Rohingya camps employed qualitative methods, including focus group discussions, in-depth interviews, and observations, to understand the significance of unauthorized digital platform usage, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic. Adolescent males and females with smartphones acquired knowledge about COVID-19 through social media platforms like Facebook, Imo, WhatsApp, and YouTube, leading to intergenerational debates within the community, as the elderly relied more on television broadcasts. The study highlighted the critical role of social media in shaping the community's knowledge and perceptions of the pandemic and to take precautionary measures, though they encountered misleading content. While digital platforms facilitated information sharing and financial transactions, gendered restrictions on smartphone usage were evident, reflecting patriarchal control over young girls' mobile phone access.
Analysis of Relatively Short Variable Rate “Noisy” Well Test Data Using Non-Linear Deconvolution
Authors: ONAIWU Oduwa David , IKPONMWOSA Usiosefe Benedict
Published: March 2024

Short well test data are pressure-rate-time data that are not long enough to be used to infer the reservoir boundary model and are very common in the oil and gas industry. Short rate well test data may occur when companies try to cut costs of well test jobs or mostly due to improper well test design. Nevertheless, one may wish to extract the most amount of information from this limited data because the de-convolve response can allow the reservoir engineer to make the best use of the available data in selecting a suitable interpretation model by narrowing down the possible boundary models and also providing a reliable estimates of model parameters. The aim of this study is to demonstrate the usefulness and significance of pressure-rate deconvolution in analyzing relatively short variable rate data using a hypothetical case study. The simulation was carried out using Sapphire’s test design module by assuming the presence of an exploratory well in an oil reservoir above bubble point pressure. Further assumption is that the reservoir is homogenous, therefore the possibility of a changing wellbore model was neglected from the analysis. The computer codes for the simulation were inputted using python programming language. We observed from the study that although pressure and flow rate relationship can be nonlinear, the problem can be formulated as a linear problem and the nonlinearity is expressed in the features of the reservoir. The simulation results were satisfactory using the test case and deviations between model parameters and actual reservoir parameters used in simulation was shown to have an absolute value less than 8% which is within acceptable engineering limits.
Exploring the Digital Divide in Open Education: A Comparative Analysis of Undergraduate Students
Authors: Sezgin Sedef , Fırat Mehmet
Published: March 2024

In the 21st century, the widespread use of information technologies has made access to technology, technology usage skills, and the quality of technology services increasingly important. However, the digital divide—defined as a lack of access to telecommunications—remains a significant issue that separates developed countries from developing countries. This study aimed to explore the digital divide in open education by comparing the digital divide levels of first term and last term or graduate students enrolled in the Anadolu University Open Education System. The study also examined how factors such as gender, age, income level, and employment status impact digital competency by comparing the digital divide scores of participants in these groups. The findings of the study suggest that first-term students have higher levels of digital competency than final-term students. The study also found that males, people aged 30–40, those with high incomes, and those working in the private sector had the highest digital competency scores. These results can be used to inform the development and implementation of open and distance learning programs to reduce the digital divide, as well as to identify specific groups that may be at a disadvantage in terms of digital competency.
Empowering Asynchronous Arabic Language Learning Through PDF Hyperlink Media
Authors: Riwanda Agus , Ridha Muhammad , Islamy M. Irfan
Published: March 2024

The migration to online learning has brought about several new problems. Poor signal quality, large Internet quotas, and device compatibility with learning applications are the most common complaints among students. Additionally, students’ poor self-directed learning skills, the excessive number of assignments given by teachers, and the use of monotonous teaching methods and media are also identified as issues. Therefore, the development of learning media that facilitate students’ learning processes and support their active engagement becomes crucial. This research aimed to develop PDF hyperlink learning media for online Arabic language learning at Madrasah Aliyah Negeri 4 in Hulu Sungai Tengah District, South Kalimantan, Indonesia (MAN 4 HST). The research model used in this study is the 4D model, consisting of four stages: define, design, develop, and disseminate. In this research, layout and accessibility received good validation scores of 4.3, and the presentation of the contents received a good validation score of 4.2. Additionally, the Wilcoxon test results indicated that the use of PDF hyperlink media significantly influences learning outcomes and receives positive feedback from students. Thus, the use of PDF hyperlink media is recommended for educational institutions experiencing digital divides, as well as those implementing asynchronous learning.
Creating an Open Online Educational Resource to Support Learners as They Navigate Their Studies Alongside Work and/or Family
Authors: Waterhouse Philippa , Moller Naomi
Published: March 2024

As labour markets undergo rapid and profound transformations, lifelong learning is essential to ensure a responsive, competitive, and skilled workforce. Mature learners are a diverse group, but in comparison to their younger student counterparts, are more likely to have employment and/or caring responsibilities. This field note discusses the development and features of a novel online open educational resource, called At a crossroads: Navigating work and/or family alongside study (At a crossroads for brevity). The resource aimed to assist university students to both learn about the support options available to them as well as to consider how they themselves might make decisions if they experienced a conflict between their student/work/family roles. At a crossroads is innovative in terms of how it was developed (i.e., via survey-based research, story completion method, and consultations sessions with tertiary students) and in terms of what it is (i.e., an online interactive resource that incorporates short dramatizations, social polls, and opportunities to reflect). Our experience in developing this resource caused us to consider how making resources designed to be engaging and informative, while encouraging, positive changes, must be part of the solution. This is especially so when there is significant concern around the overall well-being of tertiary students and their course completion rates. While universities have attempted to offer a range of tools to support their students, on-demand online resources such as At a crossroads are easily accessed, free to use, and deliver content in an engaging manner.
Role of AI in Blended Learning: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Park Yeonjeong , Doo Min Young
Published: March 2024

As blended learning moved toward a new phase during the COVID-19 pandemic, advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) technology provided opportunities to develop more diverse and dynamic blended learning. This systematic review focused on publications related to the use of AI applications in blended learning. The original studies from January 2007 to October 2023 were extracted from the Google Scholar, ERIC, and Web of Science databases. Finally, 30 empirical studies under the inclusion criteria were reviewed based on two conceptual frameworks: four key challenges of blended learning and three roles of AI. We found that AI applications have been used mainly for the online asynchronous individual learning component in blended learning; little work has been conducted on AI applications that help connect online activities with classroom-based offline activities. Many studies have identified the role of AI as a direct mediator to help control flexibility and autonomy of students in blended learning. However, abundant studies have also identified AI as a supplementary assistant using advanced learning analytics technologies that promote effective interactions with students and facilitate the learning process. Finally, the fewest number of studies have explored the role of AI as a new subject such as use as pedagogical agents or robots. Considering the advancements of generative AI technologies, we expect more research on AI in blended learning. The findings of this study suggested that future studies should guide teachers and their smart AI partner to implement blended learning more effectively.
Determination of the resistance to motion of a cargo train when driving without a drive
Authors: Sawczuk Wojciech , Kołodziejski Sławomir - , Rilo Cañás Armando Miguel
Published: March 2024

The issue related to the motion resistance of a rail vehicle is very important for energy, environmental and related energy consumption of the vehicle as well as vehicle performance with dynamic points. The latter aspect applies in particular to traction vehicles. The article presents several models of resistance to movement of a freight train used by various railway authorities, for Polish and foreign rolling stock. The resistance values obtained from the models were verified against the tested freight train carrying aggregate. On the basis of the records from the locomotive recorder, linear models of speed changes over time and coasting paths (without drive) were determined. On the basis of the values obtained from the models of resistance to movement of a freight train, the paths of coasting to stop the train were determined on the basis of the UIC 544-1 card, which were related to the analyzed freight train.
How does motor performance change with increasing stress doses? A tutorial on dose-response profiles applied to crew rowing
Authors: Hill Yannick , Cuijpers Laura S. , Silva Paula L. , Den Hartigh Ruud J. R. , Kiefer Adam W.
Published: March 2024

Many models of motor performance acknowledge that adapting to stressors plays a major role in how we move. However, most models lack a precise conceptualization of the way in which stress-response dynamics unfold. To fill this void, we first present popular models from the domain of biology and psychology which argue that the impact of a stressor depends on its dose. Next, we provide a tutorial using the example of crew rowing to demonstrate how these models can be scaled to human motor performance. In this example, the dose of the stressor is varied by target times for several 500 m races and the response variable represents the crew coordination. Specifically, we discuss how the necessary parameters can be determined a priori and how the data can be analyzed to pinpoint the exact dose-response relationship. These strides are necessary for developing more comprehensive theories of motor performance and engage in cross-disciplinary research on the impact of stressors.
Infographic: How is talent defined among Brazilian sports scientists?
Authors: Thiengo Carlos R. , Massa Marcelo
Published: March 2024

Access the infographic at https://socibracom.com/bjmb/index.php/bjmb/article/view/402/version/436.
Remembering Michael T. Turvey: A tribute to an extraordinary teacher & mentor
Authors: Silva Paula L.
Published: March 2024

This essay is a tribute to Michael T. Turvey, my PhD mentor at the Center for the Ecological Studies of Perception and Action (CESPA), University of Connecticut, and a distinguished figure in the field of motor behavior research. My narrative aims to showcase the exceptional qualities of Turvey as a teacher and mentor and share the insights I gained from him in the specific context of his emblematic action course. I hope these insights will enlighten and inspire others as they have me, thereby perpetuating his legacy.
The organization of action: Contemporary relevance of Turvey’s approach to motor behavior
Authors: Balasubramaniam Ramesh
Published: March 2024

In this article, I will list the major contributions that Michael Turvey has made to the field of motor control from the perspective of my own research in the area. There are multiple research programs that I have carried out over the last twenty-five years that have all been influenced by the ecological and dynamical systems accounts that were pioneered by Michael Turvey. In this article I will highlight significant developments in 1) contribution of movement to timing and time perception 2) the contribution of the motor system in beat perception in music 3) postural sway dynamics 4) the role of detuning in bimanual coordination and finally 5) the control of unstable objects. In all these lines of work, I will specifically provide instances of how Michael Turvey’s ideas inspired subsequent research in my lab and elsewhere.
Editorial: Michael Turvey: The Most Influential Scholar in Motor Behavior in the Last 50 Years
Authors: Profeta Vitor S.
Published: March 2024

It is difficult to estimate the impact that Michael Turvey (February 14th, 1941 – August 12th, 2023) had on the field of motor behavior. His research and thoughts influenced uncountable scholars over the last 50 years, and his kindness and dedication were examples to many. Through the reflections of esteemed colleagues and former students gathered in this Special Issue of the Brazilian Journal of Motor Behavior, we gain insights into the profound influence of Michael Turvey on motor behavior and beyond.
In Tribute: Reflections on the Impact of Professor Michael Turvey on Motor Development
Authors: Whitall Jill , Clark Jane E.
Published: March 2024

In our tribute to Professor Michael Turvey, we have two parallel goals: 1) to highlight the scientific scope of Turvey’s impact on motor development; and, 2) to expose readers to papers that they may not have read but that might cast new light on age-old questions they confront in their current research on motor development.  The paper is divided into two equal time periods.  In Part 1, from 1975 to 1999, we trace the emergence and growth of Dynamic Systems/Ecological Realism (perception-action) paradigms.  We explain how the existing paradigms in motor development research, the descriptive and information processing paradigms were, in part, replaced by new paradigms whose existence owes much to Michael Turvey and his colleagues.  We suggest that this time period was one where Turvey had the most conceptual influence on the field.  In Part 2, from 2000 to 2024, we describe how factors, including the emergence of two new paradigms in motor development research may have reduced Turvey’s direct influence.  But we also note that there is still much research undertaken that builds off the bases of Dynamic Systems and Perception-Action Coupling approaches including research by Turvey and his students/colleagues.  We end with the suggestion that the present generation of motor development researchers may have something to gain by re-/reading research from these perspectives regardless of whether it is directly from Professor Turvey’s pen or from those whom he influenced (or influenced him).
Progress Note 2024: Curing HIV; Not in My Lifetime or Just Around the Corner?
Authors: Harper Justin , Betts Michael , Lichterfeld Mathias , Müller-Trutwin Michaela , Margolis David , Bar Katharine , Li Jonathan , McCune Joseph , Lewin Sharon , Kulpa Deanna , Diallo Dázon , Lederman Michael M. , Paiardini Mirko
Published: March 2024

Once a death sentence, HIV is now considered a manageable chronic disease due to the development of antiretroviral therapy (ART) regimens with minimal toxicity and a high barrier for genetic resistance. While highly effective in arresting AIDS progression and rendering the virus untransmissible in people living with HIV (PLWH) with undetectable viremia (U=U) [1, 2]), ART alone is incapable of eradicating the “reservoir” of resting, latently infected CD4+ T cells from which virus recrudesces upon treatment cessation. As of 2022 estimates, there are 39 million PLWH, of whom 86% are aware of their status and 76% are receiving ART [3]. As of 2017, ART-treated PLWH exhibit near normalized life expectancies without adjustment for socioeconomic differences [4]. Furthermore, there is a global deceleration in the rate of new infections [3] driven by expanded access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), HIV testing in vulnerable populations, and by ART treatment [5]. Therefore, despite outstanding issues pertaining to cost and access in developing countries, there is strong enthusiasm that aggressive testing, treatment, and effective viral suppression may be able to halt the ongoing HIV epidemic (ie, UNAIDS’ 95-95-95 targets) [6–8]; especially as evidenced by recent encouraging observations in Sydney [9].
Despite these promising efforts to limit further viral transmission, for PLWH, a “cure” remains elusive; whether it be to completely eradicate the viral reservoir (ie, cure) or to induce long-term viral remission in the absence of ART (ie, control; Figure 1). In a previous salon hosted by Pathogens and Immunity in 2016 [10], some researchers were optimistic that a cure was a feasible, scalable goal, albeit with no clear consensus on the best route. So, how are these cure strategies panning out? In this commentary, 8 years later, we will provide a brief overview on recent advances and failures towards identifying determinants of viral persistence and developing a scalable cure for HIV. Based on these observations, and as in the earlier salon, we have asked several prominent HIV cure researchers for their perspectives.
Rethinking teacher training from an inclusive and community dialogical perspective
Authors: Morgado Elsa Gabriel , Rodrigues João Bartolomeu , Leonido Levi
Published: March 2024

This quantitative survey using a structured questionnaire with closed questions  and a sample of 340 participants from 20 courses (bachelor's and master's degrees) at public higher education institutions in the Trás-os-Montes e Alto Douro region  of  the Portuguese university (University of Trás-os-Montes and Alto Douro) and polytechnic (Polytechnic Institute of Bragança) subsystem  aims to list a group of proposals for reflection and future implementation that can fill or mitigate gaps and weaknesses identified in the disciplines of the curricula related to internships.  The analysis of the data reveals indicators indicating the need for a (formal and conceptual) rethinking of inclusive intervention in the context of supervision in the field of teacher training. These indicators include problems with operating in a multifaceted educational setting, enhancing an interdisciplinary, integrated and inclusive approach, rearranging curriculum and reconsidering the functional profiles and competencies of teaching staff. Therefore, the construction of a professional culture that favors an integrative and inclusive approach through the assumption of a broad profile of professional competence capable of training the teacher in a multidimensional educational context is crucial.  We evaluate the necessity of encouraging research of this type involving additional factors, populations and samples in order to enable the extrapolation of data and findings to a national level providing significance and technological foundations for decisions made within the context of public education policy.
What should we do to ameliorate the quality of interfascial plane blocks? Is dual block the answer sought or a waste of effort?
Authors: Tulgar Serkan , Ahiskalioglu Ali
Published: March 2024

...
Evaluation of Analgesic Nociceptive Index in intraoperative and postoperative pain management in general anesthesia applied with two different methods
Authors: Karahan Mahmut Alp , Ethemoğlu Kadri Burak , Büyükfırat Evren , Atlas Ahmet , Yazar Veysi , Bilsel Mehmet Baki
Published: March 2024

Aim: Effectiveness of analgesic nociceptive index (ANI) monitoring in predicting both intraoperative and postoperative early pain in neurosurgery patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery. The patients were administered general anesthesia using different anesthesia management techniques.Method: The study included a total of 60 patients with American Society of Anesthesiologist (ASA) I-III. The patients were randomly divided into two groups of 30 each using the closed envelope method. Group T received total intravenous anesthesia (TIVA) with remifentanil-propofol, while Group D with desflurane-remifentanil. Non-invasive ANI monitoring was applied to patients undergoing lumbar spinal surgery, and ANI, heart rate, systolic/diastolic arterial pressure values were recorded before and after induction, skin incision, major muscle incision, laminectomy, right-left fasciectomy, screw fixation, after extubation and during the postoperative period. Post-operative heart rate, ANI value, mean arterial pressure values, and visual analog scale (VAS) values were measured.Results: No statistically significant difference was found in terms of the demographic data of the patients. According to the groups, no statistically significant difference was found between the ANI and VAS measurements of the cases at the postoperative 5th minute (P=0.261), postop 10th minute (P=0.379), postop 15th minute (P=0.673), postop 30th minute (P=0.784) and postop 60 minute (p =0.750).Conclusions: In our study on lumbar spine surgery, we could not detect any significant relationship between ANI monitoring and VAS values in the early postoperative period. There was no difference in ANI and VAS with either anaesthetic technique. In light of the results of our study, we believe that more studies are needed on the use of ANI monitoring in the early postoperative period.
A comprehensive retrospective analysis of interfascial plane blocks and peripheral nerve blocks at a tertiary research hospital: Single center experience
Authors: Karapinar Yunus Emre , Medetoglu Koksal Ela Nur , Koksal Veysel , Yayik Ahmet Murat , Celik Erkan Cem , Aydin Muhammed Enes , Oral Ahiskalioglu Elif , Ahiskalioglu Ali
Published: March 2024

Aim: This study aimed to analyze regional anesthesia practices at a tertiary research hospital as a single center during a one-year period (January 2022 to January 2023).Materials: Data on over 2,000 nerve blocks were retrospectively reviewed, including: type of nerve block performed (peripheral nerve vs. fascial plane, location of block (upper vs. lower extremity), purpose of block (anesthesia or analgesia) and outcomes.Method: Data was analyzed to assess trends in block utilization, identify preferred block types and locations, and compare the use of peripheral nerve blocks versus fascial plane blocks for anesthesia and analgesia. Additionally, the potential opioid-sparing benefits of fascial plane blocks were evaluated.Results: The analysis revealed a notable shift towards fascial plane blocks (61%) compared to peripheral nerve blocks (39%). Lower extremity blocks were more common (56%), with sciatic, saphenous, and femoral nerve blocks being the most frequently used. In the upper extremity (44%), infraclavicular and interscalene brachial plexus blocks dominated. Interestingly, fascial plane blocks were primarily employed for analgesia, while peripheral nerve blocks served both anesthetic and analgesic purposes. The study identified opioid-sparing advantages associated with fascial plane blocks, highlighting their potential role in multimodal pain management strategies.Conclusions: Based on these findings, areas for improvement in regional anesthesia practices were identified. Educational programs will be adjusted accordingly. Future research will delve deeper into patient characteristics, block selection rationale, and incorporate patient-reported outcomes alongside opioid consumption and pain scores. This study serves as a foundation for future enhancements in regional anesthesia practices, aiming to optimize patient care and outcomes.
Model Problem Based Learning Berbantuan Media Sway untuk Meningkatkan Keaktifan Belajar Siswa pada Mata Pelajaran Dasar-Dasar Desain Komunikasi Visual Materi Desainer yang Kreatif di SMKN 1 Dukuhturi
Authors: Herawati Darmi , Basori Basori , Wulansari Astika
Published: March 2024

Keaktifan siswa yang rendah menjadi penghambat lancarnya kegiatan pembelajaran, selain itu rendahnya keaktifan siswa menjadi penghalang tercapainya tujuan pembelajaran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan keaktifan siswa dalam mengikuti pembelajaran mata pelajaran Dasar-Dasar Desain Komunikasi Visual materi Desainer yang Kreatif yang dapat diamati dari aktivitas siswa dalam melakukan diskusi dalam kelompok, penyampaian pendapat, penyajian hasil pekerjaan kelompok, dan perhatiannya dalam pembelajaran. Subjek penelitian ini dilakukan kepada peserta didik kelas X DKV 2 di SMKN 1 Dukuhturi. Dalam penelitian ini metode yang digunakan adalah penelitian tindakan kelas, dengan teknik pengumpulan datanya menggunakan rubrik dan observasi. Hasil penelitian ini pada setiap siklusnya menunjukkan siswa mengalami peningkatan keaktifan dalam pembelajaran yaitu, pada siklus I memperoleh rata-rata keaktifan sebesar 65,54 dan pada siklus II memperoleh rata-rata keaktifan sebesar 75,00.
Kata kunci: Keaktifan Siswa, Problem Based Learning, Desain Komunikasi Visual, Desainer yang Kreatif.
Testing the effect of functional orthopedic appliance Simões network 6 (SN6) through surface electromyography on rest mandibular position – a pilot study
Authors: Polízio Terçarolli Sergio , Sakai Eduardo , Santiago Jr Orlando , Marin P. Sutti Michelly , Travalão Faria Dumke Stella , Bovi Corsi Murilo
Published: March 2024

The maintenance of the lower level of muscle contraction is fundamental for the development and health of the stomatognathic system (SS). Malocclusion leads to unbalance muscle activity, since Class II treatment is not the most prevalent malocclusion in the general population but is the more frequent to search for treatment in dental offices and the most prevalent skeletal component in the class II malocclusion is the retrognathia this pilot investigation aims to study the effect of rest electric activity of bilateral anterior temporal, masseter and suprahyoid muscle in individuals undergoing class II treatment with functional orthopedic appliance Simões Network 6 (SN6). Surface electromyography recordings of bilateral anterior temporal, masseter and suprahyoid muscle in rest position was obtained before and 8 minutes after the functional appliance insertion in mouth. Results showed improvement of electric muscle activity in rest position and balance of bilateral muscle electric activity in all muscle. Based on the preliminary results it can be conclude that jaw functional orthopedics (JFO) provides alteration of the resting records in the mandibular rest position of the studied muscles, indicating relaxation of the muscles studied and a more symmetrical electric activity. Further studies are necessary for a better understanding of the effects of functional orthopedic appliances in the electric activity of stomatognathic muscle in the mandibular rest position.
A precise localization algorithm for unmanned aerial vehicles integrating visual-internal odometry and cartographer
Authors: Xu Jiaqi , Chen Zhou , Chen Jie , Zhou Jingyan , Du Xiaofei
Published: March 2024

Accurate positioning in space is an important foundation for ensuring the stability of autonomous flight and successful mapping and navigation of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs). At present, the SLAM algorithm based on the Cartographer algorithm for real-time positioning and mapping is widely used in fields such as robot navigation and autonomous driving. However, in the context of UAV applications, this algorithm has a high dependence on the amount of point cloud information in the surrounding environment, and cannot achieve precise positioning in open spaces with insufficient lighting and fewer feature points, resulting in significant mapping errors. In order to solve the problem of low positioning estimation accuracy in the Cartographer algorithm in above environment, this paper proposes a precise positioning algorithm for UAVs that integrates VIO and Cartographer. This algorithm can continuously output more accurate position estimation information during UAV flight, compensating for the problem of inaccurate position estimation caused by partial feature loss or coordinate system drift in point clouds. In addition, this algorithm ensures navigation obstacle avoidance in narrow spaces by improving positioning accuracy and mapping accuracy, making it more applicable in the field of UAVs. Finally, the effectiveness of the proposed positioning algorithm was verified through experimental analysis of the Cartographer dataset and practical testing of UAVs in real scenarios.
An analytical model for the analysis of vibration and energy flow in a clamped stiffened plate using integral transform technique
Authors: Guo Hui , Zhang Kai
Published: March 2024

Based on Kirchhoff thin plate and Mindlin thick plate theories, the vibration and energy flow characteristics of clamped stiffened plate are studied by using the analytical model constructed by finite integral transform method. The results show that the energy flow characteristics of the stiffened plate at the beam/plate coupling interface depend on the position of the rib in the vibration modes of the plate. The effects of shear deformation and rotatory inertia on the energy flow across the beam/plate coupling interface of the stiffened plate are further investigated. It is found that the inclusion of rotatory inertia of the beam and plate in the model only affects the energy flow component controlled by the moment coupling but not that controlled by the shear force coupling. Whilst the inclusion of the shear deformation of the beam and plate mainly causes a decreased amplitude of the energy flow for the mode group where the beam is located away from both the nodal and antinodal lines of modes, in addition to the shear deformation of the plate which also leads to an increased amplitude of the energy flow component controlled by the shear force coupling for the mode group where the beam locates at the antinodal line of modes. The understanding of energy flow characteristics of the stiffened plate at the beam/plate interface is essential to effectively control the noise and vibration problems of structures such as transformer tanks and machine covers.
A simple harmonic quantum oscillator: fractionalization and solution
Authors: Batiha Iqbal M. , Jebril Iqbal H. , Al-Nana Abeer A. , Alshorm Shameseddin
Published: March 2024

A quantum mechanical system that mimics the behavior of a classical harmonic oscillator in the quantum domain is called a simple harmonic quantum oscillator. The time-independent Schrödinger equation describes the quantum harmonic oscillator, and its eigenstates are quantized energy values that correspond to various energy levels. In this work, we first fractionalize the time-independent Schrödinger equation, and then we solve the generated problem with the use of the Adomian decomposition approach. It has been shown that fractional quantum harmonic oscillators can be handled effectively using the proposed approach, and their behavior can then be better understood. The effectiveness of the method is validated by a number of numerical comparisons.
Feedback force and velocity control of an arm exoskeleton to assist user motion
Authors: Nguyen Thang Cao , Nguyen Tuan Ngoc
Published: March 2024

The paper proposes a feedback force and velocity control of an arm exoskeleton to assist user motion. The original published control so-called feedback hybrid force and position control was based on the force and position control and was designed to assist user motion. This original control was successful at providing assist for the user’s arm. This article presents an improved control scheme called the feedback force and velocity control. The proposed control is designed to regulate the velocities of joints of the exoskeleton and the feedback forces on links to assist user motion. The design and optimization of the feedback force and velocity control are realized by the Balancing Composite Motion Optimization (BCMO). The numerical method is realized in the paper to show that the proposed control is better than the original control in terms of less oscillation and fast response.
Brackish water pre-treatment method: selection of the study area and water sample testing
Authors: Idrissi Youssouf EL , Benabbou Mohamed , Rais Zakia , Haji Mounia EL
Published: March 2024

Climate change significantly disrupts the global water cycle, impacting rainfall and social and economic development in countries like Morocco. This has led to the need for alternative solutions like desalinating sea and brackish water. However, the efficiency of water pre-treatment operations depends on the characteristics of the raw water to be treated and affects the overall system's performance in terms of water quality and cost. The final objective of this study is to design a solar-powered brackish pre-treatment technique before desalination for remote rural populations. The primary task is to select the most suitable geographical area in Morocco for sampling and analysis of water characteristics and their compliance with drinking water standards. The results help identify the most appropriate provinces for our case according to certain selection criteria (distance, annual solar radiation, rural population, access to drinking water) and analyse the water's characteristics and compliance with national or international drinking water health standards. This provides a solid foundation for the next stages of desalination method development.
Evaluating the Diagnostic Performance of Symptom Checkers: Clinical Vignette Study
Authors: Hammoud Mohammad , Douglas Shahd , Darmach Mohamad , Alawneh Sara , Sanyal Swapnendu , Kanbour Youssef
Published: March 2024

Background

Medical self-diagnostic tools (or symptom checkers) are becoming an integral part of digital health and our daily lives, whereby patients are increasingly using them to identify the underlying causes of their symptoms. As such, it is essential to rigorously investigate and comprehensively report the diagnostic performance of symptom checkers using standard clinical and scientific approaches.

Objective

This study aims to evaluate and report the accuracies of a few known and new symptom checkers using a standard and transparent methodology, which allows the scientific community to cross-validate and reproduce the reported results, a step much needed in health informatics.

Methods

We propose a 4-stage experimentation methodology that capitalizes on the standard clinical vignette approach to evaluate 6 symptom checkers. To this end, we developed and peer-reviewed 400 vignettes, each approved by at least 5 out of 7 independent and experienced primary care physicians. To establish a frame of reference and interpret the results of symptom checkers accordingly, we further compared the best-performing symptom checker against 3 primary care physicians with an average experience of 16.6 (SD 9.42) years. To measure accuracy, we used 7 standard metrics, including M1 as a measure of a symptom checker’s or a physician’s ability to return a vignette’s main diagnosis at the top of their differential list, F1-score as a trade-off measure between recall and precision, and Normalized Discounted Cumulative Gain (NDCG) as a measure of a differential list’s ranking quality, among others.

Results

The diagnostic accuracies of the 6 tested symptom checkers vary significantly. For instance, the differences in the M1, F1-score, and NDCG results between the best-performing and worst-performing symptom checkers or ranges were 65.3%, 39.2%, and 74.2%, respectively. The same was observed among the participating human physicians, whereby the M1, F1-score, and NDCG ranges were 22.8%, 15.3%, and 21.3%, respectively. When compared against each other, physicians outperformed the best-performing symptom checker by an average of 1.2% using F1-score, whereas the best-performing symptom checker outperformed physicians by averages of 10.2% and 25.1% using M1 and NDCG, respectively.

Conclusions

The performance variation between symptom checkers is substantial, suggesting that symptom checkers cannot be treated as a single entity. On a different note, the best-performing symptom checker was an artificial intelligence (AI)–based one, shedding light on the promise of AI in improving the diagnostic capabilities of symptom checkers, especially as AI keeps advancing exponentially.
Ichthyosiform Lichen Planus Pigmentosus in a 19-Year-Old Male Patient: Case Report
Authors: Sugiharto Audi , Gatmaitan Julius , Dayrit Johannes
Published: March 2024

Lichen planus pigmentosus (LPP) is a condition characterized by persistent and asymptomatic brownish-black–to-blue or purple-gray pigmentation, predominantly in the face and sun-exposed areas, commonly in dark-skinned individuals. Several clinical variants of LPP have been reported. However, the ichthyosiform type of LPP has not been reported. We present a 19-year-old male patient who presented with a 7-year history of asymptomatic grayish macules; patches with fine scales on the face, trunk, and upper extremities; and grayish plaques with thick “ichthyosiform” scales on the lower extremities. The diagnosis of LPP was proven by histopathological findings on both the macular and ichthyosiform plaques. Cluster differentiation (CD) 68 stain highlights the same density of pigment-laden macrophages in both the gray macule and the ichthyosiform plaque. The cause of LPP is unknown. Transcription factor anomalies may play a role in increased keratinization of lichen planus lesions. It can be assumed that the mechanism of the altered distribution of keratinization may occur on the ichthyosiform lesions in this patient. The terminology “ichthyosiform lichen planus pigmentosus” is hereby proposed to be added to the clinical variants of LPP.
Association Between Gestational Weeks, Initial Maternal Perception of Fetal Movement, and Individual Interoceptive Differences in Pregnant Women: Cross-Sectional Study (Preprint)
Authors: Furusho Miku , Noda Minami , Sato Yoko , Suetsugu Yoshiko , Morokuma Seiichi
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Interoception encompasses the conscious awareness of homeostasis in the body. Given that fetal movement awareness is a component of interoception in pregnant women, the timing of initial detection of fetal movement may indicate individual differences in interoceptive sensitivity.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to determine whether the association between the gestational week of initial movement awareness and interoception can be a convenient evaluation index for interoception in pregnant women.

METHODS

A cross-sectional study was conducted among 32 pregnant women aged 20 years or older at 22-29 weeks of gestation with stable hemodynamics in the Obstetric Outpatient Department. Interoception was assessed using the heartbeat-counting task, with gestational weeks at the first awareness of fetal movement recorded via a questionnaire. Spearman rank correlation was used to compare the gestational weeks at the first awareness of fetal movement and heartbeat-counting task scores.

RESULTS

A significant negative correlation was found between the gestational weeks at the first fetal movement awareness and heartbeat-counting task performance among all participants (r=–0.43, P=.01) and among primiparous women (r=–0.53, P=.03) but not among multiparous women.

CONCLUSIONS

Individual differences in interoception appear to correlate with the differences observed in the timing of the first awareness of fetal movement.
Component-structural Model of Formation of Scientific Competence of Future Teachers of Choreography in the Process of Professional Training
Authors: Cherkasov Volodymyr
Published: March 2024

In the article, the author investigated the essence of the definitions of “model”, “scientific competence”, “professional training”, theoretically justified, implemented and experimentally tested the model of the formation of scientific competence of future choreography teachers in the process of professional training. It is proved that the formation of scientific competence of future teachers of choreography is possible under appropriate conditions, which include principles, approaches, content, forms, methods, means, technologies, criteria, levels, and pedagogical conditions aimed at increasing the level of effectiveness of the formation of the specified phenomenon. The model of the formation of the scientific competence of future teachers of choreographic disciplines in the process of professional training should be considered as a sample concept.
How Nokia Missed the Smartphone Revolution: A Case Study of Strategic Failure
Authors: G. Maalouf , I. Jallad
Published: March 2024

Nokia is a Finnish company that conquered the mobile phone market for many years and was known for its traditional mobile phones. It became successful due to mobile phone features that made its mobile phones highly successful in emerging markets. This case examines the strategic failure of Nokia in 2007 when Apple first pitched the iPhone, a smartphone that revolutionized the mobile phone market, and Nokia began to lose market share. This case study examines the challenges that Nokia faced in deciding whether to enter the smartphone market or stick with traditional mobile phones.
Enhancing Hotel Guests’ Psychological Experience through Artistic Expression and Positive Mood Changes
Authors: Kato Daiki , Ogushi Yasunori
Published: March 2024

We aimed to probe the effectiveness of art therapy on hotel guests’ self-awareness of mood. We introduced an art expression program at a hotel and examined its effect on self-awareness of mood changes among hotel guests. We let 47 hotel guests perform collage work and compared their self-awareness of mood before and after the art performance. The results showed a positive change in self-awareness of tension, confusion, fatigue, and vigor. A further elaboration of the art expression programs at hotels may add merits of staying in hotels. This study also demonstrated the possibility of cognitive psychology to apply to the hospitality business.
Aggression in Skydivers: An Examination of Gender and Experience
Authors: Conti Richard P. , Preckajlo Joseph H. , Arnone Jacqueline M. , Ramoth Kasey
Published: March 2024

The present study examined gender and aggression in novice and experienced skydivers. One hundred recreational skydivers were recruited from a skydiving club in the Northeastern United States that currently held a USPA “B License,” which requires at least 50 jumps to obtain. Skydiving experience was operationally defined as having completed 350 or more jumps. Participants completed an aggression inventory and a demographic questionnaire. Both experienced and novice female skydivers reported higher physical and total aggression scores compared to novice and experienced male skydivers. Experienced female skydivers reported higher anger scores compared to the other three groups. No significant differences were found on measures of verbal aggression or hostility. The total number of jumps and participant age were unrelated to any measure of aggression.
The Comparison of Redundant Human Figures in Chinese and Japanese Literary Works: A Case Study of “The Sinking” and “The Quilt”
Authors: Tian Jiawen
Published: March 2024

The novel “Quilt” by Tayama Katai is the founding work of Japanese private novels, and the main character Tokio has a full and three-dimensional image, and Tokio’s inner struggle reflects the spiritual dilemma of a generation of Japanese intellectuals. Under the influence of the trend of Japanese private novels, Yu Dafu wrote a shocking work in the literary world of the May 4th—The Sinking, the image of “He” in the novel and Tokio in The Quilt have both similarities and subtle differences. This paper will focus on the comparison of the two images to further explore the deeper meaning behind the similarities and differences.