bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradoxical Expression of R-10G-reactive Antigen in Human Testicular Embryonal Carcinoma
Authors: Muramoto Akifumi , Inamura So , Hoshino Hitomi , Terada Naoki , Kobayashi Motohiro
Published: September 2023

Thus far, several monoclonal antibodies directed against cell-surface carbohydrate antigens have been generated. Among them, R-10G reportedly reacts selectively with human embryonic stem and induced pluripotent stem cells, but not with embryonal carcinoma (EC) cells. However, EC cells derived from patients’ EC tumors may exhibit varying levels of R-10G-reactive antigen expression. Thus, we asked whether human EC tissues or germ cell tumor (GCT) tissues other than EC express R-10G-reactive antigen. To do so, we quantitatively analyzed R-10G-reactive antigen expression in 83 testicular GCT surgical specimens containing a total of 125 various GCT components. Accordingly, in all EC components examined, the EC cell plasma membrane was immunolabeled with R-10G, while most seminoma components were R-10G-negative. In non-seminomatous GCT (NSGCT) other than EC (non-EC NSGCT), R-10G-reactive antigen expression was variable, but signal distribution was focal, and the average intensity was weaker than that seen in EC. The percentages of R-10G-positive cells in these three groups varied with high statistical significance ( p<0.001 for all combinations). These findings indicate that the R-10G-reactive antigen is preferentially expressed in human testicular EC tissues and, thus, could be used as a diagnostic marker for this malignancy.
Forest therapy as a trauma-informed approach to disaster recovery: Insights from a wildfire-affected community
Authors: Hartwell Cat , Randazza Juliette M. , Bratman Gregory N. , Eisenman David P. , Ellis Blake , Goodsell Eli , Levy Chaja , Errett Nicole A.
Published: September 2023

A trauma-informed approach to disaster recovery recognizes the potential impacts of trauma, promotes resilience to protect against retraumatization, and can support catering the needs of disaster survivors in affected communities. A growing body of evidence demonstrates that interaction with nature is associated with a number of physical and mental health benefits, though literature surrounding nature-based therapy and disaster survivors is limited. Through key informant interviews with forest therapy guides from a program in wildfire affected Butte County, CA, this exploratory study investigates if and how “Forest Therapy ’’ can serve as a trauma-informed approach to promote wellbeing in the face of climate change and associated disasters. We find that community-based forest therapy programs offer a promising, flexible approach to community-based trauma-informed mental health servicest in disaster-affected communities. Findings also identify opportunities to tailor implementation of future programs to better reach populations most impacted by disasters, including through targeted outreach and diverse guide recruitment. Future research should investigate the impacts of forest therapy on the mental health and wellbeing of participants, as well as the scalability of forest therapy programs in disaster-affected communities.
Analysis of pain research literature through keyword Co-occurrence networks
Authors: Ozek Burcu , Lu Zhenyuan , Pouromran Fatemeh , Radhakrishnan Srinivasan , Kamarthi Sagar
Published: September 2023

Pain is a significant public health problem as the number of individuals with a history of pain globally keeps growing. In response, many synergistic research areas have been coming together to address pain-related issues. This work reviews and analyzes a vast body of pain-related literature using the keyword co-occurrence network (KCN) methodology. In this method, a set of KCNs is constructed by treating keywords as nodes and the co-occurrence of keywords as links between the nodes. Since keywords represent the knowledge components of research articles, analysis of KCNs will reveal the knowledge structure and research trends in the literature. This study extracted and analyzed keywords from 264,560 pain-related research articles indexed in IEEE, PubMed, Engineering Village, and Web of Science published between 2002 and 2021. We observed rapid growth in pain literature in the last two decades: the number of articles has grown nearly threefold, and the number of keywords has grown by a factor of 7. We identified emerging and declining research trends in sensors/methods, biomedical, and treatment tracks. We also extracted the most frequently co-occurring keyword pairs and clusters to help researchers recognize the synergies among different pain-related topics.
Randomized controlled trial of a smartphone-based cognitive behavioral therapy for chronic tinnitus
Authors: Walter Uso , Pennig Stefan , Kottmann Tanja , Bleckmann Lothar , Röschmann-Doose Kristina , Schlee Winfried
Published: September 2023

Tinnitus, the phantom perception of sounds, generates distress and anxiety in those affected. Cognitive behavioral treatment approaches reproducibly help patients in managing chronic tinnitus. This study systematically evaluated the usefulness of a tinnitus app (with areas of attention and relaxation, mindfulness, acceptance, self-efficacy), which is prescribed for a total of nine months. One hundred eighty-seven participants with chronic tinnitus were equally randomized to an intervention arm that used a smartphone-based intervention -marketed as Kalmeda Tinnitus app-. and a control arm with delayed onset of treatment by 3 months. The first 3 months of a 9-months prescribed intervention have been analyzed as primary outcome. The Tinnitus Questionnaire (TQ) was used as primary endpoint to determine the reduction of tinnitus distress. Following intervention, there was a statistically significant and clinically relevant reduction of the TQ sum score in the intervention group compared to the control group (p<0.001, Cohen’s d effect size = 1.1). The secondary parameters, Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ9) and Perceived-Stress-Questionnaire (PSQ20) scores improved significantly in the intervention group whereas the Self Efficacy-Optimism-Pessimism short form (SWOP-K9) scores remained unchanged in both groups. Patients reported no treatment-related side effects. Taken together, use of this Tinnitus app lead to a significant decrease in tinnitus distress and a clinically relevant effect in the patients´ self-reported everyday management.
Preferences of healthcare workers using tongue swabs for tuberculosis diagnosis during COVID-19
Authors: Codsi Renée , Errett Nicole A. , Luabeya Angelique K. , Van As Danelle , Hatherill Mark , Shapiro Adrienne E. , Lochner Katherine A. , Vingino Alexandria R. , Kohn Marlana J. , Cangelosi Gerard A.
Published: September 2023

Healthcare workers (HCWs) who come into contact with tuberculosis (TB) patients are at elevated risk of TB infection and disease. The collection and handling of sputum samples for TB diagnosis poses exposure risks to HCWs, particularly in settings where aerosol containment is limited. An alternative sample collection method, tongue swabbing, was designed to help mitigate this risk, and is under evaluation in multiple settings. This study assessed risk perceptions among South African HCWs who used tongue swabbing in TB diagnostic research during the COVID-19 pandemic. We characterized their context-specific preferences as well as the facilitators and barriers of tongue swab use in clinical and community settings. Participants (n = 18) were HCWs with experience using experimental tongue swabbing methods at the South African Tuberculosis Vaccine Initiative (SATVI). We used key informant semi-structured interviews to assess attitudes toward two tongue swab strategies: Provider-collected swabbing (PS) and supervised self-swabbing (SSS). Responses from these interviews were analyzed by rapid qualitative analysis and thematic analysis methods. Facilitators included aversion to sputum (PS and SSS), perceived safety of the method (SSS), and educational resources to train patients (SSS). Barriers included cultural stigmas, as well as personal security and control of their work environment when collecting swabs in community settings. COVID-19 risk perception was a significant barrier to the PS method. Motivators for HCW use of tongue swabbing differed substantially by use case, and whether the HCW has the authority and agency to implement safety precautions in specific settings. These findings point to a need for contextually specific educational resources to enhance safety of and adherence to the SSS collection method.
Coverage evaluation of mass drug administration with triple drug regimen in an evaluation unit in Nagpur district of Maharashtra, India
Authors: Dinesh Raja Jeyapal , Srividya Adinarayanan , Subramanian Swaminathan , Krishnamoorthy Kaliannagounder , Sabesan Shanmugavelu , Raghorte Monika Charmode , Kumar Ashwani , Jambulingam Purushothaman
Published: September 2023

Background

Triple drug regimen (IDA; Ivermectin, Diethylcarbamazine, Albendazole) recommended for accelerating elimination of lymphatic filariasis was launched in India in December 2018. Nagpur district in Maharashtra was one of the first five districts where this strategy was introduced. The National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme (NVBDCP) at the district reported ~85.0% treatment coverage in the first round of mass drug administration (MDA) with IDA implemented in EU-2 in Nagpur district in January 2019. As per the national guideline, a coverage evaluation survey was carried out and both quantitative and qualitative data were collected to assess the treatment coverage, the level of community preparation and identify the gaps, if any, for improvement.

Methodology

A Coverage Evaluation Survey (CES) following the WHO recommended protocol was conducted in one of the two evaluation units (EU-2) in Nagpur district in March 2019. Coverage Sample Builder (CSB) V2.9 tool was used to calculate the sample size, select sites and estimate drug coverage. The CSB tool followed a two-stage cluster sampling procedure to select 30 primary sampling units (ward/village as a cluster) and a list of random numbers for selecting households (HHs) in each cluster. The results were analyzed for operational indicators. Stata ver. 14.0 software was used to construct the 95% confidence limits accounting for clustering.

Results

A total of 1601 individuals aged 5–85 years of both gender from 328 HHs were surveyed from the 30 randomly selected clusters in EU-2. The mean age was 33.8±17.6 years. Among the surveyed population, 78.0% received the drugs (programme reach) and 66.1% consumed the drugs (survey coverage). Survey coverage was significantly higher in rural (82.6%) than in urban (59.4%) and peri-urban (58.6%) areas (P<0.001). Directly observed treatment (DOT) among the surveyed population was 51.6%. Adverse events were reported among 6.9% respondents who reported to have consumed the drugs.

Conclusion

The IDA based MDA strategy could achieve just the required level of treatment coverage (~65%) in EU-2, Nagpur district, which had previously undergone several rounds of DA-MDAs (Diethylcarbamazine, Albendazole). Having achieved an effective treatment coverage of >80% in rural areas, the coverage in urban and peri-urban areas need to be improved in order to attain the impact of IDA-MDA. It is imperative to strengthen drug delivery and community preparation activities along with improved DOT especially in urban and peri-urban areas to achieve the required level of treatment coverage. Addition of ivermectin did not have any additional perceived adverse events.
Case series of 12 Bartonella quintana endocarditis from the Southwest Indian Ocean
Authors: Sarsiat Ludivine , Garrigos Thomas , Houhamdi Linda , Dauwalder Olivier , Kuli Barbara , Braunberger Eric , Belmonte Olivier , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Miltgen Guillaume
Published: September 2023

Background

Bartonella spp. are fastidious bacteria frequently identified as the cause of blood culture-negative (BCN) endocarditis. However, Bartonella infections are difficult to diagnose in routine laboratory testing and their incidence is probably underestimated. We investigated the epidemiological and clinical features of Bartonella endocarditis cases diagnosed between 2009 and 2021 on Reunion Island (Southwest Indian Ocean).

Method

We retrospectively included all patients diagnosed with Bartonella endocarditis at Reunion Island University Hospital during this period. Endocarditis was diagnosed on the basis of microbiological findings, including serological tests (IFA) and PCR on cardiac valves, and the modified Duke criteria. We used then the multispacer typing (MST) method to genotype the available Bartonella strains.

Findings

We report 12 cases of B. quintana endocarditis on Reunion Island (83.3% in men, median patient age: 32 years). All the patients originated from the Comoros archipelago. The traditional risk factors for B. quintana infection (homelessness, alcoholism, exposure to body lice) were absent in all but two of the patients, who reported head louse infestations in childhood. Previous heart disease leading to valve dysfunction was recorded in 50% of patients. All patients underwent cardiac valve surgery and antimicrobial therapy with a regimen including doxycycline. All patients presented high C-reactive protein concentrations, anemia and negative blood cultures. The titer of IgG antibodies against Bartonella sp. exceeded 1:800 in 42% of patients. Specific PCR on cardiac valves confirmed the diagnosis of B. quintana endocarditis in all patients. Genotyping by the MST method was performed on four strains detected in preserved excised valves and was contributive for three, which displayed the MST6 genotype.

Conclusions

Bartonella quintana is an important cause of infective endocarditis in the Comoros archipelago and should be suspected in patients with mitral valve dysfunction and BCN from this area.
Using refined methods to pick up mice: A survey benchmarking prevalence & beliefs about tunnel and cup handling
Authors: Young Lauren , Goldsteen Donna , Nunamaker Elizabeth A. , Prescott Mark J. , Reynolds Penny , Thompson-Iritani Sally , Thurston Sarah E. , Martin Tara L. , LaFollette Megan R.
Published: September 2023

Refined handling improves laboratory mouse welfare and research outcomes when compared to traditional tail handling, yet implementation does not seem to be widespread. Refined handling includes picking up a mouse using a tunnel or cupped hands. The aim of this study was to determine the current prevalence of and beliefs towards refined handling using the theory of planned behavior. It was predicted that refined handling prevalence is low compared to traditional handling methods, and its implementation is determined by individual and institutional beliefs. Research personnel were recruited via online convenience sampling through email listservs and social media. A total of 261 participants in diverse roles (e.g. veterinarians, managers, caretakers, researchers, etc.) responded primarily from the USA (79%) and academic institutions (61%) Participants were surveyed about their current use, knowledge, and beliefs about refined handling. Quantitative data were analyzed via descriptive statistics and generalised regression. Qualitative data were analyzed by theme. Research personnel reported low levels of refined handling implementation, with only 10% of participants using it exclusively and a median estimate of only 10% of institutional mice being handled with refined methods. Individually, participants had positive attitudes, neutral norms, and positive control beliefs about refined handling. Participants’ intention to provide refined handling in the future was strongly associated with their attitudes, norms, and control beliefs (p<0.01). Participants believed barriers included jumpy mice, perceived incompatibility with restraint, lack of time, and other personnel. However, participants also believed refined handling was advantageous to mouse welfare, handling ease, personnel, and research. Although results from this survey indicate that current refined handling prevalence is low in this sample, personnel believe it has important benefits, and future use is associated with their beliefs about the practice. People who believed refined handling was good, felt pressure to use it, and were confident in their use reported higher implementation. Increased refined handling could be encouraged through education on misconceptions, highlighting advantages, and addressing important barriers.
Urban sewage sludge stabilization by alkalization-composting-vermicomposting process: Crop-livestock residue use
Authors: Floriano da Silva Luiz Carlos , Vinhas Ítavo Luís Carlos , Martins Santos Ricardo , Brandão Ferreira Ítavo Camila Celeste , Zirondi Longhini Vanessa , Menezes Dias Alexandre , dos Santos Difante Gelson , Moreira Arcanjo Angelo Herbet , Santos Santana Juliana Caroline , Gurgel Antonio Leandro Chaves , de Oliveira Scarpino van Cleef Flavia
Published: September 2023

Waste management practices are vital for human health and the environment in a world where natural resources stress is expected to increase with the growth of population. Our study aimed to evaluate the potential use of crop-livestock residue as a bulking agent associated with the ideal level of hydrated lime for the stabilization and sanitization of urban sewage sludge through the alkalization-composting process. Therefore, we determined the alkalization efficiency on the heavy metal concentration in urban sewage sludge, quantified the viable eggs of helminths in pure and alkalized sludge, and measured the rate of earthworms (Eisenia fetida) surviving in the vermicomposting process using different levels of alkalized urban sewage sludge associated with crop-livestock residue. Four sequential trials were carried out in a completely randomized design with three replicates. The lime alkalization reduced the levels of Ba, As, Pb, Cu, Cr, Mo, Ni, and Zn compared to the pure urban sewage sludge. Using 30% w/w of lime in the urban sewage sludge (SS-30) for composting process reduced the viable helminth eggs by 71, 72, and 69% for sugarcane bagasse (Saccharum officinarum; SB), fresh chopped Napier-grass (Pennisetum purpureum; NG), and bovine ruminal content (BR), respectively. The ideal level of hydrated lime for stabilization and sanitization of urban sewage sludge was found to be 30%, which was able to reduce the heavy metals. The residues have the potential as a bulking agent for the composting of urban sewage sludge when associated with alkalization. The lime alkalization decreases the total number of helminth eggs and the number of viable eggs. The possibility of starting a vermicomposting using the mixtures is promising, evidenced by the earthworm survival in composting urban sewage sludge mixed with crop-livestock residues after 45 days of composting. The earthworm survival is maintained by an association of at least 80% of the crop-livestock residues.
Effective gene delivery using size dependant nano core-shell in human cervical cancer cell lines by magnetofection
Authors: Sundara Rajan R. Srinivasa , Thomas Jobin , Francis Dileep , Daniel Elcey C.
Published: September 2023

Biocompatible magnetic nanoparticles are effective for gene delivery in vitro and in vivo transfection. These mediators are mainly used to deliver drugs and genes. It can also be used as probes to diagnose and treat various diseases. Magnetic nanoparticles, primarily iron oxide nanoparticles, are used in various biological applications. However, preparing stable and small-size biocompatible core-shell is crucial in site direct gene delivery. In the present study, superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles were synthesized using the chemical co-precipitation method and were functionalized with starch to attain stable particles. These SPIONs were coated with polyethylenimine to give a net positive charge. The fluorescent plasmid DNA bound to the SPIONs were used as a core shell for gene delivery into the HeLa cells via magnetofection. UV-Visible Spectrophotometry analysis showed a peak at 200 nm, which confirms the presence of FeO nanoparticles. The Scanning Electron Microscopy images revealed the formation of spherical-shaped nanoparticles with an average size of 10 nm. X-ray Diffraction also confirmed FeO as a significant constituent element. Vibrating Sample Magnetometry ensures that the nanoparticles are superparamagnetic. Atomic Force Microscopy images show the DNA bound on the surface of the nanoparticles. The gene delivery and transfection efficiency were analyzed by flow cytometry. These nanoparticles could effectively compact the pDNA, allowing efficient gene transfer into the HeLa cell lines.
“Hasten the Revolution!”: Coalition-Building, Resistance, and Temporality in Leslie Feinberg's Fiction
Authors: Gaffin Austin
Published: September 2023

This article revisits Leslie Feinberg's pioneering Stone Butch Blues alongside hir lesser known second novel, Drag King Dreams. Through a prism of well-established queer theory and emerging trans scholarship, the author seeks to demonstrate how Feinberg's political vision retained its Marxist core while adapting with the times to confront new challenges presented by neoliberism, bio/necropolitics, and imperialist warfare. Living from the mid-twentieth century to the dawn of the twenty-first, Feinberg's life spanned from an era of industrial capitalism to the apotheosis of neoliberalism. Witnessing everything from pre-Stonewall queer culture to Gay Liberation and, eventually, homonormativity, Feinberg's political commitments remained remarkably consistent. Hir life and work were anchored by a critical class consciousnesses that, in a queer vein, destabilized identity in the formation of coalitional political work and, through a transgender/Marxist line of thought, rejected binary modes of gender altogether as coercive mechanisms of capitalism. Feinberg's project is thus at once historical, yet ever contemporary, and merits renewed attention and commitment in the twenty-first century.
Looking for Pauli, Pauli Murray's Trans Poetics
Authors: Awkward-Rich Cameron
Published: September 2023

Pauli Murray was a twentieth-century Black writer, priest, and legal thinker who has been, for the last two decades or so, the subject of a recovery project. As a result, Murray is now regarded as a crucial player in the history of civil rights litigation; in US feminist organizing and theology; and in Black feminist critique in relation to all of the above. Further, the recovery of Murray's contributions has coincided with the narration of Murray as someone who was (or might have been, in another time) trans. Following the lead of Isaac Julien's Looking for Langston (1989), and focusing on Murray's life and work as a poet, this meditative essay considers Pauli Murray as an enduring figure in and for a Black trans literary past.
SALAFI-INFLUENCERS: ANALYTICAL STUDY OF OF THE DISCOURSE OF NEO-SALAFI PREACHERS ON SOCIAL MEDIA
Authors: Abdulmajid Adib
Published: September 2023

This discourse analytical study tackles the rise of

Neo-Salafism in the digital age. It constitutes an exploration of the discursive technics, strategies and practices employed by the new generation of Salafī preachers on social media. It strives to unveil the various discursive methods of indoctrination pursued by Salafi-influencers and the ends such strategies tend to serve. It involves an exploration of linguistic and contextual activities and seeks to identify explicit and implicit messages incorporated into the discourse of those young preachers. The main hypothesis upon which this study rests is that young preachers of Neo-Salafism resort to modified discursive technics that correspond to the age of digitalization and social media activism for the sake of ensuring a resounding impact among their addressees. These recipients represent a social incubator to the extremist Salafī ideology and a potential pool for a new wave of radicalization among the Muslim youth worldwide. A multi-dimensional methodological framework is employed to tackle the topic raised by this study. The data analyzed within the framework of this study consist of speeches and instructional communications by young Salafī preachers published through different social media platforms. Salafi-influencers seem to have developed a discourse characterized by certain manipulative strategies to communicate particular ideological messages and to indoctrinate recipients.
An Evaluation of Problems Encountered by School Administrators Working at Boarding Schools
Authors: KARACABEY Mehmet Fatih , ŞIK Muhammet
Published: September 2023

This study was conducted to reveal the problems faced by school administrators working in boarding schools, the solutions administrators suggest for these problems and to provide suggestions to policy makers. The research was conducted with a single embedded case study, which is one of the qualitative research designs. Data were obtained through interviews with administrators working in boarding schools. The data collected in semi-structured interviews were analysed by content analysis method. As a result of the analysis, it was revealed that boarding schools have different problems from other schools in terms of education and management and that these schools should be evaluated as separate institutions. In addition, the workload and negative feelings that boarding schools cause in administrators and teachers will decrease with the separation of dormitories from schools as a separate unit and the appointment of the necessary administrators and personnel.
Optimization of gallic acid-enriched ultrasonic-assisted extraction from mango peels
Authors: Riaz Tuba , Hayat Zafar , Akram Kashif , Saleem Kinza , Rehman Hafeez ur , Azam Muhammad , Tariq Zara , Rehman Shafiq ur , Meraj Asif , Farooq Umar , Shafi Afshan
Published: September 2023

Gallic acid is recognized as a notable bioactive compound among secondary polyphenolic metabolites. In the current study, gallic acid-enriched extracts were obtained from mango peels using different solvents (ethanol or water) via ultrasound-assisted extraction, and optimized yields were compared with the conventional extraction technique (decoction). Independent variables for the optimization through response surface methodology were ethanol concentration (0–60%), solvent ratio (10–50 mL/g), temperature (30–60℃), and time (10–30 min) for ethanolic extraction. However, extraction carried out by using water had extraction conditions of pH (2–8), solvent ratio (20–0 mL/g), extraction temperature (40–70℃), and time (30–60 min). The optimized yield of gallic acid obtained through ethanol was 5.75 ± 0.21 mg/g, whereas 3.14 ± 0.24 mg/g of gallic acid was quantified in extraction through water. The results were compared with the aforementioned conventional method of decoction, and it was concluded that the ethanolic extracts of mango peels showed the highest gallic acid yield and total flavonoid contents. The obtained extracts could be a potential source of polyphenolics, especially gallic acid, for use in nutraceuticals as well as in other food applications.
IP Law and Policy for the Data Economy in the EU
Authors: Leistner Matthias , Antoine Lucie
Published: September 2023

The current policy vision for Europe’s digital future centres around facilitating the availability of data by means of data access, sharing, and portability rights. In the existing legal framework, such rights are already foreseen in different legal instruments. In actual practice, however, (horizontal) data sharing is governed in the first place by contracts. Currently, well-established business practices and non-mandatory model contract terms are lacking. To reduce transaction costs and chilling effects in the sector, the main task would therefore be to provide a set of non-mandatory default rules or soft-law model contracts. The database maker’s sui generis right or trade secrets protection, mainstays of this area, have the potential to aggravate access problems and hamper efficient access and portability regimes. While the Trade Secrets Directive as a very modern and necessarily flexible instrument, on principle, is rather well-equipped for achieving balanced results, the Database Directive is in imminent need of reform, in particular as even the Data Act Proposal leaves many issues of the database sui generis right unsolved.
Density and surface tension measurements of molten Al–Si based alloys
Authors: Fukuyama Hiroyuki , Higashi Hideo , Adachi Masayoshi , Ohtsuka Makoto
Published: September 2023

This study is part of a series of studies aimed at measuring the thermophysical properties of molten phase change material-type metallic thermal energy storage materials near 873 K (600°C). The target material is Al–Si based alloys. First, as a feasibility study, density measurements of the molten state of three Al–Si binary alloys (Al–12.2Si, Al–50Si and Al–90Si in atomic%) were performed. A highly accurate non-contact density measurement method based on the static magnetic field superposition electromagnetic levitation (EML) method was employed as the density measurement method. The validity of this experimental method was confirmed, and density of molten Al–Si base alloys (ADC12 and Al–5.9mass%Si–1.6mass%Fe) were measured as a function of temperature with an expanded uncertainty of 1.2%. In addition, the surface tension of the alloys was measured by the droplet oscillation method using the EML technique. The surface tension was successfully obtained as a function of temperature with expanded uncertainty of 2.3%.
Intelligent control system for industrial robots based on multi-source data fusion
Authors: Zhang Yang
Published: September 2023

Industrialization has advanced quickly, bringing intelligent production and manufacturing into people’s daily lives, but it has also created a number of issues with the ability of intelligent control systems for industrial robots. As a result, a study has been conducted on the use of multi-source data fusion methods in the mechanical industry. First, the research analyzes and discusses the existing research at home and abroad. Then, a robot intelligent control system based on multi-source fusion method is proposed, which combines multi-source data fusion with principal component analysis to better fuse data of multiple control periods; In the process, the experimental results are dynamically evaluated, and the performance of the proposed method is compared with other fusion methods. The results of the study showed that the confidence values and recognition correctness of the intelligent control system under the proposed method were superior compared to the Yu, Murphy, and Deng methods. Applying the method to the comparison of real-time and historical data values, it is found that the predicted data under the proposed method fits better with the actual data values, and the fit can be as high as 0.9945. The dynamic evaluation analysis of single and multi-factor in the simulation stage demonstrates that the control ability in the training samples of 0–100 is often better than the actual results, and the best evaluation results may be obtained at the sample size of 50 per batch. The aforementioned findings demonstrated that the multi-data fusion method that was suggested had a high degree of viability and accuracy for the intelligent control system of industrial robots and could offer a fresh line of enquiry for the advancement and development of the mechanical industrialization field.
Effect of carbon nanotubes on microstructure and mechanical properties of TiZrVMnCu–Er high entropy alloy composites
Authors: Wang Xing , Jiang Xiaosong , Chen Jinmei , Sun Hongliang
Published: September 2023

To improve the ductility and toughness of refractory high entropy alloy (Ti, Zr, V), Mn and Cu were added to form TiZrVMnCu high entropy alloy with soft and hard phases. Carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and Er were introduced to fabricated composites with high strength and ductility. The relative density, microhardness, and compressive strength of TiZrVMnCu–Er–CNTs composites were in direct proportional to CNTs content from 0 to 0.5 wt%. The composite with 0.5 wt% CNTs has the highest hardness (634.4 HV) and strength (1720.7 MPa), and the strain variable is 14.3 %. The fracture toughness of the composites was improved by the crack bridging mechanism and crack deflection mechanism induced by adding CNTs. The fine grain, second phase strengthening mechanism, and the load transfer mechanism induced by CNTs improved the strength and hardness of the composites. Er can achieve solid solution strengthening or play a role in the second phase and fine grain strengthening.
Fatigue performance of laser cut carbon fiber-reinforced epoxy and polyamide 6 considering specimen width
Authors: Gerdes Lars , Mrzljak Selim , Keuntje Jan , Wippo Verena , Jaeschke Peter , Walther Frank
Published: September 2023

Since the development of laser systems technology led to a significantly decreased energy input by pulsing, laser cutting became a noteworthy method for cutting fiber-reinforced polymers. Despite the occurrence of heat introduction and heat-affected zones (HAZ), there are advantages regarding processing speed and maneuverability. Within this work, the influence of two cutting parameters (low (A) and high heat introduction (B)) on the fatigue properties of carbon fiber–reinforced epoxy and polyamide 6 were investigated. At the same time, micro waterjet cut specimens were added as a reference. In doing so, laminates were cut to different specimen widths and orientations. Multiple amplitude tests were performed with strain and temperature measurements. The results show an influence of specimen width on fatigue lifetime for the epoxy system, but not in polyamide 6. The 45° specimens for both CFR-EP and CFR-PA6 showed a decreased lifetime when cut with parameters B. However, these findings do not apply to 0° specimens, since parameters A lead to a smaller lifetime for CFR-EP, and no influence was found for CFR-PA6. Furthermore, no clear HAZ could be identified for A. Since there is a decrease in lifetime for CFR-EP, the necessity of applying further methods for HAZ detection is described.
Test neuropsicologici per l’analisi dei deficit linguistici
Authors: Bruni Amalia C. , Dovetto Francesca M. , Guarasci Raffaele , Guida Alessia , Laganà Valentina , Pagliaro Anna Chiara , Schiattarella Simona , Sciutto Paola
Published: September 2023

This contribution aims at showing the relevance of linguistic analytical tools applied to neuropsychological assessment tests. After a presentation of main neuropsychological tests, a pilot study concerning one case study is presented, where a mixed methods (quantitative and qualitative) approach is applied. This pilot study is intended to be functional for further methodological reflection. The paper urges thus for a greater integration between neuropsychological assessment and linguistic analysis.
Le abilità di comprensione del testo in soggetti afasici adulti
Authors: Moriconi Ilaria , Favilla Maria Elena , Benedetti Roberta , Cerchi Giulia , Ferroni Lucia
Published: September 2023

Experiences of daily interactions with Italian aphasic subjects with unimpaired comprehension abilities according to standardized aphasia tests raise doubts about their actual and complete understanding of what has been said. The available standardized aphasia tests assess only the comprehension of phonemes and of isolated words and sentences, while no tools specifically developed for aphasics exist for the assessment of multiple sentence utterances and for interactions comparable to everyday real interactions. A more precise assessment of comprehension abilities would be necessary, in order to allow clinicians involved in the treatment of aphasia to develop treatment strategies aimed at improving actual comprehension in everyday interactions, as well as to make predictions and give indications for social and work reintegration after treatment. This paper presents the results of a research developed from the cooperation of clinicians (neurologist, physiatrists, speech therapist) and linguists aimed at collecting data on text and discourse comprehension abilities in 28 Italian aphasic adults with left-hemisphere brain damage presenting good performances in standardized comprehension subtests and 28 comparable non-aphasic adults.
La valutazione delle abilità narrative nei Disturbi dello Spettro Autistico (ASD)
Authors: Sorbo Chiara , Roccaforte Maria , Ferretti Francesco , Chiera Alessandra , Adornetti Ines , Nicchiarelli Serena , Magni Rita , Valeri Giovanni , Marini Andrea
Published: September 2023

The paper aims to explore if mental time travel (i.e., the ability to reconstruct in one's autobiographical memory scenarios of one's past or generate plausible scenarios about one's future), is linked to difficulties in story generation in children with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Forty-six children with ASD and forty-six with typical cognitive and language development participated in the study. They were asked to generate stories under three conditions: in a first condition they had to generate the beginning (i.e., Foreword); in a second condition they had to generate the plot (i.e., Interweaving); in a third condition they had to generate the end (i.e., Epilogue). The transcripts of these stories were analyzed according to the parameters established by Marini and Carlomagno (2004). To explore the possible difference between groups and conditions these data were analyzed with a series of mixed ANOVAs with repeated measures. These analyses showed the presence of language difficulties in children with ASD that appeared to be particularly evident in certain conditions rather than in others.

Keywords: Autism Spectrum Disorders; Mental Time Travel; Storytelling; Narrative discourse; Global coherence.
La Escolarización de Niños con Enfermedades Raras. Visión de las Familias y del Profesorado
Authors: Castro Zubizarreta Ana , García-Ruiz Rosa
Published: September 2023

Las Enfermedades Raras son un desafío para la sociedad que requiere intervenciones interdisciplinares para abordar su impacto sobre los niños y sus familias. En este trabajo se propone un acercamiento a las Enfermedades Raras desde la perspectiva de las familias de niños afectados y de sus docentes, para analizar sus necesidades y generar procesos de reflexión conjunta que repercutan en la mejora de los servicios de apoyo a los que tienen acceso. Para ello, se entrevista a quince familias y ocho docentes de varias provincias españolas. Los resultados reflejan que las familias demandan información y asesoramiento tras el diagnóstico de la enfermedad y que los docentes necesitan también más formación sobre la intervención en el aula ante estos casos. Atender a estos niños requiere una coordinación multidisciplinar entre los equipos médicos, la comunidad educativa y las familias, que derivará en la mejora de la atención integral que precisan.
Absentismo Escolar: Posibles Respuestas desde el Centro Educativo
Authors: González González M. Teresa
Published: September 2023

Este artículo aborda el tema del absentismo escolar, poniendo la mirada en algunos planteamientos, estrategias y medidas que cualquier centro escolar habría de tener en cuenta para prevenirlo o actuar sobre él lo más tempranamente posible. En la primera parte se plantea que las actuaciones a emprender se pueden centrar predominantemente en el alumno absentista o en el centro escolar y diferentes aspectos de su funcionamiento, así como –paralelamente– tener carácter preventivo o, más bien, paliativo. En la segunda, se comentan cuatro aspectos que habría de considerar el centro escolar para abordar esta problemática: 1) Consensuar modos de registro y control de faltas, 2) establecer normas sobre la asistencia a clases y consecuencias de la no-asistencia, 3) llevar a cabo mejoras que promuevan una mayor implicación y apego del alumnado a la escuela y los aprendizajes, y 4) cultivar y mantener relaciones constantes y fructíferas con las familias.
Maestro, Aula y Aprendizaje en América Latina. Los Datos del SERCE
Authors: Cervini Rubén , Dari Nora , Quiroz Silvia , Atorresi Ana
Published: September 2023

Los objetivos de este trabajo son identificar y dimensionar el efecto de algunos factores escolares sobre el rendimiento de los alumnos de sexto grado de primaria en 16 países de América Latina. Se analizaron datos provenientes de los cuestionarios del alumno, del docente y del establecimiento, y de las pruebas de Matemática y Lectura del SERCE. Se utilizaron modelos multinivel con tres niveles (país, aula, alumno). Las variables escolares se agruparon en cinco subconjuntos: recursos, características del docente, clima escolar, práctica educativa y oportunidad de aprendizaje. El “control” estadístico incluyó variables socioeconómicas y académicas del alumno y del aula. Se constató una alta incidencia de los factores escolares sobre los rendimientos en ambas pruebas. En gran medida, esa incidencia se yuxtapone con el efecto de los condicionantes contextuales extra- escolares. Los recursos escolares muestran el mayor efecto bruto, mientras que el clima escolar ostenta el mayor efecto neto.
Os Reflexos da Capacitação fora das Grades: A Ressocialização dos Ex-Detentos do Complexo Penitenciário de São Pedro de Alcântara (SC- Brasil)
Authors: Cordeiro Laurentino André L. , Da Silva Coelho Kellen , Kanitz Amarildo F. , Silva Gonçalves Helen
Published: September 2023

Neste artigo, analisam-se os reflexos da capacitação na ressocialização dos ex- detentos do Complexo Penitenciário de São Pedro de Alcântara (SC, Brasil). Relata-se a atividade de capacitação nessa unidade prisional, descrevem-se formas de ressocialização e apontam-se potencialidades e fragilidades da relação capacitação-ressocialização. Este estudo de caso de abordagem qualitativa envolveu um gerente e vinte ex-detentos em liberdade. Além de documentos secundários e observação direta, realizaram-se entrevistas semiestruturadas por telefone, cujos dados foram gravados, transcritos e analisados de forma categorial. O receio dos egressos em participar da pesquisa pode ser considerado uma limitação da mesma. Os dados revelaram que os programas de treinamento mais relevantes potencializam a independência dos ex-detentos e aumentam sua autoestima profissional; porém, não dão conta de suprir os interesses financeiros, a falta de apoio familiar devido à prática de alguns crimes e a dificuldade tanto na aceitação como na concessão de oportunidade de trabalho por parte da sociedade.
Pedagogía de la Muerte. Las Canciones como Recurso Didáctico
Authors: Colomo Magaña Ernesto , De Oña Cots José Manuel
Published: September 2023

A pesar de la innegable relación que existe para el ser humano entre la muerte y la vida, aún no hemos logrado darle un trato pedagógico al tema de la muerte en los distintos contextos educativos en los que trabajamos. El hecho de morir como temática pedagógica puede y debe ayudarnos en la obligación que todos y cada uno de nosotros tenemos de ser personas a diario. Este artículo pretende reflexionar sobre la visión que se traslada de la muerte en las canciones para su posible uso como herramienta didáctica. La utilización del análisis de contenido como metodología ha permitido percibir la influencia religiosa que tenemos en la visión de la muerte, nuestra condición de seres mortales y la aceptación de la misma como hecho inevitable. En esta dinámica, queremos proponer el uso de las canciones como recurso pedagógico para trabajar la temática de la muerte. La música traslada y crea cultura, y es un potente emisor de ideas culturales que, usadas correctamente, pueden ser un gran elemento pedagógico de análisis de situaciones y reflexión sobre las letras y las vivencias e ideas que estas transmiten, ayudando a elaborar, sin coerciones ni visiones impuestas, un auténtico posicionamiento humano ante esta realidad. Finalmente, en las conclusiones tratamos de reflexionar sobre la importancia de introducir la Pedagogía de la Muerte en la educación, así como de las posibilidades de las canciones como recurso pedagógico.
Liderazgo Instructivo en Alberta: Hallazgos de la Investigación en Cinco Escuelas Altamente Eficaces
Authors: Beauchamp Larry , Parsons Jim
Published: September 2023

En este artículo se revisa la investigación patrocinada por la Asociación de Profesores de Alberta (ATA), con el fin de aportar evidencias a partir del estudio de cinco casos de liderazgo en cinco escuelas ejemplares de Educación Primaria en Alberta, Canadá. Las escuelas fueron seleccionadas por la ATA en torno al criterio de ser escuelas en las que se llevaba a cabo un liderazgo eficaz. En este estudio se vincula el liderazgo eficaz con la mejora de los aprendizajes de los estudiantes. En el transcurso del año escolar 2009-2010, los investigadores pasaron un tiempo en casa escuela entrevistando al personal de cada escuela con dos preguntas: (1) ¿Qué hace que esta escuela sea un buen lugar para la enseñanza y el aprendizaje? y (2) ¿Qué función ejerce el liderazgo para hacer que esto sea así? Los datos obtenidos fueron categorizados en de ocho temas. El artículo revisa estos ocho elementos y teoriza sobre qué lecciones aprendidas a partir de estos resultados pueden enseñarse a los lideres escolares.Instructional Leadership in Alberta: Research insights from five highly effective schoolsThis article reviews original research, sponsored by the Alberta Teachers Association (ATA), to gain evidence-based insights from five case studies of leadership in exemplary elementary schools in Alberta, Canada. Schools were identified by the ATA as sites where effective leadership was practiced. In this study, effective leadership was specifically linked to successful student learning. Over the course of the 2009-2010 school year, researchers spent time in each school interviewing school staff by asking two questions: (1) What makes this school a good place for teaching and learning? and (2) What does the leadership do to make it so? Data were analyzed and categorized into eight themes. This article reviews these themes and theorizes about what lessons these findings might teach for school leaders. Keywords: Leadership, Achievement, Effective schools
Carrera Profesional de las Directoras en Sudáfrica: Comprendiendo la Brecha de Género en la Dirección Escolar
Authors: Moorosi Pontso
Published: September 2023

Este artículo presenta los resultados del estudio de las experiencias vividas por directoras de centros educativos de Secundaria en Sudáfrica durante su carrera profesional. Las experiencias de las directoras se estudian dentro de un marco analítico que identifica 3 fases dentro el a carrera profesional de los directores: anticipación, adquisición y desarrollo. Nuestros resultados sugieren que las experiencias vividas en la carrera profesional por las directoras contiene más obstáculos que las de sus compañeros varones, además, durante las tres fases de la carrera profesional de las directoras, éstas se ven influenciadas por factores personales, organizativos y sociales que se manifiestan tanto fuera como dentro de las escuelas. La revisión de las experiencias que se aporta refleja la existencia de una norma masculina por apropiarse de los puestos de dirección escolar en Secundaria.
La Enseñanza de la Estadística en Educación Primaria en América Latina
Authors: Ruiz López Natalia
Published: September 2023

En este artículo se presentan el proceso y los resultados de una investigación que busca, por un lado, determinar el porcentaje de tiempo dedicado a la enseñanza de la Estadística dentro de la asignatura de Matemáticas en 3o y 6o curso de educación primaria en América Latina; y, por otro, describir cuándo y cuánto se enseñan diferentes contenidos de Estadística en esos cursos de Educación Primaria en la región. Para ello se realiza una explotación de los cuestionarios sobre la enseñanza de las Matemáticas desarrollados por la UNESCO para el SERCE. Los resultados apuntan, en primer lugar, a que aproximadamente el 16% del tiempo de enseñanza de las matemáticas se dedica a la Estadística, tanto en 3o como en 6o. Y, en segundo término, que los contenidos que más se estudian en estos cursos son los referidos a la elaboración e interpretación de tablas y gráficos, dejando para cursos posteriores nociones de probabilidad y la resolución de problemas usando estadística.