bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
¿Continuamos en la universidad? Experiencias de las familias durante la trayectoria universitaria de sus hijos con asperger. Relatos de profesionales de la psicología y la educación
Authors: Peláez Torres Tatiana , Isaza Valencia Laura
Published: July 2023

Debido al reconocimiento de la heterogeneidad y diversidad de la población estudiantil, resulta pertinente desde la educación inclusiva reconocer la importancia de reflexionar institucional y pedagógicamente los apoyos que los estudiantes requieren en los escenarios de educación superior. De ahí el interés por realizar una investigación con un grupo estudiantil emergente en los últimos años: los estudiantes con asperger. Esta población construye unas trayectorias formativas y experiencias universitarias caracterizadas por vicisitudes académicas, sociales y emocionales que requieren de un acompañamiento integral, donde la familia juega un papel esencial. Por esto, el propósito de este estudio se aproximó al papel de la familia y los modos de enfrentar los retos que trae consigo que sus hijos e hijas estén en la universidad. Se optó por un estudio cualitativo con enfoque construccionista; para su desarrollo se realizaron entrevistas semiestructuradas a diez profesionales en psicología y educación que acompañan familias de hijos e hijas universitarios con asperger. Los resultados resaltan lo significativo que resulta el diagnóstico para la familia y el papel que tiene la construcción de los modos de acompañar a sus hijos y los retos de conocer para comprender, comprender para actuar y actuar para acompañar.
Romania’s Implementation of International and European Cyber Law to Strengthen National Cybersecurity
Authors: DRAGOMIR Andreea , FLORESCU Ioana
Published: July 2023

Since the establishment of the Council of Europe Convention on Cybercrime in 2001, Romania has been at the forefront of ratifying and implementing the provisions and various directives and cooperating with international partners. In 2021, Romania became the headquarters of the European Center of Industrial, Technological and Research Competence (ECCC) in the field of cybersecurity. Its mission is securing digital infrastructures, conducting research in the field of cybersecurity and making technological developments. Because Romania is such an influential leader in European cybercrime, the purpose of this investigation report is to explore the level of implementation of international law into Romanian law, as well as to discover possible shortcomings. The report will specifically explore the implementation of the Convention on Cybercrime and related European directives into the national framework.
Deadly Detours: Why Terrorists Do Not Attacks US Bridges and Tunnels
Authors: Allison Benjamin
Published: July 2023

Given the potential economic, psychological, and human consequences of such attacks, it seems terrorists would attack US bridges and tunnels regularly. After all, terrorists have attacked such critical infrastructure in other countries; why not in the United States? Shockingly, while there has been some discussion of the risk of such attacks, there is a lack of research addressing why they have not happened. Using foiled plots as case studies, I present several major explanations as to why these plots fail—and, more importantly, what deters terrorists from pursuing them. These include counter-terrorism measures, perceived structural soundness and target hardness, expense, and terrorist preference for high body counts.
Infecções associadas ao uso de dispositivos invasivos em idosos internados em unidade de terapia intensiva
Authors: Silva Samara Mariana Ferreira , Carregal Fernanda Alves dos Santos , Barbosa Jaqueline Almeida Guimarães , Santos Fernanda Batista Oliveira
Published: July 2023

Objetivo: Caracterizar a ocorrência de infecções associadas ao uso de dispositivos invasivos em idosos internados em unidade de terapia intensiva. Método: Estudo retrospectivo, descritivo. Foram analisados dados de prontuários de idosos internados, em uma unidade de terapia intensiva e do banco de dados do serviço de controle de infecção hospitalar, relativos a 10 meses de atendimento. Realizaram-se análises estatísticas descritivas. Resultados: Dentre os 428 idosos internados, 12% (53) tiveram infecções associadas ao uso de dispositivos invasivos, sendo 50,9% mulheres, a maioria (39,6%) e entre 60 e 69 anos. Predominaram as infecções do trato respiratório associadas à ventilação mecânica (44,3%) e microrganismos gram negativos (66%), sendo a Klebsiella pneumonia (18,4%) a mais prevalente. Do total de idosos com infecções, 39,6% morreram. Dentre os 58,4% que saíram de alta, para outras unidades do hospital, 58% faleceram na instituição. Conclusão: A prevenção das infecções relacionadas ao uso de dispositivos invasivos, considerando a vulnerabilidade da população idosa, é fundamental, bem como o monitoramento epidemiológico e gestão dos riscos a ela relacionados. A qualificação dos profissionais de saúde e, em específico, da enfermagem deve ser realizada de forma sistemática para se avançar na qualidade assistencial.
Family happiness survey in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Authors: Kurilovich Nadezhda V. , Nguyen Nhu Trang , Le Thi Thanh Tam , Tran Thi Huyen Thanh
Published: July 2023

We study family happiness in Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam) in three areas. These areas cover the entire spectrum of aspects of family life, namely: economic life of the family, family and social relations, spiritual and cultural life of the family. The analysis shows that the highest level of satisfaction with family happiness is in the sphere of spiritual and cultural life, the lowest level is in the sphere of economic life. The level of satisfaction with family happiness is lowest in the middle-aged group, in the group with less than secondary education, in a group with work for hire or self-employment, in the group with low standards of living. Based on the results of the study, the work proposes solutions for social workers in the field of public policy to promote, maintain and improve family happiness in the context of the fact that the industrialization, modernization and international integration of Vietnam have a direct impact on the family.
Queer picturebooks for primary ELT : Suggestions for teaching practice
Authors: Gründel Lena Felicitas
Published: July 2023

This contribution offers a list of queer picturebooks considered potentially suitable for primary ELT (English Language Teaching). The list emerged from six qualitative interviews with primary school teachers conducted in the context of a small-scale research project. During the interviews, the teachers provided insights into their practices and perspectives on the usage of queer picturebooks in the German primary EFL (English as a Foreign Language) classroom.
Relationship between sonorheometry parameters and laboratory values in a critical care setting in Italy: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Romanelli Antonio , Gammaldi Renato , Calicchio Alessandro , Palmese Salvatore , Siglioccolo Antonio
Published: July 2023

Purpose: This preliminary retrospective study analyzed the relationship between the parameters provided by sonorheometry device Quantra and the coagulation values obtained from standard venous blood samples in patients admitted in intensive care unit (ICU).Methods: We reviewed medical charts of 13 ICU adult patients in whom at least one coagulation study with Quantra was performed. The relationship between Quantra and laboratory data was analyzed with the Spearman rank correlation coefficient (rho). The 95% confidence interval (CI) was computed. A P-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: We collected 28 data pairs. Statistically significant moderate correlations were found for the following parameters: clot time (CT) and activated partial thromboplastin time (rho=0.516; 95% CI, 0.123–0.904; P=0.009; clot stiffness (CS) and the international normalized ratio (INR; rho=0.418; 95% CI, 0.042–0.787; P=0.039); INR and platelet contribution to CS (rho=0.459; 95% CI, 0.077–0.836; P=0.022); platelet count and platelet contribution to CS (PCS; rho=0.498; 95% CI, 0.166–0.825; P=0.008); and fibrinogen and fibrinogen contribution to CS (FCS; rho=0.620; 95% CI, 0.081–0.881; P=0.001).Conclusions: Quantra can provide useful information regarding coagulation status, showing modest correlations with the parameters obtained from laboratory tests. During diffuse bleeding, CT and FCS values can guide the proper administration of clotting factors and fibrinogens. However, the correlation of INR with CS and PCS can cause misinterpretation. Further studies are needed to clarify the relationship between Quantra parameters and laboratory tests in the critical care setting and the role of sonorheometry in guiding targeted therapies and improving outcomes.
DINAMIKA POLITIK HUKUM PEMBENTUKAN UNDANG-UNDANG PEMERINTAHAN ACEH
Authors: Rizwan M. , Tarigan Azhari Akmal
Published: July 2023

Penelitian ini berangkat dari asumsi bahwa dinamika politik hukum di tingkat nasional mempengaruhi produk hukum legislasi terhadap Aceh. Studi ini mempergunakan pendekatan politik hukum untuk melihat konfigurasi politik nasional dalam pembahasan tentang kewenangan bidang syariat Islam bagi Aceh. Lahirnya UU No 11 tahun 2006 merupakan interaksi dari berbagai faktor. Pertama, konfigurasi politik yang demokratis di Indonesia sejak reformasi telah melahirkan berbagai produk hukum yang responsif dan terbuka bagi masyarakat. Termasuk diantaranya adalah lahirnya undang-undang otonomi khusus bagi Aceh. Kedua, sikap negara yang semakin akomodatif terhadap Islam sebagai sumber hukum, semangat kebangsaan untuk membantu Aceh setelah tsunami, dan juga dukungan internasional untuk perdamaian Aceh, mendorong pengakuan pemerintah pusat terhadap kewenangan Aceh dalam bidang pelaksanaan syariat Islam sebagai salah satu keistimewaan Aceh. Sikap pemerintah pusat yang responsif terhadap persoalan Aceh menunjukkan bahwa karakteristik rezim politik mempengaruhi bentuk respon terhadap persoalan-persoalan di Aceh. Pada ranah teoritik, perubahan politik hukum nasional terhadap Aceh sekaligus memperkuat teori politik hukum.
HOW SINGLE-MEMBER COMPANY IN INDONESIA SHOULD BE REGULATED? (MIXING GIERKE’S THEORY AND ISLAMIC LAW PERSPECTIVE ON LEGAL ENTITY)
Authors: Putri Dinda Silviana
Published: July 2023

The purpose of this study is to evaluate and provide improvements to the regulations governing single-member limited liability companies in Indonesia, related to issues of supervision and restriction using Gierke’s theory and Islamic law perspective on legal entity. This research is structured as a normative legal research using concept, legislation, and comparative approach. The results of the study indicate that there are still shortcomings in terms of supervision and requirements for the establishment of SMLLC in Indonesia both from Gierke’s theory and Islamic law perspective. Thus, the improvements to reporting provisions, the obligation to record all decisions in the minutes, the restrictions on establishment, and the founder requirements are needed.
MODEL KEPUTUSAN MEMILIH PRODUK BERDASARKAN ATRIBUT PRODUK, PROMOSI DAN KOMITMEN RELIGIUS DALAM MENINGKATKAN LOYALITAS NASABAH PRODUK TABUNGAN DI BANK SUMUT SYARIAH
Authors: Zuardi Muhammad , Nurhayati Nurhayati , Marpaung Muslim
Published: July 2023

Tantangan yang dihadapi Bank Sumut Syariah semakin kompleks, karena tidak hanya berupaya menarik dana dari masyarakat Sumatera Utara yang beragama Islam namun juga bersaing dengan beberapa bank syariah yang terus melakukan ekspansi. Dana pihak ketiga dari produk tabungan di Bank Sumut Syariah lebih rendah dibanding dari produk Deposito dan Giro. Keputusan memilih produk tabungan Bank Sumut Syariah diduga dipengaruhi oleh berbagai faktor, dalam penelitian ini dibatasi pada faktor atribut produk, promosi dan komitmen religius. Jika keputusan memilih produk tabungan meningkat hal ini mengindikasikan meningkatnya loyalitas nasabah.Tujuan penelitian ini untuk mengetahui bagaimana pengaruh faktor atribut produk, promosi dan komitmen religious terhadap keputuasn memilih, serta bagaimana pengaruh keputusan memilih terhadap loyalitas nasabah. Teknik Sampel yang digunakan adalah purposive sampling, dengan alat analisis data adalah Structural Equation Model. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan tidak terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan Atribut Produk Tabungan terhadap Keputusan Memilih produk tabungan di Bank Sumut Syariah. Terdapat pengaruh Keputusan Memilih terhadap Loyalitas Nasabah. Terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan Komitmen Religius terhadap Keputusan Memilih produk tabungan Bank Sumut Syariah. Tidak terdapat pengaruh yang signifikan Promosi terhadap Keputusan Nasabah Memilih produk Tabungan Bank Sumut Syariah.
PEMAKNAAN HALAL ANTARA SIMBOL DAN BENTUK IMPLEMENTASI KEAGAMAAN OLEH PEMILIK UMKM PASCA PEMBERLAKUAN UU NO. 33 TAHUN 2014
Authors: Masruroh Nikmatul
Published: July 2023

Penelitian ini bertujuan pertama; mengeksplorasi secara tuntas pemahaman pemilik UMKM dalam memaknai “halalan thayyibah” pada kehidupan sehari-hari, khususnya pada proses produksi produk makanan dan jual beli makanan. Kedua, menggambarkan mengenai kesiapan yang dimiliki pemilik UMKM dalam melakukan sertifikasi halal produk-produk yang diperjualbelikan, khususnya produk makanan. Tujuan tersebut dicapai dengan menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif, jenis penelitian fenomenologi dan jenis sosiologi agama. Teknik pengumpulan data dilakukan dengan cara indepth interview kepada beberapa UMKM yang ada di Kabupaten Jember, baik yang sudah bersertifikasi halal maupun yang belum memiliki sertifikasi halal. Model analisis yang digunakan yaitu, analisis Miles dan Huberman dengan tahapan pengumpulan data, reduksi data, penyajian data dan analisis data. Hasil dari penelitian ini, yaitu pertama para pemilik UMKM memahami halal masih sebatas epistemologis, belum masuk pada wilayah ontologi maupun aksiologi. Halal masih dipahami sebatas, menggugurkan kewajiban dalam melakukan usaha sesuai dengan anjuran agama dan pemerintah. Ada sisi ketakutan, ketika ada ancaman sanksi bagi yang tidak memiliki sertifikasi halal. Kedua, UMKM dengan skala kecil dan mikro belum memiliki kesiapan manajemen dalam melakukan sertifikasi halal, sebab produksi yang dilakukan masih sederhana serta terkadang belum memenuhi kriteria, khususnya jika menngikuti sertifikasi halal yang model regular Namun, ada sebagian yang sudah siap melakukan sertifikasi halal dengan model self declare.
THE PATTERNS OF APPLYING LEGAL THEORY IN THESIS WRITING OF STUDENTS OF ISLAMIC FAMILY LAW IN THE FACULTY OF SYARI’AH AND LAW AT UIN SUMATERA UTARA
Authors: Turnip Ibnu Radwan Siddik , Sukiati Sukiati , Irwan Irwan
Published: July 2023

This study aims to see the pattern of application of legal theory in thesis writing of students of the Islamic Family Law Study Program (HKI) in the Faculty of Shari’ah and Law at UIN Sumatra Utara, to analyze the factors that influence the polarization of the application of legal theory in student thesis writing, and to explain solutions in overcoming uniformity and unpreparedness of students in using the theoretical framework and legal theory in writing a thesis. This research is qualitative research using content analysis. Data collection techniques were carried out using documentation methods, Focus Group Discussions (FGD), and interviews. The results indicate that there are six polarizations in the application of legal theory to a student thesis. First, the thesis does not use a theoretical framework that contains legal theories. Second, the thesis uses a theoretical framework but does not contain legal theories. Third, the thesis uses the theoretical framework and explains the legal theories that will be used as its analysis tool, but does not use it on analysis. Fourth, the thesis uses a theoretical framework and explains the legal theory in it, but the legal theory used as an analysis is different from the legal theory in the theoretical framework. Fifth, the thesis does not use legal theory in the theoretical framework, but the analysis uses legal theory. Sixth, a thesis that uses the theoretical framework and legal theory used in the theoretical framework then applies the legal theory in analyzing the results of his research. Factors that influence the polarization of the application of legal theory in student thesis writing are; factors of teaching materials and teaching lecturers, factors of supervisors, and factors of student seriousness. The proposed solutions in overcoming the non-uniformity and unpreparedness of students in using the theoretical framework and legal theory in thesis writing include; it is necessary to involve the Faculty and Study Program to take policies, uniformity of learning materials for Research Methodology courses, the role of the thesis supervisor and the role of students.
Estrategia de desarrollo sinérgico, un desafío para América Latina
Authors: Kay Cristóbal
Published: July 2023

Este artículo realiza un análisis comparativo que contrasta las estrategias de desarrollo nacional llevadas a cabo por la mayoría de los países de América Latina respecto a las de Corea del Sur y Taiwán durante la Guerra Fría. Busca averiguar por qué estos dos países del Sudeste Asiático, aunque partieron de un nivel de desarrollo mucho más bajo que el de la mayoría de los países latinoamericanos al comienzo de la Guerra Fría, pudieron alcanzar niveles de vida mucho más altos y equitativos hacia el final. El argumento es que la principal diferencia en el desempeño entre ambas regiones se explica, sobre todo, por la capacidad de los países asiáticos para seguir una estrategia de desarrollo sinérgico, mientras que los países latinoamericanos no la tuvieron. La extensión, el alcance y el momento de realización de una reforma agraria redistributiva fueron un ingrediente clave de tal estrategia, así como los eslabonamientos establecidos entre los sectores económicos. Se concluye que una estrategia de desarrollo sinérgico ofrece las mejores posibilidades de impulsar un proceso de desarrollo más dinámico, sostenible y equitativo en América Latina.
OS PRECEDENTES JUDICIAIS PREVISTOS NO CÓDIGO DE PROCESSO CIVIL ENQUANTO ESPÉCIE DE ESTABILIDADE PROCESSUAL
Authors: Batista Pereira Rauner Ailton , Cardoso Jeveaux Geovany
Published: July 2023

Determina o artigo 926 do Código de Processo Civil que os tribunais devem manter a sua jurisprudência uniforme, bem como buscando a sua integridade, coerência e estabilidade. Os precedentes judiciais configuraram o mecanismo apropriado a se alcançar este objetivo, através da obediência à regra de julgamento ou à ratio decidendi. As estabilidades processuais, da forma como atualmente descrita, se apresenta como forma de manter as decisões, de acordo com as suas espécies, firmes, de acordo com as garantias processuais constitucionais.
INSTRUMENTOS JURÍDICOS UTILIZADOS PELO PODER PÚBLICO NO PERÍODO DE PANDEMIA - 2020 E 2021 - NO MUNICÍPIO DE PALMAS – TOCANTINS
Authors: Figueiredo Pereira Giulyanna , Worm Naíma
Published: July 2023

Trata-se de artigo que tem por escopo sistematizar os instrumentos jurídicos utilizados para enfrentamento da pandemia gerada pelo COVID-19 no município de Palmas, estado do Tocantins, durante o período compreendido entre os anos de 2020 e 2021. A presente pesquisa se desenvolveu utilizando o método de pesquisa bibliográfica e documental, onde se investiga e sistematiza a legislação específica, artigos e dissertações. O artigo é composto por dois capítulos, o primeiro onde faz-se uma contextualização da pandemia através de um panorama geral, e o segundo, que traz um registro dos atos normativos, em ordem cronológica de publicação, do Poder legislativo e Poder executivo municipal para o enfrentamento do avanço do vírus da COVID-19 em Palmas - TO.
A PROTEÇÃO DO TRIBUNAL PENAL INTERNACIONAL CONTRA A VIOLÊNCIA SEXUAL DE GÊNERO EM CONFLITOS ARMADOS
Authors: Damasceno Gabriel Pedro Moreira , Câmara Priscilla Rodrigues , Santos Camila Andreza Souza
Published: July 2023

A violência contra a mulher é uma prática que remonta a muitos anos e, com o passar do tempo os crimes de natureza sexual foram se enraizando ainda mais em conflitos internacionais, evidenciando a condição de vulnerabilidade das mulheres que sofrem a agressão sexual. Por meio de pesquisa bibliográfica, este artigo propõe a estudar como o Tribunal Penal Internacional incorporou os crimes de violência sexual na sua normativa, sendo um dos maiores avanços internacionais no que tange à proteção dos direitos da pessoa humana. Nesse contexto, objetivou-se sua criação no intuito de julgar e punir os crimes contra a humanidade. Nessa conjuntura, o presente trabalho se propõe a articular sobre a perspectiva de gênero em relação à violência sexual em conflitos armados. Ademais, problematizando a contextualização histórica sobre as vertentes do machismo, da imposição e das causas dessa violência, bem como a tipificação penal das proteções abarcadas pelo Estatuto de Roma no âmbito da violência contra as mulheres em conflitos armados, incorporando sua proteção ao Direito Humanitário.
O CARÁTER LABORAL DA PROSTITUIÇÃO E A NECESSIDADE DE SUA REGULAMENTAÇÃO
Authors: Balloute Samuel Rivetti Rocha
Published: July 2023

O presente artigo visa demonstrar a importância da regulamentação trabalhista da prostituição como forma de oferecer proteção aos trabalhadores inseridos nessa atividade. A primeira parte do trabalho apresenta uma breve introdução histórica da prostituição, de forma a demonstrar os diferentes estágios pelos quais ela passou até chegar aos dias atuais. Em seguida, discorre-se acerca da visão social da prostituição, bem como sua relação com a sociedade, que possui uma perspectiva negativa e moralista sobre as pessoas que atuam com essa atividade. Por fim, discute-se a relação entre a prostituição e o Direito do Trabalho, demonstrando a possibilidade e a necessidade de seu enquadramento nesta área do Direito. Os procedimentos metodológicos utilizados por este trabalho consistiram em pesquisa bibliográfica e documental.
DIREITO À RAZOÁVEL DURAÇÃO DO PROCESSO E A PROMOÇÃO DA EFETIVIDADE DA PRESTAÇÃO JURISDICIONAL
Authors: Santana Gomes Marckjones , André Borges dos Santos Cássio
Published: July 2023

O presente artigo se propõe a entender o papel dos princípios jurídicos da inafastabilidade da jurisdição e da efetiva prestação jurisdicional, no contexto do direito à razoável duração do processo. Para tanto, como metodologia, utilizou-se a pesquisa bibliográfica exploratória e análise qualitativa, a partir de pesquisa em fontes multidisciplinares, eminentemente consubstanciada na leitura crítica de obras doutrinárias, com complementação em legislações e em julgados do Supremo Tribunal Federal e da Corte Interamericana de Direitos Humanos. Conclui-se pela necessidade de atentar aos meios disponíveis e aptos a dar efetividade à aceleração de ritos e à obediência das formas indispensáveis, sob o molde do devido processo legal. Isto é, para a plena consecução da missão social do Poder Judiciário de eliminar conflitos e fazer justiça, a prestação jurisdicional deve compatibilizar o respeito ao devido processo legal, incluindo todas as garantias constitucionais, e o ideal de celeridade do processo, buscando-se extrair o máximo de rendimento.
The Conservation Laws in Quantum Mechanics
Authors: Oldani Richard
Published: July 2023

Using arguments originally introduced by Einstein we show that the reductionist philosophy of quantum mechanics reverses the natural order. In quantum mechanics emission is followed by observation and interpreted classically with the collapse of the wave function, whereas in nature classical absorptions of energy precede emission. Also momentum transfers leading to emissions are asymmetric with respect to spatial orientation and time, but are disregarded in quantum mechanics because molecular impulses cannot be observed. Thus despite irrefutable physical evidence that microscopic processes evolve asymmetrically the wave function is assumed to apply symmetrically in time. The deficiencies are corrected by introducing Hamilton’s principle and deriving relativistic equations of motion. The calculus of variations is then applied to the wave function to show that it is an incomplete equation of motion because it yields twice the allowable action minimum thereby allowing the concept of reality to be redefined.
Automatic Teeth Segmentation Using Attention U-Net
Authors: Helmi Mahran Ali Mohamed , Hussein Walid , Saber Shehab El Din Mohammed
Published: July 2023

Teeth segmentation plays a pivotal role in dental diagnosis, treatment, planning, and the development of computer-aided dental systems. It enables precise identification and analysis of dental structures, aiding in detecting dental abnormalities, measuring tooth dimensions, and assessing oral health conditions. Accurate teeth segmentation also facilitates the automation of dental workflows, leading to improved efficiency and reduced human error. Artificial Intelligence (AI) has witnessed rapid advancements, with various approaches developed or enhanced. While Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) have been widely used in medical image segmentation, the U-Net architecture has emerged as a standout performer due to its exceptional segmentation capabilities. This paper presents a proof of concept for the Attention U-Net architecture, as previously used in [1], applied to teeth segmentation. The study demonstrates the superior performance of this network in accurately segmenting teeth using a newly available benchmark dataset called Tufts Dental X-Ray Dataset. When trained and tested on 10-fold cross-validation, the model achieved an average dice coefficient of 95.01%, intersection over union of 90.6%, and pixel accuracy of 98.82%. These scores surpass those of all other networks implemented on the same dataset. By leveraging the Attention U-Net architecture, our research showcases the potential of advanced AI techniques in dental radiography. The findings contribute to the ongoing efforts to develop automated systems to assist dental professionals in their clinical practice.
Deployment of Zero Trust Access (ZTA) Policy as a Veritable Tool for Protecting Network Infrastructures and Users
Authors: Ogbaga Ignatius , Ogbonnaya, Chijioke , Chukwuemeka Agwu
Published: July 2023

As Cybercrimes continue to rise, researchers and industry players have continued to work hard to come up with solutions that could reduce and possibly eradicate these criminalities. This research has been able to discover the major factor that usually causes people to fall prey to these cyber criminals. This was why a school of thought came up with the Zero Trust Access model to strengthen the network framework. While previous network assets relied on the "trust but verify" philosophy, this technology's primary tenet is "never trust, always verify," which applies to every user and device connected to the network. This study interrogated the existing network models of the Integrative Trust Model (ITM) and Zero Trust Access (ZTA) in addition to the trust model (TA) to understand their concepts, implementation needs, strengths, and shortcomings. This made it possible for the study to establish the position of the ZTA model in repositioning the network security architectures vis-a-vis protecting the users
NISQ-Ready Community Detection Based on Separation-Node Identification
Authors: Stein Jonas , Ott Dominik , Nüßlein Jonas Christoph , Bucher David , Schönfeld Mirco , Feld Sebastian
Published: July 2023

The analysis of network structure is essential to many scientific areas, ranging from biology to sociology. As the computational task of clustering these networks into partitions, i.e., solving the community detection problem, is generally NP-hard, heuristic solutions are indispensable. The exploration of expedient heuristics has led to the development of particularly promising approaches in the emerging technology of quantum computing. Motivated by the substantial hardware demands for all established quantum community detection approaches, we introduce a novel QUBO based approach that only needs number-of-nodes many qubits and is represented by a QUBO-matrix as sparse as the input graph's adjacency matrix. The substantial improvement on the sparsity of the QUBO-matrix, which is typically very dense in related work, is achieved through the novel concept of separation-nodes. Instead of assigning every node to a community directly, this approach relies on the identification of a separation-node set, which - upon its removal from the graph - yields a set of connected components, representing the core components of the communities. Employing a greedy heuristic to assign the nodes from the separation-node sets to the identified community cores, subsequent experimental results yield a proof of concept. This work hence displays a promising approach to NISQ-ready quantum community detection, catalyzing the application of quantum computers for the network structure analysis of large scale, real world problem instances.}
Results of ATOMS (Adjustable Trans-Obturator Male System) in Patients with Prostate Cancer treated with Prostatectomy and Radiotherapy: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Angulo Javier C , Téllez Carlos , Giammò Alessandro , González-Enguita Carmen , Schoenburg Sandra , Queissert Fabian , Szczesniewski Juliusz , González Raquel , Romero Antonio , Gonsior Andreas , Martins Francisco , Antunes-Lopes Tiago , Cruz Francisco , Rourke Keith
Published: July 2023

(1) Background: Treatment of male stress incontinence in patients with prostate cancer treated with radical prostatectomy and adjuvant pelvic radiation is a therapeutic challenge. The efficacy and safety of the adjustable trans-obturator male system (ATOMS) in these patients is not well established, despite the general belief that outcomes are worse than in patients without radiation. (2) Methods: Retrospective multicenter study evaluating patients treated with silicone-covered scrotal port (SSP) ATOMS implant after radical prostatectomy and radiotherapy in nine different institutions between 2016 and 2022. The primary endpoint was dry patient rate, defined as pad-test ≤20 mL/day. The secondary endpoints were complication rate (defined using Clavien-Dindo classification), device removal and self-perceived satisfaction using the Patient Global Impression of Improvement (PGI-I) scale. Wilcoxon rank sum test, Fisher’s exact test and logistic regression were performed using stepwise method with a 0.15 entry and 0.1 stay criteria. (3) Results: 223 patients fulfilled criteria for inclusion, 12 (5.4%) had received salvage prostatectomy after radiation and 27 (12.1%) previous devices for stress incontinence. After ATOMS adjustment, 95 patients (42.6%) were dry and 36 (16.1%) had complications of any grade (grade I, n=20; grade II, n=11; grade III, n=5) during the first 3 months postoperatively. At a mean 36 ± 21 months follow-up the device was explanted in 26 (11.7%) patients. Regarding self-perceived satisfaction with the implant, 105 of 125 patients (84%) considered themselves satisfied (PGI-I 1 to 3). In univariate analysis dryness was associated to younger age (p=.06), primary prostatectomy (p=.08), no previous incontinence surgery (p=.02), absence of overactive bladder symptoms (p=.04), absence of bladder neck stricture (p=.001), no need of surgical revision (p=.008) and lower baseline incontinence severity (p=.0003). Multivariate analysis identified absence of surgical revision (p=.018), absence of bladder neck stricture (p=.05), primary prostatectomy (p=.07) and baseline incontinence severity (p<.0001) were independent predictors of dryness. A logistic regression model was proposed and internally validated. (4) Conclusions: ATOMS is an efficacious and safe alternative to treat male incontinence after radical prostatectomy and adjuvant radiotherapy. Factors predictive of dryness are identified in this complex scenario to allow better patient selection.
Use of Biomarkers to Improve 28-Day Mortality Stratification in Patients with Sepsis and SOFA≤6
Authors: Baldirà Jaume , Ruiz-Rodríguez Juan Carlos , Ruiz-Sanmartin Adolfo , Chiscano Luis , Cortés Alejandro , Angeles-Sistac Diego , Ferrer-Costa Roser , Comas Imma , Villena Yolanda , Larrosa M.Nieves , González-López Juan José , Ferrer Ricard
Published: July 2023

Early diagnosis and appropriate treatments are crucial to reducing mortality risk in septic patients. Low SOFA scores and current biomarkers may not discern adequately patients that could develop severe organ dysfunction or have an elevated mortality risk. The aim of this prospective observational study is to evaluate the predictive value of the biomarkers midregional proadrenomedullin (MR-proADM), procalcitonin (PCT), C-Reactive Protein (CRP), and lactate for 28-day mortality in patients with sepsis and a SOFA score ≤ 6. 284 patients were included, with a 28-day all-cause mortality of 8.45 % (N=24). Non-survivors were older (p=0.003), required mechanical ventilation (p=0.04) and were ventilated for longer (p=0.02), had a higher APACHE II (p=0.015) and SOFA (p=0.027) scores. Lactate showed the highest predictive ability for all-cause 28-day mortality with an area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.67 (0.55–0.79). The AUROC for all-cause 28-day mortality in patients with community-acquired infection was 0.69 (0.57–0.84) for SOFA, and 0.70 (0.58–0.82) for MR-proADM. A 2.1 nmol/L cut-off point for this biomarker in this subgroup of patients discerned with 100% sensibility survivors from non-survivors at 28 days. In patients with community acquired sepsis and initial SOFA score ≤ 6, MR-proADM could help identify patients at risk of 28-day mortality.
Photocatalytic Degradation, Anticancer, and Antibacterial Studies of Lysinibacillus sphaericus Biosynthesized Semiconductor and Hybrid Metal/Semiconductor Nanoparticles
Authors: Narayanan Kannan Badri , Bhaskar Rakesh , Seok Yong Joo , Han Sung Soo
Published: July 2023

The biological synthesis of nanoparticles has been emerging as an environmentally benign and eco-friendly method owing to its cost-effectiveness and high efficiency. Recently, the biological synthesis of semiconductor and metal-doped semiconductor nanoparticles with enhanced photocatalytic degradation efficiency and anticancer and antibacterial properties have gained tremendous attention. In pursuit of this purpose, for the first time, we biosynthesized zinc oxide (ZnO) and silver/ZnO nanocomposites (NCs) as semiconductor and metal-doped semiconductor nanoparticles, respectively, using the cell-free filtrate (CFF) of Lysinibacillus sphaericus bacterium. The biosynthesized ZnO and Ag/ZnO were characterized by various techniques such as ultraviolet-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, Fourier-transform Infrared spectroscopy, Field-emission scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy, and photoluminescence spectroscopy. The photocatalytic degradation potential of these semiconductor/metal-semiconductor nanoparticles was evaluated against the degradation of azo dye methylene blue (MB) under simulated solar irradiation. Ag/ZnO showed 90.7 ± 0.91% photocatalytic degradation of MB, compared to 50.7 ± 0.53% by ZnO in 120 min. The cytotoxicity of ZnO and Ag/ZnO on human cervical HeLa cancer cells was determined using an MTT assay. Both nanomaterials exhibited cytotoxicity in a concentration-dependent and time-dependent manner on HeLa cells. The antibacterial activity was also determined against Gram-negative (Escherichia coli) and Gram-positive (Staphylococcus aureus). Compared to ZnO, Ag/ZnO NPs showed higher antibacterial activity. Hence, the biosynthesis of semiconductor nanoparticles could be a promising strategy for developing hybrid metal/semiconductor nanomaterials for different biomedical and environmental applications.
Exploring the Nexus: Blended Learning, Language and Literature, Internationalization, and 21st Century Skills in Higher Education
Authors: Eslit Edgar
Published: July 2023

This qualitative study unveils the intricate interplay between blended learning, language and literature learning, internationalization, and the development of 21st century skills within the realm of higher education. Set against the backdrop of the environment of St. Michael's College in Iligan City, this exploration seeks to unravel the profound significance and transformative implications of these educational dimensions. By delving into the rich perspectives and experiences of 30 college students, this study addresses critical gaps in the literature and sheds light on the potential of these integrated elements. Guided by a robust theoretical framework that amalgamates renowned scholars' insights on blended learning, language acquisition, internationalization, and 21st century skills, the study employs a qualitative research design, employing interviews, observations, and document analysis. The findings illuminate the dynamic nature of blended learning, empowering students with enhanced engagement, flexibility, and accessibility in language and literature education. The incorporation of diverse literary texts and cultural perspectives fosters intercultural competence and global awareness. Moreover, the study underscores the cultivation of critical 21st century skills through immersive learning experiences. Drawing upon the insights gained, the study provides practical recommendations for educators and curriculum designers to harness the potential of blended learning, foster diversity in literary texts, and facilitate the application of 21st century skills. Recognizing the inherent limitations, including the specific context of St. Michael's College and the modest sample size, this study encourages future research to explore broader contexts and diverse participant cohorts. Overall, this illuminating study contributes to the scholarly discourse on integrating blended learning, language and literature learning, internationalization, and 21st century skills in college education. It beckons educators and policymakers to embark on a transformative journey, nurturing an enlightened future where students are equipped with the competencies to navigate the complexities of the 21st century.
Method and Experiment for Quantifying Local Features of Hard Bottom Contours of Intelligent Farm Machinery Driving in Paddy Fields
Authors: Tu Tuanpeng , Hu Lian , Luo Xiwen , He Jie , Wang Pei , Tian Li , Chen Gaolong , Man Zhongxian , Feng Dawen , Cen Weirui , Li Mingjin , Liu Yuxuan , Hou Kang , Zi Le , Yue Mengdong , Li Yuqin
Published: July 2023

The hard bottom layer of paddy field has a great influence on the driving stability and operation quality and efficiency of intelligent farm machinery, and the continuous improvement of unmanned precision operation accuracy and operation efficiency of paddy field operation machin-ery is the support to realize unmanned rice farm. In this paper, in view of the complicated hard bottom layer situation of unmanned operation farm machinery driving is difficult to realize to quantify the local characteristics of hard bottom layer of paddy field, the unmanned rice direct seeding machine chassis is used to operate the operation field and collect the hard bottom layer information simultaneously, and the data processing method of automatic calibration of sensor installation error, abnormal value rejection and 3D sample curve denoising of contour trajectory is designed; a hard bottom layer surface profile evaluation method based on the local sliding surface roughness is proposed. The local characteristics of the hard bottom layer were quantified, and the quantified results of the local characteristics of the hard bottom layer in the test plots showed that the mean value of the local roughness was 0.0065, 68.27% was distributed in the variation range of 0.0042~0.0087, and 99.73% was distributed in the variation range of 0~0.0133. Based on the test field data, the surface roughness features are verified to describe the variability of representative working conditions such as transport, downfield, operation and trapping of unmanned operation of intelligent farm machinery. The method of quantifying the hard-bottom local features of farm machinery driving can provide feedback on the local environmental features of intelligent farm machinery driving at the current position, and provide a reference basis for the design optimization of unmanned system for improving the quality of intelligent farm machinery operation.
Detection of Plasmid-Mediated Resistance against Colistin in Multi-Resistant Gram-Negative Bacilli Isolated from a Tertiary Hospital
Authors: Galindo-Méndez Mario , Navarrete-Salazar Humberto , Quintas-de la Paz Devanhi , Pacheco-Vásquez Reinaldo , Baltazar-Jiménez Isabel , Santiago-Luna Jose David , Guadarrama-Monroy Laura
Published: July 2023

The main aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance mcr-1 to mcr-5 genes among colistin and multi-drug resistant Enterobacterales, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter sp strains isolated from patients in a tertiary hospital in the city of Toluca, Mexico. 241 strains were included in the study. The presence of mcr genes among these strains was assessed by PCR and sequencing. In the case of mcr-carrying E. coli, further PCR tests were performed to determine the presence of blaCTX-M and whether the strains belonged to the O25b-ST131 clone. Conjugation experiments were carried to assess plasmid-mediated colistin resistance horizontal transmission. 12 strains (5.0%), of which four were E. coli; four, P. aeruginosa; three, K. pneumoniae and one, E. cloacae, were found to be resistant to colistin. Of these strains, two E. coli isolates were found to carry mcr-1. Both mcr-1-carrying E. coli strains were found to co-express blaCTX-M, belong to the O25b-ST131 clone and horizontally transmit their colistin resistance. The results of this study confirm the presence of plasmid-mediated colistin resistance in hospitalized patients in Mexico and demonstrated that the multidrug-resistant O25b-ST131 E. coli clone can acquire mcr genes and transmit such resistance trait to other bacteria.
Emerging Hallmarks of the Tumour Microenvironment of Gliomas and the Interplay with Immunotherapy
Authors: Linares Christian A , Varghese Anjana , Ghose Aruni , Shinde Sayali Dinesh , Adeleke Sola , Sanchez Elisabet , Sheriff Matin , CHARGARI Cyrus , Rassy Elie , Boussios Stergios
Published: July 2023

Gliomas are aggressive, primary central nervous system tumours arising from glial cells. Glioblastomas are the most malignant. They are known for their poor prognosis or median overall survival. Current standard of care is overwhelmed by the heterogeneous, immunosuppressive tumour microenvironment promoting immune evasion and tumour proliferation. The advent of immunotherapy with its various modalities – immune checkpoint inhibitors, cancer vaccines, oncolytic viruses, chimeric antigen receptor T cells and NK cells have shown promise. Clinical trials incorporating combination therapies of the above have overcome the microenvironment resistance and yielded survival and prognostic benefit. Rolling these new therapies out in the real-world scenario in a low cost, high throughput manner is the unmet need of the hour. These will bring practice changing implications to the glioma treatment landscape. In this review article, we focus on describing the hallmarks of the glioma microenvironment and its interplay with the different emerging modalities of immunotherapy.
Wireless Sensors Networks Energy Optimization using LEACH and ANNs
Authors: Qamar Muhammad Salman , Haq Ihsan ul
Published: July 2023

Applications for Wireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) range from monitoring the environment to automating factories. However, sustained and effective functioning is made more difficult by Sensor Nodes (SNs) limited energy supplies in which optimization is the main issue. So with the aim of increasing the lifespan by decreasing the energy consumption of WSN, Low-Energy Adaptive Clustering Hierarchy (LEACH) protocol with Deep Learning (DL) algorithm is analyzed in this paper. LEACH is a hierarchical mechanism that elects Cluster Heads (CHs) and regularly rotates their positions in order to allocate energy use effectively by using the same amount of energy. However, Deep Learning (DL) method is used to further improve energy optimization. In many applications, the types of Deep Learning methods like Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs) have shown to be very useful. Using this method, WSNs may make more efficient decisions that reduce energy consumption. Data aggregation, duty cycling, and transmission protocols may all be optimized by Deep Learning model's ability to recognize patterns and forecast network behavior. This results in lower energy consumption, a longer lifespan for the network, and better overall performance.
Modified Lactoperoxidase System as a Promising Anticaries Agent: In Vitro Studies on Streptococcus mutans Biofilms
Authors: Magacz Marcin , Alatorre-Santamaría Sergio , Kędziora Karolina , Klasa Kacper , Mamica Paweł , Pepasińska Wiktoria , Lebiecka Magdalena , Krzyściak Wirginia , Kościelniak Dorota , Pamuła Elżbieta
Published: July 2023

The lactoperoxidase (LPO) system shows promise in the prevention of dental caries, a common chronic disease. This system has antimicrobial properties and is part of the non-specific antimicrobial immune system. Understanding the efficacy of the LPO system in the fight against biofilms could provide information on alternative strategies for the prevention and treatment of caries. In this study, the enzymatic system was modified using four different (pseudo)halide substrates (thiocyanate, thiocyanate-iodide mixture, selenocyanate, and iodide). The study evaluated the effects of such modifications on the ability of Streptococcus mutans to form a biofilm, the synthesis of insoluble polysaccharides, the synthesis of lactate, the consumption of glucose and sucrose, the concentrations of intracellular NAD+ and NADH and the efficiency of transmembrane glucose transport by phosphoenolpuryvate PEP-carbohydrate phosphotransferase (PTS). The results showed that the LPO-iodide system had the strongest inhibitory effect on biofilm growth and lactate synthesis (complete inhibition). This was associated with an increase in the NAD+/NADH ratio and an inhibition of glucose PTS activity. The LPO-selenocyanate system showed a moderate inhibitory effect on biofilm biomass growth and lactate synthesis. The other systems showed relatively small inhibition of lactate synthesis and glucose PTS but no effect on the growth of biofilm biomass. This study provides a basis for further research on the use of alternative substrates of the LPO system, particularly the LPO-iodide system, in the prevention and control of biofilm-related diseases.
T2-weighted MRI Radiomic Features Predict Prostate Cancer Presence and Eventual Biochemical Recurrence
Authors: Duenweg Savannah R , Bobholz Samuel A. , Barrett Michael J. , Lowman Allison K. , Winiarz Aleksandra , Nath Biprojit , Stebbins Margaret , Bukowy John , Iczkowski Kenneth A. , Jacobsohn Kenneth M. , Vincent-Sheldon Stephanie , LaViolette Peter S.
Published: July 2023

Prostate cancer (PCa) is the most diagnosed non-cutaneous cancer in men. Despite therapies such as radical prostatectomy, which is considered curative, distant metastases may form resulting in biochemical recurrence (BCR). This study used radiomic features calculated from multi-parametric magnetic resonance imaging (MP-MRI) to evaluate their ability to predict BCR and PCa presence. Data from a total of 279 patients, of which 46 experienced BCR, undergoing MP-MRI prior to surgery were assessed for this study. After surgery, the prostate was sectioned using patient-specific 3D-printed slicing jigs modeled using the T2-weighted imaging (T2WI). Sectioned tissue was stained, digitized, and annotated by a GU-fellowship trained pathologist for cancer presence. Digitized slides and annotations were co-registered to the T2WI and radiomic features were calculated across the whole prostate and cancerous lesions. A tree regression model was fitted to assess the ability of radiomic features to predict BCR, and a tree classification model was fitted with the same radiomic features to classify regions of cancer. We found that 10 radiomic features predict eventual BCR with an AUC of 0.97 and classifying cancer at an accuracy of 89.9%. This study showcases the application for a radiomics-based tool to screen for the presence of prostate cancer and assess patient prognosis, as determined by biochemical recurrence.