bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Construction a Big Data Predictive Model to Analysis the Production Planning and Control Plan of Hospital Organization
Authors: Huang Yuan Huei , Chang Che Wei , Hsieh Pei Yu
Published: October 2013

Production planning and control decisions are based mainly on the results of the analysis of big data as a basis for effective data analysis can provide the most appropriate decisions. This study used the decision tree analysis implants implanted. Taiwan Diagnosis Related Groups (TW-DRGS) surgery a medical professional impact on revenue. In Taiwan, over the past 10 years, the National Health Insurance database to a Microsoft Structured Query Language (SQL) database analysis software for analysis and simulation. Used the gray theory to simulation analysis and forecasting, TW-DRG surgery medical costs for future changes. The results show that in the past few years, production growth trends, studies may provide in the future will produce what kind of cost impact results: 1. The hospital's operating costs and budget planning of Reference 2. Patients in the health insurance budget planning. 3. DRG policy revision surgery hospital costs.
Study of Transport Vehicle Preventive Maintenance Cycle Based on Failure Rate
Authors: Zhao Fei , Song Hong Ying , Ma Jin Gang , Hu Li Ping , Hou Jiang Li
Published: October 2013

The fault data of 133 Xiali taxis in Xingtai Car Rental Company are collected and the preliminary sorting is conducted to them. The automobile preventive repair model is established and the analysis of the necessity and feasibility of preventive repair is performed. In the base of reliability analysis of fault data, the failure rule is obtained and the optimal repair cycle is found out.
Evaluation of Surface Preparation Techniques for Steel Substrates Prior to Coating Application
Authors: Riaz Fahad , Shahzad Rao Khuram , Kamran Muhammad , Hussian Faraz , Ahmad Rafiq , Ahmad Tahir
Published: October 2013

The performance of organic coatings on steel substrates is strongly affected by substrate cleanliness and anchor patterns. During present research work, Surface pre-treatments were applied to remove contaminants from steel surfaces. Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) was used to characterize such surfaces in terms of electrochemical parameters to find out the extent of activeness of prepared surfaces, and electrochemical processes are modeled into corresponding electrical equivalent circuits (EECs). Surface roughness parameters were evaluated to find out the extent of mechanical interlocking between prepared surface and the coating to be applied over it. The optimum surface preparation technique prior to application of organic coating was characterized.
Study of the Properties of CR-39 Polymer Irradiated with Alpha Particles with Different Energies at Different Etching Times
Authors: Eissa M.F.
Published: October 2013

The track etch detector, CR-39, in common use is the most sensitive to recording charged particles. The CR-39 polymer samples were irradiated with alpha particle at different energies (2.17 MeV and 3.95 MeV) and fixed fluence followed by chemical etching with different times (1.50, 3.00 and 6.00 hrs). The formed tracks in CR-39 due to irradiations were visualized by using etching technique. The optical properties of CR-39 polymer after etching processes were studied with ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis) spectroscopy. Moreover, the optical band gap energy was calculated for the different etching times (1.50, 3.00 and 6.00 hrs). The average value of the track diameter of irradiation at 2.17 MeV and etching time 1.5 hr is fairly large compared with its value at 3.95 MeV. This is due to the production of defect levels in the band gap of polymer at the 2.17 MeV. The virgin and 2.17 MeV samples at 3.00 and 6.00 hrs have the same optical behavior resulted in the etching solution at those etching times has reached the end of the alpha particle path and progress in all the directions in the bulk of CR-39 with the same rate.
Local Interaction Simulation Approach vs. Finite Element Modelling for Fault Detection in Medical Ultrasonic Transducer
Authors: Hashemiyan Z. , Packo Pawel , Kochański W. , Staszewski Wieslaw Jerzy , Uhl Tadeusz , Verma P.
Published: October 2013

Ultrasonic transducers are extensively used in medical applications. Any deterioration in their performance can lead to poor quality images. The Local Interaction Simulation Approach (LISA) and Finite Elements are used to model medical ultrasonic transducers. The entire analysis attempts to find out whether the LISA-based methodology could be used for transducer modelling in fault detection applications based on in-air reverberation patterns.
Possibilities of Using Vibration Signals for the Identification of Pressure Level in Tires with Application of Neural Networks Classification
Authors: Burdzik Rafał , Peruń Grzegorz , Warczek Jan
Published: October 2013

The article provides a discussion on the studies comprising active experiments conducted on passenger car and analytical experiment on application of neural networks in the identification of pressure level in tires of a vehicle based on vibration signals. The purpose of research was to analyze the possibilities of monitoring of pressure in tires during the diagnostics tests of shock absorbers. The paper presented on last International Congress on Technical Diagnostics in 2008 examined the influence of changes of pressure in tires on the results of diagnostics test of shock absorbers. Those influences were observed in typical test methods used in vehicles service stations and even in new vibration methods. The article presents some results of research on neural network classification method of pressure in tires level. Tested solutions can be used as the preliminary module of diagnostics system during the shock absorber test. The signal processing methods were based on application of time, frequency and time-frequency transformations which enables obtaining the signals information carried in one or two domains simultaneously, namely those of time and frequency.
The Rise and Fall of CBM (Condition Based Maintenance)
Authors: Stecki Jacek S. , Rudov-Clark Shanna , Stecki Chris
Published: October 2013

Aircraft and avionics, offshore, marine and other complex engineering systems often operate in harsh environmental and operational conditions and must meet stringent requirements of cost, reliability, safety and maintainability. To achieve these aims modern design management and a vast array of computer aided techniques are applied during the design and testing stages. Maintainability requirements, long ignored by designers and manufacturers, assumed great importance and forced rethinking of the way the design of new systems and their maintenance should be carried out. One of the technologies to deal with this problem is Condition Based Maintenance (CBM) which is used widely in various industries to reduce risk and improve system availability. CBM is based on detection and diagnosis of failures, assessing effects of such failures on life of the system health and prescribing maintenance actions to extend system life. However, the experience with CBM shows that high expectation of reduced costs, improve maintainability etc. are often not met, and the major reasons for it are problems with risk identification (what failures can be expected?) and detection (what sensors to select?). The paper reviews these problems and other barriers to effectiveness of CBM and presents model-based approach to risk identification which can lead to improved CBM.
Uncertainty Analysis in Structural Dynamics
Authors: Worden Keith
Published: October 2013

This paper discusses the main issues of Uncertainty Analysis (UA) in general and also argues and illustrates its particular relevance to structural dynamics. Brief descriptions are given of the most prevalent of the many frameworks for uncertainty representation. The three main uncertainty-related problems of relevance to structural dynamics are then discussed, namelyquantification,fusionandpropagation. In order to illustrate the application of ideas of UA in a realistic scenario, there then follows a case study conducted on an aerospace structure, namely the wing of a Gnat trainer aircraft. The case study considers evidence-based classifiers as an alternative to probabilistic classifiers for the problem of damage location within the context of Structural Health Monitoring. Dempster-Shafer theory is employed to construct neural network classifiers with the potential to admit ignorance, rather than misclassify.
Procesos de flexibilización de las relaciones laborales y la negociación colectiva en Argentina. Continuidades y rupturas desde la implementación del programa neoliberal
Authors: Drolas Ana , Delfini Marcelo , Montes Cató Juan
Published: October 2013

Este artículo tiene como objetivo establecer continuidades y rupturas en las prácticas de gestión de la fuerza de trabajo vinculadas a las lógicas de flexibilidad laboral durante los periodos 1990-2002 y 2003-2011. Para ello tomamos como emergente empírico al sector automotriz argentino en esas etapas, a partir del análisis comparativo de las negociaciones colectivas de trabajo celebradas entre las diferentes firmas del sector y sus entidades sindicales. En los primeros apartados se precisa el corpus conceptual utilizado para la comprensión de la temática, para luego desarrollar las características del caso como ejemplo paradigmático en tanto sector productivo emblemático de la estructura productiva argentina.
De demiurgo al operario: un análisis gramsciano del trabajo bajo el taylorismo / fordismo
Authors: Pinto Geraldo Augusto
Published: October 2013

En el clásico estudio “Americanismo y fordismo”, escrito en 1934, Antonio Gramsci analizó la influencia del taylorismo/fordismo sobre el desarrollo sociocultural de la sociedad estadounidense, especialmente los cambios operados en la cultura política de la clase obrera fabril. Relevando en el taylorismo/fordismo una amplia estrategia ideológica del capitalismo, Gramsci observaba en ese sistema más un simples conjunto de métodos para organizar y administrar actividades de trabajo. Trataba, especialmente, de un conjunto de principios que persuadía y coaccionaba a los trabajadores en sus acciones para, más allá del espacio de las empresas, situarlos dentro de un ideario y de un modo de vida perfectamente adecuados a las necesidades de la industrialización de masa emergente. En ese esfuerzo, Gramsci logró una significativa claridad acerca de la magnitud de la influencia de la estructura social, del Estado y de la lucha de clases sobre el desarrollo de las fuerzas productivas, principalmente en lo que toca a la gestión del trabajo, demostrando el carácter dialéctico entre esas esferas. Nuestro objetivo, en este artículo, será recoger puntos de esa lectura gramsciana del taylorismo/fordismo, observando el alcance y la profundidad de sus argumentos.
Evaluation of Clinical Use of Indigenously Developed Delta Plate in Management of Subcondylar Fracture
Authors: Anirudhan Anroop , Khalam Sherin A. , Zachariah Rakesh Koshy
Published: October 2013

Condylar fractures account for 25-35% of mandibular fractures and deserve a special consideration apart from rest of the mandible due to their anatomical differences and healing potential. Previous clinical and biomechanical studies have recommended using two miniplates for fixation of condyle fractures. Two miniplates require a certain size of the proximal condyle fragment and thus are applicable mainly in cases involving low fractures. The present study evaluates the clinical use of indigenously developed titanium delta-shaped miniplate in open reduction and internal fixation of subcondylar fracture.
Aquatic ecotoxicology: what has been accomplished and what lies ahead? An Eastern Canada historical perspective
Authors: Blaise Christian , Gagné François
Published: October 2013

Our recent history shows that degradation of aquatic ecosystems essentially stems from industrialization, urbanization and increasing human populations. After a first industrial boom in the late 19th century, contamination pressures on receiving waters now appear to be continual because of expanding economies and technologies developing at the planetary scale. Given the diversity of issues, problems and challenges facing water quality today because of complex waste and chemical discharges into waterways, aquatic ecotoxicology has blossomed with time into a more mature discipline of the environmental sciences. Its two fundamental pillars, bioassays and biomarkers, have become essential tools that allow the determination of numerous and versatile effects measurements. Herein, we demonstrate some of the ways in which these
tools have been applied and how they have evolved over the past decades to appraise the ecotoxicity of contaminants impacting aquatic systems. Examples discussed are largely reflective of work conducted in the Environment Canada (EC) laboratories (Saint-Lawrence Centre, Montréal, Canada). Success stories include improvement of industrial effluent quality contributing to beluga whale population recovery in the Saint-Lawrence River, biomarker field studies conducted with endemic and caged bivalves to more fully comprehend urban effluent adverse effects, and increased discernment on the hazard potential posed by emerging classes of chemicals. Ecotoxicology continues to be confronted with diverse issues and needs related to a myriad of chemical contaminants released to aquatic environments worldwide. To cope with these, ecotoxicology will have to bank on new tools (e.g., toxicogenomics, bio-informatics, modeling)
and become more interdisciplinary by taking into account knowledge provided by other disciplines (e.g., ecology, chemistry, climatology, microbiology) in order to more fully understand and adequately interpret hazard. This will be paramount to supply regulators and legislators with the sound and scientifically valid information needed in order to mitigate environmental degradation.﻿
Automatic Identification of Algal Community from Microscopic Images
Authors: Santhi Natchimuthu , Pradeepa Chinnaraj , Subashini Parthasarathy , Kalaiselvi Senthil
Published: October 2013

A good understanding of the population dynamics of algal communities is crucial in several ecological and pollution studies of freshwater and oceanic systems. This paper reviews the subsequent introduction to the automatic identification of the algal communities using image processing techniques from microscope images. The diverse techniques of image preprocessing, segmentation, feature extraction and recognition are considered one by one and their parameters are summarized. Automatic identification and classification of algal community are very difficult due to various factors such as change in size and shape with climatic changes, various growth periods, and the presence of other microbes. Therefore, the significance, uniqueness, and various approaches are discussed and the analyses in image processing methods are evaluated. Algal identification and associated problems in water organisms have been projected as challenges in image processing application. Various image processing approaches based on textures, shapes, and an object boundary, as well as some segmentation methods like, edge detection and color segmentations, are highlighted. Finally, artificial neural networks and some machine learning algorithms were used to classify and identifying the algae. Further, some of the benefits and drawbacks of schemes are examined.
Laboratory and modeling studies on the effects of water and soot emissions and ambient conditions on the properties of contrail ice particles in the jet regime
Authors: Wong H.-W. , Beyersdorf A. J. , Heath C. M. , Ziemba L. D. , Winstead E. L. , Thornhill K. L. , Tacina K. M. , Ross R. C. , Albo S. E. , Bulzan D. L. , Anderson B. E. , Miake-Lye R. C.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. Contrails and contrail-induced cirrus clouds are identified as the most uncertain components in determining aviation impacts on global climate change. Parameters affecting contrail ice particle formation immediately after the engine exit plane (< 5 s in plume age) may be critical to ice particle properties used in large-scale models predicting contrail radiative forcing. Despite this, detailed understanding of these parametric effects is still limited. In this paper, we present results from recent laboratory and modeling studies conducted to investigate the effects of water and soot emissions and ambient conditions on near-field formation of contrail ice particles and ice particle properties. The Particle Aerosol Laboratory (PAL) at the NASA Glenn Research Center and the Aerodyne microphysical parcel model for contrail ice particle formation were employed. Our studies show that exhaust water concentration has a significant impact on contrail ice particle formation and properties. When soot particles were introduced, ice particle formation was observed only when exhaust water concentration was above a critical level. When no soot or sulfuric acid was introduced, no ice particle formation was observed, suggesting that ice particle formation from homogeneous nucleation followed by homogeneous freezing of liquid water was unfavorable. Soot particles were found to compete for water vapor condensation, and higher soot concentrations emitted into the chamber resulted in smaller ice particles being formed. Chamber conditions corresponding to higher cruising altitudes were found to favor ice particle formation. The microphysical model captures trends of particle extinction measurements well, but discrepancies between the model and the optical particle counter measurements exist as the model predicts narrower ice particle size distributions and ice particle sizes nearly a factor of two larger than measured. These discrepancies are likely due to particle loss and scatter during the experimental sampling process and the lack of treatment of turbulent mixing in the model. Our combined experimental and modeling work demonstrates that formation of contrail ice particles can be reproduced in the NASA PAL facility, and the parametric understanding of the ice particle properties from the model and experiments can potentially be used in large-scale models to provide better estimates of the impact of aviation contrails on climate change.
Evaluation of aerosol number concentrations in NorESM with improved nucleation parameterisation
Authors: Makkonen R. , Seland Ø. , Kirkevåg A. , Iversen T. , Kristjánsson J. E.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. The Norwegian Earth System Model (NorESM) is evaluated against atmospheric observations of aerosol number concentrations. The model is extended to include an explicit mechanism for new particle formation, and the secondary organic aerosol (SOA) formation from biogenic precursors is revised. Several model experiments are conducted to study the sensitivity of simulated number concentrations to nucleation, SOA formation, black carbon size distribution and model meteorology. Comparison against 60 measurement sites reveals that the model with improved nucleation and SOA scheme performs well in terms of correlation coefficient R2=0.41 calculated against monthly mean observed aerosol number concentrations with a number concentration bias of −6%. NorESM generally overestimates the amplitude of the seasonal cycle, possibly due to too high sensitivity to biogenic precursors. Simulated vertical profiles are also evaluated against 12 flight campaigns.
Technical Note: The Simple Diagnostic Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (SDPRM)
Authors: Badawy B. , Rödenbeck C. , Reichstein M. , Carvalhais N. , Heimann M.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. We present a Simple Diagnostic Photosynthesis and Respiration Model (SDPRM) that has been developed based on pre-existing formulations. The photosynthesis model is based on the light use efficiency logic for calculating the gross primary production (GPP), while the ecosystem respiration (Reco) is a modified version of an Arrhenius-type equation. SDPRM is driven by satellite-derived fAPAR (fraction of Absorbed Photosynthetically Active Radiation) and climate data from the National Center for Environmental Prediction/National Center for Atmospheric Research Reanalysis (NCEP/NCAR). The model estimates 3-hourly values of GPP for seven major biomes and daily Reco. The motivation is to provide a priori fields of surface CO2 fluxes with fine temporal and spatial scales for atmospheric CO2 inversions. The estimated fluxes from SDPRM showed that the model is capable of producing flux estimates consistent with the ones inferred from atmospheric CO2 inversion or simulated from process-based models. In this Technical Note, different analyses were carried out to test the sensitivity of the estimated fluxes of GPP and CO2 to their driving forces. The spatial patterns of the climatic controls (temperature, precipitation, water) on the interannual variability of GPP are consistent with previous studies, even though SDPRM has a very simple structure and few adjustable parameters and hence it is much easier to modify in an inversion than more sophisticated process-based models. In SDPRM, temperature is a limiting factor for the interannual variability of Reco over cold boreal forest, while precipitation is the main limiting factor of Reco over the tropics and the southern hemisphere, consistent with previous regional studies.
Comparing the impacts of 2003 and 2010 heatwaves in NPP over Europe
Authors: Bastos A. , Gouveia C. M. , Trigo R. M. , Running S. W.
Published: October 2013

Abstract. In the last decade, Europe was stricken by two outstanding heatwaves, the 2003 event in Western Europe and the recent 2010 episode over Russia. Both extreme events were characterised by record-breaking temperatures, and widespread socio-economic impacts, including significant increments on mortality rates, decreases in crop production and in hydroelectric production. This work aims to assess the influence of both mega-heatwaves on vegetation carbon uptake, using yearly Net Primary Production (NPP) and monthly Net Photosynthesis (PsN) data derived from satellite imagery obtained from MODIS for the period 2000–2011. In 2010, markedly low productivity was observed over a very large area in Russia, at monthly, seasonal and yearly scales, falling below 50% of average NPP. This decrease in NPP in 2010 was far more intense than the one affecting Western Europe in 2003, which corresponded to 20–30% of the average, and affected a~much larger extent. Total NPP anomalies reached −19 Tg C for the selected regions in France during 2003 and −94 Tg C for western Russia in 2010, which corresponds almost to the magnitude of total NPP anomaly during 2010 for the whole Europe. Overall, the widespread negative PsN anomalies in both regions match the patterns of very high temperature values preceded by a long period of below-average precipitation, leading to strong soil moisture deficits, stressing the role of soil-atmosphere coupling. In the case of 2003 heatwave, results indicate a strong influence of moisture deficits coupled with high temperatures in the response of vegetation, while for the 2010 event very high temperatures appear to be the main driver of very low NPP.
Health, Disability, Psychological Well-Being, and Depressive Symptoms among Older African American Women
Authors: Nguyen Ann W. , Taylor Robert Joseph , Peterson Tina , Chatters Linda M.
Published: October 2013

This study examines the demographic correlates of psychological well-being (i.e., happiness and life satisfaction) and mental health (i.e., depressive symptoms and serious psychological distress) among older African American women. Additionally, the relationships between self-rated physical and oral health and disability and psychological well-being and mental health are explored. Analyses are based on a nationally representative sample of older African American women from the National Survey of American Life. Results indicate that psychological well-being (i.e., life satisfaction and happiness) and mental health (i.e., depressive symptoms and serious psychological distress) are associated with specific demographic factors. In addition, self-rated health and limited mobility due to disability exerted significant influences on psychological well-being, depressive symptoms, and psychological distress. Findings are discussed in relation to prior research on demographic and health factors and their unique associations with well-being and mental status among older African American women.
Managerial competencies – A survey of hospital managers’ working in Kathmandu valley, Nepal
Authors: Khadka Deepak Kumar , Gurung Milan , Chaulagain Nawaraj
Published: October 2013

Background: Managerial competencies are sets of knowledge, skills, behaviors and attitudes that a person needs to be effective in a diverse managerial job. This study sets out at assessing the level and gap of current actual and ideal required competency, important competency statement, and association between respondents’ biographics with a current actual competency level of hospital manager. Methods: A cross-sectional survey used self-administered questionnaire based on Senior Management Service (SMS) competency framework of Department of Public Service and Administration (DPSA) for health manager consists of a set of eleven generic competencies conducted purposively in fifty-one hospital managers working within the Kathmandu Valley. Individual variables were summarized using frequency distribution focused on central tendency and dispersion. Relationships between variables analyzed by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significance of difference in the competency profile determined by Wilcoxon signed rank test. Results: Highest self-assessed most developed competencies were honesty and integrity, service delivery innovation, and communication and information. The least developed were program and project management and knowledge management. Most important competencies regarded as strategic capability and leadership; and human resources management and empowerment. Significant gap exists in all generic competencies except communication and information and, honesty and integrity. There was no any significant association between respondents’ biographics with current actual competency level. Conclusions: Findings back up the belief of managerial competency lacking and enormous need for development which reflects the local hospital management environment reality. Innovative approaches of management development programs and formal academic programs can improve and link the competency gap among hospital managers of Nepal.
Avaliação do Nível de Maturidade no Gerenciamento de Projetos em uma Instituição de Pesquisa Clínica
Authors: Bramati Ivanei Edson
Published: October 2013

No decorrer da última década, houve um crescimento considerável no número de pesquisas realizadas no Brasil nas mais diversas áreas do conhecimento. Muito deste crescimento se deve a iniciativas de empresas privadas em aumentar os investimentos em pesquisas, criando núcleos, centros e institutos de pesquisa especializados, como no caso de um instituto de pesquisa clínica. Em razão da crescente concorrência neste setor e na busca por melhores resultados, as instituições financiadoras privadas passaram a exigir um nível de eficiência em projetos cada vez maior. Entretanto, muitas destas novas instituições não fazem uso de metodologias e práticas sistematizadas em gerenciamento de projetos (GP), gerando resultados insatisfatórios. Esta carência metodológica vem acompanhada de um baixo nível de maturidade em GP. Desta forma, faz-se necessário a implementação e uso de ações gerenciais encadeadas e sistematizadas, incluindo reformulações dos seus processos, além da criação de indicadores gerenciais específicos para instituições de pesquisa. Espera-se que, por meio do uso de uma metodologia adequada e da implementação das suas principais técnicas, possa-se elevar o grau de maturidade em GP, incorporando processos otimizados que conduzam à obtenção de melhores resultados nos projetos de pesquisa clínica, contribuindo com o desenvolvimento de uma nova aplicação para a metodologia de GP.DOI:10.5585/gep.v4i1.124
A Influência das Características do Gestor no Sucesso da Gestão de Projetos
Authors: Noro Greice De Bem , Bronzatti Barbara
Published: October 2013

O gerenciamento de projetos tem se destacado entre os atuais modelos de administração e tem se transformado em um fator para criar vantagem competitiva nas empresas em relação aos seus concorrentes. Entretanto, apesar da grande abordagem em torno do gerenciamento de projetos em si, pouco se explora os gerentes que trabalham com esse tipo de gestão e as suas influências na determinação do sucesso ou fracasso do negócio da empresa. Nesse contexto, a presente pesquisa teve como objetivo analisar qual a influência do gestor de projetos de pequenas e grandes empresas de Santa Maria/RS no sucesso do seu negócio. Tendo em vista os processos metodológicos, a pesquisa classifica-se como quantitativa e descritiva quanto aos seus objetivos, sendo realizada através de um estudo de campo, com base em uma amostra por acessibilidade e pequenas e grandes empresas da cidade de Santa Maria. Como principais resultados evidenciou-se que os gestores das empresas pesquisadas estão em nível de desenvolvimento intermediário no que diz respeito aos pilares para o sucesso dos projetos proposto por Newton (2011), fator que não influencia, de maneira significativa, o sucesso dos projetos gerenciados por eles.DOI:10.5585/gep.v4i1.73
Étude des pratiques d’enseignement en sciences humaines au primaire : le cas des futurs enseignants en contexte de formation en milieu de pratique au Québec
Authors: Araújo-Oliveira Anderson
Published: October 2013

Ayant comme toile de fond le double contexte de réformes mises en oeuvre au cours des dix dernières années au Québec (curricula du primaire et de la formation initiale des enseignants), cette recherche visait à caractériser les pratiques d’enseignement en sciences humaines chez de futurs enseignants du primaire en contexte de formation en milieu de pratique. Pour ce faire, nous avons réalisé une double lecture des pratiques: une première lecture à partir de l’analyse des données recueillies par observation de ce que les futurs enseignants font en classe, et une deuxième lecture à partir de l’analyse des données recueillies par entretiens, avant et après l’action en classe, en s’attardant au sens qu’ils donnent à leur action. Les résultats laissent entrevoir que la perspective actuelle centrée sur la fonction critique et réflexive se reflète encore peu dans les pratiques des futurs enseignants et dans leur discours sur celles-ci. Même si les futurs enseignants sont conscients des nouvelles orientations officielles, ils les interprètent et les adaptent en fonction de plusieurs facteurs, parmi lesquels les pratiques de leur enseignant associé, les attentes d’autres formateurs, leurs expériences antérieures et leur degré d’aisance dans cette discipline.
Advancing Genomic Cancer Medicine in Rural and Underserved States
Authors: Rueter Jens , Liu Edison T.
Published: July 2024

This Viewpoint presents an organizational and social template for medical communities to provide contemporary care for patients with cancer in rural and underserved states.
Odynodysphagia and Oropharyngeal Mass
Authors: Al Hakim Elena , Vachin Fabian , Carsuzaa Florent
Published: July 2024

A 60-year-old female patient presented with odynophagia and dysphagia and was found to have left-sided erythematous oropharyngeal bulging. What is your diagnosis?
Design of an epitope‐based peptide vaccine against Cryptococcus neoformans
Authors: Omer Ibtihal , Khalil Isra , Abdalmumin Ahmed , Molefe Philisiwe Fortunate , Sabeel Solima , Farh Islam Zainalabdin Abdalgadir , Mohamed Hanaa Abdalla , Elsharif Hajr Abdallha , Mohamed ALazza Abdalla Hassan , Awad‐Elkareem Mawadda Abd‐Elraheem , Salih Mohamed
Published: July 2024

Cryptococcus neoformans is the highest‐ranked fungal pathogen in the Fungal Priority Pathogens List (FPPL) released by the World Health Organization (WHO). In this study, through in silico simulations, a multi‐epitope vaccine against Cryptococcus neoformans was developed using the mannoprotein antigen (MP88) as a vaccine candidate. Following the retrieval of the MP88 protein sequences, these were used to predict antigenic B‐cell and T‐cell epitopes via the bepipred tool and the artificial neural network, respectively. Conserved B‐cell epitopes AYSTPA, AYSTPAS, PASSNCK, and DSAYPP were identified as the most promising B‐cell epitopes. While YMAADQFCL, VSYEEWMNY, and FQQRYTGTF were identified as the best candidates for CD8+ T‐cell epitopes; and YARLLSLNA, ISYGTAMAV, and INQTSYARL were identified as the most promising CD4+ T‐cell epitopes. The vaccine construct was modeled along with adjuvant and peptide linkers and the expasy protparam tool was used to predict the physiochemical properties. According to this, the construct vaccine was predicted to be antigenic, nontoxic, nonallergenic, soluble, stable, hydrophilic, and thermostable. Furthermore, the three‐dimensional structure was also used in docking analyses with Toll‐like receptor (TLR4). Finally, the cDNA of vaccine was successfully cloned into the E. coli pET‐28a (+) expression vector. The results presented here could contribute towards the design of an effective vaccine against Cryptococcus neoformans.
High‐Efficiency Deep Red Electroluminescence via a Spiro‐Based Pure Hydrogen Carbon Host
Authors: Yu You‐Jun , Qu Zhi‐Hao , Ding Ling‐Yi , Wang Xue‐Qi , Meng Xin‐Yue , Li Meng‐Tian , Zhou Dong‐Ying , Jiang Zuo‐Quan , Liao Liang‐Sheng
Published: July 2024

Deep‐red and near‐infrared emitters with twisted donor–acceptor (D–A) structures often exhibit suboptimal performance in organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs) due to constraints imposed by the energy gap law. In this work, a pure hydrogen carbon (PHC) host material named SBF‐DTP is purposefully tailored for deep‐red OLEDs. The excellent capacity of SBF‐DTP to support D–A type DR emitters effectively arises from its distinctive attributes: localized excitation states, 3D configuration, and low polarity. When employing SBF‐DTP as the host for the fluorescence emitter DCPA‐TPA and the thermally activated delayed fluorescence emitter APDC‐DTPA, doped films exhibit substantially enhanced photoluminescence quantum yields. This improvement leads to high‐efficiency OLEDs with external quantum efficiencies of 5.47% for DCPA‐TPA and 20.03% for APDC‐DTPA, respectively, which is about twice as high as the initial reports. This findings underscore the paramount significance of developing efficient host materials in the pursuit of high‐performance deep red and even near‐infrared OLEDs.
Recent Advances and Prospects of Chalcogenide Cathodes for Rechargeable Magnesium Batteries
Authors: Liu Yuehao , Qu Baihua , Li Shengyang , Lian Xiaojin , Luo Yuanyi , Shen Xing , Xu Chaohe , Wang Jingfeng , Pan Fusheng
Published: July 2024

Rechargeable magnesium batteries (RMBs) have garnered considerable interest from researchers and industries owing to their abundant resources, cost‐effectiveness, impressive energy density, and safety features, positioning them as a compelling technology for sustainable energy. Chalcogenides, with their high electrochemical activity and low charge density, facilitate the diffusion and migration of Mg2+. “Soft” anionic lattices, such as S or Se, weaken the Coulombic attraction between the crystal structure and Mg2+, thereby promoting the accelerated diffusion and reversible intercalation of Mg2+. Consequently, they are highly regarded as promising cathode materials for RMBs. However, their real‐world implementation is hindered by challenges including low conductivity, formidable ion diffusion barriers, and insufficient cyclic stability. In this study, chalcogenides are categorized into intercalation‐ and conversion‐types based on the Mg2+ storage mechanism, providing a comprehensive examination and taxonomy of various modification approaches aimed at enhancing the electrochemical performance of chalcogenides. These approaches include intercalation engineering, phase engineering, defect engineering, doping effects, and nanostructure engineering. Furthermore, specific modification strategies for certain chalcogenide cathode materials are summarized and discussed. Finally, the key points of optimization strategies for chalcogenide cathode materials are summarized, along with the proposed future breakthrough directions.
Molecule Doping of Atomically Dispersed Cu–Au Alloy for Enhancing Electroreduction of CO to C2+ Products
Authors: Sun Qian , Tan Xin , Jia Chen , Rong Chengli , Wang Shuhao , Han Chen , Xiao Yang , Qi Huiqian , Smith Sean C. , Zhao Chuan
Published: July 2024

Electrocatalytic carbon monoxide reduction (CORR) is effective in achieving renewable synthesis of valuable C2+ species from CO. However, the production of C2+ species is challenged by low activity and selectivity. Here, the surface of the atomically dispersed Cu–Au alloy is functionalized with aromatic heterocycle, thiadiazole derivate (N2SN), to enhance the conversion of CO into C2+ species with acetate as the main product. The N2SN functional groups with electron withdrawing property can alternate the oxidization state of copper, as confirmed by XPS and XAS, thus orienting the CORR pathway to the formation of C2+/acetate. In situ Raman reveals that the N2SN treated sample exhibits stronger signal of *CO intermediate for further dimerization and the C–C–O intermediate relates to acetate formation. Theoretical calculation demonstrates the N2SN molecule doping contributes to lowered energy barrier for C–C coupling, improved activity and selectivity to CORR, and suppressed hydrogen evolution reaction. High Faradaic efficiency (FEC2+, 89%), partial current density (jC2+, 397 mA cm−2), and energy efficiency for C2+ species (EEC2+, 24%) and total current density (jtotal, up to 1000 mA cm−2) are achieved in membrane electrode assembly (MEA), surpassing most of the reported catalysts for total C2+ products.
A mechanically Robust, Damping, and High‐Temperature Tolerant Ion‐Conductive Elastomer for Noise‐Free Flexible Electronics
Authors: Shen Shengtao , Du Zehang , Zhou Piaopiao , Zou Zhigang , Lyu Xiaolin
Published: July 2024

Ion‐conductive elastomers capable of damping can significantly mitigate the interference caused by mechanical noise during data acquisition in wearable and biomedical devices. However, currently available damping elastomers often lack robust mechanical properties and have a narrow temperature range for effective damping. Here, precise modulation of weak to strong ion‐dipole interactions plays a crucial role in bolstering network stability and tuning the relaxation behavior of supramolecular ion‐conductive elastomers (SICEs). The SICEs exhibit impressive mechanical properties, including a modulus of 13.2 MPa, a toughness of 65.6 MJ m−3, and a fracture energy of 74.9 kJ m−2. Additionally, they demonstrate remarkable damping capabilities, with a damping capacity of 91.2% and a peak tan δ of 1.11. Furthermore, the entropy‐driven rearrangement of ion‐dipole interactions ensures the damping properties of the SICE remain stable even at elevated temperatures (18–200 °C, with tan δ > 0.3), making it the most thermally resistant damping elastomer reported to date. Moreover, the SICE proves effective in filtering out various noises during physiological signal detection and strain sensing, highlighting its vast potential in flexible electronics.
Two‐Photon Mediated Cancer Therapy: A Comprehensive Review on Two‐Photon Photodynamic Therapy and Two‐Photon‐Activated Therapeutic Delivery Systems
Authors: Soleimany Amir , Aghmiouni Delaram Kargari , Amirikhah Masomeh , Shokrgozar Mohammad Ali , Khoee Sepideh , Sarmento Bruno
Published: July 2024

Two‐photon excitation (2PE) represents substantial advantages in biophotonics over traditional one‐photon excitation (1PE), offering enhanced spatial resolution and deeper tissue penetration capabilities. Since its introduction in the 1990s, two‐photon excited microscopy has spurred the rapid emergence of novel 2PE‐based applications, including photodynamic therapy (PDT) and the targeted release of biologically active agents. This review first elucidates the fundamental principles of 2PE before comprehensively examining the evolution of photosensitizers (PSs) for two‐photon PDT (2P‐PDT), covering both nanomaterials and small molecules, categorized based on their respective characteristics. Additionally, it explores advancements in PS development for integrating 2P‐PDT with other therapeutic modalities (e.g., photothermal therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, gene therapy, etc.). Subsequent sections provide an overview of photoactivatable compounds with two‐photon absorption properties for the controlled release of various therapeutic agents (e.g., drugs, genes, and gasotransmitters), emphasizing their potential in anticancer applications. Last, a deep discussion deciphers the prospects and challenges of 2P‐mediated therapy in cancer treatment, particularly concerning their clinical translation.
Review for Advanced NMR Characterization of Carbon‐Based and Metal Anodes in Sodium Batteries
Authors: Chen Yongqi , Dong Zhe , Lai Shen , Li Yubin , Lv Wei , He Yan‐Bing , Kang Feiyu , Liu Ming
Published: July 2024

Battery performance is highly related to the intrinsic properties of battery materials. To develop commercial anode electrode materials for advanced sodium‐based batteries, it is crucial to understand whose fundamental issues including compositions and structure of the bulk and interface, dynamics and electrochemical reactions during cycling. The key for present and ongoing success of carbon‐based and sodium metal anode is to overcome an intrinsic challenge associated with transport and storage of ions and complicated interface activities, especially for the sodiation process with associated risk of dendrite. Advanced Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR) technique has unique advantages in characterizing the local or microstructure of anode electrode materials and their interfacial evolutions down to the atomic level by a noninvasive and nondestructive manner. In this review, an overview is provided of the recent advances in understanding the fundamental issues of carbon based and sodium metal anode materials using advanced NMR approaches. Here, latest advancements of NMR are presented for applications in characterizing structures and dynamics of anode electrode material as well as their interfacial evolutions. Finally, the prospect and limitation of NMR techniques in batteries research will be highlighted, thereby paving the way for accelerating the development of next generation sodium batteries.
A High‐Throughput Screening Strategy for Synthesizing Molecularly Imprinted Polymer Nanoparticles Selectively Targeting Tumors
Authors: Song Qingmei , Li Yan , Ma Liang , Li Yuan , Lv Yongqin
Published: July 2024

Molecularly imprinted polymers (MIPs) show significant promise as effective alternatives to antibodies in disease diagnosis and therapy. However, the challenging process of screening extensive libraries of monomer combinations and synthesis conditions to identify formulations with enhanced selectivity and affinity presents a notable time constraint. The need for expedient methods becomes clear in accelerating the strategic development of MIPs tailored for precise molecular recognition purposes. In this study, an innovative high‐throughput screening methodology designed to identify the optimal MIP formulation for targeting tumors is presented. Employing a microtiter plate format, over 100 polymer syntheses are conducted, incorporating diverse combinations of functional monomers. Evaluation of binding performance utilizes fluorescence‐based assays, focusing on an epitope of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Through this meticulously structured screening process, synthesis conditions that produced MIP nanoparticles exhibiting substantial specificity for EGFR targeting (KD = 10−12 m) are identified. These “bionic antibodies” demonstrate selective recognition of cancer cells in whole blood samples, even at concentrations as low as 5 cells mL−1. Further validation through fluorescent imaging confirms the tumor‐specific localization of the MIPs in vivo. This highly efficient screening approach facilitates the strategic synthesis of imprinted polymers functioning as precision bioprobes.
Dual‐Engineered Macrophage‐Microbe Encapsulation for Metastasis Immunotherapy
Authors: Wu Leyang , Qiao Liyuan , Zhang Shuhui , Qiu Jiahui , Du Zengzheng , Sun Ying , Chang Xiaoyao , Li Lin , Li Chenyang , Qiao Xinyue , Yin Xingpeng , Hua Zichun
Published: July 2024

Lung metastases are the leading cause of death among cancer patients. The challenges of inefficient drug delivery, compounded by a robust immunosuppressive microenvironment, make effective treatment difficult. Here, an innovative dual‐engineered macrophage‐microbe encapsulation (Du‐EMME) therapy is developed that integrates modified macrophages and engineered antitumor bacteria. These engineered macrophages, termed R‐GEM cells, are designed to express RGD peptides on extracellular membranes, enhancing their tumor cell binding and intratumor enrichment. R‐GEM cells are cocultured with attenuated Salmonella typhimurium VNP20009, producing macrophage‐microbe encapsulation (R‐GEM/VNP cells). The intracellular bacteria maintain bioactivity for more than 24 h, and the bacteria released from R‐GEM/VNP cells within the tumor continue to exert bacteria‐mediated antitumor effects. This is further supported by macrophage‐based chemotaxis and camouflage, which enhance the intratumoral enrichment and biocompatibility of the bacteria. Additionally, R‐GEM cells loaded with IFNγ‐secreting strains (VNP‐IFNγ) form R‐GEM/VNP‐IFNγ cells. Treatment with these cells effectively halts lung metastatic tumor progression in three mouse models (breast cancer, melanoma, and colorectal cancer). R‐GEM/VNP‐IFNγ cells vigorously activate the tumor microenvironment, suppressing tumor‐promoting M2‐type macrophages, MDSCs, and Tregs, and enhancing tumor‐antagonizing M1‐type macrophages, mature DCs, and Teffs. Du‐EMME therapy offers a promising strategy for targeted and enhanced antitumor immunity in treating cancer metastases.
A Fast and Strong Microactuator Powered by Internal Combustion of Hydrogen and Oxygen
Authors: Uvarov Ilia V. , Shlepakov Pavel S. , Svetovoy Vitaly B.
Published: July 2024

The development of fast and strong microactuators that can be integrated in microdevices is an essential challenge due to a lack of appropriate driving principles. A membrane actuator powered by internal combustion of hydrogen and oxygen in a chamber with a volume of 3.1 nanoliters is demonstrated. The combustion in such a small volume is possible only for an extremely high surface‐to‐volume ratio on the order of 107 m−1. The fuel with this ratio is prepared electrochemically in a special regime that produces only nanobubbles. A cloud of nanobubbles merges, forming a microbubble, which explodes, increasing the volume 500× in 10 µs. The actuator generates an instantaneous force up to 0.5 N and is able to move bodies 11 000× more massive than itself. The natural response time of ≈10 ms is defined by the incubation time needed to produce an exploding bubble. The device demonstrates reliable cyclic actuation at a frequency of 1 Hz restricted by the effect of electrolyte aging. After 40 000 explosions, no significant wear in the chamber is observed. Due to a record‐breaking acceleration and standard microfabrication techniques, the actuator can be used as a universal engine for various microdevices including microelectromechanical systems, microfluidics, microrobotics, wearable and implantable devices.