bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
NOMA security scheme based on constellation camouflage and selective mapping
Authors: Ma Yiming , Ren Jianxin , Liu Bo , Ma Yilan , Ullah Rahat , Wu Xiangyu , Mao Yaya , Chen Shuaidong , Wan Yibin , Zhong Qing , Xia Wenchao , Wu Yongfeng , Zhao Lilong
Published: June 2023

This study aims to present a non-orthogonal multiple access (NOMA) security scheme based on constellation camouflage and selective mapping. To improve the security of the system, we use a four-dimensional chaos model to camouflage high-power signals at the transmitter. The constellation diagram of high power is disguised from binary phase-shift keying (BPSK) form to quadrature phase-shift keying (QPSK) form, and after power multiplexing, further camouflaged from 8 points to 16 points. To improve the transmission performance of the designed system as much as possible and not increase the computational complexity, we use the selective mapping method in the process of power multiplexing and use the region decision method for demodulation at the receiving end. The proposed scheme is verified by experiments on a 2-km 7-core optical fiber, and achieves the safety transmission of a power division multiplexing–orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (PDM-OFDM) signal with a net rate of 97.38 Gb/s without signal damage. The maximum achievable key space of the proposed scheme is 10135. Hence, it is a feasible and secure non-orthogonal multiple access-passive optical network scheme.
Frequency noise of laser gyros
Authors: Mecozzi Antonio
Published: June 2023

Laser gyros are powerful tools to test the predictions of the general theory of relativity. The precision of a measurement of the rotation rate with a laser gyro is limited by the frequency noise of the beat between two counterpropagating modes of a ring laser. The frequency noise of a single mode of a laser is limited by quantum mechanical constraints because it is related to the maximum precision with which the phase of a coherent state can be measured. If two modes are uncorrelated, the variance of the fluctuations of the difference of the their frequencies is the sum of the variance of the frequency noise of the two modes. If two modes are correlated, this result does not hold any longer. In this paper, we show that there are mechanisms in a laser gyro that are capable to dynamically lock the two modes together without forcing the two modes to the same frequency. The lock of modes decouples the noise of the beat note from the frequency noise of the individual modes, and allows the realization of sub-shot noise laser gyros. These mechanism may explain the recent observation of sub-shot noise performance of the GINGERino laser gyro recently reported in the literature.
HaploCart: Human mtDNA haplogroup classification using a pangenomic reference graph
Authors: Rubin Joshua Daniel , Vogel Nicola Alexandra , Gopalakrishnan Shyam , Sackett Peter Wad , Renaud Gabriel
Published: June 2023

Current mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroup classification tools map reads to a single reference genome and perform inference based on the detected mutations to this reference. This approach biases haplogroup assignments towards the reference and prohibits accurate calculations of the uncertainty in assignment. We present HaploCart, a probabilistic mtDNA haplogroup classifier which uses a pangenomic reference graph framework together with principles of Bayesian inference. We demonstrate that our approach significantly outperforms available tools by being more robust to lower coverage or incomplete consensus sequences and producing phylogenetically-aware confidence scores that are unbiased towards any haplogroup. HaploCart is available both as a command-line tool and through a user-friendly web interface. The C++ program accepts as input consensus FASTA, FASTQ, or GAM files, and outputs a text file with the haplogroup assignments of the samples along with the level of confidence in the assignments. Our work considerably reduces the amount of data required to obtain a confident mitochondrial haplogroup assignment.
PrEP knowledge, acceptability, and implementation in Ghana: Perspectives of HIV service providers and MSM, trans women, and gender diverse individuals living with HIV
Authors: Gyamerah Akua O. , Kinzer Ezra , Aidoo-Frimpong Gloria , Sorensen Guro , Mensah Matilda D. , Taylor Kelly D. , Vanderpuye Naa Ashiley , Lippman Sheri A.
Published: June 2023

Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) could help reduce HIV incidence among cis men, trans women, and gender diverse individuals assigned male at birth who have sex with men (MSM, trans women, and GDSM) in Ghana, a group that bears a high HIV burden. Our study examined PrEP knowledge and acceptability, and barriers and facilitators to its uptake and implementation through qualitative interviews with 32 MSM, trans women, and GDSM clients living with HIV, 14 service providers (SPs), and four key informants (KIs) in Accra, Ghana. We interviewed participants about their PrEP knowledge, whether MSM would take PrEP, and what factors would make it easy/difficult to uptake or implement PrEP. Interview transcripts were analyzed using thematic analysis. There was high acceptability of PrEP use and implementation among MSM, trans women, GDSM, and SPs/KIs in Ghana. MSM, trans women, and GDSM interest in, access to, and use of PrEP were shaped by intersectional HIV and anti-gay stigma; PrEP affordability, acceptability, and ease of use (e.g., consumption and side effects); sexual preferences (e.g., condomless sex vs. condom use), and HIV risk perception. Concerns raised about barriers and facilitators of PrEP use and implementation ranged from medical concerns (e.g., STIs; drug resistance); social behavioral concerns (e.g., stigma, risk compensation, adherence issues); and structural barriers (e.g., cost/affordability, govern commitment, monitoring systems, policy guidance). Targeted education on PrEP and proper use of it is needed to generate demand and dispel worries of side effects among MSM, trans women, and GDSM. Free, confidential, and easy access to PrEP must be supported by health systems strengthening, clear prescription guidelines, and anti-stigma training for providers.
Temporal patterns, spatial risks, and characteristics of tegumentary leishmaniasis in Brazil in the first twenty years of the 21st Century
Authors: Belo Vinícius Silva , Bruhn Fábio Raphael Pascoti , Barbosa David Soeiro , Câmara Daniel Cardoso Portela , Simões Taynãna César , Buzanovsky Lia Puppim , Duarte Anna Gabryela Sousa , de Melo Saulo Nascimento , Cardoso Diogo Tavares , Donato Lucas Edel , Maia-Elkhoury Ana Nilce Silveira , Werneck Guilherme Loureiro
Published: June 2023

Background

Tegumentary leishmaniasis (TL) is a significant public health issue in Brazil. The present ecological study describes the clinical and epidemiological characteristics of TL cases reported in the country, and analyzes the spatial and temporal patterns of the incidences and risks of occurrence across the five geopolitical regions and 27 federative units.

Methodology/Principal findings

Data regarding new cases of TL notified between 2001 and 2020 were obtained from the Information System for Notifiable Diseases of the Brazilian Ministry of Health. Joinpoint and spatial and temporal generalized additive models were used to establish trends in the evolution of TL during the target period. The incidence rate for the entire period was 226.41 cases/100,000 inhabitants. All regions of Brazil showed trends of decreasing incidence rates, albeit with fluctuations at specific times, with the exception of the Southeast where rates have increased since 2014, most particularly in Minas Gerais state. The disease was concentrated predominantly in the North region, with Acre state leading the incidence rank in the whole country, followed by Mato Grosso (Midwest), Maranhão and Bahia (Northeast) states. The spatial distribution of the risk of TL occurrence in relation to the annual averages was relatively stable throughout the period. The cutaneous form of TL was predominant and cases most frequently occurred in rural areas and among men of working age. The ages of individuals contracting TL tended to increase during the time series. Finally, the proportion of confirmations by laboratory tests was lower in the Northeast.

Conclusion/Significance

TL shows a declining trend in Brazil, but its widespread occurrence and the presence of areas with increasing incidence rates demonstrate the persistent relevance of this disease and the need for constant monitoring. Our findings reinforce the importance of temporal and spatial tools in epidemiologic surveillance routines and are valuable for targeting preventive and control actions.
Dengue transmission dynamics prediction by combining metapopulation networks and Kalman filter algorithm
Authors: Zeng Qinghui , Yu Xiaolin , Ni Haobo , Xiao Lina , Xu Ting , Wu Haisheng , Chen Yuliang , Deng Hui , Zhang Yingtao , Pei Sen , Xiao Jianpeng , Guo Pi
Published: June 2023

Predicting the specific magnitude and the temporal peak of the epidemic of individual local outbreaks is critical for infectious disease control. Previous studies have indicated that significant differences in spatial transmission and epidemic magnitude of dengue were influenced by multiple factors, such as mosquito population density, climatic conditions, and population movement patterns. However, there is a lack of studies that combine the above factors to explain their complex nonlinear relationships in dengue transmission and generate accurate predictions. Therefore, to study the complex spatial diffusion of dengue, this research combined the above factors and developed a network model for spatiotemporal transmission prediction of dengue fever using metapopulation networks based on human mobility. For improving the prediction accuracy of the epidemic model, the ensemble adjusted Kalman filter (EAKF), a data assimilation algorithm, was used to iteratively assimilate the observed case data and adjust the model and parameters. Our study demonstrated that the metapopulation network-EAKF system provided accurate predictions for city-level dengue transmission trajectories in retrospective forecasts of 12 cities in Guangdong province, China. Specifically, the system accurately predicts local dengue outbreak magnitude and the temporal peak of the epidemic up to 10 wk in advance. In addition, the system predicted the peak time, peak intensity, and total number of dengue cases more accurately than isolated city-specific forecasts. The general metapopulation assimilation framework presented in our study provides a methodological foundation for establishing an accurate system with finer temporal and spatial resolution for retrospectively forecasting the magnitude and temporal peak of dengue fever outbreaks. These forecasts based on the proposed method can be interoperated to better support intervention decisions and inform the public of potential risks of disease transmission.
A hybrid smell agent symbiosis organism search algorithm for optimal control of microgrid operations
Authors: Mohammed Salisu , Sha’aban Yusuf A. , Umoh Ime J. , Salawudeen Ahmed T. , Ibn Shamsah Sami M.
Published: June 2023

This paper presents a hybrid Smell Agent Symbiosis Organism Search Algorithm (SASOS) for optimal control of autonomous microgrids. In microgrid operation, a single optimization algorithm often lacks the required balance between accuracy and speed to control power system parameters such as frequency and voltage effectively. The hybrid algorithm reduces the imbalance between exploitation and exploration and increases the effectiveness of control optimization in microgrids. To achieve this, various energy resource models were coordinated into a single model for optimal energy generation and distribution to loads. The optimization problem was formulated based on the network power flow and the discrete-time sampling of the constrained control parameters. The development of SASOS comprises components of Symbiotic Organism Search (SOS) and Smell Agent Optimization (SAO) codified in an optimization loop. Twenty-four standard test function benchmarks were used to evaluate the performance of the algorithm developed. The experimental analysis revealed that SASOS obtained 58.82% of the Desired Convergence Goal (DCG) in 17 of the benchmark functions. SASOS was implemented in the Microgrid Central Controller (MCC) and benchmarked alongside standard SOS and SAO optimization control strategies. The MATLAB/Simulink simulation results of the microgrid load disturbance rejection showed the viability of SASOS with an improved reduction in Total Harmonic Distortion (THD) of 19.76%, compared to the SOS, SAO, and MCC methods that have a THD reduction of 15.60%, 12.74%, and 6.04%, respectively, over the THD benchmark. Based on the results obtained, it can be concluded that SASOS demonstrates superior performance compared to other methods. This finding suggests that SASOS is a promising solution for enhancing the control system of autonomous microgrids. It was also shown to apply to other sectors of engineering optimization.
CCX559 is a potent, orally-administered small molecule PD-L1 inhibitor that induces anti-tumor immunity
Authors: Sullivan Kathleen M. C. , Vilalta Marta , Ertl Linda S. , Wang Yu , Dunlap Carolyn , Ebsworth Karen , Zhao Bin N. , Li Shijie , Zeng Yibin , Miao Zhenhua , Fan Pingchen , Mali Venkat , Lange Christopher , McMurtrie Darren , Yang Ju , Lui Rebecca , Scamp Ryan , Chhina Vicky , Kumamoto Alice , Yau Simon , Dang Ton , Easterday Ashton , Liu Shirley , Miao Shichang , Charo Israel , Schall Thomas J. , Zhang Penglie
Published: June 2023

The interaction of PD-L1 with PD-1 is a major immune checkpoint that limits effector T cell function against cancer cells; monoclonal antibodies that block this pathway have been approved in multiple tumor indications. As a next generation therapy, small molecule inhibitors of PD-L1 have inherent drug properties that may be advantageous for certain patient populations compared to antibody therapies. In this report we present the pharmacology of the orally-available, small molecule PD-L1 inhibitor CCX559 for cancer immunotherapy. CCX559 potently and selectively inhibited PD-L1 binding to PD-1 and CD80 in vitro, and increased activation of primary human T cells in a T cell receptor-dependent fashion. Oral administration of CCX559 demonstrated anti-tumor activity similar to an anti-human PD-L1 antibody in two murine tumor models. Treatment of cells with CCX559 induced PD-L1 dimer formation and internalization, which prevented interaction with PD-1. Cell surface PD-L1 expression recovered in MC38 tumors upon CCX559 clearance post dosing. In a cynomolgus monkey pharmacodynamic study, CCX559 increased plasma levels of soluble PD-L1. These results support the clinical development of CCX559 for solid tumors; CCX559 is currently in a Phase 1, first in patient, multicenter, open-label, dose-escalation study (ACTRN12621001342808).
Environmental DNA (eDNA) based fish biodiversity assessment of two Himalayan rivers of Nepal reveals diversity differences and highlights new species distribution records
Authors: Manandhar Prajwol , Manandhar Sulochana , Sherchan Adarsh M. , Joshi Jyoti , Chaudhary Hemanta K. , Dhakal Bimala , Napit Rajindra , Shrestha Bishwo , Rajbhandari Pragun G. , Shrestha Seily , Pradhan Saman M. , Chaudhary Ashok , Puri Dhiraj , Khadka Smriti , Pradhan Nikita , Poudel Ajit , Moravek Jessie A. , Risal Deepak , Basnyat Nilu , Cardinale Pablo , Philipp David , Claussen Julie E. , Gillette David , Shakya Sushan M. , Prajapati Genuine , Bertola Laura , Karmacharya Dibesh
Published: June 2023

Although over 180 freshwater fish species have been reported from Nepal, little is known of their ecology and distribution. This information is needed because their diversity may be threatened by developments like hydropower constructions. We conducted Nepal’s first environmental DNA (eDNA) based fish biodiversity assessment in two major river systems- Karnali River (KR), which is still pristine and Trishuli River (TR) with numerous hydropower plants. The eDNA was concentrated by filtering (0.45 μm pore size) two liters of water collected at different sampling points in each study site. A total of 224 eDNA samples (KR = 162 and TR = 62) were collected, from which fish species were identified by 12S rRNA metabarcording approach utilizing Illumina sequencing platform. Alpha and beta diversity of species between two river basins were compared. Also, in KR site, fish (N = 795) were caught, and identified using COI gene based DNA barcoding method- building Nepal’s first fish DNA reference database. Field sampling identified 21 species through morphology and DNA barcoding, where Barilius spp. and Schizothorax spp. were the most abundant. From 244 eDNA samples, 24 Operational Taxonomic Units (OTUs) were identified in TR and 46 in KR with 19 being common to both sites, 27 being unique in KR, and five in TR only. Most fishes were of Cypriniformes and Siluriformes orders, with Barilius spp. and Schizothorax spp. being the most abundant. Long distance migratory fish (Tor spp, Neolissochilus hexagonolepis) and non-native fishes were identified in eDNA samples as well. Alpha diversity in TR was significantly lower than in KR. High beta diversity between the two sites indicated low similarity in fish diversity between the TR and KR. This study demonstrated the utility of eDNA as a non-invasive technique for biodiversity assessment which is particularly useful in areas like Nepal with scarce data on fish species distribution.
A Rare Cause of Abdominal Pain: Erdheim-Chester Disease
Authors: Chatterjee Arjun , de la Fuente Jaime , Rech Karen L. , Takahashi Naoki , Majumder Shounak
Published: June 2023

A 65-year-old man presented with hematuria, night sweats, nausea, intermittent nonbloody diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Computed tomography angiogram with enterography showed retroperitoneal fibrosis surrounding both kidneys and ureters without any evidence of vascular obstruction or hydronephrosis. Laparoscopic biopsy demonstrated fibroadipose tissue involved by a subtle histiocytic infiltrate in a background of marked fibrosis, scattered lymphocytes, and plasma cells. The histiocytes strongly expressed CD163, Factor XIIIa, and BRAF V600E. He was diagnosed with Erdheim-Chester disease, a rare histiocytic neoplasm uncommonly presenting with gastroenterological manifestations.
Not by the book: the teaching of history in Norwegian kindergartens
Authors: Redvaldsen David
Published: June 2023

This article reports a local study of the presence of history as a subject in the kindergartens of Kristiansand, a municipality in southern Norway. There is no syllabus for history in the national curriculum; nevertheless, the research sought to find historical content in the kindergartens. The research method was informed by a precept of history didactics, namely that history is everywhere. Using this observation, tentative categories for content likely to feature history were formulated, and then searched for in the individual yearly plans of the kindergartens. This was supplemented by interviews. It is concluded that, in accordance with the national curriculum, history in the kindergartens is a local affair. It emerges especially through local history, visits to museums, and projects with historical features. This research was not designed to determine whether learning outcomes in history are achieved, nor to consider kindergartens outside Kristiansand. However, it references a corpus of literature on history in Norwegian kindergartens, and interacts with it. The conclusion about the presence of the subject is the same as was found for another city, Trondheim, in research by others. For international readers, the article also argues that in principle it is possible for young children to learn history orally and informally.
Characterization of The Optical Properties of Motor Vehicle Engine Lubricants Using the Light Polarization Method
Authors: Soesanto Qidir Maulana Binu , Firdausi Ketut Sofjan , Winarno Winarno , Prabawa Wawa Gravelia Permana
Published: June 2023

This paper has carried out active and non-linear optical characterizations of motor vehicle lubricants. The samples used were three two-wheeled vehicle oil with SAE labels: 10W-40, 20W-50, and 10W-30 without pre-treatment. The active optical property (natural polarization) was measured as a function of the polarizer angle without external field interference. Meanwhile, non-linear optical properties (electro-optical polarization) used changes in the polarization of light as a function of the potential difference imposed on the sample. The light sources used were a green pointer laser (532 nm) and a red pointer laser (632 nm). The results showed that the oil has active and non-linear optical properties. The natural polarization characteristic produces two polarization peaks at 30° and 60° on both wavelengths and holds to all samples. It indicates that the dimensions and shape of the molecules in all samples are identical. It is also shown by electro-optical polarization, where the change in polarization acts as a quadratic function of the potential difference with the concentric curves of the three samples, indicating identical molecules. With electro-optical polarization, the total polarization is enhanced without changing the active optical properties in the sample. It gives an advantage for developing this method as a tracer and evaluator of the molecules of other relevant materials.
Stokes' Law Approach to Slag Formation Process to Increase the Effectiveness of Cleaning Metal Liquids in Cast Iron Smelting Process
Authors: Nadi Muhammad Rizki Gorbyandi , Ruskandi Cecep , Siswanto Ari , Hermana Gita Novian
Published: June 2023

The purpose of this study was to increase the effectiveness of slag cleaning in the cast iron smelting process using an induction furnace. This study resulted in the calculation of the terminal velocity of the slag emerging to the surface of the induction furnace based on Stokes' Law approach for each slag that appears during the cast iron smelting process. For each cast iron casting, three samples were taken based on the fastest time on the very light slag, the slag’s time for the heaviest slag, and the extreme time for comparison. The results of each sample are tested for characterization such as shape, size, and chemical composition of each sample which are then adjusted to the calculations that have been made. The characterization was analyzed using X-ray diffraction, scanning electroscope, and energy dispersive spectroscopy microanalysis. The results show that the Stokes law approach to predict the slag reaching the surface gets the appropriate result that all the slag reaches the surface at time t = 230 s. The slag that appears at time t = 300 s is the slag formed due to the interaction of the liquid with the surface which is not the slag that occurs from the raw material used. This study succeeded in minimizing the formation of slag in each casting of cast iron using an induction furnace.
Assessment of Measured and Calculated Dose Rate of Co-60 Teletherapy Machine: 06 Years’ Experience at NORIN Nawabshah, Pakistan
Authors: Waqar Muhammad , Afridi Touqir Ahmad , Soomro Quratulain , Shahban Muhammad
Published: June 2023

It is essential to determine the absolute output dose of Co-60 source in the radiation treatment periodically. It is because overdosage may cause radiation hazards whereas under dosage may lead to the unsatisfactory treatment of cancer. The current study is focused on the consistency of monthly dose output verification of the cobalt-60 Teletherapy unit which should be within ±2% as per international standards. In the present study, the measured and calculated dose rate of the Co-60 teletherapy unit at Nuclear Medicine Oncology and Radiotherapy Institute Nawabshah (NORIN) for the last 6 years is analyzed. The dose measurement was done in water phantom 30×30×30 cm3 at 80 cm Source to Surface Distance with 5cm depth by using calibrated electrometer and PTW ionization chamber. The measured output dose rate obtained by actual dosimetry is within ±2% of the dose rate calculated by the decay method and the deviation lies within the permissible limit as prescribed by International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), International Commission on Radiological Units and Measurement (ICRUM)and American Association of Physicists in Medicine (AAPM). The variation in measurements obtained is within the tolerable limits according to standard protocols and codes. Thus, our study shows a homogenous trend in the dose rate of the Co-60 teletherapy machine.
Terahertz Quasi-Time Domain Spectroscopy using a 808nm multimode diode laser
Authors: Verona Ivan Cedrick Malaluan , De los Reyes Alexander , Bardolaza Hannah , Estacio Elmer
Published: June 2023

We report on a terahertz quasi-time domain spectroscopy (QTDS) system based on a low-cost continuous wave multimode diode laser. Commercially available low-temperature grown gallium arsenide (LT-GaAs) based photoconductive antennas (PCAs) with spiral and dipole configurations were used as emitter and detector, respectively. Terahertz pulses spaced at approximately 55 ps with a bandwidth of 400 GHz were obtained. Parametric measurements of the terahertz peak-to-peak intensity were performed by varying the injection current and temperature while maintaining incident laser power. The highest peak-to-peak intensity was obtained at 170mA injection current and 20° C temperature settings. The change in the THz peak-to-peak intensity is attributed to the mode hopping characteristics of the device which in turn, is dependent on injection current and temperature.
Coupling Efficiency of a Spot Size Converter for Optical Fiber-Chip Connections
Authors: Tresna Wildan Panji , Riana Dedi , Septiawan Reza Rendian
Published: June 2023

The light propagation in optical waveguide must be able to maintain low propagation loss, low coupling loss and scattering loss condition, especially in the junction. In this research, a spot size converter is proposed to preserve the lowest coupling loss. This optical converter is composed of a single mode optical fiber (SiO2) including inversed taper. The optical input signal from the optical fiber is launched into photonic integrated circuits and then coupled into the Si-Slab waveguide. Furthermore, linear form with the length dependence has been studied to obtain the optimal position of optical fiber and the chip and analyzed the coupling efficiency of it. The purpose of this research is to procure the optimal form of spot size converter. The simulation result shows the coupling loss of linear form is 0.62 dB and 0.24 dB on TE and TM mode condition respectively. Along with the increase in the taper length, the coupling loss obtained tends to decrease as well. So that, it can be assumed the design of a linear form with 100 μm taper length provides the highest coupling efficie ncy.
Karakteristik Kawasan Pecinan pada Koridor Jalan Suryakencana Kota Bogor
Authors: Yubelta Evira , Dewi Diah Intan Kusumo
Published: June 2023

Ke-Bhineka-an budaya serta sejarah di Indonesia menjadi warna tersendiri karena memberikan identitas serta ke-khasan yang berbeda pada setiap kota di dalamnya. Kota Bogor, salah satu kota pusaka yang ada di Indonesia, memiliki jejak-jejak sejarah dan kebudayaan yang dapat dilihat pada kawasan Pecinan Suryakencana. Kawasan ini terletak pada koridor Jalan Suryakencana yang merupakan daerah kegiatan perdagangan dan jasa skala pelayanan kota. Letaknya yang strategis di tengah kota menjadi tantangan karena memicu komersialisasi bangunan sehingga banyak bangunan yang semakin tenggelam dengan perkembangan fisik lingkungan kota yang kian modern khususnya pada bangunan-bangunan yang mengandung karakter yang khas. Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui bagaimana kondisi karakteristik kawasan Pecinan pada koridor Jalan Suryakencana Kota Bogor dengan pendekatan morfologi kota berdasarkan aspek fisik dan aspek nonfisik kawasan. Adapun metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah metode kuantitatif dengan teknik analisis deskriptif kualitatif dan kuantitatif. Analisis deskriptif kualitatif dilakukan untuk mendeskripsikan karakter dari setiap komponen data. Selanjutnya, dilakukan pengukuran secara kuantitatif dengan TOM (Trained Observer Method) menggunakan skoring. Hasil analisis penelitian menunjukkan bahwa kondisi kawasan pecinan pada koridor Jalan Suryakencana Kota Bogor memiliki karakter kawasan pecinan yang sedang, terdapat karakter yang lemah seperti bentuk fasad bangunan pada beberapa bangunan yang mulai berubah, rusak, dan tidak terawat sehingga mengurangi sense pada kawasan tersebut. Dengan demikian, diperlukan adanya pelestarian kawasan guna mempekuat karakteristik kawasan pecinan pada koridor Jalan Suryakencana Kota Bogor.
Konsep Penataan Permukiman yang Mendukung Pariwisata Berkelanjutan Berbasis Kearifan Lokal Pulau Lakkang
Authors: Arifin Mimi , Hermansyah H , Sawar N A , Fachrudin M A , Jannah D T , Ayu D M
Published: June 2023

Lakkang Island has several tourism potentials such as natural, cultural and historical aspects where their spots merge together with the local settlement. Due to the sprawling settlement and its less development direction towards sustainability, the problems then arise. Hence, the settlement arrangements rooting for tourism are needed to control its development and to avoid the impact of losing its site-origin identity. Also, it can improve the quality of its environment and the living standards of the locals at once. The research objectives are to identify the physical and non-physical condition of Lakkang’s settlements and to analyze as well as to compile a settlement arrangement concept supporting sustainable tourism based on the local wisdom. The research data were collected through observation, interview, questionnaire, literature study, and documentation. The data are then analyzed using spatial analysis methods, descriptive qualitative and quantitative. This research provides the concept of Lakkang Island tourism development by concerning towards the 4A concept (attraction, accessibility, amenities and ancillary) as well as the arrangement of settlement facilities and infrastructure to support the quality improvement and various sustainable tourism
Sustainability of “Traditional Antitrust” under the Challenge of “Sustainability” and Digitization
Authors: Bejček Josef
Published: June 2023

Antitrust law arose from political pressures and has been subject to political pressures all the time. Recently, the slogan of the digital and economic transformation of society has been spread and there have been discussions about the impact of this social trend on the nature and goals of competition law. The digitalization of antitrust itself does not affect the already rather controversial debate on the goals of competition law. While digitalization does not change the goals of competition law, and competition law “only” has to deal with the challenge of adapting to technological developments within its tool-box, the so-called sustainability is associated with pressures to change and expand the goals of antitrust themselves. However, the protection of competition and consumer welfare must remain a priority, and competition authorities should not be forced to pursue a political agenda outside their remit under the pretext of a significant social change. Considerations of the so-called sustainability, however defined, must be addressed in the context of a classical competitive analysis, which provides enough flexibility to do so even today
Strengthening the European Union by Regulating the Digital Single Market
Authors: Denemark Jaroslav
Published: June 2023

Polarization of the society is nowadays easier than ever due to the strong influence of social media. Opaque algorithms personalize news feed of users through massive data processing and thus creating effects that are fueling extremization of opinions. Negative effects of social media can be used by third parties to influence society to achieve their goals, however antidemocratic. Digital Markets Act and Digital Services Act aim to regulate Digital Single Market through fair competition and consumer protection regulation. This regulation can have significant impact on the democratic deficit of the European Union as it has potential to eradicate analyzed negative effects of social media on the polarization of society.
Frintová, Dita. Mezitímní a částečné rozhodnutí ve světle judikatury a evropské komparace [Interlocutory and Partial Decisions in the Context of Case Law and European Comparisons]
Authors: Sedláček Miroslav
Published: June 2023

Book review on Frintová, Dita. Mezitímní a částečné rozhodnutí ve světle judikatury a evropské komparace [Interlocutory And Partial Decisions In The Context Of Case Law And European Comparisons]. Praha: Wolters Kluwer ČR, 2022, 320 s.
Wybrane objawy zaburzeń psychicznych podczas spowiedzi i wspierająca reakcja spowiednika
Authors: Wąchol Grzegorz
Published: June 2023

Celem artykułu jest syntetyczny opis najczęstszych objawów mogących wskazywać na występowanie zaburzenia psychicznego, co może zostać zaobserwowane przez spowiednika podczas sakramentu pokuty i pojednania. W dalszej kolejności tekst pokazuje wspierającą postawę spowiadającego, który może aktywizować penitenta do pracy nad sobą nie tylko w obszarze rozwoju duchowego, ale również zdrowia psychicznego. Analizie funkcjonalnej poddano dane dotyczące opisu wskaźników postawy odbiegającej od przyjętych norm zdrowia psychicznego i sklasyfi kowano je w obszarze najczęściej występujących zaburzeń psychicznych. W procesie syntezy opracowano zestaw zasad postępowania przez spowiednika w wypadku stwierdzenia symptomów zaburzenia u spowiadającego się. Zaobserwowanie wspomnianych wyżej objawów jest możliwe podczas sakramentu pokuty i pojednania, chociaż nie stanowi profesjonalnej diagnozy odnoszącej się do zdrowia psychicznego. Odpowiednie podejście może sprzyjać aktywizacji działań na rzecz omawianego rodzaju zdrowia przez penitenta pod wpływem zaleceń spowiadającego.
Afirmacja godności nienarodzonego dziecka i prenatalnego rodzicielstwa małżonków. Perspektywa mariologiczna i józefologiczna
Authors: Waluś Monika
Published: June 2023

Celem artykułu jest ukazanie specyfiki procesu afirmacji godności życia nienarodzonego jeszcze dziecka oraz afirmacji prenatalnego rodzicielstwa w perspektywie mariologicznej i józefologicznej. Zastosowana została metoda analizy tekstów biblijnych oparta na różnych komentarzach biblijnych oraz ich interpretacjach obecnych w historii duchowości katolickiej w kontekście dogmatycznym refleksji mariologicznej. W pobożności i tradycji Bożego Narodzenia kwestia afirmacji nienarodzonego Jezusa bywa sprowadzana do braku miejsca w gospodzie, co jest nieporozumieniem historycznym i pomniejsza znaczenie afirmacji rodzicielstwa prenatalnego pary. Odmienne problemy z uznaniem godności wcielonego, jeszcze nienarodzonego Jezusa i rodzicielstwa prenatalnego Maryi powstały wśród chrześcijan w środowisku pogańskim. W części historyczno-teologicznej wskazano na zasadniczą postawę prorodzinności i prodzietności w środowisku Józefa i Maryi, związaną z uznaniem dzieci za dar Boży, dobry dla małżeństwa i społeczeństwa. Poczęcie i narodziny dziecka w małżeństwie były postrzegane jako dobra nowina dla całej wspólnoty. Jednak czas i sposób poczęcia Jezusa był trudnym doświadczeniem dla Józefa i Maryi; oboje zostali zaskoczeni sytuacją i podejmowali decyzję w samotności. Ostatecznym argumentem przyjęcia prenatalnego rodzicielstwa przez oboje – niezależnie od wzajemnych uczuć – jest rozpoznanie woli Bożej i godności nienarodzonego jeszcze dziecka.
Rainfall-flow Modeling Using a Global Conceptual Model: Case of the Beni Bahdel Watershed (Northwest of Algeria)
Authors:   University Center of Maghnia, Bouguerra Sid Ahmed , Mansour Bekhta ,   University Aboubekr Belkaid
Published: June 2023

Rainfall-flow modeling remains necessary, even essential, to understand the dynamics of a watershed and to solve problems related to the disruption of hydrological regimes. It has been proven effective by providing solutions to many water-related problems, such as sizing and management of structures, and flood forecasting. Global hydrological models can simulate the transformation of rainfall data into flows on natural basins for many practical applications in the field of water resource management. Our study aims to evaluate the reliability of one of these models, that of Rural Engineering 'GR' at three time steps: annual (GR1A), monthly (GR2M), and daily (GR4J), which will be applied to the Beni Bahdel watershed with an area of 1040 km², one of the sub-basins of Northwestern Algeria. The input parameters are precipitation and potential evapotranspiration (PET), and the output parameters are flows. The results obtained, both in calibration and validations, are encouraging, where the evaluation criteria taken into consideration, namely the Nash criterion and the correlation coefficient, exceeded 70% and 0.80 respectively. The study could be a decision-making tool for the simulation of flows, and be very useful for future hydraulic developments in the study area.
Teachers’ Qualitatively Different Ways of Experiencing Assessment Feedback: Implications for Teacher Assessment Literacy
Authors: Goh Rachel , Kiat Tan Kelvin Heng
Published: June 2023

Assessment feedback is an important aspect of teacher assessment literacy which can be understood along three interrelated dimensions: 　conceptual in terms of conceptions teachers have of feedback, praxeological regarding feedback practice, and socio-emotional which relates to how teachers attend to the emotional dynamics of assessment from the students’ perspective (Pastore & Andrade, 2019). This paper presents the findings of a phenomenographic study involving 15 teachers in Singapore schools that explored their qualitatively different ways of experiencing assessment feedback. Drawing on the variation theory perspective, the analysis of interview data resulted in five teachers’ conceptions of assessment feedback that shed light on the non-static nature of feedback engagement. These conceptions represent the variation in teachers’ qualitatively different ways of experiencing assessment feedback, and ranged from feedback as inspection of students (emphasizing mistakes) to feedback as introspection for students (emphasizing reflection on feedback). The findings show the potential that teachers can aspire to move from level to level, depending on contexts and students. Insights on the continuum of teacher assessment feedback literacy are drawn. Implications for developing teacher assessment literacy are discussed to assist teachers in reviewing their conceptions of assessment feedback beliefs and enhancing assessment feedback practices beyond improving academic learning.
A Difficulty-Informed Approach to Developing Language Assessment Literacy for Classroom Purposes
Authors: Berger Armin
Published: June 2023

For pre-service teacher education, it would be helpful to know how difficult certain aspects of language testing and assessment are for students. Such information could serve different pedagogical purposes including program design and lesson sequencing. This paper, situated in the context of pre-service teacher education at the University of Vienna, Austria, presents an approach to developing language assessment literacy (LAL) which takes account of the difficulty of language assessment. To obtain empirical difficulty estimates, the items of a LAL test for pre-service teachers of English were converted into statements of ability, knowledge, and understanding and then calibrated by means of multi-facet Rasch analysis based on performance data from 420 students. Qualitative content analysis was used to identify clusters among the calibrations, thus characterizing the difficulty continuum. The findings show a clear progression which can offer a basis for the design of teacher education programs. I first report on the process of generating the difficulty estimates. Then I describe the resulting difficulty continuum with particular emphasis on classroom-based assessment. Finally, I suggest design principles for difficulty-informed assessment courses, illustrating how they could be implemented in the teacher education program at the University of Vienna.
Understanding and Implementing Learning-Oriented Assessment: Evidence From Three Chinese Junior High School EFL Teachers
Authors: Yang Ruijin , May Lyn
Published: June 2023

Assessment has had an enduring influence on teaching and learning English as a Foreign Language (EFL). The conceptualization and enactment of formative assessment as an integral foundation of learning-oriented assessment (LOA) has become the focus of recent studies, reflecting the mandated role of formative assessment in educational policies such as the national curriculum in China. However, it remains largely unexplored how junior high school EFL teachers in China understand and interpret formative assessment in response to policy imperatives and the enactment of learning-oriented assessment practices in classes that often focus on test preparation. To address the gap, this article reports a case study of three junior high school EFL teachers in a southwest city in China in order to explore their assessment beliefs and learning-oriented classroom assessment practices. The data collected included 15 audio-recorded classroom observations and three semi-structured audio-recorded interviews. The three teachers interpreted the concept of LOA in different ways and their classroom practices reflected these understandings. Despite working in a heavily exam-oriented context, the teachers were observed to provide contingent oral feedback to their learners, help learners develop their understanding through learner-centered tasks and interactions where learners were positioned as resources for each other through grouping and peer-assessment opportunities, and encourage learner autonomy. These findings point to ways in which LOA can be realized within exam-oriented English language learning contexts.
Let my speakers talk: metalinguistic activity can indicate semantic change
Authors: Becker Israela
Published: June 2023

In the absence of a diachronic corpus or a synchronic corpus tagged for speakers’ age, substantiating the presence of semantic change and the stage of change ― initial or advanced ― are challenging tasks. In the present study I introduce three methods for overcoming such difficulties by extracting various kinds of evidence from a synchronic corpus not tagged for speakers’ age. All three methods are based on speakers’ metalinguistic activity. Two of them are of a psycholinguistic nature and the third is of a sociolinguistic nature. Not only do these methods provide data hitherto overlooked by researchers for detecting semantic change, but they can also minimize the researchers’ need for interpretative interventions with regard to speakers’ communicative intentions, thus improving the quality of the analysis.
5-Regular prime graphs of finite nonsolvable groups
Authors: Guo Qinghong , Liu Weijun , Lu Lu
Published: June 2023

The prime graph

Δ
⁢

(
G
)

\Delta(G)

of a finite group 𝐺 is a graph whose vertex set is the set of prime factors of the degrees of all irreducible complex characters of 𝐺, and two distinct primes 𝑝 and 𝑞 are joined by an edge if the product

p
⁢
q

pq

divides some character degree of 𝐺.
In 2014, Tong-Viet [H. P. Tong-Viet, Finite groups whose prime graphs are regular, J. Algebra
397 (2014), 18–31] proposed the following conjecture.
Let 𝐺 be a group and let

k
≥
5

k\geq 5

be odd.
If the prime graph

Δ
⁢

(
G
)

\Delta(G)

is 𝑘-regular, then

Δ
⁢

(
G
)

\Delta(G)

is a complete graph of order

k
+
1

k+1

.
In this paper, we show that if the prime graph

Δ
⁢

(
G
)

\Delta(G)

of a finite nonsolvable group 𝐺 is 5-regular, then

Δ
⁢

(
G
)

\Delta(G)

is isomorphic to the complete graph

K
6

K_{6}

or possibly the graph depicted in the first figure below.
Moreover, if 𝐺 is an almost simple group, then

Δ
⁢

(
G
)

\Delta(G)

is isomorphic to the complete graph

K
6

K_{6}

.
A novel fiberglass-reinforced polyurethane elastomer as the core sandwich material of the ship–plate system
Authors: Ismail Abdi , Zubaydi Achmad , Piscesa Bambang , Tuswan Tuswan
Published: June 2023

A novel low-cost polyurethane (PU) elastomeric material reinforced with mat-form fiberglass for alternative ship material was developed. The hand lay-up technique was used to prepare samples with glass fiber contents of 0, 7, 9, 11, and 15% by weight. Several tests, including density, tensile, and hardness tests, have been conducted to investigate the effect of fiber content on the material properties of the developed materials. The test results found that only composites with 0% (PU) and 7% (PFg-7) fiberglass had met all Lloyd’s Register criteria. PFg-7 has a density of 1,098 kg/m3, a hardness of 66.15 shore-D, a tensile strength of 21.32 MPa, and an elongation at break of 47.06%, a higher hardness, elastic modulus, and yield strength than PU. PFg-15 achieved the highest density, hardness, tensile strength, elastic modulus, and yield strength, which were 1,228 kg/m3, 68.85 shore-D, 32.13, 2,176, and 30.89 MPa, respectively. The elastic modulus and yield strength of PFg-15 were 5.6 times and 3 times higher than those of PU but PFg-15 did not meet the elongation at break criteria. PFg-9, PFg-11, and PFg-15 showed brittle properties, as indicated by relatively high hardness, elastic modulus, and yield strength compared to the results from various references.
Homeless Services during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Revisiting Salamon’s Voluntary Failure Theory
Authors: Jang HeeSoun , Valero Jesus N. , Ford Sara
Published: June 2023

This paper examines government and nonprofit relations in the context of federal homeless policy with specific attention to Continuum of Care (CoC) homeless networks during the COVID-19 pandemic. Applying Salamon’s voluntary failure theory, we conduct a qualitative study answering the following question: How, during the COVID-19 pandemic, did government address the voluntary failures of the nonprofit sector? Results expand Salamon’s work by offering a more robust picture of what happens after federal funds are allocated to support the failures of the nonprofit sector. Government funds both help and generate their own limitations, which are further alleviated by nonprofit solutions.
Does Geopolitical Risk Influence China’s Defence Sector Returns?
Authors: Wang Yu , Liu Yun
Published: June 2023

This study utilizes a rolling window Granger test to investigate how global geopolitical tension affects returns in China’s defence sector. The results reveal a highly dynamic and nonlinear relationship between geopolitical risk and the industry’s stock market performance. Notably, our findings suggest that geopolitical risk has recently become a significant predictor of the market return of the defence sector. These results contribute to the existing literature on the impact of geopolitical uncertainties on China’s financial markets and offer new insights into the relationship between international security and the stock market performance of defence contractors. We discuss the implications of this research at the end.