bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How three-dimensional sketching environments affect spatial thinking: A functional magnetic resonance imaging study of virtual reality
Authors: Tung Yu-Hsin , Chang Chun-Yen
Published: March 2024

Designers rely on sketching to visualize and refine their initial ideas, and virtual reality (VR) tools now facilitate sketching in immersive 3D environments. However, little research has been conducted on the differences in the visual and spatial processes involved in 3D versus 2D sketching and their effects on cognition. This study investigated potential differences in spatial and visual functions related to the use of 3D versus 2D sketching media by analyzing functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) data. We recruited 20 healthy, right-handed students from the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture with at least three years of experience in freehand landscape drawing. Using an Oculus Quest VR headset controller and a 12.9-inch iPad Pro with an Apple Pencil, we tested participants individually with 3D and 2D sketching, respectively. When comparing 2D and 3D sketches, our fMRI results revealed significant differences in the activation of several brain regions, including the right middle temporal gyrus, both sides of the parietal lobe, and the left middle occipital gyrus. We also compared different sketching conditions, such as lines, geometrical objects (cube), and naturalistic objects (perspective view of a tree), and found significant differences in the spatial and visual recognition of brain areas that support visual recognition, composition, and spatial perception. This finding suggests that 3D sketching environments, such as VR, may activate more visual–spatial functions during sketching compared to 2D environments. The result highlights the potential of immersive sketching environments for design-related processes and spatial thinking.
Can digital transformation promote the green innovation quality of enterprises? Empirical evidence from China
Authors: Huang Yang , Lau Chau-wa
Published: March 2024

Digital transformation constitutes a crucial component of the digital economy and represents a microcosmic manifestation, playing a vital role in advancing enterprise sustainable development from the perspective of green innovation quality. Using the panel data of Chinese listed companies from 2011 to 2020, the study examines the impact of digital transformation on the quality of green innovation. The study finds that digital transformation significantly increases the green innovation quality of enterprises. Moreover, the positive effect of digital transformation on green innovation quality is strengthened by the executive with digital knowledge experience and in regions with high-level intellectual property protection. The study findings contribute to digitalization research and the literature on green innovation, and provide suggestions for managers and policymakers seeking to improve the quality of environmental sustainability through digital transformation in developing economies.
Factors predicting mortality in hospitalised HIV-negative children with lower-chest-wall indrawing pneumonia and implications for management
Authors: Gallagher Katherine E. , Awori Juliet O. , Knoll Maria D. , Rhodes Julia , Higdon Melissa M. , Hammitt Laura L. , Prosperi Christine , Baggett Henry C. , Brooks W. Abdullah , Fancourt Nicholas , Feikin Daniel R. , Howie Stephen R. C. , Kotloff Karen L. , Tapia Milagritos D. , Levine Orin S. , Madhi Shabir A. , Murdoch David R. , O’Brien Katherine L. , Thea Donald M. , Baillie Vicky L. , Ebruke Bernard E. , Kamau Alice , Moore David P. , Mwananyanda Lawrence , Olutunde Emmanuel O. , Seidenberg Phil , Sow Samba O. , Thamthitiwat Somsak , Scott J. Anthony G. ,   for The PERCH Study Group
Published: March 2024

Introduction

In 2012, the World Health Organization revised treatment guidelines for childhood pneumonia with lower chest wall indrawing (LCWI) but no ‘danger signs’, to recommend home-based treatment. We analysed data from children hospitalized with LCWI pneumonia in the Pneumonia Etiology Research for Child Health (PERCH) study to identify sub-groups with high odds of mortality, who might continue to benefit from hospital management but may not be admitted by staff implementing the 2012 guidelines. We compare the proportion of deaths identified using the criteria in the 2012 guidelines, and the proportion of deaths identified using an alternative set of criteria from our model.

Methods

PERCH enrolled a cohort of 2189 HIV-negative children aged 2–59 months who were admitted to hospital with LCWI pneumonia (without obvious cyanosis, inability to feed, vomiting, convulsions, lethargy or head nodding) between 2011–2014 in Kenya, Zambia, South Africa, Mali, The Gambia, Bangladesh, and Thailand. We analysed risk factors for mortality among these cases using predictive logistic regression. Malnutrition was defined as mid-upper-arm circumference <125mm or weight-for-age z-score <-2.

Results

Among 2189 cases, 76 (3·6%) died. Mortality was associated with oxygen saturation <92% (aOR 3·33, 1·99–5·99), HIV negative but exposed status (4·59, 1·81–11·7), moderate or severe malnutrition (6·85, 3·22–14·6) and younger age (infants compared to children 12–59 months old, OR 2·03, 95%CI 1·05–3·93). At least one of three risk factors: hypoxaemia, HIV exposure, or malnutrition identified 807 children in this population, 40% of LCWI pneumonia cases and identified 86% of the children who died in hospital (65/76). Risk factors identified using the 2012 WHO treatment guidelines identified 66% of the children who died in hospital (n = 50/76).

Conclusions

Although it focuses on treatment failure in hospital, this study supports the proposal for better risk stratification of children with LCWI pneumonia. Those who have hypoxaemia, any malnutrition or those who were born to HIV positive mothers, experience poorer outcomes than other children with LCWI pneumonia. Consistent identification of these risk factors should be prioritised and children with at least one of these risk factors should not be managed in the community.
Association between media exposure and maternal health service use in Nepal: A further analysis of Nepal Demographic and Health Survey-2022
Authors: Sharma Shreeman , Adhikari Bikram , Pandey Achyut Raj , Karki Sulata , K. C. Saugat Pratap , Joshi Deepak , Baral Sushil Chandra
Published: March 2024

Background

Nepal has made incremental progress in improving coverage of maternal health services leading to improved health outcomes. Government and other health sector stakeholders have consistently considered dissemination of educational messages on maternal health through mass media. However, in Nepal’s context, the media’s influence on the uptake of maternal health services is less known. This study examines the links between media exposure and maternal health service use in Nepal.

Method

Our analysis is based on the nationally representative Nepal Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS) 2022 data. We analyzed data from 1933 women aged 15–49 who had given birth in the two years preceding the survey. Weight analysis was performed to account for complex survey design. We presented categorical variables as frequency, percentage, and corresponding 95% Confidence Interval (CI). Univariable and multivariable logistic regression assessed the association between media exposure and maternal health service use, and the results are presented as crude (COR) and adjusted odds ratios (AOR) along with 95% CI.

Results

Women exposed to internet use had 1.59 times [AOR = 1.59, 95% CI = 1.16, 2.19], and those exposed to radio and television health programs had 1.73 times [AOR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.17, 2.56] higher odds of having four or more Antenatal Care (ANC) visits. Similarly, women exposed to mass media had 1.32 times [AOR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.00, 1.74] and those exposed to health programs had 1.50 times [AOR = 1.50, 95% CI = 1.02, 2.21] higher odds of having an institutional delivery. However, mass media exposure, internet use, and health program exposure were not significantly associated with increased postnatal care of mother and newborn.

Conclusion

Exposure to health programs and internet use are positively associated with four or more ANC visits. Exposure to mass media and health programs are positively associated with increased institutional delivery. Our findings imply that well-designed campaigns and awareness programs delivered through mass media platforms play a vital role in enhancing the uptake of maternal health services.
Spatio-temporal evolution and driving factors of new urbanization in central China based on multi-source data
Authors: An Yu , Peng Lingtong , Geng Liang
Published: March 2024

Urbanization is an inevitable outcome of the development of human society to a certain stage, and it is also an irreversible pattern of the concentration degree of human society. Based on multi-source data such as remote sensing images, ecological environment and socio-economic data, the evaluation index system of new urbanization is constructed from multi-dimensions of population, economy, society, space and ecology. To explore the spatio temporal evolution and driving factors of urbanization in 80 prefecture-level cities in central China from 2013 to 2021 by using entropy method, spatial autocorrelation model and geographic detector. The results show that: (1) The level of new urbanization continues to grow, with the average value rising from 0.1562 in 2013 to 0.2557 in 2021, and the regional differences are obvious, forming a circle structure with Wuhan, Zhengzhou and other provincial capitals as the center and weakening radiation to surrounding cities. (2) The agglomeration of ecological urbanization is significant, and the agglomeration trend is gradually enhanced. The high-high agglomeration areas tend to Xinzhou City, most prefecture-level cities in Hubei Province and some prefecture-level cities in Southern Hunan Province, while the low-low agglomeration areas tend to Changzhi City, most prefecture level cities in Henan Province and some prefecture-level cities in Northern Anhui Province. (3) The night light index, total retail sales of consumer goods, investment in fixed assets, proportion of built-up areas and urban economic density are the main driving factors affecting the level of new urbanization. (4) The interaction of driving factors shows double factor enhancement and nonlinear enhancement effects.
Qualitative classification of thrombus images as a way to improve quantitative analysis of thrombus formation in flow chamber assays
Authors: Kamola Piotr , Przygodzki Tomasz
Published: March 2024

Background

Thrombus formation in vitro under flow conditions is one of the most widely used methods to study haemostasis and to evaluate the activity of potential antithrombotic compounds. Assessment of the results of these experiments is often based on a quantification of microscopic images of thrombi. In a majority of reported analysis all thrombi visualised in an image are quantified as one homogenous class. In some protocols, qualitative assessment of thrombi morphology based on a visual comparison of evaluated images with representative images of predefined classes of thrombi are performed by experienced analysts. In presented paper we show how the quantitative analysis can be improved by classification of thrombi on the basis of defined morphological features prior to quantification and we suggest that machine learning-based approach can improve this way of analysis.

Methods

We tested the applicability of machine learning-based segmentation and classification of thrombi images to improve the outcome of quantification of the results of flow chamber assays. For this, we used the public domain machine learning software Ilastik for bioimage analysis developed at the European Molecular Biology Laboratory. A model was trained to distinguish two classes of thrombi based on certain morphological features which apparently correspond to the stage of thrombus development. Thrombi formed in the presence of a model antiplatelet compound—abciximab or in control conditions were quantified with the use of this model and the results were compared to quantification where all thrombi were quantified as a homogenous class.

Results

Machine learning-based analysis was capable of effective distinguishing of two classes of morphologically distinct platelet aggregates. The use of the model which segmented and quantified only the objects recognized as compacted structures provided results which better mirrored the actual effect of an antiplatelet treatment than quantification based on all structures.

Conclusions

Classification of thrombi enabled by machine learning increases the relevance of quantitative information and allows better evaluation of the results of in vitro thrombosis assays.
A possible thermodynamic definition and equation of state for a model of political election cycles
Authors: Domenikos George-Rafael , Mantzaris Alexander V.
Published: March 2024

This work demonstrates how a simulation of political discourse can be formulated using variables of the agents’ behaviors in a simulation, as thermodynamic variables. With these relations the methodology provides an approach to create a correspondence between the variables of an agent based social system and those of a thermodynamic system. Extended from this observation, diagrams akin to a P-V diagram for gases can be created for this social system. The basic thermodynamic variables of temperature, pressure and volume are defined from a system of agents with political and non-political actions engaged in simulated political discourse. An equation of state is defined for the simulated political phenomenon. Through this equation of state the full thermodynamic map of the system is presented under a P-V diagram with isothermal and isentropic lines, which is able to represent the political situation of the system at each point of time. The classic election cycle that takes place can be represented on this thermodynamic map (corresponding to an Otto cycle). This provides a possibility for researching macroscopic social cycles as a thermodynamic/informational cycle as the traces on the thermodynamic map show similarities to an Otto cycle. Such a formulation reinforces the endeavours of social physics to view social phenomena with physical principles.
Associative linking for collaborative thinking: Self-organization of content in online Q&A communities via user-generated links
Authors: Sher Noa , Rafaeli Sheizaf
Published: March 2024

Virtual collaborative Q&A communities generate shared knowledge through the interaction of people and content. This knowledge is often fragmented, and its value as a collective, collaboratively formed product, is largely overlooked. Inspired by work on individual mental semantic networks, the current study explores the networks formed by user-added associative links as reflecting an aspect of self-organization within the communities’ collaborative knowledge sharing. Using eight Q&A topic-centered discussions from the Stack Exchange platform, it investigated how associative links form internal structures within the networks. Network analysis tools were used to derive topological indicator metrics of complex structures from associatively-linked networks. Similar metrics extracted from 1000 simulated randomly linked networks of comparable sizes and growth patterns were used to generate estimated sampling distributions through bootstrap resampling, and 99% confidence intervals were constructed for each metric. The discussion-network indicators were compared against these. Results showed that participant-added associative links largely led to networks that were more clustered, integrated, and included posts with more connections than those that would be expected in random networks of similar size and growth pattern. The differences were observed to increase over time. Also, the largest connected subgraphs within the discussion networks were found to be modular. Limited qualitative observations have also pointed to the impacts of external content-related events on the network structures. The findings strengthen the notion that the networks emerging from associative link sharing resemble other information networks that are characterized by internal structures suggesting self-organization, laying the ground for further exploration of collaborative linking as a form of collective knowledge organization. It underscores the importance of recognizing and leveraging this latent mechanism in both theory and practice.
Unveiling Sri Lanka’s brain drain and labour market pressure: A study of macroeconomic factors on migration
Authors: Kaluarachchi Sandunima , Jayathilaka Ruwan
Published: March 2024

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of GDP per capita income (GDPPCI), unemployment, higher education (HE), and economic growth (EG) on migration in Sri Lanka. Numerous global and local studies have explored the influence of macroeconomic and socioeconomic factors on migration. In the Sri Lankan context, fewer studies have probed the impact of GDPPCI, unemployment, HE, and EG on migration, particularly concerning brain drain and domestic labour market pressure. An applied research methodology was adopted, utilising annual data from 1986 to 2022. The statistical data were sourced from reports by the Sri Lanka Bureau of Foreign Employment (SLBFE), the Central Bank of Sri Lanka (CBSL), Labor Force Survey Data from the Department of Census and Statistics (LFSDCS), and University Grants Commissions (UGC). This study utilised the Vector Error Correlation model (VECM), Vector Auto-regression (VAR), and Granger Causality test through STATA. The empirical findings of the VAR model highlighted that GDPPCI and EG negatively impact migration, whereas unemployment and HE positively affect migration. The study’s implications demonstrated that GDPPCI, unemployment, HE, and EG were the primary factors influencing the country’s migration decisions. These findings will hopefully inform and guide the Sri Lankan government and policymakers for more effective decision-making.
Candida auris undergoes adhesin-dependent and -independent cellular aggregation
Authors: Pelletier Chloe , Shaw Sophie , Alsayegh Sakinah , Brown Alistair J. P. , Lorenz Alexander
Published: March 2024

Candida auris is a fungal pathogen of humans responsible for nosocomial infections with high mortality rates. High levels of resistance to antifungal drugs and environmental persistence mean these infections are difficult to treat and eradicate from a healthcare setting. Understanding the life cycle and the genetics of this fungus underpinning clinically relevant traits, such as antifungal resistance and virulence, is of the utmost importance to develop novel treatments and therapies. Epidemiological and genomic studies have identified five geographical clades (I-V), which display phenotypic and genomic differences. Aggregation of cells, a phenotype primarily of clade III strains, has been linked to reduced virulence in some infection models. The aggregation phenotype has thus been associated with conferring an advantage for (skin) colonisation rather than for systemic infection. However, strains with different clade affiliations were compared to infer the effects of different morphologies on virulence. This makes it difficult to distinguish morphology-dependent causes from clade-specific or even strain-specific genetic factors. Here, we identify two different types of aggregation: one induced by antifungal treatment which is a result of a cell separation defect; and a second which is controlled by growth conditions and only occurs in strains with the ability to aggregate. The latter aggregation type depends on an ALS-family adhesin which is differentially expressed during aggregation in an aggregative C. auris strain. Finally, we demonstrate that macrophages cannot clear aggregates, suggesting that aggregation might after all provide a benefit during systemic infection and could facilitate long-term persistence in the host.
Hepatitis B virus e antigen induces atypical metabolism and differentially regulates programmed cell deaths of macrophages
Authors: Li Yumei , Wu Christine , Lee Jiyoung , Ning Qiqi , Lim Juhyeon , Eoh Hyungjin , Wang Sean , Hurrell Benjamin P. , Akbari Omid , Ou Jing-hsiung James
Published: March 2024

Macrophages can undergo M1-like proinflammatory polarization with low oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and high glycolytic activities or M2-like anti-inflammatory polarization with the opposite metabolic activities. Here we show that M1-like macrophages induced by hepatitis B virus (HBV) display high OXPHOS and low glycolytic activities. This atypical metabolism induced by HBV attenuates the antiviral response of M1-like macrophages and is mediated by HBV e antigen (HBeAg), which induces death receptor 5 (DR5) via toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) to induce death-associated protein 3 (DAP3). DAP3 then induces the expression of mitochondrial genes to promote OXPHOS. HBeAg also enhances the expression of glutaminases and increases the level of glutamate, which is converted to α-ketoglutarate, an important metabolic intermediate of the tricarboxylic acid cycle, to promote OXPHOS. The induction of DR5 by HBeAg leads to apoptosis of M1-like and M2-like macrophages, although HBeAg also induces pyroptosis of the former. These findings reveal novel activities of HBeAg, which can reprogram mitochondrial metabolism and trigger different programmed cell death responses of macrophages depending on their phenotypes to promote HBV persistence.
Solving the Mysteries of Big Bang Cosmology Starting from the Essence of Relativity
Authors: Hu Chang-Wei
Published: March 2024

Nowadays, it is well known that the universe started from a big bang. However, its magic and nihility are quite obvious, and some people always hold negative opinions about it. General relativity is the main theoretical basis of Big Bang cosmology. Starting from the essence of relativistic spacetime view, we would point out that the relativistic effect is a lens effect, namely the relativistic spacetime is not the real spacetime, but the material spacetime formed by observing the world through the physical vacuum. Therefore the gravitational field equation based on this spacetime view cannot describe the real universe. There are other problems with Big Bang cosmology, such as the indirectness and approximation of the actual data, and the free parameters are too free in mathematical models. The universe is inexhaustible, and cosmology will be always on the way.
DIVERSIDADE DE GÊNERO E PRESENÇA DO TEMA EM ANIMES: RELATOS DE ESTUDANTES DO INTERIOR DO AMAZONAS
Authors: Luz Fernando Albuquerque , Nogueira da Silva Nelcilane
Published: March 2024

Diversidade de gênero é a maneira em que o indivíduo se identifica, independente do sexo biológico. É consenso que a sociedade atual está ainda impregnada de diversos tipos de preconceitos. Assim, o prejulgamento mediante a diversidade de gênero vem impactando a população. Nessa visão a escola tem como papel desmistificar preceitos na tentativa de minimizar a exclusão social. Objetivou-se nessa pesquisa investigar o que alunos dos níveis fundamental, médio e superior compreendem sobre diversidade de gênero e se eles conseguem identificar essa diversidade em animes. O levantamento de dados foi através de um questionário para um total de 210 estudantes. Destaca-se que nenhum dos 70 estudantes do Ensino Fundamental souberam definir diversidade de gênero, e que apenas 34,29% dos estudantes do Ensino Superior entendem este conceito. Apesar de não conseguir conceituar a diversidade de gênero, aqueles estudantes que assistem animes, conseguem identificar a diversidade de gênero no anime.
DANÇA, GÊNERO E SEXUALIDADE
Authors: Corrêa Vieira Jeanne , Ferrari Anderson , Polato de Castro Roney
Published: March 2024

O foco de problematização neste artigo são os processos de subjetivação de oito integrantes que compõem o grupo de dança Barbies, que se caracteriza pela diversidade de gênero e sexual. Este texto é resultado de uma pesquisa mais abrangente interessada nas relações entre a dança como espaço educativo dos sujeitos e as articulações com discursos, saberes e poderes. Como perspectiva teórico-metodológica, estamos acionando os estudos pós-estruturalistas, de inspiração foucaultiana, que se debruçam nos discursos e suas relações para colocar sob suspeita nossas formas de pensar e agir, ser e estar no mundo. Como procedimento metodológico, trabalhamos com rodas de conversas e entrevistas que nos possibilitaram construir um campo em que as falas dos/as integrantes nos mostraram como eles/as vão se conhecendo, constituindo-se e fortalecendo-se no interior do grupo em meio às relações de amizade.
OS HOMENS NO BALÉ CLÁSSICO PROFISSIONAL CAPIXABA
Authors: Souza de Oliveira Taru , Wenetz Ileana
Published: March 2024

O presente artigo tem por objetivo analisar como as masculinidades são expressas no balé clássico, problematizando a constituição do que se entende por “homem” e as expectativas sociais sobre corpos ditos masculinos que demonstram uma performatividade cis-heteronormativa. Procuramos refletir, a partir da abordagem pós-estruturalista e dos Estudos Culturais, as construções das masculinidades e das feminilidades presentes na vida de homens bailarinos clássicos profissionais da região metropolitana do ES/BR. Por meio da história de vida, entrevistamos quatro bailarinos profissionais, a fim de compreendermos e problematizarmos suas percepções sobre a expectativa social acerca dos corpos “masculinos” que circundam uma performance cis-heteronormativa. As reflexões explicitam que a associação do balé clássico enquanto uma prática feminina e/ou homossexual persiste e evidenciam os processos de naturalização e normalização de uma performance cisgênero e heterossexual aos bailarinos homens, independente de suas identidades de gênero e sexualidades.
Community-based Empowerment: Unveiling patron-client Patterns in Voluntary Trader Partnerships for Enhanced Production in Desa Kolot, Cikalong Tasikmalaya
Authors: Prijana  , Iwan Koswara  , Neneng Komariah
Published: March 2024

Enhancing production activities in Desa Kolot, Cikalong Tasikmalaya is achieved through mutually beneficial partnerships among traders, exemplifying a community-driven empowerment model. This approach is introduced as a response to counter the negative perceptions associated with interventionist empowerment strategies implemented by head of village. The objective of this research is to uncover the interconnected pattern involving traders with ample capital collaborating with those lacking financial resources. Employing a qualitative methodology with a phenomenological approach, the data analysis utilizes the patron-client theory. The study identifies the effectiveness of an empowerment model that optimizes the local potential of traditional snack production, deeply rooted in the community’s traditions. The empowerment mechanism is executed through voluntary connections established between major traders providing capital and smaller traders contributing culinary products. Small traders, as beneficiaries, get provision of materials, production tools, and skill enhancements offered by larger traders. Similarly, major traders benefit by gaining access to a market for the product of culinary, thereby expanding their customer base. These personal, voluntary, and tradition-bound relationships reflect dyadic connections characterized by an imbalance, potentially leading to domination and exploitation.
İKLİM AKTİVİZMİ ÜZERİNE NİTEL BİR ARAŞTIRMA: “FRIDAYS FOR FUTURE HAREKETİ”
Authors: BEKTAŞ DURMUŞ Sevil
Published: March 2024

Küresel ısınmanın sonucu olarak karşımıza çıkan iklim değişiklikleri ve bu değişikliklere bağlı yaşanan doğal felaketler, iklim krizi konusunu gündeme taşımıştır. Çevre kirliliğinin ve bunun yarattığı ekolojik değişimlerin son yıllarda daha fazla gündeme gelmesinin sebebi ise insanların bilinçlenmesi ve çevreye verilen zararın artık geri dönüşü olmayan noktalara gelmesidir. Dünyanın karşı karşıya kaldığı iklim krizinin etkilerinden zarar görmemesi için gerekli tedbirlerin alınmasını ve bu konuda yasal düzenlemeler yapılmasını talep eden aktivistlerin oluşturduğu Fridays For Future hareketi, “İklim Grevi” olarak bilinen eylemlere katılmak için cuma derslerini atlayan okul öğrencilerin başlattığı uluslararası bir hareketidir. Bu çalışma, iklim değişimlerine dikkat çekerek farkındalık oluşturmayı amaçlayan genç aktivist bireylerin örgütlenme gücünü ve küresel çapta iklim tartışmalarının nasıl dönüştüğünü anlamayı amaçlamaktadır. Bu bağlamda, İsveç’te Greta Thunberg tarafından başlatılan, iklim adaleti için mücadele eden “Fridays for Future” adlı oluşum incelenmiştir. Fridays For Future” hareketinin resmi Twitter ve Instagram hesaplarının “3 Mart 2023 Küresel İklim Grevi” sürecindeki paylaşımları içerik analizi yöntemi ile irdelenmiştir. Bu hareket, gençler tarafından iklim sorununun sahiplenildiğini ve gelecek kaygısı taşıyan yeni nesilin sesini duyurmak için dijital ortamda örgütlendiğini göstermektedir.
Inteligencia artificial para la investigación económica
Authors: Tejedor Estupiñán Joan Miguel
Published: March 2024

Para comprender los fenómenos económicos, la investigación económica tradicional se ha fundamentado, primordialmente, en análisis estadísticos y modelos matemáticos y econométricos. Sin embargo, el rápido avance de la inteligencia artificial en las últimas décadas, de la mano de la cuarta Revolución Industrial impulsada por el big-data, la computación en la nube, la impresión 3D, la ciberseguridad, el internet de las cosas, los sistemas integrados, la simulación, los robots, la realidad aumentada y, por último, pero no menos importante, la Inteligencia Artificial (IA), ha creado nuevas posibilidades y herramientas para los investigadores en temas relacionados con las ciencias económicas. El avance de las IA se consolidarápidamente en los diferentes ámbitos de la vida económica, social, medioambiental e incluso política de los seres humanos. En particular, en el campo de la investigación se consolidan como herramientas avanzadas para desarrollar propuestas de investigación, procesar grandes cantidades de datos, identificar patrones complejos y realizar predicciones más precisas. Estas capacidades han permitido a los economistas abordar los problemas económicos desde su vasta complejidad, a fin de formular resultados más objetivos y propuestas más precisas para su comprensión y abordaje eficiente, equitativo y eficaz.
On building machine learning models for medical dataset with correlated features
Authors: Nayak Debismita , Tantravahi Sai Lakshmi Radhika
Published: March 2024

This work builds machine learning models for the dataset generated using a numerical model developed on an idealized human artery. The model has been constructed accounting for varying blood characteristics as it flows through arteries with variable vascular properties, and it is applied to simulate blood flow in the femoral and its continued artery. For this purpose, we designed a pipeline model consisting of three components to include the major segments of the femoral artery: CFA, the common femoral artery and SFA, the superficial artery, and its continued one, the popliteal artery (PA). A notable point of this study is that the features and target variables of the former component pipe form the set of features of the latter, thus resulting in multicollinearity among the features in the third component pipe. Thus, we worked on understanding the effect of these correlated features on the target variables using regularized linear regression models, ensemble, and boosting algorithms. This study highlighted the blood velocity in CFA as the primary influential factor for wall shear stress in both CFA and SFA. Additionally, it established the blood rheology in PA as a significant factor for the same in it. Nevertheless, because the study relies on idealized conditions, these discoveries necessitate thorough clinical validation.
Wer setzt sich in Deutschland gegen Rassismus ein? Antirassistischer Protest im Spiegel repräsentativer Daten
Authors: Kim Tae Jun , Steinhilper Elias
Published: March 2024

Antirassistischer Protest hat in Deutschland zuletzt deutlich an Sichtbarkeit gewonnen. Aufgrund mangelnder Daten sind allerdings einige grundlegende Fragen ungeklärt, darunter: Wie groß ist das Mobilisierungspotenzial für antirassistischen Protest und welche sozialen, psychologischen und politischen Faktoren erklären Protestpotenzial und -praxis? In diesem Beitrag greifen wir auf empirische Daten zurück, die im Rahmen einer repräsentativen Panelstudie des Nationalen Diskriminierungs- und Rassismusmonitors erhoben wurden. Unsere Daten zeigen, dass antirassistischer Protest in Deutschland ein großes Mobilisierungspotenzial in breiten Teilen der Bevölkerung hat und sich nicht auf eine kleine soziale oder politische Nische beschränkt. Darüber hinaus dokumentieren unsere Daten, dass relationale und emotionale Einflussfaktoren die Protestteilnahme und das Mobilisierungspotenzial positiv beeinflussen.
Yeast Bxi1/Ybh3 mediates conserved mitophagy and apoptosis in yeast and mammalian cells: convergence in Bcl-2 family
Authors: Wang Yuying , Hu Zhiyuan , Jiang Maojun , Zhang Yanxin , Yuan Linjie , Wang Ziqian , Song Ting , Zhang Zhichao
Published: March 2024

The process of degrading unwanted or damaged mitochondria by autophagy, called mitophagy, is essential for mitochondrial quality control together with mitochondrial apoptosis. In mammalian cells, pan-Bcl-2 family members including conical Bcl-2 members and non-conical ones are involved in and govern the two processes. We have illustrated recently the BH3 receptor Hsp70 interacts with Bim to mediate both apoptosis and mitophagy. However, whether similar pathways exist in lower eukaryotes where conical Bcl-2 members are absent remained unclear. Here, a specific inhibitor of the Hsp70-Bim PPI, S1g-10 and its analogs were used as chemical tools to explore the role of yeast Bxi1/Ybh3 in regulating mitophagy and apoptosis. Using Om45-GFP processing assay, we illustrated that yeast Ybh3 mediates a ubiquitin-related mitophagy pathway in both yeast and mammalian cells through association with Hsp70, which is in the same manner with Bim. Moreover, by using Bax/Bak double knockout MEF cells, Ybh3 was identified to induce apoptosis through forming oligomerization to trigger mitochondrial outer membrane permeabilization (MOMP) like Bax. We not only illustrated a conserved ubiquitin-related mitophagy pathway in yeast but also revealed the multi-function of Ybh3 which combines the function of BH3-only protein and multi-domain Bax protein as one.
Long term clinical follow up of four patients with Wolfram syndrome and urodynamic abnormalities
Authors: Dange Nimisha S. , Shah Nikhil , Oza Chirantap , Sharma Jyoti , Singhal Jyoti , Yewale Sushil , Mondkar Shruti , Ambike Shriniwas , Khadilkar Vaman , Khadilkar Anuradha V.
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Wolfram syndrome is characterised by insulin-dependent diabetes (IDDM), diabetes insipidus (DI), optic atrophy, sensorineural deafness and neurocognitive disorders. The DIDMOAD acronym has been recently modified to DIDMOAUD suggesting the rising awareness of the prevalence of urinary tract dysfunction (UD). End stage renal disease is the commonest cause of mortality in Wolfram syndrome. We present a case series with main objective of long term follow up in four children having Wolfram syndrome with evaluation of their urodynamic profile.

Methods

A prospective follow up of four genetically proven children with Wolfram syndrome presenting to a tertiary care pediatric diabetes clinic in Pune, India was conducted. Their clinical, and urodynamic parameters were reviewed.

Results

IDDM, in the first decade, was the initial presentation in all the four children (three male and one female). Three children had persistent polyuria and polydipsia despite having optimum glycemic control; hence were diagnosed to have DI and treated with desmopressin. All four patients entered spontaneous puberty. All patients had homozygous mutation in WFS1 gene; three with exon 8 and one with exon 6 novel mutations. These children with symptoms of lower urinary tract malfunction were further evaluated with urodynamic studies; two of them had hypocontractile detrusor and another had sphincter-detrusor dyssynergia. Patients with hypocontractile bladder were taught clean intermittent catheterization and the use of overnight drain.

Conclusions

We report a novel homozygous deletion in exon 6 of WFS-1 gene. The importance of evaluation of lower urinary tract malfunction is highlighted by our case series. The final bladder outcome in our cases was a poorly contractile bladder in three patients.
Across time, space, and genres: measuring probabilistic grammar distances between varieties of Mandarin
Authors: Li Yi , Szmrecsanyi Benedikt , Zhang Weiwei
Published: March 2024

This paper aims to quantify distances between varieties of Mandarin (diachronic, regional, and situational) as a function of the similarity in the choice between syntactic variants in the Mandarin theme-recipient alternation (yŭ/gěi dative alternation). We use a novel corpus-based method, Variation-Based Distance and Similarity Modeling, which draws inspiration from work in comparative sociolinguistics and quantitative dialectometry. Analysis reveals that, while there is a relatively stable probabilistic grammar across the investigated varieties, historical varieties do exhibit a relatively higher degree of heterogeneity than synchronic varieties. Despite the overall high similarity of the latter, we identify substantial probabilistic differences between fictional writings of Modern Mainland Mandarin and all other synchronic varieties. Our findings thus provide evidence in support of the hypothesis that the transition from Early Mandarin to Modern Mandarin over the past two centuries has witnessed salient grammatical shifts and also empirically demonstrate the interaction between genre variability and regional variability in Modern Mandarin.
PROCESSO AUTOMÁTICO PARA LIMPEZA DE SISTEMA FOTOVOLTAICO
Authors: SILVA ROBERTO CRUZ DA , De Oliveira Vinicius Coutinho , De Vasconcelos Maria Samara Araújo , Barreto Glaucia De Oliveira
Published: March 2024

Em função da escassez futura dos combustíveis fósseis e a preocupação com o meio ambiente, a procura por fontes de energia alternativa vem crescendo. A energia solar fotovoltaica, que consiste na conversão da energia por meio da incidência dos raios solares nos painéis fotovoltaicos, tem crescido nos últimos anos devido à sua fácil aplicação, bem como ao fato de a sua fonte de energia, o Sol, ser “inesgotável”.  No caso dessa geração de energia, especificamente, há um fator negativo que interfere diretamente na geração, pois pelo aspecto construtivo, por conta do tipo de instalação, os painéis ficam expostos na área externa (ao tempo) e sofrem com a interferência da poeira (sujidade), portanto faz-se necessário a implementação de rotinas de limpeza para minimizar a interferência desse agente. Assim, este estudo apresenta uma proposta de limpeza automatizada de sistemas fotovoltaicos e, após a instalação do mecanismo e dos testes realizados, verificou-se que, comparando com as mensurações quando o painel estava ligeiramente empoeirado, houve uma melhoria de desempenho de aproximadamente 25%, o que demonstra que o sistema se mostrou eficaz. De forma complementar, são apresentados os equipamentos necessários para a composição de um sistema fotovoltaico e os tipos de sistemas.
Empire-Laden Theory
Authors: Lazaroff-Puck Cameron
Published: March 2024

James Clerk Maxwell’s theories of electromagnetism are distinctively Victorian products. Analysis of his often ignored theory of electric absorption and the Maxwellians’ “leaky condenser” reveals that critical details of these theories were shaped by Victorian electrical technology, namely capacitors and undersea telegraphy. Between appearances in his “Dynamical Theory” and Treatise, Maxwell’s theory of electric absorption evolved. It shifted his understanding of electrical action in the dielectric, bolstered central concepts in his broader electromagnetic theories, provided hope for a beleaguered experimental program to confirm his electromagnetic theory of light, and even led him to distort his expression for Ohm’s law. Simultaneously, the technological influences behind his theories come with their own histories. Maxwell draws heavily upon the testimony of cable engineer Fleeming Jenkin to the Joint Committee on the Construction of Submarine Telegraphs, formed to rescue the industry after multiple failed attempts to lay an Atlantic cable. Maxwell’s reliance on this testimony given to this committee imprints the financial and imperial ambition that initially spurred these cables’ construction onto his electromagnetic theories. A substance discussed in this testimony, gutta-percha, also connects Maxwell’s theory to the extractive global trade of this resource. The success of this committee in reforming the telegraph industry links Maxwell’s theories to the colonial, economic, and ecological fallout of the rapid global expansion of Britain’s undersea telegraph network.
Textural Characteristics of Coastal Sediments Between Bhavanapadu and Baruva Villages in Srikakulam District, East Coast of India
Authors: Rao T. Sankara , Reddy K. Satyanarayana , Swathi G. , Sekhar Ch. Ravi , Kumar B. Anantha , Satyanarayananaidu K. , Saheb Shaik John , Ramakrishna B. , Sreedhar P.
Published: March 2024

The texture of a rock or sediment is the size, shape, and arrangement of the grains. The microgeometry of sediments deals with intergranular relationship of grains, their size and shape. In the present study, a total of sixty surficial sediment samples were collected from the study area (foreshore-20, berm-7, backshore-13, and dunes-20) with an interval of 1 km. The geology, geomorphology, drainage pattern, climate, waves, and currents are discussed. The grain size parameters viz., mean grain size, standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis are discussed extensively. Sand is the predominant component in all the sediment samples (99.82–99.93%) whereas silt and clay contents are less than 1% from the four environments. The mean grain size of the sediment samples shows that medium grained sands are followed by fine grained sands indicating a low energy environment of deposition. The standard deviation values reveal that the sediments are well to moderately sorted. The average values of skewness indicate that all the sediment samples are negatively skewed to positively skewed representing an environment of deposition of low to moderate energy conditions.  Most of the kurtosis values indicate that the sediments are of platykurtic to leptokurtic in nature. The platykurtic nature of sediments indicates the sorting of tail portions of sediment populations.
Study Of Multi-Objective Linear Transportation Problem And Its Optimal Solution Using Maximum Divide And Minimum Allotment (MDMA) Method
Authors: Sharma Anushaka , . Rajpal
Published: March 2024

Logistics, supply chain management, and resource allocation are just a few of the many real-world contexts in which the Multi-Objective Linear Transportation Problem presents itself as a formidable optimization issue. In this paper, we seek to solve a multi-objective, linear and non-linear transportation problem by suggesting the most efficient solution possible. The unique Maximum divide and minimum allotment (MDMA) approach was proposed to find a workable answer to a particular transportation issue. It also calculates the solution to the problem using a number of different transportation methods and compares the result to MDMA methods. It is determined that the MDMA approach offers a practical algorithm and solution for the designated transportation problem.
Mapping Of Nutrient Status Of C-Organic And N-Total Soil In The Paddy Fields Of The Duchy District Majalengka Regency
Authors: Sondari Nunung , . Raswin , . Noertjahyani , Amalia Lia , N Candra P. , Wilujeung Sri , Widodo R.Wahyono
Published: March 2024

This study aims to determine the mapping of soil C-organic nutrient status in rice fields in the Majalengka District. The experiment was conducted in the District of the Duchy of Majalengka Regency with an altitude of 855 m above sea level. Kadipaten District has an area of 2,157 ha, with land contours varying from flat to proven. This study starts from January to March 2023. The research method used in this study is mixed because it can answer the problem formulation descriptively, qualitatively, and statistically quantitatively. The method used to take soil samples is the free grid method with a detailed survey rate on a map scale of 1:50,000. The method used for interviews with farmers is the simple random sampling method. The results showed that the area of rice fields in the District of the Duchy, which occupies seven delineated villages, is an area of 1,361.76 ha. Where the area of rice fields in the District of the Duchy is irrigated rice fields covering an area of 917.39 ha and rainfed rice fields covering an area of 444.36 ha, with three criteria for the content of C-organic status, namely medium 598.48 ha (43.95%) occupies part of Pagandon Village, Karang Sambung, Babakan Anyar, and Kadipaten. The area with a low C-organic area is 512.38 ha (37.63%), occupying parts of Pagandon, Karang Sambung, Babakab Anyar, Liangjualang, Heuleut, and Cipaku villages. Then, for the very low C-organic criterion, 250.90 ha (18.42%) occupies part of the village area. Liangjulang, Heuleut and Cipaku.
The Stumbling Block: South African Police Service, and Non-Governmental Organisations Perspective on Human Trafficking in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal
Authors: Nkosi Lindani , Maweni Vuyelwa , Ehiane Stanley Osezua , Moanakwena Penny
Published: March 2024

Human trafficking is not a recent phenomenon. Acts of human abduction for illicit intentions are believed to have been occurring since time immemorial. In South Africa, human trafficking remains a huge threat to peace and security and violates the human rights of all affected individuals. The South African Police Service (SAPS) and relevant non-governmental organisations (NGOs) are two of the systems that should not stint their efforts in addressing this crime. In light of the aforementioned, this study explored i) the frequency of human trafficking occurrences in a month, ii) the effectiveness of the legislature in addressing human trafficking, iii) challenges faced by SAPS in addressing human trafficking, and iv) lastly, the strategies for curbing human trafficking in the city of Durban. The study adopted a qualitative research design with semi-structured one-on-one interviews used for data collection. Purposive sampling was used to select the nine (9) participants drawn from the SAPS and NGOs. The collected data were analysed using the inductive thematic analysis. It is envisaged that this study will be significant in assisting relevant structures such as the SAPS and NGOs in devising new and effective strategies to respond to human trafficking in Durban.
Riesgos TIC desde una Perspectiva Interdisciplinaria
Authors: Áltamirano Yupanqui Josué Ruben
Published: March 2024

The wide range of ICT applications in different fields of human knowledge (government, industry, society) leads us to work with professionals from other disciplines in which their perception of risk technologies may be very different or at best cases equivalen! to our perception. lf we compare the approach of ICT risks from our technical perspective would focus our attention on ensuring service continuity through redundan! ICT infrastructure, technology deployment either in hardware or software, but if we perceived from another perspective, perhaps we would ask: Does it affects human health using ICT?, Does it affect the environment?, is it importan! to the industry?, etc. , This situation leads us to think that ICT risks should be treated from a much broader approach to allow greater clarity in their identification, or what is the same from an interdisciplinary perspective.