bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Term Quantitative Variation of the Main Opportunistic Macroalgae Species Along the Romanian Black Sea Coast
Authors:   National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, 300 Mamaia Blvd, 900581, Constanta, Romania, Marin Oana
Published: February 2023

Opportunistic macroalgae are those species with an accentuated reproductive capacity, able of generating significant algal deposits during summer season. Opportunistic species associations are an important component of the upper infralittoral rock with variable annual green and red macroalgae habitat, sub-type of the broad habitat infralittoral rock and biogenic reef. For a better overview of the evolution of these species, a long data series (2009 – 2021) was analysed. Samples were collected from depths between 0 and 8 m, along Năvodari towards Vama Veche, where opportunistic species experience an abundant development especially during summer season. In the last decade, quantitatively dominant were the green algae of the genera Ulva (mainly U. rigida, with a biomass variation between 5 and 2500 g/m2) and Cladophora (mainly C. vagabunda, with a biomass variation between 3 and 2800 g/m2). At Agigea, U. rigida recorded high biomass values (the largest U. rigida field can be found here, with a spatial distribution between 1 and 3 m depth), whilst Eforie proved to be more favorable for the development of Cladophora spp. Regarding the quantitative evolution of the opportunistic species, 4 scenarios have emerged during 2009 - 2021: during 2009 summer season, the dominant quantitative genus was Ulva; 2010 summer came with abnormal high water temperatures and nutrients values, extreme factors that proved favorable for the development of Cladophora species; starting with 2014 until 2019, the quantitative dominance returned to Ulva spp., but with lower biomass values compared to Cladophora spp. Starting with 2019, a new increase of Cladophora biomass was recorded.
Culture Techniques for Acartia clausi from the Romanian Black Sea coastal waters
Authors:   ", Harcotă George-Emanuel ,   1 National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, 300 Mamaia Blvd, 900581, Constanta, Romania 2 University of Bucharest, Doctoral School of Ecology, Bucharest, Romania", Bișinicu Elena ,   National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, 300 Mamaia Blvd, 900581, Constanta, Romania, Timofte Florin ,   National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, 300 Mamaia Blvd, 900581, Constanta, Romania, Țoțoiu Aurelia ,   National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, 300 Mamaia Blvd, 900581, Constanta, Romania, Tabarcea Cristina ,   National Institute for Marine Research and Development “Grigore Antipa”, 300 Mamaia Blvd, 900581, Constanta, Romania, Rîșnoveanu Geta ,   University of Bucharest, Doctoral School of Ecology, Bucharest, Romania
Published: February 2023

As copepods are an important food source for most fish larvae, there is a continuing interest in developing techniques for culturing marine copepods as live food in aquaculture. Studies have shown that several species of calanoid copepods can be used successfully in aquaculture, acclimatized and grown in the laboratory over several generations and serve as testing organisms in acute toxicity tests. However, significant difficulties in cultivating calanoid copepods in high quantities were reported. They are related to their low tolerance to changes in water quality and reduced production capacity compared to other taxonomic groups. Therefore, working methods for obtaining viable cultures of calanoid copepods are dependent highly on the local environmental context. Until now, such a method has not been implemented for calanoid species from the Romanian Black Sea coast. This paper details the methodology we adapted and used for achieving a viable Acartia (Acartiura) clausi (Giesbrecht, 1889) culture using specimens collected along the Romania Black Sea coast Reproduction and egg hatching occurred under laboratory-controlled conditions, and viable individuals of A. clausi were obtained. Our results open the possibility of integrating this species in toxicity tests and food production for the marine aquaculture industry.
Biology, Ecology and Ipm of Fall Army Worm Spodoptera Frugiperda  (J E Smith): A Review
Authors: Safder Arfa , Bukero Abdul Aziz , Hyder Moazam , Rana Samreen , Sohail Aneesa , Hanif Mahreen , Shamshar Syed Anika , Imam Attia , Ramzan Muhammad
Published: February 2023

The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J E Smith) is an emerging polyphagous pest. Its primary food is the corn cob, which suffers significant damage with its larvae skeletonizing or “windowing” the leaves. Only the larval stage is seriously risky and small and large communities as well as researchers have used a variety of control methods A number of low-cost mitigation strategies are available and these strategies include encouraging smallholder farmers to plant crops directly after major rainstorms, using cultural methods, such as intercropping and crop rotation, and avoiding some of the ineffective insecticides. Understanding the function of natural enemies in agricultural systems requires monitoring them in the field. Chelonus insularis, Pristomerus spinator, Cotesia marginiventris, Meteorus laphygmae, Chelonus sonorensis, Orius insidiosus, Chelonus texanus, Archytas marmoratus, Elenomus remus, and Trichogramma spp. are parasitoids of S. frugiperda Metarhizium anisopliae, Erynia radicans, Fusarium solani, Nomuraea rileyi and Beauveria bassiana are the main entomopathogenic fungi. These biocontrol agents should be promoted to manage this pest in a sustainable manner.
Inclusive Education: A Step towards Development of Right Based Society
Authors: Baria Prerna
Published: February 2023

Education is considered as human right in various national and international conferences. The same is reflected even in our constitution under different provisions. We consider “Education as a powerful instrument to bring social changes, and often initiates upward movement in the social structure”. Every individual is equally responsible for the positive as well as negatives changes taking place in the society, so in a democratic set-up, its citizen must be necessarily educated for the improvement of human society.
The concept of inclusive education is being misunderstood by many as it is only about disabled children but in fact, it is not confined to the disabled. It also means non-exclusion. Inclusive education, is about embracing all. It has given rise to the concept of respect for an inherent dignity of all human beings. Under all human beings concept, the active and full participation of the people in the society irrespective of their characteristics is emphasized. Inclusive education refers to “to all learners, young people with or without appropriate network of support services”. Now a days it has become necessary to develop sense of social acceptance and inclusion with supportive environment to diverse learners.
Now we have realized the importance of education and striving hard to provide access to education to the entire population, hence change in the attitude of communities, school and government about the right meaning of inclusive education is an important step for making Inclusive society. For the society to be inclusive, it is required to equip disabled learners who ultimately are the part of society with skills, tools and guidance they need to earn a living and lead an independent and happy life. To overcome the incongruous situation, we all have to create an environment to make our society aware about free of discrimination. Here the meaning, need and challenges faced while implementation of inclusive education is elaborate.
Oudedagsvoorziening is uit balans
Authors: Gradus Raymond , Koning Pierre
Published: February 2023

Reflectie & debat

Reflection and debate initiates academically inspired discussions on issues that are on the current policy agenda.
Evaluación de la calidad educativa a través de procesos de acreditación de programas educativos de educación superior en México
Authors: Martínez Castro José David , Ultreras Rodríguez Andrés , Cervantes Martínez Liberato , Salazar Echeagaray Julieta Elizabeth
Published: February 2023

La calidad en la educación superior en México se mide a través de varios parámetros centrados en la evaluación y la acreditación. La primera se realiza por parte de los Comités Interinstitucionales para la Evaluación de la Educación Superior, mientras la segunda es una actividad regulada formalmente por el Consejo para la Acreditación de la Educación Superior. Mediante esos mecanismos se propone hacer más eficiente el sistema educativo en su conjunto y a las instituciones que lo componen, y con ello dar respuestas a las demandas sociales y a los tratados internacionales suscritos, derivados de la globalización y los cambios económicos en la que se encuentra inmerso el país. En este sentido, el presente artículo tiene como objetivo analizar las diferentes teorías que sustentan el concepto de acreditación, contextualizando este proceso de evaluación de la calidad por parte de una organización especializada externa debidamente reconocida, mediante un proceso de revisión de campo y gabinete, aplicando un instrumento de autoevaluación de programa académico.
Assessment of genetic variability, its heritable components and character association in yield and yield contributing traits in apricot (Prunus armeniaca)
Authors: SINGH DINESH , KUMAR K , CHAUHAN NIRMLA , DOGRA R K , VERMA PRAMOD
Published: February 2023

The nature and magnitude of genetic variability and correlation studies was assessed in 20 apricot (Prunus armeniaca L.) genotypes for fruit, yield and quality traits. The phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation were almost identical in expression for these traits. High heritability and high genetic gain were reported for fruit weight and yield per tree. High heritability with moderate genetic gain was obtained for titratable acidity, pulp/stone ratio, stone width, fruit breadth, firmness, fruit length, total sugars and TSS. Genotypic and phenotypic correlationsfor important component traits were also significant with each other. Maximum positive direct effect cited towards yield were contributed by fruit weight, followed by phenols, sugar/acid ratio, TSS, stone width, fruit breadth and non reducing sugars. Hence, selection can prove effective for improvement in fruit yield and other traits.
Foodgrain production performance in Bihar: A temporal analysis
Authors: KUMAR ABHAY , SINGH R K P , CHANDRA N , BHARATI R C , KUMAR UJJWAL , MISHRA J S
Published: February 2023

The paper presents the growth in foodgrain production in different agro-climatic zones of Bihar during the last 30 years (1984 to 2014). There has been growth in production of foodgrains during the period under study, however, maize and wheat recorded the steady growth during the period. Pulses production got setback in all the agro-climatic zones, particularly during 1984-94. Agro-climatic zone II had an edge over other three agro-climatic zones with respect to increase in foodgrain production mainly due to lower foodgrain production during the base year (TE 1984). Foodgrain production got a boost during 2004-14. Instability in production of all foodgrains was high, but higher instabilityin production was observed in rice and lower in wheat.The instability in foodgrain production was mainly due to frequent floods in north Bihar and droughts in south Bihar. Also, the growth and instability had positive relationship across all the zones. However, the sustainable increase in foodgrain production was made possible due to improved farmersâ€™ access to inputs and technology. All the three critical inputs (irrigation, fertilizers and HYV seeds) played a significant role in increasing foodgrain production in Bihar.
Effect of salinity and alkalinity on responses of halophytic grasses Sporobolus marginatus and Urochondra setulosa
Authors: KUMAR ASHWANI , KUMAR ARVIND , LATA CHARU , KUMAR SOURABH , MANGALASSERY SHAMSUDHEEN , SINGH JAI PRAKASH , MISHRA ARUN KUMAR , DAYAL DEVI
Published: February 2023

An experiment was conducted in micro-plots filled with sandy loam soil having 14% clay and 0.33% organic carbon to see the responses of halophytic grasses Sporobolus marginatus and Urochondra setulosa collected from the extreme saline-sodic Kachchh plains, Bhuj, Gujarat, India under alkalinity/salinity. Maximum photosynthetic rate was recorded in control treatment. Photosynthetic rate decreased at pH 9.0 + EC 20 dS/m (11.25 and 17.8 Î¼mol CO2/m2/s) in S. marginatus and U. setulosa respectively, along with reduction in stomatal conductance and transpiration rate. In comparison to control, increased accumulation of total soluble sugars and proline may be due to increased osmotic adjustment for both halophytes. Similarly, at mixed stress of pH 9.0 with EC 20 dS/m, the epicuticular wax load increased in both S. marginatus and U. setulosa (24.0 and 40.0 mg/g). A positive correlation of stress was seen with Na+ and Clâ€‘ content while negative correlation with K+ content. Na+ content increased to about 3-7 fold at salinity level, EC 35 dS/m. Similarly, with treatment of mixed stress of pH 9.0 with saline level EC 20dS/m, 3-6 times increase in Na+ with decrease in K+ was observed in S. marginatus and U. setulosa respectively. These grass species maintained better gas exchange properties with higher osmolytes accumulations and balanced ionic relations under high stress conditions of salinity and alkalinity. These attributes might be providing physiological adaptable mechanisms for growth under salt affected environments.
Sistem interne finansijske kontrole u javnom sektoru Republike Srbije - analiza stanja i preporuke -
Authors: Kostić Jelena
Published: February 2023

Internal financial control in the Republic of Serbia was established in 2007 by amendments to the Law on the Budget System, as well as by the adoption of two ordinances in that area, which regulate the functioning of its components – financial management and control and internal audit. However, in the previous period it did not take root in the public sector in its full capacity, and it seems that it is necessary to invest additional efforts in order to achieve the goal for which it was established. Although they represent two related components that, together with the Central Harmonization Unit of the Ministry of Finance, make up the system of internal financial controls, in this paper we will analyse the level of development of internal financial control and internal audit separately, and then, based on the analysis of the content of relevant international and national documents, give advice for their improvement or for overcoming problems that have been observed in practice.
Reforma javne uprave u Srbiji u kontekstu evropskih integracija
Authors: Rabrenović Aleksandra , Malezić Rapajić Tijana
Published: February 2023

The aim of the paper is to assess the degree of compliance of certain aspects of the public administration reform in Serbia with the EU accession requirements, which are established in the SIGMA's “Principles of Public Administrationˮ. Special attention is paid to the principles related to the human resources management and in particular to the recruitment and selection of civil service candidates and public administration remuneration system. The authors argue that, although Serbia has made significant progress in aligning its civil service legislation with EU requirements, there are still significant challenges in establishing a human resource management system based on merit. One of the biggest problems, which the European Commission also points out in its latest progress report, is the fact that in 2022 only half of the senior managerial positions were appointed on the basis of a competition. This can have a negative impact on the professionalism, stability, and integrity of the top management of the civil service. Furthermore, subsequent postponing of the entering into force of the Law on the Salary System in the Public Sector, which was adopted back in 2016, has again provoked doubts of whether this reform oriented piece of legislation whose goal is to ensure the fairness of salaries of employees in the entire public administration, will ever ‟see the light of day” and be implemented in practice.
Poljoprivreda i ruralni razvoj brdsko-planinskih područja Srbije u procesu pridruživanja EU
Authors: Subić Jonel , Mihailović Branko
Published: February 2023

Improvement of agricultural performance and rural development of mountain and plain areas of Serbia require a strategic approach and consistency in the implementation of development measures and activities. The paper formulated priorities, goals and measures in the field of agriculture and rural development. Accordingly, three general topics have been determined that are important for the hilly and mountainous areas of Serbia in the process of joining the European Union. Namely, the purpose is to create a favorable environment for: 1) the development of agricultural production and agro-industry, 2) sustainable management of natural resources, as well as 3) stimulating the diversification of the rural economy. The ultimate goal of sustainable agricultural development and the overall rural development of local communities is to improve the material and social status of the local population. Also, the concept of integral rural development is affirmed, which is based on the networking of the rural and urban economy, the polarization of the agricultural structure and the diversification of economic activities in rural areas. The results of the research show that by means of the mentioned strategic approach, the improvement of agricultural competitiveness can be a significant support for the economic development of the Republic of Serbia.
Identification of royal jelly as a potential new drug to protect the ovarian reserve and uterus against cyclophosphamide in rats
Authors: Bulbul Mehmet , Tekce Ali , Annac Ebru , Korkmaz Omer , Onderci Muhittin , Korkmaz Deniz , Demirci Akin Mustafa
Published: February 2023

Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of royal jelly (RJ), a powerful natural antioxidant, on cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian damage.Methods: Thirty-two Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups. Oral treatment was administered to all rats for 16 days after a single intraperitoneal injection. The control group received intraperitoneal and oral saline; the RJ group received intraperitoneal saline and 100 mg/kg/day oral RJ; the cyclophosphamide group received intraperitoneal 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide and oral saline; and the treatment group received intraperitoneal 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide and 100 mg/kg/day oral RJ. The groups were compared in terms of ovarian reserve tests and histopathological changes in the ovary and uterus.Results: All follicle counts were higher in the treatment group than in the cyclophosphamide group. The increase in the number of preantral follicles (p=0.001) and the decrease in the number of atretic follicles (p=0.004) were statistically significant. RJ treatment significantly improved follicular degeneration and cortical fibrosis in the ovary and epithelial and gland degeneration in the uterus due to cyclophosphamide toxicity.Conclusion: According to these results, RJ reduces cyclophosphamide-related ovarian and endometrial damage in rats. For this reason, it should be further investigated to determine its effects on reproductive function.
Ameliorative effects of propolis upon reproductive toxicity in males
Authors: Banihani Saleem Ali
Published: February 2023

Propolis is a sticky natural product produced by honeybees. Research studies have discussed the effectiveness of propolis, directly or indirectly, for ameliorating reproductive toxicity in males; however, this research has not yet been reviewed. The current paper presents an integrative summary of all research studies in Scopus and PubMed that investigated the effects of propolis on semen quality, and hence on male fertility, in conditions of reproductive toxicity. The consensus indicates that propolis ameliorates reproductive toxicity and enhances semen quality in vivo in test animals. These effects may be attributable to the ability of propolis to reduce testicular oxidative damage, enhance testicular antioxidant defense mechanisms, increase nitric oxide production, reduce testicular apoptotic injury, and boost testosterone production. However, to generalize these effects in humans would require further research.
Gender Roles and Work-Family Balance among Dual-Earner Couples in Pakistan
Authors: Sahira Zaman  , Shahid Marrukh
Published: February 2023

This research delves into how married couples with two breadwinners divide up their time and energy between the home and the office. Using a method known as "purposive sampling," data were gathered from urban areas and Rawalpindi. About a hundred people filled out the survey. Spouses from couples where both partners contributed financially took part. This research focused solely on married couples who both held full-time jobs and were responsible for raising children. In the present study, information was gathered through a quantitative survey research design. The information was gathered using a structured questionnaire with three parts: a) domestic burden, b) economic burden, and c) work-life balance. Both partners in a dual-earner couple contribute financially, but the data showed that women take on more of the housework responsibilities than men do. According to the findings, the domestic burden placed on a couple rises after the birth of a child. The data also showed that both men and women feel they are successfully juggling their professional and personal responsibilities.
Economic Spheres! Media Framing of CPEC in Pakistan
Authors: Manzoor Asim , Zahid Yousaf Zahid_yousaf
Published: February 2023

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) has gained attention from multiple viewpoints, including the sharing of information at the state level. News outlets, including print, electronic and social media, have extensively covered the CPEC from various angles and with various ideological perspectives. Qualitative and quantitative studies on the treatment of the CPEC in the print media reveal that the CPEC is framed in positive terms and the project is deemed as a game changer and solution to Pakistan’s economic problems. This research study uses qualitative methodology with the dialectical reasoning approach proposed by Fairclough. The study is aimed at critically evaluating the arguments presented in the editorials and opinion columns of the English newspaper Dawn. The study sample comprises all the editorials and opinion columns for the years 2021 and 2022. Dawn produced four editorials and three opinion columns in the two years about CPEC. Analysis of these texts reveals that the authors are challenging the dominant positive discourses on the CPEC. Government and policymakers are criticized for the lack of transparency. CPEC is now not viewed as a game changer and panacea for all problems of Pakistan. The hopes for economic prosperity are waning and the newspaper is arguing for a major shift in the discourse on CPEC. The arguments presented in the texts challenge the win-win narrative.
HUBUNGAN PENGETAHUAN IBU HAMIL RENTANG TABLET FE DENGAN KEJADIAN ANEMIA DI POSYANDU DESA UNRA
Authors: Ismawati  , Sulfianti  , Mustar
Published: February 2023

Kehamilan merupakan masa yang sangat menentukan kualitas sumber daya manusia (SDM) masa depan, karena pertumbuhan dan perkembangan seorang anak sangat pasti sejak dalam kandungan. Salah satunya adalah status gizi ibu hamil, karena biasanya ibu hamil mengalami anemia. (Fanny L, 2011:79). Tablet zat besi (Fe) merupakan tablet mineral yang diperlukan oleh tubuh untuk pembentukan sel darah merah atau hemoglobin. Unsur Fe merupakan unsur paling penting dalam pembentukan sel darah merah. Tablet zat besi (Fe) sangat dibutuhkan oleh ibu hamil, sehingga ibu hamil diharuskan untuk mengonsumsi tablet Fe minimal sebanyak 90 tablet selama kehamilannya (Kemenkes, 2018). Anemia adalah suatu kondisi medis dimana jumlah sel darah merah atau hemoglobin kurang dari normal. Penelitian ini dilaksanakan di posyandu Desa Unra. Penelitian ini menggunakan crossectional dengan jumlah sampel 37 orang. Penentuan sampel menggunakan rumus uji hipotesis. Tehknik analisis data yaitu analisis univariat dan analisis bivariat dengan uji chi square. Setelah uji statistic diperoleh hasil bahwa variable umur memiliki hubungan yang signifikan dengan pengetahuan ibu hamil tentang tablet FE dengan p-value = 0,011 p < 0,05. Sedangkan variable pendidikan tidak ada hubungan antara dengan tingkat pengetahuan ibu hamil tentang tablet FE dengan p-value = 0,089 p < 0,05.

Kata Kunci : Ibu hamil, tablet FE, anemia
Early Career Teachers’ Experiences of Developing Professional Knowledge
Authors: Aspfors Jessica , Eklund Gunilla , Hansén Sven-Erik
Published: February 2023

This study aims to explore early career teachers’ (ECTs’) experiences of professional knowledge developed during their research-based teacher education and throughout their first five years in the profession. This study uses Shulman’s (1986) framing of professional knowledge, which posits that teachers must have content knowledge, general pedagogical knowledge, and pedagogical content knowledge. Ten Finnish primary school teachers with five years of work experience participated in this study. The data was collected from individual interviews and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Three major areas of knowledge were identified that together distinguish ECTs’ professional knowledge: pedagogical and didactic, relational, and research-related knowledge. The results indicate that teacher education provides a solid foundation while the first five years of professional experience add to the teachers’ professional knowledge.
God udeskoleundervisning
Authors: Barfod Karen S. , Stelter Reinhard
Published: February 2023

Udeskole er en skoleform, hvor eleverne undervises regelmæssigt uden for klasseværelset. Forskning i udeskole har mestendels beskrevet elevernes positive udbytte, og barrierer mod udeskole. Men der mangler viden om, hvad der er kvalitet i udeskole og hvorledes der undervises i udeskole. Med denne artikel bidrager vi til viden om undervisningen i udeskole. Først er ti lærere interviewet om deres syn på kvalitet i udeskole, og efterfølgende er disse resultater anvendt i analysen af en udvalgt case. Resultaterne peger på, at lærerne anser elevaktiverende arbejdsformer med flere løsningsmuligheder som et betydningsfuldt didaktisk element der kommer særligt til udtryk i udeskole, og at udeskoleundervisningen i særlig grad præges af uforudsigelighed. Caseanalysen viser, at udeskolepraksis omfatter både åbne og problemløsende opgaver og mere lukkede opgaver, og kræver en særlig disciplineringsindsats fra læreren. På baggrund af delstudierne diskuterer vi, hvordan lærerne agerer som praktikere, begrunder deres praksis og realiserer, hvad de selv betegner som god udeskoleundervisning.
Impact of COVID-19 on Teacher Well-Being in Higher Education Institutions
Authors: Pavitra S. , Mahdaviamiri Delaram , Tatkar Nisha S. , Malarout Namesh , Singla Babita , Parthasarathy Karthikeyan , Vaz Sonia , Hegde Prithvi , Duhan Annu
Published: February 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has created significant challenges for higher education teachers, especially their well-being. A study was conducted to investigate the well-being of teachers in higher education institutions and to comprehend the pandemic's impact. The study took a quantitative approach, surveying and interviewing the teachers and analyzing the data with PLS-SEM and CB-SEM. The results revealed three key factors impacting teacher well-being: accomplishment, physical health, and relationships. The study emphasizes the importance of supporting teacher well-being during the pandemic by prioritizing physical health, building relationships, and engaging in meaningful activities. The findings can help to shape policies and programs that promote physical and emotional health in higher education institutions. Finally, this study provides valuable insights into teachers' experiences during the COVID-19 pandemic and emphasizes the need for increased support for their well-being.
Choroidal Melanoma in an Asymptomatic Patient
Authors: Sharma Deepak , Hamilton Jonathan
Published: February 2023

Introduction

Choroidal melanoma is considered the most common intraocular malignancy found in adults and typically presents without symptoms in the early stages. They are frequently first seen on routine dilated fundoscopic exams and appear as a pigmented or nonpigmented choroidal lesion.

Case Presentation

A 58-year-old Caucasian female presented for a comprehensive eye exam with a chief complaint of gradual distance blur in both eyes. On funduscopic examination of the right eye, a suspicious faint, variably pigmented large choroidal lesion was noted adjacent to the optic nerve. The patient was referred to a retinal oncologist for further workup and management.

Management and Outcome

The retinal oncologist performed multiple imaging tests including B-scan ultrasound, OCT, and Fundus Autofluorescence which revealed a choroidal mass with subretinal fluid, and presence of lipofuscin confirming a diagnosis of a small choroidal melanoma. Systemic workup did not reveal any metastasis of the choroidal lesion. The patient was initially treated surgically with plaque radiotherapy; however, the patient developed ocular complications ultimately leading to enucleation of the right eye. Consequently, the patient was fitted with an ocular prosthesis.

Discussion

Choroidal melanomas are the most common intraocular malignancy found in adults and encompass 80% of all uveal melanomas. Patients with choroidal melanoma are typically asymptomatic and are commonly first seen on routine dilated fundoscopic exams. Metastasis of choroidal melanomas are rare but can occur in 1-2% of all cases mainly to the liver, bone, and lung. A 50% mortality rate in a 10-year span has been noted for metastasized choroidal melanomas. Ancillary imaging modalities such as Optical coherence tomography, Fundus Autofluorescence, and B-scan ultrasound are useful in aiding in the diagnosis. Treatment and management are modified based on the characteristics of the tumor and patient, which can include brachytherapy, external beam radiotherapy, stereotactic radiotherapy, transpupillary thermotherapy, and enucleation. Timely detection and treatment are key in managing this sight and life-threatening illness

CE Notification

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Desenvolvimento de um Detector de Defeitos para Sistemas Distribuídos baseado em Redes Neurais Artificiais
Authors: Ferreira Nivea , Macêdo Raimundo
Published: February 2023

Detectores de defeitos são mecanismos importantes para a implementação de sistemas distribuídos tolerantes a falhas, i.e., sistemas que garantam serviços continuados mesmo na presença de falhas. Em sistemas distribuídos assíncronos, sem limites de tempo conhecidos para a transferência de mensagens e/ou computação de ações locais, detectores de defeito perfeitos (ou confiáveis) não podem ser implementados. Nesses ambientes, falhas podem apenas ser suspeitadas. Uma forma de diminuir a ocorrência de falsas suspeitas é a utilização de timeouts adaptativos que possam ser calculados em função, por exemplo, da carga da rede de comunicação. Em [2] discutimos o uso desses timeouts adaptativos para a implementação do módulo CTI (Connectivity Time Indicator) que, por sua vez, foi utilizado para implementar detectores de defeitos não confiáveis do tipo <>S [1]. Em outro artigo [11], mostramos como o CTI pode ser usado para, além de detectar defeitos, controlar os níveis de qualidade de serviço (QoS) de comunicação entre processos distribuídos, no nível da aplicação. No presente artigo mostramos uma implementação do módulo CTI através de Redes Neurais Artificiais que interagem com agentes SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol)[5] e MIB (Management Information Base)[6] para predizer tempos de conectividade baseados nas características operacionais dinâmicas de uma rede IP (Internet Protocol) como congestão, perda de pacotes, etc.
Difusão Atômica com Suporte à Perda de Mensagens
Authors: Greve Fabíola Gonçalves Pereira
Published: February 2023

Apresentamos um protocolo de difusão atômica que suporta a perda de mensagens provenientes dos clientes e implementa diretamente a entrega atômica das mesmas sem recorrer ao uso de uma primitiva de difusão confiável. Ao nosso conhecimento, nenhum outro protocolo similar até então proposto apresenta tais mecanismos para lidar diretamente com as perdas. Este protocolo foi obtido a partir da especialização de um serviço genérico de consenso. Além disso, ele foi utilizado na implementação do componente de replicação ativa da biblioteca de componentes de acordo ADAM [1].
Guaranteeing Fault Tolerance through Scheduling on a CAN Bus
Authors: Oliveira M. P. , Fernandes A. O. , Campos S. V. A. , Zuquim A. L. A. P.
Published: February 2023

Prioritizing tasks in Hard-Real-Time Systems is a problem belonging to NP-hard class. Scheduling and resource allocation in real-time systems are difficult problems due to the timing constraints of the tasks involved. Scheduling policies in hard real-time systems need to ensure that tasks will meet their deadlines under all circumstances, even in the presence of faults. This work presents techniques to enhance the fault tolerance capability of multiprocessor hard real-time systems, in the presence of transient and permanent faults. As a special case, in the present paper we propose a new method to obtain a high level of fault-tolerance in the CAN bus by incorporating time redundancy and task schedulability tests, which may be used concurrently with processor redundancy and any other hardware redundancy.
Um Modelo para Construção de Componentes Testáveis
Authors: Rocha Camila Ribeiro , Martins Eliane
Published: February 2023

Um componente de software deve ser testado a cada reutilização para garantir tanto sua qualidade quanto a do sistema na qual é integrado. Para diminuir os custos da fase de testes, este artigo propõe um modelo para construção de um componente com alta testabilidade, no qual são embutidos mecanismos de monitoração e assertivas, além da disponibilização de uma infraestrutura capaz de gerar casos de teste automaticamente a partir de uma especificação em UML. Nossa abordagem propõe a inserção dos mecanismos diretamente no código intermediário, possibilitando a criação de componentes COTS testáveis.
GroupPac 3: Estendendo o FT-CORBA para Gerenciamento e Replicação Ativa
Authors: Bessani Alysson Neves , Lung Lau Cheuk , Alchieri Eduardo Adílio Pelinson , Fraga Joni da Silva
Published: February 2023

O FT-CORBA da OMG adota nas suas especificações quatro técnicas de replicação para tolerância a faltas de objetos: Sem Estado; Passiva Fria; Passiva Morna; e, por fim, a Replicação Ativa. Apesar da replicação ativa estar prevista no FT-CORBA, seus mecanismos não foram devidamente especificados devido à falta de definições para comunicação de grupo. Neste artigo, propomos um conjunto de estensões a estas especificações para melhorar o suporte da arquitetura à replicação ativa e ao gerenciamento de replicação.
Avaliando aspectos de tolerância a falhas em protocolos de roteamento para redes de sensores sem fio
Authors: Macedo Daniel F. , Correia Luiz H. A. , Santos Aldri L. dos , Loureiro Antonio A. F. , Nogueira José Marcos S.
Published: February 2023

Tolerância a falhas é um requisito essencial para o projeto de protocolos e aplicações para Redes de sensores sem fio (RSSF), pois falhas de hardware e comunicação são frequentes. Neste trabalho estudamos o comportamento de protocolos de roteamento para redes de disseminação contínua de dados perante a ocorrência de falhas. Apresentamos os principais agentes causadores de falhas silenciosas, incluindo ataques de segurança. Classificamos estas falhas quanto a extensão e persistência, e utilizamos esta classificação para avaliar, via simulação, protocolos de roteamento para redes de disseminação contínua de dados. Verificamos que falhas em grandes regiões da rede são o tipo mais prejudicial, e mostramos como protocolos de roteamento podem economizar energia desligando temporariamente nós isolados da rede.
Estendendo FIONA para uma arquitetura híbrida
Authors: Mobus Felipe , Drebes Roberto Jung , Jacques-Silva Gabriela , Weber Taisy Silva , Jansch-Pôrto Ingrid
Published: February 2023

Este trabalho discute a importância da injeção de falhas para a validação de aplicações distribuídas e aponta como integrar duas ferramentas de injeção de falhas para obter uma melhor interoperabilidade em uma arquitetura híbrida de injeção de falhas distribuída.
Comunicação Fim-a-Fim a Alta Velocidade em Redes Gigabit
Authors: Taveira Danilo M. , Moraes Igor M. , Cunha Daniel de O. , Laufer Rafael P. , Bicudo Marco D. D. , Campista Miguel E. M. , Amodei Junior Aurelio , Duarte Otto Carlos M. B.
Published: February 2023

Com o aumento na largura de banda disponível e a possibilidade de transmissão de dados a Gigabits por segundo, os discos rígidos passam ser o principal gargalo em comunicações a altas taxas. Como solução, é mostrado que a utilização de diversos discos em paralelo possibilita taxas compatíveis com as exigências atuais das redes de comunicação.
Applying Mutation Testing in Prolog Programs
Authors: Toaldo Juliano R. , Vergilio Silvia R.
Published: February 2023

Several testing criteria and tools have been proposed lately, with the goal of selecting and evaluating test data sets. However, most works focus only procedural and object-oriented programs and little has been said about logic programming languages, such as Prolog. Some works address the test of Prolog programs however, do not introduce a testing criterion and not offer coverage testing metrics. This work investigates the application of the Mutation Analysis criterion for testing Prolog programs. In experiments of literature, this criterion has been considered one of the most efficacious. A set of mutation operators for this language is proposed, based on common mistakes made by the programmers using this paradigm. A tool, named MutProlog, is described. This tool supports the proposed operators and eases the development of Prolog programs. Results from an experiment, using MutProlog, show the applicability of the proposed operators and allow comparison with structural criteria.
Adaptando Verificadores de Modelos para a Geração Automática de Objetivos de Teste para Sistemas Reativos
Authors: Silva Daniel Aguiar da , Machado Patricia D. L.
Published: February 2023

Objetivos de teste são artefatos utilizados como guias da geração de casos de teste. Representam propriedades que definem os comportamentos a serem exibidos por uma implementação sob teste (IST). São especificados com base em análises sobre um modelo da IST. Quando realizadas sobre especificações formais, estas análises podem ser automatizadas por técnicas rigorosas, como a verificação de modelos. Este artigo apresenta uma adaptação dos algoritmos de um verificador de modelos para a realização de análises voltadas para a geração de objetivos de teste.
Evaluating the Impact of Faults on Broadcasting Protocols for MANETs
Authors: Oliveira Talmai B. de , Costa Victor F. , Greve Fabíola , Schnitman Leizer
Published: February 2023

Broadcasting in MANETs is a fundamental building block for dealing with routing and reaching consensus. In this kind of network, faults are commonplace. In spite of this, existing broadcast protocols are not adequate to deal with failures present in a real world scenario, such as link failures, network partitions, topology change during broadcasts and momentary node failures. Moreover, the ones that are capable of dealing with faults, are not suitable for MANETs. In this paper, we conduct simulations in order to evaluate the impact of faults on MANET broadcasting protocols under various network scenarios and situations. Although previous studies show that these protocols are very mobile resilient and support well congestion and collisions, the study conducted here show that they are not capable of supporting omission faults. In presence of this type of faults, they are unable to provide a high delivery rate of messages.
Uma Estratégia para Rerroteamento Pró-Ativo em Redes Ópticas Utilizando uma Infra-Estrutura de Gerência P2P
Authors: Correia Reinaldo B. , Lages Alexandre G. , Pirmez Luci , Granville Lisandro Z. , Duarte Jr. Elias P. , Andrade Rossana M. C. , Souza José N.
Published: February 2023

Uma das ações que pode ser desencadeada diante de quebra de requisitos de QoS em redes ópticas baseadas em GMPLS é o rerroteamento de fluxos. Este trabalho apresenta a aplicação de uma estratégia de rerroteamento pró-ativo em redes ópticas baseado no uso de agentes atuando em circuitos virtuais redundantes, que pode ser pleno ou parcial dependendo do circuito virtual falho ser completamente ou parcialmente substituído por outro. Este esquema se insere em uma arquitetura de gerência de redes baseada em peers (GigaManP2P) que é responsável pela monitoração e disparo do processo. Uma avaliação levando aspectos estáticos e dinâmicos de redes reais comprova a efetividade da proposta.
Suporte à Degradação Controlada em Sistemas de Tempo Real
Authors: Sokolonski Ana Carolina , Lima George , Barreto Luciano Porto
Published: February 2023

Nos sistemas de tempo real, rotinas de recuperação de falhas podem ser modeladas como tarefas aperiódicas que devem cumprir seus prazos de execução sem inviabilizar a correção temporal do sistema como um todo. Para tanto, é necessário o desenvolvimento de mecanismos adequados e eficientes de escalonamento. Este artigo descreve um modelo de escalonamento para tolerância a falhas no qual as rotinas de recuperação são admitidas mediante à degradação controlada da qualidade do serviço de tarefas periódicas. O modelo foi avaliado por simulação e os resultados encontrados indicam a eficácia da abordagem proposta.
Um Framework para Prototipagem e Simulação de Detectores de Defeitos na Construção de Sistemas de Tempo Real
Authors: Sá Alirio Santos de , Macêdo Raimundo José de Araújo
Published: February 2023

Sistemas modernos de controle e supervisão (S&C, Supervision and Control Systems) são caracterizados pela utilização de componentes de prateleira (COTS, Commercial off-the-shelf), como redes e sistemas operacionais, os quais otimizam custo e reutilização, mas podem comprometer a confiabilidade. Assim, verificar mecanismos adequados de confiabilidade para esses ambientes tem sido alvo de estudo. Neste artigo, é descrito um framework para prototipagem e teste de detectores de defeitos sobre S&C, que permite não só implementar e simular diferentes estratégias de detecção existentes na literatura, mas também propor novas estratégias, ou mesmo conceber composições de estratégias, de modo a atingir a qualidade de serviço de detecção desejada no ambiente simulado.
Uso de Modelos da UML em Testes de Componentes
Authors: Perez Ivan Rodolfo Duran , Martins Eliane , Viégas Júlio Esslinger
Published: February 2023

Um componente de software deve ser testado a cada vez que é reutilizado, para garantir a qualidade tanto do componente quanto do sistema no qual será integrado. Como geralmente o código fonte dos componentes não é disponível para seus usuários, nós propomos um método para gerar casos de teste a partir de Diagramas de Atividades UML que representam o comportamento do componente. Técnicas de testes de caminhos são usadas para derivar os casos de teste automaticamente. Neste artigo, nós descrevemos o método e mostramos um exemplo para ilustrar o uso dele. Uma ferramenta foi desenvolvida para dar suporte à abordagem e ela é brevemente apresentada.
COMPASS: addressing the challenge of digital skills skilling from the regional ecosystem perspective
Authors: Vilanova Arbos Ramon , Ariño Vila Xavier , Palou Catasús Laura , Galí Reyes Mireia , Palma Sánchez Júlia
Published: February 2023

This is a position paper presenting the scenario and main conditionings that delimit approaching the technological and digital (re/up)skilling problem by also enhancing the role of the university as a regional ecosystem key player. This is the main objective of COMPASS, an initiative initiated to face actual challenges on the labour market related to the digital skills mismatch. COMPASS goal can be stated as the development of a regional ecosystem-based training platform and associated methodologies for effective and efficient skilling pathways. COMPASS as a guiding tool is conceived to a) guide individuals and companies to get a closer idea of the skills-gap they need to cover, as well as to b) help universities as training providers to elaborate their offer on the basis of the detected regional needs. This will definitively help to make the overall ecosystem more efficient. On the other hand, COMPASS is also conceived as a learning & training environment, in the sense of a) dynamic micro-learning environment providing easy and mobile interaction between the learners and the content and b) micro-credential system linked to the achieved skills.
Accounting and Accountability ofWaqf, Zakat and Baitul Mal (WZB) in Malaysia: A Review of Literature
Authors: Sulaiman Maliah , Mohamad Muslim Har Sani , Abdul Rashid Hafiz Majdi , Osman Ahmad Zamri , Siraj Siti Alawiah , Nuhu Ibrahim
Published: February 2023

This article reviews literature on accounting and reporting for waqf, zakat and baitul mal (WZB). Given that WZB are under the purview of the State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCs), the structure of the administrative machinery of Islamic affairs is discussed and how this gives rise to the unique demarcation in powers and authority on policies pertaining to Islam between the Federal and state governments is clarified. The notion of accountability as is generally understood in the West is elaborated and subsequently compared with the concept of accountability from Islam’s perspective. Prior studies on waqf and zakat examining the accounting and reporting aspects were reviewed. Issues suchaspoordocumentation and record keeping, absence of sound accounting system, limited disclosure on the level and types of information, absence of separate financial statements are some of the pertinent findings of such studies. The paper also raises important questions about the validity of the current accounting practices of WZB and put forth various suggestionsfor future research. Finally, the initiative by the Accountant General’s Department (AGD) to develop a financial accounting and reporting framework and standards for WZB is indeed laudable, timely and significant for the proper development of annual performance initiative should involve reporting of SIRCs. However, such an initiative should involve regulatory bodies such as the Jabatan Kemajuan Islam Malaysia (JAKIM), SIRCs as well as academics. Expertise from both accounting and Sharia should also be involved in this endeavour. Keywords: Accountability, State Islamic Religious Councils (SIRCs), waqf, zakat, baitul