bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Study on Raising Art Fundraiser as a Method of Promoting Art Patronage in Korea
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Son SooNa , Yoo Jiyun
Published: January 2024

Arts organizations in Korea have long been highly dependent on government subsidies. As government funding has steadily reduced, organizations need to find other ways to maintain their artistic activities such as private funding. Consumers should also go beyond their role as audiences and start participate as patrons of art to contribute to foster sustainability. In the process of attracting art patronage, the role of art fundraiser is crucial. Therefore, this study aims to emphasize and deepen the understanding of art fundraiser’s role and responsibility. Based on literature research and in-depth interviews, the study reveals some meaningful suggestions as following; first, most importantly, there must be social consensus to support art. Secondly, the art fundraiser training curriculum should be systemized and specialized considering the nature of fundraising. Lastly, a control-tower collaborating with art fundraisers and related organizations should be established in order to promote legal and institutional improvements.
Development and Application of Problem-Based Job Experience Program to Improve Elementary School Students’ Creative and Convergence Career Competency
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jo Inhae , Kim Minjeong
Published: January 2024

This study developed a program to improve creative and convergent career capabilities using job experience facility, which is an active career education method, and investigated whether the program affects learners' satisfaction and creative·convergent career competency(creative and convergent thinking skills about the profession and career perception). For the vocational experience program, the ADDIE instructional design model and problem-oriented learning instructional design strategy were applied to develop vocational experience pre and post professional programs for elementary school students. After that, the program was conducted to 3rd and 4th graders, satisfaction was investigated, and creative·convergent career competency evaluation sheets were reorganized and evaluated according to the target. As a result, there was no statistically significant difference in program satisfaction, but there was a significant difference in creative and convergent thinking skills and career perception for jobs, which had a positive effect on satisfaction and creative and convergent career competency.
Effect Factors on Intercultural Competence of Overseas Missionaries
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Jung Jieun , Kim Jinhee
Published: January 2024

With the recent emphasis on the need for effective intercultural communication and the expansion of missionary activities across diverse cultural landscapes, understanding the dynamics of cross-cultural interactions has become pivotal. Previous research has highlighted various factors influencing intercultural competence, yet a comprehensive exploration of how human rights, social distance, and self-efficacy impact this competence in the context of missionary work has been limited. Therefore the purpose of this paper is to examine the factors that affect on intercultural competence of overseas missionaries focusing on human rights, social distance, and self-efficacy, and come up with how to enhance their intercultural competence based on the results of the study. A survey was conducted in which 93 overseas missionaries participated; SPSS ver. 25.0 was used for data analysis. The results revealed the following. First, Human rights, social distance, and self-efficacy of overseas missionaries showed a positive correlation with intercultural competence. Second, social distance and self-efficacy were statistically significant factors in intercultural competence. Third, the relative effects were self-efficacy and social distance in order. These results suggested the significance of designing a educational program and activities to enhance overseas missionaries’ self-efficacy and intercultural competence, and to reduce their social distance.
A Study on Traditional Children's Song Traditional Korean Traditional Music Education through Curriculum Integration
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kwon Hyejin
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this paper is to suggest the educational use of traditional music education for integrated education between art, social studies, and physical education as well as music subjects, rather than division-centered education. To this end, the study was conducted as follows. First, the concept of integrated education and the study of traditional nursery rhymes related to traditional nursery rhymes were examined on the study of traditional nursery rhymes using curriculum integration and the study of traditional nursery rhymes through play. Second, based on this, for the educational use of the traditional nursery “Subak-chigi song” a total of 4 teaching and learning plans were presented for students in grades 5~6 of elementary school through the integration of the subjects with the departments of music, social studies, physical education, and art. Based on this study, it was found that a teaching plan should be sought through curriculum integration that breaks down the boundaries between subjects, rather than a division-centered education, and it is expected that the curriculum integration guidance plan using traditional nursery rhymes will be studied more actively.
The Effect of Local University Education Service Quality on University Adaptation and Career Decision Self-Efficacy
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Mun Heejeong , Kwak Sunhye
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to empirically verify the relationship between the effect of local university education service quality on university adjustment and career decision self-efficacy. Based on previous studies, the factors of faculty, educational facilities, educational programs, and administrative support were classified to measure the quality of university education services, and university adaptation and career decision self-efficacy were divided into single items to verify the influence relationship of each. As a result of the test, 280 college students of H University, Gangwon-do, confirmed the positive (+) effect of educational programs and administrative support, which are subfactors of university education service quality, on university adaptation, and revealed that university adaptation had a positive (+) effect on career decision self-efficacy. The significance of this study is to suggest a viable strategy for university education service quality that is conducive to university adaptation and the achievement of students' desired career goals.
Ainu’s Hunting and Animism
Authors:   The Korean Society of Culture and Convergence, Kim Misook
Published: January 2024

This study examines the relationship between the belief system (natural view) and the perception and gaze of wildlife, focusing on examining traditional hunting forms and rituals in the Animistic natural view of Ainu, a Hokkaido indigenous people. First, the background of animism and wildlife was briefly explained. The natural view of Hokkaido Ainu and the animistic appearance of the hunting process and rituals were considered. Ainu recognized all objects, including animals and plants, as gifts God gave for people and a medium connecting the human and divine worlds. Based on this, hunting procedures, consumption patterns, and rituals have also connected the world of God and the human world to create various stories and traditional cultures. This will help to understand not only the belief system of the animals of Ainu but also their life and cultural styles, and it will further cultivate ideological knowledge for symbiosis between humans and wildlife.
SARS CoV 2 (COVID-19) Diagnosis in Wildlife Animals using Rt-Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in Dubai Safari Park
Authors: H. Ghazaly Jameela H. x , Mandiram Jayadevan M. , Mustafa Murad B. , Alhajeri Muna A.
Published: January 2024

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are enveloped, positive-sense, single-stranded RNA viruses. SARS-CoV-2 is a beta coronavirus, a genus that includes several coronaviruses (SARS-CoV, MERS-CoV, bat SARS-like CoV, and others) isolated from humans, bats, camels, civets, and other animals. Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome-Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the pathogenic agent that causes the disease COVID-19. SARS-CoV-2 is thought to have emerged from an animal source, most likely a bat, and subsequently spread to humans.  While genetically closely related viruses have been isolated from Rhinolophus bats, the exact source of SARS-CoV-2 and its route of introduction into the human population have not been established. Monitoring animal infections is imperative to better understanding their epidemiological significance for animal health, biodiversity, and human health. According to evidence from risk assessments, epidemiological investigations, and experimental studies, animals play no significant role in the spread of SARS-CoV-2, which is sustained by human-to-human transmission. The possibility of Coronavirus testing by veterinary labs was considered after the Iowa State veterinary lab discovered the COVID-19 virus has a similar DNA testing process to porcine epidemic diarrhea virus (PED). PED is another form of coronavirus that killed many piglets in 2013 and was unresponsive to treatment. Several vet labs optimized their equipment and processes to test for PED, helping them determine that older pigs could recover and develop immunity against the virus. Those same labs are still set up for coronavirus testing. We in Dubai Safari Park, particularly within the laboratory Veterinary Hospital, are conducting RT-PCR analysis to test diverse animal species including non-human primates, Carnivores, small mammals, and Ungulates. Even though none of our animals show any respiratory signs, we have conducted this study to ensure that our animal collection is healthy and free of SARS-COV-2.
Incomplete insertion of pedicle screws triggers a higher biomechanical risk of screw loosening: mechanical tests and corresponding numerical simulations
Authors: Yang Jie-Xiang , Luo Lin , Liu Jin-Hui , Wang Nan , Xi Zhi-Peng , Li Jing-Chi
Published: January 2024

Screw loosening is a widely reported issue after spinal screw fixation and triggers several complications. Biomechanical deterioration initially causes screw loosening. Studies have shown that incomplete insertion of pedicle screws increases the risk of screw breakage by deteriorating the local mechanical environment. However, whether this change has a biomechanical effect on the risk of screw loosening has not been determined. This study conducted comprehensive biomechanical research using polyurethane foam mechanical tests and corresponding numerical simulations to verify this topic. Pedicle screw-fixed polyurethane foam models with screws with four different insertion depths were constructed, and the screw anchoring ability of different models was verified by toggle tests with alternating and constant loads. Moreover, the stress distribution of screw and bone-screw interfaces in different models was computed in corresponding numerical mechanical models. Mechanical tests presented better screw anchoring ability with deeper screw insertion, but parameters presented no significant difference between groups with complete thread insertion. Correspondingly, higher stress values can be recorded in the model without complete thread insertion; the difference in stress values between models with complete thread insertion was relatively slight. Therefore, incomplete thread insertion triggers local stress concentration and the corresponding risk of screw loosening; completely inserting threads could effectively alleviate local stress concentration and result in the prevention of screw loosening.
Extracellular vesicles and exosome-like nanovesicles as pioneering oral drug delivery systems
Authors: Mondal Jagannath , Pillarisetti Shameer , Junnuthula Vijayabhaskarreddy , Surwase Sachin S. , Hwang Seung Rim , Park In-Kyu , Lee Yong-kyu
Published: January 2024

As extracellular vesicle (EV)-based nanotechnology has developed rapidly, it has made unprecedented opportunities for nanomedicine possible. EVs and exosome-like nanovesicles (ELNVs) are natural nanocarriers with unique structural, compositional, and morphological characteristics that provide excellent physical, chemical, and biochemical properties. In this literature, we examine the characteristics of EVs, including how they are administered orally and their therapeutic activity. According to the current examples of EVs and ELNVs for oral delivery, milk and plant EVs can exert therapeutic effects through their protein, nucleic acid, and lipid components. Furthermore, several methods for loading drugs into exosomes and targeting exosomes have been employed to investigate their therapeutic capability. Moreover, we discuss EVs as potential drug carriers and the potential role of ELNVs for disease prevention and treatment or as potential drug carriers in the future. In conclusion, the issues associated with the development of EVs and ELNVs from sources such as milk and plants, as well as concerns with standardized applications of these EVs, are discussed.
Current status and clinical perspectives of extended reality for myoelectric prostheses: review
Authors: Li Wei , Shi Ping , Li Sujiao , Yu Hongliu
Published: January 2024

Training with “Extended Reality” or X-Reality (XR) systems can undoubtedly enhance the control of the myoelectric prostheses. However, there is no consensus on which factors improve the efficiency of skill transfer from virtual training to actual prosthesis abilities. This review examines the current status and clinical applications of XR in the field of myoelectric prosthesis training and analyses possible influences on skill migration. We have conducted a thorough search on databases in the field of prostheses using keywords such as extended reality, virtual reality and serious gaming. Our scoping review encompassed relevant applications, control methods, performance evaluation and assessment metrics. Our findings indicate that the implementation of XR technology for myoelectric rehabilitative training on prostheses provides considerable benefits. Additionally, there are numerous standardised methods available for evaluating training effectiveness. Recently, there has been a surge in the number of XR-based training tools for myoelectric prostheses, with an emphasis on user engagement and virtual training evaluation. Insufficient attention has been paid to significant limitations in the behaviour, functionality, and usage patterns of XR and myoelectric prostheses, potentially obstructing the transfer of skills and prospects for clinical application. Improvements are recommended in four critical areas: activities of daily living, training strategies, feedback, and the alignment of the virtual environment with the physical devices.
Cinematic rendering improves the AO/OTA classification of distal femur fractures compared to volume rendering: a retrospective single-center study
Authors: Chen Song , Wang Xiong , Zheng Zhenxin , Fu Zhiqiang
Published: January 2024

Purpose: Correctly classifying distal femur fractures is essential for surgical treatment planning and patient prognosis. This study assesses the potential of Cinematic Rendering (CR) in classifying these fractures, emphasizing its reported ability to produce more realistic images than Volume Rendering (VR).

Methods: Data from 88 consecutive patients with distal femoral fractures collected between July 2013 and July 2020 were included. Two orthopedic surgeons independently evaluated the fractures using CR and VR. The inter-rater and intra-rater agreement was evaluated by using the Cicchetti-Allison weighted Kappa method. Accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 score were also calculated. Diagnostic confidence scores (DCSs) for both imaging methods were compared using chi-square or Fisher’s exact tests.

Results: CR reconstruction yielded excellent inter-observer (Kappa = 0.989) and intra-observer (Kappa = 0.992) agreement, outperforming VR (Kappa = 0.941 and 0.905, respectively). While metrics like accuracy, precision, recall, and F1 scores were higher for CR, the difference was not statistically significant (p > 0.05). However, DCAs significantly favored CR (p < 0.05).

Conclusion: CR offers a superior visualization of distal femur fractures than VR. It enhances fracture classification accuracy and bolsters diagnostic confidence. The high inter- and intra-observer agreement underscores its reliability, suggesting its potential clinical importance.
Draft genome analysis for Enterobacter kobei, a promising lead bioremediation bacterium
Authors: El-Beltagi Hossam S. , Halema Asmaa A. , Almutairi Zainab M. , Almutairi Hayfa Habes , Elarabi Nagwa I. , Abdelhadi Abdelhadi A. , Henawy Ahmed R. , Abdelhaleem Heba A. R.
Published: January 2024

Lead pollution of the environment poses a major global threat to the ecosystem. Bacterial bioremediation offers a promising alternative to traditional methods for removing these pollutants, that are often hindered by various limitations. Our research focused on isolating lead-resistant bacteria from industrial wastewater generated by heavily lead-containing industries. Eight lead-resistant strains were successfully isolated, and subsequently identified through molecular analysis. Among these, Enterobacter kobei FACU6 emerged as a particularly promising candidate, demonstrating an efficient lead removal rate of 83.4% and a remarkable lead absorption capacity of 571.9 mg/g dry weight. Furthermore, E. kobei FACU6 displayed a remarkable a maximum tolerance concentration (MTC) for lead reaching 3,000 mg/L. To further investigate the morphological changes in E. kobei FACU6 in response to lead exposure, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) were employed. These analyses revealed significant lead adsorption and intracellular accumulation in treated bacteria in contrast to the control bacterium. Whole-genome sequencing was performed to gain deeper insights into E. kobei’s lead resistance mechanisms. Structural annotation revealed a genome size of 4,856,454 bp, with a G + C content of 55.06%. The genome encodes 4,655 coding sequences (CDS), 75 tRNA genes, and 4 rRNA genes. Notably, genes associated with heavy metal resistance and their corresponding regulatory elements were identified within the genome. Furthermore, the expression levels of four specific heavy metal resistance genes were evaluated. Our findings revealed a statistically significant upregulation in gene expression under specific environmental conditions, including pH 7, temperature of 30°C, and high concentrations of heavy metals. The outstanding potential of E. kobei FACU6 as a source of diverse genes related to heavy metal resistance and plant growth promotion makes it a valuable candidate for developing safe and effective strategies for heavy metal disposal.
The role of secreted proteins in efferocytosis
Authors: Hou Guangsheng , Wang Xinyu , Wang Anhua , Yuan Lei , Zheng Qian , Xiao Hui , Wang Hui
Published: January 2024

The clearance of apoptotic cells known as efferocytosis is the final stage of apoptosis, and includes the recognition, phagocytosis, and degradation of apoptotic cells. The maintenance of tissue homeostasis requires the daily elimination of billions of apoptotic cells from the human body via the process of efferocytosis. Accordingly, aberrations in efferocytosis underlie a growing list of diseases, including atherosclerosis, cancer, and infections. During the initial phase of apoptosis, “Eat-Me” signals are exposed and recognized by phagocytes either directly through phagocyte receptors or indirectly through secreted proteins that function as bridge molecules that cross-link dying cells to phagocytes. Here, we set out to provide a comprehensive review of the molecular mechanisms and biological significance of secreted proteins in apoptotic cell clearance. Specifically, it focuses on how these secreted proteins act as bridging molecules to facilitate the clearance process.
Functional selectivity of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases regulates distinct cellular outputs
Authors: Samad Sakim S. , Schwartz Jean-Marc , Francavilla Chiara
Published: January 2024

Functional selectivity refers to the activation of differential signalling and cellular outputs downstream of the same membrane-bound receptor when activated by two or more different ligands. Functional selectivity has been described and extensively studied for G-protein Coupled Receptors (GPCRs), leading to specific therapeutic options for dysregulated GPCRs functions. However, studies regarding the functional selectivity of Receptor Tyrosine Kinases (RTKs) remain sparse. Here, we will summarize recent data about RTK functional selectivity focusing on how the nature and the amount of RTK ligands and the crosstalk of RTKs with other membrane proteins regulate the specificity of RTK signalling. In addition, we will discuss how structural changes in RTKs upon ligand binding affects selective signalling pathways. Much remains to be known about the integration of different signals affecting RTK signalling specificity to orchestrate long-term cellular outcomes. Recent advancements in omics, specifically quantitative phosphoproteomics, and in systems biology methods to study, model and integrate different types of large-scale omics data have increased our ability to compare several signals affecting RTK functional selectivity in a global, system-wide fashion. We will discuss how such methods facilitate the exploration of important signalling hubs and enable data-driven predictions aiming at improving the efficacy of therapeutics for diseases like cancer, where redundant RTK signalling pathways often compromise treatment efficacy.
The cooperation between orf virus and Staphylococcus aureus leads to intractable lesions in skin infection
Authors: Yu Yongzhong , Cui Yudong , Song Baifen
Published: January 2024

A large amount of evidence shows that different kinds of microorganisms can jointly cope with environmental pressures including cell hosts. For example, in many cases, it has been found that secondary or mixed infection of animals caused by ORFV (an epitheliophilic Parapoxvirus) and bacteria (such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus) shows a mutual aid mode that indirectly leads to the deterioration of the disease. However, the lack of research on the co-pathogenic mechanism, including how to hijack and destroy the cell host in the pathological microenvironment, has hindered the in-depth understanding of the pathogenic process and consequences of this complex infection and the development of clinical treatment methods. Here, we summarized the current strategies of trapping cell hosts together, based on the previously defined ORFV-Host (O-H) system. The opportunistic invasion of S. aureus destroyed the delicate dynamic balance of the O-H, thus aggravating tissue damage through bacterial products (mediated by Agr), even causing sepsis or inducing cytokine storms. In fact, the virus products from its adaptive regulatory system (VARS) weaken the immune attacks and block molecular pathways, so that S. aureus can settle there more smoothly, and the toxins can penetrate into local tissues more quickly. This paper focuses on the main challenges faced by cell hosts in dealing with mixed infection, which provides a starting point for us to deal with this disease in the future.
Anti-obesity effects by parasitic nematode (Trichinella spiralis) total lysates
Authors: Kang Shin Ae , Yu Hak Sun
Published: January 2024

Background

Obesity is an inducible factor for the cause of chronic diseases and is described by an increase in the size and number of adipocytes that differentiate from precursor cells (preadipocytes). Parasitic helminths are the strongest natural trigger of type 2 immune system, and several studies have showed that helminth infections are inversely correlated with metabolic syndromes.

Methodology/Principal findings

To investigate whether helminth-derived molecules have therapeutic effects on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obesity, we isolated total lysates from Trichinella spiralis muscle larvae. We then checked the anti-obesity effect after intraperitoneal administration and intraoral administration of total lysate from T. spiralis muscle larvae in a diet-induced obesity model. T. spiralis total lysates protect against obesity by inhibiting the proinflammatory response and/or enhancing M2 macrophages. In addition, we determined the effects of total lysates from T. spiralis muscle larvae on anti-obesity activities in 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by investigating the expression levels of key adipogenic regulators, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) and adipocyte protein 2 (aP2). Oil Red O staining showed that the total lysates from T. spiralis muscle larvae decreased the differentiation of 3T3-L1 preadipocytes by decreasing the number of lipid droplets. In addition, the production levels of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, IFN-γ and TNF-α were examined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). T. spiralis total lysates decreased intracellular lipid accumulation and suppressed the expression levels of PPARγ, C/EBPα and aP2.

Conclusion/Significance

These results show that T. spiralis total lysate significantly suppresses the symptoms of obesity in a diet- induced obesity model and 3T3-L1 cell differentiation and suggest that it has potential for novel anti-obesity therapeutics.
In vitro antibacterial activity of antiretroviral drugs on key commensal bacteria from the human microbiota
Authors: Rubio-Garcia Elisa , Ferrando Núria , Martin Núria , Ballesté-Delpierre Clara , Miró Jose M. , Paredes Roger , Casals-Pascual Climent , Vila Jordi
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Antiretroviral therapy has improved life expectancy in HIV-infected patients. However, people living with HIV under antiretroviral therapy are at higher risks of developing chronic complications and acquiring multidrug resistant bacteria than healthy population. These factors have been associated with shifts in gut microbiome composition and immune activation. It is unclear how antiretroviral drugs affect gut microbiota composition, but it has been observed that antiretroviral treatment is not able to fully restore gut health after HIV infection. Additionally, some antiretroviral drugs have shown antibacterial activity suggesting that these drugs could have a direct impact on the human microbiome composition.

Methods

We determined the in vitro antibacterial activity of 16 antiretroviral drugs against a set of key clinically relevant and human commensal bacterial strains.

Results

Our results demonstrate that 5 antiretroviral drugs have in vitro antibacterial activity against gut and vaginal human commensal bacteria. Zidovudine has antibacterial activity against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Prevotella bivia, abacavir against Gardnerella vaginalis, efavirenz against G. vaginalis and P. bivia and bictegravir against Enterococcus spp. and G. vaginalis. Moreover, we describe for the first time that elvitegravir has antibacterial activity against G. vaginalis and P. bivia and, most importantly, against vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus spp. and methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus strains with MIC values of 4-16 and 4 µg/mL, respectively showing high level of effectiveness against the tested multidrug-resistant bacteria.

Discussion

Our results underscore that some antiretroviral drugs may influence the human microbiota composition. In addition, we report the potential use of elvitegravir to treat multidrug-resistant Gram-positive bacteria warranting the need of clinical studies to repurpose this antiretroviral drug.
Multiple cross displacement amplification combined with nanoparticle-based lateral flow biosensor for rapid and sensitive detection of Epstein-Barr virus
Authors: Jia Xinbei , Zhou Juan , Xiao Fei , Huang Xiaolan , He Wenqiang , Hu Wen , Kong Yaru , Yan Weiheng , Ji Jie , Qi Yuwei , Wang Yi , Tai Jun
Published: January 2024

Introduction

Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is a highly dangerous virus that is globally prevalent and closely linked to the development of nasopharyngeal cancer (NPC). Plasma EBV DNA analysis is an effective strategy for early detection, prognostication and monitoring of treatment response of NPC.

Methods

Here, we present a novel molecular diagnostic technique termed EBV-MCDA-LFB, which integrates multiple cross displacement amplification (MCDA) with nanoparticle-based lateral flow (LFB) to enable simple, rapid and specific detection of EBV. In the EBV-MCDA-LFB system, a set of 10 primers was designed for rapidly amplifying the highly conserved tandem repeat BamHI-W region of the EBV genome. Subsequently, the LFB facilitate direct assay reading, eliminating the use of extra instruments and reagents.

Results

The outcomes showed that the 65°C within 40 minutes was the optimal reaction setting for the EBV-MCDA system. The sensitivity of EBV-MCDA-LFB assay reached 7 copies per reaction when using EBV recombinant plasmid, and it showed 100% specificity without any cross-reactivity with other pathogens. The feasibility of the EBV-MCDA-LFB method for EBV detection was successfully validated by 49 clinical plasma samples. The complete detection process, consisting of rapid template extraction (15 minutes), MCDA reaction (65°C for 40 minutes), and LFB result reading (2 minutes), can be finalized within a 60-minutes duration.

Discussion

EBV-MCDA-LFB assay designed here is a fast, extremely sensitive and specific technique for detecting EBV in field and at the point-of-care (PoC), which is especially beneficial for countries and regions with a high prevalence of the disease and limited economic resources.
Good continuation in 3D: the neurogeometry of stereo vision
Authors: Bolelli Maria Virginia , Citti Giovanna , Sarti Alessandro , Zucker Steven W.
Published: January 2024

Classical good continuation for image curves is based on 2D position and orientation. It is supported by the columnar organization of cortex, by psychophysical experiments, and by rich models of (differential) geometry. Here, we extend good continuation to stereo by introducing a neurogeometric model to abstract cortical organization. Our model clarifies which aspects of the projected scene geometry are relevant to neural connections. The model utilizes parameterizations that integrate spatial and orientation disparities, and provides insight into the psychophysics of stereo by yielding a well-defined 3D association field. In sum, the model illustrates how good continuation in the (3D) world generalizes good continuation in the (2D) plane.
A scoping review of auto-generating transformation between software development artifacts
Authors: Siahaan Daniel , Fauzan Reza , Widyadhana Arya , Firmawan Dony Bahtera , Putri Rahmi Rizkiana , Desnelita Yenny , Gustientiedina  , Putrian Ramalia Noratama
Published: January 2024

Every process within software development refers to a specific set of input and output artifacts. Each artifact models specific design information of a system, yet they complement each other and make an improved system description. The requirements phase is an early stage of software development that drives the rest of the development process. Throughout the software development life cycle, checking that every artifact produced in every development stage should comply with the given requirements is necessary. Moreover, there should be relatedness between elements within artifacts of different development stages. This study provides an overview of the conformity between artifacts and the possibility of artifact transformation. This study also describes the methods and tools used in previous studies for ensuring the conformity of artifacts with requirements in the transformation process between artifacts. It also provides their applications in the real world. The review identified three applications, seven methods and approaches, and five challenges in ensuring the conformity of artifacts with requirements. We identified the artifacts as class diagrams, aspect-oriented software architecture, architectural models, entity relationship diagrams, and sequence diagrams. The applications for ensuring the conformity of artifacts with requirements are maintaining traceability, software verification and validation, and software reuse. The methods include information retrieval, natural language processing, model transformations, text mining, graph-based, ontology-based, and optimization algorithms. The benefits of adopting methods and tools for ensuring the conformity of artifacts with requirements can motivate and assist practitioners in designing and creating artifacts.
Utility of electrocardiogram to predict the occurrence of the no-reflow phenomenon in patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI): a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Jafari Afshar Elmira , Gholami Niloofar , Samimisedeh Parham , MozafaryBazargany MohammadHossein , Tayebi Amirhossein , Memari Amirhossein , Yazdani Shahrooz , Rastad Hadith
Published: January 2024

Background

The no-reflow phenomenon affects about one out of five patients undergoing Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI). As the prolonged no-reflow phenomenon is linked with unfavorable outcomes, making early recognition is crucial for effective management and improved clinical outcomes in these patients. Our review study aimed to determine whether electrocardiogram (ECG) findings before PCI could serve as predictors for the occurrence of the no-reflow phenomenon.

Methods and materials

We systematically searched MEDLINE, Scopus, and Embase to identify relevant studies. The random-effect model using inverse variance and Mantel-Haenszel methods were used to pool the standardized mean differences (SMD) and odds ratios (OR), respectively.

Result

Sixteen eligible articles (1,473 cases and 4,264 controls) were included in this study. Based on our meta-analysis of baseline ECG findings, the no-reflow group compared to the control group significantly had a higher frequency of fragmented QRS complexes (fQRS) (OR (95% CI): 1.35 (0.32–2.38), P-value = 0.01), and Q-waves (OR (95% CI): 1.97 (1.01–2.94), P-value <0.001). Also, a longer QRS duration (QRSD) (SMD (95% CI): 0.72 (0.21, 1.23), p-value <0.001) and R wave peak time (RWPT) (SMD (95% CI): 1.36 (0.8, 1.93), P < 0.001) were seen in the no-reflow group. The two groups had no significant difference regarding P wave peak time (PWPT), and P wave maximum duration (Pmax) on baseline ECG.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that prolonged QRSD, delayed RWPT, higher fQRS prevalence, and the presence of a Q wave on baseline ECG may predict the occurrence of the no-reflow phenomenon in patients undergoing PPCI.
A more-Comers populAtion trEated with an ultrathin struts polimer-free Sirolimus stent: an Italian post-maRketing study (the CAESAR registry)
Authors: Tarantini Giuseppe , Cardaioli Francesco , De Iaco Giuseppe , Tuccillo Bernardino , De Angelis Maria Carmen , Mauro Ciro , Boccalatte Marco , Trivisonno Antonio , Ribichini Flavio , Vadalà Giuseppe , Caramanno Giuseppe , Caruso Marco , Lombardi Mario , Fischetti Dionigi , Danesi Alessandro , Abbracciavento Leonardo , Lorenzoni Giulia , Gregori Dario , Panza Andrea , Nai Fovino Luca , Esposito Giovanni
Published: January 2024

Introduction

The use of contemporary drug-eluting stents (DES) has significantly improved outcomes of patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). However, concerns exist regarding the long-term proinflammatory effects of durable polymer coatings used in most DES, potentially leading to long-term adverse events. First-generation polymer-free stent technologies, such as sirolimus- and probucol-eluting stents (PF-SES), have shown an excellent safety and efficacy profile. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of the new ultrathin Coroflex ISAR NEO PF-SES, in a more-comers PCI population.

Methods

The CAESAR (a more-Comers populAtion trEated with an ultrathin struts polimer-free Sirolimus stent: An Italian post-maRketing study) registry is a multicenter, prospective study conducted in Italy, enrolling more-comers CAD patients undergoing PCI with the Coroflex ISAR NEO stent. Patients with left main (LM) disease, cardiogenic shock (CS), or severely reduced left-ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) were excluded. The primary endpoint was target-lesion revascularization (TLR) at 1 year.

Results

A total of 425 patients were enrolled at 13 centers (mean age 66.9 ± 11.6 years, Diabetes mellitus 29%, acute coronary syndrome 67%, chronic total occlusion 9%). Of these, 40.9% had multivessel disease (MVD) and in 3.3% cases, the target lesion was in-stent restenosis (ISR). Clinical device success was reached in 422 (99.6%) cases. At 1 year, only two (0.5%) subjects presented ischemia-driven TLR. The 1-year rates of target vessel revascularization and MACE were 0.5% and 5.1%, respectively. Major bleeding was observed in four (1.0%) patients.

Conclusion

In this multicenter, prospective registry, the use of a new ultrathin Coroflex ISAR NEO PF-SES in a more-comers PCI population showed good safety and efficacy at 1 year.
Severe haemorrhagic diathesis due to acquired hypofibrinogenemia in a patient with early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma: a case report
Authors: Spiezia Luca , Riva Marcello , Gurrieri Carmela , Campello Elena , Simioni Paolo
Published: January 2024

The most frequent haematological malignancy associated with acquired hypo/dysfibrinogenemia is multiple myeloma. We present an unusual case of severe haemorrhagic diathesis due to acquired hypofibrinogenemia in a patient with early T-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia/lymphoma (ETP-ALL/LBL). A 57-year-old male was admitted to the General Internal Medicine Department of Padova University Hospital for acute massive haematomas of the left lower extremity associated with macrohaematuria. Coagulation tests showed prolonged prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time and thrombin time due to isolated severe hypofibrinogenemia (antigen 0.70 g/L and activity 26%). The radiological workup showed a bulky lesion located in the anterior mediastinum, and a biopsy led to the diagnosis of ETP-ALL/LBL. Fibrinogen replacement therapy failed to correct the bleeding diathesis and we were able to exclude other frequent causes of acquired hypofibrinogenemia (i.e., liver dysfunction, fibrinogen-specific antibody or drug toxicity); therefore, we hypothesised that hypofibrinogenemia might stem either from enhanced removal of fibrinogen from the circulation or consumptive coagulopathy. Notably, only after initiating a specific chemotherapy treatment did the patient start showing improvement in bleeding symptoms and achieve normal fibrinogen levels.
The impact of rural loudspeaker systems on typhoon disasters: Guangdong Province of China
Authors: Song Ying Ying , Li Chao
Published: January 2024

Rural Loudspeaker Systems (RLS) are interrelated with the management of typhoons in Guangdong Province, China. The study aims to determine the effectiveness of RLS devices in reducing injuries, fatalities, and house damage caused by typhoons. Additionally, it examines the role of Typhoon Warning Signals (TWS) level, which can indicate the severity of typhoon that people are alerted about, in conveying typhoon intensity and their impact on disaster outcomes. The analysis used multiple datasets, including RLS coverage, TWS-level, and typhoon disaster records. Poisson regression models are used to estimate the impact of RLS coverage on injuries, fatalities, and house damage. The results reveals that an increase in RLS coverage by one percentage point is associated with an 3% reduction in injury events and an 1% reduction in casualty (injury and fatality) events, highlighting the importance of the RLS as a dissemination tool to inform individuals and guide their behavior during typhoon events. However, house damage, a fixed asset, is not significantly influenced by RLS coverage but is more affected by the severity of the typhoon or TWS-level. These findings enhance the understanding of the influence of RLS devices on mitigating typhoon disasters and underscore the crucial need for implementing effective early warning systems in areas prone to vulnerabilities.
Computationally simulating the hydrothermal mineralizing system involved in the Laochang Pb-Zn deposit, Gejiu ore district, Yunnan, China: an example of pore-fluid convection controlled mineralization
Authors: Liu Gaozhi , Zhao Chongbin
Published: January 2024

The Laochang Pb-Zn deposit can be typically considered as a hydrothermal mineralizing deposit in the Gejiu ore district. Although extensive studies were conducted to understand the mineralizing system associated with the Laochang Pb-Zn deposit through using the traditional geoscience methods, the mineralizing process involved in this deposit has not been justified in a strictly scientific manner to date. In this article, the hydrothermal mineralizing mechanism of the Laochang Pb-Zn deposit is computationally simulated through using the dual length-scale approach associated with the finite element method (FEM). The related computationally simulating outcomes have revealed the following understanding: 1) the pore-fluid convection provides a continuous source of mineralizing fluid and material for the Laochang Pb-Zn deposit; 2) the convective flow of pore-fluid is the primary dynamic mechanism, which controls the temperature, chemical species and pore-fluid velocity distributions in the Laochang Pb-Zn deposit; 3) the localized structure plays a key role in controlling the localized pore-fluid flow pattern, which can further control the location and grade of the orebody in the Laochang Pb-Zn deposit; 4) the dual length-scale approach associated with the FEM is very useful for dealing with the computational simulation of the hydrothermal mineralizing mechanism involved in the Laochang Pb-Zn deposit.
Damage degradation law of mechanical properties of sandstone under different water-rich states
Authors: He Xiaolang , Hu Xin , Pu Zhiguo , Chen Deming , Duan Dongwei , Han Gang , Xie Jiahao , Zhang Yin
Published: January 2024

Safety is the primary guarantee for achieving coal mine production. The degree of water in the overlying rock of the coal seam has a significant impact on the mechanical strength of the rock, which can lead to subsidence, roof collapse, and rock burst in the mining area. Therefore, it is important to study the law of water-rich damage and deterioration of coal seam overlying rock, as well as the characteristics of bursting liability to prevent and control mining disasters. This paper aims to investigate the change in compressive strength, elastic modulus, and bursting liability of coal measure strata under different water content and their relationship with lithology, particle size, pore characteristics, and mineral characteristics. We carried out uniaxial compression tests on drilled and prepared samples of coal measure strata in the east of Ordos City. We also monitored the acoustic emission characteristics of the rock failure process under different water content. The results demonstrate that, in the dry state, the compressive strength of siltstone >fine sandstone >medium sandstone >coarse sandstone. As the water content increases, the rock transitions from brittle to plastic, and the compressive strength, elastic modulus, and bursting liability gradually decrease. The stress-strain curve changes from a single peak to bimodal and multimodal, and the active degree of acoustic emission events decreases, especially the low-value ringing count. Calcareous cementation, clay minerals, and chlorite exhibit strong softening properties when subjected to water, while the grain skeleton (comprising quartz, feldspar, mica) and siliceous cementation displays weak softening properties in such conditions. The most significant is the mechanical strength deterioration of siltstone containing a clay matrix. The research findings can provide reference and theoretical support for safe mining practices in coal mines.
Slope stability analysis of coastal geotechnical structures under combined effects of earthquake and rainfall
Authors: Jia Yuyue , Luan Shuyang , Asheghabadi Mohsen Saleh , Xing Dongliang , Yuan Hang , Liu Junwei
Published: January 2024

The primary factors responsible for inducing landslide disasters are earthquakes and rainfall. Using the strength reduction method within the finite element analysis software Abaqus, a study was conducted to analyze the stability of coastal geotechnical slopes. This investigation considered the combined influence of rainfall and earthquakes, taking into account the geological conditions and characteristics specific to these coastal areas. The results indicate that, under the same seismic acceleration amplitude, the shear strength of the slope soil gradually decreases as the water content increases, resulting in a decrease in the stability coefficient. Similarly, with a constant water content in the slope, an increase in seismic acceleration amplitude leads to heightened soil shear stress, consequently decreasing the stability coefficient. Maintaining constant water content while increasing seismic acceleration results in elevated soil shear stress, reduced shear strength, and a subsequent decrease in the stability coefficient. The simultaneous occurrence of intense rainfall and a strong earthquake pushes the slope to its most precarious state, causing the most significant reduction in the stability coefficient. Incorporating anti-slip piles substantially enhances the slope’s stability coefficient, and an optimal arrangement of anti-slip piles for the most unfavorable conditions is proposed.
Relationship between mathematical pedagogical content knowledge, beliefs, and motivation of elementary school teachers
Authors: Fukaya Tatsushi , Fukuda Mari , Suzuki Masayuki
Published: January 2024

Pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) is one form of teachers’ professional knowledge in subject teaching, and teachers’ rich PCK enables effective instruction and improves students’ academic performance. However, there has been limited research on the relationships of individual difference characteristics of teachers to PCK among in-service elementary school teachers. Therefore, in addition to the demographic variables (gender and years of teaching experience) and psychological variables (beliefs about teaching and learning and teacher efficacy) examined in previous studies, this study attempted to clarify whether motivation for teaching is related to PCK. We conducted a web survey of in-service elementary school teachers in Japan (n = 267). The results showed that the traditional beliefs that students are to be controlled by their teachers and indifference, which describes a state of lack of motivation to prepare for class, were negatively associated with two elements of mathematical PCK (knowledge of learners and knowledge of instruction). Furthermore, multiple regression analysis revealed that traditional beliefs about teaching and learning were negatively associated with the knowledge of learners and indifference to subject instruction with knowledge of instruction. This suggests that teachers’ motivation for teaching is related to PCK, in addition to the variables that have been previously examined.