bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Developing Mathematical Modeling Tasks Using Parking Fee for Learning Mathematics
Authors: Riyanto Bambang
Published: March 2022

The purpose of this study is to produce valid mathematical modeling tasks using parking fees for learning mathematical modeling in SMK. This study used a research development approach by Akker, Gravemeijer, McKenney and Nieveen. This research consists of 3 stages, namely analysis, design and evaluation. The analysis step was carried out by analyzing students, curriculum, vocational needs, context needed and mathematical modeling. The second step is design and product. The last step is a formative evaluation design which consists of self-evaluation, one-to-one, expert review, small group, and field test. The research only conducted self-evaluation, one-to-one, and expert review. Data analysis used descriptive walk through, expert commentary analysis, solution analysis and student comments to get a valid parking fee context mathematical modeling problem for learning mathematics. This research has produced mathematical modeling problems valid using the context of parking fees for mathematics learning in SMK. The results of this study suggest that it is important for teachers to design and implement mathematical modeling problems using interesting and meaningful real-world contexts in learning mathematics, further research is important to provide scaffolding for students in mathematical modeling problems for mathematics learning, finally, research and learning mathematical modeling crucial to be applied in the future.
Neoliberalización, turismo y socioeconomía en Baja California Sur, México
Authors: Villa Manuel Ángeles , Gámez Vázquez Alba , Bórquez Reyes Ricardo
Published: March 2022

El objetivo de este trabajo es presentar una semblanza teórica-empírica de la realidad socioeconómica del sur del estado de Baja California Sur (BCS), específicamente los municipios de La Paz y Los Cabos, luego de treinta años del intenso proceso de producción de espacios turísticos y del sector inmobiliario. El trabajo se analiza a través de la economía política y, se presenta una discusión de los procesos de neoliberalización. El trabajo se organiza de la siguiente manera. En un primer apartado, examinamos las principales características del modelo neoliberal que ha prevalecido en la mayor parte del mundo desde los setenta del siglo pasado. En la segunda sección, adelantamos la tesis de que la consolidación del proyecto político en Baja California Sur se ha verificado a través del turismo, para luego intensificarse a través de la especulación inmobiliaria y en la construcción de megaproyectos de exclusivas residencias, fundamentalmente para estadounidenses. En un tercer apartado analizamos los efectos socioeconómicos de este modelo, examinando las principales cifras que explican la condición actual de la economía y la situación de la población con respecto a los niveles de pobreza, vulnerabilidad y desigualdad imperantes.
Los límites del crecimiento económico en la frontera norte de México
Authors: Gutiérrez Casas Luis Enrique
Published: March 2022

La frontera norte de México ha jugado un papel estratégico en el desarrollo nacional. A partir de la implementación del Programa de Industrialización Fronteriza, cuyo eje fue la Industria Maquiladora de Exportación, las ciudades de esta región experimentaron una transformación socioeconómica radical y varias de ellas se convirtieron en las más dinámicas del país. No obstante, luego de casi cuarenta años, las crisis de principios del siglo XXI revelaron serias limitaciones estructurales del modelo de crecimiento maquilador las que, a la postre, arrojaron como saldo una región fronteriza vulnerable, lejana del potencial de crecimiento económico y el espacio de bienestar que se esperaba. En este ensayo se hace una reflexión de los límites del crecimiento económico de la frontera norte de México resaltando los problemas de ingreso, inversión, acumulación, distribución e innovación que han sido en gran medida los principales obstáculos para su desarrollo.
Oferta de formación en competencias socioemocionales para la empleabilidad en estudiantes de turismo
Authors: Agud Luciano Camila , Ramírez Velázquez Ethel
Published: March 2022

Resumen:El estudio presenta una oferta de formación en competencias socioemocionales para la empleabilidad en estudiantes de turismo, con el propósito de garantizar en los mismos un desempeño activo en el mercado laboral, debido a la búsqueda por parte de los empleadores de profesionales que demuestren capacidad cognitiva. Con el fin de conseguir este objetivo, la investigación desarrollada se basó en un diseño transversal, de tipo descriptivo. Para ello se diagnosticaron las competencias socioemocionales para la empleabilidad que deben valorarse curricularmente en la enseñanza y formación de estudiantes de la carrera, desde el criterio de estudiantes, docentes, egresados y empleadores. Dentro de las técnicas empleadas se encuentran las entrevistas semiestructuradas y los métodos utilizados fueron análisis documental y revisión de antecedentes investigativos. Los resultados obtenidos evidenciaron la importancia de la inclusión de las competencias socioemocionales para la empleabilidad (1. Habilidades sociales, 2. Responsabilidad.3. Trabajo en equipo. 4. Capacidad de resolver problemas. 5. Creatividad. 6. Iniciativa. 7. Liderazgo.8. Habilidades de comunicación. 9. Empatía. 10. Adaptación a los cambios) desde el programa de estudio, de ahí la necesidad de la innovación en los planes curriculares como facilitador del éxito profesional. Palabras clave: oferta de formación, programa de estudio, currículo, innovación.
Abstract:The study presents a training offer in socio-emotional competencies for employability in tourism students, in order to guarantee an active performance in the labor market, due to the search by employers for professionals who demonstrate cognitive ability. In order to achieve this objective, the research carried out was based on a cross-sectional, descriptive design. For this, the socio-emotional competencies for employability that should be assessed in the curriculum in the teaching and training of career students were diagnosed, from the criteria of students, teachers, graduates and employers. Among the techniques used are semi-structured interviews and the methods used were documentary analysis and review of investigative background. The results obtained showed the importance of the inclusion of socio-emotional competences for employability (1. Social skills, 2. Responsibility. 3. Teamwork. 4. Ability to solve problems. 5. Creativity. 6. Initiative. 7. Leadership .8. Communication skills. 9. Empathy. 10. Adaptation to changes) from the study program, hence the need for innovation in curricular plans as a facilitator of professional success. Key Words: training offer, study program, curriculum, innovation.
Valoración del grado de utilización de una app interactiva para aprender radiología
Authors: Izquierdo Palomares Lucía , Mesa Quesada Juan , Cerro Luna Ana Isabel , Jiménez Reina Luis , Álvarez Benito Marina
Published: March 2022

Se presenta una aplicación para dispositivo móvil (app) dirigida a alumnos del Grado de Medicina y del Grado de Fisioterapia de la Universidad de Córdoba (UCO). Se trata de una herramienta interactiva y dinámica en la que el estudiante tiene acceso a casos clínicos cuyo diagnóstico principal se centra en la imagen. La app va a permitir que el alumno conozca y se familiarice con las diferentes técnicas de diagnóstico por la imagen, su utilidad para cada patología y área anatómica, y relacione la imagen con otros datos clínicos.

Estos casos van a ser representativos del trabajo diario de un Servicio de Radiología con técnicas clásicas y otras muy avanzadas e innovadoras de alto nivel técnico. Además, esta herramienta permite monitorizar los conocimientos que adquirieren los alumnos durante el curso por parte de los profesores de la asignatura.
Building communities of practice in distance learning courses for higher education teacher development
Authors: Fuller Stephanie
Published: March 2022

A ‘communities of practice’ approach has been shown to be an effective way of supporting the development of educators within higher education (HE). It enables members of a group with common interests and experiences to learn from each other and to develop their professional practice together. Distance learning has become an increasingly important means of delivering professional development for teachers in HE, but to build and develop communities of practice in an online context can be a real challenge. This article explores the ways in which distance learning teacher development courses can effectively build communities of practice. It investigates participants’ experiences of community on modules with different distance learning delivery modes. It finds that a community of practice was developed to an extent, but that this was established more successfully within synchronous delivery modules with webinars than in asynchronous modules. However, across all modes of delivery, the presence of peer feedback, peer learning and collaborative activities within the learning design was crucial for effective development of a community of practice.
Comparing approaches to feedback in the context of English language teaching in higher education
Authors: AlZadjali Ramla
Published: March 2022

Written feedback has the potential to play an important role in supporting HE students’ learning. This paper looks at the question of how much and what kind of feedback is most effective in the context of language learning but with implications for other disciplines. It argues for the importance of contextualising feedback within a dialogue with students.
Optimization of the Operating Envelope of a Hot-Solvent Injection Process for Bitumen Recovery
Authors: Sadeghi Asghar , Boustani Arash , Hassanzadeh Hassan
Published: March 2022

Over the past two decades, there have been considerable efforts in the industry evaluating the use of pure solvents or solvent-assisted processes for the development of oil sands reservoirs in Canada. Replacement of conventional steam-based recovery with solvents can minimize the energy intensity of bitumen recovery and reduce the environmental footprint of the operation. Moreover, solvent-based processes can reduce the capital cost of handling large volumes of water and minimize water usage. In-situ heating techniques were also studied as an alternative means of delivering energy into the oil reservoirs while reducing the cost of surface heating facilities. One of the available in-situ heating options is electric resistive heaters (ERHs) deployed in the horizontal wells.

This study examines many different aspects of bitumen recovery and process optimization by injection of superheated solvents along with the application of ERHs. New economic metrics were introduced to optimize the subsurface process performance. The study revealed that while ERH could help vaporize the injected solvents in the injector well, the induced solvent reflux subject to ERH installation in producer wells is a subeconomic strategy. Therefore, after the establishment of the initial communication between the well pairs, the producer heater is recommended to be turned off.

Preheating modeling showed that the producer heater power rating could be ~1.3 kW/m. The process was optimized for pure butane and propane injection processes. The operating pressure range was found to be 500–800 kPa for pure butane and 1700–2300 kPa for pure propane in the reservoir of interest. The injector heater was set to deliver solvent at 250°C into the reservoir during the process, requiring ~1.2 kW/m power for butane and ~0.8 kW/m for propane vaporization. Finally, the requirement of water coinjection, well spacing, and uncertainty to reservoir attributes were also studied.
Experimental Research on Cationic Surfactants in the Drag Reduction of Water Injection Pipeline
Authors: Yuan Ying , Jing Jiaqiang , Yin Ran , Jing Peiyu , Hu Jianfei
Published: March 2022

To achieve the throughput increase and drag reduction of the water injection pipeline for offshore oil fields, this paper takes the cationic surfactant solution as the research object and explores the feasibility of applying the additive drag reduction technology to the water injection pipelines through the rheological test and drag reduction simulation device. The experimental results show that the cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC) selected initially has excellent thixotropy, and the viscosity recovery rate within 300 seconds can reach more than 97%. In addition, CTAC/NaSal (sodium salicylate) solution has strong oil resistance and salt tolerance. As the oil concentration increases from 0 to 6,000 ppm, the viscosity only decreases by 8.24%; as the salt concentration increases from 0 to 6,000 ppm, the maximum viscosity growth rate is 87.08%. Furthermore, the CTAC/NaSal has good temperature resistance, which enhances with the increase of concentration. The recommended concentration of drag reducer is 400 ppm, and the maximum drag reduction rate, throughput increase rate, pressure drop reduction rate is 74.19, 76.76, and 67.99%, respectively. Therefore, the CTAC/NaSal solution has broad application prospects in the drag reduction of water injection pipelines.
A Self-adaptive Binary Cat Swarm Optimization Using New Time-Varying Transfer Function for Gene Selection in DNA Microarray Expression Cancer Data
Authors: sharafi yousef , Teshnehlab Mohammad
Published: March 2022

Microarray technology is beneficial in terms of diagnosing various diseases, including cancer. Despite all DNA microarray benefits, the high number of genes versus the low number of samples has always been a crucial challenge for this technology. Accordingly, we need new optimization algorithms to select optimal genes for faster disease diagnosis. In this article, a new version of the binary cat optimization algorithm, named SBCSO, for gene selection in DNA microarray expression cancer data is presented. The main contributions in this paper are listed as follows: First, the opposition-based learning (OBL) mechanism is employed to improve the proposed algorithm's population members' diversity. Second, a time-varying V-shape transfer function is employed to balance the two phases of exploration and extraction in the proposed algorithm. Third, the MR and 𝛌 parameters in the proposed algorithm are adapted over time, and finally, single-objective and multi-objective approaches are proposed to solve the gene selection problems. The fifteen datasets pertinent to microarray data of various cancer types are employed to compare the proposed method with other well-known binary optimization algorithms. The experiments' results indicate that the proposed algorithm has a better capability to select the optimal genes for a faster disease diagnosis.
Intravitreal ranibizumab alone or in combination with Calcium dobesilate (CaD) for the treatment of diabetic macular edema in non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy patients: a 12-month outcomes of a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Dongxuan , Wang Hui , Wu Shuang , Yang Xueqiu , Xu Jiansen
Published: March 2022

Purpose To investigate the effect of calcium dobesilate (CaD) in the treatment of diabetic macular edema (DME) in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR).Methods This retrospective, observational, consecutive case control study enrolled patients newly diagnosed with DME who received intravitreal ranibizumab (IVR) administration with 3-monthly loading dose injection followed by pro re nata (3+PRN) regimen with or without CaD orally daily for at least 12-month follow-up. Medical records and optical coherence tomography (OCT) results were reviewed and compared.Results A total of 102 eyes from 102 patients were enrolled in this study. Fifty-four patients received IVR combined with CaD orally (IVR+CaD group), while forty-eight patients received IVR solely (IVR group). At every follow-up, 3, 6 and 12 months after injection, the best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) improved and the central macular thickness (CMT) decreased in both groups when compared with those at baseline (P < 0.05), while there were no significant differences in BCVA improvement and CMT reduction between the two groups (P > 0.05). The mean number of ranibizumab injections in R+C group was significantly lower than that in R group (5.4 ± 1.1 injections versus 6.7 ± 1.6 injections, P<0.05) within 1-year treatment. No adverse events were found in neither groups.Conclusions Adding orally CaD to intravitreal ranibizumab was demonstrated to have similar effectiveness and safety for improving visual function and restoring the anatomy of the retina in macular with fewer injections in DME patients.
Study on the influencing factors and improving countermeasures of regional financial service function in Hunan Province ——Take corporate loans as an example
Authors: LIU ZHIYING , Wen Yixian
Published: March 2022

The demand for financial services has been increasing with China rapid economic development in recent years. Among diverse financial services, credit is the financial service which has linked closely with daily economic activities of individuals and nonfinancial firms. In fact, in the domestic financial system, indirect financing is the leading way, the change in the total amount of credit is of great significance to both the microeconomic and the macroeconomic. This paper focuses on the regional financial services within Hunan Province, using the volume of credit delivery to non-financial firms and government institutions in Hunan as a start point, and selects the nonfinancial firms in Hunan Province from 2016 to 2020 as the research object, and analyses the influencing factors for the amount of non-financial corporate borrowing under the function of regional financial services in Hunan. The empirical results show that the amount of loans from non-financial enterprises are positively correlated with the deposits of non-financial enterprises and residents and government organizations and are negatively correlated with the reduction rate of loss-making enterprises and CPI. Finally, according to the results, this paper concluded countermeasures for Hunan Province to effectively improve the amount of credit and promote economic development.
Research Trends in Japanese Public Administration: Statistical Content Analyses of Article Titles in Public Administration Review Quarterly (1978–2019)
Authors: Moteki Yasutoshi
Published: March 2022

Japanese research on public administration is now increasingly being published in English, however, it is difficult to understand the context regarding research position and practical implications in Japan simply by reading these papers in isolation. To better understand the recent Japanese administrative research on individual policy areas being published in English, it is necessary to first understand the previous accumulated Japanese administrative research. This paper quantitatively explains research trends in postwar administrative studies in Japan by statistically analyzing nearly 40 years of article titles from Public Administration Review Quarterly, from its first (1978) to 165th issue (2019). Published quarterly by the Institute of Administrative Management, which is tied to the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications, Public Administration Review Quarterly is a renowned public administration journal in Japan. Co-occurrence network and correspondence analyses revealed changes in research interests. There was substantially more research on administrative reforms through the postwar Showa and Heisei eras. The configuration figures of correspondence analysis indicate that the first dimension concerns administrative reforms, the second, historical events/administrative systems, and the third, evaluations and Kaizen. Co-occurrence network analysis showed that studies during the Showa era (1978–1988) could be partly characterized by two extracted compound words: the United States and the United Kingdom. In other words, public administration in Japan in this period was strongly influenced by Western public administration. Japan became a feature of studies of public administration during the Heisei era (1989–2018). These features are consistent with those found in previous quantitative studies.
External validation of the computerized analysis of TRUS of the prostate with the system ANNA/C-TRUS: a potential role of Artificial Intelligence for improving prostate cancer detection
Authors: Lorusso Vito , Kabre Boukary , Pignot Geraldine , Branger Nicolas , Pacchetti Andrea , Thomassin-Piana Jeanne , Brunelle Serge , Nicolai Nicola , Musi Gennaro , Salem Naji , Montanari Emanuele , de Cobelli Ottavio , Gravis Gwenaelle , Walz Jochen
Published: March 2022

PURPOSE:Prostate cancer (PCa) imaging has been revolutionized by the introduction of multi-parametric Magnetic Resonance Imaging (mpMRI). Transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) has always been considered a low-performance modality. To overcome this, a computerized artificial neural network analysis (ANNA/C–TRUS) of the TRUS based on an artificial intelligence (AI) analysis has been proposed. Our aim was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of the ANNA/C-TRUS system and its ability to improve conventional TRUS in PCa diagnosis.METHODSWe retrospectively analyzed data from 64 patients with PCa and scheduled for radical prostatectomy who underwent TRUS followed by ANNA/C-TRUS analysis before the procedure. The results of ANNA/C-TRUS analysis with whole mount sections from final pathology.RESULTS On a per-sectors analysis, sensitivity, specificity, negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV) and accuracy were 62%, 81%, 80%, 64% and 78% respectively. The values for the detection of clinically significant prostate cancer were 69%, 77%, 88%, 50% and 75%. The diagnostic values for high grade tumours were 70%, 74%, 91%, 41% and 74%, respectively. Cancer volume (<0.5 or greater) did not influence the diagnostic performance of the ANNA/C-TRUS system.CONCLUSIONSANNA/C-TRUS represents a promising diagnostic tool and application of AI for PCa diagnosis. It improves the ability of conventional TRUS to diagnose prostate cancer, preserving its simplicity and availability. Since it is an AI system, it does not hold the inter-observer variability nor a learning curve. Multicenter biopsy-based studies with the inclusion of an adequate number of patients are needed to confirm these results.
Interval-based Non-dimensionalization Method (IBNM) and Its Application in PM2.5 Grade Prediction
Authors: XU TIANJIAO , CHEN SHIHONG , YE YAN , LI BAIQI , GUAN HUAPING
Published: March 2022

Aiming at the disadvantages of rationality and adaptability of linear dimensionless method, as well as the complexity of constructing polyline and curve dimensionless method, this paper proposes an Interval-based Non-dimensionalization Method (IBNM). IBNM can be assembled in to polyline IBNM or curve IBNM based on the critical points formed by interval partition. Interval division can be classified based on the existing index data, which is scientific, reasonable, simple and practical. Taking example of the prediction of PM2.5 air quality grade in Guangzhou, this paper constructs four models to predict air quality grade, such as, Support Vector Regression (SVR), Random Forest, Extremely Random Tree, and Gradient Lifting Regression Tree model. Meanwhile, the data is processed with extremum method, polyline IBNM and curve IBNM. The results show that the accuracy of polyline IBNM and curve IBNM is better than extremum method.
Risk factors of occupational skin diseases among traditional batik manufacturing workers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia
Authors: Febriana Sri Awalia , Erdina Erdina , Dewi Kusuma , Ridora Yohanes , Anggraeni Agustina , Indrastuti Niken , Waskito Fajar , Oginawati Katharina , Tanziha Ikeu , Prakoeswa Cita Rosita Sigit
Published: March 2022

Objective: Batik is one of the Indonesian traditional arts made by decorating fabric using the resist dyeing technique. Currently, batik manufacturing serves as an important source of livelihood in Indonesia. However, the production process of traditional batik involves a range of chemicals and some repetitive physical movements, making batik production inseparable from physical and chemical hazards which increase the risk of developing occupational skin diseases (OSD). This study aimed to identify the risk factors related to OSD, including occupational contact dermatitis (OCD), among traditional batik manufacturing workers in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.Results: The study demonstrated that working duration (≥8 hours daily) and type of work (wet process only) were statistically significant as risk factors for developing OSD. While for OCD, our results found that gender (male), history of atopy, and type of work (all and wet phase only) were risk factors for OCD development among traditional batik manufacturing workers.
Statistical and Health Economic Analysis Plan Including COVID-19 Mitigation Strategy for the Physio4FMD Trial
Authors: Marston Louise , Novere Marie Le , Ricciardi Federico , Nazareth Irwin , Carson Alan , Edwards Mark , Goldstein Laura , Marsden Jonathan , Noble Hayley , Reuber Markus , Stone Jon , Hunter Rachael , Nielsen Glenn
Published: March 2022

Background
Functional motor disorder (FMD) is a common cause of disabling neurological symptoms such as weakness and tremor. We are carrying out a pragmatic, multicentre single blind randomised controlled trial to evaluate effectiveness and cost effectiveness of specialist physiotherapy versus treatment as usual to improve physical functioning at 12 months. Like many other studies, this trial was affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, which interrupted the trial towards the end of planned recruitment. In this paper, we discuss (i) the impact of COVID-19 on the trial; (ii) the impact mitigation strategies implemented; and (iii) the planned statistical and health economic analysis methods and sensitivity analyses aimed at assessing the disrupting influence of COVID-19 on the trial.
Methods
The planned statistical and health economics analyses for this trial are described, as well as the sensitivity analyses designed to assess the disruption caused by COVID-19. The trial treatment of at least 89 participants (33%) was disrupted due to the pandemic response. To account for this, we have extended the trial to increase the sample size. We have identified four groups based on how participants’ involvement in Physio4FMD was affected; A: 24 were unaffected; B: 131 received their trial-treatment before the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and were followed up during the pandemic; C: 89 were recruited in early 2020 and had not received any randomised treatment before clinical services closed because of COVID-19; D: participants recruited after the trial was restarted in July 2021 (target 90 to 120). The primary analysis will involve groups A, B and D. Regression analysis will be used to assess treatment effectiveness. We will conduct descriptive statistics for each of the groups identified and sensitivity regression analyses with participants from all groups, including group C, separately.
Discussion
The COVID-19 mitigation strategy and analysis plans are designed to maintain the integrity of the trial while providing meaningful results. By publishing our analysis plans ahead of database lock, analysis and unblinding, we aim to avoid bias due to data-driven analysis.
Trial registration
: The trial was registered with the ISRCTN register on 27/03/2018, number ISRCTN56136713.
A Proposal for Optomechanical Bichromatic Wavelength Switching for two-color Up-conversion Application
Authors: Fanid Ali Taghizad , Rostami Ali
Published: March 2022

This study focuses on the Optomechanical bichromatic wavelength switching system as an indirect two-color up-conversion process that relies on optical force and nanorod scattering effects. This system is used to control light coupling between four parallel optical waveguides made of silicon nitride (Si3N4) which form two identical parts. The parallel waveguides with 0.5 µm × 0.5 µm cross-section and 220 µm lengths suspended on a silica (SiO2) substrate embedded with the array of square silicon (Si) nanorods. By mid-IR plane wave illumination, as control light, with different intensities and different wavelengths on nanorods, scattering would increase and result in an improvement in attractive gradient optical force exerted on waveguides. Via bending waveguides toward each other, caused by optical gradient force, two different visible lights, as probe signals, propagating in the first waveguide of each section would couple to the adjacent waveguide. Simulation results reveal that when the distance between the parallel waveguides in the equilibrium position is 100 nm and the intensity of mid-IR light is 1.28 mW/µm2 total coupling would occur in two situations: 1- when the control light is 4.5 µm, the probe light with 713 nm wavelength is transmitted to the output, 2- when the control light is 3 µm, the probe light with 609 nm wavelength is transmitted to the output. In the first case 1.92 pN/µm optical force is needed to bend each waveguide by 9 nm and in the second one, 1.28 pN/µm optical force is needed to bend each waveguide by 6 nm for total coupling. The efficiency of the coupled waveguides system is %88.6 for 609 nm probe light injection and %96.5 for 713 nm probe light injection.
Effect of a 6-week Cycle of Nordic Walking Training on Vitamin 25(OH)D3 Calcium-phosphate Metabolism and Muscle Damage in Multiple Myeloma Patients
Authors: Czerwińska-Ledwig Olga , Vesole David H , Pilch Wanda , Gradek Joanna , Jurczyszyn Artur
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Multiple myeloma (MM) is a hematological malignancy affecting older adults (median age 70 years). One of the most common myeloma defining events is the development of symptomatic lytic bone disease which leads to fractures and immobilization. It is caused by disturbances in bone metabolism affecting calcium-phosphate balance. Treatment of the bone disease and the underlying malignancy results in disease and symptom control.Objectives: In this study, the impact of a 6-week Nordic walking (NW) exercise program on blood parameters related to calcium-phosphate metabolism and damage of skeletal muscles was assessed. Patients and methods: 28 subjects with MM in remission stage, without cytostatic treatment were enrolled and completed the study: 15 in the training group (NW) and 13 in control group (CG). All patients were supplemented with vitamin D3, calcium carbonate daily and received zoledronic acid every 4 weeks. Two venous blood samples were drawn – before and after the 6 weeks of training sessions – to assess the serum concentrations of vitamin 25(OH)D3, inorganic phosphorus, total calcium, myoglobin, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH).Results: Patients from the NW group showed a statistically significant decrease in mean serum myoglobin concentration (p=0.018) and increase in 25(OH)D3 (p<0.001) and total Ca (p=0.001) concentrations. In the NW group, there was a correlation between the changes in myoglobin, phosphorus, 25(OH)D3 and Ca concentrations after 6 weeks.Conclusions: NW training is a safe and beneficial form of physical exercise for patients with MM without inducing muscle damage. NW performed outside during Spring-Summer season improves serum vitamin 25(OH)D3 concentration.
Multifrequency controlled synchronization of four inductor motors by the fixed
frequency ratio method in a vibration system
Authors: Jia Lei , Liu Ziliang , Wang Chun
Published: March 2022

This article illustrates the phenomenon that multifrequency self-synchronization of four induction motors in a vibration system can’t be realized and addresses this problem with controlled synchronization by the fixed frequency ratio method. Through establishing the dynamical model of the vibration system, the stability of the vibration system is analyzed with the small parameter method and the non-coupled feature with different frequency of inductor motors is investigated. To achieve the purpose of multifrequency controlled synchronization, a fuzzy PID controlling method is introduced and the stability of the controlling system is certified by the Lyapunov criterion. An arbitrariness of the proposed controlling method which is applied to the vibration system is presented. Some simulations are given by Matlab/Simulink. Aimed at the verification of the theoretical and numerical results, a vibrating test bench is constructed and some experiments are implemented. With the results in this article, some characteristic analyses are discussed.
The youth mental health crisis during the COVID-19 pandemic: The role of school closures
Authors: Felfe Christina , Saurer Judith , Schneider Patrick , Vornberger Judith , Klotzbuecher Valentin , Erhart Michael , Kaman Anne , Sieberer Ulrike Ravens
Published: March 2022

The youth mental health crisis has become so acute during the COVID-19 pandemic that a coalition of U.S. pediatric health experts has declared it a national emergency1. To which extent this crisis can be attributed to the pandemic or the different pandemic measures is unknown. School closures are among the most heavily debated pandemic measures, with insufficient evidence on their costs2,3,4,5. We seek to narrow this blind spot, by compiling data on the manifold school closure and re-opening strategies implemented across the federal states of Germany at the onset of the pandemic and combining it with data from a nationwide, population-based, longitudinal survey on youth mental health and the largest crisis helpline for children and adolescents. We show that prolonged school closures led to a significant deterioration in youth health-related quality of life, precipitating first signs of mental health problems. Effects were most severe among boys, less mature adolescents, and families with limited living space. Young people also increasingly sought support from crisis helplines to discuss arising family and friendship problems. Importantly, the effects persist even when abstracting from the overall strain imposed by the pandemic or further pandemic measures. Indeed, school closures explain around two thirds of the aggravation of the youth mental health crisis throughout the first pandemic wave and there is no sign for a swift recovery.
Investigating the relationship between spiritual intelligence and post-traumatic stress syndrome in health care workers in Covide19 centers
Authors: Rezaie Somayeh , Daliri Salman , Sheibani Hossein , Aghayan Seyed Shahrokh , Fadaeaghdam Nasrin , Banar Zahra , Sayad Samaneh
Published: March 2022

Background: In December 2019, an infectious disease caused by the new coronavirus (Covid-19) started in Wuhan, China and spread rapidly around the world. Due to the fact that this pandemic, in addition to causing general health concerns in the world, has caused numerous psychological complications.Objectives: this study was conducted to investigate the relationship between spiritual intelligence and the level of post-traumatic stress syndrome in Health care workers in Iran.Method: This descriptive-analytical study was performed on 201 health care workers in covid19 centers in Shahroud and Miami in Semnan province. The statistical population included the personnel of different categories of the hospital and was selected by stratified sampling method. Online Demographic questionnaire, IES-R questionnaire for PTSS (POST TRAUMATIC STRESS SYNDROME) and online spiritual intelligence questionnaire were used to collect information.Results: The mean score PTSS 33.97 ± 17.57 and the three subscales of avoidance, intrusion and hyperarousal were 13.39±6.39, 10.27±6.27 and 10.04±27, respectively. Also, the mean score of spiritual intelligence was 124.90 ±16.99. Pearson correlation coefficient showed a negative relationship between spiritual intelligence and PTSS (-0.25), avoidance (-0.16), intrusion (-0.2) and hyperarousal (-0.3), and with increasing spiritual intelligence, people experienced fewer PTSS.Conclusion: Given the high prevalence of mental health disorders and the high rate of PTSS in covid19 pandemic, and considering the relationship between spiritual intelligence and the extent of PTSS symptoms. Based on the findings of this study, the use of strategies such education about spiritual intelligence can be used as a way to better adapt and reducing the complications of this crisis.
Reversed, Double-Beam Photoacoustic Spectroscopic Analysis Of Photoinduced Change In Absorption Of Cellulose Fibres
Authors: Csoka Levente , Hosakun Worakan , Kolonics Otto , Ohtani Bunsho
Published: March 2022

Photoabsorption properties of cellulose fibres under continuous and modulated irradiation were investigated in situ by the use of reversed double-beam photoacoustic spectroscopy (RDB-PAS). This photoacoustic (PA) measurement enabled observation of ultraviolet- and visible light-induced, electron trap filling, reductive change on the surface of the fibres. Energy-resolved measurements and analysis of the kinetics of photoinduced de-excitation suggested that electrons that accumulated in the different cellulose crystalline phases had moderate reactivity toward molecular oxygen. Saturation limits of the intensities of the PA and RDB-PAS signals under de-aerated conditions in the presence of surface-adsorbed methanol were estimated for softwood and hardwood cellulose samples. The results suggest that the RDB-PAS technique is a feasible method for the estimation of the electron trap distribution, which is a potential measure of the density of crystalline cellulose defects.
Consistent daily activity patterns across tropical forest mammal communities
Authors: Vargas Andrea Vallejo , Sheil Douglas , Semper-Pascual Asunción , Beaudrot Lydia , Ahumada Jorge , Bitariho Robert , Espinosa Santiago , Estienne Vittoria , Jansen Patrick , Kayijamahe Charles , Martin Emanuel , Lima Marcela , Mugerwa Badru , Rovero Francesco , Salvador Julia , Santos Fernanda , spironello wilson , Uzabaho Eustrate , Bischof Richard
Published: March 2022

Most animals follow distinct daily activity patterns reflecting their adaptations1, requirements, and interactions2-4. Specific communities provide specific opportunities and constraints to their members that further shape these patterns3,4. Here, we ask whether community-level diel activity patterns among long-separated biogeographic regions differ or converge and whether the resulting patterns indicate top-down (predation risk) or bottom-up processes (prey availability)? We estimated the diel activity of ground-dwelling and scansorial mammals in 16 protected areas across the tropics, using an extensive network of camera traps, and examined the relationship to body mass and trophic guild. We found that mammalian guilds exhibited consistent diel activity patterns across regions, indicating similar responses to similar evolutionary and ecological opportunities and constraints. Larger herbivores tended to be more nocturnal than smaller herbivores, whereas carnivores and omnivores showed the opposite pattern. Insectivores were exceptions, revealing regional differences in which larger insectivorous species were more nocturnal than smaller ones in the Afrotropical and Indo-Malayan regions, while the pattern reversed in the Neotropics. The consistent contrast between predators and prey suggests that diel activity within these communities is primarily determined by large predators and associated risk of predation.
An Analytical Framework for Understanding Infection Progression Under Social Mitigation Measures
Authors: Ilic Bojana , Salom Igor , Djordjevic Marko , Djordjevic Magdalena
Published: March 2022

While there has been much computational work on the effect of intervention measures, such as vaccination or quarantine, the influence of social distancing on the epidemics' outbursts is not well understood. We present a realistic, analytically solvable, framework for COVID-19 dynamics in the presence of social distancing measures. The model is a generalization of the compartmental SEIR model that accounts for the effects of these measures. We derive a closed-form mathematical expressions for the time dependence of epidemiological observables, in particular, the detected cases and fatalities. These analytical solutions indicate simple quantitative relations between the model variables and epidemiological observables, which give insights into cause-effect connections that underlie the outburst dynamics but are obscured in more standard (numerical) approaches. While the obtained results and conclusions are based on the study of the COVID-19 pandemic, the presented analysis has general applicability to infection outbursts. Our findings are particularly important in the emergence of new pandemics when effective pharmaceutical treatments are unavailable, and one must rely on well-timed and appropriately chosen social mitigation measures.
Gravimetric weight loss of steel in Self-Compacting Concrete Blended with Wood Ash and Silica Fume
Authors: V Kannan , Natarajan Karthiga @ Shenbagam
Published: March 2022

The present research work deals with the development of self-compacting concrete (SCC) containing wood ash (WA), Silica fume (SF), and their combination (1:1 ratio). Several research studies have reported on the performance of WA and SF blended SCC. However, very limited information is available in the effects of Silica di oxide (SiO2) and subsequent formation of calcium-silicate-Hydrate (C-S-H) gel and its benefit on the strength and durability enhancement of Self-compacting concrete. In this work, Wood ash (WA) and Silica fume (SF) were used as cement replacement materials, and studies were carried out on the chemical composition and its contribution in the strength development of SCC. Compressive strength, ultrasonic pulse velocity, and dynamic modulus of elasticity has been increased when the cement is replaced with WA, SF and WA+SF content up to 10%, 6% and 30+8% respectively than normal SCC. Similar performance is arrived in corrosion studies in SCC blended with WA, SF and their combination. Scanning electron microscopy with EDAX analysis on WA, SF, and WA+SF blended SCC revealed that reactions between silica present in WA and SF and extra lime in OPC took place and yielded calcium silicate hydrate (C-S-H) (I) gel, giving it a denser structure.
An Assessment Tool for Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) Algorithms
Authors: Choi Ji-won , Alkhoury Ludvik , Urbano Leonardo F. , Masson Puneet , Kam Moshe , VerMilyea Matthew
Published: March 2022

Background: Computer-Assisted Semen Analysis (CASA) enables reliable analysis of semen images, and is designed to process large number of images with high consistency, accuracy, and repeatability. Design and testing of CASA algorithms can be accelerated greatly if reliable simulations of semen images under a variety of conditions and sample quality modes are available. Using lifelike simulation of semen images can quantify the performance of existing and proposed CASA algorithms, since the parameters of the simulated image are known and controllable. Methods: We present simulation models for sperm cell image and swimming modes observed in real 2D (top-down) images of sperm cells in laboratory specimen. The models simulate human sperm using four (4) types of swimming, namely linear mean, circular, hyperactive, and immotile (or dead). Results: The simulation models are used in studying algorithms for segmentation, localization, and tracking of sperm cells. Several segmentation and localization algorithms were tested under varying levels of noise, and then compared using precision, recall, and the optimal subpattern assignment (OSPA) metric. Images of real human semen sample were used to validate the segmentation and localization observations obtained from simulations. An example is given of sperm cell tracking on simulated semen images of cells using the different tracking algorithms (nearest neighbor (NN), global nearest neighbor (GNN), probabilistic data association filter (PDAF), and joint probabilistic data association filter (JPDAF)). Tracking performance was evaluated through multi-object tracking precision (MOTP) and multi-object tracking accuracy (MOTA). Conclusion: Simulation models enable objective assessments of semen image processing algorithms. We demonstrate the use of a new simulation tool to assess and compare segmentation, localization, and tracking methods. The simulation software allows testing along a large spectrum of parameter values that control the appearance and behavior of simulated semen images. Users can generate scenarios of different characteristics and assess the effectiveness of different CASA algorithms in these environments. The simulation was used to assess and compare algorithms for segmentation and tracking of sperm cells in semen images.
The influence of pH-salt Concentrations on Tuning lower critical solution temperature of Poly(NIPAAm-co-DMAA-co-DTBAVA) Multi-Environmentally terpolymer
Authors: abdelaty momen
Published: March 2022

New series of thermo-pH responsive terpolymers were fabricated. Cationic acrylate tertiary amine monomer based on vanillin was synthesized in two steps and named by [2-((ditert-butylamino)methyl)-4-formyl-6-methoxyphenyl acrylate] and abbreviated as (DTBAVA). 1H NMR, 13C NMR investigated the new compounds, and FT IR exhibited good results. The new terpolymer was fabricated by the free radical polymerization of N-isopropylacrylamide NIPAAm, 10 mol% N, N-dimethylacrylamide and 5, 10, and 20 mol% DTBAVA. The investigation process involved the chemical method such as 1H NMR and FT IR; physical methods for the solid terpolymers as glass temperature by DSC, polymer degradation by TGA, and polymer crystallinity via XRD. For terpolymer solution, gel permeation chromatography GPC was performed for molecular weights and dispersity; contact angles for identifying the hydrophilic or hydrophobic terpolymers solutions. The lower critical solution temperatures Tc,s, and cloud points Cp,s of terpolymers were recorded considering the impact of pH solutions and the concentrations of different sodium salts of (SO4-2, Cl-1, and SCN-1) kosmotropes to chaotropic in the Hofmeister series; turbidity measurements were used via UV/vis spectroscopy and micro-DSC. In a new optimization study, we will use these terpolymers in the post-polymerization with biomolecules such as chitosan, protein, and amino acids via Schiff base.
Shifting Educational Gradients in Body Mass Index Trajectories of Indonesians: An Age Period Cohort Analysis
Authors: Liwin Lilipramawanty Kewok
Published: March 2022

Background:
Globally, the number of obese adults has increased rapidly in many developing countries. The links between increased educational attainment and lower risks of overweight/obesity have been studied in a number of high-income contexts. However, educational attainment can have a different association with obesity at different levels of economic development and different stages of the nutritional transition, and these associations may vary by period and cohort. This study aims to provide evidence on the shifting of educational gradients in overweight/obesity in Indonesia, a low middle income country.
Methods:
Using five waves of Indonesian Family Life Survey (IFLS), this study examines the BMI trajectories of 14,810 individual from 1993 to 2014. This study analyses how educational gradients in BMI have shifted over time and across cohorts using a hierarchical age-period-cohort (HAPC) model to account for the effects of age and the changes in historical periods (social and environmental contexts).
Results:
In older generations, higher educational attainment was associated with higher BMI, but the gap between educational groups has shrunk in more recently-born cohorts. The BMI of lower educational groups is catching up with that of the tertiary educated, leading to an increased risk of overweight/obesity among low educated individuals. Having tertiary education lowers the risk of weight gain in women, but not in men.
Conclusion:
Changes in access to education and the ongoing nutritional transition in Indonesia are leading to a shifting of educational gradients in overweight/obesity over time. The rising trends in BMI among low-educated and younger individuals are of substantial concern for Indonesian public health due to their implications for the risk of non-communicable diseases in the future, and for communicable diseases during the covid-19 pandemic.