bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dietary inflammatory index in relation to severe coronary artery disease in Iranian adults
Authors: Dadaei Zahra , Bagherniya Mohammad , Sadeghi Omid , Khosravi Alireza , Shirani Shahin , Askari Gholamreza
Published: September 2023

Background

Limited findings are available on the relationship between dietary inflammation index (DII) and severe coronary artery disease (CAD). Considering the high prevalence of CAD and its complications, we examined the relationship between DII and CAD.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 275 adults who underwent elective angiography. Severe coronary artery disease was measured by the gensini scoring system. DII was measured by a valid semi-quantitative 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Blood samples were collected after 12 h of fasting to measure serum lipid profile and quantitative C-reactive protein (q-CRP) levels. Binary logistic regression was used to calculate the odds (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

People in the last tertile of the DII had a higher chance of suffering from severe coronary artery disease (OR: 3.71; 95% CI: 1.97–6.98), hypercholesterolemia (OR: 2.73; 95% CI: 5.03–1.48), reduced HDL-cholesterol levels (OR: 3.77; 95% CI: 9.34–1.52), and hypertension (OR: 1.93; 95% CI: 3.49–1.06) compared to people in the first tertile. After adjusting for confounding factors, the relationship remained significant. A direct and significant relationship was observed between the DII and increased q-CRP levels, which disappeared after adjusting for confounding factors in the adjusted model (OR: 2.02; 95% CI: 0.86–4.73).

Conclusion

This cross-sectional study showed a direct and linear relationship between following an anti-inflammatory diet and decreasing the chance of severe CAD. Therefore, it seems necessary to implement community-based educational programs to promote healthy nutrition in order to prevent CADs.
Numerical simulation of hydraulic fracture propagation in fractured reservoir using global cohesive zone method
Authors: Song Xiaotian , Liu Hongyan , Zheng Xiuhua
Published: October 2023

Natural fractures in reservoirs have a significant influence on hydraulic fracturing propagation. However, existing analyses have neglected the effect of natural fracture deformation parameters, including crack normal stiffness and shear stiffness on hydraulic fracturing. Therefore, a fractured reservoir model is established using ABAQUS to consider the effect of crack deformation parameters on hydraulic fracturing. A program for inserting global cohesive elements is developed to overcome the limitation of the basic cohesive elements only propagating along the preset path. Further, the bilinear traction-separation constitutive model is used to describe crack initiation and propagation. The analysis focuses on the effect of in situ stress conditions, natural fracture strength parameters (e.g., crack bonding strength), natural fracture deformation parameters (e.g., crack normal and shear stiffness), fracturing-fluid injection rate, and fracturing-fluid viscosity on hydraulic fracturing propagation. The results reveal that the hydraulic fracture initiation pressure increases with the horizontal stress difference, crack bonding strength, injection rate, and fracturing-fluid viscosity but decreases with increasing crack normal and shear stiffness. Additionally, lowering the horizontal stress difference, crack bonding strength, normal and shear stiffness, and fracturing-fluid viscosity results in a more complex fracture network. The total hydraulic fracture length and area increase with the horizontal stress difference and injection rate but decrease with increasing bonding strength, normal and shear stiffness, and fracturing-fluid viscosity. A higher crack bonding strength, crack normal stiffness, shear stiffness, and fracturing-fluid viscosity can improve the hydraulic fracture width and reduce the risk of sand plugging.
Comparative transcriptomics provides novel insights into the mechanisms of selenium accumulation and transportation in tea cultivars (Camellia sinensis (L.) O. Kuntze)
Authors: Zheng Qinghua , Guo Lina , Huang Jianyan , Hao Xinyuan , Li Xiaoman , Li Nana , Wang Yueqi , Zhang Kexin , Wang Xinchao , Wang Lu , Zeng Jianming
Published: October 2023

Tea plants (Camellia sinensis) show discrepancies in selenium accumulation and transportation, the molecular mechanisms of which are not well understood. Hence, we aimed to conduct a systematic investigation of selenium accumulation and transportation mechanisms in different tea cultivars via transcriptome analysis. The Na2SeO3 and Na2SeO4 treatments improved selenium contents in the roots and leaves of three tea cultivars. The high selenium-enrichment ability (HSe) tea cultivars accumulated higher selenium contents in the leaves than did the low selenium-enrichment ability (LSe) tea cultivars. Transcriptome analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) under the Na2SeO3 and Na2SeO4 treatments were enriched in flavonoid biosynthesis in leaves. DEGs under the Na2SeO3 treatment were enriched in glutathione metabolism in the HSe tea cultivar roots compared to those of the LSe tea cultivar. More transporters and transcription factors involved in improving selenium accumulation and transportation were identified in the HSe tea cultivars under the Na2SeO3 treatment than in the Na2SeO4 treatment. In the HSe tea cultivar roots, the expression of sulfate transporter 1;2 (SULTR1;2) and SULTR3;4 increased in response to Na2SeO4 exposure. In contrast, ATP-binding cassette transporter genes (ABCs), glutathione S-transferase genes (GSTs), phosphate transporter 1;3 (PHT1;3), nitrate transporter 1 (NRT1), and 34 transcription factors were upregulated in the presence of Na2SeO3. In the HSe tea cultivar leaves, ATP-binding cassette subfamily B member 11 (ABCB11) and 14 transcription factors were upregulated under the Na2SeO3 treatment. Among them, WRKY75 was explored as a potential transcription factor that regulated the accumulation of Na2SeO3 in the roots of HSe tea cultivars. This study preliminary clarified the mechanism of selenium accumulation and transportation in tea cultivars, and the findings have important theoretical significance for the breeding and cultivation of selenium-enriched tea cultivars.
A BAHD acyltransferase contributes to the biosynthesis of both ethyl benzoate and methyl benzoate in the flowers of Lilium oriental hybrid ‘Siberia’
Authors: Yue Yuechong , Wang Lan , Li Manyi , Liu Fang , Yin Junle , Huang Lijun , Zhou Bin , Li Xinyue , Yu Yunyi , Chen Feng , Yu Rangcai , Fan Yanping
Published: September 2023

Lily is a popular flower worldwide due to its elegant appearance and pleasant fragrance. Floral volatiles of lily are predominated by monoterpenes and benzenoids. While a number of genes for monoterpene biosynthesis have been characterized, the molecular mechanism underlying floral benzenoid formation in lily remains unclear. Here, we report on the identification and characterization of a novel BAHD acyltransferase gene that contributes to the biosynthesis of two related floral scent benzoate esters, ethyl benzoate and methyl benzoate, in the scented Lilium oriental hybrid ‘Siberia’. The emission of both methyl benzoate and ethyl benzoate in L. ‘Siberia’ was found to be tepal-specific, floral development-regulated and rhythmic. Through transcriptome profiling and bioinformatic analysis, a BAHD acyltransferase gene designated LoAAT1 was identified as the top candidate gene for the production of ethyl benzoate. In vitro enzyme assays and substrate feeding assays provide substantial evidence that LoAAT1 is responsible for the biosynthesis of ethyl benzoate. It was interesting to note that in in vitro enzyme assay, LoAAT1 can also catalyze the formation of methyl benzoate, which is typically formed by the action of benzoic acid methyltransferase (BAMT). The lack of an expressed putative BAMT gene in the flower transcriptome of L. ‘Siberia’, together with biochemical and expression evidence, led us to conclude that LoAAT1 is also responsible for, or at least contributes to, the biosynthesis of the floral scent compound methyl benzoate. This is the first report that a member of the plant BAHD acyltransferase family contributes to the production of both ethyl benzoate and methyl benzoate, presenting a new mechanism for the biosynthesis of benzoate esters.
Examining the relationship between peer support and foreign language emotions in online learning: the mediating effect of self-efficacy
Authors: Huang Yujie
Published: October 2023

Introduction

With the proliferation of online learning, understanding students’ affective experiences in digital foreign language courses has become imperative.

Methods

This mixed-methods study investigates how peer support and self-efficacy shape the emotional experiences of 502 Chinese undergraduate students in online English courses. Quantitative analyses using surveys were conducted to examine the relationships between peer support, self-efficacy, enjoyment, and anxiety. Qualitative analyses of interviews provided additional insights.

Results

Quantitative analyses reveal that peer support positively predicts higher levels of foreign language enjoyment and anxiety. Self-efficacy was found to partially mediate this relationship, with peer support strengthening self-efficacy, which, in turn, positively influences enjoyment and anxiety. Qualitative analyses provide converging yet nuanced insights into how peer support enhances self-efficacy and emotions beyond the surveys.

Discussion

The findings provide insight into optimizing online language courses through peer support and self-efficacy development tailored to diverse student needs. Limitations around sample selection, self-reported measures, and scope of relationships examined present opportunities for future research.
A research synthesis on successful educational practices and student outcomes for physical education in schools
Authors: He Juan , Yu Hongli , Jiang Man , Bialas Marcin
Published: October 2023

Although successful educational practices (SEPs) in higher education institutions have well-established student outcomes, the vast majority do not meet physical education standards in schools. Despite the promising nature of policy initiatives supporting schools, there is scant evidence of how these SEPs affect student outcomes. This review aimed to determine the status of the literature and the type of evidence regarding school SEPs. Several studies have demonstrated that these SEPs contribute directly or indirectly to improving student outcomes. Three objectives were examined and synthesized in our review of SEP research findings. The first goal is to identify different types of impacts on students in schools. The second goal is to provide educators, principals, and policymakers with a unified and comprehensive framework. Lastly, we provide suggestions for future SEP research. The review identified 45 studies that met our inclusion criteria. Our reviewed studies documented impacts on the individual level. It encompasses both students' instrumental abilities and their sense of self-esteem and motivation. Secondly, improving interpersonal relationships, reducing conflict, and increasing group cohesion are important components at the group level. Finally, there are factors at the community level, including absenteeism reduction, parental involvement, and changes in attitudes toward school. Current research supports the effectiveness of successful school practices. It stresses the importance of implementing policies to maximize student outcomes. Finally, the review concludes by discussing findings implications and future research directions.
Evolution of storytelling pedagogy in global health course at a U.S. Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution from Fall 2019 to Spring 2023
Authors: Dutta Tapati , Keith Camille
Published: September 2023

Background and purpose

Responding to COVID-19-induced disruptions to traditional teaching methodologies, and considering the relevance of narratives among indigenous populations, “storytelling as pedagogy” was developed and implemented in the undergraduate Global Health course in a Native American-Serving Nontribal Institution (NASNTI) in Colorado.

Methods

We describe the evolving pedagogic adjustments and storytelling strategies incorporated into the global health course from Fall 2019 to Spring 2023. This entailed before the COVID-19 in-person format, online digital storytelling during the pandemic emergency, the HyFlex and hybrid classes with the emergence of “new normals,” and finally the gradual move to in-person classes. The story arc in the course included the following: (1) Course learning outcomes revisited and the course syllabus language framed based on the native philosophies of empowerment education and experiential learning, (2) students’ inputs sought to incorporate socioculturally responsive topics in the course syllabus (e.g., dental health disparities among indigenous populations), (3) strategic and non-threatening shifts such as “no textbooks” and “no finals” introduced, (4) global health thought partners invited by the course instructor and coached to use story-based teaching methods, (5) use of first-person trauma-informed storytelling methods to teach specific global health topics, and (6) students undertook gratitude journaling, a scaffolding exercise of writing letters on global health topics to global health thought partners.

Results

Storytelling as pedagogy was most effective in the in-person format, while digital storytelling during the COVID-19-induced online classes was extremely challenging considering the stark digital divide in the Navajo Nation. First-person, trauma-informed storytelling is a helpful approach to discuss insider–outsider perspectives and can potentially establish sustainable trustworthy relationships among the students, instructor, and global health thought leaders. Gratitude journaling and photovoice can be tweaked as powerful storytelling methods to build students’ interaction-based critical thinking, intercultural humility, and professional networking.

Conclusion

Mapping storytelling pedagogies’ best practices can be useful in developing a granulated understanding of this strategy and utilizing them across diverse disciplines in higher education. Faculty capacity building is recommended to enable the former to conceptualize culturally responsive storytelling pedagogies and create assessment plans to assess students’ learning outcomes through the utilization of this method.
A Novel Robust Topological Denoising Method Based on Homotopy Theory for Virtual Colonoscopy
Authors: Ma Ming , Chen Wei , Lei Na , Gu Xianfeng
Published: October 2023

Virtual colonoscopy plays an important role in polyp detection of colorectal cancer. Noise in the colon data acquisition process can result in topological errors during surface reconstruction. Topological denoising can be employed to remove these errors on surfaces for subsequent geometry processing, such as surface simplification and parameterization. Many methods have been proposed for this task. However, many existing methods suffer from failure in computation of all the non-trivial loops, due to high genus or complex topological structures. In this paper, we propose a novel robust topological denoising method for surfaces based on homotopy theory. The proposed method was evaluated on two datasets of colon meshes. We compared our method with the State-of-the-Art persistent-homology-based method. Our method can successfully compute the loops on all colon data for topological denoising, whereas the persistent homology method fails on some colon data. Moreover, our method detects all loops with shorter lengths than those detected by the persistent homology method. Our experimental results show that the proposed method is effective and robust in topological denoising, and that it has the potential for practical application to virtual colonoscopy.
Digital Patient Education on Xanthelasma Palpebrarum: A Content Analysis
Authors: Varghese Kevin J. , Singh Som P. , Qureshi Fahad M. , Shreekumar Shreevarsha , Ramprasad Aarya , Qureshi Fawad
Published: October 2023

Patient education has been transformed using digital media and online repositories which disseminate information with greater efficiency. In dermatology, this transformation has allowed for patients to gain education on common cutaneous conditions and improve health literacy. Xanthelasma palpebrarum is one of the most common cutaneous conditions, yet there is a poor understanding of how digital materials affect health literacy on this condition. Our study aimed to address this paucity of literature utilizing Brief DISCERN, Rothwell’s Classification of Questions, and six readability calculations. The findings of this study indicate a poor-quality profile (Brief DISCERN < 16) regarding digital materials and readability scores which do not meet grade-level recommendations in the United States. This indicates a need to improve the current body of educational materials used by clinicians for diagnosing and managing xanthelasma palpebrarum.
Molecular Mechanisms of Resistance to Direct-Acting Antiviral (DAA) Drugs for the Treatment of Hepatitis C Virus Infections
Authors: Izhari Mohammad Asrar
Published: October 2023

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) is a hepatotropic virus that affects millions of human lives worldwide. Direct-acting antiviral (DAA) regimens are the most effective HCV treatment option. However, amino acid substitution-dependent resistance to DAAs has been a major challenge. This study aimed to determine the increasing risk of DAA resistance due to substitutions in DAA target non-structural proteins (NS3/4A, NS5A, and NS5B). Using a Sequence Retrieval System (SRS) at the virus pathogen resource (ViPR/BV-BRC), n = 32763 target protein sequences were retrieved and analyzed for resistance-associated amino acid substitutions (RAASs) by the Sequence Feature Variant Type (SFVT) antiviral-resistance assessment modeling tool. Reference target protein sequences with 100% identity were retried from UniProt following NCBI BLAST. The types and locations of RAASs were identified and visualized by AlphaFold and PyMol. Linux-r-base/R-studio was used for the data presentation. Multi-drug-resistant variants of NS3/4A in genotype 1 (n = 9) and genotype 5 (n = 5) along with DAA-specific NS3/4A, NS5A, and NS5B variants were identified pan-genotypically. A total of 27 variants (RAASs) of all the targets were identified. Fourteen genotype 1-specific substitutions: V1196A, V1158I, D1194A/T/G, R1181K, T1080S, Q1106R, V1062A, S1148G, A1182V, Y2065N, M2000T, and L2003V were identified. The most frequent substitutions were V1062L and L2003M, followed by Q2002H. L2003V, Q2002H, M2000T, Y2065N, and NL2003M of NS5A and L2003M of NS5B conferred resistance to daclatasvir. S2702T NS5B was the sofosbuvir-resistant variant. D1194A NS3/4A was triple DAA (simeprevir, faldaprevir, and asunaprevir) resistant. The double-drug resistant variants R1181K (faldaprevir and asunaprevir), A1182V and Q1106K/R (faldaprevir and simeprevir), T1080S (faldaprevir and telaprevir), and single drug-resistant variants V1062L (telaprevir), D1194E/T (simeprevir), D1194G (asunaprevir), S1148A/G (simeprevir), and Q1106L (Boceprevir) of NS3/4A were determined. The molecular phenomenon of DAA resistance is paramount in the development of HCV drug candidates. RAASs in NS3, NS5A, and NS5B reduce the susceptibility to DAAs; therefore, continuous RAAS-dependent resistance profiling in HCV is recommended to minimize the probability of DAA therapeutic failure.
Security Awareness in Smart Homes and Internet of Things Networks through Swarm-Based Cybersecurity Penetration Testing
Authors: Schiller Thomas , Caulkins Bruce , Wu Annie S. , Mondesire Sean
Published: October 2023

Internet of Things (IoT) devices are common in today’s computer networks. These devices can be computationally powerful, yet prone to cybersecurity exploitation. To remedy these growing security weaknesses, this work proposes a new artificial intelligence method that makes these IoT networks safer through the use of autonomous, swarm-based cybersecurity penetration testing. In this work, the introduced Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) penetration testing technique is compared against traditional linear and queue-based approaches to find vulnerabilities in smart homes and IoT networks. To evaluate the effectiveness of the PSO approach, a network simulator is used to simulate smart home networks of two scales: a small, home network and a large, commercial-sized network. These experiments demonstrate that the swarm-based algorithms detect vulnerabilities significantly faster than the linear algorithms. The presented findings support the case that autonomous and swarm-based penetration testing in a network could be used to render more secure IoT networks in the future. This approach can affect private households with smart home networks, settings within the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT), and military environments.
Observations on the Clinical Features of the Wernicke–Korsakoff Syndrome
Authors: Kopelman Michael D.
Published: October 2023

This paper begins with a short case report of florid, spontaneous confabulation in a 61-year-old man with an alcohol-induced Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome. His confabulation extended across episodic and personal semantic memory, as well as orientation in time and place, as measured on Dalla Barba’s Confabulation Battery. Five other brief case summaries will then be presented, followed by a summary of the clinical, neurological, and background neuropsychological findings in three earlier series of Korsakoff patients. These observations will be considered in light of Wijnia’s recent and my own, earlier reviews of the Korsakoff syndrome. Taken together, they indicate the need for a multi-faceted approach (clinical, neurological, neuropsychological, and neuroimaging) to the assessment and diagnosis of the disorder.
Generalizations of Rao–Blackwell and Lehmann–Scheffé Theorems with Applications
Authors: Alemam Seyf , Homei Hazhir , Nadarajah Saralees
Published: October 2023

Our aim in this paper is extending the applicability domain of the Rao–Blackwell theorem, our methodology is using conditional expectation and generalizing sufficient statistics, and one result is a generalization of the Lehmann–Scheffé theorem; as a conclusion, some problems that could not be solved by an earlier version of the Lehmann–Scheffé theorem become solvable by our new generalization.
Rūmī’s Asceticism Explored: A Comparative Glimpse into Meister Eckhart’s Thought
Authors: Rahbari Ghazani Rasoul , Uysal Saliha
Published: October 2023

This paper examines the nature of “asceticism” (rīyāḍat) in Sufism, revolving around the works of the 13th century Persian Sufi Mawlānā Jalāl al-Dīn Muḥammad Rūmī Balkī and exploring two critical inquiries: Firstly, it seeks to determine whether Rūmī’s mystical perspective on asceticism is world-rejecting or world-affirming. Secondly, it investigates potential parallels and divergences between Rūmī and Meister Eckhart’s stances—specifically, through the Dominican’s Sermons and Treatises—and assesses the implications for the two figures. In examining Rūmī’s works, the current research primarily relies on secondary sources within the Persian intellectual tradition to provide an intracultural context. Utilizing horizontal and vertical interpretations, this study examines critical themes in Rūmī’s works, such as love, detachment (zuhd), the world’s deceptive nature, and seclusion. The findings reveal that Rūmī’s asceticism is not “monastic” (ruhbānī); instead, it balances moderate abstinence and worldly engagement, underpinned by the Quran and the ḥadīth teachings. Rūmī and Eckhart underscore asceticism as an inner transformation rather than mere physical austerity, emphasizing inner purification, self-transcendence, and spiritual detachment as routes to divine unity. The two thinkers’ teachings are catalysts for profound personal transformation and a more fulfilling life in today’s world.
Defuzzification of Non-Linear Pentagonal Intuitionistic Fuzzy Numbers and Application in the Minimum Spanning Tree Problem
Authors: Mert Ali
Published: October 2023

In recent years, with the variety of digital objects around us becoming a source of information, the fields of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) have experienced very rapid development. Processing and converting the information around us into data within the framework of the information processing theory is important, as AI and ML techniques need large amounts of reliable data in the training and validation stages. Even though information naturally contains uncertainty, information must still be modeled and converted into data without neglecting this uncertainty. Mathematical techniques, such as the fuzzy theory and the intuitionistic fuzzy theory, are used for this purpose. In the intuitionistic fuzzy theory, membership and non-membership functions are employed to describe intuitionistic fuzzy sets and intuitionistic fuzzy numbers (IFNs). IFNs are characterized by the mathematical statements of these two functions. A more general and inclusive definition of IFN is always a requirement in AI technologies, as the uncertainty introduced by various information sources needs to be transformed into similar IFNs without neglecting the variety of uncertainty. In this paper, we proposed a general and inclusive mathematical definition for IFN and called this IFN a non-linear pentagonal intuitionistic fuzzy number (NLPIFN), which allows its users to maintain variety in uncertainty. We know that AI technology implementations are performed in computerized environments, so we need to transform the IFN into a crisp number to make such IFNs available in such environments. Techniques used in transformation are called defuzzification methods. In this paper, we proposed a short-cut formula for the defuzzification of a NLPIFN using the intuitionistic fuzzy weighted averaging based on levels (IF-WABL) method. We also implemented our findings in the minimum spanning tree problem by taking weights as NLPIFNs to determine the uncertainty in the process more precisely.
BEARING CAPACITY OF PRECAST FLOOR SLABS WITH PARTIALLY CONCRETED STEEL BEAMS
Authors:   TSNIISK named after V.A. Koucherenko JSC Research Center of Construction, KONIN D.V. , KRYLOV A.S. ,   TSNIISK named after V.A. Koucherenko JSC Research Center of Construction, KAPRIELOV S.S. ,   NIIZHB named after A.A. Gvozdev JSC Research Center of Construction, CHILIN I.A. ,   NIIZHB named after A.A. Gvozdev JSC Research Center of Construction, RTISCHEVA I.V. ,   TSNIISK named after V.A. Koucherenko JSC Research Center of Construction, ROZHKOVA L.S. ,   TSNIISK named after V.A. Koucherenko JSC Research Center of Construction
Published: October 2023

The issues of modern construction with the use of precast reinforced concrete slabs as part of composite steel and concrete structures are considered. The rationale for the chosen research topic is given. The description and features of experimental models of the studied structures, materials and their characteristics are presented. The features of the support and loading of the models are given. The analysis of the results of testing prisms for shear and models of composite steel and concrete beams and full-sized ofcomposite steel and concrete slabs for bending is carried out. The types and nature of the destruction of models are presented, a table of destructive loads is formed. Graphs of displacements and stresses in structural elements are given. The evaluation of the existing calculation methods, their comparison with the experimental results is given. An assessment of the effect of partial concreting of steel I-beams as part of prefabricated composite steel and concrete structure and its effect on the load-bearing capacity is given.
SHEAR CRACK RESISTANCE OF REINFORCED CONCRETE TAPERED BEAMS
Authors:   Brest State Technical Univercity, MATWEENKO N.V. , MALINOVSKIY V.N. ,   Brest State Technical Univercity, MATWEENKO E.S. ,   Brest State Technical Univercity
Published: October 2023

Despite the widespread use of tapered beams, the features of their stress-strain state remain poorly understood, including in regions near curvatures of the faces.A lot of experimental studies have shown that in tapered beams, shear cracks occurs not only in the support zone, but also in the middle of the span directly at the apex, even without shear force. Based on the full-scale tests of tapered beams and finite element analyses, diagrams of shear and transverse stresses are constructed. The data obtained revealed differences in the stress distribution in tapered and linear beams. The features of the stress-strain state of the tapered beams are associated with the occurrence of shear stresses from the action of the bending moment and longitudinal force due to the variable depth of the section of the element, as well as with the formation of local stress fields in areas near the curvatures of the faces. The proposed analytical dependences allow us to calculate shear and transverse stresses in the apex zone of tapered beams and determine the moment of occurrence of shear cracks in the specified zone.
Inteligência artificial e diagnóstico do glaucoma
Authors: Bragança Clerimar  Paulo , Torres José Manuel , Soares Christophe Pinto de Almeida
Published: September 2023

O progresso dos algoritmos de inteligência artificial (IA) no processamento de imagens digitais e nos estudos de diagnóstico automático da doença ocular glaucoma vem crescendo e apresentando avanços essenciais para garantir um melhor atendimento clínico a população. Diante do contexto, este artigo descreve os principais tipos de glaucoma existentes e as formas tradicionais de diagnóstico. Apresenta também a epidemiologia mundial da doença e como os estudos com algoritmos de IA vêm sendo investigados como uma possível ferramenta para auxiliar no diagnóstico precoce desta patologia por meio de triagens populacionais. Portanto, a seção de trabalhos relacionados apresenta os principais estudos e metodologias utilizadas na classificação automática do glaucoma a partir de imagens digitais de fundo de olho e algoritmos de IA, bem como as principais bases de dados contendo imagens rotuladas para o glaucoma e disponíveis publicamente para treinamento dos algoritmos de aprendizado de máquinas.
Síndrome de West: uma abordagem diagnóstica, evolução clínica e revisão
Authors: Silva Jordana Ferreira , Borges Thiago Muniz , Guimarães Daniel Vale , Ferro Luiz César de Camargo , De Albuquerque Érica Ferreira , Leal Bruno Martin , Rodrigues Ana Flávia Pierazo , Ribeiro Gustavo Gebrim Catarina , Bitencourt Aline Motta , Braga Yan Costa , Pinheiro Mariana Magalhães , Fleury Carolina Lopes , Barbosa Roberta Perillo , Oliveira Marina Paolucci
Published: September 2023

Introdução: A Síndrome de West se caracteriza como uma encefalopatia epiléptica constituída por três principais condições: Espasmos musculares infantis, majoritariamente em clusters, atraso no desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor e padrão de hipsarritmia evidenciada no eletroencefalograma. A patologia é dividida em 2 grupos, sendo o primeiro a forma criptogenética, em que o paciente não apresenta lesão neurológica prévia ou comorbidades, e o segundo a forma sintomática, em que os pacientes já apresentam uma lesão neurológica prévia. Seu pico de incidência se dá em crianças entre 5 e 8 meses. O prognóstico da doença é grave e o tratamento deve ser iniciado o mais rápido possível de acordo com a classificação da forma. Apresentação do caso: Um menino de 9 meses, residente no estado de Goiás, foi levado pelos pais a um centro médico especializado devido a frequentes episódios de contrações musculares e atraso no desenvolvimento motor. O paciente é o segundo filho da família, e a mãe teve uma gravidez sem complicações. Os pais começaram a notar espasmos musculares no bebê desde que ele tinha 5 meses de idade, que se manifestavam principalmente durante períodos de descanso e sono. Além disso, o desenvolvimento motor do bebê estava atrasado, ainda não conseguindo realizar ações como virar-se ou sentar sem suporte. Discussão: A síndrome apresentada na forma sintomática constitui 80% dos casos e inclui os pacientes que possuem uma causa para o atraso no desenvolvimento ou para as crises epilépticas antes da aparição dos espasmos. Já os pacientes da forma criptogenética não apresentam causa aparente e os espasmos são associados a um desenvolvimento neuropsicomotor adequado. Dentre os principais sintomas e sinais clínicos, os espasmos se destacam como movimentos abruptos com duração de 2 a 10s, repetidos e que se intensificam ao despertar ou ao iniciar o sono. Dentre as principais etiologias se enquadram a anoxia fetal ou peri-natal, toxemia, síndrome de down, infecções congênitas, desnutrição intra útero, tocotraumatismos, vacinações, entre outros. O tratamento de primeira linha é feito com Vigabatrina, e alguns casos respondem bem ao hormônio adrenocorticotrófico (ACTH). Conclusão: É uma doença que pode causar grandes limitações físicas, mentais e motoras na vida da criança, causando um impacto significativo na qualidade de vida dos pacientes e de seus tutores. Portanto, é necessário a investigação precoce para diagnóstico e tratamento, bem como melhora do prognostico e expectativa de vida desses pacientes.
Perceção e estratégias do sector do turismo no município de San Gil
Authors: Diaz María Alejandra Prieto , García Manuel Oswaldo Castillo , Rojas Maria Alix Quintero , Monsalve Karen Rossana Céspedes , Muñoz Cindy Yurany Colmenares , Ardila Luz Daniela Quintero , Maldonado Yuly Jimena Vásquez , Rincón Brayan Steven
Published: September 2023

El siguiente documento tiene por objeto mostrar el resultado del estudio realizado por un selecto grupo de docentes y estudiantes del programa de Ingeniería Industrial pertenecientes a la UNIVERSIDAD DE INVESTIGACIÓN Y DESARROLLO UDI.

Las metodologías utilizadas brindan un valor significativo para la realización de capacitación y talleres en materia de turismo. El estudio consiste en exponer el desarrollo local y regional enfocado en el turismo, ya que este integra factores influyentes, destacando la economía y cultura presentes en el municipio de San Gil, Santander, con el objetivo de poder identificar la viabilidad y diferentes estrategias metodológicas utilizadas que implica la realización de dicha actividad.

La investigación sobre el turismo surge debido al cambio constante de intereses en la sociedad ya que esto representa amenazas para el sector turístico al no contar con la debida participación de los visitantes y un buen plan estratégico que permita minimizar el impacto económico al que se enfrentaría el sector.
Games as Socio-Technical Systems
Authors: Alatorre Guzmán Diego
Published: September 2023

In the search for a comprehensive framework to structure and instrumentalize a Pedagogy of Play, the present article explores the ludic phenomena from an interdisciplinary perspective, integrating relevant knowledge from multiple sources and complementary epistemologies. As a result, a socio-technical framework of play and games is built, described and exemplified across different cases, over a continuous territory that performs in terms of multiple scales and complexities. The overall intention is not to normalize games, but to integrate more and diverse playful interactions within our everyday lives; not only within basic education but across academic and professional life: an exertion driven by a genuine search to learn from each other and supported by a versatile set of tools. By approaching games as the tangible materialization of play, therefore delegating the material embodiment of whatever comes out of our creativity, to an active learning practice inspired by our curiosity, and that of whom we collaborate with. To conclude, the article discusses and reflects upon the political and aesthetic implications of the presented framework, highlighting the importance of attitudes and narratives that complement conventional study programs by suggesting new ways to approach pre-identified, yet open spaces.
Designing a 3D Serious Game about Career Pathways in the Games Industry
Authors: Baxter Gavin , Hainey Thomas , Williams Alan , Black Julie
Published: September 2023

The aim of this paper is to give a detailed overview of the development of a 3D serious game that informs game students about career pathways in the games industry. The paper provides a scoping review on the key principles related to serious game design. These core design issues are reiterated in relation to how the development of the game has adhered to them. The paper illustrates the game’s audit trail in terms of implementation providing a development blueprint for other educators to follow when developing an educational game. The learning outcomes of the game are also accentuated and how the implementation of the game has catered for them. An important aspect of the paper is to highlight how the underlying aspects of game design can accommodate intrinsic content and motivation whilst accommodating the various pedagogical frameworks embedded in the gameplay. The characterising goals of the game have adopted a linear and cyclical approach that allows the player to progress through the gameplay completing formative and summative assessment challenges. The serious game was developed using the Unity game engine adopting a hub and spoke design. A key challenge when designing the game was how to ensure that the game remained endogenous when designing the game’s levels. The design considerations presented in this paper provide a solid implementational framework about how to implement principles of learning and assessment associated with employability skill sets with a specific focus to the games industry.
Fostering Employability Skills for Engineers with Serious Games: A gamified GBL concept
Authors: Varney Paul , Mai Vanessa , Varney Valerie
Published: September 2023

The world is becoming increasingly complex, and as a result, the demand for individuals with strong employability skills is growing rapidly. It is essential for engineering education to adapt to this reality and provide opportunities for students to develop critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and leadership skills. By doing so, engineering graduates will be well-equipped to navigate the complex challenges of the modern world and make meaningful contributions to society. Engineering education needs to adapt to this reality by incorporating more opportunities for students to develop their employability skills. This can be done through a variety of methods, such as experience- or project-based learning, internships, co-op programs, and industry partnerships. Game-based learning offers an engaging and immersive experience that can promote the development of these skills in a fun and interactive way. Within the Game-based learning approach implemented in our lecture the students play two subsequent game modules in which they first plan and build a factory building together and then put it into operation in the second part. The players are confronted with problems and situations that can only be overcome through communication and cooperation. This paper presents the self-developed online platform that uses gamification aspects such as micro-achievements for each student to represent the progress with the learning materials as well as within the gaming parts. The platform aims to provide students with an engaging and interactive way of learning, while also assessing their performance through collected data.
Informal Game Play in the Classroom: Utilisation and Integration of the Metalanguage of Games
Authors: Balnaves Kim
Published: September 2023

This paper discusses a case study of a 28 children in a middle years (11-15 year old) classroom and the use of the "third space" between the classroom and the home as an area of play for consolidation of both the learning at school and the informal learning of the games played at home. The research aims to look at whether the third space could be a vehicle to enable participants who have identified themselves as competent in the gaming world to link those learning strategies to classroom learning and therefore transfer that success to the classroom. The research took place at an International Baccalaureate school in Perth, Western Australia and utilises the third space as a gaming server and Discord chatrooms. Data was collected from the servers, questionnaires, researcher observations, game walkthrough videos and through interviews with the participants. Being an International Baccalaureate school the children take part in a “cognitive curriculum” which is part of the metacognitive learning of the International Baccalaureate. The participants were applying these strategies to their reflections on their action within the server and these reflections then informed their further participation within the “informal” game. In this way it could be theorised that children who were skilled “shapeshifters” could be at an advantage both communicating within the collaborative group work and moving between the informal and formal spaces. The analysis of the data focuses on the ways in which the students unpacked, utilised and discussed the formal classroom learning whilst participating in the Java Minecraft server game space. The metalanguage of learning and building competence in digital games informally through play outside of the school appears to link well to the metalanguage of the International Baccalaureate curriculum. The paper investigates whether linking children’s understanding and use of the gaming metalanguage to the International Baccalaureate metalanguage enables children to traverse the metalanguage of the classroom more successfully. The analysis of the data is utilised threefold in this presentation to: Identify that there is a linkage between gaming language and International Baccalaureate curriculum elements make these links apparent and show how they would apply in the classroom.
Introducing Resource Management Into a Large-Scale Cyber Security Seminar Game: A Case Study
Authors: Callaghan Peadar
Published: September 2023

In seminar wargames, participants are asked to resolve problems presented by an umpire, who also adjudicates the outcome of the player decisions. This type of game has been used across a wide range of contexts, including notably in cybersecurity training. Seminar games, however, have been criticized for their lack of rigor. The solutions developed during the game can often be idealized. It is also common for these games to have pre-scripted outcomes. This minimizes the agency of the player and reduces the investment the player can have in the game. This paper focuses on the design and development of a seminar wargame with a novel resource management component. This component expands on the traditional seminar game and addresses some underrepresented training needs. The game was designed using a participatory design framework and the process is clearly described in the paper. The game was then played during a large-scale cybersecurity event by governmental representatives from 18 different countries using a hybrid game system. Data was gathered through a series of observations made during play, interviews with participants, and discussion during a debriefing session. Preliminary results show that the participants and sponsors felt that the game improved the overall quality and utility of the seminar style wargame. While the practical implementation of the game requires refinement, the overall approach is viable for a broad range of contexts in which seminar-style games can be used.
VALIDASI E-MODUL BERBASIS PENELITIAN HEMATOLOGI Rattus novergicus
Authors: Ngangi Crescentia Mishi Juniorita , Ngangi Jantje , Moko Emma Mauren , Sumampouw Herry Maurits , Tanor Meity Neltje , Rahardiyan Dino , Rawung Livana Dethris
Published: September 2023

Pengembangan dan pemanfaatan media sebagai sumber belajar dalam pembelajaran memiliki korelasi yang sangat erat dengan teknologi sehingga perlu untuk selalu meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran. Kehadiran konsep Merdeka Belajar Kampus Merdeka memunculkan paradigma baru dalam dunia pendidikan. Salah satu perubahan berdasarkan kebijakan kurikulum merdeka di sekolah adalah perbaikan RPP yang dikemas dalam bentuk RPP Plus yang dikembangkan dalam bentuk modul pembelajaran yang berisi desain dan materi pembelajaran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengembangkan media pembelajaran biologi modul digital (e-modul) berupa RPP plus berbasis penelitian hematologi pada hewan coba Rattus novergicus dalam menunjang implementasi kurikulum merdeka di SMA. Dalam penelitian ini, jenis penelitian RD model Kemp Dayton yang sebelumnya memiliki 9 langkah dirampingkan ke dalam 4 langkah utama, yaitu 1) persiapan, 2) desain, 3) pengembangan dan 4) uji validitas. Pengembangan modul digitak atau e-modul dibatasi pada uji validitas yang melibatkan validator ahli media dan ahli materi. Hasil validasi oleh ahli media dan ahli materi pembelajaran menunjukkan persentase keseluruhan sebesar 89,3% dan 100%. Media pembelajaran yang dikembangkan sangat berkualitas, layak dan tidak perlu direvisi
The Influence of Corporate Executive Team Behavior and Willingness to Innovate To the Innovative Performance of Technology Companies in China
Authors: Xiong Na , D. Dasig, Jr. Daniel
Published: September 2023

Under the wave of knowledge economy and information technology, the process of enterprise technological innovation has gradually accelerated, and the importance of knowledge and information technology for enterprise innovation is further highlighted. As the main force of innovation and entrepreneurship activities and high-quality economic development, information technology enterprises have played an important role in promoting China's overall economic development and scientific and technological progress. However, due to the intensification of international trade disputes, the continuous instability of the world political pattern and the ups and downs of the novel coronavirus epidemic, the market competition environment faced by information technology enterprises is becoming increasingly complex, and the dynamic nature of this environment highlights the new disadvantages and resource disadvantages of information technology enterprises, which seriously affects the innovation performance of enterprises. This study aimed to assess the influence of Corporate Executive Team Behaviour to the innovative performance of technology companies in Shenzhen City, Guangdong Province, China.

Keywords: Executive Team Behavior, Innovation Willingness, Innovation Performance, Environmental Dynamics, Executive Proactive Personality
Social Media in Education during COIVD19
Authors: L Willie. , Z Tranos.
Published: September 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic has brought unprecedented challenges to the world of education, when lockdown had to be implemented to reduce the spread of the virus. Institutions of learning had to have teaching and learning taking place forcing them to quickly adapt to online learning (virtual learning). Social media played a vital role in enabling educators to connect with students, facilitate discussions, and share resources. Many research papers have been written about the use of social media in education during this period in an adhoc manner. At the moment there is very little or no survey research papers on how social media has been used in e-learning during the pandemic period of COVID19. Therefore, this paper endeavors to explore on how social media has been used in e-learning. The research papers on social media in education written during COVID-19 pandemic were used in this paper. The benefits, challenges and open issues are highlighted. Social media proved to be the main stone of virtual learning during the pandemic. It was observed that the benefits out-weight the challenges and open issues of social media in education.

Keywords: social media, students; educators, education; learning management system; institutions; Facebook; twitter; Instagram; YouTube; blogs; wikis