bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scenarios of Multiple Vessels Encounter for Safety Evaluation for Automatic Collision Avoidance Algorithm using AIS Data
Authors: Minami Makiko , Sato Keiji , Sawada Ryohei
Published: October 2024

Interest in Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MASS) is growing, and efforts are underway in Japan to realize them. One of the key issues in realizing autonomous operation is automatic collision avoidance. Simulation is effective in developing and evaluating such algorithms. This paper describes the generation of a set of simulation scenarios that consider the actual sea traffic using AIS data, which is traffic flow data in real seas. We assumed that the comprehensiveness of the scenarios could be ensured by generating scenarios by combining typical encounter patterns and collecting difficult situations that are encountered in real situations. First, the characteristics of the target sea area were identified from the AIS data, then difficult traffic situations were extracted from the data, and then a set of scenarios were generated based on them. Considering the presence of manned ships in the test area, we conducted some tests of the generated scenarios not only using fast-time simulations but also using a ship-handling simulator and conducted visual checks from own ship and the target ship.
BEYOND – Building an Experience to Yield Optimal Nautical Displays – Measuring Nautical Situation Awareness
Authors: Schwarze Anastasia , Bhattacharya Sharmistha , Grundmann Robert , Sundar Mahadevan Hari , Hochgeschurz Stephanie , Motz Florian
Published: October 2024

The growing digitisation and integration of ship operations, navigation, communication, safety equipment and systems have expanded the functional scope of modern navigation systems. However, this has also increased the workload for the crew, making it more challenging to cultivate situation awareness and make appropriate decisions, particularly in critical situations. The research project, BEYOND – Building an Experience to Yield Optimal Nautical Displays, aims to develop and validate a test methodology for evaluating maritime Human-Machine Interfaces (HMI).

Besides system usability and user experience, maritime HMIs are generally evaluated in terms of the situation awareness acquired during navigation. For this purpose, the established Situation Awareness Global Assessment Technique (SAGAT) was adapted such that participants experienced a series of simulated navigation scenarios and were interrupted at unexpected intervals to answer situation awareness questions. This paper addresses the challenge of formulating the appropriate situation awareness questions and their associated frameworks. An assembly of questions reflecting the knowledge of a navigator was created, taking into account different categories of information, including the own ship, the route taken, and the surrounding area. The number of questions needed to capture the necessary knowledge comprehensively was also defined. Additionally, it was crucial to determine the appropriate answer options for each question. Besides graphically presented multiple-choice questions, where the answer had to be selected based on a screenshot of the environment, there are also alphanumeric questions where the participant had to retrieve knowledge from the situation and enter numerical values. For instance, this included information about the course, navigation hazards, etc. A major challenge in assessing these numerical values was determining the acceptable range, i.e., the thresholds that define an answer as correct or incorrect.

This paper outlines the BEYOND methodology developed for the comprehensive testing of maritime HMIs, focusing primarily on situation awareness assessment. It describes the steps taken to compile a list of situation awareness questions and their corresponding accuracy thresholds based on the findings from expert interviews. The paper also discusses the experimental results of a user study conducted to test the overall methodology.
Cyber Security Assessment of An Interoperable Port Call and Voyage Optimization tool
Authors: Hacks Simon , Pahl Julia
Published: October 2024

The MISSION project aims to revolutionize maritime transport by developing a digital tool for real-time optimization of port calls and voyages, thereby reducing fuel consumption, cutting greenhouse gas emissions, and decreasing waiting times through enhanced coordination and information sharing among stakeholders. However, the security of the involved IT systems is critical to ensure safe and reliable operations.

This paper introduces harborLang, a novel threat modeling language tailored for the maritime sector, built on the Meta Attack Language (MAL) framework. harborLang addresses the unique security challenges in maritime transport by enabling the modeling and mitigation of potential threats through detailed attack simulations. By integrating harborLang with the Yet Another Cybersecurity Risk Assessment Framework (YACRAF), the project enhances its risk analysis capabilities, allowing for precise threat scenarios that reflect the maritime environment’s complexities. The combined use of harborLang and YACRAF facilitates comprehensive cybersecurity risk assessments, significantly improving decision-making, operational safety, and the overall cybersecurity posture of maritime and port operations.
The art of orchestrating nautical services in a port call: A literature classification
Authors: Derin Yasemin , Braga Joao , Kastner Marvin , Jahn Carlos
Published: October 2024

Global carbon dioxide emissions are forecast to increase by around 15% by 2050 compared to 2020. In order to move towards a sustainable transition to net zero emissions by 2050, more energy-efficient operations are a prerequisite. In response, terminals are looking for ways to optimise port processes to reduce energy consumption while also keeping waiting time and costs low. This paper focuses on optimisation approaches for the individual actors in the nautical service that can support these objectives. A comprehensive review, classification and discussion of the relevant literature on current methods and procedures for the stakeholders of the nautical service is conducted. In this regard, current challenges and limitations are identified. The results of the classification scheme show that tugboats in particular are examined in more detail. The objective is often to reduce costs and increase safety in the port area. For this purpose, mathematical approaches, or various types of algorithms are usually applied. Future research activities could be based on more detailed analyses of the approaches used in the identified papers.
Coordinate Transformation Techniques for Improved Co-Simulation in the Maritime Industry
Authors: Sadjina S , Wille E , Jørgensen U , Skjong S
Published: October 2024

Co-simulation is the modular and flexible coupling of stand-alone simulation models. It promises to help unlock the maritime industry’s digitalization potential, but the correct and efficient handling of coordinate systems between models is one of the unsolved challenges that stand in the way of wide-spread adoption. Here, we give a brief introduction to the problem and describe what makes it especially difficult for co-simulations. We introduce a few of the most common models and provide a list of coordinate systems and reference frames used in maritime co-simulations. Focusing on hull and gangway models, we explore general solution approaches and provide practical advice for how to handle coordinate systems in co-simulations using a vessel–gangway simulation case for illustration.
Research of Converter Station Intelligent Inspection System Algorithm
Authors: Zhou Fan , Zhang Kaining , Huang Ziqiang , Wu Wei , Liu Hu
Published: October 2024

This article mainly reveals a converter station equipment defect detection system based on the YOLOv5 algorithm. The research encompasses the establishment of a simulated environment for converter station inspection tasks, problem formulation, algorithm design, training process, and experimental evaluation. Key contributions include the enhancement of the YOLOv5 algorithm through improved clustering techniques, dataset preparation, and multi-object detection model training. This highlights the importance of appropriate anchor box initialization in object detection tasks, especially when dealing with small-sized images and varied defect types. In order to verify the correctness of this research, a comparative simulation analysis with mainstream detection algorithms further validates the superiority of the proposed method. The findings of this research contribute valuable insights into the development of AI-driven defect detection systems for power equipment inspection.
Road Traffic Safety Status Analysis and Prediction Based on Dynamic Bayesian Network
Authors: Zhao Pengzhi , Geng Danyang , She Shaoyi , Duan Mengyuan
Published: October 2024

Dynamic Bayesian networks can effectively capture dynamic changes and uncertainty relationships in data. Conventional prediction methods do not consider the temporal characteristics between traffic flow sequences, which affects prediction accuracy. This article proposes a method for analyzing and predicting road traffic safety status based on DBN. Firstly, data matching is performed according to the “case-control” sample structure of the matching formula to minimize the influence of other factors on the modeling of traffic safety status; Secondly, the random forest model is applied to analyze and extract the variable with the highest correlation coefficient as the input variable for the traffic safety status prediction model; Then, a DBN prediction model is established using matched accident traffic flow and non-accident traffic flow sample data; Finally, by analyzing the effectiveness evaluation indicators of the model, multiple prediction results showed that the overall prediction accuracy of the DBN method was over 80%.
Application of Visual Transformer in Low-resolution Thermal Infrared Image Recognition
Authors: Li Shuoda , Wang Xinyao , Li Xicai
Published: October 2024

Addressing the challenges of inadequate accuracy and limited robustness exhibited by current lightweight object detection networks specifically tailored for low-resolution thermal infrared face detection scenarios, this paper delves into developing an ultra-lightweight thermal infrared face detection algorithm that leverages visual attention mechanisms. To ascertain the optimal neural network complexity, a series of comparative experiments are meticulously conducted. With Yolo-FastestDet serving as the benchmark, this study endeavors to compress the backbone network, striking a delicate balance between network depth and detection speed. Additionally, to bolster the network’s capacity for profound feature extraction and precise discrimination of target edges and small objects, a Transformer-Encoder-based visual attention module is seamlessly integrated. Consequently, a lightweight face detection algorithm, enriched with attention mechanisms, is formulated. Furthermore, to mitigate the scarcity of low-resolution infrared face image data, a self-constructed visible-infrared face dataset is employed for training and evaluation purposes. The experimental outcomes reveal that the proposed algorithm attains an impressive mAP@0.5 score of 0.953 on the test dataset while satisfying the stringent real-time detection criterion of 30 frames per second (FPS) when deployed on an embedded Raspberry Pi CPU.
NEAT Based Approach for Cognitive Covert Communication Assisted by UAV-IRS
Authors: Cai Yuxuan , Liao Xiaomin , Lu Yaobin , Han Yang , Wang Yulai
Published: October 2024

To address the security vulnerabilities inherent in cognitive radio technology amidst extensive control information and data exchanges, this paper introduces the use of unmanned aerial vehicle equipped with intelligent reflecting surfaces (UAV-IRS) as relay nodes to facilitate covert communications for cognitive users. Given the complexities and dynamics of the electromagnetic environment, which involve multiple interconnected and constantly changing communication resources, as well as high-dimensional data, we propose the NeuroEvolution of Augmenting Topologies based Resource Optimisation Algorithm Method (NEAT-ROAM). This advanced algorithm continuously optimizes and adapts the network structure in response to the external environment, ensuring robust and secure communication in dynamic and challenging scenarios. The algorithm not only provides superior covert communication performance but also exhibits fast convergence, which can be applied to the problem of assisting covert communication under mobile conditions using UAV-IRS.
Stability analysis of SnO2 surfaces using First-Principles computational methods
Authors: Mamani F Y , Huallpa D L , Carazas K A , Vizcardo M A
Published: October 2024

This study focuses on investigating the structural and electronic properties of the most stable faces of SnO2 using the Quantum Espresso software. Structural properties were found applying the generalized gradient approximation (GGA-PBE) with ultrasoft pseudopotentials and plane wave basis sets. Methodology involved determining the cutoff of the set of plane waves, selecting appropriate k-points to represent the first Brillouin zone, and optimized the lattice parameters (a and c). Models were generated for each studied surface, with the most optimal being the one with the lowest energy. These results are based on the periodicity of infinite sets of surfaces, increasing the gaps of the vacuum layers. As a result of the calculations, a discrepancy of less than 1% was observed in the lattice parameters compared to previous publications. Furthermore, it was found that the (110) is the most stable surface, in agreement with results published using VASP.
Use of satellite data to determine the cloud optical depths present during overirradiance conditions
Authors: Zamalloa-Jara M A , Grieseler R , Töfflinger J A
Published: October 2024

Overirradiance conditions can negatively impact the operation of photovoltaic systems if no protective measures have been implemented, leading to potential damages and economic losses in photovoltaic generation plants. Current simulation models attempt to understand the mechanism of overirradiance conditions. However, their observations still differ significantly from experimental ones, emphasizing the need to better understand the two main hypotheses that account for overirradiance events: reflection at the edges of thick clouds and Mie scattering in thin clouds. This paper studies the qualitative correlation between the global tilted irradiance measured by a spectroradiometer on the surface and the optical depth of the clouds measured by the GOES-16 satellite to shed more light on this phenomenon. Our results show a good qualitative correlation between the global tilted irradiance and the optical depth of the clouds present during overirradiance events. We also show that all overirradiance conditions occurred when thick clouds were present. These results indicate that the overirradiance events analyzed have been produced predominantly by reflections at the edges of thick clouds, supporting the hypothesis that the increase in global irradiance is mainly due to a substantial increase in direct irradiance.
Advancing Education in Challenging Times: A Review of the XVI International Conference on Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (ICon-MaSTEd 2024)
Authors: Kiv A E , Semerikov S O , Striuk A M , Osadchyi V V , Vakaliuk T A , Nechypurenko P P , Bondarenko O V , Mintii I S , Malchenko S L
Published: October 2024

This paper presents a comprehensive review of the XVI International Conference on Mathematics, Science and Technology Education (ICon-MaSTEd 2024), held from May 15-17, 2024, at Kryvyi Rih State Pedagogical University, Ukraine. The conference, organized in a hybrid format, brought together over 100 attendees from 9 countries, showcasing cutting-edge research and innovations in educational practices amid global challenges. The review synthesizes key themes and findings from 37 selected papers across various domains, including Mathematics Education, Science Education, Computer Science Education, and Educational Technology. Notable trends include the increased integration of artificial intelligence and digital technologies in education, the development of 21st-century skills, and adaptive strategies for education in crises. Particular attention is given to studies addressing the unique educational challenges faced in Ukraine, demonstrating the resilience and innovation of educators and researchers in conflict-affected regions. The paper highlights significant contributions in areas such as online learning environments, visual thinking in mathematics, AI applications in mental health education, and the design of university digital ecosystems.
The usage of stochastic matrices while learning the topic “Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix” in the course of Higher Mathematics
Authors: Vlasenko K V , Armash T S , Kostikov A A , Lovianova I V , Moiseienko M V
Published: October 2024

The article looks into teaching students mathematical modeling during the mastering of the topic “Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix” in the Linear Algebra. The modeling is based on the usage of matrices built based on Markov chains. The analysis of the researchers’ papers shows that the usage of matrices of this type can be implemented while teaching students of different university specialties. The analysis of the prerequisites for the involvement of stochastic matrices in the consideration of students has helped to determine additional concepts and theorems that should be considered while learning “Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix”. The theorem on the presence of stochastic vectors in a stochastic matrix can serve as a formula for systematizing problems that can present applications of eigenvalues and eigenvectors of the matrix in real-life situations. The results of the experiment conducted using the developed system of problems for students of different University specialties show the improvement of skills provided by mastering the topic “Eigenvalues and eigenvectors of a matrix”.
Structural-mathematical thinking and its development in teaching Mathematics
Authors: Semenets S P , Semenets L M , Snikhovska I E , Holovnia R M
Published: October 2024

The paper highlights the content and components of structural-mathematical thinking, substantiates its classification basis and establishes typological characteristics. In the conceptual-categorical section of the present study, structural-mathematical thinking is introduced as a form of theoretical thinking that embodies the specifics of mathematical comprehension of reality. The content as well as structural and functional characteristics of the phenomenon under study represent the content and components of the mathematical structure. Hence, the adherence to the deductive nature of Mathematics was ensured in the study, also emphasizing the phenomenological characteristic of structural-mathematical thinking regarded as the ability to reflect reality in accordance with the content components of the mathematical structure. Taking into account the theoretical advances, using the system approach and the modeling method, a model of developmental-conceptual teaching of Mathematics was elaborated. By considering the theoretical advancements and applying both a systemic approach and modeling method, a model for instructing Mathematics in a developmental-conceptual approach was elaborated, which represents a problem-based approach and develops students’ structural-mathematical thinking. The crux of teaching Mathematics through a developmental and conceptual approach lies in creating a framework that addresses the three-fold challenge of problem-solving ↔ competency-building ↔ problem-solving proficiency. Taking into account the addressed issue, the paper elicits the outcomes of a pilot study how structural-mathematical thinking is manifested by the would-be teachers of Mathematics. Furthermore, the efficacy of the authors’ approach to its enhancement is experimentally validated.
Enhancing student performance through laboratory-based instruction: A study on the relative density and buoyancy of liquids
Authors: Patero J L
Published: October 2024

This study investigates the effectiveness of laboratory-based instruction in conveying fundamental concepts related to the relative density and buoyancy of liquids within a secondary laboratory science program at a leading university in Mindanao. Despite the challenges posed by digital technology and remote learning, traditional laboratory experiments remain integral to science education, providing active, hands-on learning experiences. The primary focus is to assess the impact of laboratory instruction on student performance according to these principles. Our findings reveal a significant improvement in the performance of students in the experimental group. Notable enhancements were observed between pre-tests and post-tests, with statistical significance established at α = 0.05. This underscores the substantial role of laboratory-based instruction in augmenting student performance. Additionally, when comparing final grades as an independent variable, we find that the laboratory teaching method significantly contributes to overall effectiveness in student learning. Furthermore, students’ positive perceptions of the subject and their attitudes toward both the laboratory and the subject matter emerged as significant contributors to performance improvements. Consequently, this enhanced likelihood of achieving better grades in physics highlights the broader impact of laboratory-based instruction on student academic outcomes.
Tracking the terminal velocity and energy of a parachutist: A video analysis for Physics classroom experiment
Authors: Pacala F A
Published: October 2024

This study primarily focuses on tracking a parachutist’s terminal velocity and energy during a free fall using video analysis. Also, this study looks into related literature about the implications of this experiment for classroom practice. High-quality and slow-motion videos of free-falling slotted masses acting as parachutists were captured, and the terminal velocities and energies were analyzed through software tracker video analysis and modeling. The data from the software revealed that, indeed, the terminal velocity is directly proportional to the square root of the masses. The 200g parachutist reaches terminal velocity first, then the less massive parachutist. The generated kinetic energy, gravitational potential energy, and total mechanical energy graphs were similar to the literature. The tracker video analysis can indeed track a parachutist’s terminal velocity and energy. However, the acceleration due to gravitational needed to be measured correctly due to some errors in the experiment. Furthermore, the literature has cited positive and negative implications for classroom practice. This study can say that the positive outweighs the negative. The positive repercussions were about enhanced engagement, accuracy, and data precision, while the negative ones were about the school’s technological divide.
Online control of educational results of the unit “Electricity” in the conditions of blended learning
Authors: Batsurovska I V , Dotsenko N A , Gorbenko O A , Haleeva A P , Kurepin V M
Published: October 2024

The article describes the technology of online control of educational results of the unit “Electricity” in the conditions of blended learning. It was determined that during the online stages of studying unit “Electricity”, reverse communication is an urgent issue when receiving information in a distance format, and online control is designed to support the organization of a modern training session. Three topics have been singled out in the unit, in the context of which it is appropriate to develop control measures. Topic I “Electric Field in a Vacuum” focuses on the study of electric field strength, potential, the relationship between strength and potential, the electric dipole, and the circulation and flow of an electric field. Topic II “Electric Field in a Substance” involves the study of the electric field in dielectrics and conductors in an electric field. Topic III “Electric Current” includes general laws of electric current, electric circuit, current in a circuit with a capacitor, and current work and power. There are outlined the different types of tests: graphical, calculation, animated, audio that form the means of online control in the context of the outlined unit. The developed technology of online control of educational results of the unit “Electricity” provides for an organic combination of the presentation of educational materials with control measures. The research methodology involved the analysis and synthesis of scientific, pedagogical, methodological sources and empirical methods, as well as the analysis of the obtained results. Before the introduction of the developed technology and after the completion of the experimental work, a study was conducted, which included an analysis of the quality of knowledge when studying the specified topic. The obtained results before and after the experiment were tested using the Pearson statistical test χ
2.
Professionally oriented tasks for learning and using mapping technology with ArcGIS tools
Authors: Tsidylo I M , Hrod I M , Poplavska I V
Published: October 2024

The article substantiates the expediency of using professionally oriented tasks for learning the technology of the mapping process using ArcGIS, taking into account the peculiarities of the training specialists of natural sciences. Socio-economic mapping by means of ArcGIS is an important step for creating management systems to support decision-making by future geographers and others. The main aspects of the introduction of professionally oriented tasks into the educational process of pedagogical institutions of higher education have been clarified. Educational and methodological guidelines for studying and using the technology of mapping with ArcGIS tools have been developed for students and future geographers who expect to perform professionally oriented tasks in the development of maps. For the practical preparation and development of a series of maps that provide visual information for an objective analysis of Ukraine’s indicators, we used information from the State Statistics Service of Ukraine, the Main Statistical Offices of Ukrainian regions. A series of maps, created by different methods and connected by one topic, was prepared and developed, among them the creation of a cartogram of the population of the regions of Ukraine using the method of quantitative background. An experimental verification of the effectiveness of the use of professionally oriented tasks for the study and use of mapping technology by means of ArcGIS by future teachers-geographers proved an increase in the level of development according to the specified criteria: motivational, cognitive and personal-reflective with the corresponding indicators. The mapping approaches presented in this paper based on the implementation of professionally oriented tasks allow students to apply the acquired knowledge and skills and give them the opportunity to flexibly adapt to situations arising in the future professional activity of a geographer.
Study of the usage of STEM technologies in the context of training Ukrainian teachers of computer science in accordance with the social needs and challenges of today
Authors: Balyk N R , Oleksiuk V P , Shmyger G P , Vasylenko Ya Ph
Published: October 2024

The article discusses the use of STEM technologies in the training of competitive specialists to meet social needs and challenges in the context of the war in Ukraine. The authors analyse the theoretical foundations and the impact of the STEM approach on modern education, focusing on the introduction of STEM technologies in the process of teaching future computer science teachers. The significance of STEM education as an important trend due to its natural science component and innovative technologies is discussed. The key components of the model of teacher training in STEM are identified, such as target, content, activity, evaluation and result. In order to verify the proposed model, an experimental study was conducted to determine the indicators of students’ attitude towards STEM technologies. The necessity of ensuring a high level of teacher qualification for the effective formation of STEM knowledge and skills, as well as solving practical problems of various levels of complexity, is substantiated. The article determines how modern STEM technologies can meet social needs and challenges, especially in times of war. The authors aimed to identify strategies and approaches for the effective use of STEM technologies in education, which will ensure the competitiveness of Ukrainian specialists.
Experience of interdisciplinary projects implementation in the training of pre-serviced IT-specialists
Authors: Bilousova L I , Gryzun L E , Pikalova V V
Published: October 2024

The problems of contemporary IT specialists’ training in terms of the high requirements to their mathematical and computational thinking skills as well as the urgency of raising their motivation to mastering math and algorithmization are discussed in the paper. It is pointed out that initial university courses should involve the students in the experiences that focus pre-service IT-specialists on the deep understanding of a mathematical backround and an algorithmic nature of any coding task, demonstrate them the role of math in the analysis of algorithm characteristics, and importance of math knowledge in for successful IT-career. One of such experiences presented by the authors is involving the pre-service IT-specialists into the work upon the interdisciplinary projects. The said activity is elaborated basing on the core didactic principles of PBL with the focus on the interdisciplinary project peculiarities. The goal, stages and results of the said PBL are described and analyzed in terms of its impact on the students’ awareness of mathematical knowledge value in their vocational activity. The levels of of formation of the IT-specialists’ awareness of mathematical knowledge value are established and determined. The survey and monitoring program were developed and realized which showed the changes in the distribution of pre-service IT-specialists by the levels of the said awareness for their future IT career. The prospects of further research are outlined in terms of holding the empirical research for the verification of the offered PBL activity impact on the motivation to IT-specialists’ learning mathThe software module’s core components are distinguished and the set of requirements in terms of their design are formulated according to the logic of the components work.
Estimation of methyl orange dye’s molar absorptivity using a photoresistor-based photometer
Authors: Ludovice P M C , delos Santos R M
Published: October 2024

The need to further develop solar cell technology, particularly on dye-sensitized solar cells (DSSCs), drives absorption studies of various chemical species. In this study, absorbance analysis of methyl orange (MO) dye was performed using the adapted and modified photoresistor-based photometer of Adams-McNichol et al. [1]. The research aims to improve the stability of the reference setup, while maintaining the accuracy of absorbance results it yields. The methodology includes photometer fabrication, MO dye sample preparation, and the evaluation of MO dye’s molar absorptivity in an aqueous solution. Results show that the estimated molar absorptivity of MO using the voltage readings from the photometer is close to the literature value, with a percentage error of 1.44%. This finding demonstrates that the modified photometer retains its effectiveness, as supported by the method repeatability measurements from six samples for each of the following MO concentrations: 0 μM, 40 μM, 45 μM, and 50 μM. Considering these results, the device may be useful in teaching light absorption to students as an alternative to the “black box” approach, and in exploring purified natural dyes that have potential applications in solar cell technology.
Microlearning technology based on video content: advantages, methodology and quality factors
Authors: Hlazunova O H , Schlauderer R , Korolchuk V I , Voloshyna T V , Saiapina T P
Published: October 2024

The quality organization of the educational process using video-based microlearning technology can have several benefits for students. These include the ability to learn at their own pace and according to their individual needs, access from anywhere at any time, and focus on specific topics and tasks, which allows them to better absorb the learning material. Microlearning technology is being used effectively in business for employee training. However, the present study focused on the process of teaching using microlearning technology based on video content within the discipline Information Systems and Technologies in Economics. The experiment involved teachers and students of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine (NULES). To evaluate the quality of video-based microlearning technology, a data coverage measurement and analysis model (SBM-DEA) was used. The input factors were indicators of the quality of the e-course and learning technology, and the output parameters were students’ academic performance, students’ and teachers’ evaluation of the e-course and learning technology. The results showed that out of 39 respondents, 29 confirmed the effectiveness of this technology, which is 75% of the total. This indicates that the introduction of microlearning technology into the educational process has improved learning outcomes and that this technology has been positively evaluated by both teachers and students. The results of the study are important for improving the quality of organization of the educational process using the technology of microlearning based on video content, identifying key factors of quality of microlearning based on video content.
Dual photosensitizers material for photodynamic theraphy
Authors: Wu Jinhua , Qin Liying , Jiang Fei , Zhao Tongkun , Zhang Suhui , Gao Jian
Published: October 2024

Fluoride-based upconversion luminescent materials have the advantage of low phonon energy, which can effectively reduce the non-radiative transition process, so that materials have higher luminous efficiency than other matrix materials. The core–shell NaGdF4:Er3+, Yb3+ @NaGdF4:Tm3+, Yb3+ nanoparticals were synthesized by thermal decomposition method. The core–shell structure can effectively avoid the surface quenching effect, meanwhile, Tm3+ in the shell transmits part of the photons in its excited state to Er3+, effectively enhancing the red emission of Er3+ and improving the luminous efficiency of the samples as a whole. The samples were further coated with a layer of mesoporous silica(mSiO2), where the photosensitizer(PS) Ce6 (red light activated) and MC540 (blue-green light activated) were compounded on through covalent bonds and electrostatic forces, respectively. So that three visable lights include red, green, and blue are all emitted from the sample to activate the PSs to produce reactive oxygen species (ROS) under 980 nm laser irradiation. In cells experiments, the samples were modified with folic acid (FA), which can mediated the cancer cells to target endocytosis. Notable photodynamic therapy (PDT) efficiency was observed under this dual-photosensitizers composite samples for its ROS generation.
The Insides and Outsides of Families
Authors: Sangari Kumkum
Published: October 2024

This chapter focuses on how the family, both material and notional, is conventionally seen as a bounded unit that absorbs risk but is in fact a contradictory entity. The chapter argues that the neoliberal economy has aggravated the class distance between points of survival and points of accumulation in India and has jeopardized social reproduction in several ways. It proposes the concept of extended social reproduction that connects waged and non-waged familial labour, survival, and accumulation, especially in the feminized service sector through the vectors of caste, class, and gender and blurs the insides and outsides of families. The imperatives of social reproduction are sought to be met by heteropatriarchal families through regulatory marriage, son selection, and violence, and by the state through techniques of retraditionalization that inform recent laws on surrogacy and old age care.
‘To Restore the Comforts and Bliss of Married Life’
Authors: Vatuk* Sylvia
Published: October 2024

A high proportion of all suits filed in the Indian Family Courts today involve pleas for ‘restitution of conjugal rights’ (RCR). The vast majority are filed by men, although Hindu and Christian women are also eligible to do so. An RCR petition is filed against a spouse who has left the marital home. It asks the court to ‘restore [to him or her] the comforts and bliss of married life’ by ordering the erring spouse’s return. These laws have been challenged numerous times, but in 1984 were upheld by the Supreme Court. The chapter focuses on judicial reasoning in such cases, particularly those dealing with Muslim Personal law, and explores the disjuncture between the way litigants actually employ RCR laws and the Court’s contention that their retention is necessary to prevent widespread marital breakdown in Indian society.
Familial Crisis and Marriage
Authors: Srinivasan* Rama
Published: October 2024

This chapter builds on Arjun Appadurai’s works to contextualize the lives of women from rural North India, who dwell in ‘disjointed ethnoscapes’ and have found the navigational capacity of aspiration. In Haryana and Punjab, which have seen a Green Revolution, land ownership was once a source of family pride and prosperity for male members but cannot ensure steady income and local dominance today. Building upon her previous work, the author argues that the young rural women’s aspirations for education and employment stems from this agrarian crisis where women’s unrecognized labour in family-held land for the enrichment of their male relatives is no longer mandated. This is also reflected in the emerging possibilities of non-normative and even intercaste marriages. This chapter thus highlights how the navigational capacity of women and a corresponding crisis in masculinity is both the source and product of a family crisis in post-agrarian India.
Spilt Blood
Authors: Haripriya Soibam
Published: October 2024

This chapter argues that sites of violence reveal different calibrations of intimate relationships—whether familial or that of friendship. Contexts of protracted violence inflect kinship and friendship in ways that make negotiation with trust and scepticism foundational to such relationships. Such relationships are unable to escape the state/non-state scrutiny and the anxious impulse of categorizing people as collaborators, state/non-state agents, or sympathizers of a particular group. The chapter explores family relationships and friendship in the militarized context of Manipur to enquire how care and affection practices are negotiated in the face of social dismemberment. Taking recourse to fiction and anecdotes, the author attempts to construct the field by drawing attention to the predicament of living in violent places that are under the gaze of both the state and the non-state armed groups.
Combined programmed cell death protein 1 and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 blockade in an international cohort of patients with acral lentiginous melanoma
Authors: McGillivray Erin , Ashouri Karam , Chatziioannou Eftychia , Gallegos Jesús Antonio Ocejo , Zarka Jabra , Kechter Jacob , Hwang Angelina S , Zhang Kevin , Barros Milton , Yeh Justin , Okazaki Ian , Crocker Andrew B , Maeda Takuya , Park Soo J , Choi Jacob , Andreoli Mia , Darwish Tarneem , Savage David J , Kim Kevin B , Gupta Jayant , Shen James , Shirai Keisuke , Choi April , Pai Lori , Vazquez Vinicius de Lima , Moser Justin , Amaral Teresa , Hernandez Aya Leonel F , Lutzky Jose , Najjar Yana G , Costello Collin M , Mangold Aaron R , Bhatia Shailender , Gibney Geoffrey T , Farma Jeffrey M , Daniels Gregory A , Sosman Jeffrey , Chandra Sunandana , Mangla Ankit , Bollin Kathryn , Possik Patrícia Abrão , Robles-Espinoza Carla Daniela , Ito Fumito , In Gino K
Published: October 2024

Background

Combination immune checkpoint blockade targeting programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA-4) leads to high response rates and improved survival in patients with advanced cutaneous melanoma (CM). Less is known about the efficacy of this combination in acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM).

Objectives

To determine the efficacy of combination immune checkpoint blockade targeting PD-1 and CTLA-4 in a diverse, real-world population of patients with ALM.

Methods

This multi-institutional retrospective study analysed patients with histologically confirmed ALM treated with a combination of PD-1 and CTLA-4 inhibitors between 2010 and 2022. The primary objective of the study was the objective response rate (ORR) as per the RECIST criteria. The secondary objectives were progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS).

Results

In total, 109 patients with advanced ALM treated with combined PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade in any line of treatment were included. The majority of patients had stage IV disease (n = 81; 74.3%). The ORR for the entire cohort was 18.3% [95% confidence interval (CI) 11.6–26.9], with 9 (8.3%) complete and 11 (10.1%) partial responses. A further 22 patients (20.2%) had stable disease, and the disease control rate was 38.5%. Median PFS was 4.2 months (95% CI 3.25–5.62), while median OS was 17 months (95% CI 12.4–23.1). Ninety-five patients (87.2%) had a treatment-related adverse event, with 40.4% (n = 44/109) experiencing at least one grade 3 or 4 toxicity. Elevated lactate dehydrogenase (P = 0.04), ≥ 2 lines of prior treatment (P = 0.03) and Asian ethnicity (P = 0.04) were associated with worse OS, while Hispanic/Latino ethnicity was associated with better OS (P = 0.02).

Conclusions

Combination PD-1 and CTLA-4 blockade is less effective for ALM than for CM, despite similar toxicity. In particular, Asian patients appear to derive less benefit from this regimen. Novel treatment approaches are needed for this rare melanoma subtype.
Efficacy and safety of the ustekinumab biosimilar ABP 654 in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis: a randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled, comparative clinical study over 52 weeks
Authors: Blauvelt Andrew , Papp Kim , Trivedi Mona , Barragan Carolina , Chow Vincent , Mytych Daniel T , Yamauchi Paul , Crowley Jeff , Franklin Janet
Published: October 2024

Background

ABP 654 is a biosimilar to ustekinumab reference product (RP). ABP 654 has been shown to have an amino acid sequence identical to ustekinumab RP and they are similar in structure, purity, and potency as well as clinical pharmacokinetics and safety in healthy volunteers.

Objectives

This randomized, double-blinded, active-controlled, single-transition, comparative clinical study (ClinicalTrials.gov ID NCT04607980) was conducted to compare the efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity of ABP 654 and ustekinumab RP in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Methods

Patients were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to receive ABP 654 or ustekinumab RP at a weight-based dose of 45 mg or 90 mg administered subcutaneously on day 1 (week 0), week 4, and week 16. At week 28, patients with a ≥75% improvement in Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) were re-randomized such that those initially randomized to ABP 654 continued to receive ABP 654 and those initially randomized to ustekinumab RP were re-randomized to either continue on ustekinumab RP or transition to ABP 654. The primary efficacy endpoint was PASI percent improvement from baseline to week 12. Secondary endpoints included additional efficacy measurements as well as an assessment of adverse events and antidrug antibodies.

Results

At week 12, the observed mean (SD) PASI percent improvement from baseline was 81.9 (19.9) and 81.9 (19.6) for the ABP 654 and ustekinumab RP treatment groups, respectively. The point estimate of the mean difference in PASI percent improvement from baseline to week 12 between the treatment groups was 0.14 with a 2-sided 90% confidence interval (CI) of (-2.6, 2.9), well within the prespecified similarity margin of (-10, +10). In addition, throughout the study, secondary efficacy analyses and safety and immunogenicity profiles were similar across the treatment groups.

Conclusions

These results indicate that ABP 654 and ustekinumab RP are clinically similar in efficacy, safety, and immunogenicity in patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis. Further, a single transition from ustekinumab RP to ABP 654 at week 28 had no impact on the efficacy, safety, or immunogenicity results for the remainder of the 52-week study, supporting a conclusion of no clinically meaningful differences between ABP 654 and ustekinumab RP.
Subject-based assessment of large-scale integration dynamics in epileptic brain networks: insights from the intrinsic ignition framework
Authors: Donaire Antonio , Padilla Nelly , Escrichs Anira , Khawja Mariam , Setoain Xavier , Rumia Jordi , Roldan Pedro , Bargallo Nuria , Boget Teresa , Pintor Luis , Centeno María , Conde Estefanía , Vernet Oriol , Buendía Javier , Manzanares Isabel , Ådén Ulrika , Carreño Mar , Kringelbach Morten , Deco Gustavo
Published: October 2024

This study examined the dynamic properties of brain regions involved in the genesis and spread of seizures in 10 individuals diagnosed with pharmacoresistant focal epilepsy. The patients and 30 healthy controls underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging scans and the brain’s functional network dynamics were analyzed using the intrinsic ignition framework. Comparative statistical analyses examined the differences in the integration and metastability measures in both groups in the whole brain and specific local brain regions. Invasive electroencephalography evaluations validated the findings of significant global and regional changes in the patient’s brain network dynamics. There was a marked increase in global integration and metastability across the brain, reflecting substantial alterations in the overall connectivity and flexibility of the functional networks. Specific brain regions exhibited paradoxical dynamics within the seizure onset zone, with decreased intrinsic ignition and increased metastability. Increased intrinsic ignition was observed in remote brain regions, suggesting a reorganization of the brain network hubs and potential pathways for seizure propagation. Using the intrinsic ignition framework provided insights into dynamic alterations in the brain networks of patients with epilepsy. These have increased our understanding of the mechanisms underlying epileptic seizures and may guide the development of diagnostic biomarkers and targeted therapeutic interventions.