bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Stochastic Benders Decomposition Scheme for Large-Scale Stochastic Network Design
Authors: Bertsimas Dimitris , Cory-Wright Ryan , Pauphilet Jean , Petridis Periklis
Published: November 2024

Network design problems involve constructing edges in a transportation or supply chain network to minimize construction and daily operational costs. We study a stochastic version where operational costs are uncertain because of fluctuating demand and estimated as a sample average from historical data. This problem is computationally challenging, and instances with as few as 100 nodes often cannot be solved to optimality using current decomposition techniques. We propose a stochastic variant of Benders decomposition that mitigates the high computational cost of generating each cut by sampling a subset of the data at each iteration and nonetheless, generates deterministically valid cuts, via a dual averaging technique, rather than the probabilistically valid cuts frequently proposed in the stochastic optimization literature. We implement both single-cut and multicut variants of this Benders decomposition as well as a variant that uses clustering of the historical scenarios. To our knowledge, this is the first single-tree implementation of Benders decomposition that facilitates sampling. On instances with 100–200 nodes and relatively complete recourse, our algorithm achieves 5%–7% optimality gaps compared with 16%–27% for deterministic Benders schemes, and it scales to instances with 700 nodes and 50 commodities within hours. Beyond network design, our strategy could be adapted to generic two-stage stochastic mixed-integer optimization problems where second-stage costs are estimated via a sample average.

History: Accepted by Andrea Lodi, Area Editor for Design & Analysis of Algorithms–Discrete.

Funding: The work of R. Cory-Wright was supported in part by the MIT-IBM Research Lab for Goldstine postdoctoral fellowship. J. Pauphilet was funded by the Research and Materials Development Fund [RAMD_Pauphilet_J_22/23_8789] at London Business School.

Supplemental Material: The software that supports the findings of this study is available within the paper and its Supplemental Information ( https://pubsonline.informs.org/doi/suppl/10.1287/ijoc.2023.0074 ) as well as from the IJOC GitHub software repository ( https://github.com/INFORMSJoC/2023.0074 ). The complete IJOC Software and Data Repository is available at https://informsjoc.github.io/ .
Oxidative stress in peritoneal dialysis: the role of antioxidant supplementation
Authors: Mantle David
Published: November 2024

This article outlines the benefits and risks of peritoneal dialysis, such as oxidative stress. The article also discusses the role of antioxidant supplementation
Reporting malpractice and concerns
Authors: Ellis Peter , Ellis Hannah
Published: November 2024

Peter Ellis details how to report a concern including what support and protection is in place for people raising concerns, such as the Public Interest Disclosure Act 1998
Effect of attachment-based family therapy to reduce depression among persons diagnosed with schizophrenia
Authors:   Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India., S Sivapriya , K Mahalakshmi ,   Saveetha College of Occupational Therapy, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Saveetha Nagar, Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India.
Published: November 2024

Background: Schizophrenia is a chronic mental disorder that affects a person’s way of thinking, his behaviors, and his or her feelings. One of the common symptoms of schizophrenia is depression, and depression can be associated with suicidal thoughts. Attachment-based family therapy is an intervention that was used to treat depression in young adults but has never been used in persons diagnosed with schizophrenia Objective: This study was done to find out the effect of Attachment-based family therapy on reducing depression among persons diagnosed with schizophrenia. Materials and methods: Thirty male participants aged between 25 and 60 years who were already diagnosed with schizophrenia were selected and participated in this study. The participants were divided into 2 groups, with 15 participants in each as experimental and control groups. Beck’s Depression Inventory was used to find out the level of depression in both groups. The experimental group underwent Attachment-Based Family Therapy, whereas the control group attended conventional occupational therapy for 3 months. The SPSS software version was used for data analysis. The descriptive statistics examined the distribution of records to summarize the data. If the p<0.05, it is statistically significant.> <0.05, it is statistically significant. Results: The results of this study showed that Attachment-Based Family Therapy was effective in reducing depression among persons diagnosed with Schizophrenia. Conclusion: The results suggested that Attachment-Based Family Therapy was effective for the experimental group, and the level of depression decreased after the intervention.
Exploring Transition Planning Among Racially Minoritized Parents of Children With Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Using DisCrit and QuantCrit
Authors: Shikarpurya Sehrish , Gilson Carly B. , Dunn Claudia M. , Fletcher Katherine E.
Published: November 2024

Alongside ongoing efforts to increase postschool outcomes of racially minoritized young adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), little is known about their parents’ experiences in preparing for and navigating the transition planning process. We conducted a transition survey with 362 racially minorized parents of children with IDD. Using the frameworks of DisCrit and QuantCrit, we explored parents’ needs, their expectations for their child to live a high quality of life, and how often they encountered challenges when accessing services. Our findings suggest that most parents (a) desired community-based resources, (b) prioritized collectivist expectations for their child, and (c) encountered challenges with advocacy. Parents’ perspectives also differed significantly based on their racial identity. We discuss implications for research, practice, and policy.
Mujeres indígenas en la Cuarta y Quinta parte de La Araucana de Diego Santisteban Osorio, 1597
Authors: Faúndez Rodrigo
Published: November 2024

Resumen: Estas notas reflexionan en torno a la representación literaria de las mujeres indígenas en la epopeya Cuarta y Quinta parte de La Araucana , de Diego Santisteban Osorio, de 1597. Su obra es una secuela del poema original de Alonso de Ercilla, La Araucana , que continúa y enmienda a través de 33 cantos nuevos que exaltan la derrota y dolor del pueblo mapuche. Todas las mujeres indígenas que participan de la narración, Brancolda, Gualda, Guarponda e Hipalca, son heroínas activas y pasionales que asisten a la guerra para vengar a sus esposos muertos en batalla, en calidad de mártires bélicas, descritas a partir de los modelos literarios de la tradición clásica latina y la poesía del Renacimiento italiano.
Motion-less depth-selective optogenetic probe using tapered fiber and an electrically tuneable liquid crystal steering element
Authors: Boissonneault William , Lemieux Maxime , Bretzner Frédéric , Galstian Tigran
Published: November 2024

A miniature electrically tuneable liquid crystal component is used to steer light from -1° to +1° and then to inject into a simple tapered fiber. This allows the generation of various propagation modes, their leakage, and selective illumination of the surrounding medium at different depth levels without using mechanical movements nor deformation. The performance of the device is characterized in a reference fluorescence medium (Rhodamine 6G) as well as in a mouse brain (medullary reticular formation and mesencephalic locomotor regions) during in-vivo experiments as a proof of concept. This device may be further miniaturized to be applied to freely behaving animals for the dynamic selective excitation or inhibition of different brain regions.
Integration of endogenous sensing and communication based on photonics-enabled cellular base station networks with a spectrum fusion algorithm
Authors: Zhao Yang , Wan Jun , Xu Shaofu , Zou Weiwen
Published: November 2024

Endogenous integrated sensing and communication (ISAC) based on cellular base stations (BSs) can simultaneously achieve high-quality imaging and communication, which is one of the key technologies for future applications. However, due to the lack of a communication-compatible high-resolution algorithm and hardware co-design, current ISAC methods cannot simultaneously balance imaging and communication performance. To address this, we build photonics-enabled cellular BS networks using analog radio-over-fiber (AROF), which can integrate a spectrum fusion algorithm derived from the advanced concept of bandwidth-enhanced microwave forward-looking imaging (MFI) to achieve endogenous ISAC. The spectrum fusion algorithm reconfigures the spatial spectrum to achieve a high-resolution MFI by fusing the spectrum resources of coexisting heterogeneous broadband orthogonal frequency-division multiplexing (OFDM) signals. The photonics-enabled cellular BS network not only satisfies the requirements of the algorithm for synchronization and carrier frequency preservation but also responds to the communication trend of high-efficiency fronthaul. The formulation and simulation results show that the imaging resolution can be significantly improved with the fusion of communication spectrum resources, achieving a higher resolution than that of existing ISAC methods at the same aperture. An ISAC demonstration system is built. The experimental results show that the imaging resolution of the fused communication spectrum resources is ∼3.5 cm × ∼4 cm, and the complex target (vehicle) can be imaged. Additionally, the maximum achievable communication data rate communication rate is 6Gbps.
Photon counting marine LiDAR using blue laser diode excitation
Authors: Kitzler O. , Taylor C. J. , Li Z. , Dawes J. M. , Pask H. M. , Spence D. J. , Downes J. E.
Published: November 2024

Gallium nitride (GaN) laser diodes are shown to offer a viable alternative to the solid-state lasers typically used in photon counting ocean LiDAR. With their ability to operate at various blue wavelengths, coupled with compactness and efficiency, they offer some considerable advantages over conventional solid-state sources.
Compact module for video-rate image mosaics in two-photon microscopy
Authors: Quirin Sean
Published: November 2024

Biological applications using multiphoton microscopy increasingly seek a larger field of view while maintaining sufficient temporal sampling to observe dynamic biological processes. Multiphoton imaging also requires high numerical aperture microscope objectives to realize efficient non-linear excitation and collection of fluorescence. This combination of low-magnification and high-numerical aperture poses a challenge for system design. To address this, the use of a liquid crystal polarization grating stack is proposed here to temporally sequence through multiple fields of view. This solution pans the native field of view with minimal latency and zero inertial movement of either the microscope or biological sample. Implemented as a simple add-on unit to existing multi-photon microscopes, this device increases the total field size by 4x, covering up to 7.6mm2. Performance constraints and functional demonstration of imaging neural activity are presented.
Gain-loss inhomogeneity sensing by dielectric metasurfaces operated on the trapped mode
Authors: Liang Lin , Hlushchenko Anton , Andrieieva Oksana , Tuz Vladimir
Published: November 2024

Dielectric metasurfaces are a promising platform for implementing lasers and sensors. This paper proposes a metasurface operated on a trapped mode that strongly responds to gain-loss perturbations. The metasurface under study is made of dielectric disk-shaped resonators regularly arranged on a thick substrate and covered by a superstrate. The perturbations are caused by the inhomogeneity of doping of the superstrate or semiconductor disks. The randomized Weierstrass function describes the dielectric properties of an inhomogeneous substance. The presence of inhomogeneity in the constitutive material leads to the appearance of radiative losses, which in turn results in the trapped mode excitation in the metasurface. Thus, the resonance quality factor can be considered as a measure of the inhomogeneity in the doped material.
Near-IR Photoluminescence at the Photon Level in Silica Fiber Patch Cable
Authors: Greenwood Alexander , Verma Abhay , Russett Jackson , Shahaj Andi , Qian Li
Published: November 2024

We measure the spectral fluorescence emitted by commercial pure-silica core and germanium-doped core fibers in the range of 760 - 860 nm and find that the broadband fluorescence that exists in Ge-doped fiber can be avoided by adopting pure-silica core fiber. Most importantly, we present a narrowband (~1 nm FWHM) emission line characteristic of the zirconia ferrules used in both commercial Ge-doped and pure-silica core fiber patch cables. The results of this work are significant to many applications in the fields of quantum optics and fluorescence spectroscopy, where strong pump light co-propagates with signals at the photon level.
A feature-based qualitative assessment of smoking cessation mobile applications
Authors: Tesfaye Lydia , Wakeman Michael , Baskin Gunnar , Gruse Greg , Gregory Tim , Leahy Erin , Kendrick Brandon , El-Toukhy Sherine
Published: November 2024

Understanding users’ acceptance of smoking cessation interventions features is a precursor to mobile cessation apps’ uptake and use. We gauged perceptions of three features of smoking cessation mobile interventions (self-monitoring, tailored feedback and support, educational content) and their design in two smoking cessation apps, Quit Journey and QuitGuide, among young adults with low socioeconomic status (SES) who smoke. A convenience sample of 38 current cigarette smokers 18-29-years-old who wanted to quit and were non-college-educated nor currently enrolled in a four-year college participated in 12 semi-structured virtual focus group discussions on GoTo Meeting. Discussions were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim, and coded using the second Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT2) constructs (i.e., performance and effort expectancies, hedonic motivation, facilitating conditions, social influence), sentiment (i.e., positive, neutral, negative), and app features following a deductive thematic analysis approach. Participants (52.63% female, 42.10% non-Hispanic White) expressed positive sentiment toward self-monitoring (73.02%), tailored feedback and support (70.53%) and educational content (64.58%). Across both apps, performance expectancy was the dominant theme discussed in relation to feature acceptance (47.43%). Features’ perceived usefulness centered on the reliability of apps in tracking smoking triggers over time, accommodating within- and between-person differences, and availability of on-demand cessation-related information. Skepticism about features’ usefulness included the possibility of unintended consequences of self-monitoring, burden associated with user-input and effectiveness of tailored support given the unpredictable timing of cravings, and repetitiveness of cessation information. All features were perceived as easy to use. Other technology acceptance themes (e.g., social influence) were minimally discussed. Acceptance of features common to smoking cessation mobile applications among low socioeconomic young adult smokers was owed primarily to their perceived usefulness and ease of use. To increase user acceptance, developers should maximize integration within app features and across other apps and mobile devices.
Attrition in serum anti-DENV antibodies correlates with high anti-SARS-CoV-2 IgG levels and low DENV positivity in mosquito vectors—Findings from a state-wide cluster-randomized community-based study in Tamil Nadu, India
Authors: Selvavinayagam Sivaprakasam T. , Sankar Sathish , Yong Yean K. , Anshad Abdul R. , Chandramathi Samudi , Somasundaram Anavarathan , Palani Sampath , Kumarasamy Parthipan , Azhaguvel Roshini , Kumar Ajith B. , Subramaniam Sudharshini , Malathi Manickam , Vijayalakshmi Venkatachalam , Rajeshkumar Manivannan , Kumaresan Anandhazhvar , Pandey Ramendra P. , Muruganandam Nagarajan , Gopalan Natarajan , Kannan Meganathan , Murugesan Amudhan , Balakrishnan Pachamuthu , Byrareddy Siddappa N. , Dash Aditya P. , Velu Vijayakumar , Larsson Marie , Shankar Esaki M. , Raju Sivadoss
Published: November 2024

The decline in dengue incidence and/or prevalence during the COVID-19 pandemic (2020–22) appears to be attributed to reduced treatment-seeking rates, under-reporting, misdiagnosis, disrupted health services and reduced exposure to mosquito vectors due to prevailing lockdowns. There is limited scientific data on dengue virus (DENV) disease during the COVID-19 pandemic. Here, we conducted a community-based, cross-sectional, cluster-randomized survey to assess anti-DENV and anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence, and also estimated the spatial distribution of DENV-positive aedine mosquito vectors during the COVID-19 pandemic across all the 38 districts of Tamil Nadu, India. Using real-time PCR, the prevalence of DENV in mosquito pools during 2021 was analyzed and compared with the previous and following years of vector surveillance, and correlated with anti-DENV IgM and IgG levels in the population. Results implicate that both anti-DENV IgM and IgG seroprevalence and DENV positivity in mosquito pools were reduced across all the districts. A total of 13464 mosquito pools and 5577 human serum samples from 186 clusters were collected. Of these, 3.76% of the mosquito pools were positive for DENV. In the human sera, 4.12% were positive for anti-DENV IgM and 6.4% for anti-DENV IgG. While the anti-SARS-CoV-2 levels significantly correlated with overall DENV seropositivity, COVID-19 vaccination status significantly correlated with anti-DENV IgM levels. The study indicates a profound impact of anti-SARS-CoV-2 levels on DENV-positive mosquito pools and seropositivity. Continuous monitoring of anti-DENV antibody levels, especially with the evolving variants of SARS-CoV-2 and the surge in COVID-19 cases will shed light on the distribution, transmission and therapeutic attributes of DENV infection.
Sex differences in alcohol use patterns and related harms: A mixed-methods, cross-sectional study of men and women in northern Tanzania
Authors: McNee Madeline , Badrinarayanan Niveditha , Strand Eleanor , Augusto Hernandes Rocha Thiago , Antipas Peter Timothy , Sawe Yvonne , Tupetz Anna , França Diego Galdino , Boshe Judith , Vissoci Joao Ricardo Nickenig , Swahn Monica H. , Mmbaga Blandina , Staton Catherine
Published: November 2024

In northern Tanzania, alcohol use disorders (AUD) are under-diagnosed and under-treated, and current services are mostly limited to men in clinical settings despite significant alcohol-related harm in the community. The study objective was to identify sex differences in alcohol use and alcohol-related harms within and across community and clinical settings. This was a congruent triangulation mixed methods study consisting of focus group discussions (FGDs) and cross-sectional surveys. Quantitative analysis was conducted via Drinker Inventory of Consequences (DrInC) and Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test (AUDIT) data from injury patients presenting for care at the Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center Emergency Department and community participants. Differences in scores by sex were assessed using unpaired t-tests. K-means algorithms were run independently in both samples. Deductive thematic analysis was conducted on FGDs with community members, injury patients, and injury patient relatives. Differences in mean scores between sexes in the community and patient samples were statistically significant (p<0.05). Men showed higher AUDIT and DrInC mean scores in both samples. K-means separated the community and patient samples into two clusters, one with and one without harmful alcohol use. Of those indicating harmful alcohol use, the community cluster (n = 77, AUDIT = 14.29±9.22, DrInC = 22.67±6.80) was 27% women; the patient cluster (n = 57, AUDIT = 15.00±9.48, DrInC = 27.00±7.76) was 5% women. FGD transcripts revealed sex differences in four themes: alcohol initiation, consumption patterns, risk behaviors, and social stigma. This study identified important sex differences in the manifestation of AUD in northern Tanzania with respect to alcohol initiation, consumption patterns, risk behavior, and stigma. These findings indicate that women may need to be encouraged to seek injury care at the Emergency Department. Future research, prevention, and treatment efforts intended to reduce alcohol-related harms need to account for sex differences to optimize reach and effectiveness.
The cost of sleeping sickness vector control in Yasa Bonga, a health district in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Snijders Rian , Shaw Alexandra P. M. , Selby Richard , Tirados Inaki , Bessell Paul R. , Fukinsia Alain , Miaka Erick , Tediosi Fabrizio , Hasker Epco , Antillon Marina
Published: November 2024

Gambiense human African trypanosomiasis (gHAT), a neglected tropical disease caused by a parasite transmitted by tsetse flies, once inflicted over 30,000 annual cases and resulted in an estimated half a million deaths in the late twentieth century. An international gHAT control program has reduced cases to under 1,000 annually, encouraging the World Health Organization to target the elimination of gHAT transmission by 2030. This requires adopting innovative disease control approaches in foci where transmission persists. Since the last decade, case detection and treatment, the mainstay of controlling the disease, is supplemented by vector control using Tiny Targets, small insecticide-treated screens, which attract and kill tsetse. The advantages of Tiny Targets lie in their relatively low cost, easy deployment, and effectiveness. The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), bearing 65% of the 799 gHAT cases reported globally in 2022, introduced Tiny Targets in 2015. This study estimates the annual cost of vector control using Tiny Targets in the health district of Yasa Bonga in the DRC and identifies the main cost drivers. Economic and financial costs, collected from the provider’s perspective, were used to estimate the average cost of tsetse control expressed as cost (i) per target used, (ii) per target deployed, (iii) per linear kilometre of river controlled, and (iv) per square kilometre protected by vector control. Sensitivity analyses were conducted on key parameters for results robustness.

The estimated annual economic cost for protecting an area of 1,925 km2 was 120,000 USD. This translates to 5.30 USD per target used each year, 11 USD per target deployed in the field, 573 USD per linear km treated, and 62 USD per km2 protected. These costs in the DRC are comparable to those in other countries. The study provides valuable information for practitioners and policymakers making rational, evidence-based decisions to control gHAT.
Development of a seroepidemiological tool for bat-borne and shrew-borne hantaviruses and its application using samples from Zambia
Authors: Sarii Rakiiya Sikatarii , Kajihara Masahiro , Wei Zuoxing , Lokpathirage Sithumini M. W. , Muthusinghe Devinda S. , Mori-Kajihara Akina , Changula Katendi , Qiu Yongjin , Ndebe Joseph , Hang’ombe Bernard M. , Kikuchi Fuka , Hayashi Ai , Suzuki Motoi , Kamiya Hajime , Arai Satoru , Takada Ayato , Yoshimatsu Kumiko
Published: November 2024

Background

Rodent-borne orthohantaviruses are the causative agents of hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome and hantavirus pulmonary syndrome. Apart from the classic rodent-borne hantaviruses, numerous species of hantaviruses have been identified in shrews and bats; however, their antigenicity and pathogenicity are unknown. This study focused on developing a serological method to detect antibodies against bat- and shrew-borne hantaviruses.

Methodology/Principal findings

Five bat-borne (Brno, Dakrong, Quezon, Robina, and Xuan Song) and 6 shrew-borne (Asama, Altai, Cao Bang, Nova, Seewis, and Thottapalayam) viruses were selected based on the phylogenetic differences in their N proteins. The recombinant N (rN) proteins of these viruses were expressed as antigens in Vero E6 and 293T cell lines using the pCAGGS/MCS vector. Antisera against the Nus-tagged rN fusion proteins of these viruses (mouse anti-Brno, Dakrong, Quezon, Robina, Xuan Song, Asama, Cao Bang, and Nova, while rabbit anti-Altai, Seewis and Thottapalayam) were also generated. Antigenic cross-reactivity was examined in antisera and rN-expressing Vero E6 cells. The rN proteins of almost all the tested viruses, except for the Quezon and Robina viruses, showed independent antigenicity. For serological screening of bat samples, 5 rNs of the bat-borne viruses were expressed together in a single transfection protocol. Similarly, 6 rNs of shrew-borne viruses were expressed. Reactivities of the mixed antigen system were also examined across the singly transfected Vero cell lines to ensure that all antigens were expressed. Using these antigens, bat serum samples collected from Zambia were screened using the indirect immunofluorescence antibody test (IFAT). Selected positive samples were individually tested for the respective antigens by IFAT and western blot assays using rN-expressing 293T cell lysates. Of the 1,764 bat serum samples tested, 11.4% and 17.4% were positive for bat and shrew mixed antigens, respectively. These samples showed positive reactions to the Brno, Dakrong, Quezon, Xuan Son, Robina, Asama, Altai, Cao Bang, or Thottapalayam virus antigens.

Conclusions/Significance

These observations suggest that the mixed-antigen screening system is useful for serological screening For Orthohantavirus infections and that bats in Zambia are likely exposed to not only bat-borne hantaviruses but also to shrew-borne hantaviruses.
Investigation of the effectiveness of no-reference metric in image evaluation in nuclear medicine
Authors: Higashiyama Shigeaki , Katayama Yutaka , Yoshida Atsushi , Inoue Nahoko , Yamanaga Takashi , Ichida Takao , Miki Yukio , Kawabe Joji
Published: November 2024

Background

In nuclear medicine, normalized mean square error (NMSE) is widely used for image quality evaluation and machine adjustment. However, evaluating clinical images in nuclear medicine using NMSE necessitates acquiring a reference image, which is time consuming and impractical. Therefore, it is necessary to explore no-reference metrics, such as perception-based image quality evaluator (PIQE) and natural image quality evaluator (NIQE), as alternatives for evaluating the quality of clinical images used in nuclear medicine.

Purpose

To examine whether no-reference metrics can be applied to image quality evaluations for clinical images in nuclear medicine.

Methods

Images of the Hoffman Brain Phantom containing 18F–fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (FDG) were obtained using Biograph Vision (Siemens Co., Ltd). From the collected images, 14 images with varying pixel counts and acquisition times were created. Sixteen images were visually evaluated by five image experts and ranked accordingly. Image quality was assessed using NMSE, PIQE, and NIQE, and rankings were calculated based on these scores.

Results

The Spearman’s significance test revealed a strong correlation between image quality evaluations using PIQE and visual evaluations by specialists (p<0.0001). PIQE demonstrated comparable performance to image experts in evaluating image quality, suggesting its potential for clinical image quality assessment in nuclear medicine.

Conclusions

PIQE offers a viable method for evaluating image quality in nuclear medicine, presenting a promising alternative to traditional visual inspection methods.
Basketball robot object detection and distance measurement based on ROS and IBN-YOLOv5s algorithms
Authors: Zeng Jirong , Fu Jingjing
Published: November 2024

With the combination of artificial intelligence and robotics technology, more and more professional robots are entering the public eye. Basketball robot competition, as a very good target system for autonomous robot research, is very suitable for conducting research on robot autonomous perception system object detection. However, traditional basketball robots have problems such as recognition difficulties, which seriously affect the recognition of robot targets and distance measurement based on recognition. To improve the performance of basketball robots in competitions, research was conducted to improve the object detection system. Firstly, a basketball robot object detection system based on robot operating system was designed. In the software layer of the object detection system, an algorithm that combines YOLOv5s and laser detection was used, and an appropriate instance batch normalization network module was introduced in the YOLOv5s algorithm to improve the model’s generalization ability. The experiment outcomes indicated that the improved algorithm had intersection over union (IoU), structural information loss, ambiguity and signal-to-noise ratio of 0.96, 0.03, 0.13, and 0.98, respectively, and performed the best in the other comparison models. The recall curve area and F1 value of the improved algorithm were 0.95 and 0.9789, respectively. In the detection of basketball, volleyball, and calibration columns, the average classification accuracy of the improved model was 95.87%, and the average calibration box accuracy was 97.05%. From this, the algorithm proposed in the study has robust performance and can efficiently achieve object detection and recognition of basketball robots. The improved algorithm proposed in the study provides more reliable and rich information for the perception ability of basketball robots, as well as for their subsequent decision-making and action planning, thereby improving the overall technical level of the robots.
Transformative action towards regenerative food systems: A large-scale case study
Authors: Buckton Sam J. , Fazey Ioan , Doherty Bob , Bryant Maria , Banwart Steven A. , Carmen Esther , Connolly Annie , Denby Katherine , Kendrick Ian , Sharpe Bill , Wade Ruth N. , Ball Peter , Bridle Sarah , Gardner Grace , James Anthonia , Morris Belinda , Stewart Sophie , Bremner Myles , Chapman Pippa J. , Cordero Juan Pablo , Geertsema Henk , Nixon Nicola , Om Eugyen Suzanne , Sinclair Maddie , Thornton Jan , Yap Christopher , Arnott Dave , Cain Michelle , Ehgartner Ulrike , Fletcher Ben , Garry Jack , Hawkes Corinna , Kluczkovski Alana , Lait Rebecca , Lovett Adrian , Pickett Kate E. , Reed Melanie , Atkinson Nathan , Black Fiona , Blakeston Mark , Burton Wendy , Defeyter Margaret Anne , Duncan Naomi , Eastwood Glynn , Everson Ruth , Frankowska Angelina , Frenneux Tim , Gledhill Dave , Goodwin Sian , Holden Harry , Ingle Helen , Kane Allison , Newman Rebecca , Parry Christine , Robertshaw Victoria , Scrope Tom , Sellstrom Phillippa , Slater Stephanie , Smith Kim , Stacey Ruth , Stott Gary , Trickett Alastair , Wilson Jessica
Published: November 2024

We urgently need to foster regenerative food systems that mutually reinforce human and ecological health. However, we have limited understanding of the action pathways that could encourage the emergence of such systems. Here we report on an extensive Three Horizons futures process, conducted with diverse participation from food system researchers and practitioners, to identify core domains of action for transforming the food system of Yorkshire, UK, towards a regenerative future. After establishing the contrast between the current degenerative and envisioned future regenerative food system, six core action domains were identified that require support to enable transformation: 1) enhancing supply chain connectivity and innovation to support diverse hybrid business ecosystems; 2) scaling environmentally beneficial and regenerative farming; 3) empowering citizens to reshape food demand; 4) providing trusted, accessible knowledge support for standards and incentives; 5) supporting schools and young people as drivers of long-term change; and 6) ensuring coordination and mutual support across domains. Our results highlight the importance of efforts to cohere synergic action, ambitious visioning, and addressing issues of power. Overall, our study sets an ambitious standard for co-developing action priorities to encourage regenerative futures.
Animated documentary as a feminist practice
Authors: Gushchina Anastasiia
Published: November 2024

This article discusses animated documentaries as a feminist artistic practice. It explores the production practices of independent animated documentaries produced by women and considers existing concerns around commercial animation industry practices historically associated with feminized labour. This article argues that animated documentaries produced by female artists implement hybrid aesthetics and follow broader production trends of multidisciplinary feminist art. Specifically, I focus on the female artists’ commitment to material aesthetics through their use of stop-motion. I examine the effects production environments have on the look of the finished films and on our understanding of labour practices that shape the animation industry. Here, I turn to Childhood Memories (2018) and In the Shadow of the Pines (2020), the films that offer female perspectives on the topics of identity, memory and craft, while the contexts of their production position animated documentaries among feminist art practices.
Avian influenza in birds: Insights from a comprehensive review
Authors: Ayuti Siti Rani , Khairullah Aswin Rafif , Lamid Mirni , Al-Arif Mohammad Anam , Warsito Sunaryo Hadi , Silaen Otto Sahat Martua , Moses Ikechukwu Benjamin , Hermawan Intan Permatasari , Yanestria Sheila Marty , Delima Mira , Ferasyi Teuku Reza , Aryaloka Suhita
Published: November 2024

One of the worst zoonotic illnesses, avian influenza (AI), or commonly referred to as bird flu, is caused by viruses belonging to the genus Influenza viruses, which are members of the Orthomyxoviridae family. The harmful effects of AI illness can affect both human and animal health and cause financial losses. Globally, the AI virus lacks political purpose and is not limited by geographical limits. It has been isolated from poultry, wild birds, and captive birds in Asia, North America, Europe, Australia, and South America. Their virulence is divided into highly pathogenic AI (HPAI) and low pathogenic AI (LPAI). The AI virus can also be diagnosed in a laboratory setting using molecular tests like real-time polymerase chain reaction or serological tests like the hemagglutinin inhibition test, agar gel immunodiffusion, antigen detection enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and other immunoassays. The type of AI virus and host species determines the clinical manifestations, severity, and fatality rates of AI. Human infection with AI viruses typically results from direct transmission from infected birds to humans. AI outbreaks in domestic and wild birds are uncommon; however, an infection can pose a significant threat to public, veterinary, and medical health. Successful vaccination reduces the probability of AI H5N1 virus infection in meat and other poultry products and prevents systemic infection in chickens. This review will provide information that can be used as a reference for recognizing the dangers of AI and for preventing and controlling the disease, considering its potential to become a serious pandemic outbreak.

Keywords: avian influenza, disease, human health, poultry, virus.
Comparison of the Bristol Stool Scale and Modified Version for Children: Use by Providers vs Children
Authors: Orozco James , Self Mariella M. , Grisales Sara , Chumpitazi Bruno P. , Czyzewski Danita I. , McMullen Meagan S. , Berger Rebecca , Gonzalez Clarissa A. , Cunha Amber L. , Shulman Robert J.
Published: November 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Accurate report of stool form is essential to diagnosis and assessment of treatment response. The modified Bristol Stool Form Scale for Children (mBSFS-C) classifies stool form into 5 types and is reliable and valid. However, a direct comparison of provider's and children's ratings using the mBSFS-C vs the traditional BSFS that uses 7 stool form types has not been done.

METHODS:

Pediatric gastroenterology providers and children rated the same 35 stool photographs, reflecting diverse stool forms, using both scales. The order of photograph presentation and scale use were randomized. For each photograph, the most common rating (modal rating) was calculated for both scales and study samples. The percentage of child and provider ratings matching their respective modal ratings was determined.

RESULTS:

Twenty-one providers (21 faculty, 11 fellows, 3 nurse practitioners) and 200 children (mean age 12 ± 3 years) participated. No order effect (mBSFS-C vs BSFS used first) was observed. Of 1,225 provider ratings using the mBSFS-C, 90.0% agreed with the provider's modal ratings vs 77.8% using the BSFS. Of 7,000 child ratings using the mBSFS-C, 84.6% agreed with the children's modal ratings vs 71.8% using the BSFS. Using providers' modal ratings as the reference, all mBSFS-C photograph modal ratings matched between children and providers (35/35 photographs) whereas only 86% (30/35 photographs) matched with the BSFS.

DISCUSSION:

(i) The mBSFS-C showed greater modal agreement among both providers and children compared with the BSFS, and (ii) provider-child concordance was greater with the mBSFS-C than with the BSFS. Validation in other regions/populations is needed.
Queer Activism in the Queen City: Vignettes about 1990s LGBTQ+ Organizing in a Small Urban Center of Eastern Pennsylvania
Authors: Foltz Mary Catherine
Published: November 2024

“Queer Activism in the Queen City” explores how LGBTQ+ organizations in the Lehigh Valley (Pennsylvania) operated during the 1990s to address HIV/AIDS, to develop antidiscrimination legislation in Allentown and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, and to promote coalitional organizing to address intersectional forms of oppression. Drawing on materials from the Lehigh Valley LGBT Archive, the article addresses the impact of activism outside of major metropolises through discussion of regional AIDS organizations, Pride festivals, regional LGBTQ+ publications, Mennonite organizers, and political organizing to promote trans-inclusive antidiscrimination legislation in Allentown and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The article offers a strong account of how activists from the 1990s in a current battleground state contributed powerfully to fights for equity in our region that continue to have ramifications for contemporary regional activism. Further, with a focus on a small region of Pennsylvania and attention to the import of local LGBTQ+ community archives, the article showcases the value of hyperlocal LGBTQ+ history for granting researchers a better understanding of the decade of the 1990s outside of coastal metropolises, thereby contributing to new research in our field that calls for attention to understudied communities.
Ethnopharmacological Insights into Diabetes Management: Exploring Medicinal Flora of Shivalik range of Himalaya in Uttarakhand
Authors: Kumar S. , Kumar A. , Tantray J. , Shukla A.
Published: November 2024

Diabetes mellitus is a chronic metabolic disorder which is commonly found life-threatening disease and it continuously reducing the life expectancy. It is characterized by hyperglycaemia (raised blood sugar level) resulting from defects in insulin secretion, action, or both. Since thousands of years, medicinal plants are being used by our ancestors for the prevention, treatment or even cure the diabetes mellitus. Utilization of these herbal plants is increasing rapidly last two to three decades due to their lesser toxicity and cost effectiveness property as compared to synthetic drugs. In this review, approximately 30 medicinal plants were described which are native to India and traditionally used by the people living in shivalik range of Himalaya in Uttarakhand (specially Dehradun & Haridwar) for the treatment of diabetes mellitus. The data about these plants was collected from science direct, PubMed, web of science, scopus, mdpi, google scholar and different other search engines and websites. This review was conferred in a systematic way as it includes botanical name, family, vernacular name, parts used and pharmacological uses of plants in a tabulated form. There are various scientific evidences behind the uses of some medicinal plants which have been mentioned along with the summary of individual medicinal plant. In this review, all the plants and herbs are easily available in these regions of Uttarakhand and local people traditionally uses these plants as vegetable, seasoning, flavouring and usually consume as a part of their diet. There are some limitations of phytotherapy which limit it to completely replace the allopathic therapy as less bioavailability, less rate of absorption and slow rate of dissolution. But by using various advanced dosage forms (phytosomes, neosomes, liposomes, nanoparticles, nanobubbles, nano diamonds, nanosphere etc.) and method of delivery (various invasive and non-invasive methods) which can bypass these all problems associated with the potency and efficacy of phytochemicals.
Microdochium sorghi en sorgo en el noroeste de Entre Ríos, Argentina
Authors: Velazquez Pablo Daniel
Published: November 2024

A comienzos de diciembre de 2021, en un cultivo de sorgo situado en el departamento La Paz, Entre Ríos, Argentina, se observaron plantas con hojas que presentaban atizonamiento, abarcando todo el ancho de la lámina desde el ápice y hasta la mitad de la misma. En todos los casos, estas áreas incluían pequeñas manchas castaño-oscuras, algunas con el centro más claro, semicirculares a elípticas o alargadas y, en general, delimitadas por las nervaduras foliares. Las observaciones preliminares identificaron a un hongo productor de esporodoquios y microesclerocios. Los objetivos del trabajo fueron caracterizar biológicamente e identificar el organismo causal de la enfermedad. Las características morfológicas y culturales del hongo, así como la sintomatología observada en la prueba de patogenicidad, se correspondieron con las descripciones realizadas para Microdochium sorghi (= Gloeocercospora sorghi), causante de la “mancha zonada de la hoja” o “mancha concéntrica” del sorgo. La información obtenida contribuye al conocimiento de este patosistema y reafirma la importancia del diagnóstico correcto de enfermedades de este cultivo.
The Effect of Service Quality on Customer Satisfaction (Case Study of Pt. Pegadaian Persero Paniki Branch Service Unit)
Authors: Rundengan Margaretha Annatje , Manopo Meiske , Ponggohong Edryl Henok Prasetya
Published: November 2024

Service and customer satisfaction are two variables that are closely related. This is the case with employee services to customers / customers of PT Pegadaian UPC Paniki, where several service indicators such as, affect customer satisfaction. This study aims to determine the effect of service quality as measured by physical evidence, reliability, responsiveness, assurance, and empathy, on customer satisfaction at PT Pegadaian (Persero) Paniki Branch Service Unit. This type of research is qualitative and uses primary and secondary data. Secondary data is obtained from various sources such as journals and books, while primary data is obtained by distributing questionnaires to respondents. The sampling technique used simple random sampling method, obtained a sample size of 45 respondents. By using Service Quality Analysis. The results showed that physical evidence, reliability, responsiveness, assurance and empathy had a positive effect on existing customer satisfaction. This shows that PT Pegadaian (Persero) Paniki Branch Service Unit must provide better service, especially those related to customer speed and complaints arising from customers.
Analysis of Delays in Delivery of Exported Goods at Freight Forwarder PT Arindo Jaya Mandiri Semarang
Authors: Anugraheni Esti Ayu , Kurniawati Nurul Imani
Published: November 2024

PT. Arindo Jaya Mandiri is a freight forwarder company. PT. Arindo Jaya Mandiri must provide the best service to meet customer needs. However, the process of sending export goods often experiences delays so that consumers complain. This research was carried out with the aim of knowing the flow of export goods delivery and the critical points that cause delays, knowing the supporting and inhibiting factors, and knowing the Fault Tree Analysis method. The method uses a qualitative descriptive approach. The research results show that the export goods delivery flow starts from the stuffing flow to the payment flow. However, obstacles that influence such as human error, document discrepancies, natural disasters, and the fleet. The Fault Tree Analysis method is used to analyze the causes of delays in delivery of the highest priority goods, namely the fleet. The conclusion is that PT. Arindo Jaya Mandiri sends export goods without any reference so the company only carries out work according to custom. Delivery of export goods is carried out by creating Standard Operating Procedures
Prólogo
Authors: Peñacoba Arribas Alejandro
Published: November 2024

Si siempre ha sido importante lo referente a la educación de la persona humana, quizá sea hoy más urgente esta tarea. La sociedad busca adelantar en la búsqueda del progreso, de nuevos horizontes, de respuestas a las inquietudes vitales, de soluciones a los diversos problemas, de la plenitud. Esta búsqueda es la misma de cada persona en particular. Hoy se es más consciente de la propia dignidad, de la necesidad —y, por otra parte, el derecho y el deber— de colaborar en la vida social, política y económica, para lo cual es necesaria la preparación que la educación proporciona. Pero, además, y, sobre todo, lo que cada persona busca es el propio perfeccionamiento de todas sus dimensiones.
Lectura, estudio e intimidad en el Plan Lector del Departamento de Humanidades de la Universidad Católica de Colombia
Authors: Ferrari Francesco , Nossa Ramos Diana Constanza
Published: November 2024

La Universidad Católica de Colombia centra su misión en la persona y por ello genera espacios de formación en la virtud de la estudiosidad. También se compromete a ofrecer las condiciones intelectuales para que la persona de manera libre opte por Dios y dé razón de su fe. En este marco institucional surge del Departamento de Humanidades la propuesta del Plan Lector que tiene como finalidad generar en los estudiantes el hábito de estudio, profundizar a través de la lectura en temas propios de la clase y fortalecer la capacidad reflexiva del estudiante, retomando el concepto de intimidad desde la antropología filosófica. El presente capítulo expone experiencias concretas del trabajo desarrollado con el Plan Lector en la asignatura de Ética General y Cultura Católica, dos de las cinco asignaturas obligatorias que conforman el trayecto de humanidades. Además de informar los nombres de los textos que se utilizaron en la clase, el lector podrá encontrar sugerencias de evaluaciones, algunas consideraciones de los estudiantes y dificultades en el ejercicio de lectura, entre otros aspectos propios del desarrollo del Plan Lector. Es importante rescatar que los libros trabajados como Plan Lector son especialmente testimoniales, lo cual permite a los estudiantes entrar en cada historia y profundizar conceptos como actos humanos, filosofía de la religión, libertad, responsabilidad y sufrimiento, entre otros. Finalmente, se plantea otra experiencia con un Plan Lector sobre historia religiosa de Colombia, que revela el panorama actual de algunos estudiantes universitarios.