bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Tutors' and Students' Views on Learning and Feedback in Problem-Based Learning
Authors: González-Lillo Emmy Antonella
Published: March 2023

The successful application of the problem-based learning (PBL) approach requires feedback from the tutor to the student to guide the latter's learning process. The aim of this study was to characterise the views of a group of Chilean undergraduate students of Primary Teaching and their tutors regarding PBL methodology, and the role of feedback in it. Qualitative research was carried out based on a case study that gathered the views of students and tutors through a focus group. The methods of analysis adapted to the needs of this study are those derived from discourse analysis and especially from discourse in interaction in its three dimensions: interlocution (framework of participation), thematic (topic of discussion) and enunciative (enunciative positioning). The results indicate that students' views emphasised the inter-student collaboration involved in PBL, while tutors emphasised the motivational value of the methodology. However, both recognised the important role that feedback plays in enhancing learning opportunities. Knowing the views of both tutors and learners is central to improving PBL and feedback practices.
Virtual Laboratory Design for Learning Electro-Pneumatic Practices in Vocational High Schools
Authors: Sukardjo Mochamad , Khasanah Uswatun , Rahmat Stephanus Turibius , Khaerudin Khaerudin , Setiawan Budi
Published: March 2023

Teaching a subject in a vocational high school (VHS) requires specialized instructional design strategies. Recently, instructional VHS used a computer-based platform to teach theory and practice. The computer will assist teachers in creating instructional media. This study aims to design augmented reality-based virtual laboratory media for electro-pneumatic practicum learning in order to ease teachers and students to learn the pneumatic practice. It is specially designed for practical learning purposes. The method used in this research is research and development. The assessment results from Instructional design experts 4.5, material experts 4.5, media experts 4.4, and language experts 4.8. Based on the assessment of experts, this augmented reality-based virtual laboratory media is feasible to use. Next, the results of this study are a prototype of students' pneumatic practice tools installed on mobile phones consisting of eight worksheets. In the designed augmented reality media, 1) 3-dimensional pneumatics can be rotated in all directions so that students understand. 2) Pneumatic job sheet, where on the augmented reality media designed for the simulation circuit, there is an explanation of the components and how they work, and a simulation through markers.
Idiopathic short stature and scoliosis in children treated with growth hormone
Authors: Hong Haofeng , Pan Xiangxiang , Song Jie , Fang Nongtao , Yang Ruobing , Xiang Linyi , Wang Xiangyang , Huang Chongan
Published: March 2023

Aims

The prevalence of scoliosis is not known in patients with idiopathic short stature, and the impact of treatment with recombinant human growth hormone on those with scoliosis remains controversial. We investigated the prevalence of scoliosis radiologically in children with idiopathic short stature, and the impact of treatment with growth hormone in a cross-sectional and retrospective cohort study.

Methods

A total of 2,053 children with idiopathic short stature and 4,106 age- and sex-matched (1:2) children without short stature with available whole-spine radiographs were enrolled in the cross-sectional study. Among them, 1,056 with idiopathic short stature and 790 controls who had radiographs more than twice were recruited to assess the development and progression of scoliosis, and the need for bracing and surgery.

Results

In the cross-sectional study, there was an unexpectedly higher prevalence of scoliosis (33.1% (681/2,053) vs 8.52% (350/4,106)) in children with idiopathic short stature compared with controls (odds ratio 3.722; p < 0.001), although most cases were mild. In the longitudinal study, children with idiopathic short stature had a higher risk of the development and progression of scoliosis than the controls. Among children with idiopathic short stature without scoliosis at baseline, treatment with growth hormone significantly increased the risk of developing scoliosis (p = 0.015) and the need for bracing (p < 0.001). Among those with idiopathic short stature and scoliosis at baseline, treatment with growth hormone did not increase the risk of progression of the scoliosis, the need for bracing, or surgery.

Conclusion

The impact of treatment with growth hormone on scoliosis in children with idiopathic short stature was considered controllable. However, physicians should pay close attention to the assessment of spinal curves in these children.

Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2023;105-B(4):439–448.
Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effect of Ecklonia cava Extract Using Jeju Lava Seawater
Authors: Lee Yeon-Ji , Park Areumi , Kang Nalae , Kang Do-Hyung , Heo Soo-Jin
Published: March 2023

The study investigated the potential effect of the Ecklonia cava extract by using Jeju lava seawater (ECE-JLS; hardness: 100, 300 mg/L), which is naturally filtered underground by a volcanic rock layer. The chemical composition, antioxidant-related enzyme activities, radical scavenging activities, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in Vero cells, and nitric oxide (NO) production in Raw 264.7 cells were measured to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of the extract. The total polyphenol and flavonoid contents of ECE-JLS100 and 300 were 156.41± 1.15, 166.16±2.27 mg/g, and 343.76±2.40, 373.90±3.67 mg/g, respectively. The concentration of ECE-JLS’ SOD and CAT-like activities was increased. ECE-JLS in the range of 0.25 to 2 mg/mL exhibited remarkable DPPH radical and hydrogen peroxide scavenging activities. ECE-JLS100 and 300 inhibited total ROS generation by 21.4±0.4 and 23.9± 0.3% in H2O2-induced Vero cells at 200 mg/mL concentration, respectively. ECE-JLS100 and 300 decreased NO production, with levels of about 55.0±2.4 and 56.5±1.8% at 200 mg/mL concentration, respectively. The contents of TNF- a were decreased compared to the negative control. These observations provide helpful information for the potential industrial use of Jeju lava seawater. Also, ECE-JLSW could be used as a functional food material.
Study of Physicochemical Properties and Antioxidant/Antimicrobial Activity of Makgeolli with Prunus mume Extract
Authors: Park So Young , Yun Chae Eun , Kim Min Jung , Son Jong-Youn , Shim Jae-Yong
Published: March 2023

Makgeolli’s fermentation characteristics and antioxidant and antimicrobial activities were investigated to examine the effect of Prunus mume extract addition. Makgeolli, with the addition of various levels (0, 1, 3, and 5%) of Prunus mume extract (PME), was brewed with fermenting agents, Ipguk and Nuruk. The alcohol content of all samples remarkably increased during the initial 3 days and then gradually increased up to over 18% by the end of fermentation (7 days for Nuruk and 15 days for Ipguk). Although the alcohol content was slightly reduced and acidity was increased with the concentration of PME, there was no other negative effect of PME on the fermentation of Makgeolli. The contents of total phenols and flavonoids for Ipguk samples were higher than those for Nuruk samples, and these values significantly increased at over 3% PME addition. As the PME content increased, the antioxidant activity increased for both Nuruk and Ipguk samples. Only Makgeolli with Ipguk had vigorous antimicrobial activity against E. coli and S. aureus at over 3% addition of PME. These results indicate that PME can be an effective natural additive for enhancing Makgeolli’s antioxidant and antimicrobial activities.
Quality Properties of Dacquoise According to the Replacement Ratio of Allulose
Authors: Lee Hye-Won , Shin Jung-Kue
Published: March 2023

In this study, the quality characteristics were compared by substituting allulose with a ratio of 0-40% instead of sugar used in dacquoise. The specific gravity and pH of the dacquoise dough were not significantly different, regardless of the allulose content. The spreadability was the highest in the sample using only sugar and decreased as the allulose content increased. Moisture content did not show a significant difference, the baking loss was the highest in the sample using 100% sugar, and there was no significant difference in the samples replaced with allulose. As a result of measuring the chromaticity of dacquoise, the L value and b value decreased and the a value showed a significant difference between the samples as the amount of substitution of allulose increased. Hardness increased as the replacement amount of allulose increased, while gumminess and chewiness showed similar trends. As a result of the sensory evaluation, the overall acceptability for the substitute sample of 100% sugar and 10% allulose was the highest. The maximum substitution ratio of allulose for dacquoise is considered to be 10%.
Physicochemical Characteristics by Mixing Ratio of Soybean and Peanut Protein
Authors: Kim Hyun-Joo , Han Narae , Lee Jin Young , Lee Yu-Young , Kim Mihyang , Kang Moon Seok
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to analyze the physicochemical properties by mixing ratio of soybean and peanut protein to secure basic data for developing alternative protein foods. As a result of analyzing the protein molecular weight pattern, it was confirmed that the specific molecular weight was affected by the soybean and peanut protein mixture. The content of glutamic acid, aspartic acid, arginine, glycine, serine, alanine, and tyrosine among nonessential amino acids was higher as the mixing ratio of peanut protein to soy protein was higher. However, the higher the peanut protein mixing ratio, the lower the water absorption capacity. Based on the results of this study, further studies, such as selecting soybean and peanut cultivars for determining the optimal mixing ratio of soybean and peanut protein and processing methods to improve physical properties, are necessary.
Barriers and facilitators to women’s leadership in savings associations in Uganda
Authors: Torrance Robert James , Sikoti Doreen , Sulaiman Munshi , Mulyampiti Tabitha , Nabulumba Christine , Namisango Eve , Mutebi Ronald , Cislaghi Beniamino
Published: March 2023

The Village Savings and Loan Association (VSLA) model is currently being employed in Uganda for deepening financial inclusion and poverty reduction. Despite its focus on women’s empowerment, concerns have arisen of an under-representation of women on VSLA leadership committees. Human rights-based, economic, and social justice arguments support active participation of women on VSLA leadership committees. The study sought to identify, explicate and characterise the barriers and facilitators to women in VSLA leadership. An exploratory study design using qualitative methods was selected to address the research objectives. Forty-nine focus group discussions were undertaken, featuring both VSLA members and non-members. VSLAs for inclusion in the study were randomly selected from within four regions of Uganda, stratified by: mature (>2 years old) versus new (<2 years old). The study exposed a diverse array of barriers and facilitators to women in VSLA leadership positions, revealing the influence of individual, material, institutional and social factors, in addition to social norms and gender characteristics, on women in VSLA leadership. The findings revealed that the design of interventions to achieve fair representation of women in leadership positions should be informed by an understanding of the different types, relative strengths, support for/against, and intersectionality of the factors impacting women in VSLA leadership.
High-power tapered two-section distributed feedback laser based on a chirped sampled grating
Authors: Ma Yuxin , Ge Hantian , Sun Zhenxing , Wang Hongji , Zhao Yong , Shi Yuechun , Xu Zhenzhen , Xiao Rulei , Li Mi , Wang Xin , Zhu Xiaojun , Chen Xiangfei
Published: March 2023

We propose and theoretically study a two-section high-power distributed feedback (DFB) laser with three equivalent phase shifts (3EPSs). A tapered waveguide with a chirped sampled grating is introduced to amplify the output power and keep a stable single-mode operation. The simulation exhibits the maximum output power and side mode suppression ratio of a 1200 µm length two-section DFB laser as high as 306.5 mW and 40 dB, respectively. Compared with traditional DFB lasers, the proposed laser has a higher output power, which may benefit wavelength division multiplexing transmission systems, gas sensors, and large-scale silicon photonics.
Reliability of tunable lenses: feedback sensors and the influence of temperature, orientation, and vibrations
Authors: Gowda Hitesh G. B. , Bruno Binal P. , Wapler Matthias C. , Wallrabe Ulrike
Published: March 2023

We compare different aspects of the robustness to environmental conditions of two different types of piezo-actuated fluid-membrane lenses: a silicone membrane lens, where the piezo actuator indirectly deforms the flexible membrane through fluid displacement, and a glass membrane lens, where the piezo actuator directly deforms the stiff membrane. While both lenses operated reliably over the temperature range of 0°–75°C, there was a significant effect on their actuation characteristics, which can be well described through a simple model. The silicone lens in particular showed a variation in focal power of up to 0.1m−1∘C−1. We demonstrated that integrated pressure and temperature sensors can provide feedback for focal power, however, limited by the response time of the elastomers in the lenses, with polyurethane in the support structures of the glass membrane lens being more critical than the silicone. Studying the mechanical effects, the silicone membrane lens showed a gravity-induced coma and tilt, and a reduced imaging quality with the Strehl ratio decreasing from 0.89 to 0.31 at a vibration frequency of 100 Hz and an acceleration of 3g. The glass membrane lens was unaffected by gravity, and the Strehl ratio decreased from 0.92 to 0.73 at a vibration of 100 Hz, 3g. Overall, the stiffer glass membrane lens is more robust against environmental influences.
Low energy X-ray dosimeter based on LYSO:Ce fluorescent powder
Authors: Zheng Luchuan , Xu Chao , Wang Taiqi , Cheng Yongkang , Christy Yollanda Bella , Li Haoyu , Cheng Jiayao , Peng Gangding , Guo Qiang
Published: March 2023

Cerium-doped lutetium yttrium orthosilicate (LYSO:Ce) powder has been
synthesized by the co-precipitation method. The influence of the Ce3+
doping concentration on the lattice structure and luminescence
characteristics of LYSO:Ce powder was investigated by X-ray
diffraction (XRD) and photoluminescence (PL). The XRD measurement
indicates that the lattice structure of LYSO:Ce powder was not changed
by doping ions. PL results show that LYSO:Ce powder has better
luminescence performance when the Ce doping concentration is
0.3 mol%. In addition, the fluorescence lifetime of the samples
was measured, and the results show that LYSO:Ce has a short decay
time. The radiation dosimeter was prepared by LYSO:Ce powder with a Ce
doping concentration of 0.3 mol%. Radioluminescence properties
of the radiation dosimeter also were studied under X-ray irradiation
at doses from 0.03 to 0.76 Gy, with dose rate from 0.09 to
2.284 Gy/min. The results show that the dosimeter has a certain
linear relationship response and stability. The radiation responses of
the dosimeter at different energies were obtained under X-ray
irradiation with X-ray tube voltages ranging from 20 to 80 kV.
The results show that the dosimeter has a certain linear relationship
response in the low energy range of radiotherapy. These results
indicate the potential application of LYSO:Ce powder dosimeters in
remote radiotherapy and online radiation monitoring.
Laser diodes grown on porous GaN by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy
Authors: Fiuczek Natalia , Hajdel Mateusz , Kafar Anna , Muziol Grzegorz , Siekacz Marcin , Feduniewicz-Żmuda Anna , Gołyga Oliwia , Skierbiszewski Czesław , Sawicka Marta
Published: March 2023

Porous GaN has been proposed as a novel cladding material for visible light-emitting laser diodes (LDs). Fabrication of nanoporous-GaN bottom-cladding LDs was already realized by selective electrochemical etching (ECE) of the highly n-type doped GaN layer in the LD structure after epitaxy. In this work, we applied a reverse approach: in the first step, locally porous areas in GaN substrate were fabricated, and next, a LD structure was grown on top by plasma-assisted molecular beam epitaxy (PAMBE). We compare the electrical and optical properties of the devices with porous bottom cladding with the devices from the same wafer that was grown on top of a standard GaN layer. Continuous wave (CW) operation is achieved for porous LD at 435.4 nm and slope efficiency of 0.046 W/A. Standard LD was lased in CW mode at 442.6 nm and had a slope efficiency of 0.692 W/A. In porous LD, the internal losses were estimated using the Hakki-Paoli method to be 68 cm−1, while for standard LD, the losses were 25 cm−1. Near-field patterns recorded for the studied devices indicate light scattering on the porous layer to be the possible reason for the increased losses in porous LD.
Ten simple rules for designing and conducting undergraduate replication projects
Authors: Moreau David , Wiebels Kristina
Published: March 2023

Conducting a replication study is a valuable way for undergraduate students to learn about the scientific process and gain research experience. By promoting the evaluation of existing studies to confirm their reliability, replications play a unique, though often underappreciated, role in the scientific enterprise. Involving students early in this process can help make replication mainstream among the new generation of scientists. Beyond their benefit to science, replications also provide an invaluable learning ground for students, from encouraging the development of critical thinking to emphasizing the importance of details and honing research skills. In this piece, we outline 10 simple rules for designing and conducting undergraduate replication projects, from conceptualization to implementation and dissemination. We hope that these guidelines can help educators provide students with a meaningful and constructive pedagogical experience, without compromising the scientific value of the replication project, therefore ensuring robust, valuable contributions to our understanding of the world.
Efficacy and tolerance of second-generation antipsychotics in anorexia nervosa: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Thorey Solène , Blanchet Corinne , Guessoum Sélim Benjamin , Moro Marie Rose , Ludot Maude , Carretier Emilie
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Second-generation antipsychotics (SGAs) are frequently prescribed for the treatment of resistant anorexia nervosa. However, few clinical trials have been conducted so far and no pharmacological treatment has yet been approved by the Food and Drug Administration. The aim of this paper is to conduct a systematic scoping review exploring the effectiveness and safety of atypical antipsychotics in anorexia nervosa (AN).

Method

We conducted a systematic scoping review of the effectiveness and tolerability of SGAs in the management of AN. We included articles published from January 1, 2000, through September 12, 2022 from the PubMed and PsycInfo databases and a complementary manual search. We selected articles about adolescents and adults treated for AN by four SGAs (risperidone, quetiapine, aripiprazole or olanzapine). This work complies with the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis extension for scoping reviews (PRIMA-ScR) and was registered in the Open Science Framework (OSF) repository.

Results

This review included 55 articles: 48 assessing the effectiveness of SGAs in AN and 7 focusing only on their tolerability and safety. Olanzapine is the treatment most frequently prescribed and studied with 7 randomized double-blind controlled trials. Other atypical antipsychotics have been evaluated much less often, such as aripiprazole (no randomized trials), quetiapine (two randomized controlled trials), and risperidone (one randomized controlled trial). These treatments are well tolerated with mild and transient adverse effects in this population at particular somatic risk.

Discussion

Limitations prevent the studies both from reaching conclusive, reliable, robust, and reproducible results and from concluding whether or not SGAs are effective in anorexia nervosa. Nonetheless, they continue to be regularly prescribed in clinical practice. International guidelines suggest that olanzapine and aripiprazole can be interesting in severe or first-line resistant clinical situations.
Autophagic flux is impaired in the brain tissue of Tay-Sachs disease mouse model
Authors: Sengul Tugce , Can Melike , Ateş Nurselin , Seyrantepe Volkan
Published: March 2023

Tay-Sachs disease is a lethal lysosomal storage disorder caused by mutations in the HexA gene encoding the α subunit of the lysosomal β-hexosaminidase enzyme (HEXA). Abnormal GM2 ganglioside accumulation causes progressive deterioration in the central nervous system in Tay-Sachs patients. Hexa-/- mouse model failed to display abnormal phenotype. Recently, our group generated Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mouse showed severe neuropathological indications similar to Tay-Sachs patients. Despite excessive GM2 ganglioside accumulation in the brain and visceral organs, the regulation of autophagy has not been clarified yet in the Tay-Sachs disease mouse model. Therefore, we investigated distinct steps of autophagic flux using markers including LC3 and p62 in four different brain regions from the Hexa-/-Neu3-/- mice model of Tay-Sachs disease. Our data revealed accumulated autophagosomes and autophagolysosomes indicating impairment in autophagic flux in the brain. We suggest that autophagy might be a new therapeutic target for the treatment of devastating Tay-Sachs disease.
The global convergence of spectral RMIL conjugate gradient method for unconstrained optimization with applications to robotic model and image recovery
Authors: Salihu Nasiru , Kumam Poom , Awwal Aliyu Muhammed , Sulaiman Ibrahim Mohammed , Seangwattana Thidaporn
Published: March 2023

In 2012, Rivaie et al. introduced RMIL conjugate gradient (CG) method which is globally convergent under the exact line search. Later, Dai (2016) pointed out abnormality in the convergence result and thus, imposed certain restricted RMIL CG parameter as a remedy. In this paper, we suggest an efficient RMIL spectral CG method. The remarkable feature of this method is that, the convergence result is free from additional condition usually imposed on RMIL. Subsequently, the search direction is sufficiently descent independent of any line search technique. Thus, numerical experiments on some set of benchmark problems indicate that the method is promising and efficient. Furthermore, the efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated on applications arising from arm robotic model and image restoration problems.
KidzMed e-learning to upskill student pharmacists to teach pill swallowing to children
Authors: McCloskey Alice P. , Lunn Andrew , Traynor Michael J. , Lim Emma J. , Tse Yincent , McCabe Philippa G. , Mistry Ravi D. , Vasey Nicola , Pickering Ailsa , Rathbone Adam P.
Published: March 2023

Background

Appropriate medication use is essential in ensuring optimal pharmacotherapeutic outcomes. It is mistakenly assumed that adults can swallow solid oral dosage forms (SODFs, e.g. tablets/capsules colloquially referred to as ‘pills’), without difficulty and that children cannot. KidzMed is a ‘pill swallowing’ training programme designed to teach effective SODF use in patients of all ages. It may be utilised by healthcare professionals to assist patients taking SODFs. E-learning was essential for training during COVID pandemic to reduce viral transmission. The aim of this study was to explore UK student pharmacists views of e-learning to support swallowing solid oral dosage forms.

Methods

This study used pre- and post-intervention online surveys on Microsoft Forms to evaluate self-directed eLearning about pill swallowing on MPharm programmes at three UK Universities using a 13-item survey. A combination of five-point Likert Scales and free-text items were used. The eLearning was available via the virtual learning environment at the University and embedded within existing curriculum. Descriptive statistical analysis was used to explore responses.

Results

In total, 113 of 340 (33%) students completed the survey. Seventy-eight percent (n = 65) reported the eLearning would enable them to teach adults and children to swallow SODFs successfully. Learners either agreed or strongly agreed that they felt comfortable to teach patients (95%, n = 62/113) and parents or carers (94%, n = 60) to swallow medications having completed the e-learning. Student pharmacists generally found eLearning as an acceptable way to reflect on their own experiences of ‘pill’ swallowing and how to support patients to swallow SODFs.

Conclusion

The KidzMed eLearning was well received by student pharmacists. Further work is needed to explore whether skills translates into real life application in the clinical settings.
Evolutionary analysis of stakeholder behavior in green retrofitting of traditional residential buildings based on dissemination and game models
Authors: Yang Yaohong , Sun Ruicong , Dai Jing , Zhu Mengjuan
Published: March 2023

To achieve carbon peaking and carbon neutrality goals in China, green retrofitting of traditional residential buildings is the one of the important ways. Therefore, the dynamics process of the change of the resident group intention to retrofit and its impact on the behavior of the tripartite game between the government, investment retrofitting enterprises and residents needs to be analyzed. Firstly, a dissemination model of green retrofitting intentions among resident groups is constructed, and it is coupled with the tripartite game model. Then, through numerical simulation, the dissemination laws of intention for green retrofitting among resident groups and its influence on the evolution process of the tripartite game are analyzed. The results show that: (1) The rate at which the triad of government, investment retrofitting enterprises and residents reaches steady state is influenced by the impact of changes in the level of social climate on the rate of conversion of potential and participating residents to immune residents. When the rate of enterprises investment and residents participation increases, the rate of government choice of incentive strategies decreases; (2) greater government regulation and subsidies will increase the intention of residents and retrofitting enterprises to participate. The ideal steady state without government incentives can be achieved when the group size of participating residents is increased by improving the level of government publicity and education and the technology level of the enterprises; (3) the intention of enterprises to invest is closely related to the cognitive benefits and the level of risk perception of residents. The conclusions of the study can be used as a reference for the government to make green retrofitting policies for traditional residential buildings.
A deep learning-based framework for retinal fundus image enhancement
Authors: Lee Kang Geon , Song Su Jeong , Lee Soochahn , Yu Hyeong Gon , Kim Dong Ik , Lee Kyoung Mu
Published: March 2023

Problem

Low-quality fundus images with complex degredation can cause costly re-examinations of patients or inaccurate clinical diagnosis.

Aim

This study aims to create an automatic fundus macular image enhancement framework to improve low-quality fundus images and remove complex image degradation.

Method

We propose a new deep learning-based model that automatically enhances low-quality retinal fundus images that suffer from complex degradation. We collected a dataset, comprising 1068 pairs of high-quality (HQ) and low-quality (LQ) fundus images from the Kangbuk Samsung Hospital’s health screening program and ophthalmology department from 2017 to 2019. Then, we used these dataset to develop data augmentation methods to simulate major aspects of retinal image degradation and to propose a customized convolutional neural network (CNN) architecture to enhance LQ images, depending on the nature of the degradation. Peak signal-to-noise ratio (PSNR), structural similarity index measure (SSIM),r-value (linear index of fuzziness), and proportion of ungradable fundus photographs before and after the enhancement process are calculated to assess the performance of proposed model. A comparative evaluation is conducted on an external database and four different open-source databases.

Results

The results of the evaluation on the external test dataset showed an significant increase in PSNR and SSIM compared with the original LQ images. Moreover, PSNR and SSIM increased by over 4dBand 0.04, respectively compared with the previous state-of-the-art methods (P< 0.05). The proportion of ungradable fundus photographs decreased from 42.6% to 26.4% (P= 0.012).

Conclusion

Our enhancement process improves LQ fundus images that suffer from complex degradation significantly. Moreover our customized CNN achieved improved performance over the existing state-of-the-art methods. Overall, our framework can have a clinical impact on reducing re-examinations and improving the accuracy of diagnosis.
Comparative analysis of fresh food e-commerce brand attitudes based on STM theme model
Authors: Liu Hongyu
Published: March 2023

The circulation of fresh agricultural products is related to the quality of consumption and agricultural development. This article takes the online reviews of fresh products as the research object and studies the comparative differences of consumer brand perception under the different sentiment and brand source classifications. The study was carried out with the aim to explore the influence mechanism of consumers’ different brand attitudes. Structural Topic Modeling (STM) method was used to classify online reviews for brand perception topics, and Gephi network visualization was used to analyze the influence relationship between different brand perception topics. The study also conducts comparative research on the differences in perceived attitudes between positive and negative emotion classifications, as well as self-operated and non-self-operated brands, and analyzes the moderating effect of sentiment scores on the perceived theme intensity of different brands.
The impact of foreign R&D on the innovation performance of China’s high-tech industry and its spatial spillover effect
Authors: Han Xiaohong , Feng Hua
Published: March 2023

The inflow of foreign R&D has brought vigor and vitality to the development of the high-tech industry (HTI). Using the panel data of HTI in 23 provinces (autonomous provinces and municipalities) in China from 2007 to 2016, this paper firstly calculates the Moran index of HTI’s innovation performance (IP), and finds a spatial agglomeration effect. After rigorous testing, we determine the most suitable spatial metering model. Finally, the spatial effect is further decomposed into three kinds of effects: direct effect, indirect effect, and total effect. This paper studies the impact of foreign research and development (R&D) on IP of HTI and its spatial spillover effects. According to the research, foreign R&D has a significant role in promoting IP of HTI in China, and has specific spatial spillover effects. Significantly, foreign R&D has substantial positive spillover effects of space. When IP of HTI is measured by product innovation, there is no obvious space overflow. However, panel regression showed a significant positive effect. In terms of the influence on product IP of HTI, foreign R&D plays an almost equal role as local R&D. In terms of the impact on technological IP of HTI, foreign R&D input plays a positive role. It has a spatial spillover effect, the degree of impact is lower than that of domestic R&D input. Local governments should formulate relevant policies to encourage the fluidity of technical knowledge and overcome the sticky problem of foreign R&D technical knowledge, which is an essential aspect of absorbing foreign R&D technical knowledge in the future.
Contextualizing gender disparities in online teaching evaluations for professors
Authors: Zheng Xiang , Vastrad Shreyas , He Jibo , Ni Chaoqun
Published: March 2023

Student evaluation of teaching (SET) is widely used to assess teaching effectiveness in higher education and can significantly influence professors’ career outcomes. Although earlier evidence suggests SET may suffer from biases due to the gender of professors, there is a lack of large-scale examination to understand how and why gender disparities occur in SET. This study aims to address this gap in SET by analyzing approximately 9 million SET reviews fromRateMyProfessors.comunder the theoretical frameworks of role congruity theory and shifting standards theory. Our multiple linear regression analysis of the SET numerical ratings confirms that women professors are generally rated lower than men in many fields. Using the Dunning log-likelihood test, we show that words used in student comments vary by the gender of professors. We then use BERTopic to extract the most frequent topics from one- and five-star reviews. Our regression analysis based on the topics reveals that the probabilities of specific topics appearing in SET comments are significantly associated with professors’ genders, which aligns with gender role expectations. Furtherly, sentiment analysis indicates that women professors’ comments are more positively or negatively polarized than men’s across most extracted topics, suggesting students’ evaluative standards are subject to professors’ gender. These findings contextualize the gender gap in SET ratings and caution the usage of SET in related decision-making to avoid potential systematic biases towards women professors.
Using cultured canine cardiac slices to model the autophagic flux with doxorubicin
Authors: Boukhalfa Asma , Robinson Sally R. , Meola Dawn M. , Robinson Nicholas A. , Ling Lauren A. , LaMastro Joey N. , Upshaw Jenica N. , Pulakat Lakshmi , Jaffe Iris Z. , London Cheryl A. , Chen Howard H. , Yang Vicky K.
Published: March 2023

Chemotherapy-induced impairment of autophagy is implicated in cardiac toxicity induced by anti-cancer drugs. Imperfect translation from rodent models and lack of in vitro models of toxicity has limited investigation of autophagic flux dysregulation, preventing design of novel cardioprotective strategies based on autophagy control. Development of an adult heart tissue culture technique from a translational model will improve investigation of cardiac toxicity. We aimed to optimize a canine cardiac slice culture system for exploration of cancer therapy impact on intact cardiac tissue, creating a translatable model that maintains autophagy in culture and is amenable to autophagy modulation. Canine cardiac tissue slices (350 μm) were generated from left ventricular free wall collected from euthanized client-owned dogs (n = 7) free of cardiovascular disease at the Foster Hospital for Small Animals at Tufts University. Cell viability and apoptosis were quantified with MTT assay and TUNEL staining. Cardiac slices were challenged with doxorubicin and an autophagy activator (rapamycin) or inhibitor (chloroquine). Autophagic flux components (LC3, p62) were quantified by western blot. Cardiac slices retained high cell viability for >7 days in culture and basal levels of autophagic markers remained unchanged. Doxorubicin treatment resulted in perturbation of the autophagic flux and cell death, while rapamycin co-treatment restored normal autophagic flux and maintained cell survival. We developed an adult canine cardiac slice culture system appropriate for studying the effects of autophagic flux that may be applicable to drug toxicity evaluations.
Functional analysis of Wolbachia Cid effectors unravels cooperative interactions to target host chromatin during replication
Authors: Terretaz Kévin , Horard Béatrice , Weill Mylène , Loppin Benjamin , Landmann Frédéric
Published: March 2023

Wolbachia are common bacteria among terrestrial arthropods. These endosymbionts transmitted through the female germline manipulate their host reproduction through several mechanisms whose most prevalent form called Cytoplasmic Incompatibility -CI- is a conditional sterility syndrome eventually favoring the infected progeny. Upon fertilization, the sperm derived from an infected male is only compatible with an egg harboring a compatible Wolbachia strain, this sperm leading otherwise to embryonic death. The Wolbachia Cif factors CidA and CidB responsible for CI and its neutralization function as a Toxin-Antitoxin system in the mosquito host Culex pipiens. However, the mechanism of CidB toxicity and its neutralization by the CidA antitoxin remain unexplored. Using transfected insect cell lines to perform a structure-function analysis of these effectors, we show that both CidA and CidB are chromatin interactors and CidA anchors CidB to the chromatin in a cell-cycle dependent-manner. In absence of CidA, the CidB toxin localizes to its own chromatin microenvironment and acts by preventing S-phase completion, independently of its deubiquitylase -DUB- domain. Experiments with transgenic Drosophila show that CidB DUB domain is required together with CidA during spermatogenesis to stabilize the CidA-CidB complex. Our study defines CidB functional regions and paves the way to elucidate the mechanism of its toxicity.
Physical modelling of interior space as a predictor of student engagement
Authors: Wardono Prabu , Maharani Yuni
Published: March 2023

Interior space modelling as part of simulation technology is crucial to support the study of interior design. Various simulation techniques have been used for spatial modelling, such as manual and digital drawing, while widely used physical interior models are so far made customized to meet a particular form of design. In other words, such space modelling is by nature fixed or not meant to be used for various needs of modelling tasks. As a result, the interior design study process can become difficult for those who are less able to make manual or digital drawings. It may have a psychological impact on the student’s engagement and motivation. This study aimed to examine the role of a previously developed interior space modelling tool in supporting the study process and student engagement. The research method used for this project is an experiment that involves 48 interior design students. The analysis of data reveals that a modelling tool has a significant effect on study engagement for the group of respondents who can only draw but are less able to use a computer to create digital simulations. Meanwhile, for those who have already been able to make a digital simulation, their engagement response to the space modelling tool is less significant.
Decolonizing University Teaching and Learning: An Entry Model for Grappling with Complexities, Danielle Tran (2021)
Authors: Nabaggala Justine
Published: March 2023

Review of: Decolonizing University Teaching and Learning: An Entry Model for Grappling with Complexities, Danielle Tran (2021)

London: Bloomsbury Academic, 232 pp.,

ISBN 978-1-35016-001-9, h/bk, $88.99
Personal objects as metaphors: Practitioners’ philosophies of practice and relevance in art education
Authors: Nabaggala Justine
Published: March 2023

Working with metaphorical objects as a creative didactic approach unfolds multiple prospects for making meaning of one’s orientation towards artistic practice. Through improvisation, storytelling and visual displays, new perspectives are derived from the professional experiences encountered by practitioners as they engage with the material world and their connections to it. This article expresses the relationship between text and image in meaning-making processes through which visual artists are supported to articulate multiple significances that come together to speak to what their ‘truth’ is; thus, it being subjective in context. Connecting practice to pedagogy, visual connections and inner thoughts are nurtured through a critical process to frame one’s professional identity and scholarly standpoint. A group of twenty art practitioners and educators engaged in a process of defining their philosophies of practice using both tangible and intangible objects through a talking circle. This arts-based approach provided the group with an opportunity to individually share professional experiences linked to their choice of metaphoric objects within a circular orientation. Individual reflection, expression and relationship building were realized and in so doing, a hand, key(s), pencil, key holder, book, shield, environment, culture, bottle, perfume bottle, phone, pot, rubber, balloon and laptop were used as metaphorical objects. This created a unique connection between creativity and imagination through a humanistic orientation in which participants’ inner voices were visually expressed. The notion of ‘Art for what Purpose?’ that is significant in meaning-making was expressed in the voices of the participants making the metaphorical objects relevant within that particular context. With reference to a personal quote ‘I either use a pen to voice my thoughts or fail to do so and have no self-worth’ demonstrates that for one’s voice to be heard by a given audience, there is need to share it in all possible ways. Therefore, participants’ engagement in the talking circle revealed the relevance of empowering practitioners through both oral and visual expressions to validate their self-worth within given contexts as both an academic and practice strategy in establishing meaning.
A Study on the Perception of Learning Coaches about Dyslexia
Authors:   Crisis and Emergency Management: Theory and Praxis, Ha Sung Min , Choi Jin Oh , Jeong Jong Seong
Published: March 2023

The purpose of this study was to examine the perceptions about dyslexia of the learning coaches working at the basic education support center, and to identify what personal variables affected those perceptions. In K-Province, 122 learning coaches at 7 centers were surveyed about their perceptions of the causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment of dyslexia. Descriptive statistics and a regression analysis were used to examine the accuracy level of learning coaches' perceptions of dyslexia, and what individual variables affected those accuracy level. The results showed that learning coaches had an inaccurate perception of the cause, diagnosis, and treatment of dyslexia, except for the symptoms of dyslexia (correct answer rate of 58.2%). Second, among the individual variables of learning coaches, teaching experience, training experience, and course completion about dyslexia had a positive effect on their perceptions of dyslexia, while self-confidence in teaching students with dyslexia had a negative effect on their perceptions. The results of this study also indicated that training about dyslexia for learning coaches should be continuously provided because the training experience had the most positive effects on their accurate perceptions of dyslexia.
Dilema da Felicidade:
Authors: Cremonese Dejalma , Corrêa Ricardo
Published: March 2023

Este artigo discute o tema da felicidade sob o viés filosófico e sob o viés da medição científica. Apresenta, inicialmente, os conceitos-chave que envolvem a teoria da felicidade tratada pelo filósofo espanhol Julián Marías. O filósofo, surpreende-se do pouco interesse intelectual sobre a felicidade. No entanto, reconhece a dificuldade metodológica do estudo do tema, vendo como um objeto problemático a intenção de mensurá-la. Por outro lado, contemporaneamente, a felicidade é tratada como ciência, já que ganha respaldo nas ideias utilitaristas. Tais ideias sobre felicidade permitem um “tratamento” científico, encontrando respaldo entre governos e grandes empresas, principalmente empresas de tecnologia, como as Big Tech’s. Assim, Julian Marías e seus ensaios sobre felicidade podem aparecer e ocupar o campo da filosofia, sendo possíveis um diálogo e uma reflexão, a partir do filósofo espanhol, com a ciência da felicidade? Esse é o desafio do presente artigo.
Whose story should we be telling? An exploration of student attitudes towards, and perceptions of, the British history curriculum
Authors: Morgan Oliver
Published: March 2023

Amid a growing national debate regarding the current health and future direction of the history curriculum in Britain, there have been numerous calls for an examination of its roles and purposes, and questions have been raised as to how far it engages an increasingly diverse student body. This article examines the perceptions and attitudes of students towards the history curriculum within the context of one secondary school in south-east England through an exploratory case study. The findings draw upon research undertaken with Year 9 students, through 105 completed questionnaires, and through focus group interviews conducted with 12 participants. Thematic analysis suggests that, although students very much value learning about British history, they would prefer a curriculum with a wider focus which incorporates broader global studies. Although the environment offered by the case study is not particularly socially diverse, there is evidence that some groups of students desire greater curriculum reform and inclusivity. As a case study, the results are not intended to be generalised outside of context, but merely to provide points of discussion regarding an area in which prior research has been somewhat limited.
An Ongoing Shift in Mammalian Nest Predators of Yellow-billed Loons in Arctic Alaska
Authors: Parrett Julie P. , Prichard Alexander K. , Johnson Charles B. , Lawhead Brian E.
Published: March 2023

The Coastal Plain of northern Alaska is an important nesting area for a variety of avian species, where the productivity of ground-nesting species can be strongly influenced by nest predators. Recently, the density of red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) has increased in many areas of the Arctic, likely because of climate warming as well as the availability of anthropogenic food sources during winter. In areas where they occur sympatrically, red foxes can outcompete and kill the smaller Arctic fox (Vulpes lagopus). There is considerable dietary overlap between the fox species, but if the red fox is a more successful nest predator, this ongoing shift in canid species could have important implications for ground-nesting species like the Yellow-billed Loon (Gavia adamsii). We examined time-lapse photographs from 186 nests of Yellow-billed Loons in northern Alaska during the years 2008 – 15 and 2019 for the presence of foxes and other nest predators and quantified nest predation by species. Although both Arctic and red foxes were photographed near nests, we found that all successful predation of Yellow-billed Loon nests by foxes was attributable to red foxes, which were the second most frequent predator of Yellow-billed Loon nests after Glaucous Gulls (Larus hyperboreus). Arctic foxes photographed at Yellow-billed Loon nests were unsuccessful at displacing incubating loons. Several data sources suggest that the prevalence of red foxes has increased in Arctic Alaska over the last three decades, a change that is likely to have negative impacts on the nesting success of Yellow-billed Loons and possibly other large waterbirds.