bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Saramago for Beginners: Reflections on Teaching “Coisas” as an Introduction to Saramaguian Dystopia, Allegory, and Political Critique
Authors: HAYSOM-RODRIGUEZ PETER
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT: This  essay  offers  a  rationale  and  methodology  for  introducing  students  to  the fiction of José Saramago through a lesser-known text: his short story “Coisas,” from the collection Objecto quase (1978), which was taught to first-year undergraduate students at the University of Nottingham in 2019 and 2020. The article begins by justifying the inclusion of Saramago’s work—and, specifically, the short story in question—on an undergraduate Lusophone studies syllabus. It is argued that “Coisas” concisely encapsulates Saramago’s key literary themes in approachable and easily digestible prose, while containing  both  contextually  specific  and  universally  relevant  allusions  within  a  form  and genre likely to appeal to young adults. Second, the essay outlines and critically reflects upon the lesson plans and pedagogical strategies used to teach this narrative in previous years, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic. Finally, the article suggests some further methods for teaching “Coisas” to Lusophone studies undergraduates and contemplates other pedagogical contexts in which Saramago’s short story might be deployed successfully in the future.
KEYWORDS: José Saramago; short story; pedagogy; dystopia; allegory
RESUMO: Este ensaio propõe uma justificação e uma metodologia pedagógica relativamente  ao  ensino  introdutório  à  obra  ficcional  de  José  Saramago,  através  de  um  texto  pouco conhecido: o conto “Coisas,” da colectânea Objecto quase (1978), que foi analisado com  estudantes  de  primeiro  ano  na  Universidade  de  Nottingham  (2019–20).  Em  primeiro lugar, o artigo problematiza a inclusão da obra de Saramago no programa de uma disciplina de Estudos Lusófonos, com especial ênfase no conto em questão. Defende-se que  “Coisas”  resume,  de  forma  relevante,  algumas  das  principais  questões  da  obra  de  Saramago  através  de  uma  prosa  accessível,  e  que  esta  narrativa  distópica  e  alegórica  alude  tanto  a  contextos  específicos  como  a  circunstâncias  universais,  utilizando  um  género literário capaz de instigar jovens adultos. Em segundo lugar, o artigo propõe uma reflexão  crítica  sobre  as  estratégias  e  planos  pedagógicos  utilizados  para  ensinar  este  conto durante a pandemia de COVID-19, e antes dela. Em último lugar, apresentam-se modelos alternativos para ensinar “Coisas” em aulas do ensino universitário na área de Estudos  Lusófonos,  assim  como  noutros  contextos  pedagógicos  nos  quais  se  poderia  ensinar esta narrativa saramaguiana no futuro. 
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: José Saramago; o conto; pedagogia; distopia; alegoria
Stomach-Thought: Popular Portuguese Imageries of Ethnic Food, Indirect Group Representations, and the Sociocultural Condition of Afrodescendants of Cabo Verdean Origin
Authors: KAIAN LAM
Published: July 2024

ABSTRACT: This study is inspired by an ongoing associational project to discuss issues of intercultural communication and to raise our awareness of existing cultural representations and possible discriminatory practices in Portuguese society. It focuses on representations in popular Portuguese imageries of ethnic food, i.e., “African” food versus “Asian” food. The Asian comparison is mainly used to illustrate, highlight, and make sense of the African case. The objective is to use food as a lens of analysis to present a dynamic picture of contemporary Afro-experiences in the West and more specifically in Portugal. The materials discussed were collected over four years of residence and fieldwork in Portugal and abroad using anthropologically-based methods. The present study politicizes our “stomach-thought,” proposing a creative way to understand the challenges and opportunities for Afrodescendants and especially Afrodescendants of Cabo Verdean origin in Portugal, whose experiences form the basis of this article.
KEYWORDS: Cabo Verde, Cultural representations, Food, Ethnic, Fieldwork, Afrodescendants of Cabo Verdean origin
RESUMO: O presente estudo inspira-se num projeto associativo que aborda problemáticas de comunicação intercultural e que nos consciencializa das representações culturais correntes e das possíveis práticas discriminatórias na sociedade portuguesa. O estudo foca as representações no mundo imaginário português acerca da alimentação étnica, ou seja, “africana” versus “asiática”. O caso asiático serve sobretudo para ilustrar, frisar e reforçar o caso africano. O objetivo deste estudo é usar a alimentação como uma lente de análise para apresentar um quadro dinâmico das experiências africanas no Ocidente e especialmente em Portugal. Os materiais foram recolhidos durante quatro anos de residência e de trabalho de campo em Portugal e no estrangeiro com métodos de matriz antropológica. Trata-se de uma proposta de politização do “pensamento-estômago” e compreensão criativa dos desafios e oportunidades para os afrodescendentes, sobretudo afrodescendentes de origem cabo-verdiana em Portugal, cujas experiências constituem a base do presente artigo.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: Cabo Verde, Representações culturais, Alimentação, Étnico, Trabalho de campo, Afrodescendentes de origem cabo-verdiana
Literatura Portuguesa, essa Estrangeira, Continua entre Nós
Authors: ALVES IDA
Published: July 2024

RESUMO: Neste artigo apresentamos um panorama do ensino de literatura portuguesa no Brasil, traçando um breve histórico, além de descrever a legislação atual e a realidade do ensino literário no país. Em relação ao ensino da literatura brasileira em Portugal, observamos brevemente alguns fatos e procedimentos, indicandose diferenças visíveis. Referimos ainda projetos e atividades para divulgação de escritores portugueses entre os leitores brasileiros. Destacamos a atuação dos professores brasileiros de literatura portuguesa visando contribuir para um pensamento multicultural em língua portuguesa.
PALAVRAS-CHAVE: ensino de literatura portuguesa no Brasil; ensino de literatura brasileira em Portugal; formação de leitores; multiculturalidade; língua portuguesa
ABSTRACT: In this article, we present an overview of the teaching of Portuguese literature in Brazil, outlining a brief history and describing the current legislation and reality of literature teaching in the country. Regarding the teaching of Brazilian literature in Portugal, we briefly observe some facts and procedures, indicating visible differences. We also report projects and activities for the dissemination of Portuguese writers among Brazilian readers. We highlight the performance of Brazilian teachers of Portuguese literature aiming at contributing to a multicultural thinking in Portuguese.
KEYWORDS: Portuguese literature teaching in Brazil; Brazilian literature teaching in Portugal; formation of readers; multiculturality; Portuguese language
School Principal’s Leadership Style and Teachers’ Job Performance: A Systematic Review of Literature
Authors: Ortiz Coulyn , De Jesus Leonora
Published: July 2024

The leadership style of the school principal plays a vital role in an institution because its primary goal is to guide, motivate, direct, and influence the school community—which includes teachers, staff, and other stakeholders—to fulfill the institution's vision, mission, and goals. As a result, the researcher conducted this systematic literature review to identify the effective leadership styles of school principals and how they connect to teachers' job performance, as successful teachers can transform an institution. The researcher thoroughly reviewed twenty (20) research articles, and the results revealed that the school principal uses a variety of leadership styles. Three of these—democratic, transformational, and autocratic— show potential and positively correlate with teachers' job performance. However, using an authoritarian leadership style should be conducted cautiously by the school principal as it can decrease teachers' job performance if not properly practiced. Furthermore, it has been concluded from the studied researchers that certain leadership styles have no substantial association, or a negative relationship, with teachers' job performance. Therefore, the authors of the reviewed literature did not recommend that school principals use it in their leadership roles within an institution.
Impacto de la infraestructura verde urbana en espacios educativos
Authors: Briones Macías Juan Carlos , Vidal Pizarro Katherine Cumandá , Pazmiño Santamaría María Fernanda , Romero Jara María Isabel , Cedeño Salazar Pedro Antonio
Published: July 2024

El presente artículo examina el impacto de la infraestructura verde urbana (IVU) en espacios educativos, que contribuye significativamente al desarrollo sostenible y la resiliencia climática, además, se realizó la respectiva revisión bibliográfica utilizando una metodología cualitativa analizando 15 documentos previamente seleccionados de una muestra de 377. Las revelaciones fueron muy importes ya que indican que la IVU en centros educativos mejora la calidad del proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje, reduce la deserción escolar y motiva tanto a educando como educadores.Es relevante que, mediante una adecuada planificación urbana, que sea incluyente respecto a infraestructura verde mitiga significativamente los problemas ambientales como inundaciones, y promueve la justicia ambiental con el objetivo de distribuir equitativamente los recursos y beneficios a la sociedad. Tomando a consideración la ciudad de Tokio donde se demuestra la efectividad de políticas integradas y direccionadas para la conservación ambiental y la eficiencia en el uso de recursos, especialmente hídricos. La colaboración entre autoridades locales y nacionales es esencial para el éxito de estos proyectos.
Exploring Technological, Pedagogical, and Content Knowledge (TPACK) and Self Efficacy Belief of Senior High School Biology Teachers in Batangas City
Authors: Abegail L. Gonzales Abegail L. Gonzales
Published: July 2024

Teachers are considered as one of the key factors in the educational process, especially, in the implementation of a new curriculum. Thus, the introduction and implementation of the new K to 12 curricula, requires monitoring, assessment and evaluation of areas in teaching and learning, in order to ensure that the set goals and objectives were successfully attained. This study aimed to explore two important aspects of teaching such as self-efficacy belief and technological, pedagogical, and content knowledge (TPACK) of private and public senior high school biology teachers from Batangas City for AY 2017-2018. Surveys, focus group discussion and class observation methods were used to gather data. Using mean and standard deviation, the results revealed that biology teacher have moderate self-efficacy belief in both aspects of self-efficacy belief, the personal biology teaching efficacy and biology teaching outcomes expectancy. On the other hand, in TPACK, they were rated as moderately proficient. Furthermore, the study also implies that there is no significant relationship between these two variables when compared using Pearson’s r, which means that the self-efficacy belief of senior high school (SHS) biology teachers of Batangas City has nothing to do with their TPACK. Designing of a training design framework for faculty development programs and similar studies for physics and chemistry teaching are suggested.
Perspectives on outcome-based education among faculty members teaching business courses at a Philippine university
Authors: Pepito Teresita
Published: July 2024

The implementation of outcome-based education (OBE) is often controversial especially among faculty members who are tasked with implementing the requisite changes that come with the new system. The study aimed to describe the knowledge, attitudes, and perspectives of faculty members teaching undergraduate Accountancy, Office Administration, and Business Administration courses at a state university in the Philippines regarding OBE. A descriptive qualitative study design was used. A focus group discussion was conducted with all faculty members with at least one-year experience teaching undergraduate accountancy- or management-related courses at a state university in the Philippines. From the FGD, an anonymized transcript was generated, which was analyzed thematically. Most faculty members satisfactorily defined what OBE is. However, when asked what their role is in an OBE learning environment, they were not able to provide conclusive answers. They think that OBE is a necessary upgrade to the traditional system, and is needed to keep education competitive in the face of ASEAN integration. Most participants claimed that they are ready to embrace OBE, but a few expressed reservations towards it. Furthermore, they suggested various improvements for the faculty, the learning infrastructure, and ways to ensure that OBE is implemented well. These findings underscore the need for trainings and dissemination of best practices for OBE implementation, as well as systemic changes in the college to which the faculty members belong to ensure optimal implementation of OBE.
METODE PENCATATAN DAN PENGARUHNYA PADA LAPORAN KEUANGAN
Authors: Rahmawati Yannisa , Dwi Puspita Ayudia
Published: July 2024

Laporan keuangan dibuat atas dasar fakta berdasarkan kronologi dari suatu transaksi yang terjadi pada suatu periode. Untuk menghasilkan laporan keuangan yang relevan, maka arus pendapatan dan biaya harus dapat diterapkan dengan baik serta sesuai prinsip akuntansi yang diterima umum. Jika perlakuan akuntansi terhadap pendapatan dan biaya tidak dilakukan secara tepat, maka laporan keuangan akan menghasilkan suatu penilaian yang understated (dilaporkan terlalu rendah) atau overstated (dilaporakan terlalu tinggi). Cash basis dan accrual basis merupakan dua metode pencatatan yang ada dalam konsep akuntansi. Teknik analisis data yaitu kausal komparatif yaitu menyelidiki kemungkinan hubungan sebab-akibat. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan adanya perubahan nominal dari metode pencatatan cash basis ke metode pencatatan accrual basis yaitu aktiva meningkat 3,1%, kewajiban meningkat 312%, ekuitas menurun 15,3%, pendapatan menurun 29,7% dan biaya meningkat 0,5%. Transaksi yang dicatat menggunakan metode accrual basis lebih transparansi karena mencerminkan keadaan yang sebearnya dibandingkan pencatatan yang menggunakan metode cash basis.
Analisis Strategi Pemasaran Untuk Meningkatkan Daya Saing UMKM di Kabupaten Pesawaran (Studi Pada Usaha Fashion Yasmin Wiwid)
Authors: Adriani Weni Yunisa , Octavini Nanda Andres
Published: July 2024

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui strategi pemasaran yang tepat untuk meningkatkan daya saing UMKM Pada Brand Fashion Yasmin Wiwid. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah strategi STP, strategi pemasaran marketing mix, dan analisis SWOT dengan mengetahui analisis lingkungan internal dan eksternal perusahaan. Hasil penelitian melalui strategi STP (segmenting, targeting, positionong) yang didapatkan adalah untuk segmenting secara geografis tidak ada pengkhususan terhadap produk yang dijual, secara demografis konsumen Yasmin Wiwid adalah wanita dengan usia 18 – 50 tahun, pekerja kantoran dan urban area, secara psikologis konsumen yang menjadi sasaran adalah konsumen yang memiliki minat fashion tinggi dan pencinta produk ramah lingkungan, dan secara perilaku tidak ada segmentasi, namun profil resiko konsumen dalam pembelian produk akan ditentuka sendiri dengan yang sesuai. Target pasar brand fashion Yasmin Wiwid berfokus kepada pecinta fashion yang ramah lingkungan baik konsumen di dalam maupun di luar negeri. Yasmin Wiwid menggunakan positioning sebagai brand fashion produk ecoprint dimana produk yang dihasilkan menonjolkan keramahan lingkungan dengan penggunaan bahan alami dengan proses produksi hingga akhir meninggalkan limbah sesedikit mungkin (zero waste) untuk melindungi lingkungan. Analisis marketing mix 4P, melalui produk yaitu, desain produk dan variasi serta menjaga mutu produk. Untuk harga buatlah daftar harga, dan berikan potongan harga. Untuk tempat dan distribusi gunakan jasa paket untuk mengirimkan pesanan pelanggan. Untuk promosi mengunakan sales promotion, digital marekting dan direct marketing. Analisis SWOT yang didapatkan strategi S-O adalah dengan menciptakan pola desain khas Lampung, menjaga kualitas produk serta memperluas jangkauan pemasaran dengan melaksanakan event-event baik yang ada di dalam maupun luar negeri. Strategi W-O adalah dengan meningkatkan proses produksi dengan menggunakan teknologi agar lebih efektif dan efisien, memberikan pelatihan secara berkala kepada para pekerja dan memanfaatkan media sosial sebagai sarana promosi. Strategi S-T adalah melakukan pengembangan pola desain, menjaga kualitas produk, melakukan proses produksi dengan memanfaatkan limbah dan menciptakan trend fashion ecoprint. Strategi W-T adalah menyerahkan rencana alokasi pinjaman sementara kepada Dinas Koperasi dan UMKM dan berinovasi menciptakan produk kreatif.Kata Kunci: Strategi Pemasaran; Analisis SWOT; Marketing Mix ; Daya Saing
IMPLEMENTASI KURIKULUM MERDEKA BELAJAR DALAM PEMBELAJARAN IPAS DI SEKOLAH DASAR
Authors: Rahman Rahmania , Fuad Muhammad
Published: July 2024

The curriculum plays a major role in the implementation of education at all levels of learning. This research aims to explain and understand the implementation of the independent curriculum in natural and social sciences (IPAS) education in an elementary school. The approach used in this study is descriptive qualitative, with research subjects involving school principals and fourth grade teachers. Data collection methods involve interviews, observation, and documentation. Data analysis involves data reduction, data presentation and drawing conclusions. The research results show that elementary schools have succeeded in implementing the independent curriculum and have been recognized as driving schools. The renewal in the independent curriculum involved science and social studies education which was combined into IPAS. Every semester, science learning is carried out using the method of 2 science chapters and 2 social studies chapters, different from the previous year which divided the semester between science and social studies. This approach is taken to prevent monotonous learning for students. The independent curriculum gives teachers and students freedom in learning, while the science and social studies assessments are combined into IPAS, including in report card assessments
MAKNA TRADISI MIPIT PARE PADA SUKU SUNDA DI KASEPUHAN CIPTAGELAR KABUPATEN SUKABUMI PROVINSI JAWA BARAT
Authors: Lestari Intan Ayu
Published: July 2024

Pada umumnya tidak sedikit masyarakat Kasepuhan Ciptagelar yang melakukan tradisi mipit pare hanya sekedar menjalankan saja, tetapi tidak memahami makna dari tradisi tersebut. Oleh karena itu penelitian ini berupaya untuk megetahui dan mendeskripsikan tahapan pelaksanan  dan makna tradisi mipit pare pada Suku Sunda di Kasepuhan Ciptagelar. Untuk menjelaskan maknaatradisi mipit pare digunakan teori interaksionisme simbolik  George Herbert Mead. Selanjutnya fokus penelitian ini adalah tahapan pelaksanan dan makna tradisi mipit, dengan menggunakan metode kualitatif, teknik pengumpulan data  diperoleh dari observasi, wawancara dan dokumentasi. Hasil  penelitian menunjukkan bahwa, pelaksanaan tradisi Mipit Pare memiliki beberapa tahapan dan  mengandung makna dari segi agama maupun budaya serta menunjukan masyarakat yang senantiasa memanjatkan rasa syukur atas rezeki yang dimiliki, berbagi pada sesama, bekerjasama, hidup disiplin dan menghormati leluhurnya.
MASALAH SOSIAL PADA PERTAMBANGAN ILEGAL DAN IMPLEMENTASI KEBIJAKAN N0 88/DLH 2021 KABUPATEN BUNGO
Authors: Mutholib Abdul
Published: July 2024

Penambangan ilegal terus mengalami perkembangan, dalam keberlangsunganya, aktivitas ini tidak mengantongi izin, dan tidak menerapkan prinsip-prinsip pertambangan yang baik dan benar (good mining practice). Terjadi kemudian aktivitas ini memimbulkan masalah-masalah sosial di Tengah Masyarakat. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk melihat bagaimana implementasi kebijakan Peraturan Daerah No 88/DLH 2021 dalam menertib dan mengawasi aktivitas pertambangan tanpa izin di Kabupaten Bungo, serta menggali lebih dalam apa saja yang menjadi penghambat dalam proses pelaksaan PERDA tersebut. Jenis penelitian ini kualitatif-deskriktif-analisis dengan menggambarkan fenomena dan realitas lapangan dengan apa adanya. Informan dalam penelitian ini adalah Tim Tepadu Penanganan Tambang Ilegal yaitu, Dinas Lingkungan Hidup, Kadis SDA, Kesbangpol dan Camat. Berdasarkan temuan lapangan, adapaun langkah strategis pencegahan yaitu 1) membentuk Tim Terpadu penanganan PETI, 2) mengeluarkan surat edaran PETI, 3) melakukan sosialisasi ke desa dan kecamatan, 4) bekerja sama dengan media dan Lembaga Swadaya Masyarakat pemerhati lingkunn dan, 5) mendayagunakan peran Camat dan Datuk Rio (Kepala Desa). Langkah-langkah penindakan aktivitas PETI adalah 1) melakukan razia gabungan ke lokasi PETI, 2) mendorong tokoh adat dalam memberikan sanksi bagi pelaku PETI, 3) menjadi saksi dalam proses hukum bagi pelaku PETI, serta 4) melakukan uji sampel air yang tercemar. Faktanya tidak semua kebijakan dapat terlaksana dengan baik karena antara lain : 1) kurangnya pola pikir positif masyarakat terhadap lingkungan, 2) adanya penolakan saat  operasi terpadu, 3) sulitnya pendataan kasus PETI, dan 4) adanya keterlibatan oknum yang tidak bertanggungjawab.
Analisis Terjadinya Korosi pada Intercooler Diesel Generator di Kapal Km. Jml Abadi
Authors: Tanjung Aulia Syahputra , Hasnur Juliandri , Silen Adhi Prastistha
Published: July 2024

Apabila intercooler mengalami korosi sangat mengganggu kinerja kapal yang dapat merugikan pihak perusahaan pelayaran. Kinerja diesel generator dapat berkurang karena intercooler mengalami korosi. Metode yang digunakan dari penelitian ini menggunakan metode penelitian kualitatif, tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui faktor yang menyebabkan terjadinya korosi pada intercooler diesel generator, dampak yang ditimbulkan dari korosi pada intercooler diesel generator, serta upaya mengatasi terjadinya korosi pada intercooler diesel generator. Hasil penelitian diperoleh bahwa penyebab terjadinya korosi pada Intercooler Diesel Generator yaitu karena zinc anode yang telah habis, kadar garam air laut tinggi, tersumbatnya pipa pendingin oleh sampah dan lumpur sehingga mengakibatkan suhu menjadi tinggi. Dampak korosi pada Intercooler Diesel Generator yaitu patahnya baut pengikat pada Intercooler, temperatur udara meningkat dan Diesel Generator Menjadi slow down dan strategi dalam mengatasi korosi pada Intercooler Diesel Generator yaitu melakukan pergantian zinc anode setiap 5.000 jam, pembersihan rutin sampah atau lumpur pada pipa pendingin dan perjanjian kerja sama dengan pihak ketiga sebagai distributor suku cadang maupun pembiayaan suku cadang.
Empirical antibiotics versus definitive antibiotics for Sepsis patients in Indonesia: A cost-effectiveness analysis
Authors: Noviyani Rini , Duong Khanh N. C. , Ngo Nhi T. N. , Kularatna Sanjeewa , Widatama Agata , Srinadi I Gusti Ayu Made
Published: July 2024

Sepsis is a life-threatening issue worldwide. Antibiotics, including antibiotic treatment (ET) and culture-based treatment (CBT), are crucial therapies for sepsis treatment. However, there is insufficient evidence to compare their cost-effectiveness in Indonesia. This study evaluates the cost-effectiveness of these two antibiotic approaches in Indonesian patients. A decision-tree model was developed from a healthcare payer perspective, with a 1-year time horizon. The Incremental Cost-Effectiveness Ratio (ICER), i.e., the incremental cost per death averted, was estimated to compare the cost-effectiveness between two interventions. The willingness-to-pay threshold (WTP) was one to three times the gross domestic product (GDP) per capita (1 GDP per capital: IDR 72,333,083 [US$ 4,788]). One-way and probability sensitivity analyses were performed to assess the robustness of our findings. In base-case analysis, CBT prevented 347 patient deaths compared to ET, incurring an additional cost of IDR 8,873,397,000 (US$ 588,000) with an ICER of IDR 25,571,749 (US$ 1,693) per death averted. The probability of CBT being cost-effective was 72%–80% using the one- and three-times GDP per capita threshold, respectively. Utilizing the CBT for sepsis treatment is cost-effective compared with the ET. These findings can support clinicians and policymakers in facilitating the use of CBT in sepsis treatment in Indonesia.
Fast and accurate characterization of magnetorheological elastomers based on machine learning
Authors: Ren Hang , Zhao Dan , Dong Li-Qiang , Liu Shao-Gang , Yang Jin-Shui ,   School of Mechanical and Electrical Engineering, Harbin Engineering University, Harbin 150000, China,   Qingdao Innovation and Development Base, Harbin Engineering University, Qingdao 266000, China
Published: July 2024

Magnetorheological elastomers (MREs) are smart materials with a wide range of applications, particularly in reducing vibrations and noise. Traditional methods of testing their magnetically-induced properties, although thorough, are labor-intensive and time-consuming. In this work, we introduce an innovative method that harnesses machine learning to rapidly characterize MREs by using a smallest dataset, thus simplifying the characterization process. Initially, 12 types of MREs are prepared and tested on a shear rheometer with a controllable magnetic field. From these data, we strategically select five representative data points from each sample to form a training dataset. Using this dataset, we develop a support vector regression (SVR) model to characterize the magnetically-induced storage modulus of the MRE. The SVR model exhibits remarkable accuracy, with a correlation coefficient (R2) of 0.998 or higher, exceeding the precision of traditional models. The training time of this model is very brief, only 0.02 seconds, thus greatly accelerating the characterization speed of MRE. Moreover, the SVR model demonstrates strong generalization ability, maintaining a high correlation coefficient of 0.998 or greater even when silicone oil is added to the MREs or tested under various loading frequencies. In a word, the machine learning model not only accelerates the evaluation process but also provides a valuable reference for developing innovative MREs, marking a significant advancement in the field of smart materials research.
Study on dynamic scaling behavior of Villain-Lai-Das Sarma equation based on numerically stable nueral networks
Authors: Song Tian-Shu , Xia Hui ,   School of Information and Control Engineering, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China,   School of Materials Science and Physics, China University of Mining and Technology, Xuzhou 221116, China
Published: July 2024

The Villain-Lai-Das Sarma (VLDS) equation has received much attention in surface growth dynamics due to its effective description of molecular beam epitaxy (MBE) growth process. However, the scaling exponent of the VLDS equation driven by long-range correlated noise is still unclear, because different analytical approximation methods yield inconsistent results. The nonlinear term in the VLDS equation challenges the numerical simulation methods, which often leads to the problem of numerical divergence. In the existing numerical approaches, the exponential decay techniques are mainly used to replace nonlinear terms to alleviate the numerical divergence. However, recent studies have shown that these methods may change the scaling exponent and universality class of the growth system. Therefore, we propose a novel deep neural network-based method to address this problem in this work. First, we construct a fully convolutional neural network to characterize the deterministic terms in the VLDS equation. To train the neural network, we generate training data by using the traditional finite-difference method before numerical divergence occurs. Then, we train the neural network to represent the deterministic terms, and perform simulations of VLDS driven by long-range temporally and spatially correlated noises based on the neural networks. The simulation results demonstrate that the deep neural networks constructed here possess good numerical stability. It can obtain reliable scaling exponents of the VLDS equation driven by different uncorrelated noise and correlated noise. Furthermore, in this work, it is also found that the VLDS system driven by long-range correlated noise exhibits a mound-like morphology when the temporal correlation exponent is large enough, while the growing surface morphology driven by spatially correlated noise still presents a self-affine fractal structure, independent of the spatial correlation exponent.
Sex-biased regulatory changes in the placenta of native highlanders contribute to adaptive fetal development
Authors: Yue Tian , Guo Yongbo , Qi Xuebin , Zheng Wangshan , Zhang Hui , Wang Bin , Liu Kai , Zhou Bin , Zeng Xuerui , Ouzhuluobu  , He Yaoxi , Su Bing
Published: July 2024

Compared with lowlander migrants, native Tibetans have a higher reproductive success at high altitude though the underlying mechanism remains unclear. Here, we compared the transcriptome and histology of full-term placentas between native Tibetans and Han migrants. We found that the placental trophoblast shows the largest expression divergence between Tibetans and Han, and Tibetans show decreased immune response and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Remarkably, we detected a sex-biased expression divergence, where the male-infant placentas show a greater between-population difference than the female-infant placentas. The umbilical cord plays a key role in the sex-biased expression divergence, which is associated with the higher birth weight of the male newborns of Tibetans. We also identified adaptive histological changes in the male-infant placentas of Tibetans, including larger umbilical artery wall and umbilical artery intima and media, and fewer syncytial knots. These findings provide valuable insights into the sex-biased adaptation of human populations, with significant implications for medical and genetic studies of human reproduction.
European Part-time Workers’ Health and Well-being in Times of Crisis. The Case of Female Part-timers
Authors: Merino-Llorente María Cruz ,   Universidad de Valladolid, Somarriba María Noelia ,   Universidad de Valladolid
Published: July 2024

The economic crisis, which started in late 2007, had a major impact on countries’ labour markets, and triggered a rise in the number of non-standard contracts. Most European Union (EU) countries witnessed a significant increase in part-time jobs. This type of employment and its working conditions may have a negative impact on the health and well-being of workers, especially women. The aims of this paper are: 1) to determine whether there are differences in levels of part-time workers’ health and well-being by gender for the EU as a whole as well as for each European country individually, and 2) to ascertain which determinants impact female part-time workers’ health and well-being. A Synthetic Health and Well-being Indicator (SHWI) was designed using the measure of P2 distance approach as a methodological tool. In order to explore the determinants for female part-timers, linear regressions were used adopting a multilevel analysis based on data from the 2010 European Working Conditions Survey. The main results show that female part-time workers display lower levels of health and well-being than their male counterparts in the EU. Factors such as the nature of the work, difficulty making ends meet, perceived job insecurity, social support and work-life balance play an essential role in levels of female part-timers´ health and well-being. We may conclude that, in addition to greater institutional support for the inclusion of women in the labour market, changes in public policies designed to improve working conditions (better schedules and a greater presence of non-manual skilled jobs) coupled with changes in family policy, could play a key role in reducing gender differences.
Government Size, Unemployment and Inflation Nexus in Eight Large Emerging Market Economies
Authors: Afonso Antonio ,   ISEG-Lisbon School of Economics and Management, Universidade de Lisboa, Sen Hüseyin , Kaya Ayse ,   REM-Research in Economics and Mathematics UECE- Research Unit on Complexity and Economics,   Ankara Yildirim Beyazit University,   Izmir Kâtip Çelebi University
Published: July 2024

Using annual data for a panel of eight large emerging market economies from 1980 to 2015, we uncover the underlying linkages between government size, unemployment, and inflation by using the panel cointegration and causality frameworks. Overall, our empirical results show that there exists a unidirectional causality running from government size to both unemployment and inflation. The results also tell that the impact of government size on unemployment and inflation varies with how government size is defined or measured. In the case of the ratio of government consumption spending to GDP is chosen as the proxy measure of government size, the causality is one-way and runs from government size to both unemployment and inflation. In addition, indirect taxes are in a significant positive causal association with unemployment, while direct taxes are in a close connection with inflation in the full-country sample.
Constraint Analysis of RBK Services at Farmers Level and VAA Level in Annamayya District of Andhra Pradesh, India
Authors: Madhuri K. , Panduranga G.S. , Sekhar S. Soma , Saheb Y. Peeru
Published: July 2024

The present study was conducted during the year 2023-24 by following Ex-Post-Facto research design with objective of studying the constraints and suggestions of the Village Agriculture Assistants (VAAs) and farmers regarding RBK services. A total of 60 RBK staff and 60 farmers of Annamayya District from 30 mandals were interviewed with help of pre structured interview schedule. The results of the study revealed that major constraints faced by the VAAs were Daily Updating of Digital APPs consuming more time (86.66%) followed by Lack of need based training to VAAs (81.66%). The major suggestions were reducing work load followed by more capacity building programmes should be conducted. The major constraints faced by the famers towards RBK services were non availability of fertilizers on time (85.00 %) followed by Non-availability of improved varieties of seed/breeds /fertilizers (75.00%). The major suggestions were Timely supply of fertilizers followed by the availability of improved varieties of seed/breeds /fertilizers. The findings of the study will aid policy makers to formulate new interventions for improving the services of RBK.
The failed eruption of Mt. Etna in December 2005: Evidence from volcanic tremor analyses
Authors: Falsaperla S. , Barberi G. , Cocina O.
Published: October 2013

Strong changes in seismic radiation, comparable to those preceding and/or accompanying eruptive activity in recent years, were recorded at Mt. Etna volcano, Italy, from November 2005 to January 2006. The amplitude of volcanic tremor peaked in mid‐December 2005 after a continuous, slow increase from August 2005 onward, during which neither effusive nor paroxysmal activity was observed by volcanologists and alpine guides. During this time span, the centroid locations of volcanic tremor moved toward the surface, more and more clustered below the summit craters. The application of pattern classification analysis based on Self‐Organizing Maps and fuzzy clustering to volcanic tremor data highlighted variations in the frequency domain as well. These changes were temporally associated with ground deformation variations, as indicative of a mild inflation of the summit of the volcano, and with a conspicuous increase in the SO2 plume‐flux emission. Overall, we interpret this evidence as the result of recharging of the volcanic feeder at depth (>3 km below sea level) during which magma did not reach the shallow plumbing system.
Imaging slow slip fronts in Cascadia with high precision cross‐station tremor locations
Authors: Rubin Allan M. , Armbruster John G.
Published: October 2013

We apply a new method to obtain accurate locations of tremor sources beneath southern Vancouver Island. Unlike more standard “cross‐time” methods, which compare waveforms from different time windows at the same station, this “cross‐station” method compares waveforms from the same time window at widely separated stations. It performs well, relative to cross‐time methods, when the response to an impulsive tremor source is dominated by the main arrival rather than coda and when multiple colocated sources are active within the time window examined. We focus on a region roughly 10 km across that was monitored by the POLARIS deployment from 2003 to 2006. Relative location errors appear to be <1 km, allowing us to image in great detail rapid and small‐scale tremor migrations that arise behind the main slow slip front. The secondary fronts tend to (a) start at or within about 1 km of the main tremor front, and propagate back along strike at rates of 10–20 km/h; (b) less commonly do the reverse, ending at the main front; or (c) propagate up or downdip at or within 1–2 km of the main front. Estimated stress drops in the secondary events are comparable to that in the main event, implying that their 25–50 times greater propagation speed results from a similarly greater slip speed.
Modeling 3‐D artificial ionospheric ducts
Authors: Zawdie K. A. , Huba J. D. , Wu T.‐W.
Published: October 2013

The injection of powerful HF waves into the ionosphere leads to strong electron heating followed by a pressure perturbation, which can drive electrons along the field line to the conjugate side, creating what is known as an artificial duct. The electron temperature along the duct is above the ambient temperature; the electron density is depleted on the heating side and increased on the conjugate side. Duct formation due to HF heating has previously been studied using a modified version of SAMI2 (Sami2 is Another Model of the Ionosphere). We use a similarly modified version of SAMI3 to examine the effects of zonal E × B drifts on interhemispheric ducts created by heating over Arecibo. We found that the longitudinal E × B drifts, particularly those caused by the zonal neutral winds, significantly suppress the effects of HF heating on the conjugate side, reducing the temperature and density increases by about 90% and 75%, respectively.
Long‐term results of the phase II trial of the oral mTOR inhibitor everolimus (RAD001) in relapsed or refractory Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia
Authors: Ghobrial Irene M. , Witzig Thomas E. , Gertz Morie , LaPlant Betsy , Hayman Suzanne , Camoriano John , Lacy Martha , Bergsagel P. Leif , Chuma Stacey , DeAngelo Daniel , Treon Steven P.
Published: October 2013

Everolimus is an oral raptor mTOR inhibitor and has shown activity in patients with Waldenstrom's macroglobulinemia (WM). This study examines a large cohort of patients with relapsed/refractory WM with long‐term follow up for survival. Patients were eligible if they had measurable disease, a platelet count >75,000 × 106/L, an absolute neutrophil count >1,000 × 106/L. Patients received everolimus 10 mg PO daily and were evaluated monthly. A success was defined as a complete or partial response (PR); minor responses (MR) were recorded and considered to be of clinical benefit. Sixty patients were enrolled and treated. The overall response rate (ORR) was 50% (all PR); the clinical benefit rate including MR or better was 73% (95% CI: 60–84%) with 23% MR. The median time to response for patients who achieved PR was 2 months (range, 1–26). The median duration of response has not been reached and median progression‐free survival (PFS) was 21 months. Grade 3 or higher toxicities (at least possibly related to everolimus) were observed in 67% of patients. The most common grade 3 or 4 toxicities were anemia (27%), leukopenia (22%), and thrombocytopenia (20%). Other nonhematological toxicities were diarrhea (5%), fatigue (8%), stomatitis (8%) and pulmonary toxicity (5%). Everolimus has a high single‐agent activity of 73% including MR, with a progression free survival of 21 months, indicating that this agent is active in relapsed/refractory WM. Am. J. Hematol. 89:237–242, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc
Embryonic left–right separation mechanism allows confinement of mutation‐induced phenotypes to one lateral body half of bilaterians
Authors: Ma Kun
Published: October 2013

A fundamental question in developmental biology is how a chimeric animal such as a bilateral gynandromorphic animal can have different phenotypes confined to different lateral body halves, and how mutation‐induced phenotypes, such as genetic diseases, can be confined to one lateral body half in patients. Here, I propose that embryos of many, if not all, bilaterian animals are divided into left and right halves at a very early stage (which may vary among different types of animals), after which the descendants of the left‐sided and right‐sided cells will almost exclusively remain on their original sides, respectively, throughout the remaining development. This embryonic left–right separation mechanism allows (1) mutations and the mutation‐induced phenotypes to be strictly confined to one lateral body half in animals and humans; (2) mothers with bilateral hereditary primary breast cancer to transmit their disease to their offspring at twofold of the rate compared to mothers with unilateral hereditary breast cancer; and (3) a mosaic embryo carrying genetic or epigenetic mutations to develop into either an individual with the mutation‐induced phenotype confined unilaterally, or a pair of twins displaying complete, partial, or mirror‐image discordance for the phenotype. Further, this left–right separation mechanism predicts that the two lateral halves of a patient carrying a unilateral genetic disease can each serve as a case and an internal control, respectively, for genetic and epigenetic comparative studies to identify the disease causations. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Suppression of severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans by the p.Thr651Pro mutation
Authors: Manickam Kandamurugu , Donoghue Daniel J. , Meyer April N. , Snyder Pamela J. , Prior Thomas W.
Published: October 2013

Severe achondroplasia with developmental delay and acanthosis nigricans (SADDAN) is an extremely rare severe skeletal dysplasia characterized by significant developmental delay, brain structural abnormalities, hearing loss, and acanthosis nigricans. The disorder is the result of a single missense mutation at codon 650 (p.Lys650Met) in the fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 gene (FGFR3). We describe a child who initially presented with a mild achondroplasia or hypochondroplasia like phenotype. Molecular analysis of the FGFR3 gene showed the common SADDAN mutation and a second novel mutation at codon 651 (p.Thr651Pro). Both mutations were shown to occur on the same allele (cis) and de novo. Transient transfection studies with FGFR3 double mutant constructs show that the p.Thr651Pro mutation causes a dramatic decrease in constitutive receptor kinase activity than that observed by the p.Lys650Met mutation. Our data suggest that the molecular effect by the p.Thr651Pro is to elicit a conformational change that decreases the FGFR3 tyrosine kinase activity, which is constitutively activated by the SADDAN mutation. Due to the inheritance of both a gain‐of‐function and a loss‐of‐function mutation, we conclude that a reduction of constitutive activation caused the milder skeletal phenotype. Although the occurrence of double mutations are expected to be rare, the presence of other FGFR3 modifiers may be responsible for some of the clinically discrepant skeletal dysplasia cases. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Chitosan‐sodium lauryl ether sulfate particles and their use for adsorption of Cu(II) ions
Authors: Peretz Sandu , Florea‐Spiroiu Manuela , Anghel Dan F. , Munteanu Cornel , Angelescu Daniel , Stoian Cristina , Zgherea Gheorghe
Published: October 2013

The synthesis of small particles through the interaction between chitosan (CS) and sodium lauryl ether sulfate (SLES) was studied. Depending on working condition, microparticles at atmospheric pressure and ultrafine particles at high pressure have been obtained. At atmospheric pressure, the microparticles were formed instantaneously when the CS solution was dripped into the SLES aqueous solution. To obtain ultrafine particles, the surfactant solution in contact with high pressure carbon dioxide was sprayed into chitosan solution. Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy proves the interaction between the sulfate groups of SLES and the amino groups of CS. The Scanning Electron Microscopy reveals that the microparticles are quasi‐spherical, but some of them can take the form of pellets depending on preparation conditions. The obtained microparticles were successfully used to uptake Cu(II) ions from aqueous solutions. The adsorption of Cu(II) depends on pH being maximum at pH = 5.5. The kinetic experiments demonstrated that Cu(II) adsorption onto CS/SLES microparticles obeys the Langmuir model. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J. Appl. Polym. Sci. 2014, 131, 40059.
Birch encroachment affects the base cation chemistry in a restored bog
Authors: Wertebach Tim‐Martin , Hölzel Norbert , Kleinebecker Till
Published: October 2013

In this study, we compared non‐forested and forested habitat types of a degraded bog in Western Germany with regard to the base cation chemistry of their pore waters. Peat profiles were sampled in 10‐cm intervals every month from April to July 2009 down to a maximal depth of 150 cm. Pore waters were analysed for Ca, Mg, K and Na concentrations. Additionally, electrical conductivity and pH were measured in surface pools. Both habitat types were sampled with four replicate plots, showing the same vegetation structure.

Strong differences were found between the concentrations and distributions of base cations in the pore water profiles from the different habitat types. The forested sites revealed higher concentrations for all base cations, but especially for Ca and Mg. Seasonality had an effect on element distributions in pore waters, but its influence was particularly strong at the forested sites. Element distributions and seasonality were caused by several interacting biological and physicochemical processes, such as plant uptake and mineralization or evaporative enrichment and dilution by rainwater. Concludingly, we draw implications for bog restoration and for the use of element ratios as criterion of mineral influence on bog waters. Our study clearly demonstrates the enhancement of base cation supply by birch encroachment, which is posing an additional burden on successful bog restoration. Additionally, the importance of an intact buffer zone around restored peat bogs is underlined. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
P‐Terthienyl‐Functionalized Dithieno[3,2‐b:2′,3′‐d]phospholes
Authors: Chua Chris Jansen , Ren Yi , Stolar Monika , Xing Shirley , Linder Thomas , Baumgartner Thomas
Published: October 2013

A series of dithienophospholes with different P‐thienyl substituents have been synthesized and characterized. Alkyl groups at the 2,6‐positions of the scaffold were introduced for solubility, but were found to also prevent π stacking with this scaffold. Whereas a simple thienyl does not affect the overall photophysics of the dithienophosphole, the installation of terthienyl units creates a considerable subchromophore that can communicate through the phosphole‐typical σ*–π* orbital interaction with the main scaffold. The overall architecture of the terthienyl was also found to have a significant impact on the photophysics of the system. Although a heavily twisted, branched terthienyl does not allow for any intermolecular π‐stacking interaction, the exposed nature of a linear terthiophene does, and gives rise to the formation of excimers in solution, as evident in shifted emission properties as a function of the concentration. Time‐dependent DFT calculations have revealed that in this case, the terthienyl group becomes the main chromophore and the dithienophosphole only plays a supportive role.