bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The feed preference of roe deer in different habitats
Authors: Barta Tamás , Pinnyey Szilárd , Beier László István
Published: January 2024

The roe deer, widely distributed across Europe and our homeland, has
a significant economic and hunting value. Our research aims to understand
the diet and food choice of deer in the lowland (Great Hungarian Plain,
Hódmezővásárhely) and mid-mountain (North Hungarian Mountains, Salgótarján)
habitats. To determine their diet, we conducted a sample collection of roe
deer and analysed their droppings using epidermal analysis. Descriptive
statistics were employed to determine the proportions of ingested plants,
revealing Petroselium spp. (6.5-8.3%) and Beta spp. leaves (4.3-9.1%) as
the most commonly consumed plants in Hódmezővásárhely. In Salgótarján, the
roe deer population consumed significant amounts of Robinia pseudoacacia
(47.8%). These findings have implications for wildlife management and
conservation, particularly in areas where roe deer are the predominant big
game species, such as the Great Hungarian Plain, providing ample
opportunities for hunting and economic benefits.
Comparison of the Fleece Production of two Extensive French Sheep
Genotypes
Authors: Fúró Gabriella , Varga Krisztina , Csízi István
Published: January 2024

Sheep fleece became problematic Europe-wide for many reasons,
including its very low price. From an animal welfare standpoint, the thick
fleece may cause discomfort for the sheep as it can be a welcoming
environment for parasites and may cause heat stress during hot summer days;
therefore, annual shearing is necessary for most sheep genotypes.
Physiologically, growing fleece and maintaining normal body temperature to
decrease heat stress distract resources from producing valuable products
such as meat. Thus, we aimed to compare the fleece production of two
meat-type sheep genotypes from South-France, Berrichon du Cher (Berrichon)
and Blanc du Massif Central (BMC), which have relatively little fleece
production but thrive in the local Hungarian weather. Furthermore, we fill
the gap by providing data on the fleece production of meat-type sheep in
Hungary. A total of 180 sheep ewes were included in the data collection
(N=99 Berrichon and N=81 BMC). Data was collected at the annual shearing by
a digital scale measuring the weight of fleece originating from the back
and shoulders. Student’s t test determined the differences in fleece weight
between genotypes. Significance was set at P<0.05. The average fleece
production of BMC ewes was 1.66 kg, which was significantly (P=0.0001) less
than that of Berrichon ewes (2.14 kg). Based on the results, further study
is needed to study the performance of BMC ewes with little fleece and their
lambs’ in order to improve performance indices and increase profit.
Economic impact of soybeen-free feeding on laying hens
Authors: Horváth József , Herman Krisztofer
Published: January 2024

It is important to try to find alternative ways of feeding, to try
to replace the feedstuff coming from overseas. This way, farmers can save
money, and animal breeders can support their plant grower colleagues by
buying domestic products. With this, we can also help the environment by
not importing large amount of grains, and reducing the ecological
footprint. It was examined how soybean and soybean-free feeding affected
the laying hens, in terms of productivity, death loss, dirty eggs rate and
broken/waste egg rate. Our main goal was to examine the economic impact, of
the above-mentioned ways of feeding. The investigation has been done in two
separate farms, with the same technology used in the barns, and the same
Lohmann Brown Classic laying hens, with a similar stock density. The
research proved that soybean-free feeding has much better economic outcome,
than the regular feeding with the use of soybeans. The imported soybeans
(from America) were replaced by domestically purchased sunflower meal. With
the use of sunflower, the farms’ economic status got better, and the
logistics were easier to handle. Millions of forints were saved, just by
the feeding method. On top of this, the ecological footprint had been
decreased, as the material of the feedstuff were bought domestically, and
long transportation was not required. Added values, such as the statement
of “GMO-free product” were created thanks to this soybean-free feeding
method.
The Algorithm: Trans-Jugular Versus Percutaneous Liver Biopsy: A Methodology for Technique Selection
Authors: Stibbs Peter , Whitier Emily , O'Sullivan Paul
Published: January 2024

This paper presents a detailed analysis of transjugular liver biopsy (TJLB) and percutaneous liver biopsy (PLB),examining their respective clinical strengths and weaknesses. The discussion highlights the distinct advantage of TJLBin measuring hepatic venous pressure gradients (HVPG), a critical factor in assessing the severity of liver disease. Thepaper delves into the procedural aspects, safety profiles, diagnostic efficacy, and specific clinical scenarios where eachtechnique is preferable. Special attention is given to the role of HVPG measurements obtained via TJLB in evaluatingportal hypertension and its implications in liver disease management. The analysis also considers the impact of patientspecificfactors such as coagulopathy and ascites on the choice of biopsy technique. By contrasting the technicalnuances, risks, and benefits of TJLB and PLB, this paper aims to guide clinicians in making informed decisions tailoredto individual patient needs in the context of liver disease diagnosis and management.
A Predictive Tobacco Control Mass Media Programming Model to Achieve Best Buys in Low –and Middle-Income Country Settings
Authors: Turk Tahir , Zaheer Sidra , Choudhury Sohel , Islam Shafiqul
Published: January 2024

Background
Evidence based message design and efficient dissemination of messages are critical to the success of tobacco control mass media campaigns. Although evidence to measure effectiveness of messages is emerging within low -and middle-income country (LMIC) settings, evidence-based approaches for mass media message dissemination is currently lacking due to challenges in accurate assessment of gross rating points (GRPs) for efficient delivery of campaign messages. Approaches to more accurately predict optimal campaign impact are required to achieve best-buys in resource constrained settings

Method
A case study approach compared findings from two national tobacco control mass media campaigns implemented in Bangladesh. Stage one reviewed protocols to assess the efficacy of message designs. Second stage analysis involved a review of the mass media campaign recall findings from cross-sectional, post-intervention surveys. Last, a post assessment of GRPs for both campaigns was conducted to support the development of an algorithm to better predict campaign impact at the greatest cost-efficiencies.

Results
Message mean pre-test scores identified that the Baby Alive campaign scored approximately 20% lower than mean pre-test scores of messages for the Graphic Health Warning campaign. Media dissemination for the Baby Alive campaign was also relatively low at 165GRPs achieving 16.8% prompted recall while the Graphic Health Warning campaign delivered 292GRPs to achieve 47.0% prompted recall. The analytic-predictive model identified that for messages with high pre-test scores an increase of only 1.5GRPs was required to the existing media plan to potentially achieve an additional percentage point of recall.

Discussion
Given the weaknesses in GRP calculations in LMIC settings, analysis of multiple metrics should be considered to achieve best buys for tobacco control mass media campaigns. Based on optimal message mean pre-test scores of 90%+ and delivery of 292GRPs, which achieved 47% campaign recall, optimal recall of 70% could be predicted with a media plan delivering 342GRPs. More analytical-predictive mass media programming models need to be developed in other LMIC settings examining multiple campaign findings to confirm if this algorithm can provide better returns on investment with efforts directed toward delivering interventions that are supported by a strong evidence base.
Perceived Barriers and Facilitators to Implementation of Maternal and Child Health Care by Community Health Workers in Rwanda: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hezagira Emery , Habineza Alphonse , Uwimana Lucie , Rutayisire Erigene
Published: January 2024

The motivations and barriers experienced by community health workers (CHWs) during the delivery of maternal and child health (MCH) services are less documented in Rwanda. This study aimed to explore the barriers and facilitators of implementing MCH care as perceived by CHWs. A descriptive qualitative study was conducted, and Semi-structured interviews with flow-up probing questions were used to collect data. A number of 24 interviews were conducted with CHWs from three selected sectors of the Gicumbi district including four supervisors of CHWs from each selected health center and one at the district hospital. Three focus group discussions with CHWs from each site were also conducted. Ethical approval was obtained from Mount Kenya University and permission to collect data from the study sites was granted. NVIVO software was used for analysis, and then the content analysis was adopted to identify themes merging from the interviews and focus group discussions. The study findings revealed emerged factors that facilitate the CHWs to deliver MCH services to their communities: liking their work, trust by the community, respect from the community, the willingness to help, desire to gain knowledge, being human, and sacrifice for the wellness of the community. On another hand, the findings indicated that the work of CHW has various barriers including working many hours, lack of equipment, lack of knowledge, unsatisfactory salary, heavy workload, lack of working space, lack of facilitation for communication, family conflicts, lack of specified working time, and believes.
Sleep, Anxiety, Somatization, Quality of Life, and Resilience in Pediatric Patients With Eosinophilic Esophagitis
Authors: Jensen Elizabeth T. , Chaiboonma Kira , Ayala Oscar , Proia Anthony , Aceves Seema S.
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:

Emerging evidence suggests a high burden of psychosocial comorbidities in patients with eosinophilic esophagitis (EoE), although factors associated with this burden have not been explored. We aimed to increase understanding of the psychosocial burden of EoE and assess factors that are associated with disease burden.

METHODS:

We conducted a cross-sectional study of patients with EoE (n = 87) recruited from a single-center, multidisciplinary pediatric eosinophilic gastrointestinal disorders clinic (2019–2021). Participants (aged 8–18 years) completed validated assessments during routine clinic visit to assess EoE symptoms (Pediatric Eosinophilic Esophagitis Symptom Score version 2.0), quality of life (Pediatric Quality of LIfe- Eosinophilic Esophagitis), anxiety state and trait (State-Trait Anxiety Score for Children), somatization (Child Somatic Symptoms Inventory 24), sleep disordered breathing (Pediatric Sleep Questionnaire) and, in a subset (n = 35), resilience (Connor Davidson Resilience Scale). Clinical and demographic data were collected.

RESULTS:

Participants were at a mean (SD) age of 12.8 (3.1) years, and 26% (n = 23) were female. Shorter disease duration (6–12 months) was associated with higher symptom burden (P = 0.03), somatization (P < 0.01), and anxiety (State-Trait Anxiety Score for Children Trait P < 0.01) scores. Participants with neurodevelopmental comorbidities had higher anxiety trait, somatization, sleep disordered breathing, and lower quality of life (P < 0.01 for all). Symptom burden was significantly associated with increased somatic symptoms (adjusted β [aβ] = 0.34; 95% confidence interval 0.23–0.45) and decreased quality of life (aβ = −0.42; 95% confidence interval −0.59 to −0.25) but not state anxiety, trait anxiety, or disordered sleep breathing.

DISCUSSION:

Pediatric patients with a recent diagnosis of EoE can experience higher EoE symptoms, somatization, and anxiety when compared with those with a longer-standing diagnosis. Patients earlier in their diagnosis and with neurodevelopmental disorders may experience increased somatization and anxiety that may warrant additional support services.
Prediction of temperature field distribution in a gas turbine using a higher order neural network
Authors: Pařez Jan , Kovář Patrik , Tater Adam
Published: January 2024

This paper presents the prediction of temperature field distribution in a single annular section using an artificial neural network (ANN). This temperature distribution is non-uniform on the outer tube due to continuous natural convection and radiation caused by the homogeneous steady-state heating of the inner tube, which represents the hot gas flow path through the turbine. The outer tube represents the case of a gas turbine. This temperature is important for the electronic components attached to the engine or the overall engine deformation. The presented approach allows for a quick estimation of the temperature distribution without the need to perform time consuming computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulations. This can greatly accelerate the design and development of gas turbines. A machine learning approach is applied to an extensive set of CFD simulations under different operating conditions and geometry setups.
Bound Noun Pa in Korean
Authors:   The Society Of Modern Grammar, Kim Tae Sik
Published: January 2024

This paper addresses the syntatic aspect of a bound noun pa in Korean. Woo (2006) extensively discusses the bound noun pa in terms of syntax, semantics, and grammaticalization. Woo (2006) argues that there are two different syntactic structures of pa: a relative-clause structure with an ellipsis operation and a noun-complement-clause structure. However, the two structures appear to have empirical problems. Unlike normal relative clauses, pa cannot be separated into two different clauses, and the elided parts cannot have full pronunciation. The problem of the noun complement clause is that pa cannot be modified by adjectives. Given that pa can be replaced by a bound noun kes in general (Woo 2006), we may assume Kim’s (2016) N-to-n movement of kes. However, we find a difference between pa and kes in terms of an adjectival modification pattern. In this paper, I argue that pa directly merges in small n, and it takes an NP complement which is headed by a null noun. This analysis has more explanatory power than Woo (2006) in that it accounts for the related phenomena seamlessly, and its grammaticalized nature is directly reflected in the structure.
THE PARENTS' PREFERENCE IN CHOOSING AN ALTERNATIVE SCHOOL OF SANGGAR ANAK ALAM (SALAM) IN BANTUL DIY: A ‘PROJECT’ TO INHERIT WISDOM VALUES
Authors: Ulfa Nurliana
Published: January 2024

Parents' awareness of choosing the best school for their children is vital and not a simple task. In selecting this school, the aspects of knowledge, life experience, and parents' ideology play an essential role. This study aims to reveal the rational choice of parents who send their children to the alternative school of Sanggar Anak Alam (SALAM) Bantul, Yogyakarta. This research is descriptive-qualitative, using a phenomenological approach. Data were collected through observation and in-depth interviews with 5 (five) informants who send their children to school in SALAM. The researcher uses James S. Coleman's Rational choice theory to explain this phenomenon by looking at the aspects of resources, rewards, costs, values , and preferences. The results of this study indicate that life experiences and the need for life wisdom values than the need for material selections influenced the rational choice of parents.Kesadaran orangtua untuk memilihkan sekolah terbaik bagi anaknya merupakan hal vital dan tidak sederhana. Dalam proses pemilihan sekolah ini, aspek pengetahuan, pengalaman hidup dan ideologi orang tua memainkan peran penting. Penelitian ini bertujuan mengungkap pilihan rasional orang tua yang menyekolahkan anaknya di sekolah alternatif Sanggar Anak Alam (SALAM) Bantul, Yogyakarta. Desain penelitian berupa kualitatif interpretatif dengan pendekatan fenomenologi. Data dikumpulkan melalui observasi dan wawancara mendalam terhadap 5 (lima) orang informan yang menyekolahkan anaknya di di SALAM. Peneliti menggunakan teori pilihan Rasional James S. Coleman untuk menjelaskan fenomena ini dengan melihat pada aspek sumber daya, reward, cost, nilai dan preferensi. Teknik pengolahan data menggunakan metode analisis data fenomenologi Van Kaam yakni horizonalisasi, reduksi & eliminasi, pengelompokan tema, identifikasi final data, mengonstruksi deskripsi tekstural - struktural, lalu menggabungkan keduanya untuk menghasilkan makna dan esensi dari permasalahan penelitian. Hasil dari penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pilihan rasional orang tua yang menyekolahkan anaknya di SALAM lebih dipengaruhi oleh pengalaman hidup dan kebutuhan akan nilai-nilai kearifan hidup daripada kebutuhan akan preferensi materi.
The Theo-Management Model: An Investigation into The Implementation and Impact of Islamic Corporate Culture at LP3I Purwokerto
Authors: Hartono  , Novan Ardy Wiyani  , Nurfuadi
Published: January 2024

This study explores the implementation of theologically-based, or "Theo-management,” specifically within the context of LP3I Purwokerto, a leading Islamic vocational college in Indonesia. The objective is to investigate the unique interplay between Islamic theological values and the development of corporate culture and its impact on organizational behavior in the institution. Adopting a phenomenological approach within a naturalistic qualitative research design, the study employs interviews, observational techniques, and document analysis to collect a comprehensive dataset. Findings unveil six distinctive practices embedding Islamic principles into the corporate culture, fostering a religious observance sphere that influences work ethics, employee motivation, organizational learning, loyalty, and belief in the divine. While providing a nuanced understanding of the Theo-management model's potential benefits, the study's context-specificity prompts further exploration into diverse organizational and cultural settings. Thus, the research contributes to a deeper comprehension of religious influence on corporate culture and organizational behavior while calling for extended investigations in varied environments.
Lagun aro: una experiencia de modelo alternativo de protección social
Authors: Arrieta Idiakez Francisco Javier
Published: January 2024

En la presente monografía se defiende que la previsión social complementaria puede jugar un papel alternativo de protección en las cooperativas, coadyuvando así al Sistema de Seguridad Social, en la función de garantizar unas prestaciones suficientes ante el acaecimiento o materialización de las contingencias previamente tipificadas como ideal de cobertura. Además, se pretende demostrar que con ello es posible llevar a la práctica tanto la solidaridad interna para con las personas socias de la cooperativa como la solidaridad para con la sociedad, con la finalidad de alcanzar una protección social digna e incluso mejorada respecto a la que puede ofrecer el Sistema de Seguridad Social. Para ello, se parte de la determinación del significado y alcance de la previsión social complementaria. En especial, se resalta el éxito de las Entidades de Previsión Social Voluntaria (EPSV) de la Comunidad Autónoma de Euskadi. A continuación, a la luz de todo ello, el estudio se centra en su objeto principal, a saber, en la experiencia de Lagun Aro, EPSV, como modelo de protección alternativo en las cooperativas. Concretamente, se analizan su creación, desarrollo, regulación actual y régimen de protección vigente. El estudio finaliza con un análisis de los peligros actuales para la pervivencia de la previsión social complementaria como modelo alternativo de protección en las cooperativas, como consecuencia de las modificaciones llevadas a cabo por el Real Decreto-ley 13/2022. El autor, Francisco Javier Arrieta Idiakez, es profesor titular de Derecho del Trabajo y de la Seguridad Social de la Universidad de Deusto, e investigador principal del grupo de investigación «Estímulos como solución a las cuestiones jurídicas que plantean las transiciones digital, ecológica y social en materia laboral y de protección social. La necesaria adaptación del Derecho laboral» reconocido por el Gobierno Vasco. Asimismo, es miembro de la Junta Directiva de la Academia Vasca de Derecho.
Homeobox Protein PROX1 Expression is Negatively Regulated by Histone Deacetylase 1 and c-JUN Complex in MDA-MB-231 Human Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Jeong Munki , Jung Euitaek , Oh Sukjin , Shin Soon Young
Published: January 2024

Prospero homeobox 1 (PROX1) is a member of the homeobox transcription factor family that plays a critical role in the development of multiple tissues and specification of cell fate. PROX1 expression is differentially regulated based on the cellular context and plays an antagonistic role as a tumour promoter or suppressor in different tumour types. In human breast cancer, PROX1 expression is suppress­ed; however, the molecular mechanism by which it is down-regulated remains poorly understood. Here, we show that ectopic expression of PROX1 reduces the motility and invasiveness of MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells, suggesting that PROX1 functions as a negative regulator of tumour invasion in MDA-MB-231 cells. Treatment with histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors up-regulates PROX1 mRNA and protein expression levels. Knockdown of HDAC1 using short hairpin RNA also up-regulates PROX1 mRNA and protein expression levels. We found that HDAC1 interacted with c-JUN at the activator protein (AP)-1-binding site located at –734 to –710 in the PROX1 promoter region to suppress PROX1 expression. In addition, c-JUN N-terminal kinase-mediated c-JUN phosphorylation was found to be crucial for silencing PROX1 expression. In conclusion, PROX1 expression can be silenced by the epigenetic mechanism involved in the complex formation of HDAC1 and c-JUN at the AP-1 site in the PROX1 promoter region in MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells. Therefore, this study revealed the epigenetic regulatory mechanism involved in the suppression of PROX1 expression in breast cancer cells.
Radiation-Induced Lymphopoenia and Treatment Outcome in Hereditary Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Argalácsová Soňa , Křížová Ľudmila , Matějů Martin , Svobodová Dominika , Vočka Michal
Published: January 2024

Many breast cancer (BC) predisposition genes encode proteins involved in DNA damage repair (DDR). Identification of germline pathogenic va­riants (PV) in DDR genes raises the question whether their presence can influence the treatment outcomes and potential radiation-induced toxicity in their carriers treated by adjuvant radiotherapy, which has not yet been answered conclusively. We retrospectively examined records of 213 BC patients treated by adjuvant radiotherapy, including 39 (18.3 %) BRCA1/2 PV carriers, 25 carriers (11.7 %) of PV in other breast cancer-predisposing genes, and 149 (70 %) non-carriers. Our goal was to examine 5-year disease-free survival (5y DFS) rates among the study groups and determine the impact of radiotherapy-induced lymphopoenia (RIL) on this outcome. While we found no significant difference in 5y DFS between non-carriers and carriers of BRCA mutations (86.4 % vs 78.4 % P = 0.24) or between non-carriers and other studied mutations (86.4 % vs 93.3 %; P = 0.27), respectively, we observed that the entire group of PV carriers had a significantly lower proportion of patients without RIL (P = 0.04) than the non-carriers. In contrast, subsequent analyses indicated a non-significant trend toward an increased 5y DFS in PV carriers with RIL. Our single-centre study indicated that the presence of PV in BC patients has an insignificant impact on DFS but can reduce the risk of RIL associated with adjuvant radiotherapy. It remains unclear whether this may result from the paradoxical activation of anti-tumour immunity in PV carriers with higher lymphocyte consumption resulting from higher immune effectiveness.
Data mining of reference intervals for serum creatinine: an improvement in glomerular filtration rate estimating equations based on Q-values
Authors: Ma Yao , Yong Zhenzhu , Wei Lu , Yuan Haichuan , Wan Lihong , Pei Xiaohua , Zhang Feng , Wen Guohua , Jin Cheng , Gu Yan , Zhang Qun , Zhao Weihong , Zhu Bei
Published: January 2024

Objectives

Glomerular filtration rate (GFR) estimating equations based on rescaled serum creatinine (SCr/Q) have shown better performance, where Q represents the median SCr for age- and sex-specific healthy populations. However, there remains a scarcity of investigations in China to determine this value. We aimed to develop Chinese age- and sex-specific reference intervals (RIs) and Q-values for SCr and to validate the equations incorporating new Q-values.

Methods

We included 117,345 adults from five centers for establishing RIs and Q-values, and 3,692 participants with reference GFR (rGFR, 99mTc-DTPA renal dynamic imaging measurement) for validation. Appropriate age partitioning was determined using the decision tree method. Lower and upper reference limits and medians were calculated using the refineR algorithm, and Q-values were determined accordingly. We evaluated the full age spectrum (FAS) and European Kidney Function Consortium (EKFC) equations incorporating different Q-values considering bias, precision (interquartile range, IQR), and accuracy (percentage of estimates within ±20 % [P20] and ±30 % [P30] of rGFR).

Results

RIs for males were: 18–79 years, 55.53–92.50 μmol/L; ≥80 years, 54.41–96.43 μmol/L. RIs for females were: 18–59 years, 40.42–69.73 μmol/L; 60–79 years, 41.16–73.69 μmol/L; ≥80 years, 46.50–73.20 μmol/L. Q-values were set at 73.82 μmol/L (0.84 mg/dL) for males and 53.80 μmol/L (0.61 mg/dL) for females. After validation, we found that the adjusted equations exhibit less bias, improved precision and accuracy, and increased agreement of GFR categories.

Conclusions

We determined Chinese age- and sex-specific RIs and Q-values for SCr. The adjustable Q-values provide an effective alternative to obtain valid equations for estimating GFR.
The main impacts of a managed aquifer recharge using AHP-weighted overlay analysis based on GIS in the eastern Wasit province, Iraq
Authors: Jassim Fardous N. , Humood Shaimaa H. , Malik Hawraa S. , Alshareef Thatalula Q.
Published: January 2024

The management of groundwater recharge success and sustainability depends on many site characteristics. It is essential to integrate the maps of site’s suitability and characteristics to identify suitable areas. The purpose of this study is to use a geographic information system (GIS) to find potential places for a project using managed aquifer recharge (MAR) in the eastern Wasit province, Iraq. Data for four effective criteria, terrain slope, Soil type/texture, drainage density, and hydrogeological efficiency, were collected, and a categorization map for each GIS criterion was subsequently created. The four steps are performed to identify this site: defining the problem, screening for the suitable areas, after the suitability map, and after the screening; the suitability mapping is divided into two zones: suitable zone and unsuitable zone. The results indicate that the site suitability for conducting aquifer recharge was classified into five categories, i.e., very high, high, moderate, low, and very low potentiality. These areas cover 26.83, 34.71, 24.98, 11.56, and 1.79%, respectively. GIS is widely acknowledged as an efficient approach for choosing MAR sites. This approach gives a better reference for analyzing suitable sites and the potential implications of applying MAR in an aquifer in similar water-stressed areas.
Multi-source microwave heating temperature uniformity study based on adaptive dynamic programming
Authors: Yang Biao , Peng Feiyun , Zhang Ziqi , Wu Zhaogang , Huang Hongbin , Shi Yuyi , Han Zemin
Published: January 2024

In view of the multi-physical field coupling and time-varying characteristics of the microwave heating medium process, how to dynamically plan the state characteristics of multiple microwave sources and optimize the material temperature uniformity becomes the focus of this article. To this end, first, algebraic graph theory is used to construct the multiple microwave sources as a multi-agent system, and a perfect communication topology is established to ensure the transfer and sharing of information. Second, according to the real-time temperature distribution of the material, an event-triggered adaptive dynamic planning algorithm is used to co-operate with the power input of the multiple microwave sources to ensure that no new hot spots are generated during the optimization of the temperature distribution using the self-organizing properties of the medium. Finally, a numerical calculation model for optimizing a mixture of integer and continuous variables is solved using the finite-element method. The experimental and numerical results show that this article improves the temperature uniformity by 32.4–73.5% and the heating efficiency by 14.3–39.4% compared to the generic heating model, and the feasibility of the method is verified by the different shapes of the heated material.
Modeling with graded interfaces: Tool for understanding and designing record-high power and efficiency mid-infrared quantum cascade lasers
Authors: Suri Suraj , Knipfer Benjamin B. , Grange Thomas , Gao Huilong , Kirch Jeremy D. , Mawst Luke J. , Marsland Robert A. , Botez Dan
Published: January 2024

By employing a graded-interfaces model based on a generalized formalism for interface-roughness (IFR) scattering that was modified for mid-infrared emitting quantum cascade lasers (QCLs), we have accurately reproduced the electro-optical characteristics of published record-performance 4.9 µm- and 8.3 µm-emitting QCLs. The IFR-scattering parameters at various interfaces were obtained from measured values and trends found via atom-probe tomography analysis of one of our 4.6 μm-emitting QCL structures with variable barrier heights. Those values and trends, when used for designing a graded-interface, 4.6 μm-emitting QCL, led to experimental device characteristics in very good agreement with calculated ones. We find that the published record-high performance values are mainly due to both injection from a prior-stage low-energy (active-region) state directly into the upper-laser (ul) level, thus at low field-strength values, as well as to strong photon-induced carrier transport. However, the normalized leakage-current density J

leak
/J is found to be quite high: 26–28 % and 23.3 %, respectively, mainly because of IFR-triggered shunt-type leakage through high-energy active-region states, in the presence of high average electron temperatures in the ul laser level and an energy state adjacent to it: 1060 K and 466 K for 4.9 µm- and 8.3 µm-emitting QCLs, respectively. Then, modeling with graded interfaces becomes a tool for designing devices of performances superior to the best reported to date, thus closing in on fundamental limits. The model is employed to design a graded-interface 8.1 µm-emitting QCL with suppressed carrier leakage via conduction-band engineering, which reaches a maximum front-facet wall-plug efficiency value of 22.2 %, significantly higher than the current record (17 %); thus, a value close to the fundamental front-facet, upper limit (i.e., 25 %) for ∼8 µm-emitting QCLs.
Investigation of nanomaterials in flow of non-Newtonian liquid toward a stretchable surface
Authors: El Maati Lamia Abu , Khan M. Ijaz , Abdelmohsen Shaimaa A. M. , Alotaibi Badriah M.
Published: January 2024

This article features the buoyancy-driven electro-magnetohydrodynamic micropolar nanomaterial flow subjected to motile microorganisms. The flow is engendered via an elongating surface, and the energy relation includes heat source generation, magnetohydrodynamics, and radiation. A Buongiorno nanomaterial model (which includes thermophoretic and Brownian diffusions) together with chemical reaction and bioconvection aspects is pondered. The nonlinear governing expressions are transfigured into a dimensionless system, and the dimensionless expressions are computed using the numerical differential-solve scheme. Graphical analyses are conducted to examine the liquid flow, microrotation velocity, microorganism concentration, and temperature in relation to secondary variables. It is observed that a higher Hartman number has an opposite influence on temperature and velocity profiles. A rise in material variables engenders a decline in microrotation velocity. The temperature is enhanced through radiation. The concentration shows conflicting trends for both thermophoretic and random factors. The presence of motile microorganisms reduces the bioconvection Lewis and Peclet numbers.
Paternal Prenatal and Lactation Exposure to a High-Calorie Diet Shapes Transgenerational Brain Macro- and Microstructure Defects, Impacting Anxiety-Like Behavior in Male Offspring Rats
Authors: Trujillo-Villarreal Luis A. , Cruz-Carrillo Gabriela , Angeles-Valdez Diego , Garza-Villarreal Eduardo A. , Camacho-Morales Alberto
Published: January 2024

Prenatal exposure to high-energy diets (HED) increases the susceptibility to behavioral alterations in the male offspring. We addressed whether prenatal HED primes the transgenerational inheritance of structural brain changes impacting anxiety/depression-like behavior in the offspring. For this, we used female Wistar rats exposed to a HED [cafeteria (CAF) diet,n = 6] or chow [control (CON)n = 6] during development. Anxiety and depression-like behavior were evaluated in filial 1 (F1), filial 2 (F2), and filial 3 (F3) male offspring using the open field (OFT), elevated plus maze, novelty suppressed feeding (NSFT), tail suspension (TST), and forced swimming tests. Structural brain changes were identified by deformation-based morphometry (DBM) and diffusion tensor imaging using ex vivo MRI. We found that the F1, F2, and F3 offspring exposed to CAF diet displayed higher anxious scores including longer feeding latency during the NSFT, and in the closed arms, only F1 offspring showed longer stay on edges during the OFT versus control offspring. DBM analysis revealed that CAF offspring exhibited altered volume in the cerebellum, hypothalamus, amygdala, and hippocampus preserved up to the F3 generation of anxious individuals. Also, F3 CAF anxious exhibited greater fractional anisotropy and axial diffusivity (AD) in the amygdala, greater apparent diffusion coefficient in the corpus callosum, and greater AD in the hippocampus with respect to the control. Our results suggest that prenatal and lactation exposure to HED programs the transgenerational inheritance of structural brain changes related to anxiety-like behavior in the male offspring.
Ecology Lessons 2.0 – A Wireless Approach
Authors: Becker Liane , Dreesmann Daniel C.
Published: January 2024

This case study examines students’ perception, motivation, and learning gain of a teaching unit featuring wireless sensors as tools to collect scientific data in the classroom. Students analyze data using the corresponding cellphone app, communicate findings to the class, and learn about a changing environment. Wireless sensors are produced for technology-based science lessons and are therefore suitable for our teaching unit to implement into the secondary school curriculum in the context of ecology. We aimed for very simple experimental setups in order to put the focus on handling the modern technical equipment, to make analyzing and learning from the collected data a priority, and to reduce expenses for teachers on busy schooldays. We validated the approach in German school settings with 67 students aged between 16 and 19 years. We found that our practical approach not only leads to high learning gains combined with learning enjoyment, a feeling of competence, and little perceived pressure but also improves students’ understanding of scientific data.
A Model of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Remote Research-Based Learning
Authors: Arango-Caro Sandra , Ying Kaitlyn , Lee Isabel , Parsley Kathryn , Callis-Duehl Kristine
Published: January 2024

Opportunities for research-based learning at the high school level are limited, and with the COVID-19 pandemic, these have been further reduced. Such opportunities are particularly scarce for authentic research experiences (AREs), which allow students to identify as scientists by collecting data that contributes to scientists’ research. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, we adapted two of our AREs for classroom settings, as remote independent research experiences for students to conduct from home. User guides and protocols from the AREs, Genotype-to-Phenotype Research with Corn and Discover Volvox Development, were adapted to instruct high school students to work on their own with the guidance of scientists and ARE coordinators. These independent authentic research experiences (IAREs) were implemented in the summer of 2020 and have since been available to students. Student responses to reflection questions and the Laboratory Course Assessment Survey indicate that IAREs provide students with significant gains including learning science content and research practices, collaborating with scientists, facing and resolving challenges, and contributing to scientific research.
The Day I Got My Period at the Museum
Authors: Jangbar Sakina
Published: January 2024

The author unexpectedly gets her period when she is visiting the Museum of the City of New York and uses the incident to explore how women’s desire to be free is thwarted when period products are not available in public restrooms. The author touches upon several aspects of menstrual equity—period stigma, outdated and empty dispensers, tampon tax, menstruating while homeless or incarcerated, and trans bodies that menstruate. Building on Judy Grahn’s idea that all culture is a result of women’s menstrual rites, the author points out the absurdity of not accommodating menstruating bodies in high-culture spaces like museums and asks for modern vending machines for period products in public restrooms.
A discussion of contemporary platforms for women in surgery
Authors: MacIntyre Olivia , Gaube Sophie , Price Hannah
Published: January 2024

While the number of females entering medical training has been increasing in recent years, only 30% of surgeons in Canada are women. This discrepancy can be attributed to many aspects, and the lack of representation is a notable barrier that aspiring female surgeons face early in their medical careers. With the growing popularity of virtual platforms, many thread-based discussion websites have placed connecting with like-minded individuals at our fingertips. An accessible platform for women interested in surgery is a natural progression to help bridge the gender gap within the field, and yet it has not been created. While there are many pre-existing women in surgery organizations that promote a mentorship ideology, accessibility is limited by membership fees. A completely free, thread-based platform that connects both prospective and current women in surgery may serve to advance the field through the lens of diversity and collaboration.
Crevettes marines et dulcicoles: critères d’identification des restes archéologiques. Application au quartier portuaire romain de Saint-Lupien à Rezé/Ratiatum (Loire-Atlantique, France)
Authors: Borvon Aurelia , Gruet Yves
Published: January 2024

Les restes archéologiques de crevettes marines ou d’eau douce peuvent être identifiés au niveau du genre ou même de l’espèce. Cette identification permet alors de préciser leur origine géographique ou leur milieu de vie, et donc leurs possibles lieux de capture. Pour faciliter cette identification, des clés dichotomiques et des clés tabulaires ont été élaborées à partir de nos observations et des données publiées dans la littérature. Ces clés sont fondées sur l’identification de critères morphologiques de parties facilement déterminables de l’exosquelette, telles que le rostre, le telson, le scaphocérite, le peréiopode, la mandibule. Elles rassemblent les familles les plus fréquemment rencontrées dans les environnements naturels et littoraux. Suite à leur détermination, des mesures des longueurs des rostres par exemple permettront de reconstituer la longueur et le poids frais des individus en utilisant des référentiels sur les espèces actuelles.
Difficulties and rewards of parenting experienced by international male Chinese students raising young children
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Jin Su-Yi , Kim Nak-Heung
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study aimed to understand the difficulties and rewards of parenting experienced by international male Chinese students who were fathers of young children. The participants were four male students in Korea who fulfilled the aforementioned criteria. For this purpose, the study used a qualitative case study approach with in-depth interviews, based on a semi-structured questionnaire survey conducted from August to October 2022. The results showed that difficulties in parenting faced by Chinese international student fathers with children in early childhood included ‘challenges due to legal constraints’, ‘limitations in parenting as international student fathers studying abroad’, and ‘concerns about their children’s adjustment to school life after returning to China’. Meanwhile, the rewards included ‘motivation for studying abroad’, ‘a good educational environment for children’, ‘support from reliable family members’, and ‘a support network within the university to help with parenting’. This study’s significance lies in its exploration of difficulties and rewards experienced by Chinese international students in raising their young children in Korea, which has not gathered much academic attention. The results contributes to establishing policies for international male students raising young children to carry out their desirable child-rearing.
Difficulties and limitations of the relationship between teachers and parents: Focusing on the process of changing the teacher identity of early childhood teachers
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Chang Youn Ju , Oh Ah Reum
Published: January 2024

This study is an autobiographical narrative that deals with the difficulties and limitations of the relationship between teachers and parents, focusing on the process of changing the teacher identity of 'I', a researcher and research participant. Through this study, based on the roles of teachers and parents, various events surrounded by the relationship between teachers and parents and experiences such as emotions, thoughts, and perspectives felt in it were reflected. As a result, two categories were derived: 'I as me: I am a teacher' and 'I as you: I am a teacher and mother'.
First, in 'I as me: I am a teacher', the researcher immersed herself in the role of a teacher with expertise and formed a teacher identity, and struggled with the actions and words of parents. 'Early childhood education expert? Just a young teacher' and 'a teacher who is uncomfortable both theoretically and emotionally' clearly show the hard and difficulties. Second, in 'I as you: I am a teacher and mother', the researcher became a parent and began to reflect on herself by forming a relationship with the teacher of her child. The contents of the reflection that appeared as 'a teacher who sincerely sympathizes' and 'a teacher who grows while watching a teacher of a child' show the process of the teacher's identity changing through a role change and reflecting on the relationship between the teacher and parents. Through this, we tried to find implications for this by examining the difficulties and limitations of the relationship between teachers and parents.
Awareness and demand of early childhood teachers for development of a sustainable development-oriented early childhood promotion program
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Lee Yeon Seung , Park Jong-Myoung
Published: January 2024

This study conducted a survey of 230 teachers in Busan to find out the perceptions and demands of early childhood teachers for the development of a sustainable development-oriented infant personality promotion program, and the results of the analysis with the SPSS 23.0 program are as follows. First, as a result of examining the perceptions of early childhood teachers about sustainable development education and early childhood personality education programs, the awareness and necessity of sustainable development education were high, and teaching and learning methods were high in terms of experience and difficulty in implementation. Next, the number of implementations of early childhood personality education programs was the highest every day (often), and the lack of data was high in difficulty. Second, as a result of examining the needs of early childhood teachers for the development of a sustainable development-oriented infant personality promotion program, it was found that the appropriate time was 20-30 minutes and the appropriate age was 5 years old, and the necessity of program development was very necessary.
Exploring public preschool teachers' experiences interpreting and implementing the 2019 revised Nuri curriculum
Authors:   Research Institute for Early Childhood Education - Korea National University of Education, Roh Da-som , Kim Eonkyung
Published: January 2024

This study aims to explore public preschool teachers' interpretations and practices of the 2019 revised Nuri curriculum. Three public preschool teachers participated in the study, and data were collected and analyzed through non-participatory observation, interviews, and other sources, focusing on playtime. The findings of the study showed that, first, the teachers aimed to implement the central values of the 2019 revised Nuri curriculum, which are child-centered and play-centered, by supporting children to take the lead in play. Second, teachers interpreted and supported the content of the 2019 revised Nuri curriculum to connect children's experiences to learning. The framework of this interpretation was not only the content of the curriculum, but also the teacher's own educational perspective and knowledge. Finally, it was seen that supporting children's choices and decisions in interaction with the environment according to the teacher's intention, respecting them and allowing them to be expressed as meaningful experiences, was a process of creating a curriculum together with the teacher and the children, and a process that could lead to new play experiences by adding educational intentions. Based on the results, implications for improving the professional development of kindergarten teachers were discussed.