bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Understanding the factors of wearable devices among the patients with thyroid cancer: A modified UTAUT2 model
Authors: Song LingLi , Li BinXian , Wu HaiBo , Wu CuiCui , Zhang XueQi
Published: July 2024

Wearable devices hold promising prospects on a global scale, including in China. Thyroid cancer prevalence is notably high in China.This purpose of this researchwas to provide an updated theoretical model for assessing Chinese thyroid cancer patients’ intentions towards wearable devices, based on the UTAUT2 framework, and to ascertain the factors that have an impact on these intents. A cross-sectional study with an institutional focus wasconducted from January 20, 2023, to June 30, 2023, at several general hospitals in China. Five hundred participants were recruited to identify predictors of wearable device use.The questionnaire survey about patients’ intentionswas collected using a face-to-face method, employing a random sampling technique for patient selection. Four hundred sixty-nine individuals (93.8%) had the intention to use wearable devices. The intentions were highly impacted by performance expectancy (PE), effort expectancy (EE), social influence (SI), hedonic motivation (HM), price value (PV) and habit (HA). Usage intention (UI)was a statistically predictor of Usage behavior (UB). The facilitating condition(FC) was not significant. Gender positively moderated the relationship between EE and UI. Income positively moderated the relationship between all variables and UI.Overall, the utilization of wearable devices among patients diagnosed with thyroid cancer has demonstrated considerable potential. This study offers a series of suggestions for digital health developers,healthcare decision-makers,doctors and patients.
CNNs trained with adult data are useful in pediatrics. A pneumonia classification example
Authors: Rollan-Martinez-Herrera Maria , Díaz Alejandro A. , Estépar Rubén San José , Sanchez-Ferrero Gonzalo Vegas , Ross James C. , Estépar Raúl San José , Nardelli Pietro
Published: July 2024

Background and objectives

The scarcity of data for training deep learning models in pediatrics has prompted questions about the feasibility of employing CNNs trained with adult images for pediatric populations. In this work, a pneumonia classification CNN was used as an exploratory example to showcase the adaptability and efficacy of such models in pediatric healthcare settings despite the inherent data constraints.

Methods

To develop a curated training dataset with reduced biases, 46,947 chest X-ray images from various adult datasets were meticulously selected. Two preprocessing approaches were tried to assess the impact of thoracic segmentation on model attention outside the thoracic area. Evaluation of our approach was carried out on a dataset containing 5,856 chest X-rays of children from 1 to 5 years old.

Results

An analysis of attention maps indicated that networks trained with thorax segmentation placed less attention on regions outside the thorax, thus eliminating potential bias. The ensuing network exhibited impressive performance when evaluated on an adult dataset, achieving a pneumonia discrimination AUC of 0.95. When tested on a pediatric dataset, the pneumonia discrimination AUC reached 0.82.

Conclusions

The results of this study show that adult-trained CNNs can be effectively applied to pediatric populations. This could potentially shift focus towards validating adult models over pediatric population instead of training new CNNs with limited pediatric data. To ensure the generalizability of deep learning models, it is important to implement techniques aimed at minimizing biases, such as image segmentation or low-quality image exclusion.
Topics searched by first-time Indonesian fathers during pregnancy journey: An exploratory study
Authors: Ageng Kidung , Inthiran Anushia
Published: July 2024

This study explores the topics searched by first-time Indonesian fathers during the pregnancy journey. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews with a representative sample of first-time expectant fathers in Indonesia. Thematic analysis was employed to identify common themes and patterns in fathers’ search topics and reasons behind the searches. The results reveal that fathers predominantly focus on finding topics related to their partners’ well-being with particular emphasis on health-related topics. Interestingly, the study highlights a lower engagement with topics related to cultural practices, traditions, and religion among first-time Indonesian fathers. Additionally, understanding the situation and finding the solutions to a problem is one of the main popular reasons for first-time fathers to seek a particular topic related to pregnancy. This study provides valuable insights into the topics searched and motivations of first-time Indonesian fathers during the pregnancy journey which have similarities and differences to fathers’ practices in developed countries. The findings underscore the necessity for tailored intervention programs to promote paternal involvement during this transformative period which addresses the unique information needs of Indonesian fathers.
DeepDRA: Drug repurposing using multi-omics data integration with autoencoders
Authors: Mohammadzadeh-Vardin Taha , Ghareyazi Amin , Gharizadeh Ali , Abbasi Karim , Rabiee Hamid R.
Published: July 2024

Cancer treatment has become one of the biggest challenges in the world today. Different treatments are used against cancer; drug-based treatments have shown better results. On the other hand, designing new drugs for cancer is costly and time-consuming. Some computational methods, such as machine learning and deep learning, have been suggested to solve these challenges using drug repurposing. Despite the promise of classical machine-learning methods in repurposing cancer drugs and predicting responses, deep-learning methods performed better. This study aims to develop a deep-learning model that predicts cancer drug response based on multi-omics data, drug descriptors, and drug fingerprints and facilitates the repurposing of drugs based on those responses. To reduce multi-omics data’s dimensionality, we use autoencoders. As a multi-task learning model, autoencoders are connected to MLPs. We extensively tested our model using three primary datasets: GDSC, CTRP, and CCLE to determine its efficacy. In multiple experiments, our model consistently outperforms existing state-of-the-art methods. Compared to state-of-the-art models, our model achieves an impressive AUPRC of 0.99. Furthermore, in a cross-dataset evaluation, where the model is trained on GDSC and tested on CCLE, it surpasses the performance of three previous works, achieving an AUPRC of 0.72. In conclusion, we presented a deep learning model that outperforms the current state-of-the-art regarding generalization. Using this model, we could assess drug responses and explore drug repurposing, leading to the discovery of novel cancer drugs. Our study highlights the potential for advanced deep learning to advance cancer therapeutic precision.
One-pot Golden Gate Assembly of an avian infectious bronchitis virus reverse genetics system
Authors: Bilotti Katharina , Keep Sarah , Sikkema Andrew P. , Pryor John M. , Kirk James , Foldes Katalin , Doyle Nicole , Wu Ge , Freimanis Graham , Dowgier Giulia , Adeyemi Oluwapelumi , Tabatabaei S. Kasra , Lohman Gregory J. S. , Bickerton Erica
Published: July 2024

Avian infectious bronchitis is an acute respiratory disease of poultry of particular concern for global food security. Investigation of infectious bronchitis virus (IBV), the causative agent of avian infectious bronchitis, via reverse genetics enables deeper understanding of virus biology and a rapid response to emerging variants. Classic methods of reverse genetics for IBV can be time consuming, rely on recombination for the introduction of mutations, and, depending on the system, can be subject to genome instability and unreliable success rates. In this study, we have applied data-optimized Golden Gate Assembly design to create a rapidly executable, flexible, and faithful reverse genetics system for IBV. The IBV genome was divided into 12 fragments at high-fidelity fusion site breakpoints. All fragments were synthetically produced and propagated in E. coli plasmids, amenable to standard molecular biology techniques for DNA manipulation. The assembly can be carried out in a single reaction, with the products used directly in subsequent viral rescue steps. We demonstrate the use of this system for generation of point mutants and gene replacements. This Golden Gate Assembly-based reverse genetics system will enable rapid response to emerging variants of IBV, particularly important to vaccine development for controlling spread within poultry populations.
Effective hands-on teaching strategy on participants’ confidence in medical writing and publishing: A before-after study
Authors: Astaneh Behrooz , Raeisi Shahraki Hadi , Astaneh Vala , Guyatt Gordon
Published: July 2024

Proficiency in medical writing is crucial for disseminating reports of medical studies. The impact of workshops in this regard on participants’ confidence is a subject of debate. We assessed the impact of a hands-on workshop on participants’ confidence in medical writing. Participants of a 2-day “learning-by-doing” workshop held at McMaster University participated in this before-after study. We used a unique, reliable, and valid tool comprising two domains of confidence in medical writing and using English language before and after receiving the educational intervention. Of 25 participants, 21 completed the instrument before and after the workshop. Typical participants were female, and students in their 30s, who had not attended a prior workshop. The mean (95% CI) increase in the participants’ confidence for domain 1 was 15.3 (10.5, 20.1), for domain 2 was 16.8 (9.8, 23.8), and for the total score was 32.1 (20.9, 43.2) (all P<0.001). Between-subgroup analyses showed the score increase was significantly higher in participants with less than 5 years of experience in medical research. The workshop had a positive impact on enhancing participants’ confidence in writing skills, including using active verbs, crafting short sentences, summarizing main findings, and adhering to checklists like CONSORT. Hands-on medical writing workshops can boost participants’ confidence in writing medical articles and using optimal English language. Targeting junior researchers and graduate students could result in a better outcome. Emphasizing the writing areas where participants achieved higher score changes might yield better outcomes for such workshops.
USP26 suppresses type I interferon signaling by targeting TRAF3 for deubiquitination
Authors: Sheng Cheng-Lan , Jiang Bang-Dong , Zhang Chun-Qiu , Huang Jin-Hua , Wang Zi , Xu Chao
Published: July 2024

Deubiquitinating enzymes (DUBs) play a pivotal role in regulating the antiviral immune response by targeting members of the RLR signaling pathway. As a pivotal member of the RLR pathway, TRAF3 is essential for activating the MAVS/TBK-1/IRF3 signaling pathway in response to viral infection. Despite its importance, the function of DUBs in the TRAF3-mediated antiviral response is poorly understood. Ubiquitin-specific protease 26 (USP26) regulates the RLR signaling pathway to modulate the antiviral immune response. The results demonstrate that EV71 infection upregulates the expression of USP26. Knockdown of USP26 significantly enhances EV71-induced expression of IFN-β and downstream interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs). Deficiency of USP26 not only inhibits EV71 replication but also weakens the host’s resistance to EV71 infection. USP26 physically interacts with TRAF3 and reduces the K63-linked polyubiquitination of TRAF3, thereby promoting pIRF3-mediated antiviral signaling. USP26 physically interacts with TRAF3 and reduces the K63-linked polyubiquitination of TRAF3, thereby promoting pIRF3-mediated antiviral signaling. Conversely, knockdown of USP26 leads to an increase in the K63-linked polyubiquitination of TRAF3. These findings unequivocally establish the essential role of USP26 in RLR signaling and significantly contribute to the understanding of deubiquitination-mediated regulation of innate antiviral responses.
Views of healthcare professionals regarding barriers and facilitators for a Fracture Liaison Service in Malaysia
Authors: Cheah Min Hui , Lai Pauline Siew Mei , Ong Terence
Published: July 2024

This study aimed to explore the views of healthcare professionals regarding the barriers and facilitators for a Fracture Liaison Service (FLS) in Malaysia. The qualitative study was conducted from February to December 2021 at a tertiary hospital in Malaysia. Doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and policymakers were recruited via purposive sampling. Semi-structured in-depth interviews were conducted until thematic saturation was achieved. Data were transcribed verbatim and analysed using thematic analysis. Thirty participants [doctors (n = 13), nurses (n = 8), pharmacists (n = 8), and policymakers (n = 1)] with 2–28 years of working experience were recruited. Three themes emerged: 1) Current delivery of secondary fracture prevention; 2) Importance of secondary fracture prevention, and 3) FLS sustainability. Some participants reported that the current post-hip fracture care was adequate, whilst some expressed concerns about the lack of coordination and continuity of care, especially in non-hip fragility fracture care. Most participants recognised the importance of secondary fracture prevention as fracture begets fracture, highlighting the need for a FLS to address this care gap. However, some were concerned about competing priorities. To ensure the sustainability of a FLS, cost-effectiveness data, support from relevant stakeholders, increased FLS awareness among patients and healthcare professionals, and a FLS coordinator were required. Training and financial incentives may help address the issue of low confidence and encourage the nurses to take on the FLS coordinator role. Overall, all participants believed that there was a need for a FLS to improve the delivery of secondary fracture prevention. Addressing concerns such as lack of confidence among nurses and lack of awareness can help improve FLS sustainability.
La evolución de la asistencia social en España: del Estado corporativo a la sociedad implosiva
Authors: Agulles Juan Manuel
Published: July 2024

El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar la evolución de la asistencia social en España desde la segunda mitad del siglo XX hasta nuestros días. Habitualmente se ha abordado el estudio del desarrollo de las políticas sociales a partir de las peculiaridades intrínsecas de los llamados «Estados de bienestar del sur de Europa», haciendo hincapié en los procesos de modernización incompleta o truncada, o en el peso de variables como el modelo de familia tradicional o el papel de la iglesia católica en la acción social benéfica. Este artículo quiere explorar otra vía: cómo esas particularidades responden en su funcionamiento a la regulación del conflicto capital/trabajo dentro de un sistema histórico de la economía-mundo, y cómo las variantes nacionales de la política social se explican mejor a partir de los ciclos de expansión y contracción del capital global. Para el caso de España, la construcción de la asistencia social bajo el franquismo, el proceso de convergencia con Europa y el peso específico de los sectores de la construcción y el turismo como motores principales del proceso de valorización del capital, han respondido a los requerimientos estructurales de una semiperiferia capitalista. La adopción de este enfoque analítico permitirá entender el proceso de desarticulación creciente de los sistemas de protección social como respuesta a las cíclicas crisis de valorización y la aparición de un «giro punitivo» en el tratamiento de la pobreza y la desigualdad (y de la protesta social en un sentido amplio). Dicho proceso se enmarca en un contexto de agotamiento del modo de producción industrial que ha provocado la crisis del paradigma de la exclusión, orientador de las políticas sociales europeas desde los años noventa, y que está planteando serias dudas en torno a la posibilidad de renovar el pacto social sin salir de la lógica de acumulación capitalista.
Antimicrobial resistance at the human–animal–environment interface: A focus on antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli transmission dynamics, clinical implications, and future directions
Authors: Fatokun Omotayo , Selvaraja Malarvili , Anuar Haryati , Jamaluddin Tengku Zetty Maztura Tengku , Ismail Sharifah Norkhadijah Syed , Mansor Rozaihan , Shah Shamsul Azhar , Oranye Nelson
Published: July 2024

Understanding and combating antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is increasingly centered on the intricate relationship between humans, animals, and the environment, with Escherichia coli being the main source of AMR-related fatalities worldwide. E. coli, though prevalent in the intestines of humans and warm-blooded creatures, demonstrates wide ecological adaptability in both intestinal and extraintestinal habitats. This study explores the dynamics, implications, and future directions of antimicrobial-resistant E. coli (AREC) transmission and clinical significance. We investigated the spread of antibiotic-resistant strains among humans, animals, and the environment, illuminating the impact of healthcare and agriculture practices, as well as environmental contamination. The implications of AREC infections are addressed, emphasizing the challenges in treatment due to limited antibiotic options, increased morbidity and mortality rates, and economic burdens on healthcare systems and agriculture, as well as the urgent need for a One Health approach to combat AMR through collaborative efforts across disciplines. Proposed future directions encompass enhanced surveillance, innovative antimicrobial stewardship, and alternative treatment modalities.

Keywords: antimicrobial stewardship, antimicrobial-resistant Escherichia coli, clinical implications, One Health, surveillance strategies, transmission dynamics.
Optimizing Cost-Effective Care for Chronic Constipation in General Gastroenterology Using an Office-Based, Point-Of-Care Test (RED): Cost-Effectiveness and Cost-Minimization Analysis
Authors: Shah Eric D. , Chey William D.
Published: July 2024

INTRODUCTION:

We aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness/cost-savings of point-of-care anorectal function testing with an investigational device (RED) to triage therapy for chronic constipation in general gastroenterology.

METHODS:

A Markov model was constructed to evaluate cost-effectiveness/cost-savings over a 1-year time horizon comparing empiric drug/pelvic floor physical therapy to testing guided care.

RESULTS:

RED appears to inform the cost-effective strategy for chronic constipation. Compared with usual care without RED, it reduces insurer costs by $810 and patient costs by $6,903.

DISCUSSION:

Point-of-care testing using RED appears cost-effective/cost-saving to triage chronic constipation care in general gastroenterology.
Minorias ativas na indisciplina escolar: representações sociais do 9° ano do Ensino Fundamental
Authors: Ferreira Adriano Charles , Santos Edvanderson Ramalho dos
Published: July 2024

O artigo analisa as representações sociais de alunos do 9° ano do Ensino Fundamental em relação aos alunos indisciplinados com indícios de minorias ativas. O aporte teórico utilizado foi a abordagem das representações sociais e minorias ativas. A metodologia é quanti-qualitativa, com análise de conteúdo. As informações foram coletadas por meio de questionário (N=567) em 6 colégios públicos estaduais da Educação Básica de Ponta Grossa-PR. A análise das informações obtidas sugeriu que os alunos indisciplinados com indícios de minorias ativas: a) exercem influência nos alunos disciplinados; b) são rejeitados; c) são populares e legais; d)  apresentam estilos comportamentais baseados na consistência e equidade. Conclui-se que há duas representações sociais antagônicas, uma conformista, pautada na rejeição dos atos indisciplinados, moldada aos preceitos dominantes e, outra dissidente, que considera os atos indisciplinados com forte inovação, identidade e reconhecimento social.
Analisis Perbandingan Pengaturan Tindak Pidana Pembunuhan Berencana di Indonesia, Jepang, Inggris, dan Pakistan
Authors: Nursyaumi Rahma Puspa , Yuniarsih Rina Isti , Nugraha Trisna Rajab , Sari Yuliana
Published: July 2024

Abstract: This research examines how premeditated murder is punished in different countries. Legal systems (Continental European, Civil Law, Islamic) influence the severity of sentences, ranging from life imprisonment to death. The study compares punishments in Indonesia, Japan, England, and Pakistan. Indonesia allows the death penalty or life imprisonment, while Japan adds a minimum of five years to life sentences. England solely uses life imprisonment. Pakistan, under Islamic Law, offers the death penalty, Qisash (retribution), or Diyat (compensation) if the victim's family forgives.  Abstrak: Penelitian ini membahas bagaimana hukuman dijatuhkan pada pembunuhan berencana di berbagai negara. Sistem hukum (Eropa Kontinental, Hukum Sipil, Islam) mempengaruhi beratnya hukuman, yang bisa berupa penjara seumur hidup hingga hukuman mati. Penelitian ini membandingkan hukuman di Indonesia, Jepang, Inggris, dan Pakistan. Indonesia menerapkan hukuman mati atau penjara seumur hidup, sementara Jepang menambahkan minimal lima tahun untuk hukuman penjara seumur hidup. Inggris hanya menggunakan hukuman penjara seumur hidup. Pakistan, di bawah Hukum Islam, menawarkan hukuman mati, Qisas (pembalasan), atau Diyat (kompensasi) jika keluarga korban memaafkan.
La importancia de los aplicativos móviles para aprender sobre arquitectura bioclimática en la academia
Authors: Gutiérrez-Rodríguez Hernando
Published: July 2024

La investigación se centró en desarrollar una aplicación móvil para comprender y sintetizar estrategias bioclimáticas relevantes para la composición arquitectónica en el ámbito académico, enfocándose en la población estudiantil universitaria como objetivo principal. Se utilizó una metodología mixta que comenzó con un enfoque cualitativo para identificar temas pertinentesy luego pasó a un enfoque cuantitativo para determinar cómo se utilizan las tecnologías en la academia. La elección de una aplicación móvil se basó en la necesidad de acercar gradualmente a los estudiantes al conocimiento de los temas bioclimáticos, evitando la complejidad y elvolumen excesivo de los temas sugeridos. Se seleccionaron temáticas esenciales como el aire, el sol y el agua para incluir en la aplicación, con el objetivo de adaptarse a la naturaleza social del estudiante y permitir su actualización y adaptación en el futuro. En resumen, el objetivo fue desarrollar una aplicación móvil flexible y adaptable que permitiera a los estudiantes universitarios adquirir conocimientos sobre temas bioclimáticos y utilizarlos dentro y fuera del aula a lo largo de su carrera.
Lecture Capture
Authors: Williams Ben , Pfeifer Jeffrey , Waller Vivienne
Published: July 2024

Technology to capture and retransmit lectures has been widely available for more than two decades. However, the widespread expectation that universities will record all lectures is not matched by systematic research and theory on lecture capture use. This paper provides a brief overview of research and reports a three-phase study of lecture video use and perceptions carried out with the staff and students of an undergraduate psychology program at a large suburban university. We found that some lecturers are concerned that mandatory lecture capture creates copyright problems and reduces their ability to provide their best teaching. There is also evidence that lecture capture decreases attendance and lowers grades for some students. However, our results indicate that for students enrolled in face-to-face units, the availability of captured lecture videos offers a valuable revision tool which is integrated into "traditional" study patterns rather than replacing them.
Blended synchronous learning
Authors: Bower Matt , Kenney Jacqueline , Dalgarno Barney , Lee Mark J.W. , Kennedy Gregor E.
Published: July 2024

This paper presents seven blended synchronous learning designs and articulates principles for implementation as espoused by the teachers who enacted them. Blended synchronous learning approaches use media-rich synchronous technologies to enable remote and face-to-face students to co-participate in the same live classes. A wide range of technologies (video conferencing, web conferencing, virtual worlds), tasks (collaborative evaluation, group questioning, class discussion, problem solving, collaborative design) and levels of student interaction (from lightweight to tightly coupled) were present within the blended synchronous learning designs. The main issues that teachers confronted when teaching blended synchronous lessons were communication issues and issues related to cognitive overload caused by split attention. Key pedagogical principles for enactment as identified by the lead teachers included the need for extensive preparation, clear instructions, composure, flexibility, advance preparation of students and savvy utilisation of support staff. These findings represent initial results from an Office of Learning and Teaching project entitled 'Blended synchronicity: Uniting on-campus and distributed learners using media- rich real-time collaboration tools' (further details available at http://www.blendsync.org/).
Dependence properties of bivariate copula families
Authors: Ansari Jonathan , Rockel Marcus
Published: July 2024

Motivated by recently investigated results on dependence measures and robust risk models, this article provides an overview of dependence properties of many well known bivariate copula families, where the focus is on the Schur order for conditional distributions, which has the fundamental property that minimal elements characterize independence and maximal elements characterize perfect directed dependence. We give conditions on copulas that imply the Schur ordering of the associated conditional distribution functions. For extreme-value copulas, we prove the equivalence of the lower orthant order, the Schur order for conditional distributions, and the pointwise order of the associated Pickands dependence functions. Furthermore, we provide several tables and figures that list and illustrate various positive dependence and monotonicity properties of copula families, in particular, from classes of Archimedean, extreme-value, and elliptical copulas. Finally, for Chatterjee’s rank correlation, which is consistent with the Schur order for conditional distributions, we give some new closed-form formulas in terms of the parameter of the underlying copula family.
Enhancing the wireless power transfer system performance and output voltage of electric scooters
Authors: Baragi Anjali Shivappa , Machul Bhagyashri Gurumurthy , Krishnamurthy Manohar Dhadesugur , Patil Ramesha Adiveppagoud , Vadde Anusha , Rao Sulake Nagaraja
Published: July 2024

Wireless power transfer (WPT) has emerged as a groundbreaking technology that enables the transmission of electrical energy without the need for physical wires. WPT has the potential to revolutionize the charging infrastructure of electric scooters, providing a convenient and efficient method for charging the battery without using wires. This study provides an overview of the application of WPT in electric scooters, exploring the benefits, challenges, and future prospects of this technology. The study then delves into the underlying principles of WPT, including magnetic resonance and inductive coupling, which allow for efficient power transfer between the charging infrastructure and the scooter's onboard receiver. In conclusion, WPT holds great promise for electric scooters by enabling convenient and efficient charging methods. With ongoing advancements in technology and growing interest in sustainable transportation, WPT has the potential to transform the charging infrastructure of electric scooters, contributing to a cleaner and more convenient urban mobility ecosystem.
Multi-objective statistical optimisation utilising response surface methodology to predict engine performance using biofuels from waste plastic oil in CRDi engines
Authors: Kanchan Sumit , Priyadarshini Manisha , Kumar Prem , Choudhary Rajesh , Pradhan Swastik , Kumar Rajeev , Sharma Shubham , Awwad Fuad A. , Khan M. Ijaz , Ismail Emad A. A.
Published: July 2024

The current research focuses on the optimisation of common rail direct injection (CRDi) diesel engines for their optimum performance and emission characteristics using the response surface methodology (RSM) technique. The RSM approach is used in this study to reduce the number of experimental tests and costs. In the RSM technique, the three input operational parameters such as injection pressures (30, 35, and 40 MPa), engine loads through indicated mean effective pressure (2.1, 4.15, and 6.2 bar), and varying waste plastic oil (WPO)–diesel fuel blends (5%, 10%, and 15%) are considered to improve the engine output responses like brake thermal efficiency (BTE) and nitrogen oxide (NOx) emissions. The polynomial regression model is developed within the defined input parameter range. The validations and prediction accuracy of the regression model are studied using diagnostic and influence plots such as Box–Cox, Cook’s distance, leverage plot, and difference in fits (DFFITS) analysis, to name a few. After the validations of the model, the prediction values of BTE and NOx are compared with the experimental test results. The effects of input parameters on the BTE and NOx emissions are studied by contour and 3D surface plots. The collective effect of NOx and BTE is analysed through an overlay plot at different one-side intervals. The minor change in the outputs of BTE and NOx emissions is studied by sensitivity analysis. The confirmation of the proposed regression model is done through the multi-variate desirability function approach. The results found that the regression model predicts accurately when compared to the experimental test results. The optimal input parameter after the RSM and desirability approach for maximum BTE and lower NOx is found to be 5% of WPO + diesel fuel blend, 30 MPa injection pressure, and 2.1 bar of engine load. Using these parameter sets, the highest value of BTE and the lowest value of NOx emissions are found to be 32.5605% and 14.8757 ppm, respectively.
Study of inclusions-removal and slag-metal dispersion phenomenon in gas-stirred ladle
Authors: Liu Yong , Cheng Shusen , Liu Tong
Published: July 2024

The slag-metal interface serves as a crucial locus for both chemical reactions and the adsorption of inclusions during secondary refining. This study first comprehensively reviews the methods of inclusions removal and then establishes a cold-state experiment using a water-oil system to reappear the phenomenon of slag-metal dispersion and inclusion adsorption. The distribution of slag droplets under varying slag volumes is analyzed in terms of the effect of bottom blow rates. Simultaneously, the volumetric fraction of oxygen on the slag-eye surface is analyzed. The result proved that the increase in oil layer thickness or the gas flow rate increase the volume of entrained oil. The dimensionless depth of entrained droplets was positively associated with gas flow rate or oil thickness. The dimensionless depth of “large droplets” and “small droplets” was in the range of 0–25 % and 0–60 %, respectively. Moreover, analysis of the gas composition above the slag-eye in a water-oil system is used to determine the degree of secondary oxidation. The oxygen volume fraction over the surface of the slag-eye decreases with the increase of gas flow rate. The oxygen volume fraction over the surface of the slag-eye is 1.51 % when the gas flow rate is 9 L/min.
Neuropsychiatric considerations in treating anorexia nervosa patients with osteopathic manipulative medicine: a narrative review
Authors: Talebi-Talghian Tara , Schulz Paulyna , Huzij Teodor
Published: July 2024

Osteopathic manipulative medicine (OMM) has a growing recognition in serving as an effective treatment to promote adaptation and homeostasis of the body by addressing musculoskeletal, neural, vascular, and lymphatic structures to promote self-healing and regulation. OMM can treat the musculoskeletal tension and sympathetic hyperactivity resulting from the increased cortisol response and hypersensitivity found in varying psychiatric illnesses, including anorexia nervosa (AN). This paper addresses the considerations necessary for treating AN patients with OMM, emphasizing the need to evaluate their abnormal high-level neuronal processing of sensory information, including differences in touch perception compared to the general population. Current literature was gathered utilizing a combination of the following keywords: anorexia nervosa, perception of touch, and osteopathic manipulative medicine/treatment. No literature was found addressing the effects of OMM on treating AN patients. Eight studies addressed the change in perception of touch found in AN patients. Results of the literature review reveal that the perceptions of touch in AN patients are distorted and can lead to reduced perceived pleasantness encountered in social interactions and touch. Specific changes have been found in C-tactile (CT) afferents responsible for the positive effects of touch, thus influencing emotional regulation. The significance of addressing this topic is to provide insight into the pathophysiological processes of AN and to inform physicians of unconventional stimuli that may exacerbate AN symptoms and behaviors. Further study is required to elucidate the role and mechanism of OMM in patients with AN and whether manual therapy could worsen pathological behavior and thinking patterns seen in AN patients. Such studies could include, but are not limited to, examining biological factors such as cortisol levels in AN patients receiving OMM and collecting data about AN patients’ thinking patterns and behavior during OMM treatment.
Culturally responsive professional peace officer framework: a community college’s response to educating the next generation of police officer candidates
Authors: Palmer Leslie K. , Austad Janica R.
Published: July 2024

From Sir Robert Peel’s 1829 argument for a professionally trained police force to President Barack Obama’s 2015 Task Force on 21st Century Policing, the discussion on quality and content of peace officer pre-professional education is ongoing. With an increase in police officer incidents impacting the BIPOC communities across the Twin Cities, the degree to which law enforcement education programs address topics of cultural relations and anti-racism has come into question by community and government agencies. In response to the public’s call for action for law enforcement education reform, Inver Hills Community College developed a pre-professional peace officer education framework which altered their programs to mirror this paradigm shift. The current programs: the Culturally Responsive Professional Peace Officer Associate of Science degree and certificate, integrate a culturally responsive and social justice curricula, experiential teaching and learning, and program mission, vision, and core values aimed to equip the next generation of police officer candidates.
Nonreciprocal scattering and unidirectional cloaking in nonlinear nanoantennas
Authors: Goh Heedong , Krasnok Alex , Alù Andrea
Published: July 2024

Reciprocal scatterers necessarily extinguish the same amount of incoming power when excited from opposite directions. This property implies that it is not possible to realize scatterers that are transparent when excited from one direction but that scatter and absorb light for the opposite excitation, limiting opportunities in the context of asymmetric imaging and nanophotonic circuits. This reciprocity constraint may be overcome with an external bias that breaks time-reversal symmetry, posing however challenges in terms of practical implementations and integration. Here, we explore the use of tailored nonlinearities combined with geometric asymmetries in suitably tailored resonant nanoantennas. We demonstrate that, under suitable design conditions, a nonlinear scatterer can be cloaked for one excitation direction, yet strongly scatters when excited at the same frequency and intensity from the opposite direction. This nonreciprocal scattering phenomenon opens opportunities for nonlinear nanophotonics, asymmetric imaging and visibility, all-optical signal processing and directional sensing.
Programa Arqueológico de Diagnóstico e Prospecção na Região do Pontal da Barra, Pelotas – RS
Authors: Milheira Rafael Guedes , Cerqueira Fábio Vergara , Alves Aluisio Gomes
Published: July 2024

O presente relatório de diagnóstico e prospecção foi elaborado para descrever as transformações e o processo de ocupação humana, em tempos pré-históricos e históricos, na região do Pontal da Barra no município de Pelotas-RS. Buscou-se avaliar as condições de preservação dos sítios arqueológicos identificados anteriormente pelas pesquisas arqueológicas, a fim de sugerir medidas de preservação. Outro objetivo foi registrar, através de entrevistas com moradores locais, diferentes opiniões sobre o empreendimento imobiliário “Loteamento Pontal da Barra” e o empreendimento hoteleiro planejado para o local. Estas opiniões foram recolhidas junto à comunidade que será afetada, visto que os empreendimentos vêm sendo alvo de discordâncias sobre sua necessidade e sobre os prejuízos ambientais e patrimoniais. Com estes dados, buscou-se produzir a “Carta ambiental cultural”, com a descrição dos bens materiais arqueológicos e históricos da área em estudo.
Entre a memória e a história: a prática museal na Casa de Memória Edmundo Cardoso, Santa Maria/RS
Authors: Rossi Daiane Silveira , Corrêa Roselâine Casanova
Published: July 2024

Este relatório tem por objetivo apresentar os resultados do Projeto de Extensão, Ação documental do acervo museológico da Casa de Memória Edmundo Cardoso (Santa Maria/RS), desenvolvido no ano de 2010, que fez parte de uma parceria entre o Curso de História, do Centro Universitário Franciscano (UNIFRA) e a Casa de Memória Edmundo Cardoso (CMEC). O acervo da CMEC se compõe de material bibliográfico, anuários, revistas, jornais, documentos antigos, recortes de jornais, relatórios, mapas, álbuns, fotografias, pinturas, filmes, vídeos, slides, ao qual propôs-se o registro, a higienização e a sua organização. A partir destes objetos, alcançou-se o tratamento de 1600 imagens iconográficas. Com os procedimentos museais, busca-se a preservação da memória e a recuperação do passado histórico de Santa Maria, pelo estímulo a pesquisa de seu acervo, de forma a atingir a comunidade, contribuindo para o estudo da cidade e a consolidação da identidade local.
Vestir um santo para despir outro? práticas religiosas em Santo Amaro do Sul, distrito de General Câmara, RS
Authors: Soares André Luis Ramos
Published: July 2024

Este texto é o resultado dos trabalhos de extensão e pesquisa em educação patrimonial, arqueologia e história cultural realizadas pela equipe do Núcleo de Estudos do Patrimônio e Memória, vinculado à Pró-Reitoria de Extensão da Universidade Federal de Santa Maria, na localidade de Santo Amaro do Sul, distrito de General Câmara, situado a 90km de Porto Alegre, capital do Rio Grande do Sul.
Hybrid accounting for people and bots: potential of C-RPA digital platform application
Authors:   Szkoła Główna Handlowa w Warszawie, Łada Monika , Barszczak Łukasz ,   Szkoła Główna Handlowa w Warszawie
Published: July 2024

The aim of this paper is to present the results of theoretical and empirical analyses of the functionality of C-RPA digital platforms and their impact on accounting processes. The research covers a literature review, as well as a study of a selected cognitive robotic process automation platform for the "invoice to payment" process. The analysis showed that C-RPA digital platforms constitute a favourable technological environment for the development of so-called hybrid accounting, which refers to a business information system that is simultaneously supported and used by humans and bots. The replacement of specific activities previously performed by accounting professionals by bots located on the digital platform also favours trends in changes referred to as raw data accounting, real-time accounting, autonomous accounting, and augmented accounting, of which identification of the latter trend constitutes an original contribution to the digital transformation of the accounting research area.
Retinoic Acid-Dependent Loss of Synaptic Output from Bipolar Cells Impairs Visual Information Processing in Inherited Retinal Degeneration
Authors: Ganzen Logan , Yadav Shubhash Chandra , Wei Mingxiao , Ma Hong , Nawy Scott , Kramer Richard H.
Published: July 2024

In retinitis pigmentosa (RP), rod and cone photoreceptors degenerate, depriving downstream neurons of light-sensitive input, leading to vision impairment or blindness. Although downstream neurons survive, some undergo morphological and physiological remodeling. Bipolar cells (BCs) link photoreceptors, which sense light, to retinal ganglion cells (RGCs), which send information to the brain. While photoreceptor loss disrupts input synapses to BCs, whether BC output synapses remodel has remained unknown. Here we report that synaptic output from BCs plummets in RP mouse models of both sexes owing to loss of voltage-gated Ca2+channels. Remodeling reduces the reliability of synaptic output to repeated optogenetic stimuli, causing RGC firing to fail at high-stimulus frequencies. Fortunately, functional remodeling of BCs can be reversed by inhibiting the retinoic acid receptor (RAR). RAR inhibitors targeted to BCs present a new therapeutic opportunity for mitigating detrimental effects of remodeling on signals initiated either by surviving photoreceptors or by vision-restoring tools.
Motor Cortex Latent Dynamics Encode Spatial and Temporal Arm Movement Parameters Independently
Authors: Colins Rodriguez Andrea , Perich Matt G. , Miller Lee E. , Humphries Mark D.
Published: July 2024

The fluid movement of an arm requires multiple spatiotemporal parameters to be set independently. Recent studies have argued that arm movements are generated by the collective dynamics of neurons in motor cortex. An untested prediction of this hypothesis is that independent parameters of movement must map to independent components of the neural dynamics. Using a task where three male monkeys made a sequence of reaching movements to randomly placed targets, we show that the spatial and temporal parameters of arm movements are independently encoded in the low-dimensional trajectories of population activity in motor cortex: each movement’s direction corresponds to a fixed neural trajectory through neural state space and its speed to how quickly that trajectory is traversed. Recurrent neural network models show that this coding allows independent control over the spatial and temporal parameters of movement by separate network parameters. Our results support a key prediction of the dynamical systems view of motor cortex, and also argue that not all parameters of movement are defined by different trajectories of population activity.
Breakdowns in Scientific Practices: How and Why Some Accepted Scientific Claims May Have Little Actual Support
Authors: White Mark , Stovner Roar
Published: July 2024

This paper considers the reasonableness of claims made in empirical psychological science. Drawing on validity and institutional theories, our conceptual model views research methods as institutionalized approaches to supporting the (implicit) inferential argument that is used to validate conclusions. Breakdowns occur when researchers falsely believe that a method strongly supports the inferential argument, but where little support is provided. We identify two characteristics of methods that promote breakdowns and show that these characteristics explain breakdowns of two common methods, null hypothesis significance testing and cutoffs for fit indices. Last, we discuss broadly how to reduce breakdowns in scientific practice.
RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT OF NOISE-RESISTANT ALGORITHMS FOR CALCULATING THE GROUP DELAY TIME OF A MODEL DIGITAL SIGNAL WITH A RANDOM NOISE COMPONENT
Authors: ЖОХОВ К.С. , ГАНДЖА Т.В. , КОЧЕРГИН М.И.
Published: July 2024

Рассматриваются особенности вычисления группового времени задержки сигнала на основе цифровых измерений S-параметров СВЧ-устройств. Проведено исследование методов вычисления группового времени задержки сигнала со случайной шумовой составляющей на основе дифференцирования методом приращения и на базе аппроксимации. Предложен способ вычисления группового времени задержки, основанный на методе дифференцирования с использованием скользящей кусочно-линейной аппроксимации. Данный алгоритм более устойчив к шумовой составляющей рассматриваемого сигнала, чем стандартный способ вычисления группового времени задержки сигнала, разработанный на примере метода односторонней разности, и обладает меньшей вычислительной сложностью, чем представленный в статье метод, основанный на квадратичной аппроксимации. Приведены результаты тестирования работы описываемых методов, которые иллюстрируют их пригодность для использования при вычислении группового времени задержки.

Specific features of calculating the group delay time of a signal based on digital measurements of the S-parameters of microwave devices are discussed. Methods for calculating the group delay time of a signal with a random noise component based on differentiation by the increment method and approximation are discussed. A method for calculating the group delay time based on the differentiation method using a sliding piecewise-linear approximation is proposed. This algorithm is more resistant to the noise component of the signal in question than the standard method for calculating the group delay time of a signal based on the one-way difference method and has a smaller computational complexity than the method considered in the article based on quadratic approximation. The results of testing the operation of the described methods are presented, which illustrate their suitability for use in calculating the group delay time.