bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 challenges: how ICT successfully allowed adaptation of Drama in Education experiential method during PhD research
Authors: Zourna Christina , Papavassiliou Ioanna , Koutsoupias Nikos
Published: September 2024

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic outburst in March 2020 caused unexpected changes in the means, ways, methods that teaching, training, and learning usually take place. Teachers and educators around the globe gradually turned towards remote teaching methods taking advantage of the latest innovations in ICT and widely recognized internet platforms to meet those emerging needs; however, this shift provoked unforeseen and previously unmet challenges, especially in the cases of theater and drama, known until then as totally experiential and face-to-face facilitated. The current article focuses on the changes that were intentionally adopted concerning adaptation of methods and applications during a PhD research based on Drama in Education, that allowed effective remote intervention and successful continuation of the research. Appropriate career theories and the adaptability of DiE method helped the researchers to remain open-minded, flexible, and proactive, follow emerging unknown paths, and develop their coping, digital, research management, and professional skills.  
Keywords: Drama in Education, COVID-19 pandemic, professional development, career coping skills, adaptation of methodology
Η αποτελεσματικότητα στις ομάδες: Η περίπτωση των Κέντρων Διεπιστημονικής Αξιολόγησης και Συμβουλευτικής Υποστήριξης (ΚΕ.Δ.Α.Σ.Υ.)
Authors: Μπουκουβάλα Φωτεινή , Μπουτσιούκη Σοφία
Published: September 2024

Η διεπιστημονικότητα αποτελεί βασικό άξονα προσέγγισης των διαφόρων εκπαιδευτικών ζητημάτων. Το άρθρο παρουσιάζει τα αποτελέσματα μιας έρευνας, η οποία πραγματοποιήθηκε μεταξύ μελών των διεπιστημονικών ομάδων των Κέντρων Διεπιστημονικής Αξιολόγησης και Συμβουλευτικής Υποστήριξης (ΚΕ.Δ.Α.Σ.Υ.) με τη χρήση του ερωτηματολογίου “Team Effectiveness Diagnostic” της London Leadership Academy. Σκοπός της έρευνας ήταν η διαπίστωση των αντιλήψεων του επιστημονικού προσωπικού των ΚΕ.Δ.Α.Σ.Υ. σχετικά με τον βαθμό αποτελεσματικότητας των διεπιστημονικών ομάδων και τους παράγοντες που την επηρεάζουν. Η ανάλυση των ευρημάτων της έρευνας κατέδειξε ότι οι συμμετέχοντες αισθάνονται πιο αποτελεσματικοί κατά την εργασία τους στις διεπιστημονικές ομάδες, ιδιαίτερα σε ό,τι αφορά την επίτευξη των σκοπών και των στόχων που τίθενται. Αντίθετα, θεωρούν τον εαυτό τους λιγότερο αποτελεσματικό στις διεργασίες που αφορούν την άμεση και αποτελεσματική επίλυση προβλημάτων, την ευελιξία, τις συνεχείς μεταβολές ρόλων και τη συνεργασία με άλλες ομάδες. Από την ανάλυση διακύμανσης διαπιστώθηκε ότι η εμπειρία, η εκπαίδευση και η εξειδίκευση διαδραματίζουν σημαντικό ρόλο στην επίτευξη μεγαλύτερης αποτελεσματικότητας.
NCBench: providing an open, reproducible, transparent, adaptable, and continuous benchmark approach for DNA-sequencing-based variant calling
Authors: Hanssen Friederike , Gabernet Gisela , Bäuerle Famke , Stöcker Bianca , Wiegand Felix , Smith Nicholas H. , Mertes Christian , Neogi Avirup Guha , Brandhoff Leon , Ossowski Anna , Altmueller Janine , Becker Kerstin , Petzold Andreas , Sturm Marc , Stöcker Tyll , Sivalingam Sugirthan , Brand Fabian , Schmidt Axel , Buness Andreas , Probst Alexander J. , Motameny Susanne , Köster Johannes
Published: September 2024

We present the results of the human genomic small variant calling benchmarking initiative of the German Research Foundation (DFG) funded Next Generation Sequencing Competence Network (NGS-CN) and the German Human Genome-Phenome Archive (GHGA). In this effort, we developed NCBench, a continuous benchmarking platform for the evaluation of small genomic variant callsets in terms of recall, precision, and false positive/negative error patterns. NCBench is implemented as a continuously re-evaluated open-source repository. We show that it is possible to entirely rely on public free infrastructure (Github, Github Actions, Zenodo) in combination with established open-source tools. NCBench is agnostic of the used dataset and can evaluate an arbitrary number of given callsets, while reporting the results in a visual and interactive way. We used NCBench to evaluate over 40 callsets generated by various variant calling pipelines available in the participating groups that were run on three exome datasets from different enrichment kits and at different coverages. While all pipelines achieve high overall quality, subtle systematic differences between callers and datasets exist and are made apparent by NCBench.These insights are useful to improve existing pipelines and develop new workflows. NCBench is meant to be open for the contribution of any given callset. Most importantly, for authors, it will enable the omission of repeated re-implementation of paper-specific variant calling benchmarks for the publication of new tools or pipelines, while readers will benefit from being able to (continuously) observe the performance of tools and pipelines at the time of reading instead of at the time of writing.
A guide to selecting high-performing antibodies for STING1 (Uniprot ID: Q86WV6) for use in western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence
Authors: Ruíz Moleón Vera , Alende Charles , Fotouhi Maryam , Ayoubi Riham , Southern Kathleen , Laflamme Carl ,   NeuroSGC/YCharOS/EDDU collaborative group,   ABIF consortium
Published: September 2024

STING1 is an immune adaptor protein which promotes innate immune defense mechanisms against pathogens. Its role in modulating inflammation links STING1 to various pathologic conditions, positioning it as a key target for therapeutic interventions aimed at regulating immune responses. To advance our understanding of STING1-associated diseases, it is essential to make high-performing antibodies readily accessible to the scientific community. This study aims to improve reliability of STING1 research as we have characterized sixteen STING1 commercial antibodies for western blot, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence using a standardized experimental protocol based on comparing read-outs in knockout cell lines and isogenic parental controls. These studies are part of a larger, collaborative initiative seeking to address antibody reproducibility issues by characterizing commercially available antibodies for human proteins and publishing the results openly as a resource for the scientific community. While use of antibodies and protocols vary between laboratories, we encourage readers to use this report as a guide to select the most appropriate antibodies for their specific needs.
An enhanced broadband class-J mode power amplifier for 5G smart meter applications
Authors: Sridhar Nagisetty , Senthilpari Dr  Chinnaiyan , R Dr Mardeni , Hin Yong Dr Wong
Published: September 2024

Background: With the tremendous increase in the usage of smart meters for industrial/ household purposes, their implementation is considered a crucial challenge in the Internet of Things (IoT) world, leading to a demand for emerging 5G technology. In addition, a large amount of data has to be communicated by smart meters efficiently, which needs a significant enhancement in bandwidth. The power amplifier (PA) plays a major role in deciding the efficiency and bandwidth of the entire communication system. Among the various modes of PAs, a newly developed Class-J mode PA has been proven to achieve high efficiency over a wide bandwidth by maintaining linearity. Methods: This paper proposes a Class-J mode PA design methodology using a CGH40010F-GaN device that operates at a 3.5 GHz frequency to meet the requirements of 5G wireless communication technology for the replacement of existing 4G/LTE technology used for advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) in smart grids. This research's main objective is to design the proper matching networks (M.Ns) to achieve Class-J mode operation that satisfies the bandwidth requirements of 5G smart grid applications. With the target impedances obtained using the load-pull simulation, lumped element matching networks are analyzed and designed in 3 ways using the ADS EDA tool. Results: The simulation results reveal that the proposed Class-J PA provides a maximum drain efficiency (D.E) of 82%, power added efficiency (PAE) of 67% with 13 dB small-signal gain at 3.5 GHz, and output power of 40 dBm (41.4 dBm peak) with a power gain of approximately 7 dB over a bandwidth of approximately 400 MHz with a 28 V power supply into a 50 Ω load. Conclusion: The efficiency and bandwidth of the proposed Class-J PA can be enhanced further by fine-tuning the matching network design to make it more suitable for 5G smart meter/grid applications.
Power calculation for mosquito bioassays: Quantifying variability in the WHO tube bioassay and developing sample size guidance for the PBO synergism assay using a Shiny application
Authors: Mechan Frank , Praulins Giorgio , Gillespie Jack , Gleave Katherine , Murphy-Fegan Annabel , McDermott Daniel P. , Weetman David , Lees Rosemary Susan
Published: September 2024

Background The WHO tube bioassay is a method for exposing mosquitos to determine susceptibility to insecticides, with mortality to discriminating doses <98% indicating possible resistance and <90% confirming resistance. This bioassay is also used for synergism testing to assess if susceptibility is restored by pre-exposure to the synergist piperonyl butoxide. Methods Here we perform testing with pyrethroid-susceptible and pyrethroid-resistant An. gambiae to quantify the variability of the WHO tube bioassay and identify its sources. These estimates of within and between day variability are then used to evaluate the power of the bioassay to detect a mortality difference between pyrethroid-only and pyrethroid-PBO. Results We show that approximately two-thirds of variation occurs between days, with the pyrethroid-susceptible strain twice as variable as the pyrethroid-resistant strain. The total number of mosquitoes in the tube and their bodyweight contributes to approximately 10% of this variability. Changes in temperature and humidity, within a climate-controlled insectary, didn’t impact mortality. Using a simulation-based framework, we show that the current synergism guidelines, using a 4x4 design, can reliably detect a difference between 90% and 100% mortality (>90% power). However, as the mortality of either group gets closer to 50%, a 10% difference between groups is more difficult to reliably detect. In the worst-case scenario where the mortality of either group is 50%, the mortality difference must be >22.5% to be detected with 80% power. We provide an R shiny application to assess power for other comparisons. Conclusions Our findings indicate that detecting synergism with the WHO tube assay is more difficult than assumed by the current WHO guidelines. Additionally, we demonstrate the value of using a Shiny application to make the outputs of simulation-based power analysis readily available to end-users, allowing them to determine the number of tubes needed to detect a given mortality difference.
Developing Compassionate Community: Insights from the International Standards for Community Development
Authors: Chan Wing-Sun , Funk Laura
Published: September 2024

Aging populations have increased demand for hospice palliative care and support for dying persons. More broadly, community support is also becoming an increasingly important aspect of public health intervention. Compassionate communities advocate active bottom-up community participation to strengthen communities’ assets around death and dying. However, these rapidly growing initiatives face a challenge in putting values such as cultural diversity, relationship, and love into practice and in making a social impact through “meaningful participation” at the community level. Reflecting on our experiences in a recent study of dying at home in Canada, we consider potential challenges for compassionate communities more broadly. We argue that risks related to gendered inequity, neo-liberal discourses around caring work, and an over-emphasis of community resilience need to be deliberated in compassionate community policy and service development. To mitigate these risks, we argue that the eight components of the International Standards for Community Development Practice or ISCDP (from the International Association for Community Development or IACD) provide important direction about putting values into practice, for instance by advocating for service and policy improvement while engaging in practice and research on compassionate communities. We discuss how the international standards can inform compassionate community development in Canada.
The genome sequence of Molossus alvarezi González-Ruiz, Ramírez-Pulido and Arroyo-Cabrales, 2011 (Chiroptera, Molossidae)
Authors: Simmons Nancy B. , Ingala Melissa R. , Pieri Myrtani , O'Toole Brian P. , Gray Jonathan L. , Philge Philip , L Volkert Thomas , Zhang Ning , Abueg Linelle , Brajuka Nadolina , Jarvis Erich , Formenti Giulio , McCaffrey Kirsty , Mai Meike , Teeling Emma C. , C Vernes Sonja ,   The Bat Biology Foundation,   The Bat1K Consortium
Published: September 2024

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Molossus alvarezi (Chordata; Mammalia; Chiroptera; Molossidae). The genome sequence is 2.490 Gb in span. The majority of the assembly is scaffolded into 24 chromosomal pseudomolecules, with the X sex chromosomes assembled.
Dual Solutions in Convex Stochastic Optimization
Authors: Pennanen Teemu , Perkkiö Ari-Pekka
Published: September 2024

This paper studies duality and optimality conditions for general convex stochastic optimization problems. The main result gives sufficient conditions for the absence of a duality gap and the existence of dual solutions in a locally convex space of random variables. It implies, in particular, the necessity of scenario-wise optimality conditions that are behind many fundamental results in operations research, stochastic optimal control, and financial mathematics. Our analysis builds on the theory of Fréchet spaces of random variables whose topological dual can be identified with the direct sum of another space of random variables and a space of singular functionals. The results are illustrated by deriving sufficient and necessary optimality conditions for several more specific problem classes. We obtain significant extensions to earlier models, for example, on stochastic optimal control, portfolio optimization, and mathematical programming.
Adaptive Two-Stage Stochastic Programming with an Analysis on Capacity Expansion Planning Problem
Authors: Basciftci Beste , Ahmed Shabbir , Gebraeel Nagi
Published: September 2024

Problem definition: Multistage stochastic programming is a well-established framework for sequential decision making under uncertainty by seeking policies that can be dynamically adjusted as uncertainty is realized. Often, for example, because of contractual constraints, such flexible policies are not desirable, and the decision maker may need to commit to a set of actions for a certain number of periods. Two-stage stochastic programming might be better suited to such settings, where first-stage decisions do not adapt to the uncertainty realized. In this paper, we propose a novel alternative approach, named as adaptive two-stage stochastic programming, where each component of the decision policy requiring limited flexibility has its own revision point, a period prior to which the decisions are determined at the beginning of the planning until this revision point, and after which they are revised for adjusting to the uncertainty realized thus far until the end of the planning. We then analyze this approach over the capacity expansion planning problem, that may require limited flexibility over expansion decisions. Methodology/results: We provide a generic mixed-integer programming formulation for the adaptive two-stage stochastic programming problem with finite support, in particular, for scenario trees, and show that this problem is NP-hard in general. Next, we focus on the capacity expansion planning problem and derive bounds on the value of adaptive two-stage programming in comparison with the two-stage and multistage approaches in terms of revision points. We propose several heuristic solution algorithms based on this bound analysis. These algorithms either provide approximation guarantees or computational advantages in solving the resulting adaptive two-stage stochastic problem. Managerial implications: We provide insights on the choice of the revision times based on our analytical analysis. We further present an extensive computational study on a generation capacity expansion planning problem with different generation resources including renewable energy. We demonstrate the value of adopting adaptive two-stage approach against the existing policies under limited flexibility and highlight the efficiency of the proposed heuristics along with practical implications on the studied problem.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation [Grant 1633196] and the Office of Naval Research [Grant N00014-18-1-2075].

Supplemental Material: The online appendices are available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0157 .
Demand Equilibria in Spatial Service Systems
Authors: Gunnar Carlsson John , Peng Xiaoshan , Ryzhov Ilya O.
Published: September 2024

Problem definition: A service is offered at certain locations (“facilities”) in a geographical region. Customers can appear anywhere in the region, and each customer chooses a facility based on travel distance as well as expected waiting time. Customer decisions affect waiting times by increasing the load on a facility, and thus, they impact other customers’ decisions. The service provider can also influence service quality by adjusting service rates at each facility. Methodology/results: Using a combination of queueing models and computational geometry, we characterize demand equilibria in such spatial service systems. An equilibrium can be visualized as a partition of the region into service zones that form as a result of customer decisions. Service rates can be set in a way that achieves the best-possible social welfare purely through decentralized customer behavior. Managerial implications: We provide techniques for computing and visualizing demand equilibria as well as calculating optimal service rates. Our analytical and numerical results indicate that in many situations, resource allocation is a far more significant source of inefficiency than decentralized behavior.

Funding: J. G. Carlsson was funded by the METRANS Transportation Consortium [Grant NCST-USC-RR-24-12] and the Office of Naval Research [Grant N00014-24-1-2277-P00001].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0434 .
The Effect of Behavior Modification Treatment on Self-esteem & Cessation of Smoking in Delinquents
Authors: Lee Eun Jin
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The purpose of this study is to identify the effect of behavior modification treatment on self-esteem& cessation of smoking in delinquents. This study employed a two-group pre-post test study design. The data was collected from 17 subjects from Mar. 15 to June 7, 2004 at N middle school in Seoul, Korea. Nine subjects were in the controlled group, 8 subjects were in the experimental group. Methods: Behavior modification treatment used in this study was developed based upon the token economy. The subjects participated in therapy 60 minutes per session for 10 sessions. Instruments: The Self-Esteem Inventory (Coopersmith, 1981), SPSS Windows 11.0.Results: 1) Self-esteem was significantly increased from pre to post in the experimental group. 2) The number of nonsmokers was significantly increased from pre to post in the experimental group but there was no significant difference after 5 months. 3) Daily cigarette usage was significantly decreased from pre to post in the experimental group and there was a significant difference after 5 months. Conclusion: This study was effective in improving self-esteem and effective in cessation of smoking in this sample of delinquents.
Effects of Imago Psychotherapy on Co-dependency and Mental Health in Wives of Alcoholics
Authors: Yang Soo , Lee So-Young , Cha Jin-Kyung
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This study aimed to identify the effect of dynamic imagery therapy on co-dependency and mental health status in wives of alcoholics. Methods: Subjects of this study were 35 wives who have alcoholic husband and participate in Alcohol Prevention Council Center at I city and Seoul. The participants were experimental group 22, control group 13. Dynamic imagery psychotherapy was given for 14 sessions to experimental group. Data collection was from December, 1th 2003 to September 30 2004. This study was designed using a quasi-experimental approach with non-equivalent pre test-post test design. The instruments used in this study included the Co-dependency Instrument(CAI) developed by Friel(1985) and Symptom Check List-90-Revision (SCL-90-R) developed by Derogatis(1977). Cronbach's a of each tool were 0.90 and 0.98. Data was analyzed using SAS 8.1 by applying ttest, repeated measured ANOVA, and Pearson correlation analysis. Results: 1. Co-dependency score in experimental group was changed from 33.6 to 24.5 and score in control was changed from 32.3 to 30.3, and the difference in group was significant. 2. Total score of SCL-90-R in experimental group was changed grom 169.2 to 120.7 and the score in control was changed from 155.3 to 137.5, and the difference in group was not significant. 3. 9 subscale scores of SCL-90-R in both group was downed but the difference in group was not significant. 4. Co-dependency score and the total SCL-90-R scores were correlated with each others.Conclusions: Dynamic imagery psychotherapy on co-dependency in wives of alcoholics were effective in lesson their co-dependency and lightly promoted to mental health status. Therefore, Co-dependency and mental health status in wives of alcoholics should be generally screened and dynamic imagery psychotherapy should be applied to them to reduce their co-dependency and promote mental health status.
A Correlational Study among Meaning in Life, Health Status, and Self-efficacy
Authors: Lee Kyoung Soon
Published: September 2024

Purpose: This research was conducted to examine relationships among meaning in life, health status, and self efficacy in adults. Methods: The design of this research was descriptive correlational design. The data were collected through accidental sampling from January 5 to March 31, 2005. The subjects were 284 adults between 20 and 65 years old who live in Seoul and its vicinity. They were able to communicate well and agree to participate this study. The instruments used were meaning in life(MIL) of Lee et al. for meaning in life, Cornell Medical Index for health status, and Tipton & Worthington's tool for self-efficacy. Results: There were statistically significant differences meaning in life according to educational level, occupation, financial level, and personality.There were statistically significant differences health status according to sex and occupation. There were statistically significant differences self-efficacy according to occupation and personality. There were statistically significant positive correlations among meaning in life, self-efficacy and health status. Conclusion: According to these results, a nursing intervention program should be developed to increase meaning in life and self-efficacy to promote health status.
The Lived Experiences of Auditory Hallucination of the Persons with Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Park Jeoung Weon , Im Mee Young
Published: September 2024

Purpose: The purpose of the study was to understand The Lived Experiences of Auditory hallucination of the Persons with schizophrenia by phenomenological method. Methods: The research participants consisted of the 3 Persons with schizophrenia who stayed in community. The data was created by the in interview on the experiences of Auditory hallucinations. The analysis of the data was made Colaizzi's phenomenological analytic method.Results: Five main meaningful themes were identified: 1) Being absolved in uncommon voices 2) Being alienated 3) Being overwhelmed by persistent powerful voices 4) Coping with auditory hallucinations 5) Being accustomed to live with auditory hallucination Conclusion: This study provides with a new perspectives to understand the lived experiences of auditory hallucination of the Persons with schizophrenia and was to contribute to nursing knowledge development about nursing intervention of the auditory hallucination.
How do support workers experience working in the NHS?
Authors: Griffin Richard , Kessler Ian , Hall Abi
Published: September 2024

The Cavendish Review (2013) highlighted the array of constraints, issues, barriers and obstacles that healthcare assistants (HCAs) face in the workplace. Approximately 10 years after the initial report was published, Griffin et al (2024) conducted a follow-up study to examine whether the situation had changed or developed. This article briefly explores their wider findings and discusses the implications for the HCA workforce.
Metastatic Oral Cancer and the Importance of a thorough Neck Examination
Authors: Biyani Prateek , Xu Jimmy , Anabtawi Mohammed , Orr Robert
Published: September 2024

Squamous cell carcinomas (SCC) account for over 90% of oral cancers. Over the last few decades, there has been a significant increase in the number of cases. Metastasis of oral cancer to the thyroid is extremely rare. Rarer still are tumours metastasizing from the tongue to the thyroid. We present a case of a patient who presented to her dentist with a tongue SCC. Despite radical curative treatment, the tumour metastasized to the thyroid and the patient succumbed to the metastatic disease. We, additionally, highlight the importance of thorough lymph node and neck examination in the dental setting to help identify pathology in patients.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The importance of a thorough lymph node and neck examination at routine dental check-ups is highlighted.
Systemic Conditions associated with Delayed Tooth Eruption
Authors: Hirst Lorna , Mubeen Suhaym , Evans Robert
Published: September 2024

Tooth eruption comprises a highly coordinated cascade of complex cellular and molecular interactions resulting in axial movement of the tooth germ from an intra-osseous position to its functional occlusion. Odontogenesis is under genetic control, governed by more than 300 genes, with environmental factors playing a comparatively minor role. Delayed tooth eruption (DTE) describes the most frequently encountered deviation from normal eruption and can be the solitary materialization of local or systemic pathology. Where local pathology has been excluded, the dentist should be aware of the multitude of systemic conditions that may be contributing, and liaise with relevant medical colleagues. This article provides a review of the literature regarding the systemic causes of DTE.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: Systemic conditions can be aetiological factors in delayed tooth eruption.
Surgical Guides for Implant Therapy
Authors: Domah Farya , Shah Raunaq
Published: September 2024

Ideal prosthetic and aesthetic results in implant therapy results from successful implant placement. Such success depends on a number of factors; one of which is the accurate transfer of information from the planning stage to the surgical field. Surgical templates are instrumental in allowing such transfer of information. This article aims to review various designs of implant guides and their accuracy.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: A surgical guide allows precise implant placement for predictable implant therapy outcomes.
Palliative and End of Life Care: An Important Component of Supportive Oncology
Authors: Jaganathan Poorni , Rooney Marie-Claire , Monnery Daniel , Droney Joanne
Published: September 2024

Palliative care, an integral component of supportive oncology, enhances the quality of life for patients living with cancer. Whilst palliative care has historically been synonymous with the provision of care at the end of life, it is increasingly playing a role earlier in a patient’s cancer journey; frequently in conjunction with administration of anticancer treatment. Although early integration has been shown to improve patient outcomes, service development remains in its infancy and consideration of challenges bears relevance. Addressing issues pertaining to resource allocation in addition to adequate training of staff will aid to ensure the provision of care that aligns with the goals and priorities of patients. This review presents the role of early palliative care within the realm of supportive oncology with respect to the evidence of benefit and ethical, clinical and practical considerations. Relevant papers have been chosen for inclusion on the basis of clinical relevance, timeliness and relevance to cancer patients and clinical teams involved in their care.
Teacher Conceptualization of Pedagogical Content Knowledge Through the Lens of Experts’ Perspectives
Authors: Gamez Cynthia , Tchoshanov Mourat , Villalobos Katrina
Published: September 2024

This study compares experts' and teachers' conceptualization of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK). The study participants included teachers (n=20) enrolled in a graduate mathematics education course on PCK. Participants responded to two open-ended questions: a) describe in your own words what PCK is; b) provide an example of PCK. The responses were collected, qualitatively and quantitatively analyzed, and then compared to those suggested by experts to identify and describe the similarities and differences between teachers’ and experts’ conceptualizations using the Pareto analysis. Experts’ and teachers’ PCK components ranking was analyzed using the nonparametric Mann-Whitney U test. Even though the results of the quantitative analysis were not significant (e.g., the observed U-value is 32 whereas the critical value of U at p < .05 is 13), the qualitative discussion on the differences between expert and teachers’ ranking suggests insightful interpretation of priorities among PCK components across the two groups.
Role of long non-coding RNAs in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease
Authors: Mullath Anju , Krishna Murali
Published: September 2024

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is emerging as a common cause of chronic liver disease in children and adults. NAFLD can progress to steatohepatitis and potentially even hepatocellular carcinoma. Early identification of patients at risk for progressive disease is crucial for managing NAFLD. Recent studies have identified long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), circular RNAs, and microRNAs as playing important roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. These noncoding RNAs are involved in modulating several metabolic pathways such as hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, and even carcinogenesis. Elevated levels of lncARSR and lncRNA nuclear-enriched abundant transcript 1 have been found in patients with NAFLD. In addition, lncRNAs such as PRYP4-3 and RP11-128N14.5 can distinguish patients with NAFLD from healthy individuals. Increased MEG3 expression has been observed in both NAFLD and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, suggesting that it may help predict patients at risk for disease progression. With advances in transcriptomics, we may discover additional targets to help in the identification and prognostication of NAFLD.
Labour platforms as mechanisms of class reproduction: middle-class interests as the basis of worker consent
Authors: Vallas Steven P. , Schor Juliet B.
Published: September 2024

Expansion of the platform economy has given rise to a paradox in the literature on gig work: Given capital’s imposition of algorithmic controls, why do so many platform workers express support and appreciation for gig work, viewing it as enhancing their autonomy? Approaches toward this question have advanced numerous explanations, such as gamification, neoliberal norms, and entrepreneurial culture. We find these efforts only partially successful, as they fail to explain why ideological incorporation so readily succeeds. We argue that responses to gig work are a function of the class positions that gig workers hold in the wider society, which lead to distinct orientations that they bring to gig work. For workers with a foothold in the middle class, gig work provides access to job rewards that may no longer be available via the conventional economy alone. They consequently experience gig work as a labour of affirmation – a stark contrast with the experience of those gig workers who hold subordinate positions in the class structure. Interview data with 70 respondents in the ride-hail, grocery-shopping and food-delivery sectors supports this approach. Consent to gig work is strongest among our better-off respondents, who hold more secure positions in the conventional economy and use gig work as a culturally-sanctioned mechanism of class reproduction. The implication is that class-based divisions among the platform workforce warrant greater attention than labour process theory has allowed.
Single-shot quantitative phase microscopy: a multi-functional tool for cell analysis
Authors: Espinosa-Momox Ana , Norton Brandon , Cywinska Maria , Evans Bryce , Vivero-Escoto Juan , Porras-Aguilar Rosario
Published: September 2024

This study showcases the multifunctionality of a single-shot quantitative phase microscopy (QPM) system for comprehensive cell analysis. The system captures four high-contrast images in one shot, enabling tasks like cell segmentation, measuring cell confluence, and estimating cell mass. We demonstrate the usability of the QPM system in routine biological workflows, showing how its integration with computational algorithms enables automated, precise analysis, achieving accuracy scores between 85% and 97% across samples with varying cell densities, even those with low signal-to-noise ratios. This cost-effective tool operates under low-intensity light and resists vibrations, making it highly versatile for researchers in both optical and biological fields.
In-situ, real-time monitoring of thermo-mechanical properties of biological tissues undergoing laser heating and ablation
Authors: Kurbanova Bayan , Alisherov Shakhrizat , Ashikbayeva Zhannat , Katrenova Zhanerke , Sametova Akbota , Gaipov Abduzhappar , Molardi Carlo , Blanc Wilfried , Tosi Daniele , Utegulov Zhandos
Published: September 2024

In this work, Brillouin light-scattering spectroscopy and optical backscattering reflectometry (OBR) using Mg–silica-NP-doped distributed sensing fibers were employed for monitoring local GHz visco-elastic properties and surface temperature, respectively, during laser driven heating and ablation of chicken tissues. The spatial temperature distribution measured by OBR at various infrared laser heating powers and times was used to validate spatio-temporal local temperature variations modeled by the finite element method via solving Pennes’ bioheat conduction equation. The reduction of viscosity and stiffness in chicken skin during its laser heating was attributed to water loss, protein denaturation and change in lipid phase behavior. These findings open avenues for the simultaneous real-time hybrid optical sensing of both viscoelasticity and local temperature in biological tissues undergoing denaturation and gelation during thermal ablation in clinical settings.
Pulse instabilities in harmonic active mode-locking: a time-delayed approach
Authors: Koch Elias R. , Gurevich Svetlana V. , Javaloyes Julien
Published: September 2024

We propose a time-delayed model for the study of active mode-locking that is valid for large values of the round trip gain and losses. It allows us to access the typical regimes encountered in semiconductor lasers and to perform an extended bifurcation analysis. Close to the harmonic resonances and to the lasing threshold, we recover the Hermite–Gauss solutions. However, the presence of the linewidth enhancement factor induces complex regimes in which even the fundamental solution becomes unstable. Finally, we discover a global bifurcation scenario in which a single pulse can jump, over a slow time scale, between the different minima of the modulation potential.
Polarization Optical Detection and Localization of Subcutaneous Lesions
Authors: Zhang Xinxian , Fan Jiahao , Song Jiawei , Zeng Nan , He Honghui , Tuchin Valery , Ma Hui
Published: September 2024

It is of great significance in clinical diagnosis and treatment evaluation to accurately identify the lesion tissue and further extract its characteristics and depth location. In this letter, we construct tissue phantoms for three lesion types: fibrosis (FT), organelle proliferation (OPT), and pigmentation (PT). These phantoms allow for the quantitative regulation of mimicked disease depth. The experimental results show that the parameter Kc, combined with MMT parameters, can effectively distinguish the presence of lesions and their abnormal types. Further, the study extracts depth-resolved polarization feature parameters (DSPFPs) for different lesion types. By experiments of tissue phantoms with various depth setting, the established machine learning regression algorithms based on DSPFPs demonstrate their depth retrieval capabilities.
On the theory of spectral compression-assisted optical temporal differentiation
Authors: Mei Chao , Zhang Yijian , Zhou Xian , Duan Hong-Guang
Published: September 2024

Bandwidth limitation represents a significant factor that degrades the performance of optical devices. The dimensions, composition and configuration of optical devices impose intrinsic constraints on processing broadband optical pulse signals. The enhancement of the response bandwidth of optical devices represents a significant challenge. In this study, we put forward the theory of self-similar spectral compression (SSSC), which involves solving the nonlinear Schrödinger equation with variable coefficients by using Taylor expansion and residual theorem. The spectral waveform can be precisely preserved in the process of SSSC, leading to an predictable compression factor without pedestals. To demonstrate the effectiveness of proposed SSSC, we present a case study by designing an on-chip optical time-domain differentiator (OTD) system including a silicon-based tapered spiral waveguide. A 200-fs chirped pulse is well differentiated at multiple orders in the OTD system. Although the linear loss of spiral waveguide have a detrimental impact on SSSC, the broadband spectrum can still be self-similarly compressed, leading to a reduction of differentiation deviation of 22.5 times. The proposed SSSC theory offers a valuable guidance for designing all-optical signal processing systems with high spectral resolution and low signal error.
Arithmetic optimization based secure intelligent clustering algorithm for Vehicular Adhoc Network
Authors: Ali Asad , Assam Muhammad , Alajmi Masoud , Ghadi Yazeed Yasin , Indira Salgozha , Akhmediyarova Ainur , Alahmadi Tahani Jaser , Alkahtani Hend Khalid
Published: September 2024

Vehicular Adhoc Network (VANET) suffers from the loss of perilous data packets and disruption of links due to the fast movement of vehicles and dynamic network topology. Moreover, the reliability of the vehicular network is also threatened by malicious vehicles and messages. The malicious vehicle can promulgate fake messages to the node to misguide it, which may result in the loss of precious lives. In this situation, maintaining efficient, reliable, and secure communication among automobiles is of extreme importance, especially for a densely populated network. One of the remedies is vehicular clustering, which can effectively perform in a high-density network. However, secure cluster formation and cluster optimization are important factors to consider during the clustering process because non-optimal clusters may incur high end-to-end communication delays and produce overhead on the network. In addition, malicious nodes and packets reduce passenger and driver safety, increase road accidents, and waste passenger and driver time. To this end, we employ Arithmetic Optimization Algorithm (AOA) to design a secure intelligent clustering named AOACNET. AOA is used to achieve optimality of vehicular clusters. During cluster formation, the algorithm prevents unauthentic nodes from becoming cluster members by taking into consideration the performance value of each automobile. The vehicle’s performance value is based on the record of data transmission. If a vehicle transmits a fake message, it will receive a penalty of (-1), and in the case of transmitting a legitimate message, a reward of (+1) will be assigned to the vehicle. Initially, all the vehicles have equal performance value which either increase or decrease based on communication with their peers. The vehicles will become cluster members only if their performance value is greater than the threshold value (0). AOACNET is tested in MATLAB using various evaluation metrics (i.e., number of clusters, load balancing, computational time, network overhead and delay). The simulation results show that the proposed algorithm performs up to 25% better than the similar contenders in terms of designated optimization objectives.
Assessing the fragility index of randomized controlled trials supporting perioperative care guidelines: A methodological survey protocol
Authors: Otalora-Esteban Margarita , Delgado-Ramirez Martha Beatriz , Gil Fabian , Thabane Lehana
Published: September 2024

Introduction

The Fragility Index (FI) and the FI family are statistical tools that measure the robustness of randomized controlled trials (RCT) by examining how many patients would need a different outcome to change the statistical significance of the main results of a trial. These tools have recently gained popularity in assessing the robustness or fragility of clinical trials in many clinical areas and analyzing the strength of the trial outcomes underpinning guideline recommendations. However, it has not been applied to perioperative care Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPG).

Objectives

This study aims to survey clinical practice guidelines in anesthesiology to determine the Fragility Index of RCTs supporting the recommendations, and to explore trial characteristics associated with fragility.

Methods and analysis

A methodological survey will be conducted using the targeted population of RCT referenced in the recommendations of the CPG of the North American and European societies from 2012 to 2022. FI will be assessed for statistically significant and non-significant trial results. A Poisson regression analysis will be used to explore factors associated with fragility.

Discussion

This methodological survey aims to estimate the Fragility Index of RCTs supporting perioperative care guidelines published by North American and European societies of anesthesiology between 2012 and 2022. The results of this study will inform the methodological quality of RCTs included in perioperative care guidelines and identify areas for improvement.
3D cell aggregates amplify diffusion signals
Authors: Arjmandi Hamidreza , Kanebratt Kajsa P. , Vilén Liisa , Gennemark Peter , Noel Adam
Published: September 2024

Biophysical models can predict the behavior of cell cultures including 3D cell aggregates (3DCAs), thereby reducing the need for costly and time-consuming experiments. Specifically, mass transfer models enable studying the transport of nutrients, oxygen, signaling molecules, and drugs in 3DCA. These models require the defining of boundary conditions (BC) between the 3DCA and surrounding medium. However, accurately modeling the BC that relates the inner and outer boundary concentrations at the border between the 3DCA and the medium remains a challenge that this paper addresses using both theoretical and experimental methods. The provided biophysical analysis indicates that the concentration of molecules inside boundary is higher than that at the outer boundary, revealing an amplification factor that is confirmed by a particle-based simulator (PBS). Due to the amplification factor, the PBS confirms that when a 3DCA with a low concentration of target molecules is introduced to a culture medium with a higher concentration, the molecule concentration in the medium rapidly decreases. The theoretical model and PBS simulations were used to design a pilot experiment with liver spheroids as the 3DCA and glucose as the target molecule. Experimental results agree with the proposed theory and derived properties.
Association between anemia in pregnancy with low birth weight and preterm birth in Ethiopia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Beressa Girma , Whiting Susan J. , Kuma Melesse Niguse , Lencha Bikila , Belachew Tefera
Published: September 2024

Background

Anemia in pregnancy has been associated with a number of adverse birth outcomes, such as low birth weight (LBW) or preterm birth (PTB). However, the evidence from primary studies on anemia in pregnancy with LBW and PTB is contentious. Moreover, a systematic review and meta-analysis to summarize these findings have not been conducted for Ethiopia. This study aimed to synthesize the best available evidence and quantify the strength and direction of the association of anemia in Ethiopia.

Methods

This review examined women with singleton pregnancies with low birth weight (LBW) and preterm birth (PTB). We retrieved studies from PubMed, Wiley, Cochrane databases, and Google Scholar from inception to February 2, 2024. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines anemia in pregnancy as a low blood haemoglobin (Hgb) concentration below 11 g/dl or a hematocrit level of < 33%. When the newborn’s weight was below 2500 g, LBW was considered. Preterm birth refers to the birth of a baby before 37 completed weeks of gestation. Meta-analysis was conducted using fixed and random effects models. The degree of heterogeneity, publication bias, and quality of the evidence of studies was assessed.

Results

There were 35 and 8 studies, with 14,319 and 3,265 respondents included in the meta-analysis for LBW and PTB, respectively. Neonates born to women who had normal Hgb levels were less likely to be LBW [pooled odds ratio (POR) = 0.22, 95% CI: (0.17, 0.28); I2 = 80%] (low-quality evidence). Neonates born to women with normal Hgb levels had a lower risk of PTB [POR = 0.22, 95% CI: 0.18, 0.28; I2 = 19%] (very low-quality evidence). The effect size estimate remained significant after sub-group analysis based on study design and province, except in two retrospective cohort studies for LBW.

Conclusion

The findings suggest major implications for strengthening the implementation of nutrition policies to prevent anemia during pregnancy in Ethiopia. Further research is warranted to assess interventions that are effective in combating maternal anemia to reduce rates of LBW and PTB.