bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Persistent expression of activation markers on Mycobacterium tuberculosis-specific CD4 T cells in smear negative TB patients
Authors: Esmael Ahmed , Mihret Adane , Abebe Tamrat , Mussa Daniel , Neway Sebsibe , Ernst Joel , Rengarajan Jyothi , Wassie Liya , Howe Rawleigh
Published: August 2022

Background

T cell activation (HLA-DR, CD-38), proliferation (KI-67), and functional (IFN-γ, TNF-α) markers have recently been shown to be useful in predicting and monitoring anti-TB responses in smear positive TB, but previous research did not characterize the activation and proliferation profiles after therapy of smear negative TB.

Methodology

In this study, we used polychromatic flow cytometry to assess selected PPD-specific T cell markers using fresh PBMC of smear negative and positive pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) patients, recruited from health facilities in Addis Ababa.

Result

Levels of activation (HLA-DR, CD38) and proliferation (Ki-67) among total unstimulated CD4 T cells decreased significantly after therapy, particularly at month 6. Similarly, levels of PPD-specific T cell activation markers (HLA-DR, CD-38) were significantly lower in smear positive PTB patients following treatment, whereas a consistent decline in these markers was less apparent among smear negative PTB patients at the sixth month.

Conclusion

After six months of standard anti-TB therapy, persistent levels of activation of HLA-DR and CD-38 from PPD specific CD4+T cells in this study could indicate that those markers have little value in monitoring and predicting anti-TB treatment response in smear negative pulmonary TB patients in Ethiopian context.
Interferon gamma expression and mortality in unselected cohorts of urothelial bladder cancer patients
Authors: Gillezeau Christina , Movva Naimisha , van Gerwen Maaike , Rabon-Stith Karma , Shire Norah , Brohawn Philip Zachary , Taioli Emanuela , Fryzek Jon
Published: August 2022

Background

The role of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) expression in long-term survival has not been studied in patients with urinary bladder cancer (UBC). IFN-γ expression was characterized among various UBC patient cohorts to assess if IFN-γ status is associated with overall survival (OS).

Methods

A tumor-based IFN-γ gene signature was evaluated among adult UBC patients newly diagnosed between 2004 and 2017 from two hospital systems in New York. Patient cohorts included metastatic (stage IV or progressing to stage IV [MBC]), muscle-invasive (stages T2a to T4a [MIBC]), and non–muscle-invasive (carcinoma in situ or stages 0a, 0is, and I [NMIBC]) disease. Descriptive analyses were conducted comparing IFN-γ signature in the highest tertile to those in the lowest two tertiles.

Results

234 patients with bladder cancer were evaluated (56 MBC, 38 MIBC, and 140 NMIBC). Median OS was only reached in the MIBC cohort for those with an IFN-γ signature in the lowest two tertiles (15.03 months [95% CI, 8.50–50.60]). Those with an IFN-γ signature in the highest tertile had a decreased risk of mortality in all cohorts indicating better survival, but this was statistically significant in only the MIBC cohort (adjusted HR = 0.09 [95% CI, 0.01–0.73]).

Conclusion

IFN-γ signature status was associated with a decreased mortality risk in all cohorts, particularly MIBC, indicating that it may be a prognostic marker of survival in patients with UBC.
Changes in lipoproteins associated with lipid-lowering and antiplatelet strategies in patients with acute myocardial infarction
Authors: Lotfollahi Zahra , Mello Ana P. Q. , Fonseca Francisco A. H. , Machado Luciene O. , Mathias Andressa F. , Izar Maria C. , Damasceno Nagila R. T. , Oliveira Cristiano L. P. , Neto Antônio M. F.
Published: August 2022

Background

Despite lipid-lowering and antiplatelet therapy, the pattern of residual lipoproteins seems relevant to long-term cardiovascular outcomes. This study aims to evaluate the effects of combined therapies, commonly used in subjects with acute myocardial infarction, in the quality of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) particles.

Methods

Prospective, open-label trial, included patients with acute myocardial infarction. Patients were randomized to antiplatelet treatment (ticagrelor or clopidogrel) and subsequently to lipid-lowering therapy (rosuvastatin or simvastatin/ezetimibe) and were followed up for six months. Nonlinear optical properties of LDL samples were examined by Gaussian laser beam (Z-scan) to verify the oxidative state of these lipoproteins, small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to analyze structural changes on these particles, dynamic light scattering (DLS) to estimate the particle size distribution, ultra violet (UV)-visible spectroscopy to evaluate the absorbance at wavelength 484 nm (typical from carotenoids), and polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (Lipoprint) to analyze the LDL subfractions.

Results

Simvastatin/ezetimibe with either clopidogrel or ticagrelor was associated with less oxidized LDL, and simvastatin/ezetimibe with ticagrelor to lower cholesterol content in the atherogenic subfractions of LDL, while rosuvastatin with ticagrelor was the only combination associated with increase in LDL size.

Conclusions

The quality of LDL particles was influenced by the antiplatelet/lipid-lowering strategy, with ticagrelor being associated with the best performance with both lipid-lowering therapies. Trial registration: NCT02428374.
A mean platelet volume in inflammatory bowel disease: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Bambo Getachew Mesfin , Shiferaw Elias , Melku Mulugeta
Published: August 2022

Background

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic gastrointestinal tract inflammatory state, which is affecting millions of individuals in the world. It can affect alimentary canals such as colon, rectum, ileum and other parts. In IBD, platelet parameters underwent several changes. Therefore, the aim of this review was determining the estimated pooled mean platelet volume and mean difference in inflammatory bowel disease to elucidate its potential diagnostic value.

Methods

Articles were extensively searched in bibliographic databases using Medical Subject Heading and entry phrases or terms. In addition, articles were directly searched in Google Scholar to account for the studies omission in searching bibliographic databases. Observational (cohort, cross-sectional and case-control) studies, published in English language and conducted on IBD were included. For studies meeting the eligibility criteria, the first author’s name, publication year, population, study design, study area, sample size, mean platelet volume and standard deviation were extracted and entered in to Microsoft-excel. The analysis was done by Stata version 11. In order to estimate the pooled mean platelet volume and mean difference, random effect model was done. The heterogeneity was quantified using Higgin’s I2 statistics. Publication bias was determined using Egger’s test statistics and funnel plot. Sub-group analysis based on population carried to reduce heterogeneity.

Results

A total of 17 relevant articles with 2957 participants (1823 IBD cases and 1134 healthy controls) were included to this study. The pooled estimated MPV was 9.29fl; 95% CI: 9.01–9.57 and 9.50fl; 95% CI: 8.81–10.20 in IBD and control groups, respectively. The standardized pooled estimate of mean difference in mean platelet volume was -0.83fl; 95% CI: -1.15, -0.51; I2: 93.1%; P-value < 0.001. In subgroup analysis based on population, the highest estimated mean difference in MPV was observed among patients of CD; -2.30; 95% CI: -3.46, -1.14; I2: 97.8%; P-value < 0.001.

Conclusion

According to the current systematic review and meta-analysis, mean platelet volume was lower in IBD compared to control. The decreased mean platelet volume could be attributed to platelet consumption or sequestration associated with the progression of IBD. As a result, in IBD, mean platelet volume can provide diagnostic and prognostic information.
Comparison of two one-piece acrylic foldable intraocular lenses: Short-term change in axial movement after cataract surgery and its effect on refraction
Authors: Goto So , Maeda Naoyuki , Ohnuma Kazuhiko , Noda Toru
Published: August 2022

Purpose

To compare the change in intraocular lens (IOL) axial movement, corneal power, and postoperative refraction of eyes implanted with two different single-piece, open loop, acrylic foldable IOLs with planar-haptic design: one IOL with hinges vs. one IOL without hinges. The role of IOL axial movement on short-term refractive shift after cataract surgery was also evaluated.

Methods

This retrospective comparative study enrolled consecutive patients who had phacoemulsification with aspheric IOL implantation. The IOL depth (the distance from corneal endothelium to IOL surface) and corneal power were measured via anterior-segment optical coherence tomography at 4 days and 1 month postoperatively. The changes in axial movement of the IOL, corneal power, and manifest refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE) were compared among groups, and the correlations between each lens were evaluated.

Results

IOL with hinges was implanted in 42 eyes of 42 patients and IOL without hinges was implanted in 42 eyes of 42 patients. The change in axial movement between 4 days and 1 month was significantly smaller in the IOL with hinges group than in the IOL without hinges group (p < 0.001). The axial movement of IOL with hinges did not correlate with the MRSE change; however, the forward shift of IOL without hinges correlated with the myopic refractive change (Pearson r = 0.62, p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The postoperative axial movement of IOL was more stable in the IOL with hinges group than the IOL without hinges group between 4 days and 1 month after cataract surgery. Even though the two study IOLs with planar-haptic design are made of similar acrylic materials, other characteristics such as hinge structure may affect IOL stability in the bag.
On the evolutionary language game in structured and adaptive populations
Authors: Danovski Kaloyan , Brede Markus
Published: August 2022

We propose an evolutionary model for the emergence of shared linguistic convention in a population of agents whose social structure is modelled by complex networks. Through agent-based simulations, we show a process of convergence towards a common language, and explore how the topology of the underlying networks affects its dynamics. We find that small-world effects act to speed up convergence, but observe no effect of topology on the communicative efficiency of common languages. We further explore differences in agent learning, discriminating between scenarios in which new agents learn from their parents (vertical transmission) versus scenarios in which they learn from their neighbors (oblique transmission), finding that vertical transmission results in faster convergence and generally higher communicability. Optimal languages can be formed when parental learning is dominant, but a small amount of neighbor learning is included. As a last point, we illustrate an exclusion effect leading to core-periphery networks in an adaptive networks setting when agents attempt to reconnect towards better communicators in the population.
The world seems different in a social context: A neural network analysis of human experimental data
Authors: Tsfasman Maria , Philippsen Anja , Mazzola Carlo , Thill Serge , Sciutti Alessandra , Nagai Yukie
Published: August 2022

Human perception and behavior are affected by the situational context, in particular during social interactions. A recent study demonstrated that humans perceive visual stimuli differently depending on whether they do the task by themselves or together with a robot. Specifically, it was found that the central tendency effect is stronger in social than in non-social task settings. The particular nature of such behavioral changes induced by social interaction, and their underlying cognitive processes in the human brain are, however, still not well understood. In this paper, we address this question by training an artificial neural network inspired by the predictive coding theory on the above behavioral data set. Using this computational model, we investigate whether the change in behavior that was caused by the situational context in the human experiment could be explained by continuous modifications of a parameter expressing how strongly sensory and prior information affect perception. We demonstrate that it is possible to replicate human behavioral data in both individual and social task settings by modifying the precision of prior and sensory signals, indicating that social and non-social task settings might in fact exist on a continuum. At the same time, an analysis of the neural activation traces of the trained networks provides evidence that information is coded in fundamentally different ways in the network in the individual and in the social conditions. Our results emphasize the importance of computational replications of behavioral data for generating hypotheses on the underlying cognitive mechanisms of shared perception and may provide inspiration for follow-up studies in the field of neuroscience.
A model-based estimate of winter distribution and abundance of white-tailed deer in the Adirondack Park
Authors: Hinton Joseph W. , Hurst Jeremy E. , Kramer David W. , Stickles James H. , Frair Jacqueline L.
Published: August 2022

In the Adirondack Park region of northern New York, USA, white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) and moose (Alces alces) co-occur along a temperate-boreal forest ecotone. In this region, moose exist as a small and vulnerable low-density population and over-browsing by white-tailed deer is known to reduce regeneration, sustainability, and health of forests. Here, we assess the distribution and abundance of white-tailed deer at a broad spatial scale relevant for deer and moose management in northern New York. We used density surface modeling (DSM) under a conventional distance sampling framework, tied to a winter aerial survey, to create a spatially explicit estimate of white-tailed deer abundance and density across a vast, northern forest region. We estimated 16,352 white-tailed deer (95% CI 11,762–22,734) throughout the Adirondack Park with local density ranging between 0.00–5.73 deer/km2. Most of the Adirondack Park (91.2%) supported white-tailed deer densities of ≤2 individuals/km2. White-tailed deer density increased with increasing proximity to anthropogenic land cover such as timber cuts, roads, and agriculture and decreased in areas with increasing elevation and days with snow cover. We conclude that climate change will be more favorable for white-tailed deer than for moose because milder winters and increased growing seasons will likely have a pronounced influence on deer abundance and distribution across the Adirondack Park. Therefore, identifying specific environmental conditions facilitating the expansion of white-tailed deer into areas with low-density moose populations can assist managers in anticipating potential changes in ungulate distribution and abundance and to develop appropriate management actions to mitigate negative consequences such as disease spread and increased competition for limiting resources.
Risk stratification by 30-day prognostic factors of clinical outcomes after granulocyte transfusion in acute myeloid leukemia: A single-center retrospective study
Authors: Yoo Jaeeun , Cho Hyung Suk , Yoon Jae-Ho , Cho Byung Sik , Kim Hee-Je , Lee Dong-Gun , Jekarl Dong Wook , Kim Myungshin , Oh Eun-Jee , Park Yeon-Joon , Kim Yonggoo
Published: August 2022

Background

Granulocyte transfusions (GTs) have been used to treat infections in neutropenic patients undergoing chemotherapy or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation. However, there is persistent controversy regarding their outcomes. We aimed to analyze accumulated clinical and laboratory data from patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML) who underwent GT at our institution in the last 10 years to determine optimal parameters to estimate the GT effect. We hypothesized that patients grouped according to prognostic factors would have inconsistent clinical outcomes.

Materials and methods

In this single-center retrospective study, we collected medical records of 219 GT-treated patients diagnosed with AML from 2009 to 2019. Prognostic factors, including clinical and laboratory parameters, were assessed. Serial measurements of laboratory parameters before and after GT were collected, and the area under the curve of the white blood cells (AUC-WBC) was calculated using the trapezoidal method. A prognostic scoring system using 8 factors from multivariate analysis was analyzed. The primary outcome was survival at 30 days (D30) after GT initiation.

Results

The 8 factors for the prognosis scoring system included secondary AML, mean AUC-WBC, prothrombin time, and levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), phosphorus, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Patients were grouped into 4 risk groups (low, medium, high, and very high), and the D30 survival rates for each group were as follows: 87.6% (99/113), 55.9% (33/59), 21.1% (4/19), and 0% (0/19), respectively. Hematopoiesis, liver, and renal function affected the outcome. FLT3 mutation acted as a favorable factor for D30 survival.

Conclusions

GT response in patients with AML seemed to be reflected by 8 score markers, and GT was significantly effective in the low-risk group. We suggest that it is important to evaluate the risk assessment of patients before GT to achieve better outcomes.
American anti-intellectualism and the female genius in the work of Aaron Sorkin
Authors: Gray Samantha
Published: August 2022

Anti-intellectualism in America not only has a long and established history but has seen an increasing rise in recent years. The figure of the ‘genius’ archetype on popular television has frequently been presented through a lens of anti-intellectualism, leading intellectualism to be read as an illness or disorder. The works of Aaron Sorkin have taken a different position, and, rather than distancing the audience from these geniuses by presenting their differences as traits that need to be corrected, the genius in works such as The Newsroom () is held up as the ideal for society at large. Although genius has been predominately presented as a male characteristic, in popular culture there has been an increasing number of female geniuses and Sorkin’s writing foregrounds this as an important revision because the images that we see in popular culture influence the way we view the world around us. In this article, I consider the history and continued relevance of anti-intellectualism as notably examined by Richard Hofstadter, Jack Nachbar and Kevin Lause and Daniel Rigney. I also explore the rise of the genius on-screen, as closely examined in the writing of Ashley Lynn Carlson and David Sidore. I examine the way that Sorkin’s works actively counters anti-intellectualism and through exemplary Sorkin characters such as Sloan Sabbith (Olivia Munn) in The Newsroom and Molly Bloom (Jessica Chastain) in Molly’s Game (2017), wherein he opens up the traditionally masculine space of the genius to his female protagonists.
Periodic and bounded solutions of functional differential equations with small delays
Authors: Fečkan Michal , Pačuta Július
Published: August 2022

We study existence and local uniqueness of periodic solutions of nonlinear functional differential equations of first order with small delays. Bifurcations of periodic and bounded solutions of particular periodically forced second-order equations with small delays are investigated as well.
O letramento estético na tomada de consciência do camponês: uma análise a partir da teoria Histórico-Cultural
Authors: Araújo Gustavo Cunha de
Published: August 2022

Nas escolas brasileiras muitos professores não organizam o ensino de forma que as tarefas e ações realizadas pelos estudantes os façam chegar ao pensamento teórico. Quando o professor orienta as tarefas e ações para os alunos conseguirem realizá-las, aos poucos, eles começam a ter mais autonomia para executar as atividades propostas, pois decorre do fato de terem feito, durante a realização da atividade, as operações mentais durante a aprendizagem. Apresentam-se alguns resultados de uma pesquisa mais ampla com objetivo de investigar como se forma a tomada de consciência do jovem e adulto do campo a partir de signos visuais e da escrita para compreender a sua realidade. A partir da teoria Histórico-Cultural, teve como método o Experimento Didático-Formativo. Compreende-se a partir das histórias em quadrinhos produzidas por esses camponeses, o desenvolvimento do seu pensamento na totalidade. Nesse sentido, formaram também a sua consciência do real, permitindo-os a ter maior autonomia na produção dessas histórias, enquanto meio de representação e transformação da realidade.
Agros: servicio de búsqueda de información basado en ontología de dominio agropecuario
Authors: Díaz Jiménez A. , Olivera Batista D. , Alvarez Ledesma G. , Leiva Mederos A. A.
Published: August 2022

La falta de precisión y exhaustividad en los resultados obtenidos al realizar una búsqueda de información es un fenómeno que ocurre con mucha frecuencia. El desarrollo de servicios más efectivos propicia el logro de mejores resultados en las búsquedas de información. Una de las posibilidades que brinda la Web 3.0 son las ontologías y con ellas el surgimiento de servicios basados en ontologías de dominio. Los servicios basados en ontologías de dominio comprenden una estandarización de sus contenidos, así como su interrelación directa con otras informaciones contenidas en la Web. El trabajo tiene como objetivo el diseño de AGROS: servicio de búsqueda de información basado en una ontología de dominio agropecuario. El desarrollo de dicho servicio comprende la modelación de una ontología en Prótegé, de modo que facilita la búsqueda y recuperación de información de relevancia semántica en este dominio de conocimiento. El servicio utiliza consultas SPARQL para mostrar información relevante y generar recomendaciones de forma automática. El alcance del servicio podría ampliarse, para ello se podrían integrar otros recursos de información y fuentes de datos agropecuarios adicionales.
La participación como técnica de gobierno bajo el nuevo sistema de educación pública en Chile
Authors: Baleriola Enrique , Contreras-Villalobos Tabata , Sánchez Francisca , Díaz Romina , Hormazábal Ana
Published: August 2022

Desde hace 40 años el sistema educativo chileno ha sido sometido a la gestión privada de los servicios públicos, conocida como Nueva Gestión Pública (NGP). Esta promueve la competencia, la rendición de cuentas de altas consecuencias y atomiza el sistema educativo, diluyendo la participación de las comunidades educativas en las decisiones políticas que les interpelan directamente. Para revertir estos efectos, en los últimos años han surgido diferentes normativas, siendo la ley 21.040 de 2017 una de las más relevantes al crear un nuevo sistema de educación pública bajo responsabilidad directa del estado, con énfasis en la participación local. Desde una mirada cualitativa, este trabajo presenta un análisis de las concepciones y los modos de participación que emergen de esta ley, sirviéndose de la teoría gubernamental de Foucault. Los resultados apuntan a una persistencia de la concepción de participación al alero del dispositivo de NGP, atravesada y tensionada por una concepción de participación emergente de resistencia local desde las comunidades educativas. Finalmente, discutimos el alcance de los cambios que introduce la ley 21.040 y los elementos necesarios para un nuevo sistema de educación pública realmente inclusivo y democrático para las escuelas y los actores educativos.
Na contramão da lógica disciplinar: Revisitando o ensino de graduação desde a vivência da pesquisa-ação sob a perspectiva da interdisciplinaridade
Authors: Meinhardt Moana , Silva Gilberto Ferreira
Published: August 2022

O artigo sintetiza a tese de doutoramento que teve como objeto de estudo a interdisciplinaridade no ensino de graduação. A investigação se desenvolveu em uma universidade brasileira, contemplando a construção de uma nova unidade acadêmica, denominada Escola e dos projetos pedagógicos dos cursos de graduação a ela vinculados. Participaram do estudo quatro diretores de instituto, oito coordenadores dos cursos, a coordenadora pedagógica e um grupo de professores selecionados pelos coordenadores. Tratou-se de uma pesquisa – ação qualitativa, que teve como objetivo geral: Avaliar em que medida o processo de construção coletiva do Projeto Político Pedagógico da Escola de Educação e Humanidades conseguiu romper com a lógica disciplinar, assumindo a interdisciplinaridade como um princípio do Projeto Pedagógico dos cursos de graduação. Dentre os achados do estudo, destaca-se a adequação do método de pesquisa-ação que oportunizou o exercício da interdisciplinaridade pelos participantes, a combinação de três elementos na organização curricular dos cursos, que contribuíram para romper com a lógica disciplinar: temas, competências e projetos e o papel fundamental da construção coletiva do projeto pedagógico da Escola e dos cursos de graduação, para que os professores pudessem construir sua identidade em torno do projeto formativo, do qual se tornaram pertencentes e corresponsáveis.
Aspekty prawne i społeczne nowelizacji wieku pełnoletności wprowadzonej w Japonii 1 kwietnia 2022 r.
Authors: Jelonek Barbara
Published: August 2022

On 1 April 2022, an amendment to the Civil Code (Jap. Minpō) entered into force in Japan to change the deﬁnition of the age of majority. For the ﬁrst time in that country’s history, the threshold for reaching the age of majority has been changed. The article discusses the legal provisions that have been revised in connection with the amendment to the Japanese Civil Code and the social challenges that accompany this legal change. The previous age of majority had been in force in Japan since 1876. The aim of the 2018 amendments to the Japanese Constitution and Electoral Law was to lower the active age of voting rights from 20 to 18, and thus to involve citizens at an earlier age in the political, social and economic life of the country. On the other hand, the change of the Civil Code and the introduction of the age of majority from 20 to 18 on 1 April 2022 aimed to increase the social participation of young people by including 18- and 19-year-olds in deciding about their own lives, about their academic and professional paths, starting a family and concluding civil law contracts and taking responsibility for their decisions and dealing with the consequences arising from them. This legal change leads to the fact that citizens who now enter adulthood earlier than their peers in previous years in Japan will now have more economic freedom, but at the same time, they must bear in mind the full range of legal consequences and responsibility for their actions. The legal amendment to the age of majority discussed in the text, as intended by the Japanese legislator, aims to create the conditions for young Japanese people to make economically and politically informed decisions, thereby preparing young citizens more consciously for the challenges related to their participation in the economic life of this country.
Mechanical and gamma-ray shielding examinations of Bi2O3–PbO–CdO–B2O3 glass system
Authors: Almuqrin Aljawhara H. , Kumar Ashok , Prabhu Nimitha S. , Jecong Julius Federico M. , Kamath Sudha D. , Abu Al-Sayyed Mohammed Ibrahim
Published: August 2022

Bi2O3–PbO–CdO–B2O3 glass samples were prepared via melt quenching. The substitution of Bi2O3 for B2O3 resulted in a continuous increase in density from 4.334 to 5.742 g/cm3. The molar volume (V
m) gradually increased from 37.197 to 38.429 cm3/mol when the Bi2O3 level increased from 10 to 25 mol%. With the addition of Bi2O3 from 10 to 25 mol%, Young’s, bulk, shear, and longitudinal modulus reduced from 40.80 to 35.07 GPa, 22.92 to 19.97 GPa, 16.95 to 14.52 GPa, and 45.53 to 39.33 GPa, respectively. These glasses are bendable rather than elongated and can withstand longitudinal stress over shear stress. Radiation protection qualities were investigated using EpiXS software, which is based on the ENDF/B-VIII EPICS2017 library, between 122 and 1275 keV. The mass attenuation coefficients are substantially higher at low energies. The radiation shielding properties of Bi2O3–PbO–CdO–B2O3 glasses were improved by replacing B2O3 with Bi2O3. Quantifying this improvement is critical in developing compact radiation shielding employing this glass system.
Numerical Analysis & No Regrets. Special Issue Dedicated to the Memory of Francisco Javier Sayas (1968–2019)
Authors: Gatica Gabriel N. , Heuer Norbert , Meddahi Salim
Published: August 2022

This is the preface of a special issue dedicated to the memory of
Francisco Javier Sayas who passed away on April 2, 2019. The articles
reflect Sayas’ main research interests in the numerical analysis of
partial differential equations, containing contributions on the scattering and propagation
of acoustic and electromagnetic waves, and the analysis of
discontinuous Galerkin schemes, boundary element methods, and coupled schemes.
We discuss the main contributions of Sayas and give an overview of the results covered by
this special issue.
Uncertainty visualization: Fundamentals and recent developments
Authors: Hägele David , Schulz Christoph , Beschle Cedric , Booth Hannah , Butt Miriam , Barth Andrea , Deussen Oliver , Weiskopf Daniel
Published: August 2022

This paper provides a brief overview of uncertainty visualization along with some fundamental considerations on uncertainty propagation and modeling. Starting from the visualization pipeline, we discuss how the different stages along this pipeline can be affected by uncertainty and how they can deal with this and propagate uncertainty information to subsequent processing steps. We illustrate recent advances in the field with a number of examples from a wide range of applications: uncertainty visualization of hierarchical data, multivariate time series, stochastic partial differential equations, and data from linguistic annotation.
Delineation of profoundly birefringent nonlinear photonic crystal fiber in terahertz frequency regime
Authors: Yadav Sapana , Singh Sachin , Lohia Pooja , Umar Ahmad , Dwivedi Dilip Kumar
Published: August 2022

The photonic aspects of semiconducting hexagon-shaped photonic crystal fiber including effective mode area, effective mode index, dispersion, and confinement loss, have already been investigated. The finite element method has been used to compute the maximum distribution of the studied photonic crystal fiber by COMSOL software. The linear modifications from both the effective mode index and an effective mode area have been investigated. Dispersion and confinement loss are examined in terms of air hole ring number and wavelength. For every wavelength, the effective-index model implies that the studied fiber can indeed be single mode. Even though its practical single-mode range inside the opacity aperture of silica appears large, it is eventually confined by a bend-loss edge at both brief & medium wavelengths. Moreover, the reported fiber offers minimal confinement loss of almost 10−8 dB/cm, birefringence 0.0012, and dispersion around 10−11 ps/km nm.
Is cadaveric dissection essential in medical education? A qualitative survey comparing pre-and post-COVID-19 anatomy courses
Authors: Kochhar Smriti , Tasnim Tasfia , Gupta Adarsh
Published: August 2022

Context

With the surge of the novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2 [COVID-19]), the modality of teaching anatomy has shifted from in-person cadaveric dissection to virtual lessons for incoming first-year medical students. As a result, we aim to assess the impact that this curriculum change has on student perspectives.

Objectives

This study aims to understand the relative effect of a virtual anatomy course implemented during the pandemic (2019–2020) on the confidence, skills, and perspectives of first-year medical students compared to medical students who had traditional in-person anatomy at Rowan University School of Osteopathic Medicine (Rowan SOM) in Stratford, New Jersey.

Methods

The authors developed a 14-question survey to target gross anatomy students of the Classes of 2023 and 2024 at Rowan SOM. The Class of 2024 had a virtual anatomy lab compared to the Class of 2023, who had an in-person anatomy lab in their first year of medical school. The responses were analyzed to understand the difference between a hands-on cadaver lab and a virtual anatomy lab utilizing SPSS.

Results

The survey was administered to approximately 400 people, from which we received 149 responses (37.3%). Among all responses, 36.2% (n=54) belonged to the Class of 2023 who encountered hands-on cadaver experience, whereas 63.8% (n=95) belonged to the Class of 2024 who gained virtual anatomy lab experience. An independent t-test statistical analysis was utilized. Under the confidence domain, when students were asked about the understanding of trauma after their respective anatomy labs, 64.0% of the Class of 2023 (n=50) showed significantly higher confidence with p<0.001, compared to 15.4% for the Class of 2024 (n=78). Under the skills domain, the Class of 2023 (n=50) felt more comfortable with ultrasound (64.0%), identifying all of the pertinent anatomical structures and their respective locations on imaging (72.0%), and identifying the pathology (90.0%) with respective p values of <0.001, <0.001, and 0.004. Only 36.9% of Class of 2024 respondents shared similar comfort with ultrasound (n=84), 30.9% identifying pertinent anatomical structures (n=84) and 65.4% in identifying pathology (n=84). Under the attitude domain, the Class of 2023 (n=50) had more respect toward the human body with their hands-on cadaver experience (88.0%) than the Class of 2024 (n=89, 33.3%).

Conclusions

Based on current results, it can be established that medical students who had in-person cadaveric dissection had a favorable attitude toward their anatomy course compared to students who had virtual anatomy during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prediction model for agro-tourism development using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system method
Authors: Andayani Sri Ayu , Umyati Sri , Dinar  , Tampubolon George Michael , Ismail Agus Yadi , Dani Umar , Nugraha Dadan Ramdani , Turnip Arjon
Published: August 2022

Indonesia is one of the most important centers for biodiversity in the world with the highest level of endemism. Meanwhile, tourism is one of the important and strategic economic sectors in the future. It is hoped that the development of the tourism industry will also be able to support efforts to conserve nature, biological wealth, and national cultural wealth. The identification and development planning of the tourism industry needs to be done in more detail and carefully. In this article, the identification and prediction model of support from the local government and the community in developing agro-tourism was proposed. The prediction model was built using the Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) method. Data were taken from 56 community members as respondents around the agro-tourism area. The results of modeling using the ANFIS method showed satisfactory results with an accuracy of 98.89%. The support of the local government and the surrounding community for the development of community-based agro-tourism is still considered not optimal. There needs to be a synergy between the two with various recommendations for more realistic development support.
Impedimetrischer Inline-Biofilmsensor
Authors: Delan Annekatrin , Becker Michael , Boer Michael , Liefeith Klaus , Frant Marion , Rost Jürgen , Schirmer Uwe , Pietsch Christian , Glöß Daniel , Günther Margarita , Gerlach Gerald
Published: August 2022

In diesem Beitrag wird ein Sensorsystem zum Nachweis bakterieller Kontaminationen in wasserführenden Anlagen der Trinkwasserversorgung und in technischen Wasserkreisläufen vorgestellt, das eine schwellwertbasierte permanente Überwachung der Trinkwasserinstallationen ermöglicht. Der Aufbau basiert auf einem Zwei-Sensoren-Prinzip mit einem Messsensor, der eine poröse Polyamid 12-Substratfalle als Detektionsort für die Biofilmbildung enthält, und einem Referenzsensor. Als Trägermaterialien für die Substratfalle wurden geeignete dreidimensionale Geometrien entwickelt und mittels additiven Fertigungsverfahren realisiert. Dabei ist es gelungen, einen optimalen Kompromiss zwischen fluidisch optimierter 3D-Struktur und der technologischen Realisierbarkeit mittels 3D-Druck zu finden. Im Ergebnis entstand eine fluidische Falle für Mikroorganismen, durch die das entsprechende Leitungswasser geführt wird und auf deren Oberfläche sich eine angereicherte Mikroorganismenpopulation als Biofilm auf dem Substratmaterial ausbildet. Die Anbindung des Sensors an eine Mess-, Steuerungs- und Regelungs- (MSR-)Technik ist über eine Datenschnittstelle gewährleistet, wo auch der Vergleich der impedimetrischen Messdaten zwischen Mess- und Referenzkanal erfolgt. Wenn das Differenzsignal einen Schwellenwert erreicht, kann eine frühzeitige Behandlung von Komponenten des Wasserkreislaufes weit vor dem Eintreten möglicher gesundheitlicher Beeinträchtigungen durch Wasserkontaminationen durchgeführt werden. Die Sensoren sind als austauschbare Einheiten nach Bewuchs mit Biofilmen konzipiert. Für den Einsatz in Trinkwasserinstallationen entsprechen Sensor, Beschichtung und Sensorträger den hygienischen Anforderungen der Trinkwasserverordnung.
Preliminary jury instructing: a dilemmatic communication practice
Authors: Tracy Karen
Published: August 2022

This study analyzes judges’ preliminary jury instruction in nine US federal civil trials. Following an overview of past and current jury instructing practices, including the role of pattern instructions, I describe the trial materials and introduce genre analysis and grounded practical theory, the two theoretical-methodological frames I use to analyze judges’ instructing. Judges’ preliminary instructions are shown to include the basic units identified in written pattern instructions. How they are performed reveals significant judge variation, and the variations make apparent difficulties built into the law that are backgrounded when solely written texts are studied. Some of these difficulties surface in judges’ description of the case and law, in orientation to note-taking, and in discussion of what is evidence and how to assess it. In concluding I argue that conceiving of high-quality jury deliberation as centrally dependent on getting instructions more comprehensible fails to recognize the fundamental judgment task that juries have. Being a good juror involves navigating communication dilemmas. Attending to the judge’s preliminary jury instructing, the paper argues, requires jurors honoring multiple principles that may be in tension.
Development of an imaging station and scoring model for automatic dishwashing evaluation
Authors: Backer Scott A. , Monaenkova Daria , Mercando Paul , Heeschen Willian
Published: August 2022

Dow Home and Personal Care has developed a protocol using a custom imaging station and software suite to standardize data collection and automated analysis in automatic dishwashing. Previously, a panel rating based on ASTM D3556-14 was used to provide a score for filming and spotting on glassware. Progress has been made toward a standardized and semi-automated method utilizing a combination of a custom imaging station built in house, image analysis techniques, and a statistical model. The statistical model was built using a series of panel ratings from an array of glasses, giving computed ratings which agree closely with experimental scores assigned by human raters.
Thermodynamics of complex chemical equilibria in surfactant mixtures
Authors: Povar Igor , Spinu Oxana
Published: August 2022

A thermodynamic approach was developed to predict the precipitation conditions of surfactants using the solubility product relationship between surfactant monomer concentrations, in order to calculate the monomer-precipitate equilibrium. This approach provides an explicit equation which predicts the amount of solid phase which forms in any surfactant mixture. All calculations of the total change in Gibbs energy (ΔG) were performed for concentrations of both surfactants that were below their CMC values. The elaborated ΔG-pH diagrams offer the possibility to determine the areas of thermodynamic stability of the solid phases depending on the chemical composition and acidity of the studied system. It was shown that with increasing concentration of the surfactant and the metal ion, the range of precipitate formation, either as slightly soluble salt or as slightly soluble acid, was extended by a few pH units in all cases.
Suppression of Ca2+ signaling enhances melanoma progression
Authors: Gross Scott , Hooper Robert , Tomar Dhanendra , Armstead Alexander P , Shanas No'ad , Mallu Pranava , Joshi Hinal , Ray Suravi , Chong Parkson Lee‐Gau , Astsaturov Igor , Farma Jeffrey M , Cai Kathy Q , Chitrala Kumaraswamy Naidu , Elrod John W , Zaidi M Raza , Soboloff Jonathan
Published: August 2022

The role of store‐operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE) in melanoma metastasis is highly controversial. To address this, we here examined UV‐dependent metastasis, revealing a critical role for SOCE suppression in melanoma progression. UV‐induced cholesterol biosynthesis was critical for UV‐induced SOCE suppression and subsequent metastasis, although SOCE suppression alone was both necessary and sufficient for metastasis to occur. Further, SOCE suppression was responsible for UV‐dependent differences in gene expression associated with both increased invasion and reduced glucose metabolism. Functional analyses further established that increased glucose uptake leads to a metabolic shift towards biosynthetic pathways critical for melanoma metastasis. Finally, examination of fresh surgically isolated human melanoma explants revealed cholesterol biosynthesis‐dependent reduced SOCE. Invasiveness could be reversed with either cholesterol biosynthesis inhibitors or pharmacological SOCE potentiation. Collectively, we provide evidence that, contrary to current thinking, Ca2+ signals can block invasive behavior, and suppression of these signals promotes invasion and metastasis.
Implementation of Stacking Ensemble Classifier for Multi-class Classification of COVID-19 Vaccines Topics on Twitter
Authors: Jayapermana Rama , Aradea Aradea , Kurniati Neng Ika
Published: August 2022

Purpose: However, from the variety of uses of these algorithms, in general, accuracy problems are still a concern today, even accuracy problems related to multi-class classification still require further research.Methods: This study proposes a stacking ensemble classifier method to produce better accuracy by combining Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms as first-level learners and using Logistic Regression as a meta-learner for the multi-class classification of COVID-19 vaccine topics on Twitter.Result: Based on the evaluation, the proposed Stacking Ensemble Classifier model shows 86% accuracy, 85% precision, 86% recall, and 85% f1-score.Novelty: The novelty is produce better accuracy by combining Logistic Regression, Random Forest, and Support Vector Machine (SVM) algorithms as first-level learners and using Logistic Regression as a meta-learner.
3D Animation Making Crafts Monel Jepara
Authors: Listyorini Tri , Umam Muhamad Khotibul , Riadi Aditya Akbar
Published: August 2022

Abstract. Monel Craft is a handicraft that is inherited from generation to generation by the people of Jepara. Monel accessories produced can be in the form of bracelets, necklaces, earrings, rings, and many other accessories. For its manufacturer using a drill, hacksaw, and smoothing machine. Monel marketing is still limited around the city of Jepara. Purpose: This research aims to introduce Monel more broadly with a 3D multimedia approach. So, there is an idea of what Monel is. In general, Monel has a shiny shape and is corrosion-resistant. The price is relative and can be ordered according to our wishes.Methods: The method used in this research is the method of multimedia development.Result: This research produces a 3D animation that is packaged attractively, so that it represents Monel craftsmen to introduce it to the whole community.Novelty: This research combines the multimedia method with the work of local wisdom from the city of Jepara, namely Monel. This research, entitled "Monel Craft 3D Animation", can increase knowledge about how to make it. And can be a medium of education and preservation of cultural arts in Jepara.
Hacia una transformación de la sociedad angoleña: Las TIC y el COVID-19 en la educación superior
Authors: Faustino Arnaldo , Herrera-Cuesta Sulma Rosa , Davis-Blanco Dayannis , Wongo-Gungula Eurico
Published: August 2022

Introducción. Las instituciones de educación superior (IES), en la República de Angola, comprometidas con el progreso de la sociedad angoleña, han replanteado sus políticas de implementación de las tecnologías de la información y comunicación (TIC), para la superación del personal docente y la formación del estudiantado. No obstante, las insuficiencias metodológicas en la aplicación de las plataformas digitales en el período de 2020 a 2022, en la enseñanza superior angoleña y las adecuaciones curriculares realizadas a raíz de la pandemia de COVID-19, aún limitan la apropiación de los conocimientos para la solución de los problemas. Objetivo. Diagnosticar la situación actual de la gestión de las TIC en las IES angoleñas. Metodología. La pesquisa fue desarrollada con el diseño metodológico descriptivo basado en el enfoque cuali-cuantitativo con la aplicación del software IBM SPSS Statistics 20, para el procesamiento de la información. Resultados. A partir de la aplicación, procesamiento e interpretación de las encuestas a especialistas, se llegó a inferir que la utilización de los recursos tecnológicos puede mejorar las buenas prácticas educativas, en cuanto a la posibilidad de una atención personalizada a estudiantes, si se atienden las carencias y potencialidades observadas en el proceso de formación. Conclusiones. La participación comprometida del colectivo investigador permitió concluir que es imprescindible la realización de cursos de superación en tecnologías educativas para lograr mejores índices de eficacia en el desarrollo del proceso docente-educativo en la educación a distancia (EaD). Recomendación. Que se generen espacios para prácticas docentes virtuales en las IES angoleñas.
Let's contribute to protecting our planet by reducing the brightness of paper: Less is more
Authors: Jablonský Michal , Šima Jozef
Published: August 2022

Sustaining life on the Earth with its ever-growing population is forcing changes in people’s way of life, industrial and agricultural production, exploitation of energy resources, and approaches to ecology. We face continual growth in the world’s population, and the demand for materials is growing even more rapidly. Every manufacturing and consumer sector is looking for ways to save energy and materials, attempting to minimize their negative impacts on the environment. In the pulp and paper industry, one of the segments in which progress can be made and help protect the planet is to reduce the brightness of paper. Such a reduction would lead to a lowering in the energy and material costs associated with paper production.