bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Divergent trajectories: three dimensions of child poverty during the Great Recession in Ireland
Authors: Sprong Stefanie , Gibbons Ryan Alberto , Chzhen Yekaterina
Published: July 2022

While research has investigated the effects of the Great Recession on the Irish economy using economic indicators or cross-sectional household-level data, this research note applies group-based multitrajectory modelling to provide a more nuanced approach. Using nationally representative, longitudinal data from the Growing Up in Ireland study, we analyse patterns in three common measures of economic well-being (financial strain; disposable income; material deprivation) across Irish households in the period leading up to, during and after the Great Recession, and subsequently, break down the characteristics for each group of trajectories. We identify six distinct trajectory clusters, which all indicate declining income and increasing financial strain from the start to the height of the economic depression. However, trajectory groupings show that experiences were far from uniform, with previous economic well-being and demographic characteristics shaping the household experience. Implications for future research are discussed.
What’s missing when we think about Global Political Economy?
Authors: Schwartz Herman Mark
Published: July 2022

Global Political Economy (GPE) and especially International Political Economy (IPE) remain relatively silent about three critical and nested issues: the nature of empire as a form of global order, control over the enterprises that structure much quotidian life, and the distribution of profits. Each issue in different ways also highlights heterogeneity across units and actors in the GPE, providing clues to what should be Critical Political Economy’s object of investigation: the structure of power in the global economy. This commentary connects empire, corporate control and the sources of profits to show the connections in the GPE across macro, meso- and micro-levels and how these relate to the racial and gender hierarchies sustaining that structure of power, in the hope of opening up more systematic debate and treatment.
Optoelectronic oscillator with improved sidemode suppression by joint use of spectral Vernier effect and parity-time symmetry
Authors: Li Minghai , Li Lingzhi , Cao Ruidong , Zhang Jiejun , Yao Jianping
Published: July 2022

An optoelectronic oscillator (OEO) with improved sideband suppression by joint use of the spectral Vernier effect and parity-time (PT) symmetry is proposed and experimentally demonstrated. The spectral Vernier effect is implemented using two mutually coupled loops with different loop lengths, to increase the effective free spectral range (FSR). To further increase the mode selection capability to ensure stable single-frequency oscillation with an increased sidemode suppression ratio (SMSR), PT symmetry is implemented, in which the two mutually coupled loops are controlled with balanced gain and loss. Thanks to the combined effects, stable single-mode oscillation with a significantly increased SMSR is achieved. The proposed OEO is studied theoretically and evaluated experimentally. The results show that for a generated microwave signal at 10 GHz, the SMSR is 67.68 dB, which is increased by 11.20 dB or 26.05 dB, when using only the spectral Vernier effect or only the PT symmetry. Thanks to the long length of the longer loop, good phase noise performance is still maintained. The measurement shows that a phase noise as low as -124.5 dBc/Hz at an offset frequency of 10 kHz is achieved.
Manipulation force analysis of nanoparticles with ultra-high numerical aperture metalens
Authors: Wang Yan , Peng Miao , Cheng Wei , Peng Zheng , Cheng Hao , Ren Xiaodong , Zang Shengyin , Shuai Yubei , Liu Hao , Wu Jiagui , Yang Junbo
Published: July 2022

Metalens optical tweezers technology has several advantages for manipulating micro-nano particles and high integration. Here, we used particle swarm optimization (PSO) to design a novel metalens tweezer, which can get 3-dimensional trapping of particles. The numerical aperture (NA) of the metalens can reach 0.97 and the average focusing efficiency is 44%. Subsequently, we analyzed the optical force characteristics of SiO2 particles with a radius of 350 nm at the focal point of the achromatic metalens. We found the average maximum force of SiO2 particles in the x-direction and z-direction to be 0.88 pN and 0.72 pN, respectively. Compared with the dispersive metalens, it is beneficial in maintaining the constant of optical force, the motion state of trapped particles, and the stability of the trapping position.
Few-photon optical diode in a chiral waveguide
Authors: Tan Jinlei , Xu Xunwei , Lu Jing , Zhou Lan
Published: July 2022

We study the coherent transport of one or two photons in a one-dimensional waveguide chirally coupled to a nonlinear resonator. Analytic solutions of the one-photon and two-photon scattering is derived. Although the resonator acts as a non-reciprocal phase shifter, light transmission is reciprocal at one-photon level. However, the forward and reverse transmitted probabilities for two photons incident from either the left side or the right side of the nonlinear resonator are nonreciprocal due to the energy redistribution of the two-photon bound state. Hence, the nonlinear resonator acts as an optical diode at two-photon level.
Targeting early proximal-rod component substrate FlgB to FlhB for flagellar-type III secretion in Salmonella
Authors: Qu Daofeng , Jiang Mengxue , Duffin Calder , Hughes Kelly T. , Chevance Fabienne F. V.
Published: July 2022

The Salmonella flagellar secretion apparatus is a member of the type III secretion (T3S) family of export systems in bacteria. After completion of the flagellar motor structure, the hook-basal body (HBB), the flagellar T3S system undergoes a switch from early to late substrate secretion, which results in the expression and assembly of the external, filament propeller-like structure. In order to characterize early substrate secretion-signals in the flagellar T3S system, the FlgB, and FlgC components of the flagellar rod, which acts as the drive-shaft within the HBB, were subject to deletion mutagenesis to identify regions of these proteins that were important for secretion. The β-lactamase protein lacking its Sec-dependent secretion signal (Bla) was fused to the C-terminus of FlgB and FlgC and used as a reporter to select for and quantify the secretion of FlgB and FlgC into the periplasm. Secretion of Bla into the periplasm confers resistance to ampicillin. In-frame deletions of amino acids 9 through 18 and amino acids 39 through 58 of FlgB decreased FlgB secretion levels while deleting amino acid 6 through 14 diminished FlgC secretion levels. Further PCR-directed mutagenesis indicated that amino acid F45 of FlgB was critical for secretion. Single amino acid mutagenesis revealed that all amino acid substitutions at F45 of FlgB position impaired rod assembly, which was due to a defect of FlgB secretion. An equivalent F49 position in FlgC was essential for assembly but not for secretion. This study also revealed that a hydrophobic patch in the cleaved C-terminal domain of FlhB is critical for recognition of FlgB at F45.
Efficiency evaluation of commercial banks in Pakistan: A slacks-based measure Super-SBM approach with bad output (Non-performing loans)
Authors: Shah Wasi Ul Hassan , Hao Gang , Yan Hong , Yasmeen Rizwana
Published: July 2022

According to recent figures from the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), since 2006, commercial banks’ non-performing loans (NPLs) have significantly risen. To this end, the primary objective of this research is to explore the impact of NPLs on the operational efficiency of commercial banks in Pakistan. NPLs were incorporated as bad output in the efficiency estimation of 24 CBs for the period 2006–2017. This study employs the data envelopment analysis (DEA) Super-SBM with the undesirable output for the efficiency evaluation of CBs. To test the robustness of our results, we used two different input-output bundles (model A and model B). The findings show a significant difference exists between the results estimated with and without undesirable output. Furthermore, the results of super-efficiency estimation rank the most efficient CB for the study period and distinguish it from other efficient DMUs. Models A and B show that foreign banks are always more efficient than domestic banks, while private CBs have higher efficiency scores than public CBs in domestic banking. In addition, the big five CBs show mixed findings, as in model A, they were more efficient than other domestic CBs, while in model B were less efficient. In the second stage of the empirical study, we use the system GMM to examine the impact of NPLs, bank size, and net interest margin on CBs efficiency. We discovered that NPLs have a negative and significant effect on banking efficiency, whereas bank size and net interest margin positively affect the efficiency of commercial banks in Pakistan.
Different phylotypes of Cutibacterium acnes cause different modic changes in intervertebral disc degeneration
Authors: Lan Weibin , Wang Xiaomeng , Tu Xuezhao , Hu Xiunian , Lu Haichuan
Published: July 2022

Background

The contribution of Cutibacterium acnes (C. acnes) infection to intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) and the antibiotic therapy has evoked several controversies in recent years. While some microbiology studies report bacterial disc infection within IDD patients, others attribute the positive results to contamination during prolonged cultures. In addition to the clinical controversy, little was known about the mechanism of C. acnes-caused Modic changes (MCs) if C. acnes was the pathogenic factor.

Objectives

This study aimed to investigate the inflammatory mechanism of MCs induced by different phylotypes of C. acnes in patients with IDD.

Methods

Specimens from sixty patients undergoing microdiscectomy for disc herniation were included, C. acnes were identified by anaerobic culture, followed by biochemical and PCR-based methods. The identified species of C. acnes were respectively inoculated into the intervertebral discs of rabbits. MRI and histological change were observed. Additionally, we detected MMP expression in the rabbit model using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

Results

Of the 60 cases, 18 (30%) specimens were positive for C. acnes, and we identified 4 of 6 defined phylogroups: IA, IB, II and III. The rabbits that received Type IB or II strains of C. acnes showed significantly decreased T1WI and higher T2WI at eighth weeks, while strain III C. acnes resulted in hypointense signals on both T1WI and T2WI. Histological examination results showed that all of the three types of C. acnes could cause disc degeneration and endplates rupture. Moreover, endplate degeneration induced by type IB or II strains of C. acnes is related with MMP13 expression. Meanwhile, strain III C. acnes might upregulated the level of MMP3.

Conclusion

This study suggested that C. acnes is widespread in herniated disc tissues. Different types of C. acnes could induce different MCs by increasing MMP expression.
A direct comparison of patient-reported outcomes and experiences in alternative models of maternity care in Queensland, Australia
Authors: Miller Yvette D. , Tone Jessica , Talukdar Sutapa , Martin Elizabeth
Published: July 2022

We aimed to directly compare women’s pregnancy to postpartum outcomes and experiences across the major maternity models of care offered in Queensland, Australia. We conducted secondary analyses of self-reported data collected in 2012 from a state-wide sample of women who had recently given birth in Queensland (response rate = 30.4%). Logistic regression was used to estimate the odds of outcomes and experiences associated with three models (GP Shared Care, Public Midwifery Continuity Care, Private Obstetric Care) compared with Standard Public Care, adjusting for relevant maternal characteristics and clinical covariates. Of 2,802 women, 18.2% received Standard Public Care, 21.7% received GP Shared Care, 12.9% received Public Midwifery Continuity Care, and 47.1% received Private Obstetric Care. There were minimal differences for women in GP Shared Care. Women in Public Midwifery Continuity Care were less likely to have a scheduled caesarean and more likely to have an unassisted vaginal birth, experience freedom of mobility during labour and informed consent processes for inducing labour, vaginal examinations, fetal monitoring and receiving Syntocinon to birth their placenta, and report highest quality interpersonal care. They had fewer vaginal examinations, lower odds of perineal trauma requiring sutures and anxiety after birth, shorter postpartum hospital stays, and higher odds of a home postpartum care visit. Women in Private Obstetric Care were more likely to have their labour induced, a scheduled caesarean birth, experience informed consent processes for caesarean, and report highest quality interpersonal care, but less likely to experience unassisted vaginal birth and informed consent for Syntocinon to birth their placenta. There is an urgent need to communicate variations between maternity models across the range of outcome and experiential measures that are important to women; build more rigorous comparative evidence for Private Midwifery Care; and prioritise experiential and out-of-pocket cost comparisons in further research to enable woman-centred informed decision-making.
Range dependent expected utility theory based model for NIMBY conflicts in China: An evolutionary game analysis
Authors: Zhao Hui , Wang Weihan , Zhang Mengran
Published: July 2022

In recent years, NIMBY(Not In My Backyard) conflicts gradually become hot and difficult in the international community governance, people have realized that the government and people on both sides of the emotional factors have great influences on the results of the conflicts, especially to study the effects of emotion on the evolution of conflicts in China, this article from the following several aspects. First of all, a game model under the influences of emotion is constructed by using Range Dependent Expected Utility(RDEU) theory and emotional function. Secondly, the Jacobian matrix is utilized to analyze the stability of the equilibrium point for the model constructed above. Next, numerical simulation is used to analyze the evolution trend of discrete emotions. The evolutionary results show that when one party holds an optimistic mood, equilibrium evolves to a relatively optimal state; while when one party holds a pessimistic mood, the more pessimistic the party is, the more likely it is to cause NIMBY conflicts. Compared with the people’s sentiments, the government’s moods have a greater impact on the evolutionary consequences. Finally, depending on the conclusions of the evolutionary analysis, some suggestions on the governance of NIMBY conflicts are put forward.
Spatial distribution and determinants of HIV prevalence among adults in urban Ethiopia: Findings from the Ethiopia Population-based HIV Impact Assessment Survey (2017–2018)
Authors: Gelibo Terefe , Lulseged Sileshi , Eshetu Frehywot , Abdella Saro , Melaku Zenebe , Ajiboye Solape , Demissie Minilik , Solmo Chelsea , Ahmed Jelaludin , Getaneh Yimam , Kaydos-Daniels Susan C. , Abate Ebba ,   EPHIA Study Group
Published: July 2022

The design and evaluation of national HIV programs often rely on aggregated national data, which may obscure localized HIV epidemics. In Ethiopia, even though the national adult HIV prevalence has decreased, little information is available about local areas and subpopulations. To inform HIV prevention efforts for specific populations, we identified geographic locations and drivers of HIV transmission. We used data from adults aged 15–64 years who participated in the Ethiopian Population-based HIV Impact Assessment survey (October 2017–April 2018). Location-related information for the survey clusters was obtained from the 2007 Ethiopia population census. Spatial autocorrelation of HIV prevalence data were analyzed via a Global Moran’s I test. Geographically weighted regression analysis was used to show the relationship of covariates. The finding indicated that uncircumcised men in certain hotspot towns and divorced or widowed individuals in hotspot woredas/towns might have contributed to the average increase in HIV prevalence in the hotspot areas. Hotspot analysis findings indicated that, localized, context-specific intervention efforts tailored to at-risk populations, such as divorced or widowed women or uncircumcised men, could decrease HIV transmission and prevalence in urban Ethiopia.
Potential and challenges for an integrated management of tuberculosis, diabetes mellitus, and hypertension: A scoping review protocol
Authors: Widyaningsih Vitri , Febrinasari Ratih Puspita , Sari Victoria , Augustania Clarissa , Verlita Bintang , Wahyuni Chatarina , Alisjahbana Bachti , Santosa Ailiana , Ng Nawi , Probandari Ari
Published: July 2022

In many low- and middle-income countries (LMICs), the epidemiological transition is characterized by an increased burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs) and the persistent challenge of infectious diseases. The transmission of tuberculosis, one of the leading infectious diseases, can be halted through active screening of risk groups and early case findings. Studies have reported comorbidities between tuberculosis (TB) and NCDs, which necessitates the development of an integrated disease management model. This scoping review discusses the possibilities and problems of integration in managing TB and NCDs, with a particular emphasis on diabetic mellitus (DM) and hypertension screening and control. We will conduct this review following Arksey and O’Malley’s framework for scoping review. We will use key terms related to integrated management, i.e., screening, diagnosis, treatment, and care, of TB, DM, and hypertension in PubMed, Scopus Database, and ScienceDirect for research published from January 2005 to July 2021. This review will also consider grey literature, including unpublished literature and international disease management guidelines on TB, DM, and hypertension from WHO or other health professional organization. We will export the search results to citation manager software (EndNote). We will remove duplicates and apply the inclusion and exclusion criteria to identify the set of papers for the review. After screening the titles and abstract, two authors will independently review the full text of selected studies and extract the data. We will synthesize all selected studies qualitatively and the results will be discussed with the experts. The results will be used as the basis of the development of a guideline for integrated TB, DM, and hypertension management.
Numerical methods for the detection of phase defect structures in excitable media
Authors: Kabus Desmond , Arno Louise , Leenknegt Lore , Panfilov Alexander V. , Dierckx Hans
Published: July 2022

Electrical waves that rotate in the heart organize dangerous cardiac arrhythmias. Finding the region around which such rotation occurs is one of the most important practical questions for arrhythmia management. For many years, the main method for finding such regions was so-called phase mapping, in which a continuous phase was assigned to points in the heart based on their excitation status and defining the rotation region as a point of phase singularity. Recent analysis, however, showed that in many rotation regimes there exist phase discontinuities and the region of rotation must be defined not as a point of phase singularity, but as a phase defect line. In this paper, we use this novel methodology and perform a comparative study of three different phase definitions applied to in silico data and to experimental data obtained from optical voltage mapping experiments on monolayers of human atrial myocytes. We introduce new phase defect detection algorithms and compare them with those that appeared in literature already. We find that the phase definition is more important than the algorithm to identify sudden spatial phase variations. Sharp phase defect lines can be obtained from a phase derived from local activation times observed during one cycle of arrhythmia. Alternatively, similar quality can be obtained from a reparameterization of the classical phase obtained from observation of a single timeframe of transmembrane potential. We found that the phase defect line length was (35.9 ± 6.2)mm in the Fenton-Karma model and (4.01 ± 0.55)mm in cardiac human atrial myocyte monolayers. As local activation times are obtained during standard clinical cardiac mapping, the methods are also suitable to be applied to clinical datasets. All studied methods are publicly available and can be downloaded from an institutional web-server.
Airport route development strategy planning and performance measurement with a dynamic performance management framework
Authors: Feng Jie , Wu Cheng-Lung , Zhu Jinfu
Published: July 2022

Route development programs have become popular with airports worldwide to enhance air connectivity. Enhanced air connectivity of an airport has been found to have a positive and significant impact on the competitiveness and attractiveness of the airport and the regional economy in which the airport is located. However, the drivers behind route development programs and their performance are not always clear; this has been less explored in the literature. In this paper, a dynamic performance management approach is taken to build a modeling framework in which key drivers affecting route development performance and strategic resources affecting key drivers are identified. Route-level planning is used in an empirical study to demonstrate the dynamic mechanism of airport route development initiatives and performance measurements. The proposed framework can not only provide performance monitoring, but also suggest suitable indicators to evaluate the performance for policymakers in future airport route development.
Spontaneous Regression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma From Autoinfarction and Implications on Liver Transplantation
Authors: Singh Kevin
Published: July 2022

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the sixth most common cancer worldwide. Spontaneous regression of HCC due to autoinfarction is rare. This case series describes 2 cases of HCC autoinfarction that affected transplant candidacy: 1 patient previously ineligible because of tumor size and not meeting the Milan criteria became eligible after autoinfarction and tumor shrinkage while the second one was delisted in the view of improved symptoms of chronic liver disease and significant HCC regression. These cases provide an opportunity to review the pathogenesis of HCC autoinfarction and to remind practitioners of how this entity might alter decision-making around transplant eligibility.
The Effect of Initial Intensity of Light Sources on the Fraunhofer Diffraction Pattern for Circular Apperture Using the Gauss-Legendre 4 Point Quadrature Integration Numerical Method: Scientific and Islamic Integration-Interconnection
Authors: Yanuarief Cecilia
Published: July 2022

Visualization of Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of circular apperture has been obtained using the 4 point Gauss-Legendre Quadrature  integration method. The 4 point Gauss-Legendre quadrature integration method is used to solve the integral function of intensity. The intensity function is used to display the intensity distribution of the Fraunhofer diffraction pattern of circular apperture in a visual form through a computer programming simulation based on GUI (Graphycal User Interface) MATLAB. Simulation results show changes in initial intensity affect diffraction patterns.
Mathematics learning during pandemic COVID-19 at Junior High School in Bukittinggi-Agam
Authors: Firmanti Pipit
Published: July 2022

The COVID-19 has become epidemic in the world at the end of 2019. It has impacted all sectors including education. The learning process that initially took place in the school has now been switched virtually. However, this worsens the students understanding in learning mathematics because previously they found it difficulties even in offline learning activities. Describing the learning proces during this pandemic condition is necesary and important to cope with this problem. The problems during this pandemic are related to three domains, namely cognitive, affective and psychomotor. Therefore, a research about this should be conducted. The method was qualitative research by interview and questionnaire. The participants were ten teachers and ten students from different junior high schools in Bukittinggi and Agam. From cognitive aspect, the result found that students could more easily understand the subject matter delivered by the teacher before the pandemic; the percentage of students' understanding of the material learning decreased by 10% during pandemic. From psycomotor aspect, teachers rarely use instructional media during the online learning process; The use of learning media also decreased by 60%, but the percentage of using online media as a learning resource increased by 50%. Moreover, the difficulty of using learning media for student increased by 40%. From affective aspect, teachers are more flexible in giving punishment to students who are not disciplined and educate students’ behaviors before pandemic than during the online learning process. Teacher gives punishment for students who were not disciplined decreased by 50% after virtual class. Overall, assessment done by teacher tends to the cognitive aspects during pandemic.
Dificultades En La Resolución De Problemas Matemáticos Aditivos Simples En Estudiantes De Segundo Grado
Authors: Gonzalez Garibello Nesly Victoria , Riveros Rodríguez Jesica Johana , Díaz Camacho Ana Lucía
Published: July 2022

En el presente artículo se dan a conocer los resultados de una investigación de tipo cualitativo, realizada en el colegio Fernando Mazuera Villegas I.E.D con estudiantes de grado segundo, y que tuvo como objetivo la identificación de algunas dificultades en la resolución de problemas matemáticos aditivos simples de composición, descomposición, complemento a derecha y excedencia. Los datos se recolectaron teniendo en cuenta los procedimientos que realizan los estudiantes al resolver problemas de estructura aditiva simple a partir de la aplicación de una secuencia didáctica y de las observaciones de dicha secuencia, las cuales se registraron como notas de campo y de entrevistas clínico críticas. A partir del análisis de la información se determinó que las dificultades se manifiestan tanto en los procesos cognitivos del sujeto como al interior de la estructura del problema. Se identificaron nueve dificultades: respuesta coherente con el enunciado, traducción literal del enunciado, estructura del problema, falta de comprensión del enunciado, rango numérico, razonamiento y argumentación, heurísticos en función de las demandas del problema, lectura de números y procedimientos algorítmicos. La finalidad de este artículo es que esta información sirva de referente para la creación de estrategias pedagógicas por parte de los docentes para lograr el desarrollo cognitivo de sus estudiantes.
Ensino de probabilidade e estatística na educaçao fundamental da Base Nacional Comum Curricular do Brasil
Authors: Fernandes José António , Diniz Leandro do Nascimento
Published: July 2022

Neste artigo estudam-se e discutem-se as orientações curriculares da Base Nacional Comum Curricular no que diz respeito à unidade temática Probabilidade e Estatística, do Ensino Fundamental no Brasil, tendo em consideração as orientações atuais para o ensino dessa temática. Adotando uma abordagem qualitativa e recorrendo à análise de conteúdo, o estudo das orientações curriculares inicia-se pela análise dos aspectos gerais da unidade temática e prossegue com a análise detalhada das subunidades de Probabilidade e de Estatística, distinguindo em cada uma delas os dois níveis escolares: os anos iniciais (do 1º ao 5º ano) e os anos finais (do 6º ao 9º ano). Em termos de resultados, tendo por referência as orientações atuais para o ensino de Probabilidade e Estatística, na Probabilidade salienta-se a exploração de situações do cotidiano e de experimentos aleatórios (simulados ou reais) e a omissão de jogos de sorte e azar, enquanto na Estatística se destaca a realização de pesquisas de natureza investigativa, a construção, determinação e interpretação de ferramentas estatísticas e o recurso a tecnologias digitais, designadamente planilhas eletrônicas.
삶의 질 테크놀러지: 고등교육을 중심으로 한 포용적 사회 구축을 위한 기술개발 이니셔티브
Authors: Lee Sang-Mook ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: July 2022

In 2010, the Korean government launched a new initiative to help people with disability by developing new technology and services. The project, dubbed ‘Quality of Life Technology,’ coincided with the coming age of smartphones and the advent of related internet electronic services including speech recognition and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices. This paper looks back at this past program and provides a glimpse into some achievements and shortcomings. In particular, the interdisciplinary computational sciences program for students with disability in a university setting was examined based on the last 12 years of experience. Suggestions are made such as early intervention of young people with disability for learning, ways to increase computer literacy, and reestablishment of ICT (information and communication technology) control tower to deal with the digital divide. Finally, this study emphasizes that the modern ICT and public policies, if administered appropriately, can offer an immense opportunity for people with disability to overcome barriers (both economic and societal) and enhance self-awareness that will eventually lead to independent living.
Narrative Inquiry on Experiences of Special Education Teachers Applying an Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Authors: Kim Jung Gi , Jeon Byeong Un ,   Korean Society of Augmentative and Alternative Communication
Published: July 2022

Background and Objective: In-depth exploration of the experience of special teachers who have applied AAC for extended periods can lead to discussions on how to utilize AAC in special education. The objective of this study was to understand the experience of special teachers applying AAC for students with developmental disabilities. Method: This study was conducted as a narrative inquiry widely used to study teachers' experiences. Participants in this study selected three special teachers with more than 3 years of experience in applying AAC through the purposive sampling. Data collection was mainly done through in-depth interviews. Unstructured interview methods were used to collect data in a natural atmosphere. Results: First, the application of AAC by special teachers was to make up their minds to be 'a guide on the way'. Second, the application of AAC by special teachers was to walk along the 'uneven narrow road'. Third, special teachers tried to find a feasible path in a given environment to apply AAC. Fourth. special teachers applying AAC were walking on different paths with their own guidance. Conclusion: It was found that the AAC application system should be established by examining the experience of AAC application of study participants. In addition, AAC needs to be dealt with more explicitly in the basic curriculum. A demand for fostering AAC experts who will play a central role in the school-wide AAC system by unit school or region is also confirmed.
Study of hsa_circRNA_000121 and hsa_circRNA_004183 in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma
Authors: Bai Chao , Yang Wenwen , Ouyang Ru , Li Zongbao , Zhang Li
Published: July 2022

We detected the expressions of hsa_circRNA_000121 and hsa_circRNA_ 004183 in papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) and explored their relationship with the invasiveness of PTMC. PTMC patients with (n = 30; metastasis group) and without lymph node metastasis (n = 30; nonmetastasis group) were included. The levels of hsa_circRNA_000121, hsa_circRNA_004183, hsa-miR-4763, hsa-miR-6775, sarcoma gene (SRC), and MMP-14 were detected with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) analyzed the diagnostic value of hsa_circRNA_000121 and hsa_circRNA_004183. Binary logistic regression analysis evaluated the relationship of gene expression with PTMC invasiveness. In PTMC tissue samples, compared with the metastasis group, the expression of hsa_circRNA_000121, hsa_circRNA_004183, SRC, and MMP-14 in the nonmetastasis group decreased, while the expression of hsa-miR-4763 and hsa-miR-6775 increased. In peripheral blood, compared with the metastasis group, the expression of hsa_circ_000121 and hsa_circRNA_004183 in the nonmetastasis group decreased. Both hsa_circRNA_000121 and hsa_circRNA_004183 had good sensitivity and specificity for diagnosing PTMC lymph node metastasis, with a cut-off value of 0.796 and 0.938, respectively. However, the gene expressions were not significantly associated with PTMC lymph node metastasis. Hsa_circRNA_000121 may upregulate SRC expression through hsa-miR-4763, while hsa_circRNA 000121 may upregulate MMP-14 expression through hsa-miR-6775, thereby promoting the aggressiveness of PTMC and ultimately leading to cervical lymph node metastasis. hsa_circRNA_000121 and hsa_circRNA_004183 may become potential biomarkers of PTMC aggressiveness.
Texturing of nanocoatings for surface acoustic wave-based sensors for volatile organic compounds
Authors: Aleksandrova Mariya
Published: July 2022

An approach for texturing of gas-sensitive nanocoatings by using surface acoustic waves (SAW) is presented in this article. The objective of the work is to enhance the performance of precise SAW-based gas sensors due to the increased specific area of the sensitive nanocoating, induced during its growth and to replace the expensive lithographic techniques for nanopatterning, typically used for this purpose. The technique can be used for tuneable alignment of nanoparticles or nanowires and it is scale-independent. To control the texture of the sensitive nanocoating, a specific electrode topology was used to generate waves with a specific space distribution, which in turn caused assembling of the nanoparticles increasing the adsorption capacity. In this way, a broader dynamic range of 7,000 ppm was achieved (three times extended as compared to the non-textured sensing film), measurement error of 0.6% against 4% for the non-patterned, faster response time in the sub-seconds range (970 ms vs 1.1 s), negligible hysteresis of 10 mV (against >100 mV), and very good sensitivity of 5 µV per ppm, which are in line with the current standards for ethanol sensors. The enhanced sensor parameters were achieved by implementation of conventional patterning technologies without the need for nanolithographic techniques for the texturing the nanocoating. The method is low-cost, and applicable in a variety of sensing structures despite the sensing coating (optical, biological, etc.).
Language proficiency: from description to prescription and back?
Authors: Leung Constant
Published: July 2022

Language proficiency, when expressed as a grade or a mark, is often associated with the notions of measurement accuracy, reliability and trustworthiness. In this article my focus is on English as an additional/second language proficiency in the past fifty years or so. I will suggest that the notion of proficiency is an artefact influenced by the ebbs and flows of intellectual movements and conceptual recontextualizations. The onset of the concept of communicative competence in the 1970s serves as the point of departure for this discussion. I will explore the ways in which this primarily research-oriented concept has been filtered through a particular set of disciplinary and ideological perspectives that led to a pared-down view of language communication and a universalist approach to curriculum development and assessment of proficiency. After that I will turn to the recent research findings and theorizations in fields such as academic literacies, English as a Lingua Franca, flexible multilingualism and translanguaging to show the need for a more empirically situated, dynamic and fluid approach to language use and language proficiency. Further exploratory work is needed at this watershed moment. I will illustrate some of the challenges by analysing some of the conceptual and technical difficulties found in an international language curriculum and assessment framework as it attempts to embody a more dynamic and situated approach. In the final part of the discussion I will suggest a set of basic questions for further reflexive analysis and research.
Altindische Weisheit in Byzanz: Zu den didaktischen Erzählstrategien in Symeon Seths
Stephanites und Ichnelates
und seinen arabischen Vorgängern
Authors: Hölzlhammer Lilli
Published: July 2022

Der Artikel bemüht sich, das Gelehrteninteresse nachzuvollziehen, das für die Übersetzung der arabischen Pañcatantra Version in das byzantinische Stephanites kai Ichnelates verantwortlich ist. Dafür soll ein kurzer Vergleich zwischen der byzantinischen und den arabischen Editionen unternommen werden, um deren große Unterschiede zu verdeutlichen und, wo möglich, zu erklären. Im Anschluss wird durch eine exemplarische Analyse der ersten beiden Bücher des griechischen Texts der Fokus auf seine didaktisch-narrativen Strukturen gelegt. Auf diese Weise wird deutlich, wie die narrative Komplexität des Textes ihm seine Fähigkeit verleiht, das Wissen und die Wertvorstellungen anderer Kulturen zu absorbieren.
Miniaturised ultra-wideband rectangular shaped slot antenna for ground penetrating radar applications
Authors: Pande Jyotirmay , Singh Ankita , Gupta Avni , Singh Kuldeep , Sharma Ankit
Published: July 2022

In the proposed work, a miniaturised ultra-wideband tapered slot planar antenna with the aim of gain enhancement, working bandwidth containing lower frequency range, and improving antenna efficiency is presented. The proposed antenna consists of a slotted patch printed on the top layer of FR4 substrate with three 50-Ω resistors connected in the slotted arms and bottom layer consists of an optimized ground plane with a non-uniform parasitic patch which is used to achieve circular polarization in the frequency range of 2.4–2.6 GHz. The measured impedance bandwidth of the proposed antenna is 0.3–4 GHz with a peak gain of 3.2 dBi. The overall antenna efficiency is 83% and radiation patterns of the proposed design on different frequencies are shown to confirm the proposed antenna result, especially at lower frequencies. The proposed antenna can be used for the detection of artifacts in the deeper ground known as ground-penetrating radar applications.
Protective role ofSpirulina platensisliquid extract against salinity stress effects onTriticum aestivumL.
Authors: Hamouda Ragaa A. , Shehawy Mayada A. , Mohy El Din Soad M. , Albalwe Fauzeya Mateq , Albalawi Hessa Meteq R. , Hussein Mervat H.
Published: July 2022

Salt stress is one of the most serious factors that influence the plant growth and yield. The extensive use of chemical fertilizers caused an increase in land contamination and hence effects on human health. The use of biofertilizers can solve these problems. In the present work, different concentrations ofSpirulina platensisliquid extracts (SLEs; 1%, 2%, and 4%) were used to enhance seeds germination, seedling growth, length of radical, number of leaves, and plant height ofT. aestivumL.S. platensisliquid extract (SLE) 2% was chosen to test against salt stress with 10% and 25% seawater inT. aestivumL. watered. The growth parameters such as shoot, root, length, fresh, dry weight, leaf width, number, and area were used to estimate the effects of 2% SLE against salt stress caused by seawater. Also the carbohydrate, protein, phenol, and total antioxidant contents were measured inT. aestivumL. treated with 2% SLE in combination with seawater and watered with different concentrations with seawater alone. The results denote that the best concentration of SLEs was 2%, which promoted the germination growth ofT. aestivumL. in comparison to control and other concentrations. SLE (2%) enhanced the carbohydrates, protein, total phenol contents, and antioxidant contents ofT. aestivumL., treated with seawaters (SW10% and SW25%) and SLEs in comparison toT. aestivumL. SW 10% and 25% alone.S. platensisliquid extract (SLE) can be used as biofertilizer to enhance the growth and phytochemical contents ofT. aestivumL. and to make tolerance ofT. aestivumL. against salinity.
Hi, Mom: Farewell in the Vision and Reconciliation in the Farewell
Authors: Zhang Ali
Published: July 2022

Hi, Mom (Nihao, Li Huanying 2021) is the first film directed by Jia Ling, a comedian. An autobiographical movie, it develops a mom–daughter-reuniting visional field in the mode of a time-travelling film. In fantasy scenes set in the 1980s, the film reshapes the “mother–daughter” emotional logic with that of “sisterhood”, using comic effects created by misplaced identities to reveal the tragic crux of the cruel reality of “forever losing maternal love”. “The art of analyzing emotions” is pursued through “interpreting visions”. The protagonist ultimately reconciles with reality not by controlling the vision rationally and subjectively, but by creating a deeper vision—a “true fairy tale”. This is for the purpose of retaining a scene of imagined realization of desire: bidding a fond farewell to mom in the vision, fulfilling a wish in the farewell and reconciling with reality and ego in the visional “mutual reconciliation”.
Energy absorption behaviors of designed metallic square tubes under axial loading: Experiment-based benchmarking and finite element calculation
Authors: Ridwan Ridwan , Nuriana Wahidin , Prabowo Aditya Rio
Published: July 2022

In this article, the load resistance and energy absorptions of thin-walled structures on the square tube were numerically evaluated by the finite element method. This structure can be widely used in automotive industries, industrial buildings, ships, offshore platforms, and airplanes. In the finite element method, thin-walled structures on square tubes were examined with different wall thicknesses and materials. The materials used are mild steel, SAE 1045 steel, and SAE 1008 steel. Using the numerical results, the thickness of the wall influences the strength of the structure. Moreover, SAE 1045 steel material also seems to increase the strength of the tube under axial loading compared to the mild steel and SAE 1008 steel material. It is also important to remember that the finite element solution depends on defining your mesh size and boundary conditions. The mesh size is also compared and assessed.
Immunopterin: A prospective therapy and preventative to fight COVID-19?
Authors: Moheno Phillip B. B. , Fuchs Dietmar
Published: July 2022

Background

The authors explore the therapeutic and prophylactic efficacies of Immunopterin (calcium pterin-6-carboxylate chelate) against coronavirus colds and as a therapy against COVID-19.

Methods

To determine Immunopterin’s therapeutic efficacy against colds and flus, a 5-year observational study was conducted with 34 subjects who took Immunopterin when feeling symptoms of a cold or flu. The mean sample cold recovery time was compared to the US population mean. A review of the Moheno (2014) 2-year observational study was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic efficacy of Immunopterin against colds. Early COVID-19 case studies, treated with Immunopterin, were collected to explore Immunopterin’s efficacy as a therapeutic and prophylactic against COVID19 disease.

Results

The mean cold recovery time for the therapeutic sample in the cold/flu observational study was 30 h compared to the US population mean of 168 h (N = 34; p < 0.001). Subjects taking prophylactic Immunopterin reported 0% incidences of colds and flus (N = 31). Immunopterin successfully treated four confirmed COVID-19 subjects. A fifth clinical nurse case study demonstrates COVID-19 prevention.

Conclusions

The therapeutic and prophylactic efficacies of Immunopterin against coronavirus colds, along with reported cross-reactivity between coronavirus colds and SARS-CoV-2 strongly suggest Immunopterin can act as a therapy and preventative against COVID- 19 infection associated disease.
Determining the Optimal Frequency and Perturbation Amplitude for AC Electrical Resistance Measurements of Cement-Based Materials Using Harmonic Analysis
Authors: Dong Zheng , Torbati-Sarraf Hamidreza , Poursaee Amir
Published: July 2022

Measuring electrical resistivity is becoming a desirable method for evaluating the material property in cement-based materials. As a rapid nondestructive technique, measurement of resistivity is frequently performed both in laboratory specimens and on-site structures. Alternating current/potential (AC)-based methods are common approaches to measure the resistivity in cement-based materials. The alternating perturbation amplitudes applied range from several millivolts to even volts. However, how the perturbation amplitude influences the results, and what are the optimal frequency and perturbation amplitude are still in question. In the present study, AC resistance measurements using electrochemical impedance spectroscopy were performed on cement-based specimens with different compositions. To investigate the effect of perturbation amplitude on the measured resistance, different amplitudes of potential perturbation varying from 5 mV up to 1,000 mV were applied. The reliability of data was evaluated by the harmonic analyses. Results indicated that, as the resistivity of specimens increased, a slight decrease in the fR (i.e., the frequency at which the ohmic resistance is measured) was observed. Noticeably, significant scatter in fR was demonstrated by applying different potential perturbations, especially for amplitudes lower than 50 mV. In terms of the perturbation amplitude, the results of resistivity were generally maintained in a relatively small variation when the potential perturbation was higher than 100 mV. Based on harmonic analyses, the appropriate frequency and perturbation amplitude for measuring the resistance of cement-based materials were determined.
Reconfiguring Inculturations
Authors: Du Yuqing
Published: July 2022

In the history of building the Vietnamese National Church, many Catholic works of literature produced by missionaries and local believers sought to place the faith in the context of Vietnamese society. Hội đồng tứ giáo is one of the most influential works within this proliferative Catholic literature, with many versions printed in Chinese, Nôm, and quốc ngữ. Drawing on interreligious knowledge and networks, it sought to respond to the intellectual innovation and local spiritual paradigm of the three religions in a late eighteenth-century context. By configuring a formal debate between representatives from Confucianism, Buddhism, Daoism, and Catholicism, the book demonstrates broader intellectual connections of Catholic knowledge and multidimensional inculturation in the cultural and religious context of eighteenth- and nineteenth-century Vietnam. The interfaith dialogue in the book illuminates an inculturation process assembled by the flows of people and ideas that in turn shaped local Catholic traditions.