bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A Phenomenological Reflection on Ubos-Biyayaand Petsa de Peligro: Capitalism’s Impact onFilipino Attitude of Spending and Church’sProposition for an Inclusive Economy
Authors:   Ateneo de Manila University and De La Salle University, Canete Jonathan James , Liwanag Leslie Anne ,   De La Salle University
Published: November 2024

This phenomenological study delves into the intertwined concepts of “ubos biyaya” and “petsa de peligro” in the socio- economic landscape of the Filipino society. Ubos-Biyaya, a Filipino term, encompasses the state of having depleted both tangible and intangible resources. Petsa de Peligro, translating to “day of danger,” signifies the period before payday when financial constraints intensify. This paper explores the correlation of ubos- biyaya and capitalism, which leads to the feeling and experience of petsa de peligro, elucidating how the latter emerges as a consequence of the former. It connects ubos-biyaya to planned obsolescence and the cathedrals of consumption, revealing how these systemic paradigms contribute to resource depletion and economic constraints. Furthermore, this scrutinizes the nexus between ubos-biyaya and the critique of capitalism, emphasizing the economic exclusion it engenders. It contemplates an alternative perspective, advocating for an economy of inclusion. This paper is divided into the following substantive parts: 1) defining ubos- biyaya and petsa de peligro; 2) petsa de peligro as an upshot of ubos-biyaya; 3) ubos-biyaya: a preconditioned outcome of planned obsolescence and the cathedrals of consumption; 4) the church on capitalism and the economy of exclusion; and 5) the church’s position towards an economy of inclusion. This exploration hopes to illuminate the cyclical nature of ubos-biyaya and petsa de peligro within the broader context of Filipino economic systems and social structures. It posits a critical evaluation of prevailing paradigms, urging a transition towards inclusive economic frameworks that prioritize sustainability, equitable resource allocation, and social cohesion.
Crafted for the Digital World
Authors: Kalmakurki Maarit
Published: November 2024

The growth of computer-generated (CG) effects in live-action films has gradually expanded to the creation of digital characters and costume design. In many contemporary films, all aspects of characters and costumes are built digitally. Yet very little is known about the process of designing digital costumes, nor is there a critical theoretical examination of the areas emerging from the practice. This article explores digital costume design development using the CG feature films Avatar (Cameron 2009) and Avatar: The Way of Water (Cameron 2022) as case studies. The data consists of interviews with the films’ costume designer, Deborah L. Scott, and comparative analysis of the costume renderings, physical materials from the design development process and their digital reproductions. The data reveals how the physical costume fabrication process and motion testing are integrated into the process of designing digital costumes. In addition, costume designs still evolve during their digital creation. The article sheds light on the creative opportunities digital costume design poses and offers important grounding for further research on the wider range of theoretical areas related to digital costume design.
En ny nordisk forskningstidskrift
Authors: Johansson Bengt
Published: November 2024

Editorial/Ledare
Modellerings betydning for tilegnelsen af matematiske begreber
Authors: Blomhøj Morten
Published: November 2024

For at illustrere betydningen af virksomhed med matematisk modellering for elever­ nes tilegnelse af matematiske begreber i den elementære matematikundervisning giver artiklen dels en teoretisk diskussion, dels en præsentation af nogle af over­ vejelserne bag og resultaterne af et udviklingsarbejde vedrørende modellering af dynamiske systemer ved hjælp af differensligninger og regneark. Udviklingsarbejdet har omfattet undervisningsforløb i matematikundervisningen på 9. og 10. klassetrin i den danske folkeskole. Under forløbene har eleverne arbejdet med at opbygge, analysere og kritisere matematiske modeller. Analysen har vist, at elevernes virk­ somhed med modellering indeholder et væsentligt potentiale i forhold til elevernes tilegnelse af de matematiske begreber, der indgår i virksomheden. Artiklen bygger på et udviklingsarbejde, der er en del af en Ph.D.­afhandling med titlen ”Samspil mellem teori og praksis i matematikkens didaktik”.
Elevers svårigheter att formulera matematiska problem
Authors: Wistedt Inger
Published: November 2024

Artikeln syftar till att belysa svårigheter som elever ställs inför när de ska tolka och förstå matematiska skoluppgifter och hur pedagogiska ingripanden kan bidra till att överbrygga dessa svårigheter. Artikeln bygger på material samlat inom projektet ”Vardagskunskaper och skolmatematik”, ett material som består av bandinspelningar av lektionstillfällen då elever och lärare i grupp löser givna uppgifter. I artikeln foku­ seras det personliga meningssammanhang – den kognitiva kontext – som elever skapar när de löser matematikuppgifter i skolan. Fyra begrepp introduceras, som karakteriserar kontextualiseringar av olika slag – kontextdominans, kontextuell osäkerhet, kontextuell medvetenhet och kontextpreferens. Med hjälp av dessa be­ grepp beskrivs hur elever och lärare förhåller sig vid tolkningen av en given uppgift och vad förhållningssättet betyder för deras möjligheter att förstå uppgiftens mate­ matiska innehåll. Resultaten visar att elever, liksom lärare, kan ha svårt att se och acceptera en matematisk tolkning av uppgiften och att en undervisning, som syftar till att hjälpa eleven att nå generaliserbar kunskap, måste beakta elevens förståelse av uppgiften och de regler som eleverna tillämpar vid kontextualiseringen. Dessa regler kan artikuleras och synliggöras i kommunikation med andra och resultaten visar hur elever, som tvingas argumentera för en personlig lösning av en uppgift, kan nå en djupare förståelse av det egna tänkandet.
Preschoolers exercising mathematical competencies
Authors: Säfström Anna Ida
Published: November 2024

The mathematical ideas that emerge in children’s free and guided play can be both complex and sophisticated, and if they are linked to formal mathematics, they can be a powerful basis for mathematical development. To form such links, one needs knowledge of how children use and express these ideas. This is especially true in the intersection of arithmetic and geometry, where the intermingling of numerical and spatial concepts and skills is not yet fully understood. This study aims to gain understanding of children’s mathematical practices by describing the interplay of key mathematical ideas, and more specifically how young children exercise mathematical competencies in the intersection of early arithmetic and geometry. The results show that children can use spatial representations when reasoning about numbers, and that they are able to connect spatial and numerical structures. Furthermore, it is shown that children not only use and invent effective procedures, but also are able to explain, justify and evaluate such procedures.
A model for the role of the physical environment in mathematics education
Authors: Fahlström Magnus , Sumpter Lovisa
Published: November 2024

In this paper, we develop an analytical tool for the role of the physical environment in mathematics education. We do this by extending the didactical triangle with the physical environment as a fourth actor and test it in a review of literature concerning the physical environment and mathematics education. We find that one role played by the physical environment, in relation to mathematical content, is to portray the content in focus, such as geometry and scale. When focusing on teachers, students, and the interaction between them, the role of the physical environment appears to be a precondition, either positive (enabling) or negative (hindering). Many of the findings are valid for education in general as well, such as the importance of building status.
Disciplinary competence descriptions for external use
Authors: Højgaard Jensen Jens , Jankvist Uffe Thomas
Published: November 2024

The article addresses the need for competence descriptions of disciplines as a means for fostering more productive communication between different disciplines and between the disciplines and their surroundings. It is argued that the usual competence descriptions devised for use within a discipline itself, e.g. in relation to teaching and learning of the discipline – so-called competence descriptions for internal use – are not the best means to achieve this. The same is true for the general, non-disciplinary competence descriptions. Instead, specially devised disciplinary competence descriptions for external use are called for. Our main illustration is a com- petence description of mathematics for external use devised so that it can support the dialogue about justification of mathematics education between the discipline’s practitioners and its recipients. This description for external use is counterposed with one for internal use i.e. that of the Danish KOM project. It is also counterposed with a competence description for external use for physics, taking into account the different justification problem of physics education. Together these two descriptions showcase how competence descriptions of disciplines for external use may support interdisciplinary collaboration and division of labor in the educational system.
Læreres utbytte av kunnskap om hjernen
Authors: Roksvold Jan
Published: November 2024

Konkrete klasseromsanvendelser av hjerneforskning har latt vente på seg. I denne oversiktsartikkelen undersøkes det potensielle utbyttet for lærerstudenter ved å kjenne til ulike temaer knytta til hjernens befatning med tall og aritmetikk – uavhengig av hvorvidt slike en-til-en-anvendelser eksisterer eller kan eksistere. Av potensiell verdi for lærere framheves blant annet kunnskap om hvilke vanskeligheter et assosiativt minne forårsaker i forbindelse med aritmetiske tabeller. Med bakgrunn i moderne hjerneforskning belyses ei tallbehandling som kan deles opp i en medfødt ”tallsans” og et kultur- og utdanningsavhengig eksakt tallsystem, hvordan ulike binæroperasjoner behandles på grunnleggende forskjellig vis av hjernen, og hvordan innlæringsstrategi kan påvirke lagringa av aritmetisk kunnskap. Temaer som barnets ”logaritmiske indre tallinje” og dyskalkuli blir også belyst. Jeg konkluderer med at denne typen kunnskap om hjernen vil utvide lærerstudentenes forståelse av det lærende barnet, og dermed kunne påvirke deres praksis.
Editorial
Authors: Editors The
Published: November 2024

Ledare / Editorial
Identity formations as mathematical learners in the context of transition
Authors: Svensson Källberg Petra
Published: November 2024

This paper explores the relation between discourses and identity formations as mathematical learners in a context of transition. The data consists of an interview with two 16 year-old immigrant girls, who were relocated when their school, in a multicultural and socio-economically disadvantaged area in Sweden, was closed. The girls showed dynamic and unstable identities by drawing on different discourses. Social relational discourses, more than mathematical pedagogical discourses, governed their actions as learners of mathematics; enabling identities as noisy, un-engaged, but able students in the old school, and as engaged and accepted, but also as strangers, in the new school.
The language factor – what exactly is it? Bilingual speakers of Russian and Finnish solving mathematical tasks
Authors: Ahlholm Maria , Portaankorva-Koivisto Päivi
Published: November 2024

A lack of knowledge of the language of instruction is often believed to be the main reason for low achievement among students with an immigrant background. We regard language as a tripartite unit comprising aspects of concept formation, pragmatic language usage and the linguistic form. In this theoretical framework, we report two case studies of bilingual, Russian and Finnish speaking students’ explanations of their procedures while solving mathematical tasks. The students’ linguistic processing varied in terms of conceptualization, pragmatic meaning-making and grammatical form. In a bilingual context, the labelling of concepts and meaning-making through argumentation are simultaneously processed in two languages.
Culturally based mathematics tasks: a framework for designing tasks from traditional Kven artefacts and knowledge
Authors: Huru Hilja L. , Räisänen Anna-Kaisa , Movik Simensen Anita
Published: November 2024

This article discusses mathematical and cultural task design to support minority and endangered languages and cultures. More precisely, we propose a theoretical framework to design mathematical tasks for language immersion in mathematics for Kven students. Drawing on previous studies, we suggest that traditional tools have the potential to support the learning of mathematics, language, and culture. One challenge for endangered languages and cultures is that the younger generations may have lost connections with their traditional language and culture. We argue that the older generations can mediate authentic aspects of Kven culture to students, which then become historical-cultural authentic (HiCuA) aspects.
Talking about mathematics in two languages: Can parental views inform the development of digital games for young children?
Authors: Lange Troels , Meaney Tamsin
Published: November 2024

In this article, the results are presented from a survey of parents’ views about the digital games that their young multilingual children play. Previous research has indicated that parents struggled to describe how their children were learning from playing digital games. The results from this study indicate that parents could provide information about the digital games and the mathematical language they invoked. This information could be useful in developing playful, digital games that support multilingual children to talk about mathematics. The survey also provides insights into the follow-up qualitative research studies that are needed to support the development of new digital games.
Studying concept elements as a way to trace students’ conceptual understanding
Authors: Pettersson Annika , Liljekvist Yvonne , Bommel Jorryt van
Published: November 2024

The understanding of mathematical concepts has been described in terms of concept definition and concept image. We suggest an elaboration of these constructs, the concept element, to find a way to theoretically describe students’ understanding. The concept element construct was tested in a setting with students working with linear functions at the secondary school level. Our empirical findings reveal traces of students’ concept elements regarding linear functions. Some concept elements appeared early in the process while others appeared after a cognitive conflict (e.g. evoked by the task construction and setting). The detailed grid on which concept elements are defined was a useful tool, yielding new insights into students’ knowledge and understanding.
Development of algebraic thinking: opportunities offered by the Swedish curriculum and elementary mathematics textbooks
Authors: Bråting Kajsa , Madej Lars , Hemmi Kirsti
Published: November 2024

In search of the reasons for Swedish students’ low achievement in algebra in international and national evaluations, we investigate how the development of algebraic thinking is addressed in the Swedish national mathematics curriculum and two widely used mathematics textbook series for grades 1–6 in Sweden. The analytical tool used is based on the classification of ”big ideas” which research has shown as important for developing pupils’ algebraic understanding in early school grades. The results show that functional thinking, expressions, and equations are well represented topics both in the curriculum and the textbooks; however generalized arithmetic is a topic that is poorly developed in both the curriculum and the textbooks.
Ambisiøse undervisningspraksiser i Teacher time out
Authors: Fauskanger Janne
Published: November 2024

Denne studien undersøker ambisiøse undervisningspraksiser lærere får muligheter til å øve på å utføre gjennom rutinen Teacher time out (TTO) i et etterutdanningsforløp. Datamaterialet analysert er fra prosjektet Mestre ambisiøs matematikkundervisning, hvor lærere arbeider med bestemte matematiske aktiviteter i sykluser av utforsking og utprøving. Analysene av 139 TTO viser at deltakerne får øve på følgende undervisningspraksiser: 1) å få frem elevers matematiske ideer, 2) å orientere elevene mot hverandres ideer, 3) å respondere på elevenes matematiske ideer, 4) å vurdere elevenes matematiske forståelse, samt til utvikling av mer generell undervisningskompetanse. Implikasjoner for fremtidig etterutdanning og for fremtidig forskning diskuteres.
Identity as experience – an interactionist approach
Authors: Skott Jeppe
Published: November 2024

Identity studies tend to draw on participatory frameworks. Some focus on identities on offer in professional development programmes or in general educational discourses; others relate identities to other social worlds and teachers’ biographies. I argue that neither pays sufficient attention to identities as they emerge in school and classroom contexts and that supplementary approaches are needed. In this theoretical essay, I present one such approach that defines professional identities as experiences and combines the definition with an interactionist framework, ­ Patterns-of-participation. I argue that this combination allows interpretations of short- and long-term relationships between identities and school and classroom processes.
Modeller för konstruktivistiska inlärningsaktiviteter och utvärdering
Authors: Haapasalo Lenni
Published: November 2024

Artikelns syfte är att ge en teoretisk grund för och presentera resultat från det så kallade MODEM-projektet (Modeller för Didaktiska och Empiriska problem i Matematikundervisningen) vid Jyväskylä universitet Projektet har utvecklat och testat inlärningsmiljöer som ger eleverna möjlighet att på ett systematisk sätt bygga upp matematisk kunskap. Särskilt undersöktes olika faser i elevernas begreppsbildning och vad som händer när man konfronterar eleverna med olika former av matematisk information (verbal, symbolisk, i form av bilder). Resultaten visar, att elever som undervisats i överensstämmelse med projektets modell för begrepps- bildning nådde betydligt bättre resultat än elever som undervisats med konventionella metoder i skolan. De olika faserna i inlärningsprocessen visade sig utgöra en användbar ram också för utvärdering av elevernas prestationer.
A re-examination of the role of instructional materials in mathematics education
Authors: Hunting Robert P. , Lamon Susan J.
Published: November 2024

Two current phenomena, the prevalence of computer-based learning environments and renewed interest in "hands on" learning as a popular response to recommendations of national curriculum statements such as the NCTM Standards, occasion a revisitation of issues surrounding the use of physical materials. We discuss the efficacy of several manipulative materials in instructional settings, noting both their strengths and their limitations.
Adopting a modeling perspective on the use of instructional materials in mathematics learning, we draw critical distinctions between internal models and external embodiments, and between teacher-intended meanings and the subjective nature of student interpretation. We explore the consequences of a narrow interpretation of active learning and caution against relying on a single manipulative to capture the richness and connectedness of mathematical ideas. As an alternative to asking students to discover mathematical ideas as perceived by adults, we endorse the perspective that materials should be used within a larger pedagogical framework in which students individually and collectively negotiate mathematical meaning. Remaining unanswered questions are posed as an agenda for future research.
An earlier version of this paper was presented at the Sixteenth Annual Meeting of the Mathematics Education Research Group of Australia, July 1993. The authors would like to thank Les Steffe for helpful comments on a draft.
Matematikdidaktiska "miljöer"
Authors: Johansson Bengt , Emanuelsson Göran
Published: November 2024

Detta nummer innehåller artiklar från två mycket framstående och aktiva matematikdidaktiska miljöer Norden - i Aalborg i Danmark och i Kristiansand i Norge. Båda artiklarna bygger på arbeten gjorda inom ramen för författarnas magisterutbildning (hovedfag) i matematikämnets didaktik.
NOMAD moves from Sweden to Norway
Authors: Johansson Bengt , Emanuelsson Göran
Published: November 2024

Ledare / Editorial
Pupils' views of mathematics teaching in Finland and Tatarstan
Authors: Pehkonen Erkki , Safuanov Ildar
Published: November 2024

The focus of this comparative survey was the following research questions: What are pupils' views of mathematics teaching in each country? What are the differences and similarities in these views between pupils in Finland and in Tatarstan, Russia ?
In this study, data were gathered with the help of a questionnaire. The questionnaire consists of 32 structured statements about mathematics teaching for which the pupils were asked to rate their views on a 5-step scale. The Finnish sample comprised255pupils,andtheTatarsample206pupils. Ourdatahasbeengathered with a non-probabilistic convenience sampling.
The main results of our survey are, as follows: Generally, pupils' views of mathematics teaching and learning in Finland and Tatarstan are rather far from similar. An investigation of the differences between pupils' answers across the two countries also showed views that are characteristic for each country. For pupils in Tatarstan, the most characteristic might be the following views: the importance of exact reasoning and explanations, and the value of making strong demands on pupils. For pupils in Finland, the characteristic views seem to be as follows: a calculation orientation in learning mathematics, and the value of strict discipline and of depending on the teacher.
When discussing problem orientation, we may conclude that in both countries mathematics teaching is striving toward a problem orientation, but with a different emphasis. In the case of independent work, the results seem to indicate that the orientation in question for pupils both in Finland and in Tatarstan is similar, but not very strongly favored. The pupils' views of the demands on them and on their teachers in mathematics seem to be much stronger in Tatarstan than in Finland.
Bokomtaler
Authors: Brekke Gard
Published: November 2024

Vi vil i denne spalten gi en kort omtale av nye nordiske bøker innenfor temaet matematikkundervisning.
The danger of being overly attached to the concrete: the case of division by zero
Authors: Lajoie Caroline , Mura Roberta
Published: November 2024

In this article, we use the example of division by zero to illustrate how reliance on concrete representations of mathematical concepts can become an obstacle to understanding. We describe some difficulties encountered by prospective elementary teachers in dealing with division by zero and we show how these difficulties could be explained by the students' desire for a (non-existent) physical interpretation of the mathematical problem.
Students' mathematics performance and their attitude toward the learning of mathematics: an attempt to explore their relationship
Authors: Barkatsas Anastasios , Gialamas Vasilis , Karageorgos Dimitris , Kasimatis Katerina
Published: November 2024

The present study was an exploratory study aimed at investigating the relationship between Year 7 students' attitudes towards mathematics and their mathematics performance. Using random sampling 29 High Schools were selected from all over the country. The final sample comprised 714 Year 7 students. The research revealed that high performance in mathematics is associated with more positive students' attitudes toward mathematics learning. The most significant finding of the study is that Year 7 students in Greek High schools demonstrated a serious weakness in solving real life problems using the mathematics they have been taught.
ERME: European Society for Research in Mathematics Education er stiftet
Authors: Gjone Gunnar
Published: November 2024

ERME: European Society for Research in Mathematics Education er stiftet
Bokomtaler
Authors: Gjone Gunnar
Published: November 2024

Vi vil i denne spalten gi en kort omtale av nye nordiske bøker innenfor temaet matematikkundervisning.
The spiritual way to desistance?
Authors: Alm Susanne , Al Weswasi Enes , Roxell Lena
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn the years 2001-2019, the Swedish Prison and Probation Service operated religious retreat activities at the high-security prison in Kumla, to which prisoners serving long-term sentences could apply. While the activities were not specifically implemented to reduce recidivism, a process evaluation conducted in 2014-2016 showed that the participants expressed great hope that these experiences would help them desist from crime. The current study examines actual rates of desistance and recidivism among former participants in the religious activities.
The study uses data from the Swedish Prison and Probation Service covering inmates released between 2013 and 2019. Propensity score matching is applied.
Prior to matching, former inmates who participated in the religious activities were considerably less likely to be reconvicted within three years of release (37 percent) compared to those who did not participate (59 percent). After matching, however, while estimates were still indicative of a recidivistic effect, they no longer reached statistical significance. One interpretation is that given, e.g., their age and type of sentence, the participants already had such a low risk of recidivism as to make further reduction difficult to achieve.
Under åren 2001-2019 bedrev Kriminalvården i Sverige en kristen retreatverksamhet på anstalten Kumla, dit långtidsdömda fångar kunde söka sig. Det övergripande syftet med aktiviteterna var inte att minska återfall. En tidigare processutvärdering har dock visat att deltagarna var hoppfulla att deras erfarenheter från retreaterna skulle hjälpa dem att minska återfallsrisken. Syftet med den här studien är därför att analysera upphörande av brott och återfall för tidigare deltagare i klosterverksamheten.
I studien används svenska kriminalvårdsdata för alla intagna under åren 2013-2019. Analysmetoden som nyttjas är Propensity score matching.
Innan matchning visar resultatet att det var mindre vanligt att de som hade deltagit i retreatverksamheten återföll (37 procent) i jämförelse med de som inte hade deltagit (59 procent). Efter matchning gick resultatet i samma riktning, dock kunde inga signifikanta skillnader konstateras mellan grupperna. En tolkning är att deltagarna i klosterverksamheten, på grund av t ex ålder och typ av straff, redan har en låg risk för återfall, vilket gör det svårt att uppnå signifikanta skillnader.
A Comparative Study of Local and Global Construction Materials Sourcing Strategies for Road Projects in Nigeria
Authors:   Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria, Olarinkoye Ajiboye Araoye , Zhitsu Silas Micaiah ,   Federal University of Technology Minna,Nigeria, Chimdi Adindu Chinedu ,   Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria, Aina Alhassan Elijah ,   Landmark University Omuaran, Nigeria, Sunday Kolo Stephen ,   Federal University of Technology Minna, Nigeria
Published: November 2024

This study is a comparative analysis of local and global sourcing strategies to determine the impact of strategic material sourcing on road construction project performance. The study aimed to evaluate the effects of material-sourcing strategies on the performance of road construction companies in Nigeria. A mixed-methods approach was used, incorporating both qualitative and quantitative research. Data collection involved sampling techniques using structured questionnaires and oral interviews. Regression analysis evaluated the relationship between strategic material sourcing and road construction performance. The results revealed that 87.5% of the materials used by road construction companies in the study areas were sourced from the local market, which indicates a high dependence on local resources and substantial investments and purchases within the local economy. Additionally, it was shown that local material sourcing was advantageous over global sourcing in terms of quick delivery and cost savings on road projects. However, the study also revealed that global material sourcing was necessary for projects requiring advanced and higher-quality materials. The study concludes that a high percentage of domestic material sourcing is essential for boosting the Nigerian economy through industrialization, employment generation, and a robust and self-sufficient economy. It is recommended that both government and private material suppliers explore ways to enhance the quality and availability of local road construction materials through advanced manufacturing technologies to improve service delivery by road project contractors. Furthermore, expanding the existing road material procurement process could create opportunities for construction companies beyond the local area and foster healthier competition among them by leveraging economies of scale.
Comparison of The Accuracy of Contour Data in Photogrammetric and Terrestrial Surveys
Authors:   Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis, Indonesia, Saputra Hendra , Rizki Roma ,   Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis, Indonesia, Sastra Marhadi ,   Politeknik Negeri Bengkalis, Indonesia
Published: November 2024

Understanding and accurately representing the Earth's surface is crucial in various scientific and practical fields. Over the past decades, measurement technology has seen remarkable advancements, offering an array of methods for recording and analyzing Earth's surface with increasing precision and efficiency. Two primary approaches have risen to the forefront of this field: the Digital Terrain Model (DTM) and terrestrial measurements using a Total Station. Although both technologies offer unique advantages and constraints, a comprehensive direct comparison between these two methods often remains an underexplored area. The Digital Elevation Model (DEM) represents the height of the ground surface resulting from acquisition using drones. Ground Control Points (GCPs) are evenly distributed in the study’s Area of Interest (AoI) to enhance accuracy and precision. The DEM data is then converted into contour maps and corrected for horizontal and vertical accuracy using the Root Mean Square Error (RMSE) method following the Geospatial Information Agency's standards (Regulation No. 15 of 2014). Terrestrial measurement is a method used to create contour maps using a Total Station to obtain field coordinate data. Terrestrial measurements create contour maps using a Total Station, with field coordinate data corrected by GPS Geodetic methods and compared with aerial photo DEM data. RMSE calculations reveal that DEM data has RMSExy of 0.319 meter (m) and RMSEz of 0.197 m, whereas terrestrial data using the Total Station shows RMSExy of 0.062 m and RMSEz of 0.039 m. Accuracy comparisons indicate that the DEM from aerial photographs has a Circular Error (CE) of 0.485 m and Linear Error (LE) of 0.325 m, while terrestrial data accuracy using a Total Station shows CE of 0.094 m and LE of 0.064 m.
Discovery of a Heparan Sulfate Binding Domain in Monkeypox Virus H3 as an Anti-poxviral Drug Target Combining AI and MD Simulations
Authors: Zheng Bin , Duan Meimei , Huang Yifen , Wang Shangchen , Qiu Jun , Lu Zhuojian , Liu Lichao , Tang Guojin , Cheng Lin , Zheng Peng
Published: December 2024

Viral adhesion to host cells is a critical step in infection for many viruses, including monkeypox virus (MPXV). In MPXV, the H3 protein mediates viral adhesion through its interaction with heparan sulfate (HS), yet the structural details of this interaction have remained elusive. Using AI-based structural prediction tools and molecular dynamics (MD) simulations, we identified a novel, positively charged α-helical domain in H3 that is essential for HS binding. This conserved domain, found across
orthopoxviruses
, was experimentally validated and shown to be critical for viral adhesion, making it an ideal target for antiviral drug development. Targeting this domain, we designed a protein inhibitor, which disrupted the H3-HS interaction, inhibited viral infection
in vitro
and viral replication
in vivo
, offering a promising antiviral candidate. Our findings reveal a novel therapeutic target of MPXV, demonstrating the potential of combination of AI-driven methods and MD simulations to accelerate antiviral drug discovery.
AI-enabled alkaline-resistant evolution of protein to apply in mass production
Authors: Kang Liqi , Wu Banghao , Zhou Bingxin , Tan Pan , Kang Yun (Kenneth) , Yan Yongzhen , Zong Yi , Li Shuang , Liu Zhuo , Hong Liang
Published: December 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) models have been used to study the compositional regularities of proteins in nature, enabling it to assist in protein design to improve the efficiency of protein engineering and reduce manufacturing cost. However, in industrial settings, proteins are often required to work in extreme environments where they are relatively scarce or even non-existent in nature. Since such proteins are almost absent in the training datasets, it is uncertain whether AI model possesses the capability of evolving the protein to adapt extreme conditions. Antibodies are crucial components of affinity chromatography, and they are hoped to remain active at the extreme environments where most proteins cannot tolerate. In this study, we applied an advanced large language model (LLM), the Pro-PRIME model, to improve the alkali resistance of a representative antibody, a VHH antibody capable of binding to growth hormone. Through two rounds of design, we ensured that the selected mutant has enhanced functionality, including higher thermal stability, extreme pH resistance, and stronger affinity, thereby validating the generalized capability of the LLM in meeting specific demands. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first LLM-designed protein product, which is successfully applied in mass production.
Exploring the Spatial Distribution of Persistent SARS-CoV-2 Mutations - Leveraging mobility data for targeted sampling
Authors: Spott Riccardo , Pletz Mathias W , Fleischmann-Struzek Carolin , Kimmig Aurelia , Hadlich Christiane , Hauert Mathias , Lohde Mara , Jundzill Mateusz , Marquet Mike , Dickmann Petra , Schüchner Ruben , Hölzer Martin , Kühnert Denise , Brandt Christian
Published: November 2024

Given the rapid cross-country spread of SARS-CoV-2 and the resulting difficulty in tracking lineage spread, we investigated the potential of combining mobile service data and fine-granular metadata (such as postal codes and genomic data) to advance integrated genomic surveillance of the pandemic in the federal state of Thuringia, Germany. We sequenced over 6,500 SARS-CoV-2 Alpha genomes (B.1.1.7) across seven months within Thuringia while collecting patients’ isolation dates and postal codes. Our dataset is complemented by over 66,000 publicly available German Alpha genomes and mobile service data for Thuringia. We identified the existence and spread of nine persistent mutation variants within the Alpha lineage, seven of which formed separate phylogenetic clusters with different spreading patterns in Thuringia. The remaining two are sub-clusters. Mobile service data can indicate these clusters’ spread and highlight a potential sampling bias, especially of low-prevalence variants. Thereby, mobile service data can be used either retrospectively to assess surveillance coverage and efficiency from already collected data or to actively guide part of a surveillance sampling process to districts where these variants are expected to emerge. The latter concept was successfully implemented as a proof-of-concept for a mobility-guided sampling strategy in response to the surveillance of Omicron sublineage BQ.1.1. The combination of mobile service data and SARS-CoV-2 surveillance by genome sequencing is a valuable tool for more targeted and responsive surveillance.
Distinct release properties of glutamate/GABA co-transmission serve as a frequency-dependent filtering of supramammillary inputs
Authors: Hirai Himawari , Konno Kohtarou , Yamasaki Miwako , Watanabe Masahiko , Sakaba Takeshi , Hashimotodani Yuki
Published: November 2024

Glutamate and GABA co-transmitting neurons exist in several brain regions; however, the mechanism by which these two neurotransmitters are co-released from the same synaptic terminals remains unclear. Here, we show that the supramammillary nucleus (SuM) to dentate granule cell synapses, which co-release glutamate and GABA, exhibit differences between glutamate and GABA release properties in paired-pulse ratio, Ca
2+
-sensitivity, presynaptic receptor modulation, and Ca
2+
channel-vesicle coupling configuration. Moreover, uniquantal synaptic responses show independent glutamatergic and GABAergic responses. Morphological analysis reveals that most SuM terminals form distinct glutamatergic and GABAergic synapses in proximity, each characterized by GluN1 and GABA
A
α1 labeling, respectively. Notably, glutamate/GABA co-transmission exhibits distinct short-term plasticities, with frequency-dependent depression of glutamate and frequency-independent stable depression of GABA. Our findings suggest that glutamate and GABA are co-released from different synaptic vesicles within the SuM terminals, and reveal that distinct transmission modes of glutamate/GABA co-release serve as frequency-dependent filters of SuM inputs.
A Statistical Analysis of Forensic Autopsies Performed in the Jungbu Province of Korea in 2022
Authors: Kim JeongHwan , Kim Donghyun , Kim Minjung , Park Min Jee , Won Yujin , Lee Nak-won , Lee Soo Kyung , Lee Jooyeon , Yi Hyelim , Choi Inseok , Park Ji Hye
Published: November 2024

We analyzed the manner and cause of death in 1,193 forensic autopsies from the Jungbu province (central part of South Korea) conducted by the National Forensic Service Daejeon Institute in 2022. Analysis of the manner of deaths revealed that 43.1% (514/1,193 cases) were natural deaths; 42.8% (511/1,193 cases) were unnatural deaths; and 14.1% (168/1,193 cases) were unknown. Among the unnatural deaths, the major manner of death was 44.6% (228/511 cases) by accidents, 34.1% (174/511 cases) by suicide, 13.5% (69/511 cases) undetermined, and 7.8% (40/511 cases) by homicide. Among the unnatural deaths, the major causes of death was 38.4% (196/511 cases) by trauma, 20.4% (104/511 cases) by poisoning, and 17.6% (90/511 cases) by asphyxia. Falling was the major cause of death by trauma (58.7%, 115/196 cases), and strangulation was the major cause of death by asphyxia (75.6%, 68/90 cases). Among the natural deaths, heart disease was the major cause (46.7%, 240/514 cases), followed by endocrine, nutritional and metabolic diseases (14.0%, 72/514 cases). A time-series statistical analysis and comparison of the manner and cause of deaths in this province may facilitate more advanced interpretations relating to both public safety and healthcare in the future.
Angle information assisting skeleton-based actions recognition
Authors: Liu Chengming , Guan Jiahao , Pang Haibo , Shi Lei , Chen Yidan
Published: November 2024

In human skeleton-based action recognition, graph convolutional networks (GCN) have shown significant success. However, existing state-of-the-art methods struggle with complex actions, such as figure skating, where performance is often unsatisfactory. This issue arises from two main factors: the lack of shift, scale, and rotation invariance in GCN, making them especially vulnerable to perspective distortions in 2D coordinates, and the high variability in displacement velocity, which depends more on the athlete’s individual capabilities than the actions themselves, reducing the effectiveness of motion information. To address these challenges, we propose a novel cosine stream to enhance the robustness of spatial features and introduce a Keyframe Sampling algorithm for more effective temporal feature extraction, eliminating the need for motion information. Our methods do not require modifications to the backbone. Experiments on the FSD-10, FineGYM, and NTU RGB+D datasets demonstrate a 2.6% improvement in Top-1 accuracy on the FSD-10 figure skating dataset compared to current state-of-the-art methods. The code has been made available at: https://github.com/Jiahao-Guan/pyskl_cosine.
Pelvic floor muscle training associated with the photobiomodulation therapy for women affected by the genitourinary syndrome of menopause: a study protocol
Authors: Oliveira Bezerra Lívia , de Carvalho Maria Letícia Araújo Silva , Silva-Filho Edson , Clara Eugênia de Oliveira Maria , de Andrade Palloma Rodrigues , Micussi Maria Thereza Albuquerque Barbosa Cabral
Published: November 2024

Background

Frequently, the women affected by the genitourinary syndrome of menopause experience genitourinary dysfunctions that profoundly influence their overall health. Even though the symptoms do not jeopardize the women’s lives, the urinary and sexual dysfunctions significantly impact their quality of life. Isolated treatments focused on the main causes of the dysfunctions, such as pelvic floor muscle training (PFMT) and photobiomodulation have shown significant improvements in genitourinary dysfunctions. So, the association of PFMT with photobiomodulation may generate additional effects in the genitourinary area. This study aims to create a PFMT protocol isolated and associated with photobiomodulation therapy in women affected by the genitourinary syndrome of menopause.

Methods

It is a randomized, controlled, double-blind clinical trial protocol study that will include women experiencing genitourinary symptoms related to menopause, sexually active, never practiced pelvic floor muscle exercise or photobiomodulation treatment, and do not use hormone replacement therapy for at least 3 months. The randomization will allocate the women to three groups: PFMT group, PFMT associated with active intracavitary photobiomodulation group, and PFMT associated with sham intracavitary photobiomodulation group. A total of 16 sessions will be conducted twice a week. The assessments will occur before interventions, after the sixteenth session, and 1 month after the sixteenth session (follow-up). The evaluation will include the pelvic floor muscle vaginal manometry as the primary outcome. Also, the international consultation on incontinence questionnaire—short form, the female sexual function index, the Utian Quality of Life scale, the patient global impression of improvement, the modified Oxford scale, and the vaginal health index will be the secondary outcomes.

Discussion

Despite there are gold standard treatments such as PFMT, to alleviate genitourinary symptoms, interventions mirroring clinical practice are needed. This study protocol might show a groundbreaking and viable method to potentiate the effects of a gold-standard treatment associated with photobiomodulation.

Conclusion

We expect this protocol to demonstrate that the use of PFMT and photobiomodulation strategies is feasible and able to potentiate the recovery of women affected by the genitourinary syndrome of menopause. The Ethics Committee of the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte approved the study (n° 6.038.283), and the clinical trials platform registered the protocol (n° RBR-5r7zrs2).
The Imperative Status of Science Reporting on Environmental Sustainability in Rivers State
Authors: Azubuike Chieme , Obinichi-Mandah Endwell
Published: November 2024

Environmental sustainability and overall growth of Rivers State, a state that, over the years, has been plagued with oil spillage and redundant environmental growth. This study, amongst others, sought to ascertain the place of environmental reporting on environmental sustainability in Rivers State. The study was anchored on the contagion theories. The study adopted a quantitative research method, which was the survey research method using the data instrument of a questionnaire. The population of the study was Rivers State, Nigeria. The researcher purposefully and randomly selected three communities from the three senatorial zones/districts in the state, which are the River East, River South East, and the River West, which were Okrika local government and Ogu Community; Eleme local government and Alesa Community; Abua local government and Otari Community. From a population of approximately over 1,204,980, the researcher, using purposive and simple random sampling techniques, selected participants for the study, and the Wimmer and Dominick Sample Calculator arrived at a sample size of 384. It was revealed that the level of effectiveness of environmental reporting in creating awareness towards the practice of environmental sustainability in Rivers State is not really that paramount, as locals in the communities were of the view that these reportage strategies have yielded little or no results and were indecisive with regards to their potency towards driving the much-needed changes and proactive actions in the quest for environmental sustainability in the area. It recommended that promotion of environmental sustainability in Rivers State should not be an on-and-off practice but a regular and intensive lifestyle amongst the locals, government, and organisations operational in the areas.
Phytochemical Profile and Antibacterial Activity of Solid Residues from Hydrodistillation of Cymbopogon nardus from Burkina Faso
Authors: Sankara Assétou , Ouédraogo Jean Claude W. , Zerbo Mamourou , Ouattara Bassalia , Bonzi-Coulibaly Yvonne L.
Published: November 2024

Hydrodistillation of aromatic plants is an extraction process that provides essential oils and also generates unexploited solid and liquid residues. The present study focussed on knowledge on the phytochemical profile and antibacterial potential of the solid residue resulting from the hydrodistillation of Cymbopogon nardus (CN) from Burkina Faso, with the aim of its valorization. Ethanolic extract was prepared for phytochemical screening using Thin Layer Chromatography, and the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined using the Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum chloride (AlCl3) methods, respectively. Antioxidant activity was also evaluated by 2,2- diphenylpicrylhydrazil (DPPH), 2,2' - azino - bis (3 - ethylbenzothiazoline - 6 sulphonic acid (ABTS) and 2, 4, 6 - tri [2 - pyridyl] - s - triazine (TPTZ) methods.The antibacterial potential was evaluated in vitro on six (06) bacterial strains.
A diversity of phytochemical compounds, including flavonoids, tannins, triterpenes, and coumarins, were identified in the ethanolic extract of the residue from the hydrodistillation of Cymbopogon. The total phenolic and flavonoid contents were 42.69±6.88 mg GAE/g and 47.82±3.42 mg QE/g of dry ethanolic extract, respectively. For the antioxidant activity, the IC50 were 0.027 ± 0.006 mg/mL and 0.35 ± 0.02 mg/mL for DPPH and ABTS methods respectively. The FRAP method showed 263.01 ± 22.62 mg TE/ g of dry extract.
The extract exhibited antibacterial activity (diameter ≥8) against S. aureus, S. typhimurium, E. coli, and S. saprophyticus strains. These results indicate that the hydrodistillation residue of Cymbopogon nardus contains bioactive molecules and could be used as an agent to combat bacterial contamination in food.