bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diamonds brazing with a novel Cu35Ni35Cr10Fe10Sn10 high‐entropy alloy filler
Authors: Wei Haifeng , Zhang Hui , Xu Dong , Li Weihuo , Hu Qiang , Guo Sheng
Published: June 2024

A novel Cu35Ni35Cr10Fe10Sn10 high‐entropy alloy (HEA) filler with a relatively low melting point (935°C) was designed for brazing diamonds, and its technical advantages over conventional NiCr‐based fillers, that is, favorable wettability, high bonding strength, low thermal damage, and high mechanical performance, were convincingly demonstrated. The newly developed HEA filler had a contact angle of only 11° on the graphite (energetically close to diamond) surface and it could braze diamonds at 1000°C, much lower than the brazing temperature of conventional NiCr‐based fillers. Consequently, the brazed diamond exhibited greatly decreased surface thermal damage, higher fracture strength, and better wear performance. The solidified microstructure of the HEA filler contained three solid solution phases, that is, FeCrNi‐rich, CuNi‐rich, and CuSnNi‐rich phases that were formed through the liquid phase separation process, plus a minor phase of nanosized FeCr‐rich precipitates. The reaction products at the HEA filler/diamond interface were simply an inner Cr3C2 layer and an outer Cr7C3 layer, without other complex brittle compounds that are commonly seen in NiCr‐based fillers after diamond brazing. Apparently, the HEA filler reacted more sufficiently with diamonds, which contributed to improve the bonding strength and wear resistance of the brazed diamond. This work provided a new application scenario for HEAs as promising filler materials for brazing diamonds.
A real‐world disproportionality analysis of semaglutide: Post‐marketing pharmacovigilance data
Authors: Du Yikuan , Zhang Mengting , Wang Zhenjie , Hu Mianda , Xie Dongxia , Wang Xiuzhu , Guo Zhuoming , Zhu Jinfeng , Zhang Weichui , Luo Ziyi , Yang Chun
Published: June 2024

Aim/Introduction

The recent adverse reactions associated with semaglutide have led the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to issue a “black box warning”, and it is necessary to analyze all reports of adverse reactions to improve the safety of its clinical use.

Materials and Methods

Statistical analyses and signal mining were performed by obtaining the adverse event reports related to semaglutide in the FAERS database from the first quarter of 2018 to the fourth quarter of 2023. We used disproportionality and Bayesian analysis to examine clinical and demographic attributes, trends reported quarterly, and contrasts between two distinct indications (obesity and type 2 diabetes).

Results

We found 10 unexpected adverse signals related to “pancreatic cancer”, “intestinal obstruction”, “cholecystitis”, and “polycystic ovary” and both the two different indications had the same serious adverse reaction events occurring.

Conclusions

This study identified many unexpected signals of serious adverse reactions, suggesting the importance of continuous post‐marketing surveillance of semaglutide to understand its potential risks.
Efficacy of topical treatments for mild‐to‐moderate acne: A systematic review and meta‐analysis of randomized control trials
Authors: Kakpovbia Efe E. , Young Trevor , Milam Emily C. , Qian Yingzhi , Yassin Sallie , Nicholson Joey , Hu Jiyuan , Troxel Andrea B. , Nagler Arielle R.
Published: June 2024

Acne is a common skin condition, but little data exist on the comparative efficacy of topical acne therapies. We conducted a systematic review and network meta‐analysis to evaluate the efficacy of topical therapies for mild‐to‐moderate acne. Searches in PubMed/MEDLINE, Cochrane CENTRAL via Ovid, Embase via Ovid and Web of Science were conducted on 29 November 2021. Randomized controlled trials examining ≥12 weeks of topical treatments for acne vulgaris in subjects aged 12 and older were included. Main outcomes were absolute or percent change in acne lesion count and treatment success on the Investigator's Global Assessment scale. Thirty‐five randomized clinical trials with 33,472 participants comparing nine different topical agents were included. Adapalene‐benzoyl peroxide (BPO), clindamycin‐BPO and clindamycin‐tretinoin demonstrated the greatest reduction in non‐inflammatory (ratio of means [RoM] 1.76; 95% CI [1.46; 2.12], RoM 1.70; 95% CI [1.44; 2.02] and RoM 1.87; 95% CI [1.53; 2.30], respectively), inflammatory (RoM 1.56; 95% CI [1.44; 1.70], RoM 1.49; 95% CI [1.39; 1.60] and RoM 1.48; 95% CI [1.36; 1.61], respectively) and total lesion count (ROM 1.67; 95% CI [1.47; 1.90], RoM 1.59; 95% CI [1.42; 1.79] and RoM 1.64; 95% CI [1.42; 1.89], respectively) compared to placebo. All single agents outperformed placebo except tazarotene, which did not significantly outperform placebo for inflammatory and non‐inflammatory lesion count reduction. Most combination agents significantly outperformed their individual components in lesion count reduction and global assessment scores, except for clindamycin‐tretinoin and clindamycin‐BPO, which did not significantly outperform tretinoin (RoM 1.13; 95% CI [0.94; 1.36]) and BPO (RoM = 1.15, 95% CI [0.98; 1.36]), respectively, for non‐inflammatory lesion reduction. There was no significant difference amongst most single agents when evaluating lesion count reduction. Combination agents are generally most effective for mild‐to‐moderate acne; however for non‐inflammatory acne, the addition of clindamycin in topical regimens is unnecessary and should be avoided.
Genetic diversity and population structure of the fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in the Philippines
Authors: Cabusas John Vincent B. , Latina Romnick A. , Caoili Barbara L.
Published: June 2024

The fall armyworm (FAW), Spodoptera frugiperda (J.E. Smith), is an invasive pest species that has incurred massive economic damages in areas cultivating economically important crops like corn, rice, cotton and many others. Known to be a native of the Western Hemisphere, FAW has since then established itself in many parts of Africa, Asia and Australia and Oceania. The Philippines had been among the Asian countries vulnerable to FAW invasion, which was validated in June 2019. This study aims to characterize the existing strains and haplotypes of FAW and describe the genetic structure and the signature of its recent demographic history nationwide. COI sequences reveal the predominance of rice‐strain over the corn‐strain FAW, while Tpi sequences are more accurate in defining the corn‐strain found in corn and sugarcane. Discordant COI‐Tpi configurations frequently occur the most in the entire FAW population at 65.29%. Nucleotide and haplotype diversity are low with an average of 0.005976 and 0.4019 respectively. In addition to non‐significant values in neutrality tests suggesting neutral evolution, the low nucleotide and haplotype diversity indicate population contraction from founder effect. Variations are mostly found within regions, and genetic structure is moderate among regions (FST = 0.14375). These results can be attributed to low selective pressures accompanying its establishment, or more likely due to recent migration and/or human‐assisted factors such as trade. Implications on pest management and prospective studies in the future are also discussed in this study.
Using random forest algorithm to improve Ceutorhynchus napi GYLL. (Coleoptera: Curculionidae) occurrence forecasting
Authors: Legros Quentin , Pontet Célia , Robert Céline
Published: June 2024

Random Forest algorithm was used to predict on‐field presence probability of rape stem weevil in France as a function of climatic and landscape variables, based on a long‐term and multisite data set. A first version of the model included a set of 342 variables. A variable selection procedure was used to retain only the 15 most influential variables without significant drop in predicting performances. Most retained variables were temperature related and results showed that the sum of maximum daily temperature above 9°C during the week preceding observation was the predictor with the largest influence on rape stem weevil occurrence. This model reached a mean AUC of 0.77 and outperformed some other published models. As such, this model can help farmers to precisely time insecticide application. It has been integrated in a decision support system freely available in the Terres Inovia (French applied agricultural research and development institute dedicated to oilseed crops) website.
The effect of nomophobia levels on nursing students' depression, anxiety and stress levels
Authors: Yigit Deniz , Cakirli Merve , Acikgoz Ayfer
Published: June 2024

Rationale

Nomophobia becoming widespread can have negative effects on the psychology of nursing students, who are the nurses of the future. Yet, the psychological well‐being of the nursing group dealing with human health is essential for psychologically supporting the individuals they care for and reducing the potential for errors in nursing care. Therefore, it is necessary to determine nomophobia in nursing students and examine its relationship with psychological states.

Aims

This research was conducted to determine the effect of nomophobia levels on depression, anxiety and stress levels of nursing students.

Method

The descriptive and correlational research was completed with 544 nursing students. Data were collected using the Data Collection Form, Nomophobia Scale, Depression, Anxiety and Stress Scale (DASS‐21) and analysed using descriptive statistics, Kolmogorov‐Smirnov, Shapiro‐Wilk, Spearman, Mann‐Whitney U and Kruskal‐Wallis tests. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

The students' mean age was 21.10 ± 1.32. Their mean nomophobia score was 102.51 ± 27.06. 65.6% had depression, 66.2% had anxiety, and 35.8% had stress at different levels. A relationship was found between the students' nomophobia mean scores and their depression, anxiety and stress subscale scores (p < 0.001).

Conclusion

The students' nomophobia levels were high. As students' nomophobia levels increased, their depression, anxiety and stress levels increased. Our recommendation is to inform nurses about nomophobia, support conscious phone use, and direct students affected by nomophobia to relevant units. Our recommendation is to inform nursing students about nomophobia, direct students affected by nomophobia to relevant units, and support their participation in activities that will raise awareness among students.
Deciphering the pathogenesis of melanized focal changes in the white skeletal muscle of farmed Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar)
Authors: Bjørgen Håvard , Brimsholm Malin , Asserson Charlotte Finstad , Skaar Kirstin , Knutsen Geir Magne , Oaland Øyvind , Haldorsen Randi , Fjelldal Per Gunnar , Hansen Tom , Rimstad Espen , Kleist Britta Andrea , Lund‐Iversen Marius , Kowalewski Mariusz Pawel , Koppang Erling Olaf
Published: June 2024

Melanized focal changes (MFCs) in the fillet of farmed Atlantic salmon is a major quality concern. The changes are thought to initially appear as acute red focal changes (RFCs) that progress into chronic MFCs. Recent findings have indicated that hypoxia may be important in their development, possibly leading to necrosis affecting not only myocytes but also adipocytes. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate possible hypoxic conditions in RFCs and the subsequent inflammatory responses and lesions in the adipose tissue in RFCs and MFCs. A collection of RFCs, MFCs and control muscle samples from several groups of farmed salmon was studied. Using immunohistochemistry, we found induction of the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 pathway in RFCs. Histological investigations of RFCs and MFCs revealed different stages of fat necrosis, including necrotic adipocytes, a myospherulosis‐like reaction and the formation of pseudocystic spaces. Accumulations of foamy macrophages were detected in MFCs, indicating degradation and phagocytosis of lipids. Using in situ hybridization, we showed the presence of tyrosinase‐ and tyrosinase‐related protein‐1‐expressing amelanotic cells in RFCs, which in turn became melanized in MFCs. In conclusion, we propose a sequence of events leading to the formation of MFCs, highlighting the pivotal role of adiposity, hypoxia and fat necrosis.
Serum interleukin‐6 levels at the start of the second course of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab therapy predict therapeutic efficacy in patients with advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: a multicenter analysis
Authors: Suzuki Takanori , Matsuura Kentaro , Suzuki Yuta , Okumura Fumihiro , Nagura Yoshihito , Sobue Satoshi , Matoya Sho , Miyaki Tomokatsu , Kimura Yoshihide , Kusakabe Atsunori , Narahara Satoshi , Tokunaga Takayuki , Nagaoka Katsuya , Murakami Shuko , Inoue Takako , Kuroyanagi Keita , Kawamura Hayato , Fujiwara Kei , Nojiri Shunsuke , Kataoka Hiromi , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: June 2024

Background and Aim

Serum interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) before the administration of atezolizumab plus bevacizumab (Atez + Bev) is a prognostic biomarker in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treated with Atez + Bev. We previously revealed that the neutrophil‐to‐lymphocyte ratio and serum chemokine levels during treatment with Atez + Bev were more useful as prognostic biomarkers. Therefore, we examined the predictive ability of serum IL‐6 for the efficacy of Atez + Bev in patients with HCC.

Methods

We enrolled 94 patients with HCC who received treatment with Atez + Bev. Initial responses were assessed through dynamic computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging. The levels of IL‐6 in serum were measured before and at the initiation of the second course of Atez + Bev. Subsequently, the relationship of IL‐6 levels with treatment efficacy was evaluated.

Results

IL‐6 levels at the initiation of the second course tended to be higher in patients with progressive disease versus those with non‐progressive disease in the initial evaluation (P = 0.054). Moreover, the cutoff value (7.4 pg/mL) was useful in stratifying patients by overall survival (i.e. low vs high: not reached vs 21.4 months, respectively, P = 0.001) and progression‐free survival (low vs high: 11.9 vs 5.2 months, respectively, P = 0.004). This result was reproduced in patients with HCC who received Atez + Bev as first‐line therapy. In the multivariate analyses, IL‐6 levels at the initiation of the second course were independent predictive factors for progression‐free and overall survival.

Conclusions

Serum levels of IL‐6 at the initiation of the second course of treatment may predict Atez + Bev efficacy and prognosis in HCC.
Dietary supplementation of Sida rhombifolia enhances the plasma antioxidation and modulates gut microbiota in Anyi tile‐like grey chickens
Authors: Liu Qiuhong , Chen Biao , Li Xinghui , Zhou Mingfang , Xiong Ting , Hu Xiaolong , Mao Huirong , Liu Sanfeng
Published: June 2024

Sida rhombifolia (S. rhombifolia) is a widely used herbal plant for humans because of its antioxidant and antibacterial effects, but its potential use as a feed additive for livestock has not been investigated. Twenty 350 days‐old Anyi tile‐like grey chickens were randomly divided into a control group (fed basal diet) and a treatment group (fed basal diet + 3% of S. rhombifolia), and these chickens were feed for 31 days. Dietary S. rhombifolia remarkably enhanced plasma antioxidants, including the significantly increased total antioxidant capability (p < 0.01), catalase (p = 0.04), and superoxide dismutase (p < 0.01) in the treatment group. Furthermore, dietary S. rhombifolia also modulated chicken cecal microbiota, including an increased microbial diversity (Shannon, p = 0.03; Chao1, p = 0.03) in the treatment group. Regarding taxonomic analysis, 34 microbial taxa showed significant differences between the two groups. Meanwhile, the dominant phylum Actinobacteriota (p = 0.04), and dominant genera Desulfovibrio (p = 0.04) and Olsenella (p = 0.02) were significantly increased after treatment, whereas the pathogenic genus Escherichia‐Shigella (p = 0.04) was significantly decreased after feeding S. rhombifolia. The results indicating that S. rhombifolia has potential for use as a natural plant feed additive for chickens.
On the embodied nature of knowledge: From neurons to numbers
Authors: Fischer Martin H.
Published: June 2024

Interdisciplinary investigations of the human mind through the cognitive sciences have identified a key role of the body in representing knowledge. After characterizing knowledge at grounded, embodied, and situated levels, number knowledge is analyzed from this hierarchical perspective. Lateralized cortical processing of coarse versus fine detail is identified as a grounding substrate for the population stereotype few/left, many/right, which then contributes to number‐related sensory and motor biases at the embodied and situated levels. Implications of this perspective for education and rehabilitation are discussed.
Natural variation of WBR7 confers rice high yield and quality by modulating sucrose supply in sink organs
Authors: Shi Huan , Yun Peng , Zhu Yun , Wang Lu , Wang Yipei , Li Pingbo , Zhou Hao , Cheng Shiyuan , Liu Rongjia , Gao Guanjun , Zhang Qinglu , Xiao Jinghua , Li Yibo , Xiong Lizhong , You Aiqing , He Yuqing
Published: June 2024

Grain chalkiness is an undesirable trait that negatively regulates grain yield and quality in rice. However, the regulatory mechanism underlying chalkiness is complex and remains unclear. We identified a positive regulator of white‐belly rate (WBR). The WBR7 gene encodes sucrose synthase 3 (SUS3). A weak functional allele of WBR7 is beneficial in increasing grain yield and quality. During the domestication of indica rice, a functional G/A variation in the coding region of WBR7 resulted in an E541K amino acid substitution in the GT‐4 glycosyltransferase domain, leading to a significant decrease in decomposition activity of WBR7A (allele in cultivar Jin23B) compared with WBR7G (allele in cultivar Beilu130). The NIL(J23B) and knockout line NIL(BL130)KO exhibited lower WBR7 decomposition activity than that of NIL(BL130) and NIL(J23B)COM, resulting in less sucrose decomposition and metabolism in the conducting organs. This caused more sucrose transportation to the endosperm, enhancing the synthesis of storage components in the endosperm and leading to decreased WBR. More sucrose was also transported to the anthers, providing sufficient substrate and energy supply for pollen maturation and germination, ultimately leading to an increase rate of seed setting and increased grain yield. Our findings elucidate a mechanism for enhancing rice yield and quality by modulating sucrose metabolism and allocation, and provides a valuable allele for improved rice quality.
Comparative study on biochemical responses to imidacloprid and clothianidin in cockroaches (Blattella germanica)
Authors: Konkala Anand , Narra Madhusudan Reddy
Published: June 2024

Cockroaches, ubiquitous pests known for significant reproduction and as potential vectors of diseases, are notorious for their adoptability to a variety of insecticides that cause substantial challenges in pest control. The present research evaluated the LC50 concentrations of imidacloprid (0.65 mg/L) and clothianidin (2.5 μg/L) for Blattella germanica using topical and bait methods. The cockroaches were exposed to one‐third concentration of LC50 at a regular interval of 1, 2, 4, 8, 12, 16 and 20 days. During exposure, the activity of P450 monooxygenase increased, whereas the activity of brain acetylcholinesterase decreased. Lactate dehydrogenase, alkaline and acid phosphatase activity were highest on day 4, with a slight recovery on day 20. The elevated activities for superoxide dismutase and catalase, as well as increased lipid peroxidation levels on day 4, followed by a significant recovery in activity on day 20. The glutathione‐S‐transferase activity was elevated while the glutathione content was reduced, and a significant restoration was observed at the end of the experiment. The biochemical mechanisms of the organisms such as P450, esterase enzymes and oxidative systems, are actively involved in the detoxification mechanism. The study elucidated that the insecticide defence mechanism triggers detoxification pathways that encompass the metabolism of endogenous insecticidal compounds, with clothianidin showing greater efficacy and lower detoxification compared with imidacloprid.
Boosting arousal and cognitive performance through alternating posture: Insights from a multi‐method laboratory study
Authors: van Steenbergen Henk , Wilderjans Tom F. , Band Guido P. H. , Nieuwenhuis Sander T.
Published: June 2024

This study investigated the role of arousal and effort costs in the cognitive benefits of alternating between sitting and standing postures using a sit‐stand desk, while measuring executive functions, self‐reports, physiology, and neural activity in a 2‐h laboratory session aimed to induce mental fatigue. Two sessions were conducted with a one‐week gap, during which participants alternated between sitting and standing postures each 20‐min block in one session and remained seated in the other. In each block, inhibition, switching, and updating were assessed. We examined effects of time‐on‐task, acute (local) effects of standing versus sitting posture, and cumulative (global) effects of a standing posture that generalize to the subsequent block in which participants sit. Results (N = 43) confirmed that time‐on‐task increased mental fatigue and decreased arousal. Standing (versus sitting) led to acute increases in arousal levels, including self‐reports, alpha oscillations, and cardiac responses. Standing also decreased physiological and perceived effort costs. Standing enhanced processing speed in the flanker task, attributable to shortened nondecision time and speeded evidence accumulation processes. No significant effects were observed on higher‐level executive functions. Alternating postures also increased heart rate variability cumulatively over time. Exploratory mediation analyses indicated that the positive impact of acute posture on enhanced drift rate was mediated by self‐reported arousal, whereas decreased nondecision time was mediated by reductions in alpha power. In conclusion, alternating between sitting and standing postures can enhance arousal, decrease effort costs, and improve specific cognitive and physiological outcomes.
Estimation of maternal and additive effect on reproduction and productive traits in Hardhenu cattle
Authors: Yadav Devesh Kumar , Malik Zile S. , Magotra Ankit , Bangar Yogesh C. , Pushpa
Published: June 2024

The study aimed to assess performance traits in Hardhenu cattle by analysing data from 445 animals born to 59 sires and 227 dams. The investigation focused on estimating (co)variance components and genetic parameters for reproduction and production traits in dairy cattle. Results from least‐squares analysis indicated a significant effect (p < .01) of the period of calving (POC) on key production traits, including first lactation milk yield (FLMY), 300‐day milk yield (FLMY300), first peak yield (FPY) and total lactation milk yield (TLMY) in studied population. The least squares means for these traits were reported as follows: FLMY (2665.68 ± 45.66 kg), FLMY300 (2425.52 ± 34.41 kg), FLL (312.95 ± 3.83 days), FPY (11.52 ± 0.15 kg) and TLMY (9282.44 ± 167.03 kg) in Hardhenu cattle. In the studied population, only additive genetic variability was found to be present and there was absence of any significant maternal effect with respect to targeted traits in the resource population. Direct heritability estimates (h2) for FLMY, FLMY300, FLL, FPY, TLMY and other traits ranged from 0.03 to 0.41 in Hardhenu cattle. These findings offer valuable insights into the genetic factors influencing performance traits, contributing to the enhancement of breeding and management practices in Hardhenu cattle.
Digital disruptions and identity renegotiations: From the Children of God to TFI Online
Authors: Borowik Claire
Published: June 2024

The Children of God (now The Family International [TFI]) emerged in the countercultural moment of the 1960s on the radical fringe of the Jesus People movement and evolved into a controversial new religious movement that has generated significant scholarly research over the past 5 decades. This article will review the history of TFI, with particular focus on its latest shift to online religion, and reflect on the research published throughout its history and how this has engaged with the cycles of organizational change that have characterized the movement. The history of TFI highlights the dynamic nature of new religions, and their potential to strategically adapt and revise beliefs and practices to accommodate changing cultural contexts. Research of TFI's journey from radical communalism to virtual community offers insights into novel ways in which new religions may be disrupted and socially reconstructed in the digital information age, and the renegotiations of belief, worldview and identity this may entail.
Metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis revealed the response mechanism of alfalfa to combined cold and saline‐alkali stress
Authors: Liu Lei , Si Liang , Zhang Lishuang , Guo Rui , Wang Ruixin , Dong Haimei , Guo Changhong
Published: June 2024

Cold and saline‐alkali stress are frequently encountered by plants, and they often occur simultaneously in saline‐alkali soils at mid to high latitudes, constraining forage crop distribution and production. However, the mechanisms by which forage crops respond to the combination of cold and saline‐alkali stress remain unknown. Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is one of the most essential forage grasses in the world. In this study, we analyzed the complex response mechanisms of two alfalfa species (Zhaodong [ZD] and Blue Moon [BM]) to combined cold and saline‐alkali stress using multi‐omics. The results revealed that ZD had a greater ability to tolerate combined stress than BM. The tricarboxylic acid cycles of the two varieties responded positively to the combined stress, with ZD accumulating more sugars, amino acids, and jasmonic acid. The gene expression and flavonoid content of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway were significantly different between the two varieties. Weighted gene co‐expression network analysis and co‐expression network analysis based on RNA‐Seq data suggested that the MsMYB12 gene may respond to combined stress by regulating the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway. MsMYB12 can directly bind to the promoter of MsFLS13 and promote its expression. Moreover, MsFLS13 overexpression can enhance flavonol accumulation and antioxidant capacity, which can improve combined stress tolerance. These findings provide new insights into improving alfalfa resistance to combined cold and saline‐alkali stress, showing that flavonoids are essential for plant resistance to combined stresses, and provide theoretical guidance for future breeding programs.
Perceived Level of Soft Skills Among the Vocational Training Teachers as Viewed by Themselves, the School Directors and Their Deputies
Authors: Bendová Alena , Horáčková Marie
Published: June 2024

The presented study focuses on the process of gaining soft skills and competencies among vocational training teachers. The main goal of the study was to find out how the teachers themselves perceive the level of their soft skills as well as how the school directors and their deputies perceive the soft skills of their employees. The questionnaire created for this purpose was based on the description of the soft skills for vocational training teachers by the National Qualifications System. The results show that the most important soft skills the teachers themselves consider necessary for the profession of a teacher are productivity, the ability to solve problems, and effective communication. The viewpoints of the directors and their deputies were mostly similar, the most important skill being effective communication. A comparison of the data from the teachers and the directors (and their deputies) revealed significant differences between these two groups of respondents in their opinion on the ideal level of soft skills and their ideas about the realistic level of soft skills among vocational training teachers.
Comparison of Teacher Professional Development Systems in Slovakia, Finland and The Netherlands
Authors: Baláž Ďurechová Anna
Published: June 2024

The aim of the comparative study is to compare teacher professional development systems in Slovakia, Finland and the Netherlands on the basis of 3 comparative criteria: a) national policies and regulations, b) content and forms, c) counselling and support systems in the professional development of teachers. Data were obtained from scientific articles published in the online databases ERIC, EBSCO, Education Source, Google Scholar and from national legislative documents available on the websites of the countries. The results point to the validity of implementing andragogical counselling in teachers’ professional development as a non‐focal part of lifelong learning while highlighting the requirements of the European Commission in their legislative documents.
Primární a preprimární vzdělávání s akcentem na eliminaci rizik v kontextu zajištění rovných příležitostí
Authors: Burkovičová Radmila
Published: June 2024

PROVÁZKOVÁ STOLINSKÁ, D., RAŠKOVÁ, M., & ŠMELOVÁ, E., 2021. Primární a preprimární vzdělávání s akcentem na eliminaci rizik v kontextu zajištění rovných příležitostí. Olomouc: Pedagogická fakulta Univerzity Palackého, 2021. 69 s. ISBN 978-80-244-6099-4.
Solution Verification of Anomalous Waves in Nonideal Gases
Authors: Pielemeier Katherine R. , Davies Alexander M. , Powers Joseph M.
Published: June 2024

Solution verification methods for anomalous waves in inviscid and viscous van der Waals gases are presented. Anomalous waves are admissible in a single gas phase material when isentropes are concave, rendering the sound speed to have the unusual feature of decreasing with increasing density. The anomalous waves considered include rarefaction shocks and continuous compression fans. A previously known exact solution of inviscid continuous fans with a van der Waals equation of state is applied to anomalous waves. An exact solution for viscous shocks in an ideal gas is described and utilized for verification of the viscous numerical solutions. Solutions and simulations of viscous and inviscid van der Waals gases in shock tubes are presented with both conventional and anomalous waves. Shock tube solutions are used for verification of numerical simulations. Highly resolved viscous solutions are obtained with a simple explicit Euler time advancement scheme coupled with a second-order central spatial discretization. Inviscid simulations are performed with a third-order Runge–Kutta method in time and a fifth-order mapped weighted essentially nonoscillatory (WENO5M) discretization. The WENO5M method is novelly supplemented with a global Lax–Friedrichs flux-splitting in space, as local flux-splitting methods fail when changes in the sound speed are nonmonotonic.
Healthcare utilisation and quality of life according to atrial fibrillation burden, episode frequency and duration
Authors: Frausing Maria Hee Jung Park , Van De Lande Martijn , Linz Dominik , Crijns Harry J G M , Tieleman Robert G , Hemels Martin E W , De Melis Mirko , Schotten Ulrich , Kronborg Mads Brix , Nielsen Jens C , Van Gelder Isabelle , Rienstra Michiel
Published: June 2024

Background

We aimed to evaluate the association between atrial fibrillation (AF) burden, duration and number of episodes with healthcare utilisation and quality of life in patients with early paroxysmal AF without a history of AF.

Methods

In this observational cohort study, we included 417 patients with paroxysmal AF from the Reappraisal of Atrial Fibrillation: interaction between hyperCoagulability, Electrical remodelling and Vascular destabilisation in the progression of AF (RACE V) Study. Patients were monitored with an insertable cardiac monitor for 1 year. Outcomes collected were healthcare utilisation, and quality of life assessed using the Atrial Fibrillation Severity Scale and EuroQol EQ-5D-5L questionnaires.

Results

During 1 year of follow-up, 63 973 AF episodes were detected in 353 (85%) patients. The median AF burden was 0.7% (IQR 0.1–4.0%). AF ablation was performed more frequently in patients with intermediate-to-high AF burdens (>0.2%) (16.2% vs 5.9%, p=0.01) and longer AF episode duration (>1 hour) (15.8% vs 2.0%, p=0.01), whereas cardioversions were more frequent in patients with longer episode duration (>1 hour) (9.5% vs 0%, p=0.04) and intermediate (0.2–1.9%) (but not high) AF burdens (13.6% vs 4.2%, p=0.01). Patients with many episodes (>147) reported higher symptom severity (p=0.001). No differences in symptom severity nor in EQ-5D-5L scores according to AF burden or duration were observed.

Conclusion

In patients with early paroxysmal AF, higher AF burden and longer episode duration were associated with increased rates of healthcare utilisation but not with symptoms and quality of life. Patients with a higher number of episodes experienced more severe symptoms.

Trial registration number

NCT02726698.
Cross-Subject Seizure Detection via Unsupervised Domain-Adaptation
Authors: Wang Shuai , Feng Hailing , Lv Hongbin , Nie Chenxi , Feng Wenqian , Peng Hao , Zhang Lin , Zhao Yanna
Published: June 2024

Automatic seizure detection from Electroencephalography (EEG) is of great importance in aiding the diagnosis and treatment of epilepsy due to the advantages of convenience and economy. Existing seizure detection methods are usually patient-specific, the training and testing are carried out on the same patient, limiting their scalability to other patients. To address this issue, we propose a cross-subject seizure detection method via unsupervised domain adaptation. The proposed method aims to obtain seizure specific information through shallow and deep feature alignments. For shallow feature alignment, we use convolutional neural network (CNN) to extract seizure-related features. The distribution gap of the shallow features between different patients is minimized by multi-kernel maximum mean discrepancies (MK-MMD). For deep feature alignment, adversarial learning is utilized. The feature extractor tries to learn feature representations that try to confuse the domain classifier, making the extracted deep features more generalizable to new patients. The performance of our method is evaluated on the CHB-MIT and Siena databases in epoch-based experiments. Additionally, event-based experiments are also conducted on the CHB-MIT dataset. The results validate the feasibility of our method in diminishing the domain disparities among different patients.
Endomorphisms of a variety of Ueno type and Kawaguchi–Silverman conjecture
Authors: Oguiso Keiji
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we first show that the monoid of separable surjective self-morphisms of a variety of Ueno type coincides with the group of automorphisms. We also give an explicit description of the automorphism group. As applications, we confirm Kawaguchi–Silverman conjecture for automorphisms of a variety of Ueno type and some Calabi–Yau three-fold, defined over [Formula: see text].
On minimal Lagrangian submanifolds in complex space forms with semi-parallel second fundamental form
Authors: Li Cece , Xing Cheng
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we study the interesting open problem of classifying the minimal Lagrangian submanifolds of dimension [Formula: see text] in complex space forms with semi-parallel second fundamental form. First, we completely solve the problem in cases [Formula: see text]. Second, supposing further that the scalar curvature is constant for [Formula: see text], we also give an answer to the problem by applying the classification theorem of [F. Dillen, H. Li, L. Vrancken and X. Wang, Lagrangian submanifolds in complex projective space with parallel second fundamental form, Pacific J. Math. 255 (2012) 79–115]. Finally, for such Lagrangian submanifolds in the above problem with [Formula: see text], we establish an inequality in terms of the traceless Ricci tensor, the squared norm of the second fundamental form and the scalar curvature. Moreover, this inequality is optimal in the sense that all the submanifolds attaining the equality are completely determined.
A hybrid dynamic memetic algorithm for the influence maximization problem in social networks
Authors: Tang Jianxin , Li Yihui
Published: June 2024

As an important research topic in social network analysis, the influence maximization problem is aimed at identifying a set of influential nodes from a social network that can produce the maximum propagation cascade effect. Developing flattering policies that can balance both the solution quality and computational efficiency is one of the key concerns on this problem. To address the deficiency of the classical static memetic algorithms that only consider the quality of neighboring nodes but lack the adaptability to different network topologies, this paper proposes a hybrid dynamic memetic algorithm (HDMA) for the influence maximization problem. According to the proposed framework, each node in the network is first assigned a label to indicate its importance. Based on the local influence, the potential influential nodes are added to the candidate set by ranking the importance, which is adopted to improve the quality of the initial population and prune the search space. An adaptive roulette taboo strategy by combining the stochastic local searching method, greedy mechanism with the centrality metrics is constructed to enhance the adaptability of the algorithm as well as its accuracy. The results prove that the HDMA can adapt well to different network structures. Higher accuracy solutions are obtained in faster running time, which verifies the satisfying performance of the algorithm in balancing global search and local exploitation.
Could Regression of Stationary Series Be Spurious?
Authors: Wong Wing-Keung , Cheng Yushan , Yue Mu
Published: June 2024

Spurious regression, commonly associated with independent and (nearly) non-stationary time series, has been extensively studied. However, the potential for spurious outcomes in regression involving stationary time series remains largely unexplored, representing a gap in the literature. To address this gap, we propose that regression of stationary time series may yield spurious outcomes and conduct a comprehensive investigation to verify this conjecture. Additionally, we present a remedy algorithm to mitigate spurious effects and improve model interpretability. Through extensive simulations, we validate our conjecture and demonstrate the efficacy of the proposed remedy. A numerical analysis further illustrates the practical utility of our approach. This study offers a fresh perspective on spurious regression and provides a practical solution to enhance the reliability of regression analyses involving stationary time series data.
Pursue of CP violation in hyperon decay
Authors: Valencia German
Published: June 2024

In this paper, I review the status of CP violation in hyperon decay in light of recent progress by BESIII and the anticipated improvements at the super tau-charm facility. I emphasize the complementarity between kaons and hyperons for studying CP violation in [Formula: see text] processes.
Inner tracker for super Charm-Tau factory detector based on compact time projection chamber
Authors: Maltsev T. V. , Shekhtman L. I. , Sokolov A. V.
Published: June 2024

Time Projection Chamber as Inner Tracker for Super Charm-Tau Factory Detector was simulated. Minimum required momentum for [Formula: see text]-meson to be reliably registered was determined to be 50[Formula: see text]MeV/c. Momentum resolution of a few percents was obtained for the detection of [Formula: see text]-mesons with initial momentum less than 100[Formula: see text]MeV/c.
An Efficient Voice-Based Emotion Recognition Using Hybrid Capsule Slime Mould Dense Deep Learning Framework
Authors: Tallapragada V. V. Satyanarayana , Naresh M. , Pradeep Kumar G. V. , Sireesha V.
Published: June 2024

Emotion recognition is an acceptable task of understanding the other’s emotions and thoughts. Modern technology allows machines to recognize objects without the need for human intervention. The existing emotion recognition system faces more difficulties in making an accurate result with limited audio files. To address this problem, a Bag of audio terms-based hybrid deep learning models will be introduced it is known as the pioneering deep learning model. Input voice data is considered from a large dataset and pre-processed using a Data normalization and adaptive bilinear filtering approach. Afterward, acoustic features are taken out from the voice signals to capture related information for emotion recognition. These features can include linear prediction coefficients (LPC), three-dimensional (3D) log-mel spectrum, mel-frequency cepstral coefficients (MFCCs), and Prosodic features. Subsequently, feature selection is performed using an improved wild horse optimization (WHO) approach. Finally, a hybrid capsule slime mould dense deep learning framework (HCSDN) is used for voice-based emotion recognition. IEMOCAP and EMODB datasets are used to calculate system performance. The performance metrics denote the proposed system achieves 96.78% accuracy, 96.45% specificity, 95.81% precision, 4.256% error rate, and 94.256% sensitivity, 0.75% false positive rate in terms of the IEMOCAP dataset. Similarly, the proposed system achieves 96.85% accuracy, 95.74% specificity, 96.12% precision, 3.432% error rate, 95.25% sensitivity, and 0.62% false positive rate in terms of the EMODB dataset.
Enhanced Lithium-Ion Battery SOH Estimation Using Bayesian-Optimized CNN Deep Learning Approach
Authors: Huang Xiaorong , Wei Jionghui , Huang Jieming , Zhang Qingbo , Zhong Rongfu , Lai Rijing
Published: June 2024

The accurate health status evaluation of lithium-ion batteries is crucial for preemptive identification of potential battery failures and averting hazardous incidents, given its essential role in indicating the extent of battery degradation. The challenge in determining the State of Health (SOH) arises from the absence of a precise and standardized definition, as well as the difficulty in measuring essential input variables. Therefore, this paper utilizes current and voltage data during the charge and discharge process as direct inputs for SOH estimation and proposes a deep learning-based lithium-ion battery SOH estimation approach. Specifically, it leverages Bayesian optimized Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) within a data-driven framework. Experimental results demonstrate that the proposed deep learning method achieves a Mean Absolute Error (MAE) of 1% and a Maximum Error (MAX) below 4% in estimation accuracy, highlighting its enhanced precision and robustness.
DESMPA-Deep CNN: Double Exponential Smoothing Marine Predator Algorithm-Based Deep CNN for Liver Tumor Segmentation and Classification
Authors: Aparna P. R. , Libish T. M.
Published: June 2024

Nowadays, liver cancers are well-known cancers attacking the human body. The larger segment of liver carcinomas is highly affected by alcohol-associated hepatitis as well as cirrhosis circumstances. In order to increase the survival rate of humans, premature and early diagnosis of liver cancer is very vital. Currently, discriminating the tumor and liver segments from medical imaging with the help of entirely automated computer-aided software is a highly difficult task, because the liver tumor may differ from one human being to another human being. Thus, this paper endeavors to present a new liver tumor segmentation and classification approach by incorporating an optimization-enabled deep learning model. Here, the adopted model comprises four stages, pre-processing, liver segmentation, liver tumor detection, and classification. To begin with, the collected images are given to the pre-processing stage using the African vulture’s optimization-based adaptive histogram equalization (AVOAHE). The integration of the African vulture’s optimization (AVO) concept in adaptive histogram equalization is named AVOAHE. After the image pre-processing phase, the liver region is segmented by utilizing kernel-based fuzzy C-means clustering. Then, the detection of liver tumor is performed using the Swin-Unet. Finally, tumor detection is done by utilizing the deep convolutional neural network (Deep CNN). Moreover, a hybrid optimization approach, called double exponential smoothing (DES)-marine predator algorithm (MPA), is developed by combining DES and MPA, which is used to train Deep CNN and serves as an enhancement. Finally, the experimental analysis has shown that the adopted technique has achieved better results in terms of accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, and precision with values of 0.957, 0.969, 0.941 and 0.915, respectively.
Hybrid Convolution-Based Efficientnet-Based Hand Gesture Recognition Framework with Optimized Algorithm
Authors: Jency Rubia J. , Babitha Lincy R. , Sherin Shibi C.
Published: June 2024

The difficulties in communication and hearing are an important concern for deaf–dumb people, which stop access to their essential and basic needs. Many findings have been made to address sign languages even though this challenging problem is not still solved. Many methods aimed to propose vision-based classifiers through identical pattern investigation tasks by obtaining the difficult handcraft feature descriptions of gestures from the gathered images. However, the efficacy of all those models is less for performing with a huge signbook captured from uncontrolled and complex background conditions. So, an effective Indian Sign Language (ISL) classification method is developed by an advanced deep learning approach. At first, the hand gesture images are obtained from the data source. Only the image of the hand, even from a complicated background, is extracted from the obtained image. The features are extracted using the Scale-Invariant Feature Transform (SIFT) method and Multiscale Vision Transformer (MVT). Then, the extracted features are fed to the Hybrid Convolution-based EfficientNet (HCEN) model. The hyper-parameters in the developed HCEN model are tuned using the implemented Adaptive Political Optimizer (APO) algorithm. The recognized hand signs are obtained from the suggested HCEN model. Various experiments are conducted to determine the performance of the suggested deep learning-based hand gesture recognition model.
Analysis of high-frequency limit in absorption cross-section for Kerr–Newman–de Sitter black hole
Authors: Polo Chiging Lasa , Singh Heisnam Shanjit
Published: June 2024

In this paper, we study the critical impact parameter and Lyapunov exponent for a massive charged particle and a photon in the Kerr–Newman–de Sitter (KNdS) spacetime. From the geodesic equations obtained for the particle traveling parallel to the rotation axis (on-axis) of the KNdS spacetime and using the complex angular momentum (CAM) technique, it is found that the total absorption cross-section at a high-frequency limit oscillates with decreasing amplitude. We show that the black hole charge and spin affect the total absorption cross-section in the case of both the massive charged particle and photon.
Systematic study of the superdeformed bands in the framework of the asymmetric rotor model in A≈ 130–150 mass region
Authors: Mahajan Annanya , Mittal H. M. , Dadwal Anshul
Published: June 2024

The superdeformed (SD) nuclei in the [Formula: see text]–150 mass region are examined for the first time within the Asymmetric Rotor Model (ARM) context. The asymmetry parameter [Formula: see text] is obtained by using the ARM expressions for the energy levels of nonaxially deformed nuclei (triaxial nuclei). The variation of kinematic moment of inertia [Formula: see text] and dynamic moment of inertia [Formula: see text] with [Formula: see text] is examined. Both appear to decline as [Formula: see text] increases. In addition, the variation of [Formula: see text] and the [Formula: see text] product with [Formula: see text] are also examined.