bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sagnac-interferometer-based multiwavelength SOA fiber laser assisted by an intensity-dependent loss mechanism
Authors: Sulaiman Abdul Hadi , David Allen Paul , Ismail Aiman , Abu Hassan Nadiah Nadhirah , Abdullah Fairuz , Jamaludin Md Zaini , Md Yusoff Nelidya
Published: January 2024

We demonstrate a Sagnac-interferometer-based multiwavelength fiber laser with an intensity-dependent loss (IDL) mechanism in the L-band region using a semiconductor optical amplifier (SOA) as the gain medium. The IDL mechanism flattens and stabilizes the multiwavelength spectrum. We also investigate the effect of rotation angles of polarization controllers (PCs) at different polarization devices on multiwavelength performance. At best settings, 31 lasing lines within 3 dB uniformity were generated with an extinction ratio (ER) of 17 dB. Adjusting the half-wave plate of PC1 and PC2 from 0° to 90° shifted the multiwavelength output by 0.01 nm and 0.072 nm, respectively. PC2 adjustment also affects the multiwavelength flatness as compared to PC1. Furthermore, the number of lasing lines and the ER were directly influenced by the SOA current.
Design and discussion of off-axis reflective double-pass optical systems
Authors: Zhao Gaoxing , Zhu Jun
Published: January 2024

In most off-axis reflective optical systems, light beams only pass each optical element once. A double-pass structure can increase the number of beam reflections while using the same number of elements as conventional systems, which can be advantageous for some optical systems, with benefits that include high system compactness and cost-friendliness. In this paper, a design method for off-axis reflective double-pass optical systems is proposed that enables effective control of the overlap of a beam that passes through the double-pass surface twice. Furthermore, we designed and analyzed various geometric folding structure double-pass optical systems that include three-mirror reflections to explore their optimization potential and volume control capabilities. Subsequently, the effect of the double-pass structure on the optical system’s performance is investigated using the system volume as an indicator. The results obtained show that when a system inherently requires a longer total optical length to enable better aberration correction, a double-pass structure may reduce the system volume. Finally, we discuss the impact of the double-pass configuration on the optical system’s position sensitivity and surface shape sensitivity.
Enhancing 3D human pose estimation with NIR single-pixel imaging and time-of-flight technology: a deep learning approach
Authors: Osorio Quero Carlos , Durini Daniel , Rangel-Magdaleno Jose , Martinez-Carranza Jose , Ramos-Garcia Ruben
Published: January 2024

The extraction of 3D human pose and body shape details from a single monocular image is a significant challenge in computer vision. Traditional methods use RGB images, but these are constrained by varying lighting and occlusions. However, cutting-edge developments in imaging technologies have introduced new techniques such as single-pixel imaging (SPI) that can surmount these hurdles. In the near-infrared spectrum, SPI demonstrates impressive capabilities in capturing a 3D human pose. This wavelength can penetrate clothing and is less influenced by lighting variations than visible light, thus providing a reliable means to accurately capture body shape and pose data, even in difficult settings. In this work, we explore the use of an SPI camera operating in the NIR with time-of-flight (TOF) at bands 850–1550 nm as a solution to detect humans in nighttime environments. The proposed system uses the vision transformers (ViT) model to detect and extract the characteristic features of humans for integration over a 3D body model SMPL-X through 3D body shape regression using deep learning. To evaluate the efficacy of NIR-SPI 3D image reconstruction, we constructed a laboratory scenario that simulates nighttime conditions, enabling us to test the feasibility of employing NIR-SPI as a vision sensor in outdoor environments. By assessing the results obtained from this setup, we aim to demonstrate the potential of NIR-SPI as an effective tool to detect humans in nighttime scenarios and capture their accurate 3D body pose and shape.
Technique for thermal lens measuring using the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm in high power laser systems
Authors: Burkov A. S. , Tereshchenko N. V. , Larionov I. A. , Obronov I. V. , Myasnikov D. V.
Published: January 2024

In this paper, we present a first-time, to the best of our knowledge, systematic investigation into the applicability of the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm for measuring the thermally induced phase distortion of laser beams. We propose an experimental approach based on the Gerchberg-Saxton algorithm for thermal lens measurements with optimized convergence rate and accuracy. It is shown that the method performs well in measuring optically transparent and highly scattering media, and also can provide a quantitative comparison of samples in terms of optical absorption and output beam aberrations. The dependence of the thermal lens dioptric power on the radiation power was investigated in a TGG crystal and Tb2O3 ceramic. Additionally, the possibility of estimating of the aberrations of thermal lenses was shown.
Cnoidal waves and their soliton limits in single mode fiber lasers
Authors: Hu Xiao , Chen Tupei , Yoo Seongwoo , Tang Dingyuan
Published: January 2024

Cnoidal waves are a type of nonlinear periodic wave solutions of the nonlinear dynamic equations. They are well known in fluid dynamics, but it is not the case in optics. In this paper we show both experimentally and numerically that cnoidal waves could be formed in a fiber laser either in the net normal or net anomalous cavity dispersion regime, especially because, as the pump power is increased, the formed cnoidal waves could eventually evolve into a train of bright (in the net anomalous cavity dispersion regime) or dark (in the net normal cavity dispersion regime) solitons. Numerical simulations of the laser operation based on the extended nonlinear Schrödinger equation (NLSE) have well reproduced the experimental observations. The result not only explains why solitons can still be formed in a fiber laser even without mode locking but also suggests a new effective way of automatic stable periodic pulse train generation in lasers with a nonlinear cavity.
Species-wide survey of the expressivity and complexity spectrum of traits in yeast
Authors: Tsouris Andreas , Fournier Téo , Friedrich Anne , Hou Jing , Dunham Maitreya J. , Schacherer Joseph
Published: January 2024

Assessing the complexity and expressivity of traits at the species level is an essential first step to better dissect the genotype-phenotype relationship. As trait complexity behaves dynamically, the classic dichotomy between monogenic and complex traits is too simplistic. However, no systematic assessment of this complexity spectrum has been carried out on a population scale to date. In this context, we generated a large diallel hybrid panel composed of 190 unique hybrids coming from 20 natural isolates representative of the S. cerevisiae genetic diversity. For each of these hybrids, a large progeny of 160 individuals was obtained, leading to a total of 30,400 offspring individuals. Their mitotic growth was evaluated on 38 conditions inducing various cellular stresses. We developed a classification algorithm to analyze the phenotypic distributions of offspring and assess the trait complexity. We clearly found that traits are mainly complex at the population level. On average, we found that 91.2% of cross/trait combinations exhibit high complexity, while monogenic and oligogenic cases accounted for only 4.1% and 4.7%, respectively. However, the complexity spectrum is very dynamic, trait specific and tightly related to genetic backgrounds. Overall, our study provided greater insight into trait complexity as well as the underlying genetic basis of its spectrum in a natural population.
The psychosocial burden of cutaneous leishmaniasis in rural Sri Lanka: A multi-method qualitative study
Authors: Nuwangi Hasara , Dikomitis Lisa , Weerakoon Kosala Gayan , Agampodi Suneth Buddhika , Agampodi Thilini Chanchala
Published: January 2024

Leishmaniasis is a tropical infectious disease affecting some of the world’s most economically disadvantaged and resource-poor regions. Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) is the most common out of the three clinical types of Leishmaniasis. Since 1904 this disease has been endemic in Sri Lanka. CL is considered a disfiguring stigmatising disease with a higher psychosocial burden. However, there needs to be a more in-depth, holistic understanding of the psychosocial burden of this disease, both locally and internationally. An in-depth understanding of the disease burden beyond morbidity and mortality is required to provide people-centred care. We explored the psychosocial burden of CL in rural Sri Lanka using a complex multimethod qualitative approach with community engagement and involvement. Data collection included participant observation, an auto-ethnographic diary study by community researchers with post-diary interviews, and a Participant Experience Reflection Journal (PERJ) study with post-PERJ interviews with community members with CL. The thematic analysis revealed three major burden-related themes on perceptions and reflections on the disease: wound, treatment, and illness-experience related burden. Fear, disgust, body image concerns, and being subjected to negative societal reactions were wound-related. Treatment interfering with day-to-day life, pain, the time-consuming nature of the treatment, problems due to the ineffectiveness of the treatment, and the burden of attending a government hospital clinic were the treatment-related burdens. Anxiety/worry due to wrongly perceived disease severity and negative emotions due to the nature of the disease made the illness experience more burdensome. Addressing the multifaceted psychosocial burden is paramount to ensure healthcare seeking, treatment compliance, and disease control and prevention. We propose a people-centred healthcare model to understand the contextual nature of the disease and improve patient outcomes.
Dual generative adversarial networks based on regression and neighbor characteristics
Authors: Jia Weinan , Lu Ming , Shen Qing , Tian Chunzhi , Zheng Xuyang
Published: January 2024

Imbalanced data is a problem in that the number of samples in different categories or target value ranges varies greatly. Data imbalance imposes excellent challenges to machine learning and pattern recognition. The performance of machine learning models leans to be partially towards the majority of samples in the imbalanced dataset, which will further affect the effect of the model. The imbalanced data problem includes an imbalanced categorical problem and an imbalanced regression problem. Many studies have been developed to address the issue of imbalanced classification data. Nevertheless, the imbalanced regression problem has not been well-researched. In order to solve the problem of unbalanced regression data, we define an RNGRU model that can simultaneously learn the regression characteristics and neighbor characteristics of regression samples. To obtain the most comprehensive sample information of regression samples, the model uses the idea of confrontation to determine the proportion between the regression characteristics and neighbor characteristics of the original samples. According to the regression characteristics of the regression samples, an index ccr (correlation change rate) is proposed to evaluate the similarity between the generated samples and the original samples. And on this basis, an RNGAN model is proposed to reduce the similarity between the generated samples and the original samples by using the idea of confrontation.
The effect of oral chronic graft-versus-host disease on bodyweight: A cohort study
Authors: Aboalela Ali Anwar , Farook Fathima Fazrina , Alazaz Norah N. , Alshahrani Nada , Alharthi Aalia , Hagr Roa
Published: January 2024

Aim

This retrospective cohort study aimed to evaluate the association between body weight and oral cGVHD (chronic graft versus host disease).

Methods

Patients with oral cGVHD were compared with an age and gender-matched non-GVHD cohort in terms of demographic information, body mass index (BMI), date of transplant, length of hospitalization, and oral complications. Weight was stratified in pre-and post-transplant weight, mean weight after acquiring cGVHD for the first year, and post-oral cGVHD BMI. Each patient was matched and compared with two controls at a 1:2 ratio. Firth’s penalized likelihood logistic regression was used to investigate the association between oral complications and weight loss greater than 5% in the oral cGVHD group.

Results

This study included 137 patients (n = 42 oral cGVHD, n = 12 non oral-cGVHD and n = 83 non-GVHD). The oral cGVHD cohort had a 1.44 times higher risk (RR) of being underweight (BMI<18.5 kg/m2) compared to the non-GVHD cohort. Oral mucositis was an independent predictor of weight loss above 5% in the oral cGVHD cohort (p < 0.001)

Conclusion

The weight loss was more prevalent among oral cGVHD, and oral mucositis was linked to significant weight loss. Weight loss may indicate the need to initiate early and aggressive symptomatic oral cGVHD treatment.
Index construction and application of digital transformation in the insurance industry: Evidence from China
Authors: Liu Mengqi , Yang Han , Zheng Shuxin
Published: January 2024

In the context of digitization, the insurance industry’s value chain is undergoing significant shifts. However, the existing research on its comprehension and measurement remains relatively limited. This study constructs an index system for digital transformation in the insurance industry (DTII) on three components: digital infrastructure, digital platform, and digital applications. Utilizing data from 31 provinces in China, this study employs the entropy weight method, analytic hierarchy process method and minimum relative entropy method to measure the weights of indicators, empirically applying this index system. The results show that DTII in China experiences rapid advancement with an average annual growth rate of 20.46% from 2014 to 2020 and there exists strong regional convergence. In addition, the spatial agglomeration and spatial effects of DTII are mainly concentrated in the life insurance industry and the eastern region. This study provides an index system and empirical evidence for evaluating the DTII, providing policy insights for exploring the sustainable development path of the insurance industry in the digital era.
Is there ‘trustworthy’ evidence for using manual therapy to treat patients with shoulder dysfunction?: A systematic review
Authors: Flowers Daniel W. , Swanson Brian T. , Shaffer Stephen M. , Clewley Derek J. , Riley Sean P.
Published: January 2024

The primary objective of this review was to create a ‘trustworthy,’ living systematic review and meta-analysis for the application of manual therapy interventions in treating patients with shoulder dysfunction. Included studies were English-language randomized controlled trials published between 1/1/2010 and 8/3/2023, with searches performed in: PubMed, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), CINHAL, ProQuest Nursing & Allied Health, EBSCO Medline, and PEDro. The population of focus included adults 18 years and older with musculoskeletal impairments related to shoulder dysfunction. Our primary outcomes included pain and region-specific outcome measures. We excluded trials, including participants having shoulder dysfunction resulting from surgery, radicular pain, instability/dislocation, fracture, lymphedema, and radiation. Our screening methodology was based upon a previously published ‘trustworthy’ systematic review protocol. This included the application of our PICOTS criteria in addition to screening for prospective clinical trial registration and following of prospective intent, as well as assessment of PEDro scores, risk-of-bias ratings, GRADE scoring, and examination of confidence in estimated effects. Twenty-six randomized controlled trials met our PICOTS criteria; however, only 15 of these were registered. Only three were registered prospectively. Two of these did not have discussions and conclusions that aligned with their primary outcome. The remaining single study was found to have a high risk-of-bias, meaning the remainder of the protocol could not be employed and that no randomized controlled trials could undergo further assessment or meta-analysis. The results of this systematic review indicate there are no ‘trustworthy’ randomized controlled trials examining the effectiveness of manual therapy interventions for the treatment of patients with shoulder dysfunction, as defined by the prospectively established methodology. Therefore, these findings signal that creating a ‘trustworthy,’ living systematic review on this clinically relevant topic is not yet possible due to a lack of ‘trustworthy’ randomized controlled trials.
Ukraine (Україна)
Authors: Helbig Adriana
Published: January 2024

This article offers an overview of the role of Ukrainian-language hip hop in contemporary Ukrainian politics, namely the 2004 Orange Revolution, the 2014 Revolution of Dignity and Russia’s 2022 war in Ukraine. First, it analyses hip hop’s growth in popularity since Ukraine’s independence from the Soviet Union in 1991. Second, it argues that hip hop functions genre of resistance against political corruption. Third, it illustrates how hip hop creates spaces for women and ethnic minorities. Lastly, it contextualizes the growth in popularity of Ukrainian-language hip hop against a backdrop of Russian-language music that has dominated Ukraine’s music industries since the Soviet era.
South Africa (Mzansi)
Authors: Haupt Adam
Published: January 2024

This article offers a snapshot of South African hip hop by focusing largely on the uptake of ‘conscious’ hip hop in the 1980s and 1990s. It argues that especially Cape Town activists made meaningful contributions to advancing Black multilingual expression and, thereby, validating negated Black identities as the country was beginning to make the transition from apartheid to a democratic, post-apartheid South Africa. Ultimately, it questions whether the binary opposition between ‘conscious’ and commercial hip hop or Cape Town vs. Joburg hip hop is helpful in understanding the nuances of South African hip hop by pointing to examples that complicate such binaries.
Australia
Authors: Saunders Grant Leigh , Gunn Rachael
Published: January 2024

In this contribution, we provide a brief overview of the development of Hip Hop culture in Australia, looking specifically at rap and breaking (breakdancing). We show how Australian rap has for a long time been dominated by white Australian artists attempting to solidify an Aussie Hip Hop identity distinct from the United States. Because rap from Indigenous and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CaLD) communities did not fit the tropes of dominant (white) Australian culture, and were instead disregarded as simple mimicry of African American rap, the gatekeepers of Aussie Hip Hop for a long time locked out these minority artists. This created a divide in the rap scene that reflected broader Australian racial politics. In contrast, the breaking community has historically been more inclusive and reflective of a multicultural Australia, and has been more connected with the breakers of North America, Europe and Asia. In this contribution, we demonstrate how Australian Hip Hop has evolved over the past two decades to be more culturally inclusive, supported by key Australian artists, community radio, social media and finally validated by the Australian music industry as a distinct musical genre worth celebrating.
Brazil
Authors: Pardue Derek
Published: January 2024

The story of hip hop in Brazil is one of empowerment among primarily disenfranchised youth of African and mixed racial heritage. Hip hop’s conquest is less a story of ghetto superstars and much more about overall recognition – hip hop as Brazilian culture. Over the years hip hop has grown to embrace ever-widening demographics and identities, mixing styles and (sub)urban geographies across the country. What is perhaps most impressive is the general pride among fans and artists that hip hop is a culture (and not just music) and thus a source of education, belonging and identity. Following legends, such as KRS-One, Afrika Bambaataa and local icons, Nelsão Triunfo and King Nino Brown, upstarts and veterans continue to shout ‘I am hip hop’ as their mantra. This article is a brief overview of historical and contemporary themes in Brazilian hip hop informed by over twenty-five years of anthropological fieldwork in the city of São Paulo, the indisputable centre of hip hop cultural production of Brazil.
Adventure in times of terror
Authors: Hennig Anke
Published: January 2024

This article follows the history of the idea of adventure in the Soviet Union, which started as a dream of the great communist adventure but two decades into the revolution turned into the nightmare of the Great Terror. Adventure was implicated in the violent realities of Stalinism through tropes of the adventure genre, such as the loneliness of the adventurer in a precarious world impenetrable by reason. Understanding this situation requires a focus on philosophies of both adventure and terror. For instance, Hegel’s philosophy of adventure will help us to reveal features of the lived experience in times of terror, whilst Mikhail Ryklin’s philosophy of terror sheds light on the significance of the adventure genre in the Soviet 1930s. This double focus allows articulation of a primary feature of violence that is often overlooked, namely, the fundamental reciprocity that structures it. In the Soviet context, we find historically neglected but critically important reflections on the relation between violence and adventure in the life and works of Lev Kopelev. We also find a unique deliberation on the dialectics of violence (and counter-violence) in Evgeni Shvarc’s adventure tale The Dragon (1943) which can be fruitfully read in dialogue with Arendt’s vital distinction between violence and power. Reconsidering these sources is an important task for today given that Russian politics has once again, 30 years after perestroika, regressed into mass violence.
How Photography Changed Philosophy, Daniel Rubinstein (2023)
Authors: Lechte John
Published: January 2024

Review of: How Photography Changed Philosophy, Daniel Rubinstein (2023)

New York and Abingdon: Routledge, 122 pp.,

ISBN 978-0-36769-422-7, h/bk, GBP 130.00
Andre Hona la (no) xorguina y sus convecinas
Authors: Fernández de Larrea Rojas Jon Andoni
Published: January 2024

Dos documentos conservados en el Archivo General de Navarra contienen las primera menciones documentadas del vocablo sorgina de forma exenta. Esos textos nos ofrecen también algunas particuliaridades onomásticas.
El gobierno y la justicia en los puertos de la Monarquía en el siglo XVIII: la implantación del capitán de puerto
Authors: Serna Vallejo Margarita
Published: January 2024

El gobierno y la justicia en los puertos de la Monarquía Hispánica se ejerció durante siglos por distintas autoridades sin seguir un modelo uniforme en todos los puertos. Esta realidad cambió en el siglo XVIII cuando la Monarquía española puso en marcha una cuádruple política dirigida a disponer de un exacto conocimiento de los puertos y zonas próximas, a militarizar el gobierno de estos espacios, a uniformar el régimen jurídico de la gestión portuaria en todos los lugares de la Monarquía y a centralizar la responsabilidad de esta administración en un oficial que acabó siendo el capitán de puerto.
El método abierto de coordinación y su impacto en el Sistema Nacional de Salud
Authors: Hernández Bejarano Macarena
Published: January 2024

La crisis sanitaria generada por el Covid-19 ha puesto de manifiesto las fortalezas y debilidades de los sistemas sanitarios de los países de la UE. También las bondades y limitaciones en la actividad comunitaria para desarrollar en este ámbito acciones conjuntas multinivel. De la experiencia obtenida y de sus resultados se propone llevar a cabo una reflexión sobre el aprendizaje colectivo basado en la coordinación y cooperación intergubernamental en el ámbito sanitario. Ante un escenario común marcado por los desafíos demográficos y las necesidades de atención y de cuidados se considera de interés observar los dispositivos de buen gobierno “soft law governance” y sus efectos aplicativos en el sistema sanitario español. De sus resultados se podrá valorar en un horizonte temporal próximo el nivel de convergencia y posibles déficits a superar a los fines de conseguir los objetivos comunes que se enmarcan dentro de los ODS  y  del Pilar Europeo de Derechos Sociales.
Teletrabajo, salud y engagement, tras la Covid-19
Authors: Gallego Granero Enrique , Ortego Hijarrubia Sara , Fernández Piedra Diego
Published: January 2024

La pandemia de COVID-19 hizo que muchas personas asumiesen el teletrabajo de una forma repentina, influyendo física y psicológicamente en su salud, así como en los niveles de engagement laboral experimentado.

El objetivo del presente artículo es analizar, exploratoriamente, la posible influencia de esta modalidad laboral tanto en la salud física y/o mental como en el engagement laboral de trabajadores madrileños, realizando a su vez una comparativa con el resto de las modalidades de trabajo (presencial e híbrida). Se utilizó la metodología cuantitativa para evaluar a 307 participantes, aplicando un cuestionario formado por dos test estandarizados: el SF-12, sobre la salud física y/o mental, y el UWES-9, referente al engagement.

Los resultados obtenidos mostraron diferencias estadísticamente significativas tanto entre el nivel de salud (física y psicológica) como del engagement en las distintas modalidades laborales y variables sociodemográficas evaluadas, confirmando la repercusión negativa del teletrabajo en ambas variables.
Methylation of NRIP3 Is a Synthetic Lethal Marker for Combined PI3K and ATR/ATM Inhibitors in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Zhang Meiying , Li Xiaoyun , Herman James G. , Gao Aiai , Wang Qian , Yao Yuanxin , Shen Fangfang , He Kunlun , Guo Mingzhou
Published: January 2024

INTRODUCTION:

The aim of this study was to investigate the epigenetic regulation and underlying mechanism of NRIP3 in colorectal cancer (CRC).

METHODS:

Eight cell lines (SW480, SW620, DKO, LOVO, HT29, HCT116, DLD1, and RKO), 187 resected margin samples from colorectal cancer tissue, 146 cases with colorectal adenomatous polyps, and 308 colorectal cancer samples were used. Methylation-specific PCR, Western blotting, RNA interference assay, and a xenograft mouse model were used.

RESULTS:

NRIP3 exhibited methylation in 2.7% (5/187) of resected margin samples from colorectal cancer tissue, 32.2% (47/146) of colorectal adenomatous polyps, and 50.6% (156/308) of CRC samples, and the expression of NRIP3 was regulated by promoter region methylation. The methylation of NRIP3 was found to be significantly associated with late onset (at age 50 years or older), poor tumor differentiation, lymph node metastasis, and poor 5-year overall survival in CRC (all P < 0.05). In addition, NRIP3 methylation was an independent poor prognostic marker (P < 0.05). NRIP3 inhibited cell proliferation, colony formation, invasion, and migration, while induced G1/S arrest. NRIP3 suppressed CRC growth by inhibiting PI3K-AKT signaling both in vitro and in vivo. Methylation of NRIP3 sensitized CRC cells to combined PI3K and ATR/ATM inhibitors.

DISCUSSION:

NRIP3 was frequently methylated in both colorectal adenomatous polyps and CRC. The methylation of NRIP3 may potentially serve as an early detection, late-onset, and poor prognostic marker in CRC. NRIP3 is a potential tumor suppressor. NRIP3 methylation is a potential synthetic lethal marker for combined PI3K and ATR/ATM inhibitors.
Influence of Vinasse and Mechanized Harvesting on the Physical and Chemical Aspects of Soil in Paudalho Municipality - PE
Authors: Tavares Valquíria do Nascimento , Silva Inaldo Jerfson Sobreira da , Rolim Neto Fernando Cartaxo , Parahyba Roberto da Boa Viagem , Menezes Rômulo Simões Cezar , Correa Marcus Metri , Araújo Maria o Socorro Bezerra de
Published: January 2024

Sugarcane cultivation methods and processes usually have negative impacts on the environment. However, this industry has been seeking more sustainable technologies, ranging from the adequate disposal of the organic residues produced to the elimination of pre-harvest burning and introduction of mechanized harvest. The objective of this work was to verify the influence of vinasse application and mechanized harvesting on the physical and chemical aspects of a dystrophic Red Yellow Argisol of medium texture, cultivated with sugarcane. For this, a field experiment in a Completely Randomized Design, with a factorial scheme was conducted. Four management treatments, with three replications, were evaluated: T1 - Without application of vinasse, burned cane followed by manual harvest, without irrigation; T2 - With application of vinasse, mechanized harvest, without irrigation; T3 - With application of vinasse, mechanized harvest, with irrigation; T4 - With application of vinasse, burned cane followed by manual harvest, without irrigation. Soil samples were collected in three depths (0 – 20 cm, 20 – 40 cm and 40 – 60 cm) and soil physical and chemical characteristics were determined. The data obtained were submitted to ANOVA and compared by the Tukey test (p≤0.05) of probability, using the statistical program ASSISTAT 7.7 beta. The results showed that fertigation with vinasse did not influence soil density, particle density, and total porosity. However, mechanized harvesting increased soil density and total porosity. The soil in the experimental unit without vinasse application presented a more acidic pH and high levels of aluminum saturation, causing a decrease in the availability of nutrients, and the soils treated with vinasse had an increase in nutrient availability. Therefore, the addition of vinasse can be an important strategy in maintaining and increasing long-term soil fertility in sugarcane cropping systems.
Creative Problem Posing: Analysis of the Problems Posed Towards Different Strategies by Prospective Mathematics Teachers
Authors: AYDIN GÜÇ Funda , KESKİN Seda
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study is to analyze problems posed by prospective elementary mathematics teachers of towards different strategies in scope of creativity. Participants of the study are 36 prospective teachers, who take the course of “Problem Solving Strategies”. In this course they study problem-solving strategies. At the end of the course, they were asked to pose three problems suitable for the strategies. Each participant posed a total of 27 problems with three problems for each 9 problem-solving strategies. Problems posed by participants were analyzed in terms of the indicators of fluency, flexibility and originality and chi-square independence test was applied so as to determine whether the creativity of problem posing depends on the strategies. It was seen that fluency had the highest average among all strategies excluding the conscious guessing and control strategy. It was seen that the drawing strategy had the highest average among the strategies in scope of flexibility and the conscious guess and control strategy had the highest average among the strategies in scope of originality. Also it as seen that participants’ creativity levels for various strategies are usually high, and in some cases in the higher echelons of the medium category. This small variation is found to be statistically significant.
An Investigation of the Complexity of the Problems Posed by Prospective Teachers: The Case of Whole Number
Authors: IŞIK Ahmet , TEKİN SİTRAVA Reyhan
Published: January 2024

The aim of this case study is to examine the linguistic and mathematical complexity of the problems that prospective primary school teachers posed related to four operations with whole numbers. A Problem Posing Questionnaire was administered to 64 participants and semi-structured interviews were conducted with 20 of 64 participants. The data was analyzed through frequency analysis and descriptive analysis. The findings of the study revealed that many prospective teachers posed problems based on the single-statement problem root, without any relation/condition. That is, the linguistic complexity of the problems written by the prospective teachers is in the lowest level which is regarded as assignment category, regardless of the complexity of the problem situation. Furthermore, if the problem situations do not contain any relationship, then many prospective teachers had preferred to pose one-step problems. On the other hand, when the information in the problem situation is related to each other, then they were able to pose multi-step problems which could be regarded as complex problems in terms of mathematically. It can be concluded that although the complexity of the problem situation given to the prospective teachers does not affect the linguistic complexity of the problems they pose; it affects the mathematical complexity.
Hiding in Plain Sight: Pre-Service Teachers' Use of Web 2.0 Tools in Language Classes
Authors: BAYRAKTAR ÇEPNİ Sevcan , ÇEPNİ Gökhan
Published: January 2024

In recent years, it has been witnessed that the incorporation of web-based tools for classroom instruction has brought several significant efficiencies in language classes. However, the research shows that even competent teachers may have difficulty coordinating these tools with specific learning goals and fail to reach the objectives of their lessons. Instructional gaps in lesson planning, delivery, and classroom management can be witnessed due to over-reliance on off-the-shelf digital materials or exercises. Therefore, this study aimed to figure out to what extent pre-service teachers use these tools, how much time they allocate to these implementations, which language skill they focus more on, and the perceived benefits of carrying out the courses. Thus, this study focuses specifically on 16 pre-service teachers' 12 week-long practicum days in which they were expected to deliver lessons once each week. The quantitative data were gathered by examining the frequency of digital materials used in classes, time allocated for these materials in their lesson plans, and actual time spent in the lesson delivery and from scores from supervisor observation scale. The qualitative data were elicited from pre-service teachers' reflection notes for themselves and their peers, and structured open-ended questions regarding the use of digital tools in language classes. The results have shown that pre-service teachers rely heavily on vocabulary exercises through digital materials and use them until the end of the lesson without exerting extra effort into constructing knowledge together or engaging learners with more writing and speaking practices.
Alternative Confirmatory Factor Analytic Models for Examining Preservice Teachers' Non-Cognitive Skills
Authors: KAHRAMAN Nilüfer , SÖZER BOZ Esra , AKBAŞ Derya , ÇORBACI Ergün Cihat , IŞIK Şerife , ÜZBE ATALAY Nazife , AYDIN Fatma Nur , ÇAKAN Mehtap , SAĞIROĞLU Şeref
Published: January 2024

This study provides a comparative analysis of the inferences that can be reached about preservice teachers' emotional awareness and personality traits when several alternative factor analytic models are tested simultaneously. An empirical illustration is provided using two datasets collected for a research study aiming to profile the social-emotional behavior repertoire of preservice teachers. Four alternative factor analytic models were considered for both datasets: the unidimensional model, the correlated model, the higher- (or second-) order model, and the bifactor model. Results indicate that the higher-order factor model for emotional awareness (n = 670) and the bifactor model for personality traits (n = 670) were the preferred models that better represent the underlying factor structures. Multidimensionality and practical decisions concerning score reporting are discussed.
Students’ and Teacher’s Views on the Effectiveness of Multiple Intelligences-Assisted Layered Curriculum in the Social Studies Course
Authors: BİLGİLİ Ali Sinan , GÖMLEKSİZ Mehmet Nuri , ÖNER Ümmühan
Published: January 2024

The aim of this study is to determine students’ and Social Studies teacher’s views on the effectiveness of multiple intelligences-assisted layered curriculum. Study group includes 14 7th grade students and one Social Studies teacher at a primary school in Elazığ city center during 2010-2011 academic year. The research was conducted based on the “case study" research design, one of the qualitative research designs. As data collecting tool, student and teacher interview form and observation form consisting of open-ended questions were used. Content analysis was used to analyse the data. It was found out that the useful aspects of multiple intelligences-assisted layered curriculum were ‘helping students to learn’, ‘repetition’, ‘motivating to do research’, ‘active participation in class’ and ‘increasing students’ interest’. When choosing an activity, the students paid attention to whether the activities were ‘difficult’, ‘easy’, ‘helpful for students to learn’, ‘interesting’ and ‘related to drawing’. In the process of implementation of the multiple intelligences-assisted layered curriculum, it was found out that the students had difficulty in ‘writing story’, ‘writing essay’, ‘writing poem’, ‘solving test’, ‘drawing map’, and ‘selecting activity’
The Use of Flipped Classroom Model in Teaching Profession Knowledge Course: Its Effects on Attitudes and Self-Efficacy Beliefs
Authors: DEBBAĞ Murat , YILDIZ Sevilay
Published: January 2024

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of the Flipped Classroom Model on preservice teachers' attitudes and self-efficacy beliefs about Teaching Principles and Methods course. It was also aimed to consider the opinions of preservice teachers about the model. A quasi-experimental research model with pre-test and post-test control groups was used in the study. The study sample consisted of 78 preservice teachers at a state university in the Western Black Sea Region in Turkey. The Teaching Principles and Methods course was carried out in a 14-week implementation process. The Flipped Classroom model was applied in the experimental group while the traditional teaching methods were applied in the control group. According to the results, it was determined that the model positively affected the preservice teachers' attitudes and self-efficacy beliefs about Teaching Principles and Methods course. Besides having positive opinions about the model, the preservice teachers also pointed out the educational advantages of the model. The negative opinions about the model and the problems encountered during the implementation process were mostly related to the technical matters.
Guided Inquiry-Based Learning Practices
Authors: ŞENSOY Aslı , GÜNEŞ Munise
Published: January 2024

This study was aimed to examine guided inquiry-based learning effect, which is in the "human body systems" unit at the seventh-grade level, on academic achievement and scientific process skills. In this direction, the study was conducted with 46 seventh-grade students. One of the groups consisting of 23 students constituted the experimental group where the guided inquiry practices designed by the researchers were performed. And the other group constituted the control group where learning was provided through the direct instruction method. Data were obtained by the scientific process skills test and academic achievement test. These tests applied before and after the lessons to both groups. When the data were analyzed, the academic achievement test mean score of the experimental group was higher if we compare with the control group. But the mean score was not statistically significant. In the mean scores of the scientific process skills test, it was concluded that there was a statistically significant difference in favor of the experimental group. Accordingly, it is thought that guided inquiry-based learning can contribute the basic scientific process skills of the students but there is no extra contribution found to academic achievement if the concepts are easy to remember.
Psychological Warfare as a Driving Factor in the Development of Military Strategy During the Gulf War 1990-1991
Authors: Putra Galih Adi , Wirajuda Muhammad Hadianto , Risman Helda
Published: January 2024

This research explores the pivotal role of psychological warfare during the Gulf War (1990-1991), unraveling its transformative impact on the conflict's psychological landscape. It aims to analyze the psychological warfare conducted by the US coalition to create favorable conditions for a major war, and the outputs of psychological warfare contribute as a driving factor in developing military strategy. The study employs literature studies by collecting data from historical documents and scholarly works. Propaganda, Deception, and Information Warfare emerge as adaptive tools within the evolving media landscape. Psychological operations strategically disrupt communication and influence perceptions by targeting both Enemy and Allied Forces. The study demonstrates the psychological impacts on military strategy through High-Level Decision-Making and the Integration of Psychological Factors into Strategic Planning. Military strategies exhibit adaptability through Flexible Tactics and Targeted Operations, dynamically responding to psychological outcomes. Communication and coordination, both within intelligence agencies and among allied forces, amplify the impact of psychological warfare by seamlessly integrating psychological strategies into broader military campaigns.
Biochar from de-oiled Chlorella vulgaris and its adsorption on antibiotics
Authors: Feiyan Wang , Yali Zhang , Siling Luo , Zhiqin Chen , Shanshan Luo , Wenkui Li
Published: January 2024

High-performance biochar was prepared using de-oiled Chlorella vulgaris biomass as the raw material and KOH as the modifying activator. The properties of the biochar as an adsorbent for the removal of tetracycline (TC) and enrofloxacin (ENR) were investigated under different conditions by varying the amount of the Chlorella vulgaris de-oiled biomass (DB) input. The surface structure and physicochemical properties of different Chlorella vulgaris biomass charcoal (CBC) samples were studied and compared, and the best adsorption performance of the biomass charcoal was obtained when DB = 7. Through orthogonal analysis, it was determined that the optimal adsorption condition of CBC 7 on TC was 0.004 g (pH 3), which resulted in a removal rate of 96.45% and a maximum adsorption capacity of 241.1363 mg g−1, and on ENR was 0.004 g (pH 7), which resulted in a removal rate of 100% and a maximum adsorption capacity of 256.3326 mg g−1. The results of the kinetic fitting show that the adsorption of TC and ENR by CBC 7 was consistent with the pseudo-secondary kinetic equation. The maximum adsorption capacities can reach 299.8974 and 352.6736 mg g−1. Langmuir and Freundlich adsorption isotherm models were used to describe the adsorption equilibrium of TC and ENR by CBC 7. The results show that the adsorption of TC and ENR are in accordance with the Langmuir isotherm.
Possible protective anticancer effect of chloroform fraction of Iraqi Hibiscus tiliaceus L. leaves extract on diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male rats
Authors: Abdul-Azeez Zahraa Maan , Mutlag Shihab Hattab
Published: January 2024

Objective

We aimed to examine the potential protective effects of Iraqi H. tiliaceus L. chloroform leaves extract on DEN-induced HCC in male Wistar Albino rats.

Method

Rats were assigned to four groups, six in each group. Group I: rats were administered a daily oral dose of 1 mL/kg/day of distilled water. Group II: rats were intraperitoneally injected with 70 mg/kg DEN once per week for 10 consecutive weeks. Group III: rats received 250 mg/kg of chloroform leaves extract. Groups IV: the rats were administered 500 mg/kg of chloroform leaves extract, along with their food, for five days per week over 20 weeks, with a subsequent dose of DEN once per week for 10 consecutive weeks.

Results

The results indicate that the extract demonstrated a significant reduction (p<0.05) in oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory mediators, and HCC parameters, the extract also had a beneficial effect on liver function tests, and there was a significant elevation (p<0.05) of antioxidant parameters in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

This study supports the protective properties of the chloroform extract of Iraqi H. tiliaceus L. leaves in HCC.
Probing the multi-disordered nanoscale alloy at the interface of lateral heterostructure of MoS2–WS2
Authors: Kim Dong Hyeon , Lee Chanwoo , Kim Sung Hyuk , Jeong Byeong Geun , Yun Seok Joon , Suh Hyeong Chan , Lee Dongki , Kim Ki Kang , Jeong Mun Seok
Published: January 2024

Transition metal dichalcogenide (TMDs) heterostructure, particularly the lateral heterostructure of two different TMDs, is gaining attention as ultrathin photonic devices based on the charge transfer (CT) excitons generated at the junction. However, the characteristics of the interface of the lateral heterostructure, determining the electronic band structure and alignment at the heterojunction region, have rarely been studied due to the limited spatial resolution of nondestructive analysis systems. In this study, we investigated the confined phonons resulting from the phonon-disorder scattering process involving multiple disorders at the lateral heterostructure interface of MoS2–WS2 to prove the consequences of disorder-mediated deformation in the band structure. Moreover, we directly observed variations in the metal composition of the multi-disordered nanoscale alloy Mo1−x
W
x
S2, consisting of atomic vacancies, crystal edges, and distinct nanocrystallites. Our findings through tip-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (TERS) imply that a tens of nanometer area of continuous TMDs alloy forms the multi-disordered interface of the lateral heterostructure. The results of this study could present the way for the evaluation of the TMDs lateral heterostructure for excitonic applications.
Eleições brasileiras de 2018 e 2022: do fim das coligações ao início das Federações
Authors: Cervi Emerson U.
Published: January 2024

El artículo hace parte del campo de estudios sobre elecciones parlamentarias. El objeto de análisis es un cambio en las reglas de presentación de candidaturas a la Cámara de Diputados entre 2018 y 2022, cuando las Coaliciones Electorales fueron reemplazadas por Federaciones de Partidos. El objetivo es comparar los resultados por partido y región del País para identificar diferencias en el desempeño electoral en función del porcentaje de éxito en las dos campañas. Las coaliciones electorales existieron en las dos décadas anteriores, válidas sólo para los períodos de campaña y presentaban una gran variación programática e ideológica, además de favorecer la fragmentación partidaria. Las federaciones son organizaciones permanentes con efecto sobre las bancadas electas con mayor consistencia ideológica. La comparación entre las dos elecciones muestra un mantenimiento de los mismos partidos con mejor éxito electoral, continuidad de las distancias entre partidos grandes y pequeños en las Federaciones y una reducción en el número de partidos que presentaron candidatos y que lograron elegir diputados entre 2022, respecto a 2018.