bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
El derecho a educarse y las políticas educativas del nivel secundario, en cinco países de América Latina, un análisis en ocho cohortes escolares entre el 2005-2017
Authors: Barajas Archila Christian José , Lizarazo Castañeda Yensy Davidsa , Álvarez María Franci
Published: July 2023

En el presente estudio se comparan las políticas de educación de 5 países de América Latina a nivel del secundario y cómo estas han impactado en el avance escolar. Para ello, se utiliza una metodología de estudio de cohortes educativas cuya duración es de 6 años escolares entre el primer y último año académico en los 5 países. En ese sentido, los principales resultados muestran que cohorte tras cohortes aumentaron los indicadores como la matrícula y la promoción. A su vez, en las 5 naciones el ciclo bajo tiene los mejores indicadores. Sin embargo, en algunos países no hubo progreso en ningún ciclo. Por ello, las conclusiones establecen la necesidad de cuantificar la legislación y analizar quiénes son beneficiarios de las políticas educativas con el fin de observar cuál es el aporte de la realidad legal a la dinámica del secundario que requiere atención del ciclo alto.
PENERAPAN BIMBINGAN DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN GURU MENETAPKAN KRITERIA KETUNTASAN MINIMAL (KKM) SDN 12 DUSUN BESAR
Authors: Molkan
Published: July 2023

Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mengetahui dampak dari penerapan bimbingan melalui Workshop di SDN 12 Dusun Besar tahun 2022/2023 bagi para guru dalam upaya meningkatkan kemampuan guru untuk menetapkan standar kriteria ketercapaian minimum. Metode penelitian ini adalah penelitian tindakan (action research) yang bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kemampuan guru menetapkan Kriteria Ketuntasan Minimal melalui Workshop di SDN 12 Dusun Besar tahun 2022/2023.  Tindakan yang akan dilakukan adalah Workshop   Peningkatan Kemampuan Guru dalam Menetapkan Kriteria Ketuntasan Minimal.  Jenis penelitian tindakan  yang dipilih adalah jenis emansipatori. Jenis emansipatori ini dianggap paling tepat karena penelitian ini dilakukan untuk mengatasi permasalah pada wilayah kerja penliti sendiri berdasarkan pengalaman sehari-hari. Berdasarkan hasil observasi, repleksi diri, guru bersedia melakukan perubahan sehingga kinerjanya sebagai pendidik akan mengalami perubahan secara meningkat. Rancangan penelitian yang digunakan adalah rancangan model Kemmis yang terdiri atas empat langkah, yaitu perencanaan, pelaksanaan, observasi dan repleksi. Berdasarkan hasil penelitian dan analisis yang dilakukan peneliti, maka diperoleh hasil bahwa terjadi peningkatan kesiapan dan Kinerja guru dalam menetapkan kriteria ketuntasan minimal dari siklus I ke siklus II. Ketercapaian indikator kinerja terdapat pada tindakan II.  Oleh karena itu dapat disimpulkan bahwa melalui workshop dapat meningkatkan Kinerja guru dalam menetapkan kriteria ketuntasan  minimal di SDN 12 Dusun Besar Tahun Pelajaran 2022/2023 Dengan demikian dapat disarankan kepada pengawas atau peneliti yang lain bahwa kegiatan workshop dapat dipakai sebagai salah satu alternatif dalam meningkatkan Kinerja guru  dalam menetapkan kriteria ketuntasan  minimal.
Adoption of Improved Sugarcane Cultivation Practices by the Farmers in Karnal District of Haryana, India
Authors: Manohar Chinthaguntla Paul , Jahanara
Published: July 2023

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.) is an important commercial crop of India. Sugarcane and sugar beet are used for large scale production of sugar in the world. The present study was conducted in purposively selected Karnal district of Haryana state. There are 8 blocks in Karnal district of Haryana, out of which Indri block were selected on the basis of maximum area under cultivation of sugarcane. From the list so prepared, 12 respondents were selected from 10 villages of the block which constitutes total number of 120 respondents. Majority of the respondents 55.83% fell in the medium adoption level group, whereas 25.00 per cent respondents were observed in the high adoption level group and remaining 19.17 per cent respondents formed low adoption level group. It is hereby concluded that majority of farmers were having medium level of adoption followed by high and low adoption level, respectively. Socio-economic characteristics like Annual income, Land holding, social participation and Extension contact were positively and significantly related with extent of adoption of farmers regarding recommended sugarcane cultivation practices. Whereas, positively and non-significant relationship between Age, Education, Family type and Family size and their level of adoption of recommended sugarcane cultivation practices.
Perceptions, Attitudes, and Practices of Tanzanian University Communities Regarding the Use and Formalization of Traditional Medicine
Authors: Kimario Wilfrida Adolfu , Mgonja Frida Richard , Mushi James Richard , Bakari Gaymary George , Temba Benigni Alfred
Published: July 2023

Introduction: Traditional medicines (TMs) play a vital role in the public healthcare system of Tanzania and other sub-Saharan countries. The community has been advocating for greater recognition and formalization of this sector.

Aims: This study aimed to evaluate the community's knowledge and views on formalization to maximize the beneficial use of TMs in Tanzania.

Methodology: A cross-sectional survey was conducted among the university community, involving a total of 458 students and staff from three major public universities in Tanzania. Participants were interviewed regarding their history, knowledge, and inclination towards using TMs. They were also asked about their opinions on community involvement and the necessity of strengthening the formalization of education and usage in this field.

Results: The results revealed that 84.7% of the participants had utilized TMs, with 71.6% currently using them and 16.8% using them on a regular basis. Furthermore, 30.5% of the participants agreed that the community is aware of the importance of TMs, while 18.8% believed that the community receives adequate education regarding their significance. Additionally, 33.6% indicated that the government recognizes and promotes the importance of TMs. The study also found strong community support for introducing TM practitioners who can attend to patients and provide TMs. There was also strong support for formalizing education on TMs within the Tanzanian education system.

Conclusion: The study's findings underscore the significance of recognizing and leveraging traditional medications to improve public health and preserve the benefits of local knowledge.
The Mechanism of the Photodimerization of [60]Fullerene Derivatives: It is Still a Charge Separation Followed by a Back Transfer!
Authors: Martynov Ilya V. , Mumyatov Alexander V. , Gutsev Lavrenty G. , Inasaridze Liana N. , Kulikov Alexander V. , Troshin Pavel A.
Published: July 2023

Herein, we present a systematic study of the photochemical behavior of a set of fullerene compounds bearing various organic addends attached to the fullerene cage. It has been shown that the yield of photodimerization products strongly depends on the structure and electronic properties of the material, primarily the electron affinity (acceptor strength) of the modified fullerene core. This finding being inconsistent with the conventional [2+2]cycloaddition mechanism and pointed to an alternative pathway. This proposed pathway involves photoinduced charge separation followed by back charge transfer events leading to the efficient generation of triplet excitons, which are responsible for the formation of dimerized species. The light‐induced charge separation pathway was confirmed by electron spin resonance spectroscopy and was supported by theoretical calculations. The revealed mechanism allows one to control the photochemical behavior of the fullerene derivatives via rational structural engineering: some of the compounds were shown to be fully resistant to photodimerization, which makes them promising candidates in the development of stable organic photovoltaics. Furthermore, this approach could be used to suppress back charge transfer in donor‐acceptor blends and hinder the formation of triplet excitons which represents one a major energy loss channel in the current generation of organic solar cells.
Blue Electrophosphorescence from Iridium(III) Phosphors Bearing Asymmetric Di‐N‐aryl 6‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridin‐2‐ylidene Chelates
Authors: Yan Jie , Feng Zi‐Qi , Wu Yixin , Zhou Dong‐Ying , Yiu Shek‐Man , Chan Chin‐Yiu , Pan Yi , Lau Kai Chung , Liao Liang‐Sheng , Chi Yun
Published: July 2023

Efficient blue phosphors remain a formidable challenge for organic light‐emitting diodes (OLEDs). To circumvent this obstacle, a series of Ir(III)‐based carbene complexes bearing asymmetric di‐N‐aryl 6‐(trifluoromethyl)‐2H‐imidazo[4,5‐b]pyridin‐2‐ylidene chelates, namely, f‐ct6a‒c, are synthesized, and their structures and photophysical properties are comprehensively investigated. Moreover, these emitters can undergo interconversion in refluxing 1,2,4‐trichlorobenzene, catalyzed by a mixture of sodium acetate (NaOAc) and p‐toluenesulfonic acid monohydrate (TsOH·H2O) without decomposition. All Ir(III) complexes present good photoluminescence quantum yield (ΦPL = 83–88%) with peak maximum (max.) at 443–452 nm and narrowed full width at half maximum (FWHM = 66–73 nm). Among all the fabricated OLED devices, f‐ct6b delivers a max. external quantum efficiency (EQE) of 23.4% and Commission Internationale de L'Eclairage CIEx,y coordinates of (0.14, 0.12), whereas the hyper‐OLED device based on f‐ct6a and 5H,9H,11H,15H‐[1,4] benzazaborino [2,3,4‐kl][1,4]benzazaborino[4′,3′,2′:4,5][1,4]benzazaborino[3,2‐b]phenazaborine‐7,13‐diamine, N7,N7,N13,N13,5,9,11,15‐octaphenyl (ν‐DABNA) exhibits max. EQE of 26.2% and CIEx,y of (0.12, 0.13). Finally, the corresponding tandem OLED with f‐ct6b as dopant gives a max. luminance of over 10 000 cd m−2 and max. EQE of 42.1%, confirming their candidacies for making true‐blue OLEDs.
Skate Fin‐Mimetic Muscle‐Cartilage Structured Fabric Layer for Robust and Muti‐Function Actuation Systems
Authors: Wang Yuanfeng , Yu Zilin , Xie Jinhao , Ding Lei , Liang Jiechang , He Wenqing , Chen Shiguo , Zhu Shiping
Published: July 2023

Actuators based on stimuli‐responsive polymers (SRP) have great potential applications in soft robots, remote control, artificial muscle, etc., but their practical robustness is usually limited by mechanical strength and environmental tolerance. Inspired by the unique “muscle‐cartilage” structure of Skate fin, a general strategy is developed for improving the mechanical strength and environmental tolerance of SRP actuators by introducing a twill cotton fabric as the supporting cartilage. Besides, benefiting from the special twill pattern and micro‐nano substructure of the fabric layer, the prepared SRP actuator possesses anisotropic actuation and fast wet recovery, which further enriches its versatility. This SRP actuator can be extended to complicated actuation systems with programmable motion series or cyclic task execution by simply heat‐soldering or assembling with other functional components. The method provides an idea in simultaneously addressing the practical robustness and rich extensibility of SRP actuators, facilitating their application in complex environments or multi‐tasking scenarios.
Recurrent acinic cell carcinoma of the parotid gland with lateral skull base invasion: Case report and discussion of the literature
Authors: De Luca Pietro , Calvanese Matteo , Camaioni Angelo , Iaconetta Giorgio , Iemma Maurizio
Published: July 2023

Key Clinical Message

Medical records of a 76‐year‐old woman with a recurrent acinic cell carcinoma of the left parotid gland with lateral skull base invasion were reviewed. She underwent subtotal petrosectomy followed by radiation therapy. After surgery, she remained disease‐free for more than 16 months.
A Dinuclear Uranium Complex [{UO2F2(NH3)}2(μ‐F)2]2− from Reaction of TlF and UO2F2 in Liquid Anhydrous Ammonia and Fluoride Ion Affinities for Some Uranyl(VI) Species [UO2Fx]2−x and [UO2Fx(NH3)5−x]2−x
Authors: Graubner Tim , Karttunen Antti J. , Kraus Florian
Published: July 2023

UO2F2 abstracts F− anions from TlF in liquid ammonia solution and the compound [Tl2(NH3)6][{UO2F2(NH3)}2(μ‐F)2] is formed. The compound has been characterized by single crystal X‐ray diffraction, Raman spectroscopy and quantum‐chemical calculations for the solid state. Quantum‐chemical investigation of the [{UO2F2(NH3)}2(μ‐F)2]2− anion showed that the U−(μ‐F)−U σ‐3c‐4e‐bond is essentially ionic. The [Tl2(NH3)6]2+ cation shows a thallophilic Tl⋅⋅⋅Tl interaction. Fluoride ion affinities (FIAs) were calculated for different UO22+ species [UO2Fx]2−x and [UO2Fx(NH3)5−x]2−x with x=0 to 4.
A Pragmatic MBSE Approach of Nissan Powertrain Team to Minimizing Document‐Based SE
Authors: Arifin Habibi Husain , Morita Takeshi , Kawamura Ken , Ayame Yutaka , Robert Ong Ho Kit , Mizuno Yukimi
Published: July 2023

This paper describes a pragmatic Model‐Based Systems Engineering (MBSE) approach to reduce dependence on traditional documents and manage complexity of the electrified powertrain system. The approach enables requirements flow‐down from an upper abstraction layer to the lower one(s) with stepwise analysis and design for a holistic system architecture of the system of interest. This approach is employed in the Nissan Powertrain development, which aims to solve challenges due to the traditional documents systems engineering (SE) approach to complex systems. This paper describes an MBSE approach developed for Nissan‐7 methodology that focuses on knowledge capture, fast feedback on requirements and design, and early verification and validation. The significant benefits of using an MBSE approach over a traditional documents SE approach are: a holistic view of system architecture, knowledge reusability, communicability, and adaptability to new technologies. This paper presents proof of concept example projects that have demonstrated that it is viable to use this approach and apply it to an actual development for future work.
Concept Verification and Validation Using Psychological Scales through an “Eating‐Together” System Enhancing Connectivity for Busy‐Generation Urbanites with Neighborhood Community in Japan
Authors: Satake Urara
Published: July 2023

Recently, with the growing demand for qualitative values such as wellbeing, development and implementation of systems considering societal needs. This paper presents an approach of concept verification and validation for the proposed “Eating‐Together” system that aims to enhance connectivity among neighbors of busy urbanites in Japan. The study utilized three psychological scales, including the Positive and Negative Affect Schedule (PANAS), General Self‐Efficacy Scale (GSES), and Social Worth as Measures of Performance (MOP). In developing the concept of the System of Interest (SOI), four main aspects were identified as mission requirements. The prototype was built based on the final concept model, and nine tests were conducted with 15 hosts and 31 guests. The questionnaires were administrated three times: before, immediately after, and two weeks after the event. The results indicated that the prototype successfully met all of the mission requirements, providing an improved method to estimate the otherwise unmeasurable elements.
Life span‐associated ferroptosis‐related genes identification and validation for hepatocellular carcinoma patients as hepatitis B virus carriers
Authors: Weng Weijie , Zhang Defa , Li Shuang
Published: July 2023

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐infected population accounts for approximately 50% of all hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cases and has a relatively poor prognosis. Although the significant role of ferroptosis in the development and therapeutic response of various cancers has been validated, the key ferroptosis‐related genes (FRGs) on the stratification of HBV‐associated HCC are still unclear.

Methods

Through the random forest, GSVA and Cox regression analyses, we established a comprehensive prognostic system covering multiple FRGs to elevate the predictive accuracy for the survival rate of HBV‐related HCC using information obtained from public databases. The association between key FRGs and the immune microenvironment was evaluated, and the molecular mechanism was identified by GSEA and SNV analyses. Finally, the differential expression of key FRGs was validated by immunohistochemistry staining of patient tissue microarrays.

Results

Within the top 10 key FRGs, EPAS1 and GABARAPL1 were taken as protective factors, and SQLE, RAD51AP1, RPL8, CAPG, RRM2, SLC1A5, SLC38A1, and SRC were the other eight dangerous markers. Cox regression analysis combined with clinicopathological features indicated the independent prognostic efficacy of GSVA complex score based on these FRGs. In addition, key FRGs were related to immune and metabolic‐related functions. Especially, the immunohistochemical analysis of SQLE in 50 clinical samples showed significantly higher expression in HBV+ HCC tissues.

Conclusions

These results indicate that 10 FRGs may be potential biomarkers and therapeutic targets for long‐term survival in HBV‐related HCC.
On approximation properties related to unconditionally p‐compact operators and Sinha–Karn p‐compact operators
Authors: Wirzenius Henrik
Published: July 2023

We establish new results on the ‐approximation property for the Banach operator ideal of the unconditionally p‐compact operators in the case of . As a consequence of our results, we provide a negative answer for the case of a problem posed by Kim. Namely, the ‐approximation property implies neither the ‐approximation property nor the (classical) approximation property; and the ‐approximation property implies neither the ‐approximation property nor the approximation property. Here, denotes the p‐compact operators of Sinha and Karn for . We also show for all that there is a closed subspace that fails the ‐approximation property for all .
The state of global research on poverty after SDG declaration
Authors: Kanmodi Kehinde Kazeem , Amzat Jimoh , Nnyanzi Lawrence Achilles
Published: July 2023

Background

Poverty is a significant global problem which can hinder the attainment of the United Nations’ (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Poverty reduction or elimination requires adequate scientific or research contributions, creating socio‐scientific frames that could inform relevant stakeholders in policy planning, implementation and evaluation. This study aims to review the state of global research on poverty (2016 and upwards), since the UN's declaration of SDGs in 2015.

Methods

This study adopted a bibliometric review design. On 31 May 2022, a systematic SCOPUS‐based search was conducted to retrieve all journal papers published on poverty (2016 till 31 May 2022). The bibliometric data of the retrieved papers were analysed using Microsoft Excel and VOSviewer software.

Result

A total of 15,143 journal papers on poverty were retrieved, of which 91.2% were published in English, whereas slightly more than half (52.9%) were published in the social sciences. Although all regions of the world sourced journal papers on poverty, however, countries from the Global North, particularly the USA and the United Kingdom, dominated other countries in terms of authorship, funding and institutional affiliations. Among Global South countries, China leads in terms of authorship, funding and institutional affiliations. South America and Africa contributed the smallest volume of journal papers on poverty.

Conclusion

There exist global inequalities in research productivity on poverty. The global poverty problem skews to the Global South, but the scientific contributions flow from the Global North. There is a need to narrow the existing inequality gaps in the research productivity on poverty through North–South synergetic research collaborations.
Surface analysis insight note: Analysis of X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy images with summary statistics
Authors: Moeini Behnam , Linford Matthew R.
Published: July 2023

Developments in X‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) instrumentation and the need for spatial information in surface characterization have led to advances in XPS imaging and related image processing techniques. In this Insight Note, we demonstrate the use of summary statistics as simple, but effective, tools for understanding XPS hyperspectral images (data cubes) prior to more advanced image processing. An XPS image obtained from a silicon surface patterned with different thicknesses of oxide was analyzed with three summary statistics: a tool in the MATLAB programming environment, the mean, and pattern recognition entropy (PRE). The MATLAB tool largely separates the spectra into two groups. The mean does a somewhat better job differentiating between the spectra, and PRE is even more effective. The results of the MATLAB summary statistic are confirmed by plotting the average and standard deviation spectra of different regions of the image it produces. The results of the mean and PRE summary statistics are confirmed by evenly segmenting the results and examining the average and standard deviation spectra of these segments. Fitting these average spectra demonstrates the greater effectiveness of the PRE summary statistic in segmenting the spectra into chemically distinct groups.
Exploration of in vitro cytotoxic and in ovo antiangiogenic activity of ethyl acetate extract of Penicillium oxalicum
Authors: Verma Ashish , Rai Nilesh , Gupta Priyamvada , Singh Swati , Tiwari Harshita , Chauhan Shashi Bhushan , Kailashiya Vikas , Gautam Vibhav
Published: July 2023

Fungal endophytes have established new paradigms in the area of biomedicine due to their ability to produce metabolites of pharmacological importance. The present study reports the in vitro cytotoxic and in ovo antiangiogenic activity of the ethyl acetate (EA) extract of Penicillium oxalicum and their chemical profiling through Gas Chromatography–Mass Spectrometry analysis. Treatment of the EA extract of P. oxalicum to the selected human breast cancer cell lines (MDA‐MB‐231 and MCF‐7) leads to the reduced glucose uptake and increased nitric oxide production suggesting the cytotoxic activity of EA extract of P. oxalicum. Our results further show that treatment of EA extract of P. oxalicum attenuates the colony number, cell migration ability and alters nuclear morphology in both the human breast cancer cell lines. Furthermore, the treatment of EA extract of P. oxalicum mediates apoptosis by increasing the expression of BAX, P21, FADD, and CASPASE‐8 genes, with increased Caspase‐3 activity. Additionally, in ovo chorioallantoic membrane (CAM) assay showed that the treatment of EA extract of P. oxalicum leads to antiangiogenic activity with perturbed formation of blood vessels. Overall, our findings suggest that the EA extract of P. oxalicum show in vitro cytotoxic and antiproliferative activity against human breast cancer cell lines, and in ovo antiangiogenic activity in CAM model.
Proposed SAR range focusing algorithm based on simulation analysis and SDR implementation
Authors: Ashry Mohamed Mamdouh , Mashaly Ahmed S. , Sheta Bassem I.
Published: July 2023

Synthetic aperture radar (SAR) imaging systems use pulse focusing techniques for achieving fine range resolution and large range detection. Stretch processing and correlation pulse focusing techniques are the most popular algorithms used in the radar signal processing stage. The architecture of the stretch processing technique makes it commonly used in frequency modulated continuous wave (FMCW) radar systems due to its simple architecture, low sampling rate, and inexpensive hardware. This paper discusses how the stretch range focusing approach can be used instead of the matched filter technique in the processing stage of the SAR Range-Doppler algorithm (RDA) to generate images of finer resolution and higher quality. In addition, validating the proposed algorithm and evaluating its performance according to some evaluation indices such as peak sidelobe ratio (PSLR), integrated sidelobe ratio (ISLR), and the impulse response width (IRW). Also, this paper presents a comprehensive analysis and hardware implementation of the two SAR algorithms, based on software-defined radio (SDR) architecture where it is characterized by less complexity, low cost, and high flexibility due to the usage of both software data processing and software waveform generation. Two Universal Software Radio Peripheral (USRP-2932) and NI-LabVIEW® software development environment are the platforms used for the hardware validation process. The transmitted waveform is a linear frequency modulated (LFM) signal generated by the first USRP (transmitter) which will hit a target located at a certain distance. The second USRP is used as a receiver for target’s echo processing and detection. This processing stage contains two architectures, which are the matched filter pulse compression architecture and the stretch range focusing approach. Finally, the validation process of the hardware results is performed based on the pre-mentioned evaluation indices.
The Psychological World of Highly Gifted Young Adults: a Follow-up Study
Authors: Pinxten W. L. Frumau-van , Derksen J. J. L. , Peters W. A. M.
Published: July 2023

In this exploratory qualitative case study, in-depth interviews were held with seven highly gifted young adults (27–28 years). Thematic analyses of the interviews revealed salient constellations of meaning: an “internal motor”—a metaphor for an internal strength, a strong drive to grow, learn and develop, driven by their curiosity, a lack of goodness of fit (for the school years up, until the college years), feeling “not okay to be me”, existential loneliness, stress due to multi-potentiality, perfectionism, and spiritual needs (e.g., freedom to choose their own path). Based on the answers of the participants, greater attention and support seem to be needed for the holistic development of (highly) gifted students throughout their school careers. The findings suggest that attention should be paid to stimulating their cognitive development as well as their social, emotional, and spiritual development.
Wilderness Rescue of a Hiker with Multiple Trapped Limbs by a Combined Wilderness and Urban Rescue Team Using High-Pressure Airbags
Authors: Corsa Joshua G. , Brown Jeffrey O. , Fleming Ryan M. , Bergmann Roy Thomas , Henning Jeffrey A. , Monson Jeffrey T.
Published: July 2023

We report on the case of a 28-y-old man with both legs and left arm trapped for nearly 6 h after falling and subsequently being trapped by a boulder during a hike in the wilderness. Extrication required equipment designed for urban environments and was operated by an unconventional team of rescue professionals. The patient experienced multiple right lower-extremity orthopedic injuries, acute kidney injury secondary to rhabdomyolysis, and bilateral segmental pulmonary emboli. In this article, we detail the extrication and review the treatment guidelines for crush injuries that focus on aggressive fluid resuscitation prior to and during extrication and medication administration only if hyperkalemia presents. Wilderness rescuers should plan for the use of unconventional rescue equipment in austere prolonged rescue scenarios.
Effective Concept Classes of PAC and PACi Incomparable Degrees, Joins and Embedding of Degrees
Authors: Senadheera Dodamgodage Gihanee M.
Published: July 2023

The Probably Approximately Correct (PAC) learning is a machine learning model introduced by Leslie Valiant in 1984. The PACi reducibility refers to the PAC reducibility independent of size and computation time. This reducibility in PAC learning resembles the reducibility in Turing computability. The ordering of concept classes under PAC reducibility is nonlinear, even when restricted to particular concrete examples.

Due to the resemblance to Turing Reducibility, we suspected that there could be incomparable PACi and PAC degrees for the PACi and PAC reducibilities as in Turing incomparable degrees. In 1957 Friedberg and in 1956 Muchnik independently solved the Post problem by constructing computably enumerable sets A and B of incomparable degrees using the priority construction method. We adapt this idea to PACi and PAC reducibilities and construct two effective concept classes C and D such that C is not reducible to D and vice versa. When considering PAC reducibility it was necessary to work on the size of an effective concept class, thus we use Kolmogorov complexity to obtain the size. The non-learnability of concept classes in the PAC learning model is explained by the existence of PAC incomparable degrees.

Analogous to the Turing jump, we give a jump operation on effective concept classes for the zero jump. To define the zero jump operator for PACi degrees the join of all the effective concept classes is constructed and proved that it is a greatest element. There are many properties proven for existing degrees. Thus we can explore proving those properties to PACi and PAC degrees. But if we prove an embedding from those degrees to PACi and PAC degrees then those properties will be true for PACi and PAC degrees without explicitly proving them.

Abstract prepared by Dodamgodage Gihnee M. Senadheera and taken directly from the thesis

E-mail: senadheerad@winthrop.edu

URL: https://www.proquest.com/docview/2717762461/abstract/ACD19F29A8774AF6PQ/1?accountid=13864
Around Exponential-Algebraic Closedness
Authors: Gallinaro Francesco Paolo
Published: July 2023

We present some results related to Zilber’s Exponential-Algebraic Closedness Conjecture, showing that various systems of equations involving algebraic operations and certain analytic functions admit solutions in the complex numbers. These results are inspired by Zilber’s theorems on raising to powers.

We show that algebraic varieties which split as a product of a linear subspace of an additive group and an algebraic subvariety of a multiplicative group intersect the graph of the exponential function, provided that they satisfy Zilber’s freeness and rotundity conditions, using techniques from tropical geometry.

We then move on to prove a similar theorem, establishing that varieties which split as a product of a linear subspace and a subvariety of an abelian variety A intersect the graph of the exponential map of A (again under the analogues of the freeness and rotundity conditions). The proof uses homology and cohomology of manifolds.

Finally, we show that the graph of the modular j-function intersects varieties which satisfy freeness and broadness and split as a product of a Möbius subvariety of a power of the upper-half plane and a complex algebraic variety, using Ratner’s orbit closure theorem to study the images under j of Möbius varieties.

Abstract prepared by Francesco Paolo Gallinaro

E-mail: francesco.gallinaro@mathematik.uni-freiburg.de

URL: https://etheses.whiterose.ac.uk/31077/
The impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on a national project preventing healthcare-associated infections in intensive care units
Authors: Tuma Paula , Vieira Júnior José M. , Ribas Elenara , Silva Karen C. C. D. , Gushken Andrea K. F. , Torelly Ethel M. S. , de Moura Rafaela M. , Tavares Bruno M. , Prandini Cristiana M. , Borem Paulo , Delgado Pedro , Ue Luciana Y. , de Barros Claudia G. , Vernal Sebastian
Published: July 2023

Beginning in 2018, a quality improvement collaborative initiative in Brazil successfully reduced the baseline incidence density of healthcare-associated infections in intensive care settings after 2 years. We describe the adaptations of the quality improvement interventions as the COVID-19 pandemic emerged and how the pandemic affected the project outcomes.
Learning how to reason and deciding when to decide
Authors: Braem Senne , Held Leslie , Shenhav Amitai , Frömer Romy
Published: July 2023

Research on human reasoning has both popularized and struggled with the idea that intuitive and deliberate thoughts stem from two different systems, raising the question how people switch between them. Inspired by research on cognitive control and conflict monitoring, we argue that detecting the need for further thought relies on an intuitive, context-sensitive process that is learned in itself.
Could Bayesian cognitive science undermine dual-process theories of reasoning?
Authors: Oaksford Mike
Published: July 2023

Computational-level models proposed in recent Bayesian cognitive science predict both the “biased” and correct responses on many tasks. So, rather than possessing two reasoning systems, people can generate both possible responses within a single system. Consequently, although an account of why people make one response rather than another is required, dual processes of reasoning may not be.
The realities of Medical Assistance in Dying in Canada
Authors: Coelho Ramona , Maher John , Gaind K. Sonu , Lemmens Trudo
Published: July 2023

In 2015, the Canadian Supreme Court declared that an absolute Criminal Code prohibition on assisted suicide and euthanasia was unconstitutional. In response, the Canadian parliament enacted Bill C-14 in 2016 permitting assisted suicide and euthanasia for the end-of-life context, which it termed “Medical Assistance in Dying” (MAiD). In 2021, Bill C-7 expanded eligibility for MAiD to those with disabilities not approaching their natural death. By 2021, MAiD accounted for 3.3% of all deaths in Canada with some areas of Canada presently reporting MAiD death rates upward of 7%. In 2021, Canada had 10,064 deaths by MAiD, surpassing all jurisdictions for yearly reported assisted deaths.

Objectives

To examine the impact of the Canadian MAiD program and analyze its safeguards.

Methods

A working group of physicians from diverse practice backgrounds and a legal expert, several with bioethics expertise, reviewed Canadian MAiD data and case reports. Grey literature was also considered, including fact-checked and reliable Canadian mainstream newspapers and parliamentary committee hearings considering the expansion of MAiD.

Results

Several scientific studies and reviews, provincial and correctional system authorities have identified issues with MAiD practice. As well, there is a growing accumulation of narrative accounts detailing people getting MAiD due to suffering associated with a lack of access to medical, disability, and social support.

Significance of results

The Canadian MAiD regime is lacking the safeguards, data collection, and oversight necessary to protect Canadians against premature death. The authors have identified these policy gaps and used MAiD cases to illustrate these findings.
The 2022 Political Declaration on the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas: A tool for protecting the environment in armed conflict?
Authors: Bagshaw Simon
Published: July 2023

In November 2022, eighty-three States endorsed the Political Declaration on Strengthening the Protection of Civilians from the Humanitarian Consequences Arising from the Use of Explosive Weapons in Populated Areas (Political Declaration). The Political Declaration is a new and significant development in the long-standing and ongoing efforts to protect civilians from the use of explosive weapons in populated areas – an issue which has been of growing concern for a number of states, the United Nations, the International Committee of the Red Cross and civil society for more than a decade.

The use of explosive weapons in populated areas has been documented to result in widespread civilian deaths and injuries as well as longer-term harm to civilians resulting from damage to or the destruction of hospitals, water and sanitation systems and electrical power grids. Although less researched, the use of explosive weapons in populated areas also plays a prominent role in damaging and destroying the environment in situations of armed conflict.

This article examines the potential of the new Political Declaration for strengthening the protection of the environment. An express reference to the environment, and the impact of explosive weapons thereon, exists only in the Declaration's preamble, but the lack of express references to the environment in the Declaration's operative commitments does not mean it lacks potential as a tool for strengthening the protection of the environment. On the contrary, the preambular reference provides an important basis on which to argue that the armed forces of endorsing States must consider the protection of the environment in their efforts to implement a number of the Declaration's key operational commitments.
Tracking Moisture Sources of Precipitation Over China
Authors: Wang Yi , Liu Xiaomang , Zhang Dan , Bai Peng
Published: July 2023

Moisture of precipitation originates from terrestrial and oceanic evaporation through atmospheric transport. Understanding the contributions from different moisture sources to precipitation is essential for the hydrologic study. China is the world's third largest country in terms of land area and has contributed 25% of the global net increase in vegetation leaf area since 2000. Thus, it provides a good platform to understand the contributions from different moisture sources to precipitation and how increasing vegetation greenness affects precipitation trends. In this study, we investigated the moisture sources of precipitation and their changes in China during 1980–2018 based on the UTrack moisture recycling data set. We found that 47.3% of the moisture was from oceanic evaporation, and 52.7% was from terrestrial evapotranspiration (ET). For the moisture from terrestrial ET, 33.0% was from vegetation transpiration. The observed annual precipitation showed a significant increasing trend with 2.07 mm/year in China from 1980 to 2018. Increasing moisture from oceanic evaporation contributed the most to the increasing precipitation trend (0.98 mm/year), followed by the increasing moisture from vegetation transpiration (0.72 mm/year) and other terrestrial evaporation (0.37 mm/year). The increasing contribution of vegetation transpiration from China was comparable with that from neighboring countries (0.37 vs. 0.35 mm/year). The increasing moisture from vegetation transpiration could be due to the nationwide afforestation projects in China since 1999. The results provide a reference for understanding changes in precipitation and hydrologic processes.
A Functionalized Monte Carlo 3D Radiative Transfer Model: Radiative Effects of Clouds Over Reflecting Surfaces
Authors: Villefranque Najda , Barker Howard W. , Cole Jason N. S. , Qu Zhipeng
Published: July 2023

In the Earth Sciences, the 3D radiative transfer equation is often solved for by Monte Carlo (MC) methods. They can, however, be computationally taxing, and that can narrow their range of application and limit their use in explorations of model parameter spaces. A novel family of MC algorithms is investigated here in which single simulations provide estimates of both radiative quantities A for a set of parameters , as usual, as well as the overarching functional (x) that can be evaluated, extremely efficiently, at any x. One such algorithm is developed and demonstrated for horizontally averaged broadband solar radiative fluxes as functions of surface albedo for uniform Lambertian surfaces beneath inhomogeneous cloudy atmospheres. Simulations for a high‐resolution synthetic cloud field, at various solar zenith angles, illustrate the potential of the method to gain insights into the nature of 3D radiative effects for complicated atmosphere‐surface conditions using information specially derived from the MC simulation. For simulations performed with a single surface albedo it is found that as surface albedo increases, 3D radiative effects increase, too, with maxima occurring at middling to large values, and then decrease. By utilizing the derived coefficients that describe it was established that these 3D effects stem from differences in fractions of radiation entrapped at successive orders of internal multiple reflections for 1D and 3D transfer.
The effect of long-term cigarette smoking on selected skin barrier proteins and lipids
Authors: Hergesell Kristýna , Paraskevopoulou Anna , Opálka Lukáš , Velebný Vladimír , Vávrová Kateřina , Dolečková Iva
Published: July 2023

The negative impact of cigarette smoking on the skin includes accelerated aging, pigmentation disorders, and impaired wound healing, but its effect on the skin barrier is not completely understood. Here, we studied the changes in selected epidermal proteins and lipids between smokers (45–66 years, smoking > 10 years, > 10 cigarettes per day) and non-smokers. Volar forearm epidermal and stratum corneum samples, obtained by suction blister and tape stripping, respectively, showed increased thickness in smokers. In the epidermis of smokers, we observed a significant upregulation of filaggrin, loricrin, and a trend of increased involucrin but no differences were found in the case of transglutaminase 1 and kallikrein-related peptidase 7, on the gene and protein levels. No significant changes were observed in the major skin barrier lipids, except for increased cholesterol sulfate in smokers. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry revealed shorter acyl chains in ceramides, and an increased proportion of sphingosine and 6-hydroxysphingosine ceramides (with C4 trans-double bond) over dihydrosphingosine and phytosphingosine ceramides in smokers, suggesting altered desaturase 1 activity. Smokers had more ordered lipid chains found by infrared spectroscopy. In conclusion, cigarette smoking perturbs the homeostasis of the barrier proteins and lipids even at a site not directly exposed to smoke.
Development of a fast and precise potency test for BCG vaccine viability using flow cytometry compared to MTT and colony-forming unit assays
Authors: Moghawry Hend M. , Rashed Mohamed E. , Gomaa Kareeman , AbdelGhani Sameh , Dishisha Tarek
Published: July 2023

In a precarious world of rapidly growing pandemics, the field of vaccine production has witnessed considerable growth. Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) is a live-attenuated vaccine and a part of the immunization program in 157 countries. The quality control is based on a potency test through viable cell enumeration. The colony-forming unit (CFU) assay is the official method, however, it often yields fluctuating results, suffers from medium cracking, and requires lengthy analysis (~ 28 days). Flow cytometric analysis was proposed earlier, but it was coupled with a Coulter counter for measuring the entire bacterial population (live/dead). In the present study, thiazole orange/propidium iodide dyes supplemented with fluorogenic reference beads were employed for viable counting, eliminating the need for a Coulter counter. Both the flow cytometry and the colorimetric technique employing tetrazolium salt were validated and compared to the CFU assay. The colorimetric assay displayed high precision, accuracy, and a strong positive correlation with the CFU assay. The flow cytometry assay demonstrated high precision and a notable ability to distinguish different forms of BCG cells (live, injured, and dead). It also exhibited a perfect positive correlation with the CFU assay. Both methods reduced the analysis time by > 26 days and eliminated the need for human intervention by automating the test.
On Local Representation Densities of Hermitian Forms and Special Cycles
Authors: Cho Sungyoon
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we reformulate conjectural formulas for the arithmetic intersection numbers of special cycles on unitary Shimura varieties with minuscule parahoric level structure in terms of weighted counting of lattices containing special homomorphisms.
Neither “Big” Nor “Data”
Authors: Watson William
Published: July 2023

This chapter begins to sketch some potential upshots of a more regularized dialogue between music scholarship and critical data studies. Following a discussion of key terminological and methodological insights from critical data studies, it explores their ramifications for music scholars through a case study, analyzing several Web-accessible databases implemented to facilitate computational work with medieval European musics. The chapter concludes by leveraging the surprising role that music has to play in one publication associated with critical data studies to suggest how scholars of music might stand to make significant contributions to this rapidly developing field.
Public Opinion toward Artificial Intelligence
Authors: Zhang Baobao
Published: July 2023

This chapter synthesizes and discusses research on public opinion toward artificial intelligence (AI). Understanding citizens’ and consumers’ attitudes toward AI is important from a normative standpoint because the public is a major stakeholder in shaping the future of the technology and should have a voice in policy discussions. Furthermore, the research could help anticipate future political and consumer behavior. Survey data worldwide show that the public is increasingly aware of AI; however, they—unlike AI researchers—tend to anthropomorphize AI. Demographic differences correlate with trust in AI in general: those living in East Asia have higher levels of trust in AI, while women and those of lower socioeconomic status across different regions have lower levels of trust. Surveys that focus on particular AI applications, including facial recognition technology, personalization algorithms, lethal autonomous weapons, and workplace automation, add complexity to this research topic. This chapter concludes by recommending four new topics for future studies: (1) institutional trust in actors building and deploying AI systems, (2) the impact of knowledge and experience on attitudes toward AI, (3) heterogeneity in attitudes toward AI, and (4) the relationship between attitudes and behavior.
Revolution and Counter-Revolution
Authors: Dwan David
Published: July 2023

The differences between revolution and counter-revolution are difficult to spot in Yeats—not least because the revolution he initially envisaged for Ireland was usually conceived as a ‘revival’. And while he distinguished between a cultural and political revolution, he also blurred the terms of this distinction—not least by presenting his own work as one of the possible causes of the Rising of 1916. Yeats cast himself as a troubled celebrant of this event, but he would increasingly operate as a critic of revolution in Ireland. Key themes of his poetry—the evils of fanaticism and hatred, the dangers of abstraction and the naïve certainty it produces, the defence of historical regimes from upstart forms of power—reflect this anti-revolutionary animus. But Yeats remained drawn to the revolution he indicted—in particular, to the idea of a foundational violence that exceeds all established legal and moral norms, while serving as the inaugural act for a new set of values. As the poet acknowledged himself, he too had a ‘fanatic heart’.
Yeatsian Masculinities
Authors: McDiarmid Lucy
Published: July 2023

The idea of masculinity is interrogated in poems throughout Yeats’s career. This chapter uses the word ‘masculinity’ to mean characteristics of people in Yeats’s poems whom he identifies as male, and the way those characteristics are enacted, performed, or displayed in appearance, small behaviours, large behaviours, sexualities, or actions of any sort. Like so much else in Yeats’s work, the concept of masculinity is in a constant state of revision, variously embodied in generic men working in conventional professions, in long dead family members, Dublin merchants, literary characters, legendary figures, Irish heroes, sometimes women, and the poet himself, apologetic, uncertain, proud, defiant, remorseful, and always questioning.