bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Rare clinical case: peritoneal metastasis of squamous cell carcinoma of epiglottis
Authors:   City Clinical Oncological Dispensary, Saint Petersburg, 198255, Russia, Paratovskaya A. A. , Agapov M. Yu. ,   City Clinical Oncological Dispensary, Saint Petersburg, 198255, Russia, Alekseeva D. A. ,   City Clinical Oncological Dispensary, Saint Petersburg, 198255, Russia, Aleshina N. V. ,   City Clinical Oncological Dispensary, Saint Petersburg, 198255, Russia, Savost’yanov T. F. ,   City Clinical Oncological Dispensary, Saint Petersburg, 198255, Russia
Published: October 2023

Squamous cell carcinoma is a malignant neoplasm that affects many anatomical sites and is the most common cancer capable of metastatic disease. The usual localization of the spread of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck is regional-cervical lymphadenopathy. The lungs are the most common site of distant metastases (77%). The etiology of squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck most commonly involves tobacco use and alcohol abuse. The clinical picture may be different, depending on the localization of the process and its extent of damage. Patients with a supraglottic mass may present with dysphonia, odynophagia, dysphagia, and hemoptysis. The article presents a case of an epiglottis tumor in a 50-year-old patient who underwent surgical and chemoradiotherapy. With subsequent progression, control positron emission tomography revealed a mass in the abdominal cavity, which was successfully verified using endosonography with fine needle aspiration biopsy and regarded as a rare localization of metastasis in squamous cell carcinoma of the epiglottis. Modern technologies and a multidisciplinary approach have made it possible to diagnose and morphologically confirm the pathological process in a minimally invasive way.
Improving precision characteristics of the form-building equipment using the composite frameworks obtained with application of the contactless measurement system
Authors: Kovanov A.E. , Mamonov A.V. , Shishkanov N.V. , Iroshnikov A.I.
Published: October 2023

Aviation industry presents the increased demand to geometric accuracy of a product. Component production from the polymer composite materials is based on obtaining final geometric characteristics of a product, as a result of machining on the precision molding equipment. Experience in manufacture of forming equipment from the polymer composite materials demonstrated that a shell reinforced with walls was most effective both structurally and technologically; and it could be considered as the main design scheme for the forming equipment. One of the critical factors influencing the equipment shape accuracy is connection between the frame and the form-building shell. To increase accuracy in manufacturing the form-building equipment, a method is proposed that involves scanning the backside of the form-building shell and subsequent machining of the composite support frame on a CNC machine based on the scanning results, which allows reducing maximum deviations from the shell theoretical contour. Analyzing results of testing this method showed an increase in the frame contact area with the form-building shell and, as a consequence, the adhesive connection area, which made it possible to increase the equipment service life.
Renminbi jako waluta międzynarodowa – stan obecny oraz ocena perspektyw
Authors: Serwach Tomasz
Published: October 2023

Dominacja dolara amerykańskiego (USD) we współczesnym systemie walutowym wystawia zarówno gospodarkę światową, jak i gospodarki narodowe na ryzyko utrzymywania się nierównowag zewnętrznych, pojawiania się bąbli spekulacyjnych na rynkach aktywów czy też gwałtownych zmian wyceny rezerw dewizowych. W takich okolicznościach w kręgach ekonomicznych i politycznych coraz częściej poruszana jest kwestia uzyskania przez renminbi (CNY) statusu waluty międzynarodowej, czego konsekwencją byłoby substytuowanie USD w światowych finansach. Niniejszy artykuł przedstawia obecne znaczenie chińskiej waluty w globalnym systemie walutowym oraz wskazuje czynniki, które mogą wpłynąć na drogę CNY do statusu waluty międzynarodowej.
Import zaopatrzeniowy i inwestycyjny a perspektywy uczenia się przedsiębiorstw przemysłowych z województwa łódzkiego
Authors: Gabrielczak Piotr , Kłysik-Uryszek Agnieszka
Published: October 2023

Artykuł koncentruje się na problemie wpływu importu dóbr pośrednich i kapitałowych na wydajność przedsiębiorstw przemysłowych z województwa łódzkiego. W pierwszej części przedstawiony został teoretyczny zarys Nowej Nowej Teorii Handlu – w kontekście relacji między produktywnością firmy a jej zaangażowaniem w import. Jednym z elementów jest koncepcja uczenia się przez import (LBI). W drugiej części przedstawiono wyniki badania ankietowego CAWI, które dotyczyło efektywności gospodarczej importerów zaopatrzeniowych i inwestycyjnych z regionu łódzkiego oraz możliwości uczenia się przez te firmy. Stwierdzono, że istnieją przesłanki świadczące o dobrych perspektywach dla wystąpienia efektu LBI.
Halk Bilimi Açısından Kentsel Dönüşümün Kültürel Mekân Üzerindeki Etkisi
Authors: ALTINIŞIK Muhammet Emin
Published: October 2023

Kentler tarihi, dini ve coğrafi özellikleri yansıtan kültürel mekânlar bütünüdür. Zaman içinde kentle özdeşleşen bu mekânlar, kentin kültürel simgesi haline gelerek onu bir diğerinden ayıran en önemli faktörlerden biri olur ve kent kimliğinin oluşmasında önemli bir rol oynar. Kentlerin tarihi, dini ve sanatsal yapılarını oluşturan bu maddi mekânlarının yanı sıra folklor ürünlerinin de kendilerine ait yaşatım ve aktarım mekânları bulunur. Kültürel mekân olarak adlandırılan bu yerler, geleneğin aktarıldığı önemli merkezlerdir. Ancak bu mekânlar, modernleşme ve küreselleşmenin yanı sıra kentsel dönüşüm uygulamaları nedeniyle kültürel belleğin aktarımı noktasında işlevini kaybetmiştir. Mekâna dayalı olan bu değişim ve dönüşüm aynı zamanda geleneğin icracılarının kültürel üretim ve aktarımını gerçekleştirmelerine de engel teşkil etmektedir. Bu durum, ortak bellek paylaşılan deneyim çerçevesinde kültürel ifade çeşitliliğinin popüler kültür karşısında zayıflamasına hatta yok olmasına zemin hazırlamaktadır. Türkiye’de kentsel dönüşüm uygulamaları üzerine yapılan bilimsel çalışmalar, kent merkezlerinde yer alan tarihi eser niteliğindeki yapıların koruma, yenileme ve canlandırma politikalarına odaklanmaktadır. Maddi miras varlıklarının geleceğe aktarılmasında sarf edilen bu gayret ne yazık ki somut olmayan kültürel miras unsurlarının aktarılması konusunda zayıf kalmıştır. Bu çalışma, somut olmayan kültürel mirasın üretim, yaşatım ve aktarım yeri olan kültürel mekânların kentsel dönüşüm karşısındaki durumunu ele almaktadır. Bununla birlikte Somut Olmayan Kültürel Mirasın Korunması Sözleşmesi bağlamında kentsel dönüşüm uygulamalarındaki koruma, canlandırma ve yenileme yaklaşımlarının geleneğin yaşatılması ve aktarılmasındaki önemine halk bilimsel bir bakış açısı sunmaktadır.
Elementos de instituciones y documentos
Authors: Pulido Daza Nelson Javier
Published: October 2023

La obra es el resultado de dos años de reflexión, fruto de la investigación y la docencia sobre una materia específica propia de la archivística, sobre la cual muchas veces se da por sentado su definición, sin identificar sus alcances técnicos, operativos y de generación de conocimiento sobre la gestión documental en el marco de los sistemas de información. Esta cátedra tiene que ver con la definición del documento de archivo, cuyo origen y especificidad se encuentran ligados al órgano que lo produce, en el contexto jurídico y archivístico, denominado institución, responsable de la generación de información, que para desarrollar las funciones que le fueron dadas por ley, tramita sus actividades a través del documento de archivo.
Analysis of Factors Associated with Self-Efficacy in Helping Victims of Drowning in the Kalimas River – Indonesia
Authors: Dewi, S.Kep.Ns., M.Ng. Dr. Yulis Setiya , Wahyuni Sylvia Dwi , Prasetiyo Singgih , Alfaruq Muhammad Fikri
Published: October 2023

Introduction: On the banks of the Kalimas River, Indonesia, drowning cases often occur because many people fish and swim in the river, especially when the munggut phenomenon occurs (fish die due to toxic factory waste being thrown into the river), but when drowning cases occur there are actually many people. feel afraid and confused about providing assistance to drowning victims. Objective of this research is to analyze what factors are related to self-efficacy in helping drowning victims based on Albert Bandura’s Theory of Self-Efficacy.
 
Methods: This study was a correlational descriptive research with a cross-sectional design. The population in this study were all residents of the Kalimas Riverbanks, Gresik Regency. This research involved 146 respondents who live on the river banks in Gading Village, Wates Village, and Cangki Village using a cluster sampling technique. This research variable refers to Theory of Self-Efficacy including enactive mastery, vicariously experience, verbal persuasion, physiological and emotional state and self-efficacy. Data was collected using a structured questionnaire and analyzed using a logistic regression test with a significance level of ≤ 0.05.
 
Results: The results of statistical tests show a significant correlation between enactive mastery (p=0.001), vicarious experience (p=0.004), and verbal persuasion (p=0.000) with self-efficacy. In contrast, physiological and emotional state did not show a significant correlation with self-efficacy.
 
Conclusion: The higher the level of enactive mastery, vicarious experience, and verbal persuasion, the better the self-efficacy in helping drowning victims. This provides input for health workers and local government, as well as for further research, in increasing self-efficacy and the ability of residents to help drowning victims.
Kreativitas Guru Dalam Meningkatkan Motivasi Belajar Peserta Didik Melalui Strategi Blended Learning Pada Mata Pelajaran IPS
Authors: Hendrina Shafadella
Published: October 2023

Fostering students' creativity through education has become increasingly crucial in the 21st century. This era demands that educators actively nurture creativity in students across all subjects. Notably, teachers play a pivotal role in enhancing students' creativity, even within the context of social studies during the transitional period of the Covid-19 pandemic. This study has two primary objectives. Firstly, it seeks to elucidate how teachers at MTS Negeri 6 Jakarta employ creativity to bolster student motivation through blended learning strategies. Secondly, it endeavors to identify the obstacles encountered during the use of blended learning in the context of social studies amid the COVID-19 pandemic transition. The research employs a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. Data collection methods encompass observations and interviews involving social studies teachers and students. The findings of this study are as follows: Firstly, the majority of students have adeptly adapted to the learning processes facilitated by teachers through blended learning during the COVID-19 pandemic transition. They exhibit active engagement in learning through activities on platforms like WhatsApp groups, Google Classroom, and Google Meet's question-and-answer sessions. Secondly, the main hindrance to effective blended learning is the insufficient availability of adequate learning facilities.
Ekonomi Kreatif Kerajinan Eceng Gondok Di Desa Cihampelas Sebagai Sumber Belajar IPS
Authors: Fadhilah Annisa Jauhar
Published: October 2023

Social studies teachers often rely on conventional learning resources, primarily textbooks, including electronic books, and student worksheets available in the library. The utilization of varied learning resources by teachers is relatively limited. Therefore, this study aims to achieve four objectives: 1) Describe the home industry of water hyacinth crafts. 2) Explore the connection between water hyacinth crafts and the creative economy of the Cihampelas village community. 3) Investigate the integration of home industry water hyacinth crafts as social studies learning resources. 4) Identify the challenges faced by the home industry of water hyacinth crafts in contributing to the creative economy and propose solutions for their utilization as social studies learning resources. This research adopts a descriptive qualitative approach and is conducted in Cihampelas Village. The findings reveal that the process of incorporating the water hyacinth craft home industry as an environmentally-based learning resource involves social studies teachers initially analyzing the relevant educational standards before conducting field visits. For instance, in the case of Class IX, Basic Competency 3.3, which focuses on the development of creative economies based on the regional potential for community welfare, the material can be linked to the local environment, such as Cihampelas Village's utilization of water hyacinth crafts derived from the Saguling reservoir, contributing to the community's creative economy. This approach ensures the relevance of the activities to the water hyacinth craft home industry in Cihampelas Village.
Constraints as Perceived by the Subject Matter Specialists of Selected Krishi Vigyan Kendras of Assam
Authors: Talukdar Nabanil , Kumar Das Pabitra , Borah Avijeet
Published: October 2023

KVK plays a pivotal role in streamlining and offering an advantageous route to the increase of the agricultural zone of various regions in the country. It would be helpful to operate smoothly for the KVKs if the problems faced by the SMSs are properly addressed as they are the grass-root level functionaries of the organization. For that purpose the present study was conducted in 23 KVKs which are under Assam Agricultural University in the State of Assam. Out of 123 SMSs, 80 SMSs from 21 KVKs constituted the sample of respondents for the study. A questionnaire with structured and open-ended questions was created, and dichotomous responses were produced. The findings revealed that majority (62.5%) of the respondents belonged to the age category of 33 - 44 years, followed by 21.25 per cent who belonged to 45 - 52 years category and 16.25 per cent who belonged to 29 - 32 years category. Majority (71.25%) of the respondents were M.Sc degree holders while others (28.75%) were Ph.D degree holders. Majority (58.75%) of the respondents had 4 to 7 years of service experience. For determining the constraints six (6) different dimensions were considered in the study namely technological constraints, administrative constraints, and socio-economic constraints, input or other material constraints, personal constraints and other miscellaneous constraints. It is observed that 58.75 per cent of the SMSs expressed low economic status and social obstacles of farmers followed by overload of reports, meetings and activities apart from KVK mandated activities (57.5%), lack of proper infrastructure for better execution (46.25%), additional workload affecting social and personal life (42.5%), difficulty in disseminating complex technology (41.25%) and poor infrastructure maintenance (16.25%) as major constraints under each dimension respectively. Apart from that majority of the respondents mentioned about lack of women farmer-friendly technology, lack of location specific technology, shortage of transportation facility, shortage of manpower, lack of financial ability of farmers to accept agriculture as a business, high input cost, less opportunity of HRD training for SMS as constraints related to their field of activities.
Psychogenic Pain in the Mind of Gymnasts Caught Between Glory and Frustration
Authors: Tsiama Portejoie Jean Aime , Ikounga Roger Pierre , Koulombo Ulrich Armel , Ghimbi Nicaise Leandre Mesmin
Published: October 2023

This study analyzes the lack of psychological support and follow-up for gymnasts motivated to compete in the Congolese championship. On the one hand, it calls into question the extent of social difficulties in light of current psychological suffering. On the other hand, it questions the fact that the athletes are dependent on their parents, who have no stable employment or have lost it with the onset of the COVID-19 epidemic. Despite this disastrous social situation, the sports system itself offers no guarantees in the face of athletes' growing uncertainty. The analysis of this phenomenon on gymnasts revealed worrying psychological profiles in the Congolese sporting population, with mental pathologies emerging and developing insidiously. To enable a proper assessment of athletes' mental strengths and weaknesses, our understanding shows that Target models of mental preparation would be more effective if psychopathologies were diagnosed first. We point to managerial irresponsibility in failing to take the psychosocial aspect seriously at a time when competitors are under pressure to achieve glory at all costs. Through observation of complaints against frustrations and, taking into account our conception of the structural model of the psyche, we found that athletes express themselves through a sad expression, both facial and verbal, to signal the emotional value of their agony. However, the desire to overcome this despair is marked by a costly defense that translates into a commitment to superstitious practices.
INFLUÊNCIA DAS PRÁTICAS DE GESTÃO E EXPERIÊNCIAS DE RESTAURO NO DESEMPENHO INDIVIDUAL
Authors: Pedersoli Mariana Martins , Queiroga Fabiana , Pérez-Nebra Amalia Raquel
Published: October 2023

Esta pesquisa teve o propósito descrever a influência das práticas de gestão de pessoas e experiências de restauro no desempenho laboral individual. Trata-se de um estudo correlacional em que foram aplicados questionários com trabalhadores de organizações privadas e públicas. Estes questionários tiveram os seguintes instrumentos: Questionário de Desempenho no Trabalho Individual – IWPQ; Escala de Práticas de Gestão de Pessoas e Escala de Experiências de Restauro. Responderam à pesquisa 425 colaboradores. Foram conduzidas análises para verificação da qualidade psicométrica dos instrumentos utilizados e testagem de modelo por meio de regressão linear múltipla. Posteriormente deu-se seguimento à testagem do modelo por meio das regressões lineares múltiplas. O desempenho de tarefa teve 26% de variância explicada, sendo que os fatores que contribuíram significativamente foram práticas de suporte ao desempenho (b = 0,329; p < 0,000), relaxamento (b = -0,139; p < 0,005) e controle (b = 0,146; p < 0,005). Nenhum fator de práticas de gestão de pessoas obteve contribuição individual significativa para desempenho de contexto ou desempenho contraprodutivo. Tais resultados chamam atenção para o potencial dos construtos utilizados para predizer desempenho e sinalizam importantes implicações para a gestão.
O Fundeb permanente e as condicionalidades do VAAR em municípios tocantinenses
Authors: Bruno Paiva Gonçalves Ítalo , Maria Pereira de Souza Celestina , Santos Sulli Luduvice Paulo Vinícius , Santana dos Santos Jocyleia
Published: October 2023

Este artigo tem como objetivo discutir os critérios para a escolha dos diretores escolares em onze municípios tocantinenses, a partir da Lei nº 14.113, de 25 de dezembro de 2020, que regulamenta o Fundo de Manutenção e Desenvolvimento da Educação Básica e de Valorização dos Profissionais da Educação (Fundeb) que estabelece a distribuição da complementação do Valor Aluno-Ano Resultado (VAAR) e suas condicionalidades às redes públicas de ensino. A investigação se assentou na perspectiva materialista histórico-dialética, com pesquisa documental e bibliográfica e revelou que os critérios de mérito e desempenho adotados pelos sistemas de ensino fragilizam a efetividade dos princípios da gestão democrática.
Palavras-chave: novo fundeb, valor aluno-ano resultado (VAAR), educação municipal, tocantins.
 
Permanent Fundeb and VAAR conditionalities in municipalities in Tocantins                         
ABSTRACT. This article aims to discuss the criteria for choosing school principals in eleven municipalities in Tocantins, based on Law nº 14,113, of December 25, 2020, which regulates the Fund for the Maintenance and Development of Basic Education and the Valuation of Education Professionals (Fundeb) which establishes the distribution of the Complementary Value Student Year Result (VAAR) and its conditionalities to public education networks. The investigation was based on the historical-dialectical materialist perspective, with documentary and bibliographical research and revealed that the criteria of merit and performance adopted by the education systems weaken the effectiveness of the principles of democratic management.
Keywords: new fundeb, value student year result (VAAR), municipal education, tocantins.
 
Condicionalidades permanentes Fundeb y VAAR en municipios de Tocantins
RESUMEN. Este artículo tiene como objetivo discutir los criterios para la elección de directores de escuela en once municipios de Tocantins, con base en la Ley nº 14.113, de 25 de diciembre de 2020, que regula el Fondo de Mantenimiento y Desarrollo de la Educación Básica y de Valoración de los Profesionales de la Educación (Fundeb) que establece la distribución del Valor Complementario del Resultado del Año Estudiantil (VAAR) y sus condicionalidades a las redes de educación pública. La investigación se basó en la perspectiva materialista histórico-dialéctica, con investigación documental y bibliográfica y reveló que los criterios de mérito y desempeño adoptados por los sistemas educativos debilitan la eficacia de los principios de la gestión democrática.
Palabras-clave: nuevo fundeb, valor del resultado del año del estudiante (VAAR), educación municipal, tocantins.
Project EDIT: an aid to improve the academic performance of Grade 10- Emerald students in Science amidst pandemic.
Authors: Perez Vivian Grace
Published: October 2023

The COVID-19 Pandemic has been one of the most significant disruptions in education in the Philippines. The shift to remote distance teaching meant a rapid change to alternate modes of teaching and learning. The pandemic had a silver lining as it opened doors to new ideas and technologies that could be leveraged to enhance education. Distance learning with self-learning modules is not enough to reach and teach students at Der-An Integrated School, Diffun, Quirino. As a result, different strategies and integration of technologies are being implemented to ensure that learning never stops amidst the pandemic. Thus, this study aimed to determine the academic performance of Grade 10 students in Science. A group Pretest Post-test Research design was utilized to determine the academic performance of Science among Grade 10 students as being affected by Project EDIT (Effective Delivery of Lessons by Integrating Technologies). The technologies being implemented include laptops, mobile phones, and Two-way radios. Prior to the implementation of this project, a pretest was conducted to determine the initial academic performance of the respondents just by the use of purely self-learning modules. Two weeks after the implementation of this project, a post-test was administered to test their academic performance. Employing this design on a group of 22 Grade 10- Emerald Students, the following were found: there is a significant difference in the mean scores of the respondents on their pretest and post-test, and the project EDIT had a large effect. Through the aforementioned results, it was concluded that Project EDIT is an effective tool for class discussion to improve the academic performance of students amidst the pandemic.
Improved Collaboration and Learning Outcomes Theme VII Sub-Theme 3 Through the Discovery Learning Learning Model for Grade VI Students of SD Negeri 2 Samigaluh 2021/2022 Academic Year
Authors: Srini
Published: October 2023

This study aims to improve collaboration skills and learning outcomes of students in Theme VII Sub-Theme 3 using the discovery learning model for class VI students at SD Negeri 2 Samigaluh in the 2021/2022 academic year. This type of research is a Classroom Action Research (CAR) for 2 cycles, each cycle consisting of 2 meetings. The subjects in this study were class VI students at SD Negeri 2 Samigaluh for the 2021/2022 academic year, with a total of 11 students consisting of 5 boys and 6 girls. Data collection techniques in this study were based on observation results. The results of this study indicate an increase in students' collaboration skills, namely in the first cycle the average value was 18.18% while in the second cycle the average value was 86.37%. The results of the research data on student learning outcomes also showed an increase, this is known from the average value in cycle I of 68.18%, while in cycle II an average value of 95.45%. This shows that the application of discovery learning models can improve collaboration and learning outcomes of class VI students at SD Negeri 2 Samigaluh on theme VII sub-theme 3.
Biodiversity as a Firewall to Engineered Microbiomes for Restoration and Conservation
Authors: Maull Victor , Sole Ricard
Published: October 2023

The possibility of abrupt transitions threatens to poise ecosystems into irreversibly degraded states. Recently, it has been proposed the use of engineered microbiomes in endangered ecosystems to prevent them to cross tipping points and avoid collapse. Potential targets for such interventions include some of the most prominent life-support systems in the biosphere: drylands and coral reefs. Since engineering can require the introduction of microorganisms not present in resident communities, how can we weight the potential outcomes? One way is to use general models of species interactions where the "synthetic" strain is incorporated into a standard multispecies model. Here we follow this approach by modelling a resource-consumer community where one of the species is a modified one that acts by preserving some key resource. We show how the indirect effect of damping the decay of shared resources results in biodiversity increase, and last but not less, the successful incorporation of the synthetic within the ecological network. Further extensions and implications for future restoration and terraformation strategies are discussed.
Risk Awareness as a Key Determinant of Early Vaccine Uptake in the Mpox Vaccination Campaign in an Italian Region: A Cross-Sectional Analysis
Authors: Del Duca Giulia , Tavelli Alessandro , Mastrorosa Ilaria , Aguglia Camilla , Lanini Simone , Brita Anna Clelia , Gagliardini Roberta , Vita Serena , Vergori Alessandra , Paulicelli Jessica , Natalini Giorgia , D'Urso Angela , Piselli Pierluca , Gallì Paola , Mondillo Vanessa , Mastroianni Claudio , Tamburrini Enrica , Sarmati Loredana , Stingone Cristof , Lichtner Miriam , Nicastri Emanuele , Farinella Massimo , Leserri Filippo , Siddu Andrea , Maggi Francesco , D'Arminio Monforte Antonella , Vairo Francesco , Barca Alessandra , Vaia Francesco , Girardi Enrico , Mazzotta Valentina , Antinori Andrea
Published: October 2023

Background: we aim to investigate attitudes toward vaccination, by analyzing empirical factors associated with vaccine acceptance in the Lazio region mpox vaccination (MpoxVax) campaign in Italy. Methods: all subjects who accessed to MpoxVax and signed the informed consent were prospectively enrolled in the MPOX-VAC Study and were asked to fill out an anonymous survey. Two endpoints were selected: ‘delayed acceptance’ and ‘early acceptance’, defined as access for vaccination >60 and ≤30 days from the vaccination campaign starting (VCS), respectively. Results: over the study period 1717 individuals underwent vaccination: 129 (7%) >60 [1588 (92.5%) ≤60] and 676 (60%) ≤30 days from VCS. A bisexual orientation, a lower education level and a worse perceived physical and mental health were associated with delayed access to vaccination. Being Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) users and, marginally, HIV positive, having a high perceived risk for mpox infection and reporting high-risk behaviors like the use of recreational drugs/chems, sex under the influence of drugs and/or alcohol and higher number of principal sexual partners, were associated with early access to vaccination. Conclusions: according to our data, risk awareness was a major determinant of early mpox vaccination acceptance. Conversely, worse perceived health status and a low educational level were critical factors associated with delayed vaccination.
An Improved VMD–EEMD–LSTM Time Series Hybrid Prediction Model for Sea Surface Height
Authors: Chen Hongkang , He Xiaoxing , Lu Tieding , Huan Jiahui , Sun Xiwen
Published: October 2023

Changes in sea level exhibit nonlinearity, nonstationarity, and multivariable characteristics, making traditional time series forecasting methods less effective in producing satisfactory results. To enhance the accuracy of the predictions of changes in sea level, this study introduced an improved VMD–EEMD–LSTM hybrid model. This model decomposes satellite altimetry data from near the Dutch coast using VMD, resulting in components of the Intrinsic Mode Function (IMF) with various frequencies and a residual sequence. EEMD further dissects the residual sequence obtained from VMD into second-order components. These IMFs decomposed by VMD and EEMD are utilized as features in the LSTM model for making predictions, culminating in the final forecasted results. The experimental results demonstrated significant improvements in the predictive performance compared with the VMD–LSTM model. The RMSE (root mean square error) decreased by an average of 58.68%, the MAE (mean absolute error) reduced by an average of 59.96%, and the R2 (coefficient of determination) increased by an average of 49.85% compared with the VMD–LSTM model. In comparison with the EEMD–LSTM model, the RMSE decreased by an average of 26.95%, the MAE decreased by an average of 28.00%, and the R2 increased by an average of 6.53%. The VMD–EEMD–LSTM model exhibited significantly improved predictive performance.
Trend of COVID-19 Pandemic in Italy During the Summers 2020 (Before Mass Vaccination), 2021 (After Primary Mass Vaccination) and 2022 (After Booster Mass Vaccination): A Real-World Study Based on a Population of 58,85 Million People
Authors: Roncati Luca , Bartolacelli Giulia , Galeazzi Carlo , Caramaschi Stefania
Published: October 2023

Like all RNA viruses, SARS-CoV-2 shows high mutation rate, which has led to the emergence of new variants. Among them, Gamma and Delta developed at the turn of 2020-2021 in Amazonas and India, two ecoregions characterized by hot-humid weather, very similar to that of the summer season due to climate change in Italy, the first Western country to have been hit hard by COVID-19 and to experience lockdown restrictions in a democratic framework of 58,85 million people. Methods: during the state of national health emergency and the Draghi government, the Civil Defense Department daily released the aggregate data coming from the Ministry of Health, the Higher Institute of Health, the Independent Provinces and the Italian Regions, in order to inform about the pandemic situation in Italy. Among these data there were the number of deaths, hospitalizations in intensive care units (ICU), non-ICU patients, contagions, and performed swabs. By means of a team effort, we have collected and elaborated all these data, comparing COVID-19 pandemic in Italy during the summers 2020 (following the nationwide lockdown), 2021 and 2022. Results: from summer 2020 (before mass vaccination) to summers 2021 (after primary mass vaccination) and 2022 (after booster mass vaccination) all pandemic trend indicators have showed a sharp worsening in Italy. COVID-19 deaths increased by ≈298% and ≈834%, ICU hospitalizations by ≈386% and ≈310%, non-ICU hospitalizations by ≈224% and ≈600%, contagions by ≈627% and ≈6.850% (i.e. ≈68,50 times), swabs by ≈354% and ≈370%, and the mean positivity rate passed from ≈1% to ≈2% and ≈20%, respectively. Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 can be transmitted in any climate, including areas with hot and humid weather, and the emergence of variants adapted to hot-humid climate may result in summer COVID-19 outbreaks, even in neither tropical nor subtropical countries. Although COVID-19 vaccines can confer cross-protection against newly emerging variants, this cross-immunity is obviously not absolute but limited, also taking into account that vaccine protection wanes considerably after 6 months. It follows that a subject vaccinated at the beginning of winter will not be completely covered in the height of summer, without forgetting the unvaccinated. As a final remark, the long nationwide lockdown made it possible to flatten SARS-CoV-2 circulation and, therefore, its negative impact on Italy during summer 2020.
Biodegradable Magnesium Alloys for Biomedical Implants: Properties, Challenges, and Surface Modifications
Authors: Thomas Kevin , Zafar Mah Noor , Pitt William G. , Husseini Ghaleb
Published: October 2023

Biomedical devices made from high-modulus and hardness materials play a critical role in enhancing the quality of life for individuals with bone-related ailments. While these materials have been successfully used in orthopedic applications, concerns including stress-shielding have necessitated the exploration of alternative solutions. An ideal biomedical implant requires a delicate balance of mechanical performance, corrosion resistance, tissue biocompatibility, and other properties such as tribological performance and osseointegration. This review explores the suitability of biodegradable magnesium (Mg) alloys as a promising material for biomedical implants. It delves into the essential properties of biomedical implants, emphasizing the importance of matching mechanical characteristics with human bone properties to mitigate stress shielding. The corrosion properties of implant materials are discussed, highlighting the need for controlled degradation to ensure the safety and longevity of implants. The focus then shifts to the potential of magnesium alloys as biomedical implants, examining their benefits, limitations, and the challenges associated with their high degradation rates and less-than-satisfactory mechanical properties. Alloying with elements such as aluminum, zinc, and others is explored to improve magnesium alloys' mechanical performance and corrosion resistance. Furthermore, this review discusses surface modification techniques, including chemical conversion coatings and biomimetic deposition, as effective strategies to enhance the corrosion resistance and biocompatibility of magnesium and its alloys. These modifications offer opportunities to improve the long-term performance of magnesium-based biomedical implants.
This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the properties, challenges, and potential solutions associated with biodegradable magnesium alloys as a promising material for biomedical implants. It underscores the importance of addressing issues related to mechanical performance, corrosion resistance, and biocompatibility to advance the development of safe and effective biomedical implant materials.
An Efficient Plug-and-Play Post-Training Pruning Strategy in Large Language Models
Authors: Zhang Yingtao , Bai Haoli , Lin Haokun , Zhao Jialin , Hou Lu , Cannistraci Carlo Vittorio
Published: October 2023

With the rapid growth of large language models (LLMs), there is increasing demand for memory and computation for LLMs. Recent efforts on post-training pruning of LLMs aim to reduce the model size and computation, yet the performance is still sub-optimal. In this paper, we present a plug-and-play solution for post-training pruning of LLMs. The proposed solution has two innovative components: 1) **Relative Importance and Activations** (RIA), a new pruning metric that jointly considers the weight and activations efficiently on LLMs; and 2) **Channel Permutation**, a new approach to maximally preserve important weights under N:M sparsity. The proposed two components can be readily combined to further enhance the N:M structuredly pruned LLMs. Our empirical experiments show that RIA alone can already surpass all existing post-training pruning methods on prevalent LLMs, e.g., LLaMA ranging from 7B to 65B. Furthermore, N:M structured pruning with channel permutation can even outperform the original LLaMA2 70B on zero-shot tasks, together with practical speed-up on specific hardware.
Non-sensory Perception and Sensory Appeal of Zamnè, PseudoZamnè, Traditionally Cooked Senegalia erythrocalyx Seeds, and Tempeh by Burkinabe Consumers
Authors: Drabo Moustapha Soungalo , Traore Korotimi , Parkouda Charles , Hama-Ba Fatoumata , Savadogo Aly , Raes Katleen
Published: October 2023

The lack of adequate knowledge of the culinary and sensory properties of most indigenous and wild foods hampers their promotion in human diets and the market. In the present study, 80 Burkinabe volunteers evaluated the sensory appeal and attributes of three selected Senegalia seed species (Zamnè, pseudoZamnè or Kumatiya, and S. erythrocalyx) and their food formulas (traditionally cooked, harvested as green and fresh legumes, and fermented as tempeh) using the 9-point hedonic scale and check-all-that-apply questionnaire. They found that the traditionally cooked Zamnè, pseudoZamnè or Kumatiya, and derived tempeh had good sensory appeal (scoring between 5-7) and subtle alkaline and nutty tastes, which will facilitate their blending in cuisines. Yet, an appreciable number (32%) of the participants, as unaccustomed to tempeh, scored all the tempeh products very low (2.5-3.4), suggesting food neophobia. In contrast, the traditionally cooked seeds of Senegalia erythrocalyx and the green and fresh Zamnè evoked bitter and sour off-tastes, respectively, and were not much appreciated (scoring 4). The present study provides unprecedented insight into consumers’ non-sensory perceptions and the culinary and sensory properties of Senegalia seed foods – which will be essential for their valorization, branding, and marketing.
Study on the Mechanical Properties of MiC Wall Panels with Different Material Components
Authors: Wang Qiong , Yang Dan , Chen Dong
Published: October 2023

Modular high-rise buildings frequently adopt cast-in-place concrete to ensure building integrity. To reduce the material consumption and realize mold-free casting, a 30 mm thick light concrete mold shell wall panel ( MiC wall panel) is set as part of the shear wall. But the concrete casting process is prone to cracking and rising pattern. Its force performance and damage mechanism is not clear. To this end, this paper designs three groups of MiC wall panels with different material component types. The static load test is carried out in a graded partitioned loading mode. The effects of different material components on the mechanical properties of MiC wall panels are systematically investigated and parametrically analyzed by numerical simulation. The results show that the front cracks of the wall slab are mainly distributed under the truss tendons, and the back cracks are mainly distributed in the span position of the adjacent truss tendons. They are both along the span direction of the wall slab. Increasing the strength level of concrete and using steel fiber concrete can improve the mechanical properties of MiC wall panels to different degrees. Among them, increasing the concrete strength has a significant effect on improving the load-bearing capacity of wall panels, while incorporating steel fibers can significantly improve the deformation and crack resistance of wall panels. By building more finite element models, it was verified that the steel fiber admixture has limited effect on the mechanical properties of wall panels as the concrete grade increases. This study aims to summarize the types of wall panels with the best working properties. It provides a practical basis for optimizing the production and fabrication process of MiC wall panels.
About Space Harmonics Effects on Performances of Linear Induction Motors: Modelization and Characterization
Authors: Aïssa Bensehila , Athmane Bouzidi , Takorabet Noureddine
Published: October 2023

This article presents the impact analysis of space harmonics (SH) presence on a single-sided three-phase linear induction motor, along with a comprehensive parametric investigation. The presence of SH often reduces the LIM performances. The electromagnetic phenomena are governed by Maxwell's equations associated with equivalent circuit modelling. The chosen mathematical model uses 2D formulation with magnetic vector potential A. The model implementation is performed with finite element method on Gmsh-GetDP free platform. The electromagnetic thrust is calculated in current excitation case by a numerical model (FEM) with and without term generating SH in order to highlight the effect of SH. The adaptation to voltage supply operation is obtained by equivalent electric circuits (EEC), through calculation of the operational impedance. The main objective of the study consists in a comparative exploration of SH presence using two numerical models (single and multi-harmonics), and an assessment of parameters effect on space harmonic presence and various machine characteristics such as thrust, efficiency, and power factor. The motor’s characteristics (ie: thrust, efficiency and power factor) strongly depend on parameters such as the pole pair number and conductivity. Improving the operation and maximizing the performances of such a machine for a given specification requires the use of optimization algorithms.
Arabinose Plays an Important Role in Regulating the Growth and Sporulation of Bacillus subtilis NCD-2
Authors: Fu Yifan , Liu Xiaomeng , Su Zhenhe , Wang Peipei , Guo Qinggang , Ma Ping
Published: October 2023

Bacillus subtilis NCD-2 showed a promising biocontrol effect against plant soil-borne diseases, and was developed as a commercial microbial fungicide against cotton verticillium wilt in China. Spores were main ingredient of the fungicide and played the crucial role in biological control of plant diseases. Therefore, the key to reducing the cost of fungicide was to find ways to increase the number of spores of strain NCD-2 during fermentation. In this study, 755 substances were evaluated by Phenotype Microarray technology, and 5 kinds of carbon sources and 1 kind of nitrogen source were found to promote the metabolism of strain NCD-2. Among carbon sources L-arabinose showed strongest ability to promote the bacteria growth and sporulation of strain NCD-2. When L-arabinose was used as a single carbon source, it could increase the bacteria concentration and the sporulation efficiency of strain NCD-2 by 2.04 times and 1.99 times, respectively, compared with D-glucose. Moreover, L-arabinose could significantly decrease the autolysis of strain NCD-2 revealed by microscopy observation. The mechanism for promoting the sporulation by L-arabinose was analysed by RNA-seq sequencing. Results showed that total of 790, 923 and 1270 genes were up-regulated and 639, 850 and 1001 genes were down-regulated under L-arabinose supplies when cultured at 8 h, 12 h and 16 h, respectively. Fourteen differentially expressed genes associated with arabinose transportation and sporulation were selected for qRT-PCR analysis, and the result showed basically consistent expression trend with transcriptome. Notably, genes associated with arabinose metabolism, sporulation, spore resistance to heat and spore coat formation were significantly up-regulated, and genes associated with sporulation-delaying protein were significantly down-regulated under L-arabinose supplies. msmX gene which was involved in arabinose transport in Bacillus genus was deleted, and the mutant decreased the growth and sporulation by 53.71% and 86.46%, respectively, when compared to strain NCD-2 wild type. Complementary of the mutant by importing intact msmX gene could restore the growth and sporulation of the mutant strain. In conclusion, arabinose played an important role in regulating the growth and sporulation of strain NCD-2.
Predicting Tissue Loads in Running from Inertial Measurement Units
Authors: Rasmussen John , Skejø Sebastian , Waagepetersen Rasmus Plenge
Published: October 2023

Background: Runners have high incidence of repetitive load injuries, and habitual runners often use smartwatches with embedded IMU sensors to track their performance and training. If accelerometer information from such IMUs can provide information about individual tissue loads, then running watches may be used to prevent injuries. Methods: We investigate a combined physics-based simulation and data-based method. 285 running trials from 76 real runners are subjected to physics-based simulation to recover forces in the Achilles tendon and patella ligament, and the collected data are used to train and test a data-based model using elastic net and gradient boosting methods. Results: Correlations up to 0.95 and 0.71 for the patella ligament and Achilles tendon forces, respectively, are obtained, but no single best predictive algorithm can be identified. Conclusions: Prediction of tissues loads based on body-mounted IMUs appears promising but requires further investigation before deployment as a general option for users of running watches to reduce running-related injuries.
A Novel Real Time Robust Controller of a Four-Wheel Independent Steering System for EV using Neural Networks and Fuzzy Logic
Authors: Kosmidis Alexis , Ioannidis Georgios , Vokas Georgios , Kaminaris Stavros
Published: October 2023

This paper presents a novel real time control strategy on four-wheel independent steering system for electric vehicle with stepper motors using neural networks combined with fuzzy logic. The control of the four wheels is based on a variation of Hopfield Neural Network (VHNN) method, in which the input is the error of each steering motor and the output is processed by a hyperbolic tangent function (HTF) feeding the fuzzy logic controller (FLC), which ultimately drives the stepper motor. The whole system is made up of the four aforementioned blocks where they work in sync and inseparable from each other with the common goal of driving all the steering stepper motors at the same time. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed control method has strong robustness and practicability under different angles and speeds.
Insight about the Body Mass Index among School Students during COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alfaleh Amjad , Alkattan Abdullah , Almutairi Fatemah , Almutairi Mona , Sagor Khlood , Abdolhay Mody , Alageel Alaa , Alabdulkareem Khaled
Published: October 2023

Background: Several reports indicate that long stay at home for online schools due to the COVID-19 pandemic changed the normal physical activity and body weight of school-age students. Previous studies revealed that almost 50% of school students complained of increased or decreased more than 3 kg of weight due to lower physical activity. This study aims to provide insight about the Body Mass Index (BMI) among school students during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A retrospective matched-longitudinal study was conducted in 2022 based on previous data about BMI-for-age percentile in school-age students aged 6 to 18 years. These data were collected the year before and during COVID-19 pandemic (2019-2021). Results: All the included students were Arabic (N = 53,580) and were not diagnosed with chronic illness. The outcomes showed that the overall percentage of students with normal weight was 54%, 56%, and 53% during the 2019-2021 years, respectively. Overweight among students increased during the COVID-19 pandemic years, as almost 10% of the students were overweight in 2019 compared with 12% in 2020 and 2021 years. Besides, obese students also increased in the 2020-2021 period compared with the 2019 year (15-17% vs. 10%). In contrast, underweight trends among students declined, as 26% reported in 2019 compared to 17-18% in 2020 and 2021. Conclusion: There are significant variations in Arabic school-age students regarding their BMI values. Obesity was highly detected among children and adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic years compared to 2019, while underweight cases declined.