bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A legislação da gestão democrática na rede estadual de educação no Rio Grande do Norte: Qual o papel da equipe gestora?
Authors: Da Silva Givanildo , Lelis Creusa Ribeiro da Silva
Published: October 2023

O texto apresenta uma reflexão sobre o papel da equipe gestora nas escolas da rede estadual de ensino do Rio Grande do Norte, a partir da Lei Complementar n. 585, de 30 de dezembro de 2016. A metodologia desenvolvida esteve pautada nas pesquisas bibliográfica e documental, as quais contribuíram para a compreensão das principais sistematizações presentes na Lei Complementar, instituída no contexto da rede estadual de ensino do Rio Grande do Norte. Como resultados, mediante a legislação sancionada pelo governo do Estado, foi possível perceber que: a) a equipe gestora das escolas estaduais é composta pelo diretor, vice-diretor, coordenador pedagógico e coordenador administrativo-financeiro; b) são muitas as atribuições para o desenvolvimento das atividades diárias, as quais apresentam desafios à dinâmica escolar; c) ainda não há uma democratização na escolha do coordenador pedagógico e do coordenador administrativo-financeiro, visto que estes são designados pelo diretor eleito; e, por fim, d) há contradições na Lei Complementar quando esta sinaliza a gestão democrática como concepção de gestão escolar, mas não democratiza todos os processos de escolha para a comunidade escolar.
Trends and Implications of Regulatory Legislation in Major Countries as a means of Controlling Artificial Intelligence
Authors:   European Constitutional Law Association, Kim Beop-Yeon
Published: October 2023

Major countries have establsihed the legislative regulatations to control the risks of AI. Starting from concretizing the risks associated with AI, various control measure are applied to AI with higher risks. For businesses involved in the development, application, deployment, use of AI, the main focus of the control measures is on the data management, quality control of AI systems and services, risk management, record management, personal information protection. For users of high-risk AI systems, the focus is on ensuring the right to request explanations and receive appropriate compensation for damages. These measures are being put in place to overcome the issues that traditional regulatory systems were unable to address due to AI's autonomy, unpredictability, and uncertainty. In contrast, South Korea seems to be more concerned with the legal framework for industrial promotion and technological development, and for securing national competitiveness, rather than risk control. The rapid development of AI technology, especially with the emergence of generative AI such as ChatGPT, is leading to abrupt and significant changes. Therefore, the possibility of AI risks appearing in an increasingly uncertain and unpredictable state is high. In such a situation, maximizing the utility of AI technology and minimizing its risks to enjoy its benefits is an important task for our society. This paper has reviewed and comparatively analyzed how major countries control the risks of AI. By identifying the legislative trends in major countries, By identifying the legislative trends in major countries, we have drawn insights and proposed appropriate design directions and control measures for the introduction of AI regulations in South Korea.
Importance of baseline assessments: monitoring of Brunei River's water quality
Authors: Onifade Oluwakemisola , Shamsuddin Norazanita , Teck Ching Lai Daphne , Jamil Haziq , Gӧdeke Stefan Herwig
Published: October 2023

This study illustrated the changes, pollution status, and significant pollution causes for Brunei River, Brunei Darussalam. Eleven parameters (pH, temperature, oxidation–reduction potential (ORP), dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, conductivity, total dissolved solids (TDS), salinity, turbidity, ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N), and total coliform) were analyzed from eight monitoring sites in 1984, 2019, 2020, and 2021. Box plots were used for a comparative study between 1984 and 2019+ data, while hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA) and principal component analysis (PCA) tests were performed on data from recent years (2019+). The box plot analysis showed that pollution levels in 2019, 2020, and 2021 increased compared to 1984 values, especially for total coliform bacteria. The doubling of the coliform bacteria concentration in the river between 1984 and 2019+ is concerning because the Malaysia National Water Quality Standards (NWQS) guideline values for fishing have now been exceeded. HCA pointed out that upstream stations are more polluted than downstream. PCA of the 11 water quality datasets generated five factors with a total variance of 75.21% and identified anthropogenic activities, seawater intrusion, and hydrological processes as possible causes for Brunei River water quality degradation.
Ecological assessment of a subtropical floodplain wetland of the Ganga basin in the context of changing climate using GIS tools
Authors: Das Ghosh Bandana , Debnath Sanjeet , Sarkar Uttam Kumar , Das Basanta Kumar , Puthiyottil Mishal , Johnson Canciyal , Karnatak Gunjan
Published: October 2023

Climate change associated with anthropogenic stressors are considered the main threat to the tropical wetlands, resulting in reduced water connection followed by a decline in ecological functions. This article presents a systemic approach to assess the present ecological status of a tropical floodplain wetland concerning the fisheries and associated ecosystem services. The analysis of historic climatic data indicated significant change (increasing average annual air temperature, R2 = 0.098; decreasing total annual rainfall, R2 = 0.042). In addition, a significant reduction in the wetland area was also observed. Altogether, 45 fish species were reported in the studied wetland, of which 2 are listed as endangered and 7 are near threatened. The present study demonstrated the variation of the important fisheries-related environment and nutrient parameters of the wetland through the geographic information system (GIS)-based spatial distribution map for the reader's digest. It has been found that the provisioning ecosystem services are higher in number (n=9) followed by supporting (n=6), regulating (n=4), and cultural (n=2) ecosystem services. Finally, we have discussed some important case-specific sustainable climate-smart adaptation and mitigation approaches to strengthen the resilience and adaptive capacity of fishers.
Situational and sustainability assessment of irrigation systems to Nepal from the Koshi Barrage
Authors: Singh Dipesh , Gaudel Prakash , Bagale Dharma Raj
Published: October 2023

The Koshi Barrage was constructed in the Nepalese territory as per the Kosi Agreement signed between Nepal and India in 1954 and amended in 1966. Two irrigation systems, viz. the Koshi Distributary System and the Koshi Pump Lift Irrigation System, starting off from the Koshi Western Main Canal in India, are irrigating 11,300 and 13,180 ha of land in the Saptari District of Nepal, respectively. The average annual amount of water available in the Koshi Pump System and Koshi Distributary System is found to be 60.28 and 136.97 million cubic meters (MCM), respectively. The existing cropping intensity of these two systems is 170 and 190%, respectively. The sustainability of these irrigation systems was assessed using the Multi Criteria Analysis (MCA). The Koshi Pump Irrigation System is found to be a Sustained but At-Risk Project, whereas the Koshi Distributary Irrigation System is found to be a Not Sustained Project. Furthermore, the study concluded that these irrigation systems have low crop productivity and the conditions of the existing infrastructures are poor.
A Critical Overview about Cosmetic Labeling Claims
Authors: da Silva Gabriela Amanda Brignoli , Massufero Vergilio Mariane , Monteiro e Silva Silas Arandas , Rosado Catarina , Bagatin Ediléia , Leonardi Gislaine Ricci
Published: October 2023

Background::

In several countries, still there is no standardized regulation on the use of
claims. However, there are some guideline materials and content that are used by regulatory agencies.

Objective::

The goal of this manuscript is to provide an approach to the understanding of the thematic
of cosmetic claims to dermatologists and general practice physicians. The objective is to discuss the
definition, regulatory framework and tips to help them on how to use this knowledge to guarantee
an assertive indication.

Results::

Knowing the appropriate tests for the substantiation of claims allows the physician to indicate
the most appropriate dermocosmetic for the skin condition of each patient.

Conclusion::

For a more critical and assertive indication or suggestion, it is recommended that the
physician observe the product packaging and know how to understand and interpret the terms on
the product label.
Application of Drug Repurposing Approach for Therapeutic Intervention
of Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Bhat Mohammad Aadil , Usman Iqra , Dhaneshwar Suneela
Published: October 2023

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), represented by Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative
colitis (UC), is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) characterized by
chronic relapsing intestinal inflammation, abdominal pain, cramping, loss of appetite, fatigue, diarrhoea,
and weight loss. Although the etiology of IBD remains unclear, it is believed to be an interaction
between genes, and environmental factors, such as an imbalance of the intestinal microbiota,
changing food habits, an ultra-hygiene environment, and an inappropriate immune system. The development
of novel effective therapies is stymied by a lack of understanding of the aetiology of
IBD. The current therapy involves the use of aminosalicylates, immunosuppressants, and corticosteroids
that can effectively manage symptoms, induce and sustain remission, prevent complications,
modify the course of the disease, provide diverse treatment options, showcase advancements
in biologic therapies, and enhance the overall quality of life. However, the efficacy of current therapy
is overshadowed by a plethora of adverse effects, such as loss of weight, mood swings, skin issues,
loss of bone density, higher vulnerability to infections, and elevated blood pressure. Biologicals,
like anti-tumour necrosis factor agents, can stimulate an autoimmune response in certain individuals
that may diminish the effectiveness of the medication over time, necessitating a switch to
alternative treatments. The response of IBD patients to current drug therapy is quite varied, which
can lead to disease flares that underlines the urgent need to explore alternative treatment option to
address the unmet need of developing new treatment strategies for IBD with high efficacy and fewer
adverse effects. Drug repurposing is a novel strategy where existing drugs that have already been
validated safe in patients for the management of certain diseases are redeployed to treat other, unindicated
diseases. The present narrative review focuses on potential drug candidates that could be repurposed
for the management of IBD using on-target and off-target strategies. It covers their preclinical,
clinical assessment, mechanism of action, and safety profiles, and forecasts their appropriateness
in the management of IBD. The review presents useful insights into the most promising
candidates for repurposing, like anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic troxerutin, which has been
found to improve the DSS-induced colitis in rats, an antiosteoarthritic drug diacetylrhein that has
been found to have remarkable ameliorating effects on DSS-induced colitis via anti-oxidant and anti-
inflammatory properties and by influencing both apoptosis and pyroptosis. Topiramate, an antiepileptic
and anticonvulsant drug, has remarkably decreased overall pathophysiological and histopathological
events in the experimental model of IBD in rodents by its cytokine inhibitory action.
Community-based Rehabilitation Service Excellence for Sustainability
Authors: Voon Boo Ho , Jee Teck Weng , Shufian Nur Balqis , Teo Ai Kiat
Published: October 2023

People with disabilities require consistent and inclusive healthcare services from the related stakeholders to leverage their socio-economic well-being. Seven focus group discussions (participated by community-based rehabilitation centre managers, trainers, and parents) were conducted in Malaysia. Each group had 10-15 participants. The discussions were audio-recorded and analysed carefully to form meaningful themes. The findings suggested six important dimensions of rehabilitation service excellence culture: Trainee orientation, Competitor orientation, Inter-functional coordination, Excellence-driven, Long-term focus, and Employee orientation. These dimensions and their respective items would be used to operationalise the multi-item measures for the quantitative questionnaire survey.
Enabling Social Entrepreneurship for the Disabled
Authors: Abd Hamid Nur Zainie , Anuar Azyyati
Published: October 2023

Social entrepreneurship has the potential to offer job opportunities for people with disabilities (OKU). However, there is a gap between the effectiveness of existing social entrepreneurship activities and the desire of people with disabilities to become social entrepreneurs. This paper aims to detail the plan of study for exploring the basic principles practiced by social entrepreneurs with disabilities in overcoming challenges and creating opportunities within their social entrepreneurial business. This study targeted disabled entrepreneurs and five key informants to be interviewed through the Quintuple Helix method. The study is expected to become the basis of generalizing the culture of social entrepreneurship among the disabled group.
Mapping the Plastic Waste Research Landscape: A bibliometric analysis of the interdisciplinary nature of plastic waste research
Authors: Ahmad Nabila , Mohd Ramli Irlisuhayu , Ahmad Khan Hafizah Hammad
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to explore a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of research on plastic waste. A systematic literature search was conducted using the Scopus database to retrieve articles published between 2011 to 2022. The bibliometric indicators used such as the number of publications, citations, and collaboration networks. The study revealed 2735 articles on plastic waste were published. India and China were the most productive countries in terms of publication output. The analysis identified a strong network of collaborations among researchers. Several limitations were also identified. This study provides insights for future research and recommendations for policymakers.
Optical Properties and Band Structure of Boron Nitride Langmuir Films
Authors: Loktionova I. V. , Kuzmenko A. P. , Zhakin A. I. , Yemelyanov V. M. , Sizov A. S. , Abakumov P. V. , Ryshkova A. V. , Neruchev A. Yu. , Filippov V. V.
Published: October 2023

Purpose. Investigate the structural features of boron nitride films obtained by the Langmuir-Blodgett method. Observe fluorescence spectra and determine the band structure of the resulting coatings using optical methods.Methods. The deposition of Langmuir films was carried out using the KSV NIMA 2002 setup from the colloidal solution of ST BN/CHCl3. The study of optical properties was conducted using the SF 2000 spectrophotometer in spectral range 200 – 1100 nm and the confocal Raman microspectrometer OmegaScope AIST-NT with spectral resolution 3 cm-1. Surface morphology investigation was performed using the scanning probe microscope SmartSPM AIST-NT with standard silicon cantilevers NSA10, tip radius 7 nm. The band structure modeling of stabilized boron nitride nanoparticles was carried out using the MaterialsStudio 2020 software package with the CASTEP module.Results. The spectral characteristics of deposited film structures made of stabilized hexagonal boron nitride nanoparticles have been investigated. The hydrodynamic size of the nanoparticles was determined to be ~100 nm using optical methods, while the lateral size of the nanoparticles in Langmuir films was found to be 84.6 nm, calculated from the spectral peak at 1360 cm-1 with E2g symmetry, and 82.4 nm based on scanning probe microscopy data. Absorption and fluorescence spectra of colloidal particles were obtained, showing an unusually large Stokes shift of 105 nm and a quantum yield of 0.72. The bandgap width of the stabilized nanoparticles was measured using the Tautz method and ab-initio modeling, resulting in values of 5.79 eV and 5.46 eV, respectively. Conclusion. The study examines the surface morphology, optical properties, and band structure of the deposited Langmuir films made of stabilized boron nitride nanoparticles.
On the Influence of the Surface Electric Charge on the Regularities of the Formation of Faraday Ripples on the Surface of a Low-Viscosity Liquid
Authors: Belonozhko D. F.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of the study is to analyze the effect of a surface electric charge on the formation conditions of the Faraday ripples on a horizontal surface of a low-viscosity liquid in a vibration field.Methods. The problem is solved analytically in the limit of small amplitude deformation of the free surface of the liquid. The final relation is derived under the condition that the dissipation is small. The liquid was considered ideally conductive with a surface-distributed electric charge. Results. A simple analytical expression is derived that quantitatively describes the effect of suppression of the Faraday ripple if the surface density of the electric charge increases. It is shown that the increase in the surface density of the electric charge significantly enlarge the threshold value of the vibration field amplitude, the excess of which leads to the formation of ripples. The threshold value of the vibration amplitude is proportional to the viscosity of the liquid and depends on its density, surface tension coefficient and the specific horizontal scale of the ripple.Conclusion. The Faraday’s ripple formed on the surface of a liquid in a vertically oscillating container is very sensitive to the value of the surface density of the electric charge. An increase of the surface charge density leads to suppression of the ripple formation. The effect can be used to prevent the appearance of parasitic convective flows that arise in liquid layers placed in vibration fields. The physical mechanism of Faraday ripple suppression is the rivalry between two qualitatively different types of flows near the liquid surface. Increasing the surface charge density changes the balance of surface forces in such a way as to promote the appearance of aperiodic motions and suppress oscillatory ones. In particular, oscillatory motions responsible for the development of Faraday instability caused by vertical vibrations of the liquid container are suppressed.
Peculiarities of Structuring of Ultrafine hBN Particles on the Surfaces of Polyamide Filaments
Authors: Kuzmenko A. P. , Kochura A. V. , Rodionov V. V. , Zavodinsky V. G. , Ignatenko N. M. , Htet Aung Zaw , Kolpakov A. I. , Orlov E. Yu. , Ozerova T. L. , Min Tan Myo , Gorkusha O. A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose. Establishment of the mechanism of formation of nanofilms from ultrafine two-dimensional crystals of hexagonal boron nitride.Methods. Film structures from ultrafine two-dimensional crystals of hexagonal boron nitride were created both on the surface of a filament separated from a PA-6 polyamide yarn and on a silicon substrate. Ultra sonication was used to fix UC hBN from an aqueous colloidal system on surfaces. The characterization of UC hBN and films made from them was performed by the following methods: сщт scanning electron with energy dispersive elemental analysis, probe atomic force microscopy, vibrational Fourier IR spectroscopy (and Raman (Raman) scattering, as well as fluorescence spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry and X-ray phase analysis, small-angle X-ray scattering.Results. The dependence of the intensity of the E2g line (I = 1362.8 cm–1) in the RS spectrum of a film structure deposited on the surface of aqueous CS UC hBN filaments on the time UST – tUST has been studied. Based on the results of the analysis of confocal, SEM and AFM images, RS and FS spectroscopy, the multilayer nature of the UC hBN film structures on the surface of the filaments and the silicon wafer was proved. The FS spectrum contains excitations on lines lying inside the band gap.Conclusion. The formation of structures on the surfaces of filaments and a silicon plate from an aqueous CS of UC hBN particles after UST occurs due to either covalent bonds in the plane of hexagons with abnormal sizes up to 1 μm, or van der Waals and ionic-covalent bonds with the formation of multilayer structures with heights from 3.6 to 340 nm.
Orientational Transitions in Magnetically Compensated Liquid-Crystal Suspensions of Ferromagnetic Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Chupeev I. A. , Petrov D. A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of research is to study the influence of ferromagnetic carbon nanotubes on orientational transitions in magnetically compensated liquid-crystal suspensions.Methods. The problem was solved in the framework of the continuum theory. By minimizing the Helmholtz free energy functional, a system of Lagrange-Euler equations is obtained that determines the equilibrium dependences of the orientation angles of liquid crystal and impurity ferromagnetic carbon nanotubes directors, as well as the concentration distributions of the dispersed phase of the suspension as a function of the transverse coordinate, material parameters, and magnetic field strength.Results. It is shown that in the presence of an external magnetic field, a liquid-crystal suspension of ferromagnetic carbon nanotubes can be in a non-uniform phase (angular phase) and two uniform phases (planar and homeotropic phases). Expressions for the threshold fields of transitions between coexisting orientational phases are obtained analytically as functions of the material parameters of the composite. Diagrams of the orientational phases of the suspension are plotted.Conclusion. As a result of the research, it was shown that the addition of low concentrations of ferromagnetic carbon nanotubes can significantly reduce the threshold of the magnetic Fréedericksz transition compared to a pure liquid crystal, which is important for various technical applications. The obtained analytical formulas for the threshold fields of transitions between different orientational phases can be used to determine the anchoring energy and material parameters of suspensions of ferromagnetic carbon nanotubes in a liquid crystal.
Antioxidant Activity of Ablated Cerium Dioxide Nanoparticles in an Oxidative Photocatalytic Reaction
Authors: Mamontov V. A. , Rodionov V. V. , Ryzhenkova A. Yu. , Egelsky I. V. , Kalenchuk V. I. , Pugachevskii M. A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose of the study. Study and comparison of the antioxidant properties of ablated cerium dioxide nanoparticles in the oxidative photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue ablated from imported and laboratory targets.Methods. By pressing cerium dioxide powder and annealing the pressed target, laboratory targets were obtained, which were subjected to the laser ablation process. Atomic force microscopy was used to characterize cerium dioxide nanoparticles. The spectrophotometric method was used to study the antioxidant properties of cerium dioxide nanoparticles. The antioxidant activity of ablated nanoparticles obtained from two targets in an oxidative photocatalytic reaction has been studied and compared. Cerium dioxide nanoparticles with high antioxidant activity were obtained by laser ablation.Results. Using atomic force microscopy, the average limiting sizes of non-centrifuged and centrifuged samples at a speed of 1000 rpm of ablated cerium dioxide nanoparticles were established. It was found that the elemental composition of the cerium dioxide powder, from which the laboratory target was pressed, and the elemental composition of the imported target are the same, and the percentage of impurities in them is within the limits acceptable for the laser ablation process. The antioxidant activity of cerium dioxide nanoparticles ablated from laboratory and imported targets was compared. The data obtained in the course of the study indicate that cerium dioxide nanoparticles obtained from a laboratory target exhibit the highest antioxidant activity.Conclusion. Cerium dioxide nanoparticles subjected to laser ablation from a laboratory target are nanomaterials that are antioxidants that inactivate reactive oxygen species in a photocatalytic reaction. The antioxidant activity of cerium dioxide nanoparticles obtained from a laboratory target is not lower, but higher than that of nanoparticles obtained from an imported target. These properties of cerium dioxide nanoparticles are due to the presence of crystalline defects such as oxygen vacancies on their surface.
Coating of Carbide Steels on a Steel Base by Plasma Spraying
Authors: Narva V. K. , Eremeeva Zh. V. , Gomzhin V. V. , Volgina N. I.
Published: October 2023

Purpose.Establish the possibility of using the method of plasma spraying of coatings from carbide steels on the steel base in order to increase wear resistance, to identify modes of spraying and to investigate the properties of the resulting coatings.Methods.Carbide steel has been obtained by mixing the components of steel and titanium carbide in a hard-alloy ball mill in alcohol (0.25 l per 1 kg of mixture) for 48 hours with a ball and mixture ratio of 3 to 1. The mixing mode was established during the previous work at the department. After mixing, it was dried at 80-100 °C in the drying chamber.The granulometric composition was determined on the FRITSCH ANALYSETTE 22 MicroTec plus universal laser device, equipped with a liquid dispersion unit. Fluidity measured according to GOST 20899-98. Bulk density was measured according to GOST 19440-94.Results.The analysis and classification of methods of surface treatment of parts and tools of various purposes was carried out, the most common and promising methods for restoration of products were identified, which include methods of spray coating, vacuum metallization and electrophoretic deposition. The process of plasma spraying of coatings from carbide steels on the basis of carbon steel 45 was studied. The possibility of using the method of plasma spraying of coatings from different types of carbide steels on the steel base in order to increase wear resistance was established. The method of preparation of powder mixture by melting in the hydrogen atmosphere which ensures sufficient fluidityof carbide steels during the formation of coatings was studied. Optimal modes of coatings were established.Conclusion.The conducted analysis and classification of methods of surface treatment of parts revealed the most common and promising methods, among which the process of plasma spraying of coatings was noted. Experimental studies have shown not only the possibility of practical application, but also a positive result. The high strength of adhesion of coatings with the base metal after vacuum sintering (For 10% TiC carbide steels and base of Cr6W3Mo steel - 116 MPa, for the 40% TiC carbide steels and base of Cr12Mo steel - 220 MPa) has been established.
Investigation of the Material of the Bronze Sleeve Obtained by 3D Printing from Metal Polymer Wire
Authors: Latypov R. A. , Ageev E. V. , Strizheus V. A. , Bugerruma K.
Published: October 2023

The purpose of this study was to study the material of a bronze sleeve obtained by 3D printing from metal polymer wire.Methods. For printing and research, the Bronze Fill filament from the manufacturer Color Fabb was used, which includes 80% bronze and 20% polylactide. To create a model of the CAT-434 excavator bushing, taking into account the properties of the Bronze Fill filament, the Autodesk Inventor program was used. The model was printed on an Anycubic Mega S 3D printer. The chemical composition of the samples was determined using a Niton Xl3t GOLDD spectrometer. The microstructure of the material was studied using an Olympus GX53 microscope at various magnifications. The surface roughness of the part was studied using a Time Group TR300 profilometer.Results. Based on the conducted research, it was found that the sleeve made by 3D printing is able to withstand the mass of the semi-axis with a high margin of safety. Bronze obtained in this way can perform an antifriction function when working in friction conditions. It is possible to reduce the cost of the starting material for products made by 3D printing by layer-by-layer surfacing of metal-plastic wire by using powder obtained from industrial waste as a filler. This allows the use of environmentally friendly materials and reduces the negative impact on the environment.Conclusion. The use of 3D printing for the manufacture of metal products has great potential for industry and scientific research. This allows you to create high-quality, durable and precise products with reduced production costs. Using the 3D printing method for the manufacture of metal products, such as bushings, allows you to obtain products with high accuracy and quality. The bronze obtained by 3D printing has a similar chemical composition and high strength, which makes it suitable for use in mechanical engineering.
Seroprevalence and risk factors for brucellosis and leptospirosis in swine from rural communities of Argentina
Authors: Silva Julia , Scialfa Exequiel Alejandro , Gutiérrez Silvina Elena , Tisnés Adela , Rodríguez Marcelo Gastón , Estein Silvia Marcela , Rivero Mariana Alejandra
Published: October 2023

Objectives. To determine the seroprevalence of brucellosis and leptospirosis in pigs reared on small-scale farms in rural areas of the district of Tandil, Buenos Aires Province, Argentina; to analyse the associated risk factors; to describe the prevalent Leptospira spp. serogroups; and to determine the spatial distribution of both diseases. Materials and methods. A total of 340 serum samples were obtained. Buffer Plate Agglutination Test, Rose Bengal Test, and Fluorescence Polarisation Assay were used to detect antibodies against Brucella spp. Microscopic Agglutination Test was applied for serological diagnosis of leptospirosis. Statistical methods were used to evaluate the factors associated with the infections. Results. Seroprevalence of 0% and 22.6% was observed for brucellosis and leptospirosis, respectively. The most prevalent Leptospira serogroups identified were Canicola, Ballum, Icterohaemorrhagiae and Pomona. The main risk factors associated with leptospirosis infection were farms with a higher number of pigs and the presence of horses and wild boars near or within the farms. The use of milling by-products of cereal grains as animal feed and the presence of weaning cages were also associated. A relevant spatial cluster of seropositivity to Leptospira spp. was identified in a low-altitude area. Conclusions. Our results suggest that brucellosis is probably controlled, but Leptospira spp. are present in the farming systems under study. Knowledge of brucellosis and leptospirosis seroprevalence, spatial distribution and associated risk factors can be useful for the prevention and control of endemic zoonotic diseases in the region.
Potential Target Discovery and Drug Repurposing for Coronaviruses: Study Involving a Knowledge Graph–Based Approach (Preprint)
Authors: Lou Pei , Fang An , Zhao Wanqing , Yao Kuanda , Yang Yusheng , Hu Jiahui
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

The global pandemics of severe acute respiratory syndrome, Middle East respiratory syndrome, and COVID-19 have caused unprecedented crises for public health. Coronaviruses are constantly evolving, and it is unknown which new coronavirus will emerge and when the next coronavirus will sweep across the world. Knowledge graphs are expected to help discover the pathogenicity and transmission mechanism of viruses.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to discover potential targets and candidate drugs to repurpose for coronaviruses through a knowledge graph–based approach.

METHODS

We propose a computational and evidence-based knowledge discovery approach to identify potential targets and candidate drugs for coronaviruses from biomedical literature and well-known knowledge bases. To organize the semantic triples extracted automatically from biomedical literature, a semantic conversion model was designed. The literature knowledge was associated and integrated with existing drug and gene knowledge through semantic mapping, and the coronavirus knowledge graph (CovKG) was constructed. We adopted both the knowledge graph embedding model and the semantic reasoning mechanism to discover unrecorded mechanisms of drug action as well as potential targets and drug candidates. Furthermore, we have provided evidence-based support with a scoring and backtracking mechanism.

RESULTS

The constructed CovKG contains 17,369,620 triples, of which 641,195 were extracted from biomedical literature, covering 13,065 concept unique identifiers, 209 semantic types, and 97 semantic relations of the Unified Medical Language System. Through multi-source knowledge integration, 475 drugs and 262 targets were mapped to existing knowledge, and 41 new drug mechanisms of action were found by semantic reasoning, which were not recorded in the existing knowledge base. Among the knowledge graph embedding models, TransR outperformed others (mean reciprocal rank=0.2510, Hits@10=0.3505). A total of 33 potential targets and 18 drug candidates were identified for coronaviruses. Among them, 7 novel drugs (ie, quinine, nelfinavir, ivermectin, asunaprevir, tylophorine, Artemisia annua extract, and resveratrol) and 3 highly ranked targets (ie, angiotensin converting enzyme 2, transmembrane serine protease 2, and M protein) were further discussed.

CONCLUSIONS

We showed the effectiveness of a knowledge graph–based approach in potential target discovery and drug repurposing for coronaviruses. Our approach can be extended to other viruses or diseases for biomedical knowledge discovery and relevant applications.
Smartphone Apps for Containing the COVID-19 Pandemic in Germany: Qualitative Interview Study With Experts Based on Grounded Theory (Preprint)
Authors: Krämer Dennis , Brachem Elisabeth , Schneider-Reuter Lydia , D'Angelo Isabella , Vollmann Jochen , Haltaufderheide Joschka
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

Smartphone apps, including those for digital contact tracing (DCT), played a crucial role in containing infections during the COVID-19 pandemic. Their primary function is to generate and disseminate information to disrupt transmissions based on various events, such as encounters, vaccinations, locations, or infections. Although the functionality of these apps has been extensively studied, there is still a lack of qualitative research addressing critical issues.

OBJECTIVE

We will demonstrate that the use of DCT presents a challenge due to the tension between continuous health monitoring and uncertainties related to transparency and user sovereignty. On one hand, DCT enables the monitoring of various risk factors, including data-based calculations of infection probabilities. On the other hand, continuous risk management is intertwined with several uncertainties, including the unclear storage of personal data, who has access to it, and how it will be used in the future.

METHODS

We focus on the German “Corona-Warn-App” and support our argument with empirical data from 19 expert interviews conducted between 2020 and 2021. The interviews were conducted using a semistructured questionnaire and analyzed according to the principles of grounded theory.

RESULTS

Our data underscores 3 dimensions: transparency, data sovereignty, and the east-west divide. While transparency is considered an essential foundation for establishing trust in the use of DCT by providing a sense of security, data sovereignty is seen as a high value during the pandemic, protecting users from an undesired loss of control. The aspect of the east-west divide highlights the idea of incorporating sociocultural values and standards into technology, emphasizing that algorithms and data-driven elements, such as distance indicators, encounters, and isolations, are also influenced by sociocultural factors.

CONCLUSIONS

The effective use of DCT for pandemic containment relies on achieving a balance between individual control and technological prevention. Maximizing the technological benefits of these tools is crucial. However, users must also be mindful of the information they share and maintain control over their shared data.
Emerging Trends in Self-Harm: Sodium Nitrite and an Online Suicide Community (Preprint)
Authors: Das Sudeshna , Walker Drew , Rajwal Swati , Lakamana Sahithi , Sumner Steven A , Mack Karin A , Kaczkowski Wojciech , Sarker Abeed
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

There is growing concern around the use of sodium nitrite (SN) as an emerging means of suicide, particularly among younger people. Given limited information on the topic from traditional public health surveillance sources, we studied posts made to a suicide discussion online forum, ‘Sanctioned Suicide’, a primary source of information on use and procurement of SN.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the trends in SN purchase and usage, as obtained from data mining of the online forum ‘Sanctioned Suicide’. We also determine substances and topics commonly co-occurring with SN, and the geographical distribution of users and sources of SN.

METHODS

We collected all publicly available posts on Sanctioned Suicide from its inception in March 2018 to October 2022. Using data-driven methods including natural language processing and machine learning, we analyzed the trends in SN mentions over time, including the locations of SN consumers, and the sources from which SN are procured. We developed a transformer-based source/location classifier to determine the geographical distribution of the sources of SN.

RESULTS

Posts pertaining to SN show a rise in popularity and statistically significant correlations with real-life usage of SN with suicidal intent when compared to data from CDC Wonder (⍴=0.7266, P<.001) and the National Poison Data System (⍴=0.86587, P=.001). We observed frequent co-mentions of antiemetics, benzodiazepines, and acid regulators with SN. Our proposed machine learning based source/location classifier is able to detect potential sources of SN with an accuracy of 72.92%, and showed consumption in the United States and elsewhere.

CONCLUSIONS

Vital information about SN and other emerging mechanisms of suicide can be obtained from online forums.
Assessment of Eye Care Apps for Children and Adolescents Based on the Mobile App Rating Scale: Content Analysis and Quality Assessment (Preprint)
Authors: Liu Ming , Wu Xiaoqian , Li Ziyu , Tan Dongmei , Huang Cheng
Published: October 2023

BACKGROUND

In China, the current situation of myopia among children and adolescents is very serious. Prevention and control of myopia are inhibited by the lack of medical resources and the low awareness about eye care. Nevertheless, mobile apps provide an effective means to solve these problems. Since the health app market in China is still immature, it has become particularly important to conduct a study to assess the quality of eye-care apps to facilitate the development of better eye-care service strategies.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to evaluate the quality, functionality, medical evidence, and professional background of eye-care apps targeting children and adolescents in the Chinese app stores.

METHODS

A systematic search on iOS and Android app stores was performed to identify eye-care apps for children and adolescents. The general characteristics, development context, and functional features of the apps were described. Quality assessment of the apps was completed by 2 independent researchers using the Mobile App Rating Scale.

RESULTS

This study included 29 apps, of which 17 (59%) were developed by commercial organizations and 12 (41%) had a design with relevant scientific basis. The main built-in functions of these apps include self-testing (18/29, 62%), eye exercises (16/29, 55%), and eye-care education (16/29, 55%). The mean overall quality of eye-care apps was 3.49 (SD 0.33), with a score ranging from 2.89 to 4.39. The overall Mobile App Rating Scale score exhibited a significant positive correlation with the subscale scores (r=0.81-0.91; P<.001). In addition, although most apps provided basic eye-care features, there are some deficiencies. For example, only a few apps were developed with the participation of medical organizations or professional ophthalmologists, and most of the apps were updated infrequently, failing to provide the latest eye-care information and technology in a timely manner.

CONCLUSIONS

In general, the quality of eye-care apps for children and teenagers in Chinese app stores is good. These apps fulfill users’ needs for eye-care services to a certain extent, but they still suffer from insufficient medical background, low user engagement, and untimely updates. In order to further improve the effectiveness of eye-care apps, cooperation with medical institutions and professional ophthalmologists should be strengthened to enhance the scientific and authoritative nature of the apps. At the same time, interactive features and regular updates should be added to enhance user participation and the continuity of the apps. This study provides a reference for future development or improvement of eye-care apps, which can help promote myopia prevention and control.
The mediating effect of professor-student interaction on the relationship between major selection motivation and college life satisfaction of adult learners in LiFE project college
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Park BongHwan , Lee MiAe
Published: October 2023

Objectives The purpose of this study is to examine the relationship between adult learners motivations for major selection, professor-student interactions, and university life satisfaction.
Methods The study was conducted through an online survey from May 1st to June 10th, 2023, targeting a total of 260 adult learners from K University and D University. Seven copies with inappropriate responses for the pur-pose of the survey were excluded, and the final analysis was based on 253 completed surveys. To examine the relationship between motivations for major selection, professor-student interactions, and university life satisfaction. we conducted analyses including means, correlations, and multiple regression analysis.
Results The results of this study are as follows. first, It was found that there was a statistically significant correlation between adult learners' major selection motivation, professor-student interaction, and university life satisfaction. Second, In the relationship between major selection motivation and university life satisfaction, professor-student interaction was found to have a partial mediating effect.
Conclusions These results revealed the partial mediating effect of professor-student interaction in the relation-ship between major selection motivation and university life satisfaction of adult learners who participated in the LiFE. Through this, In order to improve adult learners' satisfaction with college life, it is necessary to pay attention to the intrinsic and extrinsic motivations of major selection, and various measures, support policies, and programs were required to promote professor-student interaction identified as parameters.
Exploring the Structural Relationships among Student-Faculty Interactions, Learner-Centered Education, and Major Engagement on Major and College Satisfaction
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Kim Heeran , Kim Mijin
Published: October 2023

Objectives The purpose of the study is to explore the structural relationship between learner-centered education based on experience, collaboration, and enquiry based learning, faculty-student interaction, immersion in major classes, and university and major satisfaction.
Methods Based on previous studies, three competitive models were set, the optimal model was searched for, and differences by grade were analyzed. Relevant variables were measured through a survey targeting 679 first and second year students at I University located at Kyoungsangnam-do.
Results Among the competitive models, the model in which learner-centered education based on experience, collaboration, and enquiry affects university and major satisfaction through faculty-student interaction and im-mersion in major classes was found to be the optimal model. As a result of exploring the difference in path by grade in the optimal model using the multi-group analysis method, it was confirmed that there was no difference by grade in the model path for collaboration and enquiry based learning, but there was a difference in experiential learning.
Conclusions The role of faculty-student interaction and immersion in major classes between learner-centered education and satisfaction with colleges and majors, and the importance of active interaction with professors in experiential learning were discussed.
The Impact of AI-Adaptive Learning on TOEIC Academic Achievement and Self-Directed Learning Competency in College English Classes
Authors:   Korean Association For Learner-Centered Curriculum And Instruction, Kan Jin Sook , Park Mi Kyung , Lee Ji Yeon , Lee Yu Eun
Published: October 2023

Objectives This article aims to validate the efficacy of AI-adaptive learning (AI-AL) in college English courses. It achieves this aim by examining the influence of AI-AL on learner's academic achievements in TOEIC and self-perception of self-directed learning abilities. This investigation involves analyzing TOEIC exam outcomes, encompassing key English education components like listening, grammar, vocabulary, and reading.
Methods We computed descriptive statistics using SPSS 25.0 and performed a paired t-test on the pre- and post- exam results of an online mock TOEIC for 61 students enrolled in Sections A and B of AI English 2 at H University. To explore the change in learners’ self-perception of their academic achievements and improved self-directed learning skills, we examined 56 selected reflective journals. Additionally, we conducted two rounds of expert Delphi assessments to validate the content.
Results First, the analysis of the online exams showed a modest increase of 5.246 points in the average score of the listening comprehension section, although no statistically significant difference was observed. Secondly, the average score of the reading comprehension section exhibited a significant increase of 12.459 points, indicat-ing a statistically notable difference. Thirdly, upon analyzing students' reflective journals using factors employed to assess self-directed learning ability, it was found that “desire to learn” had the highest frequency (96.4%). This was followed by “self-reflection” (91.1%), “attributing results to their efforts” (66.1%), “persistence in learning” (62.5%), “goal setting” (48.2%), “self-management” (46.4%), “identifying learning resources” (35.7%), and “selecting learning strategies” (30.4%).
Conclusions This study demonstrates that AI-AL positively influences learners’ proficiency in TOEIC RC and self-perception of self-directed learning abilities. This research is particularly relevant in today's era of hy-per-connectivity and personalized learning, as it substantiates the potential of AI-AL in catering to individual lear-ners' needs and learning pace, while offering practical solutions to enhance its effectiveness. The results of this research are expected to be useful as foundational materials for colleges looking to integrate AI-AL programs into their curriculum.