bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Drugs influencing on PCSK9 activity: modelling of efficacy in patients who had myocardial infarction with uncontrolled dyslipidemia
Authors: Ignatyeva V. I. , Kontsevaya A. V. , Drapkina O. M. , Derkach E. V.
Published: July 2023

Cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death worldwide. It is possible to inﬂuence the development of these diseases by inﬂuencing their main pathogenetic link — dyslipidemia.

Aim: to evaluate, using the example of alirocumab, the potential eﬀect of drugs aﬀecting the activity of PCSK9 on the achievement of goals for the prevention of the development of cardiovascular diseases and cardiovascular complications in patients of working age who had an acute myocardial infarction (MI) less than a year ago, with uncontrolled dyslipidemia.

Materials and methods. The target group was created based on the Russian clinical guidelines; its number was calculated using Russian registry data. Based on the published results of the clinical trial of alirocumab ODYSSEY OUTCOMES in a group of patients with LDL cholesterol levels of more than 2.6 mmol/l (100 mg/dl), a model was built to estimate the number of fatal and non-fatal outcomes in the target group with standard therapy and with alirocumab.

Results. The eﬀect of alirocumab administration was modeled in patients of working age who had a myocardial infarction less than 12 months ago with an LDL cholesterol level of more than 5.0 mmol/l, the number of this group in the Russian Federation was estimated to be 3,029 people. It has been shown that with therapy in this group, mortality can be reduced by 29%, and the number of non-fatal cardiovascular events — by 22%, i. e. alirocumab therapy in this group for 2 years can prevent 29 deaths and 185 non-fatal events, with an increase in the duration of therapy to 5 years, the number of lives saved will be 117 and 401 non-fatal cardiovascular events will be prevented.

Conclusion. Modeling has shown that alirocumab therapy in patients with recent myocardial infarction and LDL cholesterol levels above 5.0 mmol/L will signiﬁcantly reduce mortality in this group and prevent the development of serious nonfatal cardiovascular complications, which will also reduce the burden on specialized hospitals, as well as prevent patients from becoming disabled. At the same time, decision making requires a balanced consideration of all ethical, clinical and economic aspects, including the assessment of costs and potential eﬀects from the position of the of a willingness to pay and the formation of the budget of the health system.
Effect of Self-Esteem Enhancement Program on level of self-esteem among School Children: A Pre Experimental Study
Authors: Jolly Mattom
Published: July 2023

An experimental study was conducted to assess the effect of self-esteem enhancement programme on the selfesteemof school going adolescents in selected schools of Kottayam district. The research design used was onegroup pretest, post test design. The study was conducted among 8th standard Malayalam medium students of aselected school in Kottayam district of Kerala State. The sample consisted of 62 students, recruited using purposivesampling. The data were collected, using self report questionnaire- Socio demographic data and Self-esteeminventory (Thomas 1984). Structured intervention programme comprised of 10 sessions and each session was for45 minutes. Post assessment was done one week after the structured intervention programme, using the sametool. Data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The study findings revealed that majority ofthe study group were having average self – esteem, there was significant improvement in the mean self- esteemof sample in the post assessment. There was no significant relationship between adolescent’s self-esteem anddemographic variables. Based on the findings of study it is important to focus on primary prevention, andprogrammes to enhance self-esteem of adolescents should be formulated and implemented.
Effectiveness of Mental Health Training Program on Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of ASHA workers of selected rural areas of Jabalpur: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sharika Ratish  , G Sheela Reddy
Published: July 2023

Introduction and background: One of the major challenges of successful integration of mental health into Primaryhealth care is the lack of adequate knowledge, positive attitude, and skills for mental health service of communityhealth professionals like ASHA participating in the care and treatment of people at primary health care levels.Accredited Social Health Activist (ASHA) may play a significant role in the early identification of mental healthissues and in enhancing community health status.Objective- The objective of the study was to assess effectiveness of mental health training program on knowledge,attitude and practices of ASHA workers of selected rural areas of Jabalpur.Methodology- A quasi experimental pre-test post-test control group design was used to collect data from22 ASHA workers who were selected using non probability purposive sampling technique. The Mental healthtraining program was administered to experimental group for two days. Pre and Post Test knowledge, attitudeand Practice was assessed using a structured knowledge questionnaire, attitude assessment scale and self-reportedpractice assessment scale respectively. The gathered pilot study data was analysed using descriptive and inferentialstatistics.Results: There was a statistically significant improvement in knowledge, attitude and Practice of ASHA workersafter intervention.Conclusion: The findings of the pilot study revealed no ambiguity and the tools were feasible to conduct the mainstudy.
Recruiting for Japanese EMI Programs: Insights From Online Job Posts
Authors: Brown Howard
Published: July 2023

As English-medium instruction (EMI) programs at universities in Japan have grown and developed over the past 20 years, the approach to recruiting faculty members to teach classes in English has evolved. This project investigates that evolution, drawing on data covering more than 165,000 jobs advertised on the JREC-IN Portal since 2002. The data shows yearly growth in the number of jobs posted requiring the ability to teach specialized content classes in English, reflecting the growth in the number and scope of EMI programs. A comparison of the EMI-related and mainstream job posts in the data also reveals differing trends in the number of positions advertised by private, public, and national universities, as well as differing trends in different disciplinary areas. The changing prevalence of full-time (tenured), part-time, and term-limited positions is also examined. These trends both reflect previous research on and offer new insights into the development of EMI programs in Japan.

過去20年間、日本の大学における英語による教育（EMI）プログラムが成長・発展するにつれて、英語で授業を行う教員の採用アプローチも変化してきた。本稿では、2002年から2021年までにJREC-INポータル上に掲載された165,000件以上の求人情報をデータセットとして利用し、その変化を調査した。その結果、英語による専門的な内容の授業を担当できることを条件とする求人が年々増加し、英語による教育が明らかに進展していることがわかった。また、私立大学、公立大学、国立大学それぞれにおける求人数や分野別の傾向、および常勤、非常勤、任期付きの各ポジションの求人比率の変化傾向についても明らかになった。これらの傾向は、日本におけるEMIプログラムの発展に関する先行研究や共通認識を網羅的に捉え直すと同時に、新たな知見を提供するものである。
Score Differences Between the Paper-Based and Online TOEIC L&R
Authors: Richard Jean-Pierre
Published: July 2023

In 2020, an online version of the Test of English for International Communication Listening and Reading (TOEIC L&R) became publicly available. It was promoted as similar in score interpretation as the paper-based version (IIBC, 2020a, 2020b). However, national cohort results from Japan (IIBC, 2022a) revealed large increases in TOEIC L&R mean scores in 2020. In this paper, two studies from one public university are reported. In Study 1, data from five cohorts (n = 1205) who completed either the paper-based or online TOEIC L&R were compared. In Study 2, research groups in 2021 (n = 56) and 2022 (n = 54) completed both versions of the TOEIC L&R. The online test results were generally higher than the paper-based test ones, and approximately 50% of participants had score differences greater than the SE Diff. Implications, related to validity, are briefly discussed.

2020年、国際コミュニケーション英語能力テスト（TOEIC L&うぇれ R）のオンライン版が公開された。TOEIC L&Rのスコア解釈は、ペーパー版と同様であると宣伝された(IIBC, 2020a, 2020b)。しかし、日本の全国コホート結果（IIBC, 2022a）では、2020年にTOEIC L&Rの平均スコアが大きく上昇したことが明らかになった。本稿では、ある公立大学におけるの2つの研究について報告する。研究1では、ペーパー版またはオンラインTOEIC L&Rを受験した5つのコホート（n = 1205）のデータを比較した。研究2では、2021年（n = 56）と2022年（n = 54）の研究グループがTOEIC L&Rの両バージョンを受験した。その結果、オンライン版の結果は、ペーパー版の結果よりも概して高く、約50％の参加者がSE Diff以上のスコア差を示した。妥当性に関連する含意について簡単に述べる。
A wearable nanoscale heart sound sensor based on P(VDF-TrFE)/ZnO/GR and its application in cardiac disease detection
Authors: Luo Yi , Liu Jian , Zhang Jiachang , Xiao Yu , Wu Ying , Zhao Zhidong
Published: July 2023

This paper describes a method for preparing flexible composite piezoelectric nanofilms of P(VDF-TrFE)/ZnO/graphene using a high-voltage electrospinning method. Composition and β-phase content of the piezoelectric composite films were analyzed using X-ray diffraction. The morphology of the composite film fibers was observed through scanning electron microscopy. Finally, the P(VDF-TrFE)/ZnO/graphene composite film was encapsulated in a sandwich-structure heart sound sensor, and a visual heart sound acquisition and classification system was designed using LabVIEW. A heart sound classification model was trained based on a fine K-nearest neighbor classification algorithm to predict whether the collected heart sounds are normal or abnormal. The heart sound detection system designed in this paper can collect heart sound signals in real time and predict whether the heart sounds are normal or abnormal, providing a new solution for the diagnosis of heart diseases.
Assessing Professional Development Training for Library Leader Candidates
Authors: Harini Hegar , Lestari Iis Dewi , Adisel Adisel , Yuni Yatha , Perkasa Didin Hikmah
Published: July 2023

Library, as a place holding pivotal roles to support instructions at schools, should be led by a competent and qualified leader. The present research is purposefully conducted to assess the training program intended for school library leader candidates. Qualitative method was employed by the implementation of CIPP (Context, Input, Process and Product) model. The data were collected through observations, interviews and document analysis. Snowball sampling technique was utilized to choose the research participants. The participants involved in this research were the head of assurance council, the head of training program, and the training partners. The present research indicates the following findings. Generally, the training is regarded as successfully implemented. To be more specific, 1) context evaluation assesses legal standing, objectives, and target of the training; 2) input evaluation assesses resource of the training; 3) process evaluation assesses trainee recruitment, teaching and learning process, and monitoring-evaluation of the training; and 4) product evaluation assesses cognitive, affective and skill domain of the trainees. The present research implies program segmentation for each level of education due to different problems encountered in reality. Training resource aspect also needs special attention.
A Duolingo-based English Language Skills Assessment: Through the Eyes of Vocational Students
Authors: Yundayani Audi , Suseno Muchlas , Herlina Elin
Published: July 2023

The utilization of mobile-assisted language learning (MALL) enhances learning activities. As online learning modalities proliferate, Duolingo is becoming increasingly well-known but understudied as an English-learning assessment tool. This study explores the utilization of Duolingo as an English-learning assessment tool, specifically in the context of English for Specific Purposes (ESP) in Indonesia. Three Electromedical Engineering students were selected as participants, and semi-structured interviews were conducted to gather data. Thematic Analysis was employed to analyze the collected data. The findings revealed several positive impressions students had when using Duolingo as an English language skills assessment (ELSA) tool, including its engaging nature, facilitation of autonomous language skills assessment, provision of positive motivation, and improvement in vocabulary mastery. However, participants also mentioned drawbacks, such as Duolingo's inability to provide specialized Electromedical Engineering vocabulary, the use of fake images that hindered comprehension of meaning in real-life contexts, and the lack of interactivity in language skills assessment. The study recommends ESP practitioners to consider student-centered learning tools for assessing English proficiency, focusing on the test's purpose, objectives, practicality, reliability, validity, authenticity, and washback effects.
Estrategias metodológicas direccionadas a potencializar el cálculo mental como una herramienta para mejorar el desempeño académico en la educación general básica
Authors: Castillo Miranda María Elisabeth , Campoverde Naula Maritza de la Nube , Uyaguari Brito Sandra Monserrath , Riera Bravo Jorge Segundo
Published: July 2023

El objetivo del artículo fue analizar los niveles de las variables Estrategias metodológicas direccionadas a potencializar el cálculo mental como una herramienta para mejorar el desempeño académico en la educación general básica, , considerando las diferentes formas y contextos en las que se desarrollan estas variables. Para ello, se llevó a cabo una búsqueda de información secundaria, la cual se sistematizó utilizando el método PRISMA. Inicialmente se encontraron 454 documentos, que posteriormente fueron recopilados y desglosados hasta obtener un total de 150 documentos. En relación a las variables, indican que las estrategias de ensayo son referenciadas por el 27% de los estudios, por otro lado el 19% mencionan a las estrategias de elaboración , así mismo se encuentran  las estrategias de organización el cual indica que el 23% de los artículos lo referencian como el más importante y para finalizar se encuentra las estrategias metacognitivas con un 31% de artículos que lo referencia, para la segunda variable se indica que dimensión usar trucos de cálculo mental, se encuentra en el rango del 30%  de los documentos revisados, seguidamente el 43% están referidos a la dimensión estudiar y practicar para mejorar, finalmente  el 27% de los documentos revisados muestran que la práctica de los cálculos mentales al comprar cosas es lo más habitual para lograr las competencias de cálculo mental, llegándose a la conclusión que la aplicación de las estrategias metodológicas contribuyen a mejorar las capacidades de cálculo mental de los alumnos
Mononucleosis infecciosa por Epstein Barr en paciente masculino de 9 años. Reporte de caso
Authors: Vallejo Paccha Tatiana Lizbeth , Criollo Navas Cinthia Elizabeth , Chávez Narváez Steven Vicente , Arroyo Chugcho Pablo Andrés , Lino Alay Dahiyanna Elvira
Published: July 2023

La mononucleosis infecciosa, también conocida como la Enfermedad del Beso, es producida por el herpes virus de Epstein Barr; el cual es transmitido entre seres humanos por medio de las secreciones bucales, se caracteriza clínicamente por faringitis, fiebre, y linfadenopatía; serológicamente hay aparición de anticuerpos heterófilos y hematológicamente por la presencia de leucocitos mononucleares con monocitos atípicos. La incidencia en menores de 10 años y mayores de 30 años es menor que 1 caso por 1000 personas/año y la mayoría de las infecciones leves en niños frecuentemente son subdiagnosticadas. El diagnóstico es estrictamente serológico: se dispone de técnicas que detectan una especie particular de anticuerpos heterófilos, cuya aparición es común en el transcurso de la enfermedad, y de otras que ponen de manifiesto la presencia de anticuerpos específicos frente a determinadas proteínas del virus. Paciente de 9 años acude junto a familiar (madre) por referir desde hace 5 días cefalea generaliza intensa Eva 8/10, acompañada de alza térmica no cuantificada, náuseas, escalofríos y tos seca.
Análisis cualitativo de la implementación de un programa de educación ambiental para proteger una microcuenca en un colegio en el departamento del Huila
Authors: Lemus Camacho Pablo Andrés , Sanchéz Salazar Yerly Julieth , Losada Losada Juan David , Montealegre Giraldo Jose Fernando
Published: July 2023

Esta investigación tuvo como propósito diseñar un programa de educación ambiental para proteger la microcuenca la Cascajosa con la comunidad educativa del Colegio Gimnasio Minuto de Dios del municipio de Garzón en el departamento del Huila. Se realizó un diseño metodológico desde un enfoque cualitativo, con un alcance descriptivo de investigación acción, en donde se abordó a los estudiantes, padres de familia y docentes, como población objeto de estudio. La técnica utilizada fue la entrevista y se diseñó un instrumento de entrevista semiestructurada la cual se construyó desde un cuadro de triple entrada teniendo en cuenta las categorías de análisis, educación ambiental y protección de microcuencas; posteriormente se validó a través de juicio de expertos y se aplicó a la comunidad educativa en general. En conclusión, se logró el objetivo planteado a través de este programa, ya que se logró visibilizar la importancia de preservar los recursos naturales y ecosistemas locales, centrándose específicamente en la microcuenca como un componente vital del entorno del municipio de Garzón.
Tingkat Kerentanan Kota Pekanbaru terhadap Perubahan Iklim
Authors: Fitri Yulia , Lidya Lidya Rahayu , Retnawaty Sri Fitria
Published: July 2023

Sekitar 60% bencana alam ialah bencana alam akibat dari kejadian iklim ekstrem seperti banjir, kekeringan, kebakaran hutan, angin kencang/badai, tanah longsor, gelombang pasang tinggi dan meledaknya penyakit. Perubahan iklim menyebabkan meningkatnya ancaman terhadap ketahanan pangan, kesehatan manusia, ketersediaan air, dan juga ancaman keragaman hayati. Sebanyak 23 dari 323 kabupaten/kota di Indonesia rentan terhadap perubahan iklim yang dikarakterisasi sebagai tingginya nilai rasio rendaman, nilai kepadatan penduduk, nilai kawasan permukiman dan nilai kawasan non permukiman. Kota Pekanbaru mengalami perubahan iklim yang berdampak cukup nyata terhadap masyarakat Pekanbaru. Tujuan dari penelitian ini untuk mengetahui tingkat kerentanan Kota Pekanbaru terhadap perubahan iklim. Metode yang digunakan untuk mengetahui tingkat kerentanan yaitu metode Centre for Climate Risk and Opportunity management (CCROM). Software Arc Gis 9.3 untuk memperoleh peta tingkat kerentanan Kota Pekanbaru. Analisis data dilakukan secara deskriptif. Hasil dari perhitungan tingkat kerentanan bahwa terdapat 49 kelurahan di Kota Pekanbaru tidak kategori rentan, 6 kelurahan dalam kategori agak rentan yaitu Kelurahan Kampung Tengah, Rejosari, dan Sukajadi, Industri Tenayan, Limapuluh dan Tanjung Rhu. Daerah yang dalam kategori rentan hanya satu yaitu Kelurahan Meranti Pandak.
Survey for Distant Stellar Aggregates in the Galactic Disk: Detecting 2000 Star Clusters and Candidates, along with the Dwarf Galaxy IC 10
Authors: He 何 Zhihong 治宏 , Luo 罗 Yangping 杨平 , Wang 王 Kun 坤 , Ren 任 Anbing 安炳 , Peng 彭 Liming 黎明 , Cui 崔 Qian 倩 , Liu 刘 Xiaochen 效臣 , Jiang 蒋 Qingquan 青权
Published: July 2023

Despite having data for over 109 stars from Gaia, less than 104 star clusters and candidates have been discovered. In particular, distant star clusters are rarely identified, due to the challenges posed by heavy extinction and great distance. However, Gaia data has continued to improve, enabling even fainter cluster members to be distinguished from field stars. In this work, we introduce a star-cluster search method based on the DBSCAN algorithm; we have made improvements to make it better suited for identifying clusters on dimmer and more distant stars. After having removed member stars of known Gaia-based clusters, we identified 2086 objects with ∣b∣ < 10°, of which 1488 are highly reliable open star clusters, along with 569 candidates, 28 globular cluster candidates, and one irregular galaxy (IC 10) at low Galactic latitudes. We found that the proper motion of IC 10 is similar to, yet slightly different from, the water maser observations, which is an important result for the comparison with Gaia and the Very Long Baseline Array. When compared with the star clusters appearing in Gaia Data Release (DR) 2/EDR3, we found nearly 3 times as many new objects above a distance of 5 kpc, including hundreds of them above A

v
> 5 mag. This has enabled us to detect a higher number of old clusters, over a billion years old, that are difficult to detect due to observational limitations. Our findings significantly expand the remote cluster sample and enhance our understanding of the limits of Gaia DR3 data in stellar aggregates research.
A Black Hole Kicked at Birth: MAXI J1305-704
Authors: Kimball Chase , Imperato Sam , Kalogera Vicky , Rocha Kyle A. , Doctor Zoheyr , Andrews Jeff J. , Dotter Aaron , Zapartas Emmanouil , Bavera Simone S. , Kovlakas Konstantinos , Fragos Tassos , Srivastava Philipp M. , Misra Devina , Sun Meng , Xing Zepei
Published: July 2023

When a compact object is formed in a binary, any mass lost during core collapse will impart a kick on the binary’s center of mass. Asymmetries in this mass loss or neutrino emission would impart an additional natal kick on the remnant black hole or neutron star, whether it was formed in a binary or in isolation. While it is well established that neutron stars receive natal kicks upon formation, it is unclear whether black holes do as well. Here, we consider the low-mass X-ray binary MAXI J1305-704, which has been reported to have a space velocity ≳200 km s−1. In addition to integrating its trajectory to infer its velocity upon formation of its black hole, we account for recent estimates of its period, black hole mass, mass ratio, and donor effective temperature from photometric and spectroscopic observations. We find that if MAXI J1305-704 formed via isolated binary evolution in the thick Galactic disk, then the supernova that formed its black hole imparted a natal kick of at least 70 km s−1 while ejecting less than ≃1 M
⊙ with 95% confidence assuming uninformative priors on mass loss and natal kick velocity.
Field survey of Cassidinae beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae) and their host plants in southern Guangxi, China
Authors: Yang Chaokun , Liao Chengqing , Xu Jiasheng , Liu Peng , Staines Charles L. , Dai Xiaohua
Published: July 2023

Few systematic studies have been conducted on the faunal composition and food web structure of Cassidinae of China. During 2013-2019, we systematically investigated Cassidinae beetles and their host plants in the southern Guangxi. A total of 2,255 Cassidinae individuals from 66 species, 23 genera and ten tribes were collected in southern Guangxi. Most species belonged to the tribe Hispini (23 species, 34.8%), followed by the tribe Gonophorini (13 species, 19.7%), Cassidini (eight species, 12.1%) and Aspidimorphini (six species, 9.1%). The others (16 species) belonged to the tribes Anisoderini, Botryonopini, Callispini, Oncocephalini, Notosacanthini and Leptispini. The tribe Notosacanthini was recorded from Guangxi for the first time. The genera Neownesia (Botryonopini), Gonophora (Gonophorini), Micrispa (Gonophorini), Notosacantha (Notosacanthini) and Prionispa (Oncocephalini) were firstly recorded in Guangxi. In total, we obtained 47 newly-recorded species in southern Guangxi and 33 newly-recorded species in the whole Guangxi, of which, Callispa frontalis Medvedev, 1992 was newly recorded in China. Dactylispa feae Gestro (625 individuals) and D. chinensis Weise (565 individuals) were the most common species. A total of 69 species, 53 genera and 19 families of host plants were identified for Cassidinae in southern Guangxi. Many host plant associations are new records for Cassidinae. Quantitative food web analysis indicated that Cassidinae species in southern Guangxi primarily fed on Poaceae, Convolvulaceae, Cyperaceae and Rosaceae. Generally, the plant-Cassidinae food webs were moderately complex and stable in southern Guangxi. This is the first large contribution to the knowledge of the species composition and host plant diversity of Cassidinae in southern Guangxi.
Association of Perceived Neighborhood Environments With Cognitive Function in Older Adults
Authors: Kim Boeun , Rosenberg Dori E. , Dobra Adrian , Barrington Wendy E. , Hurvitz Philip M. , Belza Basia
Published: July 2023

The current study examined the associations between perceptions of the social and physical neighborhood environments and cognitive function in older adults. This cross-sectional study analyzed 821 adults aged ≥65 years from the Adult Changes in Thought study. Perceived neighborhood attributes were measured by the Physical Activity Neighborhood Environment Scale. Cognitive function was assessed using the Cognitive Ability Screening Instrument. The associations were tested using multivariate linear regression. One point greater perceived access to public transit was associated with 0.56 points greater cognitive function score (95% confidence interval [CI] [0.25, 0.88]), and an additional one point of perceived sidewalk coverage was related to 0.22 points higher cognitive function score (95% CI [0.00, 0.45]) after controlling for sociodemographic factors. The perception of neighborhood attributes alongside physical infrastructure may play an important role in supporting older adults' cognitive function. [
Journal of Gerontological Nursing, 49
(8), 35–41.]
A maximum principle of the Fourier spectral method for diffusion equations
Authors: Kim Junseok , Kwak Soobin , Lee Hyun Geun , Hwang Youngjin , Ham Seokjun
Published: July 2023

In this study, we investigate a maximum principle of the Fourier spectral method (FSM) for diffusion equations. It is well known that the FSM is fast, efficient and accurate. The maximum principle holds for diffusion equations: A solution satisfying the diffusion equation has the maximum value under the initial condition or on the boundary points. The same result can hold for the discrete numerical solution by using the FSM when the initial condition is smooth. However, if the initial condition is not smooth, then we may have an oscillatory profile of a continuous representation of the initial condition in the FSM, which can cause a violation of the discrete maximum principle. We demonstrate counterexamples where the numerical solution of the diffusion equation does not satisfy the discrete maximum principle, by presenting computational experiments. Through numerical experiments, we propose the maximum principle for the solution of the diffusion equation by using the FSM.
Qualitative analysis of generalized multistage epidemic model with immigration
Authors: Gómez Miller Cerón , Rubio Felipe Alves , Mondragón Eduardo Ibarguen
Published: July 2023

A model with multiple disease stages is discussed; its main feature is that it considers a general incidence rate, functions for death and immigration rates in all populations. We show via a suitable Lyapunov function that the unique endemic equilibrium is globally asymptotically stable. We conclude that, in order to obtain the existence and global stability of the equilibrium point of general models, conditions must be imposed on the functions present in the model. In addition, the model has no basic reproduction number due to the constant flow of infected people, which makes its eradication impossible; therefore, there is no equilibrium point free of infection.
An Introduction to Causal Mediation Analysis With a Comparison of 2 R Packages
Authors: Byeon Sangmin , Lee Woojoo
Published: July 2023

Traditional mediation analysis, which relies on linear regression models, has faced criticism due to its limited suitability for cases involving different types of variables and complex covariates, such as interactions. This can result in unclear definitions of direct and indirect effects. As an alternative, causal mediation analysis using the counterfactual framework has been introduced to provide clearer definitions of direct and indirect effects while allowing for more flexible modeling methods. However, the conceptual understanding of this approach based on the counterfactual framework remains challenging for applied researchers. To address this issue, the present article was written to highlight and illustrate the definitions of causal estimands, including controlled direct effect, natural direct effect, and natural indirect effect, based on the key concept of nested counterfactuals. Furthermore, we recommend using 2 R packages, ‘medflex’ and ‘mediation’, to perform causal mediation analysis and provide public health examples. The article also offers caveats and guidelines for accurate interpretation of the results.
The Effective Use of Online Resources in Improving Students’ English Grammar Skills in the EFL Classes at the Tertiary Level
Authors: Sangeetha Valentina
Published: July 2023

The research objective of this study was to explore the effectiveness of online resources in teaching English grammar skills to English as foreign language (EFL) students at the tertiary level. The aim was to assist EFL teachers in maximising the efficiency of their English grammar lessons through the use of online resources. The sample for the study constituted of 250 first-year English Programme students. Present simple and past simple were selected as testing items. Data were collected using students’ entry-level test scores prior to the intervention and exit-level test scores after intensive training and practise using various online resources. An important variance was identified between the results of the entry-level and exit-level tests. Also, the participants’ perceptions about the effectiveness of online resources in the language learning process were analysed using a quantitative method. The outcomes confirmed that a vast majority of the participants were in favour of integrating online resources. This research also provides valuable suggestions and potential implications for the current study.
Evaluation of Students' Communicative Language Ability and Difference Analysis in an Interactive Teaching Environment
Authors: Zhao Xin , Song Jiao , Wang Ru , Jiao Fengming , Gao Mingli
Published: July 2023

As the demand for cross-cultural communication has been increasing because of globalization, communicative language ability (CLA) has become an important component of quality education for college students. CLA evaluation and difference analysis help educators understand and identify problems and shortcomings of students in the learning process. However, most of the existing CLA evaluation and difference analysis methods focus on written and oral tests of college students in an interactive teaching environment, instead of evaluating actual communicative ability in the interactive environment. Therefore, this research aimed to study the CLA evaluation of college students and difference analysis in an interactive teaching environment. The environment for improving the CLA was analyzed first. After setting up five-level evaluation indexes for the CLA evaluation of college students in the interactive teaching environment, three methods were used to weight the CLA evaluation indexes, namely, the fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (FAHP), the entropy weight method (EWM), and the coefficient of variation method (CVM). Then a model for evaluating the CLA was constructed, which minimized the CLA improvement difference of college students. Finally, the experimental results verified that the proposed method was effective.
Use of Big Data Technology for Network Classroom Teaching Quality Management
Authors: Xie Yashen
Published: July 2023

Quality management of network classroom teaching has always been an urgent problem to be solved. Big data technology handles massive amounts of data and provides new quality management methods and means for network classroom teaching. However, data integration and fusion is a complex task and existing methods may not be able to deal with data fragmentation effectively, because data is often distributed across different systems and platforms in the network teaching environment. Therefore, this research aimed to study the quality management of network classroom teaching based on big data technology. This study provided a framework diagram of teaching quality evaluation criteria and factors affecting the teaching quality in the big data environment, explained complex relationships and effects among the factors, and described teaching quality prediction problems. The dimensionality reduction method of Least Absolute Shrinkage and Selection Operator (LASSO) was used for comprehensive status data integration of factors affecting teaching quality. An unequal-interval grey Riccati-Bernoulli model was constructed to study the internal relationships between various variable factors and network classroom teaching quality. Then the execution process of the prediction model, detailed modeling steps and teaching quality management steps were provided. The experimental results verified that the constructed model was effective.
Nest Success of Bald Eagles Exposed to Anthropogenic Activities in the United States
Authors: Gedir Jay V. , Millsap Brian A. , Howell Paige E. , Wittig Thomas W. , White Hillary M. , Bjerre Emily R.
Published: July 2023

Anthropogenic pressures on the global landscape are rapidly increasing, with well-documented negative impacts on avian populations. As an encouraging counterexample to general declines, the bald eagle Haliaeetus leucocephalus population in the United States has continued to grow dramatically since its 20th century decline, with breeding pairs now colonizing areas with high levels of human activity. Evidence of the impact of human activity on nesting bald eagles is mixed, with some studies reporting declines in reproduction, whereas others suggest that reproduction is comparatively unaffected. We assessed the effects of anthropogenic activities on bald eagle nest success by compiling data from incidental take permits issued by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for unintentional disturbance of breeding bald eagles. We used generalized linear logistic regression models in a Bayesian framework to evaluate the relationship between types of human activity (n = 6), levels of human development in the environment around nests (n = 5), and whether the activity resulted in a significant alteration of the surrounding habitat. There were more permits issued for nests in suburban (40%) environments than in natural (12%) or industrial (9%) environments, and nearly half (47%) of the permits were for building activities; there was a similar number of permits where the habitat was altered (46%) or unaltered (54%). Overall mean nest success during authorized activities from 103 nest-seasons was 84% (95% credible interval: 76–90%), and nest success rates were similarly high (77–100%) for all categories within covariates (P > 0.6). The top model was without fixed effects, accounting for 47% of the model set weight, and the next three models, the only other models with widely applicable information criterion weight, included the activity type and habitat alteration covariates. The only parameters with 95% credible intervals that did not encompass 0 were infrastructure and landscape modification activities, for which all nests exposed to these activities were successful; however, these estimates also had very high uncertainty. This indicates that the covariates we tested were weak predictors of nest success. Some permitted nests were monitored before or after years of authorized activity, and there was no significant difference in nest success between activity and nonactivity years. We provide further evidence that the growing contingent of bald eagles nesting in human-developed environments tolerate anthropogenic activities to a degree that they can nest successfully at rates comparable to those of the general U.S. population. This study improves our understanding of bald eagle reproductive performance when exposed to human activities and will provide better guidance for managing this species.
A Geopolitical Perspective on Some Early Developments in Egyptology: Lepsius at the Second International Congress of Orientalists (1874)منظور جغرافي-سياسي حول بعض التطورات المبكرة في علم المصريات: المُؤْتَمَر الدولي الثاني للمستشرقين في لندن (١٨٧٤)
Authors: Willems Harco
Published: July 2023

This article investigates the effects of the Second International Congress of Orientalists (London, 1874) on Egyptology. During the congress, Lepsius gained support for three initiatives for new projects. This first concerned the establishment of a transliteration system for Egyptian, the second the establishment of a list of hieroglyphic symbols, and the third a publication of the extant sources of the Book of the Dead. The study first gives an overview of the developments in Egyptology in the nineteenth century and the entanglement of Egyptology with international politics and commerce, a constellation in which French Egyptology was for a long time the most influential by far. In the debate on what is today called the Book of the Dead it is shown how French Egyptology, mostly followed by British Egyptology, interpreted texts of this genre following Champollion’s idea that is was a ‘(Grand) rituel funéraire’. In the footsteps of Lepsius, German Egyptologists, however, rather spoke of the Todtenbuch, a different terminology which at the same time reflected a very different conception of what these texts really were. In this debate, Lepsius chose to ignore the strong arguments marshaled by de Rougé in favor of Champollion’s interpretation. In the 1870s this debate had reached a stalemate. The article argues that the German victory over France in the Franco-German war (1871) created new conditions that enabled Lepsius to make decisive steps in promoting his Todtenbuch hypothesis.
Produire du vin des Coteaux (tainiotikos) en Maréotide sous les Lagides : le chai ptolémaïque de Plinthineإنتاج النبيذ من التلال (تاينيوتيكوس) في منطقة مريوط تحت حُكم اللاﭼﻳﺪ (البطالمة): القبو البطلمي في كوم النجوس
Authors: Redon Bérangère , Dautais Louis , François Paul , Marchand Julie , Pesenti Mikaël
Published: July 2023

L’édifice qui fait l’objet de cet article est un chai (établissement dédié à la production du vin) découvert à Plinthine, en Maréotide, une région réputée pour ses vins depuis l’époque pharaonique. Le village est localisé sur la crête rocheuse de la taenia, dont les vins étaient particulièrement appréciés selon Athénée. Dégagé partiellement dans les années 1980, le chai a été entièrement fouillé par la MFTMP. Grâce à la bonne conservation des vestiges et du matériel (céramique et restes archéobotaniques), aux parallèles méditerranéens, ainsi qu’au témoignage des papyrus, la chaîne opératoire de production du vin (de l’extraction du moût au stockage temporaire des amphores) a pu être reconstituée et modélisée. Les auteurs proposent d’interpréter l’édifice comme faisant partie d’un domaine dont le propriétaire disposait de moyens importants. Étant donné la date précoce du chai (iiie-iie s. av. J.-C.), il a dû compter parmi les pionniers qui ont relancé la production du vin taeniotique, en perpétuant, mais aussi en améliorant sur le plan technique, les traditions viticoles égyptiennes.
« Le très ancien taureau vénérable qui réside à Médamoud » : contribution du décor de la porte de Tibère à l’état de la question«الثور المُبَجَّل القديم جدًا المُقيم في المدامود»: مساهمة زخرفة باب تيبريوس في دراسة هذه المسألة
Authors: Valbelle Dominique
Published: July 2023

En dépit des nombreux blocs qui en ont disparu, le décor de la porte dite « de Tibère » à Médamoud conserve un certain nombre d’informations précieuses sur « le très ancien taureau vénérable qui réside à Médamoud ». Après la présentation des scènes et inscriptions qui le concernent sur ce monument, dont une partie date du règne d’Auguste et une autre de Tibère, cette documentation nouvelle est confrontée à l’ensemble de la documentation déjà connue jusqu’ici. Sont abordés le caractère primordial du pȝ kȝ ʿȝ wr šps et les relations qui le liaient aux autres dieux primordiaux, la contribution de la porte de Tibère à l’interprétation du relief cultuel dit « de l’oracle », à la fonction de l’arrière-temple et à l’existence d’une nécropole des dieux primordiaux à Médamoud.
How Long Will It Delay?
Authors: Liao Junfeng , Li Rundong , Liao Yongyu , Guo Xu
Published: July 2023

In the growth process of movie IWOM, the antecedent IWOM has a significant influence on the subsequent IWOM. IWOM does not form all at once, but iteratively over a short period. This article explores the influence of IWOM publishers on IWOM growth and the dynamic impact of IWOM on movie box office by using vector autoregressive model (VAR model) and impulse response analysis. The findings reveal that highly influential and active users' statements stimulate discussion enthusiasm and increase related topic discussions. These statements also reduce the discreteness of IWOM. On the other hand, highly professional users make IWOM more discreet. Both increased discussion enthusiasm and differentiated IWOM contribute to the growth of movie box office. Additionally, during the growth of IWOM, there is an approximately five day “advance period of word-of-mouth regeneration”: it takes audiences about three days from reading movie reviews to watching a movie, followed by about two days to write their own reviews, and the whole process takes about five days.
Simulation of Threshold Voltage Instability of 4H-SiC MOSFET
Authors: Fan Si Jie , Huang Ming Min , Wan Cai Ping , Gong Min , Xu Heng Yu
Published: July 2023

The reliability issue of threshold voltage (Vgs(th)) still exists in Silicon carbide (SiC) based metal-oxide-semiconductor-field-effect-transistors (MOSFETs). In this paper, the threshold voltage instability of 4H-SiC MOSFET is deeply studied through Silvaco TCAD simulation. This work mainly investigates the instability (shift) of the Vgs(th)affected by interface states (interface traps), near interface traps, and mobile ions. The results display that the effect of near interface traps on the Vgs(th)shift is greater than that of interface traps. The electron capture ability is related to the energy level of the traps. With the energy level increasing, the Vgs(th)shift increases firstly and then decreases. The peak energy level is related to the trap position and trap density. Furthermore, the effect of the mobile ions in the oxide layer on the Vgs(th)shift is limited. However, when moving to the SiC/SiO2interface, they will greatly impact the Vgs(th)and affect the device performance seriously.
Reaction Kinetics Investigation of Ni Ohmic Contacts on N-Type 4H-SiC
Authors: Ge Nian Nian , Wan Cai Ping , Jin Zhi , Xu Heng Yu
Published: July 2023

Investigation of the reaction kinetics between Ni film and 4H-SiC substrate at temperatures which are usually used for ohmic contacts formation provides valuable insights into the studies on fundamental properties of ohmic contacts to 4H-SiC, which are limiting the switching speed, energy efficiency and high-temperature thermal stability of SiC MOSFETs. High Resolution Scanning Electron Microscope (HRSEM) and Raman spectroscopy were used to elaborately characterize the interfacial reaction products under various annealing conditions and to assess the thicknesses of reaction diffusion layers. The square of reaction layer thicknesses versus time followed parabolic law and the apparent active energy of interfacial reaction was derived as 1.5 eV (145 kJ/mol). For Raman spectra, the intensity ratio of two Raman peaks for each nickel silicide detected varied monotonically with temperature in the same trend, indicating that crystal quality of nickel silicide film was improved with annealing temperature rising at micron scale. The red-shift of Ni2Si peak locations at about 140 cm-1 with temperature was suggestive of the polycrystalline Ni2Si film with weaker stress/strain status. Moreover, the in-plane size of graphite cluster aggregating at top surface increased with annealing temperature rising until about 1000°C, which is detrimental to the ohmic contacts from the perspective of device applications.
Electrophoretic Deposition of Nanohydroxyapatite on Homogenized Magnesium Based Alloy for Biomedical Applications
Authors: Sadiq Taoheed Olohunde , Sudin Izman , Alsakkaf Ahmed , Idris Jamaliah , Fadil Nor Akmal
Published: July 2023

Magnesium (Mg) alloys are promising biodegradable implant materials. If successful, they do not require second surgical operation for their removal. However, the focus of this study is to address the limitation of fast degradation rate (DR) which hinders the clinical application of Mg alloys. The bio-corrosion rate of any intermetallic alloy is related to its beta (β) phase volume fraction. Thus, homogenization heat treatment (HHT) was carried out to reduce the β phase. The influence of β phase and the hydroxyapatite powders (HAp) was employed to slow down the initial DR of Mg AZ91 alloy. Samples were cut from Mg grade AZ91 alloy ingot in 10mm x 10mm x 3mm dimension. The samples were prepared and divided into two; the first part was classified as as-received sample (sample a) while the second one was processed for HHT. HHT was carried out at 410°C/10h, cooled inside the furnace and named as homogenized sample (sample b). The HAp was synthesized using a simple wet chemical precipitation technique (SWCPT) and deposited on sample b via electrophoretic deposition (EPD) at different voltages with different deposition times. The HAp, uncoated and coated samples were characterized. Potentiodynamic polarization (PP) and immersion tests were carried out in stimulated body fluid (SBF) to estimate the DR and in vitro bioactivity of Mg AZ91 respectively. The results revealed a significant drop in DR from sample a (1.421 mm per year) to coated sample h (3.73 x 10-4 mm per year). Keywords: Magnesium alloy, biodegradable implants, beta phase, homogenization heat treatment, hydroxyapatite, electrophoretic deposition.
The Investigation of 1200V SiC MOSFET Short-Circuit Ruggedness and Turn-Off Current Tail
Authors: Wei Xiao Guang , An Yun Lai , Xu Hong Yi , Wang Bao Zhu , Guo Qing , Yang Fei , Wang Heng Yu
Published: July 2023

Short circuit characteristics of 4H-SiC MOSFETs with different channel lengths are studied in this work. The peak drain-source current during the short-circuit period is measured. These results show that short channel devices has lower capability to sustain short-circuit condition. This work found an evident current tail after the gate turning off. Through the investigation with different device design, circuit condition and numeric simulation. The cause of the current tail is found to be due to the increased ionization of electron-hole pair as the junction temperature is elevated at long short-circuit condition.