bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Isolation of Schistosoma haematobium in Bronchoalveolar Lav-age in an Immunocompromised Individual: A Case Report
Authors: Meshram Shailesh Bhanudas , Ramnani Hiral Gulab , Chaudhury Spandana
Published: March 2024

Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease caused by trematodes (body flukes), affecting millions worldwide. However, its pulmonary manifestations are rare. We report a rare case of a 51-year-old People Living with HIV male, managed in a tertiary care hospital in west India in May 2023, vegetable vendor who was admitted with complaints of dysphagia, odynophagia, fever and chest pain for 3 days, cough and breathlessness for 1 month. Chest x-ray and CT scan were suggestive of hypodense fluid collection with rim enhancement along right lateral and posterior aspect of thoracic esophagus. All routine investigations and urine cultures were sent, which turned to be inconclusive. Upper Gastrointestinal scopy was suggestive of pangastritis. Fiberoptic bronchoscopy was done with no structural abnormality or endobronchial mass. Bronchoalveolar lavage from right lower lobe was sent for CBNAAT, Gram and Ziehl Nelson staining and cultures, acid fast bacilli cultures and cytology which revealed parasitic infection with Schistosoma haematobium. The patient was treated with tablet praziquantel P/O 2400 mg in divided doses for 1 day followed up after two weeks when he experienced reduced symptoms. Sputum examination was repeated showed Schistosoma on wet mount and hence a repeat dose of tablet praziquantel 3000 mg in divided doses was given and was advised to follow up 2 weeks later, which showed resolution of right lower zone opacities.
Ovarian Rejuvenation: Turning Dreams into Reality
Authors: Sadeghi Mohammad Reza
Published: March 2024

The Article Abstract is not available.
Metabolic Fingerprinting of Serum and Seminal Plasma of Testicular Cancer Patients Using Raman Spectroscopy: A Pilot Study
Authors: Lakpour Niknam , Sadeghi Mohammad Reza , Jafarzadeh Naser , Henkel Ralf , Hajiparvaneh Azadeh , Fathi Zohreh , Ghods Roya , Gilany Kambiz , Madjd Zahra
Published: March 2024

Background: Testicular cancer (TC) is a relatively rare type of cancer in men. Early diagnosis of TC remains challenging. Metabolomics holds promise in offering valuable insights in this regard. In this study, a metabolic fingerprinting approach was employed to identify potential biomarkers in both serum and seminal plasma of TC patients.
Methods: A total of 9 patients with testicular cancer and 10 controls were included in the study. The metabolic fingerprinting approach was utilized as a rapid diagnostic tool to analyze the metabolome in serum and seminal plasma of TC patients in comparison to fertile men. Raman spectroscopy was applied for the analysis of metabolites in these biological samples.
Results: Principal component analysis (PCA) and functional group analysis showed that the differentiation between serum samples from healthy men and TC patients was not possible. However, when analyzing seminal plasma, a significant difference was found between the two groups (p<0.05). Functional group analysis of serum only showed an increase in tryptophan concentration ratio in TC patients as compared to healthy men (p=0.03). In contrast, in seminal plasma of TC patients, this increase was observed in all analyzed compounds, including phenylalanine, tyrosine, lipids, proteins, phenols (p<0.001).
Conclusion: Our study highlights the potential of metabolic fingerprinting as a fast diagnostic tool for screening TC patients, with seminal plasma serving as a valuable biological sample. Furthermore, several potential biomarkers, particularly phenylalanine, were identified in seminal plasma. This research contributes to our understanding of TC pathogenesis and has the potential to pave the way for early detection and personalized treatment approaches.
Evaluation of Sperm DNA Fragmentation Using Halosperm Technique after the Freezing–Thawing Process in Men: A Study on the Validation of the SCD Protocol
Authors: Rochdi Chaymae , Allai Larbi , Bellajdel Ibtissam , Taheri Hafsa , Saadi Hanane , Mimouni Ahmed , Choukri Mohammed
Published: March 2024

Background: DNA fragmentation index (DFI) enhances routine semen analysis by providing valuable insights into male reproductive potential. Utilizing Halosperm test, a sperm chromatin dispersion (SCD) assay based on induced condensation. The purpose of this study was to assess sperm DNA damage both before and after freezing. By following the specified kit instructions, an attempt was made to validate the SCD test protocol, with a particular emphasis on the implications of sperm freezing on its DNA integrity.
Methods: In total, 380 fresh human semen samples from normozoospermic patients were frozen at -20°C for 10 days, using SCD cryopreservation reagent. Routine semen analysis and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) were determined for each sample before freezing and after thawing. Semen morphology and sperm DFI were compared before and after freezing/thawing process.
Results: There was a significant decrease in sperm normal morphology after thawing (9.31±2.42% vs. 7.1±1.53%, p<0.05, respectively). The sperm head, midpiece, and tail defect rate increased after freezing at -20°C. Moreover, DFI was significantly higher after thawing compared to before freezing (20.71±1.61% before freezing vs. 29.1±0.21% after thawing with p<0.001).
Conclusion: Cryoconservation of semen samples at -20°C for 10 days using SCD cryopreservation reagent seems to damage sperm morphology, resulting in a reduction in sperm DNA integrity. The measurement of DFI on a fresh sample remains the most reliable technique for obtaining accurate results.
DEFB126 2-nt Deletion (rs11467417) as a Potential Risk Factor for Chlamydia Trachomatis Infection and Subsequent Infertility in Iranian Men
Authors: Haratian Kaveh , Boroujeni Parnaz Borjian , Sabbaghian Marjan , Maghareh Abed Elham , Moazenchi Maedeh , Meybodi Anahita Mohseni
Published: March 2024

Background: Chlamydia trachomatis (CT) is one of the most prevalent sexually transmitted infections, causing genital tract infections and infertility. Defensins have an immunomodulatory function and play an important role in sperm maturation, motility, and fertilization. DEFB126 is present on ejaculated spermatozoa and is essential for them to pass through the female reproductive tract. The purpose of the study was to determine the frequency of the 2-nt deletion of the DEFB126 (rs11467417) in Iranian infertile males with a recurrent history of CT.
Methods: Semen samples of 1080 subfertile males were investigated. Among patients who had CT-positive results, sperm DNA from 50 symptomatic and 50 asymptomatic patients were collected for the DEFB126 genotype analysis. Additionally, a control group comprising 100 DNA samples from individuals with normal spermogram and testing negative for CT was included in the study. The PCR-sequencing for detecting the 2-nt deletion of the second exon of the DEFB126 was performed.
Results: The Chi-squared test comparing all three groups revealed no significant difference across the different genotypes. Moreover, no significant difference between the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups was seen. However, analysis within CT-positive patients and controls demonstrated significant difference between the frequencies of homozygous del/del.
Conclusion: The higher frequency of the 2-nt deletion of the DEFB126 in CT- positive patients suggests that the occurrence of mutations in the DEFB-126 may cause the impairment of the antimicrobial activity of the DEFB126 protein and consequently makes individuals more susceptible to infections such as CT.
The Association of AMH Level with the Number and Quality of Oocytes in Women Undergoing IVF/ICSI: A Single-Center Study
Authors: Heidary Zohreh , Masoumi Masoumeh , Dashtkoohi Mohadese , Sharifinejad Niusha , Tarzjani Masoumeh Dehghan , Ghaemi Marjan , Rashidi Batool Hossein
Published: March 2024

Background: The recognized role of Anti-Müllerian hormone (AMH) as a marker for women's biological age and ovarian reserve prompts debate on its efficacy in predicting oocyte quality during IVF/ICSI. Recent findings challenging this view compelled us to conduct this study to examine the correlation between AMH levels and quantity/quality of oocytes in IVF/ICSI procedures.
Methods: The data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of 320 women between 25-42 years old. The included patients were divided into two groups: the high AMH group (>1.1 ng/ml) and the low AMH (=<1.1 ng/ml) group. The high AMH group comprised 213 patients, while the low AMH group consisted of 107 patients. Spearman's correlation coefficient and Multinomial logistic regression were computed to assess the relationships between different variables.
Results: Significant positive correlations were detected between AMH level and the number of aspirated follicles (rho=0.741, p<0.001), retrieved oocytes (rho=0.659, p< 0.001), M2 oocytes (rho=0.624, p<0.001), grade A embryos (rho=0.419, p<0.001), and grade AB embryos (rho=0.446, p<0.001. In contrast, AMH levels had negative associations with the number and duration of cycles (p<0.05). AMH emerged as a statistically significant independent predictor of the number of M2 oocytes.
Conclusions: Serum AMH level could represent the quantity and quality of oocytes following IVF/ICSI treatments. Future studies should aim to delve deeper into the correlations between AMH levels and both the quality and quantity of embryos. Additionally, it would be beneficial to consider the influence of sperm factors, as well as assess pregnancy rates.
Detection of Germline Mosaicism for Robertsonian Translocation 14;14: A Case Report
Authors: Gonzalez Xavier Viñals , Mora Francisca , Arshad Falak , Zhang Yiping , Babariya Dhruti , Wells Dagan , Tozer Amanda
Published: March 2024

Background: Chromosomal structural rearrangements can lead to fertility problems and recurrent miscarriages. The intricate interplay of genetics during human development can lead to subtle anomalies that may affect reproduction.
Case Presentation: A 33-year-old woman sought fertility treatment after experiencing six miscarriages. Products of conception from the final pregnancy loss had been karyotyped, revealing a Robertsonian translocation (RT), involving chromosome 14. Fertility investigations showed low anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels but otherwise normal female characteristics with normal sperm parameters of her husband were observed and both partners having a normal karyotype. Two embryos were transferred in an IVF cycle but neither resulted in a successful pregnancy. Subsequently, preimplantation genetic testing for aneuploidy (PGT-A) was applied to trophectoderm biopsy specimens from 4 embryos, which revealed abnormalities involving chromosome 14. Sperm aneuploidy testing failed to detect any increase in the incidence of aneuploidy affecting chromosome 14. Further embryos genetic testing indicated that all identified chromosome 14 abnormalities in the embryos had a maternal (oocyte) origin.
Conclusion: This case underscores challenges in diagnosing and managing germline mosaicism in fertility. A maternal 14;14 Robertsonian translocation, undetected in the patient's blood but impacting oocytes, likely explains recurrent miscarriage and observed embryo aneuploidies. Genetic mosaicism in reproductive medicine highlights the necessity for advanced testing and personalized treatments. Data integration from various genetic analyses could enhance managing treatment expectations and improving fertility experiences.
Sınıf Öğretmenlerinin Kapsayıcı Eğitime Yönelik Görüşleri
Authors: Acartürk Olçay Halise , Çevik Kansu Ceren
Published: March 2024

Bu araştırmanın amacı, sınıfında dezavantajlı grupta öğrencisi bulunan sınıf öğretmenlerinin kapsayıcı eğitime yönelik algılarının ve görüşlerinin incelenmesidir. Araştırmada nitel araştırma desenlerinden olgubilim deseni kullanılmıştır. Araştırma, Van ili içerisinde bulunan dört devlet okulunda çalışan sınıfında dezavantajlı öğrencisi bulunan toplamda 45 sınıf öğretmeni ile gerçekleştirilmiştir. Araştırmaya katılan öğretmenlerin seçiminde seçkisiz olmayan örnekleme türlerinden amaçlı örnekleme yöntemlerinden ölçüt örnekleme yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırma verileri araştırmacılar tarafından hazırlanan yarı yapılandırılmış görüşme formu ile araştırmacı gözlem notlarından elde edilmiştir. Elde edilen verilerin analizinde nitel araştırmalarda kullanılan içerik analizi yöntemi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmada analizler sonucu ‘kapsayıcı eğitim kavramına ilişkin bakış açısı’, ‘kapsayıcı eğitimde uygulamaya yönelik görüş ve deneyimler’ ile ‘kapsayıcı eğitimde yeterlik algısı’ temaları ve bunlara ilişkin sekiz alt tema ve her alt temaya ilişkin kategoriler oluşturulmuştur. Araştırma sonucunda, görüşme yapılan öğretmenlerin kapsayıcı eğitimle ilgili yeterli düzeyde tanım yapabildikleri görülmüş; öğretmenler genel olarak yöntem ve teknik uyarlama konusunda zorlandıklarını, yeterli kaynak, zaman, program sıkıntısı çektiklerini dile getirmişlerdir. Ölçme değerlendirme açısından ise daha çok gözleme dayalı değerlendirmeye yer verdikleri, proje ve performans görevleri verdiklerini ifade etmişlerdir. Ayrıca kapsayıcı eğitimde akran desteği, demokratik sınıf ortamı, olumlu yönde iletişim, sosyalleşme gibi olumlu durumlar kadar eğitim öğretimin uzun zaman alması, planlamada zorluk, motivasyon eksikliği, davranış bozukluğu, okula devam sorunu gibi olumsuz durumların da yaşandığı ifade edilmiştir. Kapsayıcı eğitimde öğretmenlerin ise aldıkları eğitimden dolayı yeterli olduğunu düşünen kadar yetersiz olduğunu düşünüp daha çok hizmet içi eğitime ihtiyaç duyduklarını belirten öğretmen görüşleri de yer almaktadır. Araştırma sonuçlarından hareketle, kapsayıcı eğitimle ilgili teorik ve uygulamaya dönük hizmet içi eğitimler geliştirilebilir.
Digitalization of the сultural sphere in Russia: stages and challenges
Authors: Sagitov Salavat
Published: March 2024

Digitalization is currently an objective reality that constantly changes the lives of both individuals and society as a whole. However, international forums, researches, and monographs on digitalization primarily focus on issues related to digitalization in the fields of security, technology, economy, and education, and to a much lesser extent – the field of culture. This is to a large extent due to the fact that the majority of society considers culture as a sector of secondary importance in societal development, rather than one of the main and equal spheres of vital activity of society. Based on the approach to managing the cultural sphere as a process of mass communication, the author has developed a theoretical and methodological construct – a model for managing the cultural sphere in the conditions of digitalization. Analysis of the digitalization process dynam ics of the cultural sphere in Russia and the author’s practical experience show that the main factors influencing the speed and quality of digital development today are digi tal divides that determine both technological aspects and aspects requiring evaluation and development the actors of social management competencies. The author introdu ces the concept of «digital frustration» into the research practice understood as a result of the second-level digital divide, which, together with physical, psychological, biological and social frustrations can lead society to a state of social anomie.
The relevance for the institute of mediation in modern Russia
Authors: Givargizova Narine
Published: March 2024

The article considers the problem of the relevance for the institute of mediation in Russia. Statistical data for the country concerning 2020 are presented and data for the Rostov region to the same period are analyzed. A comparative analysis is made with data for the same period in the Sverdlovsk region. The information and empirical base of the study consists of materials from: the website of the Judicial Department at the Supreme Court of the Russian Federation; the Association of Mediators of the Rostov region “Reconciliation”; “Reconciliation Rooms” in the Arbitration Court of the Sverdlovsk region. The methods of content analysis, statistical analysis, in-depth interviews, and a mass survey conducted among the employed population of the Rostov region aged 21 to 30 years were used. The study revealed: low awareness of respondents about the possibilities of using the mediation procedure, its structure and features; low level of modern mediation practice in the country. It is shown that in Russia today the courts are inundated with lawsuits, while mediation could well constructively solve many social problems. The necessity of creating favorable conditions for the development of mediation activity and its popularization is substantiated. The main reasons preventing the institution of mediation from becoming a popular activity among the population are identified: a low culture of conflict resolution, which in some cases leads to the avoidance of disputants from finding a suitable way to resolve it; a factor of insufficient confidence in the possibility of resolvinga dispute involving a third party. It is concluded that the lack of trust is primarily due to insufficient awareness of the population about the essence of the mediation procedure, about the legal status of the mediation agreement, which in the case of notarization has the force of an executive document. The wider use of all types of media, the increase in online platforms with the location of mediation webinars conducted by experienced specialists in this field will help spread the practice of mediation and will contribute to its early institutionalization.
Urban identity and perception of the city in management discourse
Authors: Kostko Natalya , Pecherkina Irina
Published: March 2024

The discourse on the city, its forms, planning and management under uncertainty is undoubtedly the most widespread and relevant in the last ten years. The prospects for the development of the city and its urban community depend rather on the articulation and representation of the content of social demand from society, the population of specific cities, than on external factors. Citizens have a clear vision for the future and present of their city. The city perception of its inhabitants is correlated with the citizens’ ideas about the modern city and appears as a discourse in their judgments, opinions and assessments. Urban discourse is defined as positioning, representation of urban identity of citizens and reflection of the perception of the city identity. The presence of this discourse is found in the citizens’ narratives about the city. The study is based on the personal experience narratives, specifically the informants’ reflections upon their evaluation and perception of their city were analyzed. Narrative analysis, supplemented by sentiment analysis (positive or negative presentation of the material) was chosen as a research tactic, the research method is content analysis. The major purpose of this work is to study the perception of the identity of the city by citizens. The novelty of the work is determined by the design of the study, combining qualitative and quantitative approaches, the method of triangulation according to N. Denzin., as well as the choice of a subjective parameter (perception by citizens of their city) as a guideline for managerial actions in shaping the identity of the city in order to achieve connectivity “city – citizen”. An additional contribution of this paper is the construction of a paired logic of connectivity: “city – citizen” through the correlation between the citizens urban identity indicators and the identity of the city on the basis of empirical data of six cities in the Tyumen region. The study showed that citizens with a high level of urban identity perceive the city through personal participation in its life, through the manifestation of subjectivity.
Analyzing High School Students’ Mulitmodal Compositions with Digital Media Platforms Using Metafunctions
Authors: Stewart Olivia G
Published: March 2024

This study explores how diverse high school English students designed open-ended, multimodal projects across digital platforms (Weebly, blogs, and Instagram). Framed by metafunctions, emergent and axial coding of each student’s website homepage shows a broad range of how they designed in digital spaces and to what rhetorical effects. Additional coding of two focal students’ designs across each of the digital platforms highlights how students created complex, multimodal compositions that would have otherwise not been possible with the typical more formal, rigid forms of discourse. By designing multimodally, students showcased interests, humor, emotions, and culture not often seen in this classroom
Effect of Explicit Instruction on the Acquisition of Words' Visual Aspects By Second-Grade French-Speaking Children
Authors: Ruberto Noémia , Daigle Daniel , Ammar Ahlem , Beaulieu Judith
Published: March 2024

This paper explores the most efficient teaching context to learn words’ visual aspects and by second-grade French-speaking children, including those with special needs. Students came from six classrooms and each classroom was randomly assigned to the control group or to one of two experimental interventions (TFS: explicit teaching of semantic and formal properties of words; TF: explicit teaching of formal properties of words). For students without difficulties, the experimental interventions have contributed equally to the learning of the words’ visual aspect, whereas no progress was observed for the control group. For students with special needs, only the intervention that combined explicit instruction of semantic and formal properties lead to significant progress. These results suggest that explicit instruction should focus on the semantic and formal properties of words, especially for students with special needs.
Membangun Karakter Tokoh Adaninggar Dalam Pertunjukan Wayang Golek Menak Menurut Teori Fenomenologi Persepsi Maurice Merleau-Ponty
Authors: Ayu Rasyid Putri Najla , Nursilah  , Mutiara Sari Kartika
Published: March 2024

Skripsi ini mengkaji permasalahan tentang membangun karakter tokoh Adaninggar dalam pertunjukan Wayang Golek Menak yang berjudul Putri Kaelani. Tujuan dari penelitian adalah untuk mengetahui dan menganalisis pertunjukan Wayang Golek Menak yang berjudul Putri Kaelani menggunakan teori Fenomenologi Persepsi Maurice Merleau-Ponty. Manfaat dari penelitian mampu mendukung peningkatan kualitas menari pada murid Sanggar Surya Kirana. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah penelitian Kualitatif dengan pendekatan Etnografi dan Autoetnografi. Kesimpulan yang dapat, bahwa proses membangun karakter tokoh Adaninggar menurut Fenomenologi Persepsi Maurice Merleau-Ponty adalah bagaimana proses mendapatkan pengalaman secara menyeluruh agar mendapatkan persepsi tentang dunia seni pertunjukan. Data penelitian dapat dikategorikan menjadi empat data, yaitu gambaran umum sanggar Surya Kirana, bentuk penyajian pertunjukan wayang golek menak berjudul Putri Kaelani, karakter tokoh dalam wayang golek menak berjudul Putri Kaelani, proses membangun karakter tokoh Adaninggar. Keempat data diatas akan dianalisis menggunakan teori Fenomenologi Persepsi Maurice Merleau-Ponty, dengan didukung metode membangun karakter Richard Boleslavsky, melalui enam pelajaran pertama bagi calon aktor.
Enhanced Quantum Key Distribution and Error Minimization for 6G Networks through Optimized Multi-Head Self-Attention and Gated-Dilated Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Dhandapani Ilakkiaselvan , Jothi Kavitha Ramaswami
Published: March 2024

6G frameworks will be able to utilize higher frequencies than 5G frameworks and provide altogether higher capacity and much lower latency. First, 6G network input signals stand up to channel obstacles to open security. QKD, a cryptographic technique, allows two parties to safely exchange secret keys for message encryption and decryption. Based on quantum mechanics, any threats in the system warn the authorized users. Qubits can be distributed over fibre or free space quantum channels and encoded with several degrees of freedom. In this proposed method, QKD and Error Rate Optimization using an optimized Multi-Head Self-Attention and Gated-Dilated Convolutional Neural Network (QKD-ERO-MSGCNN) are used to extend the maximum transmission distance and improve the secret key rate (SKR). The variable velocity strategy particle swarm optimization algorithm (VVSPSOA) is used on the input signals to improve the SKR and is fed to the MSGCNN to analyse the quantum bit error rate (QBER) reduction effectively. MSGCNN alone does not optimize the QBER reduction in the channel accurately; intensified sand cat swarm optimization (ISCSO) is used to analyse the QBER reduction accurately. The proposed QKD-ERO-MSGCNN is implemented, and metrics such as accuracy, precision, SKR and QBER reduction attain higher performances when compared with existing techniques.
Chirality Dependent Electronic and Spin Properties of SiC Nanotubes Calculated Using Relativistic Symmetrized Linearized Augmented Cylindrical Waves Method
Authors: D’yachkov Pavel N. , D’yachkov Evgeny P.
Published: March 2024

Spin and chirality dependent band structures of the single-walled (n1, n2) SiC nanotubes (NTs) with n1 = 7 and 7 ≥ n2 ≥ 0 are calculated using a first-principle cylindrical wave method. The helical and rotational symmetry of tubules was taken into account, the unit cells of any tubule being reduced to only two atoms that allowed to present the electronic structures of any tubule in a simple form with eight spin-dependent dispersion curves for the occupied states. All nanotubes are the wide-gap semiconductors with Eg between 2.26 and 3.15 eV and the spin-orbit splittings of the top of the valence and bottom of the conduction bandы lie in the range of 0.05–3.5 meV depending on chirality. The energies of the SO gaps in right- and left-handed NTs are exactly the same, but the spin directions are opposite. The chiral NTs most suitable for a selective spin transport with potentially high flows of the α- and β-electrons in opposite directions are noted.
ED-DKCNN: Advancing Supervised Crowd Counting in Complex Environments
Authors: Tomar Ankit , Kumar Santosh , Nijhawan Rahul , Verma Kamal Kant
Published: March 2024

The increasing urban population has led to challenges in managing crowd dynamics, especially preventing tragic incidents like stampedes. Real-time, accurate crowd counting faces obstacles such as background clutter and perspective variations. The study accepts these challenges of supervised crowd counting by examining the effectiveness of convolutional arrangements in improving accuracy by using an encoder-decoder dynamic convolutional neural network * (ED-DKCNN). The combined segmented, edge-oriented data and texture-rich features are the input for the model capable of precise crowd counting, achievable even in complex scenarios with occlusions and dense crowds. It explores low and high-level crowd features, addresses occlusion and uneven crowd distribution, and utilizes deep mining and dense complementarity for optimized people counting without density map estimation. The proposed framework harnesses intra-and inter-depth information representation through a non-increasing-order kernel arrangement, achieving state-of-the-art accuracy in people counting compared to existing methods across various datasets. The extensive experiments over free and surveillance category datasets through multiple evaluation criteria firmly * https://link.springer.com/article/10. establish the proposed ED-DKCNN model as a state-of-the-art performer in this domain. Moreover, the proposed model significantly advances crowd-counting methodologies, offering potential applications in multi-modal data integration, real-time scenarios, privacy concerns, edge computing, cross-domain situations, and human behavior.
An AI based approach to evaluate students old script writings
Authors: Sitompul Opim Salim , Nababan Erna Budhiarti , Arisandi Dedy , Jaya Ivan , Taqyuddin Reza , Akbar Duwi , Sianipar Ruth Calista Paulina , Bonsangue Marcello
Published: March 2024

Preserving cultural heritage, such as old manuscripts as expressions of human communities is one of sustainable development goals (SDGs) targets. In Indonesia, old manuscripts written in Batak language include many valuable insights for new generation. The manuscripts recorded variety of contents from folklore to medicinal prescriptions. Nevertheless, those heritages are worried to be vanishing in face of information technology advancement. Due to this reason, some efforts have been made by the Indonesian, for instance teaching the writing of the old language at schools in rural areas where this language is used. In this research, an experiment was conducted to recognize the writings of Batak scripts among the junior high school students who belong to Batak tribe in Balige, which is one of the rural districts of Indonesia. A group of students were participating to write some short phrases using digital graphic drawing pen tablets via a web-based application. Recognition of written scripts for the group was performed using convolutional neural network (CNN). The objective of this research is to evaluate capability of students' writings of Batak scripts using digital technology. The aims are two folds: to preserve the old scripts for new generations by enhancing their attention to the cultural heritage and to promote the quality of education using artificial intelligence techniques. The experimental results show that using digital tools students are facing some difficulties in coping with digital technology, whereby they were not able to finish the tasks in time frame given and showed lower accuracy in terms of phrases recognition. Nevertheless, students show enthusiasm on the usage of digital technology in the writing process and consider that preserving the cultural heritage is a necessity.
Study on the influence of raw material dosages on the production temperature of flexible polyurethane foam
Authors: Zhuang Yijie , Fang Zunhu , Yuan Zitao , Luo Quanbing , Xu Wenbin
Published: March 2024

Flexible polyurethane foam (FPUF) is a flammable synthetic polymer. In the foam production process, large amount of heat would be released from the chemical reactions of raw materials, which would even cause spontaneous combustion of foam. Thus, it would be meaningful to study the heat generation mechanisms and provide some measures to decrease heat production during FPUF production. This paper implemented FPUF production and temperature monitoring experiments to study the influence of different raw material dosages on the the FPUF production temperature. Meanwhile, FTIR analysis experiments were implemented to study the reason of production temperature changes at the influence of different raw material dosages. From the results, FPUF production temperature is closely related to the physical changes (such as evaporation, volume change, mass change) and chemical changes (such as foaming reaction, gelling reaction, catalytic reaction) of the foaming process. Insufficient polyol will lead to a significant increase in FPUF production temperature, which is a bigger potential safety hazard in FPUF production than dosage misuse of other raw materials. Meanwhile, replace part of polyether polyol with polymer polyol and replace part of water with methylene chloride in the FPUF formula can further effectively reduce the foam production temperature, and keep the foam quality simultaneously.
Keren-FFTGAN: A Novel Technique for Super-resolution Image Reconstruction Using Keren and FFT Image Registration with Generative Adversarial Networks
Authors: Gupta Gitanjali , Misra Er. Rajani
Published: March 2024

This paper proposes a novel technique called Keren-FFTGAN for super-resolution image reconstruction from multiple low-resolution images. The technique combines Keren and Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) based image registration methods with a generative adversarial network (GAN) for image reconstruction. The image registration stage uses the Keren algorithm to estimate rotation and translation parameters and the FFT method to estimate scaling parameters between input images. The registered images are then fed into a GAN model consisting of a generator and discriminator network for reconstructing the high-resolution output image. The generator uses an efficient sub-pixel convolution layer to upscale images. Extensive experiments demonstrate that the proposed Keren-FFTGAN technique outperforms state-of-the-art methods in terms of both objective image quality metrics and perceptual quality. The technique proves highly effective in recovering finer details from low-resolution images. By integrating robust image registration and advanced deep learning models, Keren-FFTGAN provides a novel way to boost spatial resolution for various applications.
Approximation Algorithms for Relative Survivable Network Design Problems
Authors: Dinitz Michael , Koranteng Ama , Kortsarz Guy , Nutov Zeev
Published: March 2024

In the {\sc Survivable Network Design} ({\SND}) problem we seek a min-cost subgraph that satisfies pairwise edge-connectivity demands. This encompasses the {\sc $k$-Edge-Connected Spanning Subgraph} ({\kECSS}) problem (the case of uniform demands), and the case of a single demand is essentially the {\sc Min-cost $k$-Flow} problem with unit capacities. A weakness of these formulations is that we cannot ask for fault-tolerance larger than the connectivity. Inspired by recent definitions and progress in graph spanners, we study new variants of these problems under a notion of \emph{relative} fault-tolerance. Informally, we require not that two nodes are connected if there are $k$ faults (as in the classical setting), but that two nodes are connected if there are $k$ faults \emph{and the two nodes are connected in the underlying graph post-faults}. That is, the subgraph must ''behave'' identically to the underlying graph with respect to connectivity after $k$ faults. We define and introduce these ''relative'' problems, and provide approximation algorithms: a $2$-approximation for {\sc Relative}{\kECSS} ({\RkECSS}), a $(1+4/k)$-approximation for unweighted {\RkECSS}, a $2$-approximation for {\sc Relative SND} with demands $\leq 3$ ({\RtSND}), and a $2^{O(k^2)}$-approximation for {\RSND} with a single demand of $k$.
Efficient Use of Biological Data in the Web 3.0 Era by Applying Nonfungible Token Technology
Authors: Wang Guanyi , Chen Chen , Jiang Ziyu , Li Gang , Wu Can , Li Sheng
Published: March 2024

CryptoKitties, a trendy game on Ethereum that is an open-source public blockchain platform with a smart contract function, brought nonfungible tokens (NFTs) into the public eye in 2017. NFTs are popular because of their nonfungible properties and their unique and irreplaceable nature in the real world. The embryonic form of NFTs can be traced back to a P2P network protocol improved based on Bitcoin in 2012 that can realize decentralized digital asset transactions. NFTs have recently gained much attention and have shown an unprecedented explosive growth trend. Herein, the concept of digital asset NFTs is introduced into the medical and health field to conduct a subversive discussion on biobank operations. By converting biomedical data into NFTs, the collection and circulation of samples can be accelerated, and the transformation of resources can be promoted. In conclusion, the biobank can achieve sustainable development through “decentralization.”
Evidence-Based Learning Strategies in Medicine Using AI
Authors: Arango-Ibanez Juan Pablo , Posso-Nuñez Jose Alejandro , Díaz-Solórzano Juan Pablo , Cruz-Suárez Gustavo
Published: March 2024

Large language models (LLMs), like ChatGPT, are transforming the landscape of medical education. They offer a vast range of applications, such as tutoring (personalized learning), patient simulation, generation of examination questions, and streamlined access to information. The rapid advancement of medical knowledge and the need for personalized learning underscore the relevance and timeliness of exploring innovative strategies for integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into medical education. In this paper, we propose coupling evidence-based learning strategies, such as active recall and memory cues, with AI to optimize learning. These strategies include the generation of tests, mnemonics, and visual cues.
Patterns of Use and Withdrawal Syndrome in Dual Cannabis and Tobacco Users (DuCATA_GAM-CAT): Protocol for a Mixed Methods Study (Preprint)
Authors: Saura Judith , Feliu Ariadna , Enríquez-Mestre Marta , Fu Marcela , Ballbè Montse , Castellano Yolanda , Pla Margarida , Rosa Nathalia , Radeva Petia , Maestre-González Elena , Cabezas Carmen , Colom Joan , Suelves Josep M , Mondon Silvia , Barrio Pablo , Andreu Magalí , Raich Antònia , Bernabeu Jordi , Vilaplana Jordi , Roca Tutusaus Xavier , Guydish Joseph , Fernández Esteve , Martínez Cristina
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Approximately 1 in 6 cannabis users develop a cannabis use disorder (CUD) and the odds increase to 1 in 2 for daily users.

OBJECTIVE

The Dual use of Cannabis and Tobacco Monitoreing through a Gamified Web app (DuCATA_GAM-CaT) project aims to identify cannabis-tobacco patterns of use and withdrawal symptoms among individuals with CUD who are attending substance abuse programs.

METHODS

The project uses a mixed methods approach consisting of 3 studies. First, a participatory qualitative study involves focus groups comprising individuals with CUD, clinicians, project researchers, and an expert gamification company to co-design a gamified web app. Second, a longitudinal prospective study to follow up individuals over 6 weeks with CUD attending substance abuse programs . Participants report their cannabis-tobacco usage patterns, type and frequency of tobacco use, nicotine dependence, withdrawal symptoms, psychoemotional factors, and motivation to quit both substances. Predictive analysis techniques are used to analyze clinical, demographic, psychological, and environmental data to predict the probability of achieving abstinence. Third, homogeneous focus groups to explore participants’ experiences during their CUD treatment.

RESULTS

By June 2024, the project had completed the first study, defining eligible cannabis user profiles, developed the initial web app prototype, and initiated recruitment across 10 centers, with 74 participants enrolled, aiming to reach 150 participants in total.

CONCLUSIONS

All participants are required to provide informed consent, and their information is kept confidential and anonymized following confidentiality rules. The research team is committed to disseminating the results obtained to professional and patient groups, as well as informing public health agents, to positively influence political and social decision makers and design programmers. Additionally, we aim to prioritize the publication of the results in high-impact journals specialized in drug abuse, public health, and health care services research.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT05512091; https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT05512091

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/58335
Virtual Reality–Applied Home-Visit Rehabilitation for Patients With Chronic Pain: Protocol for Single-Arm Pre-Post Comparison Study (Preprint)
Authors: Funao Hiroki , Momosaki Ryo , Tsujikawa Mayumi , Kawamoto Eiji , Esumi Ryo , Shimaoka Motomu
Published: March 2024

BACKGROUND

Pain inhibits rehabilitation. In rehabilitation at medical institutions, the usefulness of virtual reality (VR) has been reported in many cases to alleviate pain. In recent years, the demand for home rehabilitation has increased. Unlike in medical situations, the patients targeted for in-home rehabilitation often have chronic pain due to physical and psychosocial factors, and the environment is not specialized for rehabilitation. However, VR might be effective for in-home rehabilitation settings.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate the feasibility of applying VR to home-visit rehabilitation for homebound patients with chronic pain.

METHODS

This study will test the feasibility of VR applied to home-visit rehabilitation for patients with chronic pain. A single-arm pre-post comparison will be conducted to evaluate its feasibility. Screening will be conducted on patients who have given consent to participate in the study, and those who have pain that persists or recurs for more than 3 months and receive home-visit rehabilitation will be enrolled in the study. Baseline measurements will be conducted on study participants before the start of the VR intervention. VR-applied home-visit rehabilitation will be conducted once a week for a total of 10 VR interventions. The primary endpoint is the change in pain from the baseline to the tenth intervention. Pain is a subjective symptom of the study participants and will be subjectively assessed by the Numerical Rating Scale of 11 levels from 0 to 10. Pain as the primary endpoint will be measured at 3-time points per rehabilitation session: before, during, and after the rehabilitation so that changes between time points can be evaluated. Secondary endpoints are heart rate variability, range of motion of the area in the musculoskeletal system where the pain occurs, motivation for rehabilitation, catastrophic thoughts of pain, mood state, quality of life, and interviews. Assessments will be conducted at the baseline, first, fifth, and tenth interventions. After completing the clinical study (10 VR interventions), patients will continue their regular home-visit rehabilitation as usual.

RESULTS

Recruitment of participants began on February 22, 2022, and data collection is ongoing as of November 2024. The research results will be published in international peer-reviewed journals and through presentations at national and international conferences.

CONCLUSIONS

This study will contribute to the development of novel rehabilitation-based solutions for homebound patients who have had difficulty obtaining adequate relief from chronic pain. Future studies will consider conducting randomized controlled trials as clinical trials to validate the efficacy of VR during home-visit rehabilitation for patients with chronic pain.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/58734
Competencias y habilidades para el diseño curricular en la formación de postgrado en biotecnología, República Dominicana
Authors: Solís Omar , Núñez Alberto
Published: March 2024

La oferta académica de postgrado en Biotecnología de las Instituciones de Educación Superior dominicanas es aún insuficiente. Resulta necesario hacer un análisis de las competencias que deben ser contempladas para el diseño curricular de postgrado en Biotecnología en República Dominicana. Se realizó un estudio cuantitativo de corte transversal mediante entrevistas a 30 expertos dominicanos de la Biotecnología, mediante un cuestionario de 45 competencias y habilidades, cuyos resultados se compararon con las competencias y habilidades requeridas en Estados Unidos y Reino Unido. Se propone un marco de referencia de competencias, habilidades técnicas y otras habilidades que no difiere sustancialmente de las prioridades que se otorgan en esos países. Se identificaron competencias y habilidades que se complementan con el desarrollo actual de la Biotecnología (Bioinformática y Telemedicina). Las competencias en habilidades de negocios del sector biotecnológico es un campo emergente a ser considerado en el diseño curricular.
Disminución de la matrícula universitaria por deserción: una revisión estructurada
Authors: Zerpa Carlos , Rodríguez-Montoya Cristóbal
Published: March 2024

Este artículo presenta una revisión estructurada de la literatura sobre los factores que contribuyen a la disminución de la matrícula universitaria debido a la deserción, empleando la declaración PRISMA como modelo. Esta revisión considera un conjunto de 15 documentos seleccionados que abarcan un total de N = 19089 participantes. Los resultados de nuestro estudio evidencian una notable falta de consenso en los enfoques y métodos utilizados para tratar este fenómeno y resaltan varios factores críticos que contribuyen a la deserción universitaria: factores académicos, motivacionales, económicos, percepción de la calidad del sistema educativo, escasez de recursos de apoyo, baja valoración de la educación recibida, y problemas familiares. Los hallazgos proporcionan una base sólida para informar y diseñar políticas de retención efectivas en las instituciones de educación superior, lo cual es de suma importancia para el fortalecimiento del sector educativo.
Kurt Lewin: teoría de campo, investigación acción y educación
Authors: Villamizar Acevedo Gustavo
Published: March 2024

En este artículo, se presenta una semblanza biográfica de Kurt Lewin, uno de los más originales e importantes psicólogos del siglo XX, sus principales aportes a la psicología social y a la metodología de la investigación a través de la teoría de campo, la dinámica de grupo, las teorías sobre liderazgo y la investigación-acción. Se enfatiza en los aportes de la investigación-acción a la educación, su reconocimiento a mediados del siglo XX, su olvido en épocas posteriores y como esta metodología permeó la obra de diversos investigadores en Estados Unidos, Australia y América Latina, y sirvió de base para la estructuración de la investigación-acción-participante, así como en el desarrollo de la pedagogía de Paulo Freire. El objetivo del trabajo consiste en resaltar las repercusiones de la obra de Lewin en la psicología y pedagogía, tanto a nivel teórico como metodológico. Pero, así como se resalta su obra, también se consideran sus limitaciones, siendo la más llamativas de ella, su falta de sistematicidad.
Destrezas transferibles y educación artística superior. Percepción de docentes y estudiantes de artes
Authors: Torres Sara , Sánchez Vizcaíno Elena , Fernández Costa O'Dogherty Rubén
Published: March 2024

Se comparte el análisis descriptivo de las percepciones sobre destrezas transferibles del alumnado y docentes de una institución de educación universitaria que imparte grados en Artes Escénicas, Cinematografía, Música, Bellas Artes y Fotografía. Se considera que la inclusión de destrezas transferibles en la enseñanza artística superior puede favorecer el desarrollo personal y profesional del estudiantado y promover su empleabilidad. Con esta hipótesis se indaga en la percepción del alumnado y profesorado con relación a estas destrezas a través de un estudio comparativo-descriptivo con una metodología cuantitativa. En los resultados se identifica en primer lugar, que las destrezas menos valoradas por ambos colectivos son precisamente las que reclama el sector empleador. En segundo lugar, existen claras diferencias en las valoraciones realizadas por el profesorado y por el alumnado y entre las cinco ramas artísticas. Finalmente, se evidencia la necesidad de incluir estas destrezas para mejorar la empleabilidad de las personas graduadas.