bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Lipolysis pathways modulate lipid mediator release and endocannabinoid system signaling in dairy cows’ adipocytes
Authors: Myers Madison N. , Chirivi Miguel , Gandy Jeff C. , Tam Joseph , Zachut Maya , Contreras G. Andres
Published: August 2024

Background

As cows transition from pregnancy to lactation, free fatty acids (FFA) are mobilized from adipose tissues (AT) through lipolysis to counter energy deficits. In clinically healthy cows, lipolysis intensity is reduced throughout lactation; however, if FFA release exceeds tissue demands or the liver’s metabolic capacity, lipid byproducts accumulate, increasing cows’ risk of metabolic and infectious disease. Endocannabinoids (eCBs) and their congeners, N-acylethanolamines (NAEs), are lipid-based compounds that modulate metabolism and inflammation. Their synthesis and release depend upon the availability of FFA precursors and the abundance of synthesizing and degrading enzymes and transporters. Therefore, we hypothesized that eCB production and transcription of endocannabinoid system components are modulated by lipolysis pathways in adipocytes. To test this hypothesis, we stimulated canonical (isoproterenol, 1 µmol/L; ISO) and inflammatory (lipopolysaccharide, 1 µg/mL; LPS) lipolysis pathways in adipocytes isolated from the AT of 5 Holstein dairy cows. Following, we assessed lipolysis intensity, adipocytes’ release of eCBs, and transcription of endocannabinoid system components.

Results

We found that ISO and LPS stimulated lipolysis at comparable intensities. Exposure to either treatment tended to elevate the release of eCBs and NAEs by cultured adipocytes; however, specific eCBs and NAEs and the transcriptional profiles differed by treatment. On one hand, ISO enhanced adipocytes’ release of 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) but reduced NAE production. Notably, ISO enhanced the cells’ expression of enzymes associated with 2-AG biosynthesis (INPP5F, GDPD5, GPAT4), transport (CD36), and adipogenesis (PPARG). Conversely, LPS enhanced adipocytes’ synthesis and release of N-arachidonoylethanolamide (AEA). This change coincided with enhanced transcription of the NAE-biosynthesizing enzyme, PTPN22, and adipocytes’ transcription of genes related to eCB degradation (PTGS2, MGLL, CYP27B1). Furthermore, LPS enhanced adipocytes’ transcription of eCB and NAE transporters (HSPA1A, SCP2) and the expression of the anti-adipogenic ion channel, TRPV3.

Conclusions

Our data provide evidence for distinct modulatory roles of canonical and inflammatory lipolysis pathways over eCB release and transcriptional regulation of biosynthesis, degradation, transport, and ECS signaling in cows’ adipocytes. Based on our findings, we conclude that, within adipocytes, eCB production and ECS component expression are, at least in part, mediated by lipolysis in a pathway-dependent manner. These findings contribute to a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying metabolic regulation in dairy cows’ AT, with potential implications for prevention and treatment of inflammatory and metabolic disorders.

Graphical Abstract
Fitcam: detecting and counting repetitive exercises with deep learning
Authors: Japhne Ferdinandz , Janada Kevin , Theodorus Agustinus , Chowanda Andry
Published: August 2024

Physical fitness is one of the most important traits a person could have for health longevity. Conducting regular exercise is fundamental to maintaining physical fitness, but with the caveat of occurring injury if not done properly. Several algorithms exists to automatically monitor and evaluate exercise using the user’s pose. However, it is not an easy task to accurately monitor and evaluate exercise poses automatically. Moreover, there are limited number of datasets exists in this area. In our work, we attempt to construct a neural network model that could be used to evaluate exercise poses based on key points extracted from exercise video frames. First, we collected several images consists of different exercise poses. We utilize the the OpenPose library to extract key points from exercise video datasets and LSTM neural network to learn exercise patterns. The result of our experiment has shown that the methods used are quite effective for exercise types of push-up, sit-up, squat, and plank. The neural-network model achieved more than 90% accuracy for the four exercise types.
TVRAVNF: an efficient low-cost TEE-based virtual remote attestation scheme for virtual network functions
Authors: Yuan Jie , Xu Rui , Wei Xinghai , Miao Keji , Liu Dongxiao
Published: August 2024

With the continuous advancement of virtualization technology and the widespread adoption of 5G networks, the application of the Network Function Virtualization (NFV) architecture has become increasingly popular and prevalent. While the NFV architecture brings a lot of advantages, it also introduces security challenges, including the effective and efficient verification of the integrity of deployed Virtual Network Functions (VNFs) and ensuring the secure operation of VNFs. To address the challenge of efficiently conducting virtual remote attestation for VNFs and establishing trust in virtualized environments like NFV architecture, we propose TVRAVNF, which is a highly efficient and low-cost TEE-based virtual remote attestation scheme for VNFs. The scheme we proposed ensures the security and effectiveness of the virtual remote attestation process by leveraging TEE. Furthermore, we introduces a novel local attestation mechanism, which not only reduces the overall overhead of the virtual remote attestation process but also shortens the attestation interval to mitigate Time-Of-Check-Time-Of-Use attacks, thereby enhancing overall security. We conduct experiments to validate the overhead of the TVRAVNF scheme and compare its performance with that of a typical remote attestation process within a maximum unattested time interval. The experimental results demonstrate that, by employing the local attestation mechanism, our solution achieves nearly an 80% significant performance improvement with a relatively small time overhead for small to medium-sized files. This further substantiates the significant advantages of our approach in both security and efficiency.
Potential antidiabetic activity of probiotic and Garcinia kola-yoghurt and its role in regulation of male fertility-stimulating hormones in high-fat diet/low dose streptozotocin-treated rats
Authors: Mohamed Rasha S. , Fouda Karem , Zaghloul Ahmed H. , Abdel-Salam Ahmed M.
Published: August 2024

Garcinia kola Heckel seed is widely used in the African traditional medicine as a aphrodisiac and male fertility enhancer. Probiotics can reestablish glucose homeostasis and improve blood lipid profiles by altering the composition of the intestinal flora. The study was planned to assess the efficacy of co-administration of Garcinia kola seed aqueous infusion and probiotic yoghurt in the management of diabetes and associated male fertility-stimulating hormones abnormalities. G. kola seed infusion was prepared, assessed for radical scavenging capacity, total phenolic content and phenolic profile using HPLC. Fermented yoghurt was prepared and inoculated with probiotic mixture. Rats were given a high-fat diet for four weeks and received an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (30 mg/kg) to induce type 2 diabetes. Diabetic rats were received 200 mg/kg freeze-dried infusion of G. kola seed, probiotics yoghurt, and probiotic yoghurt mixed with G. kola once a day for four weeks. The levels of glucose, insulin, testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, inflammatory indicators, oxidative markers, lipid profiles and liver as well as kidney biochemical indicators were measured. The administration of G. kola seed, probiotic yoghurt, or their combination to diabetic rats demonstrated potential anti-diabetic effects as evidenced by the down-regulation in glucose, insulin, lipid profile, oxidative markers, and inflammatory markers simultaneously with an up-regulation in testosterone, FSH, and LH levels compared to diabetic rats. G. kola seed, probiotic yoghurt, or their combination increased testosterone, FSH, and LH levels and are thought to have therapeutic promise for T2DM and its related oxidative stress.

Graphical Abstract
Global and regional cardiac magnetic resonance feature tracking left ventricular strain analysis in assessing early myocardial disease in β thalassemia major patients
Authors: Batouty Nihal M. , Tawfik Ahmad M. , Sobh Donia M. , Gadelhak Basma N. , El-Ashwah Shimaa , Hussein Mohamed Abdelghafar , Gad Mai , Aziz A. Ashraf Abd El , El-Shahed Mahmoud Abd , Karam Rasha
Published: August 2024

Background

Cardiac magnetic resonance imaging (CMR) is the modality of choice for quantification of myocardial iron overload in β-thalassemia major patients using the T2* sequence. CMR feature tracking (FT) is a recent magnetic resonance imaging tool that gives an idea about myocardial fibers deformation; thus, it can detect early impairment in myocardial function even before the reduction in ejection fraction.

Methods

This study aims to assess the ability of left ventricular CMR-FT in the early detection of systolic dysfunction in β thalassemia major patients and to correlate it with the degree of myocardial iron overload measured by CMR T2*. This prospective study enrolled 57 β thalassemia major patients who received long-term blood transfusion and 20 healthy controls. CMR was used to evaluate left ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, and the amount of myocardial T2*. A two-dimensional left ventricular FT analysis was performed. Both global and segmental left ventricular strain values were obtained.

Results

The mean global circumferential strain (GCS) and global radial strain (GRS) values were significantly lower in patients compared to control (P = 0.002 and P = 0.006, respectively). No correlation was found between T2* values and ejection fraction; however, there was a significant correlation between T2* values and GCS and GRS (P = 0.012 and P = 0.025, respectively) in thalassemia patients. Regional strain revealed significantly lower values of GCS and GRS in basal regions compared to apical ones (P = 0.000).

Conclusions

Our study revealed that CMR-FT can play a role in the early detection of systolic impairment in thalassemia patients.
The effects of Bolsa Família on human development: systematic review approach
Authors: Ciula Raffaele
Published: August 2024

Usually conditional cash transfer programmes (CCTs) are interpreted as passive policies dealing with income maintenance and needs fulfilment. However, recently some of the literature has suggested a more active role for them. The aim of this article is to investigate the inclusive role of human rights-based CCTs using the Bolsa Família (BF) policy as a case study. Specifically, I assess the effect of this programme on human development using a systematic review of results from natural, quasi-experimental, counterfactual and longitudinal analyses. The main findings suggest some positive effect of the BF on human development. However, the BF programme should be more integrated with the education and the health system to ameliorate the advancement of human rights. For example, when social workers visit recipient families they should enrol children in the education system. Also, healthcare teams should visit recipient families more frequently and provide healthcare advice as well as healthcare support to ameliorate the nutritional and health status of children.
Reaching the unreachable through action research? Thomas Mathiesen and the Nordic socio-legal tradition
Authors: Olesen Annette , Hammerslev Ole
Published: August 2024

Thomas Mathiesen has been a source of inspiration for research in critical sociology, criminology, and the sociology of law for many decades. Mathiesen’s impact extends far beyond the academic realm, as his action research lives on. This intervention discusses the ongoing influence of Mathiesen’s action research approach, which integrates research, education, and societal impact. This is illustrated through an action research project we conducted in Denmark’s largest marginalised living area, where over 1,000 public housing units are being demolished, affecting approximately 2,500 residents. In the project, we experimented with different outreach legal aid approaches, considering our own positionalities, to gain knowledge about how to establish a legal aid infrastructure that could reach the unreachable. An ethical dilemma we faced was how we could engage with the people without inadvertently naming issues, particularly legal problems, of which they might not be aware. If the residents were unaware of these issues or did not consider them important, could we then inadvertently create and juridify new problems for them? Moreover, this intervention discusses how, in alignment with Mathiesen, we combined legal aid with legal clinical education, that is, training law students to become legal aid workers. We conclude that Mathiesen’s approach remains relevant, and by integrating his action research with decolonial thoughts, new insights may emerge to reach the seemingly unreachable.
Δημοβόρος Βασιλεύς: People-Devouring Kings in the Political Cosmologies of Archaic Greece and Vedic India
Authors: Johnson Ethan Drake
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This paper compares two passages which depict mythological figures as people-eating kings. The first, in Homeric Greek, depicts Agamemnon as a "people-devourer," δημοβόρος ( Il . 1.231); the second, in Vedic Sanskrit, depicts Indra as a "people-eater," janabhakṣá ( Ṛgveda 2.21.3). I attempt to show that, while different in important respects, these two passages can be meaningfully compared, and that such a comparison results in an innovative interpretation of both passages. This interpretation depicts Agamemnon as an earthly Indra who exercises a sovereign violence which no longer recognizes his peers as fellow humans but instead sees them as fodder.
The Permanent Diaconate: An Unfulfilled Tridentine Reform? Reassessing a Magisterial Historical Claim
Authors: Belleza Jose Isidro
Published: August 2024

ABSTRACT: The 1998 Joint Declaration and Introduction on the Permanent Diaconate has propagated the thesis that a restored permanent diaconate was mandated by the Council of Trent but never carried out until after the Second Vatican Council. The present essay examines that historical claim and concludes to the contrary. Through a close reading of the redaction history of the Tridentine text concerned, an overview of relevant debates at Vatican II (including the antepreparatory period), and a survey of magisterial pronouncements from the pontificates of Paul VI and John Paul II, this paper demonstrates that the contemporary Latin rite permanent diaconate has no precedent in the Council of Trent but is rather a product of twentieth-century liturgical reform.
CONSTELAÇÕES EM SALA DE AULA
Authors: Pacheco Hualan Patrício , Gomes Ferreira da Silva Laffert , Tonatto Zibetti Marli Lúcia , Rodrigues Mamédio Eduardo
Published: August 2024

O presente trabalho tem como objetivo mostrar a organização do ensino do tema de constelações por meio de um relato de experiências de uma prática docente em um curso de formação de professores do Instituto Federal de Educação, Ciência e Tecnologia de Rondônia (IFRO). Os oito alunos da licenciatura em física cursaram a disciplina de Introdução à Astronomia e Astronáutica ao longo do primeiro semestre de 2022 e um dos temas tratados foi as constelações, suas origens e a necessidade destas para o mundo antigo e ainda para o contemporâneo. As metodologias utilizadas para tratar o tema englobavam a utilização de materiais impressos em 3D, a construção de maquete de uma constelação escolhida por eles, aulas expositivas sobre o tema e, por fim, a utilização de um planisfério para o mapeamento do céu. Os alunos demonstraram entendimento completo sobre a função social das constelações em civilizações antigas, evidenciaram também a necessidade de aprofundamento do conteúdo e aprovaram a metodologia utilizada como fator preponderante para leva-los ao entendimento dos aspectos relacionados às constelações.
International teacher survey on green and sustainable chemistry (GSC) practical activities: design and implementation
Authors: Delaney Seamus , Chiavaroli Lisa , Dissanayake Tharani , Pham Lam , Schultz Madeleine
Published: August 2024

High school chemistry teachers typically share a passion to engage students with hands-on practical experiences. However, teachers worldwide face similar challenges of lack of time and resources for laboratory activities. National standards and traditions can also constrain and dictate the level and content of school chemistry practical experiences. In recent years, some national curricula have included a growing focus on the relevance of chemistry to sustainability and environmental issues. Until now, little has been known about what practical activities teachers actually do with their students, and whether practical activities concerning green and sustainable chemistry are being implemented in schools. In this project, we aimed to determine a baseline of teacher perspectives – how often they run practical activities with their students, what factors are important when choosing a practical activity, what barriers they face in running practical activities, and whether their activities relate to sustainability. This was approached through a major international survey of in-service high school chemistry teachers conducted in over 35 local languages in over 60 countries. Here, we present the initial stages of the project: design of the survey, recruitment of country coordinators, translation, and the implementation process.
Comparing the quality of life of adolescent girls with and without polycystic ovary syndrome and identifying the predictor factors
Authors: Homaei Ali , Razzaghi Alireza , Dodangeh Samira , Kaveh Azin , Daneshi Salman , Hushmandi Kiavash , Saffari Fatemeh
Published: August 2024

Objectives

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder that affects the endocrine glands and reproductive processes in adolescent girls, potentially impacting their quality of life. This study aims to compare the quality of life between adolescent girls with PCOS and those without PCOS.

Methods

The present study is an analytical cross-sectional study. It involved 12–18-year-old girls who were diagnosed with PCOS based on the Rotterdam criteria for the case group. An ordinal logistic regression model was employed to assess the impact of the studied variables on different levels of quality of life, and Odds Ratio (OR) values were determined for predictor variables.

Results

The findings of the study revealed that the control group had a significantly higher percentage of individuals with excellent quality of life (score 209–260) compared to the group with polycystic ovary syndrome (p<0.05). The results of the ordinal logistic regression analysis indicated that age variables (OR=0.64, CI 95 %; 0.44–0.93), menstrual disorders (OR=0.07, CI 95 %; 0.01–0.38), and micromastia (OR=0.03, CI 95 %; 0.004–0.34) were identified as factors influencing the quality of life of girls with polycystic ovary syndrome.

Conclusions

It was concluded that patients with PCOS had a lower quality of life score. The variables of age, menstrual disorders, and micromastia were determined as influencing factors the quality of life. The results of this study are significant and warrant further research in this area, particularly with regard to the financial resources of patients in the challenging economic circumstances facing the nation – the majority of which are brought on by economic sanctions.
Curious ill-posedness phenomena in the composition of non-compact linear operators in Hilbert spaces
Authors: Kindermann Stefan , Hofmann Bernd
Published: August 2024

We consider the composition of
operators with non-closed range in
Hilbert spaces and how the nature of
ill-posedness is affected by their composition. Specifically, we study the
Hausdorff-, Cesàro-, integration
operator, and their adjoints, as well as some combinations of those. For the composition
of the Hausdorff- and the
Cesàro-operator,
we give
estimates of the decay of the corresponding singular values.
As a curiosity, this provides also
an example of two practically relevant
non-compact operators, for which
their composition is compact.
Furthermore, we characterize those operators for which a composition with
a non-compact operator gives a compact one.
BDNF-altering cell death mechanisms of brain disorders: pyroptosis and/or ferroptosis? A systematic review
Authors: Ahmad Abdullah Amirul Hafiz , Jufri Nurul Farhana , Masre Siti Fathiah , Rajab Nor Fadilah , Damanhuri Hanafi Ahmad , Che Roos Nur Aishah , Ibrahim Farah Wahida
Published: August 2024

The brain plays a central role in controlling and regulating bodily activities. Given its significance, the brain needs to remain in optimal condition to function properly. Neurodegenerative diseases arise when the mechanisms maintaining brain homeostasis fail, resulting in prolonged and uncontrolled activation of cell death pathways. Increasingly, researchers are focusing on specific types of cell death, such as ferroptosis and pyroptosis, due to their potential as targets for preventing and treating neurodegenerative diseases. Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) is a crucial growth factor for neurogenesis, neuronal survival, and maintenance, and is thus implicated in cell death mechanisms. This review aims to elucidate the role of BDNF in the ferroptosis and pyroptosis mechanisms that impact brain health. To achieve this, three databases – PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science – were searched for relevant studies, yielding 95 articles, of which only 14 were aligned with the study’s aim. Ferroptosis (iron-dependent cell death) and pyroptosis (inflammatory cell death) are distinct modes of cell death; however, this review found both mechanisms are associated with oxidative stress. Consequently, the findings suggest that ferroptosis and pyroptosis collectively impact brain health conditions such as depression, cognitive deficiencies, and anxiety, which are notably linked to reduced BDNF levels.
Acciones para establecer el esquema de certificación de Sistemas de Gestión de Organizaciones Educativas basado en NC-ISO 21001:2019 en Cuba
Authors: Guerra Bretaña Rosa Mayelín , Sosa Vera Rita. C.
Published: August 2024

To demonstrate their quality, higher education institutions can be accredited by sectoral educational quality schemes or certify their management systems, following the approaches of the International Organization for Standardization. The objective of this work is to present the actions carried out in Cuba to establish the certification scheme, according to NC-ISO 21001:2019. To this end, a descriptive research was carried out, with a qualitative approach, supported by the analysis of scientific articles and other documents that substantiate the importance of the SGOE. The focus group technique was applied to know the experts' perceptions about the relevance of establishing this certification in the country. The necessary actions were planned to establish the scheme and it was designed with the University of Havana, as owner. The certification of Management Systems for Educational Organizations will allow institutions that provide higher-level and postgraduate training services to demonstrate the quality of their educational processes, through compliance with the NC-ISO 21001:2019 standard, by a third-party evaluation scheme, which includes educational organizations that are not governed by the sectoral accreditation system established in Cuba.
Integración de los sistemas de gestión ISO 9001:2015 e ISO 45001:2018. Caso estudio Intrapauto S.A.S
Authors: Margffoy Soracá Adiela Alexandra , Cipagauta Esquivel Edna Carolina , Fonseca Zapata Angie Ivhonne , Forero Ropero Sonia Milena
Published: August 2024

The objective of the study is to structure in an integrated way the quality management and occupational health and safety systems under the iso 9001:2015 and iso 45001:2018 standards applied to the transport company Intrapauto S.A.S, which shows the need to simplify documentation, avoid reprocessing and increase competitiveness; Three methodological phases are formulated, initially an organizational diagnosis is carried out regarding compliance with the requirements of these two standards, subsequently the integration method most in line with the needs of the company is selected and finally the integration of the management systems is designed. As a conclusion, the integration of quality management and occupational health and safety systems was obtained for Intrapauto S.A.S under the iso Handbook methodology, in order to increase the satisfaction of customers and other interested parties, improve the company's position in the sector and reduce implementation costs.
THE OPTIMAL SETTINGS FOR THE ONLINE-INTEGRATED MODEL ENVIRO-HIRLAM IN ORDER TO SIMULATE THE ATMOSPHERE-CHEMISTRY INTERACTION FOR THE UKRAINIAN TERRITORY
Authors:   Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute of SESU and NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine, Savenets M. , Pysarenko L. ,   Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute of SESU and NASU, Kyiv, Ukraine
Published: August 2024

The necessity of studying complicated feedbacks in the atmosphere and their further implementation in numerical models caused the development of online-integrated modelling. Due to the requirements of huge computer resources, this type of modelling is still not broadly available in Ukraine. The paper presents the analysis of optimal settings and input data towards the use of the online-integrated model Enviro-HIRLAM for the Ukrainian territory. Enviro-HIRLAM could be used to simulate the complicated atmosphere-chemistry interaction and include the role of direct and indirect aerosol effects on the atmospheric processes. Based on the numerous simulations using Enviro-HIRLAM while conducting two HPC-Europa3 projects, the optimal settings and input data for the Ukrainian territory were found. It is possible to define standard boundaries for a domain covering the entire Ukrainian territory with 5-km horizontal resolution. This domain does not depend on prevailing synoptic processes because it is used as a downscaling from the 15-km resolution domain, which covers large territories and considers atmospheric circulation. Further downscaling to 2 km and 1.5 km horizontal resolution allows studying the urbanization effects on the atmosphere. The paper describes settings which depend on available computer resources: dynamic time step, number of tasks and nodes, number of sub-domains, etc. We present the possible datasets which could be used for meteorological and atmospheric composition initial and boundary conditions for the Ukrainian territory. Moreover, the possible land-use/ land cover datasets and emission inventories are also given. Overall, this setting and input data allow users to run Enviro-HIRLAM using modes which include direct, indirect, or both (direct + indirect) aerosol effects. However, the control run is preferable for result comparison.
HOMOGENIZATION OF PRECIPITATION TIME SERIES: MAIN MODERN APPROACHES AND SOFTWARE TOOLS
Authors: Kyreieva Z. ,   Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute of State Emergency Service of Ukraine and National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine, Skrynyk O. , Palamarchuk L. ,   National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute of State Emergency Service of Ukraine,   Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Institute of State Emergency Service of Ukraine and National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine
Published: August 2024

In our work, we analyzed modern software products that are frequently used for quality control and homogenization of long climatological time series of different variables, in particular, atmospheric precipitation. Based on our analysis, the HOMER software was selected to perform quality control and homogenization procedures for time series of monthly precipitation sums. The advantages of using HOMER include the possibility for the researcher to make a decision on confirming the breakpoints at the stage of joint comparison (joint detection), which allows considering the available information about the natural variability of atmospheric precipitation in the region and preventing oversmoothing of their values. The HOMER homogenization procedure was applied to monthly atmospheric precipitation time series collected in Ukraine for the period 1946-2020. Possible areas of inhomogeneity of the series (break points) were established and it was determined that the value of the shift amplitude is 0.1-0.7 (in relative units of standard deviation). The correction of the time series of the monthly precipitation sums for the studied period was carried out and it was calculated that their change depends on the magnitude and sign of the shift amplitude and is 10-20% of the initial amounts of precipitation. The considered methodological techniques and approaches to data quality control and their homogenization using the HOMER software can be applied in further precipitation studies.
From Single-Objective to Bi-Objective Maximum Satisfiability Solving
Authors: Jabs Christoph , Berg Jeremias , Niskanen Andreas , Järvisalo Matti
Published: August 2024

The declarative approach is key to efficiently finding optimal solutions to various types of NP-hard real-world combinatorial optimization problems. Most work on practical declarative solvers—ranging from classical integer programming to finite-domain constraint optimization and maximum satisfiability (MaxSAT)—has focused on optimization under a single objective; fewer advances have been made towards efficient declarative techniques for multi-objective optimization problems. Motivated by significant recent advances in practical solvers for MaxSAT, in this work we develop BiOptSat, an exact declarative approach for finding Pareto-optimal solutions to bi-objective optimization problems, with propositional logic as the underlying constraint language. BiOptSat can be viewed as an instantiation of the lexicographic method. The approach makes use of a single Boolean satisfiability solver that is incrementally employed throughout the entire search procedure, allowing for finding a single Pareto-optimal solution, finding one representative solution for each non-dominated point, and enumerating all Pareto-optimal solutions. We detail several algorithmic instantiations of BiOptSat, each building on recent algorithms proposed for single-objective MaxSAT. We empirically evaluate the instantiations compared to recently-proposed alternative approaches to multi-objective MaxSAT solving on several real-world domains from the literature, showing the practical benefits of our approach.
Riqueza, diversidad, endemismo y determinantes ambientales de Pinus L. en Oaxaca, México
Authors: Sosa-Díaz Librado , Valdez-Lazalde José  René , López-Mata Lauro , Ángeles-Pérez Gregorio , De los Santos-Posadas Héctor Manuel
Published: August 2024

Background: Oaxaca is a Mexican region with a high richness of pine trees. However, the specific location where it occurs and the influence of the environment on it is deficient.
Questions: Where the greatest richness, diversity and endemism of Pinus species is located in Oaxaca? How does the environment influence the richness, diversity, and endemism of Pinus species in Oaxaca?
Studied species: Pinus ayacahuite, Pinus chiapensis, Pinus devoniana, Pinus douglasiana, Pinus hartwegii, Pinus herrerae, Pinus lawsonii, Pinus leiophylla, Pinus maximinoi, Pinus montezumae, Pinus oocarpa, Pinus patula, Pinus pringlei, Pinus pseudostrobus, Pinus tecunumanii and Pinus teocote.
Study site: Oaxaca
Methods: Occurrences of pine species were collected. From these, spatial cells were delimited, and species and environmental matrices were constructed, with which canonical correspondence analysis was carried out. The richness, diversity, and endemism of pines per cell was calculated, correlating them with physical-environmental parameters.
Results: 15 cells with high richness and 17 with high endemism were identified, located in the Sierra Sur, Sierra Norte and La Mixteca regions. Richness, diversity, and endemism were negatively influenced by temperature and compaction soil (r = -0.48, P < 0.01) and positively by topographic (r = 0.43, P < 0.01) and soil parameters (r = 0.45, P < 0.01).
Conclusions: The Sierra Norte, Sierra Sur and La Mixteca contain the greatest richness and endemism of pine species in Oaxaca. Richness is positively and negatively related to topographic and temperature variables, respectively.
LOS GENEROS MARCGRAVIASTRUM Y NORANTEA (MARCGRAVIACEAE) EN BRASIL
Authors: Giraldo-Cañas Diego
Published: August 2024

Se hace un estudio taxonómico de los géneros Marcgraviastrum (Wittm. ex Szyszyl.) de Roon & S. Dressler y Norantea Aubl. para la flora de Brasil. Se presentan una nueva combinación para el género Marcgraviastrum [M. delpinianum (Wittm.) Giraldo-Cañas = Norantea delpiniana Wittm.] y un nuevo registro para la flora brasileña [Marcgraviastrum mixtum (Triana & Planch.) Bedel!]. Así, el género Marcgraviastrum queda representado en Brasil por tres especies, dos de las cuales son endémicas de la región sudorienta(: Marcgraviastrum cuneifolium (Gardner) Bedell y M. delpinianum . Por su parte, Norantea se reconoce como género monotípico (N. guianensis Aubl.), para el cual se proponen varios sinónimos.
GEOMORFOLOGIA Y UNIDADES ECOLOGICAS DEL COMPLEJO DE ARRECIFES DE LAS ISLAS DEL ROSARIO E ISLA BARÚ (MAR CARIBE, COLOMBIA)
Authors: Cendales María Helena , Zea Sven , Díaz Juan Manuel
Published: August 2024

Se complementó la cartografía temática de los biotopos marinos de arrecifes del archipiélago del Rosario e Isla Barú, Caribe continental colombiano. El archipiélago es un complejo de arrecifes holocénico con terrazas, arrecifes franjeantes y bajos tipo bancos coralinos, formado por la interacción entre diapirismo de lodo, cambios relativos del nivel del mar y crecimiento de arrecifes. Las unidades ecológicas corresponden a la zonificación vertical coralina del Caribe continental. Hay grandes extensiones de corales Acropora spp. muertos y entre ellos se desarrollan otros organismos (principalmente algas), resultando en un reemplazo de especies dominantes y en cambios en el esquema de zonación. Las especies sobrevivientes se encuentran en regular estado de salud, afectadas por condiciones de estrés de origen regional y local.
COMPARACIÓN DE LOS FLUJOS DE NITRÓGENO Y FÓSFORO INORGÁNICOS DISUELTOS EN LA CIÉNAGA GRANDE DE SANTA MARTA, CARIBE COLOMBIANO, OBTENIDOS A PARTIR DE CÁMARAS DE INCUBACIÓN IN SITU E INCUBACIÓN DE NÚCLEOS DE SEDIMENTO EN LABORATORIO
Authors: Navas S. Gabriel R. , Zea Sven , Campos Néstor Hernando
Published: August 2024

En este trabajo se comparan los resultados de dos métodos de bajo costo para determinar los flujos de nitrógeno y fósforo en forma iónica en la interfase agua-sedimento blando en la Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta. Se emplearon cámaras transparentes ubicadas in situ y núcleos de sedimento incubados en el laboratorio. En el interior de las cámaras se presentó una disminución rápida de la concentración de oxígeno disuelto, por lo que la incubación no pudo extenderse más allá de seis horas, tiempo durante el cual no se detectaron variaciones importantes en las especies químicas consideradas. Además, las cámaras fueron difíciles de manipular. Los núcleos de sedimento incubados en el laboratorio por 24 horas no presentaron disminuciones acusadas de oxígeno disuelto y los cambios de concentración iónica fueron, en general, suficientes para obtener una cuantificación de los flujos.
A PROPOSITO DE UN TEXTO PARA LA ENSEÑANZA DE LA QUIMICA EDITADO A PRINCIPIOS DEL SIGLO XX EN COLOMBIA
Authors: De Ramírez Inés Bernal
Published: August 2024

Se presenta una reseña del texto y se examinan las diversas circunstancias que afrontaba la enseñanza de la química a principios del siglo XX y las que se viven hoy en Colombia. Se hacen algunas consideraciones y sugerencias sobre la metodología de la enseñanza de esta ciencia a nivel básico para el ciudadano común.
Entre a Pedagogia da Rua e a Sociedade Capsular
Authors: Assumpção Rodrigo Vitorino , Busnardo Filho Antonio
Published: August 2024

O presente trabalho tem como tema as ruas da cidade pós-moderna, que emerge com um papel estruturante no contexto urbano contemporâneo. A rua estabelece planos de vivências em diferentes momentos da vida social. O homem marca seu espaço e seu tempo nas ruas da cidade. Isso significa que cada sociedade abordará diferentemente as questões sobre a rua, pois em cada período da História, o homem deixa seus registros no tempo e no espaço. Nesse contexto, a rua tem um papel ambíguo, é vista ora como palco e cenário, ora como plateia das manifestações sócio culturais dos seus habitantes.  Desta forma, a cidade pode ser interpretada como um sistema simbólico onde a identidade urbana e sua respectiva arquitetura (como produtos da cultura humana) são reflexos de sociedades que habitaram - ou habitam - esse espaço. A rua coloca-se em um papel fundamental para pensar a cidade, pois é nela que o homem deixa sua marca no tempo e no espaço. Na cidade contemporânea, as ruas são palco de uma sociedade capsular, isto é, habitantes com comportamentos endógenos, individualizados. Isso acarreta uma sociedade do medo, da indiferença, da pedagogia do desapego. Mas é na rua que emerge uma pedagogia urbana – essência da Polis Grega – pouco discutida contemporaneamente. Nesse contexto, caminhar pela cidade constitui uma ação fundamental para refletir sobre a pedagogia urbana. O presente trabalho apresenta uma relação antagônica entre a sociedade capsular e a pedagogia urbana, a fim de compreender como as relações sociais se estabelecem nas ruas da cidade contemporânea.
Políticas Públicas de Habitação em Portugal: As contribuições do Poder Público para combate ao déficit habitacional
Authors: Silva Heitor de Andrade , Farias Hugo José Abranches Teixeira Lopes , Pessoa-de-Oliveira Ana Katarina
Published: August 2024

O problema da habitação tem-se mantido ao longo do tempo na realidade da maioria das cidades e tem-se revelado, com algumas particularidades, em diferentes contextos geográficos. Trata-se de uma questão crucial na quase totalidade das áreas urbanas dos países ocidentais, sobretudo no contexto neoliberal, que não tem respondido suficientemente às demandas sociais, econômicas, ambientais e culturais das populações. Naturalmente, as soluções precisam ser distintas, tendo o Estado um papel fundamental. O artigo tem o objetivo de descrever criticamente o conjunto de ações, inclusive algumas recentes, para o enfrentamento do déficit habitacional em Portugal com atenção às estruturas institucionais e às políticas públicas mais importantes. O estudo resulta de uma revisão de literatura sobre o tema em publicações locais e outros meios de divulgação do debate produzidos nos últimos anos. Os resultados confirmam a contribuição essencial do Poder Público, bem como de políticas voltadas para a solução do problema, considerando diversos aspectos associados – direito à cidade, qualidade arquitetônica e resiliência ambiental. É possível concluir que a questão habitacional precisa ser tratada de forma ampla e articulada, enquanto um direito constitucional, que promova a qualidade arquitetônica, bem como o direito à cidade, o fortalecimento da democracia e da cidadania, sendo às políticas públicas um meio crucial.
Registro de fachadas de edificações: um estudo de caso utilizando DJI Matrice 300 RTK e Zenmuse L1
Authors: Martins Érico Fernando de Oliveira , Lopes Marlova Slaviero , Zanin Rodrigo Bruno , Paim Sarah Lirio
Published: August 2024

Esta pesquisa explora o registro de edificações, em particular a captura de dados LiDAR de fachadas por meio de Veículos Aéreos Não Tripulados (VANTs). O registro edificações é crucial para a preservação, manutenção e restauração do imóvel, proporcionando uma base precisa para intervenções e garantindo a documentação detalhada das características arquitetônicas. Foram utilizados o sensor LiDAR DJI Zenmuse L1 embarcado no VANT DJI Matrice 300 RTK. O sensor DJI Zenmuse L1 é notável por gerar nuvens de pontos tridimensionais adensadas e de alta definição, destacando-se no mapeamento cartográfico. O DJI Matrice 300 RTK se distingue por suas capacidades avançadas de detecção de colisão e posicionamento. O método foi testado e teve seus parâmetros definidos por meio de um estudo de caso realizado na Catedral Sagrado Coração de Jesus em Sinop, Mato Grosso, uma edificação com relevância arquitetônica e complexidade geométrica. A pesquisa foi dividida em duas etapas: a primeira visou avaliar os padrões de digitalização e coleta de dados a laser, enquanto a segunda focou em determinar a altitude de voo mais adequada. A primeira etapa revelou que o modo de disparo não repetitivo com coleta de dois retornos do pulso laser era o mais eficaz, produzindo nuvens de pontos mais detalhadas e com menos falhas. A segunda etapa mostrou que, neste estudo de caso, a altitude de 35 metros gerava nuvens de pontos mais consistentes, com tendência de degradação para altitudes maiores. Os resultados demonstraram a eficiência deste método para o registro de edificações.
Evaluation Criteria for Developing a Quality Management System for EdTech Tools
Authors: Kim Min Young , Kim Ja Mee , Lee Dae Hyun , Woo Ho Sung , Kim Yong
Published: August 2024

To support various changes in the education environment and teaching methods, a type of EdTech is emerging which utilizes new information technology and cloud computing-based platforms for education services and ensures more stable operation. As various types of EdTech tools are expected to become more widely adopted in school education in the future, there is a need for accurate information about these tools to be made available, as well as concrete strategies for expanding EdTech-based choice and effective utilization. This study aims to develop optimal evidence-based EdTech evaluation and certification indicators. The process involved five stages: 1) literature review, 2) gathering of expert opinions, 3) deriving improvements, 4) gathering opinions from school environments, and 5) finalizing a framework through analysis of school environment opinions and expert/researcher feedback. The proposed evidence-based EdTech evaluation and certification system includes five evaluation criteria in the technical domain (purpose, convenience, sustainability, integrity/stability, accessibility), with 13 evaluation items, and seven evaluation criteria in the usability domain (purpose, usability, functionality, compatibility, sustainability, integrity/security, ethics), with 20 evaluation items. The results of this study will enhance choice in school environments and contribute to the development of high-quality EdTech tools. The introduction of an evidence-based evaluation and certification system, based on objective data from EdTech stakeholders rather than relying on evaluation by a small group of experts, is expected to enhance trust in EdTech and improve its overall quality.
A Study on the Status of Eco-Tourism and Sustainable Practices - With Special Reference to Mamallapuram, Tamilnadu
Authors: Varghese Sonia
Published: August 2024

Abstract: This research explores the state of ecotourism and sustainability practices in Mahabalipuram by engaging with local businesses, tourists, tourist agencies, and government bodies. The findings reveal significant challenges in waste management, including widespread waste generation, complex waste composition, and inadequate segregation practices. Limited awareness, insufficient infrastructure, and poor stakeholder collaboration exacerbate these issues, resulting in environmental pollution and health risks. Despite sporadic awareness initiatives, sustained and coordinated efforts are needed to promote behavior change among residents, businesses, and tourists. The research highlights the necessity of infrastructure improvements, comprehensive awareness campaigns, regulatory measures, and community engagement to enhance sustainability practices. Government efforts, while proactive, face challenges in ensuring adherence to regulations and fostering environmental stewardship. Overall, this study emphasizes the urgent need for collaborative efforts to address waste management and promote sustainable tourism in Mahabalipuram, aiming for the long-term preservation of its natural and cultural heritage.
Fostering Dialogue: The Power of Communication in Cultivating a Community of Awareness; Ethical Solutions, and a Strong Code of Conduct
Authors: Simões José Manuel ,   University of Saint Joseph, Macao, China, Martins Filipa ,   University of Saint Joseph, Macao, China
Published: August 2024

This research paper researches the transformational power of solution journalism in promoting good change and ethical solutions in the media environment. This paper analyses how solution journalism may leverage the power of communication to develop a community of awareness and foster a robust code of conduct, drawing on studies in media psychology. Solution journalism seeks to motivate individuals to be more prosocial in their behaviours by emphasising the notion of the common good. Solution journalism strives to promote acts of appreciation, charity, and social justice via uplifting visuals, good words, and interviews with altruistic persons. These stories encourage virtues and human greatness, urging the audience to consider and align their behaviours with these principles. This paper investigates how media messages promoting desirable lifestyles might contribute to collective motivation. Solution journalism encourages people to value others and the environment by providing stories that promote solidarity, concern for those in need, and the common good. This shift in viewpoint encourages respect for oneself and others, resulting in a more constructive view of reality. We will emphasise the significance of constructive journalism in fostering a community of awareness, ethical solutions, and a robust code of conduct within the mass media, thereby transforming public discourse, promoting action, and fostering a more compassionate society.
Application of the Jigsaw Cooperative Learning Model Oriented Towards Improving High School Student Learning Outcomes
Authors: Suparwati Sri
Published: August 2024

The problem often encountered in learning is students' low motivation and learning outcomes. This is caused by learning that does not provide opportunities for students to improve their thinking and argumentation skills. This study aims to apply the Jigsaw-Oriented Cooperative Learning Model to the Learning Outcomes of High School Students. This type of research is class action research. The Classroom Action Research used in this study is a model developed by Kemmis and McTaggart. The Classroom Action Research was conducted in two cycles, each with 2 meetings. The number of students involved was 36, consisting of 22 (61%) female and 14 (39%) male. Data collection methods used observation, interviews, and tests. The instruments used to assess students' physics learning outcomes in each cycle were multiple-choice questions. Data was analyzed using qualitative and quantitative descriptive analysis. The study results show that after two research cycles, actions were carried out that showed an increase in student learning outcomes, individually and collectively. The average student learning outcomes increased from 79.8 to 81.1. The number of students who completed was 75% to 83.3%. Therefore, using a cooperative learning paradigm such as Jigsaw can improve students' understanding of physics. It is concluded that the Jigsaw Type Cooperative Learning Model can improve the learning outcomes of high school students.