bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FLASH radiotherapy: bridging revolutionary mechanisms and clinical
frontiers in cancer treatment – a narrative review
Authors: Kim Jae Sik , Kim Hak Jae
Published: October 2024

FLASH radiotherapy (FLASH-RT) is an innovative approach that delivers ultra-high
dose rates exceeding 40 Gy in less than a second, aiming to widen the
therapeutic window by minimizing damage to normal tissue while maintaining tumor
control. This review explores the advancements, mechanisms, and clinical
applications of FLASH-RT across various radiation sources. Electrons have been
predominantly used due to technical feasibility, but their limited penetration
depth restricts clinical application. Protons, offering deeper tissue
penetration, are considered promising for treating deep-seated tumors despite
challenges in beam delivery. Preclinical studies demonstrate that FLASH-RT
reduces normal tissue toxicity in the lung, brain, skin, intestine, and heart
without compromising antitumor efficacy. The mechanisms underlying the FLASH
effect may involve oxygen depletion leading to transient hypoxia, reduced DNA
damage in normal tissues, and modulation of immune and inflammatory responses.
However, these mechanisms are incompletely understood, and inconsistent results
across studies highlight the need for further research. Initial clinical
studies, including treatment of cutaneous lymphoma and bone metastases, indicate
the feasibility and potential benefits of FLASH-RT in patients. Challenges for
clinical implementation include technical issues in dosimetry accuracy at
ultra-high dose rates, adaptations in treatment planning systems, beam delivery
methods, and economic considerations due to specialized equipment requirements.
Future directions will involve comprehensive preclinical studies to optimize
irradiation parameters, large-scale clinical trials to establish standardized
protocols, and technological advancements to overcome limitations. FLASH-RT
holds the potential to revolutionize radiotherapy by reducing normal tissue
toxicity and improving therapeutic outcomes, but significant research is
required for real-world clinical applications.
Clinical indications and future directions of carbon-ion
radiotherapy: a narrative review
Authors: Choi Seo Hee , Koom Woong Sub , Yoon Hong In , Kim Kyung Hwan , Wee Chan Woo , Cho Jaeho , Kim Yong Bae , Keum Ki Chang , Lee Ik Jae
Published: October 2024

Carbon-ion radiotherapy (CIRT) offers superior dose distributions and greater
biological effectiveness than conventional photon-based radiotherapy (RT). Due
to its higher linear energy transfer and relative biological effectiveness, CIRT
is particularly effective against radioresistant tumors and those located near
critical organs. Since the first dedicated CIRT facility was established in
Japan in 1994, CIRT has demonstrated remarkable efficacy against various
malignancies, including head and neck tumors, skull base and upper cervical
spine tumors, non-small-cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, pancreatic
cancer, prostate cancer, and bone and soft tissue sarcomas. This narrative
review provides a comprehensive overview of the current status of CIRT,
highlighting its clinical indications and future directions. According to
clinical studies, CIRT achieves high local control rates with manageable
toxicity across multiple cancer types. For instance, in head and neck tumors
(e.g., adenoid cystic carcinoma and mucosal melanoma), CIRT has achieved local
control rates exceeding 80%. In early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer, CIRT has
resulted in local control rates over 90% with minimal toxicity. Moreover, CIRT
has shown promise in treating challenging cases of hepatocellular carcinoma and
pancreatic cancer, where conventional therapies are limited. Nonetheless, the
global adoption of CIRT remains limited due to high costs and complexity. Future
directions include conducting randomized controlled trials to establish
high-level evidence, integrating new technologies such as ultrahigh-dose-rate
(FLASH) therapy, and expanding CIRT facilities globally with strategic planning
and cost-effectiveness analyses. If these challenges are addressed, CIRT is
poised to play a transformative role in cancer treatment, improving survival
rates and the quality of life.
Early detection of patients with narcotic use disorder using a
modified morphine equivalent daily dose score based on an analysis of real-world
prescription patterns: a retrospective cohort study
Authors: Kim Yi-Jun , Lee Kye Hwa
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Addiction to prescription narcotics is a global issue,
and detecting individuals with narcotic use disorder (NUD) at an early stage can
help prevent narcotics misuse and abuse. We developed a novel index for the
early detection of NUD based on an analysis of real-world prescription patterns
in a large hospital.
Methods: We analyzed the narcotic prescriptions of 221,887 patients,
prescribed by 8,737 doctors from July 2000 to June 2018. To facilitate the early
detection of patients at risk of developing NUD after a prolonged period of
narcotic use, we developed a weighted morphine equivalent daily dose (wt-MEDD)
score. This score was based on the number of prescription dates where the actual
MEDD exceeded the intended MEDD. We compared the performance of the wt-MEDD
scoring system in identifying patients diagnosed with NUD by doctors against
other high-risk NUD indices. These indices included the MEDD scoring system, the
number of days on prescribed narcotics, the frequency and duration of
prescriptions, narcotics prescriptions from multiple doctors, and the number of
early narcotic refills.
Results: A wt-MEDD score cut-off value of 10.5 successfully
identified all outliers and diagnosed patients with NUD with 100% sensitivity
and 99.6% specificity. This score demonstrated the highest sensitivity and
specificity for detecting NUD compared to all other indexes. The predictive
performance was further improved by combining the wt-MEDD score with other
high-risk NUD indexes.
Conclusion: We developed a novel index, the wt-MEDD score, which
showed excellent performance in the early detection of NUD.
A case of applicability of Minuchin’s structural theory in nursing intervention for family conflicts
Authors: Jo Young Suk
Published: October 2024

The family is foundation where the human being grows to become what he is. The family members share joy and pains they are all intertwined together and problemes of anyone member influence the whole family system or cause difficulties on others in the system.Therefore we need to keep in mind that when we try to help one individual patient we need to understand the patient as a part of the whole. As of yet, it is hoped that there are more researches available in this area.This study aims to show that unless individual problem is perceived as a symptom of unbalance in the family dynamics, successful treatment would be difficult to achieve. The study will also attempt to relate this hypothesis to family theories in discussing effective intervention of nursing.The method of this research is done : in the following manner.1. The related theories from literature have been reviewed in an attempt to analyse it’s potential effectiveness in practice of nursing.2. The family systems theory of Minuchin has been examined to evaluate the appropriateness of it*s application to practice of nursing in the area of structured family treatment.A case study of a couple vdio suffer from unbalance in family system has been introduced to examplify a possible application of the Minuchin’s theory in effective intervention in family conflicts.A family has been utilized as a way of analysis of this study.A conclusion has been drawen:1. The family theories reviewed in this study were General system theory, Structural theory, Commanication theory, Bowen theory, Behavior theory and Developmental theory.2. The concepts of functional and dysfunctional families have been clarified in view of treatment goals.3. The case study has been analysed with respect to Minuchin’s structural theory. It was been found that application of his theory has been effected in bringing about a possitive result.(Based on the analysis of this study.) On intervention in nursing practice can be more effective if the practice is administered on the basis of relevant practice theory.The study suggests that more active researches on the applicability of varies family theories to treatment are desirable.Systematic training of professional nursing staff can be more effective. If there is better education of scientific knowledge in conjunction with practical knowledge.
The Effects Of Assertiveness Training on the enhancement Of Assertive Behavior Of Nursing Students
Authors: Kim Eun Hee
Published: October 2024

The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of assertiveness training on the enhancement of assertive behavior of nursing students.Subjects for this study were ten nursing students. Subjects were assessed before and after the training on assertive scale. They were trained by assertive training program for five weeks.The training program was consisted of instruction, role playing or behavior rehearsal, feedback, modeling, and homework assignments. The contents of group training were combined of the comparison of passive, assertive, and aggressive behaviors, giving and taking compliment, requesting and rejecting, rational-emotive therapy.The effects of assertive training were assessed using Korean version of Rathus Assertiveness Scale. Analysis of the data was done by use of paired t-test to examine the prepost difference of assertiveness training.The results showed that assertiveness training was effective on the enhancement of assertive behavior of nursing students.
Analytic study on the development of the attachment between autistic child and one’s mother
Authors: Im Sook-Bin , Ju Se-Jin , Oh Min-Ja , Kwun Mi-Kyung , Kwak Eun-Young
Published: October 2024

This study was conducted to examine the feature of attachment and the main factors of attachment develop ment between autistic child and his or her mother. Data was collected at Day Care Center for Children with Developmental Disorder in S National University Hospital through nurses’s participating observation, interview with the mothers, and review of nursing records, from April 2 to June 30, 1994. The subjects were all 6 children, one was a girl, the others were boys, and their mothers who participated at the sensory-integrative play for attachment promotion served at this center.Content analysis was done for data analysis. First, all data were categorized by main concepts, reciprocity and affect. Then these were analyzd and discussed on the aspects of specificity, proximity, synchrony, joint attention, strong affect, emotional availability which were chosen as the components of attachment through literature review.The results of this study were summarized as follows :all subjects were underdeveloped, unstable and showed different level of mother-child attachment. But during the program their attachment behaviors improved little by little. The behaviors which represented specificity, proximity, and strong affect were increased considerably, on the other hand the behaviors which represented joint attention and emotional availability were scarce. The more mother and child had contact and interacted merrily, the more their attachment behaviors developed.Another important factors of attachment development in these cases were mother and child’s each characteristics. Especially the child's autistic peculiarity, such as indifference, severe resistance, distracterbility, stereotype tendency, physical condition were major barriers of maintatining the mother-child interaction.Also mother’s attitude to her child, raring skill and physical condition were influencing factors. A few mothers who were anxious and stubborn had much more difficulty to adjust to their children.The mother who had experienced happiness with her child, especially if the mother experienced more fun at the play by herself became more positive, active and flexible, and that mother-child interaction maintained much longer and improved. It was more critical to help them enjoy their interaction. Thus nurses had to plan and intervene more joyful and various play, and consider mother’s need in addition to child*s need. And The program should be strengthened to support the mother emotionally to maximize the therapeutic effect.
A Life history of a man being occupied in field of paramedicine
Authors: Chang Sung Ok
Published: October 2024

Mr. Suh, the narrator of this life history was a man who was twenty—nine year sold and was occupied in the field of paramedicine The narrations of life hitory present the way a person conceptualized the stream of experience that constitute his life as he knows it, so through analysis of life history, operating characteristics of the context can be identified.The purpose of this paper is to describe the characteristics of the sociocultural context in Korean through a life history of a man being occu pied in the field of paramedicine.Nursing is a profession practiced on the basis of humanism. Therefore, nursing science should take its starting point in understanding about context of human being.A human being is always within the world, lives a life through the world and knows himself in the world.Interpersonal communications and human behaviors reflect the consensus of social life.The characteristic of life history is subjective. Therefore the datas are analysed by taking perspectives of phenomenology and hermeneutics.In depth interviews and observations were carried out from June, 1992, through June, 1993. and datas were classified by 6 categories : those were growing process, family view, married view, evaluation of present occupation, evaluation of medicine, and desire of the future.The result presented the view points about :those were 1) the sociocultural background of a man in middle class.2) the meaning of legitimate field.3) the changing point of a man 4) the power of money.5) the evaluation about paramedicine in health care system.
The Effects of ‘Dialogic Reading’ on the Development of Mental State Vocabulary in Children with ASD
Authors: Shin Haeng-Lim , Hong Gyung-Hun
Published: October 2024

Objectives: Children with Autism spectrum disorders (ASD) have difficulties in understanding thoughts, intentions, and beliefs of others, which are related to the development of theory of mind. The purpose of this study was to facilitate the production of mental state vocabulary related to theory of mind in these children through ‘Dialogic book-reading’ intervention and to verify the intervention and generalization effects.Methods: A “PEER” strategy was conducted with children with ASD. The pattern of mental state vocabulary production was analyzed through a picture task, and generalization effects were examined using a parent-report checklist.Methods: A “PEER” strategy was conducted with children with ASD. The pattern of mental state vocabulary production was analyzed through a picture task, and generalization effects were examined using a parent-report checklist.Conclusion: This study provides evidence for the intervention and generalization effects of the interactive book reading strategy on the production of mental state vocabulary in children with ASD, highlighting the significance of using this strategy in clinical settings for training theory of mind in children with ASD.
Characterizing post-compression of mJ-level ultrafast pulses via loose focusing in a gas cell
Authors: Zhang Fengling , Pelekanidis Antonios , Karpavicius Augustas , Gouder Matthias , Seifert Jacob , Eikema Kjeld , Witte Stefan
Published: October 2024

The ability to generate high-intensity ultrashort laser pulses is a key driver for advancing the strong-field physics and its applications. Post-compression methods aim to increase the peak intensity of amplified laser pulses via spectral broadening through self-phase modulation (SPM), followed by temporal pulse compression. However, other unavoidable nonlinear self-action effects, which typically occur parallel to SPM, can lead to phase distortions and beam quality degradation. Here we study the ability to compress high-energy pulses by loose focusing in a noble gas to induce nonlinear spectral broadening, while limiting unwanted nonlinear effects such as self-focusing. We introduce ptychographic wavefront sensor and FROG measurements to identify the regimes that optimize pulse compression while maintaining high beam quality. Using a 700 mbar argon-filled double-pass-based scheme, we successfully compress 2 mJ, 170 fs, 1030 nm laser pulses to ∼35 fs, achieving 90% overall flux efficiency and excellent stability. This work provides guidelines for optimizing the compressed pulse quality and further energy scaling of double-pass-based post-compression concepts.
High-order harmonic generation in the laser-induced plasmas produced on the surfaces of transition metals (Rh, Ru, Nb, and Zr) from the fifth period of the periodic table
Authors: Ganeev Rashid A.
Published: October 2024

The plasmas produced on the surfaces of the transition metals from the fifth period of the periodic table (Rh, Ru, Zr, and Nb) were used for the high-order harmonic generation of 65 fs, 802 nm pulses. This process was performed by choosing the optimal delay between heating and driving pulses, the distance from the target to the propagating femtosecond pulses, and the fluence of heating pulses. The resonance enhancement of single harmonic, two-color pump-induced harmonic generation and application of near-infrared pulses for sum and difference frequency generation are reported. The harmonic cutoffs up to 19th, 29th, 39th, and 43rd orders were observed from the Rh, Ru, Zr, and Nb laser-induced plasmas. The comparison of the resonance enhancement of harmonics in different plasmas containing the elements of the fifth period is presented.
Photonic millimeter-wave generation beyond the cavity thermal limit
Authors: Groman William , Kudelin Igor , Lind Alexander , Lee Dahyeon , Nakamura Takuma , Liu Yifan , Kelleher Megan L. , McLemore Charles A. , Guo Joel , Wu Lue , Jin Warren , Vahala Kerry J. , Bowers John E. , Quinlan Franklyn , Diddams Scott A.
Published: October 2024

Next-generation communications, radar, and navigation systems will extend and exploit the higher bandwidth of the millimeter-wave domain for increased communication data rates as well as radar with higher sensitivity and increased spatial resolution. However, realizing these advantages will require the generation of millimeter-wave signals with low phase noise in simple and compact form-factors. Photonic integration addresses this challenge and provides a path toward simplified and portable, low-noise mm-wave generation. We leverage these advances by heterodyning two silicon photonic chip lasers, phase-locked to different axial modes of a miniature Fabry–Perot (F-P) cavity to demonstrate a simple framework for generating low-noise millimeter-waves. By reducing technical noise, we achieve common-mode rejection of the thermally driven Brownian noise such that the millimeter-wave phase noise surpasses that of the thermal limit of a single laser locked to the F-P cavity. This leads to a 118.1 GHz millimeter-wave signal with phase noise of −118dBc/Hz at 10 kHz offset, decreasing to −120dBc/Hz at 30 kHz offset. We achieve this with technologies that can be integrated into a platform less than ≈10mL. Our work overcomes fundamental thermal-mechanical noise limits intrinsic to integrated photonics, while illustrating advantages of the same for providing low-size, -weight, and -power (SWaP) mm-waves that will be enabling for multiple applications in communications and sensing.
INO80 regulates chromatin accessibility to facilitate suppression of sex-linked gene expression during mouse spermatogenesis
Authors: Chakraborty Prabuddha , Magnuson Terry
Published: October 2024

The INO80 protein is the main catalytic subunit of the INO80-chromatin remodeling complex, which is critical for DNA repair and transcription regulation in murine spermatocytes. In this study, we explored the role of INO80 in silencing genes on meiotic sex chromosomes in male mice. INO80 immunolocalization at the XY body in pachytene spermatocytes suggested a role for INO80 in the meiotic sex body. Subsequent deletion of Ino80 resulted in high expression of sex-linked genes. Furthermore, the active form of RNA polymerase II at the sex chromosomes of Ino80-null pachytene spermatocytes indicates incomplete inactivation of sex-linked genes. A reduction in the recruitment of initiators of meiotic sex chromosome inhibition (MSCI) argues for INO80-facilitated recruitment of DNA repair factors required for silencing sex-linked genes. This role of INO80 is independent of a common INO80 target, H2A.Z. Instead, in the absence of INO80, a reduction in chromatin accessibility at DNA repair sites occurs on the sex chromosomes. These data suggest a role for INO80 in DNA repair factor localization, thereby facilitating the silencing of sex-linked genes during the onset of pachynema.
Do zungu ao angu: provocações sobre a memória do angu no Largo da Prainha, Rio de Janeiro – Brasil
Authors: De Mello Resende Luísa
Published: October 2024

O angu, por definição, é uma papa feita com a farinha do milho e água, e é uma preparação muito comum nas culinárias da Costa Ocidental do continente africano. O seu preparo e consumo foi um dos elementos culturais trazidos no fluxo diaspórico no atlântico negro, se mantendo até os dias de hoje. Neste ensaio, vamos resgatar a memória do angu em terras cariocas e, utilizando as noções de enquadramento de memória (Pollak, 1992) e racismo estrutural (Almeida, 2016), serão colocadas algumas provocações sobre os processos de formação da memória do angu no contexto carioca. Por fim, buscamos contribuir para a discussão da produção de memória dentro do escopo das disputas de patrimonialização atuais relativas ao território da Pequena África, onde se localiza o Largo da Prainha.
Investigating the use of concrete and RCC instead of HMA in highway pavement in hot regions
Authors: Özcanana Sedat , Fıratb Turan , Özcana Özgür
Published: October 2024

This study examines the impact of temperature on the Cizre-Silopi highway’s bituminous hot mix asphalt (HMA) pavement, focusing on rutting issues exacerbated by high temperatures, which can reach up to 50 °C in the region. Despite rapid deterioration, especially under heavy truck traffic, the HMA pavement exhibited significant stability and flow resistance loss (approximately 52 %) between 20 and 50 °C. Concrete (C25) and roller-compacted concrete (RCC) pavements displayed minimal strength reductions under the same temperature conditions. These findings suggest that given the prevalent high temperatures and heavy axle loads in the region, concrete (C25) or RCC should be prioritised over HMA for pavement construction to enhance resistance against wheel rutting and temperature-induced damage. The observed rutting issues, even in the initial summer post-construction, underscore the urgency of adopting more temperature-resistant materials for road infrastructure under specified climatic conditions.
Application of expert systems in civil engineering
Authors: Grčić Ena , Šperac Marija
Published: October 2024

Expert systems represent “IF-THEN” algorithms that integrate human expert knowledge to solve complex problems. This area of research focuses on finding solutions to challenging situations that are often difficult to resolve using traditional methods. Expert systems have widespread applications in the field of construction. The paper presents some of these applications, including their use in building maintenance, inspection of water and sewage systems, geotechnical engineering, road maintenance, and the selection of appropriate construction materials. Artificial neural networks are effective in optimizing financial plans, estimating the duration of activities, assessing the productivity of work teams, and selecting contractors. Genetic algorithms find their application in resource allocation, selecting optimal solutions for task scheduling and project costs, as well as in building maintenance, while fuzzy logic aids in risk analysis, project management, and cost estimation. Expert methods can be integrated into information systems to provide consistent information necessary for the effective management of construction projects. A review of published papers on the application of expert methods in construction shows that these methods are already significantly represented across all sectors of the construction industry, but also indicates that there are still substantial opportunities for their future application.
UWA PHILOSOPHY
Authors: Enekwe Franklin Sochima
Published: October 2024

ABSTRACTUwa Ontology is a philosophical framework that originates from African thought and culture, specifically from the Igbo people of Nigeria. The term "Uwa" means "world" or "universe," and the ontology is concerned with understanding the nature of reality, existence, and knowledge. According to Iroegbu (2010), uwa ontology emphasizes the interconnectedness of beings within the cosmic web of life. At its core, Uwa Ontology is a metaphysical and epistemological system that seeks to explain the fundamental principles and structures of the world.According to Uwa Ontology, the world is comprised of interconnected and interdependent entities, including human beings, animals, plants, and natural elements. This ontological perspective emphasizes the importance of relationships, community, and harmony with nature. It also posits that knowledge is not solely the domain of human beings but is distributed throughout the natural world, and that humans can access this knowledge through observation, experience, and spiritual connection with the land and ancestors.Furthermore, Uwa Ontology highlights the importance of indigenous knowledge systems and the need to decolonize Western-dominated philosophical discourse. By centering African thought and culture, Uwa Ontology provides a powerful counter-narrative to dominant Western philosophical traditions and offers a fresh perspective on the human condition. As such, it has the potential to enrich and expand our understanding of the world and our place within it.
BIOGRAPHY OF IMRE LAKATOS
Authors: Enekwe Franklin Sochima
Published: October 2024

This paper explores Imre Lakatos' rationalist method of science, whichemphasizes the importance of critical rationalism and the role of historicalcontext in scientific theories. The paper discusses Lakatos' views onscientific progress, his concept of research programs, and the implicationsof his approach for understanding the nature of scientific knowledge.Criticisms of Lakatos' theory are also examined, highlighting potentiallimitations and areas for further research. Ultimately, this paper argues thatLakatos' rationalist method offers valuable insights into the dynamics ofscientific inquiry and the complex interplay between theory and evidence.
The Effect of Social Media on Security Issues in Nigeria.
Authors: Agu Emmanuel Tochukwu
Published: October 2024

This article examines the multifaceted effects of social media on security issues in Nigeria, highlighting both its potential to exac erbate conflicts and its role in facilitating communication and awareness among citizens. Given the rapid proliferation of social media platforms and their integration into everyday life, Nigeria’s security landscape is crucial. This paper draws on various scholarly sources to provide a comprehensive analysis of social media's influence on radicalization, misinformation, civil unrest, and community engagement.
Navigating wicked problems: the unrecognised contribution of social pedagogy to Aotearoa New Zealand’s successful Covid-19 response
Authors: Fraser Sarah
Published: October 2024

Aotearoa New Zealand’s government, alongside its Indigenous Māori and Pacific communities, spearheaded a unique and effective response to the first three years of the Covid-19 crisis that swept the world. The measures taken enabled the country to largely keep its society within its borders open and functional, minimise the impact of the pandemic on individual lives and community well-being and keep morbidity rates low. While there have been numerous studies and articles exploring this national response, to this point no examination has been undertaken through a social pedagogical lens. This article identifies key concepts from the discipline that are relevant to Aotearoa New Zealand’s context, discusses the ways in which these were (albeit unknowingly) applied during the peak of the pandemic and explores future potential for application in social and public health policy and practice. Weaving together a shared framework of Māori, Pacific and unique Aotearoa New Zealand world views and cultural practices alongside the principles of social pedagogy presents an exciting opportunity to shape a national crisis response that is effective and meets the needs of diverse communities. It is argued that making the contribution of social pedagogy visible has the potential to enhance responses to wicked problems in times of crisis and further the acceptance of the discipline in the southern hemisphere.
“Nos estamos separando”: efectos del cambio demográfico y económico sobre las relaciones vecinales en un barrio obrero
Authors: Gimeno Monterde Chabier , Esteban Carbonell Elisa , Romero Martín Sandra
Published: October 2024

En las periferias urbanas españolas, construidas durante el desarrollismo de la dictadura, se han asentado clases populares en dos ciclos migratorios, uno regional y otro internacional. La diversificación étnica, la precarización económica y la ausencia de políticas públicas frente al deterioro de la vivienda han hecho de Las Fuentes (Zaragoza) el distrito con menor renta familiar de la ciudad. A esa evolución económica y demográfica se atribuye la emergencia de tensiones caracterizadas por la activación del prejuicio étnico grupal. Este artículo analiza estos cambios en la valoración de la convivencia a partir de grupos focales y entrevistas. Los resultados muestran que los servicios públicos y la concurrencia en los micropúblicos favorecen las estrategias cotidianas de negociación que sostienen la convivialidad. Mientras el abandono de las políticas públicas favorece nuevas tensiones en la periferia interior, que concentra las viviendas más degradadas y la población más precaria y estigmatizada del barrio.
Synthesis of Sulfonated Chitosan as An Active Agent of Antibacterial Packaging for Fish Fillets
Authors: Susilo Dwi , Wartari Syahnindita Dyah Ajeng , Ngadiwiyana Ngadiwiyana , Sarjono Purbowatiningrum Ria , Ismiyarto Ismiyarto
Published: October 2024

Modifying chitosan by increasing its hydrophilic properties through sulfonation reactions will increase its solubility in water and antibacterial activity and expand the application of chitosan. This study aims to determine the antibacterial activity of sulfonated chitosan film applied as fish fillet packaging using the total plate count method. Sulfonated chitosan in this study was successfully synthesized by reacting chitosan with 1,3-propane sultone. Sulfonated chitosan products were characterized using FTIR and UV-Vis spectrophotometers, while antibacterial activity was measured using the disc diffusion method. The optimum temperature for sulfonated chitosan synthesis was 60°C (SCS60). The resulting SCS 60 was a yellowish-white solid soluble in water with a yield of 61.46% and a degree of substitution of 33%. The diameters of the SCS 60 inhibition zone against E. coli and S. aureus isolates were 7 and 10 mm, respectively. SCS60-gelatin film is elastic (elongation 272%) and more hydrophobic with a contact angle of 90.12° compared to chitosan-gelatin film (62.8°). SCC60-gelatin film was able to suppress bacterial growth in fish fillets by up to 0.3 × 104 cfu/g compared to unpackaged fish (30 × 104 cfu/g). Sulfonated chitosan has the potential to be an antibacterial food packaging material.
A comparative study of crop evapotranspiration estimation in maize using empirical methods, pan evaporation and satellite-based remote sensing technique
Authors: Raguramakrishnan M  , Pazhanivelan S  , Raju M  , Kumaraperumal R  , Ravikumar V  , Senthil A
Published: October 2024

A research study was conducted at the Agricultural College and Research Institute, Coimbatore to estimate the evapotranspiration (ET) of maize crop (Zea mays) over 2 consecutive seasons in 2022-2023. Among the different methods used to estimate crop evapotranspiration, the Food and Agricultural Organization Penman-Monteith model (FAO P-M) is widely recognized as the standard approach for ET estimation. This study aimed to compare the effectiveness of three alternative methods - Thornthwaite (TW), NDVI-based and pan methods against the FAO Penman-Monteith (P-M) model in estimating maize evapotranspiration. Meteorological data were collected from the TNAU weather station spanning the period from 2022 to 2023.The performance of the estimation methods was assessed using statistical metrics such as coefficient of determination (R2), root mean squared error (RMSE), percentage error and mean bias error. The findings revealed that the NDVI-based method, relying on satellite data, provided higher accuracy in estimating maize evapotranspiration compared to the FAO PM method. Specifically, the NDVI-based method achieved the highest coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.87 and 0.89, the lowest RMSE of 12.44 mm/month and 15.5 mm/month, the lowest percentage error of 4.8 % and 9.00 % and the lowest mean bias error of 5.5 and 7.85 for the first and second seasons respectively. This study highlights the effectiveness of the NDVI-based ET estimation method for accurately assessing maize evapotranspiration. While the FAO-56 Penman-Monteith method is highly regarded for its accuracy in both theoretical and practical contexts, the comparative evaluation presented in this paper offers valuable insights for selecting alternative methods that require less data, particularly in regions with limited data availability.
Validity and reliability of Brier scoring for assessment of probabilistic diagnostic reasoning
Authors: Stehouwer Nathan , Rowland-Seymour Anastasia , Gruppen Larry , Albert Jeffrey M. , Qua Kelli
Published: October 2024

Objectives

Educators need tools for the assessment of clinical reasoning that reflect the ambiguity of real-world practice and measure learners’ ability to determine diagnostic likelihood. In this study, the authors describe the use of the Brier score to assess and provide feedback on the quality of probabilistic diagnostic reasoning.

Methods

The authors describe a novel format called Diagnostic Forecasting (DxF), in which participants read a brief clinical case and assign a probability to each item on a differential diagnosis, order tests and select a final diagnosis. DxF was piloted in a cohort of senior medical students. DxF evaluated students’ answers with Brier scores, which compare probabilistic forecasts with case outcomes. The validity of Brier scores in DxF was assessed by comparison to subsequent decision-making in the game environment of DxF, as well as external criteria including medical knowledge tests and performance on clinical rotations.

Results

Brier scores were statistically significantly correlated with diagnostic accuracy (95 % CI −4.4 to −0.44) and with mean scores on the National Board of Medical Examiners (NBME) shelf exams (95 % CI −474.6 to −225.1). Brier scores did not correlate with clerkship grades or performance on a structured clinical skills exam. Reliability as measured by within-student correlation was low.

Conclusions

Brier scoring showed evidence for validity as a measurement of medical knowledge and predictor of clinical decision-making. Further work must evaluated the ability of Brier scores to predict clinical and workplace-based outcomes, and develop reliable approaches to measuring probabilistic reasoning.
Of Birds and Men in Rural Norway: Self, Place and Landscape in Vesaas and Lirhus
Authors: Kvangraven Endre Harvold
Published: October 2024

Agnar Lirhus’s Nå hogger de (2020) and Tarjei Vesaas’s Fuglane (1957) both feature a main character whose self-narrative is formed through interaction with nonhuman animals and grounded in attachment to place. These characters break with the dominant cultural ontology by attributing agency and intrinsic value to beings who are otherwise ignored or pursued for utilitarian purposes. I consider the ethical implications of their encounters with nonhumans, exploring whether these can be considered social interactions or are better understood as occurring on a spiritual plane. Finally, I show that the choice of outsiders as main characters can function as a literary strategy for questioning the dominant cultural ontology.
Med blick, hand och penna
Authors: Källström Lisa , Rigler Petra Bäni
Published: October 2024

The aim of this article is to explore the relationship between aesthetics and pedagogy by focusing on the aesthetic design of reading books. The idea that multiple senses and activities interact when children learn to read is not new in educational studies. Research shows that children’s aesthetic experiences can contribute to increased learning outcome. In this article, we discuss the application of such considerations by examining two reading books in the Swedish series Vill du läsa? (1935–1936) and Nu ska vi läsa (1948–1949), thus taking a historical perspective on the topic. The books were illustrated by two of Sweden’s most famous artists, Elsa Beskow and Ingrid Vang Nyman. We examine how the books appeal to the reader’s creativity and playfulness. Our theoretical starting point is Walter Benjamin’s reflections on the reading and writing child where the gaze is also important. Benjamin’s thoughts were important for Swedish reform pedagogy, which in turn influenced the work of Elsa Beskow and Ingrid Vang Nyman. With the reform pedagogy’s celebration of the creative child, the focus shifts from the book as a product to the actual learning process for which the aesthetic is a prerequisite.
On monoids of endomorphisms of a cycle graph
Authors: Dimitrova Ilinka , Fernandes Vitor H. , Koppitz Jörg , Quinteiro Teresa M.
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we consider endomorphisms of an undirected cycle graph from Semigroup Theory perspective. Our main aim is to present a process to determine sets of generators with minimal cardinality for the monoids wEndCn
and EndCn
of all weak endomorphisms and all endomorphisms of an undirected cycle graph Cn
with n vertices. We also describe Green’s relations and regularity of these monoids and calculate their cardinalities.
The influence of separating cycles in drawings of K
5 ∖ e in the join product with paths and cycles
Authors: Staš Michal , Timková Mária
Published: October 2024

The crossing number cr(H) of a graph H is the minimum number of edge crossings over all drawings of H in the plane. Let H
∗ be the connected graph of order five isomorphic to K
5 ∖ e obtained by removing one edge from the complete graph K
5. The main aim of the paper is to give the crossing numbers of the join products H
∗ + Pn
and H
∗ + Cn
, where Pn
and Cn
are the path and the cycle on n vertices, respectively. The proofs are done with the help of a suitable classification of a large number of drawings of the graph H
∗ in view of the existence of a separating cycle of two possible types.
On the monogenity and Galois group of certain classes of polynomials
Authors: Jakhar Anuj , Kalwaniya Ravi , Yadav Prabhakar
Published: October 2024

We say a monic polynomial g(x) ∈ ℤ[x] of degree n is monogenic if g(x) is irreducible over ℚ and {1, θ, …, θ

n−1} is a basis for the ring ℤ
K
of integers of number field K = ℚ(θ), where θ is a root of g(x). Let

f
(
x
)
=

x
n

+
c

∑

i
=
1

n

(
a
x

)

n
−
i

∈

Z

[
x
]

and

F
(
x
)
=

x
n

+
c

∑

i
=
1

n

a

i
−
1

x

n
−
i

∈

Z

[
x
]

$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
f(x)=x^n+c\sum_{i=1}^{n}(ax)^{n-i} \in \mathbb{Z}[x] \,\text{and}\, F(x)=x^n+c\sum_{i=1}^{n}a^{i-1}x^{n-i} \in \mathbb{Z}[x]
\end{array}$

be irreducible polynomials having degree n ≥ 3. In this paper, we provide necessary and sufficient conditions involving only a, c, n for the polynomials f(x) and F(x) to be monogenic. As an application, we also provide a class of polynomials having a non square-free discriminant and Galois group Sn
, the symmetric group on n letters.
On the relation of Kannan contraction and Banach contraction
Authors: Cvetković Marija
Published: October 2024

Kannan contraction is broadly investigated topic in Metric Fixed Point Theory due to its importance in omitting the continuity presumption. Of a great significance is also its role in characterizing completeness of a metric space through existence and uniqueness of a fixed point of arbitrary Kannan contraction in the observed setting. The concept of Kannan contraction has been adapted, extended and transferred to various types of spaces including cone metric spaces, quasi metric spaces, b-metric spaces, partial metric spaces, among others. The main aim of this article is to prove that for any Kannan contraction T on a complete metric space (X, d) there exists another metric on the set X in relation to which T is a Banach contraction while the completeness is preserved. In that way, all results on Kannan contraction may be derived as corollaries of the Banach contraction principle. The converse also holds since, by altering the metric, Banach contraction becomes a Kannan contraction. The obtained theoretical results are substantiated with adequate examples.
Residual Inaccuracy Extropy and its properties
Authors: Hashempour Majid , Toomaj Abdolsaeed , Kazemi Mohammad Reza
Published: October 2024

In this paper, we introduce a novel concept of a dynamic residual inaccuracy measure based on extropy. We extend the traditional residual inaccuracy measure to its dynamic version, which allows us to measure the discrepancy between two residual life distributions. We study the properties of the proposed measure, including its discrimination principle and the proportional hazard rate model. We also investigate a characterization problem related to the extropy inaccuracy measure and propose some alternative expressions of the dynamic residual measure of inaccuracy. Furthermore, we establish upper and lower bounds and some inequalities concerning dynamic residual inaccuracy measures based on extropy. We demonstrate that the defined measure of inaccuracy is invariant under scale but not under location transformation. The given findings have important implications for statistical inference, estimation, and modeling. The proposed extropy-based dynamic residual inaccuracy measure provides a powerful tool for quantifying the discrepancy between two residual life distributions over time. At the end of the paper, we provide two non-parametric estimators for the proposed extropy measure of inaccuracy for both the non-censored (complete sample) and the right-censored scheme. The performances of these estimators are compared numerically based on their bias and MSE.
6-(2′,3′-Dihydroxy-3′-methylbutyl)-7-methoxy-8-(3″-methylbut-2″-en-1″-yl)-2H-chromen-2-one, C20H26O5
Authors: Zhang Yin-Ju , Li Qi-ji , Chen Fa-ju , Pan Xiong , Zhou Lang , Yang Xiao-Sheng
Published: October 2024

C20H26O5, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 5.2825(10) Å, b = 13.0652(2) Å, c = 26.4176(4) Å, V = 1823.26(5) Å3, Z = 4, R

gt
(F) = 0.0338, wR

ref
(F
2) = 0.0821, T = 150 K. CCDC No.: 2377464.
Computational analysis of the Covid-19 model using the continuous Galerkin–Petrov scheme
Authors: Naz Rahila , Jan Aasim Ullah , Attaullah  , Boulaaras Salah , Guefaifia Rafik
Published: October 2024

Epidemiological models feature reliable and valuable insights into the prevention and transmission of life-threatening illnesses. In this study, a novel SIR mathematical model for COVID-19 is formulated and examined. The newly developed model has been thoroughly explored through theoretical analysis and computational methods, specifically the continuous Galerkin–Petrov (cGP) scheme. The next-generation matrix approach was used to calculate the reproduction number

(

R

0

)

({R}_{0})

. Both disease-free equilibrium (DFE)

(

E

0

)

({E}^{0})

and the endemic equilibrium

(

E

⁎

)

({E}^{\ast })

points are derived for the proposed model. The stability analysis of the equilibrium points reveals that

(

E

0

)

({E}^{0})

is locally asymptotically stable when

R

0

<
1

{R}_{0}\lt 1

, while

E

⁎

{E}^{\ast }

is globally asymptotically stable when

R

0

>
1

{R}_{0}\gt 1

. We have examined the model’s local stability (LS) and global stability (GS) for endemic equilibrium

 

\text{ }

and DFE based on the number

(

R

0

)

({R}_{0})

. To ascertain the dominance of the parameters, we examined the sensitivity of the number

(

R

0

)

({R}_{0})

to parameters and computed sensitivity indices. Additionally, using the fourth-order Runge–Kutta (RK4) and Runge–Kutta–Fehlberg (RK45) techniques implemented in MATLAB, we determined the numerical solutions. Furthermore, the model was solved using the continuous cGP time discretization technique. We implemented a variety of schemes like cGP(2), RK4, and RK45 for the COVID-19 model and presented the numerical and graphical solutions of the model. Furthermore, we compared the results obtained using the above-mentioned schemes and observed that all results overlap with each other. The significant properties of several physical parameters under consideration were discussed. In the end, the computational analysis shows a clear image of the rise and fall in the spread of this disease over time in a specific location.
Experimental and numerical investigations into torsional-flexural behaviours of railway composite sleepers and bearers
Authors: Kaewunruen Sakdirat , Thomas Joby Johnson , Sengsri Pasakorn , Qin Xia
Published: October 2024

Fibre-reinforced foamed urethane (FFU) composite sleepers and bearers are safety-critical components installed in complex railway switches and crossings. Not only does they need to provide vertical track support, the composite sleepers and bearers must also endure longitudinal and lateral actions stemming from complex wheel and rail interactions. In reality, the railway bearers at crossing noses are susceptible to coupling torsional-flexural loading. The complex non-linear behaviours have never been investigated numerically nor experimentally. It is thus necessary to comprehend torsional-flexural behaviours of FFU composite sleepers and bearers through finite element and experimental approaches. 3D finite element modelling of FFU composite beams have been established to predict the non-linear coupling behaviours. Three specimens of FFU beams have been prepared for robust experiments under each load case. Our studies exhibit excellent agreement between numerical and experimental results. The ductile failure behaviours (post yield point) have been observed from the experiments. Considerable effects of load eccentricity on the flexure–torsion behaviours of the composite members can also be noted. In addition, the load-eccentricity curves have been identified to portray the non-linear behaviour of the railway components under coupling flexural and torsional loadings. The new insights considering their load–displacement relationships, modes of failure and damage, flexural and torsional interactions are the precursors for railway engineers to design and adopt FFU composite sleepers and bearers in practice where complex wheel/rail interface generally causes coupling torsional and vertical loading conditions.