bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
O gasto público na estratégia institucional: direitos fundamentais no jogo dos afetos e da escassez
Authors: Leite Fabricio do Rozario Valle Dantas
Published: August 2023

A estratégia no centro do problema jurídico-econômico da eficácia social dos direitos fundamentais. Escassez econômica de recursos e trajetória da dependência (path dependence) como elementos indispensáveis para a análise jurídica do problema. Utilização de conceitos do institucionalismo histórico e da teoria dos jogos. Estratégia e qualidade do gasto público como proposta metodológica apta a gerar uma maior eficiência econômica na alocação de recursos para o atendimento dos direitos fundamentais.
A burocracia como guardiã da Constituição: democracia e separação de poderes no Estado administrativo
Authors: Nunes Daniel Capecchi
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo parte do seguinte problema: em que medida a visão tradicional sobre os Poderes permite compreender o papel da burocracia na defesa da Constituição? A hipótese é a de que a premissa que opõe um Judiciário imparcial a um Executivo plebiscitário frustra a compreensão da função burocrática na preservação constitucional. O objetivo geral da pesquisa é compreender como o papel da burocracia como guardiã da Constituição é subestimado pela visão tradicional. Os objetivos específicos são analisar como a visão tradicional descreve os Poderes, as críticas feitas pela literatura contemporânea e os limites de uma perspectiva juriscêntrica. A metodologia é bibliográfica exploratória. Concluiu-se que a perspectiva tradicional parte de premissas equivocadas, tendo por resultado a desconsideração da burocracia como guardiã da Constituição.
Independência das agências administrativas nos Estados Unidos da América: contraste com a autonomia de entes administrativos no direito brasileiro
Authors: Diniz Davi Monteiro
Published: August 2023

O artigo contrasta a independência das agências administrativas no direito dos EUA com a autonomia concedida a entes administrativos no direito brasileiro. Para tanto, primeiro registra a evolução histórica da noção de agência reguladora independente no direito dos EUA, de modo a identificar os principais aspectos construídos para demarcar essa independência. Em seguida, verifica como eles se manifestam nos órgãos administrativos brasileiros já dotados de relativa autonomia, para observar similaridades e diferenças. A comparação revela diferenças marcantes entre os direitos constitucional e administrativo desses países, mas semelhança razoável a respeito das questões que levam a se estabelecer certa autonomia dos órgãos administrativos em face do Poder Executivo.
De folheto litúrgico a ocupação cultural – práticas de resistência contra autoritarismos
Authors: Da Silva Sampaio Matheus , Iliescu Diana
Published: August 2023

Este artigo pretende aproximar dois contextos históricos distintos nos quais os princípios republicanos, direitos humanos e as formas de organizações sociais foram reprimidas politicamente no Brasil. Conceitos de Pierre Bourdieu reforçam a análise de diferentes práticas dos agentes subjugados pela tradição autoritária após o golpe de 1964 e o neogolpe de 2016.
Selection of Control Tasks for Students Using Neural Networks and Multi-Criteria Optimization
Authors: Koncova T. , Dogadina E. , Bocharov M.
Published: August 2023

One of the most important parameters of a student’s progress is the correct selection of control tasks when conducting an intermediate cut of knowledge. This paper proposes the optimal compilation of test tasks, taking into account their complexity, duration of execution, the number of questions in the task, the number of topics covered and the actions required to complete the task. Since each student is individual, the question arises of the correctness of providing the same control task to students with different mental and psycho-emotional characteristics. Therefore, the optimal compilation of tasks for a particular student is quite relevant. This study will improve the student’s progress and success in general, and will also remove a number of responsibilities from the teacher related to the generation of topics and tasks when compiling the test.

The paper proposes to develop a hybrid system of multi-criteria optimization with two fully connected neural networks, which allows determining the most suitable model for compiling a task of control work based on a number of features of a particular student.
Results of Monitoring the Integration of Academic Disciplines in the Context of Digital Education
Authors: Burmistrova N. , Ilina N. , Kornilceva E. , Starikov V. , Shmakova A.
Published: August 2023

The authors study the problem of implementing integrative links between academic disciplines at an economic university using digital tools. The importance of digital technologies as a means of integration for the study of economic and mathematical models in the process of mathematical training of students of an economic university is determined. A practical problem is considered, demonstrating the constructive possibilities of economic and mathematical modeling and digital tools in the implementation of integrative links between academic disciplines. When solving the problem, a double integral is used as a mathematical model, which makes it possible to formalize and study the socio-economic process. The capabilities of the Python programming language, which provides the implementation of an intra-model solution, are demonstrated. In the course of the study, the authors monitored the dynamics of the level of integrative connections of academic disciplines within the framework of the continuity of educational programs for undergraduate and graduate programs. An online survey was conducted among students of an enlarged group of areas of training in Economics and Management on the problematic aspects of using digital tools to study economic and mathematical models and obtain integrated educational results. The findings indicate the need for further development of integrative links between the disciplines of the subject areas “Economics”, “Mathematics”, “Computer Science and Information Technology” in the context of digital education, which, in turn, provides the necessary level of quality of modern educational results.
A scientist whose ideas and deeds were the equal of the Soviet school
Authors: Abylkasymova A.
Published: August 2023

The anniversary of a personality is always an expected, joyful, pleasant and at the same time sad event. Expected because the hero of the day knows – it will definitely happen. Joyful because the hero of the day sums up his long scientific activity, and analyzing the path he has traveled, he is satisfied that he was able to implement many of his ideas and plans both in science and in his personal life. Pleasant because the hero of the day knows that these days he will hear a lot of interesting and beautiful words from his colleagues, colleagues, students, friends and family members. It's sad because he realizes that years pass, while time is fleeting and there is no stopping him, but at the same time he can still and wants to have time to do something useful for his family and the people around him.
Research Work Organization with Master’s Degree Students «Upbringing Activity in Educational Organization»
Authors: Fedotova E. , Nikitina E.
Published: August 2023

Constant progress and creative renewal are integral features of the educational process in higher education, actualizing the problem of developing future teachers’ competencies related to the theoretical justification of parenting strategies and upbringing work in educational organizations. In 2019, the Department of Pedagogy of Irkutsk State University started a master’s program «Upbringing activity in an educational organization», focused on solving the identified problems through the study of disciplines: «Design and organization of professional pedagogical activity», «Methods of educational work», «Design strategies and tactics of pedagogical interaction», «Diagnostics of the quality of the educational process», «Development of individual personal programs», etc. We believe that the experience of the Department of Pedagogy of the ISU in organizing the research work of undergraduates on the problems of upbringing deserves discussion and further dissemination.
Means of Students’ Functional Literacy Formation at the Lesson and Extracurricular Activities in Mathematics
Authors: Bychkova O. , Chernyshova A.
Published: August 2023

This article presents an analysis of psychological and pedagogical research and methodological developments devoted to the problem of the formation of functional literacy in the educational process. The authors focus on the importance of organizing the formation and evaluation of the functional literacy of schoolchildren, based on a competency-based approach.
The temptation of the "big number": "inclusive capitalism", or postmodern society
Authors: Al'pidovskaya Marina , Kornilov Aleksey
Published: August 2023

The monograph examines the genesis of the concept of innovative development, as well as the specifics of its refraction in modern conditions — the triumphal march of the digital revolution. The emphasis is on the relatively poorly studied side of the phenomenon of innovation, namely, how, through the efforts of the global financial oligarchy, they are transformed without the slightest moral scruples from a source of unlimited economic growth and human development into a means of galvanizing the dominant socio-economic formation.
For students, postgraduates and teachers of economic universities and faculties, as well as a wide range of readers interested in economic development issues.
When a close person suddenly changes their behavior – dementia in young people. A case report
Authors: Wiśniewska-Skomra Joanna , Tylutka Kinga , Hapon Anna , Zapała Magdalena , Hunek Adrian , Kaziród Karolina , Chmielarz Karolina , Dadziak Mikołaj
Published: August 2023

The aim of our study is to present a case report of a young patient with rapidly progressive behavioral changes. A 39-year-old well functioning man in a short period of time began to show symptoms like agressive towards his family members, binge eating, apathy, difficulties with social interactions, reduced verbal fluency and poverty of speech, disorders in executive functions and restlessness and anxiety. This behavioral changes appeared in a short period of time (6 months). The concerned family, alarmed by this unusual behavior not previously observed, sought medical help. The patient was disoriented, not receptive to arguments about his atypical behavior, and unaware of the existing problem. A comprehensive diagnostic evaluation (including laboratory, imaging, and neuropsychological assessments) was conducted during the hospital stay. MRI scan showed substantial cortical atrophy in frontal and temporal lobes. Based on the clinical status, typical MRI and neuropsychological examination, the patient was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia (FTD).

The patient received a diagnosis in a very short period of time, which is not typical in establishing a diagnosis for this particular medical condition. The symptoms are often nonspecific, which delays the diagnosis or leads to an incorrect preliminary diagnosis of another medical condition. Difficulties in diagnosing also arise from the non-specific symptoms, which are often overlooked by the patient themselves. It is important to emphasize the crucial role of family members and close associates in recognizing the initial symptoms and making attempts to diagnose the disease. It is also important to provide support and care for the patient's family, for whom the diagnosis of FTD becomes challenging and burdening.
Movilidad peatonal, sentidos del lugar y (des)territorialización en una periferia popular de la Ciudad de México
Authors: Ducharme Eliott
Published: August 2023

Este trabajo se enfoca en la temática de las representaciones del espacio local por parte de habitantes de una periferia popular de la Ciudad de México desde sus prácticas de movilidad peatonal. Está basado en la observación de cinco talleres de realización de mapas mentales en­focados en la movilidad peatonal, en los cuales participaron habitantes del “pueblo originario” conurbado de San Gregorio Atlapulco, ubicado en la periferia sur de la Ciudad de México. Los habitantes relatan una imposibilidad de caminar libre y decentemente en San Gregorio, de la cual nace un sentimiento de desterritorialización. El análisis de los talleres usa la movilidad peatonal como enfoque para entender los modos de “apropiación del espacio”, con la idea que cuando el potencial de apropiación del espacio se ve debilitado, los habitantes hacen resaltar ciertos elementos de un “sentido del lugar” que desean preservar.
PEDAGOGIA E EDUCAÇÃO EM MUSEUS: A IMPORTÂNCIA DAS PRÁTICAS PEDAGÓGICAS PARA ALÉM DOS MUROS DA ESCOLA
Authors: Gomes Camilla Estevam Dantas
Published: August 2023

O presente artigo tem como objetivo discutir a importância das práticas educativas desenvolvidas para além dos muros da escola, especialmente, aquelas realizadas em museus. Desse modo, pretende-se apresentar ao longo do texto algumas considerações acerca das questões que envolvem as instituições museais e os aspectos históricos de seu caráter educativo, realizar apontamentos a respeito da importância da presença de pedagogos em museus e, por fim, elaborar reflexões a partir da minha vivência enquanto educadora nessas instituições e o impacto que tais experiências causaram no meu fazer docente fora desses espaços e dentro dos muros da escola.
INTERIORIZAÇÃO DA EPT DO IF GOIANO CAMPUS CERES VIVENCIADA POR ALUNOS E EGRESSOS DE GUARINOS-GO
Authors: Pereira Alves Suelma Dos Reis , De Carvalho Marco Antônio , Da Silva Santiago Léia Adriana
Published: August 2023

Desde a sua constituição em 2008, os Institutos Federais (IFs) vêm expandindo o número de cursos e vagas na Educação Profissional, promovendo o desenvolvimento local e regional na perspectiva de interiorização da Rede Federal. Sua função social é viabilizar a inserção social e cultural dos jovens da classe trabalhadora, possibilitando uma formação humana integral e emancipatória e contribuindo para a diminuição das desigualdades sociais. Com base nessa perspectiva da interiorização e da inclusão dos jovens dos pequenos municípios distantes do IF, o objetivo geral da pesquisa é investigar a inserção dos alunos de Guarinos no Ensino Médio Integrado (EMI) e nos cursos técnicos subsequentes do IF Goiano – Campus Ceres. A pesquisa se caracteriza como qualitativa, seu foco é exploratório, com pesquisa de campo. Os dados foram coletados com entrevistas e grupo focal. Os resultados indicam que o principal obstáculo para um jovem de Guarinos cursar o EMI é ter que mudar de cidade, já que algumas famílias não conseguem custear as despesas. Falta também informação e conhecimento sobre a qualidade do ensino ofertado no IF Goiano - Campus Ceres.
Renishaw – 50 Years of Innovation
Authors: Fanning Paul
Published: August 2023

In the half-century of its existence, Renishaw has become a byword for British engineering and manufacturing excellence on the global stage. So how did it get here and where is it going?
Father-Son an MSc Journey
Authors: Bamber Robert
Published: August 2023

How One Dad’s Story Inspired His Son To Complete An MSc In Manufacturing Leadership Of His Own.
Sustainability Beyond Recyclability
Authors: Copley Simon
Published: August 2023

Simon Copley, senior manufacturing consultant at 42 Technology, looks at reducing resource consumption in manufacturing.
Your Key Partner to Decarbonise with Confidence
Authors:   XTonnes
Published: August 2023

Carbon action platform xtonnes can help demystify the business of decarbonisation, setting you on the path to reaching your carbon goals – with confidence.
Disease detection in citrus crops using optical and thermal remote sensing: a literature review
Authors: Castro Victória Hellena Matusevicius e de , Parreiras Taya Cristo , Bolfe Édson Luis
Published: August 2023

Brazil stands out in the international citrus trade, especially due to its oranges, having produced around 16 million tons in 2021. However, productivity could be increased with greater control of diseases such as greening, which has spread around the world and leads to the total loss of affected trees. Given this scenario, it is necessary to perform fast and accurate detections in order to better manage actions and inputs. Since remote sensing is a pillar of digital agriculture, a literature review was carried out to analyze the use of optical and thermal sensors for the detection of diseases that affect citrus groves. For this purpose, the international databases Scopus and Web of Science were used to select references published between 2012 and 2022, resulting in twelve studies — most from China or the United States of America. The results showed a prevalence of methodologies that combine bands and spectral indices obtained through the use of multispectral and hyperspectral sensors, predominantly on board unmanned aircrafts (UAVs). Machine learning (ML) and deep learning (DL) classification algorithms produced good results in the detection of citrus groves affected by diseases, mainly greening. These results are affected by the stage of the infection, the presence or absence of symptoms, and the spectral and spatial resolutions of the sensors: the Red-Edge band and data with higher spatial detail result in more accurate classification models. However, the analyzed literature is still inconclusive regarding the early detection of infected plants.
Hey, hold on, we are good guys! Colony defense behavior and notes on nesting of Parachartergus fulgidipennis (de Saussure, 1854) (Vespidae: Polistinae: Epiponini)
Authors: Aragão Marcos , Barbosa Bruno Corrêa , Menezes Rodolpho Santos Telles , Somavilla Alexandre , De Oliveira Marcio Luiz
Published: August 2023

Parachartergus wasps are known by having a very aggressive behavior, especially the large black species with white wings tip, which have painful stings. They exhibit a unique and interesting characteristic, the capacity to venom spraying during the colony defense or self-defense. However, for the Amazonian species Parachartergus fulgidipennis (de Saussure, 1854), little is known about its behavior and nesting. In this way, we tracked and described the nesting site, the numbers of combs, and performed an ad libitum method to record behavioral activities. The nest was fixed vertically on a man-made concrete column, 1.2 m above the ground, measuring 25.0 x 6.0 cm and contained four combs with approximately 74 cells, with 31 eggs, seven larvae, 30 pupae, and almost 42 adults. With a flat thin grayish envelope with weak corrugations, the nest is very similar to the color of the substrate which turn in to really cryptic. The colony defense behavior presented by this species is unaggressive and very docile, suggesting that is not similar as observed for other Parachartergus species.
Painting workshop: a tool for improving communication and social interaction
Authors: Thrana Hilde Marie , Gjeitnes Kirsti , Iversen Elin Hassel
Published: August 2023

In recent years, there has been an increased focus on using art as an approach in the field of social work. This article examines how painting art can become a valuable tool for communication and social participation for children who suffer from environmental challenges at school and in their upbringing environment. The research is in collaboration with Peacepainting, which uses art painting workshops worldwide to work for equality and peace. Within the framework of social work, we explore painting art as a tool for communication and artistic activity as a social-learning process developed through modes of belonging in a community of practice. Through fieldwork consisting of observation of painting processes, the children’s participation in the workshop and individual interviews with children and instructors, the empirical findings show that artwork provided the children opportunities to experience themselves in new ways through visual expression, which increased their self-confidence. The findings show that painting workshops have the potential to be a changemaker in society and an essential tool in social work practice, creating individual learning processes for the participants, establishing a community for inclusion of exposed groups and contributing to changing the processes of established structural institutions, such as schools, welfare services and the local municipality.
“Contarlo todo, con pelos y olores”: Aisthesis y alienación en Insensatez de Horacio Castellanos Moya
Authors: Carbajal Eric
Published: August 2023

Abstract: La novela Insensatez de Horacio Castellanos Moya se ha estudiado mucho desde las perspectivas psicológica y testimonial, lo cual ha permitido observar importantes características de la obra con referencia al acercamiento hacia la violencia. Este trabajo propone una lectura de las referencias sensoriales para observar cómo funcionan en derribar el muro de insensibilidad que puede tener un ciudadano moderno ante las tragedias mundiales. Para ello recurro a los conceptos de Aisthesis de Jacques Rancière y “alienación” de Walter Benjamin para analizar la función de las referencias sensoriales en la novela con relación al periodo de posguerra en Guatemala.
La femme sans nom : du traumatisme au devenir-fils de l’Abolition dans l’œuvre d’Édouard Glissant
Authors: Mondésir Lovia
Published: August 2023

Abstract: Dans son roman La case du commandeur , Édouard Glissant décrit l’importance du genre et l’acuité des violences sexuelles dans l’espace colonial. À partir de l’expérience féminine de la Traite et de l’esclavage, il problématise les modes de constitution et de dissémination d’une mémoire traumatique. Il met également en lumière les stratégies d’oubli, de réflexion et de libération présentes dans ces réalités historiques. Ainsi, grâce à son personnage la femme sans nom, cet auteur questionne la dimension collective de l’Abolition de 1848. En effet, bien qu’il reconnaisse le bien-fon-dé de cette mesure, il cherche à éclairer son contexte. Par exemple, il la caractérise comme un traumatisme ayant de graves conséquences qui se prolongent jusqu’au XXIème siècle. Ses positions annoncent ses efforts et ses vastes contributions pour faire connaître et comprendre l’esclavage.
Design and development of a miniature mid-infrared linear variable filter based spectrometer for environmental sensing
Authors: Łabaj Filip , Kalwas Jerzy , Piramidowicz Ryszard
Published: August 2023

Miniaturized, energy-efficient and application-specific spectral sensing systems promise to be a highly sought-after technology in the coming years, with potential applications in areas such as: distributed sensor systems, IoT devices, mobile autonomous platforms, and many others. We present in this work the design, construction and measurement results of a compact, mid-infrared spectrometer working in the 3 - 4 µm spectral region, attractive for applications requiring the identification of polymer materials. The spectrometer is based on linear-variable filters (LVF) combined with an uncooled HgCdTe linear-detector array (LDA). The design and architecture of the device is described and discussed in the context of miniaturization challenges and constraints. Measured spectra of thin polyimide and polystyrene foils are presented to prove the applicability of the developed device to polymer materials detection and identification.
Simulation and an experimental study on the optical performance of a Wolter-I focusing mirror based on a 3D ray tracing algorithm
Authors: Wu Kaiji , Ding Fei , Wang Bo , Yang Yanji , Wang Yusa , Qiao Zheng , Li Duo , Jin Yuan , Qiang Pengfei , Zhao Zijian , Hou Dongjie , Zhu Yuxuan
Published: August 2023

The nested Wolter-I type focusing mirror is widely used in the field of X-ray astronomy. The thin-shell mirrors produced by the electroforming replication method will introduce various shape errors during the fabricating and assembling process. This study introduces a non-analytical 3D geometrical ray tracing algorithm capable of predicting optical performance for large mirror deformations. The algorithm's implementation involves error reconstruction, light source and ray simulation, and optical performance calculation. Experimental and simulation validation underscores the algorithm's precision and effectiveness. The results also indicate that edge deformation can seriously affect imaging contrast which is generally considered to be determined only by surface scattering. Applying the 3D ray tracing algorithm, a range of low-frequency fabrication and assembly errors are simulated, such as absolute radius, taper, roundness, edge effects, mirror posture, and hoisting deformation errors, and their effects on imaging quality are analyzed and discussed.
Lithium niobate waveguide squeezer with integrated cavity length stabilisation for network applications
Authors: Stefszky M. , vom Bruch F. , Santandrea M. , Ricken R. , Quiring V. , Eigner C. , Herrmann H , Silberhorn C
Published: August 2023

We report a titanium indiffused waveguide resonator featuring an integrated electro-optic modulator for cavity length stabilisation that produces close to 5 dB of squeezed light at 1550 nm (2.4 dB directly measured). The resonator is locked on resonance for tens of minutes with 70 mW of SH light incident on the cavity, demonstrating that photorefraction can be mitigated. Squeezed light production concurrent with cavity length stabilisation utilising the integrated EOM is demonstrated. The device demonstrates the suitability of this platform for squeezed light generation in network applications, where stabilisation to the reference field is typically necessary.
Increasing bandwidth of Cherenkov-type terahertz emitters by free carrier generation
Authors: Abramovsky N. A. , Bodrov S. B. , Efimenko E. S. , Avetisyan Y. , Bakunov M. I.
Published: August 2023

We found experimentally that Cherenkov-type terahertz radiation produced by optical rectification of ultrashort laser pulses in LiNbO3 can experience strong spectral broadening in the regime of multiphoton laser absorption. The broadening is attributed to the terahertz emission from a surge current of the optically generated carriers. The effect can be used to improve the bandwidth of optical-to-terahertz converters based on optical rectification.
Monolithic 591-nm laser with cooperative multiphonon-coupling and nonlinear frequency-doubling
Authors: Si Huichen , Liang Fei , Zhou Ya , Lu Dazhi , Yu Haohai , Zhang Huaijin , Wu Yicheng
Published: August 2023

Stable and miniaturized orange lasers at 591 nm are in urgent demand for ophthalmology and dermatological treatment. However, at present, traditional dye lasers and nonlinear sum-frequency lasers are limited by their complex setup and high cost, whereas semiconductor laser diodes (LDs) emitting in the yellow-orange range suffer from low output power. Here, we propose a new, to the best of our knowledge, route to create self-frequency-doubling (SFD) orange laser with a combination of multiphonon-assisted lasing and nonlinear frequency-doubling in one crystal. Using Yb3+-doped YCa4O(BO3)3 (Yb:YCOB) crystal, we first realize a widely tunable laser beyond the fluorescence spectrum in the wavelength range of 1175–1248 nm. Then, by selecting the laser polarization and crystal angle to satisfy phase-matching conditions, we obtained a directly diode-pumped orange laser at 591.8 nm with 3.07-W output power and an optical-to-optical conversion efficiency of 13%. This work represents a new step forward for portable high-power solid-state orange lasers and provides an intriguing platform for electron–phonon coupled lasing.
Mathematical modeling indicates that regulatory inhibition of CD8+ T cell cytotoxicity can limit efficacy of IL-15 immunotherapy in cases of high pre-treatment SIV viral load
Authors: Cody Jonathan W. , Ellis-Connell Amy L. , O’Connor Shelby L. , Pienaar Elsje
Published: August 2023

Immunotherapeutic cytokines can activate immune cells against cancers and chronic infections. N-803 is an IL-15 superagonist that expands CD8+ T cells and increases their cytotoxicity. N-803 also temporarily reduced viral load in a limited subset of non-human primates infected with simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV), a model of HIV. However, viral suppression has not been observed in all SIV cohorts and may depend on pre-treatment viral load and the corresponding effects on CD8+ T cells. Starting from an existing mechanistic mathematical model of N-803 immunotherapy of SIV, we develop a model that includes activation of SIV-specific and non-SIV-specific CD8+ T cells by antigen, inflammation, and N-803. Also included is a regulatory counter-response that inhibits CD8+ T cell proliferation and function, representing the effects of immune checkpoint molecules and immunosuppressive cells. We simultaneously calibrate the model to two separate SIV cohorts. The first cohort had low viral loads prior to treatment (≈3–4 log viral RNA copy equivalents (CEQ)/mL), and N-803 treatment transiently suppressed viral load. The second had higher pre-treatment viral loads (≈5–7 log CEQ/mL) and saw no consistent virus suppression with N-803. The mathematical model can replicate the viral and CD8+ T cell dynamics of both cohorts based on different pre-treatment viral loads and different levels of regulatory inhibition of CD8+ T cells due to those viral loads (i.e. initial conditions of model). Our predictions are validated by additional data from these and other SIV cohorts. While both cohorts had high numbers of activated SIV-specific CD8+ T cells in simulations, viral suppression was precluded in the high viral load cohort due to elevated inhibition of cytotoxicity. Thus, we mathematically demonstrate how the pre-treatment viral load can influence immunotherapeutic efficacy, highlighting the in vivo conditions and combination therapies that could maximize efficacy and improve treatment outcomes.
Factors influencing in-service teachers’ technology integration model: Innovative strategies for educational technology
Authors: Peng Ran , Abdul Razak Rafiza , Hajar Halili Siti
Published: August 2023

Technology invention and implementation have resulted in long-term educational progress. This study aimed to identify the innovative strategies in determining the factors influencing in-service teachers’ technology integration in China, focusing on the information and communication technology (ICT) integration. The sample consists of 685 in-service teachers. Four factors are found to influence in-service teachers’ ICT integration: attitudes, self-efficacy, digital competence, and digital tools use. The results of the study utilizing the PLS-SEM approach demonstrated that all four factors have a substantial impact on in-service teachers’ ICT integration and interact with each other. Meanwhile, attitudes, digital competence, and digital tools use have a mediating effect in this research. In addition, the study discussed the effects of gender, age, and teaching experience on influencing factors and ICT integration. This research provided beneficial insights for a successful design of instruction with ICT and contributed to innovative strategies for educational technology.
Hyperglycemia alters retinoic acid catabolism in embryos exposed to a maternal diabetic milieu
Authors: Lee Leo Man Yuen , Leung Yun-chung , Shum Alisa Sau Wun
Published: August 2023

Pregestational diabetes is highly associated with increased risk of birth defects. We previously reported that the expression of Cyp26a1, the major catabolizing enzyme for controlling retinoic acid (RA) homeostasis, is significantly down-regulated in embryos of diabetic mice, thereby increasing the embryo’s susceptibility to malformations caused by RA dysregulation. However, the underlying mechanism for the down-regulation of Cyp26a1 remains unclear. This study aimed to investigate whether elevated maternal blood glucose in the diabetic milieu is a critical factor for the altered Cyp26a1 expression. Streptozotozin-induced diabetic pregnant mice were treated with phlorizin (PHZ) to reduce blood glucose concentrations via induction of renal glucosuria. Embryonic Cyp26a1 expression level, RA catabolic activity and susceptibility to various RA-induced abnormalities were examined. To test the dose-dependent effect of glucose on Cyp26a1 level, early head-fold stage rat embryos of normal pregnancy were cultured in vitro with varying concentrations of D-glucose, followed by quantification of Cyp26a1 transcripts. We found that Cyp26a1 expression, which was down-regulated in diabetic pregnancy, could be normalized under reduced maternal blood glucose level, concomitant with an increase in RA catabolic activity in embryonic tissues. Such normalization could successfully reduce the susceptibility to different RA-induced malformations including caudal regression, cleft palate and renal malformations. The expression level of Cyp26a1 in the embryo was inversely correlated with D-glucose concentrations. Diabetic patients suffer from retinopathy, dermopathy, male infertility and increased cancer risk. Coincidentally, RA dysregulation is also associated with these health problems. Our results provided evidence that elevated glucose can down-regulate Cyp26a1 expression level and disturb RA homeostasis, shedding light on the possibility of affecting the health of diabetic patients via a similar mechanism.
A vehicle license plate data access model based on the jump hash consistency algorithm
Authors: Wang Wei , Cheng Wenfang , Chen Jing , Wang Zhen , Zhang Yuran , Yu Yingfang
Published: August 2023

The massive amount of vehicle plate data generated by intelligent transportation systems is widely used in the field of urban transportation information system construction and has a high scientific research and application value. The adoption of big data platforms to properly preserve, process, and exploit these valuable data resources has become a hot research area in recent years. To address the problems of implementing complex multi-conditional comprehensive query functions and flexible data applications in the key–value database storage environment of a big data platform, this paper proposes a data access model based on the jump hash consistency algorithm. Algorithms such as data slice storage and multi-threaded sliding window parallel reading are used to realize evenly distributed storage and fast reading of massive time-series data on clustered data nodes. A comparative analysis of data distribution uniformity and retrieval efficiency shows that the model can effectively avoid generating the cluster hotspot problem, support comprehensive analysis queries with various complex conditions, and maintain high query efficiency by precisely positioning the data storage range and utilizing parallel scan reading.
Effect of optional biometric parameters in the Kane formula on intraocular lens power calculation
Authors: Li Xiao-Yu , Liao Xuan , Lin Jia , Lan Chang-Jun , Tan Qing-Qing
Published: August 2023

Purpose

To investigate the effect of the optional biometric parameters lens thickness (LT) and center corneal thickness (CCT) in the Kane formula on intraocular lens (IOL) power calculation.

Methods

A cross-sectional study included consecutive cataract patients who received uncomplicated cataract surgery with IOL implantation from May to September 2022 were enrolled. The ocular biometric parameters were obtained using IOLMaster 700 and then inputted into online Kane formula calculator. The IOL power was calculated for targeting emmetropia and compared between groups: not omitting (NO) group, omitting LT and CCT (OLC) group, omitting LT (OL) group and omitting CCT (OC) group. Further, according to the axial length (AL), anterior chamber depth (ACD), and mean keratometry (Km), the eyes were divided into three subgroups, respectively.

Results

1005 eyes of 1005 consecutive patients were included. There was no significant difference in IOL power between NO group and OC group (P = 0.064), and the median absolute difference (MedAD) was 0.05D. The IOL power in NO group showed significant differences from OLC group and OL group respectively (P < 0.001), and both MedAD values were 0.18D. Among AL subgroups, MedAD ranged from 0.06D to 0.35D in short eyes. Among ACD subgroups, the above values ranged from 0.06D to 0.23D in shallow ACD subgroup. Among Km subgroups, these values ranged from 0.05D to 0.31D in steep Km subgroup.

Conclusion

The optional biometric parameter CCT has no effect on the calculation results of the Kane formula, whereas the parameter LT has a great influence on the Kane formula results for the IOL power calculation in cataract patients with short AL, shallow ACD and steep Km.
Performance and patients’ satisfaction with the A7+TouchCare insulin patch pump system: A randomized controlled non-inferiority study
Authors: Amadou Coralie , Melki Vincent , Allain Jennifer , Clavel Sylvaine , Gouet Didier , Chaillous Lucy , Catargi Bogdan , Schaeplynck-Belicard Pauline , Petit Catherine , Thivolet Charles , Penfornis Alfred
Published: August 2023

Background

We assessed the performance and patient satisfaction of a new insulin patch pump, the A7+TouchCare (Medtrum), compared with the Omnipod system.

Methods

This multicenter, randomized, open-label, controlled study enrolled 100 adult patients with type 1 or type 2 diabetes mellitus (A1C ≥ 6.5% and ≤ 9.5%, i.e., 48 to 80 mmol/mol) who were assigned with the Omnipod or with the A7+TouchCare pump for 3 months. The primary study outcome was the glucose management indicator (GMI) calculated with continuous glucose monitoring (CGM).

Results

Premature withdrawals occurs respectively in 2 and 9 participants in the Omnipod and TouchCare groups. In the Per Protocol analysis, the difference in GMI between groups was 0.002% (95% confidence interval -0.251; 0.255). The non-inferiority was demonstrated since the difference between treatments did not overlap the pre-defined non-inferiority margin (0.4%). There was no significant difference in CGM parameters between groups. On average, patients in both groups were satisfied/very satisfied with the insulin pump system. Patients preferred Omnipod as an insulin management system and especially the patch delivery system but preferred the A7+TouchCare personal diabetes manager to control the system.

Conclusions

This study showed that the A7+TouchCare insulin pump was as efficient as the Omnipod pump in terms of performance and satisfaction.

Clinical trail registration

The study was registered in the ClinicalTrials.gov protocol register (NCT04223973).
The Norwegian version of the Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III): Initial validation study using a national sample of registered nurses
Authors: Ose Solveig Osborg , Lohmann-Lafrenz Signe , Bernstrøm Vilde Hoff , Berthelsen Hanne , Marchand Gunn Hege
Published: August 2023

Background

Employers are legally obligated to ensure the safety and health of employees, including the organizational and psychosocial working environment. The Copenhagen Psychosocial Questionnaire (COPSOQ III) covers multiple dimensions of the work environment. COPSOQ III has three parts: a) work environment b) conflicts and offensive behaviours and c) health and welfare. We translated all three parts into Norwegian and evaluated the statistical properties of the 28 work environment dimensions in part a), using a sample of registered nurses.

Methods

The original English version was translated into Norwegian and back translated into English; the two versions were compared, and adjustments made. In total, 86 of 99 items from the translated version were included in a survey to which 8804 registered nurses responded. Item response theory models designed for ordinal manifest variables were used to evaluate construct validity and identify potential redundant items. A standard confirmatory factor analysis was performed to verify the latent dimensionality established in the original version, and a more exploratory factor analysis without restrictions is included to determine dependency between items and to identify separable dimensions.

Results

The measure of sampling adequacy shows that the data are well suited for factor analyses. The latent dimensionality in the original version is confirmed in the Norwegian translated version and the scale reliability is high for all dimensions except ‘Demands for Hiding Emotions’. In this homogenous sample, eight of the 28 dimensions are found not to be separate dimensions as items covering these dimensions loaded onto the same factor. Moreover, little information is provided at the low and high ends of exposure for some dimensions in this sample. Of the 86 items included, 14 are found to be potential candidates for removal to obtain a shorter Norwegian version.

Conclusion

The established Norwegian translation of COPSOQ III can be used in further research about working environment factors and health and wellbeing in Norway. The extended use of the instrument internationally enables comparative studies, which can increase the knowledge and understanding of similarities and differences between labour markets in different countries.

This first validation study shows that the Norwegian version has strong statistical properties like the original, and can be used to assess work environment factors, including relational and emotional risk factors and resources available at the workplace.
Non-invasive specimen collections for Mycobacterium tuberculosis detection in free-ranging long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis)
Authors: Meesawat Suthirote , Aiempichitkijkarn Nalina , Warit Saradee , Kaewparuehaschai Mutchamon , Malaivijitnond Suchinda
Published: August 2023

Surveillance of infectious diseases in free-ranging or wild animals has been widely conducted in many habitat-range countries after the COVID-19 episode. Thailand is located in the center of the distribution range of long-tailed macaques (Macaca fascicularis; Mf) where the animals have both frequent human contact and a high prevalence of human tuberculosis. For the large-scale detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) using IS6110-nested PCR in free-ranging Mf, non-invasive sampling was developed using oral (via rope bait) and fecal (direct swabs of fresh feces) specimen collection. Firstly, the MTBC-IS6110-nested PCR was validated in non-invasively collected specimens, in terms of its specificity and sensitivity, and then compared with those of the invasively collected oral and rectal swabs in 24 captive MTBC-suspected Mf. After validation, these methods were applied to survey for the prevalence of shed MTBC (MTBCS) in four previously reported MTBC-infected populations. A total of 173 baited rope specimens and 204 freshly defecated excretions were collected. The limit of detection of the IS6110-nested PCR technique was 10 fg/μL and the 181-bp PCR amplicon showed 100% sequence similarity with the MTB H37Rv genome sequence. Comparing the MTBCS detection between the invasive and non-invasive collected specimens in captive suspected Mf revealed a significant correlation between the two types of oral specimens (oral swabs and baited ropes; n = 24, r2 = 1, p-value < 0.001), but fresh fecal swabs showed higher MTBCS frequencies than the rectal swabs. Moreover, the proportion of MTBCS-positive free-ranging Mf were significantly higher in the fresh fecal swabs (8.82%; 95% CI; 4.9–12.7%) than in the baited ropes (5.20%; 95% CI; 1.9–8.5%). This result indicates that oral sampling via baited ropes and fecal sampling via defecated excretion swabs can serve as ancillary specimens for MTBCS detection in free-ranging non-human primates.
Crystallographic structure determination and analysis of a potential short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase (SDR) from multi-drug resistant Acinetobacter baumannii
Authors: Ghafoori Seyed Mohammad , Abdollahpour Soha , Shirmast Paniz , Forwood Jade K.
Published: August 2023

Bacterial antibiotic resistance remains an ever-increasing worldwide problem, requiring new approaches and enzyme targets. Acinetobacter baumannii is recognised as one of the most significant antibiotic-resistant bacteria, capable of carrying up to 45 different resistance genes, and new drug discovery targets for this organism is an urgent priority. Short-chain dehydrogenase/reductase enzymes are a large protein family with >60,000 members involved in numerous biosynthesis pathways. Here, we determined the structure of an SDR protein from A. baumannii and assessed the putative co-factor comparisons with previously co-crystalised enzymes and cofactors. This study provides a basis for future studies to examine these potential co-factors in vitro.
Multiple reinforcement measures of flysch landslide
Authors: Wang Weidong , Bai Mingzhou , Liu Qinglin , Fekadu Haile Fitsume
Published: August 2023

This work is mainly intended to investigate the flysch landslide reinforcement measures used in the Smokovac-Mateševo section of the North-South Expressway project in Montenegro. Bentley’s Plaxis software is used for a numerical analysis of sliding surface parameters of flysch strata in the limit equilibrium state. This study analyzes the slope safety factor for rreinforcement measures such as rock bolts, retaining walls, anti-sliding piles, slope unloading and bolt anchoring and obtains an optimal combination of reinforcement application for the flysch landslide. The effects of seismic action on complex stress and the discontinuous stress boundary conditions arising from various reinforcement measures on landslide stability are also examined. The measures applied in this paper can be used as a reference for flysch landslide reinforcement or other similar slope engineering measures.
Religious diversity and public health: Lessons from COVID-19
Authors: Taragin-Zeller Lea , Berenblum Tamar , Brasil Estefania , Rozenblum Yael , Baram-Tsabari Ayelet
Published: August 2023

Scholars have identified a range of variables that predict public health compliance during COVID-19, including: psychological, institutional and situational variables as well as demographic characteristics, such as gender, location and age. In this paper, we argue that religious affiliation is also a clear predictor for compliance with public health guidelines. Based on a sample representative survey (N = 800) of Haredi Jews in Israel, we found that Haredi Jews mostly followed COVID-19 health regulations. Among the respondents who were non-compliant, however, we found large divergences which mostly reflected religious affiliation. While members of Lithuanian and Sephardi communities reported following guidelines, Hasidim, a more charismatic sub-group, were 12% and 14% more likely to flout public health guidelines than their Lithuanian and Sephardi counterparts, respectively. Despite this inner diversity, all Haredim were portrayed in Israeli media as one homogeneous group that was blamed for flouting public health guidelines and spreading COVID-19. Based on these findings, we argue for the importance of public health messaging that attends to diverse aspects of religious dogma, practice and observance by creating partnerships and sustainable relationships between different actors and stakeholders. In addition, we found that compliance was also shaped by knowledge about COVID-19 and public concern. Taking these findings together, health communication that acknowledges religious diversity while providing critical knowledge about the pandemic is key to developing and implementing community-focused interventions and public health programs. Practically, these insights help to improve pandemic governance as well as contributing theoretically to the study of public health relations and religion by highlighting how discourses around health vary and how differently positioned actors shape representations of responsiveness and health compliance.