bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Scholarly Knowledge Communication in Organisational Decision-Making
Authors: Björk Peter , Kauppinen-Räisänen Hannele
Published: November 2024

This study explored how scholarly knowledge—with a focus on service quality—is used and obtained by business managers in daily practice, and potential barriers to implementing such knowledge in decisionmaking. A qualitative approach was employed in conducting individual interviews with 20 managers in 10 Finnish companies. The study detected that service quality knowledge was recognised and internally communicated, thereby affecting business practices. By exploring how such knowledge is obtained and used, this study detected several barriers on both the individual and organisational levels, indicating that scholarly knowledge is not fully employed as evidence in decision-making. The study contributes to the ongoing discussion concerning the relationship between theory and practice by providing empirical insights regarding service quality knowledge and by elucidating why this knowledge is not employed in decisionmaking.
Lärarstuderandes förståelse av språklig mångfald som en del av den relationella kompetensen
Authors: Haagensen Jenny
Published: November 2024

Initial teacher education in Europe is facing a joint challenge in preparing student teachers for diversity and for relational challenges they later face in the profession. This study aims to explore which relational aspects mainstream student teachers associated to linguistic diversity as a part of an observation assignment during their second teacher practicum. The study is part of an Erasmus+ Key Action 3 project, Listiac, coordinated by Åbo Akademi University in Finland. A total of 46 student teachers participated in the study. Data were collected from an observation assignment and audio-recorded group discussions connected to a teacher practicum, and analysed using qualitative content analysis. Results reveal six discourses relating to relational aspects mainstream student teachers associated to linguistic diversity. Based on the results, the importance of developing teacher education regarding linguistic diversity and relational competence are stressed, in order to prepare students for the diversity of society and the relationships the profession comprises.
”Av intresse för saken dristar jag mig att till diskussion framlägga ett par spörsmål” – Kaksi suomalaista akateemista uranuurtajaa terminologiaverkoston kirjeenvaihdossa
Authors: Nissilä Niina , Heittola Sanna , Pilke Nina , Landqvist Hans
Published: November 2024

The Swedish Tekniska Nomenklaturcentralen TNC (2000–2018 Terminologicentrum TNC) has been Sweden's national center for special languages and terminology work for more than 75 years. Since its founding in 1941, the TNC has been active not only in Sweden, but also in establishing and maintaining international contacts. The article describes the contacts between actors in the Swedish and Finnish terminology field, looking in particular at the contacts between the TNC and actors in the Finnish higher education sector between the 1940s and the 1990s. The method utilized is close reading and content analysis. The research material used is the collection of foreign correspondence in the TNC's document archive, and in particular the section stored in connection with the code Ufin, i.e. sections concerning communication between the TNC and Finnish actors. The article describes the topics covered in the communication, the objectives and consequences of the communication and the results achieved. The article focuses especially on the contacts between the TNC and two active actors in Finland, professor Jarl Salin at the Åbo Akademi University and professor Christer Laurén at the University of Vaasa. In the analysis, the Ufin themes of the letters were categorized in four main categories: publications, communication, information and language issues. In professor Jarl Salins letters, the most common theme were language issues, whereas Professor Christér Laurén contacted TNC especially in connection with publications and publishing.
Säästämisen ja sijoittamisen risteyksiä pankkien Twitter-viestinnässä
Authors: Hirsto Heidi
Published: November 2024

Banks have traditionally played an important role in defining and shaping the cultural meanings and practices of saving and investing. Whereas saving has traditionally been associated with responsible economic behavior, the meaning history of investing is more varied. This paper focuses on how banks and their employees construct meanings for saving, investing, and responsibility in contemporary digital media environment. Through analyzing Twitter posts with hashtags #saving and #investing, the study shows how saving gains meaning through promotional discourse and is closely intertwined with consumption and investing, with little distinctive, substantial meaning. Investing gains meaning as a hobby of an investor community where banks, analysts, and consumers engage in investment-related activities. The study indicates that investing has sidelined traditional saving as ideal economic behavior in banks’ communication. Banks use the hashtags to position themselves as relevant actors in the field, but discussion concerning the societal aspects of economic activity remains limited.
Suunnitteluohjeen kehittäminen kognitiivisen ergonomian huomioimiseen käytettävyyden parantamisessa
Authors: Hyyppä Joni , Havinen Laura
Published: November 2024

Today, it is almost impossible to avoid interaction with IT-related tools. Therefore, when designing systems, it is important to consider people’s cognitive abilities and limitations to avoid production errors and excessive burden on people. In cognitive ergonomics, the interaction between humans and technology is studied and designed especially from the viewpoint of human cognitive processes. Cognitive ergonomics aims to shorten task times, reduce mistakes made by people, shorten learning times, and improve people’s satisfaction with the systems. Cognitive ergonomics can be considered as an important scientific basis for user interface design. In this study, the aim is to find out how the system’s usability can be affected by improving cognitive ergonomics. The study was conducted using the design science research approach in the context of the technology industry. The human-centered design viewpoint of technology is increasingly important in the industry context as the number of IT-related tools grows. In the study, the usability of the target company’s SAP ME system was improved with a focus on the aspects of cognitive ergonomics. As a manifestation of the research’s aim, an IT artifact, i.e., design instructions for improving usability from the viewpoint of cognitive ergonomics, was created.
Globalisation and Cultural Diversity in the Finnish School Curriculum: Ethical and Critical Perspectives
Authors: Lehtonen Tommi
Published: November 2024

The purpose of this article is to explore and analyse how globalisation and cultural diversity are addressed in the Finnish national curriculum for comprehensive school. The study focuses on both the broad considerations of globalisation and cultural diversity as well as the unique challenges of various school subjects in addressing these topics. The analysis is particularly concerned with the ethical ramifications associated with critical perspectives on globalisation. The curriculum does not provide a direct answer to these concerns. Instead, it emphasises cultural diversity when presenting the many issues encountered by pupils. The primary finding of the analysis is that the conceptualization of globalisation in the Finnish curriculum lacks depth and substance. As an indication of this, the curriculum places a greater focus on cultural diversity than globalisation. Moreover, the Finnish curriculum perceives globalisation and cultural diversity as prospects rather than challenges. In terms of ethical considerations, the curriculum represents a kind of mixed model in which utilitarian considerations are emphasised but refined with duty-ethical considerations arising from universal human rights.
Merkityksellisyyden perusteluja yritysten verkkosivuilla
Authors: Virta Tessa
Published: November 2024

Companies are no longer valued solely for the products and services they offer, but also for what they represent. As expectations have increased, clarifying a company's purpose has become an essential factor in an uncertain society and competitive environment. This research addresses the question of how companies communicate their purpose on their websites. The study also outlines where this phenomenon fits in the field of organizational communication research. A rhetorical analysis of purpose-related websites suggests that companies' communication about purpose is factualizing, generic, industry-dependent, profitability-oriented, and primarily targeted at customers. The study shows that purpose is linked to four dimensions: environmental responsibility, customer orientation, solution orientation, and profitability. Compared to the dominant approaches in branding and management, the perspective of organizational communication highlights the strategic role of purpose, particularly in communicating company's goals and solutions.
Data Sharing Practices in Agricultural Research: Findings from a Systematized Review
Authors: Baxter Isabella , Antognoli Erin , Aria Paria , Albro Maggie , Boice Jocelyn , McCullough Michal , Jackson Carolyn
Published: November 2024

Objective: Agricultural researchers who follow data sharing best practices advance the state of research in a variety of critical areas including plant breeding, cropping systems, and climate change adaptation. Data sharing makes research more reliable and reproducible, therefore, data sharing practices of researchers are integral to advancing science. To assess how agricultural researchers adhere to these practices, we conducted a systematized review of their published output and examined different ways data were shared.
Methods: Our study focused on corn and soybean production research published from 2017 to 2022 by authors at our institutions. We searched five databases, retrieved 8,271 articles, and created a randomized sample of 1,250 papers that contained an equal number of examples from each year. Following a rigorous set of criteria, we screened each article for inclusion and recorded the characteristics of the data, funder information, and whether the researchers shared data.
Results: Of the articles that met the inclusion criteria, less than 15% shared the full dataset associated with the research. The rate of articles sharing data did not change appreciably over time and was low regardless of funding source. Methods for sharing data varied widely, both in data availability statements and in storage options.
Conclusions: These results indicate a need for improved agricultural data sharing and suggest an important role for librarians and data professionals in promoting best data practices to meet increasingly strict funder requirements.
Le travail collectif des enseignants pour l’évaluation des apprentissages comme norme professionnelle ? Une revue de la littérature pour interroger cette tendance émergente
Authors: Ochelen Jean-Pascal , Yerly Gonzague , Mottier Lopez Lucie
Published: November 2024

L’article présente une rapid review de la littérature anglophone et francophone sur le travail collectif des enseignants pour l’évaluation des apprentissages. Ce genre de travail collectif tend à devenir une norme dans les systèmes éducatifs, soulevant des enjeux majeurs dans le champ de l’évaluation en éducation. La littérature compte déjà des synthèses et des recherches empiriques qui traitent de la collaboration des enseignants de manière générale, mais aucune ne traite spécifiquement des pratiques évaluatives collectives. Cette recherche documentaire dans la littérature conduit à la sélection de 30 articles, aux niveaux primaire et secondaire. L’analyse de ces articles permet 1) d’identifier les dynamiques mises en place dans les établissements et 2) d’observer les conséquences pour tous les acteurs de l’école. Les résultats permettent de discuter de certaines tensions liées à cette tendance, au point de vue des politiques de pilotage mais également sur le plan des pratiques évaluatives individuelles et collectives.
Entre jeux de pouvoir et intérêts : retour à la raison d’être de l’évaluation
Authors: Marchand Marie-Pier , Hurteau Marthe
Published: November 2024

La crédibilité accordée aux résultats d’une évaluation par les parties prenantes demeure une préoccupation importante chez les personnes évaluatrices. Comment les parties prenantes, porteuses d’intérêts, perçoivent-elles la démarche évaluative et les résultats qu’elle génère comme crédibles ? L’article présente les résultats d’une recherche ayant permis de documenter la perspective des parties prenantes à cet égard. Discutés sous l’angle comparatif avec la perspective de la personne évaluatrice, les résultats indiquent que les discours convergent sur plusieurs plans, mais qu’une divergence potentielle peut être observée quant aux finalités poursuivies dans le cadre de l’évaluation. Les constats mettent en relief plusieurs questionnements réflexifs quant aux implications de cette divergence pour la pratique de l’évaluation, lesquels mènent à conclure avec une piste de solution innovante exigeant un certain repositionnement dans la façon d’approcher une évaluation et dans les relations avec les parties prenantes.
A new electrode structure of IrOx/Bi-doped SrRuO3 for highly reliable La-doped Pb (Zr, Ti)O3-based ferroelectric memories
Authors: Wang Wensheng , Eshita Takashi , Takai Kazuaki , Nakamura Ko , Oikawa Mitsuaki , Sato Nozomi , Ozawa Soichiro , Nagai Kouichi , Mihara Satoru , Hikosaka Yukinobu , Saito Hitoshi , Kojima Manabu , Nomura Kenji , Yamaguchi Hideshi
Published: November 2024

We successfully developed a lanthanum (La)-doped Pb (Zr,Ti)O3 (PLZT) based ferroelectric capacitor (FC) using a new electrode material of bismuth (Bi) doped SrRuO3 (B-SRO) aiming at reduction of energy consumption of ferroelectric random access memory (FeRAM) by suppressing the leakage current of its FC. Our employed B-SRO layer is effective for suppressing the leakage current due to reducing atomic interdiffusions of Iridium and lead between IrOx top electrode (TE) and PLZT. Space charge limited conduction (SCLC) is dominant in the leakage current of the FC with B-SRO, while defect assisted conduction possibly includes in the leakage current of FC without B-SRO in addition with the SCLC. Switchable polarization, depending on the B-SRO thickness, has largest value for 1.0-1.5 nm thick B-SRO. Excellent imprint and switching (fatigue) endurances is proven on the FC with 1 nm thick B-SRO.
An Integrated System for Smart and Efficient Irrigation of Crop Fields
Authors: Pavić Vuk , Knežić Mladen , Jokić Mirko , Knežić Nikola , Ivanović Željko
Published: November 2024

The widespread adoption of new technologies has led to the development of various innovative solutions in agriculture. Crop monitoring using drones for early detection of plant diseases, autonomous machinery for soil preparation, and various robotic systems for harvesting and sorting fruits are just some examples of technology application to increase productivity in agricultural production. This paper describes an integrated system solution for irrigating agricultural production plots aimed at increasing production efficiency while efficiently utilizing necessary resources. All system components (hardware and software) are custom designed, taking into account real-world aspects and constraints in the field. The paper provides a detailed description of all functional units of the system, as well as preliminary experiences with the operation of the implemented prototype system. We also provides some initial characterization of the soil moisture probe that is designed in-house by running extensive LTSpice simulations.
Realization of adaptive beamformer on open-source hardware
Authors: Ratković Marija , Bjelić Miloš
Published: November 2024

Realization of an efficient system for extracting useful audio signals in the presence of interferences is an important engineering problem in the field of acoustics. This paper proposes a method for extracting sound signals from a specific direction of incidence. A microphone array consisting of eight microphones was used, coupled with space-time signal processing executed in real time on hardware. The microphone signals are filtered by an adaptive beamformer, whose coefficients are optimized in real time on open-source hardware using the Least Mean Square algorithm. This paper describes the characteristics and limitations of the used microphone array. Testing the system through simulation indicates that extracting narrowband and wideband signals using the presented adaptive beamforming method is theoretically possible. This paper aims to experimentally evaluate the algorithm under real-world conditions, as well as identify the limitations of extracting wideband signals. Adaptation of the filter coefficients and filtering the signals from the microphones was implemented on Bela hardware, specialized for processing audio signals. This experiment highlights the limitations that arise from extracting a wideband signal using this type of hardware in real conditions. By comparing the useful and filtered signals in both time and frequency domains, the quality of the filtering was analyzed. Our experiments suggest that the current hardware specifications are a limiting factor for successful wideband signal filtering in real conditions, as they limit the maximum possible order of the adaptive filter, which proved to be insufficient.
Public diplomacy and soft power: building a positive image of the state
Authors: Matosian Agapi Elmarovna
Published: November 2024

In modern international politics, not only the image of political figures is becoming increasingly important, but also the perception of nation states in the international arena. The emergence and active participation of new actors in world politics has increased the role of soft power as an impact strategy for governments that seek to strengthen their positions.  This article examines the role of soft power and public diplomacy in shaping or creating a country's image. Using cultural elements and public diplomacy, States set themselves the goal of creating an attractive image in the minds of the population of another State. Effective initiatives in the field of public diplomacy not only strengthen the country's soft power and influence, but also contribute to building strong relations and strengthening interstate cooperation. Structural and functional, discourse analysis, institutional, and systemic approaches were used to study soft power and public diplomacy. The scientific novelty of the research lies in the systematization and comparison of approaches to defining the concept of soft power and public diplomacy, as well as the components and forms of implementation of soft power by foreign researchers. Special attention is also paid to cultural peculiarities and the unique perception of the image of states. The author came to the following conclusions: soft power is an alternative to military and economic force. Successful implementation of soft power contributes to the formation of a positive image, which in the long term seems to be more effective and sustainable than traditional methods of influence. Soft power and public diplomacy are becoming not only tools for creating a country's image, but also an important part of its foreign policy, contributing to even greater support from the international community to strengthen its position on the world stage.
On the issue of worldview and values in the context of teaching the course "Fundamentals of Russian Statehood"
Authors: Skorokhodova Svetlana Igorevna
Published: November 2024

The purpose of the study is to consider the ideological principles and value orientations of Russian civilization in the framework of the course "Fundamentals of Russian Statehood" (ORG). The novelty lies in the fact that the third section ("Russian worldview and values of Russian civilization") is considered as the ideological core of the new discipline. In addition, the special role of teachers in the protection of common cultural identity is emphasized. The tasks are to reveal in ORG classes the originality of the Russian worldview, which harmoniously combines a practical orientation with a spiritual and moral basis; to form the idea that the learning process cannot take place completely without discussions of philosophical and socio-historical topics, since teachers influence the course of the history of the people and are responsible for the fate of his Fatherland. According to the author, it is important to give a philosophical understanding of values in lectures so that students perceive them not as an installation, but as a manifestation of our historically developed holistic worldview. The article compares the Russian and Western worldview models. It is shown that the accusation of our Fatherland of aggression was used as information propaganda: the plans of world domination are alien to the Russian idea. It is noted that the question of Russia's survival lies in putting forward its own Russian-centric ideology, which should be determined by the "soil". The methods used in the course of the research are historical, comparative, hermeneutical, and analytical. The author of the article concludes that the Russian worldview is creative, it is original and includes religious, scientific, philosophical and artistic components in its unity. Spiritual and moral constants are manifested in the integrity of thinking and semantic imagery of the Russian language, which has played an important role in the formation of Russia as a state-civilization, being a tool for expressing the identity of different peoples, contributing to the preservation and development of the cultural diversity of the country. Russian philosophy's key center is the idea of the "contemplative heart". Our national worldview is tinged with life-affirming pathos, permeated with faith in the salvation of the world, and has a Messianic basis. The author is convinced that pedagogical activity should restore and strengthen the socio-cultural and spiritual foundations of Russian civilization, the strength and viability of which has been proven historically: only on this foundation can the sovereignty of the country be ensured.
Addressing Young Girls in STEM: Building Inclusion through Dialogicity. The Case of GoldieBlox
Authors: Nocella Jessica Jane
Published: November 2024

Abstract The number of women in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) is still limited compared to men, and one of the reasons for this is the lack of women’s sense of inclusion and belonging within engineering contexts. It has been argued that such a sense of inclusion and belonging might be developed by exposing girls to STEM with specific activities, games, and toys from a young age. This case study explores how the US toy manufacturer GoldieBlox Inc. addresses and includes young children, specifically girls, in the promotion of their products. GoldieBlox is a company that specifically targets girls to encourage their interest in STEM subjects, namely science, technology, and mathematics. Through a close reading and a qualitative analysis of the company’s webpages, this paper explores the links between consumerism, gender, belonging, and promotional language. Under the linguistic lens of dialogicity, I analyse how girls are addressed and included in STEM through the promotion of specific products.
Ricordo di Ferdinando
Authors: Bianchini Mariagrazia
Published: November 2024

Abstract The contribution is intended to recall the memory of Ferdinando Zuccotti through some of his scientific and publishing achievements starting from the figure of his mentor Arnaldo Biscardi.
Symmetric equivalent circuit theory and numerical simulation analysis of nonlinear magnetoelectric laminated composite
Authors: Zhang Xiao-Li , Yin Qiu-Peng , Li Guo , Yao Xi , Ding Li-Lei ,   School of Electronic and Information Engineering, Ankang University, Ankang 725000, China,   Shanghai Shiwen Information Technology Limited Company, Shanghai 201306, China,   School of Automation, Xi’an University of Posts & Telecommunications, Xi’an 710121, China,   School of Mathematics and Physics, Lanzhou Jiaotong University, Lanzhou 730070, China
Published: November 2024

In order to further study the nonlinear characteristics of the resonance magnetoelectric coefficient and vibration mode at the resonance frequency, three-layer magnetoelectric composite with length direction magnetization and thickness direction polarization is investigated in the article. Firstly, based on the Z-L model and the numerical solution characteristics of magnetization intensity, the magnetization intensity function is fitted, and the dynamic parameters of the giant magnetostrictive material, including dynamic piezomagnetic coefficient, dynamic elastic compliance coefficient, and dynamic magnetic permeability, are further derived. The effects of bias magnetic field and prestress on the corresponding composite are analyzed. Secondly, based on the nonlinear magnetostrictive constitutive equation, a symmetric magneto-elastic-electric equivalent circuit model of magnetoelectric laminate composite is established, and the expression of magnetoelectric coefficient is derived. The variation curve with bias magnetic field and prestress is analyzed, which is consistent with the conclusions of existing literature [Zhou H M, Ou X W, Xiao Y, Qu S X, Wu H P 2013 Smart Mater. Struct. 22 035018; Zhou H M, Li C, Xuan L M, Wei J 2011 Smart Mater. Struct. 20 035001]. Finally, in order to compare with the theoretical results, the same parameters are set by using COMSOL software, and the corresponding magnetoelectric coefficient frequency curve is plotted. The two results are in good agreement with each other, and the maximum peak modal vibration shape is extracted, making it easy to observe the vibration of the magneto electric laminated composite in the length direction. The results indicate that the theoretical model of this symmetric magneto-elastic-electric equivalent circuit and the numerical simulation method using COMSOL software are feasible, thereby laying the foundation for further nonlinear analysis of magnetoelectric laminate composite and making it possible to design high-precision magnetoelectric micro devices.
Reorganization of the flagellum scaffolding induces a sperm standstill during fertilization
Authors: Jabloñski Martina , Luque Guillermina M , Gomez Elias Matias , Sanchez Cardenas Claudia , Xu Xinran , de La Vega Beltran Jose L , Corkidi Gabriel , Linares Alejandro , Abonza Victor , Arenas-Hernandez Aquetzalli , Ramos-Godinez María DP , López-Saavedra Alejandro , Krapf Dario , Krapf Diego , Darszon Alberto , Guerrero Adán , Buffone Mariano G
Published: November 2024

Mammalian sperm delve into the female reproductive tract to fertilize the female gamete. The available information about how sperm regulate their motility during the final journey to the fertilization site is extremely limited. In this work, we investigated the structural and functional changes in the sperm flagellum after acrosomal exocytosis (AE) and during the interaction with the eggs. The evidence demonstrates that the double helix actin network surrounding the mitochondrial sheath of the midpiece undergoes structural changes prior to the motility cessation. This structural modification is accompanied by a decrease in diameter of the midpiece and is driven by intracellular calcium changes that occur concomitant with a reorganization of the actin helicoidal cortex. Midpiece contraction occurs in a subset of cells that undergo AE, and live-cell imaging during in vitro fertilization showed that the midpiece contraction is required for motility cessation after fusion is initiated. These findings provide the first evidence of the F-actin network’s role in regulating sperm motility, adapting its function to meet specific cellular requirements during fertilization, and highlighting the broader significance of understanding sperm motility.
Functional characteristics and computational model of abundant hyperactive loci in the human genome
Authors: Hudaiberdiev Sanjarbek , Ovcharenko Ivan
Published: November 2024

Enhancers and promoters are classically considered to be bound by a small set of transcription factors (TFs) in a sequence-specific manner. This assumption has come under increasing skepticism as the datasets of ChIP-seq assays of TFs have expanded. In particular, high-occupancy target (HOT) loci attract hundreds of TFs with often no detectable correlation between ChIP-seq peaks and DNA-binding motif presence. Here, we used a set of 1003 TF ChIP-seq datasets (HepG2, K562, H1) to analyze the patterns of ChIP-seq peak co-occurrence in combination with functional genomics datasets. We identified 43,891 HOT loci forming at the promoter (53%) and enhancer (47%) regions. HOT promoters regulate housekeeping genes, whereas HOT enhancers are involved in tissue-specific process regulation. HOT loci form the foundation of human super-enhancers and evolve under strong negative selection, with some of these loci being located in ultraconserved regions. Sequence-based classification analysis of HOT loci suggested that their formation is driven by the sequence features, and the density of mapped ChIP-seq peaks across TF-bound loci correlates with sequence features and the expression level of flanking genes. Based on the affinities to bind to promoters and enhancers we detected five distinct clusters of TFs that form the core of the HOT loci. We report an abundance of HOT loci in the human genome and a commitment of 51% of all TF ChIP-seq binding events to HOT locus formation thus challenging the classical model of enhancer activity and propose a model of HOT locus formation based on the existence of large transcriptional condensates.
Metastasis of colon cancer requires Dickkopf-2 to generate cancer cells with Paneth cell properties
Authors: Shin Jae Hun , Park Jooyoung , Lim Jaechul , Jeong Jaekwang , Dinesh Ravi K , Maher Stephen E , Kim Jeonghyun , Park Soyeon , Hong Jun Young , Wysolmerski John , Choi Jungmin , Bothwell Alfred LM
Published: November 2024

Metastasis is the leading cause of cancer-related mortality. Paneth cells provide stem cell niche factors in homeostatic conditions, but the underlying mechanisms of cancer stem cell niche development are unclear. Here, we report that Dickkopf-2 (DKK2) is essential for the generation of cancer cells with Paneth cell properties during colon cancer metastasis. Splenic injection of Dkk2 knockout (KO) cancer organoids into C57BL/6 mice resulted in a significant reduction of liver metastases. Transcriptome analysis showed reduction of Paneth cell markers such as lysozymes in KO organoids. Single-cell RNA sequencing analyses of murine metastasized colon cancer cells and patient samples identified the presence of lysozyme positive cells with Paneth cell properties including enhanced glycolysis. Further analyses of transcriptome and chromatin accessibility suggested hepatocyte nuclear factor 4 alpha (HNF4A) as a downstream target of DKK2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation followed by sequencing analysis revealed that HNF4A binds to the promoter region of Sox9, a well-known transcription factor for Paneth cell differentiation. In the liver metastatic foci, DKK2 knockout rescued HNF4A protein levels followed by reduction of lysozyme positive cancer cells. Taken together, DKK2-mediated reduction of HNF4A protein promotes the generation of lysozyme positive cancer cells with Paneth cell properties in the metastasized colon cancers.
Implementing federated learning over VPN-based wireless backhaul networks for healthcare systems
Authors: Mahmood Atif , Hakim Azizul Zati , Zakariah Mohammed , Brahim Belhaouari Samir , Altameem Ayman , Ramli Roziana , Almazyad Abdulaziz S. , Mat Kiah Miss Laiha , Azzuhri Saaidal Razalli
Published: November 2024

Federated learning (FL) is a popular method where edge devices work together to train machine learning models. This study introduces an efficient network for analyzing healthcare records. It uses VPN technology and applies a federated learning approach over a wireless backhaul network. The study compares different wireless backhaul channels, including terahertz (THz), E/V band (mmWave), and microwave, for their effectiveness. We looked closely at a suggested FL network that uses VPN technology over awireless backhaul network. We compared it with the standard method and found that using the FedAvg algorithm with Terahertz (THz) for communication gave the best accuracy. The time it took to reach a conclusion improved a lot, going from 55 seconds to an impressive 38 seconds. This emphasizes how having a faster communication link makes FL networks work much better. Furthermore, a three-step plan was executed to boost security, adopting a multi-layered method to safeguard the FL network and its confidential data. The first step involves integrating a private network into the current telecom infrastructure, establishing an initial layer of security. To enhance security further, licensed frequency channels are introduced, providing an extra layer of protection. The highest level of security is achieved by combining a private network with licensed frequency channels, complemented by an additional layer of security through VPN-based measures. This comprehensive strategy ensures the application of strong security protocols.
Foreground separation knowledge distillation for object detection
Authors: Li Chao , Liu Rugui , Quan Zhe , Hu Pengpeng , Sun Jun
Published: November 2024

In recent years, deep learning models have become predominant methods for computer vision tasks, but the large computation and storage requirements of many models make them challenging to deploy on devices with limited resources. Knowledge distillation (KD) is a widely used approach for model compression. However, when applied in the object detection problems, the existing KD methods either directly applies the feature map or simply separate the foreground from the background by using a binary mask, aligning the attention between the teacher and the student models. Unfortunately, these methods either completely overlook or fail to thoroughly eliminate noise, resulting in unsatisfactory model accuracy for student models. To address this issue, we propose a foreground separation distillation (FSD) method in this paper. The FSD method enables student models to distinguish between foreground and background using Gaussian heatmaps, reducing irrelevant information in the learning process. Additionally, FSD also extracts the channel feature by converting the spatial feature maps into probabilistic forms to fully utilize the knowledge in each channel of a well-trained teacher. Experimental results demonstrate that the YOLOX detector enhanced with our distillation method achieved superior performance on both the fall detection and the VOC2007 datasets. For example, YOLOX with FSD achieved 73.1% mean average precision (mAP) on the Fall Detection dataset, which is 1.6% higher than the baseline. The code of FSD is accessible via https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.13829676.
Exploring the interplay between body mass index and passive muscle properties in relation to grip strength and jump performance in female university students
Authors: Pérez Miguel Ángel , Urrejola-Contreras Gabriela , Alvarez Brian , Steilen Camila , Latorre Antonieta , Torres-Banduc Maximiliano A.
Published: November 2024

Background

Women typically have a higher body fat content than men. Fat accumulation is associated with muscle weakness and alterations in mechanical properties. This study aims to determine the relationship between BMI and weight status with the mechanical properties of muscle and tendon. It was hypothesized that the stiffness and tone of the forearm muscle and Achilles tendon would be correlated with weight status and BMI.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted with 136 female university students. Grip strength was assessed using a dynamometer, body composition was analyzed through bioimpedance, and countermovement jump performance was evaluated with a force platform. Stiffness and tone were measured using the MyotonPro device. ANOVA was used to compare grip strength and countermovement jump performance according to body composition. The Pearson correlation coefficient was used to examine bivariate associations.

Results

Relative grip strength decreased with an increase in fat content, while forearm muscle stiffness and tone decreased with rising weight status and BMI. Stiffness of the Achilles tendon increased with an increase in fat content and showed a significant positive correlation with BMI. Multiple regression analysis revealed a weak correlation between BMI, body composition, and stiffness of the forearm muscles.

Conclusion

The results of this study support the notion that the stiffness of the forearm muscles and Achilles tendon is correlated with BMI in young adult women. Furthermore, an increase in body fat percentage is linked to a decrease in mechanical properties and poorer muscle function.
Myoferlin alleviates pressure overload-induced cardiac hypertrophy and dysfunction by inhibiting NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis
Authors: Zhou Yang , Liu Yanxu , Luo Hao , Wen Cong , Cui Yangyang , Du Linqing , Kwaku Ofe Eugene , Li Lan , Xiong Lijuan , Zheng Jiankang , Ding Xuefeng , Shen Xiufeng , Zhou Peng , Hu Houxiang , Yue Rongchuan
Published: November 2024

Myoferlin (MYOF) is a muscle-derived secretory protein. Recent studies have found that MYOF protects against cell damage. However, the role of MYOF in cardiac hypertrophy remains unclear. Increasing evidence suggests that NLRP3 (NOD-like receptor protein 3) and the pyroptosis cascade play critical roles in the development of cardiac hypertrophy and inflammation. To investigate the role of MYOF in cardiac hypertrophy, we conducted a transverse aortic constriction (TAC) experiment in a mouse model. We found that MYOF can improve cardiac hypertrophy and cardiac function. Furthermore, our study confirmed a connection between cardiac hypertrophy and myocardial pyroptosis. Cardiac hypertrophy significantly increased the proportion of apoptotic cells and upregulated apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a CARD (ASC), caspase-1, and gasdermin D (GSDMD). This suggests that pharmacological or genetic inhibition of NLRP3 can effectively reduce cardiac hypertrophy. An abnormal increase in NLRP3 can reverse the cardioprotective effects of MYOF. Our findings indicate that MYOF is a potential therapeutic agent for cardiac hypertrophy.
Assessment of patient knowledge and perceptions towards orthodontic treatment in the Aljouf Region, Saudi Arabia: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alqahtani Ayidh Muflih , Thirunavukkarasu Ashokkumar
Published: November 2024

Background

In orthodontic treatment, it is most important to assess the patient’s perspective of malocclusion because these perceptions are fundamental to determining the patient’s demands and level of treatment satisfaction. This study was done to assess the knowledge and perception of residents of the Aljouf Region of Saudi Arabia seeking orthodontic treatment. Furthermore, we determined the factors associated with the patients’ knowledge and perception of orthodontic treatment.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted using a pre-tested and validated questionnaire among patients seeking orthodontic treatment who were registered at King Abdulaziz Hospital, Sakaka, and primary health centers. We identified the associated factors using binomial logistic regression analysis. Finally, we applied Spearman’s correlation test to identify the correlation between knowledge and perception.

Results

A total of 282 individuals participated in the current study, of which 53.3% were female and 46.1% were male. About one-third (36.9%) of patients had a low level of knowledge, 35.5% had a medium level of knowledge, and 27.7% had a high level of knowledge regarding orthodontic treatment. A total of 20.6% had low perceptions, 42.9% had medium perceptions, and 36.5% had high perceptions of orthodontic care. A significant correlation was found between age and gender, knowledge (p = 0.001), and perception (p = 0.040). Moreover, we observed a positive correlation between knowledge and perception (Spearman’s rho = 0.297, p = 0.001).

Conclusion

People in Aljouf have poor knowledge and medium perception regarding orthodontic treatment. We recommend that the concerned authorities make a health educational plan for the patients seeking orthodontic treatment.
Calibrations without raw data—A response to “Seasonal calibration of the end-cretaceous Chicxulub impact event”
Authors: During Melanie A. D. , Voeten Dennis F. A. E. , Van der Lubbe Jeroen (H) J. L. , Ahlberg Per E.
Published: November 2024

A recent article by DePalma et al. reported that the season of the End-Cretaceous mass extinction was confined to spring/summer on the basis of stable isotope analyses and supplementary observations. An independent study that was concurrently under review reached a similar conclusion using osteohistology and stable isotope analyses. We identified anomalies surrounding the stable isotope analyses reported by DePalma et al. Primary data are not provided, the laboratory where the analyses were performed is not identified, and the methods are insufficiently specified to enable accurate replication. Furthermore, isotopic graphs for carbon and oxygen contain irregularities such as missing data points, duplicate data points, and identical-length error bars for both elements despite different scales, that appear inconsistent with laboratory instrument outputs. A close examination of such methodological omissions and data irregularities can help to raise the standards for future studies of seasonality and prevent inaccurate claims or confirmation bias.
Análisis del sistema productivo caprino bajo condiciones de estrés hídrico y
nutricional, y su relación con la seguridad alimentaria en la AFC de las zonas
semiáridas del país
Authors:   , Petrovich Balbontín Francisca
Published: November 2024

La producción caprina es una actividad frecuente en zonas áridas y
semiáridas del planeta, y clave en sistemas productivos de pequeña escala. En la
región de Coquimbo se encuentra esta ganadería, asociadas a comunidades
agrícolas con rebaños pequeños y medianos bajo sistemas semiextensivos. En
estos, el caprino constituye la principal fuente de proteína del hogar y la
elaboración de quesos representa el objetivo productivo central. Las sequías
prolongadas y el incremento en la irregularidad de las precipitaciones, generan
la necesidad de analizar el sistema productivo actual y su relación con la
seguridad alimentaria, así como la resiliencia de los ganaderos frente al cambio
climático. Dentro de la provincia del Choapa, el estudio se llevó a cabo en la
comuna de Canela, donde se realizó una encuesta sobre aspecto socioproductivos y
de seguridad alimentaria a 106 ganaderos. A través del análisis de
multivarianza, se identificaron tres grupos de ganaderos. Las principales
diferencias entre estos fueron la venta de carne, los costos en suplementación,
la presencia o no de empleo externo al predio, los niveles productivos y el
destino de la producción. Se pudo concluir que el sistema caprino fortalece la
seguridad alimentaria y contribuye a la calidad de vida de los ganaderos.
Finalmente, se propuso una estrategia para el fortalecimiento de la resiliencia
para los ganaderos del grupo II, mediante la creación de una planta de
maduración de quesos en cuevas, a través de la incorporación de queso semicurado
y curado a la cadena de valor.
Estudio sociolingüístico de la entonación del español en Antioquia, Colombia
Authors:   , Muñoz Builes Diana Marcela
Published: November 2024

La presente investigación doctoral aborda el estudio de la prosodia en el
departamento de Antioquia, Colombia y tiene como objetivo principal caracterizar
los recursos prosódicos que utilizan los hablantes de los municipios de Medellín
y Apartadó, y explorar su asociación con variables sociolingüísticas. Para ello,
se levantó una muestra de 32 colaboradores preestratificados en dos sexos, dos
grupos etarios, dos estratos socioeconómicos y dos áreas dialectales. Las
muestras de habla fueron elicitadas a partir de un instrumento de DCT (discourse
completion task), que incluyó la producción de once tipos de actos de habla,
distribuidos en actos de habla aseverativos (con foco amplio informativo, con
foco estrecho informativo, con foco estrecho contrastivo correctivo y
expresivos) y actos de habla directivos (interrogativas absolutas,
interrogativas pronominales, órdenes, peticiones de acción corteses, peticiones
de información corteses, ruegos e invitaciones). Los resultados sugieren que,
fonológicamente, hay una preponderancia de los tonos de frontera bajos en
Antioquia (L%), en todos los actos de habla. La configuración nuclear más
recurrente en Apartadó fue L* L% y en Medellín H+(!)L* L%. Fonéticamente, las
variables que presentaron mayor significatividad fueron el rango tonal y la
distancia en semitonos de los valores mínimos al promedio. La vinculación entre
la descripción cualitativa y cuantitativa de la entonación que se realiza en la
presente tesis, junto con el análisis de los aspectos sociolingüísticos de la
misma, demuestran que el sexo mostró mayor significatividad en Apartadó, y la
edad y el estrato en Medellín. Por otra parte, el análisis se complementó con la
aplicación de dos test de percepción entonativa que permitieron establecer que,
en Antioquia, el prenúcleo aporta la mayor información fonológica en la
discriminación de la modalidad oracional. Finalmente, este estudio contribuye a
fortalecer el modelo Métrico Autosegmental con un nuevo conjunto de datos
entonativos y a consolidar el estudio de la identidad lingüística prosódica de
Antioquia. Asimismo, aporta al establecimiento de una ruta para el análisis de
la variación y cambio lingüístico en la prosodia, y finalmente, es un avance
para construir el mapa prosódico de Antioquia y de Colombia.
Low-dose Fractionated Spinal Anaesthesia for Elective Caesarean Section in a Patient with Large Atrial Septal Defect, Severe Pulmonary Hypertension and Preeclampsia: A Case Report
Authors: Barman Lisa , Dhankhar Karishma , Goyal Neha , Das Anurag
Published: November 2024

Atrial Septal Defect (ASD) is one of the most common acyanotic heart diseases presented in adults, with a higher prevalence among females. Patients often go unrecognised until middle age, unless complications such as arrhythmias arise. The physiological changes during pregnancy cause significant alterations in maternal haemodynamics. Cardiac valvular diseases, when present in obstetric patients, are among the leading causes of maternal mortality worldwide. These conditions pose a significant and unanticipated anaesthetic challenge, as the shunting of blood from left to right may precipitate hypoxia, hypercarbia, arrhythmias and cardiac failure. The presence of any other co-morbidities further complicates management. Hereby, the authors reported the successful management of a 30-year-old primigravida female at eight months of pregnancy, associated with a large ASD (34 mm), severe pulmonary hypertension, and preeclampsia, who underwent an elective Caesarean section (C-section). She presented at the Obstetric Emergency Department with dyspnoea at rest, which progressively deteriorated from the second month of pregnancy onward. She had no other complaints during her pregnancy. Echocardiography revealed a large Ostium Secundum ASD (OS-ASD) measuring 34 mm, almost leading to a single atrium physiology, with an ejection fraction of 45% and grossly dilated right atrium and right ventricle, as well as, severe Pulmonary Artery Hypertension (PAH). She underwent an elective Caesarean section with minimal haemodynamic alterations under fractionated spinal anaesthesia, with prophylactic adrenaline infusion. The effects were found to be beneficial and safe for the Caesarean section in patients with large ASD and preeclampsia.