bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of leg muscle oxygenation, cardiorespiratory responses, and blood lactate between walking and running at the same speed
Authors: Stathopoulos Alexandros , Petridou Anatoli , Kantouris Nikolaos , Mougios Vassilis
Published: July 2023

Purpose: Muscle oxygenation, expressed as muscle oxygen saturation (SmO2), is being increasingly measured in exercise. Whether different gait modes, or movement patterns, of the same load elicit differences in muscle oxygenation is not known. Thus, the aim of the present study was to compare the oxygenation of two leg muscles (vastus lateralis and gastrocnemius medialis), heart rate, respiratory gases, and blood lactate between two gait modes (walking and running) of the same speed and duration.
Methods: Ten men walked and run for 30 min each at 7 km/h in random, counterbalanced order. SmO2, heart rate, and respiratory gases were monitored continuously. Blood lactate was measured at rest, at the end of each exercise, and after 15 min of recovery. Statistical analysis was performed through repeated-measure ANOVA. Significance was declared if p < 0.05.
Results: Heart rate and oxygen consumption were higher in running compared to walking. Respiratory exchange ratio did not differ between gait modes. SmO2 was lower during exercise compared to rest and recovery, in gastrocnemius medialis compared to vastus lateralis, and in running compared to walking. Blood lactate increased during exercise but did not differ between gait modes.
Conclusion: Running caused higher deoxygenation in leg muscles (accompanied by higher whole-body oxygen uptake and heart rate) than walking at the same speed (one that was comfortable for both gait modes), thus pointing to a higher internal load despite equal external load. These findings may form the basis for similar comparisons in other healthy or diseased populations.
SITUAÇÃO DE (IN)SEGURANÇA ALIMENTAR DE ESTUDANTES UNIVERSITÁRIOS DA REDE PÚBLICA DURANTE A PANDEMIA DA COVID-19
Authors: Martins Natália Caldas , Pinto Nilson Vieira , Domeneguetti Jardenia Chaves , Frota Mirna Albuquerque , Martins Mariana Cavalcante , Rolim Karla Maria Carneiro
Published: July 2023

A pandemia da Covid-19 fomentou o debate sobre a situação de Insegurança Alimentar de grupos mais vulneráveis. Os riscos de Insegurança Alimentar foram aprofundados com as medidas adotadas pelo governo brasileiro buscando mitigar a propagação da pandemia. Dentre estas medidas, encontra-se a interrupção das aulas presenciais em universidades e o fechamento dos restaurantes universitários, os quais garantiam acesso à uma alimentação adequada. Nesse contexto, este estudo teve por objetivo avaliar a situação de Insegurança Alimentar de estudantes universitários durante o período da pandemia da Covid-19. Trata-se de um estudo realizado através da aplicação da Escala Brasileira de Insegurança Alimentar em universitários da rede pública dos estados da Bahia e Ceará, Brasil. Dos 428 universitários investigados, 153 (35,7%) apresentaram grau leve, 101 (23,6%) grau moderado e 107 (25%) grau grave de Insegurança Alimentar. Os universitários autodeclarados de cor preta apresentaram forte associação com a Insegurança Alimentar Moderada ou Grave (p
Spontaneous breaking of finite group symmetries at all temperatures
Authors: Liendo Pedro , Rong Junchen , Zhang Haoyu
Published: July 2023

We study conformal field theories with finite group symmetries with spontaneous symmetry breaking (SSB) phases which persist at all temperatures. We work with two \lambda \phi^4λϕ4 theories coupled through their mass terms. The two \lambda \phi^4λϕ4 theories are chosen to preserve either the cubic symmetry group, or the tetrahedral symmetry group. A one-loop calculation in the 4-\epsilon4−ϵ expansion shows that there exist infinitely many fixed points that can host an all temperature SSB phase. An analysis of the renormalization group (RG) stability matrix of these fixed points, reveals that their spectrum contains at least three relevant operators. In other words, these fixed points are tetracritical points.
Status and prospects of SABRE North
Authors: Mariani Ambra
Published: July 2023

We present the characterization of a low background NaI(Tl) crystal for the SABRE North experiment. The crystal NaI-33, was studied in two different setups at Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Italy. The Proof-of-Principle (PoP) detector was equipped with a liquid scintillator veto and collected data for about one month (90 kg\times×days). The PoP-dry setup consisted of NaI-33 in a purely passive shielding and collected data for almost one year (891 kg\times×days). The average background in the energy region of interest (1-6 keV) for dark matter search was 1.20 \pm± 0.05 and 1.39 \pm± 0.02 counts/day/kg/keV within the PoP and the PoP-dry setup, respectively. This result opens to a new shielding design for the physics phase of the SABRE North detector, that does not foresee the use of an organic liquid scintillator external veto, in compliance with the new safety and environmental requirements of Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso.
Direct searches of dark matter with the SABRE South experiment
Authors: Zurowski Madeleine J.
Published: July 2023

The SABRE (Sodium-iodide with Active Background REjection) South experiment is a direct dark matter detector, made of radio-pure NaI(Tl) crystals surrounded by a liquid scintillator veto. The achievement of ultra-low background rate is essential to provide a model independent test of the signal observed by the DAMA/LIBRA experiment whose claim has not been verified yet. The SABRE South experiment will be located at the Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory (SUPL), Australia, the first deep underground laboratory in the Southern Hemisphere. The laboratory will not only house rare event physics searches but also measurement facilities to support low background physics experiments and applications like radiobiology and quantum computing. The SABRE South detector commissioning is expected to occur in 2023. This paper details the setup and projections for the experiment, and a brief description of the underground laboratory.
Analysis of radiation damage in silicon charge-coupled devices used for dark matter searches
Authors: Lee Steven J.
Published: July 2023

Nuclear recoils in crystal detectors generate radiation damage in the form of crystal defects that can be measured in scientific-grade CCDs as local hot spots of leakage current stimulated by temperature increases in the devices. In this proceeding, we use a neutron source to generate defects in DAMIC-M CCDs, and using increases in leakage current at different temperatures, we demonstrate a procedure for identifying crystal defects in the CCDs of the DAMIC-M experiment. This is the first time that individual defects generated from nuclear recoils have been studied. This technique could be used to distinguish nuclear recoils from electron recoils in some energy ranges, which would improve the ability of CCD detectors to search for weakly interacting dark matter.
Background suppression in the COSINUS experiment: Active muon veto and radiopure materials selection
Authors: Stukel Matthew , Angloher G. , Raghunath Bharadwaj Mukund , Dafinei I. , Di Marco N. , Einfalt Leonie , Ferroni F. , Fichtinger S. , Filipponi A. , Frank T. , Friedl Markus , Fuss A. , Ge Z. , Heikinheimo Matti , Huitu Katri , Kellermann M. , Maji R. , Mancuso M. , Pagnanini L. , Petricca Federica , Pirro S. , Pröbst F. , Profeta G. , Puiu A. , Reindl Florian , Schäffner K. , Schieck J. , Schmiedmayer D. , Schwertner C. , Stahlberg Martin , Stendahl A. , Wagner F. , Yue S. , Zema Vanessa , Zhu Y.
Published: July 2023

For over twenty-five years the DAMA/LIBRA experiment has reported an annual modulation signal that is consistent with a dark matter explanation. This signal is, currently, in tension with the null results observed by other searches that utilize different target detectors. The COSINUS experiment will perform a model-independent cross-check of the DAMA/LIBRA result by using the same target material, NaI crystals, operated as scintillating calorimeters. By measuring both temperature and light the NaI crystals in COSINUS will be able to distinguish between electron and nuclear recoils on an event-by-event basis. However, background events induced by cosmic-rays, environmental radioactivity or the intrinsic contamination of the materials used in the crystal, shielding and infrastructure can pose an issue to any analysis and must be fully understood. We report on the status of the development of the simulation for an active water Cherenkov muon veto, as well as the results of the beginning radiogenic material screening.
remoTES: A new design for the cryogenic NaI detectors of the COSINUS experiment
Authors: Einfalt Leonie , Angloher G. , Raghunath Bharadwaj Mukund , Dafinei I. , Di Marco N. , Ferroni F. , Fichtinger S. , Filipponi A. , Frank T. , Friedl Markus , Fuss A. , Ge Z. , Heikinheimo Matti , Huitu K. , Kellermann M. , Maji R. , Mancuso M. , Pagnanini L. , Petricca Federica , Pirro S. , Pröbst F. , Profeta G. , Puiu A. , Reindl Florian , Schäffner K. , Schieck J. , Schmiedmayer D. , Schwertner C. , Stahlberg Martin , Stendahl A. , Stukel Matthew , Wagner F. , Yue S. , Zema Vanessa , Zhu Y.
Published: July 2023

The increasing statistical significance of the DAMA/LIBRA annual modulation signal is a cause for tension in the field of dark matter direct detection. The COSINUS experiment aims at a model-independent cross-check of the DAMA/LIBRA signal claim, using NaI crystals operated as cryogenic scintillating calorimeters at millikelvin temperatures. Such a setup enables measurement of phonon and scintillation light signals via Transition Edge Sensors (TESs) and allows particle discrimination on an event-by-event basis. The non-standard properties of NaI cause an obstacle when attaching a TES directly onto the surface of the crystal. This can be overcome with the "remoTES" design, where the TES is attached to an external wafer crystal. We present the results from a first successful operation of NaI and other crystals as cryogenic calorimeters with the remoTES design.
Constraints on heavy dark matter annihilation and decay from electron and positron cosmic ray spectra
Authors: Motz Holger
Published: July 2023

Annihilation or decay of dark matter (DM) could contribute to the electron and positron cosmic-ray flux, allowing for constraints on DM parameters from its measurement. CALET is directly measuring the energy spectrum of electron+positron cosmic rays up into the TeV region most important for studying heavy DM, while AMS-02 provides a positron-only spectrum below the TeV range. Limits on DM annihilation and decay well into the TeV mass range have been derived from a combined analysis of both data-sets with an astrophysical background model including pulsars as the origin of the positron excess and individual nearby supernova remnant sources.
ISAI: Investigating Solar Axion by Iron-57
Authors: Ikeda Tomonori , Fujii Toshihiro , Tsuru Takeshi Go , Amano Yuki , Kayama Kazuho , Matsuda Masamune , Iwasaki Hiromu , Uenomachi Mizuki , Miuchi Kentaro , Onuki Yoshiyuki , Inoue Yoshizumi , Taketa Akimichi
Published: July 2023

The existence of the axion is a unique solution for the strong CP problem, and the axion is one of the most promising candidates of the dark matter. Investigating Solar Axion by Iron-57 (ISAI) is being prepared as a complemented table-top experiment to confirm the solar axion scenario. Probing an X-ray emission from the nuclear transitions associated with the axion-nucleon coupling is a leading approach. ISAI searches for the monochromatic 14.4 keV X-ray from the first excited state of ^{57}57Fe using a state-of-the-art pixelized silicon detector, dubbed XRPIX, under an extremely low-background environment. We highlight scientific objectives, experimental design and the latest status of ISAI.
The SU(2)$_{D}$ lepton portals for muon g - 2, W boson mass and dark matter
Authors: Kim Seong-Sik , Lee Hyun Min , Guerrero Menkara Adriana , Yamashita Kimiko
Published: July 2023

We propose a novel model which extends the Standard Model (SM) by introducing a SU(2)_DSU(2)D gauge symmetry. In this model, a dark SU(2)_DSU(2)D Higgs doublet and a Higgs bi-doublet can contribute to the muon g-2 anomaly and the WW boson mass, remaining in tune with the recent experimental results. At the same time, the isospin charged gauge boson of SU(2)_DSU(2)D becomes a plausible candidate for Dark Matter(DM). We find that the resulting parameter space can fit the muon g-2, the W boson mass and the DM constraints simultaneously.
Light thermal relics enabled by a second Higgs
Authors: Herms Johannes , Jana Sudip , Vishnu P. K. , Saad Shaikh
Published: July 2023

Sub-GeV thermal relic dark matter typically requires the existence of a light mediator particle. We introduce the light two-Higgs-doublet portal, illustrated by a minimal UV-complete model for sub-GeV dark matter with kinematically forbidden annihilations into leptons. All new physics states in this scenario lie at or below the electroweak scale, affecting Higgs physics, the muon anomalous magnetic moment and potentially neutrino masses. Observation of radiative dark matter annihilation by future MeV gamma-ray telescopes would be key to unambiguously identify the scenario.
Searches for dark matter with the ATLAS detector
Authors: Pedro Rute
Published: July 2023

The presence of a non-baryonic Dark Matter (DM) component in the Universe is inferred from the observation of its gravitational interaction. If DM interacts weakly with Standard Model (SM) particles it could be produced at the LHC. The ATLAS experiment has developed a broad search program for DM candidates in final states with large missing transverse momentum produced in association with other SM particles (light and heavy quarks, photons, Z and H bosons, as well as additional heavy scalar particles). The results of recent searches on 13 TeV pp data, their interplay and interpretation are presented.
Determinants of health-conscious consumers’ intention to adopt fitness apps
Authors: Atikur Rahaman Md. , Dilip Taru Rupali , Gupta Aman , Prajapat Vikash , Ahmed Emran
Published: July 2023

This study aims to investigate the factors influencing consumers’ intention to adopt health fitness apps. The target population for this study were current users of health fitness apps. The data collection process was completed using a Google e-mail form with a cover letter for the convenience of customers, wherein 308 respondents were the final sample size. Data were collected from current members of health clubs and fitness centers in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Most of the respondents were males (56%, n = 308), whereas females were 44%, n = 134. Five-point Likert scale was used, where ‘1’ means ‘Strongly Disagree’ and ‘5’ ‘Strongly Agree’, to clarify the item-wise questionnaire. SPSS data analysis software for research purposes was used to evaluate the hypotheses. Cronbach Alpha (α) value was used to justify the reliability of the variables. Four items measure price value; perceived performance, health consciousness, facilitating condition, hedonic motivation are measured by two items; self-efficacy – by three. The results show that the selected six determinants positively and significantly affect consumers’ intention to use health fitness apps. Overall, these variables can explain 55.50% of the variance in predicting behavioral intentions to adopt health fitness apps. Furthermore, this results could provide significant clues to health fitness app developers that can severely influence users to adopt health fitness apps for their wellbeing.
Sub-representatividade e subcidadania políticas no Brasil
Authors: De Souza Luciana Cristina , Barros Vinícius Ribeiro
Published: July 2023

O artigo tem por objetivo analisar a baixa representatividade política de alguns segmentos sociais brasileiros, que causa a situação política e social de subcidadania. Defende-se a hipótese de que os valores democráticos inscritos na Constituição da República de 1988 devem ser assegurados a todas e todos com equidade, sob pena de se favorecer o controle estatal por uma elite pouco preocupada com o restante da sociedade. Por meio da metodologia de coleta e análise de dados indiretos sobre representatividade no país, incluindo-se as eleições de 2020, aliado ao método dedutivo e à pesquisa documental, foi desenvolvida a reflexão sociojurídica sobre a necessidade de modificação do atual sistema político e partidário de representatividade, para que os ocupantes das casas legislativas reflitam sobre a demografia da população, algo que hoje não acontece. Sem a transformação dessa realidade, continuará se perpetuando um modelo falacioso de participação política que não transforma efetivamente direitos fundamentais em políticas públicas de acesso.
Geopricing e Geoblocking: A geodiscriminação com base na utilização de dados à luz da defesa do consumidor e da concorrência
Authors: Scherreier Ferneda Arie , Antunes Ziliotto Bruna , Klein Vinicius
Published: July 2023

O presente estudo tem por objetivo analisar as práticas ilícitas denominadas geopricing e geoblocking por parte de determinadas empresas em face do mercado consumidor, através da ótica da defesa do consumidor e da defesa da concorrência, bem como de alguns aspectos da Lei Geral de Proteção de Dados. É notório que atualmente a organização dos mercados está a se redesenhar a partir da inovação tecnológica e das ferramentas que ela propicia. Com isso, é possível verificar uma redução severa nos custos de transação envolvendo operações de compra e venda de produtos, diante da progressiva desnecessidade de uma estrutura física e de todos os custos dela decorrentes. Entretanto, essa nova estrutura de oferecimento de produtos e serviços pode acarretar falhas de mercado, como assimetria informacional e externalidades negativas ao mercado consumidor, de modo a originar resultados econômicos ineficientes ou indesejáveis socialmente. Isso porque empresas podem abusar de seu poder de mercado e, valendo-se do uso discriminatório de dados pessoais dos consumidores e da assimetria informacional existente entre os agentes, praticam atos ilícitos, destacando-se o geopricing e o geoblocking, que consistem em práticas de diferenciação de preço e negativa de oferta de produtos ou serviços de acordo com a geolocalização do consumidor. Nesse sentido, a pesquisa se desenvolveu por meio do método lógico-dedutivo, lastreada na revisão bibliográfica, a partir do qual busca-se analisar a geodiscriminação com base na utilização de dados à luz da defesa do consumidor e da concorrência.
Parcelamento de débitos tributários: Estimulo à sonegação fiscal ou resgate da atividade econômica?
Authors: Da Motta Dal Pozzolo Anna Carolina , Rezende Élcio Nacur
Published: July 2023

O objetivo deste texto é apresentar uma análise acerca do uso do parcelamento especial de débitos tributários pelo Estado Brasileiro, como mecanismo de trazer ao erário valores de tributos não pagos e seus reais impactos empresariais, no sentido de representarem um estímulo ao sonegador fiscal, em contraponto ao socorro financeiro tributário de empresas endividadas. Para tanto, é feito um breve diagnóstico dos­ parcelamentos especiais concedidos pelo governo federal. Ao final, busca-se avaliar se o parcelamento de débitos tributários no Brasil tem atingido os resultados esperados na melhoria da arrecadação, se a falta de arrecadação tem se mantido ou ampliado, e quais os impactos sobre as empresas que, por fatores exógenos, se tornaram devedoras tributárias e se utilizam do parcelamento como forma de se reerguer economicamente.
Estado del arte sobre el uso de la realidad virtual, la realidad augmentada y el video 360° en educación superior
Authors: Angulo Mendoza Gustavo Adolfo , Lewis François , Plante Patrick , Brassard Caroline
Published: July 2023

Las tecnologías inmersivas están cada vez más presentes en los establecimientos de educación superior. Sin embargo, creemos que es pertinente hacer un balance del impacto de estas tecnologías en la transferencia de conocimientos a los estudiantes, así como de los riesgos y limitaciones inherentes a su uso. Esta revisión de literatura basada en el método EPPI (Evidence for Policy and Practice Information and Co-ordinating) tiene como objetivo establecer el estado actual del conocimiento de las modernas tecnologías inmersivas en la educación superior. Nos centramos en la realidad virtual, la realidad aumentada y el vídeo 360°. Además, se redujo el alcance de la búsqueda seleccionando los estudios que utilizan un casco autónomo del tipo Head-Mounted Display (HMD) o gafas de realidad aumentada. El número total de artículos seleccionados para la revisión se limitó a cuarenta (40). Los resultados nos permitieron identificar los atributos y mecanismos relacionados con las aplicaciones virtuales, y describir sus ventajas y limitaciones para el aprendizaje.
Canonical Unified Statistical Rate Constants Using a High-Level Composite Coupled Cluster Energy Scheme for the CH4 + CH Reaction
Authors: Leite Júnior Jonas , Rocha Carlos , de Oliveira-Filho Antonio
Published: July 2023

We report an ab initio study on the kinetics and chemical dynamics of the CH4 + CH reaction using a coupled cluster based composite scheme that includes unrestricted coupled cluster singles and doubles with perturbative connected triples method, UCCSD(T), energies extrapolated to the complete basis set limit, in addition to core-valence, higher-order correlation, and relativistic corrections. With this protocol, the reaction enthalpies for the two main reaction channels, C2H4 + H and CH2 + CH3, are reproduced with an absolute deviation of 0.04 kcal mol–1 relative to experimental data. At the UCCSD(T)/complete basis set (CBS) level of theory, the formation of the C2H5 intermediate is barrierless, in contrast with the low submerged barrier (–1.87 kcal -mol–1 relative to the reactants) found at the UCCSD(T)/augmented correlation-consistent polarized double-zeta (aug-cc-pVDZ) level of theory. With the correlation-consistent polarized triple-zeta (cc-pVTZ) basis set, we describe structural variations for the reaction bottleneck along the reaction path, finding at least three canonical variational transition states for the temperature range from 20 to 800 K. The thermal rates were obtained via the canonical unified statistical theory (CUS), using the canonical variational transition state theory (VTST) for the inner-transition state and long-range transition state theory (LRTST) for the outer-transition state. Our calculations agree with literature measurements and show inverse Arrhenius behavior, as observed experimentally. At 298 K, the computed rate constant is 2.65 × 10–10 cm3 molecule–1 s−1 and reported experimental measurements range from 2.5 × 10−12 to 3.0 × 10–10 cm3 molecule–1 s−1. Our theoretical study represents an improvement on previous computational investigations and highlights that even relatively simple gas-phase reactions can require high levels of theory to be modeled accurately.
Changes in Students' Cognitive Structure on the Concept of Diffraction and Light Interference Using PhET Virtual Simulation
Authors: Syifa Almira , Darma Putra Ngurah Made , Darsono Teguh , Rohim Ahmad Minanur
Published: July 2023

The concept of diffraction and interference of light is one of the abstract concepts of physics. The process of light diffraction and interference occurs in the abstract. Learning about diffraction and light interference requires media that represent the events. Cognitive structures can represent the quality of students' understanding. Learning Physics is easier to understand through direct experience in the form of practicum. Abstract Physics concepts will be easier to learn with the appropriate visualization. One of the virtual practicums' media uses PhET virtual simulations to improve students' cognitive structure is measured using concept map questions and supported by description questions. The purpose of this research is to increase the cognitive structure of students by using PhET. This research is quantitative research and the experimental design used the experiment method. There are three groups in the experiment, that is a virtual simulation, a real practicum as an experiment class, and a control class. The results of the one-way ANOVA test on the concept map questions showed a significance value (p) 0.05, meaning that there were differences in cognitive structure between groups. The significance value (p) between the virtual simulation group and the real practicum group was 0.014, while the significance value between the virtual simulation group and the control class was 0.00, meaning that there was a significant difference in learning effectiveness between groups. Based on the data of the research concluded that physics learning assisted by virtual simulations can develop students' cognitive structures on the concepts of diffraction and light interference.
Effect evaluation of decentralized domestic sewage treatment facilities in rural areas – a case study of Nantong City, China
Authors: Tian Jun , Ji Jiaying , Liu Zhiqi , Huang Juan , Xue Wentao
Published: July 2023

Rural domestic sewage has the characteristics of large and scattered discharge, as well as complex components; thus, how to effectively and efficiently manage rural domestic sewage is a big challenge for policy makers. Current decentralized domestic sewage treatment facilities (DDSTF) involve different treatment processes and power drive modes; at the same time, the treatment effect is also affected by a variety of local factors. However, there is a lack of research to explore the implementation performance of the DDSTF from a comprehensive perspective. In this study, we took Nantong City, China, as a case study and conducted field investigations of 79 DDSTFs in seven counties from July 2021 to September 2022. We then made an in-depth analysis of the implementation performances of the DDSTF from an internal and external perspective. The results indicate that low temperature will reduce the DDSTF's treatment capacity, and the operation and maintenance mode affect the treatment effect of the facilities significantly. In addition, the non-standardized design for small-capacity facilities commonly results in lower compliance rates. Based on the results, we suggest that improving the quality of design and construction and adopting specialized operations are important ways to improve the treatment efficiency of rural DDSTF.
High-efficiency cleaning technology and lifespan prediction for the ceramic membrane treating secondary treated effluent
Authors: Lv Zongwei , Zhang Shoubin , Jiao Wenhai , Zuo Xinyi , Zhang Yuanyuan , Liu Yutian
Published: July 2023

Chemical cleaning is one of the key technical means to control membrane fouling, restore membrane flux and ensure the stable operation of membrane systems. In the experiment, the six most representative chemical cleaning agents for ceramic membranes, such as sulfuric acid (H2SO4), sodium hydroxide (NaOH), sodium hypochlorite (NaClO), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid disodium salt (EDTA-Na2), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and nonylphenol polyoxyethylene ether (OP-10), were used as research objects. The cleaning effect of the two-step combined cleaning of chemical cleaning agents on the fouled membrane was systematically investigated. Results showed that the order of the chemical cleaning agent had a significant effect on the cleaning effect. The best chemical cleaning program was determined to be NaClO first and then SDS: the fouled ceramic membrane was soaked in NaClO solution at 0.15% for 2.5 h and further soaked in SDS solution at five times its own critical micelle concentration for 2.5 h. The predicted long-term lifespan of the ceramic membranes was 4.91 years. Scanning electron microscopy–energy spectrum analysis showed that the surface roughness of the cleaned ceramic membrane was slightly higher than that of the new membrane. The contact angle was slightly lower than that of the new membrane.
El año mariano, una razón ecuménica en el pensamiento del papa Juan Pablo II
Authors: Garrido David
Published: July 2023

El Año Mariano empieza y concluye planteando el itinerario creyente de María, como una oportunidad para toda la Iglesia. Al seguir la fe de María podemos encontrar el camino, que nos permite llegar a la plenitud creyente. Una fe vivida con el gozo del Espíritu Santo, vivida en libertad y obediencia al Señor, vivida en permanente filiación al Padre. María es la puerta que nos ha conducido al tercer milenio de la Iglesia y su fe se convierte en el camino imprescindible para todos los hijos e hijas de Dios, que peregrinan por el curso de la historia.
O projeto de vida no Novo Ensino Médio
Authors: Braggio Ana Karine , Da Silva Rosangela
Published: July 2023

Esse artigo versa sobre projeto de vida, elemento que ganhou centralidade no Ensino Médio na última reforma educacional. Para tanto, busca a definição do termo advindo do campo da psicologia e questiona como ele adentra ao campo educacional. Visando compreender o caminho de inserção na educação, a pesquisa faz um levantamento dos documentos norteadores desde a primeira ocorrência em 1998 até a versão homologada da BNCC. A presente reflexão destaca as interferências do campo econômico que apoiaram e defenderam a implementação do projeto de vida como eixo central do Ensino Médio, e indica como ele passou a ser componente curricular após recomendações do Consed e dos livros específicos selecionados pelo PNLD
Understanding Disabilities
Authors: Hikmiah Ziadatul , Pratiwi Ari
Published: July 2023

It is crucial to understand the attitude of psychology students towards disability because psychology students are projected to be engaged in health services, especially mental health. The purpose of this study was to examine the attitudes of psychology students towards disability moderated by gender, class, frequency of contact with disabilities and experiences related to disability. The research method used is correlational quantitative through the distribution of an online self-report scale to 202 psychology students in Indonesia. The results of the analysis show that there is no correlation between attitudes towards persons with disabilities and the frequency of contact with persons with disabilities, especially among students majoring in psychology in Indonesia. The lack of social contact with people with disabilities in the Covid-19 pandemic situation is a major factor as well as opening opportunities for a more thorough study of the attitudes of psychology students towards people with disabilities in this Covid-19 pandemic situation.
Exploring the Incentive Function of Virtual Academic Degrees in a Chinese Online Smoking Cessation Community: Qualitative Content Analysis
Authors: Qian Yuxing , Liu Zhenghao , Lee Edmund W J , Wang Yixi , Ni Zhenni
Published: July 2023

Background

Previous studies on online smoking cessation communities (OSCCs) have shown how such networks contribute to members’ health outcomes from behavior influence and social support perspectives. However, these studies rarely considered the incentive function of OSCCs. One of the ways OSCCs motivate smoking cessation behaviors is through digital incentives.

Objective

This study aims to explore the incentive function of a novel digital incentive in a Chinese OSCC—the awarding of academic degrees—to promote smoking cessation. It specifically focuses on “Smoking Cessation Bar,” an OSCC in the popular web-based Chinese forum Baidu Tieba.

Methods

We collected discussions about the virtual academic degrees (N= 1193) from 540 members of the “Smoking Cessation Bar.” The time frame of the data set was from November 15, 2012, to November 3, 2021. Drawing upon motivational affordances theory, 2 coders qualitatively coded the data.

Results

We identified five key topics of discussion, including members’ (1) intention to get virtual academic degrees (n=38, 2.47%), (2) action to apply for the degrees (n=312, 20.27%), (3) feedback on the accomplishment of goals (n=203, 13.19%), (4) interpersonal interaction (n=794, 51.59%), and (5) expression of personal feelings (n=192, 12.48%). Most notably, the results identified underlying social and psychological motivations behind using the forum to discuss obtaining academic degrees for smoking cessation. Specifically, members were found to engage in sharing behavior (n=423, 27.49%) over other forms of interaction such as providing recommendations or encouragement. Moreover, expressions of personal feelings about achieving degrees were generally positive. It was possible that members hid their negative feelings (such as doubt, carelessness, and dislike) in the discussion.

Conclusions

The virtual academic degrees in the OSCC created opportunities for self-presentation for participants. They also improved their self-efficacy to persist in smoking cessation by providing progressive challenges. They served as social bonds connecting different community members, triggering interpersonal interactions, and inducing positive feelings. They also helped realize members’ desire to influence or to be influenced by others. Similar nonfinancial rewards could be adopted in various smoking cessation projects to enhance participation and sustainability.
A Bespoke Electronic Health Journal for Monitoring Response to Botulinum Toxin in Treatment of Cervical Dystonia: Open-Label Observational Study of User Experience
Authors: Edwards Colin , Borton Rebecca , Ross Anita , Molloy Fiona
Published: July 2023

Background

The mainstay of treatment for cervical dystonia (CD) is regular botulinum toxin injections every 3-4 months. Clinical evaluation of response is dependent on the patient’s recall of how well symptoms responded to the previous injection. A mobile health app could assist both patients and health care professionals to monitor treatment benefits and side effects to assist with the selection of muscle and toxin dose to be injected at the next visit. The DystoniaDiary is a bespoke electronic health journal for monitoring symptoms of CD and response to treatment.

Objective

The objective of this study was to assess the acceptability and utility of the DystoniaDiary in patients with CD treated with botulinum toxins as part of their usual care.

Methods

In this open-label, single-center, single-arm observational study, patients attending a botulinum toxin injection clinic were invited to download the DystoniaDiary app. Patients selected up to 3 of their most troublesome CD symptoms (from a predefined list) and were prompted every 3 days to rate the control of these symptoms on a scale from 0 (very badly) to 100 (very well). Dates of onset and wearing off of response to injected botulinum toxin and responses to the Cervical Dystonia Impact Profile (CDIP-58) questionnaire at baseline and week 6 were also recorded in the app.

Results

A total of 34 patients installed DystoniaDiary. Twenty-five patients (25/34, 74%) recorded data for ≥12 weeks and 21 patients (21/34, 62%) for ≥16 weeks. Median time between the first and last data input was 140 days with a median of 13 recordings per patient. User experience questionnaires at weeks 4 and 12 (20 respondents) indicated that the majority of respondents found the DystoniaDiary app easy to install and use, liked using it, would recommend it to others (19/20), and wished to continue using it (16/20). A smaller proportion indicated that the DystoniaDiary gave a greater sense of control in managing their CD (13/20). There was interindividual variation in patients’ perceptions of control of their symptoms after botulinum toxin injection. Response to treatment was apparent in the symptom control scores for some patients, whereas the severity of other patients’ symptoms did not appear to change after treatment.

Conclusions

This observational study demonstrated that the DystoniaDiary app was perceived as useful and acceptable for a large proportion of this sample of patients with CD attending a botulinum toxin clinic. Patients with CD appear to be willing to regularly record symptom severity for at least the duration of a botulinum injection treatment cycle (12-16 weeks). This app may be useful in monitoring and optimizing individual patient responses to botulinum toxin injection.
Exploring the Incentive Function of Virtual Academic Degrees in a Chinese Online Smoking Cessation Community: Qualitative Content Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Qian Yuxing , Liu Zhenghao , Lee Edmund W J , Wang Yixi , Ni Zhenni
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Previous studies on online smoking cessation communities (OSCCs) have shown how such networks contribute to members’ health outcomes from behavior influence and social support perspectives. However, these studies rarely considered the incentive function of OSCCs. One of the ways OSCCs motivate smoking cessation behaviors is through digital incentives.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to explore the incentive function of a novel digital incentive in a Chinese OSCC—the awarding of academic degrees—to promote smoking cessation. It specifically focuses on “Smoking Cessation Bar,” an OSCC in the popular web-based Chinese forum Baidu Tieba.

METHODS

We collected discussions about the virtual academic degrees (N= 1193) from 540 members of the “Smoking Cessation Bar.” The time frame of the data set was from November 15, 2012, to November 3, 2021. Drawing upon motivational affordances theory, 2 coders qualitatively coded the data.

RESULTS

We identified five key topics of discussion, including members’ (1) intention to get virtual academic degrees (n=38, 2.47%), (2) action to apply for the degrees (n=312, 20.27%), (3) feedback on the accomplishment of goals (n=203, 13.19%), (4) interpersonal interaction (n=794, 51.59%), and (5) expression of personal feelings (n=192, 12.48%). Most notably, the results identified underlying social and psychological motivations behind using the forum to discuss obtaining academic degrees for smoking cessation. Specifically, members were found to engage in sharing behavior (n=423, 27.49%) over other forms of interaction such as providing recommendations or encouragement. Moreover, expressions of personal feelings about achieving degrees were generally positive. It was possible that members hid their negative feelings (such as doubt, carelessness, and dislike) in the discussion.

CONCLUSIONS

The virtual academic degrees in the OSCC created opportunities for self-presentation for participants. They also improved their self-efficacy to persist in smoking cessation by providing progressive challenges. They served as social bonds connecting different community members, triggering interpersonal interactions, and inducing positive feelings. They also helped realize members’ desire to influence or to be influenced by others. Similar nonfinancial rewards could be adopted in various smoking cessation projects to enhance participation and sustainability.
Exploring the Feasibility and Usability of Smartphones for Monitoring Physical Activity in Orthopedic Patients: Prospective Observational Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ghaffari Arash , Kildahl Lauritsen Rikke Emilie , Christensen Michael , Rolighed Thomsen Trine , Mahapatra Harshit , Heck Robert , Kold Søren , Rahbek Ole
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Smartphones are often equipped with inertial sensors that measure individuals’ physical activity (PA). However, their role in remote monitoring of the patients’ PAs in telemedicine needs to be adequately explored.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to explore the correlation between a participant’s actual daily step counts and the daily step counts reported by their smartphone. In addition, we inquired about the usability of smartphones for collecting PA data.

METHODS

This prospective observational study was conducted among patients undergoing lower limb orthopedic surgery and a group of nonpatients as control. The data from the patients were collected from 2 weeks before surgery until 4 weeks after the surgery, whereas the data collection period for the nonpatients was 2 weeks. The participant’s daily step count was recorded by PA trackers worn 24/7. In addition, a smartphone app collected the number of daily steps registered by the participants’ smartphones. We compared the cross-correlation between the daily steps time series obtained from the smartphones and PA trackers in different groups of participants. We also used mixed modeling to estimate the total number of steps, using smartphone step counts and the characteristics of the patients as independent variables. The System Usability Scale was used to evaluate the participants’ experience with the smartphone app and the PA tracker.

RESULTS

Overall, 1067 days of data were collected from 21 patients (n=11, 52% female patients) and 10 nonpatients (n=6, 60% female patients). The median cross-correlation coefficient on the same day was 0.70 (IQR 0.53-0.83). The correlation in the nonpatient group was slightly higher than that in the patient group (median 0.74, IQR 0.60-0.90 and median 0.69, IQR 0.52-0.81, respectively). The likelihood ratio tests on the models fitted by mixed effects methods demonstrated that the smartphone step count was positively correlated with the PA tracker’s total number of steps (χ21=34.7, P<.001). In addition, the median usability score for the smartphone app was 78 (IQR 73-88) compared with median 73 (IQR 68-80) for the PA tracker.

CONCLUSIONS

Considering the ubiquity, convenience, and practicality of smartphones, the high correlation between the smartphones and the total daily step count time series highlights the potential usefulness of smartphones in detecting changes in the number of steps in remote monitoring of a patient’s PA.
Unmasking Assumptions- Evaluating the Impact of Data Augmentation on Machine Learning Models in Healthcare Datasets (Preprint)
Authors: Li Chenyu , Jiang Xia
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Data imbalance is a critical issue in big data analysis, particularly when dealing with datasets containing fewer labels, such as healthcare real-world data, spam detection labels, and financial fraud detection datasets. While numerous data balancing methods have been proposed to enhance machine learning algorithm performance, research claims that Synthetic Minority Over-sampling Technique (SMOTE) and SMOTE-based data augmentation methods can improve algorithm performance. However, we observed that many online tutorials evaluating these methods use synthesized datasets, introducing bias into the evaluation process and leading to false positive improvements in performance.

OBJECTIVE

In this study, we propose a new evaluation framework for imbalanced data learning methods, experimenting with five data balancing techniques to assess their impact on machine learning algorithm performance.

METHODS

We collected 8 imbalanced real-world healthcare datasets with varying imbalance rates from different domains. We applied 6 data augmentation methods in conjunction with 11 machine learning techniques to test the efficacy of data augmentation in improving machine learning performance. Our proposed Evaluation Framework for Imbalanced Data Learning (EFIDL) uses a 5-fold cross-validation approach, comparing the traditional data augmentation evaluation methods with our new framework.

RESULTS

Traditional data augmentation evaluation methods can give a false impression of improved machine learning performance. However, our proposed evaluation framework demonstrates that data augmentation has limited ability to enhance results.

CONCLUSIONS

EFIDL is better suited for evaluating the prediction performance of machine learning methods when data are augmented. Using unsuitable evaluation frameworks can lead to false results. Future researchers should consider the evaluation framework we proposed when working with augmented datasets. Our experiments showed that data augmentation does not significantly improve machine learning prediction performance.
A machine learning-assisted system to predict thyrotoxicosis using patients’ heart rate monitoring data: a retrospective cohort study (Preprint)
Authors: Shin Kyubo , Kim Jongchan , Park Jaemin , Oh Tae Jung , Kong Sung Hye , Ahn Chang Ho , Moon Joon Ho , Moon Jae Hoon
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown a correlation between resting heart rate (HR) measured by wearable devices and serum free thyroxine concentration in patients with thyroid dysfunction.

OBJECTIVE

We have developed a machine learning (ML)-assisted system that uses HR data collected from wearable devices to predict the occurrence of thyrotoxicosis in patients.

METHODS

HR monitoring data were collected using a wearable device for a period of 4 months in 175 patients with Graves’ disease. During this period, 3 or 4 thyroid function tests (TFTs) were performed on each patient at intervals of at least one month. The HR data collected during the 10 days prior to each TFT were paired with the corresponding TFT results, resulting in a total of 662 pairs of data. Our ML-assisted system predicted thyrotoxicosis of a patient at a given time point based on HR data and their HR-TFT data pair at another time point.

RESULTS

Our ML-assisted system divided the 662 cases into either thyrotoxicosis and non-thyrotoxicosis and the performance was calculated based on the TFT results. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), and negative predictive value (NPV) of our system for predicting thyrotoxicosis were 86.14%, 85.92%, 52.41%, and 97.18%, respectively. When subclinical thyrotoxicosis was excluded from the analysis, the sensitivity, specificity, PPV, and NPV of our system for predicting thyrotoxicosis were 86.14%, 98.28%, 94.57%, and 95.32%, respectively. Our ML-assisted system used the change in mean, relative standard deviation, skewness, and kurtosis of HR while sleeping, and the Jensen-Shannon divergence of sleep HR and TFT distribution as major parameters for predicting thyrotoxicosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our ML-assisted system has demonstrated reasonably accurate predictions of thyrotoxicosis in patients with thyroid dysfunction, and the accuracy could be further improved by gathering more data. This predictive system has the potential to monitor the thyroid function status of patients with thyroid dysfunction by collecting heart rate data, and to determine the optimal timing for blood tests and treatment intervention.

CLINICALTRIAL

trial registration number, clinicaltrials.gov NCT03009357, NCT04806269, and NCT05828732