bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Compact Extended Formulations for Low-Rank Functions with Indicator Variables
Authors: Han Shaoning , Gómez Andrés
Published: August 2024

We study the mixed-integer epigraph of a special class of convex functions with nonconvex indicator constraints, which are often used to impose logical constraints on the support of the solutions. The class of functions we consider are defined as compositions of low-dimensional nonlinear functions with affine functions. Extended formulations describing the convex hull of such sets can easily be constructed via disjunctive programming although a direct application of this method often yields prohibitively large formulations, whose size is exponential in the number of variables. In this paper, we propose a new disjunctive representation of the sets under study, which leads to compact formulations with size exponential in the dimension of the nonlinear function but polynomial in the number of variables. Moreover, we show how to project out the additional variables for the case of dimension one, recovering or generalizing known results for the convex hulls of such sets (in the original space of variables). Our computational results indicate that the proposed approach can significantly improve the performance of solvers in structured problems.

Funding: This work was supported by the National Science Foundation Division of Computing and Communication Foundations [Grant 2006762].
Parabolic Regularity of Spectral Functions
Authors: Mohammadi Ashkan , Sarabi Ebrahim
Published: August 2024

This paper is devoted to the study of the second-order variational analysis of spectral functions. It is well-known that spectral functions can be expressed as a composite function of symmetric functions and eigenvalue functions. We establish several second-order properties of spectral functions when their associated symmetric functions enjoy these properties. Our main attention is given to characterize parabolic regularity for this class of functions. It was observed recently that parabolic regularity can play a central rule in ensuring the validity of important second-order variational properties, such as twice epi-differentiability. We demonstrates that for convex spectral functions, their parabolic regularity amounts to that of their symmetric functions. As an important consequence, we calculate the second subderivative of convex spectral functions, which allows us to establish second-order optimality conditions for a class of matrix optimization problems.

Funding: The research of A. Mohammadi is funded by a postdoctoral fellowship from Georgetown University. E. Sarabi is partially supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation [Grant DMS 2108546].
Incentivizing Healthy Food Choices Using Add-On Bundling: A Field Experiment
Authors: Bandi Nymisha , Cohen Maxime C. , Ray Saibal
Published: August 2024

Problem definition: How can retailers incentivize customers to make healthier food choices? Price, convenience, and taste are known to be among the main drivers behind such choices. Unfortunately, healthier food options are often expensive and not adequately promoted. However, we are observing recent efforts to nudge customers toward healthier food. Methodology/results: In this paper, we conducted a field experiment with a global convenience store chain to better understand how different add-on bundle promotions influence healthy food choices. We considered three types of add-on bundles sequentially: (i) an unhealthy bundle (when customers purchased a coffee, they could add a pastry for $1), (ii) a healthy bundle (offering a healthy snack, such as fruit, vegetable, or protein, as a coffee add-on for $1), and (iii) a choice bundle (the option of either a pastry or a healthy snack as an add-on to coffee for $1). In addition to our field experiment, we conducted an online laboratory study to strengthen the validity of our results. Managerial implications: We found that offering healthy snacks as part of an add-on bundle significantly increased healthy purchases (and decreased unhealthy purchases). Surprisingly, this finding continued to hold for the choice bundle, that is, even when unhealthy snacks were concurrently on promotion. However, we did not observe a long-term stickiness effect, meaning that customers returned to their original (unhealthy) purchase patterns once the healthy or choice bundle was discontinued. Finally, we show that offering an add-on choice bundle is also beneficial for retailers, who can earn higher revenue and profit.

Funding: This research was supported by the James McGill Scholar Award Fund, the Scale AI Chair Program, IIVADO (Institut de valorisation des données) Fundamental Research Project Grant, and two Discovery Grants from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada.

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/msom.2023.0336 .
A Unified Branch-Price-and-Cut Algorithm for Multicompartment Pickup and Delivery Problems
Authors: Aerts-Veenstra Marjolein , Cherkesly Marilène , Gschwind Timo
Published: August 2024

In this paper, we study the pickup and delivery problem with time windows and multiple compartments (PDPTWMC). The PDPTWMC generalizes the pickup and delivery problem with time windows to vehicles with multiple compartments. In particular, we consider three compartment-related attributes: (1) compartment capacity flexibility that allows the capacities of the compartments to be fixed or flexible, (2) item-to-compartment flexibility that specifies which items are compatible with which compartments, and (3) item-to-item compatibility that considers that incompatible items cannot be simultaneously in the same compartment. To solve the PDPTWMC, we propose an exact branch-price-and-cut algorithm in which the pricing problem is solved by means of a unified bidirectional labeling algorithm. The labeling algorithm can tackle all possible combinations of the studied compartment-related attributes of the PDPTWMC. Furthermore, we implement several acceleration techniques that allow to, among others, reduce the symmetry in the label extensions with empty compartments, the symmetry in the dominance between compartments with similar attributes, and the complexity of the algorithm with fixed compartment capacity. Finally, we introduce benchmark instances for the PDPTWMC and conduct an extensive computational campaign to test the limits of our algorithm and to derive relevant managerial insights in order to highlight the applicability of considering the studied compartment-related attributes.

Funding: This work was supported by Nederlandse Organisatie voor Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek [Grant 439.18.459] and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada [Grant 2017-06106].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/trsc.2023.0252 .
Benefits of expanding childcare provision
Authors: Hayes Derren
Published: August 2024

Research reveals offering disadvantaged pre-schoolers more funded hours can boost child development and ensure they are school ready
Inspections Clinic: Early education and childcare
Authors: Stephenson Jo
Published: August 2024

Ofsted's latest annual report sets out the major challenges facing the early years and childcare sector, with the recruitment and retention of quality staff among the chief concerns, reports Jo Stephenson
Rainwater Quality Disparities Across Malaysian Peninsula Sites
Authors: Uddin Md. Helal , Md. Rokonuzzaman  , Nur-E-Alam Mohammad , Soudagar Manzoore Elahi M. , Mohamed Hassan bin , Amin Nowshad
Published: August 2024

This research describes the physicochemical quality of harvested rainwater at four distinct locations in Peninsula Malaysia. The evaluation of rainwater quality across different geographic areas aims to provide valuable insights into potential variations and trends in rainwater quality to reduce water demand globally. This analysis is conducted to determine seven properties, namely ammoniacal nitrogen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), chemical oxygen demand (COD), dissolved oxygen (DO), pH, total dissolved solids (TDS), and turbidity. The results demonstrate that the quality of harvested rainwater meets the raw water quality standards set by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia (NWQSM), indicating good quality rainwater in Malaysia. However, the COD for rainwater in all locations exceeded the limit, with a range of 14.1 to 29.7 mg/L, while the maximum limit for COD set by WHO is 10 mg/L, and according to NWQSM standards, it is 10–100 mg/L. The average pH of the collected rainwater is acidic ranged from 4.7 to 5.56. BOD5 for the collected rainwater is excellent; however, L2 has a slightly higher BOD5 at 6.5 mg/L, whereas the recommended limit by WHO is 6 mg/L, and the NWQSM standard suggests a range of 1–12 mg/L, with a standard limit of 5–7 mg/L. Nevertheless, DO levels ranged from 7.71 to 7.76 mg/L, indicating an ambient gas concentration in the rainwater. The collected rainwater can be used for portable purposes, gardening, smart farming, and toilet flushing.
Determinants of Smoking Behavior in Physical Education, Sports, and Health Teachers in Surakarta City in 2021
Authors: Isnaini Alfianita , Widjanarko Bagoes , Indraswari Ratih
Published: August 2024

Background: Smoking is an unhealthy habit but is often encountered in everyday life. Teacher of Physical Education, Sports, and Health as one of the sports actors if active smoking can impair their physical fitness. Teachers contribute to instilling health values in students and making them role models. Teachers who smoke will give students the perception that smoking behavior is a common and harmless action that is feared to affect students who are still in the period of self-discovery, unstable, and easily influenced in smoking behavior. This study aims to determine what factors influence smoking behavior in Physical Education, Sports, and Health teachers in Surakarta City.

Methods: This study was quantitative research with a cross-sectional approach and the sample was 81 Physical Education, Sports, and Health teachers using a proportionate stratified random sampling technique. The analysis of this study used univariate and bivariate analysis with the Chi-Square test.

Results: The results showed 30.9% of respondents are active smokers, and 69.1% are non-active smokers. Variables related to smoking behavior are knowledge (p=0.000), the role of the respondent as a teacher (p=0.000), perceived seriousness (p=0.000), perceived benefits (p=0.017), attitude (p=0.000), subjective norms (p=0.000), and perceived behavioral control p=0.003).

Conclusion: Knowledge, attitude, role as a teacher, perceived seriousness, perceived benefits, perceived behavioral control, and subjective norm have a relationship with smoking behavior, while age, income, cues to action, and perceived susceptibility are not related to smoking behavior.
Phase retrieval in propagation-based X-ray imaging beyond the limits of transport of intensity and contrast transfer function approaches
Authors: Faragó Tomáš , Spiecker Rebecca , Hurst Mathias , Zuber Marcus , Cecilia Angelica , Baumbach Tilo
Published: August 2024

We derive a phase retrieval formula for propagation-based phase contrast X-ray imaging that does not require weakly attenuating objects or short propagation distances. It is directly applicable to both single- and multiple-distance scenarios. We show the validity conditions and study the error of the underlying mutual intensity approximation, which uses the common assumptions of weak phase shift variations and phase-attenuation duality. The approximation generalizes those behind the transport of intensity (TIE) and contrast transfer function (CTF) models, and it approaches them when their respective additional assumptions are satisfied. When they are not, it clearly outperforms them, which we show both theoretically and practically on synthetic and measured data.
Single-pulse three-dimensional parallel recording in glass using a feedback system
Authors: Zhang Jie , Zhang Honghao , Qiu Jianrong
Published: August 2024

High-quality three-dimensional computer-generated holograms (3D-CGHs) are crucial for programmable 3D femtosecond laser parallel recording (3D-FLPR). In this study, we introduced an innovative feedback approach for the rapid optimization of 3D-CGHs by incorporating the superposition of the calculated lens phases (CLPs) onto the 3D-CGHs within a feedback system. This feedback system, governed by coordinated control of a spatial light modulator (SLM) and a camera, served to avoid the poor quality of the ordinary CGH system. As a result, we successfully demonstrated coaxial 3D-FLPR in Ag-doped phosphate glass solely using a single fs laser pulse. Additionally, we regulated the energy distribution of the generated 3D multi-focus (3D-MF) to compensate the laser energy losses inside the glass. The presented single-pulse 3D parallel recording indicated the significant advancement facilitated by our method, particularly in enhancing the writing efficiency of optical storage.
Polarization-insensitive cross-polarization converter with high frequency selectivity based on an antenna-resonator-antenna module
Authors: Lin Lei , Jiang Yuan , Fu Xixi
Published: August 2024

In this paper, a novel transmission-type polarization-insensitive frequency selective polarization converter (PIFSPC) is proposed. The overall structural scheme of the proposed PIFSPC is based on an antenna-resonator-antenna (ARA) module, which is composed of a receiving patch antenna, double “S-shaped” half-wavelength resonators, and a transmitting patch antenna. By adopting cross-coupling, high frequency selectivity is achieved, and through the utilization of a staggered rotationally symmetric structure, polarization insensitivity is attained. The prototype possesses four transmission poles and two zeros on the polarization conversion spectrum, and it shows insensitivity to the polarization direction of incident electromagnetic waves. The frequency selectivity of the prototype at the lower and upper band edges is 425 dB/GHz and 283 dB/GHz respectively. The cross-polarization conversion rate (PCR) is over 95% within the passband from 4.93 GHz to 5.09 GHz for arbitrarily polarized azimuth incident waves, and its thickness is merely 0.052λ0. The operation bandwidth and frequency selectivity of the prototype can be readily altered. A prototype is fabricated and measured, with excellent consistency between simulations and experiments. It indicates the feasibility of integrating frequency selection and polarization conversion. The proposed PIFSPC has extensive application prospects in enhancing the anti-interference ability and electromagnetic compatibility in the fields of communication, measurement, and microwave detection.
State-dependent connectivity in auditory-reward networks predicts peak pleasure experiences to music
Authors: Mori Kazuma , Zatorre Robert
Published: August 2024

Music can evoke pleasurable and rewarding experiences. Past studies that examined task-related brain activity revealed individual differences in musical reward sensitivity traits and linked them to interactions between the auditory and reward systems. However, state-dependent fluctuations in spontaneous neural activity in relation to music-driven rewarding experiences have not been studied. Here, we used functional MRI to examine whether the coupling of auditory-reward networks during a silent period immediately before music listening can predict the degree of musical rewarding experience of human participants (N = 49). We used machine learning models and showed that the functional connectivity between auditory and reward networks, but not others, could robustly predict subjective, physiological, and neurobiological aspects of the strong musical reward of chills. Specifically, the right auditory cortex-striatum/orbitofrontal connections predicted the reported duration of chills and the activation level of nucleus accumbens and insula, whereas the auditory-amygdala connection was associated with psychophysiological arousal. Furthermore, the predictive model derived from the first sample of individuals was generalized in an independent dataset using different music samples. The generalization was successful only for state-like, pre-listening functional connectivity but not for stable, intrinsic functional connectivity. The current study reveals the critical role of sensory-reward connectivity in pre-task brain state in modulating subsequent rewarding experience.
An evolutionarily conserved pathway mediated by neuroparsin-A regulates reproductive plasticity in ants
Authors: Zhang Xiafang , Xie Nianxia , Ding Guo , Ning Dongdong , Dai Wei , Xiong Zijun , Zhong Wenjiang , Zuo Dashuang , Zhao Jie , Zhang Pei , Liu Chengyuan , Li Qiye , Ran Hao , Liu Weiwei , Zhang Guojie
Published: August 2024

Phenotypic plasticity displayed by an animal in response to different environmental conditions is supposedly crucial for its survival and reproduction. The female adults of some ant lineages display phenotypic plasticity related to reproductive role. In pharaoh ant queens, insemination induces substantial physiological/behavioral changes and implicates remarkable gene regulatory network (GRN) shift in the brain. Here, we report a neuropeptide neuroparsin A (NPA) showing a conserved expression pattern associated with reproductive activity across ant species. Knock-down of NPA in unmated queen enhances ovary activity, whereas injection of NPA peptide in fertilized queen suppresses ovary activity. We found that NPA mainly affected the downstream gene JHBP in the ovary, which is positively regulated by NPA and suppression of which induces elevated ovary activity, and shadow which is negatively regulated by NPA. Furthermore, we show that NPA was also employed into the brain–ovary axis in regulating the worker reproductive changes in other distantly related species, such as Harpegnathos venator ants.
ACM and rectangular images: Overlapping partitions, implementation, and periodicity analysis
Authors: O’Dea Anthony
Published: August 2024

The Arnold Cat Map (ACM) is a popular chaotic map used in image encryption. Chaotic maps are known for their sensitivity to initial conditions and their ability to permute, or rearrange, pixels. However, ACM is periodic, and its period is relatively short. This periodicity decreases the effective key-space and security of a cryptosystem using ACM. Further, ACM is typically only able to be performed on square images. To solve the low periodicity and typical limitation to square images, this paper proposes performing ACM on overlapping square partitions which cover the entirety of an image. The presence of overlap results in a greatly increased image period. The resulting system will be referred to as overlapping ACM or OACM. Several papers have already discussed systems involving overlapping ACM. However, they did not discuss the implementation or periodicity of such a system in detail. This paper does cover the implementation and periodicity analysis of OACM and proposes a simple symmetric encryption system which uses OACM. The proposed encryption system is not as sophisticated or secure as other modern encryption schemes, since it is mainly intended as an initial test of OACM’s utility. Histogram and sensitivity analyses did however indicate a level of security against various cryptographic attacks, and OACM performed reasonably in both the permutation and diffusion stages of the cryptosystem.
Analyzing the worldwide progression of COVID-19 cases and deaths using nonlinear mixed-effects model
Authors: Koshimichi Hiroki , Hisaka Akihiro
Published: August 2024

COVID-19 is an infectious disease that continues to spread worldwide. A precise estimation of the cases and deaths due to COVID-19 would allow for appropriate consideration of healthcare resource allocation, public health response, and vaccination and economic planning, to minimize social damage. In this study, we analyzed the progression of COVID-19 cases and deaths until January 2022 in 156 countries using a nonlinear mixed-effect model based on the SIR framework. Given the major changes in mortality from infection, risk of re-infection and social responses, the analysis was limited to the period before the emergence of the Omicron variant. The impact of infection prevention measures in various countries was assessed, with a specific focus on estimating the effectiveness of lockdowns, where the effect was assumed to change over time. By accounting for excess mortality, our analysis allowed the estimation of unreported cases and deaths, and thus providing a more comprehensive understanding of the impact of pandemic. In the analysis, we identified gross domestic product (GDP), proportion of people aged 65 years or older, latitude of the capital city on transmissibility of infection, and city population and cardiovascular death rate on mortality rate as significant influencing factors. Furthermore, the differences in transmissibility and mortality rates by variants and the effect of vaccination on the mortality rate were assessed. The transmissibility has increased by odds ratios of 1.2 to 1.4 in Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants; mortality rate has increased by odds ratios of 1.7, 2.2, and 1.4 in Beta, Gamma, and Delta variants, respectively; and vaccination decreased the mortality rate by odds ratios of 0.4 and 0.1 in Delta and other variants, respectively.
Utility index and vision-related quality of life in patients awaiting specialist eye care
Authors: Araujo Aline Lutz de , Zanotto Bruna Stella , Etges Ana Paula Beck da Silva , Ruschel Karen Brasil , Moreira Taís de Campos , Cabral Felipe Cezar , Harzheim Erno , Gonçalves Marcelo Rodrigues , Umpierre Roberto Nunes , Carvalho Fabiana , Silva Rodolfo Souza da , Polanczyk Carisi Anne
Published: August 2024

Objectives

This study aimed to ascertain utility and vision-related quality of life in patients awaiting access to specialist eye care. A secondary aim was to evaluate the association of utility indices with demographic profile and waiting time.

Methods

Consecutive patients that had been waiting for ophthalmology care answered the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI VFQ-25). The questionnaire was administered when patients arrived at the clinics for their first visit. We derived a utility index (VFQ-UI) from the patients’ responses, then calculated the correlation between this index and waiting time and compared utility across demographic subgroups stratified by age, sex, and care setting.

Results

536 individuals participated in the study (mean age 52.9±16.6 years; 370 women, 69% women). The median utility index was 0.85 (interquartile range [IQR] 0.70–0.92; minimum 0.40, maximum 0.97). The mean VFQ-25 score was 70.88±14.59. Utility correlated weakly and nonsignificantly with waiting time (-0.05, P = 0.24). It did not vary across age groups (P = 0.85) or care settings (P = 0.77). Utility was significantly lower for women (0.84, IQR 0.70–0.92) than men (0.87, IQR 0.73–0.93, P = 0.03), but the magnitude of this difference was small (Cohen’s d = 0.13).

Conclusion

Patients awaiting access to ophthalmology care had a utility index of 0.85 on a scale of 0 to 1. This measurement was not previously reported in the literature. Utility measures can provide insight into patients’ perspectives and support economic health analyses and inform health policies.
A pilot study on bio-banding in male youth ice hockey: Players’ perceptions and coaches’ selection preferences
Authors: Lindholm Oliver , Niklasson Erik , Lind John , Cardinale Daniele A. , Lundberg Tommy R.
Published: August 2024

Classifying athletes based on estimates of biological maturation (i.e., bio-banding) as a supplement to traditional age grouping has been shown to be a potential tool for enriching player development in team sports; however, bio-banding has not yet been evaluated in ice hockey. The primary aim was to investigate player experiences and coaches’ selection preferences in bio-banding versus age-banding in a group of 12-13-year-old (early growth spurt) male elite players (n = 69). We also examined the relationship between somatic maturity, expressed as a % predicted adult height (%PAH), and fitness performance. Bio-banding was assessed using a questionnaire and 29 coaches selected their top players in each game based on age or bio-bands. %PAH correlated with grip strength (r = .57, p>0.001) and jumping power (r = .63, p<0.001), but not with vertical jump height, sprint time or endurance. Players who played against more mature players in bio-bands than in age groups experienced higher demands, while players who played against less mature players were able to utilize their skills to a greater extent. Coaches generally favored later-than-average maturing players who performed better on performance tests and chronologically older players in bio-banding. We conclude that bio-banding in youth ice hockey has some promising effects and warrants further evaluation.
ESTÁGIO SUPERVISIONADO NO ENSINO FUNDAMENTAL
Authors: Corrêa Antonio Matheus do Rosário , Conde Larissa Fernanda Alves , Cardoso Maria Gorete Rodrigues
Published: August 2024

Este trabalho visa analisar experiências formativas desenvolvidas durante o Estágio Supervisionado no Ensino Fundamental em escola pública municipal da Amazônia bragantina. O percurso teórico-metodológico está baseado na abordagem qualitativa de pesquisa, estruturado em quatro etapas: orientação de estágio; investigação do contexto escolar; coparticipação em práticas pedagógicas; e regência em sala de aula. Os resultados desvelam: necessidade de melhoria de estrutura física para oferta de educação com qualidade; formação humana e escolar a partir de Temas Geradores de Paulo Freire, com fundamentos na participação da comunidade escolar; relação profícua entre lendas amazônicas e conhecimentos escolares, como os pertencentes aos componentes curriculares de Língua Portuguesa e Matemática. Conclui-se que o estágio supervisionado proporcionou experiências formativas significativas por meio da pesquisa, do diálogo e da reflexão, além de experiências basilares para constituição de identidade docente no nível de Ensino Fundamental.
FORMAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES EM GÊNERO E SEXUALIDADE NA EDUCAÇÃO BÁSICA
Authors: Santos Tiago Zeferino dos , Rocha Luciano Daudt da , De Medeiros Natanael
Published: August 2024

Este artigo tem como objetivo analisar as contribuições das formações de professores em gênero e sexualidade no contexto da Educação Básica. Para isso, realizamos uma revisão integrativa de artigos publicados no Portal de Periódicos CAPES e na Plataforma SciELO. Após aplicação dos critérios de inclusão e exclusão foram selecionados oito artigos publicados em periódicos brasileiros entre 2012 e 2022. Os resultados evidenciaram que a formação continuada dos professores é essencial para a promoção de uma educação mais inclusiva e para enfrentar as resistências encontradas na discussão de sexualidade e gênero nas escolas. As formações proporcionam uma maior compreensão e sensibilidade em relação à diversidade de gênero e sexualidade, além de estimular reflexões críticas sobre práticas pedagógicas e encorajar educadores/as a revisitar suas crenças e métodos.
ESTUDANTES INDÍGENAS COM DEFICIÊNCIA EM MINAS GERAIS
Authors: Sá Michele Aparecida de , Mendes Augusto César Cardoso , Brazão Letícia de Oliveira
Published: August 2024

A interface Educação Especial e Educação Escolar Indígena é uma construção recente na política educacional brasileira. Por esse motivo, torna-se fundamental investigar como está acontecendo a escolarização de estudantes indígenas com deficiência. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi identificar e analisar o quantitativo de estudantes indígenas com deficiência presentes nas 20 escolas indígenas do Estado de Minas Gerais, sendo 19 vinculadas à rede estadual e 01 à rede municipal de ensino. Este estudo trata-se de uma pesquisa descritiva que utilizou os dados do Censo Escolar da Educação Básica, especificamente os microdados dos anos de 2008, 2010, 2015 e 2020. As variáveis selecionadas foram do banco de matrícula, especificamente: localização diferenciada da escola (terra indígena), modalidade de ensino, etapa de ensino, Atendimento Educacional Especializado (AEE) e tipo de deficiência. Os dados evidenciaram a presença de estudantes indígenas com deficiência em escolas indígenas de Minas Gerais. Apontaram que a maioria dos estudantes com deficiência possui deficiência intelectual, seguida pela deficiência física e múltipla. Os dados revelaram que uma pequena parcela desses estudantes recebe atendimento educacional especializado e poucas escolas possuem sala de recursos multifuncionais. Os dados demonstram a fragilidade da rede estadual de ensino em garantir direitos fundamentais aos estudantes indígenas com deficiência.
ATENDIMENTO EDUCACIONAL ESPECIALIZADO E PRÁTICAS INCLUSIVAS EM UMA ESCOLA DO CAMPO NA BAIXADA FLUMINENSE NO RIO DE JANEIRO
Authors: Magalhães Tamara França de Almeida , Campos Erica Costa Vliese Zichtl
Published: August 2024

A educação especial na perspectiva inclusiva apresenta especificidades quanto ao trabalho a ser desenvolvido, sobremaneira, quando tratamos da inclusão escolar de estudantes com deficiência em escolas do campo. Diante disso, o objetivo deste estudo é analisar as possibilidades de articulação do Atendimento Educacional Especializado para o desenvolvimento de práticas pedagógicas inclusivas no ensino fundamental, em uma escola do campo da Baixada Fluminense do Rio de Janeiro, por meio do relato reflexivo da experiência de uma docente especializada em educação especial. Intencionamos com esta análise evidenciar caminhos e possibilidades para ações e práticas inclusivas direcionadas aos estudantes com deficiência nestas instituições. Dessa maneira, este estudo, estruturado por meio da abordagem metodológica da pesquisa exploratória qualitativa, e desenvolvido com base na análise de um relato de experiência, revelou que a elaboração de modo colaborativo do planejamento educacional individualizado entre os docentes e a formação continuada de professores são suportes necessários para possibilitar o desenvolvimento e a aprendizagem dos estudantes com deficiência incluídos nestes espaços de ensino.
ASSIMETRIAS DA PESQUISA EM EDUCAÇÃO ESPECIAL EM TRANSVERSALIDADE ÀS MODALIDADES DE ENSINO
Authors: Haas Clarissa , Esquinsani Rosimar Serena Siqueira
Published: August 2024

Apresentação do Dossiê intitulado “Políticas de Educação Especial e inclusão escolar em transversalidade às modalidades de ensino na Educação básica - Educação de Jovens e Adultos, Educação Profissional, Educação Indígena, Educação Quilombola e Educação do Campo”.
Development of a digital twin of the control system test bench for digital instrument transformers
Authors:   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Loginovskiy O.V. , Topolskii D.V. ,   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Topolskii N.D. ,   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Beliakov A.E. ,   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia, Beliakova V.A. ,   South Ural State University, Chelyabinsk, Russia
Published: August 2024

The presented work considers the option of implementing a digital twin of a test bench control system for digital instrument transformers using a universal SCADA system. The basis of the design of the test bench is a hydraulic servo drive using hydrostatic guides. Digital instrument transformers must have a service life of at least 25 years, a verification interval of 8 years or more. To achieve such high performance characteristics, a large number of tests are required for such products. In particular, to check the reliability of operation of this class of devices, it is necessary to conduct tests on a diagnostic vibration stand. The task of creating test benches based on a hydraulic servo drive using hydrostatic guides is an urgent scientific and technical task. The architecture of a digital twin of the test bench control system has been developed. To test the functionality of the application, a simulation of the operation of a digital twin of the control system of a test bench for digital instrument transformers was performed. Aim. Based on an analysis of the operating modes of the test bench and options for implementing digital twins, develop a prototype of a test bench control system for digital instrument transformers using a universal SCADA system. Materials and methods. The posed scientific problems were solved using key methods of digitalization of production, computer and simulation modeling of the interaction of the digital twin with elements of the test bench control system. Results. The main practical result of the research is the development of a digital twin of the test bench control system for digital instrument transformers. It is proposed to use the domestic universal SCADA system when implementing the digital twin in software. Conclusion. Analysis of options for implementing a digital twin showed that the use of universal SCADA systems simplifies the development process. Such software systems provide the ability to control automated technological processes, collect and process data in real time, monitor the condition of equipment and the progress of production processes, as well as quickly respond to any problems. When developing a digital twin, the use of a universal SCADA system is justified. Prototyping of the test bench control system was carried out using a universal domestic SCADA system. An OPC server has been developed for data exchange with a microcontroller of the STM32 family in the Modbus Universal MasterOPC application and a project in the MasterSCADA system. Testing of the application showed the full functionality of the developed project.
Proteinuria and Hypertension in Patients Treated with Inhibitors of the VEGF Signalling Pathway – Incidence, Mechanisms and Management
Authors: Tesařová Petra , Tesař V.
Published: August 2024

Anti-VEGF therapy dramatically improved the outcome of patients with renal cancer and other advanced malignancies, but may be complicated by proteinuria and hypertension. VEGF is indispensable for the normal development of glomerulus and preservation of glomerular filtration barrier. Interference with its action may result in damage to glomerular endothelial cells and (in severe cases) in renal thrombotic microangiopathy. Blood pressure and proteinuria (using dipstick) should be assessed in all patients before starting anti-VEGF therapy and regularly monitored during the treatment. Patients with severe proteinuria and/or impaired renal function should be referred to the nephrologist for further work-up. Hypertension caused by anti-VEGF therapy can be effectively treated; progression of proteinuria and/or renal dysfunction may require tapering, or even withdrawal of anti-VEGF treatment.
Validation of RNA Extraction Procedures Focused on Micro RNA Expression Analysis
Authors: Remáková M. , Škoda M. , Faustová M. , Vencovský J. , Novota Peter
Published: August 2024

The sampling procedure is a crucial step in every kind of experiment. This is also true in gene expression profiling experiments, where high quality and sufficient quantity of extracted RNA plays a significant role in the experimental outcome. We have compared five different RNA extraction protocols from peripheral blood/PBMCs with the aim to define the most suitable method for the miRNA expression profiling experiments. Convincing results in terms of highest quantity and quality were obtained by the TRIzol-chloroform extraction method. The total RNA obtained using this method contained the highest portion of good-quality miRNA molecules, which was also confirmed by gene-specific real-time PCR experiments.
Chemical composition and antioxidant activity of Physalis angulata L. (Solanaceae) and its effect on blood clotting and biofilm formation of some wound bacterial isolates
Authors: Sara H. Shaker , Ashwaq T. Hameed
Published: August 2024

Physalis angulata a member of the Solanaceae family, is a plant recognized for its significant nutritional and medicinal properties. Widely distributed across tropical and subtropical regions, this plant has garnered attention for its diverse biological activities. The ethanol extract from the plant is being used in this study to investigate its biological and antioxidant properties. The ability of the extract to reduce free radicals was also tested using the compound phenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl). The DPPH method was used because it is a modern color method and is considered the most common and easy to apply, in addition to its speed and superior sensitivity in testing antioxidants for samples of plant extracts, and the values were compared with the value of ascorbic acid IC50. The study also looks at the extract's ability to prevent the formation of biofilms by different pathogens, including E. coli and Staphylococcus strains that were isolated from community labs and Ramadi Teaching Hospital. The ethanol extract demonstrated a noteworthy ability to inhibit the formation of cellular membranes in staphylococcal bacteria and E. coli. The efficacy of the extract at different concentrations (150, 200, 250 mg/mL) was also assessed, revealing that a concentration of 250 mg/mL resulted in significant inhibition rates (74.3% and 61.45% for E. coli). Furthermore, the study explores the impact of ethanol extract on blood coagulation. At high concentrations (150, 200, 250 mg/mL), the extract exhibited properties akin to aspirin and warfarin, extending the clotting times in both total and partial coagulation tests (Prothrombin time, Partial thromboplastin time) at lower concentrations (100, 50, 10 mg/mL), the extract appeared to promote blood clot formation, suggesting a concentration-dependent effect on hemostasis. This dual action positions P.angulate as a potential therapeutic agent, warranting further investigation into its biomedical applications.
Evaluating the impact of DEM interpolation algorithms on relief index for soil resource management
Authors: Habib Maan , Bashir Bashar , Alsalman Abdullah , Bachir Hussein
Published: August 2024

Soil resource management is fundamentally integral to environmental sustainability and agricultural productivity. The digital elevation model (DEM) is the fundamental data for analyzing landform surfaces, which introduces an opportunity to obtain a broad spectrum of terrain factors to simplify interpreting the patterns and processes in the geoscience field. The accuracy and resolution of DEM are crucial for their effective use, and many algorithms have been developed to interpolate digital elevation data from a set of known points. Although primary topographic variables derived from grid datasets are important, secondary variables, such as the relief index (RFI), play a more critical role in understanding the complicated relationship between soil properties and landform attributes. The RFI is attained from a DEM by calculating the elevation range within a given neighborhood surrounding a central cell. It is an essential predictor of soil natural resource management that measures the degree of differentiation surface relief. In addition, it is beneficial for perceiving the landscape and its management. This study presents a comprehensive zonal analysis comparing the RFI values derived from multiple interpolation-based DEMs. It investigates deterministic and geostatistical interpolators, such as inverse distance weighted and natural neighbor across distinct zones with diverse topographical characteristics. The findings indicated a high correlation between the RFI and the reliability of the DEM, and the natural neighbor technique provided superior performance against others. The results revealed that the choice of spatial interpolation technique significantly affects the accuracy and reliability of RFI models.
Organisational Flexibility: Core Business, Interdependence and the Timing of Energy Demand
Authors: Blue Stanley , Shove Elizabeth , Kurnicki Karol
Published: August 2024

Discussions of flexibility in organisations generally focus on labour relations, corporate agility, and long-term survival. In much of this writing, flexibility is conceptualised as a feature of organisations and their environments, of organisational strategy and form, and an outcome of characteristics that can be defined and measured. By contrast, we argue that capacities to adapt depend on interpretations of ‘core business’ which is defined by institutional connections established both outside organisations and reproduced within them. This account is informed by social practice theory, the literature on strategy-as-practice, process studies of organisations, and by empirical research conducted in three secondary schools and three hospitals in Northern England. Interviews with thirty-three managers and employees help us to show how the scope for adaptation is constituted and reproduced in the ways that many organisations connect, and in related rhythms and patterns of social life. There are many contexts in which this insight will be important. We focus on the significance of this analysis for the need to modify the timing of energy demand in a lower carbon future. As we show, the relative ability of specific organisations to adapt depends on a broader nexus of interlinking social practices, temporal arrangements, and cross-cutting commitments.
Modeling monkeypox virus transmission: Stability analysis and comparison of analytical techniques
Authors: Aly Elkhateeb Sobhy , Singh Manoj , Aiyashi Mohammed Ali , Albalwi Mohammed Daher
Published: August 2024

Monkeypox is a highly infectious disease and spreads very easily, hence posing several health concerns or risks as it may lead to outbreak. This article proposes a new mathematical model to simulate the transmission rate of the monkeypox virus-infected fractional-order differential equations using the Caputo–Fabrizio derivative. The existence, uniqueness, and stability under contraction mapping of the fixed point of the model are discussed using Krasnoselskii’s and Banach’s fixed point theorems. To verify the model proposed, we employ data that record the actual dynamics, and based on these data, the model can capture the observed transmission patterns in Ghana. Also, the analytic algorithm is used to find the result applying the Laplace Adomian decomposition method (LADM). Performance analysis of LADM is made regarding Runge-Kutta fourth order, which is the most commonly employed method for solving second-order ordinary differential equations. This comparison therefore offers information on the truth and reliability of the two techniques toward modeling the transmission pattern of the monkey pox virus. The information obtained through this study provides a better understanding of the antibodies linked to monkeypox virus spreading and provides effective strategies to doctors and politicians. This article helps shape better strategies about combating the impact of monkeypox virus in public health since it makes it easy to predict and prevent the occurrence of the disease.
Producing sustainable binding materials using marble waste blended with fly ash and rice husk ash for building materials
Authors: Si Hua , Shen Daoming , Amin Muhammad Nasir , Ul Arifeen Siyab , Qadir Muhammad Tahir , Khan Kaffayatullah
Published: August 2024

This study explores the possibilities of a new binding material, i.e., marble cement (MC) made from recycled marble. It will assess how well it performs when mixed with ash from rice husks and fly ash. This research analyzes flexural strength of marble cement mortar (FR-MCM), a mortar that incorporates MC, fly ash, and rice husk ash. A set of machine learning models capable of predicting CS and FS (flexural and compressive strengths) were developed. Gene expression programming (GEP) and multi-expression programming (MEP) are crucial in creating these types of models. Statistics, Taylor’s diagrams, R
2 values, and comparisons of experimental and theoretical results were used to evaluate the models. Stress testing also showed how different input features affected the model’s outputs. The accuracy of all GEP models was shown to fall within the acceptable range (R
2 = 0.952 for CS and R
2 = 0.920 for FS), and all MEP prediction models were determined to be exceptionally accurate (R
2 = 0.970 for CS and R
2 = 0.935 for FS). The statistical testing for error validation also verified that MEP models were more accurate than GEP models. According to sensitivity analysis, curing age and rice husk ash exerted the most significant influence on the prediction of CS and FS, followed by fly ash and MC.
The Predictive Ability and Profitability of Moving Average Rules in the Saudi Stock Market
Authors: Alesmaiel Abdullah , Fifield Suzanne G. M. , Hof Justin
Published: August 2024

Following the implementation of capital market reforms, Saudi Arabia has opened up its stock market to international investors. This liberalisation has led to the inclusion of the stock exchange into leading global indices, which is expected to lead to an influx of foreign investment. Thus, it is important and timely to examine the efficiency of the Saudi stock market. To that end, this paper conducts a comprehensive investigation of the predictive ability and profitability of a popular trading rule, the moving average rule, using firm-level data for the Saudi stock market over the period 1st January 2008 to 31st December 2017. The results show that the moving average rule has predictive ability; the active rules for a majority of the sample companies outperformed the corresponding passive strategy. Furthermore, the results were economically significant as the rules were profitable even after the consideration of transaction costs. The results also showed that the most profitable moving average rules were those with short-moving average lengths, and that the introduction of a bandwidth, which serves to eliminate weak trading signals, had a positive impact on rule profitability. Importantly, the analysis showed that the most profitable component of the rule related to short selling as these trades resulted in higher profits than the long positions. A disaggregated analysis of sectors showed that the trading rules outperformed the buy-and-hold strategy in all seven industries considered, while the analysis of covariance revealed the importance of careful selection of filter size. Overall, the analysis documents significant inefficiencies in the Saudi stock market and suggests that the employment of a simple trading rule, based on past price data, can yield substantial profits across companies and sectors even in a costly trading environment. These findings suggest that the recent reforms that were implemented to improve the efficiency of the Saudi stock market have been suboptimal, and that further regulatory reform is required.
Wassertourismus: Zur Bestimmung eines verwässerten Begriffs
Authors: Spiegel Steffen
Published: August 2024

Der Begriff ‚Wassertourismus‘ ist nicht eindeutig definiert. Im Rahmen einer systematischen Literaturanalyse wurden 66 deutsch- und englischsprachige Veröffentlichungen zum Themenkreis des wasserbezogenen Tourismus identifiziert. Dabei wurden auch Aspekte wie Tourismus an Seen, Flüssen und Küsten sowie mariner und nautischer Tourismus berücksichtigt. Die Werke wurden einer qualitativen Inhaltsanalyse unterzogen, um Gemeinsamkeiten hinsichtlich der Definition des deutschen Begriffs ‚Wassertourismus‘ zu identifizieren und für diesen eine reliable und praxistaugliche Definition zu erarbeiten. Diese fasst die breit gefächerten Perspektiven zusammen zu einer prägnanten Umschreibung des Begriffs.
Does increasing the minimum wage reduce poverty in developing countries?
Authors:   University of Maryland, Baltimore County, Gindling Tim
Published: August 2024

Raising the minimum wage in developing countries could increase or decrease poverty, depending on labor market characteristics. Minimum wages target formal sector workers—a minority in most developing countries—many of whom do not live in poor households. Whether raising minimum wages reduces poverty depends not only on whether formal sector workers lose jobs as a result, but also on whether low-wage workers live in poor households, how widely minimum wages are enforced, how minimum wages affect informal workers, and whether social safety nets are in place.