Research Group Research Articles

Advanced Beamforming and Multi‐Access Edge Computing: Empowering Ultra‐Reliable and Low‐Latency Applications in 6G Networks

ABSTRACT6G technology is expected to transform communications by allowing the Internet of Everything, representing a huge advance in 2030. While B5G has not yet been established, various nations are actively working on 5G, but certain research groups are presently devoting their attention to the creation of 6G technologies. The upcoming 6G networks promise higher quality of service (QoS) features, including virtual reality and holographic communications. Multi‐Access Edge Computing (MEC) and, in particular, the offloading idea are key components of 6G innovation that enable resource‐intensive application design. If the wireless link used for computational offloading is inefficient, MEC's true potential can be impeded. Intelligent beamforming and MEC have garnered attention recently. Systematically optimizing the wireless communication environment, these developments improve connectivity between user equipment (UE) and base station (BS). By increasing the electrical charge of the reflectable signal, intelligent beamforming increases the range and efficacy of Back Communication. Particularly, this study assesses how well the MEC structure performs in urban microcellular settings when intelligent beamforming is used in communications. It has been demonstrated that the use of Intelligent Reflecting Surfaces (IRS) greatly reduces spectrum and energy usage. This study's results are implemented in Python software. Our suggested strategy shows better latency compared to other optimization methods and shorter task completion times than traditional methods. When compared to conventional techniques, the suggested MEC‐enabled network showcasing lower latency (4.9 ms) and efficient network congestion management and task completion time (30 ms) demonstrates a significant performance. These results highlight how intelligent beamforming and MEC have a lot of potential to shape the architecture of 6G networks in the future.

Assessment of Function of Beekeepers Farmers Research Group in Selected Oromia Zones

Assessment of Function of Beekeepers Farmers Research Group in Selected Oromia Zones

음악과 개념기반 탐구학습 수업모형 개발 및 수업설계 방안 탐색

This study begins with the issue that existing models of concept-based inquiry processes generally fail to capture the distinctive characteristics of music education, which involves creation, practice, immersion, and expression. The aim of this research is to develop a music class model applicable to concept-based inquiry learning. To achieve this, we examined the features of concept-based curricula and the unique characteristics of music education, analyzed existing related instructional models to derive their features, and then developed a seven-stage instructional model. This model, which incorporates feedback from a music education research group and expert reviews, was applied to music classes centered around the concept of "change". The seven stages include: 'Observing', 'Exploring Contextual Information', 'Refining', 'Immersing and Expressing', 'Meaning Constructing', 'Transferring', and 'Reflecting'. The focus on 'Immersing and Expressing', a core characteristic of music education, is central to this model, with the structure allowing for flexible transitions to 'Immersing and Expressing' from other stages as needed. This model is suitable for forming music concepts and transferring them to other musical areas, thus promoting enriched musical experiences and practical applications in life. It is expected that this model will contribute to discussions on various applications of concept-based inquiry learning in music and practical approaches to instructional methods in the future.

The Effect of Digital Problem Solving Therapy on Quality of Life in Pregnant Women Who Are Victims of Domestic Violence

Aim: This study aims to determine the effect of digital problem-solving therapy (DPST) on the quality of life (QOL) of pregnant women who are victims of domestic violence. Methods: The research was conducted using a quasi-experimental design with two groups: an intervention group receiving digital problem-solving therapy and a control group receiving standard care. The study took place over three months at the National Commission on Violence Against Women service centers and referral hospitals in Bekasi City, West Java. The intervention involved four sessions per month focusing on psychological well-being and QOL. A total of 100 pregnant women participated, meeting the criteria of being over three months pregnant, having experienced domestic violence, owning a smartphone, and living with their husbands. Results: The results showed a statistically significant increase in QOL scores within the intervention group after the therapy, with a t-score of 13.76 and a p-value of 0.001. Additionally, the intervention group exhibited a larger improvement in QOL at post-test compared to the control group (ß = 8.20, p < 0.001). Conclusion: Digital problem-solving therapy significantly improves the quality of life of pregnant women experiencing domestic violence. Future studies should explore the effectiveness of this intervention among more diverse research groups, focusing on participants with varied mental health and psychological characteristics.

Unveiling the Unforeseen

A group of researchers have collaborated for three years to explore learner agency across vocational contexts in Canada, Denmark, and New Zealand. To investigate the learning from this collaboration, participants carried out a collaborative autoethnography. Participants wrote their perspectives and themes, which were distilled. What emerged is a community of practice that has generated unexpected trust and depth. The cultural exchange and diversity-building have changed previous views of each other’s practices. There has been significant personal and professional growth for all participants. The collaboration has led to an increased criticality, something all participants noted would not have been possible without the freedom to be candid about the challenges and changes they face in their home contexts. What began as an inquiry into learner agency has resulted in the researchers becoming the unexpected learners by unveiling unforeseen insights into their own practices.

Implementation of bedside handover that includes patients or carers in hospital settings: A systematic review.

Increasing complexity in healthcare systems necessitates effective handover. While a universal structure is often recommended, many frameworks do not include the patient. A systematic review was completed examining outcomes following handover that included patients or carers using a realist-orientated paradigm. The research group used Covidence™ software and followed PRISMA guidelines. A librarian-led search of Embase, Medline, PsycINFO and SCOPUS yielded 5,790 relevant studies for screening. Included studies reported on peer-reviewed studies that assessed qualitative or quantitative outcomes resulting from patient-centred handover. To assess quality, we used the McMaster Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). Patient-orientated and quantitative outcomes are reported descriptively. For qualitative outcomes, we employed a deductive analytical approach. Braun and Clarke's steps were followed to develop themes with group work used to clarify and discuss the various codes. Heterogenous reporting precluded meta-analysis. Thirty studies were eligible (10 mixed methods; 11 quantitative; 9 qualitative) with variable quality and scope. Most studies related to nursing-led bedside handover and originated in Anglophone countries. Positive effects were reported for patient satisfaction, engagement, autonomy and effective information exchange. Providers reported a positive experience but also barriers to implementation, cognitive load and reducing compliance over time. There were contradicting findings for patient-orientated outcomes including falls risk. Publication bias may have led to under reporting of negative trials. There was limited reporting on physician-led handovers that included patients. Patient-centred handover was associated with self-reported benefits for patients and providers but potential advantages over conventional handover could be undermined by barriers such as time, implementation challenges and a perceived increase in staff workload.

Advances in recombinant protein production in microorganisms and functional peptide tags.

Recombinant protein production in prokaryotic and eukaryotic cells is a fundamental technology for both research and industry. Achieving efficient protein synthesis is key to accelerating the discovery, characterization, and practical application of proteins. This review focuses on recent advances in recombinant protein production and strategy for more efficient protein production especially using Escherichia coli and Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Additionally, this review summarizes the development of various functional peptide tags that can be employed for protein production, modification, and purification, including translation enhancing peptide tags developed by our research group.

Effectiveness of Video Education in Preventing Electric Smoking Behavior in Students

Electronic cigarettes have experienced very rapid development, recently many people have been seen using electronic cigarettes, In Indonesia, as many as 2.1 million who use electronic cigarettes are students. Control of electronic cigarettes is carried out by providing education to change the knowledge and attitudes of adolescents. In the digital era, innovation is possible in delivering messages for prevention through audiovisual media such as short videos. This study aims to determine the effectiveness of video media on knowledge, attitudes and actions of electronic smoking behavior in adolescents at SMK Istiqomah Muhammadiyah 4 Samarinda. This study was conducted using an Experimental research method with a pre and post design approach. This study involved two research groups, namely the experimental group and the control group. Data were obtained using a questionnaire on knowledge, attitudes and actions of electronic smoking. The research sample was 234 students. The sampling technique that will be used in this study is Simple Random Sampling. Statistical Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test. The results of the study were that after education using video there was an increase in knowledge of 5 points and attitudes of 2 points. The results of the statistical test showed that there was an effect of video education on knowledge and attitudes with a P Value of 0.000. The conclusion of this study is that video education about the dangers of electronic cigarettes can increase knowledge and attitudes towards preventing electronic smoking behavior.

The Effects of Caffeine on Exercise in Hot Environments: A Bibliometric Study

Background: Caffeine is widely recognized as an ergogenic aid to enhance athletic performance, yet its effects in hot environments remain relatively underexplored. Aims: To provide a comprehensive overview of the research landscape and identify research themes in this field. Methods: We systematically searched the Web of Science (WoS) and SCOPUS databases using keywords related to caffeine (e.g., caffe*), hot environments (e.g., heat, hot, or therm*), and athletic performance (e.g., cardio, endurance, or strength). The Bibliometrix package in R was used for bibliometric analysis and result visualization, while a narrative review was subsequently performed to identify research themes. Results: We found that studies examining the impact of caffeine on exercise in hot conditions are relatively sparse and have progressed slowly in recent years. Research in this domain has predominantly been concentrated within an academic network led by Professor Lawrence Armstrong. Recent contributions have been sporadically made by emerging scholars, with collaborations largely confined to a few research groups and countries. Key research themes identified include exercise performance, thermoregulation, fluid balance, physiological responses, immune responses, synergistic effects with other compounds, and the influence of individual differences. Of these, the first three themes—exercise performance, thermoregulation, and fluid balance—have received the most attention. Conclusions: Caffeine’s effects on exercise performance in hot environments have not been thoroughly studied. The existing research themes are varied, and the conclusions show considerable inconsistencies. Our study highlights the need for further research into the effects of caffeine dosage, administration methods, and population-specific variables. We also call for increased collaboration among research groups to advance scientific understanding and address the gaps in this field.

Mooncake Packaging Design in the Context of Ageing under the Perspective of Humanistic Care

As a traditional food of the Chinese nation, the custom of eating mooncakes and enjoying the moon at the Mid-Autumn Festival has penetrated into every household. With the rapid development of the commodity economy, the special characteristics of the elderly group make their consumption habits and lifestyles quite different from those of contemporary young people. Therefore, this paper studies the packaging design of aging mooncakes from the perspective of humanistic care, taking aging users as the target group of the article's research, and mooncake packaging design as the object of research, and analysing the physiological characteristics and psychological characteristics of aging users.

Studying of the Antioxidant Capacity of Sweet Wormwood (Artemisia annua L.)

Abstract In the last years, the research on the sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L.) has increasingly become the focus of oncology science. The bioactive ingredient of the plant is artemisinin, which has been proven to be effective in the treatment of malaria. At the same time, Hungarian and international research groups are also investigating the plant, with the research aimed at the treatment of malignant cancer. In Europe, the therapeutic use of medicinal plants against tumours is realized in relatively few countries, in contrast, phytotherapy research in Asia reports results with a significant therapeutic effect. The aim of our work was to investigate the antioxidant effect of Artemisia annua. The 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and Oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) laboratory assays proved that the parts of the herb show a significant antioxidant effect, while the seed and the extracted bioactive ingredient artemisinin have no antioxidant capacity at all. On the other hand, aqueous extracts made from leafy shoots showed promising antioxidant capacity values DPPH 10.48 ±0.46. Due to its bitter taste index 1548, it can be used in premixed feed e.g. for piglets.

The effects of hybrid physical activity program on various motor skills in primary school children

Background and Study Aim. Physical activity in children is fundamental to the development of motor skills. Despite its importance, physical activity programs do not fully address the needs of this age group. This study examined the effects of a hybrid physical activity program on specific motor skills in primary school children. Material and Methods. A quantitative single-group pretest-posttest model was used in this study. The research group included 34 voluntary students, with 19 boys and 15 girls, all in the 3rd and 4th grades of primary school. Participants followed a hybrid physical activity program developed by the researcher. The program lasted for 8 weeks, with sessions conducted 3 days a week face-to-face and 4 days a week at home. Home sessions involved parental support through the Moodle system, using educational videos or visual games. Each session lasted one hour and was supervised by an expert trainer. Motor competence data were collected using the second version of the "Test of Gross Motor Development-2" (TGMD-2), known for its reliability and validity. The data were analyzed using the SPSS 26.0 statistical package, with a significance level set at p<0.05. Results. The study's findings showed significant differences in some sub-skills and total raw scores of the locomotor and object control tests between boys and girls (p < 0.05). Significant differences were also found between the 8- and 9-year-old groups in sub-skills and total raw scores (p < 0.05). Additionally, a significant difference was observed in certain sub-skills and total raw score assessments between the 3rd and 4th grades (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The hybrid physical activity program proved to be an effective approach for enhancing motor skills in primary school children. The findings highlight the importance of tailored physical activity programs that consider individual characteristics such as age, gender, and grade level. Implementing such programs in both school and home settings can promote more comprehensive motor development in children.

Tesis de grado: las temáticas de investigación. Carreras de Psicopedagogía en universidades nacionales

This article presents a systematization and analysis of graduate theses carried out from 2010 to 2022 in four national public universities, where only one aspect of them was considered: the title of the thesis.We understand graduate theses as authentic research works, where students demonstrate methodological skills and knowledge about their discipline. At the same time, they reflect the cognitive interests of each academic unit, since they are developed within the framework of training and are directed by their teacher-researchers.In this sense, we believe that it is significant to explore this type of work since it can contribute to the research-psychopedagogy relationship, and install the dialogue between the different scientific productions. Likewise, its results may be useful for decision-making in curriculum changes and to promote the development of new topics of study in the discipline's research groups.

Microfluidics-based stable production of monodisperse giant unilamellar vesicles by oil-phase removal from double emulsion

Giant liposomes, or giant unilamellar vesicles (GUVs), have been utilized as cell-size bioreactors to replicate the physical and chemical properties of biological cells. However, conventional methods for preparing GUVs typically lack precise control over their size. Several research groups have recently developed microfluidic techniques to create monodisperse GUVs by generating water-in-oil-in-water (W/O/W) droplets with a thin oil layer that subsequently transform into GUVs. However, the formation of a thin oil shell requires the intricate control of the flow rate, which can be both challenging and unstable. In this study, we investigated the design of a two-step flow-focusing microfluidic channel to produce stable W/O/W droplets. These droplets underwent substantial oil layer reduction through spontaneous removal by fluidic shear forces. Consequently, the majority of the oil layer in the W/O/W droplets was reduced, improving uniformity of GUVs.

Assessing the knowledge, preparedness and perceived barriers among dental clinicians and academicians regarding tobacco cessation counselling in Chennai city- a cross-sectional study

Background: Every year, tobacco usage causes three million deaths worldwide. Specialized counselling enhances the rate of cessation by an additional 4-7% when compared to standard counselling. Nowadays, the evaluation of oral health includes tobacco cessation. The goal of the study was to evaluate the knowledge, readiness, and perceived barriers of Chennai’s dentistry practitioners with reference to tobacco cessation counselling. Methods: Over the course of three months, from March to May 2024, an across-sectional questionnaire survey was carried out among dental professionals in Chennai city, comprising researchers (group 1), practitioners (group 2), and academicians and practitioners combined (group 3). A semi-open, coded, structured, self-administered questionnaire was mailed to them, and it was analysed. Results: It appears from the study’s findings that nearly every group felt that they could assist patients in quitting smoking. All of the perceived barriers to our study have been overcome after counselling, 75.9% of academicians and practitioners combined experts received good comments from patients and 70.9% of academicians felt that the patient’s chances of quitting had increased. On the other hand, 42.9% of academicians and practitioners combined professionals thought they didn’t have enough time to provide patients advice. Conclusions: Compared to academicians and clinicians in other groups, dental professionals in academicians and practitioners combined group possess superior knowledge and actively engage with patient cessation. This is evident from the results of our study. Thus, at the community and institutional levels, there is an urgent need to raise awareness and provide academicians and physicians with training.

Research on the Constructed-Wetland/Regulation-Tank System at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana's Bogotá Campus

The stormwater harvesting (SWH) project at Pontificia Universidad Javeriana (Bogotá) began in 2007, initiated by the Water and Environmental Engineering research group (Ciencia e Ingeniería del Agua y el Ambiente), as part of PUJB's Environmental Management Plan and in collaboration with the University's Office of Physical Resources. This process included assessments of water supply and demand, rainwater quality, and financial and construction considerations. The system—a constructed wetland/regulation tank (CWRT)—collects rainwater runoff from the university's parking building (3,776 m²), the soccer field, and surrounding areas (14,816 m²). Beyond its hydrological performance, especially during periods of water scarcity, the system also functions as a full-scale laboratory to study biodiversity and ecological impacts in hydrological and hydraulic processes. The monitoring program, focused on changes in rainwater quantity and quality, has inspired several master's and doctoral research projects. These studies explore critical topics in urban hydrology, including stormwater harvesting, urban sediment management, real-time decision-making systems, and environmental and human health. This paper outlines the development of the stormwater harvesting system, shares the main findings from research projects, and discusses ongoing projects.

Insights into Decapod Sentience: Applying the General Welfare Index (GWI) for Whiteleg Shrimp (Penaeus vannamei—Boone, 1931) Reared in Aquaculture Grow-Out Ponds

The rapid growth of shrimp farming, particularly of Penaeus vannamei, accounts for about 80% of the global production of farmed shrimp and involves the cultivation of approximately 383 to 977 billion individuals annually, which highlights the urgent need to address the ethical and technical implications of raising potentially sentient beings. This study builds on the state-of-the-art assessment of sentience, consciousness, stress, distress, nociception, pain perception, and welfare to adapt the General Welfare Index (GWI) for farmed shrimp. The GWI is a quantitative index developed by our research group to measure the degree of welfare in aquaculture, and it has been previously applied to grass carp and tilapia. Using the PRISMA methodology and the creation of a hypothetical shrimp farm, the GWI, with 31 specific and measurable indicators across various welfare domains, is adapted to P. vannamei, offering a comprehensive assessment framework. The inclusion of quantitative welfare indicators promises to improve living conditions in alignment with legislation adopted on decapods’ sentience and contemporary scientific advances.

Effectiveness of Internet + E-Coach chronic disease management on blood glucose, lipid levels, liver function, and quality of life in patients with chronic diabetic retinopathy: a comparative study

ObjectiveThis study aims to explore the effect of Internet + E-Coach chronic disease system intervention on fasting blood glucose (FPG), 2-hour postprandial blood glucose(2hPG), fasting serum insulin (FINS), triglyceride (TG), alanine transaminase (ALT) and quality of life in patients with chronic diabetic retinopathy.Methods208 patients with chronic diabetic retinopathy who were treated in the hospital from March 2021 to March 2023 are chosen and separated into two groups by random number Table 104 patients in the control group received routine continuous intervention, and the research group received Internet + E-Coach chronic disease system intervention. The cognition of disease related knowledge, blood related indicators inflammatory factor levels and improvement of life quality between the two groups before intervention, 6 and 12 months after intervention were compared.ResultsBefore the intervention, the comparison between the two groups in disease related knowledge scores, blood glucose, blood lipid, liver function indicators, inflammatory factor, and low vision quality of life scale (CLVQOL) scores was with P > 0.05. After 6 and 12 months of intervention, the research group had significantly higher scores for basic blood glucose intervention, healthy diet, reasonable exercise, and correct medication use compared to the control group (P < 0.05). FPG, 2hPG, TG and ALT in the research group were lower than those in the control group. FINS were higher in the control group, with P < 0.05. Interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and hypersensitive C-reactive protein (Hs-CRP) in the research group were obviously lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). The scores of far vision, movement and light perception, adjustment ability, reading and fine work, and daily living ability in the research group were higher than those in the control group, with P < 0.05.ConclusionThe intervention of Internet + E-Coach chronic disease system can improve the knowledge of chronic diabetic retinopathy patients about their own condition, stabilize the levels of blood sugar, blood lipid and liver function indicators, reduce the inflammatory reaction of the body, and improve the quality of life.

RESENHA: BARBOSA, MARIALVA; RIBEIRO, GOULART, ANA PAULA; E HOHLFELDT, ANTONIO (ORGS.) HISTÓRIA DA IMPRENSA NO BRASIL DO SÉCULO XIX. PORTO ALEGRE: EDIPUCRS; RIO DE JANEIRO: PUC-RIO, 2024.

This review of the book História da imprensa no Brasil do Século XIX [History of the Press in Nineteenth-Century Brazil], organized by Barbosa, Ribeiro and Hohlfeldt, aims to present the work in networks carried out by a group of researchers, linked to both the areas of Communication and History, which prioritizes communication produced in the local context – specific territorialities – revealing the antinomy between the terms periphery and center in the construction of the Brazilian press in the nineteenth century. In this way, we can approach the research, while at the same time pointing out as the main point of the debate the perspective capable of producing new interpretations based on the multiple peripheral territorialities.

Issues of social justice in the development of personalised therapy for paediatric SIRS patients

Abstract Background Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is an often-emergent condition, which lacks specific diagnostic tools. Personalised therapy could fill this gap but as every new technology, it raises issues of social justice. Our report aims at identification and analysis of social justice implications within the bigger ERA PerMed funded project of development of tailored immunotherapy for paediatric SIRS patients (TIPS) coordinated by Prof. Catharina Schütz from Technic University Dresden. Methods Qualitative research methodology thought 10 semi-structured interviews. Systematic literature review grounded the interview questionnaire. Transcripts were subjected to thematic analysis by two independent researchers. Results Social justice was seen as equal chances of inclusion of different population groups in research. Socioeconomic differences were perceived as a challenge to ensure justice across various populations (N = 7). Two interviewees saw discrimination as inherent to precision medicine, which is focused on personalised treatment. Two experts viewed the exclusion of specific patients’ groups as an unsolvable problem, that only advocates for the inclusion of as many patients as possible. On the opinion of six experts individual and ethnocultural factors may influence outcomes in personalised treatment, especially considering the small sample size and the diverse populations. One medical expert, on the contrary, perceived no significant challenges associated with the heterogeneity of patients. Whether socioeconomic injustices should be addressed by guidelines and how these correspond to the rights of the patient were further discussed. Conclusions The issues of social justice accompany research in personalised medicine, including SIRS. In general, there is sensitivity to this issue, but current guidelines are too vague. As with other ethical problems, so with social justice we seem to have a rethinking of the concept, that needs further study. Key messages • In the context of SIRS personalised therapy research, there is a sensitivity to the issue of social justice, but no consensus how to ensure it. • Issues of social justice are often boiled down to equal chances of inclusion in research and equal access to treatment. In the case of personalised therapy, there seems to be more to it.