Objective Analysis Research Articles

Pharmacogenomic curriculum in Australian medical schools: a content analysis study.

To ascertain and describe pharmacogenomic concepts included in the intended curriculum of accredited Australian medical schools. Content analysis of curriculum learning objectives of Australian medical schools was conducted, focusing on keywords and phrases pertaining to pharmacogenomic education. Learning objectives related to pharmacogenomics were categorized using (1) undergraduate medical genomic competencies per the Association of Professors in Human and Medical Genetics (2) Bloom's Taxonomy for cognitive and knowledge dimensions and (3) knowledge translation (enabling science, translation science and clinical implementation). The curricula of 19 accredited medical schools in Australia were analyzed. Two-thirds (68%) contained genomic/pharmacogenomic education. Eight schools had content relating to undergraduate medical genomic competencies. Of those which had pharmacogenomic-related learning objectives, the majority (65%) were categorized in Bloom's Taxonomy's lower levels (Remember and Understand) and 15% were deemed to be at the level of 'Clinical Implementation.' The majority of Australian medical schools have incorporated pharmacogenomics in their current curriculum; however, learning objectives addressing application and clinical implementation are required. Doctors have a unique role to play in implementing pharmacogenomics into clinical practice. Comprehensiveness of course curricula across all learning domains would support uptake of pharmacogenomics into routine practice.

A deep learning based detection algorithm for anomalous behavior and anomalous item on buses

This paper proposes a new strategy for analysing and detecting abnormal passenger behavior and abnormal objects on buses. First, a library of abnormal passenger behaviors and objects on buses is established. Then, a new mask detection and abnormal object detection and analysis (MD-AODA) algorithm is proposed. The algorithm is based on the deep learning YOLOv5 (You Only Look Once) algorithm with improvements. For onboard face mask detection, a strategy based on the combination of onboard face detection and target tracking is used. To detect abnormal objects in the vehicle, a geometric scale conversion-based approach for recognizing large-size ab-normal objects is adopted. To apply the algorithm effectively to real bus data, an embedded video analysis system is designed. The system incorporates the proposed method, which results in improved accuracy and timeliness in detecting anomalies compared to existing approaches. The algorithm’s effectiveness and applicability is verified through comprehensive experiments using actual video bus data. The experimental results affirm the validity and practicality of the pro-posed algorithm.

An Objective Synoptic Analysis Technique for the Identification of Tropical Cyclone Remote Precipitation in China and Its Application

An Objective Synoptic Analysis Technique for the Identification of Tropical Cyclone Remote Precipitation in China and Its Application

Design of a nutrient profiling model for life cycle assessment of “superfoods” to address nutritional deficiencies and enhance environmental protection in Spain

Abstract Purpose The overriding connection between climate interactions and nutritional outcomes of food systems is at the forefront of research, especially when it comes to assessing alternative food products. Accordingly, the objective of this paper is to design a nutrient profiling (NP) model adapted to the Spanish context for use in nutritionally-factored environmental life cycle assessments (LCA) of “superfoods.” Methods The variability in nutritional needs between countries and their associated environmental impact were the key points that motivated the creation of the model and guided its development. Based on the “nutrient rich” family of models, the characterization of the NP system was guided by the definition of the specific purpose and the selection of qualifying and disqualifying nutrients according to the Spanish recommendations. The introduction of weighting factors was motivated by the capacity of “superfoods” to cover main nutritional shortfalls of the population and they were estimated with the actual and the recommended intake levels. Results and discussion The Spanish Nutrient Rich (“super”)Food 9.2 (sNRF9.2) model validation and testing across various foods successfully fulfills its purpose by aligning with the Spanish Public Health Strategy and providing an adequate prioritization of products. The application of the index to “superfoods” identified chia seeds, turmeric, kale, or moringa, among others as the most beneficial, thus demonstrating their nutritional potential. Even though the application as functional unit in the LCA of “superfoods” is ongoing, preliminary results in conventional products showed its usefulness in conveying integrated information efficiently. Conclusions The model represents an initial step toward advancing research, adapting a contextualized NP model for future objective environmental analysis of “superfoods.” It will contribute to ensuring sustainable food security and provide new insights and perspective for decision-making by consumers, stakeholders, and policy makers.

From tiny to immense: Geological spotlight on the Alexander Mosaic (National Archaeological Museum of Naples, Italy) using non-invasive in situ analyses.

A key challenge in the art and archaeological field is the instrumental analysis of objects and materials while preserving their integrity. In this study, the world-renowned artwork Alexander Mosaic (The Issus Battle, collection of the National Archaeological Museum of Naples, IT), the most iconic representation of the face of the Macedonian king Alexander the Great coming from a Pompeii domus, was thoroughly analyzed with mobile and non-invasive methods, within a great project of restoration started in 2020. Representative areas of the Mosaic, overall consisting of ca. two million of tesserae, was studied by in situ videomicroscopy, infrared thermography (IRT), multispectral imaging, portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) and Raman spectroscopy. Ten tesserae colors were discriminated, and hypotheses on their geological provenances are proposed. Plasters, mineral components and other substances of old protective materials were characterized. The information obtained with this approach paved the way to knowledgeable restoration.

Optimizing Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration Efforts Using Geospatial Technology

Farmer Managed Natural Regeneration (FMNR), holds immense potential for addressing land degradation and enhancing ecosystem services in the arid and semi-arid lands. However, decisions regarding where to prioritize FMNR efforts and effectively monitor adoption and impact require reliable data and objective analysis. Spatial technologies (ST) such as Remote Sensing (RS), Geographic Information Systems (GIS), and GPS play a crucial role in achieving these goals. This paper explores the application of ST in optimizing FMNR implementation in Kenya. It discusses how ST can be used to identify suitable areas for FMNR based on factors like land degradation severity, vegetation cover, and socio-economic characteristics. Additionally, the paper explores how ST can be utilized to monitor FMNR adoption by tracking changes in land cover over time and assess the impacts of FMNR on ecosystem services like carbon sequestration and biodiversity conservation. Finally, the paper highlights the challenges and opportunities associated with using ST for FMNR and proposes recommendations for its effective integration into FMNR programs.

Objective Bayesian analysis of common quantiles of normal distributions

. Many procedures can assess the equivalence of the means or medians between groups when comparing several independent populations. However, neither the mean nor median captures the entire distribution. We propose a Bayesian approach for the quantiles of several normal distributions, focusing on developing non informative priors to compare the quantiles of multiple populations. Further, reference priors and first- and second-order matching priors are developed. The second-order matching prior does not exist, and the reference priors do not satisfy a first-order matching criterion. In addition, conditions for proper posterior distributions for general priors, including developed priors, are provided. Finally, simulations include a real-world example to demonstrate the proposed approach. The numerical studies indicate that the matching prior performs better than the reference prior and Jeffreys’ prior in terms of matching the frequentist target coverage probabilities, and shows good performance even in small sample sizes. Moreover, the matching prior is not affected by the values of parameters, the number of populations, and does not depend on the values of pth quantile

Thematic Tafsir Studies in Islamic Education: An Analysis of Objectives, Methods, and Students

In the context of globalization and rapid social change, Islamic education needs to adapt to remain relevant. The basic concepts and ideas of Islamic education can be analyzed and developed from the basic sources of Islamic teachings, namely the Qur’an and sunnah. This article aims to further explore the purpose of education, educational methods and how learners can be actively involved in the learning process. This research uses literature study and thematic tafsir method by examining Qs. Adz-Dzariyat: 56, Qs. An-Nahl: 125, and Qs. An-Nahl: 78. Humans were created to worship Allah and fulfill their role as caliphs on earth. This emphasizes the importance of integration between spiritual, moral, intellectual, and social development in building individuals who are noble and beneficial to society. Humans are also born without any knowledge so it is important for them to study knowledge by utilizing the senses that Allah has created for them. One of the main objectives of thematic interpretation studies is to increase students’ understanding of Islamic teachings. With this approach, students are not only required to memorize verses, but also to understand the context and meaning contained therein. This is very important in shaping good character and noble morals. The results show that by understanding and applying the goals, methods, and concepts of learners based on the Qur’an, Islamic education is able to create a generation that is faithful, knowledgeable, and contributes positively to society and the progress of global civilization.

Formulating and Developing China's Education Policies in the Context of Sino-American Educational Backgrounds

Under the framework of global economic power dynamics, the United States and China stand out as two dominant economic giants, significantly influencing the progress and development of the world economy. For both nations, higher education plays a crucial role in international development and social prosperity. Therefore, this paper focuses on an objective analysis of higher education in the United States and China through a review of relevant literature. The findings indicate that China's higher education system is relatively equitable, and the achievements of its compulsory education effectively open future pathways for its citizens. However, the system faces immense pressure, with a prevailing emphasis on scores among faculty and students. In contrast, the U.S. higher education system is rich in content and diverse in structure, yet it also grapples with significant issues of inequality because of the distinctive distribution of opportunities and expensive tuition fees

Evaluation of a Deep Learning Denoising Algorithm for Dose Reduction in Whole-Body Photon-Counting CT Imaging: A Cadaveric Study.

Photon Counting CT (PCCT) offers advanced imaging capabilities with potential for substantial radiation dose reduction; however, achieving this without compromising image quality remains a challenge due to increased noise at lower doses. This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of a deep learning (DL)-based denoising algorithm in maintaining diagnostic image quality in whole-body PCCT imaging at reduced radiation levels, using real intraindividual cadaveric scans. Twenty-four cadaveric human bodies underwent whole-body CT scans on a PCCT scanner (NAEOTOM Alpha, Siemens Healthineers) at four different dose levels (100%, 50%, 25%, and 10% mAs). Each scan was reconstructed using both ADMIRE level 2 and a DL algorithm (ClariCT.AI, ClariPi Inc.), resulting in 192 datasets. Objective image quality was assessed by measuring CT value stability, image noise, and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) across consistent regions of interest (ROIs) in the liver parenchyma. Two radiologists independently evaluated subjective image quality based on overall image clarity, sharpness, and contrast. Inter-rater agreement was determined using Spearman's correlation coefficient, and statistical analysis included mixed-effects modeling to assess objective and subjective image quality. Objective analysis showed that the DL denoising algorithm did not significantly alter CT values (p ≥ 0.9975). Noise levels were consistently lower in denoised datasets compared to the Original (p < 0.0001). No significant differences were observed between the 25% mAs denoised and the 100% mAs original datasets in terms of noise and CNR (p ≥ 0.7870). Subjective analysis revealed strong inter-rater agreement (r ≥ 0.78), with the 50% mAs denoised datasets rated superior to the 100% mAs original datasets (p < 0.0001) and no significant differences detected between the 25% mAs denoised and 100% mAs original datasets (p ≥ 0.9436). The DL denoising algorithm maintains image quality in PCCT imaging while enabling up to a 75% reduction in radiation dose. This approach offers a promising method for reducing radiation exposure in clinical PCCT without compromising diagnostic quality.

EFFECTS OF AROMATHERAPY ON STRESS AND EMOTION IN OFFICE WORKERS: AN ELECTROENCEPHALOGRAM ANALYSIS

This study aims to explore the impact of aromatherapy using jasmine and lavender scents on the stress and emotional states of office workers, utilizing the Profile of Mood States (POMS) for subjective emotional assessments and electroencephalogram (EEG) for objective analysis. Methods: We conducted a double-masked, randomized study with 44 office workers divided into two groups receiving either jasmine or lavender aromatherapy. Results: Both jasmine and lavender effectively enhanced emotional well-being, mainly by lowering depression and anxiety. EEG data showed that lavender more effectively boosted a-wave activity, indicating more vital relaxation. Furthermore, gender differences were observed; males responded more to lavender with heightened relaxation. Conclusion: Aromatherapy with jasmine and lavender can enhance office workers' psychological and physiological well-being. The findings support the integration of aromatherapy into workplace environments to alleviate stress and improve overall employee satisfaction and performance. Future studies should explore long-term effects and the impact of multi-sensory integration on aromatherapy outcomes. Keywords: Aromatherapy, Electroencephalogram, Office Workers, Stress, Jasmine and Lavender

Factors Influencing Academic Performance: Insights from Nursing Students

This study provides an in-depth overview of the factors influencing academic performance and highlights the importance of developing effective study habits, as well as academic and family support, to improve student outcomes in higher education institutions. In this context, the term “study habit” encompasses a range of behaviors and strategies that students employ during the learning process, which contribute to achieving better academic results. The study was conducted with a sample of 781 students from “Aleksandër Xhuvani” University in Elbasan and aimed to identify the factors affecting academic performance, focusing primarily on study habits and methods. The main objectives of the project were: • Identifying learning habits and behaviors, • Evaluating the impact of study habits on academic performance, • Determining the relationship between study habits and methods, and • Analyzing the influence of familiar, academic, and individual factors on students’ academic performance. This analysis is developed across two main dimensions. First, it examines students’ perceptions of the impact of familiar, academic, and personal factors on their performance. Second, it further analyzes the purpose of evaluating academic performance influenced by the same factors, but this the study provides a dual-dimensional time not based on perception. Instead, it utilizes an approximation through a quantitative variable as an indicator of academic performance, such as the Grade Point Average (GPA). approach to understanding factors influencing academic performance at “Aleksandër Xhuvani” University. The perceptions of students in Chapter 3 align closely with the statistical findings in Chapter 4, reinforcing the vital role of familiar support in shaping academic outcomes. The emotional and financial support from parents positively influence the academic achievements. Also, the results of the study indicate that academic factors, particularly support from lecturers and the quality of teaching, have the most significant impact on students’ academic performance. There is also strong alignment between perceived and actual impacts of academic support on performance. This underscores the need for universities to prioritize academic resource availability and faculty engagement to improve student outcomes. While students perceive stress as a detriment to academic performance, the objective findings in chapter 4 suggest that some personal challenges might drive students to adapt and succeed. Stress management programs could help balance these effects. Socio-demographic factors play a nuanced role in academic success. The objective analysis in chapter 4 validates many of the perceived challenges, particularly the influence of living conditions and age. Perceptions of gender differences in Chapter 3 are partially validated by Chapter 4. Tailored academic and psychological support strategies might help address stress-related disparities among female students. Technology, although it can provide support for students, has a more limited imp

Modal analysis of plate-like cellular objects with periodic structure

The method used to calculate natural frequencies and vibration shapes is described. Code fragments for construction for some types of filler are presented. The obtained frequencies and shapes of natural vibrations for three types of filler on the example of one construction are given.

Learning Objectives in Older Adult Digital Education - Redefining Digital Inclusion

The article explores the redefinition of learning objectives within the context of digital education for older adults, addressing the critical need to enhance digital inclusion. It emphasizes the centrality of learning objectives as foundational elements in the design, implementation, and evaluation of educational programs. The study underscores the necessity of revising these objectives to promote the development of digital competences among older adults. As society becomes increasingly digitalized, traditional educational models must evolve to accommodate the dynamic digital landscape. The REMEDIS research initiative seeks to modernize educational frameworks and establish a more effective approach to cultivating digital skills in older populations. By employing SMART criteria and leveraging the expertise of senior and future trainers, the study identifies 12 key categories for contemporary educational objectives, including: basic computer and mobile device use, digital terminology, email communication, cybersecurity, online information retrieval, social media usage, instant messaging, culture and entertainment access, online financial management, e-commerce, smartphone software applications, and time management. The qualitative analysis of digital education objectives for older adults reveals a spectrum ranging from basic digital literacy to advanced e-service utilization, while also highlighting the importance of aligning these objectives with the practical needs of older adults.

Specular Modernity in Motion: The Design of the Osa Scooter, Leisure, and Consumption in the Long Sixties

In recent history scholarship, the concept of the long Sixties characterized by cultural and social transformation expanded beyond the West to include, among other parts of the globe, the socialist world. In the West, one of the defining features of the long Sixties was the rise in leisure and the abundance of consumer goods. In the planned economies of socialist countries, consumer goods became a major consideration. In Poland, one of the premises of de-Stalinization in 1956 was the provision of objects for everyday life as the Stalinist Party had failed to meet the expectation of material abundance. And design was cast in the role of creating desirable objects under socialism in a similar way as in the West. Taking the Osa scooter as a case study, this essay examines the role that design played in consumption under socialism in Poland. To do so, the essay engages with the Production – Consumption – Mediation Paradigm, developed in design history by Grace Lees-Maffei. This model acknowledges consumption and mediation in the analysis of design objects. Following this, the essay considers how the Osa scooter appeared on the pages of Motor, a magazine aimed at motorists, and examines how the Osa was consumed. Designed to reflect the functions of the scooter, the body of the Osa represented modernity, and, on the pages of Motor, the Osa facilitated leisure and was promoted toward a male owner. In consumption, the Osa became a luxury item that while imbedded into youth culture was representative of the inequities of individual motorization. Keywords: socmodernism, motorization, consumerism, Osa scooter, Poland

Innovative Approaches to Structurally-Functional Analysis and Long-Term Conservation of Fossil Biological Objects. Combined Radiation Sterilization

Innovative Approaches to Structurally-Functional Analysis and Long-Term Conservation of Fossil Biological Objects. Combined Radiation Sterilization

Регуляторний вплив держави на діяльність банків як категорія системного управління (сутність і метрологія)

Introduction. System management is based on the recognition of management objects as integral groups. The essence of the regulatory influence of the state on the activities of a bank is considered as a way to change project standards and current indicators of its financial stability with the justification of organizational measures to ensure stable functioning and development. Problem Statement. System management of an integral group involves a systemic analysis of the management object as a single whole with the determination of the properties and relationships of the system components: input, process, output, goal, direct and feedback, and limitations. The purpose is to determine the market characteristics of the regulatory influence of the state on the activities of banks as a category of system management, its content, metrology, and signs of complexity. Methods. The conceptual provisions of system analysis, methods of clarifying the content, properties of integrity, self-organization and stability of the system, their structuring, as well as program-targeted design were used. Results. Market characteristics were systematized and the social status of the state&amp;apos;s regulatory influence on the activities of banks as a category of systemic management was substantiated. The integrity of the state&amp;apos;scomplex regulatory influence on the activities of banks was substantiated by means of a “three-story” classification of its components and the results of their interaction. Conclusions. The use of the conceptual provisions of systems theory to clarify the nature of the state&amp;apos;s regulatory influence on the activities of banks revealed the processes of its formation as a category of systemic management. The metrology of such influence consists in monitoring and comparative assessments of: indicators of financial stability and stability of banks with the economic standards of the NBU; leading indicators of measuring the financial condition and probability of bankruptcy of banks; dynamics of the market value of banks as a target criterion of complex regulatory influence.

Towards a more objective and high-throughput spheroid invasion assay quantification method

Multicellular spheroids embedded in 3D hydrogels are prominent in vitro models for 3D cell invasion. Yet, quantification methods for spheroid cell invasion that are high‐throughput, objective and accessible are still lacking. Variations in spheroid sizes and the shapes of the cells within render it difficult to objectively assess invasion extent. The goal of this work is to develop a high-throughput quantification method of cell invasion into 3D matrices that minimizes sensitivity to initial spheroid size and cell spreading and provides precise integrative directionally-dependent metrics of invasion. By analyzing images of fluorescent cell nuclei, invasion metrics are automatically calculated at the pixel level. The initial spheroid boundary is segmented and automated calculations of the nuclear pixel distances from the initial boundary are used to compute common invasion metrics (i.e., the change in invasion area, mean distance) for the same spheroid at a later timepoint. We also introduce the area moment of inertia as an integrative metric of cell invasion that considers the invasion area as well as the pixel distances from the initial spheroid boundary. Further, we show that principal component analysis can be used to quantify the directional influence of a stimuli to invasion (e.g., due to a chemotactic gradient or contact guidance). To demonstrate the power of the analysis for cell types with different invasive potentials and the utility of this method for a variety of biological applications, the method is used to analyze the invasiveness of five different cell types. In all, implementation of this high‐throughput quantification method results in consistent and objective analysis of 3D multicellular spheroid invasion. We provide the analysis code in both MATLAB and Python languages as well as a GUI for ease of use for researchers with a range of computer programming skills and for applications in a variety of biological research areas such as wound healing and cancer metastasis.

Crafting pixels in wood: understanding the interplay of technologies and visual perception in wooden photo engraving

This paper delves into the realm of laser engraving of photographs on wooden surfaces and explores the differences between mathematical and human perception. A comprehensive quality study was conducted to explore the results achieved by 27 different realizations. The evaluation process involves both objective analyses and subjective assessments from hundreds of ratings of 60 evaluators, with the aim of unravelling the intricate interplay between technology and visual perception. The study also poses the intriguing question of whether the image most accurately transferred onto a wooden surface is also the most favourably perceived by potential customers and what are their preferences for laser engraved products.

Системный анализпроцесса очистки сточных вод животноводческих ферм

System analysis of the wastewater treatment process of livestock farms is an important stage in ensuring environmental safety and sustainable development of animal husbandry. The main objective of the work is to improve the efficiency of the wastewater treatment process of livestock farms based on system analysis. Wastewater generated on farms contains a high level of organic pollutants, pathogenic microorganisms and nutrients, which can significantly affect the quality of the environment. To solve this problem, an integrated approach was used, which included hydrological, biochemical and technological aspects. The possibility of introducing modern biotechnology is considered, which will significantly reduce the negative impact on the environment and increase the level of sustainability of livestock enterprises. Depending on the sources of pollution and the main pollutants, technical solutions were developed to reduce the volume of wastewater and purify it. The efficiency of their operation can be ensured with the help of modern methods of information processing, using methods of system analysis of complex objects based on a mathematical description of the technological process. A two-level system model was developed to study the patterns of operation of a bio-treatment device under conditions of dynamically changing parameters of the technological process. To analyze the state of the treatment system as a whole and predict the development of emergency situations, a software implementation of a wastewater treatment system for livestock farms was created.