Reference Point Research Articles

Alignment of University Competencies With Global Skill Measures

This study analysed two internationally recognised measurements of professional skills: the Programme for the International Assessment of Adult Competencies (PIAAC) and the Digital Competence Framework for Citizens (DigComp 2.2). This analysis aimed to establish a baseline and reference point for a comprehensive understanding of these two scales with the objective of exploring the most relevant competencies and assessing their potential benefits in fostering a technology-driven environment in higher education institutions in Saudi Arabia. The research yielded significant findings regarding the essential competencies that university students should possess, drawing insights from the two assessments and identifying gaps in existing manuals. The research outcomes include valuable insights and best practices that can empower a new generation of university learners to effectively engage with the requirements of Education 4.0.

Dental health in the shadows of global commitments: Addressing neglected priorities in lower middle-income countries.

I am writing to draw your attention to a serious concern that requires our attention around global health commitments: the frequently disregarded and undervalued dental reforms. In the realm of global health commitments, dental reforms are often ignored and underestimated. (1) Despite significant advancements in many other facets of health owing to these commitments, dental health remains marginalized within its sphere creating a glaring disparity, especially in lower middle-income countries where it’s a crucial concern.(2) Dental health has a significant impact on a person's quality of life in addition to preventing oral diseases. It has a significant impact on a person's quality of life, having an impact on their mental and physical well-being. Neglected oral health can affect speech, self-esteem, and psychosocial wellbeing as well as cause pain, infections, malnutrition, and systemic health problems.(3) The disruptive relationship between oral diseases and significant medical conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and adverse pregnancy outcomes emphasizes the complex relationship between dental health and overall health. Despite efforts to promote understanding, such as Universal Health Coverage (UHC) and the International Health Regulations (IHR), oral health is often disregarded in global discussion. Particularly in lower middle-income countries, oral health is neglected due to a lack of tailored interventions, which decreases its significance. A significant leap forward has been made with the recent World Health Organization (WHO) resolution that declares oral health a global priority and calls for its inclusion in national strategies. The WHO has acknowledged the need to address this problem immediately.(4) The challenge, however, is recognition into concrete, commitment-backed activities and specific interventions. The resolution has potential, but its effectiveness will be judged by the concrete measures taken to bridge the gaps. The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) offer a potential reference point for rectifying this gap. By integrating oral health in SDGs like Goal 3 on excellent health and well-being, a holistic approach may be taken. This integration could help bridge the gap between international commitments, raise the public's awareness of oral health, and foster tailored initiatives for dental reforms. ---Continue

Analysis of a spatial point pattern in relation to a reference point

AbstractThis paper develops a new method for analyzing the relationship between a set of points and another single point, the latter of which we call a reference point. This relationship has been discussed in various academic fields, such as geography, criminology, and epidemiology. Analytical methods, however, have not yet been fully developed, which has motivated this paper. Our method reveals how the number of points varies by the distance from a reference point and by direction. It visualizes the spatial pattern of points in relation to a reference point, describes the point pattern using mathematical models, and statistically evaluates the difference between two sets of points. We applied the proposed method to analyze the spatial pattern of the climbers of Mt. Azuma, Japan. The result gave us useful and interesting findings, indicating the method’s soundness.

Defining a universal measurement unit and scale for gross motor development.

The ability of children to accomplish progressively more difficult gross motor tasks follows a predictable sequence that has been well documented as part of development. Current existing instruments were developed independently using classical test theory methods which led to the lack of a universal measurement scale and unit. The purpose of this study was to test a specification equation, anchored to commonly accepted and reproducible tasks in gross motor development, to generate a universal measurement scale and unit of measurement, called the Gross Motor (GM) unit. We rated component measures for each of the gross motor development tasks on the Gross Motor Function Measure-66 (GMFM). The GMFM is a gross motor development measure created with Rasch measurement theory to quantify observed difficulty levels measured on an interval scale. Component measures for body position, movement, and support were based on hypothesized contributions to gross motor development based on theory. Forward stepwise linear regression was used to test a specification equation. The specification equation was anchored to reference points to fix a unit size. Our specification equation explained 87% of the variance in observed gross motor task difficulty. Predicted difficulty for gross motor tasks was strongly associated with observed task difficulty (r = 0.94, p < 0.0001). Our specification equation was anchored to 1) lying supine (0 GM units) and 2) walking unsupported (100 GM units) setting the size of the GM unit to 1/100 of the distance between lying supine and unsupported walking. Our specification equation allows for experimental testing of gross motor development theories. This approach provides a framework for refining our understanding and measurement of gross motor development and creates a universal scale and unit. We expect that this will facilitate placing many, if not all, current gross motor development instruments on the same measurement scale.

Preference-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithm with linear combination scalarizing function and reference point adjustment

In practice, the decision-maker (DM) may be only interested in a particular part of Pareto optimal front (PF). For this reason, many preference-based multi-objective evolutionary algorithms (MOEA) have been proposed to find a solution set that approximates the region of the interest (ROI). Most existing preference-based methods focus on selecting solutions in the ROI. Nevertheless, the enhancement of convergence in preference-based MOEAs has been neglected. Most decomposition-based approaches often employ the achievement scalarizing function (ASF) as their scalarizing function. However, it holds a weaker search ability than the weighted sum function (WSF) despite its capability to tackle problems with arbitrary PF geometries. In order to strengthen the selective pressure toward the PF, this paper proposes a new scalarizing function, LSF, which is a linear combination of the WSF and the ASF. Then, a simple adaptive penalty scheme is employed in LSF to balance the search ability and robustness. To focus the search on the ROI, we develop a reference point adjustment method that dynamically adjusts the position of the reference point according to the distance from the approximated target point. We apply the above two innovations to the MOEA/D framework and propose a new preference-based MOEA, namely RAMOEAD. Experimental results show that RAMOEAD is highly competitive when compared with five state-of-the-art preference-based MOEAs. Finally, the proposed algorithm is extended to double reference points for solving the problems in which the ROIs are defined by the reservation and aspiration points.

Quantum Leap: A Price Leap Mechanism in Financial Markets

This study explores the quantum leapfrog mechanism within the context of quantum finance and presents a new interpretation of established financial models through a quantum perspective. In quantum physics, the well-documented phenomenon of particles tunneling through energy barriers has a parallel in finance. We propose a quantum financial leapfrog model in which asset prices make quantum leaps, penetrating market “energy barriers” in non-sequential advances. By leveraging the Hamiltonian operator and the Schrödinger equation, our approach simulates the dynamics of asset prices in a manner akin to the trajectories of particles in quantum mechanics. We draw an analogy between financial markets and gravitational fields, and from this we derive energy equations for pricing orbits. Using path integration techniques, we map out potential price transitions between these orbits, which are guided by the calculation of minimal energy barriers. Furthermore, we introduce a market “propagator” that aligns with the uncertainty principle, identifying the optimal price pathways. Our findings provide new insights and methodologies for navigating the complexities of financial markets, underscoring the significant potential of quantum approaches in the field of finance. These findings have theoretical implications for a variety of market stakeholders, offering strategic guidance and a reference point. We expect that the advancement of the quantum financial leapfrog theory will refine analytical methods and enhance investment strategies in practical financial applications.

Correlation of Canine Height to Overall Facial Height: An Observational Study

Background: Identifying individuals by determining their body parameters plays a major role in criminalinvestigation. These parameters play an integral role in the identification of a person. Teeth, particularly canines,can help in identification, as they are the most stable teeth in the oral cavity because of the labiolingual thickness of the crown and root anchorage in the alveolar process.Aim: To establish a relationship, if any between the crown length of the maxillary canine tooth and the facialheight of an adult individual and intersex differences.Materials and methods: This study was conducted at a dental college where patients reported for treatment. The study group comprised 100 participants (50 men and 50 women, aged 18-23 years. To measure the facial height,photographs were taken and analyzed using Adobe Photoshop software. The face was divided into the upper,middle and lower thirds considering the hairlines, glabella, subnasalis, and menton as reference points. The length between the hairline and glabella is the upper facial height (UFH), that between the glabella and subnasalis is the middle facial height (MFH), and that between the subnasalis and menton is the lower facial height (LFH). For tooth measurements, impressions of the upper arches were made using alginate and dental stone casts were obtained. The length between the cervical line and cusp tip is the canine height(CH) and the mesiodistal length is the canine width(CW). Measurements of teeth were recorded using digital verniercalliper. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences software (SSPS) version 16. The Mann-Whitney U test was used to determine the correlation between facial height and canine height.Results: Total Facial Height (TFH), Canine Height (CH), Canine Width (CW) in males and females was done using descriptive statistics. This study demonstrated a correlation between TFH and CH in both men and women. This study showed that, as TFH increased, CH also increased. Therefore, TFH and CH were directly proportional, and hence there was a correlation between TFH and CH.Conclusion: The total facial and canine heights are directly proportional to each other. There is a correlationbetween the facial height and canine height.

Olivary body exposure through far lateral and lower retrosigmoid approaches. Comparative analysis of the exposed surface and angle of attack

ObjectivesThroughout neurosurgical history, the treatment of intrinsic lesions located in the brainstem has been subject of much controversy. The brainstem is the anatomical structure of the central nervous system (CNS) that presents the highest concentration of nuclei and fibers, and its simple manipulation can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. Once one of the safe entry points at the medulla oblongata has been established, we wanted to evaluate the safest approach to the olivary body (the most used safe entry zone on the anterolateral surface of the medulla oblongata). The proposed objective was to evaluate the working channel from the surface of each of the far lateral and retrosigmoid approaches to the olivary body: distances, angles of attack and channel content. Material and methodsTo complete this work, a total of 10 heads injected with red/blue silicone were used. A total of 40 approaches were made in the 10 heads used (20 retrosigmoid and 20 far lateral). After completing the anatomical study and obtaining the data referring to all the approaches performed, it was decided to expand the sample of this research study by using 30 high-definition magnetic resonance imaging of anonymous patients without cranial or cerebral pathology. The reference points used were the same ones defined in the anatomical study. After defining the working channels in each of the approaches, the working distances, angle of attack, exposed surface, and the number of neurovascular structures present in the central trajectory were analyzed. ResultsThe distances to the cranial and medial region of the olivary body were 52.71 mm (SD 3.59) from the retrosigmoid approach and 27.94 mm (SD 3.99) from the far lateral; to the most basal region of the olivary body, the distances were 49.93 (SD 3.72) from the retrosigmoid approach and 18.1 mm (SD 2.5) from the far lateral. The angle of attack to the caudal region was 19.44° (SD 1.3) for the retrosigmoid approach and 50.97° (SD 8.01) for the far lateral approach; the angle of attack to the cranial region was 20.3° (SD 1.22) for the retrosigmoid and 39.9° (SD 5.12) for the far lateral. Regarding neurovascular structures, the probability of finding an arterial structure is higher for the lateral far, whereas a neural structure will be more likely from a retrosigmoid approach. ConclusionsAs conclusions of this work, we can say that far lateral approach presents more favorable conditions for the microsurgical treatment of intrinsic bulbar and bulbomedullary lesions approached through the caudal half of the olivary body. In those cases of bulbar and pontine-bulbar lesions approached through the cranial half of the olivary body, the retrosigmoid approach can be considered for selected cases.

Circulation of Queer Ideas in State Socialist Hungarian People’s Republic

Inspired by Agata Jakubowska’s Circulation of Feminist Ideas in Communist Poland (2008) in the paper, I undertake the case study of Russian-born Hungarian artist El Kazovszkij (1948–2008) to discuss the circulation of queer ideas in state socialist Hungarian People’s Republic. Cold War-era queer cultural production is primarily associated with the then-establishing cultural and political agency of sexual minorities in the West. Nonetheless, despite the hiatus of queer movements or public dialogue in state socialist Hungary, there were still plenty of related works produced and circulated in both alternative and official cultural scenes. However, the lack of knowledge about the socialist era queer lives led to a homogenous image of socialist states: the individuals in question are still seen as absent or viewed as mere victims of the system, who had also no access to knowledge on non-normative sexualities. Therefore, artistic production addressing queer themes is either overlooked or interpreted as manifestations of the artists’ personal struggle, which implies an essentialist understanding of queer art, excluding critical or political connotations of the works and oeuvres in question. My aim is not to prove that queer discourse was thriving in state socialist Hungary. Yet, I argue that queer ideas circulated in Europe between the East and West as well as among socialist countries, offering crucial reference points to artists. Through the case study on El Kazovszkij, it is possible to reconstruct a fraction of these examples from the field of literature, film, visual arts, music, etc., which could contribute to the theoretical and methodological approach to further investigate queer lives of socialist and post-socialist East Central Europe (ECE). Beyond the art historical perspectives, the outcome could become a further step in cultural decolonialism and Piotr Piotrowski’s horizontalism to defy the East-West dichotomy within the cultural history of non-normative sexualities.

Rapid assessment of the dependence of flexural elastic modulus on temperature through in‐situ image analysis

AbstractThis study aimed to develop a method for rapid and precise measurement of the elastic modulus at high temperatures. High‐temperature in‐situ microscopy was used in conjunction with a testing apparatus to measure the deformation of a specimen in three‐point bending test. The bending deflection was determined in situ by measuring the relative change between the test point on the specimen and a fixed reference point. The deflection was correlated with the elastic modulus to obtain the dependence of the elastic modulus on temperature. The ratio between high‐ and room‐temperature deflection of the bending beam was measured using the relative method and image analysis, with an identical scene and focal length for each photograph and a resolution of less than 1 µm. The deflection ratio was then converted into the ratio between high‐ and room‐temperature elastic modulus, enabling the high‐temperature modulus to be quickly derived. The experiments were performed on a sample made of silicon carbide fiber braided layered composite. The results showed that the elastic modulus changed little within 1100°C, remaining between 80 and 84 GPa. Contrarily, constant‐load tests indicated that the creep of this material was noticeable, making it difficult to obtain reliable elastic modulus.

Joint distribution of currents in the symmetric exclusion process

The symmetric simple exclusion process (SEP) is a paradigmatic model of diffusion in a single-file geometry, in which the particles cannot cross. In this model, the study of currents have attracted a lot of attention. In particular, the distribution of the integrated current through the origin, and more recently, of the integrated current through a moving reference point, have been obtained in the long time limit. This latter observable is particularly interesting, as it allows to obtain the distribution of the position of a tracer particle. However, up to now, these different observables have been considered independently. Here, we characterise the joint statistical properties of these currents, and their correlations with the density of particles. We show that the correlations satisfy closed integral equations, which generalise the ones obtained recently for a single observable. We also obtain boundary conditions verified by these correlations, which take a simple physical form for any single-file system. As a consequence of our results, we quantify the correlations between the displacement of a tracer, and the integrated current of particles through the origin.

A novel statistical approach to deal with spatial bias in maturity ogive estimation

The proportion of mature fish at length is one of the most important population attributes when evaluating reproductive potential for fish stock assessment purposes. Bias in maturity ogive parameters can lead to fishery management decisions based on misspecified biological reference points. These parameters can vary spatially and temporally, and this variability should be understood and included in the assessment models. However, integrating this variability becomes challenging when specific spatial-dependent ogives cannot be used in the stock assessment model. Hence, this study proposes a novel use of a multivariate response Bayesian regression model, employing an integrated nested Laplace approximation to estimate a single global maturity ogive using data from various spatial areas. This model explicitly accounts for differences in the sampling process and combines information from different areas to estimate shared maturity ogive parameters using joint-likelihood procedures. The model is applied to the European hake stock in ICES (International Council for the Exploration of the Sea) Divisions 27.8.c and 27.9.a, serving as a practical guide. In this model, we have considered different predictors to handle the relationship between the probability of being mature and the length and year covariates. Our results suggest that the logistic formulation correctly captures the relationship between the probability of being mature and length. For year variability, including a year factor covariate or year random effect in the predictor model produces similar values of goodness of fit measures.

Integrating print reference materials, curated digital collections, and information needs

The aim of this article is to explore the current research landscape of changing information needs and the need for digital access to library materials. Print reference sources—bibliographies in particular—are discussed and possible solutions for increasing their relevance and appeal as a stable reference point are presented. Several digital curated collections created with bibliographic reference materials are highlighted as a way of reintroducing these materials as a reliable and accessible source of information. The article concludes with future directions for the study of the use of print consultative sources and the main takeaways for adjusting reference and research assistance in an academic library.

Aerodynamic stability and free vibration of FGP-Reinforced nano-fillers annular sector microplates exposed to supersonic flow

Metal foams have many different uses, but they also have some weaknesses. To address this issue, scientists are exploring the possibility of adding nano-fillers to make them stronger and more rigid. As a result, there has been increased interest in analyzing structures that are made from these materials among researchers. Here and now, the authors have conducted a new study that focuses on analyzing the aerodynamic stability and free vibrational characteristics of an annular sector microplate. This is the first time that such an analysis has been done for this type of microplate. The microplate is exposed to supersonic flow and nonlinear temperature changes. The actual properties of the microplate are determined via different introduced homogenization schemes; and four distinguished patterns for both pores and nano-fillers dispersion are considered. To evaluate the reinforcements impact, two most widely recognized nano-fillers, i.e., carbon nanotubes and graphene nanoplatelets are employed and their influence on the outcomes is observed. By utilizing Hamilton's principle and performing certain mathematical operations, the equations of motion were derived and solved numerically under different boundary conditions. A case study is conducted to examine how different parameters affect the natural frequencies, corresponding mode shapes, and critical aerodynamic pressures. Since no similar research has been found, the outcomes of this work may be accounted as reference points for upcoming investigations.

Navigating Ideals and Realities: On Using Reconstruction Interviews to Study Journalistic Roles

ABSTRACT The study of journalistic roles has become a staple in journalism research. The concrete link between role perceptions and role performance, however, remains in a “black box”. This article introduces reconstruction interviews as a holistic approach that blends perceptual and performative approaches to the study of journalistic roles. It discusses the method’s specific benefits and weaknesses, when applied to explore the relationship between role ideals and practice and demonstrates how the method can tease out different levels of influence on journalistic roles. This is done by showcasing reconstruction interviews with European journalists (n = 15) who routinely cover large technology corporations. Notably, the method provides tangible reference points for anchoring journalistic roles in their performance and establishes an empirical connection between ideals and practice, all while maintaining a crucial conceptual distinction between roles emerging as ideals and practices. The reconstruction of journalistic roles promotes critical reflection, and facilitates a holistic analysis of journalism practice across micro-, meso-, and macro-levels.

Multisite spontaneous hematomas and bleeding in critically ill Chinese patients with COVID-19: two case reports and a literature review

BackgroundAnticoagulation is recommended as a standardized therapy for COVID-19 patients according to the WHO guidelines. However, bleeding events have also been reported. Hemorrhage or hematoma was observed in sites including the retroperitoneum, brain, alimentary tract, muscles, and soft tissues. Reduction or suspension of anticoagulants is a common intervention. Transfusion, endoscopic hemostasis, and vascular interventional therapy have been used to improve the condition.Case presentationIn this article, we present two cases of concurrent multisite hematomas and bleeding at other sites in patients with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Both patients were treated with heparins and experienced bleeding after the anticoagulation therapy. Both patients were older with more than two comorbidities, and critical COVID-19. Laboratory tests revealed a considerable decrease in hemoglobin levels and alterations in the coagulation system. In the first patient, the main intervention was embolization using angiography. However, we only adjusted the anticoagulation strategy in the second case. The first patient recovered and was discharged; however, the second died of other causes. This study provides a retrospective review of typical hemorrhagic cases during anticoagulation in COVID-19 patients over the course of four years. A relatively comprehensive search was performed in Pubmed by constructing MeSH subject terms on limiting the search period and specific contents. It summarizes and synthesizes the research related to heparins and other novel anticoagulants in the context of COVID-19 from the onset of the pandemic to the present disseminated phase. This study aimed to offer valuable insights and reference points for developing anticoagulation treatment strategies for patients with COVID-19.ConclusionsAnticoagulation is a crucial treatment option for patients with COVID-19. The difference in anticoagulant effects is related to the severity of COVID-19. Nafamostat can reduce thrombosis in the extracorporeal circuits in critically ill patients with COVID-19. The efficacy and safety of novel anticoagulants require further clinical data. Routine bedside assessments and real-time laboratory monitoring are essential for early identification of bleeding events during anticoagulant therapy and administering intervention.

Psychoemotional status and arterial hypertension in children: search for correlation and clinical application

Arterial hypertension is a common problem in pediatrics that requires close attention from pediatricians and pediatric cardiologists. Scientific discoveries describing molecular-genetic interactions in disease progression unfortunately do not always help practitioners and patients to achieve full control of the disease. The anatomo-physiologic features of childhood have forced researchers to search for new reference points that can help clinicians select effective therapies. In recent years, clinicians and psychologists have noted a steady increase in anxiety disorders in childhood and adolescence. Approximately 32% of adolescents have symptoms of anxiety that are mostly ignored and not corrected. In the future, such patients have a significantly increased risk of developing not only psychiatric abnormalities, but also cardiovascular diseases. Assessment of the patient's psychoemotional status may become an important factor in the selection of complex treatment, which will provide a personalized approach to the therapy of arterial hypertension in a child and prevent the development of its long-term consequences.

A new decision analysis framework for multi-attribute decision-making under interval uncertainty

In decision-making analysis, the description on decision makers' risk attitude under uncertainty is a focus topic. This paper presents a novel decision analysis framework that considers uncertainty and risk using the cumulative prospect theory. The proposed approach describes uncertain preference information using interval-valued fuzzy sets, maintaining this representation without converting intervals into crisp numbers throughout the entire process. To quantify the distance between interval-valued fuzzy sets, we introduce a comprehensive interval-valued distance model that accounts for multiple situations determined based on the relative positions between intervals. Afterwards, some related theorems about the proposed interval-valued distance model are explored mathematically. Then, with the aid of different reference points and interval-valued distance model, the overall interval-valued prospect value of each alternative is investigated. Finally, an Enhanced Minimax Regret-based (EMR) approach is developed to compare and rank the obtained overall interval-valued prospect values. An illustrative example, accompanied by detailed discussions, is provided to demonstrate the flexibility and superiority of the proposed decision analysis framework.

Heterogeneity by age and gender in the association of kidney function with mortality among patients with diabetes - analysis of diabetes registry in Singapore

BackgroundWe aimed to explore the three-way interaction among age, gender, and kidney function on the risk of all-cause mortality and cardiovascular mortality among patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D).MethodsIn a retrospective cohort study, patients aged > 40 years with T2D with serum creatinine and urine albumin measured from 2013 to 2019 were included from a multi-institutional diabetes registry. The exposure was estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR), outcomes were all-cause mortality (primary outcome) and cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality (secondary outcome). We applied multivariable cox proportional hazards regression analysis to compute the association between eGFR and mortality.ResultsA total of 36,556 patients were followed for up to 6 years during which 2492 (6.82%) died from all causes, and 690 (1.9%) died from CVD. We observed a significant three-way interaction (p = 0.021) among age (younger, < 65; older, ≥65 years), gender and eGFR for the risk of all-cause mortality. Using age- and gender-specific eGFR of 90 ml/min/1.73m2 as the reference point, the adjusted hazard rate (HR) (95% CI) for all-cause mortality at eGFR of 40 ml/min/1.73m2 was 3.70 (2.29 to 5.99) in younger women and 1.86 (1.08 to 3.19) in younger men. The corresponding adjusted HRs in older women and older men were 2.38 (2.02 to 2.82) and 2.18 (1.85 to 2.57), respectively. Similar results were observed for CVD deaths, although the three-way interaction was not statistically significant. Sensitivity analysis yielded similar results.ConclusionsIn this T2D population, younger women with reduced kidney function might be more susceptible to higher risks of all-cause mortality and CVD mortality than younger men.

Air kerma reference field with high energy photons using a 15 MeV electron beam from a clinical linear accelerator.

In the medical and nuclear fields, there are environments where exposure to photons with energies above several MeV can result in problems. The National Metrology Institute of Japan has developed a high-energy photon field using a 15 MeV electron beam of a clinical linear accelerator with a copper target and an aluminium filter unit to facilitate dosimeter calibration in terms of air kerma. To determine the air kerma rate, the energy fluence distribution at a reference point was calculated, and both calculations and experiments evaluated the effective energy and spatial dose distribution. Moreover, to validate the air kerma measurement, two commercial cavity chambers were calibrated in a developed photon field. The results obtained exhibited a 4% difference compared with those in a Co-60γ-ray reference field.