• Parasites, Hosts and Diseases
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• v.61 no.1
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• pp.24-32
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• 2023

Plasmodium falciparum erythrocyte membrane protein 1 (PfEMP1), encoded by the polymorphic var multigene family, is a highly polymorphic antigen that plays a crucial role in the pathology of malaria. The contribution of the genetic diversity of var toward the immune escape of P. falciparum has not yet been fully elucidated. This study aimed to characterize the diversity of var repertoires by screening P. falciparum Duffy-binding-like α domain (PfDBLα) among field isolates from central Myanmar. Genetic analysis revealed that the D-H segments of var in Myanmar populations have an extensive polymorphic repertoire, with high numbers of unique sequence types in each individual. However, var genes from the global population, including Myanmar, shared close genetic lineages regardless of their geographic origins, indicating that they have not undergone rapid evolutionary changes.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.42 no.5
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• pp.633-647
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• 2022

This paper presents the results from reliability analyses of the current Eurocode 4 (EN 1994-1-1) and AISC 360-16 design models for predicting the resistance of headed stud shear connectors within profiled steel sheeting, when the ribs are oriented transverse to the supporting beam. For comparison purposes, the performance of the alternative "Luxembourg" and "Stuttgart" model were also considered. From an initial database of 611 push-out tests, 269 cases were included in the study, which ensured that the results were valid over a wide range of geometrical and material properties. It was found that the current EN 1994-1-1 design rules deliver a corrected partial safety factor γ_M^* of around 2.0, which is significantly higher than the target value 1.25. Moreover, 179 tests fell within the domain of the concrete-related failure design equation. Notwithstanding this, the EN 1994-1-1 equations provide satisfactory results for re-entrant profiled sheeting. The AISC 360-16 design equation for steel failure covers 263 of the tests in the database and delivers 𝛾_M^*≈2.0. Conversely, whilst the alternative "Stuttgart" model provides an improvement over the current codes, only a corrected partial safety factor of 𝛾_M^*=1.47 is achieved. Finally, the alternative "Luxembourg" design model was found to deliver the required target value, with a corrected partial safety factor 𝛾_M^* between 1.21 and 1.28. Given the fact that the Luxembourg design model is the only model that achieved the target values required by EN 1990, it is recommended as a potential candidate for inclusion within the second generation of Eurocodes.

• Genomics & Informatics
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• v.21 no.2
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• pp.18.1-18.11
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• 2023

Immunologists have activated T cells in vitro using various stimulation methods, including phorbol myristate acetate (PMA)/ionomycin and αCD3/αCD28 agonistic antibodies. PMA stimulates protein kinase C, activating nuclear factor-κB, and ionomycin increases intracellular calcium levels, resulting in activation of nuclear factor of activated T cell. In contrast, αCD3/αCD28 agonistic antibodies activate T cells through ZAP-70, which phosphorylates linker for activation of T cell and SH2-domain-containing leukocyte protein of 76 kD. However, despite the use of these two different in vitro T cell activation methods for decades, the differential effects of chemical-based and antibody-based activation of primary human T cells have not yet been comprehensively described. Using single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) technologies to analyze gene expression unbiasedly at the single-cell level, we compared the transcriptomic profiles of the non-physiological and physiological activation methods on human peripheral blood mononuclear cell-derived T cells from four independent donors. Remarkable transcriptomic differences in the expression of cytokines and their respective receptors were identified. We also identified activated CD4 T cell subsets (CD55⁺) enriched specifically by PMA/ionomycin activation. We believe this activated human T cell transcriptome atlas derived from two different activation methods will enhance our understanding, highlight the optimal use of these two in vitro T cell activation assays, and be applied as a reference standard when analyzing activated specific disease-originated T cells through scRNA-seq.

• International Journal of Computer Science & Network Security
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• v.23 no.7
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• pp.1-8
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• 2023

An Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing (OFDM) based wireless communication system has drawn wide attention for its high transmission rate and high spectrum efficiency in not only radio but also Underwater Acoustic (UWA) applications. Because of the narrow sub-carrier spacing of OFDM, orthogonality between sub-carriers is easily affected by Doppler effect caused by the movement of transmitter or receiver. Previously, Doppler compensation signal processing algorithm for Desired propagation path was proposed. However, other Doppler shifts caused by delayed Undesired signal arriving from different directions cannot be perfectly compensated. Then Receiver Bit Error Rate (BER) is degraded by Inter-Carrier-Interference (ICI) caused in the case of Multi-path Doppler channel. To mitigate the ICI effect, a modified Delay and Doppler Profiler (mDDP), which estimates not only attenuation, relative delay and Doppler shift but also sampling clock shift of each multi-path component, is proposed. Based on the outputs of mDDP, an ICI canceling multi-tap equalizer is also proposed. Computer simulated performances of one-tap equalizer with the conventional Time domain linear interpolated Channel Transfer Function (CTF) estimator, multi-tap equalizer based on mDDP are compared. According to the simulation results, BER improvement has been observed. Especially, in the condition of 16QAM modulation, transmitting vessel speed of 6m/s, two-path multipath channel with direct path and ocean surface reflection path; more than one order of magnitude BER reduction has been observed at CNR=30dB.

• Journal of the Daesoon Academy of Sciences
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• v.18
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• pp.1-24
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• 2004

This paper is to inquiry into the conceptual model of religious education in school curriculum focused on 7th revised curriculum, subject matter and teacher training system. We have to consider the related variables for the operation of school curriculum: student, school, teacher. In school curricula of Korea, religious education can be practiced as a elective course of subject, discretion activity and special activity, latent curriculum etc. And also it should be considered student's right of option and autonomy of private school, because at least those are the important variables effect upon the religious education in school curriculum. Now I'd like to abstract results of this paper as followed. First, it should be considered student's right of option for religious education in private school curriculum. But at this case, also under the name of education it should be justified precondition of purpose, content, approach method. If not, it easy to access to pejorative meaning as a religious indoctrination. Second, in case of conflict between student and school, I think that a proper method is to adjust the related variables. Third, if the purpose of religious education in school based on religiosity, it can be cover the understanding of religious culture, affectionate domain of religiosity, behavioral religiosity. Finally, in order to accomplish such an conceptual model of religious education in school, it should be set a condition for teacher training system, subject matter etc.

• Journal of Preventive Medicine and Public Health
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• v.56 no.6
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• pp.523-532
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• 2023

Objectives: During the second coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) surge, cases increased sharply due to low awareness and compliance with measures to limit disease spread. Health literacy (HL) is an important component of public health initiatives, and schools are potential sources of health education to increase HL via the presentation of COVID-19 educational modules. Methods: This cross-sectional study involved an online questionnaire administered to students from 5 high schools in Surabaya and Sidoarjo, Indonesia, 6-7 weeks after the start of government-issued directives restricting public gatherings. We collected data on each respondent's age, gender, parental education, and socioeconomic variables. HL was determined by the Health Literacy Measure for Adolescents. We additionally measured their attitudes and behaviors related to preventing the spread of COVID-19. The students were asked if they watched the COVID-19 module at school, their feelings about vaccination, and preferred online sources of COVID-19-related information. Results: Most of the 432 respondents had viewed COVID-19 modules at school. Module exposure was associated with significantly higher total and domain-specific HL and more positive attitudes toward government-issued COVID-19 restrictions on travel and public gatherings (p<0.05). However, behaviors to prevent COVID-19 spread and vaccine acceptance were not associated with module exposure. Most students chose social media as their source of COVID-19-related information. Conclusions: Schools can provide information to increase adolescents' HL and the public's support for health initiatives to prevent or limit the spread of COVID-19.

• Korean Journal of Optics and Photonics
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• v.34 no.6
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• pp.235-240
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• 2023

The optical signal injected into an end-fire optical phased array propagates along the waveguides inside the device and is emitted from the edge of the antenna. In general, reflection and scattering occur at the boundary, thereby reducing the emission efficiency of the optical signal. In this article, we propose a silicon nitride (Si₃N₄) tapered waveguide antenna structure whose width is tapered toward the emitting edge, achieving high emission efficiency operating at the 1,550 nm wavelength. The Si₃N₄ tapered waveguide antenna was numerically designed using the 3D finite-difference time-domain method. The optical signal emission efficiency increased from 78% to 96.3%, while reflectance decreased from 22% to 3.7% compared with the untapered waveguide antenna counterpart. This result will not only boost the optical signal intensity but also mitigate optical noise resulting from back reflection along the waveguide in the end-fire optical phased array device.

• Archives of Craniofacial Surgery
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• v.25 no.2
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• pp.71-76
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• 2024

Background: The rising incidence of dialysis-dependent end-stage renal disease (ESRD) has underscored the need for collaboration between plastic surgeons and nephrologists, particularly concerning preoperative and postoperative management for facial reconstruction. This collaboration is essential due to a scarcity of comprehensive information in this domain. Methods: A study initiated in January 2015 involved 10 ESRD cases on dialysis undergoing Mohs micrographic surgery for facial skin cancer, followed by reconstructive surgery under general anesthesia. To ensure surgical safety, rigorous measures were enacted, encompassing laboratory testing, nephrology consultations, and preoperative dialysis admission. Throughout surgery, meticulous control was exercised over vital signs, electrolytes, bleeding risk, and pain management (excluding nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). Postoperative assessments included monitoring flap integrity, hematoma formation, infection, and cardiovascular risk through plasma creatinine levels. Results: Adherence to the proposed guidelines yielded a notable absence of postoperative wound complications. Postoperative plasma creatinine levels exhibited an average decrease of 1.10 mg/dL compared to preoperative levels, indicating improved renal function. Importantly, no cardiopulmonary complications or 30-day mortality were observed. In ESRD patients, creatinine levels decreased significantly postoperatively compared to the preoperative levels (p< 0.05), indicating favorable outcomes. Conclusion: The consistent application of guidelines for admission, anesthesia, and surgery yielded robust and stable outcomes across all patients. In particular, the findings support the importance of adjusting dialysis schedules. Despite the limited sample size in this study, these findings underscore the effectiveness of a collaborative and meticulous approach for plastic surgeons performing surgery on dialysis-dependent patients, ensuring successful outcomes.

• Journal of the Korea Society of Computer and Information
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• v.29 no.1
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• pp.11-19
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• 2024

Multi-agent systems can be utilized in various real-world cooperative environments such as battlefield engagements and unmanned transport vehicles. In the context of battlefield engagements, where dense reward design faces challenges due to limited domain knowledge, it is crucial to consider situations that are learned through explicit sparse rewards. This paper explores the collaborative potential among allied agents in a battlefield scenario. Utilizing the Multi-Robot Warehouse Environment(RWARE) as a sparse reward environment, we define analogous problems and establish evaluation criteria. Constructing a learning environment with the QMIX algorithm from the reinforcement learning library Ray RLlib, we enhance the Agent Network of QMIX and integrate Random Network Distillation(RND). This enables the extraction of patterns and temporal features from partial observations of agents, confirming the potential for improving the acquisition of sparse reward experiences through intrinsic rewards.

• Steel and Composite Structures
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• v.51 no.1
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• pp.73-91
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• 2024

This paper has focused on presenting vibration analysis of trapezoidal sandwich plates with a damaged core and FG wavy CNT-reinforced face sheets. A damage model is introduced to provide an analytical description of an irreversible rheological process that causes the decay of the mechanical properties, in terms of engineering constants. An isotropic damage is considered for the core of the sandwich structure. The classical theory concerning the mechanical efficiency of a matrix embedding finite length fibers has been modified by introducing the tube-to-tube random contact, which explicitly accounts for the progressive reduction of the tubes' effective aspect ratio as the filler content increases. The First-order shear deformation theory of plate is utilized to establish governing partial differential equations and boundary conditions for the trapezoidal plate. The governing equations together with related boundary conditions are discretized using a mapping-generalized differential quadrature (GDQ) method in spatial domain. Then natural frequencies of the trapezoidal sandwich plates are obtained using GDQ method. Validity of the current study is evaluated by comparing its numerical results with those available in the literature. After demonstrating the convergence and accuracy of the method, different parametric studies for laminated trapezoidal structure including carbon nanotubes waviness (0≤w≤1), CNT aspect ratio (0≤AR≤4000), face sheet to core thickness ratio (0.1 ≤ ${\frac{h_f}{h_c}}$ ≤ 0.5), trapezoidal side angles (30° ≤ α, β ≤ 90°) and damaged parameter (0 ≤ D < 1) are carried out. It is explicated that the damaged core and weight fraction, carbon nanotubes (CNTs) waviness and CNT aspect ratio can significantly affect the vibrational behavior of the sandwich structure. Results show that by increasing the values of waviness index (w), normalized natural frequency of the structure decreases, and the straight CNT (w=0) gives the highest frequency. For an overall comprehension on vibration of laminated trapezoidal plates, some selected vibration mode shapes were graphically represented in this study.