A comparison of auditory and visual graphs for use in physics and mathematics

The ability to interpret graphical information is a prime concern in physics as graphs are widely used to give quick summaries of data sets, for pattern recognition, and for analysis of information. While visual graphs have been developed so that their content can be readily and concisely discerned, there is great difficulty when someone is unable, because of their environment or due to physical handicaps, to view graphs. An alternative to the visual graph is the auditory graph. An auditory graph uses sound rather than pictures to transmit information. This study shows that useful auditory graphs of single valued x-y data were constructed by mapping the y axis to pitch, the x axis to time, and by including drum beats to mark first and second derivative information. Further audio enhancement was used to indicate negative data values. The study used a World Wide Web based test consisting of a series of math and physics questions. Each question was based on a graph and had multiple-choice answers. The test instrument was refined through a series of pilot tests. The main study compared the results of over 200 introductory physics students at Oregon State University, as well as other selected subjects. A computer program randomly assigned subjects to one of three groups. Each group was presented with the same test but had a different graph presentation method. The presentation methods were: only visual graphs, only auditory graphs, or both auditory and visual graphs. This study shows that students with very little training can use auditory graphs to answer analytical and identification type questions. Student performance for the group using only auditory graphs is 70% of the level attained by subjects using visually presented graphs. In addition, five blind subjects from remote locations participated in this test. Their performance level exceeded that of the first-year physics students. This work also displays the results from a pilot study of various auditory preference choices. Elements of this test may be useful for future auditory graph research and development

2D Black Phosphorus: from Preparation to Applications for Electrochemical Energy Storage

Black phosphorus (BP) is rediscovered as a 2D layered material. Since its first isolation in 2014, 2D BP has triggered tremendous interest in the fields of condensed matter physics, chemistry, and materials science. Given its unique puckered monolayer geometry, 2D BP displays many unprecedented properties and is being explored for use in numerous applications. The flexibility, large surface area, and good electric conductivity of 2D BP make it a promising electrode material for electrochemical energy storage devices (EESDs). Here, the experimental and theoretical progress of 2D BP is presented on the basis of its preparation methods. The structural and physiochemical properties, air instability, passivation, and EESD applications of 2D BP are discussed systemically. Specifically, the latest research findings on utilizing 2D BP in EESDs, such as lithium‐ion batteries, supercapacitors, and emerging technologies (lithium–sulfur batteries, magnesium‐ion batteries, and sodium‐ion batteries), are summarized. On the basis of the current progress, a few personal perspectives on the existing challenges and future research directions in this developing field are provided

A Retrospective Analysis of the Impact of Metastasectomy on Prognostic Survival According to Metastatic Organs in Patients With Metastatic Renal Cell Carcinoma

This study evaluated the effects of metastasectomy on overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) in metastatic renal cell carcinoma (mRCC) according to metastatic organs. The medical records (2005–2017) of 273 patients with mRCC were analyzed retrospectively to evaluate OS and PFS according to metastatic organs and their metastasectomy states. The Cox proportional hazard model was used to determine the prognostic significance of metastasectomy. The Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were used to compare groups with different modalities and metastatic organs at a statistical significance of p < 0.05. The overall median age was 57 years; 175 (64.3%) and 83 (30.4%) patients received cytoreductive nephrectomy and metastasectomy, respectively. The metastasectomy group was significantly younger and had a lower clinical T stage with significantly better PFS/OS (20.2/32.0 vs. 9.7/12.8 months) than that in the non-metastasectomy group (N = 190, p < 0.05). Liver with lung metastases were the worst metastatic combination for survivals in which liver metastasis was the only significant unfavorable risk factor for both PFS (HR 1.67) and OS (HR 1.74) (p < 0.05). Multivariable analysis confirmed that metastasectomy was a significant favorable risk factor for PFS (HR 0.70) and OS (HR 0.56) (p < 0.05) along with non-clear cell type (HR 0.61 for PFS), whereas the nuclear grade and poor Heng risk group were unfavorable risk factors (HR > 2.0) for both PFS and OS (p < 0.05). Metastasectomy and the affected metastatic organs significantly influenced prognostic survival in mRCC

Comparative Genomic Analysis of the 2016 Vibrio cholerae Outbreak in South Korea

In August 2016, South Korea experienced a cholera outbreak that caused acute watery diarrhea in three patients. This outbreak was the first time in 15 years that an outbreak was not linked to an overseas source. To identify the cause and to study the epidemiological implications of this outbreak, we sequenced the whole genome of Vibrio cholerae isolates; three from each patient and one from a seawater sample. Herein we present comparative genomic data which reveals that the genome sequences of these four isolates are very similar. Interestingly, these isolates form a monophyletic Glade with V. cholerae strains that caused an outbreak in the Philippines in 2011. The V. cholerae strains responsible for the Korean and Philippines outbreaks have almost identical genomes in which two unique genomic islands are shared, and they both lack SXT elements. Furthermore, we confirm that seawater is the likely source of this outbreak, which suggests the necessity for future routine surveillance of South Korea's seashore.

EMPODERAMAENTO FEMININO EM SAÚDE: ANÁLISE DA EFICÁCIA DA METODOLOGIA DE APRENDIZADO EM GRUPO NO FORTALECIMENTO DO PROGRAMA DE CONTROLE DO CÂNCER DE COLO DE ÚTERO

O objetivo do presente estudo é analisar como a educação em grupo pode contribuir para o aprendizado em saúde, com foco na prevenção do câncer de colo de útero. Trata-se de um estudo prospectivo de intervenção, do tipo caso controle, de abordagem quali-quantitativa. Será realizado com mulheres entre 25 a 64 anos que trabalham em uma instituição de ensino superior, que não tenham realizado preventivo de câncer de colo de útero há mais de 2 anos. O estudo avaliará o grau de letramento funcional em saúde/câncer do colo do útero, bem como a interferência do conhecimento no autocuidado e atendimento, considerando as intervenções sendo ou não eficazes para o ato de empoderar-se. Para isso será aplicado um questionário que avaliará dados socieconômicos, socioculturais, conhecimento em saúde e obstáculos encontrados para adesão do programa de rastreio dos leões de câncer de colo de útero. Será feita uma avaliação e interpretação dos dados e mediante isso intervenções em educação serão elaboradas e aplicadas utilizando o método de aprendizado em grupo. Posteriormente será aplicado novamente o questionário, e analisado as significativas melhoras. Espera-se com esse estudo sistematizar e implantar estratégias para sanar eventuais barreiras que impeçam as mulheres de terem melhores condições de saúde. Acreditamos que os dados de nosso estudo possam contribuir para o fortalecimento dos programas de saúde vigentes, bem como facilitar o processo de Letramento Funcional em Saúde e empoderamento das mulheres, quanto à importância da prevenção, rastreamento e diagnóstico precoce do câncer de colo de útero

O Museu de Ciências Nucleares como um espaço interativo para desmistificação das ciências nucleares

This paper presents the educational potential of the Nuclear Science Museum (NSM) located at the Federal University of Pernambuco, the first museum about Nuclear Sciences in Latin America and the only one in Brazil fully dedicated to radioactivity and its beneficial applications. Its also presents a study about the your role as a facilitating space for new knowledge construction as well as the development of integrated competences and skills for students in Elementary. In this sense, the NSM provides an interactive and meaningful learning of nuclear science, articulating scientific information to social reality, playing an important role in the knowledge reconstruction process, demystifying unfounded prejudices and fears, and promoting a critical thinking about radioactivity. In addition, the visit to the NSM provides the reconstructive questioning about risks and benefits of radioactivity, which allows the students to make ethical and citizen decisions, with a wider perception founded on scientifically based information.O presente artigo discute o potencial educacional do Museu de Ciências Nucleares (MCN) localizado na Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, primeiro museu de Ciências Nucleares da América Latina e o único no Brasil inteiramente dedicado ao tema da radioatividade e suas aplicações benéficas. Também apresenta apontamentos sobre o museu enquanto espaço facilitador para a produção de novos saberes e desenvolvimento de competências e habilidades para a educação básica. Nesta direção, o MCN proporciona uma aprendizagem interativa e significativa da Ciência Nuclear, articulando a informação científica à realidade social, possuindo um grande papel no processo de reconstrução do conhecimento, desmistificando mitos e medos infundados, promovendo um senso crítico e reflexivo acerca da radioatividade. Além disso, a visita ao MCN proporciona o questionamento reconstrutivo sobre riscos e benefícios da radioatividade que oportuniza aos envolvidos a tomarem decisões éticas e cidadãs a respeito do tema com uma visão mais ampliada e cientificamente embasada

Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia and the Risk of Falls in Older Men: Insights From a Population-Based Study on Geriatric Morbid Conditions

Purpose The purpose of this study was to explore the association between benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) and the incidence of falls from the perspective of geriatric morbid conditions. Methods Data were sourced from the triennial National Survey of Older Koreans conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (2017–2020). In total, 8,135 male participants aged 65 and older were included, and information was gathered through questionnaires and physical measurements. Logistic regression analysis was utilized to determine the impact of BPH on the risk of falls, and subgroup analyses were conducted to examine the influence of BPH on specific types of falls. Results Of the participants, 15.2% (1,238 of 8,135) reported that their BPH treatment exceeded 3 months, and 8.0% (648 of 8,135) reported experiencing falls, with 61.4% (398/648) of these falls resulting in injuries. A significant association was identified between BPH and both falls (odds ratio [OR], 1.798; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.479–2.185) and falls with injuries (OR, 2.133; 95% CI, 1.689–2.694). A subgroup analysis indicated a correlation between BPH and falls in groups having one (OR, 1.912; 95% CI, 1.356–2.694) and 2 or more conditions (OR, 1.856; 95% CI, 1.455–2.367) involving visual and auditory impairments, cognitive decline, depression, lower motor weakness, and limitations in daily activities. Conclusions The findings indicate that BPH contributes to the incidence of falls among older men, particularly those with comorbid conditions. Considering the heightened fall risk among elderly individuals suffering from multiple morbidities, particularly those with BPH, targeted interventions are essential for mitigating the risk of falls in this vulnerable group

Value Creation in a Pedagogically-Focused Faculty Online Learning Community

Faculty online learning communities (FOLCs) can help faculty effectively adopt and persist in using research-based curricula. This paper documents faculty perspectives on the value they gained from participating in a multi-year FOLC designed to help them implement an inquiry-based physical science curriculum. Personal value narratives were collected from 11 volunteer FOLC participants. In the narratives, participants responded to prompts regarding their initial reasons for participation, activities they engaged in, and values they gained, as well as how participation impacted their profession, social connections, professional practice, and ability to influence their world as teachers. Qualitative analysis shows that the values faculty gained through their participation in the FOLC could be associated with four major areas of impact: teaching, community, leadership and personal development. The first two aligned with the initial goals of the FOLC, while the latter two emerged organically through participation over its four-year duration. The methods used to assess value creation in the NGPET FOLC and the findings from this study can inform other professionals who aspire to create and sustain a long-standing faculty development community and understand its impacts

Dairy Cattle, a Potential Reservoir of Human Campylobacteriosis: Epidemiological and Molecular Characterization of Campylobacter jejuni From Cattle Farms

Campylobacter jejuni is a major foodborne pathogen that is increasingly found worldwide and that is transmitted to humans through meat or dairy products. A detailed understanding of the prevalence and characteristics of C. jejuni in dairy cattle farms, which are likely to become sources of contamination, is imperative and is currently lacking. In this study, a total of 295 dairy cattle farm samples from 15 farms (24 visits) in Korea were collected. C. jejuni prevalence at the farm level was 60% (9/15) and at the animal level was 23.8% (68/266). Using the multivariable generalized estimating equation (GEE) model based on farm-environmental factors, we estimated that a high density of cattle and average environmental temperature (7 days prior to sampling) below 24°C affects the presence and survival of C. jejuni in the farm environment. Cattle isolates, together with C. jejuni from other sources (chicken and human), were genetically characterized based on analysis of 10 virulence and survival genes. A total of 19 virulence profile types were identified, with type 01 carrying eight genes (all except hcp and virB11) being the most prevalent. The prevalence of virB11 and hcp was significantly higher in isolates from cattle than in those from other sources (p < 0.05). Multilocus sequence typing (MLST) of C. jejuni isolates from three different sources mainly clustered in the CC-21 and CC-48. Within the CC-21 and CC-48 clusters, cattle isolates shared an indistinguishable pattern with human isolates according to pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) and flaA-restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) typing. This suggests that CC-21 and CC-48 C. jejuni from dairy cattle are genetically related to clinical campylobacteriosis isolates. In conclusion, the farm environment influences the presence and survival of C. jejuni, which may play an important role in cycles of cattle re-infection, and dairy cattle represent potential reservoirs of human campylobacteriosis. Thus, environmental management practices could be implemented on cattle farms to reduce the shedding of C. jejuni from cattle, subsequently reducing the potential risk of the spread of cattle-derived C. jejuni to humans through the food chain