Cultivating Cultural Self-Awareness to Teach Intercultural Communication

Intercultural communication is undisputably important in today’s world.Schools on every level in China attach great importance to educating young people with intercultural communication competence.Chinese anthropologist Fei Xiaotong developed the concept of cultural self-awareness to meet this urgent need.The paper explores the rich meanings of cultural self-awareness concept and how the idea is relevant to teaching intercultural communication.

Review on microbial metabolomics of probiotics and pathogens:Methodologies and applications

In recent years,microbial metabolomics,a new field that has attracted wide attention,provides a map of metabolic pathways and clarifies the interaction mechanism between microorganisms and hosts.Many microorganisms are found in the human intestine,oral cavity,vagina,etc.Probiotics could maintain the good health of the host,while pathogens and an imbalance of bacterial flora lead to a series of diseases of the body and mind.Metabolomics is a science for qualitative and quantitative analysis of all metabolites in an organism or biological system,which could provide key information to understand the related metabolic pathways and associated changes.This approach analyzes the final products of cellular regulatory processes,the level of which can be regarded as the ultimate response of the biological system to genetic or environmental changes.Microbial metabolomics has been widely used in different research fields,such as microbial phenotypic classification,mutant screening,metabolic pathways,microbial metabolic engineering,fermentation engineering monitoring and optimization,microbial environmental pollution,and so on.However,there are only a few reviews on microbial metabolomics of probiotics and pathogens.This review summarizes the main methodologies,including sample preparation,identification of metabolites,data processing,and analysis.Recent applications in microbial metabolomics of probiotics and pathogens are also described.This paper first summarized the research progress and application of microbial metabolomics from two aspects:probiotics and pathogenic bacteria.Probiotics and pathogenic bacteria do not exist independently most of the time;hence,these were reviewed in the research field of coexistence of probiotics and pathogenic bacteria,which was subdivided into important microbial research fields closely related to human health,including the human gut,oral cavity,food,and nutrition-related microorganisms.Then,the main problems and trends associated with microbial metabolomics are discussed.

Research on Active Safety Methodologies for Intelligent Railway Systems

Safety is essential when building a strong transportation system.As a key development direction in the global railway system,the intelligent railway has safety at its core,making safety a top priority while pursuing the goals of efficiency,convenience,economy,and environmental friendliness.This paper describes the state of the art and proposes a system architecture for intelligent railway systems.It also focuses on the development of railway safety technology at home and abroad,and proposes the active safety method and technology system based on advanced theoretical methods such as the in-depth integration of cyber–physical systems(CPS),data-driven models,and intelligent computing.Finally,several typical applications are demonstrated to verify the advancement and feasibility of active safety technology in intelligent railway systems.

Development Methodologies for Network Softwarization: A Comparison of DevOps, NetOps, and Verification

This white paper explores three popular development methodologies for network softwarization: DevOps, NetOps, and Verification. The paper compares and contrasts the strengths and weaknesses of each approach and provides recommendations for organizations looking to adopt network softwarization.

A systematic scoping review of study methodology for randomized controlled trials investigating probiotics in athletic and physically active populations

Background:The purported ergogenic and health effects of probiotics have been a topic of great intrigue among researchers,practitioners,and the lay public alike.There has also been an increased research focus within the realm of sports science and exercise medicine on the athletic gut microbiota.However,compared to other ergogenic aids and dietary supplements,probiotics present unique study challenges.The objectives of this systematic scoping review were to identify and characterize study methodologies of randomized controlled trials investigating supplementation with probiotics in athletes and physically active individuals.Methods:Four databases(MEDLINE,CINAHL,Cochrane CENTRAL,and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews)were searched for randomized controlled studies involving healthy athletes or physically active individuals.An intervention with probiotics and inclusion of a control and/or placebo group were essential.Only peer-reviewed articles in English were considered,and there were no date restrictions.Results were extracted and presented in tabular form to detail study protocols,characteristics,and outcomes.Bias in randomized controlled trials was determined with the RoB 2.0 tool.Results:A total of 45 studies were included in the review,with 35 using a parallel group design and 10 using a cross-over design.Approximately half the studies used a single probiotic and the other half a multi-strain preparation.The probiotic dose ranged from 2×10^(8)to 1×10^(11)colony forming units daily,and the length of intervention was between 7 and 150 days.Fewer than half the studies directly assessed gastrointestinal symptoms,gut permeability,or the gut microbiota.The sex ratio of participants was heavily weighted toward males,and only 3 studies exclusively investigated females.Low-level adverse events were reported in only 2 studies,although the methodology of reporting varied widely.The risk of bias was generally low,although details on randomization were lacking in some studies.Conclusion:There is a substantial body of research on the effects of prob iotic supplementation in healthy athletes and physically active individuals.Considerable heterogeneity in probiotic selection and dosage as well as outcome measures has made clinical and mechanistic interpretation challenging for both health care practitioners and researchers.Attention to issues of randomization of participants,treatments and interventions,selection of outcomes,demographics,and reporting of adverse events will facilitate more trustworthy interpretation of probiotic study results and inform evidence-based guidelines.

Enhancing wood efficiency through comprehensive wood flow analysis:Methodology and strategic insights

Wood,an essential natural resource in human civilization,remains widely used despite advances in technology and material substitution.The surge in greenhouse gas emissions and environmental concerns accentuates the need for optimizing wood utilization.Material flow analysis is a powerful tool for tracking material flows and stocks,aiding resource management and environmental decision-making.However,the full extent of its methodological dimensions,particularly within the context of the wood supply chain,remains relatively unexplored.In this study,we delve into the existing literature on wood flow analysis,discussing its primary objectives,materials involved,temporal and spatial scales,data sources,units,and conversion factors.Additionally,data uncertainty,data reconciliation and crucial assumptions in material flow analysis are highlighted in this paper.Key findings reveal the significance of wood cascading and substitution effects by replacing non-wood materials,where they can reduce greenhouse gas emissions more than the natural carbon sink of forests and wood products.The immediate impact of short-term wood cascading might not be as robust as the substitution effect,with energy substitution showcasing better results than material substitution.However,it's crucial to note that these conclusions could experience significant reversal from a long-term and global perspective.Strategies for improving wood efficiency involve maximizing material use,advancing construction technologies,extending product lifespans,promoting cascade use,and optimizing energy recovery processes.The study underscores the need for standardized approaches in wood flow analysis and emphasizes the potential of wood efficiency strategies in addressing environmental challenges.

Optimization and Characterization of Cellulose Extraction from Grevillea robusta (Silky Oak) Leaves by Soda-Anthraquinone Pulping Using Response Surface Methodology

Response surface methodology (RSM) using the central composite design (CCD) was applied to examine the impact of soda-anthraquinone pulping conditions on Grevillea robusta fall leaves. The pulping factors studied were: NaOH charge 5% to 20% w/v, pulping time 30 to 180 minutes, and the anthraquinone charge 0.1 to 0.5% w/w based on the oven-dried leaves. The responses evaluated were the pulp yield, cellulose content, and the degree of delignification. Various regression models were used to evaluate the effects of varying the pulping conditions. The optimum conditions attained were;NaOH charge of 14.63%, 0.1% anthraquinone, and a pulping period of 154 minutes, corresponding to 20.68% pulp yield, 80.56% cellulose content, and 70.34% lignin removal. Analysis of variance (ANOVA), was used to determine the most important variables that improve the extraction process of cellulose. The experiment outcomes matched those predicted by the model (Predicted R2 = 0.9980, Adjusted R2 = 0.9994), demonstrating the adequacy of the model used. FTIR analysis confirmed the elimination of the non-cellulosic fiber constituents. The lignin and hemicellulose-related bands (around 1514 cm−1, 1604 cm−1, 1239 cm−1, and 1734 cm−1) decreased with chemical treatment, indicating effective cellulose extraction by the soda-anthraquinone method. Similar results were obtained by XRD, SEM and thermogravimetric analysis of the extracted cellulose. Therefore, Grevillea robusta fall leaves are suitable renewable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly non-wood biomass for cellulose extraction.

Research on the development methodology for clinical practice guidelines for organic integration of traditional Chinese medicine and Western medicine

Integrated traditional Chinese medicine(TCM)and Western medicine(WM)is a new medical science grounded in the knowledge bases of both TCM and WM,which then forms a unique modern medical system in China.Integrated TCM and WM has a long history in China,and has made important achievements in the process of clinical diagnosis and treatment.However,the methodological defects in currently published clinical practice guidelines(CPGs)limit its development.The organic integration of TCM and WM is a deeper integration of TCM and WM.To realize the progression of"integration"to"organic integration",a targeted and standardized guideline development methodology is needed.Therefore,the purpose of this study is to establish a standardized development procedure for clinical practice guidelines for the organic integration of TCM and WM to promote the systematic integration of TCM and WM research results into clinical practice guidelines in order to achieve optimal results as the whole is greater than the sum of the parts.

The Influence of Tartaric Acid in the Silver Nanoparticle Synthesis Using Response Surface Methodology

Silver nanoparticles(AgNPs)synthesized using tartaric acid as a capping agent have a great impact on the reaction kinetics and contribute significantly to the stability of AgNPs.The protective layer formed by tartaric acid is an important factor that protects the silver surface and reduces potential cytotoxicity problems.These attributes are critical for assessing the compatibility of AgNPs with biological systems and making them suitable for drug delivery applications.The aim of this research is to conduct a comprehensive study of the effect of tartaric acid concentration,sonication time and temperature on the formation of silver nanoparticles.Using Response Surface Methodology(RSM)with Face-Centered Central Composite Design(FCCD),the optimization process identifies the most favorable synthesis conditions.UV-Vis spectrum regression analysis shows that AgNPs stabilized with tartaric acid are more stable than AgNPs without tartaric acid.This highlights the increased stability that tartaric acid provides in AgNP ssssynthesis.Particle size distribution analysis showed a multimodal distribution for AgNPs with tartaric acid and showed the smallest size peak with an average size of 20.53 nm.The second peak with increasing intensity shows a dominant average size of 108.8 nm accompanied by one standard deviation of 4.225 nm and a zeta potential of−11.08 mV.In contrast,AgNPs synthesized with polyvinylpyrrolidone(PVP)showed a unimodal particle distribution with an average particle size of 81.62 nm and a zeta potential of−2.96 mV.The more negative zeta potential of AgNP-tartaric acid indicates its increased stability.Evaluation of antibacterial activity showed that AgNPs stabilized with tartaric acid showed better performance against E.coli and B.subtilis bacteria compared with AgNPs-PVP.In summary,this study highlights the potential of tartaric acid in AgNP synthesis and suggests an avenue for the development of stable AgNPs with versatile applications.

How to use the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)data:research design and methodology

In the United States(US),the Surveillance,Epidemiology,and End Results(SEER)program is the only comprehensive source of population-based information that includes stage of cancer at the time of diagnosis and patient survival data.This program aims to provide a database about cancer incidence and survival for studies of surveillance and the development of analytical and methodological tools in the cancer field.Currently,the SEER program covers approximately half of the total cancer patients in the US.A growing number of clinical studies have applied the SEER database in various aspects.However,the intrinsic features of the SEER database,such as the huge data volume and complexity of data types,have hindered its application.In this review,we provided a systematic overview of the commonly used methodologies and study designs for retrospective epidemiological research in order to illustrate the application of the SEER database.Therefore,the goal of this review is to assist researchers in the selection of appropriate methods and study designs for enhancing the robustness and reliability of clinical studies by mining the SEER database.

Optimization of Preparation of Oregano Oil Microspheres by Box-Behnken Response Surface Methodology

[Objectives]To optimize the formulation and preparation of oregano oil microspheres by Box-Behnken response surface methodology.[Methods]Chitosan was used as the carrier material to prepare oregano oil microspheres by emulsion crosslinking method.The encapsulation efficiency,drug loading and ID 50 were used as the evaluation indicators,and the comprehensive score(OD)obtained by"coefficient of variation-AHP comprehensive weighting method"was used as the final evaluation indicator.The formulation design and preparation process were optimized by single factor experiment and Box-Behnken response surface methodology,and the optimal process parameters were determined.[Results]The optimal formulation and preparation process parameters of oregano oil microspheres were as follows:the ratio of oregano oil to chitosan was 2∶1,the emulsifying speed of double emulsion was 200 r/min,the amount of emulsifier in the colostrum was 4%,and the volume of curing agent was 1.0 mL.The average encapsulation efficiency was 45.33%±1.32%,the average drug loading was 30.59%±2.45%,and the median diameter(ID 50)was 52.596μm±0.023%.[Conclusions]The encapsulation efficiency,drug loading and ID 50 of oregano oil chitosan microspheres prepared by emulsion crosslinking method met the requirements.The drug-loaded microsphere not only can be used as a preparation finished product for direct application,but also be used as a product intermediate to lay a foundation for the research and development of subsequent dosage forms.

Optimization of Methylene Blue Dye Adsorption onto Coconut Husk Cellulose Using Response Surface Methodology: Adsorption Kinetics, Isotherms and Reusability Studies

In this study, coconut husk cellulose was employed as a cost-effective and environmentally friendly adsorbent to eliminate methylene blue (MB) dye from aqueous solutions. The successful development of response surface methodology paired with a central composite design (RSM-CCD) enabled the optimization and modelling of the adsorption process. The study investigated the individual and combined effects of three variables (pH, contact time, and initial MB dye concentration) on the adsorption of MB dye onto coconut husk cellulose. The developed RSM-CCD model exhibited a remarkable degree of precision in predicting the removal efficiency of MB dye within the specified experimental parameters. This was demonstrated by the strong regression parameters, with an R2 value of 99.79% and an adjusted R2 value of 99.6%. The study depicted that the optimal parameters for attaining a 98.8827% removal of MB dye using coconut husk cellulose were as follows: an initial MB dye concentration of 30 mg∙L−1, contact time of 120 minutes, and pH 7 at a fixed adsorbent dose of 0.5 g. The Freundlich isotherm model provided the most satisfactory description of the equilibrium adsorption isotherms, suggesting that MB dye adsorption onto coconut husk cellulose occurs on a heterogeneous surface. The experimental results demonstrated a strong agreement with the pseudo-second-order kinetics model, indicating that the number of active sites present on the cellulose adsorbent predominantly influences the adsorption process of MB dye. Additionally, the adsorbent made from coconut husk cellulose exhibited the potential to be reused, as it retained its efficiency for a maximum of three cycles of adsorption of MB dye. The results of this study show that coconut husk cellulose has the potential to be an effective and sustainable adsorbent for removing MB dye from aqueous solutions.

Optimizing Bucket Elevator Performance through a Blend of Discrete Element Method, Response Surface Methodology, and Firefly Algorithm Approaches

This research introduces a novel approach to enhancing bucket elevator design and operation through the integration of discrete element method(DEM)simulation,design of experiments(DOE),and metaheuristic optimization algorithms.Specifically,the study employs the firefly algorithm(FA),a metaheuristic optimization technique,to optimize bucket elevator parameters for maximizing transport mass and mass flow rate discharge of granular materials under specified working conditions.The experimental methodology involves several key steps:screening experiments to identify significant factors affecting bucket elevator operation,central composite design(CCD)experiments to further explore these factors,and response surface methodology(RSM)to create predictive models for transport mass and mass flow rate discharge.The FA algorithm is then applied to optimize these models,and the results are validated through simulation and empirical experiments.The study validates the optimized parameters through simulation and empirical experiments,comparing results with DEM simulation.The outcomes demonstrate the effectiveness of the FA algorithm in identifying optimal bucket parameters,showcasing less than 10%and 15%deviation for transport mass and mass flow rate discharge,respectively,between predicted and actual values.Overall,this research provides insights into the critical factors influencing bucket elevator operation and offers a systematic methodology for optimizing bucket parameters,contributing to more efficient material handling in various industrial applications.

Optimization of Cellulose Nanocrystal Isolation from Ayous Sawdust Using Response Surface Methodology

This study focuses on the extraction of cellulose nanocrystals (CNC), from microcrystalline cellulose (MCC), derived from Ayous sawdust. The process involves multiple steps and a large amount of chemical products. The objective of this research was to determine the effects of factors that impact the isolation process and to identify the optimal conditions for CNC isolation by using the response surface methodology. The factors that varied during the process were the quantity of MCC, the concentration of sulfuric acid, the hydrolysis time and temperature, and the ultrasonic treatment time. The response measured was the yield. The study found that with 5.80 g of microcrystalline cellulose, a sulfuric acid concentration of 63.50% (w/w), a hydrolysis time of 53 minutes, a hydrolysis temperature of 69˚C, and a sonication time of 19 minutes are the ideal conditions for isolation. The experimental yield achieved was (37.84 ± 0.99) %. The main factors influencing the process were the sulfuric acid concentration, hydrolysis time and temperature, with a significant influence (p < 0.05). Infrared characterization results showed that nanocrystals were indeed isolated. With a crystallinity of 35.23 and 79.74, respectively, for Ayous wood fiber and nanocrystalline cellulose were observed by X-ray diffraction, with the formation of type II cellulose, thermodynamically more stable than native cellulose type I.

Ingredients-based Methodology and Fuzzy Logic Combined Short-Duration Heavy Rainfall Short-Range Forecasting:An Improved Scheme

Short-duration heavy rainfall(SHR),as delineated by the National Meteorological Center of the China Me-teorological Administration,is characterized by hourly rainfall amounts no less than 20.0 mm.SHR is one of the most common convective weather phenomena that can cause severe damage.Short-range forecasting of SHR is an important part of operational severe weather prediction.In the present study,an improved objective SHR forecasting scheme was developed by adopting the ingredients-based methodology and using the fuzzy logic approach.The 1.0°×1.0°National Centers for Environmental Prediction(NCEP)final analysis data and the ordinary rainfall(0.1-19.9 mm h-1)and SHR observational data from 411 stations were used in the improved scheme.The best lifted index,the total precipitable water,the 925 hPa specific humidity(Q 925),and the 925 hPa divergence(DIV 925)were selected as predictors based on objective analysis.Continuously distributed membership functions of predictors were obtained based on relative frequency analysis.The weights of predictors were also objectively determined.Experiments with a typhoon SHR case and a spring SHR case show that the main possible areas could be captured by the improved scheme.Verification of SHR forecasts within 96 hours with NCEP global forecasts 1.0°×1.0°data initiated at 08:00 Beijing Time during the warm seasons in 2015 show the results were improved from both deterministic and probabilistic perspectives.This study provides an objectively feasible choice for short-range guidance forecasts of SHR.The scheme can be applied to other convective phenomena.

Simulated patient methodology as a“gold standard”in community pharmacy practice:Response to criticism

The simulated patient methodology(SPM)is considered the“gold standard”as covert participatory observation.SPM is attracting increasing interest for the investigation of community pharmacy practice;however,there is criticism that SPM can only show a small picture of everyday pharmacy practice and therefore has limited external validity.On the one hand,a certain design and application of the SPM goes hand in hand with an increase in external validity.Even if,on the other hand,this occurs at the expense of internal validity due to the trade-off situation,the justified criticism of the SPM for investigating community pharmacy practice can be countered.

Innovations and Challenges in Economic Census Methodology:A Study by the Bureau of Statistics

The Bureau of Statistics has demonstrated a forward-looking strategic approach in its economic census.By leveraging dual innovations in technology and management,and incorporating modern technologies such as big data,cloud computing,and the Internet of Things,it has deepened the reform of the census methodology.Additionally,the Bureau has built a multi-dimensional collaborative network that enhances international cooperation,departmental coordination,and public participation.This approach not only addresses the limitations of traditional statistical methods in a complex economic environment but also improves data quality and census efficiency,providing an accurate and reliable foundation for national economic decision-making.

A Summary of Some Teaching Methodologies as well as Some Linguistic and Learning Theories

This paper tries to summarize some main schools 0f teaching methodologies abroad and some main learning theories abroad. From this paper, we can know the main learning theories, the basic theories of them and the leading figures. It can help us understand the characteristics of each school of the teaching methodologies and learning theories.

Methodologies of Biophysical Wound Healing Therapies

Purpose: To evaluate the effects of methodological variation of biophysical therapies on wound healing outcomes, as a preliminary study to develop a composite wound healing device. Methods: A literature search was focused on the variable devices, sys-tem configurations, input parameters, and treatment durations of negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT), electrical stimulation (ES), and low-level light therapy (LLLT) from 2011 to July 2016. Results: In NPWT, lower vacuum pressures of ?50 and ?80 mmHg achieved similar tissue perfusion outcomes as earlier recommendations of ?125 mmHg, while there is no established regimen with respect to continuous, square wave, or triangular NP waveform due to inconsistent results. Use of wound filler may contribute to improved tissue granulation when compared to topical NP. An ES configuration of high-voltage pulsed current with the stimulation electrode placed in the wound bed best resembles the endogenous skin current, which guides cellular migration. However, no studies have established optimal stimulation parameters. For LLLT, laser and LED proved similarly effective. Although red light has been almost exclusively used in human pressure ulcer treatment, studies comparing blue, green, and red wavelengths more consistently show biological effects using green light. Conclu-sions: Variation in the application of mechanical, electrical, and radiant energies may be used to modulate wound healing pathways. To 2012, no studies have examined use of these biophysical modalities in combination. Further methodological studies with a systems approach would help define optimal treatment protocols for improved wound healing outcomes in clinical practice.

Urban Air Quality Plans and Integrated Assessment Methodologies

The air quality directive （2008/50/EC （of the European Parliament and of the Council of 21 May 2008）） requires European Member States to design appropriate AQPs （air quality plans） for zones and agglomerations where the air quality does not comply with the limit values and to assess possible emission reduction measures to decrease concentration levels. The Portuguese agglomeration of Porto Litoral is one of the several European Union urban areas that had to develop and implement AQPs to reduce particulate matter （PM10）. The AQPs were initially designed based on a scenario approach and using an air quality model, which was applied over the study region for the reference situation with the current PM10 emissions, and for a reduction scenario with PM10 emissions re-estimated considering the implementation of abatement measures. Aiming to cost-efficiently optimize Porto Litoral PM10 abatement measures, the assessment procedure was repeated using an optimization approach based on the RIAT ＋ （regional integrated assessment tool ＋）. Porto Litoral urban area＇s technical and non-technical measures were characterized （including associated costs） and, through the application of the air quality model to 20 emissions abatement scenarios, S-R （source-receptor） relationships were created. This paper comparatively describes the air quality plans designed to improve PM10 levels in the Porto Litoral agglomeration based on both the scenario analysis and the optimization approach.