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Introduction: This consensus paper provides recommendations for oral health professionals on why and how to assess caries activity and progression with special respect to the site of a lesion. Methods: An expert panel was nominated by the executive councils of the European Organization for Caries Research (ORCA) and the European Federation of Conservative Dentistry (EFCD). The steering committee built three working groups that were asked to provide recommendations on (1) caries detection and diagnostic methods, (2) caries activity and progression assessment, and (3) obtain individualized caries diagnoses. The experts of work group 2 phrased and agreed on provisional general and specific recommendations on caries lesion activity and progression, based on a review of the current literature. These recommendations were then discussed and refined in a consensus workshop followed by an anonymous Delphi survey to determine the agreement on each recommendation. Results: The expert panel agreed on general (n = 7) and specific recommendations (n = 6). The specific recommendations cover coronal caries on pits and fissures, smooth surfaces, proximal surfaces, as well as root caries and secondary caries/caries adjacent to restorations and sealants. 3/13 recommendations yielded perfect agreement. Conclusion: The most suitable method for lesion activity assessment is the visual-tactile method. No single clinical characteristic is indicative of lesion activity; instead, lesion activity assessment is based on assessing and weighing several clinical signs. The recall intervals for visual and radiographic examination need to be adjusted to the presence of active caries lesions and recent caries progression rates. Modifications should be based on individual patient characteristics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European Polistine wasps inhabit mainly temperate and warm climate regions. However, the paper wasp Polistes biglumis represents an exception; it resides in mountainous areas, e.g., in the Alps and in the Apennines. In these habitats, the wasps are exposed to a broad temperature range during their lifetime. We investigated whether they developed adaptations in their metabolism to their special climate conditions by measuring their CO2 production. The standard or resting metabolic rate and the metabolism of active wasps was measured in the temperature range which they are exposed to in their habitat in summer. The standard metabolic rate increased in a typical exponential progression with ambient temperature, like in other wasps. The active metabolism also increased with temperature, but not in a simple exponential course. Some exceptionally high values were presumed to originate from endothermy. The simultaneous measurement of body temperature and metabolic rate revealed a strong correlation between these two parameters. The comparison of the standard metabolic rate of Polistes biglumis with that of Polistes dominula revealed a significantly lower metabolism of the alpine wasps. This energy saving metabolic strategy could be an adaptation to the harsh climate conditions, which restricts foraging flights and energy recruitment.

Xylanases are used in several industrial applications, such as feed additives, the bleaching of pulp and paper, and the production of bread, food, and drinks. Xylanases are required to remain active after heat treatment at 80–90 °C for 30 s to several minutes due to the conditions of feed pelleting. Also, xylanases need to be active at 60–70 °C for several hours while bleaching of pulp and paper or manufacturing of bread, food, and drinks is performed. Xylanases of the glycoside hydrolase family GH10 are good candidates for application in such processes because of their high thermostability and, in particular, as feed additives because of their insensitivity to protein inhibitors in cereal feeds. In the study, the thermostability of GH10 xylanase E from Penicillium canescens was improved to reach a half-inactivation period of 2 min at 80 °C compared to 21 s for the wild-type enzyme (WT). Enzymatic activity was increased by 22–48 % at 40–70 °C, which improved the action of the enzyme as a feed additive in the gastric system of animals and during bleaching of pulp and paper. Molecular dynamics simulations demonstrated lower flexibility of the tertiary structure of the engineered enzyme at elevated temperatures compared to WT. The residues W113, Q116, W313, and W321 in the (−1) and (−2) subsites for the substrate binding were less flexible. In the simulations, the engineered enzyme had a comparable content of α-helixes, 3 10 -helixes, β-sheets, and β-bridges as WT, but a lower content of coils and a higher content of β-turns. [Display omitted] • Thermostability was improved by six times to reach t 1/2 of 2 min at 80 °C. • Enzymatic activity was increased by 22–48 % at 40–70 °C. • Stability of active center cleft and surface loops and α-helixes was increased. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this paper, I will focus on some of the situations observed during a pilot project in which opportunities for language and learning occurred or could occur, and either were--or were not-used by the pupils. Based on an ecological perspective whereby language and learning are interrelated, this paper assumes that language is learned when used, and that the engagement of the learner in semiotically meaningful activities create possibilities for language use and language learning. The starting point for this paper is therefore hypothetical, in that, based on the observed examples, the paper examines the language and learning potential that the activities at the outdoor school have to offer pupils. How do you explore possibilities for language use and language learning? How do you discover correlations between possibilities for active engagement in meaningful activities and possibilities for language and learning? How can you tell if children are learning--and whether they are learning language--in the outdoor school? Many such theoretical and methodological questions appeared during the pilot project. This paper offers insight into a researcher's reflections on the research into 'opportunities for language use and language learning.' What happens when a researcher is allowed to participate in outdoor-school activities on an equal footing with other participants? This paper attempts to answer these questions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The World Health Organization created the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) to provide a common framework to understand and describe functioning and disability. To make the ICF more applicable for everyday use, an ICF core set can be developed. We are going to reduce the entire ICF of 1400 categories to essential categories that can be used in a specific health context. These ICF core sets are created through a scientific process based on preparatory studies and the involvement of a multidisciplinary group of experts. The aim of this project is the development of an internationally accepted, evidence-based and valid ICF core set for irreversible vision loss. This article describes the process that is followed in detail and invites stakeholders to participate in the development. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Herbert Courthope Bowen was a progressive spirit in English teaching during the last quarter of the nineteenth century. Ideas about the role of activity in the development of the child - ideas usually associated with progressive teaching in the 1960s and 1970s - may be found in Bowen's published papers. In connection with the time that Bowen was Head Master of a London secondary school, I explain what turned on the amount of Latin in the school curriculum, why Latin mattered so much at the time and why English teaching at Grocers' (Hackney Downs) where Bowen taught, was so controversial. Bowen published a series of remarkable papers on key themes. At the core of all these writings lies his passionate interest in the psychological development of the individual child. From Froebel Bowen gained a rich conception of the productivity of mind as well as a sense of children's individual worth and dignity. I argue the case that his writings deserve revisiting as pivotal contributions to a theory of English that has a strong psychological component. Bowen acted as a conduit for a rich legacy of largely German ideas about self-cultivation (Bildung). His emphasis on 'self-activity', 'creativity' and the 'constructive imagination' prefigures the working out of principles usually associated with progressive English Teaching in the post-war period, such as 'personal growth'. Indeed, many of the presuppositions, norms and assumptions of progressive educators were shaped by the ideas I discuss. By historicising them, and stripping them of their aura, I envisage opening up fresh possibilities for interrogation and critique. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract The World Health Organization’s International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) has adopted a multifactorial understanding of functioning and disability, merging a biomedical paradigm with a social paradigm into a wider understanding of human functioning. Altogether there are more than 1400 ICF-categories describing different aspects of human functioning and there is a need to developing short lists of ICF categories to facilitate use of the classification scheme in clinical practice. To our knowledge, there is currently no such standard measuring instrument to facilitate a common validated way of assessing the effects of hearing loss on the lives of adults. The aim of the project is the development of an internationally accepted, evidence-based, reliable, comprehensive and valid ICF Core Sets for Hearing Loss. The processes involved in this project are described in detail and the authors invite stakeholders, clinical experts and persons with hearing loss to actively participate in the development process. Sumario La Clasificación sobre Funcionalidad, Discapacidad y Salud de la Organización Mundial de la Salud (ICF) ha adoptado un acercamiento multifactorial de la funcionalidad y la discapacidad, fusionando un paradigma biomédico con un paradigma social de una forma más amplia. En su conjunto hay más de 1400 categorías ICF que describen diferentes aspectos de la funcionalidad humana y existe la necesidad de desarrollar una lista corta de categorías ICF para facilitar el uso de la clasificación en un esquema para la práctica clínica. Es de nuestro conocimiento que actualmente no existe un instrumento de medición estándar que facilite una forma válida y cómoda para evaluar los efectos de la hipoacusia en la vida de los adultos. El propósito de este proyecto es desarrollar un conjunto básico de condiciones de salud ICF para la hipoacusia que sea internacionalmente aceptado, basado en evidencia, confiable e integral. Se describen en detalle los procesos implicados en este proyecto y los autores invitan a las personas interesadas, a los expertos clínicos y a las personas con hipoacusia a participar activamente en el desarrollo de este proceso. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Climate change is expected to produce shifts in species distributions as well as behavioural and physiological adaptations to find suitable conditions or to cope with the altered environment. The paper wasps Polistes dominula and Polistes gallicus are closely related species, native in the European Mediterranean region and North Africa. P. dominula has expanded its range to the relatively cooler climates of Northern and Eastern Europe, but P. gallicus remained in its original distribution area. In order to reveal their metabolic adaptation to the current climate conditions, and the impact on energy demand at future climate conditions, we investigated the respiratory metabolic rate (CO 2 production) of P. dominula from Austria and P. gallicus from Italy. In contrast to the metabolic cold adaptation hypothesis their standard metabolic rate was nearly the same and increased in a typical exponential course with increasing ambient temperature. The metabolic rate of active wasps was higher than the standard metabolic rate and increased with the wasps' activity. There was no obvious difference in the active metabolism between the two species, with the exception that some P. gallicus individuals showed some extraordinary high values. A simultaneous measurement of metabolic rate and body temperature revealed that increased CO 2 production was accompanied by endothermic activity. The two investigated populations of paper wasps are quite similar in their metabolic response to temperature, although they live in different climate regions. The spread of P. dominula into cooler regions did not have significant influence on their active and standard metabolic rate. Unlabelled Image • A comparison of the standard and active metabolic rate of Polistes dominula and P. gallicus from different climates revealed similarities. • The metabolic rate was nearly the same in both species. • Simultaneous measurement of metabolism and body temperature revealed that increased CO 2 production is accompanied by endothermic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

European Polistine wasps inhabit mainly temperate and warm climate regions. However, the paper wasp Polistes biglumis represents an exception; it resides in mountainous areas, e.g., in the Alps and in the Apennines. In these habitats, the wasps are exposed to a broad temperature range during their lifetime. We investigated whether they developed adaptations in their metabolism to their special climate conditions by measuring their CO2 production. The standard or resting metabolic rate and the metabolism of active wasps was measured in the temperature range which they are exposed to in their habitat in summer. The standard metabolic rate increased in a typical exponential progression with ambient temperature, like in other wasps. The active metabolism also increased with temperature, but not in a simple exponential course. Some exceptionally high values were presumed to originate from endothermy. The simultaneous measurement of body temperature and metabolic rate revealed a strong correlation between these two parameters. The comparison of the standard metabolic rate of Polistes biglumis with that of Polistes dominula revealed a significantly lower metabolism of the alpine wasps. This energy saving metabolic strategy could be an adaptation to the harsh climate conditions, which restricts foraging flights and energy recruitment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper contributes to the social theoretical foundations of a sociology of media and communication by making use of the cultural–historical school in psychology. Such perspective gains relevance in digital capitalism and the blurring of production and Internet usage. The paper first revisits Habermas's influential notion of communicative action and agency. Second, it uses activity theory as an alternative, more promising way of theorising because it links communication closer to work. A model of communicative action is introduced and a conceptual link between media and human tool use is established. Third, the paper elaborates on the notion of activity in the digital world and posits that digitalisation can be understood as a 'machinisation' of mental and communicative-coordinative work. The developed perspective, the paper concludes, allows critical media and communication sociology to operate with meaningful concepts of communicative expropriation, exploitation and alienation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The condition and correlation of fatigue, sleep and physical activity in postoperative patients with pituitary adenomas remain unclear. This survey aimed to evaluate the current status and influencing factors of fatigue, sleep and physical activity in postoperative patients with pituitary adenomas. Methods: Patients undergoing pituitary adenoma resection in two tertiary hospitals from November 2019 to November 2021 were included. The general data questionnaire, Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI‐20), Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) and international physical activity questionnaire were used for data analysis. Results: In total, 184 patients with pituitary adenomas were included. The postoperative patients with pituitary adenomas had a high level of fatigue. In total, 34 (18.5%) patients had low level of physical activity, 76(41.3%) patients had medium level of physical activity and 74 (40.2%) had high level of physical activity. Postoperative time, PSQI, physical activity level and gender were the influencing factors of fatigue in patients with pituitary adenomas (all P < 0.05). Conclusions: Postoperative patients with pituitary adenomas have a higher level of fatigue, and it is related to reduced sleep quality and activity. Relevant nursing measures should be taken according to the influencing factors of fatigue to reduce the fatigue of postoperative patients with pituitary adenomas. Summary statement: What is already known about this topic? The postoperative nursing care of patients is very important to the quality of life in patients with pituitary adenomas.Fatigue, sleep and physical activity in postoperative patients with pituitary adenomas remain unclear. What this paper adds? There is a high level of fatigue in patients with pituitary adenomas within 1 year after operation.The degree of fatigue is negatively correlated with the course of disease and the level of physical activity. The implications of this paper: Interventions and nursing care strategies targeted on the factors affecting postoperative fatigue of patients with pituitary adenomas are needed. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper presents a mathematical theory of behavioral swarms, where the state of interacting entities, which are called active particles, includes in addition to position and velocity, an internal variable, called activity, which has the ability to interact with mechanical variables thus affecting the interaction rules. In turn, the mechanical variables can modify the dynamics of activity variable. This approach is useful for describing the dynamics of living systems with a finite number of interacting entities. This paper provides a general conceptual framework that extends the pioneering work [N. Bellomo, S.-Y. Ha and N. Outada, Towards a mathematical theory of behavioral swarms, ESAIM: Control Theory Var. Calculus 26 (2020) 125, https://doi.org/10.1051/cocv/2020071]. The theory is firstly developed for the constant number of active particles. Then, it is considered for the case of particles tending to infinity. This theory is useful for describing the dynamics of living systems. Therefore, it provides the conceptual basis for developing a mathematical theory of behavioral swarms, which naturally lead to the study of a theory of swarm intelligence. A study of the dynamics of swarms shows how the theory can be applied to real world collective dynamics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In recent years, several strategies have been developed for the treatment of transthyretin-related amyloidosis, whose complex clinical manifestations involve cardiomyopathy and polyneuropathy. In view of this, transthyretin stabilizers represent a major cornerstone in treatment thanks to the introduction of tafamidis into therapy and the entry of acoramidis into clinical trials. However, the clinical treatment of transthyretin-related amyloidosis still presents several challenges, urging the development of new and improved therapeutics. Bearing this in mind, in this paper, the most promising among the recently published transthyretin stabilizers were reviewed. Their activity was described to provide some insights into their clinical potential, and crystallographic data were provided to explain their modes of action. Finally, structure–activity relationship studies were performed to give some guidance to future researchers aiming to synthesize new transthyretin stabilizers. Interestingly, some new details emerged with respect to the previously known general rules that guided the design of new compounds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human activity recognition is a recent area of research for researchers. Activity recognition has many applications in smart homes to observe and track toddlers or oldsters for their safety, monitor indoor and outdoor activities, develop Tele immersion systems, or detect abnormal activity recognition. Three dimensions (3D) skeleton data is robust and somehow view-invariant. Due to this, it is one of the popular choices for human action recognition. This paper proposed using a transversal tree from 3D skeleton data to represent videos in a sequence. Further proposed two neural networks: convolutional neural network recurrent neural network_1 (CNN_RNN_1), used to find the optimal features and convolutional neural network recurrent neural network network_2 (CNN_RNN_2), used to classify actions. The deep neural network-based model proposed CNN_RNN_1 and CNN_RNN_2 that uses a convolutional neural network (CNN), Long short-term memory (LSTM) and Bidirectional Long shorttermmemory (BiLSTM) layered. The system efficiently achieves the desired accuracy over state-of-the-artmodels, i.e., 88.89%. The performance of the proposed model compared with the existing state-of-the-art models. The NTURGB + D dataset uses for analyzing experimental results. It is one of the large benchmark datasets for human activity recognition. Moreover, the comparison results show that the proposed model outperformed the state-ofthe- art models. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Groundwater-exposed liquid clay soil (CL) makes foundations unstable. This study used recycled rice husk ash and treated clay soil exposed to groundwater with low-cost, environmentally friendly materials. This paper presents a recent prediction of three equations that link the plastic index to soil strength, cohesion, and the bearing capacity of a foundation. This prediction takes into account the soil' characteristics before and after treatment, as well as the cumulative load until failure. It creates four models before and after treatment, as well as a different time period after treatment, to study the situation. This is achieved by mixing the best-added ratios in depth equal to the foundation width. The limitations of Atterberg, and the unconfined compressive strength were tested using three additives: cement alone, rice husk ash alone, and rice husk ash plus 2% cement. The percentages were 4%, 6%, 8%, and 10% of the soil weight. It was noted that soil activity dropped from 0.98 to 0.31, 0.32, and 0.42 for cement 8%, rice husk ash 8% plus 2% cement, and 8% RHA alone. The foundation bearing capacity increased from 49 at 1 day to 115, 275, and 460 Kpa for 7, 14, and 28 days, respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The hydrogenotrophic pathway for methane production in anaerobic reactors is capturing the attention of the academic community. For this reason, the factors involved in the specific hydrogenotrophic methanogenic activity (SHMA) test must be well known to perform an accurate characterization of biosludge. Specifically, the resistance to mass transfer between the gas and liquid phases can become the primary factor influencing the global rate, thus yielding misleading results. This paper presents a comprehensive model that aims to understand the dynamics of the variables and evaluate the limitations associated with the assay conditions. Experimental determinations of SHMA and mass transfer coefficient (kLa) are performed to support the model findings. The mass transfer of gaseous substrates and the biological reactions, occurring within a pseudohomogeneous liquid phase, are sequential processes. If the resistance to mass transfer is significant relative to the reaction rate, it adversely affects the overall rate and consequently leads to an inaccurate determination of the activity. Therefore, careful consideration should be given to the shaking conditions, flask geometry, and biomass concentration during the test to prevent the mass transfer resistance from determining the overall rate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Currently, there is uncertainty in the modeling techniques of cyber-physical systems (CPS) when faced with the multiple possibilities and distributions of complex system behavior. This uncertainty leads to the system's inability to handle uncertain data correctly, resulting in lower reliability of the system model. Additionally, existing technologies struggle to verify the activity and safety of CPS after modeling, lacking a dynamic verification and analysis approach for uncertain CPS properties.This paper introduces a generalized possibility decision process as a system model. Firstly, the syntax and semantics of generalized possibility temporal logic with decision processes are defined. Uncertain CPS is extended by modeling it based on time-based differential equations and uncertainty hybrid time automaton. After that, model checking is performed on the properties of activity and safety using fuzzy linear time properties. Finally, a cold–hot hybrid constant-temperature system model is used for simulation experiments. By combining theory and experiments, this paper provides a new approach to the verification of uncertain CPS, effectively addressing the state explosion problem. It plays a crucial role in the design of uncertain CPS and offers a key solution for model checking in the presence of uncertainty. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The primary aim of this study was to compare subjective parent- and self-reports of cognitive fatigue across daily activities (i.e. school and weekend days) between children with traumatic brain injury (TBI) and typically developing (TD) children who were 8–14 years old. Method: The primary aim was addressed through the completion of an online set of surveys. Cognitive fatigue was assessed after two daily activities (i.e. school vs weekend day) through parent and child report using the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory Multidimensional Fatigue Scale. Survey participants (N = 30) were 8–14 years old and included 15 children with TBI and 15 TD children. Participants with TBI were, on average, 4.69 years old at the time of their injury and 5.37 years post-injury at the time of study participation. Results: Participants in the TBI group were self- and parent-rated to have significantly greater levels of cognitive fatigue compared to TD participants. Yet, both types of days evoked similar levels of cognitive fatigue for both groups. Conclusion: The preliminary findings of this study show the chronic nature of cognitive fatigue after childhood TBI and can be used to improve supports, services, and outcomes for individuals with childhood TBI. Cognitive fatigue occurs frequently after brain injury and impacts functioning, but little is known about cognitive fatigue for children with brain injury. This paper found that children with brain injury had greater cognitive fatigue after school and weekend days than their peers without brain injury but that children with TBI had similar levels of fatigue after school compared to after a weekend. This study shows that children with brain injury might need supports to reduce fatigue in both school and leisure (weekend) settings. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Purpose: There are no universally agreed guidelines regarding which types of physical activity are safe and/or recommended in the perioperative period for patients undergoing ventral hernia repair or abdominal wall reconstruction (AWR). This study is intended to identify and summarise the literature on this topic. Methods: Database searches of PubMed, CINAHL, Allied & Complementary medicine database, PEDro and Web of Science were performed followed by a snowballing search using two papers identified by the database search and four hand-selected papers of the authors' choosing. Inclusion—cohort studies, randomized controlled trials, prospective or retrospective. Studies concerning complex incisional hernia repairs and AWRs including a "prehabilitation" and/or "rehabilitation" program targeting the abdominal wall muscles in which the interventions were of a physical exercise nature. RoB2 and Robins-I were used to assess risk of bias. Prospero CRD42021236745. No external funding. Data from the included studies were extracted using a table based on the Cochrane Consumers and Communication Review Group's data extraction template. Results: The database search yielded 5423 records. After screening two titles were selected for inclusion in our study. The snowballing search identified 49 records. After screening one title was selected for inclusion in our study. Three total papers were included—two randomised studies and one cohort study (combined 423 patients). All three studies subjected their patients to varying types of physical activity preoperatively, one study also prescribed these activities postoperatively. The outcomes differed between the studies therefore meta-analysis was impossible—two studies measured hernia recurrence, one measured peak torque. All three studies showed improved outcomes in their study groups compared to controls however significant methodological flaws and confounding factors existed in all three studies. No adverse events were reported. Conclusions: The literature supporting the advice given to patients regarding recommended physical activity levels in the perioperative period for AWR patients is sparse. Further research is urgently required on this subject. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Consuming a balanced diet and regular activity have health benefits. However, many adults have a difficult time adhering to diet and activity recommendations, especially in lifestyle interventions. Adherence to recommendations could be improved if common facilitators and barriers are accounted for in intervention design. The aim of this systematic review was to understand perceived barriers and facilitators to lifestyle (diet and/or activity) intervention guidelines. Methods: This review follows the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis guidelines. Studies included relied on qualitative methods to explore the barriers and facilitators healthy adults (≥ 18 years) experienced in lifestyle interventions. Google Scholar, Cochrane Reviews, Medline, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched from January 2005 to October 2021. Main themes from each paper were thematically analyzed and reported as a barrier or facilitator to adherence at the individual, environment or intervention level using inductively derived themes. Study quality was assessed using the Critical Appraisal Skills Programme. Results: Thirty-five papers were included. Of these, 46% were conducted in North America and the majority had more female participants (86% in mixed-sex studies, 26% females only). Similar themes emerged across all three levels as facilitators and barriers. At the individual level, attitudes, concern for health and physical changes. At the environmental level, social support, social accountability, changeable and unchangeable aspects of the community. Finally, delivery and design and content at the intervention level. An additional facilitator at the intervention level included fostering self-regulation through Behavior Change Taxonomies (BCT). Conclusions: Lifestyle interventions that foster self-regulatory skills, opportunities for social engagement and personalization of goals may improve behaviour adherence. This can be achieved through inclusion of BCT, tapering off of intervention supports, identification of meaningful goals and anticipated barriers with participants. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In a multiagent and multi-cultural world, the fine-grained analysis of agents' dynamic behaviour, i.e. of their activities, is essential. Dynamic activities are actions that are characterized by an agent who executes the action and by other participants of the action. Wh-questions on the participants of the actions pose a difficult particular challenge because the variability of the types of possible answers to such questions is huge. To deal with the problem, we propose the analysis and classification of Wh-questions apt for agents' communication in a multiagent system (MAS). Our proposal of such a system consists of agents who communicate with their fellow agents by messaging so that each autonomous agent, though resource-bounded, can make less or more rational decisions to meet its own and collective goals. In addition, by communicating with other fellow agents and their environment, agents can learn new concepts and enrich their ontology so that their behaviour is dynamic. We aim to make a general proposal of the system so that the 'envelope' of agents' messages can be formalized in any MAS standard, be it The Foundation for Intelligent Physical Agents - Agent Communication Language (FIPA-ACL) or Knowledge Query and Manipulation Language (KQML). Yet, the content of messages is encoded in a formalized natural language. To this end, we apply Transparent Intensional Logic (TIL) with its procedural semantics which is particularly apt for a fine-grained analysis in which all the semantically salient features of natural language can be plausibly formalized. In this paper, we concentrate on analysing the content of query messages, particularly the content of those that encode Wh-questions and the answers to them. We also summarize TIL deduction system that makes it possible to answer such questions in an intelligent way. Linguists distinguish several subtypes of Wh-questions. Though the linguistic classification is helpful, it is not always suitable for agents' communication and reasoning. We need the classification based on a logical analysis of Wh-questions so that the agents can infer possible answers to such questions rather than only looking for them by keywords. This paper aims to apply an appropriate classification of the logical types of Wh-questions and the analysis of such questions; we concentrate in particular on questions concerning the participants of activities. The application of these results to the analysis of processes and events based on verb valency frames is another novelty of the paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For many, striving to attain first place in an athletic competition is explicable. Less explicable is striving to attain first place in a virtue (aretē) competition. Yet this latter dynamic appears in Aristotle's Nicomachean Ethics. There is 4.3's magnanimity, the crown of the virtues, which seemingly manifests itself in outdoing one's peers in virtue. Such one-upmanship also seems operant with 9.8's praiseworthy self-lover, who seeks to get as much of the fine (to kalon) as possible for herself. Contrary to many interpreters, this paper argues that praiseworthy self-love and magnanimity involve one-upmanship. The relevant exemplars are not simply striving to be the best that they can be in respect to virtue (in virtuous activity), but to be better than others. The paper argues that Aristotle's axiology, which sets activity (energeia) above state (hexis) and potentiality (dunamis), engenders one-upmanship. For only the level of activity substantially differentiates individuals, settling for inferiority is obviously objectionable, and equal achievement for Aristotle is not static but involves matching and surpassing the achievements of others. The paper concludes that modern discomfort with these dynamics is due to an axiology Nietzsche attributes to Christianity, one that bases human value fundamentally on non-differentiating potentiality. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is acknowledged as an effective pedagogical approach that facilitates a deeper understanding of concepts, surpassing a 90% comprehension rate. Renowned as a dynamic and student-centered activity, PBL fosters out-of-the-box thinking, thereby supporting the enhancement of students' skills and creativity. This paper specifically delves into the application of problem-based learning in the context of the third-year undergraduate Biology for Engineers course. PBL activities tailored for the Biology for Engineers curriculum are meticulously crafted to provide students with a progressive and comprehensive grasp of biological concepts, coupled with their practical applications in the realm of engineering. By adopting a creative, applied, and design thinking approach, PBL enables students to traverse the intricacies of the biology course effectively. In the Biology for Engineers course, PBL activities are strategically designed to facilitate a step-by-step acquisition of in-depth knowledge and a nuanced understanding of the real-life applications of biology in engineering contexts. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The modern school is changing along with the challenge called scientific technological revolution, and the need for a different approach to the student is inevitable and necessary. Theory connects with practice, and the unity between them in the hands of professionals leads to real realization and a successful result. A well-organized planned educational activity is the foundation and basis for building the correct attitude of each child towards self-realization and the formation of a positive personality. A series of organizations, institutions, facilities, services, individuals will take care of the use, organization and fulfillment of free time. The subject of work in our paper is to carry out research that has one main hypothesis and several auxiliary hypotheses that will complement the main hypothesis. For this research, we identified three citiy and one village school from where we get the results of the research work that is based on a survey in the field of leisure activities and their cultural function in developing the knowledge and abilities of the determined target group. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]