bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparing tissue oximetry to doppler monitoring in 1367 consecutive breast free flaps
Authors: Johnson Braden M. , Cullom Melissa E. , Egan Katie G. , Nazir Niaman , Elver Ashlie A. , Limpiado MarcArthur J. , Lai Eric C. , Butterworth James A.
Published: March 2022

Background

Retrospective studies evaluating tissue oximetry in a more recent cohort have shown superiority in flap outcomes. This study compares the use of tissue oximetry in a historical cohort to clinical observation and handheld doppler in a more recent cohort. We hypothesize that there is no benefit to using tissue oximetry.

Methods

A retrospective review was performed on patients who underwent abdominal‐based autologous breast reconstruction by five microsurgeons at an academic institution from 2009 to 2020. Method of postoperative flap monitoring was determined then operative details and complications were analyzed.

Results

1367 flaps were reviewed; 740 flaps in 460 patients were monitored with clinical observation and tissue oximetry, and 627 flaps in 391 patients were monitored with clinical observation and handheld doppler. There were no statistical differences in ischemic (p = .59) or congestive complications (p = .41), flap salvage rates when exploring for venous or arterial compromise (p = .52), or early flap loss (p = .56). Although not significant, acute flap‐related return to the operating room was lower in the doppler group (4.6%) compared to the oximetry group (6.1%; p = .22). Flaps monitored with tissue oximetry had a statistical increase in length of stay (4.8 ± 1.4 days vs. 3.8 ± 1.6 days; p ≤ .001). The rates of late partial flap loss and fat necrosis were significantly higher in the oximetry group (2.6%, 19/740 vs. 0.3%, 2/740; p = .04) and (18.2%, 135/740 vs. 13.6%, 85/627; p = .02), respectively.

Conclusions

There is no statistical benefit to the use of tissue oximetry compared to handheld doppler in flap monitoring with regards to flap outcomes.
Well‐posedness and asymptotic behavior for the fractional Keller–Segel system in critical Besov–Herz‐type spaces
Authors: Azevedo Joelma , Bezerra Mario , Cuevas Claudio , Soto Herme
Published: March 2022

One of the most important models for understanding chemotactic aggregation is the Keller–Segel system. We analyze the time‐fractional Keller–Segel system in a new framework; we derive the global well‐posedness and the asymptotic behavior of solutions in critical Besov‐weak‐Herz spaces that consist in Besov spaces based on weak‐Herz spaces.
Uniform stability for laminated beams with time‐dependent boundary conditions
Authors: Mustafa Muhammad I.
Published: March 2022

In this paper we consider a laminated beam model. This structure is given by two identical uniform layers on top of each other, taking into account that an adhesive of small thickness is bonding the two surfaces and produces an interfacial slip. In the presence of nonlinear boundary controls modulated by time‐dependent coefficients, we use the multiplier method and overcome the difficulty of finding suitable multipliers to establish a uniform stability result. This result provides an explicit formula for the energy decay rates without imposing any conditions on the coefficients of the system which is more meaningful and realistic from the physical point of view. Our result improves the earlier related results in the literature.
Thermal oxidative aging of satin weave and thin‐ply polyimide composites
Authors: Petkov Valeri Ivanov , Joffe Roberts , Fernberg Patrik
Published: March 2022

The weight loss and damage development of satin weave and thin‐ply carbon fiber‐reinforced polyimide composites are studied during high temperature (288 and 320°C) aging in air. Two distinct regions are identified in the weight loss measurements—a rapid initial desorption and a subsequent slower weight loss, which is attributed to matrix degradation. The initial desorption stage is modeled by combining material constitutive properties from literature, micro‐mechanics and a one‐dimensional Fickian diffusion model. Two different damage patterns are observed by using optical microscopy and X‐ray computed tomography on specimens before and after aging. Crack clusters form a network in satin weave composites, while edge delaminations are observed in thin‐ply laminates, which are known for their enhanced resistance to matrix cracking.
Opposite trends of glycosides and alkaloids in Dendrobium nobile of different age based on UPLC‐Q/TOF‐MS combined with multivariate statistical analyses
Authors: Lu An‐jing , Jiang Yuan , Wu Jia , Tan Dao‐peng , Qin Lin , Lu Yan‐liu , Qian Yong , Bai Chao‐jun , Yang Ji‐yong , Ling Hua , Shi Jing‐shan , Yang Zhou , He Yu‐qi
Published: March 2022

Introduction

Alkaloids and glycosides are the active ingredients of the herb Dendrobium nobile, which is used in traditional Chinese medicine. The pharmacological effects of alkaloids include neuroprotective effects and regulatory effects on glucose and lipid metabolism, while glycosides improve the immune system. The pharmacological activities of the above chemical components are significantly different. In practice, the stems of 3‐year‐old D. nobile are usually used as the main source of Dendrobii Caulis. However, it has not been reported whether this harvesting time is appropriate.

Objective

The aim of this study was to compare the chemical characteristics of D. nobile in different growth years (1–3 years).

Methods

In this study, ultra‐high‐performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time‐of‐flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC‐Q/TOF‐MS) was employed to analyze the constituents of D. nobile. The relative abundance of each constituent was analyzed with multivariate statistical analyses to screen the characteristic constituents that contributed to the characterization and classification of D. nobile. Dendrobine, a component of D. nobile that is used for quality control according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, was assayed by gas chromatography.

Results

As a result, 34 characteristic constituents (VIP > 2) were identified or tentatively identified as alkaloids and glycosides based on MS/MS data. Moreover, the content of alkaloids decreased over time, whereas the content of glycosides showed the opposite trend. The absolute quantification of dendrobine was consistent with the metabolomics results.

Conclusion

Our findings provide valuable information to optimize the harvest period and a reference for the clinical application of D. nobile.
The holy basil administration diminishes the NF‐kB expression and protects alveolar epithelial cells from pneumonia infection through interferon gamma
Authors: Suresh Arundhathy , Rao Tejeshwar C. , Solanki Sumeet , Suresh Madathilparambil V. , Menon Bindu , Raghavendran Krishnan
Published: March 2022

Bacterial pneumonia is one of the most important causes of mortality in the United States. The bacteria Klebsiella pneumoniae (KP) accounts for a significant proportion of community and hospital‐acquired infections. Here, we determine that the holy basil (Ocimum sanctum) extract improves cell viability and dampens the proinflammatory cytokine response in an in vitro model of pneumonia. For this, A549, a human alveolar basal epithelial cell line, was subjected to a lethal KP model following a 24‐hr pretreatment with basil extract. Bacteremia, cell viability, apoptosis, MTT assay, phagocytic capacity, cytokines, and Khe gene expression were assessed in these cells following pneumonia. Cell morphology analysis showed that holy basil protected A549 cells from KP infection–mediated effects by inhibiting cell death due to apoptosis. Additionally, in the presence of basil, A549 cells demonstrated significantly higher bactericidal capacity and phagocytosis. Administration of holy basil led to reduced expression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1/2a, nuclear factor kappa B, and Khe in the KP‐infected cells while increasing interferon (IFN)‐γ expression. Our results suggest that basil significantly reduced cell death in the setting of KP infection, likely via attenuation of cytokine and IFN‐γ mediated signaling pathways. Holy basil is a promising therapeutic agent for managing and treating bacterial pneumonia based on its potency.
Identification of Penicillic Acid as the Active Principle of Penicillium polonicum Inhibiting the Plant Pathogen Pythium aphanidermatum, and Elucidation of Its Crystal Structure
Authors: Bauri Ajoy K. , Sherkhane Pramod D. , Mukherjee Poulomi , Khan Zareen , Banerjee Kaushik , Carcache de Blanco Esperanza J. , Eugenio Gerardo Anaya , Foro Sabine , Mukherjee Prasun K.
Published: March 2022

Pythium aphanidermatum, an oomycete, is a serious, broad host‐range plant pathogen infecting seeds, seedlings and mature plants. It also causes serious losses under post‐harvest conditions. While isolating P. aphanidermatum from an infected bean, we have co‐isolated a fungus that was identified as Penicillium polonicum by using molecular tools. Crude extract obtained from the culture broth exhibited strong inhibitory activity against P. aphanidermatum by agar well assay. Bioassay guided fractionation of crude extract was carried‐out by gradient solvent elution. The major chemical constituent was purified by PTLC followed by crystallization. The structural assignment was done by spectrometric methods and confirmed by single crystal X‐ray diffraction study. Based on these studies, the compound was identified as penicillic acid, in cyclic form. Pure penicillic acid exhibited anti‐proliferative activity against various human cancer cell lines. This is the first report on the crystal structure of penicillic acid, a mycotoxin and an antimicrobial bioactive metabolite.
Biomimetic mineralization synthesis of poly(sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate)‐mediated calcium carbonate magnetic microsphere for kallikrein immobilization
Authors: Lu Min , Zhang Hao , Yin Shi‐Jun , Jiang Hui , Wang Xu , Yang Feng‐Qing
Published: March 2022

In this study, the poly (sodium 4‐styrenesulfonate)‐mediated calcium carbonate magnetic microspheres were prepared by a simple spontaneous biomimetic mineralization method to immobilize kallikrein. The immobilized kallikrein can be easily separated from the reaction mixture by an external magnet. The structural properties of the materials were studied by several characterization techniques. Subsequently, the immobilized kallikrein enzyme activity and stability were studied. Moreover, the inhibitory potency of ten natural compounds on kallikrein was evaluated by combining with capillary electrophoresis analysis. The immobilized kallikrein exhibited optimum pH and temperature at 7.5 and 75°C, respectively. After seven successive cycles, the immobilized kallikrein retained 82% of its initial activity. Furthermore, the Michaelis–Menten constant (Km) and the half‐maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of serine protease inhibitor on the immobilized kallikrein were determined to be 3.30 mM and 67.04 μM, respectively. In addition, berberine, evodine, coptisine, and jatrorrhizine among the ten natural compounds showed good inhibitory activity on the immobilized kallikrein, and their % of inhibition were (43.1 ± 1.7), (34.4 ± 1.9), (38.0 ± 1.7), and (28.5 ± 1.0)%, respectively. These results indicate that the biomimetic mineralization synthetic magnetic microsphere is an efficient method for kallikrein immobilization.
The role of inclusion, discrimination, and belonging for adolescent Science, Technology, Engineering and Math engagement in and out of school
Authors: Mulvey Kelly Lynn , J. Mathews Channing , Knox Jerica , Joy Angelina , Cerda‐Smith Jacqueline
Published: March 2022

Women and ethnic minoritized individuals are underrepresented in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) domains in postsecondary education and in the workforce. The aim of the current study was to examine whether adolescents' perceptions of inclusivity, belonging, and discrimination in high school STEM classes are related to their STEM class engagement in and outside of school. In this study, ethnically diverse 9th–12th grade high school students from low‐income public schools in the United States (N = 523, Mage = 15.72, SD = 1.24, 49.4% female) completed measures of classroom inclusivity, perceived teacher discrimination, belonging, STEM classroom engagement, and STEM activism orientation. Path analyses revealed direct effects of inclusion and perceived discrimination on STEM activism orientation. Further, findings demonstrated direct effects of inclusion on belonging and on belonging and both STEM classroom engagement and STEM activism orientation. Finally, findings revealed a significant indirect effect of inclusion on STEM classroom engagement through belonging.
Exposure of mouse oocytes to N,N‐dimethylformamide impairs mitochondrial functions and reduces oocyte quality
Authors: Fei Cai‐feng , Guo Shi‐meng , Yin Ying , He Ximiao , Zhou Li‐quan
Published: March 2022

N,N‐dimethylformamide (DMF) is a widely‐used solvent for the synthesis of synthetic fibers such as polyacrylonitrile fiber, and can also be used to make medicine. Although this organic solvent has multipurpose applications, its biological toxicity cannot be ignored and its impact on mammalian reproduction remains largely unexplored. Our study found that DMF exposure inhibited oocyte maturation and fertilization ability. Transcriptomic analysis indicated that DMF exposure changed the expression of genes and transposable elements in oocytes. Subcellular structure examination found that DMF exposure caused mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal aggregation of mitochondria and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential in mouse oocytes. Its exposure also caused abnormal distribution of Golgi apparatus and endoplasmic reticulum which formed large number of clusters. In addition, oxidative stress occurs in oocytes exposed to DMF, which was manifested by an increase in the level of reactive oxygen species. We found that DMF exposure induced disordered spindle and chromosomes abnormality. Meanwhile, we examined various histone modification levels in oocytes exposed to DMF and found that DMF exposure reduced H3K9me3, H3K9ac, H3K27ac, and H4K16ac levels in mouse oocytes. Moreover, DMF‐treated oocytes failed to form pronuclei after fusion with normal sperm. Collectively, DMF exposure caused mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, spindle assembly and chromosome arrangement disorder, leading to oocyte maturation arrest and fertilization failure.
Metastatic urothelial carcinoma of the urinary bladder in a Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica)
Authors: van der Weyden Louise , Tibbs Clare , Knott Chris , Dobromylskyj Melanie
Published: March 2022

A 15‐year‐old spayed female Sumatran tiger (Panthera tigris sondaica) was presented with a short history of haematuria and dysuria, non‐responsive to antibiotics, and a gradual decline to inappetence over a period of 2–3 months. Ultrasound examination showed a thickened urinary bladder wall and the renal pelvis of right kidney was dilated and cystic. A presumptive diagnosis of renal failure was made, and the tigress was euthanised due to deteriorating quality of life and pronounced weight loss. Histopathology revealed extensive erosion of the urinary bladder wall and marked congestion of the submucosal vasculature, a potential cause of the haematuria observed clinically. Numerous foci of neoplastic cells were also observed throughout the lung parenchyma as well as within lymphatic vessels of the lung, the liver and the kidney. A diagnosis of a metastatic non‐papillary high‐grade urothelial carcinoma (UC) of the urinary bladder was made. Consistent with this diagnosis, immunohistochemistry revealed the neoplastic cells were negative for uroplakin III, as has been reported for a subset of high‐grade, infiltrative urinary bladder UCs of canines and humans. This is the first report of a primary tumour of the urinary bladder in a tiger and the first report of UC in a tiger.
A review on the use of passive flow control devices as performance enhancement of lift‐type vertical axis wind turbines
Authors: Syawitri Taurista P. , Yao Yufeng , Yao Jun , Chandra Budi
Published: March 2022

This article provides a comprehensive review about passive flow control devices (PFCDs) implemented in lift‐type vertical axis wind turbine (LVAWT), focusing on the underlying flow physics mechanisms and to what extents they can improve the LVAWT performance. In addition, some novel concepts that can be potentially implemented in future are also presented. Based on literature review, it is observed that PFCDs can enhance the power generation of LVAWT up to 172.73% compared with a clean LVAWT. However, this significant improvement still needs to be evaluated carefully by considering the economic feasibility aspect, because PCFDs can increase the design complexity, weight penalty and manufacturing cost of LVAWT. Furthermore, it is essential to design and evaluate the effectiveness of PFCDs using a full VAWT configuration by considering the blade rotating effects and blade‐to‐blade interactions. Finally, evaluation of PFCDs needs to be performed at all ranges of tip speed ratios (TSRs) operation conditions, as there are clear evidences on the correlation between LVAWT performance and different range ofTSRs.

This article is categorized under:

Sustainable Energy > Wind Energy
Aptamers as promising nanotheranostic tools in the COVID‐19 pandemic era
Authors: Dzuvor Christian K. O. , Tettey Ebenezer Larteh , Danquah Michael K.
Published: March 2022

The emergence of SARS‐COV‐2, the causative agent of new coronavirus disease (COVID‐19) has become a pandemic threat. Early and precise detection of the virus is vital for effective diagnosis and treatment. Various testing kits and assays, including nucleic acid detection methods, antigen tests, serological tests, and enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), have been implemented or are being explored to detect the virus and/or characterize cellular and antibody responses to the infection. However, these approaches have inherent drawbacks such as nonspecificity, high cost, are characterized by long turnaround times for test results, and can be labor‐intensive. Also, the circulating SARS‐COV‐2 variant of concerns, reduced antibody sensitivity and/or neutralization, and possible antibody‐dependent enhancement (ADE) have warranted the search for alternative potent therapeutics. Aptamers, which are single‐stranded oligonucleotides, generated artificially by SELEX (Evolution of Ligands by Exponential Enrichment) may offer the capacity to generate high‐affinity neutralizers and/or bioprobes for monitoring relevant SARS‐COV‐2 and COVID‐19 biomarkers. This article reviews and discusses the prospects of implementing aptamers for rapid point‐of‐care detection and treatment of SARS‐COV‐2. We highlight other SARS‐COV‐2 targets (N protein, spike protein stem‐helix), SELEX augmented with competition assays and in silico technologies for rapid discovery and isolation of theranostic aptamers against COVID‐19 and future pandemics. It further provides an overview on site‐specific bioconjugation approaches, customizable molecular scaffolding strategies, and nanotechnology platforms to engineer these aptamers into ultrapotent blockers, multivalent therapeutics, and vaccines to boost both humoral and cellular immunity against the virus.

This article is categorized under:

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Emerging Technologies

Diagnostic Tools > Biosensing

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Infectious Disease

Therapeutic Approaches and Drug Discovery > Nanomedicine for Respiratory Disease
Canadian Open Digital Distance Education Universities and Academic Integrity
Authors: Hunter Jill , Kier Cheryl A.
Published: March 2022

This chapter highlights aspects of open digital distance education universities (ODDUs) that pose particular challenges for academic integrity promotion and academic misconduct prevention. It also provides insight into how these important issues might be addressed. This topic is especially relevant in light of the global shift to online instruction, in part, as a response to the COVID-19 pandemic. Using the 4M Model as a framework, this chapter describes how the macro and micro levels of the university need to work together to promote academic integrity. We provide evidence from the literature that demonstrates that academic integrity issues and solutions are more similar than different between ODDUs and traditional, campus-based institutions of higher learning. Although the context of this book is Canada, much of our discussion applies globally because academic integrity and the move to online education is a growing, global phenomenon.
The Distinctive Nature of Academic Integrity in Graduate Legal Education
Authors: Watson Hamilton Jonnette
Published: March 2022

This chapter examines the distinctive nature of academic integrity in graduate legal education in Canada, a nature rooted in the fact that almost all graduate students in law have practiced law. I consider the general acceptance of the unattributed copying of others’ writing within the legal profession and the judiciary, contrasting that tolerance―even approval―with the unsympathetic reception given the same practices in the academy. I then turn to graduate legal education in common law Canada and the diversity among graduate students in law, including significant differences in their undergraduate legal education. Then, because many of the graduate students who have practiced outside Canada want to be admitted to practice law in Canada, I look at the impact that academic misconduct may have on their ability to be admitted to practice. In order to do so, I review all published Canadian court and tribunal admission decisions that considered academic misconduct committed while in law school. Lastly, in light of unique challenges of graduate legal education, I offer some suggestions for preventing academic misconduct and facilitating students’ engagement with their own scholarship.
Academic Integrity Through a SoTL Lens and 4M Framework: An Institutional Self-Study
Authors: Kenny Natasha , Eaton Sarah Elaine
Published: March 2022

Institutions are placing increased emphasis on the importance of academic integrity. Suffusing a culture of integrity is complex work. Influencing academic cultures (including the shared norms, values, behaviours and assumptions we hold) requires impact across multiple organization levels, stakeholders, structures and systems. These dimensions can be influenced by working with individual instructors, learners and staff (micro), across departments, faculties, networks and working groups (meso), through to the institution (macro), and disciplinary, national and international levels (mega). Akin to nurturing strong teaching and learning cultures communities and practices, institutions tend to support change at the institutional (vision, policies, structures) and individual levels (targeted programs to develop expertise). Less focus has been placed on how we establish strong networks of support and knowledge-sharing to influence decision-making, action, and change at the meso and mega levels. In this chapter we offer an institutional self-study of academic integrity through a scholarship of teaching and learning (SoTL) lens. Informed by the 4M (micro, meso, macro, mega) framework, we examine how integrity is upheld and enacted at each level. We examine both formal and informal approaches to academic integrity, looking at how a systematic, multi-stakeholder networked approach has helped to establish a culture of integrity at our institution, and make recommendations for others, wishing to do the same.
Academic Misconduct in Higher Education: Beyond Student Cheating
Authors: Christensen Hughes Julia , Eaton Sarah Elaine
Published: March 2022

When people hear the term “academic misconduct”, student cheating often comes to mind. In this chapter we provide a broader perspective, presenting formal definitions of the terms academic integrity and academic misconduct, arguing that such concepts should apply to all members of the academy. Unfortunately, research conducted in the UK and the US suggests that faculty and administrators engage in misconduct and unethical practice, in research as well as other domains. Here we review policy changes in Canada’s approach to dealing with research misconduct, with the aim of strengthening “Canada’s research integrity system” (HAL in Innov Policy Econ, 2009, i). We also present public accounts of academic transgressions by Canadian faculty and administrators, with a primary focus on research misconduct. A query ofRetraction Watchfound 321 retractions involving academics working in Canadian higher education institutions during the years 2010–2020. Articles in the press are then used to further highlight incidents of academic fraud and plagiarism, as well as questionable practices in student supervision, hiring practices, international student recruitment, and inappropriate interpersonal relationships. We conclude by calling for a comprehensive study of academic misconduct by faculty and administrators at Canadian higher education institutions as well as an assessment of how well the changes to Canada’s policies on research misconduct are working, particularly with respect to public disclosure.
The tadpole conjecture at large complex-structure
Authors: Plauschinn Erik
Published: March 2022

Abstract

The tadpole conjecture by Bena, Blåbäck, Graña and Lüst effectively states that for string-theory compactifications with a large number of complex-structure moduli, not all of these moduli can be stabilized by fluxes. In this note we study this conjecture in the large complex-structure regime using statistical data obtained by Demirtas, Long, McAllister and Stillman for the Kreuzer-Skarke list. We estimate a lower bound on the flux number in type IIB Calabi-Yau orientifold compactifications at large complex-structure and for large h2,1, and our results support the tadpole conjecture in this regime.
Scalar and fermion two-component SIMP dark matter with an accidental ℤ4 symmetry
Authors: Ho Shu-Yu , Ko Pyungwon , Lu Chih-Ting
Published: March 2022

Abstract

In this paper, we construct for the first time a two-component strongly interacting massive particles (SIMP) dark matter (DM) model, where a complex scalar and a vector-like fermion play the role of the SIMP DM candidates. These two particles are stable due to an accidental ℤ4 symmetry after the breaking of a U(1)D gauge symmetry. By introducing one extra complex scalar as a mediator between the SIMP particles, this model can have 3 → 2 processes that determine the DM relic density. On the other hand, the SIMP DM particles can maintain kinetic equilibrium with the thermal bath until the DM freeze-out temperature via the U(1)D gauge couplings. Most importantly, we find an unavoidable two-loop induced 2 → 2 process tightly connecting to the 3 → 2 process that would redistribute the SIMP DM number densities after the chemical freeze-out of DM. Moreover, this redistribution would significantly modify the predictions of the self-interacting cross section of DM compared with other SIMP models. It is crucial to include the two-loop induced 2 → 2 annihilations to obtain the correct DM phenomenology.
Comparison between stone and digital cast measurements in mixed dentition
Authors: Schieffer Lisa , Latzko Lukas , Ulmer Hanno , Schenz-Spisic Natalie , Lepperdinger Ulrike , Paulus Magdalena , Crismani Adriano G.
Published: March 2022

Purpose

To assess the validity, reliability, reproducibility, and objectivity of measurements on stone casts of patients with mixed dentitions compared to measurements on three-dimensional (3D) digital models derived from surface scans of the stone casts.

Methods

Pairs of stone casts of 30 young patients in their mixed dentition stage were included and processed into 3D digital models using an intraoral scanner (iTero Element 2; Align Technology, San Jose, CA, USA). Then an experienced and an inexperienced examiner independently performed measurements of five defined parameters, each in triplicate, both on the digital models with analysis software (OnyxCeph3™; Image Instruments, Chemnitz, Germany) and on the original casts with a vernier calliper. Paired t-tests were used for validity and interexaminer objectivity, Pearson correlation coefficients for intermethod reliability, and intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs) for reproducibility testing.

Results

Significant (p < 0.05) intermethod differences were identified for four parameters, but only the differences for overbite and intermolar distance exceeded the threshold of clinical relevance (≥ 0.5 mm). Intermethod reliability was high and method error invariably lower for the digital measurements and for the experienced examiner. Both examiners achieved ICCs > 0.907 with both methods. Interexaminer variation involved significant differences for all parameters but one (intermolar distance) on the stone casts and for three parameters on the digital models.

Conclusion

Measurements performed on digital models of mixed dentitions can yield clinically acceptable outcomes with OnyxCeph3™ software. Both the digital and the analogue measurements were highly reproducible and reliable. Objectivity of the measurements could not be confirmed, as operator experience did make a difference.
A coupled multiphase Lagrangian-Eulerian fluid-dynamics framework for numerical simulation of Laser Metal Deposition process
Authors: Murer Mauro , Formica Giovanni , Milicchio Franco , Morganti Simone , Auricchio Ferdinando
Published: March 2022

We present a Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) framework for the numerical simulation of the Laser Metal Deposition (LMD) process in 3D printing. Such a framework, comprehensive of both numerical formulations and solvers, aims at providing a sufficiently exhaustive scenario of the process, where the carrier gas, modeled as an Eulerian incompressible fluid, transports metal powders, tracked as Lagrangian discrete particles, within the 3D printing chamber. On the basis of heat sources coming from the laser beam and the heated substrate, the particle model is developed to interact with the carrier gas also by heat transfer and to evolve in a melted phase according to a growth law of the particle liquid mass fraction. Enhanced numerical solvers, characterized by a modified Newton-Raphson scheme and a parallel algorithm for tracking particles, are employed to obtain both efficiency and accuracy of the numerical strategy. In the perspective of investigating optimal design of the whole LMD process, we propose a sensitivity analysis specifically addressed to assess the influence of inflow rates, laser beams intensity, and nozzle channel geometry. Such a numerical campaign is performed with an in-house code developed with the open source Finite Element library, and publicly available online.
Energy-based nonlinear dynamical modeling of dielectric elastomer transducer systems suspended by elastic structures
Authors: Masoud Abd Elkarim , Maas Jürgen
Published: March 2022

This paper presents the Hamilton principle approach to model, design and control mechatronic systems using dielectric elastomer transducers (DET) suspended with elastic structures. An overall dynamical modeling approach for dielectric elastomer-based actuators is presented, taking into account the dynamical effects, e.g., electrical input quantities, inertia, viscous effects, and the nonlinear behavior of DETs and elastic structures. Energy-based techniques are used to obtain a coherent modeling of the electrical and mechanical domains. Based on the variational principle and using the Rayleigh–Ritz method to approximate the field variable, a nonlinear state space model is derived considering various geometric deformations and boundary conditions. The presented approach leads to a set of ordinary differential equations that can be used for control and engineering applications. The proposed method is finally applied to a multilayer DET coupled with a nonlinear buckled beam structure and analyzed based on analytical considerations and numerical simulations.
Biodesign program introduction in Japan: promotion of entrepreneurship and viewpoints of education on medical technology innovation
Authors: Nakao Koji , Umezu Mitsuo , Iwasaki Kiyotaka
Published: March 2022

The Stanford Biodesign program was first introduced in Japan in 2015 at three national universities to develop medical technology innovation and its talent. This study aimed to (1) show the outcomes of leadership talent development, (2) indicate the educational results of the program, and (3) objectively analyze the ways in which the program executed in Japan, effectively promoted entrepreneurship orientation and the origination of new businesses. The latter is especially relevant as Japan has low entrepreneurial awareness and new business entry rates compared to the United States and Europe. Herein, fellows were subjected to questionnaires, interviews, and a survey based on academic papers, extant literature, and treatises issued by the Nihon Biodesign Gakkai (Academic Society of Japan Biodesign). Overall program performance showed notable results, despite indicating a need to improve business-related programs and team learning which is greatly influenced by Japanese culture. An externship program, planned and developed in Japan, was most inspiring and served to expose participants to role models. Comparing Japan Biodesign education elements to factors of general entrepreneurship promotion in Japan, sampled and organized from relevant White Papers, proved its educational effectiveness in entrepreneurship promotion from an objective viewpoint. Within the 4-year timeframe, the results indicated that leadership talent was indeed developed. Medical device innovation should progress through the stages of establishing new ventures, followed by contriving medical devices with novel, impactful value. This study revealed that Japan Biodesign education provides a platform for achieving these goals, despite the challenging Japanese new business environment.
A simple projection photolithography method for low-cost rapid prototyping of microfluidic chips
Authors: Ostmann Stefan , Kähler Christian J.
Published: March 2022

Presented herein is a masking method for SU8 based soft lithography which utilizes a simple optical setup using transparencies printed with a commercial standard office printer. The relatively low printing quality of the printer is partly overcome by imaging of the mask with negative magnification that utilizes relatively cheap and easily available parts. The imaging quality as well as the quality of the resulting SU8 master is assessed by means of microscopic imaging.
Norwegian School Children’s Perceptions of the Child Protection Services
Authors: Vis Svein Arild , Berger Tonje , Lauritzen Camilla
Published: March 2022

Purpose

Schools can be an arena for age appropriate and objective information about the support families can get from the child protection services (CPS). There is reason to believe that many children have misconceptions about the CPS and are afraid to talk to the social workers who investigates if there is reason to be concerned about a child’s well-being. The aim of the study was to investigate the prevalence of misconceptions about child protection services (CPS) among school children in Norway.

Method

A questionnaire containing 10 statements that measure children’s misconceptions and attitudes about the CPS was developed and distributed to 215 children aged 11–15 years old (M = 12.2 years).

Results

The results showed that 10.7% of the sample have a misconception about children being removed from their homes by CPS and that 17% of the sample had a negative perception of the CPS in general.

Discussion

The child might wrongfully get the impression that it is at risk of being removed from the parents. Participation in assessment and planning may be challenging for a child under such conditions. Therefore, it is important that adults who work with children are aware that these misconceptions are quite common, also among youth.

Implications

The prevalence of misconceptions about CPS among children in the general population as well as those in contact with CPS indicate a need for age-appropriate information. If such misconceptions are prevented it might be easier for children to reach out for help if they or somebody they know, are subject to abuse or neglect.
Longitudinal Associations Between Parenting and Child Behaviour Problems and the Moderating Effect of Child Callous Unemotional Traits in Foster and Biological Families
Authors: Schütte Sabrina , Lohaus Arnold , Symanzik Tabea , Heinrichs Nina , Konrad Kerstin , Reindl Vanessa
Published: March 2022

The goals of the current study were to examine (i) differences in parenting between foster and biological parents, (ii) the longitudinal associations with children’s internalising and externalising problems and iii) the potential moderation of these by children’s callous-unemotional traits (CU traits). Data from 86 foster children (M = 4.44 years, male = 48%) and 148 biological children (M = 3.69 years, male = 49%) with their families were analysed in a longitudinal study with three measurement times. Parenting behaviour did not significantly differ between the foster and biological family groups. Significant longitudinal cross-lagged effects were found for parental warmth and support and children’s externalising problems. CU traits moderated the relationship between warmth and support and externalising problems of children. Findings suggest that parenting behaviours and child psychopathology do influence each other over time reciprocally and to a similar extent in both groups. However, there was also evidence for greater temporal stability of psychopathological symptoms and reduced responsivity to parental warmth in children with higher CU traits.
Child Execution in Iran: Furthering Our Understanding of Child Execution as a Form of Structural Violence
Authors: Aghtaie Nadia , Staines Jo
Published: March 2022

This article explores how the concepts of strucutral violence and cultural violence can explain the institutionalization and normalization of violence in children’s lives in Iran, including the use of the death penalty, thereby providing a mechanism through which such violence can be challenged. The paper reflects on how an alternative to execution, the payment of blood money, diyah, mitigates but does not eradicate harms caused to child offenders convicted of Qesas offenses and how diyah is used by Iranian authorities to avoid fulfilling their legal obligations to children who offend. The article argues that eradicating child execution and the payment of blood money is dependent on challenging the structural violence that is embedded within Iran’s legal structures and it reflects on recent improvements in the legal system.
Delandtsheer–Doyen parameters for block-transitive point-imprimitive 2-designs
Authors: Amarra Carmen , Devillers Alice , Praeger Cheryl E.
Published: March 2022

Delandtsheer and Doyen bounded, in terms of the block size, the number of points of a point-imprimitive, block-transitive 2-design. To do this they introduced two integer parameters m, n, now called Delandtsheer–Doyen parameters, linking the block size with the parameters of an associated imprimitivity system on points. We show that the Delandtsheer–Doyen parameters provide upper bounds on the permutation ranks of the groups induced on the imprimitivity system and on a class of the system. We explore extreme cases where these bounds are attained, give a new construction for a family of designs achieving these bounds, and pose several open questions concerning the Delandtsheer–Doyen parameters.
Relationships between computational thinking and the quality of computer programs
Authors: Boom Kay-Dennis , Bower Matt , Siemon Jens , Arguel Amaël
Published: March 2022

Computational thinking – the ability to reformulate and solve problems in ways that can be undertaken by computers – has been heralded as a foundational capability for the 21st Century. However, there are potentially different ways to conceptualise and measure computational thinking, for instance, as generalized problem solving capabilities or as applied practice during computer programming tasks, and there is little evidence to substantiate whether higher computational thinking capabilities using either of these measures result in better quality computer programs. This study examines the relationship between different forms of computational thinking and two different measures of programming quality for a group of 37 pairs of pre-service teachers. General computational thinking capabilities were measured using Bebras tests, while applied computational thinking processes were measured using a Computational Thinking Behavioural Scheme. The quality of computer programs was measured using a qualitative rubric, and programs were also assessed using the Dr Scratch auto-grading platform. The Test of Nonverbal Intelligence (3rd edition, TONI-3) was used to test for confounding effects. While significant correlations between both measures of computational thinking and program quality were detected, regression analysis revealed that only applied computational thinking processes significantly predicted program quality (general computational thinking capability and non-verbal intelligence were not significant predictors). The results highlight the importance of students developing applied computational thinking procedural capabilities more than generalized computational thinking capabilities in order to improve the quality of their computer programs.
Can you be Mindful? The Effectiveness of Mindfulness-Driven Interventions in Enhancing the Digital Resilience to Fake News on COVID-19
Authors: Rodrigo Padmali , Arakpogun Emmanuel Ogiemwonyi , Vu Mai Chi , Olan Femi , Djafarova Elmira
Published: March 2022

This study explores the factors that influence the dissemination process of and public susceptibility to fake news amidst COVID-19. By adopting a qualitative approach that draws on 21 interviews with social media users from the standpoint of source credibility and construal level theories, our findings highlight motives of news sharers, platform features, and source credibility/relatedness as major factors influencing the dissemination of and public susceptibility to fake news. The paper further argues that public susceptibility to fake news can be mitigated by building an integrated approach that combines a tripartite strategy from an individual, institutional and platform level. For example, educating the public on digital resilience and enhancing awareness around source credibility can help individuals and institutions reflect on news authenticity and report fake news where possible. This study contributes to fake news literature by integrating concepts from information management, consumer behaviour, influencer marketing and mindfulness to propose a model to help authorities identify and understand the key factors that influence susceptibility to fake news during a public crisis such as COVID-19.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group Intervention for Parents of Children with Disabilities (Navigator ACT): An Open Feasibility Trial
Authors: Holmberg Bergman T. , Renhorn E. , Berg B. , Lappalainen P. , Ghaderi A. , Hirvikoski T.
Published: March 2022

Parents of children with autism spectrum disorder and other disabilities report high levels of distress, but systematically evaluated interventions are few. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a novel, manualized Acceptance and Commitment Therapy group intervention (Navigator ACT) in a sample of 94 parents of children with disabilities. Feasibility was measured by treatment completion, credibility, and satisfaction, and preliminary outcomes by using self-rating scales administered at the baseline, post-intervention, and follow-up. The results imply the intervention is feasible in the context of Swedish outpatient habilitation services. A preliminary analysis of the outcome measures suggests that parents experienced significant improvements in well-being. The results indicate that the treatment is feasible and should be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial.
Production and subsequent separation of 47Sc of nuclear medicine applications using neutron-induced reactions on different natural targets
Authors: Attallah Mohamed F. , Mohamed Gehan Y. , Breky Mohamed M. E.
Published: March 2022

47Sc can be produced from different three neutron induced nuclear reactions as 47Ti(n,p)47Sc, 50V(n,α)47Sc and 46Ca(n,γ)47Ca, 47Ca(β−)47Sc using the Egyptian Second Research Reactor. The measured neutron cross-sections (σ) are 62.12 ± 1.93, 4.51 ± 1.27 and 69.36 ± 2.01 mb from the natural targets of TiO2, V2O3 and CaO respectively. The carrier-free 47Sc from 47Ti(n,p), was purified using a composite of Alginate–Carboxymethyl cellulose/di-2-ethylhexyl phosphoric acid. The radiochemical separation of 47Sc with a recovery yield of 90 ± 1.2% was obtained. The eluted 47Sc passed quality control tests (chemical, radionuclide, and radiochemical purities) and was found to be suitable for nuclear medicine applications.
Geometric-based nail segmentation for clinical measurements
Authors: Galmés Bernat , Moyà-Alcover Gabriel , Bibiloni Pedro , Varona Javier , Jaume-i-Capó Antoni
Published: March 2022

A robust segmentation method that can be used to perform measurements on toenails is presented. The proposed method is used as the first step in a clinical trial to objectively quantify the incidence of a particular pathology. For such an assessment, it is necessary to distinguish a nail, which locally appears to be similar to the skin. Many algorithms have been used, each of which leverages different aspects of toenail appearance. We used the Hough transform to locate the tip of the toe and estimate the nail location and size. Subsequently, we classified the super-pixels of the image based on their geometric and photometric information. Thereafter, the watershed transform delineated the border of the nail. The method was validated using a 348-image medical dataset, achieving an accuracy of 0.993 and an F-measure of 0.925. The proposed method is considerably robust across samples, with respect to factors such as nail shape, skin pigmentation, illumination conditions, and appearance of large regions affected by a medical condition.
Optimal state space reconstruction via Monte Carlo decision tree search
Authors: Kraemer K. Hauke , Gelbrecht Maximilian , Pavithran Induja , Sujith R. I. , Marwan Norbert
Published: March 2022

A novel idea for an optimal time delay state space reconstruction from uni- and multivariate time series is presented. The entire embedding process is considered as a game, in which each move corresponds to an embedding cycle and is subject to an evaluation through an objective function. This way the embedding procedure can be modeled as a tree, in which each leaf holds a specific value of the objective function. By using a Monte Carlo ansatz, the proposed algorithm populates the tree with many leafs by computing different possible embedding paths and the final embedding is chosen as that particular path, which ends at the leaf with the lowest achieved value of the objective function. The method aims to prevent getting stuck in a local minimum of the objective function and can be used in a modular way, enabling practitioners to choose a statistic for possible delays in each embedding cycle as well as a suitable objective function themselves. The proposed method guarantees the optimization of the chosen objective function over the parameter space of the delay embedding as long as the tree is sampled sufficiently. As a proof of concept, we demonstrate the superiority of the proposed method over the classical time delay embedding methods using a variety of application examples. We compare recurrence plot-based statistics inferred from reconstructions of a Lorenz-96 system and highlight an improved forecast accuracy for map-like model data as well as for palaeoclimate isotope time series. Finally, we utilize state space reconstruction for the detection of causality and its strength between observables of a gas turbine type thermoacoustic combustor.