bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low‐dose acyclovir for prophylaxis of varicella‐zoster virus reactivation after hematopoietic stem cell transplantation in children
Authors: Tatebe Yasuhisa , Ushio Soichiro , Esumi Satoru , Sada Hikaru , Ochi Motoharu , Tamefusa Kosuke , Ishida Hisashi , Fujiwara Kaori , Kanamitsu Kiichiro , Washio Kana , Katsube Risa , Murakawa Kiminaka , Zamami Yoshito
Published: September 2022

Background

Varicella‐zoster virus (VZV) reactivation is a serious complication of hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). Although low‐dose acyclovir can prevent VZV reactivation after HSCT in adults, the efficacy of a dose of acyclovir lower than the recommended dose, such as 60–80 mg/kg/day in children, is unclear. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the incidence of VZV reactivation after HSCT during and after low‐dose acyclovir administration for preventing VZV reactivation in children.

Methods

This single‐center retrospective study included children aged ≤15 years who received oral acyclovir (at 15 mg/kg/day) to prevent VZV reactivation after HSCT. We examined the cumulative incidence of VZV reactivation after HSCT, during and after prophylactic acyclovir administration.

Results

Fifty‐three eligible patients were included in this study, of whom 37 underwent allogeneic HSCT. The median duration of prophylactic acyclovir therapy was 264 days (range: 69–1140 days). VZV reactivation occurred in 13 patients (24.5%, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 14.9–37.6). The cumulative incidence of VZV reactivation 1 and 2 years after HSCT was 6.26% (95% CI: 1.60–15.5) and 20.9% (95% CI: 10.3–34.0), respectively. While only one patient developed VZV reactivation during the administration of prophylactic acyclovir, the cumulative incidence of VZV reactivation increased to 24.2% (95% CI: 12.5–38.0) 1 year after the cessation of acyclovir.

Conclusion

Low‐dose acyclovir (15 mg/kg/day) could be effective for preventing VZV reactivation after HSCT in children because VZV reactivation seldom occurs during the administration of 15 mg/kg/day acyclovir.
Longitudinal use of patient reported outcomes in pediatric leukemia and lymphoma reveals clinically relevant symptomatic adverse events
Authors: Jacobs Shana S. , Withycombe Janice S. , Castellino Sharon M. , Lin Li , Mack Jennifer W. , McFatrich Molly , Baker Justin N , Freyer David R. , Maurer Scott H. , Mowbray Catriona , Hinds Pamela S. , Reeve Bryce B.
Published: September 2022

Background

Leukemia and lymphoma (LL) are the most common cancer diagnoses of childhood with high survival rates, but not without impact on the child's functioning and quality of life. This study aimed to use patient‐reported data to describe the symptomatic adverse event (AE) experiences among children with LL diagnoses.

Methods

Two hundred and fifty seven children and adolescents aged 7–18 years with a first LL diagnosis completed the Pediatric Patient‐Reported version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (Ped‐PRO‐CTCAE) and Patient‐Reported Outcome Measurement Information System (PROMIS) Pediatric measures before starting a treatment course (T1) and after the treatment (T2).

Results

Fatigue was the most severe AE (68.1% at T1; 67% at T2) and caused the most interference over time. Gastrointestinal AEs were also quite common (e.g., nausea 46.3% at T1 and 48.9% at T2; abdominal pain 42.4% at T1; 46.5% at T2). In general, symptoms were present both at T1 and T2 and did not change significantly in severity or interference. The prevalence of AEs varied by LL disease group (e.g., nausea was most common in acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), fatigue was most severe in ALL and Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL), acute myeloid leukemia had the fewest AEs).

Conclusion

Despite current supportive care regimens, many children with LL continue to report fatigue, pain, insomnia, and gastrointestinal symptoms as the most frequent or severe symptoms during therapy.
A comprehensive review on phenol‐formaldehyde resin‐based composites and foams
Authors: Ravindran Lakshmipriya , M. S. Sreekala , Kumar S. Anil , Thomas Sabu
Published: September 2022

This article covers the introduction to polymer composites, phenol formaldehyde resin, phenol formaldehyde composites, and foams along with their properties and applications. The previous research in the fields of phenol formaldehyde composites, nanocomposites, and PF foams is also covered in depth. Various combinations of nanomaterials and processes have been investigated in the field of structural composites to meet the requirements of industries such as automotive, aerospace, military, civil, and construction. Due to their different features and possibilities when compared to equivalents composed of other polymers, particularly thermosets, phenol‐formaldehyde reinforced composites are commonly used for large load bearing structural applications. Composite properties can be improved by using nanoparticles, which are materials that have been developed as a result of advances in nanotechnology. This research focuses on a literature review of nanofillers' use to improve the structural properties of phenol‐formaldehyde composites and foams published in the last two decades. The use of nanomaterials to modify composites is examined in depth.
Mechanical and thermal properties of poly (butylene adipate‐butylene terephthalate) modified with phenol hydroxyl terminated polysiloxane
Authors: Yin Shuang , Chen PeiJia , Zhang ZhiCong , Liang WeiJie , Ge Xin , Yu WeiYue , Liu HongJi , Ge JianFang
Published: September 2022

The trend to replace traditional non‐biodegradable plastics with fully biodegradable plastics is the long‐term solution for mitigating the environmental impact of persistent plastic pollution. Poly(butylene adipate‐co‐butylene terephthalate) (PBAT) becomes highly desirable due to its similar physical property to low‐density polyethylene and 100% biodegradability. To enhance the property of PBAT for practical usage, various additives are needed, which are often environmentally unfriendly. In this work, chemically reactive biophenolic polysiloxanes are synthesized through the hydrosilylation addition between the hydrogen‐terminated polysiloxane and the benign product eugenol, catalyzed by the non‐homogeneous platinum. The obtained phenol hydroxyl terminated polysiloxane (PHTP) is used for modified PBAT. By adding 1 wt% of PHTP, the maximum elongation at breakage of 1335.0% is achieved with the improved crystallinity of the composites by 24.2% due to the uniformly PHTP in the PBAT matrix blend. Their morphology, corresponding mechanical properties (tensile and fracture strain), and thermal stability are evaluated as a function of PHTP content. More important, an appropriate amount of PHTP plays an important role in the nucleation centers in the PBAT matrix, confirmed by the positive correlation between the PBAT crystallinity and the amount of PHTP added. A strategy for improving the performance of PBAT‐based environmentally friendly materials is provided within our work.
Fabrication of air‐conditioning tussah silk with capric–stearic eutectic mixture for effective energy storage and thermal‐regulatory applications
Authors: Wang Wei , Zhang Qiyue , Liu Leigen , Sun Yinyin , Wu Jianbing , Tao Jin , Lu Xin
Published: September 2022

Under the urgent demand of effective energy‐storage and thermal‐regulatory textile fabrics, the air‐conditioning tussah silk as a new arrival is endowed with this excellent property by coupling with the phase change material of capric acid–stearic acid eutectic mixture. In addition, the facile pad‐dry‐cure technique used with the assistance of ultrasonic waves efficiently avoided the problems of the sophisticated process and low efficiency in traditional post‐finishing methods with phase change microcapsules. With optimal preparation conditions, the resultant tussah silk exhibited a superior thermal reliability and thermoregulatory character along with a phase enthalpy of 31.80 J g−1 at a phase change temperature of 24.01 °C. Meanwhile, the tested air permeability, mechanical properties and washing fastness showed its favorable thermal and wear comfort. Benefitting from these admirable merits, this air‐conditioning tussah silk with tunable heat storage and release performance could automatically respond to external temperature stimuli, finally contributing to practical application in intelligent protective garments. The intelligent bidirectional temperature‐adjusting property corresponding to the efficient management of human skin temperature is beneficial for constructing a comfortable microclimate for the human body. In brief, our study provides a novel heat‐storage and temperature‐regulating textile with tussah silk as well as unique natural advantages by means of a simple preparation method. © 2022 Society of Industrial Chemistry.
Synthesis of castor oil‐based polyols applicable in acrylated polyurethane coating with improved mechanical properties
Authors: Mohanty Debasmita , Mohanty Smita , Kanny Krishnan
Published: September 2022

The study focuses on the synthesis of polyurethane (PU)‐based coating from modified castor oil (CO) via an in situ polymerization process. CO was modified by employing multiple process steps, that included epoxidation, followed by transesterification and acrylation to get the required polyol for PU synthesis. The structural properties were studied using Fourier transform infrared and 1H NMR spectra. Thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and differential scanning calorimetry revealed an increase in the final degradation temperature and glass transition temperature from 358 and −46.58 °C to 368 and −37.43 °C respectively after transesterification followed by acrylation of epoxidized CO. Hydroxyl value, acid value, amine value and viscosity were observed to change from 208 mg/KOH, 1.75, 13.09 and 428 mPa s to 233 mg/KOH, 1.16, 19.53 and 318 mPa s after transesterification and acrylation of epoxidized CO. Paint formulations at variable OH:NCO ratios like 1:0.9, 1:1 and 1:1.1 were optimized by following the cross‐cut tape test, lap‐shear test, abrasion resistance test and pencil hardness test. Crosslinking density of the paint samples was calculated and the morphological properties of the optimized coating sample were studied using a scanning electron microscope. TGA was carried out to study the thermal properties of the coating. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
The effectiveness of exercise with behavior change techniques in people with knee osteoarthritis: A systematic review with meta‐analysis
Authors: Ariie Takashi , Takasaki Hiroshi , Okoba Ryota , Chiba Hiroki , Handa Yusuke , Miki Takahiro , Taito Shunsuke , Tsutsumi Yusuke , Morita Masaharu
Published: September 2022

Objective

The purpose of this systematic review with meta‐analysis was to examine the effectiveness of exercise with behavior change techniques (BCTs) on core outcome sets in people with knee osteoarthritis.

Literature Survey

We searched randomized controlled trials (RCTs) in eight databases (MEDLINE, Embase, CENTRAL, CINAHL, PsycINFO, PEDro, ICTRP, and ClinicalTrials.gov) up to November 4, 2021.

Methodology

Eligible participants were people with knee osteoarthritis. The intervention was exercise with BCTs. Primary outcomes included physical function, quality of life (QOL) 6 to 12 months after intervention, and adverse events. Secondary outcomes were knee pain, exercise adherence, mobility, and self‐efficacy 3 months or more after intervention. The bias risk was assessed using the Risk of Bias 2 tool. The random‐effects model was used for the meta‐analysis.

Synthesis

We found 16 individual BCTs, and 37.7% of trials used a single BCT. For meta‐analysis, we included 21 RCTs (n = 1623). Most outcomes had a very low certainty of evidence, and the risk of bias was the consistent reason for downgrading evidence levels. The standardized mean difference (SMD) with 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was 0.00 (−0.24, 0.24) in physical function, 0.33 (−0.51, 1.17) in exercise adherence, and 0.04 (−0.39, 0.47) in self‐efficacy. The risk ratio (95% CI) of adverse events was 3.6 (0.79, 16.45). QOL was not pooled due to insufficient data (very low certainty of evidence). In contrast, the SMD (95% CI) for knee pain reduction and mobility improvement was −0.33 (−0.53, −0.13) and 0.21 (−0.05, 0.47) with moderate and low certainty of evidence, respectively.

Conclusion

The evidence is inconclusive regarding the effectiveness of BCTs with exercises on core outcome sets. Further research should explore the effectiveness of BCTs with valid design.

Protocol Registration

PROSPERO (CRD42020212904).
Computational study of novel pentacene derivatives: Prediction of structural, electronic, and optical properties
Authors: Petralia Salvatore , Forte Giuseppe
Published: September 2022

Several properties of a series of novel disubstituted pentacenes, in which the substituents are donor and acceptor groups, were investigated by using the ab initio methods. In particular, the role of different substitution positions for acceptor group was explored. Calculations predict that pentacene derivatives were highly soluble and oxidatively stable than the unsubstituted pentacene. Simulated absorption spectra show that 9‐nitropentacen‐2‐amine (PD2) exhibits three absorption bands in the ultraviolet and visible regions. In general, substituents have important impact on the first hyperpolarizability value, and a remarkable enhancement of static second hyperpolarizability is revealed in this study; however, further investigations are required to confirm this finding. Molecular dynamics simulations of the solid state suggest that a material based on 9‐nitropentacen‐2‐amine and 10‐nitropentacen‐2‐amine could exhibit low resistivity due to the potential amount of π–π stacking. The results emphasize the potential of using the herein studied pentacene‐based compounds, with particular reference to PD2, for future applications in the optoelectronic and photonic fields.
Crystal structure of a type III Rubisco in complex with its product 3‐phosphoglycerate
Authors: Huang Qingqiu , Szebenyi Doletha M. E.
Published: September 2022

The crystal structure of the complex of ribulose‐1,5‐bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco; EC 4.1.1.39) from Archaeoglobus fulgidus (afRubisco) with its products 3PGAs has been determined to a resolution of 1.7 Å and is of the closed form. Type III Rubiscos such as afRubisco have 18 out of the 19 essential amino acid residues of canonical Rubisco; the 19th is Tyr rather than Phe. Superposition with the structure of a complex of the similar tkRubisco with the six‐carbon intermediate analog 2CABP shows the same conformation of the 19 residues except for Glu46 and Thr51. Glu46 adopts a unique conformation different from that in other Rubiscos and makes two H‐bonds with the ligand 3PGA. Similar to other closed state Rubiscos, the backbone of Thr51 is rotated and the side chain makes an H‐bond with the ligand 3PGA. Two product 3PGA molecules are bound at the active site, overlapping well with the 2CABP of tkRubisco/2CABP. The positions of the P1 and P2 phosphate groups differ by 0.4 and 0.53 Å, respectively, between 2CABP and the two 3PGAs. This afRubisco/3PGA complex mimics an intermediate stage of the carboxylation reaction which occurs after the production of the two 3PGA products but before the reopening of the active site. The stability of this complex suggests that the Rubisco active site will not reopen before both 3PGA products are formed.
Predicting the invasion risk of rugose spiraling whitefly, Aleurodicus rugioperculatus, in India based on CMIP6 projections by MaxEnt
Authors: Maruthadurai Ramasamy , Das Bappa , Ramesh Raman
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

Rugose spiraling whitefly (RSW), Aleurodicus rugioperculatus Martin, is a highly polyphagous invasive pest native to Central America. The occurrence of A. rugioperculatus in the Oriental region was first reported from Pollachi, Tamil Nadu, India in 2017. This pest is widely distributed in India, causing severe economic damage to coconut and other horticultural crops. It is a recent invasion in India and information on its potential distribution is lacking. Thus, in the present study we used the latest Coupled Model Intercomparison Project phase 6 (CMIP6) dataset through Maximum Entropy species distribution modelling (version 3.4.1, MaxEnt) to determine the potential distribution of RSW in present and future climate change scenarios in 2050 and 2070 under Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) 126 and SSP585 emission scenarios. The performance of the model was evaluated using the area under the curve (AUC), true skill statistics (TSS) and the continuous Boyce index (CBI).

RESULTS

The MaxEnt model performed well and predicted the potential distribution of A. rugioperculatus with high‐accuracy AUC values of 0.991 and 0.989, TSS values of 0.891 and 0.842, and CBI values of 0.972 and 0.934 for training and testing, respectively. Jackknife analysis revealed that A. rugioperculatus distribution was mostly influenced by temperature‐based bioclimatic variables contributing 62.1% of the suitability, with precipitation variables contributing the remainder. The most important bioclimatic variables for RSW distribution were annual mean temperature (Bio 1, 28.9%) followed by mean diurnal range (Bio 2, 19.5%) and annual precipitation (Bio 12, 19.1). Potential suitable areas for RSW establishment were mostly found in all coastal and southern states of India. A. rugioperculatus prefers a warm and humid climate, indicating that the tropics, subtropics and temperate regions are ideal for its spread and invasion. Our results highlighted that the suitable habitat area for A. rugioperculatus is predicted to increase and highest probability of invasion and spread in 2050 and 2070 under future climate change scenarios of SSP126 and SSP585 compared to present climatic conditions.

CONCLUSIONS

This is the first study to use the latest CMIP6 models and it predicts the potential distribution of RSW in India under present and future climate change scenarios. The implementation of strict domestic quarantine measures may prevent the spread and damage of RSW to noncoastal regions of India. The results of the current study should help in timely monitoring and surveillance of RSW and to formulate integrated pest management strategies at the national level to restrict its spread, invasion and damage to new areas. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Wolbachia manipulates reproduction of spider mites by influencing herbivore salivary proteins
Authors: Bing Xiao‐Li , Xia Cai‐Bei , Ye Qing‐Tong , Gong Xue , Cui Jia‐Rong , Peng Chang‐Wu , Hong Xiao‐Yue
Published: September 2022

BACKGROUND

The endosymbiont Wolbachia is known for manipulating host reproduction. Wolbachia also can affect host fitness by mediating interactions between plant and herbivores. However, it remains unclear whether saliva proteins are involved in this process.

RESULTS

We found that Wolbachia infection decreased the number of deposited eggs but increased the egg hatching rate in the spider mite Tetranychus urticae Koch (Acari: Tetranychidae), a cosmopolitan pest that infects >1000 species of plants. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses revealed that Wolbachia‐infected mites upregulated the gene expression levels of many T. urticae salivary proteins including a cluster of Tetranychidae‐specific, functionally uncharacterized SHOT1s (secreted host‐responsive proteins of Tetranychidae). The SHOT1 genes were expressed more in the feeding stages (nymphs and adults) of mites than in eggs and highly enriched in the proterosomas. RNA interference experiments showed that knockdown of SHOT1s significantly decreased Wolbachia density, increased the number of deposited eggs and decreased the egg hatching rate.

CONCLUSION

Together, these results indicate that SHOT1s are positively correlated with Wolbachia density and account for Wolbachia‐mediated phenotypes. Our results provide new evidence that herbivore salivary proteins are related to Wolbachia‐mediated manipulations of host performance on plants. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.
Improved Surface Passivation of Rear SiNx/AlOx Stacks in p‐Type Boron‐Doped Czochralski Silicon Wafers During Dark Annealing at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Hu Zechen , Lin Dehang , Zhao Tong , Hang Pengjie , Yao Yuxin , Yu Xuegong , Yang Deren
Published: September 2022

Herein, the surface passivation quality of p‐type boron‐doped Czochralski silicon (Cz‐Si) wafers with passivated emitter and rear cell (PERC) structure during 200 °C dark annealing is investigated. During such a treatment, a reduction in the saturation current density (J
0) along with the degradation and regeneration of minority carrier lifetime can only be observed in PERC‐structured wafers that fast fired at high temperatures instead of in unfired wafers, which is possibly correlated with hydrogen injected into the silicon bulk during fast firing. Besides, no notable variations in J
0 can be observed in fast‐fired SiN
x
/n + /p‐Si/n + /SiN
x
symmetrical structure wafers during the same treatment, although their minority carrier lifetime undergoes degradation and regeneration cycles, demonstrating that the improved surface passivation comes from the rear surface of PERC structure. The capacitance–voltage measurement on the fabricated rear surface samples with metal‐insulator‐semiconductor (MIS) structure further demonstrates that the improved surface passivation is not related to field‐effect passivation. By comparing the surface state density of rear surface during dark annealing, it can be concluded that the improved rear surface passivation originates from the hydrogenation of surface defects such as dangling bonds, possibly by the outdiffused hydrogen from silicon bulk during such a treatment.
Hydrological characterization of hydropeaks in mountain rivers (examples from Southern Pyrenees)
Authors: Tena Alvaro , Ville Fanny , Reñe Armengol , Yarnell Sarah M. , Batalla Ramon J. , Vericat Damián
Published: September 2022

Streamflow in the Ésera and Upper Cinca Rivers (South Central Pyrenees) experiences alterations in the form of rapid pulses, commonly referred to as hydropeaks, associated with highly variable on‐demand hydropower production from flowing or stored water. A hydrological characterization of the hydropeaks in these two rivers was carried out to examine their distinct hydropeaking pattern during hydrologically contrasted years. The Ésera demonstrated a hydropeaking regime characterized by a high frequency and magnitude, while the Upper Cinca presented a regime with higher frequency but of lesser magnitude. Additionally, this study classified hydropeaks following the shapes proposed in previous studies and assessed their temporal distribution (frequency), timing, and magnitude. Results indicated that hydropeaks were different in shape and magnitude in both rivers; a Front Step pulse shape dominated in the Ésera whereas a Rectangle pulse shape was the most frequent in the Cinca. The Front Step shape had the highest ramping rates during the rising limb of the hydrograph and the shortest time to the maximum flow; whereas the Rectangle shape had higher duration and a larger volume of water released. Hydropeaks in the Ésera were less frequent (one per day) than in the Cinca (two per day). The river Ésera presented, in general, high‐magnitude hydropeaks, with double volume and duration, and three times larger up‐ramping rates and time between flow pulses. Overall, hydropeak shapes in the Ésera varied depending on the hydrological year and the season, while in the Cinca, shape distribution followed the same temporal pattern regardless of year and season; thus, hydropeaking in the Ésera appeared to be much more dependent on the annual hydrology (whether the year is wet or dry) than in the Cinca. Hydropeaking regimes were characterized based on three categories of variables: magnitude (flow‐based or hydrological variables), timing (duration), and frequency (occurrence). According to the variability of these variables, a total of three statistically significant groups were obtained in the Ésera, while two groups were identified in the Cinca. Hydropeaks can be statistically classified by their hydrological characteristics that in turn may have a direct effect on sediment entrainment and transport with implications to the ecological functioning of rivers. The different shape of the hydropeaks, however, will control the attenuation of the flows downstream and, consequently, the maintenance of the river's competence and capacity. This methodology provides a useful quantification of hydropeaking regimes to assess the potential impacts on physical and biological aspects of river systems.
Camera trapping with photos and videos: implications for ecology and citizen science
Authors: Green Sian E. , Stephens Philip A. , Whittingham Mark J. , Hill Russell A.
Published: September 2022

Camera traps are increasingly used in wildlife monitoring and citizen science to address an array of ecological questions on a wide variety of species. However, despite the ability of modern camera traps to capture high‐quality video, the majority of studies collect still images, in part because of concerns with video performance. We conducted a camera trap survey of a forested landscape in the UK, using a grid of paired camera traps, to quantify the impact of using video compared to photos on the outcomes of ecological research and for participation and engagement of citizen scientists. Ecological outputs showed no difference between photo and video datasets, but comparison between expert and citizen science classifications showed citizen scientists were able to classify videos more accurately (average accuracy of 95% for video, 86% for photo). Furthermore, citizen scientists were more likely to volunteer additional information on age (provided for 61% videos and 30% photos) and sex (provided for 63% videos and 45% photos) of animals in video footage. Concerns over slow trigger speeds for videos did not appear to affect our datasets or the inferences gained. When combined with citizen science, video datasets are likely to be of higher quality due to increased classification accuracy. Consequently, we encourage researchers to consider the use of video for future camera‐trapping projects.
Evaluation and interpretation of driving risks: Automobile claim frequency modeling with telematics data
Authors: Gao Yaqian , Huang Yifan , Meng Shengwang
Published: September 2022

With the development of vehicle telematics and data mining technology, usage‐based insurance (UBI) has aroused widespread interest from both academia and industry. The extensive driving behavior features make it possible to further understand the risks of insured vehicles, but pose challenges in the identification and interpretation of important ratemaking factors. This study, based on the telematics data of policyholders in China's mainland, analyzes insurance claim frequency of commercial trucks using both Poisson regression and several machine learning models, including regression tree, random forest, gradient boosting tree, XGBoost and neural network. After selecting the best model, we analyze feature importance, feature effects and the contribution of each feature to the prediction from an actuarial perspective. Our empirical study shows that XGBoost greatly outperforms the traditional models and detects some important risk factors, such as the average speed, the average mileage traveled per day, the fraction of night driving, the number of sudden brakes and the fraction of left/right turns at intersections. These features usually have a nonlinear effect on driving risk, and there are complex interactions between features. To further distinguish high−/low‐risk drivers, we run supervised clustering for risk segmentation according to drivers' driving habits. In summary, this study not only provide a more accurate prediction of driving risk, but also greatly satisfy the interpretability requirements of insurance regulators and risk management.
“We actually made something and solved a problem”: Exploring relationships between middle school engineering culture and girls' engineering experiences
Authors: Benavides Aerin W. , Tan Edna , Calabrese Barton Angela
Published: September 2022

As historically construed, both engineering culture and school science culture marginalize girls. With the focus on engineering in the Next Generation Science Standards (NGSS), engineering education researchers have called for a more targeted investigation of how girls at the K‐12 level engage in engineering. This study investigates, through critical participatory ethnography, how 6th grade girls engaged in an Engineering for Sustainable Communities unit (EfSC) guided by conceptual frameworks centered on Cultural Ways of Learning and Rightful Presence. Three in‐depth cases are presented that explore the kinds of engineering problem spaces girls chose to address through iterative design of functional prototypes. Findings reveal, first, how anchoring engineering in girls' embodied experiences supported new forms of participation, new roles for embodied experiences and new making present practices, thereby solidifying a more equitable culture. Second, as the girls moved and hybridized embodied community/STEM ideas and resources, they organized and put into action (through decisions made while “doing” engineering) their values, ideals and desires and that of their communities. Third, we found signifiers, themes, symbols and practices of an emergent engineering culture in which girls positioned themselves as able. These effected engineering for social‐spatial justice using a technically rich and socially specific iterative engineering process which seeded a rightful presence for girls in middle school science.
Date of birth and purchase price as foals or yearlings are associated with Thoroughbred flat race performance in the United Kingdom and Ireland
Authors: Arango‐Sabogal Juan Carlos , Mouncey Rebecca , de Mestre Amanda M. , Verheyen Kristien
Published: September 2022

Background

Thoroughbred breeders aim to have foals born early in the season, but scientific evidence on the advantages for race performance is scarce and contradictory.

Methods

The association between date of birth and purchase price as foal/yearling, with race performance by the end of the second and third years of life of Thoroughbreds racing in flat races in the United Kingdom (UK) and Ireland (IRE) was assessed using negative binomial and zero‐inflated negative binomial models on the entire 2014–2015 UK/IRE foal crops (n = 28,282).

Results

In total, 6666 and 9456 horses raced in UK/IRE flat racing by the end of their second and third years of life. Prize money and prize money per start decreased with each additional day beyond 1 January that the foal was born. Purchase price as foal and yearling was negatively associated with the number of races run, while it was positively associated with prize money and prize money per start by the end of the third year of life.

Conclusions

Foals born early in the season had higher earnings by the end of their second and third years of life than foals born later. Differences were more marked among males than females. The most expensive horses sold as foals or yearlings ran fewer races but earned more prize money and prize money per start than less expensive horses. Results from this population‐based analyses may inform strategies and management practices aiming to maximise horses’ racing performance potential and increase financial returns.
A time‐varying formulation of the curled wake model within the FAST.Farm framework
Authors: Branlard Emmanuel , Martínez‐Tossas Luis A , Jonkman Jason
Published: September 2022

In this article, we present a time‐varying formulation of the curled wake model that we implemented in FAST.Farm. The curled wake model, originally developed for steady‐state conditions, is used to produce realistic wake profiles behind a wind turbine in yawed (or skewed) conditions. We begin by introducing the key elements of the FAST.Farm framework. Then, after briefly summarizing the original wake dynamics formulation of FAST.Farm based on a polar wake profile, we present the new time‐varying formulation of the curled wake model, compare the two, and highlight the differences with the original curled wake model. After discussing some implementation details, we present different applications with increasing levels of complexity: single turbine with uniform and turbulent inflow, fixed and transient yaw, and multiple turbines. We verify our results using the original FAST.Farm implementation and large‐eddy simulations. The results with the new curled wake model are improved compared to the original implementation, as they include cross‐flow velocities and wake asymmetry. Yet, large‐eddy simulation results show a more pronounced lateral convection of the wake and a stronger concentration of vorticity at the top vortex. The new curled wake implementation in FAST.Farm should enable the calculation of not only generator power but also wind turbine structural loads for applications involving intentional or unintentional skewed flow and wind‐farm control involving wake steering.
Content Analysis in the Research Field of Science Coverage
Authors: Kessler Sabrina Heike , Schäfer Mike S.
Published: September 2022

Science communication has been defined as encompassing “all forms of communication by and about the sciences, within science (professional audience) as well as in the [broader] public sphere (general audience)”. This broad understanding of science communication includes all kinds of communication focusing on scientific work or scientific results, within science or to non-scientists, in one-directional or dialogical form. It also includes communication about the natural sciences, the arts or the humanities, and it has considerable overlaps with research fields such as health communication and risk communication. Content analysis, especially of media content, is a common method in the research field and this article provides an overview of this research.
Content Analysis in the Research Field of Technology Coverage
Authors: Gurr Gwendolin , Metag Julia
Published: September 2022

Many technologies are fast-growing drivers of innovation and as such have the potential for major transformations of people’s lives. Related to that, technologies and particularly the development of new technologies (also called emerging technologies) call for a variety of actors who try to make themselves heard in the public sphere. Scientists, economic actors, politicians, regulators, and ordinary citizens try to have a voice in the public discussion about the development, implementation, and specific applications of technologies—thus, they strive to reach the audience through media coverage.
Content Analysis in the Research Field of Election Campaign Communication
Authors: Steppat Desiree , Castro Laia
Published: September 2022

The field of election campaign communication is concerned with any form of communication by political elites, parties or professional interest groups with the aim of informing, persuading, interacting and mobilizing citizens and, ultimately, influencing the result of a particular election. Electoral campaigns are one of the most populated research domains in the field of political communication to date (de Vreese 2017; Graber 2005). With this chapter we aim to identify main trends and gaps in this popular area of study by relying on a thorough literature review of election campaign communication studies using content analysis published in peer-reviewed journals over the last twenty years. The chapter lays out most frequent research designs and analytical constructs employed by these studies to content-analyze political messages and identify styles, actors and functions of political communication in election times.
Content Analysis in the Research Field of Social Movements Communication
Authors: García-Albacete Gema
Published: September 2022

This chapter provides a brief overview of the use of content analysis in a selection of studies on social movement communication. In doing so it provides examples of representative studies along four categories: 1) studies aimed at answering traditional questions in the area of social movements research; 2) research answering traditional questions in the area of communication studies; 3) research examining the use and effects of “new” tools and technology; and finally, 4) studies discussing methodological opportunities and challenges posed by digital media. The chapter then identifies the main trends in methodology in this area and concludes by discussing the many strengths, and some areas for improvement within the field.
Content analysis in mixed method approaches
Authors: Castro Laia , Gessler Theresa , Majó-Vázquez Sílvia
Published: September 2022

This chapter  puts forth a synthesis of mixed method  research designs combining content analysis with other methods of data collection. While mixed approaches based on content analysis and another method are not new, their importance in communication studies is growing as new data sources become available and new methodologies are developed. The chapter offers an overview of how such mixed method approaches can optimize the use of content analysis in order to analyze communication effects on public opinion, and to validate findings obtained through other means and sources.
Kontexte
Authors: Imlig Flavian
Published: September 2022

Bildungsmonitoring verstanden als integraler Bestandteil von Bildungspolitik und als Sammelbegriff für Elemente, Formen oder Instrumente zur Information und Kommunikation über Bildung und Schule ist nur in konkreten Kontexten erfass- und beschreibbar. Als Forschungsobjekt der vorliegenden Arbeit soll Bildungsmonitoring explizit auf drei Kontexte bezogen werden. Diese drei Kontexte sind internationale Politikgestaltung, Staats- und Verwaltungsleitbilder sowie Föderalismus. Damit soll einerseits ein Informationsrahmen für die deskriptive Beschreibung von Bildungsmonitoring abgesteckt werden. Das Erkenntnisinteresse der Kontextbeschreibung ist aber andererseits bereits auf die Interaktionen zwischen Bildungsmonitoring und den Kontexten gerichtet.
Theoretischer Rahmen
Authors: Imlig Flavian
Published: September 2022

Zur Frage Was ist Bildungsmonitoring? gibt es, wie der folgende Überblick zeigen wird, zahlreiche Antworten. Allerdings ist eine systematische wissenschaftliche Auslegeordnung oder gar eine Theoretisierung der Frage bislang nicht oder nur in Ansätzen erfolgt. Der theoretische Rahmen soll drei Funktionen erfüllen: Als Rahmen für die empirische Arbeit werden die wichtigsten Begriffe - insbesondere Bildungsmonitoring und Bildungsberichterstattung geklärt. Als Grundlage für die theoretische Verarbeitung und Verdichtung des empirischen Materials werden die theoretischen Kernbegriffe des organisationssoziologischen Neo-Institutionalismus und des Governanceansatzes diskutiert. Als zusätzliche theoretische Grundlage Bildungsmonitoring in die die beiden Fragen nach den gesellschaftlichen Wirkungsmodellen von Schule und nach der Indienstnahme von Wissenschaft durch Politik eingebettet.
Bildungsmonitoring auf nationaler Ebene
Authors: Imlig Flavian
Published: September 2022

Mit den ersten Ergebnissen der Überprüfung der Grundkompetenzen (ÜGK) wurde eine rund 20-jährige Entwicklung hin zu einem Dispositiv des nationalen Bildungsmonitorings abgeschlossen. Dessen Ursprünge reichen zurück bis in die 1960er-Jahre und zu den im Kontext der Bildungsexpansion kultivierten Vorstellungen einer rationalen Planung auf wissenschaftlichen Grundlagen. In den 1990er-Jahren wurden sowohl die interkantonalen Harmonisierungsbestrebungen als auch die Bemühungen um evidenzbasierte Entscheidungen intensiviert. Dabei spielten die internationalen Entwicklungen in Richtung von Evidence-based policy im Bildungsbereich eine Rolle. Der Aufbau eines nationalen Bildungsmonitorings wurde 2001 als gemeinsames Projekt von Bund und Kantonen initiiert, unter anderem vorangetrieben durch den durch die ersten PISA-Ergebnisse ausgelösten, bildungspolitischen Handlungsdruck.
Bildungsmonitoring auf kantonaler Ebene
Authors: Imlig Flavian
Published: September 2022

Im Folgenden werden die Bildungsmonitoring-Dispositive aller 26 Kantone dargestellt. Dabei geht es um die Beschreibung der vorzufindenden Elemente, Formen und Instrumente, mit denen Daten und Informationen zuhanden bildungspolitischer Akteure generiert und verarbeitet werden. Sowohl die umfassende Herangehensweise, der relativ lange Untersuchungszeitraum als auch die vorzufindende Vielfalt von Bildungsmonitoring, dessen Gestaltung und Entwicklung resultieren in einer sehr grossen Daten- und Informationssammlung. Zur Linearisierung dieser Informationen wird eine rudimentäre Typenbildung herangezogen. Die Informationen zu den Bildungsmonitoring-Dispositiven der Kantone werden bezogen auf die typischen Merkmale gebündelt und das idealtypische an den einzelnen Fällen erhält eine besondere Gewichtung in der Darstellung. Konkret werden sechs Typen anhand des Bildungsmonitoring-Dispositivs je eines Kantons erläutert. Der jeweilige Kanton dient so als Ankerbeispiel. Der erste Typ kantonaler Bildungsmonitoring-Dispositive zeichnet sich durch eine hohe Gewichtung bildungsstatistischer Daten aus. Beim zweiten Typ steht die standardisierte Erfassung von Schülerleistungen im Zentrum. Der dritte Typ ist gekennzeichnet durch eine prominente Positionierung der sich wandelnden Prozesse der Schulaufsicht in den Bildungsmonitoring-Dispositiven. Beim vierten Typ wird Bildungsmonitoring als kommunikatives Phänomen hervorgehoben und die Bildungsberichterstattung als prominentes Element davon fokussiert. Der fünfte Typ ist auf die Evaluation von bildungspolitischen Projekten und Programmen fokussiert. Schliesslich ist der Einbezug von anwendungsorientierter Forschung ein typisches Merkmal des sechsten Typs.
Administrative Support System
Authors: Teixeira António Moreira
Published: September 2022

Administrative support provided to teachers, learners, and staff is critical for ensuring the quality of the teaching and learning experience in open, distance, and digital education (ODDE). Having been seen for a long time as a peripheral function, administrative support is now recognized as playing a decisive role in suppressing student dropout, improving teaching effectiveness, and promoting learning success. This chapter examines in detail how administrative support systems are organized and should be redesigned to efficiently assist stakeholders. This analysis is conducted in the framework of the ongoing digital transformation process of higher education institutions (HEIs). Reference models for implementing digital learning innovation are described and analyzed. The chapter proposes that administrative student support in ODDE should not be organized as a separate autonomous structure. It is argued that in such complex and unstable innovation-driven institutional environments, the learner, faculty, and staff administrative support system should be designed as a hub of resources and services operating within an open and flexible learning ecosystem. It is suggested that multidisciplinary teams are set across the HEIs to collaboratively design, deliver, and support ODDE provision. Administrative staff professional development is also suggested to be reorganized in this innovative framework.
Introduction to Infrastructure, Quality Assurance, and Support Systems of ODDE
Authors: Belawati Tian
Published: September 2022

Distance education (DE) has evolved over numerous generations, from correspondence study to the most recent online education, which is classified as open, distance, and digital education (ODDE). DE advances in line with technological advancements, and DE generations often correspond to the pre- and post-Internet eras. This classification also affects and prescribes the learning environment required to ensure the educational and learning process’ effectiveness.

The pre-Internet period of DE was marked by a vast physical infrastructure, including a physical network of regional, local offices, and learning centers, as was widely implemented by distance teaching universities. Soft infrastructure, such as a digital learning environment, characterizes the ODDE in the Internet era. Despite the differences in ODDE infrastructure before and after the Internet, library services and a quality assurance system have always been essential components of the ODDE system. The global open movement has had an impact on ODDE practice, expanding learning resources beyond those generated by ODDE providers. The open education movement has given ODDE more supporting infrastructures, allowing it to become more powerful and cost-effective. Finally, the burgeoning metaverse appears to be destined to become the future ODDE platform, elevating ODDE practice to new heights. This chapter discusses some trends and debates about the nature of institutional infrastructure before and after the Internet era, a cross-generational supporting infrastructure related to quality assurance, as well as learning resources particularly those related to the open educational resources (OER) and open licenses, and some thoughts on the metaverse as an emerging trend in education.
Higgstory repeats itself
Authors: Strumia Alessandro , Tetradis Nikolaos
Published: September 2022

Abstract

We consider a scalar potential with two minima, one of which is arbitrarily deep, such as could be the case for the Higgs potential in the Standard Model. A recent calculation within the thin-wall approximation [1] concludes that regions in which the scalar field takes values beyond the top of the potential barrier are forced by gravity to collapse, while they remain hidden behind a black hole horizon. We show that the thin-wall approximation is not applicable to this problem. We clarify the issue through numerical and analytical solutions to the field equations of the gravity-scalar system. We find that regions around the deeper minimum expand, and would thereby engulf the Universe in post-inflationary cosmology. We also show that black holes with Higgs hair are unstable. Even though the physics of the true vacuum is different, our final conclusion replicates the earlier ‘Higgstory’ paper [2].
Neutrino seesaw models at one-loop matching: discrimination by effective operators
Authors: Du Yong , Li Xu-Xiang , Yu Jiang-Hao
Published: September 2022

Abstract

Using the functional method, one-loop matching of the type-I, -II and -III see-saw models are investigated and the results are presented in both the Green’s and the Warsaw bases. Although these models generate the same dimension-5 Weinberg operator, they could induce quite different types of dimension-6 effective operators that can be utilized for model discrimination. We also find the threshold effects from one-loop matching could be significant, which turn out to allow triggering electroweak symmetry breaking radiatively in type-II seesaw while forbid that in type-I/-III models. An analytical criterion for such radiative symmetry breaking is also derived in type-II seesaw. Finally, we investigate the indirect signatures from different types of dimension-6 operators at high-energy colliders, low-energy precision experiments and forward physics facilities for model discrimination.
John–Nirenberg inequalities for parabolic BMO
Authors: Kinnunen Juha , Myyryläinen Kim , Yang Dachun
Published: September 2022

We discuss a parabolic version of the space of functions of bounded mean oscillation related to a doubly nonlinear parabolic partial differential equation. Parabolic John–Nirenberg inequalities, which give exponential decay estimates for the oscillation of a function, are shown in the natural geometry of the partial differential equation. Chaining arguments are applied to change the time lag in the parabolic John–Nirenberg inequality. We also show that the quasihyperbolic boundary condition is a necessary and sufficient condition for a global parabolic John–Nirenberg inequality. Moreover, we consider John–Nirenberg inequalities with medians instead of integral averages and show that this approach gives the same class of functions as the original definition.