bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cloning and Characterization of a Novel Carotenoid Cleavage Dioxygenase 1 from Helianthus annuus
Authors: Qi Zhipeng , Tong Xinyi , Bu Su , Pei Jianjun , Zhao Linguo
Published: November 2021

Natural β‐ionone, a high‐value flavoring agent, has been widely applied in the food, cosmetics, and perfume industry. However, attempts to overproduce β‐ionone in microorganisms have been limited by the efficiency of carotenoid cleavage dioxygenases (CCDs), which catalyzes β‐carotene in the biosynthesis pathway. In order to obtain CCD genes responsible for the specific cleavage of carotenoids generating β‐ionone, a novel carotenoid cleavage dioxygenase 1 from Helianthus annuus was cloned and overexpressed in Escherichia coli BL21(DE3). The recombinant CCD was able to cleave a variety of carotenoids at the 9, 10 (9′, 10′) sites to produce C13 products in vitro, including β‐ionone, pseudoionone, 3‐hydroxy‐4‐oxo‐β‐ionone, 3‐hydroxy‐β‐ionone, and 3‐hydroxy‐α‐ionone, which vary depending on the carotenoid substrates. In comparison with lycopene and zeaxanthin, HaCCD1 also showed the high specificity for β‐carotene to cleave the 9, 10 (9′, 10′) double bond to produce β‐ionone in E. coli accumulating carotenoids. Finally, the expression of HaCCD1 in E. coli was optimized, and biochemical characterizations were further clarified. The optimal activity of HaCCD1 was at pH 8.8 and 50 °C. The Vmax for β‐apo‐8′‐carotenal was 10.14 U/mg, while the Km was 0.32 mM. Collectively, our study provides a valuable enzyme for the synthesis of natural β‐ionone by biotransformation and synthetic biology platform.
Three‐Dimensional Porous Carbon Framework Confined Si@TiO2 Nanoparticles as Anode Material for High‐Capacity Lithium‐Ion Batteries
Authors: Hou Li , Xiong Shuangsheng , Cui Ruiwen , Jiang Yang , Chen Rongna , Liang Wenjing , Gao Zeyuan , Gao Faming
Published: November 2021

Silicon‐based lithium‐ion battery anodes, in recent years, have caught widespread interest seeing their great theoretical capacity, low charge‐discharge potentials, and ample natural storage. However, poor electrochemical performance is typically observed, attributed mainly to significant volume expansion, unstable solid‐electrolyte interphase, and low intrinsic electronic/ionic conductivity. Numerous attempts have been reported to revamp its electrochemical performance, including the capacity cycle stability and cycle life. Herein, we reported the synthesis of three‐dimensional (3D) Si@TiO2@C nanohybrids adopting a facile three‐step synthesis strategy. Compared with Si@C and C (derived from polyaniline) electrodes, the well‐designed Si@TiO2@C electrode delivered a momentous enhancement in the electrochemical performance thanks to the presence of robust TiO2 shell and polyaniline‐derived porous carbon skeleton to cope with volume changes of silicon during lithiation and promote the electric conductivity of the overall electrode. The Si@TiO2@C hybrid electrode delivered a high initial discharge capacity of 1748.6 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 and a stable reversible capacity of 1112.5 mA h g−1 at 100 mA g−1 after 500 cycles, with the coulomb efficiency of 98.8 %. Moreover, the electrode showed a high reversible capacity of 508.9 mA h g−1 even at 500 mA g−1 at the 500th cycle with the coulomb efficiency of 99.1 %. This work showed the paramount role of TiO2 shell and 3D porous carbon skeleton, being a promising future for designing the next generation of high capacity, long cycle stable anode materials for lithium‐ion batteries.
Hybrid ZnSe‐SnSe2 Nanoparticles Embedded in Nitrogen‐Doped Carbon Nanocube Heterostructures with Enhanced and Ultra‐stable Lithium‐Storage Performance
Authors: Yu Litao , Kim Kyung Su , Saeed Ghuzanfar , Kang Jun , Kim Kwang Ho
Published: November 2021

Invited for this month's cover picture are the groups of Prof. Kwang Ho Kim at the Pusan National University (Korea) and Prof. Jun Kang at the Korea Maritime and Ocean University (Korea). The cover picture shows characteristic microstructure images of novel bimetallic selenide composites embedded in N‐doped carbon nanocubes and their enhanced and ultra‐stable electrochemical performances as lithium‐ion battery anodes. Read the full text of the Article at 10.1002/celc.202100846.
Failure‐Experiment‐Supported Optimization of Poorly Reproducible Synthetic Conditions for Novel Lanthanide Metal–Organic Frameworks with Two‐Dimensional Secondary Building Units
Authors: Kitamura Yu , Terado Emi , Zhang Zechen , Yoshikawa Hirofumi , Inose Tomoko , Uji‐i Hiroshi , Tanimizu Masaharu , Inokuchi Akihiro , Kamakura Yoshinobu , Tanaka Daisuke
Published: November 2021

Invited for the cover of this issue are Daisuke Tanaka at Kwansei Gakuin University and co‐workers at Kwansei Gakuin University, Hokkaido University, Kyoto University, Japan and KU Leuven, Belgium. The image is a depiction of exploring the desired crystal by decision tree analysis. Read the full text of the article at 10.1002/chem.202102404.
Serial FNA allows direct sampling of malignant and infiltrating immune cells in patients with B‐cell lymphoma receiving immunotherapy
Authors: Mooney Kelly L. , Czerwinski Debra K. , Shree Tanaya , Frank Matthew J. , Haebe Sarah , Martin Brock A. , Testa Stefano , Levy Ronald , Long Steven R.
Published: November 2021

Background

Fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) is used to diagnose malignancies, recurrences, and metastases. The procedure is quick and well tolerated and can be facilitated by ultrasound guidance.

Methods

This article describes the authors' experience in using serial FNA to harvest cellular material during 4 clinical trials of immunotherapy by in situ vaccination in patients with low‐grade lymphoma.

Results

Two hundred ninety‐six FNA samples were collected from 44 patients over a span of approximately 6 weeks for each patient. Samples were sufficient in quantity and quality to be analyzed by flow cytometry and/or single‐cell messenger RNA sequencing. FNA samples yielded an average of 12 × 106 cells with a mean cellular viability of 86%. Material collected from the tumor lymph nodes differed significantly in the proportions and phenotypes of cellular populations in comparison with matched peripheral blood samples. A comparison of flow cytometry results obtained by FNA directly from the patient and by FNA performed ex vivo and a dissociation of the same lymph node after surgical excision confirmed that FNA sampling of the patient accurately represented the tumor and the microenvironment. An analysis of the FNA samples from immunotherapy‐treated target lymph nodes versus nodes from nontreated tumor sites provided insight into the impact of specific immunotherapy regimens.

Conclusions

This is the largest study describing the use of serial FNA sampling to harvest cellular material during immunotherapy clinical trials. The success of this technique opens the door for FNA sampling to expand significantly future investigations of the dynamic effects of investigational agents, be they immunotherapies or targeted therapies.
Energy competent cluster‐based secured CH routing EC2SR protocol for mobile wireless sensor network
Authors: Rajesh Dennison , Jaya Thirasamma
Published: November 2021

Mobile wireless sensor network (MWSN) consists of several wireless mobile sensor nodes which animatedly broadcast information among themselves without dependence of base station. Because of its unique mobility and energetic environment, MWSNs are more vulnerable to many forms of assaults and network protection. Any unusual activity that threatens resource dependability, privacy, or accessibility is referred to as an interruption. A novel, dynamic energy efficient cluster‐based secure routing identifies these challenges while discovering exact routing and identifying malicious node in MWSN. Design is organized as a dynamic hierarchy in which data is disseminated without loss from source to destination. Clustering methods are used to rearrange the dynamic hierarchy in order to improve communication. Cluster heads are chosen depending on residual energy and topology change. Proposed protocol is used for securing data and routing tactic will broadcasting. Simulation of energy efficient cluster‐based secured routing protocol is carried out by NS2. This routing protocol provides enhanced energy efficiency, secured clustering, lifetime of network and reduces network overhead.
Context dependency of disease‐mediated competitive release in bat assemblages following white‐nose syndrome
Authors: Bombaci Sara P. , Russell Robin E. , St. Germain Michael J. , Dobony Christopher A. , Ford W. Mark , Loeb Susan C. , Jachowski David S.
Published: November 2021

White‐nose syndrome (WNS) has caused dramatic declines of several cave‐hibernating bat species in North America since 2006, which has increased the activity of non‐susceptible species in some geographic areas or during times of night formerly occupied by susceptible species—indicative of disease‐mediated competitive release (DMCR). Yet, this pattern has not been evaluated across multiple bat assemblages simultaneously or across multiple years since WNS onset. We evaluated whether WNS altered spatial and temporal niche partitioning in bat assemblages at four locations in the eastern United States using long‐term datasets of bat acoustic activity collected before and after WNS arrival. Activity of WNS‐susceptible bat species decreased by 79–98% from pre‐WNS levels across the four study locations, but only one of our four study sites provided strong evidence supporting the DMCR hypothesis in bats post‐WNS. These results suggest that DMCR is likely dependent on the relative difference in activity by susceptible and non‐susceptible species groups pre‐WNS and the relative decline of susceptible species post‐WNS allowing for competitive release, as well as the amount of time that had elapsed post‐WNS. Our findings challenge the generality of WNS‐mediated competitive release between susceptible and non‐susceptible species and further highlight declining activity of some non‐susceptible species, especially Lasiurus borealis, across three of four locations in the eastern United States. These results underscore the broader need for conservation efforts to address the multiple potential interacting drivers of bat declines on both WNS‐susceptible and non‐susceptible species.
COVID‐19 and black fungus: Analysis of the public perceptions through machine learning
Authors: Imtiaz Khan Nafiz , Mahmud Tahasin , Nazrul Islam Muhammad
Published: November 2021

While COVID‐19 is ravaging the lives of millions of people across the globe, a second pandemic “black fungus” has surfaced robbing people of their lives especially people who are recovering from coronavirus. Thus, the objective of this article is to analyze public perceptions through sentiment analysis regarding black fungus during the COVID‐19 pandemic. To attain the objective, first, a support vector machine (SVM) model, with an average AUC of 82.75%, was developed to classify user sentiments in terms of anger, fear, joy, and sad. Next, this SVM model was used to predict the class labels of the public tweets (n = 6477) related to COVID‐19 and black fungus. As outcome, this article found public perceptions towards black fungus during COVID‐19 pandemic belong mostly to sad (n= 2370, 36.59%), followed by joy (n = 2095, 32.34%), fear (n = 1914, 29.55%) and anger (n = 98, 1.51%). This article also found that public perceptions are varied to some critical concerns like education, lockdown, hospital, oxygen, quarantine, and vaccine. For example, people mostly exhibited fear in social media about education, hospital, vaccine while some people expressed joy about education, hospital, vaccine, and oxygen. Again, it was found that mass people have an ignorance tendency to lockdown, COVID‐19 restrictions, and prescribed hygiene rules although the coronavirus and black fungus infection rates broke the previous infection records.
Potential applications of distributed optical fiber sensor in hydrate‐induced sedimentary deformation research
Authors: Teng Ying , Wang Pengfei , Zhou Yabin , Wei Yang
Published: November 2021

Natural gas hydrate is regarded as a potential clean energy source. However, hydrate phase transition during gas production leads to significant hydrate‐bearing sedimentary layer deformation, which is one of the main obstacles for safe hydrate exploitation. In this study, distributed optical fiber sensors were used to examine the porous medium deformation induced by phase change and verify its feasibility for application in hydrate research. Experiments on ice formation in a porous medium were conducted to mimic the hydrate formation in sediments. Optical fiber sensors were used to record and analyze the strain characteristics caused by the deformation of porous medium during the phase change process. The frequency shift during the cooling process shows that the fiber segment sensitivity is influenced by its initial length and tightness. In experiments with porous medium, the strain caused by the phase change exhibited a linear trend. In a comparative experiment using pure water, the strain caused by the phase change showed a nonlinear trend. The results indicate that the porous medium deformation induced by phase change can be accurately evaluated using strain data from distributed optical fiber sensors. The strain results also reflect the rate of the phase change. This study proves that the distributed optical fiber sensor has the potential to clarify the deformation characteristics of porous medium caused by hydrate phase change.
Road salts, human safety, and the rising salinity of our fresh waters
Authors: Hintz William D , Fay Laura , Relyea Rick A
Published: November 2021

In the US, 70% of the population lives in regions that experience snow and ice. Road deicing salts reduce vehicular accident rates in these regions by >78% but have led to dramatic increases in freshwater salinity. To seek environmental management and policy solutions, we ask: (1) how much salt is used and where is it applied, (2) do current agency thresholds protect freshwater biota, (3) are deicing salts affecting our water supplies, and (4) how can we curb salinization from deicing salts? Use of deicing salts has tripled over the past 45 years and blankets much of the US. There is an urgent need to reassess inadequate thresholds to protect freshwater biota and our drinking water supplies. Given the lack of ecologically friendly and cost‐effective alternatives, broad‐scale adoption of best management practices is necessary to curb the increasing salinization of freshwater ecosystems resulting from the use of deicing salts.
Phytochemical profile and anti‐oxidation activity changes during ginger (Zingiber officinale) harvest: Baby ginger attenuates lipid accumulation and ameliorates glucose uptake in HepG2 cells
Authors: Li Haiwen , Rafie Reza , Xu Zhidong , Siddiqui Rafat A.
Published: November 2021

We determined the phenolic content and anti‐oxidation properties of ginger at different harvesting time and tested its effects on lipid droplet formation and glucose uptake in HepG2 cells. Ginger samples at different stages of maturity were harvested every two weeks starting from mid‐October for 16 weeks. Our data indicate that ginger has the highest phenolic contents and superior anti‐oxidation activity when harvested early (immature baby ginger); however, the concentration of phenolic contents and its anti‐oxidation activity were progressively reduced up to 50% as ginger matures. Furthermore, the data indicate that baby ginger extract inhibits lipid accumulation and triglyceride content in oleic acid‐induced HepG2 cells up to 20% in a dose‐dependent manner. Baby ginger exhibited significant inhibition of α‐amylase enzyme activity by 29.5% and ameliorated glucose uptake in HepG2 cell at similar level. Our results suggest that harvesting ginger at an appropriate (early) time may be beneficial for optimizing its biological active contents and qualitative properties. The data also suggest that a regular use of ginger can potentially lower incidences of obesity and diabetes.
Large scale healthcare facility redevelopment: A scoping review
Authors: Eljiz Kathy , Greenfield David , Vrklevski Lila , Derrett Alison , Ryan David
Published: November 2021

Internationally, organisations are undertaking large scale facility redevelopment as a strategy for the transformation of care systems. Redeveloping facilities provides a once in a generation opportunity to transform health service delivery, typically, however, system level changes are poorly understood. To address this gap, our aim was to investigate the empirical knowledge base regarding large scale redevelopment of healthcare facilities. A scoping review was undertaken, guided by the redeveloped health service management (HSM) scoping review framework (HSM‐SRF). Across 17 articles, five key concepts were identified, and they form the principles for successful redevelopment. First, establish a strong governance framework integrating diverse expertise and evidence base. Second, engage with internal and external stakeholders to build effectual relationships. Third, consult with end users, including clinicians and patients, to encourage the acceptance of the redevelopment and actively manage stakeholder dynamics, including politics and power undercurrents. Fourth, commit appropriate resources, including time, workforce, technology and finance to ensure redevelopment success. Finally, reimagine workflows through consultation with end users, including staff and consumers, allowing them to conceptualise how the space will be utilised. This scoping review is the first to synthesise the empirical knowledge base of the redevelopment of healthcare facilities.
Expert Consensus Guidelines: How to safely perform minimally invasive anatomic liver resection
Authors: Gotohda Naoto , Cherqui Daniel , Geller David A. , Abu Hilal Mohammed , Berardi Giammauro , Ciria Ruben , Abe Yuta , Aoki Takeshi , Asbun Horacio J. , Chan Albert C. Y. , Chanwat Rawisak , Chen Kuo‐Hsin , Chen Yajin , Cheung Tan To , Fuks David , Han Ho‐Seong , Hasegawa Kiyoshi , Hatano Etsuro , Honda Goro , Itano Osamu , Iwashita Yukio , Kaneko Hironori , Kato Yutaro , Kim Ji Hoon , Liu Rong , López‐Ben Santiago , Morimoto Mamoru , Monden Kazuteru , Rotellar Fernando , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Sugioka Atsushi , Yoshiizumi Tomoharu , Akahoshi Keiichi , Alconchel Felipe , Ariizumi Shunichi , Benedetti Cacciaguerra Andrea , Durán Manuel , Garcia Vazquez Alain , Golse Nicolas , Miyasaka Yoshihiro , Mori Yasuhisa , Ogiso Satoshi , Shirata Chikara , Tomassini Federico , Urade Takeshi , Wakabayashi Taiga , Nishino Hitoe , Hibi Taizo , Kokudo Norihiro , Ohtsuka Masayuki , Ban Daisuke , Nagakawa Yuichi , Ohtsuka Takao , Tanabe Minoru , Nakamura Masafumi , Yamamoto Masakazu , Tsuchida Akihiko , Wakabayashi Go
Published: November 2021

Background

The concept of minimally invasive anatomic liver resection (MIALR) is gaining popularity. However, specific technical skills need to be acquired to safely perform MIALR. The “Expert Consensus Meeting: Precision Anatomy for Minimally Invasive HBP Surgery (PAM‐HBP Surgery Consensus)” was developed as a special program during the 32nd meeting of the Japanese Society of Hepato‐Biliary‐Pancreatic Surgery (JSHBPS).

Methods

Thirty‐four international experts gathered online for the consensus. A Research Committee performed a comprehensive literature review, classifying studies according to the Scottish Intercollegiate Guidelines Network method. Based on the literature review and experts’ opinions, tentative recommendations were drafted and circulated among experts using online Delphi Rounds. Finally, formulated recommendations were presented online in the Expert Consensus Meeting of the JSHBPS on February 23rd, 2021. The final recommendations were validated and finalized by the 2nd Delphi Round in May 2021.

Results

Seven clinical questions were selected, and 22 recommendations were formulated. All recommendations reached more than 85% consensus among experts at the final Delphi Round.

Conclusions

The Expert Consensus Meeting for safely performing MIALR has presented a set of clinical guidelines based on available literature and experts’ opinions. We expect these guidelines to have a favorable effect on the safe implementation and development of MIALR.
Display illumination with modulated directional backlight
Authors: Ding Juan , He Yong , Fu Shenhe , Xie Xiangsheng , Liang Haowen , Zhou Jianying
Published: November 2021

Illumination is essential for modern life as colorful world is perceived by human visionary system. Display technology has been developing rapidly in recent decades, and the basic principle is related to the way that the image is illuminated and light is emanated. Traditional illumination is provided by different types of light sources, and the display image is visible in large viewing space until the emanating light decays to zero. This work proposes and demonstrates a novel illumination scheme for a display in which the displaying images are visible only in specific spatial regions. The directional backlight ensures the image propagating to specific direction while imaging visibility can be controlled to terminate abruptly at certain distance from the display screen while exerting no influence to nearby regions. The working principle for such an illumination scheme is the use of the modulated coherent directional backlight through an axicon lens. It is shown that the illumination scheme can robustly deliver carried image information to the designated viewing region. This new illumination scheme has many advantages over conventional illumination, including its usage for personal display, very lower energy consumption, as well as minimizing light hazard pollution.
Adaptive hybrid steepest descent algorithms involving an inertial extrapolation term for split monotone variational inclusion problems
Authors: Zhou Zheng , Tan Bing , Li Songxiao
Published: November 2021

In this paper, we discuss the split monotone variational inclusion problem and propose two new inertial algorithms in infinite‐dimensional Hilbert spaces. The iterative sequence by the proposed algorithms converges strongly to the solution of a certain variational inequality with the help of the hybrid steepest descent method. Furthermore, an adaptive step size criterion is considered in suggested algorithms to avoid the difficulty of calculating the operator norm. Meanwhile, our results are also applied to several other types of split problems. Finally, some numerical experiments show that our algorithms are realistic and summarize the known results.
Technical note: MC‐GPU breast dosimetry validations with other Monte Carlo codes and phase space file implementation
Authors: Massera Rodrigo T. , Thomson Rowan M. , Tomal Alessandra
Published: November 2021

Purpose

To validate the MC‐GPU Monte Carlo (MC) code for dosimetric studies in X‐ray breast imaging modalities: mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, contrast enhanced digital mammography, and breast‐CT. Moreover, to implement and validate a phase space file generation routine.

Methods

The MC‐GPU code (v. 1.5 DBT) was modified in order to generate phase space files and to be compatible with PENELOPE v. 2018 derived cross‐section database. Simulations were performed with homogeneous and anthropomorphic breast phantoms for different breast imaging techniques. The glandular dose was computed for each case and compared with results from the PENELOPE (v. 2014) + penEasy (v. 2015) and egsbrachy (EGSnrc) MC codes. Afterward, several phase space files were generated with MC‐GPU and the scored photon spectra were compared between the codes. The phase space files generated in MC‐GPU were used in PENELOPE and EGSnrc to calculate the glandular dose, and compared with the original dose scored in MC‐GPU.

Results

MC‐GPU showed good agreement with the other codes when calculating the glandular dose distribution for mammography, mean glandular dose for digital breast tomosynthesis, and normalized glandular dose for breast‐CT. The latter case showed average/maximum relative differences of 2.3%/27%, respectively, compared to other literature works, with the larger differences observed at low energies (around 10 keV). The recorded photon spectra entering a voxel were similar (within statistical uncertainties) between the three MC codes. Finally, the reconstructed glandular dose in a voxel from a phase space file differs by less than 0.65%, with an average of 0.18%–0.22% between the different MC codes, agreement within approximately statistical uncertainties. In some scenarios, the simulations performed in MC‐GPU were from 20 up to 40 times faster than those performed by PENELOPE.

Conclusions

The results indicate that MC‐GPU code is suitable for breast dosimetric studies for different X‐ray breast imaging modalities, with the advantage of a high performance derived from GPUs. The phase space file implementation was validated and is compatible with the IAEA standard, allowing multiscale MC simulations with a combination of CPU and GPU codes.
Effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of longstanding exercise therapy versus usual care in patients with axial spondyloarthritis or rheumatoid arthritis and severe limitations: The protocols of two parallel randomized controlled trials
Authors: van Wissen Maria. A. T. , Teuwen Max. M. H. , van den Ende Cornelia. H. M. , Vliet Vlieland Thea. P. M. , den Broeder Alfons. A. , van den Hout Wilbert. B. , Peter Wilfred. F. , van Schaardenburg Dirkjan. , van Tubergen Astrid. M. , Gademan Maaike. G. J. , van Weely Salima. F. E.
Published: November 2021

Objectives

Research on effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of longstanding exercise therapy in patients with axial SpondyloArthritis (axSpA) or Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA) is scarce, and mainly concerned patients with a relatively favorable health status. We aim to evaluate the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of longstanding exercise therapy compared to usual care in the subgroup of patients with axSpA or RA and severe limitations in functioning.

Methods

In two separate, parallel randomized controlled trials the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of longstanding, active exercise therapy (52 weeks) compared with usual care (1:1) will be evaluated. The longstanding, active exercise therapy will focus on improving individual limitations in daily activities and participation and will be given by a trained physical therapist in the vicinity of the participant. For each diagnosis, 215 patients with severe limitations in activities and participation will be included. Assessments are performed at baseline, 12, 26, and 52 weeks. The primary outcome measure of effectiveness is the individual level of functioning (activities and participation), as measured with the Patient‐Specific Complaints instrument at 52 weeks. For cost‐effectiveness analyses, the EuroQol (EQ‐5D‐5L) and questionnaires on healthcare use and productivity will be administered. The economic evaluation will be a cost‐utility analysis from a societal perspective. After 52 weeks, the patients in the usual care group are offered longstanding, active exercise therapy as well. Follow‐up assessments are done at 104, 156, and 208 weeks.

Conclusion

The results of these studies will provide insights in the effectiveness and cost‐effectiveness of longstanding exercise therapy in the subgroup of axSpA and RA patients with severe functional limitations.
Testing the effects of adaptive learning courseware on student performance: An experimental approach
Authors: Eau Grace , Hoodin Derek , Musaddiq Tareena
Published: November 2021

An increasing number of college and university courses are being offered in an online format. Even for courses offered face‐to‐face, instructors are increasingly turning towards the use of online platforms to help with student learning, especially for courses with high enrollment. This study tests the efficacy of adaptive learning platforms in a sample of undergraduate students at a large urban university, using an experimental design that compares the learning outcomes of students in classrooms that used an adaptive learning tool to those that did not. The results indicate that better performing students, particularly female students, benefit the most from using adaptive learning tools.
Analysis of heat transfer on MHD Jeffrey nanofluid flow over nonlinear elongating surface of variable thickness
Authors: Ali Aamir , Maqsood M. , Anjum H. J. , Awais M. , Sulaiman M.
Published: November 2021

Due to its vast application in the engineering discipline, nanofluids have become a popular subject of investigation in the mathematical and physical research. The enhancement of thermal conductivity is a peculiar feature of nanofluids. The fluid model being investigated in the current study is the Jeffrey nanofluid commonly found in many industrial processes such as lubrication, natural gas networks, spray processes, cooling of nuclear reactors and many others. We study the heat transfer affects on the flow of a Jeffery non‐Newtonian fluid with submersed nanoparticles, in the presence of applied magnetic field, along a nonlinear stretchable surface, discussing features such as Brownian and thermophoresis diffusion. The effects of viscous dissipation, ohmic heating and thermal radiation on the flow characteristic have also been analyzed. Solution for the nondimensional boundary value problem have been obtained numerically by considering the effects of non‐Newtonian fluid parameter. The graphical illustration of the obtained results highlights the effects of numerous physical parameters on the flow dynamics in terms of fluid velocities, thermal profiles and nanoparticles concentration.
Assessing Sustainable Urban Mobility Policies in the Mediterranean Tourism Destinations Through Multi-Criteria Decision-Making Models
Authors: Farmaki Eleni , Aryblia Maria , Tournaki Stavroula , Tsoutsos Theocharis
Published: November 2021

This chapter presents the assessment of 11 sustainable urban mobility measures according to 10 criteria for European medium-sized touristic cities, using multi-criteria decision-making. The study includes the viewpoint of six different European stakeholder groups, identifying their interests and comparing their ranking on appropriate mobility measures. It was found that the majority of stakeholders give the highest priority to the wellbeing of local communities and the quality of life, despite the economic implications of services and the potential impact on incoming tourism. Mostly they emphasise on at least two out of five criteria categories: Society and Environment or Society and Mobility. Tourism stakeholders showed a high preference for environmental criteria, demonstrating the continuously raising awareness on the links of tourism and environment. “Mobility management and travel plans” policy was the most popular policy amongst all groups, indicating that the provision of information, personalised plans, and smart applications can increase the use of sustainable mobility modes and have a significant positive impact in all examined categories. Overall, the multi-criteria analysis performed in this study can be a valuable tool for decision-makers during the shaping of future policies for sustainable mobility in urban tourist destinations, considering numerous parameters and stakeholders’ viewpoints. Moreover, it can be further developed and adapted to specific needs.
Conclusions
Authors: Lovell Heather
Published: November 2021

In this short concluding chapter, each of the four main chapters of Understanding Energy Innovation—on networks, nodes, narratives and nostalgia—is briefly summarised, including the key ideas and learnings. The chapter concludes with a reflection on developing a better understanding of energy innovation by prioritising the social aspects of innovation processes.
Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma for Clitoral Reconstruction: A Case Study
Authors: Manin Emily , Taraschi Gianmarco , Berndt Sarah , Martinez de Tejada Begoña , Abdulcadir Jasmine
Published: November 2021

Clitoral reconstruction after female genital mutilation/cutting (FGM/C) is associated with significant post-operative pain and months-long recovery. Autologous platelet-rich plasma (A-PRP) reduces the time of healing and pain in orthopedic and burn patients and could also do so in clitoral reconstruction. In the present case, a 35-year-old Guinean woman who had undergone FGM/C Type IIb presented to our clinic for clitoral reconstruction. Her request was motivated by low sexual satisfaction and body image. We surgically reconstructed the clitoris using the Foldès method and applied plasma and glue of A-PRP. The patient was highly satisfied with the procedure. Two months post-operatively, her pain had ceased entirely and re-epithelialization was complete. We conclude that A-PRP may improve pain and healing after clitoral reconstruction. Extensive studies investigating long-term outcomes are needed.
Global vulnerability hotspots: differences and agreement between international indicator-based assessments
Authors: Feldmeyer Daniel , Birkmann Joern , McMillan Joanna M. , Stringer Lindsay , Leal Filho Walter , Djalante Riyanti , Pinho Patricia F. , Liwenga Emma
Published: November 2021

Climate change impacts and their consequences are determined not only by the intensity and frequency of different climatic hazards but also by the vulnerability of the system, society or community exposed. While general agreement exists about the importance of assessing vulnerability to understand climate risks, there is still a tendency to neglect global and regional vulnerability patterns because they are hard to quantify, despite their value in informing adaptation, disaster risk and development policies. Several approaches to quantifying global vulnerability exist. These differ in terms of the indicators they use and how they classify countries or regions into vulnerability classes. The paper presents the structure of selected approaches and explores two indices in depth. The aim of this paper is to assess the level of agreement between selected international indicator-based assessments of vulnerability, at the level of climate regions. Results suggest that the two major global vulnerability assessments analysed largely agree on the location of the most and least vulnerable regions when these assessments are aggregated to a regional scale using the IPCC’s climate regions. The paper then discusses the robustness of the information derived and its usefulness for adaptation, disaster risk and development policies. Measuring progress towards reducing vulnerability to climate change and hazards is key for various agencies and actors in order to be able to develop informed policies and strategies for managing climate risks and to promote enabling conditions for achieving the SDGs and building resilience.
Improving rational number knowledge using the NanoRoboMath digital game
Authors: Kärki Tomi , McMullen Jake , Lehtinen Erno
Published: November 2021

Rational number knowledge is a crucial feature of primary school mathematics that predicts students’ later mathematics achievement. Many students struggle with the transition from natural number to rational number reasoning, so novel pedagogical approaches to support the development of rational number knowledge are valuable to mathematics educators worldwide. Digital game-based learning environments may support a wide range of mathematics skills. NanoRoboMath, a digital game-based learning environment, was developed to enhance students’ conceptual and adaptive rational number knowledge. In this paper, we tested the effectiveness of a preliminary version of the game with fifth and sixth grade primary school students (N = 195) using a quasi-experimental design. A small positive effect of playing the NanoRoboMath game on students’ rational number conceptual knowledge was observed. Students’ overall game performance was related to learning outcomes concerning their adaptive rational number knowledge and understanding of rational number representations and operations.
The determination of point groups from imprecise molecular geometries
Authors: Knowles Peter J.
Published: November 2021

We present a new approach for the assignment of a point group to a molecule when the structure conforms only approximately to the symmetry. It proceeds by choosing a coordinate frame that minimises a measure of symmetry breaking that is computed efficiently as a simple function of the molecular coordinates and point group specification.
Medical Students’ Creation of Original Poetry, Comics, and Masks to Explore Professional Identity Formation
Authors: Shapiro Johanna , McMullin Juliet , Miotto Gabriella , Nguyen Tan , Hurria Anju , Nguyen Minh Anh
Published: November 2021

Introduction. This study examines differences in students’ perceived value of three artmaking modalities (poetry, comics, masks) and whether the resulting creative projects offer similar or different insights into medical students’ professional identity formation. Methods. Mixed-methods design using a student survey, student narrative comments and qualitative analysis of students’ original work. Results. Poetry and comics stimulated insight, but masks were more enjoyable and stress-reducing. All three art modalities expressed tension between personal and professional identities. Discussion. Regardless of type of artmaking, students express concern about encroachments of training on personal identity but hoped that personal and professional selves could be integrated.
High-Fidelity Agent-Based Modeling to Support Prevention Decision-Making: an Open Science Approach
Authors: Vermeer Wouter H. , Smith Justin D. , Wilensky Uri , Brown C. Hendricks
Published: November 2021

Preventing adverse health outcomes is complex due to the multi-level contexts and social systems in which these phenomena occur. To capture both the systemic effects, local determinants, and individual-level risks and protective factors simultaneously, the prevention field has called for adoption of system science methods in general and agent-based models (ABMs) specifically. While these models can provide unique and timely insight into the potential of prevention strategies, an ABM’s ability to do so depends strongly on its accuracy in capturing the phenomenon. Furthermore, for ABMs to be useful, they need to be accepted by and available to decision-makers and other stakeholders. These two attributes of accuracy and acceptability are key components of open science. To ensure the creation of high-fidelity models and reliability in their outcomes and consequent model-based decision-making, we present a set of recommendations for adopting and using this novel method. We recommend ways to include stakeholders throughout the modeling process, as well as ways to conduct model verification, validation, and replication. Examples from HIV and overdose prevention work illustrate how these recommendations can be applied.
Translanguaging as Inclusive Pedagogical Practices in English-Medium Instruction Science and Mathematics Classrooms for Linguistically and Culturally Diverse Students
Authors: Tai Kevin W. H.
Published: November 2021

In English-medium instruction (EMI), English-as-a-second-language students will learn all/some subjects through English. Although there are a considerable number of studies which explore classroom interaction in Hong Kong (HK) secondary EMI schools, few studies have investigated EMI lessons which involve South Asian ethnic minorised students. These students share different linguistic and cultural backgrounds and they may not share a common first language with the teacher and other classmates. This study conducts a multimodal conversation analysis of science and mathematics lessons at a HK EMI secondary school, triangulated with interview data, in order to explore how the EMI teacher mobilises various resources to make discipline-specific knowledge accessible and cater for the different needs of all students in the classroom. This study argues that the process of enacting inclusive practices is a process of translanguaging which requires the EMI teacher to mobilise various available multilingual and semiotic resources and draw on what students know collectively for transcending cultural boundaries from the students’ everyday culture to cultures of school science and mathematics.
The Journey to Comprehensibility: Court Forms as the First Barrier to Accessing Justice
Authors: Grieshofer née Tkacukova Tatiana , Gee Matt , Morton Ralph
Published: November 2021

The article explores the comprehensibility of court forms by providing a quantitative overview and a qualitative analysis of such syntactic characteristics as length and structure of sentences and noun phrases. The analysis is viewed in the broader context of genre characteristics of court forms, their role within legal proceedings, and their function for eliciting narratives from court users. The findings show that while the elicitation strategies are not always coherently aligned with the guidance sections, the guidance itself condenses legal and procedural information into overly complex and verbose syntactic constructions. Comprehensibility barriers are thus created through breaks in information flow, ambiguous syntactic constructions, missing information and misalignment between questions and guidance. Such comprehension challenges have a negative impact on the potential of court users to effectively engage with legal proceedings.
Aspirations, Human Capital Investment, and the Intergenerational Transmission of Poverty in Indonesia
Authors: Lim Sung Soo , Lee Jongwook
Published: November 2021

This study investigates the effect of parental aspirations gap on children’s educational attainment between 2007 and 2014, using two waves of Indonesian Family Life Survey data. The aspirations gap is measured by the difference between one’s future reference point and his or her current life evaluation reported by each household head and spouse. The results show that boys whose fathers report a moderate level of the aspirations gap achieve substantially longer schooling years than the mean level of their same age cohort. Furthermore, the relationship is found to be inversely U-shaped, implying that an excessive aspirations gap discourages investment in children’s human capital. An increasing aspirations gap of parents is also found to impede the educational attainment of children in poor families, which are more vulnerable to shocks that are found to increase the gap. Overall, the results of this paper shed light on the role of parental aspirations gap in the link between socioeconomic status of family and educational outcomes of children in Indonesia, where the gap of the poor is found to increase faster than the rich.
Comparison of Fuels and Effluents Originating from Washing and Hydrothermal Carbonisation of Residual Biomass
Authors: Hansen Lynn J. , Fendt Sebastian , Spliethoff Hartmut
Published: November 2021

A series of four different biomass feedstock was washed and hydrothermally carbonized at temperatures of 50 °C and 150–270 °C for four hours, respectively. For the first time both the resulting solid and liquid products were characterised and evaluated in a comprehensive study. Concerning fuel properties, HTC had a higher impact on the fuel quality than washing. HTC yielded hydrochar with higher carbon content than the starting material leading to a significant increase in heating value, while washing only had a minor effect on elemental composition and heating value. Treatment temperature was found to have the highest impact on LHV and elemental composition. Both washing and HTC proved effective in reducing potassium and chlorine content, while earth alkaline, phosphorous and silicon removal was limited. Process water characterisation revealed that filtrates from washing and HTC are acidic, with acidity being increased by HTC. Electrical conductivity of the effluent was found to correlate with the amount of electrolytes Na, K, Mg and Ca in the feedstock, thereby being feedstock dependent. COD, BOD5 and TOC values determined revealed that effluent from both washing and HTC is strongly contaminated by organic matter. The organic load was significantly higher in HTC effluents. Feedstock type was found to be the main influencing factor on effluent characteristics rather than HTC temperature. Nutrients were found in low concentrations.

Graphic Abstract
Three-Probe Error Separation with Chromatic Confocal Sensors for Roundness Measurement
Authors: Bai Jiao , Wang Yingzuo , Wang Xiaohao , Zhou Qian , Ni Kai , Li Xinghui
Published: November 2021

In this study, three-probe error separation was developed with three chromatic confocal displacement sensors for roundness measurement. Here, the harmonic suppression is discussed first to set suitable orientation angles among three sensors. Monte Carlo simulation is utilized to test the error separation and optimize the orientation angles and off-axial distance. The experimental setup is established using chromatic confocal sensors with a precise rotary platform. The experimental results show that the measured roundness with an orientation-angle combination of (0°, 90.1°, and 178.6°) is much better than that of another nonoptimal selection (0°, 90.4°, and 177.4°). The roundness error is only 0.7% between the proposed measurement system and an expensive ultraprecision roundness meter. Furthermore, it is proven that the eccentricity distance should be decreased as small as possible to improve the measurement accuracy. In sum, this paper proposes a feasible method for roundness measurement with reliable simulations, easily integrated sensors, and an ordinary precision rotary platform.
SENSE AND REFERENCE FROM A CONSTRUCTIVIST STANDPOINT
Authors: DUMMETT MICHAEL
Published: November 2021

Editorial Note

This paper was read by Michael Dummett at Leiden University on September 26, 1992 at the invitation by Göran Sundholm to address the topic mentioned in the title. Dummett’s lecture was part of a workshop, Meaning Theory and Intuitionism, with 12 invited speakers over three days. After the workshop, Dummett gave a copy of the manuscript to Sundholm together with permission to publish it. At the time, nothing came of the publication plans, nor did Dummett publish it in any other form. The text has remained virtually unknown, and apart from a lecture of Per Martin-Löf, also at Leiden, on the same topic (published in this journal), it has received no scholarly attention. We are indebted to Dummett’s literary executor, Professor Ian Rumfitt, of All Souls College, Oxford, who after nearly three decades confirmed the earlier permission to publish.

Göran Sundholm

Ansten Klev
El Complejo Minero prehispánico San José del Abra: Arqueobotánica y redes de abastecimiento de una mina incaica en el Collasuyu
Authors: García B. Magdalena , Belmonte Schwarzbaum Eliana , Salazar S. Diego , Vidal Elgueta Ale , Corrales E. Paulina
Published: November 2021

En este artículo se dan a conocer los resultados de la investigación arqueobotánica realizada en el distrito minero San José del Abra, en el norte de Chile. Esta mina, tras ser explotada inicialmente durante el período Intermedio tardío, fue incorporada posteriormente al Tawantinsuyu, produciéndose una reorganización e intensificación de la producción minera. Las excavaciones realizadas en el campamento Inkawasi-Abra permitieron recuperar una amplia diversidad de restos vegetales provenientes de distintos ecosistemas y pisos ecológicos de la región, los cuales cumplieron roles primordiales al interior del espacio habitacional. Por una parte, sustentaron la subsistencia de losmitayosatacameños, incluyendo alimentación, combustible y materias primas, y por otra, formaron parte de contextos ceremoniales y de preparación de alimentos de carácter comunal relacionados al comensalismo político, las relaciones de reciprocidad y la ritualidad minera. Gran parte de las plantas analizadas provienen de las quebradas y oasis atacameños, incluyendo productos agrícolas, chañar (Geoffroea decorticans) y algarrobo (Prosopissp.), sumado a otras plantas silvestres y domesticadas provenientes de ambientes puneños, valles bajos y la costa pacífica. Lo anterior permite dibujar el mapa de relaciones y redes de abastecimiento de la mina durante el período incaico, así como aportar al conocimiento de los mineros que sustentaron la producción en San José del Abra.