bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low genome‐wide divergence between two lizard populations with high adaptive phenotypic differentiation
Authors: Llanos‐Garrido Alejandro , Pérez‐Tris Javier , Díaz José A.
Published: December 2021

Usually, adaptive phenotypic differentiation is paralleled by genetic divergence between locally adapted populations. However, adaptation can also happen in a scenario of nonsignificant genetic divergence due to intense gene flow and/or recent differentiation. While this phenomenon is rarely published, findings on incipient ecologically driven divergence or isolation by adaptation are relatively common, which could confound our understanding about the frequency at which they actually occur in nature. Here, we explore genome‐wide traces of divergence between two populations of the lacertid lizard Psammodromus algirus separated by a 600 m elevational gradient. These populations seem to be differentially adapted to their environments despite showing low levels of genetic differentiation (according to previously studies of mtDNA and microsatellite data). We performed a search for outliers (i.e., loci subject to selection) trying to identify specific loci with FST statistics significantly higher than those expected on the basis of overall, genome‐wide estimates of genetic divergence. We find that local phenotypic adaptation (in terms of a wide diversity of characters) was not accompanied by genome‐wide differentiation, even when we maximized the chances of unveiling such differentiation at particular loci with FST‐based outlier detection tests. Instead, our analyses confirmed the lack of genome‐wide differentiation on the basis of more than 70,000 SNPs, which is concordant with a scenario of local adaptation without isolation by environment. Our results add evidence to previous studies in which local adaptation does not lead to any kind of isolation (or early stages of ecological speciation), but maintains phenotypic divergence despite the lack of a differentiated genomic background.
A Highly Efficient Multifunctional Wind Barrier Based on PVDF for Power Generation in the Qinghai–Tibet Railway
Authors: Wu Hao , Cao Hao , Jia Changyuan , Azam Ali , Luo Dabing , Pan Yajia , Zhang Zutao
Published: December 2021

The Qinghai–Tibet railway is the highest altitude railway globally, and monitoring and maintenance are essential parameters to obtain dynamic structural and environmental information in dangerous areas. Wind barriers are usually used to protect the safe operation of trains at high wind speeds. The power supply for monitoring gadgets is an urgent problem for high hill areas. This article presents a novel and renewable wind barrier for harvesting wind energy. The system architecture includes four main components: 1) the crosswind input module, 2) the vortex shedding occurrence module, 3) the power generation module, and 4) the energy storage and wind load reduction module. Based on the experiments, under the maximum critical wind speed (17 m s−1), the 13.607 V open‐circuit voltage is recorded in a single wind barrier unit with a maximum power of 31.47 μW. The output power is sufficient for charging a 47 μF capacitor to 2.21 V within 50 s. The practicability of the proposed wind barrier for harvesting wind energy is proposed for renewable energy in the Qinghai–Tibet railway.
Transposable Element Populations Shed Light on the Evolutionary History of Wheat and the Complex Co‐Evolution of Autonomous and Non‐Autonomous Retrotransposons
Authors: Wicker Thomas , Stritt Christoph , Sotiropoulos Alexandros G. , Poretti Manuel , Pozniak Curtis , Walkowiak Sean , Gundlach Heidrun , Stein Nils
Published: December 2021

Wheat has one of the largest and most repetitive genomes among major crop plants, containing over 85% transposable elements (TEs). TEs populate genomes much in the way that individuals populate ecosystems, diversifying into different lineages, sub‐families and sub‐populations. The recent availability of high‐quality, chromosome‐scale genome sequences from ten wheat lines enables a detailed analysis how TEs evolved in allohexaploid wheat, its diploids progenitors, and in various chromosomal haplotype segments. LTR retrotransposon families evolved into distinct sub‐populations and sub‐families that were active in waves lasting several hundred thousand years. Furthermore, It is shown that different retrotransposon sub‐families were active in the three wheat sub‐genomes, making them useful markers to study and date polyploidization events and chromosomal rearrangements. Additionally, haplotype‐specific TE sub‐families are used to characterize chromosomal introgressions in different wheat lines. Additionally, populations of non‐autonomous TEs co‐evolved over millions of years with their autonomous partners, leading to complex systems with multiple types of autonomous, semi‐autonomous and non‐autonomous elements. Phylogenetic and TE population analyses revealed the relationships between non‐autonomous elements and their mobilizing autonomous partners. TE population analysis provided insights into genome evolution of allohexaploid wheat and genetic diversity of species, and may have implication for future crop breeding.
Breakthroughs on the clinical management of headache and questions that need to be solved
Authors: Liu Yu‐Cong , Yang Ting‐Ting , Li Jing , Xu Hui‐Chan , Li Shun‐Lian , Xiong Liu‐Lin
Published: December 2021

Headache is a common refractory disorder among adults, especially in females, which can lower the quality of life in patients and increase medical costs. Nearly 90% of people have been affected by headache disorders during their lifetime. The severe situation of headaches has drawn the attention of researchers in recent years. Although the mechanism of headache has not been fully understood by us, there are many effective preventive drugs and treatments available. This review is aimed to sum up the progress in clinical trials of headaches in the past 5 years.
The efficiency of low‐dose letrozole plus clomiphene citrate for ovulation induction in intrauterine insemination cycles: A randomized clinical trial
Authors: Asgharnia Maryam , Mehrafza Marzieh , Raoufi Azadeh , Zare Yousefi Tahereh , Hosseinzadeh Elmira , Samadnia Sajedeh , Zahiri Ziba , Tamimi Amirhossein , Hosseini Ahmad
Published: December 2021

Objective

To investigate if combination therapy with clomiphene citrate (CC) plus letrozole (L) was associated with a higher efficacy than L and CC alone in patients undergoing ovarian induction plus intrauterine insemination.

Methods

The present multicenter randomized controlled clinical trial was performed between 2018 and 2020. Participants were randomized into three groups: L (n = 167; 5 mg/day), CC (n = 167; 100 mg/day), and L + CC (n = 167) (2.5 mg/day + 50 mg/day) from day 3. Ovarian stimulation was continued with the appropriate dose of gonadotropins daily starting from day 8 and continued until follicular size was 20 mm or more followed by administration of human chorionic gonadotropin (10 000 IU). Semen samples were prepared by direct swim‐up technique.

Results

In the CC group, gonadotropin dose was significantly higher but endometrial thickness was significantly lower compared with other groups. Number of follicles of 18 mm or more was significantly lower in the L group compared with the other two groups. Number of follicles less than 15 mm was meaningfully higher in the CC group compared with the other groups. In the L + CC group, total and largest follicular size, and the rates of chemical, clinical, and ongoing pregnancy, and live birth were significantly higher compared with other groups.

Conclusion

Combination therapy with L + CC was superior to either L or CC for achieving pregnancy in women undergoing ovarian induction plus intrauterine insemination.
Mitophagy in aging and longevity
Authors: Guo Jing , Chiang Wei‐Chung
Published: December 2021

The clearance of damaged or unwanted mitochondria by autophagy (also known as mitophagy) is a mitochondrial quality control mechanism postulated to play an essential role in cellular homeostasis, metabolism, and development and confers protection against a wide range of diseases. Proper removal of damaged or unwanted mitochondria is essential for organismal health. Defects in mitophagy are associated with Parkinson's, Alzheimer's disease, cancer, and other degenerative disorders. Mitochondria regulate organismal fitness and longevity via multiple pathways, including cellular senescence, stem cell function, inflammation, mitochondrial unfolded protein response (mtUPR), and bioenergetics. Thus, mitophagy is postulated to be pivotal for maintaining organismal healthspan and lifespan and the protection against aged‐related degeneration. In this review, we will summarize recent understanding of the mechanism of mitophagy and aspects of mitochondrial functions. We will focus on mitochondria‐related cellular processes that are linked to aging and examine current genetic evidence that supports the hypothesis that mitophagy is a pro‐longevity mechanism.
Model assessments and future projections of spring climate extremes in China based on CMIP6 models
Authors: Ai Yawen , Chen Huopo , Sun Jianqi
Published: December 2021

This study reports model assessments and future projections of the Coupled Model Intercomparison Project Phase 6 (CMIP6) models in simulating spring climate extremes over China and its eight subregions. The CMIP6 models are generally able to capture mean climate extremes and trends but have common deficiencies such as topography‐related cold‐temperature biases and precipitation overestimations. The CMIP6 multimodel median ensemble (MME) typically outperforms the individual models in simulating spring climate extremes. However, in terms of the model performance metrics, almost no models show better performance in reference to all indices compared to the observations. Furthermore, we investigate the future changes in these indices on national and regional scales over the near‐term (2021–2040), mid‐term (2041–2060), and long‐term (2081–2100) future periods relative to the 1995–2014 reference period under four Shared Socioeconomic Pathway (SSP) scenarios: SSP1‐2.6, SSP2‐4.5, SSP3‐7.0, and SSP5‐8.5. By the end of the 21st century, wet and warm extreme climate events are projected to increase, particularly in northern and western China. While dry and cold extreme climate events are projected to decrease, particularly in southern China. Additionally, the future projections of both temperature and precipitation extreme indices are remarkable under the high‐greenhouse‐gas (GHG)‐emission scenarios, with the projected changes exceeding those expected under the low‐GHG scenarios.
Consumer Perception of Tilapia in China and Related Factors
Authors: Dai Yun-Yun , Zhou Zhen , Yuan Yuan , He Yan-Hui , Duan Xue-Jun
Published: December 2021

China has become the world’s largest producer, exporter, and consumer of tilapia (Oreochromis spp.), but the per capital consumption in China is low. Thus, we conducted an empirical study of 1,821 consumers of tilapia in China. We aimed to identify the perception of tilapia among Chinese consumers and to investigate the factors that might influence their perceptions by using a logit model. The majority of the respondents liked tilapia and were willing to buy it. Significant factors that affected the preference of consumers for tilapia included their perception of the importance of the nutritional value, freshness, and safety of the fish as well as convenience to buy, family incomes, and regional variables. Effective ways to enhance consumer perceptions of tilapia include increasing its nutritional value and safety, improving marketing strategies, and ensuring its availability to local consumers.
On‐table urodynamic with ureteric occlusion: A resource for measuring bladder capacity and compliance in the management of patients with gross vesico‐ureteric reflux
Authors: Garriboli Massimo , Solomon Eskinder
Published: December 2021

Aim

To describe a technique for on‐table urodynamic with ureteric occlusion (OUUO) and present a case series comparing bladder capacity and pressure measurements performed with and without ureteric occlusion in patients with gross vesico‐ureteric reflux (grade ≥ IV VUR) to highlight the clinical utility.

Methods

We performed OUUO in seven patients who were being considered for surgical management of VUR and/or nephro‐ureterectomy. We occluded the refluxing ureters using hysterosalpingogram catheters (HSG, single lumen 5.5 Fr catheter with 1.5 ml balloon), guidewires, and rigid cystoscope. A 6 Fr dual‐lumen urodynamic (UD) catheter is then inserted into the bladder to perform OUUO. Bladder capacity and Compliance (C = ∆bladder volume/∆detrusor pressure) are recorded and compared with values obtained at standard UD (without ureteric occlusion).

Results

The age range of the seven patients was 2.0–15.5 years. The etiology for the gross VUR were posterior urethral valve (PUV) and neuropathic. The bladder capacity and compliance finding between UD and OUUO findings were comparable in five patients. However, there was a clinically significant difference in bladder capacity (20%–50% decrease) and compliance (50%–90%) between UD and OUUO findings in two out of seven patients.

Conclusion

In the presence of gross VUR, OUUO allows for a potentially more accurate assessment of bladder capacity and compliance. OUUO should be considered when planning ureteric opening bulking/reimplantation and nephro‐ureterectomy.
Accurate and efficient computations with Wronskian matrices of Bernstein and related bases
Authors: Mainar Esmeralda , Peña Juan M. , Rubio Beatriz
Published: December 2021

In this article, we provide a bidiagonal decomposition of the Wronskian matrices of Bernstein bases of polynomials and other related bases such as the Bernstein basis of negative degree or the negative binomial basis. The mentioned bidiagonal decompositions are used to achieve algebraic computations with high relative accuracy for these Wronskian matrices. The numerical experiments illustrate the accuracy obtained using the proposed decomposition when computing inverse matrices, eigenvalues or singular values, and the solution of some related linear systems.
Detection of Ramularia collo‐cygni from barley in Australia using triplex quantitative and droplet digital PCR
Authors: Knight Noel L , Moslemi Azin , Begum Farhana , Dodhia Kejal N , Covarelli Lorenzo , Hills Andrea L , Lopez‐Ruiz Francisco J
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND

Ramularia leaf spot (RLS), caused by Ramularia collo‐cygni, is an emerging threat to barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) production. RLS has been reported in Australia, however only minimal information is available regarding its detection and distribution. Due to initial asymptomatic growth in planta, slow growth in vitro and symptomatic similarities to net blotch and physiological leaf spots, detection of this pathogen can be challenging. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR)‐based methods for R. collo‐cygni‐specific identification and detection have been described, however these assays have been demonstrated to lack specificity. False‐positive detections may have serious implications, thus we aimed to design a robust R. collo‐cygni‐specific PCR method.

RESULTS

Using the phylogenetically informative RNA polymerase II second largest subunit (rpb2) and translation elongation factor 1‐alpha (tef1‐α) genes, along with the tef1‐α gene of H. vulgare, a triplex assay was developed for both quantitative and droplet digital PCR. The triplex assay detected R. collo‐cygni DNA in barley leaves from New South Wales, South Australia, Tasmania, Victoria and Western Australia. No R. collo‐cygni DNA was detected in barley seed grown in Western Australia.

CONCLUSION

The presence of R. collo‐cygni DNA has been confirmed in Australian barley crops, suggesting a distribution ranging across the southern barley growing regions of Australia. The R. collo‐cygni‐specific assay will be a valuable tool to assist with monitoring the distribution and impact of R. collo‐cygni in Australia and other regions. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Robust neural network‐based backstepping landing control of quadrotor on moving platform with stochastic noise
Authors: Vafamand Navid , Arefi Mohammad Mehdi
Published: December 2021

This article introduces a novel nonlinear control approach for quadrotor landing on a moving ship. The dynamics of the relative position and attitude dynamics with uncertainties, unmodeled dynamics, external disturbances, and control input saturation is derived. Then, a novel robust adaptive constrained backstepping control law for the propeller and torques of the quadrotor is designed. To deal with uncertainties and un‐modeled dynamics, radial basis function is employed. The bounded‐in‐probability stability is used to alleviate the destructive influence of the stochastic Wiener process on the system positions and attitudes. Whereas the quadrotor is under‐actuated, a redundant control input technique, which affects the attitude commands, is presented. The actual control input saturation limits are turned into unknown saturation limits of the redundant control inputs. Also, since two phases for the landing problem are considered, a smooth switching mechanism between the control inputs is developed. Simulation results show the merits and applicability of the developed robust adaptive nonlinear controller.
Ultrasonic Interfacial Engineering of MoS2‐Modified Zn Single‐Atom Catalysts for Efficient Osteomyelitis Sonodynamic Ion Therapy
Authors: Feng Xiaobo , Lei Jie , Ma Liang , Ouyang Qunle , Zeng Yuxuan , Liang Hang , Lei Chunchi , Li Gaocai , Tan Lei , Liu Xiangmei , Yang Cao
Published: December 2021

Osteomyelitis is considered as the most serious bone infection, which can lead to the bone destruction or fatal sepsis. Clinical treatments through frequent antibiotics administration and surgical debridement bring inevitable side effects including drug‐resistance and disfigurements. It is urgent to develop an antibiotics‐free and rapid strategy to treat osteomyelitis. Herein, a bifunctional sonosensitizer that consists of porphyrin‐like Zn single‐atom catalysts (g‐ZnN4) and MoS2 quantum dots is developed, which exhibits excellent sonodynamic antibacterial efficiency and osteogenic ability. It is found that the construction of heterogeneous interfaces of g‐ZnN4‐MoS2 fully activates the adsorbed O2 due to the increased interface charge transfer, enhanced spin−flip, and reduced activation energy of O2. The generated 1O2 can kill methicillin‐resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) with an antibacterial efficiency of 99.58% under 20 min of ultrasound (US) irradiation. The Zn single atoms immobilized in g‐ZnN4 can be released steadily in the form of Zn2+ for 28 days within safe concentration, realizing the great osteoinductive ability of such a sonosensitizer. For the treatment of MRSA‐infected osteomyelitis, the inflammation and bone loss can be significantly suppressed through sonodynamic ion therapy. This work provides another strategy for developing high efficiency sonosensitizer through ultrasound interfacial engineering.
Nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete columns: Evaluation of different modeling approaches for considering stirrup confinement effects
Authors: Amirkhani Saeed , Lezgy‐Nazargah Mojtaba
Published: December 2021

The present study aimed to introduce an accurate modeling strategy for the three‐dimensional (3D) nonlinear finite element analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) columns considering the effects of the stirrup confinement. For this purpose, concrete columns with different geometric characteristics and various reinforcement details whose experimental test data are available, were analyzed using the finite element method. The concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) was used to model the nonlinear behavior of the concrete material in the compression and the tension. The ideal elastic–plastic constitutive law was utilized for modeling the behavior of longitudinal and transverse rebars. Through comparing the experimental data and numerical results, the effect of various parameters, such as the type of stress–strain relationships used for modeling the behavior of confined concrete and the type of element used to model the stirrups, were evaluated. Additionally, the sensitivity of numerical results against the CDP model parameters (i.e., the viscosity parameter, the flow potential eccentricity, the dilation angle, the ratio of biaxial compressive strength to its uniaxial compressive strength, and the ratio of the second stress invariant on the tensile meridian) were investigated. The results show that the presence and modeling of stirrups in the RC columns alone are not enough for capturing the effects of concrete confinement. The use of beam elements instead of truss elements for modeling the stirrups as well as the use of Vallenas stress–strain relations for modeling the uniaxial behavior confined concrete, leads to numerical results that are more close to the experimental data.
A survey on federated learning in data mining
Authors: Yu Bin , Mao Wenjie , Lv Yihan , Zhang Chen , Xie Yu
Published: December 2021

Data mining is a process to extract unknown, hidden, and potentially useful information from data. But the problem of data island makes it arduous for people to collect and analyze scattered data, and there is also a privacy security issue when mining data. A collaboratively decentralized approach called federated learning unites multiple participants to generate a shareable global optimal model and keeps privacy‐sensitive data on local devices, which may bring great hope to us for solving the problems of decentralized data and privacy protection. Though federated learning has been widely used, few systematic studies have been conducted on the subject of federated learning in data mining. Hence, different from prior reviews in this field, we make a comprehensive summary and provide a novel taxonomy of the application of federated learning in data mining. This article starts by providing a thorough description of the relevant definitions and concepts, followed by an in‐depth investigation on the challenges faced by federated learning. In this context, we elaborate four taxonomies of major applications of federated learning in data mining, including education, healthcare, IoT, and intelligent transportation, and discuss them comprehensively. Finally, we discuss four promising research directions for further research, that is, privacy enhancement, improvement of communication efficiency, heterogeneous system processing, and reducing economic costs.

This article is categorized under:

Technologies > Machine Learning

Fundamental Concepts of Data and Knowledge > Big Data Mining

Technologies > Artificial Intelligence
The Game of Thinking. Interactions Between Children and Robots in Educational Environments
Authors: Zecca Luisa
Published: December 2021

Educational robotics (ER) fits into a constructivist perspective that aims to overcome the dichotomy between researchers and practitioners through collaborative research. This sparks reflection on how to develop professional training for teachers. The laboratory is the privileged setting of ER activities. It is an educational space for training and research alike, and is suitable for learning to do, whereby children can handle robots and develop scientific skills. The Laboratory of Robotics for the Cognitive and Social Sciences of the University of Milano-Bicocca, directed by Professor Edoardo Datteri, conducted a series of activities within this framework. Using an ethnographic approach informed by grounded theory, where the teacher acts as a mediator rather than an instructor, the project included: labs in primary schools involving a Lego Mindstorms robot assembled as a small vehicle; labs in lower secondary schools to study the different approaches of teachers; a robot programming activity with preschool children at “Bambini Bicocca.” These research activities give children the opportunity to develop scientific and thinking skills, and show that ER can engage students in metacognitive reflection. Moreover, thanks to a well thought-out laboratory approach, robotics can cut across several educational skills, such as learning to learn, acting autonomously, solving problems. An in-depth study of the interactions between adults, children and robots also plays an important role in advancing the research with new knowledge for action: it sheds light on the problem-solving strategies of students and the behaviors of children and teachers.
Makerspaces for Innovation in Teaching Practices
Authors: Alberghina Giuseppe
Published: December 2021

“MakIN Teach—MAKerspaces for INnovation in TEACHing practices” is a two-year project recently funded by the Erasmus + program. It aims to promote the exchange of good practices in the use of rapid prototyping techniques, tools and spaces in the fields of education and training. The project supports teachers/educators working with students/learners showing poor educational results in theoretical subjects (e.g., mathematics, biology, geography, history, language, communication etc.). The project will conduct three short-term joint staff training activities and one student learning event, which will provide teachers/educators and students/learners with practical experience in makerspaces/fab labs. The materials and ideas developed during these transnational activities will be collected into an interactive e-book containing information about rapid prototyping technology, as well as tools for innovating the educational system and integrating fab labs and makerspaces into traditional teaching practices. All the partners involved in this project will have the opportunity to be part of a fruitful and durable network of educational institutions and makerspaces/fab labs at local and European level.
The Maker Movement: From the Development of a Theoretical Reference Framework to the Experience of DENSA Coop. Soc
Authors: Costa Valentina
Published: December 2021

The Maker Movement, which has for years received much attention, still presents many economic, social and educational implications that are ripe for investigation. The movement’s community of practice can be defined as “a knowledge-building community” (Scardamalia and Bereiter, The Cambridge handbook of the learning sciences, pp 97–115, 2006) as cited in Martin (Martin, J Pre-Coll Eng Educ Res (J-PEER) 5(1):4, 36 2015). This apt definition, which refers to the hyper complex, connected society that engendered it, opens up new possibilities in the field of education. The main goal of this reflective paper is linked to the creation of a theoretical framework that could explain and support the movement’s background. This will lead to an analysis of three different pedagogical models (Célestin Freinet, Loris Malaguzzi, Bruno Munari) that have much in common with the Maker Movement. We focused our study on the most positive traits of makers: social inclusion, democracy and the failure-positive/collaborative approach. Considering the importance of the European Union’s Key Competences, our aim was to create a bridge between the “maker mindset” (Dougherty, Design, make, play, pp 9, 25–29, 2013) and these competences, in order to consider the possibility of introducing the movement into the national curriculum. The point of contact between the two can be the basis for promoting active citizenship, grounded, naturally, in the Key Competences. Subsequently, to test our analysis in the first part of our reflection, we look at the experience of DENSA (Developing Edutainment for New Skills and Attitudes) Coop. Soc.
Officina Degli Errori: An Extended Experiment to Bring Constructionist Approaches to Public Schools in Bologna
Authors: Ricciardi Sara , Rini Stefano , Villa Fabrizio
Published: December 2021

In this contribution we describe an extended experiment to bring constructionist approaches to public schools in Bologna. Specifically, we focus on our latest project called Officina degli Errori, which is an extended teacher training program for primary school teachers based on tinkering. We highlight our motivation, the structure of Officina degli Errori and the lessons learned co-designing the activities and implementing them in the reality of public schools in Bologna. We also interviewed teachers to understand the critical issues affecting implementation of constructionist approaches in public primary schools.
Learning by Making. 3D Printing Guidelines for Teachers
Authors: Di Tore Stefano , De Simone Giuseppe , Todino Michele Domenico
Published: December 2021

For many years now, and particularly since the 1930s, educational research has focused on the idea that all authentic education comes from experience. Nowadays, activism has found a natural affinity with the maker movement. Fab labs and creative ateliers have become more popular, especially for educational purposes, suggesting the coming of new types of “learning by doing.” However, these new forms of “learning by doing” must take account of the technologies already present in a particular creative space used by makers. These technologies are mainly: 3D printers, CNC milling machines, 3D scanners, laser cutters, etc. This short paper begins with a premise of educational ergonomics, to introduce teachers, media educators and animatori digitali (digital coordinators) to the didactic implications of introducing different human–machine interfaces (HMI) into their practices. In particular we describe the main features of SLA and SLS 3D printing. The impacts we discuss of 3D printing are resolution, types of printing materials, average printing times, post-processing, and cost. We have selected these criteria because it has been documented that their impact is very heavy in certain school subjects. For example, an FDM 3D printer can be useful in terms of the ease of printing an object, but it may not reach the necessary level of detail for a meticulous reproduction of art objects or precision mechanisms that an SLA 3D printer can achieve.
Learning Platforms in the Context of the Digitization of Education: A Strong Methodological Innovation. The Experience of Latvia
Authors: Rūdolfa Arta , Daniela Linda
Published: December 2021

The modernization of the education system, the digitalization of the educational environment and learning management systems (LMS), where one of the solutions is learning platforms, are the most urgent directions today’s pedagogical work is taking to reap the benefits of the digital environment. Education quality can be improved in different ways: by changing the content of learning, forms of learning, learning methods and teaching aids; promoting the use of learning platforms in schools; introducing programming and robotics; using learning management systems and other systems. Technologies and digital solutions are transforming the educational landscape in technology-enhanced learning environments. On one hand, there are many possible solutions that provide technology-enhanced learning; while on the other, there is a need to transform educational processes, to transform competence in teaching, to analyze learning outcomes so that technology-enhanced environments can support knowledge construction. The authors of this paper analyze the results of research on learning platforms, in which several research methods were used: systematic literature analyses; development of learning platform evaluation tools; analyses of learning platforms; and surveys on teachers’ attitudes to learning platforms. Altogether 705 teachers expressed their opinion on using learning platforms as a tool for enhancing knowledge construction, providing feedback and analyzing students’ learning results. In this paper, the authors will discuss the results of analyses on nine learning platforms developed in Latvia, conducted using an evaluation tool with 22 criteria and 43 sub-criteria.
Educational Robotics: From Structured Game to Curricular Activity in Lower Secondary Schools
Authors: Parola Alberto , Vitti Elena Liliana , Sacco Margherita Maria , Trafeli Ilio
Published: December 2021

Many attempts have been made to introduce robotics into curricular activities, although these have largely been occasional and discontinuous experiences. These experiments are often organized to teach specific know-how, enormously devaluating the technology’s potential. Furthermore, they might be placed in the hands of experts who are not on the school’s staff, and who conduct the entire project mostly without the involvement of teachers. Our research project is directed at lower secondary schools. Our aim is to try to move past the dictates of “teaching robotics” towards the less controversial vision of “teaching with robotics”. Following the lead of Datteri and Zecca (Metodi e tecnologie per l’uso educativo e didattico dei robot. Mondo digitale 75, editorial (2018)) we propose robots as a mediation instrument for normal learning and for transversal competencies in the school setting. The proposed research is a three-year program within the host school’s normal curricular subjects and timetable, in which our approach facilitates the learning process. The topics extend beyond coding, robotics, and STEAM in general, and aim to improve experiences in liberal arts subjects such as language, literature, and geohistory.
Buzzati Robots
Authors: Torre Matteo
Published: December 2021

This paper describes didactic and methodological choices on a course inspired by the story “The Seven Messengers” by Dino Buzzati. The aim is to investigate and introduce basic mathematics and physics skills. The project involves 35 students in the first year of the experimental “Liceo Matematico” school, promoted by the “G. Peano” Department of Mathematics of the University of Turin.
Educational Robotics at Primary School with Nintendo Labo
Authors: Gagliardi Mauro , Bartolucci Veronica , Scaradozzi David
Published: December 2021

In the last five years, the Italian Ministry of Education has focused on digital skills, recognizing them as fundamental and indispensable for the growth of the future citizens of the information age. Numerous requests have come from the European Commission, the Italian Ministry of Education and the employment world regarding the introduction of new technologies in schools, whether or not this is part of curricular activities. National guidelines for kindergarten and primary school curricula promote the introduction of new tools and new multimedia languages as fundamental for all disciplines. The idea of the National Operational Programme (PON) and the National Plan for Digital Education (PNSD) is to boost digital knowledge and participation in STEM subjects. The project presented in this article was launched in this context and was a collaboration with the Nintendo company to evaluate the “Nintendo Labo” product at educational level. This trial was conducted in a third-grade class at the “Allegretto di Nuzio” primary school in Fabriano (AN). The kit, an evolution of the Nintendo Switch console, was initially created for recreational purposes. The advantages and limitations of the product came to light during the few months of the experiment. The “Nintendo Labo: assembly—play—discover” educational project allowed students to merge theoretical and practical aspects of their knowledge, and understand complex systems through design and simulation.
Weturtle.Org: A Web Community for Teacher Training and Sharing Resources in Educational Technologies
Authors: Storti Michele , Mazzieri Elisa , Cesaretti Lorenzo
Published: December 2021

In recent years, there has been a stronger than ever need in Italy for teacher training in digital skills and pedagogical and teaching innovations. This is also due to an increase in national funds and European resources available for innovation in the field of education. This paper first describes the main innovations in learning that are made possible by web-based and other technologies, and how they currently meet teacher training needs. Next, the authors present Weturtle.org, a practical example of a “Community of Practice” and the TPCK model, which enables an integrative view at the subject, pedagogical and technological levels, to face the challenge of learning innovation. In the middle section, Weturtle.org is described with a focus on the opportunities for teacher training and validation, not only as an active user of the community, but also as a trainer him or herself. Finally, the authors present browsing data from October 2018 to September 2019, final considerations and future developments for the platform.
UP School: Motion, Perception, Learning
Authors: Cabras Lino , Pusceddu Fabrizio
Published: December 2021

The design strategy common to the educational spaces for the “Up School” based in the metropolitan area of Cagliari aims to frame a flexible learning space open to experimentation and the active exploration of places. Indeed, learning does not merely mean collecting and memorizing information; it also requires the ability to select, connect, understand and integrate, first by acquiring self-awareness and by developing perceptual abilities. Space—as experienced in its dynamic dimension—plays a crucial role in this process. The principles of the dynamic perception of space established by the most important investigations in neuroscience of recent years, were declared by the experimentations of the Bauhaus workshops, ahead of their time, as being strongly related to space, body and mind. Beginning with this premise, the “Up School” project—nursery, preschool and primary school—integrates an innovative educational program with the spatial layout of its environments. These spaces are conceived as a fluid sequence of “affordances” where, from an early age, children can shape their world within a perspective guided by good sustainability practices, enabling technologies and psychomotor equilibrium. Thus, the school system changes by being more conscious of its fulcrum: namely, the psychosomatic dimension of the individual.
Models of Capitalism, Institutions and Corporate Social Responsibility
Authors: Kudłak Robert
Published: December 2021

The purpose of the paper is to show that the differences in the level of CSR involvement between countries result from the distinct institutional environments characteristic for the different models of welfare capitalism. These models vary in terms of how the institutional arrangements determine the form and level of public provision of social services such as health care, pensions, education and social assistance. It is argued that companies operating under stronger institutional pressure occurring in countries with an extensive welfare state model are less likely to engage in voluntary provision of social services. In contrast, when companies operate in countries with a relatively minor role of the state in creating and redistributing well-being and a relatively low institutional pressure in this regard, their chances of involvement in socially responsible activities are greater.
The Rise of Biometric Identification: Fingerprints and Applied Ethics
Authors: Smith Marcus , Miller Seumas
Published: December 2021

In the late nineteenth century, it became understood that the patterns on the skin of the fingers were unique and could be used for identification purposes, leading to the development of biometric identification (Smith M, Mann M, Urbas G. Biometrics, crime and security. Routledge, 2018). The ease with which fingerprints can be accessed and recorded, and the ease with which they transfer to surfaces and objects, made them ideal for law enforcement purposes. Today, in digital form, fingerprints and other biometric identification techniques, notably DNA profiles and facial recognition technology, are a widely used means of identification across a range of applications, from accessing personal devices, to banking, border security and law enforcement. However, these uses have raised a raft of ethical or moral (we use these terms interchangeably) concerns, some of the more important of which we discuss in this work.

In the first chapter, we discuss general aspects of biometric identification, before focusing on fingerprint identification, including its reliability as form of evidence. Secondly, we provide an overview of applied ethics; and outline a key theoretical notion, relevant to many of the issues discussed throughout the later chapters: collective responsibility. Finally, we analyse the ethical risks and benefits associated with the technique of fingerprint identification.
DNA Identification, Joint Rights and Collective Responsibility
Authors: Smith Marcus , Miller Seumas
Published: December 2021

DNA identification developed late in the twentieth century and has surpassed fingerprinting as the leading technique for forensic human identification. It differs from the other biometrics discussed in that it is based on principles of biological, rather than physical sciences. Another difference is the time taken to convert a biological sample into a DNA profile; however, this is becoming less significant as technology progresses. DNA is also more accurate and revealing in comparison with other biometrics because it can provide information about a person’s physical appearance and health status, as well as link an individual to, and in association with further investigations, identify, their biological relatives. This chapter examines DNA identification in law enforcement, related developments associated with commercial genomic health and ancestry databases, and the potential impact of population wide DNA collection. The ethical analysis considers privacy and autonomy, self-incrimination, joint rights and collective responsibility.
Charged and neutral $$ {\overline{B}}_{u,d,s} $$ → γ form factors from light cone sum rules at NLO
Authors: Janowski Tadeusz , Pullin Ben , Zwicky Roman
Published: December 2021

Abstract

We present the first analytic $$ \mathcal{O}\left({\alpha}_s\right) $$
O

α
s

-computation at twist-1,2 of the $$ {\overline{B}}_{u,d,s} $$

B
¯

u
,
d
,
s

→ γ form factors within the framework of sum rules on the light-cone. These form factors describe the charged decay $$ {\overline{B}}_u\to \gamma {\mathrm{\ell}}^{-}\overline{v} $$

B
¯

u

→
γ

ℓ
−

v
¯

, contribute to the flavour changing neutral currents $$ {\overline{B}}_{d,s}\to \gamma {\mathrm{\ell}}^{+}{\mathrm{\ell}}^{-} $$

B
¯

d
,
s

→
γ

ℓ
+

ℓ
−

and serve as inputs to more complicated processes. We provide a fit in terms of a z-expansion with correlation matrix and extrapolate the form factors to the kinematic endpoint by using the gBB*γ couplings as a constraint. Analytic results are available in terms of multiple polylogarithms in the supplementary material. We give binned predictions for the $$ {\overline{B}}_u\to \gamma {\mathrm{\ell}}^{-}\overline{v} $$

B
¯

u

→
γ

ℓ
−

v
¯

branching ratio along with the associated correlation matrix. By comparing with three SCET-computations we extract the inverse moment B-meson distribution amplitude parameter λB = 360(110) MeV. The uncertainty thereof could be improved by a more dedicated analysis. In passing, we extend the photon distribution amplitude to include quark mass corrections with a prescription for the magnetic vacuum susceptibility, χq, compatible with the twist-expansion. The values χq = 3.21(15) GeV−2 and χs = 3.79(17) GeV−2 are obtained.
Evaluation of circulating microRNAs as non-invasive biomarkers in the diagnosis of ovarian cancer: a case–control study
Authors: Berner Kai , Hirschfeld Marc , Weiß Daniela , Rücker Gerta , Asberger Jasmin , Ritter Andrea , Nöthling Claudia , Jäger Markus , Juhasz-Böss Ingolf , Erbes Thalia
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Ovarian cancer is the seventh most frequent form of malignant diseases in women worldwide and over 150,000 women die from it every year. More than 70 percent of all ovarian cancer patients are diagnosed at a late-stage disease with poor prognosis necessitating the development of sufficient screening biomarkers. MicroRNAs displayed promising potential as early diagnostics in various malignant diseases including ovarian cancer. The presented study aimed at identifying single microRNAs and microRNA combinations detecting ovarian cancer in vitro and in vivo.

Methods

Intracellular, extracellular and urinary microRNA expression levels of twelve microRNAs (let-7a, let-7d, miR-10a, miR-15a, miR-15b, miR-19b, miR-20a, miR-21, miR-100, miR-125b, miR-155, miR-222) were quantified performing quantitative real-time-PCR. Therefore, the three ovarian cancer cell lines SK-OV-3, OAW-42, EFO-27 as well as urine samples of ovarian cancer patients and healthy controls were analyzed.

Results

MiR-15a, miR-20a and miR-222 showed expression level alterations extracellularly, whereas miR-125b did intracellularly across the analyzed cell lines. MicroRNA expression alterations in single cell lines suggest subtype specificity in both compartments. Hypoxia and acidosis showed scarce effects on single miRNA expression levels only. Furthermore, we were able to demonstrate the feasibility to clearly detect the 12 miRNAs in urine samples. In urine, miR-15a was upregulated whereas let-7a was down-regulated in ovarian cancer patients.

Conclusion

Intracellular, extracellular and urinary microRNA expression alterations emphasize their great potential as biomarkers in liquid biopsies. Especially, miR-15a and let-7a qualify for possible circulating biomarkers in liquid biopsies of ovarian cancer patients.
The long and intertwined record of humans and the Campi Flegrei volcano (Italy)
Authors: Costa A. , Di Vito M. A. , Ricciardi G. P. , Smith V. C. , Talamo P.
Published: December 2021

The Campi Flegrei volcano (or Phlegraean Fields), Campania, Italy, generated the largest eruption in Europe in at least 200 ka. Here we summarise the volcanic and human history of Campi Flegrei and discuss the interactions between humans and the environment within the “burning fields” from around 10,000 years until the 1538 CE Monte Nuovo eruption and more recent times. The region’s incredibly rich written history documents how the landscape changed both naturally and anthropogenically, with the volcanic system fuelling these considerable natural changes. Humans have exploited the beautiful landscape, accessible resources (e.g. volcanic ash for pulvis puteolana mortar) and natural thermal springs associated with the volcano for millennia, but they have also endured the downsides of living in a volcanically active region—earthquakes, significant ground deformation and landscape altering eruptions. The pre-historic record is detailed, and various archaeological sites indicate that the region was certainly occupied in the last 10,000 years. This history has been reconstructed by identifying archaeological finds in sequences that often contain ash (tephra) layers from some of the numerous volcanic eruptions from Campi Flegrei and the other volcanoes in the region that were active at the time (Vesuvius and Ischia). These tephra layers provide both a relative and absolute chronology and allow the archaeology to be placed on a relatively precise timescale. The records testify that people have inhabited the area even when Campi Flegrei was particularly active. The archaeological sequences and outcrops of pyroclastic material preserve details about the eruption dynamics, buildings from Roman times, impressive craters that now host volcanic lakes and nature reserves, all of which make this region particularly mystic and fascinating, especially when we observe how society continues to live within the active caldera system. The volcanic activity and long record of occupation and use of volcanic resources in the region make it unique and here we outline key aspects of its geoheritage.