bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effect of uterine torsion intrapartum on concentrations of placental estrogens and progesterone in cattle
Authors: Sendag Sait , Sickinger Marlene , Arslan Talha , Schuler Gerhard , Wehrend Axel
Published: June 2023

Objective

The current study investigates how uterine torsion influences placental oestrogens and progesterone blood concentrations in intrapartum cows. Our research tests the hypothesis that intrapartum uterine torsion impairs the ability of the placenta to synthesize steroids and may also suppress the release of synthesized steroids into the maternal circulation.

Methods

The study included a total number of 37 intrapartum dairy cows of various breeds and ages. These animals were transported to our clinic by their owners. Furthermore, general and obstetrical examinations of all these animals were performed in our clinic. The uterine torsion (UT) group consisted of 20 animals. The presence of UT was verified during clinical general examinations by vaginal and transrectal examination. The comparison (C) group included 17 animals whose birth was undisturbed or could be terminated with moderate obstetrical assistance. The clinical examination of group C animals showed no problems with their general health and genital organs. Blood samples were collected immediately after the initial obstetrical examination from 37 cows for radioimmunological measurement of estradiol‐17β (E2), free total estrogen (FTE), conjugated total estrogen (CTE), and progesterone (P4).

Results

In terms of P4, there was no statistical difference between the two groups. For all estrogen parameters, however, concentrations were significantly lower in the UT group than in the C group. In the correlation analysis, there was a significant correlation between the P4 and the FTE in the C group. Furthermore, the positive correlation between all estrogen parameters in the UT group was significant. In group C, significant positive correlations were found apart from the correlation between E2 and CTE.

Conclusions

The results are consistent with the hypothesis and suggest that in UT animals processes dependent on estrogens or other placental hormones may be impaired during the peri‐ or postpartum period.
The Relationship Among Students’ Attitude Towards Peer Feedback, Peer Feedback Performance, and Uptake
Authors: Kerman Nafiseh Taghizadeh , Banihashem Seyyed Kazem , Noroozi Omid
Published: June 2023

In this study, the relationship among students’ attitude towards peer feedback, peer feedback performance, and uptake in an online learning environment was investigated. This study was conducted at Wageningen University and Research and 135 undergraduate students participated. A module called “Argumentative Essay Writing” was designed and students were asked to follow this module in the course in three consecutive weeks. Each week students performed one task in which in the first week, students wrote an argumentative essay. In the second week, students provided two sets of peer feedback on their peers’ essays and in the third week, students revised their essays based on the received feedback. At the end of the module, students were asked to fill out the survey about their attitude towards peer feedback. The results showed that in general students' attitude towards peer feedback did not predict their peer feedback performance and uptake. However, a relationship was found between the perceived usefulness of peer feedback and peer feedback uptake where perceived usefulness of peer feedback could predict uptake of peer feedback. It was found that there is a relationship between the quality of received peer feedback and students’ attitude towards peer feedback. The justification and constructive features of the received peer feedback were found to predict students’ perceived fairness and trustworthiness of peer feedback. The constructive feature of the received peer feedback predicted students’ perceived usefulness of peer feedback. These results provide evidence for understanding how students’ attitude towards peer feedback and their peer feedback performance and uptake in online learning environments can influence each other. We discuss these results and provide agenda for future work.
Comparing Expert and Peer Assessment of Pedagogical Design in Integrated STEAM Education
Authors: Vakkou Kyriaki Α. , Hovardas Tasos , Xenofontos Nikoletta , Zacharia Zacharias C.
Published: June 2023

The objective of this exploratory study was to implement peer assessment for pedagogical design in integrated STEAM education and to compare expert and peer feedback, in this regard. We engaged pre-service teachers registered in an undergraduate programme for primary education in a formative/reciprocal peer assessment arrangement, where they had the chance to act as both peer assessors and peer assessees. Although global measures of validity (correlations between total scores of expert and peer assessors) and reliability (correlations between total scores of different peer assessors for the same pedagogical scenario) were satisfactory, there were assessment criteria for which peer assessment failed to be valid and/or reliable and which should deserve more attention in future training sessions. We found peer over-scoring across all assessment criteria. There were also indications of participant preference of expert feedback over peer feedback, where the later included fewer justifications of quantitative scores and suggestions for change.
Constructing Computer-Mediated Feedback in Virtual Reality for Improving Peer Learning: A Synthesis of the Literature in Presentation Research
Authors: van Ginkel Stan , Sichterman Bo
Published: June 2023

While feedback is frequently emphasized as a crucial principle of presentation courses in higher education, previous studies revealed that teachers outperform peers in terms of impact on students’ development of oral presentation competence. Further, presentation research showed that the lack of quality of peer feedback can be considered as an essential argumentation for the identified differences in effect. Follow-up field experiments demonstrated that Virtual Reality (VR) can be considered as a valuable alternative feedback source for developing public speaking skills, since this technology is able to simulate real-life presentation situations as well as to deliver feedback from the VR system to the individual learner. Recent technological developments allowed to convert quantitative information from VR systems into qualitative feedback messages that directly relate to the standards for high-quality feedback. If students are able to individually interpret the feedback messages without the intervention of a human feedback source, it could enrich the quality of feedback in peer and self-learning and further increase students’ oral presentation competence development. This chapter provides a synthesis of the literature in presentation research with the aim to construct a research agenda on computer-mediated feedback in VR for peer learning in this field. Further, two recent VR experiments in presentation research are discussed with the aim to effectively construct feedback messages in VR for improving peer learning.
Computing T-optimal designs via nested semi-infinite programming and twofold adaptive discretization
Authors: Mogalle David , Seufert Philipp , Schwientek Jan , Bortz Michael , Küfer Karl-Heinz
Published: June 2023

Modelling real processes often results in several suitable models. In order to be able to distinguish, or discriminate, which model best represents a phenomenon, one is interested, e.g., in so-called T-optimal designs. These consist of the (design) points from a generally continuous design space at which the models deviate most from each other under the condition that they are best fitted to those points. Thus, the T-criterion represents a bi-level optimization problem, which can be transferred into a semi-infinite one but whose solution is very unstable or time consuming for non-linear models and non-convex lower- and upper-level problems. If one considers only a finite number of possible design points, a numerically well tractable linear semi-infinite optimization problem arises. Since this is only an approximation of the original model discrimination problem, we propose an algorithm which alternately and adaptively refines discretizations of the parameter as well as of the design space and, thus, solves a sequence of linear semi-infinite programs. We prove convergence of our method and its subroutine and show on the basis of discrimination tasks from process engineering that our approach is stable and can outperform the known methods.
The different clonal origins of metachronous and synchronous metastases
Authors: Gofrit Ofer N. , Gofrit Ben , Roditi Yuval , Popovtzer Aron , Frank Steve , Sosna Jacob , Orevi Marina , Goldberg S. Nahum
Published: June 2023

Background

Metastases are the leading cause of mortality in cancer patients. Linear and parallel are the two prominent models of metastatic progression. Metastases can be detected synchronously along with the primary tumor or metachronously, following treatment of localized disease. The aim of the study was to determine whether synchronous metastases (SM) and metachronous metastases (MM) differ only in lead-time or stem from different biological processes.

Materials and methods

We retrospectively studied the chest CTs of 791 patients inflicted by eleven malignancy types that were treated in our institution in the years 2010–2020. Patient’s population included 396 with SM and 395 with MM. The diameter of 15,427 lung metastases was measured. Clonal origin was deduced from the linear/parallel ratio (LPR)-a computerized analysis of metastases diameters. LPR of  1 suggests pure linear dissemination and − 1 pure parallel.

Results

Patients with MM were significantly older (average of 62.9 vs 60.7 years, p = 0.02), and higher percentage of them were males (58.7% vs 51.1%, p = 0.03). Median overall survival of patients with MM and SM was remarkably similar (23 months and 26 months respectively, p = 0.774) when calculated from the time of metastases diagnosis. Parallel dissemination (LPR ≤ 0) was found in 35.4% of patients with MM compared to only 19.8% of the patients with SM (p < 0.00001).

Conclusion

Patients with SM and MM differ in demography and in clonal origin. Different therapeutic approaches may be considered in these two conditions.
Association between serum HE4 and poor periodontal health in adult women
Authors: Cao Ruoyan , Zhang Shusen , Zhang Jiayu , Miao Di , Zhou Huan , Chen Yue
Published: June 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study is to explore the association between serum human epididymal protein (HE4) levels and poor periodontal health.

Materials and methods

Data used in our study from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2001–2002 and Gene Expression Omnibus database (GSE10334 and GSE16134). Periodontitis category was defined by the 2017 classification scheme based on clinical periodontal parameters. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to explore the relationship between serum HE4 levels and the risk of periodontitis. GSEA analysis was performed to investigate the function of HE4.

Results

A total of 1715 adult women over the age of 30 were included in our study. Compared with the lowest tertile, individuals in the highest tertile of HE4 levels were more likely to be Stage III/IV periodontitis (ORtertile3vs1 = 2.35, 95% CI: 1.35–4.21). The association was still significant in populations who were less than 60 years old, non-Hispanic white, high school graduate, 1.3 < PI ≤ 3.5, non-smoker, current smoker, non-obese, obese, and who had not diabetes mellitus or had not hypertension. In addition, HE4 expression was upregulated in diseased gingival tissues and involved in cell proliferation and immunity.

Conclusions

Serum HE4 is positively associated with poor periodontal health in adult women.

Clinical relevance

Patients with high serum HE4 levels are more likely to have Stage III/IV periodontitis. HE4 has the potential to be used as a biomarker to predict the severity of periodontitis.
K+ homeostasis is important for survival of Acinetobacter baumannii ATCC 19606 in the nosocomial environment
Authors: König Patricia , Averhoff Beate , Müller Volker
Published: June 2023

Pathogenic bacteria have developed several mechanisms to thrive within the hostile environment of the human host, but it is often disregarded that their survival outside this niche is crucial for their successful transmission. Acinetobacter baumannii is very well adapted to both the human host and the hospital environment. The latter is facilitated by multifactorial mechanisms including its outstanding ability to survive on dry surfaces, its high metabolic diversity, and, of course, its remarkable osmotic resistance. As a first response to changing osmolarities, bacteria accumulate K+ in high amount to counterbalance the external ionic strength. Here, we addressed whether K+ uptake is involved in the challenges imposed by the harsh conditions outside its host and how K+ import influences the antibiotic resistance of A. baumannii. For this purpose, we used a strain lacking all major K+ importer ∆kup∆trk∆kdp. Survival of this mutant was strongly impaired under nutrient limitation in comparison to the wild type. Furthermore, we found that not only the resistance against copper but also against the disinfectant chlorhexidine was reduced in the triple mutant compared to the wild type. Finally, we revealed that the triple mutant is highly susceptible to a broad range of antibiotics and antimicrobial peptides. By studying mutants, in which the K+ transporter were deleted individually, we provide evidence that this effect is a consequence of the altered K+ uptake machinery. Conclusively, this study provides supporting information on the relevance of K+ homeostasis in the adaptation of A. baumannii to the nosocomial environment.
Bausteine eines Rechtsrahmens für CO2-Entnahmemechanismen im EU-Recht
Authors: Saurer Johannes
Published: June 2023

Im Instrumentarium des Klimaschutzes wird die Entnahme von CO2 aus der Atmosphäre immer wichtiger.
Im EU-Recht befindet sich ein Rechtsrahmen für CO2-Entnahmemechanismen im Aufbau. Dieser Aufsatz zeigt
verschiedene Dimensionen des entstehenden Rechtsrahmens, darunter Zielsetzungen im EU-Klimagesetz, Regelungen
im LULUCF-Sektor und auf Grundlage der Taxonomieverordnung. In der rechtspolitischen Diskussion sind unter
anderem Regelungen zur Zertifizierung und zur Aufnahme von CO2-Entnahmen in das System des EU-Emissionshandels.
Theorizing university mathematics teaching: the Teaching Triad within an Activity Theory perspective
Authors: Potari Despina , Jaworski Barbara , Petropoulou Georgia
Published: June 2023

In this paper, we draw on our recent research to inspect again some of the theoretical perspectives we have been using to analyze data and to characterize teaching-learning in university settings. We focus particularly, within a sociocultural perspective on Activity Theory and the construct the “Teaching Triad,” seeking to embed the Triad within an Activity Theory perspective. To achieve this, we relate the Teaching Triad with aspects of the sociocultural setting both in and beyond direct interactions in face-to-face teaching. While this is mainly a theoretical paper, an example is taken from observations of teaching in university lectures in a Greek university to show how these theoretical perspectives have provided insights to the institutional and cultural complexities involved and in what ways the Triad construct has evolved.
Computer aided volumetric assessment of orbital structures in patients with Graves' orbitopathy: correlation with serum thyroid antiperoxidase antibodies and disease activity
Authors: Paniagua Laura , Bande Manuel F. , Abalo-Lojo Jose M. , Gonzalez Francisco
Published: June 2023

Introduction

Graves' disease is an autoimmune disorder. Goiter and Graves' orbitopathy are frequently seen clinically. It would be helpful for the diagnosis, grading, prognosis, and treatment of this condition if it was possible to find serum biomarkers to establish a connection between the plasma levels of these compounds and orbital changes.

Methods

A retrospective study was performed by revising the medical records of 44 patients with Graves' orbitopathy and 15 controls. The Osirix software (Pixmeo, Geneva, Switzerland) was used for manual orbital measurements. Plasma levels of Graves' orbitopathy substances were obtained in the analytical review of the patients.

Results

A greater muscle volume was observed in patients with Graves' orbitopathy in relation to the control group (p < 0.001). The clinical activity score (CAS) was associated to total muscle mass (p = 0.013) and retrorbital fat (p = 0.048). Our results indicated a direct relationship between serum concentrations of anti-thyroid peroxidase antibodies and inferior rectus thickening (p = 0.036); however, we did not observe a positive correlation between other muscle volumes and serum concentrations of various thyroid-related substances.

Conclusions

This study is the first that uses Osirix measurement software to manually assess orbital features in patients with Graves' orbitopathy. These measurements were compared to the outcomes of tests performed in a laboratory. Among several serum biomarkers, anti-thyroid peroxidase appears to be a reliable biomarker that correlates positively with inferior rectus muscle thickness in patients with thyroid eye disease. This may help to improve the management of this disease.
Who Do I (Not) Ask to Play my Lottery? Effects of Perceived Positive and Negative Agency, Communion and Luck on the Illusion of Control by Proxy
Authors: Polak Mateusz , Stasiuk Katarzyna , Chodzyńska Karolina
Published: June 2023

The paper investigates the illusion of control by proxy in games of chance - an attempt to exert control by assigning it to others who are perceived as more capable, communable or luckier. Following up on research by Wohl & Enzle, who showed participants’ preference to ask lucky others to play a lottery instead of doing it themselves, we included proxies with positive and negative qualities in the domains of agency and communion, as well good and bad luck. In three experiments (total N = 249) we tested participants’ choices between these proxies and a random number generator in a task consisting of obtaining lottery numbers. We obtained consistent preventative illusions of control (i.e. avoidance of proxies with strictly negative qualities, as well as proxies with positive communion but negative agency), however we observed indifference between proxies with positive qualities and random number generators.
Convergence of Chandrashekar’s Second-Derivative Finite-Volume Approximation
Authors: Gjesteland Anita , Svärd Magnus
Published: June 2023

We consider a slightly modified local finite-volume approximation of the Laplacian operator originally proposed by Chandrashekar (Int J Adv Eng Sci Appl Math 8(3):174–193, 2016, https://doi.org/10.1007/s12572-015-0160-z). The goal is to prove consistency and convergence of the approximation on unstructured grids. Consequently, we propose a semi-discrete scheme for the heat equation augmented with Dirichlet, Neumann and Robin boundary conditions. By deriving a priori estimates for the numerical solution, we prove that it converges weakly, and subsequently strongly, to a weak solution of the original problem. A numerical simulation demonstrates that the scheme converges with a second-order rate.
Paradoxes and paradigms: elements and compounds – similar names, very different energetics
Authors: Ponikvar‑Svet Maja , Edwards Kathleen Frances , Liebman Joel Fredric
Published: June 2023

In this paper we continue to review the phonetic similarity of trivial names of chemical substances and the names of the elements in the periodic table. Thermochemical properties are explicitly considered. We review elements from cesium to radon (Cs-Rn) Z = 55–86.
A molecular and ecological study of Macracanthorhynchus ingens (von Linstow, 1879) (Acanthocephala: Archiacanthocephala), in its paratenic and definitive hosts in southeastern Mexico and the Eastern USA
Authors: Ortega-Olivares Mirza Patricia , Velázquez-Urrieta Yanet , Sereno-Uribe Ana Lucia , Harvey Michael B. , García-Varela Martín
Published: June 2023

The acanthocephalan Macracanthorhynchus ingens (von Linstow 1879) (Acanthocephala: Archiacanthocephala) is a parasite that infects the gut of carnivores (racoons, coyotes, wolves, foxes, badgers, skunks, opossum, mink and bears) as an adult and the body cavity of lizards, snakes, and frogs as a cystacanth in the Americas. In this study, adults and cystacanths of M. ingens from southeastern Mexico and southern Florida, USA, were identified morphologically by having a cylindrical proboscis armed with 6 rows of hooks each with 6 hooks. Hologenophores were used to sequence the small (SSU) and large (LSU) subunits of ribosomal DNA and cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox 1) from mitochondrial DNA. Phylogenetic analysis of the new SSU and LSU sequences of M. ingens placed them in a clade with other sequences available in GenBank identified as M. ingens. The cox 1 tree showed that the nine new sequences and six previously published sequences of M. ingens from the USA form a clade with other sequences previously identified as M. ingens from GenBank. The intraspecific genetic divergence among isolates from the Americas ranged from 0 to 2%, and in combination with the phylogenetic trees confirmed that the isolates belonged to the same species. The cox 1 haplotype network inferred with 15 sequences revealed 10 haplotypes separated from each other by a few substitutions. Rio Grande Leopard Frogs and Vaillant´s Frogs harbored cystacanths with low prevalence, 28% and 37% respectively, in Mexico. Brown Basilisks, an invasive lizard in Florida, USA, had high values of prevalence, 92% and 93% in males and females, respectively. Females harbored more cystacanths than males (0–39 vs 0–21) for unknown reasons that may, however, be related to ecological differences.
Advocacy Curricula in Graduate Medical Education: an Updated Systematic Review from 2017 to 2022
Authors: Agrawal Nupur , Lucier Jessica , Ogawa Rikke , Arons Abigail
Published: June 2023

Background

Advocacy is an integral component of a physician’s professional responsibilities, yet efforts to teach advocacy skills in a systematic and comprehensive manner have been inconsistent and challenging. There is currently no consensus on the tools and content that should be included in advocacy curricula for graduate medical trainees.

Objective

To conduct a systematic review of recently published GME advocacy curricula and delineate foundational concepts and topics in advocacy education that are pertinent to trainees across specialties and career paths.

Methods

We conducted an updated systematic review based off Howell et al. (J Gen Intern Med 34(11):2592–2601, 2019) to identify articles published between September 2017 and March 2022 that described GME advocacy curricula developed in the USA and Canada. Searches of grey literature were used to find citations potentially missed by the search strategy. Articles were independently reviewed by two authors to identify those meeting our inclusion and exclusion criteria; a third author resolved discrepancies. Three reviewers used a web-based interface to extract curricular details from the final selection of articles. Two reviewers conducted a detailed analysis of recurring themes in curricular design and implementation.

Results

Of 867 articles reviewed, 26 articles, describing 31 unique curricula, met inclusion and exclusion criteria. The majority (84%) represented Internal Medicine, Family Medicine, Pediatrics, and Psychiatry programs. The most common learning methods included experiential learning, didactics, and project-based work. Most covered community partnerships (58%) and legislative advocacy (58%) as advocacy tools and social determinants of health (58%) as an educational topic. Evaluation results were inconsistently reported. Analysis of recurring themes showed that advocacy curricula benefit from an overarching culture supportive of advocacy education and should ideally be learner-centric, educator-friendly, and action-oriented.

Discussion

Combining core features of advocacy curricula identified in prior publications with our findings, we propose an integrative framework to guide design and implementation of advocacy curricula for GME trainees. Additional research is needed to build expert consensus and ultimately develop model curricula for disseminated use.
Bewusstmachung einer (un)strittigen Konstellation: Gesundheits- und Diversitätsmanagement als interdependente Steuerungsinstrumente
Authors: Stritzke Nadyne
Published: June 2023

Der Beitrag definiert Gesundheit und Diversität der Belegschaft als Konstituenten in den interdependenten Steuerungsinstrumenten des Gesundheits- und Diversitätsmanagements. Für einen nachhaltigen gesundheits- und diversitätsorientierten Kulturwandel in der Arbeitswelt sowie präventiven Schutz der Gesundheit sowie vor Diskriminierungen erscheint es notwendig, diese Steuerungsinstrumente integrativ zu konzeptualisieren. Diese Perspektive wird anwendungsbezogen mit Praxisbeispielen einer Frauen- und Gleichstellungsbeauftragten an einer hessischen Universität veranschaulicht.
The Stein–Tomas inequality under the effect of symmetries
Authors: Mandel Rainer , Oliveira e Silva Diogo
Published: June 2023

We prove new Fourier restriction estimates to the unit sphere$${\mathbb{S}^{d-1}}$$Sd−1on the class ofO(d−k) ×O(k)-symmetric functions, for everyd≥ 4 and 2 ≤k≤d− 2. As an application, we establish the existence of maximizers for the endpoint Stein–Tomas inequality within that class. Moreover, we construct examples showing that the range of Lebesgue exponents in our estimates is sharp.
Causal sparse domination of Beurling maximal regularity operators
Authors: Hytönen Tuomas , Rosén Andreas
Published: June 2023

We prove boundedness of Calderön–Zygmund operators acting in Banach function spaces on domains, defined by the L1 Carleson functional and Lq (1 < q < ∞) Whitney averages. For such bounds to hold, we assume that the operator maps towards the boundary of the domain. We obtain the Carleson estimates by proving a pointwise domination of the operator, by sparse operators with a causal structure. The work is motivated by maximal regularity estimates for elliptic PDEs and is related to one-sided weighted estimates for singular integrals.
Effect of Silicon and Biostimulant on Fall Armyworm Infestation in Maize (Zea mays L.)
Authors: Srinivasan Chinnadurai , Periyakaman Chandramani , Mookiah Shanthi , Peyandi Paraman Mahendran , Raman Renuka , Ramiah Nalini
Published: June 2023

In the Virudhunagar district's Thoppur village fromrabi2021–22, a field trial was carried out to examine the impact of silicon sources and growth regulator on the harm caused by maize fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda). Basal soil application of calcium silicate at six different doses and foliar applications of silicic acid, gibberellic acid and potassium silicate in maize crop revealed that basal application of 150 kg of calcium silicate/ha + 0.2% silicic acid @ 15 DAS + 50 ppm GA @ 30 DAS was found to be effective in reducing leaf damage (42.88% per plant), whorl damage (36.05% per plot) and cob damage (26.92% per plot), followed by treatment with 75 kg of calcium silicate/ha + 0.2% silicic acid @ 15 DAS + 50 ppm GA @ 30 DAS with leaf, whorl and cob damage of 44.74% per plant, 39.24% per plot and 26.92% per plot respectively. The treatment with a basal application of 150 kg of calcium silicate/ha + 0.2% SA @ 15 DAS + 50 ppm GA @ 30 DAS produced the highest yield (7, 287 kg/ha), which was followed by the treatment with 75 kg of calcium silicate + 0.2% SA @ 15 DAS + 50 ppm GA @ 30 DAS (7, 092 kg/ha). As a result, in the current research, the basal application of calcium silicate 150 kg/ha along with foliar application of silicic acid (0.2%) and gibberellic acid (50 ppm) at 15 and 30 DAS decreased the level of leaf, whorl, and cob damage caused by fall armyworm on maize at the field condition.
Impact-sliding fretting tribocorrosion behavior of 316L stainless steel in solution with different halide concentrations
Authors: Ma Xu , Tan Wei , Bonzom Remy , Mi Xue , Zhu Guorui
Published: June 2023

Impact-sliding caused by random vibrations between tubes and supports can affect the operation of heat exchangers. In addition, a corrosive environment can cause damage, accelerating the synergism of corrosion and wear. Therefore, the focus of this work was the impact-sliding fretting tribocorrosion behavior of 316L heat exchanger tubes at different halide concentrations. A device system incorporating the in situ electrochemical measurements of impact-sliding fretting corrosion wear was constructed, and experiments on 316L heat exchanger tubes in sodium chloride (NaCl) solution with different concentrations (0.0, 0.1, 0.5, 1.0, 3.5, and 5.0 wt%) were carried out. The synergism between wear and corrosion was also calculated and analyzed. The wear and damage mechanisms were elucidated by correlating the corrosion-wear synergism, morphologies, and material loss rates. The results indicated that the stable wear stage occurred at approximately 9–12 h, after which the corrosion current increased with the expansion of the wear area. As the halide concentration increased, the scale of damage on the wear scars gradually decreased, changing from being dominated by cracks, delaminations, and grooves to being dominated by scratches, microgrooves, and holes. There was an obvious positive synergism between wear and corrosion. The material loss was dominated by pure mechanical wear and wear enhanced by corrosion, but corrosion enhanced by wear contributed more than tangential sliding fretting corrosion. The total mass loss increased gradually in the range of 0.0–0.5 wt% and decreased in the range of 0.5–5.0 wt%. Large-scale damage enhanced by corrosivity and small-scale damage reduced by lubricity dominated the material loss at low and high concentrations, respectively.
Mobility, Knowledge Transmission, and Authority in West Africa: Re-Reading Ivor Wilks’ Fieldnotes “Conversations about the Past”
Authors: Syed Amir
Published: June 2023

This article provides a select reading of the British Africanist Ivor Wilks’ unpublished field notes, “Conversations about the past, mainly from Ghana, 1956–1996.” Specifically, it focuses on Wilks’ notes on the migration of Muslims in Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Burkina Faso, including his collection of interviews, diary entries, anecdotal observations, and ethnographic data. It offers new perspectives on the entanglements between mobility, knowledge transmission, and authority in the history of Muslim communities in West Africa that are normally taken for granted. While this article is not meant to be exhaustive, it highlights the possibility of using disparate notes and observations to stitch together the beginnings of a compelling story that centers mobility as a crucial aspect of the history of Islam in Africa.
CASTOR3D: linear magnetohydrodynamics and diamagnetic drift effects
Authors: Strumberger E. , Günter S. , Lackner K. , Puchmayr J.
Published: June 2023

We upgrade the three-dimensional linear stability CASTOR3D code by taking into account gyro-viscosity in the momentum equation, as well as pressure and Hall terms in Ohm's law. Making use of the drift approximation, the resulting simplified version of Ohm's law is implemented. The ion and electron diamagnetic drift effects described by these newly implemented terms are investigated for ideal and resistive, low- and medium-

$n$

internal modes depending on the ratio of ion and electron pressures, and plasma resistivity. Stability studies are performed for two- and three-dimensional test equilibria. The results confirm previous findings, and provide new insights especially in the case of the three-dimensional equilibrium (e.g. reduction of the coupling of toroidal harmonics).
Mind the gap: Psycholinguistic and individual factors affecting expressive and receptive vocabulary skills in English-Gaelic bilingual children
Authors: Chondrogianni Vicky , Butcher Morna
Published: June 2023

This study investigated the psycholinguistic and child-related variables that modulate vocabulary development and the so-called receptive–expressive gap in child L2 learners of Gaelic with English as their L1. In total, 50 6- to 8-year-old English-Gaelic bilingual children attending Gaelic-medium immersion education were administered the English and the Gaelic Crosslinguistic Receptive and Expressive Lexical Tasks (CLTs). On the Gaelic CLT, children performed better on nouns than verbs. Accuracy was modulated by item-related variables such as the estimated age when a word is acquired and its morphophonological complexity. The receptive–expressive gap was larger in the minority L2 than in the majority L1 and did not narrow after 1 year of schooling. The gap was smaller for nouns than verbs in English but not in Gaelic. Exposure to English differentially affected the receptive–expressive gap across languages. This study offers new insights into the psycholinguistic and individual factors affecting the receptive–expressive gap in bilingual children in immersion education.
Protective effect of onion peel extract on ageing mouse oocytes
Authors: Xu Yong-Nan , Han Guo-Bo , Li Ying-Hua , Piao Chun-Hao , Li Guan-Hao , Kim Nam-Hyung
Published: June 2023

Mammalian oocytes not fertilized immediately after ovulation can undergo ageing and a rapid decline in quality. The addition of antioxidants can be an efficient approach to delaying the oocyte ageing process. Onion peel extract (OPE) contains quercetin and other flavonoids with natural antioxidant activities. In this study, we investigated the effect of OPE on mouse oocyte ageing and its mechanism of action. The oocytes were aged in vitro in M16 medium for 16 h after adding OPE at different concentrations (0, 50, 100, 200, and 500 μg/ml). The addition of 100 μg/ml OPE reduced the oocyte fragmentation rate, decreased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, increased the glutathione (GSH) level, and improved the mitochondrial membrane potential compared with the control group. The addition of OPE also increased the expression of SOD1, CAT, and GPX3 genes, and the caspase-3 activity in OPE-treated aged oocytes was significantly lower than that in untreated aged oocytes and similar to that in fresh oocytes. These results indicated that OPE delayed mouse oocyte ageing by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis and enhancing mitochondrial function.
Strengthening Global Systems to Prevent and Respond to High-Consequence Biological Threats
Authors: Hansen Jan-Cédric , Barach Paul , Donahue Donald , Göbbels Stefan , Quinn John , Van Trimpont Frank
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

The world is facing the devastating impact a biological event can have on human health, economies, and political stability. COVID-19 has revealed that national governments and the international community are woefully unprepared to respond to pandemics—underscoring our shared vulnerability to future catastrophic biological threats that could meet or exceed the severe consequences of the current pandemic. This study examines potential threats related to deliberate Russian military use and misuse of the tools of modern biology or an accident caused by a CBRN event evolving rapidly in the highly volatile political environment in and around Ukraine and other conflicts.

Method:

A participatory foresight, co-creative, future and transformation-oriented methodology was used to structure a transformative model for a disciplined exploration of scenarios to confront complex challenges and facilitate improved outcomes. Foresight helps to evaluate current policy priorities and potential new policy directions; see how the impact of possible policy decisions may combine with other developments; inform, support and link policy-making in and across a range of sectors; identify future directions, emerging technologies, new societal demands and challenges; and anticipate future developments, disruptive events, risks and opportunities.

Results:

The study found that the “mitigation scenarios” are based on the “Confront, Regulate, Overcome” metamodel combined with the “Security, Rescue, Care” response modalities. These require the cooperation/coordination of law enforcement forces along with military forces, fire departments and civil security resources, hospital and first-line responder teams, in order to appropriately address populations, assets and territories issues elicited by the identified threat, which drives key decision makers’ tasks at the strategic level.

Conclusion:

The participatory foresight exercise demonstrated gaps in national and international biosecurity and pandemic preparedness architectures highlighted by the challenges of the Ukraine war—exploring opportunities for better cooperation to improve prevention and response capabilities for high-consequence biological events, and generate actionable recommendations for the international community.
RAIN: Simplifying Decontamination Response for Hospital First Receivers
Authors: Booth Kathryn , Daniels Mackenzie
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Considerations for patient and staff safety are critical during an encounter with an individual who is potentially contaminated by hazardous materials in the hospital setting. Decontamination training for all team members may be ideal, however, there are significant barriers precluding implementation including time-spent, associated costs, and staffing limitations. Studies demonstrate that immediate recognition of potential contaminants and removal of clothing mitigates risks with a best-estimated 85% hazard reduction. Initial risk-reducing best practices like focused training and resources, allow for more adequate decontamination response and improve team training gaps with potential first receivers throughout the hospital setting.

Method:

A two-step process was implemented to address a training disparity including a deployment of high-impact resources and the installment of these resources at high-risk locations. First, a slide deck with focused education to both clinical and non-clinical staff was developed from the established decontamination team training program. The focus of this training was to introduce the concept of RAIN (Recognition, Avoidance, Isolation, and Notification). This education highlights how to safely remove potentially contaminated clothing and contain the materials. RAIN kits were created with the items necessary to safely accomplish this while prioritizing patient privacy and safety to patient and staff. The kits included instructions, privacy kits, thermal blankets, and trauma shears. Next, the RAIN kits were deployed at pre-identified locations where potentially contaminated patients may present.

Results:

Qualitative improvement in staff satisfaction was noted after the implementation of the abridged, high-impact RAIN kits. The pre-deployed kits at critical high-likelihood locations throughout the hospital created a more accessible model with improved ease of use and effectiveness, reducing current gaps in training. Limitations should be considered when implementing a high-acuity, low-frequency program to clinical and non-clinical staff with support from leadership.

Conclusion:

Focused education and pre-deployed kits empower staff to respond in hospital settings for potentially contaminated patients.
Prehospital Whole Blood Transfusion Training in Ukraine: A Case Study Highlighting the Efficacy of Collaboration and Advocacy
Authors: Ryder Jessica , Nelson Erica , Turconi Michael , Fisher Andrew , Levchecko Valerii , Bidovanets Olena , Bilgram Calley , Quaranta Alyssa , Ross Madeline , Callaway David
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

Early in the Russian-Ukrainian conflict, the Ukrainian Ministry of Health (MoH) implemented policy reform to allow for pre-hospital whole blood transfusion (pWBT). Team Rubicon (TR) worked with a multinational group of experts to disseminate training that accelerated the implementation of pWBT across the country.

Method:

TR utilized an assess, align, and act (A3) approach to drive the pWBT implementation. TR established relationships with Ukrainian providers to understand current needs, restrictions, and protocols for pWBT. TR aligned pWBT advocacy efforts, working with the disaster medicine program at Ivano-Frankivsk Medical National University to create a local lead advocate. Existing and novel coordination mechanisms were used to unite and inform MoH, World Health Organization, Non-Governmental Organizations, and local health systems. Finally, TR coordinated a multispecialty, multi-national team of healthcare providers who developed and delivered a training package in alignment with national guidelines utilizing a combination of didactics, videos, and demonstrations. From August to October of 2022, TR conducted pWBT trainings across Ukraine. Pre- and post-surveys were utilized to determine comfort with pWBT and usefulness of the training.

Results:

TR emerged as the point of reference for pWBT in Ukraine. 109 individuals from over 14 organizations were trained. Participants included 69 physicians, 23 paramedics, 7 nurses, and 10 other professionals. 95% of those surveyed had not received prior pWBT training. Participants reported increased comfort levels, with average pre- and post-course comfort scores of 1.7 and 3.2 (4=very comfortable), respectively. The majority of participants found the training useful (average score of 3.8, 4=very useful). Feedback demonstrated high satisfaction ratings and an increased awareness of the regulatory changes.

Conclusion:

TR utilized the A3 model to drive a coalition that supported policy reform and trauma system improvements in Ukraine. TR’s ability to leverage international medical expertise, work collaboratively with MoH, and provide material resources supported local implementation of pWBT.
Triage, Trauma, and Civil Unrest: Decreasing Critical Care Overcrowding and Nursing 'Undertriage' Praxes at the University of Gondar Public Hospital, Ethiopia
Authors: Richter Roxane , Workagegnehu Hailu , Mengistu Miklol , Silamsaw Mezgebu , Flowers Thomas , Cobbold Sonia , Richter Rainier
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

In March of 2022, the Washington Post reported that the: “Deadliest war isn’t in Ukraine, it’s in Ethiopia.” Current death toll estimates are around 600,000: 50,000-100,000 (warfare); 150,000-200,000 (starvation), and 100,000 (lack of medical treatment). Due to increasing civil unrest, a mixed-methods study began at the University of Gondar Hospital in Gondar, Ethiopia. Between 2018-2022, the estimated (daily average) of patients was reported to have quadrupled, from 100 to 400. The global research team implemented 12 new systemic revisions in overcrowding, triage nursing praxes, and resuscitations. Patient data from 521 hospital records was evaluated, as well as resource allocation(s) in staffing, equipment, and training.

Method:

The study’s inclusion criteria for A&E data included all patients who sought emergency care at UoG Teaching Hospital’s Emergency Department between May 13, 2018, and June 29, 2018, primarily during the normal daytime working hours between 9am and 2pm, as nighttime security and road travel were deemed less secure for data collectors.

Results:

After the 12-benchmark implementation, there was an approximate 15%-25% decrease in direct-from-triage ‘Red’ patient admission; congestion dropped 50%-70%; and the occurrences of successful resuscitations increased. The study revealed that over 75% of patients presented with symptoms indicative of illness(es), and 24.4% presented with trauma (remaining psychiatric). Of the trauma cases, approximately 28.3% were ‘intentional’ injuries. The patients’ mean TEWS triage score was 3.294, with a standard deviation from the mean of 1.9938.

Conclusion:

The overall prevalence of patients necessitating surgical evaluation, the elevated use of triage discriminators due to space, equipment, and staff concerns, and the predominant use of ‘Yellow Zone’ services–all pointed to the vital need for resource re-allocation(s), stricter ECCN adherences to TEWS triage indices, as well as future Mass Casualty Planning, Triage, and Response, and Mass Casualty Medical Operations training.
Preliminary Analysis of the Competencies Needed by EMTs Members to Address Safety and Security when Deployed to Unsecured Environments: A scoping review of the available evidence
Authors: Saade Elias , Echeverri Lina , Barbar Ana
Published: June 2023

Introduction:

During armed conflicts and other situations of violence, EMTs are deployed to respond to the needs of the affected population. It is when fighting breaks out that healthcare services are most needed, but it is also when they are most exposed to violence and insecurity. Current evidence indicates that health personnel, health infrastructure and patients have been the target of different types of attacks.

A new report published on 24 of May 2022 by the Safeguarding Health in Conflict Coalition identified there were 1,335 incidents of violence or obstruction against health care perpetrated in 2021: 161 health workers killed; 320 injured; 170 kidnapped; 713 arrested. Health facilities were destroyed or damaged in 188 incidents, 111 health transports destroyed or damaged and 64 health transports stolen or hijacked.

In a nutshell, health facilities and health workers were subjected to devastating and widespread violence and obstruction of care in 49 conflict-affected countries in 2021.

Method:

This presentation analyzes the current challenges, describes the method used consisting of a scoping review of the available evidence in addition to semi-structured feedback from key stakeholders working in unsecured environments, and supports the identification of skills and competencies that EMT members need before deployment. This presentation will also propose the definition of skills and competencies for EMT members needed before deployment to unsecured environments.

Results:

Recommendations for future action focus on International norms and standards, a competencies framework, evidence and data, and state-of-the-art competencies to address safety and security during deployment needed for a capability-building framework.

Conclusion:

How to optimize EMTs' response in unsecured environments requires designing training and learning pathways that improve skills and knowledge on safety and security for EMT members before their deployment to prevent and mitigate violence against health care during deployment in unsecured environments.