bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CDIO- The Framework for Outcome-based Engineering Education for Accreditation: A Case Study of Thai Industrial Engineering Program
Authors: Sirichai Torsakul  , Anin Memon  , Surat Triwanapong  , Natha Kuptasthien
Published: May 2023

The recent movement of Thai engineering education and accreditation is a shift from content- to outcome-based. With the aim to achieve an accreditation by the Thailand Accreditation Body of Engineering Education (TABEE) and an international recognition, the objective of this paper is to share how the industrial engineering (IE) program of Thailand’s Rajamangala University of Technology Thanyaburi (RMUTT) has applied the Conceive-Design-Implement-Operate (CDIO) framework to transitioning from the content- to outcome-based curriculum. For the methodology, the learning outcomes in the CDIO Syllabus were mapped to the Thailand Qualification Framework (TQF)’s engineering curriculum requirements and to TABEE Criterion 3 (learning outcomes and assessment). The mapping was to portray their complementary nature. To this end, the CDIO implementation in accordance with the 12 CDIO Standards was undertaken and the details elaborated. The rubric-based CDIO and TABEE self-evaluations were carried out and the results translated into actions for continuous improvement. The 4-5 rubric scores from 2013-2018 suggesting that the successful CDIO implementation contributes to the concurrent fulfillment of the TQF and TABEE learning outcomes.
Promoting Global Competency in Engineering Education: Designing the “Engineering Across Borders” Casebook
Authors: Laureen Elgert
Published: May 2023

While global competency in engineering is a multi-dimensional skill, programs often focus on language ability, international experience, and working with international professional communities. Increasingly, engineering educators recognize a ‘third dimension’ of global competency: an understanding of how engineering projects influence and are influenced by, social, political, economic, and environmental contexts. This paper proposes the concept of a casebook that effectively builds this understanding by simulating reflective, hands on experience with project implementation in developing countries. The casebook concept features in-depth, real-world social science case studies, supplemented with informational, explanatory, and analytical materials, to improve student understanding of the different ways in which engineering practice interacts with diverse contexts. Four case studies were selected and pilot tested with undergraduate engineering students, who were asked to write article reviews in response to prompts regarding the comprehensibility and educational value of the case studies. The pilot study assessed: how case studies foment a deeper understanding of how often-assumed ‘universal principles’ of engineering interact with contextual factors; and, how case studies might be supplemented with materials that improve this understanding. Student responses indicated that the case studies contributed to their understanding and insights into the social, economic and environmental embeddedness of engineering projects. Responses also provided valuable insights into how case studies could be supplemented to improve their educational value for engineering students. The casebook concept is a potentially valuable tool for improving ‘third dimension’ of global competency, and can be particularly helpful in settings where students have limited international opportunities, and little exposure to social science approaches to engineering.
Comparing the Effect of Lecture and Cooperative Learning Teaching Strategies in Signals & Systems Course
Authors: Ghazali Nurzal Effiyana , Mohd-Yusof Khairiyah , Azmi Nor Azlinda , Nik Abd Malik Nik Noordini
Published: May 2023

Cooperative learning teaching strategies structures students into groups which every member has their own role and task for the group to attain. Therefore, this learning strategies involve all the students in the class and can increase students’ engagement during the class. The aim of this study is to investigate the performance of the students by comparing lecture and cooperative learning teaching strategies. The study was conducted from September to December 2018 on 23 students who enrolled in Signals & Systems course. The course has four Course Learning Outcomes (CLO). Lecture was conducted during delivering content of CLO1 whilst Jigsaw and Teams-Games-Tournaments were introduced in delivering content of CLO2-CLO4. The performance of the CLO was measured based on quiz, test and final examination. The result between CLO 1 and CLO2-4 was compared with students in 2017 which were experienced lecture and collaborative learning strategies only. In addition, CLOs performance was compared with other sections in 2018. Overall performance students who had experienced cooperative learning strategy is better compared to lecture learning strategies. In conclusion, cooperative learning strategies can be conducted in delivering theoretical course to improve the self-regulated learning among the students.
Arduino for Chemical Engineering Students via Game-based Learning
Authors: Zainal Alam Muhd Nazrul Hisham
Published: May 2023

This paper presents author experience in teaching Arduino for chemical engineering students using the game-based learning teaching methodology. Learning outcomes associated to the work included attainment of necessary technical skills related to Arduino and development of essential attributes especially team-working, communication and problem-solving through the proposed game-based learning method. The mechanic of the game proposed is based on the snake-and-ladder board game where students need to complete series of tasks using a customized Arduino learning kits to complete the game. Rubrics were formed to evaluate student’s competency and achievements on the tasks given. Compared to the teachercentered method, an increased in student performance by at least 40-50% was achieved. The learning structure of the game were formulated to achieve different level of cognitive skills namely comprehension, apply and analysis and therefore, allowed them to meet the learning outcomes. Majority of the students agreed that the game-based learning method conducted has successfully created an enjoyable learning environment and excite their interest on Arduino where nearly 70% of the respondents believed that the game had made them acquired the lifelong learning and team-working skills.
TIMSS 2019 Science Grade 8: Where is Malaysia standing?
Authors: Fatin Aliah Phang  , Khamis Noorzana , Nawi Nina Diana , Jaysuman Pusppanathan
Published: May 2023

Most of the future jobs in Malaysia and worldwide will be related to STEM areas. The nation will need more STEM talent to ensure that the national development can continue to prosper. STEM talent should be nurtured since school education but studies show that Malaysian students were not doing well in science, lack of interest and the teaching method is still examination oriented. This paper reveals the analysis of the Trend in Mathematics and Science Studies (TIMSS) for Science Grade 8 from 1999 to 2019 to find the pattern of the Malaysian students’ performance in science. Over 20 years, the percentage of advanced benchmark achievers in TIMSS for Malaysian students have dropped from 5% to 3%. The overall score of Malaysia has never surpassed the international average. Over the years, Malaysian students scored questions that measured application better than questions that measured reasoning. While the interest and appreciation of Malaysian students towards science were high over the year, Malaysian students have very low confidence in science, and it has dropped drastically over the years. Science investigation were conducted by Malaysian school teachers but students scored better in science when the frequency of teachers conducting science investigation in science lessons were “once or twice a month” compared to “once a week”. Therefore, it is suggested that the science curriculum should be reviewed to ensure that the topics are not too complicated for school students so that it would not kill their confidence in science. At the same time, inquiry-based learning practiced by science teachers should be improved so that the science investigation conducted in science lessons contributed to the understanding and confidence of the students. Researchers should also look into scientific epistemology when the students construct scientific concepts during science investigation.
Adoption of the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) in The Malaysia Education Policy and Curriculum for STEM Subject
Authors: Abdul Rahim Zulhasni , Muhamad Saqib Iqbal
Published: May 2023

The STEM body of knowledge has become a core focus for the Ministry of Education of Malaysia to be embedded in the mainstream education curriculum but one of the challenges is to improve the level of student competency in problem-solving skills. A new policy has been developed at the governmental level to ensure the change can be successfully made and executed successfully at the school level. One of the initiatives is to enhance the complex problem-solving skills of the students by introducing the Theory of Inventive Problem Solving (TRIZ) topic in the Curriculum and Assessment Standard Document for Design and technology subject. The integration of the TRIZ is streamlined with other creativity theories and thinking models. The adoption of TRIZ is strategically designed to support and complement the student in developing a technological project and design competencies. The teaching and learning process of TRIZ in the subject has started in 2018 as the first official textbook has been used in all schools around Malaysia. A survey has been carried out to 1032 respondents that involved in the process of teaching and learning the TRIZ topic in the subject. The result has shown positive feedback from respondents, and further issues have been highlighted to improve the process of teaching and learning in school.
Guideline to an Effective Implementation of Student-Centered Learning in Engineering Education: Informal Cooperative Learning (ICL)
Authors: Syed Hassan Syed Ahmad Helmi , Mohd-Yusof Khairiyah , Zakaria Zaki Yamani
Published: May 2023

The year 2020 witnessed several world transformations: from the new millennial of the 21st Century into the 4th Industrial Revolution, and now with the global pandemic of Covid-19. All these require educational transformations, especially in engineering. The challenging world requires new skills, particularly lifelong learning, complex problem solving and adaptability, the blurring systems of the 4th Industrial Revolution needs dynamic and integrated curriculum, and the global pandemic forces the extensive use of online learning. All these transformations, with respect to engineering education, requires the transformation of education from teacher-centered to student-centered learning (SCL), as outlined in the Outcome-Based Education (OBE). This paper systematically addresses how the transformation of engineering education can be achieved with effective implementation of SCL using a simple but just as powerful method, the Informal Cooperative Learning (ICL).
Flipping the Classroom to Improve Academic Achievement of Information Systems Students with the Support of Learning Management System (LMS)
Authors: Arshad Noreen Izza , Abdullah Mohammad Nasir , Tengku Malim Busu Tengku Nur Zulaikha , M Addi Mitra , Mokhtar Naili Iliani , Kalid Khairul Shafee , Savita K Sugathan
Published: May 2023

This study aims to explore the effects of flipped classroom implementation on students’ academic achievement. Three courses that was offered to Information System students implemented the flipped classroom approach with the support of ULearn Learning Management System (LMS) over twelve (12) weeks of learning. Students’ coursework assessments and examination scores were compared between controlled groups that employed traditional teachingapproach and experimental groups which introduced the flipped learning approach. The Mann-Whitney test was used to compare the median and mean total marks of the two learning approaches, as well as data consistency for the mean total marks. Results show that median and mean total marks were higher in experimental group when compared to the control group for Knowledge Management System (KMS) and Information System Strategy & Planning (ISP)courses. This is proof that flipped classroom approach is a potential student-centred learning approach that can improve students’ academic achievement by encouraging students to be deep learners and promoting self-directed learning and life-long learning through the time optimization of out-class lectures and in-class active and collaborative learning activities.
Publishing Scholarly Practice in Engineering Education: Importance and Systematic Writing Tips
Authors: Mohd-Yusof Khairiyah
Published: May 2023

Scholarly practice articles in engineering education can be published in various places such as conference proceedings and numerous reputable journals. These articles contain descriptions of scholarly innovations in engineering education, such as in teaching and learning, curriculum development and implementation, as well assessment. Publishing this type of articles brings many benefits for the authors, institutions of higher learning and the readers, especially towards enculturation of quality and excellence in engineering education. In this paper, a systematic five-step process of writing, and structure of a scholarly practice article are explained to guide educators in publishing these papers.
Implementation of Photovoltaic Academic Service Learning at School and Its Impact on Student Schools and Student Facilitators
Authors: Md Ayob Shahrin , Tan Chee Wei , Ayop Razman , Daud Mohd Zaki
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the implementation of academic service learning (ASL) and its impact on secondary school students as the community and the university undergraduate students who act as facilitators.  The facilitators are the final year students from the Faculty of Electrical Engineering undertaking a photovoltaic technology course at Universiti Teknologi Malaysia.  The ASL aims to transfer the knowledge of photovoltaic technology to the school student from the university's students and increase their interest in pursuing tertiary study in the science, technology, and mathematics (STEM) stream.  At the same time, it will benefit the facilitators by enriching their communication skills, personality, and academics. The objective achievement of the activity is measured qualitatively through a set of questionnaires after the activity.  It was found that ASL has positively impacted the school student's knowledge of photovoltaic technology.  To measure the impact on the facilitator, questionnaires were given to them after a year of graduation.  The majority of them agreed that ASL improved their communication skills and personality.  However, most facilitators agreed that ASL has minimum impact on enhancing their knowledge of photovoltaics.
Solutions to the Engineering Education Research Activity Challenges in Sudan
Authors: Minalla Abdelrahim
Published: May 2023

Currently, the researcher has been engaging in engineering education research in Sudan. Needless to say, the researcher has encountered many challenges while gathering data using semi-structured interview. This paper discusses these challenges, and how the researcher was able to successfully overcome most of them, and to achieve complete interview. These challenges evolve around factors that affecting the quality of gathered data: experienced participants, well-developed interview protocol, interview environment and logistics, interviewer’s experience and training, language of the interview, and transcription of recorded audio interviews to text. Researcher’s network and his professional connections enabled the researcher to assemble and approach a group of experienced participants who were willing to share their expertise related to the research topics. Also, researcher knowledge of both Arabic and English languages was instrumental in conducting quality Arabic interviews, transcription of audio interviews, and accurate translation between the two languages. At the same time researcher’s expertise and his upfront preparation helped in avoiding interview distraction and letting the participant to talk freely, while keep the participant focused on the research topics.
Students’ and Lecturers’ Perception on the Use of Introductory Engineering Mathematics PutraMOOC
Authors: Mokhtar Makhfudzah , Wan Adnan Wan Azizun , Mohd Harithuddin Ahmad Salahuddin , Jamaludin Diyana , Zan Zuraidah , Ahmad Faisul Arif
Published: May 2023

This paper presents the perceptions of lecturers and students on the use of the Introductory Engineering Mathematics PutraMOOC as a medium of learning and teaching for first year engineering students. The objectives of the study include respondents' perceptions of the characteristics of the PutraMOOC and its impact on the implementation of OBE. To measure the findings based on the respondents' experience on using the PutraMOOC, questionnaires which was also linked to students' scores, as well as interviews with lecturers were conducted. The results of this study show a positive impact and perception of the use of the PutraMOOC. However, based on the findings, there are also some improvements that need to be made in helping the effectiveness of the PutraMOOC in the future use.
A Comparative Study of the Conventional Poppet Valve and the Proposed Novel Independent Rotary Valve Configurations for Improving Efficiency of the Internal Combustion Engine
Authors: Javed Hassan , Fayyaz  , Waqas Muhammad , Jazim Agha Muhammad , Sharif Muddassar , Khan Sikandar
Published: May 2023

About nine million barrels of gasoline are consumed daily by automobile engines. Out of this, roughly 2.25 million barrels are effectively used by the engine to generate power, whereas the rest is wasted due to engine inefficiencies. There is a dire need to bring up a more efficient engine, since even an effort for a 1% increase in efficiency would result in savings of almost $6 million daily worldwide. In this study, first, a conventional poppet valve engine configuration for a 70cc engine was analyzed. Then, based on the engine efficiency contributing parameters, a novel Independent Rotary Valve (IRV) engine configuration was proposed. The proposed engine configuration was analyzed for the same 70cc engine. The LOTUS Engine software was used for the thermodynamic investigation of intake valve closing angle for getting maximum values of volumetric efficiency, brake power, and brake torque at different speeds and intake valve closing angles. It has been found that the proposed engine configuration resulted in approximately 1.165% increase in thermal efficiency by a decrease in air-fuel mixture pumping work. In addition, a 13% increase in volumetric efficiency, a 13% increase in brake torque, and an 18% increase in brake power were found, through the use of independent valve actuation. Also, an increase in mechanical efficiency is expected, due to the added simplicity of the proposed IRV as compared to the conventional poppet valve system. This increase has been verified analytically and by numerical modeling performed in ANSYS FLUENT. The proposed IRV engine configuration is thus a more efficient, more powerful, less complicated, more stable, and an environmentally safer engine.
How Can We Design Instruction to Support Student Reasoning About Physicists’ Ethical Responsibilities in Society?
Authors: Olmstead Alice , Gutmann Brianne , Ochoa-Madrid Egla , Vasquez Alexander , Pike Ciana , Barringer Daniel
Published: May 2023

STEM professionals make decisions that impact society in a wide variety of ways. Making thoughtful decisions often requires them to consider a complex set of real-world implications that can impact multiple stakeholders, and there may not be a single “best” solution to be discovered. These decisions can also be political in nature. In contrast, science is often portrayed as being purely objective and apolitical. Physics instruction often reinforces this portrayal by focusing exclusively on physics content knowledge and skills. Some physics programs have been expanding to include technical skills that are relevant in the workforce, and this expansion likely benefits students in their careers. But undergraduate physics programs, and STEM courses generally, rarely prepare students to grapple with the types of complex, ethical decision-making that they will encounter in STEM.
A journey through the field of fish hearing
Authors: Sand Olav
Published: May 2023

My interest in fish bioacoustics was ignited more than 50 years ago and resulted in a zigzag time travel between various interesting problems that were unsettled at the time. The present paper gives a brief overview of the main topics I have worked on in the field of fish hearing, i.e., auditory function of the swim bladder, directional hearing, function of the lateral line system, and infrasound sensitivity. Rather than being a comprehensive review of these issues, the paper is autobiographical and limited. The aim is to show young scientists that experimental science can be exciting, diverse, and rewarding—and open doors to a rich collegial network, collaboration, and friendships.
Supplemental Material: Progressively elevated geothermal gradients for Miocene metamorphism in the Himalayan orogen
Authors: Ji Min , Gao Xiao-Ying , al. et
Published: May 2023

Supplemental Text S1: Details the analytical and modelling methods. Supplemental Figures S1–S23 present the additional figures, and Supplemental Tables S1–S19 provide the analyzed and summarized data.  
Numerical Simulation of Turbulent Flow Control at Pipe Inlet to Advance Flow Relaminarization
Authors: Lushchik V. G. , Makarova M. S. , Reshmin A. I.
Published: May 2023

Various methods of flow relaminarization in a pipe are considered by means of controlling the average and turbulent flow parameters. For numerical simulation of flows with turbulence growth and suppression it is proposed to use a three-parameter RANS turbulence model, which has shown good results in modeling existing experiments on relaminarization. Calculations for three variants of inlet devices with different velocity profiles and the same small-scale turbulence at the inlet show the possibility of achieving flow relaminarization in pipes at Reynolds numbers Re > 10 000. Among three variants of inlet devices considered, the most effective one is the variant with organization of a two-zone flow with slow flow in the central region of the pipe and accelerated flow in the near-wall region. In this version, relaminarization occurs up to the Reynolds number Re* = 16 000. It is shown that decrease in the turbulence intensity and scale leads to an even larger value of the relaminarization Reynolds number Re*.
Non-Equilibrium Supersonic Flow Past a Blunt Plate at High Angle of Attack
Authors: Surzhikov S. T.
Published: May 2023

The computational model designed for studying the processes of non-equilibrium physicochemical gas dynamics in supersonic rarefied-air flow past a blunt plate of finite dimensions under the laboratory experiment conditions is formulated. The computational model is based on the two-dimensional Navier–Stokes equations, the energy conservation laws for the translational degrees of freedom of atoms and molecules and the vibrational degrees of freedom of diatomic molecules, and the chemical kinetics and diffusion equations for individual components of partially ionized gas flow. The basic gas dynamic and kinetic processes in flow past a blunt plate are analyzed at the Mach numbers M = 10 and 20. It is shown that regions of thermal nonequilibrium are formed.
Ediacara-Type Biota in the Upper Precambrian of the Timan Range (Dzhezhim–Parma Hill, Komi Republic)
Authors: Kolesnikov A. V. , Latysheva I. V. , Shatsillo A. V. , Kuznetsov N. B. , Kolesnikov A. S. , Desiatkin V. D. , Romanyuk T. V.
Published: May 2023

Macroscopic fossils as composite molds and casts of Ediacara-type soft-bodied organisms were found in the Dzhezhim Formation of the Timan Range for the first time. Among them, representatives of palaeopascichnids, arboreomorphs, chuariomorphids, microbial colonies, and trace fossils were identified. This finding of such a large number of various Ediacaran fossils on the Timan Range not only develops our understanding of their paleogeographic range but also clarifies the age limits of the deposition of the Dzhezhim Formation, the stratigraphic position of which in the Upper Precambrian section was controversial.
SARS-CoV-2-related bronchiolitis: a multicentre international study
Authors: Cozzi Giorgio , Sovtic Aleksandar , Garelli Davide , Krivec Uros , Silvagni Davide , Corsini Ilaria , Colombo Marco , Giangreco Manuela , Giannattasio Antonietta , Milani Gregorio Paolo , Minute Marta , Marchetti Federico , Gatto Antonio , Debbia Carla , Gortan Anna Jolanda , Massaro Marta , Hatziagorou Elpis , Ravidà Domenico , Diamand Raz , Jones Elizabeth , Visekruna Jelena , Zago Alessandro , Barbi Egidio , Amaddeo Alessandro , Cortellazzo Wiel Luisa
Published: May 2023

Background

Bronchiolitis is the main acute lower respiratory tract infection in infants. Data regarding SARS-CoV-2-related bronchiolitis are limited.

Objective

To describe the main clinical characteristics of infants with SARS-CoV-2-related bronchiolitis in comparison with infants with bronchiolitis associated with other viruses.

Setting, patients, interventions

A multicentre retrospective study was conducted in 22 paediatric emergency departments (PED) in Europe and Israel. Infants diagnosed with bronchiolitis, who had a test for SARS-CoV-2 and were kept in clinical observation in the PED or admitted to hospital from 1 May 2021 to 28 February 2022 were considered eligible for participation. Demographic and clinical data, diagnostic tests, treatments and outcomes were collected.

Main outcome measures

The main outcome was the need for respiratory support in infants testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 compared with infants testing negative.

Results

2004 infants with bronchiolitis were enrolled. Of these, 95 (4.7%) tested positive for SARS-CoV-2. Median age, gender, weight, history of prematurity and presence of comorbidities did not differ between the SARS-CoV-2-positive and SARS-CoV-2-negative infants. Human metapneumovirus and respiratory syncytial virus were the viruses most frequently detected in the group of infants negative for SARS-CoV-2.

Infants testing positive for SARS-CoV-2 received oxygen supplementation less frequently compared with SARS-CoV-2-negative patients, 37 (39%) vs 1076 (56.4%), p=0.001, OR 0.49 (95% CI 0.32 to 0.75). They received less ventilatory support: 12 (12.6%) high flow nasal cannulae vs 468 (24.5%), p=0.01; 1 (1.0%) continuous positive airway pressure vs 125 (6.6%), p=0.03, OR 0.48 (95% CI 0.27 to 0.85).

Conclusions

SARS-CoV-2 rarely causes bronchiolitis in infants. SARS-CoV-2-related bronchiolitis mostly has a mild clinical course.
Parathyroid carcinoma presenting as severe hypercalcaemia responding to steroids
Authors: Mathew Susan Vincy , Ellis Tracey , Jude Edward B
Published: May 2023

A man in his 50s was referred with profound, symptomatic hypercalcaemia. He was diagnosed with primary hyperparathyroidism, confirmed on99mTc-sestamibi scan. He was treated for the hypercalcaemia and referred to ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeons for parathyroidectomy, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. In the ensuing 18 months, he had five hospital admissions with severe hypercalcaemia requiring intravenous fluids and bisphosphonate infusions. During the last admission, hypercalcaemia was resistant to maximal medical management. Emergency parathyroidectomy was planned, but delayed due to intervening COVID-19 infection. Due to persistent severe hypercalcaemia (serum calcium: 4.23 mmol/L), he was commenced on intravenous steroids, following which serum calcium normalised. Subsequently, he underwent emergency parathyroidectomy, which normalised his serum parathyroid and calcium levels. On histopathological examination, a diagnosis of parathyroid carcinoma was made. On follow-up, patient remained well and normocalcaemic. In patients with primary hyperparathyroidism unresponsive to standard therapy, but responsive to steroids, underlying parathyroid malignancy should be considered.
CT chest-cerebral angiography for basilar artery occlusion caused by pulmonary arteriovenous malformation
Authors: Nakai Natsumi , Ichiba Toshihisa , Hata Masako , Okazaki Yuji
Published: May 2023

Early diagnosis of basilar artery occlusion (BAO) based only on clinical findings is challenging. We present a fully recovered case of BAO caused by pulmonary arteriovenous malformation (PAVM) that was diagnosed early using a protocol for CT angiography (CTA) and promptly treated with endovascular therapy (EVT). A woman in her 50s complained of vertigo with normal level of consciousness (LOC). On arrival, her LOC decreased to a Grass Coma Scale score of 12, and we performed a CT chest-cerebral angiography protocol. Head CTA showed BAO, and an intravenous tissue plasminogen activator was administered, followed by EVT. Chest contrast-enhanced CT showed PAVM in segment 10 of the left lung, which was treated with coil embolisation. For patients with a complaint of vertigo, BAO should be suspected, even if they have an initially normal LOC. A CT chest-cerebral angiography protocol is useful for prompt diagnosis and treatment of BAO and can reveal undetermined causes.
Presence of PD-1 similarity genes in monocytes may promote the development of type 1 diabetes mellitus and poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Huang Yuquan , Zhang Wenchuan , Xu Can , Li Qingxia , Zhang Wu , Xu Wanfeng , Zhang Mingming
Published: May 2023

Introduction

To identify proteins and corresponding genes that share sequential and structural similarity with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) via bioinformatics analysis.

Research design and methods

All proteins with immunoglobulin V-set domain were screened in the human protein sequence database, and the corresponding genes were obtained in the gene sequence database. GSE154609 was downloaded from the GEO database, which contained peripheral blood CD14+ monocyte samples from patients with T1DM and healthy controls. The difference result and the similar genes were intersected. Analysis of gene ontology and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes pathways was used to predict potential functions using the R package ‘cluster profiler’. The expression differences of intersected genes were analyzed in The Cancer Genome Atlas pancreatic cancer dataset and GTEx database using t-test. The correlation between the overall survival and disease-free progression of patients with pancreatic cancer was analyzed using Kaplan-Meier survival analysis.

Results

2068 proteins with immunoglobulin V-set domain similar to PD-1 and 307 corresponding genes were found. 1705 upregulated differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 1335 downregulated DEGs in patients with T1DM compared with healthy controls were identified. A total of 21 genes were overlapped with the 307 PD-1 similarity genes, including 7 upregulated and 14 downregulated. Of these, mRNA levels of 13 genes were significantly increased in patients with pancreatic cancer. High expression ofMYOM3andHHLA2was significantly correlated with shorter overall survival of patients with pancreatic cancer, while high expression ofFGFRL1,CD274, andSPEGwas significantly correlated with shorter disease-free survival of patients with pancreatic cancer.

Conclusions

Genes encoding immunoglobulin V-set domain similar to PD-1 may contribute to the occurrence of T1DM. Of these genes,MYOM3andSPEGmay serve as potential biomarkers for the prognosis of pancreatic cancer.
Developing a core competency training curriculum system for emergency trauma nurses in China: a modified Delphi method study
Authors: Xie La , Feng Mei , Cheng Jing , Huang Sufang
Published: May 2023

Objectives

To develop a core competency training curriculum system for emergency trauma nurses in China.

Design

A modified Delphi study design.

Participants

The selection criteria for participants identified in practitioner roles were to be currently engaged in trauma care for over 5 years, to serve as the manager of emergency or trauma surgery department, and to have a bachelor’s degree or higher. A total of 15 trauma experts from three grade A tertiary hospitals were invited to participate in this study by email or face to face in January 2022. The expert group comprised four trauma specialist doctors and 11 trauma specialist nurses. There were 11 women and 4 men. The age ranged from 32 to 50 (40.27±5.120) years. The number of years worked ranged from 6 to 32 (15.87±7.110).

Results

Two rounds of questionnaires were issued to 15 experts in each round, and the effective recovery rate was 100.00%. In this study, expert judgement=0.947, expert familiarity with the content=0.807 and authority coefficient=0.877, and the results are highly reliable. The Kendall’s W of the two rounds in this study ranged from 0.208 to 0.467, and the difference was statistically significant (p<0.05). In the two rounds of expert consultations, four items were deleted, five items were modified, two items were added and one item was merged. Ultimately, the curriculum system of core competency training for emergency trauma nurses includes training objectives (8 theoretical knowledge and 9 practical skills), training contents (6 first-level indicators, 13 second-level indicators and 70 third-level indicators), training methods (9), evaluation indicators (4) and evaluation methodologies (4).

Conclusions

This study proposed a core competency training curriculum system with systematic and standardised courses for emergency trauma nurses, which could be applied to assess trauma care performance, highlight areas for improvement for emergency trauma nurses and contribute to the accreditation of emergency trauma specialist nurses.
Neonatal health care costs of very preterm babies in England: a retrospective analysis of a national birth cohort
Authors: Yang Miaoqing , Campbell Helen , Pillay Thillagavathie , Boyle Elaine M , Modi Neena , Rivero-Arias Oliver
Published: May 2023

Objectives

Babies born between 27+0and 31+6weeks of gestation represent the largest group of very preterm babies requiring National Health Service (NHS) care; however, up-to-date, cost figures for the UK are not currently available. This study estimates neonatal costs to hospital discharge for this group of very preterm babies in England.

Design

Retrospective analysis of resource use data recorded within the National Neonatal Research Database.

Setting

Neonatal units in England.

Patients

Babies born between 27+0and 31+6weeks of gestation in England and discharged from a neonatal unit between 2014 and 2018.

Main outcome measures

Days receiving different levels of neonatal care were costed, along with other specialised clinical activities. Mean resource use and costs per baby are presented by gestational age at birth, along with total costs for the cohort.

Results

Based on data for 28 154 very preterm babies, the annual total costs of neonatal care were estimated to be £262 million, with 96% of costs attributable to routine daily care provided by units. The mean (SD) total cost per baby of this routine care varied by gestational age at birth; £75 594 (£34 874) at 27 weeks as compared with £27 401 (£14 947) at 31 weeks.

Conclusions

Neonatal healthcare costs for very preterm babies vary substantially by gestational age at birth. The findings presented here are a useful resource to stakeholders including NHS managers, clinicians, researchers and policymakers.
Impact of transcranial magnetic stimulation on motor function in children with acquired brain injury: a scoping review protocol
Authors: Rathinam Chandrasekar , Mohan Vikram , Bill Peter , Yates Derick , Gupta Rajat , Peirson Janet
Published: May 2023

Background

Children with severe acquired brain injury (ABI) require early and effective neurorehabilitation provision to promote a good long-term functional outcome. Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) has been used to improve motor skills for children with cerebral palsy but there is limited material supporting its use in children with ABI who have a motor disorder.

Objective

To systematically answer what the TMS intervention effects are on motor function in children with ABI as reported in the literature.

Methods and analysis

This scoping review will follow Arksey and O’MaIIey’s scoping review methodological framework. A comprehensive computerised bibliographic databases search will be performed in MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, Allied and Complementary Medicine, BNI, Ovid Emcare, PsyclNFO, Physiotherapy Evidence Database, Cochrane Central Register using keywords related to TMS and children with ABI.

Studies that examine the effect of TMS intervention on motor function as either a primary or secondary objective will be included for this review. Study design and publication detail, participant demographic details, type and severity of ABI and other clinical information, TMS procedure, associated therapy intervention, comparator/control parameters and the outcome measure used data will be gathered.

The International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health for Children and Youth framework will be used to report the TMS effect in children with ABI. A narrative synthesis of the findings describing the therapeutic effects of TMS intervention, limitations and adverse effects will be synthesised and reported. This review will help to summarise the existing knowledge base and to guide further research areas. This review outcome may help to evolve therapists’ role to next-generation technology-based neurorehabilitation programmes.

Ethics and dissemination

No ethical approval is required for this review as we will be collecting data from previously published studies. We will present the findings at scientific conferences and publish in a peer-review journal.
Assessment of haemoglobin and serum markers of iron deficiency in people with cardiovascular disease
Authors: Graham Fraser J , Friday Jocelyn M , Pellicori Pierpaolo , Greenlaw Nicola , Cleland John GF
Published: May 2023

Background

The prevalence of anaemia and iron deficiency and their prognostic association with cardiovascular disease have rarely been explored at population level.

Methods

National Health Service records of the Greater Glasgow region for patients aged ≥50 years with a broad range of cardiovascular diagnoses were obtained. During 2013/14, prevalent disease was identified and results of investigations collated. Anaemia was defined as haemoglobin <13 g/dL for men or <12 g/dL for women. Incident heart failure, cancer and death between 2015 and 2018 were identified.

Results

The 2013/14 dataset comprised 197 152 patients, including 14 335 (7%) with heart failure. Most (78%) patients had haemoglobin measured, especially those with heart failure (90%). Of those tested, anaemia was common both in patients without (29%) and with heart failure (prevalent cases in 2013/14: 46%; incident cases during 2013/14: 57%). Ferritin was usually measured only when haemoglobin was markedly depressed; transferrin saturation (TSAT) even less often. Incidence rates for heart failure and cancer during 2015–18 were inversely related to nadir haemoglobin in 2013/14. A haemoglobin of 13–15 g/dL for women and 14–16 g/dL for men was associated with the lowest mortality. Low ferritin was associated with a better prognosis and low TSAT with a worse prognosis.

Conclusion

In patients with a broad range of cardiovascular disorders, haemoglobin is often measured but, unless anaemia is severe, markers of iron deficiency are usually not. Low haemoglobin and TSAT, but not low ferritin, are associated with a worse prognosis. The nadir of risk occurs at haemoglobin 1–3 g/dL above the WHO definition of anaemia.
Genealogical obscurement: mitochondrial replacement techniques and genealogical research
Authors: Palacios-González César
Published: May 2023

Mitochondrial replacement techniques (MRTs) are a new group of biotechnologies that aim to aid women whose eggs have disease-causing deleteriously mutated mitochondria to have genetically related healthy children. These techniques have also been used to aid women with poor oocyte quality and poor embryonic development, to have genetically related children. Remarkably, MRTs create humans with DNA from three sources: nuclear DNA from the intending mother and father, and mitochondrial DNA from the egg donor. In a recent publication Françoise Baylis argued that MRTs are detrimental for genealogical research via mitochondrial DNA because they would obscure the lines of individual descent. In this paper, I argue that MRTs do not obscure genealogical research, but rather that MRT-conceived children can have two mitochondrial lineages. I argue for this position by showing that MRTs are reproductive in nature and, thus, they create genealogy.
Environmental impact of cardiovascular healthcare
Authors: Barratt Alexandra L , Li Yan , Gooroovadoo Isabelle , Todd Allyson , Dou Yuanlong , McAlister Scott , Semsarian Christopher
Published: May 2023

Importance

The healthcare sector is essential to human health and well-being, yet its significant carbon footprint contributes to climate change-related threats to health.

Objective

To review systematically published studies on environmental impacts, including carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2e) emissions, of contemporary cardiovascular healthcare of all types, from prevention through to treatment.

Evidence review

We followed the methods of systematic review and synthesis. We conducted searches in Medline, EMBASE and Scopus for primary studies and systematic reviews measuring environmental impacts of any type of cardiovascular healthcare published in 2011 and onwards. Studies were screened, selected and data were extracted by two independent reviewers. Studies were too heterogeneous for pooling in meta-analysis and were narratively synthesised with insights derived from content analysis.

Findings

A total of 12 studies estimating environmental impacts, including carbon emissions (8 studies), of cardiac imaging, pacemaker monitoring, pharmaceutical prescribing and in-hospital care including cardiac surgery were found. Of these, three studies used the gold-standard method of Life Cycle Assessment. One of these found the environmental impact of echocardiography was 1%–20% that of cardiac MR (CMR) imaging and Single Photon Emission Tomography (SPECT) scanning. Many opportunities to reduce environmental impacts were identified: carbon emissions can be reduced by choosing echocardiography as the first cardiac test before considering CT or CMR, remote monitoring of pacemaker devices and teleconsultations when clinically appropriate to do so. Several interventions may be effective for reducing waste, including rinsing bypass circuitry after cardiac surgery. Cobenefits included reduced costs, health benefits such as cell salvage blood available for perfusion, and social benefits such as reduced time away from work for patients and carers. Content analysis revealed concern about the environmental impact of cardiovascular healthcare, particularly carbon emissions and a desire for change.

Conclusions and relevance

Cardiac imaging, pharmaceutical prescribing and in-hospital care including cardiac surgery have significant environmental impacts, including CO2e emissions which contribute to climate-related threats to human health. Importantly, many opportunities to effectively reduce environmental impacts exist within cardiac care, and can provide economic, health and social cobenefits.
Recent Few-shot Object Detection Algorithms: A Survey with Performance Comparison
Authors: Liu Tianying , Zhang Lu , Wang Yang , Guan Jihong , Fu Yanwei , Zhao Jiajia , Zhou Shuigeng
Published: May 2023

The generic object detection (GOD) task has been successfully tackled by recent deep neural networks, trained by an avalanche of annotated training samples from some common classes. However, it is still non-trivial to generalize these object detectors to the novel long-tailed object classes, which have only few labeled training samples. To this end, the Few-Shot Object Detection (FSOD) has been topical recently, as it mimics the humans’ ability of
learning to learn
and intelligently transfers the learned generic object knowledge from the common heavy-tailed to the novel long-tailed object classes. Especially, the research in this emerging field has been flourishing in recent years with various benchmarks, backbones, and methodologies proposed. To review these FSOD works, there are several insightful FSOD survey articles [
58
,
59
,
74
,
78
] that systematically study and compare them as the groups of fine-tuning/transfer learning and meta-learning methods. In contrast, we review the existing FSOD algorithms from a new perspective under a new taxonomy based on their contributions, i.e., data-oriented, model-oriented, and algorithm-oriented. Thus, a comprehensive survey with performance comparison is conducted on recent achievements of FSOD. Furthermore, we also analyze the technical challenges, the merits and demerits of these methods, and envision the future directions of FSOD. Specifically, we give an overview of FSOD, including the problem definition, common datasets, and evaluation protocols. The taxonomy is then proposed that groups FSOD methods into three types. Following this taxonomy, we provide a systematic review of the advances in FSOD. Finally, further discussions on performance, challenges, and future directions are presented.
Physical, Optical, and Spectroscopic Characteristics of Mixed Alkali Tetraborate Glasses RO–ZnO–Li2B4O7-K2B4O7: Impact of Alkaline Earth Oxides (R = Mg, Ca)
Authors: Krishnaprasad Sarap , Shareefuddin Md. , Lakshmipathi Rao M. , Ramadevudu G.
Published: May 2023

Alkali tetraborate glasses 10RO-30ZnO-xLi2B4O7-(60-x) K2B4O7 (R = Mg, Ca) with x varying from 0 mole% to 60 mole% were synthesized by melt quenching approach at around 1150 °C. Broad and peak less X-ray diffraction spectra confirmed the amorphous nature of synthesized glass samples. Physical and optical properties namely density, molar volume, refractive index, optical band gaps, molar refractivity and Urbach energy values have been reported. The density of the present glass samples improved with increasing x mole% except at the presence of equal amounts of alkali oxides in the glass system. The molar volume decreased continuously with x mole%. Oxygen packing density (OPD) increased with increasing x mole%. The optical energy band gap Eopt values with increasing lithium tetraborate in the glass composition have shown a downward trend, where are refractive index values shown upward. FTIR and Raman studies revealed the variation of BO3 and BO4 units in the glasses with composition is marginal. EPR spectra of copper ions confirmed the existence of Cu2+ ions in the ground state dx
2–y
2 orbital (2B1g). The observed non-linear variations of various properties are attributed to the structural changes caused by mixed alkali effect.