bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Alcohol consumption and use of contraceptives: Evidence from 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey in Nigeria
Authors: Asogwa Fredrick O. , Nkalu Chigozie Nelson , Edeh Ikechukwu George
Published: July 2021

Per capita alcohol consumption in Nigeria is high when compared with other countries in Africa. Alcohol induces social behaviors which include home violence, sexual harassment, unwanted pregnancy, and infidelity among couples. On the good side of it, couples who find themselves in alcohol consumption chose modern contraceptives use to prevent unwanted pregnancy. The objective of the paper is to examine the effect of alcohol consumption on modern contraceptive use in Nigeria. A probit regression model using data from the 2018 Nigerian Demographic and Health Survey was employed. The paper found that alcohol intake among couples has a significant effect on their decision to use modern contraceptives. The result also signified that educational level significantly affects the use of modern contraceptives. Other significant factors affecting modern contraceptive use were the partner's occupation, the number of living children per couple, and the wealth index. The paper recommended that counseling should be made at social gatherings for those who take alcohol to use contraceptives.
Dilated ascending aorta in the fetus
Authors: Dumitrascu‐Biris Ioana , Zidere Vita , Vigneswaran Trisha , Charakida Marietta , Mathur Sujeev , Kametas Nick , Simpson John
Published: July 2021

Introduction

Prenatal recognition of dilated aortic root is extremely rare and there are significant challenges in counselling these patients. The primary aim of this case series is to describe the prevalence, associations and outcome of dilated ascending aorta diagnosed during fetal life.

Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study from two tertiary fetal cardiology centres. Dilated ascending aorta was defined as gestation‐specific standard deviation > 1.96 at some point during gestation.

Results

Sixteen infants were live born and underwent postnatal echocardiography. Prenatally suspected bicuspid aortic valve (BAV) (n = 6) was confirmed in 5 cases (83%) postnatally. Thirteen children have been followed up for a period of minimum one year. No connective tissue disease was found.

Conclusions

Prenatal dilated ascending aorta is a rare finding (0.06%). It is associated with BAV in 37% of cases and extracardiac abnormalities in 15.7%. Nuchal translucency measurement was >3.5 in 13% of cases. Connective tissue disease was not diagnosed postnatally. This is the largest prenatal cohort with dilated ascending aorta and postnatal outcomes to date. We showed a postnatal persistence of ascending aortic dilatation in 43% of babies. In the absence of extra‐cardiac abnormalities, medium term outcome appears good but postnatal surveillance of aortic dilation is required.
Life cycle energy demand and carbon emissions of scalable single‐junction and tandem perovskite PV
Authors: Leccisi Enrica , Fthenakis Vasilis
Published: July 2021

Perovskite photovoltaics reached record efficiencies in the laboratory, and if sustainably commercialized, they would accelerate a green energy transition. This article presents the development of life cycle inventory material and energy databases of four most promising single‐junction and three tandem scalable perovskite systems with assumptions regarding scalable production validated by industry experts. We conducted comprehensive “ex ante” life cycle analysis (LCA) and net energy analysis, analyzing their cumulative energy demand, global warming potential profiles, energy payback times, and energy return on investment (EROI). LCA contribution analysis elucidates the most impactful material and process choices. It shows that solution‐based perovskite manufacturing would have lower environmental impact than vapor‐based methods, and that roll‐to‐roll (RtR) printing offers the lowest impact. Among material choices, MoOx/Al has lower impact than Ag, and fluorine‐tin‐oxide lower than indium‐tin‐oxide. Furthermore, we compare perovskites with commercial crystalline‐silicon and thin‐film PV, accounting for the most recent developments in crystalline‐Si wafer production and differences in life expectancies and efficiencies. It is shown that perovskite systems produced with RtR manufacturing could reach in only 12 years of life, the same EROI as that of single‐crystalline‐Si PV lasting 30 years. This work lays a foundation for sustainability investigations of perovskite large‐scale deployment.
Quantenlogik‐Uhren
Authors: Schmidt Piet O.
Published: July 2021

Atome sind durch Laserkühlung so gut kontrollierbar, dass optische Uhren mit Unsicherheiten im Bereich von 10–18 realisiert wurden. Allerdings besitzen bei Weitem nicht alle Atome einen Quantenübergang zum Laserkühlen. Unter diesen sind aber Spezies interessant, die auf Neue Physik jenseits des Standardmodells besonders empfindlich reagieren sollten. Mit ultrapräziser Spektroskopie könnten Änderungen fundamentaler Konstanten, der Kopplung an Dunkle Materie oder eine hypothetische Fünfte Kraft aufgespürt werden. Auch bestimmte Moleküle wären hierfür geeignet, doch Moleküle sind nur eingeschränkt laserkühlbar. Dieses Problem kann die Quantenlogik lösen. Dabei wird dem Ion in einer Paul‐Falle, das spektroskopiert werden soll, ein Logik‐Ion zugesellt, das laserkühlbar ist. Damit konnten erstmalig eine Reihe neuer Spezies spektroskopiert werden. Neben einfach und hoch geladenen Ionen werden zukünftig Präzisionsmessungen an Molekülen und weiteren interessanten Systemen, etwa Antiprotonen, hinzukommen. All dies illustriert die Universalität der Quantenlogik‐Spektroskopie, die nicht zuletzt den Bau von Uhren höchster Genauigkeit erlaubt.
Ein Künstler mit Physik
Authors: Ucke Christian , Schlichting Hans Joachim
Published: July 2021

Das Valett‐Federpendel ist eine Variation des Wilberforce‐Pendels, bei dem am oberen und unteren Ende eines Federpendels zwei Zylinder in gegenläufige Rotation geraten. Hierbei findet ein kontinuierlicher Austausch zwischen der Translationsenergie der Feder und der Rotationsenergie der beiden Zylinder statt – ein Effekt, der nicht nur didaktisch, sondern auch ästhetisch besticht.
Der Quantenphysik über die Schulter geschaut
Authors: Meinert Florian , Löw Robert
Published: July 2021

Die Quantenphysik weiß sich für gewöhnlich gut zu verstecken. Mit Hilfe eines Quantengas‐Mikroskops lassen sich ihre Eigenheiten aber direkt ans Tageslicht holen.
Schwarze Löcher
Authors: Janka Hans‐Thomas
Published: July 2021

Schwarze Löcher sind theoretische Lösungen der Allgemeinen Relativitätstheorie. Ihre Existenz war vor 50 Jahren noch reine Spekulation, heute ist sie gesichert.
Es drückt in der Tiefe
Authors: Lück Stephan , Wilhelm Thomas , Kuhn Jochen
Published: July 2021

Lehrmittelfirmen bieten für viele physikalische Größen eigene externe Sensoren an, die nicht nur vom PC, sondern auch vom Tablet oder Smartphone ausgelesen werden können. Dies kann beispielsweise genutzt werden, um den hydrostatischen Druck in Abhängigkeit von der Tiefe zu messen.
Ein Lichtblick im Schatten
Authors: Schlichting Hans‐Joachim
Published: July 2021

In der Badesaison können wir ein optisches Phänomen beobachten, über das sich genauer nachzudenken lohnt. Dazu stellen wir uns vor, dass eine Person bis zur Taille im klaren Wasser steht und auf die Kaustiken schaut, die durch die Wellen auf dem Sandboden projiziert werden.
Optimization of antibiotics for cystic fibrosis pulmonary exacerbations due to highly resistant nonlactose fermenting Gram negative bacilli: Meropenem‐vaborbactam and cefiderocol
Authors: Belcher Rachel , Zobell Jeffery T.
Published: July 2021

We are writing this letter to provide an update of published information on antibiotics for cystic fibrosis (CF) pulmonary exacerbations to the State of the Art articles by Zobell et al. Information on meropenem‐vaborbactam and cefiderocol were not available when the original articles were published. These new antibiotics, approved in 2017 and 2019, possess antipseudomonal properties like the other carbapenems and cephalosporins in the original articles however, existing literature refers to their use for other less common bacteria. As patients with CF age, the microorganisms in their bacterial cultures change and some can colonize multiple or uncommon bacterial species including, Burkholderia, Achromobacter, and Stenotrophomonas spp. In 2019, these nonlactose fermenting bacterial species made up for approximately 15% of respiratory microorganisms cultured in pediatric patients. Though infrequent, compared to Staphylococcus aureus or Pseudomonas aeruginosa, these bacteria are opportunistic pathogens and patients at the highest risk for these infections include those with CF. Like other Gram negative bacteria, Burkholderia, Achromobacter, and Stenotrophomonas spp., are frequently drug resistant and can make treatment extremely challenging, thus it is crucial that data for treatment of these less common pathogens be evaluated.
SidechainNet: An all‐atom protein structure dataset for machine learning
Authors: King Jonathan Edward , Koes David Ryan
Published: July 2021

Despite recent advancements in deep learning methods for protein structure prediction and representation, little focus has been directed at the simultaneous inclusion and prediction of protein backbone and sidechain structure information. We present SidechainNet, a new dataset that directly extends the ProteinNet dataset. SidechainNet includes angle and atomic coordinate information capable of describing all heavy atoms of each protein structure and can be extended by users to include new protein structures as they are released. In this article, we provide background information on the availability of protein structure data and the significance of ProteinNet. Thereafter, we argue for the potentially beneficial inclusion of sidechain information through SidechainNet, describe the process by which we organize SidechainNet, and provide a software package (https://github.com/jonathanking/sidechainnet) for data manipulation and training with machine learning models.
Robot‐assisted beating‐heart surgery for atrial septal defect repair in a case of situs inversus totalis with dextrocardia
Authors: Li Xin , Liu Zhuang , Kong Ruirui , Zhang Chengxin , Ge Shenglin
Published: July 2021

Background

This paper describes a case of a patient with situs inversus totalis (SIT) and dextrocardia in which robotic atrial septal defect (ASD) repair was successfully performed in a beating heart.

Methods and Results

A 45‐year‐old female patient who had SIT and dextrocardia was diagnosed with secundum ASD 5 years ago. Because of progressive dyspnoea, fatigue, and obvious cough, she came to our hospital for surgical treatment. Transthoracic echocardiography showed the defect located in the middle and lower segments of the atrial septum with a maximum diameter of 27 mm, with a left‐to‐right shunt. Transcatheter ASD closure could not be performed because there was not enough tissue surrounding the defect. After communicating with the patient, we performed robotic ASD repair in a beating heart using the da Vinci surgical system. The operation was successful, and the patient recovered quickly.

Conclusion

As a minimally invasive approach, robotic cardiac surgery has many advantages and is feasible and safe in suitable patients.
Event‐triggered adaptive fixed‐time output feedback fault tolerant control for perturbed planar nonlinear systems
Authors: Zhu Chenglong , Zhang Kanjian , Xin Xin , Gao Fangzheng , Wei Haikun
Published: July 2021

This paper considers an event‐triggered adaptive fixed‐time output feedback fault tolerant control problem for a class of uncertain planar nonlinear systems, in which the actuator has an unknown drift fault and the loss of effectiveness fault. Firstly, by using the adaptive backstepping technique and event‐triggered theory, a constructive event‐triggered adaptive fixed‐time state feedback controller is presented under a generalized Lipschitz continuous condition. Secondly, for the unmeasured state, a continuous fixed‐time observer is constructed. It is shown that the global practically fixed‐time stability of the closed‐loop systems is ensured by the bilimit homogeneity technique and Lyapunov theory analysis. Moreover, the system is demonstrated by contradiction to be nonzeno. Finally, the fan speed control system is constructed to demonstrate the validity of the proposed strategy and the application of the general systems.
A Highly Selective “Turn‐On” Fluorescent Sensor for Aluminum Ion Detection in Aqueous Solution Based on Imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole Schiff Base
Authors: Wang Haibin , Xu Xin , Yin Jichen , Zhang Zhifeng , Xue Lei
Published: July 2021

Low sensitivity of fluorescent sensors with “turn‐off” response for identifying Al3+ has limited their wide application in the field of ion sensing. Herein, this paper reports a novel fluorescence sensor (L) endowing with “turn‐on” fluorescence response based on imidazo[2,1‐b]thiazole for recognizing Al3+ in aqueous solutions. Results show that the L exhibits high selectivity and sensitivity with “turn‐on” fluorescence response towards Al3+, but also has strong anti‐interference to other common ions. In addition, the excellent color change can be distinguished by naked eyes under UV light and the test papers show great potential for detecting Al3+ in tap water. The supposed sensing mechanism of L to Al3+ could be attributed to the inhibition of photo‐induced electron transfer (PET) and chelation‐enhanced fluorescence (CHEF). Such a novel design pathway is expected to offer helpful guidance for fabricating various sensors with “turn‐on” fluorescence response.
Synthesis and Cytotoxicity of Sulfanyl, Sulfinyl and Sulfonyl Group Containing Ursane Conjugates with 1,3,4‐Oxadiazoles and 1,2,4‐Triazoles
Authors: Semenova Marya D. , Popov Sergey A. , Golubeva Tatiana S. , Baev Dmitry S. , Shults Elvira E. , Turks Māris
Published: July 2021

A library of novel sulfanyl, sulfinyl, and sulfonyl group‐containing ursane conjugates with 1,3,4‐oxadiazoles and 1,2,4‐triazoles were designed and obtained. The target compounds were synthesized by alkylation of the corresponding azole‐based thiones followed by S‐selective oxidation. The expected sulfoxides and sulfones were obtained depending on the applied excess of mCPBA without oxidation of the ursane double bond. The novel products were studied for their antiproliferative activity on cell lines MCF7 (breast cancer), U‐87 MG (glioblastoma multiform cells), A549 (lung carcinoma), and U‐87 MG (hepatocarcinoma), using immortalized human fibroblasts hTERT as non‐cancer control. Oxadiazole‐derived methylsulfones possessed the most notable cytotoxicity, while the sulfanyl group containing ursane conjugates with 1,2,4‐triazoles 7 g, 7 h exhibited the best selectivity and antiproliferative activity, superior to ursolic acid and starting azole‐based thiones. Possible mechanism of action of thioethers 7 g, 7 h was studied using molecular modeling.
Metallic S‐CoTe with Surface Reconstruction Activated by Electrochemical Oxidation for Oxygen Evolution Catalysis
Authors: Yang Lei , Qin Hongye , Dong Zihao , Wang Tongzhou , Wang Guichang , Jiao Lifang
Published: July 2021

Developing highly active electrocatalysts toward oxygen evolution reaction (OER) is critical for the application of water splitting for hydrogen production and can further alleviate the energy crisis problem, but still remaining challenging. Especially, unlocking the catalytic site, in turn, helps design the available catalysts. Herein, the nanorod cobalt telluride with sulfur incorporation grown on a carbon cloth (S‐CoTe/CC) as catalysts for OER, which displays extraordinary catalytic activity, is reported. Significantly, the in situ formed CoOOH species on the surface of S‐CoTe merited from the structure evolution during the OER process serves as the active species. Furthermore, density functional theory calculations demonstrate that sulfur incorporation can tailor the electronic structure of active species and substantially optimize the free energy, accelerating the OER kinetics. This work provides an in‐depth understanding of enhanced OER mechanism through foreign elements incorporating into precatalysts and is beneficial for the guiding design of more efficient catalysts.
How does occupational licensing affect entry into the medical field? An examination of emergency medical technicians
Authors: Yelowitz Aaron , Ingram Samuel J.
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic has led to temporary suspensions of many occupational licensing laws in an effort to manage surges in health care demand. The crisis highlights more general concerns about occupational licensing laws, yet convincing empirical evidence on the degree to which such laws have inhibited entry into health care professions is scarce. In this study, we indirectly examine how occupational licensing affects the choice to become an emergency medical technician (EMT) by exploiting the demand‐side shock from the Affordable Care Act (ACA). We find suggestive evidence that while the demand‐side shock from the ACA increased the likelihood of being an EMT, this effect was substantially moderated by more stringent occupational licensing laws. The implied effects for young individuals in the most careful specification suggests virtually complete offset; the ACA demand‐side shock would increase entry by 18 percentage points, while occupational licensing restrictions reduce entry by a similar magnitude.
Experimental and numerical studies on multiple response optimization‐based control using iterative techniques for magnetorheological damper‐controlled structure
Authors: Wani Zubair Rashid , Tantray Manzoor , Sheikh Javed Iqbal
Published: July 2021

The field of semiactive control dampers for structural control has seen a significant advancement in recent years. However, the controllers proposed in recent years have been computationally inefficient, time consuming, and did not allow the designer the flexibility in overall structural control. Consequently, this study presents a sequence of numerical and experimental studies conducted to determine the efficiency and performance of proposed multiple response optimization (MRO)‐based control with iterative technique, using magnetorheological (MR) dampers as a control device in mitigating the structural response. The prime objective of the MRO control strategy is selecting an optimal control gain, obtained by a trade‐off between the gains corresponding to the local minima of structural responses, selected as the performance objective of the controllers. The proposed strategy is numerically compared with H2/LQG with clipped optimal control (COC). Results indicated the efficiency and flexibility of the proposed strategy in mitigating the structural responses. Finally, multiple shake table tests were performed on a five‐story steel frame with MR damper, employing the control strategies to be examined. The corresponding results substantiated the superiority of MRO control over passive control strategies, in mitigating the structural responses.
Theoretical Increase in the Electric Force Exerted on Body Hair Owing to Superimposed Electric Fields with Optimized AC/DC Ratios
Authors: Nedachi Takaki , Shimizu Koichi , Suzuki Hiroshi , Harakawa Shinji
Published: July 2021

The biological effects of direct current (DC) and extremely low frequency (ELF) electric fields (EFs) have not been completely clarified. However, scholars have proposed that body hair movement on the body surface in the EFs triggers these effects. The electric forces in DC or alternating current (AC) EFs have been discussed, and a theoretical equation has been proposed, which considers either AC or DC EFs only. In contrast, superimposed EFs combining DC and AC EFs, inducing changes in the electric force, are widely used in the industry. In this regard, the biological effects of the EFs could be understood better by considering the superimposed conditions. This study generalizes a theoretical equation to include the superimposed EFs and calculate the electric force change acting on body hair with respect to the AC/DC ratio. The results show that the electric force that is acting on body hair changes with the AC/DC ratio of the superimposition, even when the total root mean square value is constant. Moreover, there is an optimal ratio for maximizing the electric force. This study could provide insights for an in‐depth understanding of the biological effects of EFs if the results of the developed equation are studied in conjunction with the actual effects. © 2021 Institute of Electrical Engineers of Japan. Published by Wiley Periodicals LLC.
Reactive processing of PA6/EPDM‐MA blends as modifier for application and development of high‐performance polypropylene
Authors: Luna Carlos Bruno Barreto , Siqueira Danilo Diniz , da Silva Barbosa Ferreira Eduardo , Araújo Edcleide Maria , Wellen Renate Maria Ramos
Published: July 2021

In this work, PA6/EPDM‐MA was added as an impact modifier for high‐performance polypropylene (PP) production. PA6/EPDM‐MA compounds were processed in an internal mixer, aiming at chemical reaction between maleic anhydride of EPDM‐MA and the amine terminal groups of PA6. Afterward, PP/(PA6/EPDM‐MA) blends were processed by extrusion and injection molding. Rheological properties were evaluated using torque rheometry; additionally, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Molau test, impact and tensile strengths, Shore D hardness, thermal deflection temperature, X‐ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, water absorption, contact angle, and scanning electron microscopy tests were performed in injected specimens. PP/(PA6/EPDM‐MA) with 70/(15/15)% displayed quite high increase in impact and elongation at break, with gains of 850% and 265%, compared to neat PP. There were no drastic losses in tensile strength, elastic modulus, and Shore D hardness, due to PA6 addition. A significant increase was seen in the thermal stability of PP/(PA6/EPDM‐MA), corroborating the increase in structural stability seen in HDT. SEM images showed high interfacial adhesion between PP and PA6/EPDM‐MA corroborating higher mechanical properties. Summing up, PA6/EPDM‐MA premix acted as an efficient impact modifier for PP. Acquired data show that P6/EPDM‐MA system was effective in developing high‐performance PP with potential for application in the automotive and electronics industries.
Comparative assessment of the challenges faced by the solar energy industry in Ethiopia before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic
Authors: Gebreslassie Mulualem G.
Published: July 2021

The COVID‐19 pandemic is having an unprecedented impact on social, economic, and political situations of all countries around the world with no sight to its end. Business sectors such as solar distributors, which have been instrumental in supporting the governments' ambitious universal electrification programs, have been negatively affected by the pandemic. The main aim of this paper is therefore to explore and conduct a comparative assessment before and during the COVID‐19 pandemic of the key challenges of solar‐based businesses in Ethiopia focusing on the distributors and installers and to provide policy recommendations. Qualitative and quantitative assessments were employed during this study. The results show that before the pandemic, finding a skilled workforce, gaining a technical knowledge of the technology, competing in the market, and lack of consumer awareness and initial investment were the key challenges. The importation of solar technologies has been halted by the arrival of the COVID‐19 exacerbating existing challenges and threatening the very existence of the businesses. The impact of the pandemic on income levels of end‐users of solar technologies, together with the lack of sufficient supply of technologies to the businesses, most of the businesses are forced to lay off their employees deepening the unemployment rate and, in some cases, forcing businesses to be closed. These circumstances affect economic development and dents the progress made so far in facilitating energy access to remote communities. To protect these vulnerable but very essential small businesses, necessary interventions are recommended.

This article is categorized under:

Photovoltaics > Economics and Policy
TOOP Pilot Experiences: Challenges and Achievements in Implementing Once-Only in Different Domains and Member States
Authors: Prentza Andriana , Mitzman David , Ehastu Madis , Leontaridis Lefteris
Published: July 2021

The Once-Only Principle (OOP) enables public administrations to support citizen and business life-cycle oriented issues as opposed to mere integration of administrative systems designed to serve bureaucratic ends. The Once-Only Principle project (TOOP) was funded by the EU Program Horizon 2020, with the aim to explore and demonstrate the OOP through multiple sustainable pilots in different domains, using a federated architecture on a cross-border collaborative pan-European scale, enabling the connection of different registries and architectures in different countries for better exchange of information across public administrations. The different pilot domains (eProcurement, Maritime and General Business Mobility) identified potential use cases suitable to show the OOP, defined the goals and expected benefits of TOOP based on motivational scenarios and process analyses and provided requirements to the TOOP Reference and Solution Architectures. Especially for the General Business Mobility domain requirements were provided also from the Single Digital Gateway Regulation. These requirements guided the development of the TOOP specifications and the TOOP components, the Member States deployed the TOOP specifications and components and participated in different connectathons demonstrating the OOP.
Vacuum thermal effects in flat space-time from conformal quantum mechanics
Authors: Arzano Michele
Published: July 2021

Abstract

The generators of radial conformal symmetries in Minkowski space-time can be mapped to the generators of time evolution in conformal quantum mechanics. Within this correspondence we show that in conformal quantum mechanics the state associated to the inertial vacuum in Minkowski space-time has the structure of a thermofield double. Such state is built from a bipartite “vacuum state”, the ground state of the generators of hyperbolic time evolution, which cover only part of the time domain. When time evolution is restricted to a finite time domain one obtains the temperature perceived by static diamond observers in the Minkowski vacuum. When time evolution is determined by dilations, covering only half of the time line, the temperature of the thermofield double corresponds to the non-vanishing temperature perceived by Milne observers whose proper time evolution is confined to the future cone (Milne universe) of Minkowski space-time. The two pictures are related by a conformal transformation on the real line. Our result provides a purely group theoretical derivation of the Milne and diamond temperatures and shows that the fundamental ingredient for vacuum thermal effects is the presence of a horizon rather than acceleration.
Gromov–Witten theory of K3 surfaces and a Kaneko–Zagier equation for Jacobi forms
Authors: van Ittersum Jan-Willem , Oberdieck Georg , Pixton Aaron
Published: July 2021

We prove the existence of quasi-Jacobi form solutions for an analogue of the Kaneko–Zagier differential equation for Jacobi forms. The transformation properties of the solutions under the Jacobi group are derived. A special feature of the solutions is the polynomial dependence of the index parameter. The results yield an explicit conjectural description for all double ramification cycle integrals in the Gromov–Witten theory of K3 surfaces.
A new short-faced archosauriform from the Upper Triassic Placerias/Downs’ quarry complex, Arizona, USA, expands the morphological diversity of the Triassic archosauriform radiation
Authors: Heckert Andrew B. , Nesbitt Sterling J. , Stocker Michelle R. , Schneider Vince P. , Hoffman Devin K. , Zimmer Brian W.
Published: July 2021

The Placerias/Downs’ Quarry complex in eastern Arizona, USA, is the most diverse Upper Triassic vertebrate locality known. We report a new short-faced archosauriform, Syntomiprosopus sucherorum gen. et sp. nov., represented by four incomplete mandibles, that expands that diversity with a morphology unique among Late Triassic archosauriforms. The most distinctive feature of Syntomiprosopus gen. nov. is its anteroposteriorly short, robust mandible with 3–4 anterior, a larger caniniform, and 1–3 “postcanine” alveoli. The size and shape of the alveoli and the preserved tips of replacement teeth preclude assignment to any taxon known only from teeth. Additional autapomorphies of S. sucherorum gen. et sp. nov. include a large fossa associated with the mandibular fenestra, an interdigitating suture of the surangular with the dentary, fine texture ornamenting the medial surface of the splenial, and a surangular ridge that completes a 90° arc. The external surfaces of the mandibles bear shallow, densely packed, irregular, fine pits and narrow, arcuate grooves. This combination of character states allows an archosauriform assignment; however, an associated and similarly sized braincase indicates that Syntomiprosopus n. gen. may represent previously unsampled disparity in early-diverging crocodylomorphs. The Placerias Quarry is Adamanian (Norian, maximum depositional age ~219 Ma), and this specimen appears to be an early example of shortening of the skull, which occurs later in diverse archosaur lineages, including the Late Cretaceous crocodyliform Simosuchus. This is another case where Triassic archosauriforms occupied morphospace converged upon by other archosaurs later in the Mesozoic and further demonstrates that even well-sampled localities can yield new taxa.
Augmented reality through head-mounted display for navigation of baseplate component placement in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty: a cadaveric study
Authors: Kriechling Philipp , Loucas Rafael , Loucas Marios , Casari Fabio , Fürnstahl Philipp , Wieser Karl
Published: July 2021

Background

To achieve an optimal clinical outcome in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty (RSA), accurate placement of the components is essential. The recently introduced navigation technology of augmented reality (AR) through head-mounted displays (HMD) offers a promising new approach to visualize the anatomy and navigate component positioning in various orthopedic surgeries. We hypothesized that AR through HMD is feasible, reliable, and accurate for guidewire placement in RSA baseplate positioning.

Methods

Twelve human cadaver shoulders were scanned with computed tomography (CT) and RSA baseplate positioning was 3-D planned using dedicated software. The shoulders were prepared through a deltopectoral approach and an augmented reality hologram was superimposed using the HMD Microsoft HoloLense. The central guidewire was then navigated through the HMD to achieve the planned entry point and trajectory. Postoperatively, the shoulders were CT-scanned a second time and the deviation from the planning was calculated.

Results

The mean deviation of the entry point was 3.5 mm  ± 1.7 mm (95% CI 2.4 mm; 4.6 mm). The mean deviation of the planned trajectory was 3.8°  ± 1.7° (95% CI 2.6°; 4.9°).

Conclusion

Augmented reality seems feasible and reliable for baseplate guidewire positioning in reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. The achieved values were accurate.
Distribution of two isoforms of tryptophan hydroxylase in the brain of rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss). An in situ hybridization study
Authors: Chivite Mauro , Leal Esther , Míguez Jesús M. , Cerdá-Reverter Jose Miguel
Published: July 2021

Serotonin (5-HT) is one of the principal neurotransmitters in the nervous system of vertebrates. It is initially synthesized by hydroxylation of tryptophan (Trp) by means of tryptophan hydroxylase or TPH which is the rate-limiting enzyme in the production of 5-HT. In most vertebrates, there are two isoforms of TPH present, TPH1 and TPH2, which exhibit different catalytic or substrate specificity as well as different expression domains. Studies carried out in mammals show that only tph2 is expressed in the brain whereas tph1-mRNA is primarily localized in the enterochromaffin cells and pineal gland. A large number of neurons are also considered to be serotonergic or “pseudo-serotonergic” as they accumulate and release 5-HT yet do not produce it as no amine-synthetic enzymes are expressed, yet a combination of 5-HT transporters is observed. Therefore, tph expression is considered to be the only specific marker of 5-HT-producing neurons that can discriminate true 5-HT from pseudo-serotonergic neurons. This work examined in situ hybridization to study the mRNA distribution of one paralogue for tph1 and tph2 in the central nervous system of rainbow trout. Results show a segregated expression for both paralogues that predominantly match previous immunocytochemical studies. This study thus adds valuable information to the scarce analyses focusing on the central distribution of the expression of serotonergic markers, particularly tphs, in the vertebrate brain thus characterizing the true serotonergic brain territories.
Global DNA methylation and cellular 5-methylcytosine and H4 acetylated patterns in primary and secondary dormant seeds of Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (shepherd’s purse)
Authors: Gomez-Cabellos Sara , Toorop Peter E. , Cañal María Jesús , Iannetta Pietro P. M. , Fernández-Pascual Eduardo , Pritchard Hugh W. , Visscher Anne M.
Published: July 2021

Despite the importance of dormancy and dormancy cycling for plants’ fitness and life cycle phenology, a comprehensive characterization of the global and cellular epigenetic patterns across space and time in different seed dormancy states is lacking. Using Capsella bursa-pastoris (L.) Medik. (shepherd’s purse) seeds with primary and secondary dormancy, we investigated the dynamics of global genomic DNA methylation and explored the spatio-temporal distribution of 5-methylcytosine (5-mC) and histone H4 acetylated (H4Ac) epigenetic marks. Seeds were imbibed at 30 °C in a light regime to maintain primary dormancy, or in darkness to induce secondary dormancy. An ELISA-based method was used to quantify DNA methylation, in relation to total genomic cytosines. Immunolocalization of 5-mC and H4Ac within whole seeds (i.e., including testa) was assessed with reference to embryo anatomy. Global DNA methylation levels were highest in prolonged (14 days) imbibed primary dormant seeds, with more 5-mC marked nuclei present only in specific parts of the seed (e.g., SAM and cotyledons). In secondary dormant seeds, global methylation levels and 5-mC signal where higher at 3 and 7 days than 1 or 14 days. With respect to acetylation, seeds had fewer H4Ac marked nuclei (e.g., SAM) in deeper dormant states, for both types of dormancy. However, the RAM still showed signal after 14 days of imbibition under dormancy-inducing conditions, suggesting a central role for the radicle/RAM in the response to perceived ambient changes and the adjustment of the seed dormancy state. Thus, we show that seed dormancy involves extensive cellular remodeling of DNA methylation and H4 acetylation.
Subjektive Sicherheit zur Steigerung der Akzeptanz des automatisierten und vernetzten Fahrens
Authors: Drewitz Uwe , Wilbrink Marc , Oehl Michael , Jipp Meike , Ihme Klas
Published: July 2021

Ein wichtiger Faktor für die Akzeptanz und damit die Verbreitung automatisierten und vernetzten Fahrens (AVF) ist der Grad der subjektiven Unsicherheit (Ungewissheit), den Nutzende bei der Interaktion mit automatisierten Fahrzeugen empfinden. Subjektive Unsicherheiten treten immer dann auf, wenn Personen aufgrund fehlender Erfahrung oder fehlender Informationen nicht in der Lage sind, den weiteren Verlauf einer Situation oder zukünftige Ereignisse vorherzusagen. Treten bei der Nutzung automatisierter Fahrzeuge solche Unsicherheiten auf, wird die Herausbildung von Vertrauen und damit von Akzeptanz für diese Technologie durch die Unsicherheit begleitende negative Emotionen beeinträchtigt. Im Rahmen des Projekts AutoAkzept (Automatisierung ohne Unsicherheit zur Erhöhung der Akzeptanz Automatisierten und Vernetzten Fahrens) wurden Lösungen für nutzerfokussierte Automatisierung entwickelt, die Fahrzeuginsassen in den Mittelpunkt der Systementwicklung stellen. Nutzerfokussierte Systeme berücksichtigen in der Mensch-Maschine-Interaktion zwei grundlegende menschliche Bedürfnisse, das Bedürfnis, zu verstehen (need to understand) und das Bedürfnis, verstanden zu werden (need to be understood). Dazu setzen nutzerfokussierte Systeme verschiedene Sensoren ein, um subjektive Unsicherheiten und ihre Einflussfaktoren in Echtzeit zu erkennen, diese Informationen mit Kontextdaten zu integrieren und Anpassungen vorzunehmen, die subjektive Unsicherheiten reduzieren. Die systemischen Anpassungen nutzerfokussierter Systeme folgen dabei einem ganzheitlichen Ansatz und berücksichtigen die Ebenen der Fahrzeugführung, der Interieuranpassung und Informationsdarbietung sowie der Zielführung. Durch die Reduzierung oder Vermeidung subjektiver Unsicherheiten unterstützen die Entwicklungen des Projekts eine positive, komfortable Benutzererfahrung und tragen zur Erhöhung der Akzeptanz von AVF bei. Die Arbeit präsentiert hierzu Forschungsergebnisse von AutoAkzept zu den Themen Zustands- und Aktivitätsmodellierung von Nutzenden sowie bedarfsgerechte Adaptionsstrategien, die einzelne Lösungsbausteine für die Umsetzung nutzerfokussierter Automation bilden.
Spatially explicit assessment of forest road suitability for timber extraction and hauling in Switzerland
Authors: Fraefel Marielle , Bont Leo G. , Fischer Christoph
Published: July 2021

Efficient forest management, and wood production in particular, requires a forest road network of appropriate density and bearing capacity. The road network affects the choice of a suitable extraction method and the length of the transport route from the forest, while the road standard defines the truck type that can be used.

We evaluate the forest road network’s economic suitability for harvesting operations in the entire Swiss forest, an area of about 13,000 km2 covering a range of topographies, based on the Swiss National Forest Inventory’s (NFI) forest road dataset. This dataset is based on information from an interview survey with the local forest services and includes all forest roads in Switzerland capable of carrying trucks. Extraction options and hauling routes are analysed together; thus, the entire logging process is examined.

Model results include maps of the most suitable extraction method; extraction costs; hauling costs; and a suitability map based on a combination of the results. While the larger part of the Swiss forest is classified as “suitable” for economic harvesting operations, significant portions also fall into the “limited suitability” and “not suitable” categories. Our analysis provides an objective, country-wide, spatially explicit assessment of timber accessibility. The resulting suitability map helps identify areas where timber harvesting is economic using the current forest road network, and where it is not. The model results can be used in road network planning and management, for example, by comparing road-network re-design scenarios, and compared to the spatial distribution of available wood volume.
Does the American mink displace the European polecat? A need for more research on interspecific competition between invasive and native species
Authors: Brzeziński Marcin , Zarzycka Aleksandra , Diserens Tom A. , Zalewski Andrzej
Published: July 2021

Introduced alien species can negatively affect native competitors by reducing their populations or eliminating them from ecosystems. However, studies do not always find evidence for anticipated impacts, and changes in native populations can be difficult to estimate. Interactions between the invasive American mink Neovison vison and native European polecat Mustela putorius have been studied in several countries, but the mink’s impact on polecat populations at a large spatiotemporal scale remains unclear. In the years 1995–2018, we live-trapped mink and polecats at 60 study sites in Poland, and we analysed hunting bags of mink and polecats from the years 2009–2018. During 13,766 trap-nights, we captured 905 individuals. Mink comprised 91.2% and polecats 8.8% of trapped animals. The mean mink and polecat trappability was 6 and 0.6 individuals per 100 trap-nights, respectively. At rivers, polecat and mink trappability were negatively correlated, whereas at lakes, they were not correlated. The sex ratio of trapped polecats was more skewed toward males than that of mink. Mink comprised 63.6% and polecats 36.4% of 59,831 animals killed by hunters. Over 10 years, the numbers of mink shot annually increased slightly, whereas the numbers of polecat decreased slightly. There was a positive correlation between numbers of mink and polecats shot annually. We found weak evidence that at a large spatiotemporal scale, the invasion of mink has led to a decline in polecat numbers. Although the datasets we analysed were based on large samples, they were insufficient to show evidence of competitive interactions between these two mustelids.
Emotions in Covid-19 Twitter discourse following the introduction of social contact restrictions in Central Europe
Authors: Hanschmidt Franz , Kersting Anette
Published: July 2021

Aim

Non-pharmaceutical interventions such as lockdowns have played a critical role in preventing the spread of the Covid-19 pandemic, but may increase psychological burden. This study sought to examine emotions reflected in social media discourse following the introduction of social contact restrictions in Central Europe.

Subjects and methods

German-language Twitter posts containing ‘#corona’ and ‘#covid-19’ were collected between 2020/03/18 – 2020/04/24. A total of 79,760 tweets were included in the final analysis. Rates of expressions of positive emotion, anxiety, sadness and anger were compared over time. Bi-term topic models were applied to extract topics of discussion and examine association with emotions.

Results

Rates of anxiety, sadness and positive emotion decreased in the period following the introduction of social contact restrictions. A total of 16 topics were associated with emotions, which related to four general themes: social contact restrictions, life during lockdown, infection-related issues, and impact of the pandemic on public and private life. Several unique patterns of association between topics and emotions emerged.

Conclusion

Results suggest decreasing polarity of emotions among the public following the introduction of social contact restrictions. Monitoring of social media activity may prove beneficial for an adaptive understanding of changing public concerns during the Covid-19 pandemic.
National Action Plan Health Literacy in Germany origin, development and structure
Authors: Schaeffer Doris , Gille Svea , Vogt Dominique , Hurrelmann Klaus
Published: July 2021

Aim

Health literacy has gained increasing importance worldwide. As a result of several studies indicating low health literacy levels in large parts of the population, strategies and action plans promoting health literacy were developed in many countries. The article analyses the origin, development and structure of the German Health Literacy Action Plan.

Subject and methods

In 2016, a civil society initiative was formed, aiming at developing a national action plan in an expert-based and collaborative manner. A group of 15 experts elaborated the core elements of the action plan, based on a literature review on existing health literacy approaches, action plans and empirical evidence. These core elements were further developed collaboratively in workshops with key stakeholders, self-help and patient organizations and individual consultation meetings. Afterwards, the National Action Plan was reviewed and previously formulated recommendations were refined before being published.

Results and conclusion

The National Action Plan Health Literacy in Germany presents 15 recommendations in four areas of action for promoting health literacy in Germany. This bottom-up strategy and the expert-based yet at the same time collaborative approach have proved to be successful when developing a national action plan.
Haptic-enabled collaborative learning in virtual reality for schools
Authors: Webb Mary , Tracey Megan , Harwin William , Tokatli Ozan , Hwang Faustina , Johnson Ros , Barrett Natasha , Jones Chris
Published: July 2021

This paper reports on a study which designed and developed a multi-fingered haptic interface in conjunction with a three-dimensional (3D) virtual model of a section of the cell membrane in order to enable students to work collaboratively to learn cell biology. Furthermore, the study investigated whether the addition of haptic feedback to the 3D virtual reality (VR) simulation affected learning of key concepts in nanoscale cell biology for students aged 12 to 13. The haptic interface was designed so that the haptic feedback could be turned on or switched off. Students (N = 64), in two secondary schools, worked in pairs, on activities designed to support learning of specific difficult concepts. Findings from observation of the activities and interviews revealed that students believed that being immersed in the 3D VR environment and being able to feel structures and movements within the model and work collaboratively assisted their learning. More specifically, the pilot/co-pilot model that we developed was successful for enabling collaborative learning and reducing the isolating effects of immersion with a 3D headset. Results of pre and post-tests of conceptual knowledge showed significant knowledge gains but addition of haptic feedback did not affect the knowledge gains significantly. The study enabled identification of important issues to consider when designing and using haptic-enabled 3D VR environments for collaborative learning.
Finding Common Ground: A Synthesis of Science and Mathematics Teacher Educators’ Experiences with Professional Growth
Authors: Park Rogers Meredith , Berry Amanda , Krainer Konrad , Even Ruhama
Published: July 2021

The seven articles that comprise this Special Issue examine the professional growth of mathematics and science teacher educators across different contexts and different foci of who is the teacher educator being studied. Despite these differences, a common thread running throughout these seven articles is the need for learning to be situated in collaboration with others. In this final article, we examine the contribution of these articles through two perspectives: that of the collaborative contexts supporting the professional growth of mathematics and science teacher educators, and the role of disciplinary knowledge as part of the purpose for teacher educators’ professional growth. We notice that collaboration can take on very different structures in supporting teacher educators’ professional learning due to the different purposes and roles of the teacher educators in the studies. We also notice that while collaboration figures as an important component in all of the studies, the disciplinary specific aspects of collaboration, i.e., how collaboration might be negotiated differently by teacher educators in mathematics and science, is still not well understood. Overall, these articles provide important insights that help to shed new light on the complex and multifaceted nature of teacher educators’ learning and growth and provide productive avenues for future research.