bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse Interaction Between Colchicine and Ketoconazole in a Chinese Shar Pei
Authors: McAlister Amber , Center Sharon A. , Bender Hannah , McDonough Sean P.
Published: November 2014

A Chinese shar pei with a 2 yr history of episodic fever, lethargy, and shifting lameness was presumptively diagnosed with familial shar pei fever but had never been treated for the syndrome. After being presented for a superficial pyoderma with possible dermatophyte coinfection, treatment with a cephalosporin and ketoconazole were prescribed. One wk later, colchicine was initiated for familial shar pei fever using cautious dose escalation. Nevertheless, gastrointestinal toxicity, skeletal muscle myopathy, and hepatotoxicity developed within 2 wk. Abrupt resolution of gastrointestinal toxicity and myopathy followed drug withdrawal. However, escalating liver enzyme activity and hyperbilirubinemia led to liver biopsy to rule out an antecedent hepatopathy. Biopsy characterized canalicular cholestasis and colchicine-associated metaphase arrest and ring mitoses reflecting repression of mitotic spindle formation. Signs of illness completely resolved 3 mo after drug discontinuation. Although avoidable adverse interactions between ketoconazole and drugs reliant on cytochrome oxidase biotransformation and/or drug efflux mediated by multiple drug-resistant transporters are well documented in humans, these are rarely reported in veterinary patients. This case exemplifies an important and avoidable ketoconazole/colchicine drug interaction from which the patient completely recovered. The dog tested negative for the canine MDR1 loss of function mutation that also might potentiate colchicine toxicity.
Forest covers and microclimate response
Authors: Gómez Sanz V.
Published: November 2014

Microclimate generated under forest covers plays an especially significant role in their development and regeneration, a result of the complex network of relationships that it establishes between both elements. In the specific case of forest covers, forestry modifies previous microclimate-canopy balance, so that knowledge on the induced microclimate response is of great interest to avoid apparition of undersirable risks that disturb the threated stand or compromise the searched aims. This work gathers a checking and joint presentation of the most important aspects related to microclimate, stemed from the forest covers presence, emphasizing the materials and methods used for their evaluation and studio. This present state about knowledge related to this subject can make possible the definition of new lines of research, aimed at the role of microclimate response evaluation in the ecological behaviour over different types of forest sites.
Aged holm-oak (Quercus ilex subsp. ballota) sprounting. Experiences in Riofrío forest (Segovia)
Authors: Serrada Hierro R. , Bravo Fernández J. A. , Roig Gómez S.
Published: November 2014

Results from an experiment with the objective of studying the sprouting capability —shoots of stump or root— on aged holm-oak trees are shown in this paper. Site of study is located in Riofrío forest, at 960 m a.s.l. at north facing slope of Guadarrama range (Central mountain range), on deep siliceous soils. After an ecological and dasonomic inventory 24 aged trees were fellen; dbh of fellen trees vary from 22.3 to 73.2 cm and age was estimated to be between 70 and 251 years. Contingence tables and logistic regression were used to test the dependence relationship among trees characteristics and the intensity of subsequent sprouting. One period growth after felling, 13 trees (62%) among the live ones (21) that had been felled present some shoots; after three growth periods, the same portion raised to 81% (17). We found only shoots of stump in 65% of the trees that had sprouted; 12% of trees that have only shoots of root and 23% of the trees with both types of shoots. Neither shoot production nor shoot type —stump or root— seems to be influenced by age.
Forest plantations and technical change. Economic and enviromental effects
Authors: Casimiro Herruzo A.
Published: November 2014

This article analyzes the impact of the expansion of forest plantations on the world forestry sector. The transition process from a resource-base to a science-base wood production system is described and the main factors conditioning actual wood production world wide are also identified. A simple analytical framework is used to analyze the potential contribution of intensive plantations and technical change to world wood supply and the conservation of forest resources.
Actitudes de los alumnos de Primaria y Secundaria ante la visión dicotómica de la Ciencia
Authors: De Pro Bueno Antonio , Pérez Manzano Antonio
Published: November 2014

La formación de las actitudes de los alumnos hacia la ciencia y la tecnología (CyT) está influida por muchos factores: la forma de trabajar estas en la escuela, la percepción social de las aportaciones científicas y tecnológicas, el enfoque de las noticias sobre los descubrimientos en los medios de comunicación, el uso de ambas por la publicidad… Sin embargo, si analizamos detenidamente la imagen que se trasmite de la CyT, podemos apreciar ciertos matices dicotómicos: en ocasiones, se muestra la «ciencia buena», avances médicos, aparatos para mejorar la calidad de vida, alargamiento de la esperanza de vida, etc.; pero en otras aparece la «ciencia mala», la asociada a la contaminación o a las radiaciones, la que hay detrás de la industria militar, la que produce efectos nocivos sobre la salud y el medio ambiente... En el presente artículo se pretende explorar el posicionamiento de los alumnos de primaria y secundaria ante esta visión dicotómica de la ciencia.
Desarollo de la propuesta “si se necesita más energía… que no se hagan más centrales” en un aula de educación primaria
Authors: De Pro Bueno Antonio , Rodríguez Moreno Francisco Javier
Published: November 2014

Un análisis de los últimos programas oficiales de la educación primaria pone de manifiesto que el tema de las fuentes de energía debe abordarse en esta etapa educativa. Tras utilizar un modelo de planificación, se diseñó la propuesta de enseñanza «Si se necesita más energía… que no se hagan más centrales». El trabajo presenta los resultados del seguimiento de su puesta en práctica a partir del diario del maestro y de las respuestas de los alumnos en sus cuadernos de trabajo. También se realiza un análisis de la adquisición de competencias durante el proceso de aprendizaje.
Análisis de los argumentos elaborados por estudiantes de cursos introductorios de Física universitaria ante situaciones problemáticas
Authors: Ceberio Garate Mikel , Almudí García José Manuel , Zubimendi Herranz José Luis
Published: November 2014

En este artículo analizamos la calidad de los argumentos utilizados por los estudiantes universitarios que siguen una enseñanza tradicional en primer curso de Ingeniería cuando, ante una situación problemática de física, deben optar por la estrategia o vía de resolución más adecuada. Valoramos lo apropiado de sus conclusiones, la pertinencia de las leyes y principios que han considerado para llegar a una conclusión (pertinencia conceptual), la calidad de las pruebas manejadas y si sus conclusiones se encuentran validadas por la coherencia de los razonamientos (suficiencia del razonamiento). Las deficiencias más destacables han surgido ligadas a la ausencia de pruebas que sustenten la conclusión y al hecho de que, cuando se consideran estas pruebas, a menudo no se razona adecuadamente la relación entre ellas y las conclusiones.
Articulación del uso de pruebas y el modelo de flujo de energía en los ecosistemas en argumentos de alumnado de bachillerato
Authors: Bravo Torija Beatriz , Jiménez Aleixandre María Pilar
Published: November 2014

Este estudio examina el uso del modelo de flujo de energía y su articulación con pruebas situadas en diferentes niveles epistémicos por estudiantes de segundo de bachillerato. La muestra analizada (N = 254) procede de los exámenes de la Prueba de Acceso a la Universidad. La tarea solicita al alumnado justificar la limitación en el número de niveles de una cadena trófica. Los resultados muestran: a) que el uso del modelo teórico por el alumnado es más sofisticado que el uso de pruebas y b) que del 12,2% de los estudiantes que utilizan pruebas en tres o cuatro niveles epistémicos, la mayoría (11% del total) usan un modelo complejo de flujo de energía. Una implicación es que, aunque el conocimiento conceptual es necesario para articular pruebas, no es suficiente, siendo necesario llevar a cabo actividades para promover el uso de pruebas en la clase de ciencias.
La metodología de resolución de problemas como investigación (MRPI): una propuesta indagativa para desarrollar la competencia científica en alumnos que cursan un programa de diversificación
Authors: Pavón Martínez Fernando , Martinez Aznar Maria Mercedes
Published: November 2014

Para la enseñanza-aprendizaje de las ciencias, las organizaciones internacionales recomiendan el uso de metodologías basadas en la indagación en lugar de los métodos tradicionales. Estas diferentes metodologías son clave en los programas de diversificación. Con el presente estudio se pretende valorar si un método indagativo como es la metodología de resolución de problemas como investigación (MRPI) es adecuado para desarrollar la competencia científica en el ámbito científicotecnológico de cuarto de ESO. Por ello, se ha estudiado la evolución de los alumnos en la resolución de situaciones problemáticas para diferentes dimensiones de la competencia científica. Los resultados indican que la MRPI ayuda a desarrollar estas diferentes dimensiones competenciales con un buen nivel de satisfacción por parte del alumno.
Aprendiendo empuje durante la resolución de problemas: un análisis desde la Teoría de Clases de Coordinación
Authors: Buteler Laura María , Coleoni Enrique Andrés , Perea María Andrea
Published: November 2014

El caso que se presenta en esta investigación arroja luz sobre qué aprendizajes conceptuales ocurren (o no) durante la actividad de resolver problemas. El caso está acotado a tres estudiantes que resuelven tres problemas de hidrostática y a la actividad cognitiva que acontece en torno al concepto de empuje durante esas tres instancias de resolución. La Teoría de Clases de Coordinación desarrollada por diSessa y Wagner (2005) permite entender cómo y cuándo estos estudiantes realizan progresos conceptuales a partir de ciertas dificultades encontradas durante el proceso de resolución. Se intenta de este modo «capturar» algunos aspectos de la dinámica de aprendizaje y su relación con las características contextuales de los problemas.
Aprender a definir en Matemáticas: estudio desde una perspectiva sociocultural
Authors: Gavilán Izquierdo José María , Sánchez-Matamoros García Gloria , Escudero Pérez Isabel
Published: November 2014

Los procesos de construcción de conocimiento matemático, como definir, son clave en la actividad de «hacer matemáticas». La caracterización de su aprendizaje es un tema relevante en el campo de investigación en educación matemática. En este trabajo, adoptando una perspectiva sociocultural, a través de un análisis inductivo, hemos identificado diferentes situaciones de aprendizaje matemático. Dichas situaciones se caracterizan a través de las herramientas teóricas procedentes de la perspectiva sociocultural cuando grupos de estudiantes resuelven tareas en un contexto geométrico. Los resultados muestran que determinadas rutinas juegan un papel relevante en los procedimientos de cambio en el discurso matemático.
Análisis de las imágenes del cuerpo humano en libros de texto españoles de primaria
Authors: López-Manjón Asunción , Postigo Yolanda
Published: November 2014

Las imágenes utilizadas en la enseñanza, consideradas como sistemas externos de representación, suponen un desafío educativo debido a las numerosas dificultades que tienen los estudiantes con este tipo de material. El objetivo del trabajo es determinar si el tratamiento de las imágenes en los libros de texto seleccionados facilita su aprendizaje. Analizamos las imágenes sobre el cuerpo humano de libros de 3.º, 4.º y 6.º cursos de educación primaria de tres editoriales españolas. Examinaremos si hay diferencias entre editoriales y si existe algún tipo de secuenciación del uso de las imágenes a través de los cursos. Analizaremos el número, tamaño, tipo de imagen, presencia o ausencia de componentes visuales y verbales de la imagen, y si existe referencia a la imagen en el texto. Los resultados muestran que el tratamiento dado a las imágenes no ayuda a superar las dificultades con las que se enfrentan los estudiantes, al no incluir recursos específicos que podrían guiar su interpretación. La comparación entre las editoriales indica que una de ellas proporciona significativamente más recursos que las otras para el aprendizaje a partir de las imágenes. Aunque escasos, existen algunos criterios de secuenciación de las imágenes a lo largo de los cursos.
“Los cinco reinos”. Diseño de materiales usando las nuevas tecnologías y evaluación de aprendizajes
Authors: Pérez Buendía Carmen
Published: November 2014

La tesis realizada ha tenido como objetivo estudiar la eficacia del proceso de aprendizaje experimentado en un grupo de estudiantes mediante una metodología que utiliza como recurso básico las Tecnologías de la información y la comunicación, TIC, desarrollada en grupos cooperativos. En concreto, se ha investigado el nivel adquirido en las competencias científica y digital a partir de la unidad didáctica Los Cinco Reinos organizada en cinco bloques (Ser vivo, Reino Monera, Reino Protista y Virus, Reino Hongos, Reino Vegetal y Reino Animal).
Pensamiento crítico y cuestiones socio-científicas. Un estudio en escenarios de formación docente
Authors: Torres Merchan Nidia
Published: November 2014

Esta investigación estudia la influencia de las cuestiones socio-científicas (CSC) en las competencias de pensamiento crítico en un grupo de docentes en formación de Ciencias naturales y Educación ambiental. Para ello se plantean las siguientes preguntas de investigación: ¿cuáles son las concepciones que tienen los estudiantes y profesores de Ciencias sobre el pensamiento crítico? ¿Qué competencias de pensamiento crítico tienen los estudiantes universitarios en el ámbito de las CSC? ¿La enseñanza de las Ciencias promueve estas competencias? También ¿Cómo las CSC inciden o no en el desarrollo de competencias de pensamiento crítico en la formación profesional de estos estudiantes?
La transferencia de contenidos matemáticos a contextos científicos: el concepto de función
Authors: Burgoa Etxaburu Miren Begoñe
Published: November 2014

Esta investigación parte de la necesidad de profundizar sobre las relaciones entre las Ciencias y las Matemáticas en relación con la transferencia de conocimientos entre ambas áreas. Con tal fin, la presente tesis aborda la problemática de la transferencia entre los contenidos de estas dos disciplinas separadas en el currículo pero que están interrelacionadas, ya que los conocimientos matemáticos y los científicos se requieren biunívocamente para el desarrollo de ambos. La Ciencia necesita de los saberes matemáticos para modelizar la realidad y las Matemáticas adquieren mayor sentido en tanto y cuanto son útiles para esta finalidad.
La argumentación de profesores de Química en formación inicial (“Práctica Profesional Docente II”): un estudio de caso en Colombia
Authors: Archila Pablo Antonio
Published: November 2014

Desde perspectivas habituales de la educación, se evidencia que la argumentación ha sido reducida a una técnica de la didáctica de las Ciencias cuando, en realidad, se trata de algo más complejo. Por tal razón, se hace necesario estudiar y comprender las formas de argumentación de los profesores de Química en formación inicial, pues son ellos quienes juegan un papel determinante en el fomento de la argumentación en los estudiantes. La premisa que se defiende en esta tesis es que un profesor de Química que aprende a argumentar enseña para que se aprenda argumentando, lo cual puede favorecer cambios relevantes en las prácticas escolares.
A short tutorial contribution to impedance and AC-electrokinetic characterization and manipulation of cells and media: Are electric methods more versatile than acoustic and laser methods?
Authors: Gimsa Jan , Stubbe Marco , Gimsa Ulrike
Published: November 2014

Lab-on-chip systems (LOCs) can be used as in vitro systems for cell culture or manipulation in order to analyze or monitor physiological cell parameters. LOCs may combine microfluidic structures with integrated elements such as piezo-transducers, optical tweezers or electrodes for AC-electrokinetic cell and media manipulations. The wide frequency band (<1 kHz to >1 GHz) usable for AC-electrokinetic manipulation and characterization permits avoiding electrochemical electrode processes, undesired cell damage, and provides a choice between different polarization effects that permit a high electric contrast between the cells and the external medium as well as the differentiation between cellular subpopulations according to a variety of parameters. It has been shown that structural polarization effects do not only determine the impedance of cell suspensions and the force effects in AC-electrokinetics but can also be used for the manipulation of media with inhomogeneous temperature distributions. This manuscript considers the interrelations of the impedance of suspensions of cells and AC-electrokinetic single cell effects, such as electroorientation, electrodeformation, dielectrophoresis, electrorotation, and travelling wave (TW) dielectrophoresis. Unified models have allowed us to derive new characteristic equations for the impedance of a suspension of spherical cells, TW dielectrophoresis, and TW pumping. A critical review of the working principles of electro-osmotic, TW and electrothermal micropumps shows the superiority of the electrothermal pumps. Finally, examples are shown for LOC elements that can be produced as metallic structures on glass chips, which may form the bottom plate for self-sealing microfluidic systems. The structures can be used for cell characterization and manipulation but also to realize micropumps or sensors for pH, metabolites, cell-adhesion, etc.
Pulling Drugs along the Supply Chain: Centralization of Hospitals' Inventory
Authors: Iannone Raffaele , Lambiase Alfredo , Miranda Salvatore , Riemma Stefano , Sarno Debora
Published: November 2014

Due to the economic crisis and the predominance of drug expenditure in healthcare costs, the cooperation of groups of hospitals to negotiate with suppliers and centralize warehouses has been a recent trend in the pharmaceutical supply chain.

This paper shows the economic convenience of centralizing the hospitals' inventory decisions (how much/when to order) based on the sharing of medical prescriptions of patients along the supply chain.

The logistic network under investigation (TO BE model) integrates: a central pharmacy negotiating with suppliers, collecting hospital orders, storing and distributing materials; a number of hospitals feeding their medical units with materials; and a number of medical units taking care of their patients.

The study is carried out comparing the cost performances of the proposed model with a non-cooperative one(in which hospitals manage their stocks individually) by means of simulation.
Assessment of the Effectiveness of Maintenance-Oriented Design
Authors: Duraccio Vincenzo , Forcina Antonio , Silvestri Alessandro , Bona Gianpaolo Di
Published: November 2014

This work aims to assess the impact of maintenance-oriented design on a production line in the pharmaceutical industry, which includes operations in a clean room.

The case study analyses the downtimes of a production line of large volume parental solutions.

The results obtained at the end of an appropriate period of observation were used to identify the main problems, in terms of maintenance time.

Some of the critical issues were overcome by requiring that part of the production line be redesigned by a company specialized in the design of clean room lines.

In this context, the focus of the case study is not on the technical aspects of maintenance-oriented design application, but its consequences in terms of the increase in performance.

The performance of the new production line was analysed and compared with that obtained in the first phase of the study. This comparison allowed us to estimate and quantify the achieved improvements referring to system availability and consequently to a production increase quantified at more than 110,000 units per year.

The impact of the maintenance-oriented design was also evaluated from an economic point of view. In particular, the production increase obtained and the corresponding economic advantages were evaluated.

Through this comparison, it was possible to estimate the payback period for the investment of redesign, quantified in less than six years.
A Weighing Algorithm for Checking Missing Components in a Pharmaceutical Line
Authors: Silvestri Alessandro , Falcone Domenico , Cerbaso Cristina , Forcina Antonio
Published: November 2014

To meet the requirements and specifications coming from the surrounding society, the socio-economic progress involves the development of new products, new technologies, new organizational forms etc.

Companies are constantly looking for methods or procedures to improve production and income; but, the enterprise growth is strictly linked to the reliability of its internal processes. Internal failures can often cause loss of image.

The goal of the present work is the development of an algorithm able to optimize the production line of a pharmaceutical firm. In particular, the proposed weighing procedure allows both checking missing components in packaging and minimizing false rejects of packages by dynamic scales.

The main problem is the presence at the same time, in the same package, of different components with different variable weights. The consequence is uncertainty in recognizing the absence of one or more components.
Innovating through Clusters
Authors: D'Alise Chiara , Giustiniano Luca , Peruffo Enzo
Published: November 2014

This paper focuses on innovation performance and investigates the impact of clusters, or localized networks involving industrial, academic and institutional players, in the pharmaceutical setting; we aim to enrich the line of inquiry into cluster-based innovation by applying a social network analysis (SNA) approach. The cluster concept has been defined in ambiguous ways, corresponding to a large variety of spatial and organizational concrete configurations. By analysing the U.S. pharmaceutical context, we show the structural and nodal network characteristics of the clusters and we shed some light on the “small-world” effects of the structural holes.
Tissue-Engineered Vascular Grafts Created From Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Sundaram Sumati , One Jennifer , Siewert Joshua , Teodosescu Stephan , Zhao Liping , Dimitrievska Sashka , Qian Hong , Huang Angela H. , Niklason Laura
Published: November 2014

The utility of human induced pluripotent stem cells (hiPSCs) to create tissue-engineered vascular grafts was evaluated in this study. hiPSC lines were first induced into a mesenchymal lineage via a neural crest intermediate using a serum-free, chemically defined differentiation scheme. Derived cells exhibited commonly known mesenchymal markers (CD90, CD105, and CD73 and negative marker CD45) and were shown to differentiate into several mesenchymal lineages (osteogenic, chondrogenic, and adipogenic). Functional vascular grafts were then engineered by culturing hiPSC-derived mesenchymal progenitor cells in a pulsatile bioreactor system over 8 weeks to induce smooth muscle cell differentiation and collagenous matrix generation. Histological analyses confirmed layers of calponin-positive smooth muscle cells in a collagen-rich matrix. Mechanical tests revealed that grafts had an average burst pressure of 700 mmHg, which is approximately half that of native veins. Additionally, studies revealed that karyotypically normal mesenchymal stem cell clones led to generation of grafts with predicted features of engineered vascular grafts, whereas derived clones having chromosomal abnormalities generated calcified vessel constructs, possibly because of cell apoptosis during culture. Overall, these results provide significant insight into the utility of hiPS cells for vascular graft generation. They pave the way for creating personalized, patient-specific vascular grafts for surgical applications, as well as for creating experimental models of vascular development and disease.
Comparative Degradation of LDPE, HDPE and HMHDPE under Different Soil Conditions
Authors: Konduri Mohan K.R. , Bogolu Venkata Reddy
Published: November 2014

The Present work includes, degradation of polyethylene under different environmental conditions to know the effect of physical, chemical and biological factors prevailing in those conditions on degradation of polyethylene. Plastic films viz., Low density polyethylene (LDPE), High density polyethylene (HDPE) and High molecular weight high density polyethylene (HMHDPE) each were incubated in three different conditions viz., black soil, sandy soil and red soil for a period of 3 months. The changes in the properties of plastic films after incubation was studied by change in the weight of the plastic film and mechanical parameters like tensile strength, breaking load and percentage of elongation. Among all the plastic films HDPE was found to be highly susceptible with 33% weight loss and 40% reduction in percentage of elongation compared to LDPE with 26% weight loss and 34 % reduction in percentage of elongation in black soil. Whereas HMHDPE found to be highly resistant in all the soils with no significant weight loss and percentage of elongation (15%). None of the plastic films had shown degradation in sandy soil even after incubation for 3 months. FTIR spectroscopy results showed that HDPE film incubated in black soil had undergone extensive degradation when compared with un incubated HDPE film.
Prevalência de traumatismo dentário e fatores associados em estudantes de 11 a 19 anos da zona rural do Município de Diamantina-MG
Authors: Reis Anderson Guimarães , Paiva Paula Cristina Pelli , Filho Paulo Messias Oliveira
Published: November 2014

Objetivo: O objetivo do estudo foi investigar a prevalência de traumatismo dentário em escolares da área rural do município de Diamantina-MG e fatores associados. Materiais e Métodos: Estudo transversal foi desenvolvido em uma amostra de conveniência composta por 207 estudantes de 11-19 anos de idade. Dados foram coletados por meio de exame clínico e por questionários auto-aplicáveis. Foi adotado o critério de Andreasen et al. para classificação do traumatismo dentário, ABA-ABIPEME para condição socioeconômicae AUDIT para consumo de álcool. A análise dos dados foi realizada com o programa SPSS Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS for Windows, version 17,0, SPSS Inc, Chicago, IL, USA) e incluiu distribuiçãode freqüência e testes de associação. A significância estatística para a associação entre o traumatismo dentário e as variáveis independentes na análise bivariada foi determinada utilizando o teste do qui-quadrado (p <0,05). Associações foram testadas adotando o Modelo de Regressão de Poisson. Resultados: A prevalência do traumatismo dentário foi de 19,8% e teve associação estatisticamente significantiva com a idade (p=0,028),sobressaliência acima de 5 mm (p=0,026), proteção labial inadequada (p=0,039) e uso de álcool na vida (p=0,013). Os resultados da regressão logística de Poisson revelaram que a sobressaliência aumentada semanteve associado aos traumatismos dentários de forma independente às demais variáveis [PR = 2.90 (95% CI: 1.47 to 5.72) p = 0.0001]. Conclusão: A prevalência do traumatismo dentário foi elevada e esteve associadacom o uso na vida de álcool, sobressaliência acentuada e proteção labial inadequada.Descritores: Traumatismos dentários. Adolescente. Consumo de bebidas alcoólicas. Saúde pública. Saúde bucal.
Integrasi Fuzzy AHP-TOPSIS dalam Evaluasi Kualitas Layanan Elektronik Rumah Sakit
Authors: Sukwadi Ronald , Yang Ching-Chow , Benny ,
Published: November 2014

In today’s global era, the electronic service quality (E-SQ) development has swept across almost all service sectors. This development represents not only a new paradigm for providing services, but also a weapon for winning competitions. This research aims to examine and determine the key service attributes of E-SQ which is adopted from service quality (SERVQUAL) methodology as the reference model. The proposed E-SQ framework will be illustrated with a web service performance example of some public and private hospitals in Indonesia by integrating fuzzy analytic hierarchy process (AHP) and technique for order performance by similarity to ideal solution (TOPSIS). Finally, this study shows the implementation of the E-SQ framework in evaluating the complexity of service attributes observed in the hospital healthcare services via websites.
Applying Particle Swarm Optimization for Solving Team Orienteering Problem with Time Windows
Authors: Ai The Jin , Mahulae Evan Martinus
Published: November 2014

The Team Orienteering Problem With Time Windows (TOPTW) is a transportation problem case that have a set of vertices with a score, service time, and the time windows, start and final at a depot location. A number of paths are constructed to maximize the total collected score by the vertices which is visited. Each vertice can be visited only once and the visit can only start during the  time window of vertices. This paper proposes a Particle Swarm Optimization algorithm for solving the TOPTW, by defining a specific particle for representing the solution of TOPTW within the PSO algorithm and two alternatives, called PSO_TOPTW1 and PSO_TOPTW2, for translating the particle position to form the routes of the path. The performance of the proposed PSO algorithm is evaluated through some benchmark data problem available in the literature. The computational results show that the proposed PSO is able to produce sufficiently good TOPTW solutions that are comparable with corresponding solutions from other existing methods for solving the TOPTW.
Liquid–Liquid Extraction
Authors: Pfennig* Andreas , Müller Eckart , Berger Rosemarie , Blass Eckhart , Sluyts Domien
Published: August 2024

The article contains sections titled:

1
Fundamentals and Fields of Application

2
Thermodynamic Fundamentals

2.1
Graphic Representation of Phase Equilibria

2.1.1
Triangular Diagrams

2.1.2
Other Graphic Representations

2.2
Measuring Methods of Phase Equilibria

2.3
Correlation of Phase Equilibria

2.4
Selection of Solvent

2.5
Determination of Mass‐Transfer Performance

2.5.1
Specific Methods for Determining the Number of Theoretical Stages

2.5.2
Determining Equipment Behavior Based on Drop‐Population Balances

2.5.3
Evaluation of Stage‐Number Calculation for Process Design

3
Apparatus

3.1
Survey

3.1.1
Columns Without Energy Input

3.1.2
Pulsed Columns

3.1.3
Columns with Rotating Internals

3.1.4
Mixer‐settlers

3.1.5
Centrifugal Extractors

3.2
Fluid‐Dynamic Fundamentals

3.2.1
Problems and Process Strategy

3.2.2
Operating Characteristics of Pulsed Columns and Columns with Rotating Internals

3.2.3
Fluid‐Dynamic Calculation Methods

3.3
Apparatus Design

3.3.1
Internals and Operating Conditions

3.3.2
Column Diameter

3.3.3
Column Height

3.4
Criteria for Equipment Selection

4
Phase‐Separation Equipment

4.1
Gravity Settlers Without Internals

4.2
Settlers with Coalescing Aids

4.3
Problems of Phase Separation

5
Liquid–Liquid Extraction Processes

5.1
General

5.2
Combined Processes of Extraction and Distillation

5.3
Reactive Extraction

5.3.1
Introduction

5.3.2
Extraction Mechanism of Different Types of Solvents

5.3.3
Diluents and Modifiers

5.3.4
Uses

5.3.5
Reaction‐Equilibrium Fundamentals

5.3.6
Setting up an Extraction System

Acknowledgment

References
Nrf2 as a regulator of energy metabolism and mitochondrial function
Authors: Luchkova Alina , Mata Ana , Cadenas Susana
Published: August 2024

Nuclear factor erythroid‐2‐related factor 2 (Nrf2) is essential for the control of cellular redox homeostasis. When activated, Nrf2 elicits cytoprotective effects through the expression of several genes encoding antioxidant and detoxifying enzymes. Nrf2 can also improve antioxidant defense via the pentose phosphate pathway by increasing NADPH availability to regenerate glutathione. Microarray and genome‐wide localization analyses have identified many Nrf2 target genes beyond those linked to its redox‐regulatory capacity. Nrf2 regulates several intermediary metabolic pathways and is involved in cancer cell metabolic reprogramming, contributing to malignant phenotypes. Nrf2 also modulates substrate utilization for mitochondrial respiration. Here we review the experimental evidence supporting the essential role of Nrf2 in the regulation of energy metabolism and mitochondrial function.
Liquid‐Phase Exfoliation of 3D Metal–Organic Frameworks into Nanosheets
Authors: Ji Li‐Jun , Yang Tian‐Yi , Feng Guo‐Qiang , Li Sha , Li Wei , Bu Xian‐He
Published: August 2024

Traditionally, the acquisition of 2D materials involved the exfoliation of layered crystals. However, the anisotropic bonding arrangements within 3D crystals indicate they are mechanically reminiscent of 2D counterparts and could also be exfoliated into nanosheets. This report delineates the preparation of 2D nanosheets from six representative 3D metal–organic frameworks (MOFs) through liquid‐phase exfoliation. Notably, the cleavage planes of exfoliated nanosheets align perpendicular to the direction of the minimum elastic modulus (Emin) within the pristine 3D frameworks. The findings suggest that the in‐plane and out‐of‐plane bonding forces of the exfoliated nanosheets can be correlated with the maximum elastic modulus (Emax) and Emin of the 3D frameworks, respectively. Emax influences the ease of cleaving adjacent layers, while Emin governs the ability to resist cracking of layers. Hence, a combination of large Emax and small Emin indicates an efficient exfoliation process, and vice versa. The ratio of Emax/Emin, denoted as Amax/min, is adopted as a universal index to quantify the ease of mechanical exfoliation for 3D MOFs. This ratio, readily accessible through mechanical experiments and computation, serves as a valuable metric for selecting appropriate exfoliation methods to produce surfactant‐free 2D nanosheets from various 3D materials.
Hyperband Synergistic Metadevices
Authors: Zhang Jin , Liu Peng , Xu Zhenyu , Dai Yawei , Zhang Qiang , Zhu Weiren , Kauppinen Esko I. , Sun Zhipei
Published: August 2024

Recent advances in metadevices, featuring complex subwavelength metastructures, have dramatically transformed the control and manipulation of electromagnetic waves. However, the inherently narrow operational bandwidth of these devices, stemming from their wavelength‐specific meta‐atoms, restricts their application in rapidly advancing fields such as the Internet of Things and advanced intelligent systems. Here, a novel hyperband synergistic metadevice is introduced, realized through a comprehensive multi‐scale meta‐atom architecture. The complementary metal‐oxide‐semiconductor (CMOS)‐compatible prototype integrates the distinct properties of double‐walled carbon nanotubes with advanced interlayer and intralayer coupling mechanisms, coherently combining nanoscale, microscale, and macroscale meta‐atoms. This prototype is thus adept at operating across a wide electromagnetic spectrum, spanning from the centimeter‐wavelength microwave band to the hundred nanometer‐wavelength visible and infrared optical band. Significantly, this singular device synergistically delivers three critical functionalities: selective microwave absorption, efficient terahertz beam steering, and enhanced optical transparency. These result signifies a breakthrough in hyperband electromagnetic device engineering, leading to compact, versatile, intelligent electromagnetic platforms.
Top‐Layer Resonator Organic Distributed Feedback Laser for Label‐Free Refractive Index Sensing
Authors: Farrando‐Pérez Álex , Villalvilla José M. , Quintana José A. , Boj Pedro G. , Díaz‐García María A.
Published: August 2024

Surface‐emitting organic distributed feedback (DFB) lasers are attractive devices for label‐free sensing applications. Of particular interest for cost‐reduction purposes are devices in which both active material and resonator are based on solution‐processable polymeric materials. Here, the capability for label‐free refractive index sensing of DFB devices consisting of top‐layer resonators (1D relief gratings) of dichromated gelatin layers is reported, deposited on top of active films of polystyrene doped with perylene orange. The devices show successful operation for both transversal electric and transversal magnetic modes, with a larger sensor sensibility for the latter (Sb = 38 nm RIU−1). The overall device operation (emission laser wavelength, laser threshold in addition to the sensitivity) has been optimized through the adjustment of the active film thickness and the grating period. This is possible thanks to the versatility offered by the holographic procedure used to fabricate the resonator, and to the top‐layer resonator geometry. Remarkably, the fact that the resonator is based on gelatin (a food‐grade biopolymer), offers great potential for the development of wearable and bio‐compatible sensing applications.
An Engineered Imine Reductase for Highly Diastereo‐ and Enantioselective Synthesis of β‐Branched Amines with Contiguous Stereocenters
Authors: Zhu Zhen‐Yu , Shi Min , Li Chen‐Lin , Gao Yun‐Fei , Shen Xin‐Yuan , Ding Xu‐Wei , Chen Fei‐Fei , Xu Jian‐He , Chen Qi , Zheng Gao‐Wei
Published: August 2024

β‐Branched chiral amines with contiguous stereocenters are valuable building blocks for preparing various biologically active molecules. However, their asymmetric synthesis remains challenging. Herein, we report a highly diastereo‐ and enantioselective biocatalytic approach for preparing a broad range of β‐branched chiral amines starting from their corresponding racemic ketones. This involves a dynamic kinetic resolution‐asymmetric reductive amination process catalyzed using only an imine reductase. Four rounds of protein engineering endowed wild‐type PocIRED with higher reactivity, better stereoselectivity, and a broader substrate scope. Using the engineered enzyme, various chiral amine products were synthesized with up to >99.9 % ee, >99 : 1 dr, and >99 % conversion. The practicability of the developed biocatalytic method was confirmed by producing a key intermediate of tofacitinib in 74 % yield, >99.9 % ee, and 98 : 2 dr at a challenging substrate loading of 110 g L−1. Our study provides a highly capable imine reductase and a protocol for developing an efficient biocatalytic dynamic kinetic resolution‐asymmetric reductive amination reaction system.
Personality‐sensitive pedagogies: A study of small group interactive behaviours among 9‐ to 10‐year‐olds
Authors: Witt Marcus , Knight Ben , Booth Tom
Published: August 2024

The learning and social development benefits associated with pupils collaborating in small groups have been well documented over recent decades; however, research exploring personality as a mediating factor in small group learning is sparse. In this study we identified pupils who self‐reported low levels of extraversion and/or high levels of neuroticism (tendency to worry) as personality traits and observed them working in small group collaborative learning situations. Using mixed methods social network analysis as a way of understanding group interactions, we combined a degree centrality measure and a novel concept of ‘provocatory participation’ with a qualitative analysis of group interactions. Data integration facilitated in‐depth interpretations of relationships between personality and pupil interactions. Findings suggest that low levels of extraversion and/or high levels of neuroticism can be, but are not always, associated with lower levels of participation and that a range of other factors, notably the personality traits of all pupils in a small group, affect participation. These findings are used to suggest ways that teachers could employ more personality‐sensitive pedagogies, particularly with respect to small group activities.
Patterns of teachers' responses to school bullying and their associations with training, self‐efficacy, and age: A moderated mediation model
Authors: Hua Wan‐Yu , Wu Wen‐Chi , Nieh Hsi‐Ping , Chang Yi‐Han
Published: August 2024

Bullying remains a pervasive issue in educational settings worldwide. This study examined the effect of teacher training and self‐efficacy on teachers' responses to school bullying with the moderating effect of age. Drawing on data from 585 Taiwanese primary and secondary school teachers, the study revealed six distinct response patterns to bullying among Taiwanese teachers. The results underscore the critical role of self‐efficacy in enabling proactive responses to bullying, highlighting that training programs that boost teachers' self‐efficacy can be effective across different age groups. Furthermore, the research points to the necessity of differentiated training approaches that consider teachers' age to enhance responses of mediating involvers. This study contributes to the broader discourse on bullying prevention, emphasizing the importance of teacher training and the need for further research into the nuanced relationships between teacher characteristics, self‐efficacy, and intervention strategies in diverse cultural settings.
Lingual nerve revisited—A comprehensive review Part II: Surgery and radiology
Authors: Ono Kisho , Nishioka Takashi , Obata Kyoichi , Takeshita Yohei , Irani Chista , Kunisada Yuki , Yoshioka Norie , Ibaragi Soichiro , Tubbs R. Shane , Iwanaga Joe
Published: August 2024

The lingual nerve (LN) is a branch of the mandibular division of the fifth cranial nerve, the trigeminal nerve, arising in the infratemporal fossa. It provides sensory fibers to the mucous membranes of the floor of the mouth, the lingual gingiva, and the anterior two‐thirds of the tongue. Although the LN should rarely be encountered during routine and basic oral surgical procedures in daily dental practice, its anatomical location occasionally poses the risk of iatrogenic injury. The purpose of this section is to consider this potential LN injury risk and to educate readers about the anatomy of this nerve and how to treat it.
Development and initial validation of the me and my child interview to assess parental acceptance–rejection
Authors: Carrolino Adriana , Baptista Joana
Published: August 2024

Parental acceptance–rejection exerts a key influence on child psychological adjustment. The present study aimed to contribute to this topic by focusing on the development and initial validation of a new assessment tool—that is, the Me & My Child: The Parental Acceptance‐Rejection Interview. The study included 69 mothers with children aged two to 12 years. In addition to the interview, mothers completed the Me as a Parent questionnaire, which assessed parental self‐regulation to test for convergent validity, as well as the short version of the Mental Health Inventory, which assessed maternal psychological problems to test for discriminant validity. Significant associations were found between higher levels of maternal acceptance and self‐efficacy and self‐management. Furthermore, mothers exposed to more socioeconomic risk factors in the family showed lower levels of parental acceptance. Conversely, no significant associations were observed between maternal acceptance–rejection and mental health symptoms. The intraclass correlation coefficient was found to be excellent. Overall, the findings support the Me and My Child Interview as a helpful tool for assessing parental acceptance–rejection. However, further research is required, given the exploratory nature of this study.
Integrated Phosgene and Steel Production: Combining Process Optimization and Life Cycle Assessment to Minimize Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Authors: Eichwald Stefan , Polte Lukas , Hense Janik , Nilges Benedikt , Jupke Andreas , von der Assen Niklas
Published: August 2024

Harnessing basic oxygen furnace gas (BOFG) from steel mills as an alternative carbon source is a promising option to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. This study explores two process concepts to purify CO from BOFG for subsequent phosgene synthesis: (i) vacuum pressure swing adsorption (VPSA) yielding pure CO, and (ii) CO2 separation via monoethanolamine (MEA) absorption producing CO‐enriched gas. By combining process optimization with life cycle assessment (LCA), process parameters are identified that minimize GHG emissions. The MEA concept can reduce emissions by up to 60 %, whereas the VPSA concept achieves a reduction of 47 %. Utilizing renewable energy enables further reductions, indicating additional environmental benefits in the future. Overall, both processes effectively produce low‐carbon CO for phosgene synthesis, with increasing environmental benefits in future energy systems.
An asymmetrical cancellation method for common mode voltage in full‐bridge LLC converter utilizing nonideal transformer
Authors: Liu Xinbo , He Shuiyuan , Ma Ruiqi , Yang Shibin , Xi Yuhang , Diao Lijun
Published: August 2024

This paper proposes a common mode voltage (CMV) reduction method for power full‐bridge LLC converter. A detailed derivation of asymmetrical CMV source in energy transmission (ET) and dead time resonance (DR) is presented, and a common mode (CM) equivalent circuit model considering stray parameters of power devices and transformer for the high‐voltage power LLC converter is constructed. This study assesses the influence of asymmetric junction capacitances of power devices and stray capacitances of transformer on both the CMV source and the CM model. It also examines the impact of power level on the constituent elements of the CMV source. Additionally, a theory of asymmetric CMV source cancellation is deduced based on the nonideal power LLC converter, where asymmetric noise source and coupling pathway are taken into account, which helps mitigate it through matching circuit structure without extra components. Finally, a 30 kHz 2 × 50 kW prototype is constructed and validated to reduce the CMV where the experiments show that the output CMV within high‐frequency band could be reduced by 12.15 dB at rated operating conditions.
Implementation of digital MemComputing using standard electronic components
Authors: Zhang Yuan‐Hang , Di Ventra Massimiliano
Published: August 2024

Digital MemComputing machines (DMMs), which employ nonlinear dynamical systems with memory (time non‐locality), have proven to be a robust and scalable unconventional computing approach for solving a wide variety of combinatorial optimization problems. However, most of the research so far has focused on the numerical simulations of the equations of motion of DMMs. This inevitably subjects time to discretization, which brings its own (numerical) issues that would be otherwise absent in actual physical systems operating in continuous time. Although hardware realizations of DMMs have been previously suggested, their implementation would require materials and devices that are not so easy to integrate with traditional electronics. Addressing this, our study introduces a novel hardware design for DMMs, utilizing readily available electronic components. This approach not only significantly boosts computational speed compared to current models but also exhibits remarkable robustness against additive noise. Crucially, it circumvents the limitations imposed by numerical noise, ensuring enhanced stability and reliability during extended operations. This paves a new path for tackling increasingly complex problems, leveraging the inherent advantages of DMMs in a more practical and accessible framework.