bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Innovative Pedagogical Strategies in Second Language Acquisition
Authors: Ye Lu
Published: March 2024

The process of acquiring a second language is a complex undertaking that necessitates a multifaceted approach to instruction. Contemporary pedagogical strategies have increasingly emphasized interactive and communicative methods, recognizing the importance of engaging learners in meaningful and authentic use of the language. This article delves into the various instructional techniques that are currently favored in the field of second language education. Notably, the comprehensibility of input, which refers to the accessibility of language presented to learners, is paramount; methods designed to ensure that learners can understand and process language are essential for facilitating acquisition. Moreover, the aspect of learner interaction is scrutinized, as it is critical for providing L2 students with the opportunity to practice and develop their language skills in social contexts. Feedback mechanisms play an instrumental role in L2 learning, serving as a bridge between understanding and production, helping learners to refine their language use through correction and guidance. Task-based learning is another significant pedagogical approach that warrants discussion. It focuses on the completion of meaningful tasks that mirror real-world language use, rather than on the rote memorization of language forms. Furthermore, the integration of technology in language learning environments has opened up new and dynamic avenues for enhancing learners' engagement and exposure to the target language. The article weighs the efficacy of these diverse strategies by reviewing empirical studies and theoretical perspectives that underline their benefits in promoting second language proficiency. The conclusion weaves together the significant insights from the analysis, reflecting on the practical implications these strategies hold for learners and educators alike. It also calls for further research to optimize L2 teaching methodologies, thereby enriching our understanding of second language acquisition in the digital age.
A Child with a Large Posterior Mediastinal Mass with Intraspinal Extension—Perioperative Anesthetic Challenges and Importance of Postoperative Analgesia
Authors: Chandana Sharon K. , Mariappan Ramamani , Lionel Karen R.
Published: March 2024

A 4-year-old girl child with a large posterior mediastinal mass with intraspinal extension (T2–T5) presented with paraplegia and bowel and bladder dysfunctions. She was planned for T1 to T6 laminoplasty and excision of the intraspinal tumor, followed by thoracotomy and excision of the posterior mediastinal tumor. Neurogenic tumors are common posterior mediastinal masses in children. These children pose many anesthetic challenges because of their size, location, and invasiveness. Challenges include difficult intubation, ventilation due to compression of the tracheobronchial tree, hemodynamic fluctuations because of compression of vital structures, associated autonomic dysfunction, and intraoperative bleeding. Pediatric lung isolation for thoracotomy and excision, obtaining motor evoked potential response in a child with poor functional grade status, and selecting appropriate analgesia techniques in the presence of neurological deficits are some of the added challenges. Anesthetic management and the use of a continuous erector spinae plane block for postoperative analgesia are highlighted in this report.
Late Respiratory and Laboratory Findings in Children with a History of Symptomatic and Asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: Yucel Ayşe Gul , Mete Ugur Cem , Duksal Fatma
Published: March 2024

Objective Symptoms due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) may persist or new symptoms may appear later. It was aimed to investigate the relationships between late respiratory system findings, allergen sensitivity, and laboratory findings in children with asymptomatic or symptomatic COVID-19 history.

Methods The study was conducted in tertiary hospital prospectively between April and July 2021. Children with respiratory system symptoms lasting longer than 1 month, with a history of asymptomatic or symptomatic COVID-19 infection and those who were anti-severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2)- antibody-positive were included. Late respiratory system findings, allergen sensitivity, and immunological and hematological findings were evaluated. Children with chronic diseases and those who were anti-SARS-CoV-2 antibody-negative were excluded.

Results Of 105 patients, 44.8% were female with a mean age of 10.7 (1–17) years. Median time from history or exposure to COVID-19 was 5 months in all patients. Post-COVID-19 respiratory symptoms were cough (61%), followed by shortness of breath (46.7%), and chest pain (21%), which were similar between symptomatic and asymptomatic patients (p > 0.05). Of the laboratory findings, only the hemoglobin value was significantly higher in symptomatic patients than in asymptomatic patients (p = 0.03), and there was no difference between them in terms of other parameters.

Conclusion It was shown that respiratory system symptoms may occur in the late period after COVID-19. The atopic status and laboratory findings of the patients did not affect this result.
Periostin Modulating Mycoplasma pneumoniae Pneumonia in Children Related to Th17 Cell Function
Authors: Fan Huifeng , Yang Diyuan , Shi Tingting , Zhang Dongwei , Lu Gen
Published: March 2024

Objective Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP) is recognized as a significant respiratory tract infection in children. Periostin associates with airway remodeling, and the T helper 17 (Th17) cells play a crucial role against M. pneumoniae infection. This study investigates the effect of periostin in Th17 cells and the associated mechanism in MPP.

Methods The study investigated the role of periostin stimulated with pulmonary bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) from MPP. Levels of infection of M. pneumoniae were determined using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The periostin was cloned into vector, and siRNA fragment were synthesized. The Th17 cells were transfected with the vector and the fragment, and its expression and proinflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-6, tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α, and IL-1β) were determined using western blot. The cell apoptosis, migration, and proliferation were measured using flow cytometer, transwell migration, and cell counting kit-8 assay, respectively.

Results The results showed that periostin expression had a positive correlation with MPP severity. Fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis showed that the periostin inhibited the apoptosis of Th17 cells. Moreover, transwell migration showed a significant increased migration in Th17 cell was detected treated with BALF, and selective knockdown of periostin by specific siRNA had negative effect on cell migration. Western blot analysis showed the periostin induced the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β), and downregulation of periostin could decrease the expression of cytokines in MPP group.

Conclusion The study suggested that periostin is required for Th17 cells migration, and it also has effect on Th17 apoptosis and proinflammatory cytokines expression in MPP.
Digital financial inclusion in micro enterprises: understanding the determinants and impact on ease of doing business from World Bank survey
Authors: Johri Amar , Asif Mohammad , Tarkar Preeti , Khan Waseem , Rahisha  , Wasiq Mohammad
Published: March 2024

The study aims to identify the determinants of digital financial inclusion (DFI) and its role in micro enterprises’ ease of doing business. The study is based on the World Bank’s Enterprises Survey of Micro Firms (ESM) 2022 data of 998 micro-enterprises. The variables that measure access and use of digital finance are extracted from the data. Two sets of independent variables, namely digital resource capability and firms and owners’ characteristics, are taken as explanatory variables of digital financial inclusion. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) has been applied to analyze the difference in perceived business obstacles across the micro-enterprises with and without access and use of digital finance. Further, a logistic regression model is developed to analyze the determinants of DFI. The findings of the study reveal that digital financial inclusion helps to face obstacles in business regulation and handle market externalities. Further, estimates of both the logistic regression model and marginal effects suggest that access to the internet, education, and owner experience are instrumental in digital financial inclusion among micro-enterprises. This study may be helpful for various stakeholders, such as the government, promoters of entrepreneurship, banks, and international organizations working in digital financial inclusion. The originality of the study lies in exploring the determinants of DFI among micro-enterprises, which are still unexplored in the case of India using extensive and specific micro enterprise’s data collected by the World Bank.
A theory of emotion based on a universal model
Authors: Huang Yong
Published: March 2024

The complexity of emotions has thus far limited our understanding of them. To obtain a clear understanding of the nature of emotion, this paper proposes a novel emotion theory and establishes a universal model of the conscious world in the human brain, the substanguage and interaction model (SIM). Based on an analysis of the possibilities of the interaction process in the SIM, two basic emotions that are indecomposable factors within all emotions—hope and fear—are identified. A questionnaire survey reveals that this basic emotion exhibits high acceptability. Based on emotion theory, this paper reasonably explains the phenomena of facial attraction and infantile facial preference and discusses the psychological reasons for phonocentrism, the phenomenon of preferring the spoken word over the written word. In addition, this paper explores the possibility of artificial intelligence possessing self-emotions. Emotions are relevant to many areas of human knowledge, as well as to everyone’s daily lives, and the simple, clear way to understand emotions provided in this paper may be instructive for everyone.
High capacitance freestanding PEDOT:PSS electrodes for low-frequency electric field delivery
Authors: Jenkins Elise P. W. , Keene Scott T. , Dimov Ivan B. , Oldroyd Poppy , Malliaras George G.
Published: March 2024

Since the 18th century, the use of electrical stimulation has been widely used to treat disease and control the development of cells, tissues, and organ growth. Electric fields and currents are used to mimic endogenous signals that regulate cell behavior to both better understand their mechanism of action and provide control for bio-engineering and therapeutics. While delivery of electric fields has proven useful, low frequency field delivery remains inaccessible with standard metal electrodes. This delivery of low frequency electric fields is limited by areal capacitance, resulting in low charge injection capacities or Faradaic reactions, which can generate cytotoxic by-products. Here, we demonstrate freestanding poly(3,4-ethylene dioxythiophene):poly(styrene sulfonate) (PEDOT:PSS) electrodes, which conduct both ions and electrons, resulting in electrode capacitance that scales with volume rather than area. We show that these electrodes can be used to generate electric fields in an aqueous medium at frequencies as low as 0.1 Hz. Specifically, we demonstrate persistent electric fields in aqueous media without exceeding the electrochemical window of water, previously unattainable using standard electrodes. Finally, we show that thick PEDOT:PSS electrodes are not cytotoxic. This work opens the path toward delivery of low frequency stimulating electric fields to cells and tissues both in vitro and in vivo.
Single-frame structured illumination microscopy for fast live-cell imaging
Authors: Wu Hanmeng , Li Yueming , Sun Yile , Yin Lu , Sun Weiyun , Ye Zitong , Yang Xinxun , Zhu Hongfei , Tang Mingwei , Han Yubing , Kuang Cuifang , Liu Xu
Published: March 2024

Observing subcellular structural dynamics in living cells has become the goal of super-resolution (SR) fluorescence microscopy. Among typical SRM techniques, structured illumination microscopy (SIM) stands out for its fast imaging speed and low photobleaching. However, 2D-SIM requires nine raw images to obtain a SR image, leading to undesirable artifacts in the fast dynamics of live-cell imaging. In this paper, we propose a single-frame structured illumination microscopy (SF-SIM) method based on deep learning that achieves SR imaging using only a single image modulated by a hexagonal lattice pattern. The SF-SIM method used the prior knowledge to complete the structure enhancement of SR images in the spatial domain and the expansion of the Fourier spectrum through deep learning, achieving the same resolution as conventional 2D-SIM. Temporal resolution is improved nine times, and photobleaching is reduced by 2.4 times compared to conventional 2D-SIM. Based on this, we observed the fast dynamics of multiple subcellular structures and the dynamic interaction of two organelles. The SF-SIM methods provide a powerful tool for live-cell imaging.
Three-dimensional characteristics of separation vortex generated by crossing shock/boundary layer interaction
Authors: Zhao Yi-long , Zhou Yong-yi , Zhao Yu-xin
Published: March 2024

Three-dimensional shock/boundary layer interactions (SBLIs) in the hypersonic inlet generate the separation vortex, which affects the flow uniformity of the inlet and can even cause the inlet to unstart. This study experimentally investigates the separation vortex produced by a crossing SBLI in a supersonic quiet wind tunnel. Using a nanoparticle-based planar laser scattering method, the tomography-like three-dimensional structures of the separation vortex on the transverse, streamwise, and horizontal planes are demonstrated. The semi-elliptical separation vortex is formed from a pair of anti-rotating vortices and exhibits eddies around the vortex core; it remains stable in the absence of the expansion effect. Additionally, fractal dimension analysis reveals that the separation vortex core experiences stable streamwise development, while its outer edge is fragmented and dissipated due to the shearing effect of the mainstream. This investigation provides valuable insight for potential flow control to mitigate separation issues in hypersonic inlets.
The development and implementation of the Northern Health lung cancer digital care pathway: a case study in service change
Authors: Duckham Rachel L. , Webster Tracey , See Katharine
Published: March 2024

This case study details the approach utilised to establish an easy to use, accessible and sustainable method for routine collection of Patient Reported Outcome Measures for patients newly diagnosed with lung cancer. We sought to enhance communication with patients and their families, particularly around shared decision making, their quality of life and symptoms, as well as the impacts of their care or treatment. We detail the co-design methodology utilised with consumers and healthcare providers to develop and implement a multi-lingual, fully automated digital care pathway which has been proven to be highly impactful and powerful for both healthcare providers working within the service and consumers enrolled within the digital pathway. This innovative initiative has changed the practice of the lung cancer service across a health service. Furthermore, its success has evolved the organisational strategy, to embed ‘Outcomes for Impact’ across the health service.
Status of rare-earth perovskite catalysts in environmental applications
Authors: Li Pengyun , Gong Aijun , Li Jiandi , Qiu Lina , Wang Xianghai , Chen Yue , Yin Jiayi , Huang Xinyu , Chen Yifan
Published: March 2024

Rare-earth perovskite oxides have become a research hotspot in the fields of environment and energy owing to their structural tunability, excellent redox properties, high stability and high catalytic activity. Researchers have designed and developed different rare-earth perovskite catalysts for tackling environmental pollutants in recent years. This review summarizes recent research progress on rare-earth perovskite catalysts in the catalytic oxidation and photocatalytic degradation of pollutants, gas sensing of volatile organic compounds and photocatalytic water splitting for hydrogen production and carbon dioxide reduction and conversion, and summarizes the mechanism of these reactions. It also discusses in detail the relationship between structural modification, synthesis process and the physical–chemical properties of the catalysts. Finally, the challenges with rare-earth chalcocite catalysts in the field of environment and energy are discussed.
Application of diglycolamide extractant in rare-earth extraction
Authors: Wang Yiwen , Gong Aijun , Qiu Lina , Bai Yuzhen , Liu Yang , Gao Ge , Zhao Weiyu
Published: March 2024

Diglycolamide (DGA) extractant is a kind of rare-earth extractant with promising applications that has the advantages of high extraction capacity, ease of synthesis, good thermal stability and good radiation stability. It is a green extractant that contains only four elements, C, H, O and N, and produces no residue after incineration. The properties of DGAs containing branched N,N′-alkyl substituents have been much studied in recent years, and it has been shown that branched side chains lead to better separation. The introduction of structurally rigid elements in DGA provides new possibilities for separation of rare earth elements (REEs). Owing to the tiny differences in the chemical properties of adjacent REES, the simple use of DGA extractant cannot meet all separation requirements, and a masking agent is added to the aqueous phase to improve the separation by coextraction to meet the requirements of different processes. This review presents the structural analysis of the complexes and crystals of diglycolamide extractants with rare-earth ions through different characterization means, and the effects of different structural extractants, solvents, nitric acid and phase modifiers on extraction behavior are reviewed. This review pays special attention to the effect of the side chain structure of diglycolamide on extraction behavior, which provides a theoretical basis and guiding direction for the field of separation of the REEs by diglycolamide extractants.
A supported primary health pathway for mild traumatic brain injury quality improvement report
Authors: Theadom A. , Chua J. , Sintmaartensdyk A. , Kara S. , Barnes R. , Macharg R. , Leckey E. , Mirza A.
Published: March 2024

Introduction Best-practice guidelines recommend that patients are followed-up to check if they have recovered following a mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) and to refer to concussion services, if needed. However, in New Zealand, rates of follow-up are low and access to concussion services can be delayed. Aim We aimed to improve rates of follow-up and access to concussion services for mTBI patients aged ≥8 years by the implementation of a supported health pathway and test its success. Methods The pathway included a decision support tool, funded follow-up appointments, clinician training and a patient education resource. Sociodemographics, injury details and proportions of patients receiving a follow-up by type and time were extracted from the Accident Compensation Corporation (ACC) database between 18 May 22 and 30 June 23 and compared to national ACC data prior to implementation. Results Data were extracted for 220 patients, with a mean age of 31.5 years, 51.4% female and 21.4% Māori and Pacific. There was an increase in the proportion of patients receiving a follow-up from 36% pre-implementation to 56.8% post-implementation. Sixty-three patients (28.6%) accessed a concussion service post-implementation compared to 10% pre-implementation. Time to concussion service reduced from an average of 55 (s.d. = 65.4) to 37 days (29.5). Discussion Risk factor criteria within the decision support tool need to be weighted to improve specificity of referrals. Timing from injury to medical review in primary care needs to be considered. This quality improvement project provides preliminary evidence for implementation of a supported health care pathway for mTBI.
Are patients with type 2 diabetes in the Waikato District provided with adequate education and support in primary care to self-manage their condition? A qualitative study
Authors: Crosswell Rebekah , Norman Kimberley , Cassim Shemana , Papa Valentina , Keenan Rawiri , Paul Ryan , Chepulis Lynne
Published: March 2024

Introduction In Aotearoa New Zealand (NZ), type 2 diabetes (T2D) is predominantly managed in primary care. Despite established guidelines, patients are often suboptimally managed, with inequitable health outcomes. To date, few NZ studies have evaluated the primary care management of T2D at the time of diagnosis. Aim This study aims to explore the provision of education and delivery of care to patients at the time of diagnosis, which is a crucial time in the disease trajectory. Methods Participants were recruited from a Māori health provider in the Waikato District, and diagnosed with T2D after January 2020. Patients were texted a link to opt into a survey (larger study) and then registered interest by providing contact details for an interview (current study). Semi-structured interviews were conducted and were audio recorded, transcribed, and thematically analysed. Results In total, 11 participants aged 19–65 years completed the interviews (female n = 9 and male n = 20); the comprised Māori (n = 5), NZ European (n = 5) and Asian (n = 1) participants. Three overarching themes were identified, including: (1) ineffective provision of resources and education methods; (2) poor communication from healthcare practitioners; and (3) health system barriers. Discussion Evidently, there are difficulties in primary care diabetes mellitus diagnosis and management. Improvements could include locally relevant resources tailored to patients’ experiences and cultural identities. Utilising whānau support and a non-clinical workforce, such as health navigators/kaiāwhina, will drastically address current workforce issues and assist patient self-management. This will allow improved diagnosis experiences and better health outcomes for patients and whānau.
Mapping community-based youth mental health services in Tasmania, Australia
Authors: Savaglio Melissa , Yap Marie , Vincent Ash , Skouteris Helen
Published: March 2024

Background Tasmania has the most rurally and remotely dispersed population of young people in Australia with high rates of youth experiencing mental ill health and socioeconomic disadvantage. Standard descriptions of mental healthcare provision are necessary for evidence-informed mental healthcare policy, planning and implementation. This systematic scoping study aimed to: (1) map and describe the characteristics of community-based youth mental health services (including substance-use) for young people in Tasmania, Australia and (2) identify gaps in service accessibility and provision. Methods A list of eligible services was developed through a systematic search and consultation with key stakeholders. Data were collected from a representative from each eligible service via an interview or online survey. A standardised framework was used to classify, describe and map services. Thematic analysis was used to analyse service providers’ perceived gaps to service access and provision. Results Twenty-eight community-based mental health services for youth were identified, predominantly located in the major city of Tasmania’s three service regions. Service gaps include the ‘missing middle’, lack of integrated supports and limited service capacity. Conclusions The findings highlight the limited availability, accessibility and capacity of youth mental health services across Tasmania. Recommendations focus on increasing accessibility of rural/regional supports, provision of assertive outreach, psychosocial support, integrated care and strengthening the rural mental health workforce. These findings may inform the (re)design/(re)development of community-based youth mental health services in Tasmania. The findings may also guide evidence-informed mental health service planning, decision-making, development and implementation of integrated models of youth mental health care across Australia.
Barriers to engagement with testing for sexually transmitted infections within a UK-based young adult Black Caribbean community: a qualitative study
Authors: Heath Gemma , Kaur Kiranpal , Farrow Claire , Ross Jonathan D. C. , Clarke Rebecca
Published: March 2024

Background The Black Caribbean population have a disproportionately high burden of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) compared with other ethnic groups. The aim of this study was to explore barriers to engagement with STI testing within a UK-based young adult Black Caribbean community. Methods Semi-structured interviews were carried out with 14 young adults from the Black Caribbean community and six sexual healthcare professionals. Data were analysed thematically. A focus group of five young adults was conducted to refine themes. Results Data analysis generated three themes: (1) culturally embedded stigma; (2) historically embedded mistrust; and (3) lack of knowledge. Perceived as ‘dirty’, particularly for females, infection with STIs was stigmatised by religious conceptions of ‘purity’ and shame. This presented challenges in terms of cultural acceptability of talking about STI testing with partners, friends, and family. Legacies of colonialism, medical racism and malpractice compromised young people’s trust in medical intervention and confidentiality of data management. A lack of knowledge related to STIs and their treatment, and in how to access and perform STI tests further served as a barrier. Culturally tailored interventions targeting these factors and delivered by radio, podcasts and social media were highlighted as having potential to improve engagement with STI testing. Discussion Engagement with STI testing by young adults from the Black Caribbean community is impacted by historically and culturally embedded teachings, practices and beliefs inherited through generations. Targeting these factors within culturally tailored interventions may be effective for increasing STI-testing, and thus reducing rates of STI-infection in this population.
Targeted nonviral delivery of genome editors in vivo
Authors: Tsuchida Connor A. , Wasko Kevin M. , Hamilton Jennifer R. , Doudna Jennifer A.
Published: March 2024

Cell-type-specific in vivo delivery of genome editing molecules is the next breakthrough that will drive biological discovery and transform the field of cell and gene therapy. Here, we discuss recent advances in the delivery of CRISPR-Cas genome editors either as preassembled ribonucleoproteins or encoded in mRNA. Both strategies avoid pitfalls of viral vector-mediated delivery and offer advantages including transient editor lifetime and potentially streamlined manufacturing capability that are already proving valuable for clinical use. We review current applications and future opportunities of these emerging delivery approaches that could make genome editing more efficacious and accessible in the future.
Lipid nanoparticle structure and delivery route during pregnancy dictate mRNA potency, immunogenicity, and maternal and fetal outcomes
Authors: Chaudhary Namit , Newby Alexandra N. , Arral Mariah L. , Yerneni Saigopalakrishna S. , LoPresti Samuel T. , Doerfler Rose , Petersen Daria M. Strelkova , Montoya Catalina , Kim Julie S. , Fox Bethany , Coon Tiffany , Malaney Angela , Sadovsky Yoel , Whitehead Kathryn A.
Published: March 2024

Treating pregnancy-related disorders is exceptionally challenging because the threat of maternal and/or fetal toxicity discourages the use of existing medications and hinders new drug development. One potential solution is the use of lipid nanoparticle (LNP) RNA therapies, given their proven efficacy, tolerability, and lack of fetal accumulation. Here, we describe LNPs for efficacious mRNA delivery to maternal organs in pregnant mice via several routes of administration. In the placenta, our lead LNP transfected trophoblasts, endothelial cells, and immune cells, with efficacy being structurally dependent on the ionizable lipid polyamine headgroup. Next, we show that LNP-induced maternal inflammatory responses affect mRNA expression in the maternal compartment and hinder neonatal development. Specifically, pro-inflammatory LNP structures and routes of administration curtailed efficacy in maternal lymphoid organs in an IL-1β-dependent manner. Further, immunogenic LNPs provoked the infiltration of adaptive immune cells into the placenta and restricted pup growth after birth. Together, our results provide mechanism-based structural guidance on the design of potent LNPs for safe use during pregnancy.
Decoupling of bird migration from the changing phenology of spring green-up
Authors: Robertson Ellen P. , La Sorte Frank A. , Mays Jonathan D. , Taillie Paul J. , Robinson Orin J. , Ansley Robert J. , O’Connell Timothy J. , Davis Craig A. , Loss Scott R.
Published: March 2024

The green-up of vegetation in spring brings a pulse of food resources that many animals track during migration. However, green-up phenology is changing with climate change, posing an immense challenge for species that time their migrations to coincide with these resource pulses. We evaluated changes in green-up phenology from 2002 to 2021 in relation to the migrations of 150 Western-Hemisphere bird species using eBird citizen science data. We found that green-up phenology has changed within bird migration routes, and yet the migrations of most species align more closely with long-term averages of green-up than with current conditions. Changing green-up strongly influenced phenological mismatches, especially for longer-distance migrants. These results reveal that bird migration may have limited flexibility to adjust to changing vegetation phenology and emphasize the mounting challenge migratory animals face in following en route resources in a changing climate.
Fatigue and vigilance in medical experts detecting breast cancer
Authors: Taylor-Phillips Sian , Jenkinson David , Stinton Chris , Kunar Melina A. , Watson Derrick G. , Freeman Karoline , Mansbridge Alice , Wallis Matthew G. , Kearins Olive , Hudson Sue , Clarke Aileen
Published: March 2024

An abundance of laboratory-based experiments has described a vigilance decrement of reducing accuracy to detect targets with time on task, but there are few real-world studies, none of which have previously controlled the environment to control for bias. We describe accuracy in clinical practice for 360 experts who examined >1 million women’s mammograms for signs of cancer, whilst controlling for potential biases. The vigilance decrement pattern was not observed. Instead, test accuracy improved over time, through a reduction in false alarms and an increase in speed, with no significant change in sensitivity. The multiple-decision model explains why experts miss targets in low prevalence settings through a change in decision threshold and search quit threshold and propose it should be adapted to explain these observed patterns of accuracy with time on task. What is typically thought of as standard and robust research findings in controlled laboratory settings may not directly apply to real-world environments and instead large, controlled studies in relevant environments are needed.
Constraints on regional projections of mean and extreme precipitation under warming
Authors: Dai Panxi , Nie Ji , Yu Yan , Wu Renguang
Published: March 2024

The projected changes in the hydrological cycle under global warming remain highly uncertain across current climate models. Here, we demonstrate that the observational past warming trend can be utilized to effectively co1nstrain future projections in mean and extreme precipitation on both global and regional scales. The physical basis for such constraints relies on the relatively constant climate sensitivity in individual models and the reasonable consistency of regional hydrological sensitivity among the models, which is dominated and regulated by the increases in atmospheric moisture. For the high-emission scenario, on the global average, the projected changes in mean precipitation are lowered from 6.9 to 5.2% and those in extreme precipitation from 24.5 to 18.1%, with the inter-model variances reduced by 31.0 and 22.7%, respectively. Moreover, the constraint can be applied to regions in middle-to-high latitudes, particularly over land. These constraints result in spatially resolved corrections that deviate substantially and inhomogeneously from the global mean corrections. This study provides regionally constrained hydrological responses over the globe, with direct implications for climate adaptation in specific areas.
Mentoring as a way to the professional development of in-service physics teachers
Authors: Kozelková Katarína
Published: March 2024

Nowadays education is facing new challenges based on the changes in the world and society. The generation of pupils has changed and their needs are different to what the teachers were used to. The change not only in teaching and learning methods but also in the way of thinking is necessary. To help teachers to find a different point of view on education and implement the changes, the Regional teachers’ support centres were established. The first two launched in 2021 and within three years there should be 40 centres across Slovakia. The main idea is to provide individual support for primary and lower secondary teachers as well as training in five main topics -i) school curriculum, ii) assessment and evaluation of pupils’ learning outcomes, iii) educational process and teaching style, iv) personalization and inclusive education, v) digitalization. Individual support is provided by a mentor in the form of class observations and mentoring conversations. The physics teachers can be involved and work on professional self-development in the topics they feel they want to improve. The paper reports on the mentors’ activities with the main focus held on the possibility of the in-service physics teachers’ professional development.
Interactive hands-on laboratory for upper secondary students: What do the visitors appreciate?
Authors: Kácovský P , Snětinová M , Ryston M , Ceháková L , Legerská J
Published: March 2024

As the covid-19 pandemic wanes, events that take place outside of school are regaining popularity. One such event is a visit to the Interactive Physics Laboratory (IPL). The main goal of the IPL is to provide upper secondary student groups with the necessary space, equipment, and guidance for hands-on practical work in the form of structured inquiry. Since the spring of 2022, we have been requesting feedback from our student visitors through a paper-and-pencil questionnaire. The most crucial and sole research question addressed in this paper is: “What do students appreciate the most during their visit to the IPL?” To answer this question, we have employed a mixed methods research design, combining the ideological background of grounded theory with the utilization of statistical tools. In this contribution, we provide the results obtained from analysing answers from 250 student respondents. We present an inductively derived system of codes, categories, and coding rules obtained through open coding of the student responses. Additionally, we share elementary statistical findings regarding the frequency of occurrence of particular codes. This study serves as a pilot of the coding system that we plan to apply to a larger sample of respondents in the future.
Understanding and overcoming students’ difficulties in interpreting graphs: insights from a racing car problem
Authors: Susac A , Sajka M , Rosiek R , Šipuš Ž Milin
Published: March 2024

The study investigates university students’ difficulties in interpreting graphs through the analysis of their responses to the modified PISA racing car problem. The impact of adding a distractor that is appealing to students and supplementary questions to enhance students’ graph understanding is explored. Eye-tracking technology was used to capture participants’ visual attention during the task. The findings highlight the challenges of treating graphs as pictures and the benefits of incorporating additional questions to improve students’ comprehension. The study emphasizes the need for instructional strategies that address intuitive reasoning and promote reflective thinking in graph interpretation.
Innovative technologies of physical and mathematical education implemented by using of fractal approach
Authors: Seben V , Yurkovych N , Mar’yan M
Published: March 2024

The implementation of the fractal approach to the teaching of physical and mathematical disciplines using computer modeling is substantiated.The formation of a fractal structure is established and iterations are defined that reflect the integrity and spontaneity of information presentation. The involvement of students of related specialties from two universities – University of Presov (Faculty of Humanities and Natural Sciences) and Uzhhorod National University (Faculty of Physics) – demonstrates the feasibility of using the fractal approach in training future teachers and scientists of natural sciences in higher educational institutions.
Affordances of technology-supported trails in education of pre-service primary teachers in physics
Authors: Valovicova L , Bockova V , Haringova S , Medova J
Published: March 2024

Outdoor activities focused on solving problems related to concrete objects, supported by technology, also known as trails, offer opportunities to develop not only content knowledge, but also the soft-skill of learners. The learner can be a pupil or a pre-service teacher, student of initial teacher education programme. Current students of initial teacher education programme are usually members of Generation Z and their education should be tailored to the needs of this generation. In this paper we designed an interdisciplinary trail connecting mathematics and science, particularly physics, knowledge and compared the solution process of pre-service teachers for primary schools and the primary pupils. The strategies almost did not differ, but pre-service teachers demonstrated deeper understanding of concept of measure.
Microfluidic-based preparation of artificial antigen-presenting gel droplets for integrated and minimalistic adoptive cell therapy strategies
Authors: Tian Yishen , Chen Wei , Du Guangshi , Gao Jie , Zhao Youbo , Wang Zhuli , Su Min , Hu Rong , Han Feng
Published: March 2024

Adoptive T-cell transfer for cancer therapy is limited by the inefficiency of in vitro T-cell expansion and the ability of in vivo T-cells to infiltrate tumors. The construction of multifunctional artificial antigen-presenting cells is a promising but challenging approach to achieve this goal. In this study, a multifunctional artificial antigen-presenting gel droplet (AAPGD) was designed. Its surface provides regulated T-cell receptor (TCR) stimulation and co-stimulation signals and is capable of slow release of mitogenic cytokines and collagen mimetic peptide. The highly uniform AAPGD are generated by a facile method based on standard droplet microfluidic devices. The results of the study indicate that, T-cell proliferated in vitro utilizing AAPGD have a fast rate and high activity. AAPGD increased the proportion of in vitro proliferating T cells low differentiation and specificity. The starting number of AAPGDs and the quality ratio of TCR-stimulated and co-stimulated signals on the surface have a large impact on the rapid proliferation of low-differentiated T cells in vitro. During reinfusion therapy, AAPGD also enhanced T-cell infiltration into the tumor site. In experiments using AAPGD for adoptive T cell therapy in melanoma mice, tumor growth was inhibited, eliciting a potent cytotoxic T-lymphocyte immune response and improving mouse survival. In conclusion, AAPGD promotes rapid low-differentiation proliferation of T cells in vitro and enhances T cell infiltration of tumors in vivo. It simplifies the preparation steps of adoptive cell therapy, improves the therapeutic effect, and provides a new pathway for overdosing T cells to treat solid tumors.
Generating human skeletal myoblast spheroids for vascular myogenic tissue engineering
Authors: Minne Mendy , Terrie Lisanne , Wüst Rebecca , Hasevoets Steffie , Vanden Kerchove Kato , Nimako Kakra , Lambrichts Ivo , Thorrez Lieven , Declercq Heidi
Published: March 2024

Engineered myogenic microtissues derived from human skeletal myoblasts offer unique opportunities for varying skeletal muscle tissue engineering applications, such as in vitro drug-testing and disease modelling. However, more complex models require the incorporation of vascular structures, which remains to be challenging. In this study, myogenic spheroids were generated using a high-throughput, non-adhesive micropatterned surface. Since monoculture spheroids containing human skeletal myoblasts were unable to remain their integrity, co-culture spheroids combining human skeletal myoblasts and human adipose-derived stem cells were created. When using the optimal ratio, uniform and viable spheroids with enhanced myogenic properties were achieved. Applying a pre-vascularization strategy, through addition of endothelial cells, resulted in the formation of spheroids containing capillary-like networks, lumina and collagen in the extracellular matrix, whilst retaining myogenicity. Moreover, sprouting of endothelial cells from the spheroids when encapsulated in fibrin was allowed. The possibility of spheroids, from different maturation stages, to assemble into a more large construct was proven by doublet fusion experiments. The relevance of using three-dimensional microtissues with tissue-specific microarchitecture and increased complexity, together with the high-throughput generation approach, makes the generated spheroids a suitable tool for in vitro drug-testing and human disease modeling.
Patient-specific finite element analysis for assessing hip fracture risk in aging populations
Authors: K N Chethan , Schmidt Genannt Waldschmidt Nadine , Corda John Valerian , Shenoy B Satish , Shetty Sawan , Keni Laxmikant G , Bhat N Shyamasunder , Nikam Nishant , Mihcin Senay
Published: March 2024

The femur is one of the most important bone in the human body, as it supports the body’s weight and helps with movement. The aging global population presents a significant challenge, leading to an increasing demand for artificial joints, particularly in knee and hip replacements, which are among the most prevalent surgical procedures worldwide. This study focuses on hip fractures, a common consequence of osteoporotic fractures in the elderly population. To accurately predict individual bone properties and assess fracture risk, patient-specific finite element models (FEM) were developed using CT data from healthy male individuals. The study employed ANSYS 2023 R2 software to estimate fracture loads under simulated single stance loading conditions, considering strain-based failure criteria. The FEM bone models underwent meticulous reconstruction, incorporating geometrical and mechanical properties crucial for fracture risk assessment. Results revealed an underestimation of the ultimate bearing capacity of bones, indicating potential fractures even during routine activities. The study explored variations in bone density, failure loads, and density/load ratios among different specimens, emphasizing the complexity of bone strength determination. Discussion of findings highlighted discrepancies between simulation results and previous studies, suggesting the need for optimization in modelling approaches. The strain-based yield criterion proved accurate in predicting fracture initiation but required adjustments for better load predictions. The study underscores the importance of refining density-elasticity relationships, investigating boundary conditions, and optimizing models through in vitro testing for enhanced clinical applicability in assessing hip fracture risk. In conclusion, this research contributes valuable insights into developing patient-specific FEM bone models for clinical hip fracture risk assessment, emphasizing the need for further refinement and optimization for accurate predictions and enhanced clinical utility.
Transforming two-dimensional tensor networks into quantum circuits for supervised learning
Authors: Song Zhihui , Xu Jinchen , Zhou Xin , Ding Xiaodong , Shan Zheng
Published: March 2024

There have been numerous quantum neural networks reported, but they struggle to match traditional neural networks in accuracy. Given the huge improvement of the neural network models’ accuracy by two-dimensional tensor network (TN) states in classical tensor network machine learning (TNML), it is promising to explore whether its application in quantum machine learning can extend the performance boundary of the models. Here, we transform two-dimensional TNs into quantum circuits for supervised learning. Specifically, we encode two-dimensional TNs into quantum circuits through rigorous mathematical proofs for constructing model ansätze, including string-bond states, entangled-plaquette states and isometric TN states. In addition, we propose adaptive data encoding methods and combine with TNs. We construct a tensor-network-inspired quantum circuit (TNQC) supervised learning framework for transferring TNML from classical to quantum, and build several novel two-dimensional TN-inspired quantum classifiers based on this framework. Finally, we propose a parallel quantum machine learning method for multi-class classification to construct 2D TNQC-based multi-class classifiers. Classical simulation results on the MNIST benchmark dataset show that our proposed models achieve the state-of-the-art accuracy performance, significantly outperforming other quantum classifiers on both binary and multi-class classification tasks, and beat simple convolutional classifiers on a fair track with identical inputs. The noise resilience of the models makes them successfully run and work in a real quantum computer.
Analysis of editor in chief gender and associated journal variables among 126 pathology journals
Authors: Wang Dayle K , Clark Landon M , Stephens Laura D , Adkins Brian D , Khan Shazia S , Booth Garrett S , Jacobs Jeremy W
Published: March 2024

Objectives

Gender equity studies have shown that women are underrepresented in journal editor in chief positions, which confer major professional opportunities and influence. We sought to systematically investigate editor in chief gender and journal attributes within pathology.

Methods

We constructed a journal data set using the Scimago Journal & Country Rank and Clarivate Journal Citation Reports databases. We also included official journals of the major medical societies for the 12 pathology subspecialties recognized by the Association of American Medical Colleges. The final data set included 126 journals. We obtained editor in chief gender, impact factor, publication model (ie, hybrid access vs open access), year of founding, and geographic location for all included pathology journals.

Results

Women made up only 18% of the 141 total editor in chief positions. This inequity was present irrespective of all pathology journal variables studied. Among 10 journals with 2 editor in chief positions, 5 had only men and 5 had 1 man and 1 woman. All 3 journals with 3 editor in chief positions had 2 men and 1 woman.

Conclusions

Women are significantly underrepresented among editor in chiefs across pathology journals. Journals and affiliated members should advocate for diversity among these influential positions, given their impact on research, science, and medicine.