bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The impact of transvenous cardioverter-defibrillator implantation on quality of life, depression and optimism in dialysis patients: report on the secondary outcome of QOL in the randomized controlled ICD2 trial
Authors: Timal Rohit J. , de Gucht Veronique , Rotmans Joris I. , Hensen Liselotte C. R. , Buiten Maurits S. , de Bie Mihaly K. , Putter Hein , Schalij Martin J. , Rabelink Ton J. , Jukema J. Wouter
Published: February 2021

Rationale

The impact of prophylactic implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (ICD) implantation on the psychological well-being of patients on dialysis is unknown.

Objective

We aimed to identify the effect of primary ICD implantation on quality of life (QoL), mood and dispositional optimism in patients undergoing dialysis.

Methods and results

We performed a prespecified subanalysis of the randomized controlled ICD2 trial. In total, 177 patients on chronic dialysis, with an age of 55–81 years, and a left ventricular ejection fraction of ≥ 35%, were included in the per-protocol analysis. Eighty patients received an ICD for primary prevention, and 91 patients received standard care. The Short Form-36 (SF-36), Geriatric Depression Scale-15 (GDS-15), Revised Life Orientation Test (LOT-R) questionnaires were administered prior to ICD implantation (T0), and at 1-year follow-up (T1) to assess QoL, depression and optimism, respectively. The patients were predominantly male (76.0%), with a median age of 67 years. Hemodialysis was the predominant mode of dialysis (70.2%). The GDS-15 score difference (T1 − T0) was 0.5 (2.1) in the ICD group compared with 0.3 (2.2) in the control group (mean difference − 0.3; 95% CI − 1.1 to 0.6; P = 0.58). The LOT-R score difference was − 0.2 (4.1) in the ICD group compared with − 1.5 (4.0) in the control group (mean difference − 1.1 (0.8); 95% CI − 2.6 to 0.4; P = 0.17). The mean difference scores of all subscales of the SF-36 were not significantly different between randomization groups.

Conclusions

In our population of patients on dialysis, ICD implantation did not affect QoL, mood or dispositional optimism significantly during 1-year follow-up.

Clinical Trial Registration

Unique identifier: ISRCTN20479861. http://www.controlled-trials.com.
What’s important when caring for a loved one? Population-based preference weights for the Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit for informal carers (ASCOT-Carer) for Austria
Authors: Trukeschitz Birgit , Hajji Assma , Batchelder Laurie , Saloniki Eirini , Linnosmaa Ismo , Malley Juliette
Published: February 2021

Purpose

The Adult Social Care Outcomes Toolkit for informal carers (ASCOT-Carer) can be used to assess long-term care-related quality of life (LTC-QoL) of adult informal carers of persons using LTC services. The ASCOT-Carer instrument has been translated into several languages, but preference weights reflecting the relative importance of different outcome states are only available for England so far. In this paper, we estimated preference weights for the German version of the ASCOT-Carer for Austria and investigated the value people place on different QoL-outcome states.

Methods

We used data from a best–worst scaling (BWS) experiment and estimated a scale-adjusted multinomial logit (S-MNL) model to elicit preference weights for the ASCOT-Carer domain-levels. Data were collected using an online survey of the Austrian general population (n = 1001).

Results

Top levels in the domains of ‘Space and time to be yourself’, ‘Occupation’ and ‘Control over daily life’ were perceived as providing the highest utility, and states with high needs in the same domains seen as particularly undesirable. ‘Personal safety’ was the only domain where levels were roughly equidistant. In all other domains, the difference between the top two levels (‘ideal state’ and ‘no needs’) was very small.

Conclusion

The paper provides preference weights for the German version of ASCOT-Carer to be used in Austrian populations. Furthermore, the results give insight into which LTC-QoL-outcomes are seen as particularly (un)desirable, and may therefore help to better tailor services directed at informal carers and the persons they care for.
Psychometric properties of the Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS®) pediatric item bank peer relationships in the Dutch general population
Authors: Luijten Michiel A. J. , van Litsenburg Raphaële R. L. , Terwee Caroline B. , Grootenhuis Martha A. , Haverman Lotte
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aimed to validate the PROMIS Pediatric item bank v2.0 Peer Relationships and compare reliability of the full item bank to its short form, computerized adaptive test (CAT) and the social functioning (SF) subscale of the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory (PedsQL™).

Methods

Children aged 8–18 (n = 1327), representative of the Dutch population completed the Peer Relationships item bank. A graded response model (GRM) was fit to the data. Structural validity was assessed by checking item-fit statistics (S-X2, p < 0.001 = misfit). For construct validity, a moderately strong correlation (> 0.50) was expected between Peer Relationships and the PedsQL SF subscale. Cross-cultural DIF between U.S. and NL was assessed using logistic regression, where an item with McFadden’s pseudo R2 > 0.02 was considered to have DIF. Percentage of participants reliably measured was assessed using the standard error of measurement (SEM) < 0.32 as a criterion (reliability of 0.90). Relative efficiency ((1-SEM2)/nitems) was calculated to compare how well the instruments performed relative to the amount of items administered.

Results

In total, 527 (response rate: 39.7%) children completed the PROMIS v2.0 Peer Relationships item bank (nitems = 15) and the PedsQL™ (nitems = 23). Structural validity of the Peer Relationships item bank was sufficient, but one item displayed misfit in the GRM model (S-X2 < 0.001); 5152R1r (“I played alone and kept to myself”). The item 733R1r (“I was a good friend”) was the only item that displayed cross-cultural DIF (R2 = 0.0253). The item bank correlated moderately high (r = 0.61) with the PedsQL SF subscale Reliable measurements were obtained at the population mean and > 2SD in the clinically relevant direction. CAT outperformed all other measures in efficiency. Mean T-score of the Dutch general population was 46.9(SD 9.5).

Conclusion

The pediatric PROMIS Peer Relationships item bank was successfully validated for use within the Dutch population and reference data are now available.
The association between social isolation and musculoskeletal health in older community-dwelling adults: findings from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study
Authors: Bevilacqua Gregorio , Jameson Karen A. , Zhang Jean , Bloom Ilse , Ward Kate A. , Cooper Cyrus , Dennison Elaine M.
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Social isolation has been associated with both physical and psychological adverse outcomes and is prevalent in older adults. We investigated the impact of social isolation on bone mineral density (BMD) and physical capability in community-dwelling older adults.

Methods

Data were collected in 2011 and 2017 from the Hertfordshire Cohort Study. In 2011, we assessed social isolation using the six-item Lubben Social Network Scale (LSNS-6) and the Maastricht Social Participation Profile (MSSP) and depressive and anxiety symptoms using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Physical capability was assessed by performing tests of gait speed, chair stands, timed up and go and balance at both time points. BMD was assessed using dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) at both time points.

Results

Data were available from 369 participants in 2011 and 184 in 2017. Forty percent of men and 42.4% of women were socially isolated. Isolated participants had higher odds of depressive disorder (OR 3.01, 95% CI 1.27–7.11, p < 0.02). Social isolation at baseline was associated with poor physical capability scores at follow-up (OR 5.53, 95% CI 1.09–27.99, p < 0.04). No associations were found between social isolation and BMD at either time point.

Conclusions

Social isolation was associated with higher odds of having depressive symptoms and predicted the development of poor physical capability 6 years later. Further longitudinal studies that include loneliness as a covariate are warranted.
A sentence-combining intervention for struggling writers: response to intervention
Authors: Walter Kirsty , Dockrell Julie , Connelly Vince
Published: February 2021

Children who struggle with writing are a heterogeneous group and may experience difficulties in a range of domains, including spelling, reading, and oral language. These difficulties are reflected in their writing and may influence their responsiveness to writing interventions. The effectiveness of a targeted sentence-combining intervention to improve the writing skills of 71 struggling writers, aged 7 to 10 years, was compared with a spelling intervention and a business as usual (waiting list) control condition. Some struggling writers also performed poorly on measures of reading and oral language. Children's performance on a range of writing measures were assessed at baseline (t1), immediate post-test (t2)and delayed post-test (t3). Children receiving the sentence-combining intervention showed significant improvements in the sentence combining measure att2 andt3 compared to both the spelling intervention and waiting list controls. Exploratory regression analyses found that children in the sentence-combining intervention, with a lowt1 sentence combining score, low reading skills or bettert1 spelling skills, were more likely to show improvements att2. Findings indicate that when devising interventions for struggling writers, specific profiles of skills should be considered. Specifically, sentence combining may be more appropriate for SWs whose primary area of difficulty is reading, rather than poor spelling or oral language.
Quoted speech in linguistics research article titles: patterns of use and effects on citations
Authors: Pearson William S.
Published: February 2021

This paper investigates the uses and scholarly impact of quoted/direct speech in research article titles (e.g., "I Know I'm Generalizing but…": How Teachers' Perceptions Influence ESL Learner Placement) across the 50 highest-listed linguistics journals according to Clarivate Analytics’ inCites Journal Citation Reports. The aims of the study were to: (1) uncover the prevalence of titles featuring quoted speech between 1980 and 2019, (2) describe how directly reported speech is utilised structurally in article titles, and (3) investigate the effects of various patterns of use of quotations on articles’ age-weighted citation rates. 640 linguistics articles with speech act titles were uncovered, occurring with an incidence of 1.8% in the dataset (n = 36,438), although their prevalence has risen significantly since 2004. Structural analysis revealed 90.9% of quotations were contained in the first segment of a compound title, serving to create an information gap (often for the purposes of provoking interest or intrigue), which is resolved in the second segment; the research article’s topic. Regression analysis showed that speech act titles were significant negative determinants of articles’ age-weighted citations, particularly the prevalent pattern of compound structures featuring a quotation phrased as a declarative. The length of the quotation was found to exert no significant effect, although quotations that were not marked by single or double quotation marks were found to have an especially suppressed scholarly impact.
Sexuality and Intimacy Rehabilitation for the Military Population: Case Series
Authors: Ellis Kathryn M. , Nordstrom Michelle J. , Bach Katherine E. , Gover-Chamlou Ametisse N. , Messinger Seth , Isaacson Brad , Pasquina Paul F.
Published: February 2021

Sexuality and intimacy are important aspects of life that are frequently compromised after severe injury or illness, yet these aspects are often overlooked by medical and rehabilitation professionals. This case series describes the Occupational Therapy Sexuality and Intimacy program at a Military Treatment Facility (MTF). Three diverse clients with a range of physical, cognitive and emotional impairments were chosen to illustrate complexities of the Occupational Therapy Sexuality and Intimacy Program at this MTF, and unique skills employed by Occupational Therapists. Consistent themes discovered include: perceived value of the program; appreciation of safe spaces to discuss personal topics; and enhanced awareness of role identity, body image, and emotional regulation. These cases illustrate that sexuality and intimacy interventions may have profound effects on injured service members, improving social reintegration, and quality of life.
Comparing and Contrasting Travelling Wave Behaviour for Groundwater Flow and Foam Drainage
Authors: Boakye-Ansah Y. A. , Grassia P.
Published: February 2021

Liquid drainage within foam is generally described by the foam drainage equation which admits travelling wave solutions. Meanwhile, Richards’ equation has been used to describe liquid flow in unsaturated soil. Travelling wave solutions for Richards equation  are also available using soil material property functions which have been developed by Van Genuchten. In order to compare and contrast these solutions, the travelling waves are expressed as dimensionless height, $$ {\hat{\xi }} $$

ξ
^

, versus moisture content, $$ \varTheta $$
Θ
. For low moisture content, $$ {{\hat{\xi }}} $$

ξ
^

exhibits an abrupt change away from the dry state in Richards equation compared to a much more gradual change in foam drainage. When moisture content nears saturation, $$ {\hat{\xi }} $$

ξ
^

reaches large values (i.e. $$ {\hat{\xi }} \gg 1 $$

ξ
^

≫
1

) for both Richards equation and foam drainage, implying a gradual approach of $$ \varTheta $$
Θ
towards the saturated state. The $$ {\hat{\xi }} $$

ξ
^

values in Richards equation tend, however, to be larger than those in the foam drainage equation, implying an even more gradual approach towards saturation. The reasons for the difference between foam drainage and Richards equation solutions are traced back to soil material properties and in particular a soil specific parameter “m” which is determined from the soil-water retention curve.
Abiotic conditions shape the relationship between indigenous and exotic species richness in a montane biodiversity hotspot
Authors: Popp Manuel R. , Kalwij Jesse M.
Published: February 2021

Montane ecosystems are more prone to invasions by exotic plant species than previously thought. Besides abiotic factors, such as climate and soil properties, plant-plant interactions within communities are likely to affect the performance of potential invaders in their exotic range. The biotic resistance hypothesis predicts that high indigenous species richness hampers plant invasions. The biotic acceptance hypothesis, on the other hand, predicts a positive relationship between indigenous and exotic species richness. We tested these two hypotheses using observational data along an elevational gradient in a southern African biodiversity hotspot. Species composition data of indigenous and exotic plants were recorded in 20 road verge plots along a gradient of 1775–2775 m a.s.l. in the Drakensberg, South Africa. Plots were 2 × 50 m in size and positioned at 50 m elevational intervals. We found a negative correlation between indigenous and exotic richness for locations with poorly developed mineral soils, suggesting biotic resistance through competitive interactions. A strong positive correlation for plots with very shallow soils at high elevations indicated a lack of biotic resistance and the possibility of facilitating interactions in harsher environments. These results suggest that biotic resistance is restricted to the lower and mid elevations while biotic acceptance prevails in presence of severe abiotic stress, potentially increasing the risk of plant invasions into montane biodiversity hotspots.
On Threats to the 5G Service Based Architecture
Authors: Køien Geir M.
Published: February 2021

The 3GPP-based 5G System marks a clear departure form the previous generations. There is a new radio system and a complete overhaul of the core network design. The core network is redesigned both on the control plane parts and the transport plane. The control plane signalling within the core network is now largely based on the service based architecture (SBA) design, featuring Web-based technologies and the associated security solutions. In this paper we conduct a preliminary generic survey of threats to the SBA.
Proof of principle study: diagnostic accuracy of a novel algorithm for the estimation of sleep stages and disease severity in patients with sleep-disordered breathing based on actigraphy and respiratory inductance plethysmography
Authors: Dietz-Terjung Sarah , Martin Amelie Ricarda , Finnsson Eysteinn , Ágústsson Jón Skínir , Helgason Snorri , Helgadóttir Halla , Welsner Matthias , Taube Christian , Weinreich Gerhard , Schöbel Christoph
Published: February 2021

Purpose

In this proof of principle study, we evaluated the diagnostic accuracy of the novel Nox BodySleepTM 1.0 algorithm (Nox Medical, Iceland) for the estimation of disease severity and sleep stages based on features extracted from actigraphy and respiratory inductance plethysmography (RIP) belts. Validation was performed against in-lab polysomnography (PSG) in patients with sleep-disordered breathing (SDB).

Methods

Patients received PSG according to AASM. Sleep stages were manually scored using the AASM criteria and the recording was evaluated by the novel algorithm. The results were analyzed by descriptive statistics methods (IBM SPSS Statistics 25.0).

Results

We found a strong Pearson correlation (r=0.91) with a bias of 0.2/h for AHI estimation as well as a good correlation (r=0.81) and an overestimation of 14 min for total sleep time (TST). Sleep efficiency (SE) was also valued with a good Pearson correlation (r=0.73) and an overestimation of 2.1%. Wake epochs were estimated with a sensitivity of 0.65 and a specificity of 0.59 while REM and non-REM (NREM) phases were evaluated a sensitivity of 0.72 and 0.74, respectively. Specificity was 0.74 for NREM and 0.68 for REM. Additionally, a Cohen’s kappa of 0.62 was found for this 3-class classification problem.

Conclusion

The algorithm shows a moderate diagnostic accuracy for the estimation of sleep. In addition, the algorithm determines the AHI with good agreement with the manual scoring and it shows good diagnostic accuracy in estimating wake-sleep transition. The presented algorithm seems to be an appropriate tool to increase the diagnostic accuracy of portable monitoring. The validated diagnostic algorithm promises a more appropriate and cost-effective method if integrated in out-of-center (OOC) testing of patients with suspicion for SDB.
Learning metamorphic malware signatures from samples
Authors: Campion Marco , Dalla Preda Mila , Giacobazzi Roberto
Published: February 2021

Metamorphic malware are self-modifying programs which apply semantic preserving transformations to their own code in order to foil detection systems based on signature matching. Metamorphism impacts both software security and code protection technologies: it is used by malware writers to evade detection systems based on pattern matching and by software developers for preventing malicious host attacks through software diversification. In this paper, we consider the problem of automatically extracting metamorphic signatures from the analysis of metamorphic malware variants. We define a metamorphic signature as an abstract program representation that ideally captures all the possible code variants that might be generated during the execution of a metamorphic program. For this purpose, we developed MetaSign: a tool that takes as input a collection of metamorphic code variants and produces, as output, a set of transformation rules that could have been used to generate the considered metamorphic variants. MetaSign starts from a control flow graph representation of the input variants and agglomerates them into an automaton which approximates the considered code variants. The upper approximation process is based on the concept of widening automata, while the semantic preserving transformation rules, used by the metamorphic program, can be viewed as rewriting rules and modeled as grammar productions. In this setting, the grammar recognizes the language of code variants, while the production rules model the metamorphic transformations. In particular, we formalize the language of code variants in terms of pure context-free grammars, which are similar to context-free grammars with no terminal symbols. After the widening process, we create a positive set of samples from which we extract the productions of the grammar by applying a learning grammar technique. This allows us to learn the transformation rules used by the metamorphic engine to generate the considered code variants. We validate the results of MetaSign on some case studies.
Geophysical and analytical determination of overstressed zones in exploited coal seam: a case study
Authors: Chlebowski Dariusz , Burtan Zbigniew
Published: February 2021

A variety of geophysical methods and analytical modeling are applied to determine the rockburst hazard in Polish coal mines. In particularly unfavorable local conditions, seismic profiling, active/passive seismic tomography, as well as analytical state of stress calculating methods are recommended. They are helpful in verifying the reliability of rockburst hazard forecasts. In the article, the combined analysis of the state of stress determined by active seismic tomography and analytical modeling was conducted taking into account the relationship between the location of stress concentration zones and the level of rockburst hazard. A longwall panel in the coal seam 501 at a depth of ca.700 m in one of the hard coal mines operating in the Upper Silesian Coal Basin was a subject of the analysis. The seismic tomography was applied for the reconstruction of P-wave velocity fields. The analytical modeling was used to calculate the vertical stress states basing on classical solutions offered by rock mechanics. The variability of the P-wave velocity field and location of seismic anomaly in the coal seam in relation to the calculated vertical stress field arising in the mined coal seam served to assess of rockburst hazard. The applied methods partially proved their adequacy in practical applications, providing valuable information on the design and performance of mining operations.
Microstructural Impact of Si and Ni During High Temperature Quenching and Partitioning Process in Medium-Mn Steels
Authors: Ayenampudi S. , Celada-Casero C. , Arechabaleta Z. , Arribas M. , Arlazarov A. , Sietsma J. , Santofimia M. J.
Published: February 2021

Austenite stabilization through carbon partitioning from martensite into austenite is an essential aspect of the quenching and partitioning (Q&P) process. Substitutional alloying elements are often included in the chemical composition of Q&P steels to further control the microstructure development by inhibiting carbide precipitation (silicon) and further stabilize austenite (manganese and nickel). However, these elements can interfere in the microstructure development, especially when high partitioning temperatures are considered. In this study, the microstructural development during the Q&P process of four low-carbon, medium-manganese steels with varying contents of silicon and nickel is investigated. During partitioning at 400 °C, silicon hinders cementite precipitation in primary martensite thereby assisting carbon partitioning from martensite to austenite. During partitioning at temperatures of 500 °C and 600 °C, presence of nickel inhibits pearlite formation and promotes austenite reversion, respectively. It is observed that the stabilization of austenite is significantly enhanced through the addition of nickel by slowing down the kinetics of competitive reactions that are stimulated during the partitioning stage. Results of this study provide an understanding of the interplay among carbon, silicon and nickel during Q&P processing that will allow the development of new design strategies to tailor the microstructure of this family of alloys.
Role of Superficial Defects and Machining Depth in Tensile Properties of Electron Beam Melting (EBM) Made Inconel 718
Authors: Zhao Xiaoyu , Rashid Amir , Strondl Annika , Hulme-Smith Christopher , Stenberg Niclas , Dadbakhsh Sasan
Published: February 2021

Since there is no report on the influence of machining depth on electron beam melting (EBM) parts, this paper investigated the role of superficial defects and machining depth in the performance of EBM made Inconel 718 (IN718) samples. Therefore, as-built EBM samples were analyzed against the shallow-machined (i.e., only removal of outer surfaces) and deep-machined (i.e., deep surface removal into the material) parts. It was shown that both as-built and shallow-machined samples had a drastically lower yield strength (970 ± 50 MPa), ultimate tensile stress (1200 ± 40 MPa), and ductility (28 ± 2%) compared to the deep-machined samples. This was since premature failure occurred due to various superficial defects. The superficial defects appeared in two levels, as (1) notches and pores on the surface and (2) irregular pores and cracks within the subsurface. Since the latter occurred down to 2 mm underneath the surface, shallow machining only exposed the subsurface defects to outer surfaces. Thus, the shallow-machined parts achieved only 68% and 8% of UTS and elongation of the deep-machined parts, respectively. This low performance occurred to be comparable to the as-built parts, which failed prematurely due to the high fraction surface voids and notches as well as the subsurface defects.
Potential of process information transfer along the process chain of hybrid components for process monitoring of the cutting process
Authors: Denkena Berend , Behrens Bernd-Arno , Bergmann Benjamin , Stonis Malte , Kruse Jens , Witt Matthias
Published: February 2021

The production of hybrid components involves a long process chain, which leads to high investment costs even before machining. To increase process safety and process quality during finishing, it is necessary to provide information about the semi-finished parts geometry for the machining process and to identify defect components at an early stage. This paper presents an investigation to predict variations in dimension and cavities inside the material during cross-wedge rolling of shafts based on measured tool pressure. First, the process is investigated with respect to the variation in diameter for three roll gaps and two materials. Subsequently, features are generated from the hydraulic pressures of the tools and multi-linear regression models are developed in order to determine the resulting diameters of the shaft shoulder. These models show better prediction accuracy than models based on meta-data about set roll gap and formed material. The features are additionally used to successfully monitor the process with regard to the Mannesmann effect. Finally, a sensor concept for a new cross-wedge rolling machine to improve the prediction of the workpiece geometry and a new approach for monitoring machining processes of workpieces with dimensional variations are presented for upcoming studies.
Sample-based longitudinal discrete choice experiments: preferences for electric vehicles over time
Authors: Keller Katharina , Schlereth Christian , Hinz Oliver
Published: February 2021

Discrete choice experiments have emerged as the state-of-the-art method for measuring preferences, but they are mostly used in cross-sectional studies. In seeking to make them applicable for longitudinal studies, our study addresses two common challenges: working with different respondents and handling altering attributes. We propose a sample-based longitudinal discrete choice experiment in combination with a covariate-extended hierarchical Bayes logit estimator that allows one to test the statistical significance of changes. We showcase this method’s use in studies about preferences for electric vehicles over six years and empirically observe that preferences develop in an unpredictable, non-monotonous way. We also find that inspecting only the absolute differences in preferences between samples may result in misleading inferences. Moreover, surveying a new sample produced similar results as asking the same sample of respondents over time. Finally, we experimentally test how adding or removing an attribute affects preferences for the other attributes.
Promoting teacher self-efficacy for supporting English learners in mathematics: effects of the Visual Access to Mathematics professional development
Authors: Neumayer DePiper Jill , Louie Josephine , Nikula Johannah , Buffington Pamela , Tierney-Fife Peter , Driscoll Mark
Published: February 2021

Teachers’ confidence and facility with strategies that position and support students who are English learners (ELs) as active participants in middle grades mathematics classrooms are key to facilitating ELs’ mathematics learning. The Visual Access to Mathematics (VAM) project developed and studied teacher professional development (PD) focused on linguistically-responsive teaching to facilitate ELs’ mathematical problem solving and discourse. This study examines whether VAM PD has a positive impact on teachers’ self-efficacy in supporting ELs in mathematics and how components of the PD may have influenced teacher outcomes. Results from a field test involving a cluster randomized trial of 101 teacher participants from 47 schools showed that VAM PD had a positive impact on participants’ self-efficacy related to teaching ELs in mathematics, based on pre/post self-efficacy survey responses. An analysis of participants’ written reflections suggests that supported implementation of language strategies with ELs in their mathematics teaching contexts was a key PD component that contributed to teacher self-efficacy outcomes. Findings offer implications for mathematics teacher PD and for facilitating ELs’ learning in mathematics.
Subexponential decay and regularity estimates for eigenfunctions of localization operators
Authors: Bastianoni Federico , Teofanov Nenad
Published: February 2021

We consider time-frequency localization operators $$A_a^{\varphi _1,\varphi _2}$$

A
a

φ
1

,

φ
2

with symbols a in the wide weighted modulation space $$ M^\infty _{w}({\mathbb {R}^{2d}})$$

M
w
∞

(

R

2
d

)

, and windows $$ \varphi _1, \varphi _2 $$

φ
1

,

φ
2

in the Gelfand–Shilov space $$\mathcal {S}^{\left( 1\right) }(\mathbb {R}^d)$$

S

1

(

R

d

)

. If the weights under consideration are of ultra-rapid growth, we prove that the eigenfunctions of $$A_a^{\varphi _1,\varphi _2}$$

A
a

φ
1

,

φ
2

have appropriate subexponential decay in phase space, i.e. that they belong to the Gelfand–Shilov space $$ \mathcal {S}^{(\gamma )} (\mathbb {R^{d}}) $$

S

(
γ
)

(

R
d

)

, where the parameter $$\gamma \ge 1 $$

γ
≥
1

is related to the growth of the considered weight. An important role is played by $$\tau $$
τ
-pseudodifferential operators $$Op_{\tau } (\sigma )$$

O

p
τ

(
σ
)

. In that direction we show convenient continuity properties of $$Op_{\tau } (\sigma )$$

O

p
τ

(
σ
)

when acting on weighted modulation spaces. Furthermore, we prove subexponential decay and regularity properties of the eigenfunctions of $$Op_{\tau } (\sigma )$$

O

p
τ

(
σ
)

when the symbol $$\sigma $$
σ
belongs to a modulation space with appropriately chosen weight functions. As an auxiliary result we also prove new convolution relations for (quasi-)Banach weighted modulation spaces.
Breakup and Coalescence of Oil Droplets in Protein-Stabilized Emulsions During the Atomization and the Drying Step of a Spray Drying Process
Authors: Taboada Martha L. , Chutani Doll , Karbstein Heike P. , Gaukel Volker
Published: February 2021

The goal of this study was to investigate the changes in oil droplet size in whey protein–stabilized emulsions during the atomization and the subsequent drying step of a spray drying process. For this purpose, experiments were performed in an atomization rig and a pilot spray dryer with two commercial pressure swirl atomizers. By comparing the oil droplet size before atomization, after atomization, and after spray drying, the changes in oil droplet size during each process step were quantified. The effect of oil droplet breakup during atomization was isolated by atomizing emulsions with 1 wt.% oil content and a protein to oil concentration ratio of 0.1. At 100 bar, the Sauter mean diameter of oil droplet size was reduced from 3.13 to 0.61 μm. Directly after breakup, coalescence of the oil droplets was observed for emulsions with a high oil content of 30 wt.%, leading to a droplet size after atomization of 1.15 μm. Increasing the protein to oil concentration ratio to 0.2 reduced coalescence during atomization and oil droplets with a mean diameter of 0.92 μm were obtained. Further coalescence was observed during the drying step: for an oil content of 30 wt.% and a protein to oil concentration ratio of 0.1 the mean droplet size increased to 1.77 μm. Powders produced at high oil contents showed a strong tendency to clump. Comparable effects were observed for a spray drying process with a different nozzle at 250 bar. The results confirm that droplet breakup and coalescence during atomization and coalescence during drying have to be taken into consideration when targeting specific oil droplet sizes in the product. This is relevant for product design in spray drying applications, in which the oil droplet size in the powder or after its redispersion determines product quality and stability.
Access to patient oriented information—a baseline Endo-ERN survey among patients with rare endocrine disorders
Authors: Iotova Violeta , Schalin-Jäntti Camilla , Bruegmann Petra , Broesamle Manuela , De Graaf Johan , Bratina Natasa , Tillmann Vallo , Pereira Alberto M. , Hiort Olaf
Published: February 2021

Aim

To perform a baseline survey on condition-specific information access among patients/parents/caregivers with rare endocrine disorders (RD) in Europe.

Methods

Electronic invitation to participate in a survey (19 questions) was sent to 120 patient advocacy groups (PAGs), and further distributed to 32 European countries.

Results

A total of 1138 respondents from 22 countries (74% women), aged between 1 year (parents) and 70 years, participated. The Netherlands, France, Germany, Italy and France had highest participation rates. All Main Thematic Groups (MTGs) were represented; the adrenal (32%), pituitary (26%) and thyroid (22%) were the most common. The majority of the respondents got information from their endocrinologist (75%), PAGs (37%) and expert reference centre (22%); 95% received information in their mother tongue. Leaflets (70%), infographics (65%), webinars (60%) and Internet films (55%) were preferred ways of learning. Respondents relied mostly on materials by PAGs and alliances (79%), rather than from specific international RD sites (15%). Fifty-six percent used Facebook, and 37% other social media, with a significant age difference (<40/>40 years) among non-users, 19% vs. 36%, p < 0.0001. Of all, 685 answered questions on informational materials for children−79% wanted materials that can be used by the children themselves. There was significant age difference (<40 years/>40 years) in the willingness to help create new educational materials; 49% vs. 34%, p < 0.001.

Conclusions

Our current patient information access survey provides a sound basis for further planning and execution of educational and teaching activities by Endo-ERN.
Mental health of medical workers in Japan during COVID-19: Relationships with loneliness, hope and self-compassion
Authors: Kotera Yasuhiro , Ozaki Akihiko , Miyatake Hirotomo , Tsunetoshi Chie , Nishikawa Yoshitaka , Tanimoto Tetsuya
Published: February 2021

The current pandemic of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has negatively impacted medical workers’ mental health in many countries including Japan. Although research identified poor mental health of medical workers in COVID-19, protective factors for their mental health remain to be appraised. Accordingly, this study aimed to investigate relationships between mental health problems, loneliness, hope and self-compassion among Japanese medical workers, and compare with the general population. Online self-report measures regarding those four constructs were completed by 142 medical workers and 138 individuals in the general population. T-tests and multiple regression analysis were performed. Medical workers had higher levels of mental health problems and loneliness, and lower levels of hope and self-compassion than the general population. Loneliness was the strongest predictor of mental health problems in the medical workers. Findings suggest that Japanese medical workplaces may benefit from targeting workplace loneliness to prevent mental health problems among the medical staff.
A Note on the Strong Maximum Principle for Fully Nonlinear Equations on Riemannian Manifolds
Authors: Goffi Alessandro , Pediconi Francesco
Published: February 2021

We investigate strong maximum (and minimum) principles for fully nonlinear second-order equations on Riemannian manifolds that are non-totally degenerate and satisfy appropriate scaling conditions. Our results apply to a large class of nonlinear operators, among which Pucci’s extremal operators, some singular operators such as those modeled on the p- and $$\infty $$
∞
-Laplacian, and mean curvature-type problems. As a byproduct, we establish new strong comparison principles for some second-order uniformly elliptic problems when the manifold has nonnegative sectional curvature.
Urban Geology for the Enhancement of the Hypogean Geosites: the Perugia Underground (Central Italy)
Authors: Melelli Laura , Silvani Fabio , Ercoli Maurizio , Pauselli Cristina , Tosi Grazia , Radicioni Fabio
Published: February 2021

Urban geology analyses natural risks and promotes geoheritage in urban areas. In the cities, characterized by a high cultural value, the hypogean artificial cavities, often present in the downtown, offer a unique opportunity to show the geological substratum. Moreover, these places could be a point of interest in urban trekking with the abiotic component of the landscape as a topic (geotourism). To investigate these areas, rigorous bibliographic research and a geomorphological assessment are the first steps, but, besides, non-invasive methods are new techniques increasingly in demand. In this paper, we present a multidisciplinary study on the Etruscan Well (third century B.C.), one of the most important Etruscan artefacts in Perugia (Umbria region, Central Italy). The characteristics of the sedimentary deposits outcropping along the perimeter walls have been collected. Moreover, to show the underground geoheritage, we provide a 3D model of the well and the surrounding area integrating a georeferenced laser scanner survey with ground-penetrating radar prospecting. We aim to obtain a tridimensional mapping of accessible internal rooms to depict the geological characteristics of the Etruscan Well, also revealing a surrounding network of buried galleries. The results are not only a meaningful advancement in the archaeological, geological and historical knowledge of the downtown of Perugia but are a hint for the geoheritage promotion and dissemination, providing images and 3D reconstruction of underground areas.
The strain-generated electrical potential in cartilaginous tissues: a role for piezoelectricity
Authors: Poillot Philip , Le Maitre Christine L. , Huyghe Jacques M.
Published: February 2021

The strain-generated potential (SGP) is a well-established mechanism in cartilaginous tissues whereby mechanical forces generate electrical potentials. In articular cartilage (AC) and the intervertebral disc (IVD), studies on the SGP have focused on fluid- and ionic-driven effects, namely Donnan, diffusion and streaming potentials. However, recent evidence has indicated a direct coupling between strain and electrical potential. Piezoelectricity is one such mechanism whereby deformation of most biological structures, like collagen, can directly generate an electrical potential. In this review, the SGP in AC and the IVD will be revisited in light of piezoelectricity and mechanotransduction. While the evidence base for physiologically significant piezoelectric responses in tissue is lacking, difficulties in quantifying the physiological response and imperfect measurement techniques may have underestimated the property. Hindering our understanding of the SGP further, numerical models to-date have negated ferroelectric effects in the SGP and have utilised classic Donnan theory that, as evidence argues, may be oversimplified. Moreover, changes in the SGP with degeneration due to an altered extracellular matrix (ECM) indicate that the significance of ionic-driven mechanisms may diminish relative to the piezoelectric response. The SGP, and these mechanisms behind it, are finally discussed in relation to the cell response.
The tunneling effect for Schrödinger operators on a vector bundle
Authors: Klein Markus , Rosenberger Elke
Published: February 2021

In the semiclassical limit$$\hbar \rightarrow 0$$ħ→0, we analyze a class of self-adjoint Schrödinger operators$$H_\hbar = \hbar ^2 L + \hbar W + V\cdot {\mathrm {id}}_{\mathscr {E}}$$Hħ=ħ2L+ħW+V·idEacting on sections of a vector bundle$${\mathscr {E}}$$Eover an oriented Riemannian manifoldMwhereLis a Laplace type operator,Wis an endomorphism field and the potential energyVhas non-degenerate minima at a finite number of points$$m^1,\ldots m^r \in M$$m1,…mr∈M, called potential wells. Using quasimodes of WKB-type near$$m^j$$mjfor eigenfunctions associated with the low lying eigenvalues of$$H_\hbar $$Hħ, we analyze the tunneling effect, i.e. the splitting between low lying eigenvalues, which e.g. arises in certain symmetric configurations. Technically, we treat the coupling between different potential wells by an interaction matrix and we consider the case of a single minimal geodesic (with respect to the associated Agmon metric) connecting two potential wells and the case of a submanifold of minimal geodesics of dimension$$\ell + 1$$ℓ+1. This dimension$$\ell $$ℓdetermines the polynomial prefactor for exponentially small eigenvalue splitting.
Therapy of infected wounds: overcoming clinical challenges by advanced drug delivery systems
Authors: Kaiser Pia , Wächter Jana , Windbergs Maike
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the incidence of infected wounds is steadily increasing, and so is the clinical as well as economic interest in effective therapies. These combine reduction of pathogen load in the wound with general wound management to facilitate the healing process. The success of current therapies is challenged by harsh conditions in the wound microenvironment, chronicity, and biofilm formation, thus impeding adequate concentrations of active antimicrobials at the site of infection. Inadequate dosing accuracy of systemically and topically applied antibiotics is prone to promote development of antibiotic resistance, while in the case of antiseptics, cytotoxicity is a major problem. Advanced drug delivery systems have the potential to enable the tailor-made application of antimicrobials to the side of action, resulting in an effective treatment with negligible side effects. This review provides a comprehensive overview of the current state of treatment options for the therapy of infected wounds. In this context, a special focus is set on delivery systems for antimicrobials ranging from semi-solid and liquid formulations over wound dressings to more advanced carriers such as nano-sized particulate systems, vesicular systems, electrospun fibers, and microneedles, which are discussed regarding their potential for effective therapy of wound infections. Further, established and novel models and analytical techniques for preclinical testing are introduced and a future perspective is provided.

Graphical abstract
Characteristics of high enjoyment teachers of mathematics in primary schools
Authors: Russo James , Bobis Janette , Downton Ann , Feng Maggie , Hughes Sally , Livy Sharyn , McCormick Melody , Sullivan Peter
Published: February 2021

Despite teacher enjoyment of teaching being associated with a range of benefits for teachers and their students, little research exploring the characteristics of teachers who enjoy teaching mathematics exists. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten teachers who scored in the top third in terms of their enjoyment of teaching mathematics from a sample of 118 generalist, early-year primary school teachers. Thematic analysis of interview data revealed that negative-to-positive turning point experiences were commonplace amongst high-enjoyment primary teachers, but so too were reports of consistently positive feelings towards mathematics throughout their entire lives. While most articulated a passion for teaching mathematics, all teachers considered instances when students experienced ‘light bulb’ moments in their mathematical understanding that made a mathematics lesson enjoyable to teach. An important implication of our research is that one need not be a ‘maths person’ to come to love teaching mathematics. Rather, positive experiences in one’s pre-service teacher education, or in-service teacher professional learning, have the potential to transform one’s attitude towards teaching mathematics.
Pomelo fruit wastes are potentially valuable antioxidants, anti-inflammatories, antihypertensives, and antihyperglycemics
Authors: Lin Li-Yun , Huang Chi-Yun , Chen Kuan-Chou , Peng Robert Y.
Published: February 2021

Grapefruit (G) parts contain abundant phenolic acids and flavonoids (PPNs and FLVs). The wastes created from exocarps, mesocarps (G wastes, GW) and waste blanching water (WBW) lead to a considerable loss of PPNs and FLVs. Here, we assessed Buntan (CB), Buntan Hayata (CBH), and Peiyu (CP) cultivars and observed considerable amounts of PPNs and FLVs. The ethanolic extracts of GW (GWE) and WBW contained gallic acid, protocatechuic acid, chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, ferulic acid, coumaric acid, naringin, hesperidin, diosmin, quercetin, hesperetin, nobiletin, and tangeretin (GWC). GWE has previously been reported to be a relatively active antioxidant, anti-inflammatory (based on the expression of TNF-α in Raw264.7 cells), antihypertensive, and anti-hyperglycemic compound. The IC50 values for antihyperglycemic activity with WBW for α-amylase were as follows: CB (27.96 ± 0.03 mg/mL) < CP (28.13 ± 0.19 mg/mL) < CBH (41.60 ± 0.16 mg/mL), and those for α-glucosidase were CB (1.80 ± 0.03 mg/mL) < CP (2.97 ± 0.29 mg/mL) < CBH (9.10 ± 0.51 mg/mL). GWC upregulated Glut4 in HepG2 cells, as well as the insulin secretion capability, and intracellular levels in RIN-m5F cells, and it downregulated DPP4 in HepG2 cells. The IC50 values for the angiotensin-converting enzyme activity were: CBP (5.10 ± 0.02 mg/mL) < CB (7.24 ± 0.65 mg/mL) < CP (8.60 ± 2.03 mg/mL). Our results indicate that PPNs and FLVs present in GW are worth reclaiming.
Asymptotic expansions for certain exponential-type operators connected with $$2x^{3/2}$$
Authors: Abel Ulrich , Gupta Vijay , Kushnirevych Vitaliy
Published: February 2021

In the present paper, we consider the complete asymptotic expansion of certain exponential-type operators connected with $$2x^{3/2}$$

2

x

3
/
2

. Also, a modification of such exponential-type operators is provided, which preserve the function $$\mathrm{e}^{Ax}$$

e

Ax

.