bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Hybrid nanocomposite as a chest wall graft with improved vascularization by copper oxide nanoparticles
Authors: Buschmann Johanna , Andreoli Stefano , Jang Jae-Hwi , Gröninger Olivier , Stark Wendelin , Spanaus Katharina , Opelz Christine , Meier Bürgisser Gabriella , Calcagni Maurizio , Jungraithmayr Wolfgang
Published: March 2022

Chest wall repair can be necessary after tumor resection or chest injury. In order to cover or replace chest wall defects, autologous tissue or different synthetic materials are commonly used, among them the semi-rigid gold standard Gore-Tex® and prolene meshes. Synthetic tissues include composite materials with an organic and an inorganic component. On the basis of previously reported hybrid nanocomposite poly-lactic-co-glycolic acid amorphous calcium phosphate nanocomposite (PLGA/aCaP), a CuO component was incorporated to yield (60%/35%/5%). This graft was tested in vitro by seeding with murine adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) for cell attachment and migration. The graft was compared to PLGA/CaCO3 and PLGA/hydroxyapatite, each providing the inorganic phase as nanoparticles. Further characterization of the graft was performed using scanning electron microscopy. Furthermore, PLGA/aCaP/CuO was implanted as a chest wall graft in mice. After 4 weeks, total cell density, graft integration, extracellular matrix components such as fibronectin and collagen I, the cellular inflammatory response (macrophages, F4/80 and lymphocytes, CD3) as well as vascularization (CD31) were quantitatively assessed. The nanocomposite PLGA/aCaP/CuO showed a good cell attachment and cells migrated well into the pores of the electrospun meshes. Cell densities did not differ between PLGA/aCaP/CuO and PLGA/CaCO3 or PLGA/hydroxyapatite, respectively. When applied as a chest wall graft, adequate stability for suturing into the thoracic wall could be achieved. Four weeks post-implantation, there was an excellent tissue integration without relevant fibrotic changes and a predominating collagen I matrix deposition within the graft. Slightly increased inflammation, reflected by increased infiltration of macrophages could be observed. Vascularization of the graft was significantly enhanced when compared with PLGA/aCaP (no CuO). We conclude that the hybrid nanocomposite PLGA/aCaP/CuO is a viable option to be used as a chest wall graft. Surgical implantation of the material is feasible and provides stability and enough flexibility. Proper tissue integration and an excellent vascularization are characteristics of this biodegradable material.
The Making of the Academic Precariat: Labour Activism and Collective Identity-Formation among Precarious Researchers in Germany
Authors: Vatansever Aslı
Published: March 2022

This article investigates the political potency of ‘precarity’ as an organising axiom in contingent workers’ grassroots organisations. It studies a nationwide network of precarious researchers in Germany and deploys Frame Analysis to illuminate how the Network articulates diverse criticisms as parts of a coherent struggle against precarious academic work. Empirically, the article substantiates the postulate of ‘precarity as a mobilising source’ by depicting the construction of precarity on strategic, organisational and individual levels, drawing on protest campaigns, coordinative work and in-depth interviews, respectively. On a theoretical level, it contributes to the literature by proposing a refinement of the concept of ‘master frame’. Arguing that ‘precarity’ creates a broader class actor with branches in different sectors, to which the contingent academics link their struggle by derivatively describing themselves as the ‘ academic precariat’, the article proposes the novel category of ‘class-formative frame’ in difference to operational (diagnostic/prognostic) or relational (supportive/oppositional) frames.
Review of wave drag reduction techniques: Advances in active, passive, and hybrid flow control
Authors: Rashid Shagufta , Nawaz Fahad , Maqsood Adnan , Salamat Shuaib , Riaz Rizwan
Published: March 2022

Typical challenges of supersonic flight include wave drag, acoustic signature, and aerodynamic heating due to the formation of shock waves ahead of the vehicle. Efforts in the form of sleek aerodynamic designs, better propulsion systems, and the implementation of passive and active techniques are generally adopted to achieve a weaker shock wave system. Shock reduction can improve flight range, reduce fuel consumption, and provide thermal protection of the forebody region. This paper briefly reviews shock reduction techniques, including passive, active, and hybrid flow control. Airfoil shape optimization, mechanical spike, and forebody cavities are studied as passive flow control approaches. For active flow control, developments in the area of opposing jets and energy deposition are explored. The combination of active and passive flow control and the hybrid flow techniques are discussed in the end. The discussions include the principle of operation, physics of fluid behavior, and overall contribution to flight stability characteristics. The implications in the usage of these technologies, along with potential gaps, are also identified. This comprehensive review can serve as the basis for contemporary solutions to realize sustainable supersonic travel for the aviation industry.
Grid-shell design and analysis via reciprocal discrete Airy stress functions
Authors: Konstantatou Marina , Baker William , Nugent Timothy , McRobie Allan
Published: March 2022

This research paper introduces a theoretical framework for the design and analysis of compression-and-tension grid-shells in static equilibrium where the states of self-stress function as design freedoms. This is based on a synthesis of reciprocal discrete Airy stress functions in the context of graphic statics and the Force Density Method (FDM). Specifically, the former is a direct method for generating 2-dimensional global static equilibrium whereas the latter allows for its 3-dimensional implementation. As a result, creative design explorations can take place directly within the equilibrium space without the need for iterative convergence algorithms to obtain equilibrium. The use of reciprocal Airy stress functions in conjunction with the lower bound theorem gives insight and explicit control with regards to the states of self-stress as design and analysis freedoms which can define the structural form and its load path.
Sexually transmitted infections incidence in young Thai men who have sex with men and transgender women using HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis
Authors: Songtaweesin Wipaporn N , Pornpaisalsakul Krittaporn , Kawichai Surinda , Wacharachaisurapol Noppadol , Wongharn Prissana , Yodkitudomying Chatnapa , Panichnantakul Pantila , Theerawit Tuangtip , Pankam Tippawan , Puthanakit Thanyawee
Published: March 2022

Background

Sexually transmitted infections are a major public health issue worldwide. HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) use among youth may be associated with increased incidence of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

Objectives

To measure the prevalence and incidence of STIs among young men who have sex with men (YMSM) and young transgender women (YTGW) using PrEP.

Methods

A prospective cohort of 15- to 19-year-old YMSM and YTGW with HIV risk defined as inconsistent condom use and/or multiple sex partners were enrolled. Participants were provided daily oral tenofovir disoproxil fumarate/emtricitabine. STI screening was done at baseline and month 6 for syphilis, urine, and anal swab nucleic acid amplification testing for C. trachomatis (CT) and N. gonorrheaoe (NG).

Results

From March 2018 to June 2019, 200 adolescents (147 MSM and 53 TGW) with a median (IQR) age of 18 years (17–19) were enrolled. STI prevalence was 22.5% (95% CI 16.7–28.3). STI incidence was 25.2 per 100 person–years (95% CI 14.7, 40.3). Factors associated with STI incidence were self-reported >2 sex partners in the past month (unadjusted rate ratio [uRR] 4.6, 95% CI 1.0, 20.6), and moderate PrEP adherence (uRR 7.3, 95% CI 1.6, 32.6).

Conclusions

STI incidence in YMSM and YTGW PrEP users was high at approximately one in five. Regular screening and treatment of STIs should be implemented in youth HIV prevention packages.
Evaluation of subclinical retinal microvascular changes in systemic lupus erythematosus patients using optical coherence tomography angiography and its relationship with disease activity
Authors: ERMURAT Selime , Koyuncu Kevser
Published: March 2022

Objective

This study aimed to investigate subclinical retinal microvascular changes with optical coherence tomography angiography (OCTA) in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and healthy controls (HCs), and to evaluate the relationship between OCTA findings and Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index 2000 (SLEDAI-2K).

Materials and Methods

In this study, 47 eyes of SLE and 41 eyes of healthy control (HC) were evaluated. The SLE patients were divided into two subgroups: low disease activity (LDA) (SLEDAI≤5) and high disease activity (HDA) (SLEDAI>6). The results of OCTA were compared between SLE patients and HCs as well as the SLE subgroups. The relationship between OCTA results and SLEDAI-2K was evaluated.

Results

There were no differences in foveal avascular zone (FAZ) areas between the SLE patients and HCs. Central foveal thickness (CFT) was lower in SLE patients ( p = .046). Superficial capillary plexus (SCP) vessel density (VD) in SLE patients was significantly lower only in the foveal area compared to that in HCs ( p = .006). Deep capillary plexus (DCP) VD in SLE patients was significantly lower in all areas except the temporal parafoveal area compared to that in the HCs. There was no statistically significant difference between SLE groups with LDA and HDA in FAZ or any of the other areas, including SCP and DCP. When the correlation between OCTA findings and SLEDAI-2K was examined, both SCP and DCP VD were found to be negatively correlated.

conclusions

It was observed that DCP VDs were affected in SLE patients with LDA, and SCP VDs were also affected in addition to DCP with HDA. This suggests that DCP may be the first capillary plexus to be comprised in SLE. VDs were negatively correlated with disease activity. It was concluded that OCTA can be a useful tool in assessing subclinical retinal microvascular pathology and disease activity in patients with SLE.
Analysis of the feasibility of the reuse of polyamide 11 rejected in the manufacturing process of thermoplastic hoses of umbilicals
Authors: Menezes Karine C M , Knieling Bianca M , d’Almeida José Roberto M
Published: March 2022

Thermoplastic hoses are composed of thermoplastic liner, synthetic fiber reinforcement, and thermoplastic sheath. Pilot liner batches, generally polyamide 11 (PA 11), are produced for checking the extruder calibration. Pilot batches out of specification are discarded and considered production waste. The objective of this work was to study the possibility of reusing this rejected material, in the sheath manufactured of PA 11 with carbon black (PA 11 Black). Initially, a comparative analysis was performed using FT-IR (infrared spectroscopy with Fourier transformed), TGA (thermogravimetry analysis) and DSC (differential exploratory calorimetry) characterization techniques between the rejected material and PA 11 in pellets, in order to verify possible degradation during the extrusion process and the similarity of materials. The characterization showed that the rejected PA 11 is similar to pellet. Thus, specimens with different percentages of PA 11 and PA 11 Black were manufactured to analyze the effects that the decrease in carbon black concentration would cause on materials when subjected to ultra violet (UV) aging. PA 11, PA 11 Black, and their blends were aged by UV for 720 h and then thermal, spectroscopic, and mechanical tensile tests were performed. All the mixtures showed similar thermal behavior of PA 11 Black. The FT-IR analysis showed a tendency for the appearance of bonds representative of degradation in the blends with higher percentage of PA 11. The tensile test showed that PA 11 Black as well as all blends became more brittle after aging by UV due to the appearance of unsaturation along the chain. There is no evidence that the insertion of PA 11 impacted the mechanical properties.
Reconstruction of chronic tibialis anterior tendon ruptures using a free anterior half of a peroneus longus tendon autograft: A technical note
Authors: Kim Sung Jae , Park Young Uk , Ahn Joong Taek , Kim Hyong Nyun
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Chronic rupture of the tibialis anterior (TA) tendon is rare. Several reconstruction techniques have been introduced. However, to the best of our knowledge, the use of a free anterior half of a peroneus longus tendon (AHPLT) autograft has not been reported for reconstruction of TA tendon rupture. This study aimed to describe the surgical technique and present the clinical outcomes of reconstruction of the chronic TA tendon ruptures using an AHPLT autograft. Methods: Between September 2013 and April 2019, five patients with chronic TA tendon rupture were surgically treated by reconstruction using an AHPLT autograft. The AHPLT could be easily harvested percutaneously with a tendon stripper from the ipsilateral lower leg around the reconstruction site. The study included four men and one woman, with a mean age of 43.8 (range: 23–65) years. Results: At a mean follow-up period of 42.8 (range; 12–70) months, the mean Foot Function Index value significantly improved from 53.6 ± 19.8 preoperatively to 25.8 ± 20.8 postoperatively ( p = .04). None of the patients had morbidities (such as nerve injury, delayed tendon ruptures, or tenosynovitis) around the AHPLT donor site. Three patients were very satisfied, two patients were satisfied, and one patient was fair with the results. Conclusions: Reconstruction of chronic TA tendon ruptures using a free AHPLT autograft could be successfully performed with satisfactory clinical outcomes and minimal donor site morbidities. Future studies with a larger population size and a comparative group are warranted to confirm these findings.
Lifespan Navigation-Building Framework for Children/Youth With Neurodisability and Their Families
Authors: Hébert Michèle L. , Nicholas David B. , Lach Lucyna M. , Mitchell Wendy , Zwicker Jennifer , Bradley Wenda , Litman Sandy , Gardiner Emily , Miller Anton R.
Published: March 2022

This study served to conceptualize neurodisability (ND) navigation-building. Capacity-building toward wide-reaching ND navigation or help-seeking service lacks empirical evidence. Researchers widely agree that a system-wide framework is absent. While research emphasizes service-level findings, other jurisdiction- and policy-level insights are lacking. Using Collective Community Impact and Participatory Action Research, government and nongovernment organizations in three Canadian regions implemented novel cross-jurisdictional initiatives to improve navigation capacity. Family-partners and other stakeholders systematically engaged in discussions. Grounded in qualitative thematic design, we sought to unveil connections between emerging themes. These themes led to stakeholders co-constructing an intersectoral navigation-building conceptualization. A framework was essential for highlighting change-levers and potential replication in other jurisdictions/landscapes. Finally, practice and policy implications compatible with an ecosystem model are presented.
Applying Co-Teaching Models to Enhance Partnerships Between Teachers and Speech-Language Pathologists
Authors: Zimmerman Kathleen N. , Chow Jason C. , Majeika Caitlyn , Senter Reed
Published: March 2022

U.S. schools are required to educate students in the least restrictive environment (LRE). The number of students with high incidence disabilities, including those with speech or language impairments (SLI), who spend most of their day in the general education classroom has increased in the last decade. Establishing classrooms that proactively address the learning needs of students with SLI is essential to ensure that students are educated in the LRE. Co-teaching is an instructional strategy that utilizes the expertise of two educators to provide instruction in the general education classroom. This article provides an overview of the research on co-teaching and rationale for use with teachers and speech-language pathologists (SLPs), defines two models of co-teaching that can be used between teachers and SLPs to provide instruction in general education classrooms, and offers examples of co-teaching models in practice.
Study on mechanical properties and statistical damage constitutive model of red sandstone after heating and water-cooling cycles
Authors: Jiang Haopeng , Jiang Annan , Zhang Fengrui , Yang Xiurong
Published: March 2022

The repeated action of high temperature and water cooling will have a strong deteriorating effect on the mechanical properties of the rock, which will eventually lead to the damage and cracking of the rock. In order to study the influence of heating and water-cooling cycles on rocks, the P-wave velocity and mechanical properties of red sandstone after heating and water-cooling cycles were tested. Meanwhile, based on the Weibull distribution theory, a statistical damage constitutive model based on Mohr-Coulomb strength criterion considering the effects of heating and water-cooling cycles was established, and verified based on the results of triaxial tests. The results show that the P-wave velocity and peak intensity decrease with the temperature under the same number of cycles. The elastic modulus will decrease with the temperature and the number of cycles, indicating that the red sandstone will gradually soften and the ductility will increase under repeated high temperature and water-cooling cycles. And the model can well reflect the stress-strain curves of different high temperature and water-cooling cycles. The research results can provide analytical theories and methods for geothermal development projects.
Clinicopathological Findings Associated With Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Microcarcinoma: A Retrospective Study in China
Authors: Shi Yimeng , Yang Zheyu , Heng Yu , Ju Huijun , Pan Yu , Zhang Yifan
Published: March 2022

Objective

The incidence of papillary thyroid microcarcinoma (PTMC) has increased sharply during the past decades. Yet, whether or not nodal dissection should be performed remains controversial. This article aims to assess the high-risk factors associated with cervical lymph node metastasis (LNM) in patients with PTMC, which may potentially guide clinical management decision-making.

Methods

Medical records of 449 PTMC patients who underwent thyroidectomy in our hospital from August 2016 to July 2017 were retrospectively reviewed. Clinical and pathological factors of the patients were anonymously extracted from the charts and analyzed.

Result

The patients were classified into two subgroups according to maximum tumor size measured through post-surgical pathology: smaller PTMC group (≤5 mm) and larger PTMC group (>5 mm). Larger tumor size was found to be associated with a higher rate of LNM ( P = .001), particularly central lymph node metastasis (CLNM) ( P = .001). Tumor size was also associated with extrathyroidal tumor extension (ETE) ( P < .001), bilateral lesions ( P = .015), and BRAFv600e mutation ( P = .004). LNM was found to be more common in older patients (>55 y) ( P = .030), and those with multifocal cancer ( P < .001). In PTMC patients with unilateral lesions without ETE, tumor size was not significantly associated with LNM ( P = .121).

Conclusions

For the PTMC population, tumor size was an independent risk factor for LNM, particularly for patients of old age (>55 y), and multifocality. However, in PTMC patients with unilateral lesions without extrathyroidal extension, tumor size was not related to the risk of LNM. These findings may potentially guide clinical decision-making in terms of cervical nodal dissection.
Nitric Oxide Is the Cause of Nitroglycerin Tolerance: Providing an Old Dog New Tricks for Acute Heart Failure
Authors: Kaesemeyer Wayne , Suvorava Tatsiana
Published: March 2022

Our paper highlights the past 50 years of research focusing solely on tolerance involving nitroglycerin (glyceryl trinitrate, GTN). It also identifies and discusses inconsistencies in previous mechanistic explanations that have failed to provide a way to administer GTN continuously, free of limitations from tolerance and without the requirement of a nitrate-free interval. We illustrate, for the first time in 135 years, a mechanism whereby nitric oxide, the mediator of vasodilation by GTN, may also be the cause of tolerance. Based on targeting superoxide from mitochondrial complex I, uncoupled by glutathione depletion in response to nitric oxide from GTN, a novel unit dose GTN formulation in glutathione for use as a continuous i.v. infusion has been proposed. We hypothesize that this will reduce or eliminate tolerance seen currently with i.v. GTN. Finally, to evaluate the new formulation we suggest future studies of this new formulation for the treatment of acute decompensated heart failure.
Impact of Congenital Heart Defects on the Developing Brain
Authors: Xavier Navarri , Mubina Jovanovic , Marie-Ange Delrue , Nicolas Van Doesburg , Dorothée Dal Soglio , Catherine Fallet-Bianco
Published: March 2022

Objectives

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are responsible for neurodevelopmental delays that were initially attributed to brain injury resulting from cardiac surgery. However, prenatal imaging have shown that brain anomalies are present at birth. The aim of this study was to assess in utero brain injuries before birth in fetuses/neonates with congenital cardiopathies.

Methods

A complete autopsy evaluation with detailed study of the cardiopathy and neuropathological study was performed in 40 fetuses/neonates. Syndromic congenital cardiopathies were excluded because of the potential other causes of brain injury. The patients were classified into two groups according to their term at death.

Results

Statistical analyses indicated the mean brain weight was not significantly different between subjects with different morphological types of congenital cardiopathies. However, the brain weight was at or below the fifth percentile in most third-trimester subjects compared to normal brain weight in second-trimester subjects. Low brain weight in third-trimester subjects was also associated with frequent lesions similar to those described in preterm infants, with a particular involvement of white matter and its components.

Conclusions

These observations allowed us to establish the timing and impact of prenatal neuropathological lesions on brain development, and to correlate them with imaging data reported in the literature.
Barriers in Implementing the PMTCT in Moretele Sub-District, South Africa: An Exploratory Study
Authors: Ntsime Naude Refilwe , Makhado Lufuno , Sehularo Leepile Alfred
Published: March 2022

The Prevention-of-Mother-To-Child Transmission (PMTCT) program was introduced to prevent vertical transmission of HIV from a mother to her infant through pregnancy, labor, and breastfeeding. Therefore, it is critical for the program to be accessible in primary health care facilities across the globe to increase treatment uptake and to eliminate child and maternal mortality rates caused by HIV infections. However, barriers are still being experienced by some nurses while implementing PMTCT around Moretele sub-district in the North West Province (NWP). Hence, this qualitative study explored and described the factors influencing the implementation of PMTCT. A qualitative, exploratory-descriptive design was followed. Ten participants were selected purposively, and each participant was interviewed individually using WhatsApp video calling. All participants were made aware of their voices being recorded; data saturation was reached on the eighth participant as no new information evolved. Data were analyzed using Tesch’s method of qualitative data analysis. The findings revealed that factors that influenced PMTCT implementation were due to patient, management, and staff-related factors. Moreover, these factors impacted the provision of effective patient care. The findings of this study show that much still needs to be done to achieve and sustain the PMTCT implementation goal. Therefore, the training of nurses should be of paramount importance. They should be provided and equipped with the necessary resources, support, and encouragement to offer and ensure quality health care. Furthermore, the government should ensure that policies and guidelines are regularly monitored and evaluated.
Olfactory threshold predicts treatment response in relapsing multiple sclerosis
Authors: Bsteh Gabriel , Hegen Harald , Berek Klaus , Altmann Patrick , Auer Michael , Di Pauli Franziska , Haider Lukas , Leutmezer Fritz , Rommer Paulus , Walchhofer Lisa-Maria , Wurth Sebastian , Zinganell Anne , Deisenhammer Florian , Berger Thomas
Published: March 2022

Background:

Olfactory threshold (OT) is associated with short-term inflammatory activity in relapsing multiple sclerosis (RMS).

Objective:

We aimed to investigate OT for prediction of treatment response in RMS.

Methods:

In this 5-year prospective study on 123 RMS patients, OT was measured at disease-modifying treatment (DMT) initiation (M0), after 3 months (M3), and 12 months (M12) by Sniffin’ Sticks test. Primary endpoint was defined as an absence of relapse during the observation period, with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) progression and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) activity being the secondary endpoints. Optimal cutoff values were determined by receiver operating characteristic analyses and their predictive value assessed by multivariable Cox regression models.

Results:

Higher OT scores at M0, M3, and M12 were independently associated with decreased relapse probability with the strongest risk reduction at M3 (hazard ratio (HR) = 0.44, p < 0.001). Improvement of OT scores from M0 to M3 (ΔOTM3) was also associated with reduced relapse risk (HR = 0.12, p < 0.001). OT score > 6.5 at M3 was the strongest predictor of relapse freedom (HR = 0.10, p < 0.001) with high diagnostic accuracy (positive predictive value (PPV) = 87%), closely followed by ΔOTM3 ⩾ 0.5 (HR = 0.12, p < 0.001, PPV = 86%).

Conclusions:

OT is an independent predictor of freedom of disease activity upon DMT initiation within 5 years and may be a useful biomarker of treatment response.
Study on sound absorption performance of resonance structure for aluminum–polyurethane foam composite and plexiglass
Authors: Yuan Binxia , Fang Xinyi , Liu Jianben , Zhu Rui , Cao Lan
Published: March 2022

Low-frequency noise control in substations (converter stations) has received extensive attention. The sound absorption performance of a single material is limited. In the paper, aluminum–polyurethane (Al–PU) foam composite materials were prepared by impregnating method. The microstructure and composition of PU and Al–PU composite foam were characterized by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD). The results showed that aluminum particles can be well adhered to the skeleton of PU foams, and the sound absorption coefficient of Al–PU foams at 50 Hz–315 Hz was greatly improved. Meanwhile, the resonance structures of Al–PU foams and plexiglass were further constructed. The sound absorption coefficient of different resonance structures was different, and the performance of the resonance structure with 10 mm back cavity and front hole was the best.
How offline backgrounds interact with digital capital
Authors: Ragnedda Massimo , Addeo Felice , Laura Ruiu Maria
Published: March 2022

This article investigates the interaction between digital capital and some offline components (economic, cultural, political, social and personal) that represent the background against which we access and use the Internet. Based on a stratified sample of the UK population (868), six indexes (one for each component) were generated through factor analysis and univariate analysis. We summarised them into a unique model by performing a multiple linear regression to evaluate the role-played by offline components in the development/reinforcement of digital capital. The interaction between these new indexes and the digital capital index shows that, with the exception of the political component, all offline backgrounds positively contribute to digital capital. Moreover, the multiple regression analysis shows that the economic and social components have the strongest influence on digital capital.
Afghan women perceptions of gender roles, possibilities and barriers to change after settlement in Australia: A qualitative study
Authors: Afrouz Rojan , Crisp Beth R , Taket Ann
Published: March 2022

Gender roles and gender stereotypes are culturally and socially constructed. Previous studies suggested that the Afghan community is a male-dominated and conservative society, where men are more visible in social activities, and women remain responsible mainly for household tasks. This research aimed to show Afghan women’ perceptions of gender roles and the possibilities for and barriers in Australian society to change those roles after their settlement in Australia. The study involved semi-structured interviews with 21 Afghan women who had been living in Australia between 6 months and 10 years. The interviews were conducted face to face or by telephone, in either Farsi (Persian) or English. An inductive thematic analysis was used to explore the data and build themes. Afghan women were aware of gender roles, patriarchy, and gender inequality, and they hoped to address those issues now as they live in a society that offers more freedom to women. Moving to Australia had enhanced women’s possibilities, self-confidence and skills and inspired many to go beyond traditional stereotypes and seek out options previously denied to them on the basis of their gender. However, their attempts at realising gender equality often met with the disapproval of their family or the wider Afghan community.
Response of learning analytics to the online education challenges during pandemic: Opportunities and key examples in higher education
Authors: Celik Ismail , Gedrimiene Egle , Silvola Anni , Muukkonen Hanni
Published: March 2022

Emerging technological advancements can play an essential role in overcoming challenges caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. As a promising educational technology field, Learning Analytics (LA) tools or systems can offer solutions to COVID-19 pandemic-related needs, obstacles, and expectations in higher education. In the current study, we systematically reviewed 20 papers to better understand the responses of LA tools to the online learning challenges that higher education students, instructors, and institutions faced during the pandemic. In addition, we attempted to provide key cases in which LA has been effectively deployed for various purposes during the pandemic in the higher education context. We found out several prominent challenges for stakeholders. Accordingly, learners needed of timely support and interaction, and experienced difficulty of time management. Instructors lacked pedagogical knowledge for online teaching. In particular, individual and collaborative assessment have been a challenge for them. Institutions have not been ready for a digital transformation and online teaching. In response to these challenges, LA tools have been deployed for the following opportunities: monitoring, planning online learning process, fostering learners’ engagement and motivation, facilitating assessment process; increasing interaction, improving retention, being easy to use. Understanding these promises can also give insight into future higher education policies.
Educational futures after COVID-19: Big tech and pandemic profiteering versus education for democracy
Authors: Norris Trevor
Published: March 2022

To address the dramatic economic contraction brought on by the global pandemic, governments at all levels have taken on tremendous debt in order to provide economic stability and prevent a more dramatic collapse. It is likely that, as the initial phase of the pandemic passes, familiar neoliberal austerity claims about the necessity to trim education budgets will gain greater force and acceptance. However, I suggest that these neoliberal policies demand sacrifices of the wrong constituency: Given that Big Tech has amassed huge sums of money over the course of the pandemic, how is it morally justifiable that tech companies benefit from the pandemic while educational institutions shoulder the financial fallout of pandemic government spending? In this paper, I first outline how Big Tech profits from the education sector during the pandemic even as it undermines the democratic function of education in doing so. I then situate these more specific critiques within a broader consideration of the role technology plays in undermining a democratic society. In conclusion, I argue that a pandemic profiteering tax for Big Tech represents the best short-term solution to get ahead of the “austerity curve” and ensure that the COVID-19 crisis serves as an opportunity to deepen our commitments to promoting the democratic function education. Without such commitments, the pandemic will become the turning point at which Big Tech effectively coopts public education for its own ends, to the detriment of democracy. My underlying claim is that technology is in conflict with both democracy and education. This runs against the widespread notion that technology will help promote learning, and that technology helps inform and connect people and therefore helps promote democracy. In what follows I dispel such notions.
The effect of the electrospinning setup on the surface energy of polycaprolactone nanofibre layers
Authors: Jirkovec Radek , Erben Jakub , Samkova Alzbeta , Chaloupek Jiri , Chvojka Jiri
Published: March 2022

The study addresses changes in the surface energy of polycaprolactone nanofibre layers due to the different spinning electrodes. The value of surface energy and the associated wettability is an important aspect of polymeric biomaterials that influence the quality of interaction with biological material. The study involved the production of nanofibre layers by means of both needle and needleless electrospinning. The surface energy of the produced layers was determined via the contact angle measurement method. The experiment revealed that the spinning electrode exerts a significant effect on the resulting surface energy and, thus, on the wetting of the nanofibre layers. It was discovered during the measurement process, that the fibre layers produced via the needle electrospinning method evinced a low surface energy and are non-wettable/hydrophobic. In contrast, needleless electrospinning fibre layers evince a high surface energy and are wettable/hydrophilic.
Single-cell RNA-seq identification of four differentially expressed survival-related genes by a TARGET: Osteosarcoma database analysis
Authors: Feleke Mesalie , Feng Wenyu , Rothzerg Emel , Song Dezhi , Wei Qingjun , Kõks Sulev , Wood David , Liu Yun , Xu Jiake
Published: March 2022

Osteosarcoma (OS) differentially expressed genes (DEGs) have been predicted using the data portal of the Therapeutically Applicable Research to Generate Effective Treatments (TARGET). In this study, we sought to identify cell types that specially express key DEGs ( MUC1, COL13A1, JAG2, and KAZALD1) in each of the nine identified cell populations derived from tissues of OS tumors with single-cell RNA-sequencing data. Gene expression levels were pairwise compared between cell clusters and a p value < 0.05 was considered differentially expressed. It was revealed that MUC1 is expressed at high levels in osteoblastic OS cells followed by carcinoma-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and plasmocytes, respectively. COL13A1 is highly expressed in osteoblastic OS cells, CAFs, and endothelial cells (ECs), respectively. The KAZALD1 gene is expressed in CAFs and osteoblastic OS cells at high levels, but at very low levels in plasmocytes, osteoclasts, NK/T, myeloid cells 1, myeloid cells 2, ECs, and B cells. JAG2 is expressed at significantly high levels in ECs and osteoblastic OS cells, and at relatively lower levels in all other cell types. Interestingly, LSAMP, as an established gene in the development of OS shows high expression in osteoblastic OS cells and CAFs but low in other cells such as osteoclasts. Our findings here highlight the heterogeneity of OS cells and cell-type-dependent DEGs which have potential as therapeutic targets in OS.
HUMAN STUDY COMT and DRD3 haplotype-associated pain intensity and acute care utilization in adult sickle cell disease
Authors: Powell-Roach Keesha L , Yao Yingwei , Wallace Margaret R , Chamala Srikar , Cruz-Almeida Yenisel , Jhun Ellie , Molokie Robert E , Wang Zajie Jim , Wilkie Diana J
Published: March 2022

A previous exploratory analysis of a COMT gene single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and a DRD3 SNP by our group suggested possible contributions to pain-related acute care utilization in people with sickle cell disease (SCD). Our aim was to extend the analysis to gene-spanning haplotypes of COMT SNPs and DRD3 SNPs to investigate possible associations with pain intensity and pain-related acute care utilization in an SCD cohort. Genotyping was conducted, and clinical data were collected, including self-reported pain intensity using PAINReportIt® (average of current pain and least and worst in past 24 hours, average pain intensity [API]) and medical record-extracted, pain-related acute care utilization data of 130 adults with SCD. Haplotype blocks were identified based on linkage disequilibria (COMT = 7 haploblocks; DRD3 = 8 haploblocks). Regression analyses were tested for association between haplotypes and API and utilization, yielding several significant findings. For COMT block 1 (rs2075507, rs4646310, rs737865), the A-G-G haplotype was associated with higher API compared to the reference A-G-A ( p = 0.02), whereas the A-A-A haplotype was associated with higher utilization ( p = 0.02). For DRD3 block 2 (rs9817063, rs2134655, rs963468, and rs3773679), relative to reference T-C-G-C, the T-T-G-C haplotype was associated with higher utilization ( p = 0.01). For DRD3 block 4 (rs167770, rs324029, and rs324023), the A-G-T haplotype was associated with higher API ( p = 0.04) and utilization ( p < 0.001) relative to reference G-A-T, whereas the A-A-T haplotype was associated with higher utilization ( p = 0.01). We found COMT and DRD3 haplotypes associated with pain-related SCD features, suggesting that in future studies more emphasis be placed on cis effects of SNP alleles in evaluating genetic contributions to SCD pain and acute care utilization for pain.
Inferences of carboplatin response-related signature by integrating multiomics data in ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma
Authors: Yan Jia-qing , Liu Min , Ma Ying-lin , Le Kai-di , Dong Bin , Li Guo-hui
Published: March 2022

Platinum-based chemotherapy, especially carboplatin, is the primary measure to treat patients with ovarian cancer (OC). However, OC patients still have an adverse prognosis due to emergency of chemotherapy resistance. Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OSC) is the most common histological subtype of OC. Therefore, identifying the key factors that affect chemotherapy resistance and searching novel treatments had become a top priority. In this study, we analyzed carboplatin response-related mRNA, miRNA, DNA methylation, and alternative splicing (AS) and established a drug-resistant signature for carboplatin in OSC. This drug-resistant signature was obviously higher in resistant group than in non-resistant group and had accuracy predictive performance, which demonstrated that this signature could be considered as a superior indicator for OSC patients with carboplatin resistance. Furthermore, we selected three potential small molecule drugs including liranaftate, siguazodan, and tramiprostate to inhibit carboplatin resistance of OSC. In addition, we also identified ZINC00000205417, ZINC00000140928, and ZINC00021908260 were potential small molecule compounds for SLC17A7 based on Molecular Operating Environment (MOE) virtual screening. Finally, we confirmed the drug-like properties of these small molecule drugs via evaluating absorption, distribution, metabolism, elimination, and toxicity (ADMET) property. In summary, the signature could be used as biomarker for carboplatin resistance and small molecule drugs targeting these genes could improve clinical treatment for OSC in the future.
Research on disaster information dissemination based on social sensor networks
Authors: Wan Shanshan , Chen Zhuo , Lyu Cheng , Li Ruofan , Yue Yuntao , Liu Ying
Published: March 2022

Sudden disaster events are usually unpredictable and uncontrollable, and how to achieve efficient and accurate disaster information dissemination is an important topic for society security. At present, social sensor networks which integrate human mobile sensors and traditional physical sensors are widely used in dealing with emergencies. Previous studies mainly focused on the impact of human mobility patterns on social sensor networks. In this article, based on the inherent autonomy property of human individuals, we propose a social sensor information dissemination model, which mainly focuses on the impact of the individual characteristics, social characteristics, and group information dissemination mode on social sensor networks. Specifically, the human sensor model is first constructed based on the inherent social and psychological attributes of human autonomy. Then, various information dissemination models such as one-to-one, one-to-many, and peer-to-peer are proposed by considering different transmission media and human interaction preferences. We simulate the environment of information dissemination in disaster events based on the NetLogo platform. Evaluation matrix is applied to test the performance of social sensor information dissemination model, such as event dissemination coverage, event delivery time, and event delivery rate. With the comparisons to epidemic model, social sensor information dissemination model shows excellent performance in improving the efficiency and accuracy of information transmission in disaster events.
Re-ranking vehicle re-identification with orientation-guide query expansion
Authors: Zhang Xue , Nie Xiushan , Sun Ziruo , Li Xiaofeng , Wang Chuntao , Tao Peng , Hussain Sumaira
Published: March 2022

Vehicle re-identification, which aims to retrieve information regarding a vehicle from different cameras with non-overlapping views, has recently attracted extensive attention in the field of computer vision owing to the development of smart cities. This task can be regarded as a type of retrieval problem, where re-ranking is important for performance enhancement. In the vehicle re-identification ranking list, images whose orientations are dissimilar to that of the query image must preferably be optimized on priority. However, traditional methods are incompatible with such samples, resulting in unsatisfactory vehicle re-identification performances. Therefore, in this study, we propose a vehicle re-identification re-ranking method with orientation-guide query expansion to optimize the initial ranking list obtained by a re-identification model. In the proposed method, we first find the nearest neighbor image whose orientation is dissimilar to the queried image and then fuse the features of the query and neighbor images to obtain new features for information retrieval. Experiments are performed on two public data sets, VeRi-776 and VehicleID, and the effectiveness of the proposed method is confirmed.
A hybrid improved BRO algorithm and its application in inverse kinematics of 7R 6DOF robot
Authors: Wu Honggang , Zhang Xinming , Song Linsen , Su Chengzhi , Gu Lidong
Published: March 2022

To advance the calculation performance of the battle royale optimization algorithm (BRO), a hybrid improved BRO algorithm (HBC) is proposed in this paper. The level mechanism of the chicken swarm optimization algorithm (CSO) is integrated into the BRO algorithm to divide all into elite players and ordinary players, and the level relationship of different players is established. Then, an elite player update method of random exploring and directional update in a small range is proposed to improve the development ability. The update method of ordinary players improved, the update mechanism of elite random guidance is introduced to make full use of the excellent location information in the population. The performance verification experiment of the HBC algorithm is carried out on 20 benchmark functions and a practical project. Comparing with several other algorithms, the computational performance of the HBC algorithm is the best. Furthermore, the HBC algorithm is applied to solve the inverse kinematics of the 7R 6DOF robot. The experimental results show that the HBC algorithm effectively improves the average convergence accuracy and reduces the running time, compared with the BRO algorithm. This fully shows that the HBC algorithm is more competitive in stability, calculation accuracy, and speed.
Experimental study on damping characteristics of elevator traction system
Authors: Xu Peng , Peng Qifeng , Jin Fusong , Xia Fei , Xue Jianghong , Yuan Hong , Li Shanqing
Published: March 2022

An elevator traction system is simplified as a damped vibration system. In order to study the damping characteristics of an elevator traction system, this paper tests the vibration characteristics of a car frame on an in-service elevator with a traction ratio of 2:1. The results show that the natural frequency and stiffness of the system decrease with the increase of the elevator load; the attenuation coefficient and damping increase with the increase of the elevator load; Furthermore, the damping of the traction system is related to the initial running direction. Under the same load, the damping value of downward is greater than that of upward. This research establishes the relationship between vibration parameters, load and elevator running direction and provides an approach to solve the problem of quantitative measurement of damping in the process of elevator operation. Results from this study can provide reference for elevator vibration analysis.
Reinforcement learning for online optimization of job-shop scheduling in a smart manufacturing factory
Authors: Zhou Tong , Zhu Haihua , Tang Dunbing , Liu Changchun , Cai Qixiang , Shi Wei , Gui Yong
Published: March 2022

The job-shop scheduling problem (JSSP) is a complex combinatorial problem, especially in dynamic environments. Low-volume-high-mix orders contain various design specifications that bring a large number of uncertainties to manufacturing systems. Traditional scheduling methods are limited in handling diverse manufacturing resources in a dynamic environment. In recent years, artificial intelligence (AI) arouses the interests of researchers in solving dynamic scheduling problems. However, it is difficult to optimize the scheduling policies for online decision making while considering multiple objectives. Therefore, this paper proposes a smart scheduler to handle real-time jobs and unexpected events in smart manufacturing factories. New composite reward functions are formulated to improve the decision-making abilities and learning efficiency of the smart scheduler. Based on deep reinforcement learning (RL), the smart scheduler autonomously learns to schedule manufacturing resources in real time and improve its decision-making abilities dynamically. We evaluate and validate the proposed scheduling model with a series of experiments on a smart factory testbed. Experimental results show that the smart scheduler not only achieves good learning and scheduling performances by optimizing the composite reward functions, but also copes with unexpected events (e.g. urgent or simultaneous orders, machine failures) and balances between efficiency and profits.