bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dialogue with a conversational agent promotes children’s story comprehension via enhancing engagement
Authors: Xu Ying , Aubele Joseph , Vigil Valery , Bustamante Andres S. , Kim Young‐Suk , Warschauer Mark
Published: November 2021

Dialogic reading, when children are read a storybook and engaged in relevant conversation, is a powerful strategy for fostering language development. With the development of artificial intelligence, conversational agents can engage children in elements of dialogic reading. This study examined whether a conversational agent can improve children's story comprehension and engagement, as compared to an adult reading partner. Using a 2 (dialogic reading or non‐dialogic reading) × 2 (agent or human) factorial design, a total of 117 three‐ to six‐year‐olds (50% Female, 37% White, 31% Asian, 21% multi‐ethnic) were randomly assigned into one of the four conditions. Results revealed that a conversational agent can replicate the benefits of dialogic reading with a human partner by enhancing children's narrative‐relevant vocalizations, reducing irrelevant vocalizations, and improving story comprehension.
Clinical use of controlled oxygenated rewarming of kidney grafts prior to transplantation by ex vivo machine perfusion. A pilot study
Authors: Zlatev Hristo , von Horn Charlotte , Kaths Moritz , Paul Andreas , Minor Thomas
Published: November 2021

Background

Sudden restoration of normothermic conditions upon reperfusion of cold‐stored grafts has been suggested to entail a massive energy demand not yet met by the cells that still suffer from hypothermic torpor. An adapted and gentle rise of graft temperature by ex‐vivo machine perfusion has, therefore, been proposed. This should now be tested in the clinical setting.

Methods

In a first clinical series, six ECD‐kidneys were subjected to controlled oxygenated rewarming (COR) during short term pre‐implantation machine perfusion. Matched kidneys that were conventionally kept on ice served as controls.

Results

Early allograft function after transplantation was significantly improved by COR. On post‐operative day 7, clearance of creatinine was more than twofold higher after COR and fractional excretion of sodium in the normal range, while significantly elevated in control kidneys. Good correlations were seen between ulterior graft function and real‐time parameters obtained during pre‐transplant machine perfusion (Lactate: r2 = .9; TIMP2: r2 = .74). Conventional denominators of graft viability like kidney donor risk index KDRI were far less predictive (r2 = .26).

Conclusion

It is concluded that COR can be safely applied to renal grafts and appears to be a valuable tool to predict and improve early renal function after transplantation.
High‐mobility group box 1 as a predictive biomarker for drug‐resistant epilepsy: A proof‐of‐concept study
Authors: Walker Lauren Elizabeth , Sills Graeme John , Jorgensen Andrea , Alapirtti Tiina , Peltola Jukka , Brodie Martin J. , Marson Anthony Guy , Vezzani Annamaria , Pirmohamed Munir
Published: November 2021

Currently no sensitive and specific biomarkers exist to predict drug‐resistant epilepsy. We determined whether blood levels of high‐mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), a mediator of neuroinflammation implicated in drug‐resistant epilepsies, identifies patients with drug‐resistant seizures. Patients with drug‐resistant epilepsy express significantly higher levels of blood HMGB1 than those with drug‐responsive, well‐controlled seizures and healthy controls. No correlation existed between blood HMGB1 levels and total pretreatment seizure count or days since last seizure at new epilepsy diagnosis, indicating that blood HMGB1 does not solely reflect ongoing seizures. HMGB1 distinguishes with high specificity and selectivity drug‐resistant versus drug‐responsive patients. This protein therefore has potential clinical utility to act as a biomarker for predicting response to therapy, which should be addressed in prospective clinical studies.
The impact of the university environment on the development of student research potential: Implementing inbreeding in an open innovation environment
Authors: Tyurikov Alexander Georgievich , Kunizheva Diana Anzorovna , Voevodina Ekaterina Vladimirovna , Gruzina Yulia Mikhailovna
Published: November 2021

The purpose of the study is to assess the impact of the university environment on the development of the research potential of students, as well as build a model for identifying and retaining talented graduates in universities based on the concept of open innovation. In the study, sociological and statistical methods were used: a questionnaire survey of students and teachers of the Financial University, a correlation analysis of the results, as well as an analysis of the practices of working with gifted students in leading world universities. In the course of the study, it was found that students oriented towards further education showed a great subjective significance of research activity. In the conclusion, the authors present a model of ‘healthy’ academic inbreeding, developed in accordance with the concept of open innovation, which is designed to promote the ‘talented’ inbreeding, minimising the possible negative aspects of this phenomenon. The study results indicate the importance of the model since a significant part of students have a predisposition to inbreeding but some of the tools that motivate them to participate in research activities are insufficiently formed.
Calm down: A mediation model on the mitigating effect anxiety has on learner interactions and learning outcome
Authors: Bailey Daniel , Almusharraf Norah
Published: November 2021

Learners in videoconference‐mediated classrooms are expected to interact regardless of their varied demographic and behavioral characteristics, including susceptibility to foreign language (FL) anxiety. With a focus on apprehension, the present study aimed to better understand the influence students’ FL anxiety has on the relationship between learner interactions and academic self‐efficacy beliefs. To this end, questionnaire data was collected from 647 South Korean university students attending emergency remote online classes through Zoom's videoconference platform. Structural equation modeling was carried out to identify the mediating effect of FL classroom anxiety on the relationship between academic self‐efficacy beliefs and interactions. Findings revealed full mediation on the path coefficient from learner–learner interaction to learning expectations, while no mediation effect was observed between learner–instructor interactions and learning expectations. Increasing levels of learner–learner interactions were associated with increasing FL anxiety, partly explaining the positive path between learner–learner interactions and expected academic performance. Unlike learner–instructor interactions, learner–learner interactions increase communication anxiety, consequently decreasing expected learning outcomes.
The use of flutamide for the neoadjuvant treatment of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma: a review of the literature comparing results by pubertal status and tumor stage
Authors: Sitenga Graison , Granger Peter , Hepola Keiffer , Aird Jenna , Silberstein Peter T.
Published: November 2021

Background

Juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma (JNA) is a rare but potentially life‐threatening fibrovascular tumor that is seen almost exclusively in adolescent males and usually presents with symptoms of nasal obstruction or severe epistaxis. The current gold standard of treatment consists of complete surgical resection; however, this is inherently challenging because of the tumor’s invasive nature and a substantial risk of intraoperative hemorrhage. Flutamide, an anti‐androgen antineoplastic agent, has been used preoperatively in attempts to reduce tumor volume allowing for surgical resection with more conservative procedural techniques and reduce intraoperative blood loss.

Methods

A literature review of PubMed and CINAHL was used to identify and analyze 29 male patients with JNA to determine the efficacy of the preoperative use of flutamide.

Results

Our analyses indicate that flutamide may be effective as a neoadjuvant agent by reducing tumor volume prior to resection in some patients but seemed to be more effective in the early stages of JNA without advanced tumor invasion. However, individual tumor response to flutamide was variable. Additionally, postpubertal patients seemed to demonstrate a greater reduction in tumor volume with flutamide compared to their prepubertal counterparts. Dosing regimen and side effects associated with flutamide therapy are also discussed.

Conclusion

Flutamide may be an effective neoadjuvant therapy in some cases of juvenile nasopharyngeal angiofibroma, but larger scale, case‐control studies are likely needed to further expand on this conclusion. Postpubertal males with early‐stage disease seemed to be the population that may benefit most from this treatment protocol.
Population genetic structure of a broadcast‐spawning coral across a tropical–temperate transition zone reveals regional differentiation and high‐latitude reef isolation
Authors: Evans Richard D. , Thomas Luke , Kennington W. Jason , Ryan Nicole M. , Wilson Nerida G. , Richards Zoe , Lowe Ryan J. , Tuckett Chenae
Published: November 2021

Aim

Genetic connectivity is a key component of species resilience to climate change in terms of recovery capacity following disturbance and capacity to disperse to novel locations as the climate warms and isotherms shift poleward. We aimed to strengthen our understanding of resilience in this context by characterizing patterns of connectivity and genetic diversity in a broadcast spawning coral across a tropical–temperate transition zone. We hypothesize genetic differentiation between tropical and temperate populations and decreasing genetic diversity with higher latitudes.

Location

Western Australia (WA).

Taxon

Turbinaria species complex. Turbinaria ‘reniformis’ Oken, 1815 (Scleractinia: Dendrophylliidae).

Methods

A total of 930 target corals were sampled from 10 locations between 13 and 32° latitude spanning a 9°C mean temperature range. In situ species identification of T. reniformis is hindered by morphological plasticity and homoplasy with sister species. We combined Sanger sequencing of two mitochondrial DNA markers and high‐throughput genotyping by sequencing (GBS) to isolate a single genetic Turbinaria lineage from our dataset through which patterns of genetic flow and diversity along the WA coastline could be explored using population‐ and individual‐based clustering analyses.

Results

Mitochondrial DNA sequence variation was low among Turbinaria samples and could not resolve individual species. Using GBS, we identified three genetically distinct lineages. Subsequent analyses within one of these lineages revealed strong spatial subdivision with 2–3 genetic clusters. While temperate populations were genetically diverged from more tropical sites, we did not observe declines in genetic diversity with latitude.

Main conclusions

Tropical populations of T. ‘reniformis’ in Western Australia exhibit strong genetic connectivity, which extends to a southern limit at sub‐tropical Shark Bay. Temperate populations are genetically isolated from their tropical counterparts but have relatively high genetic diversity. While the maintenance of genetic variation in temperate populations may provide some resilience to future climate scenarios, their isolation may increase their vulnerability.
An objective skin‐type classification based on non‐invasive biophysical parameters
Authors: Seo J.I. , Ham H.I. , Baek J.H. , Shin M.K.
Published: November 2021

Background

Despite the invention of various non‐invasive bioengineering tools, skin‐type analysis has largely been based on subjective assessments. However, advancements in the functional cosmetic industry and artificial intelligence‐assisted dermatology are creating a greater demand for an objective skin‐type classification system.

Objectives

To propose an objective skin‐type classification system solely based on non‐invasive, bioengineering devices; provide reference values applicable to the Korean population; and compare our reference values with those of published studies.

Methods

Biophysical parameter measurements were obtained from the 2018 International Skin Characteristics Data Bank Project conducted by the Foundation of Korea Cosmetic Industry Institute. The participants were 434 healthy South Korean adults. Each participant was assessed using eight bioengineering devices (Tewameter®, pH‐meter®, Corneometer®, Sebumeter®, Cutometer®, Spectrophotometer®, PRIMOS® lite, and Janus®). The measurements were divided into tertiles to determine reference points.

Results

Our objective skin‐type classification consists of five main categories (sensitivity, hydration, oiliness, elasticity, and skin tone) and five corresponding subcategories (erythema, roughness, pores, wrinkles, and pigmentation, respectively). Each skin type was assigned based on the reference point of the biophysical parameter, which was established as the tertile value associated with ‘unfavourable’ skin characteristics. Individuals were categorized as having sensitive skin when the TEWL scores were over 18.0 g/m2/h or the pH was over 5.45; dehydrated skin when the corneometric value measured below 47.17 A.U.; oily skin when the sebumetric value exceeded 70 μg/cm2; and loose skin when the cutometric R2 value was below 0.68 E/mm.

Conclusions

This study is the first to provide a comprehensive skin‐type classification system based solely on non‐invasive biophysical parameters. As measurement data accumulate, the reference points will progress to become more accurate, and they will be subdivided according to gender, age, and ethnic group. Therefore, our classification system serves as a basis for artificial intelligence‐based skin‐type analysis.
Effect of steam pretreatment on drying kinetics and quality of Polygonati Rhizoma dried in hot‐blast air
Authors: Liu Qian , Li Meng , Lu Heng , Zhou Yongli , Wang Xiao
Published: November 2021

Polygonati Rhizoma, an edible herb, is used in Chinese medicine and also in functional foods. In this study, a kinetic model for drying Polygonati Rhizoma in hot‐blast air was established for different temperatures (40, 60, and 80°C) and slice thicknesses (4, 6, and 8 mm). Low field nuclear magnetic resonance and magnetic resonance imaging were applied simultaneously to record the migration and distribution of water in the Polygonati Rhizoma slices during the hot‐blast air drying. After combining these data with measurements of color parameters and polysaccharide content, the best conditions for drying Polygonati Rhizoma were determined. The Page model accurately predicted the drying process. The magnetic resonance imaging results demonstrated that the moisture in Polygonati Rhizoma diffused from the interior to the exterior during drying. The T2 data from low field nuclear magnetic resonance indicated three states of water in the Polygonati Rhizoma: bound, immobile, and free. Compared with slices of the raw material that were dried directly, steamed samples with a thickness of less than 6 mm exhibited a better color, higher polysaccharide content, and faster water loss using a drying process at 60°C.

Practical Applications

Various processing procedures are available to reduce moisture in foods to extend their storage life and control their quality. The high contents of polysaccharides and water in the fresh food make it easily susceptible to rotting if not rapidly processed. The present study discusses the effect of steam pretreatment on the kinetics and quality of Polygonati Rhizoma dried in hot‐blast air. Using color and polysaccharide content as an index of quality, Polygonati Rhizoma processed using 60 min of steaming followed by drying at 60°C produced the best quality. This combination of processing conditions enhanced the drying rate while maintaining the color and polysaccharide content. These results could also be used as a technical basis for the post‐harvest processing of Polygonati Rhizoma and similar agricultural products.
Ecological correlates of the morphology of the auditory bulla in rodents: Application to the fossil record
Authors: Scarpitti Erica A. , Calede Jonathan J. M.
Published: November 2021

For rodents, hearing is essential to survival. It enables predator evasion, prey detection, and conspecific recognition; it is also likely to be constrained by the physical environment. The resulting hypothetical link between tympanic bulla morphology and ecology has never been investigated across a broad array of rodent species before. Such link may enable the determination of the ecological affinities of many fossil species only known from partial skulls. In this study, we used geometric morphometrics to quantify the shape of the auditory bulla of 197 specimens representing 91 species from 17 families of extant rodents across four different locomotory modes. We used landmarks and semi‐landmarks on the ventral and lateral views of the skull to capture morphological characteristics of the bulla and external auditory meatus (EAM). Our results demonstrate an association between bullar morphology and locomotion in rodents. Bullar shape enables the correct classification of 76% of the species in our training set. Fossorial taxa, in particular, show a characteristic morphology including an asymmetric bulla with a dorsally located and laterally expanded EAM that has a small opening diameter. A phylogenetically informed flexible discriminant analysis shows a weak phylogenetic effect on tympanic morphology. There is no evidence for differences in bullar hypertrophy across locomotory categories. The application of this approach to select fossil rodents from the Oligo‐Miocene shows broad agreements with prior studies and yields new locomotory inferences for 14 fossil species, including the first proposed locomotion for members of the family Florentiamyidae. Such results call for the timing of burrowing diversification in rodents to be reevaluated.
Reframing Adolescent Development: Identifying Communications Challenges and Opportunities
Authors: Busso Daniel S. , Pool Andrew C. , Kendall‐Taylor Nathaniel , Ginsburg Kenneth R.
Published: November 2021

Understanding Americans’ deeply held and widely shared assumptions about adolescents and their development can reveal key opportunities and challenges for developmental science communicators. Twenty‐nine in‐depth interviews were conducted with adolescents and adults about adolescence. We analyzed the cultural models the public use to make meaning about what adolescence is, what development involves, what adolescents need, and how adolescents can be supported. The analysis revealed several cultural models that may impede public engagement around youth issues. These dominant ways of thinking include a strong focus on the vulnerability of adolescence and a narrow understanding of how environments affect adolescent development. The findings have important implications for communicators seeking to expand and deepen public thinking about adolescence.
Understanding the effects of ultrasound processng on texture and rheological properties of food
Authors: Aslam Raouf , Alam Mohammed Shafiq , Kaur Jaspreet , Panayampadan Afthab Saeed , Dar Owias Iqbal , Kothakota Anjineyulu , Pandiselvam Ravi
Published: November 2021

The demand for the production of high quality and safe food products has been ever increasing. Consequently, the industry is looking for novel technologies in food processing operations that are cost‐effective, rapid and have a better efficiency over traditional methods. Ultrasound is well‐known technology to enhance the rate of heat and mass transfer providing a high end‐product quality, at just a fraction of time and energy normally required for conventional methods. The irradiation of foods with ultrasound creates acoustic cavitation that has been used to cause desirable changes in the treated products. The technology is being successfully used in various unit operations such as sterilization, pasteurization, extraction, drying, emulsification, degassing, enhancing oxidation, thawing, freezing and crystallization, brining, pickling, foaming and rehydration, and so forth. However, the high pressure and temperature associated with the cavitation process is expected to induce some changes in the textural and rheological properties of foods which form an important aspect of product quality in terms of consumer acceptability. The present review is aimed to focus on the effects of ultrasound processing on the textural and rheological properties of food products and how these properties are influenced by the process variables.
Associations between MHC class II variation and phenotypic traits in a free‐living sheep population
Authors: Huang Wei , Dicks Kara L. , Ballingall Keith T. , Johnston Susan E. , Sparks Alexandra M. , Watt Kathryn , Pilkington Jill G. , Pemberton Josephine M.
Published: November 2021

Pathogen‐mediated selection (PMS) is thought to maintain the high level of allelic diversity observed in the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II genes. A comprehensive way to demonstrate contemporary selection is to examine associations between MHC variation and individual fitness. As individual fitness is hard to measure, many studies examine associations between MHC variation and phenotypic traits, including direct or indirect measures of adaptive immunity thought to contribute to fitness. Here, we tested associations between MHC class II variation and five phenotypic traits measured in free‐living sheep captured in August: weight, strongyle faecal egg count, and plasma IgA, IgE and IgG immunoglobulin titres against the gastrointestinal nematode parasite Teladorsagia circumcincta. We found no association between MHC class II variation and weight or strongyle faecal egg count. We did, however, find associations between MHC class II variation and immunoglobulin levels which varied with isotype, age and sex. Our results suggest associations between MHC and phenotypic traits are more likely to be found for traits more closely associated with pathogen defence than integrative traits such as bodyweight and highlight the association between MHC variation and antibodies in wild populations.
Turkey's Military Operations in Iraq: Context and Implications
Authors: Kardaş Şaban
Published: November 2021

Turkey has pursued an assertive military campaign in Iraq to eliminate the presence of the Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK), which has been supported by elements of hard power, coercive diplomacy, and an increasingly emboldened foreign‐intelligence apparatus. This article traces the roots of this new phase in Turkey's cross‐border military engagement to two interrelated factors. First, Ankara has adopted a new counterterrorism doctrine that relies on a militarized regional policy. Second, the course of Turkey‐Iraq relations since the liberation of Mosul and the Kurds' failed independence bid has allowed Ankara to forge a relationship of dominance over Baghdad and Erbil, facilitating its interventionism. Next, the article evaluates the broader implications of Turkey's determination to sustain the ongoing campaign. First, Turkey's military operations against the PKK may play a decisive role in the organization's evolution. Second, they may expose the challenges and limits of Ankara's new assertiveness and reliance on the use of force in the Middle East. Third, Turkey may have to pursue a delicate line in its coercive policy, lest it further undermine the fragile internal balances of Iraq. Last, while Ankara's assertiveness may test the tense relationship with Tehran, it may not end the new understanding the two countries reached in their regional policies.
Multiple things going on at the same time: determinants of appropriate primary diabetic eyecare delivery
Authors: Gyawali Rajendra , Toomey Melinda , Stapleton Fiona , Keay Lisa , Chun Ho Kam , Jalbert Isabelle
Published: November 2021

Purpose

A recent nationwide medical record audit of optometry practices has identified an evidence‐to‐practice gap in primary diabetic eyecare delivery. This study aimed to explore the determinants (barriers and enablers) to appropriate diabetic eyecare delivery in Australia.

Methods

A qualitative study involving focus‐group discussions and interviews of a purposeful sample of Australian optometrists was conducted. Participants were asked about the perceived barriers to adherence to four underperforming clinical indicators related to primary diabetic eyecare identified by the recent national optometry practice audit. The Theoretical Domain Framework was used for thematic analysis and coding salience to identify key behavioural determinants.

Results

Optometrists participated in eight focus groups (n = 27) and individual interviews (n = 4). The most salient barriers were related to Environmental resources (e.g., limited chair time); Beliefs about consequences (e.g., lack of perceived importance); Knowledge (e.g., poor understanding); Professional role/identity (e.g., the perceived role of optometry in care process); Social influences (e.g., the influence of senior optometrists) and Intentions (e.g., apathy). Key enablers were Environmental resources (e.g., electronic record system and practice aids); Knowledge (e.g., keeping up with knowledge/professional development); reinforcements (e.g., fear of legal actions) and behavioural regulations (e.g., self‐monitoring/audit).

Conclusions

This study shows that the evidence‐to‐practice gap in primary diabetic eyecare delivery in Australia can be attributed in part to several interconnected factors related to optometrists' individual capability and motivation as well as the social and practice environment within which they sit. These behavioural determinants will inform the design of an intervention to improve the appropriateness of primary diabetic eyecare delivery.
Randomised controlled trial of an accommodative support lens designed for computer users
Authors: Del Mar Seguí‐Crespo Ma , Ronda‐Pérez Elena , Yammouni Robert , Arroyo Sanz Rubén , Evans Bruce J W
Published: November 2021

Purpose

Accommodative support (AS) lenses are a low add progressive addition spectacle lens designed to ease symptoms in computer vision syndrome (CVS). The study aims to investigate if (1) AS lenses improve CVS symptoms; (2) binocular/accommodative functions predict a benefit from AS lenses and (3) wearing AS lenses for six months impacts on binocular/accommodative functions.

Methods

Pre‐presbyopic adults with symptoms of CVS (Computer Vision Syndrome Questionnaire, CVS‐Q©, score ≥ 6) were randomly allocated to wear AS lenses or control single vision (SV) lenses. The CVS‐Q© and a battery of optometric tests were applied at baseline and after three and six months. Participants and researchers were masked to participant group. After six months, the SV group were unmasked and changed to AS lenses and one week later asked to choose which they preferred.

Results

The change in CVS‐Q© scores from baseline to six months did not differ significantly in the two groups. At the end of the one week period, when the control group wore the AS lenses, control group participants were significantly more likely to prefer AS lenses to SV lenses. No optometric functions correlated with the benefit from AS lenses. AS lenses did not have any adverse effects on binocular or accommodative function.

Conclusions

In pre‐presbyopic adults, there was no greater improvement in CVS‐Q© scores in the group wearing AS lenses than in the control group. No adverse effects on optometric function (including accommodation) are associated with wearing AS lenses.
Stomatal density in Pinus sylvestris as an indicator of temperature rather than CO2: Evidence from a pan‐European transect
Authors: Marek Sławomir , Tomaszewski Dominik , Żytkowiak Roma , Jasińska Anna , Zadworny Marcin , Boratyńska Krystyna , Dering Monika , Danusevičius Darius , Oleksyn Jacek , Wyka Tomasz P.
Published: November 2021

The commonly observed negative relationship between stomatal density (SD) and atmospheric CO2 has led to SD being proposed as an indicator of atmospheric CO2 concentration. The use of SD as a proxy for CO2, however, has been hampered by an insufficient understanding of the intraspecific variation of this trait. We hypothesized that SD in Pinus sylvestris, a widely distributed conifer, varies geographically and that this variation is determined by major climatic variables. By sampling needles from naturally growing trees along a latitudinal range of 32.25°, equivalent to 13.7°C gradient of mean annual temperature (MAT) across Europe, we found that SD decreased from the warmest southern sites to the coldest sites in the north at a rate of 4 stomata per mm2 for each 1°C, with MAT explaining 44% of the variation. Additionally, samples from a provenance trial exhibited a positive relationship between SD and the MAT of the original localities, suggesting that high SD is an adaptation to warm temperature. Our study revealed one of the strongest intraspecific relationships between SD and climate in any woody species, supporting the utility of SD as a temperature, rather than direct CO2, proxy. In addition, our results predict the response of SD to climate warming.
Barriers to seeking health care among returning travellers with malaria: A systematic review
Authors: Lu Guangyu , Cao Yuanyuan , Chai Liying , Li Yuping , Li Shuying , Heuschen Anna‐Katharina , Chen Qi , Müller Olaf , Cao Jun , Zhu Guoding
Published: November 2021

Objective

To identify barriers to seeking health care among returning travellers with malaria with the aim of developing targeted interventions that improve early health care‐seeking behaviour, diagnosis and treatment.

Methods

Following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta‐Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines, we conducted a systematic review of published medical literature, selecting studies that investigated and reported barriers to seeking health care among returning travellers and migrants with malaria. In total, 633 articles were screened, of which four studies met the inclusion criteria after a full‐text review.

Results

The four studies reported barriers to seeking healthcare among returning travellers in China, the United States, Thailand and the Dominican Republic. Three studies had an observational design. The identified barriers were summarised based on the appraisal delay, illness delay and utilisation delay stages. During appraisal delays, low awareness of malaria was the most significant factor. Once the patient assessed that he or she was ill, belonging to a specific minority ethnicity, being infected with P. vivax and receiving a low level of social support were predictors of delayed health care‐seeking. Finally, the most significant factor associated with utilisation delays was the monetary cost.

Conclusion

The health care‐seeking behaviour of returning travellers with malaria should be further investigated and improved. Addressing the identified barriers and gaps in health care‐seeking behaviour among returning travellers with malaria, particularly among groups at high risk of travel‐associated infections, is important to prevent severe disease and deaths as well as secondary transmission and epidemics.
Alkali Activated Fly Ash-Based Concrete: Evaluation of Curing Process Using Non-Linear Ultrasonic Approach
Authors: Nikvar-Hassani Arash , Alnuaimi Hamad N. , Amjad Umar , Sasmal Saptarshi , Zhang Lianyang , Kundu Tribikram
Published: November 2021

This paper investigates the applicability of the nondestructive testing and evaluation (NDT&E) method using ultrasonic signals to monitor the curing of alkali-activated fly ash-based concrete (AAFC). The evaluation was carried out on AAFC specimens with two different water/binder (W/B) ratios of 0.3 and 0.5 and after curing at 60 °C for 7, 14, and 28 days, respectively. The signals are recorded and analyzed using linear and non-linear ultrasonic techniques. The results show that the non-linear ultrasonic technique has a clear advantage over the linear ultrasonic technique when monitoring the curing of AAFC specimens with a lower W/B ratio. However, the specimens with the higher W/B ratio do not undergo proper curing and therefore do not show clear distinctions between the curing times measured from the two ultrasonic techniques. The unconfined compressive strength (UCS) of the AAFC specimens at different W/B ratios and curing times is also measured. The UCS results showed a good correlation with the ultrasonic results.
Bearing Life Calculations in Rotating and Oscillating Applications
Authors: Houpert Luc , Menck Oliver
Published: November 2021

This article begins by describing standard bearing life models in continuous rotation before going on to explain how the bearing life can be calculated for roller and ball bearings in oscillatory applications. An oscillation factor aosc is introduced, which accounts for the oscillating and stationary ring. This can be calculated numerically as a function of the oscillation angle θ and load zone parameter ɛ as well the parameters γ = D · cos α / dm and the ball-race osculation factors. Critical angles as used by Rumbarger are also employed at low θ values. Appropriate curve-fitted relationships for both roller and ball bearings are then given for a simple calculation of aosc with an accuracy of approximately 10%. Finally, several methods are suggested for estimating the ɛ parameter using a real case with a finite element analysis load distribution accounting for structural ring deformation and ball-race contact angle variations. The results derived in this article allow the lifetime of any arbitrary oscillating ball or roller bearing to be calculated.
Theoretical Modeling of Conformal Criterion for Flexible Electronics Attached Onto Complex Surface
Authors: Xiao Lin , Cheng Ming , Chen Furong , Jiang Shan , Huang YongAn
Published: November 2021

Transferring completed electronic devices onto curvilinear surfaces is popular for fabricating three-dimensional curvilinear electronics with high performance, while the problems of conformality between the unstretchable devices and the surfaces need to be considered. Prior conformability design based on conformal mechanics model is a feasible way to reduce the non-conformal contact. Former studies mainly focused on stretchable film electronics conforming onto soft bio-tissue with a sinusoidal form microscopic morphology or unstretchable film conforming onto rigid sphere substrate, which limits its applicability in the aspect of shapes and modulus of the substrate. Here, a conformal mechanics model with general geometric shape and material is introduced by choosing a bicurvature surface as the target surface, and the conformal contact behavior of film electronics is analyzed. All eight fundamental local surface features are obtained by adjusting two principal curvatures of the bicurvature surface, and the conformal performance is simulated. A dimensionless conformal criterion is given by minimizing the total energy as a function of seven dimensionless parameters, including four in geometric and three in the material. Thickness–width ratio and length–width ratio of flexible electronics are two key geometric parameters that decide the conformal behavior, and smaller thickness–width ratio and length–width ratio are favorite for conformal contact. The model and analysis results are verified by the finite element analysis, and it can guide the prior conformability design of the curvilinear electronic devices during the planar manufacturing process.
Design and Evaluation of a Parallel Cable-Driven Shoulder Mechanism With Series Springs
Authors: Xu Pengpeng , Li Juncheng , Li Shuoyu , Xia Dan , Zeng Ziniu , Yang Nachuan , Xie Longhan
Published: November 2021

Upper limb paralysis and movement disorders resulting from neurologic injuries can be treated with an upper limb exoskeleton robot that assists with movement retraining. Cable-driven exoskeletons have been widely studied because of their lightness, compact structure, and low cost. However, the problems of shoulder squeeze force and system stability have not been solved. In this article, we present a prototype parallel cable-driven shoulder mechanism with series springs. The theoretical analysis suggests that the stability of the mechanism is improved compared with that of the previous mechanism, and the effects of stiffness, upper limb weight, and mechanism parameters on the shoulder joint extrusion pressure are analyzed by simulation and experimental results. The results show that this mechanism plays an important role in reducing or eliminating the shoulder squeeze pressure and improving the stability of the mechanism. Moreover, the mechanism has good portability and can be combined with other exoskeletons to facilitate various robot-assisted upper limb rehabilitation training.
Hydrodynamics Modeling of a Piezoelectric Micro-Robotic Fish With Double Caudal Fins
Authors: Zhao Quanliang , Chen Jinghao , Zhang Hongkuan , Zhang Zhonghai , Liu Zhikai , Liu Shiqi , Di Jiejian , He Guangping , Zhao Lei , Zhang Mengying , Su Tingting , Liang Xu
Published: November 2021

An analytical hydrodynamics model for a piezoelectric micro-robotic fish with double caudal fins is presented in this paper. The relation between displacement of the piezoelectric actuator and oscillating angle of the caudal fin is established based on the analysis of the flexible four-bar linkage transmission. The hydrodynamics of caudal fins are described by airfoil and blade element theories. Furthermore, the dynamics and kinetics of the whole micro-robotic fish are analyzed and validated by experiments.
The dried fruit mite Carpoglyphus lactis (Acari: Carpoglyphidae) is a suitable alternative prey for Amblyseius herbicolus (Acari: Phytoseiidae)
Authors: Zhang Keshi , Zhang Zhi-Qiang
Published: November 2021

Being generalist predators makes many members of the Phytoseiidae family a more favourable choice for biocontrol. Amblyseius herbicolus, a predator of several phytophagous pest mites and insects, has recently gained focus as an important biocontrol agent. Most studies focus on providing alternative food such as pollens as a way to increase their persistence on the targets when prey is absent. In this study, we evaluated the developmental and reproductive performance of A. herbicolus on two different diets: the dried fruit mite Carpoglyphus lactis and Raupo Typha orientalis pollen. The groups treated with C. lactis took 7 days to reach adulthood, while the groups treated with pollen took 11 days. The pollen-treated mites did not reproduce but this is likely due to the reduction of pollen quality. When given C. lactis, A. herbicolus produced more than 20 eggs over two weeks and the adults survived 18–19 days. The ratio of A. herbicolus egg to C. lactis adult used (1:20, 40 & 120) in the experiment did not affect the final population size. Cannibalism and competition seemed to affect all treatments, especially those cells started with three A. herbicolus eggs. Under laboratory conditions, A. herbicolus can be successfully cultured using C. lactis, which is an advantageous method for the laboratory and mass rearing of A. herbicolus.
Ordinal scaling of temporal audio descriptors and perceptual significance of attack temporal centroid in timbre spaces
Authors: Kazazis Savvas , Depalle Philippe , McAdams Stephen
Published: November 2021

Temporal audio features play an important role in timbre perception and sound identification. An experiment was conducted to test whether listeners are able to rank order synthesized stimuli over a wide range of feature values restricted within the range of instrument sounds. The following audio descriptors were tested: attack and decay time, temporal centroid with fixed attack and decay time, and inharmonicity. The results indicate that these descriptors are susceptible to ordinal scaling. The spectral envelope played an important role when ordering stimuli with various inharmonicity levels, whereas the shape of the amplitude envelope was an important parameter when ordering stimuli with different attack and decay times. Linear amplitude envelopes made the ordering of attack times easier and caused the least amount of confusion among listeners, whereas exponential envelopes were more effective when ordering decay times. Although there were many confusions in ordering short attack and decay times, listeners performed well in ordering temporal centroids even at very short attack and decay times. A meta-analysis of six timbre spaces was therefore conducted to test the explanatory power of attack time versus the attack temporal centroid along a perceptual dimension. The results indicate that attack temporal centroid has greater overall explanatory power than attack time itself.
A Practical Guide to Small Protein Discovery and Characterization Using Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Ahrens Christian H. , Wade Joseph T. , Champion Matthew M. , Langer Julian D.
Published: November 2021

Small proteins of up to ∼50 amino acids play important physiological roles across all domains of life. Mass spectrometry is an ideal approach to detect and characterize small proteins, but many aspects of standard mass spectrometry workflows are biased against small proteins due to their size. Here, we highlight applications of mass spectrometry to study small proteins, emphasizing modifications to standard workflows to optimize the detection of small proteins.
Stent-retriever alone versus combined use of stent-retriever and contact aspiration technique for middle cerebral artery M2 occlusions: a propensity score analysis
Authors: Pérez-García Carlos , Rosati Santiago , Gómez-Escalonilla Carlos , Arrazola Juan , López-Frías Alfonso , González Eva , Fondevila Jon , Vega Pedro , Murias Eduardo , Jimenez-Gomez Elvira , Bravo Rey Isabel , Macho Juan , San Roman Luis , Rodriguez Caamaño Isabel , Paipa Andres Julián , Remollo Sebastian , Aguilar Tejedor Yeray , Bermúdez-Coronel Isabel , Moliner Sarai , Pumar José Manuel , Bashir Saima , Puig Josep , López-Rueda Antonio , Blasco Jordi , Nogueira Raul G , Moreu Manuel
Published: November 2021

Background

The optimal endovascular treatment (EVT) technique for middle cerebral artery (MCA) M2 segment occlusions remains unknown. We aim to analyze whether reperfusion rate, procedure times, procedure-related complications, and clinical outcome differed between patients with isolated M2 occlusions who underwent stent-retriever (SR) alone versus combined SR and contact aspiration (CA) as a front-line EVT.

Methods

Patients who underwent EVT for isolated MCA-M2 occlusion were recruited from the prospectively ongoing ROSSETTI registry. Patients were divided regarding the EVT approach into SR alone versus SR+CA and propensity score matching was used to achieve baseline balance. Demographic, procedural, safety, and clinical outcomes were compared between groups. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed to identify independent predictors of first-pass effect (FPE) and 90-day modified Rankin scale (mRS) 0–2.

Results

214 patients underwent EVT for M2 occlusion, 125 treated with SR alone and 89 with SR+CA. Propensity score matchnig analysis selected 134 matched patients. The rates of FPE (42% vs 40%, p=1.000) and 90-day mRS 0–2 (60% vs 51%, p=0.281) were comparable between groups. Patients treated with SR alone had lower need of rescue therapy (p=0.006), faster times to reperfusion (p<0.001), and lower procedure-related complications (p=0.031). Higher initial Alberta Stroke Program Early CT Score was an independent predictor of FPE. Age, baseline National Institutes of Health Stroke Scale score, and procedure duration were significant predictors of good clinical outcome at 3 months.

Conclusions

As front-line modality in M2 occlusions, the SR alone approach results in similar rates of reperfusion and good clinical outcomes to combined SR+CA and might be advantageous due to faster reperfusion times and fewer adverse events.
Dirac CP phases in a 3 + 1 neutrino scenario with $$\mu -\tau $$ symmetry
Authors: Becerra-García Eduardo , Pérez-Lorenzana Abdel
Published: November 2021

A sterile neutrino in the $$3+1$$

3
+
1

scheme, where the sterile accounts for neutrino anomalies not explained solely by the weak active neutrinos, arises as a natural source for the breaking of the $$\mu -\tau $$

μ
-
τ

symmetry suggested by oscillation neutrino data. We explore the predictions for the Dirac CP phases in this scenario, with and without sterile neutrino decay, and show that current limits on $$\delta _{CP}$$

δ

CP

suggest a normal hierarchy and a lightest neutrino scale below 0.1 eV as the most plausible explanation for that, when Majorana phases are null. Other Dirac phases turn out to be non zero as well.
Loading Impact of a PGM-Free Catalyst on the Mass Activity in Proton Exchange Membrane Fuel Cells
Authors: Damjanović Ana Marija , Koyutürk Burak , Li Yan-Sheng , Menga Davide , Eickes Christian , El-Sayed Hany A. , Gasteiger Hubert A. , Fellinger Tim-Patrick , Piana Michele
Published: November 2021

Platinum-group-metal-free (PGM-free) catalysts are currently considered as potential oxygen-reduction-reaction (ORR) catalysts to replace costly and supply-limited platinum at the cathode side of proton exchange membrane fuel cells (PEMFCs). Extensive research efforts have led to substantial progress with regards to the ORR activity of PGM-free ORR catalysts, but there is uncertainty about the dependence of the mass activity on the catalyst loading. In this study, the effect of catalyst loading on the mass activity is investigated by means of rotating disk electrode measurements as well as single cell PEMFC tests using a commercial PGM-free ORR catalyst. Single cell tests with a wide range of loadings (0.4–4.0 mgcat cm−2
MEA) are compared to rotating disk electrode measurements with low loadings of 40–600 μgcat cm−2
disk. In contrast to indications in the literature that the ORR activity depends on catalyst loading, our results reveal an independence of the ORR mass activity from the catalysts loading in both RDE and PEMFC tests, if corrections for the voltage losses in H2/O2 single cell tests are considered. Moreover, no clear relation of the stability to the catalyst loading was found in H2/O2 PEMFCs.
Electrochemical Turning of (TiB + TiC)/TC4 Composites Using a Rectangular Cathode
Authors: Ma Xin , Li Hansong , Yue Xiaokang , Yang Yitian , Wang Lu , Xu Guoliang
Published: November 2021

The application of titanium metal matrix composites (Ti-MMCs) in the aerospace industry has increased significantly owing to their excellent mechanical properties. However, these properties also make Ti-MMCs difficult to machine. Many problems can occur with traditional turning, such as tool damage and low efficiency remain. Electrochemical machining is not limited by the physical properties of metal materials, making it an ideal machining method for Ti-MMCs, but there have been few articles evaluating electrochemical turning (ECT) in this application. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to use a cathode tool with a rectangular end face to realize the ECT of particle reinforced Ti-MMCs. Parametric experiments were conducted by varying the machining voltage, workpiece rotation speed, electrolyte pressure, and axial offset to determine their effects on the intermittent feed ECT of a cylindrical workpiece. Finally, intermittent feed ECT was performed on the cylindrical surface with the preferred machining parameters, and a machining area with a circular arc area of 4124 mm2, an average radial removal depth of 1.19 mm, and an average circular arc radius of 42.44 mm was obtained on the cylindrical workpiece, which verified the practical performance of the intermittent feed ECT method for machining titanium matrix composites.