bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Phytosynthesis of colloidal nanosilver from Mentha longifolia and Mentha arvensis: Comparative morphological and optical characterization
Authors: Javed Bilal , Mashwani Zia‐ur‐Rehman
Published: September 2020

The present study involves an ecofriendly strategy for the reduction of bulk silver into its nanoforms by using the aqueous extracts of Mentha longifolia leaves (MLL), M. longifolia branches (MLB), and Mentha arvensis (MA). Synthesis of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) was confirmed initially by observing a change in the color of the reaction mixture followed by measuring the absorbance, and a characteristic surface plasmon resonance band was observed between 400 and 500 nm of the λ of light. Morphological and optical characterization techniques of AgNPs were performed by using UV–visible spectrophotometer, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, energy‐dispersive X‐ray spectroscopy (EDX), and dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis. It was confirmed that the phytosynthesized nanoparticles are anisotropic and nearly spherical having a size smaller than 100 nm while some cubical and prismatic nanostructures were also observed. The average size of a single nanoparticle measured by DLS analysis was reported 10.50 nm, 15.55 nm, and 20.46 nm biofabricated by using MLB, MLL, and MA extract, respectively. The EDX analysis reported the presence of elemental Ag while elemental O was also observed in MLL and MLB AgNPs. The results from these experiments endorse the potential of reported plant species to phytosynthesize AgNPs. The future applications of this work involve the utilization of AgNPs for multiple biological applications.
Racial Disparities in Pediatric Endoscopic Sinus Surgery
Authors: Pecha Phayvanh P. , Hamberis Alexandra , Patel Terral A. , Melvin Cathy L. , Ford Marvella E. , Andrews Anne L. , White David R. , Schlosser Rodney J.
Published: September 2020

Objective

To determine the impact of race and ethnicity on 30‐day complications following pediatric endoscopic sinus surgery (ESS).

Study Design

Cross‐sectional cohort study.

Subjects and Methods

Patients ≤ 18 years of age undergoing ESS from 2015 to 2017 were identified in the Pediatric National Surgical Improvement Program‐Pediatric database. Patient demographics, comorbidities, surgical indication, and postoperative complications were extracted. Patient race/ethnicity included non‐Hispanic black, non‐Hispanic white, Hispanic, and other. Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine if race/ethnicity was a predictor of postoperative complications after ESS.

Results

A total of 4,337 patients were included in the study. The median age was 10.9 (interquartile range: 14.5–6.7) years. The cohort was comprised of 68.3% non‐Hispanic white, 13.9% non‐Hispanic black, 9.7% Hispanic, and 2.1% other. The 30‐day complication rate was 3.2%, and the mortality rate was 0.3%. The rate of reoperation was 3.8%, and readmission was 4.1%. Black and Hispanic patients had higher rates of urgent operations (P = .003 and P < .001, respectively), and black patients had a higher incidence of emergent operations (P < .001) compared to their white peers. For elective ESS cases, multivariable analysis adjusting for sex, age, comorbidities, and surgical indication indicated that children of Hispanic ethnicity had increased postoperative complications (odds ratio: 1.57, 95% confidence interval: 1.04–2.37).

Conclusion

This analysis demonstrated that black and Hispanic children disproportionately undergo more urgent and emergent ESS. Hispanic ethnicity was associated with increased 30‐day complications following elective pediatric ESS. Further studies are needed to elucidate potential causes of these disparities and identify areas for improvement.

Level of Evidence

3 Laryngoscope, 131:E1369–E1374, 2021
Payment formats and hedonic consumption
Authors: Liu Hsin‐Hsien , Chou Hsuan‐Yi
Published: September 2020

Payment formats have many important influences on consumer behavior. However, few studies have examined how the payment format affects hedonic consumption. This study explores how the transparency of the payment format (e.g., bonus points vs. cash) influences consumers’ willingness to pay, budget assignments, and consumption choices through differences in their perceived pain of purchasing (exchanging) hedonic and utilitarian options. Specifically, consumers who pay with highly transparent payment formats (e.g., cash), compared with consumers who pay with less transparent payment formats (e.g., store points, bonus points, and gift certificates), are willing to pay less, assign a lower budget, and are less likely to choose hedonic products. The perceived pain of purchasing (exchanging) a hedonic product plays an important mediating role on the influence of the payment format on hedonic consumption. However, the perceived pain of purchasing (exchanging) a utilitarian option plays a parallel mediating role only when people have paid for the less transparent payment format (e.g., buying store points) rather than when they accumulate the points through previous consumption events. The research findings provide insights that can benefit both theory and practice.
Mcl‐1 targeting strategies unlock the proapoptotic potential of TRAIL in melanoma cells
Authors: Sarif Zina , Tolksdorf Beatrice , Fechner Henry , Eberle Jürgen
Published: September 2020

TNF‐related apoptosis‐inducing ligand (TRAIL) induces apoptosis selectively in cancer cells. For melanoma, the targeting of TRAIL signaling appears highly attractive, due to pronounced TRAIL receptor expression in tumor tissue. However, mechanisms of TRAIL resistance observed in melanoma cells may limit its clinical use. The Bcl‐2 family members are critical regulators of cell‐intrinsic apoptotic pathways. Thus, the antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 protein myeloid cell leukemia 1 (Mcl‐1) is overexpressed in many tumor types and was linked to chemotherapy resistance in melanoma. In this study, we evaluated the involvement of antiapoptotic Bcl‐2 proteins (Bcl‐2, Bcl‐xL, Bcl‐w, Mcl‐1, Bcl‐A1, and Bcl‐B) in TRAIL resistance. They were targeted by small interfering RNA‐mediated silencing in TRAIL‐sensitive (A‐375, Mel‐HO) and in TRAIL‐resistant melanoma cell lines (Mel‐2a, MeWo). This highlighted Mcl‐1 as the most efficient target to overcome TRAIL resistance. In this context, we investigated the effects of Mcl‐1‐targeting microRNAs as well as the Mcl‐1‐selective inhibitor S63845. Both miR‐193b and S63845 resulted in significant enhancement of TRAIL‐induced apoptosis, associated with decreased cell viability. Apoptosis induction was mediated by caspase‐3 processing as well as by Bax and Bak activation, indicating the critical involvement of intrinsic apoptosis pathways. These data may indicate a high relevance of Mcl‐1 targeting also in melanoma therapy. Furthermore, the data may suggest to consider the use of the tumor suppressor miR‐193b as a strategy for countering TRAIL resistance in melanoma.
Non‐oscillation of linear and half‐linear differential equations with unbounded coefficients
Authors: Šišoláková Jiřina
Published: September 2020

We deal with Euler‐type half‐linear second‐order differential equations, and our intention is to derive conditions in order their non‐trivial solutions are non‐oscillatory. This paper connects to the article P. Hasil, J. Šišoláková, M. Veselý: Averaging technique and oscillation criterion for linear and half‐linear equations, Appl. Math. Lett. 92 (2019), 62–69, where the corresponding oscillatory counterpart is studied and an oscillation criterion is established. The used effective technique for this investigation is the combination of the generalized adapted Prüfer angle and the modified Riccati transformation. This paper is completed by two corollaries and an example concerning the linear case when we obtain new results as well.
Is isolated bladder outlet obstruction associated with hydronephrosis? A database analysis
Authors: Sinha Sanjay , Matai Lavina
Published: September 2020

Aims

To examine whether isolated bladder outlet obstruction in the absence of associated lower urinary tract abnormality results in hydronephrosis. Isolated obstruction causes a brief rise in bladder pressure that might not trigger hydronephrosis.

Methods

Data included adult men who underwent urodynamics for refractory non‐neurogenic lower tract symptoms between 2011 and 2020. International Continence Society indices for obstruction (bladder outlet obstruction index [BOOI] ≥ 40) and underactivity (bladder contractility index [BCI] < 100) were calculated. Storage abnormality was defined as detrusor overactivity (DO) or poor compliance (<20 ml/cm H20). Isolated obstruction was defined as BOOI ≥ 40, BCI ≥ 100 and no storage abnormality. Nonparametric tests using R program (3.5.0) applied (p < .05 significant). Logistic regression analyses were performed to study the relationships of hydronephrosis with lower urinary tract function.

Results

A total 1596 men (range, 18–91 years; median, 51.0 years; Q3, 64.0 years; Q1, 34.0 years) were eligible. Hydronephrosis was noted in 274 (17.2%). A total of 45.4% were obstructed, 52.3% were underactive and 41.7% had storage abnormality. Storage abnormality (odds ratios [OR], 2.05; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.56, 2.69; p < .001) and bladder contractility (OR, 1.68; 95% CI, 1.25–2.26; p < .001) but not obstruction (OR, 1.07; 95% CI, 0.80–1.44; p = .634) was associated with hydronephrosis. Of eight possible combinations, men with BOO ≥ 40, BCI ≥ 100 and storage abnormality had highest probability of hydronephrosis (OR, 0.29; 95% CI, 0.24–0.33). Subanalysis showed that poor compliance (OR, 3.39; 95% CI, 2.49–4.60; p < .001) but not DO was associated with hydronephrosis. Younger age and higher postvoid residual urine were also associated with hydronephrosis.

Conclusions

In adult men with refractory non‐neurogenic lower urinary tract symptoms, isolated bladder outlet obstruction is not associated with hydronephrosis.
Independent Role of Severe Obesity as a Risk Factor for COVID‐19 Hospitalization: A Spanish Population‐Based Cohort Study
Authors: Fresán Ujué , Guevara Marcela , Elía Fernando , Albéniz Esther , Burgui Cristina , Castilla Jesús ,   for the Working Group for the Study of COVID‐19 in Navarra
Published: September 2020

Objectives

This study analyzed the association between severe obesity and coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) hospitalization and severe disease.

Methods

The incidence of hospitalization for laboratory‐confirmed COVID‐19 was evaluated in a prospective population‐based cohort of 433,995 persons aged 25 to 79 years in Spain during March and April of 2020. Persons with and without class 3 obesity were compared using Poisson regression to estimate the adjusted relative risk (aRR) from class 3 obesity of COVID‐19 hospitalization and of severe disease (intensive care unit admission or death). Differences in the effect by age, sex, and chronic conditions were evaluated.

Results

Individuals with class 3 obesity had a higher risk of hospitalization (aRR = 2.20, 95% CI: 1.66‐2.93) and developing severe COVID‐19 (aRR = 2.30, 95% CI: 1.20‐4.40). In people younger than 50 years, these effects were more pronounced (aRR = 5.02, 95% CI: 3.19‐7.90 and aRR = 13.80, 95% CI: 3.11‐61.17, respectively), whereas no significant effects were observed in those aged 65 to 79 years (aRR = 1.22, 95% CI: 0.70‐2.12 and aRR = 1.42, 95% CI: 0.52‐3.88, respectively). Sex and chronic conditions did not modify the effect of class 3 obesity in any of the outcomes.

Conclusions

Severe obesity is a relevant risk factor for COVID‐19 hospitalization and severity in young adults, having a magnitude similar to that of aging. Tackling the current obesity pandemic could alleviate the impact of chronic and infectious diseases.

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A novel approach for isolation of nanofibers from sugarcane bagasse and its characterization for packaging applications
Authors: Gond R. K. , Gupta M. K.
Published: September 2020

A novel approach including only one stage of ecofriendly treatment, by sodium bicarbonate, followed by mechanical grinding was used to isolate the nanofibers from waste sugarcane bagasse subjected to its characterization for the packaging applications. The result of dynamic light scattering (DLS) analysis was found in line with the result of transmission electron microscopy (TEM) to confirm the nanosize of developed nanofibers. The X‐ray diffraction analysis showed the highest crystallinity of nanofibers than those of untreated and treated fibers. The removal of hemicelluloses and lignin from treated fibers and nanofibers was confirmed by Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) analysis. Moreover, a good thermal stability of nanofibers was also confirmed by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). The optical properties (ie, absorbance and transmittance) in wavelength range 200 to 700 nm were also measured using UV‐visible spectroscope. An excellent optical and antibacterial property against Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Bacillus bacteria along with better strength and stiffness was offered by the isolated nanofibers, which makes them the most suitable reinforcement to be used in polymeric composites for the packaging applications.
Portuguese validation of the Separation Anxiety Scale for Children (SASC)
Authors: Sousa‐Rodrigues Micaela F. , Espada José P. , Gonzálvez María T. , Orgilés Mireia
Published: September 2020

Separation anxiety symptoms are very common in children. The present study aims to examine the psychometric properties and the factorial structure of the Portuguese version of the Separation Anxiety Scale for Children (SASC). The participants included 874 children, 52% male, aged between 8 and 11 years (M = 9.50; SD = 1.15). Factor analysis supported the three‐factor model found in the original scale. The instrument demonstrated to have good reliability for the total score (α = .81) and for its three factors (Discomfort from separation, α = .80; Worry about separation, α = .72; Calm at separation, α = .59). The validity, examined via the correlation of the SASC with the separation anxiety subscale of the SCARED, was satisfactory (r = .49); the test–retest reliability for the total scale was good (r = .81). The SASC was shown to have good psychometric properties for its use with Portuguese children for clinical and research purposes.
Semi‐fluorinated polyarylenes: Microwave‐assisted synthesis and structure–property relationships
Authors: Budy Stephen M. , Khan Mansoor , Chang Xu , Iacono Scott T. , Son David Y.
Published: September 2020

A series of three fluorine containing and three non‐fluorinated Diels–Alder step‐growth polyarylene polymers and copolymers was synthesized via conventional oil bath heating (days/weeks). A drastic time reduction was realized with a microwave‐assisted polymerization (hours). The polymers were characterized by multinuclear (1H, 13C, and 19F) NMR and attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR‐FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal analysis (thermogravimetric analysis [TGA], differential scanning calorimetry [DSC], and dynamic mechanical analysis [DMA]), gel permeation chromatography, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), water contact analysis, and refractive index (RI) measurements. The NMR spectra indicated a mixture of para and meta conformations through the polymer backbone increasing to more para with greater fluorine content. TGA revealed the fluorine‐containing polyarylenes possessed the highest char yields at almost 80% at 1000°C under nitrogen, and all the polyarylenes possessed onset of degradation temperatures above 550°C under nitrogen and air atmospheres. XRD analysis indicated more ordering for the fluorine‐containing polyarylenes which afforded the high char yields. DMA gave storage moduli values in the range of 1–10 GPa for the polyarylenes. Molecular weights for all samples were above 100 kg/mol. Water contact angles did not change with fluorine content due to the shielding effect of the pendant phenyl groups. However, the RI decreased to 1.6497 at 632.8 nm for the polyarylene with the highest fluorine content.
Chalcogenide Science in Romania
Authors: Lőrinczi Adam , Bădică Petre , Boţilă Toni , Ciurea Magdalena , Velea Alin , Popescu Aurelian , Socol Gabriel , Antohe Stefan , Nedelcu Nicoleta , Sobeţkii Arcadie
Published: September 2020

Almost six decades ago, in Romania a small group of physicists begun to study chalcogenide compositions, motivated primarily by the desire to understand the phase‐change phenomenon in these materials, discovered recently, at that time, by Stanford R. Ovshinsky. It took not too long for them to realize the challenges these materials set to the research. With newcomers to the field, the research was broadened. In some cases just for basic research, to model, and to understand the chalcogenide materials, whereas in other cases, the applicative potential was revealed and used. Herein, the evolution of the field of these somewhat exotic materials is followed, listing the main contributions done in Romania, both in basic and applied research.
High‐Pressure Characterization of the Cage‐Structured Explosive TEX by Dispersion‐Corrected DFT Calculations
Authors: Wang Wenpeng , Li Hanwei , Liu Qijun , Liu Fusheng , Liu Zhengtang
Published: September 2020

4,10‐Dinitro‐2,6,8,12‐tetraoxa‐4,10‐diazaisowurtzitane (TEX) is one of the densest N‐nitramine explosives. This work reports the structure, molecular interactions, equation of state, and electronic properties of TEX using dispersion‐corrected density functional theory (DFT‐D) calculations. The simulated lattice parameters and molecular interactions are in good agreement with the experimental data at ambient pressure. Furthermore, the high‐pressure characterization of TEX is studied as well. A good agreement of the simulated and experimental unit‐cell constants is obtained as a function of pressure up to 10 GPa, and a structural change is identified at around 1.5 GPa. The pressure dependence of the molecular geometries and interactions confirm this change and suggest that it involves a pressure‐induced distorted nitro functional group. Moreover, the equation of state of TEX in the range of 0–10 GPa is determined by fitting the pressure–volume (P–V) data to the Birch–Murnahan equation of state. From the first‐principles bandgap criterion, the impact sensitivity of TEX under high pressure is predicted.
Oxygen Vacancies in the Single Layer of Ti2CO2 MXene: Effects of Gating Voltage, Mechanical Strain, and Atomic Impurities
Authors: Bafekry Asadollah , Nguyen Chuong Van , Stampfl Catherine , Akgenc Berna , Ghergherehchi Mitra
Published: September 2020

Herein, using first‐principles calculations the structural and electronic properties of the Ti2CO2 MXene monolayer with and without oxygen vacancies are systematically investigated with different defect concentrations and patterns, including partial, linear, local, and hexagonal types. The Ti2CO2 monolayer is found to be a semiconductor with a bandgap of 0.35 eV. The introduction of oxygen vacancies tends to increase the bandgap and leads to electronic phase transitions from nonmagnetic semiconductors to half‐metals. Moreover, the semiconducting characteristic of O‐vacancy Ti2CO2 can be adjusted via electric fields, strain, and F‐atom substitution. In particular, an electric field can be used to alter the nonmagnetic semiconductor of O‐vacancy Ti2CO2 into a magnetic one or into a half‐metal, whereas the electronic phase transition from a semiconductor to metal can be achieved by applying strain and F‐atom substitution. The results provide a useful guide for practical applications of O‐vacancy Ti2CO2 monolayers in nanoelectronic and spinstronic nanodevices.
Contesting Science That Silences: Amplifying Equity, Agency, and Design Research in Literacy Teacher Preparation
Authors: Hoffman James V. , Hikida Michiko , Sailors Misty
Published: September 2020

In this article, we argue that the “science of reading” (SOR) construct is being used to shape the future of literacy teacher preparation and silence the voices and work of literacy teacher education researchers to the detriment of quality science, quality teaching, and quality teacher preparation. First, we briefly inspect the SOR movement in terms of its historical roots in experimental psychology. Next, we examine the claims being made by SOR advocates regarding the absence of attention to the SOR literature in teacher preparation programs, and the related claims for the negative consequences that occur when these so‐called underprepared teachers enter the workforce. Then, we present literature reviews, drawn from a large and dynamic database of research on literacy teacher preparation (over 600 empirical studies that were published between 1999 and 2018); the studies in the database have been excluded from the SOR. Finally, we conclude with a discussion of equity, agency, and design as a pathway forward in improving literacy teacher preparation.
On the synthesis of metadata tags for HTML files
Authors: Jiménez Patricia , Roldán Juan C. , Gallego Fernando O. , Corchuelo Rafael
Published: September 2020

RDFa, JSON‐LD, Microdata, and Microformats allow to endow the data in HTML files with metadata tags that help software agents understand them. Unluckily, there are many HTML files that do not have any metadata tags, which has motivated many authors to work on proposals to synthesize them. But they have some problems: the authors either provide an overall picture of their designs without too many details on the techniques behind the scenes or focus on the techniques but do not describe the design of the software systems that support them; many of them cannot deal with data that are encoded using semistructured formats like forms, listings, or tables; and the few proposals that can work on tables can deal with horizontal listings only. In this article, we describe the design of a system that overcomes the previous limitations using a novel embedding approach that has proven to outperform four state‐of‐the‐art techniques on a repository with randomly selected HTML files from 40 different sites. According to our experimental analysis, our proposal can achieve an F1 score that outperforms the others by 10.14%; this difference was confirmed to be statistically significant at the standard confidence level.
Mode interaction in cold‐formed steel members: state‐of‐art report
Authors: Camotim Dinar , Martins André Dias , Dinis Pedro Borges , Young Ben , Chen Man‐Tai , Landesmann Alexandre
Published: September 2020

Extended keynote paper of Eurosteel 2021

This two‐part paper provides a state‐of‐art report on the most recent findings concerning the behaviour, strength and Direct Strength Method (DSM) design of cold‐formed steel (CFS) columns and beams affected by mode coupling phenomena not adequately covered by the current specifications for CFS members, namely local‐distortional (L‐D), local‐distortional‐global (L‐D‐G), distortional‐global (D‐G) and global‐global (flexural‐torsional/flexural – FT‐F) interaction. The paper addresses experimental tests, numerical simulations and DSM‐based design approaches that are intended to i) acquire in‐depth knowledge on the non‐linear behaviour (elastic and elastic‐plastic), load‐carrying capacity and failure mode nature of the members under consideration, and ii) make use of that knowledge to develop, propose and assess the merit of efficient DSM‐based design approaches to estimate their failure loads/moments. Initially, illustrative column results are briefly presented to help grasp some fundamental concepts, namely the characterisation of i) the aforementioned mode coupling phenomena, ii) different sources of mode interaction that may lead to failure load/moment erosion, and iii) the most detrimental initial geometrical imperfections. The DSM design curves currently codified and two strength curves recently developed for column flexural‐torsional and beam distortional failures are presented next. The two‐part paper then addresses separately each mode coupling phenomenon dealt with, for columns, but only L‐D and D‐G interaction for beams – while L‐D interaction (in columns and beams) appears in Part 1, the remaining column and beam coupling phenomena (all involving global buckling) are dealt with in Part 2 [1]. For columns undergoing L‐D and L‐D‐G interaction, beams experiencing L‐D interaction and angle columns susceptible to FT‐F interaction, the work reported includes experimental studies, numerical simulations and DSM‐based design considerations and/or guidelines. For the remaining coupling phenomena, only numerical results are reported, but they unveil interesting (and unexpected) behavioural features that will help plan future test campaigns and achieve efficient design approaches. Finally, the two‐part paper closes with a few concluding remarks and an outlook regarding future developments in this field.
Long‐term investigations on reduction of constraint forces caused by imposed deformation by creep
Authors: Berger Johannes , Feix Juergen
Published: September 2020

External constraint is an action that arises when a structure cannot deform freely. This deformation may be caused by imposed deformation. These deformations lead to support reactions and internal forces only in statically indeterminate systems and are proportional to the absolute values of the structural stiffness. The structural stiffness is significantly reduced by creep of concrete. The classical models for calculating the creep impact on constraint forces assume linear‐elastic or linear‐viscoelastic behavior. The influence of the reinforcement on the creep deformation is neglected as well as the effect of cracking. For this reason, experiments were carried out to obtain results on the creep‐induced degradation of constrained forces caused by imposed deformations. Long‐term experiments were performed on a two‐span beam on which the constraint force was applied by lifting the middle support. Dimensions of the test bodies were l/w/h = 7.3 m/0.4 m/0.2 m. Measurements were carried out on two test bodies, one conventional reinforced test body and one post‐tensioned test body. Thus, the stiffness of a cracked and non‐cracked test body was given. As a result, the influence of the reinforcement as well as effect of crack formation can be taken into account. The experiment lasted over a period of 500 days. The aim is to compare the results of the theoretical models taking into account different stiffness and different creep behavior with the measured test results.
Synthesis of Large Platelets of Egyptian Blue via Pseudomorphosis after NaRUB‐18
Authors: Loch Patrick , Martin Thomas , Grüner Michael , Kaupp Günther , Schwieger Wilhelm , Breu Josef
Published: September 2020

A colored platy substrate with appreciable aspect ratio can improve the hiding power while extending the color range of pearlescent pigments. One of the oldest synthetic pigments, Egyptian blue, possesses a layered structure and a platy morphology, making it a promising colored substrate for pearlescent pigments, which derives its blue color from CuII. Unfortunately, existing synthesis routes are either not technically benign or lack the natural platy morphology. Here, we introduce a new synthesis route starting with large, square‐shaped platelets of a synthetic layered sodium silicate (NaRUB‐18). As evidenced by Rietveld refinement and scanning electron microscopy, NaRUB‐18 can be converted with conservation of this attractive morphology (pseudomorphosis) into Egyptian blue.
The Arm’s Blind Line: Anisotropic Distortion in Perceived Orientation of Stimuli on the Arm
Authors: Kuroki Scinob
Published: September 2020

Given that mechanoreceptors are highly heterogeneously distributed and there is no direct sensory signal of the distribution, it must be challenging for the brain to identify stimuli in external space by remapping sensory inputs. Some previous studies reported perceptual distortion of tactile space, reflecting a difference in scales for different body parts. Here we report another example in which the orientation of stimuli perceived on the arm is rotated regionally, or even flipped. This illusion cannot be explained simply in terms of the resolution difference of mechanoreceptors.
Evaluation of Changes in Perceived Intensity and Threshold of Moisture Sensation of Clothes Associated with Skin Moisture
Authors: You Shanyi , Shibahara Mai , Sato Katsunari
Published: September 2020

Moisture sensation is an important determinant of clothing comfort. Conventional studies have attempted to elucidate the mechanism behind moisture sensation by using wet sample cloths that vary by water content. However, these studies did not consider the impact of the moisture levels of the skin that makes contact with the samples. In this study, we investigated changes in skin moisture sensation in terms of perceived strength and detection thresholds, based on contact with sample cloths, given various skin moisture conditions. In the first experiment, participants reported their perceived moisture levels for sample cloths that varied in water content and temperature, after making forearm contact with each sample cloth. The result showed that participants felt small amounts of moisture when skin moisture was increased. In the second experiment, participants’ detection thresholds were evaluated using the staircase method, based on forearm-sample contact. The results showed that skin moisture did not affect the threshold of moisture sensation.
WeATaViX: WEarable Actuated TAngibles for VIrtual Reality eXperiences
Authors: de Tinguy Xavier , Howard Thomas , Pacchierotti Claudio , Marchal Maud , Lécuyer Anatole
Published: September 2020

This paper presents the design and evaluation of a wearable haptic interface for natural manipulation of tangible objects in Virtual Reality (VR). It proposes an interaction concept between encounter-type and tangible haptics. The actuated 1 degree-of-freedom interface brings a tangible object in and out of contact with a user’s palm, rendering making and breaking of contact with, and allowing grasping and manipulation of virtual objects. Device performance tests show that changes in contact states can be rendered with delays as low as 50 ms, with additional improvements to contact synchronicity obtained through our proposed interaction technique. An exploratory user study in VR showed that our device can render compelling grasp and release interactions with static and slowly moving virtual objects, contributing to user immersion.
ThermalTex: A Two-Modal Tactile Display for Delivering Surface Texture and Thermal Information
Authors: Guo X. , Zhang Y. , Wei W. , Xu W. , Wang D.
Published: September 2020

We present a two-modal surface display that can simultaneously display thermal and texture stimuli to the user’s fingers. The texture is generated by electrovibration effect on a flexible film with a high thermal conductivity. The temperature of the film is controlled by Peltier element attached with a water-cooling heatsink. The performance of the prototyped device is evaluated by the temperature response to the step signal and the maximum electrostatic force of the display. The application of the display is demonstrated in a virtual reality environment where users can feel the two modal haptic property of the virtual object.
Movement-Free Virtual Reality Interface Using Kinesthetic Illusion Induced by Tendon Vibration
Authors: Tanaka Satoshi , Ushiyama Keigo , Takahashi Akifumi , Kajimoto Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

In current virtual reality (VR) systems, the physical movement of the body is required, which creates problems of safety, cost, and accessibility. To solve those problems, we propose a system that fixes a user’s body, detects force when a user tries to move, and generates the sensation of movement using kinesthetic illusion caused by tendon vibration. We implemented a system limited to simple motion, and conducted an experiment to evaluate operability, body ownership, and agency. Although we could not statistically verify the effect of kinesthetic illusion, the results suggested that it may be possible that kinesthetic illusion could increase ownership and decrease agency.
Haptic Display Using Fishing Rod
Authors: Naito Daiki , Kajimoto Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

This paper proposes a grounded haptic display that can widely present a force sensation using a fishing rod. The proposed haptic display incorporates a fishing rod to present the force sensation at the user’s fingertip using a thread being reeled from the tip of the fishing rod. The multidirectional force sensation is presented by driving the base supporting the fishing rod using a pan-tilt mechanism, and wending the thread using the reel. The fishing rod is lightweight and moves at high speed. Additionally, it is possible to widely present the force by bending the fishing rod. This device requires conversion from the position of the user’s fingertip and magnitude of the force to the necessary winding force of the thread and the posture of the fishing rod. This study developed a control method and evaluated it by considering a case wherein the force to be presented is exerted in the vertical direction.
2MoTac: Simulation of Button Click by Superposition of Two Ultrasonic Plate Waves
Authors: Garcia Pierre , Giraud Frédéric , Lemaire-Semail Betty , Rupin Matthieu , Amberg Michel
Published: September 2020

Recent studies have shown that a button click sensation could be simulated thanks to ultrasonic vibrations. In this context, a travelling wave may enhance the simulation because it creates internal lateral stresses that are released during the stimulation. However, this solution is difficult to integrate on plates. We present 2MoTac, a method which superpose a longitudinal and a bending mode simultaneously on a plate, in order to create a pseudo-travelling wave. We present the design, and a psychophysical study to deduce the optimal ratio between the bending and longitudinal mode amplitudes, in terms of detection threshold and robustness.
ElectroAR: Distributed Electro-Tactile Stimulation for Tactile Transfer
Authors: Tirado Jonathan , Panov Vladislav , Yem Vibol , Tsetserukou Dzmitry , Kajimoto Hiroyuki
Published: September 2020

We present ElectroAR, a visual and tactile sharing system for hand skills training. This system comprises a head-mounted display (HMD), two cameras, a tactile sensing glove, and an electro-tactile stimulation glove. The trainee wears the tactile sensing glove that gets pressure data from touching different objects. His/her movements are recorded by two cameras, which are located in front and top side of the workspace. In the remote site, the trainer wears the electro-tactile stimulation glove. This glove transforms the remotely collected pressure data to electro-tactile stimuli. Additionally, the trainer wears an HMD to see and guide the movements of the trainee. The key part of this project is to combine distributed tactile sensor and electro-tactile display to let the trainer understand what the trainee is doing. Results show our system supports a higher user’s recognition performance.
Identifying Tactors Locations on the Proximal Phalanx of the Finger for Navigation
Authors: Saint-Aubert Justine
Published: September 2020

Vibrotactile stimulation has been investigated to provide navigational cues through belts, vests, wrist-bands and exotic displays. A more compact solution would be the use of a ring type display. In order to test its feasibility, a user-centered experiment is conducted. The ability of participants to identify cardinal directions and inter cardinal directions by vibrotactile stimulation on the proximal phalanx is investigated. The results indicate that participants achieved $$96\%$$

96
%

accuracy for cardinal directions and $$69\%$$

69
%

accuracy for cardinal plus inter-cardinal directions using a static stimulation. The identification rates of dynamic stimulation are lower than that of static stimulation.
Identification Rate of Simple and Complex Tactile Alerts in MUM-T Setup
Authors: Rosenblum Dana , Katzman Nuphar , Oron-Gilad Tal
Published: September 2020

Vibro-tactile interfaces were proposed as an alternative to enhance human-machine communication in information-rich domains. The current study aims to examine the effectiveness of two levels of tactile alerts when combined with visual alerts, in MUM-T (Manned UnManned Teaming) setup. In MUM-T, aside from their primary mission, mounted operators are responsible for supportive unmanned systems and must attend to their health. On the simple level, the alert provides information about a threat or a failure in the supportive unmanned systems, while in the complex level, the alert includes more specific information about the source of failure, that may require more effort to interpret. The experiment simulates an operational mission in which participants ride an autonomous ground patrol vehicle while identifying threats and targets in the area and being supported by two unmanned systems. Response accuracy to alerts and threat identification rates were measured. Results indicate that tactile alerts given in addition to visual alerts in a visually loaded and auditory noisy scene, improve task performance. Moreover, the complex level of tactile alerts did not impair performance compared to the simple level of tactile alerts and led to higher rate of identification in specific cases. Nevertheless, relatively high rates of false alarms (FA) for threats were observed, especially when tactile alerts were present, which can be explained by the payment matrix (no penalty) or by the assumption that adding tactile alerts may lead participants to be more vigilant, which can lead to higher correct identifications, but also to higher FA rates.
Tactile Perception of Objects by the User’s Palm for the Development of Multi-contact Wearable Tactile Displays
Authors: Altamirano Cabrera Miguel , Heredia Juan , Tsetserukou Dzmitry
Published: September 2020

The user’s palm plays an important role in object detection and manipulation. The design of a robust multi-contact tactile display must consider the sensation and perception of the stimulated area, aiming to deliver the right stimuli at the correct location. To the best of our knowledge, there is no study to obtain the human palm data for this purpose. The objective of this work is to introduce a method to investigate the user’s palm sensations during the interaction with objects. An array of fifteen Force Sensitive Resistors (FSRs) was located at the user’s palm to get the area of interaction, and the normal force delivered to four different convex surfaces. Experimental results showed the active areas at the palm during the interaction with each of the surfaces at different forces. The obtained results were verified in an experiment for pattern recognition to discriminate the applied force. The patterns were delivered in correlation with the acquired data from the previous experiment. The overall recognition rate equals 84%, which means that user can distinguish four patterns with high confidence. The obtained results can be applied in the development of multi-contact wearable tactile and haptic displays for the palm, and in training a machine-learning algorithm to predict stimuli aiming to achieve a highly immersive experience in Virtual Reality.
Verstehen durch qualitative Methoden – der Beitrag der interpretativen Sozialforschung zur Gesundheitsberichterstattung
Authors: Kelle Udo , Tempel Günter
Published: September 2020

Gesundheitsberichterstattung basiert in aller Regel auf standardisiert erhobenen, quantitativen Daten; die Anwendung von Verfahren der qualitativen Sozialforschung ist die Ausnahme. Mit dem vorliegenden Beitrag soll der potenzielle Nutzen qualitativer Verfahren in der Gesundheitsberichterstattung dargestellt werden. Im Mittelpunkt stehen folgende Fragen: Was kennzeichnet qualitative Verfahren, was sind ihre theoretischen und methodischen Grundlagen und welchen spezifischen Beitrag können sie in der Gesundheitsberichterstattung leisten?

Qualitativ orientierte Forschung geht davon aus, dass Menschen letztendlich aufgrund subjektiver Bedeutungen, die die Dinge in ihrer Umgebung und das Verhalten ihrer Mitmenschen für sie haben, handeln. Qualitative Methoden bieten hier sehr oft bessere Möglichkeiten als standardisierte Verfahren (in vielen Kontexten oft die einzigen), diese subjektiven Sichtweisen und Handlungsorientierungen zu eruieren. Aufgrund ihrer methodischen Besonderheiten sind qualitative Methoden geeignet für die Exploration gesundheitsrelevanter Wahrnehmungen, Einstellungen und Verhaltensweisen. Die Ergebnisse können helfen, die Passgenauigkeit von Präventionsprogrammen zu verbessern, sie können aber auch der Ausgangspunkt für weitere hypothesentestende quantitative Forschung sein.

Die für qualitative Methoden charakteristische Offenheit bedeutet keine Beliebigkeit. Die Anwendung qualitativer Methoden setzt ausreichende Expertise voraus, darüber hinaus sind, wie in der quantitativen Forschung, Sorgfalt und ein regelgeleitetes Vorgehen erforderlich. Hinzu kommt Transparenz; die Daten sind genau zu dokumentieren und das Vorgehen bei der Analyse ist offenzulegen. Auch die Ergebnisse qualitativer Forschung müssen einer kritischen Würdigung standhalten können.
Setting the stage for next-generation risk assessment with non-animal approaches: the EU-ToxRisk project experience
Authors: Moné M. J. , Pallocca G. , Escher S. E. , Exner T. , Herzler M. , Bennekou S. Hougaard , Kamp H. , Kroese E. D. , Leist Marcel , Steger-Hartmann T. , van de Water B.
Published: September 2020

In 2016, the European Commission launched the EU-ToxRisk research project to develop and promote animal-free approaches in toxicology. The 36 partners of this consortium used in vitro and in silico methods in the context of case studies (CSs). These CSs included both compounds with a highly defined target (e.g. mitochondrial respiratory chain inhibitors) as well as compounds with poorly defined molecular initiation events (e.g. short-chain branched carboxylic acids). The initial project focus was on developing a science-based strategy for read-across (RAx) as an animal-free approach in chemical risk assessment. Moreover, seamless incorporation of new approach method (NAM) data into this process (= NAM-enhanced RAx) was explored. Here, the EU-ToxRisk consortium has collated its scientific and regulatory learnings from this particular project objective. For all CSs, a mechanistic hypothesis (in the form of an adverse outcome pathway) guided the safety evaluation. ADME data were generated from NAMs and used for comprehensive physiological-based kinetic modelling. Quality assurance and data management were optimized in parallel. Scientific and Regulatory Advisory Boards played a vital role in assessing the practical applicability of the new approaches. In a next step, external stakeholders evaluated the usefulness of NAMs in the context of RAx CSs for regulatory acceptance. For instance, the CSs were included in the OECD CS portfolio for the Integrated Approach to Testing and Assessment project. Feedback from regulators and other stakeholders was collected at several stages. Future chemical safety science projects can draw from this experience to implement systems toxicology-guided, animal-free next-generation risk assessment.
Out of the woods: psychophysiological investigations on wood odors to estimate their suitability as ambient scents
Authors: Schreiner Linda , Karacan Brid , Blankenagel Sonja , Packhaeuser Kai , Freiherr Jessica , Loos Helene M.
Published: September 2020

Wood has been an important raw material for centuries, and humans encounter it in the form of furniture and building materials or in products of daily use. The odors emanating from such wood-based materials can add another facet to their functionality by influencing human well-being and mood. Moreover, wood odors can be used in odor-enhanced environments to foster relaxation and stress recovery. The current study was conducted to assess the subjective evaluation of, and physiological responses to, wood odors and individual wood odor constituents. The subjects smelled the odors of pine needles oil, cedar wood oil, α-pinene, and thymoquinone and evaluated the odor percept and their subjective feelings. Heart rate, finger temperature, and skin conductance were monitored throughout the experiment. The results showed that wood odors were distinct regarding their pleasantness, familiarity, and intensity. All odors enhanced the subjective feelings of happiness and content. Though no odor-specific physiological effects became evident, certain physiological measures correlated with self-reports of happy and relaxed feelings and the intensity ratings of the odors. The present study provides a basis for further studies on the use of wood odors as ambient scents and helps understanding the influence of natural odors on humans.
The role of claw color in species recognition and mate choice in a fiddler crab
Authors: Dyson M. L , Perez D. M , Curran T , McCullough E. L , Backwell P. R. Y
Published: September 2020

Many animal signals are brightly colored and convey information about species identity as well as information about individual conspecifics. Colorful bird and lizard signals have received much attention, and many studies have related specific spectral properties of these signals to variation in mating success and territory defense. Far less attention has been given to invertebrates even though there are spectacularly colorful species. The enlarged claw of the male banana fiddler crab Austruca mjoebergi, for example, is bright yellow and contrasts vividly against the mudflat substrate. It is used in waving displays to attract females and in male territory defense and combat. Claw color varies among males in the degree of “yellowness,” ranging very pale yellow to orange. In this study, we examined female responses to claw color variation in two-choice tests using robotic crabs. We found that although females strongly discriminate against colors that fall outside the natural range of intensity, hue, and chroma, they show no consistent preferences for different claw colors within the natural range, and no single component of claw color (hue, chroma, or intensity) independently affected female choices. Using three-choice tests, we also showed that female preferences induce stabilizing selection on male claw color. We conclude that, although claw color is sufficient to facilitate species recognition, it is unlikely to be used in intraspecific mate choice to provide information about male quality.

Significance statement

Fiddler crabs are often brightly colored, are visually orientated animals, and have a highly complex social system. Despite this, there are few studies that have looked at the role of color in species recognition and mate choice in these animals. In this study, we use robotic crabs with painted claws to determine the role of claw color in species recognition and mate choice in the banana fiddler crab, Austruca mjoebergi. We found that color is important in conspecific mate recognition but the variation among males in claw “yellowness” is unlikely to be used by females in intraspecific mate choice decisions.