bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication and Mechanical Performance of Glass Fiber Reinforced, Three‐phase, Epoxy Syntactic Foam
Authors: Jiang Tao , Wu Xinfeng , Gao Yuan , Wang Ying , Yang Ke , Liu Tengshi , Yu Jinhong , Sun Kai , Zhao Yuantao , Li Wenge
Published: January 2022

In the selection of materials for deep‐sea equipment, light weight and high strength are the most important criteria or requirements. In this paper, hollow glass microspheres (HGMS), expanded polystyrene (EPS), epoxy resin (EP) and curing agent were mixed to prepare hollow glass microspheres reinforced epoxy foam balls (HGMS‐EHS) by the rolling ball method. Glass fiber (GF) reinforced epoxy syntactic foam (GF‐ESF) was prepared by mixing HGMS‐EHS, HGMS, EP, GF, and curing agent using compression moulding method. By analyzing the mechanical properties and microscopic morphology of GF‐ESF, the results show that the addition of GF does enhance the compressive strength of epoxy syntactic foam. GF‐ESF has a density of 496 kg/m3, and its compressive strength is 30.48 MPa. By increasing the number of layers of HGMS‐EHS, the diameter of EPS, the density of HGMS and reducing the stacking volume of HGMS‐EHS, the density of ESF increased significantly thus subsequently increase the compressive strength. Therefore, the compressive strength and density should be considered comprehensively and find the best balance point in the process of preparing ESF. This paper could provide some suggestions for the preparation of deep‐sea epoxy composites.
A Valuable Method for the Synthesis of 2‐Benzylchromones: A Comparative Evaluation of Both Conventional and Microwave‐Assisted Synthesis
Authors: Silva Carlos F. M. , Pacheco João A. , Pinto Diana C. G. A. , Silva Artur M. S.
Published: January 2022

Chromones (4H‐chromen‐4‐ones) contemplate a naturally occurring class of compounds widely distributed in Nature, particularly in plants. This singular ring system has emerged as a privileged scaffold in medicinal chemistry, mainly due to its unique structural features, diverse biological activities, and pharmacological properties. Throughout the past few years, our efforts have been focused on synthesizing a series of 2‐benzylchromones through a Claisen condensation, using 2’‐hydroxyacetophenones and ethyl 2‐phenylacetates. However, the extended periods of reaction necessary for the synthesis of 2‐benzylchromones led to the search for an alternative. Thus, microwave irradiation emerged as a suitable approach to obtain these chromones in shorter reaction times and with similar or even improved synthetic yields. Our work demonstrates that it is possible to synthesize 2‐benzylchromones through both conventional and microwave‐assisted synthesis, favoring the use of microwave irradiation.
Base‐Catalyzed Intramolecular Self‐Cyclization of o‐Alkenylaryl Isocyanides: Access to 4‐Cyano‐3‐arylquinolines
Authors: Li Chao , Wang He , Liu Lu , Sun Ran , Wang Xin , Zhou Ming‐Dong , Li Lei
Published: January 2022

A novel base‐catalyzed intramolecular self‐cyclization reaction of o‐alkenylaryl isocyanides has been successfully developed. This reaction provides a general, efficient and atom‐economic method to access 4‐cyano‐3‐arylquinolines with broad scope of substrates and excellent functional group compatibilities.
Effect of Morphology Control of Hexaniobate Nanotubes on their Acid Characteristics and Ethyl Mercaptan Removal in Light Alkane
Authors: Jiang Zhejian , He Jie , Zhu Jichao , Zhang Xiang , Hu Lifang
Published: January 2022

Organic sulfide usually exists in light alkane such as natural gas, biogas, oilfield gas, etc. Due to its toxicity, flammability, and corrosivity, a series of environmental and safety problems will be caused. Physical adsorption with adsorbent is one of the dry desulfurization methods, which has the characteristics of mild conditions, no by‐products, and simple regeneration. Herein, the adsorbent protonated H4Nb6O17 nanotubes (HNT) were constructed by a new spray method. The morphology, skeleton structure, surface hydroxyl groups, and the Brønsted acid sites properties of the as‐prepared samples were characterized and analyzed in detail. The adsorption, separation, and recycling performance were evaluated by the probe compound ethyl mercaptan (Et‐SH) in CH4. The results show that H4Nb6O17 nanotubes prepared by a spray method with improved morphology have better adsorption properties for ethyl mercaptan in methane than that of the sample prepared by traditional flocculation methods. The results suggest that the spray technology brings about high dispersion of nanotube aggregation, small tube diameter, and the enhancement of Brønsted acid. These characteristics will lead to higher adsorption and removal capacity of ethyl mercaptan. This work is also helpful to explain the relationship between structure and acidity in niobate nanomaterials, and provides new idea for the construction of 1D nanomaterials.
Functionalized Carbon Nanotube based Cyanide Detection and Degradation
Authors: Billing Beant K. , Verma Meenakshi , Chaudhary Monika
Published: January 2022

Owing to the extraordinary characteristics Carbon Nanotubes exhibit, these have been employed for wide range of applications. The recognition of chemical contaminants is one such area of research which always involve advancement in concern to the environmental protection and public health. In this regard, Carbon nanotubes decorated with nickel nanoparticles (CNT@Ni) nano‐hybrid has been fabricated and characterized with scanning electron microscopy, Transmission electron microscopy, energy dispersive X‐Ray analysis, X‐Ray Diffraction and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. Anion recognition studies were performed for CNT@Ni nano‐hybrid, a significant response was observed for Cyanide ion (CN−) detection and exhibited a detection limit of 7.2 nM. Further, detected CN−was electrochemically reduced to non‐toxic OCN−in order to prevent the environment from its toxic effects while disposing off.
Design, synthesis, and biological evaluation of novel FFA1 partial agonists bearing oxime ether scaffold**
Authors: Wang Bin , Cai Zongyu , Chen Siliang , Chen Ya , Jiao Shixuan , Ren Qiang , Wang Xuekun , Geng Xinqian , Li Zheng , Wang Guangji
Published: January 2022

The free fatty acid receptor 1 (FFA1) is a promising anti‐diabetic target, and many FFA1 agonists including TAK‐875 and AMG‐837 are reached in clinical studies. However, the excessive lipophilicity of AMG‐837 (ClogP=6.81) might be a potential downside attributed to the clinical failure of AMG‐837. In this study, we introduced the oxime ether moiety to replace the middle benzene of AMG‐837 to reduce the lipophilicity. After comprehensive structure‐activity relationship study, the optimal compound 7 was identified as a partial agonist with appropriate lipophilicity (EC50=37.6 nM, Efficacy=71 %, ClogP=4.73). Moreover, compound 7 exhibited significantly glucose‐lowering effects in a dose‐dependent manner, and the glucose‐lowering effect was equivalent to that of TAK‐875 at the dose of 20 mg/kg. In conclusion, this study provided a new series partial agonists bearing oxime ether scaffold, which is worthy for further exploration based on its excellent pharmacological activity and physicochemical property.
In‐Situ Silica Xerogel Assisted Facile Synthesis of Fe‐N‐C Catalysts with Dense Fe‐Nx Active Sites for Efficient Oxygen Reduction
Authors: Liu Maosong , Wang Lijuan , Zhang Long , Zhao Yiran , Chen Kangmin , Li Yanxiao , Yang Xiaohua , Zhao Long , Sun Shuhui , Zhang Jianming
Published: January 2022

In the past decade, atomically dispersed Fe active sites (coordinated with nitrogen) on carbon materials (FeNC) have emerged rapidly as promising single‐atom catalysts (SACs) for the oxygen reduction reaction (ORR) to substitute precious group metal (PGM) catalysts, owing to their earth abundance and low cost. Nonetheless, the production of highly active FeNC SACs is largely restricted by material cost, low product yield and difficulty of microstructure design. Herein, the authors demonstrate a facile in‐situ xerogel (ISG) assisted synthetic strategy, using cheap materials, to construct FeNC SACs (ISG FeNC). The porous silica xerogel, formed in‐situ with the FeNC precursors, encourages the emergence of enormous micropores/mesopores and homogeneous confinement/protection to the precursors during pyrolysis, benefiting to the formation of abundant accessible active sites (27.6 × 1019 sites g–1). Correspondingly, the ISG FeNC exhibits excellent ORR activity with a half‐wave potential (E1/2 = 0.91 V) in alkaline medium. The Zn–air battery assembled using the ISG FeNC SACs as the bifunctional catalyst of air cathode, demonstrates commendable performance with high peak power density of 249.1 mW cm–2 and superior long‐term stability (660 cycles with 220 h). This work offers an economic and efficient way to fabricate PGM‐free SACs for diverse applications.
DS2AN: Deep stacked sparse autoencoder for secure and fast authentication in HetNets
Authors: Hemavathi   , Akhila S. , Zubeda Samreen , Shashidhara R.
Published: January 2022

With the development of wireless communication technologies, providing seamless communication and secured roaming across devices has gained momentum. With 5G building upon and working together with 4G, it promises up to 100 times faster connectivity than 4G, greater bandwidth and extremely low latency. Though this dramatically enhances user experience, it calls for densification of the network by deploying smaller cells. This solution significantly improves network coverage but results in frequent handoffs. With the adoption of newer network technologies, potential new threats are introduced which becomes quite challenging for the industry. For ensuring seamless mobility, an effective handoff mechanism should ensure a secure and fast authentication process. In this article, Deep Sparse Stacked Autoencoder Network (DS2AN), an unsupervised deep learning model has been used to achieve the said objective. In the proposed method, training is done based on number of hidden layers using back propagation algorithm. Once trained, the cost function is minimized in order to achieve fine tuning of DS2AN.Compared with the existing handoff schemes, DS2AN promises a better level of security and a reduction in time required for handoff. Also, DS2AN is used to identify the presence of malicious entities thereby increasing security in the network. The performance of DS2AN algorithm for authentication delay has been evaluated based on communication and computational cost, and the results shows that DS2AN performs better compared to existing techniques.
Talent management, organizational ambidexterity, and firm performance: Evidence from Russian firms
Authors: Latukha Marina , Michailova Snejina , Selivanovskikh Louisa , Kozachuk Tatiana
Published: January 2022

This study investigates how the talent management (TM) practices of talent attraction, development, and retention contribute to organizational ambidexterity (OA) and firm performance in the context of Russia. Based on a cross‐sectional data set of 88 local Russian firms, we investigate the association between the TM practices and OA dimensions and examine the role of exploration and exploitation in the TM–performance relationship. The ordinary least squares regression results show that the effects of talent attraction on exploration, talent development on exploitation, and talent retention on both OA dimensions are significant and positive. Meanwhile, the simple and parallel mediation analyses (using the Hayes' PROCESS program) demonstrate that OA, particularly exploration, mediates the TM–performance relationship. This study contributes to the overall literature on TM and ambidexterity by considering TM practices as crucial antecedents of OA and explaining how and why TM positively affect firm performance.
Endoscopic direct clipping versus indirect clipping for colonic diverticular bleeding: A large multicenter cohort study
Authors: Kishino Takaaki , Nagata Naoyoshi , Kobayashi Katsumasa , Yamauchi Atsushi , Yamada Atsuo , Omori Jun , Ikeya Takashi , Aoyama Taiki , Tominaga Naoyuki , Sato Yoshinori , Ishii Naoki , Sawada Tsunaki , Murata Masaki , Takao Akinari , Mizukami Kazuhiro , Kinjo Ken , Fujimori Shunji , Uotani Takahiro , Fujita Minoru , Sato Hiroki , Suzuki Sho , Narasaka Toshiaki , Hayasaka Junnosuke , Funabiki Tomohiro , Kinjo Yuzuru , Mizuki Akira , Kiyotoki Shu , Mikami Tatsuya , Gushima Ryosuke , Fujii Hiroyuki , Fuyuno Yuta , Gunji Naohiko , Toya Yosuke , Narimatsu Kazuyuki , Manabe Noriaki , Nagaike Koji , Kinjo Tetsu , Sumida Yorinobu , Funakoshi Sadahiro , Kawagishi Kana , Matsuhashi Tamotsu , Komaki Yuga , Miki Kuniko , Watanabe Kazuhiro , Kaise Mitsuru
Published: January 2022

Background

Direct and indirect clipping treatments are used worldwide to treat colonic diverticular bleeding (CDB), but their effectiveness has not been examined in multicenter studies with more than 100 cases.

Objective

We sought to determine the short‐ and long‐term effectiveness of direct versus indirect clipping for CDB in a nationwide cohort.

Methods

We studied 1041 patients with CDB who underwent direct clipping (n = 360) or indirect clipping (n = 681) at 49 hospitals across Japan (CODE BLUE‐J Study).

Results

Multivariate analysis adjusted for age, sex, and important confounding factors revealed that, compared with indirect clipping, direct clipping was independently associated with reduced risk of early rebleeding (<30 days; adjusted odds ratio [AOR] 0.592, p = 0.002), late rebleeding (<1 year; AOR 0.707, p = 0.018), and blood transfusion requirement (AOR 0.741, p = 0.047). No significant difference in initial hemostasis rates was observed between the two groups. Propensity‐score matching to balance baseline characteristics also showed significant reductions in the early and late rebleeding rates with direct clipping. In subgroup analysis, direct clipping was associated with significantly lower rates of early and late rebleeding and blood transfusion need in cases of stigmata of recent hemorrhage with non‐active bleeding on colonoscopy, right‐sided diverticula, and early colonoscopy, but not with active bleeding on colonoscopy, left‐sided diverticula, or elective colonoscopy.

Conclusions

Our large nationwide study highlights the use of direct clipping for CDB treatment whenever possible. Differences in bleeding pattern and colonic location can also be considered when deciding which clipping options to use.
G2/M arrest and mitotic slippage induced by fenbendazole in canine melanoma cells
Authors: Kim Sehoon , Perera Shashini Kanchanamala , Choi Seo‐In , Rebhun Robert B. , Seo Kyoung‐won
Published: January 2022

Background

The use of fenbendazole (FBZ) in terminal cancer patients has recently increased, as anthelminthic drugs, such as FBZ and benzimidazole, exhibit anti‐tubulin effects in tumour cells.

Objectives

The present study evaluated the in vitro anti‐cancer effects of FBZ in five canine melanoma cell lines originating from the oral cavity (UCDK9M3, UCDK9M4, UCDK9M5, KMeC and LMeC).

Methods

Five canine melanoma cell lines were treated with FBZ and analysed with cell viability assay, cell cycle analysis, western blot assay and immunofluorescence staining to identify apoptotic effect, cell cycle arrest, microtubule disruption and mitotic slippage.

Results

Cell viability was reduced in all melanoma cell lines in a dose‐dependent manner after FBZ treatment. Through cell cycle analysis, G2/M arrest and mitotic slippage were identified, which showed a time‐dependent change. All treatment concentrations induced increased cleaved PARP signals in western blot analysis compared to the control groups. Immunofluorescence of cells treated for 24 h revealed defects in microtubule structure, multinucleation or macronucleation. With the exception of UCDK9M3, the melanoma cells showed mitotic slippage and post‐slippage death, indicative of mitotic catastrophe.

Conclusions

These results indicate that FBZ exhibits anti‐cancer effects in vitro against canine melanoma cells; however, further in vivo studies regarding the clinical applications of FBZ are required.
Understanding distribution and occupancy of Himalayan monal in Uttarkashi district, Uttarakhand for conservation and management planning
Authors: Sharief Amira , Singh Hemant , Joshi Bheem Dutt , Singh Inder , Mukherjee Tanoy , Chandra Kailash , Thakur Mukesh , Sharma Lalit Kumar
Published: January 2022

Himalayan monal is a conservation priority species in its entire distribution range because of its declining population due to various anthropogenic threats. However, the information on its distribution and abundance is lacking, which is vital for conservation and management planning. Hence, the present study has assessed the abundance and occupancy of Himalayan monal in Uttarkashi district (Uttarakhand). Camera traps and conventional sign surveys were used for documenting the species during 2018–2019. We deployed a total of 69 camera traps (2819 trap nights) and surveyed 54 trails (650 km), representing the entire habitat and topographic variability of the landscape. The single‐season occupancy framework was used to understand the distribution and occupancy of Himalayan monal in the Uttarkashi district. The top model suggests that the occupancy probability of Himalayan monal was positively influenced (β = 27.52 SE ± 16.25) by landscape slope and was negatively influenced by Reserve Forest (RF) (β = −8.14 SE ± 4.99). The observed naïve occupancy of Himalayan monal was 0.69 in the study area, which was slightly lower than the estimated occupancy. However, in the null model, the site occupancy estimated was found to be 0.82 ± 0.08 with a detection probability of 0.23 ± 0.03. The overall abundance of monal was estimated to be 171.58 ± 10.2 individuals in the study area with an average density of 0.62 km−2. The activity pattern analysis indicates that Himalayan monal remains very active between 6:00 and 12:00 h and slightly less active during mid‐day hours when humans are most active 11:30–16:30 h in its habitat. The present study is a first attempt to estimate occupancy and abundance of monal in non‐protected areas (PA) using both the camera traps and sign surveys. We found that Himalayan monal is abundant outside the PAs, which is a good indication of its long‐term viability. We also identified areas for conservation and management prioritization in Uttarkashi.
The Evolution of Japan’s Peacekeeping Policy 1992–2012
Authors: Fujishige Hiromi Nagata , Uesugi Yuji , Honda Tomoaki
Published: January 2022

In this chapter, we will provide an overview of the evolution of Japan’s peacekeeping policy from the enactment of the Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) Act in 1992 to the era before the return of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in 2012 (we will also briefly mention more recent issues where relevant). The chapter consists of three sections. First, we will outline Japan’s experiences with personnel contribution to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKOs) and other related activities. For this purpose, we will pay particular attention to Japan’s policy concept of International Peace Cooperation (IPC), in which UNPKO participation is embedded. Because the two variations of IPC (narrow vs. broad) coexist within the Government of Japan (GoJ) policy framework, we will evaluate its actual performance within these respective categories. Second, we will trace how Japan tried to follow the trends of “robustness” and “integration” from the early 1990s to 2012. Above all, we will investigate how the fifth item of the Five Principles, namely the restriction on the use of weapons only for self-preservation, caused practical problems for the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) peacekeepers on the ground, widening the gap between Japan and the international standard. Lastly, however, we will summarize how political realignment and shifts in public opinion were related to the decline of anti-militarism, which once restrained Japan’s UNPKO participation.
South Sudan: The SDF and “Protection of Civilians”
Authors: Fujishige Hiromi Nagata , Uesugi Yuji , Honda Tomoaki
Published: January 2022

The Japan Engineering Groups (JEG) deployment to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) from 2012 to 2017 exhibited consecutive aspects of “integration” and “robustness.” During the first two years, Japan’s method of “integration,” or the “All Japan” approach, fit well with UNMISS’s focus on statebuilding. It yielded various outcomes, not only in the restoration of facilities and infrastructure (e.g., road construction) but also in the nonengineering support provided to the locals (e.g., job training). With the outbreak of de facto civil war in December 2013, however, UNMISS’s top priority moved from statebuilding to Protection of Civilians (PoC), thereby intensifying inclinations toward “robustness.” Afterward, the JEG mostly focused on the construction of a PoC site, that is, a shelter for evacuated locals and internally displaced people. While security in South Sudan continued to deteriorate, the amendment to the Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) Act as part of the 2015 Peace and Security Legislation enabled the Government of Japan (GoJ) to assign the JEG to partial security missions, such as the “coming-to-aid” duty. In the end, however, the GoJ abruptly withdrew the JEG in May 2017, thereby discontinuing the series of SDF deployments to United Nations Peacekeeping Operations since 1992.
Conclusion: Japan’s Search for a New Direction in Peacekeeping
Authors: Fujishige Hiromi Nagata , Uesugi Yuji , Honda Tomoaki
Published: January 2022

First, this chapter will briefly review the contents of each previous chapter. Chapter 10.1007/978-3-030-88509-0_2 examined the historical background from the immediate aftermath of World War II to the establishment of the Peacekeeping Operations (PKO) Act in 1992. Chapter 10.1007/978-3-030-88509-0_3 considered the evolution of Japan’s peacekeeping policy under the PKO Act from 1992 to 2012. Chapter 10.1007/978-3-030-88509-0_4 investigated the transformation of Japan’s peacekeeping policy under the second Abe administration, especially during the period from 2013 to 2017. Chapters 10.1007/978-3-030-88509-0_5, 10.1007/978-3-030-88509-0_6, 10.1007/978-3-030-88509-0_7, and 10.1007/978-3-030-88509-0_8 considered the cases of Cambodia, East Timor, Haiti, and South Sudan respectively. Second, this chapter will analyze the consequences of Japan’s pursuit of the trends of “robustness” and “integration.” Third, we will consider possible explanations behind the withdrawal of the Japan Engineering Groups from South Sudan in 2017. Fourth, we will demonstrate that troop deployment to the United Nations Peacekeeping Operations (UNPKOs) has become commonly difficult for the Global North countries, causing a shift in focus away from personnel contributions to more material UNPKO commitments. Fourth, this chapter will illustrate how the Global North is still trying to make personnel contributions to UNPKOs wherever possible. Lastly, we will discuss what Japan can do from now on in its peacekeeping policy, or more broadly its International Peace Cooperation commitment.
Real corrections to Higgs boson pair production at NNLO in the large top quark mass limit
Authors: Davies Joshua , Herren Florian , Mishima Go , Steinhauser Matthias
Published: January 2022

Abstract

In this paper we consider the next-to-next-to-leading order total cross section of Higgs boson pair production in the large top quark mass limit and compute four expansion terms in 1/$$ {m}_t^2 $$mt2. To this end, we analytically compute the real-virtual and double-real contributions to the total cross section and combine them with the existing virtual contribution. Good convergence is observed below the top quark threshold, which makes our results a valuable input for approximation methods which aim for next-to-next-to-leading order corrections over the whole kinematic range. We present details on various steps of our calculation; in particular, we provide results for three- and four-particle phase-space master integrals and describe in detail the evaluation of the collinear counterterms.
Unlocking digital archives: cross-disciplinary perspectives on AI and born-digital data
Authors: Jaillant Lise , Caputo Annalina
Published: January 2022

Co-authored by a Computer Scientist and a Digital Humanist, this article examines the challenges faced by cultural heritage institutions in the digital age, which have led to the closure of the vast majority of born-digital archival collections. It focuses particularly on cultural organizations such as libraries, museums and archives, used by historians, literary scholars and other Humanities scholars. Most born-digital records held by cultural organizations are inaccessible due to privacy, copyright, commercial and technical issues. Even when born-digital data are publicly available (as in the case of web archives), users often need to physically travel to repositories such as the British Library or the Bibliothèque Nationale de France to consult web pages. Provided with enough sample data from which to learn and train their models, AI, and more specifically machine learning algorithms, offer the opportunity to improve and ease the access to digital archives by learning to perform complex human tasks. These vary from providing intelligent support for searching the archives to automate tedious and time-consuming tasks.  In this article, we focus on sensitivity review as a practical solution to unlock digital archives that would allow archival institutions to make non-sensitive information available. This promise to make archives more accessible does not come free of warnings for potential pitfalls and risks: inherent errors, "black box" approaches that make the algorithm inscrutable, and risks related to bias, fake, or partial information. Our central argument is that AI can deliver its promise to make digital archival collections more accessible, but it also creates new challenges - particularly in terms of ethics. In the conclusion, we insist on the importance of fairness, accountability and transparency in the process of making digital archives more accessible.
Computational modelling of dynamic recrystallisation of Ni-based superalloy during linear friction welding
Authors: Okeke Saviour I. , Harrison Noel M. , Tong Mingming
Published: January 2022

Linear friction welding (LFW) is an advanced joining technology used for manufacturing and repairing complex assemblies like blade integrated disks (blisks) of aeroengines. This paper presents an integrated multiphysics computational modelling for predicting the thermomechanical-microstructural processes of IN718 alloy (at the component-scale) during LFW. Johnson–Mehl–Avrami-Kolmogorov (JMAK) model was implemented for predicting the dynamic recrystallisation of γ grain, which was coupled with thermomechanical modelling of the LFW process. The computational modelling results of this paper agree well with experimental results from the literature in terms of γ grain size and weld temperature. Twenty different LFW process parameter configurations were systematically analysed in the computations by using the integrated model. It was found that friction pressure was the most influential process parameter, which significantly affected the dynamic recrystallisation of γ grains and weld temperature during LFW. The integrated multiphysics computational modelling was employed to find the appropriate process window of IN718 LFW.
Interventional recanalization therapy in patients with non-cirrhotic, non-malignant portal vein thrombosis: comparison between transjugular versus transhepatic access
Authors: Mansour Nabeel , Öcal Osman , Gerwing Mirjam , Köhler Michael , Deniz Sinan , Heinzow Hauke , Steib Christian , Angele Martin K. , Seidensticker Max , Ricke Jens , Wildgruber Moritz
Published: January 2022

Purpose

To compare the safety and outcome of transjugular versus percutaneous technique in recanalization of non-cirrhotic, non-malignant portal vein thrombosis.

Methods

We present a retrospective bicentric analysis of 21 patients with non-cirrhotic, non-malignant PVT, who were treated between 2016 and 2021 by interventional recanalization via different access routes (percutaneous [PT] vs. transjugular in transhepatic portosystemic shunt [TIPS] technique). Complication rates with a focus on periprocedural bleeding and patency as well as outcome were compared.

Results

Of the 21 patients treated (median age 48 years, range of 19–78), seven (33%) patients had an underlying prothrombotic condition. While 14 (57%) patients were treated for acute PVT, seven (43%) patients had progressive thrombosis with known chronic PVT. Nine patients underwent initial recanalization via PT access and twelve via TIPS technique. There was no significant difference in complete technical success rate according to initial access route (55.5% in PT group vs. 83.3% in TIPS group, p = 0.331). However, creation of an actual TIPS was associated with higher technical success in restoring portal venous flow (86.6% vs. 33.3%, p = 0.030). 13 (61.9%) patients received thrombolysis. Nine (42.8%) patients experienced hemorrhagic complications. In a multivariate analysis, thrombolysis (p = 0.049) and PT access as the first procedure (p = 0.045) were significant risk factors for bleeding.

Conclusion

Invasive recanalization of the portal vein in patients with PVT and absence of cirrhosis and malignancy offers a good therapeutic option with high recanalization and patency rates. Bleeding complications result predominantly from a percutaneous access and high amounts of thrombolytics used; therefore, recanalization via TIPS technique should be favored.
The ‘critical trochanter angle’ does not show superiority over the CCD angle in predicting varus stem alignment in cementless short-stem total hip arthroplasty
Authors: Luger Matthias , Feldler Sandra , Pisecky Lorenz , Allerstorfer Jakob , Gotterbarm Tobias , Klasan Antonio
Published: January 2022

Purpose

Varus positioning of the femoral stem can affect the hip offset (HO). The critical trochanter angle (CTA) was introduced in 2019 as a novel geometric angle, to predict varus stem alignment in cementless straight stem THA. The aim of this study was to evaluate the applicability of the CTA as a predictor for stem alignment in THA with a cementless neck resecting short stem.

Patients and methods

In this retrospective study, 106 patients (index surgery 2014–2019) with unilateral THA and a morphologically healthy contralateral hip as a reference (Kellgren–Lawrence ≤ 1) were included. A cementless short stem with meta-diaphyseal fixation and press-fit cup was implanted in all cases. Stem alignment, CCD angle, CTA and offset reconstruction were measured on preoperative and 3 months postoperative AP radiographs of the pelvis.

Results

Preoperative lower CTA and lower CCD angle were positively correlated (r = 0.472; p < 0.001). Higher varus stem alignment is correlated with lower CTA (r = − 0.384; p < 0.001) and lower CCD angle (r = − 0.474; p < 0.001). A CTA of 23.1° or lower showed a sensitivity of 59.1% and a specificity of 87.1% (AUC: 0.733) and a CCD angle of 132.75° or lower a sensitivity of 68.2% and a specificity of 80.6% (AUC: 0.77) for a varus stem alignment > 3°.

Conclusion

The CTA is also applicable in cementless THA with a neck resecting short stem to evaluate risk of intraoperative varus stem positioning. The CCD angle shows higher sensitivity with marginally lower specificity. Therefore, the CTA is not superior in predicting varus stem alignment in short-stem THA.

Level of evidence

IV.
Cutoff profile of ASEP on a segment
Authors: Bufetov Alexey , Nejjar Peter
Published: January 2022

This paper studies the mixing behavior of the Asymmetric Simple Exclusion Process (ASEP) on a segment of length N. Our main result is that for particle densities in (0, 1),  the total-variation cutoff window of ASEP is $$N^{1/3}$$

N

1
/
3

and the cutoff profile is $$1-F_{\mathrm {GUE}},$$

1
-

F
GUE

,

where $$F_{\mathrm {GUE}}$$

F
GUE

is the Tracy-Widom distribution function. This also gives a new proof of the cutoff itself, shown earlier by Labbé and Lacoin. Our proof combines coupling arguments, the result of Tracy–Widom about fluctuations of ASEP started from the step initial condition, and exact algebraic identities coming from interpreting the multi-species ASEP as a random walk on a Hecke algebra.
A research framework for the United Nations Decade of Healthy Ageing (2021–2030)
Authors: Keating N.
Published: January 2022

The mission of UN Decade of Healthy Ageing (2020–2030) is to improve the lives of older people, their families and their communities. In this paper, we create a conceptual framework and research agenda for researchers to knowledge to address the Decade action items. The framework builds on the main components of healthy ageing: Environments (highlighting society and community) across life courses (of work and family) toward wellbeing (of individuals, family members and communities). Knowledge gaps are identified within each area as priority research actions. Within societal environments, interrogating beliefs about ageism and about familism are proposed as a way to illustrate how macro approaches to older people influence their experiences. We need to interrogate the extent to which communities are good places to grow old; and whether they have sufficient resources to be supportive to older residents. Further articulation of trajectories and turning points across the full span of work and of family life courses is proposed to better understand their diversities and the extent to which they lead to adequate financial and social resources in later life. Components of wellbeing are proposed to monitor improvement in the lives of older people, their families and communities. Researcher priorities can be informed by regional and national strategies reflecting Decade actions.
Designing a Co-creation System for the Development of Work-process-related Learning Material in Manufacturing
Authors: Weinert Tim , Billert Matthias , de Gafenco Marian Thiel , Janson Andreas , Leimeister Jan Marco
Published: January 2022

The increasing digitalization and automatization in the manufacturing industry as well as the need to learn on the job has reinforced the need for much more granular learning, which has not yet impacted the design of learning materials. In this regard, granular learning concepts require situated learning materials to support self-directed learning in the workplace in a targeted manner. Co-creation approaches offer promising opportunities to support employees in the independent design of such situated learning materials. Using an action-design research (ADR) approach, we derived requirements from co-creation concepts and practice by conducting focus group workshops in manufacturing and vocational training schools to develop design principles for a co-creation system that supports employees through the creation process of work-process-related learning material. Consequently, we formulate four design principles for the design of a collaborative learning and qualification system for manufacturing. Using an innovative mixed methods approach, we validate these design principles and design features to demonstrate the success of the developed artifact. The results provide insights regarding the design of a co-creation system to support learners in the co-creation of learning material with the consideration of cognitive load (CL). Our study contributes to research and practice by proposing novel design principles for supporting employees in peer creation processes. Furthermore, our study reveals how co-creation systems can support the collaborative development of learning materials in the work process.
Exploring Early Childhood Teachers’ Beliefs About STEAM Education in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alghamdi Ahlam A.
Published: January 2022

This study explores Saudi teachers’ beliefs about STEAM education in early childhood education settings. The study sample consisted of 245 teachers working in kindergartens. The participants completed a survey comprising twelve items to elaborate teachers’ beliefs toward implementing STEAM practices in their classrooms, as well as four close-ended questions to evaluate teachers’ knowledge of and familiarity with the terminology of STEAM education and their professional training in STEAM-related content. The findings reveal overall positive beliefs toward STEAM education for young children and rather moderate beliefs regarding the implementation of STEAM practices. The results also reveal that teachers were somewhat familiar with the term STEAM; however, they reported limited knowledge of the integration process and basic strategies and skills needed for its implementation. The results also demonstrate that the majority of the Saudi teachers participating in this study believed they needed additional professional development and training regarding STEAM implementation. A chi-square test indicated statistically significant associations between teachers’ knowledge of STEAM education and their beliefs and between teachers’ previous professional training in STEAM education and their beliefs. The implications and future recommendations are also discussed.
Abstraction and embodiment: exploring the process of grasping a general
Authors: Breive Svanhild
Published: January 2022

This paper reports from a case study which explores kindergarten children’s mathematical abstraction in a teaching–learning activity about reflection symmetry. From a dialectical perspective, abstraction is here conceived as a process, as a genuine part of human activity, where the learner establishes “a point of view from which the concrete can be seen as meaningfully related” (van Oers & Poland Mathematics Education Research Journal, 19(2), 10–22, 2007, p. 13–14). A cultural-historical semiotic perspective to embodiment is used to explore the characteristics of kindergarten children’s mathematical abstraction. In the selected segment, two 5-year-old boys explore the concept of reflection symmetry using a doll pram. In the activity, the two boys first point to concrete features of the sensory manifold, then one of the boys’ awareness gradually moves to the imagined and finally to grasping a general and establishing a new point of view. The findings illustrate the essential role of gestures, bodily actions, and rhythm, in conjunction with spoken words, in the two boys’ gradual process of grasping a general. The study advances our knowledge about the nature of mathematical abstraction and challenges the traditional view on abstraction as a sort of decontextualised higher order thinking. This study argues that abstraction is not a matter of going from the concrete to the abstract, rather it is an emergent and context-bound process, as a genuine part of children’s concrete embodied activities.
Extended Implicit Bias: When the Metaphysics and Ethics of Implicit Bias Collide
Authors: Peters Uwe
Published: January 2022

It has recently been argued that to tackle social injustice, implicit biases and unjust social structures should be targeted equally because they sustain and ontologically overlap with each other. Here I develop this thought further by relating it to the hypothesis of extended cognition. I argue that if we accept common conditions for extended cognition then people’s implicit biases are often partly realized by and so extended into unjust social structures. This supports the view that we should counteract psychological and social contributors to injustice equally. But it also has a significant downside. If unjust social structures are part of people’s minds then dismantling these structures becomes more difficult than it currently is, as this will then require us to overcome widely accepted ethical and legal barriers protecting people’s bodily and personal integrity. Thus, while there are good grounds to believe that people’s biases and unjust social structures ontologically overlap, there are also strong ethical reasons to reject this view. Metaphysical and ethical intuitions about implicit bias hence collide in an important way.
General Measurement Tools for Assessing Mental Health Problems Among Children and Adolescents with an Intellectual Disability: A Systematic Review
Authors: Halvorsen Marianne Berg , Helverschou Sissel Berge , Axelsdottir Brynhildur , Brøndbo Per Håkan , Martinussen Monica
Published: January 2022

There is a need for more knowledge of valid and standardized measures of mental health problems among children and adolescents with intellectual disability (ID). In this study, we systematically reviewed and evaluated the psychometric properties of instruments used to assess general mental health problems in this population. Following PRISMA guidelines, we reviewed empirical research published from 1980 through February 2020 with an updated search in March 2021 in Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Health and Psychological Instruments, CINAHL, ERIC, and Web of Science databases. Forty-nine empirical articles were included in this review. Overall, the review indicated consistently better documentation of the reliability and validity of instruments designed for the ID population compared to instruments developed for the general child population.
Dimensions of Self-Reported Driving Difficulty in Autistic and Non-Autistic Adults and their Relationship with Autistic Traits
Authors: Sheppard Elizabeth , van Loon Editha , Ropar Danielle
Published: January 2022

A survey asked autistic and non-autistic people about the driving difficulties they experience and their autistic traits. Principle components analysis was used to identify how reported difficulties clustered together in each group, and regression was used to determine which subscales of the Autism Spectrum Quotient predict these factors. For autistic drivers three factors of driving difficulty emerged: a Driving Executive factor, predicted by Attention Switching; a Driving Understanding factor, predicted by Communication; and a Driving Social Interaction factor, predicted by Attention Switching. For non-autistic drivers only one Driving General factor emerged, predicted by Communication. This suggests autistic people may experience at least three distinct domains of difficulty when driving which may relate to their particular profile of autistic features.
The Perceived Value of a Universal Early Learning Program: A Parent Perspective
Authors: McIsaac Jessie-Lee D. , Smith Marla E. , Turner Joan , McLean Christine , Harkins Mary Jane
Published: January 2022

Pan-Canadian efforts to support universal access to quality early childhood education and care (ECEC) for families are underway. Focusing on a universally available ECEC program in Nova Scotia, this study explored the impact of the perceived value of this publicly funded ECEC program on parental decisions for enrollment. A thematic analysis of data from focus groups and interviews (n = 42 families represented) from two separate, but related studies, revealed themes (Ease of access, Communication, Supporting familiarity with school and Early learning) which provide insight on the value that parents place on a universal ECEC program and may help to inform other jurisdictions.
The Intergenerational Mobility of Income: A Study Applied to the Spanish Case (2005–2011)
Authors: Martín Natalia Sánchez , García-Perez Carmelo
Published: January 2022

Intergenerational income mobility has attracted the interest of many economists for—among other reasons—its role as a mechanism for reducing inequalities and achieving equal opportunities. In this paper, we analyse the intergenerational mobility of income in Spain in the years 2005 and 2011, located at different phases of the economic cycle. We use proxy variables (the economic situation of the household during the adolescence of the informant and the educational level achieved by parents) to study intergenerational income mobility, because there are not extant surveys with income information from parents and their descendants when they are part of a different household. With these variables, we try to verify the existence and degree of mobility by analysing different methodologies. The results suggest the existence of mobility in the two studied years, although a trend towards a reduction in intergenerational mobility is confirmed, already detected by other authors.
The Effect of Facial Self-Resemblance on Emotional Mimicry
Authors: Olszanowski Michal , Lewandowska Paulina , Ozimek Agnieszka , Frankowska Natalia
Published: January 2022

Social resemblance, like group membership or similar attitudes, increases the mimicry of the observed emotional facial display. In this study, we investigate whether facial self-resemblance (manipulated by computer morphing) modulates emotional mimicry in a similar manner. Participants watched dynamic expressions of faces that either did or did not resemble their own, while their facial muscle activity was measured using EMG. Additionally, after each presentation, respondents completed social evaluations of the faces they saw. The results show that self-resemblance evokes convergent facial reactions. More specifically, participants mimicked the happiness and, to a lesser extent, the anger of self-resembling faces. In turn, the happiness of non-resembling faces was less likely mimicked than in the case of self-resembling faces, while anger evoked a more divergent, smile-like response. Finally, we found that social evaluations were in general increased by happiness displays, but not influenced by resemblance. Overall, the study demonstrates an interesting and novel phenomenon, particularly that mimicry can be modified by relatively subtle cues of physical resemblance.
Present and historical landscape structure shapes current species richness in Central European grasslands
Authors: Scherreiks Pascal , Gossner Martin M. , Ambarlı Didem , Ayasse Manfred , Blüthgen Nico , Fischer Markus , Klaus Valentin H. , Kleinebecker Till , Neff Felix , Prati Daniel , Seibold Sebastian , Simons Nadja K. , Weisser Wolfgang W. , Wells Konstans , Westphal Catrin , Thiele Jan
Published: January 2022

Context

Current diversity and species composition of ecological communities can often not exclusively be explained by present land use and landscape structure. Historical land use may have considerably influenced ecosystems and their properties for decades and centuries.

Objectives

We analysed the effects of present and historical landscape structure on plant and arthropod species richness in temperate grasslands, using data from comprehensive plant and arthropod assessments across three regions in Germany and maps of current and historical land cover from three time periods between 1820 and 2016.

Methods

We calculated local, grassland class and landscape scale metrics for 150 grassland plots. Class and landscape scale metrics were calculated in buffer zones of 100 to 2000 m around the plots. We considered effects on total species richness as well as on the richness of species subsets determined by taxonomy and functional traits related to habitat use, dispersal and feeding.

Results

Overall, models containing a combination of present and historical landscape metrics showed the best fit for several functional groups. Comparing three historical time periods, data from the 1820/50s was among the most frequent significant time periods in our models (29.7% of all significant variables).

Conclusions

Our results suggest that the historical landscape structure is an important predictor of current species richness across different taxa and functional groups. This needs to be considered to better identify priority sites for conservation and to design biodiversity-friendly land use practices that will affect landscape structure in the future.