bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Non-Destructive Evaluation and Damage Determination of Fiber-Reinforced Composites by Digital Image Correlation
Authors: Hliva V. , Szebényi G.
Published: May 2023

The trend in recent years shows that fiber-reinforced polymer composites (FRPCs) are steadily replacing traditional engineering materials in the aerospace, automotive, and sports equipment industries, where the safety and reliability of structures are of crucial importance. The increasing popularity of FRPCs is explained by their favorable mechanical properties. However, a serious problem of FRPCs is their catastrophic failure under overload and lack of ductile behavior. This issue makes it necessary to develop a non-destructive examination method that can estimate the structural integrity and predict the remaining properties of a composite structure even after its partial damage. In this paper, we propose a Digital Image Correlation (DIC)-based new method, which is able to meet all the requirements of Industry 4.0, thus this method can be automated, is fast, accurate, and excludes the human factor. To prove the efficiency of the proposed, Non-Destructive (NDT)-DIC method, we created specimens with known impact damage, and tested them firstly by infrared thermography to get a basic reference to compare the subsequent results. Then we performed the NDT-DIC tests, where through the practical example, we presented the steps and the logical deduction of the method. Firstly, the test load limit is determined, proven by AE testing to be in the non-destructive range for the examined composite system. In the case of a simple tensile test setup, the obtained result is the principal strain field from which we calculate our indicator, the X value. The X value can indicate the existence of damage by itself, furthermore, a correlation can be established that defines the X value’s relationship with the reduction of strength, based on preliminary experiments. The use of the correlation enables a higher level of health monitoring than the use of the DIC method without this information because the effect of a random impact damage is predictable for the given composite. In our case, the correlation is already strong with a 0.1% strain/elongation test load, but when the test load is increased to 0.15%, the coefficient of determination (R2) slightly increases from 0.979 to 0.997.
Inhibition of Coliforms and Escherichia coli Bacterial Strains in Water by 3D Printed CS/GO/AgNP Filtration Membranes
Authors: Ogazi Anthony C. , Osifo Peter O.
Published: May 2023

The effect of 3D printed modified Chitosan membranes on bacterial strains by water filtration system was explored in this study. Specifically, it focused on the characterisation of 3D printed Chitosan–graphene oxide–silver nanoparticles (CS–GO–AgNP) composite membranes and the effects of Dimethylacetamide (DMAc) used as co-solvent on the performance of the CS–GO–AgNP nanocomposites. It also examined the impact of GO–AgNP on the CS matrix for inhibition of Fecal Coliforms, Total Coliforms and Escherichia coli (E. coli) bacterial strains in contaminated surface water. The increase in DMAc concentration and subsequent reduction in CS mole fraction within the ink formulation resulted to wider distribution of AgNP across membrane surface, improvement in mechanical strength and surface hydrophilicity of the modified CS membranes. Similarly, increase in GO–AgNP concentration effectively reduced the spread of the identified microorganisms. Sample B-12 with 79% CS, 21% DMAc and 1.2 ml of GO–AgNP exhibited the highest inhibition of the bacterial strains, with more than 95% of Fecal and Total Coliforms suppressed or inactivated, while 99.9% of the E. coli bacterial cells were completely prevented, indicating that our 3D printed modified CS membranes can effectively be used for water treatment.
A possible novel method in nuclear forensics: positron annihilation spectroscopy
Authors: Tóbi Csaba , Homonnay Zoltán , Süvegh Károly
Published: May 2023

Positron Annihilation Spectroscopy (PAS) is a non-destructive technique used mostly in material science for studying open spaces/free volumes in materials. In this work, several different nuclear materials originating from the nuclear fuel cycle or round-robin exercises are analyzed by PAS. Our goal was, as for a first test of applicability, to check whether the technique is potentially suitable in a nuclear forensic examination for origin assessment of nuclear materials in order to support investigation. The results, presented below are promising and can certainly be further improved by analyzing larger sets of samples.
The influence of product digital visual presentation on purchase willingness: effects of roundedness axes and degree
Authors: Michalski Rafał
Published: May 2023

The research examines the influence of digital visual product package presentations on perceived purchase willingness. Subjects pairwise compared the graphical stimuli displayed on a computer monitor. Gathered purchase willingness preference weights were calculated by means of the Analytic Hierarchy Process technique. Two studies focused on the package edge roundedness effect applied along different axes are reported. The first one included the following factors: Roundedness axis defined on three levels (X, Y, Z) and Roundedness degree also specified on three levels (Small, Medium, Large). The second involved Roundedness type (two levels: All edges rounded, Only sides rounded – along one axis) and Roundedness degree (Tiny, Small, Medium, Large). Both package Roundedness axis and Roundedness degree influenced perception and purchase willingness. This research extends existing knowledge by presenting empirical evidence on how a variety of product digital forms influences visual perception and purchase willingness. The results deliver useful and detailed information for practitioners and the outcomes may be applied as guidelines for computer graphics designers preparing visual appearance for articles in electronic shops, websites, banners, or advertisements displayed in networked screens.
Assessing the role of REM13, REM34 and REM46 during the transition to the reproductive phase in Arabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Manrique Silvia , Caselli Francesca , Matías-Hernández Luis , Franks Robert G. , Colombo Lucia , Gregis Veronica
Published: May 2023

REM (reproductive meristem) transcription factors have been proposed as regulators of plant reproductive development mainly based on their specific expression patterns in reproductive structures, but their roles are still largely unknown probably because of their redundancy. We selected threeREMgenes (REM13,REM34andREM46) for functional analysis, based on their genome position and/or co-expression data.

Our results suggest that these genes have a role in flowering time regulation and may modulate cell cycle progression. In addition, protein interaction experiments revealed thatREM34andREM46interact with each other, suggesting that they might work cooperatively to regulate cell division during inflorescence meristem commitment.

Previous attempts of using co-expression data as a guide for functional analysis of REMs were limited by the transcriptomic data available at the time. Our results uncover previously unknown functions of three members of theREMfamily ofArabidopsis thalianaand open the door to more comprehensive studies of the REM family, where the combination of co-expression analysis followed by functional studies might contribute to uncovering the biological roles of these proteins and the relationship among them.
Predicting variation in word decoding development in deaf and hard-of-hearing children
Authors: Couvee Sascha , Wauters Loes , Knoors Harry , Verhoeven Ludo , Segers Eliane
Published: May 2023

Background: Deaf and hard-of-hearing (DHH) children may experience difficulties in word decoding development. Aims: We aimed to compare and predict the incremental word decoding development in first grade in Dutch DHH and hearing children, as a function of kindergarten reading precursors. Methods and procedures: In this study, 25 DHH, and 41 hearing children participated. Kindergarten measures were phonological awareness (PA), letter knowledge (LK), rapid naming (RAN), and verbal short-term memory (VSTM). Word decoding (WD) was assessed at three consecutive time points (WD1, 2, 3) during reading instruction in first grade. Outcomes and results: The hearing children scored higher than the DHH children on PA and VSTM only, although the distribution of WD scores differed between the groups. At WD1, PA and RAN predicted WD efficiency in both groups; but PA was a stronger predictor for hearing children. At WD2, LK, RAN, and the autoregressor were predictors for both groups. While at WD3, only the autoregressor was a significant predictor. Conclusions and implications: WD development in DHH children on average shows similar levels as in hearing children, though within the DHH group more variation was observed. WD development in DHH children is not as much driven by PA; they may use other skills to compensate.
On the Ellsberg and Machina paradoxes
Authors: Sharpe Keiran
Published: May 2023

This paper constructs a simple model of decision-making that accounts for the paradoxes of Ellsberg and Machina. It does so by representing decision makers’ beliefs on the vector space $${\mathbb{R}}\times {\mathbb{R}}$$

R
×
R

and by providing a reasonable decision rule with axiomatic foundations. Moreover, the model allows for a characterization that clearly distinguishes between the two paradoxes. The interesting feature of the paper is that the ‘resolution’ of the paradoxes is along the lines suggested by the eponymous authors themselves. This is to say, the decision rule derived from the axioms corresponds to Ellsberg’s own rule in the narrow set of circumstances that he explored, and the decision rule embodies Machina’s injunction that we treat choice under uncertainty in a similar manner to the way we treat standard consumer theory. That the paper cleaves to the advice of both authors is a little surprising given that it utilizes a two-dimensional vector space that neither author deployed.
Improving the lightweight implementation of SNOW-V
Authors: Gil Jezabel Molina , Álvarez Óscar Cigala , González Yanira González , Corbella Irene Márquez
Published: May 2023

This paper presents a proposal to improve the software implementation of SNOW-V, a candidate for encrypting 5G communications. In particular, we focus on the proposal for 32-bit architectures with limited resources, such as wireless sensor networks. SNOW-V is a pseudorandom number generator, this type of structures are traditionally implemented in hardware. The advent of 5G means that this implementation must be purely software, losing the advantages and speed of a purely hardware or even hybrid implementation. Due to the wide variety of interconnected devices in the IoT, we cannot assume or associate security with a given architecture or unlimited resource devices. For this reason, we have focused our efforts on analyzing and improving the speed of the proposed 5G encryption on lightweight architectures. Specifically, we analyze its software implementation and propose improvements to speed up the encryption process while protecting confidentiality and integrity for 32-bit devices.
Making the call: how does perceived race affect desire to call the police?
Authors: Sola Justin L. , Kubrin Charis E.
Published: May 2023

Objectives

There
is little scholarship about what affects calls for service, even as they originate the vast majority of police interventions in the USA. We test how racial perceptions, ambiguous situational contexts, and participant demographics affect desire to call the police.

Methods

We conduct a nationwide survey experiment with 2,038 participants, varying vignette racial composition (subjects described as black or white) and seriousness of event (less serious, more ambiguous or more serious, less ambiguous) to test two outcomes: 1) desire to call the police and 2) perceived threat.

Results

Perceived race does not directly affect mean desire to call the police or perceived threat. However, political views moderate the effects of race: compared to politically moderate participants, very liberal participants express less desire to call the police while very conservative participants express more desire to call the police in a vignette featuring young Black men.

Conclusions

The political polarization of desire to call the police raises questions about racially differentiated risk of more serious criminal justice system events, including arrest and incarceration, for racial and ethnic minorities.
Biological effects of negative air ions on human health and integrated multiomics to identify biomarkers: a literature review
Authors: Xiao Sha , Wei Tianjing , Petersen Jindong Ding , Zhou Jing , Lu Xiaobo
Published: May 2023

Environmental pollution seriously affects human health. The concentration of negative air ions (NAIs), which were discovered at the end of the nineteenth century, is one of the factors used to evaluate air quality. Additionally, NAIs have been widely considered markers by scholars due to their unique biological function. The aim of this study was to summarize existing research and propose future research on the generation and temporal and spatial dynamic patterns of NAIs concentrations as well as the relationship between NAIs and human health. We identified 187 studies (published January 2013–January 2023) that met our inclusion criteria. Fourteen English studies evaluated the effects of NAIs on depression, the cardiovascular system, the respiratory system, reproduction and development, cognition, and sports muscle injury. Only two studies reported the associations of NAIs exposure with metabolic omics. NAIs concentrations vary temporally with solar radiation, air temperature, and relative humidity, while the temporal dynamic patterns of NAIs are affected by season, time, meteorological factors, air quality index, geographical location, forest vegetation, and other factors. Researchers have shown that exposure to NAIs may benefit our health by changing amino acid metabolism, which mainly manifests as increased anti-inflammation and reduced inflammation and antioxidation. Furthermore, exposure to NAIs promotes energy production, affects the expression of c-fos, and regulates 5-HT levels. There has been considerable interest in the potential effects of NAIs on human health and well-being, but the conclusions have been inconsistent and the mechanisms remain unclear. The use of omics to elucidate the biological mechanism of NAIs is relatively new and has some advantages.

Graphical Abstract
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on health care system, work, and mental well-being of people with cystic fibrosis
Authors: Bhatnagar Rini , Tecklenborg Sarah , Segurado Ricardo , Watt Philip , McAuley Naula , Fitzpatrick Patricia
Published: May 2023

Background

COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for all, particularly for high-risk groups including people with cystic fibrosis (PWCF).

Aim

This study aims to examine impact of COVID-19 pandemic on the lives of PWCF in relation to hospital visits, use of telemedicine, employment, and mental well-being.

Methods

A cross-sectional online survey was developed by the Cystic Fibrosis (CF) Ireland research team and uploaded on SmartSurvey UK. The survey was advertised by CF Ireland via their website and social media in October 2020. The University College Dublin research partner team conducted the analysis. Logistic regression was used for the analysis, using IBM SPSS Version 26.

Results

One hundred nineteen PWCF responded. 47.5% deferred their hospital visits, with delays ranging from 1 to 6 months. Deferrals impacted rehabilitation therapies, medical care at hospital, and diagnostic tests. For many, online consultation was a new experience (51.7%), and 87.8% were satisfied with this method. Among those who worked during lockdown (47.8%), 87.2% (n = 48) worked at home. PWCF aged < 35 years (9.6%) were more likely to work onsite as compared to those > 35 years (1.9%). When adjusted for gender and employment, PWCF aged < 35 years were more likely to feel “nervous” (OR: 3.28; P = 0.02), “nothing could cheer them up” (OR: 3.24; P = 0.04), and “tired” (OR: 2.76; P = 0.02) as compared to those > 35 years.

Conclusion

COVID 19 pandemic has greatly impacted PWCF in terms of hospital visits, access to tests, CF care, and psychological well-being. Younger PWCF reported greater impact on psychological health. Online consultation and electronic prescription were welcomed and could have a role post-pandemic.
Betting on the future: how to build antifragility in innovative start-up companies
Authors: Corvello Vincenzo , Felicetti Alberto Michele , Troise Ciro , Tani Mario
Published: May 2023

While after a crisis, organizational robustness and resilience are associated with the return to pre-shock conditions, antifragility is characterized by the tendency to take advantage of the shock to improve the organization’s position. Understanding how to create antifragility is important to ensure rapid recovery from a crisis. This is especially true for innovative start-ups, which if they are particularly fragile also have the opportunity to improve their unstable situation by adapting to the new context. However, studies on the subject are rare. To fill this gap, a survey was carried out with 181 Italian innovative start-ups to investigate the relationship between antifragility and intangible resources, tangible surplus resources, and absorptive capacity. The results show that antifragility is supported by a combination of tangible and intangible resources that can help innovative start-ups thrive when other organizations succumb.
The intellectual structure of gender equality research in the business economics literature
Authors: Díez-Martín Francisco , Miotto Giorgia , Del-Castillo-Feito Cristina
Published: May 2023

In both the public and private sectors, gender equality is a major issue faced by modern management. It is also a primary concern for the global sustainable development defined by the UN 2030 Agenda. Gender equality, as a research topic, has been explored from many different social, economic and political sides; nevertheless, gender equality in business economics is still a very promising research field since the everchanging global organisational environment requires frequent updates and polysemic approaches. The aim of this study is to identify and visualise the intellectual structure and dynamics of gender equality research on business economics literature through a bibliometric quantitative literature analysis. Our results found 12 main lines of research. They also identify the trending topics, sources of knowledge, and literature dissemination paths along these lines between 2001 and 2020. This work contributes to the field of gender issues by showing its intellectual structure and providing a research agenda and identifying future research lines and gaps in the area.
Death on New Year’s Eve caused by illegal fireworks—a firework shell
Authors: Ulbricht Julia , Doberentz Elke , Madea Burkhard
Published: May 2023

During the turn of the year, injuries caused by fireworks occur in Germany every year. According to the professional associations, the Unfallkrankenhaus Berlin, for example, treats an average of 50 injuries caused by fireworks on New Year’s Eve. Patients come with burns, soft tissue injuries, or fractures; eyes and hands are particularly frequently affected. Again and again, there are also very serious or even fatal injuries. The background is usually the improper or illegal use of larger fireworks. Smaller fireworks such as sparklers, bangers, or smaller rockets are available in Germany in most supermarkets, and their use is permitted from the age of 12 or 18. However, the use of larger fireworks in Germany requires proof of an official permit to handle pyrotechnic objects, which is why they are often acquired abroad. The following report describes such a case. Shortly after the turn of the year 2022, a young man died as a result of an explosive effect on the facial skull after using an illegal firework shell. The case is discussed with regard to the autopsy findings, the possible cause of the accident, and the type of firework used.
SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in inflammatory neurological conditions: a multicentre retrospective comparative study
Authors: Zivelonghi Cecilia , Dinoto Alessandro , Irani Sarosh R. , McKeon Andrew , Pilotto Andrea , Padovani Alessandro , Masciocchi Stefano , Magni Eugenio , Mancinelli Chiara R. , Capra Ruggero , Maniscalco Giorgia T. , Volonghi Irene , Easton Ava , Alberti Daniela , Zanusso Gianluigi , Monaco Salvatore , Salvagno Gian Luca , Lippi Giuseppe , Ferrari Sergio , Mariotto Sara
Published: May 2023

It is well established that neurological and non-neurological autoimmune disorders can be triggered by viral infections. It remains unclear whether SARS-CoV-2 infection induces similar conditions and whether they show a distinctive phenotype. We retrospectively identified patients with acute inflammatory CNS conditions referred to our laboratory for antibody testing during the pandemic (March 1 to August 31, 2020). We screened SARS-COV-2 IgA/IgG in all sera by ELISA and confirmed the positivity with additional assays. Clinical and paraclinical data of SARS-COV-2-IgG seropositive patients were compared to those of seronegative cases matched for clinical phenotype, geographical zone, and timeframe. SARS-CoV-2-IgG positivity was detected in 16/339 (4%) sera, with paired CSF positivity in 3/16. 5 of these patients had atypical demyelinating disorders and 11 autoimmune encephalitis syndromes. 9/16 patients had a previous history of SARS-CoV-2 infection and 6 of them were symptomatic. In comparison with 32 consecutive seronegative controls, SARS-CoV-2-IgG-positive patients were older, frequently presented with encephalopathy, had lower rates of CSF pleocytosis and other neurological autoantibodies, and were less likely to receive immunotherapy. When SARS-CoV-2 seropositive versus seronegative cases with demyelinating disorders were compared no differences were seen. Whereas seropositive encephalitis patients less commonly showed increased CSF cells and protein, our data suggest that an antecedent symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection can be detected in patients with autoimmune neurological conditions. These cases are rare, usually do not have specific neuroglial antibodies.
Palliative Care in Severe Neurotrauma Patients in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Dolmans Rianne G. F. , Robertson Faith C. , Eijkholt Marleen , van Vliet Peter , Broekman Marike L. D.
Published: May 2023

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide and many patients with TBI require intensive care unit (ICU) management. When facing a life-threatening illness, such as TBI, a palliative care approach that focuses on noncurative aspects of care should always be considered in the ICU. Research shows that neurosurgical patients in the ICU receive palliative care less frequently than the medical patients in the ICU, which is a missed opportunity for these patients. However, providing appropriate palliative care to neurotrauma patients in an ICU can be difficult, particularly for young adult patients. The patients’ prognoses are often unclear, the likelihood of advance directives is small, and the bereaved families must act as decision-makers. This article highlights the different aspects of the palliative care approach as well as barriers and challenges that accompany the TBI patient population, with a particular focus on young adult patients with TBI and the role of their family members. The article concludes with recommendations for physicians for effective and adequate communication to successfully implement the palliative care approach into standard ICU care and to improve quality of care for patients with TBI and their families.
Genetic and Phenotypic Spectrum of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis Patients with CCNF Variants from a Large Chinese Cohort
Authors: Zhao Bi , Jiang Qirui , Lin Junyu , Wei Qianqian , Li Chunyu , Hou Yanbing , Cao Bei , Zhang Lingyu , Ou Ruwei , Liu Kuncheng , Yang Tianmi , Xiao Yi , Huang Rui , Shang Huifang
Published: May 2023

Cyclin F (CCNF) variants have been found to be associated with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)/frontotemporal dementia (FTD). However, the genetic and clinical characteristics of ALS patients who carry CCNF variants are largely unknown. Genetic analysis was performed for 1587 Chinese ALS patients, and missense variants were predicted by software analyses. Additionally, we searched PubMed, Embase, and Web of Science for relevant literature and conducted a meta-analysis of the frequency of variants. In our ALS cohort, we identified 29 nonsynonymous variants in 41 ALS patients. Among these ALS patients, 18 (1.1%) were carriers of 15 rare missense variants that were considered probably pathogenic variants, and 11 of 15 variants were novel. Seven relevant studies were identified, and a total of 43 CCNF variants in 59 ALS patients with a frequency of 0.8% were reported. The ratio of males to females in our cohort (10/8) was similar to that in Caucasian populations (4/7) and significantly higher than that in Asian populations (10/1). The proportion of bulbar onset in Caucasian CCNF carriers was similar to our cohort (25.0 vs. 27.8%); however, bulbar onset had never been reported in previous Asian studies (0/11). FTD was not found in CCNF carriers in previous Asian studies and our cohort, but it has been reported in a FALS cohort (1/75) of Caucasian individuals. There were some differences in the clinical characteristics among different ethnic ALS populations. More basic scientific studies are needed to elucidate the pathogenic mechanisms and genotype-phenotype associations of CCNF variants.
I Choose Health. It is OncoLogical!—Informative and Educational Campaign Dedicated to the High School Students in Poland
Authors: Moskal Łukasz , Reszka Konrad , Szewczyk Krzysztof , Matkowski Rafał , Błaszczyk Dawid , Maciejczyk Adam
Published: May 2023

Cancer is the second most common cause of death in Poland and the number of new cases is expected to increase by 28% over the next 10 years. Despite modifications and expenditure growth in the Polish health care system, oncological treatment outcomes are lower comparing to the other European Union countries. Early preventative interventions are effective in reducing the total number of cancers and improving early detection. OnkoLogika is an educational campaign launched in 2016 by the Comprehensive Cancer Centre, aimed at improving cancer awareness. One hundred and twenty students from 25 high schools of the Lower Silesia region in Poland participated in the OnkoLogika program, which consisted of four-segment workshops containing pre-/post-tests, theoretical and practical parts within the project. The mean number of correct answers from the both tests improved after educational intervention (p < 0.001). Students’ knowledge increased, especially in relation to risk factors of breast cancer development (416.31% increase), HPV-related cancers (344.81% increase), risk factors and red flag signs of skin melanoma (120.31% and 99.05% increase respectively). Approx. 86% of participants were satisfied with the OnkoLogika with 14% of respondents being dissatisfied and 94% declared increased awareness about cancer prophylaxis. High schools students indicated insufficient time (250; 16.67%) and lack of details considering presented cancers (80; 5.33%) to be the major weaknesses of the program. Nevertheless, 94% of participants would recommend OnkoLogika to a friend. OnkoLogika promotes healthy lifestyle and helps acquire necessary knowledge about chosen cancers.
Numerical Analysis and Load-Carrying Capacity Estimation of Reinforced Concrete Slab Culvert Rehabilitated with a Grouted Corrugated Steel Plate
Authors: Bai-Jian Li , Wen-Qiang Fu , Xin-Sha Fu , Yan Huang
Published: May 2023

Two laboratory tests were conducted to investigate the mechanical properties and develop a load-carrying capacity estimation method for reinforced concrete (RC) slab culverts rehabilitated with a grouted corrugated steel plate (CSP). Subsequently, 216 numerical models of RC slab culverts rehabilitated with different shapes of CSPs and grout strengths were established to investigate the influence of these parameters and the arch effect on the rehabilitated system. A mechanical model was proposed based on the elastic center method, and a load-carrying capacity estimation method of RC slab culverts rehabilitated with grouted CSPs was established and verified. It was concluded that the load-carrying capacity of the rehabilitated system increased with a decrease in the radius of the side walls and crown at a constant radius of the CSP haunch. At a constant radius of the side walls and CSP crown, the load-carrying capacity of the rehabilitated system increased with an increase in the haunch radius. The most effective way to improve the load-carrying capacity of the rehabilitated system was to increase the radius of the haunches and reduce the radius of the arch crown and side wall. The arch effect of the grout was related to the load type. The load-carrying capacity of the rehabilitated system was the highest when the CSP was similar to or the same as the arch axes of the grout. The most important function of the grout was to provide strong lateral restraint for the CSP, reducing the required span and improving the load-carrying capacity of the CSP. In addition, the shear strength of the grout contributed to improving the load-carrying capacity by exerting an arch effect or experiencing shear failure. The proposed load-carrying capacity estimation method is applicable to rehabilitated systems with a box or arch-type CSP. Our findings provide guidance for engineers to design similar rehabilitated systems.
‘I’m not from a country, I’m from Australia.’ Costumes, scarves, and fruit on their heads: The urgent need for Culturally Responsive Pedagogy when sharing diverse books with children
Authors: Adam Helen , Byrne Matthew
Published: May 2023

Children’s books play a central role in today’s classrooms. Educators can use children’s literature to promote children’s social and cultural understandings and critical thinking skills. This is particularly important when extending children’s knowledge and understandings of themselves, their identity and those who may differ culturally, socially or historically, thus supporting diversity and inclusion. Further, when diversity is considered, valued, and supported through Culturally Responsive Pedagogy (CRP), outcomes for children from underrepresented backgrounds improve. This paper reports on a study conducted in four early learning settings in Western Australia investigating educators’ practices when sharing diverse literature with young children. This study found in the majority of book sharing in these centres the cultures, backgrounds, life experiences and funds of knowledge of children from underrepresented backgrounds were invisible. Further, educators’ practices were bereft of CRP and likely to demean and confuse those from underrepresented backgrounds and increase all children’s misconceptions of others.
Effects of extreme events on land-use-related decisions of farmers in Eastern Austria: the role of learning
Authors: Egger Claudine , Mayer Andreas , Bertsch-Hörmann Bastian , Plutzar Christoph , Schindler Stefan , Tramberend Peter , Haberl Helmut , Gaube Veronika
Published: May 2023

European farm households will face increasingly challenging conditions in the coming decades due to climate change, as the frequency and severity of extreme weather events rise. This study assesses the complex interrelations between external framework conditions such as climate change or adjustments in the agricultural price and subsidy schemes with farmers’ decision-making. As social aspects remain understudied drivers for agricultural decisions, we also consider value-based characteristics of farmers as internal factors relevant for decision-making. We integrate individual learning as response to extreme weather events into an agent-based model that simulates farmers’ decision-making. We applied the model to a region in Eastern Austria that already experiences water scarcity and increasing drought risk from climate change and simulated three future scenarios to compare the effects of changes in socio-economic and climatic conditions. In a cross-comparison, we then investigated how farmers can navigate these changes through individual adaptation. The agricultural trajectories project a decline of active farms between −27 and −37% accompanied by a reduction of agricultural area between −20 and −30% until 2053. The results show that regardless of the scenario conditions, adaptation through learning moderates the decline in the number of active farms and farmland compared to scenarios without adaptive learning. However, adaptation increases the workload of farmers. This highlights the need for labor support for farms.
A dynamic multi-attribute group decision-making method with R-numbers based on MEREC and CoCoSo method
Authors: Cheng Rui , Fan Jianping , Wu Meiqin
Published: May 2023

Dynamic multi-attribute group decision-making (DMAGDM) is a widespread practice in which evaluations are provided by multiple decision-makers at various times and early evaluations impact later evaluations. Additionally, attributes and alternatives can be added or removed over time. An R-numbers DMAGDM method is developed based on the advantages of R-numbers in capturing risks. This paper introduces the R-numbers Einstein weighted averaging (RNEWA) operator and R-numbers weighted Einstein geometric (RNEWG) operator, which are distinct from conventional algebraic operations, and examines their properties. Moreover, an expert weight determination model is constructed using the similarity measure of R-numbers. The attribute weight determination model in the R-numbers environment is also proposed with the method based on the criteria removal effects method (MEREC). A static rating calculation model, which utilizes the combination compromise solution (CoCoSo) method in the R-numbers environment, is built using the RNEWA operator and RNEWG operator. Furthermore, a new dynamic rating calculation model is proposed which does not require storage of all decision information over time. Finally, the applicability and effectiveness of the R-numbers DMAGDM method is demonstrated through a case study on supply chain risk assessment of manufacturing enterprises.
Bi-directional Image–Text Matching Deep Learning-Based Approaches: Concepts, Methodologies, Benchmarks and Challenges
Authors: Ebaid Doaa B. , Madbouly Magda M. , El-Zoghabi Adel A.
Published: May 2023

Nowadays, image–text matching (retrieval) has frequently attracted attention due to the growth of multimodal data. This task returns the relevant images to a textual query or descriptions that describe a visual scene and vice versa. The core challenge is how to precisely determine the similarity computation between the text and image, which requires understanding the different modalities by extracting the related information accurately. Although many approaches are established for matching textual data and visual content utilizing deep learning (DL) approaches, a few reviews of the studies of image–text matching are obtainable using DL. In this review study, we contribute to present and clarify the modern techniques based on DL in the image–text matching problem by providing an extensive study of the existing matching models, different current architectures, benchmark datasets, and evaluation methods. First, we explain the matching task and illustrate frequently used architecture. Second, we classify present approaches according to two important concepts the alignment between image and text, and the learning approach. Third, we report standard datasets and evaluation techniques. Finally, we show up current challenges to serve as an inspiration to new researchers in this field.
Drop impact on superheated surfaces: from capillary dominance to nonlinear advection dominance
Authors: Chantelot Pierre , Lohse Detlef
Published: May 2023

Ambient air cushions the impact of drops on solid substrates, an effect usually revealed by the entrainment of a bubble, trapped as the air squeezed under the drop drains and liquid–solid contact occurs. The presence of air becomes evident for impacts on very smooth surfaces, where the gas film can be sustained, allowing drops to bounce without wetting the substrate. In such a non-wetting situation, Mandre & Brenner (J. Fluid Mech., vol. 690, 2012, p. 148) numerically and theoretically evidenced that two physical mechanisms can act to prevent contact: surface tension and nonlinear advection. However, the advection dominated regime has remained hidden in experiments as liquid–solid contact prevents rebounds being realised at sufficiently large impact velocities. By performing impacts on superheated surfaces, in the so-called dynamical Leidenfrost regime (Tran et al., Phys. Rev. Lett., vol. 108, issue 3, 2012, p. 036101), we enable drop rebound at higher impact velocities, allowing us to reveal this regime. Using high-speed total internal reflection, we measure the minimal gas film thickness under impacting drops, and provide evidence for the transition from the surface tension to the nonlinear inertia dominated regime. We rationalise our measurements through scaling relationships derived by coupling the liquid and gas dynamics, in the presence of evaporation.
Artificial intelligence control of a low-drag Ahmed body using distributed jet arrays
Authors: Zhang B.F. , Fan D.W. , Zhou Y.
Published: May 2023

This work proposes a machine-learning or artificial intelligence (AI) control of a low-drag Ahmed body with a rear slant angleφ = 35° with a view to finding strategies for efficient drag reduction (DR). The Reynolds numberReinvestigated is 1.7 × 105based on the square root of the body cross-sectional area. The control system comprises of five independently operated arrays of steady microjets blowing along the edges of the rear window and vertical base, twenty-six pressure taps on the rear end of the body and a controller based on an ant colony algorithm for unsupervised learning of a near-optimal control law. The cost function is designed such that bothDRand control power input are considered. The learning process of the AI control discovers forcing that produces aDRup to 18 %, corresponding to a drag coefficient reduction of 0.06, greatly exceeding any previously reportedDRfor this body. Furthermore, the discovered forcings may provide alternative solutions, i.e. a tremendously increased control efficiency given a small sacrifice inDR. Extensive flow measurements performed with and without control indicate significant alterations in the flow structure around the body, such as flow separation over the rear window, recirculation bubbles and C-pillar vortices, which are linked to the pressure rise on the window and base. The physical mechanism forDRis unveiled, along with a conceptual model for the altered flow structure under the optimum control or biggestDR. This mechanism is further compared with that under the highest control efficiency.
Spreading dynamics of a discrete Nicholson's blowflies equation with distributed delay
Authors: Wu Ruiwen , Xu Zhaoquan
Published: May 2023

This paper is focused on spreading dynamics for a discrete Nicholson's blowflies model with time convolution kernel. This problem arises in the invasive activity of blowflies scattered in discrete spatial environment and has distributed maturated age. We found that for a general convolution kernel, the model can exhibit travelling wave phenomena in a discrete spatial habitat. In particular, we determine the minimal wave speed of travelling waves by deriving the non-existence of travelling waves, and we demonstrate that the minimal wave speed can determine the long time behaviour of solutions with compact initial function. Moreover, we prove that all travelling waves are strictly increasing, which implies that the waveforms remain monotone in the propagation process. Some numerical simulations are also presented to confirm the analytical results.
On inscribed trapezoids and affinely 3-regular maps
Authors: Frick Florian , Harrison Michael
Published: May 2023

We show that any embedding $\mathbb {R}^d \to \mathbb {R}^{2d+2^{\gamma (d)}-1}$ inscribes a trapezoid or maps three points to a line, where $2^{\gamma (d)}$ is the smallest power of $2$ satisfying $2^{\gamma (d)} \geq \rho (d)$, and $\rho (d)$ denotes the Hurwitz–Radon function. The proof is elementary and includes a novel application of nonsingular bilinear maps. As an application, we recover recent results on the nonexistence of affinely $3$-regular maps, for infinitely many dimensions $d$, without resorting to sophisticated algebraic techniques.
Suspended particulate organic carbon and its carbon isotopic composition in the surface water around the Antarctic Peninsula during summer 2017–2018
Authors: Lin Yunpeng , Li Yunhai , Huang Yuanhui , Chen Zhihua , Wang Liang , Li Dongyi , Tao Shuqin
Published: May 2023

The concentration of suspended particulate organic carbon (POC) and its carbon isotopic composition (δ13CPOC) were analysed in this study with the aim of exploring the sources and factors influencing levels of POC in the surface water around the Antarctic Peninsula. The scanning electron microscopy results suggest that diatom particles formed the main component of suspended particulate matter, indicating that POC was mainly from in situ primary production. The high concentrations of chlorophyll a and POC in sea water mainly occurred in nearshore and sea-ice edge regions, which might be controlled by nutrient and reactive iron inputs stemming from sea-ice melting. The δ13CPOC in the study area is significantly lower than that in low-latitude waters, with a range of -31.8‰ to -22.8‰ (mean -28.9‰), which was controlled by the high CO2 concentration in the Southern Ocean and might be influenced by phytoplankton growth rates and assemblages. This study helps us to understand material cycling in the Antarctic region under the conditions of global climate change.
Fingolimod-related atrioventricular block in paediatric age group with multiple sclerosis: two case reports
Authors: Kum Yunus E. , Pamukçu Özge , Canpolat Mehmet
Published: May 2023

Multiple sclerosis is a chronic inflammatory and demyelinating disease of the central nervous system, usually seen in young adults. Early onset of multiple sclerosis at age younger than 18 years is called paediatric multiple sclerosis. Unlike adult multiple sclerosis, paediatric multiple sclerosis causes morbidity at earlier ages and often progresses in a relapsing–remitting form. Although fingolimod is an effective drug used as a disease-modifiying therapy agent in relapsing–remitting paediatric multiple sclerosis patients, it can cause dysryhthmia in the early period after first dose. Our first case is a 14-year-old girl with relapsing–remitting paediatric multiple sclerosis patients who was started to take fingolimod treatment. In the fifth hour of the follow-up, asymptomatic bradycardia was seen and the electrocardiogram was consistent with first-degree atrioventricular block. Her rhythm got spontaneously normal after 12 hours. Second case was 13 years old girl. Steroid treatment was started after her first paediatric multiple sclerosis attack. Despite treatment, she had a second attack 2 weeks after the first attack. Therefore, the neurologist switched to fingolimod therapy. Second-degree atrioventriculer block developed after 4 hours from the initiation of therapy. After 8 hours, rhythm regressed to first-degree atrioventricular block then returned to normal up to 13th hours of follow up. The aim of this article is to draw attention to dysrhythmia side effect of fingolimod which can be fatal. Therefore, the clinician must take precautions. Close cardiac rhythm monitoring is mandatory after the initiation fingolimod theraphy.
How to improve interest for undergraduate nursing students working in primary health care
Authors: André Beate , Antonsen Therese , Akslen Sølvi Karin Romarheim , Bogsti Wenche Bergseth
Published: May 2023

Aim:

To explore the association between the implementation of a new model of supervision and the impact of undergraduate nursing students’ interest in working in primary health care.

Background:

There is a need for more nurses in primary health care. To influence undergraduate nursing students to work in primary health care after graduation, the experience of their clinical practice in primary health care must be rewarding. In this study, we have implemented an alternative model of supervision for undergraduate nursing students in clinical practice, called ‘strengthened supervision during clinical practice’. In this model, lectures from the university are responsible for giving support and tutoring the nurse supervisor in primary health care.

Method:

Undergraduate nursing students in Norway (69) participated in an implementation of a new model for supervision in clinical practice. Thirty-one completed a questionnaire consisting of 15 questions. The questionnaire was analyzed using descriptive analyses.

Finding:

Undergraduate nursing students positively evaluated interactions with their fellow undergraduate nursing students in the primary health care setting. The undergraduate nursing students reported the nurse supervisor as most important for their perception of the practice site, followed by the work environment and their peers. When asked where they planned to work after graduation, very few undergraduate nursing students selected primary health care. It seems like aspects of the new model, ‘strengthened supervision during clinical practice’ are successful, but further research must be undertaken to explore whether this new model continues to be successful.
The effect of time since reconstruction on breast cancer patients’ quality of life, self-esteem, shame, guilt, and pride
Authors: Tsantakis Vlasios , Dimitroulis Dimitrios , Kontzoglou Konstantinos , Nikiteas Nikolaos
Published: May 2023

Objectives

The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of breast reconstruction time (immediate/at a later time) on women’s quality of life, self-esteem, feelings of guilt, and shame. In addition, the study aimed to investigate the association between time till reconstruction in women with later reconstruction on these parameters.

Methods

Data collection for the study was conducted from a sample of 150 women with breast cancer who had undergone reconstruction. Breast-Q, Rosenberg Self-Esteem Scale, and State Shame and Guilt Scale questionnaires were used to study the above variables.

Results

Immediate reconstruction was associated with higher psychosocial and sexual well-being scores (p = 0.014 and 0.016, respectively). No other quality of life parameters, neither self-esteem, nor feelings of guilt, shame, and pride, were associated with having a mastectomy and reconstruction at the same time or not. Furthermore, for women who did not have immediate reconstruction, the time elapsed until reconstruction was not associated with quality of life, self-esteem, feelings of guilt, shame, and pride.

Significance of results

This study highlights the importance of simultaneous mastectomy and breast reconstruction, as it is associated with higher psychosocial and sexual quality of life. Therefore, simultaneous breast reconstruction is imperative to be provided by health systems.