bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
How students reason about matter flows and accumulations in complex biological phenomena: An emerging learning progression for mass balance
Authors: Scott Emily E. , Cerchiara Jack , McFarland Jenny L. , Wenderoth Mary Pat , Doherty Jennifer H.
Published: July 2022

In recent years, there has been a strong push to transform STEM education at K‐12 and collegiate levels to help students learn to think like scientists. One aspect of this transformation involves redesigning instruction and curricula around fundamental scientific ideas that serve as conceptual scaffolds students can use to build cohesive knowledge structures. In this study, we investigated how students use mass balance reasoning as a conceptual scaffold to gain a deeper understanding of how matter moves through biological systems. Our aim was to lay the groundwork for a mass balance learning progression in physiology. We drew on a general models framework from biology and a covariational reasoning framework from math education to interpret students' mass balance ideas. We used a constant comparative method to identify students' reasoning patterns from 73 interviews conducted with undergraduate biology students. We helped validate the reasoning patterns identified with >8000 written responses collected from students at multiple institutions. From our analyses, we identified two related progress variables that describe key elements of students' performances: the first describes how students identify and use matter flows in biology phenomena; the second characterizes how students use net rate‐of‐change to predict how matter accumulates in, or disperses from, a compartment. We also present a case study of how we used our emerging mass balance learning progression to inform instructional practices to support students' mass balance reasoning. Our progress variables describe one way students engage in three dimensional learning by showing how student performances associated with the practice of mathematical thinking reveal their understanding of the core concept of matter flows as governed by the crosscutting concept of matter conservation. Though our work is situated in physiology, it extends previous work in climate change education and is applicable to other scientific fields, such as physics, engineering, and geochemistry.
Assessment of foodborne transmission ofSalmonella enteritidisin hens and eggs in Bangladesh
Authors: Khatun Mst Fatema , Khan Md Abu Sayem , Ahmed Md Firoz , Rahman Md Majibur , Rahman Sabita Rezwana
Published: July 2022

Objectives

Salmonellais considered one of the leading causes of foodborne illnesses worldwide. Information about the transmission of pathogens to poultry and poultry products is necessary to implement control measures for reducing both human exposure and economic loss. The aim of this study was to analyze and evaluate the transmission characteristics ofSalmonella enteritidisto laying‐type hen flocks and their laid eggs.

Materials and methods

For this purpose, 15 pairs of laying hens were used in which each pair consisted of one inoculated and one contact exposed hen. The eggs and cloacal swabs from these hens were subsequently analyzed.

Results

Of the 15 in‐contact hens tested, 60% were found to be positive forS. enteritidiswithin 61 days postinoculation, of which 26.7% transmission occurred within the first 31 days postinoculation. Among the collected laid eggs tested,S. enteritidiswas detected on 58% eggshells and 5.33% eggs internal contents. We also observed a 33.33% reduction in egg production fromS. enteritidis‐infected hens. In a cross‐contamination study, we demonstrated that an experimentally inoculated container can act as a potential source ofSalmonellaspp. infection.

Conclusions

Our results will help establish effective monitoring programs to reduce the transmission ofSalmonellaspp. in poultry and poultry products.
Theory of Change Diagrams
Authors: Barbrook-Johnson Pete , Penn Alexandra S.
Published: July 2022

This chapter introduces Theory of Change diagrams, a popular approach to mapping the causal logic between interventions, their impacts, and the assumptions they rely upon. Despite a wide variety in practice, we attempt to outline what Theory of Change diagrams are, how you can use them, and where they sit in the wider Theory of Change approach. We describe their strengths, weaknesses, and a brief history, and point readers to useful resources, as well as offer some tips for getting started.
Precautionary Principles
Authors: Rechnitzer Tanja
Published: July 2022

This chapter introduces the main idea and motivation behind precautionary principles (PPs) and gives an overview of different PP interpretations according to their functions: action-guiding, epistemic, procedural, and integrated interpretations are distinguished. The chapter then describes the main lines of arguments that have been presented in favor of PPs before presenting the most important objections that PPs face, along with possible rejoinders.
Assessing Professional Caregivers’ Intention to Use and Relatives’ Support of Use for a Mobile Service Robot in Group Therapy for Institutionalized People with Dementia – A Standardized Assessment Using an Adapted Version of UTAUT
Authors: Wasić Catharina , Bahrmann Frank , Vogt Stefan , Böhme Hans-Joachim , Graessel Elmar
Published: July 2022

Introduction: Care settings for people with dementia involve not only the individuals who are being cared for but also professional caregivers and relatives. Therefore, the use of a social robot also depends on professional caregivers’ and relatives’ acceptance of the robot.

Methods: We surveyed 29 relatives and 18 professional caregivers of institutionalized people with dementia in a nursing home in Germany. To assess acceptance, we used an adapted version of the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology and the Almere model.

Results: Intention to use the robot by professional caregivers correlates positively with attitude, facilitating conditions and perceived usefulness as well as negatively with anxiety. Support of use by relatives correlates positively with attitude, perceived usefulness, facilitating conditions and social influence. Intention to use and support of use significantly differ between professional caregivers and relatives.

Conclusion: For professional caregivers and relatives that are not the primary users of the robot and only indirectly affected by the employment of a robot, perceived usefulness and attitude have a significant influence on the acceptance. Professional caregivers are more skeptical about social robots and have lower acceptance values compared to relatives.
Gauging Awareness of Accessibility in Open Educational Resources
Authors: Pierrès Oriane , Darvishy Alireza
Published: July 2022

Open Educational Resources (OERs) have been widely promoted in the higher education community in recent years. However, the accessibility of OERs for people with disabilities has received relatively little attention. This paper presents the results of interviews carried out with people at higher education institutions worldwide who are involved in the creation and implementation of OERs. The goal is to gauge the awareness of accessibility issues in OERs. This paper raises the following research questions: How much do OER creators know about accessibility? What measures are needed to ensure accessibility in OERs? Results suggest that OER creators are aware about some issues around accessibility, but they still need further training on how to solve them. OER creators lack time, skills, and awareness to create accessible OERs. Support from specialists and colleagues and hands-on trainings can help cope with these challenges.
The Impact of Subjective Technology Adaptivity on the Willingness of Persons with Disabilities to Use Emerging Assistive Technologies: A European Perspective
Authors: König Alexandra , Alčiauskaitė Laura , Hatzakis Tally
Published: July 2022

Emerging digital technologies like augmented reality (AR) hold promising prospects for people with disabilities. It remains, however, an open question how persons with disabilities respond to technological demands. The paper examines the potential impact of users’ self-assessment of their own competence in using these technologies on users’ responses by examining their Subjective Technology Adaptivity (STA) [1] and use intention to study the relationship between their self-assessed adaptivity and volitional technology use. To this end, data from 545 Europeans with different types of disabilities were collected based on an online survey. The research focused on six emerging assistive technologies related to mobility: accessible navigation systems, artificial intelligence alerts, wearables, robots, augmented reality and location-based alerts. The results show that the adaptivity to technology of people with disabilities predicts the use intention for emerging assistive technologies. There was, however, great variability depending on the type of disability. For example, a high STA of people with physical, visual, hearing or intellectual impairments predicted their willingness to use intention of AI-based alters but not for people with mental health issues or multiple impairments. Our findings shed new light on the role of perceived technology adaptivity of persons with disabilities for future technology use intention.
Development of Tabletop Models of Internal Organs for Anatomy Learning of the Visually Impaired
Authors: Shinoda Moeka , Koike Akihiro , Teraguchi Sayaka , Teshima Yoshinori
Published: July 2022

In this study, we developed two types of tabletop models of internal organs as tactile teaching materials that can be used by the visually impaired when learning anatomy. The first one is a model in which parts of the internal organs that do not have connectional relationships are placed in a concave area of a pedestal. The second one is a model in which parts of the internal organs have a connectional relationship. Parts of the organs were connected using connecting pins, holes, and rubber tubes. A connected respiratory system, a connected digestive system, and a connected urinary system are also placed in the concave areas of the pedestal. Evaluation experiments conducted on the two types of tactile teaching materials revealed that the second model is a better teaching material in terms of placement stability and an understanding of the connectional relationship of internal organs.
Impact of Using an Eye-Gaze Technology by a Young Adult with Severe Cerebral Palsy Without Speech
Authors: Hsieh Yu-Hsin , Granlund Mats , Hwang Ai-Wen , Hemmingsson Helena
Published: July 2022

This case study explores an eye-gaze technology intervention for a young adult with severe physical and speech difficulties and visual impairments. Data were collected over a six-month intervention period encompassing measures on pupil’s occupational performance of computer activities and psychosocial impact, and interviews with the user, the parents, and the teacher on the technology acceptability. The results showed that the six-month intervention enhanced the pupil’s performance in three computer activities and led to a positive psychosocial impact. The parent and teacher described the intervention as appropriate to increase the pupil’s self-expression and interaction with others, and there was no adverse event during the study period. The pupil demonstrated motivation to use the eye-gaze technology after the intervention continuously. In conclusion, this study shows that a young adult with severe motor impairments and visual problems can benefit from using eye-gaze technology to increase participation in leisure activities, communication, and social interactions.
Voice Assistant-Based CBT for Depression in Students: Effects of Empathy-Driven Dialog Management
Authors: Gotthardt Marie , Striegl Julian , Loitsch Claudia , Weber Gerhard
Published: July 2022

With a rising number of students with depression, new low-threshold solutions have to be found to strengthen the resilience against and help those affected by mental disorders. One approach lies in the usage of chatbots (CBs) to provide tools based in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) that can be used independently in order to reduce symptoms of depression. To ensure the adherence to such systems, a good usability and acceptance is important. Conversational agents (CAs) that provide CBT-based content should further be sensitive to the users emotional state, as empathy is one central aspect of therapy. While promising research has been going on in the field of CB-based empathy-driven CBT, voice assistant-based (VA-based) solutions have thus far not been investigated deeply. Therefore, we propose a VA-based, empathy-driven system, capable of delivering selected methods from CBT to students with depression.

To assess the effects of empathy-driven dialog management on perceived usability and acceptance, we conducted a single blind randomized controlled A/B testing experiment with 10 participants. While the application of empathetical dialog management shows no benefits to the usability and acceptance, results overall indicate a good usability and acceptance of the system in the target group.
Magnetising the $$ \mathcal{N} $$ = 4 Super Yang-Mills plasma
Authors: Ballon-Bayona Alfonso , Shock Jonathan P. , Zoakos Dimitrios
Published: July 2022

Abstract

We investigate the thermodynamics of the anisotropic magnetic AdS5 black brane solution found by D’Hoker and Kraus [1]. This solution is the gravity dual of a strongly coupled $$ \mathcal{N} $$
N
= 4 Super Yang-Mills plasma in ℝ3, 1, with temperature T, in the presence of a magnetic field $$ \mathcal{B} $$
B
. Following the procedure of holographic renormalisation we calculate the Gibbs free energy and the holographic stress tensor of the conformal plasma. We evaluate several thermodynamic quantities including the magnetisation, the anisotropic pressures and the speeds of sound. Our results are consistent with an RG flow from a perturbed AdS5 black brane at small $$ \mathcal{B} $$
B
/T2 to a BTZ × ℝ2 black brane at large $$ \mathcal{B} $$
B
/T2. We also perform a phenomenological analysis where we compare the thermodynamics of a magnetised conformal plasma against the lattice QCD results for the thermodynamics of the magnetised quark-gluon plasma.
Identification of QTLs for wheat heading time across multiple-environments
Authors: Benaouda Salma , Dadshani Said , Koua Patrice , Léon Jens , Ballvora Agim
Published: July 2022

Key message

The genetic response to changing climatic factors selects consistent across the tested environments and location-specific thermo-sensitive and photoperiod susceptible alleles in lower and higher altitudes, respectively, for starting flowering in winter wheat.

Wheat breeders select heading date to match the most favorable conditions for their target environments and this is favored by the extensive genetic variation for this trait that has the potential to be further explored. In this study, we used a germplasm with broad geographic distribution and tested it in multi-location field trials across Germany over three years. The genotypic response to the variation in the climatic parameters depending on location and year uncovered the effect of photoperiod and spring temperatures in accelerating heading date in higher and lower latitudes, respectively. Spring temperature dominates other factors in inducing heading, whereas the higher amount of solar radiation delays it. A genome-wide scan of marker-trait associations with heading date detected two QTL: an adapted allele at locus TaHd102 on chromosome 5A that has a consistent effect on HD in German cultivars in multiple environments and a non-adapted allele at locus TaHd044 on chromosome 3A that accelerates flowering by 5.6 days. TaHd102 and TaHd044 explain 13.8% and 33% of the genetic variance, respectively. The interplay of the climatic variables led to the detection of environment specific association responding to temperature in lower latitudes and photoperiod in higher ones. Another locus TaHd098 on chromosome 5A showed epistatic interactions with 15 known regulators of flowering time when non-adapted cultivars from outside Germany were included in the analysis.
Associations Between Preoperative Risk, Postoperative Complications, and 30‐Day Mortality
Authors: Madsen Helen J. , Henderson William G. , Bronsert Michael R. , Dyas Adam R. , Colborn Kathryn L. , Lambert‐Kerzner Anne , Meguid Robert A.
Published: July 2022

Background

Comorbidities and postoperative complications increase mortality, making early recognition and management critical. It is useful to understand how they are associated with one another. This study assesses associations between comorbidities, complications, and mortality.

Methods

We calculated associations between comorbidities, complications, and 30‐day mortality using the 2012–2018 ACS‐NSQIP database. We examined the association between mortality and number of complications which complications were most associated with mortality.

Results

5,777,108 patients were included. 30‐day mortality was 0.95%. For most comorbidities or postoperative complications, patients with these had higher mortality than patients without. Having ≥ 1 complication increased mortality risk by 32.5‐fold (6.5% vs. 0.2%). Mortality rate significantly increased with increasing number of complications, particularly after two or more complications. Bleeding and sepsis were associated with the most deaths.

Conclusion

The 30‐day mortality rate was < 1% but was 32‐fold higher in patients with complications and increased rapidly for patients with ≥ 2 complications. Bleeding and sepsis were the most prominent complications associated with mortality.
Sex differences in treatment patterns for non-advanced muscle-invasive bladder cancer: a descriptive analysis of 3484 patients of the Netherlands Cancer Registry
Authors: Richters Anke , Leliveld Anna M. , Goossens-Laan Catharina A. , Aben Katja K. H. , Özdemir Berna C.
Published: July 2022

Purpose

Bladder cancer (BC) is a common malignancy with well-established differences in incidence, clinical manifestation and outcomes between men and women. It is unknown to what extent disparities in outcomes are influenced by differences in treatment approaches. This paper describes treatment patterns among men and women with muscle-invasive BC focusing on curative treatment (radical cystectomy or trimodal therapy).

Methods

A retrospective population-based cohort study was performed with data from the Netherlands Cancer Registry. All patients newly diagnosed with muscle-invasive, non-advanced BC (MIBC, cT2-4a, N0/X, M0/X) in the years 2018, 2019 and 2020 were identified. Patient and tumor characteristics and initial treatment were compared between men and women with descriptive statistics and multivariable logistic regression analyses.

Results

A total of 3484 patients were diagnosed with non-advanced MIBC in 2018–2020 in the Netherlands, of whom 28% were women. Women had higher T-stage and more often non-urothelial histology. Among all strata of clinical T-stage, women less often received treatment with curative intent (radical cystectomy [RC] or trimodality treatment). Among RC-treated patients, women more often received neoadjuvant treatment (except for cT4a disease). After adjustment for pre-treatment factors, odds ratios were indicative of women having lower probability of receiving curative treatment and RC specifically, and higher probability to receive NAC when treated with RC then men, although not statistically significant.

Conclusions

Considerable differences in treatment patterns between men and women with MIBC exist. A more considerate role of the patient’s sex in treatment decisions could help decrease these differences and might mitigate disparities in outcomes.
Lifestyle behaviors, metabolic disturbances, and weight gain in psychiatric inpatients treated with weight gain-associated medication
Authors: Simon Maria S , Barton Barbara , Zagler Anja , Engl Katharina , Rihs Leonora , Glocker Catherine , Musil Richard
Published: July 2022

Many psychiatric patients suffer from overweight/obesity and subsequent metabolic disturbances, where psychotropic medication is one of the main contributors. However, the magnitude of weight gain ranges individually, which leads to questioning the role of other contributors like lifestyle factors. The present study investigated several lifestyle factors among psychiatric inpatients, their relation to biological factors, and their predictive capability for weight gain during treatment. Using a naturalistic observational study design, psychiatric inpatients of all diagnoses were followed for 4 weeks from the start of treatment with weight gain-associated medication. N = 163 participants entered the study. Lifestyle factors were assessed by patient self-report questionnaires. Body weight change over time was calculated relative to baseline body weight. Our study provides three main findings: (1) Obesity and/or metabolic syndrome (metSy) were associated with emotional eating (disinhibition), craving for fast food and sweets, and weight cycling. (2) Patients without metSy and normal BMI experienced increased sweets craving (also for women), a more positive attitude towards drugs, and an improvement of affect (also for men). (3) Sex, presence of metSy and/or drug dosage interacted with disinhibition change, sweets craving change (trend), and fast food craving change to predict weight change over time. Furthermore, drug attitude change interacted with BMI, drug dosage, and presence of metSy to predict weight change. Lifestyle factors, especially eating behaviors, are related to metabolic disturbances and predict weight gain in interaction with clinical parameters.
Meridional ocular magnification after cataract surgery with toric and non-toric intraocular lenses
Authors: Langenbucher Achim , Hoffmann Peter , Cayless Alan , Wendelstein Jascha , Bolz Matthias , Szentmáry Nóra
Published: July 2022

Background

Overall ocular magnification (OOM) and meridional ocular magnification (MOM) with consequent image distortions have been widely ignored in modern cataract surgery. The purpose of this study was to investigate OOM and MOM in a general situation with an astigmatic refracting surface.

Methods

From a large dataset containing biometric measurements (IOLMaster 700) of both eyes of 9734 patients prior to cataract surgery, the equivalent (PIOLeq) and cylindric power (PIOLcyl) were derived for the HofferQ, Haigis, and Castrop formulae for emmetropia. Based on the pseudophakic eye model, OOM and MOM were extracted using 4 × 4 matrix algebra for the corrected eye (with PIOLeq/PIOLcyl (scenario 1) or with PIOLeq and spectacle correction of the residual refractive cylinder (scenario 2) or with PIOLeq remaining the residual uncorrected refractive cylinder (blurry image) (scenario 3)). In each case, the relative image distortion of MOM/OOM was calculated in %.

Results

On average, PIOLeq/PIOLcyl was 20.73 ± 4.50 dpt/1.39 ± 1.09 dpt for HofferQ, 20.75 ± 4.23 dpt/1.29 ± 1.01 dpt for Haigis, and 20.63 ± 4.31 dpt/1.26 ± 0.98 dpt for Castrop formulae. Cylindric refraction for scenario 2 was 0.91 ± 0.70 dpt, 0.89 ± 0.69 dpt, and 0.89 ± 0.69 dpt, respectively. OOM/MOM (× 1000) was 16.56 ± 1.20/0.08 ± 0.07, 16.56 ± 1.20/0.18 ± 0.14, and 16.56 ± 1.20/0.08 ± 0.07 mm/mrad with HofferQ; 16.64 ± 1.16/0.07 ± 0.06, 16.64 ± 1.16/0.18 ± 0.14, and 16.64 ± 1.16/0.07 ± 0.06 mm/mrad with Haigis; and 16.72 ± 1.18/0.07 ± 0.05, 16.72 ± 1.18/0.18 ± 0.14, and 16.72 ± 1.18/0.07 ± 0.05 mm/mrad with Castrop formulae. Mean/95% quantile relative image distortion was 0.49/1.23%, 0.41/1.05%, and 0.40/0.98% for scenarios 1 and 3 and 1.09/2.71%, 1.07/2.66%, and 1.06/2.64% for scenario 2 with HofferQ, Haigis, and Castrop formulae.

Conclusion

Matrix representation of the pseudophakic eye allows for a simple and straightforward prediction of OOM and MOM of the pseudophakic eye after cataract surgery. OOM and MOM could be used for estimating monocular image distortions, or differences in overall or meridional magnifications between eyes.
Central venous catheter–associated complications in pediatric patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma: implications for catheter choice
Authors: van den Bosch Ceder H. , Spijkerman Judith , Wijnen Marc H. W. A. , Hovinga Idske C. L. Kremer , Meyer-Wentrup Friederike A. G. , van der Steeg Alida F. W. , van de Wetering Marianne D. , Fiocco Marta , Morsing Indra E. , Beishuizen Auke
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to determine the most optimal central venous catheter (CVC) for pediatric patients with Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) in terms of complications.

Methods

A retrospective study including patients diagnosed with HL from 2015 to 2021 at the Princess Máxima Center was performed. Patients were followed from CVC insertion until removal or 06–2021, whichever came first. The primary outcome was the CVC-related complication incidence rate (IR) per 1000 CVC-days. Furthermore, the incidence rate ratio (IRR) was calculated by comparing complication IRs between peripherally inserted central catheters (PICC) and totally implantable venous access ports (TIVAP). Additionally, risk factors for central venous thrombosis (CVT) were identified.

Results

A total of 98 patients were included. The most frequently observed complications were local irritation/infections (18%; IR 0.93), malfunctions (15%; IR 0.88), and CVC-related CVTs (10%; IR 0.52). Single lumen PICCs were associated with a higher risk of complications (49% vs. 26%; IRR 5.12, CI95% 2.76–9.50), severe complications (19% vs. 7%; IRR 11.96, CI95% 2.68–53.42), and early removal (18% vs. 7%; IRR 9.96, CI95% 2.18–45.47). A single lumen PICC was identified as a risk factor for CVC-related CVT when compared to TIVAPs (12% vs. 7%, IRR 6.98, CI95% 1.45–33.57).

Conclusion

The insertion of a TIVAP rather than a PICC should be recommended for pediatric patients with HL, especially in the presence of CVT-related risk factors. Future trials should evaluate the efficacy and safety of direct oral anticoagulants for the primary prevention of CVT in pediatric patients with a PICC and other CVT-related risk factors.
Multiscale variability of China’s historical flood/drought index and precipitation teleconnections with ENSO using wavelet analyses
Authors: Wang Dong , Du Shuang-Chen , Jia Wenjing
Published: July 2022

Studies of the low-frequency variabilities of key climate variables are often handicapped by the limited length of available instrumental observations. To tackle this, the use of a set of historical flood/drought index (FDI) spanning from AD 1470 to 2000 for 120 sites in China has been made to investigate the multiscale temporal variability of annual precipitation by applying wavelet methods. The analyses reveal oscillating components of the FDI time series from the decadal to multi-decadal, and to the quasi-centennial range, as well as in the interannual range. Furthermore, the relationships of the FDI with the dominant mode of oscillations in the coupled ocean–atmosphere system, i.e., the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) index, on a range of time scales have been probed by cross wavelet transform and wavelet coherence methods. Statistically significant coherence between FDI and ENSO index time series has been found for regions in eastern China south of the Yangtze River (inclusive) at the decadal to multi-decadal time scale (10- to 50-yr) after 1750, as well as for north China on the 10- to 30-year range in the eighteenth century. The FDI is less coherent with the ENSO index for other regions of China. The results of the present study may add to our understanding of the connections between long-term changes of annual precipitation and large-scale oscillations in the coupled ocean–atmosphere system, and provide a scientific basis for developing policies to adapt to future changes in water abundance.
Closing the “happiness gap” by closing the wealth gap: the role of wealth on life satisfaction between east and west-Germans
Authors: Kasinger Christoph , Braunheim Lisa , Beutel Manfred , Brähler Elmar
Published: July 2022

Background

In Germany there is a large wealth gap between East and West Germans as well as a gap in life satisfaction, with people in East Germany reporting to be less satisfied. This paper intends to shed light on the role of the different levels of wealth and their association with life satisfaction. On a wider scale, this paper examines psychological consequences of wealth inequality between large societal groups.

Method

Longitudinal data from the years 2007, 2012, and 2017 of the German Socio-Economic Panel (GSOEP) with a sample size of N = 5066 (Nfemale = 2522, Nwest = 3756, mage2007 = 50.46) was used. To test our hypothesis, multiple linear regression models as well as a fixed-effects regression model were run. Furthermore, to examine the development of wealth distribution between different birth cohorts in East and West Germany a latent growth curve model was calculated.

Results

Net-worth was found to be a highly significant predictor for life satisfaction. This holds true for variance between respondents as well as for individual change over time within respondents. Additionally, the results show that the wealth gap between East and West Germans in total as well as within most of the birth cohorts increased.

Conclusion

Due to their socialistic history and the related obstacles in acquiring wealth as well as the unbalanced distribution of GDR-assets after the reunification, East Germans are significantly less wealthy than West Germans. This has consequences on the mental well-being and the life satisfaction of East Germans.
Potentially inappropriate prescribing for adults living with diabetes mellitus: a scoping review
Authors: Ayalew Mohammed Biset , Spark M. Joy , Quirk Frances , Dieberg Gudrun
Published: July 2022

Background

People living with diabetes often experience multiple morbidity and polypharmacy, increasing their risk of potentially inappropriate prescribing. Inappropriate prescribing is associated with poorer health outcomes.

Aim

The aim of this scoping review was to explore and map studies conducted on potentially inappropriate prescribing among adults living with diabetes and to identify gaps regarding identification and assessment of potentially inappropriate prescribing in this group.

Method

Studies that reported any type of potentially inappropriate prescribing were included. Studies conducted on people aged < 18 years or with a diagnosis of gestational diabetes or prediabetes were excluded. No restrictions to language, study design, publication status, geographic area, or clinical setting were applied in selecting the studies. Articles were systematically searched from 11 databases.

Results

Of the 190 included studies, the majority (63.7%) were conducted in high-income countries. None of the studies used an explicit tool specifically designed to identify potentially inappropriate prescribing among people with diabetes. The most frequently studied potentially inappropriate prescribing in high-income countries was contraindication while in low- and middle-income countries prescribing omission was the most common. Software and websites were mostly used for identifying drug-drug interactions. The specific events and conditions that were considered as inappropriate were inconsistent across studies.

Conclusion

Contraindications, prescribing omissions and dosing problems were the most commonly studied types of potentially inappropriate prescribing. Prescribers should carefully consider the individual prescribing recommendations of medications. Future studies focusing on the development of explicit tools to identify potentially inappropriate prescribing for adults living with diabetes are needed.
How can precision farming work on a small scale? A systematic literature review
Authors: Mizik Tamás
Published: July 2022

The agri-food industry faces a great challenge due to the growing global population. When considering land scarcity, this can be solved only by a higher production efficiency. Precision agriculture (PA) provides a potential answer. Most farms, especially in developing countries, are small-scale units that have difficulties in applying precision agriculture technologies. On the basis of the systematically selected articles, major benefits and constraints were identified, and solutions were provided. Due to the low economic performance of smallholdings, (demonstrated) economic benefits are essential; however, it should be added that PA also provides potential environmental benefits. The five main constraints of precision agriculture technologies at the small-scale level are small land size, high cost of adoption, technology-related difficulties, lack of professional support and lack of supporting policy. The solutions provided by the literature are various, including, among others, joint/collective actions, zone delineation/field boundary detection, cooperation-cooperatives; low-cost technology, common machinery usage; education, (common) knowledge, use of standards, simple and user-friendly technology; professional support of vendors, advisors, agricultural contractor services; and policy-initiated investments and adequate regulations, respectively. Lower cost, modular technologies can help to accelerate PA uptake.
Modeling Electrical Resistance Behavior of Soft and Flexible Piezoresistive Sensors Based on Carbon-Black/Silicone Elastomer Composites
Authors: Yong Shi , Aw Kean
Published: July 2022

Soft and flexible strain piezoresistive sensors are gaining interest in wearable and robotic applications, but resistance relaxation limits the widespread use of the sensors. As soft, flexible, and stretchable sensors, they can easily be retrofitted into any existing robotic hand. To understand the resistance relaxation of stretchable sensors, three different elastomers were used to fabricate soft piezoresistive sensors. The experimental results showed that the sensor has good linearity and scalability while their resistance is strongly influenced by the stretching speed and modulus of the elastomer. Thus, the Kevin Voigt model was adopted to describe the sensor’s change of resistance during the stretching process. The model is sufficient to describe the change of resistance of the carbon black/elastomer filler when the sensors are stretched before the fracturing of the conductive filler. However, when the filler fractures, the model is invalid. The behavior indicates that the elongation of the sensor must not exceed the strain that causes the filler to fracture.
A Novel Set-Up for In Situ Measurement and Mapping of Lubricant Film Thickness in a Model Rolling Bearing Using Interferometry and Ratiometric Fluorescence Imaging
Authors: Chennaoui Mourad , Fowell Mark , Liang He , Kadiric Amir
Published: July 2022

This paper describes a unique experimental set-up constructed for studies of lubricant behaviour in an operating rolling element bearing including in situ quantitative measurements of film thickness in and around the element-raceway contact. The set-up is based on a deep groove ball bearing in which the outer race is made of sapphire to allow full optical access to the zone in which the rolling elements are loaded against it. This allows direct imaging of lubricant films under both steady-state and transient conditions and at contact pressures and rotational speeds representative of those present in real rolling element bearings. Optical interferometry is used to measure thin EHL films inside the ball–raceway contacts while a specific laser induced fluorescence approach, referred to as ratiometric fluorescence, is implemented to observe the lubricant distribution and quantify its thickness ahead of the ball–raceway contact. Results are presented to validate the accuracy of the method and to investigate the influence of bulk lubricant viscosity and bearing speed on contact film thickness, inlet starvation and lubricant distribution around the ball–raceway contact. To the best of our knowledge, the work described here is the first to directly measure lubricant distribution and EHL film thickness in a ball–raceway contact in an operating radial rolling bearing.

Graphical Abstract
An overview of the environmental pollution and health effects associated with waste landfilling and open dumping
Authors: Siddiqua Ayesha , Hahladakis John N. , Al-Attiya Wadha Ahmed K A
Published: July 2022

Landfilling is one of the most common waste management methods employed in all countries alike, irrespective of their developmental status. The most commonly used types of landfills are (a) municipal solid waste landfill, (b) industrial waste landfill, and (c) hazardous waste landfill. There is, also, an emerging landfill type called “green waste landfill” that is, occasionally, being used. Most landfills, including those discussed in this review article, are controlled and engineered establishments, wherein the waste ought to abide with certain regulations regarding their quality and quantity. However, illegal and uncontrolled “landfills” (mostly known as open dumpsites) are, unfortunately, prevalent in many developing countries. Due to the widespread use of landfilling, even as of today, it is imperative to examine any environmental- and/or health-related issues that have emerged. The present study seeks to determine the environmental pollution and health effects associated with waste landfilling by adopting a desk review design. It is revealed that landfilling is associated with various environmental pollution problems, namely, (a) underground water pollution due to the leaching of organic, inorganic, and various other substances of concern (SoC) contained in the waste, (b) air pollution due to suspension of particles, (c) odor pollution from the deposition of municipal solid waste (MSW), and (d) even marine pollution from any potential run-offs. Furthermore, health impacts may occur through the pollution of the underground water and the emissions of gases, leading to carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic effects of the exposed population living in their vicinity.

Graphical abstract
Effect of time windows in LSTM networks for EEG-based BCIs
Authors: Martín-Chinea K. , Ortega J. , Gómez-González J. F. , Pereda E. , Toledo J. , Acosta L.
Published: July 2022

People with impaired motor function could be helped by an effective brain–computer interface (BCI) based on a real-time electroencephalogram (EEG) and artificial intelligence algorithms. However, current methodologies for interpreting patient instructions from an EEG are not accurate enough to be completely safe in a real-world situation , where a poor decision would place their physical integrity at risk, such as when traveling in an electric wheelchair in a city. For various reasons, such as the low signal-to-noise ratio of portable EEGs or the effects of signal contamination (disturbances due to user movement, temporal variation of the features of EEG signals, etc.), a long short-term memory network (LSTM) (a type of recurrent neural network) that is able to learn data flow patterns from EEG signals could improve the classification of the actions taken by the user. In this paper, the effectiveness of using an LSTM with a low-cost wireless EEG device in real time is tested, and the time window that maximizes its classification accuracy is studied. The goal is to be able to implement it in the BCI of a smart wheelchair with a simple coded command protocol, such as opening or closing the eyes, which could be executed by patients with reduced mobility. Results show a higher resolution of the LSTM with an accuracy range between 77.61 and 92.14% compared to traditional classifiers (59.71%), and an optimal time window of around 7 s for the task done by users in this work. In addition, tests in real-life contexts show that a trade-off between accuracy and response times is necessary to ensure detection.
Phase Equilibria in the Ti-Rich Part of the Ti-Al-Nb System—Part I: Low-Temperature Phase Equilibria Between 700 and 900 °C
Authors: Distl B. , Hauschildt K. , Rashkova B. , Pyczak F. , Stein F.
Published: July 2022

Precise knowledge of the phase equilibria in the Ti-Al-Nb system between 700 and 900 °C is of crucial importance for the urgently needed improvement of TiAl-based turbine materials already in industrial use to achieve further energy savings. As a result of the occurrence of the two ternary intermetallic phases ωo(“Ti4NbAl3”) and O (“Ti2NbAl”), which form in the solid state just in the range of the application-relevant temperatures, the phase relations are very complex and not well studied. In the present investigation, isothermal sections of the Ti-rich part of the Ti-Al-Nb system at 700, 800, and 900 °C were determined by a systematic study of 15 ternary alloys, one solid-solid diffusion couple, and three liquid-solid diffusion couples. Using scanning electron microscopy, electron probe microanalysis (EPMA), x-ray diffraction (XRD), high-energy XRD (HEXRD), differential thermal analysis (DTA), and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) investigations, type and composition of phases as well as phase transitions were determined. With these results, the phase equilibria were established. A focus of the investigations is on the homogeneity ranges of the two ternary phases ωoand O, which both are stable up to temperatures above 900 °C. Based on the compositions measured for the ωophase and its crystal structure type, a new formula (Ti,Nb)2Al is suggested. The results also indicate that the phase field of the ωophase is split into two parts at 900 °C because of the growing phase field of the ordered (βTi,Nb)ophase.
Reverse image filtering with clean and noisy filters
Authors: Wang Lizhong , Fayolle Pierre-Alain , Belyaev Alexander G.
Published: July 2022

Given an image filter $${{\varvec{y}}}={{\varvec{f}}}\,({{\varvec{x}}})$$

y

=

f

(

x

)

, where $${{\varvec{x}}}$$

x

and $${{\varvec{y}}}$$

y

are input and output images, respectively, reverse image filtering consists of rendering an approximation to $${{\varvec{x}}}$$

x

from $${{\varvec{y}}}$$

y

using the filter $${{\varvec{f}}}\,(\cdot )$$

f

(
·
)

itself as a black box, without knowing the internal structure of the filter. In this paper, we propose to use modified Landweber iterations for reverse image filtering, evaluate the performance of our approach, and present applications to image deblurring and super-resolution. An important advantage of our approach over the existing reverse image filtering methods is high robustness to noise.
Elevated LINC00894 relieves the oncogenic properties of thyroid cancer cell by sponging let-7e-5p to promote TIA-1 expression
Authors: Chen Bo , Liu Deqing , Chen Runjie , Guo Libing , Ran Jianmin
Published: July 2022

LINC00894 plays an important role in cancer cell proliferation and invasion in breast and kidney cancer. However, its role in thyroid cancer proliferation and metastasis remains unclear. In this study, data on LINC00894 expression in thyroid cancer tissues were obtained from GEPIA2. miRNA expression in thyroid cancer tissues was obtained from starBase 3.0 and OncomiR. Cell proliferation was evaluated using CCK-8, and Transwell chambers were used for the migration and invasion assays. LINC00894 and let-7e-5p expressions in thyroid cancer cells were measured using qRT–PCR. Meanwhile, TIA-1 expression in thyroid cancer cells was analyzed via western blotting. We found that LINC00894 expression was markedly reduced in thyroid cancer tissues and cells, and low expression of LINC00894 was associated with poor prognosis in thyroid cancer. LINC00894 overexpression inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion of CAL-62 and TPC-1 cells. Additionally, let-7e-5p expression was substantially enhanced in CAL-62 and TPC-1 cells. LINC00894 overexpression promoted TIA-1 expression by acting as a sponge of let-7e-5p. Finally, let-7e-5p weakened the function of LINC00894 in thyroid cancer cells via reduction in TIA-1 levels. In conclusion, our data suggest that increased LINC00894 expression reduces the oncogenic properties of thyroid cancer cells by sponging let-7e-5p to promote TIA-1 expression.
Development, Implementation, and Evaluation of an e-Learning in Integrative Oncology for Physicians and Students Involving Experts and Learners: Experiences and Recommendations
Authors: Thomae Anita V. , Rogge Alizé A. , Helmer Stefanie M. , Icke Katja , Witt Claudia M.
Published: July 2022

In this project, an e-Learning program for complementary and integrative medicine in oncology was systematically developed, implemented, and evaluated in a stepwise procedure. Learning objectives and content were defined within the KOKON project network, considering the educational competencies for integrative oncology. To design a valuable e-Learning, experts were involved in all relevant steps of the process, as well as stakeholders from various target groups (undergraduates: medicine students, postgraduates: oncology physicians). We used mixed methods including quantitative surveys, progress tests, and qualitative focus groups. The developed e-Learning program led to a significant measurable knowledge gain about complementary and integrative medicine. In parallel, physicians and students were subjectively satisfied with the training. For the majority of e-Learning elements, the needs of both target groups are comparable. Furthermore, both groups emphasized the value of formative assessment tools for gaining knowledge. From the various surveys and experiences collected in this project, we derive recommendations for others developing e-Learning programs.
Semi-analytical estimation of Helmholtz resonators’ tuning frequency for scalable neck-cavity geometric couplings
Authors: Catapane Giuseppe , Magliacano Dario , Petrone Giuseppe , Casaburo Alessandro , Franco Francesco , De Rosa Sergio
Published: July 2022

Innovative meta-materials offer great flexibility for manipulating sound waves and assure unprecedented functionality in the context of acoustic applications. Indeed, they can exhibit extraordinary properties, such as broadband low-frequency absorption, excellent sound insulation, or enhanced sound transmission. These amazing properties have drawn the eye of the transport industry, especially for aeronautic applications where objects like these can be combined and coupled with primary structures aiming to reduce exterior and interior noise without increasing weight. However, the design of acoustic meta-materials with exciting functionality still represents a challenge, therefore there is a huge interest about the conceptualization and design of innovative acoustic solutions making use of meta-material resonance effects. The main target of the present research work is to obtain an accurate prediction of the tuning frequency of a Helmholtz-resonating device, whose resonance properties are exploited in a wide part of acoustic meta-material design. In this context, an investigation on a correction factor for the classical formulation used to estimate the Helmholtz resonance frequency starting from its geometric characteristics, accounting for different-shaped resonators with varying neck/cavity ratios, is performed. More specifically, a set of numerical simulations for several geometric configuration is considered in order to demonstrate the limits of pre-existing formulas, and a new correction factor formula is developed after theoretical considerations where it is possible. In the end, results in terms of correction factors are provided in both graphical and semi-analytical form, compared with Finite Element data.