bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SAMBA: Super area‐cladogram after resolving multiple biogeographical ambiguities
Authors: Santos Daubian , Sampronha Stephanie , Hammoud Muhsen , Gois João Paulo , Santos Charles Morphy D.
Published: January 2023

Aim

Cladistic biogeography is all about congruence: when individual area cladograms coincide, they result in a general area cladogram that reveals shared history. However, the complexities of the natural world hamper the reconstruction of fully solved biogeographical patterns. Herein, we present SAMBA (super area‐cladogram after resolving multiple biogeographical ambiguities), a pattern‐based method combining supertrees and area cladograms to depict the relationships among areas. We also present a prototypical implementation of SAMBA as a web‐based framework named iSAMBA.

Location

Global.

Taxon

Any taxon can be analysed with SAMBA.

Methods

SAMBA is based on phylogenetic supertrees, a technique that combines previously calculated phylogenetic trees to produce a general area cladogram representing conciliatory and non‐ambiguous patterns of relationships. In our method, the input topologies are individual area cladograms. SAMBA is implemented through a web‐based framework named iSAMBA. We analysed a theoretical and a real scenario to compare SAMBA with primary Brooks parsimony analysis (BPA), component analysis, three area statement analysis (TAS) and the transparent method.

Results

SAMBA produces area cladograms that converge with the actual history of fragmentations of both hypothetical and real scenarios used as examples of implementation of the method. Primary BPA, component analysis, TAS and the transparent method are much more affected by the “biogeographical noise” (e.g. multiple areas in a single terminal, paralogies and missing areas) than SAMBA.

Main Conclusions

SAMBA results in more informative general area cladograms than other pattern‐based biogeographical methods. SAMBA reveals shared patterns of biotic distribution without generating multiple unreliable area cladograms. The main advantage of SAMBA is the simplicity of using a single technique to extract biogeographical information from individual area cladograms and combine them to depict a non‐ambiguous general pattern of relationships among areas.
Trade‐offs between operational performance and sales in a retail environment: The simultaneous impact of product variety on inventory levels, product availability, and sales
Authors: Sweeney Kevin , Evers Philip T. , Duan Yongrui , Windle Robert
Published: January 2023

Larger product assortments have been found to have both positive and negative impacts on firms that offer them. More product variety allows firms to increase sales by either selling to a larger customer base or by encouraging current customers to purchase more frequently and in greater quantities. However, more product variety is also associated with lower operational performance. In this research, we investigate the impact of product variety on firm performance in a retail setting. Using data gathered from a large retailer over a 32‐week period for 12 product categories, we develop a multiple stage regression model and find that the effects of product variety on inventory levels, stockout rates and sales differ across more hedonic and more utilitarian product categories. Furthermore, we find that the product variety decision itself is moderated by the hedonic or utilitarian nature of the product category. Implications of the findings for theory and retail management are discussed.
Which outcomes should be measured in hand eczema trials? Results from patient interviews and an expert survey
Authors: Rönsch Henriette , Schiffers Frederike , Ofenloch Robert , Weisshaar Elke , Buse Anna‐Sophie , Hansen Andreas , John Swen Malte , Giménez Arnau Ana M. , Pesqué David , Agner Tove , Nørreslet Line Brok , Loman Laura , Romeijn Geertruida L. E. , Schuttelaar Marie L. A. , Košćec Bjelajac Adrijana , Macan Jelena , Bauer Andrea , Apfelbacher Christian J.
Published: January 2023

Background

Hand eczema (HE) is a common skin disease characterized by itch, pain and visible skin changes such as fissures, erythema and vesicles. It is not yet clear which outcome domains are most important for patients. The Hand Eczema Core Outcome Set (HECOS) initiative is developing a consented set of core domains and suitable measurement instruments for the future application in all HE trials. This includes an online Delphi survey about core domains, which requires a ‘Long List’ of all domains that might be important to measure.

Objectives

To compile a ‘Long List’ of candidate outcome domains for therapeutic HE trials with suggestions from patients and experts.

Methods

First, 60 patients with chronic HE were interviewed at seven study sites in Croatia, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and Spain. Patients were asked about domains that were important from their perspectives. Second, 185 HE experts were invited by email to complete an online survey. With an open question, they were asked to suggest up to six domains.

Results

Suggestions were provided by 58 patients and 82 experts. Most patients and experts suggested to measure the domains ‘signs’, ‘symptoms’ and ‘HE‐related quality of life’. Specifically, >25% of patients said that less itch, pain or fissures indicated a successful treatment. Among experts, >25% suggested ‘itch’ and ‘ability to work’ as core sub‐domains. Further outcomes from the domains ‘HE control over time’, ‘patient‐reported treatment experience’ and ‘skin barrier function’ were mentioned.

Conclusion

‘Itch’ was rated high among patients with HE and professional HE experts. While patients emphasized fissures as important, experts underlined the ability to work. This investigation allowed us to define a ‘Long List’ of 7 candidate outcome domains with 58 sub‐domains. From this list, a panel of stakeholders will select core domains during an online Delphi survey.
Method for lineage typing of epidemic Renibacterium salmoninarum in Chilean salmon farms
Authors: Mora‐Salas Patricia , Zapararte Sebastián , Villouta Pamela , Araya‐León Henry , Avendaño‐Herrera Ruben , Melo Francisco , Mardones Fernando O.
Published: January 2023

Renibacterium salmoninarum (Rs) is the etiological agent of bacterial kidney disease (BKD), which significantly affects farmed and wild salmonids worldwide. Although the whole genome of Rs (~3.1 million nucleotides) is highly conserved, genomic epidemiology analyses have identified four sub‐lineages from Chilean isolates. A total of 94 Rs genomes from the BIGSdb aquaculture database were aligned and compared using bioinformatics tools, identifying 2199 independent single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) spread along the genome. A detailed analysis of the distribution of the SNPs showed five local zones of a length in the range of 10–15 kbp that should be used to unambiguously identify a specific sub‐lineage. Based on the Rs type strain DSM 20767T, we designed multiplex PCR primers that produce specific amplification products which were further sequenced by the Sanger method to obtain the genotype of the sub‐lineage. For the genetic typing, we evaluated 27 Rs isolates recovered from BKD outbreaks from different fish species and regions of Chile. Based on the findings reported here, we propose the PCR approach as a valuable tool for the rapid and reliable studying of the relationships between Rs isolates and the different sub‐lineages without requiring the sequencing of the entire genome.
Stress and the risk of Alzheimer dementia: Can deconstructed engrams be rebuilt?
Authors: Jeanneteau Freddy
Published: January 2023

The exact neuropathological mechanism by which the dementia process unfolds is under intense scrutiny. The disease affects about 38 million people worldwide, 70% of which are clinically diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease (AD). If the destruction of synapses essential for learning, planning and decision‐making is part of the problem, must the restoration of previously lost synapses be part of the solution? It is plausible that neuronal capacity to restitute information corresponds with the adaptive capacity of its connectivity reserve. A challenge will be to promote the functional connectivity that can compensate for the lost one. This will require better clarification of the remodeling of functional connectivity during the progression of AD dementia and its reversal upon experimental treatment. A major difficulty is to promote the neural pathways that are atrophied in AD dementia while suppressing others that are bolstered. Therapeutic strategies should aim at scaling functional connectivity to a just balance between the atrophic and hypertrophic systems. However, the exact factors that can help reach this objective are still unclear. Similarities between the effects of chronic stress and some neuropathological mechanisms underlying AD dementia support the idea that common components deserve prime attention as therapeutic targets.
Toward a sociological theory of social pain
Authors: Abrutyn Seth
Published: January 2023

A serious consideration of pain has largely been absent in sociology, especially physical pain's close neurobiological relative, social pain. Social pain is the process by which rejection and exclusion recruits similar neural circuits as physical pain, generating an affectual response that mirrors the response one feels from physical trauma. Pain is essential to any sociological analysis of motivation and action because, like many affective responses, it is a necessary ingredient in cognition and behavior; and, in many cases, it preconsciously commands and even controls how we think and act. While exploring this concept, it becomes apparent that sociology has an entire set of distantly related concepts that can be classified as different processes of social pain that reveal the structural, cultural, and situational conditions shaping the distribution of social pain. The paper concludes by thinking through the implications social pain portends for neuroscience and sociology.
Strategies to increase primary care provider capacity for hepatitis C care: The California ECHO‐PLUS study
Authors: Terrault Norah A. , Slepin Jennifer , Kanner Rachel , Gailloux Keri , Catalli Lisa , McKinney Jeff , Straley Stephanie , Morris Portia , Hluhanich Rebecca , Gonzalez‐Flores Alicia , Dodge Jennifer , Sarkar Souvik
Published: January 2023

Expanding capacity to screen and treat those infected with the hepatitis C virus (HCV) is an essential element of the global elimination strategy. We evaluated the hub‐and‐spoke Project ECHO training versus telementoring models to educate, train and support HCV care by primary care providers in 13 targeted counties in northern California. A novel provider engagement strategy was used. Provider engagement and retention, time to readiness to treat HCV, and knowledge and confidence were the outcomes of interest. 94 participants from 60 unique clinics in the target counties participated in the ECHO‐PLUS programme; 39.4% were physicians, 48.9% were advanced practice providers, and 11.7% were nurses. The median (range) participation time was 5 (1–49) hours. Confidence scores (minimum score = 13 and maximum score = 65) increased by a mean of 14.0 (SD:8.2) and 11.4 (SD:12.0) points for the hub‐and‐spoke and telementoring programmes, respectively (p = .53), with the largest changes in confidence seen in treating patients per guidelines, managing side effects and in serving as a consultant for HCV in their clinic. Among 24 participants with data on time to treatment, median time from beginner to experienced was 8 h (IQR:6–12) for hub‐and‐spoke and 2 h (IQR:1–2.4) for the telementoring programme (p = .01). A ‘boots on the ground’ approach to recruiting HCV champions was effective within rural communities. Both tele‐ECHO hub‐and‐spoke and telementoring approaches to training primary care providers yielded increase in knowledge and confidence in HCV care and amplified the number of patients who were screened and treated. Telementoring accelerated the timeline of novice providers being ‘ready to treat’.
The links between difficult working conditions and sickness absences in the case of French workers
Authors: Havet Nathalie , Plantier Morgane
Published: January 2023

This study empirically links objective measures of arduous working conditions and financial incentive indicators with sick leave use. We use a 2017 French survey on occupational hazards and sick leaves linked to information on the individual level of sick pay extracted from collective bargaining agreements. Our results show that physical constraints are not linked to short‐term sick leave use whereas psychosocial constraints are significantly associated with more sick leave spells and a high cumulative number of sick days. Moreover, the relationship between sick pay and use seems ambiguous because of the heterogeneity in behavioural responses.
On critical African philosophy: Mapping the boundaries of a good philosophical tradition
Authors: Afolayan Adeshina
Published: January 2023

This essay deploys the existence of epistemic vices in the trajectory of Western philosophy to map the erasures and complicities that accompanied the emergence of contemporary African philosophy (CAP1). It argues that the complicity of CAP1 in the hyperspecialization and academic self‐absorption that marked the professionalization of Western philosophy, makes it difficult to attend to the conditions for its own possibility. CAP1 arguably needs to make a critical turn into critical African philosophy (CAP2), understood as a metatheoretical and metaphilosophical framework for an internal transformation that is emancipatory. CAP2 is envisioned, first, as a critique of postcoloniality that rehumanizes the autonomous African subject; and, second, as an ethicopolitical project that explores the cracks between philosophy as theoretical practice and philosophy as praxis in opening up the spaces for postcolonial emancipation. The essay identifies three conditions that instigate the emancipatory possibility of philosophizing on the continent: the spatial/platial, demosophic, and political.
Competition and cooperation in artificial intelligence standard setting: Explaining emergent patterns
Authors: von Ingersleben‐Seip Nora
Published: January 2023

Efforts to set standards for artificial intelligence (AI) reveal striking patterns: technical experts hailing from geopolitical rivals, such as the United States and China, readily collaborate on technical AI standards within transnational standard‐setting organizations, whereas governments are much less willing to collaborate on global ethical AI standards within international organizations. Whether competition or cooperation prevails can be explained by three variables: the actors that make up the membership of the standard‐setting organization, the issues on which the organization's standard‐setting efforts focus, and the “games” actors play when trying to set standards within a particular type of organization. A preliminary empirical analysis provides support for the contention that actors, issues, and games affect the prospects for cooperation on global AI standards. It matters because shared standards are vital for achieving truly global frameworks for the governance of AI. Such global frameworks, in turn, lower transaction costs and the probability that the world will witness the emergence of AI systems that threaten human rights and fundamental freedoms.
Digitalisation, politics of sustainability and new agrarian questions: The case of dairy farming in rural spaces of Italy and Sweden
Authors: Alarcón‐Ferrari Cristián , Corrado Alessandra , Fama Marco
Published: January 2023

The article analyses how and why agricultural digitalisation unfolds in contrasting agricultural sub‐sectors and rural spaces in Europe, with a particular focus on dairy farming. The authors explore the differences and similarities underpinning and produced by agricultural digitalisation and how this intersects with meanings of rural development and the politics of sustainability. Building on qualitative research carried out in the regions of Uppsala (Sweden) and Calabria (Italy), the article unveils the contradictory nature of agricultural digitalisation as a process intertwined with the capitalist development of agriculture that raises key political questions. The cases of Uppsala and Calabria, in particular, show that the transformation of dairy farming through automation and digitalisation is uneven and combined, being deeply connected to how politics of sustainability and rural development are embedded—and negotiated—in specific agrarian settings. The authors discuss their empirical findings in terms of new agrarian questions in Europe.
Identification of five new HLA‐DQB1 intronic variants by next‐generation sequencing
Authors: Moya‐Quiles María Rosa , Muro Manuel
Published: January 2023

Five novel HLA‐DQB1 intronic variants detected by next‐generation sequencing: HLA‐DQB1* 03:01:01:53, ‐DQB1*03:01:01:55, ‐DQB1*03:02:01:17, ‐DQB1*03:02:01:18 and ‐ DQB1*06:03:01:20.
Transplant of organs from donors with positive SARS‐CoV‐2 nucleic acid testing: A report from the organ procurement and transplantation network ad hoc disease transmission advisory committee
Authors: Goldman Jason D. , Pouch Stephanie M. , Woolley Ann E. , Booker Sarah E. , Jett Courtney T. , Fox Cole , Berry Gerald J. , Dunn Kelly E. , Ho Chak‐Sum , Kittleson Michelle , Lee Dong Heun , Levine Deborah J. , Marboe Charles C. , Marklin Gary , Razonable Raymund R. , Taimur Sarah , Te Helen S. , Anesi Judith A. , Fisher Cynthia E. , Sellers Marty T. , Trindade Anil J. , Wood R. Patrick , Zaffiri Lorenzo , Levi Marilyn E. , Klassen David , Michaels Marian G. , La Hoz Ricardo M. , Danziger‐Isakov Lara
Published: January 2023

Background

Decisions to transplant organs from severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS‐CoV‐2) nucleic acid test‐positive (NAT+) donors must balance risk of donor‐derived transmission events (DDTE) with the scarcity of available organs.

Methods

Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network (OPTN) data were used to compare organ utilization and recipient outcomes between SARS‐CoV‐2 NAT+ and NAT– donors. NAT+ was defined by either a positive upper or lower respiratory tract (LRT) sample within 21 days of procurement. Potential DDTE were adjudicated by OPTN Disease Transmission Advisory Committee.

Results

From May 27, 2021 (date of OTPN policy for required LRT testing of lung donors) to January 31, 2022, organs were recovered from 617 NAT+ donors from all OPTN regions and 53 of 57 (93%) organ procurement organizations. NAT+ donors were younger and had higher organ quality scores for kidney and liver. Organ utilization was lower for NAT+ donors compared to NAT– donors. A total of 1241 organs (776 kidneys, 316 livers, 106 hearts, 22 lungs, and 21 other) were transplanted from 514 NAT+ donors compared to 21 946 organs from 8853 NAT– donors. Medical urgency was lower for recipients of NAT+ liver and heart transplants. The median waitlist time was longer for liver recipients of NAT+ donors. The match run sequence number for final acceptor was higher for NAT+ donors for all organ types. Outcomes for hospital length of stay, 30‐day mortality, and 30‐day graft loss were similar for all organ types. No SARS‐CoV‐2 DDTE occurred in this interval.

Conclusions

Transplantation of SARS‐CoV‐2 NAT+ donor organs appears safe for short‐term outcomes of death and graft loss and ameliorates the organ shortage. Further study is required to assure comparable longer term outcomes.

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A retrospective case series of the postoperative outcome for 30 dogs with inflammatory interdigital nodules, surgically treated with carbon dioxide laser and a nonantimicrobial wound‐healing protocol
Authors: Frey Rebecka , Varjonen Katarina
Published: January 2023

Abstract

Background

Inflammatory interdigital nodules (IIN) affecting the paws of dogs is a multifactorial and painful condition. Surgery using carbon dioxide (CO
2
) laser has been shown to be helpful in the management.

Hypothesis/Objectives

To assess a postoperative treatment protocol without use of antibiotics following CO2 laser surgery for IIN treatment.

Animals

Forty‐seven paws, in 30 client‐owned dogs, with IINs affecting the interdigital web between the 4th and 5th digits of the forepaws, surgically treated using CO2 laser, were included.

Materials and Methods

Medical records were reviewed for demographic details, medication use and wound healing using a set wound care protocol. Time to resolution of the surgical wounds and the postoperative outcome were assessed.

Results

The mean healing time was 34 days. Resolution was seen in 42 of 47 paws with complications in five paws (11%), including development of new fistulae or nonhealing granulation tissue. Surgery was repeated in those five cases. Relapse occurred during the follow‐up period of five–19 months in six paws (13%).

Conclusions and Clinical Relevance

This study shows that surgical treatment with CO2 laser for interdigital nodules is successful in most cases. The postoperative outcome using a wound‐healing protocol avoiding use of antimicrobials can be used without compromising patient care whilst following antimicrobial stewardship guidelines.
New Caledonia's enigmatic terrestrial diving beetle Typhlodessus monteithi is a derived species of Paroster
Authors: Villastrigo Adrián , Deharveng Louis , Balke Michael
Published: January 2023

The classification of highly adapted species in well‐studied clades may be obscured by convergent character evolution. This is for example the case in aquatic lineages adapted to subterranean (and shallow subterranean) habitats, in which species usually possess reduced eyes and wings as well as translucent cuticles. In 1985, the terrestrial diving beetle genus and species Typhlodessus monteithi Brancucci (Coleoptera: Dytiscidae) was described from a shallow subterranean habitat in New Caledonia. Until now, the systematic classification of Typhlodessus remains unclear, as it could not be assigned to any of the known tribes of the subfamily Hydroporinae. Here, we reveal this species' phylogenetic position and evolutionary history. We obtained molecular data from an almost 30 years old museum specimen and performed phylogenetic analyses using complete mitochondrial genomes and nuclear markers, which resulted in the placement of Typhlodessus monteithi within the subtribe Sternopriscina, as a junior synonym of the genus Paroster. The genus Paroster contains epigean, stygobitic as well as two other terrestrial Australian species. Our finding extends the geographical distribution of Paroster to New Caledonia. Adaptation to terrestrial habitats in Paroster species may be a way to survive in hyper humid environments that however might lack suitable lentic habitats.
Mapping spatio-temporal variations of shrinkage in Finland
Authors: Makkonen Teemu , Inkinen Tommi , Rautiainen Simo
Published: January 2023

It is commonly stated that a large share of Finnish regions are shrinking in terms of their population and local economy, which naturally poses challenges for balanced regional development. However, and rather surprisingly, there has been relatively little methodological discussion in Finland on the measurement of shrinkage: how to determine whether a region is shrinking or not? The main aim of this paper is to analyse shrinkage through spatio-temporal indicators and to discuss the variety and complexity of the task. Empirically the paper utilises three commonly used indicators (population, employment, and housing vacancy), three different analysis periods (long, medium and short) and five different spatial scales (regions, sub-regions, municipalities, postal code areas and grids). The results underline how volatile the results are depending on these three choices (indicator, analysis period and spatial scale) when aiming at determining, which of the regions under investigation are shrinking. Depending on the indicator choices and analysed spatio-temporal scales, different shares of Finnish regions can be identified as shrinking. Thus, care is needed when considering which indicator(s), analysis periods and spatial scales are selected for conducting statistical analyses on shrinkage particularly if the results are applied in policies.
Multiple meanings and boundaries of growth in shrinking regions in East and North Finland
Authors: Halonen Maija Elina
Published: January 2023

Growth stands out as a key development object in contemporary green economy policies. It is particularly interesting in the Nordic context such as in East and North Finland, where many regions are rich in natural resources, but also shrinking and lagging. Therefore, their regional development is simultaneously framed by an expected sustainability transition that alternates between green growth and degrowth agendas, and the socio-economic phenomenon of shrinkage. This article examines how growth is understood and framed among regional development actors, with special interest placed on different meanings, possible critics, and the boundaries of growth. The interviewed actors are positioned as intermediaries who possess special knowledge regarding regional development. The interviews show that the understanding of growth in this context requires various framings that combine global, regional, and local perspectives on sustainable development, as well as the burdens of shrinking and lagging regions balanced against cohesive and inclusive promises of green growth. The hegemonic frame is approached through a lens of green growth, yet the shrinking population remains in the background. Growth appears as a favoured means to tackle societal problems, which reflects a mission-oriented goal setting. Critical statements are directed at growth policies and funding instruments that do not seem to promote cohesive and inclusive growth. The clearest boundary for growth relates to nature, but it is far too early to make interpretations on an intentional degrowth agenda. From the regional actors’ perspective, setting boundaries for growth in a context of long-term shrinkage, sparse population, and extensive natural surroundings seems trivial. Handling the peripheries’ societal problems related to shrinkage and their struggle for resources appears as the more relevant mission that also requires growth in various forms.
Learning from and with shrinking regions for global transformations – commentary to Syssner
Authors: Kovanen Sunna
Published: January 2023

This is a commentary to the article “What could Geographers do for Shrinking Geographies?” by Josefina Syssner. In the piece I open up questions concerning shrinking from a global perspective and point to further discussions on global east, south, and spatial justice in post-fossil transition, which I encourage the Nordic research to engage with in the future.
An Algorithm for Multi-Objective Efficient Parametric Optimization
Authors: Weaver-Rosen Jonathan M. , Malak Richard J.
Published: January 2023

Parametric optimization is the process of solving an optimization problem as a function of currently unknown or changing variables known as parameters. Parametric optimization methods have been shown to benefit engineering design and optimal morphing applications through its specialized problem formulation and specialized algorithms. Despite its benefits to engineering design, existing parametric optimization algorithms (similar to many optimization algorithms) can be inefficient when design analyses are expensive. Since many engineering design problems involve some level of expensive analysis, a more efficient parametric optimization algorithm is needed. Therefore, the multi-objective efficient parametric optimization (MO-EPO) algorithm is developed to allow for the efficient optimization of problems with multiple parameters and objectives. This technique relies on the parametric hypervolume indicator (pHVI) which measures the space dominated by a given set of data involving both objectives and parameters. The novel MO-EPO algorithm is demonstrated on a number of analytical benchmarking problems with various numbers of objectives and parameters. Additionally, a morphing airfoil case study is examined. In each case, MO-EPO is shown to find solutions that are as good as or better than those found from the existing P3GA (i.e., equal or greater pHVI value) when the number of design evaluations is limited.
Experimental Safety Analysis of R-Min, an Underactuated Parallel Robot
Authors: Jeanneau Guillaume , Bégoc Vincent , Briot Sébastien
Published: January 2023

The R-Min robot is an intrinsically safe parallel manipulator dedicated to pick-and-place operations. The proposed architecture is based on a five-bar mechanism, with additional passive joints in order to obtain a planar seven-bar mechanism with two degrees of underactuation, allowing the robot to reconfigure in case of a collision. A preload bar is added between the base and the end-effector to constrain the additional degrees-of-freedom. This article presents an analysis of the workspace and of the safety performances of the R-Min robot, and it compares them with those of the five-bar mechanism, in order to evaluate the benefits of introducing underactuation in a parallel architecture to obtain intrinsically safer robots. The geometrico-static model of the R-Min robot is formulated as an optimization problem. The direct and inverse kinemato-static models are derived from the geometrico-static model and they allow to express the singularity conditions of the R-Min robot. An analysis of the singularity loci is carried out among the robot’s workspace. A controller based on the dynamic model is proposed and experimentally validated on a prototype of the R-Min robot. Finally, the safety performances of the R-Min robot are evaluated experimentally and they are compared with that of an equivalent five-bar mechanism, using the maximum impact force as a safety criteria in accordance with recent international standards.
WheTLHLoc: Small-Scale Hybrid Locomotion Robot With Stair Climbing Capability
Authors: Bruzzone Luca , Nodehi Shahab Edin , De Domenico Dario , Fanghella Pietro
Published: January 2023

This paper discusses the theoretical analysis and the experimental validation of the step and stair climbing capability of wheel-track-leg hybrid locomotion (WheTLHLoc), a small-scale hybrid locomotion robot with overall size of 450 × 350 × 130 mm and maximum payload of 0.5 kg. The architecture of this robot combines two tracks, two rotating legs, two actuated wheels, and two passive omni wheels. The robot is capable of performing different locomotion modes: wheeled locomotion on flat and compact grounds with maximum speed of 0.9 m/s, tracked locomotion on soft and yielding terrains with maximum speed of 0.1 m/s, mixed use of tracks, legs, and wheels to overcome obstacles. In particular, the process of step and stair climbing is analyzed considering static stability and non-slipping conditions. The experimental campaign on the first prototype has confirmed the effectiveness of the proposed climbing maneuver for steps up to 165 mm and the operative flexibility of the WheTLHLoc robot.
Optimized Moderator Design and Analysis of a Pin-Type Supercritical Carbon Dioxide Reactor Based on Reactor Monte Carlo Code
Authors: Zhao Xingyu , Liu Minyun , Cui Rongyi , Huang Shanfang , Wang Kan , Lu Chuan
Published: January 2023

This study analyzed an yttrium hydride (YH2) moderated supercritical carbon dioxide cooled reactor loaded with pin-type, beryllium oxide diluted oxide fuel elements to reduce the critical enrichment. The impact of the YH2 on the coolant void reactivity was studied along with a moderator zoning scheme to flatten the radial power distribution. The YH2 was added as hexagonal moderating rods at the center of the fuel assemblies. The core was modeled using the continuous-energy Reactor Monte Carlo code (RMC) with the on-the-fly cross sections treatment. The results showed that the YH2 moderator increased the thermal fission and reduced the critical enrichment of the core with the same diluent volume fraction by more than 30%. The YH2 moderator significantly softened the neutron energy spectrum and reduced the neutron leakage upon core voiding, resulting in both a weaker positive spectral reactivity feedback and a weaker negative leakage reactivity feedback during core depressurization. For an UO2-loaded core, the YH2 gave a lower negative coolant void reactivity, while for a mixed oxide fuel (MOX)-loaded core with diluent volume fractions smaller than 35%, the spectral feedback was more important and the YH2 strongly reduced the positive coolant void reactivity to less than $1. Arranging the YH2 in the peripheral assemblies reduced the radial power peaking factor to 1.319. The study shows that the YH2 moderator can reduce the critical enrichment, make the core less sensitive to voiding, and can flatten the radial power distribution of a single-enrichment core through moderator zoning.
Compact Functional Material Wedge for Oblique Angle Ultrasound
Authors: Sollars Jillian , Wertz John , Aldrin John C.
Published: January 2023

Achieving improved composites lifecycle management requires more sophisticated damage evolution models and advances in nondestructive evaluation of the damage state. Recent efforts in characterizing impact damage using an acoustic wedge-assisted pitch-catch phased array technique have revealed challenges with lateral beam steering, signal-to-noise, and signals analysis in conjunction with complicating internal reflections from the acoustic wedge. One solution being considered is the application of an additively-manufactured compact acoustic wedge that uses graded material properties to promote lateral beam steering using elements with a normal orientation, with minimal internal reflections. A simplified proof-of-concept of this approach was demonstrated via simulation of ultrasonic waves propagating through a functionally-graded wedge into a target body. Results highlighted the importance of the compact wedge boundary conditions to mitigate secondary longitudinal and shear wave signals.
Numerical Guided Wave Analysis of an Isotropic Structure with Optical Fiber Bragg Grating Sensors
Authors: Balasubramaniam Kaleeswaran , Ostachowicz Wiesław , Malinowski Paweł , Soman Rohan
Published: January 2023

The use of ultrasonic guided waves (GW) in analyzing structural integrity with Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors is a promising topic to implement more in the industrial world. The paper deals with the GW-based analysis of an isotropic aluminium structure using the numerical finite element method (FEM). A set of hybrid FBG and piezoelectric transducers (PZT) are modelled to check the quick SHM GW process in isotropic structures. The PZTs are used to excite the GW that is sensed by the FBG. Multiple damaged sites with different frequencies are simulated by changing the stiffness matrix at the specified group of 3D elements. The signal processing study involves using cosine distance formulation to identify changes in the signal paths of the GW. The paper highlights the automated process of FEM modeling coupled with Matlab scripting to check FBG/PZT numerical setup effectively and to identify the damage regions in the whole structure for further verification. The FEM work is an extension and verification of the previously proposed experimental study.
Optimization of Bond Locations for Guided Waves Based SHM Using Coupled Optical Fibers
Authors: Soman Rohan , Ostachowicz Wieslaw , Kim Jee Myung , Sherif Aboubakr , Peters Kara
Published: January 2023

Guided waves (GW) allow fast inspection of a large area and hence have received great interest from the structural health monitoring (SHM) community. Fiber Bragg grating (FBG) sensors offer several advantages but their use has been limited for the GW sensing due to its limited sensitivity. FBG sensors in the edge-filtering configuration have overcome this issue with sensitivity and there is a renewed interest in their use. Unfortunately, the FBG sensors and the equipment needed for interrogation is quite expensive and their number is restricted. In the previous work by the authors the number and location of the actuators was optimized for developing a SHM system with single sensor and multiple actuators. But through the use of the phenomenon of acoustic coupling, multiple locations on the structure may be interrogated with a single FBG sensors. As a result, a sensor network with multiple sensing locations and few actuators is feasible and cost effective. Hence this paper develops the optimization problem for designing an SHM network for use with FBG sensors making use of acoustic coupling. The optimization problem is implemented on a simple aluminum plate. The directionality, bond efficiency and the factors influencing the acoustic coupling are taken into consideration for optimizing the sensor network. A multi-objective optimization problem is defined and solved using non-sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA). The results indicate that indeed a multi-objective optimization is necessary and has potential to improve the SHM system performance.
Guide Wave-Based Inspection of Adhesively Bonded Structures in Composite Plates
Authors: Zhang Xiaoyan , Zeng Zhoumo , Li Jian , Liu Yang
Published: January 2023

The existence of weakly bonded areas will greatly affect the reliability of adhesively bonded structures in composite plates which are widely used in engineering applications. The timely and effective inspection of the adhesively bonded structure is crucial. In this paper, a simulation method of bonded quality based cohesive zone model(CZM) and the RAPID imaging method based ultrasonic guided wave detection technology are proposed to realize the detection and imaging of weakly bonded areas of adhesively bonded structures in composite plates. The CZM is innovatively used for the simulation of different bonded quality, it is achieved by modifying the constitutive relation curve of bilinear traction-separation law. Then, the influence of the degradation of bonded quality on the propagation characteristics of guided waves was explored. The results show that different bonded conditions have a significant impact on the guided wave propagation characteristics which enable the inspection of weakly bonded areas. Finally, based on the guided wave detection method and the cross covariance-based RAPID imaging algorithm, the detection and imaging of the weakly bonded area of the adhesively bonded structures are realized.
Anisotropy Influence on Guided Wave Propagation and Steering in Unidirectional CFRP
Authors: Hervin Flora , Fromme Paul
Published: January 2023

Carbon fiber reinforced composite laminates (CFRP) are often selected for aerospace structures due to their low weight and high strength compared to their metallic counterparts. They consist of very stiff and highly anisotropic fiber matrix ply layers, resulting in high in-plane strength. However, composite laminates are prone to barely visible impact damage when subjected to low velocity impacts during service. Undetected impact damage can cause significant strength reduction of the laminate. Effective structural health monitoring (SHM) of composite panels is therefore required to prevent component failure, which can be achieved using guided waves propagating along the structure. A number of guided wave propagation effects occur in composite laminates due to the high material anisotropy of the ply layers, such as directionality of phase and group velocity and wave steering effects. If unaccounted for, these anisotropic effects could lead to inaccurate localization of damage, and potential regions of the structure where guided waves do not provide sufficient defect detection sensitivity. Propagation of the A0 Lamb mode was investigated for multiple incident wave directions in an undamaged unidirectional CFRP panel. Full 3D Finite Element (FE) models were developed using homogenized anisotropic material properties to investigate the directional dependency of velocity. Non-contact guided wave velocity measurements were obtained using a laser vibrometer to validate the FE model. Both a point and line source were modelled to investigate the influence of the excitation source on the guided wave evaluation and signal processing. Significant wave skewing behavior was predicted from the numerical simulations for several wave propagation directions, with good agreement with theoretical values.
Different degrees, similar personalities: A four-year comparison of dentistry and medicine students
Authors: Stormon Nicole , Seysan Martin , Ford Pauline J , Eley Diann
Published: January 2023

Introduction: The Doctor of Medicine (MD) and the Bachelor of Dental Science Honours (BDSc) degrees are challenging, with similar prerequisites regarding the scope of prior knowledge and academic performance. Studies have previously explored personality traits of students within each degree, but few have compared traits between the MD and BDSc cohorts.
Methods: Successive first-year cohorts of MD and BDSc students (2015 to 2018) completed  a survey including demographic questions and the Temperament and Character Inventory (TCI). Generalised estimating equations comparedTCI traits of students in the programs.
Results: MD students comprised a higher proportion of students who were male, older and married/partnered compared to BDSc students. Profiles of temperament and character were similar. After adjusting for sex, age and marital status, the mean scores of harm avoidance were higher, and persistence, self-directedness and cooperativeness significantly lower inBDSc compared to MD students.
Conclusions: Students pursuing medicine and dentistry demonstrate some differences in trait scores, however they are not meaningfully different when interpreting their profiles. Both groups have similar personalities, indicative of coping with their challenging degrees. A supportive learning environment is paramount to that coping success.
Effectiveness of online learning interventions on student engagement and academic performance amongst first-year students in allied health disciplines: A systematic review of the literature
Authors: Kumar Saravana , Todd Gabrielle
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Online learning has increased in popularity due to its perceived ability to improve access for students. With advancements in technology, traditional barriers such as location, time and space can be readily overcome. However, despite its popularity, there continues to be ongoing debate regarding its effectiveness.
Methods: We searched commercially produced (six databases) and grey literature sources, limiting our search to humans and English language publications. Two reviewers independently screened the search results. Included studies were assessed for methodological quality assessment using the McMaster Critical Appraisal Tool for quantitative studies. Summarised data from the included studies were descriptively synthesised.
Results: We identified a modest body of evidence (19 studies) that indicates that online learning interventions may have a positive impact on student engagement and academic performance for first-year allied health students. This finding should be considered with caution due to methodological concerns about the low-level evidence base arising from lack of adequate and representative sampling, lack of clarity and descriptions regarding the interventions utilised and lack of psychometrically sound outcome measures, just to name a few.
Conclusions: There continues to remain key knowledge gaps in this field, such as who benefits the most, or the least, and the nature of any benefits and limitations, for which ongoing research is required.
The support needs of health professional educators to teach clinical skills online: Experiences of COVID-19 lockdowns from three countries
Authors: Martin Romany , Mandrusiak Allison , Fuentes-Cimma Javiera , Henrico Karien , Patterson Freyr , Hill Anne , Hoyle Melanie , Penman Adriana , Forbes Roma
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Supporting educators has been identified as vital for the efficacy and sustainability of online teaching. The teaching of clinical skills online presents additional challenges given the vast shift from traditional pedagogies. However, the support needs of health professional educators to teach clinical skills online are unknown. The aim of this study was to explore educator experiences of teaching clinical skills online and investigate their workplace support needs.
Methods: A qualitative approach using focus groups was used to investigate educator experiences at three universities in Australia, Chile and South Africa. Data were subject to thematic analysis, and a thematic network tool was used to triangulate international experiences.
Results: Seven focus groups were undertaken, with a total of 32 participants. Four global themes were identified following analysis: 1) the educator experience, 2) changes to pedagogy, 3) challenges to teaching online and 4) support for educators.
Conclusions: This study has highlighted the professional challenges that teaching clinical skills online creates for health professional educators and the uncertainty regarding expectations and outcomes. Enhancing university support for educators to prepare and provide clinical skills teaching online is suggested to mitigate these challenges. Recommendations are made for universities and educators to consider in the pursuit of effective and sustainable teaching of clinical skills online.
3D printing applications through peer-assisted learning and interprofessional education approaches
Authors: Benham Sara Eickman , Bush Jeffrey , Curley Breanna
Published: January 2023

Introduction: Although 3D printing offers customised assistive technology devices at relatively low costs to address the access needs of individuals with disabilities, implementation barriers exist to achieve widespread technology adoption. To improve 3D technology acceptance and to better prepare future clinicians, peer-assisted learning (PAL) was undertaken between occupational therapy (OT) students and students with expertise in 3D printing to work to address real-life patient functional problems.
Methods: 3D printing technology acceptance was measured between cohorts of OT students (Cohort Year 2020, n = 31; Cohort Year 2021, n = 32) without and with PAL integration approaches, respectively, at the conclusion of the 15-week term at project completion.
Results: After the structured interprofessional PAL modules, Cohort Year 2021 improved in perception of Usefulness (p = 0.023) as compared to Cohort Year 2020, while the Ease of Use (p = 0.095), Attitude Toward Using (p = 0.313) and Intention to Use (p = 0.271) categories did not significantly differ between cohort years.
Conclusions: PAL modules may improve perceptions of 3D printing Usefulness among OT students, however Ease of Use should continue to be explored as both 2020 and 2021 cohort average perceptions were neutral related to 3D printing technology. Identifying ideal training and mentoring approaches may alleviate the Ease of Use barriers to integration of this technology within both the classroom and practice settings and benefit patients.